bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian reserve in women with primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Yamakami LYS , Serafini PC , de Araujo DB , Bonfá E , Leon EP , Baracat EC , Silva CA
Published: March 2014

Objective

The objective of this paper is to evaluate ovarian reserve in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) women and the association between ovarian reserve tests and clinical and laboratorial parameters, and anti-corpus luteum antibody (anti-CoL).

Methods

We screened 85 female patients between 18 to 40 years old with APS. Of these, 67 patients were excluded because of association with other autoimmune diseases ( n = 42), contraindication or unwillingness to stop hormonal contraceptive ( n = 21), current pregnancy or breastfeeding ( n = 3) and previous ovarian surgery ( n = 1). Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 PAPS patients and 24 healthy women. They were evaluated at early follicular phase with measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and sonographic antral follicle count (AFC). Serum measurement of anti-CoL was determined by immunoblot analysis. All analyses were performed after at least six months from the last intake of hormonal contraceptive and resumption of menstruation.

Results

The mean age was comparable in PAPS and controls (33.0 ± 5.0 vs. 30.4 ± 7.0 years; p = 0.19). Regarding ovarian reserve tests, the frequencies of low AFC (≤10) (56% vs. 22%, p = 0.04) and very low AFC (≤5) (37% vs. 9%, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in PAPS patients than controls. Trends of higher frequencies of reduced (<1.0 ng/ml), low (<0.5 ng/ml) and negligible (<0.2 ng/ml) AMH levels were found in PAPS patients ( p = 0.08, p = 0.07 and p = 0.07, respectively). FSH, LH and estradiol were similar in patients and controls. There was no association between low ovarian reserve and specific types of antiphospholipid antibodies. Anti-CoL was solely observed in PAPS patients (11% vs. 0%; p = 0.177) and was not related to ovarian reserve tests.

Conclusion

Women suffering from PAPS possessed reduced ovarian reserve, with prevalence greater than 50%.
An unexceptional exception: Golf, pesticides, and environmental regulation in Canada
Authors: Millington Brad , Wilson Brian
Published: March 2014

This paper features a critical examination of recent legislation banning cosmetic pesticide applications in the province of Ontario, Canada. It focuses in particular on the exemption of golf courses from the province’s Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act of 2009. Drawing from a wide range of materials, the authors first contextualize Ontario’s recent law through an overview of the historical development of pre- and post-market pesticide regulation in Canada. This includes a review of the fierce debates that have at times arisen between pro- and anti-chemical factions. From there, the authors evaluate the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act. In one sense, the law – and especially golf’s exemption from the law – is said to exemplify “environmental managerialist” decision-making, whereby governments must satisfy a “dual mandate” of promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability simultaneously. In another, related way, it is seen as demonstrative of an “ecological modernist” approach to environmental problems in which industry-led, technologically-advanced solutions are privileged above others. Taken together, golf’s “special status” in Ontario’s new pesticide legislation is deemed reflective of a wider trend towards neoliberal environmental policy making in Canada. It is also regarded in closing as a reason for future research into sport and environmental policy.
Absorption and Efficacy of Acetylsalicylic Acid in Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Faye Elodie , Drouet Ludovic , De Raucourt Emmanuelle , Green Andrew , Bal-dit-Sollier Claire , Boudaoud Larbi , Corcos Olivier , Bergmann Jean-François , Joly Francisca , Lloret-Linares Célia
Published: March 2014

Background: The patients with a short bowel (SB) frequently require antiplatelet therapy. Resection of the bowel is likely to modify the absorption and first-pass effect of drugs. No data on the absorption and efficacy of the cardiovascular dose of aspirin (75-160 mg) in these patients have been published. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a low dose of aspirin in patients with SB caused by mesenteric ischemia. Methods: The efficacy of a low dose of aspirin was assessed in 10 consecutive SB patients, both 1 hour and 24 hours after administration (peak and trough value, respectively). The primary criterion was the inhibition of platelet aggregation, as assessed by light transmission aggregometry, triggered with 0.5 mg/mL arachidonic acid. Biological efficacy of aspirin was also evaluated by serum thromboxane B2 value and by platelet function analyzer-100. Results: At its peak value, aspirin had the expected efficacy, as demonstrated both by light transmission aggregometry and the other methods. However, 24 hours after administration, as many as 30% of patients had lost the pharmacological efficacy of their aspirin. Conclusion: We show for the first time that with at least 30 cm of small intestine, all patients with SB absorb sufficient oral aspirin in a cardiovascular dose to rapidly exert the expected level of antiplatelet activity. But given only once daily, aspirin does not provide stable 24-hour antiplatelet protection in 30% of patients, because of increased platelet turnover, as usually observed in patients with extensive vascular pathology, diabetes, or inflammation.
The L.A. Live Community Benefits Agreement
Authors: Saito Leland , Truong Jonathan
Published: March 2014

A community coalition negotiated a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with a developer in 2001 for the L.A. Live sports and entertainment district, the largest project in contemporary downtown Los Angeles. The CBA included provisions for affordable housing, local hiring, and living wage jobs. It is a major change in the history of large development projects that result in the destruction of neighborhoods and displacement of residents, with few, if any, benefits going to the residents experiencing the negative effects of these projects. The L.A. Live CBA is significant because it is recognized as the nation’s first comprehensive CBA and has served as a model for CBAs across the country. This is the first study to provide an in-depth examination of the results of the CBA’s major provisions regarding affordable housing and local hiring. To explain why CBAs emerged in Los Angeles at this time, we use regime theory’s emphasis on shifts in the relative strength and interests of groups influencing development policies. We suggest that the fragmentation of growth interests in the 1990s, and the growing influence of unions, community organizations, and the Latino population, created a political opportunity for the establishment of the L.A. Live CBA.
Does fertility-specific distress vary by race/ethnicity among a probability sample of women in the United States?
Authors: Greil Arthur L , McQuillan Julia , Sanchez Delida
Published: March 2014

