bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morbidity among municipal waste incinerator workers
Authors: Bresnitz Eddy A. , Roseman Jerry , Becker Dan , Gracely Edward
Published: April 2007

Incinerator workers are exposed to many toxic compounds, most notably heavy metals. We evaluated medical and exposure monitoring data of an actively employed cohort of Philadelphia incinerator workers following an Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry site survey and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) health hazard evaluation (HHE). Of the many airborne samples taken by NIOSH, only four of the personal breathing zone samples were above OSHA or ACGIH standards: one for lead, one for phosphorous, and two for total particulates. Because samples were taken during limited operations (only one of the two incinerators were operating), the results may underestimate historical exposures at this site. We limited our medical analysis to the 86 male workers who participated in the HHE out of the 105 active employees. The 86 employees were divided into potential high and low exposure groups based on a work site analysis done by an independent industrial hygienist. Eight individuals had at least one elevated biological index indicating exposure to a heavy metal. These elevations, however, were unrelated to the workers' exposure categories. Furthermore, no clinically significant mean blood or serum measurements were noted. Thirty‐four percent of the workers had evidence of hypertension which increased the risk of significant proteinuria. Neither hypertension nor proteinuria were related to exposure group. Changes in pulmonary function related only to smoking status. Although there was some evidence of an increased risk of exposure to products of incinerator waste, we could not relate the few elevated biological tests to exposure classification. Additional studies are needed to assess the potential health effects of municipal waste incinerator by‐products.
Use of provincial health insurance plan billing data to estimate carpal tunnel syndrome morbidity and surgery rates
Authors: Liss Gary M. , Armstrong Crystal , Kusiak Robert A. , Gailitis Maris M.
Published: April 2007

Following a work refusal at a plant manufacturing ice cream novelties in Ontario, we were asked to document cases of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in this workplace. There were 17 employees with possible hand and wrist problems identified from Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Forms, and from a list prepared at the time of the refusal. After obtaining consents, confirmations of the diagnoses of CTDs, CTS, and of surgical procedures for CTS were obtained from the physicians involved. The relative risk for these disorders among plant employees was estimated in two ways: 1) the rate of CTS operations between 1979 and 1990 was compared to that in the general population using Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) data on physicians' billings for these operations; and 2) the frequency of WCB first payment claims for tendinitis and CTS during 1987 to 1989 at the plant was compared to that among the entire labor force of Ontario.

CTDs had been diagnosed in all 17 workers: 9 had had operations for CTS, but one had had this operation prior to working at the plant. Compared to the remaining 8 workers who had CTS operations, an estimated 0.08 CTS operations would be expected among the 150 employees on the plant's seniority lists between 1979 and 1990, if the estimated rates in the general population were present at the plant, giving a Standardized Morbidity Ratio of 10.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.3–19.7; one‐sided p = 2.1 × 10−6). There were 6 WCB claims for tendinitis and CTS among plant employees during 1987 through 1989. This frequency was about 68 times that in the entire Ontario labor force (95% CI 24.7–150).

This investigation has shown that CTDs, and particularly CTS, documented by medical records, have occurred at least 10 times more frequently than expected at this plant. Use of health insurance billing data to estimate CTS operation rates represents a simple method for estimating the burden of illness at the individual plant level due to CTS (at least for that portion proceeding to surgery), using an objective outcome that can be confirmed from medical records.
Influence of age at death on accuracy of death certificate disease diagnosis: Findings in 475 consecutive deaths of mesothelioma among asbestos insulation workers and asbestos factory workers
Authors: Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

Age at death had no appreciable influence on accuracy of death certificate diagnoses of 475 consecutive deaths of mesothelioma among asbestos insulation and asbestos factory workers, until age 75 or older.
Workshops are not enough: Making right‐to‐know training lead to workplace change
Authors: Michaels David , Zoloth Stephen , Bernstein Nancy , Kass Daniel , Schrier Katherine
Published: April 2007

The underlying intent of Right‐to‐Know laws and regulations is to improve workplace conditions through worker empowerment. These regulations require employers to educate their employees about the nature and hazards of toxic substances found in the workplace, and methods to reduce exposure. This paper describes a Right‐to‐Know training program for over 4,000 local government employees which involved workers, their union, and management in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program. A combination of quantitative and qualitative evaluation determined the program was successful at individual, group, and structural levels. The evaluation results suggest that Right‐to‐Know training programs can make an important contribution to improving workplace health and safety when they are a well‐integrated component of a comprehensive safety and health program: they use participatory training methods, they are tailored to address specific conditions faced by the participants, and there is active labor‐management collaboration.
Teaching health and safety: Problems and possibilities for learner‐centered training
Authors: Luskin Jack , Somers Carol , Wooding John , Levenstein Charles
Published: April 2007

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell Work Environment Department, working jointly with four New England coalitions on occupational safety and health (COSH) groups, has developed and is delivering participatory and learner‐centered health and safety training for hazardous waste site workers and emergency responders throughout New England. This consortium has created a technical curriculum for hazardous waste workers accessible to the nonspecialist and which, more importantly, draws upon workers' own experience and knowledge as a source of information, education, and experiential resources. In this article, we examine the goals of the consortium, the applicability of the training method, its successes and failures, and the wider implications such pedagogical techniques have for effective and empowering health and safety training.

