bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leydetite, Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)11, a new uranyl sulfate mineral from Mas d’Alary, Lodève, France
Authors: J. Plášil  , Kasatkin A. V. , Škoda R. , Novák M. , Kallistová A. , Dušek M. , Skála R. , Fejfarová K. , Čejka J. , Meisser N. , Goethals H. , Machovič V. , Lapčák L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLeydetite, monoclinic Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)11(IMA 2012–065), is a new supergene uranyl sulfate from Mas d'Alary, Lodève, Hérault, France. It forms yellow to greenish, tabular, transparent to translucent crystals up to 2 mm in size. Crystals have a vitreous lustre. Leydetite has a perfect cleavage on (001). The streak is yellowish white. Mohs hardness is ∼2. The mineral does not fluoresce under long- or short-wavelength UV radiation. Leydetite is colourless in transmitted light, non-pleochroic, biaxial, with α = 1.513(2), γ = 1.522(2) (further optical properties could not be measured). The measured chemical composition of leydetite, FeO 9.28, MgO 0.37, Al2O30.26, CuO 0.14, UO340.19, SO321.91, SiO20.18, H2O 27.67, total 100 wt.%, leads to the empirical formula (based on 21 O a.p.f.u.), (Fe0.93Mg0.07Al0.04Cu0.01)Σ1.05(U1.01O2)(S1.96Si0.02)Σ1.98O8(H2O)11. Leydetite is monoclinic, space group C2/c, witha= 11.3203(3),b= 7.7293(2),c= 21.8145(8) Å, β = 102.402(3)°,V= 1864.18(10) Å3,Z= 4, and Dcalc= 2.55 g cm–3. The six strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [dobsin Å(I) (hkl)]: 10.625 (100) (002), 6.277 (1) (11), 5.321 (66) (004), 3.549 (5) (006), 2.663 (4) (008), 2.131 (2) (0 0 10). The crystal structure has been refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data toR1= 0.0224 for 5211 observed reflections with [I> 3σ(I)]. Leydetite possesses a sheet structure based upon the protasite anion topology. The sheet consists of UO7bipyramids, which share four of their equatorial vertices with SO4tetrahedra. Each SO4tetrahedron, in turn, shares two of its vertices with UO7bipyramids. The remaining unshared equatorial vertex of the bipyramid is occupied by H2O, which extends hydrogen bonds within the sheet to one of a free vertex of the SO4tetrahedron. Sheets are stacked perpendicular to the c direction. In the interlayer, Fe2+ions and H2O groups link to the sheets on either side via a network of hydrogen bonds. Leydetite is isostructural with the synthetic compound Mg(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)11. The name of the new mineral honours Jean Claude Leydet (born 1961), an amateur mineralogist from Brest (France), who discovered the new mineral.
FTIR transmission spectroscopy of sideronatrite, a sodium-iron hydrous sulfate
Authors: Della Ventura G. , Ventruti G. , Bellatreccia F. , Scordari F. , Cestelli Guidi M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper relates an infrared (IR) (6000–2500; 1400–400 cm–1) spectroscopic study of sideronatrite, Na2Fe3+(SO4)2(OH)·3H2O. Spectra in the 600–1250 cm–1 range are dominated by fundamental S–O absorption bands. Factor-group analysis based on the space group P212121(D42) is in accordance with the observed band multiplicity. A broad and convolute absorption centred around 3400 cm–1 and a sharp band at 3605 cm–1 are observed in the 2900–3900 cm–1 frequency region. The resolution of the broad band is significantly improved at liquid nitrogen temperature; seven components can be fitted to the pattern and these can be assigned to H2O/OH molecules in the structure. All components in the broad band and the sharp absorption at 3605 cm–1 are strongly polarized for E//a, in accordance with the structure analysis results. Infrared transmission spectroscopy is a useful tool to identify these sulfate minerals occurring in specific geological environments.
Src-kinase inhibitors sensitize human cells of myeloid origin to Toll-like-receptor–induced interleukin 12 synthesis
Authors: Wölfl Matthias , Schwinn Stefanie , Yoo Young-Eun , Reß Marie L. , Braun Matthias , Chopra Martin , Schreiber Susanne C. , Ayala Victor I. , Ohlen Claes , Eyrich Matthias , Beilhack Andreas , Schlegel Paul G. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
In contrast to their suppressive effects on T cells, src-kinase inhibitors strongly enhance IL-12 production in human myeloid cells. This effect is synergistic to TLR2 or TLR4 signaling, whereas inhibition of src-kinases alone does not trigger DC activation.
Personalized synthetic lethality induced by targeting RAD52 in leukemias identified by gene mutation and expression profile
Authors: Cramer-Morales Kimberly , Nieborowska-Skorska Margaret , Scheibner Kara , Padget Michelle , Irvine David A. , Sliwinski Tomasz , Haas Kimberly , Lee Jaewoong , Geng Huimin , Roy Darshan , Slupianek Artur , Rassool Feyruz V. , Wasik Mariusz A. , Childers Wayne , Copland Mhairi , Müschen Markus , Civin Curt I. , Skorski Tomasz 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
Targeting RAD52 DNA binding domain I by peptide aptamer induces synthetic lethality in BRCA-deficient leukemias. Individual patients with BRCA-deficient leukemias could be identified by genetic and epigenetic profiling.
Impact of prior specifications in a shrinkage-inducing Bayesian model for quantitative trait mapping and genomic prediction
Authors: Knürr Timo , Läärä Esa , Sillanpää Mikko J 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In quantitative trait mapping and genomic prediction, Bayesian variable selection methods have gained popularity in conjunction with the increase in marker data and computational resources. Whereas shrinkage-inducing methods are common tools in genomic prediction, rigorous decision making in mapping studies using such models is not well established and the robustness of posterior results is subject to misspecified assumptions because of weak biological prior evidence.

