bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centennial Variations of the Global Monsoon Precipitation in the Last Millennium: Results from ECHO-G Model
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Bin , Ding Qinghua , Kuang Xueyuan , Soon Willie , Zorita Eduardo
Published: October 2008

The authors investigate how the global monsoon (GM) precipitation responds to the external and anthropogenic forcing in the last millennium by analyzing a pair of control and forced millennium simulations with the ECHAM and the global Hamburg Ocean Primitive Equation (ECHO-G) coupled ocean–atmosphere model. The forced run, which includes the solar, volcanic, and greenhouse gas forcing, captures the major modes of precipitation climatology comparably well when contrasted with those captured by the NCEP reanalysis. The strength of the modeled GM precipitation in the forced run exhibits a significant quasi-bicentennial oscillation. Over the past 1000 yr, the simulated GM precipitation was weak during the Little Ice Age (1450–1850) with the three weakest periods occurring around 1460, 1685, and 1800, which fell in, respectively, the Spörer Minimum, Maunder Minimum, and Dalton Minimum periods of solar activity. Conversely, strong GM was simulated during the model Medieval Warm Period (ca. 1030–1240). Before the industrial period, the natural variations in the total amount of effective solar radiative forcing reinforce the thermal contrasts both between the ocean and continent and between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres resulting in the millennium-scale variation and the quasi-bicentennial oscillation in the GM index. The prominent upward trend in the GM precipitation occurring in the last century and the notable strengthening of the global monsoon in the last 30 yr (1961–90) appear unprecedented and are due possibly in part to the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, though the authors’ simulations of the effects from recent warming may be overestimated without considering the negative feedbacks from aerosols. The simulated change of GM in the last 30 yr has a spatial pattern that differs from that during the Medieval Warm Period, suggesting that global warming that arises from the increases of greenhouse gases and the input solar forcing may have different effects on the characteristics of GM precipitation. It is further noted that GM strength has good relational coherence with the temperature difference between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and that on centennial time scales the GM strength responds more directly to the effective solar forcing than the concurrent forced response in global-mean surface temperature.
Primary Venous Aneurysms of the Superficial Venous System
Authors: Seo Sang-Hee , Kim Moon-Bum , Kwon Kyung-Sool , Kim Chang-Won , Oh Chang-Keun
Published: October 2008

Venous aneurysm can be classified into superficial or deep and secondary or primary. The aim of this study was to introduce primary venous aneurysm of the superficial venous system and to report the experiences treating it with sclerotherapy. A retrospective study with 120 cases of venous dilatation detects 4 patients. The clinical features, histopathology, and radiological findings were investigated. In 2 patients, sclerotherapy was performed. The patients had an asymptomatic, soft subcutaneous mass on the extremities or neck for 5.2 years on an average. Color duplex scanning showed a well-defined anechoic cystic structure with no arterial flow. Histopathologically, normal vein wall with varying degrees of thinning was observed. The patients who underwent sclerotherapy were treated successfully with no recurrence. Primary venous aneurysm of the superficial venous system should be included in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous mass. In addition, it may be simply and effectively treated with sclerotherapy.
Flauto: an ethnographic study of a highly successful private studio
Authors: Montemayor Mark
Published: October 2008

This study examined the instructional settings, pedagogical techniques, interpersonal dynamics and personal characteristics of a teacher and her adolescent students in a renowned private flute studio. Using ethnographic techniques including observations and interviews, four main themes emerged that seem to contribute to the satisfaction of the participants and the musical success of the organization as a whole: (1) Stringent participation policies and performance expectations that serve as a `gatekeeping' function for membership; (2) a nurturing environment, including home-like physical environs, supportive interactions among students and between teacher and students, and carefully chosen musical material; (3) the creation and maintenance of a `studio culture' through instructional and performance routines, transmission of instrument-specific musical information, and a strict and competitive hierarchical structure within the organization; and (4) the perpetualization of a set of values via student and teacher role models and `mythic figures,' through which students' studio experiences are held to be the most important musical activities in which they participate. Implications for school music educators are offered, including a discussion of aspects of potential congruence for school music programs as well as a consideration of those elements that would be difficult and/or inadvisable to replicate in public school settings.
The creative music workshop: event, facilitation, gift
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this article is to explore the desires and tensions inherent within the act of facilitating creative music-making workshops. Following the introduction, the article is divided into three sections: (1) a discussion of the workshop event as a contingent structure through which creative music-making may take place; (2) an exploration of the facilitation process as a mechanism of engaging participants in creative music-making; (3) as a heuristic framework, a notion of the gift is shown as a means to think through face-to-face musical encounters. This article concludes that the ideas and concepts presented may assist workshop facilitators in thinking more deeply about the processes they engage in.
The Poverty of Liberalism: the First Old Age Pensions in Australia
Authors: Murphy John
Published: October 2008

