bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amphipod genome sizes: first estimates for Arctic species reveal genomic giants
Authors: Rees David J. , Dufresne France , Glémet Hélène , Belzile Claude 
Published: May 2007

The genome sizes of 8 species of amphipods collected from the Canadian Arctic were estimated by flow cytometry. Haploid genome sizes ranged from 2.94 ± 0.04 pg DNA in Acanthostepheia malmgreni (Oedicerotidae) to 64.62 ± 2.85 pg in Ampelisca macrocephala (Ampeliscidae). The value for Ampelisca macrocephala represents the largest crustacean genome size recorded to date (and also the largest within the Arthropoda) and indicates a 400-fold variation in genome size among crustaceans. The presence of such large genomes within a relatively small sample of Arctic amphipods is striking and highlights the need to further explore the relationships between genome size, development rates, and body size in both Arctic and temperate amphipods.
Purification of 3 monomeric monocot mannose-binding lectins and their evaluation for antipoxviral activity: potential applications in multiple viral diseases caused by enveloped viruses
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Kamboj Sukhdev Singh , Singh Jatinder , Singh Rajinder , Abrahams Melissa , Kotwal Girish J. , Saxena A.K. 
Published: May 2007

Three monomeric monocot lectins from Zephyranthes carinata, Zephyranthes candida, and Gloriosa superba with carbohydrate specificity towards mannose derivatives and (or) oligomannose have been isolated and purified from their storage tissues. The lectins were purified by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE–Sephacyl and by gel filtration chromatography on Biogel P-200 followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified lectins, Z. carinata, Z. candida, and G. superba had molecular masses of 12, 11.5, and 12.5 kDa, respectively, as determined by gel filtration and SDS–PAGE, indicating that they are monomers. In a hapten inhibition assay, methyl-α-d-mannopyranoside inhibited agglutination of both Z. candida and Z. carinata; the latter was also inhibited by Man(α1-2)Man and Man(α1-3)Man. Gloriosa superba showed inhibition only with Man(α1-4)Man of all of the sugars and glycoproteins tested. All purified lectins agglutinated red blood cells from rabbit, whereas G. superba was also reactive towards erythrocytes from guinea pig. All of the lectins were nonglycosylated and did not require metal ions for their activity. They were labile above 60 °C and were affected by denaturing agents such as urea, thiourea, and guanidine–HCl. The lectins were virtually nonmitogenic, like other members of Amaryllidaceae and Liliaceae. Of the 3 lectins, G. superba was found to be highly toxic to the BSC-1 cell line (African green monkey kidney epithelial cells), while both of the Zephyranthes species showed significant in vitro inhibition of poxvirus replication in BSC-1 cells without any toxic effects to the cells. In addition, Z. candida also exhibited significant anticancer activity against SNB-78, a CNS human cancer cell line.
Anthropic acceleration of a natural clay mineral reaction in marshland soils (Atlantic Coast, France)
Authors: Mathé V. , Meunier A. , Lévêque F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSoil clay minerals in recent natural polders react on a human timescale in response to local environmental conditions. With increasing age, the mineral reaction leads to the dissolution of the chlorite component and a composition change of the different illite-smectite mixed-layer minerals (I-S MLMs): i.e. smectite layer content decreases and illite content increases. The process of oxidation, which is proven by magnetic susceptibility to trigger clay mineral reaction, changes the mineralogical composition of the sediment above the redox front. The mineral changes appear to be a non-linear function of time. In natural conditions the process lasts >1000 y. However, anthropoic forcing such as artificial drainage accelerates the oxidation reaction to complete the whole process in a few tens of years.
