G+++ and Brane Solutions

We demonstrate that the very extended G+++ group element of the form $g_A=\exp(-{\frac{1}{(\beta,\beta)}\ln N}\beta \cdot H)\exp((1-N)E_\beta)$ describes the usual BPS, electric, single brane solutions found in G+++ theories.Comment: One new equation, added references, corrected typos and minor changes, 42 pages, 6 figures, LaTeX2

Branes and Calibrated Geometries

The fivebrane worldvolume theory in eleven dimensions is known to contain BPS threebrane solitons which can also be interpreted as a fivebrane whose worldvolume is wrapped around a Riemann surface. By considering configurations of intersecting fivebranes and hence intersecting threebrane solitons, we determine the Bogomol'nyi equations for more general BPS configurations. We obtain differential equations, generalising Cauchy-Riemann equations, which imply that the worldvolume of the fivebrane is wrapped around a calibrated geometry.Comment: Latex, 35 pages. References added, minor change

A class of Lorentzian Kac-Moody algebras

We consider a natural generalisation of the class of hyperbolic Kac-Moody algebras. We describe in detail the conditions under which these algebras are Lorentzian. We also construct their fundamental weights, and analyse whether they possess a real principal so(1,2) subalgebra. Our class of algebras include the Lorentzian Kac-Moody algebras that have recently been proposed as symmetries of M-theory and the closed bosonic string.Comment: 40 pages TeX, 5 eps-figure

Operator product expansions in four-dimensional superconformal field theories

The operator product expansion in four-dimensional superconformal field theory is discussed. The OPE takes a particularly simple form for chiral operators, in N=1 and N=2, and for analytic operators, in N=2 and N=4. It is argued that the Green's functions of such operators can be determined up to constants.The operator product expansion in four-dimensional superconformal field theory is discussed. The OPE takes a particularly simple form for chiral operators, in $N=1$ and $N=2$, and for analytic operators, in $N=2$ and $N=4$. It is argued that the Green's functions of such operators can be determined up to constants.The operator product expansion in four-dimensional superconformal field theory is discussed. It is demonstrated that the OPE takes a particularly simple form for certain classes of operators. These are chiral operators, principally of interest in theories with N = 1 or N = 2 supersymmetry, and analytic operators, of interest in N = 2 and N = 4. It is argued that the Green's functions of such operators can be determined up to constants

How the Cervical Microbiota Contributes to Cervical Cancer Risk in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite ongoing efforts, sub-Saharan Africa faces a higher cervical cancer burden than anywhere else in the world. Besides HPV infection, definitive factors of cervical cancer are still unclear. Particular states of the cervicovaginal microbiota and viral infections are associated with increased cervical cancer risk. Notably, HIV infection, which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, greatly increases risk of cervicovaginal dysbiosis and cervical cancer. To better understand and address cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, a better knowledge of the regional cervicovaginal microbiome is required This review establishes current knowledge of HPV, HIV, cervicovaginal infections, and the cervicovaginal microbiota in sub-Saharan Africa. Because population statistics are not available for the region, estimates are derived from smaller cohort studies. Microbiota associated with cervical inflammation have been found to be especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, and to associate with increased cervical cancer risk. In addition to high prevalence and diversity of HIV and HPV, intracellular bacterial infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Mycoplasma hominis are much more common than in regions with a low burden of cervical cancer. This suggests the prevalence of cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa may be partially attributed to increased cervical inflammation resulting from higher likelihood of cervical infection and/or microbial dysbiosis

Brane Rotating Symmetries and the Fivebrane Equations of Motion

We show that the fully covariant equations of motion for the M-theory fivebrane can be interpreted as charge conservation equations. The associated charges induce `shift'-symmetries of the scalar, spinor and gauge-fields of the fivebrane, so allowing an interpretation of all these fields as Goldstone fields. We also find that the fivebrane possesses a new symmetry that is part of the GL(32) automorphism group of the eleven dimensional supersymmetry algebra.Comment: 15 pages, late