LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Does rurality affect quality of life following treatment for breast cancer?

PURPOSE
The present research examined the extent to which rural residence and social support seeking are associated with quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients following chemotherapy.


METHODS
Female breast cancer patients (n = 46) from communities of varying degrees of rurality in a Midwestern state completed psychological and QOL measures at 1-month postchemotherapy. Analyses assessed the relationships between QOL outcomes, rurality, and social support seeking.


FINDINGS
Using age and education as covariates, regression analyses were conducted to determine the extent to which QOL was related to social support seeking and rural/urban residence. Analyses revealed that social support seeking was associated with lower scores on multiple indices of QOL, and it was associated with higher self-reported symptoms of depression. Several significant associations with rural/urban residence were noted as well. Specifically, increasing rurality, as defined by USDA Rural-Urban continuum codes, was associated with lower overall QOL, lower functional well-being, and increased complaints of breast cancer specific symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the relevance of continued efforts to address social support needs among women with a history of breast cancer living in rural and urban communities. They also suggest that individuals in more rural communities may be at risk for lowered QOL in the early period following cancer treatment. Future research is needed to replicate these results with larger and more diverse samples of rural and urban dwelling individuals, and to determine whether these effects may be attributed to identifiable characteristics of rural communities (eg, fewer cancer-related resources).
TALKING FOREIGN - concatenative speech synthesis and the language barrier

This paper presents some solutions to the problem of synthesising multi-lingual speech using waveformconcatenation speech synthesis. The paper presents novel methods for deriving appropriate pronunciations for foreign words in a predominantly native-language text by use of multi-speaker synthesis, and methods for mapping the pronunciations of a foreign-language speaker onto the sounds available in the speech corpus of a native speaker so that the resulting synthesis produces speech which accurately represents the foreign words. The methods differ depending on the language-pair and on the direction of the mapping, because in the case of one-to-many phonemic mappings, high-level features can be used, but in the many-to-one case, a physical representation of the speech signal is required so that use can be made of the natural variability in speech production to select the most appropriate allophonic variant. All mappings are automatic, and the use of rule-based procedures which require human knowledge is minimised. In this way, the methods are extensible to any language combinations. Synthesised speech samples are included with the paper so that subjective evaluation of the results can be made.
Greenhouse Monitoring with Wireless Sensor Network

In modern greenhouses, several measurement points are required to trace down the local climate parameters in different parts of the big greenhouse to make the greenhouse automation system work properly. Cabling would make the measurement system expensive and vulnerable. Moreover, the cabled measurement points are difficult to relocate once they are installed. Thus, a wireless sensor network (WSN) consisting of small-size wireless sensor nodes equipped with radio and one or several sensors, is an attractive and cost-efficient option to build the required measurement system. In this work, we developed a wireless sensor node for greenhouse monitoring by integrating a sensor platform provided by sensinode Ltd. [1] with three commercial sensors capable to measure four climate variables. The feasibility of the developed node was tested by deploying a simple sensor network into Martens Greenhouse Research Foundation's greenhouse in Narpio town in Western Finland. During a one day experiment, we collected data to evaluate the network reliability and its ability to detect the microclimate layers, which typically exist in the greenhouse between lower and upper flora. We were also able to show that the network can detect the local differences in the greenhouse climate caused by various disturbances, such as direct sunshine near the greenhouse walls. This article is our first step in the area of greenhouse monitoring and control, and it is all about the developed sensor network feasibility and reliability.
Long-term evaluation of pulpotomy in primary molars using mineral trioxide aggregate or formocresol.

PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as pulp dressing material following pulpotomy in primary molars with carious pulp exposure and compare them to those of formocresol (FC).


METHODS
Of 33 children, primary molars treated via a conventional pulpotomy technique were randomly assigned to the MTA group (33 teeth) or FC group (29 teeth). Clinical and radiographic follow-up ranged between 4 and 74 months. The mean follow-up time was 38 months, with no difference between the groups. Twenty-nine teeth were followed until uneventful shedding (mean=33 months). Failures were detected after a mean period of 16 months (range=4 to 30).


RESULTS
The success rate of pulpotomy was 97% for MTA (1 failure) and 83% for FC (5 failures). Eight teeth presented internal resorption. In 4 of them (2 of each group), progress of the resorption process stopped and the pulp tissue was replaced by a radioopaque calcified tissue. Pulp canal obliteration was observed in 58% of the MTA group and in 52% of the FC group (total=55%).


