nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Versatile utilization of real-time intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in cranial neurosurgery: technical note and retrospective case series.

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (iCEUS) offers dynamic imaging and provides functional data in real time. However, no standardized protocols or validated quantitative data exist to guide its routine use in neurosurgery. The authors aimed to provide further clinical data on the versatile application of iCEUS through a technical note and illustrative case series.



Five patients undergoing craniotomies for suspected tumors were included. iCEUS was performed using a contrast agent composed of lipid shell microspheres enclosing perflutren (octafluoropropane) gas. Perfusion data were acquired through a time-intensity curve analysis protocol obtained using iCEUS prior to biopsy and/or resection of all lesions.



Three primary tumors (gemistocytic astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and meningioma), 1 metastatic lesion (melanoma), and 1 tumefactive demyelinating lesion (multiple sclerosis) were assessed using real-time iCEUS. No intraoperative complications occurred following multiple administrations of contrast agent in all cases. In all neoplastic cases, iCEUS replicated enhancement patterns observed on preoperative Gd-enhanced MRI, facilitated safe tumor debulking by differentiating neoplastic tissue from normal brain parenchyma, and helped identify arterial feeders and draining veins in and around the surgical cavity. Intraoperative CEUS was also useful in guiding a successful intraoperative needle biopsy of a cerebellar tumefactive demyelinating lesion obtained during real-time perfusion analysis.



Intraoperative CEUS has potential for safe, real-time, dynamic contrast-based imaging for routine use in neurooncological surgery and image-guided biopsy. Intraoperative CEUS eliminates the effect of anatomical distortions associated with standard neuronavigation and provides quantitative perfusion data in real time, which may hold major implications for intraoperative diagnosis, tissue differentiation, and quantification of extent of resection. Further prospective studies will help standardize the role of iCEUS in neurosurgery.

Field of study: Medicine
A Novel Glucose Biosensor Based on Thin-film Gold Electrode Modified Nanoparticles

To improve the sensitivity and lower the working potential of the biosensor under the condition of no mediator,a new biosensor is introduced and the glucose oxidase is immobilized on the surface of the modified electrode by glutaraldehyde cross-linking.The nano-Pt particles are deposited on the surface of the electrode fabricated by thin-film technology.The analytical characteristics of the biosensor for low concentration are studied at the platinum nanoparticles and ordinary thin-film electrode.The results show the detection limit of the glucose biosenser decreases from 100 to 10 μmol/L and the working potential is 0.4 V.The result exhibits analytical sensitivity of 50.8 nA/(cm2 μmol/L) in the relevant concentration range of 0-1300 μmol/L at the response time 30 s.The RSD is 2.1%.The biosensor also indicates good stability.

Field of study: Chemistry
A hybrid adaptive blind equalization algorithm for QAM signals in wireless communications

A hybrid adaptive channel equalization technique for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals is proposed. The proposed algorithm, which is referred to as the modified constant modulus algorithm (MCMA), minimizes an error cost function that includes both amplitude and phase of the equalizer output. In addition to the amplitude-dependent term that is provided by the conventional constant modulus algorithm (CMA), the cost function includes an additive signal constellation matched error (CME) term. This term can be designed to satisfy a set of desirable properties. The MCMA is compared with the CMA for blind equalization. The performance is measured for wireless channels using both transient and steady-state behavior of the mean square error (MSE). It is shown that MCMA is superior and more robust in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environments. Simulation results demonstrate that using MCMA improves adaptive channel equalization by increasing the convergence rate and decreasing the steady-state mean square error.

Field of study: Engineering
Modern Industrial, Economic and Social Change Guided by Technology

The reason that technological variables can provide some explanation for modern industrial, economic and social change is that in the change of modern mode of production, there are really some important influence exerted by technological progress; of course, the force of technological change is not unconditional, it generally can not be singly emphasized under the condition of being divorced from the macro-category of production; if not being related with economy and the intervenient description of the mode of production, it will be difficult to understand the meaning of technological change, so the effect of technology should be understood from the angle of economic development.