Transformation of magnetite to goethite under alkaline pH conditions
Authors: He Y. T. , Traina S. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMagnetite is a redox active Fe oxide common in most soil and sedimentary environments. In this study, we investigated magnetite transformations under extreme alkaline conditions (0.1–2 mol l–1 NaOH) similar to those found under high-level radioactive waste storage tanks at the Hanford site in the State of Washington, USA. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that magnetite was transformed into maghemite and goethite, and the XRD peak intensities for goethite increased with NaOH concentration. Goethite was presumably formed through reconstructive dissolution/crystallization reactions that can be written as: Fe3O4 + OH– + H2O = γ-Fe2O3 + Fe(OH)3–; 2Fe(OH)3– + 1/2O2 + 2H+ = 2α-FeOOH + 3H2O. Some of the newly formed maghemite may also redissolve to form goethite at greater NaOH concentrations.
Newly formed phyllosilicates in rock matrices and fractures from CRP-3 core (Antarctica): an electron microscopy study
Authors: Giorgetti G. , Aghib F. S. , Livi K. J. T. , Gaillot A.-C. , Wilson T. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA scanning and transmission electron microscopy study has been performed on Oligocene glacio-marine sediments, Devonian sandstones, and Jurassic dolerites recovered during CRP-3 drilling in the Ross Sea (Antarctica). Newly formed clay minerals occur in the rock matrices and as fillings in veins and faults which crosscut the whole sequence. Authigenic clays in sediments consist of beidellite-montmorillonite, berthierine/chlorite intergrowths and illite. Al,K-rich smectites and kaolinite occur in the Devonian sandstones. Saponite, berthierine/chlorite intergrowths, and Fe-hydroxides develop in the altered dolerites. Hence, the composition of the secondary phases depends also on the geochemistry of the rock they grow in. Within each sample, the same authigenic minerals form in the matrix and in the vein/fault. Clays precipitated from fluids, with variable fO2 values, which circulated in the system during the contemporaneous diagenetic and faulting events.
Authigenic palygorskite in Miocene sediments in Linxia basin, Gansu, northwestern China
Authors: Hong H. L. , Yu N. , Xiao P. , Zhu Y. H. , Zhang K. X. , Xiang S. Y. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe mineralogical characteristics of authigenic palygorskite occurring with chlorite and illite in Miocene sediments in Linxia basin were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD results suggest that the mineral composition of the sediments includes mainly quartz, chlorite, illite, calcite, plagioclase, orthoclase, minor palygorskite and small amounts of gypsum and ankerite. Two kinds of palygorskite were observed in the sediments, relatively straight fibrous particles found in matted, felted masses associated with platy chlorite and silky aggregates found in the void spaces. The former probably replaces chlorite grains, growing from the edges or the fissures of chlorite particles. Chlorite grains exhibit bay-shaped or rounded edges, with ambiguous felted boundaries between chlorite particles, indicative of an intensive dissolution process and the growth of palygorskite at the expense of chlorite. Palygorskite is also observed as inclusions within calcite, sprouting from or coating calcite surfaces, suggesting that palygorskite crystallized from solution. The textural relations of palygorskite and the occurrence of ankerite and the characteristically Fe-bearing palygorskite in the sediments suggest the destruction and hydrolysis of chlorite. The ankerite seems to be preferentially present in the void spaces, closely associated with chlorite and illite; fibrous palygorskite crystallizes at the edges of these clay mineral particles and the platy clay mineral particles are gradually replaced by fibrous palygorskite crystals, suggesting that alteration of chlorite to palygorskite involves an interaction with water during the diagenetic process.
