LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Can pharmacotherapists be too supportive? A process study of active medication and placebo in the treatment of depression.

BACKGROUND
This study examined therapist-patient interactions during clinical management with antidepressant medication and pill-placebo.


METHOD
The sample consisted of 80 patients on active medication and 40 patients in a pill-placebo condition from a randomized controlled trial for moderate to severe depression. Pharmacotherapist-patient interactions were characterized using observer ratings of the therapeutic alliance, pharmacotherapist-offered facilitative conditions, pharmacotherapist adherence to clinical management treatment guidelines and pharmacotherapist competence. Patients, therapists and raters were blind to treatment condition and outcome.


RESULTS
Provision of greater non-specific support (facilitative conditions) in early sessions predicted less subsequent improvement in depressive symptoms for patients receiving pill-placebo but not those receiving active medications, for which none of the process ratings predicted subsequent change. Early symptom change predicted later alliance and adherence in both conditions and therapist competence in the active condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher levels of support in early sessions predict poorer subsequent response among placebo patients. It remains unclear whether patients who are likely to be refractory elicit greater non-specific support or whether the provision of such support has a deleterious effect in unmedicated patients. Differences in treatment process variables between conditions late in treatment are likely to be largely a consequence of symptom relief produced by active medications.
Mininet as a Container Based Emulator for Software Defined Networks

Mininet is network emulation software that allows launching a virtual network with switches, hosts and an SDN controller all with a single command on a single Linux kernel. It is a great way to start learning about SDN and Open-Flow as well as test SDN controller and SDN applications. Mininet can be used to deploy large networks on a single computer or virtual machine provided with limited resources. It is freely available open source software that emulates Open-Flow device and SDN controllers. Keywords— SDN, Mininet, Open-Flow, Python, Wireshark
A survey of video processing techniques for traffic applications

Video sensors become particularly important in traffic applications mainly due to their fast response, easy installation, operation and maintenance, and their ability to monitor wide areas. Research in several fields of traffic applications has resulted in a wealth of video processing and analysis methods. Two of the most demanding and widely studied applications relate to traffic monitoring and automatic vehicle guidance. In general, systems developed for these areas must integrate, amongst their other tasks, the analysis of their static environment (automatic lane finding) and the detection of static or moving obstacles (object detection) within their space of interest. In this paper we present an overview of image processing and analysis tools used in these applications and we relate these tools with complete systems developed for specific traffic applications. More specifically, we categorize processing methods based on the intrinsic organization of their input data (feature-driven, area-driven, or model-based) and the domain of processing (spatial/frame or temporal/video). Furthermore, we discriminate between the cases of static and mobile camera. Based on this categorization of processing tools, we present representative systems that have been deployed for operation. Thus, the purpose of the paper is threefold. First, to classify image-processing methods used in traffic applications. Second, to provide the advantages and disadvantages of these algorithms. Third, from this integrated consideration, to attempt an evaluation of shortcomings and general needs in this field of active research. q 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Post-Adoption Switching Between Technology Substitutes: The Case of Web Browsers

In this study, we examine factors that influence users’ post-adoption switching between technology products that are near perfect substitutes. The recent introduction of Mozilla Firefox Web browser provided an ideal empirical setting for this study. Drawing upon literature on post-adoption user behavior, consumer behavior, and online consumer research, we proposed a research model and validated it using cross-sectional field data collected from 306 users on their decisions to switch from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox. Findings suggest that user satisfaction and breadth of use of the incumbent product are negatively associated with switching behavior, and perceived ease of use, relative advantage, and perceived security of the substitute product are positively associated with switching behavior. This study contributes to both research and practice by advancing our understanding of users’ post-adoption behavior in general and their switching behavior on Web-related technology products in specific.
Correction: Relationship Between Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Dysfunction, Development and Life Extension in Caenorhabditis elegans

