bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods to increase the toughness of structural adhesives with micro particles: an overview with focus on cork particles
Authors: Barbosa A. Q. , da Silva L. F. M. , Banea M. D. , Öchsner A.
Published: April 2016

Structural adhesives are used increasingly in new applications replacing conventional joining methods. Epoxy adhesives have the widest range of application of the various classes of adhesives arising principally from their extremely wide set of performance properties. They are known for their high stiffness and strength, as well for their low ductility and toughness. Currently, there is an increasing interest in developing methods of improving toughness. A toughened adhesive in general contains elastic or thermoplastic domains dispersed in discrete form throughout the resin matrix, in order to increase the resistance to crack‐growth initiation. This paper provides an overview of the current developments in the use of reinforcement materials and introduces the reader to early findings on the use of micro particles for toughness enhancement of adhesives. The theme of the use of materials of natural origin as reinforcement materials, giving special emphasis to the use of cork particles as toughener material is also presented.
Exact solutions for fractional DDEs via auxiliary equation method coupled with the fractional complex transform
Authors: Aslan İsmail
Published: April 2016

Dynamical behavior of many nonlinear systems can be described by fractional‐order equations. This study is devoted to fractional differential–difference equations of rational type. Our focus is on the construction of exact solutions by means of the (G'/G)‐expansion method coupled with the so‐called fractional complex transform. The solution procedure is elucidated through two generalized time‐fractional differential–difference equations of rational type. As a result, three types of discrete solutions emerged: hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well‐posedness and convergence results for strong solution to a 3D‐regularized Boussinesq system
Authors: Chaabani Abdelkerim , Nasfi Rim , Selmi Ridha , Zaabi Mounia
Published: April 2016

Analytical study to an alpha‐regularization of the Boussinesq system is performed using Fourier theory. Existence and uniqueness of strong solution are proved. Convergence results of the unique strong solution for the regularized Boussinesq system to the unique strong solution for the Boussinesq system are established as the regularizing parameter vanishes. The proofs are performed in the frequency space. We use energy methods, Friedrichs's approximation scheme, and Arselà–Ascoli compactness theorem. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits Helicobacter pylori‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation through activation of PPARγ
Authors: Ji Hyeon‐Geun , Piao Juan‐Yu , Kim Su‐Jung , Kim Do‐Hee , Lee Ha‐Na , Na Hye‐Kyung , Surh Young‐Joon
Published: April 2016

Scope

The health beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been attributed to its anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the molecular mechanism underlying anti‐inflammatory effects of DHA remains largely elusive.

Methods and results

In the present study, DHA was found to suppress the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induced by Helicobacter pylori infection in human gastric cancer AGS cells. Notably, DHA induced expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), a negative regulator of STAT3. Knockdown of SOCS3 abolished the suppressive effect of DHA on STAT3Tyr705 phosphorylation induced by H. pylori infection. DHA also induced nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activities of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in AGS cells. Knockdown of PPARγ inhibited the transcription of SOCS3 and attenuated the suppressive effect of DHA on phosphorylation of STAT3Tyr705 induced by H. pylori. The PPARγ antagonist bisphenol A diglycidyl ether also mitigated the suppressive effect of DHA on H. pylori‐induced phosphorylation of STAT3Tyr705. In addition, DHA inhibited the expression of c‐Myc, which was attenuated in the AGS cells harboring SOCS3 specific siRNA. DHA also markedly decreased anchorage‐independent growth of AGS cells infected by H. pylori.

Conclusion

DHA inhibits H. pylori‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation in a PPARγ/SOCS3‐dependent manner.
A rigorous semi‐analytical solution for undrained cylindrical cavity expansion in critical state soils
Authors: Vrakas Apostolos
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a generalized, rigorous and simple large strain solution for the undrained expansion of a vertical cylindrical cavity in critical state soils using a rate‐based plasticity formulation: the initial stress field is taken as anisotropic, that is with horizontal stresses that differ from the vertical stress, and the soil is assumed to satisfy any two‐invariant constitutive model from the critical state (Cam‐clay) family; no simplifying assumption is made during the mathematical derivation; calculating the effective stresses around the cavity requires the solution of a nonlinear equation by means of the Newton–Raphson method in combination with quadrature. Cavity expansion curves and stress distributions in the soil are then presented for different critical state models (including the modified Cam‐clay model). The solution derived can be useful for estimating the instantaneous response of saturated low‐permeability soils around piles and self‐boring pressuremeters and can serve as trustworthy benchmark for numerical analysis codes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A constitutive model for mechanical and chemo‐mechanical compaction in sedimentary basins and finite element analysis
Authors: Brüch A. , Maghous S. , Ribeiro F.L.B. , Dormieux L.
Published: April 2016

