bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human factors in the development and implementation of telerehabilitation systems
Authors: Brennan David M , Barker Linsey M
Published: March 2008

Summary

Telemedicine services must be designed and implemented with the users in mind. When conducting telerehabilitation, factors such as age, education and technology experience must be taken into account. In addition, telerehabilitation must also accommodate a range of potential patient impairments, including deficits in language, cognition, motor function, vision and voice. Telerehabilitation technology and treatment environments should adhere to universal design standards so as to be accessible, efficient, usable and understandable to all. This will result in improved access to a wider range of telerehabilitation services that will facilitate and enhance the rehabilitative treatment and recovery of people living with varying levels of injury, impairment and disability.
Vom Sonnen-Tag zum Sonntag. Der dies solis in Gesetzgebung und Politik Konstantins d. Gr.
Authors: Girardet Klaus Martin
Published: March 2008

The establishment of the dies solis as a regular day of rest by Constantine is absolutely a novum in antiquity. The text of the law is not preserved, but two texts of the year 321 (Codex Theodosianus II,8,1 and Codex Iustinianus III 12,2 [3]) hint to the fact that Constantine established the dies solis in connection to the laws about the clergy and the building of churches in 312/313. So, the character of the dies solis cannot be considered as a pagan or syncretistic one, but as an early step towards a Christianisation of the Roman Empire. Even the Roman army had to observe the dies solis in a Christian manner (cf. the oration in Eus., v.C. IV 19f.) from 311/312 onwards. In this early time, of course, the new rules are only realised in the Western part of the Empire, only from 324 onwards even the Eastern part accepted the new rhythm of time. Early Egyptian papyri show that the Christian name of the day (dies dominicus, dominica) is used even in documents written by pagan administrators from 325 onwards.
Die kerygmatische Dimension der Lehre von der Menschwerdung in der Rede 38 des Gregor von Nazianz
Authors: Widok Norbert
Published: March 2008

In Oratio 38, Gregory of Nazianzus, explains the incarnation of Christ in a very careful and homiletic manner. He avoids technical language of the philosophical discussion and the heating debate with the Eunomian, Homean and Apollinaristic theology. The double side of the incarnate Christ, the divinity and the human sarx, are present in terms like theophany and genethlia – even if physis is not used in a technical sense. Even with the terms of mixis and krasis, Gregory does not want to use a certain technical classification of the philosophical language of his time, but he uses current words and concepts, explaining the connection between sarx and divinity.
Why forests appear resistant to exotic plant invasions: intentional introductions, stand dynamics, and the role of shade tolerance
Authors: Martin Patrick H , Canham Charles D , Marks Peter L
Published: March 2008

Invasion ecology has traditionally focused on exotic plant species with early successional life‐history traits, adapted to colonize areas following disturbance. However, the ecological importance of these traits may be overstated, in part because most invasive plants originate from intentional introductions. Furthermore, this focus neglects the types of plants most likely to invade established communities, particularly forests – namely shade‐tolerant, late‐successional species. In invasion ecology, it is generally assumed that undisturbed forests are highly resistant to plant invasions. Our review reveals that this assumption is not justified: in temperate and tropical regions around the world, at least 139 exotic plant species are known to have invaded deeply shaded forest understories that have not undergone substantial disturbance. These exotics present a particular management challenge, as they often increase in abundance during succession. While forest invasions may develop comparatively slowly under natural disturbance regimes, anthropogenic processes, including the spread of exotic pests and pathogens, can be expected to accelerate the rate of invasion.
Bone-related effects of contaminants in seals may be associated with vitamin D and thyroid hormones
Authors: Routti Heli , Nyman Madeleine , Jenssen Bjørn Munro , Bäckman Christina , Koistinen Jaana , Gabrielsen Geir Wing
Published: March 2008

The high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT in gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica) in the Baltic Sea have been associated with pathological disruptions, including bone lesions and reproductive failures. The underlying environmental and toxicological mechanisms leading to these pathological changes are not yet fully understood. The present study investigated the relationship between the individual contaminant load and bone- and thyroid-related effects in adult gray seals (n = 30) and ringed seals (n = 46) in the highly contaminated Baltic Sea and in reference areas (Sable Island, Canada, and Svalbard, Norway). In the gray seals, multivariate and correlation analyses revealed a clear relationship between circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D), calcium, phosphate, and thyroid hormone (TH) levels and hepatic PCB and DDT load, which suggests contaminant-mediated disruption of the bone and thyroid homeostasis. Contaminants may depress 1,25(OH)2D levels or lead to hyperthyroidism, which may cause bone resorption. In the ringed seals, associations between circulating 1,25(OH)2D, THs, and hepatic contaminants were less prominent. These results suggest that bone lesions observed in the Baltic gray seals may be associated with contaminant-mediated vitamin D and thyroid disruption.
Effects of anaerobic incubation on the desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated soils
Authors: Zhu Hongbo , Roper J. Chadwick , Pfaender Frederic K , Aitken Michael D
Published: March 2008