The two reforms that most contributed to the idea of an antipodean social laboratory at the end of the 19th century were the old age pension and state arbitration of the minimum wage. Both are said to reflect the influence of the new liberalism, buttressed by the emergence of the labour movement into politics. This paper argues that debates on the old age pension at the turn of the 19th century illustrate a more tangled set of liberal trajectories than either a narrative of a unified Deakinite consensus, or of a new liberal importation, would allow. While there was clearly some new liberal influence in how New South Wales debated the pension, in Victoria an older tradition of colonial liberalism — which emphasized self-governance as much as social reform — meant that it was seen as much as a reward for good moral character as a measure to deal with poverty.
Reframing Majoritarian National Identities Within an Antipodean Perspective
Authors: Pearson David
Published: October 2008

Arguing for the merits of an antipodean perspective that embraces the linked historical and current relations between Tasman, British and other worlds, this paper focuses on the majoritarian responses of those of English ancestry in Britain and within the British diaspora to wide ranging changes that potentially challenge their national supremacy in both contexts. After briefly assessing some of the approaches to exploring the identities of the 'English/ British' separately in Australia and New Zealand, some suggestions are made about how majoritarian narratives are best reframed, conceptually and methodologically, both within the antipodes and the broader contexts within which they have always been placed. The adoption of an antipodean perspective is deemed necessary in order to understand how changes in majority status and shifts in national identity are mutually constituted within and across the above worlds.
Australian Settlements
Authors: Beilharz Peter
Published: October 2008

The idea of the 'Australian settlement' has been normalized since its popularization by Paul Kelly into the Keating years. This essay responds further to existing discussion of the idea, including attempts to develop it by expanding its descriptive and analytic criteria. It argues for the pluralization of the idea of settlement, rather than for attempts to develop the 'Australian settlement' by adding further exhaustive detail. The real challenge, beyond the controversy, is the adequate specification of the conditions of Australian modernity. Here the idea and institution of arbitration remains central.
The Uses and Abuses of Gramsci
Authors: Davidson Alastair
Published: October 2008

Antonio Gramsci is today the most translated Italian theorist. His theory has been used extensively in English language publications in cultural studies and international relations. This article examines the use, abuse and fruitful additions to Gramsci of Stuart Hall, Edward Saïd, Ranajit Guha, Robert Cox, Stephen Gill and Adam Morton. Its object is to examine their fidelity to what the mainstream Italian philology of Gramsci has written about his concepts and their order.
Ultrasonic Energy Transfer and Stress Concentrations in a Single-Fiber Composite with Absorbing Interface Layer
Authors: Hasheminejad Seyyed M. , Miri Amir K.
Published: October 2008

Elastic wave scattering from coated and layered cylindrical scatterers encased in an elastic matrix is reviewed. Interaction of time harmonic monochromatic longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves with a single fiber coated by homogeneous dissipative (polymeric) materials and embedded in an unbounded elastic matrix is studied using the classical method of eigenfunction expansion. The novel features of Havriliak—Negami model is employed to include the effect of hysteresis-type of compressional and shear waves' absorption in the interphase material by introduction of proper frequency-dependent complex moduli. The pertinent integrals for the time-averaged total fiber energy induced by the elastic waves refracted along the fiber are derived and numerically evaluated. The numerical results reveal the important effects of the absorptive fiber—matrix bond as well as interphase thickness on fiber/matrix energy transfer and dynamic stress concentrations. The calculated results may be interpreted in the context of phenomena observed in acousto-ultrasonic (AU) experiments on fiber reinforced composite materials by correlating certain parameters in the frequency spectrum of the detected waveform to mechanical characteristics of the dissipative interface layer. Limiting cases are considered and good agreements with well-known solutions are established.
Redeeming Labor: Making Explicit the Virtue Theory in Habermas's Discourse Ethics
Authors: Glenna Leland L.
Published: October 2008

The assertion that neo-classical economics is value-neutral is not just problematic because it is false, but also because it masks the origins of neo-classical economics as a moral science that has had a normative influence on social interaction. However, critics need to move beyond merely exposing the value-laden nature of neo-classical economics if the social sciences are to counter the emotivism of neo-classical economics and to reclaim their foundation as the moral sciences. A social theory of action is needed that acknowledges people's capacity to act virtuously. As a product of the German Enlightenment Tradition, Habermas relies upon an implicit Lutheran neighbor-love ethic when he constructs his theory of communicative action and discourse ethics. A theory that recognizes the capacity of people to collectively generate virtues which then govern their actions offers the potential to redeem labor from emotivism.
Surface and Bulk Degradation of Teflon® FEP Retrieved from the Hubble Space Telescope Solar Arrays
Authors: Moser M. , Semprimoschnig C.O.A. , Van Eesbeek M.R.J. , Pippan R.
Published: October 2008

