bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of non-enzymic glycation of proteins by dietary agents: prospects for alleviating diabetic complications
Authors: Saraswat Megha , Reddy P. Yadagiri , Muthenna P. , Reddy G. Bhanuprakash 
Published: November 2008

The accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) due to non-enzymic glycation of proteins has been implicated in several pathophysiologies associated with ageing and diabetes. The formation of AGE is accelerated in hyperglycaemic conditions, which alter the structure and function of long-lived proteins. Thus inhibition of the formation of AGE is believed to play a role in the prevention of diabetic complications. In the present study we evaluated the antiglycating effect of aqueous extracts of various plant-based foods. The effect of aqueous extracts of these agents in terms of their ability to prevent the accumulation of AGE due to fructose-mediatedin vitroglycation of eye lens soluble proteins was investigated. The degree of protein glycation in the absence and presence of dietary extracts was assessed by different complementary methods, i.e. non-tryptophan AGE fluorescence, AGE-induced cross-linking by SDS-PAGE and glyco-oxidative damage by carbonyl assay. Five out of the seventeen agents tested showed significant inhibitory potential againstin vitroprotein glycation in a dose-dependent manner. Prominent among them were ginger, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper and green tea, which inhibitedin vitroAGE formation to lens proteins 40–90 % at 1·0 mg/ml concentration. Assessing their potential to reduce the amount of glycated protein using boronate affinity chromatography and also their ability to prevent the formation of specific antigenic-AGE structures by immunodetection further substantiated the importance of ginger, cumin and cinnamon in reducing AGE burden. These findings indicate the potential of some dietary components to prevent and/or inhibit protein glycation. Thus these dietary agents may be able to be exploited for controlling AGE-mediated diabetic pathological conditionsin vivo.
A new mantle xenolith locality from Simien shield volcano, NW Ethiopia
Authors: AYALEW DEREJE , ARNDT NICK , BASTIEN FLORENCE , YIRGU GEZAHEGN , KIEFFER BRUNO 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThin-section observations and electron probe analyses, and trace element data are reported from a new mantle xenolith hosted in Miocene alkali basalt from the western flank of Simien shield volcano, Ethiopia. The spinel lherzolite enclaves contain variable proportions of olivine, orthopyroxene, green clinopyroxene and brown spinel, and have undergone deformation and partial recrystallization. They represent unmetasomatized, fertile xenoliths which were subjected to a late-stage melt–rock reaction. Trace element contents of clinopyroxene crystals are extremely low and quite different from those of the other xenoliths within the East African Rift System.
Channel formation by turbidity currents: Navier–Stokes-based linear stability analysis
Authors: HALL B. , MEIBURG E. , KNELLER B. 
Published: November 2008

The linear stability of an erodible sediment bed beneath a turbidity current is analysed, in order to identify potential mechanisms responsible for the formation of longitudinal gullies and channels. On the basis of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, the stability analysis accounts for the coupled interaction of the three-dimensional fluid and particle motion inside the current with the erodible bed below it. For instability to occur, the suspended sediment concentration of the base flow needs to decay away from the sediment bed more slowly than does the shear stress inside the current. Under such conditions, an upward protrusion of the sediment bed will find itself in an environment where erosion decays more quickly than sedimentation, and so it will keep increasing. Conversely, a local valley in the sediment bed will see erosion increase more strongly than sedimentation, which again will amplify the initial perturbation.The destabilizing effect of the base flow is modulated by the stabilizing perturbation of the suspended sediment concentration and by the shear stress due to a secondary flow structure in the form of counter-rotating streamwise vortices. These streamwise vortices are stabilizing for small Reynolds and Péclet numbers and destabilizing for large values.For a representative current height of O(10–100m), the linear stability analysis provides the most amplified wavelength in the range of 250–2500m, which is consistent with field observations reported in the literature. In contrast to previous analyses based on depth-averaged equations, the instability mechanism identified here does not require any assumptions about sub- or supercritical flow, nor does it require the presence of a slope or a slope break.
