nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
χ2-Type Goodness of Fit Test Based on Transformed Empirical Processes for Location and Scale Families

A χ 2-type goodness of fit test for a location and scale family is presented. The test uses the Transformed Empirical Processes introduced by A. Cabaña and E.M. Cabaña and is based in a particular expansion on the L 2 space of the null hypothesis standard distribution. It is implemented in a particular contiguous case, and compared with a classical χ 2-type test, obtaining an improvement.

Field of study: Mathematics
A replicated experiment for evaluating the effectiveness of pairing practice in PSP education

Handling large-sized classes is one of the major challenges in Personal Software Process (PSP) education in a tertiary education environment. We applied a pairing approach in PSP education and managed to mitigate the size challenge without sacrificing education effectiveness, which has been verified in an experiment in 2010 ( PSP2010 ). However, there are several issues (e.g., mutual interference among student pairs, confusing evaluation comments, untraceable corrections, etc.) existing in this experiment, which may create mist towards proper understanding of the education approach.  In order to address the identified issues and better understand both pros and cons of the pairing approach, we replicated the experiment in 2014.  With new lab arrangement and evaluation mechanism devised, the replication ( PSP2014 ) involved 120 students after their first academic year, who were separated into two groups with 40 pairs of students in one group and 40 solo students in the other.  Results of the replication include: 1) paired students conformed process discipline no worse (sometime better) than solo students; 2) paired students performed better than solo students in the final exam; 3) both groups spent comparable amount of time in preparing submissions; 4) both groups performed similar in size estimation and time estimation of the course assignments; 5) the quality of the programs developed by paired students is no less (sometime better) than solo students.  The replication together with the original study confirms that, as an education approach, the pairing practice could reduce the amount of submissions required in a PSP training without sacrificing (sometime improving) the education effectiveness.

Field of study: Computer science, Engineering
Protein patterns of luminal fluids and mucosal tissue extracts of the uterus and cervix in normally mated and supervulated rabbits.

The protein compositions of luminal fluids and mucosal tissue extracts of the rabbit uterus and cervix were investigated with the aid of horizontal polyacrylamide slab-gel electrophoresis, as a part of a study on the preimplantation loss of eggs in the rabbit. The daily samples were obtained from normally mated and superovulated does up to the 6th day of pregnancy. Protein profiles in the uterus and cervix changed almost synchro-nously. Some protein fractions which were absent in blood serum were detected in the uterine and cervical fluids, and a few of them were present also in their tissue extracts. Based on a quantitative fluctuation of uteroglobin as an indicator, daily changes in protein patterns of the secreta of both organs in superovulated does were apparently ad-vanced by 3 days compared with those in normally mated does, and accumulated-uterine-fluid flow descended through the cervical canal from at least 3-4 days after normal mat-ing or just before mating in the superovulated does. The results of these studies suggest that the asynchronously advanced changes in the protein composition of uterine fluid of supervulated does, relative to embryo development, may be one of the causes for high embryonic mortality.

Field of study: Biology
Potential Approaches for Gene Transfer between Transformed Wheat(Triticum aestivum) and It's Relative Weeds

Three potential approaches of gene transfer between transformed wheat with glufosinate resistant gene and it's relative weeds were studied by investigating the gene flow in the progeny of hybridization. Theoretically, the gene transfer has three approaches from transformed wheat to weeds by sexual transfer, which are: 1.from selfing F1, forming transgenic population mixed with tetraploids and aneuploids that will go on segregation on the resistance, 2.from the F1 to tetraploid weeds via spontaneous crossing, and 3. from the F1 pollinated by transgenic hexaploid wheat. In this paper, it was confirmed that there exists a potential risk of gene transfer between transformed wheat variety and it's relative weeds. On the sexual transfer approaches, the first route was most unlikely due to the sterile F1 hybrids. The other two approaches were main ways to transfer the gene to the relative weeds because the viable progeny of hybridization would become a bridge of gene flow between transformed wheat variety and weeds, and eventually create a new weed or “super weed”. To escape or mitigate the potential risk, creating multi resistant genes to prolong the use of transformed variety using biotechnology and taking management strategy to escape hybridization were suggested.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Competition with One's Self against others as a Motive for Effort among Nigerian High School Students

