bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rare-earth element distribution in the metabasic rocks of the Land's End granite aureole, SW England
Authors: Mitropoulos P. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractRock samples from the various metabasic hornfelses of the Land's End granite aureole were analysed for major elements by X-ray fluorescence analysis and for rare-earth elements (REE) by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The REE patterns of the unaltered dolerites of the area seem to be analogous to those of the alkali basalts, taking into account a slight mobilization of the light REE during low-grade metamorphism.The REE content of the metabasic rocks of the aureole has increased relative to that of the unaltered dolerites due to the introduction of REE, along with K, from the granite by the action of hydrothermal solutions. The parallel increase in REE with the increase in K is demonstrated.The metasomatic hornfelses of igneous origin form two groups showing slightly different REE patterns and different rates of increase in REE content. The REE patterns of the two groups show a Eu anomaly increasing with the increase in REE content for the first group and decreasing with the increase in REE content for the second group, A qualitative model of the distribution of the REE in the metabasic aureole rocks is given.
The influence of crystallinity on the Mössbauer spectrum of lepidocrocite
Authors: Murad Enver , Schwertmann Udo 
Published: December 2006

AbstractParticle morphology can result in very pronounced effects of crystallinity on the Mössbauer spectra of lepidocrocite. Such effects can noticeably increase the quadrupole splitting of poorly crystallized paramagnetic lepidocrocites, making it necessary to fit two doublets of different quadrupole splittings to Mössbauer spectra of such samples, and may lower the onset of magnetic ordering from the bulk Néel temperature of 77 ±1 K to about 50 K.At 4.2 K, distributions of magnetic hyperfine fields with a limiting upper field of 460 kOe are observed. The contributions of lower fields to such distributions increase with decreasing crystallinity, producing asymmetrically broadened resonant lines.
The paragenesis of contrasting habits of calcite and aragonite-calcite associations from Kulnura, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: England Brian M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFine radiating groups of columnar aragonite crystals occur in a basaltic pipe at Kulnura, New South Wales, associated with calcite in habits varying from simple rhombohedra to complex spherulitic groups. It is proposed that the presence of impurities, especially magnesium, induced the crystallization of aragonite and was also responsible for the variety of calcite crystal habits present. Two distinct growth environments are indicated: steam-explosion breccia pipes containing aragonite and calcite showing an advanced stage of spherulitic growth; and vesicles with calcite in varying stages of spherulitic growth. This paper presents a preliminary study based on available material and on observations made in situ while access to the locality was still possible.
The crystal structure of caratiite
Authors: Effenberger Herta , Zemann Josef 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe crystal structure of caratiite, K4Cu4O2 (SO4)4MeCl (a 13.60(2), c 4.98(1) Å, Z = 2) was solved in space group I4 from single crystal data, and refined to R = 0.035 for 654Fo > 6σ(Fo). The atomic arrangement is characterized by Cu2O(SO4)2 chains parallel to [001], with Cu in (4 + 1) co-ordination and O surrounded tetrahedrally by four Cu atoms. These chains are interconnected by K atoms to a framework, the channels of which house the Me and Cl atoms. The nature of the Me atoms is not completely clear; most probably the position is half occupied by Cu, fully occupied by Na, or occupied by a mixture of the two.
Prognostic value of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody features (Ig isotype, titer, and inhibitory effect) in a cohort of 35 adult French patients undergoing a first episode of thrombotic microangiopathy with undetectable ADAMTS13 activity
Authors: Ferrari Silvia , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Rieger Manfred , Mudde Geert , Wolf Martine , Coppo Paul , Girma Jean-Pierre , Azoulay Elie , Brun-Buisson Christian , Fakhouri Fadi , Mira Jean-Paul , Oksenhendler Eric , Poullin Pascale , Rondeau Eric , Schleinitz Nicolas , Schlemmer Benoit , Teboul Jean-Louis , Vanhille Philippe , Vernant Jean-Paul , Meyer Dominique , Veyradier Agnès ,   for the French and Clinical Biological Network on Adult Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Published: December 2006