This study explored whether fertility-specific distress varied by race/ethnicity among a nationally representative sample of US women. Participants were 2363 White ( n = 1266), Black ( n = 569), Hispanic ( n = 453), and Asian ( n = 51) women who participated in the National Survey of Fertility Barriers. Participants were given the Fertility-Specific Distress Scale and assessed for strength of pregnancy intent, primary versus secondary infertility, and socioeconomic hardship. Black women reported lower levels of fertility-specific distress than White women, but these were fully mediated by the strength of pregnancy intentions. Primary versus secondary infertility and economic hardship were not associated with fertility-specific distress.
Effect of wall colour on the perception of classrooms
Authors: Yildirim Kemal , Cagatay Kubulay , Ayalp Nur
Published: March 2014

The objective of this research was to assess the effects of three different colours on the interior wall surfaces of classrooms on the perceptual performance of male students, taking into account of their class distinctions. A semantic differential scale composed of 11 bipolar adjectives was applied in order for students of the Incirli Vocational High School, Ankara, Turkey, to evaluate photographs of classrooms with cream, blue and pink wall surfaces. According to the results, spaces with blue walls were perceived to be more positively compared to cream or pink coloured spaces. In addition, it was determined that 9th grade students perceived the spaces more positively compared to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students at level p < 0.05. The results of the study clearly indicate that the use of different colours in interior spaces of a classroom has a statistically significant effect on the perceptual performance of the male students.
The effectiveness of retrofitted green and cool roofs at reducing overheating in a naturally ventilated office in London: Direct and indirect effects in current and future climates
Authors: Virk G. , Jansz A. , Mavrogianni A. , Mylona A. , Stocker J. , Davies M.
Published: March 2014

Mitigating summertime overheating is increasingly viewed as a key issue in urban planning – a warming climate and increasing urbanisation will exacerbate the problem. The effectiveness of green and cool roofs at reducing summertime overheating was assessed for a naturally ventilated, poorly insulated office roof in London. This was contrasted to the application of retrofitting traditional insulation. The new Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers overheating criteria was used to assess the level of overheating as predicted by a whole building thermal simulation model. The impacts of the roofing strategies were split into the direct and indirect effects. The indirect effects of the roofs were modelled using microclimatic modelling software. The results indicate the direct effects of green and cool roofs at reducing overheating are much greater than the indirect cooling effect. A non-insulated cool roof was found to be the most effective strategy. By insulating the roof, the level of overheating was slightly reduced. Non-insulated green and cool roofs were more effective than insulated roofs at reducing levels of overheating. When using a 2050 weather file, the building frequently overheated without the use of green or cool roof.
Finding a Voice
Authors: Coser Larissa Rodrigues , Tozer Kira , Van Borek Natasha , Tzemis Despina , Taylor Darlene , Saewyc Elizabeth , Buxton Jane A.
Published: March 2014

This article uses a Positive Youth Development framework to explore the experiences of six experiential youth coresearchers (YCs) in the Youth Injection Prevention (YIP) participatory research project, and the parallel track process of empowerment and capacity building that developed. The YIP project was conducted in Metro Vancouver at the BC Centre for Disease Control and community organizations serving street-involved youth. A process evaluation was conducted to explore themes in the YCs experience in the project, as well as process strengths and challenges. Semistructured interviews with the YCs, researcher field notes, and team meeting and debrief session minutes were analyzed. The YIP project appears to have exerted a positive influence on the YCs. Positive self-identities, sense of purpose, reconceptualization of intellectual ability, new knowledge and skills, supportive relationships, finding a voice, and social and self-awareness were among the positive impacts. Process strengths included team-building activities, team check-in and checkout sessions, and professional networking opportunities. Process challenges included the time required to help YCs overcome personal barriers to participation. The YIP project demonstrates that participatory research with street-involved youth is a viable research option that contributes to positive youth development and empowerment.
A proteomic analysis of excreted and circulating proteins from obese patients following two different weight-loss strategies
Authors: Alfadda Assim A , Turjoman Abdullah Arif , Moustafa Amr S , Al-Naami Mohammed Y , Chishti Muhammad A , Sallam Reem M , Gibson David , Duncan Mark W
Published: March 2014

Bariatric surgery is the most successful therapeutic approach to weight loss, but how it leads to weight loss, and how it resolves obesity-related complications, including type-2 diabetes, are poorly understood. This study, comprising two groups of individuals, one on a low-calorie diet ( n = 5) and one undergoing bariatric surgery ( n = 7), used both targeted and untargeted proteomic approaches to determine changes in protein levels pre- and post-intervention (i.e. 3–6 months later). Changes were observed in both circulating and excreted proteins following weight loss. Targeted multiplexed biochip arrays measured 12 plasma peptides/proteins involved in metabolism and inflammation: C-peptide, ferritin, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 alpha, resistin, insulin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, leptin, plasminogen-activator inhibitor-1, adiponectin, cystatin C, and C-reactive protein. Following a low-calorie diet, plasma insulin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly reduced ( P = 0.045 and P = 0.030, respectively); adiponectin increased and leptin decreased following surgery ( P = 0.014 and P = 0.005, respectively). Untargeted proteomic analysis employing 2D difference in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) showed 28 protein spots with ≥1.5-fold changes in expression following weight loss by a low-calorie diet; comparison of pre- and post-intervention urine samples from the bariatric surgery group showed changes in excretion of 110 protein spots.

