Coulomb explosion of uniformly charged spheroids.

A simple, semianalytical model is proposed for nonrelativistic Coulomb explosion of a uniformly charged spheroid. This model allows us to derive the time-dependent particle energy distributions. Simple expressions are also given for the characteristic explosion time and maximum particle energies in the limits of extreme prolate and oblate spheroids as well as for the sphere. Results of particle simulations are found to be in remarkably good agreement with the model.

Does a relationship exist between trends in estrogen receptor levels and breast cancer incidence and mortality?

Estrogen receptor data from 4,049 patients with primary breast cancer treated at the National Cancer Institute of Naples between 1984 and 1996, have been evaluated to analyze temporal trend of this tumor marker. The prevalence rate of estrogen receptor levels falls from >75% in women older than 60 years to <70% in younger patients. The analysis of these data by birth cohort shows a trend very similar to that of breast cancer incidence in Italy, suggesting that the breast cancer appearance could be modulated in different period of life.

[Respiratory function in a group of railway car repair workers]. / Funzionalità ventilatoria in un gruppo di addetti alla riparazione di carrozze ferroviarie.

A study was performed on respiratory function in 875 railways workers employed in an Italian Railways repair workshop, formerly exposed to asbestos. Workers were interviewed on personal and occupational histories and personal habits. They underwent physical examination and spirometry. Analysis of covariance was performed for FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75%. FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% were reduced in the most heavily exposed group. No reduction in the FVC corrected mean value was found in the exposed workers but an interaction between age and smoking was observed in the most exposed group.

[Mortality due to causes correlatable to asbestos in a cohort of workers in railway car construction]. / La mortalità per cause correlabili all'amianto in una coorte di addetti alla costruzione di carrozze ferroviarie.

A study was made of the mortality experience of a cohort of railway carriage construction workers with the aim of detecting asbestos-induced disease. The cohort included 1534 men who were active as at 01.01.1970 and/or hired up to 30.06.89. Vital status was ascertained for 97.7% of the cohort. The mortality experience of the cohort was compared with that of the population of the Campania Region. Altogether, 194 deaths were observed (SMR: 0.88). Significant mortality deficits were associated with circulatory causes (SMR: 0.64, 58 observed), non-malignant respiratory causes (SMR: 0.59, 12 observed), and accidents (SMR: 0.39, 5 observed). A significant increase in mortality from all neoplasms was detected (SMR: 1.25, 69 observed), mainly due to an excess of lung cancer (SMR: 1.45, 28 observed), pleural cancer (SMR: 4.72, 3 observed), and peritoneal cancer (SMR: 7.47, 2 observed). The excess of mortality from respiratory neoplasms mainly affected subjects who had started employment more than 20 years previously.

[The home risk added to industrial work]. / Rischio domestico aggiunto al lavoro industriale.

The research carried on 50 women and 50 men working in an electronic industry gives following results: a) housekeeping work represents a significant risk area in addition to industrial extra domestic work; b) domestic work load affects more women (100%) than men (58%); c) this condition gets worse by poor family cooperation and by almost complete absence of public welfare centres; d) household risk, as mentioned above, is an important element of women social disparity to approach and to make industrial work.