Competition is, in fact, so widely used as a motive for effort among children at home, in school and in informal educational groups that we should review any justification for it offered by literature. A number of srudies on the effect of competition with oneself and others as facilitator in the classroom upon effort and learning show that, whether in Nigeria or other countries, among preschool, grade school, secondary school or postsecondary school students competition and rivalry produce increased effort and speed of accomplishment. However, competition can lead to improvements in quantity of performance but may lessen quality (Rudow & Hautaluoma, 1975). This study examined the effects of two instructional conditions of competition, plus a noncompetition control condition with 12 classroom groups totaling 316 secondary school students. Each competition or control condition was induced by instructions into two classes. Each class was given either a coding or an arithmetic task to obtain measures of (a) quantity of production, (b) quality or errors in performance, and (c) anxiety experienced by the subjects. Among the conditions, competition with others, required the subjects to perform a task at their normal pace and then asked them to identdy the best performance in class by a show of hands. On a second trial at the same task, instructions were given to try to best the highest quantitative score in the class. On Trial 1, a public announcement of scores was not required in the competition-with-self condition, but on Trial 2 the subjects were requited to perform their best without regard to others' performances. For the purposes of reliability, the control condition provided an estimate of test and retest. Analysis of covariance indicated that competing with others and competing with one's self led to greater quantity of work than not competing (p<.001 on coding and arithmetic). This supports Rudow and Hautaluoma's (1975) similar study of American subjects. The competition-with-others score and competition-with-self score were not significantly different. While testing for quality of performance, competition with others led to significantly more errors than either the control condition or competition with self (p<.01). Anxietylphobia scores were not significant differences across conditions. Rudow and Hautaluoma's (1975) observations are supported, namely, "If quality of production is important, and one wishes to use competition, it may be advantageous to schedule competition with a person's own best performance rather than competition with others." It appears that, if errors are not to be considered, competition and rivalty seem to lead to better performance than conditions that encourage noncompetitiveness. Cross-cultural work would allow generalisations of findings.

Field of study: Psychology
Toward Provable One Way Functions

The existence of a provable one-way function is a long-standing open problem. This short note presents an example towards the existence a provable one-way function, example in which both directions are polynomial. Namely, we prove that given a sorted array it takes Θ(n) operations to randomly permute the array values uniformly over the permutation space, while (comparison based) sorting of the permuted array (of big enough values) requires in the worst case (and in the average case) Θ(n log n) compare operations. We also present a candidate cryptosystem based on permutations of random polynomial values.

Field of study: Computer science, Mathematics
Overproduction of recombinant Trichoderma reesei cellulases by Aspergillus oryzae and their enzymatic properties.

We have established an expression system of Trichoderma reesei cellulase genes using Aspergillus oryzae as a host. In this system, the expression of T. reesei cellulase genes were regulated under the control of A. oryzae Taka-amylase promoter and the cellulase genes were highly expressed when maltose was used as a main carbon source for inducer. The production of recombinant cellulases by A. oryzae transformants reached a maximum after 3-4 days of cultivation. In some cases, proteolysis of recombinant cellulases was observed in the late stage of cultivation. The recombinant cellulases were purified and characterized. The apparent molecular weights of recombinant cellulases were more or less larger than those of native enzymes. The optimal temperatures and pHs of recombinant cellulases were 50-70 degrees C and 4-5, respectively. Among the recombinant cellulases, endoglucanase I showed broad substrate specificities and high activity when compared with the other cellulases investigated here.

Field of study: Biology, Engineering
Differential expression of Notch1 and Notch2 in developing and adult mouse brain.

