bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wälzlagerüberwachung mit faseroptischer Sensorik (Monitoring Roller Bearings with Fiber Optic Sensors)
Authors: Hoffmann Lars , Müller Mathias S. , Sommavilla Markus , Koch Alexander W.
Published: April 2007

Funktionskritische Maschinenkomponenten wie Wälzlager während des Betriebes zu überwachen, ist eine wichtige messtechnische Aufgabe. Es ist Gegenstand der Untersuchung, inwieweit sich faseroptische Sensorik dafür eignet. Anhand eines Demonstrators zur dynamischen Dehnungsmessung an einem Wälzlager wird der Stand der faseroptischen Messtechnik sowie deren Potenzial für die Maschinendiagnose beurteilt.
Vibrational Frequencies and Ionization Energy of Bis(η6-Benzene)Chromium as Studied by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Ketkov Sergey Yu. , Selzle Heinrich L.
Published: April 2007

The geometry of the bis(η6-benzene)chromium neutral molecule 1 and cation 1
+ have been optimized at various DFT levels with use of LSDA, GGA and hybride functionals. An increase in the Cr–C distances and a decrease in the C–H distances on ionization is observed. The vibrational frequencies of 1, 1
+ and their deuterated derivatives as well as the ionization potentials of the neutral molecules have been calculated and compared with the experimental data obtained for the gas-phase species. An excellent agreement with the experiment was achieved at the BPW91/TZVP level of theory for all the molecular parameters investigated including a negative shift of the ionization energy on deuteration.
Suppressors ofzyg-1Define Regulators of Centrosome Duplication and Nuclear Association inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kemp Catherine A , Song Mi Hye , Addepalli Murali Krishna , Hunter Ginger , O'Connell Kevin
Published: April 2007

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the kinase ZYG-1 is required for centrosome duplication. To identify factors that interact with ZYG-1, we used a classical genetic approach and identified 21 szy (suppressor of zyg-1) genes that when mutated restore partial viability to a zyg-1 mutant. None of the suppressors render animals completely independent of zyg-1 activity and analysis of a subset of the suppressors indicates that all restore the normal process of centrosome duplication to zyg-1 mutants. Thirteen of these suppressor mutations confer phenotypes of their own and cytological examination reveals that these genes function in a variety of cellular processes including cell cycle timing, microtubule organization, cytokinesis, chromosome segregation, and centrosome morphology. Interestingly, several of the szy genes play a role in attaching the centrosome to the nuclear envelope. We have found that one such szy gene is sun-1, a gene encoding a nuclear envelope component. We further show that the role of SUN-1 in centrosome duplication is distinct from its role in attachment. Our approach has thus identified numerous candidate regulators of centrosome duplication and uncovered an unanticipated regulatory mechanism involving factors that tether the centrosome to the nucleus.
Spawning by Female Chinook Salmon Can Be Detected by Electromyogram Telemetry
Authors: Berejikian Barry A. , Endicott Robert C. , Van Doornik Donald M. , Brown Richard S. , Tatara Christopher P. , Atkins Jeffery
Published: April 2007

New methods to detect spawning of anadromous salmonids in their natural environment are needed to improve understanding of breeding behavior patterns, natural selection on reproductive traits (e.g., spawn timing), and interactions between artificially propagated and wild fish. We implanted maturing female Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha with coded electromyogram (CEMG) transmitters and continuously recorded spawning activity to develop an algorithm capable of accurately detecting spawning events from CEMG data. Marked increases in female digging frequencies immediately after spawning (cover digging) strongly correlated with CEMG values. The algorithm detected averages of 65% and 86% of the actual spawning events in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The algorithm accurately detected zero spawning events for the two female salmon that did not spawn. The presence of CEMG transmitters did not affect the digging frequency, number of nests constructed, or the reproductive life span of implanted fish. However, the CEMG tagging procedure or the presence of tags significantly increased egg retention. Pedigree analyses of DNA confirmed that females implanted with CEMG transmitters exhibited significantly lower individual reproductive success relative to that of nontagged females (73% and 66% reduction in two separate experiments). Subsequent research in adult steelhead O. mykiss has indicated that alternative implantation techniques hold promise for reducing the effects of the tags on reproductive success. We suggest that remote monitoring of salmonid spawning behavior is now possible with CEMG technology and should be tested in natural habitats.
Climate stability: an inconvenient proof
Authors: Bellamy David , Barrett Jack
Published: April 2007

This paper demonstrates that the widely prophesied doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from natural, pre-industrial values will enhance the so-called ‘greenhouse effect’ but will amount to less than 1°C of global warming. It also points out that such a scenario is unlikely to arise given our limited reserves of fossil fuels—certainly not before the end of this century. Furthermore, the paper argues that general circulation models are as yet insufficiently accurate for civil engineers to rely on their predictions in any forward-planning decisions—the omission of solar wind effects being a potentially significant shortcoming. It concludes that the only certainty is that the world's fossil fuel resources are finite and should be used prudently and with proper respect to the environment.
Where are we with biofilms now? Where are we going?
Authors: Rittmann B.E.
Published: April 2007

