bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical benefit of metaphase I oocytes
Authors: Vanhoutte Leen , De Sutter Petra , Van der Elst Josiane , Dhont Marc 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
We studied the benefit of using in vitro matured metaphase I (MI) oocytes for ICSI in patients with a maximum of 6 mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes at retrieval.

Methods
In 2004, 187 ICSI cycles were selected in which maximum 6 MII oocytes and at least one MI oocyte were retrieved. MI oocytes were put in culture to mature until the moment of ICSI, which was performed between 2 to 11 hours after oocyte retrieval (day 0). In exceptional cases, when the patient did not have any mature oocyte at the scheduled time of ICSI, MI oocytes were left to mature overnight and were injected between 19 to 26 hours after retrieval (day 1). Embryos from MI oocytes were chosen for transfer only when no other good quality embryos from MII oocytes were available. Outcome parameters were time period of in vitro maturation (IVM), IVM and fertilization rates, embryo development, clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates and total MI oocyte utilization rate.

Results
The overall IVM rate was 43%. IVM oocytes had lower fertilization rates compared to in vivo matured sibling oocytes (52% versus 68%, P < 0.05). The proportion of poor quality embryos was significantly higher in IVM derived oocytes. One pregnancy and live birth was obtained out of 13 transfers of embryos exclusively derived from IVM oocytes. This baby originated from an oocyte that was injected after 22 hrs of IVM.

Conclusion
Fertilization of in vitro matured MI oocytes can result in normal embryos and pregnancy, making IVM worthwhile, particularly when few MII oocytes are obtained at retrieval.
Implementation failures in the use of two New Zealand laws to control the tobacco industry: 1989–2005
Authors: Thomson George , Wilson Nick 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundWe reviewed the implementation of New Zealand laws in relation to the activities of the tobacco industry and their allies. Material for two brief case studies was obtained from correspondence with official agencies, official information requests, internet searches (tobacco industry documents and official government sites), and interviews with 12 key informants.ResultsThe first case study identified four occasions over a period of 14 years where New Zealand Government agencies appeared to fail to enforce consumer protection law, although apparent breaches by the tobacco industry and their allies had occurred in relation to statements on the relative safety of secondhand smoke. The second case study examined responses to a legal requirement for the tobacco industry to provide information on tobacco additives. There was failure to enforce the law, and a failure of the political process for at least 13 years to clarify and strengthen the law. Relevant factors in both these cases of 'policy slippage' appear to have been financial and opportunity costs of taking legal action, political difficulties and the fragmented nature of government structures.ConclusionConsidered together, these case studies suggest the need for governments to: (i) make better use of national consumer laws (with proper monitoring and enforcement) in relation to tobacco; and (ii) to strengthen international law and resources around tobacco-related consumer protection. A number of options for achieving these aims are available to governments.
Policy lessons from comparing mortality from two global forces: international terrorism and tobacco
Authors: Thomson George , Wilson Nick 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to compare the mortality burdens from two global impacts on mortality: international terrorism and the major cause of preventable death in developed countries – tobacco use. We also sought to examine the similarities and differences between these two causes of mortality so as to better inform the policy responses directed at prevention.

Methods
Data on deaths from international terrorism were obtained from a US State Department database for 1994–2003. Estimates for tobacco-attributable deaths were based on Peto et al 2003. The countries were 37 developed and East European countries.

Results and discussion
The collective annualized mortality burden from tobacco was approximately 5700 times that of international terrorism. The ratio of annual tobacco to international terrorism deaths was lowest for the United States at 1700 times, followed by Russia at 12,900 times. The tobacco death burden in all these countries was equivalent to the impact of an 11 September type terrorist attack every 14 hours.
Different perceptions of risk may contribute to the relative lack of a policy response to tobacco mortality, despite its relatively greater scale. The lack is also despite tobacco control having a stronger evidence base for the prevention measures used.

Conclusion
This comparison highlights the way risk perception may determine different policy responses to global forces causing mortality. Nevertheless, the large mortality differential between international terrorism and tobacco use has policy implications for informing the rational use of resources to prevent premature death.
Compound developmental eye disorders following inactivation of TGFβ signaling in neural-crest stem cells
Authors: Ittner Lars M , Wurdak Heiko , Schwerdtfeger Kerstin , Kunz Thomas , Ille Fabian , Leveen Per , Hjalt Tord A , Suter Ueli , Karlsson Stefan , Hafezi Farhad , Born Walter , Sommer Lukas 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background
Development of the eye depends partly on the periocular mesenchyme derived from the neural crest (NC), but the fate of NC cells in mammalian eye development and the signals coordinating the formation of ocular structures are poorly understood.