An unusual occurrence in cochlear implantation surgery: misplaced electrode
Authors: Ramalingam R , Ramalingam K K , Padmaja H S 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective:To highlight the possibility of misplacement of electrodes during cochlear implantation surgery, to stress the importance of routine neural response telemetry, and also to emphasise the value of conventional radiography in confirming electrode positioning in the immediate post-operative period.Case report:A two-year-old boy presented with bilateral, profound, sensorineural hearing loss and underwent conventional cochlear implantation surgery. During insertion of the implant, there was doubt regarding the direction of passage of the electrode array. Instead of the usual smooth passage of the electrode, some resistance was felt. Neural response telemetry, performed at the end of the procedure, showed absent responses. A confirmatory X-ray in Stenver's view confirmed the extra-cochlear positioning of the electrodes in the superior semicircular canal. The wound was reopened, the electrode array removed and the cochleostomy was positioned a little more antero-inferiorly on the promontory with respect to the round window. Correct insertion of the electrode was then performed without difficulty.Conclusion:The misplacement of electrodes during cochlear implantation surgery is rare but can occur. Neural response telemetry and conventional radiography are invaluable in assessing the placement of the electrode intra-operatively. Conventional radiographs are very cost-effective and aid in confirming the position of the electrode array.
Large-amplitude electrostatic solitary structures in dusty plasmas with vortex-like variable charge dust distribution and non-isothermal trapped electrons
Authors: TRIBECHE MOULOUD 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe recent analysis of large-amplitude solitary potentials in a charge varying dusty plasma with trapped dust particles (Tribeche, M. 2005 Phys. Plasmas12, 072304) is extended to include the electron trapping self-consistently. The non-isothermal trapped electron charging is investigated based on the orbit motion limited approach. It is found that the nonlinear localized potential structure enlarges when the electrons deviate from isothermality. The effect of this deviation is more significant under certain conditions. The dust particles are locally expelled and pushed out of the region of soliton localization as the electrons evolve far away from their thermodynamic equilibrium.
Trypanosoma cruzi nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (TcNDPK1) has a broad nuclease activity
Authors: MIRANDA M. R. , CANEPA G. E. , BOUVIER L. A. , PEREIRA C. A. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYHere, we present the characterization of a trypanosomatid nucleoside diphosphate kinase (TcNDPK1) exhibiting nuclease activity. This is the first identification of a NDPK with this property in trypanosomatid organisms. The recombinant TcNDPK1 protein cleaves not only linear DNA, but also supercoiled plasmid DNA. Additionally, TcNDPK1 is capable of degrading Trypanosoma cruzi genomic DNA. ATP or ADP did not affect the nuclease activity, while the absence of Mg2+ completely inhibits this activity. NDPK and nuclease activities were inhibited at the same temperature, suggesting the presence of related catalytic sites. Furthermore, phenogram analysis showed that TcNDPK1 is close to Drosophila melanogaster and human NDPKs. The unspecific nuclease activity could suggest a participation in cellular processes such as programmed cell death.
Interactive question answering and constraint relaxation in spoken dialogue systems
Authors: VARGES S. , WENG F. , PON-BARRY H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe explore the relationship between question answering and constraint relaxation in spoken dialogue systems and develop dialogue strategies for selecting and presenting information succinctly. In particular, we describe methods for dealing with the results of database queries in information-seeking dialogues. Our goal is to structure the dialogue in such a way that the user is neither overwhelmed with information nor left uncertain as to how to refine the query further. We present two sets of evaluation results for a restaurant selection task: one is a system performance evaluation experiment involving twenty subjects, the other is an experimental evaluation of the use of suggestions involving sixteen subjects.
Composition in circular sound space: Migration 12-channel electronic music (1995–97)
Authors: Chagas Paulo C 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHow does production and spatial environment shape the aesthetics of electroacoustic music? Can the physical space, technology and network of relationships associated with studio activities environment be deeply embedded in the actual composition itself? Using my 12-channel electronic piece Migration as an example, this article demonstrates how the ‘materiality’ of the former Studio für Elektronische Musik of the WDR Radio, Cologne, Germany influenced the conception of ‘circular sound space’. Space in electroacoustic music is considered as embodiment of gestural experience driven by performance and composition. The discussion gives insights into the development of circular approaches of sound space in relationship to analogue and digital machinery. Particular attention is paid to the correlation between sound synthesis and sound space as a structuring principle of multi-channel electroacoustic music composition.
Technological implications of Phill Niblock's drone music, derived from analytical observations of selected works for cello and string quartet on tape
Authors: Straebel Volker 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFour compositions for cello and string quartet on tape by American intermedia artist Phill Niblock originating from 1974 to 2003 are discussed. The interdependence of compositional approach and available technology is considered, leading to the observation that the electronic music composer's technique is considerably independent of the available technology. Where a dependence of artistic development on factors not originally musical has to be acknowledged, these nonmusical factors lie not so much in the technology but in Niblock's interpretation of it. This is discussed within the context of philosophical observations on art and technology by Theodor W. Adorno, Martin Heidegger and Ernst Cassirer.
