LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
New technologies, new differences. Gender and ethnic differences in pupils' use of ICT in primary and secondary education

This paper investigates the accessibility and attractiveness of different types of ICT applications in education for girls and boys and for pupils from families with an ethnic minority background and from the majority population in the Netherlands. A study was conducted in seven schools (primary and secondary). Data were collected on participation, ICT skills and learning results, ICT attitudes and the learning approach of pupils. A total of 213 pupils completed a questionnaire and interviews were held with 48 pupils and 12 teachers. Gender differences, especially in primary education, appeared to be small. In secondary education, the computer attitude of girls seems to be less positive than that of boys, girls and boys take on different tasks when working together on the computer and they tackle ICT tasks differently. Pupils from an ethnic-minority background in both primary and secondary education appear to consider themselves to be less skilled ICT users than pupils from the majority population. We found ethnic differences in participation in ICT activities at school in both educational sectors. Pupils from an ethnic-minority background use the computer at school less for gathering information and preparing talks and papers and more for drill and practice. Differences between pupils from an ethnic-minority background and from the majority population in access to certain forms of ICT use out of school are confirmed at school instead of being compensated for. The paper concludes with some recommendations on a diversity-oriented ICT policy at school level. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Genome-Wide Test of the Differential Susceptibility Hypothesis Reveals a Genetic Predictor of Differential Response to Psychological Treatments for Child Anxiety Disorders

BACKGROUND
The differential susceptibly hypothesis suggests that certain genetic variants moderate the effects of both negative and positive environments on mental health and may therefore be important predictors of response to psychological treatments. Nevertheless, the identification of such variants has so far been limited to preselected candidate genes. In this study we extended the differential susceptibility hypothesis from a candidate gene to a genome-wide approach to test whether a polygenic score of environmental sensitivity predicted response to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in children with anxiety disorders.


METHODS
We identified variants associated with environmental sensitivity using a novel method in which within-pair variability in emotional problems in 1,026 monozygotic twin pairs was examined as a function of the pairs' genotype. We created a polygenic score of environmental sensitivity based on the whole-genome findings and tested the score as a moderator of parenting on emotional problems in 1,406 children and response to individual, group and brief parent-led CBT in 973 children with anxiety disorders.


RESULTS
The polygenic score significantly moderated the effects of parenting on emotional problems and the effects of treatment. Individuals with a high score responded significantly better to individual CBT than group CBT or brief parent-led CBT (remission rates: 70.9, 55.5 and 41.6%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Pending successful replication, our results should be considered exploratory. Nevertheless, if replicated, they suggest that individuals with the greatest environmental sensitivity may be more likely to develop emotional problems in adverse environments but also benefit more from the most intensive types of treatment.
Bystander anti-racism : a review of the literature

This review of literature on anti-racist prosocial action points to the strong and largely untapped policy potential of bystander anti-racism. Bystander anti-racism is conceptualized as action taken by “ordinary” people in response to incidents of interpersonal or systemic racism. The utility of bystander anti-racism is also demonstrated, with evidence suggesting productive effects for targets and bystanders, as well as perpetrators. The relative merits of confrontational or diplomatic action are reviewed, as is the delicate balance between communicating disapproval and maintaining interpersonal relations. The potential of bystander anti-racism will be enhanced where there are social norms that are intolerant of racism. The literature has paid little attention to the influence of context or to affective drivers of bystander anti-racism. We recommend changes to AshburnNardo’s five-stage Confronting Prejudice Model, to better facilitate anti-racism policy and practice. The additions adapt the model to organizational settings, and more strongly acknowledge the importance of social norms and contexts, as well as the specific functions of racism. Through these changes, there is a scope to increase the prominence of bystander anti-racism as a vital element of anti-racism policy.
Bacterial meningitis in the United States, 1998-2007.

BACKGROUND
The rate of bacterial meningitis declined by 55% in the United States in the early 1990s, when the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine for infants was introduced. More recent prevention measures such as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and universal screening of pregnant women for group B streptococcus (GBS) have further changed the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis.


METHODS
We analyzed data on cases of bacterial meningitis reported among residents in eight surveillance areas of the Emerging Infections Programs Network, consisting of approximately 17.4 million persons, during 1998-2007. We defined bacterial meningitis as the presence of H. influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, GBS, Listeria monocytogenes, or Neisseria meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid or other normally sterile site in association with a clinical diagnosis of meningitis.