Compaction and associated fluid flow are fundamental processes in sedimentary basin deformation. Purely mechanical compaction originates mainly from pore fluid expulsion and rearrangement of solid particles during burial, while chemo‐mechanical compaction results from Intergranular Pressure‐Solution (IPS) and represents a major mechanism of deformation in sedimentary basins during diagenesis. The aim of the present contribution is to provide a comprehensive 3D framework for constitutive and numerical modeling of purely mechanical and chemo‐mechanical compaction in sedimentary basins. Extending the concepts that have been previously proposed for the modeling of purely mechanical compaction in finite poroplasticity, deformation by IPS is addressed herein by means of additional viscoplastic terms in the state equations of the porous material. The finite element model integrates the poroplastic and poroviscoplastic components of deformation at large strains. The corresponding implementation allows for numerical simulation of sediments accretion/erosion periods by progressive activation/deactivation of the gravity forces within a fictitious closed material system. Validation of the numerical approach is assessed by means of comparison with closed‐form solutions derived in the context of a simplified compaction model. The last part of the paper presents the results of numerical basin simulation performed in one dimensional setting, demonstrating the ability of the modeling to capture the main features in elastoplastic and viscoplastic compaction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superconvergence analysis of the MAC scheme for the two dimensional stokes problem
Authors: Lin Yanping , Zou Qingsong
Published: April 2016

This article is concerned with a rigorous superconvergence analysis of the marker and cell method (MAC) for steady Stokes equations. We first derive the MAC scheme from a staggered finite volume element method (FVEM) with a proper quadrature. Then by comparing the MAC to the corresponding FVEM, we prove the superconvergence of the MAC scheme over non‐uniform rectangular meshes. As a byproduct, an optimal order
error estimate is also obtained. © 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 1647–1666, 2016
Crosslinked chitosan‐based biocomposite films modified with soy protein isolate
Authors: Xing Fangru , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang , Li Li , Shi Junyou
Published: April 2016

The rigid, brittle, and expensive nature of chitosan‐based film limits its application in food packaging despite its relevant advantages. Soy protein isolate (SPI) can be used to complement chitosan to mitigate these problems. In this study, we investigated the effects of SPI on the tensile strength (TS) and other properties of crosslinked chitosan‐based biocomposite film by analyzing the TS, color change, thermal stability, and durability properties of the resultant films. The chitosan/SPI blended films were also characterized through attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the elongation at break (ɛb) of chitosan‐based film increased from 34.6% (control) to 83.3% after SPI addition. The thermal stability and homogeneity of the blended films also significantly increased. We also found that color changes that resulted from the introduction of SPI were slight and acceptable, that the durability properties of the blended films were not affected after SPI addition, and hydrogen bonds formed between chitosan and SPI. These findings represent a new potential approach to prepare low‐cost and functional chitosan‐based films by incorporating SPI. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:942–949, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Removal of Oil From Water Surface by Novel Composite NSM‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) Super Oil‐Absorption Resin
Authors: Hai Jingjie , Bai Bo , Ding Chenxu , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: April 2016

NSM‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) resin with super oil‐absorbent capability was prepared by grafting co‐polymerization using Nitraria seeds meal as filler, methyl‐meth‐acrylate (MMA) and butyl‐acrylate (BA) as monomers, N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker and peroxide‐benzoyl (BPO) as initiator. The structure of obtained products was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The oil absorbency, reusability, oil‐retention capacity, thermodynamics, and the removal of oil from the surface of 0.9 wt% NaCl solutions were examined further. The results showed that NSM‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) can absorb lubrication up to 29.6 times of its weight, 24.3 times for colza oil, 22.7 times for diesel, and 21 times for gasoline. The exhausted NSM‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) can be recollected and recovered through extraction or drying approach. More importantly, the oil sorption capacity of recovered NSM‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) only has a slight decline after six sorption cycles. The thermodynamic studies indicated that adsorption procedure with complex physical and chemical sorption is spontaneous and exothermic. In general, the present composite resins have exhibited potential applications in cleanup of oil spills because of their good hydrophobicity, lipophilicity, and excellent network structure. Also, the findings of this study might provide a convenient and economic method for fast and selective removal of oil from surface of wastewater. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1051–1063, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of fully bio‐based polyamides
Authors: He Miaomiao , Wei Tao , Zhang Liqun , Jia Qingxiu
Published: April 2016

We studied the crystallization behaviors of bio‐based BDIS polyamides synthesized from the following biomass monomers: 1,4‐butanediamine (BD), 1,10‐decanediamine (DD), itaconic acid (IA), and sebacic acid (SA). Isothermal crystallization, melting behavior, and nonisothermal crystallization of BDIS polyamides were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Avrami equation was used to describe the isothermal crystallization of BDIS polyamides. The modified Avrami equation, the Ozawa equation, the modified Ozawa equation, and an equation combining the Avrami and Ozawa equations were used to describe the nonisothermal crystallization. The equilibrium melting point temperature of BDIS polyamide was determined to be 163.0°C. The Avrami exponent n was found to be in the range of 2.21–2.79 for isothermal crystallization and 4.10–5.52 for nonisothermal crystallization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:829–836, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of nicotine‐selective hydrogels
Authors: Işikver Yasemin , Ecevit Tuğba
Published: April 2016

