nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Productivity in Eighteenth‐Century England: Some Further Speculations

D r Turner's new estimates of national crop yields per acre at the turn of the eighteenth century are to be welcomed. Although they are broadly similar to the figures we already have (his average of I9.5 bushels per acre compares with Fussell's 22 and McCulloch's 2I) they do seem to be based on more reliable  Further, Turner's speculations about changes in wheat yields during the eighteenth century add another voice to the existing complaints about Deane and Cole's assertion of a io per cent rise.2 However, lest Turner's conclusions become "fossilized", as he thinks Deane and Cole's have become,3 this comment is directed at certain misleading assertions he makes about trends in yields per acre. In an attempt to resolve some of these difficulties the earlier estimates are re-examined, leading to the conclusion that existing national estimates of wheat yields in England between c. i650 and c. I770 cannot form a suitable basis for evaluating either the magnitude or the trend of yields during the course of the eighteenth century.

Field of study: Economics, History
Effect of processing and roasting on the antioxidant activity of coffee brews

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of processing and roasting on the antioxidant activity of coffee brews. Brews prepared with light, medium and dark roasted coffees were analyzed. The pH, total solids content, polyphenols content, reducing substances and chlorogenic acids content were determined. The antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts, the guaicol decolorizing and the capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation were also analyzed. The antioxidant activity of coffee brews were concentration-dependent. A progressive antioxidant activity and polyphenols content was observed decreasing with roasting. The light roasted coffee showed the highest antioxidant activity and dark roasted coffee showed the lowest antioxidant activity. The results indicate that the ingestion of coffee brews prepared with light and medium roasted coffees might protect cells from oxidative stress damages.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
N-Substituted cyanacetohydrazides in the synthesis of 3,3-dialkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines by Ritter reaction

Cyanacetohydrazide, protected at the nitrogen atom of hydrazide group, underwent cyclocondensation by Ritter reaction with 3,3-dialkylbenzylcarbinols, forming 3,3-dialkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines. The reagents used for the protection of hydrazide group were benzaldehyde, benzoyl chloride, phenyl isocyanate, and phenyl isothiocyanate. As a result, N-substituted derivatives of 2-(3,3-dialkyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2Н)-ylidene)acetohydrazide were obtained – N-phenylmethylidene ethanehydrazide, acetylbenzohydrazide, and N-phenylhydrazinecarboxamide. Cyanacetohydrazide that was acylated with phenyl isothiocyanate gave a heterocyclization product – 1,3,4-thiadiazole under these conditions.

Field of study: Chemistry
GIPSy: Genomic island prediction software.

Bacteria are highly diverse organisms that are able to adapt to a broad range of environments and hosts due to their high genomic plasticity. Horizontal gene transfer plays a pivotal role in this genome plasticity and in evolution by leaps through the incorporation of large blocks of genome sequences, ordinarily known as genomic islands (GEIs). GEIs may harbor genes encoding virulence, metabolism, antibiotic resistance and symbiosis-related functions, namely pathogenicity islands (PAIs), metabolic islands (MIs), resistance islands (RIs) and symbiotic islands (SIs). Although many software for the prediction of GEIs exist, they only focus on PAI prediction and present other limitations, such as complicated installation and inconvenient user interfaces. Here, we present GIPSy, the genomic island prediction software, a standalone and user-friendly software for the prediction of GEIs, built on our previously developed pathogenicity island prediction software (PIPS). We also present four application cases in which we crosslink data from literature to PAIs, MIs, RIs and SIs predicted by GIPSy. Briefly, GIPSy correctly predicted the following previously described GEIs: 13 PAIs larger than 30kb in Escherichia coli CFT073; 1 MI for Burkholderia pseudomallei K96243, which seems to be a miscellaneous island; 1 RI of Acinetobacter baumannii AYE, named AbaR1; and, 1 SI of Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099 presenting a mosaic structure. GIPSy is the first life-style-specific genomic island prediction software to perform analyses of PAIs, MIs, RIs and SIs, opening a door for a better understanding of bacterial genome plasticity and the adaptation to new traits.

