bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I Trial of Tirapazamine and Cyclophosphamide in Children With Refractory Solid Tumors: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study
Authors: Aquino Victor M. , Weitman Steve D. , Winick Naomi J. , Blaney Susan , Furman Wayne L. , Kepner James L. , Bonate Peter , Krailo Mark , Qu Wenchun , Bernstein Mark
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To determine the dose limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and pharmacokinetic profile of tirapazamine (Sanofi Synthelabo Research, Malvern, PA) combined with cyclophosphamide in children with recurrent solid tumors.

Patients and Methods

Patients received a 2-hour infusion of tirapazamine, followed by 1,500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide, and mesna once every 3 weeks. Dose escalation of tirapazamine began at 250 mg/m2 and was increased by 30% in subsequent cohorts. If DLT was hematologic, less-heavily pretreated patients were to be enrolled until their DLTs were encountered, and MTDs defined. Pharmacokinetic profiles were also characterized.

Results

Twenty-three patients were enrolled onto the study. Pharmacokinetic data were calculated for 22 patients. Prolonged neutropenia was the DLT at 420 mg/m2 in heavily pretreated patients. Grade 3, reversible ototoxicity was the DLT in less-heavily pretreated patients at 420 mg/m2. Two (one with neuroblastoma and one with rhabdomyosarcoma) had partial responses. One child with neuroblastoma had prolonged stable disease (10 cycles) at a dose of 250 mg/m2. This patient had disease detectable in the bone marrow only and all evidence of bone marrow involvement resolved for 17 cycles of therapy. Four other patients had stable disease. An apparent dose-proportional increase in tirapazamine maximal concentration and area under the curvelast was observed. Tirapazamine clearance, volume of distribution at steady-state, and terminal half-life did not appear to be dose-dependent.

Conclusion

The recommended dose of tirapazamine given with 1,500 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide once every 3 weeks is 325 mg/m2. Neutropenia and ototoxicity were dose-limiting. Based on early evidence of antitumor activity, additional studies appear warranted.
Phase II Trial of Infusional Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Etoposide in Patients With HIV-Associated Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial (E1494)
Authors: Sparano Joseph A. , Lee Sandra , Chen Michael G. , Nazeer Tipu , Einzig Avi , Ambinder Richard F. , Henry David H. , Manalo Jane , Li Tianhong , Von Roenn Jamie H.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of an infusional chemotherapy regimen in patients with HIV-associated lymphoma treated before and after the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in routine clinical practice.

Patients and Methods

Ninety-eight assessable patients with HIV-associated intermediate- or high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma received cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m2/d, doxorubicin 12.5 mg/m2/d, and etoposide 60 mg/m2/d (CDE) given by continuous intravenous infusion for 4 days (96 hours) every 4 weeks plus filgrastim. Concurrent antiretroviral treatment consisted of the nucleoside analog didanosine in the first 43 patients enrolled before December 1996 (pre-HAART group), or HAART in the remaining 55 patients enrolled after that time (HAART group).

Results

Complete response occurred in 44 patients (45%; 95% CI, 35% to 55%). Failure-free survival and overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 36% (95% CI, 26% to 46%) and 43% (95% CI, 33% to 53%), respectively. At the time of the analysis, 30% in the pre-HAART group were alive compared with 47% in the HAART group; when adjusted for varying length of follow-up, patients in the HAART group had improved OS (P = .039). Patients in the HAART group experienced less grade 4 nonhematologic toxicity (22% v 42%; P = .037), thrombocytopenia (31% v 52%; P = .033), and anemia (9% v 27%; P = .021), and had fewer treatment-associated deaths (0% v 10%; P = .013).

Conclusion

Infusional CDE is an effective and potentially curative regimen for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma. Patients treated in the HAART era have less chemotherapy-associated toxicity and improved survival.
Relationship of Baseline Serum Bilirubin to Efficacy and Toxicity of Single-Agent Irinotecan in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Kwok Ambrose , Ratain Mark J. , McGovren J. Patrick , Fuchs Charles S.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To examine the predictive value of baseline serum bilirubin measurement for chemotherapy-related toxicity or efficacy among patients receiving irinotecan for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a cohort of 287 patients treated in a multicenter, phase III study with single-agent irinotecan administered either weekly or once every 3 weeks. Patients were grouped into three categories of baseline bilirubin measurements (0 to 0.4, 0.5 to 0.9, and 1.0 to 1.5 mg/dL). We performed analyses of overall survival, time to progression, and treatment-related toxicity based on bilirubin category, as well as using bilirubin as a continuous variable.

Results

With a median follow-up of 15.8 months, baseline serum bilirubin was not predictive of 1-year survival (42.4%, bilirubin 0 to 0.4; 42.3%, bilirubin 0.5 to 0.9; 48.1%, bilirubin 1.0 to 1.5 mg/dL), median overall survival (10.1, 9.7, and 15.6 months, respectively; P = .5), or median time to progression (2.8, 3.0, and 4.1 months, respectively; P = .5). Patients with elevated bilirubin had a significantly greater risk grade 3 to 4 neutropenia; however, this was limited to patients treated on a weekly schedule (P trend = .03) and not once every 3 weeks (P trend = .8). Other toxicities were not significantly different by initial bilirubin measurement.

