LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Family-focused therapy for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: treatment fidelity within a multisite randomized trial.

AIM
Family psychoeducation is an effective adjunct to pharmacotherapy in delaying relapse among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This study tested the treatment adherence and competence of newly trained clinicians to an adaptation of family-focused therapy for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (FFT-CHR).


METHODS
The sample included 103 youth or young adults (ages 12-30 years) who had attenuated positive symptoms of psychosis. Families participated in a randomized trial comparing two psychosocial interventions: FFT-CHR (18 sessions over 6 months) and enhanced care (EC; 3 sessions over 1 month). Following a 1.5-day training seminar, 24 clinicians from eight study sites received teleconference supervision in both treatment protocols for the 2-year study period. Treatment fidelity was rated with the 13-item Therapy Competence and Adherence Scales, Revised.


RESULTS
Supervisors classified 90% of treatment sessions as above acceptable fidelity thresholds (ratings of 5 or better on a 1-7 scale of overall fidelity). As expected, fidelity ratings indicated that FFT-CHR included a greater emphasis on communication and problem-solving skills training than EC, but ratings of non-specific clinician skills, such as maintaining rapport and appropriately pacing sessions, did not differ between conditions. Treatment fidelity was not related to the severity of symptoms or family conflict at study entry.


CONCLUSIONS
FFT-CHR can be administered with high levels of fidelity by clinicians who receive training and supervision. Future studies should examine whether there are more cost-effective methods for training, supervising and monitoring the fidelity of FFT-CHR.
Influence of cambial age and growth conditions on microfibril angle in young norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.)

Keywords Area detector Cell wall Growth conditions Microfibril angle Norway spruce Picea abies Silviculture Tracheids Tree class X-ray diffraction Summary Microfibril angle (MfA) of the trachcid cell wall of conifers influences the performance and properties of forest products. For instance a high MfA has been found detrimental for solid wood properties. Although it is assumed that there is a correlation between MfA and the growth conditions a tree experiences. there are few studies on how growth conditions influence MfA. In this study mean MfA of the cell walls was determined for 646 early wood samples, from pith and outwards, of Picea abies trees using automated double gaussian curve fitting of the 002 arcs generated by X-Ray diffraction and recorded using a area detector. The determinations of mean MfA were based on appr. 500-2000 tracheids per wood sample. It was indicated that a determination of mean MfA would require less than 3 minutes, if the curve fitting program is included already at the time of data acquisition. In an attempt to model the dependency of MfA on factors related to wood formation, the age effect was Found most descriptive and a simple model based on 1/cambial age gave an r 2 = 0.69. Only a slightly higher correlation (r 2 = 0.73) was reached when additional variables significant at p ≤ 0.001 were used, although they, together with the age effect, supported the assumption that growth conditions affect MfA. The study suggests that to concentrate and minimize the volume of wood with high MfA, in an individual tree, juvenile growth suppression in combination with an extended rotation period should be used.
Interactions between bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder in trait impulsivity and severity of illness.

OBJECTIVE
We investigated trait impulsivity in bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) with respect to severity and course of illness.


METHOD
Subjects included 78 controls, 34 ASPD, 61 bipolar disorder without Axis II disorder, and 24 bipolar disorder with ASPD, by Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (SCID-I and -II). Data were analyzed using general linear model and probit analysis.


RESULTS
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) scores were higher in ASPD (effect sizes 0.5-0.8) or bipolar disorder (effect size 1.45) than in controls. Subjects with both had more suicide attempts and previous episodes than bipolar disorder alone, and more substance-use disorders and suicide attempts than ASPD alone. BIS-11 scores were not related to severity of crimes.


CONCLUSION
Impulsivity was higher in bipolar disorder with or without ASPD than in ASPD alone, and higher in ASPD than in controls. Adverse effects of bipolar disorder in ASPD, but not of ASPD in bipolar disorder, were accounted for by increased impulsivity.
A Complexity Theoretic Approach to Randomness

We study a time bounded variant of Kolmogorov complexity. This notion, together with universal hashing, can be used to show that problems solvable probabilistically in polynomial time are all within the second level of the polynomial time hierarchy. We also discuss applications to the theory of probabilistic constructions.
Estimation of minimally important differences in the EQ-5D and SF-6D indices and their utility in stroke

BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to estimate minimally important differences (MIDs) in EQ-5D and SF-6D indices and to explore the responsiveness of EQ-5D and SF-6D indices in stroke.


METHODS
We used observational longitudinal survey data of EQ-5D and SF-36 that were administered to stroke patients at baseline and at 10 months. A range of MIDs for both indexes was estimated using anchor-based approaches. The modified Rankin scale and the Barthel index were used as an anchor.