We conclude that such a teaching technique is a successful means of providing technical knowledge and skills in a positive and rewarding atmosphere. We also conclude, however, that the extent to which this form of education is empowering, as is claimed by many of its proponents, is less clear‐cut.
“Let's talk back”: A program to empower laundry workers
Authors: Wands Susan E. , Yassi Annalee
Published: April 2007

Laundry workers have traditionally been offered little input into the ergonomic and health and safety aspects of their jobs. The “Let's Talk Back” program was developed in response to worker demands, in order to empower them to effectively address some of these concerns. The program, endorsed by the union and administered by a hospital ergonomist, provided formal educational sessions, physical demand analyses, and a forum in which to communicate concerns and suggestions for improvements. Language and/or literacy barriers required innovative educational approaches. Management's reluctance to allow the program to interfere with production schedules hindered the efficiency of the program, but probably contributed to the sense of empowerment in the workforce. Through active participation in ergonomic assessments as well as the educational program, workers were able to demonstrate to management that changes were needed.
Evaluating a training‐for‐action job health and safety program
Authors: Brown Marianne Parker , Nguyen‐Scott Nga
Published: April 2007

This paper describes an action research evaluation method developed to assess a worker training program which encourages trainees to use knowledge acquired to correct health and safety problems in their workplaces. The project teaches trainees from the same workplace to identify problem areas collectively using a tool called a Risk Chart and then to prioritize problems to work on with the aid of an Action Plan. Follow‐up trainee interviews are conducted to determine what impact the training has on trainees. The methodology is presented and preliminary results are discussed, with particular emphasis on the advantages and limitations of this method.
Health and safety education for workers with low‐literacy or limited‐english skills
Authors: Wallerstein Nina
Published: April 2007

Low literacy and limited English proficiency have become a growing concern for health and safety educators. With one‐fifth of the workforce reading below an eighth‐grade level and possibly another tenth having limited English skills, health and safety educators and unions have increasingly become aware that current training programs often surpass the language and literacy abilities of workers being trained.

This article describes the dilemmas facing health and safety professionals in incorporating knowledge about language and literacy skill levels. It documents creative strategies and new programs, largely based on participatory and popular education approaches, to provide training that simultaneously matches worker needs and leads to worker empowerment.
Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry I: A standardized mortality ratio analysis
Authors: Eisen Ellen A. , Tolbert Paige E. , Monson Richard R. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: April 2007

Machining fluids are widely used in a variety of common industrial metalworking operations to lubricate and cool both the tool and the working surfaces. Previous studies have suggested elevated respiratory, digestive, and skin cancers in exposed populations. This cohort study was initiated to assess whether long‐term exposure to machining fluids in the course of machining, grinding, and other cutting operations is associated with excess cancer mortality. The cohort includes more than 45,000 automobile production workers from 3 plants, almost 1 million years of follow‐up, over 10,000 deaths, and an extensive exposure assessment component. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) have been estimated for each of the 3 plants, using both U.S. as well as local populations as reference. Relative risks of 1.2–3. 1 have been observed for several specific respiratory and digestive cancers of a priori interest, including cancer of the stomach, large intestine, pancreas, lung, and larynx. In addition, elevated risks for leukemia and asthma were noted. Future exposure‐response analyses will provide the opportunity to identify relatively modest excesses in cause‐specific mortality risk associated with exposure to specific types (straight, soluble, or synthetic), additives, or components of machining fluids.
A case‐control study of lung cancer at a dye and resin manufacturing plant
Authors: Barbone Fabio , Delzell Elizabeth , Austin Harland , Cole Philip
Published: April 2007

This case‐control study evaluated the relationship between lung cancer and occupational factors among employees at a dye and resin manufacturing plant. The study included 51 lung cancer cases and 102 controls who were members of a cohort of workers investigated in a previous retrospective follow‐up study. Information on area of employment and on potential exposure to certain chemicals was obtained from plant personnel and medical records and from interviews with long‐term employees. Information on potential confounders, including cigarette smoking, was obtained by interviewing study subjects or their next‐of‐kin. The odds ratio (OR) for heavy smokers compared with light or nonsmokers was 5.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.4–15). An elevated OR for lung cancer was observed for subjects who worked in the anthraquinone dye and epichlorohydrin manufacturing area of the plant (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.1–5.2) and for employees who were seen at the plant infirmary for acute exposure to chlorine (OR, adjusted for smoking = 27; 95% CI = 3.5–205). Pipefitters employed at the plant for five or more years also had an elevated OR (3.3; 95% CI = 0.8–14).
New natural history of interferon‐β–treated relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Trojano Maria , Pellegrini Fabio , Fuiani Aurora , Paolicelli Damiano , Zipoli Valentina , Zimatore Giovanni B. , Di Monte Elisabetta , Portaccio Emilio , Lepore Vito , Livrea Paolo , Amato Maria Pia
Published: April 2007

Objective

To investigate the impact of interferon‐beta (IFNβ) on disease progression in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods

A cohort of 1,504 relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (1,103 IFNβ–treated and 401 untreated) patients was followed for up to 7 years. Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for propensity score inverse weighting was used to assess the differences between the two groups for three different clinical end points: secondary progression (SP) and irreversible Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores 4 and 6. Times from first visit and from date of birth were used as survival time variables.

