bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression regulated by pioglitazone and exenatide in normal and diabetic rat islets exposed to lipotoxicity
Authors: Ghanaat‐Pour Hamedeh , Sjöholm Åke 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundHyperlipidaemia has been suggested to contribute by pro‐apoptotic actions to the loss of β‐cell mass, its secretory defects, and thereby impaired β‐cell function in type 2 diabetes. Treatment of genetically diabetic rats and also type 2 diabetic patients with pioglitazone, a PPAR‐γ agonist, lowers fasting levels of plasma glucose and triglycerides, and has been suggested to protect β‐cells against diabetic lipotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Another recently launched anti‐diabetic drug, exenatide, an incretin mimetic, has been shown to stimulate insulin secretion, growth, and proliferation of pancreatic β‐cells and to protect them against apoptosis. We aimed to investigate global alterations in β‐cell gene expression under lipotoxic conditions and the influence of in vitro treatment with pioglitazone and exenatide.MethodsGlobal gene expression profiling was thus performed to characterize genes differently regulated by palmitate, pioglitazone, and exenatide in isolated islets from non‐diabetic Wistar rats and type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats.ResultsGene expression profiling revealed significant changes in islet mRNAs involved in control of several aspects of β‐cell function, e.g. epigenetic regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation and morphogenesis, also metabolism, response to stimulus, transport, and signal transduction. Pioglitazone and exenatide appear to significantly impact epigenetic processes, e.g. stable alterations in gene expression potential, which arise during development and cell proliferation. Bcl2‐like 1 (Bcl2l1), an anti‐apoptotic protein, and Bcl2 modifying factor (Bmf), a pro‐apoptotic protein, were both down‐regulated by pioglitazone and exenatide in the presence of palmitate in diabetic GK islets. In contrast, Bmf was downregulated by pioglitazone in the presence of palmitate in non‐diabetic Wistar islets. Exposure of non‐diabetic Wistar islets to palmitate led to a reduction in the expression of PPAR β/δ. This suggests that palmitate may increase the accumulation of triglycerides by reducing PPAR signalling. Moreover, treatment with either pioglitazone or exenatide restored and increased the expression of PPAR β/δ in non‐diabetic Wistar islets.ConclusionsTaking into account that these drugs target different components of the epigenetic machinery, our findings suggest that they might participate in restoring normal gene activity in dysfunctional islets and that additive benefits may occur. Whether such events contribute to the β‐cell sparing, proliferative, and anti‐apoptotic effects of these drugs in diabetes remains to be elucidated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of endothelial progenitor cells in the NOD mouse as a source for cell therapies
Authors: Khoo Cheen Peen , Valorani M. G. , Brittan Mairi , Alison Malcolm R. , Warnes Gary , Johansson Ulrika , Hawa Mohammed , Pozzilli Paolo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) contribute to tissue repair in various pathological conditions via the formation of new blood vessels. Previous studies indicate that diabetic patients have reduced EPC number and deregulated EPC function, although the regenerative properties of EPCs in diabetes are unknown. We wish to characterize and compare EPCs from pre‐diabetic and diabetic non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a model of type 1 diabetes (T1D), in order to delineate the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes.MethodsWhole BM was obtained by flushing femurs, tibias and illiac crests from pre‐diabetic and diabetic NOD mice (5–30 weeks) in which the diabetic status was confirmed by measuring blood glucose levels (≥11.5 mmol/L); PB was collected in heparin‐coated tubes and lysed after incubation with antibodies directed against EPCs.ResultsFACS analyses revealed a significant decrease in EPC number (CD31+, c‐Kit+, Sca‐1+, Lin−) in BM from diabetic compared to pre‐diabetic mice (P = 0.02). Conversely, EPC number was significantly increased in PB from diabetic compared to pre‐diabetic mice (P = 0.01).ConclusionsThese data suggest that at the onset of diabetes, BM‐derived EPCs are stimulated to enter the systemic circulation likely in response to signals from the pancreas. Further studies are required to elucidate whether EPCs home the damaged pancreas, thus representing a prospective source of autologous cells for β‐cell regeneration therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smad5 haploinsufficiency leads to hair cell and hearing loss
