bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political, Ideological and Economic Determinants of Abortion Position:An Empirical Analysis of Stale Legislatures and Governors
Authors: Kahane Leo H.
Published: July 2006

Abstract.The Supreme Court's decisions in the 1989Websterand 1992Caseycases shifted the focus of abortion legislation from the federal to the state level. In light of this shift, the factors that affect the position taken by state level office holders on abortion is examined using state level data. Results of a probit analysis show that a governor's position on abortion is significantly influenced by the governor's ideology as well as the abortion demand of his or her constituency. Similar probit analyses for state senates and stale houses shows that a constituency's abortion demand as well as factors representing the constituency's demand for access to legal abortion services significantly affect the position both legislative bodies take on abortion. Policy maker's ideology is found to play a significant role in shaping state senates’ position on abortion, but not the positions of state houses’. This last result is consistent with the proposition that policy makers who have a narrow constituency, such as state house members, have less freedom to make decisions based on their own ideology and are more beholden to the views of their constituency, all else equal.
Charitable Giving of Alumni
Authors: Okunade Albert Ade. , Wunnava Phanindra V. , Walsh Raymond
Published: July 2006

Abstract. This research examines the “age‐donation” profile of gift‐giving alumniai a large public university, based on a pooled micro‐data random sample of 4,242 alumni (1926/27‐1989/90 graduates) who gave cash gifts during the 1975/76‐1989/90 fiscal years. The covariance regression model results indicate lack of statistically significant difference between gift‐giving women and men. However, the School of Business graduates, alumni who proceeded to obtain graduate degrees from this university, and alumni members of non‐Greek social organizations gave significantly more. Moreover, alumni contributions varied systematically over the business cycle and a 1962 Federal Court Order to desegregate the university racially reduced donations but not significantly. Given the 63‐year cycle studied, the growth rates of alumni donations of money are projected to decline after roughly age 52, which falls short of the typical retirement age.
Nonlinear Thermodynamics and Social Science Modeling: Fad Cycles, Cultural Development and Identificational Slips
Authors: Khalil Elias L.
Published: July 2006

Abstract

The paper argues that the application of nonlinear dynamics borrowed from thermodynamics for the study of the evolution of institutions amounts to an identificational slip. While the paper welcomes the importation of techniques from the natural sciences, thermodynamic feedback is simply an inappropriate technique for the study of evolutionary change. Thermodynamic feedback is only appropriate for the study of social dynamics like mob behavior, stock market gyrations, and fad cycles. One should rather appeal to the evolution of species‐as recorded by change of gene frequency and phenotypic traits—as the appropriate metaphor for the study of evolution of culture—as manifested by change of rules and principles and their consequent order.
The Socioeconomic Position of Gay Men: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Hewitt Christopher
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Using data from national surveys, studies of gay men, and obituaries, the socio‐economic position of gay men is examined. The evidence shows that gay men have higher incomes than heterosexual men, and that they are highly concentrated in certain occupations. The difference between the occupational distribution of gay and straight men is as great as that between men and women. The economic position of gay men appears to result from several factors in addition to discrimination. Gay economic power and gay preferences for economic dealings with other gays serve to shield them from antigay bias.
The Reform of Medical Malpractice Law:
Authors: Olsen Reed Neil
Published: July 2006

Abstract.

The major stimulus for the extensive, state level, reform of medical malpractice during the past two decades was the widespread belief in amalpractice crisis.The perception of a crisis arose in the 1960s largely because of what was viewed as sudden and dramatic increases in the malpracticeliability of physicians.However, historical data demonstrate that the common perception that physician liability increased suddenly and dramatically beginning in the 1960s Is incorrect. Sincemalpractice reformhas been based upon the false premise that the medical malpractice liability system, previously working smoothly, was in disarray, the soundness of much of the malpractice reform which has occurred in the past two decades is questioned.
Graduate School Alumni Donations to Academic Funds: Micro‐data Evidence
Authors: Okunade Albert Ade.
Published: July 2006

Abstract. The giving profile of graduate degree alumni of a Carnegie‐classified, U.S. “Doctoral Universities I” institution is investigated in this paper. For fundraising purposes, the likely gift‐giving alumni are males holding old vintage Doctoral, MBA or MS degrees; however, they neither received their second graduate degree nor earned their baccalaureate degrees at this institution. Graduate degree alumni have decreasing giving profiles for many years following completion of their first graduate degree but this decrease bottoms out later in life. It continues seven more years for alumni who earned a second graduate degree at the university. The “wealth‐accumulation” effect of giving tends to dominate the “earnings‐effect.” Doctoral degree alumni have the highest giving profile among graduate school alumni. Racial desegregation of the university is positively and strongly related to alumni giving. Inferences of the giving profile of undergraduate degree alumni reported in past work do not extend to graduate school alumni.
From the Arena Into the Streets:Hockey Violence, Economic Incentives and Public Policy
Authors: Jones J. C. H. , Stewart K. G. , Sunderman R.
Published: July 2006

