bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multichannel surface electromyography in ergonomics: Potentialities and limits
Authors: Gazzoni Marco 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe prevention of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders is one of the main goals in ergonomics. Among others, surface electromyography (sEMG) is an important tool for the evaluation of risks related to work activity. Three main issues have been approached in ergonomics via sEMG: 1) the analysis of muscle activation, 2) the analysis of exerted forces and torques, and 3) the analysis of muscle fatigue. Many studies have been carried out in static conditions. In ergonomics, however, it is more relevant to study muscle activity and fatigue during real tasks that are, in general, dynamic. From isometric to dynamic contractions, the complexity of the interpretation of sEMG signals increases considerably. Changes in sEMG signals are related to the continuous modifications in force output, muscle fiber length, and relative position of surface electrodes and sources. To increase the reliability of the information extracted from sEMG, multichannel detection systems have been applied, showing the possibility of overcoming some limits of the standard technique. Some illustrative laboratory and field studies are reported in this work to illustrate the potentialities and the open problems in the use of multichannel sEMG in ergonomics. Case 1 is a laboratory study investigating the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in the biceps brachii (BB) during dynamic elbow flexion/extension. Case 2 is a laboratory study investigating the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue during a repetitive lifting task. Case 3 is a field study, carried out in an automotive plant, investigating muscle activation during the welding of a car door. Many factors play a leading role in the correct interpretation of information provided by sEMG. Even though multichannel sEMG provides information able to improve the estimation of force and/or fatigue during working tasks, many problems related to the signal acquisition and interpretation are still open. Further improvements are necessary to develop multichannel sEMG into an effective tool supporting other methodologies for the evaluation of work‐related risks. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychosocial risk exposures and musculoskeletal disorders across working‐age males and females
Authors: Collins John , O'Sullivan Leonard 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn 2008, The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU‐OSHA) reported that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were the most common work‐related health problem in Europe. Females are considered more susceptible to MSDs than are males, and older workers are more vulnerable than are younger workers. Factors specific to the job, work organization, and individual have been implicated as potential risk factors, with current interest focusing on psychosocial risk factors and the pathology of disorders. Although there is some disagreement in the literature, there is growing support that, after controlling for exposure, females have a predisposition to MSDs. More is known of the role of psychosocial risks in MSD etiology, but it is unclear if there are differences in exposures across gender and age and if this has a resultant effect on injury rates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and trends with psychosocial risks, across age and gender. The study group consisted of 200 female and 132 male employees from varied occupations within Ireland, ranging from age 18–66 years. The most prevalent symptoms of MSDs were for the lower back, shoulder, and neck regions. Age and gender differences in prevalence were evident for these regions. There was a general trend for increasing prevalence with age. For the psychosocial risks, significant differences in job content exposures were observed across age groups for males (p < 0.05) and females (p < 0.0005). There were also differences in scores across the age groups for mental health (p < 0.0005) and insecurity at work (p < 0.0005) for the females. The conclusions are that there were not sufficiently strong differences in exposures to relevant psychosocial risks both between genders and across age for a resultant effect on MSDs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ergonomics risk assessment with digital human models in car assembly: Simulation versus real life
Authors: Fritzsche Lars 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis study investigated how well ergonomics risk assessments on simulations with digital human models (DHM) match real‐life assessments obtained on a car assembly line. Two ergonomists evaluated 20 work tasks in real life and as a DHM simulation using a company‐specific version of the Automotive Assembly Worksheet (AAWS) for assessing static postures, action forces, manual material handling, and extra strains. Results demonstrate that DHM simulations provide good estimations of the workload in real‐life tasks. Additionally, significant correlations were found between AAWS risk assessments and subjectively perceived exertion measured on the Borg scale. Yet, there were also some significant differences in AAWS risk classification and AAWS total scores. DHM simulations appear helpful for reliably detecting static postures and extra strains, whereas action forces are harder to estimate than in real life. It is suggested that comprehensive methods such as AAWS should be incorporated in DHM software for enhancing efficiency and validity of digital ergonomics risk assessment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A tool for early workstation design for small and medium enterprises evaluated in five cases
