bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐regulation of alcohol advertising: is it working for Australia?
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Donovan Robert J.
Published: July 2006

Objective:

Restrictions on alcohol advertising have increasingly become an issue for debate around the world. Some countries rely on governmental regulation, whereas others, including Australia, utilise a system of industry self‐regulation. This study calls into question the effectiveness of the alcohol beverage industry's self‐regulation of advertising in Australia.

Method:

Between May 1998 and April 1999, 11 alcohol advertising complaints (relating to nine separate advertisements) were lodged with the Advertising Standards Board (ASB) by members of the general public. In Phase One of the present study, eight marketing academics (‘expert judges’) were asked, without knowing the ASB's rulings, to judge whether the advertisement(s) breached any of the clauses of the Australian Association of National Advertisers' Code of Ethics or Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Code. In Phase Two, the same ads were similarly assessed by a group of second‐year advertising students at an Australian university (‘student judges’).

Results:

A majority of the expert judges perceived breaches of the Codes for seven of the nine advertisements. For all nine of the advertisements, a majority of the university students felt that each of the ads was in breach of one or more of the Codes of Practice. The ASB had ruled that none of the ads breached any of the Codes.

Discussion and Conclusions:

There is a clear discrepancy between our judges and members of the ASB with respect to interpretations of the Codes of Practice. Given that our judges were not biased against alcohol advertising and self‐regulation, it appears that ASB members may lack objectivity (or expertise) in their assessments of complaints. Furthermore, consumers who contact the ASB prior to submitting a written complaint are provided with copies of recent decision records, namely 11 out of 11 complaints rejected in this case. It may well be that this information would discourage many complainants from proceeding. This potentially inhibitory practice, as well as our ‘failure to replicate’ the ASB's decisions, lead us to question whether ethical responsibility is being met by the self‐regulatory system for alcohol advertising. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Analysis and analytical tools for managing corporate public affairs
Authors: Fleisher Craig S.
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the place of analysis in corporate public affairs practice. It examines analysis in the larger context of organisational decision making, examines models, tools and techniques available to the CPA practitioner, and identifies factors why analysis has not received the prominence it deserves in the field and beyond. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Assessing online issue threats: issue contagions and their effect on issue prioritisation
Authors: Coombs W. Timothy
Published: July 2006

To be effective, issue managers must develop a sophisticated understanding of the Internet's effect on issues management. Our current understanding is in an early phase of description. We know that the Internet makes it easier for publics to form so they can press an issue but precious little is known of how the dynamic operates. The issue contagion perspective is offered as an explanatory and prescriptive device. The idea of an issue contagion posits that the Internet provides a means for altering issue priorities, often with blinding speed. One route for change is altering the likelihood; a common evaluative tool for prioritising issues that assesses the probability of an issue gaining strength and requiring action. Through various Internet communication channels, attempts can be made to change the likelihood of an issue requiring attention and action — an issue manager will witness shifts in issue prioritisation. This paper details why likelihood is important, how it can be altered via the Internet, and the implications for issue managers. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
The public relations philosophy of John W. Hill: bricks in the foundation of issues management
Authors: Heath Robert L. , Bowen Shannon A.
Published: July 2006

This paper contends that John W. Hill, founding partner of Hill and Knowlton, based his philosophy of public relations on four signal elements of issues management: strategic business planning sensitive to the threats and opportunities of public policy; high standards of corporate responsibility; issues monitoring; and issues communication. His philosophy, now nearly one‐half century old, was enlightened in that it fares well against the standards of ethics, symmetry and sensitive relationship management championed in public relations literature today. This analysis is based on the philosophy Hill expressed in his two books, which establish him as one of the founders of modern issues management. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Rhetoric and resources: notes for a new approach to public relations and issues management
Authors: Ihlen Øyvind
Published: July 2006

This theoretical paper criticises the dominant rhetorical approach to public relations and issues management for not integrating symbolic and material dimensions. It is suggested that public relations and issues management assist actors in pursuing their interests with the help of symbolic strategies and various types of resources or capital. By drawing on rhetorical and sociological theories, the paper presents elements for a heuristic analytical device that has the potential to help both the critic and the practitioner to get a better grasp of such processes. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Elite executives in issues management: the role of ethical paradigms in decision making
Authors: Bowen Shannon A.
Published: July 2006