Abstract.The hypothesis that there is a positive relationship betweenviolenceand gameattendancein the NationalHockeyLeague is tested; and the implications of the results for policies aimed at rectifying the violence considered. The empirical analysis, which is based principally on game by game data for the 1989/90 season, confirms the positive relationship, although it occurs mainly in American, not Canadian, cities. Since there is an incentive forteamsto promote violence and because thelegal systemnormally only prosecutes players not teams, the standard methods used to control violence—self regulation and thejudicial process—are unlikely to work. Consideration should, therefore, be given to more direct control of violence.
Alfred Russel Wallace's Campaign to Nationalize Land
Authors: Gaffney Mason
Published: July 2006

Abstract. Alfred Russel Wallace rose to fame with Charles Darwin: They independently found the principle of natural selection. Wallace later focused on reforming Great Britain's land tenure system, under which a few owners had come to control most of the land, while most citizens had little or none of their own. In Land Nationalization (1882) Wallace proposed for the state to acquire all land, with limited compensation. The state would then lease it by auction, but to actual users only. Wallace saw his kinship with Henry George, and opened doors to help George tour Britain as a speaker. For years their ideas were linked by friend and foe, and together had great impact on British politics.
Environmental Genocide:
Authors: Brook Daniel
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Physical and cultural genocide have been practiced against Native Americans for half a millennium. In the modern era, these forms of genocide have been superseded by a more insidious, and ultimately more destructive, form. Environmental genocide is perpetrated by the U.S. government and by private corporations alike; some of their methods are legal, while others are not. Against this harsh backdrop, Native Americans are more unified and are becoming better organized than ever, and they are fighting back for their very survival.
State and County Incarceration Rates:
Authors: Arvanites Thomas M. , Asher Martin A.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT This study examines the direct and indirect effects of race and income inequality on imprisonment rates across states. The analysis is designed to: 1) investigate whether race and income inequality are significantly related to imprisonment when controlling for crime, 2) assess the relative magnitudes of the direct and indirect effects; and 3) assess the relative magnitudes of race and income inequality. Crime is found to be the strongest predictor of incarceration rates in five of the six equations estimated. Income inequality is significantly related to incarceration rates in two of the six equations. There was no clear evidence of a direct race effect. The indirect effect of race was greater than the direct effect in four of the six equations.
Free Money for Social Progress
Authors: Blanc Jér$ocme
Published: July 2006

Abstract Silvio Gesell (1862‐1930) proposed a system of stamped money in order to accelerate monetary circulation and to free money from interest. This was part of a global socialist system intended to free the economy from rent and interest. In the 1930s, Irving Fisher, who proposed the system to President Roosevelt, and John Maynard Keynes rendered homage to Gesell's monetary proposals in the context of the economic depression. Several experiments took place that were based on his ideas, notably in the Austrian town of Wörgl and in the United States. These experiments were always local and never lasted more than a few months. This article shows that trust is the main issue of this kind of monetary organization; and therefore, that such experiments can only take place successfully on a small scale.
Money, a Substitute for Confidence?
Authors: Ritzmann Franz
Published: July 2006

Abstract.From Rice Vaughan, 1675: “The first Invention of Money was for a Pledge and instead of a Surety” to John Maynard Keynes, 1937: “Our desire to hold money as a store of wealth is a barometer of the degree of our distrust” there is a tradition of monetary theory linking the demand for money with the state of confidence. In the early nineteenth century, Henry Thornton and Thomas Attwood analyzed the shifts in precautionary demand for money and their implications for money supply, production, employment, and the balance of payments. The tradition was interrupted during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and was subsequently revived by Keynes'sGeneral Theory.
Flexible Working Hours, Family Responsibilities, and Female Self‐Employment
Authors: Boden Richard J.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Using cross‐sectional data from the Contingent Work Survey of the February 1995 Current Population Survey, we present direct evidence that there are substantial gender differences in the reasons why individuals become self‐employed. In particular, women–especially women with young children–are more likely than men to cite flexibility of schedule and family‐related reasons for becoming self‐employed. Men's reasons for becoming self‐employed show little association with their parental status. Our findings suggest that employers should be encouraged to offer working conditions that are more friendly to workers whose family obligations conflict with traditional, forty‐hour‐per‐week jobs.
Legitimacy and Military Intervention in a Democracy
Authors: Sutter Daniel.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTI examine the role legitimacy plays in the establishment and maintenance of democratic regimes, specifically how people's legitimacy preferences affect a military coup D‘état in a mature democracy. Citizens can, under certain circumstances, deter a military takeover by refusing to cooperate with the junta's laws and proclamations. Noncooperation with a military regime, however, faces several hurdles, including a free‐riding problem since a legitimate regime is a public good. Although interest groups can overcome this collective action problem, I conclude they lack a general incentive to defend democracy.’
A Note on Student Academic Performance
Authors: Borland Melvin V. , Howsen Roy M.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT This study compares the educational performance of both highly rural and highly urban area students to students from areas of moderate population density. The results suggest (1) that students from both highly rural and highly urban areas perform similarly, but less well, in terms of educational achievement than students from moderate areas, and (2) that empirical studies of student educational performance should include measures of both cognitive skills and educational market competition as explanatory variables. The policy implications of this research include our recommendation that policymakers consider students from highly urban areas to be subjects of concern similar to students from highly rural areas in attempts to affect expected student achievement. Implications also include our recommendation that policymakers recognize that competitive educational market systems that allow educational consumers greater choice in the acquisition of educational services are those systems within which student academic achievement is higher.
Economic Sociology in Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: July 2006

