bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LMO7‐null mice exhibit phenotypes consistent with emery‐dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mull Aaron , Kim Gene , Holaska James M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Mutations in the inner nuclear envelope protein emerin cause Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), which is characterized by progressive skeletal muscle wasting, cardiac conduction defects, and tendon contractures. We previously showed that emerin binds directly to the transcription regulator Lmo7 and attenuates its activity to regulate the proper temporal expression of important myogenic differentiation genes. Methods: The skeletal muscle and cardiac phenotypes were analyzed in a newly generated Lmo7‐null mouse using histological analysis, echocardiography, and various neuromuscular tests to determine if Lmo7 was important for skeletal muscle and cardiac function. Results: Lmo7‐null mice had growth retardation, decreased fiber size, and impaired skeletal muscle and cardiac function. Lmo7‐null mice also had lower levels of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (Rb), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, which is consistent with altered Rb and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that loss of Lmo7 in mice causes myopathic phenotypes similar to those seen in other EDMD mouse models. Muscle Nerve 51: 222–228, 2015
Classical and all‐floating FETI methods for the simulation of arterial tissues
Authors: Augustin Christoph M. , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Steinbach Olaf 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYHigh‐resolution and anatomically realistic computer models of biological soft tissues play a significant role in the understanding of the function of cardiovascular components in health and disease. However, the computational effort to handle fine grids to resolve the geometries as well as sophisticated tissue models is very challenging. One possibility to derive a strongly scalable parallel solution algorithm is to consider finite element tearing and interconnecting (FETI) methods. In this study, we propose and investigate the application of FETI methods to simulate the elastic behavior of biological soft tissues. As one particular example, we choose the artery which is—as most other biological tissues—characterized by anisotropic and nonlinear material properties. We compare two specific approaches of FETI methods, classical and all‐floating, and investigate the numerical behavior of different preconditioning techniques. In comparison with classical FETI, the all‐floating approach not only has advantages concerning the implementation but also has advantages concerning the convergence of the global iterative solution method. This behavior is illustrated with numerical examples. We present results of linear elastic simulations to show convergence rates, as expected from the theory, and results from the more sophisticated nonlinear case where we apply a well‐known anisotropic model to the realistic geometry of an artery. Although the FETI methods have a great applicability on artery simulations, we will also discuss some limitations concerning the dependence on material parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equivalent polynomials for quadrature in Heaviside function enriched elements
Authors: Ventura G. , Benvenuti E. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryOne of the advantages of partition‐of‐unity FEMs, like the extended FEM, is the ability of modeling discontinuities independent of the mesh structure. The enrichment of the element functional space with discontinuous or non‐differentiable functions requires, when the element stiffness is computed, partitioning into subdomains for quadrature. However, the arbitrary intersection between the base mesh and the discontinuity plane generates quadrature subdomains of complex shape. This is particularly true in three‐dimensional problems, where quite sophisticate methodologies have been presented in the literature for the element stiffness evaluation.The present work addresses the problem of Heaviside function enrichments and is based on the replacement of the discontinuous enrichment function with the limit of an equivalent polynomial defined on the entire element domain. This allows for the use of standard Gaussian quadrature in the elements crossed by the discontinuity. The work redefines conceptually the first version of the equivalent polynomial methodology introduced in 2006, allowing a much broader applicability. As a consequence, equivalent polynomials can be computed for all continuum element families in one, two, and three dimensions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual Lagrange method for contact problems with regularized contact conditions
