This study presents the first structural report of kolbeckite, with the ideal formula ScPO(4).2H(2)O (scandium phosphate dihydrate), based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Kolbeckite belongs to the metavariscite mineral group, in which each PO(4) tetrahedron shares four vertices with four ScO(4)(H(2)O)(2) octahedra and vice versa, forming a three-dimensional network of polyhedra.

Conclusions: Crystals forming mineral blocks of mostly compact matter are nucleated on organic substrates, with their growth controlled by the diffusion of building units through the virtually stagnant layer of interstitial fluid wetting the deposit surface. Preferentially formed precursors of hydroxyapatite, dicalcium, octacalcium and/or amorphous calcium phosphate, are in later stages of depo...

Mineral nutrition research in recent years has focused on reducing mineral excretion; however, very little work has focused on accurate determination of mineral requirements. To more accurately define and understand mineral requirements, it is essential that a better understanding of mineral absorption mechanisms and their regulation be achieved. This is particularly important because the cost ...

Lithium ion conductors 5. Lithium Nitride Li3N 6. Lithium Lanthanum Titanium Oxide, Li3xLa0.67-xTiO3 7. Lithium Titanium Phosphate, LiTi2(PO4)3 Sodium ion conductors 8. Sodium β-Alumina, Na2O)1+x(Al2O3)11 9. Sodium β”-Alumina, Li-stabilized, Na1.5(Li0.25Al10.75)O17 10. Sodium β-Gallate, (Na2O)*n(Ga2O3) 11. Sodium β”-Gallate, Na1.98Ga10.673 O17 12. Sodium Yttrium Silicate, Na5YSi4O12 13. Sodium ...

INTRODUCTION: Synthetic calcium phosphate cements (CPC) which mimic the chemical structure of the mineral composition of bone have been well accepted as bone grafting materials due to their consistent osteoconductivity, ease of use, and mechanical properties but are limited in application due to their lack of osteoinductive potential. Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) has also found significant a...

In March 2006, a dead, male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was found in the salt marsh in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. During necropsy, an enterolith was found completely obstructing the intestinal lumen. Further examination of the enterolith revealed a stingray spine nidus. Most terrestrial enteroliths are composed primarily of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate); ho...

The continuously forming fin bony rays of zebrafish represent a simple bone model system in which mineralization is temporally and spatially resolved. The mineralized collagen fibrils of the fin bones are identical in structure to those found in all known bone materials. We study the continuous mineralization process within the tissue by using synchrotron microbeam x-ray diffraction and small-a...

Metabolic bone disease is a frequent condition in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. In order to prevent the disease, the provision of high amount of calcium and phosphate in parenteral nutrition solutions and during transition to the full enteral feedings is crucial. Current practice supports early aggressive mineral supplementation. In this review, we will discuss data from the recent lite...

We have demonstrated a simple and versatile method for generating a continuously graded, bonelike calcium phosphate coating on a nonwoven mat of electrospun nanofibers. A linear gradient in calcium phosphate content could be achieved across the surface of the nanofiber mat. The gradient had functional consequences with regard to stiffness and biological activity. Specifically, the gradient in m...

OBJECTIVE Disordered mineral metabolism is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a novel risk factor for CKD progression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Although diabetes is the leading cause of CKD and is associated with worse clinical outcomes than other etiologies, few studies have evaluated mineral metabolism in CKD according to diabetes status. RESEARCH DESIGN...