Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utilizing adaptive optics to mitigate intra-modal-group power coupling of graded-index few-mode fiber in a 200-Gbit/s mode-division-multiplexed link.

We experimentally demonstrate the utilization of adaptive optics (AO) to mitigate intra-group power coupling among linearly polarized (LP) modes in a graded-index few-mode fiber (GI FMF). Generally, in this fiber, the coupling between degenerate modes inside a modal group tends to be stronger than between modes belonging to different groups. In our approach, the coupling inside the LP11 group can be represented by a combination of orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) modes, such that reducing power coupling in OAM set tends to indicate the capability to reduce the coupling inside the LP11 group. We employ two output OAM modes l=+1 and l=-1 as resultant linear combinations of degenerate LP11a and LP11b modes inside the LP11 group of a ∼0.6-km GI FMF. The power coupling is mitigated by shaping the amplitude and phase of the distorted OAM modes. Each OAM mode carries an independent 20-, 40-, or 100-Gbit/s quadrature-phase-shift-keying data stream. We measure the transmission matrix (TM) in the OAM basis within LP11 group, which is a subset of the full LP TM of the FMF-based system. An inverse TM is subsequently implemented before the receiver by a spatial light modulator to mitigate the intra-modal-group power coupling. With AO mitigation, the experimental results for l=+1 and l=-1 modes show, respectively, that (i) intra-modal-group crosstalk is reduced by >5.8dB and >5.6dB and (ii) near-error-free bit-error-rate performance is achieved with a penalty of ∼0.6dB and ∼3.8dB, respectively.
Arbitrage Pricing, Weak Beta, Strong Beta: Identification-Robust and Simultaneous Inference

Factor models based on Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) characterize key parameters jointly and nonlinearly, which complicates identification. We propose simultaneous inference methods which preserve equilibrium relations between all model parameters including ex-post sample-dependent ones, without assuming identification. Confidence sets based on inverting joint tests are derived, and tractable analytical solutions are supplied. These allow one to assess whether traded and nontraded factors are priced risk-drivers, and to take account of cross-sectional intercepts. A formal test for traded factor assumptions is proposed. Simulation and empirical analyses are conducted with Fama-French factors. Simulation results underscore the information content of cross-sectional intercept and traded factor restrictions. Three empirical results are especially noteworthy: (1) the Fama-French three factors are priced before 1970; thereafter, we find no evidence favoring any factor relative to the market; (2) heterogeneity is not sufficient to distinguish priced momentum from profitability or investment risk; (3) after the 1970s, factors are rejected or appear to be weak, depending on intercept restrictions or test portfolios.
Baicalein Neutralizes Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Aggravation of Oxidative Injury in Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as it triggers oxidative and pro-inflammatory cascades. Baicalein (BL) is a natural flavone with multiple therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of BL supplementation in hypercholesterolaemic rats. Rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for six weeks and then orally administered BL at two doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day) for four weeks. Serum lipids, liver enzymes, cardiac enzymes, renal markers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin-2 (PGE-2) were measured. In renal, hepatic, and cardiac tissues, thiobarbituric acid-reactive (TBARS) substance, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured. The altered levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, creatine kinases, and urea in hypercholesterolemic animals were significantly corrected by BL. Inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers were also markedly attenuated in the HCD group following BL treatment. Hypercholesterolemia considerably induced the lipid peroxidation product, TBARS, and oxidative radicals in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues, which were attenuated by BL treatment, particularly, at the 50 mg/kg/day dose. BL enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase that were suppressed by HCD. Histological alterations induced by cholesterol overload in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues were ameliorated by BL supplementation. Our results show that the BL treatments (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) to HCD fed rats improved all the altered parameters. These results demonstrate that BL treatment improves cardiac, renal and hepatic dysfunctions in hypercholesterolaemic rats by activation of cellular antioxidant enzymes and/or suppression of inflammatory cytokines.
Surgical management of spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: A case series and literature review

Ankylosing spondylitis is a common disorder affecting 2 per 1000 individuals in the population. The hallmark finding is sacroiliitis with a variable degree of ascending spinal column involvement. Spinal fractures are a common complication and are characterized by instability, long lever arms across the fractured segment, and a high incidence of neurological injury. We describe a case series of three patients with ankylosing spondylitis, who incurred typical spinal fractures seen in these patients, and presented to our unit over a three-year period. Our management highlights severalof the important principles that should be employed. We further reviewed the literature on the subject and provide a review of current thinking on the subject. Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis most commonly occur in the subaxial cervical spine and at the thoracolumbar junction. Conservative management is fraught with a high complication rates which includes pneumonia and secondary neurological injury and several studies recognize the advantages of early instrumented fixation and mobilization. As such these fractures are best managed surgically andthere is a global trend towards this as the standard of care. A high incidence of neurological injury dictates early operative intervention to relieve compression and correct deformity and the prevention of secondary neurological injury is the fundamental aim of surgery. Appreciating the nuances in the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who incur spinal fractures is essential to ensure an optimal neurological outcome. We provide a case series and literature review to provide spinal surgeons with an understanding of the specific considerations that should be employed, and thereby assist those who manage these patients. Key words: Ankylosing spondylitis spinal fracture, Ankylosing spondylitis cervical fracture, Ankylosing spondylitis thoracolumbar fracture
Predicting postdischarge hospital‐associated venous thromboembolism among medical patients using a validated mortality risk score derived from common biomarkers

