bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite volume approach for finite strain consolidation
Authors: Singh Rakesh Pratap , Ojha Chandra Shekhar Prasad , Singh Mahendra 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe paper presents the finite volume formulation and numerical solution of finite strain one‐dimensional consolidation equation. The equation used in this study utilises a nonlinear continuum representation of consolidation with varying compressibility and hydraulic conductivity and thus inherits the material and geometric nonlinearity. Time‐marching explicit scheme has been used to achieve transient solutions. The nonlinear terms have been evaluated with the known previous time step value of the independent variable, that is, void ratio. Three‐point quadratic interpolation function of Lagrangian family has been used to evaluate the face values at discrete control volumes. It has been shown that the numerical solution is stable and convergent for the general practical cases of consolidation. Performance of the numerical scheme has been evaluated by comparing the results with an analytical solution and with the piecewise piecewise‐linear finite difference numerical model. The approach seems to work well and offers excellent potential for simulating finite strain consolidation. Further, the parametric study has been performed on soft organic clays, and the influence of various parameters on the time ate consolidation characteristics of the soil is shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale insights into classical geomechanics problems
Authors: Guo Ning , Zhao Jidong 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWe pay a revisit to some classical geomechanics problems using a novel computational multiscale modelling approach. The multiscale approach employs a hierarchical coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the discrete element method. It solves a boundary value problem at the continuum scale by FEM and derives the material point response from the discrete element method simulation attached to each Gauss point of the FEM mesh. The multiscale modelling framework not only helps successfully bypass phenomenological constitutive assumptions as required in conventional modelling approaches but also facilitates effective cross‐scale interpretation and understanding of soil behaviour. We examine the classical retaining wall and footing problems by this method and demonstrate that the simulating results can be well validated and verified by their analytical solutions. Furthermore, the study sheds novel multiscale insights into these classical problems and offers a new tool for geotechnical engineers to design and analyse geotechnical applications based directly upon particle‐level information of soils. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of highly efficient algorithms for solving linear equations in the discontinuous deformation analysis method
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Sheng Qian , Zhang Yonghui , Chen Jian 
Published: July 2015

SummaryLarge‐scale engineering computing using the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method is time‐consuming, which hinders the application of the DDA method. The simulation result of a typical numerical example indicates that the linear equation solver is a key factor that affects the efficiency of the DDA method. In this paper, highly efficient algorithms for solving linear equations are investigated, and two modifications of the DDA programme are presented. The first modification is a linear equation solver with high efficiency. The block Jacobi (BJ) iterative method and the block conjugate gradient with Jacobi pre‐processing (Jacobi‐PCG) iterative method are introduced, and the key operations are detailed, including the matrix‐vector product and the diagonal matrix inversion. Another modification consists of a parallel linear equation solver, which is separately constructed based on the multi‐thread and CPU‐GPU heterogeneous platforms with OpenMP and CUDA, respectively. The simulation results from several numerical examples using the modified DDA programme demonstrate that the Jacobi‐PCG is a better iterative method for large‐scale engineering computing and that adoptive parallel strategies can greatly enhance computational efficiency. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MEMRI and tumors: a method for the evaluation of the contribution of Mn(II) ions in the extracellular compartment
