bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships Between Spatial Contrast Sensitivity and Parafoveal Cone Density in Normal Subjects and Patients With Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Hirota Masakazu , Morimoto Takeshi , Kanda Hiroyuki , Lohmann Tibor Karl , Miyagawa Suguru , Endo Takao , Miyoshi Tomomitsu , Fujikado Takashi 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the relationship between spatial contrast sensitivity (CS) and parafoveal cone density (PCD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Fifteen healthy individuals (mean age: 26.1 years ± 4.5 years) and nine patients with hereditary retinal degeneration (mean age: 31.6 years ± 13.4 years) without media opacities were studied. The CS was measured by CSV-1000 (VectorVision, Greenville, OH). The cone mosaic was photographed with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) with a 1° × 1° field of view centered on the fovea. The PCD was calculated in an annular area with radii of 0.38° and 0.43°. The CS was converted to the logarithm (logCS), and the area under the logCS function (AULCSF) was determined.

RESULTS:

The AULCSF was significantly and positively correlated with the PCD in the control (R
2
= 0.522;
P
= .003) and retinal degeneration (R
2
= 0.514;
P
= .03) groups.

CONCLUSION:
PCD can predict the spatial contrast sensitivity in normal subjects or patients with retinal degeneration without media opacities.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:106–113.]
Quantitative Analysis of En Face Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Simonett Joseph M. , Chan Errol W. , Chou Jonathan , Skondra Dimitra , Colon Daniel , Chee Caroline K. , Lingam Gopal , Fawzi Amani A. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging can be used to visualize polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) lesions in the en face plane. Here, the authors describe a novel lesion quantification technique and compare PCV lesion area measurements and morphology before and after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Volumetric SD-OCT scans in eyes with PCV before and after induction anti-VEGF therapy were retrospectively analyzed. En face SD-OCT images were generated and a pixel intensity thresholding process was used to quantify total lesion area.

RESULTS:

Thirteen eyes with PCV were analyzed. En face SD-OCT PCV lesion area quantification showed good intergrader reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.944). Total PCV lesion area was significantly reduced after anti-VEGF therapy (2.22 mm
2
vs. 2.73 mm
2
;
P
= .02). The overall geographic pattern of the branching vascular network was typically preserved.

CONCLUSION:
PCV lesion area analysis using en face SD-OCT is a reproducible tool that can quantify treatment related changes.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:126–133.]
Hugo de Saint-Victor: considerações de um clássico sobre questões educacionais
Authors: Perin Conceição Solange Bution , Santiago Viviane Paes 
Published: February 2017

