LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Effects of family history of alcohol dependence on the subjective response to alcohol using the intravenous alcohol clamp.

BACKGROUND
Alcohol use disorders are well recognized to be common, debilitating, and the risk of developing them is influenced by family history (FH). The subjective response to alcohol may be determined familialy and related to the risk of developing alcoholism. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences between family history positive (FHP) and family history negative (FHN) individuals in their response to alcohol within the domains of subjective, coordination, and cognitive effects using an intravenous (IV) clamping method of alcohol administration.


METHODS
Two groups of healthy subjects, those with an FHP (n = 65) versus those who were FHN (n = 115), between the ages of 21 to 30, participated in 3 test days. Subjects were scheduled to receive placebo, low-dose ethanol (EtOH) (target breath alcohol clamping [BrAC] = 40 mg%), and high-dose EtOH (target BrAC = 100 mg%) on 3 separate test days at least 3 days apart in a randomized order under double-blind conditions. Outcome measures included subjective effects, measures of coordination, and cognitive function.


RESULTS
Both low- and high-dose alcohol led to dose-related stimulant and sedative subjective effects as measured the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale and subjective measures of "high" and "drowsy" measured on a visual analog scale. However, there were no effects of FH. Similar dose-related effects were observed on cognitive and coordination-related outcomes, but were not moderated FH.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study showed that healthy individuals responded to an IV alcohol challenge in a dose-related manner; however, there were no significant differences on subjective response, or on EtOH-induced impairment of coordination or cognition, between individuals with a positive FH for alcoholism and those with a negative FH. Results suggest that FH may not be a specific enough marker of risk, particularly in individuals who are beyond the age where alcohol use disorders often develop.
Many Groups, One People: The Meaning and Significance of Multicultural Education in Modern America

Abstract Multicultural education is still one of the most controversial and misunderstood concepts, because it means different things to different peoples. This paper is intended to explore the meaning and significance of multicultural education in a global context on the basis of recent cross-cultural research in anthropology.
A Survey Based Analysis of IT Adoption and 3 PLs ’ Performance

Purpose – In today’s competitive scenario, effective supply chain management is increasingly dependant on third party logistics (3PL) companies’ capabilities and performance. The dissemination of information technology (IT) has contributed to change the supply chain role of 3PL companies and IT is considered an important element influencing performance of modern logistics companies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between IT and 3PLs’ performance, assuming that logistics capabilities play a mediating role in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence based on a questionnaire survey conducted on a sample of logistics service companies operating in the Italian market was used to test a conceptual resource based view (RBV) framework linking IT adoption, logistics capabilities and firm performance. Factor analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis have been used to test hypotheses. The focus of the paper is multidisciplinary in nature; management of information systems, strategy, logistics and supply chain management approaches have been combined in the analysis. Findings – The results indicate strong relationships among data gathering technologies, transactional capabilities and firm performance, in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, a positive correlation between enterprise information technologies and 3PL financial performance has been found. Originality/value – The paper successfully uses the concept of logistics capabilities as mediating factor between IT adoption and firm performance. Objective measures have been proposed for IT adoption and logistics capabilities. Direct and indirect relationships among variables have been successfully tested.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Environmental Noise Monitoring

While environmental issues keep gaining increasing attention from the public opinion and policy makers, several experiments demonstrated the feasibility of wireless sensor networks to be used in a large variety of environmental monitoring applications. Focusing on the assessment of environmental noise pollution in urban areas, we provide qualitative considerations and preliminary experimental results that motivate and encourage the use of wireless sensor networks in this context.
Two-level multiscale enrichment methodology for modeling of heterogeneous plates

A new two-level multiscale enrichment methodology for analysis of heterogeneous plates is presented. The enrichments are applied in the displacement and strain levels: the displacement field of a Reissner-Mindlin plate is enriched using the multiscale enrichment functions based on the partition of unity principle; the strain field is enriched using the mathematical homogenization theory. The proposed methodology is implemented for linear and failure analysis of brittle heterogeneous plates. The eigendeformation-based model reduction approach is employed to efficiently evaluate the nonlinear processes in case of failure. The capabilities of the proposed methodology are verified against direct three-dimensional finite element models with full resolution of the microstructure.
Anxiety and Depression Increase in a Stepwise Manner in Parallel With Multiple FGIDs and Symptom Severity and Frequency

