bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Health and safety education for worker empowerment
Authors: Wallerstein Nina , Weinger Merri
Published: April 2007

This article introduces a special issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine dedicated to innovative approaches to worker education in health and safety. Contributors to this issue describe applications of an “empowerment approach” in a wide variety of institutions and settings throughout the United States and Canada.

In this article, empowerment education is presented and contrasted with other training methodologies. The article offers suggestions on how to implement this approach, discusses evaluation issues, and summarizes the articles contained in this issue. Explored are preliminary outcomes of using this methodology and implications for developing educational programs in the future.
Problem‐solving in the fields: An action‐oriented approach to farmworker education about pesticides
Authors: Weinger Merri , Lyons Mark
Published: April 2007

This paper describes two educational programs initiated to address the problems of farmworker pesticide poisoning in Nicaragua and in the United States and Puerto Rico. Both programs utilize a participatory and action‐oriented educational methodology known as popular education. The methodology is presented using examples to demonstrate its application to the planning, delivery and evaluation of pesticide education programs. Preliminary outcomes of using this methodology are also explored as well as implications for developing future training programs in the field.
Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome training from a union perspective
Authors: Askari Elaine , Mehring John
Published: April 2007

The authors developed a union sponsored 2‐day human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) “train the trainer” program for healthcare workers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program incorporated the “education for action” approach in an effort to respond to the inadequacies in many traditional, institutional trainings. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) conducted the HIV/AIDS “train the trainer” program for approximately 100 healthcare workers in county public hospitals and community health clinics. After completing the program, these workers went back to their healthcare facilities, or community organizations, and led additional classes on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention for approximately 600 more people. The goal of the program was to empower healthcare workers to: 1) identify the occupational risks associated with exposure to blood and potentially infectious body fluids at the workplace; 2) develop strategies to reduce those risks; 3) discuss their feelings about caring for an HIV/AIDS patient; and, 4) conduct HIV/AIDS workshops at the workplace.
Three participatory exercises on empowerment used in health and safety training of trainers course in Connecticut
Authors: Fleishman Jane M.
Published: April 2007

In a training‐of‐trainers course on health and safety sponsored by the Connecticut Council on Occupational Safety and Health and the Division of Worker Education, Workers' Compensation Commission, various participatory exercises have been utilized to train workers who are then expected to train their co‐workers. Three of the exercises, including hazard recognition, tackling apathy, and strategies for change are described.
Some lessons learned from using participatory methods in asbestos worker training
Authors: Cromley Jennifer
Published: April 2007

A nonprofit worker training center changed its teaching methods in response to teacher feelings of burnout, student expressions of boredom, and the requests of new staff members. The paper presents one problem‐solving case study that was developed. The author discusses some obstacles to using the case study, and her experiences in overcoming those obstacles.
Fluorocarbon 113 exposure and cardiac dysrhythmias among aerospace workers
Authors: Egeland Grace M. , Bloom Thomas F. , Schnorr Teresa M. , Hornung Richard W. , Suruda Anthony J. , Wille Kathleen K.
Published: April 2007

We investigated the cardiotoxic effects of 1.1,2‐Trichloro‐1,2,2‐Trifluoroethane (fluorocarbon 113 or FC113) exposures among healthy workers cleaning rocket and ground support equipment for the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) programs. Exposure and ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring data were evaluated on 16 workers, each of whom was examined on exposed and nonexposed workdays. We examined whether there was a greater rate of dysrhythmias on an exposed workday relative to a nonexposed workday. Overall, we found no within subject differences in the rate of ventricular and supraventricular premature beats (number per 1.000 heart beats), fluctuations in the length of the P‐R interval, or heart rate. We found that levels of FC113 exposures below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 8‐hour time‐weighted‐average (TWA) standard of 1,000 ppm did not induce cardiac dysrhythmias or subtle changes in cardiac activity. However, because fluorocarbons may sensitize the heart to epinephrine, this study's negative findings based on sedentary and fairly healthy workers may not be generalizable to other populations of workers who are not as healthy or engaged in more physically demanding work.
A mortality study of workers at seven beryllium processing plants
Authors: Ward Elizabeth , Okun Andrea , Ruder Avima , Fingerhut Marilyn , Steenland Kyle
Published: April 2007

