bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of trans‐labial ultrasound in the diagnosis of female urethral diverticula: A diagnostic option to be strongly considered
Authors: Gugliotta Giorgio , Calagna Gloria , Adile Giorgio , Polito Salvatore , Speciale Patrizia , Perino Antonio , Adile Biagio
Published: March 2015

Aim

To demonstrate effectiveness of trans‐labial ultrasound (TL‐US) in the evaluation of female urethral diverticula (UD).

Methods

In the study period, 20 UD were diagnosed and treated. All data on demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, diagnostic and operative procedures, were considered. Patients were referred to TL‐US for diverticular evaluation, using a 2D 7.5‐MHz endfire probe. For each UD, size, complexity, echogenicity content, and presence of diverticular neck were considered. Follow‐up controls were carried out at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery, to evaluate outcome and need for further intervention.

Results

Mean patient age was 46 years (range, 35–55 years) and mean parity was 1 (range, 0–3). The principal symptoms associated with the diverticular mass was dysuria (25%). In all evaluated cases, UD was single (simple in 15 cases and complex in 5). The mean size of the diverticula was 28 mm (range, 8–50 mm). Nineteen diverticula were diagnosed on TL‐US, and urethrocystoscopy was carried out for confirmation. Treatment consisted of diverticulectomy. At 1‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow up after surgery, TL‐US showed no recurrence of UD in any of the patients.

Conclusions

TL‐US is a valid, mini‐invasive and reproducible method to diagnose UD.
How do Egyptian gynecologists manage infertility? Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gibreel Ahmed , Eladawi Noha , El‐Gilany Abdel‐Hady , Allakkany Nasser , Shams Maher
Published: March 2015

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of a sample of Egyptian gynecologists with respect to the management and diagnosis of infertility and the variation between gynecologists according to qualifications.

Methods

A questionnaire assessing knowledge, practice habits, and perception towards the management of infertility was distributed to gynecologists. Data were collected during the annual meeting of the Clinical Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which was held in Mansoura, Egypt. Two hundred and fifty‐eight gynecologists attended the meeting. Two researchers distributed the questionnaires to the clinicians. Clinician responses to questions were assessed according to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) fertility guidelines. The main outcome measures were knowledge and adherence of gynecologists to NICE infertility guidelines.

Results

Significant differences were identified between clinicians with Master degree/Diploma and those with higher degrees (MD or PhD) with regard to knowledge as well as management options of different causes of infertility.

Conclusion

There is a need to develop and implement national strategies, including mandatory update of reproductive medicine curricula as well as providing continuous professional development programs, in order to boost infertility management in developing countries such as Egypt.
Fetal critical aortic stenosis with natural improvement of hydrops fetalis due to spontaneous relief of severe restrictive atrial communication
Authors: Ide Tetsuya , Miyoshi Takekazu , Kitano Masataka , Kurosaki Ken‐ichi , Yoshimatsu Jun
Published: March 2015

We describe a rare case of fetal critical aortic stenosis with spontaneous relief of severe restrictive atrial communication, resulting in complete resolution of hydrops fetalis in utero. Fetal ultrasonography showed hydrops fetalis caused by critical aortic stenosis with a severely restrictive foramen ovale and severe mitral regurgitation at 23 weeks of gestation. Hydrops fetalis, however, spontaneously resolved, showing an obvious increase of flow through the foramen ovale and pulmonary vein at 26 weeks of gestation. The neonate required balloon dilation of the aortic valve and balloon atrioseptostomy immediately after birth and also received bilateral pulmonary artery banding and arterial duct stenting 1 week later. The patient was in good condition after conversion to biventricular circulation via Ross procedure at 8 months old. The present case suggests that atrioseptostomy as a fetal intervention may improve outcome in even a hydropic condition.
Effects of Sonication on Physical Properties of Native and Cross‐Linked Wheat Starches
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Seifzadeh Negin , Farahnaky Asgar , Mesbahi Gholamreza
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sonication time and temperature on physical properties of native and cross‐linked wheat starches. Starch aqueous dispersions (30%, w/w) were sonicated with an ultrasonic probe at 20 kHz, 100% wave amplitude and sonication power of 100 W for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min at 5 and 22C. Increase in cold‐water solubility, decrease in intrinsic viscosity, gelatinization enthalpy, peak, trough, setback and final viscosities of both starches were observed by increasing the sonication time and temperature. Ultrasonic treatment resulted in the formation of some fissures and cracks on the exterior of the granules as observed by a scanning electron microscope. In general, the effects of ultrasonic treatment on both starches increased with increment in processing time and temperature. The cross‐linked wheat starch was more resistant against ultrasonic treatment than the native counterpart.