RESULTS
The MID estimates for EQ-5D ranged from 0.08 to 0.12 and those for SF-6D ranged from 0.04 to 0.14 in stroke patients. The MID values for these two utility measures differed in absolute magnitude, as the SF-6D index has wider range that that of the EQ-5D index.


CONCLUSIONS
The MID values for these two utility measures differed in absolute magnitude, as the SF-6D index has wider range that that of the EQ-5D index. These MID estimates may assist the interpretation of health related quality of life assessments related to health care intervention in stroke patients.
Body mass index and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure: insights from the Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) program.

BACKGROUND
In individuals without known cardiovascular disease, elevated body mass index (BMI) (weight/height2) is associated with an increased risk of death. However, in patients with certain specific chronic diseases, including heart failure, low BMI has been associated with increased mortality.


METHODS AND RESULTS
We examined the influence of BMI on prognosis using Cox proportional hazards models in 7599 patients (mean age, 65 years; 35% women) with symptomatic heart failure (New York Heart Association class II to IV) and a broad spectrum of left ventricular ejection fractions (mean, 39%) in the Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) program. During a median follow-up of 37.7 months, 1831 patients died. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with patients with BMI between 30 and 34.9, patients in lower BMI categories had a graded increase in the risk of death. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.22 (1.06 to 1.41), 1.46 (1.24 to 1.71), and 1.69 (1.43 to 2.01) among those with BMI of 25 to 29.9, 22.5 to 24.9, and < 22.5, respectively. The increase in risk of death among patients with BMI > or = 35 was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 1.43). The association between BMI and mortality was not altered by age, smoking status, or left ventricular ejection fraction (P for interaction >0.20). However, lower BMI was associated with a greater risk of all-cause death in patients without edema but not in patients with edema (P for interaction <0.0001). Lower BMI was associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular death and noncardiovascular death. Baseline BMI did not influence the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure or due to all causes.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with symptomatic heart failure and either reduced or preserved left ventricular systolic function, underweight or low BMI was associated with increased mortality, primarily in patients without evidence of fluid overload (edema).
Randomized trial of contrast media utilization in high-risk PTCA: the COURT trial.

BACKGROUND
Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested an association between thrombus-related events and type of contrast media. Low osmolar contrast agents appear to improve the safety of diagnostic and coronary artery interventional procedures. However, no data are available on PTCA outcomes with an isosmolar contrast agent.


METHODS AND RESULTS
A multicenter prospective randomized double-blind trial was performed in 856 high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery intervention. The objective was to compare the isosmolar nonionic dimer iodixanol (n=405) with the low osmolar ionic agent ioxaglate (n=410). A composite variable of in-hospital major adverse clinical events (MACE) was the primary end point. A secondary objective was to evaluate major angiographic and procedural events during and after PTCA. The composite in-hospital primary end point was less frequent in those receiving iodixanol compared with those receiving ioxaglate (5.4% versus 9.5%, respectively; P=0.027). Core laboratory defined angiographic success was more frequent in patients receiving iodixanol (92.2% versus 85. 9% for ioxaglate, P=0.004). There was a trend toward lower total clinical events at 30 days in patients randomized to iodixanol (9.1% versus 13.2% for ioxaglate, P=0.07). Multivariate predictors of in-hospital MACE were use of ioxaglate (P=0.01) and treatment of a de novo lesion (P=0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
In this contemporary prospective multicenter trial of PTCA in the setting of acute coronary syndromes, there was a low incidence of in-hospital clinical events for both treatment groups. The cohort receiving the nonionic dimer iodixanol experienced a 45% reduction in in-hospital MACE when compared with the cohort receiving ioxaglate.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Functional Upper Extremity Task-Specific Training for Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND
Although functional task-specific training is a viable approach for upper extremity neurorehabilitation, its appropriateness for older populations is unclear. If task-specific training is to be prescribed to older adults, it must be efficacious and feasible, even in patients with cognitive decline due to advancing age.


OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional study tested the efficacy and feasibility of upper extremity task-specific training in older adults, including those with lower cognitive scores.


METHODS
Fifty older adults (age 65-89 years) without any confounding neuromuscular impairment were randomly assigned to a training group or no-training group. The training group completed 3 days (dosage = 2250 repetitions) of a functional upper extremity motor task (simulated feeding) with their nondominant hand; the no-training group completed no form of training at all. Both groups' task performance (measured as trial time) was tested at pre- and posttest, and the training group was retested 1 month later. Efficacy was determined by rate, amount, and retention of training-related improvement, and compared across levels of cognitive status. Feasibility was determined by participants' tolerance of the prescribed training dose.


