bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four‐year follow‐up on 68 patients with a new post‐operatively adjustable long‐term implant for post‐prostatectomy stress incontinence: ProACT™
Authors: Nash Steven , Aboseif Sherif , Gilling Peter , Gretzer Mathew , Samowitz Harvey , Rose Marc , Slutsky Joel , Siegel Steven , Tu Le Mai 
Published: October 2018

AimsThis paper presents 4‐year follow‐up results for patients enrolled in a pivotal study conducted to support an FDA premarket approval application (PMAA). The study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the ProACT Adjustable Continence Therapy for the treatment of post‐prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsThe clinical study involved 11 clinical sites and enrolled 160 subjects, all male. A total of 124 subjects met study criteria and 123 were implanted with ProACT. Baseline and outcomes for 68 patients who completed 4‐year follow‐up visits are reported. Endpoints included 24‐h pad weight, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I‐QOL), UCLA Prostate Cancer Index‐Urinary Function (PCI‐UF), residual volume, and incidence and severity of device or procedure‐related adverse events.ResultsStatistically significant improvements during follow‐up were observed in 24‐h pad weight, for which the mean pre‐implant urine loss was 293 g, which was reduced at 4 years to 73 g (P < 0.001). Reductions in pad weight were observed across all levels of pre‐implant SUI severity. Significant improvements were also seen in quality of life as measured by the I‐QOL (P < 0.001) as well as measures of urinary function and pad use. One procedure‐related SAE (retention) was reported among the 68 subjects; the SAE was resolved without clinical meaningful sequalae.ConclusionsThese results confirm the long‐term safety and efficacy of this newly FDA‐approved therapy, showing significant improvements in both objective and subjective measures of SUI in mild, moderate, and severely incontinent male patients. The implant procedure is minimally invasive, and complications are generally mild and easily resolvable.
Efficacy of transcutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve compared to percutaneous stimulation in idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome: Randomized control trial
Authors: Ramírez‐García Inés , Blanco‐Ratto Laia , Kauffmann Stèphanie , Carralero‐Martínez Andrea , Sánchez Emília 
Published: October 2018

AimTo evaluate the non‐inferiority of the transcutaneous electrical stimulation technique, as compared with the percutaneous therapy (PTNS), regarding the efficacy in symptoms and QoL improvement in patients with overactive bladder (iOAB).MethodsPatients with overactive detrusor (DO) and persisting symptoms after first‐line or second‐line treatment were randomized to receive either transcutaneous therapy or PTNS 1 day a week (30 min at 20 Hz and 200 cycles/s) for 12 weeks. Data from a 3‐day voiding diary and a self‐reported QoL‐questionnaire were collected pre‐treatment and at week 12. Non‐inferiority was analyzed by estimating the mean change (95% confidence interval) of daytime micturition frequency. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.ResultsSixty‐eight patients were included (67.6% women), mean age 59.6 years (SD 16.1). According to ITT analysis, daytime frequency decreased in both groups without statistically significant differences between them at the end of the treatment (adjusted difference 0.8; 95%CI; −0.1; 1.7); nor were differences in symptoms improvement for the variables collected through the 3‐day voiding diary. Both techniques lessened urgency incontinence episodes by more than 50% and greatly improved the QoL. There were no relevant side effects and overall adherence to the treatment was 89.7%.ConclusionsThis is the first RCT that evaluates the efficacy of the transcutaneous technique compared to the PTNS, and demonstrates non‐inferiority in decreasing daytime frequency. Reduction in urgency incontinence episodes and improvement of QoL were also observed. These results and ease of application of transcutaneous neuromodulation may lead to a greater prescribing of this technique.