Practical Applications

Power ultrasound has been known as an emerging technology in many food processing operations including emulsification, freezing, extraction, drying and inactivation of pathogenic bacteria on food contact surfaces. In many foods that may undergo ultrasound processing, starch and its derivatives are widely used. This research provides information on the effects of different conditions of ultrasound on native and cross‐linked wheat starches as two common starches in many food products. It showed that the cross‐linked wheat starch is more stable in ultrasound processed foods compared to its native counterpart.
Most patients with HCV‐associated lymphoma present with mild liver disease: a call to revise antiviral treatment prioritization
Authors: Torres Harrys A. , Mahale Parag
Published: March 2015

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with development of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HCV‐NHL). Antiviral therapy (AVT) is prioritized in HCV‐infected patients with significant fibrosis/cirrhosis. It is unknown whether current recommendations based on liver parameters cover the risk of HCV‐NHL development. We aimed to evaluate the liver disease stages of patients with HCV‐NHL.

Methods

Hepatitis C virus‐NHL patients seen at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2008 and 2014 were evaluated for underlying liver disease within a year of HCV‐NHL diagnosis by non‐invasive fibrosis markers, radiology or liver biopsy. Included patients were observed retrospectively (2008–2012) or prospectively (2012–2014).

Results

Eightynine patients with HCV‐NHL were evaluated. Most patients had genotype 1 (62%) infection, had diffuse large B cell lymphomas (62%), and detectable HCV RNA (90%) at NHL diagnosis. Notably, advanced liver disease (Metavir stage ≥ 3) was present in only 18% of the patients at the time of HCV‐NHL diagnosis. All 53 patients with chronic HCV infection documented before lymphoma diagnosis were seen by HCV‐treating physicians. Providers did not recommend AVT in almost one half of cases (44%), mostly because of the lack of advanced liver disease at HCV diagnosis (38%).

Conclusions

Most patients with HCV‐NHL have mild liver disease at cancer diagnosis. Our findings suggest the need for early initiation of AVT in infected patients to eradicate HCV infection and its extra‐hepatic manifestations. Treatment prioritization and cost must be weighed against the potential benefits of preventing NHL.
Can heterothermy facilitate the colonization of new habitats?
Authors: Nowack Julia , Dausmann Kathrin H.
Published: March 2015

Increasing evidence shows that torpor in mammals is not only an effective adaptation for surviving predictable seasonal harsh conditions but is also employed as a response to acute emergency situations. This finding leads to the hypothesis that the ability to become heterothermic can also facilitate the colonization of new habitats, when mammals have to cross unsuitable, fragmented and/or food‐scarce landscapes. This hypothesis was first suggested in the context of the colonization of Madagascar, and it has never been evaluated in detail. In this review, we discuss the potential of heterothermy to affect colonization possibilities in general and the colonization of Madagascar in particular.

We list several points supporting the hypothesis and contend that, unless colonization events coincidentally take place during the hibernation period, spontaneous daily torpor is probably more instrumental for surviving unexpected and severe conditions on a raft or when crossing harsh landscapes than seasonally occurring hibernation. We further propose that torpor can positively affect the establishment of a founder population by enabling reproductive arrest phases until conditions improve. Moreover, if viable offspring are born after arrival, this might abolish the absolute necessity of encountering individuals of the opposite sex.

Altogether, it seems therefore consequential that heterothermic mammals with the ability to enter daily torpor are the most likely to arrive in a new habitat in a body condition that allows successful settlement and reproduction.

Together with the finding that all recent taxa of terrestrial, non‐volant Malagasy mammals or their close relatives include representatives that use heterothermy, this suggests that torpor might indeed have facilitated the colonization of Madagascar.
Latent Multilateral Trade Resistance Indices: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Koch Wilfried , LeSage James P.
Published: March 2015

Anderson and van Wincoop (American Economic Review (2003), 69:106) make a convincing argument that traditional gravity equation estimates are biased by the omission of multilateral resistance terms. They show that these multilateral resistance terms are implicitly defined by a system of non‐linear equations involving all regions' GDP shares and a global interdependence structure involving trade costs. We show how linearizing the system of non‐linear relationships around a free trade world leads to an interdependence structure that can be used as a Bayesian prior to produce statistical estimates of the inward and outward multilateral resistance indices. This reflects a statistical approach that has advantages over the non‐stochastic numerical approach used by Anderson and van Wincoop (2003) to solve for these indices.
Diversity of the snail‐eating snakes Pareas (Serpentes, Pareatidae) from Taiwan
Authors: You Chung‐Wei , Poyarkov Nikolay A. , Lin Si‐Min
Published: March 2015