Preparation and characterization of organic rectorite composite gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Huang Y. , Ma X. Y. , Liang G. Z. , Yan H. X. , Qu X. , Chen F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn liquid-filled batteries, the liquid electrolytes may escape or present a fire hazard and an inert spacer is needed to separate the electrodes. Alternative polymer-based electrolytes are of current technological interest. Solid polymer electrolytes are non-volatile, non-corrosive materials, which can readily be processed into any shape or size. However, despite possessing the required mechanical properties, they have inherently lower conductivity. Gel-based systems are an attempt to strike a balance between the high conductivity of organic liquid electrolytes and the dimensional stability of a solid polymer.Rectorite was modified with dodecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride to form organic-modified rectorite (OREC). OREC was used as a filler additive to modify gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) and prepare composite gel polymer electrolytes (CPEs) which consisted of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) used as a polymer matrix, propylene carbonate (PC), used as a plasticizer, and LiClO4, used as a lithium ion producer. A variety of physical and chemical techniques was used to characterize the CPEs. The interlayer d spacing of OREC was much larger than that of the initial rectorite (2.22 nm). OREC also possesses a fine microscopic structure, and has a hydrophobic surface. Molau and XRD analysis of CPEs indicate that OREC has good compatibility with the components of CPEs and can be dispersed well. The effects of temperature and OREC dose on properties were studied. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of CPEs is well fitted by the VTF (Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher) relation. OREC doses of 5 phr gave the greatest ionic conductivity. This amount also greatly increased the plasticizer maintenance levels. Due to the occupancy of free volume space in the polymer matrix of CPEs by OREC, the bulk resistance of the CPEs was lowered and the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased. The sheet structure of OREC is thought to improve the decomposition temperature of CPEs.
Mineralogical, micromorphological and geochemical evolution of the kaolin facies deposit from the Capim region (northern Brazil)
Authors: Sousa D. J. L. , Varajão A. F. D. C. , Yvon J. , Da Costa G. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Capim Kaolin District (eastern Brazilian Amazon), is one of the largest kaolin deposits in the world; with the kaolin used mainly for paper coating. The kaolin developed at the expense of Cretaceous sandy-clayey sediments of the Ipixuna formation, through intense lateritization from the Mesozoic to Cenozoic times.This work describes the morphological, mineralogical, crystallochemical and geochemical evolution of the Capim kaolin facies. Based on the profile analysis in the open pit fronts, it encompasses X-ray diffraction, thin-section optical analysis, EDS-assisted scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, chemical analysis, infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopies.Six facies were defined as different stages of the supergene process. Ferruginization led to a thick duricrust on the soft kaolin, which in turn evolved from sandy-clayey sediments of the Ipixuna Formation. A subsequent deferruginization event degraded the duricrust, resulting in the flint kaolin facies.
Natural acid sulphate alteration in bentonites (Cabo de Gata, Almeria, SE Spain)
Authors: Martínez J. A. , Jiménez de Cisneros C. , Caballero E. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study is located on the bentonite outcrop of ‘El Toril’ (Cabo de Gata, Almeria, Spain), where acid solutions have resulted in an alteration front that has caused physical, chemical and mineralogical changes in the bentonite material. The main objective is to assess these changes and to draw a model of evolution of this front in the outcrop. The most important chemical and mineralogical changes observed consist mainly of the loss of mass in the bentonite, the formation of kaolinite, the precipitation of jarosite and alunite from leachates and important changes in the rare earth element distribution pattern. No sulphurs have been identified in the pyroclastic rock at the top of the outcrop, but the presence of dissolution marks and the high concentrations of As, Pb and V in the rock overlying the bentonite point towards the existence, in principle, of these sulphurs and suggest that meteoric alteration is mainly responsible for the genesis of the outcrop.
Prograde epizonal clay mineral assemblages and retrograde alteration in tectonic basins controlled by major strike-slip zones (W Iberian Variscan chain)
Authors: Vázquez M. , Abad I. , Jiménez-Millán J. , Rocha F. T. , Fonseca P. E. , Chaminé H. I. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe have carried out optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) studies of phyllosilicates from black slates of very low to low-grade metamorphism. Such slates belong to a Middle/Late Devonian basin and an Early Carboniferous basin associated with the Porto–Tomar–Ferreira do Alentejo strike-slip shear zone (Ossa-Morena Zone, Portuguese Iberian Variscan Massif). These black slates are imbricated in an Upper Proterozoic substratum of higher metamorphic grade. Kübler Index values of white micas and mineral assemblages deduced from the XRD, SEM and TEM data (muscovite, chlorite and pyrophyllite) indicate high anchizonal and epizonal metamorphic conditions for slates from these basins. The b parameter and the phengitic contents of mica suggest the occurrence of low pressures (1–2 kbar) related to an extensional geotectonic setting. The dense fracture network shown by SEM images and the high density of crystal defects revealed by the TEM study in the eastern basin, adjacent to faults produced by shearing, suggest that their epizonal phyllosilicates were more affected during deformation than those belonging to the western basin, favouring the development of a retrograde association (siderite, kaolin group minerals and Al-smectite) on the epizonal paragenesis. Microcavities formed along phyllosilicate cleavage acted as channels for fluid transport favouring alteration under low-temperature conditions.
