bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directed endoscopic mucosal mapping of normal and dysrhythmic gastric slow waves in healthy humans
Authors: Coleski R. , Hasler W. L.
Published: October 2004

Frequency and amplitude characteristics of normal and dysrhythmic slow waves in different gastric regions are poorly characterized. Using endoscopic mucosal mapping, we quantified slow wave frequency and power at predetermined sites under control conditions and with glucagon. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent gastroscopy with midazolam. Bipolar recording electrodes were directed to 12, 7, and 2 cm proximal to the pylorus along the greater and lesser curvatures. Dominant frequencies at all sites were 2.96 ± 0.07 cycles min−1 (cpm). Powers of the dominant frequency were 59 ± 7% lower 12 cm vs 2 cm from the pylorus (P < 0.01), but were similar along the greater and lesser curvatures. Glucagon (0.3 mg IV) decreased dominant frequencies (1.40 ± 0.10 cpm, P < 0.01) and elicited power reductions which varied by region (36 ± 37% at 12 cm vs 79 ± 20% at 2 cm, P < 0.01). Comparing dominant frequencies from mucosal recordings and electrogastrography revealed minimal slow wave uncoupling. In conclusion, endoscopic mucosal mapping demonstrates slow wave power gradients from the proximal to distal stomach under normal conditions. Glucagon evokes bradygastria with minimal uncoupling and elicits inhibitory effects on slow wave power which are more potent in the distal antrum. This method provides insight into the mechanisms of action of gastric slow wave dysrhythmic stimuli.
Pacemaker activity from submucosal interstitial cells of Cajal drives high‐frequency and low‐amplitude circular muscle contractions in the mouse proximal colon
Authors: Yoneda S. , Fukui H. , Takaki M.
Published: October 2004

The present study was aimed at elucidating how pacemaker activity (plateau potentials) (mean frequency: 15.9 ± 2.8 times min−1) from submucosal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC‐SM) control spontaneous contractions in the mouse proximal colon. Mechanical activities in the circular muscle direction showed high‐frequency (mean frequency: 15.6 ± 2.7 times min−1) and low‐amplitude (mean amplitude: 0.01 ± 0.005 g) (HFLA) rhythmic contractions. Simultaneous recordings of circular muscle mechanical activity and electrical activity from ICC‐SM revealed that HFLA contractions were synchronized with plateau potentials (mean frequency: 15.9 ± 2.8 times min−1). Although low‐frequency (3.5 ± 2.1 times min−1) and high‐amplitude (0.12 ± 0.03 g) (LFHA) contractions in both longitudinal and circular muscle directions were synchronized with burst of action potentials in both muscle cells, these LFHA contractions were not synchronous with plateau potentials. Intracellular Ca2+ release from the internal stores through IP3 receptors is not a major factor to generate both action potentials differently from plateau potentials. Neither tetrodotoxin nor atropine affected the plateau potentials. The results reveal that the pacemaker activity from ICC‐SM drives only the spontaneous HFLA (one‐tenth amplitude of the LFHA circular and longitudinal muscle contractions) circular muscle contractions without control by enteric nerves.
Real‐time detection of serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells of the guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Bertrand P. P.
Published: October 2004

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine; 5‐HT) containing enterochromaffin (EC) cells may detect chemical or mechanical stimuli in the intestinal lumen and respond with release of 5‐HT. The aim of this study was to use real‐time electrochemical detection methods to detect release of 5‐HT from small numbers of EC cells. In guinea‐pig ileum, basal release of 5‐HT from the unstimulated, unparalyzed intestine was composed of individual release events (8.4 ± 1.8 events, 0.33 ± 0.06 Hz) of different amplitudes but with similar kinetics. Local compression of the mucosa with the electrode evoked peak 5‐HT release of 12.3 ± 2.8 μmol L−1 with a sustained release of 3.0 ± 0.7 μmol L−1. Brief application of acetylcholine (ACh) or carbachol elicited a transient peak (5.7 ± 1.3 μmol L−1 occurring at 35 ± 18 s, n = 9) followed by cyclic release of 5‐HT (9.7 ± 2.2 events, 0.40 ± 0.13 Hz, n = 6). This study shows that the release of 5‐HT occurs rapidly as individual events from a small number of cells and can reach very high concentrations locally.
Folate synthesis in plants: the last step of the p‐aminobenzoate branch is catalyzed by a plastidial aminodeoxychorismate lyase
Authors: Basset Gilles J.C. , Ravanel Stéphane , Quinlivan Eoin P. , White Ruth , Giovannoni James J. , Rébeillé Fabrice , Nichols Brian P. , Shinozaki Kazuo , Seki Motoaki , Gregory Jesse F. , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: October 2004

