bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moderate Prenatal Cadmium Exposure and Adverse Birth Outcomes: a Role for Sex‐Specific Differences?
Authors: Taylor Caroline M. , Golding Jean , Emond Alan M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground/AimStudies on the effects of moderate prenatal exposure to cadmium (Cd) on birth outcomes have been contradictory and it has been suggested that effects may be partly masked by sex‐specific effects. Our aim was to examine the association of Cd exposure in a large group of pregnant women with birth outcomes in the whole group of participants and by sex.MethodsPregnant women were enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for singleton pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for Cd (n = 4191). Data collected on the infants included anthropometric variables and gestational age at delivery. Data were analysed using SPSS v18.ResultsThere were adverse associations of maternal blood Cd level with birthweight (unstandardized B coefficient −62.7 g, 95% CI −107.0, −18.4) and crown–heel length (−0.28 cm, 95% CI −0.48, −0.07) in adjusted regression models. On stratification by sex, maternal blood Cd level was adversely associated with birthweight (−87.1 g, 95% CI −144.8, −29.4), head circumference (−0.22 cm, 95% CI −0.39, −0.04), and crown–heel length (−0.44 cm, 95% CI −0.71, −0.18) in girls but not in boys in adjusted regression models.ConclusionIn these pregnant women with moderate prenatal Cd exposure there evidence of adverse associations with birth anthropometry variables in the whole group. However, there was evidence of associations with anthropometric variables in girls that were not evident in boys. Sex‐specific effects require further investigation in large cohorts as a possible contributor to the lack of associations generally found in mixed‐sex studies.
Characteristic Features of REE and Pb–Zn–Ag Mineralizations in the Na Son Deposit, Northeastern Vietnam
Authors: Pham‐Ngoc Can , Ishiyama Daizo , Tran Tuan Anh , Hoshino Mihoko , Taguchi Sachihiro 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Na Son deposit is a small‐scale Pb–ZnPb–Zn–Ag deposit in northeast Vietnam and consists of biotite–chlorite schist, reddish altered rocks, quartz veins and syenite. The biotite–chlorite schist is intruded by syenite. Reddish altered rocks occur as an alteration halo between the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and the biotite–chlorite schist. Allanite occurs in the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and in the proximal reddish altered rocks. Rare earth element (REE) fluorocarbonate minerals occur along fractures or at rim of allanite crystals. The later horizontal aggregates of sulfide veins and veinlets cut the earlier reddish altered rocks. The earlier Pb–Zn veins consist of a large amount of galena and lesser amounts of sphalerite, pyrite and molybdenite. The later Cu veins cutting the Pb–Zn veins include chalcopyrite and lesser amounts of tetrahedrite and pyrite.The occurrences of two‐phase H2O–CO2 fluid inclusions in quartz from biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and REE‐bearing fluorocarbonate minerals in allanite suggest the presence of CO2 and F in the hydrothermal fluid. The oxygen isotopic ratios of the reddish altered rocks, biotite–chlorite schist, and syenite range from +13.9 to +14.9 ‰, +11.5 to +13.3 ‰, and +10.1 to +11.6 ‰, respectively. Assuming an isotopic equilibrium between quartz (+14.6 to +15.8 ‰) and biotite (+8.6 ‰) in the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz vein, formation temperature was estimated to be 400°C. At 400°C, δ18O values of the hydrothermal fluid in equilibrium with quartz and biotite range from +10.5 to +11.7 ‰. These δ18O values are consistent with fluid that is derived from metamorphism. Assuming an isotopic equilibrium between galena (+1.5 to +1.7 ‰) and chalcopyrite (+3.4 ‰), the formation temperature was estimated to be approximately 300°C. The formation temperature of the Na Son deposit decreased with the progress of mineralization.Based on the geological data, occurrence of REE‐bearing minerals and oxygen isotopic ratios, the REE mineralization is thought to result from interaction between biotite–chlorite schist and REE‐, CO2‐ and F‐bearing metamorphic fluid at 400°C under a rock‐dominant condition.
In vivo skin moisturizing measurement by high‐resolution 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mesrar J. , Ognard J. , Garetier M. , Chechin D. , Misery L. , Ben Salem D. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rarely used for the exploration of skin, even if studies have validated both feasibility of skin MRI and its interest for anatomical, physiological, and biochemical study of the skin. The purpose of this study is to explore moisturizing of the different skin layers using 3‐T scan.MethodsAn MRI of the heel's skin was performed using a 23 mm coil diameter on a 3T scan with a FFE (Fast Field Echo) 3D T1‐weighted sequence and a TSE (Turbo Spin Echo) calculation T2‐weighted sequence (pixels size of respectively 60 and 70 μm). This study was conducted on 35 healthy volunteers, who were scanned before applying moisturizer topic and 1 h after applying it. Region of interest in the stratum corneum, the epidermis and the dermis were generated on the T2 mapping. The thickness of each layer was measured. The T1 sequence allowed accurate cross‐examination repositioning to ensure the comparability of the measurements.ResultsAmong the 35 cases, two were excluded from the analysis because of movement artifacts. Measurements before and after moisturizer topic application displayed a T2 increase of 48.94% (P < 0.0001) in the stratum corneum and of 5.45% (P < 0.0001) in the epidermis yet without significant difference in the dermis. There was no significant link between the thickness of the stratum corneum and the T2 increase. However, there was a strong correlation between the thickness of the stratum corneum and the thickness of the epidermis (P < 0.001; rhô=0.72).ConclusionHigh‐resolution MRI allows fine exploration of anatomical and physiological properties of the skin and can further be used to extend the studies of skin hydration.
Immunohistochemical expression of MDR1‐Pgp 170 in canine cutaneous and oral melanomas: pattern of expression and association with tumour location and phenotype
Authors: Finotello R. , Monné Rodriguez J. M. , Vilafranca M. , Altimira J. , Ramirez G. A. , Haines A. , Ressel L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCanine melanoma (CMM) more commonly affects the oral mucosa and the cutis. CMM shares several features with human melanomas (HMM), included resistance to a broad variety of antineoplastic chemotherapy agents. P‐glycoprotein 1 (Pgp) expression is a well‐recognized feature of multi‐drug resistance and the purpose of this study was to investigate its expression in treatment naïve CMM. We also investigated Pgp association with tumour location and histological features. Histology records of CMM were retrieved, including patients from 2012–2014. Twenty‐five cases of CMM were included in this study. Results revealed that Pgp is expressed in CMM and oral tumours were more likely to have a membranous Pgp expression (100%) than cutaneous tumours (66.6%) (P = 0.010). Cytoplasmic and nuclear Pgp expression could also be identified. Results of this study bring useful data that help in understanding one of the possible mechanisms responsible of intrinsic chemotherapy resistance in canine CMM.
EFFECTS OF GEOGRID REINFORCEMENT ON THE STATIC LIQUEFACTION BEHAVIOR OF GRANULAR FILL BY TRIAXIAL TEST METHOD
Authors: N. Mahendran , A. Hemalatha 
Published: October 2016

