bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An equilibrium model of Pacific Rim trade in small softwood logs
Authors: Flora Donald F.
Published: February 2008

Small, lower-graded logs, corresponding roughly to British Columbia's grade 4 sawlogs, make up about 44% of all Pacific Rim softwood log trade, or about 35% of total trade in coniferous sawn wood and roundwood. The 1983 small-log volume of 9 000 m3 is expected to grow to 12 300 m3 in 1990, to 14 000 m3 in 1995, and to be accompanied by a 13% rise in prices at Pacific Coast docks during this decade. Prices of small logs are projected to be level during the early 1990s. This analysis was performed with an equilibrium model of the log economies of each supplying and consuming nation around the Pacific Ocean. Individual export supply and import demand functions were summed to a classical market solution, with reference to free alongside ship prices along the western shores of North and South America. Key assumptions are constant exchange rates and secularly stable economies.
Sulphur and nitrogen nutrition and their interactive effects on Dothistroma infection in Pinusradiata
Authors: Lambert Marcia J.
Published: February 2008

Nitrogen and sulphur fertilizers were applied to a 4-year-old Pinusradiata plantation in northern New South Wales and the results were monitored for 7 years. The aim was to study the effects of sulphur and nitrogen nutrition on tree growth and their interactions on Dothistroma infection. Sulphur (300 kg S ha−1), applied as gypsum, elevated foliage sulphate sulphur levels for up to 7 years after treatment, but no direct effects on growth were noted. The low nitrogen fertilizer level (100 kg N ha−1) had a positive influence on volume increment, while the high nitrogen fertilizer application (400 kg N ha−1) significantly depressed volume increment. This latter negative effect was attributed to induced sulphur and phosphorus deficiencies. Sulphur deficiency resulted in highly increased arginine concentrations in current foliage and there was a strong positive correlation between arginine concentration and tree infection level of Dothistroma needle cast fungus, the highest levels of infection being in the nitrogen-treated plots. Relationships between foliar nutrition and foliar fungal infection are discussed.
A rapid method for diterpene resin acid analysis of pine needle oleoresin
Authors: Magee Thomas V. , Zinkel Duane F.
Published: February 2008

A method for diterpene resin acid analysis has been developed for pine oleoresin samples at the submilligram level. The method utilizes the removal of acidic components by a micro-DEAE-Sephadex ion-exchange column and analysis of the recovered resin acids, as the methyl esters, by capillary gas–liquid chromatography.
Proposed mechanisms of initial injury-causing apical dieback in red spruce at high elevation in eastern North America
Authors: Evans Lance S.
Published: February 2008

Observations of apical dieback and tree declines of high-elevation red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) were made from hundreds of random plant samples that exhibited recent injury. This recent and predominant injury related to red spruce decline was not a result of secondary injury to other tissues. Samples of recently injured branches were collected on Whiteface Mountain, NY, Mount Mitchell, NC, and Clingman's Dome, TN. Visible recent injury at Whiteface Mt. was much more intensive and extensive than at Mt. Mitchell. Moreover, few symptoms were present at Clingman's Dome. In the normal growth pattern of red spruce, three buds elongate from each twig terminus during spring. These buds elongate the next growing season and three new buds will form on each of the three elongated twigs. During late winter and early spring of 1985, recent tissue injury occurred on twigs that elongated during the spring of 1984. This recent twig injury and necrosis occurred on 1st-year twigs that retained injured or necrotic needles. No bud enlargement occurred on affected 1st-year twigs. Injury to only one or two of the 1st-year twigs on a branch was the most common injury symptom observed, while injury to all three 1st-year twigs on a branch was rare. On a branch with one or two injured 1st-year twigs, adjacent 1st-year twigs on the same branch had no visible injury. In addition to having all needles of affected twigs exhibiting the same degree of injury simultaneously, injury and necrosis of all portions of affected needles occurred simultaneously. In this manner, affected tissues (twigs and needles) on a branch exhibited a uniform appearance of injury. There was no chlorotic mottle or bands of living and necrotic tissues that has been described for conifer needles exposed to gaseous air pollutants. These results are discussed in relation to possible causes.
Reducing sample size through the use of a composite estimator: an application to timber volume estimation
Authors: Green Edwin J. , Strawderman William E.
Published: February 2008

A method for determining the appropriate sample size to produce an estimate with a stated allowable percent error when the sample data is to be combined with prior information is presented. Application of the method in the case where the objective is to estimate volume per acre and prior knowledge is represented by a yield equation demonstrates that this method can reduce the amount of sample information that would be required if the yield equation were to be ignored.
Isozyme uniformity in populations of red pine (Pinusresinosa) in the Abitibi Region, Quebec
Authors: Simon Jean-Pierre , Bergeron Yves , Gagnon Daniel
Published: February 2008