The perspectives of elite (or top‐level) issues managers on ethics are explored in this paper. From these elites we can learn how issues were managed at their global organisations and how questions of ethics were addressed in issues management. The organisations in this study were chosen because of their superlative rankings in measures of ethics and reputation. Research questions explored ethical decision making and the predominant paradigm of ethics in each organisation through six elite interviews and observation. Although both organisations attempted to address ethics, the elite issues managers at one organisation did so more thoroughly and effectively than did the managers at the other organisation. This efficacy was due to the depth of ethical study and training engaged in by the elites, the intense ethical analysis of issues, and the choice of a deontological approach to ethics. This paper argues that ethics should be concerted, codified, consistent, trained and rigorously analysed. A deontological paradigm of ethical decision making fits all of these criteria, and this research shows that a deontological ethical paradigm can contribute to effective issues management. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Building an integrated issue management process as a source of sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Palese Michael , Crane Teresa Yancey
Published: July 2006

This paper defines the key values, principal participants and operational requirements that characterise a strategically relevant global issue management process. It is the authors' intention to reveal and provide support for the most important ‘truth’ about this great discipline: ‘Excellence and relevance is determined by the optimal mix of dedicated, focused and highly imaginative people with processes that unleash their remarkable innovative potential. You need both.’ Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
What have public affairs and advertising got in common?
Authors: Buer Lars
Published: July 2006

The author argues that to be successful companies need to adopt a stakeholder view of how they interact with society—in short their communications need to be integrated. Rather than focusing purely on their consumer markets, advertisers should be aware of the impact of their messages on public opinion, pressure groups, politicians and others that make up the ‘political market’. Equally, public affairs practitioners should be more involved in the commercial activities of their colleagues in advertising and marketing. Integrated communications, in the author's view, is not only an operational necessity for companies, but a strategic imperative for sustainable success in a global world with differing local expectations. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Breaking down the barriers? New public management in the European commission
Authors: Quinlivan Aodh , Schön Emmanuelle
Published: July 2006

On 15 March 1999, the mass resignation of the College of Commissioners amidst accusations of fraud, mismanagement and nepotism was the catalyst for potential transformation of the European bureaucracy in a radical way. The Commission is at the centre of networks of European governance but it only demonstrates a ‘shadow of a cohesive administrative culture’ (Cini 1996: 223). The managerial reforms which have finally been engaged by the Commission twenty years later than its member countries focus primarily on efficiency and accountability in order to bridge the ‘EU's management deficit’ (Metcalfe 2000: 824). This paper seeks to argue that reforms in the European Commission can only be successful if a cultural analysis is carried out, developing a distinctive approach to European public management in order to lay the basis for new forms of European governance. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Intersectoral differences in public affairs: the duty of public reporting in public administration
Authors: Lee Mordecai
Published: July 2006

Public reporting is a requirement for public affairs practitioners in public administration because of the democratic context in which government operates. By reporting to the public‐at‐large on agency activities, government agencies contributed to an informed citizenry, the essential foundation of a democracy. For public affairs in business administration and non‐profit administration, public reporting is desirable rather than mandatory. Public reporting was traditionally accomplished indirectly, through news media coverage of government. However, recent research suggests a diminution of interest by the media in fulfilling its role as an instrument of democracy. This means that the public reporting obligation of public affairs professionals in public administration needs to shift to direct reporting, through such products as annual reports, newsletters, TV programmes, Internet websites etc. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Managing public affairs through storytelling
Authors: Heugens Pursey P. M. A. R.
Published: July 2006

Storytelling has recently been discovered as an important tool for gaining the support of those external constituencies the organisation critically depends upon. This paper explores the narrative approach to public affairs by reporting an in‐depth case study of the storytelling practices of representatives of the global foods industry and environmental activist groups during the recent introduction of genetically modified food crops. The analysis reveals that these parties use competing versions of what are essentially the same narratives to gain the support of regulators and the public at large in the various market and non‐market arenas in which these groups compete. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
The ideal profile of the PA expert at the EU level
Authors: Schendelen Rinus van
Published: July 2006

If public affairs management is what public affairs managers do, then there is no stable definition of the ideal profile of such a manager. There is, however, a need for this in practice. If an interest group decides to strengthen its public affairs function and to open a vacancy, what then should be the text of the profile? The question also has much academic relevance, as it invites a selection of the most important characteristics required for effectively handling and influencing a specific playing field. Below is presented the ideal profile of the public affairs expert at the level of the European Union. As the ideal is always above the reality, we suggest in addition specific training of skills and development of talents in order to bridge the gap. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Epithelial and connective tissue cell CTGF/CCN2 expression in gingival fibrosis
Authors: Kantarci A , Black SA , Xydas CE , Murawel P , Uchida Y , Yucekal‐Tuncer B , Atilla G , Emingil G , Uzel MI , Lee A , Firatli E , Sheff M , Hasturk H , Van Dyke TE , Trackman PC
Published: July 2006

