bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current controversies in urinary tract infections: ICI‐RS 2017
Authors: Averbeck Marcio A. , Rantell Angela , Ford Abigail , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Khullar Vik , Wagg Adrian , Cardozo Linda 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe current definition of urinary tract infection (UTI) relies on laboratory and clinical findings, which may or may not be relevant, depending upon the patient group under consideration. This report considers the utility of current definitions for UTI in adults with and without underlying neurological conditions in order to identify gaps in current understanding and to recommend directions for research.MethodsThis is a consensus report of the proceedings of Think Tank TT3: “How do we define and when do we treat UTI in neurological and non‐neurological adult patients?” from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS), June 8‐10, 2017 (Bristol, UK).ResultsEvidence considering the definitions of UTI in patients with and without neurological diseases was reviewed and synthesized. We examined research on laboratory methods and clinical definitions, focusing on specific cut‐off values for the quantification of significant bacteriuria, and leucocyturia. Several areas were identified, mostly related to the lack of evidence‐based definitions of significant bacteriuria for different patient groups, as well as uncertainties about the role of inflammatory biomarkers, and non‐specific symptoms and signs.ConclusionsOne of the biggest challenges in clinical practice is to discriminate between asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic UTI. Future research should concentrate on risk factors for developing symptomatic UTI in different patient groups. Targeted investigations for specific populations, such as the frail elderly, and patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, are still needed.
Do the definitions of the underactive bladder and detrusor underactivity help in managing patients: International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI‐RS) Think Tank 2017?
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Rademakers Kevin , Arlandis Salvador , von Gontard Alexander , van Koeveringe Gommert A. , Abrams Paul 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe Think Tank aimed to discuss the pitfalls and advantages of current definitions in terms of research and management of underactive bladder (UAB). UAB broadly defines a symptom complex of bladder emptying problems and does not indicate a specific pathology. Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a urodynamic diagnosis from pressure‐flow studies. The correlation of UAB with DU remains to be precisely determined.MethodsThe presentations and subsequent discussion, leading to research recommendations during the Think Tank of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society in Bristol, 2017, are summarized.ResultsTo develop more specific individualized management strategies, the Think Tank panel proposed (i) that, since defining a single type of index patient to represent all UAB will not fulfill all clinical research needs, several index patients should be defined by phenotyping of patients with UAB, including, children, young men and women, elderly male and female patients with co‐existing DU and detrusor overactivity, and neurological patients with UAB; (ii) prospective longitudinal studies to assess the natural history of UAB, in the different target populations, based on different UAB phenotypes, should be initiated; (iii) DU should be precisely defined by urodynamic parameters; and (iv) work to develop validated specific questionnaires combined with non‐invasive tests for screening, diagnosis and follow up, needs to be continued.ConclusionsThe precise relationship of UAB to DU remains to be defined. Phenotyping patients with UAB/DU, performing prospective trials of natural history, and developing symptom questionnaires and diagnostic investigations will improve our ability to identify and treat UAB/DU.
Is the microbiome influencing patient care in lower urinary tract dysfunction? Report from the ICI‐RS 2017
Authors: Ford Abigail A. , Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Cardozo Linda , Khullar Vik 
Published: August 2018

AimsThis report sets out to consider the role of the microbiome within the bladder to provide clinicians with knowledge on this specific area of research and recommend potential topics for further studies.MethodsThis is a report from the Plenary 6: Is the microbiome influencing patient care in lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD)?ResultsThere appear to be complex associations between microbial presence in the bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms. There appears to be a greater role of bacteria in the development of overactive bladder symptoms than previously thought with bacteria such as Gardnerella highlighted to be more prevalent in women with urgency urinary incontinence. Some species of Lactobacillus have also been found to play a protective role in both overactive bladder syndrome and bladder pain syndrome.ConclusionsThe bladder is a reservoir for bacterial colonization and what was previously thought to be a sterile environment now seems to be a complex interaction of both multiple protective and pathogenic bacterial species than can give rise to lower urinary tract symptoms. While most clinicians use antibacterial agents as part of treatment regimens, and evidence does suggest a role of antibacterial therapies in treatment of LUTS, this remains a far from an ideal solution.