Prior studies have shown that disruption of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) function in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can result in life extension. Counter to these findings, many mutations that disrupt ETC function in humans are known to be pathologically life-shortening. In this study, we have undertaken the first formal investigation of the role of partial mitochondrial ETC inhibition and its contribution to the life-extension phenotype of C. elegans. We have developed a novel RNA interference (RNAi) dilution strategy to incrementally reduce the expression level of five genes encoding mitochondrial proteins in C. elegans: atp-3, nuo-2, isp-1, cco-1, and frataxin (frh-1). We observed that each RNAi treatment led to marked alterations in multiple ETC components. Using this dilution technique, we observed a consistent, three-phase lifespan response to increasingly greater inhibition by RNAi: at low levels of inhibition, there was no response, then as inhibition increased, lifespan responded by monotonically lengthening. Finally, at the highest levels of RNAi inhibition, lifespan began to shorten. Indirect measurements of whole-animal oxidative stress showed no correlation with life extension. Instead, larval development, fertility, and adult size all became coordinately affected at the same point at which lifespan began to increase. We show that a specific signal, initiated during the L3/L4 larval stage of development, is sufficient for initiating mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent life extension in C. elegans. This stage of development is characterized by the last somatic cell divisions normally undertaken by C. elegans and also by massive mitochondrial DNA expansion. The coordinate effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on several cell cycle-dependent phenotypes, coupled with recent findings directly linking cell cycle progression with mitochondrial activity in C. elegans, lead us to propose that cell cycle checkpoint control plays a key role in specifying longevity of mitochondrial mutants.
A 1-to-6Gb/s phase-interpolator-based burst-mode CDR in 65nm CMOS

Burst-mode clock and data recovery circuits (BMCDR) are widely used in passive optical networks (PON) [1] and as a replacement for conventional CDRs in clock-forwarding links to reduce power [2]. In PON, a single CDR performs the task of clock and data recovery for several burst sequences, each originating from a different source. As a result, the BMCDR is required to lock to an incoming data stream within tens of UIs (for example 40ns in GPON). Previous works use either injection locking [3, 4] or gated VCO [5, 6] to achieve this fast locking. In both cases, the control voltage of the CDR's VCO is generated by a reference PLL with a matching VCO to guarantee accurate frequency locking. However, any component mismatch between the two VCO's results in a frequency offset between the reference PLL frequency and the CDR's VCO frequency, and hence in a reduction of the CDR's tolerance for consecutive identical digits (CID). For example, [7] reports a frequency offset of over 20MHz (2000ppm) for 10Gb/s operation. We present a BMCDR that is based on phase interpolation (PI), eliminating the possibility of local frequency offset between the reference and recovered clock. We demonstrate 1 to 6Gb/s operation in 65nm CMOS with a locking time of less than 1UI.
Storytelling: The Next Step for Visualization

Presentation-specifically, its use of elements from storytelling-is the next logical step in visualization research and should be a focus of at least equal importance with exploration and analysis.
DOT or SAT for Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis? A non-randomized comparison in a high HIV-prevalence setting

BACKGROUND
Daily directly-observed therapy (DOT) is recommended for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) patients throughout treatment. We assessed the impact of self-administered treatment (SAT) in a South African township with high rates of RR-TB and HIV.


METHODS
Community-supported SAT for patients who completed the intensive phase was piloted in five primary care clinics in Khayelitsha. We compared final treatment outcomes among RR-TB patients initiating treatment before (standard-of-care (SOC)-cohort, January 2010-July 2013) and after the implementation of the pilot (SAT-cohort, January 2012-December 2014). All patients with outcomes before January 1, 2017 were considered in the analysis of outcomes.


RESULTS
One-hundred-eighteen patients in the SOC-cohort and 174 patients in the SAT-cohort had final RR-TB treatment outcomes; 70% and 73% were HIV-co-infected, respectively. The proportion of patients with a final outcome of loss to follow-up (LTFU) did not differ whether treated in the SOC (25/118, 21.2%) or SAT-cohort (31/174, 17.8%) (P = 0.47). There were no significant differences in the time to 24-month LTFU among HIV-infected and uninfected patients (HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.51-1.6, P = 0.71), or among patients enrolled in the SOC-cohort versus the SAT-cohort (HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.49-1.4, P = 0.50) who received at least 6-months of RR-TB treatment.


CONCLUSION
The introduction of SAT during the continuation phase of RR-TB treatment does not adversely affect final RR-TB treatment outcomes in a high TB and HIV-burden setting. This differentiated, patient-centred model of care could be considered in RR-TB programmes to decrease the burden of DOT on patients and health facilities.
Effectiveness of online cognitive behavioral therapy on family caregivers of people with dementia

PURPOSE
Family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) may receive caregiver training because of logistical constraints and privacy concerns. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an online intervention for family caregivers of PWD in improving their self-efficacy in managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and their emotion well-being.


SUBJECTS AND METHODS
A total of 36 family caregivers of people with dementia participated in a 9-week online intervention based on the cognitive behavioral therapy model. Outcomes of the intervention were measured by the Chinese version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire and two domains of the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the change in outcome variables.