CONCLUSIONS
MTA showed a higher (though not statistically significant) long-term clinical and radiographic success rate than formocresol, and can be recommended as its replacement as, unlike FC, MTA does not induce undesirable responses.
Privacy, identity and security in ambient intelligence: A scenario analysis

The success of Ambient Intelligence (AmI) will depend on how secure it can be made, how privacy and other rights of individuals can be protected and how individuals can come to trust the intelligent world that surrounds them and through which they move. This article addresses these issues by analysing scenarios for ambient intelligence applications that have been developed over the last few years. It elaborates the assumptions that promotors make about the likely use of the technology and possibly unwanted side effects. It concludes with a number of threats for personal privacy that become evident. c © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Anpernirrentye : a Framework for Enhanced Application of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge in Natural Resource Management

Robust approaches to natural resource management (NRM) in indigenous cross-cultural contexts require coherent understandings of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK) systems. We synthesize a framework to represent the traditionally derived worldview of Arrernte Aboriginal people within which IEK is embedded. This is an ecology-focused worldview with three interrelated domains of knowledge that are intricately linked, comprising many complex dynamic elements that interact with each other. This worldview is from desert Australia but is relevant to those working in complex cross-cultural environments across Australia and internationally. The visual framework presented fills an important conceptual gap in IEK documentation being positioned at a mesoconceptual scale. Comparisons between this knowledge framework and social–ecological systems theory indicate similarities in systems thinking, in explicit links between people and ecology, and in the emphasis on processes and relationships through causal loops and feedbacks. Important differences lie in the inextricable integration of economic and spiritual domains in the Arrernte worldview. In Arrernte eyes, interrelationships between people, resource species, land, and spiritual domains are central to NRM. Scientific approaches commonly overlook or segregate elements of indigenous knowledge. The multiple values indigenous people attribute to species are often ignored or overridden, which contributes to decoupling within their knowledge system. Western scientists and natural resource managers are looking for better understandings of indigenous knowledge systems. The framework offers a tool that can be applied to both cross-cultural and intergenerational learning to improve NRM and people’s well-being and sense of self.
Feature selection based on loss-margin of nearest neighbor classification

Article history: Received 6 March 2008 Received in revised form 14 August 2008 Accepted 6 October 2008
Research Guides: Intellectual Property Issues in Engineering: Questions While Writing

A resource for engineering graduate students at the University of Arkansas, intended to help them make informed decisions about copyright, patents, and other intellectual property matters associated with their studies A resource for engineering graduate students at the University of Arkansas intended to aid them in making informed decisions related to copyright, patents, and other intellectual property matters associated with their studies and technical writing.
Long Term Effects on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease after 12-Months of Aerobic Exercise Intervention - A Worksite RCT among Cleaners

OBJECTIVES
Occupational groups exposed to high occupational physical activity have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This may be explained by the high relative aerobic workload. Enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the relative aerobic workload. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the 12-months effects of worksite aerobic exercise on risk factors for CVD among cleaners.


METHODS
One hundred and sixteen cleaners aged 18-65 years were randomized to a group performing aerobic exercise and a reference group receiving lectures. Outcomes were collected at baseline and after 12-months. A repeated measures 2×2 multi-adjusted mixed-model design was applied to compare the between-group differences using intention-to-treat analysis.


RESULTS
Between-group differences (p<0.05) were found favouring the aerobic exercise group: cardiorespiratory fitness 2.15 (SE 1.03) mlO2/min/kg, aerobic workload -2.15 (SE 1.06) %HRR, resting HR -5.31 (SE 1.61) beats/min, high sensitive C-reactive protein -0.65 (SE 0.24) μg/ml. The blood pressure was unaltered. Stratified analyses on relative aerobic workload at baseline revealed that those with relative aerobic workloads ≥30% of HRR seems to impose a notable adverse effect on resting and ambulatory blood pressure.


CONCLUSION
This long-term worksite aerobic exercise intervention among cleaners led to several beneficial effects, but also potential adverse effects among those with high relative aerobic workloads.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN86682076.
Effect of smoking status on healthcare costs and resource utilization in patients with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice: a retrospective nested case-control economic study.

AIM
To compare healthcare resource utilization and costs according to smoking status in patients with type 2 diabetes in clinical practice.


METHODS
A retrospective cohort nested case-control study was designed. Cases were current smokers, while 2 types of controls (former smokers and never smokers) were matched (2 controls per case) for age, sex, duration of diabetes and burden of comorbidity using data from medical records. Noninstitutionalized diabetics of both genders, aged>18 years and seen consecutively over a 5-year period before the index date, were enrolled. Analysis compared healthcare resource utilization, loss of productivity due to sick leave and corresponding costs.


