nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Intermittent Alcoholic Binge Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Albino Rats: De Ritis ratio and Histological Correlates

The pattern, frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption are important in the development of alcoholic liver disease. It has been shown epidemiologically that binge drinking augments liver injury. This study was undertaken to examine the sequential changes in serum markers of liver function and their relationship to quantifiable histological features following intermittent binge administration of ethanol to Wistar albino rats. Groups of male and female rats were given 30% (w/v) ethanol at a dose of 5g/kg on alternate days for six weeks. The serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured as indicators of liver function. Liver biopsy specimens were collected and subjected to histological analysis. In the ethanol administered groups, there was no significant gender difference in the enzymes assay value (P- value, 0.65; ?, 0.01) and grades of histological features (P- value, 0.11; ?, 0.01). There was 175% increase in AST/ALT ratio from 1.2 to 3.3. The severity of histopathological features (steatosis, necrosis and lobular inflammation) observed increased (216%) from a score of 3 to 9.5. The AST/ALT ratio positively correlated moderately strongly with lobular inflammatory foci (Pearson coefficient, r = 0.661). A strong correlation is obtained when AST/ALT ratio multiplied by the values of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is plotted against the hepatocyte injury severity scores giving a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.74 and coefficient of determination of 0.55. Intermittent binge administration of ethanol has profound damaging effects on the liver cells probably resulting from acute induction of inflammation. Combination of the serum markers of liver function significantly correlate with histological changes.  liver; alcohol; De Ritis ratio

Field of study: Education
Etiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Community- and Hospital-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections in a General Hospital in Kuwait

Our purpose was to determine the bacterial profile and prevalence of antibiotic resistance patterns of uropathogens, as well as evaluate the problem with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing isolates, causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait, over a 3-year period.  Isolates (56,505) from symptomatic UTI cases from January 2005 to December 2007 were identified by conventional methods and the VITEK identification card system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method for Gram-positive organisms and an automated VITEK 2 machine for Gram-negative organisms. ESBL production by the Enterobacteriaceae was detected by the double-disk diffusion method and VITEK-2 system.  Significant bacteriuria was detected in 15,064 (26.6%) of the 56,505 urine samples. Escherichia coli accounted for 4,876 (54.9%) from community-acquired UTI (CA-UTI) and 2,253 (36.4%) from hospital-acquired UTI (HA-UTI), followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (1,129, 12.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (962, 10.8%) from CA-UTI cases. Candida spp. (973, 15.7%) and K. pneumoniae (747, 12.1%) were the second and third most prevalent isolates, respectively, in HA-UTI. High resistance rates were observed among the Enterobacteriaceae against ampicillin, cephalothin, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. About 855 (12%) and 291 (17%) of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively, were resistant to ≧4 antibiotics. The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae in CA-UTI was 12 and 17% and in HA-UTI 26 and 28%, respectively.  A high percentage of the uropathogens causing UTI in the Al-Amiri Hospital setting was highly resistant to the first- and second-line antibiotics for the therapy of UTI. ESBL-producing bacteria are highly prevalent in our hospital.

Field of study: Medicine
The quest for reliability: A case study

This article describes a project—the implementation of an Ada symbolic debugger—and the assurance activities involved in the project. We discuss the error data collected during the project and the statistical analysis performed to draw some conclusions on which relationships affect the error density of a component. In brief, we found that if we keep track of all errors, related changes, and tests throughout the life cycle, it is possible to prevent the corruption of earlier corrections and changes. Furthermore, neither reuse nor unit testing have any effect on error density. The main effect is simplicity, through high maintainability and low coupling to large, complex external libraries.

Field of study: Computer science, Engineering
Research on Preparation Process of CO_2-Cured and Modified PVA Binder and Its Technological Performance

Almost binders used widely in foundry industry were poisonous and contaminative,so that research on a new binder with high quality and efficiency and environment protection and energy saving was in an insistent demand for the development of green foundry industry.Aimed the compressive strength as the main criterion,the optimum results was achieved by exploratory experiments and the orthogonal experiments.The synthesis process has also been definited.The technological performance,such as bench time,gas evolution,collapsibility and the amount of polyvinyl alcohol binder were investigated.The experimental results reveal that the binder used in the investigation has fine technological performances.After blowing CO2 gas through the sand,the higher original strength and final strength can be achieved.

Field of study: Materials science
LOCAL LINEAR KERNEL ESTIMATION FOR DISCONTINUOUS NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION FUNCTIONS

In this paper, we consider using a local linear (LL) smoothing method to estimate a class of discontinuous regression functions. We establish the asymptotic normality of the integrated square error (ISE) of a LL-type estimator and show that the ISE has an asymptotic rate of convergence as good as for smooth functions, and the asymptotic rate of convergence of the ISE of the LL estimator is better than that of the Nadaraya-Watson (NW) and the Gasser-Miiller (GM) estimators.