Pareatidae are a group of mollusc‐eating snakes widely distributed in South‐eastern Asia. Due to their dietary specialization, the asymmetric dentition of pareatids has recently become an interesting issue in evolutionary biology. However, phylogenetic relationships and species diversity of pareatids are still poorly studied. A total of three Pareas species, P. formosanus (Van Denburgh 1909), P. compressus (Oshima 1910) and P. komaii (Maki 1931), have been reported for Taiwan. However, only P. formosanus is currently regarded as a valid species. Using mitochondrial sequence phylogeny, nuclear c‐mos haplotype network, as well as multivariate morphometrics, we re‐evaluated the taxonomic status of Pareas from Taiwan, the Ryukyus and adjacent regions. These lines of evidence showed congruent results for the coexistence of three Pareas species in Taiwan, with prominent genetic and morphological differentiation and differing level of dentition asymmetry. The currently used name P. formosanus should be applied only to the snakes with red iris, comparatively short lower jaw and totally smooth dorsal scales. An examination of the type material indicated that the name P. compressus should be regarded as a junior synonym of P. formosensis sensu stricto. Pareas komaii (Oshima 1910) is confirmed as a valid taxon with yellow iris, elongated lower jaw and strongly keeled dorsals. The third clade is characterized by a yellow iris, elongated lower jaw and weakly keeled dorsals. Despite their sympatric occurrence, every examined individual showed consistent grouping from mitochondrial, nuclear and morphological markers, indicating there is no gene flow among these three clades. Here, we describe the third clade as a new specie, Pareas atayal sp. nov.
Boundary for Complete Set of Attractors for Forced–Damped Essentially Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Grinberg Itay , Gendelman Oleg V.
Published: March 2015

Forced–damped essentially nonlinear oscillators can have a multitude of dynamic attractors. Generically, no analytic procedure is available to reveal all such attractors. For many practical and engineering applications, however, it might be not necessary to know all the attractors in detail. Knowledge of the zone in the state space (or the space of initial conditions), in which all the attractors are situated might be sufficient. We demonstrate that this goal can be achieved by relatively simple means—even for systems with multiple and unknown attractors. More specifically, this paper suggests an analytic procedure to determine the zone in the space of initial conditions, which contains all attractors of the essentially nonlinear forced–damped system for a given set of parameters. The suggested procedure is an extension of well-known Lyapunov functions approach; here we use it for analysis of stability of nonautonomous systems with external forcing. Consequently, instead of the complete state space of the problem, we consider a space of initial conditions and define a bounded trapping region in this space, so that for every initial condition outside this region, the dynamic flow will eventually enter it and will never leave it. This approach is used to find a special closed curve on the plane of initial conditions for a forced–damped strongly nonlinear oscillator with single-degree-of-freedom (single-DOF). Solving the equations of motion is not required. The approach is illustrated by the important benchmark example of x2n potential, including the celebrated Ueda oscillator for n = 2. Another example is the well-known model of forced–damped oscillator with double-well potential. We also demonstrate that the boundary curve, obtained by analytic tools, can be efficiently “tightened” numerically, yielding even stricter estimation for the zone of the existing attractors.
A Protocol to Address User Behavior in the Eco-Design of Consumer Products
Authors: Cor Emmanuelle , Zwolinski Peggy
Published: March 2015

Today, it is difficult to integrate the use phase optimization of consumer products into eco-design methodologies. Current eco-design approaches are in fact mainly focused on improving the technological performance of products while it has been proven that users behavior plays an important role in the overall environmental performances of products. This paper deals with the need to address the notion of user experience and behavior in the design process of today's low-complexity consumer products in order to improve their environmental performance. The research protocol presented in this paper is a new eco-design approach in six steps that can be used by designers to support eco-design decisions and integrate user behavior parameters into design activities. The first step consists in the identification of critical environmental aspects in use and usage drifts potential of the product. Steps two, three, and four support designers in the analysis of the use phase for the selection of efficient design for sustainable behavior (DfSB) strategies to be implemented on the product. Finally, steps five and six aim to test the selected strategies with product-in-use observations. Life cycle assessment (LCA) approach is used for the evaluation of the environmental benefits of the strategies. To illustrate this work, a case study of a coffee maker is described together with the eco-design solutions chosen for this product. The solutions reflect strategies targeting DfSB.
Communicating Consumer Needs in the Design Process of Branded Products
Authors: Rasoulifar Golnoosh , Eckert Claudia , Prudhomme Guy
Published: March 2015

User preferences in design process of branded products are addressed through several layers of mediation occurring at the interfaces between consumers, product designers, and engineering designers, whereby product designers act as proxies for consumers. Rather than interacting directly each group makes assumptions about the consumer needs and preferences, which are not explicitly communicated. This paper explains the mediation layers between design team and consumers through a literature based framework of branded product emotions. The mediation in the design team is explained through a case study of communication across disciplinary boundaries.
Balancing Configuration and Refinement in the Design of Two-Spool Multistage Compression Systems
Authors: Jarrett Jerome P. , Ghisu Tiziano
Published: March 2015

With limited resources, time spent refining a design is time not spent in selecting its optimal configuration. A multi-fidelity optimization scheme is applied to the configuration and refinement of a generic core engine compression system. The best designs result from expending between half and three quarters of the total design effort on configuration selection. The performance of the refinement phase is a weak function of the preceding configuration phase when the latter is well into diminishing returns. By exploiting this behavior, the time taken to obtain equally good designs with the same analysis tools and computational resource may be halved.
When Raymond Met Delilah
Authors: Blyth Caroline
Published: March 2015

