bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Method for preparing DNA from feces in guanidine thiocyanate solution affects 16S rRNA-based profiling of human microbiota diversity
Authors: Hosomi Koji , Ohno Harumi , Murakami Haruka , Natsume-Kitatani Yayoi , Tanisawa Kumpei , Hirata Soichiro , Suzuki Hidehiko , Nagatake Takahiro , Nishino Tomomi , Mizuguchi Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko , Kunisawa Jun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMetagenomic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene is generally performed to examine the diversity and abundance of commensal bacteria in feces, which is now recognized to be associated with human health and diseases. Guanidine thiocyanate (GuSCN) solution is used as a less onerous way compared with a frozen method to transport and stock fecal samples at room temperature for DNA analysis; however, optimal methods to measure fecal bacterial composition in GuSCN solution remain to be investigated. Here, we examined the influence of various factors such as pretreatment (e.g., removing GuSCN solution and washing feces with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) before mechanical lysis), fecal concentration in the GuSCN solution, storage time, and position of fecal subsampling on the 16S rRNA-based analysis of fecal bacteria in GuSCN solution. We found that pretreatment and fecal concentration affected the bacterial composition, and a little change was noted with subsampling position. Based on these results, we propose a basic protocol, including fecal sampling, sample storage, and DNA extraction, for the 16S rRNA-based analysis of bacterial composition in feces suspended in GuSCN solution.
PGC-1α attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death by upregulating Nrf-2 via GSK3β inactivation mediated by activated p38 in HK-2 Cells
Authors: Choi Hoon-In , Kim Hye-Jin , Park Jung-Sun , Kim In-Jin , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIschemia/reperfusion injury triggers acute kidney injury (AKI) by aggravating oxidative stress mediated mitochondria dysfunction. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a master player that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and the antioxidant response. We postulated that PGC-1α functions as cytoprotective effector in renal cells and that its regulation mechanism is coordinated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2). In this study, to understand the effect and molecular mechanisms of PGC-1α, we developed an empty vector or PGC-1α-overexpressing stable cell lines in HK-2 cells (Mock or PGC-1α stable cells). PGC-1α overexpression increased the viability of cells affected by H2O2 mediated injury, protected against H2O2-mediated apoptotic events and inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation in the cytosol and mitochondria as compared to that in Mock cells. The cytoprotective effect of PGC-1α was related to Nrf-2 upregulation, which was counteracted by Nrf-2-specific knockdown. Using inhibitor of p38, we found that regulation of the p38/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)/Nrf-2 axis was involved in the protective effects of PGC-1α. Taken together, we suggest that PGC-1α protects human renal tubule cells from H2O2-mediated apoptotic injury by upregulating Nrf-2 via GSK3β inactivation mediated by activated p38.
Anti-parasite therapy drives changes in human visceral leishmaniasis-associated inflammatory balance
Authors: Araújo-Santos Théo , Andrade Bruno B. , Gil-Santana Leonardo , Luz Nívea F. , dos Santos Priscila L. , de Oliveira Fabrícia A. , Almeida Meirielly Lima , de Santana Campos Roseane Nunes , Bozza Patrícia T. , Almeida Roque P. , Borges Valeria M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) remains a major public health problem worldwide. Cytokine balance is thought to play a critical role in the development of this disease. Here, we perform a prospective exploratory study addressing whether simultaneous assessment of circulating levels of different lipid mediators and cytokines could highlight specific pathways involved with VL pathogenesis. VL patients displayed substantial increases in serum levels of Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), Leukotriene B4(LTB4), Resolvin D1 (RvD1), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α compared with uninfected endemic control group, while exhibiting decreased levels of TGF-β1. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the prospective changes in the expression level of theses parameters upon anti-Leishmaniatreatment initiation revealed that the inflammatory profile observed in active disease gradually changed over time and was generally reversed at day 30 of therapy. Furthermore, not only the individual concentrations of most of the inflammatory biomarkers changed upon treatment, but the correlations between those and several biochemical parameters used to characterize VL disease activity were also modified over time. These results demonstrate that an inflammatory imbalance hallmarks active VL disease and open perspective for manipulation of these pathways in future studies examining a potential host-directed therapy against VL.