The ENTRAMI technique: Endoscopic transgluteal minimal invasive technique for implantation of a pudendal electrode under full visual control: A cadaver study
Authors: Jottard Katleen , Bonnet Pierre , Bruyninx Luc , Ploteau Stéphane , De Wachter Stefan 
Published: October 2018

AimThe aim of this article is to describe a minimal invasive trans gluteal endoscopic approach to implant a pudendal electrode for neuromodulation under full visual control.MethodsEight trans gluteal approaches were performed on four cadavers. The sacral transforaminal percutaneous technique was performed to implant the electrode. The electrode was then picked up and placed under visual control next to the pudendal nerve.ResultsThe first trocar was placed in the upper lateral quadrant of the gluteal region. The 0° optical system was used to help with the pneumodissection to identify the sciatic nerve. At that point a second 3 mm trocar was placed to insert a dissecting grasping forceps. In some cases, a second 3 mm trocar was placed. A step by step dissection, based on anatomical findings, was necessary to be able to locate the pudendal nerve. The electrode, which was placed percutaneously and transforaminal through S3 or S4, was picked up and placed under full visual control next to the pudendal nerve, slightly entering the Alcock's canal. The electrode was placed in an ideal manner, meaning that all 4‐contact points of the electrode are in parallel and in contact with the targeted nerve. The electrode was fixed in that ideal position at the level of the sacrospinous ligament. After placement of that electrode, an X‐ray of the pelvic area was done.ConclusionsThe ENTRAMI technique allows optimal pudendal electrode placement under full visual control and should now be tested in a clinical setting.
Obstetric fistula: The role of physiotherapy: A report from the Physiotherapy Committee of the International Continence Society
Authors: Brook Gill ,   The ICS Physiotherapy Committee
Published: October 2018

AimsTo discuss the role of physiotherapy in the management of women who have suffered an obstetric fistula, referring to research findings when appropriate and available, and the experiences of clinical specialists in the field.MethodsThe experiences of physiotherapists who have worked in countries where obstetric fistula is prevalent, and the limited literature available, were considered in producing this consensus document on behalf of the ICS Physiotherapy Committee.ResultsThe role of physiotherapy both pre‐ and post‐fistula repair was identified, and is multi‐faceted. Women may have general rehabilitation needs based on the obstructed labor itself and subsequent care. All affected women may benefit from pelvic floor muscle assessment, education and exercises to optimize the outcome of their surgery; further pelvic floor physiotherapy may be indicated for those who experience persistent genitourinary dysfunction following closure of the fistula.ConclusionsFurther robust research is required to confirm the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the management of women who have suffered an obstetric fistula and the optimum development of such services. Based on the available literature and the experience of physiotherapists in the field, there was consensus within the ICS Physiotherapy Committee that patient outcomes can be improved if physiotherapy is provided as part of the multidisciplinary team. Physiotherapy should not be overlooked when fistula services are being developed.
The Fat Mass‐ and Obesity‐Associated (FTO) Gene to Obesity: Lessons from Mouse Models
Authors: Chang Jeong Yoon , Park Joo Hyun , Park Sung Eun , Shon Jinyoung , Park Yoon Jung 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveGenetic variants at the fat mass‐ and obesity‐associated (FTO) locus are strongly associated with obesity‐related traits by regulating neighboring genes. Nevertheless, it is possible that FTO protein is directly involved in mechanisms regulating body composition and adiposity. Here, the in vivo biological functions of FTO in the risk for obesity were studied by reviewing murine models.MethodsThe effects of the locus‐specific manipulations of the murine Fto gene on metabolic‐related phenotypes in genetically modified mouse models were reviewed and summarized into the following three categories: growth and body composition, eating behaviors, and metabolic homeostasis.ResultsThe mouse models showed different phenotypes depending on target tissues and methods for gene manipulation. Mice harboring deletions or point mutations at the Fto locus had high metabolic rates, while FTO‐overexpressing mice showed dyslipidemia. Both deletion and overexpression of the Fto gene led to abnormal eating behaviors. Intriguingly, several phenotypes were differently expressed depending on developmental timing of the genetic manipulations. For instance, a germ line deletion decreased total body fat mass, while the deletion in adult mice increased it.ConclusionsThe results highlight that FTO is critical not only for body composition but also normal development, and its function might differ depending on the stage of development.
