bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified virtual build methodology for computer‐aided ergonomics and safety
Authors: Duffy Vincent G. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn the past, computer‐based ergonomic analysis has been time‐consuming and has required many assumptions when the virtual human motion paths have been programmed. Hence, it appears that many in the human factors and ergonomics profession have not developed much expertise in the Digital Human Modeling area. The Virtual Build method first demonstrated by the Ford Motor Company appears to improve the accuracy and speed of the ergonomic analyses used in design of assembly processes. It allows capture of real‐motion and virtual process interaction rather than assuming expected posture and task motion. A variation of the Virtual Build methodology, presented in this article, affords the benefit that both product and process design can be analyzed prior to production and limitations have been overcome. Hardware limitations in the Virtual Build environment previously prevented transfer of the data collection and analysis methods to the real manufacturing environment and limited the ability to validate the predictions from the virtual industrial environment. Preliminary results of the case illustrating the modified Virtual Build research methodology presented in this article appear to be promising in support of computer‐aided ergonomics and safety for design of new or existing workstations and consumer products. A mixed‐mode virtual‐real environment that provides force feedback can be used to supplement the experimental setup and improve fidelity of the interactions in a work design assessment. A summary of the comfort assessment for a product design example that was tested with constrained human motion is outlined in the results section and presented in the context of a summary of key issues in Virtual Interactive Design and Virtual Build Assessments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 413–422, 2007.
Guideline threshold limit values (TLVs) for discomfort in repetitive assembly work
Authors: O'Sullivan L. , Clancy P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis study focused on two of the main occupational risk factors associated with work‐related musculoskeletal disorders in light repetitive electronic assembly work, namely repetition and force. Present‐day evaluation techniques are primarily posture based and show low sensitivity with regard to rating repetition and force. A simulated assembly task was conducted to investigate the interactions of risk factors and the suitability of hand activity level (HAL) and TLV values for electronics assembly work. Subjects completed the assembly task for three levels of repetition and force. For each treatment a subjective rating of discomfort was recorded. Repeated measures ANOVA identified repetition and force as highly significant factors in light electronic assembly work ( p < .001, p < .05, respectively). The task was also rated using HAL and normalized peak forces (NPF). This study questioned the ability of TLVs in rating discomfort and amendments to the TLVs are suggested. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 423–434, 2007.
Virtual environments in machinery safety analysis and participatory ergonomics
Authors: Määttä Timo J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of Virtual Environments (VEs) on safety analysis and participatory ergonomics. The developed method Safety Analysis with Virtual Environments (SAVE) is based on Participatory Ergonomics (PE), Task Analysis (TA), Work Safety Analysis (WSA), the standard EN 1050, and three‐dimensional (3‐D) functional modeling of the objects being analyzed. The materials of this work comprised machinery systems of six plants in a steel factory, which were implementing ongoing modernization projects. The results indicate that the SAVE method was applicable for safety analysis in the machinery layout design phase. According to the results, 58% of all identified hazards in a steel factory could be identified with VEs. A common understanding of designs, possibilities of evaluating and developing the system by the workers, and of providing training for operators and maintenance persons were the major contribution when using VEs in a safety analysis and applying a participative ergonomics approach. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 435–443, 2007.
Digital human modeling and workplace evaluation: Using an automobile assembly task as an example
Authors: Chang Shao‐Wen , Wang Mao‐Jiun J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis study proposes a method of conducting workplace evaluations in the digital environment for the prevention of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. For visual presentation, we apply a digital human modeling system to the workplace virtual dynamic simulation. Then, we use captured workplace motion data for ergonomics evaluation, including biomechanics analysis and posture analysis. By integrating dynamic simulation and ergonomics evaluation, it enables the system designer to visualize and improve workplace design in the digital space. The method has been applied to evaluate automobile assembly tasks and some ergonomic improvements have been implemented.f© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Camera position and presentation scale for infrared night vision systems in cars
Authors: Schenkman Bo N. , Brunnström Kjell 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPrinciples of an infrared night vision system in cars were studied in a stationary car simulator. The 20 participants drove for about 45 min on a rural route in night conditions where four objects were placed in or next to the road. When the camera was mounted on the grill of the car and the scale was true size, that is, 1:1, the time to collision was the longest. Changing the scale to a wide‐angle view of 1:2 decreased this time. When the camera was mounted on the roof of the car, the scale change produced an increase of the time to collision. Principal components analysis indicated that the speed and the lateral position of the car were independent. The results were explained partly in terms of differences between the optic arrays presented to the drivers and to motion adaptation. It is suggested that the camera for a night vision system should be placed at the level of the car grill and the presentation scale should be 1:1. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 457–473, 2007.
