bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Orengedokuto on Experimentally-inflamed Rats
Authors: Mizukawa Hiromi , Yoshida Kazuo , Honmura Akie , Uchiyama Yasuhiko , Kaku Hidehiko , Nakajima Shigekatsu , Haruki Eiichi
Published: November 2004

The inhibitory effect of Orenge dokuto on lipid peroxide and sialidase was investigated using rats affected with carrageenin cotton pellet-induced granuloma and adjuvant arthritis. As a result, in the case of rats with carrageenin cotton pellet-induced granuloma, a significant inhibitory effect on granuloma formation was observed in the Orengedokuto treated rats (150 mg/kg/day) which showed a decrease in serum lipid peroxide ( p <0.001) and an increase in acid soluble glycoprotein ( p <0.001). In the case of adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, however, the condition of the arthritis was not improved at all, and was even aggravated in spite of the decrease in serum lipid peroxide.
Effects of Kuei-Pi-Tang on Cellular Immunocompetence of γ-Irradiated Mice
Authors: Hsu Hsue-yin , Hau Dou-mong , Lin Chun-ching
Published: November 2004

Kuei-Pi-Tang is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine which has been suggested to have therapeutic effects on hemato-deficient disease and radiation injuries. In order to further investigate its protection function, this study is focused on the efficacy of Kuei-Pi-Tang on cellular immunocompetence of γ-ray irradiated mice. ICR strain male mice were chosen and divided into several groups for their different treatments of 4 Gy γ-ray whole body irradiation and Kuei-Pi-Tang administration. After the treatments, six to eight mice from each group were sacrificed on days 1, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 33. The body and splenic weights of mice by different treatments were measured and the splenic cells separated thereafter. The changes of cellular immunocompetence in mice following treatments were measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation. The results revealed that 4 Gy of γ-ray irradiation inhibits the increases of body and splenic weights and exerts a pronounced inhibitory effect on the incorporative rates of 3H-thymidine in the splenic lymphoid cells which have been stimulated by mitogens. Kuei-Pi-Tang administration seems to increase the recovery of the cellular immunocompetence, especially for the treatment of Kuei-Pi-Tang administered with the concentration of 20 mg/20 g body weight after γ-ray irradiation.
Preliminary Study on the Anti-radiation Effect of Jen-Sheng-Yang-Yung-Tang
Authors: Hsu Hsue-yin , Ho Yau-hui , Lian Shi-Iong , Lin Chun-ching
Published: November 2004

Six to seven week old male mice of ICR strain were exposed to different doses of x-rays to determine if Jen-Sheng-Yang-Yung-Tang could be a modifier in the elimination of radiation damage. Colony forming units of bone marrow cells in the spleen (CFUs) were measured before and after x-ray irradiation with intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/20 g or 20 mg/20 g body weight of Jen-Sheng-Yang-Yung-Tang, once a day for seven consecutive days. The recovery of CFUs and hemocytes counts by 4 Gy irradiation with Jen-Sheng-Yang-Yung-Tang administration was faster for a concentration of 20 mg/20 g than 10 mg/20 g. The measurement of 10-day CFUs showed an increase of radiotolerance in the treatment of 20 mg/20 g administration before x-ray irradiation. The injection of Jen-Sheng-Yang-Yung-Tang accelerated the recovery of hemocyte counts in mice irradiated with 4 Gy x-ray; the effect was especially profound for leukocytes with 20 mg/20 g Jen-Sheng-Yang-Yung-Tang administration after irradiation.
An Observation on Flash Evoked Cortical Potentials and Qigong Meditation
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Zheng Rongrong , Zhang Benkun , Yu Weilin , Shen Xueyong
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional state of the cerebral cortex during Qigong meditation with flash visual evoked potentials (F-VEPs) recorded from the occipital scalp in four groups of adults. The first group included 14 subjects who had exercised in Neiyang Gong for 0.5-5.5 years. The second group was composed of 12 subjects who had practiced Neiyang Gong for only 0.5-3 months. Eleven subjects who had never practiced Qigong before made up the third group and served as control. Eleven Qigong practitioners constituted the fourth group. It was found that F-VEP amplitudes were increased in the first group and decreased in the fourth group with the exception of one subject during Qigong meditation. No significant changes were found in the second group and controls. The results were discussed and it is shown that Qigong meditation may have either facilitative or inhibitory effects on the visual cortex depending on the Qigong methods practiced by different individuals.
Experimental Evidence of a Plant Meridian System I: Bioelectricity and Acupuncture Effects on Electrical Resistance of the Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Hou T.Z. , Dawitor M. , Wang J.Y. , Li M.D.
Published: November 2004

Experiments were conducted on the bioelectrical potential and resistance of soybean (Glycine max) roots, stems, leaves and pods. Results showed a higher potential and lower electrical resistance associated with the leaf cushion, main vein and small vein areas in comparison with other parts of the plant. When two needles were inserted into one of the low resistance points, i.e., the leaf cushion area, the electrical resistance decreased 26.0% on the main vein and 4.5% on the mesophyll of the soybean leaf for at least 5 hours after acupuncture. These characteristics, similar to those of meridian transmission lines in humans and other animals, suggest that a meridian system might also exist in plants.
Suppression by Kampo Medicine, Sho-saiko-to, on Papillomas Induced by 7, 12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthra in Mice
Authors: Liu Lihua , Sakamoto Shinobu , Nakayama Tohru , Kudo Hideki , Suzuki Satoe , Matsubara Miki , Nagasawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2004