Teflon® fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) is used on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) as the outer layer of multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets. During space shuttle servicing missions (SM) to HST through thickness cracks were observed in the FEP layers. Material brought to Earth for investigation showed signs of severe degradation. During servicing mission 3B, the 4th servicing mission to HST in March 2002, the second pair of European Space Agency ESA built solar arrays was retrieved and flown back to Earth after 8.25 years in space. Samples of the MLI thermal control material were taken from the solar array drive arm (SADA) and investigated for surface and bulk degradation. The MLI was enveloped around the SADA and thus allowed the examination of FEP degradation in dependence of the orientation of space exposed areas with respect to the Sun. Therefore micrographs of FEP surfaces and fractographs of through thickness cracks were taken and the solar absorptance αS and the normal emittance εN was measured on the entire MLI. Differential scanning calorimetrical analyses as well as electron spectroscopy for chemical analyses were conducted to analyze chemical changes of the bulk polymer and the surface layer, respectively. Tensile properties and mass losses of the space exposed material were evaluated as well. Results of the investigated thermal control material are compared with samples exposed on the ground to thermal cycling, soft X-rays and vacuum ultra-violet radiation as well as to previously reported results on space-exposed FEP. The paper thus gives further insight into the mechanism and processes contributing to the on orbit degradation of Teflon® FEP and correlates the presented data with exposure levels and exposure conditions.
Investigation into the Differences Between Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yields of Materials in Ground-Based Facilities and LEO
Authors: Miller Sharon K.R. , Banks Bruce A. , Waters Deborah L.
Published: October 2008

The atomic oxygen erosion yields of various materials, measured in terms of volume of material oxidized per incident oxygen atom, are sometimes very different for materials exposed in ground-based atomic oxygen facilities compared to those exposed in low Earth orbit (LEO) for the same materials. This difference has often been attributed to a synergistic reaction between atomic oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet radiation present in many ground-based atomic oxygen facilities. Energy and presence of charged species has also been thought to play a role in this observed difference in erosion yield. Using an isotropic thermal energy atomic oxygen source and a hyperthermal atomic oxygen directed beam, an attempt was made to isolate each of these factors for polyimide Kapton HN, polyethylene, and FEP Teflon to determine the sensitivity of the erosion yield to each factor. It was found that each polymer appears to have atomic oxygen synergistic effects with different components of the environment. Isolating each environmental component to determine the important component for a particular material is an important step in enabling better durability prediction using ground-based facilities. Ground testing using the expected space environment components and the development of correlation factors to better relate the ground test to a particular mission environment are important to project in-space material durability.
The Atomic Oxygen Erosion Depth and Cone Height of Various Materials at Hyperthermal Energy
Authors: Waters Deborah L. , Banks Bruce A. , De Groh Kim K. , Miller Sharon K.R. , Thorson Stephen D.
Published: October 2008

Atomic oxygen readily reacts with most spacecraft polymer materials exposed to the low Earth orbital (LEO) environment. If the atomic oxygen arrival comes from a fixed angle of impact, the resulting erosion will foster the development of a change in surface morphology as material thickness decreases. Hydrocarbon and halopolymer materials, as well as graphite, are easily oxidized and textured by directed atomic oxygen in LEO at energies of ∼4.5 eV. What has been curious is that the ratio of cone height to erosion depth is quite different for different materials. The formation of cones under fixed direction atomic oxygen attack may contribute to a reduction in material tensile strength in excess of that which would occur if the cone height to erosion depth ratio was very low because of greater opportunities for crack initiation. In an effort to understand how material composition affects the ratio of cone height to erosion depth, an experimental investigation was conducted on 18 different materials exposed to a hyperthermal energy directed atomic oxygen source (∼70 eV). The materials were first salt-sprayed to provide microscopic local areas that would be protected from atomic oxygen. This allowed erosion depth measurements to be made by scanning microscopy inspection. The polymers were then exposed to atomic oxygen produced by an end Hall ion source that was operated on pure oxygen. Samples were exposed to an atomic oxygen effective fluence of 1.0 1 1020 atoms cm -2 based on Kapton H polyimide erosion. The average erosion depth and average cone height were determined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The experimental ratio of average cone height to erosion depth is compared to polymer composition and other properties.
Investigation of the Degradation of Thermal Control Materials by Thermal Analysis
Authors: Heltzel S. , Semprimoschnig C.O.A. , Van Eesbeek M.R.J.
Published: October 2008