Abstract
To study both the pathophysiologic and the prognostic value of ADAMTS13 in thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), we enrolled a cohort of 35 adult patients combining a first acute episode of TMA, an undetectable (below 5%) ADAMTS13 activity in plasma, and no clinical background such as sepsis, cancer, HIV, and transplantation. All patients were treated by steroids and plasma exchange, and an 18-month follow-up was scheduled. Remission was obtained in 32 patients (91.4%), and 3 patients died (8.6%) after the first attack. At presentation, ADAMTS13 antigen was decreased in 32 patients (91.4%), an ADAMTS13 inhibitor was detectable in 31 patients (89%), and an anti-ADAMTS13 IgG/IgM/IgA was present in 33 patients (94%). The 3 decedent patients were characterized by the association of several anti-ADAMTS13 Ig isotypes, including very high IgA titers, while mortality was independent of the ADAMTS13 inhibitor titer. In survivors, ADAMTS13 activity in remission increased to levels above 15% in 19 patients (59%) but remained undetectable in 13 patients (41%). Six patients relapsed either once or twice (19%) during the follow-up. High levels of inhibitory anti-ADAMTS13 IgG at presentation were associated with the persistence of an undetectable ADAMTS13 activity in remission, the latter being predictive for relapses within an 18-month delay.
Disease-associated mutations in CIAS1 induce cathepsin B–dependent rapid cell death of human THP-1 monocytic cells
Authors: Fujisawa Akihiro , Kambe Naotomo , Saito Megumu , Nishikomori Ryuta , Tanizaki Hideaki , Kanazawa Nobuo , Adachi Souichi , Heike Toshio , Sagara Junji , Suda Takashi , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Miyachi Yoshiki 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Mutations in the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene are associated with a spectrum of autoinflammatory diseases, including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, Muckle-Wells syndrome, and chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular syndrome, also known as neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease. CIAS1 encodes cryopyrin, a protein that localizes to the cytosol and functions as pattern recognition receptor. Cryopyrin also participates in nuclear factor-κB regulation and caspase-1–mediated maturation of interleukin 1β. In this study, we showed that disease-associated mutations in CIAS1 induced rapid cell death of THP-1 monocytic cells. The features of cell death, including 7-AAD staining, the presence of cellular edema, and early membrane damage resulting in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, indicated that it was more likely to be necrosis than apoptosis, and was effectively blocked with the cathepsin B–specific inhibitor CA-074-Me. CA-074-Me also suppressed induced by disease-associated mutation lysosomal leakage and mitochondrial damage. In addition, R837, a recently identified activator of cryopyrin-associated inflammasomes, induced cell death in wild type CIAS1-transfected THP-1 cells. These results indicated that monocytes undergo rapid cell death in a cathepsin B–dependent manner upon activation of cryopyrin, which is also a specific phenomenon induced by disease-associated mutation of CIAS1.
Combined deficiencies in Bruton tyrosine kinase and phospholipase Cγ2 arrest B-cell development at a pre-BCR+ stage
Authors: Xu Shengli , Lee Koon-Guan , Huo Jianxin , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Lam Kong-Peng 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) and phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) are 2 key molecules involved in B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Biochemical studies have placed them in a linear signaling pathway, with Btk acting upstream of PLCγ2. Consistent with this, mice lacking either molecule display a leaky but similar block in B-cell development. Here, we generated Btk−/−PLCγ2−/− mice and showed that combined deficiencies in Btk and PLCγ2 severely arrested B lymphopoiesis at the large pre–B-cell stage. In contrast to either single mutant, Btk−/−PLCγ2−/− pre–B cells expressed high levels of pre-BCR on their cell surfaces and exhibited reduced immunoglobulin light chain gene rearrangements. Pre-BCR–induced calcium signaling was also drastically compromised in Btk−/−PLCγ2−/− pre–B cells compared with wild-type and single-mutant cells. Interestingly, immunoglobulin heavy chain allelic exclusion remained intact in the absence of Btk and PLCγ2. Overall, our results suggest that Btk and PLCγ2 have combinatorial roles in regulating pre–B cell differentiation.
An improved ant colony algorithm with diversified solutions based on the immune strategy
Authors: Qin Ling , Pan Yi , Chen Ling , Chen Yixin 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Ant colony algorithm has emerged recently as a new meta-heuristic method, which is inspired from the behaviours of real ants for solving NP-hard problems. However, the classical ant colony algorithm also has its defects of stagnation and premature. This paper aims at remedying these problems.