Este estudo analisa a importância da escrita e da leitura e suas relações com questões educacionais no contexto da primeira metade do século XII, destacando a influência que exerceram na formação social dos homens. O propósito é refletir sobre o fato de que, nesse período, devido às alterações ocorridas no medievo, relacionadas ao renascimento das cidades e do comércio, o homem buscava um entendimento de mundo não mais se pautado somente nos ensinamentos religiosos, mas, na razão. Dessa forma, objetiva-se entender o pensamento de Hugo de São Vitor (1096-1141), mestre vitorino que discorria sobre a importância do estudo, da leitura e da ética na conduta humana para se alcançar a sabedoria. Para ele, pela prática do ato de ler e refletir, o homem usa a inteligência e, assim, desenvolve o conhecimento necessário para a formação moral e intelectual. Consideramos que o estudo de autores clássicos nos conduz à compreensão do passado, bem como de questões sobre a História da Educação, possibilitando uma reflexão sobre os valores que independem do período histórico para serem considerados essenciais para a formação humana.
IL-6 Regulates M2 Polarization and Local Proliferation of Adipose Tissue Macrophages in Obesity
Authors: Braune Julia , Weyer Ulrike , Hobusch Constance , Mauer Jan , Brüning Jens C. , Bechmann Ingo , Gericke Martin 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation of adipose tissue (AT) and an increase of AT macrophages (ATMs) that is linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes. We have recently shown that focal sites of inflammation around dying adipocytes, so-called crown-like structures, exhibit a unique microenvironment for macrophage proliferation. Interestingly, locally proliferating macrophages were not classically activated (M1), but they exhibited a rather alternatively activated (M2) immune phenotype. In this study, we established organotypic cell cultures of AT explants to study the impact of cytokine treatment on local ATM proliferation, without the bias of early monocyte recruitment. We show that exposure of AT to Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-13, and GM-CSF, stimulates ATM proliferation, whereas Th1 cytokines, such as TNF-α, inhibit local ATM proliferation. Furthermore, AT from obese mice exhibits an increased sensitivity to IL-4 stimulation, indicated by an increased phosphorylation of STAT6. In line with this, gene expression of the IL-4 receptor (Il4ra) and its ligand IL-13 are elevated in AT of obese C57BL/6 mice. Most importantly, Il4ra expression and susceptibility to IL-4 or IL-13 treatment depend on IL-6 signaling, which seems to be the underlying mechanism of local ATM proliferation in obesity. We conclude that IL-6 acts as a Th2 cytokine in obesity by stimulating M2 polarization and local ATM proliferation, presumably due to upregulation of the IL-4 receptor α.
Soluble CD83 Inhibits T Cell Activation by Binding to the TLR4/MD-2 Complex on CD14+ Monocytes
Authors: Horvatinovich Joe M. , Grogan Elizabeth W. , Norris Marcus , Steinkasserer Alexander , Lemos Henrique , Mellor Andrew L. , Tcherepanova Irina Y. , Nicolette Charles A. , DeBenedette Mark A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The transmembrane protein CD83, expressed on APCs, B cells, and T cells, can be expressed as a soluble form generated by alternative splice variants and/or by shedding. Soluble CD83 (sCD83) was shown to be involved in negatively regulating the immune response. sCD83 inhibits T cell proliferation in vitro, supports allograft survival in vivo, prevents corneal transplant rejection, and attenuates the progression and severity of autoimmune diseases and experimental colitis. Although sCD83 binds to human PBMCs, the specific molecules that bind sCD83 have not been identified. In this article, we identify myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2), the coreceptor within the TLR4/MD-2 receptor complex, as the high-affinity sCD83 binding partner. TLR4/MD-2 mediates proinflammatory signal delivery following recognition of bacterial LPSs. However, altering TLR4 signaling can attenuate the proinflammatory cascade, leading to LPS tolerance. Our data show that binding of sCD83 to MD-2 alters this signaling cascade by rapidly degrading IL-1R–associated kinase-1, leading to induction of the anti-inflammatory mediators IDO, IL-10, and PGE2 in a COX-2–dependent manner. sCD83 inhibited T cell proliferation, blocked IL-2 secretion, and rendered T cells unresponsive to further downstream differentiation signals mediated by IL-2. Therefore, we propose the tolerogenic mechanism of action of sCD83 to be dependent on initial interaction with APCs, altering early cytokine signal pathways and leading to T cell unresponsiveness.
Monocyte Subsets Coregulate Inflammatory Responses by Integrated Signaling through TNF and IL-6 at the Endothelial Cell Interface
Authors: Chimen Myriam , Yates Clara M. , McGettrick Helen M. , Ward Lewis S. C. , Harrison Matthew J. , Apta Bonita , Dib Lea H. , Imhof Beat A. , Harrison Paul , Nash Gerard B. , Rainger G. Ed 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Two major monocyte subsets, CD14+CD16− (classical) and CD14+/dimCD16+ (nonclassical/intermediate), have been described. Each has different functions ascribed in its interactions with vascular endothelial cells (EC), including migration and promoting inflammation. Although monocyte subpopulations have been studied in isolated systems, their influence on EC and on the course of inflammation has been ignored. In this study, using unstimulated or cytokine-activated EC, we observed significant differences in the recruitment, migration, and reverse migration of human monocyte subsets. Associated with this, and based on their patterns of cytokine secretion, there was a difference in their capacity to activate EC and support the secondary recruitment of flowing neutrophils. High levels of TNF were detected in cocultures with nonclassical/intermediate monocytes, the blockade of which significantly reduced neutrophil recruitment. In contrast, classical monocytes secreted high levels of IL-6, the blockade of which resulted in increased neutrophil recruitment. When cocultures contained both monocyte subsets, or when conditioned supernatant from classical monocytes cocultures (IL-6hi) was added to nonclassical/intermediate monocyte cocultures (TNFhi), the activating effects of TNF were dramatically reduced, implying that when present, the anti-inflammatory activities of IL-6 were dominant over the proinflammatory activities of TNF. These changes in neutrophil recruitment could be explained by regulation of E-selectin on the cocultured EC. This study suggests that recruited human monocyte subsets trigger a regulatory pathway of cytokine-mediated signaling at the EC interface, and we propose that this is a mechanism for limiting the phlogistic activity of newly recruited monocytes.
