nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Chemoattractant‐induced release of elastase by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐primed neutrophils; inhibitory effect of the anti‐inflammatory drug nimesulide

Human neutrophils, pre‐exposed to low concentrations (1–10 ng/ml) of bacterial LPS in the presence of 1% autologous serum, released elastase activity in response to n‐formyl‐met‐leu‐phe (fMLP). Both cell incubation with LPS without subsequent fMLP stimulus and fMLP stimulation without prior exposure to LPS failed to promote significant elastase release. Therefore, LPS primes neutrophils for the subsequent release of elastase in response to fMLP. Compared with fMLP, human recombinant C5a had a slight although not significant activity, whereas other chemoattractants such as IL‐8, platelet‐activating factor and leukotriene B4 were ineffective. The fMLP‐induced response of LPS‐primed neutrophils was susceptible to suppression by the methane‐sulphonanilide anti‐inflammatory drug nimesulide and RO 20‐1724, which selectively inhibit cAMP‐catabolizing phosphodiesterase type IV. This suggests that the elastase release by LPS‐primed neutrophils is likely to be controlled by intracellular cAMP, and raises the possibility of limiting pharmacologically the elastase‐mediated tissue injury during neutrophilic inflammation.

Field of study: Biology, Medicine
Seismic facies and stratigraphy of the Cenozoic succession in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica: Implications for tectonic, climatic and glacial history

Integration of data from fully cored stratigraphic holes with an extensive grid of seismic reflection lines in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, has allowed the formulation of a new model for the evolution of the Cenozoic Victoria Land Basin of the West Antarctic Rift. The Early Rift phase (Eocene to Early Oligocene) is recorded by wedges of strata confined by early extensional faults, and which contain seismic facies consistent with drainage via coarse-grained fans and deltas into discrete, actively subsiding grabens and half-grabens. The Main Rift phase (Early Oligocene to Early Miocene) is represented by a lens of strata that thickens symmetrically from the basin margins into a central depocenter, and in which stratal events pass continuously over the top of the Early Rift extensional topography. Internal seismic facies and lithofacies indicate a more organized, cyclical shallow marine succession, influenced increasingly upward by cycles of glacial advance and retreat into the basin. The Passive Thermal Subsidence phase (Early Middle Miocene) is recorded by an evenly distributed sheet of strata that thickens somewhat into the depocentre but is continuous across and over the earlier rift strata to the margins of the basin. Internally, it contains similar facies to the underlying Main Rift, but preserves more evidence for clinoform sets and large channels, and in core comprises many short, condensed and strongly top-truncated stratal cycles with continued, periodic glacial influence. These patterns are interpreted to record accumulation under similar environmental conditions but in a regime of slower subsidence. The Renewed Rifting phase (Middle Miocene to Recent, largely unsampled by coring thus far) is represented by intervals that thicken significantly into the basin depocentre and that are complicated by evidence of magmatic activity (McMurdo Volcanic Group). This succession is further divided into lower and upper intervals, separated by a major unconformity that displays increasing angular discordance towards the western basin margin and Transantarctic Mountain Front. The youngest part of the stratigraphy was accumulated under the influence of flexural loading imposed by the construction of large volcanic edifices, and was formed in an environment in which little sediment was supplied from the western basin margin, suggesting a change in environmental (glacial) conditions at possibly c. 2 Ma. The Cenozoic stratigraphy of the southern Victoria Land Basin preserves archives of both climate change and the complex rift history of the basin, and coincidences between key stratal surfaces in seismic data and evidence for environmental change in drillcores suggest that tectonic and climatic drivers may be causally linked.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

Most of the physicians that I know are chary of Physics, especially the theory of elementary particles. Even if in Isaac Newton's mathematically precise universe, everything follows clear-cut laws and predictions are easy given appropriate starting conditions.