Replacing theexistingweaksoilby granularfillmaterial(partialorfull)isone oftheconventionalstabilisationtechnique toimprovethebearing capacity and liquefactionbehaviorofthesoil.However, inmanycasesthedepthofreplacedgranular fillbecomesvery thick,thusleadtothe excessive cost. In the solution to this problem an experimental investigation was initiated to evaluate the effectofgeogrid reinforcementonthe staticliquefaction resistance of granularfillobtainedfrom Karaikudi, SivagangaiDistrict,Tamilnadu, India. An experimental program through triaxial compression was conduct and with various investigation on geogrid layers confining pressures. It was observedthat the extensile force of thegeogridgradually contributestothe improvementof the reinforcedspecimensshear strengthandthe extensileforceincreasedwiththeincrease inthe numberofgeogridlayers,asa result thefailuremodechangedfromshearband tobulging.Theinstalledgeogridlayersin thegranular fillimprovedthestress–strain response intermsofincrease inpeak deviatoric stressanddecrease infailure strains.Inaddition,the extensile force providesbetterinterlocking propertytothe granular fill be arranged between the geogrid,leading tothedecreaseinthe pore waterpressure.Underaconfining pressureof150 kPatheporewaterpressure of the un-reinforced specimen was about 117 kPa,whereasthegranular fillreinforced withone,twoandthree layersofgeogrid achieved the pore water pressure of 97.5 kPa,76.5 kPa and49.5 kPa,respectively, whichare 20.12 %,52.94 % and136.36 %, lower than thatofthe un-reinforced specimen. The findings conclude that the geogrids considerablyinfluencetheshearbehaviour of granular fill, andthe geogrid reinforcement improvesthe interlocking strengthof thegranularfill,thusimproving its shear strength
EFFECT OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND BLASTING PRACTICE IN FLY ROCK ACCIDENT AT JOHOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohamad Edy Tonnizam , Murlidhar Bhatawdekar Ramesh , Armaghani Danial Jahed , Saad Rosli , Shiang Yi Chang 
Published: October 2016

