bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection against Peroxynitrite by Selenoproteins
Authors: Sies Helmut , Klotz Lars-Oliver , Sharov Victor S. , Assmann Annika , Briviba Karlis 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Cellular defense against excessive peroxynitrite generation is required to protect against DNA strand-breaks and mutations and against interference with protein tyrosine-based sig­ naling and other protein functions due to formation of 3-nitrotyrosine. We recently demon­ strated a role of selenium-containing enzymes catalyzing peroxynitrite reduction. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) protected against the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 (D H R) by perox­ ynitrite more effectively than ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one), a selenoor-ganic compound exhibiting a high second-order rate constant for the reaction with peroxynit­ rite, 2 × 106 M-1 S-1. The maintenance of protection by GPx against peroxynitrite requires GSH as reductant. Similarly, selenomethionine but not selenomethionine oxide exhibited inhibition of rhodamine 123 formation from DHR caused by peroxynitrite. In steady-state experiments, in which peroxynitrite was infused to maintain a 0.2 μᴍ con­ centration, GPx in the presence of GSH, but neither GPx nor GSH alone, effectively inhib­ ited the hydroxylation of benzoate by peroxynitrite. Under these steady-state conditions peroxynitrite did not cause loss of ‘classical’ GPx activity. GPx, like selenomethionine, pro­ tected against protein 3-nitrotyrosine formation in human fibroblast lysates, shown in West­ern blots. The formation of nitrite rather than nitrate from peroxynitrite was enhanced by GPx , ebselen or selenomethionine. The selenoxides can be effectively reduced by glutathione, establishing a biological line of defense against peroxynitrite. The novel function of GPx as a peroxynitrite reductase may extend to other selenoproteins containing selenocysteine or selenomethionine. Recent work on organotellurium compounds revealed peroxynitrite reductase activity as well. Inhibition of dihydrorhodamine 123 oxidation correlated well with the GPx-like activity of a variety of diaryl tellurides.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity of Ubiquinol and Dihydrolipoic Acid
Authors: Nohl H. , Gille L. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Ubiquinone and α-lipoic acid are natural constitutents which are involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. Their bioenergetic activities require redox-cycling. In the case of a-lipoic acid redox-cycling leads to dihydrolipoic acid which occurs in multienzyme com plexes in­ volved in the citric acid cycle while UQ recycles through semi-and divalently reduced ubiqui­ nones in the respiratory chain. We have proved the validity of the concept about the antioxi­ dant function of these natural compounds in their reduced form. Ubiquinol was found to interfere with lipid peroxidation of liposomal membranes being itself degradated by two consecutive oxidation steps. Dihydrolipoic acid was found to totally recycle ubiquinone to the antioxidant active divalently reduced form. In contrast to the antioxidative derived reaction products of ubiquinols which in turn promoted lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant derived reaction product of dihydrolipoic acid was the unreactive two electron oxidation product a-lipoic acid. Our experim ents demonstrate the existence of an dihydrolipoic acid driven recycl­ ing of UQ to the antioxidative-active UQH2. The efficiency of the antioxidative capacity of the latter was found to be diminished through prooxidant activities of the antioxidant-derived metabolites.
Sulfite Induces Release of Lipid Mediators by Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Beck-Speier Ingrid , Dayal Niru , Denzlingerb Claudio , Haberl Christopher , Maier Konrad L. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Air pollutants are supposed to modulate physiological responses of alveolar macrophages (AM ). This study was addressed to the question whether at neutral pH sulfur(IV) species in comparison to sulfur(VI) species cause AM to release proinflammatory mediators and which pathways are involved in their generation. Supernatants obtained from canine AM treated with sulfite (0.1 mᴍ to 2 mᴍ) enhanced the respiratory burst of canine neutrophils, measured by lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence, whereas supernatants derived from AM treated with sulfate (1 mᴍ) did not. The neutrophil-stimulating activity released by sulfite-treated AM consisted of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) as shown by desensitization of the corresponding receptors. Inhibitors of phospholipase A2 substantially suppressed release of neutrophil-stimulating activity by sulfite-treated AM. Inhibition of 5- lipoxygenase in sulfite-treated AM also reduced neutrophil-stimulating activity, while inhibition of cyclooxygenase had no effect. In conclusion, sulfite induces AM to release lipid mediators via phospholipase A2- and 5-lipoxygenase-dependent pathways. These mediators activate neutrophils via the receptors for PAF and LTB4.