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that the evidence for the carcinogenicity of beryllium is sufficient based on animal data but “limited” based on human data. This analysis reports on a retrospective cohort mortality study among 9,225 male workers employed at seven beryllium processing facilities for at least 2 days between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1969. Vital status was ascertained through December 31, 1988. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in the total cohort was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–1.42); significant SMRs for lung cancer were observed for two of the oldest plants located in Lorain, Ohio (SMR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.28–2.19) and Reading, Pennsylvania (SMR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03–1.48). For the overall cohort, significantly elevated SMRs were found for “all deaths” (SMR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.01–1.08), “ischemic heart disease” (SMR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01–1.14). “pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases” (SMR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.21–1.80), and “chronic and unspecified nephritis, renal failure, and other renal sclerosis” (SMR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.00–2.12). Lung cancer SMRs did not increase with longer duration of employment, but did increase with longer latency (time since first exposure). Lung cancer was particularly elevated (SMR = 3.33; 95% CI = 1.66–5.95) among workers at the Lorain plant with a history of (primarily) acute beryllium disease, which is associated with very high beryllium exposure. The lung cancer excess was not restricted to plants operating in the 1940s, when beryllium exposures were known to be extraordinarily high. Elevated lung cancer SMRs were also observed for four of the five plants operating in the 1950s for workers hired during that decade. Neither smoking nor geographic location fully explains the increased lung cancer risk. Occupational exposure to beryllium compounds is the most plausible explanation for the increased risk of lung cancer observed in this study. Continued mortality follow‐up of this cohort will provide a more definitive assessment of lung cancer risk at the newer plants and among cohort members hired in the 1950s or later at the older plants. Further clarification of the potential for specific beryllium compounds to induce lung cancer in humans, and the possible contribution of other exposures in specific processes at these plants, would require a nested case‐control study. We are currently assessing whether available industrial hygiene data would support such an analysis.
Mitochondrial coupling defect in Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2A disease
Authors: Loiseau Dominique , Chevrollier Arnaud , Verny Christophe , Guillet Virginie , Gueguen Naïg , Pou De Crescenzo Marie‐Anne , Ferré Marc , Malinge Marie‐Claire , Guichet Agnès , Nicolas Guillaume , Amati‐Bonneau Patrizia , Malthièry Yves , Bonneau Dominique , Reynier Pascal
Published: April 2007

Objective

Mutations of the mitofusin 2 gene (MFN2) may account for at least a third of the cases of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2). This study investigates mitochondrial cellular bioenergetics in MFN2‐related CMT2A.

Methods

Mitochondrial network morphology and metabolism were studied in cultures of skin fibroblasts obtained from four CMT2A patients harboring novel missense mutations of the MFN2 gene.

Results

Although the mitochondrial network appeared morphologically unaltered, there was a significant defect of mitochondrial coupling associated with a reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that the sharply reduced efficacy of oxidative phosphorylation in MFN2‐related CMT2A may contribute to the pathophysiology of the axonal neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2007;61:315–323
C‐terminal titin deletions cause a novel early‐onset myopathy with fatal cardiomyopathy
Authors: Carmignac Virginie , Salih Mustafa A. M. , Quijano‐Roy Susana , Marchand Sylvie , Al Rayess Molham M. , Mukhtar Maowia M. , Urtizberea Jon A. , Labeit Siegfried , Guicheney Pascale , Leturcq France , Gautel Mathias , Fardeau Michel , Campbell Kevin P. , Richard Isabelle , Estournet Brigitte , Ferreiro Ana
Published: April 2007

Objective

The giant protein titin is essential for striated muscle development, structure, and elasticity. All titin mutations reported to date cause late‐onset, dominant disorders involving either skeletal muscle or the heart. Our aim was to delineate the phenotype and determine the genetic defects in two consanguineous families with an early‐onset, recessive muscle and cardiac disorder.

Methods

Clinical and myopathological reevaluation of the five affected children, positional cloning, immunofluorescence, and Western blot studies were performed.

Results

All children presented with congenital muscle weakness and childhood‐onset fatal dilated cardiomyopathy. Skeletal muscle biopsies showed minicores, centrally located nuclei, and/or dystrophic lesions. In each family, we identified a homozygous titin deletion in exons encoding the C‐terminal M‐line region. Both deletions cause a frameshift downstream of the titin kinase domain and protein truncation. Immunofluorescence confirmed that truncated titins lacking the C‐terminal end were incorporated into sarcomeres. Calpain 3 was secondarily depleted.

Interpretation

M‐line titin homozygous truncations cause the first congenital and purely recessive titinopathy, and the first to involve both cardiac and skeletal muscle. These results expand the spectrum of early‐onset myopathies and suggest that titin segments downstream of the kinase domain are dispensable for skeletal and cardiac muscle development, but are crucial for maintaining sarcomere integrity. Ann Neurol 2007;61:340–351
The syndrome of transient epileptic amnesia
Authors: Butler Christopher R. , Graham Kim S. , Hodges John R. , Kapur Narinder , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Zeman Adam Z. J.
Published: April 2007

Objective

Transient amnesia can be the principal manifestation of epilepsy. This diagnosis, however, is seldom suspected by clinicians and remains controversial. The amnestic attacks are often associated with persistent memory complaints. This study was designed to provide the first description of transient epileptic amnesia in a substantial series of patients.

Methods

Fifty patients were recruited over 18 months using the following diagnostic criteria: (1) recurrent, witnessed episodes of amnesia; (2) other cognitive functions intact during attacks; and (3) compelling evidence of epilepsy. We assessed clinical features and performed neuropsychological evaluation in cases and 24 matched control subjects.

