bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Antibiotic and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy on Serum Prostate Specific Antigen in Asymptomatic Men: Our Experience
Authors: Del Rosso Alessandro , Saldutto Pietro , Di Pierro Ezio Domenico , Masciovecchio Stefano , Galatioto Giuseppe Paradiso , Vicentini Carlo 
Published: June 2012

Introduction The management of “grey zone” elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is uncertain. After prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis may induce PSA increase. PSA reduction, after medical therapy, might identify those patients in whom biopsy can be avoided. The aim of this study was to determine if antibiotic and anti-inflammatory allow avoiding prostate biopsies in patients showing PSA decrease or normalization after medical therapy. Materials and Methods Between January 2009 and May 2011, a total of 31 men with total PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml were enrolled in this study. Patients with pathological digital rectal examination and clinical symptoms of prostatitis or lower urinary tract infection were excluded from the study. Total PSA, free PSA and free/total PSA were evaluated for all of them. Patients received 1000 mg ciprofloxacin daily for 15 days in combination with 100 mg ketoprofen administered rectally. PSA determinations were repeated two weeks after treatment. SPSS for Windows (version 10.0.7) computer package was used for statistical analysis of the data; a p value <0.05 was considered as level of statistical significance. Results 19 patients (61%) showed a reduction of PSA level after therapy. Initial total PSA and free-PSA levels were 7.41 and 1.24 ng/ml, respectively. After medical therapy total and free PSA decreased to 5.72 and 1.19 ng/ml. Free/total PSA changed from 15.2% to 14.3%. PSA reached a normal range value in 5 patients (16%), while in 26 patients it was persistently >4 ng/ml, it decreased in 14 patients (45%), and increased in 12 (39%). Patients with PSA up to 4 ng/ml reported a prostatic cancer in 28.5% and 41.6% of cases if PSA was respectively decreased or increased from the initial value. Conclusions A combination of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy seems to be a useful way to avoid unnecessary biopsies in patients with PSA range from 4 to 10 ng/ml.
What to do if Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) Works? A Pilot Study on Home-Based Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Maurelli Valentina , Petta Filomena , Carsillo Gianni , Miano Roberto , Lamorte Fiorenza , Perugia Claudio , Agrò Enrico Finazzi 
Published: June 2012

Introduction Aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a home-based transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) protocol in patients responding to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). Materials and methods 16 overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) patients, responding to PTNS, were included. Patients performed a flexible home protocol of TTNS. Satisfied patients were considered “subjective responders”; patients not showing a ≥10% increase of urgency/urgency incontinence episodes/day were considered “objective responders”. Results 14/16 patients were followed up for a mean of 19.7 months. All patients were considered subjective responders; 13 were considered objective responders. The mean number of stimulations/week was 1.6 (1–3). Conclusions After this pilot study, it is possible to conclude that home-based TTNS is feasible. Nevertheless, further randomized trials are needed before drawing any conclusions.
Labored Relations: Corporate Citizenship, Labor Unions, and Freedom of Association
Authors: Dawkins Cedric E. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT:Globalization has brought increased attention to the notion that labor rights such asfreedom of association—the right of workers to organize a union—are fundamental human rights. However, the vigorous opposition to freedom of association by US firms is largely ignored in the business ethics literature and exacerbated by compensatory corporate citizenship rating mechanisms that tend to mask labor rights deficiencies. I argue that because freedom of association is a hypernorm, instrumental to fully realizing basic human rights, labor rights and human rights are largely inseparable. Thus, respect for labor rights is a non-substitutable requisite of corporate citizenship. I conclude by providing examples of corporate labor relations strategies that respect freedom of association and business firms that are leading the way.
Workplace Civility: A Confucian Approach
Authors: Kim Tae Wan , Strudler Alan 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT:We argue that Confucianism makes a fundamental contribution to understanding why civility is necessary for a morally decent workplace. We begin by reviewing some limits that traditional moral theories face in analyzing issues of civility. We then seek to establish a Confucian alternative. We develop the Confucian idea that even in business, humans may be sacred when they observe rituals culturally determined to express particular ceremonial significance. We conclude that managers and workers should understand that there is a broad range of morally important rituals in organizational life and that managers should preserve and develop the intelligibility and integrity of many of these rituals.
