Role of Rho-kinase in regulation of insulin action and glucose homeostasis

Furukawa, Noboru,Ongusaha, Pat,Jahng, Wan Jin,Araki, Kazushi,Choi, Cheol Soo,Kim, Hyo-Jeong,Lee, Yong Hee,Kaibuchi, Kozo,Kahn, Barbara B.,Masuzaki, Hiroaki,Kim, Jason K.,Lee, Sam W.,Kim, Young-Bum Elsevier 2005 Cell metabolism Vol.2 No.2

<P><B>Summary</B></P><P>Accumulating evidence indicates an important role for serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in the regulation of insulin action. Recent studies suggest that Rho-kinase (ROK) is a mediator of insulin signaling, via interaction with IRS-1. Here we show that insulin stimulation of glucose transport is impaired when ROK is chemically or biologically inhibited in cultured adipocytes and myotubes and in isolated soleus muscle ex vivo. Inactivation of ROK also reduces insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and PI3K activity. Moreover, inhibition of ROK activity in mice causes insulin resistance by reducing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in vivo. Mass spectrometry analysis identifies IRS-1 Ser632/635 as substrates of ROK in vitro, and mutation of these sites inhibits insulin signaling. These results strongly suggest that ROK regulates insulin-stimulated glucose transport in vitro and in vivo. Thus, ROK is an important regulator of insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.</P>

Ferromagnetically coupled dimers on the distorted Shastry-Sutherland lattice: Application to (CuCl)LaNb2O7

Furukawa, Shunsuke,Dodds, Tyler,Kim, Yong Baek American Physical Society 2011 Physical review. B, Condensed matter and materials Vol.84 No.5

Entanglement entropy between two coupled Tomonaga-Luttinger liquids

Furukawa, Shunsuke,Kim, Yong Baek American Physical Society 2011 Physical review. B, Condensed matter and materials Vol.83 No.8

Growth of $GdVO_4$ composite single-crystal rods by the double-die edge-defined film-fed growth technique

Furukawa, Y.,Matsukura, M.,Nakamura, O.,Miyamoto, A. The Korea Association of Crystal Growth 2008 韓國結晶成長學會誌 Vol.18 No.1

The growth of composite-structured Nd:$GdVO_4$ single crystal rods by the double die EFG method is reported. Two crucibles are combined with an outer and inner die for ascending of different melt. The composite-structured Nd:$GdVO_4$ single crystal rods with a length of 50 mm and an outer diameter of 5 mm including of inner Nd-doped core region with diameter 3 mm were grown successfully. Nd distribution in the, radial direction has graded profile from result of EPMA. Absorption coefficient in the core region at 808 nm was $42cm^{-1}$. Finally, we demonstrated the laser oscillation using our composite crystal and 2-W output was obtained.

Association of Continuous Vertebral Bone Bridges and Bone Mineral Density with the Fracture Risk in Patients with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Furukawa Mitsuru,Okuyama Kunimasa,Ninomiya Ken,Yato Yoshiyuki,Miyamoto Takeshi,Nakamura Masaya,Matsumoto Morio 대한척추외과학회 2022 Asian Spine Journal Vol.16 No.1