RESULTS
We identified 3188 patients with bacterial meningitis; of 3155 patients for whom outcome data were available, 466 (14.8%) died. The incidence of meningitis changed by -31% (95% confidence interval [CI], -33 to -29) during the surveillance period, from 2.00 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI, 1.85 to 2.15) in 1998-1999 to 1.38 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI 1.27 to 1.50) in 2006-2007. The median age of patients increased from 30.3 years in 1998-1999 to 41.9 years in 2006-2007 (P<0.001 by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test). The case fatality rate did not change significantly: it was 15.7% in 1998-1999 and 14.3% in 2006-2007 (P=0.50). Of the 1670 cases reported during 2003-2007, S. pneumoniae was the predominant infective species (58.0%), followed by GBS (18.1%), N. meningitidis (13.9%), H. influenzae (6.7%), and L. monocytogenes (3.4%). An estimated 4100 cases and 500 deaths from bacterial meningitis occurred annually in the United States during 2003-2007.


CONCLUSIONS
The rates of bacterial meningitis have decreased since 1998, but the disease still often results in death. With the success of pneumococcal and Hib conjugate vaccines in reducing the risk of meningitis among young children, the burden of bacterial meningitis is now borne more by older adults. (Funded by the Emerging Infections Programs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).
The Neural Substrates of Visual Perceptual Learning of Words: Implications for the Visual Word Form Area Hypothesis

It remains under debate whether the fusiform visual word form area (VWFA) is specific to visual word form and whether visual expertise increases its sensitivity (Xue et al., 2006; Cohen et al., 2002). The present study examined three related issues: (1) whether the VWFA is also involved in processing foreign writing that significantly differs from the native one, (2) the effect of visual word form training on VWFA activation after controlling the task difficulty, and (3) the transfer of visual word form learning. Eleven native English speakers were trained, during five sessions, to judge whether two subsequently flashed (100-msec duration with 200-msec interval) foreign characters (i.e., Korean Hangul) were identical or not. Visual noise was added to the stimuli to manipulate task difficulty. In functional magnetic resonance imaging scans before and after training, subjects performed the task once with the same noise level (i.e., parameter-matched scan) and once with noise level changed to match performance from pretraining to posttraining (i.e., performance-matched scan). Results indicated that training increased the accuracy in parameter-matched condition but remained constant in performance-matched condition (because of increasing task difficulty). Pretraining scans revealed stronger activation for English words than for Korean characters in the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left inferior frontal cortex, but not in the VWFA. Visual word form training significantly decreased the activation in the bilateral middle and left posterior fusiform when either parameters or performance were matched and for both trained and new items. These results confirm our conjecture that the VWFA is not dedicated to words, and visual expertise acquired with training reduces rather than increases its activity.
Predictors of symptomatic remission in first-episode psychosis outpatients treated with quetiapine: a naturalistic study.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this naturalistic study was to assess course and predictors of symptomatic remission in outpatients with first-episode psychosis during quetiapine monotherapy.


METHODS
In 131 outpatients presenting with first-episode psychosis, socio-demographic and clinical variables including PANSS-8 and CGI-S scores were compared at baseline and follow-up between the subgroups with and without symptomatic remission during 12 weeks of flexible-dose treatment with quetiapine.


RESULTS
Logistic regression revealed a low degree of negative symptoms at baseline, younger age, shorter duration of psychotic episode, early treatment response, and the absence of concomitant diseases as predictors for symptomatic remission whereas general disease severity, PANSS-8 total score, gender, alcohol or substance abuse had no predictive value.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study underlines the predictive value of early treatment response and a low degree of negative symptoms in outpatients with first-episode psychosis. It also confirms the usability of the symptomatic remission criterion as a cross-sectional threshold criterion in clinical practice.
Fully Integrated Passive Front-End Solutions for a V-band LTCC Wireless System

A novel topology implementing a 3-D fully integrated filter and antenna function is proposed as a system-on-package (SOP) compact front-end solution for the low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) based V-band modules. A 4-pole quasi-elliptic bandpass filter composed of four open loop resonators has been developed. It exhibits an insertion loss <3.5 dB, a return loss >15 dB over the pass band (~3.4 GHz) and a 3 dB bandwidth of about 5.46% (~3.4 GHz) at the center frequency of 62.3 GHz. In addition, a series fed 1 4 linear antenna array of four microstrip patches exhibiting high gain and fan-beam radiation pattern has been designed. Its 10 dB bandwidth is experimentally validated to be 55.4-66.8 GHz (~18.5%). The above proposed designs have been combined together, leading to the complete integration of passives with a high level of selectivity over the band of interest. The excellent overall performance of the integrated solution is verified through a 10-dB bandwidth of 4.8 GHz (59.2-64 GHz) and a return loss >10.5 dB over the passband.
Effects of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenously and orally administered oxycodone

