nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC RISK PROBABILITY ASSESSMENT OF LOWER-TOWER CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE BASED ON LHS-MC METHOD

A method is proposed to calculate seismic probabilistic risk considering the randomness of the material and the seismic wave,and the seismic hazard.It avoids the cumbersome integration simultaneously.Based on the probability distribution of the structural material parameters,a method of Latin Hypercube Sampling(LHS) is adopted to consider the randomness of the material parameters of the structural members.A sample set of ground motion-bridge combination is formed according to the selected seismic waves.A nonlinear finite element fiber model for the typical short-tower cable-stayed structural system is established.The damage index of the key components is identified.The seismic fragility analysis of lower-tower cable-stayed bridge is carried out with incremental dynamic analysis(IDA),and the PGA-structural damage probability function is fitted.Monte Carlo sampling methods is used for discretion of seismic hazard probability functions,which avoids the cumbersome integration.The seismic probabilistic risk assessment is made for a typical lower-tower cable-stayed bridge.

Field of study: Engineering
Derivation of 12- and 14-band k ? p Hamiltonians for dilute bismide and bismide-nitride semiconductors

Using an sp3s* tight-binding (TB) model we demonstrate how the observed strong bowing of the band gap and spin-orbit-splitting with increasing Bi composition in the dilute bismide alloy GaBixAs1 ? x can be described in terms of a band-anticrossing interaction between the extended states of the GaAs valence band edge (VBE) and highly localized Bi-related resonant states lying below the GaAs VBE. We derive a 12-band k ? p Hamiltonian to describe the band structure of GaBixAs1 ? x and show that this model is in excellent agreement with full TB calculations of the band structure in the vicinity of the band edges, as well as with experimental measurements of the band gap and spin-orbit-splitting across a large composition range. Based on a TB model of GaBixNyAs1 ? x ? y we show that to a good approximation N and Bi act independently of one another in disordered GaBixNyAs1 ? x ? y alloys, indicating that a simple description of the band structure is possible. We present a 14-band k ? p Hamiltonian for ordered GaBixNyAs1 ? x ? y crystals which reproduces accurately the essential features of full TB calculations of the band structure in the vicinity of the band edges. The k ? p models we present here are therefore ideally suited to the simulation of the optoelectronic properties of these novel III?V semiconductor alloys.

Field of study: Materials science
Permian–Triassic palaeogeography of the external Hellenides

In the External Hellenides two crustal types are developed: (1) a Variscan basement overlain by the Tyros Unit and (2) a presumably Panafrican basement overlain by the Phyllite–Quartzite Group (Late Carboniferous–Early Triassic) and the Plattenkalk Group (Permian–Oligocene). If we accept this assumption, the Plattenkalk and the Phyllite–Quartzite Groups fit well into the Permian–Triassic palaeogeography of the northeastern margin of Afro-Arabia. During the Permian–Triassic there is evidence for a siliciclastic fluvio-marine system in the western Sinai and Nile area, whereas the Early Triassic shelf of eastern Sinai and Israel is dominated by a carbonate platform. The western facies association of the Plattenkalk and the Phyllite–Quartzite Groups represents the northward extension of a fluvio-marine system. The siliciclastics of the Plattenkalk Group formed part of a marine delta, those of the Phyllite–Quartzite Group indicate a turbidite fan system. The units of Middle and Eastern Crete represent the seaward continuation of the carbonate platform (Plattenkalk Group) and a deep sea realm free of turbidite influx (Phyllite–Quartzite Group). During the Permian–Triassic the different crustal segments were brought together due to dextral strike slip movements of Gondwana against the southern margin of the European Plate as indicated by a uniform shallow marine facies of the Carnian/Norian.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
HIGHLY SELECTIVE INTRODUCTION OF CONJUGATED DIENES TO GOOD DIENOPHILES, α,β-UNSATURATED CARBONYL COMPOUNDS AND p-QUINONES, WITHOUT FORMATION OF DIELS–ALDER ADDUCT

The reaction of 2,4-pentadienyltrimethylstannane with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and p-quinones in the presence of Lewis acid affords the corresponding pentadienylated products in fair to good yield without formation of any Diels–Alder adduct.

Field of study: Chemistry
An Algorithmic Approach to Compute Principal Geodesics in the Wasserstein Space

We consider in this work the space of probability measures P(X) on a Hilbert space X endowed with the 2-Wasserstein metric. Given a family of probability measures in P(X), we propose an algorithm to compute curves that summarize efficiently that family in the 2-Wasserstein metric sense. To do so, we adapt the intuitive approach laid out by standard principal component analysis to the 2-Wasserstein metric, by using the Riemannian structure and associated concepts (Fr\'echet mean, geodesics, tangent vectors) that this metric defines on P(X). The curves we consider are generalized geodesics, which can be parameterized by two velocity fields defined on the support of the Wasserstein mean of the family of measures, each pointing towards an ending point of the generalized geodesic. We propose several approximations to optimize efficiently such velocity fields. Experiment re- sults show the ability of the computed principal components to capture axes of variability on histograms and probability measures data.