Gingival overgrowth is a side effect of certain medications and occurs in non‐drug‐induced forms either as inherited (human gingival fibromatosis) or idiopathic gingival overgrowth. The most fibrotic drug‐induced lesions develop in response to therapy with phenytoin; the least fibrotic lesions are caused by cyclosporin A; and intermediate fibrosis occurs in nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) expression is positively related to the degree of fibrosis in these tissues. The present study has investigated the hypothesis that CTGF/CCN2 is expressed in human gingival fibromatosis tissues and contributes to this form of non‐drug‐induced gingival overgrowth. Histopathology/immunohistochemistry studies showed that human gingival fibromatosis lesions are highly fibrotic, similar to phenytoin‐induced lesions. Connective tissue CTGF/CCN2 levels were equivalent to the expression in phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth. The additional novel observation was made that CTGF/CCN2 is highly expressed in the epithelium of fibrotic gingival tissues. This finding was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses of RNA extracted from drug‐induced gingival overgrowth tissues for CTGF/CCN2 were fully consistent with these findings. Finally, normal primary gingival epithelial cell cultures were analysed for basal and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) or lysophosphatidic acid‐stimulated CTGF/CCN2 expression at protein and RNA levels. These data indicate that fibrotic human gingival tissues express CTGF/CCN2 in both the epithelium and connective tissues; that cultured gingival epithelial cells express CTGF/CCN2; and that lysophosphatidic acid further stimulates CTGF/CCN2 expression. These findings suggest that interactions between epithelial and connective tissues could contribute to gingival fibrosis. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyskerin expression influences the level of ribosomal RNA pseudo‐uridylation and telomerase RNA component in human breast cancer
Authors: Montanaro L , Brigotti M , Clohessy J , Barbieri S , Ceccarelli C , Santini D , Taffurelli M , Calienni M , Teruya‐Feldstein J , Trerè D , Pandolfi PP , Derenzini M
Published: July 2006

Dyskerin is a nucleolar protein, altered in dyskeratosis congenita, which carries out two separate functions, both fundamental for proliferating cells. One function is the pseudo‐uridylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules, necessary for their processing, and the other is the stabilization of the telomerase RNA component, necessary for telomerase activity. A significant feature of dyskeratosis congenita is an increased susceptibility to cancer; so far, however, no data have been reported on dyskerin changes in human tumours. Therefore, in this study, the distribution of dyskerin in a large series of human tumours from the lung, breast, and colon, as well as from B‐cell lymphomas, was analysed by immunohistochemistry. Dyskerin proved never to be lost or delocalized outside the nucleolus. A quantitative analysis of dyskerin mRNA expression was then performed in 70 breast carcinomas together with the evaluation of telomerase RNA component levels and rRNA pseudo‐uridylation. Dyskerin mRNA levels were highly variable and directly associated with both telomerase RNA component levels and rRNA pseudo‐uridylation. Dyskerin gene silencing in the MCF‐7 human breast carcinoma cell line reduced telomerase activity and rRNA pseudo‐uridylation. Significantly, patients with low dyskerin expression were characterized by a better clinical outcome than those with a high dyskerin level. These data indicate that dyskerin is not lost in human cancers and that the levels of its expression and function are associated with tumour progression. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and predictors of receipt of prenatal information about genetic screening
Authors: Whitehead Nedra S. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Cox Shanna , Posner Samuel F.
Published: July 2006

Objective

To examine the proportion of women who received information on genetic screening among those who had prenatal care and to determine whether the proportion varied by maternal characteristics.

Methods

We used self‐reported data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a population‐based survey of recent mothers, for birth years 2000–2002. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of receiving information and to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios.

Results

Among women who began prenatal care in the first trimester, 86% received information on genetic screening. The strongest predictors of receiving this information were completing the questionnaire in English and having military health insurance.

Conclusion

Most women receive information on prenatal genetic screening, but insurance status and language preference may impact women's access to this information. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dependence of methanol permeability on the nature of water and the morphology of graft copolymer proton exchange membranes
Authors: Siu Ana , Pivovar Bryan , Horsfall Jackie , Lovell Keith V. , Holdcroft Steven
Published: July 2006

Novel polymers with controlled microstructures were prepared and studied to further advance the understanding of structure–property relationships of proton conducting membranes. PAN‐g‐macPSSA membranes, which contained poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PSSA) grafts of defined graft length, are compared with PVDF‐g‐PSSA membranes, prepared by radiation‐grafting, and Nafion® 117. The intrinsic properties of PAN‐g‐macPSSA membranes are insensitive to the macromonomer graft length but are highly dependent on the ion exchange capacities (IEC). Increasing the IEC increases the content of free water absorbed by the membrane. Self‐diffusion coefficients of water in water‐swollen PAN‐g‐macPSSA were found to be similar to that of N117, despite PAN‐g‐macPSSA's higher water content. Of the polymers studied, PAN‐g‐macPSSA exhibited the lowest methanol permeability, which is explained on the basis of it containing a more tortuous ionic network. Methanol permeability decreased with decreasing volume of free water. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2240–2252, 2006
Random, systematic, and common cause failure: How do you manage them?
Authors: Gentile Michela , Summers Angela E.
Published: July 2006