In this study, P(NIPAAm‐MAm)/A, which is a new smart polymer on which the temperature sensitivity of N‐isopropyl acrylamide monomer and pH sensitivities of methacrylic acid (MA) and itaconic acid (IA) monomers unite, were prepared by free radical polymerization. The influence of crosslinkers on the properties of polymer and adsorption was studied using two different crosslinkers. These new environmentally multistimuli responsive hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, TG, and DSC. In order to determine the swelling behaviors of polymers, the equilibrium swelling studies were carried out at different temperatures and pHs. With the aim of studying the usability of the prepared polymers in the adsorption of nicotine and its pharmaceutical derivatives, the effects of temperature, pH, and adsorbent mass on adsorption equilibrium were studied. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 56:1004–1011, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The acidic domain is a unique structural feature of the splicing factor SYNCRIP
Authors: Beuck Christine , Williamson James R. , Wüthrich Kurt , Serrano Pedro
Published: April 2016

The splicing factor SYNCRIP (hnRNP Q) is involved in viral replication, neural morphogenesis, modulation of circadian oscillation, and the regulation of the cytidine deaminase APOBEC1. It consists of three globular RNA‐recognition motifs (RRM) domains flanked by an N‐terminal acid‐rich acidic sequence segment domain (AcD12–97) and a C‐terminal domain containing an arginine–glycine‐rich sequence motif (RGG/RXG box), which are located near to the N‐ and C‐terminals, respectively. The acid‐rich sequence segment is unique to SYNCRIP and the closely related protein hnRNP R, and is involved in interactions with APOBEC1. Here, we show that while AcD12–97 does not form a globular domain, structure‐based annotation identified a self‐folding globular domain with an all α‐helix architecture, AcD24–107. The NMR structure of AcD24−107 is fundamentally different from previously reported AcD molecular models. In addition to negatively charged surface areas, it contains a large hydrophobic cavity and a positively charged surface area as potential epitopes for intermolecular interactions.
Crystal structure of the drug‐resistant S31N influenza M2 proton channel
Authors: Thomaston Jessica L. , DeGrado William F.
Published: April 2016

The M2 protein is a small proton channel found in the influenza A virus that is necessary for viral replication. The M2 channel is the target of a class of drugs called the adamantanes, which block the channel pore and prevent the virus from replicating. In recent decades mutations have arisen in M2 that prevent the adamantanes from binding to the channel pore, with the most prevalent of these mutations being S31N. Here we report the first crystal structure of the S31N mutant crystallized using lipidic cubic phase crystallization techniques and solved to 1.59 Å resolution. The Asn31 residues point directly into the center of the channel pore and form a hydrogen‐bonded network that disrupts the drug‐binding site. Ordered waters in the channel pore form a continuous hydrogen bonding network from Gly34 to His37.
Insight into trap state dynamics for exploiting current multiplication in organic photodetectors
Authors: Luo Xiao , Lv Wenli , Du Lili , Zhao Feiyu , Peng Yingquan , Wang Ying , Tang Ying
Published: April 2016

Trap‐induced current multiplication has received tremendous attention in organic photodetectors because it is not required for a pre‐amplifier circuit to read weak photocurrent signals. However, a plausible correlation between energy‐distin‐guishable trap states and device performance has not been established for guiding the device design, a task that remains a significant challenge. Here, we propose an ingenious strategy to demonstrate current multiplication by engineering an ultrathin fullerene (C60) film as hole trap or barrier layer, which illustrates trap‐state dynamics through systematical investigations on device current fluctuations in darkness and illumination conditions. The comparison of trap‐dependent performances between experimental and control devices clearly shows that the traps play a critical role in generating the multiplication effect. And shallow trap states are estimated to be more favorable for improving the device restorability. Thus, we anticipate that trap engineering, by selectively passivating deep traps whilst retaining shallow ones, will be a fruitful approach for further research, leading to high‐performance photodetectors with superior current multiplication and temporal response. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sensitivity of turbulence statistics in the lower portion of a numerically simulated stable boundary layer to parameters of the Deardorff subgrid turbulence model
Authors: Gibbs Jeremy A. , Fedorovich Evgeni
Published: April 2016

Some 36 years following its creation, the Deardorff 1980 (D80) subgrid turbulence model is perhaps still the most ubiquitous scheme used in large‐eddy simulation (LES) studies of atmospheric boundary‐layer flows. This model is often included as the default closure scheme in a variety of codes and numerical weather prediction models. In this study, we investigate the three commonly employed corrective adjustments of the D80 closure model. These include a stability‐dependent length‐scale, the formulation for the subgrid turbulent Prandtl number, and the enhancement of near‐surface dissipation. We implement a modified formulation of the D80 closure, then compare simulated flow statistics in the lower portion of a representative nocturnal stable boundary layer (SBL) case from LES with realistic forcing using the original D80 scheme and the modified version of the scheme. LES data were compared with observations from the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program in Lamont, Oklahoma. The modified scheme shows overall improvement in reproducing vertical profiles of wind speed and potential temperature in the near‐surface region of the SBL. Conclusions regarding turbulence kinetic energy and friction velocity are not as definitive, although there are signs of improved agreement with measurement data. Examination of the stability parameter and near‐surface sensible heat flux suggests the modified scheme better captures effects of stability in the considered flow case. The proposed modification offers a more straightforward and interpretable framework for the parametrization of subgrid turbulence in LES of atmospheric boundary layers.
Nontraditional Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korean Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Lee Jongyoung , Song Yeoungsuk , Lindquist Ruth , Yoo Youngsook , Park Eunkyung , Lim Seojin , Chung Younghae , Mathiason Michelle A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