The IWA's BiofilmVI conference presented a wide range of research on biofilm systems. Particularly popular themes were nitrogen removal, mathematical modelling and microbial ecology. Emerging themes included biofilms with membranes, pathogens in biofilms, biofouling and detachment. Within microbial ecology and mathematical modelling, emphasis was given to N-removal systems, particularly involving nitrifiers and Anammox bacteria. Both themes also recognised the importance of biofilm detachment. Although biofilms on membranes gained attention, little interest was exhibited towards linking biofilms with other advanced materials, such as ceramics, conductors, semi-conductors or nano-materials. Research presented at BiofilmVI marked major advances in improving water sustainability towards removing BOD and N, but did not address many emerging contaminants, such as oxidised contaminants and endocrine disruptors. Attention to energy sustainability, such as with bio-hydrogen or microbial fuel cells, was minimal. Thus, research reported at BiofilmVI was strong towards “improving the expected” with regard to BOD and N removal, but not yet focused on “exploiting the unexpected” to deal with emerging pollutants and bio-energy.
A one-stage system with partial nitritation and Anammox processes in the moving-bed biofilm reactor
Authors: Szatkowska B. , Cema G. , Plaza E. , Trela J. , Hultman B.
Published: April 2007

The ability of bacterial cultures to create biofilm brings a possibility to enhance biological wastewater treatment efficiency. Moreover, the ability of Anammox and Nitrosomonas species to grow within the same biofilm layer enabled a one-stage system for nitrogen removal to be designed. Such a system, with Kaldnes rings as carriers for biofilm growth, was tested in a technical pilot plant scale (2.1 m3) at the Himmerfjärden Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the Stockholm region. The system was directly supplied with supernatant originating from dewatering of digested sludge containing high ammonium concentrations. Nearly 1-year of operational data showed that during the partial nitritation/Anammox process, alkalinity was utilised parallel to ammonium removal. The process resulted in a small pH drop, and its relationship with conductivity was found. The nitrogen removal rate for the whole period oscillated around 1.5 g N m−2d−1 with a maximum value equal to 1.9 g N m−2d−1. Parallel to the pilot plant experiment, a series of batch tests were run to investigate the influence on removal rates of different dissolved oxygen conditions and addition of nitrite. The highest nitrogen removal rate (5.2 g N m−2d−1) in batch tests was obtained when the Anammox process was stimulated by the addition of nitrite. In the simultaneous partial nitritation and Anammox process, the partial nitritation was the rate-limiting step.
Wastewater treatment with submerged fixed bed biofilm reactor systems – design rules, operating experiences and ongoing developments
Authors: Schlegel S. , Koeser H.
Published: April 2007

Wastewater treatment systems using bio-films that grow attached to a support media are an alternative to the widely used suspended growth activated sludge process. Different fixed growth biofilm reactors are commercially used for the treatment of municipal as well as industrial wastewater.

In this paper a fairly new fixed growth biofilm system, the submerged fixed bed biofilm reactor (SFBBR), is discussed. SFBBRs are based on aerated submerged fixed open structured plastic media for the support of the biofilm. They are generally operated without sludge recirculation in order to avoid clogging of the support media and problems with the control of the biofilm. Reactor and process design considerations for these reactors are reviewed. Measures to ensure the development and maintenance of an active biofilm are examined. SFBBRs have been applied successfully to small wastewater treatment plants where complete nitrification but no high degree of denitrification is necessary. For the pre-treatment of industrial wastewater the use of SFBBRs is advantageous, especially in cases of wastewater with high organic loading or high content of compounds with low biodegradability. Performance data from exemplary commercial plants are given. Ongoing research and development efforts aim at achieving a high simultaneous total nitrogen (TN) removal of aerated SFBBRs and at improving the efficiency of TN removal in anoxic SFBBRs.
Iron and manganese removal from textile effluents in anaerobic attached-growth bioreactor filled with coirfibres
Authors: Jayaweera M.W. , Gomes P.I.A. , Wijeyekoon S.L.J.
Published: April 2007

A laboratory scale study on Fe and Mn removal in upflow anaerobic bioreactor of a working volume of 20 L with coir fibre as the filter medium was investigated for a period of 312 days. The maximum Fe and Mn levels considered were 10 and 5 mg/L respectively, which are the typical average values of textile effluents subsequent to the primary and secondary treatments. Ten sub-experimental runs were conducted with varying HRTs (5 days to 1 day), ratios of COD:SO2−4 (20 to 3.5), Fe levels (0.005 to 10 mg/L) and Mn levels (0 to 5 mg/L). COD:SO2−4 of 3.5 was identified as the optimum point at which sulphate reducing bacteria (SRBs) out competed methane producing bacteria (MPBs) and further reduction of this ratio caused total and/or significant inhibition of MPBs, thus building sulphate reducing conditions. The effluent contained Fe and Mn below the permissible levels (1.6 and 1.1 mg/L for Fe and Mn, respectively) stipulated by US National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for inland surface waters at HRTs higher than 3 days. Results of the mass balance showed more Fe accumulation (60%) in sediments whereas 27% in the filter media. An opposite observation was noticed for Mn.
Biofilm growth in response to various concentrations of biodegradable material in drinking water
Authors: Schaule Gabriela , Moschnitschka Dania , Schulte Simone , Tamachkiarow Adriana , Flemming Hans-Curt
Published: April 2007

