nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Utilization of monoclonal antibodies for detection of Plasmodium falciparum antigen in cerebrospinal fluid of cerebral malaria patients.

A uniform protein profile of bands at 34, 43, and 52 kDa was obtained with all the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of malaria (10 in number) and non-malaria patients (31 in number) by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). An immunoreactive band was observed at 43 kDa in CSF samples of cerebral malaria patients but not in non-malaria cases when tested with rabbit anti-Plasmodium falciparum antibodies by Western blot analysis. Eleven reactive monoclonal antibodies against P. falciparum were stabilized and expanded. Nine monoclonal antibodies were reactive to CSF samples of cerebral malaria and non-malaria and P. falciparum antigen by dot-ELISA and a common immunoreactive band at 43 kDa by Western blot. One clone Cl-2 was reactive at 43 kDa with CSF of the cerebral malaria patients and also in P. falciparum antigen but at 66 kDa with non-malarial CSF samples in Western blot. The other two clones (Cl-6 and 14) reacted with 3/31 (90% specific) and 8/31 (74%) CSF samples of non-malaria patients, respectively. The monoclonal antibody based ELISA reported in the present study using clone-6 can therefore offer another possibility for developing rapid, easy-to-perform, low-cost tests for diagnosis of cerebral malaria in CSF samples. Western blot using clone-2 might be useful for the detection of cerebral malaria antigen in CSF.

Field of study: Biology
Inhibition of Glutathione Synthesis via Decreased Glucose Metabolism in Stored RBCs

Although red blood cells (RBCs) transfusions can be lifesaving, they are not without risk. RBCs storage is associated with the abnormal metabolism of glutathione (GSH), which may increase the risk of the oxidative damage of RBCs after transfusion. The responsible mechanisms remain unknown.  We determined the L-cysteine efflux and influx by evaluating the changes of free -SH concentrations in stored RBCs. The glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) activities and protein content in stored RBCs was determined by fluorescence assay and western blotting. In addition, the glucose metabolism enzyme activity of RBCs was measured by spectrophotometric assay under in vitro incubation conditions.  We found that both L-cysteine transport and GCL activity significantly declined, thereby inducing the dysfunction of GSH synthesis during blood storage, which could be attenuated by ATP supplement and DTT treatment. In addition, the glycometabolic enzyme (G6PDH, HK, PK and LDH) activity significantly decreased after 6 weeks storage. Oxidant stress-induced dysfunction in glucose metabolism was the driving force for decreased GSH synthesis during storage.  These experimental findings reflect an underlying molecular mechanism that oxidant stress induced glucose metabolism dysfunction contribute to decreased GSH synthesis in stored RBCs.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
Characteristics of stimulated Raman light scattering in SiO2 + GeO2 glass-fiber optical waveguides

An investigation was made of stimulated Raman scattering (STRS) of light in SiO2+GeO2 multimode fiber-optical waveguides having a complex refractive index profile. By investigating STRS using a neodymium-doped garnet laser, it was possible to distinguish three waveguide structures in the multimode waveguide (two few-mode and one multimode structure) and by selectively exciting each of these, it was possible to obtain STRS in a few-mode waveguide without exciting directly guided modes in this waveguide. Qualitative information was obtained on the refractive index profile. Saturation of the pump power and of the Stokes STRS components was observed and it was found that this was related to broadening of the STRS spectral lines. When a multimode fiber-optical waveguide was pumped by 1.064 µ radiation, nonlinear effects gave rise to high-intensity radiation with a continuous spectrum in the 0.4–1.8 µ range which was observed at the waveguide exit. This wide-band source of nanosceond pulsed radiation is potentially useful both for investigations of fiber-optical waveguides and for various spectroscopic investigations.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory and pro-osteogenic effects of citrus cystatin CsinCPI-2.

Cystatins are natural inhibitors of cysteine peptidases. Recently, cystatins derived from plants, named phytocystatins, have been extensively studied. Among them, CsinCPI-2 proteins from Citrus sinensis were identified and recombinantly produced by our group. Thus, this study described the recombinant expression, purification, and inhibitory activity of this new phytocystatin against human cathepsins K and B and assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of CsinCPI-2 in vitro in mouse and in vivo in rats. In addition, the pro-osteogenic effect of CsinCPI-2 was investigated in vitro. The inflammatory response of mouse macrophage cells stimulated with P. gingivalis was modulated by CsinCPI-2. The in vitro results showed an inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on cathepsin K, cathepsin B, IL-1β, and TNF-α gene expression. In addition, CsinCPI-2 significantly inhibited in vivo the activity of TNF-α (p < 0.05) in the blood of rats, previously stimulated by E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CsinCPI-2 had a pro-osteogenic effect in human dental pulp cells, demonstrated by the increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, deposition of mineralized nodules, and the gene expression of the osteogenic markers as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), ALP, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein (BSP). These preliminary studies suggested that CsinCPI-2 has a potential anti-inflammatory, and at the same time, a pro-osteogenic effect. This may lead to new therapies for the control of diseases where inflammation plays a key role, such as periodontal disease and apical periodontitis.

