Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergetic Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets/Tapioca Starch on Water-Based Drilling Muds: Enhancements in Rheological and Filtration Characteristics

Several borehole problems are encountered during drilling a well due to improper mud design. These problems are directly associated with the rheological and filtration properties of the fluid used during drilling. Thus, it is important to investigate the mud rheological and filtration characteristics of water-based drilling muds (WBMs). Several materials have been examined but due to the higher temperature conditions of wells, such materials have degraded and lost their primary functions. In this research, an attempt was made to prepare a water-based mud by utilizing graphene nano platelets (GNP) in addition to the native tapioca starch at different ratios. The combined effect of starch and graphene nano platelets has been investigated in terms of mud’s rheological and filtration parameters, including its plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), fluid loss volume (FLV) and filtercake thickness (FCT). The morphological changes in the filtercake have also been observed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) micrographs. Plastic viscosity was increased from 18–35 cP, 22–31 cP and 21–28 cP for 68 °F, 250 °F and 300 °F, respectively. The yield point was also enhanced from 22–37 lb/100ft2, 26–41 lb/100ft2 and 24–31 lb/100ft2 at the studied range. The fluid loss was dramatically reduced from 14.5–6.5 mL, 17.3–7.5 mL and 36–9.5 mL at 68 °F, 250 °F and 300 °F respectively. Similarly, filtercake thickness was also reduced which was further illustrated by filtercake morphology.
Amino acids activate mTORC1 to release roe deer embryos from decelerated proliferation during diapause

Significance In mammals, embryo development can halt at the hatched blastocyst stage. Uniquely, proliferation of diapausing embryonic roe deer cells decelerates to a doubling time of 2 to 3 wk over a period of 4 mo. We highlight nutrient sensing as an important factor regulating embryonic developmental pace. The resumption of embryo development is characterized by an increase in uterine fluid mTORC1-activating amino acids, embryonic mTORC1 activity, and expression of metabolism and cell cycle genes. We propose selective mTORC1 inhibition via reduced estrogen signaling and high let-7 levels as mechanisms for slow cell cycle progression. We hypothesize that it is the lack of embryonic mTORC2 inhibition during embryonic diapause in the roe deer that enables the continuous decelerated rate of proliferation. Embryonic diapause in mammals leads to a reversible developmental arrest. While completely halted in many species, European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) embryos display a continuous deceleration of proliferation. During a 4-mo period, the cell doubling time is 2 to 3 wk. During this period, the preimplantation blastocyst reaches a diameter of 4 mm, after which it resumes a fast developmental pace to subsequently implant. The mechanisms regulating this notable deceleration and reacceleration upon developmental resumption are unclear. We propose that amino acids of maternal origin drive the embryonic developmental pace. A pronounced change in the abundance of uterine fluid mTORC1-activating amino acids coincided with an increase in embryonic mTORC1 activity prior to the resumption of development. Concurrently, genes related to the glycolytic and phosphate pentose pathway, the TCA cycle, and one carbon metabolism were up-regulated. Furthermore, the uterine luminal epithelial transcriptome indicated increased estradiol-17β signaling, which likely regulates the endometrial secretions adapting to the embryonic needs. While mTORC1 was predicted to be inactive during diapause, the residual embryonic mTORC2 activity may indicate its involvement in maintaining the low yet continuous proliferation rate during diapause. Collectively, we emphasize the role of nutrient signaling in preimplantation embryo development. We propose selective mTORC1 inhibition via uterine catecholestrogens and let-7 as a mechanism regulating slow stem cell cycle progression.
Robustness against Chirp Signal Interference of On-Board Vehicle Geodetic and Low-Cost GNSS Receivers

Robust autonomous driving, as long as it relies on satellite-based positioning, requires carrier-phase-based algorithms, among other types of data sources, to obtain precise and true positions, which is also primarily true for the use of GNSS geodetic receivers, but also increasingly true for mass-market devices. The experiment was conducted under line-of-sight conditions on a straight road during a period of no traffic. The receivers were positioned on the roof of a car travelling at low speed in the presence of a static jammer, while kinematic relative positioning was performed with the static reference base receiver. Interference mitigation techniques in the GNSS receivers used, which were unknown to the authors, were compared using (a) the observed carrier-to-noise power spectral density ratio as an indication of the receivers’ ability to improve signal quality, and (b) the post-processed position solutions based on RINEX-formatted data. The observed carrier-to-noise density generally exerts the expected dependencies and leaves space for comparisons of applied processing abilities in the receivers, while conclusions on the output data results comparison are limited due to the non-synchronized clocks of the receivers. According to our current and previous results, none of the GNSS receivers used in the experiments employs an effective type of complete mitigation technique adapted to the chirp jammer.
Mathematical Modeling of Remdesivir to Treat COVID-19: Can Dosing Be Optimized?

