nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Permian–Triassic extinction pattern revealed by foraminifers and geochemical records in the central Persian Gulf, southern Iran

Triassic boundary (PTB) foraminifers are studied from the upper part of the Dalan Formation and the base of the Kangan Formation in four wells (A, B, E, F) on and near the Qatar Arc, Persian Gulf, Iran. Isotope studies including δ13C and δ18O values from wells B and E and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in wells (B, E, and F) have also been carried out to possibly provide a high-resolution extinction pattern of foraminifers in the PTB interval. The latter has been thoroughly investigated in Iran, Turkey, South China, Vietnam, Slovenia, Carnic Alps and Bukk Mountains, Kashmir, Greenland, and Serbia. The distribution of the last appearance of foraminiferal genera from the PTB interval in all of the wells is very similar featuring a stepwise extinction from 3 to 2 m before the boundary and compares to that observed in some of the sections from elsewhere, i.e., South China, Vietnam, Slovenia, and Serbia. The δ13C value in wells B and E shows a negative shift at the base of a thrombolite unit immediately after the considered PTB, and another negative shift at about 11 m below it in well E. The thrombolite unit is assumed as earliest Triassic, but questionable with no supportive conodonts. The δ18O isotope values in wells B and E demonstrate the same negative upward trend due to dysoxic or anoxic conditions in the end-Permian oceans. The uniform reduction without any sharp incline in the δ18O profile suggests concurrent global warming. The highest 87Sr/86Sr ratio fluctuations in wells B, E, and F coincide with the appearance of thrombolites. Changes in the profiles of carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotopes close to the PTB in wells B, E, and F seem to correspond to lithofacies variations from limestone to dolostone and a reduction in foraminiferal diversity. These changes substantiate a clear perturbation in the marine environmental and global geochemistry elements through the PTB interval. The δ13C, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values obtained from the studied wells are comparable to those in other PTB stratigraphic sections in the Paleo-Tethyan region.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Health care expenditure in the Nordic countries.

International comparisons of health care expenditure are associated with many different kinds of problems. One type of problem is due to heterogenous definitions and to difficulties with conversion to common prices. Such problems are present also if one selects homogeneous countries as, for example, the Nordic countries, which have a similar GDP per capita and social system. In this paper we compare the health care expenditure in the Nordic countries to illustrate the significance of these problems in international comparisons. We also correct the latest available OECD statistics for local nursing homes, which are not included in health care expenditure for Denmark but are included for the other Nordic countries, and also for the care of the mentally retarded, which is not included in health care expenditure for Denmark or, after 1985, for Sweden. In addition, comparisons of health care expenditure are presented with different currency conversion factors. The comparisons show, for example, that Sweden has a higher expenditure share of gross domestic product (GDP) than Denmark, even after corrections have been made, but that the difference between the countries becomes considerably smaller, from 37% higher expenditure for Sweden without correction to 12-15% after correction.

Field of study: Medicine, Political science
Effects of Etching on the Morphology and Surface Resistance of YBa2 Cu3O7-δ Films

The changes in surface morphology and surface resistance of sputtered and laser ablated YBa2CuJ074 films both before and after etching have been examined. Six different etchants were used: citric acid, nitric acid, Br-methanol, EDTA, disodium EDTA, and ion milling. The surface morphologies of the films were examined by reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), both before and after etching. The surface resistance (R,) was measured at 94 GHz using a confocal resonator. An amorphous layer was found on the film surfaces after exposure to air. A few of the etches restored some of the surface crystallinity, but most caused increases in the overall surface roughness. Several of the wet etches attacked dislocations. Ion milling caused the largest degradation of surface crystallinity and a corresponding increase in R,. Some of the chemical etches increased R, by less than 15%.

