bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Observational Study of Chronic Prostatitis with Emphasis on Epidemiological and Microbiological Features
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantinos , Karageorgopoulos Drosos E. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives Despite the progress made in recent years in understanding and diagnosing chronic prostatitis (CP) many cases are still underdiagnosed and undertreated for unknown reasons. The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiological data of patients with symptoms of CP and to associate data from medical history and clinical examination with the results of laboratory tests. Methods The study population consisted of individuals with reported pelvic discomfort and genital pain with or without lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction visiting our department from 03/2009 to 03/2011. Patients underwent Meares-Stamey test (a few cases underwent the two-glass test). Depending on history and specific symptoms, urethral smear and sperm cultures were additionally obtained from several patients. The processes and reading of the samples were performed by a specialist microbiologist, who has not notified the patient record. Results 114 out of 155 patients who finally enrolled into the study had a medical history, 69 had sexual behavior and 72 sexual habits that predispose to chronic prostatitis. The clinical examination was not diagnostic in 43.8% of cases. The urethral smear and sperm culture diagnosed coexistent urethral infection in 22 cases. 54 out of the 72 positive EPS/VB3/PPM cultures grew one, 11 two to three and 5 cultures grew more than three different organisms. Conclusions Findings of this study debate some widely accepted considerations on the etiology and diagnosis of chronic prostatitis and highlight the uncertainties and controversies regarding chronic prostatitis etiology, pathophysiology, presentation and diagnosis.
Genetically Modified Neural Stem Cells for a Local and Sustained Delivery of Neuroprotective Factors to the Dystrophic Mouse Retina
Authors: Jung Gila , Sun Jing , Petrowitz Bettina , Riecken Kristoffer , Kruszewski Katharina , Jankowiak Wanda , Kunst Frank , Skevas Christos , Richard Gisbert , Fehse Boris , Bartsch Udo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A continuous intraocular delivery of neurotrophic factors (NFs) is being explored as a strategy to rescue photoreceptor cells and visual functions in degenerative retinal disorders that are currently untreatable. To establish a cell-based intraocular delivery system for a sustained administration of NFs to the dystrophic mouse retina, we used a polycistronic lentiviral vector to genetically modify adherently cultivated murine neural stem (NS) cells. The vector concurrently encoded a gene of interest, a reporter gene, and a resistance gene and thus facilitated the selection, cloning, and in vivo tracking of the modified cells. To evaluate whether modified NS cells permit delivery of functionally relevant quantities of NFs to the dystrophic mouse retina, we expressed a secretable variant of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in NS cells and grafted the cells into the vitreous space of Pde6brd1 and Pde6brd10 mice, two animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. In both mouse lines, grafted cells attached to the retina and lens, where they differentiated into astrocytes and some neurons. Adverse effects of the transplanted cells on the morphology of host retinas were not observed. Importantly, the CNTF-secreting NS cells significantly attenuated photoreceptor degeneration in both mutant mouse lines. The neuroprotective effect was significantly more pronounced when clonally derived NS cell lines selected for high expression levels of CNTF were grafted into Pde6brd1 mice. Intravitreal transplantations of modified NS cells may thus represent a useful method for preclinical studies aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of a cell-based intraocular delivery of NFs in mouse models of photoreceptor degeneration.
Regards furtifs sur la fiction (1646-1754)
Authors: Sermain Jean-Paul 
Published: October 2013

Les réflexions sur le roman au xviiie siècle envisagent la fiction dans un cadre assez traditionnel et stable. Il a paru préférable de suivre une série d’auteurs qui, traitant des marges du roman, de ses formes archaïques ou de petits genres, sont amenés à les défendre au nom de la fiction, et ainsi à en élaborer des conceptions fort riches ; on a tenté de les interpréter en les confrontant aux orientations futures du genre romanesque et de son appréhension. La réflexion sur le roman ne se cantonne donc pas dans les programmes qui accompagnent les pratiques dominantes, mais ce qui peut se penser dans les marges et parfois à propos d’autres objets ne peut être pleinement compris qu’en relation avec les inventions à venir des écrivains et avec les développements du genre.
