bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a novel tumour metastasis‐promoting gene, NVM‐1
Authors: Thiele Wilko , Novac Natalia , Mink Sigrun , Schreiber Caroline , Plaumann Diana , Fritzmann Johannes , Cremers Natascha , Rothley Melanie , Schwager Christian , Regiert Thomas , Huber Peter E. , Stein Ulrike , Schlag Peter , Moll Jürgen , Abdollahi Amir , Sleeman Jonathan P.
Published: April 2011

We have previously reported that over‐expression of a panel of 119 genes correlates with the metastatic potential of pancreatic carcinoma cells. We sought to identify and functionally characterize candidate tumour metastasis promoting genes among this library using a secondary phenotype‐assisted screen. Here we report the discovery of the metastasis‐promoting function of a hitherto not characterized gene located on chromosome 14 (ORF138), which we have named ‘novel metastasis‐promoting gene 1’ (NVM‐1). The NVM‐1 transcript is extensively alternatively spliced, is expressed endogenously in a number of different tissues, and is strongly over‐expressed at the protein level in a variety of human tumour types. Importantly, NVM‐1 expression stimulates the migratory and invasive behaviour of tumour cells and promotes metastasis formation in experimental animals in vivo. Up‐regulation of FMNL2 and MT1E and down‐regulation of TIMP4 and MHC‐I is observed as a consequence of NVM‐1 expression. Together these data identify NVM‐1 as a gene that is functionally involved in tumour metastasis, and suggest that NVM‐1 may constitute a promising therapeutic target for inhibition of tumour metastasis. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PARP inhibition induces BAX/BAK‐independent synthetic lethality of BRCA1‐deficient non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Paul Ian , Savage Kienan I , Blayney Jaine K , Lamers Elisabeth , Gately Kathy , Kerr Keith , Sheaff Michael , Arthur Kenneth , Richard Derek J , Hamilton Peter W , James Jacqueline A , O'Byrne Kenneth J , Harkin D Paul , Quinn Jennifer E , Fennell Dean A
Published: April 2011

Evasion of apoptosis contributes to both tumourigenesis and drug resistance in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The pro‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family proteins BAX and BAK are critical regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis. New strategies for targeting NSCLC in a mitochondria‐independent manner should bypass this common mechanism of apoptosis block. BRCA1 mutation frequency in lung cancer is low; however, decreased BRCA1 mRNA and protein expression levels have been reported in a significant proportion of lung adenocarcinomas. BRCA1 mutation/deficiency confers a defect in homologous recombination DNA repair that has been exploited by synthetic lethality through inhibition of PARP (PARPi) in breast and ovarian cells; however, it is not known whether this same synthetic lethal mechanism exists in NSCLC cells. Additionally, it is unknown whether the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway is required for BRCA1/PARPi‐mediated synthetic lethality. Here we demonstrate that silencing of BRCA1 expression by RNA interference sensitizes NSCLC cells to PARP inhibition. Importantly, this sensitivity was not attenuated in cells harbouring mitochondrial apoptosis block induced by co‐depletion of BAX and BAK. Furthermore, we demonstrate that BRCA1 inhibition cannot override platinum resistance, which is often mediated by loss of mitochondrial apoptosis signalling, but can still sensitize to PARP inhibition. Finally we demonstrate the existence of a BRCA1‐deficient subgroup (11–19%) of NSCLC patients by analysing BRCA1 protein levels using immunohistochemistry in two independent primary NSCLC cohorts. Taken together, the existence of BRCA1‐immunodeficient NSCLC suggests that this molecular subgroup could be effectively targeted by PARP inhibitors in the clinic and that PARP inhibitors could be used for the treatment of BRCA1‐immunodeficient, platinum‐resistant tumours. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amphiphilic block glycopolymers via atom transfer radical polymerization: Synthesis, self‐assembly and biomolecular recognition
Authors: León Orietta , Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Bordegé Vanesa , Sánchez‐Chaves Manuel , Fernández‐García Marta
Published: April 2011

