Wildland fire effects in silviculturally treated vs. untreated stands of New Mexico and Arizona

Stand-replacement fires, particularly in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests, have replaced high frequency, low-intensity historical fire regimes. We examined whether forest stands treated recently using silvicultural practices would be (1) less susceptible to stand-replacing crownfires, and (2) more ecologically and functionally resilient compared to untreated stands following extreme wildland fire. Reports detailing wildland fire behavior in treated stands remain largely anecdotal. We compared fire severity indices, fireline intensity (btu/ft/s), stand characteristics including canopy bulk density (kg/m3), and post-fire recovery indices in silviculturally treated vs. untreated forest stands in New Mexico and Arizona. Results indicated fire severity in pine-grassland forests was lowered when surface and aerial fuel loads were reduced. Specifically, as density (stems/ac) and basal area (ft2/ac) decreased and mean tree diameter (in) increased, fire severity and fireline intensity decreased. The more aggressive the treatment (i.e., where the canopy bulk density was reduced), the less susceptible forest stands were to crownfire. However, mechanical treatments where slash was scattered rendered stands susceptible to near stand-replacement type damage when wildfire occurred within 4 years of treatment. On our study sites, mechanical treatment followed by prescribed fire had the greatest impact toward mitigating fire severity (i.e., aerial and surface fuels were reduced). Treated stands were also more ecologically and functionally resilient than untreated forest stands following wildland fire

Causes and Consequences of Hypertriglyceridemia

Elevations in plasma triglyceride are the result of overproduction and impaired clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins-very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons. Hypertriglyceridemia is characterized by an accumulation in the circulation of large VLDL-VLDL1-and its lipolytic products, and throughout the VLDL-LDL delipidation cascade perturbations occur that give rise to increased concentrations of remnant lipoproteins and small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in hypertriglyceridemia is believed to result from the exposure of the artery wall to these aberrant lipoprotein species. Key regulators of the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins have been identified and a number of these are targets for pharmacological intervention. However, a clear picture is yet to emerge as to how to relate triglyceride lowering to reduced risk of atherosclerosis.Peer reviewe

Recent Constitutional Developments on Eminent Domain

Although the provisions of both state and federal law that cruel and unusual punishments shill not be imposed are considered popularly to relate only to those punishments which exist solely in the books, the provisions are not useless today. Recent cases have shown a tendency to expand the scope of the prohibition, especially with regard to excessive punishment, and to incorporate the proscription within the Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. As respect, that which likely will be deemed cruel and unusual, little can be done beyond noting those situations in which the limitation has been applied. If a generalization is required, it must be as uncertain as any other definition of a constitutional term: [I]n order to justify a court in declaring any punishment to be cruel and unusual ...it must be so proportioned to the offense committed that it shocks the moral sense of all reasonable men as to what is right and proper under the circumstances

The Roles of ApoC-III on the Metabolism of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Humans

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. It is well-established based on evidence accrued during the last three decades that high plasma concentrations of cholesterol-rich atherogenic lipoproteins are causatively linked to CVD, and that lowering these reduces atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in humans (1-9). Historically, most attention has been on low-density lipoproteins (LDL) since these are the most abundant atherogenic lipoproteins in the circulation, and thus the main carrier of cholesterol into the artery wall. However, with the rise of obesity and insulin resistance in many populations, there is increasing interest in the role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and their metabolic remnants, with accumulating evidence showing they too are causatively linked to CVD. Plasma triglyceride, measured either in the fasting or non-fasting state, is a useful index of the abundance of TRLs and recent research into the biology and genetics of triglyceride heritability has provided new insight into the causal relationship of TRLs with CVD. Of the genetic factors known to influence plasma triglyceride levels variation inAPOC3- the gene for apolipoprotein (apo) C-III - has emerged as being particularly important as a regulator of triglyceride transport and a novel therapeutic target to reduce dyslipidaemia and CVD risk (10).Peer reviewe

Emerging Evidence that ApoC-III Inhibitors Provide Novel Options to Reduce the Residual CVD

Purpose of ReviewApolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) is known to inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and function as an important regulator of triglyceride metabolism. In addition, apoC-III has also more recently been identified as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which apoC-III induces hypertriglyceridemia and promotes atherogenesis, as well as the findings from recent clinical trials using novel strategies for lowering apoC-III.Recent FindingsGenetic studies have identified subjects with heterozygote loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in APOC3, the gene coding for apoC-III. Clinical characterization of these individuals shows that the LOF variants associate with a low-risk lipoprotein profile, in particular reduced plasma triglycerides. Recent results also show that complete deficiency of apoC-III is not a lethal mutation and is associated with very rapid lipolysis of plasma triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL). Ongoing trials based on emerging gene-silencing technologies show that intervention markedly lowers apoC-III levels and, consequently, plasma triglyceride. Unexpectedly, the evidence points to apoC-III not only inhibiting LPL activity but also suppressing removal of TRLs by LPL-independent pathways.SummaryAvailable data clearly show that apoC-III is an important cardiovascular risk factor and that lifelong deficiency of apoC-III is cardioprotective. Novel therapies have been developed, and results from recent clinical trials indicate that effective reduction of plasma triglycerides by inhibition of apoC-III might be a promising strategy in management of severe hypertriglyceridemia and, more generally, a novel approach to CHD prevention in those with elevated plasma triglyceride.Peer reviewe

LEED for Cities Pilot Program: Atlantic Beach, Florida Case Study

This case study publication provides an overview of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Cities & Communities Pilot Program. It specifically provides insight into the certification process that was pursued by the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida between 2018 and 2019. LEED for Cities is a certification for local governments that requires planners to examine a wide array of different performance metrics. These metrics focus on topics related to energy, water, waste, transportation and human experience. Through a community partnership with USGBC Florida and the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida, the UNF Environmental Center worked through the certification process and documented the steps that were taken along the way. The case study itself is a result of a Directed Independent Study (DIS) undertaken by Sean Lahav, a UNF Master of Public Administration (MPA) student at the time, who conducted research under the faculty leadership of Dr. David Lambert from the UNF Coggin College of Business. The publication provides other municipalities and communities across Florida with a benchmark of understanding for tackling the certification process independently