RESULTS
The training group was able to complete the training dose without adverse responses and showed a significant rate, amount, and retention of improvement compared with the no-training group. Cognitive status did not alter results, although participants with lower scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment were slower overall.


CONCLUSIONS
Task-specific training may be appropriate for improving upper extremity function in older adults, yet future work in older patients with specific neurological conditions is needed.
Strategies for improving the modeling and interpretability of Bayesian networks

One of the main factors for the knowledge discovery success is related to the comprehensibility of the patterns discovered by applying data mining techniques. Amongst which we can point out the Bayesian networks as one of the most prominent when considering the easiness of knowledge interpretation achieved. Bayesian networks, however, present limitations and disadvantages regarding their use and applicability. This paper presents an extension for the improvement of Bayesian networks, treating aspects such as performance, as well as interpretability and use of their results; incorporating genetic algorithms in the model, multivariate regression for structure learning and temporal aspects using Markov chains. 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Feature extraction for robust speech recognition using a power-law nonlinearity and power-bias subtraction

This paper presents a new feature extraction algorithm called PNCC that is based on auditory. Major new features of PNCC processing include the use of a power-law nonlinearity that replaces the traditional log nonlinearity used in MFCC coefficients, and a novel algorithm to suppress background excitation using medium-duration power estimation based on the ratio of the arithmetic mean to the geometric mean, and subtracting the medium-duration background power. Experimental results demonstrate that the PNCC processing provides substantial improvements in recognition accuracy compared to MFCC and PLP processing for various types of additive noise. The computational cost of PNCC is only slightly greater than that of conventional MFCC processing.
Speeding up Convolutional Neural Networks with Low Rank Expansions

The focus of this paper is speeding up the application of convolutional neural networks. While delivering impressive results across a range of computer vision and machine learning tasks, these networks are computationally demanding, limiting their deployability. Convolutional layers generally consume the bulk of the processing time, and so in this work we present two simple schemes for drastically speeding up these layers. This is achieved by exploiting cross-channel or filter redundancy to construct a low rank basis of filters that are rank-1 in the spatial domain. Our methods are architecture agnostic, and can be easily applied to existing CPU and GPU convolutional frameworks for tuneable speedup performance. We demonstrate this with a real world network designed for scene text character recognition [15], showing a possible 2.5⇥ speedup with no loss in accuracy, and 4.5⇥ speedup with less than 1% drop in accuracy, still achieving state-of-the-art on standard benchmarks.
Solving the Measurement Problem: De Broglie--Bohm Loses Out to Everett

Abstract The quantum theory of de Broglie and Bohm solves the measurement problem, but the hypothetical corpuscles play no role in the argument. The solution finds a more natural home in the Everett interpretation.
A Basic Introduction to Child Development Theories 2/16 Centre for Learning Innovation

published a document in 2002 called the NSW Curriculum Framework for Children's Services: A practice of relationships (.pdf 1.4 MB). This document has some interesting perspectives of the role of child development and developmental norms. It is important to consider multiple A basic introduction to child development theories
Dynamic Simulation-Based Action Planner for a Reconfigurable Hybrid Leg-Wheel Planetary Exploration Rover

In this paper, an action planning algorithm is presented for a reconfigurable hybrid leg–wheel mobile robot. Hybrid leg–wheel robots have recently receiving growing interest from the space community to explore planets, as they offer a solution to improve speed and mobility on uneven terrain. One critical issue connected with them is the study of an appropriate strategy to define when to use one over the other locomotion mode, depending on the soil properties and topology. Although this step is crucial to reach the full hybrid mechanism’s potential, little attention has been devoted to this topic. Given an elevation map of the environment, we developed an action planner that selects the appropriate locomotion mode along an optimal path toward a point of scientific interest. This tool is helpful for the space mission team to decide the next move of the robot during the exploration. First, a candidate path is generated based on topology and specifications’ criteria functions. Then, switching actions are defined along this path based on the robot’s performance in each motion mode. Finally, the path is rated based on the energy profile evaluated using a dynamic simulator. The proposed approach is applied to a concept prototype of a reconfigurable hybrid wheel–leg robot for planetary exploration through extensive simulations and real experiments. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden and The Robotics Society of Japan, 2010
Liquid crystal droplet production in a microfluidic device