Le discours sur le roman dans le panorama urbain
Authors: Boucher Geneviève 
Published: October 2013

Bien que Louis Sébastien Mercier ait consacré deux ouvrages à des questions d’ordre poétique (De la littérature et Du théâtre), le panorama urbain qu’il esquisse dans le Tableau de Paris (1781-1788) lui fournit un prétexte pour réfléchir à la fonction de la littérature dans la cité ainsi qu’aux moyens de moderniser l’esthétique des oeuvres pour accroître leur portée. Si, dans son oeuvre panoramique, il consacre quelques passages au roman, ce genre ne fait pas l’objet d’une critique isolée : le discours sur le roman s’élabore essentiellement dans les interstices du discours sur le drame, dont Mercier a contribué à définir la forme moderne. Le roman se taille néanmoins une place de plus en plus importante à mesure qu’avance le projet du Tableau. C’est autour des débats sur le style que se cristallise le discours théorique sur le roman. Le style romanesque se pose en modèle en ce qu’il semble le plus à même d’établir une communication intime entre l’auteur et le lecteur et de mettre en branle une chaîne émotive par laquelle l’oeuvre peut véritablement agir sur le lecteur. Après la Révolution, dans Le nouveau Paris (1799) qui sert de suite au Tableau de Paris, le discours théorique sur le roman disparaît, mais il est réinvesti au sein de la narration. Dans plusieurs passages de cette oeuvre qui doit tracer le portrait du Paris postrévolutionnaire tout en faisant l’histoire de la Révolution, Mercier renonce à la neutralité historiographique et mobilise des procédés typiquement romanesques pour créer un effet esthétique et émouvoir le lecteur. Le romanesque devient ainsi l’un des vecteurs du sublime et du pittoresque que l’on cherche désormais à conférer à l’histoire.
La formation du lecteur de romans
Authors: Fournier Michel 
Published: October 2013

En abordant la question de la formation du lecteur de romans au xviiie siècle, cet article cherche à montrer que l’héritage de la poétique classique, qui traverse l’enseignement des belles-lettres et le discours critique sur le roman, est non pas un frein au développement de la forme romanesque, mais un élément essentiel dans le développement de la culture du roman. Si le roman occupe une place marginale dans l’enseignement des belles-lettres, sa lecture n’y fait pas moins l’objet d’une certaine forme d’initiation dans le cadre de la transmission d’une culture plus vaste de la fiction. À travers la lecture de genres comme l’épopée et surtout la fable, le lecteur développe des pratiques qui intégreront, par la suite, la forme romanesque. Loin d’être les échos d’une poétique dépassée, les références à ces formes et à la poétique classique dans le discours sur le genre romanesque contribuent à ce transfert d’horizon de lecture. Équivalent de la formation « scolaire » moderne, cette formation des lecteurs est un préalable à la revendication d’une lecture romanesque plus autonome, qui accompagne l’affirmation du genre.
Reactive, intumescent, halogen‐free flame retardant for polypropylene
Authors: Li Guixun , Wang Wanjie , Cao Shaokui , Cao Yanxia , Wang Jingwu 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA reactive, intumescent, halogen‐free flame retardant, 2‐({9‐[(4,6‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)amino]‐3,9‐dioxido‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxa‐3,9‐diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecan‐3‐yl}oxy)ethyl methacrylate (EADP), was synthesized through a simple three‐step reaction from phosphorus oxychloride, pentaerythritol, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and melamine. EADP exhibited excellent thermal stability and char‐forming ability, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TGA results show that the temperature at 5% weight loss was 297.8°C and the char yield at 700°C was 51.75%. SEM observation revealed that the char showed a continuous and compact surface and a cellular inner structure with different sizes. Composite of polypropylene (PP) with a 25 wt % addition of EADP (PP/EADP25) passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating and showed a limiting oxygen index value of 31.5. Compared with those of neat PP, the flexural strength and modulus values of PP/EADP25 were somewhat improved, the tensile strength was basically unchanged, and the notched Izod impact strength was slightly decreased. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40054.