RESULTS
In total, 2,490 medical records were analyzed, i.e. 498 cases, 996 former smokers and 996 never smokers. Mean age was 63.4 years (64.9% male). Smokers had higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels (7.4 vs. 7.2 and 7.2%, respectively; p=0.013) and a lower degree of metabolic control (49.2 vs. 54.7 and 55.8%; p=0.036). Smokers had higher average annual costs (EUR 3,583) than former smokers (EUR 2,885; p<0.001) and never smokers (EUR 2,183; p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetic smoker patients had lower metabolic control, higher health resource utilization and more sick leave, resulting in higher healthcare costs and lost productivity compared with both former and never smoker diabetics.
A new bog chytrid

In our studies of the Phyeomycetes living in the diversity of habitats existing in the vicinity of the University of Michigan Biological Station, Douglas Lake, several chytrids have been encountered which seem characteristic of our boggy areas. One of these, Blyttiomyces helicus SPArrOW and B A ~ (1955) has already been described. Another, the subject of this paper, is a species of Phlyctochytrium which, like the Btyttiomyces, was isolated on pine pollen. This sparkling little chytrid was obtained from s0il collected in the middle of an almost dry bog now mostly given over to Vaccinium spp. Larix and Picea, but with residual areas of Sphagnum. In its distinctly stellate sporanginm and conspicuous spherical, endobiotic apophysis the new ohytrid was reminiscent of Phlyctochytrium reinboldtae PE~SlEL (1959). Strikingly unlike this species, however, each of the prominent rays or arms of the sporangial rudiment terminated in two pairs of delicate, brilliantly refractive spines which were set at right angles to one another. These delicate objects imparted an aspect to the whole structure which has been alluded to earlier as "sparkling". Because of the variation in number (4--8) and placement of the rays, irregularities in sporangial shape and size are produced (Fig. 2). Typically, the mature sporangia are sessile on the main body of the pollen grain and are 8--30 # broad by 6--25 # high (Figs.4--6). The endobiotic spherical apophysis is 7--18 # in diameter. Rarely, rhizoids can be found emerging from it after prolonged staining (Figs.4, 6). Occasionally, sporangia may have an external as well as internal apophysis (Fig. 1) or they may terminate a clavate, sometimes distally apophysate stalk (Figs. 3, 7). Zoospore production takes place as in other congeneric forms. The zoospores initiate motili ty within the sporangium and swarm violently out of pores produced at the tips of a varying number of rays upon the dissolution of the apex and teeth (Fig. 8). The zoospores are spherical, 4 # in diameter with a single bright refractive eccentric globule and a 15--20# long posterior flagellum. Movement is a gliding one punctuated by
The Effect of Disease Severity and Comorbidity on Length of Stay for Orthopedic Surgery in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from 2 UK Inception Cohorts, 1986-2012.

OBJECTIVE
To examine factors predicting length of stay (LoS) for orthopedic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
LoS for orthopedic intervention was examined in 2 consecutive, multicenter inception cohorts: the Early RA Study (n = 1465, 9 centers) and the Early RA Network (n = 1236, 23 centers). Date, type of orthopedic procedure, and LoS were recorded and validated against national data, the UK National Joint Registry, and the UK Hospital Episode Statistics database. Clinical, laboratory, and radiographic measures and comorbidity recorded at baseline and annually were examined for their predictive power on LoS using regression analysis.


RESULTS
A total of 770 of 2701 patients (28.5%) had 1602 orthopedic interventions: 40% major (mainly total hip/knee replacements), 24% intermediate (mainly hand/wrist and ankle/foot surgery), and 16% minor (mainly soft tissue surgery). Median (interquartile range) LoS was 8 (5-13), 3 (1-5), and 1 (0-2) days for major, intermediate, and minor interventions, respectively. Older age predicted longer LoS (p < 0.001) whereas a more recent operation year predicted shorter LoS (p < 0.001). Markers of active disease, namely low hemoglobin, high Health Assessment Questionnaire, and high Disease Activity Scores in the first year all predicted longer LoS for all types of surgery (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.05, respectively). Presence of 1 or more major comorbidities predicted longer LoS (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSION
Comorbidity and standard clinical and laboratory markers of disease activity affect the LoS for orthopedic surgery in RA, which has important clinical and economic implications, providing a target for improving patient outcomes.
Exploring strategies used following a group-based fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis (FACETS) via the Fatigue Management Strategies Questionnaire (FMSQ)

OBJECTIVES
To explore cross-sectional patterns of use of fatigue management strategies in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had attended a group-based fatigue management programme, Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to lifeStyle ('FACETS'). In a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) the FACETS programme was shown to reduce fatigue severity and improve self-efficacy and quality of life.


DESIGN
A questionnaire substudy within a RCT involving the self-completed Fatigue Management Strategies Questionnaire (FMSQ). The FMSQ includes: (1) closed questions about the use and helpfulness of fatigue management strategies taught in FACETS and (2) open items about changes to lifestyle, attitudes or expectations, barriers or difficulties encountered and helpful strategies not covered in FACETS.


