bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Representationalism versus Relationalism Debate: Explanatory Contextualism about Perception
Authors: Nanay Bence 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThere are two very different ways of thinking about perception. According to representationalism, perceptual states are representations: they represent the world as being a certain way. They have content, which may or may not be different from the content of beliefs. They represent objects as having properties, sometimes veridically, sometimes not. According to relationalism, perception is a relation between the agent and the perceived object. Perceived objects are literally constituents of our perceptual states and not of the contents thereof. Perceptual states are not representations. My aim is to argue that if we frame this debate as a debate about the individuation of perceptual states, rather than the nature of perception, then we can reconcile these two seemingly conflicting ways of thinking about perception.
Does the Reversibility Thesis Deliver All That Merleau‐Ponty Claims It Can?
Authors: Daly Anya 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMerleau‐Ponty's reversibility thesis argues that self, other and world are inherently relational, interdependent at the level of ontology. What is at stake in the reversibility thesis is whether it overcomes skeptical objections in both assuring real communication and avoiding solipsism in assuring real difference; the Other must be a genuine, irreducible Other. It is objected that across the domains of reversibility, symmetry and reciprocity are not guaranteed. I argue that this is a non‐problem; rather the potentialities for asymmetry and non reciprocity in fact guarantee the irreducibility of the Other; reversibility needs to be appreciated as dialectical or aesthetic, not as a literal or ‘mechanistic’ reversal. A further criticism targets the viability of ontology itself, whether alterity is ever compatible with ontology. This paper considers these objections from two of Merleau‐Ponty's contemporaries—Claude Lefort and Emmanuel Levinas. Levinas developed a philosophy which while intersecting with Merleau‐Ponty's at important junctures, nonetheless arrived at an entirely different destination. I argue alongside Martin Dillon against the objections of Lefort, and alongside Dan Zahavi against the objections of Levinas. Both of these interpreters, I propose remain faithful to the core directions and spirit of Merleau‐Ponty's endeavours without becoming diverted by the less significant inconsistencies.
A new record for the flora of Turkey: Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae)
Authors: Uremis I. , Uludag A. , Arslan Z. F. , Abaci O. 
Published: March 2014

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) is reported for the first time for the flora of Turkey. This invasive alien plant was observed in the Asi River (also called the Orontes River), which runs from Lebanon, through Syria to Turkey. The observation was made in the river near the border with Syria. This site is the in the district of Altinözü in the province of Hatay in the East Mediterranean region. Turkey is divided into grids for floral purposes by the book ‘Flora of Turkey’ and the plants described were collected in grid sector C6. The authors concluded that E. crassipes (water hyacinth) can establish and spread in Turkey.
What determines human body odour?
Authors: Hamada Kaoru , Haruyama Sanehito , Yamaguchi Takashi , Yamamoto Kayo , Hiromasa Kana , Yoshioka Manabu , Nishio Daisuke , Nakamura Motonobu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHuman body odour and earwax type are genetically dependent on a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the ABCC11 gene. So far, it still remains to be clear how SNP in the ABCC11 gene is associated with human malodour. In a recent issue of Experimental Dermatology, Baumann et al. propose one of the underlying molecular pathways. Although one of the amino acid conjugated of the odorants, Cys‐Gly‐3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexanol (3M3SH), was not taken up by the transporter ABCC11, glutathione conjugate of 3MSH (SG‐3MSH) was transported by ABCC11. Moreover, SG‐3MSH was processed to 3M3SH by γ‐glutamyl‐transferase 1 (GGT1), which was abundantly expressed in apocrine sweat glands. These findings may pave a way for the pharmacogenetics of human body odour and the development of innovative deodorant products.
Cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Gerdes Sascha , Osadtschy Swetlana , Buhles Norbert , Baurecht Hansjoerg , Mrowietz Ulrich 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPsoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the skin with associated comorbidity. Severe forms of psoriasis are associated with increased mortality, which might be due to cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity. In this study, we investigated in 79 patients with psoriasis compared to 80 healthy volunteers different biomarkers that play a role in vascular disease and inflammation, such as C‐reactive protein (CRP), human soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), human matrix Gla protein (MGP) and fetuin‐A. Our results showed that CRP (P < 0.0001), sCD40L (P < 0.0001) and MGP (P < 0.0001) were increased in the patient cohort. Fetuin‐A showed decreased serum levels in patients with psoriasis (P < 0.0001), whereas ox‐LDL did not show any significant difference. In multivariate analyses controlling for sex, age and BMI, these findings were confirmed. Thus, CV biomarkers are altered in patients with psoriasis. If the decrease in fetuin‐A as well as the increase in sCD40L can be proven in further studies, these biomarkers may help to characterize a subgroup of patients who are at risk to develop CVD and/or monitor the effect of therapeutic antipsoriatic strategies on concomitant diseases. This knowledge may be useful in the management of high‐need patients with psoriasis.