Abstract Theory and research in the field of economic sociology have seen steady advancements in recent years. Economic sociology has become a legitimate branch of sociology as well as of economics. Nonetheless, the treatment of economic sociology in both modern economics and sociology leaves much to be desired. Various formal‐terminological confusions and theoretical‐substantive misconceptions are still present in the field. The present article advances some proposals for remedying this situation. In particular, it provides clarifications of and amendments to the current treatment of issues, such as the relationship between economics and sociology, the character of economic sociology, its links to economic theory, socio‐economics, and rational choice theory, as well as the question of the old versus the new economic sociology. Special emphasis is placed on the relationships between economic sociology and rational choice theory, given the latter's claims to universality. It is hoped that the article will thereby redress certain inconsistencies found in some previous treatments of economic sociology as well as stimulate further refinements.
The Economic Sociology of Alfred Marshall:An Overview
Authors: Aspkrs Patrik
Published: July 2006

Abstract The aim of the paper is to present the economic sociology of Alfred Marshall (1842‐1924). Three topics are discussed in the paper: Marshall's ideas of how preferences are generated, the theory of action, and finally the introduction of a fourth factor of production, organization. Throughout the paper Marshall's broad perspective is demonstrated. It is argued that Marshall's approach encourages a closer connection between sociologists interested in economic phenomena and economists. This conclusion is strengthened because of the resemblance of Marshall's analysis to those offered by Max Weber and Thorstein Veblen.
Katallactic Rationality
Authors: Levy David
Published: July 2006

Abstract IS the well‐known finding of experimental economics that talk is correlated with co‐operation in prisoner‐dilemma contexts related to Adam Smith's claim that trade requires language? Using Smith's postulate of the existence of a desire for approbation and the supposition that language carries approbation, we demonstrate how the ability to exchange approbation enhances the rationality of co‐operation.
The Social Norms of Discrete Consumer Exchange
Authors: Maxwell Sarah
Published: July 2006

Abstract Social norms have been recognized as an important influence in long‐term relational exchange between firms. It is here argued that social norms are equally important in short‐term discrete exchange that takes place between firms and consumers. The norms of consumer exchange are, however, of a different kind. To clarify the difference, a classification system is presented. Based on the classification, the social norms of discrete consumer exchange are defined and a method of quantifying these norms is proposed. This method should help in the ongoing effort to understand how the social macro‐environment influences individual behavior in dyadic exchange.

Gundlach, Achrol, and Mentzer (1995)) note a recent shift in the marketing research paradigm toward a concern for the social determinants of economic exchange behavior. As they point out, this shift requires the analysis of often ambiguous concepts. One of these concepts is that of the social norm. Marketing researchers have recognized that social norms are a valuable explanatory variable. Their influence has been depicted in marketing models (e.g., Bagozzi 1978: Kalapurakal. Urbany, and Dickson 1992), tested in relational exchanges (e.g., Dant and Schul 1992; Heide and John 1992; Kaufmann and Stern 1988), and cited in the marketing orientation literature (e.g. Hurley and Hull 1998: Slater and Narver 1995).

The focus here is on the social norms of economic exchange, a subset of the social norms of a given society. In economic exchange, the investigation of social norms has considered primarily the norms of long‐term, relational transactions common in inter‐firm exchange. Little‐research has considered the social norms of the more short‐term, discrete transactions common in exchanges between businesses and consumers. However, Kaufmann and Stern (1988: 535) suggest that norms “exist in all exchange behavior, from very discrete transactions to highly relational exchange.”

The identification of the social norms of discrete consumer exchange is important to the understanding of the social structure of markets. On a practical level, it also helps marketers minimize consumer hostility. For example, consumers were outraged when Merck distributed its AIDS drug through a channel that charged a 37% markup (Wall Street Journal,May 7, 1996: B1). Merck did not consider the social norms that evidently sanction a 300% markup by consulting firms but not a 37% markup by distributors of pharmaceuticals. To avoid such blundering infractions of social norms. it behooves sellers to understand the social norms of discrete consumer exchange.
Recognition and Signaling by Toll-Like Receptors
Authors: West A. Phillip , Koblansky Anna Alicia , Ghosh Sankar
Published: July 2006