Perhaps, however, physicians coping with this uncertainty will perhaps feel more in tune with Heisenberg's uncertainty law. Heisenberg (1901–76) described a theory of quantum mechanics, published in 1925, when he was only 23 years old. The uncertainty principle describes an imprecision in nature resulting in a limit to what we can know about the behaviour of quantum particles and, hence the smallest scales of nature. Heisenberg was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for 1932 for this theory and its application that resulted amongst other things the discovery of allotropic forms of hydrogen.

His theory stated that we cannot always give an electron a position in space at a given time, nor follow it …

Field of study: Medicine
Diosgenin, an Activator of 1,25D3-MARRS Receptor/ERp57, Attenuates the Effects of TNF-α by Causing ADAM10-Dependent Ectodomain Shedding of TNF Receptor 1

We investigated how diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, has anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) effects in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs).  Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) was assessed by Western blot analysis. Intracellular Ca2+ was measured using Fluo-4 AM. Immunofluorescence staining was performed for a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10).  Diosgenin (1 ∼ 100 nM) induced ectodomain shedding of TNFR1 within 30 min and attenuated TNF-α-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Upon treatment with diosgenin, extracellular Ca2+ entered into the cells via L-type calcium channels, whereas diosgenin-induced ectodomain shedding of TNFR1 was almost completely inhibited by BAPTA-AM (intracellular Ca2+ chelator), verapamil (L-type calcium channel antagonist) and the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Diosgenin caused translocation of ADAM10 to the cell surface, which was mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx. Depletion of ADAM10 prevented diosgenin-induced ectodomain shedding of TNFR1 and abolished the inhibitory effect of diosgenin on TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression. Diosgenin did not induce extracellular Ca2+ influx and ectodomain shedding of TNFR1 in cells depleted of 1,25D3-membrane associated rapid response steroid-binding receptor (1,25D3-MARRS receptor/ERp57).  Diosgenin elicits L-type calcium channel-mediated extracellular Ca2+ influx, and thereby induces ADAM10-mediated ectodomain shedding of TNFR1. This effect of diosgenin was exerted through 1,25D3-MARRS receptor/ERp57.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
Identification of Pediatric Sepsis Subphenotypes for Enhanced Machine Learning Predictive Performance: A Latent Profile Analysis

While machine learning (ML) models are rapidly emerging as promising screening tools in critical care medicine, the identification of homogeneous subphenotypes within populations with heterogeneous conditions such as pediatric sepsis may facilitate attainment of high-predictive performance of these prognostic algorithms. This study is aimed to identify subphenotypes of pediatric sepsis and demonstrate the potential value of partitioned data/subtyping-based training.  This was a retrospective study of clinical data extracted from medical records of 6,446 pediatric patients that were admitted at a major hospital system in the DC area. Vitals and labs associated with patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for sepsis were used to perform latent profile analysis. Modern ML algorithms were used to explore the predictive performance benefits of reduced training data heterogeneity via label profiling.  In total 134 (2.1%) patients met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis in this cohort and latent profile analysis identified four profiles/subphenotypes of pediatric sepsis. Profiles 1 and 3 had the lowest mortality and included pediatric patients from different age groups. Profile 2 were characterized by respiratory dysfunction; profile 4 by neurological dysfunction and highest mortality rate (22.2%). Machine learning experiments comparing the predictive performance of models derived without training data profiling against profile targeted models suggest statistically significant improved performance of prediction can be obtained. For example, area under ROC curve (AUC) obtained to predict profile 4 with 24-hour data (AUC = .998, p < .0001) compared favorably with the AUC obtained from the model considering all profiles as a single homogeneous group (AUC = .918) with 24-hour data.