Authors: Yang Shi‐Ming , Guo Wei‐Wei , Hu Yin‐Yan , Sun Yan‐Xun , Hou Zhao‐Hui , Sun Jian‐He , Wang Xiang , He David Z.Z. , Zhai Suo‐Qiang , Young Wie‐Yen , Han Dong‐Yi , Yang Xiao 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe Smads are a group of related intracellular proteins critical for transmitting the signals to the nucleus from the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily at the cell surface. Knockout of the Smad5 is embryonic lethal. However, the Smad5 knockout of single allele (±) could survive. We used Smad5 heterozygous knockout (±) to determine the role of Smad5 in the development of inner ear morphology and function. In situ hybridization showed that Smad5 was expressed predominantly in hair cells, spiral ganglion, and supporting cells. Measurements of hearing thresholds using auditory brainstem response showed that Smad5 defect resulted in progressive hearing loss between 4 and 24 weeks after birth. Morphological examination revealed apoptosis in the inner ear, with significant loss of outer hair cells in adult Smad5 mutant mice. Our results indicated that deficiency in the Smad5‐mediated signaling resulted in apoptosis of hair cells, suggesting Smad5 is a gene that may be related with presbycusis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Optimization of input and output filters in matrix converter drive system
Authors: Yamada Kenji , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Hara Hidenori , Yamamoto Eiji , Kume Tsuneo , M. Swamy Mahesh 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper presents an AC‐AC power converter integrated with techniques that provide environmental harmony. The voltage source PWM inverter has been established as the major motor drive equipment. However, it is associated with issues pertaining to PWM switching as well as issues related to the input harmonics caused by capacitor input‐type rectification. Hence, there is need for a converter that addresses these problems and provides an environmentally harmonious solution. The matrix converter has a topology that inherently exhibits sinusoidal input current waveforms and less stressful output voltage waveforms. Combining the matrix converter with certain filter topologies is shown to provide an environmentally harmonious solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(8): 1–10, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10129
Service restoration method considering simultaneous disconnection of distributed generators by one‐bank fault of distribution system
Authors: Takano Hirotaka , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Matsuki Junya , Kobayashi Naoki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDistributed generators (DGs) such as fuel cells and solar cells are going to be installed in the demand side of distribution systems. The DGs can reduce distribution loss by appropriate allocation. However, there are several problems installing DGs such as service restoration of distribution system with DGs and so on. When one bank fault of distribution substation occurs in distribution system, since DGs are simultaneously disconnected from the system, it is not easy to restore isolated load by one bank switching in distribution substation. Therefore, a service restoration method to determine restoration configuration and restoration procedures (switching procedure from normal configuration to restoration configuration) taking into account simultaneous disconnection of DGs is needed. In this paper, the authors propose a computation method to determine the optimal restoration configuration and the restoration procedure considering simultaneous disconnection of DGs by one bank fault of distribution system. In the proposed algorithm, after all of the restoration configuration candidates are effectively enumerated under the operational constraints, the optimal configuration to restore the isolated load is selected among enumerated configuration candidates. After determining the optimal restoration configuration, the optimal restoration procedures are obtained by greedy algorithm. Numerical simulations are carried out for a real scale system model with 237 sectionalizing switches (configuration candidates are 2237) and 21 DGs (total output is 5250 kW which is 3% of total load) in order to examine the validity of the proposed algorithm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(8): 44–55, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10133
Coordinated voltage control of transformer taps with provision for hierarchical structure in power system