Integration of Fe in natural and synthetic Al-pyrophyllites: an infrared spectroscopic study
Authors: Lantenois S. , Beny J.-M. , Muller F. , Champallier R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNumerous studies focus on the relationships between chemical composition and OH-band positions in the infrared (IR) spectra of micaceous minerals. These studies are based on the coexistence, in dioctahedral micas or smectites, of several cationic pairs around the hydroxyl group which each produce a characteristic band in the IR spectrum. The aim of this work is to obtain the wavenumber values of the IR OH vibration bands of the (Al-Fe3+)-OH and (Fe3+-Fe3+)-OH local cationic environments of ‘pyrophyllite type’ in order to prove, disprove or modify a model of dioctahedral phyllosilicate OH-stretching band decomposition. Natural samples are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies and electron microprobe; the hydrothermal synthesis products are also analysed by powder XRD and FTIR after inductively coupled plasma measurements to obtain the chemical compositions of starting gel phases. Natural samples contain some impurities which were eliminated after acid treatment; nevertheless, a small Fe content is found in the pyrophyllite structure. The amount of Fe which is incorporated within the pyrophyllite structure is much more important for the synthetic samples than for the natural ones. The IR OH bands were clearly observed in both natural and synthetic pyrophyllites and assigned to hydroxides bonded to (Al-Al), (Al-Fe) and (Fe-Fe) cationic pairs. During this study, three samples were analysed by DTG to check the cis- or trans-vacant character of the layers and to determine the influence of this structural character on the OH-stretching band position in IR spectroscopy.
Central administration of dipeptides, beta-alanyl-BCAAs, induces hyperactivity in chicks
Authors: Tsuneyoshi Yousuke , Tomonaga Shozo , Asechi Mari , Morishita Koji , Denbow D Michael , Furuse Mitsuhiro 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a putative neurotransmitter and has a possible role in neuron-glia cell interactions. Previously, we reported that carnosine induced hyperactivity in chicks when intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered. In the present study, we focused on other β-alanyl dipeptides to determine if they have novel functions.

Results
In Experiment 1, i.c.v. injection of β-alanyl-L-leucine, but not β-alanyl-glycine, induced hyperactivity behavior as observed with carnosine. Both carnosine and β-alanyl-L-leucine stimulated corticosterone release. Thus, dipeptides of β-alanyl-branched chain amino acids were compared in Experiment 2. The i.c.v. injection of β-alanyl-L-isoleucine caused a similar response as β-alanyl-L-leucine, but β-alanyl-L-valine was somewhat less effective than the other two dipeptides. β-Alanyl-L-leucine strongly stimulated, and the other two dipeptides tended to stimulate, corticosterone release.

Conclusion
These results suggest that central β-alanyl-branched chain amino acid stimulates activity in chicks through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. We named β-alanyl-L-leucine, β-alanyl-L-isoleucine and β-alanyl-L-valine as Excitin-1, Excitin-2 and Excitin-3, respectively.
Sensitivity and specificity of monoclonal and polyclonal immunohistochemical staining for West Nile virus in various organs from American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Authors: Smedley Rebecca C , Patterson Jon S , Miller RoseAnn , Massey Jeffrey P , Wise Annabel G , Maes Roger K , Wu Ping , Kaneene John B , Kiupel Matti 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Based on results of earlier studies, brain, heart and kidney are most commonly used for West Nile virus (WNV) detection in avian species. Both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies have been used for the immunohistochemical diagnosis of WNV in these species. Thus far, no studies have been performed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in detecting WNV in American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Our objectives were to determine 1) the comparative sensitivities of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for immunohistochemical (IHC) diagnosis of WNV infection in free-ranging American crows, 2) which organ(s) is/are most suitable for IHC-based diagnosis of WNV, and 3) how real-time RT-PCR on RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues compared to IHC for the diagnosis of WNV infection.

