C∗^*-diagonals in AH-algebras arising from generalized diagonal connecting maps: spectrum and uniqueness

We associate a Bratteli-type diagram to AH-algebras arising from generalized diagonal connecting maps. We use this diagram to give an explicit description of the connected components of the spectrum of an associated canonical C$^*$-diagonal. We introduce a topological notion on these connected components, that of being spectrally incomplete, and use it as a tool to show how various classes of AI-algebras, including certain Goodearl algebras and AH-algebra models for dynamical systems $([0,1],\sigma)$, do not admit unique inductive limit Cartan subalgebras. We focus on a class of spectrally complete C$^*$-algebras, namely the AF-algebras, and prove that they admit unique inductive limit Cartan subalgebras. This is done via a method that generalizes Elliott's proof of classification of AF-algebras to include Cartan pairs.Comment: 18 page

Inductive Limits of Noncommutative Cartan Inclusions

We prove that an inductive limit of aperiodic noncommutative Cartan inclusions is a noncommutative Cartan inclusion whenever the connecting maps are injective, preserve normalisers and entwine conditional expectations. We show that under the additional assumption that the inductive limit Cartan subalgebra is either essentially separable, essentially simple or essentially of Type I we get an aperiodic inclusion in the limit. Consequently, we subsume the case where the building block Cartan subalgebras are commutative and provide a proof of a theorem of Xin Li without passing to twisted \'etale groupoids.Comment: Final version, some minor changes. To appear in Proc. Amer. Math. So

Increased Sensitivity to Agonist-Induced Seizures, Straub Tail, and Hippocampal Theta Rhythm in Knock-In Mice Carrying Hypersensitive α4 Nicotinic Receptors

We studied a strain of exon replacement mice (“L9′S knock-in”) whose α4 nicotinic receptor subunits have a leucine to serine mutation in the M2 region, 9′ position (Labarca et al., 2001); this mutation renders α4-containing receptors hypersensitive to agonists. Nicotine induced seizures at concentrations (1 mg/kg) approximately eight times lower in L9′S than in wild-type (WT) littermates. At these concentrations, L9′S but not WT showed increases in EEG amplitude and theta rhythm. L9′S mice also showed higher seizure sensitivity to the nicotinic agonist epibatidine, but not to the GABA_Areceptor blocker and proconvulsant bicuculline. Dorsiflexion of the tail (Straub tail) was the most sensitive nicotine effect found in L9′S mice (0.1 mg/kg). The L9′S mice were hypersensitive to galanthamine- and tacrine-induced seizures and Straub tails. There were no apparent neuroanatomical differences between L9′S and WT mice in several brain regions. [125I]Epibatidine binding to brain membranes showed that the mutant allele was expressed at ∼25% of WT levels, presumably because of the presence of a neomycin selection cassette in a nearby intron. ^(86)Rb efflux experiments on brain synaptosomes showed an increased fraction of function at low agonist concentrations in L9′S mice. These data support the possible involvement of gain-of-function α4 receptors in autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal-lobe epilepsy

Increased Sensitivity to Agonist-Induced Seizures, Straub Tail, and Hippocampal Theta Rhythm in Knock-In Mice Carrying Hypersensitive α4 Nicotinic Receptors

We studied a strain of exon replacement mice (“L9′S knock-in”) whose α4 nicotinic receptor subunits have a leucine to serine mutation in the M2 region, 9′ position (Labarca et al., 2001); this mutation renders α4-containing receptors hypersensitive to agonists. Nicotine induced seizures at concentrations (1 mg/kg) approximately eight times lower in L9′S than in wild-type (WT) littermates. At these concentrations, L9′S but not WT showed increases in EEG amplitude and theta rhythm. L9′S mice also showed higher seizure sensitivity to the nicotinic agonist epibatidine, but not to the GABA_Areceptor blocker and proconvulsant bicuculline. Dorsiflexion of the tail (Straub tail) was the most sensitive nicotine effect found in L9′S mice (0.1 mg/kg). The L9′S mice were hypersensitive to galanthamine- and tacrine-induced seizures and Straub tails. There were no apparent neuroanatomical differences between L9′S and WT mice in several brain regions. [125I]Epibatidine binding to brain membranes showed that the mutant allele was expressed at ∼25% of WT levels, presumably because of the presence of a neomycin selection cassette in a nearby intron. ^(86)Rb efflux experiments on brain synaptosomes showed an increased fraction of function at low agonist concentrations in L9′S mice. These data support the possible involvement of gain-of-function α4 receptors in autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal-lobe epilepsy