The combination of targeted protein analysis by multiplexed arrays and an exploratory (i.e. an unbiased or discovery) proteomic assessment of hundreds of proteins offers valuable insights into the mechanistic differences between alternative weight-loss strategies. This is a powerful hypothesis-generating approach to study complex, multifactorial syndromes such as obesity. The findings that arise from these studies can then be validated in targeted, hypothesis-directed investigations.
Indirect surgical management of a penetrating vertebral artery injury
Authors: Pejkić Siniša , Ilić Nikola , Dragaš Marko , Dimić Andreja , Končar Igor , Cvetković Slobodan , Davidović Lazar
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Vertebral artery injury caused by penetrating neck trauma is a rare occurrence. Direct surgical repair is difficult due to anatomy and exposure. Proximal and distal ligation or/and embolization represent the most common management in cases which require intervention.

Case report

A young man accidentally stabbed in the neck was admitted to the emergency department with active arterial bleeding from the wound. Immediate surgical exploration revealed an isolated injury of the left vertebral artery intraosseous segment. Lesion was managed by proximal segment ligature and distal Fogarty catheter balloon-tamponade. Postoperative angiography excluded the need for further interventions. Balloon-catheter was successfully extracted after 72 hours and patient discharged neurologically intact on postoperative day 7. Fourteen months later, there are no signs of vascular or neurologic complications.

Conclusion

Balloon-tamponade is a valuable technical adjunct in either temporizing or definitive management of surgically inaccessible vascular trauma.
Upregulation of hepatic bile acid synthesis via fibroblast growth factor 19 is defective in gallstone disease but functional in overweight individuals
Authors: Renner Olga , Harsch Simone , Matysik Silke , Lütjohann Dieter , Schmitz Gerd , Stange Eduard F
Published: March 2014

Background:

Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is an enteric hormone regulating bile acid de novo synthesis by sensing ileal bile acid flux. However, the role of FGF19 in cholelithiasis has not yet been elucidated and therefore is investigated in the present study.

Methods:

Total mRNA and protein were isolated from ileal biopsies and used for tissue expression analysis. FGF19, 7α‐hydroxycholesterol (7α‐OH‐Chol), 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OH‐Chol), and different bile acids were determined in the blood samples.

Results:

FGF19 serum levels did not differ between gallstone carriers and controls but were significantly decreased in the overweight individuals (−32%, p  = 0.0002), irrespective of gallstone status (normalweight to overweight controls −29%, p  = 0.0017; normalweight to overweight gallstone carriers −44%, p  = 0.0338), and correlated inversely with bodyweight (p  < 0.0001, ρ = −0.3317). Compared to non‐overweight controls, apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter expression was significantly diminished in the non‐overweight gallstone carriers (−42%, P mRNA  = 0.0393; −52%, p protein  = 0.0169) as well as in the overweight controls (−24%, P mRNA =  0.0148; −43%, p protein  = 0.0017). FGF19 expression varied widely and was similar in all groups. A significant negative correlation was noted between 7α‐OH‐Chol, 27‐OH‐Chol, and FGF19 serum levels (p  < 0.01; ρ7α‐OH‐Chol  = −0.2155; ρ27‐OH‐Chol  = −0.2144) in obesity.

Conclusion:

Upregulation of hepatic bile acid synthesis via FGF 19 is defective in gallstone disease but functional in overweight individuals.
A comparison of properties of clay minerals in isalteritic and in degraded facies
Authors: Oliveira F. S. , Varajão A. F. D. C. , Varajão C. A. C. , Boulangé B.
Published: March 2014

The mineralogical, geochemical and micromorphological features of an isalteritic clay facies, which originated from weathering of an anorthosite, were compared to those of clay facies derived from the degradation of a bauxite developed from the same rock. The isalteritic clay was formed by the hydrolytic alteration of plagioclase, whereas the degraded clays were formed by decomposition of gibbsite and neoformation of kaolinite. This resilification process resulted from the reintroduction of silica via the oscillation of the phreatic level and/or the decomposition of organic matter on the surface. The degradation process was gradual and yielded two different facies: (a) degraded clays with almost total decomposition of gibbsite, and (b) degraded clays with gibbsite nodules. Morphologically, the isalteritic clays differ from the degraded clays because they contain larger hexagonal and pseudo-hexagonal crystals. The degraded clays have more irregular crystal shapes, ranging from laths to anhedral shapes.
Terra rossa as the substrate for biological phosphate removal from wastewater
Authors: Durn G. , Hrenovic J. , Sekovanic L.
Published: March 2014

Three samples of terra rossa were shown to be efficient adsorbents of phosphate [P(V)] from wastewater and removed 29.9–32.6% of P(V). The total iron content in terra rossa was the key factor which determined the P(V) removal from wastewater. The original samples of terra rossa were effective support materials for the immobilization of metabolically active P(V)-accumulating bacteriaAcinetobacter junii(0.56–2.47×1010CFU g–1). The removal of oxalate-extractable iron from original sample of terra rossa increased the number of immobilized bacteria to 1.34×10–11CFU g–1, which is the largest number of immobilized bacteria reported in the literature so far. In reactors containing theA. juniiand terra rossa P(V) was removed from wastewater by simultaneous adsorption onto terra rossa and accumulation inside bacterial cells, resulting in 40.5–62.5% of P(V) removal. Terra rossa is a promising substrate for biological P(V) removal from wastewater, acting both as adsorbent of P(V) and carrier of P(V)-accumulating bacteria.
Formation of hydroxy-interlayer vermiculite (HIV) in rhizosphere soils under German camomile cultivation and manure application
Authors: Mosleh Z. , Salehi M. H. , Rafieiolhossaini M. , Mehnatkesh A.
Published: March 2014