In plants, the last step in the synthesis of p‐aminobenzoate (PABA) moiety of folate remains to be elucidated. In Escherichia coli, this step is catalyzed by the PabC protein, a β‐lyase that converts 4‐amino‐4‐deoxychorismate (ADC) – the reaction product of the PabA and PabB enzymes – to PABA and pyruvate. So far, the only known plant enzyme involved in PABA synthesis is ADC synthase, which has fused domains homologous to E. coli PabA and PabB and is located in plastids. ADC synthase has no lyase activity, implying that plants have a separate ADC lyase. No such lyase is known in any eukaryote. Genomic and phylogenetic approaches identified Arabidopsis and tomato cDNAs encoding PabC homologs with putative chloroplast‐targeting peptides. These cDNAs were shown to encode functional enzymes by complementation of an E. coli pabC mutant, and by demonstrating that the partially purified recombinant proteins convert ADC to PABA. Plant ADC lyase is active as dimer and is not feedback inhibited by physiologic concentrations of PABA, its glucose ester, or folates. The full‐length Arabidopsis ADC lyase polypeptide was translocated into isolated pea chloroplasts and, when fused to green fluorescent protein, directed the passenger protein to Arabidopsis chloroplasts in transient expression experiments. These data indicate that ADC lyase, like ADC synthase, is present in plastids. As shown previously for the ADC synthase transcript, the level of ADC lyase mRNA in the pericarp of tomato fruit falls sharply as ripening advances, suggesting that the expression of these two enzymes is coregulated.
Alterations of mast cell mediator production and release by gamma‐linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid
Authors: GUECK THOMAS , SEIDEL ANJA , BAUMANN DANIELA , MEISTER ANTJE , FUHRMANN HERBERT
Published: October 2004

Abstract  The purpose of our investigations was to evaluate the supposed beneficial effects of gamma‐linolenic (GLA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a canine mastocytoma cell line (C2) as a model for canine atopic dermatitis. Cells were cultured in a basic medium (DEH) and in DEH supplemented with 14.3 µm GLA (DEH–GLA) or 14.3 µm DHA (DEH–DHA) for 8 days. Chymase and tryptase activity, as well as histamine and prostaglandin (PG)E2 release were measured. To stimulate histamine and PGE2 release, cells were incubated with the wasp venom peptide mastoparan (50 µm) for 30 min. GLA increased tryptase activity and decreased histamine release after C2 stimulation. DHA diminished PGE2 production in activated C2. These results support the prescription of GLA‐ and DHA‐enriched diets to reduce inflammatory signs in canine atopic dermatitis.
Determination of threshold concentrations of allergens and evaluation of two different histamine concentrations in canine intradermal testing
Authors: HENSEL PATRICK , AUSTEL MICHAELA , MEDLEAU LINDA , ZHAO YING , VIDYASHANKAR ANAND
Published: October 2004

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal histamine concentration and allergen threshold concentrations for canine intradermal testing. Thirty healthy dogs were tested using two different concentrations of histamine and four different concentrations of each allergen. The optimal histamine concentration was determined to be 1:10 000 w/v. The threshold concentration was at least 1750 PNU/mL for all tested grasses, weeds, trees, moulds and insects, except for fleas which was as least 1:500 w/v. ForDermatophagoides pteronyssinus, the optimal threshold concentration was 250 PNU/mL, whereas forDermatophagoides farinaeandTyrophagus putrescentiae, it was 100 PNU/mL. Threshold concentration for all epidermals except human dander was at least 1250 PNU/mL. The optimal threshold concentration for human dander was 300 PNU/mL. Our results suggest that the currently used 1:100 000 w/v concentration of histamine and the 1000 PNU/mL concentration for most grasses, weeds, trees, moulds, epidermals and insects may not be appropriate for canine intradermal testing.
Demonstration of Beats with a Double-Driven String
Authors: Carmichael Christine , Smith Steven
Published: October 2004

This unique demonstration is a novel way of presenting the concept of constructive and destructive interference and the resulting beat notes. The visual impact reinforces the auditory variation in intensity and is more obvious.
Mycobacterial Ku and Ligase Proteins Constitute a Two-Component NHEJ Repair Machine
Authors: Della Marina , Palmbos Phillip L. , Tseng Hui-Min , Tonkin Louise M. , Daley James M. , Topper Leana M. , Pitcher Robert S. , Tomkinson Alan E. , Wilson Thomas E. , Doherty Aidan J.
Published: October 2004

In mammalian cells, repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) is critical for genome stability. Although the end-bridging and ligation steps of NHEJ have been reconstituted in vitro, little is known about the end-processing reactions that occur before ligation. Recently, functionally homologous end-bridging and ligation activities have been identified in prokarya. Consistent with its homology to polymerases and nucleases, we demonstrate that DNA ligase D from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mt-Lig) possesses a unique variety of nucleotidyl transferase activities, including gap-filling polymerase, terminal transferase, and primase, and is also a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease. These enzyme activities allow the Mt-Ku and Mt-Lig proteins to join incompatible DSB ends in vitro, as well as to reconstitute NHEJ in vivo in yeast. These results demonstrate that prokaryotic Ku and ligase form a bona fide NHEJ system that encodes all the recognition, processing, and ligation activities required for DSB repair.
Oscillations in NF-κB Signaling Control the Dynamics of Gene Expression
Authors: Nelson D. E. , Ihekwaba A. E. C. , Elliott M. , Johnson J. R. , Gibney C. A. , Foreman B. E. , Nelson G. , See V. , Horton C. A. , Spiller D. G. , Edwards S. W. , McDowell H. P. , Unitt J. F. , Sullivan E. , Grimley R. , Benson N. , Broomhead D. , Kell D. B. , White M. R. H.
Published: October 2004

Signaling by the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) involves its release from inhibitor kappa B (IκB) in the cytosol, followed by translocation into the nucleus. NF-κB regulation of IκBα transcription represents a delayed negative feedback loop that drives oscillations in NF-κB translocation. Single-cell time-lapse imaging and computational modeling of NF-κB (RelA) localization showed asynchronous oscillations following cell stimulation that decreased in frequency with increased IκBα transcription. Transcription of target genes depended on oscillation persistence, involving cycles of RelA phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. The functional consequences of NF-κB signaling may thus depend on number, period, and amplitude of oscillations.
The PP2A-Associated Protein α4 Is an Essential Inhibitor of Apoptosis
Authors: Kong Mei , Fox Casey J. , Mu James , Solt Laura , Xu Anne , Cinalli Ryan M. , Birnbaum Morris J. , Lindsten Tullia , Thompson Craig B.
Published: October 2004

