Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The biological condition gradient: a descriptive model for interpreting change in aquatic ecosystems.

The United States Clean Water Act (CWA; 1972, and as amended, U.S. Code title 33, sections 1251-1387) provides the long-term, national objective to "restore and maintain the . biological integrity of the Nation's waters" (section 1251). However, the Act does not define the ecological components, or attributes, that constitute biological integrity nor does it recommend scientific methods to measure the condition of aquatic biota. One way to define biological integrity was described over 25 years ago as a balanced, integrated, adaptive system. Since then a variety of different methods and indices have been designed and applied by each state to quantify the biological condition of their waters. Because states in the United States use different methods to determine biological condition, it is currently difficult to determine if conditions vary across states or to combine state assessments to develop regional or national assessments. A nationally applicable model that allows biological condition to be interpreted independently of assessment methods will greatly assist the efforts of environmental practitioners in the United States to (1) assess aquatic resources more uniformly and directly and (2) communicate more clearly to the public both the current status of aquatic resources and their potential for restoration. To address this need, we propose a descriptive model, the Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) that describes how 10 ecological attributes change in response to increasing levels of stressors. We divide this gradient of biological condition into six tiers useful to water quality scientists and managers. The model was tested by determining how consistently a regionally diverse group of biologists assigned samples of macroinvertebrates or fish to the six tiers. Thirty-three macroinvertebrate biologists concurred in 81% of their 54 assignments. Eleven fish biologists concurred in 74% of their 58 assignments. These results support our contention that the BCG represents aspects of biological condition common to existing assessment methods. We believe the model is consistent with ecological theory and will provide a means to make more consistent, ecologically relevant interpretations of the response of aquatic biota to stressors and to better communicate this information to the public.
Translanguaging in higher education: Using several languages for the analysis of academic content in the teaching and learning process

Abstract This article reports on research that questions the existence and use of translingual practices in higher education. On the one hand, the increase of mobility in Tertiary Education leads to the presence of various individual repertoires in the classroom and, on the other hand, the use of scientific texts, usually published in English, is more and more common. These two factors impose a language choice on professors. In some cases, they may choose to use a single lingua franca, most often English, or in other cases, they may choose to undermine the English language’s hegemonic role by using what García refers to as translanguaging. This study sets out to analyse a case study in a Language and communication policies course at the University of Algarve, in Portugal. The course attendees were half local students and half Erasmus students. The professor of this course let students use their various linguistic repertoires, by using several languages during the lessons, in order to achieve a collective comprehension of the content, which in most cases was in English. In this manner, they reached what (García, Ofelia & Li Wei. 2014. Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education. Houndmills. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan) define as the “co-construction of knowledge” in a “co-learning classroom environment”. Furthermore, the professor asked the students to take a structured multilingual final exam, in three languages, in order to stimulate and develop their multilingual competence.
A phase II study of thalidomide in patients with brain metastases from malignant melanoma