Within cultural retellings of the Samson and Delilah story (Judg 16), Delilah is often presented as the quintessential femme fatale. In this paper, I consider the inspiration for Delilah’s cultural afterlives as femme fatale before exploring alternative ways to contemplate her character in the biblical text. As a guide, I read Judg 16 alongside Raymond Chandler’s hardboiled novel, Farewell My Lovely, whose plot bears strong echoes of the biblical narrative. I consider how Chandler’s complex approach to the femme fatale within his novel might invite new readings of Delilah’s character, which grant more multifaceted insights into her literary persona.
Fluorine interface treatments within the gate stack for defect passivation in 28 nm high-k metal gate technology
Authors: Drescher Maximilian , Naumann Andreas , Sundqvist Jonas , Erben Elke , Grass Carsten , Trentzsch Martin , Lazarevic Florian , Leitsmann Roman , Plaenitz Philipp
Published: March 2015

A novel method of fluorine incorporation into the gate dielectric by gaseous thermal NF3 interface treatments for defect passivation have been investigated in 28 nm high-k metal gate technology with respect to improvement in device reliability. The thermal treatment suppresses physical interface regrowth observed in previous plasma-assisted fluorine treatments. Detailed defect characterization by spectroscopic charge pumping is used to characterize the influence of fluorine on trap states in the interfacial oxide layer. Comprehensive structural as well as electrical characterization linked with bias temperature instability measurements indicates the potential of improving reliability in high-k metal gate technology by gaseous introduction of fluorine into the gate dielectric.
Apparent asystole: are we missing a lifesaving opportunity?
Authors: Limb Christopher , Siddiqui Muhammad A
Published: March 2015

The use of ultrasonography is rapidly expanding in emergency medicine. Real-time assessment offers clues to prompt diagnosis and creates opportunities for speedy intervention. We present a case of ‘cardiac monitor asystole’ that proved to be ventricular fibrillation on ultrasound examination. Uniquely this case demonstrates that this, typically unrecognised, form of ventricular fibrillation responds to desynchronised defibrillation, with restoration of perfusion for approximately 30 min. With increasing access to ultrasound we believe that further research is indicated to determine whether some cases of apparent asystole may best be treated by defibrillation, presenting an opportunity to save more lives than current protocols achieve.
The appropriate management of an appendiceal mucocele
Authors: Lorenzon Laura , De Dominicis Chiara , Virgilio Edoardo , Balducci Genoveffa
Published: March 2015

Appendicectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Appendiceal mucocele is a relative rare disease, but appropriate management is critical. Indeed, the intact removal of a mucocele represents a curative treatment; conversely, a rupture may result in the spread of epithelial cells throughout the peritoneal cavity (pseudomyxoma peritonei). We report a case of a 61-year-old woman, admitted to our department, who underwent resection of an appendiceal mucocele, focusing, in the discussion, on the clinical and surgical management of this disease.
Bridging the gap between school and university
Authors: Stacey Emily
Published: March 2015

Emily Stacey is a third‐year student at the Royal Veterinary College, and is one of a group of students that has developed an online course to help new students familiarise themselves with the topics they will study and the most useful ways to study them
An integrated approach to analyze EG2-hFc monoclonal antibody N-glycosylation by MALDI-MS
Authors: Bodnar Edward , Ferreira Nascimento Thais , Girard Lauren , Komatsu Emy , Lopez Paul , Gomes de Oliveira Andrey Giovanni , Roy Rini , Smythe Tristan , Zogbi Yann , Spearman Maureen , Tayi Venkata S. , Butler Michael , Perreault Hélène
Published: March 2015

The characterization of the N-glycan portion of antibodies has been the subject of several studies involving mass spectrometry. In this article, a workflow is presented that starts with the expression of a monoclonal antibody (EG2-hFc) in Chinese hamster ovary cells and continues with Protein A purification of the antibody. Then the protocol continues with gel electrophoresis. Bands containing the heavy chain are cut and isolated from the gel followed by tryptic digestion to obtain peptides and glycopeptides. The enrichment of glycopeptides by C18 chromatography is described followed by characterization using positive and negative modes MALDI-MS and MS/MS. An exoglycosidase, beta-galactosidase, is used to verify anomericity of linkages in the glycan portion of glycopeptides. In the last step, glycans are detached from glycopeptides using PNGase F labelled with phehylhydrazine and characterized by MALDI-MS/MS. This workflow is reported for the first time for this particular antibody and presents a valuable approach for the analysis of N-glycans on most antibodies and glycoproteins.
Vascular plant and bryophyte flora in midterm hybrid aspen plantations on abandoned agricultural land
Authors: Tullus Tea , Tullus Arvo , Roosaluste Elle , Lutter Reimo , Tullus Hardi
Published: March 2015

