nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Study on the immunosuppressive activities of myeloid derived suppressor cells in patients suffering from recurrent spontaneous abortion

To investigate the roles of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the maintenance of maternal immune tolerance and to analyze their associations with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). 
 
 
 
Peripheral blood samples were collected from sixty subjects including non-pregnant healthy subjects, normal pregnant women and women with recurrent spontaneous abortion aged 25 to 35 years (n=20). Flow cytometry analysis was performed to monitor the changes of MDSCs at the 12th, 24th and 36th weeks of gestational age in three normal pregnant women. The differences with the numbers of MDSCs during the same stage of pregnancy in peripheral blood samples were compared among the three groups by flow cytometry analysis. RT-PCR analysis was used for detection of Arg-1 in women with normal pregnancy and RSA. CD8+ T cells were separated from non-pregnant healthy subjects by using magnetic beads. The immunosuppressive effects of MDSCs, isolated from women with normal pregnancy and RSA, on CD8+ T cells were evaluated by using the 3H thymidine incorporation assay. 
 
 
 
The number of MDSCs increased during normal pregnancy and the differences among different weeks were significant (12th week vs 24th week: P=0.0442, 24th week vs 36th week: P=0.0233, 12th week vs 36th week: P=0.0017). The percentages of MDSCs in peripheral blood of the healthy non-pregnant women were the lowest [(0.937±0.127)%], followed by those in women with RSA [(2.151±0.185)%] and normal pregnant women [(3.777±0.427)%]. There was significant difference with the percentage of MDSCs between women with normal pregnancy and RSA (P=0.0250). Compared with women with normal pregnancy, those with RSA showed significantly decreased levels of Arg-1 (P=0.0474) and suppressed activities of MDSCs against CD8+ T cell proliferation (P=0.0230). 
 
 
 
The MDSCs might play an important role in the maintenance of maternal immune tolerance. Decreased number and inhibited function of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of women with RSA might be responsible for the development of RSA. 
 
 
 
Myeloid derived suppressor cell; Maternal immune tolerance; Recurrent spontaneous abortion

Field of study: Biology
The model structure of Iyama-Yoshino's subfactor triangulated categories

Let $\X$ be a homological finite subcategory of an additive category $\C$. Under suitable conditions, we prove that the stable category $\C/\X$ as the homotopy category of a closed model structure on $\C$ induced by $\X$ is a triangulated category. This shows that Iyama-Yoshino's subfactor triangulated categories have closed model structure.

Field of study: Mathematics
A novel power scaling solution for high-power fiber lasers

A novel power scaling solution based on helical-core fiber for high-power fiber lasers is introduced. The operation principle of this helical-core fiber laser and its latest theoretical and experimental development are specified. The power scaling ability of helical-core fiber laser is explored and an idea of coherently combining fiber lasers based on multi-helical-core fiber for further power scaling is presented.

Field of study: Physics
Can one hear the shape of a Majorana Billiard

Majorana billiards are finite sized superconductors or semiconductors in proximity to a superconductor, featuring ground state fermion parity switches. We study their "spectra", i.e. the set of external parameters at which said parity switches occur, and find formulae for the asymptotic mean value of the density of crossings and its oscillations that are analogous to the Weyl expansion and the Gutzwiller trace formula, respectively. Moreover, the statistics of the spacings of parity-crossings are universal and are described by a random matrix ensemble choice of which depends on the antiunitary symmetries of the system in its normal state. We thus demonstrate that "one can hear (information about) the shape of a Majorana billiard" by investigating its spectrum.

Field of study: Physics
Kinetic study of lipid oxidation in roasted coffee

The kinetics of lipid oxidation in ground roast Arabica coffee from Colombia stored under different conditions were studied. Rancidity was controlled by the analysis of the peroxide value at 30-day intervals. The influence of moisture content (26 and 43 g/kg), storage temperature (5, 25 and 35 °C) and packaging conditions (with non-sealed bags, under vacuum, 35 mbar, and packed under CO2 atmosphere) on the kinetics was determined. Experimental values were fitted with a kinetic model for the mechanism of lipid oxidation. Lipid oxidation is described by two steps, which implies a monomolecular and a bimolecular initiation mechanism for the first and second period respectively. The kinetic constants showed that the plastificant effect of water and CO2 lead to an important change in the reactants' mobility within the temperature range. However, the rise in moisture content seems to protect the product from formation of the peroxide. Furthermore, this effect is more important in the second step of the oxidation process.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
[Role of amino acid residues at positions 322 and 329 of hemagglutinin in virulence of H5N1 avian influenza virus].