Conclusion

Although modest elevations of bilirubin (1.0 to 1.5 mg/dL) are associated with increased grade 3 to 4 neutropenia in patients treated with weekly irinotecan, baseline serum bilirubin does not reliably predict overall irinotecan-related toxicity or efficacy. Additional methods, including potential application of pharmacogenetic information, are needed to optimize irinotecan dosing and tailor therapy to individual patients.
Phase III Trial of Gemcitabine Plus Tipifarnib Compared With Gemcitabine Plus Placebo in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Van Cutsem E. , van de Velde H. , Karasek P. , Oettle H. , Vervenne W.L. , Szawlowski A. , Schoffski P. , Post S. , Verslype C. , Neumann H. , Safran H. , Humblet Y. , Perez Ruixo J. , Ma Y. , Von Hoff D.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To determine whether addition of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib (Zarnestra, R115777; Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium) to standard gemcitabine therapy improves overall survival in advanced pancreatic cancer.

Patients and Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared gemcitabine + tipifarnib versus gemcitabine + placebo in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma previously untreated with systemic therapy. Tipifarnib was given at 200 mg bid orally continuously; gemcitabine was given at 1,000 mg/m2 intravenously weekly × 7 for 8 weeks, then weekly × 3 every 4 weeks. The primary end point was overall survival; secondary end points included 6-month and 1-year survival rates, progression-free survival, response rate, safety, and quality of life.

Results

Six hundred eighty-eight patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two treatment arms. No statistically significant differences in survival parameters were observed. The median overall survival for the experimental arm was 193 v 182 days for the control arm (P = .75); 6-month and 1-year survival rates were 53% and 27% v 49% and 24% for the control arm, respectively; median progression-free survival was 112 v 109 days for the control arm. Ten drug-related deaths were reported for the experimental arm and seven for the control arm. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia grade ≥ 3 were observed in 40% and 15% in the experimental arm versus 30% and 12% in the control arm. Incidences of nonhematologic adverse events were similar in two groups.

Conclusion

The combination of gemcitabine and tipifarnib has an acceptable toxicity profile but does not prolong overall survival in advanced pancreatic cancer compared with single-agent gemcitabine.
Tumor Recurrence and Survival in Patients Treated for Thymomas and Thymic Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ströbel Philipp , Bauer Andrea , Puppe Bernhard , Kraushaar Til , Krein Axel , Toyka Klaus , Gold Ralf , Semik Michael , Kiefer Reinhard , Nix Wilfred , Schalke Berthold , Müller-Hermelink Hans Konrad , Marx Alexander
Published: April 2004

Purpose

Thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are rare epithelial neoplasms of the thymus with considerable histologic heterogeneity. This retrospective study focused on the correlation of WHO-defined TET histotypes with survival and tumor recurrence in a large cohort of patients receiving different modes of treatment.

Patients and Methods

Two hundred twenty-eight patients were followed for up to 21 years (median, 60 months; range, 1 to 252 months) after primary surgery. Forty-two patients received adjuvant radiotherapy (mean dose, 53 Gy), and 33 patients recieved adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Seventy-six (88%) of 86 patients with WHO type A, AB, and B1 thymomas were treated by surgery alone, with three tumor relapses after 3 to 10 years (median, 3.4 years). Twelve of 67 patients with WHO type B2 and B3 thymomas in Masaoka stages I and II were treated by adjuvant radiotherapy without evidence of tumor recurrence after 1 to 12 years (median, 4 years). Among 75 patients with B2 and B3 thymomas with incomplete resection or a tumor stage III or higher, the recurrence rate was 34% (n = 23) after 0.5 to 17 years (median, 5 years) in patients receiving adjuvant radiochemotherapy, compared to 78% (seven of nine patients) in patients without adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Incomplete tumor resection was associated with a high recurrence rate (65%) and a poor prognosis (P < .01).

Conclusion

The long-term outcome of TET patients is related to tumor stage, WHO histotype, completeness of surgical removal, and type of treatment. Prospective trials are warranted to formally address the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of localized and advanced malignant TETs.
Cadmium induces both pyruvate kinase and Na+/H+exchanger activity through protein kinase C mediated signal transduction, in isolated digestive gland cells ofMytilus galloprovincialis(L.)
Authors: Dailianis Stefanos , Kaloyianni Martha
Published: April 2004

The present study investigates the transduction pathway mediated by cadmium in isolated digestive gland cells of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. The effects of cadmium treatment on a key glycolytic enzyme, pyruvate kinase (PK), and on Na+/H+ exchanger activity were examined. Cadmium (50 μmol l–1) caused a significant elevation of intracellular pH (pHi) and a rise (176%) of Na influx relative to control values. The amiloride analogue, EIPA (20 nmol l–1), a Na+/H+ exchanger blocker,together with cadmium, significantly reduced the effect of treatment by cadmium alone on both Na+ influx and pHi. In addition, PK activity was significantly increased after treatment with cadmium. PK activity was inhibited after treatment of cells with amiloride or EIPA together with cadmium. Moreover, phorbol-ester (PMA), a potent activator of protein kinase C(PKC), caused a significant rise in both pHi and PK activity, while staurosporine or calphostin C reversed both events. Adrenaline, isoprenaline and phenylephrine alone or together with cadmium also significantly increased the pHi and PK activity of isolated digestive gland cells. The latter effectors in combination with cadmium showed a synergistic effect on pHi and PK. These responses seem to be blocked by propranolol, metoprolol and prazosin. Our findings suggest a hormone-like effect of cadmium on digestive gland cells. The signal transduction pathway induced by cadmium involves the stimulation of PK, PKC and Na+/H+ exchanger in isolated digestive gland cells of Mytilus galloprovincialis.
Sound generation in the searobin (Prionotus carolinus), a fish with alternate sonic muscle contraction
Authors: Connaughton Martin A.
Published: April 2004