The Notch gene encodes a large transmembrane protein, and is required for the correct differentiation of both neural and non-neural tissues in Drosophila. Mammals have more than one Notch gene homolog, e.g. Notch1 and Notch2. Here, in order to determine the role of Notch genes in the mouse nervous system, we used in situ hybridization to study the expression of the Notch1 and -2 genes through mouse embryogenesis and into adulthood. The expression of Notch1 and Notch2 differed throughout development. Notch2 was expressed in the embryonic ventricular zone, the postnatal ependymal cells, and the choroid plexus throughout embryonic and postnatal development. Notch1 was also expressed in the ventricular zone between embryonic days 10 and 14, but its expression decreased gradually as embryos developed. The postnatal mouse brain strongly expressed Notch2, but not Notch1, in the granular cell layer of hippocampal dentate gyrus, where neurogenesis continues even in adult rodents. The most remarkable finding was the detection of a strong signal for Notch2 mRNA in two circumventricular organs: the subfornical organ and the area postrema. The receptor encoded by the Notch2 gene, which is located in these areas, may respond to unknown ligands in CSF. This putative receptor may participate in signal transduction by way of both neural and humoral links. These data suggest that Notch2, rather than Notch1, is related not only to development, but also to some postnatal functions of mouse central nervous system.

Field of study: Biology
Using binary decision diagrams for representation and analysis of communication protocols

A symbolic representation of a state/transition system based on binary decision diagrams (BDDs) is generally more compact than an explicit representation like a state/transition table. This is due to regular and repetitive patterns occurring in state/transition systems. By exploiting this property, huge state spaces can be represented, and the resulting BDDs can be profitably used for activities such as symbolic model checking and sequential circuit synthesis. This paper shows how such techniques can be applied to communication protocols by presenting a systematic method to build BDD representations from protocol specifications expressed in the ISO standard protocol specification language LOTOS. The method exploits the compositionality of the process algebra of LOTOS to avoid the enumeration of all the states and transitions, takes also data into account, enables building the BDDs in the more convenient disjunctive partitioned form, and can handle any LOTOS specification characterized by a finite LTS. The method consists in partitioning the set of process definitions according to their mutual recursion relationships, building an LTS for each set of mutually recursive process definitions, encoding these LTSs as BDDs which in turn are combined together, according to the process algebraic operators, to obtain the overall BDD representation. An example is used throughout the paper to illustrate the method.

Field of study: Computer science
The effect of small interfering RNA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressing MexA-MexB-OprM efflux pumps in vivo

To identify the efficacy small interfering RNA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressing MexA-MexB-OprM efflux pumps. Four siRNA ( siRNA1,siRNA2,siRNA3 and siRNA4) against mexB gene were designed and prepared by electricity transference in vitro.MICs of antibiotic combined with efflux pump inhibitors against multiple resistant strain PAO1 and PAO3 were determined by E-test method.The mRNA expression levels of efflux pump gene (mexB) were quantified by real time fluorescent quantitative PCR.Results siRNA expression vectors were constructed success by enzyme cut method.48 after PAO1 and multiple drug resistant PAO3 transfected with siRNA4,the sensibilities to antibiotic were enhanced.48 after PAO1 and multiple drug resistant PAO3 transfected with siRNAl,siRNA2 and siRNA3,the sensibilities to antibiotic didn't change obviously.48 after PAO1 and multiple drug resistant PAO3 ttransfected with siRNA4,the expression level of mexB was decreased obviously (P ＜ 0.05 ).48 after PAO1 and multiple drug resistant PAO3 transfected with siRNA1,siRNA2 and siRNA3,the expression level of mexB didn't change obviously.Conclusion siRNA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressing MexA-MexB-OprM efflux pumps enhanced the sensibility to antibiotic and inhibited the expression of mexB gene.Our results demonstrate the using RNAi may be potential targets for novel therapies directed against treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. 
 
 
Small interfering RNA;  Pseudomonas aeruginosa;  MexA-MexB-OprM efflux pumps

Field of study: Biology
How carbon-friendly is nuclear energy? A hybrid MRIO-LCA model of a Spanish facility.

