An optimal feedforward design for complete PMD compensation up to the second order

As an extension to a previous paper, this paper describes the optimization of a second-order, feedforward polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) compensation scheme by reducing its degrees of freedom (DOF) by two. The new design is optimal in the sense that the number of DOF used is the same as the minimal number of DOF required. Also derived is a set of constraint equations that govern the choice of various system parameters

Higher order error of discrete fiber model and asymptotic bound on multistaged PMD compensation

We develop a random-matrix formalism that enables analysis of a variety of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) related problems. In particular, we address the problems of higher order error in a discrete fiber model and limit of multistaged PMD compensation schemes. Our solution to the first problem leads to a simple condition for the validity of the model, which is often overlooked in PMD simulations. For the second issue, we have found an asymptotic bound on the limit of a multistaged PMD compensation scheme. The theory is confirmed by numerical simulations, and future work is suggested

Regulatory Capture and the Marginalized Majority: The Case for the Constitutional Protection of the Majority’s Disposable Income

The constitutional protection of private property is rooted in the notion that individual rights ought to be insulated from the tyranny of the majority. However, as public choice theory teaches us, democratic decision-making suffers from another systemic failure that is no less pernicious, no less ubiquitous, but less transparent: interest groups are capable of steering government to favor their narrow interests at the expense of diffuse citizens and the broad public interest. In this Essay we argue that this ‘capture’ characteristically results in anticompetitive regulatory measures that inflate the prices of products and services above their competitive market price or reduce their quality. Such measures transfer wealth from the many to the few, as they diminish the value of diffuse citizens' disposable income in terms of purchasing power. We propose to conceive of this loss as a potentially unconstitutional taking of the diffuse citizens’ property. Our account challenges the Madisonian assumption, embedded in the Constitution, that constitutions must protect the property rights of the propertied minority against the tyranny of the deprived majority. We argue that the Constitution must also limit another type of taking, effected when a minority solicits anticompetitive government measures that diminish the value of the disposable income of the marginalized majority. Accordingly, anticompetitive regulation catering to special interests will be deemed prima facie unconstitutional unless it is necessary to promote public purposes

Current channel evolution in ideal Z pinch for general velocity profiles

Recent diagnostic advances in gas-puff Z pinches at the Weizmann Institute for the first time allow the reconstruction of the current flow as a function of time and radius. These experiments show an unexpected radially-outward motion of the current channel, as the plasma moves radially-inward [C. Stollberg, Ph.D thesis, Weizmann Institute, 2019]. In this paper, a mechanism that could explain this current evolution is described. We examine the impact of advection on the distribution of current in a cylindrically symmetric plasma. In the case of metric compression, with |v_r| proportional to r, the current enclosed between each plasma fluid element and the axis is conserved, and so the current profile maintains its shape. We show that for more general velocity profiles, this simple behavior quickly breaks down, allowing for non-conservation of current in a compressing conductor, rapid redistribution of the current density, and even for the formation of reverse currents. In particular, a specific inward radial velocity profile is shown to result in radially-outward motion of the current channel, recovering the surprising current evolution discovered at the Weizmann Institute.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure

Diet-omics in the Study of Urban and Rural Crohn disease Evolution (SOURCE) cohort

Crohn disease (CD) burden has increased with globalization/urbanization, and the rapid rise is attributed to environmental changes rather than genetic drift. The Study Of Urban and Rural CD Evolution (SOURCE, n = 380) has considered diet-omics domains simultaneously to detect complex interactions and identify potential beneficial and pathogenic factors linked with rural-urban transition and CD. We characterize exposures, diet, ileal transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbiome in newly diagnosed CD patients and controls in rural and urban China and Israel. We show that time spent by rural residents in urban environments is linked with changes in gut microbial composition and metabolomics, which mirror those seen in CD. Ileal transcriptomics highlights personal metabolic and immune gene expression modules, that are directly linked to potential protective dietary exposures (coffee, manganese, vitamin D), fecal metabolites, and the microbiome. Bacteria-associated metabolites are primarily linked with host immune modules, whereas diet-linked metabolites are associated with host epithelial metabolic functions

GATA6-AS1 Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Mitochondrial Functions, and its Reduced Expression is Linked to Intestinal Inflammation and Less Favourable Disease Course in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Widespread dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs [lncRNAs] including a reduction in GATA6-AS1 was noted in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We previously reported a prominent inhibition of epithelial mitochondrial functions in ulcerative colitis [UC]. However, the connection between reduction of GATA6-AS1 expression and attenuated epithelial mitochondrial functions was not defined. METHODS: Mucosal transcriptomics was used to conform GATA6-AS1 reduction in several treatment-naïve independent human cohorts [n=673]. RNA pull-down followed by mass spectrometry was used to determine the GATA6-AS1 interactome. Metabolomics and mitochondrial respiration following GATA6-AS1 silencing in Caco-2 cells were used to elaborate on GATA6-AS1 functions. RESULTS: GATA6-AS1 showed predominant expression in gut epithelia using single cell datasets. GATA6-AS1 levels were reduced in Crohn\u27s disease [CD] ileum and UC rectum in independent cohorts. Reduced GATA6-AS1 lncRNA was further linked to a more severe UC form, and to a less favourable UC course. The GATA6-AS1 interactome showed robust enrichment for mitochondrial proteins, and included TGM2, an autoantigen in coeliac disease that is induced in UC, CD and coeliac disease, in contrast to GATA6-AS1 reduction in these cohorts. GATA6-AS1 silencing resulted in induction of TGM2, and this was coupled with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration, as well as in a reduction of metabolites linked to aerobic respiration relevant to mucosal inflammation. TGM2 knockdown in GATA6-AS1-deficient cells rescued mitochondrial respiration. CONCLUSIONS: GATA6-AS1 levels are reduced in UC, CD and coeliac disease, and in more severe UC forms. We highlight GATA6-AS1 as a target regulating epithelial mitochondrial functions, potentially through controlling TGM2 levels

Suitability of the Reforming-Controlled Compression Ignition Concept for UAV Applications

Reforming-controlled compression ignition (RefCCI) is a novel approach combining two methods to improve the internal combustion engine’s efficiency and mitigate emissions: low-temperature combustion (LTC) and thermochemical recuperation (TCR). Frequently, the combustion controllability challenge is resolved by simultaneous injection into the cylinder of two fuel types, each on the other edge of the reactivity scale. By changing the low-to-high-reactivity fuel ratio, ignition timing and combustion phasing control can be achieved. The RefCCI principles, benefits, and possible challenges are described in previous publications. However, the suitability of the RefCCI approach for aerial, mainly unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms has not been studied yet. The main goal of this paper is to examine whether the RefCCI approach can be beneficial for UAV, especially HALE (high-altitude long-endurance) applications. The thermodynamic first-law and the second-law analysis is numerically performed to investigate the RefCCI approach suitability for UAV applications and to assess possible efficiency gains. A comparison with the conventional diesel engine and the previously developed technology of spark ignition (SI) engine with high-pressure TCR is performed in view of UAV peculiarities. The results indicate that the RefCCI system can be beneficial for UAV applications. The RefCCI higher efficiency compared to existing commercial engines compensates the lower heating value of the primary fuel, so the fuel consumption remains almost the same. By optimizing the compression pressure ratio, the RefCCI system efficiency can be improved