Cellular uptake of proMMP-2:TIMP-2 complexes by the endocytic receptor megalin/LRP-2
Authors: Johanns Manuel , Lemoine Pascale , Janssens Virginie , Grieco Giuseppina , Moestrup Soren K. , Nielsen Rikke , Christensen Erik I. , Courtoy Pierre J. , Emonard Hervé , Marbaix Etienne , Henriet Patrick 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are regulated at multiple transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, among which receptor-mediated endocytic clearance. We previously showed that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) mediates the clearance of a complex between the zymogen form of MMP-2 (proMMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, TIMP-2, in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Here we show that, in BN16 rat yolk sac cells, proMMP-2:TIMP-2 complex is endocytosed through a distinct LRP member, megalin/LRP-2. Addition of receptor-associated protein (RAP), a natural LRP antagonist, caused accumulation of endogenous proMMP-2 and TIMP-2 in conditioned media. Incubation with RAP also inhibited membrane binding and cellular uptake of exogenous iodinated proMMP-2:TIMP-2. Moreover, antibodies against megalin/LRP-2, but not against LRP-1, inhibited binding of proMMP-2:TIMP-2 to BN16 cell surface. BIAcore analysis confirmed direct interaction between the complex and megalin/LRP-2. Conditional renal invalidation of megalin/LRP-2 in mice resulted in accumulation of proMMP-2 and TIMP-2 in their urine, highlighting the physiological relevance of the binding. We conclude that megalin/LRP-2 can efficiently mediate cell-surface binding and endocytosis of proMMP-2:TIMP-2 complex. Therefore megalin/LRP-2 can be considered as a new actor in regulation of MMP-2 activity, an enzyme crucially involved in many pathological processes.
Schmerztherapie nach thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen
Authors: Hendrix Holger , Kamlak Vladimir , Prisadov Georgi , Welcker Katrin 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Behandlung von Schmerzen nach thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen erfolgt zumeist nach klinikinternen Standards. Eine aktuell gültige S3-Leitlinie zur Behandlung akuter perioperativer und posttraumatischer Schmerzen gibt es derzeit nicht. Die unterschiedlichen Therapiemöglichkeiten akuter postoperativer Schmerzen in der Thoraxchirurgie, deren Effektivität in der Literatur sehr uneinheitlich beurteilt wird, werden in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt.
Ultrasound Needle Visibility in Contrast Mode Imaging: An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Rominger Marga , Martini Katharina , Dappa Evelyn , Puippe Gilbert , Klingmüller Volker , Frauenfelder Thomas , Sanabria Sergio 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate needle visibility in ultrasound under contrast mode conditions.
Materials and Methods Needle visibility was evaluated for bevel, EchoTip® and shaft of 18G Chiba biopsy needle with a 9 MHz linear probe (GE Logiq E9). Insertion angles varied between 30°(steep) and 90°(parallel to the probe surface). The acoustic output varied from 5–28%. 2 different contrast mode presets with either 'Amplitude Modulation' (Penetration) or 'Phase Inversion Harmonics' (High Resolution) were assessed. All other imaging parameters were kept constant. The visibility of bevel, EchoTip® and shaft was assessed for grayscale and color-coded images with a 3-point Likert-like scale (not, poorly, well visible) by 2 independent readers. The echogenicity of the needle bevel, EchoTip® and shaft was assessed in deciBel (dB) on the color-coded images.
Results With the parallel insertion angle, all needle areas were well visible. With steep insertion the EchoTip® was the only visible area. High Resolution was superior to Penetration (p<0.001). The visibility and echogenicity of the needle bevel (r
grayscale=0.109, pgrayscale=0.178; r
color-coded=0.236, pcolor-coded=0.266; r
dB=0.956, pdB=0.001), EchoTip® (r
grayscale+= 0.477, pgrayscale+= 0.018; r
color-coded=0.540, pcolor-coded+= 0.006; r
dB=0.911, pdB=0.001) and shaft (r
grayscale=0.124, pgrayscale=0.563; r
color-coded=0.061, pcolor-coded+= 0.775; r
dB+= 0.926, pdB=0.001) increased with increasing acoustic output. Grayscale images were superior to color-coded images for needle visibility (p=0.004).
