nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
FGF-18 is a neuron-derived glial cell growth factor expressed in the rat brain during early postnatal development.

We examined the expression of fibroblast growth factor-18 (FGF-18) in the rat brain during postnatal development by in situ hybridization. FGF-18 was transiently expressed at the early postnatal stages in various regions of the rat brain including the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. FGF-18 in the brain was preferentially expressed in neurons but not in glial cells. To elucidate the role of FGF-18 in the brain, we examined the ligand-specificity of FGF-18 by the BIAcore system. FGF-18 was found to bind to FGF receptors (FGFRs)-3c and -2c but not to FGFR-1c, suggesting that FGF-18 acts on glial cells but not on neurons. Therefore, we examined the mitogenic activity of FGF-18 for cultured rat astrocytes and microglia. FGF-18 was found to have mitogenic activity for both astrocytes and microglia. We also examined the neurotrophic activity of FGF-18 for cultured rat cortical neurons. FGF-18 was found to have no neurotrophic activity. The present findings indicated that FGF-18 is a unique FGF that plays a role as a neuron-derived glial cell growth factor in early postnatal development when gliogenesis occurs.

Field of study: Biology
Fish feeding interactions in a subtropical coastal system in the southwestern Atlantic

Feeding interactions, which determine the dynamics, productivity and stability of an ecosystem to a large extent, constitute fundamental knowledge for understanding the functionality of an ecosystem. Within an integrated working context, this study aimed to identify the major prey for the fish species of Araca Bay through an analysis of stomach contents. Araca Bay is a sheltered, low tide terrace that presents seasonal hydrodynamics, primary productivity and organism communities. A total of 1253 stomachs from 28 fish species were sampled in March 2013 and January 2014 (austral summer) and in June 2013 (austral winter). A hierarchical cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis similarity index) was performed on the matrix of the index of relative importance (IRI%) of the food items of 15 species collected in both seasons. Five and four major trophic groups were recorded for the summer and winter, respectively (SIMPROF). A two-way PERMANOVA test showed significant differences in the prey compositions among the trophic groups but not the seasons. The annual dendrogram showed four trophic groups: shrimp feeders (8 species), teleostean fish feeders (2 species), copepod feeders (2 species), and benthic invertebrate feeders (3 species). Seasonal species shifts among the trophic groups related to the seasonal recruitment of relatively abundant fish species during the summer were recorded mainly between the teleostean fish feeder and shrimp feeder groups. Overall, the seasonal dynamics of the waters and the consequent prey abundance influenced the resource availability. Resource partitioning and feeding plasticity allowed the species to optimize the use of available prey in the bay. These results represent a contribution toward understanding the local food web, to construct a trophic model, and to contribute to its sustainable integrated management.

Field of study: Environmental science
A multivalued logarithm on time scales

A new definition of a multi-valued logarithm on time scales is introduced for delta-differentiable functions that never vanish. This new logarithm arises naturally from the definition of the cylinder transformation that is also at the heart of the definition of exponential functions on time scales. This definition will lead to a logarithm function on arbitrary time scales with familiar and useful properties that previous definitions in the literature lacked.

Field of study: Mathematics
Mass Distribution in Galaxy Cluster Cores

Many processes within galaxy clusters, such as those believed to govern the onset of thermally unstable cooling and active galactic nucleus feedback, are dependent upon local dynamical timescales. However, accurate mapping of the mass distribution within individual clusters is challenging, particularly toward cluster centers where the total mass budget has substantial radially dependent contributions from the stellar (M *), gas (M gas), and dark matter (M DM) components. In this paper we use a small sample of galaxy clusters with deep Chandra observations and good ancillary tracers of their gravitating mass at both large and small radii to develop a method for determining mass profiles that span a wide radial range and extend down into the central galaxy. We also consider potential observational pitfalls in understanding cooling in hot cluster atmospheres, and find tentative evidence for a relationship between the radial extent of cooling X-ray gas and nebular Hα emission in cool-core clusters. At large radii the entropy profiles of our clusters agree with the baseline power law of K ∝ r 1.1 expected from gravity alone. At smaller radii our entropy profiles become shallower but continue with a power law of the form K ∝ r 0.67 down to our resolution limit. Among this small sample of cool-core clusters we therefore find no support for the existence of a central flat "entropy floor."

