Long-term results of breast conservation in Chinese women with breast cancer.

Between July 1989 and December 2002, 172 women with Stage I/II breast cancer were treated by breast conservation therapy (BCT). All underwent quadrantectomy and axillary node clearance. Minimum follow-up was 5 years and 79 (52%) were followed for >10 years. At 5 years, local relapse-free and overall survival rates were 98.3% and 98.3%. The 10-year rates were 95% and 94%, respectively. The 10-year local recurrence rate was higher in patients with involved margins (33.3% versus 2.7%, p = 0.0272). Furthermore 10-year death rates in margin positive patients were higher (18.2% versus 2.5%, p = 0.0486). Excellent or good cosmetic results were achieved in 54%. BCT is a reasonable option for early stage breast cancer in Chinese women but margin status is the most important determinant of local recurrence. Negative margins are required for optimal local control and minimization of distant metastasis.

Modeling the Energy Content of Municipal Solid Waste Using Multiple Regression Analysis.

In this research multiple regression analysis was used to develop predictive models of the energy content of municipal solid waste (MSW). The scope of work included collecting waste samples in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, characterizing the waste, and performing a stepwise forward selection procedure for isolating variables. Two regression models were developed to correlate the energy content with variables derived from physical composition and ultimate analysis. The performance of these models for this particular waste was superior to that of equations developed by other researchers (e.g., Dulong, Steuer) for estimating energy content. Attempts at developing regression models from proximate analysis data were not successful.