Field of study: Computer science
Geochronology and tectonic implications of magmatism and metamorphism, southern Kootenay Arc and neighbouring regions, southeastern British Columbia. Part I: Jurassic to mid-Cretaceous

K–Ar dates and U–Pb zircon dates define three periods of igneous activity in the southern Kootenay Arc: (1) emplacement of late-synkinematic to post-kinematic granodioritic plutons in mid-Jurassic time (170–165 Ma) accompanying amphibolite-facies regional metamorphism; (2) emplacement of post-kinematic granitic plutons in mid-Cretaceous time (~100 Ma); and (3) emplacement of small bodies of syenite in Eocene time (~50 Ma) in the western part of the area. Micas from mid-Jurassic plutons that yield the oldest K–Ar dates (158–166 Ma) also yield plateau-shaped 40Ar/39Ar age spectra. Age spectra for biotites younger than these but older than 125 Ma reflect thermal overprinting.In southeastern British Columbia, the Kootenay Arc marks the transition from the North American rocks of the Cordilleran miogeocline to the tectonic collage of allochthonous terranes that have been accreted to it.Deformation, metamorphism, and plutonism recorded in rocks of the southern Kootenay Arc commenced in mid-Jurassic time as a co...

Field of study: Environmental science
Cellular Oxidative Stress and Peroxisomal Enzyme Activities in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients

In this study, we examined the activities of key peroxisomal enzymes in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of pediatric liver transplant patients.  Venous blood was drawn from 14 patients aged 5–16 years on FK-506 treatment and 18 healthy subjects for isolation of lymphocytes. β-Oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), NADPH oxidase (NOX), catalase and peroxisomal enzyme acyl CoA oxidase (ACO) were measured in cellular homogenates. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as an index of lipid peroxidation. Protein content and mRNA levels of catalase, peroxisomal membrane protein-70 (PMP-70) and ACO were measured using Western blotting and PCR techniques.  PBLs isolated from liver transplant patients showed significantly (p < 0.01) increased levels (226.9 ± 24.5 µmol/mg protein) of MDA as compared to the levels in controls (162.8 ± 19.6 µmol/mg protein), whereas enzyme activities of SOD and NOX remained unaltered in patients’ cells. Enzyme activities of catalase and GPx were markedly (p < 0.01) decreased in cells isolated from liver transplant patients. ACO activity and β-oxidation of VLCFAs in PBLs from liver transplant patients were however found to be significantly increased by 38 and 52% respectively when compared with controls. Gene expression of PMP-70 and ACO was also significantly increased (p < 0.01) in PBLs of patients.  Our results clearly showed that peroxisomal metabolic activities are markedly altered in lymphocytes of liver transplant patients and might contribute to the development of cellular oxidative stress.

Field of study: Medicine
An Introduction to Cultural Sensitivity and Global Pharmacy Engagement

Global engagement between schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States and many regions of the world is increasing. For an enriching and fruitful interaction, sensitivity toward the cultural, ethical, educational, religious, historical, political, regulatory, and practice issues is critical. Lack of sensitivity may negatively impact engagement among students, professionals and other people from different regions of the world. In this special issue, eight papers will introduce general information about five regions of the world that have established and increased global engagements with institutions in the United States: Africa, the Arab world, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. In addition, the special issue will include a paper with key information related to global engagement within the United States. For each paper, the specifics provided about the selected countries include: demographics, culture, climate, pharmacy education, and health care systems, as well as common stereotypes and misconceptions held by and about the people of the country. Further, recommendations for pharmacists and other health care professionals on culturally sensitive engagement will be emphasized. Finally, recommendations for culturally sensitive engagement when US schools are hosting students and faculty members from those regions will be summarized. The papers are based on literature reviews of databases from 2000 to 2018 and internet searches with specific keywords or terms, such as cultural sensitivity, global, pharmacy, stereotypes, and ethics. Additional keywords are identified in individual papers on specific regions. Authors for each paper consist of practitioners with experience in travelling to and hosting students and professionals from the regions; practitioners with local work experience, and professionals from each region. The special issue is intended to serve as a resource for US schools and colleges of pharmacy currently engaged in or considering future outreach opportunities in these regions, and for those seeking opportunities in the United States. The special issue will provide key information to facilitate culturally sensitive engagement in existing or future relationships.