Despite evidence that protein kinases are regulators of apoptosis, a specific role for phosphatases in regulating cell survival has not been established. Here we show that α4, a noncatalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), is required to repress apoptosis in murine cells. α4 is a nonredundant regulator of the dephosphorylation of the transcription factors c-Jun and p53. As a result of α
4
deletion, multiple proapoptotic genes were transcribed. Either inhibition of new protein synthesis or Bcl-x
L
overexpression suppressed apoptosis initiated by α
4
deletion. Thus, mammalian cell viability depends on repression of transcription-initiated apoptosis mediated by a component of PP2A.
A Gene Expression Map for the Euchromatic Genome ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Stolc Viktor , Gauhar Zareen , Mason Christopher , Halasz Gabor , van Batenburg Marinus F. , Rifkin Scott A. , Hua Sujun , Herreman Tine , Tongprasit Waraporn , Barbano Paolo Emilio , Bussemaker Harmen J. , White Kevin P.
Published: October 2004

We used a maskless photolithography method to produce DNA oligonucleotide microarrays with unique probe sequences tiled throughout the genome ofDrosophila melanogasterand across predicted splice junctions. RNA expression of protein coding and nonprotein coding sequences was determined for each major stage of the life cycle, including adult males and females. We detected transcriptional activity for 93% of annotated genes and RNA expression for 41% of the probes in intronic and intergenic sequences. Comparison to genome-wide RNA interference data and to gene annotations revealed distinguishable levels of expression for different classes of genes and higher levels of expression for genes with essential cellular functions. Differential splicing was observed in about 40% of predicted genes, and 5440 previously unknown splice forms were detected. Genes within conserved regions of synteny withD. pseudoobscurahad highly correlated expression; these regions ranged in length from 10 to 900 kilobase pairs. The expressed intergenic and intronic sequences are more likely to be evolutionarily conserved than nonexpressed ones, and about 15% of them appear to be developmentally regulated. Our results provide a draft expression map for the entire nonrepetitive genome, which reveals a much more extensive and diverse set of expressed sequences than was previously predicted.
Plant Cuticular Lipid Export Requires an ABC Transporter
Authors: Pighin Jamie A. , Zheng Huanquan , Balakshin Laura J. , Goodman Ian P. , Western Tamara L. , Jetter Reinhard , Kunst Ljerka , Samuels A. Lacey
Published: October 2004

A waxy protective cuticle coats all primary aerial plant tissues. Its synthesis requires extensive export of lipids from epidermal cells to the plant surface.
Arabidopsis cer5
mutants had reduced stem cuticular wax loads and accumulated sheetlike inclusions in the cytoplasm of wax-secreting cells. These inclusions represented abnormal deposits of cuticular wax and resembled inclusions found in a human disorder caused by a defective peroxisomal adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter. We found that the
CER5
gene encodes an ABC transporter localized in the plasma membrane of epidermal cells and conclude that it is required for wax export to the cuticle.
Electric Field Effect in Atomically Thin Carbon Films
Authors: Novoselov K. S. , Geim A. K. , Morozov S. V. , Jiang D. , Zhang Y. , Dubonos S. V. , Grigorieva I. V. , Firsov A. A.
Published: October 2004

We describe monocrystalline graphitic films, which are a few atoms thick but are nonetheless stable under ambient conditions, metallic, and of remarkably high quality. The films are found to be a two-dimensional semimetal with a tiny overlap between valence and conductance bands, and they exhibit a strong ambipolar electric field effect such that electrons and holes in concentrations up to 10
13
per square centimeter and with room-temperature mobilities of ∼10,000 square centimeters per volt-second can be induced by applying gate voltage.
Quantum State Transfer Between Matter and Light
Authors: Matsukevich D. N. , Kuzmich A.
Published: October 2004

We report on the coherent quantum state transfer from a two-level atomic system to a single photon. Entanglement between a single photon (signal) and a two-component ensemble of cold rubidium atoms is used to project the quantum memory element (the atomic ensemble) onto any desired state by measuring the signal in a suitable basis. The atomic qubit is read out by stimulating directional emission of a single photon (idler) from the (entangled) collective state of the ensemble. Faithful atomic memory preparation and readout are verified by the observed correlations between the signal and the idler photons. These results enable implementation of distributed quantum networking.
Elemental and Redox Analysis of Single Bacterial Cells by X-ray Microbeam Analysis
Authors: Kemner Kenneth M. , Kelly Shelly D. , Lai Barry , Maser Joerg , O'Loughlin Edward J. , Sholto-Douglas Deirdre , Cai Zhonghou , Schneegurt Mark A. , Kulpa Charles F. , Nealson Kenneth H.
Published: October 2004

High-energy x-ray fluorescence measurements were used to make elemental maps and qualitative chemical analyses of individual
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strain NCIMB 11764 cells. Marked differences between planktonic and adhered cells were seen in the morphology, elemental composition, and sensitivity to Cr(VI) of hydrated cells at spatial scales of 150 nm. This technology can be applied to natural geomicrobiological systems.
Gene Order and Dynamic Domains
Authors: Kosak Steven T. , Groudine Mark
Published: October 2004