Sho-saiko-to (SST) is a Japanese modified, traditional Chinese herbal medicine (Kampo medicine) consisting of seven medical plants. We examined the effects of SST on formation and growth of squamous cell papillomas induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene application in mouse skin. Chronic oral administration of SST reduced the incidence and growth of papillomas with the reduction of activities of succinate dehydrogenase and thymidylate synthetase, which were evaluated as the cell viability and DNA synthesis via the de novo pathway, respectively.
Collective Effect of A Chinese Formula - A Study of Xiao-Jian-Zhong-Tang
Authors: Wang Wei Kung , Hsu Tse Lin , Huang Zen Yen , Wang Yuh Yin Lin
Published: November 2004

Components of a traditional Chinese medicine formula Xiao-Jian-Zhong-Tang were divided into three groups: (1) Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae, (2) Radix Astragali, and (3) Cinnamon twig, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Fructus jujubae and Saccharum Granorum. Extracts of each group were injected into rats to observe the blood pressure wave spectrum changes at the caudate artery. The whole formula was also extracted and injected into rats to monitor blood pressure wave spectrum changes. Each group has its own effect on the Fourier components of the blood pressure wave. The meridian effects of these herbs are the same as described in the Chinese medical literature, if we consider each meridian in resonance with a specific Fourier component. The whole formula when injected into rats had an effect on the Fourier components of the blood pressure wave similar to the linear combination of individual effect of the three herb groups when used separately. This may be the fundamental idea behind formula construction.
Induction of Heat-Shock Protein (hsp) by Moxibustion
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuko
Published: November 2004

Rats were treated by moxibustion at the point of hip muscle, and intramuscular temperature was kept at 40°C for 15 minutes. The rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia and the muscular tissues were excised immediately, three hours and 24 hours after stimulation. Proteins were extracted from the homogenized and centrifuged tissues of the stimulated rats and control rats. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the proteins was carried out. Heat-shock protein (hsp) with molecular weight of 70,000 (hsp 70), 85,000 (hsp 85) and 100,000 (hsp 100) was detected in rats sacrificed three hours after the stimulation by moxibustion. Protein patterns were analyzed and the ratios of the hsps were obtained.
Modulation of Microsomal Cytochrome P450 by Scutellariae Radix and Gentianae Scabrae Radix in Rat Liver
Authors: Kang Jaw-Jou , Chen Yi-Chien , Kuo Wei-Chung , Chen Terri , Cheng Yu-Wen , Kuo Min-Liang , Ueng Tzuu-Huei
Published: November 2004

The present study has determined the effects of Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) and Gentianae scabrae Radix (Longdan) on liver microsomal cytochrome P450 (P450)-dependent mono-oxygenases using rats pretreated with crude extracts of medicinal herbs. Scutellariae Radix resulted in a 53% decrease of pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity in liver microsomes. In contrast, Gentianae scabrae Radix caused a 50% increase of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity. Immunoblotting 1A and 2B proteins, respectively. Scutellariae and Gentianae scabrae Radixes had no effects on microsomal aniline hydroxylase activity and P450 2E1 protein.
The Prandial Effect on the Pulse Spectrum
Authors: Wang Wei Kung , Hsu Tse Lin , Chiang Yi , Wang Yuh Yin Lin
Published: November 2004

The prandial effect on the pulse spectrum of the radial artery was studied. Ingestion greatly affected the spectrum of the pressure pulse. For most of the tested subjects, the harmonic proportions of the 2nd and the 4th harmonic increased significantly after ingestion, however a decreasing effect was found on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th harmonics. The spectrum became stable from half hour after ingestion and last 3 to 4 hours. From these results, a reliable pulse diagnosis is therefore suggested to be done in the period when the pulse spectrum is stable; physiological significance of these postprandial phenomena is also discussed.
AN UPPER LIMIT TO THE DENSITY INHOMOGENEITY IN THE UNIVERSE
Authors: FANG LI-ZHI , CHU YAO-QUAN , ZHU XING-FEN
Published: November 2004

An upper limit to the amplitude of the overall density fluctuation has been found by means of the gravitational lensing effect of the density inhomogeneity on luminosities of quasars with larger redshifts. The observed differences of luminosities of quasars located at different directions are partially given by the lensing effect; therefore, a useful upper limit to the inhomogeneity can be derived if the luminosity distribution of quasars is uniform enough. We obtain this for the case of Ω=1 universe. The overall matter seems to be less clustered than the luminous matter by a factor of three. It may not be favoured for the biased dark matter scenario for the formation of large scale structures, in the universe.
COMMENT ON THE CONSTRAINT FOR ANOMALOUS JACOBI IDENTITY
Authors: HOU BO-YU , ZHANG YAO-ZHONG
Published: November 2004

A 4-fold identity for infinitesimal generators of finite group transformations which impose a constraint for anomalous Jacobi identity is obtained. The differences between the resulting non-associative algebra and the so-called Malcev algebra are revealed. Simple applications of our results to the translation group are also discussed.
BARYON SPECTRUM IN THE POTENTIAL MODEL WITH RELATIVISTIC CORRECTIONS
Authors: TSUGE MASAYASU , MORII TOSHIYUKI , MORISHITA JUN-YA
Published: November 2004