Field of study: Physics
BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS: Generation of picosecond pulses by a gadolinium scandium gallium garnet laser

An investigation was made of a laser containing a gadolinium scandium gallium garnet crystal (GSGG:Cr3+:Nd3+) which was operated in the regime of passive mode locking. The duration of the output pulses was ~ 18 psec. The absolute efficiency was approximately 2.5 times higher than that of a YAG:Nd3+ crystal laser operated under similar conditions.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
Origin of the absarokite–banakite association of the Damavand volcano (Iran): trace elements and Sr, Nd, Pb isotope constraints

The activity of the Damavand volcano (Central Alborz, northern Iran) began 1.8 Ma ago and continued up to 7 ka BP. Although the volcanic suite is clearly of shoshonitic affinity, only two petrographic types can be distinguished in the studied lavas: (1) weakly differentiated absarokites (49 < %SiO2 < 51), scattered around the volcano but with a regional extension, (2) highly differentiated banakites (59 < %SiO2 < 63), which form the bulk of the 4,000 m thick volcanic pile. All lavas are alkalic (3.7 < %K2O < 5), REE and LILE-rich (e.g., 85 < La < 148 ppm; 9 < Th < 32 ppm) and show highly fractionated REE patterns (69 < La/Yb < 115) and pronounced Nb–Ta negative anomalies. The absarokites are characterised by Sr (0.7045–0.7046) and Nd (0.51266–0.51269) isotope compositions close to the Bulk Earth values, and distinct from those of the banakites (0.7047 < 87Sr/86Sr < 0.7049, 0.51258 < 143Nd/144Nd < 0.51262). The Pb isotope ratios are also slightly lower in the absarokites than in the banakites (18.71 < 206Pb/204Pb < 18.77, 15.62 < 207Pb/204Pb < 15.63, 38.85 < 208Pb/204Pb < 38.91, and 18.77 < 206Pb/204Pb < 18.84, 15.62 < 207Pb/204Pb < 15.64, 38.94 < 208Pb/204Pb < 39.06, respectively). Overall, there is a clear tendency towards higher Sr, Pb and lower Nd isotope ratios with increasing degree of differentiation. This study suggests that the absarokites result from a low degree of partial melting (∼5%) of a highly metasomatized mantle source, which inherited its characteristics from an old subduction setting. The initiation of volcanic activity 1.8 Ma ago results from variations in the lithospheric thermal regime, probably related to lithospheric delamination as proposed for Anatolia (Pearce et al. 1990). The banakites are mainly generated by extensive fractional crystallisation (∼70%) of the absarokitic magma, with a limited amount (a few percents) of assimilation of an old crustal component, in the form of bulk assimilation or AFC processes, which both can explain the Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data.

Field of study: Environmental science
RhoA/ROK signal pathway is required for LPS-induced cytokine secretion by human peripheral monocytes

目的 探讨RhoA/ROK信号通路对人外周血单核细胞分泌TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8等细胞因子的调控作用.方法用Percoll非连续性密度梯度离心法分离单核细胞,并用LPS诱导人外周血单核细胞活化;Pull down方法检测用RhoA活性,ROK活性用其底物MBS的磷酸化来表示,总RhoA、ROK及磷酸化MBS蛋白表达用免疫印迹法测定,用ELISA法检测细胞因子水平.结果 LPS可诱导单核细胞RhoA快速活化,并呈时间依赖性,Rho特异性抑制剂C3转化酶能显著抑制LPS诱导的人外周血单核细胞分泌TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8等细胞因子;LPS亦可诱导单核细胞ROK活化,ROK特异性抑制剂Y27632可显著降低LPS刺激的人外周血单核细胞分泌TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8等细胞因子.结论LPS可活化人外周单核细胞RhoA/ROK信号通路,选择性抑制RhoA和ROK活化能抑制单核细胞分泌多种细胞因子,提示RhoA/ROK信号通路可能在调控单核细胞分泌细胞因子中发挥重要作用。