Epigenetic Component p66a Modulates Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Modifying STAT3
Authors: Xin Jiaxuan , Zhang Zhiqian , Su Xiaomin , Wang Liyang , Zhang Yuan , Yang Rongcun 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
STAT3 plays a critical role in myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation and activation. Most studies have probed underlying mechanisms of STAT3 activation. However, epigenetic events involved in STAT3 activation are poorly understood. In this study, we identified several epigenetic-associated proteins such as p66a (Gatad2a), a novel protein transcriptional repressor that might interact with STAT3 in functional MDSCs, by using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. p66a could regulate the phosphorylation and ubiquitination of STAT3. Silencing p66a promoted not only phosphorylation but also K63 ubiquitination of STAT3 in the activated MDSCs. Interestingly, p66a expression was significantly suppressed by IL-6 both in vitro and in vivo during MDSC activation, suggesting that p66a is involved in IL-6–mediated differentiation of MDSCs. Indeed, silencing p66a could promote MDSC accumulation, differentiation, and activation. Tumors in mice injected with p66a small interfering RNA–transfected MDSCs also grew faster, whereas tumors in mice injected with p66a-transfected MDSCs were smaller as compared with the control. Thus, our data demonstrate that p66a may physically interact with STAT3 to suppress its activity through posttranslational modification, which reveals a novel regulatory mechanism controlling STAT3 activation during myeloid cell differentiation.
Meteorological, snow, streamflow, topographic, and vegetation height data from four western juniper-dominated experimental catchments in southwestern Idaho, USA
Authors: Kormos Patrick R. , Marks Danny G. , Pierson Frederick B. , Williams C. Jason , Hardegree Stuart P. , Boehm Alex R. , Havens Scott C. , Hedrick Andrew , Cram Zane K. , Svejcar Tony J. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Meteorological, snow, streamflow, topographic, and vegetation height data are presented from the South Mountain experimental catchments. This study site was established in 2007 as a collaborative, long-term research laboratory to address the impacts of western juniper encroachment and woodland treatments in the interior Great Basin region of the western USA. The data provide detailed information on the weather and hydrologic response from four highly instrumented catchments in the late stages of woodland encroachment in a sagebrush steppe landscape. Hourly data from six meteorologic stations and four weirs have been carefully processed, quality-checked, and are serially complete. These data are ideal for hydrologic, ecosystem, and biogeochemical modeling. Data presented are publicly available from the USDA National Agricultural Library administered by the Agricultural Research Service (https://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/data-weather-snow-and-streamflow-data-four-western-juniper-dominated-experimental-catchments, doi:10.15482/USDA.ADC/1254010).
Simple process-led algorithms for simulating habitats (SPLASH v.1.0): robust indices of radiation, evapotranspiration and plant-available moisture
Authors: Davis Tyler W. , Prentice I. Colin , Stocker Benjamin D. , Thomas Rebecca T. , Whitley Rhys J. , Wang Han , Evans Bradley J. , Gallego-Sala Angela V. , Sykes Martin T. , Cramer Wolfgang 
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Bioclimatic indices for use in studies of ecosystem function, species distribution, and vegetation dynamics under changing climate scenarios depend on estimates of surface fluxes and other quantities, such as radiation, evapotranspiration and soil moisture, for which direct observations are sparse. These quantities can be derived indirectly from meteorological variables, such as near-surface air temperature, precipitation and cloudiness. Here we present a consolidated set of simple process-led algorithms for simulating habitats (SPLASH) allowing robust approximations of key quantities at ecologically relevant timescales. We specify equations, derivations, simplifications, and assumptions for the estimation of daily and monthly quantities of top-of-the-atmosphere solar radiation, net surface radiation, photosynthetic photon flux density, evapotranspiration (potential, equilibrium, and actual), condensation, soil moisture, and runoff, based on analysis of their relationship to fundamental climatic drivers. The climatic drivers include a minimum of three meteorological inputs: precipitation, air temperature, and fraction of bright sunshine hours. Indices, such as the moisture index, the climatic water deficit, and the Priestley–Taylor coefficient, are also defined. The SPLASH code is transcribed in C++, FORTRAN, Python, and R. A total of 1 year of results are presented at the local and global scales to exemplify the spatiotemporal patterns of daily and monthly model outputs along with comparisons to other model results.
Monitoring the variations of evapotranspiration due to land use/cover change in a semiarid shrubland
Authors: Gong Tingting , Lei Huimin , Yang Dawen , Jiao Yang , Yang Hanbo 
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important process in the hydrological cycle, and vegetation change is a primary factor that affects ET. In this study, we analyzed the annual and inter-annual characteristics of ET using continuous observation data from eddy covariance (EC) measurement over 4 years (1 July 2011 to 30 June 2015) in a semiarid shrubland of Mu Us Sandy Land, China. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was demonstrated as the predominant factor that influences the seasonal variations in ET. Additionally, during the land degradation and vegetation rehabilitation processes, ET and normalized ET both increased due to the integrated effects of the changes in vegetation type, topography, and soil surface characteristics. This study could improve our understanding of the effects of land use/cover change on ET in the fragile ecosystem of semiarid regions and provide a scientific reference for the sustainable management of regional land and water resources.
The Role of RANKL/RANK/OPG System in the Canine Model of Hip Periprosthetic Infection Osteolysis
Authors: Zhang Hao-Wei , Peng Li , Li Wen-Bo , Song Ke-Guan 
Published: February 2017