Relativistic corrections including the central forces (up to 1/m2) are calculated numerically for baryon systems. The χ2 analyses suggest the 2-body confining potential in the baryons to be predominantly of vector nature. Baryon masses with heavy flavor (c, b) are predicted and reproduced well.
CHAOTIC INFLATIONARY SCENARIO IN AN ANISOTROPIC UNIVERSE
Authors: PAUL B.C. , DATTA D.P. , MUKHERJEE S.
Published: November 2004

The chaotic inflationary model of the early universe, proposed by Linde is studied within the framework of an anisotropic Kantowski-Sachs cosmology. It is shown that the chaotic model naturally leads to an inflationary phase which also helps in the isotropization of the universe.
THE FRIEDMANN UNIVERSE AS AN ATTRACTOR OF A KALUZA-KLEIN COSMOLOGY
Authors: DERUELLE NATHALIE , MADORE JOHN
Published: November 2004

We show that certain cosmological models of a Kaluza-Klein theory with nonlinear Lagrangians can evolve towards the standard Friedmann universe.
$p\bar p \to W^-- {}_\gamma X$ A TEST OF THE QUARK CHARGES
Authors: LAKSHMIBALA S. , HE X.-G. , PAKVASA S. , RAJASEKARAN G.
Published: November 2004

We suggest the experimental study of [Formula: see text] as a test to distinguish between the fractionally charged quark (FCQ) model and the integrally charged quark (ICQ) model. We find that the strong dip in cross section at cos θ=−1/3 (θ being the angle between the W− and the proton direction in the W−γ c.m. frame) in the FCQ model is washed away in the ICQ model. Thus the presence or absence of this dip provides a clean test to distinguish these two models above color threshold.
THREE-BODY DECAY FUNCTIONS IN QCD JETS
Authors: KATO KIYOSHI , MUNEHISA TOMO
Published: November 2004

Jet evolution based on perturbative QCD is studied taking into account the next-to-leading-order effect. The 3-body decay functions are required to be positive to generate the jet evolution in a Monte Carlo simulation and their magnitude is to be small enough to assure the perturbative expansion. We present a description of the angular ordering which enables us to obtain decay functions for gluon→3 gluons and quark→ quark+2 gluons which are positive and of sizable magnitude.
FERMIONIC CONDENSATES IN SUPERSYMMETRIC COMPOSITE MODELS
Authors: MIZRACHI LEAH
Published: November 2004

Fermionic condensates are calculated in a background of instantons in a supersymmetric composite model based upon SU(2) hypercolor symmetry. Due to the effective 4-fermi interaction of the composites, the quasi-Goldstone fermion acquires a mass which is much smaller than ΛHC provided the gauge symmetry breaking scale, υ, is large enough for the approximation to be valid. (Typically υ≃eΛHC.) This provides a dynamical mechanism for generating the masses of quarks and leptons in this class of models.
BRST INVARIANCE WITH BACKGROUND FIELDS
Authors: SPENCE B.
Published: November 2004

We apply the horizontality method for obtaining BRST transformations and invariant actions to cases where background fields are present. We consider Yang-Mills and pure gravity and in superspace N=1 super Yang-Mills, chiral matter and the free gravitino multiplet. In the super Yang-Mills case we see a simple example of a recent observation that the Nielsen-Kallosh ghosts of a theory are the BRST auxiliary fields.
AN INVERSE SCATTERING PROBLEM FOR NONLOCAL POTENTIALS I: THE FAMILY OF PHASE EQUIVALENT WAVEFUNCTIONS
Authors: MUZAFAROV V.M.
Published: November 2004

We develop a consistent approach to an inverse scattering problem for the Schrodinger equation with nonlocal potentials. The main result presented in this paper is that for the two-body scattering data, given the problem of reconstructing both the family of phase equivalent two-body wavefunctions and the corresponding family of phase equivalent half-off-shell t-matrices, is reduced to solving a regular integral equation. This equation may be regarded as a generalization of the Gel’fand-Levitan equation.
ON GAUGE-INVARIANT GREEN FUNCTIONS
Authors: DELBOURGO R. , THOMPSON G.
Published: November 2004

A general procedure for defining gauge-invariant fields is presented. In this way it is possible to associate gauge-variant Green functions, in some particular gauge, with gauge-invariant quantities. This construction can be done regardless of whether a mass shell exists or not and should be useful for the colored sector in quantum chromodynamics.
INVISIBLE AXIONS AND LIGHT NEUTRINOS—ARE THEY CONNECTED?
Authors: LANGACKER P. , PECCEI R.D. , YANAGIDA T.
Published: November 2004

Physical arguments involving the solar neutrino problem are given which connect the scale of U (1)PQ breakdown with that of the spontaneous breakdown of lepton number. In the simplest model, the Majoron transmutes itself into the invisible axion as a soft symmetry breaking parameter is turned on. Some consequences of this idea are discussed. These include a suggestion that the origin of the baryon symmetry of the Universe is connected with an induced lepton number asymmetry produced at temperatures of order VPQ and the possibility that νμ→ντ oscillations may be observable at accelerators.
ON THE GAUGE SYMMETRY OF THE FREE RAMOND STRING FIELD THEORY
Authors: ARATYN H.
Published: November 2004