Results

Transient epileptic amnesia develops in later life (mean onset, 62 years). Amnestic episodes are frequent (median, 12/year), brief (median duration, 30–60 minutes), and often occur on waking (37/50 cases). Epilepsy was the initial specialist diagnosis in only 12 of 50 cases. Attacks ceased on anticonvulsant medication in 44 of 47 treated patients. A total of 40 of 50 cases described persistent memory difficulties. Despite normal performance on standard memory tests, patients exhibited accelerated forgetting of verbal and visual material over 3 weeks by comparison with matched control subjects (p < 0.001). They also showed loss of autobiographical memories for events extending back over 40 years (p < 0.05).

Interpretation

We propose that transient epileptic amnesia is a distinctive epilepsy syndrome, typically misdiagnosed at presentation and associated with accelerated long‐term forgetting and autobiographical amnesia. The syndrome is of clinical and theoretic importance. Ann Neurol 2007
Environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis. Part I: The role of infection
Authors: Ascherio Alberto , Munger Kassandra L.
Published: April 2007

Although genetic susceptibility explains the clustering of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases within families and the sharp decline in risk with increasing genetic distance, it cannot fully explain the geographic variations in MS frequency and the changes in risk that occur with migration. Epidemiological data provide some support for the “hygiene hypothesis,” but with the additional proviso for a key role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in determining MS risk. We show that whereas EBV stands out as the only infectious agent that can explain many of the key features of MS epidemiology, by itself the link between EBV and MS cannot explain the decline in risk among migrants from high to low MS prevalence areas. This decline implies that either EBV strains in low‐risk areas have less propensity to cause MS, or that other infectious or noninfectious factors modify the host response to EBV or otherwise contribute to determine MS risk. The role of infectious factors is discussed here; in a companion article, we will examine the possible role of noninfectious factors and provide evidence that high levels of vitamin D may have a protective role, particularly during adolescence. The primary purpose of these reviews is to identify clues to the causes of MS and to evaluate the possibility of primary prevention. Ann Neurol 2007;61:288–299
Early editorial manuscript screening versus obligate peer review: A randomized trial
Authors: Johnston S. Claiborne , Lowenstein Daniel H. , Ferriero Donna M. , Messing Robert O. , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Hauser Stephen L. , Stewart Adam F.
Published: April 2007

Peer review is a cornerstone of scientific publication. However, it is time consuming for reviewers and contributors, and must be balanced with editorial oversight for balance and bias. To test a more efficient method of reviewing manuscripts, we performed a randomized trial comparing traditional peer review for all manuscripts received by the Annals of Neurology with an early screening approach in which six editors rejected a manuscript without external review when the chance of acceptance was deemed very low. Of the 351 manuscripts entered into the trial, 88 were randomized to traditional external review and 263 to early screening. Rates of final acceptance were similar in the two groups (p = 0.41). Final decisions were more delayed for traditional review (mean 48 days versus 18 days with early screening; p < 0.0001) and more reviewers were required for each manuscript (mean 2.3 versus 0.7 with early screening; p < 0.0001). Among accepted manuscripts, reviewer ratings of scientific and clinical impact were similar. We conclude that a method of early screening of manuscripts for appropriateness for publication results in substantial decreases in the time between manuscript submission and publication decisions, and reduces the burden on reviewers with minimal impact on the quality of accepted manuscripts. Editorial screening is now journal policy. Ann Neurol 2007;61:A10–A12.
Preparation and characterization of polyamide nanofiltration composite membranes with TiO2 layers chemically connected to the membrane surface
Authors: Mo Joonghwan , Son Seung‐Hee , Jegal Jonggeon , Kim Jaephil , Lee Yong Hwan
Published: April 2007

A polyamide (PA) nanofiltration (NF) composite membrane with TiO2 layers was designed and prepared, in which the TiO2 layers were chemically linked to the crosslinked polyamide layers of the membrane. In this study, TiO2, one of the well known photo‐catalysts effectively degrading organics with UV light, was introduced to the PA NF membrane by using 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMOS), titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TIP) to improve its antifouling property. In particular, for this membrane, SiO2 layers were formed between the TiO2 layer and the crosslinked polyamide layer of the membrane to protect the organic parts of the membrane from the TiO2 catalyzed UV degradation. The prepared membrane with TiO2 layers was then characterized using several analytical methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and permeation tests. It was found that the prepared membrane was stable; especially the TiO2 layer of the membrane was found to be stable after several times of use for permeation test. The membrane showed a typical NF property, despite of the presence of the TiO2 layer. From long time tests with or without UV light, it was found that there was good antifouling effect on the membrane by the TiO2 layer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Endovascular treatment of traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta
Authors: Lettinga-van de Poll T , Schurink G W H , De Haan M W , Verbruggen J P A M , Jacobs M J
Published: April 2007

Background

Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta is a life-threatening event. Open surgical repair is the ‘gold standard’, but is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Endovascular repair is emerging as a potentially safer alternative.

Methods

A systematic review was performed of all published literature on this subject, including the authors' own experience. Using Sumsearch, PubMed and cross-references, all published reports up to January 2006 were identified, and analysed for injuries, perioperative morbidity, mortality, operating time, hospital stay and follow-up.