A safety instrumented system (SIS) may fail to operate as desired when one or more of its devices fail due to random, systematic, and common cause events. IEC 61511 (ANSI/ISA 84.00.01–2004) stresses the importance of minimizing the propagation of device failure into system failure through design, operating, inspection, and maintenance practices. To fully understand the lifecycle requirements, it is first necessary to understand the types of failures and their potential effects on the SIS. Although several technical standards and other specialized literature address the topic, it is still a “fuzzy” matter, subject to misunderstanding and discussion. IEC 61511 Clause 11.9 requires that the SIL be verified using quantitative analysis, such as reliability block diagrams, fault tree analysis, and Markov modeling. This analysis includes only those dangerous failures that are random in nature. Common cause failures may or may not be included in the verification calculation depending on whether they exhibit random or systematic behavior. Any personnel assigned responsibility for verifying the SIL should understand each failure type and the strategies that can be used against it. Consequently, this article provides an overview of random, systematic, and common cause failures and clarifies the differences in their management within IEC 61511. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006
A novel SERS‐active substrate system: Template‐grown nanodot‐film structures
Authors: Kartopu G. , Es‐Souni M. , Sapelkin A. V. , Dunstan D.
Published: July 2006

We have prepared Cu nanodot (ND) films as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) study of trace amount molecules. The ND films were processed via electrodeposition using porous alumina templates. The test sample rhodamine 6G (R6G) yielded the well‐known R6G Raman spectrum with much lower background intensity when measured on these samples (for a concentration of 10−4 M). Furthermore, after deposition of a thin film of Au or Ag on Cu‐NDs the SERS signal increased up to 3 orders of magnitude. The spectra probed from different locations of a sample are almost identical and the template parameters are controllable. The present method, therefore, offers significant potential in use of such ND‐films for future SERS studies.

magnified image

A novel, template‐synthesized SERS‐active substrate. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A study of the behavior of helium atoms at Ni grain boundaries
Authors: Xia Jixing , Hu Wangyu , Yang Jianyu , Ao Bingyun , Wang Xiaolin
Published: July 2006

Using molecular dynamics simulations with an analytical embedded‐atom method (MAEAM) model, the diffusion behavior of helium atoms at two Σ = 5 symmetric grain boundaries of Ni was investigated in the present paper. The simulations demonstrate that the interstitial helium atoms are stable at the grain boundaries. Helium atoms in Ni lattices could diffuse easily to the grain boundary and precipitate into a cluster, which confirmed the fact that helium atoms could nucleate and grow up into bubbles at the grain boundaries. The diffusion activation energy of interstitial helium atom at grain boundaries was also determined. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the thermal vacancy effects on thermodynamic properties and stability of Van der Waals crystals
Authors: Zubov V. I. , Zubov I. V.
Published: July 2006

Reverting to an investigation of thermal vacancies in simple Van der Waals crystals [phys. stat. sol. (b) 101, 95 (1980)] we take into account the possibility of forming their bonded complexes, in particular divacancies. We use the correlative method of the unsymmetrized self‐consistent field (CUSF) that enables one to include the strong anharmonicity of the lattice vibrations. We have calculated the parameters of the vacancy formation, the vacancy and divacancy concentration in solid Ar and contribution of the defects to its equilibrium thermodynamic properties, depending on the temperature and pressure, such contributions to components of the elastic tensor are studied for the first time. We also investigate the influence of defects on the thermodynamic stability of crystal lattice. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron spin dephasing in n‐doped CdTe/(Cd, Mg)Te quantum wells
Authors: Bratschitsch R. , Chen Z. , Cundiff S. T. , Yakovlev D. R. , Karczewski G. , Wojtowicz T. , Kossut J.
Published: July 2006

We measure the spin dephasing time, T *2, of electrons in CdTe/(Cd, Mg)Te single quantum wells with various levels of n‐doping using the time‐resolved Kerr rotation technique. The formation of negatively charged trions causes strong spin polarization of the two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG). We find the maximum spin dephasing time in the quantum well with a 2DEG density of 8 × 1010 cm−2. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two‐photon photoluminescence and exciton binding energies in single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pomraenke R. , Maultzsch J. , Reich S. , Chang E. , Prezzi D. , Ruini A. , Molinari E. , Strano M. S. , Thomsen C. , Lienau C.
Published: July 2006