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane proteins that detect invading pathogens by binding conserved, microbially derived molecules and that induce signaling cascades for proinflammatory gene expression. A critical component of the innate immune system, TLRs utilize leucine-rich-repeat motifs for ligand binding and a shared cytoplasmic domain to recruit the adaptors MyD88, TRIF, TIRAP, and/or TRAM for downstream signaling. Despite significant domain conservation, TLRs induce gene programs that lead not only to the robust production of general proinflammatory mediators but also to the production of unique effectors, which provide pathogen-tailored immune responses. Here we review the mechanisms by which TLRs recognize pathogens and induce distinct signaling cascades.
Phase II Study of Pomegranate Juice for Men with Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen following Surgery or Radiation for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pantuck Allan J. , Leppert John T. , Zomorodian Nazy , Aronson William , Hong Jenny , Barnard R. James , Seeram Navindra , Liker Harley , Wang Hejing , Elashoff Robert , Heber David , Aviram Michael , Ignarro Louis , Belldegrun Arie
Published: July 2006

Purpose: Phytochemicals in plants may have cancer preventive benefits through antioxidation and via gene-nutrient interactions. We sought to determine the effects of pomegranate juice (a major source of antioxidants) consumption on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression in men with a rising PSA following primary therapy.

Experimental Design: A phase II, Simon two-stage clinical trial for men with rising PSA after surgery or radiotherapy was conducted. Eligible patients had a detectable PSA >0.2 and <5 ng/mL and Gleason score ≤7. Patients were treated with 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily (Wonderful variety, 570 mg total polyphenol gallic acid equivalents) until disease progression. Clinical end points included safety and effect on serum PSA, serum-induced proliferation and apoptosis of LNCaP cells, serum lipid peroxidation, and serum nitric oxide levels.

Results: The study was fully accrued after efficacy criteria were met. There were no serious adverse events reported and the treatment was well tolerated. Mean PSA doubling time significantly increased with treatment from a mean of 15 months at baseline to 54 months posttreatment (P < 0.001). In vitro assays comparing pretreatment and posttreatment patient serum on the growth of LNCaP showed a 12% decrease in cell proliferation and a 17% increase in apoptosis (P = 0.0048 and 0.0004, respectively), a 23% increase in serum nitric oxide (P = 0.0085), and significant (P < 0.02) reductions in oxidative state and sensitivity to oxidation of serum lipids after versus before pomegranate juice consumption.

Conclusions: We report the first clinical trial of pomegranate juice in patients with prostate cancer. The statistically significant prolongation of PSA doubling time, coupled with corresponding laboratory effects on prostate cancer in vitro cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as oxidative stress, warrant further testing in a placebo-controlled study.
Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Serum as a Predictor of the Response to Gefitinib in Patients with Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kimura Hideharu , Kasahara Kazuo , Kawaishi Makoto , Kunitoh Hideo , Tamura Tomohide , Holloway Brian , Nishio Kazuto
Published: July 2006

Cases of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying the somatic mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been shown to be hyperresponsive to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib (IRESSA). If EGFR mutations can be observed in serum DNA, this could serve as a noninvasive source of information on the genotype of the original tumor cells that could influence treatment and the ability to predict patient response to gefitinib. Serum genomic DNA was obtained from Japanese patients with NSCLC before first-line gefitinib monotherapy. Scorpion Amplified Refractory Mutation System technology was used to detect EGFR mutations. Wild-type EGFR was detected in all of the 27 serum samples. EGFR mutations were detected in 13 of 27 (48.1%) patients and two major EGFR mutations were identified (E746_A750del and L858R). The EGFR mutations were seen significantly more frequently in patients with a partial response than in patients with stable disease or progressive disease (P = 0.046, Fisher's exact test). The median progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients with EGFR mutations than in patients without EGFR mutations (200 versus 46 days; P = 0.005, log-rank test). The median survival was 611 days in patients with EGFR mutations and 232 days in patients without EGFR mutations (P > 0.05). In pairs of tumor and serum samples obtained from 11 patients, the EGFR mutation status in the tumors was consistent with those in the serum of 8 of 11 (72.7%) of the paired samples. Thus, EGFR mutations were detectable using Scorpion Amplified Refractory Mutation System technology in serum DNA from patients with NSCLC. These results suggest that patients with EGFR mutations seem to have better outcomes with gefitinib treatment, in terms of progression-free survival, overall survival, and response, than those patients without EGFR mutations.
Ex vivo and In vivo Delivery of Anti-Tissue Factor Short Interfering RNA Inhibits Mouse Pulmonary Metastasis of B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Amarzguioui Mohammed , Peng Qian , Wiiger Merete T. , Vasovic Vlada , Babaie Eshrat , Holen Torgeir , Nesland Jahn M. , Prydz Hans
Published: July 2006

Purpose: The coagulation trigger tissue factor has been implicated in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In this study, we explore the effects of ex vivo and in vivo delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting tissue factor on B16 melanoma colonization of the lung in a murine model for metastasis. The purposes of this work are to establish a noncytotoxic in vivo model for investigation of tissue factor function and provide preclinical assessment of the therapeutic potential of tissue factor siRNA for prevention of metastasis.