Results

A total of 284 patients were identified. Reported mortality rates range from 0 to 6 per cent. The procedure-related mortality rate is about 1·5 per cent. Some 6·7 per cent of all procedures were complicated by endoleak and the overall procedure-related morbidity rate was 14·4 per cent. These results are promising compared with those of open repair, but individual experience is limited and there may be some publication bias.

Conclusion

Endovascular repair of traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta seems to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple trauma. Ideally, both devices and experienced personnel should be available in trauma centres.
Duplex ultrasonography and varicose veins
Authors: London N J M
Published: April 2007

Duplex scans for all
Parallel strategies of occlusion culling on cluster of GPUs
Authors: Xiong Hua , Peng Haoyu , Qin Aihong , Shi Jiaoying
Published: April 2007

Parallel rendering, visibility culling and level‐of‐detail are key techniques to improve the rendering performance for large geometric data sets. Although each of these techniques has been researched extensively and some systems have been developed to combine them together. However, parallel occlusion culling, that is distributing the computation of occlusion culling to multiple computing nodes such as a CPUs cluster or a GPUs cluster, has rarely been touched. This is because most existing occlusion culling algorithms are difficult to parallelize or do not scale well when parallelized. We first introduce a novel occlusion culling algorithm that uses the occlusion query functionality provided by current GPU. We employ a visibility prediction technique based on temporal coherence to reduce the times of occlusion query. Furthermore, different strategies of parallelizing the occlusion culling algorithm on a GPUs cluster are proposed including data parallelism strategies and functionality parallelism strategies. Data parallelism strategies decompose the data sets for occlusion query into disjoint parts and map these queries on different cluster nodes for parallel execution while functionality parallelism strategies assemble an occlusion culling pipeline with multiple cluster nodes which outputs image stream steadily. We propose a number of solutions to some special issues on parallelizing this occlusion culling algorithm, such as the transferring of data dependency and the load‐balancing of occlusion culling pipeline. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed parallelism strategies of the occlusion culling algorithm based on the visibility predictor. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive soft‐touch dynamic deformations
Authors: Chen Hui , Sun Hanqiu , Jin Xiaogang
Published: April 2007

It is crucial for the users to touch, grasp and manipulate the interested objects through our sense of touch in many interactive applications, such as on‐line computer games, interactive cartoon design, and virtual prototyping. In this paper, we propose an interactive haptic deformation approach which incorporates the dynamic simulation of mass–spring systems and flexible control of free‐form deformation in the touch‐enabled soft‐object deformation. Through distributing mass, spring and damping coefficients of the object to the bounded Bezier volume lattice, the deformation of the object related to the haptic avatar follows the physical laws and has high working rate. Both homogenous and inhomogenous materials are simulated. The anchor nodes of haptic input are specified to create amazing special effects during the interactive haptic deformation. Interactive haptic deformations of three‐type tropic fishes, Angel, Demekin, and GuppyBlueGrass, have been experimented to simulate vivid fish swimming processes in the virtual ocean scene. Our proposed approach provides touch‐enabled input and efficient performance in the flexible deforming controls, letting the objects move in a dynamic, cartoon‐style deforming manner. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On a Hypothetical Generational Relationship between HCN and Constituents of the Reductive Citric Acid Cycle
Authors: Eschenmoser Albert
Published: April 2007

Encouraged by observations made on the course of reactions the HCN‐tetramer can undergo with acetaldehyde, I delineate a constitutional and potentially generational relationship between HCN and those constituents of the reductive citric acid cycle that are direct precursors of amino acids in contemporary metabolism. In this context, the robustness postulate of classical prebiotic chemistry is questioned, and, by an analysis of the (hypothetical) reaction‐tree of a stepwise hydrolysis of the HCN‐tetramer, it is shown how such a non‐robust chemical reaction platform could harbor the potential for the emergence of autocatalytic cycles. It is concluded that the chemistry of HCN should be revisited by focussing on its non‐robust parts in order to demonstrate its full potential as one of the possible roots of prebiotic self‐organizing chemical processes.
On the Chemistry and Evolution of the Pioneer Organism
Authors: Wächtershäuser Günter
Published: April 2007

The theory of a chemo‐autotrophic origin of life in a volcanic Iron‐Sulfur World postulates the emergence of a pioneer organism within a flow of volcanic exhalations. The pioneer organism is characterized by a composite structure with an inorganic substructure and an organic superstructure. Within the surfaces of the inorganic substructure, iron, cobalt, nickel, and other transition‐metal centers with sulfido, carbonyl, cyano, and other ligands are catalytically active, and promote the growth of the organic superstructure through carbon fixation, driven by the reducing potential of the volcanic exhalations. This pioneer organism is reproductive by an autocatalytic feedback effect, whereby some organic products serve as ligands for activating the catalytic metal centres whence they arise. This unitary structure–function relationship of the pioneer organism constitutes the ‘Anlage’ for two major strands of evolution: enzymatization and cellularization, whereby the upward evolution of life by increase of molecular complexity is grounded ultimately in the transition metal‐catalyzed, synthetic redox chemistry of the pioneer organism.
Errors and Alternatives in Prebiotic Replication and Catalysis
Authors: Ninio Jacques
Published: April 2007