Terpenoids and Phenylethyl Esters from the Exudate of the Australian Plant Ozothamnus ledifolius (Asteraceae)
Authors: Arriaga-Giner Fco. Javier , Rumbero Angel , Wollenweber Eckhard 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The leaf exudate of Ozothamnus ledifolius, previously reported to contain a series of flavonoid aglycones, mostly consists of a mixture of terpenoids. From this resinous material we now identified four sesquiterpenes, a diterpenediol and two pentacyclic triterpene acids. In the phenolic portion we found three phenylethyl esters.
Isolation and Kinetic Analyses of the Soluble F1 ATPases from Mitochondria of Wheat and Pearlmillet
Authors: Sane Aniruddha P. , Sane Vidhu A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The mitochondrial F1 ATPases from two cereal crops, wheat and pearlmillet, were purified and studied. The wheat F1 ATPase could be purified to homogeneity and is apparently com­posed of six subunits with apparent molecular weights of 55 kDa (α and β), 35 kDa (γ), 26 kDa (δ’) and 22 kDa (δ). The e subunit was barely detectable. Both enzymes reveal typical non-linear kinetics but show variability in their response to bicarbonate and chloride. While the wheat F1 ATPase is stimulated by bicarbonate and chloride, the pearlmillet F1 ATPase is inhibited by both anions. The two enzymes are Mg2+ dependent ATPases and are competitively inhibited by Ca2+, unlike maize, pea and turnip ATPases. Both the enzymes also possess a GTPase activity which is two fold higher than the ATPase, unlike rice, sorghum and oat root F1 ATPases.
Influence of Some Lysosomotropic Compounds on Calcium Ion Desorption Process from Liposome Membrane
Authors: Kuczera J. , Witek S. , Kral T. E. , Hładyszowski J. , Łuczyński J. , Przestalski S. 
Published: August 2018

The effect of a group of model lysosomotropic compounds on the process of Ca2+ ion desorption from lecithin liposome membranes was studied. The compounds studied were: hydrochlorides of fatty acids 2-dimethylaminoethyl esters (DM-n) for n = 9, 11, 13 and 15 carbon atoms in the fatty acid alkyl chain and methochloride of 2-dimethylaminoethyl laurate (DMS-11).
It was found that all the compounds studied caused increased desorption with increasing concentration of the compound. Most effective was the quaternary ammonium salt, DMS-11. Moreover, it was found that the process of Ca2+ desorption from the membrane depended on pH of the medium. Compound DM-11 was more active at pH 8 than at pH 5. The action of DM-n compounds depended on the alkyl chain length, DM-11 and DM-13 being the most active.
Apparently free amines penetrate the phospholipid membranes and incorporate into its hydrophobic core causing structural deformations. Hydrochlorides of fatty acids and the quaternary ammonium salt induce desorption of calcium ions mostly as a result of competitive electrostatic interactions. By quantum chemistry, PM3 method, and methods of molecular modelling we established the higher hydrophilicity of the polar head of DM-n series with respect to the polar head of the DMS-n compounds. DM-n compounds possess both acceptor and donor properties for hydrogen bonding while DMS-n are instrumental as acceptors only.
It should be noted, that the results obtained in this paper for model membranes are in accordance with those for biological ones.
Purification and Partial Characterization of Glyceraldehyde-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Electric Organ of Electrophorus electricus (L.)
