bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and application of novel planar bending embedded shape memory alloy actuator
Authors: Yang K , Gu C L
Published: April 2007

To overcome low-response speed and low-control precision in the existing traditional shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, a new type of structure named planar bending embedded SMA actuator was developed. Two SMA wires were embedded in parallel with the axis of the elastic rod. The recovering wire, which was superposed along rod's axis, was set to obtain ‘U’ memory shape and the restoring wire, which was placed off-axially, got straight memory shape. The differential stain gauges were located at suitable position in corresponding to the actuator's bending direction in order to measure the signal of displacement. By making use of continuity, common origin and common limit conditions, and adjusting martensite fraction coefficients appropriately, the analytical model was deduced to adequately account for the presence of major and minor hysteresis loops. The structural parameters of 60 mm long actuator, such as rod's radius, wire's radius, wire's recoverable curvature, and offset distance, were optimized by combining analytical model with experimental results. The experimental results prove the merits in optimal prototype.
Adding Extrinsic Goals to the Quality-Adjusted Life Year Model
Authors: Hazen Gordon B.
Published: April 2007

Methods for evaluating health quality are central to medical decision analyses. The most important such method is the quality-adjusted life year (QALY), in which a patient’s length of life is given weight proportional to his/her quality of health. QALYs have become ubiquitous in medical cost-effectiveness as a measure of preference for health outcomes. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that the correlation between measured QALYs and a patient’s current health is at best modest. Moreover, it is known that individuals may trade lifetime for improved health quality when remaining lifetime is long, but not when it is short; and those with poor health quality may prefer to survive only until important life milestones and no longer. These behaviors are inconsistent with the QALY model. To address these concerns, we examine methods for including life goals in health preference models. The QALY model already captures ongoing goals such as minimizing chronic pain or maintaining physical mobility, goals whose achievement has impact proportional to length of life. However, other goals, termed extrinsic goals, such as completing an important project or seeing a child graduate from college, are qualitatively different—their achievement has impact that is independent of length of life, and therefore cannot be captured using QALYs. In this paper, we present a generalization of the QALY model that incorporates both ongoing goals and extrinsic goals. The new model allows the plausible behaviors mentioned above but forbidden by the QALY model.
Exploring Relations Between Decision Analysis and Game Theory
Authors: van Binsbergen Jules H. , Marx Leslie M.
Published: April 2007

Many authors, including Cavusoglu and Raghunathan (2004. Configuration of detection software: A comparison of decision and game theory approaches. Decision Anal. 1(3) 131–148.) in this journal, have argued that proper modeling of the strategic interaction between players requires a game-theoretic approach as opposed to a decision-theoretic approach. We argue in this paper, however, that there are many environments in which decision analysis can deal with strategic interactions just as well, and we present equivalence results for such environments. These equivalence results allow the prescriptive decision analyst to use the standard tools that a sound decision analysis requires, including decision trees and sensitivity analysis, even when confronted with strategic settings. We further present two technical comments on the Cavusoglu and Raghunathan (2004) paper.
From the Editor…
Authors: Keller L. Robin
Published: April 2007

This issue marks the beginning of my term as Editor-in-Chief of Decision Analysis. Founding Editors-in-Chief Bob Clemen and Don Kleinmuntz guided us well through the first three years of publication. Beginning now, with our fourth volume, I am introducing a new structure with associate editors and a managing editor. Combined with our existing editorial board, this structure will allow us to better serve the diverse decision analysis community and will position us to manage the growth of our journal. This issue features articles by Hazen on the addition of life goals to health preference models, by Abbas on invariant utility functions, and by van Binsbergen and Marx on relationships between decision analysis and game theory. Also, Hurley analyzes the wisdom of the United States Ryder Cup Captain Curtis Strange’s decision to place the top golfers in the last matches of the team golf event.
Cnot7-Null Mice Exhibit High Bone Mass Phenotype and Modulation of BMP Actions
Authors: Washio-Oikawa Kaoru , Nakamura Takahisa , Usui Michihiko , Yoneda Mitsuhiro , Ezura Youichi , Ishikawa Isao , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Noda Tetsuo , Yamamoto Tadashi , Noda Masaki
Published: April 2007

Cnot7 is a recently identified regulator of spermatogenesis in adult mice. Because Cnot7 binds to Tob, a BMP inhibitor shown to be involved in bone metabolism, we examined whether Cnot7 is involved in bone mass regulation by using adult Cnot7 deficient mice. Cnot7−/− mice exhibited a high bone mass phenotype. This was associated with an increase in bone formation rate but not with any alteration in bone resorption parameters. On BMP treatment, Cnot7−/− cells expressed higher levels of alkaline phosphatase compared with control cells. Direct BMP2 injection induced larger bone mass in Cnot7−/− calvaria than control in vivo. These observations revealed that Cnot7 is an endogenous suppressor of bone mass and inhibits BMP actions in osteoblasts.

