Adsorption structures of water in NaX studied by DRIFT spectroscopy and neutron powder diffraction.

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopic (DRIFTS) measurements (4000-1500 cm(-1)) and the results of neutron powder diffraction have been combined to study the structure of adsorption complexes of water in a NaX zeolite at different water loadings (25, 48, 72, and 120 water molecules per unit cell, respectively). Sharp bands corresponding to non-hydrogen-bonded OH groups of water molecules and broad associate bands due to hydrogen-bonded molecules are observed in the DRIFT spectra. We observe a remarkable downshift of the high-frequency associate band in a narrow temperature interval when the water amount decreases from 120 to 72 molecules per unit cell, which could signify some kind of "phase transition" for the water inside the zeolite cavities.

Inelastic neutron scattering and infrared spectroscopic study of furan adsorption on alkali-metal cation-exchanged faujasites.

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) as well as infrared (IR) transmission and diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra of furan adsorbed on Li-LSX, NaY, NaX, K-LSX, and CsNaX zeolites have been measured in the range 2000-200 and 4000-1300 cm(-1), respectively. On the basis of an assignment of normal modes of furan taken from the literature and our own quantum chemical calculations of vibrational frequencies, the observed frequency shifts between bulk furan and furan adsorbed on the zeolites mentioned above have been interpreted in view of the interactions between furan and zeolite. For an explanation of frequency shifts of CH out-of-plane bendings, CH stretchings and some ring vibrations, it has to be assumed that in addition to the interaction between furan and the corresponding cation of the zeolite, a further interaction between the CH bonds and lattice oxygen atoms exists.

Subsidiary hydrogen bonding of intercalated anthraquinonic anticancer drugs to DNA phosphate.

Several anthraquinone derivatives are active against different kinds of human cancer. The cancerostatic activity has been mainly attributed to their ability to bind strongly to DNA by intercalation. Here, infrared spectroscopy was used to detect further, more specific DNA interactions with the prominent anticancer drugs daunomycin, adriamycin, aclacinomycin A and mitoxantrone as well as with the cytotoxic violamycin BI.

Health hazards from fine asbestos dusts. An analysis of 70,656 occupational preventive medical investigations from 1973 to the end of 1986.

For the period from 1973 to the end of 1986, 70,656 data sets on occupational preventive medical examinations in employees exposed occupationally to asbestos dust (G 1.2) were made available to us by the Central Registry for Employees Exposed to Asbestos Dust (ZAS). On the basis of this data, an analysis of asbestosis risk was to be made in relation to specific areas of work, taking into consideration the beginning and duration of exposure.

Development, radiological zone patterns, and importance of diffuse pleural thickening in relation to occupational exposure to asbestos.

The radiographic appearance of the lateral pleura was divided into an upper, a middle, and a lower zone. Bilateral changes of the pulmonary layer of the pleura (diffuse pleural thickening) within the upper pleural zones were found in 863 (71%) of 1204 workers exposed to asbestos and in 249 (40%) of 622 non-exposed controls. Downwards along the chest wall this ratio of 7:4 increased progressively up to 10:1 at the lower parts of the pleura.

[Morphology and roentgenology of asbestosis].

The different sequelae of lung and pleura resulting from the inhalation of asbestos dust are discussed in detail, taking into consideration the improvements in dust-control measures. The use of Lung Dust Separation and Investigation and Radiological Classification of Pneumoconioses (ILO 1980) with regard to diagnostics is critically reviewed. Certain problems of compensation for asbestos-induced neoplasms are pointed out with special reference to the regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany.

[Comments on the further development of the international classification of pneumoconiosis (author's transl)].

The latest version of the international classification of pneumoconiosis by the International Labour Office (ILO) in Geneva is presented, ie "ILO 1980 International Classification of X-Ray Findings in Pneumoconiosis", and is tabulated in detail. In connection with the specified modifications of the previous classification (ILO U/C 1971) initial critical assessments are made with particular reference also to the adaptation to conditions prevailing specifically in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Clinical and radiological observations on asbestos-related pathology.

The papers in this session, which are summarized briefly, do not cover the wide range of radiological and clinical problems resulting from inhalation of asbestos dust. Pleural effusions are found in persons exposed occupationally to asbestos, even in the absence of asbestosis, but they are difficult to attribute to such exposure. Asbestosis of the lung shows no striking symptoms and can also be diagnosed only after all other possibilities have been excluded.

[The significance of the migration of disseminated small round opacities in lung disease--with silicosis serving as a model (author's transl)].

Radiographic follow-up studies of cases of silicosis serve as an example to illustrate the migration of nodular lung disease--in order to demonstrate the fact that silicotic pulmonary nodules with dense profusion tend to coalesce resulting in the formation of large opacities. More widely disseminated nodules with less dense profusion can--on the contrary--result in migration towards the periphery of the lung and thus mimick pleural disease by the formation of subpleural nodules.

[Problems and experiences with computerized coding of radiological findings in pneumoconioses (author's transl)].

For medical surveillance of dust workers, correlation of anatomical and radiological findings in silicosis and asbestosis is an assumption for computerized application of the ILO U/C 1971 classification of pneumoconiosis. The new regulations of insurance companies for preventive examinations in workers exposed to asbestos are described, and their results presented. Practicability and preliminary data suggest important information for the future.