We present the gauge invariant free, open Ramond string field theory. Our construction is based on the non-nilpotent part of the true BRS charge. We argue that this truncated charge contains the information sufficient for restoring gauge invariance. By summing all auxiliary fields we are able to close the algebra and discover the new structure consisting of new guage invariant field strengths obeying the special set of Bianchi identities. This structure can be put in the standard BRS framework showing the relation between Yamrons and Banks, Friedan, Martinec, Peskin and Preitschopfs, Ramond actions. We also discuss other formulations of the model, including one proposed by Witten.
KALUZA-KLEIN THEORY
Authors: STRATHDEE J.
Published: November 2004

Recent developments in Kaluza-Klein theory are reviewed. Starting with the concept of spontaneous compactification, the problem of determining the ground state geometry and its symmetry is discussed. While it is generally believed that only the zero modes can be relevant for low energy physics, it is possible in some cases to deduce the entire excitation spectrum. This is true when the internal space is a coset space. A technique is described for setting up harmonic expansions on coset spaces. Consistency in chiral Kaluza-Klein theories demands freedom from both gauge and gravitational anomalies. General features of the chiral anomalies are reviewed.
THE STATIC AXIALLY SYMMETRIC SELF-DUAL YANG-MILLS FIELDS AND SURFACES OF NEGATIVE CURVATURE
Authors: HOU BO-YU , HOU BO-YUAN , WANG PEI
Published: November 2004

An explicit geometric picture about the complete integrability of the static axially symmetric self-dual Yang-Mills equation and the gravitational Ernst equation is presented. The corresponding soliton surfaces in adjoint space (3-dimensional Minkowski space) has negative variable curvature. The Riccati equation is also given, so that the integrability of the Bäcklund transformation gets the confirmation.
SHOULD THERE BE KNO SCALING FOR e+–e− 2-JET EVENTS?
Authors: CHOU T.T. , YANG CHEN NING
Published: November 2004

Background reasoning is given for our recent prediction that KNO scaling does not obtain for e+–e− two-jet events.
RELICS OF SUPERSYMMETRY IN THE MASS SPECTRUM AFTER SPONTANEOUS BREAKING
Authors: GATTO R. , SARTORI G.
Published: November 2004

We determine, at the classical level, the constraints on the mass spectrum imposed by the complex symmetries underlying quantum field theories with globally supersymmetric Lagrangians, in case of spontaneous breaking of the internal symmetry and/or supersymmetry, both in case of global and local internal symmetry.
AN OVERVIEW OF QUANTUM COSMOLOGY
Authors: FANG L.Z. , WU Z.C.
Published: November 2004

Hawking’s theory of quantum cosmology is the most important stage in understanding our universe since the big bang model. In principle, one can predict everything in the universe solely from physical laws. All main results within this framework have been reviewed in this paper.
A STUDY OF DEPOSITED YBaCuO THIN FILMS BY D.C. MAGNETRON SPUTTERING
Authors: SHI W. , SUN J. , YAO W. , JIANG J. , LIU L. , YIN H. , QI ZH.
Published: November 2004

The YBaCuO thin films with critical transition temperature above 77K (in our experiments, they are 83K) have been prepared successfully. The sintered oxides of Y, Ba and Cu with proper composition was used as target. To control the parameters during sputtering deposition processes is very important to obtain high Tc thin film. The composition and phase structure were investigated by means of X-fluoroscope, electron-probe and X-ray diffractometer. The second ions spectroscopies of film and bulk sample were investigated using SIMS. It is clear that thin films lost their oxygen more easily under bombardment of Ar+ with certain energy.
ROLE OF PHENERGAN IN ABNORMAL SCARS AND KELOIDS
Authors: VENUGOPAL J. , JAYARAMAN V. , BABU MARY , RAMAKRISHNA S.
Published: November 2004

Hypertrophic scar and keloids have affected patients and frustrated physicians for centuries. Hypertrophic scar (HSc) and keloids are a major problem for patients who survive extensive thermal and traumatic skin injuries. HSc and other fibroproliferative disorders are associated with excessive accumulation of collagen and extracellular matrix proteins due to an imbalance between synthesis and degradation. The therapeutic management of hypertrophic scars and keloids include occlusive dressings, compression therapy, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, excision, radiation therapy, laser therapy, interferon therapy and other promising lesser known therapies directed at collagen synthesis. In this study we investigated the effect of phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride) as one of the most potent histamine antagonists on cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and collagen production in fibroblast isolated from human post burn hypertrophic scar, keloids and normal skin. The proliferation of normal skin fibroblast was slightly decreased but hypertrophic scar and keloids showed significant (p<0.001) level of decrease after 72 hours of phenergan (750 μM) treatment. The results of DNA synthesis also significantly (p<0.001) decreased in hypertrophic scar and keloid fibroblasts. Phenergan (1.5 mM) decreased the collagen synthesis upto 61% and 66% in HSc and keloids in comparison to normal skin fibroblast, which showed reduction of 38% after 72 hours. Improved understanding of such regulatory mechanisms may eventually be of therapeutic significance in the control of hypertrophic scar and keloids.
Stock Price and Trading Volume Effects Associated with Changes in the MSCI Free Indices: Evidence from Taiwanese Firms Added to and Deleted from the Indices
Authors: Shu Pei-Gi , Yeh Yin-Hua , Huang Yu-Chen
Published: November 2004

