Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model of Hospital-Supported Discharge After Stroke

Background and Purpose— Readmission rate within 6 months after a stroke is 40% to 50%. The purpose of the project was to evaluate whether an interdisciplinary stroke team could reduce length of hospital stay, readmission rate, increase patient satisfaction and reduce dependency of help. Methods— One hundred and ninety-eight patients with acute stroke were randomized into 103 patients whose discharge was supported by an interdisciplinary stroke team and 95 control patients who received standard aftercare. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the 2 groups. The patients were evaluated after 6 and 12 months regarding functional status and need for help. Results— Length of hospital admission was insignificantly shorter in the intervention compared with the control group (35.2 versus 39.8 days). There was no significant difference in readmission, GP-visits, and primary health care services. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in functional scores or patient satisfaction. Conclusions— In this setting we could not show benefit of an interdisciplinary stroke team supporting patients at discharge perhaps because standard aftercare was very efficient already.
Mechanisms in psychosocial interventions for adults living with cancer: opportunity for integration of theory, research, and practice.

OBJECTIVE The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are highly stressful experiences that can profoundly affect emotional and physical well-being. Hundreds of longitudinal investigations that identify risk and protective factors for psychological and physical adjustment in adults living with cancer and numerous randomized controlled psychosocial intervention trials constitute the relevant knowledge base on factors that promote quality of life and health in this group. A critical step for the development of maximally effective interventions is to attend to the mechanisms by which interventions achieve their effects. Our goals in this article are to provide a rationale for theoretical and empirical consideration of mediating processes in intervention research, review existing randomized psychosocial intervention trials for adults diagnosed with cancer that include evaluation of mediators, and offer recommendations for research. METHOD We draw from the existing conceptual and empirical literature regarding examination of mediating processes and review 16 randomized controlled trials that include evaluations of mediators. RESULTS The current conceptual and empirical literature on evaluating mediators of interventions provides robust rationales and procedures for testing mediators of psychosocial interventions for adults diagnosed with cancer. Promising classes of mediators include alterations in cognitions (i.e., expectancies, illness representations), self-efficacy for using coping strategies and other skills targeted by the intervention, psychological and physical symptoms related to cancer (e.g., mood disturbance, pain), and psychosocial resources (e.g., self-esteem). CONCLUSIONS Focused attention to mechanisms underlying the efficacy of interventions can help integrate theory, research, and practice to promote the well-being and health of individuals with cancer.
Neutron transmutation doping effects in GaN

The effects of neutron transmutation doping were studied for undoped (residual donor concentrations <1015 cm−3) GaN films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. After irradiation with reactor neutrons (equal fluences of 1.5×1017 n/cm2 of thermal and fast neutrons) the sample became semi-insulating, with the Fermi level pinned near Ec−0.8 eV. Isochronal annealing from 100 to 1000 °C showed three stages—slight recovery of conductivity at 200–300 °C, reverse annealing at 300–500 °C, and a broad recovery stage from 600 to 1000 °C. After annealing at 1000 °C, the donor concentration in the sample was close to the expected concentration of Ge donors transformed from Ga atoms upon interaction with thermal neutrons (2×1016 cm−3). Admittance spectroscopy showed that the donors had ionization energies ∼Ea=0.2 eV, much deeper than substitutional Ge donors. For intermediate annealing temperatures of 800 °C the donors were deeper (Ea=0.47 eV), but the proximity of concentrations of all these different center.
V-band (57–66 GHz) planar antennas for WPAN applications

In this paper we present two planar V-band antennas for wireless personal area networks applications. Both of them are implemented on conventional single layer substrates that can serve as packaging for integrated transceivers. Antennas on low- and high-permittivity substrate are investigated and their performances are discussed. The antenna on low-permittivity substrate is shown to have gain higher than 10 dBi and return loss better than 10 dB in 57–66GHz frequency band. The other antenna is demonstrated to have similar characteristics only in two sub-bands of the frequency range due to poor manufacturing quality and higher order mode excitation.
Korean-Chinese statistical translation model

Korean and Chinese belong to different language families and there are very few researches on statistical machine translation between them. The word order of these two languages is quite different. Korean is considered as a morphologically rich language when compared to Chinese. Hence, in translating Korean into Chinese, more linguistic knowledge is required to achieve a better translation result. This paper presents a Korean to Chinese machine translation system by incorporating different linguistic data of Korean into the translation model. A state-of-the-art factored translation model is employed to verify the goodness of the proposed approach, which is efficient not only for the European languages, but also for Korean and Chinese. Experimental results demonstrate the solid evidence that the proposed method is able to achieve a better performance by integrating different types of linguistic information.
Mechanical Characteristics Analysis of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Cementitious Materials