We compare experimental one‐ and two‐photon luminescence excitation spectra of single‐walled carbon nanotubes at room temperature to ab initio calculations. The experimental spectra reveal a Rydberg‐like series of excitonic states. The energy splitting between these states is a clear fingerprint of excitonic correlations in carbon nanotubes. From those spectra, we derive exciton binding energies of 0.3–0.4 eV for nanotubes with diameters between 6.8 Å and 9.0 Å. These energies are in quantitative agreement with our theoretical calculations, which predict the symmetries of the relevant excitonic wave functions and indicate that a low‐lying optically dark excitonic state may be responsible for the low luminescence quantum yields in nanotubes. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two‐phase scale‐based reduction method for fulfilling monitoring service on mobile devices
Authors: Liao Hsien‐Chou , Chen Wen‐Feng
Published: July 2006

One of the general location‐based services (LBSs) is the monitoring of real‐time locations of moving objects. When the number of moving objects is large and the task of monitoring is carried out on mobile devices, the monitoring service suffers from constraints of screen size, computing speed, and network bandwidth. In the present paper, a two‐phase scale‐based reduction method (SRM) consisting of a zoom phase and a mosaic phase, is proposed to overcome these constraints. The zoom phase reduces the original monitoring area which, in turn, undergoes further reduction in the mosaic phase. The performance was measured with the use of two ratios: the reduction ratio (RRatio) and the transmission ratio (TRatio). From the experimental results, the lowest RRatio was 52%, i.e. almost half of the original data size was reduced. The lowest average TRatio was also 52% for the worst case, i.e. the entire original monitoring area was displayed on the mobile device. Moreover, the display time was shortened from 14.3 to 0.7 s. These results show that the use of the two‐phase SRM is practical and efficient when applied to the monitoring service on mobile devices. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity reduction of metal pyrithiones by near ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Okamura Hideo , Kobayashi Naomasa , Miyanaga Masamitsu , Nogami Yusaku
Published: July 2006

Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) or copper pyrithione (CuPT) have been effectively used as ship‐antifouling agents, as an alternative to organotin compounds. Because of their instability in light and a lack of suitable analytical procedures, there is little data on their residue levels in environmental matrices. It is possible to investigate the fate of such compounds by toxicity alteration with certain treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degradation of pyrithiones through toxicity reduction by near ultraviolet (UV‐A) irradiation. Metal pyrithiones dissolved in acetonitrile were irradiated with a UV‐A lamp for 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 h, and were subjected to UV spectral measurement and toxicity evaluation using both sea urchin and freshwater rotifer bioassays. For the bioassays, photolyzed samples were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide after evaporation of the acetonitrile. The changes in UV spectra of photolyzed ZnPT or CuPT showed a time‐dependent degradation, and the UV spectra at 2 h irradiation suggested substantial decomposition. Toxicities of ZnPT and CuPT were 12 and 5 μg/L as 24 h LC50 to the survival of rotifers and 10−6 ng/L and 2.3 ng/L as 27 h EC50 to normal pluteus formation, respectively. By evaporation of the acetonitrile, the EC50 of ZnPT was 2.2 ng/L, which was the same as that of CuPT. The EC50s of ZnPT or CuPT for both species increased with longer irradiation times. Photolyzed ZnPT or CuPT demonstrated substantial degradation in the UV spectra, but possessed marked toxicity, which is probably due to toxic degradation products. One reason why photolyzed CuPT was toxic to rotifers was explained by the high toxicity of copper ions formed by UV‐A irradiation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 305–309, 2006.
Non destructive in vivo measurement of ethoxyresorufin biotransformation by zebrafish prolarva: Development and application
Authors: Noury P. , Geffard O. , Tutundjian R. , Garric J.
Published: July 2006

Biotransformation enzymatic activities, such as the cytochrome P450 one, have been used as biomarkers for pollution assessment for a long time. Nevertheless, such biochemical tools are destructive processes, because they are performed on fish liver or total larvae homogenates. Moreover, the adaptation of this bioassay to some fish larvae, like Danio rerio ones, is ineffective because it needs a lot of organisms. We thus developed an original, nondestructive method to detect the induction of a biotransformation activity in the prolarva of the fish, Danio rerio, exposed to chemicals. This methodology is based on the assessment of EROD activity, by measurement in the culture medium of the fluorescence increase due to the excretion of resorufin by fish during an ethoxyresorufin exposure. After exposure of fish embryos to known inducers (BaP and β‐naphtoflavone), the prolarvae were exposed to the substrate (ethoxyresorufin), and the kinetic of the fluorescence increase was measured. A dose–effect relationship was observed, with a three to five fold increase of EROD basal activity. This methodology also allowed us to compare between EROD activity induction by different environmental samples. The proposed methodology thus allows to perform a simple, sensitive, and reproducible microbiotest for the detection of sublethal concentrations of AhR chemical inducers in environmental samples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 324–331, 2006.
Application of leaching tests for toxicity evaluation of coal fly ash
Authors: Tsiridis V. , Samaras P. , Kungolos A. , Sakellaropoulos G. P.
Published: July 2006