Incubation of field-contaminated soil under anaerobic conditions can lead to increased mobilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into water. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of anaerobic incubation on the rate and extent of desorption of PAH from two field-contaminated soil samples. One was a highly contaminated soil from a former wood-preserving site that had not been subject to previous treatment; the other was a soil from a former manufactured-gas plant site that had been treated in an aerobic bioreactor. A two-site desorption model was applied to quantify the fast and slowly desorbing fractions of each PAH and the corresponding first-order rate constants for each fraction. For most of the PAHs, the total amount desorbed after 18 d from anaerobically incubated samples was significantly greater than that from their counterparts not subjected to anaerobic incubation, but the overall effect was modest. The rate constant corresponding to the slowly desorbing fraction (k2) was much higher for the samples incubated under active anaerobic conditions than that for the controls, implying anaerobic incubation had the greatest influence on the soil compartments controlling the slow release of PAHs. Anaerobic incubation had little to no effect on the rapidly desorbing fraction.
Comparison of methods for evaluating acute and chronic toxicity in marine sediments
Authors: Greenstein Darrin , Bay Steven , Anderson Brian , Chandler G. Thomas , Farrar J. Daniel , Keppler Charles , Phillips Bryn , Ringwood Amy , Young Diana
Published: March 2008

Sublethal test methods are being used with increasing frequency to measure sediment toxicity, but little is known about the relative sensitivity of these tests compared to the more commonly used acute tests. The present study was conducted to compare the sensitivity of several acute and sublethal methods and to investigate their correlations with sediment chemistry and benthic community condition. Six sublethal methods (amphipod: Leptocheirus plumulosus survival, growth, and reproduction; polychaete: Neanthes arenaceodentata survival and growth; benthic copepod: Amphiascus tenuiremis life cycle; seed clam: Mercenaria mercenaria growth; oyster: Crassostrea virginica lysosome destabilization; and sediment–water interface testing with mussel embryos, Mytilus galloprovincialis) and two acute methods (amphipod survival with Eohaustorius estuarius and L. plumulosus) were used to test split sediment samples from stations in California. The test with Amphiascus proved to be the most sensitive sublethal test and the most sensitive overall, identifying 90% of the stations as toxic. The Leptocheirus 10-d test was the most sensitive of the acute tests, identifying 60% of the stations as toxic. In general, the sublethal tests were not more sensitive to sediments than the acute tests, with the sublethal tests finding an average of 35% of the stations to be toxic while the acute found 44%. Of the sublethal tests, only the Amphiascus endpoints and Neanthes growth significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with sediment chemical concentrations. Poor correspondence occurred between the toxicity endpoints and the indicators of benthic community condition. Differences in test characteristics such as mode of exposure, species-specific contaminant sensitivity, changes in contaminant bioavailability, and influence of noncontaminant stressors on the benthos may have been responsible for variation in response among the tests and low correspondence with benthic community condition. The influence of these factors cannot be easily predicted, underscoring the need to use multiple toxicity methods, in combination with other lines of evidence, to provide an accurate and confident assessment of sediment toxicity.
Inorganic arsenic speciation in soil and groundwater near in-service chromated copper arsenate-treated wood poles
Authors: Zagury Gérald J , Dobran Simona , Estrela Sandra , Deschênes Louise
Published: March 2008

The environmental impact of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated utility poles is linked to the possible soil and groundwater contamination with arsenic. The objective of the present study was to determine the arsenic speciation in soil and groundwater near in-service CCA-treated poles. Arsenite (As[III]) and arsenate (As[V]) concentrations were determined in 29 surface and subsurface soil samples collected near eight CCA-treated wood poles. Temporal variability of total arsenic concentrations and inorganic arsenic speciation was also assessed in groundwater at two sites through four sampling events over a 19-month period. Arsenic speciation was carried out by a solvent extraction method using ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate-methyl isobutyl ketone, and total arsenic was quantified by inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry/hydride generation. Average arsenic concentrations in surface soils immediately adjacent to utility poles ranged from 153 ± 49 to 410 ± 150 mg/kg but approached background levels (below 5 mg/kg) within 0.50 m from the poles. A positive correlation was found between surface soil As concentration and total Fe content. In subsurface samples (0.50 m), arsenic levels were generally high in sandy soils (up to 223 ± 32 mg/kg), moderate in clayey soils (up to 126 ± 26 mg/kg), and relatively lower in organic soils (up to 56 ± 24 mg/kg). Arsenic(V) was the predominant arsenic species in surface (>78%) and subsurface soils (>66%). Total arsenic concentrations in groundwater below the clayey site were high and varied widely over time (79–390 μg/L), with 30 to 68% as As(III). Below the utility pole located on the organic site with a high Fe content, lower total arsenic levels (12–33 μg/L) were found, with As(III) ranging from 0 to 100%.
Influence of sediment ingestion and exposure concentration on the bioavailable fraction of sediment-associated tetrachlorobiphenyl in oligochaetes
Authors: Sormunen Arto J , Leppänen Matti T , Kukkonen Jussi V. K
Published: March 2008