Results

The IFNβ–treated group showed a highly significant reduction in the incidence of SP (hazard ratio [HR], 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.58 for time from 1st visit; HR, 0.36, 95% CI, 0.23–0.56 for time from date of birth; p < 0.0001), EDSS score of 4 (HR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.53–0.94 for time from first visit; HR, 0.69, 95% CI, 0.52–0.93 for time from date of birth; p < 0.02), and EDSS score of 6 (HR, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.38–0.95 for time from first visit; HR, 0.54, 95% CI, 0.34–0.86 for time from date of birth; p ≤ 0.03) when compared with untreated patients. SP and EDSS scores of 4 and 6 were reached with significant delays estimated by times from first visit (3.8, 1.7, and 2.2 years) and from date of birth (8.7, 4.6, and 11.7 years) in favor of treated patients. Sensitivity analysis confirmed findings.

Interpretation

IFN‐β slows progression in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Ann Neurol 2007;61:300–306
Caenorhabditis elegans mitochondrial mutants as an investigative tool to study human neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Ventura Natascia , Rea Shane L.
Published: April 2007

In humans, well over one hundred diseases have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and many of these are associated with neurodegeneration. At the root of most of these diseases lay ineffectual energy production, caused either by direct or indirect disruption to components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It is surprising then to learn that, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a collection of mutants which share disruptions in some of the same genes that cause mitochondrial pathogenesis in humans are in fact long‐lived. Recently, we resolved this paradox by showing that the C. elegans “Mit mutants” only exhibit life extension in a defined window of mitochondrial dysfunction. Similar to humans, when mitochondrial dysfunction becomes too severe these mutants also exhibit pathogenic life reduction. We have proposed that life extension in the Mit mutants occurs as a by‐product of compensatory processes specifically activated to maintain mitochondrial function. We have also proposed that similar kinds of processes may act to delay the symptomatic appearance in many human mitochondrial‐associated disorders. In the present report, we describe our progress in using the Mit mutants as an investigative tool to study some of the processes potentially employed by human cells to offset pathological mitochondrial dysfunction.
Biosensor development in Russia
Authors: Reshetilov Anatoly N.
Published: April 2007

The review summarizes the current Russian research in the field of biological sensors for detection of carbohydrates, alcohols, medicines, enzyme inhibitors, toxicants, heavy metal ions, as well as viruses and microbial cells. Some of the presented works describe the analytical parameters of biosensors; other publications provide a basis for their development. The review covers mainly publications that have appeared over the past 10 years. As a whole, the collected material gives an idea of the main tendencies of biosensor development in Russia. The review is not meant to be comprehensive but highlights the major trends in this field in the last decade.
Randomized clinical trial of effect of synbiotics, neomycin and mechanical bowel preparation on intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing colectomy
Authors: Reddy B S , MacFie J , Gatt M , Larsen C N , Jensen S S , Leser T D
Published: April 2007

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to modulate gut microflora and preserve intestinal barrier function during elective colorectal surgery by using combinations of oral antibiotics, synbiotics and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP).

Methods

Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Group 1 had MBP only, group 2 had neomycin + MBP, group 3 had synbiotics + neomycin + MBP, and group 4 had synbiotics + neomycin but no MBP. Changes in gut microflora were assessed by culturing nasogastric aspirates and polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of faecal samples. Intestinal barrier function was determined by microbiological confirmation of bacterial translocation and measurement of intestinal permeability. The inflammatory response was monitored by measurement of serum C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, and septic morbidity was recorded prospectively.

Results

Four patients were excluded owing to protocol violation, leaving 24 patients in group 1, 22 in group 2, 20 in group 3 and 22 in group 4 for analysis. There was a significant decrease in Enterobacteriaceae in group 3 compared with the other groups. Group 3 had a significantly lower incidence of translocation after bowel mobilization (P < 0·001). There was no significant difference between the groups in intestinal permeability, inflammatory response or septic morbidity.