Purpose We aimed to investigate whether the RANKL/RANK/OPG system is associated with the incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis with septic loosening, and to investigate the differences of RANKL/RANK/OPG system expression in synovial fluid surrounding the normal and septic loosening hip prosthesis in canine models. Methods Twelve healthy adult mongrel canines were divided into two groups: experimental and control. Femoral head and stem replacements were conducted on the right side in both groups. The experimental group received the bacteria fluid intra-articular injection and the other group received the same amount of saline in the same day. The synovial fluid samples were gathered at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th week after the bacteria fluid intra-articular injection for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the expression of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system. Results Surgery on all animals was successful. Two dogs were excluded from the analysis of the result because of a surgery infection or death. The ELISA of the synovial fluid revealed that the ratio of RANKL/OPG showed a significant upward trend (p≤0.05) with time in the test group but the ratio of RANKL/OPG in the control group changed slowly over time (p>0.05). The ratio of RANKL/OPG value between the test and control group showed a significant upward trend, but had no statistical difference (p>0.05) over time. Conclusions It could be concluded that the RANKL/RANK/OPG system is correlated with the incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis with septic loosening. Consequently, imbalance RANKL/RANK/OPG system was related to periprosthetic osteolysis with septic loosening.
Efficacy of Postoperative Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in Secondary Peritonitis Patients with Septic Shock: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Yuan Kuo-Ching , Wang Shang-Yu , Yu Ming-Chin , Hsu Yu-Pao , Pan Heng-Chih , Chen Yung-Chang 
Published: February 2017