Two H5N1 avian influenza viruses (AIV), A/mallard/Huadong/S/2005 (S, IVPI = 2.65, in mallard) and A/mallard/Huadong/Y/2003 (Y, IVPI = 0, in mallard), were capable of distinct in pathogenicity to non-immunized mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). There were two amino acid residues difference in the HA cleavage site between two viruses, 322 (S, Leu; Y, Gln) and 329 (S, deletion; Y, Lys). Based on the variation, a series of recombinant viruses carrying HA gene either from S or Y virus with mutation at 322 and/or 329 were constructed via reverse genetics system to explore the influence of the two amino acid residues on viral pathogenicity in mallards. Recombinant viruses with S virus backbone were completely attenuated in terms of their virulence to ducks when position 322 (L322Q) and/or position 329 (-329K) of HA gene had been mutated. The critical role that L322 and -329 of HA protein from S virus play in the high virulence to ducks were influenced by the entire background of that protein because the recombinant virus with HA gene from Y and other seven genes from S were completely attenuated even if Q322L and K329- mutations of HA gene had been achieved. Recombinant viruses with Y virus backbone significantly increased their virulence to ducks when position 322 (Q322L) and/or position 329 (K329-) of HA gene had been mutated. All recombinant viruses carrying HA gene from Y with Q322L and/or K329-mutations and other seven genes from S were completely attenuated in terms of virulence to ducks whereas all recombinant viruses carrying HA gene from Y with same mutations and other seven genes from Y gained significant virulence. It seems that the compatibility among eight genes might be an important factor for HA to exert its functions. Results indicated that the mutation at amino acid position 322 and deletion at 329 in HA cleavage site significantly influence the pathogenicity of S and Y viruses in mallard, the compatibility among eight genes also contribute to the pathogenicity of both viruses in mallard.

Field of study: Biology
Barriers to and need for alcohol services for women in rural populations.

This article reviews and summarizes the research on alcohol problems and issues related to alcohol services for rural women.



We discuss the prevalence of alcohol problems, help-seeking behavior and barriers to help-seeking for rural women and suggest directions for future research for rural women with alcohol problems. We also address key methodological issues in measuring rurality that must be considered when designing research on rural women.



Little is known about these topics, specifically for rural women, and much has to be currently inferred either from studies of psychiatric disorders in rural populations, from studies of urban or suburban women, or from general research about rural life.



Increased knowledge regarding specific issues for women with alcohol problems in rural areas, particularly about gender-specific barriers to obtaining services and gender-specific needs for particular services, will be beneficial for developing programs designed to meet the unique needs of this group of women.

Field of study: Medicine
Complexation of 4,4'-Dipyridyl Derivatives Changed the Orientations of Metalloporphyrins Linked to the Cyclic Peptide Gramicidin S.

Pairs of Zn and Co(III) porphyrins linked to the natural cyclic β-sheet peptide, Gramicidin S, formed stable host-guest complexes with the 4,4′-dipyridyl derivatives in dichloromethane, in which the Cotton effects reflected the orientational changes of the metalloporphyrins upon the complexations.

Field of study: Chemistry
Temporal and vertical drosophilid (Insecta; Diptera) assemblage fluctuations in a neotropical gallery forest

The drosophilids of a gallery forest in the Brazilian savanna were investigated to identify the temporal and vertical patterns in the community structure of these insects. Twelve monthly collections were performed (December 2007 to November 2008) in three vertical strata of the forest (0, 4 and 8 m heights) using 30 traps baited with fermented banana. The drosophilid assemblage was composed of 61 species (7,623 individuals), experienced temporal fluctuations and was vertically stratified. Both the diversity and abundance of the flies were very low during the dry season, a time when the assemblages were dominated by the exotic species Drosophila simulans, whereas the community showed an increased abundance and richness of neotropical species and showed vertical stratification in the wet season. Rare species were found primarily at the ground level (flies usually associated with neotropical forests) or in the canopy, which harbors species currently associated with open vegetation, little-studied neotropical species and most likely several new species. These changes, which reflect drosophilid adaptations to different environments, involve a shifting of the ecological niches occupied by the flies in the forest over time. This process of change is termed niche construction. Thus, we conclude that this complex and dynamic community structure, which is related to the interaction of several environmental factors associated with different forest environments, contributes to the high diversity of gallery forests in the Brazilian savanna.

Field of study: Environmental science
Psychological factors in spinal cord stimulation therapy: brief review and discussion.