Human motion simulation for vehicle and workplace design
Authors: Chaffin Don B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDigital Human Models (DHMs) are fast becoming an effective tool for performing proactive ergonomics analysis and design. DHM software, such as Jack, SAFEWORK, RAMSIS, SAMMIE, and the UM 3DSSP, are meant to assist a designer early in a product development process, when he or she is attempting to improve the physical design of vehicle interiors and manufacturing workplaces. To become even more effective in meeting such a goal, it is proposed that future DHMs must include valid posture and motion prediction models for various populations. It is argued in this article that existing posture and motion prediction models now used in DHMs must be based on real motion data to assure validity for complex dynamic task simulations. It is further proposed that if valid human posture and motion prediction models are developed, these can be combined with psychophysical and biomechanical models to provide a very powerful tool for predicting dynamic human performance and population specific limitations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 475–484, 2007.
Interactive virtual evaluation for interface design
Authors: Kuo Chien‐Fu , Wang Mao‐Jiun J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis study proposes an interactive virtual evaluation (IVE) method for interface deign. By introducing the VR technology into a digital human model (DHM) system, the virtual prototype of a system interface can be created and tested in the digital world. Through the interactive mechanisms built in the VR software, the target users can therefore immerse into a virtual environment and have a real‐time interaction with the developed system mock‐ups. In the evaluation process, a customized digital human model within can present realistic motion and demonstrate the performance data that can be used for design evaluation and improvement. The proposed method was applied to the controller interface design of a missile launching vehicle. The concept of proactive design and evaluation can be realized under the condition of a high‐level interactive virtual environment with the limitation on tactile feedback as reported. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 485–495, 2007.
Combination of human plasminogen kringle 5 with ionizing radiation significantly enhances the efficacy of antitumor effect
Authors: Jin Guang‐Hui , Ma Ding‐Yuan , Wu Ning , Marikar Faiz M.M.T , Jin Shun‐Zi , Jiang Wei‐Wei , Liu Yan , Hua Zi‐Chun 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAntiangiogenic therapy could destroy tumor vasculature and inhibit tumor growth. It might inhibit tumor growth significantly when used as a single treatment modality and its therapeutic benefit may even be greater when used in combination with established treatment modalities such as radiation therapy (RT). In the present report, we investigated the effect of recombinant human plasminogen kringle 5 domain (rhK5) in combination with ionizing radiation on angiogenesis, tumor growth and survival in a murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor model. Combined treatment using rhK5 and radiotherapy displayed obvious suppressive effect on LLC tumor growth as compared with single treatment with either modality (p < 0.05), and resulted in a more additive effect on tumor growth delay in this model. In addition, combined treatment significantly enhanced the survival of mice and no toxic effect, such as weight loss, was observed. The significant antitumor effect of rhK5 plus radiation was associated with a direct suppression effect on early neoangiogenesis and tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression of VEGF and HIF‐1α in tumor tissue correlated well with decreased vessel density. The results suggest that rhK5 significantly enhances the antitumor activity of RT and could be a potent adjuvant therapeutic approach to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for lung cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered methionine metabolism and global DNA methylation in liver cancer: Relationship with genomic instability and prognosis
Authors: Calvisi Diego F. , Simile Maria M. , Ladu Sara , Pellegrino Rossella , De Murtas Valentina , Pinna Federico , Tomasi Maria L. , Frau Maddalena , Virdis Patrizia , De Miglio Maria R. , Muroni Maria R. , Pascale Rosa M. , Feo Francesco 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMounting evidence underlines the role of genomic hypomethylation in the generation of genomic instability (GI) and tumorigenesis, but whether DNA hypomethylation is required for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression remains unclear. We investigated the correlation between GI and DNA methylation, and influence of methionine metabolism deregulation on these parameters and hepatocarcinogenesis in c‐Myc and c‐Myc/Tgf‐α transgenic mice and human HCCs. S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine/S‐adenosylhomocysteine ratio and liver‐specific methionine adenosyltransferase (MatI/III) progressively decreased in dysplastic and neoplastic liver lesions developed in c‐Myc transgenic mice and in human HCC with better (HCCB) and poorer (HCCP) prognosis (based on patient's survival length). Deregulation of these parameters resulted in a rise of global DNA hypomethylation both in c‐Myc and human liver lesions, positively correlated with GI levels in mice and humans, and inversely correlated with the length of survival of HCC patients. No changes in MATI/III and DNA methylation occurred in c‐Myc/Tgf‐α lesions and in a small human HCC subgroup with intermediate prognosis, where a proliferative activity similar to that of c‐Myc HCC and HCCB was associated with low apoptosis. Upregulation of genes involved in polyamine synthesis, methionine salvage and downregulation of polyamine negative regulator OAZ1, was highest in c‐Myc/Tgf‐α HCCs and HCCP. Our results indicate that alterations in the activity of MAT/I/III, and extent of DNA hypomethylation and GI are prognostic markers for human HCC. However, a small human HCC subgroup, as c‐Myc/Tgf‐α tumors, may develop in the absence of alterations in DNA methylation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autoimmunity as a prognostic factor in melanoma patients treated with adjuvant low‐dose interferon alpha