Blasting operation is common method in hard rock excavation at civil engineering and mining sites. Rock blasting results in the fragmentation along with environmental hazards such as fly rock, ground vibration, air-blast, dust and fumes. Most of the common accidents associated with blasting are due to fly rock. A fly rock accident had occurred on 15 July 2015 at a construction site at Johor, Malaysia. Due to this accident, nearby factory worker was killed while two other workers were seriously injured after being hit by rock debris from an explosion at construction site, 200 m away from the factory. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of fly rock accident based on geological structures and blasting practice such as blast design, pre inspection on geological structures, identifying danger zone due to blasting and communication and evacuation of personnel before blast. It can be concluded that fly rock could have been controlled in three stages; initial drilling of holes based on blast design, ensure limiting charge for holes having less burden or having geological discontinuity, and selecting proper sequence of initiation of holes.
ANALYSIS OF TRENDS OF EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS USING MANN KENDALL TEST: A CASE STUDY IN PAHANG AND KELANTAN RIVER BASINS
Authors: Othman Mazlina Alang , Zakaria Nor Azazi , Ab. Ghani Aminuddin , Chang Chun Kiat , Chan Ngai Weng 
Published: October 2016

Climate change leads to changes in rainfall and extreme event. This phenomenon has already begun to transform the rainfall patterns in Malaysia. It was clearly proven when the northern and eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak and Johor were hit by the catastrophic floods in December 2014, events that have been described as the worst in decades. Although there are a number of studies in climate change and extreme rainfall events in Malaysia, there are still large knowledge gaps about their relationship. Understanding the shifts and predicting changing trends in rainfall distribution is needed for predicting and managing the floods. In this paper, Mann Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope estimator are employed to determine the trend of extreme rainfall events of various storm durations in the Pahang and Kelantan river basins. The results indicate that annual maximum daily rainfall for Pahang River basin and Kelantan River basin increased throughout 45 years. Results show that the percentage of stations with statistically significant trend (at 0.05 significance level) in the Kelantan River basin are higher compared to the Pahang River basin. Percentage of stations showing increasing trends were much higher for short duration rainfall (10, 30 and 60 minutes and 3 hours) compared to long duration rainfall (6, 12, 24, 48, 120 and 240 hours). This study will be useful for planning, designing and managing floods and stormwater systems in this area
Analisis Faktor Kes Pembubaran Perkahwinan Yang Kerap Bermasalah Di Mahkamah Syariah
Authors: Muhammud Farah Safura , Ruskam Aminuddin 
Published: October 2016

Peningkatan kes pembubaran perkahwinan di Malaysia bukan sesuatu yang baharu. Bahkan peningkatan tersebut semakin membimbangkan dan memberi tekanan terutama kepada sistem pentadbiran Mahkamah Syariah. Terdapat beberapa elemen permasalahan yang dibangkitkan seperti isu penangguhan kes, isu diskriminasi wanita, dan isu kelemahan sistem pentadbiran Mahkamah Syariah. Walaupun begitu hanya beberapa jenis kes sahaja yang didapati kerap bermasalah iaitu kes fasakh dan kes pengesahan lafaz cerai. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temubual mendalam yang melibatkan sepuluh Pegawai Syariah di Negeri Selangor. Seterusnya, dapatan kajian diolah menggunakan perisian Nvivo 10 dan menghasilkan jadual faktor kes yang kerap bermasalah di Mahkamah Syariah. Hasil kajian menunjukkan terdapat beberapa kes perlu diberi perhatian. Justeru, Faktor tersebut diharapkan dapat dimanfaatkan untuk penambahbaikan pentadbiran kes pembubaran perkahwinan di Mahkamah Syariah
TRPV4 participates in pressure‐induced inhibition of renin secretion by juxtaglomerular cells
Authors: Seghers François , Yerna Xavier , Zanou Nadège , Devuyst Olivier , Vennekens Rudi , Nilius Bernd , Gailly Philippe 
Published: October 2016