Accelerating the Photocatalytic Degradation of Green Dye Pollutants by Using a New Coating Technique for Carbon Nanotubes with Nanolayered Structures and Nanocomposites
Authors: Saber Osama , Aljaafari Abdullah , Osama Mostafa , Alabdulgader Hasan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present study has two aims, first to accelerate the degradation of pollutants by coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with nanoplatelets or nanocomposites of aluminum zinc oxides and second to fabricate an advanced photocatalyst. Accordingly, Zn‐Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were grown in the presence of functionalized CNTs during urea hydrolysis. The presence of CNTs led to the formation of LDH nanoplatelets, and TEM images showed that the CNTs were coated with nanoplatelets. The nanoplatelets were thermally treated to form nanocomposite‐coated CNTs. Raman spectra demonstrated the successful coating of CNTs with LDHs and nanocomposite. The coated CNTs were very effective in the photocatalytic degradation of industrial pollutants. A kinetics study demonstrated that the rate of photocatalytic degradation of green dye in the presence of CNTs coated with aluminum zinc oxide nanocomposite was five times faster than with the aluminum zinc oxide nanocomposite.
Effects of 3‐Bromo‐4,5‐dihydroisoxazole Derivatives on Nrf2 Activation and Heme Oxygenase‐1 Expression
Authors: Pinto Andrea , El Ali Zeina , Moniot Sébastien , Tamborini Lucia , Steegborn Clemens , Foresti Roberta , De Micheli Carlo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNatural and synthetic electrophilic compounds have been shown to activate the antioxidant protective Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) axis in cells and tissues. Here, we tested the ability of different isoxazoline‐based electrophiles to up‐regulate Nrf2/HO‐1. The potency of activation is dependent on the leaving group at the 3‐position of the isoxazoline nucleus, and an additional ring on the molecule limits the Nrf2/HO‐1 activating properties. Among the synthetized compounds, we identified 3‐bromo‐5‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydroisoxazole 1 as the derivative with best activating properties in THP‐1 human monocytic cells. We have confirmed that the target of our compounds is the Cys151 of the BTB domain of Keap1 by using mass spectrometry analyses and X‐ray crystallography. Our findings demonstrate that these compounds affect the Nrf2/HO‐1 axis and highlight a positive activity that can be of relevance from a therapeutic perspective in inflammation and infection.
Effect of targeted minimal sequence variations on the structure and biological activities of the human cathelicidin LL‐37
Authors: Pacor Sabrina , Guida Filomena , Xhindoli Daniela , Benincasa Monica , Gennaro Renato , Tossi Alessandro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLL‐37 is an innate immune peptide derived from the human cathelicidin, which exerts pleiotropic roles in host defense and healing. These activities in part depend on its capacity to adopt an amphipathic helical structure in physiological solutions and then oligomerizing. Orthologues from other primates, such as rhesus RL‐37, remain monomeric and disordered under the same conditions. Intramolecular salt‐bridges, arising from appropriately spaced anionic and cationic residues in its sequence, may play a relevant role in determining the particular structure adopted by LL‐37. To probe this, we have effected minimal, targeted residue variations such as replacement of a single residue (K15→G), or inversion of one or both sets of two residues (E10 K11→ K10 E11 or E16 K18→ K16 E18). This could alter the pattern of intramolecular salt bridging without affecting other functionally relevant parameters such as overall hydrophobicity, helix amphipathicity or charge. The structural and functional effects were analyzed using CD spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, antimicrobial activity assays, and bacterial membrane permeabilization to fluorescent probes of increasing sizes, using flow cytometry. Analogs were functionally different from both LL‐37 and RL‐37, so it was not possible to switch from the function of one to that of the other simply by altering the salt‐bridging pattern in this manner. This indicates that the particular structure/function characteristics of LL‐37 likely depend quite subtly, and in a precise and complex manner, on a complex pattern of intramolecular interactions.
