bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of working conditions in two different semiconductor manufacturing lines: Effective ergonomics interventions
Authors: Wong Saw Bin , Richardson Stanley 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article examines two manufacturing lines producing semiconductors using different technology concepts, namely Conventional Line (CL) and Lean Production Line (LPL). Both lines manufacturing the same products were compared using various factors, including working conditions, task risks and dangers of the job, and physical body stress. Ergonomic approaches were adopted in the investigation of the two lines. Survey questionnaires were administered to 30% of the workers, and multiple statistical tests were used to determine crucial predictors and to investigate the interactions between the factors. This research has shown that improved ergonomics factors will lead to better working conditions and thus increased job satisfaction. The observed ergonomic differences of these two production lines are compared, and appropriate managerial remedial action is recommended. The interventions to both the lines should reduce accident rates, minimize waste of resources, improve work effectiveness, and provide a better working environment that enhances employees' morale and maximizes productivity and profits. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The efficacy of using a taxonomic approach in predicting performance of Navy tasks
Authors: Richardson K. W. , Aghazadeh F. , Harvey C. M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe objective of this research was to validate the use of Fleishman's human abilities taxonomy approach in predicting human performance in loading the U.S. Navy's Close‐In Weapon System (CIWS). An experiment was conducted that compared actual and predicted performance of CIWS loading operations. Twenty‐one male students and staff from the Close‐In Weapon System School, Fleet Training Center, were participants in the experiment. They ranged in age from 20 to 35 years (mean = 27.2, standard deviation = 4.88) with an average of 81.1 months (standard deviation = 51.83) of military experience and 23.95 months of CIWS loading experience. Each participant was tested in the human abilities identified for CIWS loading operations, and the test results were correlated with recorded times of the loading tasks. Correlations were performed using bivariate regression analysis. The results of the experiment showed high linear relations between human abilities scores and CIWS loading times. The results show that the participants who scored highest on the human abilities tests completed the loading tasks in the shortest time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in production
Authors: de Looze Michiel P. , Vink Peter , Koningsveld Ernst A. P. , Kuijt‐Evers Lottie , Van Rhijn Gu (J. W.) 
Published: June 2011

AbstractEarly cost–benefit analysis of ergonomic interventions in manufacturing is in the interest of the production management and the ergonomics specialist. Because of the variety of factors and the complexity to quantify these factors, this task is not an easy one. In this article we present a case study that illustrates that the economic benefits of ergonomics may easily overwhelm the costs because of the gain in productivity and quality, not to the economic gain associated with improved health. Finally, we propose a decision tool that addresses the relevant factors in the cost–benefit analysis of ergonomics. It gives Internet support to company managers and human factor specialists to make an economic analysis prior to the start of an ergonomic intervention project. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of zinc sulfate in the prevention of high‐dose chemotherapy‐induced mucositis: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Mansouri Ava , Hadjibabaie Molouk , Iravani Masoud , Shamshiri Ahmad Reza , Hayatshahi Alireza , Javadi Mohammad Reza , Khoee Seid Hamid , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral zinc sulfate in the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT). This study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled design, with 60 patients undergoing HSCT, divided proportionally in experimental group who received zinc sulfate, and in placebo group. They all had received high‐dose chemotherapy conditioning regimen for allogenic transplantation. Oral mucositis assessed was based on World Health Organization (WHO) oral mucositis scale. There were no significant differences in the development of mucositis between the two groups. Severity of mucositis was not significantly different between the two groups either. The same result was obtained regarding the duration of mucositis. Zinc sulfate did not show any significant adverse effects in experimental group. In conclusion, Zinc sulfate did not have any clinical benefits in prevention or reduction of severity, and duration of high‐dose chemotherapy‐induced mucositis in patients undergoing HSCT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An automated disc infiltrometer for infiltration rate measurements using a microflowmeter
