Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hunting and the Politics of Identity in Ontario

On March 4, 1999 the government of Ontario decreed Regulation 88/99 under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, thereby terminating the spring bear hunt. This action apparently was the result of lobbying by environmental groups, most notably the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Schad Foundation, the latter organization headed by Robert Schad, a prominent business man. The government had announced its intention to cancel the spring bear hunt approximately six weeks earlier, on January 15th. This set off a storm of controversy among hunters and among the tourist outfitters who serviced the spring hunters. The reaction was particularly strong in northern Ontario where much of the bear hunt took place. The Minister for Natural Resources, the person responsible for the action, was inundated with some 35,000 faxes, approximately two-thirds of which were opposed to the cancellation of the spring bear hunt. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (hereafter OFAH) and the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters (hereafter NOTO) along with several individuals launched a legal and public relations campaign to bring back the hunt and to have the right to hunt recognized under the terms of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly under section 2(b) which declares that everyone has the right to “freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression. ”1 The protest against the cancellation of the hunt acquired international dimensions when heavy metal rocker, Ted Nugent, an avid hunter and hunting lodge owner, launched from his
The impact of relaxing music on insomnia-related thoughts and behaviours

Insomnia is a pervasive problem involving poor sleep quality and quantity. Previous research has suggested that music listening can help alleviate insomnia, but exactly how music helps sleep problems has not been determined. A greater understanding of these processes could help practitioners to design more effective music-based insomnia treatments. This randomised controlled trial was designed to assess the influences of nightly music listening on the sleep-related thoughts and behaviours described in Harvey’s (2002) cognitive model of insomnia maintenance. University students, including a range of good and poor sleepers, were randomly assigned to a music listening group or a control group and were assessed before and after a two-week music listening intervention. Measures included a range of self-report scales, each assessing an element of Harvey’s cognitive model. During the intervention, the music listening group was asked to listen to provided music for at least 20 minutes each night. The control group was asked to maintain their regular nightly routines. Results indicated that the music listening group significantly improved on most of the factors theorised to influence sleep quality, although their actual sleep quality did not significantly improve. The control group did not change significantly on any measures. The results of this study suggest that music listening can have positive impacts on a range of factors theorised to influence sleep quality. However, as the music was not shown to actually improve sleep quality, Harvey’s cognitive model explanation of music’s effect on sleep quality may require further investigation.
Facebook Self-Presentational Motives: Daily Effects on Social Anxiety and Interaction Success

Using self-presentation theory as the framework, this research examined whether individuals’ social anxiety and interaction success were associated with their Facebook-specific self-presentation motives and their social competence. Specifically, social competence was examined as a moderator of the association between people's daily Facebook self-presentational motives—either their motivation to convey a positive (i.e., socially desirable) impression or their concern with conveying a negative impression—and either their daily (a) social anxiety or (b) interaction success. Multilevel models were used to analyze these daily associations. Results indicated that people reported greater interaction success on days when they reported greater positive Facebook self-presentation motivation and less negative Facebook self-presentation concern in conjunction with less social competence. Moreover, people reported greater negative Facebook self-presentation concerns on the day following reports of high social anxiety. These results illustrate an iterative process occurring between anxiety, Facebook self-presentation motivation, and interaction success.
Alibaba at IJCNLP-2017 Task 1: Embedding Grammatical Features into LSTMs for Chinese Grammatical Error Diagnosis Task

This paper introduces Alibaba NLP team system on IJCNLP 2017 shared task No. 1 Chinese Grammatical Error Diagnosis (CGED). The task is to diagnose four types of grammatical errors which are redundant words (R), missing words (M), bad word selection (S) and disordered words (W). We treat the task as a sequence tagging problem and design some handcraft features to solve it. Our system is mainly based on the LSTM-CRF model and 3 ensemble strategies are applied to improve the performance. At the identification level and the position level our system gets the highest F1 scores. At the position level, which is the most difficult level, we perform best on all metrics.
An Ex Vivo Perfusion System Emulating In Vivo Conditions in Noncirrhotic and Cirrhotic Human Liver