Spain faces the challenge of 80-95% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2050 (European Energy Roadmap). As a possible first step to fulfill this objective, this paper presents a two-level analysis. First, we estimate the carbon footprint of a hypothetical nuclear facility in Spain. Using a hybrid multiregional input-output model, to avoid truncation while diminishing sector aggregation problems and to improve environmental leakages estimations, we calculate the CO2 equivalent emissions associated with the different phases of the nuclear life-cycle--construction, fuel processing and operation and maintenance--taking into account the countries or regions where the emissions have been generated. Our results estimate a nuclear carbon footprint of 21.30 gCO2e/kWh, of which 89% comes from regions outside Spain. In some regions, the highest impacts are mostly direct (92%, 95%, and 92% of total carbon emissions in the U.S., France, and UK, respectively), meaning that these emissions are linked to the inputs directly required for nuclear energy production; in other regions, indirect emissions are higher (83% in China), which becomes relevant for policy measures. Second, through the analyses of different scenarios, we unravel and quantify how different assumptions that are often taken in the literature result in different carbon emissions.

Field of study: Environmental science
BROILER GROWTH DATA : 1986-1991

Growth data from weekly weighing of 50 bird samples of broilers grown on litter in commercial-style broiler houses in 22 trials over a five-year period are presented. Broilers were found to be 23% heavier at 21 days of age and 10% heavier at 49 days of age than was reported in the literature in 1987. Three-week weights averaged 711 g and seven-week weights averaged 2437 g. Equations were developed and parameters estimated to describe weight as a function of age for two time periods. The time periods selected nominally coincide with (1) the time that starter rations are fed (from hatch to between three and four weeks of age), and (2) the time that growing and finishing rations are fed (from three to four weeks of age until birds are marketed). A second-degree polynomial was used to describe growth during starting (bird age = 28 days). A straight line was used to describe growth during growing (28 days = bird age = 49 days). Parameters are provided for mixed males and females during starting. They are provided for mixed sexes and for males and females separately during growing. Parameter estimates are provided which represent the five years of data in this study and also for estimates of July 1991 growth.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Superconductivity in defective pyrite-type iridium chalcogenides Ir(x)Ch2 Ch = Se and Te.

We report superconductivity in defective pyrite-type iridium chalcogenides Ir(x)Ch2 (Ch = Se and Te). Maximum values of T(c) of 6.4 K for Ir(0.91)Se(2) and 4.7 K for Ir(0.93)Te(2) were observed. It was found that Ir(0.75)Ch(2) (Ir(3)Ch(8)) is close to the boundary between metallic and insulating states and Ir(x)Ch(2) systems undergo nonmetal to metal transitions as x increases. On the basis of density functional theory calculations and the observed large variation in the Ch-Ch distance with x, we suggest that Ir(0.75)Ch(2) (Ir(3)Ch(8)) is the parent compound for the present superconductors.

Field of study: Physics
Perfluoroalkylation of α-Methylstyrene Using Titanium Oxide as a Photocatalyst.

A redox system for fluoroalkylation with perfluoroalkyl iodide using TiO 2 as a photocatalyst was developed. Photoirradiation of perfluoroalkyl iodide and α-methylstyrene in CH 3 CN in the presence of TiO 2 and NaBF 4 gave α-fluoroalkylstyrene.

Field of study: Chemistry
Enzymes in organic synthesis, 4. Investigation of the pancreatin‐catalyzed acylation of cis‐cyclopent‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diol with various trichloroethyl and vinyl Alkanoates