Methods
Here, we evaluate the impact of prior specifications in a shrinkage-based Bayesian variable selection method which is based on a mixture of uniform priors applied to genetic marker effects that we presented in a previous study. Unlike most other shrinkage approaches, the use of a mixture of uniform priors provides a coherent framework for inference based on Bayes factors. To evaluate the robustness of genetic association under varying prior specifications, Bayes factors are compared as signals of positive marker association, whereas genomic estimated breeding values are considered for genomic selection. The impact of specific prior specifications is reduced by calculation of combined estimates from multiple specifications. A Gibbs sampler is used to perform Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation (MCMC) and a generalized expectation-maximization algorithm as a faster alternative for maximum a posteriori point estimation. The performance of the method is evaluated by using two publicly available data examples: the simulated QTLMAS XII data set and a real data set from a population of pigs.

Results
Combined estimates of Bayes factors were very successful in identifying quantitative trait loci, and the ranking of Bayes factors was fairly stable among markers with positive signals of association under varying prior assumptions, but their magnitudes varied considerably. Genomic estimated breeding values using the mixture of uniform priors compared well to other approaches for both data sets and loss of accuracy with the generalized expectation-maximization algorithm was small as compared to that with MCMC.

Conclusions
Since no error-free method to specify priors is available for complex biological phenomena, exploring a wide variety of prior specifications and combining results provides some solution to this problem. For this purpose, the mixture of uniform priors approach is especially suitable, because it comprises a wide and flexible family of distributions and computationally intensive estimation can be carried out in a reasonable amount of time.
Neutrophil adhesion molecules in experimental rhinovirus infection in COPD
Authors: Mallia Patrick , Message Simon D , Contoli Marco , Gray Katrina K , Telcian Aurica , Laza-Stanca Vasile , Papi Alberto , Stanciu Luminita A , Elkin Sarah , Kon Onn M , Johnson Malcolm , Johnston Sebastian L 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
COPD exacerbations are associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation. Adhesion molecules on the surface of neutrophils may play a key role in their movement from blood to the airways. We analysed adhesion molecule expression on blood and sputum neutrophils from COPD subjects and non-obstructed smokers during experimental rhinovirus infections.

Methods
Blood and sputum were collected from 9 COPD subjects and 10 smoking and age-matched control subjects at baseline, and neutrophil expression of the adhesion molecules and activation markers measured using flow cytometry. The markers examined were CD62L and CD162 (mediating initial steps of neutrophil rolling and capture), CD11a and CD11b (required for firm neutrophil adhesion), CD31 and CD54 (involved in neutrophil transmigration through the endothelial monolayer) and CD63 and CD66b (neutrophil activation markers). Subjects were then experimentally infected with rhinovirus-16 and repeat samples collected for neutrophil analysis at post-infection time points.