Authors: Satzger Imke , Meier Andre , Schenck Florian , Kapp Alexander , Hauschild Axel , Gutzmer Ralf 
Published: August 2007

AbstractInterferon alpha is used for the adjuvant treatment of malignant melanoma at different dosages (high‐, intermediate‐, low‐dose therapy). Only a minority of patients might benefit from this therapy, and markers to identify such patients are missing. A recent study suggested that melanoma patients developing autoantibodies or clinical manifestations of autoimmunity during adjuvanthigh‐doseinterferon alpha treatment had a significant survival benefit. We retrospectively reviewed 134 melanoma patients from our institution treated with adjuvantlow‐doseinterferon alpha therapy and correlated the development of autoimmune diseases with prognosis. Interferon (IFN) therapy was routinely monitored by history, physical examination and laboratory tests before, after the first month and then after every 3 months of therapy. During a median follow up of 46.0 months (8.5–79.0 months) 28 patients (20.9%) suffered from recurrences and melanoma related deaths occurred in 16 patients (11.9%). In 20 patients (14.9%) autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) was diagnosed during IFN therapy, one of these 20 patients developed rheumatoid arthritis later while continuing IFN therapy. Other autoimmune diseases were not observed. In 2 patients (one with AIT and one with arthritis) the autoimmune disease led to discontinuation of IFN therapy, in the other patients AIT remained subclinical or responded well to treatment while IFN therapy was continued. Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed a significant better recurrence free survival and a trend for a better overall survival for patients with AIT. Thus, autoimmunity triggered by low‐dose IFN therapy appears to indicate an improved prognosis and should encourage continuation of IFN therapy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2‐Methoxyestradiol attenuates phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway‐mediated metastasis of gastric cancer
Authors: Lin Heng‐Liang , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Wu Chew‐Wun , Chen Po‐Min , Yang Yi‐Ping , Chu Yue‐Ru , Kao Chung‐Lan , Ku Hung‐Hai , Lo Jen‐Fan , Liou Jing‐Ping , Chi Chin‐Wen , Chiou Shih‐Hwa 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe major obstacle for the treatment of gastric cancer is recurrence and metastasis; yet, its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME), a metabolite of the estradiol‐17β, has recently been demonstrated to have multifactorial effects against tumor proliferation and angiogenesis; how these effects are interrelated and act cooperatively is the key question to be elucidated. Akt activation was shown to promote cancer cell invasiveness, and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by 2‐ME was also noted. We herein investigated the significance of PI3K/Akt activation in gastric cancer metastasis and the anti‐metastatic effect of 2‐ME through attenuation of Akt activity. Immunohistochemistry of PI3K, phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) and phosphorylated Erk (p‐Erk) was performed in tumors from 56 gastric cancer patients, and a significant correlation between PI3K/p‐Akt and tumor stage/prognosis was demonstrated (p < 0.05). An in vitro study of 7 gastric cancer cell lines showed a remarkable correlation between PI3K and p‐Akt. PI3K/p‐Akt overexpression was associated with invasiveness/migration; in contrast, phosphorylation of Erk was not shown to be correlated with invasiveness. In addition, metastatic gastric cancer clones expressed a higher level of PI3K/p‐Akt. The anti‐metastatic effect of a low dose of 2‐ME and inactivation of Akt was demonstrated. 2‐ME also exhibited an ability to inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and induce G2/M cell cycle arrest at a higher concentration than that required for inhibition of migration. We conclude that the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the late‐stage progression and metastasis of gastric cancer, and attenuation of p‐Akt by 2‐ME suppresses metastasis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body mass index and risk of multiple myeloma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Larsson Susanna C. , Wolk Alicja 
Published: August 2007

AbstractExcess body weight has been identified as a risk factor for a variety of cancer types. However, whether excess body weight increases the risk of multiple myeloma remains controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis to quantitatively summarize the evidence from epidemiologic studies of the associations of overweight and obesity with the risk of multiple myeloma. We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1966 to May 2007) and the reference lists of retrieved articles. Cohort and case–control studies were included if they reported relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relation between body mass index and multiple myeloma incidence or mortality. A random‐effects model was used to combine study‐specific results. A total of 11 cohort studies (involving 13,120 cases) and 4 case–control studies (1,166 cases and 8,247 controls) were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with individuals with normal weight, the risk of multiple myeloma was statistically significantly higher among those who were overweight (cohort studies: RR, 1.12, 95% CI, 1.07–1.18; case–control studies: RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.23–1.68) or obese (cohort studies: RR, 1.27, 95% CI, 1.15–1.41; case– control studies: RR, 1.82, 95% CI, 1.47–2.26). Results from this meta‐analysis indicate that excess body weight may be a risk factor for multiple myeloma. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of socioeconomic factors on survival after breast cancer—A nationwide cohort study of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Denmark 1983–1999