The genetic structure of six populations of red pine, comprising 124 trees, at its northwestern limit in Québec, was analysed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. No differences were observed among individuals in the number and mobility of isozymes of esterases, acid phosphatases, superoxyde dismutase, and peroxydases. The lack of genetic differentiation in marginal red pine populations of the Abitibi Region is similar to that found in other populations from three eastern Canadian provinces. It indicates that the species is genetically depauperate over a large area of its range.
Densité et largeur des cernes des populations d'Épinettes blanches de la région forestière des Grands Lacs et du Saint-Laurent
Authors: Corriveau A. , Beaulieu J. , Mothe F. , Poliquin J. , Doucet J.
Published: February 2008

Twenty years after planting, X-ray densitometry and immersion were used to determine the relative density of wood from 28 white spruce populations of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence forest region. The results showed the same pattern of radial variation in all populations. Wood density decreases for the first few years of growth, then stabilizes for a time, then increases slowly, but steadily. The relative density of wood from white spruce has a slight, negative correlation with the width of the annual growth rings, at either the individual or the population level. However, some populations and individuals do deviate from this trend. Though the populations showed some statistically significant differences in relative density, analysis of variance showed that 85 to 90% was attributable to differences among trees within the same population. This study confirmed the desirability of using relative density as the basis for making mass selections within fast-growing white spruce populations to genetically improve the genetic quality of wood.
Woody fuel structure and fire in subalpine fir forests, Olympic National Park, Washington
Authors: Taylor K. L. , Fonda R. W.
Published: February 2008

The fuel structure and flammability of subalpine fir (Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) stands were studied to determine the relationship between these forests and fire. It has long been known that subalpine fir forests burn catastrophically, but the contributions of fuel structure and fuel moisture to this pattern of burning have been relatively unstudied. This investigation discovered two relationships. First, over twice as much fuel in subalpine fir forests accumulated around the bases of the fir trees than in the forest as a whole, and the many dead branches on the lower trunks may allow fire to travel up into the canopy. Second, the fuels in subalpine fir forests were more flammable at the end of the summer than at the beginning, and maximum flammability was achieved in early August when the fuel moisture was between 16 and 22%. We also found that the fuel structure of subalpine fir was different from that of fire-stable ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.) forests. The fuel around the bases of the trees in ponderosa pine forests was not significantly different from that in the entire forest, and there were few branches on the lower trunks.
Variabilité génétique des composantes de la croissance en hauteur du Sapin de Céphalonie (Abiescephalonica)
Authors: Fady Bruno
Published: February 2008

The annual height increment of the shoot can be divided into two morphogenetic components: the number of stem units initiated in the bud prior to bud break and their mean length. Observations were made on the lateral shoots of 43 Abiescephalonica open-pollinated families from three provenances located in an experimental site in southern France. Genetic parameters of the two components were evaluated with an analysis of variance. Correlations both between components and with annual height increment were examined at the phenotypic, genotypic, and individual levels. Differences between provenances were the result of number of stem units and annual height increment. Number of stem units presented a very high heritability and was strongly correlated to annual height increment at all variance levels. Mean stem unit length appeared to be more dependent on environmental variations and was less closely correlated to annual height increment, especially when genotypic data were considered. This particular growth strategy could be the consequence of A. cephalonica's adaptation to a Mediterranean-type climate. Of the two components studied, number of stem units was a better genetic predictor of annual height increment. A negative correlation between number of stem units and mean stem unit length was made apparent at the phenotypic and individual levels and should be considered when using number of stem units as a selection criterium.
The stability of the capital asset pricing model's parameters in analyzing forest investments
Authors: Wagner John E. , Rideout Douglas B.
Published: February 2008

Parameter instability can seriously affect the reliability and credibility of the capital asset pricing model's (CAPM's) inference results. This paper combines the cusum of square test (CST) and the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) test with event analysis to determine if the parameters of a nominal and real capital asset pricing model were unstable and, if so, to examine the resulting structural changes in the CAPM's parameters. The forestry asset was defined as the stumpage price of Pacific Northwest ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.). The CST and LLR test results indicated that the nominal and real CAPM's parameters were unstable and that a parameter shift occurred in the fourth quarter of 1976. The β indices estimated using the event analysis model and nominal returns were insignificantly different from zero prior to the parameter shift and greater than one after it. The β indices estimated using the event analysis model and real returns were not significantly different from zero prior to as well as after the point of instability. While the CST and LLR tests indicated that the real CAPM's parameters were unstable, the estimated parameters were insignificant, indicating that the β indices calculated using real returns were stable.
Effet des techniques de coupe et des variations du milieu sur la croissance en hauteur des cépées dans un taillis de châtaignier (Castaneasativa)
Authors: Cabanettes Alain , Pagès Loïc
Published: February 2008

