bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Well preserved non‐collagenous extracellular matrix proteins in ancient human bone and teeth
Authors: Schmidt‐Schultz T. H. , Schultz M.
Published: July 2006

Ancient bones in a good preservation state, ascertained by microscopic techniques, conserve extracellular matrix proteins over thousands of years. With new techniques, intact extracellular matrix proteins from ancient bones and teeth are extracted and separated by one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional electrophoresis. Proteins were identified in Western blots by special antibodies against different human extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules of bone. We have confirmed different types of ECM human bone molecules such as osteonectin, osteopontin, and alkaline phosphatase with specific antibodies in human bone samples from different age groups. Additionally, we selected bone samples from different cultural time periods, such as the Middle Ages, the Bronze Age and the Late Pre‐Pottery Neolithic Phase (PPNB), and teeth from individuals from the Early Middle Ages and from the Late PPNB. The survival of intact extracellular matrix proteins in ancient bones and teeth dating from recent times to the Late PPNB, and reliable techniques to identify these proteins, present a great challenge to further research. A Match Set with PD‐Quest 7.2 shows that only 16% of protein spots in the teeth are also found in the bone of the same individual. In combination with the results of macro‐ and microscopic investigation, biochemical techniques will help us in obtaining a better understanding of bone and teeth in health and disease. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public‐private partnerships in international trade: a lobbying effort from passive to aggressive in the USA?
Authors: Schuster Camille , Lundstrom William
Published: July 2006

Public‐private initiatives have been the domain of many governments as they try to shape international trade for their countries. The research presented in this paper indicates that US international businesses are not satisfied with the passive role that has been assumed by the US government and current public‐private partnerships. The evidence suggests that US companies desire a more aggressive role for the federal government in the not too distant future. Public‐private partnerships will be less informational and play an active part in stimulating international trade throughout the world. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Sleaze or clear blue water?: the evolution of corporate and pressure group representation at the major UK party conferences
Authors: Harris Phil , Lock Andrew
Published: July 2006

There has been growing academic and public interest in corporate political lobbying in both the UK and EU in recent years. In Britain, links between politicians and commercial interests have been one of the areas examined by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (‘the Nolan Committee’ and now ‘the Neill Committee’). A visible but under‐researched aspect of political lobbying by firms and other groups is the range of activities that take place at annual party conferences. An exhaustive study of these activities at the three main British party conferences between 1994–97 is reported, covering the period from Tony Blair's first appearance as party leader to the aftermath of the 1997 General Election. There is clear growth of visible lobbying, particularly at the Labour conferences, over the period leading up to the election, and a dropping off in 1997; particularly at the Conservative conference. The implications of the results for organisations, and particularly for public affairs practitioners, are considered. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Germany: public affairs reinvented
Authors: Behrens Peter‐Alberto
Published: July 2006

Reunification, growing international exposure and the move of the capital from Bonn to Berlin are not merely milestones for the major changes that have occurred in German politics since World War II. They are developments that have profoundly affected and continue to affect political life in Germany. The way that political, civic and economic interests engage with the political system has changed, and this raises the question of what public affairs is and can achieve in this context.

As practitioner the author observes four main trends. First, public affairs is increasingly being understood in terms of the meaning of the German word ‘Gesellschaftspolitik’. Second, the changing nature of how political issues are being communicated demands a growing expertise from all the players involved. Third, the general feeling among organisations for ‘need to do something political’ does not yet correspond with a specific demand for public affairs services. And last, a market for high profile consultancy‐led public affairs services is still in the making.

Public affairs practitioners in Germany will be key in shaping and developing the profile of public affairs as a serious discipline with services and expertise, maturely tailored to local market needs. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Issues management as a basis for strategic orientation
Authors: Brønn Peggy Simcic , Brønn Carl
Published: July 2006

A firm's strategic orientation is a complex function of many factors that are both internal and external to the organisation, and managerial attempts to exert control over these forces have resulted in a wealth of models and prescriptions for performing the many functions of strategic management. The issues management (IM) approach provides a solid foundation for addressing the important task of environmental monitoring. In this paper, the authors present an alternative view of issues management by focusing attention on the organisational prerequisites for it to be performed properly. This approach is based on the ‘Intelligence – Design – Choice – Implementation – Feedback (Learning) – Intelligence’ model of decision making. The authors argue for a reorientation of issues management in the direction of increased emphasis on the diagnostic (intelligence) activities. Their conclusion is that thinking strategically implies that the organisation actively employs systems thinking as the means for uncovering assumptions, identifying and classifying signals from the environment, and generating and testing hypotheses about the conclusions drawn from this process. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Thoughts on building a just market society
Authors: Thomas Michael
Published: July 2006

