bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Mercury Poisoning in a Group of School Children
Authors: Güngör Olcay , Özkaya Ahmet Kağan , Kirik Serkan , Dalkiran Tahir , Güngör Gülay , Işikay Sedat , Davutoğlu Mehmet , Dilber Cengiz 
Published: December 2016

Objective
Elemental mercury is a toxic liquid element that is used widely in the home, medicine, agriculture, and industry. It is readily vaporized and inhaled at room temperature. Thereby, inhalation can cause acute or chronic poisoning. Mercury can be found in environmental naturally find but some dangers sources give rise to contaminations. It can be very dangerous to all living organisms, especially children.

Methods
This study presents the features of mercury poisoning in a group of pediatric cases. Data were obtained for 29 pediatric cases exposed to elemental mercury in a high school chemistry laboratory in Turkey. Patients with a blood mercury level exceeding 10 μg/L or a urine mercury level exceeding 15 μg/L were considered to have mercury poisoning. The patients were treated with 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonic acid or D-penicillamine.

Results
Twenty-nine children with mercury poisoning were admitted to the hospital. The median duration of exposure was 58 (range, 15–120) minutes. Ten (29%) children were asymptomatic. Physical and neurological examinations were normal in 19 (65.5%) children. The most common presenting complaint was headache. The most common neurological abnormality, partly dilated/dilated pupils, was present in 9 (31%) children. Mercury levels were measured in blood samples every 5 days, and the median blood mercury level was 51.98 (range, 24.9–86.4) μg/L. There was a positive correlation between the duration of exposure and maximum blood/urine mercury levels (P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Elemental mercury exposure is potentially toxic; its symptomatology varies, especially in children. Secure storage of mercury and other toxic substances and provision of information about this subject to individuals who might be exposed to mercury and their families might help to prevent mercury poisoning.
Extremely Small Pseudoparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle as a Novel Blood Pool T1 Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agent for 3 T Whole-Heart Coronary Angiography in Canines
Authors: Park Eun-Ah , Lee Whal , So Young Ho , Lee Yun-Sang , Jeon Bong-sik , Choi Kyu Sung , Kim Eung-gyu , Myeong Wan-Jae 
Published: December 2016

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate an extremely small pseudoparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (ESPIO), KEG3, as a potential blood pool agent in 3 T coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in canine models and compare its efficacy to that of a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

Materials and Methods
Nine mongrel dogs were subjected to whole-heart coronary MRA in 2 separate sessions at 7-day intervals with a 3 T scanner using the FLASH sequence with either gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) or the ESPIO (KEG3). Coronary MRA was performed twice at each MR examination: the first scan during the administration of the contrast agent and the subsequent second scan at 15 minutes after contrast injection. Objective measurements of the Gd-DOTA and ESPIO images, including the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for the coronary arteries and cardiac veins, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between the vessels and fat (CNRfat) and the vessels and the myocardium (CNRmyocardium), and subjective image quality scores on a 4-point scale were evaluated and compared.

Results
The mean SNRs and CNRs of all vascular regions in the ESPIO images were similar to those of the corresponding regions in the Gd-DOTA images in the first scan (98.1 ± 32.5 vs 79.1 ± 38.4 for SNR of coronary arteries, P = 0.3; 74.2 ± 30.1 vs 61.4 ± 38.5 for CNR, P = 0.7) and more than 2 times higher than the latter in the second scan (95.2 ± 31.3 vs 32.1 ± 8.1 for SNR of coronary arteries, P = 0.008; 76.1 ± 35.8 vs 17.6 ± 19.2 for CNR, P 0.008). Similarly, the mean values of the subjective measurements of the ESPIO images were similar to those of the Gd-DOTA images (3.9 ± 0.3 vs 3.3 ± 0.8 for coronary arteries, P = 0.1) in the first scan and significantly better than the latter in the second scan (3.9 ± 0.2 vs 2.1 ± 0.6 for coronary arteries, P = 0.007).

