nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of staged lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty for redo hypospadias repair.

The objective of this study was to present the outcomes for redo hypospadias repair using lingual mucosal graft (LMG).



Between June 2012 and February 2017, 47 patients underwent staged LMG urethroplasty for redo hypospadias repair. The inclusion criteria were previous failed hypospadias repair with a paucity of local skin that interferes with correction using skin flaps and demands graft urethroplasty. During the first stage, a well-vascularized bed on the tunica albuginea was created. Then, the harvested LMG was secured to the prepared bed. The second-stage urethroplasty was carried out after six months. In this stage, tubularization of the previously implanted LMG was performed. In four cases, tubularization was difficult owing to graft contracture. This difficulty was managed by using the dorsally degloved penile skin as the onlay island flap in three cases and the buccal mucosa onlay graft in the fourth case. In all cases, a second protective layer from the dartos or tunica vaginalis was developed to cover the neourethra.



The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients at the first stage was 5 (4-6) years, and the median (IQR) duration between both stages was 7 (6-8) months. The median (IQR) follow-up after the second stage was 15 (13-16) months. The median (IQR) number of previous operations was 2 (2-3). The median (IQR) length of the LMG was 3 (2.5-4) cm, and the median (IQR) width was 1 (1-2) cm. No donor-site major complications, but mild oral discomfort in the first week after graft harvesting, were reported in 39 (83%) patients. After the second stage, complications were reported in nine (19.2%) patients, meatal stenosis in five and fistula in four. The reported success rate was 80.9%.



Reconstruction of previously failed hypospadias is a challenge owing to local tissue scarring and a paucity of adjacent healthy tissue. In this study, the LMG was used in two-stage redo hypospadias repair after previous repair failure. In the present study, a success rate of 80.9% was reported after the second stage. According to this study and the published series, harvesting the LMG is associated with minimal immediate donor-site complications and no long-term morbidity. Another advantage of the LMG is easy harvesting with effortlessly reachable tongue in comparison with the buccal mucosa that is deep and requires application of a mouth retractor.



Two-stage LMG urethroplasty is a reliable procedure for salvage urethroplasty. Lingual mucosal graft harvesting is easy, with minor oral complications.

Field of study: Medicine
Measurement of interfacial area and intensity of mass transfer in the gas phase in a packing with significant dependence of the interfacial area on the density of irrigation

Mesure de l'aire interfaciale et du nombre d'unites de transfert lors d'une absorption controlee par la resistance cote gaz, lorsque l'on fait varier le debit du gaz et du liquide, a cocourant et a contre-courant. Le garnissage etait constitue de feuilles de metal deploye verticales. Correlation de la perte de charge en fonction du debit de gaz et de liquide

Field of study: Chemistry
D-CAPM and RD-CAPM in Return Anticipation at Tehran Stock Exchange

From longtime ago, capital market has been engaged in decision-making about providing an optimum high-quality portfolio. Investors were always seeking a logical data base for correct dicision-making about shares. In recent years, Capital Assets Pricing Models (CAPM) have been broadly used to estimate securities return logically. In this research, anticipation power of Downside CAPM (D-CAPM) and Revised Downside CAPM (RD-CAPM) models to estimate destination year return (DYR) was examined. D-CAPM is a developed type of CAPM that anticipates DYR according to past data and systematic risks of company. In contrast, RD-CAPM additionally applies non-systematic risk in frame of financial and operational levers in its mathematical structure to anticipate DYR more precisely. Finally, we compare these two models in Tehran Stock Exchange for a period of eight years (2001-2009) to anticipate return of companies in destination year.