Authors: Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Ross Lone , Düring Maria , Carlsen Kathrine , Mortensen Preben Bo , Lynch John , Johansen Christoffer 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe reasons for social inequality in breast cancer survival are far from established. Our study aims to study the importance of a range of socioeconomic factors and comorbid disorders on survival after breast cancer surgery in Denmark where the health care system is tax‐funded and uniform. All 25,897 Danish women who underwent protocol‐based treatment for breast cancer in 1983–1999 were identified in a clinical database and information on socioeconomic variables and both somatic and psychiatric comorbid disorders was obtained from population‐based registries. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association between socioeconomic position and overall survival and further to analyse breast cancer specific deaths in a competing risk set‐up regarding all other causes of death as competing risks. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death was reduced in women with higher education (HR, 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85–0.98), with higher income (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87–0.98) and with larger dwellings (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.96 for women living in houses larger than 150 m2). Presence of comorbid disorders increased the HR. An interaction between income and comorbid disorders resulting in a 15% lower survival 10 year after primary surgery in poor women with low‐risk breast cancer having comorbid conditions (∼65%) compared to rich women with similar breast cancer prognosis and comorbid conditions (∼80%) suggests that part of the explanation for the social inequality in survival after breast cancer surgery in Denmark lies in the access to and/or compliance with management of comorbid conditions in poorer women. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase II trial of irinotecan, cisplatin and mitomycin for relapsed small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fennell Dean A. , Steele Jeremy P.C. , Shamash Jonathan , Slater Sarah E. , Sheaff Michael T. , Wells Paula , Rudd Robin M. , Stebbing Justin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThere is no standard therapy for relapsed small cell lung cancer (rSCLC). We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a new triplet consisting of irinotecan (100 mg/m2 Days 1 and 15 q28), cisplatin (40 mg/m2 Days 1 and 15 q28) and mitomycin (6 mg/m2 d1 q28) administered to a maximum of 6 cycles in individuals with rSCLC that had relapsed following first line treatment. Partial remisions were observed in 35% and progression in 30% of patients. Progression free survival measured 4.5 months (95% CI 0.8–8.2) and overall survival was 7.8 months (95% CI 5.3–10.3). QoL showed improvement in activity symptoms and stabilization of physical symptoms. As IPM was a well‐tolerated regimen with activity in rSCLC, a phase III trial comparing this triplet with other regimens in this setting is warranted. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative fatigue behavior and toughness of remelted and annealed highly crosslinked polyethylenes
Authors: Medel Francisco J. , Peña P. , Cegoñino José , Gómez‐Barrena E. , Puértolas J. A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractHighly cross‐linked polyethylenes (HXLPEs) have been incorporated into the hip replacement armamentarium based on their improved wear resistance. However, two different methods of thermal treatment separate the orthopedic community as strategies to control potential long‐term oxidation, and controversy remains with problems in the long‐term use of acetabular liners (long‐term oxidation, rim fracture after impingement, etc.). Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of HXLPEs that may alleviate these problems are still unclear. On the other hand, HXLPEs are scarcely used in knee replacements, as there exists concern about the probably reduced fatigue and fracture performances of these materials. Thus, our aim was to compare the effects of both thermal treatment regimes on mechanical properties and to associate these findings with the material microstructure. The fatigue behavior of annealed and remelted HXLPEs was characterized using short‐term cyclic stress–strain, long‐term fatigue, and fatigue crack propagation tests. On the other hand, impact tests, tensile experiments, and the J‐integral multispecimen method allowed us to assess toughness. Microstructure features such as crosslink density, crystallinity percentage, and lamellar thickness were investigated by swelling measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. This study confirms that annealing preserves mechanical properties better than remelting from both fatigue and fracture resistance points of view, and it remarks that a suitable selection of irradiation and stabilization conditions is needed to achieve optimal mechanical performances of ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes for each specific total joint replacement. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007