This pilot investigation sought to compare outcomes including depression, anxiety, stress, mindful awareness, and exercise capacity between exercise-focused cardiac rehabilitation (ECR) and meditation-focused cardiac rehabilitation (MCR) programs for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Design:

A nonrandomized pretest–posttest design was employed.

Methods:

Two different interventions (ECR vs. MCR) were implemented with participants of each group for 12 weeks. Questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, stress, and mindful awareness and measures of peak VO2 were completed before and after the 12-week interventions.

Findings:

Thirteen patients completed the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Meditation-focused cardiac rehabilitation was associated with significantly greater reductions in depression as compared to ECR; there were no significant differences between the two groups on other outcomes.

Conclusions:

The MCR program has similar effects to improve the physical and psychological outcomes, compared with the ECR program.

Clinical Relevance:

There is potential for patients with CAD to participate in and benefit from nontraditional CR programs, and such CR could play a role in secondary prevention of CAD.
Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy for Subacute Stroke in Relation to Chosen Factors
Authors: Radajewska Alina , Opara Józef , Biliński Grzegorz , Kaczorowska Antonina , Nawrat-Szołtysik Agnieszka , Kucińska Aleksandra , Lepsy Ewelina
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) combined with comprehensive treatment and to investigate the possible relationships of functional state.

Design:

Prospective, controlled trial of 60 stroke inpatients.

Methods:

The Functional Index “Repty” (FIR) was an outcome measure to assess changes of independence in daily activities. The Frenchay Arm Test (FAT) and Motor Status Score were outcome measures to assess changes in hand function.

Findings:

The analysis of pre- and posttest data indicated a significant improvement in hand function (∆FAT in the Mirror group p = .035, N = 30). Age factor indicated a significant change in relation to FIR outcome (∆FIR in the Mirror group p = .005, N = 30 and ∆FIR in the Mirror group [left hand paresis] p = .037, N = 15).

Conclusions:

Additional MT influenced improvement in hand function. The age is significant in terms of functional state. The older adults are likely to benefit from MT.

Clinical Relevance:

A positive impact of combining MT with other treatment was indicated.
Extracting fuzzy attack patterns using an online fuzzy adaptive alert correlation framework
Authors: Faraji Daneshgar Fatemeh , Abbaspour Maghsoud
Published: April 2016

The tremendous numbers of alerts provided by intrusion detection systems have made the alert correlation a vital issue. Despite of the considerable number of proposed methods, the online alert correlation is still an open issue. In this paper we proposed an online model for alert correlation. Our model consists of two modules: (1) the online fuzzy clustering module which clusters alerts into fuzzy events based on their similarity and historical relevance; (2) the fuzzy inter event pattern mining which provides the first module with the historical relevance of alerts by mining frequent fuzzy patterns among them. Using these two modules, our approach is as fast as similarity based approaches suitable for online alert correlation while it is able to extract complex attack scenarios like offline time consuming data mining based approaches. Furthermore, observing the frequent events makes our approach capable of detecting scenarios including wrapping tricks which tries to fake the source or destination IPs. The experimental results with the well‐known dataset DARPA2000 and the ISCX UNB intrusion detection evaluation dataset proved mentioned claims. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A surface investigation of parchments using ToF‐SIMS and PCA
Authors: Vilde Vladimir , Abel Marie‐Laure , Watts John F.
Published: April 2016

Currently, information of species recognition on parchments is provided either using proteomics or DNA analysis. Each technique presents with inherent difficulties, and sometimes, it is not possible to obtain an unambiguous result. In this work, the application of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry paired with chemometrics, namely principle component analysis, to the analysis of parchment specimens has been investigated in order to assess if any information may be gleaned and help in the process of recognition or even providing any further information to conservators to be used for preservation of historical parchment. A series of specimens of various ages and species were analysed on both skin and flesh sides. Results indicate that it is fairly straightforward to distinguish between goat and sheep while calf is more difficult to separate from other species. In addition, an unknown sample exhibits data that would classify it as a goat specimen. More work is needed to ascertain which side is being analysed for any unknown materials as the behaviour varies amongst the species examined in this work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inside Cover Image, Volume 6, Issue 3
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Dan , Li Youyong , Hou Tingjun
Published: April 2016

The inside cover image, by Tingjun Hou et al., is based on the Overview Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of ATP‐binding cassette transporters molecules, DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1247.

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Cover Image, Volume 5, Issue 3
Authors: Steinkraus Bruno R. , Toegel Markus , Fulga Tudor A.
Published: April 2016

The cover image, by Tudor Fulga et al., is based on the Advanced Review Tiny giants of gene regulation: experimental strategies for microRNA functional studies, DOI: 10.1002/wdev.223.