The work on nonenzymatic nucleic acid replication performed by Leslie Orgel and co‐workers over the last four decades, now extended by work on artificial selection of RNA aptamers and ribozymes, is generating some pessimism concerning the ‘naked gene’ theories of the origin of life. It is suggested here that the low probability of finding RNA aptamers and ribozymes within pools of random sequences is not as disquieting as the poor gain in efficiency obtained with increases in information content. As acknowledged by Orgel and many other authors, primitive RNA replication and catalysis must have occurred within already complex and dynamic environments. I, thus, propose to pay attention to a number of possibilities that bridge the gap between ‘naked gene’ theories, on one side, and metabolic theories in which complex systems self‐propagate by growth and fragmentation, on the other side. For instance, one can de‐emphasize nucleotide‐by‐nucleotide replication leading to long informational polymers, and view instead long random polymers as storage devices, from which shorter oligomers are excised. Catalytic tasks would be mainly performed by complexes associating two or more oligomers belonging to the same or to different chemical families. It is proposed that the problems of stability, binding affinity, reactivity, and specificity could be easier to handle by heterogeneous complexes of short oligomers than by long, single‐stranded polymers. Finally, I point out that replication errors in a primitive replication context should include incorporations of alternative nucleotides with interesting, chemically reactive groups. In this way, an RNA sequence could be at the same time an inert sequence when copied without error, and a ribozyme, when a chemically reactive nucleotide is inadvertently introduced during replication.
Nonenzymatic Recombination of RNA: Possible Mechanism for the Formation of Novel Sequences
Authors: Lutay Alexei V. , Zenkova Marina A. , Vlassov Valentin V.
Published: April 2007

We report on the formation of novel RNA molecules in a recombination‐like, nonenzymatic reaction proceeding in the complex of partially complementary RNA‐oligonucleotides under very simple conditions. Analysis of the isolated products demonstrated that at least 5% of the formed linkages are of the (natural) 3′,5′‐phosphodiester type. We suggest that similar reactions could contribute to the development of the ‘RNA world’, but could also proceed in vivo within variously structured RNA or RNA complexes containing loops, bulges, or dangling ends, providing an emergence of novel RNA sequences.
Chemical Primer Extension: Individual Steps of Spontaneous Replication
Authors: Stütz Jan A. Rojas , Kervio Eric , Deck Christopher , Richert Clemens
Published: April 2007

The replication of genetic information, as we know it from today's biology, relies on template‐directed, polymerase‐catalyzed extension of primers. It is known that short stretches of complementary RNA can form on templates in the absence of enzymes. This account summarizes recent work on efficient enzyme‐free primer extension, both with 3′‐amino‐terminal deoxyribonucleotide primers and with primers made of unmodified RNA. Near‐quantitative primer extension with half‐life times on the order of hours has been demonstrated by using azaoxybenzotriazolides of nucleotides and downstream‐binding oligomers. Further, small non‐nucleosidic substituents placed on the terminus of the template or the downstream‐binding oligomer have been shown to increase the rate and fidelity of primer‐extension reactions. Since all four templating bases (A, C, G, T/U) direct sequence‐selective primer‐extension steps, we feel that there is renewed hope that full, nonenzymatic replication from monomers may eventually be achieved.
On the Interactions of Alkyl 2‐Hydroxycarboxylic Acids with Alkoxysilanes: Selective Esterification of Simple 2‐Hydroxycarboxylic Acids
Authors: Ansell Richard J. , Barrett Simon A. , Meegan Jonathan E. , Warriner Stuart L.
Published: April 2007

The interactions of a range of monocarboxylic acids with tetramethoxysilane Si(OMe)4 (TMOS), in methanol (MeOH), have been investigated by using 1H, 13C and 29Si solution‐phase NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). Si(OMe)4 acts as a catalyst/reagent in the selective methylation of 2‐hydroxycarboxylic acids (2HOAs) in MeOH at room temperature: glycolic acid, lactic acid and 2‐hydroxybutyric acid are esterified more than a hundred times faster in MeOH and Si(OMe)4 than in MeOH alone. No acceleration of methylation is observed for carboxylic acids lacking the 2‐hydroxy group. Methylation of the 2HOAs is associated with the condensation of individual siloxane units to form oligomers. A mechanism is proposed in which 2HOAs attach to silicon via the alkoxy group, then subsequently via the carboxyl group in an intramolecular rearrangement to form an unstable and reactive cyclic intermediate. This intermediate may lead to accelerated methylation of the carboxylic acid via nucleophilic attack of MeOH at the carbonyl group, while a separate reaction pathway leads to condensation of silanols and/or alkoxysilanes leading to oligosiloxanes. The mechanism has implications for the use of 2HOAs as templates in sol–gel silica preparation.
The Ball‐Shaped Heteropolytungstates [{Sn(CH3)2(H2O)}24{Sn(CH3)2}12(A‐XW9O34)12]36− (X=P, As): Stability, Redox and Electrocatalytic Properties in Aqueous Media
Authors: Keita Bineta , de Oliveira Pedro , Nadjo Louis , Kortz Ulrich
Published: April 2007