Field of study: Computer science
Evaluating the effectiveness of road mitigation measures

The last 20 years have seen a dramatic increase in efforts to mitigate the negative effects of roads and traffic on wildlife, including fencing to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions and wildlife crossing structures to facilitate landscape connectivity. While not necessarily explicitly articulated, the fundamental drivers behind road mitigation are human safety, animal welfare, and/or wildlife conservation. Concomitant with the increased effort to mitigate has been a focus on evaluating road mitigation. So far, research has mainly focussed on assessing the use of wildlife crossing structures, demonstrating that a broad range of species use them. However, this research has done little to address the question of the effectiveness of crossing structures, because use of a wildlife crossing structure does not necessarily equate to its effectiveness. The paucity of studies directly examining the effectiveness of crossing structures is exacerbated by the fact that such studies are often poorly designed, which limits the level of inference that can be made. Without well performed evaluations of the effectiveness of road mitigation measures, we may endanger the viability of wildlife populations and inefficiently use financial resources by installing structures that are not as effective as we think they are. In this paper we outline the essential elements of a good experimental design for such assessments and prioritize the parameters to be measured. The framework we propose will facilitate collaboration between road agencies and scientists to undertake research programs that fully evaluate effectiveness of road mitigation measures. We discuss the added value of road mitigation evaluations for policy makers and transportation agencies and provide recommendations on how to incorporate such evaluations in road planning practices.

Field of study: Environmental science
Enhancement of catalytic activity of enzymes by heating in anhydrous organic solvents: 3D structure of a modified serine proteinase at high resolution.

For the first time, it is demonstrated that exposure of an enzyme to anhydrous organic solvents at optimized high temperature enhances its catalytic power through local changes at the binding region. Six enzymes, namely, proteinase K, wheat germ acid phosphatase, alpha-amylase, beta-glucosidase, chymotrypsin and trypsin were exposed to acetonitrile at 70 degrees C for three hr. The activities of these enzymes were found to be considerably enhanced. In order to understand the basis of this change in the activity of these enzymes, proteinase K was analyzed in detail using X-ray diffraction method. The overall structure of the enzyme was found to be similar to the native structure in aqueous environment. The hydrogen bonding system of the catalytic triad remained intact after the treatment. However, the water structure in the substrate binding site underwent some rearrangement as some of the water molecules were either displaced or completely absent. The most striking observation concerning the water structure was the complete deletion of the water molecule which occupied the position at the so-called oxyanion hole in the active site of the native enzyme. Three acetonitrile molecules were found in the present structure. All the acetonitrile molecules were located in the recognition site. Interlinked through water molecules, the sites occupied by acetonitrile molecules were independent of water molecules. The acetonitrile molecules are involved in extensive interactions with the protein atoms. The methyl group of one of the acetonitrile molecules (CCN1) interacts simultaneously with the hydrophobic side chains of Leu 96, Ile 107 and Leu 133. The development of such a hydrophobic environment at the recognition site introduced a striking conformation change in Ile 107 by rotating its side chain about C alpha-C beta bond by 180 degrees to bring about the delta-methyl group within the range of attractive van der Waals interactions with the methyl group of CCN1. A similar change had earlier been observed in proteinase K when it was complexed to a substrate analogue, lactoferrin fragment.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
A parametric antenna for hydrophysical research on long-distance paths

This work considers the capabilities of a hydroacoustic antenna based on principles of nonlinear acoustics to perform hydrophysical studies on long-distance paths. The antenna is described and results from initial experiments at sea are reported. The antenna is installed at a depth of 40 m at the site of investigations by the Hydrophysical Institute, Abkhazia Academy of Sciences. At a pumping frequency of 20 kHz, it allows the medium to be probed in the 300–3000 Hz range of parametric radiation on long-distance routes. The sharp directional pattern (2° angular resolution) of the broadband parametric radiation ensures single-mode excitation of the marine waveguide throughout the frequency band. Generation of a specific signal by a parametric antenna provides conditions for using the frequency dispersion of the velocity of acoustic signal propagation in the marine waveguide to compress the signal as it travels along a long-distance path.

