bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Responses to
Burkholderia pseudomallei
in Healthy and Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Chanchamroen Sujin , Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Susaengrat Wattanachai , Ato Manabu , Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

The major predisposing factor for melioidosis is diabetes mellitus, but no immunological mechanisms have been investigated to explain this. In this study, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) responses to
Burkholderia pseudomallei
, the causative agent of melioidosis, in healthy and diabetic Thai subjects were determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that
B. pseudomallei
displayed reduced uptake by PMNs compared to
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and
Escherichia coli
. Additionally, intracellular survival of
B. pseudomallei
was detected throughout a 24-h period, indicating the intrinsic resistance of
B. pseudomallei
to killing by PMNs. Moreover, PMNs from diabetic subjects displayed impaired phagocytosis of
B. pseudomallei
, reduced migration in response to interleukin-8, and an inability to delay apoptosis. These data show that
B. pseudomallei
is intrinsically resistant to phagocytosis and killing by PMNs. These observations, together with the impaired migration and apoptosis in diabetes mellitus, may explain host susceptibility in melioidosis.
Polaris
Authors: Stolte Chris , Tang Diane , Hanrahan Pat 
Published: October 2008

During the last decade, multidimensional databases have become common in the business and scientific worlds. Analysis places significant demands on the interfaces to these databases. It must be possible for analysts to easily and incrementally change both the data and their views of it as they cycle between hypothesis and experimentation.In this paper, we address these demands by presenting the Polaris formalism, a visual query language for precisely describing a wide range of table-based graphical presentations of data. This language compiles into both the queries and drawing commands necessary to generate the visualization, enabling us to design systems that closely integrate analysis and visualization. Using the Polaris formalism, we have built an interactive interface for exploring multidimensional databases that analysts can use to rapidly and incrementally build an expressive range of views of their data as they engage in a cycle of visual analysis.
SP1
Authors: Sward Ricky E. 
Published: October 2008

Level - Intermediate.
This tutorial covers the principles of Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) including loose coupling, encapsulation, reusability, composibility, etc. The attendee will learn about the Ada Web Server (AWS) and how SOA interfaces, session management, etc. are implemented using AWS. The tutorial will also cover the fundamentals of the Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), a key enabling component of the SOA. Attendees will learn about ESB endpoints, data routing, automatic translations, etc. They will also learn how to connect Ada web services to an ESB, how to expose the web services, and how to use AWS with the ESB through in-class exercises and demonstrations.
Philological Contributions to Hattian-Hittite Religion (I)
Authors: Soysal Oğuz 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn the first part of the present study the frequent Hittite cult phrase d(GN) aku- / eku- "to drink a deity" is discussed as to whether it should be understood in the accusative or dative sense. The drinking act devoted to divine honor is accompanied chiefly by the accusative case of the deity name. There are also some exceptional cases in which the divine proper name is used in the dative case. In the light of a list of Hattian deities in KBo 21.85+ I 12'-25' it is proposed here that the divine name in the expressiond d(GN) aku- / eku- with ending -n may have been originally constructed in the dative case under influence of Hattian. Since the Hattian dative marker -n is formally the same as the Hittite ending -n for the singular accusative, it is possible that the Hittites had adopted this cult expression in their language in a manner where the divine proper name would function as accusative. This use may have been transformed later into the real "Hittite" accusative in -n.The second part deals with the cult object GIŠhalm/puti- (with other cognate designations) and with its possible connection to GIŠkalmuš-. Materially, these tools appear not to have the same functions, but on the philological level, both words may stem from the same Hattian root halwuutti-.