The electrochemical behavior of the ball‐shaped heteropolytungstates [{Sn(CH3)2(H2O)}24{Sn(CH3)2}12(A‐XW9O34)12]36− (X=P, 1; As, 2) was examined in aqueous electrolytes by redissolution of their respective mixed cesium–sodium salts Cs14Na22[{Sn(CH3)2(H2O)}24{Sn(CH3)2}12 (A‐PW9O34)12]⋅149 H2O (Cs14‐1) and Cs14Na22[{Sn(CH3)2(H2O)}24{Sn(CH3)2}12(A‐AsW9O34)12]⋅149 H2O (Cs14‐2). In the studied media, Cs14‐2 is readily soluble in contrast to the significantly less soluble Cs14‐1. The solubility of Cs14‐1 is increased by the presence of Li+ ions in solution. Gel filtration studies with 1 and 2 rule out a decay of the dodecameric spherical assemblies to Keggin‐based monomers on the timescale of the experiment. By UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, 2 was found to be significantly less stable than 1 and both polyanions also show rather different decomposition pathways. Polyanion 1 collapses first into Keggin‐type monomers which might contain the trilacunary [A‐α‐PW9O34]9−. The final monomeric species obtained from 1 appears to be very similar to [PW11O39]7−, which is the final transformation product of [A‐α‐PW9O34]9− in the same media. In contrast, 2 does not seem to follow an analogous transformation pathway as that of the trilacunary [A‐α‐AsW9O34]9−. Importantly, stabilization of 1 is observed in chloride media. The fairly long‐term stability of 1 in 1 M LiCl, pH 3, has allowed for its electrochemical study to be carried out. The solid‐state cyclic voltammogram of 1 entrapped in a carbon paste electrode shows the same characteristics as 1 dissolved in chloride solutions, thus supporting the conclusion that the polyanion is stable in these environments. Controlled potential coulometry on 1 indicates that the number of electrons consumed in the first wave is larger than twenty. To our knowledge, 1 constitutes the first example of a molecule that can take up such a large number of electrons resulting in a chemically reversible W‐wave. These properties show promise for future fundamental and applied studies. Polyanion 1 is also efficient in the electrocatalytic reduction of NOx, including nitrate. Finally, a remarkable interaction was found between 1 and NO, a highly promising feature for biomimetic applications.
Multisensory convergence in auditory cortex, I. Cortical connections of the caudal superior temporal plane in macaque monkeys
Authors: Smiley John F. , Hackett Troy A. , Ulbert Istvan , Karmas George , Lakatos Peter , Javitt Daniel C. , Schroeder Charles E.
Published: April 2007

The caudal medial auditory area (CM) has anatomical and physiological features consistent with its role as a first‐stage (or “belt”) auditory association cortex. It is also a site of multisensory convergence, with robust somatosensory and auditory responses. In this study, we investigated the cerebral cortical sources of somatosensory and auditory inputs to CM by injecting retrograde tracers in macaque monkeys. A companion paper describes the thalamic connections of CM (Hackett et al., J. Comp. Neurol. [this issue]). The likely cortical sources of somatosensory input to CM were the adjacent retroinsular cortex (area Ri) and granular insula (Ig). In addition, CM had reliable connections with areas Tpt and TPO, which are sites of multisensory integration. CM also had topographic connections with other auditory areas. As expected, connections with adjacent caudal auditory areas were stronger than connections with rostral areas. Surprisingly, the connections with the core were concentrated along its medial side, suggesting that there may be a medial‐lateral division of function within the core. Additional injections into caudal lateral auditory area (CL) and Tpt showed similar connections with Ri, Ig, and TPO. In contrast to CM injections, these lateral injections had inputs from parietal area 7a and had a preferential connection with the lateral (gyral) part of Tpt. Taken together, the findings indicate that CM may receive somatosensory input from nearby areas along the fundus of the lateral sulcus. The differential connections of CM compared with adjacent areas provide additional evidence for the functional specialization of the individual auditory belt areas. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:894–923, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Topographic organization of sensory afferents of Johnston's organ in the honeybee brain
Authors: Ai Hiroyuki , Nishino Hiroshi , Itoh Tsunao
Published: April 2007