Experimental Design and Results: C57BL/6 mice were evaluated for pulmonary metastases following tail vein injection of B16 cells transfected with either active or inactive siRNA. Mice receiving cells transfected with active siRNA had significantly lower numbers of pulmonary tumors compared with mice injected with control cells (transfected with inactive siRNA). The average time point at which the mice started to exhibit tumor-associated stress was also increased significantly from 22 days for the control group to 27 days for the experimental group (P = 0.01). In a therapeutically more relevant model, where the siRNA was delivered i.p. and the cells (untransfected) by tail vein injection, an inhibitory effect on metastasis was observed when the siRNA treatment was initiated either before or at the time of cell injection.

Conclusions: The results suggest that tissue factor has a crucial function in promoting lung tumor metastasis of blood-borne tumor cells in the early stages of the tumor take process and further suggest that treatment with tissue factor siRNA may become a viable clinical strategy for prevention of tumor metastasis.
Preclinical pharmacokinetics and metabolism of a novel diaryl pyrazole resorcinol series of heat shock protein 90 inhibitors
Authors: Smith Nicola F. , Hayes Angela , James Karen , Nutley Bernard P. , McDonald Edward , Henley Alan , Dymock Brian , Drysdale Martin J. , Raynaud Florence I. , Workman Paul
Published: July 2006

CCT018159 was recently identified as a novel inhibitor of heat shock protein (Hsp) 90, a promising target for cancer therapy. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic properties are likely to be important for efficacy and need to be optimized during drug development. Here, we define the preclinical metabolism and pharmacokinetics of CCT018159 and some early derivatives. In addition, we assess in vitro metabolic stability screening and in vivo cassette dosing (simultaneous administration of several compounds to a single animal) as approaches to investigate these compounds. The plasma clearance following individual i.v. administration to mice was rapid (0.128–0.816 L/h), exceeding hepatic blood flow. For CCT066950 and CCT066952, this could be attributed in part to extensive (>80%) blood cell binding. Oral bioavailability ranged from 1.8% to 29.6%. Tissue distribution of CCT066952 was rapid and moderate, and renal excretion of the compounds was minimal (<1% of dose excreted). Compounds underwent rapid glucuronidation both in vivo and following incubation with mouse liver microsomes. However, whereas CCT066965 was metabolized to the greatest extent in vitro, this compound displayed the slowest plasma clearance. The rank order of the compounds from the highest to lowest area under the curve was the same following discrete and cassette dosing. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic variables were similar whether the compounds were dosed alone or in combination. We conclude that the pharmacokinetics of CCT018159 are complex. Cassette dosing is currently the best option available to assess the pharmacokinetics of this promising series of compounds in relatively high throughput and is now being applied to identify compounds with optimal pharmacokinetic properties during structural analogue synthesis. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(6):1628–37]
Withanolides potentiate apoptosis, inhibit invasion, and abolish osteoclastogenesis through suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and NF-κB–regulated gene expression
Authors: Ichikawa Haruyo , Takada Yasunari , Shishodia Shishir , Jayaprakasam Bolleddula , Nair Muraleedharan G. , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: July 2006

The plant Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha), also known as Indian ginseng, is widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat tumors, inflammation, arthritis, asthma, and hypertension. Chemical investigation of the roots and leaves of this plant has yielded bioactive withanolides. Earlier studies showed that withanolides inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and proliferation of tumor cells. Because several genes that regulate cellular proliferation, carcinogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation are regulated by activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), we hypothesized that the activity of withanolides is mediated through modulation of NF-κB activation. For this report, we investigated the effect of the withanolide on NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene expression activated by various carcinogens. We found that withanolides suppressed NF-κB activation induced by a variety of inflammatory and carcinogenic agents, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1β, doxorubicin, and cigarette smoke condensate. Suppression was not cell type specific, as both inducible and constitutive NF-κB activation was blocked by withanolides. The suppression occurred through the inhibition of inhibitory subunit of IκBα kinase activation, IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and subsequent p65 nuclear translocation. NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression activated by TNF, TNF receptor (TNFR) 1, TNFR-associated death domain, TNFR-associated factor 2, and IκBα kinase was also suppressed. Consequently, withanolide suppressed the expression of TNF-induced NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic (inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1, Bfl-1/A1, and FADD-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme–inhibitory protein) and metastatic (cyclooxygenase-2 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1) gene products, enhanced the apoptosis induced by TNF and chemotherapeutic agents, and suppressed cellular TNF-induced invasion and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis. Overall, our results indicate that withanolides inhibit activation of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene expression, which may explain the ability of withanolides to enhance apoptosis and inhibit invasion and osteoclastogenesis. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(6):1434–45]
Protective Effect of Potassium Against the Hypertensive Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Matsui Hiromitsu , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Uetake Yuzaburo , Wang Hong , Ogura Sayoko , Kaneko Tomoyo , Liu Jing , Ando Katsuyuki , Fujita Toshiro
Published: July 2006