Biological stability is one of the most important aspects of safe drinking water. It depends crucially on the availability of biodegradable organic carbon (BDOC). Measurement of BDOC is time-consuming and only performed if an increase is suspected. In this study, a fibre optical sensor (FOS) was used to detect changes in BDOC, detected as an increase in biofilm growth. The FOS consists of a sending and a receiving optical fibre, the latter connected to a detector. When material is deposited at the tip of the fibre, an increase of backscattered light is detected. In a system fed with drinking water, the signal was correlated to biofilm growth which was confirmed by independent surface colonisation determination. When 1 and 3 mg L−1 of BDOC respectively was added, the increment of the FOS signal over a period of 1 week could be distinguished. Interference by planktonic components and humic substances could be excluded. The biofilm on the FOS could be used as a means to detect changes in BDOC in drinking water and the signal has an early warning capacity.
Evaluating the potential of biofilm control in water supply systems by removal of phosphorus from drinking water
Authors: Rubulis Jānis , Juhna Tālis
Published: April 2007

Effect of microbially available phosphorus (MAP) on biofilm development in drinking water systems was investigated at the pilot-scale experiments over 3 years. Completely mixed biofilm reactors Propella® (water detention time 24 h, flow rate 0.25 m s−1, PVC pipe coupons) were used as water distribution network models. Four experimental runs were carried out with water containing different levels of phosphorus which was limiting nutrient for bacterial growth. Positive correlation between MAP in the inlet water and heterotrophic plate count (correlation coefficient 0.95) in biofilm, as well as for the total bacteria number (correlation coefficient 0.71), was observed. However, our experiments showed that removal of phosphorus down to very low levels (below detection limits of chemical method and MAP < 1 μg L−1) was not an efficient strategy to eliminate bacterial regrowth and biofilm formation (<51,00,000 cells/cm2) in drinking water supply systems.
Modelling of hybrid moving bed biofilm reactors: a pilot plant experiment
Authors: Mannina G. , Di Trapani D. , Torregrossa M. , Viviani G.
Published: April 2007

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the development of hybrid biofilm reactors, especially in the upgrading of existing WWTP that are no longer able to respect concentration limits. In fact, today's challenge is the achievement of a good aquatic state for the receiving water bodies according to the Water Framework Directive requirements, which indeed limit even more the continuous emissions, i.e. coming from WWTP. This paper presents the setting up of a mathematical model for the simulation of a hybrid MBBR system; the model calibration/validation has been carried out considering a field gathering campaign on an experimental pilot plant. The main goal is to gain insight about MBBR processes attempting to overcome main shortcomings in particular referring to the modelling aspects. The model is made up of two connected sub-models for the simulation of the suspended and attached biomass. The model is mainly based on the concepts of the activated sludge model No. 1 (ASM1) for the description of the biokinetic process both for the suspended and for the attached biomass. The results show a good agreement between predicted and observed values both for the attached and for the suspended biomass moreover they are encouraging for further researches.
Description of mechanical response including detachment using a novel particle model of biofilm/flow interaction
Authors: Alpkvist E. , Klapper I.
Published: April 2007

Bacterial biofilms, while made up of microbial-scale objects, also function as meso- and macro-scale materials. In particular, macro-scale material properties determine how biofilms respond to large-scale mechanical stresses, e.g. fluid shear. Viscoelastic and other constitutive properties influence biomass structure (through growth and fluid shear stresses) by erosion and sloughing detachment. In this paper, using the immersed boundary method, biofilm is modelled by a system of viscoelastic, breakable springs embedded in a fluid flow, evolving according to the basic physical laws of conservation of mass and momentum. We demonstrate in the context of computer simulation biofilm deformation and detachment under fluid shear stress.
The role of fouling mechanisms in a membrane bioreactor
Authors: Di Bella G. , Durante F. , Torregrossa M. , Viviani G. , Mercurio P. , Cicala A.
Published: April 2007

The present study has aimed to quantify the role of pore blocking and cake layer in a laboratory scale hollow fibre membrane module in submerged configuration. The membrane reactor (MBR) was fed with raw wastewater, only screened with a 2-mm sieve, collected from the Palermo WWTP. The MBR was characterised by an operating volume of 190 L and equipped with an aeration system located on the bottom of the reactor. The MBR operated for 65 days. The permeate was extracted by imposing a constant flux through the membrane (21 Lh−1m−2). The results confirm the importance of pore blocking control during start-up. In particular, it provides a rapid irreversible fouling that takes place at the beginning of the filtration process, before the deposition mechanism. Therefore, low suspended solids concentration in the initial phase causes a fast irreversible fouling. This circumstance creates the need for more frequent chemical cleaning after start-up without inoculum. Finally, the results underline that the cake has a mainly reversible feature.
Ultrastructure of a bio-electrolytic methanogenic/methanotrophic granular biofilm for the complete degradation of tetrachloroethylene in contaminated groundwater
Authors: Guiot S.R. , Kuhn R. , Lévesque M.-J. , Cimpoia R.
Published: April 2007