When considering the daunting complexity of eukaryotic genomes, some comfort can be found in the fact that the human genome may contain only 30,000 to 40,000 genes. Moreover, growing evidence suggests that genomes may be organized in such a way as to take advantage of space. A gene's location in the linear DNA sequence and its position in the three-dimensional nucleus can both be important in its regulation. Contrary to prevailing notions in this postgenomic era, the bacteriophage λ, a paragon of simplicity, may still have a few things to teach us with respect to these facets of nonrandom genomes.
APPLICATION OF PIXE ANALYSIS TO THE STUDY OF ELECTROKINETIC REMOVAL OF CESIUM FROM SOIL
Authors: OGURI Y. , MIYAKE K. , FUKUDA H. , KANEKO J. , HASEGAWA J. , OGAWA M. , SHIHO M.
Published: October 2004

Thick-target PIXE analysis was applied to the study of electrokinetic soil remediation technique. In order to simulate radioactive soil contamination by 137 Cs , salt of stable cesium was mixed with soil samples. These soil samples were subjected to electrolysis for up to 36 hours with a field gradient of ≈ 1-3 V/cm. After the electrolysis, we measured the distribution of Cs concentration in the soil along the electrolysis cell by PIXE analysis. LX-rays of cesium were used for the analysis. The Cs concentrations in the drain water sampled from the cathode well were also evaluated. After the electrolysis the migration of cesium from the anode to the cathode was clearly observed. Water supply into the anode well enhanced the removal rate. We found that the main driving force of the migration of Cs + observed in this work was not electrophoretic migration, but electroosmotic flow in the soil samples. Owing to the spectral interference by major metallic elements in the soil, the minimum detectable concentration of cesium by the present method was limited to ≈ 800 ppm.
PIXE ANALYSIS OF WATER LEAKAGE FROM A LANDFILL SITE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE GENERATING HYDROGEN SULFIDE
Authors: YAMAZAKI H. , ISHII K. , MATSUYAMA S. , AMARTAIVAN TS. , SUZUKI A. , YAMAGUCHI T. , MOMOSE G. , HOTTA K. , MIZUMA K. , IZUKAWA T. , ABE A. , SASAKI T.
Published: October 2004

The aim of this study is to develop a method for monitoring water pollution caused by dissolved sulfides and other harmful elements by means of PIXE offering the advantage of multielemental nature, high sensitivity and speed of analysis for a wide variety of samples. Sulfide ions dissolved in an aqueous sample were converted to insoluble CuS compounds and then collected on a thin organic filter suitable as a backing foil for PIXE measurements. The standard method for scavenging CuS precipitate is founded on an investigation of the pH-dependence of the recovery of dissolved sulfides and the calibration curve covering the concentration range from 10 to 1000 ppb. The recovery-factor of CuS showed a maximum value at around pH 8 although it changed with the intrinsic pH of samples. The recovery factor for pH adjusted to 7.50 was kept constant in a wide concentration range of sulfide ions from 10 to 1000 ppb. The concentration of tens of ppm sulfur compound was detected in both drain water from the industrial waste disposal and in peripheral agricultural water, but the fraction of dissolved sulfide was only about 1%. The low concentration of dissolved sulfides was discussed from the viewpoint of the oxidation condition originated from the soluble and insoluble components detected in samples by PIXE analysis.
ON AN ANALYTIC PROOF OF A RESULT BY DONALDSON
Authors: GUO GUANG-YUAN
Published: October 2004

We give an analytic proof of a result by Donaldson which asserts that there is a one to one correspondence between the moduli space of framed instantons on S4 and the moduli space of holomorphic bundles over CP2 trivialized along a line.
PROJECTIVITY OF TORUS FIBRE SPACES OVER CURVES AND MULTIPLE FIBRES
Authors: KAWAZOE MITSURU
Published: October 2004

In this paper, we consider logarithmic transformations for torus bundles over a nonsingular algebraic curve and give a criterion to be Kähler or projective for torus quasi bundles. In paticular we have a criterion to be Kähler or projective for elliptic surfaces with c2=0.
CLASSICAL NILPOTENT ORBITS AS HYPERKÄHLER QUOTIENTS
Authors: KOBAK PIOTR Z. , SWANN ANDREW
Published: October 2004

We show that on an arbitrary nilpotent orbit [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of classical simple Lie algebras, there is a G-invariant hyperKähler structure obtainable as a hyperKäher quotient of the flat hyperKähler manifold ℝ4N≅ℍN. Coïncidences between various low-dimensional simple Lie groups lead to some nilpotent orbits being described as hyperKähler quotients (in some cases in fact finite quotients) of other nilpotent orbits. For example, from the construction we are able to read off pairs of orbits [Formula: see text] in different classical Lie algebras [Formula: see text] such that there is a finite [Formula: see text]-equivariant surjection [Formula: see text] between the orbit closures. We include a table listing examples of hyperKähler quotients between small nilpotent orbits.