This study analyzes price-volume relation for Taiwanese listed firms that are added to or deleted from the MSCI free indices in the sampling period from May 17, 1999 to May 21, 2001. Additions to the indices found a positive abnormal return of 3.9% in the run-up window from the announcement day up to one day before the change was implemented. This was followed by a significant reversal on the change day. The deleted firms exhibit an even stronger announcement effect, with a significant abnormal return of -9.1% in the run-up, followed by a reversal of 1.6% on the change day. Even when reversals occurred on the change day, the abnormal returns in the post-announcement window are positive for additions and negative for deletions. The results support the price-pressure and long-run downward-sloping-demand hypothesis and are inconsistent with the efficient market hypothesis. The abnormal trading volume for deletions is negative following the announcement, contradicting the findings of Lynch and Mendenhall (1997). This difference is due to the innate of the Taiwanese stock market, in which no dedicated market makers accommodate block trading. Moreover, the regression results confirm a positive volume-return relation before and a negative relation on and after the change day. Finally, the QFII net buy (sell) the added (deleted) stocks up to ten days after the change was implemented, while the Securities Investment Trusts and Securities dealers, having a shorter frame net, buy the added stocks up to two days after the effective change. Individual investors reversing position on the change day are responsible for the price reversal on the change day.
Trading Volume and Cross-Autocorrelations of Stock Returns in Emerging Markets: Evidence from the Taiwan Stock Market
Authors: Kuo Wen-Hsiu , Hsu Hsinan , Chiang Chwan-Yi
Published: November 2004

This study empirically investigates the interaction between trading volume and cross-autocorrelations of stock returns in the Taiwan stock market. The result shows that returns on high trading volume portfolios lead returns on low trading volume portfolios when controlled for firm size, indicating that trading volume determines lead-lag cross-autocorrelations of stock returns. Overall, the empirical findings of this study demonstrate similar results for both monthly and daily returns, suggesting that nonsynchronrous trading is not the main reason for the lead-lag cross-autocorrelations presented in this study. Consequently, the empirical results presented here support the speed of adjustment hypothesis, and suggest that some market inefficiency exists in the Taiwan stock market. Additionally, compared with evidence of lead-lag cross-autocorrelations in the larger, less regulated US stock market, as examined by Chordia and Swaminathan (2000), Taiwan stock market displays less evidence of VARs and Dimson beta regressions. We conjecture that this weak evidence may result from the regulations limiting daily price movements in the Taiwan stock market. Although the price limits policy lowers risk and stabilizes stock prices, it also prevents stock prices and trading volume from instantaneously and fully reflecting new information.
CONCRETE-FILLED TUBULAR COLUMNS: PART 1 — CROSS-SECTION ANALYSIS
Authors: GAYATHRI V. , SHANMUGAM N. E. , CHOO Y. S.
Published: November 2004

A fiber-based approach is adopted to study the cross-sectional behavior of concrete-filled steel tubes subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. Constitutive behavior of the cross-section is formulated by explicitly dividing the section into fibers, and uniaxial stress–strain rules for steel and concrete are defined. Interaction curves, Moment–Thrust–Curvature (M–P–φ) relations and Moment–Thrust–Strain (M–P–ε) relations are developed for circular and box-shaped in-filled sections based on fiber analysis. A fiber model is also developed to describe the nonlinear response of concrete-filled steel tubes subjected to cyclic loading. M–P–φ relations are developed for arbitrary loading histories using this simple yet reliable approach. Results are compared with the numerical and experimental data available in published literature, and the accuracy of the proposed model is thus ascertained.
GLOBAL ASPECTS OF ABELIAN AND CENTER PROJECTIONS INSU(2) GAUGE THEORY
Authors: ZUCCHINI ROBERTO
Published: November 2004

We show that the global aspects of Abelian and center projection of a SU (2) gauge theory on an arbitrary manifold are naturally described in terms of smooth Deligne cohomology. This is achieved through the introduction of a novel type of differential topological structure, called Cho structure. Half integral monopole charges appear naturally in this framework.
THE STRUCTURE OF ALGEBRAIC COVARIANT DERIVATIVE CURVATURE TENSORS
Authors: DÍAZ-RAMOS J. , FIEDLER B. , GARCÍA-RÍO E. , GILKEY P.
Published: November 2004

We use the Nash embedding theorem to construct generators for the space of algebraic covariant derivative curvature tensors.
FRACTAL SUPERSYMMETRIC QM, GEOMETRIC PROBABILITY AND THE RIEMANN HYPOTHESIS
Authors: CASTRO CARLOS , MAHECHA JORGE
Published: November 2004