Conclusion

The combination of MBP, neomycin and synbiotics reduces the prevalence of faecal Enterobacteriaceae and bacterial translocation; however, this was not associated with a reduction in inflammatory response or septic morbidity in this study. Larger trials are needed before a change in practice can be recommended.
Surgical volume and clinical outcome
Authors: Paterson-Brown S
Published: April 2007

Centralise to survive
Surgical strategies for gastric cancer with synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis (Br J Surg 2006; 93: 1530–1535)
Authors: Yan T D , Yonemura Y , Morris D L
Published: April 2007

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and publishe in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Chemical Aspects of Synthetic Biology
Authors: Luisi Pier Luigi
Published: April 2007

Synthetic biology as a broad and novel field has also a chemical branch: whereas synthetic biology generally has to do with bioengineering of new forms of life (generally bacteria) which do not exist in nature, ‘chemical synthetic biology’ is concerned with the synthesis of chemical structures such as proteins, nucleic acids, vesicular forms, and other which do not exist in nature.

Three examples of this ‘chemical synthetic biology’ approach are given in this article. The first example deals with the synthesis of proteins that do not exist in nature, and dubbed as ‘the never born proteins’ (NBPs). This research is related to the question why and how the protein structures existing in our world have been selected out, with the underlying question whether they have something very particular from the structural or thermodynamic point of view (for example, the folding). The NBPs are produced in the laboratory by the modern molecular biology technique, the phage display, so as to produce a very large library of proteins having no homology with known proteins.

The second example of chemical synthetic biology has also to do with the laboratory synthesis of proteins, but, this time, adopting a prebiotic synthetic procedure, the fragment condensation of short peptides, where short means that they have a length that can be obtained by prebiotic methods; for example, from the condensation of N‐carboxy anhydrides. The scheme is illustrated and discussed, being based on the fragment condensation catalyzed by peptides endowed with proteolitic activity. Selection during chain growth is determined by solubility under the contingent environmental conditions, i.e., the peptides which result insoluble are eliminated from further growth. The scheme is tested preliminarily with a synthetic chemical fragment‐condensation method and brings to the synthesis of a 44‐residues‐long protein, which has no homology with known proteins, and which has a stable tertiary folding.

Finally, the third example, dubbed as ‘the minimal cell project’. Here, the aim is to synthesize a cell model having the minimal and sufficient number of components to be defined as living. For this purpose, liposomes are used as shell membranes, and attempts are made to introduce in the interior a minimal genome. Several groups all around the world are active in this field, and significant results have been obtained, which are reviewed in this article. For example, protein expression has been obtained inside liposomes, generally with the green fluorescent protein, GFP. Our last attempts are with a minimal genome consisting of 37 enzymes, a set which is able to express proteins using the ribosomal machinery. These minimal cells are not yet capable of self‐reproduction, and this and other shortcomings within the project are critically reviewed.
Ribozyme Catalysis of Metabolism in the RNA World
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Na , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: April 2007

In vitro selection has proven to be a useful means of explore the molecules and catalysts that may have existed in a primoridal ‘RNA world’. By selecting binding species (aptamers) and catalysts (ribozymes) from random sequence pools, the relationship between biopolymer complexity and function can be better understood, and potential evolutionary transitions between functional molecules can be charted. In this review, we have focused on several critical events or transitions in the putative RNA world: RNA self‐replication; the synthesis and utilization of nucleotide‐based cofactors; acyl‐transfer reactions leading to peptide and protein synthesis; and the basic metabolic pathways that are found in modern living systems.
From Interstellar Amino Acids to Prebiotic Catalytic Peptides: A Review
Authors: Brack André
Published: April 2007

Amino acids were most likely available on the primitive Earth, produced in the primitive atmosphere or in hydrothermal vents. Import of extraterrestrial amino acids may have represented the major supply, as suggested by micrometeorite collections and simulation experiments in space and in the laboratory. Selective condensation of amino acids in water has been achieved via N‐carboxy anydrides. Homochiral peptides with an alternating sequence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids adopt stereoselective and thermostable β‐pleated sheet structures. Some of the homochiral β‐sheets strongly accelerate the hydrolysis of oligoribonucleotides. The β‐sheet‐forming peptides have also been shown to protect their amino acids from racemization. Even if peptides are not able to self‐replicate, i.e., to replicate a complete sequence from the mixture of amino acids, the accumulation of chemically active peptides on the primitive Earth appears plausible via thermostable and stereoselective β‐sheets made of alternating sequences.
The Chemistry That Preceded Life's Origin: A Study Guide from Meteorites
Authors: Pizzarello Sandra
Published: April 2007

Carbonaceous meteorites are rare fragments of asteroids that contain organic carbon of diverse composition, various complexity, and whose lineage can in several instances be traced back to pre‐solar environments. Their analyses offer a unique glimpse into the chemistry of the solar system that preceded life and may have been available to its emergence on the early Earth. While the heterogeneity of the organic materials of meteorites is indicative of random synthetic processes for their formation, some of their components have identical counterparts in the biosphere, and a group of meteoritic amino acids were found to display chiral asymmetry, a property known since the time of Pasteur to be inextricably linked to life's processes. The ability of these amino acids to act as asymmetric catalysts, as well as indications that molecular asymmetry in meteorites may not be limited to these compounds, encourage the suggestion of possible involvement of meteoritic material in the induction of selective traits in molecular evolution.
Formamide Chemistry and the Origin of Informational Polymers
Authors: Saladino Raffaele , Crestini Claudia , Ciciriello Fabiana , Costanzo Giovanna , Di Mauro Ernesto
Published: April 2007