Since its introduction in 1967 by Shealy and colleagues, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy has become an accepted approach to the treatment of certain types of chronic pain. Significant advances have been made in surgical technique, hardware technology, and the variety of disorders for which SCS has proven to be potentially beneficial. Despite these advancements, 25 to 50% of patients in whom a preimplantation trial screening yields successful results report loss of analgesia within 12 to 24 months of implantation, even in the presence of a functioning device. Psychological factors may play an important role in understanding this observation and improving the outcomes. In this article the author briefly reviews some of the data on psychological factors potentially involved in SCS. Research on patients with low-back and extremity pain was more heavily relied on because this is the population for which the most data exist. The discussion is divided into four sections: 1) role of psychological factors; 2) psychological screening and assessment; 3) patient selection and psychological screening; and 4) psychological variables and outcomes. To date, the data remain speculative. Although few definitive conclusions can be drawn, the cumulative existing experience does lend itself to some reasonable recommendations. As with all therapies for chronic pain, invasive or noninvasive, the criteria for success and an acceptable level of failure need to be established, but remain elusive. The emphasis herein is to try to take what works and make it work better.

Field of study: Medicine
On the Storage Pressures and Properties of Alfalfa in a Bottom-Unloading Silo

Haylage pressures in a bottom unloading monolithic concrete silo were measured for two consecutive years with 15 transducers placed symmetrically around the circumference at five levels. The experimental data were used to estimate the ratio of horizontal to vertical pressure and the coefficient of friction between silage and silo wall. The results indicate that the lower and upper limits for pressure ratio of 0.5 and 0.6 may be taken for alfalfa haylage in concrete silos. Values for friction coefficient of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 can be used corresponding to moisture contents of 60%, 50%, and 40% (wet basis) for this material and silo type. The predictions based on the proposed Canadian standard for bottom-unloading silos agree closely with the measured wall pressures at all levels above the unloader. This code also provides a conservative estimate of the overpressures in the unloader region.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Intercollegiate Athletic Committees: Dimensions of Influence.

The past few years have witnessed an intensification of interest among college and university administrators in gaining greater institutional control over intercollegiate athletic programs. This concern has been most pronounced in institutions with large and highly competitive programs. Since much of the control that has existed on most campuses has been exercised through some sort of athletic committee or board, dominated in most instances by faculty members and, to a lesser extent, administrators, plans to strengthen or alter the locus of control could be aided by understanding the influence of those boards and the factors that affect their influence. A variety of problems must be faced in strengthening or altering institutional control of an athletic program. Some of these problems are common to collegiate administration of any area; others are relatively unique to athletics. Among the former is the confusion over the dividing line between policy setting and administration. Related to this distinction is that between responsibility and accountability, as well as the question of to whom a board or director should be responsible and/or accountable. Among the problems relatively unique to athletics is their large and vocal constituency, a good portion of which has little interest in academic issues. Competitive sports have assumed a very special role in

Field of study: Education
THE GEOLOGY OF THE NEW QUEBEC CRATER

The New Quebec Crater is a circular depression in the acid Archaean gneisses of northern Quebec, about 2 miles in diameter and 1 300 ft deep. The crater is roughly bowl-shaped, with a prominent rim elevated 300 to 500 ft above the surrounding barrens. The rim structure is a relatively recent deformation resulting in systematic outward dip of rock sheeting, and radial distribution of other curviplanar structural elements. Rocks of the rim are strongly mineralized with epidote and hematite, and are altered to sericite. These minerals are not found in the same rock units outside the rim. Glaciation of the rim appears to have removed little or no material. No evidence of impact was found.The crater may have arisen either by extraterrestrial impact or by volcano-tectonic collapse. The impact theory is implausible because of absence of distinctive criteria of shock and failure to explain the characteristic structure and mineralization of the crater. The volcano-tectonic hypothesis explains the structural and pe...

Field of study: Environmental science
Studies of the morphology and histology of the Trepostomata or Monticuliporoids

The results recorded in the present paper are the by-product of studies begun by the senior author in 1899, and since 1908 shared by both authors on even terms. At first our interest in the order was almost entirely faunistic and systematic, but as these studies were pushed further it became more and more evident that a much more detailed and minute examination of trepostome structure was necessary to the proper elucidation of generic and family relationships. It was necessary, however, first of all, to bring to a conclusive issue the vexed question of the systematic position of the group, and failing this from the direction of morphology alone, the problem was finally successfully attacked from the standpoint of colonial development (astogeny). The senior author’s paper on the development of the Trepostomata (8) 2 , published in 1912, leaves no doubt of the Bryozoan affinities of the order. The results .

Field of study: Geology
Active Learning based on Data Uncertainty and Model Sensitivity

Robots can rapidly acquire new skills from demonstrations. However, during generalisation of skills or transitioning across fundamentally different skills, it is unclear whether the robot has the necessary knowledge to perform the task. Failing to detect missing information often leads to abrupt movements or to collisions with the environment. Active learning can quantify the uncertainty of performing the task and, in general, locate regions of missing information. We introduce a novel algorithm for active learning and demonstrate its utility for generating smooth trajectories. Our approach is based on deep generative models and metric learning in latent spaces. It relies on the Jacobian of the likelihood to detect non-smooth transitions in the latent space, i.e., transitions that lead to abrupt changes in the movement of the robot. When non-smooth transitions are detected, our algorithm asks for an additional demonstration from that specific region. The newly acquired knowledge modifies the data manifold and allows for learning a latent representation for generating smooth movements. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach on generalising elementary skills, transitioning across different skills, and implicitly avoiding collisions with the environment. For our experiments, we use a simulated pendulum where we observe its motion from images and a 7-DoF anthropomorphic arm.

