nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Non-Faith-Based Arguments against Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

This article is a complement to “A Template for Non-Religious-Based Discussions Against Euthanasia” by Melissa Harintho, Nathaniel Bloodworth, and E. Wesley Ely which appeared in the February 2015 Linacre Quarterly. Herein we build upon Daniel Sulmasy's opening and closing arguments from the 2014 Intelligence Squared debate on legalizing assisted suicide, supplemented by other non-faith-based arguments and thoughts, providing four nontheistic arguments against physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia: (1) “it offends me”; (2) slippery slope; (3) “pain can be alleviated”; (4) physician integrity and patient trust.  Presented here are four non-religious, reasonable arguments against physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia: (1) “it offends me,” suicide devalues human life; (2) slippery slope, the limits on euthanasia gradually erode; (3) “pain can be alleviated,” palliative care and modern therapeutics more and more adequately manage pain; (4) physician integrity and patient trust, participating in suicide violates the integrity of the physician and undermines the trust patients place in physicians to heal and not to harm.

Field of study: Medicine, Philosophy
Fish transposons and their potential use in aquaculture.

A large part of repetitive DNA of vertebrate genomes have been identified as transposon elements (TEs) or mobile sequences. Although TEs detected to date in most vertebrates are inactivated, active TEs have been found in fish and a salmonid TE has been successfully reactivated by molecular genetic manipulation from inactive genomic copies (Sleeping Beauty, SB). Progress in the understanding of the dynamics, control and evolution of fish TEs will allow the insertion of selected sequences into the fish genomes of germ cells to obtain transgenics or to identify genes important for growth and/or of somatic cells to improve DNA vaccination. Expectations are high for new possible applications to fish of this well developed technology for mammals. Here, we review the present state of knowledge of inactive and active fish TEs and briefly discuss how their possible future applications might be used to improve fish production in aquaculture.

Field of study: Biology, Engineering
Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition of CdTe(133) Epilayers on Si(211) Substrates

Single-crystalline CdTe(133) films have been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Si(211) substrates. We studied the effect of various growth parameters on the surface morphology and structural quality of CdTe films. Proper oxide removal from the Si substrate is considered to be the principal factor that influences both the morphology and epitaxial quality of the CdTe films. In order to obtain single-crystalline CdTe(133) films, a two-stage growth method was used, i.e., a low-temperature buffer layer step and a high- temperature growth step. Even when the low-temperature buffer layer shows polycrystalline structure, the overgrown layer shows single-crystalline structure. During the subsequent high-temperature growth, two-dimensional crystallites grow faster than other, randomly distributed crystallites in the buffer layer. This is because the capturing of adatoms by steps occurs more easily due to increased adatom mobility. From the viewpoint of crystallographic orientation, it is assumed that the surface structure of Si(211) consists of (111) terrace and (100) step planes with an interplanar angle of 54.8°. This surface structure may provide many preferable nucleation sites for adatoms compared with nominally flat Si(100) or (111) surfaces. The surface morphology of the resulting films shows macroscopic rectangular-shaped terrace—step structures that are considered to be a (111) terrace with two {112} step planes directed toward 〈110〉.

Field of study: Materials science
Global public health and the academy.

There is no shortage of disease and related sequelae in the United States for our collective focus in research, teaching, and service roles in schools and colleges of pharmacy. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infectious diseases require the expertise of physicians, pharmacists, and a myriad of health professionals for prevention and secondary and tertiary treatment. But as we graduate more of our students with future global responsibilities, consider infectious disease research opportunities, and contemplate worldwide interventions to stem patient noncompliance, I feel we should focus on disease epidemics and pandemics that contribute mightily to worldwide mortality. Malaria is just such a disease. A global map highlighting the geographic distribution of malaria is available on the web site of the US Department of Health and Human Resources (http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/distribution_epi/ distribution.htm). Malaria is endemic in well over 100 countries throughout the world. The malaria parasite is transmitted (via 4 species of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium) via various species of Anopheles mosquitoes which bite mainly between sunset and sunrise. The mortality associated with malaria, predominantly in Africa, is stark. For example, consider the following data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1 :

Field of study: Education, Medicine
Control of ingestion by oral habituation in rat pups.

