Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and stress urinary incontinence) are very common in breast cancer survivors and cannot be managed with standard estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in these patients. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a comprehensive menopausal assessment (CMA) intervention program in achieving relief of symptoms, the improvement in quality of life (QOL), and sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors. METHODS Using a two-group, randomized controlled design, we assigned 76 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with at least one severe target symptom either to the intervention group or to a usual-care group. Seventy-two women were evaluable at the end of the study period. The CMA intervention, delivered by a nurse practitioner, focused on symptom assessment, education, counseling and, as appropriate, specific pharmacologic and behavioral interventions for each of the three target symptoms. Psychosocial symptoms were assessed with the use of a self-report screening instrument, and distressed women were referred for counseling if needed. The intervention took place over a 4-month period. Outcomes measured were scores on a composite menopausal symptom scale, the RAND Short Form Health Survey Vitality Scale, and the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES) Sexual Functioning Scale at baseline and at 4-month follow-up. All statistical tests were two-sided and were performed at the alpha =. 05 significance level. RESULTS Patients receiving the intervention demonstrated statistically significant improvement (P =.0004) in menopausal symptoms but no significant change in vitality (P =.77). Sexual functioning was statistically significantly improved (P =.04) in the treatment group compared with the usual-care group. CONCLUSIONS A clinical assessment and intervention program for menopausal symptom management in breast cancer survivors is feasible and acceptable to patients, leading to reduction in symptoms and improvement in sexual functioning. Measurable improvement in a general QOL measure was not demonstrated.
The parabolic Anderson model in a dynamic random environment: Basic properties of the quenched Lyapunov exponent

In this paper we study the parabolic Anderson equation \partial u(x,t)/\partial t=\kappa\Delta u(x,t)+\xi(x,t)u(x,t), x\in\Z^d, t\geq 0, where the u-field and the \xi-field are \R-valued, \kappa \in [0,\infty) is the diffusion constant, and $\Delta$ is the discrete Laplacian. The initial condition u(x,0)=u_0(x), x\in\Z^d, is taken to be non-negative and bounded. The solution of the parabolic Anderson equation describes the evolution of a field of particles performing independent simple random walks with binary branching: particles jump at rate 2d\kappa, split into two at rate \xi\vee 0, and die at rate (-\xi)\vee 0. Our goal is to prove a number of basic properties of the solution u under assumptions on $\xi$ that are as weak as possible. Throughout the paper we assume that $\xi$ is stationary and ergodic under translations in space and time, is not constant and satisfies \E(|\xi(0,0)|)<\infty, where \E denotes expectation w.r. t. \xi. Under a mild assumption on the tails of the distribution of \xi, we show that the solution to the parabolic Anderson equation exists and is unique for all \kappa\in [0,\infty). Our main object of interest is the quenched Lyapunov exponent \lambda_0(\kappa)=\lim_{t\to\infty}\frac{1}{t}\log u(0,t). Under certain weak space-time mixing conditions on \xi, we show the following properties: (1)\lambda_0(\kappa) does not depend on the initial condition u_0; (2)\lambda_0(\kappa)<\infty for all \kappa\in [0,\infty); (3)\kappa \mapsto \lambda_0(\kappa) is continuous on [0,\infty) but not Lipschitz at 0. We further conjecture: (4)\lim_{\kappa\to\infty}[\lambda_p(\kappa)-\lambda_0(\kappa)]=0 for all p\in\N, where \lambda_p (\kappa)=\lim_{t\to\infty}\frac{1}{pt}\log\E([u(0,t)]^p) is the p-th annealed Lyapunov exponent. Finally, we prove that our weak space-time mixing conditions on \xi are satisfied for several classes of interacting particle systems.
A temporal multi-frequency encoding technique for chipless RFID based on c-sections

A time domain chipless RFID tag based on cascaded microstrip coupled transmission line sections (C-sections), which can operate in multi-frequency bands is presented. The group delay characteristics of the C-sections are exploited to generate the tag Identiflcation (ID). The tag comprises cascaded commensurate group of C-sections and two cross-polarized ultra wide-band (UWB) antennas. Since the proposed tag can operate in multi-frequency bands, this paper proves the possibility of increasing the coding capacity compared to the existing time domain designs. A tag operating at ISM (Industrial Scientiflc and Medical) bands at 2.45GHz and 5.8GHz together with conformance of frequency and power regulations is discussed elaborately. The prototype of the device is fabricated and validated experimentally. The time domain characteristic of the tag is also validated experimentally by interrogating a short pulse. Furthermore, measurement results using commercial Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radar which can be used as a chipless RFID reader is also incorporated. The obtained results conflrm the concept and the possibility of using temporal multi-frequency in chipless RFID.
Risk factors for therapeutic ERCP-related complications: an analysis of 2,715 cases performed by a single endoscopist

Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is now the exclusive endoscopic therapeutic modality for biliary as well as pancreatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate patient- and procedure-related risk factors for post-ERCP complications in a large-scale study of procedures performed by a single experienced endoscopist. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study which included a total of 2,715 therapeutic ERCPs enrolled in the final analysis. Potential important patient- and procedure-related risk factors for overall post-ERCP complications, pancreatitis and post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Following the first therapeutic ERCP, 327 patients suffered complications; pancreatitis was observed in 132 (4.9%) patients, hemorrhage in 122 (4.5%) patients, cholangitis in 63 (2.3%) patients, perforation in 3 (0.11%) patients, and basket impaction in 7 (0.26%) patients. History of acute pancreatitis was more common in patients with post-ERCP complications (P<0.001). Female gender, young age (<40 years), periampullary diverticulum, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, metal stent placement, opacification of main pancreatic duct and suprapapillary fistulotomy were not found to be risk factors for overall post-ERCP complications and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Multivariate analysis showed a history of acute pancreatitis, difficult cannulation, needle-knife papillotomy, transpancreatic sphincterotomy, opacification of first and second class pancreatic ductules and acinarization as independent risk factors for overall complications and PEP, whereas antiplatelet and anticoagulation drug use were not found to be independent risk factors for post-ES bleeding. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that the endoscopist’s experience reduces patient- and procedure-related risk factors for post-ERCP complications.
Adult age differences in the functional neuroanatomy of verbal recognition memory

Adult age differences are frequently observed in the performance of memory tasks, but the changes in neural function mediating these differences are largely unknown. We used H215O positron emission tomography (PET) to measure changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during Encoding, Baseline, and Retrieval conditions of a recognition memory task. Twelve young adults (20–29 years) and 12 older adults (62–79 years) participated. During each task condition, participants made a two‐choice manual response to each of 64 words. Analyses of the performance data yielded evidence of age‐related slowing of encoding and retrieval processes, and an age‐related decline in the accuracy of yes/no recognition (d'). The rCBF activation associated with both encoding and retrieval was greater for older adults than for young adults, but this pattern was more clearly evident for memory retrieval. For young adults, rCBF activation during retrieval occurred primarily in right prefrontal cortex, whereas older adults exhibited a more bilateral pattern of prefrontal activation. Regression analyses predicting reaction time in the memory task from regional PET counts confirmed that the neural system mediating memory retrieval is more widely distributed for older adults than for young adults. Both age groups exhibited some decrease in rCBF activation in the second half of the test session, relative to the first half. The practice‐related decrease in rCBF activation was more prominent for young adults, suggesting that the older adults' recruitment of additional neural systems reflects a more continual allocation of attention to support task performance. Hum. Brain Mapping 7:115–135, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Materials and Methods Bacterial Strains Whole-genome Characterization and Strain Comparison of Vt2f- Producing Escherichia Coli Causing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

RESEARCH Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections in humans cause disease ranging from uncomplicated intestinal illnesses to bloody diarrhea and systemic sequelae, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Previous research indicated that pigeons may be a reservoir for a population of verotoxigenic E. coli producing the VT2f variant. We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize a set of VT2f-producing E. coli strains from human patients with diarrhea or HUS and from healthy pigeons. We describe a phage conveying the vtx2f genes and provide evidence that the strains causing milder diarrheal disease may be transmitted to humans from pigeons. The strains causing HUS could derive from VT2f phage acquisition by E. coli strains with a virulence genes asset resembling that of typical HUS-associated verotoxi-genic E. coli. V erotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) infections in humans cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from uncomplicated forms of intestinal illnesses to bloody diarrhea and systemic sequelae, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) (1). The most severe forms are caused by the damage inflicted by the verocytotoxins (VTs) to the target cells in the intestinal mucosa and the renal blood vessels (1). The genes encoding the verocytotoxins (vtx) are harbored by lambdoid bacteriophages, which can be transferred to multiple bacterial hosts, generating a great diversity in the bacterial types that produce such toxins (2). The most well-known VTEC serogroup, O157, inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, especially cattle. However, this and other VTEC serotypes have been isolated from the feces of several other animal species, including deer, pigs, horses, cats, dogs, and wild birds (3). During a program aimed at the control of the pigeon population in Rome, Italy during 1998, G. Dell'Omo et al. observed that this animal species was a carrier of VTEC (4). In that study, VTEC of multiple serogroups were isolated from ≈10% of the animals tested. Of 16 VTEC, 15 carried the eae gene encoding the intimin and featured genetic determinants that produced a subtype of verocyto-toxin type 2 not described before, later designated VT2f (4–6). The finding of such a high prevalence of VTEC in pigeons living in Rome led to further research into these bacteria in this and other bird species worldwide. Almost all these studies succeeded in isolating VTEC, with prevalence ranging 3% to >19% in different countries and bird species; most VTEC isolated from pigeon feces and cloa-cal swab samples harbored the genes encoding the VT2f subtype (7–10). …
The Influence of Community Socioeconomic Class, Location, and Culture on Effective School Linkages for Preschool Students with Disabilities *