Field of study: Physics
forecasters and probability forecasts: some current problems1,2

The responses to a questionnaire which was administered to forecasters actively involved in probability forecasting are summarized in Murphy and Winkler (1971). These responses and subsequent discussions with forecasters reveal the presence of a number of “problems” concerning probability forecasting. In this paper, we identify several of the more important problems, describe their nature, indicate some approaches and results which clarify certain aspects of the problems, and make some recommendations related to research studies and operational practices in probability forecasting. In particular, we discuss the formulation of judgments and the assessment process, the interpretation of probability forecasts, the occurrence of “hedging” by forecasters, and the evaluation of probability forecasts and forecasters.

Field of study: Environmental science
Insatisfação corporal associada a indicadores antropométricos autorreferidos e aferidos em adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica

Este estudo objetivou investigar a insatisfacao corporal de adolescentes em situacao de vulnerabilidade socioeconomica e verificar possiveis associacoes com indicadores antropometricos autorreferidos e aferidos (massa corporal, estatura e IMC). Participaram 204 adolescentes, 78 meninas, entre 10 a 14 anos de idade (11,9 + 1,55). Massa corporal e estatura foram aferidas e autorreferidas. A insatisfacao corporal foi avaliada por meio da Escala de Silhuetas Brasileiras para Criancas. Foram encontrados niveis de insatisfacao corporal (82,8%) em ambos os sexos, sendo que meninas e meninos nao se diferenciaram quanto aos niveis de insatisfacao (p=0,10). Massa corporal e estatura aferidas e autorreferidas foram significantemente diferentes (p<0,0001) em ambos os sexos. Insatisfacao corporal relacionou-se positiva e significantemente ao IMC aferido (rs=0,55, p<0,0001), mas nao ao autorreferido (rs=-0,0324, p=0,645). Concluiu-se que as medidas autorreferidas nao representaram realisticamente os dados aferidos, devendo ser utilizadas com cautela em estudos futuros que abarquem insatisfacao corporal de adolescentes em vulnerabilidade socioeconomica.

Field of study: Education
Effects of acetazolamide and anordiol on osmotic water permeability in AQP1-cRNA injected Xenopus oocyte.

To study the effects of acetazolamide and anordiol on osmotic water permeability in aquaporin 1 (AQP1)-cRNA injected Xenopus oocyte and their mechanisms.



AQP1 gene constructed in pBluescript was transcripted into cRNA in vitro and then the cRNA was injected in Xenopus oocytes. The effects of acetazolamide and anordiol on the water transport function of AQP1 were observed by assaying the osmotic swelling of oocytes. In addition, their effects on protein expression of AQP1 were quantitatively investigated by Western blotting method.



After incubation for 15 min or 72 h, acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, equally reduced the water permeability of AQP1-cRNA injected oocyte in a dose-dependent manner. After incubation for 72 h, anordiol, an antiestrogen with partial estrogenic activity, reduced the osmotic water permeability dose dependently as well; however, no discernable action was observed after incubation with anordiol for 15 min. The Western blotting analysis showed that acetazolamide did not influence the protein expression of AQP1. However, after incubation for 72 h with anordiol (10 micromol/L), the quantity of AQP1 in the oocyte membrane was decreased dramatically (P<0.05).