The Riemann's hypothesis (RH) states that the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function are of the form sn=1/2+iλn. Earlier work on the RH based on supersymmetric QM, whose potential was related to the Gauss–Jacobi theta series, allows us to provide the proper framework to construct the well-defined algorithm to compute the density of zeros in the critical line, which would complement the existing formulas in the literature for the density of zeros in the critical strip. Geometric probability theory furnishes the answer to the difficult question whether the probability that the RH is true is indeed equal to unity or not. To test the validity of this geometric probabilistic framework to compute the probability if the RH is true, we apply it directly to the the hyperbolic sine function sinh (s) case which obeys a trivial analog of the RH (the HSRH). Its zeros are equally spaced in the imaginary axis sn=0+inπ. The geometric probability to find a zero (and an infinity of zeros) in the imaginary axis is exactly unity. We proceed with a fractal supersymmetric quantum mechanical (SUSY-QM) model implementing the Hilbert–Polya proposal to prove the RH by postulating a Hermitian operator that reproduces all the λn for its spectrum. Quantum inverse scattering methods related to a fractal potential given by a Weierstrass function (continuous but nowhere differentiable) are applied to the fractal analog of the Comtet–Bandrauk–Campbell (CBC) formula in SUSY QM. It requires using suitable fractal derivatives and integrals of irrational order whose parameter β is one-half the fractal dimension (D=1.5) of the Weierstrass function. An ordinary SUSY-QM oscillator is also constructed whose eigenvalues are of the form λn=nπ and which coincide with the imaginary parts of the zeros of the function sinh (s). Finally, we discuss the relationship to the theory of 1/f noise.
HEAVY QUARKS ON THE LATTICE
Authors: Hashimoto Shoji , Onogi Tetsuya
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  Lattice quantum chromodynamics provides first-principles calculations for hadrons containing heavy quarks—charm and bottom quarks. Their mass spectra, decay rates, and some hadronic matrix elements can be calculated on the lattice in a model-independent manner. In this review, we introduce the effective theories that treat heavy quarks on the lattice. We summarize results on the heavy quarkonium spectrum, which verify the validity of the effective theory approach. We then discuss applications to B physics, which is the main target of the lattice theory of heavy quarks. We review progress in lattice calculations of the B meson decay constant, the B parameter, semileptonic decay form factors, and other important quantities.
Uniformly summing sets of operators on spaces of continuousfunctions
Authors: Delgado J. M. , Piñeiro Cándido
Published: November 2004

Let X
and Y
be Banach spaces. A set ℳ
of 1‐summing operators from X into
Y is said to be uniformly
summing if the following holds: given a weakly 1‐summing sequence
(xn)
in X, the series
∑n‖Txn‖
is uniformly convergent in T ∈ ℳ. We study some general properties and
obtain a characterization of these sets when ℳ
is a set of operators defined on spaces of continuous functions.
Bäcklund transformations for several cases of a type ofgeneralized KdV equation
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: November 2004

An alternate generalized Korteweg‐de Vries system is
studied here. A procedure for generating solutions is given. A
theorem is presented, which is subsequently applied to this
equation to obtain a type of Bäcklund transformation for
several specific cases of the power of the derivative term
appearing in the equation. In the process, several interesting,
new, ordinary, differential equations are generated and studied.
Cytochrome P4502C9-Derived Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Induce the Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Michaelis U. Ruth , Falck John R. , Schmidt Ronald , Busse Rudi , Fleming Ingrid
Published: November 2004

Objective—

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). CYP2C9-derived EETs elicit endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis, but the signaling pathways involved are incompletely understood. Because cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in angiogenesis, we determined whether a link exists between CYP2C9 and COX-2 expression.

Methods and Results—

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were infected with CYP2C9 sense or antisense adenoviral constructs. Overexpression of CYP2C9 increased COX-2 promoter activity, an effect accompanied by a significant increase in COX-2 protein expression and elevated prostacyclin production. The CYP2C9-induced expression of COX-2 was inhibited by the CYP2C9 inhibitor, sulfaphenazole, whereas 11,12-EET increased COX-2 expression. Overexpression of CYP2C9 and stimulation with 11,12-EET increased intracellular cAMP levels and stimulated DNA-binding of the cAMP-response element-binding protein. The protein kinase A inhibitor, KT5720, attenuated the CYP2C9-induced increase in COX-2 promoter activity and protein expression. Overexpression of CYP2C9 stimulated endothelial tube formation, an effect that was attenuated by the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. Identical responses were observed in cells preconditioned by cyclic strain to increase CYP2C expression.

Conclusion—

These data indicate that CYP2C9-derived EETs induce the expression of COX-2 in endothelial cells via a cAMP-dependent pathway and that this mechanism contributes to CYP2C9-induced angiogenesis.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Mobilizes Functional Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Powell Tiffany M. , Paul Jonathan D. , Hill Jonathan M. , Thompson Michael , Benjamin Moshe , Rodrigo Maria , McCoy J. Philip , Read Elizabeth J. , Khuu Hanh M. , Leitman Susan F. , Finkel Toren , Cannon Richard O.
Published: November 2004

Objective—

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) that may repair vascular injury are reduced in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We reasoned that EPC number and function may be increased by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to mobilize hematopoietic progenitor cells in healthy donors.

Methods and Results—

Sixteen CAD patients had reduced CD34
+
/CD133
+
(0.0224±0.0063% versus 0.121±0.038% mononuclear cells [MNCs],
P
<0.01) and CD133
+
/VEGFR-2
+
cells, consistent with EPC phenotype (0.00033±0.00015% versus 0.0017±0.0006% MNCs,
P
<0.01), compared with 7 healthy controls. Patients also had fewer clusters of cells in culture, with out-growth consistent with mature endothelial phenotype (2±1/well) compared with 16 healthy subjects at high risk (13±4/well,
P
<0.05) or 14 at low risk (22±3/well,
P
<0.001) for CAD. G-CSF 10 μg/kg per day for 5 days increased CD34
+
/CD133
+
cells from 0.5±0.2/μL to 59.5±10.6/μL and CD133
+
/ VEGFR-2
+
cells from 0.007±0.004/μL to 1.9±0.6/μL (both
P
<0.001). Also increased were CD133
+
cells that coexpressed the homing receptor CXCR4 (30.4±8.3/μL,
P
<0.05). Endothelial cell-forming clusters in 10 patients increased to 27±9/well after treatment (
P
<0.05), with a decline to 9±4/well at 2 weeks (
P
=0.06).

