Optimizing multi-dimensional terahertz imaging analysis for colon cancer diagnosis

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Poly/vinyl ethers/ synthesis for fundamental study of viscoelastic state Final report

Large scale synthesis of amorphous poly/vinyl ethers/ for viscoelastic state stud

Brood patch and sex-ratio observations indicate breeding provenance and timing in New Zealand storm petrel (Fregetta maoriana)

We used measurements of brood patch and moult status to estimate the breeding phenology of New Zealand Storm-Petrel, using birds caught at sea within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park near Auckland, New Zealand. Birds caught October–January had completely downy brood patches, whereas birds caught February–April had bare brood patches with an observed male bias in the February sex-ratio, consistent with a female pre-laying exodus typical of petrels and with the existence of an unknown colony in the region. No birds captured exhibited primary moult, which is known to occur in storm-petrels during their non-breeding season. Our data support the conclusion that the New Zealand storm-petrel breeds during January–June in northern New Zealand and that field surveys for the species on offshore islands in this region during this period are warrante

Flow-test device fits into restricted access passages

Test device using a mandrel with a collapsible linkage assembly enables a fluid flow sensor to be properly positioned in a restricted passage by external manipulation. This device is applicable to the combustion chamber of a rocket motor

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory and antioxidative properties of milk protein-derived dipeptides and hydrolysates

peer-reviewedSelected synthetic dipeptides and milk protein hydrolysates were evaluated for their dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory properties, and their superoxide (SO) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. DPP-IV inhibition was seen with eight out of the twelve dipeptides and 5 of the twelve hydrolysates studied. Trp-Val inhibited DPP-IV, however, inhibition was not observed with the reverse peptide Val-Trp. The most potent hydrolysate inhibitors were generated from casein (CasH2) and lactoferrin (LFH1). Two Trp containing dipeptides, Trp-Val and Val-Trp, and three lactoferrin hydrolysates scavenged DPPH. The dipeptides had higher SO EC50 values compared to the milk protein hydrolysates (arising from three lactoferrin and one whey protein hydrolysates). Higher molecular mass fractions of the milk protein hydrolysates were associated with the SO scavenging activity. Trp-Val and one lactoferrin hydrolysate (LFH1) were multifunctional displaying both DPP-IV inhibitory and antioxidant (SO and DPPH scavenging) activities. These compounds may have potential as dietary ingredients in the management of type 2 diabetes by virtue of their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and to extend the half-life of incretin molecules. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.ACCEPTEDpeer-reviewe

Tryptophan-containing milk protein-derived dipeptides inhibit xanthine oxidase

peer-reviewedOf twelve dipeptides tested, only the Trp containing peptides Val-Trp and its reverse peptide Trp-Val showed a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Studies with Val and Trp revealed that XO inhibition was mainly attributed to the Trp residue. No significant difference (P >= 0.05) was found for the XO inhibitory potency (IC50) values for Trp, Val-Trp and Trp-Val, which were about 200 times higher than that for Allopurinol. Lineweaver and Burke analysis demonstrated that Trp, Val-Trp and Trp-Val were non-competitive inhibitors while Allopurinol was a competitive inhibitor. Of the different milk-protein substrates hydrolyzed with gastro-intestinal enzyme activities, only lactoferrin (LF) hydrolyzates displayed XO inhibition. Peptides present in a LF hydrolyzate (GLF-240 min) were adsorbed onto activated carbon followed by subsequent desorption with stepwise elution using acetonitrile (ACN). Separation and detection of Trp containing peptides within the different fractions were achieved using RP-HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection. The desorbed fractions displayed different XO inhibitory properties, with no inhibition in the unbound fraction and highest inhibition in fractions eluted with 30, 40 and 70% ACN. The fraction eluting at 40% ACN was significantly more potent (19.1 +/- 2.3% inhibition at 1.25 mg mL(-1)) than the GLF-240 min hydrolyzate (13.4 +/- 0.4% inhibition at 1.25 mg mL(-1)), showing the potential for enrichment of the bioactive peptides on fractionation with activated carbon. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.ACCEPTEDpeer-reviewe

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory properties of a whey protein hydrolysate: Influence of fractionation, stability to simulated gastrointestinal digestion and food-drug interaction

peer-reviewedThe in vitro dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity of a whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) generated with a food-grade pancreatic enzyme preparation was studied. The 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) value in the presence of WPH was 1.34 ± 0.11 mg.mL-1. Ultrafiltration (UF) fractionation of WPH allowed enrichment in DPP-IV inhibitory peptides. The permeates generated by UF through 5 and 2 kDa membranes along with the hydrophilic fraction isolated by solid-phase extraction were significantly more potent DPP-IV inhibitors than WPH. These samples respectively had IC50 values of 0.95 ± 0.16, 0.48 ± 0.01 and 1.11 ± 0.09 mg.mL-1. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) of WPH resulted in an increased DPP- IV inhibitory potency (IC50 value of 1.02 ± 0.05 mg.mL-1). Competitive inhibition of DPP-IV was observed with WPH and all its fractions, indicating a direct interaction of the bioactive peptides therein with the active site of DPP-IV. Combinations of sitagliptin, a conventional drug-inhibitor of DPP-IV, and whey-derived peptides resulted in an additive effect on DPP-IV inhibition.ACCEPTEDpeer-reviewe