Authors: Nakachi Yoshiki , Kato Satoshi , Ukai Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractParticipation of distributed generators (DGs), such as wind turbines, cogeneration systems, etc., is a natural trend from an ecological point of view and will continue to increase. The outputs of these DGs mainly depend on weather conditions but do not correspond to the changes of electrical load demand necessarily. On the other hand, due to deregulation of the electric power market, the power flow in a power system will uncertainly vary with several power transactions. Thus, complex power flow by DGs or transactions will cause voltage deviation. It will be difficult to sustain the voltage quality by using conventional voltage/reactive power control in the near future.In this paper, in order to avoid such voltage deviation and to decrease the frequency of transformer tap operations, the coordinated voltage control scheme of transformer taps on account of hierarchical structure in the power system is proposed. In the proposed scheme, integral of voltage deviation at each layer bus is applied to decide the timing of each transformer tap operation. Numerical simulations confirm that the proposed scheme is able to respond to every condition on voltage deviation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 48–55, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20531
Application of dynamic rating to increase the available transfer capability
Authors: Miura Masaki , Satoh Takuya , Iwamoto Shinichi , Kurihara Ikuo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAs the deregulated environment of power systems has spread worldwide, it is essential to operate power systems efficiently and economically. With the advance of communication technologies and sensors, so‐called dynamic rating is now to be realized. Dynamic rating is a method which determines accurate ratings by utilizing real‐time information such as conductor temperatures, ambient temperatures, and wind speeds. The dynamic rating is considered to increase the thermal capacities of overhead transmission lines and therefore take on importance in the deregulated electric power industry. The importance of the dynamic rating lies mainly in the area of Available Transfer Capability (ATC) improvement. In this paper, the validity of the proposed dynamic rating application is shown from the viewpoint of ATC, especially ATC with thermal constraints. In addition, the possibilities of ATC estimations using sensitivities are verified for the purpose of reducing calculation time, considering the importance of real‐time simulation of ATC. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 40–47, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20537
Running stabilization control of electric vehicle based on cornering stiffness estimation
Authors: Tsumasaka Akio , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Noguchi Toshihiko 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, novel direct yaw moment control (DYC) with road condition estimation and anti‐slip control is proposed for electric vehicles. An inner‐loop observer controls the vehicle traction, and an outer‐loop observer stabilizes the yawing motion of the vehicle. An immeasurable parameter known as cornering stiffness is estimated from the detected yaw‐rate, steering angle, wheel speed and yaw moment observer output in real time. Thus, the accurate control input can be generated with the estimated parameters. The proposed adaptive control is compared with a conventional robust control method under dry and snowy terrain conditions. Experimental results show that the proposed control algorithm properly attenuates the yaw‐rate error. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 97–104, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20569
Multi‐agent‐based autonomous power distribution network restoration using contract net protocol
Authors: Kodama Junichi , Hamagami Tomoki , Shinji Hiroshi , Tanabe Takayuki , Funabashi Toshihisa , Hirata Hironori 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA novel multi‐agent‐based system based on the contract net protocol (CNP), intended to achieve a distributed approach to power distribution network restoration, is proposed. In the proposed system, agents are assigned to areas sectioned by switches and constantly exchange environmental information among themselves. The information is used to construct a CNP overlay network to guard against network accidents. The parameters of the CNP required for robustness and effectiveness are optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA) in the operation phase. When a network accident occurs, the agents restore power distribution service autonomously through the CNP overlay network constructed. Simulation experiments indicate that CNP allows an effective power distribution network restoration strategy to be created by cooperation among agents. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 56–63, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20661