Thermal analysis is the name of a collection of techniques that investigates material properties as a function of temperature. Four main techniques which all look at specific material properties are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechnical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The commercially available polyimide foils Kapton HN and Upilex S are often used as external thermal control material on spacecraft. For missions to the inner part of the solar system, these materials need to withstand an elevated service temperature in combination with high intensity solar radiation, such as UV and protons. The thermal stability of Kapton and Upilex has been investigated at around 2503 C for a mission to Venus and at 3503C for a mission to Mercury. Samples were aged at representative temperature levels, also in combination with high intensity UV and proton radiation. It was found that TMA and DMA revealed, in good detail, the environmental effects of the behavior of the materials. Both foils are known to be thermally stable materials. Assessment by TGA and kinetic modeling indicates a better stability of Upilex at 350 3C. The DMA experiments of foils aged at 3503C for up to 3580 h prove that the glass transition of Kapton is largely affected and almost completely disappears. Upilex is also affected but remains more stable. The TMA assessment revealed annealing of residual stresses at elevated temperature that cause (partial) shrinking of the foils. Ageing at around 2503C causes such annealing besides other more subtle changes. The added irradiation to high intensity UV and protons does not cause significant changes compared to thermal ageing alone. The DMA results are in good agreement with the TMA. The behavior of Upilex is deemed to be somewhat less affected by the environmental testing than Kapton.
Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of loessic sediments and cemented scree in northwest England
Authors: Wilson Peter , Vincent Peter J. , Telfer Matt W. , Lord Tom C.
Published: October 2008

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates are reported for silts and very fine sands believed to be loessic sediments from northwest England. At three sites loessic sediments were initially interpreted as primary aeolian deposits, and at two other sites as loess incorporated into the matrix of cemented scree. However, the results of OSL dating indicate a more complex pattern of accumulation than originally hypothesized and have prompted reconsideration of these materials. Whatever the process(es) and underlying cause(s), it is evident that significant amounts of soil erosion occurred on the limestone uplands earlier than previously thought. All but one of the ages fall entirely within the Holocene period and suggest that these deposits contain reworked, rather than primary loess. Four of the five sites are characterized by non-Gaussian dose distributions, and consequently equivalent doses have been estimated using a range of appropriate age models. The implications of differences in the ages derived from the fine silt and fine sand fractions of the samples are considered. Three processes, namely aeolian transport, overland flow and subsoil piping, are invoked to account for the reworking of loess, although their relative contributions cannot be quantified. At one site the inclusion of limestone clasts within the reworked loess strongly suggests that the sediment can be regarded as loess-derived colluvium. Human impacts on the landscape and climate shifts, either separately or in combination, are considered to have been the most likely mechanisms that triggered loess erosion.
Long-term sustainability of a northern boreal deciduous swamp forest in northern Sweden: succession in the absence of fire
Authors: Segerström Ulf , von Stedingk Henrik , Hörnberg Greger
Published: October 2008

In Fennoscandian boreal forests the general succession pattern after a stand-replacing fire includes the pioneer tree species Betula, Populus, Salix and Pinus. The primary colonizers are subsequently replaced by secondary species; on mesic and moist soils commonly by Picea abies. Many swamp forests have developed from deciduous Betula/Alnus fens to Picea abies swamp forests during the last 3500 years, since Picea became common in this region. Our objective was to study the long-term vegetation development, fire history and succession patterns of a boreal swamp forest in N Sweden. The area was characterized by Betula trees, and there were no signs of recent fire. We wished to investigate whether Betula dominance was a result of succession after disturbance other than fire, or an exception to the general rule that normally Picea abies is the dominating secondary species in this region. The study included analyses of pollen and charred particles along with AMS dating. Our results revealed that Betula has been the dominant tree species in the swamp forest for 8000 years. The vegetation developed from a deciduous wet forest, via forest fen, to the present swamp forest; Betula spp. has been both pioneer and secondary species. The scarcity of charred particles suggests that severe fires have been rare in the Betula swamp forest. The vegetation development at the study site has been governed by long-term mire development, local nutrient conditions and the low impact of fire. The lack of stand-replacing fire at the study site is probably the reason why Betula still dominates the swamp forest investigated, although Picea had become common in other parts of the region c. 3500 years BP. The study has shown that is is not possible to apply a general succession model to all situations during the Holocene but that succession patterns depend highly on site-specific conditions.
Decline and localized extinction of a major raised bog species across the British Isles: evidence for associated land-use intensification
Authors: Hughes P.D.M. , Lomas-Clarke S.H. , Schulz J. , Barber K.E.
Published: October 2008

