mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Secondary aerosol formation in winter haze over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region,China

Severe haze pollution occurs frequently in the winter over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH)region (China), exerting profound impacts on air quality, visibility, and human health. The Chinese Government has taken strict mitigation actions since 2013 and has achieved a significant reduction in the annual mean PM_(2.5) concentration over this region. However, the level of secondary aerosols during heavy haze episodes showed little decrease during this period. During heavy haze episodes, the concentrations of secondary aerosol components, including sulfate, nitrate and secondary organics, in aerosol particles increase sharply, acting as the main contributors to aerosol pollution. To achieve effective control of particle pollution in the BTH region, the precise and complete secondary aerosol formation mechanisms have been investigated, and advances have been made about the mechanisms of gas phase reaction, nucleation and heterogeneous reactions in forming secondary aerosols. This paper reviews the research progress in aerosol chemistry during haze pollution episodes in the BTH region, lays out the challenges in haze formation studies, and provides implications and directions for future research.
Experimental studies of ash film fractions based on measurement of cenospheres geometry in pulverized coal combustion

In pulverized coal particle combustion, part of the ash forms the ash film and exerts an inhibitory influence on combustion by impeding the diffusion of oxygen to the encapsulated char core, while part of the ash diffuses toward the char core. Despite the considerable ash effects on combustion, the fraction of ash film still remains unclear. However, the research of the properties of cenospheres can be an appropriate choice for the fraction determination, being aware that the formation of cenospheres is based on the model of coal particles with the visco-plastic ash film and a solid core. The fraction of ash film X is the ratio of the measuring mass of ash film and the total ash in coal particle. In this paper, the Huangling bituminous coal with different sizes was burnt in a drop-tube furnace at 1273, 1473,and 1673 K with air as oxidizer. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and cross-section analysis have been used to study the geometry of the collected cenospheres and the effects of combustion parameters on the fraction of ash film. The results show that the ash film fraction increases with increasing temperature and carbon conversion ratio but decreases with larger sizes of coal particles. The high fraction of ash film provides a reasonable explanation for the extinction event at the late burnout stage. The varied values of ash film fractions under different conditions during the dynamic combustion process are necessary for further development of kinetic models.
Effects of pyrolyzed semi-char blend ratio on coal combustion and pollution emission in a 0.35 MW pulverized coal-fired furnace

The effects of blend ratio on combustion and pollution emission characteristics for co-combustion of Shenmu pyrolyzed semi-char (SC),i.e., residuals of the coal pyrolysis chemical processing, and Shenhua bituminous coal (SB) were investigated in a 0.35 MW pilot-scale pulverized coal-fired furnace. The gas temperature and concentrations of gaseous species (O_2,CO, CO_2,NO_x and HCN) were measured in the primary combustion zone at different blend ratios. It is found that the standoff distance of ignition changes monotonically from 132 to 384 mm with the increase in pyrolyzed semi-char blend ratio. The effects on the combustion characteristics may be neglected when the blend ratio is less than 30%. Above the 30% blend ratio, the increase in blend ratio postpones ignition in the primary stage and lowers the burnout rate. With the blend ratio increasing, NO_x emission at the furnace exit is smallest for the 30% blend ratio and highest for the 100% SC. The NO_x concentration was 425 mg/m3 at 6% O_2 and char burnout was 76.23% for the 45% blend ratio. The above results indicate that the change of standoff distance and NO_x emission were not obvious when the blend ratio of semi-char is less than 45%,and carbon burnout changed a little at all blend ratios. The goal of this study is to achieve blending combustion with a large proportion of semi-char without great changes in combustion characteristics. So, an SC blend ratio of no more than 45% can be suitable for the burning of semi-char.
Bioactive hyaluronic acid fragments inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses via the Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway

The high-and the low-molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HMW-HA and LMW-HA, respectively)showed different biological activities in inflammation. However, the role of LMW-HA in inflammatory response is controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of bioactive hyaluronan (B-HA)on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human macrophages and mice. B-HA was produced from HA treated with glycosylated recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20. Human THP-1 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages. THP-1-derived macrophages were treated with B-HA, LPS, or B-HA + LPS. The mRNA expression and the production of inflammatory cytokines were determined using quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The phosphorylation levels of proteins in the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and IRF-3 signaling pathways were measured using Western blot. The in vivo efficacy of B-HA was assessed in a mouse model of LPS-induced inflammation. Results showed that B-HA inhibited the expression of TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1,and IFN-β,and enhanced the expression of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS-induced inflammatory responses in THP-1-derived macrophages and in vivo. B-HA significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of the TLR4 signaling pathway proteins p65,IKKα/β,IκBα,JNKl/2,ERKl/2,p38,and IRF-3. In conclusion,our results demonstrated that the B-HA attenuated the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway. B-HA could be a potential anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of inflammatory disease.
Highly uniform Ni particles with phosphorus and adjacent defects catalyze 1,5-dinitronaphthalene hydrogenation with excellent catalytic performance