In this work the synthesis of poly(butyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(2‐{[(D‐glucosamin‐2‐N‐yl)carbonyl]oxy}ethyl methacrylate) (PBA‐b‐PHEMAGl) diblock glycopolymer and poly(2‐{[(D‐glucosamin‐2‐N‐yl)carbonyl]oxy}ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(butyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(2‐{[(D‐glucosamin‐2‐N‐yl)carbonyl]oxy}ethyl methacrylate) (PHEMAGl‐b‐PBA‐b‐PHEMAGl) was performed via atom transfer radical polymerization. Monofunctional and difunctional poly(butyl acrylate) macroinitiators were used to synthesize the well‐defined diblock and triblock glycopolymers by chain extension reaction with the glycomonomer HEMAGl. The self‐assembly of these glycopolymers in aqueous solution was studied by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microcopy, showing the coexistence of spherical micelles and polymeric vesicles. In addition, the biomolecular recognition capacity of these micelles and vesicles, containing glucose moieties in their coronas, was investigated using the lectin Concanavalin A, Canavalia Ensiformis, which specifically interacts with glucose groups. The binding capacity of Concanavalin A with glycopolymer is influenced by the copolymer composition, increasing with the length of HEMAGl glycopolymer segment in the block copolymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
NMR structure of the Bordetella bronchiseptica protein NP_888769.1 establishes a new phage‐related protein family PF13554
Authors: Wahab Atia‐tul‐ , Serrano Pedro , Geralt Michael , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: April 2011

The solution structure of the hypothetical phage‐related protein NP_888769.1 from the Gram‐negative bacterium Bordetella bronchoseptica contains a well‐structured core comprising a five‐stranded, antiparallel β‐sheet packed on one side against two α‐helices and a short β‐hairpin with three flexibly disordered loops extending from the central β‐sheet. A homology search with the software DALI identified two Protein Data Bank deposits with Z‐scores > 8, where both of these proteins have less than 8% sequence identity relative to NP_888769.1, and one has been functionally annotated as a lambda phage tail terminator protein. A sequence‐homology analysis then confirmed that NP_888769.1 represents the first three‐dimensional structural representative of a new protein family that was previously predicted by the Joint Center for Structural Genomics, which includes so far about 20 prophage proteins encoded in bacterial genomes.
Evolved streptavidin mutants reveal key role of loop residue in high‐affinity binding
Authors: Magalhães Maria L. B. , Czekster Clarissa Melo , Guan Rong , Malashkevich Vladimir N. , Almo Steven C. , Levy Matthew
Published: April 2011

We have performed a detailed analysis of streptavidin variants with altered specificity towards desthiobiotin. In addition to changes in key residues which widen the ligand binding pocket and accommodate the more structurally flexible desthiobiotin, the data revealed the role of a key, non‐active site mutation at the base of the flexible loop (S52G) which slows dissociation of this ligand by approximately sevenfold. Our data suggest that this mutation results in the loss of a stabilizing contact which keeps this loop open and accessible in the absence of ligand. When this mutation was introduced into the wild‐type protein, destabilization of the opened loop conferred a ∼10‐fold decrease in both the on‐rate and off‐rate for the ligand biotin‐4‐fluoroscein. A similar effect was observed when this mutation was added to a monomeric form of this protein. Our results provide key insight into the role of the streptavidin flexible loop in ligand binding and maintaining high affinity interactions.
Breeding of commercially acceptable allelopathic rice cultivars in China
Authors: Kong Chui‐Hua , Chen Xiong‐Hui , Hu Fei , Zhang Song‐Zhu
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: One promising area of paddy weed control is the potential for exploiting the weed‐suppressing ability of rice. This study was conducted to develop commercially acceptable allelopathic rice cultivars using crosses between allelopathic rice variety PI312777 and commercial Chinese cultivars (N2S, N9S, Huahui354, Peiai64S and Tehuazhan35), and to assess their weed suppression and grain yield in paddy fields in relation to their parents.

RESULTS: There was a positive dominance in the crosses Huahui354 × PI312777 and N2S × PI312777 but recessive or negative dominance in N9S × PI312777, Peiai64S × PI312777 and Tehuazhan35 × PI312777. Huahui354 × PI312777 and N2S × PI312777 showed stronger weed suppression than their parents and other crosses. Finally, an F8 line with an appearance close to Huahui354 and a magnitude of weed suppression close to PI312777 was obtained from Huahui354 × PI312777. This line, named Huagan‐3, was released as a first commercially acceptable allelopathic rice cultivar in China. The grain yield and quality of Huagan‐3 met the commercial standard of the local rice industry. Huagan‐3 greatly suppressed paddy weeds, although suppression was influenced by year‐to‐year variation and plant density. There was no certain yield reduction in Huagan‐3 even under a slight infestation of barnyard grass in paddy fields.