Introduction: The molecular mechanisms involved in the determination of bone mass have been gradually understood based on recent analyses. Cnot7 (Ccr4-Not complex 7) is a component of transcriptional Ccr4-Not complex, is conserved from yeast to human, and binds to Tob, but its function in bone is not understood.

Materials and Methods: To elucidate the role of involvement of Cnot7 in bone mass determination, we examined the bone of adult male Cnot7-null and heterozygous mice based on μCT analyses, histomorphometry, cell cultures, and in vivo BMP assays.

Results: Cnot7−/− mice showed an increase in bone mass levels by >50% compared with controls. Analyses of the histomorphometric parameters indicated that bone formation activity in Cnot7−/− mice was enhanced, whereas bone resorption activity was not altered. These effects on osteoblasts were cell autonomous because mineralized nodule formation was enhanced in the cultures of bone marrow cells prepared from Cnot7−/− mice. In vitro analyses to elucidate Cnot7 effects revealed that BMP-induced expression of alkaline phosphatase in Cnot7−/− calvaria-derived osteoblastic cells was enhanced compared with controls. Moreover, BMP injection—induced new bone formation in vivo was enhanced in Cnot7−/− mice.

Conclusions: These observations indicated that Cnot7 is an endogenous suppressor of bone mass in adult mice and inhibits BMP actions.
Bone Loss, Weight Loss, and Weight Fluctuation Predict Mortality Risk in Elderly Men and Women
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen D , Center Jacqueline R , Eisman John A , Nguyen Tuan V
Published: April 2007

Low baseline BMD, rate of BMD loss, weight loss, and weight fluctuation are significant predictors of all-cause mortality in elderly men and women, independent of each other and of age, incident fracture, and concomitant diseases.

Introduction: Although low BMD has been shown to be associated with mortality in women, the effect of BMD is affected by weight and weight change and the contribution of these factors to mortality risk, particularly in men, is not known. This study examined the association between baseline BMD, rate of bone loss, weight loss, and weight fluctuation and all-cause mortality risk in elderly men and women.

Materials and Methods: Data from 1059 women and 644 men, ≥60 years of age (as of 1989), of white background who participated in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study were analyzed. All-cause mortality was recorded annually between 1989 and 2004. BMD at the femoral neck was measured by DXA (GE-LUNAR) at baseline and at approximately every 2 yr afterward. Data on incident osteoporotic fractures and concomitant diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, all types of cancer, and type I/II diabetes mellitus, was also recorded.

Results: In the multivariable Cox's proportional hazards model with adjustment for age, incident fractures, and concomitant diseases, the following variables were independent risk factors of all-cause mortality in men: rate of BMD loss of at least 1%/yr, rate of weight loss of at least 1%/yr, and weight fluctuation (defined by the CV) of at least 3%. In women, in addition to the significant factors observed in men, lower baseline BMD was also an independent risk factor of mortality. In both sexes, baseline weight was not an independent and significant predictor of mortality risk. Approximately 36% and 22% of deaths in women and men, respectively, were attributable to the four risk factors.

Conclusions: These data suggest that, although low BMD was a risk factor of mortality in women, it was not a risk factor of mortality in men. However, high rates of BMD loss, weight loss, and weight fluctuation were also independent predictors of all-cause mortality in elderly men and women, independent of age, incident fracture, and concomitant diseases.
Bone Healing and Migration of Cord Blood—Derived Stem Cells Into a Critical Size Femoral Defect After Xenotransplantation
Authors: Jäger Marcus , Degistirici Özer , Knipper Andreas , Fischer Johannes , Sager Martin , Krauspe Rüdiger
Published: April 2007

Stem cell and tissue engineering—based therapies have become a promising option to heal bony defects in the future. Human cord blood—derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto a collagen/tricalcium phosphate scaffold and xenotransplanted into critical size femoral defects of 46 nude rats. We found a survival of human cells within the scaffold and surrounding bone/bone marrow up to 4 wk after transplantation and an increased bone healing rate compared with controls without stem cells. This study supports the application of cord blood stem cells for bone regeneration.

Introduction: The treatment of critical size bone defects is still a challenging problem in orthopedics. In this study, the survival, migration, and bone healing promoting potency of cord blood—derived stem cells were elucidated after xenotransplantation into a critical size femoral defect in athymic nude rats.

Materials and Methods: Unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) isolated from human cord blood were tested toward their mesenchymal in vitro potency and cultivated onto a collagen I/III and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold. The biomaterial-USSC composite was transplanted into a 4-mm femoral defect of 40 nude rats and stabilized by an external fixator. Twelve animals without USSCs served as controls. Cell survival, migration, and bone formation were evaluated by blood samples, X-rays, and histological and immunocytochemical analysis of different organs within a maximal postoperative follow-up of 10 wk.

Results: Of the 52 nude rats, 46 animals were evaluated (drop-out rate: 11.5%). Human-derived stem cells showed an engraftment within the scaffold and adjacent femur up to 4 wk after xenotransplantation. With further time, the human cells were destroyed by the host organism. We found a significant increase in bone formation in the study group compared with controls. USSC transplantation did not significantly influence blood count or body weight in athymic nude rats. Whereas the collagen I/III scaffold was almost resorbed 10 wk after transplantation, there were still significant amounts of TCP present in transplantation sites at this time.