Field of study: Biology, Engineering
Evaluation of turbulence measurement techniques from a single Doppler lidar

Measurements of turbulence are essential to understand and quantify the transport and dispersal of heat, moisture, momentum, and trace gases within the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Through the years, various techniques to measure turbulence using Doppler lidar observations have been proposed. However, the accuracy of these measurements has rarely been validated against trusted in situ instrumentation. Herein, data from the eXperimental Planetary boundary layer Instrumentation Assessment (XPIA) are used to verify Doppler lidar turbulence profiles through comparison with sonic anemometer measurements. For 17 days at the end of the experiment, a single scanning Doppler lidar continuously cycled through different turbulence measurement strategies: velocity–azimuth display (VAD), six-beam scans, and range–height indicators (RHIs) with a vertical stare. Measurements of turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), turbulence intensity, and stress velocity from these techniques are compared with sonic anemometer measurements at six heights on a 300 m tower. The six-beam technique is found to generally measure turbulence kinetic energy and turbulence intensity the most accurately at all heights (r2  ≈  0.78), showing little bias in its observations (slope of  ≈  0. 95). Turbulence measurements from the velocity–azimuth display method tended to be biased low near the surface, as large eddies were not captured by the scan. None of the methods evaluated were able to consistently accurately measure the shear velocity (r2 =  0.15–0.17). Each of the scanning strategies assessed had its own strengths and limitations that need to be considered when selecting the method used in future experiments.

Field of study: Environmental science
Regime Building as a Prime Mover of Technological Progress: The Energy Sector in the Central Asia-Caspian Region

International political economy and global politics at large are increasingly driven by struggles over control of energy resources. The energy reserves of the Central Asia-Caspian region are fast becoming a focal point for these struggles. The exploration and development of oil and gas deposits can be realized in a variety of ways, some of which promote security and sustainability, while others open the gates for potential intrastate and interstate conflicts. Productivity growth and sustainable development can only be achieved on the basis of international cooperation that requires everyone to follow certain mutually agreeable "rules of the game." These rules, and the institutions that support them, should ideally form the backbone of an international governance structure that will promote not only peace and development, but also technological progress and social stability. This study demonstrates a connection between international politicaleconomic cooperation, on the one hand, and technological growth and social advancement of the region, on the other hand. It offers an analysis of the potential consequences of a cooperative regime for technological progress in the energy sector of the Central Asia-Caspian region. It shows that establishment of a cooperative energy regime in the region will lead to a technological breakthrough, as manifested by significant productivity growth, decreased unit cost of energy, and technological advancements in the energy sector itself and across the economy.

Field of study: Political science
Experimental and theoretical screening energies for the 2H(d, p)3H reaction in metallic environments

The study of the 2H(d, p)3H reaction at very low energies in deuterized metallic targets provides a unique possibility to test models of the electron screening developed for dense astrophysical plasmas. Here, we compare the experimental screening energies obtained by our group as well as by other authors for different target materials with theoretical predictions based on an improved dielectric function theory. The calculations are performed within the self-consistent regime and include polarization of both quasi-free and bound electrons. Additionally, the cohesion screening, arising from different binding energies of deuterons and α-particles in crystal lattices, is taken into account. The proposed theory predicts only a weak material dependence of the screening energy in agreement with our experimental results but fails in the absolute strength of the effect by a factor of 2. The projectile-velocity dependence of the screening energy corresponding to the transition from the weak-screening regime to the strong-screening limit is discussed.

Field of study: Physics
On building a powerful country in higher education

China is a big developing country of socialism.In the face of the fierce competition by economic globalization and the demand of building innovative country,we must construct a powerful country in higher education.At the same time,strong economic power accumulated during thirty years of reform and opening,big reform and development of higher education of our country,practical demand of development of our economic and society,lay foundations for our constructions of a powerful country in higher education.To construct a powerful country in higher education,we must build scientific system of higher education evaluation and reasonable system of higher education structure,reform and innovate management system of scientific research,increase all-round higher education investment,enhance faculty and management staff building,strengthen education research,innovate education ideas.

Field of study: Education
Monoclonal antibody against human macrophages/monocytes and granulocytes.

A monoclonal antibody of the IgG2a isotype directed against lymphokine-activated human macrophage cell line (U937) was produced and characterized. By indirect immunofluorescence microscopy or binding assay, this antibody (MaG-1) reacted with human peripheral monocytes, peritoneal macrophages, alveolar macrophages, and peripheral granulocytes but not with lymphocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets. MaG-1 antigen was also expressed by 34% of bone-marrow cells which includes monocytic and granulocytic precursors, whereas lymphoid and erythroid precursor cells were found on MaG-1 negative population. Immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled U937 cell extract with the Mag-1 antibody under nonreducing and reducing conditions yielded a specific band of 66 kD. Thus, this antibody defines a new human macrophage/monocyte and granulocyte-specific antigen and may be useful for studying differentiation of human macrophages/monocytes.