Discharged medical patients are at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is difficult to identify which discharged patients would benefit from extended duration thromboprophylaxis. The Intermountain Risk Score is a prediction score derived from discrete components of the complete blood cell count and basic metabolic panel and is highly predictive of 1‐year mortality. We sought to ascertain if the Intermountain Risk Score might also be predictive of 90‐day postdischarge hospital‐associated VTE (HA‐VTE).
Fusobacterium prausnitzii (Hauduroy et al.) Moore and Holdeman: Emended Description and Designation of Neotype Strain

Forty strains that conform closely to the original description of Bacteroides praussnitzii Hauduroy et al. have been studied, and previously undescribed characteristics of this organism are presented. Because of their metabolic activity, these organisms are members of the genus Fusobacterium as presently defined. Strain ATCC 27768 (= VPI C13-51) is designated as the neotype strain of Fusobacterium prausnitzii (Hauduroy et al.) Moore and Holdeman.
Evaluating Soft Core RISC-V Processor in SRAM-Based FPGA Under Radiation Effects

This article evaluates the RISC-V Rocket processor embedded in a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) SRAM-based field-programmable gate array (FPGA) under heavy-ions-induced faults and emulation fault injection. We also analyze the efficiency of using mitigation techniques based on hardware redundancy and scrubbing. Results demonstrated an improvement of $3\times $ in the cross section when scrubbing and coarse grain triple modular redundancy are used. The Rocket processor presented analogous sensitivity to radiation effects as the state-of-the-art soft processors. Due to the complexity of the system-on-chip, not only the Rocket core but also its peripherals should be protected with proper solutions. Such solutions should address the specific vulnerabilities of each component to improve the overall system reliability while maintaining the trade-off with performance.
On Gradient Descent Optimization in Diffusion-Advection Based 3-D Molecular Cooperative Communication

This work considers a cooperative communication system in 3-D fluid medium in which the flow of molecules is supported by the drift and the diffusion phenomena. To enhance the system performance, the equal gain combining is used at the destination nanomachine (DN) where the molecular signals arriving from the direct and the cooperative paths are combined together by employing equal weights. Using the gradient descent algorithm, the optimum threshold at DN, and the optimal number of molecules transmitted from source and cooperative nanomachines are obtained. For this purpose, the convex constraints are determined using the closed-form expression for the average probability of error at DN. Finally, the accuracy of the analytical results is validated through the particle/ Monte Carlo-based simulations.
The Growth of the Loggerhead Turtle

(1) The loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta (Linn.), on hatching weighs about 20 grams and its carapace measures approximately 4.8 centimeters in length by 3.5 centimeters in width. (2) An individual reared in confinement at Key West, Florida, when four and a half years old, weighed 37 kilograms, or a little over one fourth the average adult weight. Its carapace measured 63 centimeters in length and 59 centimeters in width. Its rate of growth was several times more rapid than that shown by three other loggerhead turtles reared under almost similar conditions. Even these lower rates, however, indicate that turtles grow to maturity much more rapidly than is generally supposed.
Stimulatory Effects of Androgens, Estrogens, Progestins, and Dexamethasone on the Growth of the LNCaP Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Despite the major medical problems caused by cancer of the prostate, there is a very limited availability of cell lines of human prostatic origin that can be used as models for both in vivo and in vitro studies. The cell line LNCaP originating from a lymph node metastasis of carcinoma of the human prostate contains androgen receptors and is well known to respond to androgens.I4 We have used this cell line to study the effect of the potentially most important adrenal C-19 and testicular androgens on the growth of LNCaP cells in culture. Moreover, we have investigated the possibility that this cell line is sensitive to other steroids, namely, estrogens, progestins, and glucocorticoids, in analogy with data recently obtained in the human breast carcinoma cell line ZR-75-1 . s,6 As illustrated in FIGURE lA, the androgens dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone cause eightto ninefold increases in the number of LNCaP human prostate carcinoma cells, with half-maximal effects observed at 0.3 and 1 . O nM, respectively. With androst-5-ene-3p,17p-diol, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone, cell growth is stimulated by about 8to 1 1-fold at EDso values of action measured at 1, 10, and 20 nM, respectively. Cell growth was not affected by up to 1 pM dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (FIG. 1B). It is of interest to see in FIGURE 1C that three main metabolites of androgens, namely, androsterone (ADT), androstane-3a, 17P-diol (3a-diol), and androstane-3/3,17p-diol (3p-diol), also exert potent mitogenic effects in LNCaP cells. The androgen metabolite 3pdiol is highly potent with a half-maximal stimulation at approximately 2 nM and a maximal 13-fold increase in cell number at 5 nM. The other metabolites ADT and 3a-diol are active at much higher concentrations. As illustrated in FIGURE 2A, the estrogens 17p-estradiol (E2) and estrone (El) cause a maximal sevenfold stimulation of LNCaP cell number at EDso values of 1 and 20 nM, respectively. The estrogen metabolite estriol is only a weak stimulator at a relatively high concentration of 1 pM. On the other hand, the synthetic progestin R5020 and progesterone caused a maximal sixfold stimulation of the cell growth at EDSO values of 10 and 0.3 nM, respectively, whereas the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone caused a similar mitogenic effect at the high concentration of 1 pM (FIG. 1B and C). The present data demonstrate that the growth of the most widely used in vitro model of human prostatic carcinoma, namely, the LNCaP cell line, is stimulated not only by the androgens T and DHT, but also by estrogens and progestins and to a smaller extent by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. A potent stimu-
Environmental analysis of a regulated Mediterranean stream based on epilithic diatom communities – the Crati River case (southern Italy)