The desorption and bioavailability of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) were studied in spiked natural sediments at six concentrations. The desorption kinetics were measured in a sediment–water suspension using Tenax® resin extraction, and the bioavailability was measured by exposing Lumbriculus variegatus (Oligochaeta) to PCB 77–spiked sediment in a 14-d kinetic study. In addition, freely dissolved pore-water concentrations were measured using the polyoxymethylene solid-phase extraction method. The present study examined whether bioavailability can be defined more accurately by measuring the size of desorbing fractions and the pore-water concentrations than by using the standard equilibrium partitioning approach. The importance of ingested sediment in bioaccumulation also was investigated. Our data showed a clear, decreasing trend in the rapid-desorbing fractions and in the standard biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) with increasing concentration in sediment. Desorbing fractions–refined BSAFs were more uniform across the concentration treatments, and the pore-water PCB 77 concentration predicted tissue concentrations close to observed values. In the risk assessment process, pore-water concentration or desorbing fractions would lead to more precise bioavailability estimates compared with those from the traditional equilibrium partitioning approach. The result also showed, however, that sediment-ingesting worms had access to an additional bioavailable chemical fraction that was especially evident when PCB 77 pore-water concentrations most likely approached the solubility limit. Thus, feeding may modify the bioavailable fraction that cannot be explained by simple equilibrium partitioning models.
Species sensitivity distributions for suspended clays, sediment burial, and grain size change in the marine environment
Authors: Smit Mathijs G. D , Holthaus Karlijn I. E , Trannum Hilde C , Neff Jerry M , Kjeilen-Eilertsen Grete , Jak Robbert G , Singsaas Ivar , Huijbregts Mark A. J , Hendriks A. Jan
Published: March 2008

Assessment of the environmental risk of discharges, containing both chemicals and suspended solids (e.g., drilling discharges to the marine environment), requires an evaluation of the effects of both toxic and nontoxic pollutants. To date, a structured evaluation scheme that can be used for prognostic risk assessments for nontoxic stress is lacking. In the present study we challenge this lack of information by the development of marine species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) for three nontoxic stressors: suspended clays, burial by sediment, and change in sediment grain size. Through a literature study, effect levels were obtained for suspended clays, as well as for burial of biota. Information on the species preference range for median grain size was used to assess the sensitivity of marine species to changes in grain size. The 50% hazardous concentrations (HC50) for suspended barite and bentonite based on 50% effect concentrations (EC50s) were 3,010 and 1,830 mg/L, respectively. For burial the 50% hazardous level (HL50) was 5.4 cm. For change in median grain size, two SSDs were constructed; one for reducing and one for increasing the median grain size. The HL50 for reducing the median grain size was 17.8 μm. For increasing the median grain size this value was 305 μm. The SSDs have been constructed by using information related to offshore oil- and gas-related activities. Nevertheless, the results of the present study may have broader implications. The hypothesis of the present study is that the SSD methodology developed for the evaluation of toxic stress can also be applied to evaluate nontoxic stressors, facilitating the incorporation of nontoxic stressors in prognostic risk assessment tools.
Effects of different forms of nitrogen fertilizers on arsenic uptake by rice plants
Authors: Chen Xue-Ping , Zhu Yong-Guan , Hong Mi-Na , Kappler Andreas , Xu Yu-Xin
Published: March 2008

A pot microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different forms of N fertilizers on As uptake by rice. Compared to a nontreated control, addition of nitrate reduced Fe(II) concentration in soil solution, while treatment with ammonium enhanced Fe(III) reduction, probably coupled to NH+4 oxidation in the nonrhizosphere. Most-probable-number (MPN) enumerations revealed high densities of nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing microorganisms. The addition of nitrate decreased Fe plaque formation on the root surface, accompanied by much lower dissolved Fe(II) concentrations in the rhizosphere soil solution compared to the nonamended control. Nitrate addition also reduced As uptake by the rice plant. These results suggest that nitrate may inhibit Fe(III) reduction and/or stimulate nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation, leading to As coprecipitation with, or adsorption to, Fe(III) minerals in the soil. Although Fe plaque formation on the root surface is reduced, nitrate-dependent stimulation of Fe(II) oxidation and/or inhibition of Fe(III) reduction in the bulk soil sequesters mobile As in the soil, resulting in reduced As uptake by rice.
Preliminary hazard assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans to yangtze finless porpoise in dongting lake, china
Authors: Yang Fangxing , Zhang Qinghua , Xu Ying , Jiang Guibin , Wang Yawei , Wang Ding
Published: March 2008

Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), a protected endangered species, is the sole freshwater subspecies of finless porpoise, living only in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, and its appended lakes. Its population has decreased sharply to 1,400 because of human activities, including environmental contamination. In the present study, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined in the blubber, liver, kidney, stomach, small intestine, and brains of five individual Yangtze finless porpoises collected from 1998 to 2004. The results showed PCB concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 1.89 μg/g lipid weight in the organs and consisted mainly of penta-, hexa-, and decachlorinated biphenyls. The PBDE concentrations were between 5.32 and 72.76 ng/g lipid weight. Tetra-, penta-, and hexabrominated diphenyl ethers were the major homologues. The PCDD/F concentrations ranged from 65 to 1,563 pg/g lipid weight, and their predominant homologues were penta- and hexachlorinated dibenzofurans and hepta- and octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. The hazard quotients (HQs) based on toxic equivalency were determined to be greater than one in all individuals for PCBs, for PCDD/Fs, and for PCBs and PCDD/Fs In addition, HQs would be higher if PBDEs were included. The results suggest that reduction of environmental contamination may contribute greatly to protecting this highly endangered species.
Identifying the cause and source of sediment toxicity in an agriculture-influenced creek
Authors: Weston Donald P , Zhang Minghua , Lydy Michael J
Published: March 2008

Del Puerto Creek, an agriculturally influenced stream in northern California, USA, with a history of sediment toxicity, was used as a case study to determine the feasibility of using sediment toxicity testing and chemical analysis to identify the causative agent for the toxicity and its sources. Testing with the amphipod Hyalella azteca confirmed historical toxicity and identified a point along the creek at which there was an abrupt increase in sediment toxicity that persisted for at least 6 km downstream. Three recently developed whole sediment toxicity identification evaluation manipulations, temperature reduction, piperonyl butoxide addition, and esterase addition, were applied to sediment from one site and were suggestive of a pyrethroid as the cause for toxicity. Utilizing published median lethal concentration (LC50) values in a toxic unit analysis, the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin was identified as the primary contributor to toxicity in nearly all sites at which toxicity was observed, with occasional additional contributions from the pyrethroids lambda-cyhalothrin, esfenvalerate, and cyfluthrin. Most agricultural drains discharging to Del Puerto Creek contained bifenthrin in their sediments at concentrations near or above acutely toxic concentrations. However, only one drain contained sediments with bifenthrin concentrations approaching the concentrations measured in creek sediments. This fact, along with the proximity of that particular discharge to the location in the creek with the highest concentrations, suggested that one drain may be responsible for much of the toxicity and pyrethroid residues in creek sediments. The methods employed in this study are likely to be of considerable value in total maximum daily load efforts in Del Puerto Creek or other California surface water bodies known to have pyrethroid-related aquatic toxicity.
Parameter stability and consistency in an alongshore-current model determined with Markov chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Ruessink B. G.
Published: March 2008

When a numerical model is to be used as a practical tool, its parameters should preferably be stable and consistent, that is, possess a small uncertainty and be time-invariant. Using data and predictions of alongshore mean currents flowing on a beach as a case study, this paper illustrates how parameter stability and consistency can be assessed using Markov chain Monte Carlo. Within a single calibration run, Markov chain Monte Carlo estimates the parameter posterior probability density function, its mode being the best-fit parameter set. Parameter stability is investigated by stepwise adding new data to a calibration run, while consistency is examined by calibrating the model on different datasets of equal length. The results for the present case study indicate that various tidal cycles with strong (say, >0.5 m/s) currents are required to obtain stable parameter estimates, and that the best-fit model parameters and the underlying posterior distribution are strongly time-varying. This inconsistent parameter behavior may reflect unresolved variability of the processes represented by the parameters, or may represent compensational behavior for temporal violations in specific model assumptions.
Identification of the best hidden layer size for three-layered neural net in predicting monsoon rainfall in India
Authors: Chattopadhyay Surajit , Chattopadhyay Goutami
Published: March 2008

In the present research, long-range prediction of average summer monsoon rainfall over India has been attempted through three layered artificial neural network models. The study is based on the summer monsoon data pertaining to the years 1871–1999. Nineteen neural network models have been developed with variable hidden layer size. Total rainfall amounts in the summer monsoon months of a given year have been used as input and the average summer monsoon rainfall of the following year has been used as the desired output to execute a supervised backpropagation learning procedure. After a thorough training and test procedure, a neural network with eleven nodes in the hidden layer is found to be the most proficient in forecasting the average summer monsoon rainfall of a given year with the said predictors. Finally, the performance of the eleven-hidden-nodes three-layered neural network has been compared with the performance of the asymptotic regression technique. Ultimately it has been established that the eleven-hidden-nodes three-layered neural network has more efficacy than asymptotic regression in the present forecasting task.
Long-term changes of river discharge regime in Latvia
Authors: Klavins Maris , Rodinov Valery
Published: March 2008

The study of changes in river discharge is important for regional climate variability characterization and for development of an efficient water resource management system. The hydrological regime of rivers and their long-term changes in Latvia were investigated. Four major types of river hydrological regimes, which depend on climatic and physicogeographic factors, were characterized. These factors are linked to the changes observed in river discharge. Periodic oscillations of discharge, and low- and high-water flow years are common for the major rivers in Latvia. A main frequency of river discharge regime changes of about 20 and 13 years was estimated for the studied rivers. A significant impact of climate variability on the river discharge regime has been found.
Using species‐environmental amplitudes to predict pH values from vegetation
Authors: Peppler‐Lisbach Cord
Published: March 2008

Question: Species optima or indicator values are frequently used to predict environmental variables from species composition. The present study focuses on the question whether predictions can be improved by using species environmental amplitudes instead of single values representing species optima.