The Northern searobin (Prionotus carolinus) contracts its paired sonic muscles alternately rather than simultaneously during sound production. This study describes this phenomenon and examines its effect on sound production by recording sound and EMGs during voluntary and electrically stimulated calls. Sounds produced by a single twitch resulted in a two-part sound representing contraction and relaxation sounds. The relaxation sound of one twitch coincides with the contraction sound of the next twitch of that muscle. Maximum amplitude of evoked sounds occurs between 100 Hz and 140 Hz,approximately half the fundamental frequency of a voluntarily calling fish. The muscle is capable of following electrical stimulation at frequencies of up to 360 Hz. Rapid damping and response over a wide frequency range indicate that the swimbladder is a highly damped, broadly tuned resonator. A consequence of alternate contraction is a 3.3 dB loss in acoustic pressure due to the contraction of a single sonic muscle at a time. This decrease in amplitude is offset by a doubling of fundamental frequency and a constructive interaction between the sides of the bladder, resulting in increased amplitude of each unilaterally produced sound. The alternate contraction of the bilateral sonic muscles represents a novel solution to the inherent trade-off between speed and force of contraction in rapidly contracting sonic muscles.
Laser scanning cytometry and tissue microarray analysis of salinity effects on killifish chloride cells
Authors: Lima Raquel N. , Kültz Dietmar
Published: April 2004

The effects of salinity on chloride cells (CC) and Na+/K+-ATPase content in gill epithelium of euryhaline killifish Fundulus heteroclitus were analyzed using laser scanning cytometry (LSC) and tissue microarrays (TMAs). Salinity acclimations consisted of acute transfer from freshwater (FW) to 1× seawater (SW) and gradual transfer from FW to 2.4× SW. Suspensions of dissociated gill epithelial cells were stained with DASPMI and evaluated using LSC. CC number and volume are proportional to external salinity, being lower in FW(0.5±0.2×105 and 405±32 μm3,respectively) and higher after 5 weeks in 2.4× SW(3.7±0.9×105 and 2697±146 μm3,respectively). TMAs were constructed from fixed gill tissues and developed using antibody for Na+/K+-ATPase to visualize CCs in situ and compare their characteristics with isolated CCs. Na+/K+-ATPase content per CC increases transiently (from 2.2±0.5×106 to 4.8±1.1×106relative fluorescence units, RFU) after 1 week of acute acclimation to 1× SW but returns to baseline values(2.4±0.5×106 RFU) within 5 weeks. In contrast, gradual acclimation to 2.4× SW permanently increases Na+/K+-ATPase content per CC (from 2.0±0.8×106 to 6.7±2.7×106 RFU after 5 weeks). CC size in situ did not correlate well to salinity because of basolateral membrane infoldings. Taken together, these data suggest that euryhaline fishes are capable of sensing environmental salinity to utilize transient short-term and permanent long-term adaptations for coping with salinity changes. These results also demonstrate the power of LSC and TMA for comparative biology.
Bumblebee search time without ultraviolet light
Authors: Dyer Adrian G. , Chittka Lars
Published: April 2004

Bees often facilitate pollination of important greenhouse crops. Individual bumblebees Bombus terrestris were therefore tested in an indoor flight arena to evaluate whether or not search time to find flowers was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of ultraviolet radiation. Plastic model flowers of similar spectral properties to flowers of tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. were used to evaluate bee search efficiency. The results show that bumblebees perceive when ultraviolet radiation is either removed or added to an illumination source; however, the bumblebees rapidly learn to find model flowers with equal efficiency in either illumination environment. The behavioural results are interpreted in relation to a colorimetric analysis showing how bumblebees are capable of using their visual system to forage efficiently in environments that exclude ultraviolet radiation.
Metabolic rates of captive grey seals during voluntary diving
Authors: Sparling Carol E. , Fedak Michael A.
Published: April 2004