Field of study: Business
Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a jet ejector refrigeration cycle used to cool down the intake air in an IC engine

The present paper evaluates a jet ejector refrigeration system intended to cool down diesel engine intake below ambient conditions. Performance is assessed by means of 1D thermodynamic model of the cycle fed with ejector maps obtained with CFD code using R134a as working fluid. In the first study, no particular ejector geometry is fixed thus allowing the genetic algorithm to adapt the cycle to different engine conditions. Following this approach engine intake temperatures close to 0 ∘C can be attained in those engine operating points in which exhaust thermal power is sufficient to drive the jet-ejector refrigeration system. In the second evaluation, ejection cycle configuration which provided best results for the most frequent operating point in a standard driving, designated as 2000 rpm and 50% load, is selected. With this particular configuration the rest of engine operating points are reassessed. In this study performance degradation is found away from the design point showing that ejector size is a limiting factor.

Field of study: Engineering
Life of university: renewing virtues——For anniversary of prime minister Wen Jiabao's speech on one hundred anniversary of Tongji University

"Three Principles" is the noumenon of university life. Particulars" means university' function."Three Principles" and "Eight Particulars" can be generalized to be renewing virtues.For modern universities,"demonstrating illustrious virtues" means crystallizing academic specialty of universities,making talents cultivating the root."Renovating the people" means cultivating new people of innovative ability of socialism."Resting in the highest excellence" means free,all-around and highly development of people."Investigate things" and "extending to the knowledge" are academic research."Being sincere in the thought","rectifying the heart-mind" and "doing self-cultivation" are to see if running school accords with regularity of higher education."Regulating the family" "governing the state well" and "bringing peace throughout the world" should embody benefit of nature,country and whole human being.Renewing virtues have important significance for building consummate idea of modern university running.

Field of study: Education
THE WEPP WATERSHED MODEL: II. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AND DISCRETIZATION ON SMALL WATERSHEDS

The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) watershed scale model was developed by the USDA for 
purposes of erosion assessment and conservation planning. The purpose of this study was to verify that the watershed 
model behaves rationally and consistently over a range of discretization structures and channel parameter inputs for 
applications to small watersheds. Effects of watershed discretization were evaluated for selected events within a one-year 
continuous simulation by comparing results for two watersheds under various discretization schemes. Impacts of channel 
input parameters were assessed by comparing the value of a linear sensitivity coefficient for user-specified parameters. 
Hillslope length, Manning’s coefficients, and channel slope were found to be key parameters in the prediction of 
watershed sediment yields. Erodibility and critical shear stress were found to be important for events where channel scour 
was active, and the results were sensitive to the hydraulic conductivity for events with small runoff and small sediment 
contributions from hillslopes. Improvements in the WEPP model are suggested where limitations were observed.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Frequency Management of the Capacitance and Conductivity of a Dielectric upon Relaxation Polarization

Interdependences are established between the parameters of the traditional description of relaxation polarization in a substance using the Debye equation and the parameters of impedance means of description. Using a model of a double-layer capacitor with leakage, patterns are found that describe the transition to strong relaxation, the disappearance of maxima in the frequency dependences of the tangent of the angle of dielectric loss, and the imaginary parts of the dielectric capacitance as functions of the ratios of resistances to capacitances of dielectric layers. The possibilities of frequency control of the conductivity and capacitance of heterogeneous dielectrics are analyzed. It is found that the negative capacitance module of a heterogeneous dielectric can be increased considerably if one of its layers has a negative capacitance.

Field of study: Physics
Palaeoenvironmental changes in the Khuran Estuary of SE coastal Iran during the last two millennia, based on the analysis of a sediment core

Late Holocene palaeoenvironments of the northern Strait of Hormoz and the palaeohydrology of the SE Zagros were reconstructed using multi-proxy analysis (e.g. magnetic susceptibility (MS), grain size analysis, total organic matter %, CaCO3%, C/N ratio, and foraminiferal assemblage) of a radiocarbon-dated sediment core (KHU) from the Khuran Estuary. High sedimentation rate (1.23 cm yr−1) and elevated grain size, MS, C/N ratio, as well as the abundance of porcelaneous foraminifers (Quinqueloculina sp.), revealed that during the first three centuries CE, sediments settled in a relatively high accommodation space with strong tidal currents and raised terrigenous sediment input from the SE Zagros. About four centuries later, the gradual disappearance of porcelaneous taxa and the dominance of agglutinated and hyaline ones, besides the increasing C/N ratio, indicated that geomorphological conditions became favourable for mangroves. MS reduction and negative correlation between MS and grain size showed that during this period the relative proportion of terrigenous particles in sediment decreased which, in turn, confirms a reduction of river discharge. Afterwards, the abundance of mud aggregates, low C/N ratio and a dramatic reduction of foraminifers showed that a