PARTICIPANTS
All had a clinical diagnosis of MS, significant fatigue, were ambulatory and had attended at least 4 of 6 scheduled FACETS sessions.


METHODS
Participants (n=72) were posted the FMSQ with a prepaid return envelope 4 months after the end of the FACETS programme.


RESULTS
82% (59/72) of participants returned the FMSQ. The fatigue management strategies most frequently used since attending FACETS were prioritisation (80%), pacing (78%), saying no to others (78%), grading tasks (75%) and challenging unhelpful thoughts (71%). Adding in those participants who were already using the respective strategies prior to FACETS, the three most used strategies at 4 months were prioritisation (55/59), grading (54/59) and pacing (53/58). Free-text comments illustrated the complex interplay between attitudes/expectations, behaviours, emotions and the environment. Issues related to expectations featured strongly in participants' comments. Expectations (from self and others) were both facilitators and barriers to effective fatigue management.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals' comments highlighted the complex, multifaceted nature of fatigue management. Revising expectations and a greater acceptance of fatigue were important shifts following the programme. Findings support the relevance of a cognitive behavioural approach for fatigue management. Booster sessions might be a useful addition to the FACETS programme.


TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Current controlled trials ISRCTN76517470; Results.
Effect of instability and resistance on unintentional squat-lifting kinetics.

CONTEXT
Resistance training while using an instability-training device is known to increase activation of stabilizing muscle groups while decreasing the force generated by the prime movers during isometric contractions.


PURPOSE
To investigate differences in squat kinetics during dynamic resistance training in an increasingly unstable training environment.


METHODS
Fourteen active men participated in this study. In each testing session, each participant performed 3 repetitions of squats with a 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) resistance, 40% of their 10-RM resistance, and 20.45 kg. The 3 testing session consisted of standing on a stable floor, foam pads, or BOSU balls. All repetitions were recorded with an optical encoder to record barbell kinetics.


RESULTS
The transition from stable (floor) to very unstable (BOSU) resulted in high likelihoods (>75%) of clinically meaningful differences ranging from small to large (effect size [ES] 0.31-1.73) in factors relating to concentric kinetics, eccentric power, and squat depth, regardless of the resistance used for training. There were also likely differences at the heaviest resistance in peak concentric power (stable to foam: ES 2.06; foam to BOSU: ES 0.38), eccentric power (stable to foam: ES 1.88; foam to BOSU: ES 0.74), and squat depth (stable to foam: ES 0.50; foam to BOSU: ES 0.67).


CONCLUSIONS
Resistance training in an unstable environment at an intensity sufficient to elicit strength gains of the prime movers results in deleterious effects in concentric squat kinetics and squat technique. Such observations are particularly evident on very unstable platforms.
Dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm for differentiated sservices over WDM EPONs

A variety of passive optical network (PON) systems has been proposed to target the bottleneck problem in the local access. The medium access controls (MACs) of the PON systems are either based on cyclic rotation or polling mechanism. However, these MACs have inherited a potential problem; the cycle time (or polling cycle in the polling MACs) increases linearly as the number of attached ONUs scale up, which can be caused by increasing customer numbers. The longer cycle time means that the ONUs have to wait longer before the next transmission window arrives thus contributing to longer packet delays and poorer QoS. In this paper, a new WDM PON system is proposed where multiple wavelength channels are established in both upstream and downstream directions. The MAC applied is based on an adaptive polling mechanism, and can be used as an upgrade solution for PON systems
Anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab decreases endothelin-1 in exhaled breath condensate of patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND
Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, especially useful for the treatment of severe persistent allergic asthma, inadequately controlled despite regular therapy.


OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of omalizumab treatment on changes in endothelin-1 (ET-1), which plays an important role in the development of airway inflammation and remodeling in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients with severe asthma.


METHODS
The study was conducted in a group of 19 patients with severe persistent allergic asthma treated with conventional therapy (according to the Global Initiative for Asthma, 2006) and with or without omalizumab (9 vs. 10 patients). Changes in ET-1 in EBC compared with other inflammatory parameters [exhaled nitric oxide - (FE(NO)), blood eosinophil count, and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)] were measured after 16 and 52 weeks of therapy.


RESULTS
Omalizumab-treated patients demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the concentrations of ET-1 in EBC, FE(NO), serum ECP, and blood eosinophil count and an increase in spirometry parameters compared to patients with conventional therapy. In the group of omalizumab-treated patients, statistically significant correlations between the decrease in ET-1 in EBC and a decrease in FE(NO), ECP, and blood eosinophil count as well as the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s after omalizumab therapy were revealed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirmed that anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab in patients with severe persistent allergic asthma results in decreased expression of ET-1 in the airways. This could be very important in limiting airway inflammation and bronchial structural changes caused by such treatment in asthmatic patients.