This study examines the effect of German camomile (Matricaria camomilla L.) cultivation on the weathering of minerals present in the clay fraction of five different soil series modified or not unmodified (control) with cattle manure. A factorial experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. At harvest time the rhizosphere soil was separated from bulk soil and the mineralogy was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Trioctahedral chlorite transformed to hydroxy-interlayer vermiculite (HIV), while kaolinite disappeared. The presence of HIV was identified by an increase in the intensity ratio of the 1.0 and 1.4 nm peaks after Na-citrate pretreatment and K-saturation. It is suggested that Al3+ is released during dissolution of kaolinite and subsequently enters into the interlayer sheet of chlorite, and consequently the brucite layer disappears. This was verified by a significant Mg2+ increase in the soil solution in three out of five experiments at harvest time compared to pre-planting. The pots amended with manure showed the same changes as the pots without manure. The results of this study may explain the presence of unexpected clay minerals in regions with unsuitable conditions for their formation.
Influence of compaction water content on the hydraulic conductivity of sandbentonite and zeolite-bentonite mixtures
Authors: Ören A. H. , Durukan S. , Kayalar A. Ş.
Published: March 2014

Although investigation of the hydraulic conductivity behaviour of zeolite-bentonite mixtures (ZBMs) has been a topic of interest for researchers recently, the influence of compaction water content on the hydraulic conductivity of ZBMs has not been studied so far. This study discusses the hydraulic conductivities of ZBMs and compares the results with those of sand-bentonite mixtures (SBMs). The hydraulic conductivities of SBMs were unaffected by compaction water content and bentonite content, but the hydraulic conductivities of ZBMs were substantially different in mixtures containing 10% and 20% bentonite. The hydraulic conductivity of 10% ZBM (i.e. containing 10% bentonite and 90% wt. zeolite) gradually decreased as the water content increased to optimum water content and then it tended to decrease rapidly when the water content exceeded the optimum. In contrast, the hydraulic conductivity of 20% ZBM sharply decreased at the early stages of compaction water content (i.e. on the dry side of optimum water content) and levelled off when the water content was at the optimum water content. However, there is at least one order of magnitude difference between the hydraulic conductivities of ZBMs and SBMs, supporting the zeolite network model as suggested in previous works.
Magnesiokoritnigite, Mg(AsO3OH)·H2O, from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile: the Mg-analogue of koritnigite
Authors: Kampf A. R. , Nash B. P. , Dini M. , Molina Donoso A. A.
Published: March 2014

The new mineral magnesiokoritnigite (IMA 2013-049), ideally Mg(AsO3OH)·H2O, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Salar Grande, Iquique Province, Chile, where it occurs as a secondary alteration phase in association with anhydrite, chudobaite, halite, lavendulan, quartz and scorodite. Crystals of magnesiokoritnigite are colourless to pale-pink, thin to thick laths up to 2 mm long. Laths are elongated on [001], flattened on {010} and exhibit the forms {010}, {110}, {10}, {101}, {031} and {01}. The crystals also occur in dense deep-pink intergrowths. Crystals are transparent with a vitreous lustre. The mineral has a white streak, Mohs hardness of ∼3, brittle tenacity, conchoidal fracture and one perfect cleavage on {101}. The measured and calculated densities are 2.95(3) and 2.935 g cm– 3, respectively. Optically, magnesiokoritnigite is biaxial (+) with α = 1.579(1), β = 1.586(1) and γ = 1.620(1) (measured in white light). The measured 2V is 50(2)° and the calculated 2V is 50°. Dispersion is r < v, medium. The optical orientation is Y ≈ b; Z ^ c = 36° in obtuse β (note pseudomonoclinic symmetry). The mineral is non-pleochroic. The empirical formula, determined from electron-microprobe analyses, is (Mg0.94Cu0.03Mn0.02Ca0.01)Σ 1.00As0.96O5H3.19. Magnesiokoritnigite is triclinic, P, with a = 7.8702(7), b = 15.8081(6), c = 6.6389(14) Å, α = 90.814(6), β = 96.193(6), γ = 90.094(7)°, V = 821.06(19) Å3 and Z = 8. The eight strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [dobs Å (I)(hkl)]: 7.96(100)(020), 4.80(54)(101), 3.791(85)(10,210,1,31), 3.242(56)(02,1,012), 3.157(92)(21,30,230), 3.021(61)(11,141,21,221), 2.798(41)(02,032) and 1.908(43)(multiple). The structure, refined to R1 = 5.74% for 2360 Fo > 4σF reflections, shows magnesiokoritnigite to be isostructural with koritnigite and cobaltkoritnigite.
Paratacamite-(Mg), Cu3(Mg,Cu)Cl2(OH)6; a new substituted basic copper chloride mineral from Camerones, Chile
Authors: Kampf A. R. , Sciberras M. J. , Leverett P. , Williams P. A. , Malcherek T. , Schlüter J. , Welch M. D. , Dini M. , Molina Donoso A. A.
Published: March 2014