Introduction. Brain metastases develop in nearly half of the patients with advanced melanoma and in 15 to 20% of these patients CNS is the first site of relapse. Overall median survival is short, ranging from 2 to 4 months. Thalidomide has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects. Results obtained in prior trials indicate that Thalidomide acts as a cytostatic agent in metastatic melanoma. We evaluated single agent antitumour activity and toxicity of Thalidomide in a phase II setting in patients with brain metastases associated with metastatic melanoma. Material and methods. Patients with measurable metastatic melanoma in progression and with PS≤2 were enrolled in the study. Thalidomide was given orally. Dose was escalated over 4 weeks from 100 mg/day to 400 mg/day. Primary objective of the study was to determine response rate, according to RECIST. Secondary objectives were to estimate time to progression, overall survival and to evaluate tolerability of the regimen. Results. Twenty five men and 11 women were enrolled in the study, median age 48 years. Among 36 eligible patients 35 were evaluable for response. None of the patients obtained a response in brain metastases. Three patients obtained a partial response in extracranial lesions. Toxicity was acceptable and manageably. Median time to progression and overall survival time was 1.7 and 3.1 months, respectively. Conclusion. There were no objective responses in the brain but single agent Thalidomide has some activity in melanoma patients with brain metastases. It has encouraged us to investigate Thalidomide in combination with Temozolomide, a very lipophilic agent, in this group of patients.
The health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) is strongly predictive of good outcome in early diffuse scleroderma: results from an analysis of two randomized controlled trials in early diffuse scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE Scoring poorly on the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) has recently been shown to be a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while a good HAQ score is predictive of a better outcome. In patients presenting with early diffuse scleroderma prognosis is variable. Our goal was to determine possible baseline predictors of future good outcomes. METHODS We used the raw data from two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in early diffuse scleroderma: methotrexate (Pope et al.) and D-penicillamine (Clements et al.). Subjects in the methotrexate trial were divided into the following groups: (1) those with at least 20% improvement in the primary outcome measurements [patient global assessment, physician global assessment, UCLA skin tethering score, modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), DLCO as % predicted and HAQ disability] at 1 yr vs (2) the others. Baseline factors (including age, gender, skin scores, physician and patient global assessments, HAQ disability and pain scores, DLCO and physical parameters) were analysed to find baseline variables strongly correlated with later improvement. These variables were explored in the D-penicillamine trial to determine if (in a separate trial) they were still predictive of improved outcome at 1 and 2 yr. Adjusted models were used to find baseline predictors of good outcome. The median HAQ-DI was 1.3 (methotrexate) and 1.0 (D-penicillamine). RESULTS A baseline HAQ disability score of less than the median was predictive of at least a 20% improvement at 1 and 2 yr with odds ratios of 1.77 to 5.05, in four of the five outcome measurements (in both groups); with strongly significant P values for 3 of 5 outcomes (UCLA skin score, MRSS, patient global skin score; P<0.02) from the methotrexate study group. These three outcomes were strongly correlated with improvement (r between 0.25 and 0.35). Although data from the D-penicillamine trial were less convincing, in both trials the less than median HAQ-DI and HAQ pain scores showed a stronger association with improved outcome, more so than age, gender, skin score and baseline global assessment. CONCLUSION A low baseline HAQ (defined as less than the median HAQ score) is predictive of improved outcome in diffuse scleroderma at 1 and 2 yr.
Seizure management in patients with gliomas

Seizures represent a major cause of morbidity in patients diagnosed with brain tumors. Seizures in patients with gliomas are disruptive, impact on quality of life; autonomy; the capacity to operate motor vehicles and opportunities for work. The management of seizures in patients with brain tumors is complex and ideally managed in a multidisciplinary fashion. In addition to antiepileptic drugs, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have potential roles in the management of a glioma patient with intractable epilepsy. The successful management of seizures in patients with brain tumors is possible, it provides considerable benefits in terms of quality of life and should remain a central goal in patient management.
United States non-cooperation and the Paris agreement

ABSTRACT In June 2017, the Trump administration decided to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, a landmark climate agreement adopted in 2015 by 195 nations. The exit of the US has not just raised concern that the US will miss its domestic emission reduction targets, but also that other parties to the Paris Agreement might backtrack on their initial pledges regarding emission reductions or financial contributions. Here we assess the magnitude of the threat that US non-cooperation poses to the Paris Agreement from an international relations perspective. We argue that US non-cooperation does not fundamentally alter US emissions, which are unlikely to rise even in the absence of new federal climate policies. Nor does it undermine nationally determined contributions under pledge and review, as the Paris Agreement has introduced a new logic of domestically driven climate policies and the cost of low-carbon technologies keeps falling. However, US non-participation in raising climate finance could raise high barriers to global climate cooperation in the future. Political strategies to mitigate these threats include direct engagement by climate leaders such as the European Union with key emerging economies, notably China and India, and domestic climate policies that furnish benefits to traditional opponents of ambitious climate policy. Key policy insights US non-cooperation need not be a major threat to pledge and review under the Paris Agreement. US non-cooperation is a serious threat to climate finance. Deeper engagement with emerging economies offers new opportunities for global climate policy.
Pituitary levels of three forms of GnRH in the male European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) during sex differentiation and first spawning season.