Conclusions
The experimental blood pool agent KEG3 offers equivalent image quality for whole-heart coronary MRA at 3 T upon contrast administration and persistent better quality in the subsequent scans, compared with a traditional extracellular gadolinium-based contrast agent.
Application of microtomography and image analysis to the quantification of fragmentation in ceramics after impact loading
Authors: Forquin Pascal , Ando Edward 
Published: December 2016

Silicon carbide ceramics are widely used in personal body armour and protective solutions. However, during impact, an intense fragmentation develops in the ceramic tile due to high-strain-rate tensile loadings. In this work, microtomography equipment was used to analyse the fragmentation patterns of two silicon carbide grades subjected to edge-on impact (EOI) tests. The EOI experiments were conducted in two configurations. The so-called open configuration relies on the use of an ultra-high-speed camera to visualize the fragmentation process with an interframe time set to 1 µs. The so-called sarcophagus configuration consists in confining the target in a metallic casing to avoid any dispersion of fragments. The target is infiltrated after impact so the final damage pattern is entirely scanned using X-ray tomography and a microfocus source. Thereafter, a three-dimensional (3D) segmentation algorithm was tested and applied in order to separate fragments in 3D allowing a particle size distribution to be obtained. Significant differences between the two specimens of different SiC grades were noted. To explain such experimental results, numerical simulations were conducted considering the Denoual–Forquin–Hild anisotropic damage model. According to the calculations, the difference of crack pattern in EOI tests is related to the population of defects within the two ceramics.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates’.
Ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete under impact: experimental analysis of the mechanical response in extreme conditions and modelling using the Pontiroli, Rouquand and Mazars model
Authors: Erzar Benjamin , Pontiroli Christophe , Buzaud Eric 
Published: December 2016

To evaluate the vulnerability of ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) infrastructure to rigid projectile penetration, over the last few years CEA-Gramat has led an experimental and numerical research programme in collaboration with French universities. During the penetration process, concrete is subjected to extreme conditions of pressure and strain rate. Plasticity mechanisms as well as dynamic tensile and/or shear damage are activated during the tunnelling phase and the cratering of the concrete target. Each mechanism has been investigated independently at the laboratory scale and the role of steel fibres especially has been analysed to understand their influence on the macroscopic behaviour. To extend the experimental results to the structural scale, penetration tests on UHPFRC slabs have been conducted by CEA-Gramat. The analysis of this dataset combined with material characterization experiments allows the role of steel fibres to be identified in the different plasticity and damage mechanisms occurring during penetration. In parallel, some improvements have been introduced into the concrete model developed by Pontiroli, Rouquand and Mazars (PRM model), especially to take into account the contribution made by the fibres in the tensile fracture process. After a primary phase of validation, the capabilities of the PRM model are illustrated by performing numerical simulations of projectile penetration into UHPFRC concrete structures.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates’.
Experimental and numerical study of drill bit drop tests on Kuru granite
Authors: Fourmeau Marion , Kane Alexandre , Hokka Mikko 
Published: December 2016