The antiviral remdesivir has been approved by regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19. However, its efficacy is debated and toxicity concerns might limit the therapeutic range of this drug. Computational models that aid in balancing efficacy and toxicity would be of great help. Parametrizing models is difficult because the prodrug remdesivir is metabolized to its active form (RDV-TP) upon cell entry, which complicates dose–activity relationships. Here, we employ a computational model that allows drug efficacy predictions based on the binding affinity of RDV-TP for its target polymerase in SARS-CoV-2. We identify an optimal infusion rate to maximize remdesivir efficacy. We also assess drug efficacy in suppressing both wild-type and resistant strains, and thereby describe a drug regimen that may select for resistance. Our results differ from predictions using prodrug dose–response curves (pseudo-EC50s). We expect that reaching 90% inhibition (EC90) is insufficient to suppress SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs. While standard dosing mildly inhibits viral polymerase and therefore likely reduces morbidity, we also expect selection for resistant mutants for most realistic parameter ranges. To increase efficacy and safeguard against resistance, we recommend more clinical trials with dosing regimens that substantially increase the levels of RDV-TP and/or pair remdesivir with companion antivirals.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Investigation of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid Oxidase (ACO) Genes in Cotton

ACO is one of the rate-limiting enzymes in the biosynthesis of ethylene, and it plays a critical role in the regulation of plant growth and development. However, the function of ACO genes in cotton is not well studied. In this study, a total of 332 GhACOs, 187 GaACOs, and 181 GrACOs were identified in G. hirsutum, G. arboretum, and G. raimondii, respectively. Gene duplication analysis showed that whole-genome duplication (WGD) and tandem duplication were the major forces driving the generation of cotton ACO genes. In the promoters of GhACOs, there were cis-acting elements responding to stress, phytohormones, light, and circadian factors, indicating the possible involvement of GhACOs in these processes. Expression and co-expression analyses illustrated that most GhACOs were not only widely expressed in various tissues but also coexpressed with other genes in response to salt and drought stress. GhACO106_At overexpression in Arabidopsis promoted flowering and increased salt tolerance. These results provide a comprehensive overview of the ACO genes of cotton and lay the foundation for subsequent functional studies of these genes.
The Effect of Ozone Treatment on the Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Electrospun Poly(ε)caprolactone Scaffolds

Ozonation has been proved as a viable surface modification technique providing certain properties to the scaffolds that are essential in tissue engineering. However, the ozone (O3) treatment of PCL scaffolds in aqueous environments has not yet been presented. O3 treatment performed in aqueous environments is more effective compared with traditional, executed in ambient air treatment due to more abundant production of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) within the O3 reaction with water molecules. During interaction with •OH, the scaffold acquires functional groups which improve wettability properties and encapsulate growth factors. In this study, a poly(ε)caprolactone (PCL) scaffold was fabricated using solution electrospinning and was subsequently ozonated in a water reactor. The O3 treatment resulted in the expected occurrence of oxygen-containing functional groups, which improved scaffold wettability by almost 27% and enhanced cell proliferation for up to 14 days. The PCL scaffold was able to withhold 120 min of O3 treatment, maintaining fibrous morphology and mechanical properties.
The Use of a Smartphone Application in Monitoring HRV during an Altitude Training Camp in Professional Female Cyclists: A Preliminary Study

Altitude training is a common strategy to improve performance in endurance athletes. In this context, the monitoring of training and the athletes’ response is essential to ensure positive adaptations. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been proposed as a tool to evaluate stress and the response to training. In this regard, many smartphone applications have emerged allowing a wide access to recording HRV easily. The purpose of this study was to describe the changes of HRV using a validated smartphone application before (Pre-TC), during (TC), and after (Post-TC) an altitude training camp in female professional cyclists. Training load (TL) and vagal markers of heart rate variability (LnRMSSD, LnRMSSDcv) of seven professional female cyclists before, during, and after and altitude training camp were monitored. Training volume (SMD = 0.80), LnRMSSD (SMD = 1.06), and LnRMSSDcv (SMD = −0.98) showed moderate changes from Pre-TC to TC. Training volume (SMD = 0.74), TL (SMD = 0.75), LnRMSSD (SMD = −1.11) and LnRMSSDcv (SMD = 0.83) showed moderate changes from TC to Post-TC. Individual analysis showed that heart rate variability responded differently among subjects. The use of a smartphone application to measure HRV is a useful tool to evaluate the individual response to training in female cyclists.
Non-Contact Video-Based Assessment of the Respiratory Function Using a RGB-D Camera