Location: Semi‐natural, deciduous hardwood forests of northwestern Germany.

Methods: Based on a data set of 558 relevés, species responses (presence/absence) to pH were modelled with Huisman‐Olff‐Fresco (HOF) regression models. Species amplitudes were derived from response curves using three different methods. To predict the pH from vegetation, a maximum amplitude overlap method was applied. For comparison, predictions resulting from several established methods, i. e. maximum likelihood/present and absent species, maximum likelihood/present species only, mean weighted averages and mean Ellenberg indicator values were calculated. The predictive success (squared Pearson's r and root mean square error of prediction) was evaluated using an independent data set of 151 relevés.

Results: Predictions based upon amplitudes defined by maximum Cohen's x probability threshold yield the best results of all amplitude definitions (R2= 0.75, RMSEP = 0.52). Provided there is an even distribution of the environmental variable, amplitudes defined by predicted probability exceeding prevalence are also suitable (R2= 0.76, RMSEP = 0.55). The prediction success is comparable to maximum likelihood (present species only) and – after rescaling – to mean weighted averages. Predicted values show a good linearity to observed pH values as opposed to a curvilinear relationship of mean Ellenberg indicator values. Transformation or rescaling of the predicted values is not required.

Conclusions: Species amplitudes given by a minimum and maximum boundary for each species can be used to efficiently predict environmental variables from species composition. The predictive success is superior to mean Ellenberg indicator values and comparable to mean indicator values based on species weighted averages.
Neuropeptides: Chemical Activity Profiling and Proteomic Approaches
Authors: Hook Vivian , Hwang Shin‐Rong , Wegrzyn Jill , Bark Steven
Published: March 2008

Peptide neurotransmitters and peptide hormones, collectively known as neuropeptides, are required for cell–cell communication in neurotransmission and for regulation of endocrine functions. Neuropeptides are synthesized from protein precursors (termed proneuropeptides or prohormones) that require proteolytic processing within secretory vesicles that store and secrete active neuropeptides. This article describes the application of chemical biological approaches advantageously used to define protease pathways involved in neuropeptide biosynthesis. Activity profiling of proteases, combined with mass spectrometry, has allowed identification of the novel cathepsin L cysteine protease pathway for neuropeptide biosynthesis, which contributes to neuropeptide production with the subtilisin‐like prohormone convertase pathway. Furthermore, proteomic approaches for identifying proteases and protein systems present in secretory vesicles define the protease pathways and the functional protein systems that jointly operate in the secretory vesicle for production and secretion of active neuropeptides. Neuropeptidomic approaches allow defined primary structural analyses of neuropeptides. Future studies that gain understanding of protease mechanisms for generating active neuropeptides will be instrumental for translational research to develop therapeutic strategies for health and disease.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in patients of 70 years and older with multiple myeloma: Results from a matched pair analysis
Authors: Kumar Shaji K. , Dingli David , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Hayman Suzanne R. , Buadi Francis K. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Litzow Mark R. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: March 2008

High‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (HDT) have been shown to prolong survival in multiple myeloma (MM) in randomized trials, but only included patients of 65 years or younger. Given the median age at diagnosis of 66 years, it is important to have a better understanding of the outcome of transplantation in the older patients. We identified 33 patients with MM, who were ≥70 years at the time of their HDT. We matched them to a group of 60 patients, 65 years or younger, (two controls for each patient), based on time to transplant, disease status at transplant, Durie‐Salmon stage, labeling index, presence of cytogenetic abnormalities, and presence of circulating plasma cells. The median age of the two groups were 55.6 (range, 37.3–64.9) and 71.7 (range 70–75.8) years at transplant. Although more of the older patients received dose reduced melphalan, the overall response rate was similar (97% vs. 98%) as was the median time to progression (28.5 months vs. 17.8 months, P = 0.7) for the elderly group compared to the younger patients. The median overall survival from transplant was not reached for the elderly patient group compared to 53.2 months for the younger patients, P = 0.7. HDT is feasible in selected patients with multiple myeloma over 70 years. The toxicity of transplant as well as the outcome appears comparable to younger patients. Patients with MM should not be excluded from HDT solely on the basis of their chronological age. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational health and safety experience of day laborers in seattle, WA
Authors: Seixas Noah S. , Blecker Hillary , Camp Janice , Neitzel Rick
Published: March 2008

Background

Day Labor is a growing part of the informal economy in the US, and in Seattle, and may entail a high risk of injury and illness at work.

Methods

We surveyed 180‐day laborers, at two worker centers and an unregulated “Street” location concerning their job‐specific exposures and injury experience.

Results

Exposures to both health and safety hazards were common at all three sites. After controlling for type of work, immigrant workers were 1.5–2 times more likely than non‐immigrant day laborers to report exposure to hazardous conditions. Among the 180 participants 34 reported injuries were classified as “recordable.” We estimated an injury rate of 31 recordable injuries per 100 full time employees. The three hiring locations had differing job experiences and exposures. Those hired through worker centers had a lower risk of exposures, while the Street workers were more likely to refuse hazardous work.

