bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split 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

AbstractAimTo demonstrate effectiveness of trans‐labial ultrasound (TL‐US) in the evaluation of female urethral diverticula (UD).MethodsIn 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.ResultsMean 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.ConclusionsTL‐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

AbstractAimThe 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsSignificant 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.ConclusionThere 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractThe 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 ApplicationsPower 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

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis 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.MethodsHepatitis 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).ResultsEightynine 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%).ConclusionsMost 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

Abstract
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

AbstractAnderson 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.
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.
Response of Southern Ocean Convection and Abyssal Overturning to Surface Buoyancy Perturbations
Authors: Morrison Adele K. , England Matthew H. , Hogg Andrew McC. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study explores how buoyancy-driven modulations in the abyssal overturning circulation affect Southern Ocean temperature and salinity in an eddy-permitting ocean model. Consistent with previous studies, the modeled surface ocean south of 50°S cools and freshens in response to enhanced surface freshwater fluxes. Paradoxically, upper-ocean cooling also occurs for small increases in the surface relaxation temperature. In both cases, the surface cooling and freshening trends are linked to reduced convection and a slowing of the abyssal overturning circulation, with associated changes in oceanic transport of heat and salt. For small perturbations, convective shutdown does not begin immediately, but instead develops via a slow feedback between the weakened overturning circulation and buoyancy anomalies. Two distinct phases of surface cooling are found: an initial smaller trend associated with the advective (overturning) adjustment of up to ~60 yr, followed by more rapid surface cooling during the convective shutdown period. The duration of the first advective phase decreases for larger forcing perturbations. As may be expected during the convective shutdown phase, the deep ocean warms and salinifies for both types of buoyancy perturbation. However, during the advective phase, the deep ocean freshens in response to freshwater perturbations but salinifies in the surface warming perturbations. The magnitudes of the modeled surface and abyssal trends during the advective phase are comparable to the recent observed multidecadal Southern Ocean temperature and salinity changes.
Atmospheric Circulation Characteristics Favoring Dust Outbreaks over the Solar Village, Central Saudi Arabia*
Authors: Houssos E. E. , Chronis T. , Fotiadi A. , Hossain F. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This study examines the atmospheric circulation characteristics of dust outbreaks (DOs) over the central Arabian Peninsula. Based on a 12-yr (1999–2011) Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) database over the Solar Village in Saudi Arabia and criteria pertinent to the aerosol optical depth at 500 nm and the Ångström exponent, 177 DOs have been identified. Factor and cluster analysis are further applied on the 1000- and 700-hPa geopotential height daily patterns of the days preceding the onset of the DOs and the days of the DOs’ initiation, revealing four main types (clusters) of the atmospheric circulation evolution leading to DOs. During the winter season, the anticyclonic circulation intensifies over the Middle East causing the strengthening of the pressure gradient over the Arabian Peninsula, inducing northerly winds over the study region, thereby favoring dust entrainment in the atmosphere (cluster 1, 16 DOs, 9%). The passage of midlatitude cyclones over the northern or central Arabian Peninsula is frequently accompanied by postfrontal northerly winds also promoting the presence of DOs in the region (cluster 2, 41 DOs, 23%). The DOs during spring are likely favored by the enhancement of convective activity, as the thermal low over the Arabian Peninsula further influences the dynamics of the upper troposphere (cluster 3, 73 DOs, 41%). During summer the pressure gradient over the study region is greatly enhanced due to the extension of the subtropical Azores anticyclone over the Mediterranean. The latter is the main driver triggering the DOs in this cluster category (cluster 4, 46 DOs, 27%).
Improved Tropical Storm Forecasts with GOES-13/15 Imager Radiance Assimilation and Asymmetric Vortex Initialization in HWRF
Authors: Zou X. , Qin Z. , Zheng Y. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) imagers provide high temporal- and spatial-resolution data for many applications, such as monitoring severe weather events. In this study, radiance observations of four infrared channels from GOES-13 and GOES-15 imagers are directly assimilated using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) gridpoint statistical interpolation (GSI) analysis system to produce the initial conditions for the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF). Impacts of GOES imager data assimilation on track and intensity forecasts are demonstrated for a landfalling tropical storm that moved across the Gulf of Mexico—Debby (2012). With a higher model top and a warm start, an asymmetric component is also added to the original HWRF symmetric vortex initialization. Two pairs of data assimilation and forecasting experiments are carried out for assessing the impacts of the GOES imager data assimilation on tropical storm forecasts. The first pair employs a symmetric vortex initialization and the second pair includes an asymmetric vortex initialization. Numerical forecast results from these experiments are compared against each other. It is shown that a direct assimilation of GOES-13 and GOES-15 imager radiance observations, which are available at all analysis times, in HWRF results in a consistently positive impact on the track and intensity forecasts of Tropical Storm Debby in the Gulf of Mexico. The largest positive impact on the track and intensity forecasts comes from a combined effect of GOES imager radiance assimilation and an asymmetric vortex initialization.
Human Lives at Risk because of Eustatic Sea Level Rise and Extreme Coastal Flooding in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Adachi Yosuke 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSea level rise (SLR) is a topic of increasing importance, as global warming continues to drive it at the global level and other factors such as land subsidence also affect it at the local level. Economic and human-based approaches have been taken to assess its impact on society. However, quantifications of the effect of SLR on mortality have not been extensive. Therefore, the objective of this study is to quantify the relative impact of SLR on mortality due to extreme coastal flooding for 2011–2100. First, an empirical relationship between annual storm surges caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) and associated fatalities is established. Next, a conceptual framework is introduced to measure rises in sea level due to gradual SLR and temporary storm surges on a common scale called cumulatively raised sea level. An analysis applying SLR projections to this framework shows that, in addition to the deaths that occur because of coastal flooding due to TCs, at least 84–139 deaths due to extra coastal flooding caused by SLR may occur in the United States by 2100, in the absence of coastal population changes, adaptation, and protection failure. Higher-than-expected rates of SLR due to increased discharge from polar glaciers will raise this estimate to 277. Protection failure will also result in more fatalities. Conversely, adaptation, even when combined with coastal population increases, may lead to fewer fatalities.
Los Alamos Hepatitis C Virus Sequence and Human Immunology Databases: An Expanding Resource for Antiviral Research
Authors: Hraber Peter T , Leach Robert W , Reilly Lee P , Thurmond James , Yusim Karina , Kuiken Carla 
Published: March 2015