Preparation of a magnetic chitosan composite adsorbent by ammonia fumigation
Authors: Wang Yong , Xiong Xiaopeng , Zou Weiwei 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA magnetic chitosan (CS) composite material was synthesized successfully by a new procedure, ammonia fumigation, which is suitable for large‐scale production. CS dissolved in an aqueous acetic acid solution was mixed with [Fe(SO4)2]2− and [Fe(SO4)2]− ions to obtain a light yellow precipitate, which was then exposed to ammonia vapor to prepare the composite adsorbent product. The microstructure of the composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that Fe3O4 particles 3–7 nm in size were formed in situ and were stabilized in the CS matrix. The composite adsorbent showed superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of about 11.0 emu/g. Moreover, the composite material displayed good adsorption of methyl orange and copper ions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40057.
Effects of Polyvinylpyrrolidone on the Preparation of Supported La2O3 Catalysts by a Modified Impregnation Method for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Hou Yu‐Hui , Lin Yin‐Liang , Li Qi , Weng Wei‐Zheng , Xia Wen‐Sheng , Wan Hui‐Lin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe direct transformation of methane, such as oxidative coupling of methane (OCM), is a long‐standing challenge in methane utilization. Keeping this objective in mind, we explored the dispersion and acid–base effects of the catalysts on OCM. Herein, we prepared a series of La2O3/MgO catalysts by using a modified impregnation method with polyvinylpyrrolidone added to impregnated solutions. The BET, XRD, SEM, and TEM characterizations of the samples confirm that La2O3 dispersion on MgO increases with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone and the particles become smaller in size and more uniform in distribution. High catalytic performances (e.g., the C2 yield ≈16 %) of the well‐dispersed La2O3/MgO catalysts for OCM are demonstrated at a lower temperature (e.g., 550 °C) and a lower loading (e.g., 1.9 wt %). In addition, with the modification of acid–base properties of the supports, we find that base properties of the supports are responsible for C2 formation and acidic properties of the supports are responsible for COx formation. These properties establish a good correlation of the dispersion and basicity of the catalysts with the catalytic performances of the catalysts for OCM.
Fluorescent genetic barcoding in mammalian cells for enhanced multiplexing capabilities in flow cytometry
Authors: Smurthwaite Cameron A. , Hilton Brett J. , O'Hanlon Ryan , Stolp Zachary D. , Hancock Bryan M. , Abbadessa Darin , Stotland Aleksandr , Sklar Larry A. , Wolkowicz Roland 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe discovery of the green fluorescent protein from Aequorea victoria has revolutionized the field of cell and molecular biology. Since its discovery a growing panel of fluorescent proteins, fluorophores and fluorescent‐coupled staining methodologies, have expanded the analytical capabilities of flow cytometry. Here, we exploit the power of genetic engineering to barcode individual cells with genes encoding fluorescent proteins. For genetic engineering, we utilize retroviral technology, which allows for the expression of ectopic genetic information in a stable manner in mammalian cells. We have genetically barcoded both adherent and nonadherent cells with different fluorescent proteins. Multiplexing power was increased by combining both the number of distinct fluorescent proteins, and the fluorescence intensity in each channel. Moreover, retroviral expression has proven to be stable for at least a 6‐month period, which is critical for applications such as biological screens. We have shown the applicability of fluorescent barcoded multiplexing to cell‐based assays that rely themselves on genetic barcoding, or on classical staining protocols. Fluorescent genetic barcoding gives the cell an inherited characteristic that distinguishes it from its counterpart. Once cell lines are developed, no further manipulation or staining is required, decreasing time, nonspecific background associated with staining protocols, and cost. The increasing number of discovered and/or engineered fluorescent proteins with unique absorbance/emission spectra, combined with the growing number of detection devices and lasers, increases multiplexing versatility, making fluorescent genetic barcoding a powerful tool for flow cytometry‐based analysis. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Diabetes mellitus with normal renal function is associated with anaemia