Technological behaviour of some Tunisian clays prepared by dry ceramic processing
Authors: Jeridi K. , Hachani M. , Hajjaji W. , Moussi B. , Medhioub M. , López-Galindo A. , Kooli F. , Zargouni F. , Labrincha J. , Jamoussi F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLower Cretaceous (AJO and AJR) and Oligocene clays (AS) from northern Tunisia were analysed to evaluate their possible use in the production of earthenware tiles by dry processing and fast double-firing. The Cretaceous clays are carbonate-rich (AJO = 20%, AJR = 12%) while the Oligocene ones are carbonate-free. This led to noticeable differences in firing behaviour (shrinkage, sintering rate and loss on ignition) and consequently in functional properties (water absorption, mechanical strength, porosity). The AJO firing shrinkage is very small, which makes this clay suitable for rapid firing. The clays are illite-kaolinite-rich but the AS sample is mostly smectitic (44%) and so is used (10 wt.% maximum) only to adjust the consistency of the powder during pressing. The average agglomerate size ranges from 100 to 350 μm and the distribution is suitable for easy pressing of powders without any special need for further adjustments. Characterization of fired products confirms the high potential of these clays since all properties fall within the ceramic International Standards (ISO). For both technical and economic reasons dry processing is recommended for production of earthenware tiles, in particular for countries in sunnier climates, where solar energy can be exploited for clay drying.
Thermal history of Triassic sandstones from the Vosges Mountains-Rhine Graben rifting area, NE France, based on K-Ar illite dating
Authors: Clauer N. , Liewig N. , Ledesert B. , Zwingmann H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe thermal history of the Buntsandstein (Lower Triassic) sedimentary rocks that crop out in the Vosges Mountains, or are deeply buried in the Rhine Graben, was evaluated on the basis of a combined mineralogical, morphological, oxygen isotope and K-Ar-dating study of illite separates from five locations over a limited 120 km2area. The results indicate a complex pre-rift evolution characterized by the following features: (1) in the northern Vosges, no record of diagenetic illite formation could be detected; (2) in the nearby Saverne rifting fracture-field, tectonic activity favoured the formation of faults in the crystalline basement ~210 Ma ago. This induced fluid migrations into the porous sandstone cover with illite precipitation occurring either repetitively over a period of ~25 Ma or as two separate events, the latter at ~185 Ma, affecting rocks to the east in the deeper part of the post-Eocene Upper Rhine Graben system; this latter stage of tectonic activity and fluid migration continued until 160 Ma, unless overprinted by another tectonic pulse at that time; (3) afterwards, the main tectonic activity moved to the Soultz-sous-Forêts area where two episodes could be identified at ~95 and 70 Ma by dating mineral crystallization; the latter illite age was also detected in more deeply buried Buntsandstein lithologies of the rift basin, west of Strasbourg, reflecting diverse crystallization under different physical and/or chemical conditions; (4) further illitization which at present is poorly constrained may have restarted ~55 My ago in the same deep part of the rift graben.The youngest detected illitization age is clearly older than the main Miocene rifting episode of the Rhine Graben, suggesting that no illite crystallization occurred in the Buntsandstein sandstones during this tectonic event. This is explained by the fact that these rocks, as well as most of the underlying crystalline basement, were already sealed by fluid migration and mineralization during late Mesozoic rifting, and were therefore almost impermeable to the circulation of Tertiary fluids. The overall evolution of the region between the Vosges Mountains and the central Rhine Graben appears to be more complex than that of equivalent rock lithologies elsewhere in Western Europe. Several episodes identified here have been detected in other regions, but no single location exists which was affected by all events.
Variation of mineralogy during the beneficiation of Capim kaolin from Pará, Brazil
Authors: Mussel W. N. , Murad E. , Criscuolo P. S. R. , Pinheiro P. G. , Fabris J. D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractKaolin mined from the Ipixuna deposit of Pará Pigmentos S.A. in the Capim river area of northern Brazil has been studied at various stages of beneficiation to determine the behaviour of Fe- and Ti-bearing minerals which can reduce the brightness of the product. X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy showed the principal pigmenting minerals to be hematite and goethite, with chemical analyses showing a distinct decrease of both the total Fe and Ti contents in the course of processing. The Ti contents were primarily reduced due to the removal of anatase during particle size fractionation and dithionite reduction. While the Fe content of the final product is structurally bound in kaolinite, Raman spectroscopy indicates the remnant Ti to be bound both structurally in kaolinite and in remnant anatase.