Short-rotation forest plantations with hybrid aspen on abandoned agricultural land are a novel use of land in eastern and northern Europe; however, to date, their impact on floristic diversity has not been thoroughly studied. Our aim is to determine the kind of vascular plant and bryophyte (including epiphytes) species that benefit from such plantations. Data on understorey and soil humus layer properties were collected as part of the repeated monitoring of 204 permanent vegetation plots in twenty-four 13- to 14-year old commercial hybrid aspen plantations in boreonemoral Estonia. Data analysis indicated that the understorey of midterm hybrid aspen plantations is formed of species with different ecological requirements, ranging from typical fallow species to shade-tolerant forest species. Midterm plantations were dominated by common grassland species; however, occasionally less frequent and protected grassland species were also found. No rare species of epigeic or epiphytic bryophytes were recorded. Overall, a slow succession towards a shade-tolerant understorey was observed when comparing midterm and young plantations, with the occurrence of forest species in negative correlation with the amount of canopy-transmitted total solar radiation. The number of species characteristic of forests growing on similar soil types was low. Further studies will clarify how close the habitat in such intensively managed plantations on abandoned agricultural lands can approach that of natural forests in hemiboreal conditions.
On the strong coupling limit of many-polaron systems in electromagnetic fields
Authors: Wellig D.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, estimates on the ground state energy of Fröhlich N-polarons in electromagnetic fields in the strong coupling limit, α → ∞, are derived. It is shown that the ground state energy is given by α2multiplied by the minimal energy of the corresponding Pekar–Tomasevich functional for N particles, up to an error term of order α42/23 N3. The potentials A, V are suitably rescaled in α. As a corollary, binding of N-polarons for strong magnetic fields for large coupling constants is established.
Muon anomalous magnetic moment in a SU(4) ⊗ U(1)N model
Authors: Cogollo D.
Published: March 2015

We study the muon anomalous magnetic moment in an electroweak model based on the gauge symmetry SU(4)L ⊗ U(1)N, which has right-handed neutrinos in its spectrum, and no flavor changing neutral currents at tree level. We discuss relevant collider and electroweak constraints on the model, and derive the most stringent upper bounds on the scale of symmetry breaking based on the corrections to the muon magnetic moment. We conclude that a scale of symmetry breaking of around 2 TeV might explain the muon magnetic moment anomaly. In case the anomaly is otherwise resolved, using the current and projected sensitive of g-2 experiments, we rule out scales of symmetry breaking smaller than 3.5 TeV (5.5 TeV) at 1σ level.
A solvable model for fermion masses on a warped 6D world with the extra 2D sphere
Authors: Kokado Akira , Saito Takesi
Published: March 2015

In a warped 6D world with an extra two-dimensional sphere, we propose an exactly solvable model for fermion masses with zero mode. The warp factor is given by ϕ(θ, φ) = sin θ cos φ, which is a solution to the 6D Einstein equation with the bulk cosmological constant Λ and the energy–momentum tensor of the bulk matter fields. Our model provides another possibility of obtaining fermion zero mode, rather than traditional model based on Dirac's monopole.
A Novel Feature Extraction Method Based on Collaborative Representation for Face Recognition
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Xiaohui , Li Jianzhong , Jin Zhong
Published: March 2015

Representation-based classification have received much attention in the field of face recognition. Collaborative representation-based classification (CRC) has shown the robustness and high performance. In this paper, we proposed a new feature extraction method-based collaborative representation. Firstly, we get the coefficients of all face samples by collaborative representation. Then we define the inter-class reconstructive errors and intra-class reconstructive errors for each sample. After that, Fisher criterion is used to get the discriminative feature. At last, CRC is executed to get the identification results in the new feature space. Different from other feature extraction methods, the proposed method integrates the classification criterion into the feature extraction. So the feature space we get fits the classifier better. Experiment results on several face databases show that the proposed method is more effective than other state-of-the-art face recognition methods.
Geometric constrained variational calculus I: Piecewise smooth extremals
Authors: Massa Enrico , Bruno Danilo , Luria Gianvittorio , Pagani Enrico
Published: March 2015

A geometric setup for constrained variational calculus is presented. The analysis deals with the study of the extremals of an action functional defined on piecewise differentiable curves, subject to differentiable, non-holonomic constraints. Special attention is paid to the tensorial aspects of the theory. As far as the kinematical foundations are concerned, a fully covariant scheme is developed through the introduction of the concept of infinitesimal control. The standard classification of the extremals into normal and abnormal ones is discussed, pointing out the existence of an algebraic algorithm assigning to each admissible curve a corresponding abnormality index, related to the co-rank of a suitable linear map. Attention is then shifted to the study of the first variation of the action functional. The analysis includes a revisitation of Pontryagin's equations and of the Lagrange multipliers method, as well as a reformulation of Pontryagin's algorithm in Hamiltonian terms. The analysis is completed by a general result, concerning the existence of finite deformations with fixed endpoints.
Proper time and conformal problem in Kaluza–Klein theory
Authors: Minguzzi E.
Published: March 2015