Authors: Hallbeck M. Susan , Bosch Tim , Van Rhijn Gu (J. W.) , Krause Frank , de Looze Michiel P. , Vink Peter 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFive case studies on production line design were described to study the effect of an early design support tool. Based on these case studies, the simple, interactive, real‐time, medium‐fidelity, mixed‐reality methodology was not only found to be a good early design stage evaluative tool for ergonomics and workflow, but a teaching tool as well. Despite some drawbacks, such as limited accuracy, mixed‐reality simulation appears to be a good compromise between cost and fidelity, especially for small to medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises, and gives important information on the layout focused on high efficiency and healthy postures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of force and exertion duration on duty cycle time: Implications for productivity
Authors: Finneran Aoife , O'Sullivan Leonard 
Published: June 2011

AbstractErgonomics has positive effects on both physical health and productivity, but estimating productivity benefits is difficult at the task design/redesign stage. Rest‐allowance prediction models are not suitable for repetitive, short‐cycle dynamic tasks, and methods–time measurement (MTM) techniques are limited in their suitability for considering ergonomics risk factors such as posture and force. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between force and exertion duration on self‐selected duty cycle time and discomfort. Twenty‐one participants completed repetitive, upper‐limb exertion treatments, each of a 10‐minute duration. Five levels of force (10, 20, 40, 65, and 80% maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]) and exertion period (1, 2, 4, 6.5, and 8 seconds) were investigated. The psychophysical adjustment method was used whereby participants self‐selected a work pace for the second half of each treatment. Duty cycle, derived from the self‐paced cycle time, was the measure of productivity effects in the experiment. Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect on duty cycle time for force, exertion period, and their interaction (each p < 0.0001). Friedman's test indicated a significant effect of force (p < 0.0001) and exertion period (p < 0.0001) on discomfort. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between discomfort and duty cycle time (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis was used to develop a predictive model for duty cycle time based on force and exertion period, and this was a good fit to the data (R2 = 0.98, p < 0.05). Profiles were generated presenting zones of acceptable self‐selected duty cycle times based on force and exertion duration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New generation of industrial manipulators based on ergonomic and haptic technologies
Authors: Levizzari Alessandro , Pardo Massimo Di , Luchetti Tommaso 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article shows an intelligent work assistant device that has been developed within the European Project called CyberManS. This device can be used in the car industry for welding automotive components to achieve the required flexibility without overloading the human worker. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurons generated in senescence maintain capacity for functional integration
Authors: Marrone Diano F. , Ramirez‐Amaya Victor , Barnes Carol A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAdult‐born neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) can survive for long periods, are capable of integrating into neuronal networks, and are important for hippocampus‐dependent learning. Neurogenesis is dramatically reduced during senescence, and it remains unknown whether those few neurons that are produced remain capable of network integration. The expression of Arc, a protein coupled to neuronal activity, was used to measure activity among granule cells that were labeled with BrdU 4 months earlier in young (9 months) and aged (25 months) Fischer344 rats. The results indicate that while fewer cells are generated in the senescent DG, those that survive are (a) more likely to respond to spatial processing by expressing Arc relative to the remainder of the granule cell population and (b) equally responsive to spatial exploration as granule cells of the same age from young animals. These findings provide compelling evidence that newborn granule cells in the aged DG retain the capacity for participation in functional hippocampal networks. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical course of patients with aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome associated with persistent neutropenia
Authors: Kako Shinichi , Nakasone Hideki , Endo Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kana , Ashizawa Masahiro , Sato Miki , Terasako Kiriko , Kikuchi Misato , Kimura Shun‐ichi , Okuda Shinya , Yamazaki Rie , Oshima Kumi , Tanihara Aki , Nishida Junji , Usuki Kensuke , Kanda Yoshinobu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPatients with aplastic anemia (AA) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) often have persistent severe neutropenia and are susceptible to infectious complications. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients with AA or MDS who had neutropenia (neutrophil count < 500/µl) for more than 25 days. A total of 46 patients, 11 with AA and 35 with MDS, were included. Twenty‐three patients had infectious events (IE), and the cumulative incidence of IE was 30% at 6 months and 51% at 1 year. The cumulative incidence of IE was 67% at 1 year in 30 patients who experienced very severe neutropenia of less than 200/µl. Overall survival in all patients was 76% at 6 months and 65% at 1 year. In a multivariate analysis, male sex, underlying diseases, and a neutrophil count of less than 200/µl as a time‐dependent covariate significantly affected IE. In analyses that excluded patients with AA, male sex was the only factor. In conclusion, severe neutropenia was significantly associated with IE in patients with AA or MDS, and IE might be lethal. When we only considered