Various models are used for investigating human liver diseases and testing new drugs. However, data generated in such models have only limited relevance for in vivo conditions in humans. We present here an ex vivo perfusion system using human liver samples that enables the characterization of parameters in a functionally intact tissue context. Resected samples of noncirrhotic liver (NC; n = 10) and cirrhotic liver (CL; n = 12) were perfused for 6-h periods. General and liver-specific parameters (glucose, lactate, oxygen, albumin, urea, and bile acids), liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyl transferase), overall (M65) and apoptotic (M30) cell-death markers, and indicators of phase-I/phase-II biotransformations were analyzed. The measurement readings closely resembled (patho)physiological characteristics in patients with NC and CL. Mean courses of glucose levels reflected the CLs' reduced glycogen storage capability. Furthermore, CL samples exhibited significantly stronger increases in lactate, bile acids, and the M30/M65 ratio than NC specimens. Likewise, NC samples exhibited more rapid phase-I transformations of phenacetin, midazolam, and diclofenac and phase-I to phase-II turnover rates of the respective intermediates than CL tissue. Collectively, these findings reveal the better hepatic functionality in NC. Perfusion of human liver tissue with this system emulates in vivo conditions and clearly discriminates between noncirrhotic and cirrhotic tissue. This highly reliable device for investigating basic hepatic functionality and testing safety/toxicity, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and efficacies of novel therapeutic modalities promises to generate superior data compared with those obtained via existing economic perfusion systems.
Morning blue light can advance the melatonin rhythm in mild delayed sleep phase syndrome

We investigated the effectiveness of morning blue light in advancing the sleep and melatonin rhythm of individuals with mild delayed sleep phase syndrome. The participants (n = 18) were randomly allocated to a light or control group. Wake-up times were gradually advanced to 06:00 hours over a week, during which the light group also received two hours of blue light immediately after waking. The blue light group showed a significant 2.53-h advance of dim light melatonin onset, compared to no change in the control group. However, neither group had a significant advance of sleep times following treatment. Effective delayed sleep phase syndrome treatment may require adjunct behavioral instructions.
Bifurcated commitment, priorities, and social contagion: the dynamics and correlates of volunteering within a university student population

In spite of a progressive institutionalisation of community‐based learning into higher education, relatively little is known about the actual dynamics and correlates of volunteering by students. The study presented seeks a more in‐depth understanding of the spontaneous, extracurricular involvement within a university student population. Data are drawn from a postal survey of a representative sample of third‐year university students enrolled at a Flemish university (n = 744). In a first step, an exploration of the course and nature of students’ volunteer involvement is provided. In a second step, an explanatory model is constructed to predict the likelihood of belonging to the categories of volunteers, former volunteers or non‐volunteers. Firstly, it appears that a large group of students drop out of volunteering in transition to university, and that volunteering is rarely given priority in students’ agenda. Furthermore, a bifurcated pattern of involvement with a different pace inside and outside university is identified. Finally, extensive embedding in a volunteer environment as well as the discipline of study are major predictors of volunteering by students. Gender, church practice, being encouraged to volunteer and subjective study pressure produce subsidiary effects.
Pedagogical Content Knowledge: How do student teachers identify and describe the causes of their pupils' learning difficulties?

This study examines the pedagogical content knowledge of student teachers of biology during their teaching practice in school. The research focuses on the assessment of the teachers' ability to identify their pupils' learning difficulties and characterise their presumed sources. Diaries, kept by 40 student teachers in the course of the two stages of their teaching practice (comprising observation of their mentors in action and their own teaching experience), provided the data for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the findings. A difference between the two stages was found only with regard to the identification of difficulties: the student teachers identified learning difficulties in most of the lessons they observed, but only in half of the lessons they taught. Their characterisation of the sources of the pupils' difficulties and their recurrence were similar during both stages. The sources of the difficulties were defined according to four categories: the pupil's cognitive and affective characteristics, the type of content, the teacher's methods, and factors inherent in the lesson. The characteristics of the pupil were considered the most frequent source of the difficulties. The study points to the need to increase the teacher educators' awareness of the important role of didactic processes, aimed at exposing the student teachers to their pupils' learning difficulties and help them deal with them effectively.
Dose‐response analysis of bromate‐induced DNA damage and mutagenicity is consistent with low‐dose linear, nonthreshold processes

Mutagenic agents have long been inferred to act through low‐dose linear, nonthreshold processes. However, there is debate about this assumption, with various studies interpreting datasets as showing thresholds for DNA damage and mutation. We have applied rigorous statistical analyses to investigate the shape of dose‐response relationships for a series of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies using potassium bromate (KBrO3), a water ozonation byproduct that is bioactivated to a reactive species causing oxidative damage to DNA. We analyzed studies of KBrO3 genotoxicity where no‐effect/threshold levels were reported as well as other representative datasets. In all cases, the data were consistent with low‐dose linear models. In the majority of cases, the data were fit either by a linear (straight line) model or a model which was linear at low doses and showed a saturation‐like downward curvature at high doses. Other datasets with apparent upward curvature were still adequately represented by models that were linear at low dose. Sensitivity analysis of datasets showing upward curvature revealed that both low‐dose linear and nonlinear models provide adequate fits. Additionally, a simple biochemical model of selected key processes in bromate‐induced DNA damage was developed and illustrated a situation where response for early primary events suggested an apparent threshold while downstream events were linear. Overall, the statistical analyses of DNA damage and mutations induced by KBrO3 are consistent with a low‐dose linear response and do not provide convincing evidence for the presence of a threshold. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding Seniors' Perceptions and Stereotypes of Aging