The energetic cost of diving in marine mammals is a difficult value to derive given the problems of assessing metabolic rate for an animal at sea. Nevertheless, it is fundamental to our understanding of the foraging strategies of air-breathers exploiting underwater food sources. We measured the metabolic rates of eight captive grey seals, voluntarily diving in a quasi-natural setting. Oxygen consumption during post-dive surface periods was measured using open-flow respirometry, and dive behaviour of the seals was recorded using time depth recorders (TDRs). Mean diving metabolic rate (DMR)for both adults and juveniles was 1.7 times the predicted standard metabolic rate of terrestrial animals of equal size. For all animals, DMR was lower than the rate of metabolism measured whilst they were resting at the water's surface. On a dive-by-dive basis, DMR decreased with dive duration but increased with mean swim speed. Regressing the maximum 5% of DMRs against dive duration resulted in a significant negative relationship that was not significantly different from the relationship between the calculated maximum rate of aerobic metabolism and dive duration, suggesting that these seals were diving within, and up to, their aerobic limits. We developed a model that allows the prediction of DMR from information on dive behaviour of the type routinely collected in telemetry studies of wild seals. The model accurately predicts DMR using behavioural data from periods of diving with known metabolism data. This model can be used to predict the at-sea metabolic rate of wild grey seals, an important input into ecosystem models.
A FRET Study of Guest Delivery to Concanavaline A by Supramolecular Hosts Composed of an Adamantyl-Appended Cyclophane and Saccharide-Branched Cyclodextrins
Authors: Hayashida Osamu , Hamachi Itaru
Published: April 2004

Water-soluble supramolecular hosts composed of an adamantyl-appended cyclophane and glucosyl- or maltosyl-α-cyclodextrins were developed as a transporter for fluorescent guest toward Concanavaline A (Con A), α-d-glucoside-binding lectin. The delivery of perylene as a model guest from aqueous media to Con A surfaces was monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy.
An Optically Active Hydrogel Composed of Cross-linked Poly(4-carboxyphenyl isocyanide) with a Macromolecular Helicity Memory
Authors: Ishikawa Masayoshi , Taura Daisuke , Maeda Katsuhiro , Yashima Eiji
Published: April 2004

Hydrogels composed of a poly(phenyl isocyanide) bearing a carboxylate group with a macromolecular helicity memory were synthesized by cross-linking with achiral diamines in water, and the obtained hydrogels were found to maintain their memory even at 90 °C in water, although the helical polymer before the cross-linking lost its memory at high temperature.
A New Method for the Esterification of Carboxylic Acids with Various Alcohols by Using Di-2-thienyl Carbonate, a New Coupling Reagent
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Oohashi Yoshiaki , Fukumoto Kentarou
Published: April 2004

Esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols by using di-2-thienyl carbonate in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to afford the corresponding esters and 2(5H)-thiophenone in good to high yields.
Distinction of Acid-type on Solid Acid Surface by Comparison of Adsorption Heats of Nitrogen and Argon
Authors: Matsuhashi Hiromi , Yamagata Keiko , Arata Kazushi
Published: April 2004

The heats of adsorption of N2 and Ar on solid acids were compared by applying the Clausius–Clapeyron equation to isotherms. The heats on H-mordenite and H4SiW12O40 supported on SiO2 decreased gradually with increasing the adsorption amount in parallel with each other, while sulfated zirconia and Al2O3 gave large difference between N2 and Ar in low adsorption range more than 30 and 15 kJ mol−1, respectively, enabling the result to distinguish the Brönsted- and Lewis-acid types.
Aromatic Iodine-Assisted Self-assembly of a Cobalt(II) Complex of Ferron (Ferron = 7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate)
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Yi-Zhi , Gao Xu , Chen Hui-Lan , Liu Qi-Tao , Odani Akira , Yamauchi Osamu
Published: April 2004

A dimeric Co(II) complex of ferron (=7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate) was isolated as crystals and structurally characterized. Weak I···H and I···C interactions involving the iodoquinoline rings and complementary steric requirements for I···I contacts led to self-assembly of the complex, which indicates versatile nature of the iodine atom in intermolecular interactions.
Surface Reactions on MoO3 Induced by Tunable Pulse Infrared Free Electron Laser
Authors: Sato Shisuke , Niimi Hironobu , Suzuki Shushi , Chun Wang-Jae , Irokawa Katsumi , Kuroda Haruo , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: April 2004

We have carried out ethanol conversion reactions on the MoO3 under the pulse infrared irradiations (period = 2 s) with several wavelengths emitted from free-electron-laser. We found a piece of evidence to show the dependence of activities in the ethanol conversion rate on the infrared wavelengths. When the wavelength was tuned to 967 cm−1, which corresponded to the absorption frequency of 0.167 nm Mo=O bond, C2H5OH was converted mainly to C2H4 with CH3CHO as a minor product while no reaction occurred at 1200 cm−1 where no resonant vibration mode of MoO3 was present. The reaction products were different from those produced in thermal reactions.
New Epoxide Molten Salts: Key Intermediates for Designing Novel Ionic Liquids
Authors: Demberelnyamba D , Yoon Sang Jun , Lee Huen
Published: April 2004

Room temperature ILs, based pyridinium and imidazolium cations containing glycidyl (2,3-epoxypropyl) chains have been synthesized in an attempt to design new functionalized ILs. The epoxides in glycidyl ILs comprise an extremely versatile group of intermediates and can react with a large range of nucleophiles, electrophiles and others, resulting in the production of novel ILs with different functional groups.
Mechanistic Study on the Radiolysis of Dilute PVA Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zhang Shu-Juan , Yu Han-Qing
Published: April 2004