Field of study: Education, Medicine
Selling Africa: Samuel Fosso's The Chief: He Who Sold Africa to the Colonists

Samuel Fosso's self-portrait as The Chief: He Who Sold Africa to the Colonists is one of the artist's most iconic works. Shot in 1997, Fosso created this photograph just a few years after his rise to international fame, at a time when the larger discursive category of "contemporary African art" was taking shape in the global art world. This article explores how, in this context, The Chief's satirical content became entangled with the idea of "selling Africa" that is expressed in its title. In this image, Fosso thoroughly satirizes the notion of "selling Africa" through his shrewd manipulation of multiple figural stereotypes. However, key moments in the afterlife of this image suggest that this work was mobilized to perform exactly that function of "selling Africa," which it so insistently parodies.

Field of study: Art
Effect of the organic horizon on methane oxidation and uptake in soil of a boreal Scots pine forest

We studied in situ and in the laboratory whether the organic horizon (O horizon) could act as a physical ‘buffer system’ against soil dryness and water stress for the CH4 oxidizing microbes in boreal coniferous forest soil. The laboratory experiments with samples from a Scots pine forest soil showed that the CH4 oxidation took place in the uppermost mineral soil and was not affected by removal of the O horizon (peeling) and irrigation. The removal of a thin O horizon (2–3 cm) in early June increased the mean summertime uptake of CH4 by 50% and decreased the release of CO2 by 50%. Thus, the O horizon acts as a diffusion barrier, lowering the uptake rate of atmospheric CH4. The experimental 50% increase in precipitation by irrigation (from 58 to 84 mm month−1) had only a marginal effect on the gas fluxes in both control plots and peeled plots. During the study summer two dry periods with low matric potentials (<−1 MPa) in mineral soil occurred without there being any reduction in CH4 uptake. In laboratory experiments, the gravimetric water content of 12% (−9 kPa) led to the maximum CH4 oxidation. The CH4 oxidation was still 60% of the maximum at a water content of 4% (<−1.5 MPa) and totally inhibited at a water content of 1%. The results reveal that a low soil water content is not an important factor in restricting CH4 oxidation in mineral soil of boreal forests.

Field of study: Biology, Environmental science
Inhibition of MicroRNA-383 Ameliorates Injury After Focal Cerebral Ischemia via Targeting PPARγ

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) plays a critical role in protecting against distinct brain damages, including ischemia. Our previous data have shown that the protein level of PPARγ is increased in the cortex after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO); PPARγ up-regulation contributes to PPARγ activation and is effective in reducing ischemic damage to brain. However, the regulatory mechanism of PPARγ after focal cerebral ischemia in rats is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of microRNA on PPARγ in rats subjected to MCAO.  Focal cerebral ischemia was established by surgical middle cerebral artery occlusion; the protein level of PPARγ was detected by Western blotting; the level of microRNA-383 (miR-383) was quantified by real-time PCR; the neurological outcomes were defined by infarct volume and neurological deficits. Luciferase assay was used to identify the luciferase activities of PPARγ and miR-383.  We showed here that miR-383 level was down-regulated in the ischemic hemisphere of rats 24h after MCAO. Overexpression of miR-383 by miR-383 agomir increased infarct volume and aggravated neurological damage. Administration of miR-383 antagomir had the opposite effects. Furthermore, we found that PPARγ protein was down-regulated by miR-383 overexpression, and up-regulated by miR-383 inhibition both in rat model of MCAO and in primary culture cells. Finally, we found that miR-383 suppressed the luciferase activity of the vector carrying the 3'UTR of PPARγ, whereas mutation of the binding sites relived the repressive effect of miR-383.  Our study demonstrated that miR-383 may play a key role in focal cerebral ischemia by regulating PPARγ expression at the post-transcriptional level, and miR-383 may be a potential therapeutic target for stroke.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry
Peer review among students of Spanish as a heritage language: The effectiveness of a metalinguistic literacy task

This empirical study examined the effectiveness of peer review with heritage speakers of Spanish and sought to determine what considerations should be taken into account when applying the peer review method with heritage student populations. Sixteen college-level students participated in a guided peer review and completed a post-activity questionnaire. Analysis of the peer review feedback, quantitative and qualitative analyses of the questionnaire responses, and an analysis of the textual characteristics of three essay drafts suggest that peer review can indeed be a valuable writing exercise for heritage language students. Specifically, the overall response was positive, there was evidence of student reflection on writing, and there were indications of independent vocabulary learning. Participants were able to provide mostly accurate feedback (87% overall), even on writing issues related to language use, though they did appear to be somewhat limited in their ability to identify informal language contact phenomena in their peers’ essays.

Field of study: Education, Linguistics
Implementation of Safety Standards and Guidelines In Public Secondary Schools In Marani District, Kisii County, Kenya.