Conclusions: Human cord blood—derived stem cells showed significant engraftment in bone marrow, survived within a collagen-TCP scaffold up to 4 wk, and increased local bone formation in a nude rat's femoral defect.
Aging Reduces Skeletal Blood Flow, Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation, and NO Bioavailability in Rats
Authors: Prisby Rhonda D , Ramsey Michael W , Behnke Brad J , Dominguez James M , Donato Anthony J , Allen Matthew R , Delp Michael D
Published: April 2007

We determined whether aging diminishes bone blood flow and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Femoral perfusion was lower in old animals, as well as endothelium-dependent vasodilation and NO bioavailability. These effects could contribute to old age—related bone loss and the increased risk of fracture.

Introduction: Aging has been shown to diminish bone blood flow in rats and humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood flow to regions of the femur perfused primarily through the principal nutrient artery (PNA) are diminished with aging and whether this putative reduction in flow is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Materials and Methods: Blood flow was measured in conscious young adult (4–6 mo old) and aged (24–26 mo old) male Fischer-344 rats using radiolabeled microspheres. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the PNA was assessed in vitro using acetylcholine (ACh), whereas the contribution of the NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) signaling pathways to endothelium-dependent vasodilation was determined using the NOS and COX inhibitors L-NAME and indomethacin, respectively.

Results: Femoral blood flow in the aged rats was 21% and 28% lower in the proximal and distal metaphyses, respectively, and 45% lower in the diaphyseal marrow. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was reduced with old age (young: 83 ± 6% maximal relaxation; aged: 62 ± 5% maximal relaxation), whereas endothelium-independent vasodilation (sodium nitroprusside) was unaffected by age. The reduction in endothelium-dependent vasodilation was mediated through impairment of the NOS signaling pathway, which resulted in lower NO bioavailability (young: 168 ± 56 nM; aged: 50 ± 7 nM).

Conclusions: These data show that reductions in metaphyseal bone and diaphyseal marrow perfusion with old age are associated with diminished endothelium-dependent vasodilation through an impairment of the NOS mechanism. Such age-related changes in bone perfusion and vascular NO signaling could impact clinical bone loss, increase risk of fracture, and impair fracture healing in the elderly.
Association Between Physical Activity and BMD in Young Men Is Modulated by Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype: The GOOD Study
Authors: Lorentzon Mattias , Eriksson Anna L , Nilsson Staffan , Mellström Dan , Ohlsson Claes
Published: April 2007

In this large population-based study in young men, we show that the COMT val158met polymorphism modulates the association between physical activity, aBMD (DXA), and trabecular vBMD (pQCT).

Introduction: Peak BMD is an important predictor of future risk of osteoporosis and is largely determined by genetic factors but also by environmental factors, among which physical activity (PA) is a strong contributor. Estrogens are believed to influence the mechanical strain signal generated by bones subjected to mechanical loading. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the degradation of estrogens. A functional polymorphism in the COMT gene (val158met), results in a 60–75% difference in enzyme activity between the val (high activity = H) and met (low activity = L) variants. The aim of this study was to determine if the COMT val158met polymorphism modulates the association between PA and BMD in young men.

Materials and Methods: The Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) study consists of 1068 men (age, 18.9 ± 0.6 yr). Areal BMD (aBMD) was measured by DXA, whereas cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) were measured by pQCT. Study subjects were genotyped and classified as COMTLL, COMTHL, or COMTHH. The amount (h/wk) of PA was determined through questionnaires.

Results: Using a linear regression model (including age, height, weight, smoking, and calcium intake as covariates), significant interactions between the COMT genotype and PA were seen for aBMD at all sites and for trabecular vBMD in both the radius and the tibia. The difference in adjusted aBMD and trabecular vBMD between high (≥4 h/wk) and low PA (<4 h/wk) was greater in COMTLL subjects than in subjects homozygous for the COMTHH (total body aBMD: COMTLL 4.2% versus COMTHH 1.5%, p = 0.02; lumbar spine aBMD: COMTLL 7.8% versus COMTHH 3.9%, p = 0.04; tibia trabecular vBMD: COMTLL 7.1% versus COMTHH 1.0%, p < 0.01). The COMT polymorphism was associated with aBMD, at all sites and with trabecular vBMD in the low-PA subjects, but not in their high-PA counterparts.

Conclusions: We show that the COMT val158met polymorphism modulates the association between PA, aBMD, and trabecular vBMD, suggesting that this polymorphism is of importance for BMD in subjects with a low level of PA.
LIF Inhibits Osteoblast Differentiation at Least in Part by Regulation of HAS2 and Its Product Hyaluronan
Authors: Falconi Dominic , Aubin Jane E
Published: April 2007

LIF arrests osteogenesis in fetal rat calvaria cells in a differentiation stage-specific manner. Differential display identified HAS2 as a LIF-induced gene and its product, HA, modulated osteoblast differentiation similarly to LIF. Our data suggest that LIF arrests osteoblast differentiation by altering HA content of the extracellular matrix.