Field of study: Biology
A global analysis of soil acidification caused by nitrogen addition

Nitrogen (N) deposition-induced soil acidification has become a global problem. However, the response patterns of soil acidification to N addition and the underlying mechanisms remain far from clear. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 106 studies to reveal global patterns of soil acidification in responses to N addition. We found that N addition significantly reduced soil pH by 0.26 on average globally. However, the responses of soil pH varied with ecosystem types, N addition rate, N fertilization forms, and experimental durations. Soil pH decreased most in grassland, whereas boreal forest was not observed a decrease to N addition in soil acidification. Soil pH decreased linearly with N addition rates. Addition of urea and NH4NO3 contributed more to soil acidification than NH4-form fertilizer. When experimental duration was longer than 20 years, N addition effects on soil acidification diminished. Environmental factors such as initial soil pH, soil carbon and nitrogen content, precipitation, and temperature all influenced the responses of soil pH. Base cations of Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ were critical important in buffering against N-induced soil acidification at the early stage. However, N addition has shifted global soils into the Al3+ buffering phase. Overall, this study indicates that acidification in global soils is very sensitive to N deposition, which is greatly modified by biotic and abiotic factors. Global soils are now at a buffering transition from base cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+) to non-base cations (Mn2+ and Al3+). This calls our attention to care about the limitation of base cations and the toxic impact of non-base cations for terrestrial ecosystems with N deposition.

Field of study: Environmental science
Characterization and Comparison of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ Currents Between Myocytes from Human Atrial Right Appendage and Atrial Septum

Atrial pacing to reduce paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrences is performed in right atrial appendage (RAA) traditionally. However, recent studies indicate that atrial septal (AS) pacing produces better outcomes than the RAA pacing. The underlying mechanisms for this difference remained unclear. One possible explanation for the superiority of AS pacing over RAA pacing is that the two different regions have distinct electrophysiological properties. The study was to explore whether there indeed exist regional differences of electrical activities between RAA and AS, using whole-cell patch clamp techniques. The results showed that RAA cells had longer action potential duration, more negative resting potential and greater amplitude of action potential, whereas AS cells had more rapid depolarizing velocity. The sodium current was significantly smaller in RAA cells, whereas the calcium current was markedly smaller in AS cells. The transient outward K+ current was similar in both regions. The ultrarapid delayed rectifier K+ current was greater in RAA than that in AS cells. The inward rectifier K+ current was similar at potentials more negative to -60 mV in both regions. The results indicate that RAA and AS of patients with rheumatic heart disease possess distinct electrophysiological properties. These differences provided a rational explanation for the different efficacies in treating atrial fibrillation by atrial pacing in RAA and AS regions.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
[The effect of amantadine sulfate on cognitive disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease].

: Cognitive disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) lead to occupational, social, everyday and psychological maladaptation in patients and their relatives. The paper addresses the epidemiology, structure and character of cognitive disorders in PD. The main pathogenetic factors of the development of moderate cognitive disorders and dementia in PD, methods of diagnosis and assessment of cognitive disorders and approaches to treatment of memory and intellect impairment are considered. We present the results of our own study on the effect of amantadine sulfate, prescribed in the dosage of 300 mg during 6 months, on cognitive disorders in 25 PD patients. Results of the therapy were assessed using neuropsychological tests and scales (MMSE, the Frontal Assessment battery, the Mattis dementia rating scale). The significant improvement in neuropsychological performance was seen in patients with moderate cognitive disorders treated with amantadine sulfate during 6 months.

Field of study: Medicine, Psychology
Weitere Untersuchungen mit dem Zweiröhren- und Vielröhrengenerator kurzer elektrischer Wellen

ZusammenfassungIn Fortsetzung einer früheren Arbeit des Verfassers wird ein Zwei- sowie Vielröhrengenerator für kurze ungedämpfte elektrische Schwingungen beschrieben. Die Abhängigkeit der Wellenlänge und der Intensität der Schwingungen von den Betriebsbedingungen und der Beschaffenheit des äußeren Schwingungskreises wird untersucht. Die Bedingungen, bei welchen bestimmte Obertöne des Schwingungs-kreises erregt werden, werden festgestellt. Wellenlängen bis zu 18 cm herab sind erhalten worden. Versuche mit der Vielröhrenschaltung, die bis zu der Röhrenzahl 7 ausgeführt worden sind, haben ergeben, daß die Schwingungsintensität schneller als die Röhrenzahl wächst.

Field of study: Physics
Promoting HIV Vaccine Research in African American Communities: Does the Theory of Reasoned Action Explain Potential Outcomes of Involvement?

The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to challenge the African American community with disproportionate rates of infection, particularly among young women ages 25 to 34 years. Development of a preventive HIV vaccine may bring a substantial turning point in this health crisis. Engagement of the African American community is necessary to improve awareness of the effort and favorably influence attitudes and referent norms. The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) may be a useful framework for exploration of community engagement outcomes including future attendance, community mobilization, and study participation. Within the context of HIV vaccine outreach, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in early 2007 with 175 African-American adults (>/= 18 years). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were performed and the findings support the potential of the model in understanding behavioral intentions toward HIV vaccine research.

