bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Mammographic Density Decline over Time in Breast Cancer Cases and Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer
Authors: ME Work , LL Reimers , AS Quante , KD Crew , A Whiffen , MB Terry 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction: High absolute breast density and increased breast density over time are strongly associated with breast cancer risk, and breast density generally decreases with increasing age. We examined mammographic density data from members of the Women At Risk High-Risk Registry at Columbia University Medical Center (WAR), a cohort defined as at high risk for breast cancer due to family history of breast cancer, history of lobular carcinoma in situ, and/or benign breast disease, to determine changes in their breast density over time. Methods: Within the WAR cohort of 1598 women, we conducted a nested case-control study of 66 incident cases of invasive breast cancer and 70 women without cancer, matched on age and time between first and second mammogram. For each participant, we collected two mammograms (for the cases, both mammograms occurred before cancer diagnosis), to examine differences in absolute density, percent density, and change in density between cases and controls. The average time between first and second mammogram was 4.6 years for both cases and controls, with a range of between 1 and 15 years. Results: Using linear regression with change in percent density as the outcome, and time between first and second mammogram as the independent variable, we found that among women without breast cancer, density decreased as time between first and second mammogram increased (β = −2.15, p = 0.005). In contrast, there was no overall change in density among the cases associated with time between first and second mammogram (β = 0.69, p = 0.39). In an ANCOVA comparing the slopes of the regression lines, the slopes were significantly different for cases versus controls (p = 0.009). Conclusion: In a cohort of women at high risk for breast cancer, breast density does not decrease as time between mammograms increases, for women who go on to develop breast cancer. For women who do not develop breast cancer, breast density decreases significantly over time.
Breast cancer susceptibility loci in association with age at menarche, age at natural menopause and the reproductive lifespan
Authors: Warren Andersen S , Trentham-Dietz A , Gangnon RE , Hampton JM , Figueroa JD , Skinner HG , Engelman CD , Klein BE , Titus LJ , Egan KM , Newcomb PA 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Purpose: Genome wide association studies have identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer risk. Many of these SNPs have an unknown biologic significance. Hormonal risk factors may mediate the relationships between these loci and breast cancer risk. We explored the relation between breast cancer susceptibility loci and menstrual factors using data from two population-based studies. Methods: In the first dataset, composed of 1328 women ages 20–74 years without a breast cancer diagnosis who participated in an established population-based study conducted in three U.S. states, we used linear regression to assess the associations between 13 previously-identified breast cancer loci with age at menarche, age at natural menopause and the reproductive lifespan. The reproductive lifespan is defined as the time between age at menarche and age at natural menopause, excluding time for pregnancy, oral contraceptive use and lactation. A polygenic risk score created as the sum of the number of risk allele copies in the SNPs was also evaluated for an association with menstrual traits. Significant results were then evaluated in the second dataset comprised of 1353 women ages 43–86 years recruited as part of a cohort study based in Beaver Dam, WI. Results: Polygenic score and 13 loci were not associated with either age at menarche or reproductive lifespan. Two SNPs were associated with age at natural menopause; each increase in the number of copies of the minor allele (A) of rs17468277 (CASP8) was associated with a 1.12 year decrease in age at natural menopause (p = 0.02). The minor allele (G) of SNP rs10941679 (5p12) (p = 0.01) was associated with a 1.01 year increase in age at natural menopause, although these results were not replicated in the follow-up study (p = 0.14 and 0.98, respectively). Conclusions: We did not find evidence to support the hypothesis that breast cancer susceptibility loci are related to menstrual factors.