CONCLUSION: The successful breeding of Huagan‐3 with high yield and strong weed suppression may be incorporated into present rice production systems to minimise the amount of herbicide used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Combined use of a synthetic trail pheromone and insecticidal bait provides effective control of an invasive ant
Authors: Sunamura Eiriki , Suzuki Shun , Nishisue Koji , Sakamoto Hironori , Otsuka Megumi , Utsumi Yosaburo , Mochizuki Fumiaki , Fukumoto Takehiko , Ishikawa Yukio , Terayama Mamoru , Tatsuki Sadahiro
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: Except for sex pheromones, use of pheromones in pest management has been largely unexplored. A high concentration of trail pheromone disrupts ant trail following and foraging, and thus synthetic trail pheromone can be a novel control agent for pest ants. In this study, a year‐long treatment of small areas (100 m2 plots of urban house gardens) with synthetic trail pheromone, insecticidal bait or both was conducted to develop a novel control method of the invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr).

RESULTS: The ant population could be maintained lower than or similar to the initial level only by combined treatment with synthetic trail pheromone and insecticidal bait. Actually, the ant population was nearly always lowest in combination treatment plots. Throughout the study period, the ant population in plots treated with either one of synthetic trail pheromone or insecticidal bait remained similar to no‐treatment plots.

CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment may be a more effective and environmentally friendly method for controlling invasive ants than conventional methods. Extermination of ants by insecticidal bait and inhibition of re‐infestation by pheromone may be the mechanism of the combination effect. This is the first study to show a significant effect of synthetic trail pheromone on ant population. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
On the effects of a totally reflecting barrier on an unbiased 1D random walk
Authors: Hansen Scott K.
Published: April 2011

This paper is devoted to discussing the behavior of an unbiased 1D random walk in a semi‐infinite lattice confined by a certain type of boundary, termedtotally reflecting, and in particular to proving the validity of the so‐called “reflection principle” for computing the probability mass function in such systems. This is motivated by the publication of an earlier paper by [Orlowski, Phys. Status Solidi B239, 158–161 (2003)], which denied the validity of the reflection principle, and proposed a different, inconsistent method of computing the walker's probability mass, and also by the fact that earlier authors published arguments for the reflection principle that themselves contained errors or were not entirely rigorous. This paper provides a new, rigorous argument for the validity of the reflection principle, and also shows where the error in Orlowski's analysis lies. It further contextualizes these arguments with respect to some existing literature on similar systems where the probability of reflection may be less than unity, and discusses the proper relationship between the discrete random walk, the diffusion equation, and approches which employ a different, master equation‐based discretization technique. The spatial relationship between the discrete and continuous formulations is discussed, and an existing derivation [van Kampen and Oppenheim, J. Math. Phys.13, 842–849 (1972)] is extended. Finally, it is shown that the reflection principle, as outlined in this paper, preserves initially uniform concentrations for all time (in contrast to Orlowski's proposed method).
Kondo lattice – fluctuating valence transition in Ce(Cu1–xNix)4Al compounds
Authors: Toliński T. , Kostrzewa D. , Synoradzki K. , Szlaferek A. , Wencka M. , Dolinšek J.
Published: April 2011

The Ce(Cu1–xNix)4Al series of compounds has been studied for 0 <x < 1. The physical properties have been determined by X‐ray diffraction, magnetometric, specific heat and electrical resistivity measurements. It is observed that the monotonic change of the unit cell volume is accompanied by the change of the magnetic and thermodynamic parameters.