Conclusions

Day laborers are exposed to numerous hazards at work, resulting in high injury rates. Multiple approaches including community based organizations which may provide some employment stability and social support for protection at work are needed to reduce occupational injury and illness risk among these vulnerable populations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:399–406, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rational Design of Mesoporous Metals and Related Nanomaterials by a Soft‐Template Approach
Authors: Yamauchi Yusuke , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: March 2008

We review recent developments in the preparation of mesoporous metals and related metal‐based nanomaterials. Among the many types of mesoporous materials, mesoporous metals hold promise for a wide range of potential applications, such as in electronic devices, magnetic recording media, and metal catalysts, owing to their metallic frameworks. Mesoporous metals with highly ordered networks and narrow pore‐size distributions have traditionally been produced by using mesoporous silica as a hard template. This method involves the formation of an original template followed by deposition of metals within the mesopores and subsequent removal of the template. Another synthetic method is the direct‐template approach from lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) made of nonionic surfactants at high concentrations. Direct‐template synthesis creates a novel avenue for the production of mesoporous metals as well as related metal‐based nanomaterials. Many mesoporous metals have been prepared by the chemical or electrochemical reduction of metal salts dissolved in aqueous LLC domains. As a soft template, LLCs are more versatile and therefore more advantageous than hard templates. It is possible to produce various nanostructures (e.g., lamellar, 2D hexagonal (p6mm), and 3D cubic (Ia$\bar 3$d)), nanoparticles, and nanotubes simply by controlling the composition of the reaction bath.
Patterns of intraneural ganglion cyst descent
Authors: Spinner Robert J. , Carmichael Stephen W. , Wang Huan , Parisi Thomas J. , Skinner John A. , Amrami Kimberly K.
Published: March 2008

On the basis of the principles of the unifying articular theory, predictable patterns of proximal ascent have been described for fibular (peroneal) and tibial intraneural ganglion cysts in the knee region. The mechanism underlying distal descent into the terminal braches of the fibular and tibial nerves has not been previously elucidated. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate if and when cyst descent distal to the articular branch‐joint connection occurs in intraneural ganglion cysts to understand directionality of intraneural cyst propagation. In Part I, the clinical records and MRIs of 20 consecutive patients treated at our institution for intraneural ganglion cysts (18 fibular and two tibial) arising from the superior tibiofibular joint were retrospectively analyzed. These patients underwent cyst decompression and disconnection of the articular branch. Five of these patients developed symptomatic cyst recurrence after cyst decompression without articular branch disconnection which was done elsewhere prior to our intervention. In Part II, five additional patients with intraneural ganglion cysts (three fibular and two tibial) treated at other institutions without disconnection of the articular branch were compared. These patients in Parts I and II demonstrated ascent of intraneural cyst to differing degrees (12 had evidence of sciatic nerve cross‐over). In addition, all of these patients demonstrated previously unrecognized MRI evidence of intraneural cyst extending distally below the level of the articular branch to the joint of origin: cyst within the proximal most portions of the deep fibular and superficial fibular branches in fibular intraneural ganglion cysts and descending tibial branches in tibial intraneural ganglion cysts. The patients in Part I had complete resolution of their cysts at follow‐up MRI examination 1 year postoperatively. The patients in Part II had intraneural recurrences postoperatively within the articular branch, the parent nerve, and the terminal branches, although in three cases they were subclinical. The authors demonstrate that cyst descent distal to the take‐off of the articular branch to the joint of origin occurs regularly in patients with fibular and tibial intraneural ganglion cysts. The authors believe that parent terminal branch descent follows ascent up the articular branch from an affected joint of origin. This mechanism for bidirectional flow explains cyst within terminal branches of the fibular and tibial nerves and is dependent on pressure fluxes and resistances. This new pattern is consistent with principles previously described in a unified (articular) theory, is generalizable to other intraneural ganglion cysts arising from joints, and has important implications for pathogenesis and treatment of these intraneural cysts. Clin. Anat. 21:233–245, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fusion Peptides and Transmembrane Domains of Fusion Proteins are Characterized by Different but Specific Structural Properties
Authors: Weise Katrin , Reed Jennifer
Published: March 2008

Membrane fusion is essential for many biological processes. Though there have been many structure and fusion studies of cellular and viral fusion proteins in the last years, their functional mechanism remains elusive. In particular, the structural modes of operation of the transmembrane domains and viral fusion peptides of fusion proteins during membrane fusion have not been elucidated, although work on de novo designed fusogenic peptides suggested that conformational flexibility was necessary. In addition, the use of different and incompatible measurement criteria has made a comparative overview difficult. Here, we report a systematic structural analysis of viral fusion peptides from different fusion protein classes and transmembrane domains of viral and cellular fusion proteins by using circular dichroism spectroscopy. The data that were obtained demonstrate that class I viral fusion peptides show a structural flexibility between helix and irregular secondary structures, whereas fusion peptides of class II viral fusion proteins are characterized by a stable random coil and turn structure. Thus, conformational flexibility does not seem to be a universal criterion for the fusion activity of a fusion peptide. On the contrary, the transmembrane domains of fusion proteins are distinguished by a structural flexibility between helix and sheet structure that is similar to de novo designed unnatural peptides with high fusion activities (M. W. Hofmann et al. PNAS 2004, 101, 14 776‐14 781). Thus, the conformational behavior of the fusogenic unnatural peptides most closely resembles that of fusion protein transmembrane domains, and allows them to be used to gain a deeper understanding of the membrane fusion process.
A Multimeric Quinacrine Conjugate as a Potential Inhibitor of Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid Fibril Formation
Authors: Dolphin Gunnar T. , Chierici Sabine , Ouberai Myriam , Dumy Pascal , Garcia Julian
Published: March 2008

