bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Battle of the bulge: an analysis of the obesity prevention campaigns in the United States and Germany
Authors: Werder O. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryObesity is not a problem exclusive to the United States. The European Union Commission for Health and Consumer Protection admits that obesity is the major emerging threat to public health in Europe. As a recent survey suggested that the prevalence of obese men and women has approximately doubled in both countries within the last 20 years, this study compares the message elements and linguistic tactics used in either campaign of those two countries to highlight differences and similarities. The current US obesity prevention campaign is based on sound research and preparation and disseminates memorable and inspiring messages. The educational, help‐for‐self‐help focus on the individual disseminated through mass media is a trademark of this campaign. The German campaign attempts to interact extensively with the public, local government and the professions, and focuses on public participation in healthy behaviors, generally emphasizing call‐to‐action activities over educational media messages. This study maintains that obesity communication research should find ways to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness and success rate of efforts taking place in other areas and other countries. In addition, in order to facilitate active thought about health messages in the absence of a perceived need, introduced guidelines relating to presentation of content and linguistic variables that motivate cognitive effort should be considered.
Quantifying the energetics of metabolic reactions in diverse biogeochemical systems: electron flow and ATP synthesis
Authors: LAROWE D. E. , HELGESON H. C. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTClassical solution chemistry and thermodynamics have been used to quantify the energetics of two fundamental bioenergetic processes over a range of environmental conditions in which life is known to thrive: (1) the flow of electrons originating from an electron donor through the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) redox couple to an electron acceptor, and (2) the synthesis of ATP from ADP and aqueous phosphate. The approach taken explicitly accounts for the chemical formulas, charge states, complexation of ADP and ATP with magnesium, and the thermodynamic properties of individual biochemical species in stoichiometric and charge‐balanced reactions among biomolecules and other compounds. Because these species are represented in the reactions by explicit formula units, the chemical and thermodynamic consequences of the reactions can be evaluated as a function of temperature, pH, and bulk composition. To illustrate the utility of this approach, the energetics of the oxidation of glucose and hydrogen and the reduction of oxygen and sulfate coupled to NAD were characterized as functions of pH and temperature. The thermodynamic drive (chemical affinity, A) for glucose to reduce NAD increases as the temperature increases, whereas the opposite is true for hydrogen. Also, at lower pHs, the chemical affinity is lower for these two electron donors to reduce NAD than at higher pHs. Similarly, the chemical affinity for oxidation of NAD by oxygen decreases by more than 2 kcal mol−1 as temperature increases from 0 to 125 °C but the chemical affinity for oxidation of NAD by sulfate decreases by less than 1 kcal mol−1. Calculations were also carried out to quantify the energetics of the synthesis of ATP for different bulk compositions, pHs, and temperatures. The chemical affinity for the synthesis of MgATP from MgADP and aqueous monophosphate at pH 5 minimizes with increasing temperature from 0 to 125 °C, which is not the case at pH 7 or 9. The procedures employed in these various calculations can be used to better understand how different environmental variables influence biogeochemical interactions. In addition, they help constrain the minimum energy required to sustain a particular microbial population and provide the means to determine why certain types of metabolism occur in the environments in which they do.
The instability of planetary systems in binaries: how the Kozai mechanism leads to strong planet—planet interactions
Authors: Malmberg Daniel , Davies Melvyn B. , Chambers John E. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
In this Letter we consider the evolution of a planetary system around a star inside a wide binary. We simulate numerically the evolution of the planetary orbits for both coplanar and highly inclined systems. We find that the Kozai mechanism operates in the latter case. This produces a highly eccentric outer planet the orbit of which crosses those of some of the inner planets. Strong planet—planet interactions then follow, resulting in the ejection of one or more planets. We note that planetary systems resembling our Solar system, formed around single stars in stellar clusters, may exchange into binaries and thus will be vulnerable to planet stripping. This process will reduce the number of Solar system-like planetary systems, and may produce at least some of the observed extrasolar planets.
The luminosity—bias relation from filaments in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release Four
Authors: Pandey Biswajit , Bharadwaj Somnath 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
We compare quantitative estimates of the filamentarity of the galaxy distribution in seven nearly two-dimensional sections from the survey against the predictions of Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) N-body simulations. The filamentarity of the actual galaxy distribution is known to be luminosity-dependent. It is also known that the filamentarity of the simulated galaxy distribution is highly sensitive to the bias, and the simulations are consistent with the data for only a narrow range of bias. We apply this feature to several volume-limited subsamples with different luminosities to determine a luminosity—bias relation. The relative bias b/b* as a function of the luminosity ratio L/L* is found to be well described by a straight line b/b* = A + B (L/L*) with A = 0.833 ± 0.009 and B = 0.171 ± 0.009. Comparing with the earlier works, all of which use ratios of the two-point statistics, we find that our results are consistent with Norberg et al. and Tegmark et al., while a steeper luminosity dependence found by Benoist et al. is inconsistent.
Fuelling active galactic nuclei
Authors: King A. R. , Pringle J. E. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
We suggest that most nearby active galactic nuclei are fed by a series of small-scale, randomly oriented accretion events. Outside a certain radius these events promote rapid star formation, while within it they fuel the supermassive black hole. We show that the events have a characteristic time-evolution. This picture agrees with several observational facts. The expected luminosity function is broadly in agreement with that observed for moderate-mass black holes. The spin of the black hole is low, and aligns with the inner disc in each individual feeding event. This implies radio jets aligned with the axis of the obscuring torus, and uncorrelated with the large-scale structure of the host galaxy. The ring of young stars observed about the Galactic Centre are close to where our picture predicts that star formation should occur.
Use of Improved Hydrologic Testing and Borehole Geophysical Logging Methods for Aquifer Characterization
Authors: Newcomer D.R. , Hall S.H. , Vermeul V.R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDepth‐discrete aquifer in formal ion was obtained using recently developed adaptations and improvements to conventional characterization techniques. These improvements included running neutron porosity and hulk density geophysical logging tools through a cased hole, performing an enhanced point‐dilution tracer test for monitoring tracer concentration as a function of Lime and depth, and using pressure derivatives for diagnostic and quantitative analysis of constant rate discharge lest data. Data results from the use of these techniques were used to develop a conceptual model of a heterogeneous aquifer. Depth‐discrete aquifer information was required to effectively design field‐scale deployment and monitoring of an in situ bioremediation technology.Geophysical logging and point‐dilution tracer test results provided the relative distribution of porosity and horizontal hydraulic conductivity, respectively, with depth and correlated well. Hydraulic pumping tests were conducted to estimate mean values for transmissivity and effective hydraulic conductivity, Tracer lest and geophysical logging results indicated that ground water flow was predominant in the upper approximate 10 feet of the aquifer investigated. These results were used to delineate a more representative interval thickness for estimating effective hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivity, calculated using this representative interval, was estimated lo be 73 ft/d, approximately three limes higher than that calculated using the full length of the screened test interval.
Fibrinolytic characteristics and their significance in malignant, tuberculous and cirrhotic pleural and ascitic fluids
Authors: LU X.‐G. , MAO J.‐S. , TONG J.‐F. , ZHU L. , LIU J. , GONG X.‐B. , HUANG J. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe fibrinolytic characteristics and clinical pathological significance of pleural and ascitic fluid were studied in patients with malignant tumour, tuberculosis or liver cirrhosis. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and urokinase plaminogen activator receptor (uPAR) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), plasminogen (Plg), plasmin (Pl) and α2 plasmin inhibitor (α2PI) by colorimetric assay. uPA and uPAR levels were higher in malignant tumour and tuberculosis compared with liver cirrhosis, whereas tPA levels were significantly higher in liver cirrhosis and malignant tumour than in tuberculosis patients. Tuberculosis patients showed statistically higher PAI‐1, Plg and Pl concentrations than malignant tumour patients, which, in turn, were higher than those in liver cirrhosis patients. α2PI levels were markedly higher in malignant tumour and liver cirrhosis than in tuberculosis. In the malignant tumour group, only uPA level was significantly different between the samples that contained cancer cells and those that did not. We found significant differences between the fibrinolytic characteristics in pleural and ascitic fluid in patients with malignant tumour, tuberculosis and liver cirrhosis. The analysis of several fibrinolytic parameters could help to determine the quality of pleural and ascitic fluid, and also to further understand the pathological processes of these diseases.
Behaviour of reticulocyte counts and immature reticulocyte fraction during a competitive season in élite athletes of four different sports
Authors: BANFI G. , DEL FABBRO M. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe role of reticulocytes (Ret) in sports medicine became important when the count of immature erythrocytes has been introduced in protocols used and officially approved for antidoping purposes. The use of modern automated analysers, which allow the easy count and the description of characteristics of reticulocytes, increased the possible use of these parameters in sports medicine. We studied the behaviour of Ret and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) in top‐level athletes practising rugby, ski, soccer and cyclism, throughout a competitive season. We aimed at increasing the knowledge of physiological characteristics of these sportsmen and supplying valuable suggestions to trainers and sports physicians. We observed a stability of Ret counts, also during training and competitions, although some modifications, namely decrease during competitions periods in cyclists, and in rugby and soccer players, occurred. No significant correlation was found between Ret count and Hb in each sport discipline. IRF values tend to be high in athletes owing to continuous bone marrow stimulation linked to haemolysis, typical of sports activities. We confirm the validity of the use of Ret counts for antidoping purposes and also for evaluating health status and iron metabolism of sportsmen.
Haptoglobin: a review of the major allele frequencies worldwide and their association with diseases
Authors: CARTER KYMBERLEY , WORWOOD MARK 
Published: March 2007

SummaryHaptoglobin (Hp) is a plasmaα2‐glycoprotein which binds free haemoglobin, thus preventing oxidative damage. The complex is rapidly removed from the circulation by a specific receptor (CD163) found on macrophages. Three major subtypes, Hp1‐1, Hp2‐1 and Hp2‐2 are the product of two closely related genes HP1and HP2. The frequency of the HP1and HP2genes varies worldwide depending on racial origin: the HP1frequency varying from about 0.07 in parts of India to over 0.7 in parts of West Africa and South America. Both HP1and HP2have been linked to susceptibility to various diseases. Such associations may be explained by functional differences between the subtypes in the binding of Hb and its rate of clearance from the plasma. However, there are also corresponding negative reports for disease associations. The conflicting evidence on disease association and the lack of association between disease and particular populations, despite the wide range of HP1and HP2gene frequencies across the world, may indicate that any associations are marginal.
Mucosal Tissue Invasion by
Candida albicans
Is Associated with E-Cadherin Degradation, Mediated by Transcription Factor Rim101p and Protease Sap5p
Authors: Villar C. C. , Kashleva H. , Nobile C. J. , Mitchell A. P. , Dongari-Bagtzoglou A. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

The ability of
Candida albicans
to invade mucosal tissues is a major virulence determinant of this organism; however, the mechanism of invasion is not understood in detail. Proteolytic breakdown of E-cadherin, the major protein in epithelial cell junctions, has been proposed as a mechanism of invasion of certain bacteria in the oral mucosa. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess whether
C. albicans
degrades E-cadherin expressed by oral epithelial cells in vitro; (ii) to compare the abilities of strains with different invasive potentials to degrade this protein; and (iii) to investigate fungal virulence factors responsible for E-cadherin degradation. We found that while E-cadherin gene expression was not altered, E-cadherin was proteolytically degraded during the interaction of oral epithelial cells with
C. albicans
. Moreover,
C. albicans
-mediated degradation of E-cadherin was completely inhibited in the presence of protease inhibitors. Using a three-dimensional model of the human oral mucosa, we found that E-cadherin was degraded in localized areas of tissue invasion by
C. albicans
. An invasion-deficient
rim101
−
/
rim101
−
strain was deficient in degradation of E-cadherin, and this finding suggested that proteases may depend on Rim101p for expression. Indeed, reverse transcription-PCR data indicated that expression of the
SAP4
,
SAP5
, and
SAP6
genes is severely reduced in the
rim101
−
/
rim101
−
mutant. These
SAP
genes are functional Rim101p targets, because engineered expression of
SAP5
in the
rim101
−
/
rim101
−
strain restored E-cadherin degradation and invasion in the mucosal model. Our data support the hypothesis that there is a mechanism by which
C. albicans
invades mucosal tissues by promoting the proteolytic degradation of E-cadherin in epithelial adherens junctions.
Toxoplasma gondiiStrains Defective in Oral Transmission Are Also Defective in Developmental Stage Differentiation
Authors: Fux Blima , Nawas Julie , Khan Asis , Gill Darcy B. , Su Chunlei , Sibley L. David 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondiiundergoes differentiation from rapidly growing tachyzoites to slowly growing bradyzoites during its life cycle in the intermediate host, and conversion can be induced in vitro by stress. Representative strains of the three clonal lineages showed equal capacity to differentiate into bradyzoites in vitro, as evidenced by induction of bradyzoite antigen 1, staining withDolichos bifloruslectin (DBL), pepsin resistance, and oral infectivity in mice. We also examined several recently described exotic strains ofT. gondii, which are genetically diverse and have a different ancestry from the clonal lineages. The exotic strain COUG was essentially like the clonal lineages and showed a high capacity to induce bradyzoites in vitro and in vivo, consistent with its ability to be efficiently transmitted by the oral route. In contrast, exotic strains MAS and FOU, which are defective in oral transmission, showed a decreased potential to develop into bradyzoites in vitro. This defect was evident from reduced staining with DBL and the cyst antigen CST1, failure to down-regulate tachyzoite antigens, such as tachyzoite surface antigens 1 and 2A, and decreased resistance to pepsin treatment. Despite normal in vitro differentiation, the exotic strains CAST and GPHT also showed decreased oral transmission, due to formation of smaller cysts and a lower tissue burden during chronic infection, traits also shared by MAS and FOU. Collectively, these findings reveal that the limited oral transmission in some strains ofT. gondiiis due to inefficient differentiation to the bradyzoite form, leading to defects in the formation of tissue cysts.
Role ofBacillus anthracis Spore Structures in Macrophage Cytokine Responses
Authors: Basu Subhendu , Kang Tae Jin , Chen Wilbur H. , Fenton Matthew J. , Baillie Les , Hibbs Steve , Cross Alan S. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThe innate immune response of macrophages (Mφ) to spores, the environmentally acquired form ofBacillus anthracis, is poorly characterized. We therefore examined the early Mφ cytokine response toB. anthracisspores, before germination. Mφ were exposed to bacilli and spores of Sterne strain 34F2 and its congenic nongerminating mutant (ΔgerH), and cytokine expression was measured by real-time PCR and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The exosporium spore layer was retained (exo+) or removed by sonication (exo−). Spores consistently induced a strong cytokine response, with the exo−spores eliciting a two- to threefold-higher response than exo+spores. The threshold for interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production by wild-type Mφ was significantly lower than that required for tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. Cytokine production was largely dependent on MyD88, suggesting Toll-like receptor involvement; however, the expression of beta interferon in MyD88−/−Mφ suggests involvement of a MyD88-independent pathway. We conclude that (i) theB. anthracisspore is not immunologically inert, (ii) the exosporium masks epitopes recognized by the Mφ, (iii) the Mφ cytokine response toB. anthracisinvolves multiple pattern recognition receptors and signaling pathways, and (iv) compared to other cytokines, IL-1β is expressed at a lower spore concentration.
Second metatarsal stress fracture in sport: comparative risk factors between proximal and non-proximal locations
Authors: Chuckpaiwong Bavornrit , Cook Chad , Pietrobon Ricado , Nunley James A 
Published: March 2007

Background:Stress fractures of the second metatarsal are common injuries in athletes and military recruits. There are two distinct areas in the second metatarsal where stress fractures develop: one proximal (at the base) and the other non-proximal (distal). Diagnosis can be difficult, and there is a difference in prognosis and treatment of the two types of stress fracture. Therefore differentiation of fracture location is warranted. Differences in risk factors and clinical outcomes between proximal and non-proximal stress fractures have not been studied.Objective:To determine whether different risk factors and/or clinical outcomes associated with proximal and non-proximal stress fractures of the second metatarsal exist.Methods:Patients diagnosed with proximal stress fractures of the second metatarsal were included in the study. Retrospectively, an age-matched control group with a non-proximal stress fracture was selected for comparison. Statistical analysis involved bivariate comparisons of demographic variables and clinical measurement between the two groups.Results:Patients with proximal stress fractures were more likely to be chronically affected, usually exhibited an Achilles contracture, showed differences in length of first compared with second metatarsal, were more likely to experience multiple stress fractures, and exhibited low bone mass. In addition, a high degree of training slightly increased the risk of a non-proximal fracture, whereas low training volume was associated with a proximal stress fracture.Conclusion:The signs, symptoms and clinical findings associated with proximal metatarsal stress fractures are different from those of non-proximal stress fractures.
Sulforaphane induces cell type–specific apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Pledgie-Tracy Allison , Sobolewski Michele D. , Davidson Nancy E. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to induce phase 2 detoxication enzymes and inhibit the growth of chemically induced mammary tumors in rats, although the exact mechanisms of action of sulforaphane are not understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sulforaphane on cell growth and death in several human breast cancer cell lines and examined the hypothesis that sulforaphane acts as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in these cell lines. Sulforaphane treatment inhibited cell growth, induced a G2-M cell cycle block, increased expression of cyclin B1, and induced oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in the four human breast cancer cell lines examined, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, and T47D cells. Activation of apoptosis by sulforaphane in MDA-MB-231 cells seemed to be initiated through induction of Fas ligand, which resulted in activation of caspase-8, caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, whereas apoptosis in the other breast cancer cell lines was initiated by decreased Bcl-2 expression, release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, but not caspase-8, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Sulforaphane inhibited HDAC activity and decreased the expression of estrogen receptor-α, epidermal growth factor receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 in each cell line, although no change in the acetylation of H3 or H4 was seen. These data suggest that sulforaphane inhibits cell growth, activates apoptosis, inhibits HDAC activity, and decreases the expression of key proteins involved in breast cancer proliferation in human breast cancer cells. These results support testing sulforaphane in vivo and warrant future studies examining the clinical potential of sulforaphane in human breast cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(3):1013–21]