Nanostructure‐Initiator Mass Spectrometry (NIMS) for the Analysis of Enzyme Activities
Authors: Reindl Wolfgang , Deng Kai , Cheng Xiaoliang , Singh Anup K. , Simmons Blake A. , Adams Paul D. , Northen Trent R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractEnzymes are essential to innumerable vital processes in all fields of life. Additionally, enzymatic activities are utilized in a multitude of biological, medical, and technical applications. Using cellulases and other glycoside hydrolases for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuel has become an active area of research for applied enzymology. Development of high‐throughput, high‐specificity enzyme assays for glycoside hydrolases is critical to identify, characterize, and optimize such activities for efficient biomass degradation. Here, we present a detailed protocol describing our recently reported nanostructure‐initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS)‐based technique for the rapid analysis of glycoside hydrolase activities. NIMS enzyme activity (Nimzyme) assays can be used to characterize already known, or identify novel glycoside hydrolases. Importantly, several enzymatic activities can be tested in parallel in a multiplexed arrangement and under a broad range of assay conditions. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 4:123‐142 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Situ Hybridization Assay‐Based Small‐Molecule Screening in Zebrafish
Authors: Jing Lili , Durand Ellen M. , Ezzio Catherine , Pagliuca Stephanie M. , Zon Leonard I. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn vitro biochemical and cell‐based small‐molecule screens have been widely used to identify compounds that target specific signaling pathways, but the identified compounds frequently fail at the animal testing stage, largely due to the in vivo absorption, metabolism, and toxicity properties of the chemicals. Zebrafish has recently emerged as a vertebrate whole‐organism model for small‐molecule screening. The in vivo bioactivity and specificity of compounds are examined from the very beginning of zebrafish screens. In addition, zebrafish is suitable for large‐scale chemical screens, similar to many cellular assays. This protocol describes an approach for in situ hybridization (ISH)‐based chemical screening in zebrafish, which, in principle, can be used to screen any gene product. The described protocol has been used to identify small molecules affecting specific molecular pathways and biological processes. It can also be adapted to zebrafish screens with different readouts. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 4:143‐160 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Heritage Languages and Language Policy
Authors: King Kendall A. , Ennser‐Kananen Johanna 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe termheritage language(HL) was first used in the Canadian context to refer to any “language other than English and French,” and intended to reference the languages spoken by indigenous (First Nation) people or by immigrants (Cummins, 1991, pp. 601–2). Clyne (1991) modified the definition for the Australian context to include any language other than English (LOTE). US researchers and policy‐makers adopted this version in subsequent years.
Warschauer,Mark
Authors: Sauro Shannon 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMark Warschauer (born 1954) is a US scholar and researcher, known for his work on technology in language and literacy education. His research explores the pedagogical applications of technology for second language (L2) learning, the social and educational dimensions and implications of digital literacy, and the use of technology to foster learning and empowerment. He has conducted research in the United States in elementary and secondary schools, and among adult learners in technology‐enhanced learning contexts in several countries, including Egypt, the United States, and the Czech Republic.
Effects of Fiber Orientation and Moisture on the Crack Growth in Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide
Authors: Günzel Stephan , Hickmann Stefan , Wittemeyer Christian , Trappe Volker 
Published: June 2012

AbstractShort glass fiber reinforced polyamides are increasingly used in automotive applications. Concepts and models are needed, which enable the prediction of the structural durability. The fiber orientation and the content of moisture have a major influence on the fracture mechanical properties and on the damage mechanisms. The complex crack growth behavior was investigated and described in an empirical model.
Strain‐Induced Development of Very Fine Ferrite‐Cementite Structures in Eutectoid Steels
Authors: Caruso Matteo , Godet Stéphane 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe development of duplex microstructures consisting of very fine ferrite grains and spheroidized cementite particles during concurrent hot deformation has been investigated by hot torsion in a eutectoid steel. It is shown that the hot deformation of the undercooled austenite at temperatures close to Ar1 induces and accelerates significantly the γ‐to‐pearlite transformation. Further deformation of the transforming pearlite does not lead only to the instantaneous spheroidization of the cementite lamellae but also refines the ferrite orientations units from 15 to 3 µm. Microstructures consisting of very fine ferrite grains (3 µm) and submicron cementite particles are produced at strain levels larger than ε = 1.5. The initial grains undergo progressive fragmentation by the generation of low angle boundaries (LABs) by dynamic recovery that progressively transform into high angle boundaries (HABs). The progressive increase of LABs misorientation is attributed to the presence of cementite particles and is referred to as continuous dynamic recrystallization (cDRX). Fine prior austenite grain size and moderate strain rates are found to promote the occurrence of cDRX. The resulting torsion textures consist of a strong 〈111〉 fiber dominated by the D {112} 〈111〉 component. During the subsequent annealing step, cementite particles coarsen preferentially at the triple junctions whereas the very fine ferrite grain are stable due to the strong pinning effect exerted by the cementite particles.