TLR2 and TLR4 expression in atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis
Authors: Panzer Rüdiger , Blobel Conrad , Fölster‐Holst Regina , Proksch Ehrhardt 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 on keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis by PCR and by immunohistochemistry including confocal microscopy. Confocal microscopy revealed a granular intra‐cellular expression pattern for TLR 2 and a homogenous intra‐cellular expression pattern for TLR 4 in normal and diseased skin. TLR 2 was constitutively expressed in the suprabasal layers in normal skin, but limited to the basal epidermis in diseased skin. TLR 4 expression was concentrated to the basal layers in normal skin, whereas it was pronounced in upper layers in diseased skin. The shift in the TLR expression may be related to the disturbed skin barrier and a need for enhanced immune surveillance because of invading microbes. Also, there must be a balance between sufficient immune response and overstimulation.
Cationic membrane‐active peptides – anticancer and antifungal activity as well as penetration into human skin
Authors: Do Nhung , Weindl Günther , Grohmann Lisa , Salwiczek Mario , Koksch Beate , Korting Hans Christian , Schäfer‐Korting Monika 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCationic antimicrobial peptides are ancient natural broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and several compounds also exhibit anticancer activity. However, most applications pertain to bacterial infections, and treatment for skin cancer is less frequently considered. The cytotoxicity of melittin, cecropin A, protegrin‐1 and histatin 5 against squamous skin cancer cell lines and normal human keratinocytes was evaluated and compared to established drugs. The results show that melittin clearly outperforms 5‐fluorouracil regarding antitumor activity. Importantly, combined melittin and 5‐fluorouracil enhanced cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and reduced toxicity on normal keratinocytes. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentrations indicate that melittin also shows superior activity against clinical and laboratory strains of Candida albicans compared to amphotericin B. To evaluate its potential for topical applications, human skin penetration of melittin was investigated ex vivo and compared to two non‐toxic cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs), low molecular weight protamine (LMWP) and penetratin. The stratum corneum prevents penetration into viable epidermis over 6 h; however, the peptides gain access to the viable skin after 24 h. Inhibition of digestive enzymes during skin penetration significantly enhances the availability of intact peptide. In conclusion, melittin may represent an innovative agent for non‐melanoma skin cancer and infectious skin diseases. In order to develop a drug candidate, skin absorption and proteolytic digestion by skin enzymes need to be addressed.
Optimization of sugarcane farming as a multipurpose crop for energy and food production
Authors: Sabatier Damien , Martiné Jean‐François , Chiroleu Frédéric , Roussel Camille , Letourmy Philippe , van Antwerpen Rianto , Gabrielle Benoit , Ney Bertrand 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSugarcane is a multipurpose crop whose components may be used, in addition to sugar production, for various energy carriers or end‐products (electricity, liquid biofuels and heat) which enhance its economic potential. For many years, plant breeders and agronomists have focused on increasing sucrose yields per hectare and millers on increasing recoverable sucrose per ton of sugarcane in sugar mills. Attempting to exploit the energy potential of sugarcane more fully, calls for a more holistic approach focusing on both sucrose and lignocellulosic components of sugarcane biomass, and gaining some insight into the management practices required to optimize sugarcane cropping systems in these respects. Such options include genotype selection, harvest date with respect to the crop's growing cycle, crop type (plant crop vs. ratoon crops) and harvesting systems (mechanical vs. manual). The effects of these factors are strongly modulated by climate and soil properties, and these interactions are overall poorly known. Here, we set out to examine sugarcane infield management × environmental interactions with respect to (i) sugarcane yield and partitioning of the aboveground biomass; and (ii) sugarcane milling products (recoverable sucrose yield and amounts of coproducts) and their derived energy carriers. Three Saccharum cv. cultivars (R570, R579 and R585) were planted in three locations on La Reunion Island with contrasting management practices and climatological conditions. Quality characteristics of the samples were assessed by conventional and near infrared spectroscopy methods. Product, coproducts and potential energy production were measured and computed using transfer equations and a mill‐operating model. Yields and quality characteristics from cultivars and harvesting systems were affected differently by environmental factors – low temperature and radiation, and water stress. The current study also provides valuable information on how combinations between environments, genotypes and practices affect yield and partitioning of the aboveground biomass, and food and energy production.
Can we produce carbon and climate neutral forest bioenergy?