patients with MDS, the neutrophil count alone could not be used to predict the prognosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical significance and prognosis of MYC translocation in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Hong Wei , Chen Zhen Wen , Li Su Hong , Bai Wei , Cheng Niu Liang , Wang Jin Fen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that chromosomal aberrations of the MYC gene locus indicate an unfavorable prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, there have been few reports on MYC translocation in Chinese patients. One hundred and six cases of DLBCLs were analyzed using interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization. Immunophenotyping analysis (CD20, CD3, CD10, Bcl‐6, Mum‐1) was also performed. MYC translocation was identified in 13 (12.3%) out of 106 cases. All MYC+ DLBCLs showed a non‐germinal center B‐cell type. MYC+ DLBCLs showed significantly poorer overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival, with a median OS and progression‐free survival time of 4.7 and 3.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model confirmed that MYC+ (for OS, Hazards ratio 5.254; 95% CI, 2.354–11.723, p < 0.001) was the strongest independent predictor. DLBCL with MYC translocation is a subgroup of non‐germinal center B‐cell DLBCL with poor outcome. This may be a clinical characteristic that is specific to Chinese patients. Because only a few patients received rituximab, its usefulness could not be assessed. Future studies with larger numbers of patients are required. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of fibre‐optic distributed temperature sensing to traditional methods of evaluating groundwater inflow to streams
Authors: Briggs Martin A. , Lautz Laura K. , McKenzie Jeffrey M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThere are several methods for determining the spatial distribution and magnitude of groundwater inputs to streams. We compared the results of conventional methods [dye dilution gauging, acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) differential gauging, and geochemical end‐member mixing] to distributed temperature sensing (DTS) using a fibre‐optic cable installed along 900 m of Ninemile Creek in Syracuse, New York, USA, during low‐flow conditions (discharge of 1·4 m3 s−1). With the exception of differential gauging, all methods identified a focused, contaminated groundwater inflow and produced similar groundwater discharge estimates for that point, with a mean of 66·8 l s−1 between all methods although the precision of these estimates varied. ADV discharge measurement accuracy was reduced by non‐ideal conditions and failed to identify, much less quantify, the modest groundwater input, which was only 5% of total stream flow. These results indicate ambient tracers, such as heat and geochemical mixing, can yield spatially and quantitatively refined estimates of relatively modest groundwater inflow even in large rivers. DTS heat tracing, in particular, provided the finest spatial characterization of groundwater inflow, and may be more universally applicable than geochemical methods, for which a distinct and consistent groundwater end member may be more difficult to identify. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clearing the AIR about the use of self‐reported gains in institutional research
Authors: Gonyea Robert M. , Miller Angie 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCorrelations between self‐reported learning gains and direct, longitudinal measures that ostensibly correspond in content area are generally inadequate. This chapter clarifies that self‐reported measures of learning are more properly used and interpreted as evidence of students' perceived learning and affective outcomes. In this context, the authors supply evidence that social desirability bias in such self‐assessments does not constitute a significant concern. Recommendations for use of self‐reported gains in research and institutional assessment are discussed.
Trophic Ecology of Hyalella sp. (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in a High Andes Headwater River with Travertine Deposits
Authors: Acosta Raúl , Prat Narcís 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe studied the diet of 50 individuals of Hyalella sp. collected in the karstic headwaters of a high‐altitude Andean river (3817 m a.s.l. Peru) in four different habitats: macrophytes, bryophytes, leaf litter, and layers of travertine. The gut content analysis showed a dominance of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) in most habitats – layers of travertine (69.5%), Myriophylum (58.5%) and bryophytes (56.8%) – except for individuals collected in leaf litter where coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) represented 68% of gut content, which indicates a high trophic flexibility of Hyalella sp. Likewise, in an experiment with feeding chambers in situ during three days, twenty individuals of Hyalella sp. presented a higher consumption of leaf litter of native species (Polylepis sp.) (0.025 mg/day) than those of an introduced species (Eucalyptus globulus) (0.008 mg/day). (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Small‐Scale Distribution of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Two Spring Fens with Different Groundwater Chemistry