Development of back side technology for light trapping and photon recycling in GaAs solar cells
Authors: Micha Daniel Neves , Höhn Oliver , Oliva Eduard , Klinger Vera , Bett Andreas W. , Dimroth Frank 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work, we propose and realize three different design strategies to implement an optical cavity in GaAs thin film solar cells in order to confine its internal luminescence and hence to exploit photon recycling. The strategies are based on the definition of a highly reflective and very conductive back side, whereas front side light extraction is limited by total internal reflection. We show characterization results on the internal reflectivity of the back reflector and on the contact resistance at the rear side, important quantities for a good functioning of the final solar cell. First, a back side using only metal was optimized with a pure Ag layer leading to an internal reflectivity of 95.2% and a contact resistance of 1.0 × 10−4 Ω for a 1 cm2 device. With a metal‐dielectric stack at the back side and electrical contacts made by metals via point‐contacts, a second approach led to averaged internal reflectivity of 98.0% and contact resistance of 1.8 × 10−4 Ω for a 1 cm2 device. A third strategy in which a transparent conductive oxide in combination with a metal layer was used did not show the expected results in optical and electrical properties. We fabricated and characterized solar cells with the most promising back sides. When comparing with an ordinary reference GaAs solar cell, external radiative efficiency increased by factors of 150% and 90% for the thin film solar cells with pure Ag and with the metal‐dielectric stack at the back side, allowing enhancements of 19 and 13 mV in VOC, respectively.
Direct arylation polymerization toward efficient synthesis of benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c'] dithiophene‐4,8‐dione based donor‐acceptor alternating copolymers for organic optoelectronic applications
Authors: Bohra Hassan , Chen Hui , Peng Yanfen , Efrem Amsalu , He Feng , Wang Mingfeng 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTWide‐bandgap π‐conjugated donor‐acceptor (D‐A) alternating copolymers consisting of benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c']dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDTD) as the electron‐accepting building block have demonstrated outstanding performances in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell devices. But the synthesis of these polymers has been largely limited to conventional polymerization techniques, particularly Stille‐coupling based polycondensations, which often involve tedious preactivation of C‐H bonds using highly flammable reagents such as butyl lithium and highly toxic reagents such as trialkyl tin chlorides. Herein, we report a “greener” synthetic route of direct arylation polymerization to a series of wide bandgap D‐A copolymers with a common acceptor building block of BDTD. The structure–property relationship in these polymers is characterized. We also present the device performances of these polymers in both thin‐film field‐effect transistors and organic BHJ solar cells involving the BDTD‐based polymers as the electron donors and fullerene derivatives as the electron acceptors. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2554–2564
Investigation of JWL Equation of State for Detonation Products at Low Pressure With Radio Interferometry
Authors: Poeuf Sandra , Genetier Marc , Lefrançois Alexandre , Osmont Antoine , Baudin Gerard , Chinnayya Ashwin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA thermochemical code, SIAME, dedicated to the study of high explosives, is currently being validated. From this code, both the parameters of the JWL equation of state of a given composition are calibrated from the calculated adiabatic curve and tabulated equations of state are constructed. SIAME code uses BKW equations with a specific calibration presented in this study. Calculated adiabatic curves are compared with the one obtained with the American code CHEETAH with the BKWC, BKWS and EXP6 calibrations for two different high explosive formulations: a melt‐cast one (RDX/TNT 60/40 % wt.) and a pressed one (HMX/Viton 96/4 % wt.). The validity of the constant entropy curves obtained with the JWL EOS and the tabulated EOS is investigated from the Chapman‐Jouguet state to several dozens of megapascals to cover all the high explosive effects. Experimental results obtained for the two high explosives with the cylinder test and the impedance matching test are presented in this study and offer a set of validation points.
