bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of operable breast cancer in older women
Authors: Fentiman Ian S 
Published: April 2013

Summary Older women are not being given the opportunity to benefit from the improvements in both local and systemic treatment for breast cancer. Mammographic screening call/recall system ceases at age 72, making access more difficult. Knowledge about breast cancer in those aged >75 is significantly reduced in terms of understanding symptoms and personal risk but studies have shown that intervention can improve this, at least in the short term. Although older women are more likely to have estrogen receptor positive tumours, nevertheless, more than one-third of women aged over 70 have grade III, aggressive breast cancers. Whenever possible, older women should be offered breast conserving therapy rather than mastectomy since this not only improves their quality of life but also reduces risk of subsequent mental health problems. Endocrine treatment alone should not be used other than in patients with severe co-morbidity and a life-expectancy of less than a year. As adjuvant treatment in those with estrogen receptor positive cancers, the choice between tamoxifen and an aromatase inhibitor will depend upon co-morbidity, side-effects and patient choice.
Case Studies of Field Measurements of Low Frequency Sound and Complaints by a Non Profit Organization for Supporting Noise, Vibration and Low Frequency Noise Complainants in Japan
Authors: Yamada Shinji , Inukai Yukio , Takagi Kimiaki , Sebayashi Tsutae , Koyama Shota , Tanaka Yukiko , Horie Yuji 
Published: April 2013

The number of noise complaints of Japan is around 15,000 a year and there are about 200 complaints of low frequency noise. In our NPO (Non Profit Organization), the specialists as volunteers on noise, vibration and low frequency noise take counsel with the complaints and measure the low frequency noise. It is difficult to measure the noise in the night by local government, and in such cases we measure the noise in the night for a long-time in complainant's house. However, sometimes we cannot find the appropriate level of low frequency noise, though the complainant appeals for the serious damage by low frequency noise. Therefore we measured the complaint's reaction at the same time with low frequency noise in the complainant's house. We analyzed the correlation between the complaint's reaction and measured low frequency noise. In many cases, we cannot find out the correlation between the measured low frequency noise and complainant's reaction.
Shape Optimization of Multi-Chamber Tube-Extended Mufflers within Specified Back Pressures Using a Particle Swarm Method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie 
Published: April 2013