Conclusion Parallel needle insertion, use of an echogenic tip, adequate choice of presets, increased acoustic output, and dual view of grayscale and color-coded images improve needle visibility in ultrasound under contrast mode conditions.
Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Befragung zur Durchführung der psychosozialen Begutachtung vor Lebendnierenspende in Deutschland
Authors: de Zwaan Martina , Erim Yesim , Greif-Higer Gertrud , Kröncke Sylvia , Burgmer Markus , Vitinius Frank , Kunze Sabine , Berth Hendrik 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Da es keine verbindlichen Vorgaben zur Durchführung der psychosozialen Begutachtung von Lebendnierenspendern gibt, wird sie in Deutschland sehr unterschiedlich gehandhabt. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, mehr über die Durchführung der psychosozialen Begutachtung der Lebendnierenspender an deutschen Transplantationszentren zu erfahren.
Methodik Die Gutachter der 38 Transplantationszentren, die 2015 Nieren transplantiert haben, wurden angeschrieben und um Teilnahme an einem anonymen Online-Survey gebeten.
Ergebnis Es haben Gutachter von 28 (74%) Transplantationszentren teilgenommen. Nur 30 (4%) der Begutachtungen waren ablehnend. An den meisten Zentren erfolgt die psychosoziale Begutachtung nach Abschluss aller medizinischen Voruntersuchungen. Die psychosozialen Begutachtungen werden mit kurzen Wartezeiten verwirklicht, sind zeitaufwendig und werden meist über die interne Leistungsverrechnung finanziert. In der Mehrzahl der Zentren werden die Gespräche auf der Basis eines zumindest halbstrukturierten Interviews durchgeführt. Es besteht allerdings kein Konsens über Inhalte und Struktur des Begutachtungsprozesses.
Schlussfolgerung Ein wechselseitiger Austausch und eine Standardisierung des Begutachtungsprozesses könnten hilfreich sein, um eine Vergleichbarkeit zwischen den Zentren zu ermöglichen und die Chancengleichheit für potenzielle Lebendnierenspender und -empfänger zu verbessern.
Schussverletzungen – Diagnostik und Therapie in der Präklinik
Authors: von Lübken Falk , Holsträter Thorsten , Palm Hans-Georg , Andres Torsten , Riesner Hans-Joachim , Friemert Benedikt ,   aus der AG Einsatz-, Katastrophen- und Taktische Chirurgie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungIn der Notfallmedizin tätige Ärzte in Deutschland haben, verglichen mit den USA, nur relativ geringe Erfahrungen mit Schussverletzungen. Dieser Beitrag vermittelt Basiswissen über die verschiedenen Schusswaffen und die damit hervorgerufenen unterschiedlichen Verletzungen, um bereits präklinisch eine gezielte Diagnostik und erste therapeutische Schritte einleiten zu können.
Der Antrag der Besorgnis der Befangenheit aus praktischer
Sicht
Authors: Büttemeyer Rolf , Klum Peter 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungMedizinische Sachverständige müssen in Zivil- oder Strafprozessverfahren einige
juristische Regeln beachten, welche nicht in ihrer Ausbildung als Arzt
vermittelt werden. Der Sachverständige sollte beachten, dass er nichts selbst
Ermittler ist, sondern nur der Helfer des Gerichts. Darüber hinaus sollte der
Sachverständige sich so verhalten, dass jederzeit selbst der Anschein einer
Befangenheit im Verfahren vermieden wird.
The grammaticalization of epistemicity in Ibero-Romance
Authors: Corr Alice 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Typologically-unexpected overt expletives can be found in a restricted number of non-standard Ibero-Romance null-subject varieties. Historical data suggest that these overt expletives, which in today’s varieties show both discourse-oriented and expletive characteristics, have their origin in 15th century impersonal epistemic constructions. This article argues that it is the expletives’ epistemic origin which gives rise to, and thus explains, their present-day heterogeneous properties, in particular their function as a marker of epistemicity in a number of varieties. Despite undergoing the same mechanisms of change, the variation in modern Ibero-Romance is understood to be a consequence of the different stages and degrees of grammaticalization reached in each variety.
