nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Referendum Contingent Valuation Estimates: Sensitivity to the Assignment of Offered Values

(CVM) are becoming increasingly popular for assessing the value of nonmarket resources and public goods. In particular, CVM “willingness to pay” estimates are gaining currency for the assessment of damages in environmental litigation. Several studies have compared the value estimates resulting from alternative formats used for CVM survey questions and have speculated on the reasons for observed discrepancies. These reasons now include a whole taxonomy of possible biases. We take a closer look at one CVM format—the referendum—and demonstrate that simply the “luck of the draw” in assigning the referendum thresholds on individual questionnaires can produce a surprisingly wide variety of value estimates. We control for the behavioral biases that confound other comparison studies by using one sample of “payment card” CV data and simulating 200 samples of consistent referendum responses. Due to the inefficiency of the referendum format, we conclude that, where referendum qu...

Field of study: Mathematics
BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS: Reflection of radiation from a plasma mirror of an electron-beam-controlled CO2 laser

An investigation was made of the reflection of a stimulated emission pulse from a plasma mirror of an electron-beam-controlled CO2 laser. The pulse consisted of a prepulse of ~100 nsec duration and a train of nanosecond spikes. The coefficient of reflection of the prepulse into the aperture of a focusing mirror did not exceed a few percent when the total coefficient of reflection into a solid single 2π sr was ~45%. An increase of the reflection coefficient in the aperture of the focusing mirror to ~20% was observed for the nanosecond spikes. This was due to exact baclcreflection along the direction of the incident pulse.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
Bioefficacy of Certain Insecticides Alone and in Combination with Miraculan Against Heliqthis Armigera Hubner Infecting Greengram

Field investigations were carried out on bioefficacy of certain insecticides alone and in com-bulation with a plant growth regulator (miraculan) against Heliothis attacking greengram (variety Guj-2) at Junagadh, Gujatat State during 1981–82. Considering the efficacy of various treatments againsL Heliothis, fenvealrate 0.01%, endosulfan 0.07% and monocrotophos 0.04% alone and in combination with miraculan were foUlld to be effective against Heliothis on greengram.

Field of study: Biology
A Facile Size-control Method of CdS Nanoparticles In-situ Synthesized in Polymer Matrix by Adjusting Ratio of Acidic Acid with Metallic Complex in Acrylate Photoresist Resin

A facile method with efficient control of nanoparticles size in polymer matrix by combination of in situ synthesis and photopolymerization is proposed and investigated. The photoluminescence of the...

Field of study: Chemistry
Different strategies of Cd tolerance and accumulation in Arabidopsis halleri and Arabidopsis arenosa.

Pseudometallophytes are commonly used to study the evolution of metal tolerance and accumulation traits in plants. Within the Arabidopsis genus, the adaptation of Arabidopsis halleri to metalliferous soils has been widely studied, which is not the case for the closely related species Arabidopsis arenosa. We performed an in-depth physiological comparison between the A. halleri and A. arenosa populations from the same polluted site, together with the geographically close non-metallicolous (NM) populations of both species. The ionomes, growth, photosynthetic parameters and pigment content were characterized in the plants that were growing on their native site and in a hydroponic culture under Cd treatments. In situ, the metallicolous (M) populations of both species hyperaccumulated Cd and Zn. The NM population of A. halleri hyperaccumulated Cd and Zn while the NM A. arenosa did not. In the hydroponic experiments, the NM populations of both species accumulated more Cd in their shoots than the M populations. Our research suggests that the two Arabidopsis species evolved different strategies of adaptation to extreme metallic environments that involve fine regulation of metal homeostasis, adjustment of the photosynthetic apparatus and accumulation of flavonols and anthocyanins. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Field of study: Environmental science
Political Struggle and Institutional Reorganization in Yugoslavia

One of the most salient, if less remarked upon, characteristics of Communist regimes is the frequency with which basic political institutional arrangements are overhauled. Almost every Communist country has had at least two constitutions; some (such as the Soviet Union) have had three, and Yugoslavia is now under its fourth constitution since the Communists came to power. In most cases the leader, originally simply general-secretary of his respective party, later became premier as well, then dropped the premiership, retaining only the secretaryship. Finally, in most cases over the course of the 1970s, the leader would add the title of president (head of state). These and other analogous changes were usually explained as symptoms of the process of "building communism," a process that, apparently by definition, has to involve regular institutional adjustments. In reality, however, the changes have had almost nothing to do with building anything, and reflect rather the pervasive instability in monocratic systems. When there are no organizational alternatives, political competition-which might otherwise be expressed in the struggle between rival organizations is naturally transferred into the monopoly party itself and therefore expresses itself in part as a struggle over organizational forms. It is thus symptomatic of a popular misconception to believe that the most significant question in Communist succession struggles is: "Who will lead?" Quite the contrary; far more important is the intensification of the struggle over institutional forms that invariably emerges in conditions of political fluidity.