Amyloid formation and accumulation of the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) in the brain is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Therefore, among the therapeutic approaches in development to fight the disease, the direct inhibition of the Aβ self‐assembly process is currently widely investigated and is one of the most promising approaches. In this study we investigated the potential of a multimeric display of quinacrine derivatives, as compared to the monomer quinacrine, as a design principal for a novel class of inhibitors against Aβ fibril formation. The presented multimeric conjugate exhibits a cluster of four quinacrine derivatives on a rigid cyclopeptidic scaffold. Herein is reported the synthesis of the conjugate, together with the in vitro inhibitory evaluation of Aβ1–40 fibrils using the thioflavin T fluorescence assay, and imaging with atomic force microscopy. Our data show that the multimeric compound inhibits Aβ1–40 fibril formation with an IC50 value of 20±10 μM, which contrasts with the nonactive monomeric analogue. This work suggests that assembling multiple copies of acridine moieties to a central scaffold, for multiple interactions, is a promising strategy for the engineering of inhibitors against Aβ fibril formation.
Synthesis of Novel Structurally Simplified Estrogen Analogues
Authors: Tietze Lutz F. , Vock Carsten A. , Krimmelbein Ilga K. , Wiegand J. Matthias , Nacke Linda , Ramachandar Tokala , Islam Kazi M. D. , Gatz Christiane
Published: March 2008

A library of 17 novel estrogen analogues 3 and 4 containing different substituents at rings A and D (steroid nomenclature) was prepared in a five‐ to seven‐step synthesis. The key transformation is a Sonogashira‐coupling of cyclic vinyl iodides of type 7 or 8 with phenylacetylenes of type 9. Reduction of the keto function in 3 led to the estradiol analogue 5.
Anisotropic contraction in forisomes: Simple models won't fit
Authors: Peters Winfried S. , Knoblauch Michael , Warmann Stephen A. , Pickard William F. , Shen Amy Q.
Published: March 2008

Forisomes are ATP‐independent, Ca2+‐driven contractile protein bodies acting as reversible valves in the phloem of plants of the legume family. Forisome contraction is anisotropic, as shrinkage in length is associated with radial expansion and vice versa. To test the hypothesis that changes in length and width are causally related, we monitored Ca2+‐ and pH‐dependent deformations in the exceptionally large forisomes of Canavalia gladiata by high‐speed photography, and computed time‐courses of derived geometric parameters (including volume and surface area). Soybean forisomes, which in the resting state resemble those of Canavalia geometrically but have less than 2% of the volume, were also studied to identify size effects. Calcium induced sixfold volume increases in forisomes of both species; in soybean, responses were completed in 0.15 s, compared to about 0.5 s required for a rapid response in Canavalia followed by slow swelling for several minutes. This size‐dependent behavior supports the idea that forisome contractility might rest on similar mechanisms as those of polyelectrolyte gels, a class of artificial “smart” materials. In both species, time‐courses of forisome length and diameter were variable and lacked correlation, arguing against a simple causal relationship between changes in length and width. Moreover, changes in the geometry of soybean forisomes differed qualitatively between Ca2+‐ and pH‐responses, suggesting that divalent cations and protons target different sites on the forisome proteins. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MYH9‐siRNA and MYH9 mutant alleles: Expression in cultured cell lines and their effects upon cell structure and function
Authors: Li Yan , Friedmann David R. , Mhatre Anand N. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: March 2008

MYH9 encodes a class II nonmuscle myosin heavy chain‐A (NMHC‐IIA), a widely expressed 1960 amino acid polypeptide, with translated molecular weight of 220 kDa. From studies of type II myosin in invertebrates and analogy with the skeletal and smooth muscle myosin II, NMHC‐IIA is considered to be involved in diverse cellular functions, including cell shape, motility and division. The current study assessed the consequences of two separate, naturally occurring MYH9 dominant mutant alleles, MYH9R702C and MYH9R705H linked to syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss, respectively, upon diverse NMHC‐IIA related functions in two separate cultured cell lines. MYH9‐siRNA‐induced inhibition of NMHC‐IIA in HeLa cells or HEK293 cells resulted in alterations in their shape, actin cytoskeleton and adhesion properties. However, HeLa or HEK293 cells transfected with naturally occurring MYH9 mutant alleles, MYH9R702C or MYH9R705H, as well as in vitro generated deletion derivatives, MYH9ΔN592 or MYH9ΔC570, were unaffected. The effects of MYH9‐siRNA‐induced suppression underline the critical role of NMHC‐IIA in maintenance of cell shape and adhesion. However, the results also indicate that the NMHC‐IIA mutants, R702C and R705H do not inactivate or suppress the endogenous wild type NMHC‐IIA within the HeLa or HEK293 cell assay system. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Negative influence of changing biopsy practice patterns on the predictive value of prostate‐specific antigen for cancer detection on prostate biopsy
Authors: Schwartz Michael J. , Hwang David H. , Hung Andrew J. , Han Jullet , McClain Justin W. , Shemtov M. Mendel , Te Alexis E. , Sosa R. Ernest , Vaughan E. Darracott , Scherr Douglas S.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

