mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Complete Genomic Sequence Analysis of a New Sindbis-like Virus

The Sindbis-like virus was first discovered in China in 1986. Its complete genomic sequence consists of more than 11 000 bp encoding more than 3 700 amino acids. It contains a 5’ non-transcriptional region (5’-NTR) in a non-structural region, four non-structural proteins (nsP1, nsP2, nsP3, nsP4) regions, capsids in conserved and non-conserved regions and structural E1, E2, E3, 6K regions and a 3’ non-transcriptional region (3’-NTR). The Sindbis-IMB was isolated from the blood of a patient suspected to have encephalitis, and was followed by identification and passage. The virus RNA was extracted from virus supernatant in infected cells and the whole genome was divided into 12 fragments; RT-PCR was then performed to amplify the 12 fragments for complete sequencing. The results showed that the whole genomic sequence of Sindbis-IMB consists of 11 717 bp encoding 3 773 amino acids. Homology comparison with other Sindbis-like isolates demonstrated the highest similarity was the YN87448 with a variation of 1% strain isolated in Yunnan Province and the second highest to the SAAR86 strain with a variation of ～1.2%.[SR1] The nucleotide sequence variations were present in non-structural regions, resulting in amino acids K, E, N, R, H, and L in protein sequences in positions 230, 231, 443,781, 1 582, and 1746 in the new isolation[SR2] respectively. Furthermore, three additional amino acids--glutamic acid, serine and alanine--were noted in nsp4 terminus as compared to the YN87448 isolate.
The Influence of Normal Load and Sliding Speed on Frictional Properties of Skin

The study of frictional properties of human skin is important for medical research, skin care products and textile exploitation. In order to investigate the influence of normal load and sliding speed on the frictional properties of skin and its possible mechanism, tests were carried out on a multi-specimen friction tester. When the normal load increases from 0.1 N to 0.9 N, normal displacement and the friction coefficient of skin increase. The friction coefficient is dependent on the load, indicating that both adhesion and deformation contribute to the friction behaviour. The deformation friction was interpreted using the plough model of friction. When sliding speed increases from 0.5 mm·s~(-1) to 4 mm·s~(-1), the friction coefficient increases and “stick-slip” phenomena increase, indicating that hysteretic friction contributes to the friction. The hysteretic friction was interpreted using schematic of energy translation during the rigid spherical probe sliding on the soft skin surface, which provides an explanation for the influence of the sliding speed on the frictional characteristics of the skin.
Numerical and Experimental Research on Modular Oscillating Fin

Fishes are famous for their ability to position themselves accurately even in turbulent flows. This ability is the result of the coordinated movement of fins which extend from the body. We have embarked on a research program designed to develop an agile and high efficient biologically inspired robotic fish based on the performance of hybrid mechanical fins. To accomplish this goal, a mechanical ray-like fin actuated by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is developed, which can realize both oscillatory locomotion and undulatory locomotion. We first give a brief introduction on the mechanical structure of our fin and then carry out theoretic analysis on force generation. Detailed information of these theoretical results is later revealed by Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD), and is final validated by experiments. This robotic fin has potential application as a propulsor for future underwater vehicles in addition to being a valuable scientific instrument.
Relationship between testosterone and indexes indicating endothelial function in male coronary heart disease patients

Aim: To investigate the relationship between androgen level and the indexes indicating endothelial function in male patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: We registered the following data for 106 50-70-year-old men: age, weight, blood lipid, including total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride, whether a smoker, sugar levels, blood pressure, free testosterone (FT), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery, common carotid diameter, maximum velocity in systolic phase, minimum velocity in diastolic phase and resistent index. Among the 106 men, 51 were patients with CHD. The relationships between FT level, VCAM-1 concentration and IMT were examined, respectively, using a stepwise linear regression technique among all the 106 men. Results: There was no statistical difference in terms of age, blood pressure, whether a smoker, sugar levels, HDL-C, minimum velocity in diastolic phase, resistent index between male CHD patients and controls; whereas results for weight, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, VCAM-1 and IMT of male CHD patients were higher than those of controls; FT level and maximum velocity in systolic phase were lower. It was found that among all the objects, FT level was inversely correlated with IMT and VCAM-1 concentration. Conclusion: FT level was inversely correlated with VCAM-1 concentration and IMT which are indicators of endothelial function.
Preparation and Self-assembly of Zirconia Nanoparticles via Hydrothermal Method

Zirconia nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal method without any additives. This work focuses on the effect of preparation conditions, such as the precursor preparation condition and crystallization time of nanocrystallite in autoclave on the properties ofas-prepared products. The results indicated that the amount of tetragonal zirconia varied with the preparation conditions. It increased with the increase of the concentration of KOH solution in precursor producing process and reduced with the prolongation of crystallization time. At the same time, the particle size and morphology were also affected by the preparation conditions. In addition,the self-assembled spindle- like aggregates were observed in present works.
Sperm quality improvement after natural anti-oxidant treatment of asthenoteratospermic men with leukocytospermia