The frequency of cuttings and the age of the stumps can make coppices particularly sensitive to cutting technique and to microenvironment changes. The influence of these two factors on height growth has been studied on a 1- and 3-year-old sweet chestnut (Castaneasativa Miller) coppice regrowth. The stand is located in west-central France on a 15% slope and covers an area of 0.5 ha. The experimental design is a randomized complete block trial with three blocks oriented perpendicularly to the slope. The local environment of each stump is described by its location on the slope (block effect) and by the depth of soil above the granitic arena. Initial cutting was made with two different tools (axe and chainsaw) and at two different heights (10 and 30 cm). The height of the 1-year-old regrowth is affected by initial stump diameter, which explains 34% of the variance, and to a lesser extent by the environment; the cutting technique has no significant effect. The height increment between 1 and 3 years is mainly affected by two environmental factors, namely soil depth and block effect. These effects became dominant at age 3. The effect of the cutting technique on height increment between 1 and 3 years is highly significant, and cutting technique also has a highly significant interaction with the block effect. Because of this interaction, one cannot make any general conclusions about the positive or negative effect of a given cutting technique.
Impact of soil water deficits in a mature sugar maple forest: stand biogeochemistry
Authors: Foster N.W. , Morrison I.K. , Yin Xiwei , Arp P.A.
Published: February 2008

Computer simulations of moisture relationships in an uneven-aged, tolerant hardwood forest at the Turkey Lakes Watershed suggest that soil water deficits during 1982–1983 and 1988–1989 were among the most severe of the past 40 years. Examination of radial growth indices for sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) trees suggested that reductions in growth coincided with low volumetric soil water contents and with low NO3− concentrations in soil solution. The lowest mean monthly NO3− concentrations in soil percolate were observed during severe summer droughts. Nitrate concentrations were negatively correlated (r2 = −0.803) with SO42− levels in solution and positively correlated (r2 = 0.761) with Ca2+ levels. Nitrification, by stimulating adsorption of SO42− by the soil, may lead to temporary retention of atmospheric SO42− in soils that otherwise exhibit only limited capacity to retain SO42−. If warmer, drier summers become more frequent, nitrogen cycling will become more closed as the supply of nitrogen to the vegetation and leaching of nitrogen from the soil are reduced. Sulfate-moderated leaching from the soil, however, will increase; hence, net cation leaching is unlikely to change in response to drier summers.
REENTRANT-LIKE BAND JAHN–TELLER EFFECT AND ITS FIELD DEPENDENCE
Authors: GANGADHAR REDDY G. , VENKATAPPA RAO T. , RAMAKANTH A. , GHATAK S. K. , BEHERA S. N.
Published: February 2008

In the presence of the electron–lattice interaction where the lattice strain is coupled to the difference in orbital occupancy, the metallic system whose Fermi level lies in an orbitally degenerate eg band undergoes a structural transition to a lower symmetric state with distortion. The distortion is the consequence of the band Jahn–Teller (J–T) effect, and results from the gain of the electronic energy against the increase in the elastic energy. The extent of distortion depends on the nature of the density of states (DOS) and carrier concentration. These effects are examined for a system described by a different model DOS, and an orbitally degenerate eg band with the J–T interaction. In a certain region of parameter space, the temperature dependence of distortion exhibits a reentrant-like behavior, and the magnetic field augments the distortion in this region. In the parameter space where there is no reentrant-like behavior, the field suppresses the distortion, and the normalized distortion becomes a universal function of the normalized field. A phase diagram is obtained in the magnetic field–temperature plane.
ON THE MINIMAL GENUS FOR KNOTS VIA BRAIDZEL SURFACES
Authors: NAKAMURA TAKUJI
Published: February 2008

In this note, we show that there exists an infinite family of knots with the free genus one, the braidzel genus two and the canonical genus n for any positive odd integer n greater than one.
Role of 12/15-lipoxygenase in the expression of MCP-1 in mouse macrophages
Authors: Wen Yeshao , Gu Jiali , Vandenhoff George E. , Liu Xiaoping , Nadler Jerry L.
Published: February 2008

Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 plays a key role in atherosclerosis and inflammation associated with visceral adiposity by inducing mononuclear cell migration. Evidence shows that mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) express a 12-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) that has been clearly linked to accelerated atherosclerosis in mouse models and increased monocyte endothelial interactions in both rodent and human cells. However, the role of 12/15-LO products in regulating MCP-1 expression in macrophages has not been clarified. In this study, we tested the role of 12/15-LO products using MPM and the mouse macrophage cell line, J774A.1 cells. We found that 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(S)-HETE] increased MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression in J774A.1 cells and MPM. In contrast, 12(R)-HETE, a lipid not derived from 12/15-LO, did not affect MCP-1 expression. 15(S)-HETE also increased MCP-1 mRNA expression, but the effect was less compared with 12(S)-HETE. MCP-1 mRNA expression was upregulated in a macrophage cell line stably overexpressing 12/15-LO (Plox-86 cells) and in MPM isolated from a 12/15-LO transgenic mouse. In addition, the expression of MCP-1 was downregulated in MPM isolated from 12/15-LO knockout mice. 12(S)-HETE-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression was attenuated by specific inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38). 12(S)-HETE also directly activated NADPH oxidase activity. Two NADPH oxidase inhibitors, apocynin and diphenyleneiodonium chloride, blocked 12(S)-HETE-induced MCP-1 mRNA. Apocynin attenuated 12(S)-HETE-induced MCP-1 protein secretion. These data show that 12(S)-HETE increases MCP-1 expression by inducing PKC, p38, and NADPH oxidase activity. These results suggest a potentially important mechanism linking 12/15-LO activation to MCP-1 expression that induces inflammatory cell infiltration.
Exercise reduces arterial pressure augmentation through vasodilation of muscular arteries in humans
Authors: Munir Shahzad , Jiang Benyu , Guilcher Antoine , Brett Sally , Redwood Simon , Marber Michael , Chowienczyk Philip
Published: February 2008