Conclusions—

Despite reduced EPCs compared with healthy controls, patients with CAD respond to G-CSF with increases in EPC number and homing receptor expression in the circulation and endothelial out-growth in culture.
Amplified Transmural Dispersion of Repolarization as the Basis for Arrhythmogenesis in a Canine Ventricular-Wedge Model of Short-QT Syndrome
Authors: Extramiana Fabrice , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: November 2004

Background—

The short-QT syndrome is a new clinical entity characterized by corrected QT intervals <300 ms and a high incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF). Gain-of-function mutations in the gene for outward potassium currents have been shown to underlie the congenital syndrome. The present study examined the cellular basis of VT/VF in an experimental model associated with short QT intervals created with a potassium channel activator.

Methods and Results—

Transmembrane action potentials from epicardial and M regions, 4 transmural unipolar electrograms, and a pseudo-ECG were simultaneously recorded in canine arterially perfused left ventricular wedge preparations. At a basic cycle length of 2000 ms, pinacidil (2 to 3 μmol/L) abbreviated the QT interval from 303.7±5.4 to 247.3±6.9 ms (mean±SEM,
P
<0.0001). The maximal transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR
max
) increased from 27.0±3.8 to 64.9±9.2 ms (
P
<0.01), and an S2 applied to the endocardium induced a polymorphic VT (pVT) in 9 of 12 wedge preparations (
P
<0.01). Addition of isoproterenol (100 nmol/L, n=5) led to greater abbreviation of the QT interval, a further increase in TDR
max
(from 55.4±13.7 to 69.7±8.3 ms), and more enduring pVT. TDR
max
was correlated significantly with the T
peak
-T
end
interval under all conditions. The effects of pinacidil were completely reversed by glybenclamide (10 μmol/L, n=4) and partially reversed by E4031 (5 μmol/L, n=5), which prevented induction of pVT in 3 of 5 preparations.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that heterogeneous abbreviation of the action potential duration among different cell types spanning the ventricular wall creates the substrate for the genesis of VT under conditions associated with short QT intervals.
Role of Nitric Oxide in Ca
2+
Sensitivity of the Slowly Activating Delayed Rectifier K
+
Current in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Bai Chang-Xi , Namekata Iyuki , Kurokawa Junko , Tanaka Hikaru , Shigenobu Koki , Furukawa Tetsushi
Published: November 2004

Sarcolemmal Ca
2+
entry is a vital step for contraction of cardiomyocytes, but Ca
2+
overload is harmful and may trigger arrhythmias and/or apoptosis. To maintain the amount of Ca
2+
entry within an appropriate range, cardiomyocytes have feedback systems that tightly regulate ion channel activities in response to the changes in intracellular Ca
2+
concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
), thereby regulating Ca
2+
entry. In guinea pig ventricular myocytes, Ca
2+
ionophore, A23187, induced suppression of the L-type Ca
2+
currents (
I
Ca,L
) and enhancement of the slowly activating delayed rectifier K
+
currents (
I
Ks
). At a low stimulation rate,
I
Ca,L
suppression and
I
Ks
enhancement contributed to the A23187-induced APD shortening with a similar magnitude, whereas at a high stimulation rate,
I
Ks
enhancement dominantly contributed to APD shortening.
I
Ks
enhancement induced by A23187 was attributable to actions of nitric oxide (NO), because they were inhibited by an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS) and by a NO scavenger. A23187-induced alterations of APD and
I
Ks
were strongly suppressed by a NOS3 inhibitor, but barely affected by a NOS1 inhibitor, suggesting that NOS3 was responsible for NO release in this phenomenon. Inhibition of calmodulin (CaM), but not Akt, blocked the enhancement of
I
Ks
by A23187. Thus, CaM-dependent NOS3 activation confers the selective Ca
2+
-sensitivity on
I
Ks
. Ca
2+
-induced
I
Ks
enhancement and resultant APD shortening potentially act as a physiological regulatory mechanism of Ca
2+
recycling, because they were observed at a physiological range of [Ca
2+
]
i
in cardiac myocytes and are induced by physiologically relevant Ca
2+
loading, such as digitalis application and rise in extracellular Ca
2+
concentration.
Cognitive Function Before and After Surgery in Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Otawara Yasunari , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Ogawa Akira , Yamadate Keiko
Published: November 2004

Background and Purpose—

This prospective study investigated whether surgery for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) affects cognitive function and cerebral blood flow (CBF).

Methods—

Cognitive tests using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Wechsler Memory Scale, Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure test, and CBF measurements using single-photon emission computed tomography were performed before and after surgery for UIAs in 44 patients ≤70 years of age.

Results—

Group-rate analysis showed the verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), performance IQ, full-scale IQ, and recall trial scores of the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure test all increased significantly after surgery, whereas the Wechsler Memory Scale and copy trial scores of the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure test were not significantly different. Event-rate analysis demonstrated that no patient showed impaired cognition. There was no significant difference between CBF before and after surgery.