Formamide (HCONH2) provides a chemical frame potentially affording all the monomeric components necessary for the formation of nucleic polymers. In the presence of the appropriate catalysts, and by moderate heating, formamide yields a complete set of nucleic bases, acyclonucleosides, and favors both phosphorylations and transphosphorylations. Physico‐chemical conditions exist in which formamide favors the stability of the phosphoester bonds in nucleic polymers more than that of the same bonds in monomers. This property establishes ‘thermodynamic niches’ in which the polymeric forms are favored. The hypothesis that these specific attributes of formamide allowed the onset of prebiotic chemical equilibria capable of Darwinian evolution is discussed.
RNA: Prebiotic Product, or Biotic Invention?
Authors: Anastasi Carole , Buchet Fabien F. , Crowe Michael A. , Parkes Alastair L. , Powner Matthew W. , Smith James M. , Sutherland John D.
Published: April 2007

Spectacular advances in structural and molecular biology have added support to the ‘RNA world’ hypothesis, and provide a mandate for chemistry to explain how RNA might have been generated prebiotically on the early earth. Difficulties in achieving a prebiotically plausible synthesis of RNA, however, have led many to ponder the question posed in the title of this paper. Herein, we review recent experimental work on the assembly of potential RNA precursors, focusing on methods for stereoselective CC bond construction by aldolisation and related processes. This chemistry is presented in the context of a broader picture of the potential constitutional self‐assembly of RNA. Finally, the relative accessibility of RNA and alternative nucleic acids is considered.
Continuous Tuning of Cadmium Sulfide and Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticle Size in a Water‐in‐Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Microemulsion
Authors: Fernandez Carlos A. , Wai Chien M.
Published: April 2007

The size and size dispersion of cadmium sulfide and zinc sulfide semiconductor nanoparticles can be continuously tuned over a wide range of values by adjusting the density of the fluid phase in water‐in‐supercritical CO2 microemulsions. The average size of the ZnS nanoparticles decreases linearly from approximately 9.1 to 1.9 nm with increasing fluid density from 0.86 to 0.99 g cm−3 at a water‐to‐surfactant ratio (W value) of 10. At a W value of 6, the particle size can be tuned from 7.0 to 1.5 nm in the same density range. In the case of CdS nanocrystals, the size varied from 7.1 to 2.0 nm when the W value was 10 and from 4.0 to 1.3 nm when the W value employed was 6, in the same density range. Monodispersive CdS and ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reaction of cadmium or zinc nitrate with sodium sulfide, using two water‐in‐supercritical CO2 microemulsions as nanoreactors followed by protection with a fluorinated‐thiol stabilizer. The stabilizer is introduced at 6 and 16 minutes after the mixing of the two microemulsions where the intensity of the characteristic absorption peak due to the quantum confinement properties of the CdS and ZnS nanoparticles (280 and 360 nm) reaches a maximum, respectively. The supercritical CO2 microemulsion method represents a simple approach to use a density‐tunable solvent for synthesizing size‐controlled semiconductor nanoparticles over a broad range of values.
α‐Substituted Phosphonate Analogues of Lysophosphatidic Acid (LPA) Selectively Inhibit Production and Action of LPA
Authors: Jiang Guowei , Xu Yong , Fujiwara Yuko , Tsukahara Tamotsu , Tsukahara Ryoko , Gajewiak Joanna , Tigyi Gabor , Prestwich Glenn D.
Published: April 2007

Isoform‐selective agonists and antagonists of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important potential applications in cell biology and therapy. LPA GPCRs regulate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and biochemical resistance to chemotherapy‐ and radiotherapy‐induced apoptosis. LPA and its analogues are also feedback inhibitors of the enzyme lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD, also known as autotaxin), a central regulator of invasion and metastasis. For cancer therapy, the ideal therapeutic profile would be a metabolically stabilized pan‐LPA receptor antagonist that also inhibits lysoPLD. Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of novel α‐substituted methylene phosphonate analogues of LPA. Each of these analogues contains a hydrolysis‐resistant phosphonate mimic of the labile monophosphate of natural LPA. The pharmacological properties of these phosphono‐LPA analogues were characterized in terms of LPA receptor subtype‐specific agonist and antagonist activity using Ca2+mobilization assays in RH7777 and CHO cells expressing the individual LPA GPCRs. In particular, the methylene phosphonate LPA analogue is a selective LPA2agonist, whereas the corresponding α‐hydroxymethylene phosphonate is a selective LPA3agonist. Most importantly, the α‐bromomethylene and α‐chloromethylene phosphonates show pan‐LPA receptor subtype antagonist activity. The α‐bromomethylene phosphonates are the first reported antagonists for the LPA4GPCR. Each of the α‐substituted methylene phosphonates inhibits lysoPLD, with the unsubstituted methylene phosphonate showing the most potent inhibition. Finally, unlike many LPA analogues, none of these compounds activate the intracellular LPA receptor PPARγ.
Corticotropin‐releasing factor, urocortin 1, and their receptors in the mouse spinal cord
Authors: Korosi Aniko , Kozicz Tamás , Richter Jakub , Veening Jan G. , Olivier Berend , Roubos Eric W.
Published: April 2007

Corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin 1 (Ucn1) are involved in stress adaptation. CRF receptor 1 (CRF1) binds CRF and Ucn1 with similar high affinity, but CRF receptor 2 (CRF2) binds Ucn1 with higher affinity than CRF. We tested the hypothesis that in the spinal cord CRF and Ucn1 control peripheral components of the stress response, by assessing the distribution of CRF‐ and Ucn1‐containing fibers, CRF1 and CRF2 mRNAs, and CRF receptor protein (CRFR) in the mouse spinal cord, by using immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. CRF, Ucn1, and CRFR occurred throughout the spinal cord. CRF fibers predominated in laminae I, V–VII, and X of Rexed. Ucn1 fibers occurred mainly in laminae VII and X and occasionally in lamina IX. Both CRFR mRNAs occurred in all laminae except the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn, but they exhibited different distributions, CRF2 mRNA having a wider occurrence (laminae III–X) than CRF1 mRNA (laminae III–VIII). Double immunofluorescence indicated that CRF and Ucn1 fibers contacted CRFR‐containing neurons, mainly in laminae VII and X. The strongest co‐distribution of CRF1 and CRF2 mRNAs with CRF and Ucn1 fibers appeared in lamina VII. CRF2 mRNA predominated in lamina IX together with Ucn1, whereas CRF2 mRNA predominated in lamina X, where it had similar distributions with each ligand. In view of the lamina‐specific and similar distributions of the two CRF receptor mRNAs with their ligands, we suggest that CRF1 and CRF2 are involved in peripheral stress adaptation processes, such as modulation of stress‐induced analgesia and the mediation of visceral nociceptive information by CRF2. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:973–989, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial and temporal expression of RP58, a novel zinc finger transcriptional repressor, in mouse brain
Authors: Ohtaka‐Maruyama Chiaki , Miwa Akiko , Kawano Hitoshi , Kasai Masataka , Okado Haruo
Published: April 2007

RP58, a novel zinc finger protein containing a POZ domain, is a sequence‐specific transcriptional repressor. To understand the role of this protein, we examined RP58 gene expression in the developing mouse brain by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization. RP58 mRNA expression was detected at embryonic day (E) 10 in the neuroepithelium, and subsequently in the ventricular zones of the cerebral cortex in the E12 embryo. Strong expression was observed in the preplate in the cerebral cortex from this stage onward. High levels of expression continued to be detected in the cortical plate and subventricular zone of the neocortex, hippocampus, and parts of the amygdala, but not in the thalamus or striatum. These results suggest that RP58 plays a crucial role in neuronal proliferation, migration, and differentiation in the developing cerebral cortex. RP58 is also expressed in the adult mouse neocortex, hippocampus, parts of the amygdala, and granule cells in the cerebellum. Double in situ hybridization using GAD67 or VGLUT1 probes revealed that RP58 is expressed in glutamatergic excitatory neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1098–1108, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse olfactory sensory neurons express 10,000 genes
Authors: Sammeta Neeraja , Yu Tun‐Tzu , Bose Soma C. , McClintock Timothy S.
Published: April 2007

Olfactory epithelial cells from olfactory marker protein‐green fluorescent protein (OMP‐GFP) mice were separated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting into a GFP+sample enriched in mature olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and a GFP–sample enriched in all other cells. GeneChip expression profiling of these samples provided a predictive measure of expression in OSNs. Validation tests comparing the ratio of GFP+/GFP–signal intensity against expression patterns from in situ hybridization for 189 mRNAs proved statistically significant and provided probabilities of expression in OSNs scaled according to the signal intensity ratios. These probabilities predict that, among 11,596 mRNAs detected in the GFP+sample, more than 10,000 are expressed in OSNs. Transcripts and overrepresented categories of mRNAs detected in the GFP+sample agreed with known properties of OSNs and predict additional properties. For example, ciliogenesis and spermatogenesis were overrepresented, consistent with similarities between OSN cilia and sperm flagella. Chromatin assembly mRNAs were expressed throughout the OSN cell lineage, consistent with the hypothesis that chromatin remodeling plays a role in OSN differentiation. We detected numerous signaling proteins and receptors, such as 30 nonchemosensory G‐protein‐coupled receptors, including the presynaptic glutamate receptor mGlur4 and the Wnt receptor Fzd3. The largest group of mRNAs, however, was the hundreds of transcriptional regulators that presumably determine the OSN phenotype. The absence of OMP protein in OMP‐GFP mice had no detectable effect on mRNA abundance. Within limits prescribed by the nature of microarray data and the in situ hybridization validation, these data should be useful in directing further experiments on OSN function. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1138–1156, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Type 3a and type 3b OFF cone bipolar cells provide for the alternative rod pathway in the mouse retina
Authors: Mataruga Anja , Kremmer Elisabeth , Müller Frank
Published: April 2007