Authors: Gianolio Eliana , Arena Francesca , Di Gregorio Enza , Pagliarin Roberto , Delbianco Martina , Baio Gabriella , Aime Silvio 
Published: July 2015

The purpose of the work was to set‐up a simple method to evaluate the contribution of Mn2+ ions in the intra‐ and extracellular tumor compartments in a MEMRI experiment. This task has been tackled by “silencing” the relaxation enhancement arising from Mn2+ ions in the extracellular space. In vitro relaxometric measurements allowed assessment of the sequestering activity of DO2A (1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,7‐diacetic acid) towards Mn2+ ions, as the addition of Ca‐DO2A to a solution of MnCl2 causes a drop of relaxivity upon the formation of the highly stable and low‐relaxivity Mn‐DO2A. It has been proved that the sequestering ability of DO2A towards Mn2+ ions is also fully effective in the presence of serum albumin. Moreover, it has been shown that Mn‐DO2A does not enter cell membranes, nor does the presence of Ca‐DO2A in the extracellular space prompt migration of Mn ions from the intracellular compartment.On this basis the in vivo, instantaneous, drop in SE% (percent signal enhancement) in T1‐weighted images is taken as evidence of the sequestration of extracellular Mn2+ ions upon addition of Ca‐DO2A. By applying the method to B16F10 tumor bearing mice, T1 decrease is readily detected in the tumor region, whereas a negligible change in SE% is observed in kidneys, liver and muscle. The relaxometric MRI results have been validated by ICP‐MS measurements. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The repositioning of hospitalized patients with reduced mobility: a prospective study
Authors: Latimer Sharon , Chaboyer Wendy , Gillespie Brigid M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the frequency of patient repositioning across three consecutive nursing shifts (day, evening and night) and to identify predictors of repositioning frequency.BackgroundPatient repositioning is a frequently implemented pressure injury prevention strategy. Yet, little is known about how often it should be implemented, or the frequency of movement among hospitalized patients with reduced mobility.DesignAn observational prospective study.MethodsChart audits were used to gather clinical and demographic data. Semi‐structured observations were conducted every 30 minutes for a continuous 24‐hour period. Observational data included the patient's body position, the frequency of repositioning, assistance require to reposition and the use of support surfaces.ResultsPatients were repositioned frequently during the day and evening and least at night time. Elevation of the head of the bed (1–45°) was the most frequently adopted position. The independent predictors of repositioning frequency were age and gender, with older patients and males repositioned less frequently.
Effects of an antenatal dietary intervention on maternal anthropometric measures in pregnant women with obesity
Authors: Dodd Jodie M. , Kannieappan Lavern M. , Grivell Rosalie M. , Deussen Andrea R. , Moran Lisa J. , Yelland Lisa N. , Owens Julie A. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThe effect of providing antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice on secondary measures of maternal anthropometry was evaluated and their correlation with both gestational weight gain and infant birth weight was assessed.MethodsIn a multicenter, randomized controlled trial, pregnant women with BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 received either Lifestyle Advice or Standard Care. Maternal anthropometric outcomes included arm circumference, biceps, triceps, and subscapular skinfold thickness measurements (SFTM), percentage body fat (BF), gestational weight gain, and infant birth weight. The intention to treat principles were utilized by the analyses.ResultsThe measurements were obtained from 807 (74.7%) women in the Lifestyle Advice Group and 775 (72.3%) women in the Standard Care Group. There were no statistically significant differences identified between the treatment groups with regards to arm circumference, biceps, triceps, and subscapular SFTM, or percentage BF at 36‐week gestation. Maternal anthropometric measurements were not significantly correlated with either gestational weight gain or infant birth weight.ConclusionsAmong pregnant women with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2, maternal SFTM were not modified by an antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention. Furthermore, maternal SFTM correlate poorly with both gestational weight gain and infant birth weight.
Relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in children ages 9–11: Results from a 12‐country study
Authors: Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Barreira Tiago V. , Broyles Stephanie T. , Champagne Catherine M. , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Fogelholm Mikael , Hu Gang , Johnson William D. , Kuriyan Rebecca , Kurpad Anura , Lambert Estelle V. , Maher Carol , Maia Jose , Matsudo Victor , Olds Timothy , Onywera Vincent , Sarmiento Olga L. , Standage Martyn , Tremblay Mark S. , Tudor‐Locke Catrine , Zhao Pei , Church Timothy S. ,   for the ISCOLE Research Group
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThe aim was to assess associations between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in a multinational study of children from 12 countries representing a wide range of human development.MethodsThe sample included 6,025 children 9–11 years of age. Behavioral risk factors included nocturnal sleep duration, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), television viewing (TV time), and healthy and unhealthy diet pattern scores. Multilevel analyses were used to obtain odds ratios for obesity expressed per standard deviation of each behavioral risk factor.ResultsThe odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for obesity from multilevel, multivariable models were 0.79 (0.71–0.90) for nocturnal sleep duration, 0.52 (0.45–0.60) for MVPA, 1.15 (1.05–1.27) for TV time, 1.08 (0.96–1.20) for healthy diet score, and 0.93 (0.83–1.04) for unhealthy diet score in boys and 0.71 (0.63–0.80) for nocturnal sleep duration, 0.43 (0.35–0.53) for MVPA, 1.07 (0.96–1.19) for TV time, 1.05 (0.93–1.19) for healthy diet score, and 0.96 (0.82–1.11) for unhealthy diet score in girls.ConclusionsBehavioral risk factors are important correlates of obesity in children, particularly low MVPA, short sleep duration, and high TV viewing.
Fenretinide prevents obesity in aged female mice in association with increased retinoid and estrogen signaling
Authors: Shearer Kirsty D. , Morrice Nicola , Henderson Claire , Reekie Jenny , Mcilroy George D. , McCaffery Peter J. , Delibegovic Mirela , Mody Nimesh 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThe synthetic retinoid fenretinide (FEN) inhibits adiposity in male mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) in association with alterations in retinoic acid (RA) signaling. Young female mice are protected from obesity via estrogen signaling. We, therefore, investigated whether FEN also influences adiposity in aged female mice differing in parity and whether such effects are mediated by retinoid and estrogen signaling.MethodsAged nulliparous and parous female mice were maintained on HFD ± FEN, and adiposity was assessed. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on white adipose tissue (WAT), liver, and 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with RA or FEN ± estrogen.ResultsParous females were more obese than nulliparous mice independent of age. FEN‐HFD prevented the HFD‐induced increase in adiposity and leptin levels independently of parity. FEN‐HFD induced retinoid‐responsive genes in WAT and liver. Parous females had reduced expression of hepatic estrogen‐responsive genes, but FEN‐HFD up‐regulated WAT Cyp19a1 and Esr2 in parous mice. Estrogen and RA acted synergistically to increase RA receptor‐mediated gene expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. FEN increased Cyp19a1 and Esr2, similar to our findings in vivo.ConclusionsThe prevention of adiposity by FEN in response to HFD in female mice seems to involve increased retinoid signaling in association with induction of local estrogen production and estrogen signaling in WAT.
The oncogenic potential of BK‐polyomavirus is linked to viral integration into the human genome
Authors: Kenan Daniel J , Mieczkowski Piotr A , Burger‐Calderon Raquel , Singh Harsharan K , Nickeleit Volker 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIt has been suggested that BK‐polyomavirus is linked to oncogenesis via high expression levels of large T‐antigen in some urothelial neoplasms arising following kidney transplantation. However, a causal association between BK‐polyomavirus, large T‐antigen expression and oncogenesis has never been demonstrated in humans. Here we describe an investigation using high‐throughput sequencing of tumour DNA obtained from an urothelial carcinoma arising in a renal allograft. We show that a novel BK‐polyomavirus strain, named CH‐1, is integrated into exon 26 of the myosin‐binding protein C1 gene (MYBPC1) on chromosome 12 in tumour cells but not in normal renal cells. Integration of the BK‐polyomavirus results in a number of discrete alterations in viral gene expression, including: (a) disruption of VP1 protein expression and robust expression of large T‐antigen; (b) preclusion of viral replication; and (c) deletions in the non‐coding control region (NCCR), with presumed alterations in promoter feedback loops. Viral integration disrupts one MYBPC1 gene copy and likely alters its expression. Circular episomal BK‐polyomavirus gene sequences are not found, and the renal allograft shows no productive polyomavirus infection or polyomavirus nephropathy. These findings support the hypothesis that integration of polyomaviruses is essential to tumourigenesis. It is likely that dysregulation of large T‐antigen, with persistent over‐expression in non‐lytic cells, promotes cell growth, genetic instability and neoplastic transformation. © 2015 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