Recently, research on new techniques of single-chamber mufflers hybridized with an internal extended tube has been addressed; however, the research work on space-constrained multi-chamber mufflers conjugated with multiple internal extended tubes which may increase the acoustical performance within a specified back pressure has been neglected. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is not only to analyze the sound transmission loss (STL) of a space-constrained tube-extended muffler equipped with 1∼3 chambers but also optimize the best design shape under a specified pressure drop. In this paper, the four-pole system matrix for evaluating acoustic performance – sound transmission loss (STL) – is derived. Moreover, a particle swarm optimization (PSO), a robust scheme used to search for the global optimum by imitating bird flocking or fish schooling behavior to achieve a self-evolving system, has been used during the optimization process. Before dealing with a broadband noise, the STL's maximization with respect to a one-tone noise is introduced for a reliability check on the PSO method. Additionally, an accuracy check of the mathematical model is performed. To appreciate the acoustical ability of the internal extended tubes and chambers inside a muffler, three kinds of multi-chamber mufflers hybridized with extended tubes (one-chamber, two-chamber, and three-chamber mufflers) have been assessed and compared. Results reveal that the maximal STL is precisely located at the desired tone. Consequently, a successful approach used for the optimal design of the tube-extended mufflers equipped with 1∼3 chambers under space and back pressure constrained conditions has been demonstrated.
Effectiveness of Asphalt Rejuvenator
Authors: Lee Jusang , Li Shuo , Kim Yongjoo , Lee Jaejun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper presents an evaluation of maltene rejuvenator effectiveness. The rejuvenator was applied on the U.S.-40 highway in Henry County, IN, and its performance was monitored and evaluated using four different evaluation methods: (1) friction, (2) permeability test, (3) dynamic shear rheometer, and (4) contact-angle test. The results demonstrate that the rejuvenator has no significant effects on pavement permeability. However, the rejuvenator reduced the moduli (i.e., dynamic shear modulus, viscous modulus, and elastic modulus), increased the phase angle, and increased the water drop contact angle of the asphalt binder. The influence depth of the rejuvenator was approximately 12.5 mm from the surface for the test section. The influence life of the rejuvenator lasted longer than 391 days. Even though all average friction numbers (FNs) throughout the measurement period were above the INDOT minimum requirement (i.e., &gt;20 FN), this depended to a large extent on the surface friction of the existing pavement before applying the rejuvenator. There was a significant FN reduction of a maximum of 47 % within a day after the application of the rejuvenator. Based on the friction performance, a friction test on existing pavements should be required prior to application of the rejuvenator. A pavement with a low FN should not receive the rejuvenator application.
Acid Treatment Technique for Determining the Mortar Content of Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Akbarnezhad A. , Ong K. C. G. , Zhang M. H. , Tam C. T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe presence of old cementitious mortar in recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) has been reported to be one of the main factors contributing to a lowering of the performance of concrete made with RCA relative to those made with natural aggregates (NA). This difference in performance has been attributed to the proportion of mortar present in the RCA vis-à-vis the NA used to cast the original parent concrete. Therefore, determining the mortar content might provide an effective means of assessing the overall quality of RCA. Also, as reported in the available literature, it is essential to take into account the amount of mortar present in RCA as part of the total mortar present when designing concrete mixes cast with RCA. However, an easy-to-use standard method for accurately determining the cementitious mortar content of RCA is not available at present. In this study, an acid treatment testing method is proposed to determine the mortar content of RCA. The method is able to remove most, if not all, of the cementitious mortar and takes approximately 24 h to carry out. In addition, the effects of mortar content on properties of RCA including 24-hour water absorption, bulk density, and Los Angeles abrasion resistance were investigated. The effects of the original parent concrete strength on the relationships between mortar content and RCA properties were also investigated. The study was confined to only granitic coarse aggregates.
A New Device for Simulating Athlete-to-Surface Interactions on Natural and Synthetic Turf
Authors: Thoms Adam W. , Brosnan James T. , Paquette Max R. , Zhang Songning , Sorochan John C. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Non-contact athletic injuries are the result of forces generated during athlete-to-surface interactions. Associations between playing surface conditions and injury incidence have been reported and numerous devices have been used to measure the vertical and horizontal forces occurring during athlete-to-surface interactions. However, nearly all of these instruments evaluate horizontal and vertical force separately. The objectives of this research were to (1) develop the Tennessee Athletic Field Tester (TAFT), an instrument for evaluating natural and synthetic playing surfaces that simultaneously generates realistic, peak vertical and horizontal forces that occur during athlete-to-surface interactions; (2) compare the simultaneous, peak vertical and horizontal forces measured by TAFT to values measured by an in-ground force platform at three simulated athlete weights and rates of horizontal velocity; and (3) determine the optimal rate of horizontal velocity for each simulated athlete weight to facilitate comparisons to force platform data. Peak vertical and horizontal force data were collected while operating TAFT on a force platform. The experimental design was the factorial combination of three athlete weights (75 kg, 85 kg, and 95 kg) and three horizontal velocities (500 mm s−1, 750 mm s−1, and 1000 mm s−1). At 1000 mm s−1, peak vertical force values with TAFT were greater than or equal to those captured by the force platform and similar to those reported using human subjects of similar weight. All TAFT configurations generated peak horizontal forces greater than those measured on the force platform and higher than have been observed in human subject trials. TAFT is a new instrument that generates peak vertical and horizontal forces that occur during athlete-to-surface interactions that may allow researchers to better characterize the safety of natural and synthetic turf playing surfaces.
An Experimental Device for Material Characterization of Powder Materials
Authors: Lindskog Per , Andersson Daniel C. , Larsson Per-Lennart 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
An experimental device has been developed intended for the material characterization of powder metals. The experimental approach rests on the uniaxial (die) compaction of powders. The output is the compaction force–depth relationship together with the die wall/powder contact pressure determined at eight different points using pressure sensors placed on the die wall. The recorded data are of such high quality that it can be expected that inverse methods aiming at material characterization can be applied without numerical instability problems. Finite-element methods are used in order to verify the outcome of the experimental approach for the particular case of WC/Co powder materials mechanically described by using an advanced elasto-plastic material model with a large number of constitutive properties.
Carboxyl Modification of Sugarcane Bagasse Hemicelluloses With Succinic Anhydride in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Lijun , Liu Xinliang , Weng Mengling , Wu Fusheng , Li Zhoujun , Wang Shuangfei 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we describe the modification of sugarcane bagasse with succinic anhydride to introduce carboxylic functions to sugarcane bagasse. The properties of the sugarcane bagasse hemicelluloses change after carboxyl modification. The influences of the chemical reaction on the conditions, the chemical composition, and the thermal stability of the modified product are described. One gram of dried sugarcane bagasse was modified using 3.0 g succinic anhydride and 0.1 g N-bromination succinic imide with a reaction time of 6 h at 70°C. The obtained materials were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy.
Case Control Study of Women Treated With Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer During Pregnancy as Compared With Nonpregnant Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Litton Jennifer K. , Warneke Carla L. , Hahn Karin M. , Palla Shana L. , Kuerer Henry M. , Perkins George H. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Barnett Chad , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M. , Hortobágyi Gabriel N. , Theriault Richard L. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Learning Objectives
Discuss known data regarding outcomes in pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Evaluate outcomes in a single institution when compared to nonpregnant breast cancer patients.