Field of study: Medicine
Characterization of hybrid electrolytes prepared from the Li2S–P2S5 glasses and alkanediols

Inorganic–organic hybrid electrolytes were prepared by the mechanochemical method using the Li + ion conductive 70Li 2 S·30P 2 S 5 glass and various alkanediols. Local structure of the prepared electrolytes was analyzed by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of the proportion and chain length of alkanediols on conductivity of the hybrid electrolytes were investigated. The hybrid electrolyte with 2 mol.% of 1,4-butanediol exhibited the conductivity of 9.7 × 10 − 5  S cm − 1 at room temperature and the unity of lithium ion transference number. The use of alkanediols with shorter chain length was effective in increasing conductivity of hybrid electrolytes. The electrolyte using ethyleneglycol showed the highest conductivity of 1.1 × 10 − 4  S cm − 1 at room temperature. Lowering glass transition temperature by incorporation of alkanediols is responsible for the enhancement of conductivity of hybrid electrolytes.

Field of study: Materials science
Pandemics and coastal erosion in Tuscany (Italy)

Several researchers are studying the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic event impact has on coastal communities, especially where Sun, Sea, Sand (3S) tourism is a relevant voice in their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Among possible coastal environment influences, that on beach morphology has not yet been considered, but analysis of what occurred in similar cases in the past can help in finding how wide are pandemics impact and how many research fields are involved. The three main plagues that struck Europe in historical times (years 451, 1348 and 1630) enormously reduced population numbers and triggered abandonment of cultivated areas and famine induced by bitter climatic conditions played a significant role. Forests grew and soil erosion was greatly reduced causing a decreased coastal sediment input. The study of the beach ridges/dunes geometry in two river deltas in Tuscany (Italy) reveals the erosional phases induced by yr 451 and yr 1348 plagues. Any traces the yr 1630 plague could have left, have been erased by anthropogenic activity and by delta erosion that started at the end of the 19th cent. and which is still current. This paper shows the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of coastal evolution, and suggests further research fields where COVID-19 pandemic could be considered, even in cases in which environment response is not immediate, such as in past infections.

Field of study: Environmental science
Novel Design Concepts for Rotational Molding of Integral-skin Cellular Polymeric Composites

Conventional rotational foam molding, a modification of the traditional rotational molding (or rotomolding) process, has lately been brought into being a distinct plastic processing technology. It is characterized with very lengthy processing times and intensive energy consumption. A recently developed and patented, melt extrusion-assisted rotational foam molding process, referred to as Rapid Rotational Foam Molding (RRFM), has been instrumental in increasing the eco-friendliness of rotational molding operations by dramatically reducing processing cycle times and energy consumption. This paper focuses on identifying possible novel processing concepts that would improve further melt extrusion-assisted rotational foam molding operations. Currently, pioneering attempts are being made to successfully apply physical blowing agents (PBAs) in RRFM and thereby substitute commonly used chemical blowing agents (CBAs). Thereby, fabricating a new class of eco-friendly rotationally foam molded integral-skin cellular composites having ultra low-density foamed cores or layers would advantageously become possible.

Field of study: Engineering
Tridimensional personality traits in sons of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fathers.

Sons of alcoholics (SOAs; n = 27) and sons of nonalcoholics (SONAs; n = 23) were compared across Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) and Sensation Seeking scales and measures of plasma homovanillic acid and platelet monoamine oxidase activity. SOAs and SONAs did not differ significantly on any measure. The pattern of correlations between TPQ and Sensation Seeking scales provided some support for the construct validity of TPQ measures. Scores on the TPQ Novelty Seeking scale and platelet monoamine oxidase activity were significantly inversely associated (r = -0.52, p < 0.02) among SOAs, but not among SONAs (r = -0.06).

Field of study: Medicine
Far-field diffraction patterns formation of gaussian beam transmittedthrough thin nonlinear medium

Based on the FresnelKirchhoff diffraction theory, this paper calculated the intensity distribution of the farfield diffraction patterns when a divergent or a convergent gaussian beam transmitted through a thin nonlinear medium, and analyzed the effect of the different Kerr mediums and the different gaussian beams on the patterns formation. The simulation results show that, when a divergent gaussian beam transmits through a defocusing nonlinear medium or a convergent one through a focusing nonlinear medium the pattern in the far field is a series of thick, larger diffraction rings with a central dark spot, while when a divergent gaussian beam transmits through a focusing nonlinear medium or a convergent one through a defocusing nonlinear medium the pattern in the far field is a series of thin, narrower diffraction rings with a central light spot. The difference between the diffractive patterns is attributed to the interaction of the strong spatial selfphase modulation caused by the refractive index change of the medium with wavefront curvature of the input gaussian beam. The results are significant to the design of practical optical limiters for the eye and sensor protection.