Exercise markedly influences pulse wave morphology, but the mechanism is unknown. We investigated whether effects of exercise on the arterial pulse result from alterations in stroke volume or pulse wave velocity (PWV)/large artery stiffness or reduction of pressure wave reflection. Healthy subjects ( n = 25) performed bicycle ergometry. with workload increasing from 25 to 150 W for 12 min. Digital arterial pressure waveforms were recorded using a servo-controlled finger cuff. Radial arterial pressure waveforms and carotid-femoral PWV were determined by applanation tonometry. Stroke volume was measured by echocardiography, and brachial and femoral artery blood flows and diameters were measured by ultrasound. Digital waveforms were recorded continuously. Other measurements were made before and after exercise. Exercise markedly reduced late systolic and diastolic augmentation of the peripheral pressure pulse. At 15 min into recovery, stroke volume and PWV were similar to baseline values, but changes in pulse wave morphology persisted. Late systolic augmentation index (radial pulse) was reduced from 54 ± 3.9% at baseline to 42 ± 3.7% ( P < 0.01), and diastolic augmentation index (radial pulse) was reduced from 37 ± 1.8% to 25 ± 2.9% ( P < 0.001). These changes were accompanied by an increase in femoral blood flow (from 409 ± 44 to 773 ± 48 ml/min, P < 0.05) and an increase in femoral artery diameter (from 8.2 ± 0.4 to 8.6 ± 0.4 mm, P < 0.05). In conclusion, exercise dilates muscular arteries and reduces arterial pressure augmentation, an effect that will enhance ventricular-vascular coupling and reduce load on the left ventricle.
Insulin resistance and impaired functional vasodilation in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Xiang Lusha , Dearman Jennifer , Abram Sean R. , Carter Cory , Hester Robert L.
Published: February 2008

Individuals with metabolic syndrome exhibit insulin resistance and an attenuated functional vasodilatory response to exercise. We have shown that impaired functional vasodilation in obese Zucker rats (OZRs) is associated with enhanced thromboxane receptor (TP)-mediated vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that insulin resistance, hyperglycemia/hyperlipidemia, and the resultant ROS are responsible for the increased TP-mediated vasoconstriction in OZRs, resulting in impaired functional vasodilation. Eleven-week-old male lean Zucker rats (LZRs) and OZRs were fed normal rat chow or chow containing rosiglitazone (5 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 2 wk. In another set of experiment, LZRs and OZRs were treated with 2 mM tempol (drinking water) for 7–10 days. After the treatments, spinotrapezius muscles were prepared, and arcade arteriolar diameters were measured following muscle stimulation and arachidonic acid (AA) application (10 μM) in the absence and presence of the TP antagonist SQ-29548 (1 μM). OZRs exhibited higher insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and superoxide levels and increased NADPH oxidase activity compared with LZRs. Functional and AA-induced vasodilations were impaired in OZRs. Rosiglitazone treatment improved insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and superoxide levels as well as NADHP oxidase activity in OZRs. Both rosiglitazone and tempol treatment improved vasodilatory responses in OZRs with no effect in LZRs. SQ-29548 treatment improved vasodilatory responses in nontreated OZRs with no effect in LZRs or treated OZRs. These results suggest that insulin resistance and the resultant increased ROS impair functional dilation in OZRs by increasing TP-mediated vasoconstriction.
Impaired pressure-induced constriction in mouse middle cerebral arteries of ASIC2 knockout mice
Authors: Gannon Kimberly P. , VanLandingham Lauren G. , Jernigan Nikki L. , Grifoni Samira C. , Hamilton Gina , Drummond Heather A.
Published: February 2008