The transition from the Kondo lattice to the fluctuating valence (FV) state is observed without the dilution of Ce but by the increase of x, which is accompanied by the decrease of the electronic specific heat coefficient, increase of the splitting of the crystal field levels and damping of the resistivity maximum.
Investigation of polarization‐induced electric field in ultrathin InAlN layers on GaN by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Akazawa M. , Gao B. , Hashizume T. , Hiroki M. , Yamahata S. , Shigekawa N.
Published: April 2011

The polarization‐induced electric field in ultrathin InxAl1‐xN (0.17 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) layers on GaN was investigated by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The core‐level energy position, ECL, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Al2p, In4d, and In3d spectra from 2.5‐nm‐thick InAlN layers increased with the increase in the photoelectron exit angle (elevation angle). These increases were well reproduced with numerical calculations assuming polarization‐induced internal fields combined with surface Fermi level pinning. The magnitudes of the internal field decreased as the In molar fraction increased. The Ga3d spectra from the host GaN layers markedly shifted by 530 meV depending on the molar fraction of InAlN layers, which was independent of the exit angle. This indicated that the Fermi level was unpinned at the interfaces, or GaN surfaces, and shifted due to the potential drop in the InAlN layers. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tailoring opto‐electronic properties of small InAsN and InN quantum dots
Authors: Pozhar Liudmila A.
Published: April 2011

Electronic energy level structure (ELS), charge and spin density distributions (CDD and SDD, respectively) of small indium nitride clusters have been studied by means of the first‐principle, many‐body field theoretical methods. Electron charge delocalization due to charge accumulation on nitrogen and dopant nickel atoms, and resulting violation of the octet rule of the valence theory, have been observed. This charge delocalization mechanism provides for minimization of the total cluster energy, and thus is necessary to stabilize small non‐stoichiometric indium nitride systems. It may be used to manipulate opto‐electronic properties of indium nitride clusters, and also to synthesize novel, indium nitride‐based nanostructures with desirable properties (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhancement of radiative recombination time under forward bias voltage in a green (In,Ga)N multiple‐quantum‐well light‐emitting‐diode
Authors: Satake Akihiro , Sato Junichi , Fujisaki Tsuyoshi , Fujiwara Kenzo
Published: April 2011

Radiative recombination dynamics has been investigated by time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy in a c ‐plane green (In,Ga)N multiple‐quantum‐well light‐emitting diode under applied bias voltage at 20 K. The PL spectral peak shows a large blueshift with increasing reverse voltage, exhibiting the existence of internal polarization field. The effective PL lifetime decreases when the applied voltage is changed from +2 to −10 V. It is due to competition between the quantum‐confined Stark effect (QCSE) and a carrier escape from the wells. A relative radiative recombination time is obtained by dividing the effective PL lifetime by the PL intensity as a function of the applied voltage. The relative radiative recombination time is significantly increased under the applied voltage between −2 and +2 V due to strongly enhanced QCSE. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aluminum nitride homoepitaxial growth on polar and non‐polar AlN PVT substrates by high temperature CVD (HTCVD)
Authors: Claudel Arnaud , Chowanek Yann , Blanquet Elisabeth , Chaussende Didier , Boichot Raphaël , Crisci Alexandre , Berthomé G. , Mank Hugues , Luca Sorana , Pique Didier , Pons Michel
Published: April 2011

Due to its wide bandgap (6.2 eV), its high thermal conductivity (3.3 WK‐1cm‐1) and high electrical resistivity (1013 Ωcm), AlN is a very expected III‐N semiconductor for applications in high power electronics (HEMTs) and optoelectronics (UV LEDs). In this work, the homoepitaxial growth of aluminum nitride on polar and non‐polar AlN PVT seeds by HTCVD is studied. From our knowledge, the AlN homoepitaxial growth by HVPE or HTCVD on polar and non‐polar bulk AlN substrates has not been reported. The potential of investigation in this new range of experiments conditions, i.e. high temperature and high growth rate, as well as the deposition of non‐polar AlN crystals (Paskova, Phys. Status Solidi B 245(6), 1011 (2008) and Schwarz and Kneissl, Phys. Status Solidi RRL 1(3), A44 (2007) [1, 2]) is very promising for epitaxial growth and could extend the field of applications (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of interface formation on the structural quality of AlN single crystals grown by sublimation method
Authors: Sumathi R. R. , Barz R. U. , Gille P. , Straubinger T.
Published: April 2011