Approaches to suppressing shaft voltage in brushless DC motor driven by PWM inverter
Authors: Iimori Kenichi , Shinohara Katsuji , Yamamoto Kichiro , Morigami Atsushi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the approaches to suppressing the shaft voltage and bearing current by electrostatically shielding the stator end windings of the brushless DC motor driven by PWM inverter. At first, measured shaft voltage and bearing current are compared with those calculated waveforms to verify the common mode equivalent circuit of the brushless DC motor. Next, the relationship between shaft voltage and stator winding to rotor capacitance is calculated using the common mode equivalent circuit. Finally, the electrostatic shielding of the stator end windings is evaluated to reduce the shaft voltage by experiments and calculations. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 73–79, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20701
Perfect tracking control of servomotor based on precise model considering current loop and PWM hold
Authors: Sakata Koichi , Fujimoto Hiroshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn motion control, position control systems for servomotors are generally designed without considering the current loop and the dynamics of a PWM inverter. In this paper, a novel precise model of a servomotor is developed, including the current loop and the PWM inverter, and a high‐speed servo system is proposed based on perfect tracking control with the precise model. Finally, simulations and experiments are performed to show the advantages of the proposed method. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 64–72, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20749
Differential expression of constitutive and inducible proteasome subunits in human monocyte‐derived DC differentiated in the presence of IFN‐α or IL‐4
Authors: Tosello Valeria , Zamarchi Rita , Merlo Anna , Gorza Margherita , Piovan Erich , Mandruzzato Susanna , Bronte Vincenzo , Wang Xinhui , Ferrone Soldano , Amadori Alberto , Zanovello Paola 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSeveral studies strongly suggest that DC differentiated in vitro in the presence of type I IFN acquire more potent immune stimulatory properties, compared with DC differentiated in vitro with IL‐4. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. To address this question, we compared the Ag‐processing machinery (APM) profile in human DC grown in the presence of IFN‐α (IFNDC) or IL‐4 (IL‐4DC). Using a panel of APM component‐specific mAb in Western blot experiments, we found that IFNDC preferentially express inducible proteasome subunits (LMP2, LMP7, and MECL1) both at immature and mature stages. In contrast, immature IL‐4DC co‐express both constitutive (β1, β2, and β5) and inducible subunits, as shown by Western blotting analysis. In addition, immature IFNDC express higher levels of TAP1, TAP2, calnexin, calreticulin, tapasin, and HLA class I molecules than IL‐4DC. The different proteasome profiles of IFNDC and IL‐4DC were associated with a greater ability of IFNDC to present an immunodominant epitope that requires LMP7 expression for its processing. In general, these data show the impact of cytokines on APM component expression and hence the Ag‐processing ability of DC.
CD4+ T‐cell development in a mouse expressing a transgenic TCR derived from a Treg
Authors: DiPaolo Richard J. , Shevach Ethan M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCD4+Foxp3+ Treg maintain peripheral tolerance and influence immune responses to foreign antigens. The thymus is an important source of Treg, but controversy exists as to whether T cells are selected into the Treg lineage based on signals received through TCR specific for self‐peptides. To examine the specificity of TCR expressed by Treg and its effect on CD4+ T‐cell development, we generated Treg‐TCR transgenic mice. Deletion of >90% of CD4+ T cells in RAG‐sufficient mice, and nearly 100% deletion in RAG−/− mice expressing this TCR indicate that the TCR is specific for an unknown, naturally expressed peptide in the thymus. Deletion occurs late in development, suggesting this peptide is presented by APC in the thymic medulla. These studies are the first to describe the effects of expressing a Treg‐TCR on CD4+ T‐cell development. The implications of our data for models of Treg selection are discussed.