Recent studies from our laboratory demonstrated the importance of mechanosensitive epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) proteins in pressure-induced constriction in renal and cerebral arteries. ENaC proteins are closely related to acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2), a protein known to be required for normal mechanotransduction in certain sensory neurons. However, the role of the ASIC2 protein in pressure-induced constriction has never been addressed. The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of ASIC2 proteins in pressure-induced, or myogenic, constriction in the mouse middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) from ASIC2 wild-type (+/+), heterozygous (+/−), and null (−/−) mice. Constrictor responses to KCl (20–80 mM) and phenylephrine (10−7–10−4M) were not different among groups. However, vasoconstrictor responses to increases in intraluminal pressure (15–90 mmHg) were impaired in MCAs from ASIC2−/−and+/−mice. At 60 and 90 mmHg, MCAs from ASIC2+/+mice generated 13.7 ± 2.1% and 15.8 ± 2.0% tone and ASIC2−/−mice generated 7.4 ± 2.8% and 12.5 ± 2.4% tone, respectively. Surprisingly, MCAs from ASIC2+/−mice generated 1.2 ± 2.2% and 3.9 ± 1.8% tone at 60 and 90 mmHg. The reason underlying the total loss of myogenic tone in the ASIC2+/−is not clear, although the loss of mechanosensitive β- and γ-ENaC proteins may be a contributing factor. These results demonstrate that normal ASIC2 expression is required for normal pressure-induced constriction in the MCA. Furthermore, ASIC2 may be involved in establishing the basal level of myogenic tone.
Periostin Is Required for Maturation and Extracellular Matrix Stabilization of Noncardiomyocyte Lineages of the Heart
Authors: Snider Paige , Hinton Robert B. , Moreno-Rodriguez Ricardo A. , Wang Jian , Rogers Rhonda , Lindsley Andrew , Li Fang , Ingram David A. , Menick Donald , Field Loren , Firulli Anthony B. , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Markwald Roger , Conway Simon J.
Published: February 2008

The secreted periostin protein, which marks mesenchymal cells in endocardial cushions following epithelial–mesenchymal transformation and in mature valves following remodeling, is a putative valvulogenesis target molecule. Indeed, periostin is expressed throughout cardiovascular morphogenesis and in all 4 adult mice valves (annulus and leaflets). Additionally, periostin is expressed throughout the fibrous cardiac skeleton and endocardial cushions in the developing heart but is absent from both normal and/or pathological mouse cardiomyocytes. Periostin (
peri

lacZ

) knockout mice exhibit viable valve disease, with neonatal lethality in a minority and latent disease with leaflet abnormalities in the viable majority. Surviving
peri

lacZ

-null leaflets are truncated, contain ectopic cardiomyocytes and smooth muscle, misexpress the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan, demonstrate disorganized matrix stratification, and exhibit reduced transforming growth factor-β signaling. Neonatal
peri

lacZ

nulls that die (14%) display additional defects, including leaflet discontinuities, delamination defects, and deposition of acellular extracellular matrix. Assessment of collagen production, 3D lattice formation ability, and transforming growth factor-β responsiveness indicate periostin-deficient fibroblasts are unable to support normal valvular remodeling and establishment of a mature cardiac skeleton. Furthermore, pediatric stenotic bicuspid aortic valves that have lost normal extracellular matrix trilaminar stratification have greatly reduced periostin. This suggests that loss of periostin results in inappropriate differentiation of mesenchymal cushion cells and valvular abnormalities via a transforming growth factor-β–dependent pathway during establishment of the mature heart. Thus,
peri

lacZ

knockouts provide a new model of viable latent valve disease.
AIP1 Recruits Phosphatase PP2A to ASK1 in Tumor Necrosis Factor–Induced ASK1-JNK Activation
Authors: Min Wang , Lin Yan , Tang Shibo , Yu Luyang , Zhang Haifeng , Wan Ting , Luhn Tricia , Fu Haian , Chen Hong
Published: February 2008

Previously we have shown that AIP1 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase [ASK]1-interacting protein 1), a novel member of the Ras-GAP protein family, facilitates dephosphorylation of ASK1 at pSer967 and subsequently 14-3-3 release from ASK1, leading to enhanced ASK1-JNK signaling. However, the phosphatase(s) responsible for ASK1 dephosphorylation at pSer967 has not been identified. In the present study, we identified protein phosphatase (PP)2A as a potential phosphatase in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced dephosphorylation of ASK1 pSer967 in ECs was blocked by PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid. Overexpression of PP2A catalytic subunit induced dephosphorylation of ASK1 pSer967 and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In contrast, a catalytic inactive form of PP2A or PP2A small interfering RNA blunted TNF-induced dephosphorylation of ASK1 pSer967 and activation of JNK without effects on NF-κB activation. Whereas AIP1, via its C2 domain, binds to ASK1, PP2A binds to the GAP domain of AIP1. Endogenous AIP1-PP2A complex can be detected in the resting state, and TNF induces a complex formation of AIP1-PP2A with ASK1. Furthermore, TNF-induced association of PP2A with ASK1 was diminished in AIP1-knockdown ECs, suggesting a critical role of AIP1 in recruiting PP2A to ASK1. TNF-signaling molecules TRAF2 and RIP1, known to be in complex with AIP1 and activate AIP1 by phosphorylating AIP1 at Ser604, are critical for TNF-induced ASK1 dephosphorylation. Finally, PP2A and AIP1 cooperatively induce activation of ASK1-JNK signaling and EC apoptosis, as demonstrated by both overexpression and small interfering RNA knockdown approaches. Taken together, our data support a critical role of PP2A-AIP1 complex in TNF-induced activation of ASK1-JNK apoptotic signaling.
Functional and Structural Adaptations of Coronary Microvessels Distal to a Chronic Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Sorop Oana , Merkus Daphne , de Beer Vincent J. , Houweling Birgit , Pistea Adrian , McFalls Edward O. , Boomsma Frans , van Beusekom Heleen M. , van der Giessen Wim J. , VanBavel Ed , Duncker Dirk J.
Published: February 2008