Coumarines naturelles et de synthèse inhibitrices de transporteurs ABC impliqués dans le phénomène de chimiorésitance

L'un des problèmes majeurs de la chimiothérapie cancéreuse est la résistance à de multiples drogues (MDR, Multidrug Resistance). Notre étude est consacrée à la recherche d'agents susceptibles de moduler deux protéines impliqués dans ces phénomènes de résistances, la glycoprotéine-P (Pgp) et BCRP (Breast Cancer Resistance Protein). Ce travail comprenait deux volets : le premier a consisté en un criblage sur ces protéines de transport d'une centaine de produits naturels appartenant à différentes classes chimiques (coumarines, acridinones, xanthones...). Le second volet issu des résultats du criblage précédent a concerné la synthèse de coumarines. Ce travail a mis en évidence l'intérêt de cette classe chimique pour son action sur BCRP qui n'avait d'ailleurs jamais été étudiée auparavant. Une série de 6- et 8-acyl-4-phényl-5,7-dihydroxycoumarines a ainsi montré des activités importantes sur BCRP (IC50 de l'ordre du microMolaire)LYON1-BU.Sciences (692662101) / SudocSudocFranceF

Constructing C*-diagonals in AH-algebras

We construct Cartan subalgebras and hence groupoid models for classes of AH-algebras. Our results cover all AH-algebras whose building blocks have base spaces of dimension at most one as well as Villadsen algebras, and thus go beyond classifiable simple C*-algebras

Constructing C*-diagonals in AH-algebras

We construct Cartan subalgebras and hence groupoid models for classes of AH-algebras. Our results cover all AH-algebras whose building blocks have base spaces of dimension at most one as well as Villadsen algebras, and thus go beyond classifiable simple C*-algebras

Synthesis, NMR Characterization, and Antileukemic Activity of N-Nonanoylpiperazinyl-5α-Androstane-3α,17β-Diol A-Ring Derivatives

The combination of an androstane-3,17-diol nucleus and a 2β-N-alkylamidopiperazino sidechain is important for the anticancer activity of a new family of steroid derivatives. As the structure-activity relationship studies have so far been limited to the beta orientation of the substituent at position 2 of the steroid nucleus, a series of analogs (compounds 1–4) were synthesized to investigate the impact on biological activity of A-ring substitution. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, especially using a series of 2D experiments, such as correlation spectroscopy (COSY), homonuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY), heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC), and heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC) provided crucial information that was found essential in confirming the sidechain position and orientation of compounds 1–4. Assessment of their antiproliferative activity on leukemia HL-60 cells confirmed the best efficiency of the 2β-sidechain/3α-OH orientation (compound 1) compared to the other configurations tested (compounds 2–4)

Histological liver changes in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

Streptozotocin (STZ) is selectively toxic to cells in the pancreatic islets. It is well known that STZ causes specific death of B cells and induces diabetes mellitus. This study has been conducted to detect the histological changes that could be induced in liver of adult diabetic mice. The experiments were performed using a single dose of STZ (150mg/Kg. I.P.). Animals were killed two, four and six weeks after injection. The relative percentage of liver weight and liver histology were studied. The results showed several morphological and histological alterations in liver tissues, indicated by increase in the liver percentage of liver weight, glycogen reduction, associated with lipid deposition, inflammatory cells infiltration and Kupffer cells hyperplasia. Furthermore, this study illustrated the worsening of liver histology over a short time in STZ diabetic mice

High level of DNA

Assessment of male fertility has been based on routine semen analysis established by the World Health Organization (WHO), evaluating sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Actually, these parameters become less reliable markers to evaluate male fertility potential. Therefore, a search for better markers has led to an increased focus on sperm chromatin integrity testing in fertility work-up and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In this study, we evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation in 185 Lebanese infertile patients attending fertility clinics all over the country, in comparison with 30 control men of proven fertility, using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD). Our results showed a significantly higher sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile group compared to control group (20.62% vs 12.96%; p < 0.001). In addition, we found that sperm DNA fragmentation is correlated with alterations in sperm parameters: count, motility and morphology. Moreover, we showed that 28% of normozoospermic patients have high sperm DNA fragmentation. Also, a positive correlation was found between sperm DNA fragmentation and ART failure in infertile group patients. Finally, sperm DNA fragmentation is suggested to be associated with tobacco and environmental conditions