Results
Here we reveal distinct NC contributions to both anterior and posterior mesenchymal eye structures and show that TGFβ signaling in these cells is crucial for normal eye development. In the anterior eye, TGFβ2 released from the lens is required for the expression of transcription factors Pitx2 and Foxc1 in the NC-derived cornea and in the chamber-angle structures of the eye that control intraocular pressure. TGFβ enhances Foxc1 and induces Pitx2 expression in cell cultures. As in patients carrying mutations in PITX2 and FOXC1, TGFβ signal inactivation in NC cells leads to ocular defects characteristic of the human disorder Axenfeld-Rieger's anomaly. In the posterior eye, NC cell-specific inactivation of TGFβ signaling results in a condition reminiscent of the human disorder persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. As a secondary effect, retinal patterning is also disturbed in mutant mice.

Conclusion
In the developing eye the lens acts as a TGFβ signaling center that controls the development of eye structures derived from the NC. Defective TGFβ signal transduction interferes with NC-cell differentiation and survival anterior to the lens and with normal tissue morphogenesis and patterning posterior to the lens. The similarity to developmental eye disorders in humans suggests that defective TGFβ signal modulation in ocular NC derivatives contributes to the pathophysiology of these diseases.
Intrafirm Competition and Charter Evolution in the Multibusiness Firm
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Lingblad Mats 
Published: December 2005