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP34A) inhibitor itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of orally and intravenously administered oxycodone. Twelve healthy subjects were administered 200 mg itraconazole or placebo orally for 5 days in a four-session paired cross-over study. On day 4, oxycodone was administered intravenously (0.1 mg/kg) in the first part of the study and orally (10 mg) in the second part. Plasma concentrations of oxycodone and its oxidative metabolites were measured for 48 h, and pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated. Itraconazole decreased plasma clearance (Cl) and increased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) of intravenous oxycodone by 32 and 51%, respectively (P < 0.001) and increased the AUC(0–∞) of orally administrated oxycodone by 144% (P < 0.001). Most of the pharmacokinetic changes in oral oxycodone were seen in the elimination phase, with modest effects by itraconazole on its peak concentration, which was increased by 45% (P = 0.009). The AUC(0–48) of noroxycodone was decreased by 49% (P < 0.001) and that of oxymorphone was increased by 359% (P < 0.001) after the administration of oral oxycodone. The pharmacologic effects of oxycodone were enhanced by itraconazole only modestly. Itraconazole increased the exposure to oxycodone by inhibiting its CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation. The clinical use of itraconazole in patients receiving multiple doses of oxycodone for pain relief may increase the risk of opioid-associated adverse effects.
Survey on Performance of CMOS Sensors

This paper presents a survey on CMOS Image Sensors (CIS) based on active Pixel Sensors (APS). Due to its properties, the APS is used in low voltage, low power and its applications in portable imaging systems such as disposable cameras and on-chip autonomous security cameras are random access, faster readout and low noise with peripheral circuitry.
¡ ects of metabolic control on vitamin E nutritional status in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

FObjective: To evaluate the e¡ects of themetabolic control of the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) on the nutritional status of vitamin E. Methods: A total of 47 children with IDDMand a mean age of11.9171.60 (mean7SD) years were studied, matched for age and sex with16 healthy children (11.7571.83 years). Following theAmerican and British Associations for IDDM, we used a classification of ‘good’, ‘moderate’or ‘poor’control of the illness: (a) good control [glycosilated haemoglobin (HbAlc) 7%]; (b) moderate control (7%o HbAlc 8%); and (c) poor control (HbAlc48%). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDLc), very lowand low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDLc and LDLc), plasma and erythrocyte vitamin E (Vit Ep andVit Ee) and plasma vitamin A (Vit Ap) were measured in all children. Results: The childrenwith ‘poor’metabolic control of the illness presented significantly higher plasma concentrations of CHOL, LDLc,VLDLc, LDLc/HDLc, (VLDL+LDL)c/HDLc,TG andVit Ep; higher indicesVit Ep/Vit Ee andVit Ep/Vit Ap relative to thosewith a‘good’control of the illness. Direct-linear correlationswere foundbetween Vit Ep and the percentage of HbAlc andwith the markers of atherogenic risk in the IDDM children. Conclusion: There is a significant rise inVit Ep concentrations as metabolic control of the illness worsens, whereas Vit Ee remainedunchanged.These results suggest that vitamin Emaintains its nutritional status despite a poor control of the IDDMduring childhood. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
An open-label, prospective pilot clinical study of denosumab for severe hyperparathyroidism in patients with low bone mass undergoing dialysis.

CONTEXT
Denosumab is widely used for bone diseases with increased bone resorption. Its effectiveness in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism on dialysis is unclear.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of denosumab in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism who are on dialysis.


DESIGN
This 6-month prospective, open-labeled study evaluated 12 patients (five women, seven men; mean age 53.5 ± 3.8 y). All had intact PTH (iPTH; > 1000 pg/mL), low bone mass (T-score < -1.0 SD), and bone pain and were poor surgical candidates. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (AP), and iPTH levels were assessed at baseline and every month thereafter. Vertebral spine x-rays and bone mineral densities (BMDs) (lumbar spine and femoral neck) were assessed at the start and end of the study. All patients received denosumab (60 mg), calcitriol, phosphate binders, and dialysate calcium that were adjusted according to the biochemistry data.


RESULTS
The BMD increased in both the femoral neck (mean increase 23.7% ± 4.0%) and lumbar spine (17.1% ± 2.6%) after 6 months. In the first month, most patients had increased iPTH levels, which dramatically decreased from 1702.1 ± 181.9 to 518.8 ± 126.8 pg/mL by the end of the study after increasing the calcitriol dose. All patients had significant decreases in AP, calcium × phosphorus, and bone pain. Changes in femoral neck BMD correlated only with AP and iPTH levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Denosumab is effective in restoring bone mass and reducing bone pain in patients on dialysis with secondary hyperparathyroidism. It also allows for a more aggressive use of calcitriol to control hyperparathyroidism.
Knowledge management : why do we need it for corporates