The above-mentioned results have consequences in quaternionic Kähler geometry: it is known that nilpotent orbits in complex semisimple Lie algebras give rise to quaternionic Kähler manifolds. Our approach gives a more direct proof of this in the classical case as these manifolds turn out to be quaternionic Kähler quotients of quaternionic projective spaces. We find that many of these manifolds can also be constructed as quaternionic Kähler quotients of complex Grassmannians [Formula: see text].
ON THE SPACE OF HARMONIC 2-SPHERES IN CP2
Authors: LEMAIRE L. , WOOD J.C.
Published: October 2004

Carrying further the work of T.A. Crawford, we show that each component of the space of harmonic maps from the 2-sphere to complex projective 2-space of degree d and energy 4πE is a smooth closed submanifold of the space of all Cj maps (j≥2). We achieve this by showing that the Gauss transform which relates them to spaces of holomorphic maps of given degree and ramification index is smooth and has injective differential.
UNIVERSAL QUANTUM GROUPS
Authors: DAELE ALFONS VAN , WANG SHUZHOU
Published: October 2004

For each invertible m×m matrix Q a compact matrix quantum group Au(Q) is constructed. These quantum groups are shown to be universal in the sense that any compact matrix quantum group is a quantum subgroup of some of them. Their orthogonal version Ao(Q) is also constructed. Finally, we discuss related constructions in the literature.
MINIMAL EXPECTATIONS FOR INCLUSIONS WITH ATOMIC CENTRES
Authors: FIDALEO FRANCESCO , ISOLA TOMMASO
Published: October 2004

We study the set of minimal conditional expectations for inclusions of von Neumann algebras with atomic centres. Contrary to the case of finite dimensional centres, the set of minimal conditional expectations with scalar index consists, in general, of more than one element. Some calculations relative to the connection between minimal expectations and entropy are also done. The last section is devoted to the existence of conditional expectations preserving a Markov trace. Simple examples show that all possibilities can occur.
MOMENTUM MAPPINGS AND POISSON COHOMOLOGY
Authors: GINZBURG VIKTOR L.
Published: October 2004

We analyze the question of existence and uniqueness of equivariant momentum mappings for Poisson actions of Poisson Lie groups. A necessary and sufficient condition for the equivariant momentum mapping to be unique is given. The existence problem is solved under some extra hypotheses, for example, when the action preserves the Poisson structure. In this case, the problem is closely related to the triviality of the induced group action on the Poisson cohomology. This action is shown to be trivial whenever the group is compact or semisimple. Conceptually, these results rely upon a version of “Poisson calculus” developed here to make one-forms on a Poisson manifold induce a “flow” preserving the Poisson structure.

In the general case, obstructions to the existence of an infinitesimal version of an equivariant momentum mapping are found. Using Lie algebra cohomology with coefficients in Fréchet modules, we show that the obstructions vanish, and the infinitesimal mapping exists, when the group is compact semisimple.

We also prove the rigidity of compact group actions preserving the Poisson structure on a compact manifold and calculate the Poisson cohomology of the Poisson homogeneous space [Formula: see text].
AFFINE STRUCTURES ON NILMANIFOLDS
Authors: BURDE DIETRICH
Published: October 2004

We investigate the existence of affine structures on nilmanifolds Γ\G in the case where the Lie algebra g of the Lie group G is filiform nilpotent of dimension less or equal to 11. Here we obtain examples of nilmanifolds without any affine structure in dimensions 10, 11. These are new counterexamples to the Milnor conjecture. So far examples in dimension 11 were known where the proof is complicated, see [5] and [4]. Using certain 2-cocycles we realize the filiform Lie algebras as deformation algebras from a standard graded filiform algebra. Thus we study the affine algebraic variety of complex filiform nilpotent Lie algebra structures of a given dimension ≤11. This approach simplifies the calculations, and the counterexamples in dimension 10 are less complicated than the known ones. We also obtain results for the minimal dimension µ(g) of a faithful g-module for these filiform Lie algebras g.
QUATERNIONIC SEIBERG-WITTEN EQUATION
Authors: NITTA TAKASHI , TANIGUCHI TADASHI
Published: October 2004

In this paper we generalize Seiberg-Witten equations to a higher dimensional quaternionic Kähler manifold and study the moduli space.
ON THE UNIQUENESS OF THE MARTINGALE PROBLEM
Authors: OKITALOSHIMA ODIMBOLEKO , VAN CASTEREN JAN A.
Published: October 2004

Let E be a second countable locally compact Hausdorff space and let L be a linear operator with domain D(L) and range R(L) in C0(E). Suppose that D(L) is dense in E and that the operator L possesses the Korovkin property or, more generally, the Stone property with respect to some large collection of continuous functions (cf. Definition 3.8). For every x∈E the martingale problem is well-posed if and only if there exists a unique extension of L that generates a Feller semigroup in C0(E). Next let L0 be the generator of a Feller semigroup in C0(E) and let L1 and T be linear operators with the following properties: the operator I–T has range D(L1), the domain of L1, L1 verifies the maximum principle, the vector sum of the spaces R(I–T) and R(L1(I–T)) is dense in C0(E), and [Formula: see text]. Then there exists at most one linear extension L of the operator L1 for which LT is bounded and that generates a Feller semigroup. Similarly, if the martingale problem is solvable for L1, then it is uniquely solvable for L1, provided that the operator [Formula: see text] is a bounded linear map in C0(E). Here (ℙx, X(t)) is a solution to the martingale problem for L1.