Introduction: Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) elicits both anabolic and catabolic effects on bone. We previously showed in the fetal rat calvaria (RC) cell system that LIF inhibits osteoblast differentiation at the late osteoprogenitor/early osteoblast stage.

Materials and Methods: To uncover potential molecular mediators of this inhibitory activity, we used a positive-negative genome-wide differential display screen to identify LIF-induced changes in the developing osteoblast transcriptome.

Results: Although LIF signaling is active throughout the RC cell proliferation-differentiation sequence, only a relatively small number of genes, in several different functional clusters, are modulated by LIF specifically during the LIF-sensitive inhibitory time window. Based on their known and predicted functions, most of the LIF-regulated genes identified are plausible candidates to be involved in the LIF-induced arrest of osteoprogenitor differentiation. To test this hypothesis, we further analyzed the function of one of the genes identified, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), in the LIF-induced inhibition. Synthesis of hyaluronan (HA), the product of HAS enzymatic activity, was stimulated by LIF and mimicked the HAS2 expression profile, with highest expression in early/proliferative and late/maturing cultures and lowest levels in intermediate/late osteoprogenitor—early osteoblast cultures. Exogenously added high molecular weight HA, the product of HAS2, dose-dependently inhibited osteoblast differentiation, with pulse-treatment effective in the same differentiation stage-specific inhibitory window as seen with LIF. In addition, however, pulse treatment with HA in early cultures slightly increased bone nodule formation. Treatment with hyaluronidase, on the other hand, stimulated bone nodule formation in early cultures but caused a small dose-dependent inhibition of osteoblast differentiation in the LIF- and HA-sensitive late time window.

Conclusions: Together the data suggest that osteoblast differentiation is acutely sensitive to HA levels and that LIF inhibits osteoblast development at least in part by stimulating high molecular weight HA synthesis through HAS2.
Corposcopio: an interactive installation performance in the intersection of ritual, dance and new technologies
Authors: Leo Lucia
Published: April 2007

Corposcopio is a collaborative project that integrates two different worlds or territories: circle dances and new media technologies. Ancient circle dances are cultural manifestations present in different countries around the world. They have a great power of community integration and
provide a unique experience of extended consciousness. In Brazil there are a number of amazing circle dances and one of the most popular is called ciranda, whose movements are inspired by sea waves. Ciranda is performed by hundreds of people and some participants fall into a trance. The purpose
of the interactive performance is to stimulate, simultaneously, the perception of the media in contemporary reality and the collective body emergence. Corposcopio invites the participants to experience some circle dances and aggregates real-time image manipulation, software art, VJ and remix
aesthetics. The transparent, ubiquitous and pervasive presence of computer systems in contemporary spaces is a quotidian fact. Nevertheless, the emergence of digital communities demonstrated the power of the human factor in the disruptive use of technologies. Human beings are social beings.
Our depart point is to invite the participants to dance within the scenery of real-time image manipulation, ubiquitous computing and mixed reality. The performance itself deals with co-creation development and uncertainty. Each performance has peculiar characteristics hence it is an open system,
open to receive the group interaction and participation. The experience stimulates an extended consciousness, a simultaneous perception of the individual body and the collective body. Our hypothesis is that each group will catalyze the emergence of an embodied consciousness of our mediated
situation in a different way. As Bernhard Wosien (1988), one of the pioneer researchers on circle dance, has said, dance is a path to totality. In Wosien's view, circle dance has deep ritual characteristics and evokes a tremendous collective enthusiasm.
Cosmological Cinema: Pedagogy, Propaganda, and Perturbation in Early Dome Theaters
Authors: McConville David
Published: April 2007

Cultures from around the world have long turned to the dome of the heavens to better understand the cosmos. This perceived curvature has manifested architecturally throughout the world, and domes have been used to enclose the most sacred environments of many cultures. In the 20th century,
it became possible for the first time to radially extend mental images onto the dome screen using projections of light. The ability to completely immerse the visual field of audiences in a mediated environment, made possible by advancements in engineering, mechanics, and electronics, was seized
upon by numerous pioneers across a wide range of contexts. Like their historic predecessors, these modern multi-sensory sanctuaries continued to reflect the cosmologies and motivations of their creators, subtly affecting the evolutionary trajectory of the cultures from which they emerged.
This paper is an attempt to shed light on the largely forgotten history, context, and motivations behind these early dome theaters.
Towards a (Semi-)Discourse of the Semi-Living; The Undecidability of a Life Exposed to Death
Authors: Senior Adele
Published: April 2007