The role of habituation of mouthing activity in the control of ingestion was investigated in 6-, 12-, and 18-day-old rat pups. In pups at all ages, oral habituation to a flavored diet inhibited ingestion of a continuous oral infusion of that same diet. Twelve-day-old pups that had orally habituated to a diet continued to consume less of a continuous oral infusion of that diet both 30 min and 3 hr later, and the duration of suppressed ingestion was shown to be dependent on the rate of stimulus presentation during habituation experience. These data suggest that oral habituation may be a diet-specific influence on both intra- and intermeal patterning.

Field of study: Biology, Psychology
Über die junge Hebung der Kordillere Südamerikas

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Field of study: Environmental science
The expression of KLF11 (TIEG2), a monoamine oxidase B transcriptional activator in the prefrontal cortex of human alcohol dependence.

The biochemical pathways underlying alcohol abuse and dependence are not well understood, although brain cell loss and neurotoxicity have been reported in subjects with alcohol dependence. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO B; an enzyme that catabolizes neurotransmitters such as dopamine) is consistently increased in this psychiatric illness. MAO B has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence and alcohol-induced brain neurotoxicity. Recently, the cell growth inhibitor protein, Kruppel-like factor 11 (KLF11), has been reported to be an MAO transcriptional activator. KLF11 is also known as TIEG2 (transforming growth factor-beta-inducible early gene 2) and mediates apoptotic cell death. This study investigates the protein expression of KLF11 and its relationship with MAO B using human postmortem prefrontal cortex from subjects with alcohol dependence.



Twelve subjects with alcohol dependence and the respective psychiatrically normal control subjects were investigated. Expression of KLF11 and MAO B proteins in the prefrontal cortex was measured by Western blot analysis. Correlation studies involving KLF11 and MAO B protein expression were performed. Localization of KLF11 in the human prefrontal cortex was also determined by immunohistochemistry.



Levels of KLF11 protein were significantly increased by 44% (p < 0.03) in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of subjects with alcohol dependence as compared to age- and gender-matched, psychiatrically normal control subjects. Furthermore, KLF11 levels were significantly and positively correlated with both the increased MAO B protein levels and blood alcohol content in alcohol-dependent subjects. In addition, KLF11 protein expression was visualized in both neuronal and glial cells.



This novel study shows the important role of KLF11, an MAO transcriptional activator, in human alcohol dependence. It further supports that the KLF11-MAO B cell death cascade may contribute to chronic alcohol-induced brain damage. This argues a case for KLF11-MAO B inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy that may impact this highly prevalent illness.

Field of study: Medicine
Reentrant temperature dependence of critical current in superconductor - ferromagnet - superconductor junctions based on PdFe alloys

The magnetic and transport properties of $Pd_{0.99}Fe_{0.01}$ thin films have been studied. We have found that the Curie temperature of the films is about 20 K and the magnetic properties strongly depend on temperature below $T_{Curie}$. We have also fabricated the set of superconductor-ferromagnet-superconductor josephson junctions $Nb-PdFe-Nb$. The temperature dependence of the junctions with the ferromagnet layer thickness of about 36 nm shows the reentrant behaviour that is the evidence of the transition of the junction into the $\pi$-state.

Field of study: Physics
The interface between lithium and poly(ethylene-oxide)

Ac impedance spectroscopy was applied to the study of the interfacial properties of lithium metal exposed to pure tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether. In the reaction between the solvent and lithium a passivating film is formed on the metal. A protective character of the films was also illustrated for electrodeposited lithium layers using the electrochemical quartz microbalance (EQMB) method.

Field of study: Materials science
The Relationship of Leadership Styles and Organizational Productivity Skills to Teacher Professionalism

The primary aim of this study is to examine the relationship of leadership styles and organizational productivity skills to teacher professionalism. The leadership styles of the administrators were categorized as coercive, pacesetting, coaching, democratic, affiliative, and authoritative. The organizational productivity skills were assessed in terms of global strategic skills, team-building skills, organizational skills, communication skills, and transfer of knowledge skills. Teacher professionalism was discussed in terms of these components: teacher confidence, teacher practice, teacher collaboration, and teacher leadership. The study utilized the descriptive survey research method. There were (333) three hundred thirty three respondents classified as administrators group and teachers group. The following statistical tools were used to ensure the valid and systematic presentation, analysis and interpretation of data: frequency and percentage, weighted mean, t-test for independent samples, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The study revealed that school administrators are generally viewed as democratic and coaching leaders who allow people a say in decisions that affect their goals and how they do their work, thus, driving up flexibility, responsibility and keeping morale high. It can also be inferred from the finding that school administrators possess effective strategic skills which is primarily demonstrated by their openness to change particularly those concerning global trends and innovations. Apparently, it is also revealed that teachers manifest a high sense of professionalism in terms of teacher confidence and are highly capable of performing different classroom and school related tasks. They are described as efficacious teachers who are able to achieve good results with their students as well as with their respective schools. The more often school administrators employ the aforementioned leadership styles, the more professionalism is enhanced among the teachers. The school administrators’ organizational productivity skills are significantly correlated to teacher professionalism. The more effective are the organizational productivity skills of school administrators, the more teacher professionalism is developed. It is highly recommended that the school administrators should express their willingness to help increase teacher professionalism by empowering the school teachers.  Leadership Styles, Global Skills, Organizational Climate, Organizational Productivity Skills, Professionalism