The decline of S. austinii Sull. Ex Aust. (formerly S. imbricatum Hornsch. Ex Russ. ssp . austinii Sull. Abstract: The decline of S. austinii Sull. represents one of the most striking vegetation Russ. ssp. on the raised Ex Aust.), in most cases to local extinction, represents one of the most striking vegetation changes on the raised bogs of Britain and Northwest Europe during the last 2000 years. This study uses plant macrofossil, pollen and geochemical analyses to explore the record of human impact and land-use intensification at the S. austinii decline. There is a clear temporal association between anthropogenic woodland clearance, cereal cultivation, soil erosion and contemporary climatic change, with the decline of S. austinii. These findings suggest that S. austinii is sensitive not only to rapid climate changes but also to the aerial deposition of soil dust and/or accompanying pollutants. A modern comparison of atmospherically derived nitrogen (N) loadings with the present presence/absence of S. austinii on 16 raised bogs shows that the species is only present where the loading lies below a critical threshold for N of 10 kg/ha per yr. The palaeoecological record also shows that S. austinii has re-established itself during phases of reduced human activity but in contemporary Europe it is difficult to see this happening in the near future.
A 700-year history of groundwater recharge in the drylands of NW China
Authors: Gates John B. , Edmunds W. Mike , Jinzhu Ma  , Sheppard Paul R.
Published: October 2008

A 700-year semi-quantitative history of diffuse groundwater recharge in the Badain Jaran Desert (Inner Mongolia) is proposed on the basis of solute data from multiple unsaturated zone groundwater profiles using mass balance of chloride to establish recharge rates and profile chronologies. Four relatively humid (1330—1430, 1500—1620, 1700—1780 and 1950—1990) and three relatively arid phases (1430—1500, 1620—1700 and 1900—1950) are discernable across the profiles. The recharge history broadly reflects multidecadal to centurial timescale precipitation changes in the northern Tibetan Plateau and suggests that variations in East Asian Summer Monsoon intensity affect desert recharge rates. Uncertainties in the records owing to assumptions about the Cl inputs are examined by comparing deterministic and stochastic Cl input scenarios. Such records are valuable for assessing spatial aspects of climate changes in the region, as well as for informing sustainable water resource management strategies for northwestern China's drylands.
Native Americans as active and passive promoters of mast and fruit trees in the eastern USA
Authors: Abrams Marc D. , Nowacki Gregory J.
Published: October 2008

We reviewed literature in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, ethnobotany, palynology and ecology to try to determine the impacts of Native Americans as active and passive promoters of mast (nuts and acorns) and fruit trees prior to European settlement. Mast was a critical resource for carbohydrates and fat calories and at least 30 tree species and genera were used in the diet of Native Americans, the most important being oak ( Quercus), hickory ( Carya) and chestnut ( Castanea), which dominated much of the eastern forest, and walnut ( Juglans) to a lesser extent. Fleshy tree fruits were most accessible in human-disturbed landscapes, and at least 20 fruit- and berry-producing trees were commonly utilized by Native Americans. They regularly used fire and tree girdling as management tools for a multitude of purposes, including land clearing, promotion of favoured mast and fruit trees, vegetation control and pasturage for big-game animals. This latter point also applies to the vast fire-maintained prairie region further west. Native Americans were a much more important ignition source than lightning throughout the eastern USA, except for the extreme Southeast. First-hand accounts often mention mast and fruit trees or orchards in the immediate vicinity of Native American villages and suggest that these trees existed as a direct result of Indian management, including cultivation and planting. We conclude that Native American land-use practices not only had a profound effect on promoting mast and fruit trees but also on the entire historical development of the eastern oak and pine forests, savannas and tall-grass prairies. Although significant climatic change occurred during the Holocene, including the `Mediaeval Warming Period' and the `Little Ice Age', we attribute the multimillennia domination of the eastern biome by prairie grasses, berry-producing shrubs and/or mast trees primarily to regular burning and other forms of management by Indians to meet their gastronomic needs. Otherwise, drier prairie and open woodlands would have converted to closed-canopy forests and more mesic mast trees would have succeeded to more shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive trees that are a significantly inferior dietary resource.
War and the State in Early Modern Europe: Widening the Debate
Authors: Gunn Steven , Grummitt David , Cools Hans
Published: October 2008

While the debate on the role of war in state development in early modern Europe has ranged widely, the participants have not answered its most fundamental question to the satisfaction of most historians. The difficulty has been how to assess whether war was more important than other factors as a driver of state formation. In practice it is more fruitful to study the role of war within a multi-causal model, but to do this the interaction between war and other factors such as judicial, religious, ideological, and social change must be studied, preferably in detail but in comparative context.
Playing at War: The British Military Manoeuvres of 1898
Authors: Leeson D.M.
Published: October 2008

For more than a century now the British army has been criticized for its performance in the South African War of 1899-1902. In recent years, however, this consensus has been challenged: revisionist historians have argued that criticism of the late Victorian army and its commanders has been unfairly harsh. But a detailed study of the military manoeuvres held on Salisbury Plain in September 1898 indicates that the army's critics have not been so unfair after all. The results of these exercises were decidedly mixed, and generals such as Sir Redvers Buller went on to repeat their mistakes in South Africa the following year.
Revisiting the Total Incarceration Variable
Authors: Harrington Michael P.
Published: October 2008

