Z2-graded cocharacters for superalgebras of triangular matrices

AbstractLet K be a field of characteristic zero, let A, B be K-algebras with polynomial identity and let M be a free (A,B)-bimodule. The algebra R=A0MB can be endowed with a natural Z2-grading. In this paper, we compute the graded cocharacter sequence, the graded codimension sequence and the superexponent of R. As a consequence of these results, we also study the above PI-invariants in the setting of upper triangular matrices. In particular, we completely classify the algebra of 3×3 upper triangular matrices endowed with all possible Z2-gradings

*-Subvarieties of the Variety Generated by

AbstractLet be a field of characteristic zero, and * = t the transpose involution for the matrix algebra M2(). Let be a proper subvariety of the variety of algebras with involution generated by . We define two sequences of algebras with involution Rp, Sq, where p, q ∊ . Then we show that T*() and T*(Rp ⊕ Sq) are *-asymptotically equivalent for suitable p, q

Effect of Lupinus albus as protein supplement on yield, constituents, clotting properties and fatty acid composition in ewes' milk

The effect of feeding lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.) as an alternative protein source in ewe diets was investigated. Two groups of 18 Sarda ewes were fed two different isonitrogenous diets: with lupin (L) seed, given after 12 h soaking, or soybean meal (SBM) as the main protein source. DMI, variations of body weight and milk production were unaffected by the treatment. Although not statistically significant, in the group fed L diet the production of milk fat and protein was higher. Clotting properties of milk were similar for the two treatments, probably due to the small differences in the milk protein contents. The fatty acid profile of milk was affected by treatment with a larger content of short (14.19 wt% versus 12.26 wt%)- and medium (49.37 wt% versus 47.76 wt%)-chain fatty acids in milk from ewes fed the L diet. CLA content was unaffected by treatment. Triglyceride content of fat from the two diets reflects the milk fatty acid composition. Indeed, milk from L diet showed a higher level of medium-chain triglycerides, which are of particular interest to consumers with concerns over health and heart disease. The inclusion of lupin seed in the diet of lactation ewes can be a means of achieving a more desirable triglyceride profile in milk fat. Milk with enhanced nutritive quality may promote wider market penetration of sheep dairy products

A LOGIC FUZZY MODEL FOR EVALUATION OF THE RAILWAY STATION'S PRACTICE CAPACITY IN SAFETY OPERATING CONDITIONS

Abstract The practice capacity of a railway junction depends, in addition to the effective operation's conditions, by the potential risk factors related to the design plan of the railway station. With the aim of an approach based on the "fuzzy sets" it is possible to determine the numeric value of the practice capacity by the logic - qualitative relations between the features of the railway junction and the potential risk factors. This methodology permits to try out the absolute value of a suitable vector β, (less then the unit) for the utilization of the theoretic capacity in conditions of maximum reliability of the system related to the aspect of safety (technique "fail safe")

cis-Regulatory sequences driving the expression of the Hbox12 homeobox-containing gene in the presumptive aboral ectoderm territory of the Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryo.

Embryonic development is coordinated by networks of evolutionary conserved regulatory genes encoding transcription factors and components of cell signalling pathways. In the sea urchin embryo, a number of genes encoding transcription factors display territorial restricted expression. Among these, the zygotic Hbox12 homeobox gene is transiently transcribed in a limited number of cells of the animal-lateral half of the early Paracentrotus lividus embryo, whose descendants will constitute part of the ectoderm territory. To obtain insights on the regulation of Hbox12 expression, we have explored the cis-regulatory apparatus of the gene. In this paper, we show that the intergenic region of the tandem Hbox12 repeats drives GFP expression in the presumptive aboral ectoderm and that a 234 bp fragment, defined aboral ectoderm (AE) module, accounts for the restricted expression of the transgene. Within this module, a consensus sequence for a Sox factor and the binding of the Otx activator are both required for correct Hbox12 gene expression. Spatial restriction to the aboral ectoderm is achieved by a combination of different repressive sequence elements. Negative sequence elements necessary for repression in the endomesoderm map within the most upstream 60 bp region and nearby the Sox binding site. Strikingly, a Myb-like consensus is necessary for repression in the oral ectoderm, while down-regulation at the gastrula stage depends on a GA-rich region. These results suggest a role for Hbox12 in aboral ectoderm specification and represent our first attempt in the identification of the gene regulatory circuits involved in this process

EGFR signalling is required for Paracentrotus lividus endomesoderm specification.