Paratacamite-(Mg) (IMA 2013-014), Cu3(Mg, Cu)Cl2(OH)6, is the new Mg-analogue of paratacamite. It was found near the village of Cuya in the Camarones Valley, Arica Province, Chile. The mineral is a supergene secondary phase occurring in association with anhydrite, atacamite, chalcopyrite, copiapite, dolomite, epsomite, haydeeite, hematite, magnesite and quartz. Paratacamite-(Mg) crystals are rhombs and thick to thin prisms up to 0.3 mm in size exhibiting the forms {201} and {001}. Twinning by reflection on {10} is common. The mineral is transparent with a vitreous lustre, with medium to deep-green colour and light-green streak. Mohs hardness is 3–3½, the tenacity is brittle and the fracture is conchoidal. Paratacamite-(Mg) has one perfect cleavage on {201}. The measured and calculated densities are 3.50(2) and 3.551 g cm–3, respectively. The mineral is optically uniaxial (–) with ε = 1.785(5) and ω > 1.8 and slight pleochroism: O (bluish green) > E (green). Electron-microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula Cu3(Mg0.60Cu0.38Ni0.01Mn0.01)Cl2(OH)6. The mineral is easily soluble in dilute HCl. Paratacamite-(Mg) is trigonal, R, with cell parameters a = 13.689(1), c = 14.025(1) Å, V = 2275.8(3) Å3 and Z = 12. There is a pronounced sub-cell corresponding to a' ≈ ½a, c' ≈ c in space group Rm. The eight strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 5.469(87)(021), 4.686(26)(003), 2.904(34)(401), 2.762(100)(22,042), 2.265(81)(404), 1.819(26)(603), 1.710 (34)(440) and 1.380(19)(446). The structure was refined to R1 = 0.039 for 480 Fo > 4σF reflections. Refinement using interlayer Mg-Cu site scattering factors indicated that Mg is distributed statistically between both interlayer octahedra M1O6 and M2O6. A comparison of the distortions associated with M1O6 and M2O6 octahedra suggest that the sample is near the upper compositional limit for stability of the R phase.
Diegogattaite, Na2CaCu2Si8O20·H2O: a new nanoporous copper sheet silicate from Wessels Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Republic of South Africa
Authors: Rumsey M. S. , Welch M. D. , Kampf A. R. , Spratt J.
Published: March 2014

Diegogattaite (IMA2012-096), Na2CaCu2Si8O20·H2O, is a new mineral from the Wessels mine in the Kalahari manganese fields of South Africa. It occurs as a minor phase with other copper-bearing silicates, Cu-rich pectolite, sugilite, quartz, aegirine and undifferentiated Fe-Mn oxides. Diegogattaite is pale turquoise through teal blue. It is found as sub-mm sized grains in a main crystalline patch 3–4 mm in size, and is currently known from only one sample. The mineral is transparent with a vitreous lustre and may have a good cleavage on {001}. It is brittle, with an uneven fracture and a very pale-blue streak. It is non-fluorescent in short- and long-wave UV light and has an estimated Mohs hardness of ∼5–6. Diegogattaite is biaxial (–), α = 1.598(2), β = 1.627(2), γ = 1.632(2); 2Vmeas = 44.0(6)°, 2Vcalc = 44.5°; dispersion: strong r < v, orientation: X = b, Y ≈ ⊥(001), Z ≈ a; pleochroism X colourless << Y ≈ Z blue green. The calculated density is 3.10 g/cm3. Electron-microprobe analysis gave: Na2O 8.07, CaO 7.3, CuO 20.5, FeO 0.36, SiO262.4, H2O(calc) 2.34, total 100.97 wt.%. A charge-balanced formula on the basis of 21 oxygen a.p.f.u. is: Na2.00Ca1.00Cu1.98Fe0.04Si7.99H2O21. Diegogattaite is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 12.2439(6) Å, b = 15.7514(4) Å, c = 10.6008(3) Å, β = 125.623(2)°, V = 1661.87(10) Å3 and Z = 4. The five strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are [dobs in Å (Iobs)(hkl)]: 4.25(75)(002,22,220), 3.951(77)(040), 3.261(100)(31,13), 2.898(89)(042,03,003), 2.332(66)(331,43,62,260,043). The crystal structure of diegogattaite was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction to final agreement indices of R1 = 0.027, wR2 = 0.071 and GoF = 1.090. It represents a completely new silicate topology based upon a double-sheet of SiO4 tetrahedra composed of connected 6482 cages. The structure of diegogattaite is related to those of synthetic nanoporous Na-Cu-Si-O-(OH)-H2O (CuSH) compounds, which are of interest to the solid-state chemistry community as potential ion-exchangers, catalysts and molecular sieves. The structure of diegogattaite forms a bridge between these structures and those of the gillespite-group minerals, including wesselsite. The close spatial association of wesselsite and diegogattaite suggests a possible reaction between them that may point to a synthetic route for the production of novel alkaline-earth-based nanoporous copper silicates.
Can nanodiamonds grow in serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems? A theoretical modelling study
Authors: Manuella F. C.
Published: March 2014

Nanodiamonds can be synthesized hydrothermally in the laboratory by using a C-O-H fluid in the graphite stability field, in which the graphite/nanodiamond transition depends on the crystal size as a function of temperature. In nature, the hydrothermal circulation of seawater in serpentinites plays an important role in the carbon speciation in the oceanic crust and exposed mantle, in which hydrocarbons (mainly CH4) of abiogenic origin (via Fischer-Tropsch-type reaction) and occasionally graphite particles are detected. Can nanodiamonds nucleate and grow in serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems? To answer this question, a theoretical modelling study which compares the physico-chemical conditions in hydrothermal synthesis with those observed in modern and fossil serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems is proposed. Nanodiamonds are predicted to precipitate from a C-O-H fluid, consisting of CH4-CO2-H2O at 350 – 400°C and P<0.2 GPa near the FMQ buffer (Fayalite-Magnetite-Quartz), which are conditions compatible with those existing in serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems. In these environments, carbon-supersaturated fluids can be derived from water consumption (serpentine formation) under low water/rock ratios, which may promote the growth of nanodiamonds. This theoretical approach sheds light on the intriguing problem of carbon speciation in abyssal-type hydrothermal systems, suggesting that serpentinites may host nanodiamond deposits, even though none have been found yet.
Spessartine in compact-hematite rock, southern Serra do Espinhaço, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and genesis of compact hematite
Authors: Cabral A. R. , Tupinambá M. , Lehmann B.
Published: March 2014