Authors: Giovanni-De-Simone S. , Hassón-Voloch A. , Batista-e-Silva C. , Nery-da-Matta A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The glyceraldehyde-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, EC 1.2.1.12) was purified to homogeneity from electric organ of Electrophorus electricus (L.) by a hydrophobic chroma­ tography method on deacetylcolchicine-Sepharose. The purification resulted in a 162 fold increase in specific activity of the GAPDH and final yield was approximately 37%. The purified enzyme showed a single band in SDS-PAGE, with an apparent molecular mass of 36 kDa. The purity of the colchicine-Sepharose isolated material was analysed by isoelectro-phocusing and immunoblotting using a heterologous rabbit serum anti-GAPDH. Sequence analysis of the 40-N-terminal amino acids, determined by Edman degradation, revealed its identity to other GAPDHs proteins being the largest number of identical amino acids to lobster (92.5%), rabbit muscle (85%) and human liver (80%) GAPDH.
Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation in the Erythrocyte Membrane by Quaternary Morpholinium Salts with Antioxidant Function
Authors: Kleszczyńska H. , Oświęcimska M. , Witek S. , Przestalski S. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The antioxidant activity of five new compounds from a group of quaternary ammonium salts with antioxidant function has been investigated. The effect of the compounds on the degree of lipid oxidation in the erythrocyte membrane subjected to UV radiation was studied. It was found that all the salts used decreased oxidation of the lipids in the erythrocyte membrane. The antioxidant activity of the ammonium salts studied increased with their alkyl chain length. Three compounds with the longest alkyl chains were the most active antioxidants, and their antioxidant properties were comparable to those of a flavonoid extracted from haw­ thorn. The antioxidant effectiveness of the ten-carbon alkyl chain compound was comparable with that of the known antioxidant 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT). The least effective antioxidant studied proved to be the eight-carbon alkyl chain compound. The effect of these compounds on fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane has been studied, and for all an increase of fluidity of the membrane was observed. The changes in erythrocyte ghosts fluidity depended both on concentration and type of compound. A fluorimetric study also indicated that rigidity of the erythrocyte membrane increased with degree of its oxidation, but with antioxidants present membrane rigidity increased less.
The Mental Life of Artifacts. Explications, Questions, Arguments
Authors: Buschlinger Wolfgang , Vollmer Gerhard , Walter Henrik 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Our working assumption reads: Every mental property exhibited by a natural system can be exhibited by an artificial system, at least in principle. Is this true? The paper is in two parts. The first part is explicative: What do we mean by ‘natural’ or by ‘artificial’? When are we ready to ascribe thinking to a system? We show that sometimes behavior is enough, sometimes underlying mechanisms are decisive. We study the difference between simulation and realization of a property and the kinds of explanation used in the philosophy of mind. The second part is argumentative. We collect and discuss positive arguments for and critical arguments against the working hypothesis. No decisive counterargument is found
Effect of Ecological Pressures on Brains: Examples from Avian Neuroethology and General Meanings
Authors: Wagner Hermann , Luksch Harald 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Comparative neuroethological research emphasizes that brains of animals have been shaped by the specific demands and constraints imposed by the ecological niche that a species occupies. Since avian species have developed very diverse life styles and occupy extreme ecological niches, bird brains should show many specializations, which may be revealed in species that have survived under high ecological pressures. In this paper, we will give several examples of adaptations, in which we are able to correlate structural and physiological spe­cializations to the specific ecological demands: adaptations found to nocturnal hunting in barn owls, the characteristics of bird song and its underlying neurobiological correlates, retinopetal projections and their relation to peripheral attentional switching, looming detection, and adaptations related to memory capacities of food-storing birds. We stress especially that the analysis of the animal’s ecological situation is important in understanding the factors that shaped both behavior and the neuronal substrate.
