Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence mechanism of confining pressure on the hydraulic aperture based on the fracture deformation constitutive law

The confining pressure induces the deformation of fractures with seepage through the fracture. The seepage characteristics can reflect the deformation of the hydraulic aperture. We propose theoretical models to describe the mechanism by which the confining pressure influences the hydraulic aperture based on the fracture deformation constitutive law models of Goodman, Bandis, Sun, and Rong. Hydromechanical testing data were used to validate the four types of proposed models. The experiment results reveal the confining pressure and hydraulic aperture model based on Sun’s exponential model describes the mechanism the best. The maximum hydraulic aperture closure deformation and initial hydraulic aperture go through a growth phase with a decreasing rate, and then, they enter a stability phase when the flow rate increases to 7 ml/min, while the normal stiffness of the fracture decreases to a certain value and then tends to a stable value. Flow rate decreases as confining pressure increases in a nonlinear progression, which is described by Sun’s exponential model well. We further found that in laboratory tests at various temperatures and in field tests, the confining pressure’s influence on the hydraulic aperture is highly consistent with the model based on Sun’s model. The model developed in this study describes the mechanism by which the confining pressure influences the hydraulic aperture, and it is meaningful to rock seepage engineering with in situ stress changes at different temperatures.
Sino-India difference in collectivism and its association with cultural heritage concerning argumentation

Cross-cultural studies from a global perspective contend that China and India are both collectivistic cultures. However, it remains unclear whether and why China and India differ in their collectivism. This study examines whether the cultural heritage concerning argumentation explains why Chinese people are more collectivistic than Indians. Convenient samples were taken from online surveys (NChina = 398, NIndia = 418), and 186 participants from the United States were included in the contrast group. In multiple methods conducted here, the Chinese respondents scored higher in holistic thought, compatriotism, nepotism, familism, and self-interdependence than the Indian respondents, while scoring lower in assertiveness and argumentativeness. Although China and India were more collectivistic than the United States, these findings support the hypothesis that Chinese people are more collectivistic than Indians. The study extended our knowledge of individualism–collectivism beyond east–west comparison.
A versatile integrated tube for rapid and visual SARS-CoV-2 detection

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been rapidly spreading worldwide. Rapid and widespread testing is essential to promote early intervention and curb the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Current gold standard reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 is restricted to professional laboratories and well-trained personnel, thus, limiting its widespread use in resource-limited conditions. To overcome these challenges, we developed a rapid and convenient assay using a versatile integrated tube for the rapid and visual detection of SARS-CoV-2. The reaction conditions of the method were optimized using SARS-CoV-2 RNA standards and the sensitivity and specificity were further determined. Finally, it was verified on clinical specimens. The assay was completed within 40 min, and the result was visible by the naked eye. The limits of detection (LODs) for the target ORF1ab and N genes were 50 copies/μl. No cross-reactivity was observed with the RNA standard samples of four respiratory viruses or clinical samples of common respiratory viral infections. Ninety SARS-CoV-2 positive and 30 SARS-CoV-2 negative patient specimens were analyzed. We compared these results to both prior and concurrent RT-PCR evaluations. As a result, the overall sensitivity and specificity for detection SARS-CoV-2 were 94.5 and 100.0%, respectively. Conclusion The integrated tube assay has the potential to provide a simple, specific, sensitive, one-pot, and single-step assay for SARS-CoV-2.
Adherence and treatment patterns of disease-specific drugs among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A nationwide, new-user cohort study

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an incurable pulmonary disease that might result in right heart failure and death. Treatment guidelines recommend upfront or sequential combination therapy for patients with PAH. Recently, several PAH-targeted medications have been approved in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate treatment patterns and medication adherence in real-world settings. Method: This was a new-user design study on patients treated with PAH-specific medication between 1 January 2014, and 31 December 2019. Data were extracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Medication adherence was evaluated by the proportion of days covered (PDC). Adherence was defined as PDC ≥ . 8. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the study outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between baseline characteristics and adherence. P < . 05 indicated statistical significance. Results: A total of 1,900 patients with PAH were identified, and 75.3% of them were females. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 57.2 (17.5) years. Only 23 (1.2%) patients began the initial combination therapy. A total of 148 (7.8%) patients switched their initial treatment to another treatment, and 159 (8.4%) patients had sequential combination therapy. The most common combination therapy was endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) plus phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i), mostly macitentan plus sildenafil, for initial or sequential combination. The mean (SD) PDC was . 71 (.33), and 1,117 (58.8%) patients were adherent. A significant difference in mean PDC was observed between initial ERA users and PDE5i users (p < .0001). No factor was significantly associated with medication adherence. Conclusion: Patients with PAH mostly initiated sildenafil as monotherapy, and macitentan was added as a sequential combination therapy. The initial ERA and combination groups showed higher medication adherence. Further investigations are needed to identify other factors associated with adherence.
Labile and refractory fractions of sedimentary organic carbon off the Changjiang Estuary and its implications for sedimentary oxygen consumption