Authors: Repo Anna , Tuovinen Juha‐Pekka , Liski Jari 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHarvesting branches, stumps and unmercantable tops, in addition to stem wood, decreases the carbon input to the soil and consequently reduces the forest carbon stock. We examine the changes in the forest carbon cycle that would compensate for this carbon loss over a rotation period and lead to carbon neutral forest residue bioenergy systems. In addition, we analyse the potential climate impact of these carbon neutral systems. In a boreal forest, the carbon loss was compensated for with a 10% increase in tree growth or a postponing of final felling for 20 years from 90 to 110 years in one forest rotation period. However, these changes in carbon sequestration did not prevent soil carbon loss. To recover soil carbon stock, a 38% increase in tree growth or a 21% decrease in the decomposition rate of the remaining organic matter was needed. All the forest residue bioenergy scenarios studied had a warming impact on climate for at least 62 years. Nevertheless, the increases in the carbon sequestration from forest growth or reduction in the decomposition rate of the remaining organic matter resulted in a 50% smaller warming impact of forest bioenergy use or even a cooling climate impact in the long term. The study shows that carbon neutral forest residue bioenergy systems have warming climate impacts. Minimization of the forest carbon loss improves the climate impact of forest bioenergy.
Detection of changes in the locus coeruleus in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: High‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging
Authors: Takahashi Junko , Shibata Toshihide , Sasaki Makoto , Kudo Masako , Yanezawa Hisashi , Obara Satoko , Kudo Kohsuke , Ito Kenji , Yamashita Fumio , Terayama Yasuo 
Published: March 2014

AimNeuronal degeneration in the locus coeruleus occurs in the early phase of Alzheimer's disease, similar to mild cognitive impairment. The locus coeruleus produces norepinephrine, a deficiency of which causes both memory disturbance and psychological symptoms. Thus, we evaluated signal alterations in the locus coeruleus of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using a high‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging.MethodsA total of 22 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 47 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 26 healthy controls were prospectively examined by high‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging at 3 Tesla. Signal intensities in the locus coeruleus were manually measured and expressed relative to those in the adjacent white matter structures as contrast ratios.ResultsLocus coeruleus contrast ratios were significantly reduced in patient groups with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment that converted to Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment that did not convert to Alzheimer's disease (1.80–16.09% [median, 9.30%], 3.45–14.84% [median 6.87%] and 3.01–19.19% [median 7.72%], respectively) compared with the healthy control group (6.24–20.94% [median 14.35%]; P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity for discriminating these diseases were 85.0% and 69.2%, respectively, which suggests that this measurement can be carried out reliably. There was no significant difference in the locus coeruleus contrast ratios among the Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment‐converted and mild cognitive impairment‐non‐converted groups.ConclusionsHigh‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging can show signal attenuation in the locus coeruleus of patients with Alzheimer's disease or with mild cognitive impairment whose pathology may or may not eventually convert to Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 334–340.
Cultivar × binary mixture interaction effect on agronomic traits in orchardgrass
Authors: Xie Wengang , Robins Joseph G. , Escribano Sandra , Bushman B. Shaun , Zhang Xinquan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA study was conducted from 2009 to 2012 to evaluate and characterize the agronomic value of seven agronomic traits, including dry matter yield and forage quality of 25 orchardgrass cultivars grown in monoculture and binary mixtures with alfalfa. The irrigated Millville, UT, USA (41°41′24″N, 111°49′48″W) field site was characterized by a semiarid climate and elevation over 1300 m. The cultivar × mixture interaction was significant for all traits but flag leaf height, and contained a substantial crossover component among the cultivars. Differences among cultivar means were significant for all traits in both the monoculture and mixture settings. Yet, concordance for high cultivar performance in both monoculture and mixture was low. Thus, the strong underlying cultivar × mixture interaction found in this study complicates the identification of best cultivars in both settings. Yet, for each trait cultivars were identified that possessed statistically high phenotypic performance under the monoculture and mixed sward conditions. Thus, despite the substantial cultivar × environment effect, it should be possible to develop orchardgrass cultivars with improved agronomic performance under both management conditions.
Influence of different toothpaste abrasives on the bristle end‐rounding quality of toothbrushes
Authors: de Oliveira GJPL , de Aveiro JM , Pavone C , Marcantonio RAC 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of different toothpaste abrasives on the bristle wear and bristle tip morphology of toothbrushes with different degrees of hardness.Material and methodsNinety samples of bovine incisor teeth were used in this study. The samples were randomly divided into three groups according to the bristle hardness of the toothbrush used: soft bristles (S); extra‐soft bristles (ES); hard bristles (H). The toothbrushes of each group were randomly divided into six subgroups with five toothbrushes each, according to the abrasive of the toothpaste used in the simulation: Negative control (distilled water); toothpaste 1 (silica); toothpaste 2 (hydrated silica); toothpaste 3 (calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate and silica); toothpaste 4 (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, silica and titanium dioxide); toothpaste 5 (calcium carbonate). The samples were placed in a toothbrushing simulating machine that simulating three months of brushing. The toothbrush bristles were evaluated by the bristle wear index, and the bristle tips morphology was evaluated by the bristle tip morphology index.ResultsThe ES brush presented the highest bristle wear among the toothbrushes. Additionally, the S brushes showed better morphology of the bristles followed by ES and H brushes. The type of abrasive only influenced the bristle tip morphology of the ES brushes. The toothpaste 3 induced the worse bristle tip morphology than all the other toothpastes.ConclusionsDifferent abrasives have influence only on the bristle tip morphology of the ES brushes.