The electrolytical methanogenic/methanotrophic coupling (eMaMoC) process was tested in a laboratory-scale single-stage reactor for the treatment of tetrachloroethene (PCE)-contaminated waters. A water electrolysis cell was placed directly in the effluent recirculation loop for the supply of both O2 and H2 to the system: H2 serving as the electron donor for both carbonate reduction into CH4 and reductive dechlorination. The concurrent presence of O2 and CH4 could be used by the methanotrophs for co-metabolically oxidising the chlorinated intermediates left over by the anaerobic transformation of PCE. At a PCE inlet of 33–52 μM and a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 5.6 days, PCE reductive dechlorination to dichloroethene (DCE) was over 95% with a maximum DCE mineralisation of 83%. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation with 16S rRNA probes related to type I and type II methanotrophic bacteria were utilised to localise the methanotrophic communities in the anaerobic/aerobic granules. It evidenced that with operational time, along with increasing oxygenation rate, methanotrophic communities were specifically colonising onto the outermost layer of the anaerobic/aerobic granule.
The Meaning of Rehabilitation in the Home Environment After Acute Stroke From the Perspective of a Multiprofessional Team
Authors: Wottrich Annica Wohlin , von Koch Lena , Tham Kerstin
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose

Intervention programs for home-based rehabilitation are not fully described in the literature, and rehabilitation team members' experiences and tacit understanding of working with patients after stroke in the home environment need to be further understood. The aim of this study was to identify the meaning of rehabilitation in the home environment after stroke from the perspective of members of a multiprofessional team.

Subjects

Thirteen members of a multiprofessional outreach team (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and a social worker) working at a geriatric hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, participated in the study.

Methods

A qualitative method (the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method) was used, with data being obtained from retrospective interviews of the team members after completing home-based rehabilitation of patients after acute stroke.

Results

One main theme (“supporting continuity”) and 4 subthemes (“making a journey together from hospital to home,” “enabling experiences of functioning,” “refraining from interventions—encouraging patient problem-solving skills,” and “looking for a new phase—uncertain endings”) were revealed.

Discussion and Conclusion

The findings suggest that contextual factors, both environmental and personal, were considered to be of great importance by the members of the multiprofessional team and were accounted for when they were working in the home environment in the rehabilitation of patients after stroke. Contextual factors detected in the home environment gave valuable information to the team members, who used the information in their strategies to assist the patients in finding continuity in their daily life and to link the past to the present and the “new body” to the “old body.”
Exchange Relationships and the Environment: The Acceptability of Compensation in the Siting of Waste Disposal Facilities
Authors: Claro Edmundo
Published: April 2007

Within siting literature there is strong agreement that compensation for environmental risks is a necessary condition for local acceptance of waste treatment facilities. In-kind compensation is commonly pushed forward as being more effective than financial benefits in reducing local opposition. By focusing on the siting of a sanitary landfill in Santiago, Chile, this paper explores the performance of both types of compensation and relates the analysis to the notion of social norms of exchange. These are understood as being based on three main types of social relations: care, justice and freedom. Whereas monetary compensation is associated with market relations based on freedom and the offer of in-kind compensation to egalitarian relations based on justice, the absence of compensation is linked to fraternal relations based on care. It is argued that in-kind compensation is more acceptable than monetary payments or no compensation because people tend to understand siting conflicts more as matters of justice rather than as matters of freedom or care.
Anthropocentrism vs. Nonanthropocentrism: Why Should We Care?
Authors: Mcshane Katie
Published: April 2007

Many recent critical discussions of anthropocentrism have focused on Bryan Norton's ‘convergence hypothesis': the claim that both anthropocentric and nonanthropocentric ethics will recommend the same environmentally responsible behaviours and policies. I argue that even if we grant the truth of Norton's convergence hypothesis, there are still good reasons to worry about anthropocentric ethics. Ethics legitimately raises questions about how to feel, not just about which actions to take or which policies to adopt. From the point of view of norms for feeling, anthropocentrism has very different practical implications from nonanthropocentrism; it undermines some of the common attitudes – love, respect, awe – that people think it appropriate to take toward the natural world.
An Imaginary Solution? The Green Defence of Deliberative Democracy1
Authors: Arias-Maldonado Manuel
Published: April 2007

As part of the recent rethinking of green politics, the construction of a green democracy has been subjected to increasing scrutiny. There is a growing consensus around deliberative democracy as the preferred model for the realisation of the green programme. As a result several arguments emerge when deliberative principles and procedures are to be justified from a green standpoint. This paper offers a critical assessment of the green case for deliberative democracy, showing that deliberation is being asked to deliver more than it is able to. However, it is suggested that the connection between sustainability, understood as a normative principle, and deliberative procedures may ultimately offer the best grounds for such a defence.
‘Shared Play’: Italo Rota
Authors: Molinari Luca
Published: April 2007