Fibrosis and the bladder, implications for function ICI‐RS 2017
Authors: Fry Christopher H. , Kitney Darry G. , Paniker Jalesh , Drake Marcus J. , Kanai Anthony , Andersson Karl‐Erik 
Published: August 2018

AimsMost benign bladder pathologies are associated with an increase of extracellular matrix (ECM—fibrosis) and may progress from formation of stiffer matrix to a more compliant structure. The aims were to summarize current knowledge of the origins of bladder fibrosis and consequences in bladder function.MethodsA meeting at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society 2017 congress discussed the above aims and considered paradigms to reduce the extent of fibrosis. Discussants based their arguments on the basis of their own expertise, supplemented by review of the literature through PubMed. Proposals for future work were derived from the discussion.ResultsAltered urodynamic compliance when ECM deposition is increased is mirrored by changes in the elastic modulus of isolated tissue, whether compliance is decreased or increased. No changes to compliance or fibrosis have been reported after botulinum toxin injections. Several paracrine and autocrine agents increase ECM deposition, the role of TGF‐β was particularly emphasized. None of these agents has a net long‐term effect on detrusor contractility and the reduction of contractile performance with increased ECM is due solely to a loss of detrusor mass. Several strategies to reduce fibrosis were described, ranging from potential therapeutic roles for vitamin‐D or endostatin, manipulation of intracellular pathways that mediate myofibroblast differentiation and the potential role of the anti‐fibrotic hormone relaxin. An understanding of epigenetic regulation of ECM deposition was also considered.ConclusionsThe conclusion that reduced bladder contractile function with increased fibrosis is due largely to the replacement of detrusor with ECM offers a way forward for future research to consider approaches that will restore bladder function by reducing ECM deposition.
Synthesis and characterization of poly (1,6‐hexamethylene oxamide‐co‐m‐xylene oxamide) copolymers
Authors: Yang Tingting , Mutua Fredrick Nzioka , Gao Yuanbo , Li Shuxiu , Dong Hao , Zhu Bo , He Yong 
Published: August 2018

To modify the properties of poly (hexamethylene oxamide) (PA62), m‐xylylene diamine (MXD) was introduced into the polyamide main chain. A series of high molecular weight PA62/MXD2 were synthesized via a two‐step method. The chemical structure of polymer was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the results confirmed the formation of PA62/MXD2. DSC test showed that the Tm of the copolymers were decreased as the molar contents of MXD in the range of 10 to 50 mol %. TGA analysis revealed that the thermal stability of the copolymers compared well with commercial PA6. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction studies suggested the copolymers with MXD content of 0 to 10 mol % possessed high crystallinity. The water uptake measurements were monitored, and the saturated water absorptions were found to be lower than 2.5 wt %. These properties gave them a competitive edge for application where precise dimensional stability and high thermal resistance properties are required.