Liquid crystal drops dispersed in a continuous phase of silicone oil are generated with a narrow distribution in droplet size in microfluidic devices both above and below the nematic to isotropic transition temperature. Our experiments show that the surface properties of the channels can be critical for forming droplets. We observe different dynamics in liquid crystal droplet generation, coalescence, and distinct droplet morphology by altering the microchannel surface energy. This is explained by the thermodynamic description of the wetting dynamics of the system. The effect of the nematic-to-isotropic transition on the formation of liquid crystal droplets is also observed and related to the capillary number. We also investigate how the nematic droplet size varies with the flow rate ratio and compare this behavior with a Newtonian reference system. The effect of the defect structures of the nematic liquid crystal can lead to distinctly different scaling of droplet size in comparison to the Newtonian system. When the nematic liquid crystal phase is stretched into a thin filament before entering the orifice, different defect structures and number of defect lines can introduce scatter in the drop size. Capillary instabilities in thin nematic liquid crystal filament has additional contribution from anisotropic effects such as surface gradients of bending stress which can provide extra instability modes compared to that of isotropic fluids.
Effect of Global Posture Reeducation and of Static Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Women with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE
Compare the effect of conventional static stretching and muscle chain stretching, as proposed by the global posture reeducation method, in the manual therapy of patients with chronic neck pain.


METHODS
Thirty-three female patients aged 35 to 60 years old, 31 of whom completed the program, were randomly divided into two groups: The global posture reeducation group (n=15) performed muscle chain stretching, while the conventional stretching group (n=16) performed conventional static muscle stretching. Both groups also underwent manual therapy. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment and at a six-week follow-up appointment and tested for pain intensity (by means of visual analog scale), range of motion (by goniometry), and health-related quality of life (by the SF-36 questionnaire). The treatment program consisted of two 1-hour individual sessions per week for six weeks. Data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of p<0.05.


RESULTS
Significant pain relief and range of motion improvement were observed after treatment in both groups, with a slight reduction at follow-up time. Quality of life also improved after treatment, except for the global posture reeducation group in one domain; at follow-up, there was improvement in all domains, except that both groups reported increased pain. There were no significant differences between groups


CONCLUSION
Conventional stretching and muscle chain stretching in association with manual therapy were equally effective in reducing pain and improving the range of motion and quality of life of female patients with chronic neck pain, both immediately after treatment and at a six-week follow-up, suggesting that stretching exercises should be prescribed to chronic neck pain patients.
Hierarchical routing in ad hoc mobile networks

Clustering is a method by which nodes are hierarchically organized on the basis of their relative proximity to one another. Routes can be recorded hierarchically, across clusters, to increase routing flexibility. Hierarchical routing greatly increases the scalability of routing in ad hoc networks by increasing the robustness of routes. This paper presents the Adaptive Routing using Clusters (ARC) protocol, a protocol that creates a cluster hierarchy composed of cluster leaders and gateway nodes to interconnect clusters. ARC introduces a new algorithm for cluster leader revocation that eliminates the ripple effect caused by leadership changes. Further, ARC utilizes a limited broadcast algorithm for reducing the impact of network floods. The performance of ARC is evaluated by comparing it both with other clustering schemes and with an on-demand ad hoc routing protocol. It is shown that the cluster topology created by ARC is more stable than that created by other clustering algorithms and that the use of ARC can result in throughput increases of over 100%. Copyright  2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed shoulder exercises in reducing seroma frequency after modified radical mastectomy: A prospective randomized study

Background: Seromas and impaired shoulder function are well-known complications after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Early postoperative physiotherapy is a common treatment to avoid shoulder dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the frequency of postoperative seromas could be reduced, without increasing shoulder dysfunction, by delayed postoperative shoulder exercises. Methods: In a prospective study 163 patients with breast cancer undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomized to physiotherapy starting on postoperative day 1 or day 7. Patients were seen by the surgeons and the physiotherapists during hospital stay and in the outpatient department. Seromas and other complications were registered by the surgeons. The physiotherapists instructed the patients pre- and postoperatively and assessed shoulder function. Results: There was a significantly higher incidence of postoperative seromas in the group of patients that started physiotherapy postoperative day 1 (38%) compared to the group that started physiotherapy postoperative day 7 (22%) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in the late outcome of shoulder function. Conclusion: The incidence of seromas after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer is reduced by delaying shoulder exercises one week postoperatively. Earlier postoperative physiotherapy is not necessary to avoid impaired shoulder function.
Collaborative Tracking Control of UAV-UGV

This paper suggests a fast and stable Target Tracking system in collaborative control of UAV and UGV. Wi-Fi communication range is limited in collaborative control of UAV and UGV. Thus, to secure a stable communications, UAV and UGV have to be kept within a certain distance from each other. But existing method which uses UAV Vertical Camera to follow the motion of UGV is likely to lose a target with a sudden movement change. Eventually, UGV has disadvantages that it could only move at a low speed and not make any sudden change of direction in order to keep track of the target. Therefore, we suggest utilizing AR Drone UAV front camera to track fast-moving and Omnidirectional Mecanum Wheel UGV. Keywords—Collaborative control, UAV, UGV, Target Tracking.