Fine-grained garnet (grains <50 μm across) is an accessory component of compact hematite, a rock consisting essentially of hematite; compact hematite is a variety of high-grade Fe ore. The garnet is characterized compositionally as spessartine (81–86 mol.%) with subordinate, but significant, amounts of calderite (5–11 mol.%) and “blythite” (up to ∼5 mol.%), as well as andradite (4–7 mol.%); pyrope and almandine endmembers are ≤∼2 and 1 mol.%, respectively. The recognition of spessartine in compact hematite indicates that oxidation state, rather than whole-rock chemical composition, controlled the garnet composition. The spessartine has a positive Eu anomaly, and a low Th/U ratio (0.13–0.65) compared to the average upper continental crust, Th/U = 3.9, as well as a positive linear correlation of U vs. Li. The spessartine-hosting compact-hematite rock is a high-grade hematite ore that similarly shows a low Th/U ratio, but a convex, tetrad-like segment between Gd and Dy. Decoupling of Eu from other rare-earth elements and of U from Th in the spessartine, together with the anomalous geochemical behaviour of Gd, Tb and Dy in the compact hematite, and its low Th/U ratio, could have been achieved under oxidizing conditions at greenschist-facies metamorphic temperatures. The U and Li present in the spessartine could have been sourced from metamorphic fluids of continental, possibly evaporitic, origin. These interpretations are underpinned by the regional hematitization and tourmalinization observed in the southern Serra do Espinhaço.
The crystal structure of comancheite, Hg2+55N3–24 (OH,NH2)4(Cl,Br)34, and crystal-chemical and spectroscopic discrimination of N3– and O2– anions in Hg2+ compounds
Authors: Cooper M. A. , Abdu Y. A. , Hawthorne F. C. , Kampf A. R.
Published: March 2014

The crystal structure of comancheite, Hg2+55N3–24(OH, NH2)4(Cl,Br)34, orthorhombic, space group Pnnm, a = 18.414(5), b = 21.328(6), c = 6.6976(19) Å, V = 2630(2) Å3, Z = 1, was solved by direct methods and refined to an R1 index of 4.3% based on 4160 unique observed reflections. In the structure of comancheite, there are nine crystallographically distinct Hg2+ cations, each of which is coordinated by two N3– anions to form near-linear N3––Hg2+–N3– groups. Four other crystallographically distinct Hg2+ cations are coordinated by a mixture of N3–, O2–, (OH)– and (NH2)– anions, and there is a small amount of [Hg–Hg]2+ dimer. In addition, there are eight crystallographically distinct halogen sites, three of which are completely occupied by Cl–, and five of which are occupied by both Cl– and Br–. The principal anion, N3–, shows a strong preference for tetrahedral coordination by Hg2+, which results in a strongly bonded three-dimensional {–Hg2+–N3––} framework. This framework is both interrupted and contains large interstices that incorporate additional Hg2+ cations, a very small amount of [Hg+–Hg+]2+ dimer and additional anion species, O2–, (OH)– and (NH2)–, that coordinate Hg2+.

Comancheite was described originally as an Hg-oxide mineral. The major change in chemical composition indicated by the present work was approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (Voting Proposal 13-B). The presence of N provides some analytical challenges, particularly in the presence of Hg. New bond-valence parameters were derived for Hg2+–N3– bonds [Ro(N3–) = 1.95] using well refined Hg2+ structures, and this allows discrimination between Hg2+–O2– and Hg2+–N3– bonds based on the valence-sum rule. Comparison of the Raman spectra of several Hg-bearing minerals shows that peaks in the range 500–700 cm–1 are characteristic of Hg2+–N3– stretching vibrations whereas peaks in the range 350–500 cm–1 are characteristic of Hg2+–O2– stretching vibrations; Hg2+–O2– and Hg2+ – N3– bonds may be discriminated on this basis.
Crystal structure of a novel synthetic compound, Pb2O(OH)I, and structure refinement of ‘iodolaurionite’, Pb(OH)I: hydroxo- and oxocentred units in Pb minerals and synthetic compounds
Authors: Siidra O. I. , Zenko D. Yu. , Suknotova A. N. , Krivovichev S. V.
Published: March 2014

Yellow needles of 'iodolaurionite', Pb(OH)I, and a novel compound Pb2O(OH)I, have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions of PbO and PbI2 at 170°C. The crystal structure of 'iodolaurionite', Pb(OH)I (orthorhombic,Pnma,a= 7.8244(8),b= 4.2107(4),c= 10.4724(10) Å,V= 345.03(6) Å3,Z= 4) has been refined toR1= 0.041 for 129 independent observed reflections. The structure is based on the OHPb3triangles sharing common edges to produce single [OHPb]+ chains extending along thebaxis and parallel to theabplane. The three-dimensional integrity of the structure is provided by the Pb–I bonds and the O–H···I hydrogen bonding. The structure is isotypic with that of laurionite, Pb(OH)Cl. The crystal structure of Pb2O(OH)I (monoclinic,C2/m,a= 13.711(3),b= 4.0975(10),c= 9.584(2) Å, β = 110.64(1)°,V= 503.9(2) Å3,Z= 4), has been solved by direct methods and refined toR1= 0.053 for 586 independent observed reflections. In the structure of Pb2O(OH)I, O(1)Pb4 tetrahedra link together by sharing edges and corners to form [OPb2]2+chains similar to those observed in sidpietersite. The O(2) atoms belong to hydroxyl groups attached to both sides of the chains to produce novel [O(OH)Pb2]+1D units. The [O(OH)Pb2]+units are extended parallel to thebaxis and lie within thebcplane. The [O(OH)Pb2]+units are linked together via hydrogen bonding in the (100) plane and by weak Pb–I bonds in the [100] direction. The [O(OH)Pb2]+ bands can be obtained from the [OPb] layer of OPb4tetrahedra present in the structure of tetragonal PbO (litharge). The continuous [OPb] layer has to be broken into [O2Pb2] bands containing 3- and 4-coordinated O atoms in the 1:1 ratio with subsequent protonation of the 3-coordinated O sites. Relations of Pb(OH)I and Pb2O(OH)I to known Pb hydroxy- and oxyhalides are described briefly.
Crystal structure and topological affinities of magbasite, KBaFe3+Mg7Si8O22(OH)2F6: a trellis structure related to amphibole and carpholite
Authors: Welch M. D. , Mitchell R. H. , Kampf A. R. , Chakhmouradian A. R. , Smith D. , Carter M.
Published: March 2014