This paper explores the tensions that exist in contemporary society between the individual as citizen and the individual as consumer. The power of the global market place can potentially drive the polity, so it is necessary to raise questions about the means to secure a healthy civic and political life. Financial capitalism, knowledge capitalism and social capitalism are explored as a means of understanding the nature of modern market capitalism. Can financial knowledge and social capitalism be turned into a virtuous circle of innovation, growth and social progress? The paper suggests that trust is the glue, the cement of a just society, and the dimensions of this trust are explored. Finally, the paper examines the nature of stakeholder society. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
The anglicisation of political marketing: how Blair ‘out‐marketed’ Clinton
Authors: Ingram Peter , Lees‐Marshment Jennifer
Published: July 2006

Despite increasing academic interest in political marketing, confusion remains over its meaning and scope. Whilst most research focuses on its use in election campaigns, some argue that marketing influences other aspects of political behaviour. This paper contends that a lack of comparative research has contributed to this confusion. Theories derived from country‐specific studies may not be broadly applicable due to the impact of systemic differences. To show this, it analyses the case studies of Clinton in the 1992 US presidential election and Blair in the 1997 UK general election. Comparing the use of marketing in the two cases reveals that while systemic features created the scope for a broader, more coordinated and delivery‐oriented approach in the case of Labour, in both cases marketing influenced the design as well as the presentation of the ‘products’ on offer. This suggests that the potential applications of political marketing are broader than conventional definitions imply. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Policy making in political memoirs — the case of the poll tax
Authors: McGrath Conor
Published: July 2006

As a contemporary means of political communication, those memoirs of participants that offer insights into the formulation of public policy are significant resources for researchers. This is even more so when a range of accounts can be examined together and their assertions tested against each other. The development, implementation and ultimate failure of the Poll Tax is a key element of recent British political history. While historians will eventually have access to the official record, and journalists provided daily coverage at the time, politicians' memoirs can be used by political scientists to describe and then evaluate the operation of the policy‐making process. The Poll Tax is a highly instructive example of the chaos that can result if any political system produces a policy which is under‐researched and not subjected to searching evaluation in parallel with its development. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
The evolving profile, qualifications and roles of the senior public affairs officer
Authors: Fleisher Craig S.
Published: July 2006

Leading a public affairs department or function in North America has become increasingly complex, difficult, and valued in the last decade. The knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to perform this role effectively have undergone a transformation and become reflective of the socio‐political challenges entailed in the fast‐moving, global, information‐intensive economy. The top public affairs officer (PAO) will need to be a strategic thinker who can communicate effectively, have unquestioned integrity, maintain an international perspective, be an effective manager, and have the experience and savvy to navigate the trickiest of public policy processes and structures. These positions can be greatly rewarding for those individuals who are up to the task. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Risk factors for procedure‐related fetal losses after mid‐trimester genetic amniocentesis
Authors: Kong Choy Wah , Leung Tse Ngong , Leung Tak Yeung , Chan Lin Wai , Sahota Daljit Singh , Fung Tak Yuen , Lau Tze Kin
Published: July 2006

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the institutional pregnancy loss rate following second‐trimester genetic amniocentesis and to ascertain whether factors exist which would identify pregnancies at increased risk of having a procedure‐related fetal loss.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital

Methods

Details of the procedure and pregnancy outcome of all patients who had amniocentesis planned or performed between 15–22 gestational weeks between January 1997 and June 2004 were extracted from our clinical audit database. The procedure‐related fetal loss rate, defined as all unintended abortions, stillbirths and neonatal deaths without major fetal abnormalities or obvious obstetric causes, was determined and compared to a presumed background fetal loss rate of 0.8% based on a cohort of women who did not undergo the procedure.

Results

A total of 3468 consecutive amniocentesis were performed in 3440 patients with 3498 fetuses. The mean gestational age at amniocentesis was 17.6 ± 1.2 weeks. The majority (98.6%) required only one puncture and a transplacental procedure was required in 2.7% cases. A total of 3465 chromosomal studies were performed. Sixty six cases (1.9%) of major chromosomal abnormalities were detected.

Pregnancy outcome was ascertained in all except 26 singleton pregnancies (0.74%). There were 3285 (93.9%) livebirths, 103 (2.9%) termination of pregnancies (TOP), 6 (0.17%) fetal demises before the procedure, and 20 (0.61%) unintended fetal losses due to significant fetal abnormalities or obstetric complications. The remaining 58 fetal losses (1.66%) were classified as potentially procedure‐related, which could be either background fetal losses or procedure‐related. The procedure‐related fetal loss rate after correcting for the background loss rate was 0.86%.

Potentially procedure‐related fetal losses were found to be significantly associated with a procedure at 18 weeks or beyond (odds ratio OR = 1.97), a procedure performed for abnormal second‐trimester biochemical screening test (OR = 3.08), a bloody tap (OR = 6.48), and a female fetus (OR = 2.39); but not to the number of punctures (p = 0.66) nor transplacental amniocentesis (p = 0.104).