A regulated Mediterranean watercourse, the Crati River (Calabria, southern Italy) was studied during two different seasons. Benthic diatom samples were collected from eight stations. The environmental analysis of the Crati River was carried out using two diatom indices, one designed for the evaluation of water quality (EPI-D: Eutrophication Pollution Index – Diatom based), the other aimed at assessing physical disturbance on the basis of the proportion of motile species in the community, the Quantitative Navicula Nitzschia Surirella (QNNS) index. Within this group of algae the ratio between abundances of heterotrophs and autotrophs (NH:NA(NNS)) was also calculated as an estimate of water column turbidity. The biological quality of the river was assessed by comparing the EPI-D results with those of an assessment method based on macroinvertebrates (EBI: Extended Biotic Index). Chemical monitoring was adopted to evaluate both environmental quality and the sinking effect due to the Tarsia reservoir. The results suggest that both diatom and macro-invertebrate indices show a progressive increase of environmental impairment along the river, but EPI-D detects the strongest alterations, presumably due to an appreciable enrichment in nutrient concentrations and a moderate increase in organic load. The abatement of suspended solids and nutrient concentrations downstream from the Tarsia reservoir in July and their successive increase in November, when the barrage is opened, was registered mainly by variations of the QNNS and EPI-D and, secondarily, by a change in the NH:NA(NNS) ratio.
Importance of Pythium ultimum in a disease syndrome of cv. Essex soybean

In Virginia, a disease syndrome characterized by pre-emergence damping-off, delayed emergence, fine root necrosis, stunting, and, under dry conditions, by chlorosis, wilting, and plant death is common on cultivar Essex soybean. In growth chamber studies with naturally infested soil, frequency of isolation of Pythium ultimum from cotyledons and hypocotyls of seedlings was high (72-79%) and significantly greater from susceptible cultivar Essex than from cultivar Dare and V81-141, both resistant to the disease syndrome. Treatment of seeds of cultivar Essex with metalaxyl significantly increased seedling emergence in the growth chamber and field and decreased the disease severity index. In the field, the inoculum density of P. ultimum was greater in an area with a high level of disease than in an area with a low level of disease. In areas where the early phase of the syndrome (delayed emergence and damping-off) was severe, the late phase of the syndrome (stunting and wilt) was also severe. A low percentage (g.
Temporal trends in benthic macrofauna composition in response to seasonal'variation in a tropical coastal lagoon, Celestun, Gulf of Mexico

Aquatic habitats in some tropical coastal environments can change seasonally, causing changes in the community structure of the benthic macrofauna. A tropical coastal lagoon, the Celestun lagoon, on the north-west Yucatan peninsula, was sampled seasonally and faunal, water and sediment data were compared with conditions during the 1994-1995 weather cycle across a grid of 12 sites distributed along the lagoon's salinity gradient. Habitat variation was expressed as physical factors associated with the water column (e.g. salinity) and bottom sediments (e.g. interstitial salinity, texture), whereas the benthic community response was assessed through changes in species composition, diversity and dominance. Taxonomic dominance varied according to changes in seasonal habitat characteristics. During the season of strong northerly winds ('nortes'), molluscs dominated and polychaetes almost disappeared. Polychaetes then recovered during the dry season, becoming as common as crustaceans and molluscs. Finally, during the rainy season, polychaetes became the dominant group and molluscs declined. A conceptual model summarising the community structure changes associated with key physical and biotic factors is proposed. The results indicate that the benthic community of the Celestun lagoon is a resilient one, largely driven by natural weather variability in this tropical ecosystem to a greater extent than previously suggested.
Estimates of SARS-COV-2 Behavior in the COVID-19 Crisis: Addressing Sample-Selection Bias for Public Health Applications