Potassium supplementation has a potent protective effect against cardiovascular disease, but the precise mechanism of it against left ventricular abnormal relaxation, relatively early functional cardiac alteration in hypertensive subjects, has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of potassium against salt-induced cardiac dysfunction and the involved mechanism. Seven- to 8-week–old Dahl salt sensitive rats were fed normal diet (0.3% NaCl) or high-salt diet (8% NaCl) with or without high potassium (8% KCl) for 8 weeks. Left ventricular relaxation was evaluated by the deceleration time of early diastolic filling obtained from Doppler transmitral inflow, the slope of the pressure curve, and the time constant at the isovolumic relaxation phase. High-salt loading induced a significant elevation of blood pressure and impaired left ventricular relaxation, accompanied by augmentation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in the cardiac tissue, measured by the lucigenin chemiluminescence method. Blood pressure lowering by hydralazine could not ameliorate NADPH oxidase activity and resulted in no improvement of left ventricular relaxation. Interestingly, although the blood pressure remained high, potassium supplementation as well as treatment with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxyl, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, not only reduced the elevated NADPH oxidase activity but also improved the left ventricular relaxation. In conclusion, a high-potassium diet has a potent protective effect on left ventricular active relaxation independent of blood pressure, partly through the inhibition of cardiac NADPH oxidase activity. Sufficient potassium supplementation might be an attractive strategy for cardiac protection, especially in the salt-sensitive hypertensive subjects.
Plasma Phospholipid
Trans
Fatty Acids, Fatal Ischemic Heart Disease, and Sudden Cardiac Death in Older Adults
Authors: Lemaitre Rozenn N. , King Irena B. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Sotoodehnia Nona , Rea Thomas D. , Kuller Lewis H. , Tracy Russel P. , Siscovick David S.
Published: July 2006

Background—

Intake of
trans
fatty acids is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Whether different classes of
trans
fatty acids show similar associations is unclear. We previously reported an association of sudden cardiac death with red cell membrane
trans
-18:2 but not
trans
-18:1 fatty acids. To extend these findings, we investigated the associations of plasma phospholipid
trans
fatty acids with fatal ischemic heart disease (IHD) and sudden cardiac death.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a case-control study nested in the Cardiovascular Health Study. We identified 214 cases of fatal IHD (fatal myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease death) between 1992 and 1998. We randomly selected 214 controls, matched to cases on demographics, prevalent cardiovascular disease, and timing of blood draw. Plasma phospholipid fatty acids were assessed in blood samples collected earlier. Higher levels of plasma phospholipid
trans
-18:2 fatty acids were associated with higher risk of fatal IHD (odds ratio [OR] for interquintile range 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21 to 2.33) after adjustment for risk factors and
trans
-18:1 levels.
Trans
-18:1 levels above the 20th percentile were associated with lower risk (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.63). In analyses limited to cases of sudden cardiac death (n=95), higher levels of
trans
-18:2 fatty acids were associated with higher risk (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.31) and higher
trans
-18:1 with lower risk (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.54).

Conclusions—

Higher levels of
trans
-18:2 and lower levels of
trans
-18:1 fatty acids are associated with higher risks of fatal IHD and sudden cardiac death. If confirmed, these findings suggest that current efforts at decreasing
trans
fatty acid intake in foods should take into consideration the
trans
-18:2 content.
Climate and Climate Change over North America as Simulated by the Canadian RCM
Authors: Plummer D. A. , Caya D. , Frigon A. , Côté H. , Giguère M. , Paquin D. , Biner S. , Harvey R. , de Elia R.
Published: July 2006

An analysis of several multidecadal simulations of the present (1971–90) and future (2041–60) climate from the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM) is presented. The effects on the CRCM climate of model domain size, internal variability of the general circulation model (GCM) used to provide boundary conditions, and modifications to the physical parameterizations used in the CRCM are investigated. The influence of boundary conditions is further investigated by comparing the GCM-driven simulations of the current climate with simulations performed using boundary conditions from meteorological reanalyses. The present climate of the model in these different configurations is assessed by comparing the seasonal averages and interannual variability of precipitation and surface air temperature with an observed climatology. Generally, small differences are found between the two simulations on different domains, though both domains are quite large as compared with previously reported results. Simulations driven by GCM output show a significant warm bias for wintertime surface air temperatures over northern regions. This warm bias is much reduced in the GCM-driven simulation when an updated set of physical parameterizations is used in the CRCM. The warm bias is also reduced for simulations with the standard set of physical parameterizations when the CRCM is driven with reanalysis data. However, use of the modified physics package for reanalysis-driven simulations results in surface air temperatures that are colder than the observations. Summertime precipitation in the model is much larger than observed, a bias that is present in both the GCM-driven and reanalysis-driven simulations. The bias in summertime precipitation is reduced for both types of driving data when the updated set of physical parameterizations is used. Model projections of climate change between the present and future periods are also presented and the sensitivity of these projections to many of the above-mentioned modifications is assessed. Changes in surface air temperature are predicted to be largest over northern regions in winter, with smaller changes over more southerly regions and in the summer season. Changes in seasonal average precipitation are projected to be in the range of ±10% of present-day amounts for most regions and seasons. The CRCM projections of surface air temperature changes are strongly affected by the internal variability of the driving GCM over high northern latitudes and to changes in the physical parameterizations over many regions for the summer season.
Climatology Models for Extreme Hurricane Winds near the United States
Authors: Jagger Thomas H. , Elsner James B.
Published: July 2006

