LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Effect of virtual reality exposure therapy on social participation in people with a psychotic disorder (VRETp): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND
Many patients with a psychotic disorder participate poorly in society. When psychotic disorders are in partial remission, feelings of paranoia, delusions of reference, social anxiety and self-stigmatization often remain at diminished severity and may lead to avoidance of places and people. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an evidence-based treatment for several anxiety disorders. For patients with a psychotic disorder, the VRETp was developed to help them experience exposure to feared social situations. The present study aims to investigate the effects of VRETp on social participation in real life among patients with a psychotic disorder.


METHODS/DESIGN
The study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial with two conditions: the active condition, in which participants receive the virtual reality treatment together with treatment as usual (TAU), and the waiting list condition, in which participants receive TAU only. The two groups are compared at baseline, at 3 months posttreatment and at 6 months follow-up. All participants on the waiting list are also offered the virtual reality treatment after the follow-up measurements are completed. The primary outcome is social participation. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, interaction anxiety, depression and social functioning in general. Moderator and mediator analyses are conducted with stigma, cognitive schemata, cognitive biases, medication adherence, simulator sickness and presence in virtual reality. If effective, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted.


DISCUSSION
Results from the posttreatment measurement can be considered strong empirical indicators of the effectiveness of VRETp. The 6-month follow-up data may provide reliable documentation of the long-term effects of the treatment on the outcome variables. Data from pre-treatment and mid-treatment can be used to reveal possible pathways of change.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN12929657 . Date of registration: 8 September 2015.
A prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded pilot study of misoprostol rectal suppositories in the prevention of acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in prostate cancer patients

OBJECTIVE:Radiation proctitis is a known complication of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Available medical treatment is usually ineffective and has focused on relieving symptoms after damage has occurred. Our study aimed at evaluating the use of misoprostol rectal suppositories in the prevention of acute as well as chronic radiation proctitis symptoms.METHODS:A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial was conducted in patients with recently diagnosed stages B and C prostate cancer who underwent external beam irradiation. Patients received either a misoprostol or a placebo suppository 1 h before each radiation session. Misoprostol suppositories were made from two 200-μg tablets (Cytotec, Searle Pharmaceuticals, Skokie, IL), whereas the placebo was made from cocoa butter. A 12-point radiation proctitis symptom score was obtained from each patient at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk after radiation therapy.RESULTS:A total of 16 patients were enrolled. Seven patients received placebo, and nine patients received misoprostol. Mean radiation proctitis symptom scores in the placebo group were 4.86, 5.86, 5.71, and 3.83 at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk, respectively. The mean scores in the misoprostol group were 0.78, 0.67, 0.33, and 0.37 at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk.CONCLUSIONS:Misoprostol rectal suppositories significantly reduce acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
Solving the Puzzle of Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises: The Path of the Temasek Model in Singapore and Lessons for China

The purpose of this Article is to examine the corporate governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the Asian context by empirically surveying the influence of Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, on its portfolio of government-linked companies in Singapore. Overall, the Temasek model seems to be a promising one. This Article shows that the top listed government-linked companies in which Temasek has a stake have greater board independence than the other top listed companies in Singapore. This illustrates that a high quality of corporate governance could be aligned with public interests associated with SOEs. While this research offers hope for SOE reformers in China, the Article also argues that the need for strong public governance, the role of foreign activities and market forces, and the importance of a government’s desire to serve as a market leader are all underlying factors that make Temasek what it is today. Unfortunately, in the absence of those institutional factors, transplant of the Temasek model to other countries is unlikely to be entirely successful. * Assistant Professor of Law, Singapore Management University. The author thanks for the kind sponsorship of the Singapore Management University to fund this research (Research Grant No. 14C234-SMU-006). 36_2_2_CHEN FINAL.docx (DO NOT DELETE) 3/30/16 3:21 PM Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business 36:303 (2016) 304 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Diagnostic randomized controlled trials: the final frontier