Regional Myocardial Wall Thinning at Multidetector Computed Tomography Correlates to Arrhythmogenic Substrate in Postinfarction Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Komatsu Yuki , Cochet Hubert , Jadidi Amir , Sacher Frédéric , Shah Ashok , Derval Nicolas , Scherr Daniel , Pascale Patrizio , Roten Laurent , Denis Arnaud , Ramoul Khaled , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Daly Matthew , Riffaud Matthieu , Sermesant Maxime , Relan Jatin , Ayache Nicholas , Kim Steven , Montaudon Michel , Laurent François , Hocini Mélèze , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre 
Published: March 2013

Background—
A majority of patients undergoing ablation of ventricular tachycardia have implanted devices precluding substrate imaging with delayed-enhancement MRI. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can depict myocardial wall thickness with submillimetric resolution. We evaluated the relationship between regional myocardial wall thinning (WT) imaged by MDCT and arrhythmogenic substrate in postinfarction ventricular tachycardia.

Methods and Results—

We studied 13 consecutive postinfarction patients undergoing MDCT before ablation. MDCT data were integrated with high-density 3-dimensional electroanatomic maps acquired during sinus rhythm (endocardium, 509±291 points/map; epicardium, 716±323 points/map). Low-voltage areas (<1.5 mV) and local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVA) during sinus rhythm were assessed with regard to the WT. A significant correlation was found between the areas of WT <5 mm and endocardial low voltage (correlation-
R
=0.82;
P
=0.001), but no such correlation was found in the epicardium. The WT <5 mm area was smaller than the endocardial low-voltage area (54 cm
2
[Q1–Q3, 46–92] versus 71 cm
2
[Q1–Q3, 59–124];
P
=0.001). Among a total of 13 060 electrograms reviewed in the whole study population, 538 LAVA were detected and analyzed. LAVA were located within the WT <5 mm (469/538 [87%]) or at its border (100% within 23 mm). Very late LAVA (>100 ms after QRS complex) were almost exclusively detected within the thinnest area (93% in the WT<3 mm).

Conclusions—
Regional myocardial WT correlates to low-voltage regions and distribution of LAVA critical for the generation and maintenance of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia. The integration of MDCT WT with 3-dimensional electroanatomic maps can help focus mapping and ablation on the culprit regions, even when MRI is precluded by the presence of implanted devices.
Outcome of patients with advanced solitary fibrous tumors: the Centre Léon Bérard experience
Authors: Levard Alice , Derbel Olfa , Méeus Pierre , Ranchère Dominique , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Blay Jean-Yves , Cassier Philippe A 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Solitary Fibrous Tumor is a rare type of soft tissue tumor of intermediate malignant potential which may recur or metastasize in 15-20% of cases. Data on the management of patients with advanced SFT is scarce: chemotherapy has been described as ineffective, while recent data suggests that anti-angiogenic therapies may be more efficient.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study on patients treated for advanced SFT at a single institution: from January 1994 to December 2011, 30 patients were treated in the Centre Léon Bérard for an advanced SFT.

Results
Twenty-three patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy as first-line therapy. Best responses were 2 (9%) partial responses, 13 (57%) stable diseases (SD) and 8 (35%) progressive diseases (PD). Median Progression Free Survival (PFS) was 5.2 (95% CI: 3.2-7.1) months and 9 patients were free of progression at 6 months. Ten patients received an anti-angiogenic treatment (sunitinib or pazopanib) as a 2nd, 3rd or 4th line. Best responses were 5 SD and 5 PD; median PFS was 5.1 months (95% CI 0.7-9.6). Four patients (36%) were progression-free for more than 6 months. Two patients receiving pazopanib were without progression at 6 and 8 months and two patients receiving sunitinib were free of progression at 30 months.

Conclusion
Response rate with standard chemotherapy was low and PFS appear similar between cytotoxic chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic agents.
Insulin and insulin like growth factor II endocytosis and signaling via insulin receptor B
Authors: Giudice Jimena , Barcos Lucia Soledad , Guaimas Francisco F , Penas-Steinhardt Alberto , Giordano Luciana , Jares-Erijman Elizabeth A , Coluccio Leskow Federico 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) act on tetrameric tyrosine kinase receptors controlling essential functions including growth, metabolism, reproduction and longevity. The insulin receptor (IR) binds insulin and IGFs with different affinities triggering different cell responses.