The mammalian retina provides several pathways to relay the information from the photoreceptors to the ganglion cells. Cones feed into ON and OFF cone bipolar cells that excite ON and OFF ganglion cells, respectively. In the “classical” rod pathway, rods feed into rod bipolar cells that provide input to both the ON and the OFF pathway via AII amacrine cells. Recent evidence suggests an alternative rod pathway in which rods directly contact some types of OFF cone bipolar cells. The mouse has become an important model system for retinal research. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis on the level of light and electron microscopy to identify the bipolar cells and ganglion cells that are involved in the alternative rod pathway of the mouse retina. 1) We identify a new bipolar cell type, showing that type 3 OFF cone bipolar cells comprise two distinct cell types, that we termed 3a and 3b. Type 3a cells express the ion channel HCN4. Type 3b bipolar cells represent a hitherto unknown cell type that can be identified with antibodies against the regulatory subunit RIIβ of protein kinase A. 2) We show that both 3a and 3b cells form flat contacts at cone pedicles and rod spherules. 3) Finally, we identify an OFF ganglion cell type whose dendrites costratify with type 3a and 3b bipolar cell axon terminals. These newly identified cell types represent the basis of a neuronal circuit in the mammalian retina that could provide for an alternative fast rod pathway. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1123–1137, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follow‐up of an exercise‐based treatment for children with reading difficulties
Authors: Reynolds David , Nelson Roderick I.
Published: April 2007

The original article to which this Corrigendum refers was published in Dyslexia 13: 78 – 96.
NK cells – from basic research to cancer therapy
Authors: Cerwenka Adelheid , Falk Christine S. , Watzl Carsten
Published: April 2007

50 scientists recently met for the Hengstberger Symposium on NK cells in Heidelberg, Germany to discuss the regulation and function of these important immune cells.
Regioselective Mo‐Catalyzed Hydrostannations as Key Steps in the Synthesis of Functionalized Amino Alcohols and Heterocycles
Authors: Lin Hechun , Kazmaier Uli
Published: April 2007

Molybdenum catalyzed hydrostannation of suitable protected propargylic amino alcohols provides the corresponding functionalized vinyl stannanes, which are useful synthetic intermediates for the combinatorial synthesis of amino alcohols and heterocycles. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Carbon fiber nanoelectrodes applied to microchip electrophoresis amperometric detection of neurotransmitter dopamine in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells
Authors: Cheng Han , Huang Wei‐Hua , Chen Rong‐Sheng , Wang Zong‐Li , Cheng Jie‐Ke
Published: April 2007

Microelectrodes have been adopted in electrochemical detection for CE or microchip CE in recent years. In this paper, the use of nanoelectrodes (with tip diameter of 100–300 nm) as the electrochemical detector in microchip CE is firstly reported. The experimental results indicated that both the sensitivity and resolution of microchip CE with the carbon fiber nanoelectrode (CFNE) amperometric detection have been improved markedly comparing with the traditional microelectrodes. The detection limit of dopamine (S/N = 3) is 5.9×10−8 M, which is one or two orders of magnitude lower than that reported so far, and the resolution of dopamine (DA) and isoprenaline (IP) has also improved from 0.6 (using 7 μm carbon fiber microelectrodes, CFME) to 1.0. We assembled a novel and easily operated microchip CE system with end‐column amperometric detection, which allows the convenient and fast replacement of the passivated electrodes. Under the optimized condition, the RSDs of peak height and migration time are 1.47 and 0.31%, respectively (n = 40), indicating that the system displays excellent reproducibility. The nanoelectrode‐based microchip CE system has been successfully applied to the determination of DA in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, and the average content of DA in an individual PC12 cell is 0.54 ± 0.07 fmol, which is in good agreement with that reported in the literature.
Simultaneous determination of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) by CE using precolumn complexation with a [PW11O39]7− ligand
Authors: Himeno Sadayuki , Kitano Eri , Chaen Norimitsu
Published: April 2007

A CE method was developed for the simultaneous determination of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) at trace levels. A lacunary Keggin‐type [PW11O39]7− ligand reacted quantitatively with a mixture of trace amounts of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) to form the so‐called ternary Keggin‐type anions [P(ZrIVW11)O40]5− and [P(HfIVW11)O40]5− in 0.010 M monochloroacetate buffer (pH 2.2). Since both ternary anions possessed different electrophoretic mobilities and high molar absorptivities in the UV region, Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) were determined simultaneously with direct UV detection at 258 nm. Each peak height was linearly dependent on the concentration of Zr(IV) or Hf(IV) in the range of 5.0×10−7–1.0×10−5 M; a detection limit of 2×10−7 M was achieved. The utility of the proposed CE method was demonstrated for the simultaneous determination of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) in natural water samples with satisfactory results.
High MS‐compatibility of silver nitrate‐stained protein spots from 2‐DE gels using ZipPlates and AnchorChips for successful protein identification
Authors: Nebrich Grit , Herrmann Marion , Sagi Dijana , Klose Joachim , Giavalisco Patrick
Published: April 2007