Distal to a chronic coronary artery stenosis, structural remodeling of the microvasculature occurs. The microvascular functional changes distal to the stenosis have not been studied in detail. We tested the hypothesis that microvascular structural remodeling is accompanied by altered regulation of coronary vasomotor tone with increased responsiveness to endothelin-1. Vasomotor tone was studied in coronary microvessels from healthy control swine and from swine 3 to 4 months after implantation of an occluder that causes a progressive coronary narrowing, resulting in regional left ventricular dysfunction and blunted myocardial vasodilator reserve. Arterioles (≈200-μm passive inner diameter at 60 mm Hg) were isolated from regions perfused by the stenotic left anterior descending and normal left circumflex coronary arteries and studied in vitro. Passive pressure–diameter curves demonstrated reduced distensibility of subendocardial left anterior descending compared with subendocardial left circumflex or control arterioles, suggestive of structural remodeling. Myogenic responses were blunted in subendocardial left anterior descending compared with left circumflex arterioles, reflecting altered smooth muscle function. However, vasodilator responses to nitroprusside and bradykinin were not different in the endocardium, suggesting preserved endothelium and smooth muscle responsiveness. Finally, vasoconstrictor responses to endothelin-1 were enhanced in left anterior descending arterioles compared with left circumflex or control arterioles. Regional myocardial vascular conductance responses to bradykinin and endothelin in vivo confirmed the in vitro observations. In conclusion, inward remodeling of coronary microvessels distal to a stenosis is accompanied by exaggerated vasoconstrictor responses to endothelin-1. These structural and functional alterations may aggravate flow abnormalities distal to a chronic coronary artery stenosis.
Interactionism and Animal Aesthetics: A Theory of Reflected Social Power
Authors: Berry Bonnie
Published: February 2008

Stemming from a study of social aesthetics, in which public reaction to human physical appearance is addressed, the present analysis considers the practice of humans associating themselves with nonhuman animals on the basis of the latter's appearance. The study found these nonhuman animals are intended to serve as a positive reflection on the humans who deliberately choose them for their “special” traits, which the humans then utilize to enhance their own social standing. The study compares this to the same practice used by humans to associate themselves with attractive humans and serves the similar purpose of amassing social status by virtue of the association. This paper explains the phenomenon in theoretical terms; namely, symbolic interactionism, paying special attention to impression-management and dramaturgy, along with other interactionist features of attribution and social exchange. Where available, the paper uses scholarly, empirical work on the topic, supplemented by popular media observations and news articles. Viewed from an interactionist perspective, these empirical and non-empirical examples provide a novel picture of human-and-animal society as a unidirectional, status-seeking interaction intended to benefit human actors.
After Neo-liberal Globalization: The Great Transformation of Turkey
Authors: Emrence Cem
Published: February 2008

Pursuing a macro sociological approach, this contribution examines the great transformation of Turkey around rising market hegemony and increasing impact of global forces. Throughout the paper, I show how the new orientation is consolidating the power of globalist classes, creating conspicuous consumption as a marker of class distinctions, and prioritizing global networks over domestic structures at the expense of sustaining domestic inequalities in Turkey.
Painting, Law and Professions, I: Paris Visual Academie and English Law
Authors: Sciulli David
Published: February 2008

One consensus in the sociology and history of professions is that law, not medicine, pioneered the first professionalism projects in Western history. English law is typically cited as the exemplar. We challenge this consensus by demonstrating that visual academies, led by the Academie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture of Paris, preceded along a professionalism project centuries in advance of English law.
Akwantemfi —'In Mid-Journey': An Asante Shrine Today and Its Clients
Authors:   McCaskie
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the activities today of the Medoma shrine in Kumasi, capital of the historic Asante kingdom in the Republic of Ghana. It seeks to contextualise this shrine in relation to historic and current Asante indigenous belief. It also looks at it in relation to the rise of charismatic or Pentecostalist Christian churches, and to the ever growing presence of the African American diaspora in Asante. It supplies a profile of the life and beliefs of Nana Abass (Kwaku Abebrese), founder and 'priest' (okomfo) of the Medoma shrine. It explores his commitment to societal development and some of the initiatives and projects that have arisen from this involvement. It discusses the motives of the shrine's Asante, other Ghanaian and African American clients. Finally, it advances an interpretation of the nature of Asante indigenous belief in the past and in the present age of globalisation and charismatic Christianity.
'Healing of Bodies, Salvation of Souls': Missionary Medicine in Colonial Tanganyika, 1870s-1939
Authors: Jennings Michael
Published: February 2008