Results
In this paper, we propose an adaptive ant colony algorithm that simulates the behaviour of biological immune system. The solutions of the problem are much more diversified than traditional ant colony algorithms.

Conclusion
The proposed method for improving the performance of traditional ant colony algorithm takes into account the polarization of the colonies, and adaptively adjusts the distribution of the solutions obtained by the ants. This makes the solutions more diverse so as to avoid the stagnation and premature phenomena.
Insights into the evolutionary history of tubercle bacilli as disclosed by genetic rearrangements within a PE_PGRS duplicated gene pair
Authors: Karboul Anis , Gey van Pittius Nicolaas C , Namouchi Amine , Vincent Véronique , Sola Christophe , Rastogi Nalin , Suffys Philip , Fabre Michel , Cataldi Angel , Huard Richard C , Kurepina Natalia , Kreiswirth Barry , Ho John L , Gutierrez M Cristina , Mardassi Helmi 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
The highly homologous PE_PGRS (Proline-glutamic acid_polymorphic GC-rich repetitive sequence) genes are members of the PE multigene family which is found only in mycobacteria. PE genes are particularly abundant within the genomes of pathogenic mycobacteria where they seem to have expanded as a result of gene duplication events. PE_PGRS genes are characterized by their high GC content and extensive repetitive sequences, making them prone to recombination events and genetic variability.

Results
Comparative sequence analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genes PE_PGRS17 (Rv0978c) and PE_PGRS18 (Rv0980c) revealed a striking genetic variation associated with this typical tandem duplicate. In comparison to the M. tuberculosis reference strain H37Rv, the variation (named the 12/40 polymorphism) consists of an in-frame 12-bp insertion invariably accompanied by a set of 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that occurs either in PE_PGRS17 or in both genes. Sequence analysis of the paralogous genes in a representative set of worldwide distributed tubercle bacilli isolates revealed data which supported previously proposed evolutionary scenarios for the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and confirmed the very ancient origin of "M. canettii" and other smooth tubercle bacilli. Strikingly, the identified polymorphism appears to be coincident with the emergence of the post-bottleneck successful clone from which the MTBC expanded. Furthermore, the findings provide direct and clear evidence for the natural occurrence of gene conversion in mycobacteria, which appears to be restricted to modern M. tuberculosis strains.