From verum to epistemic modality and evidentiality
Authors: Kocher Anna 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this article, I investigate the diachronic development of a construction in Modern Spanish. It consists of an epistemic or evidential modifier followed by the complementizer (hence Adv+C) that heads root clauses (SeguroAdvqueCviene‘Surely he/she will come’). I demonstrate that the distributional, semantic, and pragmatic properties support a monoclausal analysis for Modern Spanish Adv+C as well as for its historical source construction. I propose a cartographic analysis associating Adv+C and the source construction with a low position in Rizzi’s split CP. Supported by corpus data, I identify a verum focus construction (Aff+C) as the origin of Adv+C. I claim that the loss of the verum interpretation triggers the reanalysis of the construction. This ultimately gives rise to its productive extension to other epistemic and evidential modifiers.
On Englishturn outand Spanishresultarmirative constructions
Authors: Serrano-Losada Mario 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article focuses on the diachronic development of Englishturn outand Spanishresultar‘turn out’ mirative constructions. Having undergone processes of semantic generalization over time, both verbs express evidential and, most prominently, mirative nuances in the present-day languages. This study explores the mechanisms that condition the evolution ofturn outandresultarfrom their original meanings as lexical resultative and change-of-state verbs towards their eventual subjectification and grammaticalization as predicates conveying evidential and mirative senses. The present-day mirative constructions takethat- and infinitival complement clauses in both languages. The analysis suggested here shows that both verbs exhibit diverging, though closely related, paths and degrees of grammaticalization. Moreover, this study delves into the further development of these predicates as parenthetical expressions. While English parentheticalturns outhas already been grammaticalized, Spanishresultamay be on its way to becoming a grammaticalized parenthetical.
The evolution of egophoricity and evidentiality in the Himalayas
Authors: Widmer Manuel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe epistemic verbal categories “evidentiality” and “egophoricity” play an important role in the verbal systems of many Tibeto-Burman languages of the Himalayas. In the course of the past decades, our synchronic understanding of those grammatical categories has been considerably enhanced by numerous descriptive studies. However, little is still known about the diachronic processes that give rise to evidentiality and egophoricity. The article addresses this gap by discussing evidence from Bunan, a Tibeto-Burman language, for which the development of evidentiality and egophoricity in its past tense system can be reconstructed in detail. It is argued that the evolution of the two categories can be explained by reference to two processes: (i) the reanalysis of a resultative construction as an inferential past tense and (ii) the reanalysis of third person agreement markers as allophoric markers. In addition, it is maintained that the concept of Scalar Quantity Implicature is crucial to account for the evolution of the two categories.
The French language, gender, and the discursive construction of sexuality in Morocco
Authors: Hassa Samira 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study looks at the evolution of the discourse of sexuality in the Moroccan women’s magazineFemmes Du Maroc[Women of Morocco] from1997 to 2014(Femmes duMaroc 1997–2014), specifically how sexuality is discursively constructed by Moroccans and how this discourse has changed over time. The results show that sexual topics have become more visible on the covers of the magazine and that women’s sexual language has shifted from a timid, euphemistic discourse around the medical aspects of sex to a more assertive expression of women’s sexuality emphasizing playfulness and pleasure.
Visual Illusion in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Fujita Kazuo , Nakamura Noriyuki , Watanabe Sota 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Visual illusions in nonhuman animals are not only an intriguing topic in themselves but also an important question to understand regarding how humans’ perceptual systems have developed through evolution, why they work as they do, and what mechanisms such illusory processes are based on. Furthermore, the effects of early experience on illusory perception can be understood by controlling raising environments of nonhumans. This chapter presents a brief review of the literature then looks at more recent systematic analyses mainly focused on pigeons. Although pigeons are susceptible to various illusions, they perceive some of the illusory figures distorted in the direction opposite to humans. Perceptual systems in pigeons are likely to be adaptive to the way they live in their environment. The chapter presents a view of human perceptual functions situated in the animal kingdom.
Visual Illusions?
Authors: Koenderink Jan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The very definition of “illusion” is elusive. Various distinct ontologies are considered. The concept is tightly bound to the understanding of reality, awareness, “God’s eye,” objectivity, subjectivity, emphatic relations, and several others. Here the distinctions between “illusion,” “ambiguity, “delusion,” and “deception,” are clarified. The very notion of illusion is closely tied to conceptual approaches to mind. Especially the dichotomy between a top-down “controlled hallucination” and a bottom-up “inverse physics” approach accounts for much confusion in the literature. It is suggested that a thoroughly biological approach might be preferable. In such an approach, experimental psychobiology would be a special sub-branch—devoted to the genus homo—of ethology. Does this help to impose a formal structure, such as a partial order, on the zoo of illusions as we know them? Unfortunately, not really. At this moment in history, we are still far from such a reasoned inventory.