Introduction Severe sepsis and septic shock is still a challenge. Polymyxin B hemoperfusion (PMX) is a device designed to remove circulating endotoxin by adsorption, which is reported to improve treatment outcomes. This study aimed to further verify the efficacy of PMX on postoperative, peritonitis, septic shock patients. Methods This study prospectively analyzed 20 of 155 patients who presented with postoperative septic shock and were treated with PMX in a single institute during the period March 2013 to September 2014 (Clinical Trial Protocol number: ChiCTR-ONC-16008160). A control group (53 patients) was recruited from our own 2012 database using the propensity-matching score method. The data collection includes demographic data, postoperative organ dysfunction status, disease severity and treatment result. Results The 2 groups (treatment vs. control) were similar in demographic data, organ dysfunction status and disease severity. PMX use provides benefits for recovery of hemodynamic status and many other aspects, including better survival, but is not statistically significant. For survival factor analysis, PMX use is also not significant for patient survival in our study. Conclusions PMX provided some benefits to patients in the treatment for peritonitis septic shock. An improvement in hemodynamic status was mostly observed. Our study also supports the finding that PMX used as an auxiliary treatment provides improved survival but is not statistically significant, possibly due to the small sample size with multiple comorbidities.
Exploring perceptions of fracking and environmental health in a 3-county population in South Texas
Authors: Whitworth Kristina W. , LaRosa Elisabeth De , Mackay Taylor , Hernandez Ashley , Martin Mary K. , Lopez Jaime , Small Monty , Winkler Paula , Valerio Melissa A. 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: The past decade in the United States has been marked by an unprecedented expansion of unconventional oil and gas drilling, including hydraulic fracturing (i.e., fracking). Concerns have arisen regarding potential health and environmental risks associated with the use of the fracking process. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine community perceptions, concerns, and knowledge of environmental health issues related to fracking in three Texas counties near one of the most active shale plays in South Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale.Methods: A convenience sample of 153 adults over the age of 18 years in three rural South Texas counties completed a 46-question survey. Demographic information, perceptions of environmental health risks, and knowledge of potential environmental health effects related to fracking were obtained. A validated health literacy measure was also used to assess participants’ health literacy.Results: Participants were predominantly female (61%), white (75%), and Hispanic (62%). A majority owned land (53.6%) and had lived in their respective county for over 21 years (54%). Only 32% percent of participants had marginal or inadequate health literacy though a larger percentage of participants had limited knowledge of potential environmental health risks related to fracking.Conclusions: Approximately one third of participants had less than adequate health literacy as measured by the BRIEF. A high percentage of the population demonstrated limited knowledge regarding the potential environmental health impacts of fracking, suggesting limited environmental health literacy. Findings point to the need for environmental health specific assessments and focused environmental health promotion strategies.
Diskurzivní analýza Národních listů: národ vs. islám a Laclauův populistický matrix
Authors: Stulík Ondřej 
Published: February 2017

This article deals with the phenomenon of populism and the form it takes in the context of the Úsvit – národní koalice party and the Blok proti islámu coalition. The methodology of the analysis is based on Laclau’s account of populism and includes a discursive analysis of the populist mentality as a tool to form a vague argument against “bad” Islam culture. These assumptions are tested by a summative content analysis and are contextualized by a metaphor analysis. The results confirm all assumptions: Úsvit and Blok create a specific populist mentality based on a negative perception of Islam, a positive (but empty) national identity, and a simplified critique of the current establishment framed as tool for spreading bad culture which is based on the ideology of Muslims and Islam.