Results
At baseline there were no differences in adhesion molecule expression between the COPD and non-COPD subjects. Expression of CD11a, CD31, CD62L and CD162 was reduced on sputum neutrophils compared to blood neutrophils. Following rhinovirus infection expression of CD11a expression on blood neutrophils was significantly reduced in both subject groups. CD11b, CD62L and CD162 expression was significantly reduced only in the COPD subjects. Blood neutrophil CD11b expression correlated inversely with inflammatory markers and symptom scores in COPD subjects.

Conclusion
Following rhinovirus infection neutrophils with higher surface expression of adhesion molecules are likely preferentially recruited to the lungs. CD11b may be a key molecule involved in neutrophil trafficking in COPD exacerbations.
Impact of heat shock transcription factor 1 on global gene expression profiles in cells which induce either cytoprotective or pro-apoptotic response following hyperthermia
Authors: Kus-Liśkiewicz Małgorzata , Polańska Joanna , Korfanty Joanna , Olbryt Magdalena , Vydra Natalia , Toma Agnieszka , Widłak Wiesława 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundElevated temperatures induce activation of the heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) which in somatic cells leads to heat shock proteins synthesis and cytoprotection. However, in the male germ cells (spermatocytes) caspase-3 dependent apoptosis is induced upon HSF1 activation and spermatogenic cells are actively eliminated.ResultsTo elucidate a mechanism of such diverse HSF1 activity we carried out genome-wide transcriptional analysis in control and heat-shocked cells, either spermatocytes or hepatocytes. Additionally, to identify direct molecular targets of active HSF1 we used chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) combined with promoter microarrays (ChIP on chip). Genes that are differently regulated after HSF1 binding during hyperthermia in both types of cells have been identified. Despite HSF1 binding to promoter sequences in both types of cells, strong up-regulation ofHspsand other genes typically activated by the heat shock was observed only in hepatocytes. In spermatocytes HSF1 binding correlates with transcriptional repression on a large scale. HSF1-bound and negatively regulated genes encode mainly for proteins required for cell division, involved in RNA processing and piRNA biogenesis.ConclusionsObserved suppression of the transcription could lead to genomic instability caused by meiotic recombination disturbances, which in turn might induce apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. We propose that HSF1-dependent induction of cell death is caused by the simultaneous repression of many genes required for spermatogenesis, which guarantees the elimination of cells damaged during heat shock. Such activity of HSF1 prevents transmission of damaged genetic material to the next generation.
A method for reducing the sloughing of thick blood films for malaria diagnosis
Authors: Norgan Andrew P , Arguello Heather E , Sloan Lynne M , Fernholz Emily C , Pritt Bobbi S 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe gold standard for malaria diagnosis is the examination of thick and thin blood films. Thick films contain 10 to 20 times more blood than thin films, correspondingly providing increased sensitivity for malaria screening. A potential complication of thick film preparations is sloughing of the blood droplet from the slide during staining or rinsing, resulting in the loss of sample. In this work, two methods for improving thick film slide adherence (‘scratch’ (SCM) and ‘acetone dip’ (ADM) methods) were compared to the ‘standard method’ (SM) of thick film preparation.MethodsStandardized blood droplets from 26 previously examined EDTA whole blood specimens (22 positive and four negative) were concurrently spread on glass slides using the SM, ADM, and SCM. For the SM and ADM prepared slides, the droplet was gently spread to an approximate 22 millimeters in diameter spot on the slide using the edge of a second glass slide. For the SCM, the droplet was spread by carefully grinding (or scratching) it into the slide with the point of a second glass slide. Slides were dried for one hour in a laminar flow hood. For the ADM, slides were dipped once in an acetone filled Coplin jar and allowed to air dry. All slides were then Giemsa-stained and examined in a blinded manner. Adherence was assessed by blinded reviewers.ResultsNo significant or severe defects were observed for slides prepared with the SCM. In contrast, 8 slides prepared by the ADM and 3 prepared using the SM displayed significant or severe defects. Thick films prepared by the three methods were microscopically indistinguishable and concordant results (positive or negative) were obtained for the three methods. Estimated parasitaemia of the blood samples ranged from 25 to 429,169 parasites/μL of blood.ConclusionsThe SCM is an inexpensive, rapid, and simple method that improves the adherence of thick blood films to standard glass slides without altering general slide preparation, microscopic appearance or interpretability. Using the SCM, thick films can be reliably examined less than two hours after sample receipt. This represents a significant diagnostic improvement over protocols requiring extended drying periods.
Characterization of humoral responses to soluble trimeric HIV gp140 from a clade A Ugandan field isolate
Authors: Visciano Maria Luisa , Tagliamonte Maria , Stewart-Jones Guillaume , Heyndrickx Leo , Vanham Guido , Jansson Marianne , Fomsgaard Anders , Grevstad Berit , Ramaswamy Meghna , Buonaguro Franco M , Tornesello Maria Lina , Biswas Priscilla , Scarlatti Gabriella , Buonaguro Luigi ,   NGIN Consortium
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Trimeric soluble forms of HIV gp140 envelope glycoproteins represent one of the closest molecular structures compared to native spikes present on intact virus particles. Trimeric soluble gp140 have been generated by several groups and such molecules have been shown to induce antibodies with neutralizing activity against homologous and heterologous viruses. In the present study, we generated a recombinant trimeric soluble gp140, derived from a previously identified Ugandan A-clade HIV field isolate (gp14094UG018). Antibodies elicited in immunized rabbits show a broad binding pattern to HIV envelopes of different clades. An epitope mapping analysis reveals that, on average, the binding is mostly focused on the C1, C2, V3, V5 and C5 regions. Immune sera show neutralization activity to Tier 1 isolates of different clades, demonstrating cross clade neutralizing activity which needs to be further broadened by possible structural modifications of the clade A gp14094UG018. Our results provide a rationale for the design and evaluation of immunogens and the clade A gp14094UG018 shows promising characteristics for potential involvement in an effective HIV vaccine with broad activity.
Best proximity points for Geraghty’s proximal contraction mappings
Authors: Mongkolkeha Chirasak , Cho Yeol Je , Kumam Poom 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we generalized the notion of proximal contractions of the first and second kinds by using Geraghty’s theorem and establish best proximity point theorems for proximal contractions. Our results improve and extend the recent results of Sadiq Basha and some others.