The mechanisms behind the radiolytic degradation of PVA in dilute aqueous solutions were elucidated. The formation of hydrogen as the main gaseous product, as well as the analysis of degradation intermediates by NMR, FTIR, UV–vis, and viscosity determination demonstrated that the mechanism of the radiolytic degradation of PVA was hydrogen abstraction, followed by chain scission.
Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Low Molecular Weight Dye/Enzyme Composite Thin Films for Biosensor Appilcation
Authors: Li Yangmei , Chen Zhichun , Jiang Xiuming , Lin Xianfu
Published: April 2004

The multilayer films of low molecular weight dye methylene blue (MB) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly through electrostatic force. MB was pre-absorbed with anionic polyelectrolyte poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS). The MB/HRP multilayer film-modified Au electrode functioned as a biosensor for H2O2.
Acidic Properties and Catalytic Activities of Sol–gel Derived Zn2SiO4
Authors: Shino Yoritsugu , Nakabayashi Hirotoshi
Published: April 2004

The ZnO–SiO2 binary oxides prepared by sol–gel method were calcined at various temperatures in order to reveal the relations between the surface properties as acid catalysts and the bulk structures. It was found that the catalytic activities and the acid amounts remarkably increased when the Zn2SiO4 phase was just formed by the calcination at 1173 K.
Potassium Ion Selective Signaling Based on Intramolecular Dimer Formation of Biscrown Ether Azochromophore —Chemosensor Exhibiting Forceps Function—
Authors: Hayashita Takashi , Murakami Akiko , Teramae Norio
Published: April 2004

A novel bisbenzo-15-crown-5 azochromophore, 2, which exhibits forceps function, has been designed. 2 shows selective UV–vis spectral response for K+ in acetonitrile, which is based on the exciton interaction of the two azochromophores upon forming an intramolecular sandwich complex with K+.
Anomalous Ring Cleavage of 1,3-Dithiole- and 1,3-Diselenole-2-thiones under the Cross-Coupling Conditions Using Triethyl Phosphite
Authors: Iyoda Masahiko , Watanabe Ryoji , Miyake Yosihiro
Published: April 2004

The ring cleavage of 4,5-ethylenedioxy-1,3-dithiole- and -1,3-diselenole-2-thiones, followed by the reaction with 4,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-1,3-diselenole-2-one took place under the phosphite-mediated cross-coupling conditions to afford 2-thioxo- and 2-(selenoxomethylidene)-1,3-diselenoles. The structure of 4,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-2-(thioxoalkylidene)-1,3-diselenole was confirmed by X-ray analysis.
Comparison of Objective Methods for Assessment of Annoyance of Low Frequency Noise with the Results of a Laboratory Listening Test
Authors: Poulsen Torben
Published: April 2004

Subjective assessments made by test persons were compared to results from a number of objective measurement and calculation methods for the assessment of low frequency noise.

Eighteen young persons with normal hearing listened to eight environmental low frequency noises and evaluated the annoyance of the noises. The noises were stationary noise with and without tones, intermittent noise, music, traffic noise and impulsive low frequency noise. The noises were presented twice in a random order at LAeq levels of 20 dB, 27.5 dB and 35 dB. The assessment methods were those used in Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland and Denmark. It was found that the Danish assessment method gave the best relation to the subjective assessments made by the test persons. An important property of this method is that it includes a 5 dB penalty for noises having an impulsive character.
Blast Densification Method: Sound Propagation and Estimation of Psychological and Physical Effects
Authors: Imaizumi Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yasumori , Jinguuji Motoharu , Kunimatsu Sunao
Published: April 2004

Experimental results on the propagation of blasting sounds from underground explosions for preventing liquefaction of ground are described. Psychological and physical effects of blasting sounds are estimated by comparison with previous studies on the effects and evaluation of continuous low-frequency sounds. The blasting sounds generated by underground explosions were impulsive low-frequency sounds, which predominantly involved frequencies of several Hz. Frequencies above 100 Hz tended to attenuate to a greater degree during propagation from the blasting area. Sound pressure levels at frequencies above 20 Hz exceeded the hearing threshold level as well as the threshold for rattling of building fittings for low-frequency sounds even at a point about 400 m distant from the blasting area. To predict the attenuation of the blasting sounds and estimate the appropriate distance for reducing the possibility of complaint, results of numerical calculations by the parabolic equation method together with meteorological data are shown.
A Generic Model for Evaluating the Performance of Base-Isolated Buildings
Authors: Talbot J.P. , Hunt H.E.M.
Published: April 2004

Ground-borne vibration has existed ever since the development of urban road and rail networks. Vibration generated by the moving traffic propagates through the ground and into buildings, resulting in unacceptable levels of internal noise and vibration. A common solution to this increasingly significant problem is the base-isolation of buildings by incorporating vibration isolation bearings between the buildings and their foundations. This technique has been employed for over forty years but the exact performance of base isolation remains uncertain.

This paper describes a generic computational model; generic in that it accounts for the essential dynamic behaviour of a typical base-isolated building in order to make predictions of isolation performance. The model is a linear one, formulated in the frequency domain, and consists of a two-dimensional portal-frame model of a building coupled to a three-dimensional boundary-element model of a piled-foundation. Both components of the model achieve computational efficiency by assuming they are infinitely long and using periodic structure theory.