Field of study: Education
No. 45023. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Guatemala

Loan Agreement (Land Administration II Project in support of the Second Phase of the Land Administration Program) between the Republic of Guatemala and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (with schedules, appendix and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development General Conditions for Loans, dated 1 July 2005, as amended through 17 October 2007). Guatemala City, 26 February 2008

Field of study: Political science
Synergisic effects of terbinafine combined with fluconazole or itraconazole on stable fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans induced by fluconazole in vitro

To investigate the effects of terbinafine combined with fluconazole or itraconazole on stable fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans induced by fluconazole in vitro.  Eleven flueonazole-sensitive isolates were serially subcultured in YEPD medium containing different concentrations of fluconazole to induce stable fluconazole-resistant strains (MIC≥128 μg/ml). The checkerboard microdilution method was applied according to M27-A to study the interaction of terbinafine with fluconazole or itraconazole against stable fluconazole-resistant strains in vitro. Nucleotide sequence of the encoded region in ERG11 genes of stable fluconazole resistant strains was examined.  Resistant strains were induced by fluconazole in 11 fluconazole-sensitive isolates but most were not stable. Mutations were detected in the nucleotide sequence of the encoded region in ERG11 of the stable drug acquired resistant isolates. The synergy in terbinafine-fluconazale or itraconazole interaction was observed in stable drug acquired resistant isolates.  The combinations of terbinafine and fluconazole or itraconazole can show synergisic an-tifungal effects on fluconazole-resistant mutants.

Field of study: Biology
Performance Evaluation of Channel Access Schemes i n Multihop Packet Radio Networks With Regular Structure by Simulation

The performance of various channel access schemes in multihop packet radio networks with a regular structure is studied by means of simulation. The channel access schemes considered are: ALOHA (pure and slotted), Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA), Busy Tone Multiple Access (BTMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and a new hypothetical scheme introduced here for comparison purposes referred to as Coded Activity Signalling Multiple Access (CASMA). Network throughput and packet delay are evaluated, as well as the effects on performance of the nodal transmission scheduling rate, the propagation delay among nodes, and to some extent the input flow control. In this study, we consider networks in which both the topology and the traffic pattern are symmetric. This render all nodes in the network statistically identical, and thus helps reduce the complexity of the simulation task considerably without jeopardizing the objective. The performance of CSMA in such networks in shown to be rather poor as compared with its performance in fully connected networks, while relatively high performance is achieved by the CASMA scheme, the various BTMA protocols, as well as the CDMA scheme, as compared with CSMA and the ALOHA schemes.

Field of study: Computer science
Placebo-controlled trials in pediatric urology: a cautionary view from an ethical perspective.

The ethical dispute regarding placebo-controlled trials is discussed in this review. Important issues, such as clinical equipoise, fiduciary obligation and middle ground theory, are examined in the context of pediatric urology clinical research. After reviewing the literature, the authors summarize specific indications for placebo-controlled trials in pediatric urology, and emphasize that physicians have ethical and moral obligations to patients, in the sense that one should carefully plan and conduct such trials in order to gain clinically important information without exposing children to undue risks.

Field of study: Medicine
Application of photonic-crystal-based nonlinear ring resonators for realizing an all-optical comparator.