Both acetazolamide and anordiol inhibited the osmotic water permeability of AQP1-cRNA injected oocyte, but their mechanisms were different. Acetazolamide functionally inhibited the osmotic water permeability of AQP1, whereas anordiol primarily decreased the amount of AQP1 protein in the oocyte membrane.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry, Medicine
Factors Affecting Adherence to Statins in Hypercholesterolemic Kuwaiti Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study examined statin adherence amongst Kuwaiti hypercholesterolemic patients in order to identify factors associated with poor adherence and to determine whether or not an association exists between statin adherence and the risk profile of coronary heart disease (CHD).  Two hundred hypercholesterolemic patients (30-69 years of age) were recruited from Kuwaiti primary healthcare clinics and interviewed about demographic characteristics, pre-existing self-reported medical conditions and prescribed medications. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess statin adherence (a self-reported, medication-adherence questionnaire divided into 3 levels, with a score of 8 denoting high adherence, 6 to <8 denoting medium adherence and <6 denoting low adherence). Data regarding anthropometric, psychological and serum risk factors were collected using 2 additional questionnaires, laboratory tests and bioelectrical impedance scales. Binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of adherence and general linear modelling was used to test relationships between continuous outcomes and statin adherence.  Of the 200 participants, 117 (58.5%) reported low adherence, 83 (41.5%) reported medium adherence and no patients (0%) scored high adherence. Younger patients (aged 30-50 years) had lower adherence than older patients (>50 years) [odds ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.09] for every extra year; p < 0.01). Those without diabetes, i.e. 113 (56.5%), were less likely to report medium adherence than those with diabetes (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23-0.75; p < 0.01). Low statin adherence was associated with higher levels of plasma cholesterol (p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01).  In this study, there was a high prevalence of low statin adherence, especially among younger patients with fewer concomitant diseases. The results indicated an inverse relationship between statin adherence and CHD risk profile.

Field of study: Medicine
Perirhinal cortex ablation in rats selectively impairs object identification in a simultaneous visual comparison task.

In Experiment 1, rats discriminated among computer-generated visual displays (scenes) comprising 3 different shapes (objects). One constant scene (unrewarded) appeared on every trial together with a trial-unique variable scene (rewarded). Four types of variable scene were intermingled: (a) unfamiliar objects in different positions from the constant; (b) unfamiliar objects in same positions as the constant; (c) same objects as the constant in different positions; (d) same objects and positions, recombined. Aspiration lesions of perirhinal cortex impaired performance with type (b) only. Experiment 2 tested spatial delayed nonmatching-to-sample. The perirhinal group were impaired nonsignificantly, and less than fornix-transected rats in an earlier study. Rats' perirhinal cortex, like monkeys', subserves object identification in the absence of memory requirement but does not contribute substantially to hippocampal system spatial memory function.

Field of study: Biology, Psychology
Electron gun with a photocathode for electron-beam-controlled lasers

An investigation was made of the possibility of using a photocathode and a pulsed light source in an electron gun to generate a high-current electron beam of large cross section and a uniform distribution of the current density. A gun of this kind could also have facilities for controlling the duration and shape of the electron pulses and for controlling the current density while keeping the gun voltage constant. A photoemission current of ~20A/cm2 density was obtained from a magnesium photocathode. A gun of this kind which was found to be suitable for electron-beam-controlled lasers was demonstrated.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
Consistent proportional delay differentiation: A fuzzy control approach

Proportional delay differentiation (PDD) is an important service model for providing relative differentiated services on the Internet. It aims to maintain pre-specified packet queueing-delay ratios between different classes of traffic at each hop. Existing rate-allocation approaches for PDD services assume the average queueing delay of a class is inversely proportional to its service rate. This assumption is not necessarily valid when the system is not heavily loaded. To provide consistent PDD services under various load conditions, in this paper, we propose a novel rate-allocation approach that applies fuzzy control theory to capture the nonlinear relationship between the queueing delay and the service rate. In the approach, a class's service rate is adjusted according to a set of fuzzy control rules defined over its error (the difference between the target delay ratio and the achieved one), the change of error, and the change of service rate. We prove that the fuzzy control system is stable and the service rate of a class converges to its equilibrium point at steady state. Simulation results demonstrate that, in comparison with other rate-allocation approaches, the fuzzy control approach is able to provide consistent PDD services under wide range load conditions. It is also shown robust under various system conditions, including with multiple classes, changing target delay ratios, changing load conditions, and different traffic patterns.