The EGFR pathway is critical for cell fate specification throughout the development of several organisms. Here we identified in sea urchin an EGFR-related antigen maternally expressed and showing a dynamic pattern of localization during development. To investigate the role played by the EGFR in Paracentrotus lividus development we blocked its activity by using the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG1478. This treatment produces decrease of EGFR phosphorylation, and embryos with various defects especially in the endomesoderm territory until to obtain an animalized phenotype. These effects are rescued by the addition of TGF-alpha, an EGFR ligand. The role played by EGFR-like along the animal/vegetal axis was also detected, after AG1478 treatment, by the extended distribution of HE and decreased nuclearization of beta-catenin in vegetal cells. Moreover, inhibition of EGFR-like reduced ERK phosphorylation, necessary for cell fate specification in the micromeres and their derivates. Taken together these results indicate that EGFR-like activity is required both for A/V axis formation and endomesoderm differentiation

The sea urchin embryo: A model to study Alzheimer’s beta amyloid induced toxicity

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The cause of AD is closely related to the accumulation of amyloid beta peptide in the neuritic plaques. The use of animal model systems represents a good strategy to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind the development of this pathology. Here we use the Paracentrotus lividus embryo to identify molecules and pathways that can be involved in the degenerative process. As a first step, we identified the presence of an antigen related to the human APP, called PlAPP. This antigen, after gastrula stage, is processed producing a polypeptide of about 10 kDa. By immunohistochemistry we localized the PlAPP antigen in some serotonin expressing cells. Similarly, after 48 or 96 h incubation, a recombinant b-amyloid peptide, rAb42, accumulates around the intestinal tube and oesophagus. In addition, incubation of sea urchin embryos with two different solutions rich in oligomers and fibrillar aggregates of rAb42 induce activation of apoptosis as detected by TUNEL assay. Moreover, we demonstrate that aggregates induce apoptosis by extrinsic pathway activation, whereas oligomers induce apoptosis both by extrinsic and intrinsic pathway activation. Utilizing an apoptotic inhibitor, caspases activation was offset and morphological damage rescued. Taken together all these observations suggest that the sea urchin may be a simple and suitable model to characterize the mechanism underlining the cytotoxicity of Ab42

Time-space focused intrusion of genetically unrelated arc magmas in the early Paleozoic Ross-Delamerian Orogen (Morozumi Range, Antarctica)

The growth of continental crust in accretionary orogenic belts takes place through repeated cycles of subduction– accretion of rock units fromcontinental and oceanic magmatic arcs, supra-subduction zone backarcs and forearcs loaded with continent-derived materials. An ancient example relevant to magmatic arc accretion models is represented by the remnants of the Cambrian–Ordovician Ross Orogen in the Morozumi Range, Victoria Land (Antarctica). There, late Neoproterozoic phyllites host an intrusive complex which preserves a remarkably uncommon record of genetically unrelated magma pulses emplaced under a variable stress regime in a short time span: (1) a dominant K-feldspar–phyric granite, (2) fine-grained dioritic stocks and dykes, (3) a peraluminous granite; and (4) a tonalitic–granodioritic dyke swarm. Laserprobe U–Pb zircon dates cluster at late Cambrian times for all these units, yet they carry differential cargoes of relict cores. Unique geochemical– isotopic signatures for both the less evolved magmas (diorite and dyke tonalite) and the most acidic ones (granite and peraluminous granite) indicate that each one of them originated from distinct sources at depth. Additionally, field relationships and chemical evolutionary trends testify for a variety of shallow level open-system processes, such as magma mingling/mixing between diorite and main granite magmas, as well as progressive incorporation of the host schists by the dyke tonalite magma. In summary, crustal growth in the Morozumi intrusive complex was contributed by fresh mantle magma issuing from the metasomatised mantle wedge, while the production of othermelts did recycle different crustal portions/layers: the main granite derived fromGrenville-age granulitic lower crust; the peraluminous granite from late Proterozoic upper crust, and the tonalite magmas derived from subduction erosion-enriched subarc mantle and evolved by ingestion of local metasedimentary rocks. Overall, the Morozumi intrusive complex yields evidence for emplacement in the same site at the same time of magmas issuing fromdifferent sources that are usually found at a different depth in the arc lithospheric section. A likely scenario to activate this specific mechanism of melt production is a subduction zone affected by subduction erosion

Oral platelet gel supernatant plus supportive medical treatment versus supportive medical treatment in the management of radiation-induced oral mucositis: a matched explorative active control trial by propensity analysis

OBJECTIVES:: In this active control trial, the rate of radio-induced WHO grade 3/4 oral mucositis and the change in quality of life, assessed by OMWQ-HN, were measured in subjects with head and neck cancer treated by platelet gel supernatant (PGS) and supportive medical treatment versus subjects treated by supportive medical treatment alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Eighty patients with nonmetastatic head and neck cancer underwent curative or adjuvant radiotherapy. All patients underwent supportive medical treatment and/or PGS at the beginning and during radiotherapy. Sixteen patients received PGS in association with supportive medical treatment. To obtain 2 groups virtually randomized for important clinical characteristics subjects were matched, by propensity analysis, with a group of subjects (64 patients) treated with supportive medical treatment alone. RESULTS:: Subjects treated with standard supportive treatment experienced significant higher WHO grade 3/4 toxicity (55%; 35/64) than subjects treated by PGS (13%; 3/16). The reduced toxicity found in PGS group paralleled with the evidence that they developed later symptoms with respect to controls. The Cox proportional hazard model indicated that patients treated with standard supportive medical treatment experienced 2.7-fold increase (hazard ratio=2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.7) in the occurrence of WHO grade 3/4 toxicity. PGS group significantly experienced higher quality of life than control groups as measured by OMWQ-HN. A significant decrease in the opioid analgesics usage was found in the PGS group. CONCLUSIONS:: These preliminary data should be interpreted with caution and could serve as a framework around which to design future trials