In the traditional Kaluza–Klein theory, the cylinder condition and the constancy of the extra-dimensional radius (scalar field) imply that time-like geodesics on the five-dimensional bundle project to solutions of the Lorentz force equation on spacetime. This property is lost for nonconstant scalar fields, in fact there appears new terms that have been interpreted mainly as new forces or as due to a variable inertial mass and/or charge. Here we prove that the additional terms can be removed if we assume that charged particles are coupled with the same spacetime conformal structure of neutral particles but through a different conformal factor. As a consequence, in Kaluza–Klein theory the proper time of the charged particle might depend on the charge-to-mass ratio and the scalar field. Then we show that the compatibility between the equation of the projected geodesic and the classical limit of the Klein–Gordon equation fixes unambiguously the conformal factor of the coupling metric solving the conformal ambiguity problem of Kaluza–Klein theories. We confirm this result by explicitly constructing the projection of the Klein–Gordon equation and by showing that each Fourier mode, even for a variable scalar field, satisfies the Klein–Gordon equation on the base.
Free-base porphyrin and [60]fullerene linked by oligomeric ethylenedioxythienylenevinylene bridge
Authors: Pelado Beatriz , Coro Julieta , de la Cruz Pilar , Langa Fernando
Published: March 2015

The synthesis and structural characterization and the study of the electronic properties of two novel porphyrin-bridge-fullerene molecules, where a free-based porphyrin and [60]fullerene are connected through one and two units of ethylenedioxythienylenevinylene π-conjugated bridges, is reported. The absorption studies, voltamperometric measurements and theoretical calculations at DFT level are presented. A HOMO–LUMO gap as low as 1.41 eV has been found for compound 6.
Doping effect on electronic band structure and magnetic properties of MFeAs(M = Li, Na)
Authors: Mahesh Rajendran , Rajagopalan M. , Palanivel Balan
Published: March 2015

In this paper, detailed examination of the doping effect on electronic band structure, magnetic properties of nonmagnetic (NM) and striped antiferromagnetic (S-AFM) phases of MFeAs ( M = Li , Na ) compounds were carried out using ab initio method. The crystal structure of these compounds is a well known tetragonal structure. Self-consistent calculations were performed by plane wave pseudo potential, density functional based method using PWSCF-Quantum Espresso code. To study the structural phase stability, the total energies of these compounds were calculated as a function of reduced volumes and fitted with Brich Murnaghan equation. 3d valence elements like Mn , Co induce strong local magnetic moments on doping. However, Cu substitution weakens the average local moments. The 3d elements on doping at Fe site directly affect the electrons correlations in the Fe – As layer.
Helicobacter pyloriInfection Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Lin , Li Lingling , Zhou Xiaoying , Xiao Shuping , Gu Huiyuan , Zhang Guoxin
Published: March 2015

Background. Several studies have shown a possible involvement ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in individuals with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), but the relationship remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to validate and strengthen the association between HG andH. pyloriinfection.Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to March 20, 2014, were searched to select studies on the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection between pregnant women with HG and the normal pregnant control subjects.Results. Of the HG cases, 1289 (69.6%) wereH. pylori-positive; however, 1045 (46.2%) wereH. pylori-positive in control group. Compared to the non-HG normal pregnant controls, infection rate ofH. pyloriwas significantly higher in pregnant women with HG (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.32–4.81,P<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated thatH. pyloriinfection was a risk factor of HG in Asia, Africa, and Oceania, especially in Africa (OR = 12.38, 95% CI: 7.12–21.54,P<0.001).Conclusions.H. pylorishould be considered one of the risk factors of HG, especially in the developing countries.H. pylorieradication could be considered to relieve the symptoms of HG in some intractable cases.
Plantar Loading Reflects Ulceration Risks of Diabetic Foot with Toe Deformation
Authors: Lu Y. C. , Mei Q. C. , Gu Y. D.
Published: March 2015

Diabetes has been one of the most common chronic diseases all over the world. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the foot loading characteristics of diabetic patients with fifth-toe deformity through a comparative analysis with diabetic patients with healthy and normal feet. Six neuropathic diabetic female subjects with the fifth-toe deformation and six age-matched neuropathic diabetic controls without any feet deformities participated in the walking test. Dynamic barefoot plantar pressure was measured with Novel EMED force plate. Peak pressure and pressure-time integral for all 7 foot regions (rearfoot, midfoot, lateral forefoot, central forefoot, medial forefoot, great toe, and other toes) were collected. Peak pressure was significantly higher in the patients with toe deformity in rearfoot, central forefoot, and great toe regions compared with the control group. Meanwhile, loading sustaining period extended longer in great toe region of deformed group than in that of the control group, and the center of pressure was nearly in the big toe region during toe offstage. Diabetic patients with fifth-toe deformity could have plantar contact area reduction in the other toes part and increased loading to the great toe part. The result showed that fifth-toe deformity was associated with potential ulceration risk especially in hallux region.
Minimal Invasive Management of Anastomosis Leakage after Colon Resection
Authors: Kabul Gürbulak Esin , Akgün İsmail Ethem , Öz Ayhan , Ömeroğlu Sinan , Battal Muharrem , Celayir Fevzi , Mihmanlı Mehmet
Published: March 2015

