Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of evidence-based youth psychotherapies compared with usual clinical care: a multilevel meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE Research across more than 4 decades has produced numerous empirically tested evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for psychopathology in children and adolescents. The EBPs were developed to improve on usual clinical interventions. Advocates argue that the EBPs should replace usual care, but this assumes that EBPs produce better outcomes than usual care. OBJECTIVE To determine whether EBPs do in fact produce better outcomes than usual care in youth psychotherapy. We performed a meta-analysis of 52 randomized trials directly comparing EBPs with usual care. Analyses assessed the overall effect of EBPs vs usual care and candidate moderators; we used multilevel analysis to address the dependency among effect sizes (ES) that is common but typically unaddressed in psychotherapy syntheses. DATA SOURCES We searched the PubMed, PsychINFO, and Dissertation Abstracts International databases for studies from January 1, 1960, through December 31, 2010. STUDY SELECTION We identified 507 randomized youth psychotherapy trials. Of these, the 52 studies that compared EBPs with usual care were included in the meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Sixteen variables (participant, treatment, outcome, and study characteristics) were extracted from studies, and ESs were calculated for all comparisons of EBP vs usual care. We used an extension of the commonly used random-effects meta-analytic model to obtain an overall estimate of the difference between EBP and usual care while accounting for the dependency among ESs. We then fitted a 3-level mixed-effects model to identify moderators that might explain variation in ESs within and between studies by adding study or ES characteristics as fixed predictors. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes of our meta-analysis were mean ES estimates across all studies and for levels of candidate moderators. These ES values were based on measures of symptoms, functioning, and other outcomes assessed within the 52 randomized trials. RESULTS Evidence-based psychotherapies outperformed usual care. Mean ES was 0.29; the probability was 58% that a randomly selected youth would have a better outcome after EBP than a randomly selected youth after receiving usual care. The following 3 variables moderated treatment benefit: ESs decreased for studies conducted outside North America, for studies in which all participants were impaired enough to qualify for diagnoses, and for outcomes reported by informants other than the youths and parents in therapy. For certain key groups (eg, studies of clinically referred samples and youths with diagnoses), significant EBP effects were not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Evidence-based psychotherapies outperform usual care, but the EBP advantage is modest and moderated by youth, location, and assessment characteristics. The EBPs have room for improvement in the magnitude and range of their benefit relative to usual clinical care.
Computing Vertex Normals from Polygonal Facets

Abstract The method most commonly used to estimate the normal vector at a vertex of a polygonal surface averages the normal vectors of the facets incident to the vertex considered. The vertex normal obtained in this way may vary depending on the tessellation of the polygonal surface since the normal of each incident facet contributes equally to the normal in the vertex. To overcome this drawback, we extend the method so that it also incorporates the geometric contribution of each facet, considering the angle under which a facet is incident to the vertex in question.
Evaluation of the ECAT Exact HR+ 3D PET Scanner in H2 15O Brain Activition Studies: Dose Fractionation Strategies for rCBF and Signal Enhancing Protocols

We evaluated the performance of the ECAT EXACT HR+ 3-D whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scanner when employed to measure brain function using H2(15)O bolus activation protocols that are completed in single same-day data acquisition sessions. Using vibrotactile and auditory stimuli as independent activation tasks, we studied the scanner performance under different imaging conditions in five healthy volunteers. Cerebral blood flow images were acquired from each volunteer using H2(15)O bolus injections of activity varying from 5-20 mCi. One-session dose-fractionation strategies were analyzed for rCBF, standard activity-concentration, switched, and cold-bolus/switched protocols. Performance characteristics. The scanner dead time grew linearly with injected dose from 10% to 25%. Random events varied from 30% to 50% of the detected events. Random and scattered events were corrected adequately at all doses. Estimated noise-effective-count curves plateau at about 10 mCi. One-session 12-injection bolus PET activation protocols. Using an acquisition protocol that accounts for the scanner performance and the practical aspects of imaging volunteers and neurological patients in a single same-day session, we assessed the correlation between the significance of activation foci and the dose/injection used. The one-session protocol employs 12 bolus injections/subject. We present evidence suggesting that when an rCBF protocol is used, image noise is reduced significantly when the activity injected increases from 5 to 10 mCi. Increasing the dose from 10 to 15 or 20 mCi yielded further but smaller reductions. Our observations also suggest that image noise will be strongly reduced if a 20-mCi dose/injection is used when data are collected using protocols that employ long acquisition times such as a switched or a cold-bolus/switched protocol.
A physically based model of ice