Objectives:Anxiety and depression occur frequently in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), but their precise prevalence is unknown. We addressed this issue in a large cohort of adult patients and determined the underlying factors.Methods:In total, 4,217 new outpatients attending 2 hospitals in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada completed questionnaires evaluating FGIDs and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale). Chart review was performed in a random sample of 2,400 patients.Results:Seventy-six percent of patients fulfilled Rome III criteria for FGIDs, but only 57% were diagnosed with FGIDs after excluding organic diseases, and the latter group was considered for the analysis. Compared with patients not meeting the criteria, prevalence of anxiety (odds ratio (OR) 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62–4.37) or depression (OR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.03–4.02) was increased in patients with FGIDs. The risk was comparable to patients with organic disease (anxiety: OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.24–3.61; depression: OR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.21–5.09). The lowest prevalence was observed in asymptomatic patients (OR 1.37; 95% CI 0.58–3.23 and 0.51; 95% CI 0.10–2.48; for both conditions, respectively). The prevalence of anxiety and depression increased in a stepwise manner with the number of co-existing FGIDs and frequency and/or severity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Psychiatric comorbidity was more common in females with FGIDs compared with males (anxiety OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.35–2.28; depression OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.04–2.21). Anxiety and depression were formally diagnosed by the consulting physician in only 22% and 9% of patients, respectively.Conclusions:Psychiatric comorbidity is common in patients referred to a secondary care center but is often unrecognized. The prevalence of both anxiety and depression is influenced by gender, presence of organic diseases, and FGIDs, and it increases with the number of coexistent FGIDs and frequency and severity of GI symptoms.
Randomized controlled double-blind trial of optimal dose methylphenidate in children and adolescents with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is increased in children with intellectual disability. Previous research has suggested stimulants are less effective than in typically developing children but no studies have titrated medication for individual optimal dosing or tested the effects for longer than 4 weeks.


METHOD
One hundred and twenty two drug-free children aged 7-15 with hyperkinetic disorder and IQ 30-69 were recruited to a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that randomized participants using minimization by probability, stratified by referral source and IQ level in a one to one ratio. Methylphenidate was compared with placebo. Dose titration comprised at least 1 week each of low (0.5 mg/kg/day), medium (1.0 mg/kg/day) and high dose (1.5 mg/kg/day). Parent and teacher Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) index of the Conners Rating Scale-Short Version at 16 weeks provided the primary outcome measures. Clinical response was determined with the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI-I). Adverse effects were evaluated by a parent-rated questionnaire, weight, pulse and blood pressure. Analyses were by intention to treat.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN 68384912.


RESULTS
Methylphenidate was superior to placebo with effect sizes of 0.39 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.09, 0.70] and 0.52 (95% CIs 0.23, 0.82) for the parent and teacher Conners ADHD index. Four (7%) children on placebo versus 24 (40%) of those on methylphenidate were judged improved or much improved on the CGI. IQ and autistic symptoms did not affect treatment efficacy. Active medication was associated with sleep difficulty, loss of appetite and weight loss but there were no significant differences in pulse or blood pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Optimal dosing of methylphenidate is practical and effective in some children with hyperkinetic disorder and intellectual disability. Adverse effects typical of methylphenidate were seen and medication use may require close monitoring in this vulnerable group.
How protective is cervical cancer screening against cervical cancer mortality in developing countries? The Colombian case

BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer is one of the top causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in Colombia despite the existence of a national preventive program. Screening coverage with cervical cytology does not explain the lack of success of the program in reducing incidence and mortality rates by cervical cancer. To address this problem an ecological analysis, at department level, was carried out in Colombia to assess the relationship between cervical screening characteristics and cervical cancer mortality rates.


METHODS
Mortality rates by cervical cancer were estimated at the department level for the period 2000-2005. Levels of mortality rates were compared to cervical screening coverage and other characteristics of the program. A Poisson regression was used to estimate the effect of different dimensions of program performance on mortality by cervical cancer.


RESULTS
Screening coverage ranged from 28.7% to 65.6% by department but increases on this variable were not related to decreases in mortality rates. A significant reduction in mortality was found in departments where a higher proportion of women looked for medical advice when abnormal findings were reported in Pap smears. Geographic areas where a higher proportion of women lack health insurance had higher rates of mortality by cervical cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that coverage is not adequate to prevent mortality due to cervical cancer if women with abnormal results are not provided with adequate follow up and treatment. The role of different dimensions of health care such as insurance coverage, quality of care, and barriers for accessing health care needs to be evaluated and addressed in future studies.
Constructivism in Environmental Education : Beyond Conceptual Change Theory