Authors: Sitzmann Saskia , Willner Kai , Wohlmuth Barbara I. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYThis paper presents an algorithm for solving quasi‐static, non‐linear elasticity contact problems without friction in the context of rough surfaces. Here, we want to model the transition from soft to hard contact in case of rough surfaces on the micro‐scale. The popular dual mortar method is used to enforce the contact constraints in a variationally consistent way without increasing the algebraic system size. The algorithm is deduced from a perturbed Lagrange formulation and combined with mass‐lumping techniques to exploit the full advantages of the duality pairing. This leads to a regularized saddle point problem, for which a non‐linear complementary function and thus a semi‐smooth Newton method can be derived. Numerical examples demonstrate the applicability to industrial problems and show a good agreement to experimentally obtained results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discussion of “Reliability‐based design optimization with dependent interval variables” by Xiaoping Du, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 2012; 91:218–228
Authors: Yang Xufeng , Liu Yongshou , Zhang Yishang 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYIn the subject paper, a reliability‐based design optimization (RBDO) model with both random and dependent interval uncertainties was proposed based on the First Order Reliability Method. The lower bound of reliability defined in Equation (9) of the subject paper was utilized as the constraint in this RBDO model. The author claimed that it is the minimum reliability with both random and interval variables. However, we prove that it is not the minimum value. It is therefore suggested that the minimum reliability should be used in the RBDO model. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balancing benefit and risk of medicines: a systematic review and classification of available methodologies
Authors: Mt‐Isa Shahrul , Hallgreen Christine E. , Wang Nan , Callréus Torbjörn , Genov Georgy , Hirsch Ian , Hobbiger Stephen F. , Hockley Kimberley S. , Luciani Davide , Phillips Lawrence D. , Quartey George , Sarac Sinan B. , Stoeckert Isabelle , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Micaleff Alain , Ashby Deborah ,   On behalf of the IMI‐PROTECT benefit–risk participants
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe need for formal and structured approaches for benefit–risk assessment of medicines is increasing, as is the complexity of the scientific questions addressed before making decisions on the benefit–risk balance of medicines. We systematically collected, appraised and classified available benefit–risk methodologies to facilitate and inform their future use.MethodsA systematic review of publications identified benefit–risk assessment methodologies. Methodologies were appraised on their fundamental principles, features, graphical representations, assessability and accessibility. We created a taxonomy of methodologies to facilitate understanding and choice.ResultsWe identified 49 methodologies, critically appraised and classified them into four categories: frameworks, metrics, estimation techniques and utility survey techniques. Eight frameworks describe qualitative steps in benefit–risk assessment and eight quantify benefit–risk balance. Nine metric indices include threshold indices to measure either benefit or risk; health indices measure quality‐of‐life over time; and trade‐off indices integrate benefits and risks. Six estimation techniques support benefit–risk modelling and evidence synthesis. Four utility survey techniques elicit robust value preferences from relevant stakeholders to the benefit–risk decisions.ConclusionsMethodologies to help benefit–risk assessments of medicines are diverse and each is associated with different limitations and strengths. There is not a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ method, and a combination of methods may be needed for each benefit–risk assessment. The taxonomy introduced herein may guide choice of adequate methodologies. Finally, we recommend 13 of 49 methodologies for further appraisal for use in the real‐life benefit–risk assessment of medicines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructure and properties of porous nanocomposite films: effects of composition and process parameters
Authors: Zohrevand Ahmad , Ajji Abdellah , Mighri Frej 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPorous nanocomposite films based on polypropylene (PP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by melt extrusion followed by uniaxial stretching. The effects of drawing temperature, extension rate, stretching ratio and composition of the base films on the final properties and microstructure of the stretched films were studied. Water vapor permeability (WVP) results showed a significant decrease in permeability of the films stretched at temperatures higher than 60 °C. Porosity, pore size and water vapor transmission rate in the porous nanocomposite films had a direct relation with nanoparticle content, extension rate and stretching ratio. Study of the morphology of the stretched films, using SEM, revealed that the pores form due to PP/TiO2 interfacial debonding at low stretching ratios. Higher stretching ratios cause an enlargement of the pores and the formation of a PP fibril structure parallel to the stretching direction. Quantification of dye adsorption revealed that the quantity of adsorbed dye increased with porosity and surface area of the pores. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Physical study of room‐temperature‐cured epoxy/thermally reduced graphene oxides with various contents of oxygen‐containing groups