This work proposes a modified activated carbon support, with defects and heteroatoms (N,P-ACs) by nitrogen and phosphorus doping to load non-noble nickel to catalyze aromatic compound hydrogenation. The Ni/N,P-ACs-900 (prepared at 900 °C) showed promising catalytic activity in liquid-phase 1,5-dinitronaphthalene hydrogenation with a 1,5-diaminonaphthalene yield of 95.8% under the mild condition of 100 °C, which is comparable to the commercial Pd/C catalyst. The nitrogen species were burned off at 900 °C, causing more defects for nickel metal loading, facilitating the interaction between the supports and the nickel metal, and resulting in highly dispersed metal particles. The computational study of the nickel binding energy has been conducted using density functional theory. It exhibits that the defects formed by heteroatom doping are beneficial to nickel anchoring and deposition to form highly uniform nickel particles. The phosphorus species in combination with the defects are suitable for H2 adsorption and dissociation. These results reveal that the heteroatomic doping on the active carbon shows significant effects in the hydrogenation of the liquid-phase aromatic compounds. These findings could provide a promising route for the rational design of aromatic compound hydrogenation catalysts to significantly decrease the cost by instead using noble metal catalysts in the industry.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of severe infections. From a cohort including 3060 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 109 (3.4%)cancer patients were included in this study. Among them, 23 (21.1%)patients died in the hospital. Cancer patients, especially those with hematological malignancies (41.6%), urinary carcinoma (35.7%), malignancies of the digestive system (33.3%), gynecological malignancies (20%), and lung cancer (14.3%), had a much higher mortality than patients without cancer. A total of 19 (17.4%)cancer patients were infected in the hospital. The clinical characteristics of deceased cancer patients were compared with those of recovered cancer patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that a Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS2002)score≥3 (adjusted hazard ratio (HR)11.00;95% confidence interval (CI)4.60-26.32;P < 0.001), high-risk type (adjusted HR 18.81;95% CI 4.21-83.93;P < 0.001), tumor stage IV (adjusted HR 4.26;95% CI 2.34-7.75;P < 0.001),and recent adjuvant therapy (< 1 month)(adjusted HR 3.16;95% CI 1.75-5.70;P < 0.01)were independent risk factors for in-hospital death after adjusting for age, comorbidities, D-dimer, and lymphocyte count. In conclusion, cancer patients showed a higher risk of COVID-19 infection with a poorer prognosis than patients without cancer. Cancer patients with high-risk tumor, NRS2002 score ≥ 3,advanced tumor stage, and recent adjuvant therapy (< 1 month)may have high risk of mortality.
A DNA sensor based on upconversion nanoparticles and two-dimensional dichalcogenide materials

We demonstrate the fabrication of a new DNA sensor that is based on the optical interactions occurring between oligonucleotide-coated NaYF_4: Yb~(3+); Er~(3+) upconversion nanoparticles and the two-dimensional dichalcogenide materials, MoS_2 and WS_2. Monodisperse upconversion nanoparticles were functionalized with single-stranded DNA endowing the nanoparticles with the ability to interact with the surface of the two-dimensional materials via van der Waals interactions leading to subsequent quenching of the upconversion fluorescence. By contrast, in the presence of a complementary oligonucleotide target and the formation of double-stranded DNA, the upconversion nanoparticles could not interact with MoS_2 and WS_2, thus retaining their inherent fluorescence properties. Utilizing this sensor we were able to detect target oligonucleotides with high sensitivity and specificity whilst reaching a concentration detection limit as low as 5 mol·L~(-1), within minutes.
Effect of weld microstructure on brittle fracture initiation in the thermallyaged boiling water reactor pressure vessel head weld metal

Effects of the weld microstructure and inclusions on brittle fracture initiation are investigated in a thermally aged ferritic high-nickel weld of a reactor pressure vessel head from a decommissioned nuclear power plant. As-welded and reheated regions mainly consist of acicular and polygonal ferrite, respectively. Fractographic examination of Charpy V-notch impact toughness specimens reveals large inclusions (0.5-2.5 μm) at the brittle fracture primary initiation sites. High impact energies were measured for the specimens in which brittle fracture was initiated from a small inclusion or an inclusion away from the V-notch. The density, geometry, and chemical composition of the primary initiation inclusions were investigated. A brittle fracture crack initiates as a microcrack either within the multiphase oxide inclusions or from the debonded interfaces between the uncracked inclusions and weld metal matrix. Primary fracture sites can be determined in all the specimens tested in the lower part of the transition curve at and below the 41-J reference impact toughness energy but not above the mentioned value because of the changes in the fracture mechanism and resulting changes in the fracture appearance.
Ultrahigh cycle fatigue fracture mechanism of high-quality bearing steel obtained through different deoxidation methods

