bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Binding of galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) by albumin
Authors: Igisu Hideki , Matsuoka Masato , Hamasaki Naotaka 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOn applying [3H]galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) and albumin to a gel filtration column, either as a pre‐incubated mixture or as separate solutions, the lipid and albumin co‐eluted. When albumin and [3H]galactosylsphingosine were incubated with Sephadex G‐50, the concentration of galactosylsphingosine outside the gel increased as the concentration of albumin increased. These observations indicate that albumin binds galactosylsphingosine. By using an equilibrium gel procedure, it was estimated that one molecule of albumin has 7.4 binding sites for galactosylsphingosine, and that the dissociation constant is 3.9×10−6 M. These values appear compatible with the potency of albumin to suppress galactosylsphingosine‐induced hemolysis.
Construction and analysis of ground models and their refinements as a foundation for validating computer-based systems
Authors: Börger Egon 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

We explain why for the verified software challenge proposed in Hoare (J ACM 50(1): 63–69, 2003), Hoare and Misra (Verified software: theories, tools, experiments. Vision of a Grand Challenge project. In: [Meyer05]) to gain practical impact, one needs to include rigorous definitions and analysis, prior to code development and comprising both experimental validation and mathematical verification, of
ground models
, i.e., blueprints that describe the required application-content of programs. This implies the need to link via successive refinements the relevant properties of such high-level models in a traceable and checkable way to code a compiler can verify. We outline the Abstract State Machines (ASM) method, a discipline for reliable system development which allows one to bridge the gap between informal requirements and executable code by combining application-centric
experimentally validatable system modelling
with
mathematically verifiable stepwise detailing
of abstract models to compile-time-verifiable code.
Disability, race/ethnicity and gender: themes of cultural oppression, acts of individual resistance
Authors: McDonald Katherine E. , Keys Christopher B. , Balcazar Fabricio E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCommunity psychologists have called for research on human diversity and interactions between individuals and society with a focus on oppression. This study examines learning disabilities as they co‐occur with other sociopolitical minority statuses. We examined dominant cultural narratives of and individual responses to learning disability, race/ethnicity and gender identified by low‐income men and women of color with learning disabilities. Our qualitative analysis identified cultural narratives that suggest that: (1a) individuals with learning disabilities are perceived as having an illegitimate impairment and being of lower intellectual ability and unworthy; (1b) having an invisible disability facilitates passing as nondisabled, thereby lessening disability discrimination from within racial/ethnic groups; (1c) having a learning disability detracts from positive gender expectations and exacerbates negative ones; and (1d) gender and racial/ethnic narratives are relevant for individuals with learning disabilities. Our analysis also identified two overarching individual acts of resistance used to thwart internalization of oppressive cultural narratives: (2a) removing self from oppressive environments and (2b) reframing dominant cultural narratives (including discounting the validity of negative messages, using negative narratives for motivation, and engaging in positive self‐talk). We discuss findings in relation to extant research and theory and consider implications for research, theory, and practice.
Absorption of Dietary Cholesterol Oxidation Products and Their Downstream Metabolic Effects Are Reduced by Dietary Apple Polyphenols
Authors: Ogino Yamato , Osada Kyoichi , Nakamura Shingo , Ohta Yutaka , Kanda Tomomasa , Sugano Michihiro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractExogenous and endogenous cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) perturb various metabolic processes, and thereby they may induce various homeostasis‐related disorders. Here, we observed that procyanidin‐rich dietary apple polyphenol (APP) from unripe apples alleviates the perturbation of lipid metabolism by decreasing the exogenous COP levels in rats. Dietary COPs may be the greatest source of COPs found in the human body. Rats (4 weeks of age) were fed AIN‐purified diets containing 0.3% COPs supplemented with 0.5 or 2.5% APP for 3 weeks. Dietary APP alleviated the growth inhibition action of the exogenous COPs. The modulations of the liver lipid profile by COPs remained unchanged. However, serum total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increased following the intake of dietary APP. Further, dietary APP inhibited the increase in lipid peroxide levels in the liver and serum by COPs. The activity of hepatic Δ6 desaturase was lowered by dietary APP in a dose‐dependent manner, although exogenous COPs generally increased the activity of this enzyme. In keeping with this observation, Δ6 desaturation indices in the phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of the liver and serum lipids were lower in the APP‐fed groups than those in the control group. Dietary APP also promoted the excretion of exogenous COPs, cholesterol, and acidic steroids in feces. Therefore, the inhibition of intestinal absorption of COPs may partly contribute to the alleviation of the perturbation of lipid metabolism and lipid peroxidation levels. Thus, APP may be an important removal agent of exogenous toxic material such as COPs contained in processed or fast foods.