Conclusions

Mid‐trimester amniocentesis is associated with a small but significant risk of fetal loss of 0.86%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties of Nafion and titania/Nafion composite membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Satterfield M. Barclay , Majsztrik Paul W. , Ota Hitoshi , Benziger Jay B. , Bocarsly Andrew B.
Published: July 2006

Measurements of the mechanical and electrical properties of Nafion and Nafion/titania composite membranes in constrained environments are reported. The elastic and plastic deformation of Nafion‐based materials decreases with both the temperature and water content. Nafion/titania composites have slightly higher elastic moduli. Thecomposite membranes exhibit less strain hardening than Nafion. Composite membranes also show a reduction in the long‐time creep of ∼40% in comparison with Nafion. Water uptake is faster in Nafion membranes recast from solution in comparison with extruded Nafion. The addition of 3–20 wt % titania particles has minimal effect on the rate of water uptake. Water sorption by Nafion membranes generates a swelling pressure of ∼0.55 MPa in 125‐μm membranes. The resistivity of Nafion increases when the membrane is placed under a load. At 23 °C and 100% relative humidity, the resistivity of Nafion increases by ∼15% under an applied stress of 7.5 MPa. There is a substantial hysteresis in the membrane resistivity as a function of the applied stress depending on whether the pressure is increasing or decreasing. The results demonstrate how the dynamics of water uptake and loss from membranes are dependent on physical constraints, and these constraints can impact fuel cell performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2327–2345, 2006
Design and synthesis of ion‐conductive polyphosphazenes for fuel cell applications: Review
Authors: Allcock Harry R. , Wood Richard M.
Published: July 2006

New proton‐conductive fuel cell membranes have been produced by the linkage of acidic functional groups to aryloxy side units attached to a polyphosphazene macromolecular chain. The functional groups include sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, and sulfonimide units. The different functional groups impart different water retention, proton conduction, and methanol resistance to the membranes. Special advantages are foreseen for uses in direct methanol fuel cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2358–2368, 2006
Fully relativistic analysis of the absorption spectra of Ca3Sc2Ge3O12:Ni2+
Authors: Brik M. G. , Ogasawara K.
Published: July 2006

Systematic analysis of the energy level schemes, ground state absorption (GSA) and covalency effects for the Ni2+ ion in Ca3Sc2Ge3O12 was performed. The recently developed first‐principles approach to the analysis of the absorption spectra of impurity ions in crystals based on the discrete variational multi‐electron method (DV‐ME) [K. Ogasawara et al., Phys. Rev. B 64, 115413 (2001)] was used in the calculations. As a result, complete energy level schemes of Ni2+ and its absorption spectra at both possible crystallographic positions (distorted octahedral Sc3+ and tetrahedral Ge4+ positions) were calculated, assigned and compared with experimental data. Energies of the charge transfer (CT) transitions for both positions are estimated. Numerical contributions of all possible electron configurations into the calculated energy states were determined. By performing analysis of the molecular orbitals (MO) population, it was shown that the covalency of the chemical bonds between the Ni2+ and O2− ions increases in passing from the hexa‐ to the tetra‐coordinated complex. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermopower in nearly compensated tunnel junctions
Authors: Maťašovská S. , Hlubina R.
Published: July 2006

The electric current across a tunnel junction between two metals results from the flow of electrons and holes. Generically, one of the two contributions to the current dominates. It is shown that the sign of the thermopower across a tunnel junction provides a direct information about the sign of the dominant charge carriers inside the junction. We predict that for nearly compensated tunnel junctions in which the electron and the hole contributions are of comparable magnitude, the thermopower can be strongly enhanced with respect to the generic case, because of an interference effect between electron and hole paths. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The anisotropy of dielectric properties in the orthorhombic and hexagonal structures of Anhydrite – an ab initio and hybrid DFT study
Authors: Mallia Giuseppe , Dovesi Roberto , Corà Furio
Published: July 2006

The effects of an electric field on the electronic properties of a typical ionic‐covalent compound, Anhydrite (CaSO4), are investigated within the HF level of theory and two different formulations of hybrid DFT functionals (B3LYP [A. Becke, J. Chem. Phys. 98, 5648 (1993)] and F 0.6‐BLYP [F. Corà et al., Structure and Bonding 113, 171–232 (2004)]). An external electric field is applied along each of the three periodic lattice vectors of the orthorhombic and hexagonal structures in order to detect the anisotropy of the response. The perturbation introduced by the field is analysed in terms of Mulliken charges and electron density maps. The largest response is due to a polarisation of the covalent SO bonds of the sulfate ions. The high frequency dielectric tensor, ε ∞, is computed and compared with the experimental value; its anisotropy can be rationalised by the orientation of the sulfate ions relative to the three crystallographic directions. We find that the calculated value of ε ∞ decreases on increasing the percentage of HF exchange in the Hamiltonian; the best match with experiment is given by B3LYP, but a higher percentage of HF exchange is required to reproduce the anisotropy in ε ∞, a feature that we attribute to the better representation of the equilibrium geometry and bond distances in the latter case. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Control of capture‐induced coherences in wave packet transport through nanostructures
Authors: Reiter D. , Glanemann M. , Axt V. M. , Kuhn T.
Published: July 2006