An enthusiastic collector of plastic toys and the kitsch, Italo Rota approaches architecture with a joyous sense of play. As Luca Molinari explains, for Rota architecture is a ‘game for adults’, offering opportunities for a colourful inclusion of elements yet also an essential joie de vivre. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maria Giuseppina Grasso Cannizzo
Authors: Locci Massimo
Published: April 2007

Massimo Locci describes the work of Sicilian architect Maria Giuseppina Grasso Cannizzo, ‘an obstinate perfectionist with a great deal of charisma’ who works with ‘functional rigour’ and ‘absolute formal abstraction’. He explains how, in the sensitive context of Sicily's historic urban centres, Grasso Cannizzo has taken early 20th‐century buildings, cleaned up the exteriors and emptied the interiors, and rigorously inserted her own ‘rarefied pieces’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions
Authors: Puglisi Luigi Prestinenza
Published: April 2007

Lorens Holm and Paul Guzzardo speculate on a future landscape enriched by digital culture. Rather than provide sanctuary or comfort zones in the event of global environmental collapse, laser\net is a model for exploring landscape terrains that establish ‘agora’‐like meeting places as a basis for electronic exchange and progression. Re‐mix platforms thus become collaborative sites for all who seek to engage in this rurality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Italian Architecture from the Outside In
Authors: Ibelings Hans
Published: April 2007

Hans Ibelings, the Dutch editor of A10: new European architecture, provides a reticent but entirely perceptive account of the Italian architecture scene from a wider European perspective. Architectural culture in Italy may be nascent in comparison to some of its continental neighbours, but it is ‘richer and more versatile’ than it has been for many years. He emphasises the role that ‘an intermediate generation’ has played in smoothing the way for a more confident, emerging generation of designers. Copyright © 2007 Hans Ibelings.
Translocation of inhaled asbestos fibers from the lung to other tissues
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Kohyama N.
Published: April 2007

To investigate translocation of asbestos fibers, tissue samples from 13 North American insulators were examined, using electron microscopy. Of the two major types of asbestos, chrysotile and amosite, chrysotile was found to be much more active in the translocation than amosite, being the fiber mainly detected in mesotheliomas and hyaline plaques.
Tumors of the urinary bladder in painters: A case‐control study
Authors: Myslak Zdislaw W. , Bolt Hermann M. , Brockmann Winfried
Published: April 2007

In a case‐control study, 403 male patients with a diagnosis of “bladder tumor” and (as controls) 426 patients suffering from prostate disease were investigated. The results of this study indicate that past employment as a painter was associated with an excess risk of bladder tumor. The relative risk of bladder tumor estimated for painters was 2.76. The possible role of benzidine‐based azodyes (or azodyes based on substituted benzidines) as a carcinogenic risk factor for painters is discussed.
Occupational sentinel health events: An up‐dated list for physician recognition and public health surveillance
Authors: Mullan Robert J. , Murthy Leela I.
Published: April 2007

An occupational sentinel health event (SHE[O]) is a disease, disability, or untimely death, which is occupationally related and whose occurrence may: 1) provide the impetus for epidemiologic or industrial hygiene studies; or 2) serve as a warning signal that materials substitution, engineering control, personal protection, or medical care may be required. Following survey of scientific literature, a list of 50 disease conditions linked to the workplace was presented in 1983; these were codable within the framework of the International Classification of Diseases system (ICD‐9). Three criteria were used for inclusion: documentation of associated agent(s), of involved industries, and of involved occupations. The up‐dated list contains 64 diseases or conditions and a bibliography of literature citations. The list is useful for the practicing physician in occupational disease recognition, for occupational morbidity and mortality surveillance, and as a periodically up‐dated database of occupationally related diseases.
First‐aid reports of acute chlorine gassing among pulpmill workers as predictors of lung health consequences
Authors: Salisbury David A. , Enarson Donald A. , Chan‐Yeung Moira , Kennedy Susan M.
Published: April 2007

Workers in pulpmills can be exposed to a multitude of gases hazardous to respiratory function, the most common of which is chlorine gas. First‐aid reports of acute gas overexposure incidents (“gassings”) over an 8 year period were used to generate exposure data on a group of pulpmill workers whose respiratory function had been studied cross‐sectionally in 1981 and 1988. Three hundred forty‐eight incidents representing 174 workers were identified, 78% of these being treated solely by the first‐aid attendant with the administration of 0, and cough suppression medication. Among 316 workers tested during a 1988 respiratory health survey, 78 had at least one chlorine or chlorine dioxide “gassing” incident. There was a significant decrease in the FEV1/FVC ratio (p < .05) as well as increased risk for workplace associated chest symptoMS in this group with at least one “gassing” incident. In an age‐ and smoking‐matched analysis, among workers tested both in 1981 and 1988, there was a greater decline in FEV1/FVC ratio and MMF (p < .05) in the “gassed” group than in the nonexposed group over the 7 year period of observation. These results eMPHasize the need for worker protection against accidental chlorine gas exposures.
Mortality study of British pathologists
Authors: Hall Alisa , Harrington J. Malcolm , Aw Tar‐Ching
Published: April 2007