This article gives a brief introduction about Knowledge Management (KM), its need, definition, components, KM assets, challenges and processes of KM initiative at any organisation. It also provides a narration on how the KM initiative has been adopted at ICICI OneSource, to support the achievement of its Business Process Outsourcing objectives. Both knowledge sharing as well as reuse need to be encouraged and recognized at the individual employee level as well as the company level. This is best done by measuring and rewarding knowledgeperformance. Sustained strategic commitment and a corporate culture that is conducive to knowledge-performance are vital for success in Knowledge Management. The paper concludes with suggestions for the implication for policy and future practices.
Rabeprazole for the prevention of pathologic and symptomatic relapse of erosive or ulcerative gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE:We evaluated the effectiveness and safety profile of 10 and 20 mg of rabeprazole, a new proton pump inhibitor, once daily versus placebo in preventing endoscopic and symptomatic relapse for up to 1 yr among patients with healed erosive or ulcerative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).METHODS:The 52-wk trial used a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design in which 209 men and women were assigned to 10 or 20 mg of rabeprazole once daily in the morning or placebo.RESULTS:Both rabeprazole doses were significantly superior to placebo in preventing endoscopic relapse (p < 0.001), and 20 mg was significantly more effective than 10 mg (p < 0.04). Both doses were also significantly superior to placebo in reducing the frequency and severity of heartburn relapse (p < 0.001). When adjusted for differences in exposure to study medication, no significant differences were found in the incidence of adverse events. No clinically significant changes were found regarding clinical laboratory parameters, vital signs, electrocardiograms, ophthalmological evaluations, body weight, serum gastrin, and enterochromaffin-like cell histology.CONCLUSIONS:Once-daily therapy with 10 or 20 mg of rabeprazole effectively prevents pathological and symptomatic GERD relapse. The 20-mg dose is significantly more effective than the 10-mg dose in preventing endoscopic recurrence. Treatment was well tolerated, and no clinically significant safety findings emerged. Our findings support rabeprazole's efficacy in preventing GERD recurrence with excellent tolerability and a short-term favorable safety profile.
Boiling heat transfer of HFO-1234yf flowing in a smooth small-diameter horizontal tube

The flow boiling heat transfer coefficient of the low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant HFO-1234yf inside a smooth small-diameter horizontal tube (inner diameter: 2 mm) was experimentally investigated. The local heat transfer coefficient was measured at heat fluxes of 6–24 kW m, mass fluxes of 100–400 kg m s, evaporating temperature of 288.15 K, and inlet vapor quality of 0–0.25. The results show that the effect of heat flux on the heat transfer was large at low vapor quality, while the effect of mass flux was large at high vapor quality. The heat transfer coefficient of HFO-1234yf was almost the same as that of R-134a. The heat transfer coefficients calculated based on correlations with Saitoh et al. agreed well with the measured values compared to other correlations. The measured pressure drop agreed well with that predicted by the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation. Keyword: Boiling heat transfer, Pressure drop, HFO-1234yf, Small-Diameter tube
Comparing Inertia Weights and Constriction Factors in Particle Swarm Optimization

The performance of particle swarm optimization using an inertia weight is compared with performance using a constriction factor. Five benchmark functions are used for the comparison. It is concluded that the best approach is to use the constriction factor while limiting the maximum velocity Vmax to the dynamic range of the variable Xmax on each dimension. This approach provides performance on the benchmark functions superior to any other published results known by the authors. '
Safety Evaluation of Transgenic Tilapia with Accelerated Growth

Recent advances in modern marine biotechnology have permitted the generation of new strains of economically important fish species through the transfer of growth hormone genes. These transgenic fish strains show improved growth performance and therefore constitute a better alternative for aquaculture programs. Recently, we have obtained a transgenic tilapia line with accelerated growth. However, before introducing this line into Cuban aquaculture, environmental and food safety assessment was required by national authorities. Experiments were performed to evaluate the behavior of transgenic tilapia in comparison to wild tilapia as a way to assess the environmental impact of introducing transgenic tilapia into Cuban aquaculture. Studies were also conducted to evaluate, according to the principle of substantial equivalence, the safety of consuming transgenic tilapia as food. Behavior studies showed that transgenic tilapia had a lower feeding motivation and dominance status than controls. Food safety assessment indicated that tilapia growth hormone has no biological activity when administered to nonhuman primates. Furthermore, no effects were detected in human healthy volunteers after the consumption of transgenic tilapia. These results showed, at least under the conditions found in Cuba, no environmental implications for the introduction of this transgenic tilapia line and the safety in the consumption of tiGH-transgenic tilapia as an alternative feeding source for humans. These results support the culture and consumption of these transgenic tilapia.