bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon-driven Chemical Interactions between Alumina and Iron: A possible reaction pathway in Earth's interior
Authors: Khanna Rita , Ikram-ul Haq Mohammad , Sahajwalla Veena 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSeismological and geochemical observations have revealed a complex structure for the earth's core-mantle boundary (CMB) region, with lateral and chemical heterogeneities. The presence of higher than expected concentrations of siderophile elements (Ni, Co, Pt etc) in the earth's mantle, iron enrichment of the lower mantle relative to the upper mantle, and a possible carbon flux from the core suggest the possibility of continual long-term exchange of materials between the core and the mantle. The chemical interactions of molten iron with complex mantle oxides and diffusion have been postulated as key mechanisms. A number of studies have been carried out on the reduction reactions taking into account the extreme conditions of high-temperature and high-pressure in earth's interior. These studies have, however, neglected to consider the influence of carbon on these reactions. The earth's metallic core is rich in carbon (~ 5 wt% C), and there is a growing evidence for the presence of carbon in the earth's mantle as well. Carbon can affect redox conditions through chemical interactions with oxygen, and is a critical element in determining the oxidation state of siderophile elements. Here we present a study of the interactions between liquid iron and alumina-carbon substrates at 1,823K in argon atmosphere, and report on the formation of a Fe-Al~0.25-0.5~ alloy at ambient pressure. Iron induced reduction of alumina in the absence of carbon, has been previously reported to occur only at pressures above 60 GPa and temperatures of 2,200K. Our results demonstrate that carbon enriched iron is capable of reducing alumina in regions of much lower pressures. These chemical reactions could provide an important mechanism for the reduction reactions occurring in earth's interior, and be responsible for far higher levels of heterogeneities than currently believed.
Real-time imaging of the medullary circuitry involved in the generation of spontaneous muscle sympathetic nerve activity in awake human subjects
Authors: Macefield Vaughan , Henderson Luke 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn order to understand the central neural processes involved in blood pressure regulation we recorded muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) via a tungsten microelectrode in the common peroneal nerve while performing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of the brainstem at 3T. Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) changes in signal intensity were measured over 4 s every 8 s (200) volumes. Using the MSNA as the input model, we found that increases in sympathetic outflow were associated with robust increases in signal intensity in the region of the rostal ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Reciprocal decreases in signal intensity occurred in the regions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM). We show for the first time that this combined approach of recording sympathetic neural activity and fMRI can provide &quot;real-time&quot; imaging of the neural processes responsible for the generation of sympathetic nerve activity in awake human subjects.
The Oxidative Reaction of Potassium Permanganate with Mycolic Acids Leads to a Unique Diagnostic Pattern for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: khatami Mohsen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn an oxidative reaction, potassium permanganate reacts with the mycolic acid component of M.tuberculosis and gives rise to a unique saponified pattern specific for M.tuberculosis. This brown orange pattern makes it possible to identify M.tuberculosis in a typical laboratory sample. The method avoids the complexity of other methods with special regard to save time and costs.
Where did Words Come from? A Linking Theory of Sound Symbolism and Natural Language Evolution
Authors: Reilly Jamie , Biun David , Cowles Wind , Peelle Jonathan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhere did words come from? The traditional view is that the relation between the sound of a word and its meaning is arbitrary. An alternative hypothesis, known as sound symbolism, holds that form-meaning correspondence is systematic. Numerous examples of sound symbolism exist across natural language phyla. Moreover, cross-linguistic similarities suggest that sound symbolism represents a language universal. For example, many unrelated languages affix an &quot;ee&quot; sound to words in order to emphasize size distinctions or express affection (e.g., look at the teeny weeny baby); other such phonetic universals are evident for object mass, color, brightness, and aggression. We hypothesize that sound symbolism reflects sensitivity to an ecological law (i.e., Hooke&apos;s Law) governing an inverse relation between object mass and acoustic resonance. In two experiments healthy adults showed high agreement in matching pure tones to color swatches and nonwords to novel objects as linear functions of frequency and luminance. These results support a degree of non-arbitrariness in integrating visual and auditory information. We discuss implications for sound symbolism as a factor underlying language evolution.