Hypoxic condition promotes differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp cells in vivo
Authors: Ito K. , Matsuoka K. , Matsuzaka K. , Morinaga K. , Inoue T. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the behaviour of dental pulp cells under hypoxic conditions in vivo using an experimental animal model.MethodologyA mini‐screw was inserted into the inferior dental nerve canal of rats to arrest the blood supply, which resulted in a reduced oxygen level in the dental pulps of molar teeth used for the experimental group. The decrease in blood supply was evaluated by injected India ink in transparent specimens. The hypoxia marker hypoxyprobe‐1 was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expressions of ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABC) G2 (ABCG2) which is a marker for the capacity to excrete metabolites and for stem‐like cells as well as dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteocalcin (OCN) which are markers for mineralization were evaluated by RT‐PCR. Protein was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using ABCG2, dentine sialoprotein (DSP) and OCN.ResultsThe evaluation of India ink indicated a decreased blood supply in the transparent specimens, and hypoxyprobe‐1 immunohistochemical staining showed positive expression. ABCG2, DSPP and OCN mRNA expressions increased at 7 and 14 days. Immunohistochemically, ABCG2, DSP and OCN‐positive cells were localized in the odontoblastic layer.ConclusionsHypoxic conditions promoted mineralization and differentiation of dental pulp cells of the odontoblastic layer.
Effects of Molar Ratio of Acetylacetone to Aluminum Precursor on the Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Y3Al5O12, YAG) Formation by a Sol–Gel Process
Authors: Ho Yung‐Shou , Wu Cheng‐Heng , Chen Yi‐Siou , Liu Chih‐Kun 
Published: March 2014

In this study, effects of the molar ratio of acetylacetone to aluminum precursor on crystallization and morphology of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) were investigated. YAG nanopowders were synthesized by a sol–gel process incorporating different amounts of acetylacetone as a chelating agent and fuels. The dry gels and powders were characterized using FTIR, SDT, XRD, and FESEM. The results showed the lowest YAG crystallization temperature at 800°C when the ratio of acetylacetone/aluminum precursor was two. This is 150°C lower than that without acetylacetone. The crystallite size of YAG powders was about the same, around 20–30 nm.
CD14+CD16+ monocytes rather than CD14+CD51/61+ monocytes are a potential cytological marker of circulating osteoclast precursors in multiple myeloma. A preliminary study
Authors: Petitprez V. , Royer B. , Desoutter J. , Guiheneuf E. , Rigolle A. , Marolleau J. P. , Kamel S. , Guillaume N. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryIntroductionOsteolytic bone destruction is a major clinical problem in multiple myeloma patients. Osteoclasts can differentiate in vitro from bone marrow‐resident monocyte progenitors, such as common monocyte progenitors, as well as circulating monocytes. Various types of monocytes, including osteoclast precursors, appear to circulate systemically.MethodsWe investigated the possibility of demonstrating, by in vitro differentiation and flow cytometry, a circulating osteoclast precursor population in multiple myeloma (MM) patients by studying the distribution of CD14+/++ CD11b+ CD51/61+ and CD14+/++ CD16+/− populations.ResultsUnder short‐term in vitro osteoclastic differentiation conditions, almost all CD14 monocytes acquired CD51/61 and CD16 expression. Flow cytometry studies failed to demonstrate a statistically significant increase in circulating CD14+/++ CD11b+ CD51/61+ populations in 20 MM patients with osteolytic lesions. However, the minor circulating CD14+/++ CD16+ fraction was significantly increased in MM patients compared with healthy volunteers (109.3 ± 63.1/mm3 vs. 65.3 ± 34.9/mm3; P = 0.005), but with no correlation with markers of tumour burden. The CD14+/++ CD16+ to CD14+/++ CD16− ratio was higher in MM patients.ConclusionThe circulating CD14+/++ CD11b+ CD51/61+ fraction was not correlated with bone lesions in MM patients. However, CD14+/++ CD16+ monocytes may be a candidate marker. A larger study must be conducted to confirm these promising results for the diagnosis and follow‐up of MM patients.