Results
We showed that IGF-II induces cell proliferation and gene transcription when IR-B is over-expressed. We combined biotinylated ligands with streptavidin conjugated quantum dots and visible fluorescent proteins to visualize the binding of IGF-II and insulin to IR-B and their ensuing internalization. By confocal microscopy and flow cytometry in living cells, we studied the internalization kinetic through the IR-B of both IGF-II, known to elicit proliferative responses, and insulin, a regulator of metabolism.

Conclusions
IGF-II promotes a faster internalization of IR-B than insulin. We propose that IGF-II differentially activates mitogenic responses through endosomes, while insulin-activated IR-B remains at the plasma membrane. This fact could facilitate the interaction with key effector molecules involved in metabolism regulation.
Interferon block to HIV-1 transduction in macrophages despite SAMHD1 degradation and high deoxynucleoside triphosphates supply
Authors: Dragin Loic , Nguyen Laura Anh , Lahouassa Hichem , Sourisce Adèle , Kim Baek , Ramirez Bertha Cecilia , Margottin-Goguet Florence 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundInterferon-α (IFN-α) is an essential mediator of the antiviral response, which potently inhibits both early and late phases of HIV replication. The SAMHD1 deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) hydrolase represents the prototype of a new antiviral strategy we referred to as “nucleotide depletion”. SAMHD1 depletes dNTP levels in myeloid cells below those required for optimal synthesis of HIV viral DNA. HIV-2 and its SIVsm and SIVmac close relatives encode a protein termed Vpx, which counteracts SAMHD1. The potentiality of IFN-α to cooperate with nucleotide depletion has been poorly investigated so far. Here we wondered whether IFN-α affects SAMHD1 expression, Vpx-induced SAMHD1 degradation, Vpx-mediated rescue of HIV-1 transduction and the dNTP supply in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs).ResultsIFN-α inhibited HIV-1 transduction in monocytes and in MDMs while SAMHD1 expression was not up-regulated. Vpx triggered SAMHD1 degradation in IFN-α treated cells, and weakly restored HIV-1 transduction from the IFN-α block. Vpx helper effect towards HIV-1 transduction was gradually inhibited with increasing doses of IFN-α. dNTP levels were not significantly affected in MDMs and CD4+ primary activated T lymphocytes by IFN-α and, in correlation with SAMHD1 degradation, restoration of dNTP levels by Vpx was efficient in MDMs treated with the cytokine. In contrast, IFN-α inhibited Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 degradation in THP-1 cells, where, accordingly, Vpx could not rescue HIV-1 transduction.ConclusionOur results suggest that the early antiviral effect of IFN-α results from a mechanism independent of nucleotide depletion in MDMs. In addition, they indicate that the macrophage-like THP-1 cell line may provide a system to characterize an IFN-α-induced cell response that inhibits Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 degradation.
PolyViNE: policy-based virtual network embedding across multiple domains
Authors: Samuel Fady , Chowdhury Mosharaf , Boutaba Raouf 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Intra-domain virtual network embedding is a well-studied problem in the network virtualization literature. For most practical purposes, however, virtual networks (VNs) must be provisioned across heterogeneous administrative domains managed by multiple infrastructure providers (InPs).
In this paper, we present PolyViNE, a policy-based inter-domain VN embedding framework that embeds end-to-end VNs in a decentralized manner. PolyViNE introduces a distributed protocol that coordinates the VN embedding process across participating InPs and ensures competitive prices for service providers (SPs), i.e., VN owners, while providing monetary incentives for InPs to participate in the process even under heavy competition. We also present a location-aware VN request forwarding mechanism – basd on a hierarchical addressing scheme (COST) and a location awareness protocol (LAP) – to allow faster embedding. We outline scalability and performance characteristics of PolyViNE through quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
Thermodynamic and Adsorption Behaviour of Vitamin B1 as a Corrosion Inhibitor for AISI 4130 Steel Alloy in HCl Solution
Authors: Hoseizadeh Ali Reza , Danaee Iman , Maddahy Mohammed Hosein 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe inhibition ability of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) as a green inhibitor against the corrosion of AISI steel 4130 in 1 M HCl solution was evaluated by polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Polarization studies indicated that Thiamine retards both the cathodic and anodic reactions through chemical adsorption and blocking the active corrosion sites. The adsorption of thiamine obeyed the Frumkin adsorption isotherm. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy, enthalpy, entropy and free energy of activation and adsorption were calculated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the steel surface with and without inhibitor.