Field of study: Political science
Rate of and Risk Factors Associated with Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Prospective Study from Kuwait

To determine the rate of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among a population of preterm infants in Kuwait, and to review the risk factors associated with the disease.  A prospective cohort study of all preterm infants of less than 2,000 g birth weight and/or 36 weeks gestational age who were screened for ROP during 1995 at the neonatal unit of the Maternity Hospital in Kuwait. The rate of and some of the possible risk factors associated with the disease were determined.  A total of 130 babies were screened of which 59 (45.4%) developed some stage of ROP. The frequency of blindness was 3 (2.3%). Low birth weight, oxygen therapy, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage and blood transfusion were the risk factors found to be associated with the disease. However, with logistic regression analysis, only low birth weight and oxygen were independently associated with ROP.  The rate of ROP in our unit is not different from that of the other centers, and low birth weight and oxygen therapy are the main risk factors associated with the disease.

Field of study: Medicine
Expected quorum overlap sizes of quorum systems for asynchronous power-saving in mobile ad hoc networks

Quorum systems satisfying the rotation closure property can be used to realize asynchronous power-saving algorithms for mobile ad hoc networks. The FPP, grid, cyclic, torus and e-torus quorum systems can provide the algorithms with the lowest or near lowest active ratios since they have the optimal or near optimal quorum sizes. The algorithms guarantee that a node can sense the status of every neighbor by receiving one or more beacons from it within a round of beacon intervals. Traditionally, the smallest quorum overlap size (SQOS) and the maximum quorum overlap separation (MQOS) are used to measure the neighbor sensibility. However, it is difficult to differentiate the quorum systems by SQOS and MQOS since most of them have the same SQOS and MQOS values. In this paper, the expected quorum overlap size (EQOS) is proposed as an average-case neighbor sensibility measurement. We can easily judge the goodness of quorum systems by EQOS since they have different EQOS values. Larger than one EQOS values are desirable. Observing quorum systems are of EQOS values far larger than one, we are inspired to devise a new quorum system, called the fraction torus (f-torus) quorum system, for the construction of flexible mobility-adaptive power-saving algorithms. The f-torus quorum system can further reduce the active ratio to save energy by shrinking the quorum size, while still keeping the EQOS larger than one. We derive EQOS values for all the above-mentioned quorum systems by analysis and simulation experiments. As we will show, the EQOS analysis and simulation results coincide very closely.

Field of study: Computer science
Hopf bifurcation in a structured population model for the sexual phase of monogonont rotifers

We are studying a population of monogonont rotifers in the context of non-linear age-dependent models. In the sexual phase of their reproductive cycle we consider the population structured by age, and composed of three subclasses: virgin mictic females, mated mictic females, and haploid males. The model system has a unique stationary population density which is stable as long as a parameter, related to male-female encounter rate, remains below a critical value. When the parameter increases beyond this critical value, the stationary solution becomes unstable and a stable limit cycle (isolated periodic orbit) appears. The occurrence of this supercritical Hopf bifurcation is shown analytically.

Field of study: Biology, Mathematics
Cooperative Interactions Between R531 and Acidic Residues in the Voltage Sensing Module of hERG1 Channels

HERG1 K+ channels are critical for modulating the duration of the cardiac action potential. The role of hERG1 channels in maintaining electrical stability in the heart derives from their unusual gating properties: slow activation and fast inactivation. HERG1 channel inactivation is intrinsically voltage sensitive and is not coupled to activation in the same way as in the Shaker family of K+ channels. We recently proposed that the S4 transmembrane domain functions as the primary voltage sensor for hERG1 activation and inactivation and that distinct regions of S4 contribute to each gating process. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that S4 rearrangements underlying activation and inactivation gating may be associated with distinct cooperative interactions between a key residue in the S4 domain (R531) and acidic residues in neighboring regions (S1 – S3 domains) of the voltage sensing module. Using double-mutant cycle analysis, we found that R531 was energetically coupled to all acidic residues in S1-S3 during activation, but was coupled only to acidic residues near the extracellular portion of S2 and S3 (D456, D460 and D509) during inactivation. We propose that hERG1 activation involves a cooperative conformational change involving the entire voltage sensing module, while inactivation may involve a more limited interaction between R531 and D456, D460 and D509.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
Effect of the angular momentum on the magnitude of the current in magneto-tunnelling spectroscopy of quantum dots

We present an experimental and theoretical study of electron tunnelling through quantum dots which focusses the attention on the amplitude of the current peaks as a function of magnetic field. We demonstrate that the amplitudes of the current peaks in the tunnelling spectra show a dramatically different behaviour as a function of the magnetic field, depending on the angular momentum of the dot state through which tunnelling occurs. This is seen in the non-monotonic behaviour of the current amplitude in magnetic field. Furthermore, the magnetic field severely hinders tunnelling through states with angular momentum parallel to the field, and in some cases it makes it altogether impossible. This type of investigation allows us to directly probe the details of the confined wave functions of the quantum dot.