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Performance evaluation of household refrigerators running with R600a contaminated with non-condensable gases.

This article reports an experimental study of performance degradation and expansion noise generation in a household refrigerator running with isobutane contaminated with non-condensable gases (NCGs). Controlled amounts of nitrogen were injected into the system using a purpose-built device. The refrigerant flow at the capillary inlet was visualized while an accelerometer recorded the expansion noise at the evaporator inlet. Steady-state performance tests were carried with different nitrogen contamination levels at various compressor speeds. A high sub-cooling degree and an increased discharge pressure showed to be strong evidences of the presence of non-condensable gases. Even though the thermodynamic variables reached steady-state conditions, large fluctuations were observed for the flow pattern at the capillary tube inlet and in the acceleration readings. Therefore, standardized cyclic energy consumption and pull-down tests were also conducted to evaluate the effect of NCGs on the refrigerator transients. It was noticed that the energy consumption increased up to 25.9% when the system was doped with a mass fraction of 0.43% of N2. Also, a quasi-linear increase of the energy consumption with the N2 mass fraction was observed. Furthermore, the system pull-down time increased by up to 10-h due to NCG contamination. A visual inspection revealed that the performance degradation was related to a partial clogging of the capillary tube that unbalanced the compressor and expansion device mass flow rates, preventing the system to reach steady-state conditions.

Field of study: Engineering
Net ebb sediment transport in a rock-bound, mesotidal estuary during spring-freshet conditions: Kennebec River estuary, Maine

Hydrographic data—obtained concurrently along the 25 km longitudinal axis of the Kennebec River estuary during a 13 h semidiurnal tidal cycle of a spring freshet superimposed on near-perigean spring tides—revealed a strong ebb-current dominance along the length of the estuary. Ebb- current dominance is produced by riverine flow that supplants a substantial part of the flood-tidal prism. In addition, side-scan sonograms showed a suite of large bed forms (1–12 m height) with nearly ubiquitous ebb orientations veneering the estuary bottom. Embayment geometry, salinity, water temperature, discharge, current velocity, and bed-form data all suggest that ebb- velocity asymmetry, set up by seasonal changes in freshwater discharge superimposed on ebb-directed tides, is the most important control on net bed-load sediment transport within this high-latitude, rock- bound estuary. These data augment a model that shows that a freshwater discharge threshold exists for net seaward bed-load sediment transport. The results from this study can be used to refine existing conceptual sedimentologic and morphologic classifications of estuaries.

Field of study: Geology
[Establishment of a new combined enzyme immunoassay for detection of HBV preS1 and core antigens and the consistency with HBV DNA test].

In this study, a new combined enzyme immunoassay(NRAg ELISA) for detection of HBV PreS1 and core antigens which was highly consistent with serum HBV DNA test was established. The serial serum dilution test indicated that the average sensitivity of the assay was 10(3.2) genome copies/mL (95% CI: 10(2.2-4.2) genome copies/mL), which was notably higher than the test performed on Pre S1 or core antigen alone. The test with sera from 994 blood donors whose HBsAg were negative demonstrated that the specificity of this assay was 99.7% (95% CI: 99.1%-99.9%). 271 serum samples from chronic hepatitis patients were also examined and the result showed that the total consistent rate between NRAg ELISA and HBV DNA was 96.3% (95% CI: 93.3%-98.2%). The NRAg ELISA S/CO(signal/cutoff) was closely correlated with HBV genome copies (R = 0.9158, n=231). Furthermore,by using this assay,we found a patient whose HBsAg was negative but HBV DNA was positive. Sequencing result showed that HBV genome from this patient had a point mutation in the "a"epitope of S gene. Our results indicate that HBV NRAg ELISA has a high relativity with HBV DNA test, and can effectively detect the mutation of HBsAg,it is expected to be a potent tool for screening HBsAg mutant and is a convenient method for substituting HBV DNA test.