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study of Kuru grey granite impacted with a seven-buttons drill bit mounted on an instrumented drop test machine. The force versus displacement curves during the impact, so-called bit–rock interaction (BRI) curves, were obtained using strain gauge measurements for two levels of impact energy. Moreover, the volume of removed rock after each drop test was evaluated by stereo-lithography (three-dimensional surface reconstruction). A modified version of the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook (MHJC) material model was calibrated using Kuru granite test results available from the literature. Numerical simulations of the single drop tests were carried out using the MHJC model available in the LS-DYNA explicit finite-element solver. The influence of the impact energy and additional confining pressure on the BRI curves and the volume of the removed rock is discussed. In addition, the influence of the rock surface shape before impact was evaluated using two different mesh geometries: a flat surface and a hyperbolic surface. The experimental and numerical results are compared and discussed in terms of drilling efficiency through the mechanical specific energy.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates’.
Preliminary investigation of Incorporation and Viability of Crystal Violet inAspergillus flavus
Authors: de Paula Luanda Caroline Parreira , Franco Daniel Guerra , Marchetti Clarice Rossatto , Giannesi Giovana Cristina , Zanoelo Fabiana Fonseca , de Oliveira Carla Santos 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe abusive use of antimicrobials have caused resistance in the microorganisms. Therefore, inovations in research of modern microbiology developed the photodynamic inactivation that is non-toxic and do not promote microbian resistance since it has multiples action sites. When a photoactive molecule is activated by light, it becomes more toxic for the microorganism than for the human cells, increasing the phototoxic effect against such cells. We tested the incorporation of the photosensitizer crystal violet byAspergillus flavusand its viability in different periods of time of incubation (6 and 18 hours), concentrations of crystal violet (4μM, 10μM e 15 μM) and different conditions (resting and agitation). We also tested the photoinactivation ofAspergillus flavuscontaining crystal violet. The incorporation rate does not depend on the concentration of CV neither on the condition of incubation. It depends exclusively on the medium, since it presented higher values in lack ingredients medium. The assays of viability of fungi after exposure to crystal violet show that there is fungic growth when samples are maintained in the dark. However, when the culture were submitted to excitation via laser, there was a decrease in the biomass growth, which indicates that there was photodynamic inactivation of the fungi.
Detecting telomere elongation in longitudinal datasets: Analysis of a proposal by Simons, Stulp and Nakagawa
Authors: Nettle Daniel , Bateson Melissa 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTelomere shortening has emerged as an important biomarker of aging. Longitudinal studies consistently find that, although telomere length shortens over time on average, there is a subset of individuals for whom telomere length is observed to increase. This apparent lengthening could either be a genuine biological phenomenon, or simply due to measurement and sampling error. Simons, Stulp and Nakagawa [Biogerontology15: 99-103, 2014] recently proposed a statistical test for detecting when the amount of apparent lengthening in a dataset exceeds that which should be expected due to error, and thus indicating that genuine elongation may be operative in some individuals. The test is however based on a restrictive assumption, namely that each individual’s true rate of telomere change is constant over time. It is not currently known whether this assumption is true. Here we show, using simulated datasets, that with perfect measurement and large sample size, the test has high power to detect true lengthening as long as the true rate of shortening is either constant, or moderately stable, over time. If the true rate of lengthening varies randomly from year to year, the test systematically returns type-II errors. We also consider the impact of measurement error. Using estimates of the magnitude of annual attrition and of measurement error derived from the human telomere literature, we show that power of the test is likely to be low in several empirically-realistic scenarios, even in large samples. Thus, whilst a significant result of the proposed test is likely to indicate that true lengthening is present in a data set, type-II errors are a likely outcome, either if measurement error is substantial, and/or the true rate of attrition varies substantially over time within individuals.
CTCF and Cohesin Regulate Chromatin Loop Stability with Distinct Dynamics
Authors: Hansen Anders S. , Pustova Iryna , Cattoglio Claudia , Tjian Robert , Darzacq Xavier 
Published: December 2016

Abstract/summaryFolding of mammalian genomes into spatial domains is critical for gene regulation. CTCF and cohesin control domain location by folding domains into loop structures, which are thought to be highly stable. Combining genomic, biochemical and single-molecule imaging approaches, we show that although CTCF and cohesin can physically interact, CTCF binds chromatin much more dynamically than cohesin (~1 minvs.~22 min residence time). Moreover, after unbinding, CTCF quickly rebinds another cognate site unlike cohesin (~1 minvs.~33 min). Thus, CTCF and cohesin form a rapidly exchanging “dynamic complex” rather than a typical stable complex. Since CTCF and cohesin are required for loop domain formation, our results suggest that chromatin loops constantly break and reform throughout the cell cycle.
Navigating the “delicate relationship between empathy and critical distance”
Authors: Simon Rob , Evis Sarah , Walkland Ty , Kalan Amir , Baer Pamela 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
This paper features artwork and artists’ statements by middle school students who participated in a research collaboration that involved co-authoring critical literacy curriculum for Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel Maus: A Survivors Tale (1986) with teacher candidates from the University of Toronto.