Research suggests there is a connection between stereotypes, beliefs, and behavior in older individuals. To explore this link of stereotypes affecting beliefs and beliefs affecting behavior, we interviewed young (age 60 to 75) seniors in an effort to further examine these relationships. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 seniors. Questions focused on the broad themes of aging stereotypes and attitudes towards active living. Responses from the participants indicated the variety of opinions and beliefs seniors hold about the aging process. Intriguing results emerged on the topic of role models. Participants often had someone in their lives who represented what it means to age successfully. Generally, this was an individual older than themselves, active, vigorous, and illustrative of the high quality of life that is possible into a very late age. In addition, these individuals provide a direct contrast to the most negative stereotypes of aging.
Simplified feedback linearization of a single-phase active power filter using sliding mode control

In this paper a sliding mode control is proposed for a single-phase active power filter, using feedback linearization techniques and the quasi-steady-state approach. The feedback linearization techniques allows us to linearize the non-linear dynamics of the active power filter. The use of the quasi-steady-state approach reduces the circuitry required for the control implementation, maintaining the inherent characteristics of a sliding mode control. The control designed compensates the harmonic distortion and phase displacement of the line current. The main goals of the proposed control are: a low total harmonic distortion, high robustness under external disturbances, and a good dynamic response. The features of the proposed control scheme are verified through simulation results.
Erythritol Is More Effective Than Xylitol and Sorbitol in Managing Oral Health Endpoints

Objective. To provide a comprehensive overview of published evidence on the impact of erythritol, a noncaloric polyol bulk sweetener, on oral health. Methods. A literature review was conducted regarding the potential effects of erythritol on dental plaque (biofilm), dental caries, and periodontal therapy. The efficacy of erythritol on oral health was compared with xylitol and sorbitol. Results. Erythritol effectively decreased weight of dental plaque and adherence of common streptococcal oral bacteria to tooth surfaces, inhibited growth and activity of associated bacteria like S. mutans, decreased expression of bacterial genes involved in sucrose metabolism, reduced the overall number of dental caries, and served as a suitable matrix for subgingival air-polishing to replace traditional root scaling. Conclusions. Important differences were reported in the effect of individual polyols on oral health. The current review provides evidence demonstrating better efficacy of erythritol compared to sorbitol and xylitol to maintain and improve oral health.
Combined sprint and resistance training abrogates age differences in somatotropic hormones

The aim of this investigation was to compare serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in response to a combined sprint and resistance training (CSRT) program in young and middle-aged men.Thirty-eight healthy, moderately trained men participated in this study. Young and middle-aged men were randomly assigned to, a young training group (YT = 10, 21.4±1.2yrs) ora young control group (YC = 9, 21.6±1.8 yrs), a middle-aged training group (MAT = 10, 40.4±2.1 yrs) or a middle-aged control group (MAC = 9, 40.5±1.8 yrs). Participants performed the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) before and after a 13-week CSRT program (three sessions per week). Blood samples were collected at rest, after warm-up, immediately post-WAnT, and 10 min post-WAnT. CSRT induced increases in GH at rest and in response to the WAnT in YT and MAT (P<0.05). CSRT-induced increases were observed for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 at rest in MAT only (P<0.05). Pre-training, GH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were significantly higher at rest and in response to the WAnT in young participants as compared to their middle-aged counterparts (P<0.05). Post-training, YT and MAT had comparable basal GH (P>0.05). In response to the WAnT, amelioration of the age-effect was observed between YT and MAT for IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio following CSRT (P>0.05). These data suggest that CSRT increases the activity of the GH/IGF-1 axis at rest and in response to the WAnT in young and middle-aged men. In addition, CSRT reduces the normal age-related decline of somatotropic hormones in middle-age men.
Competition, Risk and Managerial Incentives