Field of study: Economics
Quaternary glacial history of Mount Olympus, Greece

Erosional and depositional evidence on Mount Olympus, Greece, and across the adjacent piedmont provides clear indication that the mountain was more extensively glaciated over a longer period of time than has been previously reported. The stratigraphic record of Pleistocene–Holocene events on Mount Olympus is most clearly documented on the eastern piedmont, where three discrete sedimentary packages (units 1–3), each capped by a distinctive soil, reflect glacial and nonglacial activity in the Mount Olympus region. A working stratigraphic framework for sediments and soils is proposed and is tentatively correlated with a dated alluvial succession south of Mount Olympus. We suggest that the oldest sedimentary package (unit 1) predates 200 ka (isotope stage 8?). Lithologic and pedologic equivalents of the piedmont stratigraphy are found within major valleys draining Mount Olympus, as well as within cirque basins and on the summit plateau surface. These deposits can be clearly tied to three stages of cirque development on the upland and at valley heads. Taken together, upland and piedmont glacial features and deposits indicate the following general scenario: (1) earliest glaciation (isotope stage 8?) produced upland ice and valley glaciers that extended as piedmont lobes east, north, and west of Mount Olympus; (2) nonglacial (interglacial) conditions (isotope stage 7?) were accompanied by extensive erosion and subsequent pedogenesis; (3) a second glaciation (isotope stage 6?) involved production of upland ice and valley glaciers that did not reach the piedmont; (4) interglacial (interstadial) conditions (isotope stage 5?) provided time for stream erosion and substantial pedogenesis; (5) final(?) glaciation (isotope stages 4–2?) was restricted to valley heads (no upland ice) and glaciers that extended to mid-valley positions; (6) nonglacial conditions (isotope stage 1?) were associated with additional pedogenesis and stream incision. The largest cirque on the mountain (Megali Kazania) may contain depositional evidence for neoglaciation. Study of the neotectonic history of the Mount Olympus region indicates that uplift has persisted throughout the mid-Pleistocene and Holocene at a rate of about 1.6 m/k.y.; the total uplift since deposition of unit 2 is approximately 200 m.

Field of study: Geology
In-situ study of electrical transport in Pd/n-Si under high energy ion irradiation

The understanding of the influence of energetic ions on the transport properties of semiconductor materials is essential to design the devices for use in a radiation environment. In this article, an in-situ investigation of the effect of 100 MeV O7+ irradiation on the current-voltage characteristics of the Pd/n-Si Schottky barrier structure is carried out. It is observed that the interface barrier parameters (Ideality Factor, Schottky barrier height and reverse saturation current) are a strong function of ion fluence. The voltage dependence of conduction mechanisms indicates the presence of defects near the interface as well as in bulk silicon. The energy loss mechanisms of energetic ions in the Pd/n-Si structure are used to explain the observed results after irradiation.

Field of study: Materials science
Transport Property of REBCO Superconducting Joints in Magnetic Fields at Various Temperatures

We are developing a cryocooled (RE)Ba<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> (REBCO; RE = rare earth) persistent-mode superconducting magnet system that generates 1 T with multiple superconducting joints. In parallel to the design of the system, we have investigated transport characteristics of the REBCO superconducting joints. Critical currents (<italic>I</italic><sub>c</sub>) were measured as a function of magnetic field and temperature. Two joint samples with <italic>I</italic><sub>c</sub> of 107 and 53 A at 77 K, self-field were measured. The first one showed <italic>I</italic><sub>c</sub> of 357 A at 50 K and 0.1 T (magnetic field is perpendicular to the tape surface). <italic>I</italic><sub>c</sub> of the REBCO joint samples showed remarkable hysteresis. The anisotropy of <italic>I</italic><sub>c</sub> changed with temperature. <italic>I</italic><sub>c</sub> at <italic>B</italic> perpendicular to the tape were higher than those at <italic>B</italic> parallel to the tape at temperatures below 20 K. The random pinning is possibly the dominant pinning mechanism in the whole temperatures for the REBCO superconducting joints in magnetic fields perpendicular to <italic>c</italic>-axis.

Field of study: Physics
Respirometric testing method for biodegradability of xenobiotics using compost

A simple, accurate automated respirometer is proposed to be used for testing the biodegradability of various xenobiotics. Compost is used as a source for microorganisms. The basic principle of the respirometer is that all oxygen consumed by the microorganisms is replaced by an equal amount of oxygen produced in an electrolytic cell which is plotted against time in a registration unit. The proposed method is illustrated with pentachlorophenol as xenobiotic compound. The advantages of this respirometer over other common equipment is briefly discussed.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Causes and consequences of plant-associated biofilms.

The rhizosphere is the critical interface between plant roots and soil where beneficial and harmful interactions between plants and microorganisms occur. Although microorganisms have historically been studied as planktonic (or free-swimming) cells, most are found attached to surfaces, in multicellular assemblies known as biofilms. When found in association with plants, certain bacteria such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria not only induce plant growth but also protect plants from soil-borne pathogens in a process known as biocontrol. Contrastingly, other rhizobacteria in a biofilm matrix may cause pathogenesis in plants. Although research suggests that biofilm formation on plants is associated with biological control and pathogenic response, little is known about how plants regulate this association. Here, we assess the biological importance of biofilm association on plants.

