Abstract In this paper, we introduce the notion of a connected sum K1 #Z K2 of simplicial complexes K1 and K2, as well as define a strong connected sum. Geometrically, the connected sum is motivated by Lerman’s symplectic cut applied to a toric orbifold, and algebraically, it is motivated by the connected sum of rings introduced by Ananthnarayan–Avramov–Moore [1]. We show that the Stanley–Reisn...

We have isolated a cDNA coding a new organic anion transporter, OAT-K2, expressed specifically in rat kidney. The OAT-K2 cDNA had an open reading frame encoding a 498-amino acid protein (calculated molecular mass of 55 kDa) that shows 91% identity with the rat kidney-specific organic anion transporter, OAT-K1. Reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that the OA...

Vitamin K2 is widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. To understand the effects of vitamin K2 on bone mass and bone metabolism, we reviewed its effects on the development of osteopenia in rats, which characterizes models of osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 was found to attenuate the increase in bone resorption and/or maintain bone formation, reduce bone loss, protect against the loss of...

Introduction : Two types of vitamin K occur in nature: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone, 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), which is derived from plants, and vitamin K2 (menaquinones), a series of vitamers with multiisoprene units at the 3-position. Vitamin K2 activates osteoblasts to enhance calcification, acts as a coenzyme of γ-carboxylase for the Gla protein, and is also reported to inhibit bo...

In order to further investigate the radical scavenging and anti-arteriosclerotic activities of vitamin K2 and estradiol, the comparative effects of vitamin K2 and estradiol on aortic calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (P) levels in the aorta and the elastin fraction (fr.) were investigated in male rats after experimental arteriosclerosis with diabetes mellitus was induced by vitamin D2 and r...