Following an overview of the model, a virtual case study is presented to illustrate its practical application. Along with some initial observations, the case of a point-load surface excitation of the foundation is used to investigate the isolation performance of typical isolation bearings.
A Delay-Dependent Stability Criterion for Vibrating Control Systems with LMI Approach
Authors: Ying Pan , Chao Wang , Yan Sheng , Xinhua Zhang
Published: April 2004

This paper provides a new stability criterion for vibrating systems with time invariant uncertain delays. Based on an improved upper bound for the inner product of two vectors, a new delay-dependent robust stability criterion is derived. The maximal value of time delay can be obtained by using the LMI control toolbox of Matlab. According to the new method, the maximal delay varying with the parameters of the system is discussed for an SDOF system and the optimal value of the weighting matrix R is found for an MDOF system respectively. Within the interval of permitted time delay, the classical LQR controller can receive satisfactory effects.
The Design and Implementation of Proportional Feedback Controller for the Distortion Improvement of Vibrator in Low Frequency Motion
Authors: Liu Yun-Hui , Huang Yeu-Jong , Lee Bai-Tang , Chow Lung-Hen
Published: April 2004

The Total Harmonic Distortion (T.H.D.) of acceleration involved in the vibrator power amplifier combination of the low-frequency primary vibration calibration system at CMS/ITRI is higher than 2% at frequencies below 2 Hz before control. This is outside the requirement of ISO 16063–11. A waveform comparison feedback control method to reduce the T.H.D. of the vibrator is proposed. This paper describes a method of distortion reduction on a low frequency vibration standard, where a laser interferometer is used, with feedback loop control software on the calibration scheme. The vibrator signal is measured by an accelerometer located on a moving platform that is driven by the vibrator, and compared with a pure sine signal to obtain an error signal. Through multiplication of the error signal by a factor k, it is combined with the original input signal of the vibrator to reduce the T.H.D. This paper shows the experimental results at 0.8 Hz and 1 Hz. The measured T.H.D. results are both below 2%. At the same time we also evaluate the typed A standard uncertainty for accelerometer voltage sensitivity. The standard uncertainty before and after improvement is 0.154% and 0.068%, respectively.
Associations of Psychosocial and Individual Factors with Three Different Categories of Back Disorder among Nursing Staff
Authors: Violante Francesco S. , Fiori Marina , Fiorentini Cristiana , Risi Alessandro , Garagnani Giacomo , Bonfiglioli Roberta , Mattioli Stefano
Published: April 2004

Associations of Psychosocial and Individual Factors with Three Different Categories of Back Disorder among Nursing Staff: Francesco S. Violante, et al. Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Occupational Medicine Unit, Sant’Orsola‐Malpighi Hospital, Italy—Although back disorders are a major occupational problem for nursing staff, few studies distinguish different types. By means of a structured questionnaire, we performed a cross‐sectional study on the prevalence of diagnosed lumbar disc hernia, chronic low‐back pain (LBP) (at least 90 d in the preceding 12 months) and acute LBP (intense pain for at least 1 d) with respect to physical, individual and psychosocial factors among female nurses (n=587), nursing aides (n=228) and head‐nurses (n=43) working in a university hospital (95% of the female workforce). Almost all respondents reported known high‐risk occupational activities. Overall prevalence of reported back disorders was 44% (acute LBP 19%, chronic LBP 17%, lumbar hernia 8%). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, scoliosis and commonly stress‐related psychosomatic symptoms were associated with all three types of back disorder; trauma/ fractures of the spine, pelvis and/or legs and a global work‐environment/job‐satisfaction score with acute LBP; increasing age with lumbar disc hernia. While confirming the relevance of considering different definitions of back disorder, our data indicate items for investigation in cohort studies. These include: identification of specific risk factors for lumbar hernia; avoidance of possible work‐environment risk factors such as hurried execution of different tasks at the same time; and influence on job suitability of underlying spinal pathologies such as scoliosis.
A Survey of Semen Indices in Insecticide Sprayers
Authors: Kamijima Michihiro , Hibi Hatsuki , Gotoh Masahiro , Taki Ken‐ichi , Saito Isao , Wang Hailan , Itohara Seiichiro , Yamada Tetsuya , Ichihara Gaku , Shibata Eiji , Nakajima Tamie , Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Published: April 2004

A Survey of Semen Indices in Insecticide Sprayers: Michihiro Kamijima, et al. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine—This study aims at clarifying the semen indices of insecticide sprayers who are exposed mainly to organophosphorus and pyrethroid insecticides. Eighteen male sprayers out of 54 working for 9 companies in central Japan and 18 age‐matched students or medical doctors as unexposed controls participated in detailed reproductive check‐ups conducted in summer and the following winter. The sprayers were exposed to insecticides more in summer, the busiest season, than winter, the off‐season (p<0.05). Erythrocyte true cholinesterase activities in the sprayers were lower than in the controls in summer (p<0.05), and decreased in significant association with the increase in exposure frequency. Testicular volumes in the sprayers tended to be smaller than in the controls (p=0.06). The serum testosterone concentration in winter in the sprayers was higher than in the controls (p<0.05), though luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations were not significantly different. The sperm counts and vitality were comparable between the groups, but detailed sperm motility analysis in summer revealed that the percentages of slow progressive and nonprogressive motile sperm were twice as high in the sprayers (p<0.05), and that of rapid progressive sperm tended to be lower (p=0.06). Such differences were not observed in winter. Differential sperm morphology counts showed that interaction of group and abstinence effects were significant in sperm with normal morphology and with head deformity only in the summer check‐up. Despite possible inherent differences between the groups, the above season‐dependent differences suggested that the observed lower semen quality in the sprayers was associated with pesticide spraying work.
Measurement of Whole‐Body Vibration in Taxi Drivers
Authors: Funakoshi Mitsuhiko , Taoda Kazushi , Tsujimura Hiroji , Nishiyama Katsuo
Published: April 2004