MSC:47H09, 47H10.
Prostate volume changes during permanent seed brachytherapy: an analysis of intra-operative variations, predictive factors and clinical implication
Authors: Chira Ciprian , Delouya Guila , Larrivée Sandra , Carrier Jean-Francois , Taussky Daniel 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
To determine prostate volume (Pvol) changes at 3 different time points during the course of I125 permanent seed brachytherapy (PB). To assess the impact of these changes on acute urinary retention (AUR) and dosimetric outcome.

Methods
We analyzed 149 hormone-naïve patients. Measurements of the prostate volume were done using three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound (3D-TRUS) in the operating room before insertion of any needle (V1), after the insertion of 2 fixation needles with a harpoon (V2) and upon completion of the implant (V3). The quality of the implant was analyzed with the D90 (minimum dose in Grays received by 90% of the prostate volume) at day 30.

Results
Mean baseline prostate volume (V1) was 37.4 ± 9.6 cc. A volume increase of >5% was seen in 51% between V1-V2 (mean = 2.5 cc, p < 0.01), in 42% between V2-V3 (mean = 1.9 cc, p < 0.01) and in 71% between V1-V3 (mean = 4.5 cc, p < 0.01). Pvol changes caused by insertion of the fixation needles were not statistically different than those caused by the implant itself (p = 0.23).
In multivariate linear regression analysis, baseline Pvol is predictive of Pvol changes between V2 and V1 and V3 and V1 but not between V3 and V2. The extent of prostate swelling had an influence on D90. An increase of 10% in prostate volume between V1 and V2 results in an increase of D90 at Day 30 by 11.7%. Baseline Pvol (V1) was the only predictor of the duration of urinary retention in both univariate and multivariate (p = 0.04) regression analysis.

Conclusions
A large part of intraoperative swelling occurs already after the insertion of the fixation needles. This early prostate swelling predicts for D90 but not for AUR.
Freshwater microalgae harvested via flocculation induced by pH decrease
Authors: Liu Jiexia , Zhu Yi , Tao Yujun , Zhang Yuanming , Li Aifen , Li Tao , Sang Ming , Zhang Chengwu 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent studies have demonstrated that microalga has been widely regarded as one of the most promising raw materials of biofuels. However, lack of an economical, efficient and convenient method to harvest microalgae is a bottleneck to boost their full-scale application. Many methods of harvesting microalgae, including mechanical, electrical, biological and chemical based, have been studied to overcome this hurdle.