ARHI (DIRAS 3), an Imprinted Tumor Suppressor Gene, Binds to Importins, and Blocks Nuclear Translocation of Stat3
Authors: Huang Shaoyi , Chang In Soon , Lin Wenbo , Luo Robert , Lu Zhen , Lu Yiling , Zhang Ke , Liao Warren , Tao Tao , Bast Robert , Chen Xiaomin , Yu Yinhua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractARHI (DIRAS3) is an imprinted tumor suppressor gene whose expression is lost in the majority of breast and ovarian cancers. Unlike its homologs Ras and Rap, ARHI functions as a tumor suppressor. Our previous study showed that ARHI can interact with transcription activator Stat3 and inhibit its nuclear translocation in human breast and ovarian cancer cells. To identify proteins that interact with ARHI in nuclear translocation, we have performed proteomic analysis and identified several importins that can associate with ARHI. To further explore this novel finding, we have purified 10 GST-importin fusion proteins (importin 7, 8, 13, b1, a1, a3, a5, a6, a7 as well as mutant a1). Using a GST-pull down assay, we found that ARHI can bind strongly to most importins; however, its binding is significantly reduced with an importin a1 mutant which contains an altered nuclear localization signal (NLS) domain. In addition, an ARHI N-terminal deletion mutant (NTD) exhibits much less binding to all importins than does wild type ARHI ARHI and NTD proteins were purified and tested for their ability to inhibit nuclear importation of proteins in HeLa cells. ARHI protein inhibits interaction of Ran-importin complexes with GFP fusion proteins that contain an NLS domain and a beta-like import receptor binding domain, blocking their nuclear localization. Addition of ARHI also blocked nuclear localization of phosphorylated Stat3&x03B2;. By GST-pull down assays, we found that ARHI could compete for Ran-importins binding. Thus, ARHI-induced disruption of importin binding to cargo proteins including Stat3 could serve as an important regulatory mechanism that contributes to the tumor suppressor function of ARHI.
pFAR plasmids: New Eukaryotic Expression Vectors for Gene Therapy, devoid of Antibiotic Resistance Markers
Authors: Marie Corinne , Richard Magali , Vandermeulen Gaelle , Quiviger Mickael , Preat Veronique , Scherman Daniel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEfficient production of eukaryotic expression vectors requires the selection of plasmid-containing bacteria. To avoid the risk of dissemination of antibiotic resistance markers, we developed a new system to produce a family of plasmids Free of Antibiotic Resistance genes, called pFARs. The strategy is based on the suppression of a chromosomal nonsense mutation by a plasmid-borne function. The amber mutation was introduced into the Escherichia coli thyA gene that encodes a thymidylate synthase required for dTMP synthesis, resulting in thymidine auxotrophy. In parallel, a small plasmid vector that carries an amber suppressor t-RNA gene was entirely synthesised. The introduction of pFAR plasmids into an optimised thyA mutant restored normal growth to the auxotrophic strain, and led to an efficient production of monomeric supercoiled plasmids, as required for clinical trials. Luciferase activities measured after intramuscular injection and electrotransfer of LUC-encoding pFAR vector were similar to those obtained with a commercial vector containing the same expression cassette. Interestingly, whereas luciferase activities decreased within three weeks after intradermal electrotransfer of conventional expression vectors, sustained levels were observed with the pFAR derivative. Thus, pFAR plasmids represent a novel family of biosafe eukaryotic expression vectors, suitable for gene therapy.
