SK1 of graded division algebras

The reduced Whitehead group $\SK$ of a graded division algebra graded by a torsion-free abelian group is studied. It is observed that the computations here are much more straightforward than in the non-graded setting. Bridges to the ungraded case are then established by the following two theorems: It is proved that $\SK$ of a tame valued division algebra over a henselian field coincides with $\SK$ of its associated graded division algebra. Furthermore, it is shown that $\SK$ of a graded division algebra is isomorphic to $\SK$ of its quotient division algebra. The first theorem gives the established formulas for the reduced Whitehead group of certain valued division algebras in a unified manner, whereas the latter theorem covers the stability of reduced Whitehead groups, and also describes $\SK$ for generic abelian crossed products.

A note on the graded K-theory of certain graded rings

Following ideas of Quillen we prove that the graded K-theory of a Z-multi-graded ring with support contained in a pointed cone is entirely determined by the K-theory of the sub-ring of elements of degree 0.

Convergence of bimodules over maximal abelian selfadjoint algebras

We prove a continuity result for the map sending a masa-bimodule to its support. We characterise the convergence of a net of weakly closed convex hulls of bilattices in terms of the convergence of the corresponding supports, and establish a lower-semicontinuity result for the map sending a support to the corresponding masa-bimodule.

Angles in C*-algebras

In this work we characterise the C*-algebras $\mathcal{A}$ generated by projections with the property that every pair of projections in $\mathcal{A}$ has positive angle, as certain extensions of abelian algebras by algebras of compact operators. We show that this property is equivalent to a lattice theoretic property of projections and also to the property that the set of finite dimensional *-subalgebras of $\mathcal{A}$ is directed.

Multipliers of multidimensional Fourier algebras

Let $G$ be a locally compact $\sigma$-compact group. Motivated by an earlier notion for discrete groups due to Effros and Ruan, we introduce the multidimensional Fourier algebra $A^n(G)$ of $G$. We characterise the completely bounded multidimensional multipliers associated with $A^n(G)$ in several equivalent ways. In particular, we establish a completely isometric embedding of the space of all $n$-dimensional completely bounded multipliers into the space of all Schur multipliers on $G^{n+1}$ with respect to the (left) Haar measure. We show that in the case $G$ is amenable the space of completely bounded multidimensional multipliers coincides with the multidimensional Fourier-Stieltjes algebra of $G$ introduced by Ylinen. We extend some well-known results for abelian groups to the multidimensional setting.

On the simplicial cohomology of Banach operator algebras

We investigate the simplicial cohomology of certain Banach operator algebras. The two main examples considered are the Banach algebra of all bounded operators on a Banach space and its ideal of approximable operators. Sufficient conditions will be given forcing Banach algebras of this kind to be simplicially trivial.

Raman spectroelectrochemical studies and crystal structure of a binuclear copper(I) complex with a bridging diimine ligand

Raman spectroelectrochemical and X-ray crystallographic studies have been made for the binuclear copper(I) complex, [(Ph(3)P)(2)Cu(dpq)Cu(PPh(3))(2)][BF4](2), where dpq is the bridging ligand 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline. The X-ray data show that the pyridine rings are twisted out of plane with respect to the quinoxaline ring which is itself non-planar. The UV/VIS spectra of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited state and those of the electrochemically reduced complex are similar. The resonance-Raman spectrum of the latter species exhibits little change in the frequency of the pyridinylquinoxaline inter-ring C-C bond stretching mode, compared to the ground electronic state. This suggests minimum change in the inter-ring C-C bond order in the electrochemically or charge-transfer generated radical anion. Semiempirical molecular-orbital calculations on both the neutral dpq and radical anion show two near-degenerate lowest unoccupied orbitals in the neutral species. One is strongly bonding across the inter-ring C-C bond while the other is almost nun-bonding. The Raman data suggest that it is this latter orbital which is populated in the transient and electrochemical experiments.

Characterisation of protein stability in rod-insert vaginal rings

A major goal in vaccine development is elimination of the ‘cold chain’, the transport and storage system for maintenance and distribution of the vaccine product. This is particularly pertinent to liquid formulation of vaccines. We have previously described the rod-insert vaginal ring (RiR) device, comprising an elastomeric body into which are inserted lyophilised, rod-shaped, solid drug dosage forms, and having potential for sustained mucosal delivery of biomacromolecules, such as HIV envelope protein-based vaccine candidates. Given the solid, lyophilised nature of these insert dosage forms, we hypothesised that antigen stability may be significantly increased compared with more conventional solubilised vaginal gel format. In this study, we prepared and tested vaginal ring devices fitted with lyophilised rod inserts containing the model antigen bovine serum albumin (BSA). Both the RiRs and the gels that were freeze-dried to prepare the inserts were evaluated for BSA stability using PAGE, turbidimetry, microbial load, MALDI-TOF and qualitative precipitate solubility measurements. When stored at 4 oC, but not when stored at 40 oC / 75% RH, the RiR formulation offered protection against structural and conformational changes to BSA. The insert also retained matrix integrity and release characteristics. The results demonstrate that lypophilised gels can provide relative protection against degradation at lower temperatures compared to semi-solid gels. The major mechanism of degradation at 40 oC / 75% RH was shown to be protein aggregation. Finally, in a preliminary study, we found that addition of trehalose to the formulation significantly reduces the rate of BSA degradation as compared to the original formulation when stored at 40 oC /75% RH. Establishing the mechanism of degradation, and finding that degradation is decelerated in the presence of trehalose, will help inform further development of RiRs specifically and polymer based freeze-dried systems in general.