Authors: Křoupalová Vendula , Bojková Jindřiška , Schenková Jana , Pařil Petr , Horsák Michal 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe examined responses of macroinvertebrate assemblages to environmental and temporal variations along spring source‐spring brook transects in two fen habitats, sharply differing in groundwater chemistry, and compared the patterns among individual taxonomical groups. We hypothesised a different importance of environmental heterogeneity and seasonal changes primarily linked to strong tufa precipitation, which causes stronger environmental filtering in the calcareous fen. In concordance, we observed that assemblages of the more homogenous calcareous fen primarily changed over time, due to seasonal shifts in source availability and favourable conditions. Their spatial distribution was determined by the amount of CPOM, tufa crusts and temperature variation, but a substantial part of the assemblage exhibited spatial uniformity (Plecoptera, Clitellata, and especially Trichoptera and Diptera). The assemblages of the more heterogeneous Sphagnum ‐fen were primarily driven by water pH and substrate and the season was a notably weaker predictor. We found that different macroinvertebrate groups can display various responses to the measured variables shaping the overall pattern obtained based on the whole community. Further, greater environmental heterogeneity can result in temporally stable species distribution patterns even at very small spatial scales within a single site. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Comparative Study of Two Corbicula Morphs (Bivalvia, Corbiculidae) Inhabiting River Danube
Authors: Bódis Erika , Nosek János , Oertel Nándor , Tóth Bence , Fehér Zoltán 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn Europe, at least two Corbicula morphs (generally referred as C. fluminea and C. fluminalis) are known. However, their taxonomic and systematic position is controversial. In order to ascertain their taxonomy and systematics, we studied their characteristics in River Danube. Morphometric analysis confirmed the existence of two distinguishable morphs. Based on mtCOI sequence, morph‐1 is identical to C. fluminea, while morph‐2 is an undefined species. According to the median joining analysis, morph‐1 belongs to the C. fluminea clade, whereas morph‐2 forms a distinct clade, which is known only from invasive populations. Differences were recorded in population structure and reproductive biology, too. It is probably correct to treat the two morphs as distinct taxa, but as long as the African and western Asian parts of the genus’ range are poorly studied, taxonomic position of morph‐2 remains unclear. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A proline rich acidic protein PRAP identified from uterine luminal fluid of estrous mice is able to enhance the estrogen responsiveness of Ishikawa cells
Authors: Hsieh Tsai‐Fu , Tseng Chia‐Jen , Tang Jyh‐Bing , Chen Yee‐Hsiung 
Published: June 2011

AbstractUsing mice as experimental animals, proteins in the uterine luminal fluid (ULF) from both adults and diethylstilbestrol dipropionate (DES)‐treated immature animals were resolved by 2D gel electrophoresis. Two of the protein spots, (a) and (b) around the positions of 18–20 kDa, in the adult ULF were not found in the DES‐treated ULF. Automated Edman degradation established the same N‐terminal sequences of AHQVPVKTKGKHVFP for the two protein spots. Two trypsin digests of spot (a) were analyzed using CID MS/MS to establish the peptide sequences DNQLGPLLPEPK and RPDAMTWVETEDILSHLR. These partial sequences were confirmed in the cDNA‐deduced mouse proline rich acidic protein (PRAP). Using human Ishikawa cell line as a surrogate endometrial model, we demonstrated rapid entrance of exogenous PRAP into the cells and its ability to enhance alkaline phosphatase activity of the E2‐stimulated cells. Further, the transcripts of five estrogen‐responsive genes, including ALPP (Placental alkaline phosphtase), ALPPL (placental alkaline phosphatase‐like 2), TGF (transforming growth factor), PR (progesterone receptor), and Wnt7a, were measured after the cell incubation in modified Eagle medium containing 0.1 nM E2, or 0–25 µM PRAP, or both together at 37°C for 48 h. As compared with the control, E2 alone increased the transcripts of ALPP, ALPPL, TGF‐α, and PR, and reduced the transcript of Wnt7a, whereas PRAP alone had a slight impact on their expression. E2 together with PRAP greatly increased the E2‐stimulated transcriptions of ALPP, ALPPL, TGF‐α, and PR, and markedly reduced the E2‐suppressed transcription of Wnt7a. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3122–3128, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phytoglycoprotein (38 kDa) induces cell cycle (G0/G1) arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Lee Jin , Lim Kye‐Taek 
Published: June 2011

AbstractStyrax japonicaSiebold et al Zuccarini (SJSZ) has been used to heal inflammation and bronchitis as folk medicine in Korea. Firstly, glycoprotein isolated from SJSZ (SJSZ glycoprotein) has a molecular weight with 38 kDa and consists of carbohydrate (57.64%) and protein (42.35%). In the composition of SJSZ glycoprotein, carbohydrate mostly consists of glucose (28.17%), galactose (21.85%), and mannose (2.62%) out of 52.64%, respectively. The protein consists of Trp (W, 7.01%), Pro (P, 6.72%), and Ile (I, 5.42%) out of 42.35% as three major amino acids, while total amount of other amino acids is 23.20%. The purpose of this study is to know whether the SJSZ glycoprotein (38 kDa) induces the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assay and amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) and nitric oxide (NO) was measured using fluorescence microplate reader. Activities of cell cycle‐related proteins [p53, p21, p27, Cyclin D1, and cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK)4] and apoptosis‐related factors [iNOS, Bid, Bcl‐2/bax, cytochromec, caspase‐9, caspase‐3, and poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)] were assessed by Western blot and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. In the cell cycle‐related proteins, SJSZ glycoprotein (50 µg/ml) significantly enhances the expression of p53, p21, and p27, whereas it suppressed the activity of cyclin D1/CDK4. In the apoptosis‐related factors, SJSZ glycoprotein (50 µg/ml) stimulates to increase iROS, and NO, to activate iNOS, Bid, Bcl‐2/bax, cytochromec, caspase‐9, caspase‐3, and PARP. SJSZ glycoprotein (50 µg/ml) has potent effect to arrest cell cycle from G0/G1to S and to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3129–3139, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.