Background.
The purpose of this analysis was to compare disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) between pregnant and nonpregnant patients with breast cancer.

Methods.
From 1989 to 2009, 75 women were treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy. Each pregnant case was matched on age and cancer stage to two nonpregnant patients with breast cancer (controls). Fisher's exact test, the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used.

Results.
Median follow-up time for patients who were alive at the end of follow-up (n = 159) was 4.20 years (range: 0.28–19.94 years). DFS at 5 years was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.3%–82.1%) for pregnant patients and 57% (95% CI: 46.7%–65.8%) for controls (p = .0115). Five-year PFS was 70% (95% CI: 56.8%–80.3%) for pregnant patients and 59% (95% CI: 49.1%–67.5%) for controls (p = .0252). Five-year OS was 77% (95% CI: 63.9%–86.4%) for pregnant patients and 71% (95% CI: 61.1%–78.3%) for controls (p = .0461). Hazard ratio estimates favored improved survival for pregnant patients in univariate analyses and multivariate analyses, controlling for age, year of diagnosis, stage, and tumor grade.

Conclusions.
For patients who received chemotherapy during pregnancy, survival was comparable to—if not better than—that of nonpregnant women. Pregnant patients with breast cancer should receive appropriate local and systemic therapy for breast cancer.
Periodontal Probing of Dental Furcations Compared With Diagnosis by Low‐Dose Computed Tomography: A Case Series
Authors: Laky Markus , Majdalani Shaila , Kapferer Ines , Frantal Sophie , Gahleitner André , Moritz Andreas , Ulm Christian 
Published: April 2013

Background: Therapeutic decisions in periodontal surgery are based on the accurate diagnosis of the furcation. Clinical probing is the basic diagnostic tool; however, the accuracy of clinical probing to distinguish Class II and Class III furcation defects is unknown. Therefore, this study compares clinical probing diagnoses to those of computed tomography (CT).Methods: Seventy‐five patients with severe periodontal disease were enrolled in this case series study. A total of 582 furcation sites in molars were assigned for the diagnosis of Class II and Class III furcation defects by clinical probing. Diagnosis based on CT served as a reference.Results: The degree of furcation involvement on clinical findings was confirmed in 57% of the sites, whereas 20% were overestimated and 23% were underestimated compared with the radiologic analysis. Only 32% of Class III furcations in the CT scan were detected clinically. The best correlation of CT scan and clinical probing was found at buccal furcation sites in the mandible, with a κ‐coefficient of 0.52, and buccal furcation sites in the maxilla, κ = 0.38. The κ‐coefficient was 0.35 for lingual furcations, 0.29 for mesial furcations, and 0.27 for distal furcations, showing weaker correlations.Conclusions: CT scans offer more detailed information on furcation involvement than clinical probing. Especially before surgical treatment, three‐dimensional radiographic imaging can be a useful tool to assess the degree of furcation involvement and optimize treatment decisions.
Effects of Currently Available Surgical and Restorative Interventions on Reducing Midfacial Mucosal Recession of Immediately Placed Single‐Tooth Implants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lin Guo‐Hao , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: April 2013

Background: Procedures to improve peri‐implant soft‐tissue outcomes of single, immediately placed implants are a topic of interest. This systematic review investigates the effect of various surgical and restorative interventions on implant mid‐buccal mucosal level.Methods: An electronic search of five databases (January 1990 to December 2012) and a manual search of peer‐reviewed journals for relevant articles were performed. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and case series with at least nine participants were included, with data on midfacial mucosal recession (MR) of immediately placed implants following various surgical and restorative interventions with a follow‐up period of at least 6 months.Results: Thirty‐six studies, eight RCTs, one cohort study, and 27 case series were eligible. Six interventions were identified and reviewed: 1) palatal/lingual implant position; 2) platform‐switched abutments; 3) flapless approach; 4) bone grafts to fill the gap between buccal plate and fixture; 5) connective tissue grafts; and 6) immediate provisionalization. Three studies consistently showed that palatally/lingually positioned implants had significantly less MR when using tissue‐level implants. Mixed results were reported for interventions 2, 3, 5, and 6. One study was available for intervention 4 and did not show a benefit.Conclusions: Some interventions might be adopted to reduce the amount of MR on implants with the immediate placement approach, as suggested by the included studies, with various levels of evidence. The conflicting results among studies might be a result of differences in patient and site characteristics, e.g., tissue biotype and buccal plate thickness. Therefore, the use of these interventions might be reserved for patients with moderate to high risk of esthetic complications.
Gender-Diverse Boards and Properties of Analyst Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Gul Ferdinand A. , Hutchinson Marion , Lai Karen M. Y. 
Published: April 2013