Evaluation of induction of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome in gnotobiotic pigs with negative results for porcine circovirus type 2

Objective-To determine whether porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) could be experimentally induced in gnotobiotic swine.

C∗-Segal algebras with order unit

We introduce the notion of a (noncommutative) C *-Segal algebra as a Banach algebra (A, {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} A) which is a dense ideal in a C *-algebra (C, {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} C), where {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} A is strictly stronger than {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} C onA. Several basic properties are investigated and, with the aid of the theory of multiplier modules, the structure of C *-Segal algebras with order unit is determined.

Quotients, exactness, and nuclearity in the operator system category

We continue our study of tensor products in the operator system category. We define operator system quotients and exactness in this setting and refine the notion of nuclearity by studying operator systems that preserve various pairs of tensor products. One of our main goals is to relate these refinements of nuclearity to the Kirchberg conjecture. In particular, we prove that the Kirchberg conjecture is equivalent to the statement that every operator system that is (min,er)-nuclear is also (el,c)-nuclear. We show that operator system quotients are not always equal to the corresponding operator space quotients and then study exactness of various operator system tensor products for the operator system quotient. We prove that an operator system is exact for the min tensor product if and only if it is (min,el)-nuclear. We give many characterizations of operator systems that are (min,er)-nuclear, (el,c)-nuclear, (min,el)-nuclear and (el,max)-nuclear. These characterizations involve operator system analogues of various properties from the theory of C*-algebras and operator spaces, including the WEP and LLP.

eNOS overexpression exacerbates vascular closure in the obliterative phase of OIR and increases angiogenic drive in the subsequent proliferative stage

Purpose: In ischemic retinopathies, the misdirection of reparative angiogenesis away from the hypoxic retina leads to pathologic neovascularization. Thus, therapeutic strategies that reverse this trend would be extremely beneficial. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important mediator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) function facilitating vascular growth and maturation. However, in addition to NO, eNOS can also produce superoxide (O), exacerbating pathology. Here, our aim was to investigate the effect of eNOS overexpression on vascular closure and subsequent recovery of the ischemic retina.

Methods: Mice overexpressing eNOS-GFP were subjected to oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and changes in retinal vascularization quantified. Background angiogenic drive was assessed during vascular development and in aortic rings. NOS activity was measured by Griess assay or conversion of radiolabeled arginine to citrulline, nitrotyrosine (NT), and superoxide by immunolabeling and dihydroethidium fluorescence and VEGF by ELISA.

Results: In response to hyperoxia, enhanced eNOS expression led to increased NOS-derived superoxide and dysfunctional NO production, NT accumulation, and exacerbated vessel closure associated with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH) insufficiency. Despite worse vaso-obliteration, eNOS overexpression resulted in elevated hypoxia-induced angiogenic drive, independent of VEGF production. This correlated with increased vascular branching similar to that observed in isolated aortas and during development. Enhanced recovery was also associated with neovascular tuft formation, which showed defective NO production and increased eNOS-derived superoxide and NT levels.

Conclusions: In hyperoxia, reduced BH bioavailability causes overexpressed eNOS to become dysfunctional, exacerbating vaso-obliteration. In the proliferative phase, however, eNOS has important prorepair functions enhancing angiogenic growth potential and recovery in ischemia. © 2012 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

Vaginal rings for delivery of HIV microbicides

Following the successful development of long-acting steroid-releasing vaginal ring devices for treatment of menopausal symptoms and contraception, there is now considerable interest in applying similar devices to the controlled release of microbicides against HIV. In this review article, the vaginal ring concept is first considered within the wider context of the early advances in controlled release technology, before describing the various types of ring device available today. The remainder of the article highlights the key developments in HIV microbicide-releasing vaginal rings, with a particular focus on the dapivirine ring that is presently in late-stage clinical testing. © 2012 Malcolm et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.

Platinum-catalysed intravaginal rings

The present invention provides improved intravaginal drug delivery devices, i.e., intravaginal rings, useful for the prophylactic administration of an antimicrobial compound, e.g., Dapivirine, to a human. The intravaginal rings of the invention address previous stability issues by utilizing a platinum catalyst (e.g., in the form of a platinum-siloxane complex) for the cross-linking reaction. The vaginal rings surprisingly achieve relatively high and steady release rates in vivo with a matrix ring containing a relatively small loading dose. While the matrix rings of the present invention have in vivo the steady release rates associated with reservoir rings, they are easier and less expensive to manufacture. The present invention also provides methods of blocking DNA polymerization by an HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, methods of preventing HIV infection in a female human, methods of treating HIV infection in a female human, and methods of preparing platinum-catalyzed intravaginal rings.