A correlation between prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and positive prostate biopsy rate was established in an era when biopsy practice patterns were different from what they are today. We evaluated if changes in biopsy practice patterns have affected the ability of PSA to predict cancer detection on prostate biopsy in the current era.

METHODS.

Of 3634 prostate biopsies performed from 1993–2005, 1607 met criteria for analysis. Biopsy data were divided into 3 time‐cohorts (1993–1997, 1998–2001, and 2002–2005) to assess for practice patterns shifts and correlation between PSA and biopsy results.

RESULTS.

Significant changes in biopsy practice patterns included an increase in biopsy cores and more frequent use of PSA 2.5–3.99 ng/mL as a biopsy indication. In men with normal DRE, a moderate correlation between PSA and positive biopsy rate did exist from 1993–1997, but was subsequently lost. On multivariate analysis, PSA was not a significant predictor of biopsy result in men with normal DRE.

CONCLUSIONS.

Early in the PSA era, the predictive power of PSA depended on multiple factors: high prevalence of disease, higher prevalence of high‐grade disease, and low likelihood of prostate cancer diagnosis in men with low PSA. Now, beyond the culling effect of increased biopsy incidence and with shifted biopsy practice patterns, the correlation between PSA and biopsy result is lost in men with normal DRE. Diagnosing a higher proportion of tumors in men with a PSA between 2.0–4.0 ng/mL has negatively influenced the predictive value of PSA for cancer detection. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Ontogeny of vasotocin‐expressing cells in zebrafish: Selective requirement for the transcriptional regulators orthopedia and single‐minded 1 in the preoptic area
Authors: Eaton Jennifer L. , Holmqvist Bo , Glasgow Eric
Published: March 2008

The neurohypophysial peptide arginine vasotocin, and its mammalian ortholog arginine vasopressin, influence a wide range of physiological and behavioral responses, including aspects of sexual and social behaviors, osmoregulation, stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, and circadian rhythms. Here, we demonstrate that, in zebrafish (Danio rerio), the vasotocin precursor gene arginine vasotocin‐neurophysin (avt) is expressed in two domains in the developing embryo: the dorsal preoptic area and the ventral hypothalamus. In the dorsal preoptic area, avt‐expressing cells are intermingled with isotocin‐neurophysin (ist) ‐expressing cells, and these neurons project to the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary). In the dorsal preoptic area, the transcriptional regulators orthopedia b (otpb) and simple‐minded 1 (sim1) are required for expression of both avt and ist. In contrast, otp and sim1 are not required for avt expression in the ventral hypothalamus. Thus, the development of these two avt expression domains is influenced by separate gene regulatory networks. Developmental Dynamics 237:995–1005, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reactions of Terphenylbismuth Dihalides with KSi(SiMe3)3, K2Si2(SiMe3)4 and Na2[Fe(CO)]4: Reduction vs. Metathesis
Authors: Wolf Robert , Fischer Jelena , Fischer Roland C. , Fettinger James C. , Power Philip P.
Published: March 2008

The reactions of terphenylbismuth dihalides with various reducing agents were investigated. Attempted metathesis of Ar′BiCl2 [Ar′ = 2,6‐(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)2‐C6H3] with one equivalent of KSi(SiMe3)3 gave the 1,2‐dichlorodibismuthane Ar′(Cl)Bi–Bi(Cl)Ar′ (1) in 40 % yield. The reaction of Ar′BiCl2 (1) with the dianionic salt K2Si2(SiMe3)4 yielded the dibismuthene Ar′Bi=BiAr′ (2) in 72 %. The terphenylbismuth dihalides ArBiCl2 [Ar = 2,6‐(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)2‐C6H3 (Ar′), 2,6‐(2,4,6‐Me3‐C6H2)2‐C6H3 (Ar#)] were treated with Na2[Fe(CO)4] in THF to afford the iron dibismuthene complexes [Fe(CO)4(Bi2Ar′2)] (3) and [Fe(CO)4(Bi2Ar#2)] (4) in modest yields (25 and 15 % respectively). The compounds 1–4 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography and by spectroscopic methods (1H and 13C NMR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy). The results show that reduction of the bismuth center is strongly preferred over salt metathesis chemistry due to the reducing power of the silanide and ferrate salts and the strength of the Bi=Bi bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)