We develop a theoretical framework for a specific form of intrafirm competition, namely the extent of overlap between the charters of two or more units in a single organization. This phenomenon is commonly seen in large organizations, e.g., cases of two business units producing competing products, or two product development groups trying to solve the same technological problem, but the existing academic literature provides little insight into the forms intrafirm competition takes, or the conditions under which it is beneficial or harmful to the organization. Building on the concept of an organization charter (Galunic and Eisenhardt 2001), we identify two generic forms of intrafirm competition: the dynamic community model has fluid and frequently changing charter boundaries, and it emerges through the creation of strategic options in the face of a changing environment; the coexistence model has fixed and relatively static charter boundaries, and it owes its existence to economies of scope and differentiation of unit charters to cover multiple market segments. In the body of the paper we develop a theoretical framework to specify the environmental and organizational conditions under which each form of intrafirm competition is expected to occur.
ACS–based dynamic optimization for curing of polymeric coating
Authors: Xiao Jie , Li Jia , Xu Qiang , Huang Yinlun , Lou Helen H. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractClearcoat filmbuild is a main concern for coating quality in automotive paint shops. In operation, a thin layer of clearcoat is sprayed on the top of other thin films on the vehicle surface and then baked in an oven for solvent removal, film topology finalization, and crosslinking reactions completion. Because of the complexity of physical and chemical phenomena occurring in operation and the lack of on‐line measurement of key process and product parameters, ovens are always operated considerably less than optimally in terms of coating quality and energy consumption. In this report, a dynamic model‐embedded ant colony system–based optimization methodology is introduced to tackle this sophisticated industrial problem. It is shown that, by comparing with a traditional Genetic Algorithm, the proposed methodology can provide better solution with reasonable computational effort. A major contribution of this work is that—probably for the first time—the oven energy minimization (process performance) can be achieved based on rigorous coating quality (product performance) constraints in a dynamic domain. This work advances coating quality control from traditional postprocess inspection‐based practice (a reactive approach) to in‐process on‐line defect prevention–focused strategy (a proactive approach). It also provides a scientific basis for redesigning quality‐guaranteed energy‐efficient ovens. The methodology is, in general, applicable to a variety of industrial dynamic optimization problems, where product and process performance should be simultaneously considered. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
The last Senior Medical Inspector of Factories and his place in the history of occupational health
Authors: Greenberg Morris 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundApart from a few industrialists with senses of enlightened self‐interest and of ethics, 19th century Occupational Health (OH) in the United Kingdom was essentially in the care of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate (HMFI). Two World Wars drew attention to the special health and efficiency needs of workers in the armaments industry, but it required the climate of a Welfare State after the Second for more general provision to be considered. A number of committees made recommendations for enhancing OH that were not implemented, and it was not until 1972 that a political will developed to enhance the State's provision. As a result of a far‐sighted senior civil servant, a remarkable Senior Medical Inspector was in post, ready and willing to assist in bringing about change.MethodsPublished official materials have been reviewed in the light of the author's observation of events and persons from 1967 onwards.ResultsFor a few years, as a consequence of a political will, academic, corporate, and governmental OH burgeoned in Britain, but with a decline in the economy and political change favoring deregulation, it underwent regression.ConclusionsAny number of committees may meet to discuss OH provision but their reports will moulder until there is a will for implementing their recommendations, at which the requisite funds and persons materialize to establish institutions. When the political climate changes, it will not be difficult to find persons who for a consideration will assist in their demolition. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:54–59, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laboratory evaluation of belt usage with apple buckets
Authors: Earle‐Richardson Giulia , Jenkins Paul L. , Freivalds Andris , Burdick Patrick , Park Shihyun , Lee Cheol , Mason Christine , May John J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundMigrant and seasonal orchard harvest workers experience musculoskeletal strain caused by carrying heavy loads and holding awkward postures. An ergonomic hip belt designed to redistribute weight from the upper back, neck, and shoulders to the hips was evaluated.MethodsA comparison of muscle exertion (using electromyography [EMG]) of four key back and shoulder muscles and shoulder surface pressure (using a surface pressure sensor [PS]) was made among 10 laboratory volunteers under intervention and control conditions, in two postures (standing erect [0°]) and flexed [45°]).ResultsAll but one measure showed a significant reduction in the flexed posture with the intervention. Two of eight measures showed a significant reduction in the erect posture. Correlations with shoulder discomfort were found for deep shoulder EMG (r = 0.71, P = 0.021) and shoulder surface pressure (r = 0.58, P = 0.082).ConclusionsThe hip belt intervention produces significant reductions in muscle activity while in a posture commonly assumed during orchard work. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:23–29, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposures to silica mixed dust and cohort mortality study in tin mines: Exposure‐response analysis and risk assessment of lung cancer
Authors: Chen Weihong , Yang Jian , Chen Jingqiong , Bruch Joachim 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundMineral dusts that contain crystalline silica have been associated directly or indirectly with the development of pneumoconiosis or silicosis, non‐malignant respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and other diseases. The health impacts on workers with silica mixed dust exposure in tin mines and dose‐response relationships between cumulative dust exposure and the mortality from lung cancer are investigated.MethodsA cohort of 7,837 workers registered in the employment records in 4 Chinese tin mines between 1972 and 1974 was identified for this study and the mortality follow‐up was traced through 1994. Of the cohort, the cause of death was ascertained for 1,061 (97%) of the 1,094 deceased workers. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for all workers, non‐exposed workers, and dust‐exposed workers with different exposure levels, silicotics, and non‐silicotics based on Chinese national rates.ResultsThe mortality from all causes in four tin mines was nearly the same as the national mortality. Malignant neoplasm, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease accounted for 68.6% of all deaths. Mortality excess from lung cancer, liver cancer, all malignant diseases, and non‐malignant respiratory diseases was observed among dust‐exposed workers; a 50‐fold excess of pneumoconiosis was observed. There was an upward trend for SMRs of lung cancer was noted from no exposure to low, medium, and high exposure levels (SMRs = 1.29, 2.65, 2.66, 3.33). The shape of the exposure‐response curve for risk of lung cancer at high exposure levels was inconsistent in these four mines.ConclusionsThe findings indicated a positive dose‐response relation between exposure to cumulative dust and the mortality of lung cancer. High arsenic content in dust particles, together with crystalline silica, may play an important role in causing increased mortality from lung cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med., 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Workplace air quality and lung function among dental laboratory technicians