Field of study: Computer science
Rethinking Human Resource Strategies: A Shift in the Treatment of Contingent Workers

Contingent workers fulfill valuable organizational needs and have functioned as knowledge resources for organizations. Despite their contributions, the literature suggests that a difference in treatment exists between contingent and standard workers in terms of onboarding, pay for performance, and training and development practices within organizations. This paper presents an empirically testable framework that argues for a shift in HR strategies that will allow for equality in treatment between standard and contingent workers within organizations.

Field of study: Business
165Ho fast neutron cross sections

Total neutron cross sections of165 Ho were measured from 0.1 to 1.5 MeV with resolutions of ≲ 2.5 keV. The observed total cross sections varied slowly with energy and displayed no significant structure. Differential neutron elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections were determined at intervals of ≲50keV from 0.3 to 1.5 MeV. The inelastic excitation of states in165Ho at; 98, 214, 371, 460, 517, 586, 712, 824, 995, 1104 and 1143 keV was positively observed with probably identification of several additional states. The observed excited structure and the respective cross sections were correlated with known single-particle and collective states and with excited structure postulated from systematics. The measured cross sections were compared with calculated values based upon spherical and deformed optical-potentials, and compound-nuclear processes. Total cross sections were best described by a spherical potential while the differential elastic angular distributions were better represented by deformed-potential calculations. Resonance interference effects were found small and, at the energies of the present experiments, the contribution of direct processes was not large.

Field of study: Physics
An efficient neural network model for path planning of car-like robots in dynamic environment

A neural network model is proposed for real-time path planning with obstacle avoidance of car-like robots in a dynamic environment. Each neuron in this biologically inspired, topologically organised neural network has only local lateral connections. The real-time collision-free path is planned through the dynamic neural activity landscape of the neural network without explicitly searching over the free workspace nor the collision paths, without explicitly optimising any cost functions, without any prior knowledge of the dynamic environment, without any learning procedures, and without any local collision checking procedures. Therefore it is computationally efficient. The stability and convergence of the neural network system is proved using Lyapunov stability analysis. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach are demonstrated through simulation studies.

Field of study: Computer science
Structure and chemical composition of endodermal and rhizodermal/hypodermal walls of several species

CWM, isolated cell wall material 
ECW, isolated endodermal cell walls 
G, guaiacyl monomer 
H, p-hydroxyphenyl monomer 
HCW, isolated hypodermal cell walls 
RHCW, isolated rhizodermal and hypodermal cell walls 
S, syringyl monomer 
XV, isolated xylem vessels 
 
Endodermal cell walls of the three dicotyledoneous species Pisum sativum L., Cicer arietinum L. and Ricinus communis L. were isolated enzymatically and analysed for the occurrence of the biopolymers lignin and suberin. From P. sativum, endodermal cell walls in their primary state of development (Casparian strips) were isolated. Related to the dry weight, these isolates contained equal amounts of suberin (2·5%) and lignin (2·7%). In contrast, the endodermal cell walls of C. arietinum and R. communis, which were nearly exclusively in their secondary state of development, contained significantly higher proportions of suberin (10–20%) and only traces of lignin (1–2%). The results of the chemical analyses were supported by a microscopic investigation of Sudan III-stained root cross-sections, showing a Casparian strip restricted to the radial walls of the endodermis of P. sativum and well-pronounced red suberin lamellae in C. arietinum and R. communis roots. Compared with recently investigated monocotyledoneous species, higher amounts of suberin by one order of magnitude were detected with the secondary state of development of dicotyledoneous species. Furthermore, the carbohydrate and protein contents of primary (Clivia miniata Reg. and Monstera deliciosa Liebm.), secondary (C. arietinum and R. communis) and tertiary endodermal cell walls (Allium cepa L. and Iris germanica L.) were determined. The relative carbohydrate content of secondary endodermal cell walls was low (14–20%) compared with the content of primary (42–50%) and tertiary endodermal cell walls (60%), whereas the protein content of isolated endodermal cell walls was high in primary (13%) and secondary (8%) and low in tertiary endodermal cell walls (0·9–2%). The results presented here indicate that the quantitative chemical composition of primary, secondary, and tertiary endodermal cell walls varies significantly. Finally, cell wall proteins are described as an additional important constituent of endodermal cell walls, with the highest concentrations occurring in primary (Casparian strips) and secondary endodermal cell walls.

Field of study: Environmental science