Estuarine and coastal area is dynamic zone for both marine carbon and oxygen cycles. There is limited evaluation of the labile and refractory fraction of sedimentary organic carbon and further a lack of attention to the corresponding potential in dissolved oxygen utilization. In this study, we collected sediment samples from the Changjiang estuary and adjacent coastal areas in the East China Sea in June 2019 to reveal the distribution, main controlling factor, and implications of four operational fractions of sediment organic carbon that range from labile to refraction. In the laboratory, we processed and defined the four operational fractions of sedimentary organic carbon, includes 1) pure water extractable carbon (WEC), 2) salt (K2SO4 solution) extractable carbon (SEC), 3) Microbial biomass carbon (MBC; chloroform extractable carbon), and 4) refractory organic carbon (ROC; the acid-processed fraction). We revealed that off the Changjiang Estuary, the bulk sedimentary organic carbon (SOC), WEC, SEC, MBC, and ROC were 9.43 ± 3.07 g/kg, 0.12 ± 0.10 g/kg, 0.16 ± 0.07 g/kg, 1.58 ± 0.45 g/kg, and 4.38 ± 1.95 g/kg, respectively. Sediment grain size played a vital role in constraining the LOC fractions, and samples from aquaculture areas showed extra-higher levels of LOC when compared to samples from the non-aquaculture area. The LOC and MBC fraction showed clear negative relation with dissolved oxygen (DO) in the near bottom waters under high DO background (DO > 5.5 mg/L), whereas in a low DO background (DO < 3-4 mg/L) no clear relation can be found. Based on our observed LOC content and DO concentration in the near bottom waters, the depth of hypoxia in the near bottom waters, which would be caused by a total decomposition of 4 mm of LOC in the top sediment, ranged between 0.3 m to 4.7 m with an average depth of 2 m. This value (2 m) means that sedimentary oxygen consumption would contribute 10% in the occurrence of hypoxia, with the rest contributing from water column respiration. Overall, we used the LOC fraction of sedimentary organic carbon to address the dissolved oxygen consumption in the near bottom waters and further study is needed to evaluate this approach.
Muscle plays a more superior role than fat in bone homeostasis: A cross-sectional study of old Asian people

Objectives The aim of this study was to discover the role of fat and muscle in bone structures, as well as the relationship between obesity and sarcopenia on age-related osteoporosis. Methods A total of 400 participants (65.0 ± 8.2 years old, 42.3% women) were recruited. Fat, muscle, bone parameters, basic demographics, medical history, physical performance and activity, and calcium intake of participants were obtained from datasets. The diagnosis of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity was based on current recommendations. Pearson correlation, non-linear regression models, and decision tree analyses were performed to study the relationship between fat, muscle, and bone. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk of osteoporosis in old people with obesity or sarcopenia via Model 1 (unadjusted) and Model 2 (adjusted by age, physical activity, and calcium intake). Results Correlation analysis showed that limb muscle mass and index, and age were best related to bone mineral density (BMD) (|r| = 0.386–0.632, p < 0.001). On the contrary, body mass index (BMI) and increased body fat percentage (BF%) were harmful for bone health. An increase of BMI and fat mass index slowed the increase of BMD in the spine, while skeletal muscle mass index accelerated the increase. People with sarcopenia had low muscle mass and strength. When separating subjects into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia status, sarcopenia was independently related to higher risks of osteoporosis in both models (OR > 1, p < 0.05). BMI-defined obesity in Model 1 as well as BF%-defined obesity in both models did not reduce the risk of osteoporosis in both models (p > 0.05). The decision tree classification (85% accuracy) showed that greater body weight and larger lower limb muscle performance were negatively related to osteoporosis, while fat mass and percentage did not play roles in this prediction. Conclusion Low muscle mass and function were harmful to bone health. Obesity defined by both BMI and BF% had limited protective roles in osteoporosis. The benefits for bone from increased muscle mass and function play a more superior role than increased fat mass in old people. Sarcopenia prevention and treatment instead of controlling obesity should be recommended as an approach to reduce the risks of age-related osteoporosis and fragility fracture for elderly people.
The impact of green finance on the transformation of energy consumption structure: Evidence based on China