Recently, research on alkali-activated concrete that does not use cement as binder has been actively conducted. This alkali-activated concrete is a cement zero concrete which, instead of cement, is activated by alkali solution using fly ash known to be rich of Si and Al and enables to reduce effectively the emission of CO2 gas. This paper presents a basic study for the manufacture of cementless concrete using 100% of fly ash. To that goal, the mechanical characteristics of cementless concrete is evaluated according to the age and the variation of the molar concentration of the alkali activator with focus on the identification of the reaction mechanism. The experimental results show that larger molar concentration elutes larger quantities of Si4+ and Al3+. Specifically, approximately twice larger quantities of Si4+ and Al3+ were eluted for molar concentrations of 9M and 12M than 6M. The formation of gel at the surface of fly ash appeared to be caused by the stronger activation of fly ash in higher alkali environment. The resulting compressive strengths per age indicated that the strength of concrete could be controlled according to the molar concentration of NaOH. Moreover, results also demonstrated that a molar concentration of 9M for NaOH seems to be appropriate to secure a strength superior to 40MPa as the reference for high strength concrete in ordinary concrete.
A mesh-tearing sub-entire domain basis function method for improved electromagnetic analysis of strong-coupled cube array

A mesh-tearing sub-entire domain (MTSED) basis function method for improved electromagnetic (EM) scattering analysis of strong-coupled finite periodic structures is proposed in this paper. By tearing the coarse mesh of classic SED basis function into several smaller ones, the modeling precision for strong-coupled arrays can be improved more than 13dB maximally with less than four times computational time increasing compared to classic SED method. The mesh-tearing technique based on both simplified SED (MTSSED) basis function and accurate SED (MTASED) basis function are also investigated in detail. The detailed algorithm is presented and the numerical results demonstrate that the proposed MTSED method is an accurate method for electromagnetic scattering analysis of strong-coupled periodic structures.
Characterization of composite materials using a two-scale asymptotic homogenization method

The two-scale asymptotic homogenization method is used for the evaluation of the behavior of composite materials with periodic structures, which includes not only the capability to compute effective macroscopic properties of the material but also approximations to the behavior of the material in terms of its microscopic geometry. A software, using finite element methods, has been developed to implement the homogenization methodology. Thermal, elastic, visco-elastic, and piezoelectric properties are treated for continuous parallel fibers, short fibers, ellipsoidal inclusions, foams and woven fabric composites. Results obtained from the proposed model are compared with those obtained from fully 3-D finite element simulation of the elasticity problem.
Valentino: A Tool for Valence Shifting of Natural Language Texts

In this paper a first implementation of a tool for valence shifting of natural language texts, named Valentino (VALENced Text INOculator), is presented. Valentino can modify existing textual expressions towards more positively or negatively valenced versions. To this end we built specific resources gathering various valenced terms that are semantically or contextually connected, and implemented strategies that uses these resources for substituting input terms.
Contrast-enhanced CT of intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinoma: delay time for optimal imaging.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal time for obtaining delayed images with contrast-enhanced CT in patients who have intrahepatic or hilar cholangiocarcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS CT studies were performed in 25 consecutive patients with proven cholangiocarcinoma, including six patients who had undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Dynamic images of the liver were obtained after 150 ml of IV contrast material was administered at 3 ml/sec. Delayed CT images were then obtained at 10, 20, and 30 min. Tumor-liver attenuation difference was determined quantitatively for each time period. Images were qualitatively evaluated by three observers for attenuation of the tumor (hypoattenuating, isoattenuating, or hyperattenuating) relative to the liver. Observer confidence for tumor detection was graded on a four-point scale. Dynamic and delayed images were compared for tumor conspicuity. RESULTS On dynamic images, 18 tumors (72%) were hypoattenuating, six (24%) were isoattenuating, and one was heterogeneous. On delayed images, 15 (60%) of these 25 tumors were isoattenuating and nine (36%) were hyperattenuating compared with the liver. Tumor-liver attenuation difference was greatest on dynamic studies (p < .01) and did not differ significantly among the three delay times (p > .20). All tumors seen on delayed images were also seen on dynamic images; however, in three patients (12%), the confidence level for presence of tumor was better on delayed than on dynamic images. Confidence levels for presence of tumor did not vary significantly among the three delay times. Attenuation values on dynamic and delayed images did not differ for the groups of patients who had or had not undergone prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy (p > .05). CONCLUSION In the evaluation of hilar or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, delayed CT images are helpful for tumor characterization and may improve observer confidence for the presence of tumor. The optimal time for acquisition of delayed images is 10-20 min after contrast media injection.
Effects of angle-of-arrival estimation errors, angular spread and antenna beamwidth on the performance of reconfigurable SISO systems