Authors: Hsu Chien‐Hua , Hsu Min‐Hsiang , Chang Kung‐Chin , Lai Mei‐Chun , Liu Pei‐Ju , Chuang Tsao‐Li , Yeh Jui‐Ming , Liu Wei‐Ren 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, the effects of different oxygen‐containing group contents in thermally reduced graphene oxides (TRGs) for enhancing the physical properties of epoxy nancomposites was examined. The epoxy/TRG nanocomposites (ETNs) were prepared by a room temperature curing method in the presence of TRGs containing different oxygen‐containing groups and were then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. TRG contents with higher oxygen‐containing group contents (ca 33%) were found to show better dispersion capability in the epoxy matrix than TRGs with lower oxygen‐containing group contents (ca 11%) based on morphological observations by transmission electron microscopy. The better dispersion capability of TRGs with higher oxygen‐containing group contents in ETN membranes was found to lead to significantly enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability and thermal conductivity based on measurements of dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis and by the transient plane source technique. © 2014 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry
Using Benthic Indicator Species and Community Gradients to Optimize Restoration in the Arid, Endorheic Walker River Watershed, Western USA
Authors: Hogle C. , Sada D. , Rosamond C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe challenge of restoring watersheds in arid regions often requires the development of novel scientific tools to guide management. The Walker Basin Program was created to reverse ecological decline in an arid, endorheic watershed through scientifically guided restoration. As part of this programme, 3 years of benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected seasonally at 10 sites that represent the diversity of river environments from the high‐mountain headwaters to a desert terminal lake. Samples were analysed to quantify baseline conditions in reference and degraded reaches of river and identify opportunities and constraints for aquatic community restoration. Naturally harsh environments in the lower river characterized by high temperatures and low base flow combined with a weak understanding of reference conditions to limit the utility of commonly used indices for quantifying biotic integrity. A flexible approach was employed using a combination of indicator species analysis, cluster analysis, canonical correspondence analysis, and community tolerance indices to evaluate the variation of benthic macroinvertebrate community composition across a set of environmental gradients. Results demonstrate that benthic communities in the watershed are primarily influenced by a longitudinal gradient related to elevation. A strong secondary community gradient caused by anthropogenic nutrient loading may constrain restoration effectiveness in some parts of the watershed. Restoration activities should improve water quality conditions and initially target areas of the watershed less affected by nutrient loading. Results also demonstrate that benthic communities shift longitudinally. These shifts should be monitored to inform adaptive management of restoration actions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The combined automatic repeat request and rate control mechanism in S‐band mobile interactive multimedia asynchronous return link—design background, parameter dimensioning and first experimental results
Authors: Niebla Cristina Párraga , Bianco Alessandro Del 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYIn the S‐band mobile interactive multimedia specification, an asynchronous access using Enhanced Spread Spectrum Aloha random access has been defined for occasional messaging applications. This access scheme is complemented by a combined automatic repeat request and terminal rate control mechanism that is described in this paper. Furthermore, a queuing theory‐based model is developed to describe the behaviour of the automatic repeat request mechanism, and performance results from the first proof‐of‐concept implementation are presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of sexual dimorphism: studies of the Caenorhabditis elegans male
Authors: Emmons Scott W. 