Monooxygenation of aromatic compounds by flavin‐dependent monooxygenases
Authors: Chenprakhon Pirom , Wongnate Thanyaporn , Chaiyen Pimchai 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMany flavoenzymes catalyze hydroxylation of aromatic compounds especially phenolic compounds have been isolated and characterized. These enzymes can be classified as either single‐component or two‐component flavin‐dependent hydroxylases (monooxygenases). The hydroxylation reactions catalyzed by the enzymes in this group are useful for modifying the biological properties of phenolic compounds. This review aims to provide an in‐depth discussion of the current mechanistic understanding of representative flavin‐dependent monooxygenases including 3‐hydroxy‐benzoate 4‐hydroxylase (PHBH, a single‐component hydroxylase), 3‐hydroxyphenylacetate 4‐hydroxylase (HPAH, a two‐component hydroxylase), and other monooxygenases which catalyze reactions in addition to hydroxylation, including 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxypyridine‐5‐carboxylate oxygenase (MHPCO, a single‐component enzyme that catalyzes aromatic‐ring cleavage), and HadA monooxygenase (a two‐component enzyme that catalyzes additional group elimination reaction). These enzymes have different unique structural features which dictate their reactivity toward various substrates and influence their ability to stabilize flavin intermediates such as C4a‐hydroperoxyflavin. Understanding the key catalytic residues and the active site environments important for governing enzyme reactivity will undoubtedly facilitate future work in enzyme engineering or enzyme redesign for the development of biocatalytic methods for the synthesis of valuable compounds.
A wavelet‐based analysis of convective organization in ICON large‐eddy simulations
Authors: Brune Sebastian , Kapp Florian , Friederichs Petra 
Published: October 2018

Wavelet spectra of rain rates are used to characterize convective organization in high‐resolution simulations (horizontal grid spacing 156 m) with the large‐eddy model ICON‐LEM over Germany. Scattered convection takes place on scales between 1.2 and 4.8 km, while organized structures like supercells or mesoscale convective systems act on scales above 4.8 km. Organization of convection within squall lines is visible in the spectra as spectral energy is increased in certain directions. We further investigate the dynamical properties that relate to convective organization, and highlight the role of parameters such as CAPE and wind shear.Preferred spatial scale, average convective rain rate and anisotropy as inferred from the wavelet spectra are important characteristics to quantify convective organization. They are used to introduce a wavelet‐based organization index (WOI). Compared with other indices for convective organization, WOI does not require the definition of objects. Using the WOI we are able to distinguish organized from non‐organized convection.
Manipulation of Magnetization by Spin–Orbit Torque
Authors: Li Yucai , Edmonds Kevin William , Liu Xionghua , Zheng Houzhi , Wang Kaiyou 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe control of magnetization by electric current is a rapidly developing area motivated by a strong synergy between breakthrough basic research discoveries and industrial applications in the fields of magnetic recording, magnetic field sensors, spintronics, and nonvolatile memories. In recent years, the discovery of spin–orbit torque has opened a spectrum of opportunities to manipulate the magnetization efficiently. This article presents a review of the historical background and recent literature focusing on spin–orbit torques (SOTs), highlighting the most exciting new scientific results and suggesting promising future research directions. It starts with an introduction and overview of the underlying physics of spin–orbit coupling effects in bulk and at interfaces, and then describes the use of SOTs to control ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. Finally, the prospects for the future development of spintronic devices based on SOTs are summarized.
Te Mana o te Wai: An indigenous perspective on rivers and river management
Authors: Te Aho Linda 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRivers, lakes, streams, and springs have been described as the bloodways of Papatūānuku, earth mother. On this view of the world, water is life. We are witnesses to the importance of water for all communities when the health and well‐being of our waterways are at risk. In New Zealand, governance and management systems have not been able to cope with legacy issues nor are they coping with the complex problems of diffuse pollution from intensive farming, climate change, pest species, and population growth. In seeking ways to improve freshwater management, there are increasing calls to include tikanga (indigenous laws and values) into decision‐making frameworks. Indigenous concepts such as kaitiakitanga (the responsibility to take care of natural resources) and Te Mana o te Wai (restoring and protecting the integrity of water) have gained traction. This article will explain these concepts through a distinctively indigenous lens and highlight some of the challenges of integrating tikanga into dominant western frameworks.