bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental occupation at periconception: findings from the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study
Authors: McKinney P A , Fear N T , Stockton D 
Published: November 2003

Aims:To study the risk of childhood cancer in relation to parental occupation and related exposures.Methods:Self reported occupational data from mothers and fathers of 3838 children with cancer and 7629 control children were analysed. Odds ratios were calculated for 31 “occupational groups” by parent, diagnostic group (leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), central nervous system tumours, and other cancers) and time of exposure (periconception, birth, and diagnosis).Results:Findings did not support the hypothesis that occupational exposure of fathers to ionising radiation increases the risk of childhood cancer in their offspring. Specific examination of periconceptual chemical exposures showed small but statistically significant increased risks for leukaemia and ALL among children whose fathers were exposed to exhaust fumes, driving, and/or inhaled particulate hydrocarbons. In the remaining analyses, a fourfold increase in the risk of other cancers was observed among the children of fathers working with leather but based on small numbers. Both maternal and paternal exposure to textile dust was related to an increased risk of other cancers.Conclusion:Results failed to produce any strong evidence to link parental occupational exposures with an increased risk of childhood cancer. No relation was found for paternal periconceptual exposure to ionising radiation. The consistency of the associations observed between childhood leukaemia and paternal occupational exposure to exhaust fumes, driving, and/or inhaled particulate hydrocarbons at periconception suggest a small risk for vehicle related exhaust. However, other explanations cannot be excluded and further research into the nature of the associations is required.
Urine mutagenicity and lymphocyte DNA damage in fruit growers occupationally exposed to the fungicide captan
Authors: Lebailly P , Devaux A , Pottier D , De Meo M , Andre V , Baldi I , Severin F , Bernaud J , Durand B , Henry-Amar M , Gauduchon P 
Published: November 2003

Aims:To determine haematological parameters, urine mutagenicity (on threeSalmonella typhimuriumstrains), and DNA damage (using the comet assay) in mononuclear leucocytes of farmers before and after a one-day spraying period of pear and apple trees with the fungicide captan in usual conditions.Methods:Fruit growers were exposed to captan during the 1998 (n = 12) and/or the 2000 spraying seasons (n = 17). Biological samples were collected on the morning of the day of spraying (S1), the evening after spraying (S2), and the morning of the day after (S3). The UK Predictive Operator Exposure Model (UK-POEM) was used to quantify pesticide exposure intensity.Results:No effect was observed on haematological parameters for these two spraying seasons. Proportions of mutagenic urine samples did not significantly differ between S1 and S2/S3 sampling points. In contrast with strains TA97a and YG1041 mainly sensitive to frameshift mutations, a positive trend was observed between the difference (S3–S1) of mutagenic power on strain TA102 detecting base-pair mutations and the exposure predicted value given by UK-POEM, mainly due to parameters related to protective clothing. No significant variations in DNA damage levels were observed between S1 and S3, nor were correlations observed with parameters of pesticide exposure.Conclusions:A one-day spraying period with captan and other pesticides does not significantly induce DNA damages in mononuclear leucocytes. In contrast, an inefficient protective clothing could correlate with an increase in urine mutagenicity as assessed by the TA102 tester strain.
POISSON GEOMETRY IN CONSTRAINED SYSTEMS
Authors: BOJOWALD MARTIN , STROBL THOMAS 
Published: November 2003