Optical comparators can play crucial roles in the all-optical digital circuits required for optical calculation and optical processing. A typical digital comparator is a logic circuit that can compare two binary codes and show the results by activating one of its three output ports. In this paper, a photonic crystal (PhC)-based structure was proposed for designing a 1-bit all-optical comparator. The proposed structure was designed using nonlinear ring resonators inside PhCs. Optical intensity of ${1}\,\,{\rm W/}\unicode{x00B5}

Field of study: Physics
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF ADDED MASS ARISING FROM FLUID FLOW INDUCED BY VIBRATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE

In the fluid environment,the vibration of the structure can induce the ambient fluid to move along with it,which successively produce so-called added mass,and this is also an important part of the model of coupled wind-induced vibration theory for the long-span flexible structures in structural engineering.Based on the potential fluid theory,the expression for calculating the added mass are deduced by singularity distribution method using basic solutions for space point sources(sinks)and dipoles under three-dimensional case.The numerical results show that the method can be used to compute the added mass arising from the fluid flow with complicated structural boundaries effectively,and the results for the cable dome also show that the added mass can influence the long-span flexible structures greatly in the analysis of wind-induced vibration,which should be paid high attention in the job of design.

Field of study: Engineering
Fluorinated Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles: Enamel Demineralization Prevention and Antibacterial Effect of Orthodontic Bonding Resin

Orthodontic treatment involving the bonding of fixed appliances to tooth surfaces can cause white spot lesions (WSLs). WSLs increase the likelihood of cavity formation and hence require preservation and prosthetic restoration. Therefore, the prevention of WSLs is of greater importance than treatment. Application of fluoride or the use of fluoride-containing mouthwash can prevent WSLs, but this requires patient cooperation and additional time and cost. Bioactive glass containing 2.5% fluoride was synthesized and mixed with the orthodontic bonding adhesive Transbond XT Low Flow (LV) at ratios of 1, 3, and 5% to prepare orthodontic adhesive samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the samples. The Vickers hardness test, bracket retention test, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of the samples were analysed to determine their mechanical properties. To determine the biological cytotoxicity, the cell activity of the samples was evaluated using cell viability tests and the antibacterial activity was analysed using Streptococcus mutans. To evaluate the anti-demineralization effect, the sample was bonded to extracted teeth and a pH cycle test was performed. Micro computed tomography data were obtained from the bonded teeth and sample, and the anti-demineralization effect was evaluated using the ImageJ software program. The Vickers hardness of the sample was higher than that of LV and was dependent on the concentration of fluoride-containing bioactive glass (FBAG). The bracket retention test and ARI of the sample showed no significant differences from those of LV. The cell viability test showed no significant changes at 24 and 48 h after application of the sample. The fluoride ion release test indicated an ion release rate of 9.5–17.4 μg/cm2. The antibacterial activity of the experimental group containing FBAG was significantly higher than that of the LV group. The anti-demineralization test showed a concentration-dependent increase. However, the resin containing 5 mass% FBAG (FBAG5) showed a statistically-significant increase compared with LV. The orthodontic adhesive containing FBAG showed antibacterial and anti-demineralization effects, thus indicating possible WSL prevention activity.

Field of study: Materials science
Charmonium transverse momentum distribution in high energy nuclear collisions

The charmonium transverse momentum distribution is more sensitive to the nature of the hot quantum chromodynamic matter created in high energy nuclear collisions compared with the yield. Taking a detailed transport approach for charmonium motion together with a hydrodynamic description for the medium evolution, the cancellation between the two hot nuclear matter effects, the dissociation and the regeneration, controls the charmonium transverse momentum distribution. In particular, the second moment of the distribution can be used to differentiate between the hot mediums produced at SPS, RHIC and LHC energies.

Field of study: Physics
Structure of the zinc-induced heterodimer of two calcium-free isoforms of phospholipase A2 from Naja naja sagittifera at 2.7 angstroms resolution.

The crystal structure of a zinc-induced heterodimer of two metal-free isoforms of a cobra venom phospholipase A(2) has been determined at 2.7 angstroms resolution. The crystals belong to space group P4(1), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 65.5, c = 58.4 angstroms, and have a single dimer in the asymmetric unit. The structure has been refined to R(cryst) and R(free) factors of 0.188 and 0.232, respectively. The two isoforms have a sequence identity of 82%. The zinc ion forms a fivefold coordination with a trigonal bipyramidal geometry involving one O atom each from Asp24 and Asn112 from molecule A and Asp24 from molecule B and two water molecules. Both molecules of the dimer are inactive. Molecule A is inactive because Arg31 (B) binds to Asp49 (A), while an acetate ion has displaced the essential water molecule and interacts with His48 (A). On the other hand, Arg31 (A) interacts with the calcium-binding loop of molecule B, resulting in an altered conformation of the loop. The absence of a calcium ion, loss of the essential water molecule and the altered conformation of the calcium-binding loop may be the reasons for the loss of activity of molecule B.

Field of study: Chemistry