RESULTS
The severity of BPSD of PWD and BPSD-related distress in family caregivers showed a statistically significant reduction after the intervention. Subgroup analysis showed self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts significantly improved in caregivers of PWD at moderate to severe stages.


CONCLUSION
Online cognitive behavioral therapy for family caregivers reduced BPSD of PWD and the related distress in their caregivers.
Learning and teaching English : a course for teachers

The nine chapters of the book cover the principles of English Language Teaching and include topics such as the language learning process and teaching implications, teaching methods, the nature of the English language, the four skills, planning, and assessment and evaluation. Within these topics the teacher educator can create many opportunities for her students to practice speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, particularly during preand post-stages of the lesson. Each chapter offers several optional activities, with an answer key, that allow the reader to explore and analyse the ideas presented in the chapters. Assembling a portfolio, containing both the students' and the teacher's work, is encouraged by the authors as a means for the teacher to reflect on her or his own learning and teaching practice.
Randomized clinical trial of standard dietary treatment versus a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet or the LighterLife Programme in the management of obesity*.

BACKGROUND
With the current obesity epidemic, the search for effective weight loss approaches is required. In the present study, changes in weight, body composition and cardiovascular (CV) risk in response to a low-fat, reduced-energy diet (LFRE), a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet (LCHP), or a commercially available very low-calorie diet (LighterLife; LL) were assessed.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty obese patients (body mass index ≥35 kg/m² ) underwent a screening period of 3 months on the LFRE. Those who lost >5% of their body weight were maintained on this approach for an additional 3 months, whereas those who lost >10% at this time were maintained for 1 year. Patients failing to achieve these targets were randomly allocated to either the LCHP (n = 38) or LL (n = 34) for a period of 9 months.


RESULTS
Significantly greater weight loss was seen for patients on the LL than the LCHP at 3 (mean (± SD) -11.6 ± 12.9 vs -2.8 ± 4.5 kg, respectively; P < 0.0001) and 9 months (-15.1 ± 21.1 vs -1.9 ± 5.0 kg, respectively; P < 0.0001) after screening. Significantly greater improvement in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, fasting glucose, and diastolic blood pressure was seen at 3 months in patients on the LL compared with the LCHP (P < 0.05). These differences were no longer significant at 9 months, with the exception of fasting glucose. The attrition rate was elevated in the LCHP group, but did not differ significantly from the LL group.


CONCLUSION
Greater weight loss and improved CV risk were achieved with the LL, which mostly reflects the patient support provided for each dietary treatment.
Nitinol stents with polymer-free paclitaxel coating for lesions in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries above the knee: twelve-month safety and effectiveness results from the Zilver PTX single-arm clinical study.

PURPOSE
To report a prospective, single-arm, multicenter clinical study evaluating the Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent for treating the above-the-knee femoropopliteal segment (NCT01094678; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ).


METHODS
The Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent is a self-expanding nitinol stent with a polymer-free paclitaxel coating. Patients with symptomatic (Rutherford category 2-6) de novo or restenotic lesions (including in-stent stenosis) of the above-the-knee femoropopliteal segment were eligible for enrollment. Between April 2006 and June 2008, 787 patients (578 men; mean age 66.6±9.5 years) were enrolled at 30 international sites.


RESULTS
Nine hundred lesions (24.3% restenotic lesions of which 59.4% were in-stent stenoses) were treated with 1722 Zilver PTX stents; the mean lesion length was 99.5±82.1 mm. The 12-month Kaplan-Meier estimates included an 89.0% event-free survival rate, an 86.2% primary patency rate, and a 90.5% rate of freedom from target lesion revascularization. There were no paclitaxel-related adverse events reported. The 12-month stent fracture rate was 1.5%. The ankle-brachial index, Rutherford score, and walking distance/speed scores significantly improved (p<0.001) from baseline to 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that the Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent is safe for treatment of patients with de novo and restenotic lesions of the above-the-knee femoropopliteal segment. At 1 year, the overall anatomical and clinical effectiveness results suggest that this stent is a promising endovascular therapy.
Juvenile recurrent parotitis: a retrospective comparison of sialendoscopy versus conservative therapy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
There are several therapeutic approaches to treat juvenile recurrent parotitis. The aim of this study was to compare sialendoscopy, including prophylactic cortisone irrigation, with observation and a conservative approach of antibiotic therapy alone.


STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective study, tertiary clinical center.