Conclusion
This study provides a new perspective to explore the molecular events that accompanied the evolution, clonal expansion, and recent diversification of tubercle bacilli.
Large fragment Bst DNA polymerase for whole genome amplification of DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues
Authors: Aviel-Ronen Sarit , Qi Zhu Chang , Coe Bradley P , Liu Ni , Watson Spencer K , Lam Wan L , Tsao Ming Sound 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundFormalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues represent the largest source of archival biological material available for genomic studies of human cancer. Therefore, it is desirable to develop methods that enable whole genome amplification (WGA) using DNA extracted from FFPE tissues. Multiple-strand Displacement Amplification (MDA) is an isothermal method for WGA that uses the large fragment ofBstDNA polymerase. To date, MDA has been feasible only for genomic DNA isolated from fresh or snap-frozen tissue, and yields a representational distortion of less than threefold.ResultsWe amplified genomic DNA of five FFPE samples of normal human lung tissue with the large fragment ofBstDNA polymerase. Using quantitative PCR, the copy number of 7 genes was evaluated in both amplified and original DNA samples. Four neuroblastoma xenograft samples derived from cell lines with known N-mycgene copy number were also evaluated, as were 7 samples of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors with knownSkp2gene amplification. In addition, we compared the array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)-based genome profiles of two NSCLC samples before and afterBstMDA. A median 990-fold amplification of DNA was achieved. The DNA amplification products had a very high molecular weight (> 23 Kb). When the gene content of the amplified samples was compared to that of the original samples, the representational distortion was limited to threefold. Array CGH genome profiles of amplified and non-amplified FFPE DNA were similar.ConclusionLarge fragmentBstDNA polymerase is suitable for WGA of DNA extracted from FFPE tissues, with an expected maximal representational distortion of threefold. Amplified DNA may be used for the detection of gene copy number changes by quantitative realtime PCR and genome profiling by array CGH.
The DNA-damage signature in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is associated with single-strand breaks in DNA
Authors: Fry Rebecca C , DeMott Michael S , Cosgrove Joseph P , Begley Thomas J , Samson Leona D , Dedon Peter C 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundUpon exposure to agents that damage DNA,Saccharomyces cerevisiaeundergo widespread reprogramming of gene expression. Such a vast response may be due not only to damage to DNA but also damage to proteins, RNA, and lipids. Here the transcriptional response ofS. cerevisiaespecifically induced by DNA damage was discerned by exposingS. cerevisiaeto a panel of three "radiomimetic" enediyne antibiotics (calicheamicin γ1I, esperamicin A1 and neocarzinostatin) that bind specifically to DNA and generate varying proportions of single- and double-strand DNA breaks. The genome-wide responses were compared to those induced by the non-selective oxidant γ-radiation.ResultsGiven well-controlled exposures that resulted in similar and minimal cell death (~20–25%) across all conditions, the extent of gene expression modulation was markedly different depending on treatment with the enediynes or γ-radiation. Exposure to γ-radiation resulted in more extensive transcriptional changes classified both by the number of genes modulated and the magnitude of change. Common biological responses were identified between the enediynes and γ-radiation, with the induction of DNA repair and stress response genes, and the repression of ribosomal biogenesis genes. Despite these common responses, a fraction of the response induced by gamma radiation was repressed by the enediynes andvise versa, suggesting that the enediyne response is not entirely "radiomimetic." Regression analysis identified 55 transcripts with gene expression induction associated both with double- or single-strand break formation. TheS. cerevisiae"DNA damage signature" genes as defined by Gaschet al. [1] were enriched among regulated transcripts associated with single-strand breaks, while genes involved in cell cycle regulation were associated with double-strand breaks.ConclusionDissection of the transcriptional response in yeast that is specifically signaled by DNA strand breaks has identified that single-strand breaks provide the signal for activation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in the DNA damage signature inS. cerevisiae, and double-strand breaks signal changes in cell cycle regulation genes.
Standardization and performance evaluation of mononuclear cell cytokine secretion assays in a multicenter study
Authors: Shreffler Wayne G , Visness Cynthia M , Burger Melissa , Cruikshank William W , Lederman Howard M , de la Morena Maite , Grindle Kristine , Calatroni Agustin , Sampson Hugh A , Gern James E 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been used to preserve and standardize immunologic measurements for multicenter studies, however, effects of cryopreservation on cytokine responses are incompletely understood. In designing immunologic studies for a new multicenter birth cohort study of childhood asthma, we performed a series of experiments to determine the effects of two different methods of cryopreservation on the cytokine responses of cord and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results
Paired samples of PBMC were processed freshly, or after cryopreservation in a Nalgene container (NC) or a controlled-rate freezer (CRF). Although there were some differences between the methods, cryopreservation inhibited PHA-induced IL-10 secretion and Der f 1-induced IL-2 secretion, and augmented PHA-induced IL-2 secretion and spontaneous secretion of TNF-α. In separate experiments, NC cryopreservation inhibited secretion of several cytokines (IL-13, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α) by PHA-stimulated cord blood mononuclear cells. With the exception of PHA-induced IL-13, results from fresh and cryopreserved cord blood samples were not significantly correlated. Finally, in reproducibility studies involving processing of identical cell samples in up to 4 separate laboratories, variances in cytokine responses of fresh cells stimulated at separate sites did not exceed those in cryopreserved cells stimulated at a central site.