This paper examines how the degree of competition among firms in an industry affects the optimal incentives that firms provide to their managers. A central assumption is that there is free entry and exit in the industry, which implies that changes in the nature of competition lead to changes in the equilibrium market structure. The main result is that as the intensity of product market competition increases, principals unambiguously provide stronger incentives to their agents to reduce costs, and hence agents work harder. At the same time, more intense competition also leads to a higher volatility of both firm-level profits and managers' compensation. Consequently, managers' incentives are positively correlated with firm-level risk, consistent with empirical evidence.
Trends in Robotic Thyroid Surgery in the United States from 2009 Through 2013.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to describe national trends in robotic thyroid surgery from 2009 through 2013. METHODS The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database was searched for patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy (RT) from 2009 through 2013. Another U.S. institution's RT data, not included in the UHC database, were also evaluated. Patient demographics, institutional volume, comorbid conditions, complications, and cost information were analyzed. RESULTS Sixty-one institutions performed 484 RT during the study period. From 2009 through 2011, U.S. annual RT volume increased from 39 cases to 140. Annual volume dropped to 69 cases in 2012 and 93 cases in 2013. Higher-volume centers reported lower complication rates (p<0.02). Hematoma formation (3.7%) was the most common complication, and there was one death. More than 10% of patients were obese. Brachial plexus injury and axillary skin flap perforations were reported in <1% of cases. Mean cost for a total RT was $13,287 ($5,125-42,444). CONCLUSIONS From 2009 through early 2011, there was a steady increase in RT volume, especially among high-volume institutions. In mid-to-late 2011, there was a noticeable drop in RT volume, which significantly altered the projected trajectory of the procedure in this country. Despite higher complication rates, lower-volume centers perform the majority of RT and are also responsible for recent increases in RT utilization patterns in the United States.
The O-Na and Mg-Al anticorrelations in turn-off and early subgiants in globular clusters

High dispersion spectra (R > 40 000) for a quite large number of stars at the main sequence turn-o and at the base of the giant branch in NGC 6397 and NGC 6752 were obtained with the UVES on Kueyen (VLT UT2). The (Fe/H) values we found are 2:03 0:02 0:04 and 1:42 0:02 0:04 for NGC 6397 and NGC 6752 respectively, where the rst error bars refer to internal and the second ones to systematic errors (within the abundance scale dened by our analysis of 25 subdwarfs with good Hipparcos parallaxes). In both clusters the (Fe/H)'s obtained for TO-stars agree perfectly (within a few percent) with that obtained for stars at the base of the RGB. The (O=Fe) = 0:21 0:05 value we obtain for NGC 6397 is quite low, but it agrees with previous results obtained for giants in this cluster. Moreover, the star-to-star scatter in both O and Fe is very small, indicating that this small mass cluster is chemically very homogenous. On the other hand, our results show clearly and for the rst time that the O-Na anticorrelation (up to now seen only for stars on the red giant branches of globular clusters) is present among unevolved stars in the globular cluster NGC 6752, a more massive cluster than NGC 6397. A similar anticorrelation is present also for Mg and Al, and C and N. It is very dicult to explain the observed Na-O, and Mg-Al anticorrelation in NGC 6752 stars by a deep mixing scenario; we think it requires some non internal mechanism.
Cloning and Functional Expression of Human Short TRP7, a Candidate Protein for Store-operated Ca2+ Influx*

The regulation and control of plasma membrane Ca2+ fluxes is critical for the initiation and maintenance of a variety of signal transduction cascades. Recently, the study of transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) has suggested that these proteins have an important role to play in mediating capacitative calcium entry. In this study, we have isolated a cDNA from human brain that encodes a novel transient receptor potential channel termed human TRP7 (hTRP7). hTRP7 is a member of the short TRP channel family and is 98% homologous to mouse TRP7 (mTRP7). At the mRNA level hTRP7 was widely expressed in tissues of the central nervous system, as well as some peripheral tissues such as pituitary gland and kidney. However, in contrast to mTRP7, which is highly expressed in heart and lung, hTRP7 was undetectable in these tissues. For functional analysis, we heterologously expressed hTRP7 cDNA in an human embryonic kidney cell line. In comparison with untransfected cells depletion of intracellular calcium stores in hTRP7-expressing cells, using either carbachol or thapsigargin, produced a marked increase in the subsequent level of Ca2+ influx. This increased Ca2+ entry was blocked by inhibitors of capacitative calcium entry such as La3+ and Gd3+. Furthermore, transient transfection of an hTRP7 antisense expression construct into cells expressing hTRP7 eliminated the augmented store-operated Ca2+ entry. Our findings suggest that hTRP7 is a store-operated calcium channel, a finding in stark contrast to the mouse orthologue, mTRP7, which is reported to enhance Ca2+ influx independently of store depletion, and suggests that human and mouse TRP7 channels may fulfil different physiological roles.