This paper investigates the average bit error rate (BER) performance of reconfigurable single-input single-output (RE-SISO) antenna systems in the clustered channel model. The main focus of the paper is to evaluate the impacts of angle of arrival (AoA) estimation errors, angular spread and antenna beamwidth on the performance of a reconfigurable system. In particular, the BER for the RE-SISO systems is presented under perfect AoA knowledge at the receiver. Then, an analytical expression for the BER of the system is derived in the presence of AoA estimation errors. Along with this, the effects of angular spread and antenna beamwidth on the system performance are examined for both perfect and imperfect AoA estimation scenarios. The results indicate that the effect of AoA estimation error is more significant when the cluster angular spread is small. The same conclusion can be made for the antenna beamwidth.
Aging of High Speed Train Wheelsets and its Quantitative Characteristics Based on Fracture Mechanics for Optimization of In-Service Inspection

The fracture mechanics characteristics in the critical locations of the wheelset for high-speed train have not been studied enough yet despite of severe conditions due to increase in operating speeds. Moreover, the fracture mechanics characteristics with respect to the aging effects of wheelset materials have not been clearly studied. In the present study, the following fracture mechanics characterization tests were carried out in accordance with various locations on the wheelset for high-speed train: fracture toughness depending on load rate, fatigue crack growth rate and fatigue thresholds. The results show that the fatigue crack growth rates in accordance to the locations on wheelset were not remarkably different, and the fatigue threshold in the region of the bolt-hole is lower than that in other regions. The fracture toughness depending on load rate data shows that once the downward curve from quasi-static values was reached, subsequent values showed a slow increase with respect to the impact velocity. This means that dynamic fracture toughness should be considered in the design code of the wheelset material.
Long-Term On-Line Hemodiafiltration Reduces Predialysis Beta-2-Microglobulin Levels in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is effective in delaying the surgical need for carpal tunnel syndrome in chronic hemodialysis patients, however, predialysis β2-microglobulin levels were not reduced in most short-term studies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long-term and differing frequencies of on-line HDF on serum β2-microglobulin levels in comparison to high-flux hemodialysis (HD). Methods: One hundred and twelve patients in the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Dialysis Unit were divided into three groups to receive different frequencies of on-line HDF alternating with high-flux HD. Group 1 was treated once with HDF and twice with high-flux HD per week (n = 21). Group 2 was treated twice with HDF and once with high-flux HD per week (n = 33). Group 3 was treated with HDF three times per week (n = 58). Analysis was performed to compare the serum β2-microglobulin levels in these groups and to high-flux HD. Results: After receiving HDF for a mean of 7.9 months, group 3 patients had a reduced predialysis β2-microglobulin level (22.2 ±5.3 vs. 34.8 ±6.3 mg/l, p < 0.001), postdialysis β2-microglobulin level (6.3 ± 2.0 vs. 13.8 ± 6.8 mg/l, p < 0.001) and an increased β2-microglobulin reduction rate (76.1 ± 5.6 vs. 61.1 ± 13.3%, p = 0.03) when compared to high-flux HD. A significant improvement in URR (p = 0.0004), Kt/V (p = 0.0002) and TAC urea levels (p = 0.006) but not nPCR (p = 0.122) was found after patients had been treated with on-line HDF. The β2-microglobulin reduction rate was positively correlated with the overall volume of the replacement solution per session (p < 0.0001). Patients in group 3 had lower predialysis β2-microglobulin levels than those in group 1 and group 2 (22.2 ± 5.3 vs. 25.2 ± 7.2 vs. 26.0 ± 4.2 mg/l, p = 0.02). Furthermore, an inverse correlation was found between the predialysis β2-microglobulin level and the duration of HDF, if patients were treated for more than 12 months (p = 0.031). Conclusion: On-line HDF has an increased dialysis efficiency compared to high-flux dialysis. Long-term HDF further reduced predialysis β2-microglobulin levels, thus, it may provide an improved modality for renal replacement therapy.
Preparation and Properties of Keratin/CMC Blend Membranes

In this work, the wool keratin solution was obtained by a reduction method, and mixed with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution in order to prepare blend membranes. The structures and mechanical properties of the blend membranes with different keratin/CMC ratios were investigated. It was found the addition of CMC with good molding ability improved the smoothness and enhanced mechanical properties of membranes. The results of instrument analyses showed that the crystallinity, thermal stability and hydration performance of blend membranes were between those of pure keratin and CMC membranes. CMC exhibited good ability to improve the film-forming of keratin membrane.
Cosmic Reionization and the 21 cm Signal: Comparison between an Analytical Model and a Simulation