Alterations of high density lipoprotein subclasses in obese subjects
Authors: Tian Li , Jia Lianqun , Fu Mingde , Tian Ying , Xu Yanhua , Tian Haoming , Yang Yuye 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe object of this study was to investigate the characteristics of lipid metabolism in obese subjects, with particular emphasis on the alteration of HDL subclass contents and distributions. A population of 581 Chinese individuals was divided into four groups (25 underweight subjects, 288 of desirable weight, 187 overweight, and 45 obese) according to body mass index (BMI). Apoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) contents of plasma HDL subclasses were determined by 2‐D gel electrophoresis associated with an immunodetection method. The concentrations of TG and the apoA‐I content of pre‐α1‐HDL were significantly higher (P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively), but the levels of HDL cholesterol, and the apoA‐I contents of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.01, respectively) in obese subjects than in subjects having a desirable weight. Moreover, with the elevation of BMI, small‐sized pre‐α1‐HDL increased gradually and significantly, whereas large‐sized HDL2b decreased gradually and significantly. Meanwhile, the variations in HDL subclass distribution were more obvious with the elevation of TG levels in obese as well as overweight subjects. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that BMI and TG levels were positively correlated with pre‐α1‐HDL but negatively correlated with HDL2b. Multiple regression analysis also showed that TG concentrations were associated independently and positively with high pre‐α1‐HDL and independently and negatively with low HDL2b in obese and overweight subjects. The HDL particle size was smaller in obese and overweight subjects. The shift to smaller size was more obvious with the elevation of BMI and TG, especially TG levels. These observations, in turn, indicated that HDL maturation might be abnormal, and reverse cholesterol transport might be impaired.
Association of ceramides in human plasma with risk factors of atherosclerosis
Authors: Ichi Ikuyo , Nakahara Kayoko , Miyashita Yavoi , Hidaka Atsuko , Kutsukake Sahoko , Inoue Kana , Maruyama Taro , Miwa Yoshikazu , Harada‐Shiba Mariko , Tsushima Motoo , Kojo Shosuke ,   Kisei Cohort Study Group
Published: February 2007

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a multifactorial disorder. Recent studies indicate that the plasma level of sphingomyelin, which yields ceramide, correlates with the risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, ceramide, a well‐known lipid causing apoptosis in various cell types, may contribute to atherogenesis. We examined the relationship between ceramide concentration and risk factors of atherosclerosis in normal human plasma using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Major ceramides in human plasma were C24∶0 and C24∶1. The ceramide concentration showed a significant positive correlation with total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). In addition, plasma ceramide level increased drastically at a high level of LDL cholesterol (more than 170 mg/dL). Our previous studies demonstrated that the sum of fragmented and conjugated apolipoprotein B‐100 proteins (B‐ox), which were products of a radical reaction of LDL as well as plasma, was a reliable index of atherosclerosis. B‐ox showed a significant positive correlation with the plasma ceramide level. Based on these results, we propose that the ceramide level in human plasma is a risk factor at the early stages of atherosclerosis.