The rarity of severe coastal hurricanes implies that empirical estimates of extreme wind speed return levels will be unreliable. Here climatology models derived from extreme value theory are estimated using data from the best-track [Hurricane Database (HURDAT)] record. The occurrence of a hurricane above a specified threshold intensity level is assumed to follow a Poisson distribution, and the distribution of the maximum wind is assumed to follow a generalized Pareto distribution. The likelihood function is the product of the generalized Pareto probabilities for each wind speed estimate. A geographic region encompassing the entire U.S. coast vulnerable to Atlantic hurricanes is of primary interest, but the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the East Coast regions are also considered. Model parameters are first estimated using a maximum likelihood (ML) procedure. Results estimate the 100-yr return level for the entire coast at 157 kt (±10 kt), but at 117 kt (±4 kt) for the East Coast region (1 kt = 0.514 m s−1). Highest wind speed return levels are noted along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Alabama. The study also examines how the extreme wind return levels change depending on climate conditions including El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, and global temperature. The mean 5-yr return level during La Niña (El Niño) conditions is 125 (116) kt, but is 140 (164) kt for the 100-yr return level. This indicates that La Niña years are the most active for the occurrence of strong hurricanes, but that extreme hurricanes are more likely during El Niño years. Although El Niño inhibits hurricane formation in part through wind shear, the accompanying cooler lower stratosphere appears to increase the potential intensity of hurricanes that do form. To take advantage of older, less reliable data, the models are reformulated using Bayesian methods. Gibbs sampling is used to integrate the prior over the likelihood to obtain the posterior distributions for the model parameters conditional on global temperature. Higher temperatures are conditionally associated with more strong hurricanes and higher return levels for the strongest hurricane winds. Results compare favorably with an ML approach as well as with recent modeling and observational studies. The maximum possible near-coastal wind speed is estimated to be 208 kt (183 kt) using the Bayesian (ML) approach.
Anomalous Distortion and Stacking Column Formation of [Ni(dmit)2]− Induced by Propeller-Shaped Dye Cations, Crystal Violet and Basic Fuchsin
Authors: Soneta Yuji , Midorikawa Tomoko , Miyamura Kazuo
Published: July 2006

(CV+)[Ni(dmit)2]·1/2(C6H6) (1) and (BF+)[Ni(dmit)2] (2) (dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato, CV+ = cation of Crystal Violet, BF+ = cation of Basic Fuchsin) were prepared and characterized by X-ray crystal structural analysis. In the crystal structure of 1, the Ni(dmit)2 unit was bent at Ni in a V shape with an angle of 13.7° and tetrahedral distortion of 8.8° around Ni was also present that originated from the steric effect of the propeller-shaped CV cation. In the case of 2, BF and [Ni(dmit)2]− formed an independent stacking column in which [Ni(dmit)2]− were stacked alternately rotated with an angle of 90° to each other. 1 and 2 exhibited semiconducting behavior with room-temperature conductivities of 2.9 × 10−7 and 9.0 × 10−5 S cm−1, respectively.
Rice Policy in Japan's Economic Development
Authors: Hayami Yujiro
Published: July 2006

Until only a decade ago, Japan's rice policy had been primarily designed to procure “cheap” rice for the industrial population from domestic and colonial producers. For the promotion of industrialization and economic growth the price of rice, the principal wage good, had been kept low to prevent the rise in the wage rate of urban industrial workers. The shift from the traditional cheap rice policy to a recent policy of high price supports is due to the decline in the role of rice as a wage good. The rapid rise in per capita income and the dramatic transformation of Japan's industrial structure contributed to the policy change.
Agricultural Trade Intensity: The European Markets and the U. S.
Authors: Carney M. K.
Published: July 2006

To examine developments in agricultural trade between countries in EEC and EFTA, the U. S., and an aggregate of other countries, a measure of trading intensity is calculated for years from 1960 through 1969. Intra‐EFTA trade intensified; EEC trade did not. U. S. trade with the remainder of the world intensified.
The Farm‐Retail Price Spread in a Competitive Food Industry
Authors: Gardner Bruce L.
Published: July 2006