Field of study: Biology, Environmental science
Condensation of Dibaryons in Nuclear Matter and Its Possible Signatures in Heavy Ion Collisions

We consider the thermodynamics of the matter made up of equal number of neutrons and protons and of scalar dibaryons. They interact via the exchange of scalar and vector mesons. The interaction is taken into account in the mean field approximation. The condensation of dibaryons in this matter and the phase transition of matter to quark matter are considered. Possible signatures of dibaryons in Heavy Ion Collisions are speculated on.

Field of study: Physics
Estimation for Linear Models with Unequal Variances

This article considers the familiar linear model in which the residual vector e has elements e i with expectation 0 but different variances σ2 i . The elements of and the σ2 i are estimated by maximum likelihood under the assumption of a lower bound for the σ2 i of the form 0 < δ2 i ≤ σ2 i so that the likelihood is finite in the restricted parameter space. A second problem is considered in which the y vector splits into k sub-vector y j , such that all elements of y j have equal variances. Various asymptotic optimality properties and small sample unbiassedness for are proved.

Field of study: Mathematics
CURVATURE DUCTILITY ANALYSIS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE SHEAR WALL IN PERFORMANCE-BASED SEISMIC DESIGN

According to the characteristics of shear wall cross sections,a new piecewise confining stirrup is suggested to improve the curvature ductility of high performance concrete shear walls.Based on the section property and special configuration of the stirrup,the effects of piecewise confining stirrup on the curvature ductility of high performance concrete shear walls are analyzed and calculation formulas used for evaluating the yielding and ultimate curvatures for the cross section of shear walls with piecewise confining stirrup are derived.The relationship between the depth of compression zone and the curvature ductility is analyzed and the relationship between the curvature ductility of shear wall cross section and the amount of confinement reinforcement is derived.Case studies and sample analysis show that the effect of confining stirrup on the ultimate curvature for the cross section of shear walls is much more significant than that on the yielding curvature.The curvature ductility for the cross section of shear walls is related to the axial compressive ratio,the amount and range of confinement reinforcement,and the design parameters of confined concrete core at the end of section.

Field of study: Engineering
Expression, refolding, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic study of MHC H-2Kk complexed with octapeptides and nonapeptides.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors that play a crucial role in the cellular immune response by presenting epitope peptides to T-cell antigen receptors (TCR). Although the structural basis of the peptide-MHC binding mechanism is becoming better understood, it is still difficult to predict a binding mode for an MHC of unknown structure. Therefore, as the first stage of a TCR-MHC interaction study, the crystal structures of the mouse H-2K(k) molecule in complex with both an octapeptide from Influenza A virus and a nonapeptide from simian virus SV40 were solved. Here, the expression, refolding, purification and crystallization of the two complexes are reported. For the H-2K(k)-HA(259-266) complex, crystals were obtained via an extensive screen using a nanodrop-dispensing robot and diffracted to 2.5 A resolution. For the H-2K(k)-SV40(560-568) complex, microscopic needles were initially obtained and their size was improved by macroseeding and a stepwise increase in precipitant concentration. Diffraction data to a resolution of 3.0 A were collected at a synchrotron facility.

Field of study: Chemistry
Interleukin 10 protects primary melanocyte by activation of Stat-3 and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Vitiligo is a common melanocytopenic disorder of the skin, with acquired focal depigmentation. Normal human skin relies on melanocytes to provide photoprotection and thermoregulation by producing melanin. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine drawing more and more researchers' attention. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of IL-10 on melanocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We proved that IL-10 play no role in regulating melanogenesis of normal human foreskin-derived epidermal melanocytes (NHEM). IL-10 stimulation activated the JAK/Stat-3 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Moreover, IL-10 treatment increased translocation of p65 NF-κB into the nuclear compartment, and up-regulated expression of the pro-survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. IL-10 restored anti-apoptotic proteins expression and suppressed cytochrome c release in H2O2-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, IL-10 may provide pro-survival cues to melanocytes and be applied in the treatment of vitiligo and other depigmenting disorders.

Field of study: Medicine
Electronic properties of chalcogenide glasses and their use in xerography

An overview of the xerographic process and the relevant physical phenomena involved in the formation of the latent image is presented. Emphasis is on the electronic properties of a-selenium but some properties of other disordered solids will be mentioned in order to amplify features general to the disordered solid state. Specifically the discussion includes a description of the Onsager mechanism of charge generation, transient dispersive transport, and recent models of defects in chalcogenide glasses.