Authors: Grossman Chagai , Dovrish Zamir , Koren‐Morag Nira , Bornstein Gil , Leibowitz Avshalom 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundAnaemia is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), usually related to renal failure. There is scarce information as to the levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and the rate of anaemia in diabetic patients with normal renal function. We, therefore, evaluated haemoglobin levels and the rate of anaemia in diabetic subjects with normal renal functions [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min].MethodsThe charts of 9250 subjects who attended the Institute of Periodic Medical Examinations at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center for a routine yearly check‐up were reviewed. Four hundred and forty‐five subjects with type 2 DM and normal renal function were indentified and compared with those without DM who were routinely examined at the same time. Subjects' electronic records were used to build a biochemical and clinical database.ResultsMean haemoglobin levels were lower in subjects with DM than in those without (14.2 vs. 14.7 g/dL, respectively; p < 0.001). Anaemia was observed in 48 (10.8%) subjects in the diabetic group and in only 12 (2.7%) in the nondiabetic group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, history of gastrointestinal disease, use of beta blockers, renal function and DM were independent determinants of haemoglobin levels. After adjustment for age, gender, history of gastrointestinal tract diseases and renal function, DM remained a significant determinant of anaemia with an odds ratio of 2.15 (confidence interval: 1.07–4.31).ConclusionsAnaemia is more common in diabetic patients even when eGFR > 60 mL/min. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Titanium‐Mediated Addition of Grignard Reagents to Acyl Cyanohydrins: Aminocyclopropane versus 1,4‐Diketone Formation
Authors: Setzer Paul , Forcher Gwénaël , Boeda Fabien , Pearson‐Long Morwenna S. M. , Bertus Philippe 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe 1,2‐dianion reactivity of the reagent generated from EtMgBr and titanium isopropoxide was illustrated when N‐acyl cyanohydrins were used as substrates (>20 examples), giving both aminocyclopropane derivatives and 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds. When the reaction was performed in diethyl ether, 5‐hydroxy‐1,4‐diketones were the main product. Under specific conditions (use of tetrahydrofuran and a bulky carboxylic moiety), the cyclopropane derivatives were obtained in good yields. The observed dichotomy may be explained by a ring‐opening of the five‐membered titanacycle intermediate followed by a nonselective acyl addition.
One‐Pot Alkoxylation of Phenols with Urea and 1,2‐Glycols
Authors: Lin Hsing‐Yo , Dai Shenghong A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA one‐pot epoxide‐free alkoxylation process has been developed for phenolic compounds. The process involves heating phenols and urea in 1,2‐glycols at 170‐190 °C using Na2CO3/ZnO as co‐catalysts under atmospheric conditions. During the course of this new alkoxylation reaction, a five‐membered ring cyclic carbonate intermediate, ethylene carbonate (EC) or propylene carbonate (PPC), was produced in‐transit as the key intermediate and was subsequently consumed by phenols to form alkoxylated ether alcohols as final products in excellent yields. For instance, phenol, bisphenol A (BPA), hydroquinone and resorcinol were converted into their respective mono‐alkoxylated ether alcohols on each of their phenolic groups in 80‐95% isolated yields. In propoxylation of phenols, this approach shows great product selectivity favoring production of high secondary alcohols over primary alcohols in isomeric ratios of nearing 95/5. Since ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) evolving from the reaction can be re‐combined in theory into urea for re‐use, the overall net‐alkoxylation by this approach can be regarded as a simple condensation reaction of phenols with 1,2‐glycols giving off water as its by‐product. This one‐pot process is simple, safe and environmentally friendlier than the conventional alkoxylated processes based on ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO). Moreover, this process is particularly well‐suited for making short chain‐length alkoxyether alcohols of phenols.