A fully automatic, non-contact method for the assessment of the respiratory function is proposed using an RGB-D camera-based technology. The proposed algorithm relies on the depth channel of the camera to estimate the movements of the body’s trunk during breathing. It solves in fixed-time complexity, O(1), as the acquisition relies on the mean depth value of the target regions only using the color channels to automatically locate them. This simplicity allows the extraction of real-time values of the respiration, as well as the synchronous assessment on multiple body parts. Two different experiments have been performed: a first one conducted on 10 users in a single region and with a fixed breathing frequency, and a second one conducted on 20 users considering a simultaneous acquisition in two regions. The breath rate has then been computed and compared with a reference measurement. The results show a non-statistically significant bias of 0.11 breaths/min and 96% limits of agreement of −2.21/2.34 breaths/min regarding the breath-by-breath assessment. The overall real-time assessment shows a RMSE of 0.21 breaths/min. We have shown that this method is suitable for applications where respiration needs to be monitored in non-ambulatory and static environments.
Cubital tunnel perfusion in different postures—An anatomical investigation

For cubital tunnel syndrome, the avoidance of predisposing arm positions and the use of elbow splints are common conservative treatment options. The rationale is to prevent excessive stretching and compression of the nerve in the cubital tunnel, as this mechanical stress impedes intraneural perfusion. Data regarding those upper extremity postures to avoid, or whether elbow flexion alone is detrimental, are inconsistent. This study aimed to assess perfusion and size changes of the cubital tunnel during different postures in an experimental cadaver setup.
Lung Fibrosis after COVID-19: Treatment Prospects

At the end of 2019, a highly contagious infection began its ominous conquest of the world. It was soon discovered that the disease was caused by a novel coronavirus designated as SARS-CoV-2, and the disease was thus abbreviated to COVID-19 (COVID). The global medical community has directed its efforts not only to find effective therapies against the deadly pathogen but also to combat the concomitant complications. Two of the most common respiratory manifestations of COVID are a significant reduction in the diffusing capacity of the lungs (DLCO) and the associated pulmonary interstitial damage. One year after moderate COVID, the incidence rate of impaired DLCO and persistent lung damage still exceeds 30%, and one-third of the patients have severe DLCO impairment and fibrotic lung damage. The persistent respiratory complications may cause substantial population morbidity, long-term disability, and even death due to the lung fibrosis progression. The incidence of COVID-induced pulmonary fibrosis caused by COVID can be estimated based on a 15-year observational study of lung pathology after SARS. Most SARS patients with fibrotic lung damage recovered within the first year and then remained healthy; however, in 20% of the cases, significant fibrosis progression was found in 5–10 years. Based on these data, the incidence rate of post-COVID lung fibrosis can be estimated at 2–6% after moderate illness. What is worse, there are reasons to believe that fibrosis may become one of the major long-term complications of COVID, even in asymptomatic individuals. Currently, despite the best efforts of the global medical community, there are no treatments for COVID-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we analyze the latest data from ongoing clinical trials aimed at treating post-COVID lung fibrosis and analyze the rationale for the current drug candidates. We discuss the use of antifibrotic therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the IN01 vaccine, glucocorticosteroids as well as the stromal vascular fraction for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-associated pulmonary damage.
Using Absorption Models for Insulin and Carbohydrates and Deep Leaning to Improve Glucose Level Predictions

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or problems in the body to use it efficiently. It is one of the fastest growing health challenges affecting more than 400 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Intensive research is being carried out on artificial intelligence methods to help people with diabetes to optimize the way in which they use insulin, carbohydrate intakes, or physical activity. By predicting upcoming levels of blood glucose concentrations, preventive actions can be taken. Previous research studies using machine learning methods for blood glucose level predictions have mainly focused on the machine learning model used. Little attention has been given to the pre-processing of insulin and carbohydrate signals in order to mimic the human absorption processes. In this manuscript, a recurrent neural network (RNN) based model for predicting upcoming blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes is combined with several carbohydrate and insulin absorption curves in order to optimize the prediction results. The proposed method is applied to data from real patients suffering type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The achieved results are encouraging, obtaining accuracy levels around 0.510 mmol/L (9.2 mg/dl) in the best scenario.
Sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir combination for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with end stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) is a pan‐genotypic regimen for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The data on the efficacy and safety of this regimen is end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is scanty. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was done to ascertain the efficacy and safety of SOF and VEL in patients with chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) and ESRD on renal replacement therapy (RRT).
The co-expression of CBX8 and PD-L1 and prognostic value in cervical cancer