Pathologists eligible for inclusion in the study were identified from the membership lists of the Royal College of Pathologists from 1974 to 1987, establishing a population of 4,512 members. Overall mortality was lower among the study group compared with the general population of England and Wales, although there were significantly more deaths due to suicide (observed 13, expected 4.9, SMR 265, 95% CI 141–454). Excess deaths due to cancer of the lyMPHatic and hemopoietic system were noted but they were not significantly increased. An excess of brain cancer death was marginally significant for male pathologists (observed 6, expected 2.5, SMR 240, 95% CI 88–522). Six of the 9 (66.7%) cases of all types of brain tumors reported in total were among hematologists, although this sub‐specialty comprises approximately 16% of all pathologists.
Brain damage caused by hydrogen sulfide: A follow‐up study of six patients
Authors: Tvedt Bjørn , Skyberg Knut , Aaserud Olaf , Hobbesland Anund , Mathiesen Tove
Published: April 2007

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poisoning involves a risk of hypoxic brain damage. Six patients who lost consciousness due to H2S poisoning are described. The symptoMS varied from anosmia in the patient with the shortest but highest exposure to delayed neurological deterioration in the patient with the longest exposure. The two patients with the most serious symptoMS developed pulmonary edema, which may have prolonged the hypoxia. The patients were reexaminated 5 years or more after the poisoning. The five patients who had been unconscious in H2S atmosphere for from 5 to 15–20 min showed persisting impairment at neurological and neuropsychological re‐examination. Memory and motor function were most affected. One patient was seriously demented. Recent reports of large groups of H2S‐poisoned workers probably underestimate the risk of sequelae, due to the inclusion of cases with exposure of short duration and lack of follow‐up.
Biological monitoring of the occupational exposure to halothane (fluothane) in operating room personnel
Authors: Imbriani Marcello , Ghittori Sergio , Zadra Paola , Imberti Roberto
Published: April 2007

The concentration of halothane (fluothane) in the ambient atmosphere was determined in five operating theaters of two hospitals in Italy. The concentrations of halothane in the ambient air exceeded the NIOSH recommended time‐weighted average exposure levels (median value: 10.38 mg/m3). Halothane was detected in the urine of 58 exposed subjects (anesthetists, surgeons, and nurses). A significant correlation was found between the halothane concentration in urine produced during the shift (Cu, μg/L) and halothane environmental concentration (CI, mg/m3) (Cu = 0.242 × CI + 3.51) (N = 58; r = 0.92; p < 0.0001). The results show that the urinary halothane concentration can be used as an appropriate biological exposure index. The biological values proposed are: 92 μg/L, corresponding to a 50 ppm of environmental exposure; 6.5 μg/L, corresponding to 2 ppm of environmental exposure and 3.9 μg/L, corresponding to a 0.5 ppm of environmental exposure.
Indirect fertility analysis in painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers: Sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Welch Laura S. , Plotkin Elizabeth , Schrader Steven
Published: April 2007

Semen analysis has proven useful in the clinical diagnosis of infertility and is the most widely used method of monitoring the effects of occupational exposure on male fertility. Collection and analysis of semen samples in a field setting, however, require a highly motivated population and excellent technical resources, limiting the widespread application of the method. Techniques of monitoring male worker fertility using questionnaires to avoid some of the difficulties of semen analysis have been developed. These methods compare the rate of observed births for wives of workers with expected birth rates derived either from U.S. fertility tables or from unexposed workers. The present study compares the sensitivity of this questionnaire method with that of semen analysis in an evaluation of reproductive function in men exposed to ethylene glycol ethers. The reproductive function of 74 married painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers was compared with that of 51 married controls employed at a shipyard. The groups differed in sperm count, but the questionnaire method showed no effect of exposure on fertility. This analysis suggests that the questionnaire assessment of fertility is less sensitive than semen analysis as a screening tool for male reproductive function.
A retrospective cohort mortality study of blending and packaging workers of mobil corporation
Authors: Collingwood Kim W. , Milcarek Barry I. , Raabe Gerhard K.
Published: April 2007

This retrospective cohort mortality study examined 2,467 workers in lubrication products blending and packaging (B&P) operations at two refineries of Mobil Corporation between January 1, 1945 and December 31, 1978. Ninety‐seven percent were male. Compared with U.S. males, there were significantly fewer deaths observed among males due to all causes, external causes, and diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary systems. Deaths observed from all cancer were fewer than expected, although not statistically significant. No statistically significant excess cause‐specific mortality occurred at B&P facilities combined or separately. Nonsignificant increases in mortality were observed for cancers of the stomach, large intestine, prostate, the category of “other lymphatic tissue” cancer, and leukemia and aleukemia. Analyses demonstrated a statistically significant pattern of increasing SMR with employment duration for “other lymphatic tissue” cancer. Within the highest cumulative duration of employment category, the excess was confined to workers after 30 or more years since first employment. Although the interpretation of cancer mortality patterns is limited due to small numbers of deaths, the absence of associations with specific B&P departments is evidence against a causal interpretation.
Targeting of workplace inspections for lead
Authors: Seligman Paul J. , Halperin William E.
Published: April 2007