Methods
Various combinations, depending on tissue availability, of sections of heart, kidney, brain, liver, lung, spleen, and small intestine from 85 free-ranging American crows were stained using a rabbit-polyclonal anti-WNV antibody as well as a monoclonal antibody directed against an epitope on Domain III of the E protein of WNV. The staining intensity and the extent of staining were determined for each organ using both antibodies. Real-time RT-PCR on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from all 85 crows was performed.

Results
Forty-three crows were IHC-positive in at least one of the examined organs with the polyclonal antibody, and of these, only 31 were positive when IHC was performed with the monoclonal antibody. Real-time RT-PCR amplified WNV-specific sequences from tissue extracts of the same 43 crows that were IHC-positive using the polyclonal antibody. All other 42 crows tested negative for WNV with real-time PCR and IHC staining. Both antibodies had a test specificity of 100% when compared to PCR results. The test sensitivity of monoclonal antibody-based IHC staining was only 72%, compared to 100% when using the polyclonal antibody.

Conclusion
The most sensitive, readily identified, positively staining organs for IHC are the kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and small intestine. Real-time RT-PCR and IHC staining using a polyclonal antibody on sections of these tissues are highly sensitive diagnostic tests for the detection of WNV in formalin-fixed tissues of American crows.
Length of gestation and depressive symptoms at age 60 years
Authors: Räikkönen Katri , Pesonen Anu-Katriina , Kajantie Eero , Heinonen Kati , Forsén Tom , Phillips David I. W. , Osmond Clive , Barker David J. P. , Eriksson Johan G. 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundA non-optimal foetal environment, reflected in smaller birth size and shorter duration of gestation, is a risk factor for compromised health later in life.AimsTo examine whether smaller birth size and shorter gestation predict depressive symptoms.MethodA total of 1371 members of a cohort born between 1934 and 1944 at term (259–294 days' gestation) in Helsinki, Finland, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES–D) at an average age of 61.5 years (BDI) and 63.4 years (BDI and CES–D).ResultsGestational length predicted depressive symptoms linearly and independently of gender and birth weight: per day decrease in gestational length, depressive symptoms scores increased by 0.8-0.9% (95% CI 0.2-1.4, P<0.009). Weight, length and head circumference at birth showed no linear association with depression, adjusted for gender and gestational length. The results did not change when further controlled for socioeconomic characteristics at birth and in adulthood, age and body mass index in adulthood.ConclusionsSusceptibility to depressive symptoms may relate to shorter length of gestation.
Substance use in a population-based clinic sample of people with first-episode psychosis
Authors: Barnett Jennifer H. , Werners Ursula , Secher Sandra M. , Hill Katherine E. , Brazil Rossa , Masson Kim , Pernet David E. , Kirkbride James B. , Murray Graham K. , Bullmore Ed. T. , Jones Peter B. 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundSubstance use is implicated in the cause and course of psychosis.AimsTo characterise substance and alcohol use in an epidemiologically representative treatment sample of people experiencing a first psychotic episode in south Cambridgeshire.MethodCurrent and lifetime substance use was recorded for 123 consecutive referrals to a specialist early intervention service. Substance use was compared with general population prevalence estimates from the British Crime Survey.ResultsSubstance use among people with first-episode psychosis was twice that of the general population and was more common in men than women. Cannabis abuse was reported in 51% of patients (n=62) and alcohol abuse in 43% (n=53). More than half (n=68, 55%) had used Class A drugs, and 38% (n=43) reported polysubstance abuse. Age at first use of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine was significantly associated with age at first psychotic symptom.ConclusionsSubstance misuse is present in the majority of people with first-episode psychosis and has major implications for management. The association between age at first substance use and first psychotic symptoms has public health implications.