Field of study: Biology
High temperature conductivity of potassium-β″-alumina

Potassium β″-alumina single crystals have been reported by several groups to have higher ionic conductivity than sodium β″-alumina crystals at room temperature, and similar conductivities are obtained at temperatures up to 600–700 K. Potassium β″-alumina ceramics have been reported to have significantly poorer consuctivities than those of sodium β″-alumina ceramics, but conductivity measurements at temperatures above 625 K have not been reported. In this study, K + -β″-alumina ceramics were prepared from Na + -β″-alumina ceramic using a modified version of the exchange reaction with KCl vapor reported by Crosbie and Tennenhouse, and the conductivity has been measured in K vapor at temperatures up to 1223 K, using the method of Cole, Weber and Hunt. The results indicate reasonable agreement with earlier data on K + -β″-alumina ceramic measured in a liquid K cell, but show that the K + -β″-alumina ceramic's conductivity approaches that of Na + -β″-alumina ceramic at higher temperatures, being within a factor of four at 700 K and 60% of the conductivity of Na + -β″-alumina at T > 1000 K. Both four-probe dc conductivity and four probe ac impedance measurements were used to characterize the conductivity. A rather abrupt change in the grain boundary resistance suggesting a possible phase change in the intergranular material, potassium aluminate, is seen in the ac impedance behavior.

Field of study: Materials science
Occupational professionalization of sports coaches

Starting at analyzing the meaning of occupation and profession,the authors studied the meaning and ne-cessity of and implementation strategies for occupational professionalization of sports coaches,and drew the fol-lowing conclusions: occupational professionalization of sports coaches refers to the process of enhancement of indi-vidual professional level of sports coaches as well as the process of sports coach group making efforts in striving for the professional status of the occupation of sports coaches;it is necessary for enhancing the social status of the oc-cupation of sports coaches,and for following the development of professionalization of sports coaches,and in con-formity with the need and orientation of sports coach education reform;its implementation strategies are as follows: establish the awareness of professionalization,reconstruct the education system,reform the curriculum system,and strengthen professional independence,etc.

Field of study: Education
Aberrant Expression of miRNA and mRNAs in Lesioned Tissues of Graves' Disease

Abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression is found in many diseases including autoimmune diseases. However, little is known about the role of miRNA regulation in Graves' disease (GD). Here, we simultaneously detected different expressions of miRNA and mRNAs in thyroid tissues via a high-throughput transcriptomics approach, known as microarray, in order to reveal the relationship between aberrant expression of miRNAs and mRNAs spectrum and GD.  Totally 7 specimens of thyroid tissue from 4 GD patients and 3 controls were obtained by surgery for microarray analysis. Then, 30 thyroid specimens (18 GD and 12 controls) were also collected for further validation by quantitative real-time PCR ( qRT-PCR ).  Statistical analysis showed that the expressions of 5 specific miRNA were increased significantly while those of other 18 miRNA were decreased in thyroid tissue of GD patients (FC≥1.3 or≤0.77 and p<0.05). In addition, the transcription of 1271 mRNAs was up-regulated, while the expression of 777 mRNAs transcripts was down-regulated (FC≥2.0 or≤0.5 and p<0.05). Furthermore, integrated analysis of differentially expressed miRNA and their target mRNAs demonstrated that 2 miRNA (miR-22 and miR-183) were increased while their potential target mRNAs were decreased. 3 miRNA (miR-101, miR-197 and miR-660) were decreased while their potential target mRNAs were increased. The above findings from microarray screening were confirmed by qRT-PCR in more samples. The results were consistent with those observed in the microarray assays.  Our study highlights the possibility that miRNA-target gene network may be involved in the pathogenesis of GD and could provide new insights into understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of GD.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
The Natural Rights We Must Protect

The author argues that the battle for the natural rights of citizens, including equality and freedom, must be reinvigorated. He reminds us how economic growth coupled with progressive taxes and a growing social safety net protected those rights in the three decades after World War II. Beginning in the 1970s a long period of erosion began, leading to the alarming rise of right-wing populism today. What can be done?

