bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xenon-broadened CO line shapes in the fundamental band at 349 KThis article is part of a Special Issue on Spectroscopy at the University of New Brunswick in honour of Colan Linton and Ron Lees.
Authors: Predoi-Cross Adriana , Rohart François , Bouanich Jean-Pierre , Hurtmans Daniel R.
Published: September 2009

We present a line shape analysis of the P(2) and P(7) transitions of CO broadened by Xe in the fundamental band. The spectra were recorded at 349 K using a difference frequency laser spectrometer. To obtain information on the influence of Dicke narrowing, relaxation speed dependence, and line mixing effects, several models for implementation of Dicke narrowing and (or) speed-dependent effects are discussed. From experimental data analysis, we conclude that line shape models taking into account the Dicke effect only fail in the high pressure regime and lead to optical diffusion parameters that are much larger than the kinetic diffusion ones. On the contrary, a fair interpretation of data is obtained from speed-dependent models, so that it is possible to derive a quantitative estimate of optical diffusion effects that appear much smaller than the kinetic diffusion ones. Xe-broadening coefficients of CO lines in the fundamental band at 297 and 349 K are calculated from a semiclassical formalism involving successively two intermolecular potentials, the atom-atom Lennard-Jones model, and a three-term expansion of Legendre polynomials with four adjustable parameters.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements of H2O-broadened half-widths of CO2 at 4.3 μmThis article is part of a Special Issue on Spectroscopy at the University of New Brunswick in honour of Colan Linton and Ron Lees.
Authors: Sung Keeyoon , Brown Linda R. , Toth Robert A. , Crawford Timothy J.
Published: September 2009

To support remote sensing of carbon dioxide in the troposphere, H2O pressure-broadened half-widths were obtained for 182 lines of CO2 in the 2250–2390 cm–1 region. For this, six spectra of CO2 were recorded at 0.003 89 cm–1 resolution using a Bruker IFS-125HR at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The absorption cell length was 6.14 cm, and the water pressures ranged from 20.1 to 26.5 torr (1 torr = 133.322 4 Pa) near room temperatures. Partial pressures of the species in the mixtures were determined by measuring selected line intensities in the v3 band of CO2 and the v2 band of H2O. Sample temperatures were validated by deriving rotational temperature from the v3 and v2 + v3 – v2 intensities of 12CO2 and those of CO (1–0). Positions, intensities, and half-widths were retrieved spectrum by spectrum using a nonlinear least-squares line-fitting algorithm, employing a standard Voigt line shape profile and an instrumental line shape consisting of a sinc function with aperture correction. Half-widths obtained for both the fundamental and the hot band of 12CO2 and the fundamental v3 band of 13CO2 had similar values. While half-widths of CO2 broadened by other atmospheric gases (such as N2, O2, CO2, and air) tend to decrease with increasing rotational quantum number J″, the H2O-broadened half-widths were observed to increase for intermediate J′′ (8 ≤ J′′ ≤ 42): ∼0.127 cm–1 atm–1 near J′′ = 8, and increasing to ∼0.143 cm–1 atm–1 (1 atm = 101.325 kPa) towards J″ = 42. Moreover, for 10 ≤ J″ ≤ 40, the empirical widths were within ∼2%−3% of theoretical calculations. Since water vapor could reach up to 5% of ambient atmospheric surface pressure in the tropical regions, water broadened half-widths are required to model tropospheric CO2, particularly for high-precision remote sensing, to achieve a sub-percent precision in the measurements of CO2 column averaged mixing ratio. Since little vibrational dependence in line broadening has been seen, these results at 4.3 µm can be used for other bands of CO2.
Systematic trends in electronic properties of alkali hydridesThis article is part of a Special Issue on Spectroscopy at the University of New Brunswick in honour of Colan Linton and Ron Lees.
Authors: Aymar Mireille , Deiglmayr Johannes , Dulieu Olivier
Published: September 2009

Obtaining ultracold samples of dipolar molecules is a current challenge, which requires an accurate knowledge of their electronic properties to guide the ongoing experiments. Alkali hydride molecules have permanent dipole moments significantly larger than those of mixed alkali species, and, as pointed out by Taylor-Juarros et al. (Eur. Phys. J. D, 31, 213 (2004)) and by Juarros et al. (Phys. Rev. A, 73, 041403 (2006)), are thus good candidates for cold molecule formation. In this paper, using a standard quantum chemistry approach based on pseudopotentials for atomic core representation, large Gaussian basis sets, and effective core polarization potential, we systematically investigate the electronic properties of the alkali hydrides LiH to CsH, to discuss general trends of their behavior. We computed (for the first time for NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH) the variation of their static polarizability with the internuclear distance. Moreover, in addition to potential curves, we determine accurate values of permanent and transition dipole moments for ground and excited states depending on the internuclear distance. The electronic properties of all alkali hydrides are compared with one another, in the light of the numerous other data available in the literature. Finally, the influence of the quality of the representation of the hydrogen electronic affinity in the approach on the results is discussed.
Vibrational dependence of the rotational, spin-orbit splitting, and lambda-doubling parameters in the C″5Πui state of N2 This article is part of a Special Issue on Spectroscopy at the University of New Brunswick in honour of Colan Linton and Ron Lees.
Authors: Pirali O. , Tokaryk D. W. , Vervloet M.
Published: September 2009