Results
A new flocculation method induced by decreasing pH value of growth medium was developed for harvesting freshwater microalgae. The flocculation efficiencies were as high as 90% for Chlorococcum nivale, Chlorococcum ellipsoideum and Scenedesmus sp. with high biomass concentrations (>1g/L). The optimum flocculation efficiency was achieved at pH 4.0. The flocculation mechanism could be that the carboxylate ions of organic matters adhering on microalgal cells accepted protons when pH decreases and the negative charges were neutralized, resulting in disruption of the dispersing stability of cells and subsequent flocculation of cells. A linear correlation between biomass concentration and acid dosage was observed. Furthermore, viability of flocculated cells was determined by Evans Blue assay and few cells were found to be damaged with pH decrease. After neutralizing pH and adding nutrients to the flocculated medium, microalgae were proved to maintain a similar growth yield in the flocculated medium comparing with that in the fresh medium. The recycling of medium could contribute to the economical production from algae to biodiesel.

Conclusions
The study provided an economical, efficient and convenient method to harvest fresh microalgae. Advantages include capability of treating high cell biomass concentrations (>1g/L), excellent flocculation efficiencies (≥ 90%), operational simplicity, low cost and recycling of medium. It has shown the potential to overcome the hurdle of harvesting microalgae to promote full-scale application to biofuels from microalgae.
The role of interleukin 17 in Crohn’s disease-associated intestinal fibrosis
Authors: Biancheri Paolo , Pender Sylvia LF , Ammoscato Francesca , Giuffrida Paolo , Sampietro Gianluca , Ardizzone Sandro , Ghanbari Amir , Curciarello Renata , Pasini Alessandra , Monteleone Giovanni , Corazza Gino R , MacDonald Thomas T , Di Sabatino Antonio 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17E (also known as IL-25) have been implicated in fibrosis in various tissues. However, the role of these cytokines in the development of intestinal strictures in Crohn’s disease (CD) has not been explored. We investigated the levels of IL-17A and IL-17E and their receptors in CD strictured and non-strictured gut, and the effects of IL-17A and IL-17E on CD myofibroblasts.ResultsIL-17A was significantly overexpressed in strictured compared with non-strictured CD tissues, whereas no significant difference was found in the expression of IL-17E or IL-17A and IL-17E receptors (IL-17RC and IL-17RB, respectively) in strictured and non-strictured CD areas. Strictured CD explants released significantly higher amounts of IL-17A than non-strictured explants, whereas no difference was found as for IL-17E, IL-6, or tumor necrosis factor-α production. IL-17A, but not IL-17E, significantly inhibited myofibroblast migration, and also significantly upregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and collagen production by myofibroblasts from strictured CD tissues.ConclusionsOur results suggest that IL-17A, but not IL-17E, is pro-fibrotic in CD. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the therapeutic blockade of IL-17A through the anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody secukinumab is able to counteract the fibrogenic process in CD.
Introducing a new measure for assessing self-efficacy in response to air pollution hazards for pregnant women
Authors: Araban Marzieh , Tavafian Seddigheh Sadat , Zarandi Saeid Motesaddi , Hidarnia Ali Reza , Gohari Mahmood Reza , Prochaska Janice M , Laluie Afsaneh , Montazeri Ali 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA self-efficacy instrument should be condition-specific. There are several instruments for measuring self-efficacy, but none are air pollution-specific. This study aimed to develop a self-efficacy measure for assessing pregnant women’s responses to air pollution hazards. A random sample of pregnant women aged between 18 and 35 years attending three prenatal care centers were entered into the study. Prenatal care centers randomly selected from a list of centers located in different geographical regions of Tehran, Iran. After careful consideration and performing content and face validity, a 4-item measure was developed and participants completed the questionnaire. Reliability was estimated using internal consistency and validity was assessed by performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and known group comparison. In all 200 eligible pregnant women were studied. The mean age of participants was 26.9 (SD = 4.8) years and it was 27.9 (SD = 9.1) weeks for gestational age. The findings showed almost perfect results for both content validity ratio (CVR = 1) and content validity index (CVI = 1). The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit to the data, and known group comparison revealed satisfying results. Internal consistency as measured by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.74. In general, the findings suggest that this new generated scale is a reliable and valid specific measure of self-efficacy in response to air pollution hazards for pregnant women. However, further studies are needed to establish stronger psychometric properties for the questionnaire.