The gold standard of surgical treatment of colorectal anastomotic leak is abdominal drainage of collected fluid and stoma formation. Conventional laparotomy has been the preferred approach for treatment. However, both laparoscopic surgical techniquesand endoscopic stenting have gained popularity over the past years as minimal invasive approaches, especially in the management and treatment of perforations of the gastrointestinal system. We present here a successful treatment with a minimal invasive management of anastomosis leak in the early postoperative period after colon resection in a 62-year-old female patient who had undergone urgent laparoscopic intra-abdominal lavage and drainage followed by endoscopic stenting.
Effect of Oral and Vaginal Hormonal Contraceptives on Inflammatory Blood Biomarkers
Authors: Divani Afshin A. , Luo Xianghua , Datta Yvonne H. , Flaherty James D. , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela
Published: March 2015

The use of combined hormonal contraceptives has been reported to increase the level of C‐reactive protein (CRP). We assessed the effect of hormonal contraceptive use on inflammatory cytokines including CRP, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, soluble tumor necrosis factor (sTNF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and soluble CD40 ligand. We used 79 female subjects (19 to 30 years old) who were combined oral contraceptives users (n = 29), combined vaginal contraceptive users (n = 20), and nonusers (n = 30) with CRP values of ≤1 (n = 46) or ≥3 (n = 33). Information on medical history, physical activities, and dietary and sleeping habits were collected. Both oral and vaginal contraceptive users had higher levels of CRP (P < 0.0001), compared to nonusers. Only oral contraceptive users exhibited elevated sCD40L (P < 0.01). When comparing the groups with CRP ≤ 1 and CRP ≥ 3, levels of IL‐6 and sTNF‐RI were positively correlated with CRP among oral contraceptive users. We did not observe the same elevation for other inflammatory biomarkers for the CRP ≥ 3 group among vaginal contraceptive users. The clear cause of elevation in CRP level due to the use of different hormonal contraceptive formulations and methods is not well understood. Longitudinal studies with larger sample size are required to better assess the true cause of CRP elevation among hormonal contraceptive users.
Preliminary Studies of the Immunomodulator Effect of theBougainvillea xbuttianaExtract in a Mouse Model
Authors: Arteaga Figueroa Lluvia , Barbosa Navarro Leticia , Patiño Vera Martin , Petricevich Vera L.
Published: March 2015

Bougainvillea xbuttianais used as an analgesic in folk medicine in Mexico. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of the ethanolic extract fromB. xbuttianaon macrophages activities. The phytochemical screening was performed for determine the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and saponins. The effects ofB. xbuttianawere analyzed using the macrophages activities as determined by the H2O2release, spreading and phagocytic index, vacuoles formation percentage, and mediators production. The viability percentage was determined in live cells after fixing and staining with crystal violet. The presence of H2O2in macrophages was performed by using the peroxidase-phenol red solution. The cytokine production was determined by two assays, ELISA for detection of IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γand biological assay for TNF detection. The results showed that theBxbextract dose-dependent manner produces (a) an increase in levels of H2O2and spreading and vacuoles formation percentages, (b) a decrease in phagocytic index and in the amounts of TNF, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and (c) an increase significant in IL-10 and NO production. This study indicates that the ethanolic extract fromBougainvillea xbuttianawas able to activate macrophages. The combination of these results suggests that this extract has an immunomodulator effect.
Effect of Composite Action on the Strength of Wood Roofs
Authors: Campos Varela Ivan A. , Gerstle Walter H. , Dwyer Stephen
Published: March 2015

Engineering certification for the installation of solar photovoltaic modules on wood roofs is often denied because existing wood roofs do not meet current building codes. Rather than requiring expensive structural retrofits, we desire to show that many roofs are actually sufficiently strong if the effect of composite action produced by joist-sheathing interaction is considered. In a series of laboratory experiments using a limited number of two-by-four wood joists with and without sheathing panels, conventionally sheathed stud-grade joists, surprisingly, exhibited between 18% and 63% higher nominal strength than similar bare joists. To explain this strength increase, a simple model was developed to predict the strengths of the nailed partially composite sections, but the model only justifies a 1.4% to 3.8% increase in bending strength of joists with an allowable bending strength of 1000 psi. More testing is indicated to resolve this discrepancy between laboratory results and analytical modeling results. In addition to elucidating nonlinear partial composite behavior of existing roof systems, this paper shows that, with minor changes in roof framing practices, strength increases of 70% or more are achievable, compared to the strengths of conventionally sheathed joists.
Myoxinol (HydrolyzedHibiscus esculentusExtract) in the Cure of Chronic Anal Fissure: Early Clinical and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Renzi Adolfo , Brillantino Antonio , Di Sarno Giandomenico , D’Aniello Francesco , Ziccardi Stefania , Paladino Fiorella , Iacobellis Francesca
Published: March 2015