Owing to a printing error, Figure 3 was not aligned correctly on the page. The figure below has been corrected. The publisher apologies for this error. [Figure: see text]
Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity in Vitro of Combinations of Tenofovir with Nucleoside/nucleotide Analogues
Authors: Zhu Yuao , Curtis Maria , Qi Xiaoping , Miller Michael D , Borroto-Esoda Katyna 
Published: March 2015

Background: Long-term management of some chronic hepatitis B patients might require combination therapy using drugs with distinct resistance profiles to sustain viral suppression and to reduce the resistance-associated failure. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), approved for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV-1 treatment, is active against wild-type HBV and HBV containing YMDD mutations, which confer resistance to emtricitabine (FTC), lamivudine (3TC) and telbivudine (LdT) and contribute to entecavir (ETV) resistance. We therefore evaluated the in vitro anti-HBV activity of tenofovir (TFV), the active parent drug of TDF, combined with FTC, 3TC, ETV, LdT and adefovir (AFV). Methods: The anti-HBV activities of the compounds were tested using the AD38 cell line that expresses wild-type HBV from a tetracycline-controllable promoter. Intracellular HBV DNA levels were quantified using real-time PCR assay and cytotoxicities were assessed with XTT assays. The antiviral data of the drug combinations were evaluated using MacSynergy analyses on the basis of the Bliss independence model as well as isobologram analyses on the basis of the Loewe additivity theory. Results: All drug combinations tested, FTC+TFV, 3TC+TFV, ETV+TFV, LdT+TFV and AFV+TFV, showed additive antiviral interactions as analysed by MacSynergy. Isobologram analyses revealed that these combination pairs were additive, with the exception of FTC+TFV, which demonstrated slight synergistic activity. No cytotoxic or antagonistic effects were observed with any of the combinations tested. Conclusions: The combination of TFV with FTC, 3TC, ETV, LdT or AFV had additive to slightly synergistic anti-HBV effects in vitro. These results support the use of TDF as a component in combination regimens with currently available anti-HBV nucleoside analogues.