Some related results for dissipative operators in a Banach space are presented as well.
THE DAUER MUTATION OF THE CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS, SIMULATED WITH THE PENNA AND THE STAUFFER MODELS
Authors: COLONIUS KERSTIN
Published: October 2004

Two aging models were analyzed on whether they can confirm the dauer mutation of the nematode helps to preserve the species. As a result the Penna model shows that populations with dauer larvae survive bad environmental conditions, whereas populations without it die out. In the Stauffer model, the advantage of the dauer mutation for the survival is only given under certain conditions.
SCALING AND URBAN GROWTH
Authors: BENGUIGUI L. , CZAMANSKI D. , MARINOV M.
Published: October 2004

This paper presents an analysis of the growth of towns in the Tel Aviv metropolis. It indicates a similarity in the variation of populations so that the population functions can be scaled and superposed one onto the other. This is a strong indication that the growth mechanism for all these towns is the same. Two different models are presented to interpret the population growth: one is an analytic model while the other is a computer simulation. In the dynamic analytic model, we introduced the concept of characteristic time. The growth has two parts: in the first, the derivative is an increasing function, the town is very attractive and there is short delay between decision to build and complete realization of the process. At this time, there is no shortage of land. However, around a specific time, the delay begins to increase and there is lack of available land. The rate of the population variation decreases until saturation. The two models give a good quantitative description.
OPINION EVOLUTION ON A SCALE-FREE NETWORK WITH LEADERS
Authors: HE MINGFENG , XU HAIXUAN , SUN QI
Published: October 2004

In this paper we study the model of opinion dynamics with individuals on nodes of a scale-free network, introducing an opinion evolution mechanism and according to the nodes' degrees defining broad-sense-concept leaders on the network. We compare the strength of opinion influence between leaders and followers. With computer simulations of opinion dynamics, we found that the more complex is the scale-free network, the easier for leaders to make their opinion accepted by the masses.
NUMERICAL STUDIES OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL GENERALIZED WIGNER CRYSTAL ON DISORDERED HOST-LATTICE
Authors: SLAVIN VICTOR
Published: October 2004

New numerical methods of the ground state and thermodynamic properties calculations of one-dimensional Generalized Wigner crystal on disordered host-lattice are proposed. Unlike computer simulation methods (for instance, Monte Carlo) these methods bring the exact results. Another attractive feature of the proposed methods is their speed: it is possible to study the systems with length about 104–105 nodes even on a personal computer. This is especially important in the case of weakly disordered systems and the long-range correlations. The gapless structure of low-energy excitation and breaking long-range correlations at arbitrary small disordering are established.
PHASE CHANGES IN ICOSAHEDRAL 54-, 55-, 56-ATOM PLATINUM CLUSTERS
Authors: SEBETCI ALI , GÜVENÇ ZIYA B. , KÖKTEN HATICE
Published: October 2004

Using the Voter and Chen version of an embedded-atom model, derived by fitting simultaneously to experimental data both the diatomic molecule and bulk platinum, we have studied the melting behavior of free, icosahedral, 54-, 55- and 56-atom platinum clusters in the molecular dynamics simulation technique. We present an atom-resolved analysis method that includes physical quantities such as the root-mean-square bond-length fluctuation and coordination number for individual atoms as functions of temperature. The effect of a central atom in the icosahedral structure to the melting process is discussed. The results show that the global minimum structures of the 54-, 55- and 56-atom Pt clusters do not melt at a specific temperature, rather, melting processes take place over a finite temperature range. The heat capacity peaks are not δ-functions, but instead remain finite. An ensemble of clusters in the melting region is a mixture of solid-like and liquid-like clusters.
In vitro Anti-leukemic and Antiviral Activities of Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Lien-Chai , Cheng Hua-Yew , Chen Chi-Chain , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: October 2004

Medicinal plants have been historically used as treatment for different kinds of human diseases. In this study, hot water (HW) extract of five Taiwanese traditionally used medicinal plants was evaluated for their in vitro anti-leukemic (including anti-K562, L1210, P3HR1, Raji and U937 leukemia cells) and antiviral (including HSV-1 and HSV-2) activities. Results showed that Blumea lacera exhibited broad anti-leukemic activity at magnitudes ranging from moderate to mild and Ixeris chinensis is effective at inhibiting the proliferation of K562 cells. B. lacera and Tithonia diversifolia suppressed the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2, and had IC 50 values below 100 μg/ml. The medicinal plants showed no cytotoxic effect at concentrations that inhibited HSV infection. It was, therefore, concluded that the HW extract of tested medicinal plants exhibited anti-leukemic and antiviral activities at different magnitudes of potency.
Inducible Activity of Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber OffifinaleRosc.) on the mRNA Expression of Macrophage-Inducible Nitric Oxide (NO) Synthase and NO Production in a Macrophage Cell Line, RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Imanishi Nobuko , Mantani Naoki , Sakai Shinya , Sato Miyuki , Katada Yuko , Ueda Kyouka , Terasawa Katsutoshi , Ochiai Hiroshi
Published: October 2004

We have investigated the effect of Zingiber offifinale Rosc. (ZOR) on macrophage-inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (macNOS) mRNA expression and NO production in RAW264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line; 100 μg/ml ZOR can induce macNOS mRNA expression, but induction effects at a dose below 10 μg/ml were weak or negligible. Kinetic studies showed that macNOS mRNA can be detected from 4 hours to 24 hours after dosing, with a peak at 8 hours. In accordance with the induction of macNOS mRNA expression, NO concentrations increased from 3.4 μM at 2 hours to almost 150 μM at 24 hours, reflecting a longer period of macNOS mRNA expression. The activity of ZOR can be considered to contribute, at least in part, to the beneficial effects of ZOR through the macNOS-mediated activation of the biodefense mechanism.
Clinical Efficacy of EH0202, a Kampo Formula, on the Health of Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Ushiroyama Takahisa , Yoshida Satoshi , Tadaki Keiichi , Ikeda Atsushi , Ueki Minoru
Published: October 2004

