RAND Corporation

About: RAND Corporation is a nonprofit organization based out in Santa Monica, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 9602 authors who have published 18570 publications receiving 744658 citations.

Computer-assisted delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in primary-care settings.

Abstract: Objectives: This article describes a computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed to support the delivery of evidenced-based CBT for the four most commonly occurring anxiety disorders (panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder) in primary-care settings. The purpose of the current report is to (1) present the structure and format of the computer-assisted CBT program, and (2) to present evidence for acceptance of the program by clinicians and the effectiveness of the program for patients. Methods: Thirteen clinicians using the computer-assisted CBT program with patients in our ongoing Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management study provided Likert-scale ratings and open-ended responses about the program. Rating scale data from 261 patients who completed at least one CBTsession were also collected Results: Overall, the program was highly rated and modally described as very helpful. Results indicate that the patients fully participated (i.e., attendance and homework compliance), understood the program material, and acquired CBT skills. In addition, significant and substantial improvements occurred to the same degree in randomly audited subsets of each of the four primary anxiety disorders (N 574), in terms of self ratings of anxiety, depression, and expectations for improvement. Conclusions: Computer-assisted CBT programs provide a

The Analytic Signal Representation of Modulated Waveforms

Abstract: This report offers a rather general and mathematically convenient formulation of analog-modulated signals which makes use of the analytic signal concept. Known types of modulation are readily identified as special cases. As a result of examining the various cases which the model embraces, a new type of modulation has been discovered-single sideband frequency modulation (SSB FM)?which can be derived from a conventional phase-modulated signal by an additional amplitude modulation, using the exponential function of the modulating signal's Hilbert transform. The resulting modulated signal will have a one-sided spectrum about the carrier frequency, will be compatible with existing FM receivers, and will cause a decrease in signal bandwidth.

A note on the Lemke-Howson algorithm

Abstract: The Lemke-Howson algorithm for bimatrix games provides both an elementary proof of the existence of equilibrium points and an efficient computational method for finding at least one equilibrium point. The first half of this paper presents a geometrical view of the algorithm that makes its operation especially easy to visualize. Several illustrations are given, including Wilson’s example of “inaccessible” equilibrium points. The second half presents an orientation theory for the equilibrium points of (nondegenerate) bimatrix games and the Lemke-Howson paths that interconnect them; in particular, it is shown that there is always one more “negative” than “positive” equilibrium point.

Stress Crossover in Newlywed Marriage: A Longitudinal and Dyadic Perspective

Abstract: Studies of stress and marital quality often assess stress as an intrapersonal phenomenon, examining how spouses’ stress may influence their own relationship well-being. Yet spouses’ stress also may influence partners’ relationship evaluations, a phenomenon referred to as stress crossover. This study examined stress crossover, and conditions that may facilitate crossover, in a sample of 169 newlywed couples over 3.5 years. A significant crossover effect emerged for husbands, which was moderated by couples’ observed conflict resolution skills. For wives, a significant stress interaction emerged, such that the influence of husbands’ stress on wives’ marital satisfaction depended on wives’ own stress levels. These findings highlight the importance of a dyadic approach when examining the role of stress in marriage.