Abstract Chromobox homolog 8 (CBX8) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of various tumors, and is closely related to the prognosis of patients with cancer. However, the occurrence, development, and prognostic value of CBX8 in cervical cancer have not been reported yet. In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CBX8 in cervical cancer tissues and the corresponding normal tissues adjacent to the tumor. Furthermore, the relationship between CBX8 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis of cervical cancer were explored, and the prognostic value of CBX8 in cervical cancer was clarified. In this study, the results of immunohistochemistry using tissue chips obtained from patients with cervical cancer showed that CBX8 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues, and its expression was proportional to the international federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) stage. Disease-free and overall survival of patients with high CBX8 expression in cervical cancer were significantly shorter than those of patients with low CBX8 expression. Thus, CBX8 was found to be an independent prognostic factor for patients with cervical cancer. In addition, CBX8 and PD-L1 co-expression model could better predict the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer, and its area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was similar to that of FIGO stage. CBX8 may be an independent prognostic factor for cervical cancer. Moreover, the CBX8 and PD-L1 co-expression model could predict the postoperative survival of patients with cervical cancer objectively and reliably, which will aid clinicians to shunt patients with cervical cancer based on the risk of death, develop a reasonable treatment plan, and provide personalized prognosis.
Colleters, Extrafloral Nectaries, and Resin Glands Protect Buds and Young Leaves of Ouratea castaneifolia (DC.) Engl. (Ochnaceae)

Buds usually possess mechanical or chemical protection and may also have secretory structures. We discovered an intricate secretory system in Ouratea castaneifolia (Ochnaceae) related to the protection of buds and young leaves. We studied this system, focusing on the distribution, morphology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of glands during sprouting. Samples of buds and leaves were processed following the usual procedures for light and electron microscopy. Overlapping bud scales protect dormant buds, and each young leaf is covered with a pair of stipules. Stipules and scales possess a resin gland, while the former also possess an extrafloral nectary. Despite their distinct secretions, these glands are similar and comprise secreting palisade epidermis. Young leaves also possess marginal colleters. All the studied glands shared some structural traits, including palisade secretory epidermis and the absence of stomata. Secretory activity is carried out by epidermal cells. Functionally, the activity of these glands is synchronous with the young and vulnerable stage of vegetative organs. This is the first report of colleters and resin glands for O. castaneifolia. We found evidence that these glands are correlated with protection against herbivores and/or abiotic agents during a developmental stage that precedes the establishment of mechanical defenses.
Analytical Review on Eccentric Axial Compression Behavior of Short and Slender Circular RC Columns Strengthened Using CFRP

Although reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to combined axial compression and flexural loads (i.e., eccentric load) are the most common structural members used in practice, research on FRP-confined circular RC columns subjected to eccentric axial compression has been very limited. More specifically, the available eccentric-loading models were mainly based on existing concentric stress–strain models of FRP-confined unreinforced concrete columns of small scale. The strength and ductility of FRP-strengthened slender circular RC columns predicted using these models showed significant errors. In light of such demand to date, this paper presents a stress–strain model for FRP-confined circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns under eccentric axial compression. The model is mainly based on observations of tests and results reported in the technical literature, in which 207 results of FRP-confined circular unreinforced and reinforced concrete columns were carefully studied and analyzed. A model for the axial-flexural interaction of FRP-confined concrete is also provided. Based on a full parametric analysis, a simple formula of the slenderness limit for FRP-strengthened RC columns is further provided. The proposed model considers the effects of key parameters such as longitudinal and hoop steel reinforcement, level of FRP hoop confinement, slenderness ratio, presence of longitudinal FRP wraps, and varying eccentricity ratio. The accuracy of the proposed model is finally validated through comparisons made between the predictions and the compiled test results.
The Density of Different Local Anesthetic Solutions, Opioid Adjuvants and Their Clinically Used Combinations: An Experimental Study

Various opioids are added to local anesthetic solutions for spinal anesthesia. This may change the final density of the local anestetic (LA) mixture. This effect regarding current concepts in spinal anesthesia needs to be re-evaluated. In order to re-evaluate such effects, hyperbaric and isobaric local anesthetic (LA) solutions were mixed with opioid adjuvants (A) using the equipment available in the operating room. Ten density measurements for each composition (LA-A) were performed. The density change of 0.0006 g/mL was regarded as significant. Measured densities were also compared with theoretical values calculated using Hare’s. As a result, the addition of an opioid adjuvant caused a significant reduction in the final density of the LA-A solution. In hyperbaric LA mixtures, it did not change the baricity from hyperbaric to isobaric. However, the addition of highly hypobaric fentanyl 0.99360 g/mL (SD ± 0.00004) changes all isobaric LA solutions baricity to hypobaric. The comparison of measured and theoretical densities revealed significant differences (p > 0.05). However, the absolute reduction reached 0.0006 g/mL in only two LA-A compositions. We conclude that the addition of fentanyl to isobaric LA results in a hypobaric solution that may affect the distribution of the block. The inadequacy of LA-A in a clinical setting is unlikely to influence block characteristics.