To investigate the clinical effects of EH0202, a Japanese herbal supplement, on the menopausal symptoms and physical status of peri- and post-menopausal women. Thirty-two post-menopausal women (53.0±5.1 years) presented with menopausal complaints were enrolled in the clinical study. Patients were administered an herbal supplement, EH0202 (6 g/day for 6 months), and were assessed for improvement of their overall symptoms using the Greene Climacteric Scale and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Blood pressure, skin surface blood flow and plasma lipid profiles were measured before and 1, 3 and 6 months after EH0202 administration. There was a significant decrease in the climacteric scale score (P<0.001) and VAS (P<0.0001) after 6 months of EH0202 treatment. There was a significant decrease in systolic (P<0.001) and diastolic (P<0.05) blood pressure, and a significant decrease in facial skin surface blood flow (P<0.05) after 3 months of EH0202 administration. We observed a significant decrease in plasma TG and LDL-cholesterol concentrations after 3 months of EH0202 administration (P<0.05). EH0202 (MACH) reduced blood pressure, excess facial skin blood flow (flushing) and abnormal lipid levels, as well as clinically improved menopausal symptoms in post-menopausal women. In post-menopausal women, this product appears to help maintain normal biological function and improves quality of life.
The Effect of Gu-Sui-Bu (Drynaria fortunei) on Bone Cell Activity
Authors: Sun Jui-Sheng , Thériault Brigitte L. , Anderson Gail I.
Published: October 2004

We investigated the effects of Gu-Sui-Bu using in vitro bone cell cultures. Primary rabbit and mouse marrow cells were cultured with or without five different concentrations of Gu-Sui-Bu extract. Osteoclast numbers were assessed using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cell counts and for function, osteoclast resorption pits on bovine bone slices were performed. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) positive cell counts and mineralized nodule formation were examined to assess osteoblast function with Gu-Sui-Bu. TRAP+ osteoclast numbers increased, as did the number and size of resorption pits with 0.001 mg/ml of extract. Low doses of extract did not alter AP+ colony number or mineralized nodule formation, but both were inhibited by doses of 0.1 mg/ml or higher. The highest dose of extract (10 mg/ml) inhibited proliferation of all cell types. At 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml doses, RANKL increased over time; however, osteoprotegerin levels only increased at doses ≥0.1 mg/ml. Resorption pit formation was decreased without alteration in mature multinucleated (TRAP+) cell counts only at the highest dose of the putative active ingredient of Gu-Sui-Bu. In summary, lower concentrations of Gu-Sui-Bu extract had positive effects on osteoclast proliferation, survival and resorptive activity that may be mediated through enhanced prostaglandin secretion. However, high doses of extract proved detrimental to osteoclast and osteoblast survival. No effect of low doses of Gu-Sui-Bu extract was seen in osteoblast cultures. High doses of the putative active ingredient of Gu-Sui-Bu showed mild inhibition of mouse osteoclast function.
Needling of the Extra 1 Point Decreases BIS Values and Preoperative Anxiety
Authors: Paraskeva A. , Melemeni A. , Petropoulos G. , Siafaka I. , Fassoulaki A.
Published: October 2004

Acupuncture has anxiolytic effects. We investigated the effect of acupuncture on the Bispectral Index (BIS) values and anxiety. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to group A to receive acupuncture for 15 minutes on the extra 1 point (yintang) or to group C, where they received the same treatment on a control point located 2 cm lateral to the end of the right eyebrow. BIS values were recorded before acupuncture; during acupuncture every 30 seconds for 15 minutes and every 30 seconds for 90 seconds when the acupuncture treatment was accomplished. Anxiety level was assessed before and after acupuncture by a verbal score scale (VSS) (0=no anxiety, 10=worst anxiety). BIS values were significantly decreased during acupuncture when applied on the extra 1 point (p=0.0001) but not on the control point.

Acupuncture application significantly decreased the VSS values within the A group (p=0.027) and in the C group (p=0.0001), when compared to the baseline (pre-acupuncture) VSS values. However, no differences were found between the two groups regarding BIS or VSS values. In conclusion, needling the extra 1 point preoperatively significantly decreases the BIS values and the VSS for anxiety but needling of a control point decrease only VSS values.
About the Neurobiological Foundations of the De-Qi — Stimulus-Response Relation
Authors: Abad-Alegría Francisco , Pomarón Carlos
Published: October 2004

In acupunctural reflexotherapy, it is usually stated that no appreciable therapeutic effect is obtained under a certain stimulation level, which is determined by the appearance of a particular sensation known as De-Qi. Given that afference control actions of the central nervous system do not work in this way, but rather adapt, with some peculiarities, to a classical schedule of proportionality between stimulus and response, our aim is to evaluate the extent to which acupunctural stimuli of increasing intensity can also increasingly modify neurophysiological parameters, by focusing on quantification of metameric levels, by an F-wave study and by means of somatosensorial evoked potential in the telencephalus. Twenty-one healthy volunteers were studied; values corresponding to the parameters indicated in a basal situation were taken and both a non-acupunctural point and the classical 4IG point were punctured simply, until the De-Qi sensation was obtained, following which, electrical stimulation was applied. Clear progressiveness was observed in the modifications of both the F-value and somesthesic potential values with increasing stimuli. It is true that the main inflexion occurs where obtaining De-Qi, but when overstimulation is applied from that time, greater variations take place, which is particularly patent in the case of somesthesic potential latency. Furthermore, the puncture of an extrachannel point shows that the mere puncturing of the skin does not produce any of the aforementioned effects. Despite the classical postulates, it is observed that, the greater the intensity of the acupunctural stimulus, the greater the modifications in the neurophysiological parameters studied. Control of somesthesic afference by acupuncture has already been demonstrated and quantified; now, however, the direct relation between the intensity of this effect and that of the stimulus used to produce it, which is quite far removed from the classical energetic conceptions, is also observed. The effect of acupunctural stimulation is closely related to the intensity of the stimulus applied and the De-Qi sensation is not required to obtain neurofunctional modifications and stimulations that go beyond it producing greater effects.
Energy Medicine
Authors: Gulmen Funda M.
Published: October 2004