The toxic properties of coal fly ash samples obtained from various coal combustion power plants were evaluated in this work using physicochemical analyses and bioassays. Physicochemical analyses showed that heavy metals present in solid samples included Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The results of the chemical analysis of eluates deduced by the application of standard leaching tests according to EN 12457‐2 and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) methods indicated that the compounds contained in fly ashes could potentially be transferred to the liquid phase depending upon the leaching method used. Heavy metal concentrations were higher in TCLP eluates, indicating that the initial pH value of the leaching medium significantly affected the transfer of these elements to the liquid phase. Tests conducted with the photobacterium Vibrio fischeri (Microtox test), the crustacean Daphnia magna, and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were used to assess toxicity of eluates obtained by both leaching tests. Daphnia magna was the most sensitive test organism. The EN 12457‐2 method proved to be more reliable for toxicity evaluation of eluates. In contrast, the TCLP method showed some interference owing to acetic acid toxicity, and precipitation occurred after pH adjustment of eluates from acid to neutral range. The toxicity of both fly ashes and the corresponding solid leaching residues of EN 12457‐2 and TCLP leaching tests was also measured using the Microtox Basic Solid phase Test. The results generated with this bioassay indicated that toxicity was greatly influenced by the pH status of the solid samples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 409–416, 2006.
Comparison of the Phytotoxkit microbiotest and chemical variables for toxicity evaluation of sediments
Authors: Czerniawska‐Kusza Izabela , Ciesielczuk Tomasz , Kusza Grzegorz , Cichoń Aleksandra
Published: July 2006

The main objective of the research was to evaluate the suitability of the Phytotoxkit microbiotest as a tool for hazard assessment of sediments. The concentrations of oil derivatives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined in sediment samples collected from the urban canal in Opole (Poland), in order to obtain a general insight of the level of sediment contamination. Phytotoxicity of sediments was estimated on the basis of seed germination and root elongation measurements, combined into an overall germination index (GI). The results revealed spatial and vertical differentiation in sediment contamination. A good correlation was obtained between organic matter content and the concentrations of particular sediment pollutants. Values of correlation coefficients at P < 0.05 ranged from 0.3246 for oil derivatives to 0.8929 for PAHs. Phytotoxicity tests, carried out on the monocotyl Sorghum saccharatum and the dicotyls Sinapis alba and Lepidium sativum, showed different responses of the three plant species to sediment samples ranging from growth inhibition to growth stimulation. The GI values revealed the following increasing order of plant sensitivity to contaminated sediments: L. sativum < S. alba < S. saccharatum. The study demonstrated that the Phytotoxkit microbiotest was effective in identifying toxic samples. However, sediment organic matter content and grain‐size distribution had a significant impact on both sediment contamination and higher plantresponses to contaminated samples. The implication of these findings are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 367–372, 2006.
GFP assay as a sensitive eukaryotic screening model to detect toxic and genotoxic activity of azaarenes
Authors: Bartoš T. , Letzsch S. , Škarek M. , Flegrová Z. , Čupr P. , Holoubek I.
Published: July 2006

Azaarenes are nitrogen‐containing polyaromatic heterocyclic compounds (NPAHs). The majority of the azaarenes found in the environment originate from anthropogenic sources. Concentrations of NPAHs found in the environment are reported to be one to two orders of magnitude lower than polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations, yet their biological effects can be of similar magnitude. Very few studies on the genotoxicity of azaarenes are available in the literature. In the present study, a preliminary profile of both the toxic and genotoxic potential of 5 PAHs and their 20 aza‐analogues were investigated. To assess the toxic and genotoxic activity, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) assay based on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was selected. To compare the sensitivity of this eukaryotic short‐term assay with bacterial screening tests, the Toxi‐Chromotest for toxicity and SOS‐Chromotest for genotoxicity assessment were also performed. This comparison indicates that in most cases, the yeast GFP assay is apparently of comparable specificity to the bacterial toxicity or genotoxicity tests with respect to the correlation of positive/negative responses, but much more sensitive with respect to the effective concentration values. In the cases of phenazine, phenanthridine, 1,10‐phenanthroline, or 4,7‐phenanthroline, one to two orders of magnitude lower IC20 and minimum genotoxic concentration values in the yeast GFP assay were observed. In this study, the authors present evidence that genotoxicity assessment using the yeast GFP assay can provide a simple system to monitor the activity of these environmental pollutants that could possess mutagenic potential at low concentrations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 343–348, 2006.
Measuring the effects of pesticides on occupationally exposed humans with the comet assay
Authors: Piperakis S. M. , Kontogianni K. , Siffel C. , Piperakis M. M.
Published: July 2006