Determination of Minimum Machining Depth After Heat Treatment of ASTM Grade 2 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Dobeson Richard G. , McDonald Stuart D. , Dargusch Matthew S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper reports on the development of a practical tool for determining minimum machining depths required after heat treatment of ASTM Grade 2 titanium alloys. Mechanical properties are adversely affected by the brittle alpha‐case that develops when titanium and its alloys are exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures. This layer is normally removed by machining prior to putting the component into service. The exact depth of material that is required to be removed is dependent on the combined time and temperature of any prior heat treatment. This paper presents a study of oxygen diffusion in ASTM Grade 2 titanium alloy that was performed to quantify the rate of alpha‐case formation. A generalized method of predicting the depth of alpha‐case is discussed and a nomogram has been developed and presented as a tool for determining the minimum amount of material that needs to be removed.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Silver Nanoparticles by Sonolysis of Silver Carboxylates
Authors: Veith Michael , Moh Karsten , Cavelius Christian 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMonodisperse, crystalline silver nanoparticles are synthesized by sonolytically assisted decomposition of silver oxalate and oleate precursors in dibenzylether. Oleic acid and oleylamine are used as capping agents. The diameters of the obtained particles vary from 6 to 10 nm depending on the sonification time and the precursor material. The particles are stable in non‐polar media. A 2D and 3D assembly of the as‐prepared nanoparticles is observed. Particle sizes and dispersities are characterized by transmission electron microscopy and image analysis. The decomposition characteristics of the different precursor compounds are investigated using UV–Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetry.
Rituximab for remission induction and maintenance in refractory granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's): Ten‐year experience at a single center
Authors: Cartin‐Ceba Rodrigo , Golbin Jason M. , Keogh Karina A. , Peikert Tobias , Sánchez‐Menéndez Marta , Ytterberg Steven R. , Fervenza Fernando C. , Specks Ulrich 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated and prolonged B cell depletion with rituximab (RTX) for the maintenance of long‐term remission in patients with chronic relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA).MethodsWe conducted a single‐center observational study of all patients with chronic relapsing GPA treated with at least 2 courses of RTX between January 1, 2000 and May 31, 2010. Participants in the Rituximab in ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial were excluded from this analysis. Data were abstracted from electronic medical records.ResultsFifty‐three patients with refractory GPA (median age 46 years [interquartile range (IQR) 30–61 years]; 53% women) received at least 2 courses of RTX to treat GPA relapses or to maintain remission. All but 1 patient had antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) against proteinase 3 (PR3). These patients received a median of 4 courses of RTX (IQR 3–5); all had depletion of B cells, and the median time to return of B cells was 8.5 months (IQR 6–11 months). All observed relapses occurred after reconstitution of B cells and were accompanied or preceded by an increase in ANCA levels, except for the 1 ANCA‐negative patient. Infusion‐related adverse events occurred in 16 patients. During the period of B cell depletion, 30 infections requiring antimicrobial therapy were recorded.ConclusionRTX appeared to be effective and safe for the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with chronic relapsing GPA. Repeated depletion of B lymphocytes seems to be associated with a low risk of infections. Preemptive re‐treatment decisions can be individualized based on serial B lymphocyte and PR3 ANCA monitoring. The use of RTX for the maintenance of long‐term remission merits further formal investigation.
Circulating fibrocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of collagen antibody–induced arthritis
Authors: Galligan Carole L. , Fish Eleanor N. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease resulting in joint inflammation. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes in affected joints are responsible for pannus formation and cytokine/chemokine production, resulting in leukocyte recruitment and bone/cartilage destruction. Previously, we identified a multipotent stem cell population of activated fibrocytes in the blood of patients with RA that may have a role in disease pathogenesis, perhaps as fibroblast‐like synoviocyte precursors. The aim of this study was to further characterize the contribution of circulating fibrocytes to the pathogenesis of RA.MethodsCirculating fibrocytes were isolated from mice with collagen‐induced arthritis and transferred intravenously into recipient mice with collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA). The activation status of circulating fibrocytes was determined using multidimensional phosphoflow cytometric analysis of the signaling effectors STAT‐5, STAT‐1, AKT, and JNK. Circulating fibrocyte trafficking and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were assessed in real time using fluorescence molecular tomography, specifically labeling circulating fibrocytes with CellVue Maroon and measuring MMP activity using MMPSense 680.ResultsThe numbers of circulating fibrocytes were increased early during the onset of CAIA, concomitant with their activation, as measured by phosphorylation of STAT‐5. Adoptive transfer of circulating fibrocytes augmented disease scores and increased class II major histocompatibility complex expression and peripheral blood phosphoactivation profiles in recipient mice with CAIA. Notably, adoptively transferred fluorescence‐labeled circulating fibrocytes rapidly migrated into the affected joints of recipient mice with CAIA, and this was associated with augmented neutrophil recruitment into affected joints and MMP activation.ConclusionCirculating fibrocytes migrate to joints and influence the onset of disease processes in arthritis.