This paper responds to Are the Semi-Living semi-good or semi-evil? (Technoetic Arts, 2003) in which artists/authors Zurr and Catts state that there is not, as yet, an existing discourse that deals with the Semi-Living a new life form created for the purpose of artistic engagement using
the tools of tissue engineering and stem cell technology. As a means to reflect on what a discourse on the Semi-Living might include and exclude and to create the potential to say something different beyond the artists own discourse, this paper initiates two approaches. First, it considers
that which the Semi-Living defers by working from Zurr and Catts contribution, which I argue evokes a both/and logic that echoes the Derridean deconstructive event. Secondly, it proposes a genealogy of the Semi-Living using a figure of Roman archaic law, homo sacer (sacred man) who shares
with the Semi-Living a life exposed to death (Agamben 1998). The symbiosis of these two approaches identifies, problematises and contaminates the limits of acceptable discourse concerning the Semi-Living, concluding with the proposal of a semi-discourse. As the transdisciplinarity of bioart
increasingly becomes the focus of academic and artistic inquiry, this paper signals towards the importance of critically acknowledging a community of artists writing and working within the academy, stipulating the acceptable discourses of their practice.
Estimation of Potential Impacts from Offshore Liquefied Natural Gas Terminals on Red Snapper and Red Drum Fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico: An Alternative Approach
Authors: Gallaway Benny J. , Gazey William J. , Cole John G. , Fechhelm Robert G.
Published: April 2007

As of October 1, 2005, seven offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals have been proposed to be sited in offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Six of these facilities have opted to use open‐rack vaporizers (ORVs) to heat and regasify the LNG and one plans to use a combination open‐closed‐loop system. Each of the terminals would require on the order of 100‐200 million gallons (380‐760 × 106 L) of seawater per day to vaporize the LNG. The potential impact on fishery stocks resulting from the entrainment of fish eggs and larvae has emerged as the foremost issue associated with the LNG terminals. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have used forward‐projecting equivalent adult models (EAMs) to evaluate the expected levels of impacts from entrainment and have concluded that the effects, while adverse, are minor. The results of these analyses have, however, predicted losses of a magnitude that have been interpreted by resource managers to represent significant reductions in important, overfished stocks of red drum Sciaenops ocellatus and red snapper Lutjanus campechanus. In this paper we show that the forward‐projecting EAMs are probably inappropriate and describe a fecundity hindcasting approach that is used in conjunction with the existing stock assessment models to estimate the impacts of entrainment on stocks and yields. The results of these analyses suggest that the effects on red drum yields are 387‐fold lower than the impacts on red drum yield estimated by the USCG and MARAD using the forward‐projecting EAM. For red snapper the impacts on yield using the fecundity hindcasting approach are 19‐fold lower than the effects estimated by the USCG and MARAD using the forward‐projecting approach. If our estimates are correct, the proposed LNG terminals will have minor adverse impacts on the subject stocks.
Is There a Place for Insulin Pump Therapy in Your Practice?
Authors: Skyler Jay S. , Ponder Steven , Kruger Davida F. , Matheson Della , Parkin Christopher G.
Published: April 2007

IN BRIEF

Insulin pump therapy is becoming a preferred treatment modality of diabetes specialists for the management of patients with diabetes. As a result,internists, general practitioners, nurse practitioners, and allied health care professionals will more frequently encounter patients using, or desiring to use, these devices. This article serves as an introduction to the principles that guide patient selection, patient education of self-management skills, and the practical aspects of pump management that everyone assisting patients on pump therapy should be aware of.
Perspectives in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Screening,Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Perkins Jennifer M. , Dunn Julia P. , Jagasia Shubhada M.
Published: April 2007

IN BRIEF

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects ∼ 7% of all pregnancies and is defined as carbohydrate intolerance during gestation. This review addresses screening recommendations, diagnosis, and treatment of GDM. It is crucial to detect women with GDM because the condition can be associated with several maternal and fetal complications, such as macrosomia, birth trauma, cesarean section, and hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Several treatment options are discussed, as well as the need for long-term risk modification and postpartum follow-up.
Why should the Odra River mouth area not be regarded as an estuary? A geologist's point of view
Authors: Osadczuk Andrzej , Musielak Stanisław , Borówka Ryszard
Published: April 2007

The authors find no arguments that would justify application of the term "estuary" to the area of the Odra River discharge into the Baltic Sea. The physiography, geology, and hydrology of the Odra river mouth show that the area possesses many more characteristics typical of flow-through coastal lagoons than those of estuaries. Of key importance in this respect is the Szczecin Lagoon, an extensive, shallow water body separated from the open sea by a barrier intersected by three narrow and long straits. The lagoonal nature of the area is demonstrated also by its geological history.
Presence of the broad-nosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) in coastal waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk
Authors: Tarnowska Katarzyna , Sapota Mariusz
Published: April 2007

The broad-nosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) is a species considered threatened with extinction on the Polish Baltic coast. The presence of S. typhle in the Gulf of Gdańsk was investigated primarily by means of scuba diving, and the species was recorded at 12 of 20 sites, which were investigated. A total of 85 individuals were found. The highest numbers were observed near the mouth of the river Płutnica and near the pier in Sopot. Pipefish were found in bottom areas covered with green algae (Cladophora sp. and Enteromorpha sp.) and brown algae (Pilayella sp.), but not by vascular plants as was previously reported.
Analysis of medical screening and surveillance in 21 occupational safety and health administration standards: Support for a generic medical surveillance standard
Authors: Silverstein Michael
Published: April 2007