Recent research has examined the use of the total incarceration variable. The results of these studies have shown that the factors affecting a decision to sentence an offender to jail are different than those influencing a prison sentence. These studies have suggested that disentangling jail and prison sentences will enhance our understanding of how race influences sentence outcomes. Neither of these studies examined the sentence-length portion using the expanded definition of the total incarceration variable. The research presented here examines the validity of using the total incarceration variable and whether the same factors affect the length of a jail sentence as those affecting the length of a prison sentence. The implication for future research is discussed.
Blockade of calcineurin reverses cardiac hypertrophy and induces the down-regulation of JNK mRNA expression in renovascular hypertensive rats
Authors: Hongzhuan Sheng  , Jianhua Zhu  , Xiaohui Wu  , Jinan Zhang
Published: October 2008

Introduction. Recently, calcineurin has been shown to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), including the extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERK), the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) and the p38 MAPK (p38), have also been shown to be important in the transduction of trophic signals. The objective of this study was to investigate possible cross-talk between calcineurin and MAPK pathways in controlling renovascular hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods. Renovascular hypertension was induced by the two kidney-one clip method. The left ventricular weight (LVW) and the ratio of LVW to tibial length were measured to assay the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. Calcineurin activity and MAPK mRNA expression were measured.

Results. In the left ventricle of rats with renovascular hypertension, calcineurin activity and JNK mRNA expression were increased while cardiac hypertrophy developed. Treatment with the calcineurin blocker ciclosporin A induced calcineurin inhibition and regression of cardiac hypertrophy with an improvement of cardiac diastolic function. The treatment also resulted in down-regulation of JNK mRNA expression, but the mRNA expressions of ERK and p38 were unchanged.

Conclusions. There is cross-talk between the calcineurin and JNK pathway in controlling renovascular hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of the calcineurin and JNK pathways may be the basis of reversal of cardiac hypertrophy by calcineurin blockers.
Hypertension-induced renal fibrosis and spironolactone response vary by rat strain and mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression
Authors: Cavallari Larisa H. , Fashingbauer Lucy A. , Camp Joseph R. , King Stephen T. , Geenen David L.
Published: October 2008

Introduction. Aldosterone promotes renal fibrosis via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), thus contributing to hypertension-induced nephropathy. We investigated whether MR gene expression influences renal fibrosis and MR antagonist response in a two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rat model.

Materials and methods. Brown Norway (BN), Lewis, and ACI rats were randomised to spironolactone 20 mg/kg/day or water by gavage, starting four weeks after left renal artery clipping. Blood pressure was measured bi-weekly by tail cuff. After eight weeks of treatment, right kidneys were removed and examined for fibrosis and gene expression. Rats of each strain undergoing no intervention served as controls.

Results. Blood pressure increased similarly among strains after clipping and was unaffected by spironolactone. Hypertension caused the greatest renal fibrosis in BN rats (p < 0.001 by ANOVA compared to other strains). Real-time PCR analysis showed greater renal collagen type I and MR gene expression in untreated, hypertensive BN rats (both p < 0.05 compared to other strains). Spironolactone attenuated fibrosis, with similar fibrosis among strains of spironolactone-treated rats.

Conclusion. Hypertension-induced renal fibrosis was greatest in rats with the highest MR gene expression. Spironolactone abolished inter-strain differences in fibrosis. Our data suggest that MR genotype may influence aldosterone-induced renal damage, and consequently, renal response to aldosterone antagonism.
Early expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 correlates with the onset of isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis in rats with distinct angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism
Authors: Copaja Soto Miguel , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Saldaña Adiela , Paz Ocaranza María , Jalil Jorge E. , Vio Carlos , Lijnen Paul , Ordenes Gamaliel E. , Vivar Sanchez Raul , Lavandero Sergio , Díaz-Araya Guillermo
Published: October 2008

Introduction. Isoproterenol treatment of Brown Norway and Lewis rats (high and low plasma angiotensin-I-converting enzyme activity, respectively) results in similar cardiac hypertrophy but higher cardiac fibrosis in Brown Norway rats.

Materials and methods. Rats were infused in vivo with isoproterenol for two or 10 days. Cardiac fibrosis and inflammation were evaluated histochemically. We measured the mRNAs of pro-fibrotic factors (transforming growth factor β1, endothelin-1) and pro-inflammatory factors (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). In studies with cardiac fibroblasts incubated with isoproterenol in vitro , we measured cell proliferation, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme and matrix metalloprotease 2 activities and deposition of collagen type I and fibronectin.