Design/methodology/approach
Youth explored personal and social justice issues through writing and artwork produced in response to Maus. In the process, they navigated what historian Dominick LaCapra (1998) has referred to as the “delicate relationship between empathy and critical distance” (pp. 4-5), between closely identifying with the agonizing experiences Spiegelman documents and using their inquiries to cultivate more critical positionalities and assume activist stances on historical and contemporary social justice issues.

Findings
As they describe in their brief statements included alongside their artwork, creating these projects allowed youth to bear witness to a terrible moment in human history and to envision how they can make a difference in their own communities.

Originality/value
This work suggests how the arts can be mobilized in critical literacy as a vehicle to interrogate difficult historical moments and multifaceted identity issues.
Effect of nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum productivity in dairy cows
Authors: Hirabayashi Haruhi , Kawashima Kenji , Okimura Tomoko , Tateno Ayane , Suzuki Akitsu , Asakuma Sadaki , Isobe Naoki , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa , Kushibiki Shiro 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine the effects of differing nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum metabolism and milk production in lactating cows. Twenty‐six multiparous cows were assigned to three dietary treatments in the far‐off period: a low‐energy diet (L, n = 9, 80% intake of the total digestible nutrients requirement), a moderate‐energy diet (M, n = 8, 105%) and a high‐energy diet (H, n = 9, 130%). During the close‐up period, all cows were provided with 105% intake. After parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet. The BCS recovery was slow, and low milk yield was found in the H group. In the L group, BCS recovery was favorable after parturition, and lactation persistence was increased. The L group had low rumen endotoxin activity and a high initial ovulation rate after parturition. These findings indicate that a high‐energy diet during the far‐off period has a deleterious effect on milk production. In contrast, the restricted diet in the far‐off period increased adaptability with respect to peri‐parturition metabolic changes, improved the post‐parturition nutritional state, and increased milk production. Furthermore, it suggests that the nutrient levels in the far‐off period affect rumen endotoxin activity and reproductive function after parturition.
Possible genes responsible for developmental delay observed in patients with rare 2q23q24 microdeletion syndrome: Literature review and description of an additional patient
Authors: Shimojima Keiko , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCases of 2q23q24 microdeletion syndrome are rare. Patients with chromosomal deletions in this region often show language impairment and/or developmental delay of variable severity. Previous genotype–phenotype correlation study suggested GALNT13 and KCNJ3 as possible candidate genes for such phenotypes. We identified a new overlapping deletion in a patient with severe developmental delay. The identified deletion extended toward the distal 2q24.1 region, and more severe phenotypes in the present patient were considered to be related to the additionally deleted genes including NR4A2 and GPD2. Previously reported chromosomal translocation and the mutation identified in GPD2 suggested that this gene would be responsible for the developmental delay. Re‐evaluation for the critical region for behavior abnormalities commonly observed in the patients with overlapping deletions of this region suggested that KCNJ3 rather than GALNT13 may be responsible for abnormal behaviors, although there was phenotypic variability. Combinatory deletions involving KCNJ3 and GPD2 may lead to more severe developmental delay. Further studies would be necessary to establish clearer genotype–phenotype correlation in patients with 2q23q24 microdeletion syndrome.
Incorporation of log odds of positive lymph nodes into the AJCC TNM classification improves prediction of survival in oral cancer