Conclusion
Collectively, these studies indicate that cryopreservation can affect mononuclear cell cytokine response profiles, and that IL-10 secretion and antigen-induced responses may be especially vulnerable. These studies also demonstrate that mononuclear cell responses can be standardized for performance in a small number of laboratories for multicenter studies, and underscore the importance of measuring reproducibility and of testing whether cryopreservation techniques alter specific immunologic outcomes.
Cardiovascular risk factors among Chamorros
Authors: Chiem Binh , Nguyen Victoria , Wu Phillis L , Ko Celine M , Cruz Lee Ann , Sadler Georgia Robins 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Little is known regarding the cardiovascular disease risk factors among Chamorros residing in the United States.

Methods
The Chamorro Directory International and the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire (BRFSS) were used to assess the health related practices and needs of a random sample of 228 Chamorros.

Results
Inactivity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and diabetes mellitus were more prevalent in this Chamorro sample compared to the US average. Participants who were 50-and-older or unemployed were more likely to report hypertension, diabetes and inactivity, but they were also more likely to consume more fruits and vegetables than their younger and employed counterparts. Women were more likely to report hypertension and diabetes, whereas men were more likely to have elevated BMI and to have never had their blood cholesterol checked.

Conclusion
The study provides data that will help healthcare providers, public health workers and community leaders identify where to focus their health improvement efforts for Chamorros and create culturally competent programs to promote health in this community.
Effectiveness of smoking cessation therapies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Ping , Wilson Kumanan , Dimoulas Popey , Mills Edward J 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of premature deaths. Several pharmacological interventions now exist to aid smokers in cessation. These include Nicotine Replacement Therapy [NRT], bupropion, and varenicline. We aimed to assess their relative efficacy in smoking cessation by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
We searched 10 electronic medical databases (inception to Sept. 2006) and bibliographies of published reviews. We selected randomized controlled trials [RCTs] evaluating interventions for smoking cessation at 1 year, through chemical confirmation. Our primary endpoint was smoking cessation at 1 year. Secondary endpoints included short-term smoking cessation (~3 months) and adverse events. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. We compared treatment effects across interventions using head-to-head trials and when these did not exist, we calculated indirect comparisons.

Results
We identified 70 trials of NRT versus control at 1 year, Odds Ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.55–1.88, P =< 0.0001). This was consistent when examining all placebo-controlled trials (49 RCTs, OR 1.78, 95% CI, 1.60–1.99), NRT gum (OR 1.60, 95% CI, 1.37–1.86) or patch (OR 1.63, 95% CI, 1.41–1.89). NRT also reduced smoking at 3 months (OR 1.98, 95% CI, 1.77–2.21). Bupropion trials were superior to controls at 1 year (12 RCTs, OR1.56, 95% CI, 1.10–2.21, P = 0.01) and at 3 months (OR 2.13, 95% CI, 1.72–2.64). Two RCTs evaluated the superiority of bupropion versus NRT at 1 year (OR 1.14, 95% CI, 0.20–6.42).
Varenicline was superior to placebo at 1 year (4 RCTs, OR 2.96, 95% CI, 2.12–4.12, P =< 0.0001) and also at approximately 3 months (OR 3.75, 95% CI, 2.65–5.30). Three RCTs evaluated the effectiveness of varenicline versus bupropion at 1 year (OR 1.58, 95% CI, 1.22–2.05) and at approximately 3 months (OR 1.61, 95% CI, 1.16–2.21). Using indirect comparisons, varenicline was superior to NRT when compared to placebo controls (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.17–2.36, P = 0.004) or to all controls at 1 year (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.22–2.45, P = 0.001). This was also the case for 3-month data. Adverse events were not systematically different across studies.

Conclusion
NRT, bupropion and varenicline all provide therapeutic effects in assisting with smoking cessation. Direct and indirect comparisons identify a hierarchy of effectiveness.