Animations of freezing and ice formation are becoming increasingly popular in visual effects, making prominent appearances in such recent movies as X-Men 2, The Hulk, and Die Another Day. However, the methods for modeling and animating these patterns remain fairly ad-hoc. In this sketch, we present a complete physical model for simulating ice formation. Inspired by the three stages of solidification commonly known in statistical physics [Saito 1996], we model each stage explicitly, and design a novel algorithm that is well suited for visual simulation. Due to the fractal nature of ice, our algorithm scales naturally from the small crystal arms of a snowflake to the large frost on a car windshield. The algorithm also allows for natural, intuitive controls so that the user can guide the results toward a desired aesthetic effect.
HPA axis reactivity in chronic pelvic pain: association with depression

Objectives. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a frequent gynecological complaint. The pathophysiology of CPP is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of depressive symptoms is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in CPP. Methods. We measured neuroendocrine responses to a standardized social stress test and to a standard adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)1–24 stimulation test in 18 patients with CPP, stratified based on the presence of high versus low self-reported depressive symptoms, compared with 24 controls. Results. Women with CPP and low depression exhibited enhanced ACTH responses to psychosocial stress compared with women with CPP and high depression, whereas there were no differences in cortisol responses. In the ACTH1–24 stimulation test, CPP patients with high depression demonstrated enhanced cortisol responses. Conclusion. These results suggest a relationship between self-reported depression and reactivity of the HPA axis in patients with CPP.
A holistic view of stream partitioning costs

Stream processing has become the dominant processing model for monitoring and real-time analytics. Modern Parallel Stream Processing Engines (pSPEs) have made it feasible to increase the performance in both monitoring and analytical queries by parallelizing a query's execution and distributing the load on multiple workers. A determining factor for the performance of a pSPE is the partitioning algorithm used to disseminate tuples to workers. Until now, partitioning methods in pSPEs have been similar to the ones used in parallel databases and only recently load-aware algorithms have been employed to improve the effectiveness of parallel execution. We identify and demonstrate the need to incorporate aggregation costs in the partitioning model when executing stateful operations in parallel, in order to minimize the overall latency and/or through-put. Towards this, we propose new stream partitioning algorithms, that consider both tuple imbalance and aggregation cost. We evaluate our proposed algorithms and show that they can achieve up to an order of magnitude better performance, compared to the current state of the art.
Stein's Method for Mean Field Approximations in Light and Heavy Traffic Regimes

Mean-field analysis is an analytical method for understanding large-scale stochastic systems such as large-scale data centers and communication networks. The idea is to approximate the stationary distribution of a large-scale stochastic system using the equilibrium point (called the mean-field limit) of a dynamical system (called the mean-field model). This approximation is often justified by proving the weak convergence of stationary distributions to its mean-field limit. Most existing mean-field models concerned the light-traffic regime where the load of the system, denote by ρ, is strictly less than one and is independent of the size of the system. This is because a traditional mean-field model represents the limit of the corresponding stochastic system. Therefore, the load of the mean-field model is ρ= limN→ ∞ ρ(N), where ρ(N) is the load of the stochastic system of size N. Now if ρ(N)→ 1 as N→ ∞ (i.e., in the heavy-traffic regime), then ρ=1. For most systems, the mean-field limits when ρ=1 are trivial and meaningless. To overcome this difficulty of traditional mean-field models, this paper takes a different point of view on mean-field models. Instead of regarding a mean-field model as the limiting system of large-scale stochastic system, it views the equilibrium point of the mean-field model, called a mean-field solution, simply as an approximation of the stationary distribution of the finite-size system. Therefore both mean-field models and solutions can be functions of N. This paper first outlines an analytical method to bound the approximation error based on Stein's method and the perturbation theory. We further present two examples: the M/M/N queueing system and the supermarket model under the power-of-two-choices algorithm. For both applications, the method enables us to characterize the system performance under a broad range of traffic loads. For the supermarket model, this is the first paper that rigorously quantifies the steady-state performance of the-power-of-two-choices in the heavy-traffic regime. These results in the heavy-traffic regime cannot be obtained using the traditional mean-field analysis and the interchange of the limits.
Evaluation and intermethod comparison of the Bio-Rad high-performance liquid chromatographic method for plasma total homocysteine.