Authors: Lee C.‐C. , Lin Y.‐S. , Kang B.‐H. , Chang K.‐P. , Chi C.‐C. , Lin M.‐Y. , Su H.‐H. , Chang T.‐S. , Chen H.‐C. , Chen P.‐C. , Huang W.‐L. , Huang C.‐I. , Chou P. , Yang C.‐C. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the prognostic performance of a new N classification that incorporates the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) into the routinely used pathological N classification for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients.DesignRetrospective cohort study utilising LODDS into pN category was performed, and the AJCC TNM stage and T‐New N‐M stage were compared with respect to 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates. The discriminability was evaluated from the linear trend chi‐square test, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Harrell's c‐statistic.SettingMedical centrer in Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 463 patients received primary surgery and neck dissection between 2004 and 2013 for OSCC.Main outcome measuresThe discriminability for 5‐year DSS rates.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 54 months, the mean patient age was 54 ± 11 years and 428 patients (92.4%) were male. The patients with higher LODDS had worse 5‐year DSS rates. Incorporation of LODDS into the prognostic model based on the seventh edition of the TNM classification significantly improved discriminative performance for 5‐year DSS with a lower AIC (1883 versus 1897), and higher prediction accuracy (Harrell's c‐statistic: 0.768 versus 0.764).ConclusionsBy utilising a merger of the LODDS and pN classifications to create a new N classification has better discriminatory and predictive ability than pathological TNM staging and could help identify high‐risk patients for intense adjuvant therapy.
Origin and evolutionary implications of introns from analysis of cellulose synthase gene
Authors: Bhattachan Punit , Dong Bo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSpliceosomal introns are present in diverse eukaryotic but not prokaryotic genes. However, their evolutionary origin is still arguable. Here, we address this question through an analysis of the cellulose synthase gene, which is present only in urochordate among the animal lineages due to horizontal transfer from a bacterial ancestor in the distant past. We hypothesize that this gene in urochordate contains primordial intron positions and attempted to find them by comparisons with the plant cellulose synthase gene intron positions. However, we could not find distinct conservation of intron positions; therefore, we believe that there was only random insertion of introns in the urochordate cellulose synthase gene. In addition, the protosplice site tendency to conserved phase zero intron positions in urochordates is only 54%, compared with 76% in plants. This shows independent origins of introns in the cellulose synthase gene of urochordates and plants during eukaryotic evolution. Therefore, we concluded that intron origin is a eukaryotic invention.
Oxygen isotope characteristics of chondrules from the Yamato‐82094 ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite: Further evidence for common O‐isotope environments sampled among carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Tenner T. J. , Kimura M. , Kita N. T. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHigh‐precision secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was employed to investigate oxygen three isotopes of phenocrysts in 35 chondrules from the Yamato (Y) 82094 ungrouped 3.2 carbonaceous chondrite. Twenty‐one of 21 chondrules have multiple homogeneous pyroxene data (∆17O 3SD analytical uncertainty: 0.7‰); 17 of 17 chondrules have multiple homogeneous pyroxene and plagioclase data. Twenty‐one of 25 chondrules have one or more olivine data matching coexisting pyroxene data. Such homogeneous phenocrysts (1) are interpreted to have crystallized from the final chondrule melt, defining host O‐isotope ratios; and (2) suggest efficient O‐isotope exchange between ambient gas and chondrule melt during formation. Host values plot within 0.7‰ of the primitive chondrule mineral (PCM) line. Seventeen chondrules have relict olivine and/or spinel, with some δ17O and δ18O values approaching −40‰, similar to CAI or AOA‐like precursors. Regarding host chondrule data, 22 of 34 have Mg#s of 98.8–99.5 and ∆17O of −3.9‰ to −6.1‰, consistent with most Acfer 094, CO, CR, and CV chondrite chondrules, and suggesting a common reduced O‐isotope reservoir devoid of 16O‐poor H2O. Six Y‐82094 chondrules have ∆17O near −2.5‰, with Mg#s of 64–97, consistent with lower Mg# chondrules from Acfer 094, CO, CR, and CV chondrites; their signatures suggest precursors consisting of those forming Mg# ~99, ∆17O: −5‰ ± 1‰ chondrules plus 16O‐poor H2O, at high dust enrichments. Three type II chondrules plot slightly above the PCM line, near the terrestrial fractionation line (∆17O: ~+0.1‰). Their O‐isotopes and olivine chemistry are like LL3 type II chondrules, suggesting they sampled ordinary chondrite‐like chondrule precursors. Finally, three Mg# >99 chondrules have ∆17O of −6.7‰ to −8.1‰, potentially due to 16O‐rich refractory precursor components. The predominance of Mg# ~99, ∆17O: −5‰ ± 1‰ chondrules and a high chondrule‐to‐matrix ratio suggests bulk Y‐82094 characteristics are closely related to anhydrous dust sampled by most carbonaceous chondrite chondrules.