We have recorded the high-resolution emission spectrum of the Herman infrared band (C″5Πui–A′5Σ g+ ) system of N2 in the 8000–15000 cm–1 range from an experimental set-up coupling a corona discharge with a supersonic expansion. The analysis of four new bands has permitted us to determine spectroscopic parameters of the v′ = 0 and v′ = 1 vibrational levels of the C″5Πui state and to study the vibrational dependence of the molecular parameters over the range v′ = 0 to v′ = 4. In particular, the values of the spin-orbit coupling and the Λ–doubling parameters are discussed.
Applicability of power law for describing the rheology of soils of different origins and characteristics
Authors: Jeong Sueng Won , Leroueil Serge , Locat Jacques
Published: September 2009

The rate-dependent rheological behaviour of soils of different origins and characteristics was studied and the applicability of the power law model was examined. The studied soils were divided into three groups: (i) low-activity soils, (ii) high-activity soils, and (iii) silt-rich soils. The results show that the power law applies to all these soils and is representative of soil behaviour in a strain rate range corresponding to debris flows, which is generally not the case with the Bingham model. For low-activity clays, the power law index, n, is typically equal to 0.12 and seems to increase with the plasticity index; it is larger (i.e., in the range of 0.2–0.6) for silt-rich soils. Comparison of n values for tests performed on intact and remoulded low-activity clay specimens indicates that the power law index is possibly strain-rate dependent.
Effects of wetting–drying and stress ratio on anisotropic stiffness of an unsaturated soil at very small strains
Authors: Ng C. W.W. , Xu J. , Yung S. Y.
Published: September 2009

The very small strain shear modulus of soil, G0, is affected by many factors including soil properties, current stress state, stress history, and matric suction. Very little research has been conducted on anisotropic shear moduli of unsaturated soils. In this study, the effects of wetting–drying and stress ratio on anisotropic shear stiffness of an unsaturated completely decomposed tuff (CDT) at very small strains have been investigated using a modified triaxial testing system equipped with three pairs of bender elements. During drying and wetting tests, the measured very small strain shear moduli increased in a nonlinear fashion, but at a reduced rate as the matric suction increased. Similar to the stress-dependent soil-water characteristic curves (SDSWCCs), there was hysteresis between the drying and wetting curves showing the variations in shear moduli with matric suction. Variation in suction on the specimens under isotropic conditions produced changes in stiffness anisotropy (expressed as G0(hh)/G0(hv)) together with anisotropic strains. In shearing tests at constant suctions, significant stress-induced stiffness anisotropy was observed due to a change in the stress ratio. While shearing at a constant stress ratio, G0(hh)/G0(hv) appeared to be constant.
Seasonal fruiting and sporulation of Thekopsora and Chrysomyxa cone rusts in Norway spruce cones and alternate hosts in Finland
Authors: Kaitera Juha , Tillman-Sutela Eila , Kauppi Anneli
Published: September 2009

The need to improve control of cone rust epidemics led us to investigate seasonal fruiting and sporulation of cone rusts in Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) cones and alternate hosts in 2006–2008. Spermogonia of Chrysomyxa pirolata Wint. and aecia of Thekopsora areolata (Fr.) Magnus developed in current-year cones in June, whereas C. pirolata aecia developed and started to sporulate in July. Thekopsora areolata aecia sporulated mainly in previous-year cones in May–August. Uredinia, telia, and basidia of C. pirolata developed in overwintered Pyrola sp. and Orthilia secunda L. leaves in May and sporulated in May–June. Uredinia of T. areolata developed in current-year Prunus padus L. leaves in June and sporulated in June–August. Telia of T. areolata developed in late summer, but no basidia were observed in overwintered Prunus padus leaves in March–May. Only minor variation occurred at the time of fruiting and sporulation of cone rusts both among cones and leaves of alternate hosts. Periods of high daily rainfall in May coincided with the epidemic peaks during female flowering in 2006. Dry periods in May coincided with high C. pirolata uredinia and low telia production on alternate hosts. However, monthly rainfall during pollination did not explain the epidemic rust patterns in cones. Timing of disease control is discussed.
Relationships of current and past anthropogenic disturbance to mycorrhizal sporocarp fruiting patterns at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Authors: Trappe M.J. , Cromack K. , Trappe J.M. , Wilson J. , Rasmussen M.C. , Castellano M.A. , Miller S.L.
Published: September 2009

Intensive recreational use of subalpine forests can create localized areas of concentrated disturbance where vegetation is altered, soils compacted, and surface fuels depleted. Many aspects of this disturbance type have been studied, but no research has focused on the effects of recreational use on mycorrhizal fungus sporocarp production. We measured the effects of recreational land or site use on soil properties and fuel levels and related these attributes to mycorrhizal fungal sporocarp production at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Control and disturbed sites differed significantly in soil bulk density, 15N enrichment, and fuel levels, but not in total fungal collections or species diversity at the macrosite scale. Our sampling methods were not designed to quantify the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on fungal fruiting patterns at the microsite scale, but fungal productivity was markedly reduced in the most disturbed microsites. Within the disturbed units, the paucity of fungi collected in highly disturbed microsites was offset by the abundance and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi collected in protected microsites. Many fungal species did not differ significantly in fruiting patterns or in preferences between sites or treatments at the macrosite scale, but several indicator taxa were identified.
Assessing dendroecological methods to reconstruct defoliator outbreaks on Nothofagus pumilio in northwestern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Paritsis J. , Veblen T. T. , Kitzberger T.
Published: September 2009