Authors: Moret‐Fernández D. , González C. , Lampurlanés J. , Vicente J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis work presents a new design of disc infiltrometer, which, associated with a microflowmeter (MF) and a solenoid valve set, makes it possible to automate the infiltration rate (Q) measurements at different soil pressure heads (ψ). The MF consists of a 13·8‐cm long and 1·5 mm i.d. pipe, with a pressure transducer connecting the two ends of the MF, inserted in a water‐flow pipe that connects the Mariotte tube and the water‐supply reservoir of the disc infiltrometer. Water flow is calculated from the head losses in the MF. Changes in ψ in the bubble tower, automatically affected when the infiltration rate reaches steady state, are controlled by a datalogger connected to four solenoid valves. The new design was tested in laboratory and field conditions, and the results showed that the MF allows the soil water infiltration rates to be correctly estimated for different soil characteristics. The solenoid valve set plus datalogger system satisfactorily monitored the changes in ψ and allowed the measurement time to be optimized. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an Index of Biotic Integrity Based on Fish Communities to Assess the Effects of Rural and Urban Land Use on a Stream in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Eichbaum Esteves Katharina , Alexandre Cleber Valim 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA fish‐based Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was adapted for use in a stream of the heavily impacted Piracicaba River basin in southeastern Brazil. The influences of land use (mainly sugar‐cane crops) and an urban area on the fish community were investigated at ten sites along a 17 km‐long stream during the dry and rainy season. The IBI varied with the season and location along the stream, reflecting differences between the agricultural and urban sites, which were more pronounced during the dry season. The final index was positively correlated with a Habitat Quality Index (dry season) but not with a Water Quality Index. The results can be viewed as a tool for assessing and monitoring the ecological health of streams in this watershed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new approach to prepare well‐dispersed CaF2 nanoparticles by spray drying technique
Authors: Sun Limin , Chow Laurence C. , Bonevich John E. , Wang Tongxin , Mitchell James W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPreviously, nano‐sized calcium fluoride (CaF2) particles were prepared using a spray drying method by simultaneously feeding Ca(OH)2 and NH4F solutions to a two‐liquid nozzle. The aim of the present study was to prepare better‐dispersed nano‐CaF2 particles by co‐forming a soluble salt, sodium chloride (NaCl). NaCl of various concentrations were added to the NH4F solution, leading to formation of (CaF2+NaCl) composites with CaF2/NaCl molar ratios of 4/1, 4/4, and 4/16. Pure nano‐CaF2 was also prepared as the control. Powder X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the products contained crystalline CaF2 and NaCl. Scanning electron microscopy examinations showed that both the CaF2/NaCl composite and pure CaF2 particles were about (50–800) nm in size and consisted of primary CaF2 particles of < 50 nm in size. BET surface area measurements showed similar primary particle sizes for all samples. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the washed (CaF2+NaCl) particles were much smaller than the pure CaF2 as the dissolution of NaCl “freed” most of the primary CaF2 particles, leading to a greater degree of particle dispersion. The well‐dispersed nano‐CaF2 may be expected to be a more effective anticaries agent than NaF by providing longer lasting elevations of fluoride concentrations in oral fluids. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Global identification of transcription start sites in the genome of Apis mellifera using 5′LongSAGE
Authors: Zheng Huajun , Sun Liangxian , Peng Wenjun , Shen Yan , Wang Yuezhu , Xu Baohua , Gu Wenyi , Chen Shuting , Huang Zhouying , Wang Shengyue 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe precise identification of the transcription start sites (TSSs) of genes in the honeybee genome will be helpful for inferring start codons and for determining promoter elements. The 5′SAGE approach provides a powerful tool for identifying TSSs in the sequenced genome. The main purpose of this study is to identify the actual TSSs of expressed genes as well as the usage of different TSSs in the Apis mellifera genome. We performed a 5′LongSAGE (5′LS) analysis for the adult drone head, and the TSSs of the expressed genes were determined by mapping the 5′LS tag sequences to the honeybee genome. A total of 8,280 unique 19 bp 5′LS tag sequences were identified that corresponded to 3,655 predicted genes. Out of these tags, 4,998 tags (60.4%) were mapped to a region from −1,000 bp to +100 bp of the start codon of 2,301 reference coding sequences. Notably, we observed that 28–47% of the 3,655 honeybee genes initiated transcription from alternative TSSs. The TSS consensus pattern of the honeybee genes, DTrichPyPu(Grich)(T/A)(Trich)3, was obtained by aligning the sequences flanking the 5′LS‐TSSs. We also identified three new genes in the regions downstream of 5′LS tags and validated 21 TSSs using RT‐PCR amplification. Additionally, 17 genes identified by the 5′LS tags were associated with the Gene Ontology term “behavior.” Mapping of the 5′LS tags on the genome not only provided direct evidence of expression for in silico predicted genes but also allowed for the identification of previously unrecognized, novel exons and alternative TSSs. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:500–514, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Random graphons and a weak Positivstellensatz for graphs
Authors: Lovász László , Szegedy Balázs 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn an earlier article, the authors proved that limits of convergent graph sequences can be described by various structures, including certain 2‐variable real functions called graphons, random graph models satisfying certain consistency conditions, and normalized, multiplicative and reflection positive graph parameters. In this article we show that each of these structures has a related, relaxed version, which are also equivalent. Using this, we describe a further structure equivalent to graph limits, namely probability measures on countable graphs that are ergodic with respect to the group of permutations of the nodes. As an application, we prove an analogue of the Positivstellensatz for graphs: we show that every linear inequality between subgraph densities that holds asymptotically for all graphs has a formal proof in the following sense: it can be approximated arbitrarily well by another valid inequality that is a “sum of squares” in the algebra of partially labeled graphs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Effect of isoflurane anesthesia and hypothermia on the hepatic kinetics of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA: Evaluation using MRI of conscious mice
