bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rho-kinase inhibitor prevents hepatocyte damage in acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats
Authors: Ikeda Hitoshi , Kume Yukio , Tejima Kazuaki , Tomiya Tomoaki , Nishikawa Takako , Watanabe Naoko , Ohtomo Natsuko , Arai Masahiro , Arai Chihiro , Omata Masao , Fujiwara Kenji , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: August 2007

A protective effect of Rho-kinase inhibitor on various organ injuries is gaining attention. Regarding liver injury, Rho-kinase inhibitor is reported to prevent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- or dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Because Rho-kinase inhibitor not only improved liver fibrosis but also reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, we wondered whether Rho-kinase inhibitor might exert a direct hepatocyte-protective effect. We examined this possibility in acute CCl4 intoxication in rats. Rho-kinase inhibitor, HA-1077, reduced serum alanine ALT level in rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl4 with the improvement of histological damage and the reduction of the number of apoptotic cells. In cultured rat hepatocytes in serum-free condition, HA-1077 reduced apoptosis evaluated by quantitative determination of cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA oligonucleosome fragments with the reduction of caspase-3 activity and the enhancement of Bcl-2 expression. HA-1077 stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, and wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/Akt pathway, abrogated the reduction of hepatocyte apoptosis by HA-1077 in vitro. Furthermore, wortmannin abrogated the reduction of serum ALT level by HA-1077 in rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl4, suggesting that the activation of PI3-kinase/Akt pathway may be involved in the hepatocyte-protective effect by Rho-kinase inhibitor in vivo. In conclusion, Rho-kinase inhibitor prevented hepatocyte damage in acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats and merits consideration as a hepatocyte-protective agent in liver injury, considering its direct antiapoptotic effect on hepatocytes in vitro.
Canine erythrocytes express the P2X7receptor: greatly increased function compared with human erythrocytes
Authors: Sluyter Ronald , Shemon Anne N. , Hughes William E. , Stevenson Ryan O. , Georgiou Jennifer G. , Eslick Guy D. , Taylor Rosanne M. , Wiley James S.
Published: August 2007

Over three decades ago, Parker and Snow ( Am J Physiol 223: 888–893, 1972) demonstrated that canine erythrocytes undergo an increase in cation permeability when incubated with extracellular ATP. In this study we examined the expression and function of the channel/pore-forming P2X7receptor on canine erythrocytes. P2X7receptors were detected on canine erythrocytes by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Extracellular ATP induced86Rb+(K+) efflux from canine erythrocytes that was 20 times greater than that from human erythrocytes. The P2X7agonist 2′(3′)- O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5′-trisphosphate (BzATP) was more potent than ATP, and both stimulated86Rb+efflux from erythrocytes in a dose-dependent fashion with EC50values of ∼7 and ∼309 μM, respectively. 2-Methylthioadenosine 5′-triphosphate and adenosine 5′- O-(3-thiotriphosphate) induced a smaller86Rb+efflux from erythrocytes, whereas ADP, AMP, UTP, or adenosine had no effect. ATP-induced86Rb+efflux from erythrocytes was inhibited by oxidized ATP, KN-62, and Brilliant blue G, known P2X7antagonists. ATP also induced uptake of choline+into canine erythrocytes that was 60 times greater than that into human erythrocytes. Overnight incubation of canine erythrocytes with ATP and BzATP induced phosphatidylserine exposure in >80% of cells and caused up to 20% hemolysis. In contrast, <30% of human erythrocytes showed phosphatidylserine exposure after overnight incubation with ATP and BzATP, and hemolysis was negligible. Flow cytometric measurements of ATP-induced ethidium+uptake showed that P2X7function was three times lower in canine monocytes than in human monocytes. These data show that the massive cation permeability increase induced by extracellular ATP in canine erythrocytes results from activation and opening of the P2X7receptor channel/pore.
In situ hybridization and immunolocalization of concentrative and equilibrative nucleoside transporters in the human intestine, liver, kidneys, and placenta
Authors: Govindarajan Rajgopal , Bakken Aimee H. , Hudkins Kelly L. , Lai Yurong , Casado F. Javier , Pastor-Anglada Marçal , Tse Chung-Ming , Hayashi Jun , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: August 2007

To better understand the role of human equilibrative (hENTs) and concentrative (hCNTs) nucleoside transporters in physiology and pharmacology, we investigated the regional, cellular, and spatial distribution of two hCNTs (hCNT1 and hCNT2) and two hENTs (hENT1 and hENT2) in four human tissues. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques, we found that the duodenum expressed hCNT1 and hCNT2 mRNAs in enterocytes and hENT1 and hENT2 mRNAs in crypt cells. In these cells, the hCNT and hENT proteins were predominantly localized in the apical and lateral membrane, respectively. Hepatocytes expressed higher levels of mRNAs of hENT1, hCNT1, and hENT2 than of hCNT2 and expressed all these proteins at hepatocyte cell borders and in the cytoplasm. While the kidney expressed hCNT1 and hCNT2 mRNAs in the proximal tubules, hENT1 and hENT2 mRNAs were present in the distal tubules, glomeruli, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Proximal tubules adjacent to corticomedullary junctions expressed hENT1, hCNT1, and hCNT2 mRNA. Immunolocalization studies revealed predominant localization of hCNTs in the brush-border membrane of the proximal tubular epithelial cells and hENTs in the basolateral membrane of the distal tubular epithelial cells. Chorionic villi sections of human term placenta expressed mRNAs and proteins for hENT1 and hENT2 but only mRNA for hCNT2. Immunolocalization studies showed presence of hENT1 in the brush-border membrane of the syncytiotrophoblasts. These data are critical for a better understanding of the role of nucleoside transporters in the physiological and pharmacological effects of nucleosides and nucleoside drugs, respectively.
Effects of intermittent intraperitoneal infusion of salmon calcitonin on food intake and adiposity in obese rats
Authors: Chelikani Prasanth K. , Haver Alvin C. , Reidelberger Roger D.
Published: August 2007

Chronic administration of anorexigenic substances to experimental animals by injections or continuous infusion typically produces no effect or a transient reduction in daily food intake and body weight. Our aim was to identify an intermittent dosing strategy for intraperitoneal infusion of salmon calcitonin (sCT), a homolog of amylin that produces a sustained 25–35% reduction in daily food intake and adiposity in diet-induced obese rats. Rats (649 ± 10 g body wt, 27 ± 1% body fat), with intraperitoneal catheters tethered to infusion swivels, had free access to a 45% fat diet. Food intake, body weight, and adiposity during the 7-wk test period were relatively stable in the vehicle-treated rats ( n = 16). None of 10 sCT dosing regimens administered in succession to a second group of rats ( n = 18) produced a sustained 25–35% reduction in daily food intake for >5 days, although body weight and adiposity were reduced by 9% (587 ± 12 vs. 651 ± 14 g) and 22% (20.6 ± 1.2 vs. 26.5 ± 1.1%), respectively, across the 7-wk period. The declining inhibitory effect of sCT on daily food intake with the 6-h interinfusion interval appeared to be due in part to an increase in food intake between infusions. The declining inhibitory effect of sCT on daily food intake with the 2- to 3-h interinfusion interval suggested possible receptor downregulation and tolerance to frequent sCT administration; however, food intake increased dramatically when sCT was discontinued for 1 day after apparent loss of treatment efficacy. Together, these results demonstrate the activation of a potent homeostatic response to increase food intake when sCT reduces food intake and energy reserves in diet-induced obese rats.
EP2receptor mediates PGE2-induced cystogenesis of human renal epithelial cells
Authors: Elberg Gerard , Elberg Dorit , Lewis Teresa V. , Guruswamy Suresh , Chen Lijuan , Logan Charlotte J. , Chan Michael D. , Turman Martin A.
Published: August 2007

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by formation of cysts from tubular epithelial cells. Previous studies indicate that secretion of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) into cyst fluid and production of cAMP underlie cyst expansion. However, the mechanism by which PGE2directly stimulates cAMP formation and modulates cystogenesis is still unclear, because the particular E-prostanoid (EP) receptor mediating the PGE2effect has not been characterized. Our goal is to define the PGE2receptor subtype involved in ADPKD. We used a three-dimensional cell-culture system of human epithelial cells from normal and ADPKD kidneys in primary cultures to demonstrate that PGE2induces cyst formation. Biochemical evidence gathered by using real-time RT-PCR mRNA analysis and immunodetection indicate the presence of EP2receptor in cystic epithelial cells in ADPKD kidney. Pharmacological evidence obtained by using PGE2-selective analogs further demonstrates that EP2mediates cAMP formation and cystogenesis. Functional evidence for a role of EP2receptor in mediating cAMP signaling was also provided by inhibiting EP2receptor expression with transfection of small interfering RNA in cystic epithelial cells. Our results indicate that PGE2produced in cyst fluid binds to adjacent EP2receptors located on the apical side of cysts and stimulates EP2receptor expression. PGE2binding to EP2receptor leads to cAMP signaling and cystogenesis by a mechanism that involves protection of cystic epithelial cells from apoptosis. The role of EP2receptor in mediating the PGE2effect on stimulating cyst formation may have direct pharmacological implications for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease.
Cell-Type–Specific Modulation of Intrinsic Firing Properties and Subthreshold Membrane Oscillations by the M(Kv7)-Current in Neurons of the Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Yoshida Motoharu , Alonso Angel
Published: August 2007

The M-current (current through Kv7 channels) is a low-threshold noninactivating potassium current that is suppressed by muscarinic agonists. Recent studies have shown its role in spike burst generation and intrinsic subthreshold theta resonance, both of which are important for memory function. However, little is known about its role in principal cells of the entorhinal cortex (EC). In this study, using whole cell patch recording techniques in a rat EC slice preparation, we have examined the effects of the M-current blockers linopirdine and XE991 on the membrane dynamics of principal cells in the EC. When the M-current was blocked, layer II nonstellate cells (non-SCs) and layer III cells switched from tonic discharge to intermittent firing mode, during which layer II non-SCs showed high-frequency short-duration spike bursts due to increased fast spike afterdepolarization (ADP). When three spikes were elicited at 50 Hz, these two types of cells reacted with a slow ADP that drove delayed firing. In contrast, layer II stellate cells (SCs) and layer V cells never displayed intermittent firing, bursting behavior, or delayed firing. Under the M-current block, intrinsic excitability increased significantly in layer III and layer V cells but not in layer II SCs and non-SCs. The M-current block also had contrasting effects on the subthreshold excitability, greatly suppressing the subthreshold membrane potential oscillations in layer V cells but not in layer II SCs. Modulation of the M-current thus shifts the firing behavior, intrinsic excitability, and subthreshold membrane potential oscillations of EC principal cells in a cell-type–dependent manner.
Cross-Layer Perceptual ARQ for Video Communications over 802.11e Wireless Networks
Authors: Bucciol P. , Masala E. , Filippi E. , De Martin J. C.
Published: August 2007

This work presents an application-level perceptual ARQ algorithm for video streaming over 802.11e wireless networks. A simple and effective formula is proposed to combine the perceptual and temporal importance of each packet into a single priority value, which is then used to drive the packet-selection process at each retransmission opportunity. Compared to the standard 802.11 MAC-layer ARQ scheme, the proposed technique delivers higher perceptual quality because it can retransmit only the most perceptually important packets reducing retransmission bandwidth waste. Video streaming of H.264 test sequences has been simulated withnsin a realistic 802.11e home scenario, in which the various kinds of traffic flows have been assigned to different 802.11e access categories according to the Wi-Fi alliance WMM specification. Extensive simulations show that the proposed method consistently outperforms the standard link-layer 802.11 retransmission scheme, delivering PSNR gains up to 12 dB while achieving low transmission delay and limited impact on concurrent traffic. Moreover, comparisons with a MAC-level ARQ scheme which adapts the retry limit to the type of frame contained in packets and with an application-level deadline-based priority retransmission scheme show that the PSNR gain offered by the proposed algorithm is significant, up to 5 dB. Additional results obtained in a scenario in which the transmission relies on an intermediate node (i.e., the access point) further confirms the consistency of the perceptual ARQ performance. Finally, results obtained by varying network conditions such as congestion and channel noise levels show the consistency of the improvements achieved by the proposed algorithm.
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Ligands as Regulators of Airway Inflammation and Remodelling in Chronic Lung Disease
Authors: Ward Jane Elizabeth , Tan Xiahui
Published: August 2007

Inflammation is a major component in the pathology of chronic lung diseases, including asthma. Anti-inflammatory treatment with corticosteroids is not effective in all patients. Thus, new therapeutic options are required to control diverse cellular functions that are currently not optimally targeted by these drugs in order to inhibit inflammation and its sequelae in lung disease. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), originally characterised as regulators of lipid and glucose metabolism, offer marked potential in this respect. PPARs are expressed in both lung infiltrating and resident immune and inflammatory cells, as well as in resident and structural cells in the lungs, and play critical roles in the regulation of airway inflammation. In vitro, endogenous and synthetic ligands for PPARs regulate expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemoattractants, and cell proliferation and survival. In murine models of allergen-induced inflammation, PPARαand PPARγligands reduce the influx of inflammatory cells, cytokine and mucus production, collagen deposition, and airways hyperresponsiveness. The activity profiles of PPAR ligands differ to corticosteroids, supporting the hypothesis that PPARs comprise additional therapeutic targets to mimimise the contribution of inflammation to airway remodelling and dysfunction.
On a Class of Multitime Evolution Equations with Nonlocal Initial Conditions
Authors: Zouyed F. , Rebbani F. , Boussetila N.
Published: August 2007

The existence and uniqueness of the strong solution for a multitime evolution equation with nonlocal initial conditions are proved. The proof is essentially based on a priori estimates and on the density of the range of the operator generated by the considered problem.
Optimal Control of Mechanical Systems
Authors: Azhmyakov Vadim
Published: August 2007

In the present work, we consider a class of nonlinear optimal control problems, which can be called “optimal control problems in mechanics.” We deal with control systems whose dynamics can be described by a system of Euler‐Lagrange or Hamilton equations. Using the variational structure of the solution of the corresponding boundary‐value problems, we reduce the initial optimal control problem to an auxiliary problem of multiobjective programming. This technique makes it possible to apply some consistent numerical approximations of a multiobjective optimization problem to the initial optimal control problem. For solving the auxiliary problem, we propose an implementable numerical algorithm.
A Hybrid Distance-Based Ideal-Seeking Consensus Ranking Model
Authors: Tavana Madjid , LoPinto Frank , Smither James W.
Published: August 2007

Ordinal consensus ranking problems have received much attention in
the management science literature. A problem arises in situations where a group of k decision makers (DMs) is asked to rank order n alternatives. The question is how to combine the DM rankings into
one consensus ranking. Several different approaches have been suggested to aggregate DM
responses into a compromise or consensus ranking; however, the similarity of consensus rankings
generated by the different algorithms is largely unknown. In this paper, we propose a new hybrid
distance-based ideal-seeking consensus ranking model (DCM). The proposed hybrid model
combines parts of the two commonly used consensus ranking techniques of Beck and Lin (1983)
and Cook and Kress (1985) into an intuitive and computationally simple model. We illustrate our
method and then run a Monte Carlo simulation across a range of k and n to compare the similarity of the consensus rankings generated by our method
with the best-known method of Borda and Kendall (Kendall 1962) and the two methods proposed
by Beck and Lin (1983) and Cook and Kress (1985). DCM and Beck and Lin's method yielded
the most similar consensus rankings, whereas the Cook-Kress method and the Borda-Kendall
method yielded the least similar consensus rankings.
The Wiener Polynomial of thekthPower Graph
Authors: AbuGhneim Omar A. , Al-Ezeh Hasan , Al-Ezeh Mahmoud
Published: August 2007

We presented a formula for the Wiener polynomial of thekthpower graph. We use this formula to find the Wiener polynomials of thekthpower graphs of paths, cycles, ladder graphs, and hypercubes. Also, we compute the Wiener indices of these graphs.
λ-Rearrangements Characterization of Pringsheim Limit Points
Authors: Patterson Richard F.
Published: August 2007

Sufficient conditions are given to assure that a four-dimensional matrixAwill have the property that any double sequencexwith finite P-limit point has- aλ-rearrangementzsuch that each finite P-limit point ofxis a P-limit point ofAz.
Complex Dynamics in a Nonlinear Cobweb Model for Real Estate Market
Authors: Ma Junhai , Mu Lingling
Published: August 2007

We establish a nonlinear real estate model based on cobweb theory, where the demand function and supply function are quadratic. The stability conditions of the equilibrium are discussed. We demonstrate that as some parameters varied, the stability of Nash equilibrium is lost through period-doubling bifurcation. The chaotic features are justified numerically via computing maximal Lyapunov exponents and sensitive dependence on initial conditions. The delayed feedback control (DFC) method is applied to control the chaos of system.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Flavonoids: Genistein, Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Daidzein Inhibit STAT-1 and NF-κB Activations, Whereas Flavone, Isorhamnetin, Naringenin, and Pelargonidin Inhibit only NF-κB Activation along with Their Inhibitory Effect on iNOS Expression and NO Production in Activated Macrophages
Authors: Hämäläinen Mari , Nieminen Riina , Vuorela Pia , Heinonen Marina , Moilanen Eeva
Published: August 2007

In inflammation, bacterial products and proinflammatory cytokines induce the formation of large amounts of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and compounds that inhibit NO production have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we systematically investigated the effects of 36 naturally occurring flavonoids and related compounds on NO production in macrophages exposed to an inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), and evaluated the mechanisms of action of the effective compounds. Flavone, the isoflavones daidzein and genistein, the flavonols isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin, the flavanone naringenin, and the anthocyanin pelargonidin inhibited iNOS protein and mRNA expression and also NO production in a dose-dependent manner. All eight active compounds inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which is a significant transcription factor for iNOS. Genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, and daidzein also inhibited the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1), another important transcription factor for iNOS. The present study characterises the effects and mechanisms of naturally occurring phenolic compounds on iNOS expression and NO production in activated macrophages. The results partially explain the pharmacological efficacy of flavonoids as anti-inflammatory compounds.
Robust Tracking Control of Mobile Robot Formation with Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Liu Zhiyuan , Chen Hong , Pei Run
Published: August 2007

We consider the formation control problem of multiple wheeled mobile robots with parametric uncertainties and actuator saturations in the environment with obstacles. First, a nonconvex optimization problem is introduced to generate the collision-free trajectory. If the robots tracking along the reference trajectory find themselves moving close to the obstacles, a new collision-free trajectory is generated automatically by solving the optimization problem. Then, a distributed control scheme is proposed to keep the robots tracking the reference trajectory. For each interacting robot, optimal control problem is generated. And in the framework of LMI optimization, a distributed moving horizon control scheme is formulated as online solving each optimal control problem at each sampling time. Moreover, closed-loop properties inclusive of stability andH∞performance are discussed. Finally, simulation is performed to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed control law.
A Decomposition-Based Pricing Method for Solving a Large-Scale MILP Model for an Integrated Fishery
Authors: Hasan M. Babul , Raffensperger John F.
Published: August 2007

We study the integrated fishery planning problem (IFP). In this problem, a fishery
manager must schedule fishing trawlers to determine when and where the trawlers should
go fishing and when the trawlers should return the caught fish to the factory. The manager
must then decide how to process the fish into products at the factory. The objective is to maximize
profit. We have found that IFP is difficult to solve. The initial formulations for several planning
horizons are solved using the AMPL modelling language and CPLEX with branch and bound.
The IFP can be decomposed into a trawler-scheduling subproblem and a fish-processing subproblem
in two different ways by relaxing different sets of constraints. We tried conventional decomposition
techniques including subgradient optimization and Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition, both of which were
unacceptably slow. We then developed a decomposition-based pricing method for solving the large
fishery model, which gives excellent computation times. Numerical results for several planning
horizon models are presented.
δ-Small Submodules andδ-Supplemented Modules
Authors: Wang Yongduo
Published: August 2007

LetRbe a ring andMa rightR-module. It is shown that (1)δ(M)is Noetherian if and only ifMsatisfies ACC onδ-small submodules; (2)δ(M)is Artinian if and only ifMsatisfies DCC onδ-small submodules; (3)Mis Artinian if and only ifMis an amplyδ-supplemented module and satisfies DCC onδ-supplement submodules and onδ-small submodules.
Remarks of Equivalence among Picard, Mann, and Ishikawa Iterations in Normed Spaces
Authors: Zhiqun Xue
Published: August 2007

We show that the convergence of Picard iteration is equivalent to the convergence of Mann iteration schemes for various Zamfirescu operators. Our result extends of Soltuz (2005).
Sufficient Conditions for Janowski Starlikeness
Authors: Ali Rosihan M. , Ravichandran V. , Seenivasagan N.
Published: August 2007

LetA,B,D,E∈[−1,1]and letp(z)be an analytic function defined on the open unit disk,p(0)=1. Conditions onA,B,D, andEare determined so that1+βzp'(z)being subordinated to(1+Dz)/(1+Ez)implies thatp(z)is subordinated to(1+Az)/(1+Bz). Similar results are obtained by considering the expressions1+β(zp'(z)/p(z))and1+β(zp'(z)/p2(z)). These results are then applied to obtain sufficient conditions for analytic functions to be Janowski starlike.
A Stochastic Model for the HIV/AIDS Dynamic Evolution
Authors: Di Biase Giuseppe , D'Amico Guglielmo , Di Girolamo Arturo , Janssen Jacques , Iacobelli Stefano , Tinari Nicola , Manca Raimondo
Published: August 2007

This paper analyses the HIV/AIDS dynamic evolution as defined by CD4 levels, from a macroscopic point of view, by means of homogeneous semi-Markov stochastic processes. A large number of results have been obtained including the following conditional probabilities: an infected patient will be in statejafter a timetgiven that she/he entered at time 0 (starting time) in statei; that she/he will survive up to a timet, given the starting state; that she/he will continue to remain in the starting state up to timet; that she/he reach stagejof the disease in the next transition, if the previous state wasiand no state change occurred up to timet. The immunological states considered are based on CD4 counts and our data refer to patients selected from a series of 766 HIV-positive intravenous drug users.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Cytotoxic Activity of Novel Paramagnetic Platinum Hematoporphyrin IX Complexes: Potent Antitumor Agents
Authors: Gencheva G. , Tsekova D. , Gochev G. , Momekov G. , Tyuliev G. , Skumryev V. , Karaivanova M. , Bontchev P. R.
Published: August 2007

Three novel stable Pt(III) complexes with distorted octahedral structure and ground state have been obtained in the course of Pt(II)‐hematoporphyrin IX ((7,12‐bis(1‐hydroxyethyl)‐3,8,13,17‐tetramethyl‐21H‐23H‐porphyn‐2,18‐dipropionic acid), Hp) interaction in alkaline aqueous medium and aerobic conditions.
A redox interaction also takes place together with the complexation process leading to the formation of Pt(III) species and organic radicals. The processes in the reaction system and the structure of the complexes formed cis‐[Pt(III)(Hp−3H)]⋅H2O1, [Pt(III)(Hp−3H)]⋅H2O2, and [Pt((O,O)Hp−2H)Cl] 3, were studied by UV‐Vis, IR, EPR and XPS spectra, thermal (TGS, DSC), potentiometric and magnetic methods. The newly synthesized complexes show promising cytotoxic activity comparable with that of
cis‐platin in in vitro tests against a panel of human leukemia cell lines. The observed cytotoxicity of the complex 2 against SKW‐3 cells (KE‐37 derivative) is due to induction of cell death through apoptosis.
Fluid Limits of Optimally Controlled Queueing Networks
Authors: Pang Guodong , Day Martin V.
Published: August 2007

We consider a class of queueing processes represented by a Skorokhod problem coupled with a controlled point process. Posing a discounted control problem for such processes, we show that the optimal value functions converge, in the fluid limit, to the value of an analogous deterministic control problem for fluid processes.
Approximation of a Common Random Fixed Point for a Finite Family of Random Operators
Authors: Plubtieng Somyot , Kumam Poom , Wangkeeree Rabian
Published: August 2007

We construct implicit random iteration process with errors for a common random fixed point of a finite family of asymptotically quasi-nonexpansive random operators in uniformly convex Banach spaces. The results presented in this paper extend and improve the corresponding results of Beg and Abbas in 2006 and many others.
On a Class of Measure-Dependent Stochastic Evolution Equations Driven by fBm
Authors: Hernandez Eduardo , Keck David N. , McKibben Mark A.
Published: August 2007

We investigate a class of abstract stochastic evolution equations driven by a fractional Brownian motion (fBm) dependent upon a family of probability measures in a real separable Hilbert space. We establish the existence and uniqueness of a mild solution, a continuous dependence estimate, and various convergence and approximation results. Finally, the analysis of three examples is provided to illustrate the applicability of the general theory.
Channel Selection and Feature Projection for Cognitive Load Estimation Using Ambulatory EEG
Authors: Lan Tian , Erdogmus Deniz , Adami Andre , Mathan Santosh , Pavel Misha
Published: August 2007

We present an ambulatory cognitive state classification system to assess the subject's mental load based on EEG measurements. The ambulatory cognitive state estimator is utilized in the context of a real-time augmented cognition (AugCog) system that aims to enhance the cognitive performance of a human user through computer-mediated assistance based on assessments of cognitive states using physiological signals including, but not limited to, EEG. This paper focuses particularly on the offline channel selection and feature projection phases of the design and aims to present mutual-information-based techniques that use a simple sample estimator for this quantity. Analyses conducted on data collected from 3 subjects performing 2 tasks (n-back/Larson) at 2 difficulty levels (low/high) demonstrate that the proposed mutual-information-based dimensionality reduction scheme can achieve up to 94% cognitive load estimation accuracy.
On the Difference Equationxn+1=∑j=0kajfj(xn−j)
Authors: Stevic Stevo
Published: August 2007

This paper studies the boundedness character and the global attractivity of positive solutions of the difference equationxn+1=∑j=0kajfj(xn−j),n∈ℕ0, whereajare positive numbers andfjare continuous decreasing self-maps of the interval(0,∞)forj=0,1,…,k.
3D-Simulation of Topology-Induced Changes of Effective Permeability and Permittivity in Composite Materials
Authors: Hallouet B. , Pelster R.
Published: August 2007

We have performed 3D simulations of complex effective permittivity and permeability for random binary mixtures of cubic particles below the percolation threshold. We compare two topological classes that correspond to different spatial particle arrangements: cermet topology and aggregate topology. At a low filling factor off=10%, where most particles are surrounded by matrix material, the respective effective material parameters are indistinguishable. At higher concentrations, a systematic difference emerges: cermet topology is characterized by lower effective permittivity and permeability values. A distinction between topological classes might thus be a useful concept for the analysis of real systems, especially in cases where no exact effective-medium model is available.
Species Distribution and Susceptibility to Azoles of Vaginal Yeasts Isolated Prostitutes
Authors: Gross Norma T. , Arias M. L. , Moraga M. , Baddasarow Y. , Jarstrand C.
Published: August 2007

Objective. We investigated the use of miconazole among female prostitutes in Costa Rica as well as the distribution of vaginal yeasts and the susceptibility pattern to azoles of strains obtained from this population. Our intention was to relate a frequent use of miconazole to occurrence of vaginal yeasts resistant to azoles.Methods. Vaginal samples were taken from 277 patients that have previously used azoles. Vaginal swabs were obtained for direct microscopy and culture. Yeast isolates were identified by germ tube test and assimilation pattern. Susceptibility testing was determined using a tablet diffusion method.Results. The number of clinicalCandidaisolates (one from each patient) was 57 (20.6%).C. albicanswas the predominant species (70%), followed byC. parapsilosis(12%),C. tropicalis(5.3%),C. glabrataandC. famata(3.5% each),C. krusei,C. inconspicuaandC. guilliermondii(1.7% each). The majority of vaginalCandidaisolates were susceptible to ketoconazole (91%), fluconazole (96.5%), and itraconazole (98%). A lower susceptibility of some isolates to miconazole (63%) was observed as compared to the other azoles tested. Moreover, the strains, nonsusceptible to miconazole, were more often obtained from patients that have used this antifungal at least four times within the last year before taking the samples as compared to those with three or less treatments (P<.01).Conclusion. An indiscriminate use of miconazole, such as that observed among female prostitutes in Costa Rica, results in a reduced susceptibility of vaginal yeasts to miconazole but not to other azoles.
On the Properties of Reachability, Observability, Controllability, and Constructibility of Discrete-Time Positive Time-Invariant Linear Systems with Aperiodic Choice of the Sampling Instants
Authors: De la Sen M.
Published: August 2007

This paper investigates the properties of reachability, observability, controllability, and constructibility of positive discrete-time linear time-invariant dynamic systems when the sampling instants are chosen aperiodically. Reachability and observability hold if and only if a relevant matrix defining each of those properties is monomial for the set of chosen sampling instants provided that the continuous-time system is positive. Controllability and constructibility hold globally only asymptotically under close conditions to the above ones guaranteeing reachability/observability provided that the matrix of dynamics of the continuous-time system, required to be a Metzler matrix for the system's positivity, is furthermore a stability matrix while they hold in finite time only for regions excluding the zero vector of the first orthant of the state space or output space, respectively. Some related properties can be deduced for continuous-time systems and for piecewise constant discrete-time ones from the above general framework.
Optimization Design and Experimental Study of Low-Pressure Axial Fan with Forward-Skewed Blades
Authors: Yang Li , Hua Ouyang , Zhao-Hui Du
Published: August 2007

This paper presents an experimental study of the optimization of blade skew in low pressure axial fan. Using back propagation (BP) neural network and genetic algorithm (GA), the optimization was performed for a radial blade. An optimized blade is obtained through blade forward skew. Measurement of the two blades was carried out in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance. Compared to the radial blade, the optimized blade demonstrated improvements in efficiency, total pressure ratio, stable operating range, and aerodynamic noise. Detailed flow measurement was performed in outlet flow field for investigating the responsible flow mechanisms. The optimized blade can cause a spanwise redistribution of flow toward the blade midspan and reduce tip loading. This results in reduced significantly total pressure loss near hub and shroud endwall region, despite the slight increase of total pressure loss at midspan. In addition, the measured spectrums show that the broadband noise of the impeller is dominant.
Isomorphisms and Derivations in LieC*-Algebras
Authors: Park Choonkil , An Jong Su , Cui Jianlian
Published: August 2007

We investigate isomorphisms betweenC*-algebras, LieC*-algebras, andJC*-algebras, and derivations onC*-algebras, LieC*-algebras, andJC*-algebras associated with the Cauchy–Jensen functional equation2f((x+y/2)+z)=f(x)+f(y)+2f(z).
Symmetry Conditions on the Coincidence of Some Notions of Quasi-Uniform Completeness
Authors: Andrikopoulos Athanasios
Published: August 2007

We generalize the notions of quietness and semisymmetry defined by Doitchinov(1991)and Deák(1991)and we study the role of these extended notions on the coincidence of some well-known quasi-uniform completeness. In particular, it is shown that the bicompletion coincides (up to quasi-uniformism) with the standardD-completion in quiet⋆-weakly pair Cauchy bounded quasi-uniform spaces and it coincides with⋆-half-com- pletion defined by Romaguera and Sánchez-Granero(2002), inT0-weakly quiet quasi-uniform spaces.
Stability of the Positive Point of Equilibrium of Nicholson's Blowflies Equation with Stochastic Perturbations: Numerical Analysis
Authors: Bradul Nataliya , Shaikhet Leonid
Published: August 2007

Known Nicholson's blowflies equation (which is one of the most important models in ecology) with stochastic perturbations is considered. Stability of the positive (nontrivial) point of equilibrium of this equation and also a capability of its discrete analogue to preserve stability properties of the original differential equation are studied. For this purpose, the considered equation is centered around the positive equilibrium and linearized. Asymptotic mean square stability of the linear part of the considered equation is used to verify stability in probability of nonlinear origin equation. From known previous results connected with B. Kolmanovskii and L. Shaikhet, general method of Lyapunov functionals construction, necessary and sufficient condition of stability in the mean square sense in the continuous case and necessary and sufficient conditions for the discrete case are deduced. Stability conditions for the discrete analogue allow to determinate an admissible step of discretization for numerical simulation of solution trajectories. The trajectories of stable and unstable solutions of considered equations are simulated numerically in the deterministic and the stochastic cases for different values of the parameters and of the initial data. Numerous graphical illustrations of stability regions and solution trajectories are plotted.
Progesterone Prevents Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Intestinal Nuclear Factor kappa B Activation and Proinflammatory Cytokines Expression in Male Rats
Authors: Chen Gang , Shi Jinxin , Ding Yasuo , Yin Hongxia , Hang Chunhua
Published: August 2007

We have previously shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce an upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and proinflammatory cytokines in the gut, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute gut mucosal injury mediated by inflammation. In this work, we investigated whether progesterone administration modulated intestinal NF-κB activity and proinflammatory cytokines expression after TBI in male rats. As a result, we found that administration of progesterone following TBI could decrease NF-κB binding activity, NF-κB p65 protein expression, and concentrations of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the gut. TBI-induced damages of gut structure were ameliorated after progesterone injections. The results of the present study suggest that the therapeutic benefit of post-TBI progesterone injections might be due to its inhibitory effects on intestinal NF-κB activation and proinflammatory cytokines expression.
Visitor and Firm Taxes Versus Environmental Options in a Dynamical Context
Authors: Antoci Angelo , Galeotti Marcello , Geronazzo Lucio
Published: August 2007

The main objective of the paper is to analyze the effects on economic agents' behavior deriving from the introduction of financial activities aimed to environmental protection. The environmental protection mechanism we study should permit exchange of financial activities among citizens, firms, and Public Administration. Such a particular “financial market” is regulated by the Public Administration, but mainly fuelled by the interest of two classes of involved agents: firms and dwelling citizens. We assume that the adoption process of financial decisions is described by a two-population evolutionary game and we study the basic features of the resulting dynamics.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Cholelithiasis in PatientsWith Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Ishikawa Tetsuro , Sowa Michio , Nagayama Masayoshi , Nishiguchi Yukio
Published: August 2007

We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis on four patients with
cirrhosis of the liver, two of whom had clinical portal hypertension and splenomegaly. Preoperative
examination disclosed hypersplenism in one patient, while mild thrombocytopenia and decreased
prothrombin concentration were noted in three patients. However, no remarkable bleeding tendency
was recognized clinically in any of the patients. Preoperatively, by Child‐Pugh′s criteria, three patients
had class B disease and one class A disease. Intraoperatively, remarkable inflammatory change
or fibrotic change of the gallbladder wall and Calot′s triangle was observed in two cases, and collateral
veins and lymphangial congestion were observed in all four cases. In the first case, extreme
bleeding and lymphorrhea from dissected sites were observed, and a 1.5 unit of transfusion of whole
blood was required during operation. Postoperatively, increase in ascites which was controlled with
diuretics was recognized in one case. However, the postoperative course was uneventful in all cases,
and no serious complications were recognized.

That laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed in patients with cirrhosis if careful
and appropriate management of bleeding and lymphorrhea from sites of dissection is ensured, is encouraging.
Fiberscopic Imaging of the Pediatric Nasopharynx
Authors: Wang Deyun , Clement Peter
Published: August 2007

This study describes the endoscopic findings about the size of the adenoid tissue and the condition
of the nasopharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube. Results confirmed that only fiberscopic examination
allows a thorough inspection of the nasopharyngeal anatomy to make a correct diagnosis and
design therapeutic planning. When the presence of adenoid hypertrophy resulting in nasal obstruction,
snoring, and/or otitis media was confirmed endoscopically, adenoidectomy proved to be highly
efficacious in relieving these symptoms.
Bronchoscopic Local Nd:YAG Laser Hyperthermia in the Treatment of Lung Cancer
Authors: Ono Ryosuke
Published: August 2007

Between March 1989 and July 1990, 13 patients with tracheobronchial cancer were treated by laser
hyperthermia at the National Cancer Center Hospital. A complete response was achieved in 9 patients
(with 9 carcinoma lesions), with no evidence of local recurrence on follow‐up ranging from 4
to 29 months. Four patients had a partial response, requiring alternative therapy.The surface area of the lesions showing complete response was less than 3 cm2. These lesions had a superficial appearance by bronchoscopic observation. Our experience suggests that laser hyperthermia may be a useful alternative to surgical resection in patients with small localized tumors confined
within the tracheobronchial wall.
The Clinical Significance of the Primary MalignantMelanoma of the Lower Respiratory Tract and/or LungBased on the Analysis of Published Case Reports and of TwoPatients
Authors: Barzó P. , Minik K. , Tuka P. , Kiss J. I.
Published: August 2007

Considering the data and including two patients of the authors, there exist only 18 authentic cases of primary malignant melanoma of the lower respiratory tract and/or the lung. The tumor was localized
in the endobronchial space in 7 cases and only once in the trachea. Endobronchial localization, together
with the involvement of the surrounding lung tissue, was found in two cases, whereas in 8 patients,
the tumor was found exclusively in the lung parenchyma. Successful resection could be
performed in 14 of the 18 cases. Survival was influenced primarily by operability, and on actual size
and extension. The authors question the role of the obduction in the diagnostic criteria, because most
of the survivors, even up to ten years postsurgery were considered primary. Apart from the various
imaging methods, diagnostic endoscopy (i.e., bronchoscopy) and the histology of the biopsy material
are major aides in the diagnosis of primary character, location, and operability, as well as in the
elaboration of the surgical plans, than it is usual in cases of other tumors.
The Use of a Sheathless Basket via Miniature Ureteroscopes
Authors: Watson Graham
Published: August 2007

The conventional use of a basket involves a metallic wire section that is contained within a polythene sheath. The wire basket can be withdrawn or protruded from the sheath using a handle. The advantage
of this system is that the basket can be kept shut or open at will within the ureter. Thus one can
keep the basket closed in order to maneuver the basket past a stone before opening it above the stone.
With the development of efficient and safe lithotripsy modalities becoming widely available and with
miniaturization of these and the ureteroscopes, it is becoming less common to dilate the ureter.
Therefore it is not frequently possible to extract a stone intact. Baskets still can be used secondarily
to extract the fragments. It is possible to use the basket wire without its sheath. The ureteroscope
channel effectively becomes the sheath, and the basket opens immediately on protruding it beyond
the ureteroscope. This has the following advantages: (a) A larger‐diameter basket wire can be introduced. The very small baskets of 2F and 3F used via miniature ureteroscopes are very flimsy. When
the sheath is removed, it becomes possible to use an otherwise 3F basket via a 2F channel. (b)The operator can work the basket usingjust two fingers close to the instrument channel port. This is more
ergonomic than working an opening mechanism at the end of the basket, because this latter system
takes the operator′s hand away from the instrument. (c) The basket can be detached more readily from the ureteroscope, should it become, impacted together with a stone within the ureter. This makes
it possible to reinsert the ureteroscope alongside the basket and fragment the stone within the basket,
provided that there is no reinforced section to the inner wire at the handle.
Initial Experience of Endoscopic Phonosurgery With aPrototype of the Therapeutic Rhinolarynx ElectronicEndoscope
Authors: Kawaida Masahiro , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Shiotani Akihiro , Kohno Naoyuki
Published: August 2007

We performed endoscopic phonosurgery in a patient with a laryngeal lesion using a prototype of the therapeutic rhino‐larynx electronic endoscope connected to a video processor (Asahi Optical Co.,
Ltd.). This therapeutic electronic endoscope differs from the fiberoptic endoscope, because it contains
an instrument channel and a miniature television camera attached to the tip of the endoscope,
consisting of a small light‐sensitive CCD chip. The dynamic image provided by this system is superior
in resolution to that obtained by conventional flexible laryngofiberscopes. Using this therapeutic
electronic endoscope and flexible forceps, we succeeded in removing a vocal fold polyp. This
endoscope can be passed through the nasal passage into the laryngeal cavity. The therapeutic electronic
endoscope is introduced and a clinical case is presented.
Early Localization of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
Authors: Lam S. , Macaulay C. , Leriche J. C. , Ikeda N. , Palcic B.
Published: August 2007

The performance of a fluorescence imaging device was compared with conventional white‐light bronchoscopy in 100 patients with lung cancer, 46 patients with resected stage I non‐small cell lung cancer,
10 patients with head and neck cancer, and 67 volunteers who had smoked at least 1 pack of
cigarettes per day for 25 years or more. Using differences in tissue autofluorescence between premalignant,
malignant, and normal tissues, fluorescence bronchoscopy was found to detect significantly
more areas with moderate/severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ than conventional white‐light
bronchoscopy with a similar specificity. Multiple foci of dysplasia or cancer were found in 13–24%
of these individuals. Fluorescence bronchoscopy may be an important adjunct to conventional bronchoscopic
examination to improve our ability to detect and localize premalignant and early lung cancer
lesions.
Application of Simple Imaging Technique for Fluorescence Bronchoscope
Authors: Kato Harubumi , Okunaka Tetsuya , Ikeda Norihiko , Konaka Chimori
Published: August 2007

It was reported that the significant spectral difference of autofluroescence induced by laser light between cancer and normal tissue. A fluorescence bronchoscope system with simple light source and
light filter was newly developed. In this paper, the detection of autofluorescence from bronchogenic
dysplasia with this system was reported.