In this study we examine the effects of a mixture of pesticides on occupationally exposed agricultural workers. The study was performed on 149 people, 84 agricultural workers and 65 healthy men from the same area, who served as the control group. The exposed group was divided into a subgroup with 65 individuals moderately exposed (39 men and 26 women) and a highly exposed subgroup consisted of 19 men. The statistical analysis of the comet assay results showed that there were no significant differences in basal DNA damage between pesticide‐exposed workers and the control group nor between moderately and highly exposed ones. In addition, exposure of peripheral blood lymphocytes to hydrogen peroxide or γ‐irradiation led to a similar degree of DNA damage and subsequent repair for all the studied populations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 355–359, 2006.
Leaching and toxicity behavior of coal–biomass waste cocombustion ashes
Authors: Skodras G. , Prokopidou M. , Sakellaropoulos G. P.
Published: July 2006

Land disposal of ash residues, obtained from the cocombustion of Greek lignite with biomass wastes, is known to create problems due to the harmful constituents present. In this regard, the leachability of trace elements from lignite, biomass, and blends cocombustion ashes was investigated by using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). In this work, the toxicity of the aqueous leachates and the concentrations of the metals obtained from the leaching procedure were measured using the Microtox test (Vibrio fischeri) and inductive coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometer (ICP‐AES), respectively. The toxic effects of most leachates on Vibrio fischeri were found to be significantly low in both 45% and 82% screening test protocols. However, the liquid sample originating from olive kernels fly ash (FA4) caused the highest toxic effect in both protocols, which can be attributed to its relatively high concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 317–323, 2006.
Cyanobacterial (blue‐green algal) toxins in water supplies: Cylindrospermopsins
Authors: Falconer Ian R. , Humpage Andrew R.
Published: July 2006

The toxic alkaloid cylindrospermopsin is produced by a range of cyanobacterial species worldwide. It was first identified in the species Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii from tropical waters, and has since been isolated from four other genera in locations ranging from Israel to Japan. High concentrations of the organisms and toxin have been identified in reservoirs, natural lakes, and rivers in summer in the USA and in Australia. The toxin is a particular problem in drinking water sources as concentrations in the free water are appreciable, so that removal of the filaments during water treatment does not remove the toxin. The toxicity resulting from oral ingestion is seen in the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestine, and white blood cells, with some vascular damage in mice. Gastrointestinal as well as liver injury has been observed in human poisoning. Studies of toxicity in vitro have shown inhibition of protein synthesis. Genotoxicity has also been demonstrated, and there is preliminary evidence for carcinogenicity. A Guideline Value for safe water supply of 1 μg/L has been proposed. Research into toxin measurement techniques and water treatment methods has indicated that effective control measures may be practicable for this toxin in drinking water. Considerably more research is needed to fully define the health risks from this toxin. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 299–304, 2006.
New possibilities of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry to analyze barley malt quality. Highly sensitive detection of mycotoxins
Authors: Blechová Petra , Havlová Pavla , Gajdošová Dagmar , Havel Josef
Published: July 2006

The occurrence of mycotoxins in agricultural commodities is a major health concern for livestock, humans, and the environment. Barley and subsequently malt quality is of fundamental importance to obtain good quality beer. Classical methods of analysis often require tedious, laborious, and expensive processes. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) instrumentation enables highly sensitive and fast analysis and/or detection using a very small sample. The possibilities of MALDI‐TOF MS for he identification and/or detection of trichothecene mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV), respectively) in barley malt were examined, and it was found that almost all classical MALDI matrices failed to ionize the compounds being studied. This detailed study of the ionization conditions and the search for unconventional matrices led to the discovery of suitable MALDI matrices, which enable ionization of trichothecene mycotoxins. These were: fine powdered synthetic diamond, sodium azide, or hydrazine hydrate. It is possible to detect 8.5 × 10−12 mol (2.5 ng) of deoxynivalenol or 64 × 10−12 mol (20 ng) of nivalenol in just 1 μL of barley malt extract (equivalent to 600 μg of DON in 1 kg of barley malt). The procedure developed enables fast determination of DON and NIV in barley, malt, or similar products. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 403–408, 2006.
A search for cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in depleted uranium (DU) toxicity
Authors: Pourahmad Jalal , Ghashang Monireh , Ettehadi Hossein Ali , Ghalandari Ruhollah
Published: July 2006