Measurement of Whole‐Body Vibration in Taxi Drivers: Mitsuhiko Funakoshi, et al. Kyushu Institute for Social Medicine—In a previous epidemiological study we reported that the prevalence (45.8%) of low‐back pain (LBP) and the two‐year incidence (25.9%) of LBP in 284 male taxi drivers in Japan was comparable with rates reported for other occupational drivers in which LBP frequently occurs. LBP was significantly related with the level of uncomfortable road vibrations, and, importantly, increased with total mileage. The aim of this study was to measure whole‐body vibration (WBV) on the driver's seat pan of 12 taxis operating under actual working conditions. The results were evaluated according to the health guidelines in International Standard ISO 2631‐1:1997. Finally, the relation between total mileage and WBV was investigated. The majority of the frequency‐weighted r.m.s. accelerations of the taxis fell into the “potential health risks” zone, under ISO 2631‐1:1997. It was clear that the taxi drivers were exposed to serious WBV magnitudes. Therefore, occupational health and safety management should be carried out to help prevent adverse health effects in taxi drivers. In particular, reduction of WBV in taxis and shortening of driving time to reduce duration of WBV exposure should be considered. Moreover, because many taxi drivers work 18 h every other day, the shortening of working hours and taking of rest breaks while working should be considered. Frequency‐weighted r.m.s. accelerations of taxis had a tendency to decrease as total mileage increased. The relation between total mileage and WBV should be investigated by taking measurements on the floor and the back rest in addition to the seat pan.
Heart Rate Variation and Urinary Catecholamine Excretion in Response to Acute Psychological Stress in Hand‐Arm Vibration Syndrome Patients
Authors: Laskar M. Shawkatuzzaman , Iwamoto Mieko , Nakamoto Minoru , Koshiyama Hiroshi , Harada Noriaki
Published: April 2004

Heart Rate Variation and Urinary Catecholamine Excretion in Response to Acute Psychological Stress in Hand‐Arm Vibration Syndrome Patients: M. Shawkatuzzaman Laskar, et al. Department of Hygiene, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine—The aim of this study was to evaluate heart rate variation and urinary catecholamines in response to acute psychological stress in hand‐arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) patients and healthy controls. LF% (indicator of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity), HF% (indicator of the parasympathetic nervous activity) and their ratio LF/HF (indicator of sympathovagal balance) were calculated from short‐term electrocardiographic data from 16 HAVS patients and 14 healthy controls before and immediately after exposure to acute psychological stress. Urinary catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) were analyzed from urine samples collected from every subject during rest and after exposure. The LF% and LF/HF of the patients significantly increased after exposure. The after exposure LF/HF of the patients was significantly greater than that of the controls. The amount of norepinephrine in the patients significantly increased after exposure. The after exposure amount of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the patients were significantly greater than the respective amount of the controls. The results of the present study indicated the predominance of sympathetic tone in the cardiac sympathovagal balance and greater sensitivity of the sympathoadrenal medullary system in response to acute psychological stress in the patients than in the healthy controls.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Respiratory Protective Equipment based on the Biological Monitoring of Styrene in Fibreglass Reinforced Plastics Industries
Authors: Nakayama Shoji , Nishide Tadashi , Horike Tokushi , Kishimoto Takumi , Kira Shohei
Published: April 2004

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Respiratory Protective Equipment based on the Biological Monitoring of Styrene in Fibreglass Rein‐forced Plastics Industries: Shoji Nakayama, et al. Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry—The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficiency of respiratory protective equipment in a fibreglass reinforced plastic factory by comparing results of environmental and biological monitoring of exposure to styrene. Five factories including 39 workers were investigated. Three types of respiratory protective equipment were tested: one was a half‐mask air‐purifying respirator equipped with a cartridge for organic solvents, another was a disposable gauze respirator impregnated with charcoal filter, and the third was a dust‐proof respirator. The frequency of cartridge exchange of a half‐mask respirator was twice a day only at one factory, and that was less than once a month at other factories. The site concentrations exceeded 20 ppm at 10 of the 82 sampling points (12.2%), and 22 of the 39 workers’ (56.4%) personal exposure exceeded 20 ppm which is the current occupational exposure limit recommended by the Japan Society for Occupational Health. The efficiency of disposable gauze respirators and dust‐proof respirators was low or rather zero. The average efficiency of half‐mask respirators in which cartridges were exchanged twice a day and once a month was 83.6% and 46.6%, respectively. There was a significant disparity in the efficiency of the respirator depending on the frequency of cartridge exchange (p <0.05). Overall this study showed that even though a half‐mask respirator is used and its cartridge is exchanged every half a day, workers exposed to a styrene concentration at or over 122 ppm are expected to inhale more than 20 ppm of styrene.
The Influence of Time, Sex and Geographic Factors on Levels of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoate in Human Serum over the Last 25 years
Authors: Harada Kouji , Saito Norimitsu , Inoue Kayoko , Yoshinaga Takeo , Watanabe Takao , Sasaki Shiro , Kamiyama Shigetoshi , Koizumi Akio
Published: April 2004