Reducing the use of traditional fossil energy and optimizing the energy consumption structure is an important starting point for China to balance sustainable and stable economic development, dual carbon goals and energy security. Green finance can help improve the energy consumption structure through providing financial support for green development. Based on this, taking the proportions of coal consumption as the index of energy consumption structure, this paper uses panel data for 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2019, and analyzes the impact of green finance on energy consumption structure and its mechanism. The results show that the development of green finance in China has significantly improved the energy consumption structure, when considering the endogenous and robustness, the conclusion is still valid. In the mid-western region, green finance plays a greater role in improving the energy consumption structure. With the help of the quantile regression model, it is found that the higher the proportion of coal consumption, the greater the improvement effect of green finance on energy consumption structure. With the help of the threshold model, it is found that when exceeding the threshold value, the improvement effect of green finance on energy consumption structure will decline. Both the market and the government can enhance the role of green finance in optimizing the energy consumption structure. According to the research conclusion, the suggestions for improving the energy consumption structure of green finance are given from the aspects of developing green finance, formulating differentiated green finance development strategies, and encouraging green innovation.
Experimental investigation of the effects of the turbulence on the impact force of flash flood

Flash floods cause damage to engineering structures and buildings mainly due to their huge impact force. Scientific investigation of the impact process of flash floods has significant theoretical and engineering implications in ensuring the safety of flood-resistant structures and human life. In this experimental study, the impact pressure and flow velocity in the flow field were measured synchronously using the impact detection system and a particle image velocimetry system in a water channel and the effects of the turbulence structure on the impact process of flash flood were investigated. As shown by the experimental measurements, the large-scale coherent structure in the flow field reached six times the boundary layer thickness. The turbulence and impact force energy spectra were very similar in the low-frequency, large-scale wave band, indicating that the large-scale turbulence structure dominated the impact process. Both the mean and maximum impact pressures increased with the turbulence kinetic energy. An equation for impact force characterization that considers the effects of turbulence and thus was more accurate was given, providing a theoretical basis for the protection of engineering structures from the damage by flash floods.
Establishment of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block in rats

Background A novel protocol for accurate stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance was designed in rats. This technique raises the success rate of stellate ganglion block and reduces the incidence of brachial plexus and vagus nerve block. Methods Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley were randomly divided into an ultrasound-guided group (n = 28) and a blind technique group (n = 28). The rats in the blind technique group were injected with 1.5% lidocaine mixed with methylene blue after signs of brachial plexus stimulation were elicited. The lateral side of the cephalic brachial vein was located under the first rib, where lidocaine was injected into the rats in the ultrasound-guided group. The up-and-down sequential method of Dixon was used to determine the minimum effective volume for stellate ganglion block in rats. Furthermore, we calculated the required operative duration of the two methods and observed the difference in the lidocaine diffusion range between the two groups. Results The minimum effective volume for stellate ganglion block in the ultrasound-guided group was 0.040 ml, and the 95% CI was 0.026–0.052 ml. In the blind technique group, the minimum effective volume was 0.639 ml, and the 95% CI was 0.490–0.733 ml. Within the 95% CI of the lowest effective volume, the incidence of brachial plexus block as a complication of stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance was 10.00%. Conclusion Stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance is more accurate than blind detection, which the incidence of complications of stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance was significantly lower than under blind detection; the rate of methylene blue staining in the vagus nerve was significantly lower under ultrasound guidance.
Influences of Bacillus subtilis and fructooligosaccharide on growth performances, immune responses, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

The present study investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performances, immunity improvement, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish (24.5 ± 1.6 g) were fed a basal diet (G1), diets supplemented with 1 g/kg (G2), 3 g/kg (G3) and 5 g/kg (G4) of FOS as well as diets supplemented with 1 × 109 CFU/g (G5), 3 × 109 CFU/g (G6) and 5 × 109 CFU/g (G7) of B. subtilis for 56 days. After the feeding trial, the complement C3, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, hsp70 gene expression in the liver was then analyzed by a quantitative Real-time PCR. Then, fish were infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, and the survival rate was recorded. The results showed that FOS and B. subtilis had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on growth performances and survival rate. Lysozyme activity was significantly greater in the G4, G5, G6, and G7 groups. Also, all fish fed FOS and B. subtilis showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher respiratory burst activity than other groups. The expressions of complement C3, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and hsp-70 in the liver were significantly higher for fish fed 5 g/kg of FOS as well as for fish that received any concentration level of B. subtilis (P < 0.05) used in the study. After the S. agalactiae challenge test, the survival rate of fish-fed diets supplemented with FOS and B. subtilis was slightly higher than for the control group. The results indicated that FOS and B. subtilis could stimulate immune responses and immune-related genes in tilapia. However, further investigation of other prebiotics or herbs in combination with B. subtilis is encouraged at molecular levels and screening for beneficial metabolites that may increasingly improve digestive enzymes, growth performances, and health benefits in tilapia. In addition, on-farm experiments are needed.
Development of a set of novel binary expression vectors for plant gene function analysis and genetic transformation