Field of study: Physics
Signal amplification in a qubit-resonator system

We study the dynamics of a qubit-resonator system, when the resonator is driven by two signals. The interaction of the qubit with the high-amplitude driving we consider in terms of the qubit dressed states. Interaction of the dressed qubit with the second probing signal can essentially change the amplitude of this signal. We calculate the transmission amplitude of the probe signal through the resonator as a function of the qubit's energy and the driving frequency detuning. The regions of increase and attenuation of the transmitted signal are calculated and demonstrated graphically. We present the influence of the signal parameters on the value of the amplification, and discuss the values of the qubit-resonator system parameters for an optimal amplification and attenuation of the weak probe signal.

Field of study: Physics
First-Principles Study on Lattice Structures and Bonding Character of CoSb3/Ti Interface

Interfacial structure plays a critical role in the application of thermoelectric (TE) devices. To understand the bonding character of the CoSb3/Ti interface, we investigated its lattice structure, interface bonding energy, and electronic properties by first-principles calculations. Six possible models for CoSb3/Ti interfaces with an orientation relationship of [1 0 0](0 0 1)CoSb3//[2 $$ \bar{1} $$1¯$$ \bar{1} $$1¯ 0](0 1 $$ \bar{1} $$1¯ 0)Ti were considered. The atomic positions and bond lengths changed obviously on the interface after relaxation. Through calculations of adhesion energies of all the candidate interfaces, it was found that one-layer Sb-terminated CoSb3(0 0 1)/Ti(0 1 $$ \bar{1} $$1¯ 0) interface has the largest bonding energy. This indicates that the one-layer Sb-terminated interface is the most stable configuration. It was found that electrons are largely redistributed on the interface according to our analysis on partial density of states and interface difference charge density. The electrons of atoms near interface transfer toward the gap between the interfacial Ti and CoSb3 layer. Both electron transfer and orbital hybridization promote bonding between atoms and the interfacial bonds are mainly metallic. Little covalent bonding is involved at the interface as well.

Field of study: Materials science
黄芪多糖降低红斑狼疮小鼠抗磷脂抗体和尿蛋白的作用

为了研究黄芪多糖对抗磷脂抗体和尿蛋白的影响,本研究选用病理及组织学改变类似人类红斑狼疮的自发SLE模型NZB×NZW F1小鼠观察不同剂量黄芪多糖对其抗心磷脂(anticardiolipin, aCL)、抗磷脂酰胆碱(antiphosphatidyl choline, aPC)、抗磷脂酰丝氨酸(antiphosphatidyl serine, aPS)、抗磷脂酰肌醇(antiphos-phatidyl inositol,aPI)、抗磷脂酸(antiphosphatidic acid, aPA)抗体和抗磷脂酰乙醇胺(anti-phosphatidyl ethanolamine, aPE)抗体的水平、尿蛋白含量的影响。

Field of study: Biology
Engineering Economics of Cotton Stalk Supply Logistics Systems for Bioenergy Applications

Cotton stalk (CS), which is usually left in the field, can be a potential bioenergy feedstock if it can be economically harvested and delivered to a bioenergy plant. The objectives of this study were to systematically assess the spatial and temporal availability of harvestable quantities of CS and evaluate the least expensive supply system among various biomass supply logistics options. The availability of harvestable CS in the U.S. was estimated at the county level using cotton yield data with the best farm management practices. Six supply logistics options for CS were evaluated to estimate delivered cost and energy usage for each option: large rectangular bale (LReB), large round bale (LRoB), small round bale (SRoB), chops, modules, and single-pass bio-baler. The average annual availability of CS in the U.S. was estimated as about 14.4(±0.05) dry Tg, with an economically harvestable amount of 5.6 (±0.03) dry Tg and a minimal harvestable stalk yield of 2.5 dry Mg ha -1 . Among the six supply logistics options evaluated, LReB was the least expensive option, with an average delivered cost of $60 dry Mg -1 (100 km round trip) and energy input of 462 MJ dry Mg -1 . Sensitivity analysis of the LReB supply logistics system demonstrated that the total delivered cost can be further reduced by up to 30% if the overall machine capacity, field efficiency, and bale bulk density can be increased by 20%.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
STUDY OF BEARING CAPACITY AND COMPLETE STRESS-STAIN CURVES FOR CONCRETE FILLED SQUARE STEEL TUBE COLUMNS