METHODS
The charts of patients treated for juvenile recurrent parotitis between November 2004 and June 2011 were reviewed. Initial acute flares were always treated with a course of antibiotics. Subsequent treatment consisted of either salivary gland endoscopy including cortisone irrigation or additional pure antibiotic therapy. Patients treated with salivary endoscopy were compared to patients treated with antibiotics alone with regard to the number of inflammatory episodes and pain intensity pre- and posttreatment.


RESULTS
Thirty-six patients were treated during the period of study, 15 with salivary endoscopy with cortisone irrigation and 21 with antibiotic therapy alone. A significant reduction in recurrent episodes and pain intensity following therapy was found in both groups. With respect to these two outcomes, the comparison showed two therapeutic options of equal merit.


CONCLUSIONS
Salivary gland endoscopy is an option in the management of juvenile recurrent parotitis that helps in confirming the diagnosis and that also provides therapeutic intervention. However, although there are further advantages, the definitive value of salivary gland endoscopy requires ongoing evaluation in further prospective studies.


LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4.
CLASS: Five elements of corporate governance to manage strategic risk

Strategic risk management is an increasing concern for both boards and senior executives. Many recent business failures are due to senior level misjudgement and mismanagement of risk, the consequences of which can range from embarrassment to serious setback to bankruptcy. Ineffective risk management puts otherwise strong business models in jeopardy. Here we present CLASS (Culture, Leadership, Alignment, Systems, and Structure), an integrated, five-element model of corporate governance. We identify how attending to the elements in this framework supports development of an integrated and robust approach to corporate risk, and helps senior executives anticipate and handle the complexities of risk inherent in meeting strategic objectives. D 2005 Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. All rights reserved. 1. Risk management: A need for a new look Boards of directors are increasingly willing to take firm managerial action to mitigate the downside risks of strategic change. In February of 2005, for example, the directors of Hewlett Packard suddenly removed Carly Fiorina as CEO because of her management of the risks and slow progress of the complex HP-Compaq merger. Recent prosecutions and executive turnover at numerous well-known corporations (e.g., AIG, Marsh and McLennan, Bank of America, Citigroup, Parmalat, WorldCom, Enron, Nortel, and Lucent) also demonstrate growing intolerance of strategic miscalculations by regulators and investors. Sir Philip Watts, chairman of Royal Dutch/Shell, was forced to resign in March 2004 when overstatements of the company’s oil reserves and poor results in oil exploration generated a public scandal. As well, Maurice Greenberg stepped down in March 2005 as CEO of insurer AIG, following investigations into bid-rigging and fraud in the insurance industry. A different view of the practice of risk management needs to be taken. Numerous changes, 0007-6813/$ see front matter D 2005 Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.bushor.2005.07.001 T Corresponding author. E-mail addresses: stephen.drew@comcast.net (S.A. Drew)8 pckelley@u.washington.edu (P.C. Kelley)8 t.kendrick@uea.ac.uk (T. Kendrick). KEYWORDS
The Detection and Following of Human Legs Through Inductive Approaches for a Mobile Robot With a Single Laser Range Finder

The human-friendly navigation of mobile robots is a significant social and technological issue. There are many potential applications of human-following technology. Good examples are human-following shopping carts, porter robots at airports, and museum guide robots. In this paper, we propose detection and tracking schemes for human legs by the use of a single laser range finder. The leg detection algorithm takes an inductive approach by the application of a support vector data description scheme and simple attributes. We establish an efficient leg-tracking scheme by exploiting a human walking model to achieve robust tracking under occlusions. The proposed schemes are successfully verified through experiments.
Training Endogenous Task Shifting Using Music Therapy: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND
People with acquired brain injury (ABI) are highly susceptible to disturbances in executive functioning (EF), and these effects are pervasive. Research studies using music therapy for cognitive improvement in this population are limited.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a Musical Executive Function Training (MEFT) intervention to address task-shifting skills in adults with ABI and to obtain preliminary evidence of intervention effect on task shifting.


METHODS
Fourteen participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a music therapy intervention group (MTG), a singing group (SG), or the no-intervention control group (CG). The SG and MTG met for one hour a day for five days. Feasibility measures included participant completion rates and intervention fidelity. Potential benefits were measured using the Trail Making Test and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task as a pre- and posttest measure.


RESULTS
Participant completion rates and interventionist fidelity to the protocol supported feasibility. One-way ANOVA of the pre- and posttest group differences revealed a trend toward improvement in the MTG over the SG.


CONCLUSIONS
Feasibility and effect size data support a larger trial of the MEFT protocol.