Total homocysteine (tHcy) is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism and atherosclerosis (1); hence, there has been an strong interest in developing the most robust methodology for its quantification (2). Reduction and derivatization followed by HPLC separation and fluorescent detection is the most widely applied technique (3). The most frequently used derivatizing agents are the halogen sulfonylbenzofurans [7-benzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-4-sulfonic acid (SBD-F) and 4-aminosulfonyl-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxdiazole (ABD-F)] because of their good tHcy-adduct stability and high HPLC resolution. In this study, we evaluated a new HPLC fluorescence assay (Bio-Rad® Laboratories) that uses ABD-F as the derivatizing agent for quantification of tHcy. Less sample handling, faster reduction, and derivatization with optimized HPLC separation make this assay less laborious and thus improve specimen throughput. Using patient samples, we compared this ABD-F assay with an HPLC fluorescence assay that uses SBD-F as the derivatizing agent and with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method (Axis® Biochemicals) that requires reduction and conversion of tHcy to S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) before solid-phase competitive immunoassay that uses a monoclonal anti-SAH antibody. All subjects underwent a >11-h overnight fast. Blood was collected in EDTA anticoagulant tubes cooled to <4 °C, and the plasma was removed from the cells within 1 h in a refrigerated centrifuge (<10 °C). Aliquots of plasma were prepared for each subsequent method and were kept at −20 °C until analysis. The Axis EIA assay method was used with no modifications to the recently published protocol (4). For the ABD-F assay, equivalent 50-μL volumes of plasma and internal standard were mixed with 50 μL and 100 μL of trialkylphosphine and ABD-F, the reducing and derivatizing agents, respectively. Samples were then incubated at 60 °C for 7 min and then at 4 °C for 7 min, followed by trichloroacetic acid precipitation of plasma proteins. The supernatant was removed for …
Stabilometry and one‐leg hop test have high test‐retest reliability

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of repeated measurements and a possible learning or tiring process in single‐limb stabilometry and one‐leg hop test. An additional purpose was to study the correlation between different stabilometric variables. Seventy‐five healthy subjects were examined twice with a median interval of 7 d, and with three consecutive measurements on each occasion. Single‐limb stabilometry and one‐leg hop test were found to have high reliability (ICC r= 0.68–0.83 and 0.96, respectively). The correlation between consecutive measurements was acceptable to high in stabilometry (r= 0.42–0.90, P=0.002–P<0.001) and high in the one‐leg hop test (r=0.91–0.97, P<0.001). A learning process over time was observed. The correlation between the stabilometric variables was high (r=0.73–0.95, P<0.001).
Chemicogenetic Restoration of the Prefrontal Cortex to Amygdala Pathway Ameliorates Stress-Induced Deficits

Corticosteroid stress hormones exert a profound impact on cognitive and emotional processes. Understanding the neuronal circuits that are altered by chronic stress is important for counteracting the detrimental effects of stress in a brain region- and cell type-specific manner. Using the chemogenetic tool, Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), which enables the remote, noninvasive and long-lasting modulation of cellular activity and signal transduction in discrete neuronal populations in vivo, we sought to identify the specific pathways that play an essential role in stress responses. We found that prolonged severe stress induced the diminished glutamatergic projection from pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortex (PFC) to GABAergic interneurons in basolateral amygdala (BLA), leading to the loss of feedforward inhibition and ensuing hyperexcitability of BLA principal neurons, which caused a variety of behavioral abnormalities. Activating PFC pyramidal neurons with hM3D(Gq) DREADD restored the functional connection between PFC and BLA in stressed animals, resulting in the rescue of recognition memory, normalization of locomotor activity and reduction of aggressive behaviors. Inhibiting BLA principal neurons directly with hM4D(Gi) DREADD also blocked BLA hyperactivity and aggressive behaviors in stressed animals. These results have offered an effective avenue to counteract the stress-induced disruption of circuitry homeostasis.
Community Readiness for Local Smoke-Free Policy Change

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to use the Community Readiness Model to examine local smoke-free policy development. Design, Setting, and Subjects. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to assess 64 Kentucky communities. Dimensions of readiness included a community's knowledge of the problem and existing voluntary smoke-free policies; leadership for policy development; resources for policy development; climate surrounding policy development; existing voluntary policy efforts; and political climate for policy development. Dimension scores were summed to identify one of six overall readiness stages: (1) unawareness; (2) vague awareness; (3) preplanning; (4) preparation; (5) initiation; and (6) endorsement. Analyses. Correlations between dimensions and overall readiness scores were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate regional trends, and multiple regression was used to assess the influence of sociodemographic/political variables on policy readiness. Results. The knowledge dimension rated highest, and community climate rated lowest. Most communities were in the lower stages of readiness. No relationship was found between overall readiness and region (F[4,59] = 1.17; p > .05); nor were there regional differences among dimension scores. Smaller communities were less ready for local policy development than larger ones (adjusted R2 = .25; p = .003). Conclusions. The Community Readiness Model is appropriate for understanding local policy development, and it provides advocates with information that may prove helpful in advancing smoke-free policy. (Am J Health Promot 2008;23[2]:112–120.)
The researcher as hooligan: where ‘participant’ observation means breaking the law