This paper re-examines missionary medicine in Tanganyika, considering its relationship with the colonial state, the impulses that led it to evolve in the way that it did, and the nature of the medical services it offered. The paper suggests that, contrary to traditional depictions, missionary medicine was not entirely curative in focus, small in scale, nor inappropriate to the health needs of the communities in which it was based. Rather, missionary medicine should be considered as a vital aspect of early colonial health services, serving those excluded by the colonial state. Missionary medicine before 1945 was fragmented, small-scale, lacking in resources and overstretched. Its services could not necessarily compete in quality with the best of the state hospitals. But it succeeded, within the local context, in providing a network of health services that stretched into the rural society, and ensured that, where there was a mission hospital, there was an option for the local people to make western biomedicine a choice for healing.
Effects of Serial Dependence and Large-Scale Tropospheric Circulation on Midlatitude North American Terrestrial Carbon Dioxide Exchange
Authors: Hember Robbie A. , Lafleur Peter M.
Published: February 2008

Linear regression was used to relate modes of tropospheric circulation variability to estimates of gross ecosystem production (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) measured at 14 midlatitude North American eddy covariance (EC) towers. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) exhibited a north–south gradient in its effect on fluxes, with negative influence on fluxes at central and northeastern stations and positive influence on fluxes at southeastern stations. During spring, average values of GEP and ER within the northern “cold” sector decreased by 22 and 12 g C m−2 (18% and 11%), respectively, in response to a unit increase (+1 standard deviation) in the expansion coefficient of the NAO mode. Despite a northward advancement of the “warm” sector during summer, GEP and ER remained negatively correlated with the NAO at northern stations, decreasing on average by 48 and 30 g C m−2 (8% and 6%), respectively. During spring, the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) reduced GEP and ER at central and northeastern stations on average by 20 and 7 g C m−2 (16% and 6%) and increased GEP and ER at southern and west coast stations on average by 53 and 49 g C m−2 (12% and 17%) in response to a unit increase in the NPO. This pattern persisted into summer, only shifted northward, with flux decreases of 19 and 24 g C m−2 (3% and 5%) at northern stations and increases of 72 and 82 g C m−2 (9% and 16%) at central stations. The direction of the flux response in each case was supported by synoptic conditions inferred from composite maps of North American circulation and gridded surface air temperature anomalies. The magnitude and timing of the relationships differed between stations and was attributed to differences in geographic location and plant functional type. Difficulty in the interpretation of significant correlations was attributed to the short sample length of typical EC records and unmodeled variability, including, for example, modulation by the NAO during high NPO. Despite these limitations, long-term monitoring EC stations show promise in characterizing the regional and ecosystem-specific carbon cycle response to low-frequency modes of tropospheric circulation variability and may play a critical role in validating ecosystem model responses to such phenomena.
Ballistic Missile Proliferation
Authors: Barkley Daniel
Published: February 2008

This analysis examines ballistic missile proliferation in the context of strategic interactions among neighboring states. The analysis finds that when faced with ballistic missile threats, nations respond rationally and acquire ballistic missiles as a deterrent. Using a panel data set of 119 countries from 1967 to 1997, this study shows that the probability of a country procuring ballistic missiles increases nonlinearly as the number of bordering states with ballistic missiles increases. Although international norms arising from the Missile Technology Control Regime reduced the probability of missile proliferation, these externalities did not offset a state's decision to arm in response to ballistic missile arsenals in neighboring states. This analysis also finds that surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) increased the probability of proliferation in two ways: first, because ballistic missiles provided states ``ensured penetration'' of a rival's air defenses; and second, because SAMs reduced the ability of a rival to retaliate against a ballistic missile attack.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Lamotrigine in Elderly Patients
Authors: Punyawudho Baralee , Ramsay R. Eugene , Macias Flavia M. , Rowan A. James , Collins Joseph F. , Brundage Richard C. , Birnbaum Angela K.
Published: February 2008

Lamotrigine is being used more frequently in elderly patients. Dosing of lamotrigine in elderly patients is based largely on studies from younger adults and not evidence‐based data from elderly patients. The goal of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters, such as clearance, and the factors that have a significant effect on these parameters to provide evidence‐based information that can be used to dose elderly patients taking lamotrigine. Lamotrigine plasma concentrations from 148 elderly patients (aged 59–92 years) were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model. Data were analyzed using NONMEM. Model evaluation was performed using the bootstrap approach and predictive check. The results showed that the blood urea nitrogen/serum creatinine ratio, weight, and phenytoin use significantly affect apparent clearance of lamotrigine. These results show that clinicians may need to take into account these covariates when dosing lamotrigine in this population.
Views From the Inside
Authors: Ashkar Peter J. , Kenny Dianna T.
Published: February 2008