We measure several properties of the reionization process and the corresponding low-frequency 21 cm signal associated with the neutral hydrogen distribution, using a large volume, high-resolution simulation of cosmic reionization. The brightness temperature of the 21 cm signal is derived by postprocessing this numerical simulation with a semianalytical prescription. Our study extends to high redshifts (z ∼ 25) where, in addition to collisional coupling, our postprocessed simulations take into account the inhomogeneities in the heating of the neutral gas by X-rays and the effect of an inhomogeneous Ly α radiation field. Unlike the well-studied case in which spin temperature is assumed to be significantly greater than the temperature of the cosmic microwave background due to uniform heating of the gas by X-rays, spatial fluctuations in both the Ly α radiation field and X-ray intensity affect predictions related to the brightness temperature at z > 10, during the early stages of reionization and gas heating. The statistics of the 21 cm signal from our simulation are then compared to existing analytical models in the literature, and we find that these analytical models provide a reasonably accurate description of the 21 cm power spectrum at z < 10. Such an agreement is useful, since analytical models are better suited to quickly explore the full astrophysical and cosmological parameter space relevant for future 21 cm surveys. We find, nevertheless, nonnegligible differences that can be attributed to differences in the inhomogeneous X-ray heating and Ly α coupling at z > 10, and, with upcoming interferometric data, these differences in return can provide a way to better understand the astrophysical processes during reionization.
Replication of results of genome‐wide association studies on lung cancer susceptibility loci in a Korean population

Background and objective: Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified the three chromosomal regions, 5p15, 6p21 and 15q25, as being associated with lung cancer risk in European populations. This study was performed to confirm these associations in Korean patients with lung cancer.
The effect of cataract extraction on intraocular pressure

Purpose of review To examine the current literature covering the long-term effect of cataract extraction on intraocular pressure (IOP). Recent findings As a result of the high rate of cataract surgery, the impact on IOP continues to be the subject of multiple studies in different populations. Recent publications include those that distinguish patients with open angles from those with more narrow angles, as well as prospective analyses that address the impact of regression to the mean and other types of bias on the effect of postoperative IOP lowering. Summary There are sufficient data to suggest that cataract surgery provides a lowering effect on IOP in the long term. This effect appears to be proportional to preoperative IOP. Eyes with higher preoperative IOP have the greatest average lowering, whereas eyes with IOP in the lower range of statistically normal tend to have an IOP that is unchanged from baseline or even higher following cataract surgery. In patients with narrow angles, the IOP-lowering effect appears to also be proportional to the degree of anterior chamber deepening induced by cataract surgery.
Mental time travel and the shaping of the human mind

Episodic memory, enabling conscious recollection of past episodes, can be distinguished from semantic memory, which stores enduring facts about the world. Episodic memory shares a core neural network with the simulation of future episodes, enabling mental time travel into both the past and the future. The notion that there might be something distinctly human about mental time travel has provoked ingenious attempts to demonstrate episodic memory or future simulation in non-human animals, but we argue that they have not yet established a capacity comparable to the human faculty. The evolution of the capacity to simulate possible future events, based on episodic memory, enhanced fitness by enabling action in preparation of different possible scenarios that increased present or future survival and reproduction chances. Human language may have evolved in the first instance for the sharing of past and planned future events, and, indeed, fictional ones, further enhancing fitness in social settings.
Remission From Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults With Mood Disorders: Findings of a Representative Community Sample

Objective: To determine factors associated with remission in a community-dwelling sample of older Canadians with mood disorders. Methods: We used a representative community survey conducted in 6 Canadian provinces. Data were gathered by telephone and in-person interviews. The response rate was 79%. Those in institutions were excluded from the sampling frame. Our sample was limited to community-dwelling individuals, aged 55 and over, who reported that they had been diagnosed by a health professional with a mood disorder at some point in their life. Only those with mood disorders that lasted 6 months or more were included in the sample (n = 1,161). Remission from depression was calculated using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Short Form (CIDI-SF). Individuals were classified as in remission if CIDI-SF < 0.9. Results: Three-quarters (76%) of older adults with mood disorders had been symptom-free for the preceding year. The logistic regression analyses indicated that the married, those aged 65 and over, those in good to excellent health, and those who reported minimal stress had the highest odds of remission. Gender, immigration status, education level, household income, number of chronic conditions, activities of daily living limitations, comorbid anxiety disorders, and physical activity level were not associated with the likelihood of remission. Conclusion: Remission rates in this community sample of older adults with mood disorders were much higher than in previous clinical samples. Strategies to improve identification and outreach to those least likely to be in remission from depression are discussed.