SYNOPSIS
Using a sample of 2,200 U.S. listed firm-year observations (2001–2007), this study shows a positive (negative) relation between gender diversity on corporate boards and analysts' earnings forecast accuracy (dispersion), after controlling for earnings quality, corporate governance, audit quality, stock price informativeness, and potential endogeneity. Our findings are important as they suggest that board diversity adds to the transparency and accuracy of financial reports such that earnings expectations are likely to be more accurate for these firms.
Knowing versus Telling Private Information about a Rival
Authors: Bagnoli Mark , Watts Susan G. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
Competitors have information about their rival's business that, if known to the rival, would be useful in its decision-making. We identify a proprietary benefit to disclosing such information: firms that have information about their rivals that may be private, tell. This result is very robust and does not depend on whether the firms are Cournot or Bertrand competitors, the amount of information the disclosing firm has, or the degree of product heterogeneity. Our results contrast with the results in the literature in which the firm has information about its own customers or costs. In that case, the chosen disclosure policy depends on the type of private information and whether the competing firms' strategies are substitutes or complements.
JEL Classifications: G1; G14; M41.
Diatom biofacies in the SW Gulf of Gdańsk and the Vistula Lagoon (the southern Baltic Sea) as indicators of the basin evolution in the Middle and Late Holocene
Authors: Witak Małgorzata 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This article presents results of diatom analysis of seven sediment cores taken from various depths of the Gulf of Gdańsk between the Hel Peninsula and the coast of Gdańsk and Gdynia. Further eight cores were drilled in the northern, southern and central part of the Vistula Lagoon. The present investigations enabled the determination of: (i) differentiation of diatom assemblage zones, (ii) correlation of palaeoecological units with reference to the following stages: Mastogloia Sea, Littorina Sea, Post-Littorina Sea, including the latest environmental changes associated with an anthropogenic factor, (iii) description of the defined diatom biofacies based on statistical analysis, (iiii) reconstruction of spatial and temporal development of both basins with the emphasis on the role of inflows of sea and river waters.
Allelopathic activity of the norharmane-producing cyanobacterium Synechocystis aquatilis against cyanobacteria and microalgae
Authors: Mohamed Zakaria 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The cyanobacterium Synechocystis aquatilis was observed growing as a monospecies in enriched phytoplankton samples in the laboratory, indicating its allelopathic activity on coexisting phytoplankton species. Therefore, the present study screened the culture medium of an axenic strain of this cyanobacterium for the presence of allelechemicals with algicidal properties by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The allelopathic effect of S. aquatilis was evaluated by co-cultivation of target species of toxic cyanobacteria and green algae with this cyanobacterium, as well as by evaluation of norharmane (β-carboline 9H-pyrido(3,4-b) indole) crude extract prepared from the culture medium of Synechocystis. The growth of target algal species was measured as a cell density after 6 days incubation. The results showed that S. aquatilis produced the indole alkaloid norharmane with large quantities in the culture medium (86 μg l−1). In co-cultivation experiments, S. aquatilis inhibited the growth of all tested cyanobacteria and green algae. Norharmane crude extract exhibited stronger inhibition of cyanobacteria (EC50 = 4.6–4.8 μg ml−1) than green algae (EC50= 6.3–6.4 μg ml−1) in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating its apparent role in the allelopathic activity of S. aquatilis. The possible applicability of the allelochemical, norharmane, as an algicide to prevent the formation of harmful algal bloom was discussed.
A comparison of epilimnetic versus metalimnetic phytoplankton assemblages in two mesotrophic lakes
Authors: Napiórkowska-Krzebietke Agnieszka , Hutorowicz Andrzej 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The epilimnetic and metalimnetic phytoplankton assemblages were compared in two mesotrophic lakes (L. Hańcza and L. Dejguny, northeastern Poland) and a “metalimnetic niche” is described. Phytoplankton analysis conducted during July and August 2006, 2007, and 2008 indicated that the total phytoplankton biomass in both lakes was relatively small (from 0.6 to 5.2 mg dm−3), with maximum values mainly occurring in the metalimnion. The lowest number of species and diversity indices values were usually observed in the metalimnetic layers. Lake Hańcza was dominated by diatoms (e.g. Cyclotella spp.) whereas Lake Dejguny was mainly dominated by cyanoprokaryotes (e.g. Planktothrix agardhii), with a distinct predominance of diatoms (e.g. Tabellaria flocculosa) in 2007. The common features of the phytoplankton assemblages in both lakes were a tolerance to nutrient and light deficiencies. A cluster analysis of the taxonomic patterns indicated large dissimilarities between the lakes. The phytoplankton assemblages developed under the influence of seasonal conditions, especially in Lake Hańcza. The distinction between metalimnetic and epilimnetic phytoplankton assemblages only appeared in Lake Dejguny.