Sarcolemmal loss of active nNOS (Nos1) is an oxidative stress‐dependent, early event driving disuse atrophy
Authors: Lechado i Terradas Anna , Vitadello Maurizio , Traini Leonardo , Namuduri Arvind Venkat , Gastaldello Stefano , Gorza Luisa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSkeletal muscle atrophy following unloading or immobilization represents a major invalidating event in bedridden patients. Among mechanisms involved in atrophy development, a controversial role is played by neuronal NOS (nNOS; NOS1), whose dysregulation at the protein level and/or subcellular distribution also characterizes other neuromuscular disorders. This study aimed to investigate unloading‐induced changes in nNOS before any evidence of myofiber atrophy, using vastus lateralis biopsies obtained from young healthy subjects after a short bed‐rest and rat soleus muscles after exposure to short unloading periods. Our results showed that (1) changes in nNOS subcellular distribution using NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry to detect enzyme activity were observed earlier than using immunofluorescence to visualize the protein; (2) loss of active nNOS from the physiological subsarcolemmal localization occurred before myofiber atrophy, i.e. in 8‐day bed‐rest biopsies and in 6 h‐unloaded rat soleus, and was accompanied by increased nNOS activity in the sarcoplasm; (3) nNOS (Nos1) transcript and protein levels decreased significantly in the rat soleus after 6 h and 1 day unloading, respectively, to return to ambulatory levels after 4 and 7 days of unloading, respectively; (4) unloading‐induced nNOS redistribution appeared dependent on mitochondrial‐derived oxidant species, indirectly measured by tropomyosin disulfide bonds which had increased significantly in the rat soleus already after a 6 h‐unloading bout; (5) activity of displaced nNOS molecules is required for translocation of the FoxO3 transcription factor to myofiber nuclei. FoxO3 nuclear localization in rat soleus increased after 6 h unloading (about four‐fold the ambulatory level), whereas it did not when nNOS expression and activity were inhibited in vivo before and during 6 h unloading. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the redistribution of active nNOS molecules from sarcolemma to sarcoplasm not only is ahead of the atrophy of unloaded myofibers, and is induced by increased production of mitochondrial superoxide anion, but also drives FoxO3 activation to initiate muscle atrophy. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stacked traits conferring multiple resistance to imazamox and glufosinate in soft wheat
Authors: Domínguez‐Mendez Rafael , Alcántara‐de la Cruz Ricardo , Rojano‐Delgado Antonia M , da Silveira Hellen Martins , Portugal João , Cruz‐Hipolito Hugo Enrique , De Prado Rafael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDConventional crossing of soft wheat cultivars resistant to imazamox and glufosinate resulted in two (Rados and Helter) lines resistant to both herbicides. Stacked traits conferring this dual herbicide resistance in these lines, compared with a susceptible (S) cultivar, were characterized.RESULTSRados and Helter lines were ∼ 18‐fold more resistant (R) to glufosinate, and between 15.1 and 19.8‐fold more resistant to imazamox than the S cultivar. Resistance to glufosinate and imazamox decreased up to 12% and 50%, respectively, when the herbicides were applied sequentially. The basal activities of the acetolactate and glutamine synthases were similar between R and S plants. Rados and Helter lines were 11.7‐ and 17.7‐fold more resistant to imazamox than the S cultivar, due to the Ser653–Asn mutation in their imi‐ALS genes. R lines, susceptible to glufosinate at the target site level, showed lower ammonia accumulation evidencing the activity of the phosphinothricin acetyl transferase. Absorption and translocation patterns for 14C‐imazamox and 14C‐glufosinate were similar between R and S cultivars and so do not contribute to resistance.CONCLUSIONStacked traits conferring dual herbicide resistance to the lines Rados and Helter come from the resistant parents. These R lines are potential tools for weed management in wheat production, mainly via herbicide rotation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Electronic and optical properties of α‐MoO3/TiO2 heterostructures: A DFT study
Authors: Meng Qiangqiang , Fan Lele , Zhu Lei , Xu Ning , Zhang Qinfang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe coupling of metal oxide semiconductors has become an effective method to improve the separation of photon‐generated carriers and light absorption efficiency. In this study, we explored electronic and optical properties of monolayer and bilayer α‐MoO3 on TiO2 (001) surface. It is observed that α‐MoO3/TiO2 heterostructures can form a stable Mo‐O‐Ti bonding mode at the interface. Electrons transfer from TiO2 (001) surface to the α‐MoO3, leading to the enhancement of the valence band and the optical absorption spectrum in visible light region. In addition, this proper charge transfer generates a built‐in electric field between the interface regions of bilayer α‐MoO3/TiO2 heterostructure and forms a favorable type‐II band alignment between the two α‐MoO3 layers. The α‐MoO3/TiO2 heterostructure can prevent the recombination of the electron‐hole pairs; thus, excite electrons can easily move from TiO2 to the inner layer, and then to the outer layer of α‐MoO3. These results demonstrate that the bilayer α‐MoO3/TiO2 heterostructure, especially the outer layer α‐MoO3, has efficient photoelectric performance.