We examined the use of dendroecological techniques for detecting past defoliations caused by Ormiscodes amphimone Fabricius (Saturniidae) in Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. et Endl.) Krasser forests in northwestern Patagonia. We evaluated the suitability of the conifer Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Pic. Serm. et Bizarri as a nonhost climate control for reconstructing Ormiscodes outbreaks on N. pumilio. Additionally, we assessed the effectiveness of three alternative procedures to detect past outbreaks: the use of a regional host chronology (instead of the nonhost chronology), the detection of pointer years (i.e., extremely narrow tree rings caused by defoliation), and the use of a morphological tree-ring signature associated with defoliation. Although differences in tree-ring growth response to climate between N. pumilio and A. chilensis did not support the use of the latter species as a reliable climatic control in most of our study area, the alternative procedures were effective in detecting past defoliation events. Based on the performance of the methods assessed here, we designed and tested a protocol for reconstructing past Ormiscodes defoliations on N. pumilio stands. Our results reinforce the need to conduct explicit comparisons of growth responses to climatic variability for host and potential nonhost species on a site-specific basis as well as the advantages of using multiple independent methods to more accurately detect past insect outbreaks.
Estimating cavity tree and snag abundance using negative binomial regression models and nearest neighbor imputation methods
Authors: Eskelson Bianca N.I. , Temesgen Hailemariam , Barrett Tara M.
Published: September 2009

Cavity tree and snag abundance data are highly variable and contain many zero observations. We predict cavity tree and snag abundance from variables that are readily available from forest cover maps or remotely sensed data using negative binomial (NB), zero-inflated NB, and zero-altered NB (ZANB) regression models as well as nearest neighbor (NN) imputation methods. The models were developed and fit to data collected by the Forest Inventory and Analysis program of the US Forest Service in Washington, Oregon, and California. For predicting cavity tree and snag abundance per stand, all three NB regression models performed better in terms of mean square prediction error than the NN imputation methods. The most similar neighbor imputation, however, outperformed the NB regression models in predicting overall cavity tree and snag abundance.
Effects of oviposition by periodical cicadas on tree growth
Authors: Clay Keith , Shelton Angela L. , Winkle Chuck
Published: September 2009

Periodical cicadas ( Magicicada spp.) occur at very high densities and synchronously emerge from underground every 13 or 17 years. During the emergence, adults lay eggs in tree branches, causing significant damage; however, the long-term impact of this damage is unknown. We conducted two large-scale field studies during the 2004 emergence of one brood (Brood X) to measure the growth of trees in relation to oviposition damage by periodical cicadas. In the first experiment, we netted areas to exclude cicadas from plots in 15 early successional forests and then measured trunk circumference for 3 years on more than 4000 trees of 52 species. In this experiment, oviposition had no detectable effect on the growth rates of trees. In the second study, we measured oviposition on 12 common tree species across six sites. We then measured the annual growth rings of these trees for 3 years after the emergence. In this experiment, oviposition was correlated with a slightly reduced growth in the emergence year and following year when the data were analyzed together, but when tree species were examined individually there were no clear effects of oviposition on tree growth. These data suggest cicada oviposition has little effect on the radial growth of trees, particularly in comparison to other factors.
Chemical pretreatment of Thuja occidentalis tree rings: implications for dendroisotopic studies
Authors: Au Robert , Tardif Jacques C.
Published: September 2009

Whether or not extractives, lignin, and (or) hemicelluloses, all of which have specific isotopic signatures, should be removed prior to dendroisotopic analysis is still debated. This study reports the range of modern tree-ring δ13C values of cellulose from Thuja occidentalis L., a species that has been under-utilized in dendroisotopic research despite its broad distribution and great longevity in North America. The main objective of the study was to recommend a wood component from T. occidentalis to isolate for future δ13C dendroisotopic analyses. Annually resolved tree-ring decadal segments common to eight T. occidentalis trees were excised from cross sections and homogenized. The tree-ring decadal segment from each tree was then chemically processed from untreated whole wood to extractive-free wood, to holocellulose, and to α-cellulose. Subsamples were analyzed for δ13C, percent carbon, and percent yield after each stage of chemical treatment. We recommend that holocellulose be extracted for T. occidentalis, as the α-cellulose yield may be too low when tree-ring samples are very small. The δ13C values for T. occidentalis tree rings were found to be enriched with respect to those for needle-leaved conifers but in close agreement with those reported in the literature for other scale-leaved evergreens.
Small-mammal response to group-selection silvicultural systems in Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir forests 14 years postharvest
Authors: Ransome Douglas B. , Lindgren Pontus M.F. , Waterhouse Michaela J. , Armleder Harold M. , Sullivan Thomas P.
Published: September 2009