Consistency with market equilibrium places constraints on the pricing policies of food marketing firms in a competitive industry. This paper examines the implications of simultaneous equilibrium in three related markets: retail food, farm output, and marketing services. From equations representing the demand and supply sides of each market, elasticities are generated which show how the farm‐retail price spread changes when retail food demand, farm product supply, or the supply function of marketing services shifts. Implications for the viability of simple markup pricing rules and the determinants of the farmer's share of the food dollar are discussed.
A Macro‐Economic Model for Agricultural Sector Analysis
Authors: Byerlee Derek , Halter A. N.
Published: July 2006

Agricultural sector analyses for purposes of agricultural policy evaluation and planning in developing countries are generally conducted in a partial equilibrium framework without regard to agricultural‐nonagricultural interactions. A relatively simple simulation model built on an input‐output framework is developed which, in combination with an agricultural sector analysis, enables interactions in the product markets and labor market to be considered. The model is illustrated through linkage with an agricultural simulation model to evaluate alternative agricultural policies in Nigeria. The model also has potential for use with other formal and informal sector analysis techniques.
The Price Performance on the Futures Market of a Nonstorable Commodity: Live Beef Cattle
Authors: Leuthold Raymond M.
Published: July 2006

Cash cattle prices are found to be more accurate indicators of subsequent cash cattle price conditions than are the futures prices for distant contracts. This apparent relative inability of futures prices for live beef cattle to reflect later spot prices is becoming more pronounced over time.
Comparative Advantage among African Coffee Producers
Authors: Pearson Scott R. , Meyer Ronald K.
Published: July 2006

Relative comparative advantage is measured by contrasting country ratios of the domestic resource costs per unit of foreign exchange earned by exporting coffee to the exchange rate. Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania have strong relative comparative advantages in coffee vis‐à‐vis the Ivory Coast, largely because of higher opportunity costs of Ivoirian factors.
Chile's Experiments in Agrarian Reform: Four Colonization Projects Revisited
Authors: Thiesenhusen William C.
Published: July 2006

Agrarian reform has variable effects on its beneficiaries. Some make considerable income progress while others stagnate. A number of factors are involved in this relative success or failure.
Peasants' Response to Modernization Projects in Minifundia Economies
Authors: Benito Carlos A.
Published: July 2006

Different factors are mentioned in explaining peasants' adoption of modern technologies. A model of the peasant household is developed integrating most of these factors, condensed into a stochastic linear programming framework, and applied to the Puebla area in Mexico. Observed low adoption rates and peasants' participation in modernization projects are explained by opportunity costs of time and uncertainty. The view that labor‐using technologies per se will rapidly increase agricultural production is challenged. The generation of less risky technologies and more emphasis on organizational‐communication aspects are also necessary. Further rural development will require intermediate technologies and organizations.
Pests as a Common Property Resource: A Case Study of Alfalfa Weevil Control
Authors: Regev Uri , Gutierrez Andrew P. , Feder Gershon
Published: July 2006

The biological interactions of a pest‐plant system are incorporated into an optimal pest‐control model, using data and estimated parameters specific to the alfalfa weevil. Due to the externalities inherent in situations involving common property resources, different solutions are obtained for private and societal formulations of the optimization problem. In contrast to current pesticide‐spraying practices, it is shown that pesticide should be applied early in the season, before any damage can be observed.
An Analysis of Alternative Financing Strategies and Equity Retirement Plans for Farm Supply Cooperatives
Authors: Dahl Wilmer A. , Dobson W. D.
Published: July 2006

Cooperatives are experiencing pressures to increase cash patronage refunds, reduce financing costs, and retire equity capital of farmer‐members who die, retire, or leave the cooperative's service area. Farm supply cooperatives could increase cash patronage refunds by over 90% and reduce financing costs by 6% to 9% by employing moderately different capital acquisition practices. Solvency of the cooperatives could be reduced substantially if mandatory equity retirement plans being considered by legislators and courts were adopted.
On the Incongruity of Program Objectives and Project Evaluation: An Example from the Reclamation Program
Authors: Bromley Daniel W. , Beattie Bruce R.
Published: July 2006

In public programs project evaluation is often based on an objective that is more specific than the general objectives of the program. In such situations, benefits may be underestimated. The magnitude of this underestimation is assessed for a proposed reclamation project in Southern Idaho.
Multi‐Frequency Cobweb Model: Decomposition of the Hog Cycle
Authors: Talpaz Hovav
Published: July 2006

The Cobweb Theorem and the harmonic motion models are extended and integrated to form a multi‐frequency cobweb model explaining the U. S. hog production cycle. The cycle is estimated by a finite, time‐based Fourier Series allowing amplitude and frequency analysis. Six different cycles are discovered operating simultaneously in the attempt to reach a market equilibrium. An independent distributed lag model is estimated, verifying the fundamental hypothesis of the model. The implication is that improved industry performance can be efficiently achieved by control policies to dampen the harmful long period cycles, leaving the short ones unaffected.