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Sorption Behavior and Magnetic Properties of A Heterometallic Organic Framework with Octahedral Cages and One‐Dimensional Channels
Authors: Li Qipeng , Shen Yanqiong , Qian Jinjie
Published: April 2016

The ZnII‐CoII organic framework [Me2NH2][Zn2Co(μ3‐OH)(BTC)2(H2O)]·2H2O (FJI‐6) (H3BTC = 1, 3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and DMA = N.N′‐dimethyl acetamide), was synthesized and structurally characterized. FJI‐6 shows a three‐dimensional heterometallic microporous framework with coexisting octahedral cages and one‐dimensional channels assembled by Zn2Co(μ3‐OH)(CO2)6 secondary building units. In addition, the sorption behavior and magnetic properties of FJI‐6 were investigated.
Retrorectal Tumors: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Baek Seong Kyu , Hwang Grace Soon , Vinci Alessio , Jafari Mehraneh D. , Jafari Fariba , Moghadamyeghaneh Zhobin , Pigazzi Alessio
Published: April 2016

Importance

Retrorectal tumors are rare lesions that comprise a multitude of histologic types. Reports are limited to small single‐institution case series, and recommendations on the ideal surgical approaches are lacking.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathologic subtypes, surgical approaches, and clinical outcomes of retrorectal tumors.

Evidence Review

We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and searched the reference lists of published studies.

Results

A total of 341 studies comprising 1708 patients were included. Overall, 68 % of patients were female. The mean age was 44.6 ± 13.7 years. Of all patients, 1194 (70 %) had benign lesions, and 514 patients (30 %) had malignant tumors. Congenital tumors (60.5 %) were the most frequent histologic type. Other pathologic types were neurogenic tumors (14.8 %), osseous tumors (3.1 %), inflammatory tumors (2.6 %), and miscellaneous tumors (19.1 %). Biopsy was performed in 27 % of the patients. Of these patients, incorrect diagnoses occurred in 44 %. An anterior surgical approach (AA) was performed in 299 patients (35 %); a posterior approach (PA) was performed in 443 (52 %), and a combined approach (CA) was performed in 119 patients (14 %). The mean length of stay (LOS) of PA was 7 ± 5 days compared to 8 ± 7 days for AA and 11 ± 7 days for CA (p < 0.05). The overall morbidity rate was 13.2 %: 19.3 % associated with anterior approach, 7.2 % associated with posterior approach, and 24.7 % after a combined approach (p < 0.05). Overall postoperative recurrence rate was 21.6 %; 6.7 % after an anterior approach, 26.6 % after a posterior approach, and 28.6 % after a combined approach (p < 0.05). A minimally invasive approach (MIS) was employed in 83 patients. MIS provided shorter hospital stays than open surgery (4 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 7 days; p < 0.05). Differences in complication rate were 19.8 % in MIS and 12.2 % in open surgery and not statistically significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

Retrorectal tumors are most commonly benign in etiology, of a congenital nature, and have a female predominance. Complete surgical resection is the cornerstone of retrorectal tumor management. A minimal access surgery approach, when feasible, appears to be a safe option for the management of retrorectal tumors, with shorter operative time and length of stay.
Pinolenic Acid Downregulates Lipid Anabolic Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Lee Ah Ron , Han Sung Nim
Published: April 2016

Pine nut oil (PNO) was reported to reduce lipid accumulation in the liver. However, the specific effect of pinolenic acid (18:3, all‐cis‐Δ5,9,12), a unique component of PNO, on lipid metabolism has not been studied. We hypothesized that pinolenic acid downregulates the lipid anabolic pathway in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were incubated in serum‐free medium supplemented with 50 μM bovine serum albumin (BSA), palmitic acid, oleic acid, γ‐linolenic acid, pinolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or α‐linolenic acid for 24 h. Lipid accumulation was determined by Oil Red O (ORO) staining. The mRNA levels of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis (SREBP1c, FAS, SCD1, and ACC1), fatty acid oxidation (ACC2, PPARα, CPT1A, and ACADL), cholesterol synthesis (SREBP2 and HMGCR), and lipoprotein uptake (LDLr) and of genes that may be involved in the downregulation of the lipogenic pathway (ACSL3, ACSL4, and ACSL5) were determined by qPCR. LDLR protein levels were measured by Western blot analysis. The mRNA levels of SREBP1c, FAS, and SCD1 were significantly downregulated by pinolenic acid treatment compared to BSA control (53, 54, and 38 % lower, respectively). In addition, the mRNA levels of HMGCR, ACSL3, and LDLr were significantly lower (30, 30, and 43 % lower, respectively), and ACSL4 tended to be lower in the pinolenic acid group (20 % lower, P = 0.082) relative to the control group. In conclusion, pinolenic acid downregulated the lipid anabolic pathway in HepG2 cells by reducing expression of genes related to lipid synthesis, lipoprotein uptake, and the regulation of the lipogenic pathway.
Peripheral eosinophilia in children with transient synovitis of the hip: 7-year experience from a single centre in New Zealand
Authors: Alamri Yassar , Cockfield Allen
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Hip pain with limping is a common presentation in childhood. The most common diagnosis in young children is transient synovitis of the hip (TSH), a benign and self-limiting condition. In our clinical practice, we observed eosinophilia in children presenting with irritable hip more commonly than would otherwise be expected. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of eosinophilia in children with TSH, and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of this sub-group of patients.