Cell‐free production of trimeric influenza hemagglutinin head domain proteins as vaccine antigens
Authors: Welsh John P. , Lu Yuan , He Xiao‐Song , Greenberg Harry B. , Swartz James R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn order to effectively combat pandemic influenza threats, there is a need for more rapid and robust vaccine production methods. In this article, we demonstrate E. coli‐based cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) as a method to rapidly produce domains from the protein hemagglutinin (HA), which is present on the surface of the influenza virus. The portion of the HA coding sequence for the “head” domain from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain was first optimized for E. coli expression. The protein domain was then produced in CFPS reactions and purified in soluble form first as a monomer and then as a trimer by a C‐terminal addition of the T4 bacteriophage foldon domain. Production of soluble trimeric HA head domain was enhanced by introducing stabilizing amino acid mutations to the construct in order to avoid aggregation. Trimerization was verified using size exclusion HPLC, and the stabilized HA head domain trimer was more effectively recognized by antibodies from pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine recipients than was the monomer and also bound to sialic acids more strongly, indicating that the trimers are correctly formed and could be potentially effective as vaccines. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 2962–2969. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of Ca2+‐independent Staphylococcus aureus sortase A mutants
Authors: Hirakawa Hidehiko , Ishikawa Suguru , Nagamune Teruyuki 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe catalytic activity of Staphylococcus aureus sortase A (SaSrtA) is dependent on Ca2+, because binding of Ca2+ to Glu residues distal to the active site stabilizes the substrate binding site. To obtain Ca2+‐independent SaSrtA, we substituted two Glu residues in the Ca2+‐binding pocket (Glu105 and Glu108). Although single mutations decreased SaSrtA activity, mutations of both Glu105 and Glu108 resulted in Ca2+‐independent activity. Kinetic analysis suggested that the double mutations affect the substrate binding site, without affecting substrate specificity. This approach will allow us to develop SaSrtA variants suitable for various applications, including in vivo site‐specific protein modification and labeling. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 2955–2961. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perfusion flow rate substantially contributes to the performance of the HepaRG‐AMC‐bioartificial liver
Authors: Nibourg Geert A.A. , Boer Justin D. , van der Hoeven Tessa V. , Ackermans Mariëtte T. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Chamuleau Robert A.F.M. , Hoekstra Ruurdtje 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBioartificial livers (BALs) are bioreactors containing liver cells that provide extracorporeal liver support to liver‐failure patients. Theoretically, the plasma perfusion flow rate through a BAL is an important determinant of its functionality. Low flow rates can limit functionality due to limited substrate availability, and high flow rates can induce cell damage. This hypothesis was tested by perfusing the AMC‐BAL loaded with the liver cell line HepaRG at four different medium flow rates (0.3, 1.5, 5, and 10 mL/min). Hepatic functions ammonia elimination, urea production, lactate consumption, and 6β‐hydroxylation of testosterone showed 2–20‐fold higher rates at 5 mL/min compared to 0.3 mL/min, while cell damage remained stable. However, at 10 mL/min cell damage was twofold higher, and maximal hepatic functionality was not changed, except for an increase in lactate elimination. On the other hand, only a low flow rate of 0.3 mL/min allowed for an accurate measurement of the ammonia and lactate mass balance across the bioreactor, which is useful for monitoring the BAL's condition during treatment. These results show that (1) the functionality of a BAL highly depends on the perfusion rate; (2) there is a universal optimal flow rate based on various function and cell damage parameters (5 mL/min for HepaRG‐BAL); and (3) in the current set‐up the mass balance of substrate, metabolite, or cell damage markers between in‐and out‐flow of the bioreactor can only be determined at a suboptimal, low, perfusion rate (0.3 mL/min for HepaRG‐BAL). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 3182–3188. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved bioluminescence‐based signaling assay for odor sensing with a yeast expressing a chimeric olfactory receptor
Authors: Fukutani Yosuke , Ishii Jun , Noguchi Keiichi , Kondo Akihiko , Yohda Masafumi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe goal of this work was to improve the bioluminescence‐based signaling assay system to create a practical application of a biomimetic odor sensor using an engineered yeast‐expressing olfactory receptors (ORs). Using the yeast endogenous pheromone receptor (Ste2p) as a model GPCR, we determined the suitable promoters for the firefly luciferase (luc) reporter and GPCR genes. Additionally, we deleted some genes to further improve the sensitivity of the luc reporter assay. By replacing the endogenous yeast G‐protein α‐subunit (Gpa1p) with the olfactory‐specific Gαolf, the optimized yeast strain successfully transduced signal through both OR and yeast Ste2p. Our results will assist the development of a bioluminescence‐based odor‐sensing system using OR‐expressing yeast. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 3143–3151. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.