Authors: Kiryu Shigeru , Inoue Yusuke , Watanabe Makoto , Ohtomo Kuni 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPurpose:To develop a method for body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of conscious mice and investigate the effect of isoflurane anesthesia and hypothermia on the hepatic kinetics of gadoxetate disodium (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA).Materials and Methods:Conscious or anesthetized mice were restrained on a holder and the rectal temperature was measured serially. Serial MRI of the liver was performed after intravenous injection of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA with or without temperature control. Three mice were studied for each condition.Results:The temperature dropped rapidly in anesthetized mice beside the MR unit. The decline was less prominent in conscious mice. The temperature decreased less in anesthetized mice and remained constant in conscious mice in the radiofrequency (RF) coil. The washout of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA was slower in anesthetized hypothermic mice than in conscious normothermic mice. Warmed anesthetized mice showed faster washout, and cooled conscious mice showed delayed washout. Severer hypothermia in anesthetized mice resulted in weaker initial enhancement and slower washout.Conclusion:By separately manipulating the presence or absence of anesthesia and hypothermia, we demonstrated that washout of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA was delayed under hypothermia, regardless of anesthesia. Serial body MRI of conscious mice was feasible and allowed the evaluation of kinetics of a contrast agent, while excluding the possible effects of anesthesia. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: Comparative analysis of open and hand‐assisted laparoscopic abdominal lymphadenectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction
Authors: Yamasaki Makoto , Miyata Hiroshi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Takiguchi Shuji , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Kurokawa Yukinori , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesEsophagectomy for esophageal cancer is an invasive procedure. Minimally invasive approaches such as hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) might reduce surgical stress and improve postoperative course.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 216 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer through either HALS (109 patients) or open laparotomy (107 patients), through an abdominal approach. The peri‐ and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in physical and tumor status between the two groups. The mean operating time (HALS: 452 ± 65, Open: 456 ± 69 min) and mean number of resected lymph nodes (HALS: 19.3 ± 7.1, Open: 20.8 ± 8.3) were similar, while total blood loss was lower in HALS (HALS: 695 ± 369, Open: 1,101 ± 540 ml; P = 0.0001). The postoperative course showed marginally lower incidences of pulmonary (HALS: 6.4%, Open: 14.0%; P = 0.062) and overall complications (HALS: 23.9%, Open: 35.5%; P = 0.11), lower C‐reactive protein level at postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, and shorter duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (HALS: 2.3 days, Open: 3.5 days; P = 0.0002) in HALS than in OPEN. The disease‐free survival rates at 2 years were 65% in HALS and 53% in Open.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that HALS is feasible and useful for patients with esophageal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:623–628. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wip1 over‐expression correlated with TP53/p14ARF pathway disruption in human astrocytomas
Authors: Wang Peng , Rao Jing , Yang Haifeng , Zhao Hongyang , Yang Lin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPurposeWip1 over‐expression inhibits p53 function and reduces selection for TP53 mutations during cancer progression. To clarify the correlation of Wip1 with TP53/p14ARF pathway disruption in astyrocytomas, the expression of Wip1 and TP53/p14ARF pathway alterations have been investigated.MethodsTumor samples of 52 patients of astrocytomas were examined for TP53 mutations, p14ARF expression, and Wip1 expression. Direct sequencing of region from exons 5 to 8 of the TP53 gene was performed on the genomic DNA in each sample. The DNA methylation states of the CpG islands of the p14ARF gene were determined by MSP. The expression of Wip1 was analyzed by real‐time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsDisruption of the TP53/p14ARF pathway was detected in 57.7% of samples. Among 22 cases without TP53 and p14ARF alterations, 11 (50%) had Wip1 mRNA over‐expression. In tumors with wild‐type TP53 and p14ARF, Wip1 mRNA was over‐expressed only 1 case out of 30 (3.3%). Higher levels of Wip1 were associated with TP53 mutations but not with lower levels of expression of p14ARF or aberrant promoter hypermethylation of the p14ARF gene.ConclusionWip1 is selectively over‐expressed in astyrocytomas without alterations in TP53 or p14ARF. Wip1 may inhibit the TP53/p14ARF pathway. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:679–684. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conversion of intratumoral regulatory T cells by human gastric cancer cells is dependent on transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Lu Xiaoming , Liu Jun , Li Hang , Li Wei , Wang Xuesong , Ma Jingwei , Tong Qiang , Wu Ke , Wang Guobin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRegulatory T cells (Treg) inhibits immune responses mediated by T cells. This study aimed to investigate whether Treg are accumulated in human gastric cancer tissue and the mechanism of Treg induction by gastric cancer cells.MethodsTissue infiltrated leukocytes from gastric adenocarcinomas were subjected to flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Percentage, phenotype, function, and clinical relevance of Treg were analyzed. TGF‐β1 production by cancer cells was determined by Western blot and in vitro co‐culture experiments were performed to mimic gastric cancer microenvironment.ResultsThe percentages of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than those from adjacent non‐tumor gastric tissues (P < 0.05). The results of classical Treg phenotype and proliferation assay supported that the elevated CD4+Foxp3+ T cells represents a suppressive Treg population. High proportion of Treg is correlated to advance TNM stage and reduced survival. Primary gastric cancer cells produced abundance of TGF‐β1 which was responsible for conversion of Treg.ConclusionThe proportion of functional Treg is elevated in human gastric cancer and related to poor prognosis. Gastric cancer cells directly convert CD4+ naive T cells to Treg by TGF‐β1, suggesting a possible mechanism through which tumor cells evade the immune system. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:571–577. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid Identification of Cyclic Tetrapyrrolic Photosensitisers for Photodynamic Therapy Using On‐line Hyphenated LC‐PDA‐MS Coupled with Photo‐cytotoxicity Assay
Authors: Tan P. J. , Appleton D. R. , Mustafa M. R. , Lee H. B. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionPhotodynamic therapy is a treatment modality that involves site‐directed generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species by light‐activated photosensitisers.ObjectiveIn order to rapidly identify new photosensitisers from natural extracts, we developed a liquid chromatography–photodiode array–mass spectrometry (LC‐PDA‐MS) method to rapidly identify plant extracts that contain photosensitisers, particularly those possessing a cyclic tetrapyrrole structure.MethodSix previously isolated compounds (1–6) were identified in bioactive fractions derived from 15 plant extracts on the basis of their chromatographic retention times, UV–visible profiles, accurate mass and fragmentation patterns.ResultsSamples containing uncommon photosensitisers were rapidly identified using this method, and subsequent scale‐up isolation efforts led to two new compounds (7 and 8) which were confirmed to be active photosensitisers in a photo‐cytotoxicity assay.ConclusionThis method serves as a useful tool in prioritising samples that may contain new photosensitisers out of a larger group of photo‐cytotoxic natural products extracts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in the utilization of invasive prenatal diagnosis in The Netherlands during 2000–2009
Authors: Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , Scheffer Peter G. , Stoutenbeek Philip , Schielen Peter C. J. I. , Page‐Christiaens Lieve C. M. L. , Schuring‐Blom G. Heleen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze trends in the number and type of invasive procedure, reasons for referral, maternal age and chromosomal abnormalities over a 10‐year period and correlate the trends to changes in the national prenatal screening policy.MethodsData from 10 706 invasive prenatal procedures yielding a full karyotype, performed between 2000 and 2009 were extracted from the cytogenetic database in the central region of The Netherlands. Trends were analyzed.ResultsOver a 10‐year period, the number of invasive procedures halved and the percentage of chromosomal abnormalities detected, increased from 5.5 to 9.4%. After 2007, however, 5.7% of karyotypes in women over 36 years were found to be abnormal, versus 18.1% in women below 36 years. In 2009, 71.5% of women over 36 are still referred for invasive prenatal diagnosis on the indication advanced maternal age.ConclusionsChanges in prenatal screening policy significantly increased referral after screening and improved the efficacy of invasive prenatal diagnosis. We show the continuing effect of the different policies applied in the past to women below and above the age of 36. To further improve efficacy of invasive prenatal diagnosis, first trimester combination screening should be actively offered to women of all ages. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adrenal gland length in euploid and trisomy 18 fetuses at 11–13 weeks
Authors: Gielchinsky Yuval , Zvanca Mona , Akolekar Ranjit , Calvo Jesus Rodriguez , Nicolaides Kypros H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo establish a normal range for fetal adrenal gland length at 11–13 weeks' gestation and to investigate whether the length is altered in fetal trisomy 18.MethodsFetal adrenal gland length was measured by three‐dimensional ultrasound in fetuses at low risk of aneuploidies (n = 400) and another group at high risk, including 380 euploid fetuses and 41 with trisomy 18. The data of the low‐risk group were used to establish a reference range of adrenal gland length with crown–rump length (CRL). In the high‐risk group, adrenal gland length in the euploid and trisomy 18 groups was compared.ResultsIn the low‐risk group, fetal adrenal gland size increased exponentially with fetal CRL from a median of 2.3 mm at CRL of 45 mm to about 4.4 cm at CRL of 84 mm. In trisomy 18, the median adrenal gland length for CRL was significantly lower than the median in the low‐risk group (−1.37 mm; interquartile range: − 1.67 to − 0.99 mm, p < 0.0001). In euploid fetuses, the adrenal gland size was not significantly from the low‐risk group (p = 0.100).ConclusionTrisomy 18 is associated with adrenal gland hypoplasia which is apparent at 11–13 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.