Based on data from 266 tests of concrete filled steel tubular stub columns gathered from literature, the design equations for axial load capacities according to domestic and international codes and specifications are examined. It is found that the equations of AISC, CECS and AIJ specifications are most conservative. The EC specifications provide statistically closer but slightly conservative predictions to the test results. The average predictions by DL and GJB specifications are slightly higher than the test data. The paper also characterizes the load-deformation relationships, and statistically evaluates several stress-strain models proposed by different researchers. It was found that they coincided with test results in the elastic stage, but for the description of the decline and strengthening stages, each model is quite different and has different applicable scope.

Field of study: Engineering
Ordeals of Physics Instruction in Nigerian Secondary Schools: Way Forward for the Attainment of Global Competitiveness

Physics instruction in secondary schools is a fundamental panacea towards achieving scientific knowledgeable citizens which can propel a nation in the realization of a sustainable economic force. This paper therefore x-rayed ordeals of physics instruction in Nigerian secondary schools and the way forward for the attainment of global competitiveness. The research has descriptive survey design. Ninety-two (92) physics teachers and eight secondary schools (four in each Local Government Area) were selected using a purposive sampling technique for the study. The research instruments used for the study were “Questionnaire on Ordeal in Physics Instruction in Secondary School (QOPISS) and Physics Practical Apparatus Checklist (PPAC). Using a test-retest method and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, a reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained for QOPISS. The data were analyzed according to research questions using the frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation and ranking. The study revealed that qualified physics teachers are not adequate for proper teaching of physics, laboratory apparatus are insufficient for effective practical activities in physics teaching and learning in both rural and urban schools, the lecture and problem solving methods are the most applied instructional strategy employed during physics instruction and physics teachers do not utilize ICT tools in teaching physics. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that qualified physics teachers should be employed in the secondary schools, all physics laboratories both in the urban and rural secondary schools should be well equipped by relevant authorities and stake holders, appropriate teaching methodologies and ICT tools integration in the teaching and learning of physics should be employed by physics teachers during physics instruction.  Physics instruction, laboratory apparatus, physics teachers, ICT tools.

Field of study: Education
Zur Herstellung hochreiner Alkalihalogenid-Kristalle

ZusammenfassungWirkungsgrad und Ausbeute einer früher beschriebenen Anlage zum Zonenreinigen von Alkalihalogeniden in Graphitschiffchen werden weiter gesteigert. Die Reinheit der Kristalle wird mit Hilfe der Ionenleitfähigkeit bestimmt. Für KCl beträgt der erzielte Reinigungsfaktor gegenüber dem „analysenreinen“ Ausgangsmaterial 104. Bei NaCl hat sich die Leitfähigkeit durch Zonenreinigen nicht verändern lassen. Dieses Verhalten kann durch Messung der Verteilungskoeffizienten einiger Erdalkaliionen gedeutet werden. Es zeigt sich, daß der Verteilungskoeffizient für Ca++-lonen in NaCl den Wert l hat.Aus den zonengereinigten Kristallbarren werden nach dem Verfahren der fortschreitenden Kristallisation große Einkristalle hoher Reinheit hergestellt.Durch eine Vorbehandlung des Ausgangsmaterials in Chloratmosphäre kann der OH−-Ionengehalt von KCl und NaCl-Kristallen weitgehend reduziert werden. Dies wird auf äußerst empfindliche Weise mit Hilfe von Elektronen-Spin-Resonanz nachgewiesen.

Field of study: Physics