Methods

This study retrospectively examined the data of all paediatric patients admitted to Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. TSH cases were compared with age- and sex-matched controls.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included. Compared with controls, TSH patients had significantly higher eosinophil counts (303 ± 236 vs. 380 ± 337 cells/μL, respectively, p = 0.049). Fourteen patients (15.6 %) had eosinophilia, with a mean eosinophil count of 986 (±321) cells/µL. Children who had eosinophilia did not differ from the rest of the sample in their age (mean 4.6 vs. 4.4 years, p = 0.74) or ethnicity (85.7 vs. 85.5 % European, p = 0.99). Eosinophilic children were not more likely to be atopic (i.e. have history of allergic rhinitis, asthma and/or eczema) than non-eosinophilic children (21.4 vs. 10.5 %, p = 0.37). There was a shorter hospital stay in eosinophilic children (mean 16.3 ± 6 h) than in non-eosinophilic children (mean 21.5 ± 18.8 h), although this was not statistically significant ( p = 0.058).

Conclusions

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the relationship between TSH and eosinophilia. We found a sizeable minority (15.6 %) of children with TSH to have eosinophilia. While the difference in hospital stay was not statistically significant, a correlation between peripheral eosinophilia and length of hospital stay of TSH patients is possible. Whether this correlation is clinically meaningful remains to be answered.

Level of evidence

Retrospective prognostic study; level II.
Minimal flow perturbations that trigger kinematic dynamo in shear flows
Authors: Herreman W.
Published: April 2016

Parallel shear flows cannot be kinematic dynamos on their own (Zel’dovich, Sov. Phys. JETP, vol. 4, 1957, pp. 460–462), but the addition of small flow perturbations can trigger dynamo action. Using an optimization algorithm inspired by Willis (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 109 (25), 2012, 251101) and Chen et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 783, 2015, pp. 23–45), we identify the smallest perturbation that when added to Kolmogorov flow can trigger dynamo action at some fixed value of the magnetic Reynolds number. In this way we numerically measure the fragility of the Zel’dovich anti-dynamo theorem. The minimal perturbations have surprisingly simple spatial structures. Their magnitudes vary inversely proportional to the magnetic Reynolds number and are always much larger than theoretical lower bounds calculated here using the methods of Proctor (Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn., vol. 98 (3), 2004, pp. 235–240; J. Fluid Mech., vol. 697, 2012, pp. 504–510).
Two-scale wave patterns on a periodically excited miscible liquid–liquid interface
Authors: Shevtsova V. , Gaponenko Y. A. , Yasnou V. , Mialdun A. , Nepomnyashchy A.
Published: April 2016

We have discovered a peculiar behaviour of the interface between two miscible liquids placed in a finite-size container under horizontal vibration. We provide evidence that periodic wave patterns created by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and Faraday waves simultaneously exist in the same system of miscible liquids. We show experimentally in reduced and normal gravity that large-scale frozen waves yield Faraday waves with a smaller wavelength on a diffusive interface. The emergence of the different scale patterns observed in the experiments is confirmed numerically and explained theoretically.
Fish oil enhances intestinal barrier function and inhibits corticotropin-releasing hormone/corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 signalling pathway in weaned pigs after lipopolysaccharide challenge
Authors: Zhu Huiling , Liu Yulan , Chen Shaokui , Wang Xiuying , Pi Dingan , Leng Weibo , Chen Feng , Zhang Jing , Kang Ping
Published: April 2016

Stress induces injury in intestinal barrier function in piglets. Long-chain n-3 PUFA have been shown to exhibit potential immunomodulatory and barrier protective effects in animal models and clinical trials. In addition, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)/CRH receptor (CRHR) signalling pathways play an important role in stress-induced alterations of intestinal barrier function. We hypothesised that fish oil could affect intestinal barrier function and CRH/CRHR signalling pathways. In total, thirty-two weaned pigs were allocated to one of four treatments. The experiment consisted of a 2×2 factorial design, and the main factors included immunological challenge (saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) and diet (5 % maize oil or 5 % fish oil). On d 19 of the trial, piglets were treated with saline or LPS. At 4 h after injection, all pigs were killed, and the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver, spleen and intestinal samples were collected. Fish oil decreased bacterial translocation incidence and the number of translocated micro-organisms in the MLN. Fish oil increased intestinal claudin-1 protein relative concentration and villus height, as well as improved the intestinal morphology. In addition, fish oil supplementation increased intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte number and prevented elevations in intestinal mast cell and neutrophil numbers induced by LPS challenge. Moreover, fish oil tended to decrease the mRNA expression of intestinal CRHR1, CRH and glucocorticoid receptors. These results suggest that fish oil supplementation improves intestinal barrier function and inhibits CRH/CRHR1 signalling pathway and mast cell tissue density.
Whole-grain dietary recommendations: the need for a unified global approach
Authors: Seal Chris J. , Nugent Anne P. , Tee E-Siong , Thielecke Frank
Published: April 2016