Results. After treatment with isoproterenol for two days, there were large areas of myocardial injury and numerous inflammatory foci in the left ventricle, these being greater in Brown-Norway than in Lewis rats. After treatment with isoproterenol for 10 days, there were large areas of damage with extensive collagen deposition only in the left ventricle; both strains exhibited this damage which was, however, more severe in Brown-Norway than in Lewis rats. After treatment with isoproterenol for two, but not 10, days, greater amounts of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA were found in Brown Norway than in Lewis rats. Cell proliferation, activities of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme and matrix metalloprotease 2, amounts of collagen type I and fibronectin were similar in cardiac fibroblasts from both strains; changes after isoproterenol (10 µM) were also similar in both strains.

Conclusion. We conclude that the greater cardiac fibrosis in Brown Norway rats treated with isoproterenol correlates with the early and higher expression of proinflammatory factors.
Effects of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren and atenolol alone or in combination in patients with hypertension1
Authors: Dietz Rainer , Dechend Ralf , Yu Chuek-Man , Bheda Manesh , Ford Jessica , Prescott Margaret F. , Keefe Deborah L.
Published: October 2008

Introduction. Aliskiren is the first in a new class of direct renin inhibitors to be approved for the treatment of hypertension.

Patients and methods. In this double-blind, multicentre trial, 694 patients with hypertension (mean sitting diastolic blood pressure [BP] ≥ 95 and < 110 mmHg) were randomised to once-daily aliskiren 150 mg (n=231), atenolol 50 mg (n=231) or the combination (150/50 mg; n=232) for six weeks, followed by a further six weeks on double the initial doses of aliskiren and atenolol. Efficacy (reduction from baseline in mean sitting systolic and diastolic BP) and tolerability of study treatments were assessed; plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured in a subset of patients.

Results. At Week 12 endpoint, aliskiren, atenolol and aliskiren/atenolol lowered systolic and diastolic BP from baseline by 14.3/11.3, 14.3/13.7 and 17.3/14.1 mmHg, respectively. Systolic BP reductions with aliskiren/atenolol were significantly greater than those with aliskiren (p=0.039) or atenolol (p=0.034) alone, and diastolic BP reductions were greater than with aliskiren alone (p<0.001). Diastolic BP changes were larger with atenolol than with aliskiren (p=0.003, correlating with the large reductions in pulse rate (> 10 bpm) observed with atenolol. Aliskiren, atenolol and aliskiren/atenolol reduced geometric mean PRA from baseline by 65%, 52% and 61%, respectively. In patients with moderate or high baseline PRA (≥ 0.65 ng/ml/hour), PRA was reduced to low levels (< 0.65 ng/ml/hour) at Week 12 endpoint in a greater proportion of patients receiving aliskiren (11/15 patients, 73.3%) or aliskiren/atenolol (18/23, 78.3%) than with atenolol (10/21, 47.6%). Aliskiren treatment was associated with numerically lower rates of adverse events and discontinuations due to adverse events compared with atenolol or combination treatment, and unlike atenolol was not associated with bradycardia.

Conclusions. Direct renin inhibition with aliskiren may be an appropriate substitute for beta-blocker treatment in patients with uncomplicated hypertension. Aliskiren also represents an attractive option for dual therapy with atenolol to improve systolic BP/pulse pressure reductions and BP control with maintained tolerability compared with atenolol alone.
The Limits of Planning: Niklas Luhmann's Systems Theory and the Analysis of Planning and Planning Ambitions
Authors: Van Assche Kristof , Verschraegen Gert
Published: October 2008

In this article, we argue that Niklas Luhmann has a lot to offer present-day planning theory. Until now, planning theory has been engaged with Luhmann's work only minimally. Convinced of its potential, we want to show how Luhmann's systems theory offers fresh insight into both limits and possibilities of planning in contemporary society. We argue that Luhmann's understanding of society as functionally differentiated into self-referentially closed subsystems (politics, economy, law, science, etc.) creates space for a complex and subtle analysis of planning practice. In particular, we look at the role of planning within an autopoietic account of society, and its ability to steer other social subsystems. Planning is seen as the form of steering aiming to coordinate processes of spatial organization, therefore an activity dealing with steering problems. We illustrate key concepts of the systems theory in brief analyses of planning situations and interpret these situations using the systems theoretical framework. The analyses center around the questions of planning's steering capacity and the role of the planner, thus creating linkages with mainstream discussions in planning theory.
Disseminating and Implementing Trauma-Focused CBT in Community Settings
Authors: Cohen Judith , Mannarino Anthony P.
Published: October 2008