Johnston's organ (JO) in insects is a multicellular mechanosensory organ stimulated by movement of the distal part of the antenna. In honeybees JO is thought to be a primary sensor detecting air‐particle movements caused by the waggling dance of conspecifics. In this study projection patterns of JO afferents within the brain were investigated. About 720 somata, distributed around the periphery of the second segment of the antenna (pedicel), were divided into three subgroups based on their soma location: an anterior group, a ventral group, and a dorsal group. These groups sent axons to different branches (N2 to N4) diverged from the antennal nerve. Dye injection into individual nerve branches revealed that all three groups of afferents, having fine collaterals in the dorsal lobe, sent axons broadly through tracts T6I, T6II, and T6III to terminate ipsilaterally in the medial posterior protocerebral lobe, the dorsal region of the subesophageal ganglion, and the central posterior protocerebral lobe, respectively. Within these termination fields only axon terminals running in T6I were characterized by thick processes with large varicosities. Differential staining using fluorescent dyes revealed that the axon terminals of the three groups were spatially segregated, especially in T6I, showing some degree of somatotopy. This spatial segregation was not observed in axon terminals running in other tracts. Our results show that projection patterns of JO afferents in the honeybee brain fundamentally resemble those in the dipteran brain. The possible roles of extensive termination fields of JO afferents in parallel processings of mechanosensory signals are discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1030–1046, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of Kv3.3 potassium channel subunits in distinct neuronal populations of mouse brain
Authors: Chang Su Ying , Zagha Edward , Kwon Elaine S. , Ozaita Andres , Bobik Marketta , Martone Maryann E. , Ellisman Mark H. , Heintz Nathaniel , Rudy Bernardo
Published: April 2007

Kv3.3 proteins are pore‐forming subunits of voltage‐dependent potassium channels, and mutations in the gene encoding for Kv3.3 have recently been linked to human disease, spinocerebellar ataxia 13, with cerebellar and extracerebellar symptoms. To understand better the functions of Kv3.3 subunits in brain, we developed highly specific antibodies to Kv3.3 and analyzed immunoreactivity throughout mouse brain. We found that Kv3.3 subunits are widely expressed, present in important forebrain structures but particularly prominent in brainstem and cerebellum. In forebrain and midbrain, Kv3.3 expression was often found colocalized with parvalbumin and other Kv3 subunits in inhibitory neurons. In brainstem, Kv3.3 was strongly expressed in auditory and other sensory nuclei. In cerebellar cortex, Kv3.3 expression was found in Purkinje and granule cells. Kv3.3 proteins were observed in axons, terminals, somas, and, unlike other Kv3 proteins, also in distal dendrites, although precise subcellular localization depended on cell type. For example, hippocampal dentate granule cells expressed Kv3.3 subunits specifically in their mossy fiber axons, whereas Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex strongly expressed Kv3.3 subunits in axons, somas, and proximal and distal, but not second‐ and third‐order, dendrites. Expression in Purkinje cell dendrites was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Kv3 channels have been demonstrated to rapidly repolarize action potentials and support high‐frequency firing in various neuronal populations. In this study, we identified additional populations and subcellular compartments that are likely to sustain high‐frequency firing because of the expression of Kv3.3 and other Kv3 subunits. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:953–972, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anterior hypothalamic neural activation and neurochemical associations with aggression in pair‐bonded male prairie voles
Authors: Gobrogge Kyle L. , Liu Yan , Jia Xixi , Wang Zuoxin
Published: April 2007

Male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) display mating‐induced pair bonding indicated by social affiliation with their female partners and aggression toward unfamiliar conspecifics. In the present study, we characterized their aggression associated with pair bonding and examined the related neuronal activation and neurochemical architecture. Males that were pair‐bonded for 2 weeks displayed intense levels of aggression toward a female or male conspecific stranger but maintained a high level of social affiliation with their familiar female partners. These social interactions induced increases in neural activation, indicated by increased density of Fos‐immunoreactive staining (Fos‐ir) in several brain regions including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial preoptic area (MPOA), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), anterior cortical (AcA), and medial nuclei (MeA) of the amygdala. In the anterior hypothalamus (AH), increased density of Fos‐ir staining was found specifically to be associated with aggression toward unfamiliar female or male strangers. In addition, higher densities of AH cells that were stained for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or vasopressin (AVP) were also labeled with Fos‐ir in these males displaying aggression toward a conspecific stranger compared with males displaying social affiliation toward their female partner. Together, our results indicate that dopamine and vasopressin in the AH may be involved in the regulation of enduring aggression associated with pair bonding in male prairie voles. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1109–1122, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular heterogeneity of developing retinal ganglion and amacrine cells revealed through single cell gene expression profiling
Authors: Trimarchi Jeffrey M. , Stadler Michael B. , Roska Botond , Billings Nathan , Sun Ben , Bartch Brandon , Cepko Constance L.
Published: April 2007

During development of the central nervous system (CNS), cycling uncommitted progenitor cells give rise to a variety of distinct neuronal and glial cell types. As these different cell types are born they progress from newly specified cells to fully differentiated neurons and glia. In order to define the developmental processes of individual cell types, single cell expression profiling was carried out on developing ganglion and amacrine cells of the murine retina. Individual cells from multiple developmental stages were isolated and profiled on Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays. Two‐color fluorescent in situ hybridization on dissociated retinas was used to verify and extend the microarray results by allowing quantitative measurements of a large number of cells coexpressing two genes. Together, these experiments have yielded an expanded view of the processes underway in developing retinal ganglion and amacrine cells, as well as several hundred new marker genes for these cell types. In addition, this study has allowed for the definition of some of the molecular heterogeneity both between developing ganglion and amacrine cells and among subclasses of each cell type. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1047–1065, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum crosslinked N‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen for evaluation of bone loss in hemodialysis patients using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Nakai Tsuyoshi , Kanbara Nobuaki
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

Useful markers of bone resorption are needed for hemodialysis (HD) patients with renal osteodystrophy. The present study investigated the use of a new immunoassay for the crosslinked N‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen to assess bone loss in HD patients.