Field of study: Physics
Mitochondrial Genetics and Epigenetics in Osteoarthritis

During recent years, the significant influence of mitochondria on osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disease, has been consistently demonstrated. Not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also mitochondrial genetic polymorphisms, specifically the mitochondrial DNA haplogroups, have been shown to have an important influence on different OA-related features, including the prevalence, severity, incidence, and progression of the disease. This influence could probably be mediated by the role of mitochondria in the regulation of different processes involved in the pathogenesis of OA, such as energy production, the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, apoptosis, and inflammation. The regulation of these processes is at least partially controlled by the bi-directional communication between the nucleus and mitochondria, which permits the regulation of adaptation to a wide range of stressors and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This bi-directional communication consists of an “anterograde regulation” by which the nucleus regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and activity and a “retrograde regulation” by which both mitochondria and mitochondrial genetic variation exert a regulatory signaling control over the nuclear epigenome, which leads to the modulation of nuclear genes. Throughout this mini review, we will describe the evidence that demonstrates the profound influence of the mitochondrial genetic background in the pathogenesis of OA, as well as its influence on the nuclear DNA methylome of the only cell type present in the articular cartilage, the chondrocyte. This evidence leads to serious consideration of the mitochondrion as an important therapeutic target in OA.

Field of study: Biology
Discovery of the elements with atomic numbers Z = 113, 115 and 117 (IUPAC Technical Report)

The fourth IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party (JWP) on the priority of claims to the discovery of new elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 has reviewed the relevant literature pertaining to several claims. In accordance with the Criteria for the discovery of elements previously established by the 1991 IUPAC/IUPAP Transfermium Working Group (TWG), and reinforced in subsequent IUPAC/IUPAP JWP discussions, it was determined that the RIKEN collaboration has fulfilled those Criteria for element Z=113. The Dubna–Livermore–Oak Ridge collaborations claims for 115 and 117 are also in compliance. The discussion of element Z=118 will appear in a subsequent report. A synopsis of experiments and related efforts is presented along with some commentary guiding future applications of the Criteria.

Field of study: Chemistry
Trace elements and stable isotopes (delta13C and delta15N) in shallow and deep-water organisms from the East China Sea.

Trace elements (22) and stable isotope ratios (delta15N and delta13C) were analyzed in marine organisms from shallow (SW) and deep-water (DW) of the East China Sea to understand biomagnification and prey source of trace elements. In the benthic marine organisms from DW, delta15N values were negatively correlated with Ba, Cu, Ag, Mo, Sr, As, and Co concentrations. This may be due to the specific accumulation in lower trophic animals and/or the biodilution through the food web in DW. Relationships between delta15N and concentrations of Co, Cr, Bi, and Tl in fish and Ag, Bi, V, Hg, and Tl in crustaceans showed positive correlations, suggesting that trophic position was affecting the concentrations of those elements in phyla, with higher trophic animals retaining higher concentrations than the lower trophic animals. Positive correlations between delta13C and Rb were observed in marine organisms. Therefore, Rb may be a possible substitute of delta13C as tracer of prey source in the East China Sea although further investigation is required.

Field of study: Environmental science
Two decades of experience with laparoscopic varicocele repair in children: Standardizing the technique.

Controversy still exists about the indications and the gold standard approach for varicocele treatment in pediatric population.



The authors report their 23 years of experience in laparoscopic varicocele repair in the pediatric population.



We retrospectively evaluated the data of 345 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic left varicocelectomy from January 1993 to December 2015. Average patient age was 12.5 years (range 8-17). Seven out of 345 patients (2%) had a recurrent varicocele, and five out of 345 patients (1.4%) had a varicocele on a single testis. In 335/345 patients (97.1%) we performed a Palomo procedure, and in 10/345 patients (2.9%) an artery-sparing Palomo procedure. After 2010, in 105/345 patients (30.4%) we performed a lymphatic sparing procedure using isosulfan blue injection preoperatively.