Twenty‐one Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards were identified which contain medical service provisions intended to help in the identification and control of harmful health effects of workplace exposures. The utility and effectiveness of these provisions have not previously been evaluated. All 21 standards were reviewed and assigned numerical scores for each of 24 potential medical program elements. Several of these elements were combined to calculate Quality Control, Screening Utility, and Surveillance Utility scores for each standard. Total scores varied greatly, suggesting a lack of consistency and uniformity which was even more obvious when the actual regulatory language was examined. The mean Quality score was only 26% of potential points. Seventeen of 21 standards received less than half the total possible Quality score. When arrayed on a two by two matrix only two standards scored above 50% for both Screening and Surveillance Utility. It was concluded that the medical service provisions in OSHA standards are lacking in consistency and coherence. Two major shortcomings are the lack of quality control elements and the absence of surveillance features which would permit medical program results to be utilized for prevention activities including the identification and control of workplace hazards. A generic occupational medical surveillance standard could address these current weaknesses. Elements of such a generic standard are proposed.
Noise and gastric secretion
Authors: Tomei Francesco , Papaleo Bruno , Baccolo Tiziana Paola , Persechino Benedetta , Spanò Giovanni , Rosati Maria Valeria
Published: April 2007

In view of the increasing incidence of diseases such as gastritis and ulcers in workers exposed to noise, we assessed whether noise does in fact affect gastric secretion. Then, considering the conflicting findings published on the effects of noise on gastric secretion, we also investigated whether the response was related to differences in baseline secretion, and whether it was further modified by a hydroalcoholic meal.

We studied 50 dyspeptic subjects engaged in various types of work but not occupa‐tionally exposed to noise. They were exposed to a “pink noise” stimulus of 95 dB administered through earphones, lasting 15 minutes.

Gastric secretion sometimes remained unchanged, sometimes increased, or sometimes even decreased in relation to the baseline hydrochloric acid secretion. The hydroalcoholic meal did not generally modify the effects of noise. These findings might help explain the differences in previous reports on this question.
Lung cancer among tin miners in Southeast China: Silica exposure, silicosis, and cigarette smoking
Authors: Hua Fu , Xueqi Gu , Xipeng Jin , Shunzhang Yu , Kaiguo Wu , Guidotti Tee L.
Published: April 2007

The Dachang Tin Mine is an industrial facility with high rates of lung cancer compared to the resident population in Guangxi province in southern China. Historically, exposure to silica dust was very high in the 1950s, falling in recent years to levels in keeping with international standards. Radon levels in the mine are low. We report the findings of a case‐control study nested into a cohort study on miners working in Dachang. Cases of lung cancer among miners incident from 1973–1989 were obtained from local comprehensive medical records covering workers employed at the mine. These were matched approximately 3 to 1 with miners randomly chosen from the district surrounding the mine within the same birth decade. Matched odds ratios of 2.42 (95% confidence limit [CL] 1.3, 4.4) for underground employment, 3.52 (95% CL 1.7, 7.5) for smoking, and 2.04 (95%) CL 1.2, 3.7) for silicosis as determined on chest film were noted. Multi‐factor analysis of unconditional logistic regression showed that among the risk factors for excess mortality from lung cancer only the years spent drilling underground and the cumulative smoking index (product of daily cigarette consumption and number of years smoking) were independent contributors to risk and there was no interaction observed. The presence of silicosis did not contribute to predicting risk independently of the years spent underground.
Cohort study among workers exposed to benzene in China: I. General methods and resources
Authors: Yin S.‐N. , Linet M. S. , Hayes R. B. , Li G.‐L. , Dosemeci M. , Wang Y.‐Z. , Chow W.‐H. , Jiang Z.‐L. , Wacholder S. , Zhang W.‐U. , Dai T.‐R. , Chao X.‐J. , Zhang X.‐C. , Ye P.‐Z. , Kou Q.‐R. , Meng J.‐F. , Zho J.‐S. , Lin X.‐F. , Ding C.‐Y. , Kneller R. , Blot W. J.
Published: April 2007

Benzene is recognized internationally as a leukemogen, but the available data to clarify dose‐response relationships and examine risks of malignancies other than leukemia are sparse. A collaborative study was therefore carried out to expand on a previous retrospective cohort mortality study of Chinese benzene‐exposed workers. Methods and resources used in the 16‐year follow‐up of 74,828 benzene‐exposed and 35,805 unex‐posed workers employed for any length of time during 1972–1987 in 712 factories in 12 cities in China are described. Details are provided of the study organization, assessment of benzene exposures since 1949, characterization of factories and workers by exposure status, city, and sex, identification and confirmation of cancers and other deaths, and quality control procedures. The distinguishing features of the study are discussed in relation to earlier cohort studies, and study limitations as well as strengths are presented.
Occupation and stomach cancer in a cohort of Swedish men
Authors: Chow Wong‐Ho , McLaughlin Joseph K. , Malker Hans S. R. , Weiner Jan A. , Ericsson Jan L. E. , Stone B. J. , Blot William J.
Published: April 2007