Dietarytransfatty acids: Review of recent human studies and food industry responses
Authors: Hunter J. Edward 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDietarytransFA at sufficiently high levels have been found to increase low density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol and decrease high density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol (and thus to increase the ratio of LDL‐cholesterol/HDL‐cholesterol) compared with diets high incismonounsaturated FA or PUFA. The dietary levels oftransFA at which these effects are easily measured are around 4% of energy or higher to increase LDL‐cholesterol and around 5 to 6% of energy or higher to decrease HDL‐cholesterol, compared with essentiallytrans‐free control diets. Very limited data at lower levels of intake (less than 4% of energy) are available. Most health professional organizations and some govemments now recommend reduced consumption of foods containingtransFA, and effective January 1, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires the labeling of the amounts oftransFA fer serving in packaged foods. In response, the food industry is working on ways to eliminate or greatly reducetransFA in food products. Current efforts focus on four technological options: (i) modification of the hydrogenation process, (ii) use of interesterification, (iii) use of fractions high in solids from natural oils, and (iv) use of trait‐enhanced oils. Challenges to the food industry in replacingtransFA in foods are to develop formulation options that provide equivalent functionality, are economically feasible, and do not greatly increase saturated FA content.
Modification of fillet composition and evidence of differential fatty acid turnover in sunshine bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis following change in dietary lipid source
Authors: Lane Ryan L. , Trushenski Jesse T. , Kohler Christopher C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMarine oil‐based finishing diets have been used to restore fillet FA profile in several “medium‐fat” fleshed aquaculture species, and a simple dilution model describing FA turnover has been established to predict and tailor final fillet composition. We evaluated finishing diet efficacy and suitability of the dilution model to describe patterns of FA change in a lean‐fleshed model, sunshine bass. Two practical diet (45% crude protein, 15% crude lipid) were formulated, respectively containing corn oil (CO) or menhaden oil (MO) as the primary lipid sources. Sunshine bass (age 1 [⊃ 14 mo], 347 ±8.6 g, mean individual weight ±SEM) were stocked in a recirculating system and fed the diets according to different feeding regimens during the final 28 wk of the production cycle. Control groups were fed the CO or the MO feeds exclusively; whereas, the remaining treatment groups were transitioned from the CO diet to the MO diet at 4−, 8−, or 12‐wk intervals. Upon completion of the feeding trial, fish were harvested, and production performance and fillet composition were assessed. Replacing MO with CO as the primary lipid source in sunshine bass diets yielded fillets with distinctly different FA profiles; however, finishing with a MO‐based diet offered significant compensation for CO‐associated reductions in fillet long‐chain highly unsaturated FA (LC‐HUFA). Although complete restoration was not observed, we achieved significant augmentation of endogenous n−3 FA within 4 wk of feeding the MO diet, and observed a significant increase in LC‐HUFA and a beneficial shift in n−3∶n−6 FA ratio after 8 weeks. Simple dilution accurately predicted tissue composition for most FA; however, deviations from the model were noted, suggesting selective retention of n−3, PUFA, and LC‐HUFA and preferential catabolism of saturates. We conclude marine oil‐based finishing diets can rapidly augment beneficial FA levels in sunshine bass fillets; however, simple dilution models do not fully describe selective FA metabolism observed for this lean‐fleshed fish.
Industrial trial to evaluate the effect of oxygen concentration on overall quality of refined, bleached, and deodorized soybean oil in PET bottles
Authors: Arruda C. S. , Garcez W. S. , Barrera‐Arellano D. , Block J. M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSoybean oil, owing to its FA composition, is highly susceptible to deterioration by oxidation. The use of nitrogen gas permits the removal of dissolved oxygen and oxygen in the headspace of tanks and bottles. The objective of this work (an industrial trial) was to evaluate the shelf life of soybean oil packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with different levels of oxygen in the headspace (<0.3, 5–6.5, 7–9, and >15%). The quality of the oil was evaluated during 6 mon. FFA and moisture increased and the smoke point decreased in all experimental conditions, even though the difference between the experiments was not significant. An increase was observed for peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), and specific extinction, and higher increases in these parameters were observed in higher oxygen concentrations. After 180 d, the difference between the PV and AV was significant. According to sensory analysis, the shelf life of the oil increased from 60 to 90, 120, and 180 d as the initial concentration of oxygen was reduced from >15%, 7–9%, 5–6.5%, and 0–3%, respectively. The results demonstrated that shelf life of soybean oil packaged in PET bottles can be significantly increased by using nitrogen to reduce available oxygen in the headspace.
