In the multi-attribute utility theory the utility functions are usually constructed by dots. It concerns both the lottery’s method and the value increasing method. In the both cases the utility function is constructed in the absolute scale [0,1] that causes inconveniences for experts. The comparative assessments look more preferable for decision-makers. The paired comparison matrix (PCM) looks ...

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To pilot test the acceptability of a DVD platform to deliver a newly created cognitive-behavioral hot flash intervention and estimate the efficacy of the new intervention. DESIGN Nonrandomized pretest, post-test design. SETTING Midwestern and southeastern outpatient cancer clinics serving urban and rural areas. SAMPLE 40 participants from two sites completed the study. ...

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been widely used to control motor symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with Parkinsons disease (PD). Recently, DBS in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has become the preferred target for patients with mixed motor symptoms. Despite resultant motor and quality of life improvements, the procedure has been associated with cognitive decline, mainly in langua...

At the House Ear Institute, speech and language assessments are a regular part of the evaluation protocol for the cochlear implant clinical trials in children. The assessments are conducted preimplant and at specific postimplant intervals. Paired comparisons of the children's performance at pre- and post-implant intervals reveal significant improvements in both imitative and spontaneous speech ...

OBJECTIVE Severe hypoglycemia is a major problem for patients with type 1 diabetes and their relatives. The aim of this study was to compare patients' and relatives' assessments of rates of severe hypoglycemia and state of awareness and to explore the influence on involvement and concern of relatives. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional paired questionnaire survey on hypoglycemia an...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women. Omentin-1 and vaspin are secretary adipokines that are produced by the visceral adipose tissue. These levels change in obese women with PCOS. The aim of this study is to investigate whether omentin and vaspin levels change in nonobese PCOS subjects. This study is a cross-sectional case control study in which 39 women with PCOS ...