Early Life Relict Feature in Peptide Mass Distribution
Authors: Zubarev Roman , Artemenko Konstantin , Zubarev Alexander , Mayrhofer Corina , Fung Eva 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMolecular mass of a biomolecule is characterized in mass spectroscopy by the monoisitopic mass M~mono~ and the average isotopic mass M~av~. We found that peptide masses mapped on a plane made by two parameters derived from M~mono~ and M~av~ form a peculiar global feature in form of a band-gap 5-7 ppm wide stretching across the whole peptide galaxy, with a narrow (FWHM 0.2 ppm) line in the centre. The a priori probability of such a feature to emerge by chance is less than 1:100. Peptides contributing to the central line have elemental compositions following the rules S=0; Z = (2C - N - H)/2 =0, which nine out of 20 amino acid residues satisfy. The relative abundances of amino acids in the peptides contributing to the central line correlate with the consensus order of emergence of these amino acids, with ancient amino acids being overrepresented in on-line peptides. Thus the central line is a relic of ancient life, and likely a signature of its emergence in abiotic synthesis. The linear correlation between M~av~ and M~mono~ reduces the complexity of polypeptide molecules, which may have increased the rate of their abiotic production. This, in turn may have influenced the selection of these amino acid residues for terrestrial life. Assuming the line feature is not spurious, life has emerged from elements with isotopic abundances very close to terrestrial levels, which rules out most of the Galaxy.
Vestibular effects on cerebral blood flow
Authors: Serrador Jorge , Black F. Owen , Schlegel Todd , Wood Scott 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHumans demonstrate a number of unique adaptations that allow the maintenance of blood pressure and brain blood flow after transition to the upright position. While these adaptations maintain heart-level mean arterial pressure similar to supine values, the brain remains ~30 cm above the heart, resulting in a ~25% decrease in perfusion pressure. To maintain brain blood flow, the cerebral vessels must dilate in response to this change in position. While several physiological systems are involved in adaptation to the upright posture, including cerebral autoregulation, the unique role that the vestibular system plays in helping to maintain brain blood flow is just beginning to be elucidated. Since the vestibular system not only assists in balance control and locomotion but provides direct information about the body's position relative to gravity, it can, within milliseconds, detect a change in posture. Thus it is possible that a vestibular signal indicating upright could assist in this necessary cerebral vasodilation. In this work we demonstrate a direct effect of vestibular activation on cerebral blood flow regulation. By stimulating the otoliths, the organs that sense gravity, using sinusoidal translation or tilt in the dark at five frequencies, we found that cerebral blood flow was modulated according to the frequency of stimulation. In addition, changes in cerebral blood flow were in opposition to blood pressure changes, likely indicating a direct effect of otolith activation on cerebral blood flow regulation. We anticipate these findings may lead to new treatment modalities for cerebral hypoperfusion under a variety of circumstances. For example, with aging there is well documented vestibular loss that might contribute to a general age-associated reduction in global cerebral blood flow. Similarly, patients with orthostatic intolerance could have vestibular impairment that exacerbates cerebral hypoperfusion when upright.
Positive and Negative Congruency Effects in Masked Priming: A Neuro-computational Model Based on Representation Strength and Attention
Authors: Sohrabi Ahmad , West Robert 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPositive priming effects have been found with a short time between the prime and the target, while negative priming effects (i.e., a congruent prime causes longer RTs) have been found with a long time between the prime and the target. In the current study, positive and negative priming effects were found using stimuli that have strong and weak representations, respectively, without changing the time between prime and target. A model was developed that fits our results. The model also fits a wide range of previous results in this area. In contrast to other approaches our model depends on attentional neuro-modulation not motor self-inhibition.
Predictive Models of Insulin Resistance Derived from Simple Morphometric and Metabolic Measurements Related to Obesity in Baboons.