An Introduction to Object Recognition
Authors: Liter Jeffrey C. , Bülthoff Heinrich H. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
In this report we present a general introduction to object recognition. We begin with brief discussions of the terminology used in the object recognition literature and the psychophysi­ cal tasks that are used to investigate object recognition. We then discuss models of shape representation. We dispense with the idea that shape representations are like the 3-D models used in computer aided design and explore instead models of shape representation that are based on feature descriptions. As these descriptions encode only the features that are visible from a particular viewpoint, they are generally viewpoint-specific. We discuss various means of achieving viewpoint-invariant recognition using such descriptions, including reliance on diagnostic features visible from a wide range of viewpoints, storage of multiple descriptions for each object, and the use of transformation mechanisms. Finally, we discuss how differ­ences in viewpoint dependence that are often observed for within-category and between-category recognition tasks could be due to differences in the types of features that are natu­rally available to distinguish among different objects in these tasks.
Motion Segmentation in Artificial and Biological Systems
Authors: Gillner Walter J. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
In the early steps of visual information processing motion is one of the most important queues for the development of spatial representations. Obstacle detection and egomotion estimation are only two examples of the powerfulness of visual motion detection systems. The underlying process of information extraction has to be active due to the observer’s capabilities of egomotion. This means that the observer’s motion has an impact on the pro­jected retinal motion field. Therefore one of the challenging tasks for biological as well as for technical vision systems is to couple retinal motion and egomotion and to uncouple egomotion and object motion. The following sections describe a model that couples visual motion processing with the egomotion parameters of a moving observer. Beneath a theoreti­cal introduction of the model an application to traffic scene analysis is presented. A t last the paper relates the model to biological motion processing systems.
Emergence and the Cognitive Neuroscience Approach to Psychiatry
Authors: Walter Henrik 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
In this paper, I introduce the philosophical notion of strong emergence and argue that it is almost exclusively applied to properties related to (conscious) subjective experience. Con­trary to the still common attitude of refraining anxiously from these topics, I argue that we have a promising scientific approach to them: the cognitive neurosciences. I list a spectrum of interesting, potentially strongly emergent properties already investigated, and discuss the example of volition in more detail. Psychiatric disorders, like antisocial personality disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder, open new ways for understanding aspects of volition such as willed action, decision making, and agency. I conclude that the notion of strong emergence is only a preliminary label which, however, might be understood as a challenge for empirical scientists to explain and understand phenomena related to subjectivity and consciousness.
Melatonin in the Testis of the Cabbage Armyworm, Mamestra brassicae
Authors: Shimizu Toshiaki , Takeda Naokuni 
Published: August 2018

N-Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin; MEL) was detected in the testis of non-diapausing pupae and in the testis of post-diapause pharate adults of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae, by use of a threedimensional HPLC system with multiple coulometric electrochemical detectors.
Intermediates providing evidence of various metabolic pathways were identified, as follows: tryptophan (TRP) → 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) → 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) → N-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-MET)
↳5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)
↳N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-ACET-5-HT)
↳melatonin (MEL).
The possible physiological roles of melatonin in the testis of both diapausing and non-diapausing pupae are discussed.
Effects of Watersoluble Boron and Aluminium Compounds on the Synthesis of Flavanols in Grape Vine Callus
Authors: Feucht Walter , Treutter Dieter , Bengsch Eberhard , Polster Jürgen 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Internode explants of grape vine were used to produce proliferating callus cells in vitro. The tissues were grown on a modified M/S -medium supplemented with different concentra­tions of boron (H3BO3) in the range of 0 to 600 μᴍ and aluminium (AlCl3) in the range of 0 to 85 μᴍ . With increasing concentrations of boron the content of the following flavanols declined: procyanidin B3 (catech in -(4α → 8) catechin), procyanidin B1 (epicatechin-(4β → 8) catechin), procyanidin B2 (epicatechin-(4β→8) epicatechin), and B2 -3 -O -gallate , cate­chin and epicatechin. ECG (epicatechingallate) showed increased values in dependance on boron supply. Procyanidin B5 (epicatechin-(4β → 6)-epicatechin) showed an indifferent behaviour. In the case of aluminium the concentrations of flavanols were generally increased up to a maximum of 46% with the exception of ECG and B5 where no significant change was observed. While the total sum of flavanols was decreased by boron up to about 30% in comparison to the control (no boron addition) the content of flavanols was basically increased by aluminium up to about 25% . We conclude that the addition of watersoluble boron and aluminium compounds to the culture can significantly modify the synthesis of special monomeric and oligomeric flavanols.