Functional properties of protein ingredients prepared from high‐sucrose/low‐stachyose soybeans
Authors: Deak Nicolas A. , Johnson Lawrence A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHigh‐sucrose/low‐stachyose (HS/LS) soybeans were used to prepare ethanol‐washed soy protein concentrate (EWSPC), soy protein isolate (SPI), and a new low‐fiber soy protein concentrate (LFSPC) in which the protein was extracted with alkali to remove fiber and the protein extract was neutralized and freeze‐dired. LFSPC prepared from HS/LS soybeans contained significantly higher ratios of β‐conglycinin to glycinin (1∶1.32) than did EWSPC (1∶1.75) or SPI (1∶1.69), which may have affected functional properties. The LFSPC were also high in soluble sugars (14.7%) and low in fiber (0.3%) compared with traditional EWSPC (2.9 and 3.4%, respectively) and SPI (1.8 and 0.3%, respectively). For both normal and HS/LS soybean varieties, the LFSPC, especially when extracted at pH 7.5 as opposed to pH 8.5, had higher denaturation enthalpies than did EWSPC and SPI, indicating less denaturation had occurred. Water solubilities, surface hydrophobicities, and emulsification properties were highest for the LFSPC and lowest for EWSPC. The LFSPC also had good foaming properties and low viscosities. These desirable functional properties of the LFSPC make them unique among alternative soy protein ingredients and highly suitable for industrial applications as food additives and ingredients.
Chinese weight‐correction model for maternal serum markers in Down syndrome prenatal screening
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Li , Peng Zuo‐Qi , Cui Qin‐Zi , Ma Xu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective: To determine the best weight‐correction model by means of analyzing the relationship between maternal weight and maternal serum markers when screening for Down syndrome in China. Methods: Serum levels of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were measured in 35,917 Chinese women during the second semester of a normal singleton pregnancy and converted to multiple of median (MoM) values. Using 2 methods of statistical analysis, the all‐point method and the median regression method, 4 weight‐correction models were then tried, the simple linear, reciprocal, quadratic, and log‐linear regression models. Results: The median regression method performed better than the all‐point method, and the quadratic regression model showed the best fit for both AFP and hCG in the median regression method, with adjusted R2s of 0.987 and 0.988, respectively. Conclusion: The quadratic regression model was found to be the most suitable for Chinese pregnant women.
ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF FOUR-DIMENSIONAL MÖBIUS TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: Cao Wensheng 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBased on the identification of four-dimensional Möbius transformations$$ g(x)=(ax+b)(cx+d)^{-1} $$by the matrix group $\mathrm{PS}_\triangle L(2,\mathbb{H})$ of quaternionic $2\times2$ matrices with Dieudonné determinant equal to $1$, we give an explicit expression for the classification of $g$ in terms of $a$, $b$, $c$ and $d$.
AUTOMORPHISMS OF ENDOMORPHISM MONOIDS OF RELATIVELY FREE BANDS
Authors: Araújo João , Konieczny Janusz 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFor a set $X$ and a variety $\mathcal{V}$ of bands, let $B_{\mathcal{V}}(X)$ be the relatively free band in $\mathcal{V}$ on $X$. For an arbitrary band variety $\mathcal{V}$ and an arbitrary set $X$, we determine the group of automorphisms of $\mathrm{End}(B_{\mathcal{V}}(X))$, the monoid of endomorphisms of $B_{\mathcal{V}}(X)$.