Two different scenarios of controlling occupations and coherences of a quantum dot are discussed. In both cases two wave packets travelling through a quantum wire are used. In the first scenario the two wave packets are generated at both sides of the dot and the coherence is controlled by transport mechanisms. In the second scenario the wave packets are generated at the same spot so that the occupations and coherence are strongly affected by the interference between the laser pulses. Additionally in the latter scenario we show the crossover from the pulse shaping induced coherent control to the control by means of transport. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Floquet versus non‐Floquet solutions for a periodic Hamiltonian
Authors: Lefebvre Roland
Published: July 2006

The situation of a particle interacting with two electric fields, one static and the other periodic in time, may be of interest in the study of the conductance of nanostructures. The static field corresponds to a bias voltage applied between the two electrodes, while the oscillatory field is due to laser illumination. The problem can be described by a variety of Hamiltonians, some time periodic, others not. Following some recent investigations about the solution of the one‐dimensional wave equation for the time‐dependent linear potential, it is shown that there are solutions of the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation with a periodic Hamiltonian that do not follow the usual Floquet pattern of being the product of an energy‐dependent exponential by a time‐periodic factor. We show how to relate the two types of solutions, those conforming with the Floquet ansatz and the non‐Floquet ones. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Extension of the active‐space equation‐of‐motion coupled‐cluster methods to radical systems: The EA‐EOMCCSDt and IP‐EOMCCSDt approaches
Authors: Gour Jeffrey R. , Piecuch Piotr , Włoch Marta
Published: July 2006

The development of the active‐space variants of the electron‐attached (EA) and ionized (IP) equation‐of‐motion coupled‐cluster (EOMCC) methods, in which higher‐than‐doubly excited components of the cluster operator T and higher than 2p‐1h or 2h‐1p components of the electron attaching and ionizing operators R are defined through the use of active orbitals, is discussed. As shown by preliminary test calculations of adiabatic excitation energies and potential energy curves for the low‐lying states of the CH and OH radicals, the basic active‐space EA‐EOMCC and IP‐EOMCC methods, referred to as the EA‐EOMCCSDt and IP‐EOMCCSDt approaches, are capable of accuratelydescribing the ground and excited states of open‐shell systems, even at the moderately stretched nuclear geometries and even for states with a strong multi‐determinantal or doubly excited character, at the low costs that are on the order of those characterizing the standard EOMCC singles and doubles method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Bio‐Broker: a tool for integration of biological data sources and data analysis tools
Authors: Aldana J. F. , Roldán‐Castro M. , Navas I. , Roldán‐García M. M. , Hidalgo‐Conde M. , Trelles O.
Published: July 2006

In this work we present an architecture for XML‐based mediator systems and a framework for helping systems developers in the construction of mediator‐services for the integration of heterogeneous data sources. A unique feature of our architecture is its capability to manage (proprietary) user's software tools and algorithms, modelled as Extended Value Added Services (EVASs), and integrated in the data flow. The mediator offers a view of the system as a single data source where EVASs are readily available for enhancing query processing. A Web‐based graphic interface has been developed to allow dynamic and flexible EVASs inter‐connection, thus creating complex distributed bioinformatics machines. The feasibility and usefulness of our ideas has been validated by the development of a mediator system (Bio‐Broker) and by a diverse set of applications aimed at combining gene expression data with genomic, sequence‐based and structural information, so as to provide a general, transparent and powerful solution that integrates data analysis tools and algorithms. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Framework for matching requirements elicitation techniques to project characteristics
Authors: Tsumaki Toshihiko , Tamai Tetsuo
Published: July 2006

One of the most difficult jobs for requirements engineers is to select an appropriate RE method for the project at hand. Good engineers make good choices and have skills in applying selected techniques appropriately. Poor engineers usually have a narrow choice range limited by their training and biased by their experience. Once a RE technique that does not fit the current project is selected, the project is doomed to fail. In this article, we propose a framework to characterize typical RE techniques and use it as a base for selecting appropriate techniques at the time a project is started, as well as at the time a change in the nature of the project is recognized, or an obstacle is encountered in defining a suitable set of requirements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of Ah receptor by pure humic acids
Authors: Bittner Michal , Janošek Jaroslav , Hilscherová Klára , Giesy John , Holoubek Ivan , Bláha Luděk
Published: July 2006