Field of study: Mathematics
Obtaining and Characterizing a Water-Based Magnetic Fluid

A way of obtaining a biocompatible magnetic fluid and its parameters are described. It is proposed that depolarized dynamic light scattering be used to determine the size of nanoparticles in the fluid phase, and to estimate the aggregative and sedimentation stability of a magnetic fluid upon dilution. It is established that upon the dilution of the magnetic fluid, ellipsoidal aggregates consisting of 20 or more single nanoparticles form in it.

Field of study: Physics
Structure-activity relationships of antitubercular scalaranes: Heteronemin revisited

A series of heteronemin-related antitubercular scalaranes, both from natural products and from chemical derivatization, were subjected to structure-activity investigations. Based on the activity profile, three main regions; i.e., the substituted groups hovering over C-19/C-18 and furan moiety, the functionalities in the vicinity of C-16 and the right-hand side of ring D, and the substituted groups on C-12, were speculated as the areas influencing the antitubercular activity of the scalaranes. The results suggested the promising possibility for the further investigation towards the modes of actions and/or target sites of the compounds.

Field of study: Chemistry
Anomalous interaction of laser radiation with plasma

A physicomathematical model is used to describe the processes of resonance and parametric interaction of laser radiation with a plasma in the critical density region. The exceptionally strong influence of ponderomotive forces on the formation of the density profile close to the critical point is demonstrated. The parameters of the resultant gasdynamic flow are investigated over a wide range of intensities and incidence angles of the laser radiation and of plasma temperatures, the spatial structure of the plasma and electromagnetic waves is obtained, and the coefficients of the resonance and parametric absorption are given.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
THZ1 suppresses human non-small-cell lung cancer cells in vitro through interference with cancer metabolism

Cancer cells always require more nutrients, energy, and biosynthetic activity to sustain their rapid proliferation than normal cells. Previous studies have shown the impact of THZ1, a covalent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), on transcription regulation and cell-cycle arrest in numerous cancers, but its effects on cellular metabolism in cancer cells remain unknown. In this study we elucidated the anticancer mechanism of THZ1 in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We showed that treatment with THZ1 (10−1000 nM) dose-dependently suppressed the proliferation of human NSCLC cell lines H1299, A549, H292, and H23, and markedly inhibited the migration of these NSCLC cells. Furthermore, treatment with THZ1 (50 nM) arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in these NSCLC cell lines. More importantly, we revealed that treatment with THZ1 (50 nM) blocked the glycolysis pathway but had no effect on glutamine metabolism. We further demonstrated that THZ1 treatment altered the expression pattern of glutaminase 1 (GLS1) isoforms through promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of NUDT21. Combined treatment of THZ1 with a glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 (500 nM) exerted a more potent anti-proliferative effect in these NSCLC cell lines than treatment with THZ1 or CB-839 alone. Our results demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of THZ1 on the growth of human NSCLC cells is partially attributed to interfering with cancer metabolism. Thus, we provide a new potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC treatment by combining THZ1 with the inhibitors of glutamine metabolism.

Field of study: Biology, Chemistry, Medicine
The ASTE Galactic Center CO J=3-2 Survey: Probing Shocked Molecular Gas in the CMZ

Large-scale CO surveys have revealed that the central molecular zone (CMZ) of our Galaxy is characterized by a number of expanding shells/arcs, and by a peculiar population of compact clouds with large velocity widths -- high-velocity compact clouds (HVCCs). We have performed a large-scale CO J=3-2 survey of the CMZ from 2005 to 2008 with the Atacama Submillimeter-wave Telescope Experiment (ASTE). The data cover almost the full extent of the CMZ and the Clump 2 with a 34 arcsec grid spacing. The CO J=3-2 data were compared with the CO J=1--0 data taken with the Nobeyama Radio Observatory 45 m telescope. Molecular gas in the CMZ exhibits higher J=3-2/J=1-0 intensity ratios [R(3-2/1-0)=0.7] than that in the Galactic disk [R(3-2/1-0)=0.4]. We extracted highly excited, optically thin gas by the criterion, R(3-2/1-0)>=1.5. Clumps of high R(3-2/1-0) gas were found in the Sgr A and Sgr C regions, near SNR G 0.9+0.1, and three regions with energetic HVCCs; CO 1.27+0.01, CO -0.41-0.23, and CO -1.21-0.12. We also found a number of small spots of high R(3-2/1-0) gas over the CMZ. Many of these high R(3-2/1-0) clumps and spots have large velocity widths, and some apparently coincides with HVCCs, suggesting that they are spots of shocked molecular gas. Their origin should be local explosive events, possibly supernova explosions. These suggest that the energetic HVCCs are associated with massive compact clusters, which have been formed by microbursts of star formation. Rough estimates of the energy flow from large to small scale suggest that the supernova shocks can make a significant contribution to turbulence activation and gas heating in the CMZ.