This article focuses on the problems faced by researchers carrying out participant observation in fields where the committal of criminal offences is the norm. Can participation in criminal activity by a researcher be justified on the grounds that it is necessary to prevent the distortion of the field? Alternatively, can the difficulties in gaining and maintaining access in such spheres excuse such conduct? The article considers the current guidance given to researchers in the social sciences and the peculiar pressures placed on them when carrying out fieldwork in ‘criminal’ areas. Examples from the author’s own experiences carrying out covert participant observation within crowds of ‘risk’ football supporters are used to illustrate that in such fields the committal of offences can be unavoidable and that further guidance – but not regulation – is required to protect academics carrying out this type of research.
Hyperactive behavior and minor physical anomalies

ABSTRACT– Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are congenital abnormalities of body structure which reflect fetal maldevelopment. They originate in the same embryonic layer that produces the central nervous system, and it is reasoned that MPAs are markers of nervous system anomalies. High MPA counts have been associated with hyperactive behavior in normal and clinical populations of boys, and with inhibited behavior in normal groups of girls. The present sample of children from a longitudinal study of a Danish birth cohort show no significant sex differences in mean number of MPAs, but the male hyperactivity‐MPA relation and the female inhibition‐MPA relation is supported in this non‐clinical sample. MPAs are not recommended for use in clinical screening or diagnosis at this time, but the evidence of a congenital, biological component to hyperactive behavior may eventually have useful implications for prevention and/or intervention.
Genetics of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts

With an average worldwide prevalence of approximately 1.2/1000 live births, orofacial clefts are the most common craniofacial birth defects in humans. Like other complex disorders, these birth defects are thought to result from the complex interplay of multiple genes and environmental factors. Significant progress in the identification of underlying genes and pathways has benefited from large populations available for study, increased international collaboration, rapid advances in genotyping technology, and major improvements in analytic approaches. Here we review recent advances in genetic epidemiological approaches to complex traits and their applications to studies of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts. Our main aim is to bring together a discussion of new and previously identified candidate genes to create a more cohesive picture of interacting pathways that shape the human craniofacial region. In future directions, we highlight the need to search for copy number variants that affect gene dosage and rare variants that are possibly associated with a higher disease penetrance. In addition, sequencing of protein-coding regions in candidate genes and screening for genetic variation in noncoding regulatory elements will help advance this important area of research.
Virtual Colonoscopy Compared With Conventional Colonoscopy for Stricturing Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn's Disease

BackgroundThe place of virtual colonoscopy (VC) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) requiring endoscopic follow-up after surgery is unknown. The authors compared findings from VC versus conventional colonoscopy (CC) for assessing the postoperative recurrence of CD. MethodsSixteen patients with ileocolonic anastomosis for CD were prospectively enrolled from January 2001 to January 2002. Recurrence was assessed by CC according to Rutgeerts et al. VC was performed with a computed tomography scanner, with images examined by three radiologists who were unaware of the endoscopic findings. ResultsCC showed perianastomotic recurrence in 15 of 16 patients. Perianastomotic narrowing or stenosis was detected by VC in 11 of these 15 patients. There were 11 true positive, 1 true negative, 0 false-positive, and 4 false-negative findings (73% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 20% negative predictive value, 75% accuracy). Among the eight patients showing a rigid stenosis of the anastomosis not allowing passage of the colonoscope, VC detected narrowing or stenosis in seven patients. ConclusionsThe current findings suggest that although the widespread use of VC in CD is currently not indicated because of possible false-negative findings, this technique may represent an alternative to CC in noncompliant postsurgical patients with a rigid stenosis not allowing passage of the endoscope.
Realizing Cooperative Multiuser OFDMA Systems with Subcarrier Resource Allocation

Cooperative multiuser OFDMA is an important technology for current and future wireless communications systems. A critical part of this technology is performing multiuser subcarrier resource allocation and a wide variety of techniques have been suggested that can increase overall throughput, decrease total transmit power or improve other key performance measures. A particular subcarrier resource allocation approach that is of interest in this paper is a method based on nodes that transmit and receive on adjacent OFDM subcarriers simultaneously. This approach has shown significant promise, but its feasibility has not been fully investigated. In particular there will be a performance tradeoff in realistic systems as adjacent subcarriers will not be completely isolated and there will be interference on the receiving subcarriers that are adjacent to those that are transmitting. In this paper we look into the performance of such cooperative OFDMA systems under realistic conditions. We propose a transceiver structure to reduce the interference between transmitting subcarriers and receiving subcarriers. Its performance in terms of signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) is evaluated by both analysis and simulation and is incorporated into a recently proposed cooperation strategy for OFDMA systems to examine its performance under the realistic structure. It is shown that although the cooperation strategy suffers from performance degradation due to the residual interference between the transmitting and receiving subcarriers, it still outperforms the conventional cooperation schemes.