Addition of U(VI) (uranyl acetate) to isolated rat hepatocytes results in rapid glutathione oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and lysosomal membrane rupture before hepatocyte lysis occurred. Cytotoxicity was prevented by ROS scavengers, antioxidants, and glutamine (ATP generator). Hepatocyte dichlorofluorescein oxidation was inhibited by mannitol (a hydroxyl radical scavenger) or butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene (antioxidants). Glutathione depleted hepatocytes were resistant to U(VI) toxicity and much less dichlorofluorescein oxidation occurred. Reduction of U(VI) by glutathione or cysteine in vitro was also accompanied by oxygen uptake and was inhibited by Ca(II) (a U(IV) or U(VI) reduction inhibitor). U(VI)‐induced cytotoxicity and ROS formation was also inhibited by Ca(II), which suggests that U(IV) and U(IV) GSH mediate ROS formation in isolated hepatocytes. The U(VI) reductive mechanism required for toxicity has not been investigated. Cytotoxicity was also prevented by cytochrome P450 inhibitors, particularly CYP 2E1 inhibitors, but not inhibitors of DT diaphorase or glutathione reductase. This suggests that P450 reductase and reduced cytochrome P450 contributes to U(VI) reduction to U(IV). In conclusion, U(VI) cytotoxicity is associated with mitochondrial/lysosomal toxicity by the reduced biological metabolites and ROS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 349–354, 2006.
Determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in urban air of Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Kelessis A. G. , Petrakakis M. J. , Zoumakis N. M.
Published: July 2006

In this study, quasicontinuous measurements of major aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were carried out by means of an automatic gas chromatograph (GC‐PID analyzer), in the urban air of Thessaloniki, at a mean level of 27 m above ground, during the years 2003 and 2004. The highest measured concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons were observed during the winter period of the year. The data indicate that the annual mean benzene concentration levels were around 1 ppb, less than the E.U. annual limit value of 5.0 μg m−3 (1.44 ppb at STP). The diurnal variation of aromatic hydrocarbons suggests that emissions from motor vehicles are their dominant source, at the commercial center of the city, while meteorological conditions (wind speed and direction) are important variables that control the atmospheric abundance of these pollutants, especially during stagnant weather conditions that favor the development of land–sea breeze circulations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 440–443, 2006.
Detection and monitoring toxigenicity of cyanobacteria by application of molecular methods
Authors: Mankiewicz‐Boczek Joanna , Izydorczyk Katarzyna , Romanowska‐Duda Zdzisława , Jurczak Tomasz , Stefaniak Karolina , Kokocinski Mikolaj
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study was early genetic identification of microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria and monitoring their toxigenicity by determining toxin concentrations in three Polish lakes throughout the summer of 2004. The assessment of cyanobacterial blooms was carried out in shallow, eutrophic water bodies: Lake Jeziorak, Lake Bninskie, and Sulejow Reservoir. Samples for DNA, phycological, and toxin analyses were collected from July till October. Molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA region was used to detect cyanobacteria in water samples. The microscopic analysis was performed to investigate seasonal variation of phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria, with domination by Microcystis, Planktothrix, and Planktolyngbya were detected during the whole monitoring period in Sulejow Reservoir, Lake Bninskie, and Lake Jeziorak, respectively. The presence and identification of toxic strains in water bodies was studied by PCR amplification of mcy genes in the microcystis synthesis pathway. The presence of the mcyA, mcyB, mcyD, and mcyE genes in water samples indicated the genetic potential to produce microcystins. Toxicity of water samples and microcystin concentrations were established by PPIA and HPLC, respectively. The maximum concentration of microcystins was 11.13 μg/L and 4.67 μg/L in samples dominated by P. agardhii and M. aeruginosa, respectively. Molecular analysis showed that toxigenic strains of cyanobacteria occurred in the three lakes throughout the summer season. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 380–387, 2006.
The interactive effects of binary mixtures of three antifouling biocides and three heavy metals against the marine algae Chaetoceros gracilis
Authors: Koutsaftis Apostolos , Aoyama Isao
Published: July 2006

Three of the most commonly used antifouling booster biocides that are usually combined with copper or copper compounds are Irgarol 1051, Diuron, and Zn pyrithione. This study represents an assessment of the interactive effects of the antifouling biocides combined with each other, and with three heavy metals (Cu, Cd, and Zn) in binary mixtures, on the marine algae Chaetoceros gracilis. Seventy‐two hour growth inhibition tests were carried out, and the IC50 values of the chemicals were determined along with growth inhibition (%) for several concentrations. The joint effect of the binary mixtures of all the chemicals was assessed by using two models, concentration addition model and the model of probabilities. The following increasing order of toxicity was obtained: Cd < Zn < Cu < Diuron < Zn pyrithione < Irgarol 1051. The interactive effects of the organic chemicals combined with each other on the growth of Ch. gracilis were firmly synergistic. Irgarol 1051 combined with Cd performed synergistic effects, and Zn pyrithione with copper and cadmium action was strictly antagonistic, and the results of the two models were in agreement in almost all mixtures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 432–439, 2006.