Introduction Constructivism, as a set of theories about how learners learn, has been an important discourse in the educational research literature for a number of years. Interestingly, it has been far more visible in science education research than in environmental education research. This article considers conceptual change theory within constructivism as a contested concept, outlines differing expressions of constructivism in science education and environmental education, and argues for approaches to environmental education that adopt socially constructivist perspectives with respect to the character of the subject matter content as well as to learners' apprehension of such content. In considering implications for research, this perspective is juxtaposed with a recent United States Education Act, which prescribes a far more objectivist approach to educational research and which serves as a reminder that research itself is a powerful factor in shaping how we construct the nature of subject matter, learning and the implications of these for teaching practice. Constructivism, as a set of theories about how learners learn, has been an important discourse in the educational research literature for a number of years. Many researchers have sought to explore explicitly the concept of constructivism and its implications for pedagogy, curriculum and professional development, or to adopt a constructivist framework in the analysis of educational situations. Historically, there has been a strong "conceptual change" perspective in science education research. However reviews of the environmental education research literature reveal a relative dearth of empirical research that overtly engages the issues of constructivism in the field of environmental education (see, for example, Robertson, 1994). This article considers conceptual change theory within constructivism as a contested concept, outlines differing expressions of constructivism in science education and environmental education, and argues for approaches to environmental education that adopt socially constructivist perspectives with respect to the character of subject matter content as well as to learners' apprehension of such content. In considering implications for research, this perspective is juxtaposed with a recent United States Education Act, which prescribes a far more objectivist approach to educational research. The relative lack of an overtly constructivist perspective in environmental education is the more surprising given the particularly high profile it has achieved in science tAddress for correspondence: AlProfessor Ian Robottom, Faculty of Education, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia. Email: ian.robottom@deakin.edu.au ISSN:0814-0626 © Australian Association for Environmental Education
Energy efficient actuators with adjustable stiffness: a review on AwAS, AwAS-II and CompACT VSA changing stiffness based on lever mechanism

Energy efficient actuators with adjustable stiffness: a review on AwAS, AwAS-II and CompACT VSA changing stiffness based on lever mechanism Amir jafari Nikos Tsagarakis Darwin G Caldwell Article information: To cite this document: Amir jafari Nikos Tsagarakis Darwin G Caldwell , (2015),"Energy efficient actuators with adjustable stiffness: a review on AwAS, AwAS-II and CompACT VSA changing stiffness based on lever mechanism", Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Vol. 42 Iss 3 pp. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IR-12-2014-0433
Optimal power flow and energy-sharing among multi-agent smart buildings in the smart grid

Buildings account for about 40% of total energy consumption. Efficient building energy control can considerably reduce energy costs. A smart grid takes advantage of bi-directional energy and information flow between the utility grid and the energy user. Smart buildings can charge or discharge energy or power from multiple buildings (multi-agent systems) using smart meters via battery storage in the smart buildings. However, there is very little research on how to share energy among multi-agent systems and optimal power flow among smart buildings (multi-agent systems) in the smart grid. In this paper, the authors use an advanced optimization method to present optimal power flow and energy-sharing among smart buildings. With this research, it is expected that this method can improve the smart grid optimal power flow and energy-sharing stability among smart buildings, and enhance energy dissipation balance to reach stability among many smart buildings in the smart grid.
Melanin-based skin spots reflect stress responsiveness in salmonid fish

Within animal populations, genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors interact to shape individual neuroendocrine and behavioural profiles, conferring variable vulnerability to stress and disease. It remains debated how alternative behavioural syndromes and stress coping styles evolve and are maintained by natural selection. Here we show that individual variation in stress responsiveness is reflected in the visual appearance of two species of teleost fish; rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Salmon and trout skin vary from nearly immaculate to densely spotted, with black spots formed by eumelanin-producing chromatophores. In rainbow trout, selection for divergent hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal responsiveness has led to a change in dermal pigmentation patterns, with low cortisol-responsive fish being consistently more spotted. In an aquaculture population of Atlantic salmon individuals with more spots showed a reduced physiological and behavioural response to stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate a heritable behavioural-physiological and morphological trait correlation that may be specific to alternative coping styles. This observation may illuminate the evolution of contrasting coping styles and behavioural syndromes, as occurrence of phenotypes in different environments and their response to selective pressures can be precisely and easily recorded.
Non-functional requirements for COTS software components