Abdominal obesity and the prevalence of diabetes and intermediate hyperglycaemia in Chinese adults
Authors: He Yuna , Zhai Fengying , Ma Guansheng , Feskens Edith JM , Zhang Jian , Fu Ping , Van’t Veer Pieter , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association of indicators of general and abdominal obesity with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and intermediate hyperglycaemia (IHG) in the Chinese population.MethodsWe used data of 50 905 adults aged 18–79 years in the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. Recommended Chinese cut-off values were used for BMI (24 kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC; 85 cm in men, 80 cm in women). Optimal cut-offs for waist:height ratio (WHtR) were determined from analyses of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe prevalence of T2DM and IHG was 2·6 % and 1·9 % respectively. ROC curve analyses indicated 0·5 as the optimal cut-off value for WHtR in both sexes. High BMI, WC and WHtR were all associated with the prevalence of glucose tolerance abnormalities, with the highest prevalence ratio (PR) for high WHtR (men: PR = 2·85, 95 % CI 2·54, 3·21; women: PR = 3·10, 95 % CI 2·74, 3·51). When combining BMI and WHtR, in men either a high BMI or a high WHtR alone was associated with increased risk. Among women, a high BMI without a concomitant high WHtR was not associated with increased glucose tolerance abnormalities risk, whereas a high WHtR was associated with risk irrespective of BMI.ConclusionsAmong the Chinese adult population measures of central obesity are better predictors of glucose tolerance abnormalities prevalence than BMI. A WHtR cut-off point of 0·5 for both men and women can be considered as optimum for predicting (pre-) diabetes and may be a useful tool for screening and health education.
In-Depth Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Analysis Revealing SNAP25A-Rabphilin 3A Interactions
Authors: Lee Jiung-De , Huang Ping-Chun , Lin Yi-Cheng , Kao Lung-Sen , Huang Chien-Chang , Kao Fu-Jen , Lin Chung-Chih , Yang De-Ming 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe high sensitivity and spatial resolution enabled by two-photon excitation fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (2PE-FLIM/FRET) provide an effective approach that reveals protein-protein interactions in a single cell during stimulated exocytosis. Enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)–labeled synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP25A) and red fluorescence protein (mRFP)–labeled Rabphillin 3A (RPH3A) were co-expressed in PC12 cells as the FRET donor and acceptor, respectively. The FLIM images of EGFP-SNAP25A suggested that SNAP25A/RPH3A interaction was increased during exocytosis. In addition, the multidimensional (three-dimensional with time) nature of the 2PE-FLIM image datasets can also resolve the protein interactions in the z direction, and we have compared several image analysis methods to extract more accurate and detailed information from the FLIM images. Fluorescence lifetime was fitted by using one and two component analysis. The lifetime FRET efficiency was calculated by the peak lifetime (τpeak) and the left side of the half-peak width (τ1/2), respectively. The results show that FRET efficiency increased at cell surface, which suggests that SNAP25A/RPH3A interactions take place at cell surface during stimulated exocytosis. In summary, we have demonstrated that the 2PE-FLIM/FRET technique is a powerful tool to reveal dynamic SNAP25A/RPH3A interactions in single neuroendocrine cells.
A Method for Chronological Intravital Imaging of Bovine Oocytes duringIn VitroMaturation
Authors: Petersen Morten R. , Hansen Michael , Avery Birthe , Bøgh Ingrid B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractOocyte maturation is known to affect the chances for successful fertilization, embryonic development, establishment of pregnancy and delivery of a live, healthy, and viable offspring. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) has previously been used to evaluate early embryonic development without a detectable impairment of subsequent development, but has never been applied to assess mammalian oocytes throughoutin vitromaturation (IVM). Visualization of structures within live oocytes during IVM, followed by fertilization and embryo culture, may improve the understanding of oocyte maturation. To visualize structures within bovine oocytes using TPLSM, it is necessary to remove the cumulus cells that normally surround the oocyte during maturation. Repeated visualization of structures within the same oocyte is possible, if movement of the oocyte can be avoided. In this article, we describe the development of a method for repeated intravital imaging of denuded bovine oocytes using an upright TPLSM equipped with a specially constructed incubator. Oocytes were stained with Hoechst 33258, and the nuclear structures were evaluated. Oocyte fertilization rate was not affected by TPLSM exposure, but the developmental capacity of the denuded oocytes was significantly reduced. This is, to our knowledge, the first article describing repeated intravital imaging during mammalian oocyte maturation using TPLSM.