Increased whole-grain (WG) consumption reduces the risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, is related to reduced body weight and weight gain and is related to improved intestinal health. Definitions of ‘WG’ and ‘WG food’ are proposed and used in some countries but are not consistent. Many countries promote WG consumption, but the emphasis given and the messages used vary. We surveyed dietary recommendations of fifty-three countries for mentions of WG to assess the extent, rationale and diversity in emphasis and wording of any recommendations. If present, recommendations were classified as either ‘primary’, where the recommendation was specific for WG, or ‘secondary’, where recommendations were made in order to achieve another (primary) target, most often dietary fibre intake. In total, 127 organisations were screened, including government, non-governmental organisations, charities and professional bodies, the WHO and European Food Safety Authority, of which forty-nine including WHO provide a WG intake recommendation. Recommendations ranged from ‘specific’ with specified target amounts (e.g. x g WG/d), ‘semi-quantitative’ where intake was linked to intake of cereal/carbohydrate foods with proportions of WG suggested (e.g. x servings of cereals of which y servings should be WG) to ‘non-specific’ based on ‘eating more’ WG or ‘choosing WG where possible’. This lack of a harmonised message may result in confusion for the consumer, lessen the impact of public health messages and pose barriers to trade in the food industry. A science-based consensus or expert opinion on WG recommendations is needed, with a global reach to guide public health decision making and increase WG consumption globally.
The intake of high-fat diets induces an obesogenic-like gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which is reverted by dieting
Authors: Reynés Bàrbara , García-Ruiz Estefanía , Palou Andreu , Oliver Paula
Published: April 2016

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are increasingly used for nutrigenomic studies. In this study, we aimed to identify whether these cells could reflect the development of an obesogenic profile associated with the intake of high-fat (HF) diets. We analysed, by real-time RT-PCR, the dietary response of key genes related to lipid metabolism, obesity and inflammation in PBMC of control rats, rats fed a cafeteria or a commercial HF diet and rats fed a control diet after the intake of a cafeteria diet (post-cafeteria model). Cafeteria diet intake, which resulted in important overweight and related complications, altered the expressions of most of the studied genes in PBMC, evidencing the development of an obesogenic profile. Commercial HF diet, which produced metabolic alterations but in the absence of noticeably increased body weight, also altered PBMC gene expression, inducing a similar regulatory pattern as that observed for the cafeteria diet. Regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (Cpt1a) mRNA expression was of special interest; its expression reflected metabolic alterations related to the intake of both obesogenic diets (independently of increased body weight) even at an early stage as well as metabolic recovery in post-cafeteria animals. Thus, PBMC constitute an important source of biomarkers that reflect the increased adiposity and metabolic deregulation associated with the intake of HF diets. In particular, we propose an analysis ofCpt1aexpression as a good biomarker to detect the early metabolic alterations caused by the consumption of hyperlipidic diets, and also as a marker of metabolic recovery associated to weight loss.
Dietary microbial phytase exerts mixed effects on the gut health of tilapia: a possible reason for the null effect on growth promotion
Authors: Hu Jun , Ran Chao , He Suxu , Cao Yanan , Yao Bin , Ye Yuantu , Zhang Xuezhen , Zhou Zhigang
Published: April 2016

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary microbial phytase on the growth and gut health of hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus♀×Oreochromis aureus♂), focusing on the effect on intestinal histology, adhesive microbiota and expression of immune-related cytokine genes. Tilapia were fed either control diet or diet supplemented with microbial phytase (1000 U/kg). Each diet was randomly assigned to four groups of fish reared in cages (3×3×2 m). After 12 weeks of feeding, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of tilapia were not significantly improved by dietary microbial phytase supplementation. However, significantly higher level of P content in the scales, tighter and more regular intestinal mucosa folds were observed in the microbial phytase group and the microvilli density was significantly increased. The adhesive gut bacterial communities were strikingly altered by microbial phytase supplementation (0·41<similarity coefficient<0·54). Stimulated intestinal inflammation and stress status were observed in the fish fed diet supplemented with microbial phytase, as indicated by the up-regulated intestinal expressions of the cytokine genes (tnf-αandtgf-β) andhsp70. In addition, the gut microvilli height was significantly decreased in the phytase group. These results indicate that dietary microbial phytase may exert mixed effects on hybrid tilapia, and can guide our future selection of phytases as aquafeed additives – that is, eliminating those that can stimulate intestinal inflammation.
Reproducibility and relative validity of a FFQ to estimate the intake of fatty acids
Authors: Praagman Jaike , Adolphs Anda P. J. , van Rossum Caroline T. M. , Sluijs Ivonne , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Beulens Joline W. J.
Published: April 2016

