Toxicology Track

Weekly Newsletter of the MSU Center for Integrative Toxicology
Director: Norbert Kaminski/Editor: Lois Furry

April 9, 2007, Vol. 30, Number 14

Seminars/Publications/Grants/Short Course/Positions/

Seminars

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics presents Donna Driscoll, Cleveland Clinic, to speak on "Mechanism and Regulation of Selenoprotein Synthesis" on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 1415 Biomedical and Physical Sciences.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology presents Robert Brenner, University of Texas Health Science Center,Department of Physiology, to speak on "BK Potassium Channels: Calcium Rheostats for Regulation of Smooth Muscular and Neuronal Excitability" on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 12 noon in B448-9 Life Sciences.

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition presents Ronald Prior, USDA-ARS, to speak on "Anthocyanins and Health: Metabolism, Obesity and Cancer" on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 4 p.m. in 101 Biochemistry.

*The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering presents Jack Harkema, Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, to speak on "Investigating the Potential Health Effects of Particulate Air Pollution in a Detroit Community: Inhalation Toxicology Studies Using a Mobile Ambient Air Particle Concentrator" on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 2320 Engineering Building.

*The Respiratory Research Initiative meeting will address "What We Learned at the SOT Meeting" on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in 162 Food Safety and Toxicology Building.

*The Department of Chemistry presents Dr. Mary Kaiser from the DuPont Experimental Station to speak on "Perfluorocarboxylates in the Environment: Where did They Come From?" on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. in 136 Chemistry.  CIT affiliated faculty wishing to meet with Dr. Kaiser during that day are encouraged to contact Victoria McGuffin (mcguffin@msu.edu).

*Fulfills seminar requirements for the Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences Graduate Programs.  Seminars that fulfill this requirement are archived at seminars.

Publications

Signal Transduction Pathways of Tumor Necrosis Factor-mediated Lung Injury Induced by Ozone in Mice. Cho HY, Morgan DL, Bauer AK, Kleeberger SR. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007 Apr 15;175(8):829-39.
 
Geochemical modulation of bioavailability and toxicity of nitroaromatic compounds to aquatic plants. Roberts MG, Rugh CL, Li H, Teppen BJ, Boyd SA. Environ Sci Technol. 2007 Mar 1;41(5):1641-5.
 
Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella on midwest and northeast USA dairy farms. Ray KA, Warnick LD, Mitchell RM, Kaneene JB, Ruegg PL, Wells SJ, Fossler CP, Halbert LW, May K. Prev Vet Med. 2007 May 16;79(2-4):204-23.
 
Evidence that in Xeroderma Pigmentosum Variant Cells, which Lack DNA Polymerase {eta}, DNA Polymerase {iota} Causes the Very High Frequency and Unique Spectrum of UV-Induced Mutations. Wang Y, Woodgate R, McManus TP, Mead S, McCormick JJ, Maher VM. Cancer Res. 2007 Apr 1;67(7):3018-26.
 
Arsenic and metaldehyde toxicosis in a beef herd. Valentine BA, Rumbeiha WK, Hensley TS, Halse RR.  J Vet Diagn Invest. 2007 Mar;19(2):212-5.
 
Development of a method for total inorganic arsenic analysis using anodic stripping voltammetry and a au-coated, diamond thin-film electrode. Song Y, Swain GM. Anal Chem. 2007 Mar 15;79(6):2412-20.

Grants

William Atchison and Gregory Fink received $143,176 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for "Mechanisms of PB-Induced Hypertension: Role of Altered Calcium Homeostasis."

Susan Ewart, Wilfried Karmaus and Marianne Huebner received $359,286 from the National Institutes of Health for "Genetic and Epidemiologic Cohort Study of Asthma and Alergy."

Robert Roth, Patricia Ganey and John LaPres received $278,580 from the National Institutes of Health for "Neutrophils and Hepatotoxicity."

James J. Pestka received $62,345 from the National Institutes of Health for "Mechanisms of Trichothecene Toxicity."

Kenneth Rosenman received $66,228 from Michigan Consumer and Industry Services for "Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE)."

Thomas Voice, V.V. Tarabara and Merlin Bruening received $462,140 from The National Science Foundation for "USA-Ukraine-France-Russia Partnership; New Generation Synthetic Membranes: Nanotechnology for Drinking Water Safety."