The crystal structure of magbasite from the Eldor carbonatite complex, Quebec, Canada, has been determined and indicates that the currently accepted formula should be revised to KBaFe3+Mg7Si8O22(OH)2F6. Magbasite is orthorhombic, space group Cmme (Cmma), with unit-cell parameters a 18.9506(3) Å, b 22.5045(3) Å, c 5.2780(1) Å, V 2250.93(6) Å3 (Z = 4). The structure has been solved and refined to final agreement indices R1 = 0.026, wR2 = 0.052, GooF = 1.116 for a total of 2379 unique reflections, and is a new kind of trellis motif related to amphibole and carpholite topologies. An amphibole-like I-beam ‖(100) of edge-sharing octahedrally-coordinated M(1,2,3) sites, which are filled by Mg, is sandwiched between double-chains of SiO4 tetrahedra ‖c. This I-beam is connected to side-ribbons ‖(010) of edge-sharing (Mg,Fe2+)O4(OH,F)2 and Fe3+O4(OH)2 octahedra to form a tunnelled box or trellis structure very like that of carpholite, for which the I-beams are pyroxene-like. K occupies a tunnel site analogous to the A site of amphibole. Ba occupies a cavity site at the corners where the I-beam and side-ribbon meet, and corresponds to the A site of carpholite. The structural relations between magbasite and carpholite are discussed.
Mercury-arsenic sulfosalts from the Apuan Alps (Tuscany, Italy). II. Arsiccioite, AgHg2TlAs2S6, a new mineral from the Monte Arsiccio mine: occurrence, crystal structure and crystal chemistry of the routhierite isotypic series
Authors: Biagioni C. , Bonaccorsi E. , Moëlo Y. , Orlandi P. , Bindi L. , D’Orazio M. , Vezzoni S.
Published: March 2014

The new mineral species arsiccioite, AgHg2TlAs2S6, was discovered in the baryte-pyrite-iron oxide ore deposit exploited at the Monte Arsiccio mine, near Sant’Anna di Stazzema (Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy). It occurs as anhedral grains scattered in microcrystalline baryte, associated with cinnabar, laffittite, protochabournéite, pyrite, realgar, Hg-bearing sphalerite and stibnite. Arsiccioite is red, with a metallic to sub-metallic lustre. Minimum and maximum reflectance data for COM wavelengths in air are [λ (nm):R(%)]: 471.1: 29.0/29.4; 548.3: 27.6/28.3; 586.6: 26.1/26.5; 652.3: 24.2/24.6. Electron microprobe analyses give (wt.%): Cu 0.78(6), Ag 8.68(21), Zn 0.47(27), Fe 0.04(1), Hg 35.36(87), Cd 0.20(5), Tl 18.79(33), As 10.77(19), Sb 4.75(10), S 18.08(21), Se 0.07(5), total 97.99(44). On the basis of ΣMe= 6 a.p.f.u., the chemical formula is Ag0.87(2)Cu0.13(1)Zn0.08(4)Fe0.01(1)Hg1.91(5)Cd0.02(1)Tl1.00(2)(As1.56(2)Sb0.42(1))S1.98S6.12(6)Se0.01(1). Arsiccioite is tetragonal,I2m, witha10.1386(6),c11.3441(5) Å,V1166.1(2) Å3,Z= 4. The main diffraction lines of the powder diagram are [d(in Å), visually estimated intensity,hkl]: 4.195, m, 211; 3.542, m, 103; 3.025, vs, 222; 2.636, m, 114; 2.518, s, 400 and 303. The crystal structure of arsiccioite has been refined by single-crystal X-ray data to a finalR1= 0.030, on the basis of 893 observed reflections. It shows a three dimensional framework of (Hg,Ag)- centred tetrahedra (1M1 + 2M2), with channels parallel to [001] hosting TlS6and (As,Sb)S3 disymmetric polyhedra. Arsiccioite is derived from its isotype routhieriteM1CuM2Hg2TlAs2S6through the double heterovalent substitutionM1Cu++M2Hg2+→M1Hg2++M2Ag+. This substitution obeys a steric constraint, with Ag+, the largest cation relative to Hg2+and Cu+, entering the largestM2 site. The ideal crystal chemical formula of arsiccioite isM1HgM2(Hg0.5Ag0.5)2TlAs2S6. The crystal chemistry of the routhierite isotypic series is discussed. Finally, the distribution of Hg ore minerals in the Apuan Alps is reviewed.
Klajite, MnCu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)10, from Jáchymov (Czech Republic): the second world occurrence
Authors: Plášil J. , Kasatkin A. V. , Škoda R. , Škácha P.
Published: March 2014