Field of study: Biology
GEOCHEMISTRY OF HORNBLENDE ALTERATION IN PLIOCENE RED BEDS, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

The chemical and mineralogical changes that have taken place during intrastratal alteration of hornblende in Pliocene red beds of Baja California, Mexico, were determined by electron-probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction studies. The hornblende has altered to iron-rich montmorillonite, and thin sections show that this clay ultimately forms hematite-stained matrix. The alteration involves loss of iron, alkalis, alkaline earths, and probably silica. The authigenic clay shows progressive decrease in iron content outward from the decomposing hornblende, indicating selective removal from the clay by intrastratal leaching. The authigenic clay is therefore an important source of iron for hematite pigment, particularly in the matrix of these red beds.

Field of study: Geology
Middle Triassic paleomagnetic data from northern Bulgaria: constraints on Tethyan magnetostratigraphy and paleogeography

Magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data are presented from the Anisian (Middle Triassic) Peri-Tethyan Edivetur section of northwestern Bulgaria. A dual-polarity component of magnetization carried by magnetite delineates a magnetic stratigraphy of mainly reversed polarity. Magnetozones are dated by means of foraminifer and conodont biostratigraphy. Data from Edivetur are compared with data from Middle Triassic Tethyan limestone sections with the aim of contributing to the completion of the Middle Triassic magnetic polarity time scale. We also propose that paleomagnetic data from Edivetur can be used as proxy data for the paleogeographic position of the Moesian platform. The Moesian platform was located at 21‐24°N along the southern margin of Europe. It was probably marginally separated, but not detached or rotated away from Europe by the North Dobrugea transtensional trough, which is interpreted as a back-arc basin resulting from the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys ( Vardar) or Paleo-Tethys ocean. Paleomagnetic data from this study and other minor tectonic elements are used to generate a paleogeographic sketch map of the Pangea-bounded western Tethys and Peri-Tethys at Middle/early Late Triassic time.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Propofol affects mouse embryonic fibroblast survival and proliferation in vitro via ATG5- and calcium-dependent regulation of autophagy

Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent, which has been found to affect cell survival and proliferation especially in early life. Our previous studies show that propofol-induced neurodegeneration and neurogenesis are closely associated with cell autophagy. In the present study we explored the roles of autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) in propofol-induced autophagy in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) in vitro. We showed that ATG5 was functionally related to propofol-induced cell survival and damage: propofol significantly enhanced cell survival and proliferation at a clinically relevant dose (10 µM), but caused cell death at an extremely high concentration (200 µM) in ATG5−/− MEF, but not in WT cells. The dual effects found in ATG5−/− MEF could be blocked by intracellular Ca2+ channel antagonists. We also found that propofol evoked a moderate (promote cell growth) and extremely high (cause apoptosis) cytosolic Ca2+ elevation at the concentrations of 10 µM and 200 µM, respectively, only in ATG5−/− MEF. In addition, ATG5−/− MEF themselves released more Ca2+ in cytosolic space and endoplasmic reticulum compared with WT cells, suggesting that autophagy deficiency made intracellular calcium signaling more vulnerable to external stimuli (propofol). Altogether, our results reveal that ATG5 plays a crucial role in propofol regulation of cell survival and proliferation by affecting intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry, Medicine
A review of elastocaloric cooling: materials, cycles and system integrations.