Field of study: Computer science
Optimal Design of Biomass Utilization System for Rural Area Includes Technical and Economic Dimensions

In order to design optimal biomass utilization system for rural area, OMNIBUS (The Optimization Model for Neo-Integrated Biomass Utilization System) has been developed. OMNIBUS can derive the optimal system configuration to meet different objective function, such as current account balance, amount of biomass energy supply, and CO2 emission. Most of biomass resources in a focused region e.g. wood biomass, livestock biomass, and crop residues are considered in the model. Conversion technologies considered are energy utilization technologies e.g. direct combustion and methane fermentation, and material utilization technologies e.g. composting and carbonization. Case study in Miyakojima, Okinawa prefecture, has been carried out for several objective functions and constraint conditions. Considering economics of the utilization system as a priority requirement, composting and combustion heat utilization are mainly chosen in the optimal system configuration. However gasification power plant and methane fermentation are included in optimal solutions, only when both biomass energy utilization and CO2 reduction have been set as higher priorities. External benefit of CO2 reduction has large impacts on the system configuration. Provided marginal external benefit of more than 50,000 JPY/t-C, external benefit becomes greater than the revenue from electricity and compost etc. Considering technological learning in the future, expensive technologies such as gasification power plant and methane fermentation will have economic feasibility as well as market competitiveness.

Field of study: Computer science
Enantiomer Fractions Are Preferred to Enantiomer Ratios for Describing Chiral Signatures in Environmental Analysis

The enantiomer ratio (ER) is currently the standard descriptor of enantiomeric (chiral) signatures for environmental samples. In this paper, we argue for the adoption of the enantiomer fraction (EF) as the standard descriptor by showing drawbacks to the use of ER. The enantiomer fraction is superior because it provides a more meaningful representation of graphical data and is more easily employed in mathematical fate expressions. Several useful expressions are presented that allow EF to be used for tracking and apportioning chemical movement between environmental compartments and for investigating microbial degradation processes.

Field of study: Environmental science
Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene combined with chlorine dioxide on texture of peach fruit

The objective of the study was to explore the change of texture properties of peach fruit treated with 1-MCP and different concentration chlorine dioxide during ambient storage as well as the correlation between the texture parameters.  Peaches which produced at Pinggu town, Beijing city were used as the experimental material, and the texture parameters were measured by texture analyzer puncture test.  The results showed that the pericarp break force, pericarp brittleness, flesh mean firmness and the number of peaks of control and all the treatments group had the decreasing trend, but pericarp break distance and pericarp toughness had the increasing trend. In addition, the pericarp break force of peach fruit had positive correlation with pericarp brittleness, flesh mean firmness and the number of peaks, while good negative correlation was found with pericarp break distance. The pericarp brittleness of peach fruit had significant positive correlation with flesh mean firmness and the number of peaks, while negative correlation was found with pericarp break distance and pericarp toughness. Meanwhile, pericarp toughness had correlations with pericarp break distance and the number of peaks.  1-MCP combined with different concentration chlorine dioxide treatments could effectively maintain the texture of peach fruit during ambient storage, and the effect of 1-MCP combined with 1.0 μL/L chlorine dioxide was the best.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Exploration of the Structural, Electronic and Tunable Magnetic Properties of Cu4M (M = Sc-Ni) Clusters

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Cu4M (M = Sc-Ni) clusters have been studied by using density functional theory, together with an unbiased CALYPSO structure searching method. Geometry optimizations indicate that M atoms in the ground state Cu4M clusters favor the most highly coordinated position. The geometry of Cu4M clusters is similar to that of the Cu5 cluster. The infrared spectra, Raman spectra and photoelectron spectra are predicted and can be used to identify the ground state in the future. The relative stability and chemical activity are investigated by means of the averaged binding energy, dissociation energy and energy level gap. It is found that the dopant atoms except for Cr and Mn can enhance the stability of the host cluster. The chemical activity of all Cu4M clusters is lower than that of Cu5 cluster whose energy level gap is in agreement with available experimental finding. The magnetism calculations show that the total magnetic moment of Cu4M cluster mainly come from M atom and vary from 1 to 5 μB by substituting a Cu atom in Cu5 cluster with different transition-metal atoms.