Aim: To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods: Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient's treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results: After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5) and total progressive motility (19.0 ± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8) were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2). Conclusion: The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function.
Comparison of properties of traditional and accelerated carbonated solidified/stabilized contaminated soils

The investigation of the long-term performance of solidified/stabilized (S/S) contaminated soils was carried out in a trial site in southeast UK. The soils were exposed to the maximum natural weathering for four years and sampled at various depths in a controlled manner. The chemical properties (e.g., degree of carbonation (DOC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC)) and physical properties (e.g., moisture content (MC), liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI)) of the samples untreated and treated with the traditional and accelerated carbonated S/S processes were analyzed. Their variations on the depths of the soils were also studied. The result showed that the broad geotechnical properties of the soils, manifested in their PIs, were related to the concentration of the water soluble ions and in particular the free calcium ions. The samples treated with the accelerated carbonation technology (ACT), and the untreated samples contained limited number of free calcium ions in solutions and consequently interacted with waters in a similar way. Compared with the traditional cement-based S/S technology, e.g., treatment with ordinary portland cement (OPC) or EnvirOceM, ACT caused the increase of the PI of the treated soil and made it more stable during long-term weathering. The PI values for the four soils ascended according to the order: the EnvirOceM soil, the OPC soil, the ACT soil, and the untreated soil while their pH and EC values descended according to the same order.
Using geoaccumulation index to study source profiles of soil dust in China

Source apportionment studies of TSP (atmospheric particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters 6100 m) and PM10 (atmospheric particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters 610 m) have revealed that soil dust is an important source of these particulates in China. In this study, the contamination of soil dust was assessed through the use of a geoaccumulation index (I_(geo)). The mass concentration profiles of 17 elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Ba, and Pb) were established for urban soil dusts. Geochemical compositions of soils from 15 cities were used to represent background urban soil compositions. The results of this study indicated that a number of cities are severely polluted by particulates containing Ca, Cr, Ni, and Cu in both size fractions (TSP and PM_(10)). Contamination with Zn, Pb, Co, and Br was moderate to severe (I_(geo) > 2). The Al and Fe concentrations were not high enough for them to be considered contaminants.
Anti-fouling ultrafiltration membrane prepared from polysulfone-graft-methyl acrylate copolymers by UV-induced grafting method

Membrane fouling is one of the most important challenges faced in membrane ultrafiltration operations. The copolymers of polysulfone-graft-methyl acrylate were synthesized by homogeneous photo-initiated graft copolymerization. The variables a ecting the degree of grafting, such as the time of UV (Ultraviolet-visible) irradiation and the concentrations of the methyl acrylate and photoinitiator, were investigated. The graft copolymer membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method. The chemical and morphological changes were characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy, and water contact angles measurements. Results revealed that methyl acrylate groups were present on the membranes and the graft degree of methyl acrylate had remarkable effect on the performance of membranes. Pure water contact angle on the membrane surface decreases with the increase of methyl acrylate graft degree, which indicated that the hydrophilicity of graft copolymer membranes was improved. The permeation fluxes of pure water and bovine serum albumin solution were measured to evaluate the antifouling property of graft copolymer membranes, the results of which have shown an enhancement of antifouling property for graft copolymer membranes.
Anodization of AZ91 magnesium alloy in alkaline solution containing silicate and corrosion properties of anodized films

The anodization of AZ91 magnesium alloy in an alkaline electrolyte of 100 g/L NaOH+20 g/L Na_2B_4O_7·10H_2O+50 g/L C_6H_5Na_3O_7·2H_2O+60 g/L Na_2SiO_3·9H_2O was studied. The corrosion resistance of the anodized films was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The microstructure of the films was examined with scanning electronic microscope(SEM) and X-ray diffractometer(XRD). The results show that, under the experimental conditions, the optimum anodizing time and the optimum anodizing current density are 40 min and 20 mA/cm~2 respectively for obtaining the anodic film with high corrosion resistance. The XRD pattern shows that the components of the anodized film consist of MgO and Mg_2(SiO_4).
Numerical simulation of jet breakup due to amplitude-modulated (A-M) disturbance