This study examined the incarceration experiences of 16 adolescent males in a maximum-security detention facility. A semistructured interview was conducted with each detainee and recorded on audiocassette. Data were analysed using phenomenological descriptive methodology. Detainees' experiences were characterised by a prison culture of bullying, substance use, and antagonism with youth workers; inadequate service provision and a lack of rehabilitative programming; and a sense of loss through reduced autonomy and dislocation from important others. These experiences gave rise to a range of negative feelings and emotions and promoted thinking about past and future behaviours. The incarceration experience placed detainees into a state of readiness for positive change but failed to provide them with the necessary skills to effect and sustain this change. Promotion of antisocial behaviour, lack of deterrence, and insufficient rehabilitative programming were identified as factors of the incarceration setting likely to contribute to the high rates of recidivism.
The Play's the Thing
Authors: Posner Barry Z.
Published: February 2008

Although the study of leadership is ubiquitous, much can be learned by directly observing how people actually behave as leaders. In this study, the performance of leadership was observed in the context of putting a play together for a live theater. Observing the director—as leader—bring together a talented group of strangers to work creatively for a finite period provided keen insights into how leadership manifests itself. Seven lessons about what leaders do, irrespective of organizational setting, are offered: establish a vision, remember that it is not just the leader's vision, enable people to find their voice, empower through coaching, foster experimentation and learning from experience, facilitate mutual respect, and provide feedback and encourage the heart.
The Politics of Participation in Forest Management
Authors: Nomura Ko
Published: February 2008

Embracing the opportunities provided by democratization and decentralization, the Wonosobo district of Central Java, Indonesia, enacted a local regulation for participatory forestry. The regulation emphasized rights-based political participation and as such entailed significant participation by civil society groups. However, this regulation faced a backlash from the remaining representatives of the old authoritarian state. They demanded a state-created utilitarian-based participatory forestry scheme, emphasizing economic and ecological consequences of participation in an instrumentalist manner. Because of legal uncertainty and the persistence of conventional political culture at the local and national levels, state actors were able to produce outcomes contrary to the established regulation. This article illustrates the importance of differentiating between distinct forms of “participation” in order to understand the political struggles concerning forest management decentralization.
Scenario-Based Strategy in Practice: A Framework
Authors: van der Merwe Louis
Published: February 2008

This article documents the underlying principles of scenario planning considered best practice in its application. These principles have been learned directly over the past 15 years from the first- and second-generation pioneers of the scenario method. In this article, human resource development professionals wishing to gain expertise in the discipline of scenario planning will encounter a way of thinking about this work, some key processes having a track record of success, and an outline of the knowledge skills they need to develop to become competent practitioners . The first part identifies a number of key phenomena that led to the birth of scenario-based strategy as a method.The second part describes some of the essential process elements, their origins, and the competencies needed for facilitation and execution.The goal of this article is to provide a set of reliable “handrails” for practitioners and guidelines for identifying useful further learning resources.
Desperate Citizens and Good Samaritans
Authors: McMurria John
Published: February 2008

This article considers the emergence of makeover reality TV, including Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ( EMHE), within the cultural and political economic context of neoliberalism, which advocates corporate benevolence, individual volunteerism, and personal responsibility as principle means for solving serious social issues. Four contexts include (a) the integration of corporate philanthropy and product marketing since the 1980s; (b) the proliferation of goodwill reality TV in a post-9/11 reality television economy; (c) home improvement reality TV's connections to the housing boom, shifting domestic gender roles, and the neoliberal ideals of an “ownership society”; and (d) EMHE's representational engagement with neoliberal frameworks for addressing social inequalities with particular attention to race and the Katrina disaster. The article concludes with thoughts on how noncommercial reality TV might broaden the frameworks for addressing social problems beyond commercial TV's neoliberalism.
On historical linguistics, linguistic variation and Medieval Greek
Authors: Manolessou Io
Published: February 2008

This article focuses on two questions: the application of current historical linguistic methodologies to vernacular Medieval Greek in comparison to similar research in other medieval languages, and the notion of linguistic variation in Medieval Greek, in parallel with the possible methods for its fruitful investigation.
Preliminary remarks on George Seferis’ visual poetics
Authors: Papargyriou Eleni
Published: February 2008

This article makes some preliminary remarks on Seferis’ photography, focusing mainly on its poetics as an act of seeing. The main intention is to highlight the direct relationship between Seferis’ visual sensibility and his poetry. The article primarily discusses some technical features of Seferis’ photography. It then examines his photography as a visual diary and draws attention to those cases where it is obvious that photographs hide behind specific poems. Finally, the article discusses the differences between photography and poetry regarding their relation to time. In this context, the poem ‘Με τον τρόπο του Γ.Σ.’, which makes explicit reference to photography, is examined.