Field of study: Economics
Electric and magnetic properties of polymer electrolyte/carbon black composites

Measurements of 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxation times, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and AC Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) are reported for composites based on PEO8:LiClO4 and carbon black (CB), prepared by two methods: solvent and fusion processing. Three nuclear relaxation processes were identified for 1H nuclei: (i) belonging to the polymer chains in the amorphous phase, loosely bound to the CB particles, whose dynamics is almost the same as for unfilled polymer, (ii) belonging to the polymer chains which are tightly attached to the CB particles, and (iii) belonging to the crystalline phase in the loose polymer chain. The paramagnetic electronic susceptibility of the composite samples, measured by EPR, was interpreted by assuming a contribution of localized spin states that follow a Curie law, and a Pauli-like contribution of delocalized spins. A significant change of the EPR linewidth was observed at 40 K, which is the temperature where the Curie and Pauli susceptibilities equally contribute to the paramagnetic electronic susceptibility. The electrical properties are very sensitive to the preparation methods of the composites, which conditions the interaction between carbon particle–carbon particle and carbon particle–polymer chain. Classical statistic models to describe the conductivity in these media were not satisfactory.

Field of study: Materials science
Treatment of Chiari I malformation in patients with and without syringomyelia: a consecutive series of 66 cases.

OBJECT
The authors describe the results of performing a standard posterior craniovertebral decompression and placement, if indicated, of a syringosubarachnoid shunt for the treatment of patients with Chiari I malformation with and without syringomyelia.



This is a retrospectively analyzed consecutive series of 66 patients (mean patient age 15 years, range 1-53 years). The uniform posterior craniovertebral decompression consisted of a small suboccipital craniectomy, a C-1 laminectomy, microsurgical reduction of the cerebellar tonsils, and dural closure with a synthetic dural graft to increase the cerebrospinal fluid space at the craniocervical junction. The presence of a large syrinx, with significant thinning of the spinal cord tissue and obliteration of the spinal subarachnoid space, particularly when combined with syrinx-related symptoms, was an indication for the placement of a syringosubarachnoid shunt. In 32 patients Chiari I malformation alone was present, and 34 in patients it was present in combination with syringomyelia. Clinical findings included pain, neurological deficits, and spinal deformity. The presence of syringomyelia was significantly associated with the presence of scoliosis (odds ratio 74.4 [95% confidence interval 8.894-622.4]). All patients underwent a posterior craniovertebral decompression procedure. In 22 of the 34 patients with syringomyelia a syringosubarachnoid shunt was also placed. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range 3-95 months). Excellent outcome was achieved in 54 patients (82%) and good outcome in 12 (18%). In no patient were symptoms unchanged or worse at follow-up examination, including four patients who initially required a second operation for persistent syringomyelia. Pain was more likely to resolve than sensory and motor deficits after decompressive surgery. Radiological examination revealed normalization of tonsillar position in all patients. The syrinx had disappeared in 15 cases, was decreased in size in 17, and remained unchanged in two.



Posterior craniovertebral decompression and selective placement of a syringosubarachnoid shunt in patients with Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia is an effective and safe treatment. Primary placement of a shunt in the presence of a sufficiently large syrinx appears to be beneficial. The question of if and when to place a shunt, however, requires further, preferably prospective, investigation.

Field of study: Medicine
Ichnological constraints of palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatological features of the middle Palaeozoic Palaeo-Asian Ocean, evidence from the western Junggar, NW China

Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous deep-sea deposits of the western Junggar, NW China contain 21 ichnotaxa: Arenituba verso (Chamberlain), Chondrites cf. intricatus (Brongniart), Chondrites targionii (Brongniart), ? Chondrites isp., Gordia marina Emmons, Halopoa imbricata Torell, Helminthoidichnites isp., Helminthopsis cf. hieroglyphica Wetzel and Bromley, Laevicyclus isp., Lophoctenium comosum Richter, ? Multina isp., Nereites missouriensis (Weller), Phycodes cf. bilix (Ksiązkiewicz), Phycosiphon incertum Fischer-Ooster, ? Phycosiphon isp., Planolites isp., cf. Taenidium , Thalassinoides isp., Zoophycos isp., undetermined short ridges, and undetermined tubular structures. They form three typical ichnoassemblages, i.e. the Helminthopsis–Helminthoidichnites–Arenituba ichnoassemblage characteristic of upper-bathyal, probably hyperpycnal-flow-influenced deposits, Zoophycos–Nereites–Phycosiphon ichnoassemblage in typical slope deposits, and the Phycosiphon–Nereites ichnoassemblage featuring bottom-current-influenced, lower slope or basin floor muddy deposits. They can be ascribed to the Cruziana , Zoophycos , and the Nereites ichnosubfacies respectively. Comparison with contemporaneous deep-water facies (foremost the Kulm facies in Western and Central Europe) reveals significant loss in the western Junggar of otherwise common element Dictyodora liebeana (Geinitz). Combining the global Palaeozoic tectonic evolution, we propose that Dictyodora was probably originated from peri-Gondwana terranes and the larvae/juveniles of Dictyodora producers hadn't migrated to the northern palaeolatitudes (open ocean Kazakhstan “archipelago”) in the Early Carboniferous. The relatively global distribution of the Phycosiphon–Nereites association indicates efficient larval dispersal of their producers. Intensive bioturbation in deposits dominated by the Phycosiphon–Nereites ichnoassemblage implies a high level of food supply at certain stratigraphic levels, most likely related to surface blooms and enhanced plant detritus input. The monsoonal palaeoclimatic model is integrated with the archipelagic palaeogeography to account for the deep-sea ichnofauna in the western Junggar during the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous. The most important factors include seasonal climatic perturbations, such as monsoon-derived upwelling events and enhanced primary production, and efficient food/nutrients transport in the dotted island scenario.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Proliferation and Cytokine Production of Human Mesangial Cells Stimulated by Secretory IgA Isolated from Patients with IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis, and often aggravates by mucosal infection. Secretory IgA (SIgA) is the dominant immunoglobulin in mucosal immunity, and is deposited in the mesangium in IgAN. The biological effects of SIgA on mesangial cells are poorly understood.  Deposition of SIgA in frozen renal sections from IgAN patients was detected and the association between deposition of SIgA and patients characteristics was analyzed. The biological effects of SIgA and polymeric IgA (pIgA) on human renal mesangial cells were compared. We also studied the molecular mechanism of microRNA regulating the inflammatory effects of SIgA on mesangial cells.  Fifty-five of 176 patients had SIgA deposition with higher incidence of infection history and hematuria, lower serum cystatin C, β2 microglobulin, blood urea nitrogen and T-grade in the Oxford classification, compared with patients without SIgA deposition. SIgA stimulated mesangial cells at a higher ratio of proliferation and higher production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, transforming growth factor-β1 and fibronectin, compared with SIgA from healthy volunteers. The proliferation and cytokines production in mesangial cells stimulated by SIgA were significantly lower than that stimulated by pIgA. miR-16 targeted the 3′-untranslated region of IL-6 and suppressed its translation in mesangial cells induced by SIgA.  The biological effects of SIgA on mesangial cells differ from those of pIgA. SIgA stimulates mesangial cell proliferation and production of proinflammatory cytokines. IL-6 production is regulated by miR-16 in mesangial cells.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
CAUTION REIGNS IN ASIA-PACIFIC

A DROP IN PROFITS, BUT STRONG GROWTH IS THE PICTURE DRAWN BY INDUSTRY PLAYERS AT THIS YEAR'S AIRFINANCE FOR ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE: YET, DESPITE UPBEAT NOISES FOR THE LONG TERM FROM SOME, CAUTION SEEMS TO BE THE SHORT-TERM WATCHWORD. SIDEBAR: HOW THE CHINESE PASSENGER MARKET WILL TAKE THE LEAD IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.

Field of study: Business
Antitartar Tooth‐Paste: The Statistical Story

A 20-month legal battle between Colgate-Palmolive and Elida-Gibbs, a subsidiary of Unilever, ended in June 1989. Colgate (the plaintiff) accused Unilever of false advertising claims and criticized the scientific evidence put forward by Unilever on both clinical and statistical grounds. The main statistical criticisms were poor experimental design, unreliable data and a result which was unrelated to the product claim. Unilever relied chiefly on the principles of randomization and double-blindness to defend the validity of their findings. The authors, who were statistical advisers to the opposing parties, recount the statistical issues involved in this case.

Field of study: Mathematics
THE n-HOMOLOGY OF REPRESENTATIONS.

The n-homology groups of a g-module provide a natural and fruit- ful extension of the concept of highest weight to the representation theory of a noncompact reductive Lie group. In this article we give an introduction to the n-homology groups and a survey of some developments, with a particu- lar emphasis on results pertaining to the problem of caculating n-homology groups.

Field of study: Mathematics