In the present study, levels of three GnRH forms [seabream GnRH (sbGnRH), chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II), and salmon GnRH (sGnRH)] were analyzed in the pituitary of male sea bass during sex differentiation and the first spawning season. Plasma levels of gonadotropin (GTH-2), testosterone (T), and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) were determined during the same periods. All GnRH forms were present in the pituitary. sbGnRH levels were 9-fold higher than cGnRH-II and 17-fold higher than sGnRH levels. The highest GnRHs levels were detected in November 1995, when fish were 9 months old and when the gonads started to differentiate. Levels of the three forms decreased and remained low during the first spawning season, with the exception of sbGnRH, which showed a significant increase in November 1996. Plasma GTH-2 levels were lowest in November 1995, later increasing 2.5 times during the next months. During the first spawning season, plasma GTH-2 levels peaked in December 1996, 1 month after the peak of sbGnRH. During sex differentiation, plasma T levels were high in November 1995 but decreased over the next months, while levels of 11-KT remained low and unchanged. During the first spawning season, both steroids peaked in January 1997. These results suggest a possible role for all three GnRH forms in achieving gonadal differentiation, while sbGnRH may be the most relevant form in the regulation of the first spawning season in male sea bass. Moreover, GTH-2 and 11-KT may play important roles in gonadal maturation, since plasma GTH-2 and 11-KT levels were high throughout the period of spermiation.
A Scoping Review on Digital English and Education 4.0 for Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is a current trend of automation and digitalization of industries. The impacts and importance of Industry 4.0 are reflected in all aspects of our lives. The purpose of this article is to analyze the literatures based on a scoping review method. A lack of digital culture, training, knowledge, and language are also challenges faced by Industry 4.0 while implementing its operations. Digital English and Education 4.0 are also employee competencies of Industry 4.0. The authors have reviewed the literature related to Digital English, Education 4.0, and Industry 4.0 from various resources. Astonishingly, the results show that the studies conducted in these areas are so specific focusing only one of the above-mentioned areas; no research article was identified that detailed the interconnections among these areas. From the scoping review, the study has identified the gaps in the literature. Thus, the study concludes that filling up the gaps and conducting research in these areas are useful to sort out a few of the challenges of Industry 4.0 and it recommends that in future, researchers conduct studies based on the interconnections of Digital English and Education 4.0 for Industry 4.0.
Lack of effects of neutralization of parathyroid hormone‐related protein on calcium homeostasis in neonatal mice

Large quantities of parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) are present in the milk of various species. It has been suggested that PTHrP may play a role in neonatal calcium homeostasis. In the present study we evaluated the effect of neutralization of amino‐terminal PTHrP activity by passive immunization in 1‐day‐old mouse pups. Neutralization of amino‐terminal PTHrP activity had no significant effect on serum calcium or whole‐body calcium content in the neonatal mice. In additional studies, we demonstrated that subcutaneous administration of PTHrP‐(1–34) increased serum calcium, whereas oral administration had no significant effect in 3‐day‐old pups. The studies therefore demonstrate that the amino terminus of PTHrP may not play a significant role in neonatal calcium homeostasis. Local effects of PTHrP cannot be excluded by the results of the present study.
Antiviral therapy delays esophageal variceal bleeding in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis.

AIM To investigate the effect of antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogs in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices. METHODS Eligible patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices who consulted two tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China, the Chinese Second Artillery General Hospital and Chinese PLA General Hospital, were enrolled in the study from January 2005 to December 2009. Of 117 patients, 79 received treatment with different nucleoside analogs and 38 served as controls. Bleeding rate, change in variceal grade and non-bleeding duration were analyzed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify factors related to esophageal variceal bleeding. RESULTS The bleeding rate was decreased in the antiviral group compared to the control group (29.1% vs 65.8%, P < 0.001). Antiviral therapy was an independent factor related to esophageal bleeding in multivariate analysis (HR = 11.3, P < 0.001). The mean increase in variceal grade per year was lower in the antiviral group (1.0 ± 1.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.2, P = 0.003). Non-bleeding duration in the antiviral group was prolonged in the Kaplan-Meier model. Viral load rebound was observed in 3 cases in the lamivudine group and in 1 case in the adefovir group, all of whom experienced bleeding. Entecavir and adefovir resulted in lower bleeding rates (17.2% and 28.6%, respectively) than the control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively), whereas lamivudine (53.3%) did not (P = 0.531). CONCLUSION Antiviral therapy delays the progression of esophageal varices and reduces bleeding risk in HBV-related cirrhosis, however, high-resistance agents tend to be ineffective for long-term treatment.
Regional Culture in Mergers and Acquisitions