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Purpose: To examine whether the number of continuous vertebral bone bridges and bone mineral density (BMD) influence the fracture risk in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) patients.Overview of Literature: Bone bridges connecting through the intervertebral body in DISH create long lever arms that can increase the risk of fractures from minor trauma. DISH patients have a BMD that is higher than or comparable to those of age-matched healthy subjects.Methods: We examined the computed tomography scans from the thoracic vertebra to the sacrum used to diagnose DISH in 140 patients (98 men and 42 women; average age, 78.6 years). We compared patients who did (n=52) and did not have (n=88) fractures at the continuous vertebral bodies fused by bone bridges. The relationship between the vertebral fractures and the maximum number of vertebrae that are bony cross-linked with contiguous adjacent vertebrae (max VB) from the thoracic vertebra to the sacrum or from the lumbar vertebra to the sacrum and proximal femur BMD were analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results: We found that after adjusting for the confounding factors, higher max VB, both from the thoracic vertebrae to the sacrum and the lumbar vertebrae to the sacrum, was associated with a higher risk of vertebral fractures. This difference was statistically significant. The risk was higher when only the lumbar vertebrae to the sacrum was considered (thoracic vertebrae to the sacrum: odds ratio, 1.21; p<0.05; lumbar vertebrae to the sacrum: odds ratio, 2.78; p<0.01). Moreover, low proximal femur BMD in DISH patients raises the fracture risk (odds ratio, 0.47; p<0.01).Conclusions: Many continuous vertebral bone bridges, especially those that extend to the lumbar spine and low proximal femur BMD, are risk factors for fracture in DISH patients.

Effects of Bone Cross-Link Bridging on Fracture Mechanism and Surgical Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Spine Fractures

Furukawa Mitsuru,Fujiyoshi Kanehiro,Okubo Toshiki,Yanai Yoshihide,Matsubayashi Kohei,Kato Takashi,Kobayashi Yoshiomi,Konomi Tsunehiko,Yato Yoshiyuki 대한척추외과학회 2023 Asian Spine Journal Vol.17 No.4

Study Design: This study adopted a cross-sectional study design.Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effects of bone cross-link bridging on fracture mechanism and surgical outcomes in vertebral fractures using the maximum number of vertebral bodies with bony bridges between adjacent vertebrae without interruption (maxVB).Overview of Literature: The complex interplay of bone density and bone bridging in the elderly can complicate vertebral fractures, necessitating a better understanding of fracture mechanics.Methods: We examined 242 patients (age >60 years) who underwent surgery for thoracic to lumbar spine fractures from 2010 to 2020. Subsequently, the maxVB was classified into three groups: maxVB (0), maxVB (2–8), and maxVB (9–18), and parameters, including fracture morphology (new Association of Osteosynthesis classification), fracture level, and neurological deficits were compared. In a sub-analysis, 146 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures were classified into the three aforementioned groups based on the maxVB and compared to determine the optimal operative technique and evaluate surgical outcomes.Results: Regarding the fracture morphology, the maxVB (0) group had more A3 and A4 fractures, whereas the maxVB (2–8) group had less A4 and more B1 and B2 fractures. The maxVB (9–18) group exhibited an increased frequency of B3 and C fractures. Regarding the fracture level, the maxVB (0) group tended to have more fractures in the thoracolumbar transition region. Furthermore, the maxVB (2–8) group had a higher fracture frequency in the lumbar spine area, whereas the maxVB (9–18) group had a higher fracture frequency in the thoracic spine area than the maxVB (0) group. The maxVB (9–18) group had fewer preoperative neurological deficits but a higher reoperation rate and postoperative mortality than the other groups.Conclusions: The maxVB was identified as a factor influencing fracture level, fracture type, and preoperative neurological deficits. Thus, understanding the maxVB could help elucidate fracture mechanics and assist in perioperative patient management.

Isoreticular Expansion of Metal–Organic Frameworks with Triangular and Square Building Units and the Lowest Calculated Density for Porous Crystals

Furukawa, Hiroyasu,Go, Yong Bok,Ko, Nakeun,Park, Young Kwan,Uribe-Romo, Fernando J.,Kim, Jaheon,O’Keeffe, Michael,Yaghi, Omar M. American Chemical Society 2011 Inorganic Chemistry Vol.50 No.18