Effect of the general loss-cone distribution function on kinetic Alfvén waves—a kinetic approach
Authors: SHUKLA NIDHI , VARMA P. , TIWARI M.S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractKinetic Alfvén waves are investigated in the presence of a general loss-cone distribution function including finite electron pressure and ion-gyroradius effects. The dispersion relation and damping/growth rate are evaluated for different electron to ion temperature ratios, Te/Ti, using a kinetic approach. The wave frequency ω and damping/growth rate γL are evaluated for two regimes of propagation, k⊥ρi < 1 and k⊥ρi > 1, where k⊥ is the perpendicular wave number and ρi is the ion-gyroradius. An enhancement of the wave frequency and a reduction in the damping rate are predicted by steep loss-cone distribution indices and Te/Ti. The growth of the wave is also noticed at higher values of the distribution index and lower Te/Ti. Plasma parameters appropriate to the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) are used to discuss the propagation of kinetic Alfvén waves from the PSBL to the auroral ionosphere.
Encapsulation of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy Applications
Authors: Turner Peter , Petch Amelia , Al‐Rubeai Mohamed 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn gene therapy, a number of viruses are currently being used as vectors to provide transient expression of therapeutic proteins. A drawback of using free virus is that it gives a potent immune response, which reduces gene transfer and limits re‐administration. An alternative delivery system is to encapsulate the virus in poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLG) microspheres prior to administration. A recombinant adenovirus (Ad) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to test the transduction efficiency of Ad encapsulated in microspheres on target cells. The number of infected cells that expressed GFP was measured by flow cytometry. It was demonstrated that encapsulated viral vectors could successfully transduce target cells with encapsulation efficiencies up to 23% and that the level of transduction could be controlled by varying both the quantity of microspheres and the amount of Ad in the microspheres. High transduction efficiencies and its recognized biocompatibility make PLG‐encapsulated Ad an attractive alternative to the use of free virus in gene therapy applications. The infectivity of Ad was found to be significantly influenced by the processing conditions and changes in environmental factors. Free Ad and encapsulated Ad were able to infect both E1 complimenting cells (HEK 293) and non‐complimenting cells (A549), with the viral expression in HEK 293 cells being 2.1 times greater than for A549 cells.
Effect of Extracellular pH on Matrix Synthesis by Chondrocytes in 3D Agarose Gel
Authors: Wu Min‐Hsien , Urban Jill P.G. , Cui Zhan Feng , Cui Zheng , Xu Xia 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn cartilage tissue engineering, the determination of the most appropriate cell/tissue culture conditions to maximize extracellular matrix synthesis is of major importance. The extracellular pH plays an important role in affecting energy metabolism and matrix synthesis by chondrocytes. In this study, chondrocytes were isolated from bovine articular cartilage, embedded in agarose gel, and cultured at varied pH levels (7.3–6.6). Rate of lactate production, total glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen synthesis, as well as total cell numbers and cell viability were evaluated after culturing for up to 7 days. The results showed the rate of lactic acid production over the 7‐day culture was significantly affected by extracellular pH; acidic pH markedly inhibited the production of lactate. Also, a biphasic response to extracellular pH in regard to total GAG synthesis was observed; the maximum synthesis was seen at pH 7.2. However, the collagen synthesis was not pH‐dependent within the pH range explored. In addition, within the conditions studied, total cell numbers and cell viability were not significantly affected by extracellular pH. In conclusion, even minor changes in extracellular pH could markedly affect the metabolic activities and biosynthetic ability of chondrocytes. Consequently, the control of extracellular pH condition is crucially important for successful cartilage tissue engineering and for the study of chondrocyte physiology and functions.
Clinically distinct form of acquired dermal melanocytosis with review of published work
Authors: HARRISON‐BALESTRA Catherine , GUGIC Dijana , VINCEK Vladimir 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTDermal melanocytosis is most commonly found in the skin of Asians and other darkly pigmented people. It is histologically characterized by the presence of dermal melanocytes, with or without presence of dermal melanophages. Mongolian spot, nevus of Ito, nevus of Ota, nevus of Hori, and blue nevus are most common and represent distinct types of dermal melanocytosis. Other clinical patterns of acquired dermal melanocytosis have also been described. Herein, we report a unique case of acquired dermal melanocytosis diffusely affecting the entire back of a 50‐year old African‐American male and also review and discuss various patterns of unusual acquired dermal melanocytosis.