Using the Cancer‐Environment Registry of Sweden, which links the 1960 census information on employment with cancer incidence data from 1961–1979, we conducted a systematic, population‐based assessment of stomach cancer incidence by industry and occupation for men in Sweden. Nearly 17,000 stomach cancer cases were diagnosed during the 19 years of follow‐up. Stomach cancer incidence was elevated among miners and quarrymen, farmers and fishermen, and craftsmen and production workers. Men who held white collar jobs, including professional and technical, administrative and management, clerical, and sales jobs, had a reduction in stomach cancer incidence. Examination of specific jobs revealed generally elevated rates of stomach cancer among men who may be exposed to dusty work environments, such as quarry workers, stone cutters, circular and plane operators, construction workers, crane operators, heavy laborers, and shop and construction metal workers. These occupational associations mostly were observed for stomach cancers of noncardia origin, and no significant associations were found with cardia cancers. We had no information on dietary or other potential confounding factors and cannot make inferences about the role of occupation per se, but the current findings support those of earlier investigations and add to the evidence of a small but significant occupational role in stomach carcinogenesis.
Lung cancer among steelworkers in Ontario
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M.
Published: April 2007

A population‐based case‐control study was carried out to follow up observations of increased lung cancer risk in the steel pouring areas of two Ontario steel mills. Study subjects were all men, aged 45–75 years, who died of lung cancer in the cities of Hamilton or Sault Ste‐Marie, Ontario from 1979–1988. Nine hundred sixty‐seven lung cancer victims were matched with 2,827 control subjects who died of other causes. Work histories were provided by the employers of steelworkers. In comparison with other residents of their cities, the relative risk of death from lung cancer was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58–1.23) for steelworkers in Sault‐Ste Marie and was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.89–1.37) for steelworkers in Hamilton. In internal comparisons within the steel companies, increased lung cancer risk was observed among foundry, coke oven, and pouring pit workers. Retrospective hygiene assessment suggested that the increased risk of lung cancer among steel pourers might be related to the use of tar‐based mold coating agents or to exposure to mineral fibers.
Lung cancer mortality in a french cohort of hard‐metal workers
Authors: Lasfargues Gérard , Wild Pascal , Moulin Jean J. , Hammon Brigitte , Rosmorduc Bernard , du Noyer Catherine Rondeau , Lavandier Michel , Moline Jean
Published: April 2007

A cohort mortality study was carried out among workers of a plant producing hard metals using cobalt as a binder. This study was aimed at assessing possible lung cancer risks in relation with cobalt exposure. Seven hundred nine male workers with at least 1 year of employment were included in the cohort and followed for mortality from 1956 to 1989. Job histories were provided by the administration of the plant, whereas smoking habits were collected from medical records and by interview. The causes of deaths were ascertained from hospital and general practitioner records. The observed numbers of deaths (obs) were compared with the expected based on national rates with adjustment for age, sex, and calendar time (standardized mortality ratio; SMR). The overall mortality did not differ from that expected (obs = 75, SMR = 1.05), whereas mortality due to lung cancer was in significant excess (obs = 10, SMR = 2.13). This excess was higher among workers employed in the areas with the highest exposure (obs = 6, SMR = 5.03). No trend was observed, however, with duration of employment or time since first employment. Smoking data were available for 81% of the workers and 69% of the deceased and showed that smoking alone does not account for these lung cancer excesses, yet, because of the small numbers involved, no firm conclusion should be drawn from this study.
VDT‐related musculoskeletal symptoms: Interactions between work posture and psychosocial work factors
Authors: Faucett Julia , Rempel David
Published: April 2007

Video display terminal (VDT) operators (n = 150) in the editorial department of a large metropolitan newspaper participated in a study of day‐to‐day musculoskeletal symptoms. Work posture related to the VDT workstation and psychosocial work factors were also investigated for their contributions to the severity of upper body pain, numbness, and stiffness using a representative subsample (n = 70). Self‐report measures included Karasek's Job Content Instrument and the author‐designed Work Interpersonal Relationships Inventory. Independent observations of work posture were performed using techniques similar to those reported by Sauter et al. [1991]. Pain during the last week was reported by 59% (n = 88) of the respondents, and 28% (n = 42) were categorized by symptom criteria potentially to have musculoskeletal disorders. More hours per day of VDT use and less decision latitude on the job were significant risk factors for potential musculoskeletal CTDs. Head rotation and relative keyboard height were significantly related to more severe pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back. Lower levels of co‐worker support were associated with more severe hand and arm numbness. For both the region of the shoulders, neck, and upper back and the hand and arm region, however, the contributions of relative keyboard and seat back heights to symptom severity were modified by psychological workload, decision latitude, and employee relationship with the supervisor. Alternative explanations for these findings are discussed.
Humoral immune responses of workers occupationally exposed to wheat flour
Authors: Kolopp‐Sarda Marie N. , Massin Nicole , Gobert Bernard , Wild Pascal , Moulin Jean‐Jacques , Béné Marie C. , Faure Gilbert C.
Published: April 2007

Wheat flour is a complex organic dust likely to induce immune responses when inhaled in work environment conditions. We compared the humoral status of 159 exposed workers from 11 flour mills and one industrial bakery with that of 41 workers from a salt factory. IgG, IgA, and IgM levels of antibodies to whole flour and to gliadin were assayed using ELISA tests in serum and saliva samples. Serum levels of IgG and IgA to both antigens were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in occupationally exposed workers. Exposed workers had significantly higher levels of salivary IgG (p = 0.005) and IgA (p < 0.0001) to whole flour and of salivary IgG (p = 0.0005) to gliadin. In both groups, similar levels of anti‐gliadin salivary IgA antibodies were observed. These data suggest that occupational exposure to wheat flour triggers specific immune responses, most likely through stimulation of the mucosal immune system. The presence of significant levels of serum antibodies, however, indicates that a systemic immunologic response is also present among exposed individuals.
60 hertz magnetic field exposure assessment for an investigation of leukemia in telephone lineworkers
Authors: Breysse Patrick N. , Matanoski Genevieve M. , Elliott Elizabeth A. , Francis Marcie , Kaune William , Thomas Kris
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this paper is to present the assessment of magnetic field exposure conducted as a part of a nested case‐control investigation of leukemia mortality in telephone lineworkers. For the purposes of exposure classification, telephone company jobs were initially divided into two classes: those with potential for working in an electric environment, referred to as linework jobs, and those not working in an electric environment, referred to as nonlinework jobs. Linework jobs were further divided into the following four categories: outside plant technicians (OPT), installation/maintenance/repair (IMR) technicians, central office technicians (COT), and cable splicing technicians (CST). These job groupings were based on similarity of work tasks and exposure environments. Emdex data‐logging dosimeters were used to measure personal exposures to ELF magnetic fields for 204 telephone company workers. Three general classes of exposure indices were calculated for each exposure record: measures of central tendency, measures of peak or maximum exposure, and measures of exposure variability.

CSTs had the highest full‐shift mean and median exposure, 4.3 and 3.2 mG, respectively. CSTs also ranked the highest, with average peak, average 95th percentile, and average time above background equal to 99.2 mG, 11.1 mG, and 156 min, respectively. In addition, the results suggest the OPT and IMR technicians have exposures similar to nonlineworkers. Exposure classifications, therefore, which misclassify all lineworkers into one “telephone lineworker” job grouping are not appropriate and future studies should concentrate on cable splicing technicians.
Lead exposure in a tank demolition crew: Implications for the new OSHA construction lead standard
Authors: Waller Kirsten , Osorio Ana Maria , Jones Jeff
Published: April 2007

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently extended the basic health and safety provisions of the OSHA lead standard for general industry to workers in the construction industry. In this report we describe a tank demolition worksite that midway through the project strengthened its lead exposure control activities to a level that approximated the current lead standard. Of 12 tested ironworkers and laborers who worked at the site before the change, zinc protoporphyrin levels increased and seven developed blood lead levels (BLL) >50 μg/dL. After the change these workers' BLLs declined. Six workers hired after the change did not experience increases in zinc protoporphyrin and none developed BLL >25μg/dL. The experience at this worksite demonstrates the usefulness and feasibility of implementing the current lead standard in construction settings.
Dose‐response relations between urinary cadmium and tubular proteinuria in cadmium‐exposed workers
Authors: Järup Lars , Elinder Carl Gustaf
Published: April 2007

Cadmium in urine reflects the body burden in cadmium‐exposed individuals. Urinary β2‐microglobulin is frequently used as a marker of tubular proteinuria with an arbitrarily chosen value (34 μg/mmole creatinine) as the cut‐off limit. Both this cut‐off level and a lower limit (25 μg/mmole creatinine) were used in a study of the relationship between urinary cadmium and β2‐microglobulin in 561 cadmium‐exposed battery workers. There was a clear dose‐response relation between the urinary cadmium level and the prevalence of tubular proteinuria ranging from 0.8% in the lowest exposure group, excreting less than 1 nmole cadmium/mmole creatinine, to 46.4% (50.0 for the lower cut‐off level) in the highest exposure group with a mean urinary cadmium of 15 nmole/mmole creatinine.

The relation between urinary cadmium and tubular proteinuria was also assessed using probit analysis. There was a 10% response at a urinary cadmium of 3 nmole/mmole creatinine. The impact of age on the dose‐response relation was explored in two age groups with the cut‐off point at 60 years of age, showing a 10% prevalence of tubular proteinuria at urinary cadmium levels of 1.5 nmole/mmole creatinine in this older age group and 5.0 nmole/mmole creatinine in the category under 60 years of age.

The study thus indicates that the present health‐based limit (10 nmole/mmole creatinine) proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is too high and it is suggested that a new limit should be set to 3 nmole/mmole creatinine.