This study surveys and assesses the implications from recent empirical studies and reports to highlight the characteristics of SARS-Cov-2 and the COVID-19 crisis, and then proposes a recursive bivariate probit (RBP) model specification and possible applications. The RBP model addresses sample selection bias to estimate key determinants of virus infection given nonrandom testing. Applicable to anonymized case-level or widely available local-area data in the U.S., multiple data sources are shown. With suitable data the model can control for observed (e.g. population density) and unobserved factors to estimate the marginal effects of varying state-prescribed measures and behavioral social distancing. Case-level scoring models may, in addition, eventually assist in clinical diagnostic assessments. Although not proposed to substitute for more random population testing and other methods, results could also be used in advance of more testing. Uncertain assumptions in epidemiological models reflect unclear effects from gradations of social distancing now occurring. Despite many calls for broader testing and targeted quarantining in the U.S., many practical obstacles remain, leaving unknowns, especially across local areas. Differing local transmission rates respond to stronger or weaker social distancing and quarantining. High risks from latent non-quarantining spread warn of potential overwhelming local outbreaks. The insidious nature of SARS-Cov-2 invites complacency, especially in non-hotspot areas. Complacent behaviors can fail to adequately address the public-goods problem, leading to various forms of continued local and macro COVID-19 waves and crises. To assess a worst-case scenario, no model projection is needed, only the herd immunity threshold equation, estimates of the reproduction ratio, and the estimated mortality rate. With no ultimately successful countermeasures in treatment, vaccine, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), the analysis here suggests an eventual number of deaths much like the 1918 pandemic in U.S. deaths per capita (1.8-2.7 million U.S. deaths) and in the total number of deaths worldwide (around 50 million). This toll also reflects a hypothetical global “surrender” strategy of business-as-usual and no social distancing, which in practice no nation has followed. Some successes across the three broad social countermeasure efforts – which appears most likely, in a mix of outcomes – can lessen the high social costs.
Co-crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT studies of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene solvated bis[1,3-bis(pentafluorophenyl)propane-1,3-dionato]copper(II)

The title complex, Cu(L)2 or [Cu(C15HF10O2)2], comprising one copper ion and two fully fluorinated ligands (L −), was crystallized with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT, C6H6O2S) as a guest molecule to give in a dichloromethane solution a unique co-crystal, Cu(L)2·3C6H6O2S.
Biology and establishment of mountain shrubs on mining disturbances in the Rocky Mountains, USA

The Rocky Mountains of the western United States contain many economically important natural resources. Increasing development of these resources has lead to land degradation, which often requires restoration efforts. A common type of disturbance in this region is mineral extraction and these activities often occur in zones of vegetation dominated by shrubs. These mined lands have proven to be particularly challenging to restore to native shrub cover. Mountain shrubland species such as big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), black chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.) are crucial species for wildlife in this region due to the seasonal dependence of many wildlife species on the mountain shrubland zones. The development of successful restoration techniques for these key shrub species is therefore important for the continued and sustainable utilization of natural resources in the Rocky Mountains.
HOLOCENE CHANGES IN SEMIARID PINYON-JUNIPER WOODLANDS

ith the prospect of global warming, it is interesting to look back at past climate change and its effects on vegetation. Although the greatest change in climate probably occurred during deglaciation, 12,500 to 11,000 years ago, significant climate changes have occurred more recently in the intermountain region of the western United States, the vast area in the West lying between the Sierra Nevadas and Cascades
Developing a bi-parameter bidding model integrating price and sustainable construction practices

Abstract The existing contractor selection models, and specifically the lowest bidder model, do not encourage contractors to adopt sustainable construction practices. This article proposes a new bidding model that incorporates sustainable construction practices. The proposed A + S model takes into consideration the bid price (A) and the monetary value for the use of sustainable construction practices (S). The (S) parameter is taken as a negative value to act as an incentive rather than a deterrent. Twenty sustainable construction practices were identified. A survey was conducted to measure the importance of each practice. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate the weight of each practice. The top five sustainable practices were eliminate toxics, air & dust control, project management, health & safety and quality management. The average monetary value of the selected sustainable construction practices, relative to construction cost, was 20%. The proposed model encourages contractors to implement sustainable construction practices to improve their chances in winning bids.