Nonlinear Optical Imaging of Cellular Processes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Provenzano Paolo P. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Yan Long , Ada-Nguema Aude , Conklin Matthew W. , Inman David R. , Keely Patricia J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNonlinear optical imaging techniques such as multiphoton and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy used in conjunction with novel signal analysis techniques such as spectroscopic and fluorescence excited state lifetime detection have begun to be used widely for biological studies. This is largely due to their promise to noninvasively monitor the intracellular processes of a cell together with the cell's interaction with its microenvironment. Compared to other optical methods these modalities provide superior depth penetration and viability and have the additional advantage in that they are compatible technologies that can be applied simultaneously. Therefore, application of these nonlinear optical approaches to the study of breast cancer holds particular promise as these techniques can be used to image exogeneous fluorophores such as green fluorescent protein as well as intrinsic signals such as SHG from collagen and endogenous fluorescence from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or flavin adenine dinucleotide. In this article the application of multiphoton excitation, SHG, and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to relevant issues regarding the tumor-stromal interaction, cellular metabolism, and cell signaling in breast cancer is described. Furthermore, the ability to record and monitor the intrinsic fluorescence and SHG signals provides a unique tool for researchers to understand key events in cancer progression in its natural context.
The road to the Industrial Revolution: hypotheses and conjectures about the medieval origins of the ‘European Miracle’
Authors: van Zanden Jan Luiten 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe article uses various ways of measuring the efficiency of institutions regulating market exchange, such as interest rates, the skill premium, and the level of market integration, to try to answer the question about the quality of institutions in the different parts of Eurasia in the centuries before the ‘Great Divergence’. It appears that Western Europe, from as early as the late medieval period, had a relatively well-developed set of institutions. By contrast, South and Southeast Asian institutions were much less geared towards well-functioning markets. However, Japan and China in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries developed institutions that were relatively efficient, and resulted in relatively high levels of commercial exchange. A number of hypotheses are then reviewed that may help to explain a European head start dating from the late Middle Ages.
Evidence for the dynamics of Acyl homoserine lactone and AHL-producing bacteria during subtidal biofilm formation
Authors: Huang Yi-Li , Ki Jang-Seu , Lee On On , Qian Pei-Yuan 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The quorum sensing signals—acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) were directly detected in 1-9-day-old subtidal biofilms developed in a coastal fish farm by using AHL reporter strains and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Both methods showed that the AHL molecules and/or AHL-producing bacterial community were dynamic during biofilm development, with dominant AHLs changed from short-chain to long-chain AHLs. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes derived from subtidal biofilms of different ages was compared to that of the 21 AHL-producing bacteria isolated from the same batch of subtidal biofilms. All terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) generated from AHL-producing bacteria matched with the dominant TRFs derived from the biofilm bacterial community samples. Particularly, the TRFs of all AHL-producing Vibrio spp. matched with the TRFs that were dominant only in 1-day-old biofilm, suggesting that AHL-producing vibrios were one of the pioneer groups during subtidal biofilm formation. We reported here for the first time the dynamics of AHLs and AHL-producing bacteria during the formation of a subtidal biofilm.
Changes in the reciprocal position of the first polar body and oocyte chromosome set in golden hamsters
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Li Dexue , Li Ziyi 
Published: November 2008

The golden hamster is an attractive model organism for studying reproductive physiology, oncology, genetics and virology. In an effort to establish experimental protocols necessary for cloning golden hamsters, we examined changes in the reciprocal position of the FPB (first polar body) and chromosome set of MII (the second meiotic metaphase) oocytes of golden hamsters. Oocytes were collected under three different conditions: (i) oocyte direct recovery from the oviduct of hormonally treated donor; (ii) oocyte recovery from the oviduct of hormonally treated donor followed by 5 h/10 h in vitro culture; and (iii) oocyte recovery from ovaries of hormonally treated donors and in vitro maturation. Then oocyte recovery was performed from the oviduct of hormonally treated donors, followed by 5 h in vitro culture with colchicine and/or CB (cytochalasin B). Denuded oocytes were stained with Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide and evaluated under a microscope. Our results demonstrate that the change in FPB position in relation to the MII oocyte chromosome set increases with age of in vivo-matured oocytes. Cumulus cells can protect the FPB of in vitro-cultured oocytes from degeneration but do not significantly affect its repositioning, and in vitro-matured oocytes age slower. The colchicine has a stronger effect on cytoplasmic protrusions of golden hamster oocytes when compared with CB. These results define conditions for changes in FPB position relative to the MII oocyte chromosome set. Early ovulated oocytes, in vitro-matured oocytes and oocytes treated with colchicine should improve the effectiveness of the cloning procedure in golden hamsters as an animal model for human diseases.