Klajite, MnCu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)10, the Mn-Cu-bearing member of the lindackerite group, was found in Jáchymov, Czech Republic, as the second world occurrence. It is associated with ondrušite and other arsenate minerals growing on the quartz gangue with disseminated primary sulfides, namely tennantite and chalcopyrite. Electron-microprobe data showed klajite aggregates to be chemically inhomogeneous at larger scales, varying from Mn-Ca-rich to Cu-rich domains. The chemical composition of the the Mn-rich parts of aggregates can be expressed by the empirical formula (Mn0.46Ca0.22Cu0.07Mg0.02)∑0.77(Cu3.82Mg0.14Ca0.03Zn0.01)∑4.00(As1.94Si0.06)∑2.00O8[AsO2.73(OH)1.27]2(H2O)10 (mean of seven representative spots; calculated on the basis of As + Si + P = 4 a.p.f.u. (atoms per formula unit) and 10 H2O from ideal stoichiometry), showing a slight cationic deficiency at the key Me-site. According to single-crystal X-ray diffraction, klajite from Jáchymov is triclinic, P , with a = 6.4298(8), b = 7.9716(8), c = 10.707(2) Å, α = 85.737(12)°, β = 80.994(13)°, γ = 84.982(10)°, and V = 538.85(14) Å3, Z = 1. The crystal structure was refined to R1 = 0.0628 for 1034 unique observed reflections (with Iobs > 3σ(I)), confirming that klajite (Mn-Cu member) and ondrušite (Ca-Cu member) are isostructural. The current data-set allowed determination of the positions of several hydrogen atoms. Discussion on hydrogen bonding networks in the structure of klajite as well as detailed bond-valence analysis are provided.
Therasiaite, (NH4)3KNa2Fe2+Fe3+(SO4)3Cl5, a new sulfate chloride from La Fossa Crater, Vulcano, Aeolian islands, Italy
Authors: Demartin F. , Castellano C. , Campostrini I.
Published: March 2014

The new mineral therasiaite, ideally (NH4)3KNa2Fe2+Fe3+(SO4)3Cl5, was found in a mediumtemperature (∼250°C) intracrater active fumarole at La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy. It occurs on a pyroclastic breccia as brown to dark brown equant to short prismatic crystals up to 0.1 mm in length, in association with salammoniac, kremersite and adranosite. The mineral is monoclinic, space group: Cc (no. 9) with a = 18.284(4), b = 12.073(2), c = 9.535(2) Å, β = 108.10(3)°, V = 2000.6(7) Å3 and Z = 4. The six strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are: [dobs in Å(I)(hkl)] 2.812(100)(23), 2.664(77)(13), 3.297(28)(33), 3.208(14)(2), 3.008(12)(040), 2.942(11)(331). The empirical formula (based on 17 anions per formula unit (p.f.u.)) is (NH4)2.68K1.32Na2.04Fe1.76Al0.12Mn0.12S2.98O11.95Cl5.05. The measured density is 2.41(1) g cm−3, dcalc = 2.395 g cm−3. The mineral is biaxial (−) with α= 1.585(3) β = 1.615(3) and γ = 1.630(3) (white light). Using single-crystal diffraction data, the structure was refined to a final R(F) = 0.0240 for 5574 independent observed reflections [I > 2σ(I)]. The structure of therasiaite displays a novel topology and contains two independent, distorted octahedral Fe sites, with the Fe atoms in oxidation state 3+ and 2+, respectively, each surrounded by three Cl atoms and three oxygens of the sulfate ions. The Fe octahedra and the three independent sulfate anions are connected to form chains running along [001]. Voids between the chains are occupied by three independent ammonium ions (partially replaced by K+), one K+ and two Na+ ions. The formula resulting from the structure refinement is [(NH4)2.25K0.75]KNa2Fe2(SO4)3Cl5.
A novel early precursor cell population from rat bone marrow promotes angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Brandl Andreas , Yuan Quan , Boos Anja M , Beier Justus P , Arkudas Andreas , Kneser Ulrich , Horch Raymund E , Bleiziffer Oliver
Published: March 2014

Background

Some studies demonstrated therapeutic angiogenesis attributable to the effects of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), others have reported disappointing results. This may be due to the fact that EPC populations used in these contradictory studies were selected and defined by highly variable and differing experimental protocols. Indeed, the isolation and reliable characterization of ex vivo differentiated EPC raises considerable problems due to the fact there is no biomarker currently available to specifically identify EPC exclusively. On the other hand traditional differentiation of primary immature bone marrow cells towards the endothelial lineage is a time-consuming process of up to 5 weeks. To circumvent these shortcomings, we herein describe a facile method to isolate and enrich a primary cell population from rat bone marrow, combining differential attachment methodology with cell sorting technology.

Results

The combination of these techniques enabled us to obtain a pure population of early endothelial precursor cells that show homogenous upregulation of CD31 and VEGF-R2 and that are positive for CD146. These cells exhibited typical sprouting on Matrigel™. Additionally, this population displayed endothelial tube formation when resuspended in Matrigel™ as well as in fibrin glue, demonstrating its functional angiogenic capacity. Moreover, these cells stained positive for DiI-ac-LDL and FITC-UEA, two markers that are commonly considered to stain differentiating EPCs. Based upon these observations in this study we describe a novel and time-saving method for obtaining a pure endothelial precursor cell population as early as 2–3 weeks post isolation that exhibits endothelial abilities in vitro and which still might have retained its early endothelial lineage properties.

Conclusion

The rapid isolation and the high angiogenic potential of these syngeneic cells might facilitate and accelerate the pre-vascularization of transplanted tissues and organs also in a human setting in the future.