Field of study: Physics
Long-term agricultural land-cover change and potential for cropland expansion in the former Virgin Lands area of Kazakhstan

During the Soviet Virgin Lands Campaign, approximately 23 million hectares (Mha) of Eurasian steppe grassland were converted into cropland in Northern Kazakhstan from 1954 to 1963. As a result Kazakhstan became an important breadbasket of the former Soviet Union. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered widespread agricultural abandonment, and much cropland reverted to grasslands. Our goal in this study was to reconstruct and analyze agricultural land-cover change since the eve of the Virgin Lands Campaign, from 1953 to 2010 in Kostanay Province, a region that is representative of Northern Kazakhstan. Further, we assessed the potential of currently idle cropland for re-cultivation. We reconstructed the cropland extent before and after the Virgin Lands Campaign using archival maps, and we mapped the agricultural land cover in the late Soviet and post-Soviet period using multi-seasonal Landsat TM/ETM+ images from circa 1990, 2000 and 2010. Cropland extent peaked at approximately 3.1 Mha in our study area in 1990, 38% of which had been converted from grasslands from 1954 to 1961. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, 45% of the Soviet cropland was abandoned and had reverted to grassland by 2000. After 2000, cropland contraction and re-cultivation were balanced. Using spatial logistic regressions we found that cropland expansion during the Virgin Lands Campaign was significantly associated with favorable agro-environmental conditions. In contrast, cropland expansion after the Campaign until 1990, as well as cropland contraction after 1990, occurred mainly in areas that were less favorable for agriculture. Cropland re-cultivation after 2000 was occurring on lands with relatively favorable agro-environmental conditions in comparison to remaining idle croplands, albeit with much lower agro-environmental endowment compared to stable croplands from 1990 to 2010. In sum, we found that cropland production potentials of the currently uncultivated areas are much lower than commonly believed, and further cropland expansion is only possible at the expense of marginal lands. Our results suggest if increasing production is a goal, improving crop yields in currently cultivated lands should be a focus, whereas extensive livestock grazing as well as the conservation of non-provisioning ecosystem services and biodiversity should be priority on more marginal lands.

Field of study: Environmental science
Triassic and Lower Jurassic Formations of West Central Nevada

During the past few years, the writers have been studying the stratigraphy and structural geology of the Tonopah and Hawthorne quadrangles, in western Nevada. An unusually complete section of Triassic and Lower Jurassic rocks merits brief preliminary description prior to the publication of more complete papers, now in preparation, dealing with the stratigraphy and structure of the region. The field work has been carried on at various times under the auspices of the United States Geological Survey, the Geological Department of Stanford University, and the Geological Society of America. The writers gratefully acknowledge much assistance received from Dr. T. W. Stanton. The study has covered an area of about 7,700 square miles, lying in parts of Mineral, Esmeralda, and Nye counties, Nevada. Much of the area is covered with Tertiary sediments and lavas, and there are large bodies of granitic intrusives, satellites of the Sierra Nevada batholith. Paleozoic rocks, . . .

Field of study: Geology
Picture-perfect lives on social media: a cross-national study on the role of media ideals in adolescent well-being

A number of studies have suggested that social media use may be negatively related to adolescents’ well-being. One explanation for this relation may lie in the internalization of various types of ideals displayed on social media; however, research supporting this reasoning is largely absent. This survey study among 1,983 Austrian, Belgian, Spanish, and South Korean adolescents (aged 12–19, 49.7% girls) addressed this gap and found that Instagram use was positively related to the internalization of professional, social, sexual, and romantic ideals, and Facebook use was positively related to the internalization of social and romantic ideals. In turn, the internalization of sexual ideals was related to poor mental well-being. Furthermore, Facebook use was also directly associated with poor mental well-being. Cross-national differences played an important role in that South Korea significantly differed from Austria, Belgium, and Spain in the relations between social media use, the internalization of social ideals, and poor mental well-being. We also found differences among Belgium, Austria, and Spain in the relations between social media use, the internalization of professional, social, and sexual ideals, and poor mental well-being.