The Influence of Time, Sex and Geographic Factors on Levels of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoate in Human Serum over the Last 25 years: Kouji Harada, et al. Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine— Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are important perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in various applications. Recently, it has been shown that these chemicals are widespread in the environment, wildlife and humans. But the kinds of factors that affect their levels in serum are unclear, and it is also not clear whether exposure to them is increasing or not. To investigate the impacts of time, geographical location and sex on the levels of these chemicals, we measured PFOS and PFOA concentrations in human sera samples collected both historically and recently in Miyagi, Akita and Kyoto Prefectures in Japan. The PFOS and PFOA levels in sera [Geometric Mean (Geometric Standard Deviation)] (µg/L) in 2003 ranged from 3.5 (2.9) in Miyagi to 28.1 (1.5) in Kyoto for PFOS and from 2.8 (1.5) to 12.4 (1.4) for PFOA. Historical samples collected from females demonstrated that PFOS and PFOA concentrations have increased by factors of 3 and 14, respectively, over the past 25 yr. There are large sex differences in PFOS and PFOA concentrations in serum at all locations. Furthermore, there are predominant regional differences for both PFOS and PFOA concentrations. In Kyoto the concentrations of PFOA in dwellers who had lived in the Kinki area for more than 2 yr were significantly higher than in people who had recently moved into the area, in both sexes. This finding suggests that there are sources of PFOA in the Kinki area that have raised the PFOA serum levels of its inhabitants. Further studies are needed to elucidate these sources in the Kinki area of Japan.
An Evaluation of the Occupational Health Risks to Workers in a Hazardous Waste Incinerator
Authors: BakoIlu Mithat , Karademir Aykan , Ayberk Savaş
Published: April 2004

An Evaluation of the Occupational Health Risks to Workers in a Hazardous Waste Incinerator: Mithat BakoIlu, et al. University of Kocaeli, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kocaeli, Turkey—A study was conducted to evaluate the health impact of airborne pollutants on incinerator workers at IZAYDAS Incinerator, Turkey. Ambient air samples were taken from two sampling points in the incinerator area and analyzed for particulate matter, heavy metals, volatile and semi‐volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) and dioxins. The places where the maximum exposure was expected to occur were selected in determining the sampling points. The first point was placed in the front area of the rotary kiln, between the areas of barrel feeding, aqueous and liquid waste storage and solid waste feeding, and the second one was near the fly ash transfer line from the ash silo. Results were evaluated based on the regulations related to occupational health. Benzene, dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) concentrations in the ambient air of the plant were measured at levels higher than the occupational exposure limits. Dioxin concentrations were measured as 0.050 and 0.075 pg TEQ.m−3, corresponding to a daily intake between 0.007 and 0.01 pg TEQ. kg body weight−1.day−1. An assessment of dioxin congener and homologue profiles suggested that gaseous fractions of dioxin congeners are higher in front of the rotary kiln, while most of them are in particle‐bound phases near the ash conveyor. Finally, the necessity of further studies including occupational health and medical surveillance assessments on the health effects of the pollutants for the workers and the general population in such an industrialized area was emphasized.
Occupational Allergy in Medical Doctors
Authors: Sato Kazuhiro , Kusaka Yukinori , Suganuma Narufumi , Nagasawa Sumio , Deguchi Yoji
Published: April 2004

Occupational Allergy in Medical Doctors: Kazuhiro Sato, et al. Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Fukui— Allergic diseases have increased in many developed countries including Japan. Doctors are also at risk for allergic diseases from exposure to allergens in working conditions and hospital environments. We investigated the factors relating to occupational allergy in doctors. Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed to all doctors (n=895) who had previously graduated from School of Medicine, Fukui Medical University. Data from 307 responders (response rate: 34.3%, male 241, female 66, mean age ± S.D., 30.8 ± 4.2) were analyzed. Eighty‐nine doctors stated that they had occupational allergy including contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and/ or asthma. Fifty‐four had contact dermatitis caused by surgical gloves; 77 had contact dermatitis from disinfectants, e.g. 23 from chlorhexidine gluconate; 21 from povidone iodine; and 15 from ethanol. Fifteen doctors experienced allergic rhinitis and/or asthma caused by handling laboratory animals. Univariate analysis showed that profession (surgical doctors) and past histories of allergic diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, or atopic dermatitis) were significantly related to occupational allergy in doctors, but that gender, smoking or physical exercise were not significantly related to it. A logistic regression analysis showed that past histories of allergic diseases and the profession of surgical doctors were significantly related to occupational allergy, but that gender, age or smoking were not significantly related to it. The results of the present study suggest that past history of allergic diseases is a factor predisposing to occupational allergy in doctors. It is necessary and possible to extend more prophylactic measures for doctors, especially for surgeons, because exposure to responsible agents and materials for them can be more frequent.