Humic substances (HS) are ubiquitous in the environment. However, some studies indicate that HS could induce direct adverse effects on human health and hormone‐like effects in fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. In this study we investigated a possible biochemical mechanism of HS toxicity via activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR mediates the toxic and biological effects of environmental contaminants such as 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), but a number of structurally diverse compounds has also been found to activate AhR. Alkali solutions of humic acids (HA) were prepared, and subsequently, lipophilic compounds (including parts of HA) were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with hexane/dichloromethane. Organic extract of HA was further treated with sulfuric acid to study the role of possible trace persistent contaminants. In vitro dioxin‐like activities of obtained extract and HA solutions have been evaluated using H4IIE.luc cells by determining the ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity and induction of AhR‐dependent reporter luciferase. Traces of nonpersistent residues in HA with known AhR activity were identified and quantified by GC‐MS. Our results show that an alkali solution as well as organic extract of HA were active in both EROD and luciferase assays, while H2SO4‐treated extract activity was negligible. Only nonsignificant levels of AhR‐inducing contaminants (PAHs and PCBs) were found in the HA samples. Our results indicate that HA or their fragments can elicit significant inductions of AhR‐mediated effects in vitro. To our best knowledge, this study is the first in providing direct evidence of dioxin‐like effects of HA. Further efforts should focus on detailed characterization of potential toxic effects of various HSs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 338–342, 2006.
Toxicity assessment of reference and natural freshwater sediments with the LuminoTox assay
Authors: Dellamatrice P. M. , Monteiro R. T. R. , Blaise C. , Slabbert J. L. , Gagné F. , Alleau S.
Published: July 2006

We examined the possibility of adapting the LuminoTox, a recently‐commercialized bioanalytical testing procedure initially developed for aqueous samples, to assess the toxic potential of sediments. This portable fluorescent biosensor uses photosynthetic enzyme complexes (PECs) to rapidly measure photosynthetic efficiency. LuminoTox testing of 14 CRM (Certified Reference Material) sediments was first undertaken with (1) a “solid phase assay” (Lum‐SPA) in which PECs are in intimate contact with sediment slurries for a 15 min exposure period and (2) an elutriate assay (Lum‐ELU) in which PECs are exposed for 15 min to sediment water elutriates. CRM sediment toxicity data were then compared with those generated with the Microtox Solid Phase Assay (Mic‐SPA). A significant correlation (P < 0.05) was shown to exist between Lum‐SPA and Mic‐SPA, indicating that both tests display a similar toxicity response pattern for CRM sediments having differing contaminant profiles. The sediment elutriate Lum‐ELU assay displayed toxicity responses (i.e. measurable IC20s) for eight of the 14 CRM sediments, suggesting that it is capable of determining the presence of sediment contaminants that are readily soluble in an aqueous elutriate. Lum‐SPA and Mic‐SPA bioassays were further conducted on 12 natural freshwater sediments and their toxicity responses were more weakly, yet significantly, correlated. Finally, Lum‐SPA testing undertaken with increasing mixtures of kaolin clay confirmed that its toxicity responses, in a manner similar to those reported for the Mic‐SPA assay, are also subject to the influence of grain size. While further studies will be required to more fully understand the relationship between Lum‐SPA assay responses and the physicochemical makeup of sediments (e.g., grain size, combined presence of natural and anthropogenic contaminants), these preliminary results suggest that LuminoTox testing could be a useful screen to assess the toxic potential of solid media. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 395–402, 2006.
Ecotoxicological properties of wastewater treated using tertiary methods
Authors: Petala M. , Samaras P. , Zouboulis A. , Kungolos A. , Sakellaropoulos G.
Published: July 2006

The objective of this work was the examination of the efficiency of coagulation and ozonation processes for the production of reclaimed wastewater with low toxicity. Municipal secondary effluents were treated by FeCl3, Al2(SO4)3 (alum), and a commercial substance at metal ion concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mmol/L. Alternatively, the effluents were treated by ozonation in a semibatch ozone reactor. The feed gas was introduced at a flowrate of 3 L/min containing ozone at various concentrations, ranging between 2.5 and 8 mg/L; ozone residence times were 2, 5, 15, and 30 min. The toxic effects of the advanced treated effluents were examined by a battery of tests using the marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri, the freshwater crustaceans Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, and Thamnocephalus platyurus, and the rotifers Brachionus calyciflorus. The addition of alum decreased the toxic effect of reclaimed wastewater on immobilization of D. pulex, from 90 to 60%. Ozonation was also effective for toxicity removal, which decreased to 25% effect on D. pulex after treatment by 2.5 mg O3/L for 2 min. However, acute toxic effects after ozonation, were observed on V. fischeri and were related to ozone gas concentration and contact time. At the highest ozone dosage, the toxicity reached almost 100% inhibition of bioluminescence after 15 min. The toxicity of the ozonated effluents to bacteria decreased with sample storage time and was almost negligible after 48 h, indicating that the potential adverse effect of reclaimed wastewaters on receiving waters might be reduced by storage for a certain time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 417–424, 2006.
Multiplex PCR‐based detection of potential fumonisin‐producing Fusarium in traditional African vegetables
Authors: Bezuidenhout Cornelius Carlos , Prinsloo Maryn , Van der Walt Anna Margaretha
Published: July 2006