Authors: Hu Suh‐Woan , Lin Yuh‐Yih , Wu Tzu‐Chin , Hong Chun‐Cheng , Chan Chang‐Chuan , Lung Shih‐Chun Candice 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundDental laboratory technicians are exposed to dust and/or methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the workplace. Potential effects of the exposures on lung function merit further clarification.MethodsThis study measured lung function of 45 dental technicians, before and after shifts, on 3 workdays and monitored workplace concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 mm (PM2.5) and MMA in five dental laboratories in Taiwan. Base metals in particles were analyzed by X‐ray fluorescence. Repeated measurement analysis was applied to estimate potential effects of PM2.5 on pulmonary function.ResultsPM2.5 ranged from 26 µg/m3 to 664 µg/m3 and levels of MMA were low in these laboratories. Nickel, cobalt, and chromium were detected in the particles. After controlling for important factors, PM2.5 was associated with a small decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow in one second.ConclusionWorkplace PM2.5 was associated with a non‐significant decrease in lung function of dental technicians. Am. J. Ind. Med., 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apolipoprotein E and alpha brain rhythms in mild cognitive impairment: A multicentric Electroencephalogram study
Authors: Babiloni Claudio , Benussi Luisa , Binetti Giuliano , Cassetta Emanuele , Dal Forno Gloria , Del Percio Claudio , Ferreri Florinda , Ferri Raffaele , Frisoni Giovanni , Ghidoni Roberta , Miniussi Carlo , Rodriguez Guido , Romani Gian Luca , Squitti Rosanna , Ventriglia Maria Carla , Rossini Paolo M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveRelationships between the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythmicity have been demonstrated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients but not in the preclinical stage prodromic to it, namely, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The present multicentric EEG study tested the hypothesis that presence of ε4 affects sources of resting EEG rhythms in both MCI and AD subjects.MethodsWe enrolled 89 MCI subjects (34.8% with ε4) and 103 AD patients (50.4% with ε4). Resting eyes‐closed EEG data were recorded for all subjects. EEG rhythms of interest were delta (2—4Hz), theta (4–8Hz), alpha 1 (8–10.5Hz), alpha 2 (10.5–13Hz), beta 1 (13–20Hz), and beta 2 (20–30Hz). EEG cortical sources were estimated by low‐resolution brain electromagnetic tomography.ResultsResults showed that amplitude of alpha 1 and 2 sources in occipital, temporal, and limbic areas was lower in subjects carrying the ε4 allele than in those not carrying the ε4 allele (p < 0.01). This was true for both MCI and AD. For the first time to our knowledge, a relationship was shown between ApoE genotype and global neurophysiological phenotype (ie, cortical alpha rhythmicity) in a preclinical AD condition, MCI, in addition to clinically manifest AD.InterpretationSuch a demonstration motivates future genotype–EEG phenotype studies for the early prediction of AD conversion in individual MCI subjects. Ann Neurol 2005
Vinyl polymerization of norbornene with novel nickel (II) diphosphinoamine/methylaluminoxane catalytic system
Authors: Sun Zhengguang , Zhu Fangming , Wu Qing , Lin Shang‐an 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA new diphosphinoamine ligand [Ph2PN(p‐C6H4OMe)PPh2] was prepared through aminolysis reaction of p‐methoxyaniline with Ph2PCl in the presence of NEt3. Consequently, the corresponding nickel (II) diphosphinoamine complex [(p‐C6H4OMe)N(PPh2)2NiCl2] was synthesized and characterized. The solid‐state structure of the complex was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. As combined with methylaluminoxane (MAO), the complex displayed high catalytic activity for vinyl polymerization of norbornene. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methacrylate/acrylate terminated derivatives of diglycidyl hexahydrophthalate: Synthesis, structural, and thermal characterization
Authors: Agarwal Nimisha , Varma Indra K. , Choudhary Veena 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMono‐ or di(meth)acrylate‐terminated derivatives of diglycidyl hexahydrophthalate (ER) were prepared by reacting 1 : 1 or 1 : 2M ratio of ER and methacrylic acid or acrylic acid. These vinyl ester (VE) resins were characterized by determining epoxy equivalent weight, acid number, and molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography. Structural characterization was done by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In the 1H NMR spectra of acrylate‐terminated VE resins, three proton resonance signals were observed in the region 5.8–6.4 ppm due to vinyl group while in methacrylate‐terminated VE resins only two proton resonance signals due to vinylidene protons were observed at 5.6–6.1 ppm. The Brookfield viscosity (room temperature (25 ± 2)°C) of these resins diluted with varying amounts of MMA was determined at 20 rpm. Curing behavior was monitored by determination of gel time and differential scanning calorimetry. An exothermic transition was observed in the DSC scans in the temperature range of (81–150)°C. Isothermal curing of MMA‐diluted VE resins containing AIBN as an initiator was done at 60°C for 2 h in N2 atmosphere, and then heating for another 2 h in static air atmosphere. Thermal stability of isothermally cured resins in N2 atmosphere was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. All cured resins decomposed above 310°C in single step. Thermal stability of the cured resins having acrylate end caps was marginally higher than the resins having methacrylate end groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some polymers derived from modified amino polyacrylamide by reacting it with benzoate esters and benzaldehyde derivatives
Authors: Kenawy El‐Refaie , Imam Abdel‐Hay F. , Abou El‐Magd Ahmed , Mahmoud Yehia 
Published: December 2005

AbstractFunctionalized polymers have gained much interest in the last decades. This is due to their functional groups and their polymer nature, which give them unique properties and more advantages than the corresponding small molecules. In this trend, we modified polyacrylamide by introducing an amino group in the side chain of the polymer by reacting it with ethylenediamine. The amine‐modified polymer was reacted with two classes of active compounds. The first group is aromatic aldehydes containing active groups such as p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin, p‐chlorobenzaldehyde, and anisaldehyde. The second group is phenolic ester derivatives such as p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate, 2,4‐dihydroxymethylbenzoate, 2‐hydroxymethylbenzoate and 3,4,5‐trihydroxypropylbenzoate. The antimicrobial activity of these two classes were explored by cut plug method against Candida albicans SC5314, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporium as fungal organisms and Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus as bacterial organisms. It was found that the diameter of inhibition zone varied according to the active group in the modified polymer and the examined microorganism. In general, the modified polymers showed antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. However, the polymer derivative of p‐chlorobenzaldehyde being the most effective on bacteria and fungi species. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006