Elucidating the crystal-chemistry of Jbel Rhassoul stevensite (Morocco) by advanced analytical techniques
Authors: Rhouta B. , Kaddami H. , Elbarqy J. , Amjoud M. , Daoudi L. , Maury F. , Senocq F. , Maazouz A. , Gerard J.- F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe composition of Rhassoul clay is controversial regarding the nature of the pure-mineral clay fraction which is claimed to be stevensite rather than saponite. In this study, the raw and mineral fractions were characterized using various techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR). The isolated fine clay mineral fraction contained a larger amount of Al (>1 wt.%) than that reported for other stevensite occurrences. The27Al MAS NMR technique confirmed that the mineral is stevensite in which the Al is equally split between the tetrahedral and octahedral coordination sites. The29Si NMR spectrum showed a single unresolved resonance indicating little or no short-range ordering of silicon. The chemical composition of the stevensite from Jbel Rhassoul was determined to be ((Na0.25K0.20)(Mg5.04Al0.37Fe0.20☐0.21)5.61(Si7.76Al0.24)8O20(OH)4). This formula differs from previous compositions described from this locality and shows it to be an Al-bearing lacustrine clay mineral.
Sedimentation characteristics of two commercial bentonites in aqueous suspensions
Authors: Akther S. , Hwang J. , Lee H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe sedimentation characteristics of two commercial bentonites, Tixoton (organically treated) and Montigel-F (untreated), were investigated using a 3% w/v clay suspension at different concentrations (1, 3.5 and 10%) of NaCl and pH values (2, 7 and 12). Settling rates, floc diameters and sediment volumes were derived from changes in light transmittance using a Turbiscan Ma 2000 instrument.Both bentonite suspensions were unstable (flocculated) in NaCl solutions. The settling rate increased with increasing concentration of NaCl and was directly related to floc diameter. The sediment volume reduced with increasing NaCl concentrations, a result of greater double layer compression caused by increased ionic strength. At comparable salt concentrations, the organically-treated bentonite (Tixoton) settled at a much slower rate and had a greater sedimentation volume. The suspensions of both organically-treated and untreated bentonites were stable (dispersed) above pH 7 and unstable in acidic conditions. The settling rate for Tixoton under acid conditions was much smaller than that for the Montigel-F. Differences in sedimentation characteristics between the two bentonite samples are probably due to the presence of an anionic polymer (carboxymethyl cellulose: CMC) in Tixoton.The viscosity of the bentonite suspensions was also studied. The viscosity of the clay suspension is closely related to clay dispersivity in solution. The CMC was highly effective in increasing the viscosity of the bentonite suspensions, but only under neutral and alkaline conditions.
Genesis of kaolinite from Albian sedimentary deposits of the Iberian Range (NE Spain): analysis by XRD, SEM and TEM
Authors: Bauluz B. , Mayayo M. J. , Yuste A. , González López J. M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe kaolinite from Albian sedimentary deposits (Escucha and Utrillas Formations) of the Iberian Range (Spain) have been investigated. This research has shown the presence of different types of kaolinites (detrital and diagenetic) along with micaceous phases in these deposits. Detrital kaolinites show anhedral morphology, low crystallinity and a degree of ordering as well as the presence of interstratified smectite layers. They constitute the matrix of the claystones and siltstones and were probably formed as a consequence of intense weathering processes in the source area during the warm period of the early Cretaceous. Diagenetic kaolinites have been recognized in the sandstones and siltstones, with kaolinite growing between ‘expanded’ mica flakes and vermiform and euhedral kaolinite forming the matrix. They have euhedral morphologies, high crystallinity and a high degree of ordering. They grewin situas a response to incipient diagenesis by K-feldspar dissolution and/or organic acid-rich fluids derived from the maturation of organic matter in shales.