Clinicians, patients, governments, third-party payers, and the public take for granted that diagnostic tests are accurate, safe and effective. However, we may be seriously misled if we are relying on robust study design to ensure accurate, safe, and effective diagnostic tests. Properly conducted, randomized controlled trials are the gold standard for assessing the effectiveness and safety of interventions, yet are rarely conducted in the assessment of diagnostic tests. Instead, diagnostic cohort studies are commonly performed to assess the characteristics of a diagnostic test including sensitivity and specificity. While diagnostic cohort studies can inform us about the relative accuracy of an experimental diagnostic intervention compared to a reference standard, they do not inform us about whether the differences in accuracy are clinically important, or the degree of clinical importance (in other words, the impact on patient outcomes). In this commentary we provide the advantages of the diagnostic randomized controlled trial and suggest a greater awareness and uptake in their conduct. Doing so will better ensure that patients are offered diagnostic procedures that will make a clinical difference.
Detecting and tracking people in real time with RGB-D camera

We propose a novel approach to automatic detection and tracking of people taking different poses in cluttered and dynamic environments using a single RGB-D camera. The original RGB-D pixels are transformed to a novel point ensemble image (PEI), and we demonstrate that human detection and tracking in 3D space can be performed very effectively with this new representation. The detector in the first phase quickly locates human physiquewise plausible candidates, which are then further carefully filtered in a supervised learning and classification second phase. Joint statistics of color and height are computed for data association to generate final 3D motion trajectories of tracked individuals. Qualitative and quantitative experimental results obtained on the publicly available office dataset, mobile camera dataset and the real-world clothing store dataset we created show very promising results. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. d T b r a e w c t e i c a i c p p g w e h
Building Efficient Deep Neural Networks with Unitary Group Convolutions

We propose unitary group convolutions (UGConvs), a building block for CNNs which compose a group convolution with unitary transforms in feature space to learn a richer set of representations than group convolution alone. UGConvs generalize two disparate ideas in CNN architecture, channel shuffling (i.e. ShuffleNet [29]) and blockcirculant networks (i.e. CirCNN [6]), and provide unifying insights that lead to a deeper understanding of each technique. We experimentally demonstrate that dense unitary transforms can outperform channel shuffling in DNN accuracy. On the other hand, different dense transforms exhibit comparable accuracy performance. Based on these observations we propose HadaNet, a UGConv network using Hadamard transforms. HadaNets achieve similar accuracy to circulant networks with lower computation complexity, and better accuracy than ShuffleNets with the same number of parameters and floating-point multiplies.
A randomized phase II trial of doxorubicin plus pemetrexed followed by docetaxel versus doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel as neoadjuvant treatment of early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) before surgery is a standard option for patients with early breast cancer (EBC) that allows in vivo chemosensitivity testing. Given the promising activity of pemetrexed plus doxorubicin in metastatic breast cancer, it was reasonable to evaluate the utility of this combination as part of an NST regimen in EBC.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients with untreated operable T2-T4a-c N0-2 M0 breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive either four cycles of pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) plus doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks (q3w) followed by four cycles of docetaxel 100 mg/m(2) q3w (AP-D) or four cycles of doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2) q3w followed by four cycles of docetaxel 100 mg/m(2) q3w (AC-D). Surgery was carried out within 2 months after last chemotherapy. Primary end point was pathological complete response (pCR) rate in the breast. Secondary end points included clinical response rate, rate of histologically negative axillary lymph nodes, toxicity, and disease-free survival.


RESULTS
From September 2005 to August 2007, 257 patients were randomly allocated to 17 sites. Median age was 48 and 49 years for AP-D and AC-D, respectively. Overall pCR rates were 16.5% for AP-D and 20.2% for AC-D. With AP-D, pCR rate was 17.8% for hormone receptor (HR)-negative patients and 15.9% for HR-positive patients. With AC-D, pCR rates were 42.9% and 7.8% for HR-negative and HR-positive patients, respectively. Clinical response rates were 59.5% in the AP-D group and 68.1% in the AC-D group. The rate of histologically negative axillary lymph nodes was 53% in both groups. Both treatments were well tolerated. Median disease-free survival is currently not mature.