School  Safety  is  an  integral  and  indispensable  component  of  the  teaching and learning  process.  Indeed no meaningful  teaching and  learning  can take place  in an  environment  that is  unsafe and  insecure  to  both  learners  and  staff.  It is therefore important that educational stakeholders foster safe and secure school environment (Republic of Kenya, 2008). In an apparent response to tragedies that hit schools in the last decade, Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced a Safety Standards Manual four years ago. However it is emerging that most schools have no capacity to handle emergencies and are yet to even implement Safety Standards Manual produced four years ago. The purpose of this study was to establish why school management is not fully implementing MOE Safety Standards and Guidelines in Public Secondary schools in Marani District, Kenya. The Government policies, administrative factors, disaster management and emergency facilities exemplify the independent variables while school safety exemplify the dependent variable. The objectives of the study were to: establish the safety situation, outline the main causes of disasters, examine the constraints in the implementation of safety measures and explore major strategies put in place to prevent occurrence of disasters in public secondary schools in Marani District, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and data was collected using one questionnaire. The target population was 28 public secondary schools in Marani District. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling was used to select the required sample of the study of 49 teachers. Reliability of instruments was determined by use of test-retest method. Validity of research instruments was determined by conducting pilot study before the actual study. Data was quantified using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages and finding presented in charts, tables and graphs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The major findings of the study were the MOE safety standards and guidelines had not been fully implemented majorly due to inadequate funds and inadequate supervision. The major recommendations therefore were policy makers to follow up, monitor and evaluate safety situation in all educational institutions and provide funds to all schools to enhance disaster preparedness. Significantly the study findings underscore the importance of adhering to safety standards and guidelines in schools thus education policy makers and other stakeholders’  must come up with strategies to sustain school safety to prevent occurrence of disasters in schools.

Field of study: Education
Ion Optical Studies of Extraction Transport and Analysis Systems for 240 Cm Cyclotron

High demands (for example ) claimed to beam quality of modern cyclotrons force to solve on the whole the problems of extraction and transport of particles. In 240 cm cyclotron design  six experimental rooms with total area of about 100 m2 are provided. The ion optics of this installation has been described earlier in the paper on Frascati conference[3]. In the present paper some results of electronic computer calculations of the extraction and transport systems' parameters are given. A brief description of secondary particle analyzers is also given.

Field of study: Physics
Silencing livin gene by siRNA leads to apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and proliferation inhibition in malignant melanoma LiBr cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of silencing the livin gene by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the expression of livin and the effects on apoptosis, cell cycle, and proliferation in human malignant melanoma LiBr cells.Three chemically-synthetic siRNA duplexes targeting livin were transiently transfected into the LiBr cells, and the effects on livin expression were detected both at the mRNA level by real-time RT-PCR and at the protein level by Western blotting. Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling assay, flow cytometric analysis, and the expression of procaspase-3 and activated caspase-3 analysis by Western blotting. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide.One of the 3 designed siRNA could effectively knock down the livin expression both at the mRNA and protein levels in dose- and time-dependent manners; 100 nmol/L with maximum downregulation on mRNA at 48 h, and on the protein at 72 h after transfection. Silencing livin could significantly induce apoptosis, arrest cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and inhibit proliferation in LiBr cells. Meanwhile, caspase-3 was activated.The livin gene could serve as a potential molecular target for gene therapy by siRNA for malignant melanoma.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry, Medicine
Motivational Consequences of Using Performance Goals

This investigation examined the effects of extrinsic rewards and goals on interest and performance. Two conditions of reward (present, absent) and three goal conditions (assigned, self-set, and absent) were used in conjunction with an interesting task. 48 undergraduates completed a series of mazes during a 30-min. work period and were then given 10 min. of “free time.” Neither the goal nor reward conditions affected how many mazes were completed during the break or subject's responses to 30 attitudinal items. However, while only four attitudinal items were related to the number of mazes completed in the work period, 10 were related to the number completed during the break.

Field of study: Psychology
Redistribution of RANTES/CCL5 released directionally by cytotoxic T lymphocytes on tumor cells

To characterize the secretion of RANTES (reduced upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which were activated by tumor target ceils.  CTL specific for tyrosinase peptide presented by HLA-A2 were co-incubated with HLA-A2-tyrosinase expressing melanoma target cells. The events of RANTES secretion by CIL and accumulation on the surface of the target ceils were observed by confocal microscopy. The kinetics of release of RANTES from intracellular stores was character- ized by intracellular FACS, and the transfer of RANTES protein from the CTL to the surface of the target cells was measured by surface FACS. The co-localization of RANTES and perforin was detected by three-color immunofluo- rescence confocal microscopy.  RANTES released from intracellular stores was observed at 20 rain and was found maximal at 6 h. RANTES was detected on the target cells at 20 min after co-incubation of CTL with tu- mor cells. RANTES and pefforin co-contributed to forming the immune synapse.  CTL activated by tumor cell targets elicits a vectorial release of RANTES resulting in the redistribution of RANTES on target cells.

Field of study: Biology