During the pancreatin-catalyzed acetylation of the meso-diol 1 with 2,2,2-trichloroethyl acetate (2a) in tetrahydrofuran/tri-ethylamine, the enantiomeric monoacetates 3a and ent-3a are formed at nearly equal rates. ent-3a is rapidly acetylated in a second enzyme-catalyzed step, forming 4a, whereas 3a resists further enzymatic acetylation. Thus, the monoacetate 3a can be obtained in 48% yield with an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of more than 99%. 2,2,2-Trichloroethyl propanoate and butanoate give the corresponding monoacylation products even in slightly better yield, whereas the octanoate affords the mono-acylation product with a lower enantiomeric excess. 2,2,2-Trichloroethyl monochloroacetate provides the monoacylation product in a 40% yield with an e.e. of 90%. The dichloroacetate, however, affords the diacylation product exclusively in an enzyme-independent chemical reaction. With the 2,2,2-trichloroethyl esters of isobutyric, phenylacetic, and benzoic acid no transesterification could be achieved within 24 hours. The application of vinyl acetate, however, represents a significant improvement in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure monoacetate 3a from meso-diol 1.

Field of study: Chemistry
Regular quantum plasmons in segments of graphene nanoribbons

Graphene plasmons have advantages over noble metal plasmons, such as high tunability and low loss. However, for graphene nanostructures smaller than 10 nm, little is known about their plasmons or whether a regular plasmonic behavior exists, despite their potential applications. Here, we present first-principles calculations of plasmon excitations in zigzag graphene nanoribbon segments. Regular plasmonic behavior is found: Only one plasmon mode exists in the low-energy regime (< 1.5 eV). The classical electrostatic scaling law still approximately holds when the width (W) is larger than about 1.5 nm but totally fails when W < 1.5 nm due to quantum effects. The scaling with different doping densities shows that the plasmon is nearly free-electron plasmon instead of Dirac plasmon.

Field of study: Physics
A framework for assessing readiness for tiger Panthera tigris reintroduction: a case study from eastern Cambodia

Reintroduction is a viable conservation strategy for large carnivores however such reintroductions require robust feasibility assessments, considering ecological, management, and social factors, prior to implementation. Plans are being developed in a number of tiger range countries, including Cambodia, for tiger Panthera tigris reintroductions in response to local and national extinctions. We provide a framework for undertaking feasibility assessments for tiger, and other large carnivore, reintroductions and present a number of methodological tools, and appropriate indicators, for conducting such assessments. We apply the framework to plans by the Royal Government of Cambodia for tiger reintroduction into Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary (formally Mondulkiri Protected Forest), eastern Cambodia. Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of a large (>13,000-km2) trans-boundary conservation landscape with potential to support a tiger source population. Current ungulate prey densities, assessed through robust line-transect sampling, at approximately 5.0 individuals per km2 may be sufficient to support a breeding tiger population. However levels of protected area management and law enforcement fall below global standards for tiger recovery. Local communities, though supportive of conservation efforts, also identified a number of concerns regarding reintroduction. Therefore current ecological, social, and management conditions within SWS are not currently suitable for tiger reintroduction. However with improved and more effective law enforcement, combined with robust monitoring of the indicators within our framework, such conditions could be met. We recommend that our framework for assessing landscape suitability for reintroductions offers an effective road map for reintroduction-based recovery of tiger populations across tiger range countries.

Field of study: Environmental science
Strain controlled superconductivity in few-layer NbSe2.

The controlled tunability of superconductivity in low-dimensional materials may enable new quantum devices. Particularly in triplet or topological superconductors, tunneling devices such as Josephson junctions etc. can demonstrate exotic  The tunnel barrier, an insulating or normal material layer separating two superconductors, is a key component for the junctions. Thin layers of NbSe2 have been shown as a superconductor with strong spin orbit coupling,2-4 which can give rise to topological superconductivity if driven by a large magnetic exchange field.5-9 Here we demonstrate the superconductor-insulator transitions in epitaxially grown few-layer NbSe2 with wafer-scale uniformity on insulating substrates. We provide the electrical transport, Raman spectroscopy, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction characterizations of the insulating phase. We show that the superconductor-insulator transition is driven by strain, which also causes characteristic energy shifts of the Raman modes. Our observation paves the way for high quality heterojunction tunnel barriers to be seamlessly built into epitaxial NbSe2 itself, thereby enabling highly scalable tunneling devices for superconductor-based quantum electronics.

Field of study: Physics