Field of study: Physics
Lack of evidence that governance structures provide real ecological benefits in marine protected areas

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has set targets for the total area of marine protected areas (MPAs), as well as targets to encourage a participatory approach to governance with equitable sharing of benefits of these areas to multiple stakeholders. These targets have contributed to a considerable volume of research in MPA governance, and in the ecological effectiveness of MPAs. However, examining the literature demonstrates there is very little joined up research to show that any particular governance approach results in improved ecological indices of fish stocks or biodiversity. Indeed, some of the well-cited examples of participatory governance implying improved ecological metrics are either incorrect (as data do not relate to MPAs under participatory governance systems), or do not provide any ecological data other than opinions of fishers to back up the claims. Evidence suggests that participatory governance approaches with equitable sharing of benefits can help the establishment and management of MPAs, and as such, there should be urgent further work assessing the ecological benefits that arise as a result of the establishment of MPAs with participatory and equitable governance approaches.

Field of study: Environmental science
Electrical and optical characterization of Mg, Mg/P, and Mg/Ar implants into InP:Fe

Mg, Mg/P, and Mg/Ar implantations were performed into InP:Fe with an energy of 80 keV for obtaining shallow p+ layers suitable for device applications. After rapid thermal annealing at 850 or 875°C for 5 or 10 s, activations between 10 and 50% and mobilities as high as 110 cm2/Vs were obtained for the different doses employed. For the implantations with 1014 cm−2, differential Hall measurements showed hole profiles with peak concentrations in the mid-1018 cm-3 range and Hall mobilities of 90 cmWs. However, secondary ion mass spectrometry profiles showed a clear pileup of Mg at the surface and in-diffusion tails deeper than 2 μ. Phosphorus or Ar co-implantation reduced the Mg in-diffusion and increased the activation, but not as clearly as in the case of Be implants. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements demonstrated the good crystalline quality of the material after all the annealing cycles employed. In the photoluminescence spectra, together with narrow emissions close to the gap wavelength, two broad bands, centered at about 1.3 and 0.87 eV were found, this last being the dominant emission of the PL spectra from the layers with higher implanted doses. The origin of this band is tentatively assigned to complexes involving Mg and a defect.

Field of study: Materials science
Impact of the Test Device on Acoustic Emission Signals From Nuclear Safety Experiments: Contribution of Wave Propagation Modeling to Signal Processing

A strongly energetic spectral component has been observed in the operating noise of a research reactor before the beginning of reactivity-initiated accidents (RIAs). We identify the source of this component by means of analytical derivations of torsional wave propagation in the test device. Numerical simulations, performed with a spectral-element method, confirm that this component is a resonant frequency of the device, and allow to evaluate the impact of wave travelpath in the test device on the acoustic emission (AE) signals recorded during RIA experiments. The transfer function of the test device is strongly dependent on both the source and the receiver locations, which precludes signal processing by deconvolution when the location of the AE source mechanism is unknown. Moreover, the geometry and the configuration of the test device may not influence the signals in the low-frequency range and hence the signals generated by source mechanisms located on the fuel clad such as clad failures. Finally, replacing the heat transfer fluid (pressurized water) by sodium leads to an increase in the recorded signal amplitude and a small shift of the frequency content toward the high frequencies. The results obtained in this paper may be useful to improve the design of future RIA experiments. They are also useful to understand wave propagation in the core of the reactor and to choose appropriate signal processing tools for recovering the source of AE signals generated during RIA experiments.

Field of study: Physics
Bayesian Inference in Generalized Error and Generalized Student-t Regression Models

This study takes up inference in linear models with generalized error and generalized t distributions. For the generalized error distribution, two computational algorithms are proposed. The first is based on indirect Bayesian inference using an approximating finite scale mixture of normal distributions. The second is based on Gibbs sampling. The Gibbs sampler involves only drawing random numbers from standard distributions. This is important because previously the impression has been that an exact analysis of the generalized error regression model using Gibbs sampling is not possible. Next, we describe computational Bayesian inference for linear models with generalized t disturbances based on Gibbs sampling, and exploiting the fact that the model is a mixture of generalized error distributions with inverse generalized gamma distributions for the scale parameter. The linear model with this specification has also been thought not to be amenable to exact Bayesian analysis. All computational methods are applied to actual data involving the exchange rates of the British pound, the French franc, and the German mark relative to the U.S. dollar.