Energy medicine is becoming more frequently used in supporting patients to attain optimal health. The concept of energy medicine as a holistic practice is introduced and its relationship to physical medicine is discussed. In addition, descriptions of energy systems and modalities that are commonly used are also offered.
Effects of Aqueous Extracts of "Betel Quid" and Its Constituents on Testosterone Production by Dispersed Mouse Interstitial Cells
Authors: Yang Nai-Yen Jack , Kaphle Krishna , Wang Pei-Hwa , Jong De-Shien , Wu Leang-Shin , Lin Jen-Hsou
Published: October 2004

Betel quid (BQ) is a favorite chewing item among many communities in different parts of Asia where it is popular by different names. BQ is a unique combination of nut or fruit from the Areca catechu Linn. (AN) tree, leaf from the Piper betle Linn. (BL) vine, slaked lime, paste of bark from the Acacia catechu tree and other spices. AN has been used successfully in various traditional medicines by different civilizations over several ages. Initially condemned by the medical communities for its health hazards, identification and application of potent pharmacologically bioactive compounds from different constituents of BQ have rekindled growing interest in related investigations. Curious about the stimulating role of BQ, we investigated the potential steroidogenic activity of hot water extract from BQ and its constituents and arecoline on testosterone producing ability in an in vitro experiment. Enzyme dissociated interstitial cells from adult mouse testes (ICR strain) were cultured with/without different doses of the extracts and the level of testosterone produced was assayed by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. It was found that at lower doses of arecoline, AN and BL extracts had significantly stimulated testosterone production over the basal level (p<0.05). BQ extract, on the other hand, did not show any significant effect on testosterone production. Combinations of arecoline at low doses with 10 ng/ml ovine leutinizing hormone (oLH) showed increases in testosterone produced, while cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) co-culture showed dose-related inhibition. Our current finding hints at the possible dose-dependent dualistic role of AN and BL extracts and arecoline for testosterone production employing possible non-cAMP-dependent pathway of steroidogenesis. However, the identity of the active compounds besides arecoline and the exact mechanism involved remains to be further investigated.
A NEUTRINO MASS MODEL WITH REFLECTION SYMMETRY
Authors: GHOSAL AMBAR
Published: October 2004

We demonstrate that an SU (2)L× U (1)Y model with the same particle content as Standard Model (SM) and discrete reflection symmetry between second and third generations of leptons gives rise to charged lepton and neutrino mass matrices which can accommodate the present solar, atmospheric, WMAP neutrino experimental results. The model predicts the value of |U13| which could be tested in neutrino factories and the effective Majorana neutrino mass  which is at the lower end of the present experimental value. Neutrino masses are generated through dim=5 operators and the scale of which are constrained by the value of . If, in future neutrinoless double beta decay experiments namely, MOON, EXO, GENIUS shift the lower bound on  by one order, the present model will fail to accommodate the solar neutrino mixing angle due to LMA solution.
ON THE ENTANGLED STATE REPRESENTATION, EXCITATION REPRESENTATION AND EFFECTIVE NUMBER-PHASE STATE REPRESENTATIONS IN RINDLER SPACE
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , HE HAI-YAN
Published: October 2004

We analyze the Unruh effect from the point of view of quantum entanglement. We introduce the entangled state representation in Rindler space and show that the Minkowski vacuum state is an entangled state in Rindler space. The corresponding squeezing operator, which is related to the acceleration of the detector, is obtained naturally. The excitation representation and number state–phase state representations are also introduced in Rindler space. The number-phase commutative relation is established.
ON BIG RIP SINGULARITIES
Authors: CHIMENTO L. P. , LAZKOZ RUTH
Published: October 2004

Here we discuss big rip singularities occurring in typical phantom models by violation of the weak energy condition. After that, we compare them with future late-time singularities arising in models where the scale factor ends in a constant value and there is no violation of the strong energy condition. In phantom models the equation of state is well defined along the whole evolution, even at the big rip. However, both the pressure and the energy density of the phantom field diverge. In contrast, in the second kind of model the equation of state is not defined at the big rip because the pressure bursts at a finite value of the energy density.
NON-ABELIAN POISSON MANIFOLDS FROM D-BRANES
Authors: ISIDRO JOSÉ M.
Published: October 2004

Superimposed D-branes have matrix-valued functions as their transverse coordinates, since the latter take values in the Lie algebra of the gauge group inside the stack of coincident branes. This leads to considering a classical dynamics where the multiplication law for coordinates and/or momenta, being given by matrix multiplication, is non-Abelian. Quantization further introduces noncommutativity as a deformation in powers of Planck's constant ℏ. Given an arbitrary simple Lie algebra [Formula: see text] and an arbitrary Poisson manifold ℳ, both finite-dimensional, we define a corresponding C⋆-algebra that can be regarded as a non-Abelian Poisson manifold. The latter provides a natural framework for a matrix-valued classical dynamics.
THE CHIRAL CONDENSATE OF STRONGLY COUPLED QCD IN THE 't HOOFT LIMIT
Authors: GRIGNANI G. , MARMOTTINI D. , SODANO P.
Published: October 2004

Using the recently proposed generalization to an arbitrary number of colors of the strong coupling approach to lattice gauge theories,1 we compute the chiral condensate of massless QCD in the 't Hooft limit.