METHODS

Forty‐seven male and 19 female patients were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 64 years, and the mean duration they had been receiving HD was 110 months at the time of investigation. Their mean body mass index (BMI) was 21 kg/m2. Serum levels of N‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTx) and of total calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal one‐third of the radius was examined by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Serum levels of NTx, Ca, P, Alp, and intact PTH were 68.9 nmol BCE/L, 4.5 mEq/L, 6.3 mg/dL, 248 IU/L, and 241 pg/mL, respectively. BMD was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.24, p < .05) and negatively correlated with NTx (r = −0.27, p < .05) and duration of HD (r = −0.24, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum NTx could be a useful marker of bone resorption in patients with renal osteodystrophy. If high serum NTx is found, then treatment for prevention of bone loss should be considered.
No evidence that an exercise‐based treatment programme (DDAT) has specific benefits for children with reading difficulties
Authors: Rack John P. , Snowling Margaret J. , Hulme Charles , Gibbs Simon
Published: April 2007

Reynolds and Nicolson (Dyslexia: An International Journal of Research & Practice, 2007) report follow‐up data 12 and 18 months after a period of intervention consisting of an exercise‐based treatment programme (Dyslexia Dyspraxia Attention Treatment Programme, DDAT). The findings suggested the treatment had effects on bead threading, balance, rapid naming, semantic fluency and working memory but not on reading or spelling. We argue that the design of the study is flawed, the statistics used to analyse the data are inappropriate, and reiterate other issues raised by ourselves and others in this journal in 2003. Current evidence provides no support for the claim that DDAT is effective in improving children's literacy skills. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sound design and balanced analyses: response to Rack and colleagues
Authors: Nicolson Roderick I. , Reynolds David
Published: April 2007

Rack, Snowling, Hulme and Gibbs (Dyslexia, 2007) provide a polemical critique of Reynolds and Nicolson (Dyslexia, 2007). We present further statistical analyses, as suggested. The further analyses confirm the findings reported. We also present a brief critique of the applicability of the clinical trials methodology to education. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Helminths, allergic disorders and IgE‐mediated immune responses: Where do we stand?
Authors: Erb Klaus J.
Published: April 2007

Th2 responses induced by allergens or helminths share many common features. However, allergen‐specific IgE can almost always be detected in atopic patients, whereas helminth‐specific IgE is often not detectable and anaphylaxis often occurs in atopy but not helminth infections. This may be due to T regulatory responses induced by the helminths or the lack of helminth‐specific IgE. Alternatively non‐specific IgE induced by the helminths may protect from mast cell or basophil degranulation by saturating IgE binding sites. Both of these mechanisms have been implicated to be involved in helminth‐induced protection from allergic responses. An article in the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology describes the generation of an anti‐Nippostrongylus brasiliensis‐specific IgE antibody which was used to identify a novel N. brasiliensis antigen (Nb‐Ag1). The authors demonstrated that Nb‐Ag1 specific IgE could only be detected for a short period of time during infection, and that these levels were sufficient to prime mast cells thereby leading to active cutaneous anaphylaxis after the application of Nb‐Ag1. This is the first report clearly showing that a low level of helminth‐specific IgE, transiently produced, is able to induce mast cell degranulation in the presence of large amounts of polyclonal IgE.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi/10.1002/eji.200737135
Determining restriction digest efficiency using the SNaPshot single‐base extension method and CE
Authors: Ballantyne Kaye N. , van Oorschot Roland A. H. , Kayser Manfred , Mitchell R. John
Published: April 2007

Incomplete restriction endonuclease digestion may cause complications during particular applications, where any undigested product may interfere with genotyping accuracy, cloning efficiency or PCR amplification. In some instances it may be useful to measure the amount of undigested DNA remaining in the sample, allowing redigestion or elimination of unsuitable samples. A single‐base extension SNP genotyping method (SNaPshot, Applied Biosytems) was adapted to interrogate restriction sites and their digestibility. The digested DNA was amplified by nested PCR to specifically amplify sections containing the restriction sites of interest. Single interrogation primers, terminating immediately 5′ of the cleavage site, were used in conjunction with the SNaPshot multiplex system and CE to detect intact, amplifiable product remaining in the digest. This method detected as little as 10 pg of intact DNA, within a larger proportion of digested DNA. Across two different restriction enzymes, the amount remaining undigested was found to be dependent on the amount of DNA, ranging from 0.08% with 200 ng to 1.25% with 600 ng.