Winning us with trifles: Adverse selection in the use of philanthropy as insurance
Authors: Luo Jiao , Kaul Aseem , Seo Haram 
Published: August 2018

Research Summary: We study the use of corporate philanthropy as a form of reputation insurance, developing a formal model of such insurance to examine how the terms of insurance in equilibrium change under different assumptions about the firm and its stakeholders. We then test the predictions from this model in the U.S. petroleum industry and find that philanthropic donations offer insurance‐like benefits, but are also positively associated with subsequent oil spills—firms that give more, spill more—with this association being stronger for spills that are under firms’ control and in states with low civic capacity. These results are consistent with an adverse selection/moral hazard equilibrium and suggest that the use of philanthropy as reputation insurance may benefit firms at the cost of society.Managerial Summary: Firms that donate to social causes develop a reputation for being socially responsible, and are often given the benefit of doubt when negative information about them comes to light. But are philanthropic firms truly more responsible? We argue that firms that donate more may be more likely to do harm—those that expect to do harm later are likely to give more now, and those that know their reputation protects them may become less careful. Evidence from the U.S. petroleum industry is consistent with this argument, with firms that give more having more subsequent oil spills, but only the type of spills that are under the firm's control, and only in states where the firm faces weaker scrutiny.
Twisting Ultrathin Au Nanowires into Double Helices
Authors: Lu Yan , Yang Shenghao , Xu Jun , Liu Zhenzhong , Wang Hong , Lin Ming , Wang Yawen , Chen Hongyu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPreviously, double helix nanowire was reported by coating Pd/Pt/Au onto Au‐Ag alloy nanowire. Here, straight oleylamine‐stabilized ultrathin Au nanowires with single crystalline fcc lattice are surprisingly converted into double helix helices upon reacting with Ag in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The obtained Au‐Ag helical nanowires contain lattice distinctively different from the fcc lattice and are different in many aspects with the previous system. The discovery may expand the scope of nanoscale double helix formation and the understanding of lattice transformation among ultrafine nanostructures.
Low Threshold Fabry–Pérot Mode Lasing from Lead Iodide Trapezoidal Nanoplatelets
Authors: Zhong Yangguang , Wei Qi , Liu Zhen , Shang Qiuyu , Zhao Liyun , Shao Ruiwen , Zhang Zhepeng , Chen Jie , Du Wenna , Shen Chao , Zhang Jun , Zhang Yanfeng , Gao Peng , Xing Guichuan , Liu Xinfeng , Zhang Qing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLead Iodide (PbI2) is a layered semiconductor with direct band gap holding great promises in green light emission and detection devices. Recently, PbI2 planar lasers are demonstrated using hexagonal whispering‐gallery‐mode microcavities, but the lasing threshold is quite high. In this work, lasing from vapor phase deposition derived PbI2 trapezoidal nanoplatelets (NPs) with threshold that is at least an order of magnitude lower than the previous value is reported. The growth mechanism of the trapezoidal NPs is explored and attributed to the synergistic effects of van der Waals interactions and lattice mismatching. The lasing is enabled by the population inversion of n = 1 excitons and the optical feedback is provided by the Fabry–Pérot oscillation between the side facets of trapezoidal NPs. The findings not only advance the understanding of growth and photophysics mechanism of PbI2 nanostructures but also provide ideas to develop low threshold ultrathin lasers.