Concerns about the impacts of clear-cut harvesting on ecosystem components in subalpine forests have generated a variety of alternative silvicultural systems in high-elevation forests in western North America. We examined responses of forest-floor small mammals, 14 years posttreatment, in four replicate units, uncut forest, a 1.0 ha group-selection cut, a large (>30 ha) clearcut, and the edge between the group-selection cut and uncut forest, in the Engelmann Spruce ( Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) – Subalpine Fir ( Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) biogeoclimatic zone in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Populations of small mammals were livetrapped during five sessions from June to September 2006. The mean abundance of southern red-backed voles ( Myodes gapperi Vigors) was significantly lower on large clearcuts than in uncut old-growth forests, with intermediate numbers in 1 ha cuts. The opposite trend was found for dusky shrews ( Sorex monticolus Merriam), while there was no significant difference in mean abundance of deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner) among treatments. Trappability, proportion of adult females breeding, and rate of survival of red-backed voles and deer mice were similar among treatments. Our results suggest that group-selection silviculture conducted in subalpine forests may have fewer negative impacts on the small-mammal community than large clearcuts.
The effects of Phytophthora ramorum infection on hydraulic conductivity and tylosis formation in tanoak sapwood
Authors: Collins Bradley R. , Parke Jennifer L. , Lachenbruch Barb , Hansen Everett M.
Published: September 2009

Tanoak ( Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. and Arn.) Rehder) is highly susceptible to sudden oak death, a disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora ramorum Werres, De Cock & Man in’t Veld. Symptoms include a dying crown, bleeding cankers, and, eventually, death of infected trees. The cause of mortality is not well understood, but recent research indicates that water transport is reduced in infected trees. One possible mechanism causing the reduction in hydraulic conductivity is the presence of tyloses in xylem vessels. The development of tyloses was studied in relation to hydraulic conductivity in P. ramorum-infected sapwood. Inoculated logs showed a greater abundance of tyloses than noninoculated logs after 4 weeks. Inoculated trees with xylem infections had significantly more tyloses than noninoculated trees. In addition, the increase in number of tyloses was associated with a decrease in specific conductivity, suggesting that tyloses induced by infection with P. ramorum may interfere with stem sap flow. Over time, tylosis development increased in tissues farther from the inoculation site, in advance of the vertical spread of infection. The results suggest that infected sapwood contains numerous tyloses, which could significantly impede stem water transport.
THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF BLACK BODY RADIATION
Authors: NOWAKOWSKI M. , ARRAUT I.
Published: September 2009

We show, in different ways, that in the ubiquitous phenomenon of black body radiation there exists a minimum and maximum temperature. These limiting values are so small and large respectively, that they are of no practical use, except in an extreme situation of black hole evaporation where they lead to maximum and minimum mass.
ONE-LOOP CALCULATION OF COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT IN A SCALE INVARIANT THEORY
Authors: JAIN PANKAJ , MITRA SUBHADIP
Published: September 2009

We compute the cosmological constant in a scale invariant scalar field theory. The gravitational action is also suitably modified to respect scale invariance. Due to scale invariance, the theory does not admit a cosmological constant term. The scale invariance is broken by a recently introduced mechanism called cosmological symmetry breaking. This leads to a nonzero cosmological constant. We compute the one-loop corrections to the cosmological constant and show that it is finite.
CONFORMAL INVARIANCE ON ORBIFOLDS AND EXCITATIONS OF SINGULARITY
Authors: YIN ZHENG
Published: September 2009

We study conformal field theory on two-dimensional orbifolds and show this to be an effective way to analyze physical effects of geometric singularities with angular deficits. They are closely related to boundaries and cross caps. Representative classes of singularities can be described exactly using generalizations of boundary states. From this we compute correlation functions and derive the spectra of excitations localized at the singularities.
DARK MATTER ANNIHILATION EXPLANATION FOR e± EXCESSES IN COSMIC RAY
Authors: HE XIAO-GANG
Published: September 2009

Recently data from PAMELA, ATIC, FERMI-LAT and HESS show that there are e± excesses in the cosmic ray energy spectrum. PAMELA shown excesses only in e+, but not in anti-proton spectrum. ATIC, FERMI-LAT and HESS shown excesses in e++e- spectrum, but the detailed shapes are different which requires future experimental observations to pin down the correct data set. Nevertheless a lot of efforts have been made to explain the observed e± excesses, and also why PAMELA only has excesses in e+ but not in anti-proton. In this brief review we discuss one of the most popular mechanisms to explain the data — the dark matter annihilation. It has long been known that about 23% of our universe is made of relic dark matter. If the relic dark matter was thermally produced, the annihilation rate is constrained resulting in the need of a large boost factor to explain the data. We will discuss in detail how a large boost factor can be obtained by the Sommerfeld and Breit–Wigner enhancement mechanisms. Some implications for particle physics model buildings will also be discussed.
CONSTITUENT QUARKS AND THE SPIN OF THE PROTON
Authors: FRITZSCH H. , ELDAHOUMI G.
Published: September 2009