The mechanism of oxide inclusions in fatigue crack initiation in the very-high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime was clarified by subjecting bearing steels deoxidized by Al (Al-deoxidized steel) and Si (Si-deoxidized steel) to ultrasonic tension-compression fatigue tests (stress ratio, R = -1) and analyzing the characteristics of the detected inclusions. Results show that the main types of inclusions in Si- and Al-deoxidized steels are silicate and calcium aluminate, respectively. The content of calcium aluminate inclusions larger than 15 μm in Si-deoxidized steel is lower than that in Al-deoxidized steel, and the difference observed may be attributed to different inclusion generation processes during melting. Despite differences in their cleanliness and total oxygen contents, the Si- and Al-deoxidized steels show similar VHCF lives. The factors causing fatigue failure in these steels reveal distinct differences. Calcium aluminate inclusions are responsible for the cracks in Al-deoxidized steel. By comparison, most fatigue cracks in Si-deoxidized steel are triggered by the inhomogeneity of a steel matrix, which indicates that the damage mechanisms of the steel matrix can be a critical issue for this type of steel. A minor portion of the cracks in Si-deoxidized steel could be attributed to different types of inclusions. The mechanisms of fatigue fracture caused by calcium aluminate and silicate inclusions were further analyzed. Calcium aluminate inclusions first separate from the steel matrix and then trigger crack generation. Silicate inclusions and the steel matrix are closely combined in a fatigue process; thus, these inclusions have mild effects on the fatigue life of bearing steels. Si/Mn deoxidation is an effective method to produce high-quality bearing steel with a long fatigue life and good liquid steel fluidity.
Research progress of the electrochemical impedance technique applied to the high-capacity lithium-ion battery

The world’s energy system is changing dramatically. Li-ion battery, as a powerful and highly effective energy storage technique, is crucial to the new energy revolution for its continuously expanding application in electric vehicles and grids. Over the entire lifetime of these power batteries, it is essential to monitor their state of health not only for the predicted mileage and safety management of the running electric vehicles, but also for an “end-of-life” evaluation for their repurpose. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been widely used to diagnose the health state of batteries quickly and nondestructively. In this review, we have outlined the working principles of several electrochemical impedance techniques and further evaluated their application prospects to achieve the goal of nondestructive testing of battery health. EIS can scientifically and reasonably perform real-time monitoring and evaluation of electric vehicle power batteries in the future and play an important role in vehicle safety and battery gradient utilization.
Optimal stopping time on discounted semi-Markov processes

This paper attempts to study the optimal stopping time for semi-Markov processes (SMPs)under the discount optimization criteria with unbounded cost rates. In our work, we introduce an explicit construction of the equivalent semi-Markov decision processes (SMDPs). The equivalence is embodied in the expected discounted cost functions of SMPs and SMDPs, that is, every stopping time of SMPs can induce a policy of SMDPs such that the value functions are equal, and vice versa. The existence of the optimal stopping time of SMPs is proved by this equivalence relation. Next, we give the optimality equation of the value function and develop an effective iterative algorithm for computing it. Moreover, we show that the optimal and ε-optimal stopping time can be characterized by the hitting time of the special sets. Finally, to illustrate the validity of our results, an example of a maintenance system is presented in the end.
Acute cardiogenic liver injury caused by heart failure in an adolescent

Heart failure is a systemic clinical syndrome characterized by multiple organ systems involvements [1]. With the progression of heart failure, patients may present with liver-related symptoms. However, these symptoms may be misdiagnosed as primary gastrointestinal diseases which lead to treatment delay and aggravation of conditions. We retrospectively reviewed the liver function changes in an adolescent with heart failure, which will help clinicians better understand acute cardiogenic liver injury.
Increase in optic nerve sheath diameter predicts early cerebral involvement in fat embolism syndrome

Early diagnosis of cerebral fat embolism in a patient with contradiction to MRI is challenging. Here we report an interesting case, where the raised optic nerve sheath diameter helped us to predict the early cerebral involvement with fat emboli in a left femoral shaft fracture patient. MRI scan could not be performed due to the presence of a metallic implant in the patient from a previous surgery. He was later diagnosed as an atypical presentation of fat embolism syndrome. Optic nerve sheath monitoring also helped us to guide further management of the patient.
Preparation of Alum-borneol-PVP Drug-loaded Fibers by Electrospinning