Authors: Chavez Alberto , Gastaldelli Amalia , Lopez-Alvarenga Juan Carlos , Guardado-Mendoza Rodolfo , Leland Michelle , Tejero M. Elizabeth , Sorice GianPio , Davalli Alberto , Bastarrachea Raul , Comuzzie Anthony , DeFronzo Ralph , Folli Franco 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNon-human primates are valuable models for the study of insulin resistance and human obesity. In baboons, insulin sensitivity levels can be evaluated directly with the euglycemic clamp and is highly predicted by adiposity, metabolic markers of obesity and impaired glucose metabolism (i.e. percent body fat by DXA and hemoglobin A1C). However, a simple method to screen and identify obese insulin resistant baboons for inclusion in interventional studies is not available. We characterized a population of obese nondiabetic, insulin resistant baboons using the euglycemic clamp technique and used a multivariate linear regression analysis (after adjustment for gender) to test three different predictive models for insulin sensitivity. In the first model, abdominal circumference explained 63% of insulin mediated glucose uptake. The second model, which included fasting plasma insulin (log transformed) and abdominal circumference, explained 69% of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. The third model, which contained abdominal circumference and 1/log (FPI+FPG), explained 70% of insulin sensitivity. In baboons, simple morphometric measurements of adiposity/obesity, i.e. abdominal circumference, plus baseline markers of glucose metabolism, i.e. fasting plasma glucose and insulin, provide a feasible method to screen and identify overweight/obese insulin resistant baboons for inclusion interventional studies aimed to study human obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase modulates the effect of inhibitors and alternative substrates of 11[beta]-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1
Authors: Balázs Zoltán , Nashev Lyubomir , Chandsawangbhuwana Charlie , Baker Michael , Odermatt Alex 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntracellular glucocorticoid reactivation is catalyzed by 11[beta]-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11[beta]-HSD1), which functions predominantly as a reductase in cells expressing hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH). We recently showed that the ratios of cortisone to cortisol and 7-keto- to 7-hydroxy-neurosteroids are regulated by 11[beta]-HSD1 and very much depend on co-expression with H6PDH, providing cosubstrate NADPH. Here, we investigated the impact of H6PDH on the modulation of 11[beta]-HSD1-dependent inter-conversion of cortisone and cortisol by inhibitors and alternative substrates. Using HEK-293 cells expressing 11[beta]-HSD1 or co-expressing 11[beta]-HSD1 and H6PDH, we observed significant differences of 11[beta]-HSD1 inhibition by natural and pharmaceutical compounds as well as endogenous hormone metabolites. Furthermore, we show potent and dose-dependent inhibition of 11[beta]-HSD1 by 7-keto-DHEA in differentiated human THP-1 macrophages and in HEK-293 cells over-expressing 11[beta]-HSD1 with or without H6PDH. In contrast, 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) did not inhibit 11[beta]-HSD1 in HEK-293 cells, even in the presence of H6PDH, but inhibited 11[beta]-HSD1 reductase activity in differentiated THP-1 macrophages (IC~50~ = 8.1 +/- 0.9 [mu]M). 7-keto-DHEA but not 7-KC inhibited 11[beta]-HSD1 in HEK-293 cell lysates. In conclusion, cellular factors such as H6PDH can significantly modulate the effect of inhibitors and alternative 7-oxygenated substrates on intracellular glucocorticoid availability.
Memristive model of amoeba's learning
Authors: Pershin Yuriy , La Fontaine Steven , Di Ventra Massimiliano 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecently, behavioural intelligence of the plasmodia of the true slime mold has been demonstrated. It was shown that a large amoeba-like cell Physarum polycephalum subject to a pattern of periodic environmental changes learns and changes its behaviour in anticipation of the next stimulus to come. Currently, it is not known what specific mechanisms are responsible for such behaviour. Here, we show that such behaviour can be mapped into the response of a simple electronic circuit consisting of an LC contour and a memory-resistor (a memristor) to a train of voltage pulses that mimic environment changes. We identify a possible microscopic origin of the memristive behaviour in the Physarum polycephalum, which together with the naturally occurring biological oscillators, forms the basis of the amoeba's learning. These microscopic memristive features are likely to occur in other unicellular as well as multicellular organisms, albeit in different forms. Therefore, the above memristive circuit model, which has learning properties, is useful to better understand the origins of primitive intelligence.
Aging-associated Alteration in the Cardiac MIF-AMPK Cascade in Response to Ischemic Stress
Authors: Ma Heng , Wang Jingying , Lane Erin , Leng Lin , Wang Wenkui , Ren Jun , Bucala Richard , Li Ji 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAn important role for a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in ameliorating myocardial damage following ischemia/reperfusion has been described. An aging-associated reduction in AMPK activity may be associated with a decline in the ability of cardiac cells to activate the MIF-AMPK cascade, thereby resulting in reduced tolerance to ischemic insults. To test this hypothesis, in vivo regional ischemia was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in young (4-6 months) and aged (24-26 months) mice. The ischemic AMPK activation response was impaired in aged hearts compared to young ones (p<0.01). Notably, cardiac MIF expression in aged hearts was lower than in young hearts (p<0.01). Dual staining data clearly demonstrated larger infarct size in aged hearts following ischemia and reperfusion compared to young hearts (p<0.05). Ischemia-induced AMPK activation in MIF knock out (MIF KO) hearts was blunted, leading to greater contractile dysfunction of MIF KO cardiomyocytes during hypoxia than that of wild type (WT) cardiomyocytes. Finally exogenous recombinant MIF significantly reversed the contractile dysfunction of aged cardiomyocytes in response to hypoxia. We conclude that an aging-associated reduction in ischemic AMPK activation contributes to ischemic intolerance in aged hearts.
Dynamic reorganization of the middle fusiform gyrus: long-term bird expertise predicts decreased face selectivity
Authors: Kung Chun-Chia , Ellis Colin , Tarr Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhat is the functional relationship between face-selective and expertise-predicated object-selective regions in the human middle fusiform gyrus? In two separate fMRI experiments, superior behaviorally-measured bird expertise predicts both higher middle fusiform gyrus selectivity for birds and, concomitantly, lower selectivity for faces. This finding suggests a long-term dynamic reorganization of the neural mechanisms underlying the visual recognition of faces and non-face.
Aqueous Electrolyte Ionization over Extreme Ranges as Simple Fundamental Relation with Density and Believed Universal; Sodium Chloride Ionization from 0^o^ to 1000^o^C and to 1000 MPa (10000 Atm.)
Authors: Marshall William L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe chemical nature of aqueous electrolyte ionization is illustrated by a simple relationship with water as a reactant believed to correlate ionization of aqueous sodium chloride approaching infinite dilution over the entire range of temperature and pressure [0 to 1000^o^C; 0.1 to 1000 MPa (10000 Atm)]. The derived equation accurately and smoothly describes the ionization constant of sodium chloride [K(NaCl)] in both water and water strongly diluted by inert solvent. Effects of water density on ionization are quantitatively and simply described that oppose conventional theory that ionization is a function only of dielectric constant, and theorists should apply this simplicity with density in understanding aqueous electrolyte ionization. There appears to be no substantive evidence for Pitzer's earlier proposal (1983) that K(NaCl) with decreasing very low densities (if known) would diverge sharply downward by several orders of magnitude. Classical ionization theories are limited in universal application, and it seems that theory must adjust to this observed simple fundamental relationship.
Biospheric context of Siberian development
Authors: Alexandrov Georgii , Inoue Gen , Matsunaga Tsuneo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProductivity of ecosystems surrounding a city is important for supporting its activities in a sustainable way. The total terrestrial net primary production (NPP) shows biosphere potential to supply primary food energy source for all non-autotrophic species including humans. Humans appropriate approximately 20% of NPP, in average. Even in the relatively well-populated regions of Siberia, NPP per capita exceeds the average level by several times suggesting the window of opportunity for achieving sustainable development. (3 pages, 1086 words, 2 maps)