The prevention of occupational lead poisoning requires identification of worksites with ongoing excessive lead exposures. The utility of different sources of surveillance data in identifying worksites was evaluated by comparing a list of companies inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for lead with 1) Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) claims for lead poisoning, and 2) the New York Health Department's Heavy Metal Registry (NYHMR) reports of individuals with elevated blood lead levels. For the period 1981 through 1985, the NYHMR identified 179 companies with at least one employee having an elevated blood lead level. Of the 134 OSHA inspections conducted in New York during the same time period, 23 (17%) companies were identified by the NYHMR. In Ohio from 1979 through 1985, 50 companies had workers' compensation claims filed against them involving documented elevated blood lead levels. OSHA inspected 306 companies; 23 (7.5%) were identified by the BWC. In both states, companies inspected by OSHA were concentrated in larger industries with traditional, well‐recognized lead hazards (e.g., primary metal and fabricated metals). Companies identified by compensation claims and laboratory reports tended to be in industries dominated by smaller establishments where lead is not a primary part of the industrial process (e.g., automotive repair and construction). Sources of surveillance data, such as workers' compensation claims and laboratory reports, identify worksites that tend not to be routinely inspected by OSHA and which need intervention to prevent excessive lead exposure. To maximize the impact of public health resources devoted to the elimination of occupational lead poisoning, follow‐up efforts at companies identified by state health departments and workers' compensation systems offer an important opportunity to complement OSHA's inspection efforts.
A cross‐sectional study of pulmonary function among workers exposed to multimetals in the glass bangle industry
Authors: Rastogi Subodh K. , Gupta Brahma N. , Husain Tanveer , Chandra Harish , Mathur Neeraj , Pangtey Balram S. , Chandra Satya V. , Garg Nikhil
Published: April 2007

Spirometric lung functions were evaluated in 220 asymptomatic glass bangle workers exposed to the salts of various heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, cadmium, and selenium, which are used as coloring agents in the manufacture of glass bangles. The mean values of various spirometric variables (viz. FVC, FEV1, IMBC, and PEFR) were within normal range (more than 80% of the predicted values) in both smoking and nonsmoking glass bangle workers and did not reveal any significant differences in comparison with those observed in the unexposed controls. However, variables such as FEV1/FVC% ratio, FEF25–75 and FEF75–85 were reduced significantly (p < 0.001) in the exposed group. The reduction was more marked in the smoking glass bangle workers indicating additive effect of cigarette smoking on the small airways. The exposed group showed a significantly higher prevalence (16.3%) of respiratory impairment in comparison to that observed in the controls (7.9%) as a result of exposure to various metals in the work environment (p < 0.01). The respiratory impairment observed in the exposed group indicated primarily restrictive pattern of pulmonary abnormality (10.4%), while the controls revealed only 1.1% prevalence of this disease (p < 0.001). The effect of the duration of exposure on the prevalence of respiratory impairment in the glass bangle industry revealed significantly higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in chose who worked for more than 10 years (23.0%) than in those who worked for less than 10 years (10.8%) thereby indicating that the duration of exposure is directly related to the prevalence of respiratory impairment.
Measurement precision of an olfactory perception threshold test for use in field studies
Authors: Fortier Isabel , Ferraris Jocelyne , Mergler Donna
Published: April 2007

Changes in olfactory function have been associated with workplace exposure to a variety of substances. In the workplace, smell can be particurly important, since it is commonly used to detect potentially hazardous situations or as an indicator of mask cartridge breakthrough. Sensitive quantitative measures of olfactory loss would be useful in epidemiological studies and workplace surveillance. The objective of the present study was to determine the reproducibility of an olfactory perception threshold test and variations with age, gender, and smoking status. The test was a standard olfactory kit (Olfactolab No. 11), including 18 serial dilutions of PM‐carbinol, with an equal number of blanks. The forced choice method was used, with both tester and subject blinded as to which bottle contained the odorant. Olfactory perception threshold was recorded when the subject identified the same dilution three times. To assess reproducibility, testing was repeated four times over a period of 4 weeks, on the same weekday and the same time of day. Subjects (n = 63) ranged in age from 20 to 60 years (mean age: 39.7 ± 12.5 years), 47.6% were women, 29.5% currently smoked, and 27.9% were former smokers. Results showed no inter‐week differences in olfactory perception threshold (Analysis of variance for repeated measures: F = 0.59; p >> 0.05). Inter‐class correlation for assessment of agreement of continuous variables was 0.76. Inter‐week concordance of hyposmia showed fair to good agreement (0.55≥kappa≤0.66). Three‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences with respect to age cateogry (F = 7.36; p < 0.001) and current smoking status (F = 4.54; p < 0.05), but not for gender (F = 2.32; p > 0.05). The multiple regression model with age and smoking as independent variables was highly significant (F= 13.03; p < 0.001), explaining 28% of the variance; olfactory threshold increased 0.47 dsiyear (t = 4.01; p < 0.001) and 0.27 ds/cigarettes/day (t = 2.46; p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that this test is reproducible and sensitive to expected changes with age and smoking status. It corresponds well to criteria for testing in the field and should be considered for studies characterizing olfactory functions and sensory loss among working populations.
Investigation of a fatality among parathion applicators in California
Authors: Osorio Ana Maria , Ames Richard G. , Rosenberg Jon , Mengle Donald C.
Published: April 2007