Culture‐independent methods employed in fungal genetic studies using in vitro amplification (PCR) and analysis of specific genes or gene fragments have proved to be useful for detection, identification, and molecular taxonomy of various plant pathogens including Fusarium spp. This approach may be faster than culture‐dependent methods, and could especially be of value for the rapid detection of slow‐growing toxin‐producing species in food samples. The present study was aimed at the development and evaluation of multiplex PCR‐based methods for the detection and identification of potential fumonisin‐producing Fusarium spp. in traditional morogo—leafy vegetables supplementing the maize‐based staple diet of rural communities in South Africa. In these rural subsistence settings, some morogo plants grow as weeds in maize fields where they might become contaminated with potential fumonisin‐producing Fusarium strains before being collected for consumption. Substances released by senescent vegetables could induce toxin production during storage. Using fumonisin‐positive MRC Fusarium verticillioides strains as reference cultures, the following primer sets for the detection of specific gene fragments in fumonisin‐positive Fusarium spp. were evaluated: (i) the conserved transcription elongation factor gene (EF‐1), (ii) the FUM1 gene encoding polyketide synthase for fumonisin B1 production, and (iii) 18S rRNA gene. Preliminary results indicated that, these DNA fragments were amplified from MRC reference strains as well as Fusarium spp. isolated from morogo. The annealing temperature for the multiplex PCR was 55°C and each reaction contained 25 pmol of each of the primer sets EF and FUM1 and 12.5 pmol of the 18S primer set. The detection limit of the individual primers was up to 1 ng and for the multiplex up to 10 ng. This demonstrates the potential of this method for the detection of potential fumonisin‐positive strains. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 360–366, 2006.
Effects of N‐heterocyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbons on survival, reproduction, and biochemical parameters in Daphnia magna
Authors: Feldmannová M. , Hilscherová K. , Maršálek B. , Bláha L.
Published: July 2006

N‐heterocyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N‐PAHs) belong among newly identified classes of environmental pollutants with relatively high toxic potential. N‐PAHs have been detected in air, soil, marine environments, and freshwater sediments. The N‐PAHs are present at lower concentrations than their nonsubstituted analogues but their greater solubility would lead to greater bioavailibity and potential for toxic effects. Here we present results of acute and chronic toxicity in traditional aquatic invertebrate ecotoxicological model (Daphnia magna) along with assessment of biochemical responses. Studied biomarkers in D. magna exposed to N‐heterocyclic derivatives included glutathione levels and activities of detoxication and antioxidative enzymes glutathione S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase. Phenanthrene and 1,10‐phenathroline were the most toxic of all tested compounds (EC50 < 6 μM after 48 h exposure) and all tested N‐PAHs suppressed reproduction of Daphnia magna. The data suggest that N‐PAHs can induce oxidative stress in D. magna. The significant decline of glutathione content was found in animals treated with acridine, 1,10‐phenanthroline, benzo(h)quinoline, phenantridine, and phenazine. Significant decrease of GPx activities relative to controls was found for all tested compounds except of phenanthrene and phenazine. Activities of GST increased after exposure to phenanthridine, phenazine, and benzo(h)quinoline, and declined in D. magna treated with phenanthrene (significant at one concentration) or anthracene (not significant). Our results confirmed significant acute as well as chronic toxicities of N‐PAHs as well as potential of biochemical parameters to be used as early warning signals of toxicity in Daphnia magna. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 425–431, 2006.
Impact of five selected xenobiotics on isolated ammonium oxidizers and on nitrifying activated sludge
Authors: Dokianakis S. N. , Kornaros M. , Lyberatos G.
Published: July 2006

Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are usual receptors of xenobiotic compounds that have to be cotreated with municipal wastewaters before being discharged to the water environment. The presence of organic contaminants, such as surfactants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and their primary degradation products in the influents of STPs may inhibit irreversibly sensitive biological processes, such as nitrification. The first step of nitrification, i.e., the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite (nitritification), is particularly sensitive. Inhibition of this step under uncontrolled conditions may completely inhibit biological nitrogen removal. The aim of this work was to study the possible inhibitory effect of five selected xenobiotics on (a) a mixed culture of ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria isolated from activated sludge and (b) nitrifying activated sludge directly. The xenobiotics that were tested include nonylphenols (NP), nonylphenolethoxylates (NPEO), linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), as a representative phthalate ester, and the PAH phenanthrene. Remarkable inhibitory effects for all tested compounds were observed in this study even at xenobiotic concentrations as low as 1 mg/L. The observed inhibition of xenobiotics on nitrifying activated sludge was less pronounced, because of the masking effect exerted by the sludge flocs, but was still significant for many of the tested substances at concentrations up to 10 mg/L. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 310–316, 2006.
Toxicity of nonylphenol on the cnidarian Hydra attenuata and environmental risk assessment
Authors: Pachura‐Bouchet S. , Blaise C. , Vasseur P.
Published: July 2006

Alkylphenols and their derivatives, alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs), are synthetic chemicals of concern owing to their endocrine properties. Nonylphenol (NP) is a critical APE metabolite because of its recalcitrance to biodegradation, toxicity, and ability to bio‐accumulate in aquatic organisms. Studies of NP effects in vertebrates demonstrated estrogenic disrupting properties in fish, birds, reptiles, and mammal cells in which NP displaces the natural estrogen from its receptor. Less is known on its toxicity toward invertebrates. Effects on reproduction have been reported, but toxicity on development has been poorly documented thus far. We investigated NP toxicity on survival and regeneration of the freshwater coelenterate Hydra attenuata. Hydra is known for its regenerative capacity and its sensitivity to chemical pollution. It has been used for over 20 years to screen for teratogenicity of chemicals (Johnson et al. (1982) Teratog Carcinog Mutagen 2:263–276). Our results showed that hydra appeared as one of the most sensitive species to acute and chronic toxicity of NP compared to several freshwater invertebrates. Regeneration was disrupted at NP concentrations lower than those affecting survival. Toxicity thresholds of NP for aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates are also reported and discussed in the context of environmental risk assessment and of water quality objectives recommended for surface waters in industrialized countries. NP levels have decreased during the last decade because of a voluntary agreement of surfactant producers and users. At present, concentrations of NP found in surface waters are far below 1 μg/L in Europe, but can reach several μg/L when wastewater treatment plant inefficiency occurs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 388–394, 2006.
Brain and gonadal aromatase as potential targets of endocrine disrupting chemicals in a model species, the zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Hinfray N. , Palluel O. , Turies C. , Cousin C. , Porcher J. M. , Brion F.
Published: July 2006

Many chemicals in the aquatic environment are able to adversely affect in vitro brain and ovarian aromatase expression/activity. However, it remains to be determined if these substances elicit in vivo effect in fish. With the view to further understanding possible effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aromatase function, we first developed methods to measure brain and ovarian aromatase expression/activity in a model species, the zebrafish, and assessed the effect of estradiol (E2) and androstatrienedione (ATD), a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. We showed that CYP19b gene was predominantly expressed in the brain whereas in the ovary CYP19a mRNA level was predominant. Moreover, aromatase activities (AA) were higher in brain than in ovary. In adult zebrafish, E2 treatment had no effect on aromatase expression/activity in brain, whereas at larval stage, E2 strongly triggered CYP19b expression. In the ovaries, E2 led to a complete inhibition of both CYP19a expression and AA. Exposure to ATD led to a total inhibition of both brain and ovarian AA but had no effect on CYP19 transcripts abundance. Together, these results provide relevant knowledge concerning the characterization of aromatase in the zebrafish, and reinforce the idea that brain and ovarian aromatase are promising markers of EDCs in fish and deserve further in vivo studies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 332–337, 2006.
Temporal variation in an immune response gene (MHC I) in anadromous Salmo trutta in an Irish river before and during aquaculture activities
Authors: Coughlan James , McGinnity Philip , O'Farrell Brian , Dillane Eileen , Diserud Ola , de Eyto Elvira , Farrell Killian , Whelan Ken , Stet René J.M. , Cross Thomas F.
Published: July 2006

Several studies have documented the genetic effects of intraspecific hybridization of cultured and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). However, the effect of salmon aquaculture on wild congeners is not so well understood. Diseases, introduced or increased in incidence by salmon aquaculture activities, may have an impact on co-occurring wild sea trout (Salmo trutta L.), as implied by the steep decline in sea trout numbers in many Irish, Scottish, and Norwegian rivers since the late 1980s, which may be linked to sea lice infestations associated with marine salmonid farming. Our data suggest that salmon farming and ocean ranching can indirectly affect, most likely mediated by disease, the genetics of cohabiting sea trout by reducing variability at major histocompatibility class I genes. We studied samples of DNA extracted from scales of sea trout in the Burrishoole River, in the west of Ireland, before and at intervals during aquaculture activities. In these samples, allelic variation at a microsatellite marker, tightly linked to a locus critical to immune response (Satr-UBA), was compared with variation at six neutral microsatellite loci. A significant decline in allelic richness and gene diversity at the Satr-UBA marker locus, observed since aquaculture started and which may indicate a selective response, was not reflected by similar reductions at neutral loci. Subsequent recovery of variability at the Satr-UBA marker, seen among later samples, may reflect an increased contribution by resident brown trout to the remaining sea trout stock.
The use of catch statistics to monitor the abundance of escaped farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in the sea
Authors: Skilbrei Ove T. , Wennevik Vidar
Published: July 2006