Penaeus monodon (Tiger Shrimp) Hemocyanin: Subunit Composition and Thermostability
Authors: Stoeva Stanka , Idakieva Krassimira , Georgieva Dessislava Nikolova , Voelter Wolfgang , Genov Nicolay 
Published: August 2018

Penaeus monodon (class Crustacea, order Decapoda) is one of the largest shrimps of the Penaeidea family from the Indo - West Pacific region. The dioxygen-transporting protein hemocyanin, isolated from the hemolymph of this invertebrate, is composed of three 75 -76 kDa structural/functional subunits designated as Pm1, Pm2 and Pm3. The N-terminal sequences of the chains were determined and compared with those of other decapodan hemocyanin subunits. Pm2 and Pm3 are highly homologous and electrophoretically undistinguishable polypeptides. In comparison to Pm1, they have an extension of six residues. Pm1 is closely related to the subunit Pv2 of the Penaeus vannamei hemocyanin. Probably, subunits like Pm1 and Pv2 are family-specific for the Penaeidea hemocyanins and the other subunits are speciesspecific. Comparison of N-terminal sequences of respiratory proteins from the sub-orders Natantia and Reptantia demonstrated family- and sub-order-specific sequences.
A melting point of 69 °C, lower than those for the di-hexameric decapodan hemocyanins, was determined from the temperature dependence of ellipticity of the mono-hexameric Penaeus monodon hemocyanin. Thermostability of decapodan hemocyanins depends on their aggregation state.
Circulating MIR148A associates with sensitivity to adiponectin levels in human metabolic surgery for weight loss
Authors: Ariza-Nieto Magnolia , Alley Joshua B , Samy Sanjay , Fitzgerald Laura , Vermeylen Francoise , Shuler Michael L , Alemán José O 
Published: August 2018

Objective
We sought to discover secreted biomarkers to monitor the recovery of physiological adiponectin levels with metabolic surgery, focusing on epigenetic changes that might predict adiponectin function.

Design
We conducted a prospective observational study of patients undergoing metabolic surgery by Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) for weight loss in a single center (IRB GHS # 1207-27).

Methods
All patients (n = 33; 27 females; 6 males) signed informed consent. Metabolites, adiponectin and MIR148A were measured in fasting plasma. We followed MIQE for transcript profiles.

Results
Patients lost on average 47 ± 12% excess BMI (%EBMI) after 12 weeks. Adiponectin pre, post or delta (post minus pre) did not correlate with %EBMIL. A decrease in adiponectin following weight loss surgery was observed in a subset of patients, chi-square test of independence rejects the null hypotheses that the liver DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and delta adiponectin are independent (chi-square statistics χ2 = 6.9205, P = 0.00852, n = 33), as well as MIR148A and delta adiponectin are independent (chi-square statistics χ2 = 9.6823, P = 0.00186, n = 33). The presence of plasma MIR148A allows identification of patients that appear to be adiponectin insensitive at baseline.

Conclusion
We combined the presence of plasma MIR148A, the concentration of total adiponectin and the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in liver biopsy tissue to identify patients with non-physiological adiponectin. Weight loss and physical activity interventions complemented with the new method presented here could serve to monitor the physiological levels of adiponectin, thought to be important for long-term weight loss maintenance.