Staff of the California Department of Health Services investigated the death of a parathion applicator in California that was thought to be pesticide‐related. A crew of eleven workers (including six sprayers, three mixeriloaders, one mixerisprayer and one foreman) had been applying 0.125% parathion spray to almond orchards for approximately three weeks. On the day of the fatality, a sprayer rapidly developed symptoms of salivation, sweating, and convulsions after a half‐day of work. Despite aggressive medical treatment, the worker died within one hour of his initial symptoms. Significant laboratory results for the deceased case included: parathion residue on the inner and outer garments worn by the worker, parathion in the post‐mortem gastric contents, and elevated urinary metabolites consistent with acute parathion intoxication. Interviews with the work crew revealed that three of the 10 workers had complaints of headaches, vomiting, and/or sore throat; yet, subsequent plasma and red cell cholinesterase tests of the co‐workers did not show any significant depressions in comparison with pre‐season baseline values. This worker death is consistent with prior reports of parathion‐related sprayer/applicator intoxications and is the first worker‐related parathion death in California since 1972. Substitution of pesticides with less toxic active ingredients or the elimination of parathion is recommended.
Scientific basis for an occupational standard for cadmium
Authors: Thun Michael J. , Elinder Carl‐Gustaf , Friberg Lars
Published: April 2007

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a revised 8‐hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) for cadmium in air of either 1 or 5 μg/m3, based upon the prevention of lung cancer and kidney dysfunction. To evaluate the scientific basis for these alternative standards, we compare the OSHA estimates of risk, derived from mathematical modelling of selected studies, to empirical data on lung cancer and kidney dysfunction in the published literature. At least seven epidemiologic studies examine renal tubular proteinuria by cumulative cadmium exposure. Three suggest increased proteinuria at cumulative exposures below 500 μg/m3‐year (equivalent to a PEL of 11.1 μg/m3 over 45 working years). One shows prevalence increasing at cumulative exposures between 100 and 299 μg/m3 (equivalent to a PEL between 2.2 and 6.6 μg/m3). Insufficient data exist to estimate a no‐effect level for kidney toxicity. For lung cancer, qualitative evidence of carcinogenicity in humans is seen in four of five occupational cohorts. Quantitative estimates of risk based on epidemiologic data provide lower and more plausible estimates of lifetime risk than do estimates from a rodent bioassay. The data overall suggest that the PEL for cadmium should not exceed 5 μg/m3 to protect workers from kidney dysfunction and lung cancer over a working lifetime.
An algorithm for matching anonymous hospital discharge records used in occupational disease surveillance: Anonymous record matching algorithm
Authors: Keller Jane E. , Howe Holly L. , Noak John R.
Published: April 2007

The expense of collecting primary data, coupled with limited authority to mandate reporting, requires alternative methods of implementing an occupational disease registry in Illinois. One alternative data source for surveillance of some occupational diseases is hospital discharge records. Because these records lack personal identifiers, it has been impossible historically to match records belonging to the same individual and obtain reliable case estimates. To circumvent this difficulty, an algorithm has been developed to match anonymous hospital discharge records collected from all Illinois hospitals. The algorithm was based on the assumption that specific combinations of occupational disease code, sex, zip code, and date of birth would identify an individual to whom multiple hospitalizations belong. Matching with the algorithm reduced the 1986 case estimates from 597 to 499 for all cases of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, and silicosis.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in workers exposed to lead, zinc, and copper in relation to peripheral nerve conduction: A study of R‐R interval variability
Authors: Murata Katsuyuki , Araki Shunichi
Published: April 2007

Quantitative assessment of the autonomic neurotoxicity due to lead was undertaken by measuring variability in the electrocardiographic R‐R interval (CVRR) in 16 male workers exposed to lead, zinc, copper, and tin and in 16 unexposed control subjects. Two component coefficients of variation in the R‐R interval, the C‐CVRSA (respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and C‐CVMWSA (Mayer wave related sinus arrhythmia), were examined; these indices are considered to reflect parasympathetic and sympathetic activities, respectively. Maximal motor and sensory conduction velocities (MCV and SCV) in the median nerve were also measured. In the 16 exposed workers, blood lead concentrations ranged from 16 to 60 (mean 34) pg/dl. The CVRR and C‐CVRSA were found to be significantly reduced in the workers with elevated lead, zinc, and copper absorption as compared to unexposed control subjects; also, the MCV and SCV were significantly slowed. The C‐CVMWSA was not significantly reduced, and was positively related to plasma zinc concentrations. No significant relationships were found between indicators of lead and copper absorption and these electrophysiological measurements. These data suggest that subclinical toxicity of lead occurs in the parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system as well as in the peripheral nerves. Zinc may antagonize the autonomic nervous dysfunction caused by lead.