This paper studies the role of regional cultural differences in M&A transactions in the U.S. We construct a county-level measure of cultural trust based on the World Values Survey data and use that to measure cultural differences. We find that a larger cultural distance between two companies reduces the likelihood of them combining via an M&A transaction. Conditional on the deal being announced, a larger cultural distance between the acquirer and the target results in lower completion rates and longer completion times, indicating a higher complexity in deal execution. However, we also find that larger cultural distance is associated with higher gains from mergers, as measured by both acquirer and combined announcement returns as well as mediumterm buy-and-hold abnormal returns. The result suggests that for these announced deals, the synergy potential is high enough to offset the costs induced by the large cultural distance. JEL classification: A13, D71, G34, M14, Z1
Malaysian-chinese parents’ negotiation of identities as their children begin early childhood education and care in malaysia and australia

x Declaration . xii Acknowledgements . xiii Chapter 1: Introduction . 15 Aims . 18 Positioning Myself . 19 Significance . 20 Thesis Overview . 22 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 25 The Ethnic Chinese of Malaysia . 25 Initial Chinese Settlement in Malaya. 25 Today’s Malaysian-Chinese community in Malaysia. 27 The Malaysian-Chinese in Australia . 34 The Early Malaysian-Chinese Immigrants in Australia. 34 Today’s Malaysian-Chinese Immigrants in Australia. 35 Identity . 39 Cultural and Ethnic Identities. 39 Immigrant Identity. 42 Parent Identities. 44 Parenting . 51 Baumrind’s Parenting Typology. 51
Tissue oxygen reactivity and cerebral autoregulation after severe traumatic brain injury*

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between arterial blood pressure, intracranial pressure, directly measured brain tissue oxygenation (Ptio2), and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity in severely head-injured patients. DesignProspective study. SettingNeurosurgical intensive care unit. PatientsA total of 14 patients with severe head injury. InterventionsPharmacologic blood pressure manipulations using norepinephrine. Measurements and Main ResultsWe assessed the magnitude of Ptio2 related to changes in cerebral perfusion pressure in 12 of the patients. We calculated in all the static rate of regulation, which is an index to describe the change of cerebrovascular resistance, using cerebral artery blood flow velocity in relation to changing cerebral perfusion pressure. Finally, we calculated the rate of change in Ptio2, which quantifies the percentage of change in Ptio2 divided by the percentage of change in cerebral perfusion pressure. It is a new marker for cerebral tissue oxygen regulation based on direct measurement of Ptio2. There was a plateau phase for the cerebral perfusion pressure–Ptio2 relation that was similar to the autoregulatory plateau seen in the relationship between cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral artery blood flow velocity. The rate of change in Ptio2 demonstrated a significant correlation with the static rate of regulation (R = −.61, p < .05). A decrease in intracranial pressure when arterial blood pressure increased from 70 to 90 mm Hg was strongly correlated with static rate of regulation (R = .79, p < .001). ConclusionsCerebral tissue Po2 demonstrates a plateau phase similar to what is known about cerebral blood flow velocity, which suggests a close link between cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. Static cerebral autoregulation is significantly correlated with cerebral tissue oxygen reactivity.
Designing Jobs to Make Employees Happy? Focus on Job Satisfaction First

This article examines the effects of job task characteristics and job satisfaction on subjective well-being, often referred to as happiness, among Japanese employees. Because past research has recognized happiness as a source of greater performance, and on account of recent events related to karōshi (death by overwork), conditions in the workplace are of great interest for both research and practice. This research, using conditional process analysis with data gathered from Japanese managers and front-line workers within Japanese firms in Japan, found that job satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between job task characteristics and subjective well-being. Among job satisfaction factors, self-accomplishment and ‘relatedness’ (mutual respect and reliance with others) displayed the strongest mediating influences between job task characteristics and positive well-being. First, these findings suggest that companies cannot rely on job design alone to directly foster employee well-being but must ensure that task characteristics translate into work-related outcomes, such as job satisfaction. Second, at least for Japanese employees, careful attention must be paid to designing jobs that foster feelings of self-accomplishment and relatedness in order to enhance subjective well-being. These results indicate that job satisfaction plays a central role in the relationship between job design and well-being.
Did taxes, decrees or credibility drive money? Early nineteenth century Finland from a chartalist perspective

ABSTRACT Chartalist theories assume the government determines the currency used by the public. Finland’s experience following the Russo-Swedish war in 1808–1809 would seem to contradict the chartalist view. Having become a Grand Duchy under Russia, the Finnish Government sought to replace Swedish riksdalers in circulation with roubles. However, due to a resilient trade surplus with Sweden and the resulting flood of Swedish money into Finland, bans on the riksdaler were largely ineffective. Taxation proved a particularly clumsy tool for leveraging the switch to roubles. Taxpayers almost forced the government to accept payments in a foreign currency. Even the government had to use Swedish money. Issuing roubles was of limited use. As a result, the rouble failed to establish itself as Finland’s main currency until the introduction of a silver standard in 1840–1842.