Field of study: Economics
EFFECTS OF INTRUSIVE IGNEOUS ROCK ON COAL-BED METHANE HORIZONTAL WELL PRODUCTIVITY

Choosing the Fuxin LiuJia Coal-bed Methane block as the study subject, a dual system seepage model is established in this study to simulate the dynamics of porosity and permeability resulted from pressure variation during gas desorption, diffusion and drainage. A geological model of heterogeneous coal-bed methane reservoir is also established involving complex geological tectonics. The influence on the productivity of horizontal wells from igneous rock intrusion is analyzed. Results show that the pressure expansion of Coal-bed Methane reservoir is remarkably affected by complicated geological tectonics. Locating a horizontal well SPJ1 in between two igneous rock zones leads to a substantial pressure drop and large methane desorption area in the middle of the two zones. On the other hand, when a horizontal well SPJ2 is located between the igneous rock zone and a fault zone, the effect of weaken fault and an appropriate distance from the northern igneous rock zone need to be taken into consideration. Modelling results show that 140 m is the optimal distance from the igneous rock zone, where the maximum pressure drop and coal-bed methane production are detected. The comparison between SPJ2 and SPJ1 suggests that horizontal wells in LiuJia block be placed at SPJ2.

Field of study: Engineering
The relationship between bone shell microanatomy and palaeoecology in Testudinata from South America

Extant turtles exhibit a range of ecological adaptations to terrestrial and pelagic marine habitats. Bone shell microanatomy, and specifically, qualitative and quantitative approaches to shell bone porosity, have been used to infer palaeoecology and habitat. However, such inferences are hindered by the lack of a comprehensive sampling of testudine taxa and, in some instances, of long bones of vertebrates other than turtles. In this paper, we carry out an osteohistological analysis of Testudinata shell bones, including 31 different taxa, both extant and extinct, of known habitats. Costal and peripheral elements of published species and new data presented here are statistically analysed. Although, in some cases, values are congruent with those expected for a particular habitat (e.g. Hydromedusa casamayorensis), this is not true for all taxa examined. Moreover, microanatomical features of several taxa (e.g. Chelonia mydas) are inconsistent with habitat data. Results indicate that, although the microanatomical structure of the shell is related to habitat, this is not the only influence and indeed, in several cases, not the most important factor.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Thermoelectric Properties of Off-Stoichiometric Bi2Te2Se Compounds

We report the thermoelectric characterization of off-stoichiometric Bi2Te2Se compounds fabricated with high energy ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering. Among the investigated off-stoichiometric Bi2Te2Se compounds, Bi2Te1.95Se1.05 showed a peak ZT of 0.76 at 523 K. We observed the scattering mode change in Bi2Te1.95Se1.05 compounds. From our results, the off-stoichiometric Bi2Te2Se compounds can be applied as n-type material for power generation at elevated temperature.

Field of study: Materials science
A General Purpose Disk Based Distributed Processing Data Acquisition and Analysis System

This paper describes a recently developed general purpose distributed processing data acquisition and analysis system. The system has been designed to operate on a high speed synchronous bus. By adhering to the rigid protocol of the bus, the individual components of the system are independent of position and of other system components. The basic design uses multiple microcomputers and microprogrammable microprocessors to perform specific functions, many of which are normally performed by the CPU in a conventional minicomputer system.

Field of study: Physics
Stage I Clinical Trial of Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B

: This paper describes the first human gene therapy trial for hemophilia B. Retroviruses were used to introduce human factor IX into autologous, primary human skin fibroblasts from the patients. Recombinant retroviral vector containing human FIX cDNA driven by viral LTR promoter (XL-IX) and double-copy retroviral vector driven by human cytomegalovirus enhancer-promoter (N2CMV-IX) were constructed. After the safety assessment, including soft-agar test, cell morphology observation, analysis of endotoxin, chromosome karyotype, allergic reaction test, nude mice test, routine pathological test, electromicroscopic analysis, and virus detection by PCR, etc., the engineered cells were pooled and embedded in collagen mixture, autologously injected into the patients respectively. The concentration of human FIX protein of Patient 1 increased from 71 ng/ml to 220 ng/ml, with a maximum level of 245 ng/ml. The expression of FIX has lasted for 6 months at the time of writing. The clotting activity also increased from 2.9% to 6.3%, his clinical symptoms have been alleviated obviously. The secretion rate of FIX for Patient 2 increased from 130 to 250 ng/ml, maintained at the level of 220 ng/ml for 5.5 months at the time of writing, but the clotting activity has not been increased steadily. There is no deleterious effect to be found in the two patients since the ex-vivo cells were implanted. The two patients are now under follow-up investigation. We suggested that retrovirus-mediated transfer of genes into skin fibroblasts, to be embedded in collagen and subcutaneously injected into patients, is a simple and effective approach for the gene therapy for hemophilia B.

Field of study: Chemistry