Distinguishing opaline silica from cristobalite in bentonites: a practical procedure and perspective based on NaOH dissolution
Authors: Hillier S. , Lumsdon D. G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRespirable forms of crystalline silica including the mineral cristobalite are known carcinogens and the subject of increasing regulation and codes of good practice. Some bentonites may contain cristobalite, but more commonly they contain opal-CT, or opal-C, which can be confused with cristobalite. In the light of increasing regulation there is a clear need for simple and reliable methods that can distinguish cristobalite from the opals in bentonites and other clay materials. Here we propose the use of a simple NaOH method that is easily applied to bulk samples of bentonites. The method consists of boiling the clay in 0.5 M NaOH for 10 min and measuring the weight of undissolved solid. The method is shown to be accurate for both the identification and quantification of opal in bentonites since these phases are soluble when thus treated. It is also a straightforward method to distinguish the opals from cristobalite as the latter is essentially insoluble. Adoption by industry of a simple operationally-defined method such as this would be preferable to ad hoc reliance on direct instrumental methods alone such as X-ray powder diffraction, as the latter almost always require a large element of judgement and experience on the part of the analyst, although direct methods do need to be used in a supporting role.
Fe3+ intercalation/deposition on vermiculites and interaction with pyrrole: a Mössbauer spectroscopic investigation
Authors: Ramírez-Valle V. , Lerf A. , Wagner F. E. , Poyato J. , Pérez-Rodríguez J. L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe Fe3+ uptake from aqueous and methanol solutions of FeCl3·6H2O in two vermiculites from Santa Olalla and Ojén (Spain) and in a montmorillonite from Wyoming has been investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature and 4.2 K. The samples were further characterized by X-ray diffraction. The low temperature Mössbauer spectra reveal the deposition of akaganeite and perhaps some ferrihydrite on the external surface of the clay minerals. The room temperature spectra exhibit two Fe3+ quadrupole doublets in addition to the Fe2+ components of the structural iron in the sheet silicates. On treatment in ⩾0.04 M Fe3+ solutions the Fe3+ quadrupole splittings of 0.90 mm/s and 0.55 mm/s can be assigned to the mineral akaganeite; at smaller Fe3+ concentrations one of these doublets has a quadrupole splitting similar to that of the Fe3+ in the original vermiculites, the other one a quadrupole splitting of 0.6–0.7 mm/s, which can be considered as a hint for an uptake of Fe dimers in the interlayer space irrespective of the solvent used for iron deposition. Preliminary results show that the adsorption of pyrrole in all of our Fe3+-containing samples, regardless of the preparation in aqueous or methanol solution, results in the formation of polypyrrole and a concomitant reduction of some of the Fe3+. An uptake of pyrrole into the interlayer space has been observed only in the Fe3+-containing Wyoming montmorillonite and in the Ojén vermiculite treated with the methanol solution of iron chloride.
Prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in 2005-Earthquake-affected areas of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Saeed , Rai Mohammad A , Khan Adnan , Farooqui Amber , Kazmi Shahana U , Ali Syed H 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundOn October 8, 2005, an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 hit the Northern parts of Pakistan. In the post-earthquake scenario, overcrowding, improper sewage disposal, contamination of food and drinking water, hasty surgical procedures, and unscreened blood transfusions to earthquake victims most likely promotes the spread of infections already prevalent in the area.ObjectiveThe objective of the study reported here was to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency and Hepatitis C viruses (respectively, HIV and HCV) in the earthquake-affected communities of Pakistan. The samples were analyzed 2 months and then again 11 months after the earthquake to estimate the burden of HIV and HCV in these areas, and to determine any rise in the prevalence of these viral infections as a result of the earthquake.MethodsBlood samples were initially collected during December, 2005 to March 2006, from 245 inhabitants of the earthquake-affected areas. These samples were screened for HCV and HIV, using immunochromatography and Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA).ResultsOut of 245 samples tested, 8 (3.26%) were found positive for HCV, and 0 (0.0%) for HIV, indicating the existence of HCV infection in the earthquake-stricken areas. The same methods were used to analyze the samples collected in the second round of screening in the same area, in September, 2006 – 11 months after the earthquake. This time 290 blood samples were collected, out of which 16 (5.51%) samples were positive for HCV, and 0 for HIV.ConclusionA slightly higher prevalence of HCV was recorded 11 months after the earthquake; this increase, however, was not statistically significant. None of the study participants was found HIV-infected.