Elastocaloric cooling is a new alternative solid-state cooling technology undergoing early stage research and development. This study presents a comprehensive review of key issues related to achieving a successful elastocaloric cooling system. Fundamentals in elastocaloric materials are reviewed. The basic and advanced thermodynamic cycles are presented based on analogy from other solid-state cooling technologies. System integration issues are discussed to characterize the next generation elastocaloric cooling prototype. Knowledge acquired from the elastocaloric heat engines is provided as the basis for the design of cooling system configuration. Commercially available drivers enabling proper compression and tension are also presented. A few performance assessment indices are proposed and discussed as guidelines for design and evaluation of future elastocaloric cooling system. A brief summary of the up-to-date elastocaloric cooling prototypes is presented as well.

Field of study: Engineering
Metabolism of the polycyclic musk galaxolide and its interference with endogenous and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

This study investigates the metabolism and mode of action of galaxolide (HHCB) in the European sea bass -Dicentrarchus labrax- following a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg HHCB/kg body weight. In addition, a group of fish was injected with 50 mg/kg of ketoconazole (KCZ), a fungicide that is known to interfere with different Cyp isoenzymes. HHCB was actively metabolised by sea bass and acted as a weak inhibitor of the synthesis of oxyandrogens in gonads of male fish. Both, HHCB and a hydroxylated metabolite were detected in bile. The fungicide ketoconazole was a strong inhibitor of Cyp11β and Cyp3a-catalyzed activities. The work contributes to the better understanding of the impact of synthetic musks on fish and proposes the determination of HHCB and/or its hydroxylated metabolite in bile as a tool to assess environmental exposure in wild fish.

Field of study: Environmental science
Relative Efficiency Measurement of Enterprises Operating in the Oltu Stone Industry Using Data Envelopment Analysis

The city of Erzurum is emerging as one of the most popular jewelry centers in Turkey, principally due to its possession of mines for precious stones, and in particular for Oltu stone. Oltu stone is paramount to the international image of the city, and its contribution to the local and national economy is significant. Although recent studies have underscored the enormous potential of the Oltu stone industry, it is encumbent on the enterprises concerned to use their resources effectively and efficiently in order to reduce their costs, and they are also advised to improve service quality and thus satisfy customer needs more closely. With these aims in mind, Data Envelopment Analysis provides a convenient statistical technique that enables the analyst to measure the relative efficiencies of enterprises. This linear-programming-based technique can be used to identify suggestions for improvement with the goal of achieving greater efficiency. This paper uses Data Envelopment Analysis to perform a relative efficiency analysis of enterprises operating in the Oltu stone industry and presents alternatives whereby inefficient enterprises may become more efficient. The paper makes use of output-oriented CCR and BCC models to specify the scenario by calculating three different efficiency scores.

Field of study: Business
Conduction Mechanisms in Multiferroic Multilayer 
BaTiO3/NiFe2O4/BaTiO3 Memristors

Memristive devices and materials are extensively studied as they offer diverse properties and applications in digital, analog and bio-inspired circuits. In this paper, we present an important class of memristors, multiferroic memristors, which are composed of multiferroic multilayer BaTiO3/NiFe2O4/BaTiO3 thin films, fabricated by a spin-coating deposition technique on platinized Si wafers. This cost-effective device shows symmetric and reproducible current–voltage characteristics for the actuating voltage amplitude of ±10 V. The origin of the conduction mechanism was investigated by measuring the electrical response in different voltage and temperature conditions. The results indicate the existence of two mechanisms: thermionic emission and Fowler–Nordheim tunnelling, which alternate with actuating voltage amplitude and operating temperature.

Field of study: Materials science
Beter vaardighede, vir seker!

Die Instituut vir Suiweltegnologie (IST) fokus hoofsaaklik op die opleiding van plaaswerkers van kommersiele en opkomende melkboere. Die IST-kursusse is saamgestel op grond van tekortkominge in vaardigheidsontwikkeling in die melkbedryf en AgriSeta-eenheidstandaarde.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences