bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLASSES DE STEINITZ D'EXTENSIONS NON ABÉLIENNES À GROUPE DE GALOIS D'ORDRE 16 OU EXTRASPÉCIAL D'ORDRE 32 ET PROBLÈME DE PLONGEMENT
Authors: SBEITY FARAH , SODAÏGUI BOUCHAÏB
Published: January 2011

Soient k un corps de nombres et Cl (k) son groupe des classes. Soit Γ un groupe non abélien d'ordre 16, ou un groupe extraspécial d'ordre 32. Soit Rm(k, Γ) le sous-ensemble de Cl (k) formé par les éléments qui sont réalisables par les classes de Steinitz d'extensions galoisiennes de k, modérément ramifiées et dont le groupe de Galois est isomorphe à Γ. Lorsque Γ est le groupe modulaire d'ordre 16, on suppose que k contienne une racine primitive 4ème de l'unité. Dans cet article on montre que Rm(k, Γ) est le groupe Cl (k) tout entier si le nombre des classes de k est impair. On étudie un problème de plongement en liaison avec les classes de Steinitz dans la perspective de l'étude des classes galoisiennes réalisables. On prouve que pour tout c ∈ Cl (k), il existe une extension quadratique de k, modérée, dont la classe de Steinitz est c, et qui est plongeable dans une extension galoisienne de k, modérée et à groupe de Galois isomorphe à Γ.

Let k be a number field and Cl (k) its class group. Let Γ be a nonabelian group of order 16 or an extra-special group of order 32. Let Rm(k, Γ) be the subset of Cl (k) consisting of those classes which are realizable as Steinitz classes of tame Galois extensions of k with Galois group isomorphic to Γ. When Γ is the modular group of order 16, we assume that k contains a primitive 4th root of unity. In the present paper, we show that Rm(k, Γ) is the full group Cl (k) if the class number of k is odd. We study an embedding problem connected with Steinitz classes in the perspective of studying realizable Galois module classes. We prove that for all c∈ Cl (k), there exist a tame quadratic extension of k, with Steinitz class c, and which is embeddable in a tame Galois extension of k with Galois group isomorphic to Γ.
NON-INVARIANCE OF THE INDEX IN WILDLY RAMIFIED EXTENSIONS
Authors: DEL CORSO ILARIA , DVORNICICH ROBERTO
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we give an example of three wildly ramified extensions L1, L2, L3 of ℚ2 with the same ramification numbers and isomorphic Galois groups, such that I(nL1) > I(nL2) > I(nL3) for a suitable integer n (where I(nL) denotes the index of the ℚ2-algebra Ln). This example shows that the condition given in [2] for the invariance of the index of tamely ramified extensions is no longer sufficient in the general case.
APPROXIMATE TRAVELING WAVE SOLUTION OF AVIAN FLU TELEGRAPH REACTION DIFFUSION EQUATION
Authors: AHMED SHAIMAA A. A.
Published: January 2011

It is known that, the telegraph equation is more suitable than ordinary diffusion equation in modeling reaction diffusion in several branches of sciences. In this paper we generalize the governing equation of distributed-infective model which represents the spread of avian flu to the telegraph reaction diffusion equation and presents its approximate traveling wave solution by using linear piecewise approximation.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A NONLINEAR GROWTH MODEL FOR MICROORGANISMS
Authors: LI YUHONG , MEN HONG , THOMSON GARETH , TIAN FANGBAO
Published: January 2011

A nonlinear dynamic model of microbial growth is established based on the theories of the diffusion response of thermodynamics and the chemotactic response of biology. Except for the two traditional variables, i.e. the density of bacteria and the concentration of attractant, the pH value, a crucial influencing factor to the microbial growth, is also considered in this model. The pH effect on the microbial growth is taken as a Gaussian function G0e-(φ- φc)2/G1, where G0, G1 and φc are constants, φ represents the pH value and φc represents the critical pH value that best fits for microbial growth. To study the effects of the reproduction rate of the bacteria and the pH value on the stability of the system, three parameters a, G0 and G1 are studied in detail, where a denotes the reproduction rate of the bacteria, G0 denotes the impacting intensity of the pH value to microbial growth and G1 denotes the bacterial adaptability to the pH value.

When the effect of the pH value of the solution which microorganisms live in is ignored in the governing equations of the model, the microbial system is more stable with larger a. When the effect of the bacterial chemotaxis is ignored, the microbial system is more stable with the larger G1 and more unstable with the larger G0 for φ0 > φc. However, the stability of the microbial system is almost unaffected by the variation G0 and G1 and it is always stable for φ0 < φc under the assumed conditions in this paper. In the whole system model, it is more unstable with larger G1 and more stable with larger G0 for φ0 < φc. The system is more stable with larger G1 and more unstable with larger G0 for φ0 > φc. However, the system is more unstable with larger a for φ0 < φc and the stability of the system is almost unaffected by a for φ0 > φc.

The results obtained in this study provide a biophysical insight into the understanding of the growth and stability behavior of microorganisms.
UNSTEADY MODEL OF TRANSPORTATION OF JEFFREY-FLUID BY PERISTALSIS
Authors: PANDEY S. K. , TRIPATHI DHARMENDRA
Published: January 2011

The investigation is to explore the transportation of a viscoelastic fluid by peristalsis in a channel as well as in a circular cylindrical tube by considering Jeffrey-model. In order to apply the model to the swallowing of food-bolus through the oesophagus, the wave equation assumed to propagate along the walls is such that the walls contract in the transverse/radial direction and relax but do not expand further. Solutions have been presented in the closed form by using small Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations. The expressions of pressure gradient, volume flow rate and average volume flow rate have been derived. It is revealed on the basis of computational investigation that for a fixed flow rate, pressure decreases when the ratio of relaxation time to retardation time is increased. In both the channel and tubular flows, the pressure decreases on increasing the ratio of relaxation time to retardation time if the averaged flow rate is less than the maximum flow rate. It is also revealed that the maximum tubular flow rate is higher than that of the channel-flow. It is further found through the theoretical analysis that mechanical efficiency, reflux and local wall shear stress remain unaffected by viscoelastic property of the fluid modelled as Jeffrey-fluid.
PERISTALTIC TRANSPORT OF A CASSON FLUID IN A FINITE CHANNEL: APPLICATION TO FLOWS OF CONCENTRATED FLUIDS IN OESOPHAGUS
Authors: PANDEY S. K. , TRIPATHI DHARMENDRA
Published: January 2011

This model is targeted to study the swallowing of peristaltically driven food stuff such as jelly, tomato puree, soup, concentrated fruit juices and honey in the aboral direction confined to an oesophagus by modeling it as finite channel. Considering such highly concentrated fluids as Casson fluid in the fully stretched activated state, the dependence of pressure on space and time has been investigated for time averaged flow rate. Pressure distribution has been studied along the oesophageal length for an integral and also a non-integral number of waves at different time instants. Local wall shear stress and the role of yield stress have also been the areas of investigation. Mechanical efficiency of oesophageal pump during the Casson food transportation has been obtained. Reflux limit of perstaltically driven flow of Casson food bolus has also been discussed. The effect of Casson food bolus vis-à-vis Newtonian food bolus has been compared analytically, numerically and computationally from investigation point of view. It is observed that the pressure distribution is even and uneven respectively for the case of integral and non-integral number of waves. It is also concluded that it is not as easy to swallow Casson fluids (such as concentrated jelly, honey, soup, juice, etc.) as Newtonian fluids (such as water). As plug flow region widens, the pressure difference increases, indicating thereby that the averaged flow rate will be less for a Casson fluid. Physically, the oesophagus works more to swallow fluids with high concentration. It is also inferred that such fluids are more prone to reflux.
Granite-related ore deposits: an introduction
Authors: Sial A. N. , Bettencourt Jorge S. , De Campos Cristina P. , Ferreira Valderez P.
Published: January 2011

A symposium on Mineralization Associated with Granitic Magmatism was held within the framework of the 33rd IGC in Oslo, Norway, in August 2008. While our initial idea was to bring together field, experimental, and theoretical studies in order to review and summarize the current ideas and recent progress on granite-related mineralization systems, we were caught by surprise realizing that participants were inclined to focus more on ore deposits related to granitic magmatism. This spontaneous shift from granites, the major intended focus of the symposium, to mineralization associated with them, spawned the idea for a special issue on this theme and ultimately to the nine papers assembled here, chosen from about 60 scientific contributions at the symposium. Around twenty oral presentations were given and forty posters were presented at the meeting; the 60 papers were grouped according to the current main granite-related ore systems, as follows; granite-pegmatite, skarn and greisen-veins, porphyry, orogenic gold, intrusion-related, epithermal and porphyry-related gold and base metal, iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG), and special case studies.
Magma mixing and unmixing related mineralization in the Karacaali Magmatic Complex, central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Delibaş Okan , Genç Yurdal , De Campos Cristina P.
Published: January 2011

The calc-alkaline Karacaali Magmatic Complex (KMC), in the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex, is an example of an Upper Cretaceous post-collisional I-type, plutonic–volcanic association. Volcanic rocks grade from basalt to rhyolite, whilst coeval plutonic rocks range from gabbro to leucogranite. In this paper we document evidence for the occurrence of both mixing and unmixing during the evolution of this igneous complex.

Mixing of mafic and felsic magmas was observed in petrographic properties at microscopic to macroscopic scales and is further supported by mineral chemistry data.

The occurrence of unmixing is evidenced in the Fe and Cu–Mo mineralization hosted in the KMC. The iron mineralization in basaltic-andesitic rocks consists mostly of magnetite. Magnetite has been grouped into four settings: (1) matrix type; (2) vein-filling type; (3) breccia matrix type; and (4) vesicle-filling type. In contrast, Cu–Mo mineralization is related to vertical north–south trending quartz-, quartz-calcite-, and quartz-tourmaline veins crosscutting monzonitic and granitic rocks.

We propose that the intrusion of an oxidized, Fe- and Cu-rich basic magma into a partially crystallized acid magma resulted in partial mixing and may have triggered the abrupt separation of an iron-oxide-rich melt.

Our results highlight the importance of magma mixing and metal unmixing, possibly associated with stress relaxation during post-collisional evolution.

Supplementary material

Electron microprobe analyses of plagioclase in monzonitic rocks, MMEs and electron microprobe analyses of K-feldspar in monzonitic rocks are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18434
.
Reactive oxygen species downregulate glucose transport system in retinal endothelial cells
Authors: Fernandes Rosa , Hosoya Ken-ichi , Pereira Paulo
Published: January 2011

Retinal endothelial cells are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. In previous studies, we and others demonstrated that glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is downregulated in response to hyperglycemia. Increased oxidative stress is likely to be the event whereby hyperglycemia is transduced into endothelial cell damage. However, the effects of sustained oxidative stress on GLUT1 regulation are not clearly established. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of increased oxidative stress on glucose transport and on GLUT1 subcellular distribution in a retinal endothelial cell line and to elucidate the signaling pathways associated with such regulation. Conditionally immortalized rat retinal endothelial cells (TR-iBRB) were incubated with glucose oxidase, which increases the intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, and GLUT1 regulation was investigated. The data showed that oxidative stress did not alter the total levels of GLUT1 protein, although the levels of mRNA were decreased, and there was a subcellular redistribution of GLUT1, decreasing its content at the plasma membrane. Consistently, the half-life of the protein at the plasma membrane markedly decreased under oxidative stress. The proteasome appears to be involved in GLUT1 regulation in response to oxidative stress, as revealed by an increase in stabilization of the protein present at the plasma membrane and normalization of glucose transport following proteasome inhibition. Indeed, levels of ubiquitinated GLUT1 increase as revealed by immunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, data indicate that protein kinase B activation is involved in the stabilization of GLUT1 at the plasma membrane. Thus subcellular redistribution of GLUT1 under conditions of oxidative stress is likely to contribute to the disruption of glucose homeostasis in diabetes.
Different consequences of cataract-associated mutations at adjacent positions in the first extracellular boundary of connexin50
Authors: Tong Jun-Jie , Minogue Peter J. , Guo Wenji , Chen Tung-Ling , Beyer Eric C. , Berthoud Viviana M. , Ebihara Lisa
Published: January 2011

Gap junction channels, which are made of connexins, are critical for intercellular communication, a function that may be disrupted in a variety of diseases. We studied the consequences of two cataract-associated mutations at adjacent positions at the first extracellular boundary in human connexin50 (Cx50), W45S and G46V. Both of these mutants formed gap junctional plaques when they were expressed in HeLa cells, suggesting that they trafficked to the plasma membrane properly. However, their functional properties differed. Dual two-microelectrode voltage-clamp studies showed that W45S did not form functional intercellular channels in paired Xenopus oocytes or hemichannel currents in single oocytes. When W45S was coexpressed with wild-type Cx50, the mutant acted as a dominant negative inhibitor of wild-type function. In contrast, G46V formed both functional gap junctional channels and hemichannels. G46V exhibited greatly enhanced currents compared with wild-type Cx50 in the presence of physiological calcium concentrations. This increase in hemichannel activity persisted when G46V was coexpressed with wild-type lens connexins, consistent with a dominant gain of hemichannel function for G46V. These data suggest that although these two mutations are in adjacent amino acids, they have very different effects on connexin function and cause disease by different mechanisms: W45S inhibits gap junctional channel function; G46V reduces cell viability by forming open hemichannels.
Kv7.1 surface expression is regulated by epithelial cell polarization
Authors: Andersen Martin N. , Olesen Søren-Peter , Rasmussen Hanne B.
Published: January 2011

The potassium channel KV7.1 is expressed in the heart where it contributes to the repolarization of the cardiac action potential. In addition, KV7.1 is expressed in epithelial tissues where it plays a role in salt and water transport. Mutations in the kcnq1 gene can lead to long QT syndrome and deafness, and several mutations have been described as trafficking mutations. To learn more about the basic mechanisms that regulate KV7.1 surface expression, we have investigated the trafficking of KV7.1 during the polarization process of the epithelial cell line Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) using a modified version of the classical calcium switch. We discovered that KV7.1 exhibits a very dynamic localization pattern during the calcium switch. When MDCK cells are kept in low calcium medium, KV7.1 is mainly observed at the plasma membrane. During the first hours of the switch, KV7.1 is removed from the plasma membrane and an intracellular accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is observed. The channel is retained in the ER until the establishment of the lateral membranes at which point KV7.1 is released from the ER and moves to the plasma membrane. Our data furthermore suggest that while the removal of KV7.1 from the cell surface and its accumulation in the ER could involve activation of protein kinase C, the subsequent release of KV7.1 from the ER depends on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that KV7.1 surface expression is regulated by signaling mechanisms involved in epithelial cell polarization in particular signaling cascades involving protein kinase C and PI3K.
Platelet-activating factor and metastasis: calcium-independent phospholipase A2β deficiency protects against breast cancer metastasis to the lung
Authors: McHowat Jane , Gullickson Gail , Hoover Richard G. , Sharma Janhavi , Turk John , Kornbluth Jacki
Published: January 2011

We determined the contribution of calcium-independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β) to lung metastasis development following breast cancer injection into wild-type (WT) and iPLA2β-knockout (iPLA2β-KO) mice. WT and iPLA2β-KO mice were injected in the mammary pad with 200,000 E0771 breast cancer cells. There was no difference in primary tumor size between WT and iPLA2β-KO mice at 27 days postinjection. However, we observed an 11-fold greater number of breast cancer cells in the lungs of WT mice compared with iPLA2β-KO animals ( P < 0.05). Isolated WT lung endothelial cells demonstrated a significant increase in platelet-activating factor (PAF) production when stimulated with thrombin [1 IU/ml, 10 min, 4,330 ± 555 vs. 15,227 ± 1,043 disintegrations per minute (dpm), P < 0.01] or TNF-α (10 ng/ml, 2 h, 16,532 ± 538 dpm, P < 0.01). Adherence of E0771 cells to WT endothelial cells was increased by thrombin (4.8 ± 0.3% vs. 70.9 ± 6.3, P < 0.01) or TNF-α (60.5 ± 4.3, P < 0.01). These responses were blocked by pretreatment with the iPLA2β-selective inhibitor ( S)-bromoenol lactone and absent in lung endothelial cells from iPLA2β-KO mice. These data indicate that endothelial cell iPLA2β is responsible for PAF production and adherence of E0771 cells and may play a role in cancer cell migration to distal locations.
A rat model of exercise-induced asthma: a nonspecific response to a specific immunogen
Authors: Kodesh Einat , Zaldivar Frank , Schwindt Christina , Tran Phuc , Yu Alvin , Camilon Marinelle , Nance Dwight M. , Leu Szu-Yun , Cooper Dan , Adams Gregory R.
Published: January 2011

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is common; however, key aspects of its pathogenesis are still unclear. We investigated the feasibility of adapting an established animal model of asthma to investigate the earliest stages of EIB. The hypothesis was that a single exposure to a normally innocuous, and brief, exercise challenge could trigger EIB symptoms in rats previously sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) but otherwise unchallenged. Brown-Norway rats were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA at 0 and 2 wk. At week 3, animals were exposed to either aerosolized OVA (SS) or exercise (EXS). A trained, blinded, clinical observer graded EIB by respiratory sounds. Plasma and lung cytokine levels were analyzed. No control rats with or without exercise (EX, CON) showed evidence of EIB. Eighty percent of the SS group demonstrated abnormal breath sounds upon exposure to aerosolized OVA. Approximately 30% of EXS rats sensitized to OVA but exposed only to exercise had abnormal breath sounds. Lung tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, growth-related oncogene/keratinocyte/chemoattractant, and IFN-γ were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in the SS group, relative to all other groups. Changes in most of these cytokines were not notable in the EXS rats, suggesting a different mechanism of EIB. Remarkably, IFN-γ, but not the other cytokines measured, was significantly elevated following brief exercise in both sensitized and unsensitized rats. Exercise led to detectable breathing sound abnormalities in sensitized rats, but less severe than those observed following classical OVA challenge. Precisely how this immune crossover occurs is not known, but this model may be useful in elucidating essential mechanisms of EIB.
Endocannabinoid modulation of sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to acute stress in the periaqueductal gray of the rat
Authors: Dean C.
Published: January 2011

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is fundamental to the coordinated response to stress or danger. The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) contains the neural substrate required to recruit the sympathetic nervous system and organize the physiological and behavioral responses required to respond to imposed challenges. Endocannabinoids have been shown to influence associated behavioral responses. The defense response was used in this study as a working model to examine endocannabinoid modulation of the sympathetic response to acute stress in the anesthetized rat. Microinjection of the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor agonist anandamide into the defense pathway of the dorsal PAG could elicit an increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure, twitching of the whiskers, and movement of the limbs. The response was attenuated by prior microinjection of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM-281 at the same site. Electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic defense area could evoke similar sympathoexcitatory and pressor responses, which were significantly attenuated by microinjection of AM-281 into the dorsal PAG. These data indicate that endocannabinoids can modulate the sympathetic and cardiovascular components of the acute stress response via CB1 receptors at the level of the PAG.
Evaluation of metalloprotease inhibitors on hypertension and diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Williams Jan M. , Zhang Jin , North Paula , Lacy Steven , Yakes Michael , Dahly-Vernon Annette , Roman Richard J.
Published: January 2011

This study examined the effects of two new selective metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitors, XL081 and XL784, on the development of renal injury in rat models of hypertension, Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN). Protein excretion rose from 20 to 120 mg/day in Dahl S rats fed a high-salt diet (8.0% NaCl) for 4 wk to induce hypertension. Chronic treatment with XL081 markedly reduced proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis, but it also attenuated the development of hypertension. To determine whether an MMP inhibitor could oppose the progression of renal damage in the absence of changes in blood pressure, Dahl S rats were fed a high-salt diet (4.0% NaCl) for 5 wks to induce renal injury and then were treated with the more potent and bioavailable MMP inhibitor XL784 either given alone or in combination with lisinopril and losartan. Treatment with XL784 or the ANG II blockers reduced proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis by ∼30% and had no effect on blood pressure. Proteinuria fell from 150 to 30 mg/day in the rats receiving both XL784 and the ANG II blockers, and the degree of renal injury fell to levels seen in normotensive Dahl S rats maintained from birth on a low-salt diet. In other studies, albumin excretion rose from 125 to >200 mg/day over a 4-mo period in 12-mo-old uninephrectomized T2DN rats. In contrast, albumin excretion fell by >50% in T2DN rats treated with XL784, lisinopril, or combined therapy. XL784 reduced the degree of glomerulosclerosis in the T2DN rats to a greater extent than lisinopril, and combined therapy was more effective than either drug alone. These results indicate that chronic administration of a selective MMP inhibitor delays the progression, and may even reverse hypertension and diabetic nephropathy.
Blocking core fucosylation of TGF-β1 receptors downregulates their functions and attenuates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells
Authors: Lin Hongli , Wang Dapeng , Wu Taihua , Dong Cui , Shen Nan , Sun Yuan , Sun Yanling , Xie Hua , Wang Nan , Shan Lujuan
Published: January 2011

Posttranslational modification of proteins could regulate their multiple biological functions. Transforming growth factor-β receptor I and II (ALK5 and TGF-βRII), which are glycoproteins, play important roles in the renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present study, we examined the role of core fucosylation of TGF-βRII and ALK5, which is regulated by α-1,6 fucosyltransferase (Fut8), in the process of EMT of cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. The typical cell model of EMT induced by TGF-β1 was constructed to address the role of core fucosylation in EMT. Core fucosylation was found to be essential for both TGF-βRII and ALK5 to fulfill their functions, and blocking it with Fut8 small interfering RNA greatly reduced the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 protein, caused the inactivation of TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling, and resulted in remission of EMT. More importantly, even with high levels of expressions of TGF-β1, TGF-βRII, and ALK5, blocking core fucosylation also could attenuate the EMT of HK-2 cells. Thus blocking core fucosylation of TGF-βRII and ALK5 may attenuate EMT independently of the expression of these proteins. This study may provide new insight into the role of glycosylation in renal interstitial fibrosis. Furthermore, core fucosylation may be a novel potential therapeutic target for treatment of renal tubular EMT.
Amelioration of renal alterations in obese type 2 diabetic mice by vasohibin-1, a negative feedback regulator of angiogenesis
Authors: Saito Daisuke , Maeshima Yohei , Nasu Tatsuyo , Yamasaki Hiroko , Tanabe Katsuyuki , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Sonoda Hikaru , Sato Yasufumi , Makino Hirofumi
Published: January 2011

The involvement of VEGF-A as well as the therapeutic efficacy of angiogenesis inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy have been reported. We recently reported the therapeutic effects of vasohibin-1 (VASH-1), an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, in a type 1 diabetic nephropathy model (Nasu T, Maeshima Y, Kinomura M, Hirokoshi-Kawahara K, Tanabe K, Sugiyama H, Sonoda H, Sato Y, Makino H. Diabetes 58: 2365–2375, 2009). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of VASH-1 on renal alterations in obese mice with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic db/db mice received intravenous injections of adenoviral vectors encoding human VASH-1 (AdhVASH-1) and were euthanized 8 wk later. AdhVASH-1 treatment resulted in significant suppression of glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria, increase in the CD31+glomerular endothelial area, F4/80+monocyte/macrophage infiltration, the accumulation of type IV collagen, and mesangial matrix. An increase in the renal levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in diabetic animals was significantly suppressed by AdhVASH-1 (immunoblotting). AdhVASH-1 treatment significantly recovered the loss and altered the distribution patterns of nephrin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and suppressed the increase in the number of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1+) and desmin+podocytes in diabetic mice. In vitro, recombinant human VASH-1 (rhVASH-1) dose dependently suppressed the upregulation of VEGF induced by high ambient glucose (25 mM) in cultured mouse podocytes. In addition, rhVASH-1 significantly recovered the mRNA levels of nephrin and the protein levels of ZO-1 and P-cadherin and suppressed the increase in protein levels of desmin, FSP-1, Snail, and Slug in podocytes under high-glucose condition. Taken together, these results suggest the potential use of VASH-1 as a novel therapeutic agent in type 2 diabetic nephropathy mediated via antiangiogenic effects and maintenance of podocyte phenotype in association with antiproteinuric effects.
Role of vasopressin V1Areceptor in the urethral closure reflex in rats
Authors: Ueno Hiroyuki , Kuno Masako , Shintani Yasushi , Kamo Izumi
Published: January 2011

An enhanced urethral closure reflex via the spinal cord is related to urethral resistance elevation during increased abdominal pressure. However, with the exception of monoamines, neurotransmitters modulating this reflex are not understood. We investigated whether the vasopressin V1Areceptor (V1AR) is involved in the urethral closure reflex in urethane-anesthetized female rats. V1AR mRNA was highly expressed among the vasopressin receptor family in the total RNA purified from lamina IX in the spinal cord L6–S1 segment. In situ hybridization analysis of the spinal L6–S1 segment confirmed that these positive signals from the V1ARs were only detected in lamina IX. Intrathecally injected Arg8-vasopressin (AVP), an endogenous ligand, significantly increased urethral resistance during an intravesical pressure rise, and its effect was blocked by the V1AR antagonist. AVP did not increase urethral resistance in rats in which the pelvic nerves were transected bilaterally. Urethral closure reflex responses to the intravesical pressure rise increased by up to threefold compared with the baseline response after AVP administration in contrast to no increase by vehicle. In addition, intravenously and intrathecally injected V1AR antagonists decreased urethral resistance. These results suggest that V1AR stimulation in the spinal cord enhances the urethral closure reflex response, thereby increasing urethral resistance during an abdominal pressure rise and that V1AR plays a physiological role in preventing urine leakage.
5-HT and dopamine modulates CaV1.3 calcium channels involved in postinhibitory rebound in the spinal network for locomotion in lamprey
Authors: Wang Di , Grillner Sten , Wallén Peter
Published: January 2011

Postinhibitory rebound (PIR) can play a significant role for producing stable rhythmic motor patterns, like locomotion, by contributing to burst initiation following the phase of inhibition, and PIR may also be a target for modulatory systems acting on the network. The current aim was to explore the PIR in one type of interneuron in the lamprey locomotor network and its dependence on low voltage-activated (LVA) calcium channels, as well as its modulation by 5-HT and dopamine. PIR responses in commissural interneurons, mediating reciprocal inhibition and left-right alternation in the network, were significantly larger than in motoneurons. The L-type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine reduced PIR amplitude by ∼50%, whereas the L-channel agonist BAY K 8644 enhanced PIR amplitude, suggesting that LVA calcium channels of the L-subtype (CaV1.3) participate in the PIR response. The remainder of the response was blocked by nickel, indicating that T-type (CaV3) LVA calcium channels also contribute. No evidence was obtained for the involvement of a hyperpolarization-activated current. Furthermore, 5-HT, acting via 5-HT1Areceptors, reduced PIR, as did dopamine, acting via D2receptors. Coapplication of nimodipine caused no further PIR reduction, indicating that these modulators target CaV1.3 channels specifically. These results suggest that PIR may play a prominent role in the generation of alternating network activity and that the CaV1.3 and CaV3 subtypes of LVA calcium channels together underlie the PIR response. 5-HT and dopamine both target PIR via CaV1.3 channels, which may contribute significantly to their modulatory influence on locomotor network activity.
Object-based attention to one of two superimposed surfaces alters responses in human early visual cortex
Authors: Ciaramitaro Vivian M. , Mitchell Jude F. , Stoner Gene R. , Reynolds John H. , Boynton Geoffrey M.
Published: January 2011

Faced with an overwhelming amount of sensory information, we are able to prioritize the processing of select spatial locations and visual features. The neuronal mechanisms underlying such spatial and feature-based selection have been studied in considerable detail. More recent work shows that attention can also be allocated to objects, even spatially superimposed objects composed of dynamically changing features that must be integrated to create a coherent object representation. Much less is known about the mechanisms underlying such object-based selection. Our goal was to investigate behavioral and neuronal responses when attention was directed to one of two objects, specifically one of two superimposed transparent surfaces, in a task designed to preclude space-based and feature-based selection. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure changes in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals when attention was deployed to one or the other surface. We found that visual areas V1, V2, V3, V3A, and MT+ showed enhanced BOLD responses to translations of an attended relative to an unattended surface. These results reveal that visual areas as early as V1 can be modulated by attending to objects, even objects defined by dynamically changing elements. This provides definitive evidence in humans that early visual areas are involved in a seemingly high-order process. Furthermore, our results suggest that these early visual areas may participate in object-specific feature “binding,” a process that seemingly must occur for an object or a surface to be the unit of attentional selection.
Controlling instabilities in manipulation requires specific cortical-striatal-cerebellar networks
Authors: Mosier Kristine , Lau Chad , Wang Yang , Venkadesan Madhusudhan , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J.
Published: January 2011

Dexterous manipulation requires both strength, the ability to produce fingertip forces of a specific magnitude, and dexterity, the ability to dynamically regulate the magnitude and direction of fingertip force vectors and finger motions. Although cortical activity in fronto-parietal networks has been established for stable grip and pinch forces, the cortical regulation in the dexterous control of unstable objects remains unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to interrogate cortical networks engaged in the control of four objects with increasing instabilities but requiring constant strength. In addition to expected activity in fronto-parietal networks we find that dexterous manipulation of increasingly unstable objects is associated with a linear increase in the amplitude of the BOLD signal in the basal ganglia ( P = 0.007 and P = 0.023 for 2 compression tasks). A computational regression (connectivity) model identified independent subsets of cortical networks whose connection strengths were mutable and associated with object instability ( P < 0.001). Our results suggest that in the presence of object instability, the basal ganglia may modulate the activity of premotor areas and subsequent motor output. This work, therefore, provides new evidence for the selectable cortical representation and execution of dynamic multifinger manipulation for grasp stability.
Degree of Convergence of Iterative Algorithms for Boundedly Lipschitzian Strong Pseudocontractions
Authors: He Songnian , Su Yongfu , Li Ronghua
Published: January 2011

Let "Equation missing" be a nonempty closed convex subset of a real Hilbert space "Equation missing" and let "Equation missing" be a boundedly Lipschitzian strong pseudo-contraction with a nonempty fixed point set. Three iterative algorithms are proposed for approximating the unique fixed point of "Equation missing"; one of them is for the self-mapping case, and the others are for the nonself-mapping case. Not only the strong convergence, but also the degree of convergence of the three iterative algorithms is obtained. Some numerical results corresponding to the self-mapping case are given which show advantages of our methods. As an application of our results, adopting the regularization idea, we also propose implicit and explicit algorithms for approximating a fixed point of a boundedly Lipschitzian pseudocontractive self-mapping from "Equation missing" into itself, respectively.
A Novel Parallel Algorithm Based on the Gram‐Schmidt Method for Tridiagonal Linear Systems of Equations
Authors: Ghodsi Seyed Roholah , Taeibi-Rahni Mohammad
Published: January 2011

This paper introduces a new parallel algorithm based on the Gram‐Schmidt orthogonalization method. This parallel algorithm can find almost exact solutions of tridiagonal linear systems of equations in an efficient way. The system of equations is partitioned proportional to number of processors, and each partition is solved by a processor with a minimum request from the other partitions′ data. The considerable reduction in data communication between processors causes interesting speedup. The relationships between partitions approximately disappear if some columns are switched. Hence, the speed of computation increases, and the computational cost decreases. Consequently, obtained results show that the suggested algorithm is considerably scalable. In addition, this method of partitioning can significantly decrease the computational cost on a single processor and make it possible to solve greater systems of equations. To evaluate the performance of the parallel algorithm, speedup and efficiency are presented. The results reveal that the proposed algorithm is practical and efficient.
Simultaneous Piezoelectric Actuator and Sensor Placement Optimization and Control Design of Manipulators with Flexible Links Using SDRE Method
Authors: Molter Alexandre , da Silveira Otávio A. Alves , Fonseca Jun S. Ono , Bottega Valdecir
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a control design for flexible manipulators using piezoelectric actuators bonded on nonprismatic links. The dynamic model of the manipulator is obtained in a closed form through the Lagrange equations. Each link is discretized using finite element modal formulation based on Euler‐Bernoulli beam theory. The control uses the motor torques and piezoelectric actuators for controlling vibrations. An optimization problem with genetic algorithm (GA) is formulated for the location and size of the piezoelectric actuator and sensor on the links. The natural frequencies and mode shapes are computed by the finite element method, and the irregular beam geometry is approximated by piecewise prismatic elements. The State‐Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) technique is used to derive a suboptimal controller for a robot control problem. A state‐dependent equation is solved at each new point obtained for the variables from the problem, along the trajectory to obtain a nonlinear feedback controller. Numerical tests verify the efficiency of the proposed optimization and control design.
Nearly Ring Homomorphisms and Nearly Ring Derivations on Non‐Archimedean Banach Algebras
Authors: Gordji Madjid Eshaghi
Published: January 2011

We prove the generalized Hyers‐Ulam stability of homomorphisms and derivations
on non‐Archimedean Banach algebras. Moreover, we prove the superstability of homomorphisms
on unital non‐Archimedean Banach algebras and we investigate the superstability of derivations in
non‐Archimedean Banach algebras with bounded approximate identity.
Block‐by‐Block Method for Solving Nonlinear Volterra‐Fredholm Integral Equation
Authors: Badr Abdallah A.
Published: January 2011

We consider a nonlinear Volterra‐Fredholm integral equation (NVFIE) of the second kind. The Volterra kernel is time dependent, and the Fredholm kernel is position dependent. Existence and uniqueness of the
solution to this equation, under certain conditions, are discussed. The block‐by‐block method is introduced to solve such equations numerically. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate our results.
Laser Capture Microdissection in Dentistry
Authors: Chokechanachaisakul Uraiwan , Kaneko Tomoatsu , Okiji Takashi , Kaneko Reika , Suda Hideaki , Nör Jacques E.
Published: January 2011

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) allows for the microscopic procurement of specific cell types from tissue sections that can then be used for gene expression analysis. According to the recent development of the LCM technologies and methodologies, the LCM has been used in various kinds of tissue specimens in dental research. For example, the real-time polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) can be performed from the formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and immunostained sections. Thus, the advance of immuno-LCM method allows us to improve the validity of molecular biological analysis and to get more accurate diagnosis in pathological field in contrast to conventional LCM. This paper is focused on the presentation and discussion of the existing literature that covers the fields of RNA analysis following LCM in dentistry.
Random Periodic Point and Fixed Point Results for Random Monotone Mappings in Ordered Polish Spaces
Authors: Zhu Xing-Hua , Xiao Jian-Zhong
Published: January 2011

The measurability of order continuous random mappings in ordered Polish spaces is studied. Using order continuity, some random fixed point theorems and random periodic point theorems for increasing, decreasing, and mixed monotone random mappings are presented.
Gait Disturbances in Dystrophic Hamsters
Authors: Hampton Thomas G. , Kale Ajit , Amende Ivo , Tang Wenlong , McCue Scott , Bhagavan Hemmi N. , VanDongen Case G.
Published: January 2011