Hepatocyte growth factor enhances death receptor-induced apoptosis by up-regulating DR5
Authors: Li Yang , Fan Xing , Goodwin C Rory , Laterra John , Xia Shuli 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-MET are commonly expressed in malignant gliomas and embryonic neuroectodermal tumors including medulloblastoma and appear to play an important role in the growth and dissemination of these malignancies. Dependent on cell context and the involvement of specific downstream effectors, both pro- and anti-apoptotic effects of HGF have been reported.

Methods
Human medulloblastoma cells were treated with HGF for 24–72 hours followed by death receptor ligand TRAIL (Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) for 24 hours. Cell death was measured by MTT and Annexin-V/PI flow cytometric analysis. Changes in expression levels of targets of interest were measured by Northern blot analysis, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot analysis as well as immunoprecipitation.

Results
In this study, we show that HGF promotes medulloblastoma cell death induced by TRAIL. TRAIL alone triggered apoptosis in DAOY cells and death was enhanced by pre-treating the cells with HGF for 24–72 h prior to the addition of TRAIL. HGF (100 ng/ml) enhanced TRAIL (10 ng/ml) induced cell death by 36% (P < 0.001). No cell death was associated with HGF alone. Treating cells with PHA-665752, a specific c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, significantly abrogated the enhancement of TRAIL-induced cell death by HGF, indicating that its death promoting effect requires activation of its canonical receptor tyrosine kinase. Cell death induced by TRAIL+HGF was predominately apoptotic involving both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways as evidenced by the increased activation of caspase-3, 8, 9. Promotion of apoptosis by HGF occurred via the increased expression of the death receptor DR5 and enhanced formation of death-inducing signal complexes (DISC).

Conclusion
Taken together, these and previous findings indicate that HGF:c-Met pathway either promotes or inhibits medulloblastoma cell death via pathway and context specific mechanisms.
Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms subjected to phage phiIBB-PF7A
Authors: Sillankorva Sanna , Neubauer Peter , Azeredo Joana 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundPseudomonas fluorescensis an important food spoilage organism, usually found in the form of biofilms. Bacterial biofilms are inherently resistant to a variety of antimicrobial agents, therefore alternative methods to biofilm control, such as bacteriophages (phages) have been suggested. Phage behavior on biofilms is still poorly investigated and needs further understanding. Here we describe the application of phage ϕIBB-PF7, a newly isolated phage, to controlP. fluorescensbiofilms. The biofilms were formed under static or dynamic conditions and with or without renewal of medium.ResultsConditions for biofilm formation influenced the feature of the biofilm and the morphology ofP. fluorescens. Biomass removal due to phage activity varied between 63 and 91% depending on the biofilm age and the conditions under which the biofilm had been formed and phages applied. Removal of the biofilm by phage treatment was faster in younger biofilms, but the same number of surviving cells was detected in all tested biofilms, after only 4 h of treatment, even in older biofilms. Under static conditions, a 3 log higher number of phage progeny remained either inside the biofilm matrix or attached to the substratum surface than under dynamic conditions, pointing to the importance of experimental conditions for the efficacy of phage entrapment into the biofilm.ConclusionPhage ϕIBB-PF7A is highly efficient in removingP. fluorescensbiofilms within a short time interval. The conditions of biofilm formation and applied during phage infection are critical for the efficacy of the sanitation process. The integration of phages into the biofilm matrix and their entrapment to the surface may be further beneficial factors when phage treatment is considered alone or in addition to chemical biocides in industrial environments whereP. fluorescenscauses serious spoilage.