Associated to a constrained system with closed constraint algebra there are two Poisson manifolds P and Q forming a symplectic dual pair with respect to the original, unconstrained phase space: P is the image of the constraint map (equipped with the algebra of constraints) and Q the Poisson quotient with respect to the orbits generated by the constraints (the orbit space is assumed to be a manifold). We provide sufficient conditions so that the reduced phase space of the constrained system may be identified with a symplectic leaf of Q. By these methods, a second class constrained system with closed algebra is reformulated as an abelian first class system in an extended phase space.While any Poisson manifold (P,Π) has a symplectic realization (Karasev, Weinstein 87), it does not always permit a leafwise symplectic embedding into a symplectic manifold (M,ω). For regular P, it is seen that such an embedding exists, iff the characteristic form-class of Π, a certain element of the third relative cohomology of P, vanishes. A tubular neighborhood of the constraint surface of a general second class constrained system equipped with the Dirac bracket provides a physical example for such an embedding into the original symplectic manifold. In contrast, a leafwise symplectic embedding of e.g. (the maximal regular part of) a Poisson Lie manifold associated to a compact, semisimple Lie algebra does not exist.
Infections, Immunity, and Diabetes
Authors: Pozzilli P. , Leslie R. D. G. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn the early 1900s many diabetic patients died of overwhelming infection. The introduction of insulin dramatically altered this situation and today the major cause of death in diabetic patients are the noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease. However, infections in diabetic patients still represent an important issue. This chapter discusses the various aspects that need to be considered both by doctors involved in caring for these patients and by the authorities responsible for calculating the costs of diabetes care.
The Syndrome of Insulin Resistance and Its Links to Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bonadonna Riccardo C. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObesity, central fat distribution, altered glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension cluster together to a variable extent presumably because of the common pathogenetic denominator represented by insulin resistance. This cluster has been named insulin resistance syndrome, or dysmetabolic syndrome X, or metabolic syndrome, and possibly is involved in the etiology and/or pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, as also demonstrated by epidemiological studies in which hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are independent indicators/predictors of cardiovascular disease. This relationship may be explained by the presence of a common antecedent (“common soil” hypothesis), causing both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, or by a direct causal role of insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia in atherogenesis (“insulin‐resistance‐dependent atherosclerosis” hypothesis). At the molecular level, the common soil hypothesis may find its counterpart in the I‐κB‐kinase‐mediated activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB raised by the common soil hypothesis and by the insulin‐resistance‐dependent atherosclerosis hypothesis remains unsolved, largely because it may be inherently difficult to gauge the biological link(s) between one “complex” phenotype (the insulin resistance syndrome) and another “hypercomplex” phenotype (the atherosclerotic plaque).
Organization of Care: The “At Risk” Person in the Community
Authors: Lam Karen S.L. , Tan Kathryn C.B. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWith the rapidly rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide, it is imperative that strategies to prevent the development of diabetes are developed. Individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes should be identified and targeted for prevention. The increased risk for diabetes stems from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although the genetic susceptibility to diabetes remains poorly understood, risk factors such as age, obesity, lifestyle factors including physical inactivity, a Western diet, and smoking, predispose to the development of diabetes. In women, gestational diabetes is another important risk factor for developing diabetes. Individuals with low birth weight at term and those with obstructive sleep apnea have also recently been suggested to have an increased risk.
Transmission Factors in Telephony
Authors: Freeman Roger L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Transmission in telecommunications involves the production, transport, and delivery of a quality signal from source to destination (end user). A number of factors affect the signal quality received at the destination. Our concern here is speech signal quality as perceived by the user at the distant end. This chapter treats such factors as overall loudness rating of the speech signal, noise effects, control of echo and singing, amplitude distortion, group delay distortion, quantization distortion, and related interface topics dealing with speech transmission.
The Internet
Authors: Freeman Roger L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The Internet has become a byword for the professional and layman alike. It is an application of telecommunication software and hardware that provides a window on the world. It is almost an unlimited source of knowledge. For the layman, access to the Internet is nearly as commonplace as access to the telephone.
The Internet is an application of data communications and the digital network consuming large portions of PSTN bandwidth. It utilizes some of the more familiar protocols and other, less familiar protocols discussed herein. It has grown into a technology and business arena all of its own. We would be short‐changing our readership by not covering the Internet.
Office and Industrial Communications
Authors: Freeman Roger L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Electrical communications is a vital part of any office complex whether for government or for industry. It encompasses (a) voice, data, and image traffic and (b) radio, metallic, and fiber‐optics links. This segment of the telecommunications industry has probably seen more growth in the past 10 years than any other. Certainly a major portion of the segment is the enterprise network. Many experts will lump elements of this chapter under the general heading of enterprise networks.

The heart of an office/industrial complex's telecommunications is the private automatic branch exchange (PABX). A major portion of this chapter deals with the PABX and its associated networks. We define a
key system
as a scaled‐down version of a PABX. Private networks are another aspect of this chapter. Such networks can become quite large both in number of users and in geographic expanse. Thus a portion of the chapter covers a transmission plan for such networks. Another important section of the chapter deals with building wiring and cabling for telephone and local area network (LAN) connectivities.
Standard Time and Frequency
Authors: Freeman Roger L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Modern telecommunication networks require highly accurate synchronization derived from a centralized stable and dependable clock source. Another necessity, in some cases, is to be able to derive universal coordinated time (UCT) or a comparable time scale. In a similar vein, there is a need for accurate dating of events and the correction of local clocks for the leap second.