The availability of easy‐to‐handle, sensitive, and cost‐effective protein staining protocols for 2‐DE, in conjunction with a high compatibility for subsequent MS analysis, is still a prerequisite for successful proteome research. In this article we describe a quick and easy‐to‐use methodological protocol based on sensitive, homogeneous, and MS‐compatible silver nitrate protein staining, in combination with an in‐gel digestion, employing the Millipore 96‐well ZipPlate system for peptide preparation. The improved quality and MS compatibility of the generated protein digests, as compared to the otherwise weakly MS‐compatible silver nitrate staining, were evaluated on real tissue samples by analyzing 192 Coomassie‐stained protein spots against their counterparts from a silver‐stained 2‐DE gel. Furthermore, the applicability of the experimental setup was evaluated and demonstrated by the analysis of a large‐scale MALDI‐TOF MS experiment, in which we analyzed an additional ˜1000 protein spots from 2‐DE gels from mouse liver and mouse brain tissue.
The role of phase difference components of ground motions in the torsional response of asymmetric buildings
Authors: Alexander Nicholas Andrew
Published: April 2007

It is demonstrated that the difference in phase content between orthogonal, horizontal, accelerograms can directly influence the effective (band‐limited) torque energy applied to a plan asymmetric structure. This is not the case where a plan asymmetric structure is excited solely by a unidirectional, horizontal, accelerogram ground motion. It is shown that this effective torque energy is well correlated with building torsional (response) acceleration energy and element ductility demands for a broad class of multistorey structures. Nonlinear time‐history analyses employing a database of accelerogram abstracted from USGS are used to quantify the influence of the phase difference content on these building responses. Bias in nonlinear time‐history analyses based on a small sample of accelerograms caused by phase difference content is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the characteristics of ground motion rotational components using Chiba dense array data
Authors: Ghayamghamian M. R. , Nouri G. R.
Published: April 2007

An effort is made to examine the properties of rotational (torsional and rocking) ground motions using Chiba dense array data. The Chiba array system, located 30 km east of Tokyo, Japan, is composed of 15 boreholes with separation distances varying from 5 to 320 m. This provides a unique opportunity to examine the characteristics of rotational components. For this purpose, 17 events are considered and rotational ground motions are evaluated using spatial derivatives of translational ones. The effects of seismological parameters and separation distances between stations on properties of rotational motions are examined, showing a sudden increase in rotational motions for the earthquakes with large magnitude or PGA and decrease of these motions with increasing separation distance. While the duration of torsional motion is found to be larger than translational ones, there is no significant difference between durations of rocking and vertical motions. The effects of separation distance and earthquake magnitude on rotational response spectra are also investigated. The normalized rotational response spectra are found to be strongly affected by separation distance. The spectral ratios of rotational and translational motions are not linearly proportional to period as suggested by the previous studies. Finally, the torsional motion is predicted from translation ones for different separation distances at the site. The comparison of the predicted and the calculated torsional motions reveals a weak estimation in close separation distances (<30m) and satisfactory predictions in other cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dust emission from wet and dry playas in the Mojave Desert, USA
Authors: Reynolds Richard L. , Yount James C. , Reheis Marith , Goldstein Harland , Chavez Pat , Fulton Robert , Whitney John , Fuller Christopher , Forester Richard M.
Published: April 2007

The interactions between playa hydrology and playa‐surface sediments are important factors that control the type and amount of dust emitted from playas as a result of wind erosion. The production of evaporite minerals during evaporative loss of near‐surface ground water results in both the creation and maintenance of several centimeters or more of loose sediment on and near the surfaces of wet playas. Observations that characterize the texture, mineralogic composition and hardness of playa – surfaces at Franklin Lake, Soda Lake and West Cronese Lake playas in the Mojave Desert (California), along with imaging of dust emission using automated digital photography, indicate that these kinds of surface sediment are highly susceptible to dust emission. The surfaces of wet playas are dynamic surface texture and sediment availability to wind erosion change rapidly, primarily in response to fluctuations in water‐table depth, rainfall and rates of evaporation. In contrast, dry playas are characterized by ground water at depth. Consequently, dry playas commonly have hard surfaces that produce little or no dust if undisturbed except for transient silt and clay deposited on surfaces by wind and water. Although not the dominant type of global dust, salt‐rich dusts from wet playas may be important with respect to radiative properties of dust plumes, atmospheric chemistry, windborne nutrients and human health. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.