In Brief: Picturing the complex world of chromatin remodelling families
Authors: Witkowski Leora , Foulkes William D 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOver the past decade, chromatin remodelling emerged as one of the most important causes of both abnormal development and cancer. Although much has been written about one or another of the complexes, no recent concise summary of the chromatin remodelling families as a whole is available. In this short review, we introduce the family members, briefly summarize their role in developmental abnormalities and neoplasia, and outline the different ways in which these families remodel chromatin. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current mechanistic insights into the roles of matrix metalloproteinases in tumour invasion and metastasis
Authors: Brown Gordon T , Murray Graeme I 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to highlight the recent mechanistic developments elucidating the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in tumour invasion and metastasis. The ability of tumour cells to invade, migrate, and subsequently metastasize is a fundamental characteristic of cancer. Tumour invasion and metastasis are increasingly being characterized by the dynamic relationship between cancer cells and their microenvironment and developing a greater understanding of these basic pathological mechanisms is crucial. While MMPs have been strongly implicated in these processes as a result of extensive circumstantial evidence – for example, increased expression of individual MMPs in tumours and association of specific MMPs with prognosis – the underpinning mechanisms are only now being elucidated. Recent studies are now providing a mechanistic basis, highlighting and reinforcing the catalytic and non‐catalytic roles of specific MMPs as key players in tumour invasion and metastasis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesothelioma cells breaking bad: loss of integrin α7 promotes cell motility and poor clinical outcomes in patients
Authors: Burkin Dean J , Fontelonga Tatiana M 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMesothelioma is a disease of pleural cells lining the lungs which is often caused by exposure to asbestos. The molecular mechanism(s) that regulate the transformation of pleural mesothelioma cells to a migratory and malignant phenotype are unclear. In recent work published in this journal, Laszlo et al performed a set of elegant experiments to identify a key molecular mechanism that may explain the aggressive nature of this disease. Using patient‐derived mesothelioma cells with high versus low migratory activity, the authors conducted a genome‐wide expression analysis. They identified a significant reduction in ITGA7 expression only in highly migratory malignant pleural mesothelioma cells and showed that loss of ITGA7 expression was associated with methylation of the promoter. Forced expression of integrin α7 reversed the migratory phenotype of these cells. Finally, the authors identified a strong correlation between ITGA7 expression and patient survival. Together, these results identify expression of integrin α7 as a molecular mechanism for the aggressive migratory transformation of mesothelioma and identify a potentially novel diagnostic and therapeutic target. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concomitant expression of far upstream element (FUSE) binding protein (FBP) interacting repressor (FIR) and its splice variants induce migration and invasion of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells
Authors: Müller Benedikt , Bovet Michael , Yin Yi , Stichel Damian , Malz Mona , González‐Vallinas Margarita , Middleton Alistair , Ehemann Volker , Schmitt Jennifer , Muley Thomas , Meister Michael , Herpel Esther , Singer Stephan , Warth Arne , Schirmacher Peter , Drasdo Dirk , Matthäus Franziska , Breuhahn Kai 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTranscription factors integrate a variety of oncogenic input information, facilitate tumour growth and cell dissemination, and therefore represent promising therapeutic target structures. Because over‐expression of DNA‐interacting far upstream element binding protein (FBP) supports non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) migration, we asked whether its repressor, FBP‐interacting repressor (FIR) is functionally inactivated and how FIR might affect NSCLC cell biology. Different