We investigated the validity and reproducibility of the FFQ used in the Dutch European Investigation of Cancer and Nutrition cohort, in order to rank subjects according to intakes of fatty acid classes and individual fatty acids. In total, 121 men and women (23–72 years) filled out three FFQ at 6-month intervals between 1991 and 1992. As a reference method, they filled out twelve monthly 24-h dietary recalls (24HDR) during the same year. Intra-class correlation coefficients for the FFQ showed moderate to good reproducibility across all fatty acids (classes and individual) in men (0·56–0·81) and women (0·57–0·83). In men, Spearman’s correlation coefficients (rs) for the FFQ compared with the 24HDR indicated moderate to good relative validity (rs=0·45–0·71) for all fatty acids, except for arachidonic acid and marine PUFA (rs<0·40). In women, relative validity was moderate to good for MUFA andtrans-fatty acids (TFA) and the majority of SFA (rs=0·40–0·66), was fair for the short-chain SFA and lauric acid (rs=0·30–0·33) and was fair to moderate for PUFA (rs=0·22–0·47). Bland–Altman plots showed good agreement between the FFQ and 24HDR, and proportional bias for fatty acids with very low intakes. In conclusion, the FFQ showed good reproducibility for subject ranking based on intakes of fatty acids (classes and individual). The relative validity measures indicated that the FFQ is an adequate tool to rank subjects according to intakes of high-abundant fatty acids, but less for low-abundant fatty acids.
Seeking health- and nutrition-related information on the Internet in a large population of French adults: results of the NutriNet-Santé study
Authors: Fassier Philippine , Chhim Anne-Sophie , Andreeva Valentina A. , Hercberg Serge , Latino-Martel Paule , Pouchieu Camille , Touvier Mathilde
Published: April 2016

The Internet has become a major source of health and nutrition information. Little is known about the type of consulted websites (institutionalv. non-institutional) and the tendency to discuss with a healthcare professional (HCP) the information found on the Internet. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate health- and nutrition-related Internet use in a large French population-based study. Data were collected in 2013 using self-administered, web-based questionnaires from 42 113 participants of the NutriNet-Santé study (mean age=51·2 years, 76 % women). Unconditional multivariate logistic regression analyses andχ2tests were used for comparisons. In total, 85·1 % of the subjects used the Internet to search for health and/or nutrition information, and 23·6 % used the Internet to read or post messages on health/nutrition forums. Only 16·0 % discussed with a HCP the information found online. This proportion was lower in subjects with lower educational level (OR 0·77; 95 % CI 0·72, 0·82) and lower computer skills (OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·65, 0·76). In total, 8038 health/nutrition websites were cited, with institutional websites representing only 12·9 % of that number. Only one institutional website was present in the top 10. Older subjects (OR 1·49; 95 % CI 1·28–1·74), those with lower educational level (OR 2·08; 95 % CI 1·75, 2·50) and lower nutritional knowledge (OR 1·33; 1·12, 1·59) were more likely to cite non-institutional websites. This large population-based study showed that institutional websites were infrequently accessed and that a few participants discussed the information found online with their HCP. This particular trend was especially visible among individuals who were more vulnerable regarding misleading information. This supports the need to increase awareness of high-quality websites providing reliable health/nutrition information.
Modification of Public Policies by Street-Level Organisations: An Institutional Work Perspective
Authors: BREIT ERIC , ALM ANDREASSEN TONE , SALOMON ROBERT H.
Published: April 2016

The literature on policy implementation is divided with regards to the impact of street-level bureaucrats on the implementation of public policies. In this paper, we aim to add to and nuance these debates by focusing on ‘institutional work’ – i.e. the creation, maintenance and disruption of institutions – undertaken by central authorities and street-level bureaucrats during public reform processes. On the basis of a case study of the organisational implementation of a retirement pension reform in the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration, we argue that institutional work is a useful heuristic device for conceptualising the variety of responses available to street-level bureaucrats during public reforms. We also argue that the responses demonstrate the impact of street-level bureaucrats in these reforms in the context of managerial control and regulation. Finally, we argue that the effectiveness of policy change is dependent on the institutional work of street-level bureaucrats and, in particular, on institutional work that supports the institutions created by politicians and public administrations.
The Practice-Independence of Intergenerational Justice
Authors: REGLITZ MERTEN
Published: April 2016

The question whether distributive justice is at bottom practice-dependent or practice-independent has received much attention in recent years. I argue that the problem of intergenerational justice resolves this dispute in favour of practice-independence. Many believe that we owe more to our descendants than leaving them a world in which they can merely lead minimally decent lives. This thought is particularly convincing given the fact that it is us who determine to a significant extent what this future world will look like. However, no practices that would trigger distributive obligations exist between distant generations. Thus, if we have to leave more than a minimum for future generations, we cannot conceive of distributive justice in terms of the justification of ongoing social interactions. Rather we have to think of the entire concept as an idea based on persons’ legitimate interests and capacity for well-being, and which abstracts from participation in particular practices.