Published: May 2014

Studies of the development of the Caenorhabditis elegans male have been carried out with the aim of understanding the basis of sexual dimorphism. Postembryonic development of the two C. elegans sexes differs extensively. Development along either the hermaphrodite or male pathway is specified initially by the X to autosome ratio. The regulatory events initiated by this ratio include a male‐determining paracrine intercellular signal. Expression of this signal leads to different consequences in three regions of the body: the nongonadal soma, the somatic parts of the gonad, and the germ line. In the nongonadal soma, activity of the key Zn‐finger transcription factor TRA‐1 determines hermaphrodite development; in its absence, the male pathway is followed. Only a few genes directly regulated by TRA‐1 are currently known, including members of the evolutionarily conserved, male‐determining DM domain Zn‐finger transcription factors. In the somatic parts of the gonad and germ line, absence of TRA‐1 activity is not sufficient for full expression of the male pathway. Several additional transcription factors involved have been identified. In the germ line, regulatory genes for sperm development that act at the level of RNA in the cytoplasm play a prominent role. WIREs Dev Biol 2014, 3:239–262. doi: 10.1002/wdev.136This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Sex Determination
Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms
Effects of GonaCon immunocontraceptive vaccine in free‐ranging female Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni)
Authors: Powers Jenny G. , Monello Ryan J. , Wild Margaret A. , Spraker Terry R. , Gionfriddo James P. , Nett Terry M. , Baker Dan L. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTDuration of efficacy and prevalence of side‐effects associated with GonaCon Immunocontraceptive Vaccine (GonaCon) in free‐ranging female elk (Cervus elaphus) are unknown. In January 2008, we captured 120 mature female elk in Rocky Mountain National Park (CO, USA), determined pregnancy status, and randomly assigned them to treated (n = 60; 1.5 mL of GonaCon) or control (n = 60; 1.5 mL of saline) groups. During the following 3 winters we recaptured, collected blood for antibody concentrations, and euthanized 10–20 elk in each group. At necropsy, we determined pregnancy and collected tissues from organs associated with the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. We relocated injection sites, collected muscle tissue, and performed bacterial culture when inflammation was present. Proportion of pregnant elk among control females ranged from 0.75 to 0.90. Proportion pregnant after treatment with GonaCon was 0.00 (95% CI = 0.0–0.22) in year 1, 0.31 (CI = 0.09–0.61) in year 2, and 0.65 (CI = 0.41–0.85) in year 3. Antibody concentrations were higher in non‐pregnant than pregnant treated females. We found no antemortem evidence of lameness or swelling at the injection site; however, at necropsy all treated females had pyogranulomatous inflammation at the injection site. We observed no consistent changes within the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. We conclude that GonaCon is effective at reducing pregnancy for 1–2 years post‐vaccination and is strongly associated with sterile inflammation at the site of injection. Similar to other species, the vaccine is less effective in elk under free‐ranging conditions than those in a captive environment. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Analysis of Experimental Grain Boundary Distributions Based on Boundary-Space Metrics
Authors: Glowinski Krzysztof , Morawiec Adam 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Grain boundary distributions in the space of macroscopic boundary parameters are basic statistical characteristics of boundary networks. To avoid artifacts caused by the currently used computation method, it is proposed to utilize the kernel density estimation technique and to determine boundary distributions based on metric functions defined in the boundary space. A distribution is calculated at points of interest by summing areas of boundaries that fall within specified distances from these points. The new method is illustrated on experimental data of a nickel-based superalloy.
Source Parameters of the 2001 Mw 7.7 Bhuj Earthquake, Gujarat, India, Aftershock Sequence
Authors: Rapolu Narsaiah , Mandal Prantik 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We present the estimated source parameters from SH-wave spectral modeling of selected 463 aftershocks (2002-06) of the 26 January 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the well-recorded largest continental intraplate earthquake. The estimated seismic moment (Mo), corner frequency (fc), source radius (r) and stress drop (Δσ) for aftershocks of moment magnitude 1.7 to 5.6 range from 3.55×1011 to 2.84×1017 N-m, 1.3 to 11.83 Hz, 107 to 1515 m and 0.13 to 26.7 MPa, respectively, while the errors in fc and Δσ are found to be 1.1 Hz and 1.1 MPa, respectively. We also notice that the near surface attenuation factor (k) values vary from 0.02 to 0.03. Our estimates reveal that the stress drop values show more scatter (Mo0.5 to 1 is proportional to Δσ) toward the larger Mo values (≥1014.5 N-m), while they show a more systematic nature (Mo3 is proportional to Δσ) for smaller Mo values (&lt;1014.5 N-m), which can be explained as a consequence of a nearly constant rupture radius for smaller aftershocks in the region. The large stress drops (= 10 MPa) associated with events on the north Wagad fault (at 15-30 km depth) and Gedi fault (at 3-15 km depth) can be attributed to the large stress developed at hypocentral depths as a result of high fluid pressure and the presence of mafic intrusive bodies beneath these two fault zones.