<P>The concept and occurrence of isoreticular (same topology) series of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is reviewed. We describe the preparation, characterization, and crystal structures of three new MOFs that are isoreticular expansions of known materials with the <B>tbo</B> (Cu<SUB>3</SUB>(4,4′,4″-(benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tris(benzene-4,1-diyl))tribenzoate)<SUB>2</SUB>, MOF-399) and <B>pto</B> topologies (Cu<SUB>3</SUB>(4,4′,4″-(benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tribenzoate)<SUB>2</SUB>, MOF-143; Cu<SUB>3</SUB>(4,4′,4″-(triazine-2,4,6-triyl-tris(benzene-4,1-diyl))tribenzoate)<SUB>2</SUB>, MOF-388). One of these materials (MOF-399) has a unit cell volume 17 times larger than that of the first reported material isoreticular to it, and has the highest porosity (94%) and lowest density (0.126 g cm<SUP>–3</SUP>) of any MOFs reported to date.</P><P>Syntheses of three new metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) that are isoreticular (same topology) expansions of known materials with the <B>tbo</B> and <B>pto</B> topologies are reported. One of these materials (MOF-399) has a unit cell volume 17 times larger than that of the first reported material isoreticular to it, and has the highest void fraction (94%) and lowest density (0.126 g cm<SUP>−3</SUP>) of any MOFs reported to date.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/inocaj/2011/inocaj.2011.50.issue-18/ic201376t/production/images/medium/ic-2011-01376t_0007.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/ic201376t'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/ic201376t'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