Field of study: Psychology
Next-Generation Sequencing of PTGS Genes Reveals an Increased Frequency of Non-synonymous Variants Among Patients With NSAID-Induced Liver Injury

The etiopathogenesis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is still far from being elucidated. This study aims to the study of genetic variations in DILI, related to the drug target, and specifically in the genes coding for the cyclooxygenase enzymes.  By using Next-generation Sequencing we analyzed the genes coding for COX enzymes (PTGS1 and PTGS2) in 113 individuals, 13 of which were patients with DILI caused by COX-inhibitors.  The key findings of the study are the increased frequency, among DILI patients, of SNPs causing alterations in transcription factor binding sites and non-synonymous PTGS gene variants, as compared to control subjects. Moreover, the association with non-synonymous SNPs was exclusive of DILI patients with late-onset (50 days or more) Pc < 0.001 as compared to DILI patients with early onset, or with control subjects.  Our findings suggest an interaction of long-term exposure to COX inhibitors combined with functional variants of the COX enzymes in the risk of developing DILI. This is a novel observation that might have been overlooked by previous genetic studies on DILI because of the limited coverage of PTGS genes in exome chips.

Field of study: Biology
A Decade of Soviet Scholarship in Brazilian History: 1958-1968

Vcan history suggests a healthy broadening of scholarly horizons. Initial surveys by Western Hemisphere scholars have provided useful introductions to a rapidly expanding Soviet bibliography in this and other related fields, as well as guidelines for further investigation.' These studies have also given rise to potentially advantageous intellectual debate between Latin Americanists of two opposing historical views.2 In the main, however, they have placed undue stress on the political and ideological aspects of Soviet writings, to the neglect of scholarly considerations. Given these shortcomings in the available critical literature, together with the growing interest of American scholars in the activities of their Russian colleagues, a more considered appraisal of Soviet contributions to Latin American historiography seems now in order. In recent years Soviet researchers have made numerous contributions to the study of Latin American history. The growing quantity of articles, monographs and edited works currently appearing in the USSR graphically attests to this fact.3 The quality of this scholarship is uneven, and it has made few solid interpretative contributions. Of ultimately greater significance, however, is the very recognition of Latin American history by the Soviet academic community as a

Field of study: History
The Impact of Governance Mechanism of Financial Listed Companies on the Pay and the Pay-Performance Sensitivity of Executives

The corporate governance mechanism is very important to solve the principal-agent problem effectively. Based on the particularity of the financial industry, this paper uses the panel data of 45 listed companies in China's financial industry from 2007 to 2015, the empirical results show that the degree of ownership concentration, the duality of CEO and chairman of the board and the independent directors proportion have a significant negative impact on executive pay, and the size of the board of supervisors has no marked impact on executive pay. The degree of ownership concentration has a significant positive impact on the pay-performance sensitivity, and the duality of CEO and chairman of the board, the independent directors proportion and the size of the board of supervisors have a significant negative impact on the pay-performance sensitivity. For the listed companies in the financial sector, they should pay attention to the executive pay disclosure system, the board of supervisors governance mechanism and the independent director system. We can use the degree of ownership concentration to improve the pay-performance sensitivity, and make corporate governance more effective.

Field of study: Business
Moisture diffusion in poltimide films in integrated circuits

This paper reports the use of planar aluminum-PI-aluminum capacitors, in which the variation of low frequency dielectric permittivity is shown to be proportional to absorbed moisture, to carry out in-situ studies of moisture uptake and diffusion in PMDA-ODA device-grade polyimide films. It is found that the equilibrium amount of moisture uptake depends on ambient relative humidity in the temperature range 20-80‡C, and that the diffusion kinetics obey a Fickian model with a diffusion coefficient in the range 3-5 x 10-9 cm2 /sec at room temperature. The diffusion coefficient is temperature dependent, with an activation energy of 0.32-0.34 eV, and is weakly dependent on absorbed moisture at fixed temperature. An asymmetry is observed between absorption and desorption kinetics which correlates with the moisture-dependent diffusion coefficient.

Field of study: Materials science
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Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Terahertz gas sensing based on a simple one-dimensional photonic crystal cavity with high-quality factors.

We report in this paper terahertz gas sensing using a simple 1D photonic crystal cavity. The resonant frequencies of the cavity depend linearly on the refractive index of the ambient gas, which can then be measured by monitoring the resonance shift. Although quite easy to manufacture, this cavity exhibits high-quality factors, facilitating the realization of high sensitivity in the gas refractive index sensing. In our experiment, 6% of the change of hydrogen concentration in air, which corresponds to a refractive index change of 1.4×10⁻⁵, can be steadily detected, and different gas samples can be easily identified. Our experimental results are consistent with the theoretically calculated spectral responses of the cavity using the transfer matrix method.

Field of study: Physics
Change in the shape of frequency-modulated light pulses during amplification

An analysis is made of the propagation of a frequency-modulated light pulse in a linearly amplifying medium with an inhomogeneously broadened gain profile. It is shown that a pulse can be compressed considerably during amplification. Conditions are established under which strong distortions of the pulse shape may result in its splitting. An analysis is made of the influence of the phase self-modulation of radiation on the shape of ultrashort light pulses in oscillators and amplifiers.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics