nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Intracellular metabolism and bioactivity of quercetin and its in vivo metabolites.

Understanding the cellular effects of flavonoid metabolites is important for predicting which dietary flavonoids might be most beneficial in vivo. Here we investigate the bioactivity in dermal fibroblasts of the major reported in vivo metabolites of quercetin, i.e. 3'-O-methyl quercetin, 4'-O-methyl quercetin and quercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronide, relative to that of quercetin, in terms of their further metabolism and their resulting cytotoxic and/or cytoprotective effects in the absence and presence of oxidative stress. Uptake experiments indicate that exposure to quercetin led to the generation of two novel cellular metabolites, one characterized as a 2'-glutathionyl quercetin conjugate and another product with similar spectral characteristics but 1 mass unit lower, putatively a quinone/quinone methide. A similar product was identified in cells exposed to 3'-O-methyl quercetin, but not in the lysates of those exposed to its 4'-O-methyl counterpart, suggesting that its formation is related to oxidative metabolism. There was no uptake or metabolism of quercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronide by fibroblasts. Formation of oxidative metabolites may explain the observed concentration-dependent toxicity of quercetin and 3'-O-methyl quercetin, whereas the formation of a 2'-glutathionyl quercetin conjugate is interpreted as a detoxification step. Both O -methylated metabolites conferred less protection than quercetin against peroxide-induced damage, and quercetin glucuronide was ineffective. The ability to modulate cellular toxicity paralleled the ability of the compounds to decrease the level of peroxide-induced caspase-3 activation. Our data suggest that the actions of quercetin and its metabolites in vivo are mediated by intracellular metabolites.

Field of study: Biology, Computer science
Effect of carbon starvation on p-nitrophenol degradation by a Moraxella strain in buffer and river water.

This study examines the effect of carbon starvation on the ability of a Moraxella sp. strain to degrade p-nitrophenol (PNP). Carbon starvation for 24 h decreased the induction time for p-nitrophenol degradation by the bacterium in a minimal salt medium from 6 to 1 h but it did not completely eliminate the induction time. Moraxella cells with 2-day carbon starvation had an induction time of 3 h and the induction time of the 3-day starved cells was 6 h. A 100% increase in density of the non-starved cells did not affect the induction time for p-nitrophenol degradation by the bacterium, indicating that the initial increase in cell density of the carbon-starved culture did not cause the faster onset of p-nitrophenol degradation. However, the initial uptake of p-nitrophenol of the 1-day carbon-starved Moraxella cells was 3-fold higher than the non-starved cells. A green fluorescent protein gene (gfp)-labelled Moraxella (M6 strain) was constructed to examine the survival of and p-nitrophenol degradation by the bacterium in non-sterile river water samples. Similar p-nitrophenol degradation behaviour was observed in the river water samples inoculated with the M6 cells. The time needed for complete degradation of p-nitrophenol by the non-starved M6 was 19-27 and 33 h in samples spiked with 80, 200 and 360 microM p-nitrophenol, respectively. However, the 1-day carbon-starved inocula required about 16 h to degrade the p-nitrophenol completely regardless of its concentration in the water samples. Survival of the carbon-starved and non-starved M6 was not significantly different from each other in the river water regardless of the p-nitrophenol concentration. In the absence of p-nitrophenol, the inoculum density decreased continuously. At 200 and 360 microM p-nitrophenol, the cell densities of M6 increased in the first two days of incubation and declined steadily afterward.

Field of study: Biology, Environmental science
Mathematics Teachers’ Assessment of the Role of Millennium Development Goals in the Implementation of the 9-Year Basic Education Mathematics Curriculum

The Basic Education Mathematics Curriculum is focused on giving children in Primary and Junior secondary schools in Nigeria the opportunity to acquire mathematical literacy to function in an information age, cultivate understanding of the skills necessary for the changing technical world. The role of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the realization of the focus of the Basic Education Mathematics curriculum is paramount. This study therefore investigated the Mathematics teachers’ assessment of the role of the Millennium Development Goals in the implementation of the 9-year Basic Education Mathematics Curriculum in Nigeria. The study involved four hundred and thirty (430) primary and junior secondary school mathematics teachers in two local government areas of the southern senatorial district of Ondo State. One research instrument tagged “Mathematics Teachers’ Assessment of MDGs Questionnaire” on a four point likert scale was used for data collection. Appropriate statistics that is frequency counts, mean and Standard deviation were used to analyze data. The findings of the result revealed that, mathematics teachers at the Basic Education level had a good perception of the roles of the MDGs especially on the area of capacity building of teachers for effective and efficient delivery. Mathematics teachers also had a positive assessment or impression of the MDGs provision of infrastructural facilities including instructional materials to schools. It is therefore recommended that, the training of teachers by MDGs should cut across all teacher and all subjects at the Basic Education level to be able to fully actualize the goals and objectives of the curriculum.  Mathematics Curriculum, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Teachers’ Perception and Assessment,

Field of study: Education
Dependence of AC Losses in HTS Coated Conductors With Magnetic Substrates on Tensile Stresses

We investigated uni-axial tensile stress dependence of AC losses (transport current, magnetization and total losses) in HTS coated conductor with magnetic Ni-alloy substrate. The AC loss characteristics are studied by relating to tensile stress dependence of critical currents of the conductor. Experimental results showed that the loss characteristics were different whether the critical current recovered the original value after the release of the stress or not. Dependence of AC loss characteristics on magnetic property of the substrate is also studied.

Field of study: Physics
Cephalometric evaluation of patients with Sagliker syndrome: uglifying human face appearance in severe and late secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure patients.

It is well known that secondary hyperparathyroidism may be an extremely severe condition in chronic renal failure, and almost all patients with chronic kidney disease, even in the well-developed countries, encounter every kind of bone abnormalities if they are not treated properly. Although some sporadic cases have been reported of unique facial bone changes, the largest collection of this phenomenon has been reported by Sagliker et al. We also have found 6 of 9 patients who have these changes (Sagliker syndrome) to manifest class II malocclusion of the upper and lower jaws according to dental universally accepted criteria by performing cephalometric studies, x-ray plain films, tomographic procedures, and drawing technology.

Field of study: Medicine
Electron high-field transport in multisubband quantum wire structures

The Monte Carlo simulation of electron transport in multisubband quasi-one-dimensional GaAs/AlAs quantum wires (QWIs) are presented. The electron intrasubband and intersubband scattering by surface-optical and confined longitudinal-optical phonons in QWIs has been included in the program. It is demonstrated that at room temperature the electron drift velocity in the QWI is suppressed by electron intersubband scattering and does not exceed the bulk material values. The energy dependence of the total scattering rate in ideal QWIs exhibits multiple sharp peaks related to intersubband transitions. The scattering rates in the real QWIs with variable thicknesses are calculated as well. The results show that even small variation in thickness leads to a significant broadening of the very first peaks and complete washing-out of the peak-like structure at higher energies.

Field of study: Materials science
An evolutionary theory of monogamy

This paper presents a non-cooperative evolutionary model to explain the widespread diffusion of lifelong monogamous families. The essential condition, unique to humans, is the overlap of children of different ages. Under this condition, together with the salience of paternal investment and fatherhood uncertainty, monogamy attains a greater survivorship than serial monogamy and polygyny. This result is robust to a number of extensions, including the presence of kin ties, resource inequality, group marriage, and the risk of adult mortality.

Field of study: Economics
Microwave nanotube transistor operation at high bias

We measure the small signal, 1GHz source-drain dynamical conductance of a back-gated single-walled carbon nanotube field effect transistor at both low and high dc bias voltages. At all bias voltages, the intrinsic device dynamical conductance at 1GHz is identical to the low frequency dynamical conductance, consistent with the prediction of a cutoff frequency much higher than 1GHz. This work represents a significant step towards a full characterization of a nanotube transistor for rf and microwave amplifiers.

Field of study: Physics
Stratigraphy and paleoclimates of the pleistocene of central and northern Israel

A general chronostratigraphical division of the marine Pleistocene into three stages is suggested for the Coastal Plain of Israel, and recommended for the whole Mediterranean region. The three stages are: the lower stage, to be named Calabro-Sicilian, characterized by a cold marine faunal assemblage. The middle stage, to be named Tyrrhenian, characterized by a warm assemblage, and the upper stage, temporarily named post-Tyrrhenian with a present-day faunal assemblage. During the Calabro-Sicilian and the early part of the Tyrrhenian, Acheulian cultures prevailed. During the Late Tyrrhenian, Mousterian cultures prevailed while during the post-Tyrrhenian, Upper Paleolithic cultures prevailed. Various formations of the Jordan Rift Valley are correlated with the marine stages of the Coastal Plain. The paleoclimatological evidence, when critically examined, points to a maritime Mediterranean climate not very different from that of today. No evidence was found that glacial periods coincide with local humid stages. Although relatively more humid conditions prevailed during the Calabro-Sicilian, Tyrrhenian and post-Tyrrhenian stages, these could not be correlated precisely with either transgressions or regressions.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Machismo and Mexican American men: an empirical understanding using a gay sample.

Machismo continues to be a defining aspect of Mexican American men that informs a wide array of psychological and behavioral dimensions. Although strides have been made in this area of research, understanding of the role of this construct in the lives of gay men remains incomplete. Our purpose in this study was to gain a deeper understanding of machismo using a sample of Mexican American gay men. This study examined for the first time whether a 2-factor model of machismo previously validated with heterosexual, Mexican American men generalized to a sample of 152 gay men of similar ethnic background. Relations between machismo, sexual risk, and internalized homophobia were also explored. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 2-factor model with the current sample. Results also indicated machismo as predicting internalized homophobia and as an index of risky sex. Limitations are presented and implications are discussed.

Field of study: Psychology
Transfer of matching performance in pigeons.

Three pigeons were given extensive training on three-key simultaneous matching problems using geometric-form and hue stimuli. After acquisition of matching, the birds were tested with pairs of stimuli involving one or both novel members. Matching during the test stimuli occurred less often than during the later stages of the acquisition phase, but more often than would occur if no transfer had taken place. Greater positive transfer was observed for problems that involved one, rather than two, novel stimuli. In the second phase of the experiment, previously trained birds were shifted to problems that required symbolic matching, i.e., the pigeons had to associate a particular center-key stimulus with a particular side-key stimulus. On each trial, one of two simuli was presented on the center key, and two other stimuli, different from those used on the center key, were displayed on the side keys. When the problem shift was introduced, correct responding was impaired, but remained considerably above chance level and quickly recovered in following sessions. The results were interpreted as favoring a stimulus-response-chaining account of matching behavior.

Field of study: Biology, Psychology
Effect of Mechanical Stir on Microstructure and Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Mg-Al-Sn-Y Magnesium Alloy Cast Ingots

Mg-4Al-2Sn-0.1Y magnesium alloy cast ingots were prepared by mechanical stir-assisted pouring. And the microstructure, phase composition and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness were tested. The results show that compared with common casting, mechanical stir-assisted casting could make the microstructure smaller and compacter and improve the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the alloy. Moreover, the mechanical stir could make average grain size decrease by65.8%, and make electromagnetic shielding effectiveness at the efficiency of 300 MHz, 900 MHz, and 1500 MHz increase by15.8%, 26.5%, and 54.2%, respectively. But the phase composition is the same by the two methods and the alloy is both composed of α-Mg phase and a spot of Mg17Al12 phase and Mg2 Sn phase.

Field of study: Materials science
Men as Archetypes: Characterization in Soyinka's Novels

Soyinka's plays, his fictional characters have not been discussed in detail. This leaves a gap in the existing criticism of Soyinka's work, particularly since The Interpreters was specially cited for the Nobel Prize for Literature. This paper examines, in depth, the nature of characterization in two Soyinka novels: The Interpreters (1965) and Season of Anomy (1973), and hopes to fill this lacuna to a great extent. Any critique of characterization in the African novel not taking into account the traditional African conception of "personality" and "individuality" is, even at its best, limited. Most western analyses of African characters fail for this reason. The majority of western critics underestimate the degree to which African writers are entrenched in the traditional world view and the depth of their conditioning by the traditional perception of man. They do not look up to western models for inspiration but to African oral literatures that, in various waysÂ—realistic as well as stylizedÂ— reaffirm traditional images of man. Originating in a view of personality more communal than individual, traditional standards of characterization are at odds with the western ideal of individualized, growing characters. For instance, the "type" is more of a norm than an aberration in traditional characterization. The modern

Field of study: Art
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the complex of the ε-subunit and the central domain of the γ-subunit from the Escherichia coli ATP synthase

A complex of the ∊-subunit and the central domain of the γ-subunit from the ATP synthase of Escherichia coli has been purified and crystallized and preliminary X-ray analysis has been carried out. The crystals belong to space group C2221, with unit-cell parameters a = 76.7, b = 176.1, c = 67.1 A (at 100 K). Determination of the structure of this protein complex promises to greatly improve the understanding of energy coupling between the F0 and F1 sectors within the enzyme complex.

Field of study: Chemistry
Factors Affecting the Prescribing Pattern of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs at Outpatient Departments in Government and Private Polyclinics in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The main objective of this study was to obtain information regarding the effects of educational and socio-economic status of the patients on the prescribing pattern of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by the qualified medical personnel in the outpatient departments (OPDs) of two selected polyclinics in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 200 selected patients (100 from each polyclinic) attending the OPDs were interviewed using a questionnaire. Again data were collected, photocopied and later analyzed. Educated and higher income group of patients mostly attended in a Private Polyclinic (PPC) whereas less educated and lower income group of patients generally attended UMS Polyclinic (UPC). This was reported as a probable reason for the wide variations in the prescribing pattern with respect to pharmacological sub-classes of NSAIDs in the OPDs of two polyclinics. The present results strongly support that probable reason. The number of patients taking NSAIDs before coming to hospital was more in PPC compared to UPC. They were influenced by pharmacists, friends and doctor’s advice given previously. In conclusion, it may be mentioned that overall prescribing pattern of NSAIDs among two polyclinics is rational.

Field of study: Medicine
Oxidation of bisphenol F (BPF) by manganese dioxide.

Bisphenol F (BPF), an environmental estrogen, is used as a monomer in plastic industry and its environmental fate and decontamination are emerging concern. This study focused on the kinetics, influencing factors and pathways of its oxidation by MnO(2). At pH 5.5, about 90% of BPF was oxidized in 20 min in a solution containing 100 μM MnO(2) and 4.4 μM BPF. The reaction was pH-dependent, following an order of pH 4.5 > pH 5.5 > pH 8.6 > pH 7.5 > pH 6.5 > pH 9.6. Humic acids inhibited the reaction at low (≤ pH 5.5) and high pH (≥ pH 8.6) at high concentrations. In addition, metal ions and anions also suppressed the reaction, following the order Mn(2+) > Ca(2+) > Mg(2+) > Na(+) and HPO(4)(2-) > Cl(-) > NO(3)(-) ≈ SO(4)(2-), respectively. A total of 5 products were identified, from which a tentative pathway was proposed.

Field of study: Environmental science
Kinetic model of an Ar + N2 ultraviolet laser

Stimulated emission characteristics of an Ar+N2 electron-beam-excited ultraviolet laser were investigated in the temperature range 100–500°K. A kinetic model of the laser describing stimulated emission dynamics by rate equations was developed. The dependences of the output power on the pressure, temperature, and composition of the active mixture were calculated. The results of such calculations were in agreement with the experimental dependences.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
Joint conditional Gaussian graphical models with multiple sources of genomic data

It is challenging to identify meaningful gene networks because biological interactions are often condition-specific and confounded with external factors. It is necessary to integrate multiple sources of genomic data to facilitate network inference. For example, one can jointly model expression datasets measured from multiple tissues with molecular marker data in so-called genetical genomic studies. In this paper, we propose a joint conditional Gaussian graphical model (JCGGM) that aims for modeling biological processes based on multiple sources of data. This approach is able to integrate multiple sources of information by adopting conditional models combined with joint sparsity regularization. We apply our approach to a real dataset measuring gene expression in four tissues (kidney, liver, heart, and fat) from recombinant inbred rats. Our approach reveals that the liver tissue has the highest level of tissue-specific gene regulations among genes involved in insulin responsive facilitative sugar transporter mediated glucose transport pathway, followed by heart and fat tissues, and this finding can only be attained from our JCGGM approach.

Field of study: Biology
A review of four books introducing the Minimalist Program

Although Minimalism is often referred to as a program, it is now sufficiently developed to be an indisputable part of the discussion in theoretical syntax and even the subject of introductory manuals. The four books reviewed in this article each reflect the place Minimalism now holds in linguistic theory. They can be divided into two groups, depending on the intended readership. Radford’s and Ouhalla’s volumes are introductions to theoretical syntax and can be read with no linguistic background. The two other books are much more technical and address more advanced readers. Each group can be further subdivided according to whether Minimalism is presented from an historical perspective or discussed ‘in its own right’.

Field of study: Linguistics
Palaeoevironmental significance of ichnogenus Diplocraterion torell from the Permian vryheid formation of the Karoo Supergroup, South Africa

The late Carboniferous to early Jurassic Karoo Supergroup of South Africa includes economically important coal deposits within the Vryheid Formation of Natal. The Karoo sediments are almost entirely lacking in body fossils but ichnofossils are locally abundant. Modern sedimentological and ichnofaunal studies suggest that the north-eastern part of the Karoo basin was marine. In this part of Natal a shallow basin margin accommodated a prograding fluvio-deltaic complex forming a broad sandy platform on which coal-bearing sediments were deposited. Ichnofossils include U-burrows (formerly Corophioides ) which are assigned to ichnogenus Diplocraterion . They are best compared with Diplocraterion polyupsilon (Smith, 1893) from Crawfurdland Burn, Scotland, and are better preserved than the Scottish specimens. Diplocraterion was made by suspension-feeding animals maintaining a constant depth relationship between the vertex of the U-burrow and the sediment—water interface, producing protrusive and retrusive forms of the burrow. They preferred subtidal and intertidal environments. Similar ichnofaunal associations from the Cretaceous of the mid-western United States and the Permian Sydney basin of southeastern Australia are unequivocably marine.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
The Mathematical Basis for the Bean Method of Graphic Multiple Correlation

This material was prepared for presentation at the 1952 meetings of the American Statistical Association. Due to certain unavoidable complications, the session on graphic correlation was not held. As the paper by Foote and Ives referred to in footnote 2 was issued only in mimeographed form and is now available only in libraries, it appeared worth while to publish this as a journal paper.

Field of study: Mathematics