Investigation of Cellulose and Tin Oxide Hybrid Composite as a Disposable pH Sensor
Authors: Mahadeva Suresha K. , Ko Hyun-U , Kim Jaehwan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper reports a low cost and disposable pH sensor made with a cellulose and tin oxide hybrid composite. Cellulose- tin oxide hybrid composite was prepared by wet chemical method, which involves immersion of a wet regenerated cellulose film in to a mixture of deionized water and SnF2(5 mM concentration), maintained at 90 ºC for a given time; 6, 12, 18 and 24 h with stirring. The proposed pH sensor showed a consistent increase of its conductance, and the sensitivity defined as the change of resistance with respect to the pH level portrays three regions with different slope rates depending on the pH value: 0.4 MΩ/pH, 31.2 kΩ/pH and 0.2 MΩ/pH in pH range of 1–4, 4–8 and 8–12, respectively. The high sensitivity at the pH range of 4–8 is very useful for industrial applications. Also, Since the proposed pH sensor is made with cellulose film, it is disposable, cheap and environment-friendly.
Tautomerism of Neutral α-Tropolone and its Protonated and Deprotonated Forms
Authors: Zborowski Krzysztof Kazimierz , Jezierski Grzegorz , Kim Younkoyoo , Proniewicz Leonard M. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Possible structures of α-tropolone (2-hydroxy-2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one) tautomers: four neutral, thirteen protonated, and four deprotonated, are studied at the B3LYP/6-311++G∗∗ computational level. The energies and the free energies calculated for the studied tautomers show that for each of the three forms, among all the possible tautomers in the tautomeric mixture, only one structure is expected: a keto-enol structure with an intramolecular hydrogen bond (neutral α-tropolone molecule), the structure with two deprotonated exocyclic oxygen atoms (tropolonate, deprotonated tropolone), and the structure with two hydroxyl group forming an intramolecular hydrogen bond (protonated tropolone). The relative energies of the studied tautomers are rationalized based on the results from the atomic energy integration performed within the frame of the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules.
Financial Services in the VAT System in the European Union and Croatia
Authors: Dražić Lutilsky Ivana , Broz Tominac Sanja , Dražić Lutilsky Ivana 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This paper presents differences in the VAT treatment of financial services. We investigated the treatment of financial services in the VAT system in EU countries as well as in Croatia, in order to reveal differences and improvement possibilities. The results show that there is a need for significant improvement in the VAT system, especially in Croatia. Furthermore, European Union countries have applied tax regulations since 1977. The research on the VAT treatment of financial services indicates that there is unequal application of tax exemptions and adverse tax competition in EU countries. Nevertheless, Croatia is still adjusting its legislation (the tax treatment of financial services) with EU provisions. Our paper thus provides a comparative analysis of the treatment of financial services in the VAT system in EU and Croatia that could be useful for the new consideration of the financial services position in the VAT system in Croatia.