CONCLUSIONS
AP-D and AC-D are well tolerated and active as NST in EBC. Of note, AC-D had a higher pCR rate in HR-negative tumors, whereas AP-D had more activity if HRs were expressed.
A new potential of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI for evaluating cerebral centers of penile erection

It is well known that penile erection is dependent on commands from the central nervous system. However, there has been little research on the central control of penile erection. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the cerebral centers of penile erection using BOLD-functional MRI. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on a 1.5T MR scanner was performed in 12 sexually potent male volunteers (mean age: 23) and two hypogonadal impotent patients. In this study, blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) technique was utilized to create fMRI reflecting local brain activities. Real-time visual stimulation was performed with an alternatively combined erotic and non-erotic film to identify and quantify the activated brain regions associated with sexual response. Subjective sexual arousal and penile erection responses were assessed using 5-point scales ranging from 1 (no change) to 5 (maximal increase). In normal volunteers, the mean scores on subjective sexual arousal and penile erection by sexual stimulation with erotic film were 3.0 and 3.3 respectively, whereas there were no changes by non-erotic stimulation. During the visual stimulation the occipital cortex was activated by either an erotic or non-erotic film, the erotic film gave 150–200% stronger activation. However, more than seven of the 12 healthy subjects were significantly activated in the areas of inferior frontal lobe, cingulate gyrus, insula gyrus, corpus callosum, thalamus, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, and inferior temporal lobe by erotic stimulation. In the hypogonadal patients, brain activation in response to the erotic film decreased compared to normal volunteers, however, it was restored by testosterone supplementation. These results are the first demonstration to show the functional neuroanatomy of the brain associated with sexual arousal by visual sexual stimulation using BOLD-based fMRI. Further studies are needed to verify that fMRI provides an important new tool in evaluating the cerebral center of the penile erection.
Chapter Three. Explanations Of International Differences In Religion That May Apply To China

This chapter presents variety of sources and theoretical approaches to identify key variables that could have a significant impact on religious change in China. It also presents a particular variable that has received significant attention within the literature on religious change. The author discusses the ways in which these concepts might be applied by scholars in analyzing the current and near-future situation of religion in China. The most important difference among theories of religious change originates in assumptions concerning the demand for religion. Secularization theories focus on the causes of the changing demand for religion. The author diverges from the treatment of religious regulation within the religious economies literature in proposing that the notions of subsidies and restriction be expanded within the theories of religious change to include the analogous non-state positive reinforcements of and negative sanctions on religious behavior, practices, and religiously-legitimated rules and policies. Keywords: China; religious change; secularization theories
The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging

This renowned work is derived from the authors' acclaimed national review course (“Physics of Medical Imaging") at the University of California-Davis for radiology residents. Coverage includes the production, characteristics and interactions of ionizing radiation used in medical imaging and the imaging modalities in which they are used, including radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography and nuclear medicine. Special attention is paid to optimizing patient dose in each of these modalities. Sections of the book address topics common to all forms of diagnostic imaging, including image quality and medical informatics as well as the non-ionizing medical imaging modalities of MRI and ultrasound.
Studies of Anthropometrical Features using Machine Learning Approach

In this article we propose the novel approach to measure anthropometrical features such as height, width of shoulder, circumference of the chest, hip and waist. The sub-pixel processing and convex hull technique are used to efficiently measure the features from 2d image. The SVM technique is used to classify men and women based on measured features. The results of real data processing are presented.
On the Links Between Argumentation-Based Reasoning and Nonmonotonic Reasoning

In this paper we investigate the links between instantiated argumentation systems and the axioms for non-monotonic reasoning described in [15] with the aim of characterising the nature of argument based reasoning. In doing so, we consider two possible interpretations of the consequence relation, and describe which axioms are met by ASPIC under each of these interpretations. We then consider the links between these axioms and the rationality postulates. Our results indicate that argument based reasoning as characterised by ASPICis — according to the axioms of [15] — non-cumulative and non-monotonic, and therefore weaker than the weakest non-monotonic reasoning systems considered possible. This weakness underpins ASPIC’s success in modelling other reasoning systems. We conclude by considering the relationship between ASPICand other weak logical systems.
Benchmarking High-Resolution Global Satellite Rainfall Products to Radar and Rain-Gauge Rainfall Estimates

