Temperature-induced phase transitions in the rock-salt type SiC: a first-principles study.

The phase transitions in the rock-salt type SiC (1-SiC) under decompression are studied in the framework of first-principles molecular dynamics simulations up to room temperature. The transformation pathways were determined based on an analysis of the symmetry and phonon spectra of high-symmetry transient structures identified in the simulations. The plausible pathways of the transformation of1-SiC into the 3-, 2-, 4-, 12-SiC polytypes were suggested.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of pentoxifylline associated with other antioxidants in medical treatment of Peyronie's disease: a case-control study.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic disorder involving the tunica albuginea surrounding the corpora cavernosa of the penis. A conservative treatment is indicated in the first stage of disease. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic impact and possible side effects of treatment with pentoxifylline (PTX) in combination with other antioxidants in 307 patients with early-stage PD.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of young patients with Peyronie's disease: a retrospective study.

The average age of men affected by Peyronie's disease (PD) is approximately 50-55 years, but cases have been reported even in adolescence. Several studies have already investigated the presence of PD in young men, and these studies reported a PD prevalence that varies between 1.5% and 10.

Ground-state properties of rare-earth metals: an evaluation of density-functional theory.

The rare-earth metals have important technological applications due to their magnetic properties, but are scarce and expensive. Development of high-performance magnetic materials with less rare-earth content is desired, but theoretical modeling is hampered by complexities of the rare earths electronic structure. The existence of correlated (atomic-like) 4f electrons in the vicinity of the valence band makes any first-principles theory challenging.

Role of renospermatic basal reflow and age on semen quality improvement after sclerotization of varicocele.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between renospermatic basal reflow at color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) evaluation and the improvement in seminal quality after sclerotization of varicocele, and the role of patients' age. No clear predictive factors are available for selecting patients who will show a better seminal improvement after varicocele correction.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2008 we selected 113 patients with left unilateral varicocele, meeting the criteria of low sperm density, no endocrinological failures and no varicocele recidivating.