In order to characterize the mechanics of jet breakup, the finite volume formulations were employed to solve the Navier-Stokes equations and continuity equation of jet. The volume of fluid(VOF) method was used to track the free surface of jet. The spray process of the molten Pb_(63)Sn_(37) alloy was simulated based on the mathematical model by means of FLUENT code. The configuration of jets generated in different disturbance ratios and modulation ratios was obtained. The theoretical results show that the droplets merge together by the number of disturbance ratio N, which agrees with the corresponding picture captured in the experiment. In addition, the droplet streams broken at non-optimal frequency are also uniform according to simulation results, which proves that the A-M disturbance can increase the width of the uniform droplet generating frequency.
Preparation and bioactivity of SiO_2 functional films on titanium by PACVD

SiO_2 functional films were deposited on the surface of titanium by plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition(PACVD) and the composition of films was studied by XPS. Samples deposited with SiO_2 films were immersed in different concentration simulated body fluid(SBF) for biomimetic deposition of hydroxyapatite(HA). The results show that SiO_2 functional films deposited on titanium surface with PACVD have good bioactivity. Hydroxyapatite is formed while titanium coated with SiO_2 is immersed in simulated body fluid for seven days.
Crystallization kinetic characteristics of oxygen-induced I-phase and Zr_2Cu phase in Zr_(65)Cu_(27.5)A_(l7.5) glassy alloy

Based on the construction of TTT diagrams by isothermal DSC measurements, the thermal stabilities of Zr_(65)Cu_(27.5)Al_(7.5) glassy alloys containing 0.68% and 0.06% [O] (molar fraction) were compared. The changing tendencies of the thermal stabilities reflected in the TTT-diagrams were validated by XRD analyses and TEM observations. The crystallization kinetic characteristics of oxygen-induced I-phase and Zr_2Cu phase in Zr_(65)Cu_(27.5)Al_(7.5) glassy alloy were discussed. It is found that oxygen promotes the precipitation of I-phase and retards the formation of Zr_2Cu phase. If the pre-crystallization event for oxygen-induced I-phase is permitted and the main-crystallization event for Zr_2Cu phase is taken as the thermal stability criterion, the alloy with higher oxygen content has longer onset time for crystallization within a rather large supercooling temperature range. The possibility for the preparation of Zr_(65)Cu_(27.5)Al_(7.5) glassy alloy-based composite containing oxygen-induced I-phase was also forecasted.
Structure and sliding wear behavior of 321 stainless steel/Al composite coating deposited by high velocity arc spraying technique

A typical 321 stainless steel/aluminum composite coating (321/Al coating) was prepared by high velocity arc spraying technique (HVAS) with 321 stainless steel wire as the anode and aluminum wire as the cathode. The traditional 321 stainless steel coating was also prepared for comparison. Tribological properties of the coatings were evaluated with the ring-block wear tester under different conditions. The structure and worn surface of the coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray diffractometry(XRD) and energy dispersion spectroscopy(EDS). The results show that, except for aluminum phase addition in the 321/Al coating, no other phases are created compared with the 321 coating. However, due to the addition of aluminum, the 321/Al coating forms a type of “ductile/hard phases inter-deposited” structure and performs quite different tribological behavior. Under the dry sliding condition, the anti-wear property of 321/Al coating is about 42% lower than that of 321 coating. But under the oil lubricated conditions with or without 32 h oil-dipping pretreatment, the anti-wear property of 321/Al coating is about 9% and 5% higher than that of 321 coating, respectively. The anti-wear mechanism of the composite coating is mainly relevant to the decrease of oxide impurities and the strengthening action resulted from the “ductile/hard phases inter-deposited” coating structure.
Corrosion behavior of Mg and Mg-Zn alloys in simulated body fluid

The corrosion behavior of Mg and Mg-Zn in simulated body fluid was studied. The mass loss of pure Mg, Mg-Zn-Zr and Mg-Zn-Zr-Y in simulated body fluid was measured using photovoltaic scale meter. Corrosion rate was determined through electrochemical tests. Finally, the corrosion mechanism was thermodynamically studied. The results show that the corrosion rate decreases with the lapse of time for both pure Mg and Mg alloys. The purer the alloy, the better the corrosion resistance exhibits. The corrosion behavior of Mg alloy is improved by the addition of trace Y.
Porcine growth differentiation factor 9 gene polymorphisms and their associations with litter size