Field of study: Materials science
New microsecond isomers in 189, 190Bi

New microsecond isomers in the neutron-deficient isotopes 189g, 190Bi have been identified after in-flight separation by the velocity filter SHIP. The evaporation residues were identified on the basis of delayed recoil-γ/X-ray, recoil-γ/X-ray-α and excitation function measurements. The systematics of the [ π1i13/2]13/2+ excited states in the odd-mass Bi nuclei is discussed.

Field of study: Physics
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of GMP reductase 2 from human.

GMP reductase 2 from human has been expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized. The crystals belong to space group P3(2)21, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 110.6, c = 209.8 A, alpha = beta = 90, gamma = 120 degrees. Diffraction data were collected to 3.0 A with a completeness of 100% (100% for the last shell), an R(merge) value of 0.089 (0.189) and an I/sigma(I) value of 7.3 (3.2).

Field of study: Chemistry
The Use of Cardiac Orienting Responses as an Early and Scalable Biomarker of Alcohol‐Related Neurodevelopmental Impairment

Considered the leading cause of developmental disabilities worldwide, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a global health problem. To take advantage of neural plasticity, early identification of affected infants is critical. The cardiac orienting response (COR) has been shown to be sensitive to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and is an inexpensive, easy to administer assessment tool. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the COR effectiveness in assessing individual risk of developmental delay.



As part of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study in Ukraine, live-born infants of women with some to heavy amounts of alcohol consumption in pregnancy were recruited and compared to infants of women who consumed low or no alcohol. At 6 and 12 months, infants were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. CORs were also collected during a habituation/dishabituation learning paradigm. Using a supervised logistic regression classifier, we compared the predictive utility of the COR indices to that of the 6-month Bayley scores for identification of developmental delay based on 12-month Bayley scores. Heart rate collected at each second (Standard COR) was compared to key features (Key COR) extracted from the response.



Negative predictive values (NPV) were 85% for Standard COR, 82% for Key COR, and 77% for the Bayley, and positive predictive values (PPV) were 66% for Standard COR, 62% for Key COR, and 43% for the Bayley.



Predictive analysis based on the COR resulted in better NPV and PPV than the 6-month Bayley score. As the resources required to obtain a Bayley score are substantially more than in a COR-based paradigm, the findings are suggestive of its utility as an early scalable screening tool based on the COR. Further work is needed to test its long-term predictive accuracy.

Field of study: Medicine
ICT, Local Government Capacity Building, and Civic Engagement: An Evaluation of the Sample Initiative in Ghana

This paper evaluates a local Regional Network (LRNet) in one of Ghana's administrative regions; the purpose of the network is to enhance the capacity of the local government to perform its functions, promote transparency, and serve as a mechanism for civic engagement in the political process. I adopt Zhu's WSR approach as a conceptual model for this analysis, which examines, within a concrete setting, the nature, challenges, and outcomes that emanate from the intersection of the dual paradigm shifts in information technology and the reinvention of government. The case study concludes that there is a significant expectation-perception gap between the project's intent and its outcomes. The findings strongly support the view that computers by themselves cannot achieve organizational goals if the necessary enabling environment does not support them. It is clear from this study that ICTs do not function in a socio-cultural, political, and economic vacuum. Their efficacy is contingent on the various forces and realities that coalesce to shape the environment into which they are introduced. While the technologies may be designed in a way that allows them to perform certain functions, it is the decisions, orientations, and attitudes of human beings, as well as the resource capabilities of the organizations, which ultimately determine the success of IT undertakings. Therefore, organizations employing the ICTs must appreciate the limitations of an instrumental perspective that focuses only on the "digital messiah" as the panacea for organizational problems and the sole catalyst for government reinvention.

Field of study: Political science