North Korean Nuclear Reality : Intention and Capability 의도와 능력

Furukawa, Katsuhisa 고려대학교一民국제관계연구원 2004 국제관계연구 Vol.9 No.1

미국을 중심으로 한 정보 공동체는 그들의 정보수집 및 처리 능력을 고양 시키기 위해 많은 자원을 투자해왔다. 그러나 미국의 정보능력은 여전히 한계를 노정하고 있다. 요컨대 미국은 자신들이 알고 있지 못하는 부분이 정확히 무엇인지 모르는 것이다. 더욱이 이러한 한계적 상황은 전세계적 차원의 대량 살상무기(WMD) 확산과 관련되어 있으며, 특히 북한의 대량살상무기 개발과 관련한 미국의 정보력은 여전히 불완전한 것이다. 앞으로도 북한과 관련한 확실성 있는 정보를 얻기란 매우 힘든 난제일 것으로 예측된다. 북한의 핵개발 프로그램은 1950년대부터 소련의 지원하에 시작되었다. 당시 연구와 교육에 치우쳐있는 핵개발 프로그램은 1990년대 초반부터 본격적으로 개발되기 시작하였다. 그러나 북한의 핵개발 프로그램은 1994년 미북 간에 체결된 제네바 합의문 (Agreed Framework)에 의해 잠정적으로 개발이 동결되 었었다. 하지만 미국의 정보국에 따르면 그 후로도 북한은 은밀히 고농축 우라늄 개발 프로그램을 지속해왔다고 한다. 더욱이 지난 2002년 제임스 켈리 (James Kelly) 미 국무부 차관보가 평양을 방문했을 당시 불거져나온 북한의 핵보유 발언은 위와 같은 미국의 심증을 더욱 굳혀주었다. 핵보유 발언 이후 북한은 순차적으로 1994년에 작동을 중지한 원자로를 재가동했으며, 핵확산금지조약(NPT)으로부터 탈퇴하는 등 전 세계를 향해 핵 억지력을 과시하였다. 더욱이 얼마전에는 미국의 몇몇 전문가들을 영변으로 초청하여 그들이 재가동시킨 원자로와 플루토늄을 내보이며 그들이 분명히 핵 억지력을 보유하고 있음을 주장하기도 하였다. 그럼에도 불구하고 현재 북한의 핵개발 능력에 대하여 존재하는 주요한 불 확실성은, 이에 관한 정보부족으로부터 기인한다. 보다 구체적으로, 북한이 처리한 핵분열물질의 양, 이미 보유한 북한의 핵무기 개수, 북한 무기디자인의 발전정도 북한의 핵개발 프로그램에 관한 해외 원조 여부 등에 관한 정보가 불확실한 것이다. 이는 미북 간에 체결된 제네바 합의문에도 불구하고 북한의 비밀스런 핵개발에 대한 직접적인 제재수단이 부재할 뿐 아니라, 이미 보유한 기술과 재원은 단순한 조약체결로 쉽사리 사라지지 않기 때문이다. 물론 국제적인 차원에서 일어나는 수출제재, 핵확산 방지규약 등으로 인해 북한의 핵개발의 속도가 늦추어진 것은 명백한 사실이지만. 1990년대 이후로 진행된 북한의 핵개발 수준에 대한 정확한 정보는 그 누구도 보유하고 있지 않다. 북한의 핵개발 프로그램에 대한 불확실성은 북한의 차후 개발 잠재력의 측면에 있어서 더욱 높아진다. 현재 북한의 재처리 능력, 원자로 공사 진행 속도에 관한 정보가 전무하기 때문이다. 요컨대 북한의 농축우라늄 개발 잠재력에 관한 결정적인 정보가 부재한 것이다. 더욱이 이러한 핵물질을 무기화 할 수 있는 북한의 능력 역시 베일에 싸여 있다. 그렇다면 핵개발 프로그램을 지속시키는 북한의 의도는 무엇일까? 첫째, 북한은 핵무기를 통해 북한의 안보와 김정일 정권의 생존을 보장할 수 있다고 믿을 수 있다. 둘째, 북한은 모든 핵무기 프로그램을 상당한 양의 정치적, 경제적 지원과 교환하는 것을 목적으로 할 수 있다. 셋째, 북한은 핵무기 프로그램의 일부만을 교환하고자 할 수 있다. 마지막으로, 북한은 아직 그들의 핵무기개발 목적에 대한 명백한 결론을 내리지 않았을 수도 있다. 하지만 이와 같은 시나리오들이 진행된다 하더라도, 중요한 것은 북한 핵물질 폐기의 많은 검증과정과 기술적 어려움에 직면할 때마다 그 모든 단계에 있어서 북한과의 협상이 소요된다는 점이다. 결론적으로, 북한의 핵보유는 그들의 정권 안보를 약화시킨다는 점을 인식 시켜주는 것이 중요하다. 물론 북한에 대한 과도한 압력은 그들로 하여금 안보위협을 느끼게 하여 군사적 대치라는 최후의 수단을 채택하게 만들 수 있음을 간과해서는 안될 것이다. 국제사회는 북한이 핵포기를 통해 얻을 수 있는 잠재적 이익에 관한 설득작업을 계속해야 할 것이다. 요컨대 국제사회는 북한에 대한 압력과 대화라는 수단사이의 조심스런 균형 잡기의 지혜를 발휘해야 할 것이다.

Measurements of the Burning Velocities of Flamelets in a Turbulent Premixed Flame

Furukawa, Junichi,Noguchi, Yoshiki,Hirano, Toshisuke,Williams, Forman A. The Korean Society of Combustion 2001 한국연소학회지 Vol.6 No.2

To investigate statistics of flamelet in a turbulent premixed flame and to obtain components of their burning velocities in a vertical plane above a pipe-flow burner, the local motion of flamelets with respect to gas are measured by specially arranged diagnostics, composed of an electrostatic probe with four identical sensors and a two-color four-beam LDV system. With this technique, the three-dimensional local flame-front-velocity vector is measured by the electrostatic probe for the first time, and simultaneously the axial and radial components of the local gas-velocity vector in a vertical plane above the vertically oriented burner are measured by the LDV system. Two components of burning velocities of planar flamelets can be obtained from these results and are found to be distributed over different directions and to range in magnitude from nearly zero to a few times the planar, unstrained adiabatic laminar burning velocity measured in the unburnt gas. It may be concluded from these results that turbulence exerts measurable influences on flamelets and causes at least some of them to exhibit increased burning velocity.

Local Government Reform from Above and Within : Japan's Recent Experience

Furukawa, Shun'ichi 한국지방행정연구원 1999 地方行政硏究 Vol.13 No.2