Conclusions—

Surgical repair for UIAs does not impair cognition or CBF in patients without postoperative restrictions in lifestyle.
Learning to See Biological Motion: Brain Activity Parallels Behavior
Authors: Grossman Emily D. , Blake Randolph , Kim Chai-Youn
Published: November 2004

Individuals improve with practice on a variety of perceptual tasks, presumably reflecting plasticity in underlying neural mechanisms. We trained observers to discriminate biological motion from scrambled (nonbiological) motion and examined whether the resulting improvement in perceptual performance was accompanied by changes in activation within the posterior superior temporal sulcus and the fusiform “face area,” brain areas involved in perception of biological events. With daily practice, initially naive observers became more proficient at discriminating biological from scrambled animations embedded in an array of dynamic “noise” dots, with the extent of improvement varying among observers. Learning generalized to animations never seen before, indicating that observers had not simply memorized specific exemplars. In the same observers, neural activity prior to and following training was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neural activity within the posterior superior temporal sulcus and the fusiform “face area” reflected the participants' learning: BOLD signals were significantly larger after training in response both to animations experienced during training and to novel animations. The degree of learning was positively correlated with the amplitude changes in BOLD signals.
Brain Activity during Episodic Retrieval of Autobiographical and Laboratory Events: An fMRI Study using a Novel Photo Paradigm
Authors: Cabeza Roberto , Prince Steve E. , Daselaar Sander M. , Greenberg Daniel L. , Budde Matthew , Dolcos Florin , LaBar Kevin S. , Rubin David C.
Published: November 2004

Functional neuroimaging studies of episodic memory retrieval generally measure brain activity while participants remember items encountered in the laboratory (“controlled laboratory condition”) or events from their own life (“open autobiographical condition”). Differences in activation between these conditions may reflect differences in retrieval processes, memory remoteness, emotional content, retrieval success, self-referential processing, visual/spatial memory, and recollection. To clarify the nature of these differences, a functional MRI study was conducted using a novel “photo paradigm,” which allows greater control over the autobiographical condition, including a measure of retrieval accuracy. Undergraduate students took photos in specified campus locations (“controlled autobiographical condition”), viewed in the laboratory similar photos taken by other participants (controlled laboratory condition), and were then scanned while recognizing the two kinds of photos. Both conditions activated a common episodic memory network that included medial temporal and prefrontal regions. Compared with the controlled laboratory condition, the controlled autobiographical condition elicited greater activity in regions associated with self-referential processing (medial prefrontal cortex), visual/ spatial memory (visual and parahippocampal regions), and recollection (hippocampus). The photo paradigm provides a way of investigating the functional neuroanatomy of real-life episodic memory under rigorous experimental control.
The Functional Neuroanatomy of Episodic and Semantic Autobiographical Remembering: A Prospective Functional MRI Study
Authors: Levine Brian , Turner Gary R. , Tisserand Danielle , Hevenor Stephanie J. , Graham Simon J. , McIntosh Anthony R.
Published: November 2004

Autobiographical memory comprises episodic and semantic components mediated by dissociable states of consciousness, one promoting the experience of the self at a specific moment in the past, and the other involving self-knowledge that does not require “mental time travel.” These components can be difficult to dissociate using retrospective autobiographical stimuli collection. In this study, we manipulated the episodic/semantic distinction within prospectively collected autobiographical stimuli. Over several months, participants made recordings documenting specific episodes, repeated episodes, and world knowledge. These recordings were later played back to participants during scanning with functional MRI. The results indicated overlapping but distinct patterns of brain activity corresponding to episodic and semantic autobiographical memory. Both episodic and semantic autobiographical memory engaged the left anteromedial prefrontal cortex associated with self-reference, but the episodic condition did so to a greater degree. The episodic condition uniquely engaged the medial temporal, posterior cingulate, and diencephalic regions associated with remote memory recovery. Whereas the episodic condition engaged the right temporo-parietal cortex involved in reconstruction of spatial context and attentional orienting, the semantic condition engaged the left temporo-parietal and parieto-frontal systems involved in egocentric spatial processing and top-down attentional control. Episodic recollection was also associated with suppression of emotional paralimbic regions. These findings support a functional neuroanatomical dissociation between episodic and semantic autobiographical memory, providing concordance to amnesic syndromes with disproportionate impairment in one of these two forms of autobiographical memory.
The Role of High Spatial Frequencies in Hemispheric Processing of Categorical and Coordinate Spatial Relations
Authors: Okubo Matia , Michimata Chikashi
Published: November 2004

Right-handed participants performed categorical and coordinate spatial relation tasks on stimuli presented either to the left visual field-right hemisphere (LVF-RH) or to the right visual field-left hemisphere (RVF-LH). The stimuli were either unfiltered or low-pass filtered (i.e., devoid of high spatial frequency content). Consistent with previous studies, the unfiltered condition produced a significant RVF-LH advantage for the categorical task and an LVF-RH advantage for the coordinate task. Low-pass filtering eliminated this Task × Visual Field interaction; thus, the RVF-LH advantage disappeared for the categorical task. The present results suggest that processing of high spatial frequency contributes to the left hemispheric advantage for categorical spatial processing.