All modern clocks are based on radio‐frequency oscillators, even the wristwatch on our arm. The most common electronic clock uses some sort of crystal oscillator. More sophisticated clocks with one to three orders of magnitude improved accuracy derive that accuracy from atomic sources such as rubidium, cesium, or hydrogen maser. Another approach is the disciplined oscillator which is slaved to a distant, highly stable source such as the global positioning system (GPS) or Loran C. This is an economic method of achieving near similar stability and accuracy of a bank of atomic clocks through the use of GPS or Loran C as well as the phase synchronism of a common
worldwide
frequency/time source. This approach is ideal for the digital network by making each switch timing‐source independent.

The objective of this chapter is to provide basic source data on standard time and frequency. The chapter includes definitions and relationships of international time scales; definition of the Julian data; time and frequency calibration; comparison of reference oscillators used as standard time and frequency sources; accuracy and error curves; and methods, sources, and formats for the calibration of local clocks and frequency sources. Several time codes are described. The chapter also reviews a number of facilities providing worldwide dissemination of timing synchronization and UTC.
Grounding, Bonding, and Shielding
Authors: Freeman Roger L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
This chapter presents a brief tutorial and rationale, and it provides design data and procedures for grounding, bonding, and shielding of telecommunication facilities. The subjects themselves are interrelated and involve considerations over a wide range of topics from electrochemistry and metallurgy to electromagnetic field theory and atmospheric physics.
Grounding, bonding, and shielding are a group of disciplines that is extremely important in the design and implementation of telecommunication systems for optimum performance. By using good design and installation practice in these disciplinary areas, we can reduce electrical noise and notably improve the efficiency and performance of signal circuits. There are also important aspects regarding personnel safety and equipment availability and survivability.
Much of the material presented in this chapter has been taken from the U.S. Department of Defense MIL‐HDBK‐419A.
Engineering Economy
Authors: Freeman Roger L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract

This chapter reviews commonly accepted methods of economic evaluation of telecommunication projects, new plant, plant expansion, and of new service or equipment. The principal approach is based on
present worth of annual charges
(PWAC). In the United Kingdom, it is known as “present value of annual charges” (PVAC).

The first section presents a description of PWAC and gives some examples of its application. One may comment that the examples are of old technology, such as step‐by‐step exchanges. Nevertheless, the concepts remain unchanged. For this third edition, we considered removing the extensive look‐up tables because of the ubiquity of the scientific calculator. The tables remain. For many users, the tables are easier and faster than the calculator. Also, the chance for error has been greatly reduced.
For many, the world of practical engineering economics is strange. Thus the reader will find the slant of presentation is towards the tutorial with numerous worked examples. There is a glossary of terms at the end. The underlying message of the chapter is optimizing cost‐effectiveness.
Actuators, Piezoelectric Ceramic, Functional Gradient
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Meng Zhongyan 
Published: November 2003