The purpose of this article is to examine the extent to which, and in what ways, community characteristics of socioeconomic class; rural , small-town, suburban, or urban location ; and culture shape the educational experience of preschool students with disabilities, given the fact that all districts are charged with imple­ menting mandated educational policy for these children. Many groups within the education community have reached a consensus that early interven­ tion is one appropriate strategy for surmounting obstacles to student achievement (Council of Chief State School Officers, 1988; Ford Foundation, 1989 ; Kagan, 1989; National Governors Association, 1986) . Two separate early childhood education (ECE) agen­ das have emanated from the policy and service delivery system of special and general education. Part H of Public Law (P. L.) 99-457, The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, provides financial incentives for public schools to educate all children ages 3-5 with disabilities (Gallagher, Tro­ hanis, and Clifford, 1989) . Strong disincentives in­ clude loss of preschool incentive and discretionary grants, and loss of funding for children ages 3-5 under part B of P. L. 94142 . Concomitantly, general educa­ tors are requesting national reform initiatives for com­ prehensive ECE for all children, with a focus on eco­ nomically disadvantaged preschoolers who are considered at risk for educational failure (Coley and Goertz , 1987; Committee for Economic Development, 1987; Schweinhart, 1985 ; Slavin and Madden, 1989) .
Venture Capital Supply and Accounting Information System Development

One of the most important events in the early life-cycle of any entrepreneurial firm that harbors serious growth ambitions is the Infusion of external capital (Reid, 1996). This event can lead to significant changes in the firm's ownership composition. It affects its subsequent rate of growth and, consequently, its size and organizational structure. It is within the context of such changes that the managerial demand for information about the firm is stimulated. This study examines the origins and characteristics of developments in the accounting information systems (AIS) of firms that are going through this stage. It does so by investigating the consequences of venture capital1 intervention for the entrepreneurial firm, particularly as regards the characteristics of its accounting information system.
Aerospace Applications of Adjoint Theory

Maximum 200 words) The adjoint simulation method is an efficient, computerized method for the performance analysis of linear time varying (LTV) systems excited by deterministic and/or stochastic inputs. It is based on the impulse response function (or weighting function) of the so-called adjoint system an associated linear system derived from the original system by clever utilisation of the mathematical principle of duality. Once the adjoint system is obtained, the solution process using this method is quite straight forward regardless of the nature and number of inputs. In this report, we demonstrate the power of adjoint simulation in the context of guided missile homing loop studies and present a MATLAB tool that can be used for its speedy implementation and execution. The tool is demonstrated by using it to analyse the miss distance performance of a generic guided missile against an evading target.
Portal vein embolisation prior to extended right-sided hepatic resection.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether preoperative portal vein embolisation improves the operative outcome of patients undergoing extended right-sided hepatic resection for hepatobiliary malignancy. DESIGN Prospective non-randomised study. SETTING University teaching hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS Ninety-two patients underwent extended right-sided hepatic resection for hepatobiliary malignancy during a 45-month period (January 2000 to September 2003). Among them, 15 (16%) underwent portal vein embolisation via a percutaneous ipsilateral approach (n=9) or through the ileocolic vein with a mini-laparotomy (n=6). The remaining 77 (84%) patients underwent hepatic resection without portal vein embolisation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Operative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS Patients undergoing portal vein embolisation were older (69 years vs 55 years; P=0.009), and had significantly worse preoperative renal function (creatinine, 96 micromol/L vs 86 micromol/L; P=0.039) and liver function (bilirubin, 23 micromol/L vs 12 micromol/L; P<0.001). Portal vein embolisation resulted in an increase in the future liver remnant of 9% (interquartile range, 7-13%) of the estimated standard liver volume. The operating time for patients receiving portal vein embolisation was significantly longer (medium, 660 min vs 420 min; P<0.001) with more complicated surgery performed in terms of concomitant caudate lobectomy and hepaticojejunostomy. There was no hospital mortality in patients who underwent portal vein embolisation whereas five without the treatment died (P=0.587). The operative morbidity of patients who underwent portal vein embolisation and those who did not was 20% and 30%, respectively (P=0.543). CONCLUSIONS In older patients who have worse preoperative liver and renal functions, portal vein embolisation enhances the possibility to perform extended right-sided hepatic resection for hepatobiliary malignancies with potentially lower operative mortality and morbidity.
Physical parameters and performance values in starters and non-starters volleyball players: A brief research note