Short Course

This year, the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at MSU will offer its third annual, NIGMS-sponsored Short Course in Integrative and Organ Systems Pharmacology.  The Course will be offered August 15-17, 2007.  The objective of the course is to offer students, especially (but not only) those who generally focus on cellular and subcellular physiology and pharmacology in their work, the opportunity to explore issues that are more integrative in nature. Students participating in the past have included graduate students,
postdoctoral trainees, university faculty and industry-based scientists at junior and senior levels.  More information can be obtained from Peter Cobbett [cobbett@msu.edu]  or from Candace Winslow (Candace.Winslow@hc.msu.edu).  Alternatively, information can be obtained at  http://phmtox.msu.edu/summercourse.php.

Positions

Maryland Department of the Environment has an opening for an Environmental Program Manager I / Toxicologist.  The closing date is April 20, 2007 at 5 p.m. Salary Range: $47,709 - $76,598 (Grade 19) See official announcement at http://dbm.maryland.gov/. This is a senior level technical position with management responsibilities for individuals interested in environmental public health. The Department is seeking an individual with skills in risk sciences, environmental public health and project organization to (a) advance SSAs data resources for environmental public health assessment, (b) evaluate a broad array of environmental health hazards, analyze and communicate risk findings and recommend appropriate responses to protect public health (c) develop fish consumption advisories, and (4) coordinate the preparation and maintenance of the states water quality standards. This position maintains a high level of communication and coordination, and supports MDEs role in protecting public health and providing reliable information for policy makers and the public.  For more information contact Joanne Hobner, Office of Human Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment 1800, Washington Boulevard, Suite 535,Baltimore, Maryland 21230, Phone: 410-537-3100. Web: http://www.mde.state.md.us/.
 
The Utah State Department of Health located in Salt Lake City, UT has an opening for a masters prepared environmental assessment, environmental toxicology scientist to manage the ATSDR Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Project including coordination of environmental site assessments, data collection, analysis, report preparation, data dissemination, prepare required documents (public health assessments and/or addendum, site review updates, or health consultations); also will conduct environmental public health assessments and health consultations to determine if sites pose a toxic hazard to the public, determine the significance of that hazard, and identify actions that may reduce or eliminate the hazard. Conduct exposure investigations to gather more specific environmental exposure information. Site-specific community involvement plans will be developed and implemented at each site where public health assessment procedures are initiated. Successful candidate will develop and provide environmental health education for selected sites. Some in-state and out-of-state travel is required. Must have a MS degree in Toxicology or a closely related field of study. Employment is full time, temporary at-will. You MUST apply online at https://statejobs.utah.gov/ Requisition #12312
 
The International Lead Zinc Research Organization, a not-for-profit organization based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is seeking an environmental toxicologist to fill the position of Assistant Manager, Environment. The successful candidate will help manage research programs on the fate and effects of lead in the environment.  The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or Masters in a discipline relevant to environmental toxicology. A Masters candidate will have 3-5 years experience in a relevant position. The successful candidate will be able to function well independently and as a member of a team, manage multiple projects and tasks, and must have excellent verbal and written communications skills. Expertise and experience with metals is seen as a strong asset but not essential.  Responsibilities include developing and managing environmental research programs for lead through coordination with leading universities and laboratories around the world; provide technical consultation to the lead industry on environmental issues; and, communicate program activities to industrial, academic and government stakeholders. Anticipated travel is approximately 20%.  For application information, call the ILZRO headquarters at 919-361-4647.
 
The State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services seeks an Environmental Toxicologist for their Environmental Public Health Program in Anchorage, Alaska. This position will evaluate the health significance of chemicals in the environment in Alaska, considering the chemical and physical nature of the chemicals, site conditions, toxicological properties, and relevant exposure pathways. The incumbent will evaluate contaminants in fish and other subsistence foods, perform health assessments for communities impacted by contaminated sites, conduct lead exposure surveillance, and respond to a variety of other environmental health concerns.  Work experience and academic degree requirements are detailed on the Workplace Alaska website; US residents only.  Employer will assist with relocation costs.  Application must be made with an Applicant Profile and Job Qualification Summary that can be completed on the Internet using one of the following: General entrance to Workplace Alaska: http://notes4.state.ak.us/wa/mainentry.nsf/WebData/1hp1HomePage/?Open OR BY CALLING 800-587-0430 statewide and in Juneau call 907-465-4430 for a hard copy application. These forms, on-line or hard copy, must be received no later than 5:00 pm Alaska time on April 30, 2007 by the Department of Administration, Division of Personnel, P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, Alaska 99811-0201. Fax: 907-465-2576. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer and supports workplace diversity. Individuals requiring accommodations should call 800-587-0430, V/800-770-8973 TTY/TDD (Relay Alaska).