FIR splice variants were highly expressed in the majority of NSCLCs, with the highest levels in tumours carrying genomic gains of chromosome 8q24.3, which contained the FIR gene locus. Nuclear FIR expression was significantly enriched at the invasion front of primary NSCLCs, but this did not correlate with tumour cell proliferation. FIR accumulation was associated with worse patient survival and tumour recurrence; in addition, FIR over‐expression significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). In vitro, we applied newly developed methods and modelling approaches for the quantitative and time‐resolved description of the pro‐migratory and pro‐invasive capacities of SCC cells. siRNA‐mediated silencing of all FIR variants significantly reduced the speed and directional movement of tumour cells in all phases of migration. Furthermore, sprouting efficiency and single cell invasiveness were diminished following FIR inhibition. Interestingly, the silencing of FIR isoforms lacking exon 2 (FIRΔexon2) alone was sufficient to reduce lateral migration and invasion. In summary, by using scale‐spanning data derived from primary human tissues, quantitative cellular analyses and mathematical modelling, we have demonstrated that concomitant over‐expression of FIR and its splice variants drives NSCLC migration and dissemination. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aggregate analysis of regulatory authority assessors' comments to improve the quality of periodic safety update reports
Authors: Jullian Sandra , Jaskiewicz Lukasz , Pfannkuche Hans‐Jürgen , Parker Jeremy , Lalande‐Luesink Isabelle , Lewis David J. , Close Philippe 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeMarketing authorization holders (MAHs) are expected to provide high‐quality periodic safety update reports (PSURs) on their pharmaceutical products to health authorities (HAs). We present a novel instrument aiming at improving quality of PSURs based on standardized analysis of PSUR assessment reports (ARs) received from the European Union HAs across products and therapeutic areas.MethodsAll HA comments were classified into one of three categories: “Request for regulatory actions,” “Request for medical and scientific information,” or “Data deficiencies.” The comments were graded according to their impact on patients' safety, the drug's benefit‐risk profile, and the MAH's pharmacovigilance system.ResultsA total of 476 comments were identified through the analysis of 63 PSUR HA ARs received in 2013 and 2014; 47 (10%) were classified as “Requests for regulatory actions,” 309 (65%) as “Requests for medical and scientific information,” and 118 (25%) comments were related to “Data deficiencies.” The most frequent comments were requests for labeling changes (35 HA comments in 19 ARs). The aggregate analysis revealed commonly raised issues and prompted changes of the MAH's procedures related to the preparation of PSURs.ConclusionThe authors believe that this novel instrument based on the evaluation of PSUR HA ARs serves as a valuable mechanism to enhance the quality of PSURs and decisions about optimization of the use of the products and, therefore, contributes to improve further the MAH's pharmacovigilance system and patient safety. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable CdTe thin film solar cells with a MoOx back‐contact buffer layer
Authors: Yang Ruilong , Wang Dezhao , Jeng Mingjer , Ho Kaiming , Wang Deliang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMoOx thin films were employed as a buffer layer in the back contact of CdTe solar cells. A monograined CdS layer was employed as the window layer to reduce light absorption. The insertion of a MoOx buffer layer in the back contact greatly reduced the Schottky barrier leading to increased fill factor and open‐circuit voltage. A CdTe solar cell, with an efficiency as high as 14.2%, was fabricated. The use of a MoOx buffer layer made it possible to fabricate high‐efficient CdTe solar cell with much less Cu in the back contact, thus greatly enhancing the cell stability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Versatile and controlled functionalization of polyferrocenylsilane‐b‐polyvinylsiloxane block copolymers using a N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl ester strategy
Authors: Boott Charlotte E. , Lunn David J. , Manners Ian 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTA general route for the N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl (NHS) ester functionalization of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane)‐b‐polyvinylsiloxane copolymers, which should be readily transferrable to other vinyl containing polymers, has been developed using a simple two step approach. Facile reaction of the NHS ester functionalized polymers with primary amines enables the incorporation of a range of functionalities previously inaccessible using standard thiol‐ene “click” reactions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 245–252