The Spinning Ellipse Speed Illusion
Authors: Caplovitz Gideon Paul , Hsieh Po-Jang , Kohler Peter J. , Porter Katharine B. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The Spinning Ellipse Speed Illusion is an illusion of perceived speed in which a low-aspect ratio “fat” ellipse will appear to rotate more slowly than a higher-aspect ratio “skinny” ellipse that is rotating at the same speed. This illusory percept can be observed when the ellipses are defined by luminance, color, relative motion, and dotted contours and across a wide range of rotational speeds and eccentricities. The illusion is not limited to rotating ellipses and can be observed with different-shaped contours as well. The Spinning Ellipse Speed Illusion illustrates that the perceived speed of a rotating object depends in part on the form and form features of the object. Objects without characteristic form features such as regions of high or discontinuous contour curvature will appear to rotate more slowly than objects that have these features.
Geometric-Optical Illusions Under Isoluminance?
Authors: Hamburger Kai , Hansen Thorsten , Gegenfurtner Karl R. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This chapter briefly introduces nine classical geometric-optical illusions. These include the Delboeuf illusion, the Ebbinghaus illusion, the Judd illusion, the Müller-Lyer illusion, the Ponzo illusion, the vertical illusion, the Hering illusion, the Poggendorff illusion, and the Zoellner illusion. It then demonstrates that they persist under different luminance conditions and under isoluminance. The empirical findings show that our conscious percept is similarly affected by luminance conditions and isoluminance, suggesting that joint contour processing (chromatic and luminance) may extend well beyond early visual areas. The chapter further discusses these concepts in terms of the magnocellular system, the parvocellular system, and the koniocellular system.
The Bathtub Illusion
Authors: Maniatis Lydia M. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
As we move around a picture, the light pattern projecting from it to our eye changes. The resulting percept also changes, but the nature of these changes varies from picture to picture. The contents of the picture may appear to remain parallel to the picture plane as it slants away from us, or they may undergo changes in their apparent shape and/or their orientation relative to the picture plane. The changes are a function of the geometry of the retinal projection competing with parallax cues to flatness. Here, a bathtub in a photo undergoes a radical shape change—from long and skinny to short and stubby—as we change our viewpoint.
Dynamic Illusory Size Contrast
Authors: Mruczek Ryan E. B. , Christopher D. Blair , Strother Lars , Caplovitz Gideon P. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Static size contrast and assimilation illusions, such as the Ebbinghaus and Delboeuf illusions, show that the size of nearby objects in a scene can influence the perceived size of a central target. This chapter describes a dynamic variant of these classic size illusions, called the Dynamic Illusory Size-Contrast (DISC) effect. In the DISC effect, a surrounding stimulus that continuously changes size causes an illusory size change in a central target. The effect is dramatically enhanced in the presence of additional stimulus dynamics arising from eye movements or target motion. The chapter proposes that this surprisingly powerful effect of motion on perceived size depends on the degree of uncertainty inherent in the size of the retinal image of a moving object.
Size Contrast and Assimilation in the Delboeuf and Ebbinghaus Illusions
Authors: Mruczek Ryan E. B. , Blair Christopher D. , Strother Lars , Caplovitz Gideon P. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The Ebbinghaus and Delboeuf illusions are two well-established size illusions, both of which demonstrate that the perceived size of an object depends on the physical size of the object relative to surrounding objects. This chapter reviews some of the primary observations and interpretations of these two classic illusions and some of the current theories regarding size contrast (objects appearing more different than they really are) and size assimilation (objects appearing more similar than they really are). Despite over a century of progress in visual psychology and neuroscience, many of the challenges in explaining assimilation and contrast effects on size perception remain highly relevant. Although unlikely to be due to the muscular effort of the eyes as posited by Delboeuf almost 150 years ago, the precise mechanisms that underlie size contrast and size assimilation remain unknown to this day. New discoveries about these and related effects are still being uncovered.