Field of study: Materials science
Book Review: Química de los alimentos

The interest of hydrocolloids in the food industry and more specifically in the area of formulated foods is unquestionable. The editors, with a large experience in the study of these materials, have carried out a very good selection of specialists in each one of the hydrocolloids described. They are either university professors or highly qualified technical personnel from manufacturing industries. The chapters are, in general, uniform in their content. For each hydrocolloid, information is offered on: Source, fabrication methods, structure and chemical composition, functional properties, rheological properties, applications in the food industry, sometimes particular examples of formulations are included. Regulatory status is also dealt with, which in some cases results in curious and practical interest to potential users. All chapters contain literature information but, as a consequence of the different sources and habits of the diverse authors, this is unequally treated from one chapter to the next. While some chapters provide more than 100 complete literature references, cited in text, others offer a short list of references (2 general ones in the chapter on pectins) or alternatively a list of books or publications for further reading. The coverage is really wide, comprising the following gums: agar, starch, gelatin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, galactomannans, gum arable, pectins, milk proteins, cellulosics, tragacanth and karaya gums, xyloglucan, curdlan, cereal b-glucans, soluble soybean polysaccharide, bacterial cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, gums for coating and adhesives, chitosan, alginates, Frutafit-inulin, CRC emulsifying biopolymer, konjac mannan and Philippine Natural Grade or semi-refined carrageenan. Some of the latter gums are very particular and difficult to find in other texts. As stated by the editors, it is not a textbook but a manual designed to assist readers, from students to food scientists, in the acquisition of information on each hydrocolloid, coming from reliable sources, which will undoubtedly be of great value in formulating new products or in planning research to improve their functionality. L. Durán

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Molecular aspects of embryonic mouse haemoglobin ontogeny.

Embryos from C57BL/6J mice between the gestational ages of 9 and 16 days possess three embryonic haemoglobins EI, EII and EIII, the proportions of which change as a function of gestational age. Component EI, originally present at approx. 65% at day 9, decreases to approx. 20% by day 16, while component EII increases in an inverse manner to that of component EI. During this period component EIII remains essentially constant at approx. 25%. Separation of these species by ion-exchange chromatography has allowed the characterization of the Hill coefficient, Bohr effect, heat of oxygenation and binding of allosterically active organic phosphates for each component. The three components show marked functional heterogeneity and also differ from maternal haemoglobin. Oxygenation curves for whole embryonic blood show distinct deviations from simple binding behaviour. The presence of a high-affinity component within the blood samples may be accounted for by the presence of haemoglobin EI. By using parameters obtained from the study of the isolated components it has been possible to synthesize mathematically the O2-binding curves, obtained experimentally, throughout the gestational period. The characteristics of the isolated haemoglobin components of embryonic mouse blood are discussed in terms of the changing demands for O2 likely to be encountered by the developing embryo.

Field of study: Biology, Computer science
Improved Superconducting Properties of NaCl Doped MgB2

MgB2 superconducting materials have important application potential in the 20K temperature region, which is a significant advantage compared with other low-temperature superconductors (such as Nb-Ti and Nb3Sn). However, there is a big gap between its superconducting current-carrying capacity and Ni-Ti and Nb3Sn, which is due to the weak magnetic flux pinning force and the poor connection between the MgB2 grains. Chemical doping is a simple and effective method to improve the performance of MgB2. This paper studies the effect of NaCl doping on the performance of MgB2. It is found that NaCl doping has a positive effect on improving the interconnection of MgB2 grains and refining MgB2 grains, and is a potentially effective method to improve the superconducting properties of MgB2. In addition, all of the samples in this study showed surface pinning characteristics, but the smaller the MgB2 grain size, the better the match with the surface pinning characteristics described by Kramer's theory.

Field of study: Physics
Multiple periodic solutions for superquadratic second-order discrete Hamiltonian systems

Some multiplicity results are obtained for periodic solutions of the nonautonomous superquadratic second-order discrete Hamiltonian systems Δ 2 u ( t - 1 ) + ∇ F ( t , u ( t ) ) = 0 ∀ t ∈ Z by using critical point theory, especially, a three critical points theorem proposed by Brezis and Nirenberg.

Field of study: Mathematics
All-organic thin film flexible photodetector based on C60 modified PEDOT:PSS

In organic electronics, the use of self-assembled monolayer dielectric functional groups is considered an effective surface modification strategy that can significantly improve device performance. A flexible polymer (PEDOT:PSS) photodetector on the substrate polyimide (PI) with broadband response (450 nm~980 nm) and high response (0.56 A/W) is reported, which is superimposed on the surface by small molecule (C60) thermal evaporation. In addition, the planeness of organic semiconductor and the overall performance of organic thin film photodetector can be improved significantly by using small molecule modified polymer thin film, the photocurrent, Ri and EQE were all increased by more than 10 %. And the response time of the device reached an astonishing 5.87 ms, much faster than that of similar devices. The response of small molecule modified organic device is improved by an order of magnitude, which provides a guarantee for better application of organic thin films in circuits. Moreover, the device has strong flexibility stability performance, which can meet the requirements of flexible stability of future photoelectric devices.

Field of study: Materials science