The Selective O‐Acylation of Hydroxyproline as a Convenient Method for the Large‐Scale Preparation of Novel Proline Polymers and Amphiphiles
Authors: Kristensen Tor E. , Hansen Finn K. , Hansen Tore 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this work we show how a direct O‐acylation of trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline with acyl chlorides in trifluoroacetic acid makes a range of novel proline derivatives readily available on large‐scale. No protecting groups or chromatographic techniques are involved in any of the procedures, and certain amphiphilic proline derivatives, which recently have received interest in synthesis, are now potentially some of the most readily accessible organocatalysts. The selective acylation was also utilized in the synthesis of a novel high‐load proline polymer, poly(O‐acryloyl‐trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline), a polymer with the highest proline loading reported and for which classical methods failed for its preparation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
An Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,4‐Benzo‐5‐oxacephams
Authors: Kozioł Anna , Frelek Jadwiga , Woźnica Magdalena , Furman Bartłomiej , Chmielewski Marek 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe title compounds represent an interesting group of β‐lactam antibiotics and active inhibitors of β‐lactamase enzymes. All these compounds have one structural feature in common, an alkoxy fragment located at C4 of the azetidin‐2‐one ring. The most common strategy for the synthesis of 4‐alkoxyazetidinons involves intramolecular nucleophilic substitution at C4 that leads to ring closure. Such a displacement proceeds via the flat intermediate that suppossedly has the structure of a mezomeric acyl ammonium cation. We herein report a novel and enantioselective, chiral Lewis acid mediated cyclization that affords the corresponding 5‐oxacepham with excellent optical and chemical yields of up to 50 %. This may suggest that the high asymmetric induction is a result of a kinetic resolution of the initially formed racemic oxacepham. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Enhanced DNA Oxidative Damage by Acrylonitrile and Protecting DNA from Damage with an Outer Catalase Layer: an Electrochemical Study
Authors: Liu Yi , Hu Naifei 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn the present article, an in vitro model system to mimic the transformation of acrylonitrile (ACN) from nontoxic to toxic in DNA damage and the protective function of catalase (Cat) against DNA damage in real biosystems was investigated electrochemically with (CS/DNA)3‐AQDS and (CS/DNA)3‐AQDS‐Cat multilayer films, where CS and AQDS represent chitosan and electroactive probe 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate, respectively. The electroactive AQDS was loaded into (CS/DNA)3 layer‐by‐layer films mainly by intercalation of AQDS into the double‐helix structure of DNA and acted as the probe to detect the damage of DNA in the films. While only ACN could not induce DNA damage, the enhancement of ACN on DNA damage in the presence of Fenton reagents (Fe(II)/EDTA/H2O2) was observed. In addition, Cat in the (CS/DNA)3‐AQDS‐Cat films could protect DNA from damage to a considerable extent in both Fenton and Fenton+ACN solutions because of the high efficiency of Cat in decomposition of H2O2.
Corpus callosum damage and cognitive dysfunction in benign MS
Authors: Mesaros Sarlota , Rocca Maria A. , Riccitelli Gianna , Pagani Elisabetta , Rovaris Marco , Caputo Domenico , Ghezzi Angelo , Capra Ruggero , Bertolotto Antonio , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCorpus callosum (CC), the largest compact white matter fiber bundle of the human brain involved in interhemispheric transfer, is frequently damaged in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment is one of the factors affecting quality of life of patients with benign MS (BMS). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the cognitive profile of BMS patients and the extent of tissue damage in the CC. Brain conventional and DT MRI scans were acquired from 54 BMS patients and 21 healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests (NPT) exploring memory, attention, and frontal lobe cognitive domains were administered to the patients. DT tractography was used to calculate the mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the CC normal appearing white matter (NAWM). An index of CC atrophy was also estimated. Nine (17%) BMS patients fulfilled criteria for cognitive impairment. Compared with controls, BMS had significantly different CC diffusivity and volumetry (P < 0.001). Compared with cognitively preserved patients, those with CI had significantly higher CC lesion volume (LV) (P = 0.02) and NAWM MD (P = 0.02). The scores obtained at PASAT were significantly correlated with CC T2 LV, and NAWM FA and MD (r values ranging from −0.31 to 0.66, P values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Cognitive impairment in BMS is associated with the extent of CC damage in terms of both focal lesions and diffuse fiber bundle injury. MRI assessment of topographical distribution of tissue damage may represent a rewarding strategy for understanding the subtle clinical deficits of patients with BMS. Hum Brian Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.