The delta‐sarcoglycan‐deficient hamster is an excellent model to study muscular dystrophy. Gait disturbances, important clinically, have not been described in this animal model. We applied ventral plane videography (DigiGait) to analyze gait in BIO TO‐2 dystrophic and BIO F1B control hamsters walking on a transparent treadmill belt. Stride length was ~13% shorter (P < .05) in TO‐2 hamsters at 9 months of age compared to F1B hamsters. Hindlimb propulsion duration, an indicator of muscle strength, was shorter in 9‐month‐old TO‐2 (247 ± 8 ms) compared to F1B hamsters (272 ± 11 ms; P < .05). Braking duration, reflecting generation of ground reaction forces, was delayed in 9‐month‐old TO‐2 (147 ± 6 ms) compared to F1B hamsters (126 ± 8 ms; P < .05). Hindpaw eversion, evidence of muscle weakness, was greater in 9‐month‐old TO‐2 than in F1B hamsters (17.7 ± 1.2° versus 8.7 ± 1.6°; P < .05). Incline and decline walking aggravated gait disturbances in TO‐2 hamsters at 3 months of age. Several gait deficits were apparent in TO‐2 hamsters at 1 month of age. Quantitative gait analysis demonstrates that dystrophic TO‐2 hamsters recapitulate functional aspects of human muscular dystrophy. Early detection of gait abnormalities in a convenient animal model may accelerate the development of therapies for muscular dystrophy.
Techniques for Precancerous Lesion Diagnosis
Authors: Mendes Sarah Freygang , Ramos Grasieli de Oliveira , Rivero Elena Riet Correa , Modolo Filipe , Grando Liliane Janete , Meurer Maria Inês
Published: January 2011

The development of the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of multiple genetic alterations usually preceded by detectable mucosal changes, most often leukoplakias and erythroplakias. The clinical appearance of oral precancerous lesions and their degree of epithelium dysplasia suggests the malignization potential. Several techniques have been developed to improve the clinical and cytological diagnosis of oral precancerous lesions. The present paper reviews the main techniques used to improve premalignant lesion diagnosis.
Antidepressive Effect of Mirtazapine in Post-Myocardial Infarction Depression Is Associated with Soluble TNF-R1 Increase: Data from the MIND-IT
Authors: Tulner D.M. , Smith O.R.F. , Schins A. , de Jonge P. , Quere M. , Delanghe J.R. , Crijns H.J. , den Boer J.A. , Korf J. , Honig A.
Published: January 2011

Background: Depressive disorder after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. Immune activity such as inflammation might be implicated as an underlying mechanism. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the response to an antidepressant in post-MI depression is associated with changes of inflammatory markers in serum. Methods: In a double-blind placebo-controlled study with mirtazapine 30 mg/day (50 patients), the antidepressive effect was related to immune activation parameters. The cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), the soluble cytokine receptors sIL-6R, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2, and the inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins C-reactive protein and neopterin were assessed. Results: Subgroup analyses revealed a highly significant correlation of pronounced sTNF-R1 increase with a decrease in depressive symptoms in antidepressant responders. Conclusion: Significant effects on inflammation accompany the therapeutic efficacy of mirtazapine in contrast to the therapeutic efficacy of placebo and the nontherapeutic efficacy of mirtazapine.
Malnutrition and Inflammation Determine Prognosis of Patients with CRS Type 4
Authors: Mimura Imari , Nishi Hiroshi , Nishi Takahiro , Mise Naobumi , Sugimoto Tokuichiro
Published: January 2011

Background/Aims: A significant number of uremic patients develop ischemic heart disease before hemodialysis (HD) is initiated. Recently, chronic cardiorenal syndrome among predialysis patients has been recognized. However, little is known about prognostic factors in this subgroup of incident HD patients. Methods: A total of 87 incident HD patients, who were classified into cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (chronic cardiorenal syndrome), were identified at Mitsui Memorial Hospital between 1984 and 2003. The survival and risk factors for mortality were examined. Results: 25 patients died and the 5-year survival rate amounted to approximately 75%. Both all-cause mortality and the adjusted mortality for age and sex were higher in patients with a lower serum albumin level (p = 0.03) or higher serum C-reactive protein level (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The poor survival rate of incident HD patients with a medical history of ischemic heart disease was predicted by malnutrition and inflammation at the start of HD.
Anemia, Iron Deficiency and Thalassemia among Adolescents in Northeast Thailand: Results from Two Independent Surveys
Authors: Pansuwan Anupong , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Fucharoen Supan , Himakhun Boonmee , Dangwiboon Samrit
Published: January 2011

The prevalence of adolescent anemia, iron deficiency and thalassemia were examined in 2 provinces of northeast Thailand. Blood specimens were collected from adolescent subjects aged 15–17 years in 2 areas; 185 (85 males and 100 females) in Mukdahan province and 313 (116 males and 197 females) in Roi-Et. RBC parameters, serum ferritin levels, Hb and DNA analyses for the identification of common thalassemia genes in Thailand were investigated. The prevalences of anemia were found to be 21.1% (8.1 in male and 13.0 in female) and 16.6% (8.9 in male and 7.7 in female) in Mukdahan and Roi-Et province, respectively. Iron deficiency was observed to be 24.3% in Mukdahan and 14.7% in Roi-Et. Various types of thalassemia were identified in 62.2 and 58.8% of the subject populations, respectively. The proportions of iron deficiency, thalassemia and combined thalassemia and iron deficiency among anemic subjects were 10.2, 53.8 and 30.8% in Mukdahan, and 7.7, 67.3 and 9.6% in Roi-Et. Hematological characteristics were analyzed and are presented. It is concluded that thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies rather than iron deficiency are major causes of adolescent anemia which should be taken into account in public health strategies for the control of anemia in the region.