AbstractActuators and materials play a key role in developing advanced precision engineering. The breakthroughs in this field are closely related to the development of various types of actuators and related materials. The successes of piezoelectric ceramics and ceramic actuators have. For instance, the propagating‐wave type ultrasonic motor that produces precise rotational displacements has been used in autofocusing movie cameras and VCRs. Multimorph ceramic actuators prepared from electrostricitive Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3(PMN) ceramics are used as deformable mirrors to correct image distortions from atmospheric effects. The likelihood that the range of applications and demand for actuators will grow actively and has stimulated intensive research on piezoelectric ceramics. Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are a new class of composites that contain a continuous, or discontinuous, gradient in composition and microstructure. Such gradients can be tailored to meet specific needs while providing the best use of composite components. Furthermore, FGM technology is also a novel interfacial technology for solving the problems of the sharp interface between two dissimilar materials. In recent years, significant advances in developing FGMs have been achieved. In this article, we introduce and summarize the recent progress in piezoelectric ceramic actuators and review recent applications of FGMs in piezoelectric ceramic devices.
Colossal Magnetoresistive Materials
Authors: Maignan A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Magnetoresistance (MR) is defined as the relative change in the electrical resistivity of a material upon the application of a magnetic field. MR is positive for most nonmagnetic metals, and its magnitude is limited to a few percent, whereas MR can be negative in magnetic materials because the magnetic field tends to reduce the spin disorder.
MR is of considerable technological interest. IBM is using the Permalloy (composition: 80% Ni and 20% Fe) MR of about 3% in a small magnetic field at room temperature for the magnetic storage of information. More recently, larger magnetoresistance also called giant MR (GMR) was observed in thin films of magnetic superlattices (for instance, Fe, Cr) for which metallic layers of a ferromagnet and a nonmagnetic material (or an antiferromagnet) are alternately deposited on a substrate. By doing so, the MR magnitude is increased by an order of magnitude. Small ferromagnetic particles deposited on a paramagnetic thin film also provide an alternative way to obtain GMR devices. For both material classes, small magnetic field applications (a few oersteds) are sufficient to align the magnetizations ferromagnetically and thus to induce a resistivity decrease originating in decreased scattering.
In hole‐doped perovskite manganites magnetoresistance values of ∼ −100% in large magnetic fields (several teslas) have been discovered. These effects are called CMR to distinguish them from GMR. CMR has motivated a large number of experimental studies of these oxides in bulk (ceramics and crystals) and in thin films and also of theoretical work to understand the origin of the phenomenon.

In this article, several representative examples of perovskite manganites are given to illustrate the richness of their phase diagrams. More particularly, the chemical key factor governing the CMR of hole‐doped manganites that contain 30% Mn
4 +
and have the Ln
0.7
AE
0.3
MnO
3
formula are reviewed. The existence of Mn
3 +
/Mn
4 +
charge ordering in the Mn lattice for half‐doped manganites and also for Mn
4 +
}‐rich compositions (electron‐doped, x > 0.5) are discussed. Finally, the possibility of obtaining CMR properties in Mn
4 +
‐rich manganites is shown.
Composites, Future Concepts
Authors: Thompson Brian S. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract

The composite materials considered here are solid objects with a macrostructure. The constituents of these, solids can be observed with the naked eye. Solid objects are said to be
smart
if they embody additional functionality capabilities beyond their inherent structural attributes. These capabilities might be attributed to an embedded network of interconnected sensors, actuators and computers, for example. Synthetic inhomogeneous materials with these capabilities comprise the basis for a new generation of materials. These materials have the potential to revolutionize many types of products, and usher into existence unforeseen manufactured goods.

Humankind's traditional quest for superior materials may be satisfied in the near future by ideas furnished by Mother Nature. The design and manufacturing methodologies needed for creating new generations of materials will come from a meticulous study of flora and fauna. The future lies with the development of synthetic materials that mimic naturally occurring biological materials.
Current, noncommercial technologies of biological systems are detailed. Future use of these systems are discussed.
Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kost Joseph , Lapidot Smadar A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe basic approach that drug concentration–effect relationships are significantly invariant as a function of time in humans has led to the development of constant‐rate drug delivery systems. Nevertheless, there are a number of clinical situations where such an approach may not be sufficient. These include the delivery of insulin for patients who have diabetes mellitus, antiarrhythmics for patients who have heart rhythm disorders, gastric acid inhibitors for ulcer control, nitrates for patients who have angina pectoris, as well as selective β‐blockade, birth control, general hormone replacement, immunization, and cancer chemotherapy.In recent years, several research groups have been developing responsive systems that could more closely resemble the normal physiological process where the amount of drug released can be effected according to physiological needs. Responsive polymeric delivery systems can be classified as open or closed‐loop systems. Open‐loop control systems are those where information about the controlled variable is not automatically used to adjust the system inputs to compensate for the change in the process variables. In closed‐loop control systems, the controlled variable is detected, and as a result the system output is adjusted accordingly. In the controlled drug delivery field, open‐loop systems are known as pulsatile or externally regulated, and closed‐loop systems as self‐regulated. The externally controlled devices apply external triggers such as magnetic, ultrasonic, thermal, or electric irradiation for pulsatile delivery. In self‐regulated devices, the release rate is controlled by feedback information without any external intervention. Self‐regulated systems use several approaches as rate control mechanisms: pH‐sensitive polymers, enzyme–substrate reactions, pH‐sensitive drug solubility, competitive binding, antibody interactions, and metal concentration‐dependent hydrolysis.