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) for children. TF-CBT is being disseminated and implemented through a variety of strategies, including distance learning/ Internet training, live training + ongoing phone consultation, a learning collaborative model, and mixed models. Each dissemination and implementation model is described, examples are provided of how it has been used to spread the TF-CBT model among community clinicians treating traumatized children, and data regarding its use are presented. Quality and quantity of data from these dissemination/ implementation models varies, but overall they supports the effectiveness of both the TF-CBT model in treating traumatized children and a variety of dissemination and implementation models. More research is needed to learn about optimal strategies for disseminating and implementing EST for traumatized children, and to explore novel methodologies (e.g., including training in EST for traumatized children in graduate programs).
Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Suris Alina , Lind Lisa
Published: October 2008

This article reviews the literature documenting the prevalence of military sexual trauma (MST) and its associated mental and physical health consequences. Existing research indicates that prevalence rates of MST vary depending on method of assessment, definition of MST used, and type of sample. Risk factors for MST have been identified as including age, enlisted rank, negative home life, and previous assault history. MST has been associated with increased screening rates of depression and alcohol abuse, in addition to significantly increased odds of meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, MST has been associated with reporting increased number of current physical symptoms, impaired health status, and more chronic health problems in veterans. Available research on health care utilization and MST is also discussed. Researchers are encouraged to utilize standardized definitions of MST, employ standardized assessment methodology, and utilize more male veterans in future research. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Implications of Public Understanding of Avian Influenza for Fostering Effective Risk Communication
Authors: Elledge Brenda L. , Brand Michael , Regens James L. , Boatright Daniel T.
Published: October 2008

Avian influenza has three of the four properties necessary to cause a pandemic. However, are we as individuals and communities prepared for a pandemic flu in the United States? To help answer this question, 12 focus groups (N = 60) were conducted in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to determine the level of awareness of avian and pandemic flu for the county health department to develop effective communication messages. The overall findings indicate that the general Tulsa public lacks information about avian influenza or pandemics, does not believe a pandemic will occur, and believes if one does occur the government will take care of it. Finally, the groups agreed that education would be the key to preventing widespread panic if a pandemic occurred. Five themes emerged: confusion about terminology, seriousness of avian influenza, disaster fatigue, appropriate precautions, and credibility of health information. Each should be considered in developing effective risk communication messages.
Expanding CERC Beyond Public Health: Sharing Best Practices With Healthcare Managers via Virtual Learning
Authors: Hewitt Anne M. , Spencer Susan S. , Ramloll Rameshsharma , Trotta Heidi
Published: October 2008

Developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2002, the Crisis Emergency and Risk Communication (CERC) training module is a nationally and internationally recognized communication model. With the looming threat of a pandemic and the potential for a protracted ongoing siege, a valuable opportunity exists to introduce crisis and emergency preparedness communication best practices to a new population—health care managers and administrators. The CERC toolkit and resources, provide an easy, turn-key solution and a validated template for educators who are not directly involved in public health education but desire to share this content. In this example, graduate students enrolled in an Master of Health Administration program, used a Play2Train scenario, located in the virtual learning environment of SecondLife (2007), to incorporate concepts from the CERC model. By applying the CERC best practices in a real-time virtual learning scenario, students learned collaboration and the leadership competencies necessary to help implement Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations emergency communication protocols and community collaboration requirements. By expanding the impact of the CERC model and developing unified risk communication responses and information sharing, all health professionals can enhance the effectiveness of their emergency preparedness plans so that the public can be better served.
Innovative Infrastructure in New Jersey: Using Health Education Professionals to Inform and Educate During a Crisis
Authors: Taylor Laura , Miro Suzanne , Bookbinder Sylvia H. , Slater Thomas
Published: October 2008

Federal funding supports the growth and development of public health infrastructure and preparedness. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services used federal funds to increase local public health infrastructure that included the hiring of health educators or risk communicators (HERCs). The HERCs are a diverse group of health and communications professionals trained in emergency communication. They provide crisis information regarding pubic health threats. Over the years, the role and duties of HERCs have expanded from bioterrorism to all-hazards approach and emerging infections public health preparedness, including pandemic influenza. This article describes how HERCs are used in the New Jersey public health infrastructure.
Action, Not Talk: A Simulation of Risk Communication During the First Hours of a Pandemic
Authors: Freimuth Vicki S. , Hilyard Karen M. , Barge J. Kevin , Sokler Lynn A.
Published: October 2008

This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a simulation of risk communication in the first hours of a pandemic. The simulation design was based on Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication principles espoused by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the collective experience of the authors. Over 4 hours, 17 local health district risk communicators in Georgia responded to a scenario in which every community in the state had teenagers infected with avian flu after returning from an international conference. The evaluation revealed that local risk communicators had much greater difficulty following risk communication principles under the time pressures of a realistic and stressful event than they did in a tabletop exercise. Strengths and weaknesses of the performance of the local risk communicators are identified in addition to lessons learned about the design and implementation of a risk communication simulation.