Impacts of Location on Bank Call Center Services: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Hakan Özkan Ahmet 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Purpose - The CRM sector represents the quality of a company. The quality of a company might be evaluated by taking the services of a call center as a measure by the customers, because CRM is the most interactive point of the operations of all companies. Call centers represent companies with 24/7 service. Companies have to search for ways to increase the quality of their service and CRM. Call center companies started to move to Anatolia in response to government incentives. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of this change. Design/methodology/approach - Bank call centers in large cities and Anatolian bank call centers are compared. SERVQUAL is used to compare the service quality of the call centers. 100 questionnaires are used to evaluate the services of the bank call centers and 100 customers are interviewed. The banks with Anatolian call centers and the banks without Anatolian call centers are compared to each other by using the results of the interviews and questionnaires. Findings - The service quality of the call center of the banks with Anatolian call centers seems to be higher than those without them. Practical implications - The reason for the better performance of Anatolian bank call centers can be explained by using some observations. These reasons can be taken into account by CRM companies to provide better service. Originality/value - This paper is proof of that CRM agents are affected by stress factors and their environment. Therefore, stress levels have to be decreased for employees for better service. Selecting a good location is the most important step in diminishing stress levels.
Teratology – past, present and future
Authors: Ujházy Eduard , Mach Mojmír , Navarová Jana , Brucknerová Ingrid , Dubovický Michal 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
Teratology is the science that studies the causes, mechanisms, and patterns of abnormal development. The authors present an updated overview of the most important milestones and stages of the development of modern teratology. Development of knowledge and society led to the recognition that causes of congenital developmental disorders (CDDs) might be caused by various mechanical effects, foetal diseases, and retarded or arrested development of the embryo and foetus. Based on the analysis of the historical development of hypotheses and theories representing a decisive contribution to this field, we present a survey of the six Wilson´s fundamental principles of teratology. The aim of observing these principles is to get insight into developmental relations and to understand mechanisms of action on the level of cell populations (elementary morphogenetic processes), tissues and organs. It is important to realise that any negative intervention into the normal course of these processes, either on genetic or non-genetic basis, inevitably leads to a sequence of subsequent changes resulting in CDDs. Moreover, the classical toxicologic monotonic doseresponse paradigm recently has been challenged by the so-called “low dose-hypothesis”, particularly in the case of endocrine active substances. These include some pesticides, dioxins, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), and bisphenol A. Despite modern approaches of molecular biology and genetics, along with top diagnostic techniques, we are still not able to identify the actual cause in more than 65 to 70% of all congenital defects classified as having an unknown etiology. Today CDDs include any birth defect, either morphological, biochemical, or behavioural.
Women on… Combine Harvesters? Women as Farm Operators in Contemporary Poland
Authors: Gorlach Krzysztof , Drąg Zbigniew , Nowak Piotr 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The authors discuss the main characteristics of women as farm operators using national sample studies conducted in 1994, 1999 and 2007. After an analysis of literature and various research results some hypotheses were formulated, i.e.: the better education of rural women than rural men, women as “unnatural” or “forced” farm operators due to various household circumstances, the “weaker” economic status of farms operated by women. Basic results of the studies carried out in 1994, 1999 and 2007 confirm the hypothesis about the weaker economic position of female operated farms. Moreover, women farm operators were slightly older and far better educated than their male counterparts. On the contrary, the males were more active off the farms in the public sphere. In addition, the circumstances of becoming farm operators did not differ significantly between males and females. Finally, there were no significant differences between “male” and “female” styles of farming.
The Mystery of Vlach Magic in the Rural Areas of 21st century Serbia
Authors: Ivkov-Džigurski Anđelija , Babić Vedrana , Dragin Aleksandra , Košić Kristina , Blešić Ivana 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This article offers an ethnographic exploration of the Vlachs in the Branicevo region of Serbia. The Vlachs rarely exist anywhere as a distinct ethnic group due to their permanent assimilation with other ethnic groups. The thing that has always been linked to the folklore of the Vlachs and still attracts a large number of people to come and visit some remote parts of Eastern Serbia is definitely a certain mystery which represents the essential part of the culture of this nation. Instances of Vlach magic can be seen in the Timok area, all over Eastern Serbia and across its borders. Vlach magic is a miracle or is miraculous, when looking at how long it has been present, its unique rituals, beliefs, shamans and spells.
Vlach culture intertwined with pagan customs and interesting rituals, makes the municipalities in Eastern Serbia mysterious places in modern 21st century Europe, because the Vlachs are a mostly closed (endogamous) population which do not blend with people of other nationalities.