Key points
Increase in blood pressure in the renal afferent arteriole is known to induce an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of juxtaglomerular (JG) cells and to result in a decreased secretion of renin.
Mechanical stimulation of As4.1 JG cells induces an increase in [Ca2+]i that is inhibited by HC067047 and RN1734, two inhibitors of TRPV4, or by siRNA‐mediated repression of TRPV4.
Inhibition of TRPV4 impairs pressure‐induced decrease in renin secretion.
Compared to wild‐type mice, Trpv4−/− mice present increased resting plasma levels of renin and aldosterone and present a significantly altered pressure–renin relationship.
We suggest that TRPV4 channel participates in mechanosensation at the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
AbstractThe renin–angiotensin system is a crucial blood pressure regulation system. It consists of a hormonal cascade where the rate‐limiting enzyme is renin, which is secreted into the blood flow by renal juxtaglomerular (JG) cells in response to low pressure in the renal afferent arteriole. In contrast, an increase in blood pressure results in a decreased renin secretion. This is accompanied by a transitory increase in [Ca2+]i of JG cells. The inverse relationship between [Ca2+]i and renin secretion has been called the ‘calcium paradox’ of renin release. How increased pressure induces a [Ca2+]i transient in JG cells, is however, unknown. We observed that [Ca2+]i transients induced by mechanical stimuli in JG As4.1 cells were completely abolished by HC067047 and RN1734, two inhibitors of TRPV4. They were also reduced by half by siRNA‐mediated repression of TRPV4 but not after repression or inhibition of TRPV2 or Piezo1 ion channels. Interestingly, the stimulation of renin secretion by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin was totally inhibited by cyclic stretching of the cells. This effect was mimicked by stimulation with GSK1016790A and 4αPDD, two activators of TRPV4 and inhibited in the presence of HC067047. Moreover, in isolated perfused kidneys from Trpv4−/− mice, the pressure–renin relationship was significantly altered. In vivo, Trpv4−/− mice presented increased plasma levels of renin and aldosterone compared to wild‐type mice. Altogether, our results suggest that TRPV4 is involved in the pressure‐induced entry of Ca2+ in JG cells, which inhibits renin release and allows the negative feedback regulation on blood pressure.
Analysis of the Effects Caused by the Core Compaction Into LFR Reactor
Authors: Lo Frano Rosa , Giovanni Pugliese 
Published: October 2016

Due to the high inertia of the metal coolant, the safety concerns of the next generation LMRs (e.g. the Advanced Lead Fast Reactor European Demonstrator - ALFRED) have some connections with the core compaction phenomenon when severe earthquake occurs. In this paper the effects on the fuel assemblies (FAs) are numerically analyzed (by FEM code) taking into account suitable boundary and initial conditions. To characterize the interaction between the internal components, surface-to-surface contact condition has been implemented.
The results indicate that the annular area neighboring the piping penetration ovalizes and so a circumferential buckling occurs. The FAs undergo bending deformation especially in correspondence of the half height of the elements. The displacement varies along the vertical axis (direction of maximum flexibility) reaching, in some time interval, the maximum value of about 9 cm. Vibration phenomenon also appeared.
Evaluation of Enhanced Risk Monitors for Use on Advanced Reactors
Authors: Ramuhalli Pradeep , Veeramany Arun , Bonebrake Christopher A. , Ivans William J. , Coles Garill A. , Hirt Evelyn H. 
Published: October 2016

This study provides an overview of the methodology for integrating time-dependent failure probabilities into nuclear power reactor risk monitors. This prototypic enhanced risk monitor methodology was evaluated using a hypothetical probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) model, generated using a simplified design of a liquid-metal-cooled advanced reactor (AdvRx). Component failure data from industry compilation of failures of components similar to those in the simplified AR model were used to initialize the PRA model. Core damage frequency (CDF) over time were computed and analyzed.
In addition, a study on alternative risk metrics for AdvRx was conducted. Risk metrics that quantify the normalized cost of repairs, replacements, or other operations and management (O&M) actions were defined and used, along with an economic model, to compute the likely economic risk of future actions such as deferred maintenance based on the anticipated change in CDF due to current component condition and future anticipated degradation. Such integration of conventional-risk metrics with alternate-risk metrics provides a convenient mechanism for assessing the impact of O&M decisions on safety and economics of the plant. It is expected that, when integrated with supervisory control algorithms, such integrated-risk monitors will provide a mechanism for real-time control decision-making that ensure safety margins are maintained while operating the plant in an economically viable manner.
The Application of PSHA Method in the Determination of Beyond Design Basis Earthquake for New NPP Design
Authors: Shang Ziduan , Huang Xiao , Chu Meng , Zhang Lutong , Wu Chunhua 
Published: October 2016