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is expressed in oocytes and is thought to be required for ovarian folliculogenesis.Given this function,GDF9 may be considered as a candidate gene controlling pig ovulate rate.In this study,the complete coding sequence was cloned (encoding a 444 amino acid),intron sequence and partial 5'-UTR of pig GDF9.RT-PCR results showed that GDF9 mRNA is expressed in a wide range of tissues of the ruttish Erhualian pig.The expression levels of GDF9 mRNA in pituitary,ovary,uterus and oviduct are higher in the Erhualian pigs than those in Duroc pigs,especially in pituitary with a significant difference (P＜0.05).Comparative sequencing revealed 12 polymorphisms,including 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) and one 314 bp indel in noncoding regions,and the other 3 SNPS in coding regions.Four polymorphisms,G359C,C1801T,T1806C and 314 bp indel,were developed as markers for further use in population variation and association studies.The G359C polymorphism segregates only in Chinese native pigs,Erhualian and Dahuabai,on the contrary,314 bp indel segregates only in Duroc and Landrace.C1801T and T1806C sites seem to be completely linked and segregate in Erhualian,Dahuabai and Landrace.In a word,GDF9 may be not associated with pig litter size in extensive populations as per the studies of allele distributions of the four polymorphisms and pilot association in four breeds.
Transcription Factor WRKY70 Displays Important but No Indispensable Roles in Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Signaling

The transcription factor WRKY70 was previously reported to be a common component in salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate (JA) mediated signal pathways in Arabidopsis. Here, we present that the inactivation of the WRKY70 gene in wrky70-1 mutant does not alter the responses of both JA and SA, and that wrky70 mutation is unable to restore the coi1 mutant in JA responses. However, overexpression of WRKY70 reduces JA responses such as expression of JA-induced genes and JA-inhibitory root growth, and activates expression of SA-inducible PR1. These data indicate that the WRKY70 is important but not indispensable for JA and SA signaling, and that other regulators may display the redundant role with WRKY70 in modulation of JA and SA responses in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, we showed that JA inhibits expression of WRKY70 and PR1 by both COI1-dependent and COI1-independent pathways.
Inhibition of Ageratina adenophora on Spore Germination and Gametophyte Development of Macrothelypteris torresiana

Allelopathy of Ageratina adenophora plays an important role in its invasion. However, we have little knowledge of its allelpathic effects on ferns. In Petri dish bioassays, the inhibitory potential of aqueous leachates from roots, stems and leaves of A. adenophora was studied on the spore germination and gametophyte development of Macrothelypteris torresiana. All leachates inhibited the spore germination and growth of the first rhizoid of M. torresiana and inhibitory effects increased with increasing leachate concentrations. Root leachates proved most inhibitory. Gametophyte rhizoids of M. torresiana treated with stem and leaf leachates of A. adenophora were erect, which was similar to those of the control. However, gametophyte rhizoids of M. torresiana treated with root leachates of A. adenophora were erect, but also curving or swollen. Moreover, curving and swollen rhizoids increased with increasing concentrations. As time went by, rhizoids treated with root leachates were not so curved and the swelling almost disappeared. Possible causes are discussed in the present study. The increasing concentrations of leaf leachates also delayed the stages of gametophyte development. With the treatment of root leachates, the delay was more obvious. Thus A. adenophora inhibited the spore germination and gametophyte development of M. torresiana and the root leachates were most inhibitory.
Comparison of Responses to Mn Deficiency Between the UK Wheat Genotypes Maris Butler, Paragon and the Australian Wheat Genotype C8MM

Wheat grown in Mn-deficient soil has been widely observed to produce much reduced yields. Breeding for Mn-efficient wheat genotypes adapted to Mn-deficient soils would represent a long-term solution for wheat agronomy. To characterize the physiological basis of Mn efficiency in wheat genotypes would facilitate the breeding programs for producing Mn-efficient wheat. Using a solution culture and a soil culture system in the present study, a Mn-efficient UK wheat genotype Maris Butler and a Mn-inefficient UK wheat genotype Paragon have been compared with a Mn-efficient Australian wheat genotype C8MM in the responses to Mn deficiency in order to characterize the Mn efficiency in these wheat genotypes. Results showed that in solution culture, Maris Butler grown under Mn deficiency had 77% relative dry matter yield of control plants that were grown under Mn sufficiency, whereas C8MM and Paragon had 60% and 58% relative dry matter yield of their respective controls. Results from the soil culture demonstrated that relative dry matter yield remained high for Maris Butler and C8MM (53% and 56%, respectively), whereas the value for Paragon dropped to 33%. In terms of dry matter yield and photosynthetic efficiency, Maris Butler demonstrated Mn efficiency in both solution culture and soil culture, whereas C8MM showed Mn efficiency only in soil culture. Results also demonstrated that under Mn-depleted supply in soil, plants of C8MM had a significantly higher ability in Mn uptake, whereas plants of Maris Butler showed a higher internal Mn use efficiency in comparison with plants of Paragon. Results from the present study indicate that the ability of C8MM to accumulate higher amounts of Mn is the basis of the improved Mn efficiency of this genotype in comparison with Paragon, and in Maris Butler there is a higher internal use of Mn expressed as an improved photosynthetic efficiency in conferring its Mn efficiency. It is suggested that more than one mechanism has arisen in wheat to confer tolerance to Mn deficiency.