With the advent of multiple omics and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) technology, genome-scale functional analysis of candidate genes is to be conducted in diverse plant species. Construction of plant binary expression vectors is the prerequisite for gene function analysis. Therefore, it is of significance to develop a set of plant binary expression vectors with highly efficient, inexpensive, and convenient cloning method, and easy-to-use in screening of positive recombinant in Escherichia coli. In this study, we developed a set of plant binary expression vectors, termed pBTR vectors, based on Golden Gate cloning using BsaI restriction site. Foreign DNA fragment of interest (FDI) can be cloned into the destination pBTR by one-step digestion–ligation reaction in a single tube, and even the FDI contains internal BsaI site(s). Markedly, in one digestion–ligation reaction, multiple FDIs (exemplified by cloning four soybean Glyma.02g025400, Glyma.05g201700, Glyma.06g165700, and Glyma.17g095000 genes) can be cloned into the pBTR vector to generate multiple corresponding expression constructs (each expression vector carrying an FDI). In addition, the pBTR vectors carry the visual marker, a brightness monomeric red fluorescent protein mScarlet-I, that can be observed with the unaided eye in screening of positive recombinants without the use of additional reagents/equipment. The reliability of the pBTR vectors was validated in plants by overexpression of AtMyb75/PAP1 in tomato and GUSPlus in soybean roots via Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation, promoter activity analysis of AtGCSpro in Arabidopsis via A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and protein subcellular localization of the Vitis vinifera VvCEB1opt in tobacco, respectively. These results demonstrated that the pBTR vectors can be used in analysis of gene (over)expression, promoter activity, and protein subcellular localization. These vectors will contribute to speeding up gene function analysis and the process of plant molecular breeding.
Surgical outcomes of spinal cavernous malformations: A retrospective study of 98 patients

Objective Spinal cord cavernous malformation (SCCM) is a rare vascular lesion, and the treatment strategy remains controversial at present. The goal of this retrospective study was to analyze the surgical outcomes of the SCCM and to find more appropriate treatment strategies for a better prognosis. Method A retrospective review of 98 patients with SCCM from 2009 to 2018 was conducted at the neurosurgical center of our hospital. Neurological function was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. Clinical features were analyzed using the multivariable logistic regression. Results Ninety-eight patients with SCCM were included, of whom 36% were female and 64% male. The mean age was 41.6 years; and family history was reported in 8% of patients. Definite hemorrhage was found in 6%. Before surgery, the neurological status was Grade A in 2%, Grade B in 2%, Grade C in 12%, Grade D in 54%, and Grade E in 30% of the patients. 83% (81/98) patients had long-term follow-up, of whom, 42% had improved, 51% were stable and 7% had deteriorated. Patients with dorsal or superficial lesions showed better improvement than those with ventral or lateral deep lesions. Those with symptoms lasting less than three months had higher rates of improvement than those with symptoms lasting more than three months. However, there was no significant difference in prognosis between hemilaminectomy and laminectomy. Conclusion These results suggest that surgical strategies should be preferred for severe symptomatic SCCMs if total resection can be achieved, thereby avoiding the risk of severe complications with subsequent lesion hemorrhage. Earlier (usually within 3 months of symptom duration) surgical resection generally may lead to a better prognosis. For ventral or lateral deep SCCMs, the surgical strategy should be considered more carefully.
Dietary and phytogenic inclusion effects on the broiler chicken cecal ecosystem

Dietary modulation in broilers is crucial for the establishment of beneficial microbiota and, subsequently, the promotion of intestinal health. In this trial, a 2 × 2 factorial design was used with two different specifications with respect to dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels (i.e., 95% and 100% of recommendations) and phytogenic levels (0 and 150 mg/kg). Levels of total bacteria, Bacteroides spp. , Lactobacillus spp. , and Clostridium cluster XIVa attached to the cecal mucosa and in the cecal digesta were lower in broilers fed the 95% ME and CP specification diets, as was the molar ratio of butyric acid. In addition, the relative activity of autoinducers-2 (AI-2) and the expression levels of TLR4 and AvBD6 were increased. Phytogenic supplementation reduced cecal digesta levels of Escherichia coli and Clostridium cluster I levels, and increased Clostridium cluster IV levels. Moreover, the butyric acid molar ratio and the relative activity of AI-2 were increased, whereas the concentration of branched VFAs and the expression of AvBD6 and LEAP2 were reduced by phytogenic administration. Dietary specifications and phytogenic interactions were shown for the cecal-attached microbiota composition, metabolic activity of digesta microbiota, relative expression of autoinducers-2, and relative expression of toll-like signaling molecules and host antimicrobial peptides. In conclusion, it has been shown that ME and CP dietary specifications, combined or not with phytogenics, modulate multilevel gut biomarkers ranging from microbiota composition and metabolic activity to microbial communications and host signaling, inflammation, and defense.