Geomorphic Control on the Formation of Mixed Layer Clays by Progressive Degradation of Biotite: A Case Study from Jutulsessen Gjelsvikfjella, East Antarctica
Authors: Verma Kamlesh , Bhattacharya Sanjeeb , Ansari A.M. Asim , Srivastava Prakash K. , Dharwadkar Amit 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Eleven glacial sediment samples collected from different elevation of Jutulsessen Nunatak, Gjelsvikfjella of East Antarctica were studied for the clay mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffraction technique. The result shows prominent peak at 10, and 3.34 Å suggesting the presence of biotite possibly derived from the catchment where biotite rich granite gneisses are exposed. The detailed investigation on the shape of biotite peak of certain samples shows the signs of alteration of biotite in to a mixed layer containing tri-octahedral smectite (low charge vermiculite). The presence of mixed layer along with the biotite is found to be associated with the samples of lower geomorphic level. The progressive alteration of clay sized biotite to form a mixed layer in the lower horizons of Jutulsessen Nunatak is probably due to the periodic accumulation of melt-water during the austral summer.
Assessing Grade Domain of Iron Ore Deposit using Geostatistical Modelling: A Case Study
Authors: Rao V. Kameshwara , Rao C. R. , Narayana A.C. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Conventional methods of ore deposit estimates are time consuming, whereas geostatistical methods provide quick and reliable estimates with minimum variance. Geostatistical tools, semi-variograms and kriging, have been used for estimation of grades of an iron ore deposit in the present study. In order to model the deposit and estimate grade, 4537 samples collected from 93 boreholes were used in the study. 3-D data have been converted to 2-D for analyzing the variation of Fe within the boreholes. For each borehole, the weighted mean of Fe grade and its coefficient of variation (CV) are calculated and further analysis is carried out for these two variables. Semi-variogram model suggests that the deposit extends over a zone of influence up to 700 m. Grade maps of kriged estimates reveal that the iron ore deposit is distributed in three distinct zones.
Limnic Condition in Ombrotrophic Peat Type as the Origin of Muara Wahau Coal, Kutei Basin, Indonesia
Authors: Anggayana Komang , Rahmad Basuki , Naftali H. H. Arie , Widayat Agus Haris 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Samples of early Miocene Muara Wahau coal from three drill cores were investigated with respect to maceral composition. Huminite macerals are dominant in the coal, ranging from 73.3 to 88.0% (vol.) with an average value of 77.4% (vol.). Liptinite macerals account for lower amount, from 0.7 to 6.7 with an average value of 1.8% (vol.). Inertinite macerals vary from 4.3 to 34.0% (vol.), averaging at 15.3% (vol.). Some paleoenvironmental indices based on the maceral composition were determined. Groundwater index (GWI) and vegetation index (VI) were considered as indicators for hydrological regime and type of peat vegetation. Tissue preservation index (TPI) and gelification index (GI) were determined to indicate the degree of preservation and relative wetness of the peat forming conditions. The VI-GWI diagram suggest that the coal was developed from herbaceous plants in ombrotrophic type of peat. TPI-GI diagram shows that the preservation was low and the peat was relatively wet or limnic. However, ombrotrophic peat type have commonly been related to relatively drier or telmatic environments. It is therefore, interpreted that the limnic condition could occur in ombrotrophic peat type, as the water level was rising up during the development of a high moor peat.