125 research outputs found
Delta-Decision Procedures for Exists-Forall Problems over the Reals
Solving nonlinear SMT problems over real numbers has wide applications in
robotics and AI. While significant progress is made in solving quantifier-free
SMT formulas in the domain, quantified formulas have been much less
investigated. We propose the first delta-complete algorithm for solving
satisfiability of nonlinear SMT over real numbers with universal quantification
and a wide range of nonlinear functions. Our methods combine ideas from
counterexample-guided synthesis, interval constraint propagation, and local
optimization. In particular, we show how special care is required in handling
the interleaving of numerical and symbolic reasoning to ensure
delta-completeness. In experiments, we show that the proposed algorithms can
handle many new problems beyond the reach of existing SMT solvers
The Quadruple Helix Model of Libraries: The Role of Public Libraries in Newcastle upon Tyne
Why do pro forma and Street earnings not reflect changes in GAAP? Evidence from SFAS 123R
The suitability of sham treatments for use as placebo controls in trials of spinal manipulative therapy: A pilot study
Despite the augmented use and dependence on manual therapy (MT), there are still calls from both within and outside the MT professions to provide robust evidence that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) induces therapeutic effects beyond placebo. To facilitate this, placebo or 'sham' treatments, the development of which is notoriously difficult, must be used in rigorously controlled trials. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of different shams as controls in SMT trials.A repeated measures, single-blind, randomised trial was conducted on 10 asymptomatic subjects. Pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) were measured at 2 sites, local and systemic, before and after the application of either high-velocity low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT), sham functional technique (SFT), sham ultrasound (SUS) or no intervention control (NIC) to the cervico-thoracic (CT) junctional area. Treatment credibility was then assessed using a 4-point Likert Scale in response to 4 statements.Results demonstrated no significant change in PPT following any of the interventions, irrespective of site tested. The effect sizes for all interventions were considered small (d = <0.2). There were significant differences in Likert Scale responses for each statement (P < 0.001), with SUS eliciting significantly different responses as compared to SFT and NIC but not, predominantly, with HVLAT.SUS is implicated as being the most effective sham, having high fidelity to subjects' perceptions of a 'real' treatment, whilst being therapeutically inert i.e. results in no significant change in clinical status. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd
A new approach to HLA typing designed for solid organ transplantation:Epityping and its application to the HLA-A locus
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