Even though in the past 30 years, Beyond Design-Basis Event (BDBE) Design for nuclear power plant (NPP) has been considering as one of the design commitment for the safety and function goals, often time a compromise inevitably take the place when conduct the detail engineering design. There is several reasons lead to this situation: (1) the lacking of thorough investigation and research on this subject, (2) the need for clarity and recommendations from industrial code and standard practice, (3) the need for clearer and specific regulation and regulatory requirements, (4) the consideration of economy.
By understanding the above situations, this paper is contributed to investigate the determination of Beyond Design Basis Seismic (BDBS) design for new NPPs in current timeframe. Due to the complexity of this new emerging subject, this paper, as the carrier of preliminary (phase 1) results, is attempting to summarize the authors’ latest research progress from technical and design practice point of view.
The preliminary research on BDBE determination is focusing on the investigation of the applicability of PSHA method on this subject. Following aspects are considered in this phase 1 report:
• The definition of BDBE from current nuclear power engineering perspectives.
• The discussion of the applicability of PSHA on BDBE determination.
• Suggested procedures for BDBE determination etc.
• The recommendation of approaches for SSC modeling and analysis under BDBE.
This paper will also cover some topics on the design criteria for beyond design basis earthquake loading conditions. A more detailed discussion on beyond design basis loading’s combinations and design criteria will be investigated in the phase 2 report of this research.
Benchmarking the NEM Real-Time Core Model for VVER-1000 Simulator Application: Asymmetric Core
Authors: Georgieva Emiliya , Dinkov Yavor , Ivanov Kostadin , Stieglitz Robert 
Published: October 2016

A real-time version of the Nodal Expansion Method (NEM) code is developed and implemented into Kozloduy 6 full-scope replica control room simulator. Combined with an enhanced thermal-hydraulics and I&C models the whole package is a high-fidelity simulation tool for operator training and various other applications. The fidelity and accuracy of simulation with emphasis on reactor core model is illustrated through comparison with plant-specific data. The transient of ‘Switching-off of One of the Four Operating Main Circulation Pumps at Nominal Reactor Power’ as described in OECD/NEA Kalinin 3 Coolant Transient Benchmark is an example of an asymmetric core scenario with a range of parameter changes.
Simulation results concerning fuel assembly power and axial power distribution during the transient are compared with records from Kalinin 3 in-core monitoring system.
Main operating parameters of nuclear steam supply system of a VVER-1000/V320 series units vary to a considerable degree. While Kalinin 3 benchmark specification contains very good description of the transient, as well as record of many parameters of the unit, the document provides only superfluous description of the reference unit. In such a case, an approach based on a ‘generic’ V320 model by default introduces deviations which are difficult to quantify. There are several examples which warrant discussion.
One example is core coolant flow and pressure loss during the transient. Pump head and pressure loss across reactor vessel are measured and recorded and in-core monitoring system provides estimation of core coolant flow, which is quite high in comparison with some other V320 units (e.g. by about 5 % larger). Without more detailed pressure loss data across the main circulation loop and specific pump characteristics, however, one can only guess how much simulation is off the mark. Another detail of the same problem is coolant flow through a specific fuel assembly. The presence of a fuel assembly of different design (TVS-M type) surrounded by TVSA type fuel assemblies shall be thoroughly considered, because secondary sources indicate significant differences in fuel assembly pressure loss coefficients between the two types. Coolant flow affects coolant (and fuel) temperature profile and thus neutron cross-sections.
Yet another example, even more strongly affecting our ability to interpret simulation results is core power reconstruction provided by the in-core monitoring system of the unit. The SPND (Self-Powered Neutron Detector) current readings are subject of conversion by an algorithm based upon simulated spatial neutron flux distribution across the reactor core. While error estimation of the parameters in stationary conditions is available from secondary sources, there is no reliable estimation of error magnitude during the transient.