The alum-borneol nanoemulsion(ABN), which combines the mineral medicine alum and the botanical medicine borneol, has been applied for approximately 40 years in the clinical treatment of burns, scalds, radiation dermatitis and shingles, and has a good curative effect. However, the current formula and dosage form of ABN pose problems of low borneol content and ease of precipitation, which greatly affects the efficacy of the drug. In this study, polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) was selected as a carrier mixed with different proportions of alum and borneol to produce alum-borneol- PVP fibers(ABPF) by electrospinning. The results showed that the stable system with good drug dispersion was 2:3(alum:borneol). The dissolution content of borneol from the ABPF was about 80% in 4 h, which was much higher than that of the alum-borneol liquid(ABL) and ABN. The ABPF membrane showed a more significant inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus than the ABL and ABN. The composite fiber markedly increased the drug content of borneol, which was 800 times of that in ABN. The fiber had a higher solubility than the nanoemulsion in vitro, which is of great importance for the development of new forms for the clinical application of alum and borneol.
Electrospun PVA Nanofibrous Membranes Reinforced with Silver Nanoparticles Impregnated Cellulosic Fibers: Morphology and Antibacterial Property

To enhance the mechanical and antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticle impregnated cellulosic fibers, carboxy-cellulose nanocrystals(CCNs) were grafted with chitooligosaccharide(COS), which was used as a stabilizer for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Nanofibrous membranes reinforced with silver nanoparticle impregnated cellulosic fibers(CCN-COS-AgNP) were prepared via electrospinning using polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) as a matrix. The effects of CCN-COS-AgNP contents on the morphology, surface composition, mechanical properties, and antibacterial performances of the prepared CCN-COS-AgNP/PVA membranes were examined. The addition of CCN-COS-AgNP certainly improved the mechanical properties and antibacterial performances of the PVA nanofibers. The tensile strength was significantly increased from 4.40 MPa to 8.60 MPa when 8% CCN-COS-AgNP(mass ratio) was introduced. When 10%(mass ratio) CCN-COS-AgNP was added, the nanofibers showed an excellent antibacterial activity for S. aureus(Staphylococcus aureus) and E. coli(Escherichia coli), with the maximum inhibition zones of 2.30 and 1.60 cm, respectively. Moreover, the 2%(mass ratio) CCN-COS-AgNP/PVA fibrous membrane showed 126% cell viability for mg63 human osteoblasts. The electrospun PVA membrane has great potential application in biomedical field.
Multi-catenary isogeometric discretization with the sliding constraint

The purpose of this paper is to present the formulation of isogeometric dynamic analysis with frictionless sliding constraint between two catenaries. The sliding condition at the constraint point is defined employing the augmented Lagrangian method, that specifies unique degree of freedom along sliding catenary. The governing equations for the coupled system are derived in terms of Hamilton’s principle together with sliding constraint form differential algebraic equations of multi-catenary system. Recently developed isogeometric approach is employed to discretize the catenaries what enables us to define the unique degree of freedom of sliding constraint along the whole catenary and thus avoid the process of searching for the sliding point as required in some other discretization techniques, e.g. finite element method. Four numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed method and the results are assessed against the results in the literature.
High-order nonlinear coefficients in isotropic solid media

Up to now, there is no definite conclusion about the magnitude range or even the sign (positive or negative)of nonlinear coefficients of rocks in nature. In this paper, a further analysis was conducted on the previously published theory by this author and the result reveals that the odd order nonlinear coefficients only depend on the amplitude of the odd order nonlinear harmonics, while the even order nonlinear coefficients only depend on the amplitude of the even order harmonics. There is an accumulated solution for each harmonic, of which the amplitude is proportional to the first power of distance. The second -fifth-order nonlinear coefficients of Berea sandstone samples were calculated using the published spectrum measurement data. The results show that the signs of the second-and third-order nonlinear coefficients are negative, and the signs of the fourth-and fifth-order nonlinear coefficients are positive. Since the nonlinear coefficients are closely related to the accuracy of the measurement of the sound field spectrum, it is necessary to make corrections to the receiving sensitivity and the directivity of the pinducers.
The microbiome in inflammatory bowel diseases: from pathogenesis to therapy

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)has become a global disease with accelerating incidence worldwide in the 21 st century while its accurate etiology remains unclear. In the past decade, gut microbiota dysbiosis has consistently been associated with IBD. Although many IBDassociated dysbiosis have not been proven to be a cause or an effect of IBD, it is often hypothesized that at least some of alteration in microbiome is protective or causative. In this article, we selectively reviewed the hypothesis supported by both association studies in human and pathogenesis studies in biological models. Specifically, we reviewed the potential protective bacterial pathways and species against IBD, as well as the potential causative bacterial pathways and species of IBD. We also reviewed the potential roles of some members of mycobiome and virome in IBD. Lastly, we covered the current status of therapeutic approaches targeting microbiome, which is a promising strategy to alleviate and cure this inflammatory disease.