This paper presents an in-depth investigation of the error properties of two high-resolution global-scale satellite rain retrievals verified against rainfall fields derived from a moderate-resolution rain-gauge network (25-30-km intergage distances) covering a region in the midwestern U.S. (Oklahoma Mesonet). Evaluated satellite retrievals include the NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission multisatellite precipitation analysis and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center morphing technique. The two satellite products are contrasted against a rain-gauge-adjusted radar rainfall product from the WSR-88D network in continental U.S. This paper presents an error characterization of the Mesonet rainfall fields based on an independent small-scale, but very dense (100-m intergage distances), rain-gauge network (named Micronet). The Mesonet error analysis, although significantly lower than the corresponding error statistics derived for the satellite and radar products, demonstrates the need to benchmark reference data sources prior to their quantitative use in validating remote sensing retrievals. In terms of the remote sensing rainfall products, this paper provides quantitative comparisons between the two satellite estimates and the most definitive rain-gauge-adjusted radar rainfall estimates at corresponding spatial and temporal resolutions (25 km and 3 hourly). Error quantification presented herein includes zero- (rain detection probability and false alarm), first- (bias ratio), and second-order (root mean square error and correlation) statistics as well as an evaluation of the spatial structure of error at warm and cold seasons of 2004 and 2006.
Extrapyramidal side-effects of antipsychotics in a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND
There are claims that second-generation antipsychotics produce fewer extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS) compared with first-generation drugs.


AIMS
To compare the incidence of treatment-emergent EPS between second-generation antipsychotics and perphenazine in people with schizophrenia.


METHOD
Incidence analyses integrated data from standardised rating scales and documented use of concomitant medication or treatment discontinuation for EPS events. Mixed model analyses of change in rating scales from baseline were also conducted.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in incidence or change in rating scales for parkinsonism, dystonia, akathisia or tardive dyskinesia when comparing second-generation antipsychotics with perphenazine or comparing between second-generation antipsychotics. Secondary analyses revealed greater rates of concomitant antiparkinsonism medication among individuals on risperidone and lower rates among individuals on quetiapine, and lower rates of discontinuation because of parkinsonism among people on quetiapine and ziprasidone. There was a trend for a greater likelihood of concomitant medication for akathisia among individuals on risperidone and perphenazine.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of treatment-emergent EPS and change in EPS ratings indicated that there are no significant differences between second-generation antipsychotics and perphenazine or between second-generation antipsychotics in people with schizophrenia.
Oxidation mechanism and resistance of ZrB2–SiC composites

Abstract The oxidation mechanism of ZrB 2 –SiC composites was investigated based on a combination of theory and experiments. The oxidation reactions, microstructure evolution, scale stability and temperature limit were examined in our research and a good correspondence was obtained between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Microstructure evolution and stability are significantly dependent on both temperature and composition. SiO 2 is thermochemically stable below 1800 °C and will lose its protective properties at temperatures above 2300 °C. The temperature limit for ZrB 2 –SiC composites is strongly dependent on the vapor pressure of the gaseous products and volume content of ZrB 2 .
Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic versus open colectomy for advanced colorectal cancer

Background: After confirming a favorable outcome of laparoscopic surgery for early colorectal cancer, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open colectomy for advanced colorectal cancer. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with T2 or T3 colorectal cancer were randomized to undergo laparoscopic (n = 29) or open (n = 30) colectomy. Median follow-up was 20 months (range, 6–34 months). Results: Operative time was longer (p <0.0001) and blood loss (p = 0.0034) and postoperative analgesic requirement were less in the laparoscopic group than in the open group. An earlier return of bowel motility and earlier discharge from the hospital (p = 0.0164) were observed after laparoscopic surgery. Serum C-reactive protein levels on postoperative days 1 (p <0.0001) and 4 (p = 0.0039) were lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group. Postoperative complications did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for advanced colorectal cancer is feasible, with favorable short-term outcome.
Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system. Narrative review.

INTRODUCTION
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is effective in improving function, movement and restoring pain conditions. Despite clinical results, the mechanisms of how OMT achieves its' effects remain unclear. The fascial system is described as a tensional network that envelops the human body. Direct or indirect manipulations of the fascial system are a distinctive part of OMT.


OBJECTIVE
This review describes the biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Literature search was performed in February 2016 in the electronic databases: Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Ostmed, Pedro and authors' publications relative to Fascia Research Congress Website.


RESULTS
Manipulation of the fascial system seems to interfere with some cellular processes providing various pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells and molecules.


DISCUSSION
Despite growing research in the osteopathic field, biological effects of direct or indirect manipulation of the fascial system are not conclusive.


CONCLUSION
To elevate manual medicine as a primary intervention in clinical settings, it's necessary to clarify how OMT modalities work in order to underpin their clinical efficacies.