Catch statistics and scale samples were collected from a gillnet fishery targeting escaped farmed salmonids between 1 October and 28 February each year from 2001 to 2004 in Hordaland County, western Norway. Fish were classified into different groups, or escape incidents, using catch per unit effort (cpue) and size distribution of the catch from different geographical subregions. Reported escape incidents of both rainbow trout and salmon appeared to be followed by peaks in the cpue lasting four to six weeks, but a large proportion of the catch of escaped salmon appeared to stem from unreported, small-scale escape events. The wide size-range of fish caught suggests that the escapees originated from different escape incidents, and the variability between regions suggests that most catches were of local origin. Genetic comparisons among three groups of escapees indicated that DNA profiling may facilitate identification in monitoring programmes of escapees originating in different genetic groups. A low incidence of wild fish was found in the catches. Provided the conservation status of local wild salmonid stocks is taken into account, a fishery targeting escaped farmed salmonids may reduce the numbers of escapees, thus lowering the risk of introgression with wild salmon populations and removing potential sources of sea lice. Information on the relative abundance of escapees in the sea would also be provided by a fishery targeting escapees.
Postpartum hemorrhage today: ICM/FIGO initiative 2004–2006
Authors: Lalonde A. , Daviss B.A. , Acosta A. , Herschderfer K.
Published: July 2006

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the main cause of maternal mortality. Yet, even though solutions have been identified, governments and donor countries have been slow to implement programs to contain the problem. While poverty and low educational level remain the underlying cause of PPH, the current literature suggests that active management of the third stage of labor can prevent it. The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are attempting to address the chronic PPH crisis by educating their members on best practices and on troubleshooting where resources are inadequate. Some studies found oxytocin to be preferable to misoprostol in settings where active management is the norm. However, secondary clinical effects may prove more troublesome with oxytocin than with misoprostol, and misoprostol may prove to be more practical and equally effective in low‐resource settings. Two new interventions are also proposed, the anti‐shock garment and the balloon tamponade.
Abortion, social inequity, and women's health: Obstetrician‐gynecologists as agents of change
Authors: Gasman N. , Blandon M.M. , Crane B.B.
Published: July 2006

Unsafe abortion persists as a serious health problem for women. It is rooted in poverty, social inequity, and denial of women's basic human rights. As experience from Latin America and other regions demonstrates, obstetrician‐gynecologists can be leaders in supporting reproductive rights and access to safe abortion, through their professional societies and also by way of their roles as providers, academicians, and advocates. Ob‐gyns are often most effective when working in partnership with women's organizations, lawyers, and other stakeholders.
Legal issues impacting women's access to care in the United States—the malpractice insurance crisis
Authors: Hale R.W.
Published: July 2006

Professional liability insurance costs have increased rapidly in the last 10 years in the United States, while availability of companies offering professional liability insurance has decreased. The result is that ob‐gyn physicians are changing their practice patterns. Many are no longer performing difficult or complex surgical procedures while others have stopped caring for obstetrical patients. Some physicians are retiring early or moving to other localities where there are less liability concerns. These changes all impact on the availability of health care for women. In addition, these problems have become a concern of medical students, and this is reducing the numbers considering a career in ob‐gyn. Even where ob‐gyns are available, hospitals and insurance carriers are limiting their ability to practice the wide range of procedures for which they were trained. Although legislative efforts to correct the problems are proposed, very few have been enacted. The end result is that women's health care has been threatened and will continue to face shortages and restrictions.
The effect of Fed monetary policy regimes on the US interest rate swap spreads
Authors: Huang Ying , Chen Carl R.
Published: July 2006

This paper analyzes the asymmetric impacts of various economic shocks on swap spreads under distinct Fed monetary policy regimes. The results indicate that (a) during periods of aggressive interest rate reductions, slope of the Treasury term structure accounts for a sizeable share of the swap spread variance although default shock is also a major player. (b) On the other hand, liquidity premium is the only contributor to the 2‐year swap spread variance in monetary tightening cycles. (c) The impact of default risk varies across both monetary cycles and swap maturities. (d) The effect of interest rate volatility is generally more evident in loosening monetary regimes.