All procedures were completed in laparoscopy (Figure), without conversions or intraoperative complications. The average operative time was 17 min (range 14-45) for the Palomo procedure and 26 min (range 18-50) for artery-sparing Palomo. In 45/345 patients (13%) we performed additional procedures. We recorded 4/345 (1.3%) recurrences/persistences in patients undergoing Palomo, while we recorded 1/10 (10%) recurrence/persistence after artery-sparing Palomo. On 230 Palomo procedures performed in the pre-isosulfan blue era, we recorded 25 cases of hydrocele (10.8%), 13 of these were treated with transcrotal puncture and 12 required surgical operation. The last 105 patients undergoing isosulfan blue injection had no postoperative hydrocele. We also reported 10 other complications (I grade Clavien-Dindo) such as umbilical granuloma or instrumental problems.



Analyzing the international literature of the last 25 years, most papers focused on the minimally invasive treatment of pediatric varicocele. There are several reasons to perform laparoscopic repair of pediatric varicocele. First of all, it is technically easy to perform, the average operative time is very short, and it has excellent outcome in regard to varicocele persistence/recurrence. In addition it has a very low complication rate, and in particular adopting the intradartoic/intratesticular isosulfan blue injection before surgery we recorded no postoperative hydrocele.



On the basis of our 23 years of experience with varicocele repair, we clearly believe that laparoscopic Palomo lymphatic sparing varicocelectomy should be considered the standard of care for the treatment of pediatric patients with varicocele. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is technically easy and quick to perform, painless, and scarless, with a recurrence rate of about 1%. The use of a preoperative injection of isosulfan blue completely eliminates postoperative hydrocele formation.

Field of study: Medicine
Determination of migration of trace Cd in food contact materials by sequential injection-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A method for the determination of migration of trace Cd in food contact materials by sequential injection-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry with sulfourea and Co2+ as a sensitizer was developed and serious suppressed interference of 4% acetic acid matrix was eliminate using direct dilution. The optimal instrument condition was established. The influence factors such as Co2+ , the acidity of sample solution and carrier liquid, the concentrations of NaBH 4 , the interference of coexistent elements and acetic acid matrix and eliminating methods were investigated. The detection limit was 0.035 μg/L, the LOQ was 0.001 mg/L, the relative standard deviations were2.36%～4.02%(n=8) and the recoveries were in the range of 95.1%～101%. The method is sensitive, simple, quick and accurate, which could be used for determination of migration of trace Cd in food contact materials.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
The Relationship among EDP Instructor-Course Evaluation and the Use of Interactive Computer Assisted Instruction: An Empirical Investigation

The present study evaluates the relationship among the EDP instructor and course evaluation and the use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) software. This study identifies the “spill-over” effects. It concludes that these variables are highly and significantly related to each other. The understanding of such problems may be helpful for system resources planning and control.

Field of study: Computer science
Comparison of four methods for assessing patient effective dose from radiological examinations.

Three methods of indirect effective dose estimation were reviewed and compared to a direct effective dose determination method. An anthropomorphic phantom and thermoluminescence dosimetry were used to obtain dosimetric data associated with anterior-posterior (AP) abdominal radiography, posterior-anterior (PA) chest radiography, PA head radiography, and AP heart fluoroscopy. Effective dose was determined using: (i) organ specific dose values directly determined by thermoluminescence dosimeters, (ii) data published by National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and entrance surface dose (ESD), (iii) NRPB data and dose area product (DAP), (iv) energy imparted derived from DAP. The effective dose values estimated from the Rando phantom measurements were 161, 32.3, and 8.4 microSv/projection for the abdomen, chest, and head radiographs, respectively. Cardiac fluoroscopy yielded an effective dose value of 111 microSv/min. The effective dose values obtained indirectly using NRPB data and DAP were in good agreement with directly assessed values in all simulated exposures (difference <8%). The effective doses using NRPB data and ESD values differed from directly assessed values by less than 15% for the radiographic exposures and 60% for heart fluoroscopy. The energy imparted method yielded 136, 31, and 6.6 microSv/projection for the abdomen, chest, and head radiographs, respectively, and 111 microSv/min for heart fluoroscopy. Indirect patient effective dose determination using the NRPB dosimetric data and the measured value of incident radiation allows for reliable patient effective dose estimates. The use of DAP rather than ESD is recommended because it yields accurate results even for complex radiologic exposures involving fluoroscopy. The value of energy imparted may be used for the accurate determination of patient effective dose, especially when specific organ dose values are not of interest. The calculation of energy imparted with the use of EAP provides a reliable starting point for estimation of effective dose from radiologic examinations for which dosimetric data are not provided by NRPB.

Field of study: Medicine, Physics