Proposal for complete characterization of attosecond pulses from relativistic plasmas.

In this study, we propose two full-optical-setup and single-shot measurable approaches for complete characterization of attosecond pulses from surface high harmonic generation (SHHG): SHHG-SPIDER (spectral phase interferometry for direct electric field reconstruction) and SHHG-SEA-SPIDER (spatially encoded arrangement for SPIDER). 1D- and 2D-EPOCH PIC (particle-in-cell) simulations were performed to generate the attosecond pulses from relativistic plasmas under different conditions. Pulse trains dominated by single isolated peak as well as complex pulse train structures are extensively discussed for both methods, which showed excellent accuracy in the complete reconstruction of the attosecond field with respect to the direct Fourier transformed result. Kirchhoff integral theorem has been used for the near-to-far-field transformation. This far-field propagation method allows us to relate these results to potential experimental implementations of the scheme. The impact of comprehensive experimental parameters for both apparatus, such as spectral shear, spatial shear, cross-angle, time delay, and intensity ratio between the two replicas has been investigated thoroughly. These methods are applicable to complete characterization for SHHG attosecond pulses driven by a few to hundreds of terawatts femtosecond laser systems.

Characterization of laser-driven proton acceleration from water microdroplets.

We report on a proton acceleration experiment in which high-intensity laser pulses with a wavelength of 0.4 µm and with varying temporal intensity contrast have been used to irradiate water droplets of 20 µm diameter. Such droplets are a reliable and easy-to-implement type of target for proton acceleration experiments with the potential to be used at very high repetition rates. We have investigated the influence of the laser's angle of incidence by moving the droplet along the laser polarization axis. This position, which is coupled with the angle of incidence, has a crucial impact on the maximum proton energy. Central irradiation leads to an inefficient coupling of the laser energy into hot electrons, resulting in a low maximum proton energy. The introduction of a controlled pre-pulse produces an enhancement of hot electron generation in this geometry and therefore higher proton energies. However, two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations support our experimental results confirming, that even slightly higher proton energies are achieved under grazing laser incidence when no additional pre-plasma is present. Illuminating a droplet under grazing incidence generates a stream of hot electrons that flows along the droplet's surface due to self-generated electric and magnetic fields and ultimately generates a strong electric field responsible for proton acceleration. The interaction conditions were monitored with the help of an ultra-short optical probe laser, with which the plasma expansion could be observed.

Reconstructive kidney surgery for organ-preserving therapy of renal tumors.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in various clinical endpoints in patients with reconstructive surgery by renal partial nephrectomy for tumors up to 4 cm compared to tumors larger than 4 cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 170 partial renal resection patients that presented malignant tumors were included in the retrospective study. Data was analyzed retrospectively based on internal clinic files, as well as a questionnaire to enhance the follow-up clinical outcomes data obtained. The most important outcomes determined included post-operative renal function, intra- and post-operative complications, local recurrence rate and total survival time. RESULTS: The local recurrence rate was 6.1% for tumors up to 4 cm in size, compared to 14.9% for tumors that were larger than 4 cm. Compared to results for partial resection of T1a tumors, results for partial resection of tumors larger than 4 cm are worse in terms of post-operative renal function (p=0.007), as well as in terms of a total complications rate (p=0.048). It is important to note that there was not only a higher risk of post-operative bleeding that required transfusions (p=0.012), but also a higher risk of a hypertensive episode during the post-operative period reviewed (p=0.022). In addition, the total survival time for patients presenting tumors of up to 4 cm in size was significantly better (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The results of our retrospective study of 170 patients that underwent partial renal resection after the diagnosis of malignant tumors, is that partial renal resection presents an oncologicaly safe surgical solution with low local recurrence rates. Additionally, partial resection in case of tumors that are larger than 4 cm showed worse post-operative renal function, a higher complications rate and a worse survival rate.

Laser Therapy for Bladder Outlet Obstruction: A Prospective Analysis of All Patients Receiving Treatment with the GreenLight XPS 180-Watt Laser System after Introduction at a Single Center.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess and publish our first experiences with the GreenLight XPS™ 180-watt laser in men suffering from bladder outlet obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to February 2014, the results of 142 patients were analyzed prospectively at a single center. Indications for disobstruction were in line with current EAU guidelines, but independent of the underlying causes of obstruction. Assessments were made of the prostate size, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), postvoid residual (PVR) and maximum urinary flow (Qmax). Intraoperative data such as lasing time, surgery time, applied energy and blood transfusions were recorded. Reinterventions and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average prostate volume was 29.6 ml (2-82). The average surgery time was 50 min (13-157). Qmax increased by an average of 20.2 ml/s (p < 0.05). On average, PVR was reduced by 162 ml (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The GreenLight XPS™ 180-watt laser is an effective treatment option for bladder outlet obstruction with a low perioperative complications rate, and it shows results comparable with transurethral resection of the prostate. Even multimorbid patients and patients with long-term catheter requirements may be treated due to its high safety profile and reliable results.

Reconstructive surgery for male stress urinary incontinence: Experiences using the ATOMS(®) system at a single center.

OBJECTIVE: To propose possible success-driven solutions for problem and complication rates encountered with the ATOMS(®) sling system, based on first-hand experience; and to provide possible actual alternative scenarios for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the defined period (between 4/2010 and 04/2014), 36 patients received ATOMS(®) system implants at our clinic. We collected pre- and post-operative evaluation data using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ SF). As an expansion of the questionnaire, we added questions about post-operative perineal pain, the general satisfaction with the results of the intervention and willingness to recommend the operation to a best friend. RESULTS: Our data shows a relatively high explantation rate, but a surprisingly high patient satisfaction rate. Explantation was required mainly due to late onset infections or other symptomatic factors. Compared to other studies early onset infections were rare. CONCLUSION: A non-invasive, uncomplicated adjustable system to alleviate male stress urinary incontinence remains a challenge. Although there are various systems available for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence, it seems that despite the advantages of the ATOMS(®) system, an artificial sphincter system may pose more advantages based on our experience, understanding and knowledge of its well-documented long-term solutions and problems.

Plastic end-to-end treatment of bulbar urethral stricture.

For bulbar urethral strictures up to 2.5 cm in length, the one-stage urethral plastic surgery with stricture excision and direct end-to-end anastomosis remains the best procedure to guarantee a high success rate. This retrospective review shows the results of 21 patients who underwent bulbar end-to-end anastomosis from 2010-2013. In 20 cases (95.3%) good results were archived. The criteria of success were identified by pre- and postoperative radiological diagnostics and uroflowmetry.

The response of rice grain quality to ozone exposure during growth depends on ozone level and genotype.

The effects of ozone exposure during the cropping season on rice grain quality were investigated in chamber experiments employing four ozone treatments (charcoal filtered air, ambient, 2× ambient, and 2.5× ambient concentration) and six genotypes. The concentrations of protein and lipids in brown rice increased significantly in response to ozone, while starch concentration and thousand kernel mass decreased. Other parameters, including the concentrations of iron, zinc, phenolics, stickiness and geometrical traits did not exhibit significant treatment effects. Total brown rice yield, protein yield, and iron yield were negatively affected by ozone. Numerous genotypic differences occurred in the response to ozone, indicating the possibility of optimizing the grain quality in high ozone environments by breeding. It is concluded that although the concentrations of two important macronutrients, proteins and lipids, increased in ozone treated grains, the implications for human nutrition are negative due to losses in total grain, protein and iron yield.