Commercially available software components come with the built-in functionality often offering end-user more than they need. A fact that end-user has no or very little influence on component’s functionality promoted nonfunctional requirements which are getting more attention than ever before. In this paper, we identify some of the problems encountered when non-functional requirements for COTS software components need to be defined.
ASIA impairment scale conversion in traumatic SCI: is it related with the ability to walk? A descriptive comparison with functional ambulation outcome measures in 273 patients

Study design:Prospective multicenter longitudinal cohort study.Objectives:To determine the relationship between improvements of the American Spinal Injury Association/International Spinal Cord Society (ASIA/ISCoS) neurological standard scale (AIS) outcome measure and improvements of functional ambulatory outcome measures in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:European multicenter study of human SCI (EM-SCI).Methods:In 273 eligible patients with traumatic SCI, acute (0–15 days) and chronic phase (6 or 12 months) AIS grades, timed up and go (TUG) test and 10-m walk test (10MWT) outcome measurements were analyzed. Subanalysis of those patients who did have AIS conversion was performed to assess its relation with functional ambulatory outcomes.Results:Studied population consisted of 161 acute phase AIS grade A patients; 37 grade B; 43 grade C and 32 acute phase AIS grade D patients. Forty-two patients (26%) converted from AIS grade A, 27 (73%) from grade B, 32 (75%) from grade C and five patients (16%) from AIS grade D. The frequencies of AIS conversions and functional ambulation recovery outcomes were significantly different (P<0.001) in patients with motor complete SCI. The ratio of patients with both recovery of ambulatory function and AIS conversion (n=101) differed significantly (P<0.001) between the acute phase AIS grade scores; AIS grade A (6/40 patients, 15%), B (9/27 patients, 33%), C (23/29 patients, 79%) and D (5/5 patients 100%).Conclusions:The AIS conversion outcome measure is poorly related to the ability to walk in traumatic SCI patients. Therefore, the authors recommend the use of functional ambulation recovery outcome measures in prognosticating the recovery of walking capacity and performance of patients with SCI.
An effective hybridized classifier for breast cancer diagnosis

After lung cancer, breast cancer is known to be the greatest cause for death among females [20]. The improving effectiveness of machine learning approaches is being given a lot of importance by medical practitioners for breast cancer diagnosis. The paper proposes an effective hybridized classifier for breast cancer diagnosis. The classifier is made by combining an unsupervised artificial neural network (ANN) method named self organizing maps (SOM) with a supervised classifier called stochastic gradient descent (SGD). Also a comparative analysis is performed between the proposed approach and three supervised state of the art machine learning techniques decision tree (DTs), random forests (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). Initially SGD method is used in isolation for the classification task and then it is made to perform the classification after being hybridized with the unsupervised ANN technique on Wisconsin Breast Cancer Database (WBCD) [10]. The comparison is based up on classification accuracy that is produced by generating a confusion matrix. For verifying consistency of accuracy values, the classification task was repeated with Internet Advertisements Dataset [11]. The results of the classification experimentation using hybridization of SOM with SGD are much more superior to SGD in isolation. All the accuracy values have been computed after achieving a ten-fold cross validation on the both the datasets to further verify the classifier's performance.
CS 229 , Autumn 2010 Practice Midterm

1. The midterm will have about 5-6 long questions, and about 8-10 short questions. Space will be provided on the actual midterm for you to write your answers. 2. The midterm is meant to be educational, and as such some questions could be quite challenging. Use your time wisely to answer as much as you can! 3. For additional practice, please see CS 229 extra problem sets available at 1. [13 points] Generalized Linear Models Recall that generalized linear models assume that the response variable y (conditioned on x) is distributed according to a member of the exponential family: p(y; η) = b(y) exp(ηT (y) − a(η)), where η = θ T x. For this problem, we will assume η ∈ R. (a) [10 points] Given a training set {(x (i) , y (i))} m i=1 , the loglikelihood is given by (θ) = m i=1 log p(y (i) | x (i) ; θ). Give a set of conditions on b(y), T (y), and a(η) which ensure that the loglikelihood is a concave function of θ (and thus has a unique maximum). Your conditions must be reasonable, and should be as weak as possible. (E.g., the answer " any b(y), T (y), and a(η) so that (θ) is concave " is not reasonable. Similarly, overly narrow conditions, including ones that apply only to specific GLMs, are also not reasonable.) (b) [3 points] When the response variable is distributed according to a Normal distribution (with unit variance), we have b(y) = 1 √ 2π e −y 2 2 , T (y) = y, and a(η) = η 2 2. Verify that the condition(s) you gave in part (a) hold for this setting.