The constituent quarks are interpreted as bound states, which have an internal structure. The quark distributions of the proton are related to those of the constituent quarks. The experiments support this hypothesis. Likewise the spin structure of the proton is related to the spin structure of the constituent quarks. We find that about 30% of the spin of a constituent quark is given by the valence quark, and 70% are provided by the gluons.
Maturation of respiratory control and the propensity for breathing instability in a sheep model
Authors: Edwards Bradley A. , Sands Scott A. , Skuza Elizabeth M. , Brodecky Vojta , Stockx Elaine M. , Wilkinson Malcolm H. , Berger Philip J.
Published: September 2009

Limited evidence suggests that the ventilatory interaction between O2 and CO2 is additive after birth and becomes multiplicative with postnatal development. Such a switch may be linked to the propensity for periodic breathing (PB) in infancy. To test this idea, we characterized the maturation of the respiratory controller and its effect on breathing stability in ∼10-day-old lambs and 6-mo-old sheep. We measured 1) carotid body sensitivity via dynamic ventilatory responses to step changes in O2 and CO2, 2) steady-state ventilatory sensitivity to CO2 under hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, 3) the dependence of the apneic threshold on arterial Po2, and 4) the effect of hypoxic or hypercapnic gas inhalation during induced PB. Stability of the system was assessed using surrogate measures of loop gain. Peripheral sensitivity to O2 was higher in newborn than in older animals ( P < 0.05), but peripheral CO2 sensitivity was unchanged. Central CO2 sensitivity was reduced with age, but the slopes of the ventilatory responses to CO2 were the same in hypoxia and hyperoxia. Reduced arterial Po2 caused a leftward shift in the apneic threshold at both ages. Inspiration of hypoxic gas during PB immediately halted PB, whereas hypercapnia stopped PB only after one or two further PB cycles. We conclude that the controller in the sheep remains additive over the first 6 mo of life. Our results also show that the loop gain of the respiratory control system is reduced with age, possibly as a result of a reduction of peripheral O2 sensitivity.
Effect of nandrolone decanoate administration on recovery from bupivacaine-induced muscle injury
Authors: White James P. , Baltgalvis Kristen A. , Sato Shuichi , Wilson L. Britt , Carson James A.
Published: September 2009

Although testosterone administration elicits well-documented anabolic effects on skeletal muscle mass, the enhancement of muscle regeneration after injury has not been widely examined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether anabolic steroid administration improves skeletal muscle regeneration from bupivacaine-induced injury. Male C57BL/6 mice were castrated 2 wk before muscle injury induced by an intramuscular bupivacaine injection into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Control mice received an intramuscular PBS injection. Anabolic steroid [nandrolone decanoate (ND), 6 mg/kg] or sesame seed oil was administered at the time of initial injury and continued every 7 days for the study's duration. Mice were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups for 5, 14, or 42 days of recovery, as follows: 1) control (uninjured); 2) ND only (uninjured + ND); 3) bupivacaine only (injured); or 4) bupivacaine + ND (injured + ND). TA morphology, protein, and gene expression were analyzed at 14 and 42 days after injury; protein expression was analyzed at 5 days after injury. After 14 days of recovery, the injury and injury + ND treatments induced small-diameter myofiber incidence and also decreased mean myofiber area. The increase in small-myofiber incidence was 65% greater in injury + ND muscle compared with injury alone. At 14 days, injury + ND induced a fivefold increase in muscle IGF-I mRNA expression, which was greater than injury alone. Muscle Akt activity and glycogen synthetase kinase-3β activity were also induced by injury + ND at 14 days of recovery, but not by injury alone. ND had a main effect for increasing muscle MyoD and cyclin D1 mRNA expression at 14 days. After 42 days of recovery, injury + ND increased large-diameter myofiber incidence compared with injury only. Nandrolone decanoate (ND) administration can enhance castrated mouse muscle regeneration during the recovery from bupivacaine-induced injury.
Roles of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in cutaneous vasodilation induced by local warming of the skin and whole body heat stress in humans
Authors: Kellogg Dean L. , Zhao Joan L. , Wu Yubo
Published: September 2009

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in the cutaneous vasodilation caused by increased local skin temperature (Tloc) and whole body heat stress in humans. In forearm skin, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) participates in vasodilation due to elevated Tloc and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) participates in vasodilation due to heat stress. To explore the relative roles and interactions of these isoforms, we examined the effects of a relatively specific eNOS inhibitor, Nω-amino-l-arginine (LNAA), and a specific nNOS inhibitor, Nω-propyl-l-arginine (NPLA), both separately and in combination, on skin blood flow (SkBF) responses to increased Tloc and heat stress in two protocols. In each protocol, SkBF was monitored by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) by Finapres. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated (CVC = LDF/MAP). Intradermal microdialysis was used to treat one site with 5 mM LNAA, another with 5 mM NPLA, a third with combined 5 mM LNAA and 5 mM NPLA (Mix), and a fourth site with Ringer only. In protocol 1, Tloc was controlled with combined LDF/local heating units. Tloc was increased from 34°C to 41.5°C to cause local vasodilation. In protocol 2, after a period of normothermia, whole body heat stress was induced (water-perfused suits). At the end of each protocol, all sites were perfused with 58 mM nitroprusside to effect maximal vasodilation for data normalization. In protocol 1, at Tloc = 34°C, CVC did not differ between sites ( P > 0.05). LNAA and Mix attenuated CVC increases at Tloc = 41.5°C to similar extents ( P < 0.05, LNAA or Mix vs. untreated or NPLA). In protocol 2, in normothermia, CVC did not differ between sites ( P > 0.05). During heat stress, NPLA and Mix attenuated CVC increases to similar extents, but no significant attenuation occurred with LNAA ( P < 0.05, NPLA or Mix vs. untreated or LNAA). In forearm skin, eNOS mediates the vasodilator response to increased Tloc and nNOS mediates the vasodilator response to heat stress. The two isoforms do not appear to interact during either response.
The Use of Predictive or Prognostic Genetic Biomarkers in Endometrial and Other Hormone-Related Cancers: Justification for Extensive Candidate Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Studies of the Matrix Metalloproteinase Family and their Inhibitors
Authors: O'Mara Tracy A. , Clements Judith A. , Spurdle Amanda B.
Published: September 2009

Genome-wide association studies have accelerated the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with susceptibility to complex diseases, including many malignancies. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteases are involved in many cell processes, most notably the degradation of the extracellular matrix, and differences in gene and protein expression have been reported to be associated with many cancers. Surprisingly, none of the SNPs located within these genes have been identified to be associated with cancer in the genome-wide association studies published to date. This may be in part due to the proportion and the tagging efficiency of MMP SNPs covered by high-throughput genotyping chips. This review will provide an overview of current evidence for MMPs and associated SNPs in endometrial and other hormone-related cancers, to provide justification for the further detailed studies of MMP SNPs as cancer markers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2352–65)
Association of Alcohol Intake and Smoking with Malignant Lymphoma Risk in Japanese: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study at Aichi Cancer Center
Authors: Kanda Junya , Matsuo Keitaro , Kawase Takakazu , Suzuki Takeshi , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Seto Masao , Morishima Yasuo , Tajima Kazuo , Tanaka Hideo
Published: September 2009

Given the lower incidence and differences in distribution of malignant lymphoma in Asian than western populations, the association of alcohol intake and smoking with malignant lymphoma risk in Asian populations merits investigation. Here, we conducted a sex- and age-matched case-control study of a Japanese population using two data sets, the first and second versions of the Hospital-based Epidemiological Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital (HERPACC-I and HERPACC-II, respectively), in 452 and 330 cases of histologically diagnosed malignant lymphoma and 2,260 and 1,650 noncancer controls, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using a conditional logistic regression model that incorporated smoking exposure and alcohol intake. Compared with nondrinking, consumption of ≥50 g/d by frequent drinkers was associated with significantly decreased risk in both data sets [OR (95% CI), 0.70 (0.53-0.93) for HERPACC-I and 0.40 (0.23-0.68) for HERPACC-II]. Given similar findings among groups, we used pooled data sets in subsequent analyses. For any alcohol intake versus nondrinking, point estimates of OR were less than unity for all four malignant lymphoma subtypes. In contrast, pack-years of smoking were associated with increased malignant lymphoma risk: relative to the reference (0-4 pack-years), OR (95% CI) were 1.32 (1.02-1.71), 1.39 (1.07-1.80), and 1.48 (1.12-1.95) for 5 to 19, 20 to 39, and ≥40 pack-years, respectively. This association with smoking was less apparent for all subtypes, except Hodgkin's lymphoma. In conclusion, we found that alcohol had an inverse association with malignant lymphoma risk across all malignant lymphoma subtypes in our Japanese subjects. Smoking appeared to be positively associated with malignant lymphoma risk, but this finding may vary by subtype.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2436–41)
Germ-Line Mutations in Mismatch Repair Genes Associated with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Grindedal Eli Marie , Møller Pål , Eeles Ros , Stormorken Astrid Tenden , Bowitz-Lothe Inger Marie , Landrø Stefan Magnus , Clark Neal , Kvåle Rune , Shanley Susan , Mæhle Lovise
Published: September 2009

Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer includes multiple common variants with a low penetrance (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and rare variants with higher penetrance. The mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 are associated with Lynch syndrome where colon and endometrial cancers are the predominant phenotypes. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether germ-line mutations in these genes may be associated with prostate cancer. One hundred and six male carriers or obligate carriers of MMR mutations were identified. Nine had contracted prostate cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis was done on tumor tissue from eight of the nine tumors. Observed incidence, cumulative risk at 60 and 70 years of age, age of onset, and Gleason score were compared with expected as assessed from population-based series. Absence of gene product from the mutated MMR gene was found in seven of eight tumors. Expected number of prostate cancers was 1.52 compared with 9 observed (P < 0.01). Mean age of onset of prostate cancer was 60.4 years compared with 66.6 expected (P = 0.006); the number of men with a Gleason score between 8 and 10 was significantly higher than expected (P < 0.00001). Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that cumulative risk by 70 years in MMR mutation carriers may be 30% (SE, 0.088) compared with 8.0% in the general population. This is similar to the high risk associated with BRCA2 mutations. To our knowledge, this study is the first to indicate that the MMR genes may be among the rare genetic variants that confer a high risk of prostate cancer when mutated. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2460–7)
Serum Fatty Acid Synthase as a Marker of Pancreatic Neoplasia
Authors: Walter Kim , Hong Seung-Mo , Nyhan Sinead , Canto Marcia , Fedarko Neal , Klein Alison , Griffith Margaret , Omura Noriyuki , Medghalchi Susan , Kuhajda Frank , Goggins Michael
Published: September 2009

Markers of early pancreatic cancer and its precursors are needed to improve the uniformly poor prognosis of this disease. Fatty acid synthase (FAS) catalyzes the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids and is overexpressed in most human solid tumors. We therefore evaluated serum FAS as a marker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. FAS expression patterns in primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), and chronic pancreatitis tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serum FAS levels were determined by ELISA in 102 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas, in 42 patients with IPMNs, in 27 patients with chronic pancreatitis, and in 39 healthy control subjects. FAS protein was overexpressed in the ductal epithelium of 343 of 399 primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas (86.0%) and 28 of 30 IPMNs (93.3%), and in the islet and ductal cells in 3 of 54 chronic pancreatitis tissues (5.6%), whereas normal ductal epithelium lacked FAS expression. Serum FAS levels were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (first quartile median, 22.0; 4.5 ng/mL), in patients with IPMNs (20.7; 9.4 ng/mL), and in patients with chronic pancreatitis (31.1; 11.9 ng/mL) than in healthy controls (0; 0 ng/mL). FAS levels declined postoperatively in 8 of 9 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and elevations of their preoperative serum FAS. In conclusion, serum FAS levels are elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer and IPMNs and are associated with neoplastic overexpression of FAS. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2380–5)
The 6q22.33 Locus and Breast Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Kirchhoff Tomas , Chen Zhang-qun , Gold Bert , Pal Prodipto , Gaudet Mia M. , Kosarin Kristi , Levine Douglas A. , Gregersen Peter , Spencer Sara , Harlan Megan , Robson Mark , Klein Robert J. , Hudis Clifford A. , Norton Larry , Dean Michael , Offit Kenneth
Published: September 2009

Recently, we identified a novel breast cancer susceptibility locus at 6q22.33 following a genome-wide association study in the Ashkenazi Jewish genetic isolate. To replicate these findings, we did a case-control association analysis on 6q22.33 (rs2180341) in an additional 487 Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer cases and in an independent non-Jewish, predominantly European American, population of 1,466 breast cancer cases and 1,467 controls. We confirmed the 6q22.33 association with breast cancer risk in the replication cohorts [per-allele odds ratio (OR), 1.18; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.04-1.33; P = 0.0083], with the strongest effect in the aggregate meta-analysis of 3,039 breast cancer cases and 2,616 Ashkenazi Jewish and non-Jewish controls (per-allele OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13-1.36; P = 3.85 × 10-7). We also showed that the association was slightly stronger with estrogen receptor–positive tumors (per-allele OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.20-1.51; P = 2.2 × 10-5) compared with estrogen receptor–negative tumors (per-allele OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.97-1.47; P = 0.1). Furthermore, this study provides a novel insight into the functional significance of 6q22.33 in breast cancer susceptibility. Due to the stronger association of 6q22.33 with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, we examined the effect of candidate genes on estrogen receptor response elements. Upon transfection of overexpressed RNF146 in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, we observed diminished expression of an estrogen receptor response element reporter construct. This study confirms the association of 6q22.33 with breast cancer, with slightly stronger effect in estrogen receptor–positive tumors. Further functional studies of candidate genes are in progress, and a large replication analysis is being completed as part of an international consortium. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2468–75)
Alcohol Consumption and Genetic Variation inMethylenetetrahydrofolate Reductaseand5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferasein Relation to Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Platek Mary E. , Shields Peter G. , Marian Catalin , McCann Susan E. , Bonner Matthew R. , Nie Jing , Ambrosone Christine B. , Millen Amy E. , Ochs-Balcom Heather M. , Quick Sylvia K. , Trevisan Maurizio , Russell Marcia , Nochajski Thomas H. , Edge Stephen B. , Freudenheim Jo L.
Published: September 2009

It has been hypothesized that effects of alcohol consumption on one-carbon metabolism may explain, in part, the association of alcohol consumption with breast cancer risk. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR) genes express key enzymes in this pathway. We investigated the association of polymorphisms in MTHFR (rs1801133 and rs1801131) and MTR (rs1805087) with breast cancer risk and their interaction with alcohol consumption in a case-control study—the Western New York Exposures and Breast Cancer study. Cases (n = 1,063) were women with primary, incident breast cancer and controls (n = 1,890) were frequency matched to cases on age and race. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. We found no association of MTHFR or MTR genotype with risk of breast cancer. In the original case-control study, there was a nonsignificant increased odds of breast cancer among women with higher lifetime drinking. In the current study, there was no evidence of an interaction of genotype and alcohol in premenopausal women. However, among postmenopausal women, there was an increase in breast cancer risk for women who were homozygote TT for MTHFR C677T and had high lifetime alcohol intake (≥1,161.84 oz; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.13-3.28) and for those who had a high number of drinks per drinking day (>1.91 drinks/day; OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.03-3.28) compared with nondrinkers who were homozygote CC. Our findings indicate that among postmenopausal women, increased breast cancer risk with alcohol consumption may be as a result of effects on one-carbon metabolism. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2453–9)
Cyclin A Is a Proliferative Marker with Good Prognostic Value in Node-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahlin Cecilia , Zhou Wenjing , Holmqvist Marit , Holmberg Lars , Nilsson Cecilia , Jirström Karin , Blomqvist Carl , Amini Rose-Marie , Fjällskog Marie-Louise
Published: September 2009

Background: Proliferative markers are not recommended as prognostic factors for clinical use in breast cancer due to lack of standardization in methodology. However, proliferation is driving several gene expression signatures emphasizing the need for a reliable proliferative marker for clinical use. Studies suggest that cyclin A is a prognostic marker with satisfying reproducibility. We investigated cyclin A as a prognostic marker in node-negative breast cancer using previously defined cutoff values.

Patients and Methods: In a case-control study, we defined 190 women who died from breast cancer as cases and 190 women alive at the time for the corresponding case's death as controls. Inclusion criteria were tumor size ≤50 mm, no lymph node metastases and no adjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor tissues were immunostained for cyclin A using commercially available antibodies.

Results: We found a statistically significant association between expression of cyclin A and breast cancer death in a univariate model: odds ratio for cyclin Aave 2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7-4.3] and cyclin Amax 3.4 (CI, 2.1-5.5). Corresponding odds ratio for Ki67 were Ki67ave 1.9 (CI, 1.2-3.1) and Ki67max 1.7 (CI, 1.1-2.7) and for grade 3.1 (CI, 1.8-5.1). Cyclin A was strongly correlated to Ki67 and grade why a model including all was not appropriate.

Conclusions: Cyclin A is a prognostic factor for breast cancer death in node-negative patients using standardized methodology regarding scoring and cutoff values. Adding cyclin A as a proliferative marker to established clinicopathologic factors will improve the separation of low and high risk breast cancer.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2501–6)
Cigarette Smoking and Prostate Cancer in a Prospective US Cohort Study
Authors: Watters Joanne L. , Park Yikyung , Hollenbeck Albert , Schatzkin Arthur , Albanes Demetrius
Published: September 2009

Smoking is an important risk factor for many cancers, yet the relationship between smoking and prostate cancer remains uncertain. We investigated whether smoking affected the risk of prostate cancers within a large prospective cohort study of dietary and environmental cancer risk factors among men ages 50 to 71 upon enrollment in 1995-1996 (n = 283,312). Cox proportional hazards regression models with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were adjusted for age, race, education, height, body mass index, physical activity, family history of prostate cancer, diabetes, self-reported health status, prostate-specific antigen testing, digital rectal exam, total energy, α-tocopherol, calcium, α-linolenic acid, selenium, red meat, fish, and tomato intake. There were 14,810 nonadvanced and 1,830 advanced incident prostate cancers identified through 2003, and 394 men died of their disease through 2005. Current smokers had a decreased risk of nonadvanced prostate cancer (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.88), but an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.27). Former smoking was also associated with decreased risk of nonadvanced prostate cancers (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.92), but not fatal prostate cancers (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.83-1.27). There was no apparent association between smoking and advanced prostate cancer. A number of biologically plausible mechanisms could explain these results, including the direct effects of carcinogens in tobacco smoke and the resulting changes in sex hormone or growth factor profiles. These findings suggest that current and former smokers may be at decreased risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and current smokers are at an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2427–35)
Reduced Serum Selenoprotein P Concentrations in German Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Meyer Hellmuth-Alexander , Hollenbach Birgit , Stephan Carsten , Endermann Tobias , Morgenthaler Nils G. , Cammann Henning , Köhrle Josef , Jung Klaus , Schomburg Lutz
Published: September 2009

Selenium (Se) is essentially needed for the biosynthesis of selenoproteins. Low Se intake causes reduced selenoprotein biosynthesis and constitutes a risk factor for tumorigenesis. Accordingly, some Se supplementation trials have proven effective to reduce prostate cancer risk, especially in poorly supplied individuals. Because Se metabolism is controlled by selenoprotein P (SEPP), we have tested whether circulating SEPP concentrations correlate to prostate cancer stage and grade. A total of 190 men with prostate cancer (n = 90) and “no evidence of malignancy” (NEM; n = 100) histologically confirmed by prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed for established tumor markers and for their Se and SEPP status. Prostate specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, total Se, and SEPP concentrations were determined from serum samples and compared with clinicopathologic parameters. The diagnostic performance was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves. Median Se and SEPP concentrations differed significantly (P < 0.001) between the groups. Median serum Se concentrations in the 25th to 75th percentile were 95.9 μg/L (82-117.9) in NEM patients and 81.4 μg/L (67.9-98.4) in prostate cancer patients. Corresponding serum SEPP concentrations were 3.4 mg/L (1.9-5.6) in NEM and 2.9 mg/L (1.1-5.5) in prostate cancer patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of a marker combination with age, PSA, and percent free PSA (%fPSA) in combination with the SEPP concentration, yielded the highest diagnostic value (AUC 0.80) compared with the marker combination without SEPP (AUC 0.77) or %fPSA (AUC 0.76). We conclude that decreased SEPP concentration in serum might represent an additional valuable marker for prostate cancer diagnostics.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2386–90)