Field of study: Mathematics
Design of Strategy and Models for Microteaching Skill Training Based on Learning Community

Teaching skills is the basic guarantee for teachers to transfer teaching information and complete the task of teaching.It is also an important means to affect the quality of teaching and promote student progress.Microteaching skills training is an important way to improve the capacity and quality of the Students' teaching.It is the important requirements of the new curriculum and the quality of education and an important channel to enhance the competitiveness of normal graduates.Analyzes the disadvantages of the microteaching training nowadays and introduces the superiority of learning community applications,puts forward some suggestions on design of strategy and Models for the microteaching training based on learning community.

Field of study: Computer science
More frequent moments in the climate change debate as emissions continue

Recent years have witnessed unprecedented interest in how the burning of fossil fuels may impact on the global climate system. Such visibility of this issue is in part due to the increasing frequency of key international summits to debate emissions levels, including the 2015 21st Conference of Parties meeting in Paris. In this perspective we plot a timeline of significant climate meetings and reports, and against metrics of atmospheric greenhouse gas changes and global temperature. One powerful metric is cumulative CO2 emissions that can be related to past and future warming levels. That quantity is analysed in detail through a set of papers in this ERL focus issue. We suggest it is an open question as to whether our timeline implies a lack of progress in constraining climate change despite multiple recent keynote meetings—or alternatively—that the increasing level of debate is encouragement that solutions will be found to prevent any dangerous warming levels?

Field of study: Environmental science
TU-G-BRD-04: A Round Robin Dosimetry Intercomparison of Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Calibration Protocols

The purpose of this multi-institutional study was to compare two new gamma stereotactic radiosurgery (GSRS) dosimetry protocols to existing calibration methods. The ultimate goal was to guide AAPM Task Group 178 in recommending a standard GSRS dosimetry protocol.  Nine centers (ten GSRS units) participated in the study. Each institution made eight sets of dose rate measurements: six with two different ionization chambers in three different 160mm-diameter spherical phantoms (ABS plastic, Solid Water and liquid water), and two using the same ionization chambers with a custom in-air positioning jig. Absolute dose rates were calculated using a newly proposed formalism by the IAEA working group for small and non-standard radiation fields and with a new air-kerma based protocol. The new IAEA protocol requires an in-water ionization chamber calibration and uses previously reported Monte-Carlo generated factors to account for the material composition of the phantom, the type of ionization chamber, and the unique GSRS beam configuration. Results obtained with the new dose calibration protocols were compared to dose rates determined by the AAPM TG-21 and TG-51 protocols, with TG-21 considered as the standard.  Averaged over all institutions, ionization chambers and phantoms, the mean dose rate determined with the new IAEA protocol relative to that determined with TG-21 in the ABS phantom was 1.000 with a standard deviation of 0.008. For TG-51, the average ratio was 0.991 with a standard deviation of 0.013, and for the new in-air formalism it was 1.008 with a standard deviation of 0.012.  Average results with both of the new protocols agreed with TG-21 to within one standard deviation. TG-51, which does not take into account the unique GSRS beam configuration or phantom material, was not expected to perform as well as the new protocols. The new IAEA protocol showed remarkably good agreement with TG-21. Conflict of Interests: Paula Petti, Josef Novotny, Gennady Neyman and Steve Goetsch are consultants for Elekta Instrument A/B; Elekta Instrument AB, PTW Freiburg GmbH, Standard Imaging, Inc., and The Phantom Laboratory, Inc. loaned equipment for use in these experiments; The University of Wisconsin Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory provided calibration services.

Field of study: Medicine, Physics
The Effects of Service Quality on Satisfaction and Purchase Intention in Mobile Commerce

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of service quality on the relationship between mobile shoppers’ satisfaction and purchase intention towards mobile commerce. The survey method was conducted with a structured questionnaire that was distributed to 385 mobile users in Malaysia which tested against a proposed model using partial least square structural equation modelling. The result confirms service quality affects mobile shoppers’ satisfaction and purchase intention directly. Furthermore, the result also affirms that mobile shoppers’ satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and purchase intention. This study will assist the mobile commerce industry to understand mobile shoppers’ behaviour in Malaysia.

Field of study: Business
Components and Contents of Organic Acids in Pineapple Germplasm

The components and contents of organic acids in pineapple mature fruits from 56 germplasms were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The results showed that the major components of organic acids in pineapple fruits were citric acid,malic acid and quinic acid.Citric acid was ranged from 1.80 mg/g FW to 8.09 mg/g FW,with a mean of 4.82 mg/g FW,and citric acid content was the highest value,which accounted for 64.73% of the value of organic acids,followed by quinic acid and malic acid.The variation range of quinic acid was relatively stable among different germplasms,while the value of citric acid and malic acid varied greatly,showing as 33.86% and 37.92%,respectively.All the germplasms could be classified into citric acid dominant based on their organic acid composition.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences