bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New pathway links from cancer‐progression determinants to gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases in breast cancer cells
Authors: DeLassus Gregory S. , Cho Hyojin , Park Janice , Eliceiri George L.
Published: July 2008

AP‐2α, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), E‐cadherin, fibulin 1D, p16INK4α, PTEN, RKIP, and S100A4 are determinants (suppressors, except for S100A4) of cancer cell invasiveness and other traits of cancer progression, which are located upstream of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cell signaling pathways. We will refer to them as upstream cancer‐progression determinants (UCPDs, for brevity). MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, MMP‐11, MMP‐13, MMP‐14, MMP‐16, and MMP‐19 are enhancers of cancer cell invasiveness and other traits of cancer progression, in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. We are interested in pathway links from UCPDs to gene expression of cancer cell MMPs in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. To test models about these links, wild‐type copies of UCPDs were transiently overexpressed and then MMP mRNAs were measured by reverse transcription real‐time PCR. The present results show that each of eight UCPDs is linked to the gene expression of a unique set of MMPs. This indicates that the effects are sequence‐specific and that each UCPD reaches these MMP expressions through different sets of signaling pathways. We have detected 20 new pathway links, 11 are downregulatory and nine are upregulatory; 15 are new links in any cell, and five are new links in breast cancer. In seven links, three cancer‐progression suppressing UCPDs unexpectedly enhance the gene expression of five cancer‐progression promoting MMPs. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 739–744, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cattle's effect on land and labour productivity: Evidence from Zambia
Authors: Smith Robert E.
Published: July 2008

Cattle may have become under‐appreciated as a means of boosting staple crop production in areas of recurrent food insecurity. This study tests number of cattle owned as a determinant (alongside agronomic and socio‐economic control variables) of land and labour productivity for hybrid and local maize, and for all crops aggregated by value, from a cross‐sectional sample of 266 small and medium‐sized farms in Zambia's Southern Province. For all tested derivations of productivity, cattle ownership scores strongly as a determinant—more so than, for example, fertiliser application. The strong effect on land productivity (as robust as the expected effect on labour productivity) is ascribed to cattle owners' ability to optimally time ploughing and planting vis‐à‐vis the onset of rains. Cattle re‐stocking thus appears to be an under‐utilised tool of agricultural development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability analysis for the AIBO‐FDTD method
Authors: Liu Guo‐Sheng , Zhang Guo‐Ji , Hu Bin‐Jie
Published: July 2008

The stability of the implicit finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method named alternating implicit block overlapped (AIBO) FDTD is presented in this paper. Based on separation of variables method, the spectral radius of the growth matrix for AIBO‐FDTD is obtained. Analytical results show that the AIBO‐FDTDs both in one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional cases are unconditionally stable. But it is conditionally stable in 3D case, like the conventional FDTD. Numerical results are also presented to demonstrate its effectiveness for parallel processing. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A critical role for collagen II in cartilage matrix degradation: Collagen II induces pro‐inflammatory cytokines and MMPs in primary human chondrocytes
Authors: Klatt Andreas R. , Paul‐Klausch Brigitte , Klinger Gabriele , Kühn Getrud , Renno Joerg H. , Banerjee Marc , Malchau Gebhart , Wielckens Klaus
Published: July 2008

We report a process that results in the acceleration of matrix degradation in human articular cartilage, a phenomenon commonly observed in osteoarthritis (OA). The study was conducted by (1) examining the potential of collagen II in modulating the gene expression profile of primary human chondrocytes (PHCs), and (2) investigating the involvement of pro‐inflammatory signaling cascades. We first tested the collagen II‐dependent induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in PHCs. PHCs were incubated with or without monomeric (i.e., nonfibrillar) collagen II. Cells were then analyzed by RT‐PCR for the expression of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, MMP14, and IL‐1β. ELISA was used to quantify IL‐6 and IL‐8 release. To examine the influence of collagen II signaling, specifically the role of MAPK p38, a p38‐inhibitor was added prior to collagen treatment. Changes in IκB concentration were monitored by immunoblot analysis to detect NFκB signaling. Results indicated that incubation of PHCs with collagen II did produce a dose‐dependent induction of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, MMP14, as well as cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8. At the same time, inhibition of p38 and IκB degradation revealed that collagen II‐dependent gene induction also involves MAPK p38 and NFκB signaling. Thus, we provide evidence for a collagen II‐dependent feed‐forward mechanism whereby collagen II induces first MMPs and pro‐inflammatory cytokines and then release of collagen II fragments from mature collagen II fibers. This, in turn, induces more pro‐inflammatory cytokines and MMPs, and the process is repeated, which results in the acceleration and perpetuation of cartilage matrix degradation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:65–70, 2009
Ozonization and Cyclic Voltammetry as Efficient Methods for the Regeneration of Gelatin‐Coated SPR Chips
Authors: Van Vlierberghe Sandra , De Wael Karolien , Buschop Hans , Adriaens Annemie , Schacht Etienne , Dubruel Peter
Published: July 2008

The application of ozonization and cyclic voltammetry for the regeneration of gold chips containing a chemisorbed gelatin layer is reported. The efficiency of the regeneration process was analyzed using various surface analysis techniques indicating a complete removal of the biopolymer layer. The current findings open up perspectives for regeneration and multiple application of gold chips for SPR measurements.

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Mechanical and corrosion behaviour of a Ti‐Al‐Nb alloy after deformation at elevated temperatures
Authors: Popa M. V. , Raducanu D. , Vasilescu E. , Drob P. , Cojocaru D. , Vasilescu C. , Ivanescu S. , Rosca J. C. Mirza
Published: July 2008

The mechanical properties of Ti6Al7Nb alloy deformed and heat treated at elevated temperatures were correlated with its microstructure and corrosion behaviour in Ringer (of different pH values: 2.49, 6.9 and 8.9) and Ringer–Brown solutions. Microstructural analysis revealed a Widmanstatten structure for the alloys deformed at 1100 °C (β field) and structure with α grains at 930 °C (α + β field). The thermo‐mechanical processing improved the electrochemical behaviour of Ti6Al7Nb alloys, especially their passive state. Open circuit potential variations in time reflected more compact, stable, resistant passive films on the surface of the treated alloys. Open circuit potential gradients simulating the non‐uniformities of pH along the implant surface have very low values that cannot generate galvanic corrosion. Corrosion rates and ion release are very much reduced. Impedance spectra were fitted with a two time‐constants equivalent circuit for some alloys and with three time‐constants equivalent circuit for other alloys.
Induction of p16ink4a and p19ARF by TGFβ1 contributes to growth arrest and senescence response in mouse keratinocytes
Authors: Vijayachandra Kinnimulki , Higgins William , Lee Jessica , Glick Adam
Published: July 2008

TGFβ1 acts as a potent negative regulator of the cell cycle and tumor suppressor in part through induction of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p15ink4b, p21, and p57. We previously showed that primary mouse epidermal keratinocytes (MEK) expressing a v‐rasHa oncogene undergo hyperproliferation followed by growth arrest and senescence that was dependent on TGFβ1 signaling and associated with increased levels of p16ink4a and p19ARF. Here we show that the induction of both p16ink4a and p19ARF in v‐rasHa expressing keratinocytes is dependent on TGFβ1 signaling, as TGFβ1 treatment or Smad3 overexpression induces both p16ink4a and p19ARF protein and mRNA, while Smad3 depletion or Smad7 overexpression blocks induction. Genetic ablation of the cdkn2a (ink4a/arf) locus reduced sensitivity to TGFβ1 mediated cell cycle arrest and induction of senescence suggesting that alteration of TGFβ1 responses may be an additional pathway impacted by the inactivation of cdkn2a locus during tumor development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Boom in the development of non‐peptidic β‐secretase (BACE1) inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Silvestri Romano
Published: July 2008

β‐Amyloid cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1) has become a significant target for the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. After the discovery of the first non‐peptidomimetic β‐secretase inhibitors by Takeda Chemicals in 2001, several research teams focused on SAR development of these agents. The non‐peptidic BACE1 inhibitors may potentially overcome the classical problems associated with the peptide structure of first generation, such as blood–brain barrier crossing, poor oral bioavailability and susceptibility to P‐glycoprotein transport. In the past 6 years a boom in research of non‐peptidic BACE1 inhibitors has disseminated findings over hundreds of publications and patents. The rapidly growing literature has been reviewed with particular emphasis on literature of pharmaceutical companies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 2, 295–338, 2009
Osteoporosis among ancient Egyptians
Authors: Zaki M. E. , Hussien F. H. , El Banna R. Abd El‐Shafy
Published: July 2008

Osteoporosis is a condition of reduced total bone mass per unit volume for the normal ratio of bone mineral to bone matrix. The present work deals with the investigation and evaluation of osteoporosis in ancient Egyptians of two social classes from the Old Kingdom in Giza. The aims of this study are to provide information about the lifestyle and health status of ancient Egyptians, and to detect the causes of osteoporosis. The material consisted of 74 skeletons (43 males and 31 females) from two different social classes (high officials and workers). Skeletons were excavated from the Giza Necropolis and belonged to the Old Kingdom (2687–2191 BC). Dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) at different skeletal sites (radius, fourth lumbar vertebra and head of femur). Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to show the microarchitectural structure of the bone. Results showed a significant decrease of BMD values in old age groups compared with younger ones in both sexes. In addition, SEM of trabecular bone in osteoporotic cases demonstrated that the horizontal trabeculae were more affected than the vertical trabeculae. Comparison between high officials and workers revealed that osteoporosis was more frequent in male workers than in male high officials, and in female high officials than in female workers. An elevated prevalence of osteoporosis among male workers may be related to the effects of nutritional stress and excessive workload, while a sedentary lifestyle may have played a role in the occurrence of osteoporosis among female high officials. Moreover, osteoporosis occurs earlier and more frequently in females than males, which may be related to the hormonal changes that accompany the menopause in females. This study emphasises the importance of gender and lifestyle factors in influencing the severity of osteoporosis. Age‐related bone loss at most skeletal sites is noted in both sexes of ancient Egyptians. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cleavage and functional loss of human apolipoprotein E by digestion of matrix metalloproteinase‐14
Authors: Park Jun Hyoung , Park Sung‐Min , Park Sun‐Hyun , Cho Kyung‐Hyun , Lee Seung‐Taek
Published: July 2008

By means of a degradomic approach applying proteomic techniques, we previously suggested that apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a substrate of matrix metalloproteinase‐14 (MMP‐14). Here we confirm that apoE is, in fact, a substrate of MMP‐14 and also of MMP‐7 and MMP‐2 to a lesser extent. The 34 kDa apoE protein was initially processed by MMP‐14 into fragments with molecular masses of 28, 23, 21, and 11 kDa. MMP‐14 cleavage sites within the apoE protein were determined by C‐terminal labeling of MMP‐14‐digested apoE fragments with isotope (18O/16O = 1:1) and identification of the doublet fragments or peptides showing 2 Da difference by MS, along with N‐terminal sequencing of the fragments. It was determined that the primary MMP‐14 cleavage sites were A176‐I177, P183‐L184, P202‐L203, and Q249‐I250. The MMP‐14‐mediated cleavage of apoE was consistent regardless of whether apoE existed in its lipid‐bound or lipid‐free form. Upon digestion with MMP‐14, apoE loses its ability to suppress the platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Considering the important role of apoE for lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis protection, our findings suggest that MMP‐14 plays an essential role for the development of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis as a result of degradation of apoE.
Extent of N‐terminal modifications in cytosolic proteins from eukaryotes
Authors: Martinez Aude , Traverso José A. , Valot Benoît , Ferro Myriam , Espagne Christelle , Ephritikhine Geneviève , Zivy Michel , Giglione Carmela , Meinnel Thierry
Published: July 2008

Most proteins in all organisms undergo crucial N‐terminal modifications involving N‐terminal methionine excision, N‐α‐acetylation or N‐myristoylation (N‐Myr), or S‐palmitoylation. We investigated the occurrence of these poorly annotated but essential modifications in proteomes, focusing on eukaryotes. Experimental data for the N‐terminal sequences of animal, fungi, and archaeal proteins, were used to build dedicated predictive modules in a new software. In vitro N‐Myr experiments were performed with both plant and animal N‐myristoyltransferases, for accurate prediction of the modification. N‐terminal modifications from the fully sequenced genome of Arabidopsis thaliana were determined by MS. We identified 105 new modified protein N‐termini, which were used to check the accuracy of predictive data. An accuracy of more than 95% was achieved, demonstrating (i) overall conservation of the specificity of the modification machinery in higher eukaryotes and (ii) robustness of the prediction tool. Predictions were made for various proteomes. Proteins that had undergone both N‐terminal methionine (Met) cleavage and N‐acetylation were found to be strongly overrepresented among the most abundant proteins, in contrast to those retaining their genuine unblocked Met. Here we propose that the nature of the second residue of an ORF is a key marker of the abundance of the mature protein in eukaryotes.
Two‐dimensional immune profiles improve antigen microarray‐based characterization of humoral immunity
Authors: Papp Krisztián , Szekeres Zsuzsanna , Erdei Anna , Prechl József
Published: July 2008

Antigen arrays are becoming widely used tools for the characterization of the complexity of humoral immune responses. Current antibody profiling techniques provide modest and indirect information about the effector functions of the antibodies that bind to particular antigens. Here we introduce an antigen array‐based approach for obtaining immune profiles reflecting antibody functionality. This technology relies on the parallel measurement of antibody binding and complement activation by features of the array. By comparing sera from animals immunized against the same antigen under different conditions, we show that identifying the position of an antigen in a 2‐D space, derived from antibody binding and complement deposition, permits distinction between immune profiles characterized by diverse antibody isotype distributions. Additionally, the technology provides a biologically interpretable graphical representation of the relationship between antigen and host. Our data suggest that 2‐D immune profiling could enrich the data obtained from proteomic scale serum profiling studies.
Bioengineering a humanized acne microenvironment model: Proteomics analysis of host responses to Propionibacterium acnes infection in vivo
Authors: Nakatsuji Teruaki , Shi Yang , Zhu Wenhong , Huang Cheng‐Po , Chen Yun‐Ru , Lee Dong‐Youn , Smith Jeffery W. , Zouboulis Christos C. , Gallo Richard L. , Huang Chun‐Ming
Published: July 2008

Acne is a human disease of the sebaceous hair follicle. Unlike humans, most animals produce little or no triglycerides in hair follicles to harbor Propionibacterium acnes a fact that has encumbered the development of novel treatments for acne lesions. Although genetic mutant mice with acne‐like skins have been used for screening anti‐acne drugs, the mice generally have deficits in immune system that turns out to be inappropriate to generate antibodies for developing acne vaccines. Here, we employed a bioengineering approach using a tissue chamber integrated with a dermis‐based cell‐trapped system (DBCTS) to mimic the in vivo microenvironment of acne lesions. Human sebocyte cell lines were grown in DBCTS as a scaffold and inserted into a perforated tissue chamber. After implantation of a tissue chamber bearing human sebocytes into ICR mice, P. acnes or PBS was injected into a tissue chamber to induce host immune response. Infiltrated cells such as neutrophils and macrophages were detectable in tissue chamber fluids. In addition, a proinflammatory cytokine macrophage‐inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) was elevated after P. acnes injection. In tissue chamber fluids, 13 proteins including secreted proteins and cell matrix derived from mouse, human cells or P. acnes were identified by proteomics using isotope‐coded protein label (ICPL) coupled to nano‐LC‐MS analysis. After P. acnes infection, four proteins including fibrinogen, α polypeptide, fibrinogen β chain, S100A9, and serine protease inhibitor A3K showed altered concentrations in the mimicked acne microenvironment. The bioengineered acne model thus provides an in vivo microenvironment to study the interaction of host with P. acnes and offers a unique set‐up for screening novel anti‐acne drugs and vaccines.
Profiling the proteome dynamics during the cell cycle of human hepatoma cells
Authors: Hsieh Sen‐Yung , Zhuang Feng‐Hui , Wu Yi‐Ting , Chen Jen‐Kun , Lee Yun‐Lin
Published: July 2008

Deregulation of cell cycle leads to cell transformation and cancer development. Here we present profiling the proteome dynamics using 2‐DE and constructing the associated functional networks during the cell cycle of human hepatoma cells, Mahlavu. The protein dynamics was validated by hierarchical clustering analysis on the proteome, and by Northern blot assays on the selected 14‐3‐3 proteins. Of the 2665 protein spots, 201 with variation coefficient of expression dynamics >20% throughout the cell cycle were subjected to analysis. Degree of the global protein dynamics was phase dependent with the greatest in transitional phases of S/G2, G2/M, and G1/S. Concurrence of pathways coordinating cell‐cycle progression versus arrest, and/or pathways regulating apoptosis versus antiapoptosis was always identified during the cell cycle, suggesting the existence of counteracting mechanisms for intracellular homeostasis. Data mining of the results suggested that the key transcription factors in G0/G1, G1/S, S, and G2/M were p53 and SP1, c‐Myc, c‐Myc and p53, and YY1 and c‐Jun, respectively. Our findings for the first time provide insights into the regulation of mammalian cell‐cycle progression at the proteome level, and grant a model to study disease mechanisms and to discover therapeutic targets for anticancer therapy.
Interfacial friction of thin PDMS network films
Authors: Landherr Lucas J. T. , Zhang Qing , Cohen Claude , Archer Lynden A.
Published: July 2008

This study focuses on developing dry, surface‐tethered polymeric lubricant coatings capable of significantly decreasing friction and wear of nano‐ and micrometer scale machines. Vinyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane chains are spin‐coated with a crosslinking agent and platinum catalyst onto silicon wafers functionalized with a self‐assembling monolayer containing reactive vinyl groups. Lateral force microscopy (LFM) measurements employing a bead probe are used to quantify the coefficient of friction (COF) and adhesion characteristics of the PDMS‐SAM surface tethered networks. The combined polymer network and SAM layer manifest extremely low friction coefficients, μ = 4 × 10−3, which is nearly one order of magnitude lower than the friction coefficient of the bare silicon substrate. The lowest friction forces are measured using silicon substrates covered with nanometer thick, peroxide crosslinked PDMS networks; though poorly crosslinked, these networks display COFs as much as ten‐times lower than a solitary SAM coating layer. Micrometer thick end‐linked optimal networks also manifest attractive interfacial friction properties, with COFs approximately three times larger than the thinner, imperfect networks. These observations are discussed in terms of the structure of the polymer networks and the role of adhesion forces on interfacial friction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1773–1787, 2008
Understanding the causes of depression among prostate cancer patients: development of the effects of prostate cancer on lifestyle questionnaire
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Bitsika Vicki , Christie David R. H.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Depression among prostate cancer patients remains a major source of distress for them and their families, has been linked with suicide, and has been shown to contribute to poorer longterm treatment outcomes. Most psychological assessment strategies focus upon the presence of depressive symptomatology without identifying the specific causal antecedents that lead to depression among this patient group, although this underlies effective individually‐oriented treatment planning and delivery.

Method: 150 prostate cancer patients completed self reports on anxiety, depression and lifestyle changes that they had experienced as a result of receiving a diagnosis of, and treatment for their cancer. The principal instrument being investigated was a measure of 50 lifestyle changes that had been developed from previous interviews with prostate cancer patients.

Results: Data indicated significant relationships between depression scores and the frequency of unpleasant lifestyle changes and the ratings that participants gave to these changes, supporting a model of depression as an adaptive withdrawal from noxious stimuli and environments. Psychometric data provided a method of deleting several items so that a clinical analysis and a research scale of 36 items was developed for use with prostate cancer patients.

Conclusion: Implications for treatment are discussed in terms of accurate identification of antecedents that lead to a further understanding of depression as an ‘adaptive’ response of active withdrawal from noxious environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adding flavor on the Higgs branch
Authors: Areán D.
Published: July 2008

We study the holographic dual of the Higgs branch of 𝒩 = 4 SYM in four dimensions coupled to quenched fundamental matter. The fundamentals are added via flavor D7‐branes and the Higgs phase is obtained when the color D3‐branes and the flavor D7‐branes recombine with each other. The holographic dual consists of D7‐brane probes in the background generated by the color D3‐branes. In this supergravity dual the Higgs phase is realized by switching on a selfdual field strength on the worldvolume of the D7‐branes. A complementary microscopic description in terms of dielectric D3‐branes is also possible. This microscopic approach permits a better matching with the dual field theory analysis. Finally, the meson mass spectrum is computed by studying the fluctuations of the flavor D7‐branes.
Geometric massive higher spins and current exchanges
Authors: Francia D.
Published: July 2008

Generalised Fierz‐Pauli mass terms allow to describe massive higher‐spin fields on flat background by means of simple quadratic deformations of the corresponding geometric, massless Lagrangians. In this framework there is no need for auxiliary fields. We briefly review the construction in the bosonic case, and study the interaction of these massive fields with external sources, computing the corresponding propagators. In the same fashion as for the massive graviton, but differently from theories where auxiliary fields are present, the structure of the current exchange is completely determined by the form of the mass term itself.
Constraints from F and D supersymmetry breaking in general supergravity theories
Authors: Gomez‐Reino M. , Scrucca C.A.
Published: July 2008

We study the conditions under which a generic supergravity model involving chiral and vector multiplets can admit vacua with spontaneously broken supersymmetry and realistic cosmological constant. We find that the existence of such viable vacua implies some constraints involving the curvature tensor of the scalar geometry and the charge and mass matrices of the vector fields, and also that the vector of F and D auxiliary fields defining the Goldstino direction is constrained to lie within a certain domain. We illustrate the relevance of these results through some examples and also discuss the implications of our general results on the dynamics of moduli fields in string models. This contribution is based on [1–3].
Thermal and quantum superstring cosmologies
Authors: Catelin‐Jullien T. , Kounnas C. , Partouche H. , Toumbas N.
Published: July 2008

We consider four dimensional heterotic string backgrounds for which supersymmetry is spontaneously broken via the Scherk‐Schwarz mechanism on an internal spatial cycle and by finite temperature effects. We concentrate on initially flat backgrounds with N = 4 and N = 2 amount of supersymmetry. Thermal and quantum corrections give rise to a non‐trivial cosmological evolution. We show that these corrections are under control and calculable due to the underlying no‐scale structure of the effective supergravity theory. The effective Friedmann‐Hubble equation involves a radiation term ∼1/a4 and a curvature term ∼1/a2 , whose coefficients are functions of ratio of the gravitino mass scale to the temperature.
The landscape of string theory (orientifolds and their statistics, D‐brane instantons, AdS4 domain walls and black holes)
Authors: Lüst D.
Published: July 2008

In this talk we discuss various aspects of the string landscape: D‐brane model building and their statistics, the generation of non‐perturbative superpotentials from D‐brane instantons, moduli stabilization by fluxes and non‐perturbative effects, the relation between flux vacua and BPS black holes, the construction of AdS4 vacua and related domain wall solutions, transitions between flux vacua and also some constraints on the string landscape from black hole considerations.
On cancellations of ultraviolet divergences in supergravity amplitudes
Authors: Bjerrum‐Bohr N.E.J. , Vanhove P.
Published: July 2008

Concrete calculations have pointed out that amplitudes in perturbative gravity exhibit unanticipated cancellations taming their ultraviolet behaviour independently of supersymmetry. Similar ultraviolet behaviour of 𝒩 = 4 super‐Yang‐Mills and 𝒩 = 8 maximal supergravity has explicitly been observed until three loops. The cancellations can be connected to two manifest features of gravitational theories: firstly gauge invariance from diffeomorphism symmetries and secondly that amplitudes are colourless and exhibits crossing symmetry. We will discuss these two properties in turn as well as the rôle of supersymmetry and string theory dualities in the structure of multiloop amplitudes in supergravity.
Deconstructing the Little Hagedorn holography
Authors: Fuertes C.A.
Published: July 2008

We study aspects of the thermodynamics of Little String Theory, using its geometrical definition in critical ten‐dimensional string theory. We find that bulk radiation effects tend to screen the Hagedorn behaviour of the theory, in contrast to the behaviour in the AdS system background. The resulting density of states of the system, when stable, is described by a seven‐dimensional nonrelativistic gas. This requires modifications of the holographic Little Hagedorn picture. Using deconstructions we suggest such modifications. The model is embedded into a system which has an ultraviolet fixed point with an AdS description. Upon investigation the thermodynamical properties of these UV completed models, it is found that the Hagedorn regime survives in a finite band of superheated states that eventually decay into the plasma phase of the conformal field theory that serves as UV regulator. This is manifested in a first‐order phase transition that is driven by radiative corrections.
Kaluza‐Klein consistency and supersymmetric AdS solutions
Authors: Gauntlett J.P. , Colgáin E.Ó , Varela O.
Published: July 2008

We discuss the conjecture that for any supersymmetric solution of D = 10 or D = 11 supergravity consisting of a warped product of a d + 1‐dimensional anti‐de‐Sitter space with a Riemannian manifold M, there is a consistent Kaluza‐Klein truncation on M to a gauged supergravity theory in d + 1‐dimensions for which the fields are dual to those in the superconformal current multiplet of the d‐dimensional dual SCFT. This means that any solution of the gauged supergravity theory can be uplifted on M to obtain an exact solution of D = 10 or D = 11 supergravity. We verify this conjecture for the most general class of supersymmetric AdS5 solutions of D = 11 supergravity by constructing an explicit KK reduction ansatz to minimal gauged supergravity in D = 5, at the level of the bosonic fields.
An evaluation of PCR primer sets used for detection of Propionibacterium acnes in prostate tissue samples
Authors: Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B.
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have now shown that Propionibacterium acnes can be cultured from post‐prostatectomy derived prostate tissue samples. In contrast, both universal eubacterial 16S rDNA PCR and P. acnes‐specific 16S rDNA PCR have failed to detect this organism at a frequency similar to that of bacterial culture. A potential explanation for this discrepancy, proposed by Cohen et al., involves mismatches in 16S rDNA primer sets used for bacterial detection.

METHODS

The sensitivity of both a previously published P. acnes‐specific primer set containing a potential mismatch and a new primer set with no mismatches was determined. Both primer sets were used to interrogate two sets of DNA samples derived from post‐prostatectomy prostate tissues that differed in the level of sterile precautions maintained during tissue collection.

RESULTS

The number of P. acnes positive samples was associated with the sterility of the sample collection process. In all instances, positive samples were determined to reflect low cell numbers (<10 CFU).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the results of previous studies have shown that P. acnes is not the only organism potentially present in the prostates of prostate cancer patients, mismatches in PCR primer sets may have also influenced the sensitivity of P. acnes detection. When using PCR in determining the presence of P. acnes in the human prostate, care should be taken to establish the potential influence of exogenous contamination and, due to the sensitivity of the assay, samples exposed to the urethra during the collection process (prostatic secretions, TURP specimens) should not be used. Prostate 68: 1492–1495, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of 16S rDNA primer sequence mismatches on the spectrum of bacterial genera detected in prostate tissue by universal eubacterial PCR
Authors: Shannon Beverley A. , Cohen Ronald J. , Garrett Kerryn L.
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND

Propionibacterium sp. and Staphylococcus spp. are the most frequent bacteria cultured from prostatectomy specimens but are seldom detected by universal eubacterial PCR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained from GenBank representative 16S rRNA gene sequences from Propionibacterium sp., Staphylococcus spp. and from 34 bacterial genera that were recently detected in prostate tissues using universal eubacterial PCR. We compared these 16S rDNA sequences with the universal eubacterial 16S PCR primer sets chosen for detection of bacterial DNA in prostate tissues.

RESULTS

We show that failure to detect DNA from Propionibacterium sp. and Staphylococcus spp. in prostate tissues is strongly associated with the presence of mismatches near the 3′ termini of the16S rDNA primer sets used.

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of 16S PCR primers may play an important role in determining the spectrum of bacterial genera detected in prostate tissue by universal eubacterial PCR. Prostate 68: 1487–1491, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Professional outcomes of internal migration by couples: evidence from France
Authors: Pailhé Ariane , Solaz Anne
Published: July 2008

This article examines the impact of internal migration on the labour‐market participation and earnings of couples in France. The analysis is based on longitudinal data from the French version of the European Community Household Panel. Controlling for self‐selection of migrants, the results show that household income falls after migration, as does women's likelihood of being employed. Controlling for labour‐market participation, migration has a positive impact on women's income, but not on men's. In France, mobility is quite scarce, especially for couples. One explanation is that migration is generally not profitable in terms of professional outcomes. The rigidity of the French labour market, associated with high unemployment, may explain both the difficulty and the limited benefits of moving as a couple, especially for the women who are often the ‘tied movers’. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of TiO2 thin films grown by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Selmi M. , Chaabouni F. , Abaab M. , Rezig B.
Published: July 2008

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were obtained by RF sputtering technique. The samples were deposited on glass and p‐ silicon substrates at an argon flow rate of 4.9 sccm and at room temperature during 4 h. In this work, the influences of RF power density and annealing temperature on properties of obtained thin films were investigated. The morphological, structural and optical properties were studied by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), X‐ray Diffractometer and UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometer respectively. A high transmission (about 80%) in the visible region, crystalline structure and a direct band gap (between 3.4 and 3.5 eV) were ob‐ served by the measurements. Thin films were annealed at different temperatures (from 300 to 500 °C) during 30 minutes in order to investigate the annealing effect on properties of TiO2 thin films. The refractive index and the roughness increase with increasing annealing temperature. The results of this work suggest that the properties of TiO2 thin films are sensitive to sputtering parameters. It is possible to obtain sputter‐deposited TiO2 films at room temperature, without using reactive oxygen, with a good predominance of anatase (101) structure after the annealing at 400°C. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Lithographically patterned nanowire electrodeposition
Authors: Xiang Chengxiang , Thompson Michael A. , Yang Fan , Menke Erik J. , Yang Li‐Mei C. , Penner Reginald M.
Published: July 2008

Lithographically Patterned Nanowire Electrodeposition (LPNE) is a new nanofabrication technique in which photolithography is used to define the position of electrodeposited nanowires on the surface of a dielectric such as glass or oxidized silicon. In LPNE, a resist‐covered nickel film with a thickness of beween 6 and 100 nm is photopatterned. After development of the resist, the exposed nickel is dissolved in nitric acid under conditions that produce an “undercut” at the resist edges. This undercut functions as a horizontal trench into which metals (e.g., Au, Pt, Pd) can be electrodeposited using the exposed nickel edge present within this trench. As this trench is filled during electrodeposition, a nanowire with a precisely defined height and width is formed along the entire perimeter of the photoresist. LPNE nanowires can have minimum dimensions of 6 nm (h) x 20 nm (w) and lengths of more than 1 cm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enrichment of phosphopeptides using bare magnetic particles
Authors: Lee Aera , Yang Hyo‐Jik , Lim Eun‐Soo , Kim Jeongkwon , Kim Yangsun
Published: July 2008

Magnetic iron(II, III) oxide (magnetite, Fe3O4) nanoparticles were used to selectively enrich phosphopeptides from tryptic digests of bovine β‐casein and from tryptic digest mixtures containing bovine β‐casein, cytochromec, bovine serum albumin, and horse heart myoglobin. The magnetic property of the particles permits an easy and speedy enrichment process. No enrichment of phosphopeptides was observed from ferric magnetic iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles. These data collectively demonstrate that the enrichment of phosphopeptides using magnetic iron(II, III) oxide nanoparticles is a practical method for the selective analysis of phosphopeptides and could be helpful in isolating and analyzing phosphorylated peptides from complex biological samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A methodological note on modeling the effects of race: the case of psychological distress
Authors: Nuru‐Jeter Amani , Williams Chyvette T. , LaVeist Thomas A.
Published: July 2008

Psychological distress is an important indicator of the mental well‐being of the population. Findings regarding racial differences in distress are inconclusive but may represent an important pathway through which disparities exist across a number of physical health outcomes. We used data from the 1994 Minority Health Survey, a nationally representative multiracial/ethnic sample of adults in US households, to examine racial/ethnic differences in psychological distress (n = 3623). Our primary study aim was to examine differences between additive and multiplicative models in assessing the influence of income and gender on the race/distress relationship. We hypothesized that additive models do not sufficiently account for potential interactions of race with income and gender, and may therefore mask important differences in distress between racial groups. The results suggest that our hypotheses were supported. After adjusting for income, there were no statistically significant differences in distress levels between racial groups. However, significant differences emerge when multiplicative models are used demonstrating the complexities of the intersection of race, income and gender in predicting psychological distress. Black men and women of higher income status represent a particularly vulnerable group, whereas Hispanic men are especially hardy. We discuss the implications of our findings for future work on racial health disparities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zoo theater's influence on affect and cognition: a case study from the Central Park Zoo in New York
Authors: Penn Laura
Published: July 2008

Zoo theater is used by zoos as a means to influence visitor feelings and knowledge gain about wildlife and environmental themes. This study examined whether and to what extent zoo theater fulfilled these aims by investigating its impact on affect and cognition. The study consisted of an in‐depth case study at the Central Park Zoo in New York, a location that has one of the most diverse zoo theater programs in the United States. Using a multimethod approach the study explored many facets of the Central Park Zoo's extensive zoo theater program. These included performances at a main stage, at exhibits, and in the children's zoo. The study found that the extent of zoo theater's influence on affect and cognition is dependent on a combination of a variety of characteristics that include the length of a performance, audience participation, the level of structure of a performance, the presence of song and dance elements, and the scale of the productions. Zoo Biol 28:412–428, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of non‐conserved residues important for PGE2binding to the constrained EP3 eLP2using NMR and site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Chillar Annirudha , Wu Jiaxin , So Shui-Ping , Ruan Ke-He
Published: July 2008

A peptide constrained to a conformation of second extracellular loop of human prostaglandin‐E2(PGE2) receptor subtype3 (hEP3) was synthesized. The contacts between the peptide residues at S211 and R214, and PGE2were first identified by NMR spectroscopy. The results were used as a guide for site‐directed mutagenesis of the hEP3 protein. The S211L and R214L mutants expressed in HEK293 cells lost binding to [3H]PGE2. This study found that the non‐conserved S211 and R214 of the hEP3 are involved in PGE2recognition, and implied that the corresponding residues in other subtype receptors could be important to distinguish the different configurations of PGE2ligand recognition sites.
The three‐dimensional structure of CsmA: A small antenna protein from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum
Authors: Pedersen Marie Østergaard , Underhaug Jarl , Dittmer Jens , Miller Mette , Nielsen Niels Chr.
Published: July 2008

The structure of the chlorosome baseplate protein CsmA from Chlorobium tepidum in a 1:1 chloroform:methanol solution was determined using liquid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The data reveal that the 59‐residue protein is predominantly α‐helical with a long helical domain extending from residues V6 to L36, containing a putative bacteriochlorophyll a binding domain, and a short helix in the C‐terminal part extending from residues M41 to G49. These elements are compatible with a model of CsmA having the long N‐terminal α‐helical stretch immersed into the lipid monolayer confining the chlorosome and the short C‐terminal helix protruding outwards, thus available for interaction with the Fenna–Matthews–Olson antenna protein.
Morphologic and histologic outcomes of tongue reduction surgery in an animal model
Authors: Perkins Jonathan A. , Shcherbatyy Volodymyr , Liu Zi‐Jun
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effect of anterior tongue reduction surgery on tongue size, morphology, and histology.

DESIGN

Prospective experiment.

MATERIALS

Twenty‐two 12‐week‐old Yucatan minipigs.

METHODS

Six sibling pairs had tongue reduction (Group B) or sham surgery (Group A), and underwent euthanasia the day of surgery. Five sibling pairs had tongue reduction (Group D) or sham surgery (Group C), and were raised for four weeks. Data collected included changes in tongue morphology, histology, and animal response to surgery.

RESULTS

All animals tolerated surgery and maintained their weight. Tongue size was uniformly reduced in all animals as compared to sham surgery. Tongue reduction was stable long term in Group D. All animals had normal wound healing and neuro‐vascular structure preservation. Fibrosis occurred at the repair site.

CONCLUSION

Midline tongue reduction resulted in uniform tongue reduction in all dimensions and volume, without damaging neurovascular structures. Localized fibrosis is a sequela of healing.
On the Witt groups of projective bundles and split quadrics: geometric reasoning
Authors: Nenashev Alexander
Published: July 2008

Formulas for the derived Witt groups of projective bundles are obtained. We deduce them from general properties of Witt theory, with the help of twisted Thom isomorphisms, avoiding explicit use of triangulated categories. Witt groups of completely split quadrics are also considered.
Is the perception of time pressure a barrier to healthy eating and physical activity among women?
Authors: Welch Nicky , McNaughton Sarah A , Hunter Wendy , Hume Clare , Crawford David
Published: July 2008

Objectives

To describe the proportion of women reporting time is a barrier to healthy eating and physical activity, the characteristics of these women and the perceived causes of time pressure, and to examine associations between perceptions of time as a barrier and consumption of fruit, vegetables and fast food, and physical activity.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of food intake, physical activity and perceived causes of time pressure.

Setting

A randomly selected community sample.

Subjects

A sample of 1580 women self-reported their food intake and their perceptions of the causes of time pressure in relation to healthy eating. An additional 1521 women self-reported their leisure-time physical activity and their perceptions of the causes of time pressure in relation to physical activity.

Results

Time pressure was reported as a barrier to healthy eating by 41 % of the women and as a barrier to physical activity by 73 %. Those who reported time pressure as a barrier to healthy eating were significantly less likely to meet fruit, vegetable and physical activity recommendations, and more likely to eat fast food more frequently.

Conclusions

Women reporting time pressure as a barrier to healthy eating and physical activity are less likely to meet recommendations than are women who do not see time pressure as a barrier. Further research is required to understand the perception of time pressure issues among women and devise strategies to improve women’s food and physical activity behaviours.
Diet and pregnancy status in Australian women
Authors: Hure Alexis , Young Anne , Smith Roger , Collins Clare
Published: July 2008

Objective

To investigate and report the diet quality of young Australian women by pregnancy status.

Design

Pregnancy status was defined as pregnant (n606), trying to conceive (n454), had a baby in the last 12 months (n829) and other (n5597). The Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies was used to calculate diet quality using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) methodology. Nutrient intakes were compared with the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand.

Setting

A population-based cohort participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH).

Subjects

A nationally representative sample of Australian women, aged 25 to 30 years, who completed Survey 3 of the ALSWH. The 7486 women with biologically plausible energy intake estimates, defined as >4·5 but <20·0 MJ/d, were included in the analyses.

Results

Pregnancy status was not significantly predictive of diet quality, before or after adjusting for area of residence and socio-economic status. Pregnant women and those who had given birth in the previous 12 months had marginally higher ARFS (mean (se): 30·2 (0·4) and 30·2 (0·3), respectively) than ‘other’ women (29·1 (0·1)). No single food group accounted for this small difference. Across all pregnancy categories there were important nutrients that did not meet the current nationally recommended levels of intake, including dietary folate and fibre.

Conclusion

Women do not appear to consume a wider variety of nutritious foods when planning to become pregnant or during pregnancy. Many young Australian women are failing to meet key nutrient targets as nationally recommended.