Comparison of timing abnormalities leading to penetration versus aspiration during the oropharyngeal swallow
Authors: Nativ‐Zeltzer Nogah , Logemann Jeri A. , Kahrilas Peter J. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisPenetration and aspiration during the oropharyngeal swallow have different clinical implications. This study examined temporal measures made from modified barium swallow examinations that might differentiate the two events.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsTemporal measures of swallows of male patients with penetration only on the modified barium swallow study, those who showed aspiration (during the swallow), and normal control subjects were compared.ResultsSignificantly longer durations of temporal measures (glossopalatal junction opening until laryngeal vestibule closure and laryngeal lifting onset until laryngeal vestibule closure) were found for the penetration and aspiration groups compared to the normal group. No significant differences were found between the penetration and aspiration groups for any temporal measure.ConclusionsBoth aspiration and penetration cases showed abnormal timing measures compared to normal. However, aspiration during the swallow was not associated with a more extreme abnormality of temporal measures than penetration. Therefore, in the aspiration cases, there may be an additional neuromuscular disorder at the vocal fold level, allowing for deeper invasion of material into the airway. In addition, findings point to slow laryngeal elevation, and not a delayed onset of laryngeal elevation, as the dominant cause for the prolonged intervals seen with aspiration during the swallow.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:935–941, 2014
Discrete compound poisson processes and tables of the geometric poisson distribution
Authors: Sherbrooke Craig C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper discusses the properties of positive, integer valued compound Poisson processes and compares two members of the family: the geometric Poisson (stuttering Poisson) and the logarithmic Poisson. It is shown that the geometric Poisson process is particularly convenient when the analyst is interested in a simple model for the time between events, as in simulation. On the other hand, the logarithmic Poisson process is more convenient in analytic models in which the state probabilities (probabilities for the number of events in a specified time period) are required. These state probabilities have a negative binomial distribution.The state probabilities of the geometric Poisson process, known as the geometric Poisson distribution, are tabled for 160 sets of parameter values. The values of mean demand range from 0.10 to 10; those for variance to mean ratio from 1.5 to 7. It is observed that the geometric Poisson density is bimodal.
Optimal capacity expansion
Authors: Howard G. T. , Nemhauser G. L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe consider the problem of temporal expansion of the capacity of, say, a plant or road given estimates of its desired usage (demand). The basic problem is: given a sequence of predicted demands for N time periods, determine the optimal investment decision in each period to minimize a linear investment cost and a strictly convex cost of capacity. The relationship between capacity and the investment decisions is assumed to be linear, but time varying. Constraints on both the individual decisions and on the sum of the decisions are considered. An algorithm for solving this problem is derived.
Computational results for a stopping rule problem on averages
Authors: Nemhauser G. L. , Pierce D. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSuppose x1, x2, … are independently distributed random variables with Pr (xi = 1) = Pr(xi = −1) = 1/2, and let sn = magnified image xi. The random variables are observed sequentially and after n observations, n = 1, 2, …, we can either stop and receive a return of sn/n or observe another random variable. Chow and Robbins [3] have shown that there exists a stopping rule that maximizes the expected return over all rules for which the probability of stopping is one. The optimum policy is characterized by a sequence of non‐decreasing integers kn, such that sn ≥ kn implies a stop. Calculations based upon lower bounds on kn developed by Chow and Robbins and upper bounds developed herein yield a substantial part of the optimal policy.
An application of statistical techniques to estimate engineering man‐hours on major aircraft programs
Authors: Owen D. B. , Reynolds D. F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractData on 23 lots of various aircraft programs were gathered. Total engineering man‐hours, and information on performance, weight, area, avionics systems, data, and schedule were subjected to least squares analysis. An equation is presented which indicates a relationship between total engineering manhours and a set of seven predictor variables. While the equation derived could only be used with confidence by the manufacturer whose data was analyzed, this article should be looked upon as demonstrating a method of data analysis which others may also find useful, not only for predicting engineering manhours in major aircraft programs, but also in other situations where there is an abundance of possible predictor variables, and the problem is to sort out a meaningful subset of these variables. In order to demonstrate the viability of the formula obtained, comparisons were made with various bid programs.