The aim of this paper was to investigate the anthropometric and strength characteristics of elite male volleyball athletes and determines if differences exist in these characteristics between starters (S) and non-starters players (NS). A group of 22 professional male team volleyball players participated in the study and the players were categorized as S (n= 13) and NS (n= 9). Anthropometric characteristics, countermovement jump, overhead medicine ball throwing and maximal dynamic strength were evaluated in all the subjects. Significant diferences in age, hight and weight were noticed between S and NS. There were no significant differences between the two groups in strength and power values, except for squat performance, where S were significant strong than NS. These findings provide normative data for elite male volleyball players competing in specific playing status. From a practical perspective, sport scientists and conditioning professionals should take specicif lower body strength characteristics of volleyball players into account when designing individualized training stauts specific training programmes.
Bias temperature instability investigation of double-gate FinFETs

Double-gate, fin-based Field Effect Transistors (FinFETs) fabricated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers were subjected to bias temperature instability (BTI) evaluation where focus was placed on the crystallographic sidewall orientation and fin width dependence. For orientation dependence, BTI results at negative stress bias (NBTI) demonstrated that the (110) fin surface degraded more than the (100) surface, because more surface bonds are available in (110) to participate as bond-breaking trap centers during stress. For fin width dependence, positive BTI experienced no dependence on fin width; however, NBTI degradation increased as the fin width narrowed. A plausible cause is a concentration of electrons tunneled from the gate that reside in the SOI fin body. As the fin narrows, the sidewall device channel region moves in closer proximity to these concentrated electrons, which induces more band bending (i.e., increase the surface potential) at the fin/dielectricinterface resulting in a higher electric field and hole concentration in this region during stress, leading to more degradation.
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): Factor Structure and Gender Equivalence in Norwegian Adolescents

Although frequently used with older adolescents, few studies of the factor structure, internal consistency and gender equivalence of the SDQ exists for this age group, with inconsistent findings. In the present study, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the five-factor structure of the SDQ in a population sample of 10,254 16–18 year-olds from the youth@hordaland study. Measurement invariance across gender was assessed using multigroup CFA. A modestly modified five-factor solution fitted the data acceptably, accounting for one cross loading and some local dependencies. Importantly, partial measurement non-invariance was identified, with differential item functioning in eight items, and higher correlations between emotional and conduct problems for boys compared to girls. Implications for use clinically and in research are discussed.
Running head : WAYFINDING IN COMPLEX BUILDINGS 1 Wayfinding Behaviors in Complex Buildings : The Impact of Environmental Legibility and Familiarity

To contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of human wayfinding behaviors in complex buildings, we propose a framework that incorporates the impact of critical factors from both the environment and humans. The influence of the environment is summarized through the concept of environmental legibility, an integration of different space syntax methods that addresses visibility, connectivity, and layout complexity of buildings. Human factors are assessed through psychometric tests, self-ratings for sense of direction, and a report of familiarity. To test this framework, we conducted behavioral experiments involving 24 novices and 28 experts. Three different processes of wayfinding—wayfinding performance, acquisition of spatial knowledge, and development of spatial awareness—were measured and evaluated. Results show that environmental legibility and individual differences impact all three processes. There is a predominant impact of environmental legibility on wayfinding performance and the development of spatial awareness. Not surprisingly, familiarity has a predominant impact on the acquisition of spatial knowledge.
Title: Is It the Sound or Your Relationship to It? the Role of Acceptance in Predicting Tinnitus Impact

Tinnitus is an experience of sound in the absence of an appropriate external source. A symptom that can accompany most central or peripheral dysfunctions of the auditory system, tinnitus can lead to significant distress, depression, anxiety, and decreases in life quality. This paper investigated the construct of psychological acceptance in a population of tinnitus patients. First, a cross-sectional study (N=77) was conducted in which a tinnitus specific acceptance questionnaire was developed. Results showed that a Tinnitus Acceptance Questionnaire (TAQ) generated good internal consistency. A factor solution was derived with two factors: activity engagement and tinnitus supression. Second, a longitudinal study (N=47) investigated the mediating role of acceptance on the relationship between tinnitus distress at baseline and tinnitus distress, anxiety, life quality, and depression at a 7 month follow up. The results showed full mediation of activity engagement for depression and life quality at follow up, partial mediation for tinnitus distress, and no mediation for anxiety. The role of acceptance in the negative impact of tinnitus distress merits further investigation.