Intravenous Infusion of Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modifies the Host Response to Lipopolysaccharide in Humans: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel Group, Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Perlee Desiree , van Vught Lonneke A. , Scicluna Brendon P. , Maag Anja , Lutter René , Kemper Elles M. , van ‘t Veer Cornelis , Punchard Marie A. , González Jesús , Richard Marie Paule , Dalemans Wilfried , Lombardo Eleuterio , de Vos Alex F. , van der Poll Tom 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn experimental models, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can modulate various immune responses implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into healthy subjects represents a model with relevance for the host response to sepsis. To explore the use of MSCs in sepsis, we determined their effect on the response to intravenous LPS in a randomized study in 32 healthy subjects with four treatment arms: placebo or allogeneic adipose MSCs (ASCs) intravenously at either 0.25 × 106, 1 × 106, or 4 × 106 cells/kg; all subjects received LPS intravenously (2 ng/kg) one hour after the end of ASC infusion (Trial Register number 2014-002537-63, clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02328612). Infusion of ASCs was well tolerated. The high ASC dose increased the febrile response, exerted mixed pro-inflammatory (enhanced interleukin-8 and nucleosome release) and anti-inflammatory effects (increased interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β release), and enhanced coagulation activation and reduced the fibrinolytic response. Blood leukocyte transcriptome analyses showed a biphasic effect of ASCs on the LPS response: at 2 hours post LPS, ASC-infused subjects displayed higher expression of genes involved in innate immune pathways, whereas at 4 hours post LPS these subjects had lower expression of innate immune pathway genes. Infusion of ASCs did not modify the “ex vivo” responsiveness of whole blood to various bacterial agonists. These results indicate that intravenous infusion of allogeneic ASCs (4 × 106 cells/kg) has a variety of proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and procoagulant effects during human endotoxemia. Further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of ASCs in sepsis patients.
Altered connectivity between striatal and extrastriatal regions in patients with schizophrenia on maintenance antipsychotics: an [18F]fallypride PET and functional MRI study
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hee , Cumming Paul , Son Young‐Don , Kim Hang‐Keun , Joo Yo‐Han , Kim Jong‐Hoon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn addition to probing regional differences in receptor availability, molecular positron emission tomography (PET) is proving useful for investigating perturbations in neurotransmitter networks using interregional correlation analyses. In a multi‐modal imaging study, we examined interregional correlations of dopamine D2/3 receptor availability between striatal and extrastriatal regions using [18F]fallypride high‐resolution PET in 11 patients with schizophrenia receiving low‐dose maintenance atypical antipsychotics and 14 healthy control subjects, and investigated resting‐state functional connectivity in the same subjects using seed‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis. In the healthy control group, there were no significant correlations of [18F]fallypride binding potential (BPND) between striatal regions and any cortical areas, whereas the patient group showed significant and widespread inter‐correlations. Correlations between BPND in striatum, amygdala and insula with cortex were significantly higher in patients than in controls. In seed‐based resting‐state fMRI analysis, the healthy controls revealed positive and negative functional connectivity patterns, while patients exhibited a pattern of exclusively positive connectivity. Functional connectivity was significantly higher between striatal regions and extrastriatal areas including cortical regions in patients compared to controls. In this first such report, molecular and functional connectivity between striatal and extrastriatal regions was primarily characterized by increased interregional relationships in treated patients with schizophrenia. The results suggest that the spatial organization of D2/3 receptor availability and related functional connectivity are significantly perturbed in stable outpatients on maintenance antipsychotics. Future studies should include antipsychotic‐naïve patients to determine if these relationships are illness‐related characteristics, or arising due to chronic antipsychotic treatment.
Ontology ABox Comparison
Authors: Keil Jan Martin 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Correctness and completeness of facts are relevant criteria for the evaluation and selection of ontologies. They can be determined through the comparison with a gold standard. But a gold standard is usually not available. Hence, we propose to determine these criteria through the comparison of ontology ABoxes. However, the comparison of ontology ABoxes is only rarely addressed in the literature. We aim to identify appropriate methods and criteria for the semi-automatic comparison of the ABox of ontologies. They will be integrated into an ontology comparison framework. This framework will provide novel opportunities to assess and improve the correctness and completeness of ontologies.