Publications by authors named "Maki Miyake"

In this study, we introduce an original distance definition for graphs, called the Markov-inverse-F measure (MiF). This measure enables the integration of classical graph theory indices with new knowledge pertaining to structural feature extraction from semantic networks. MiF improves the conventional Jaccard and/or Simpson indices, and reconciles both the geodesic information (random walk) and co-occurrence adjustment (degree balance and distribution).

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It has been reported that nipradilol, a nonselective beta- and selective alpha1-receptor antagonist, has cytoprotective effects. We attempted to clarify the effects of nipradilol on the expression of apoptosis associated genes and the activity of nuclear factor-kappaB, a transcription factor, in PC12 cells during serum deprivation induced apoptosis. PC12 cells were cultured in serum free RPMI1640 medium with or without 0.

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Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been widely used for induction of ovulation; however, despite the high rate of ovulation, the pregnancy rate is only 30%. The anti-estrogenic effect of CC on the endometrium is one explanation for this finding. It is well known that repeated administration of CC enhances its anti-estrogenic effect.

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In the summer of 2002, standard guidelines for the application of assisted reproductive technology were reported by a research group of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the number of cycles of artificial insemination and the cumulative pregnancy rates according to the cause of infertility. Patients who experienced their first cycle of artificial insemination during the period of January 1999-December 2002 were included in the study and were divided into a male factor infertility group and an idiopathic infertility group.

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Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a prototype of the lysophospholipid mediator family and has multiple effects in the female reproductive system. Although several metabolic routes have been reported for intracellular formation of LPA, a unique route involving lysophospholipase D, an extracellular enzyme that produces LPA in blood and body fluids, is particularly intriguing for its agonistic role. In this study, using an assay with radioactive palmitoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine, we found that lysophospholipase D activity producing palmitoyl-LPA in human serum gradually increased during pregnancy.

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Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a biologically active phospholipid that has been identified as a vasoactive principle in incubated plasma and serum of mammals. Previously, we found that mammalian plasma and serum contain a lysophospholipase D, which hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) with different fatty acyl groups to the corresponding LPAs during its incubation at 37 degree C. In this study, we examined whether lysophospholipase D activity and levels of LPCs in rabbit serum were modulated by feeding rabbits a high cholesterol diet.

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