Objective.This study was designed to evaluate the early results of the topical application of HydrolyzedHibiscus esculentusExtract 3% ointment (Myoxinol 3%), a novel local product with Botox-like activity, in the conservative treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF).Methods.Among all patients with CAF observed during the study period, 31 subjects met the inclusion criteria and underwent medical therapy with Myoxinol 3% ointment every 12 hours for 6 weeks. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Clinical and manometric follow-up was carried out eight weeks after treatment.Results.At follow-up the success rate was 72.4% (21/29); median VAS score and mean anal resting pressure were significantly lower if compared with respective baseline data. The only one adverse effect of the topical application of Myoxinol 3% ointment was perianal itch, which was reported by 3,4% (1/29) of the patients available for the analysis. However, in this case this symptom did not cause interruption of the treatment.Conclusions.The topical application of Myoxinol 3% ointment in the cure of CAF shows encouraging early results. Further researches with a larger series and a longer follow-up are needed to confirm these data.
Heterogeneous Expectations and Speculative Behavior in Insurance-Linked Securities
Authors: Zheng Min
Published: March 2015

Within the framework of heterogeneous agent models, this paper analyzes the impact factors on the issuance of an insurance-linked security (ILS), and gives an ILS pricing formula and the conditions of existence and stability of the issue price. We consider two cases: fixed supply and flexible supply. We find that, in the fixed volume case, to assure the successful issuance of an ILS, an appropriate volume of the ILS is necessary, and to attract investors, the ILS should pay a positive premium which can help investors to enhance the efficient frontier of their portfolio. In the flexible supply case, we show that the issue price of an ILS is given by the weighted average of different beliefs about the discounted ILS return, and the stability of the issue price depends on the numbers of investors and sponsors and the extrapolation rate to the ILS of investors. In addition, whether an ILS has the hedging ability to sponsors depends on their own understanding about the ILS coupon and the relationship between the recovery from the ILS and their liability, but how much the risk of sponsors can be hedged relies on the ILS coupon expected by investors.
Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Dairy Products and Gut: Effect on Pathogens
Authors: Arqués Juan L. , Rodríguez Eva , Langa Susana , Landete José María , Medina Margarita
Published: March 2015

The food industry seeks alternatives to satisfy consumer demands of safe foods with a long shelf-life able to maintain the nutritional and organoleptic quality. The application of antimicrobial compounds-producing protective cultures may provide an additional parameter of processing in order to improve the safety and ensure food quality, keeping or enhancing its sensorial characteristics. In addition, strong evidences suggest that certain probiotic strains can confer resistance against infection with enteric pathogens. Several mechanisms have been proposed to support this phenomenon, including antimicrobial compounds secreted by the probiotics, competitive exclusion, or stimulation of the immune system. Recent research has increasingly demonstrated the role of antimicrobial compounds as protective mechanism against intestinal pathogens and therefore certain strains could have an effect on both the food and the gut. In this aspect, the effects of the combination of different strains keep unknown. The development of multistrain probiotic dairy products with good technological properties and with improved characteristics to those shown by the individual strains, able to act not only as protective cultures in foods, but also as probiotics able to exert a protective action against infections, has gained increased interest.
Linkage-Based Distance Metric in the Search Space of Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Kim Yong-Hyuk , Yoon Yourim
Published: March 2015

We propose a new distance metric, based on the linkage of genes, in the search space of genetic algorithms. This second-order distance measure is derived from the gene interaction graph and first-order distance, which is a natural distance in chromosomal spaces. We show that the proposed measure forms a metric space and can be computed efficiently. As an example application, we demonstrate how this measure can be used to estimate the extent to which gene rearrangement improves the performance of genetic algorithms.
A Pressure Control Method for Emulsion Pump Station Based on Elman Neural Network
Authors: Tan Chao , Qi Nan , Zhou Xin , Liu Xinhua , Yao Xingang , Wang Zhongbin , Si Lei
Published: March 2015

In order to realize pressure control of emulsion pump station which is key equipment of coal mine in the safety production, the control requirements were analyzed and a pressure control method based on Elman neural network was proposed. The key techniques such as system framework, pressure prediction model, pressure control model, and the flowchart of proposed approach were presented. Finally, a simulation example was carried out and comparison results indicated that the proposed approach was feasible and efficient and outperformed others.
Genetic Variant in the CYP19A1 Gene Associated with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bampali Konstantina , Grassos Charalampos , Mouzarou Angeliki , Liakos Charalampos , Mertzanos Georgios , Lamnissou Klea , Babalis Dimitrios
Published: March 2015

The CYP19A1 gene encodes the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the biosynthesis of estrogens. The rs10046 polymorphism of CYP19A1 gene has been investigated in two studies on the occurrence of hypertension, but there are no studies on its correlation with coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated 189 subjects who were hospitalized at “KAT” General Hospital of Athens and underwent coronary angiography. Of these, 123 were found with CAD with an average age of 60 years and constituted the patients group and 66 subjects with an average age of 58 years without damage in the coronary vessels and constituted the control group (healthy). The frequencies of genotypes CC, CT, and TT of rs10046 polymorphism are significantly different between the group of CAD patients and the control group (0.34, 0.48, and 0.18 versus 0.20, 0.48, and 0.32, resp.,P=0.034) as the frequency of C allele (0.58 versus 0.44, resp., OR = 1.771 andP=0.010). We found similar results for men, but not for women (small sample). The results of this study show that the rs10046 (C/T) polymorphism of CYP19A1 gene exhibits correlation with CAD and that patients with C allele have an increased probability of manifesting the disease.