AlN single crystals with 25 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness were grown on on‐axis, Si‐terminated, (001) 6H‐SiC substrates with a growth rate of 20‐25 μm/h by the sublimation method. The growth conditions were optimised and the grown crystals exhibit good crystalline quality as analysed by double‐crystal x‐ray diffraction measurements. The FWHM value of the rocking curves in ω‐scan is about 100 arcsec for 3 mm thick crystals. The kind of AlN/SiC interface formation influences the structural quality of the grown crystals by forming low‐angle grain boundaries. Optical and scanning electron microscopic analyses performed on cross‐cut samples demonstrate the existence of an array of hillocks and voids between them at the bottom of the grown AlN layer. These hillocks are confirmed by electron probe micro analysis as SiC etch hillocks and their origin was investigated. The possible mechanism for the formation of low‐angle grain boundaries is discussed and a simple physical model is proposed. Optimisation of the growth conditions was carried out in order to obtain crystals with low silicon carbide incorporation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
(Al,Ga)N overgrowth over AlN ridges oriented in [1120] and [1100] direction
Authors: Kueller V. , Knauer A. , Zeimer U. , Rodriguez H. , Mogilatenko A. , Kneissl M. , Weyers M.
Published: April 2011

Epitaxial lateral overgrowth of 1.5 µm wide AlN ridges with 1.5 µm spacing with AlGaN or AlN was investigated by electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence. Overgrowth of [1100] oriented stripes leads to relatively smooth c‐plane AlGaN surfaces while on [1120] oriented stripes strongly facetted surfaces evolve. The growth on the different facets leads to strong compositional fluctuations. These fluctuations can be prevented by the growth of binary AlN over the ridges instead of AlGaN. Only the [1100] oriented ridges formed smooth surfaces, suitable for subsequent deposition of AlGaN with homogeneous composition. The lateral epitaxial overgrowth leads to a remarkable reduction in threading dislocation density as shown by TEM and X‐ray diffraction. The critical thickness of AlN before cracking was significantly increased in comparison to unpatterned growth. The resulting AlN template is a promising ultraviolet transparent template for LED. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Acute Lung Injury: Role of Paracrine Soluble Factors
Authors: Lee Jae W. , Fang Xiaohui , Krasnodembskaya Anna , Howard James P. , Matthay Michael A.
Published: April 2011

Morbidity and mortality have declined only modestly in patients with clinical acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), despite extensive research into the pathophysiology. Current treatment remains primarily supportive with lung-protective ventilation and a fluid conservative strategy. Pharmacologic therapies that reduce the severity of lung injury in preclinical models have not yet been translated to effective clinical treatment options. Consequently, further research in translational therapies is needed. Cell-based therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is one attractive new therapeutic approach. MSCs have the capacity to secrete multiple paracrine factors that can regulate endothelial and epithelial permeability, decrease inflammation, enhance tissue repair, and inhibit bacterial growth. This review will focus on recent studies, which support the potential therapeutic use of MSCs in ALI/ARDS, with an emphasis on the role of paracrine soluble factors.
Site‐selective versus promiscuous A‐to‐I editing
Authors: Wahlstedt Helene , f#x2013;hman Marie
Published: April 2011

RNA editing by adenosine deamination is acting on polymerase II derived transcripts in all metazoans. Adenosine‐to‐inosine (A‐to‐I) editing is mediated by the adenosine deaminase that acts on RNA (ADAR) enzymes. Two types of adenosine to inosine (A‐to‐I) RNA editing have been defined: site selective and hyper‐editing. Typically, in site selectively edited substrates, one or a few A‐to‐I sites are edited in double‐stranded RNA structures, frequently interrupted by single‐stranded bulges and loops. Hyper‐editing occurs in long stretches of duplex RNA where multiple adenosines are subjected to deamination. In this review, recent findings on editing within noncoding RNA as well as examples of site selective editing within coding regions are presented. We discuss how these two editing events have evolved and the structural differences between a site selective and hyper‐edited substrate. WIREs RNA 2011 2 761–771 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.89

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis Are Not Associated With Impaired Quadriceps Specific Strength in Adults
Authors: Segal Neil A. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Brubaker Morgan , Torner James C.
Published: April 2011

Objective

To assess whether adults, aged 50‐59 years, who are obese or moderately to severely obese have impaired quadriceps strength and muscle quality in comparison with adults who are not obese, both groups with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

Rural community acquired sample.

Subjects

Seventy‐seven men and 84 women, aged 50‐59 years.

Methods

Comparisons by using mixed models for clustered data (2 lower limbs per participant) between groups defined by body mass index (BMI) (<30 kg/m2, 30‐35 kg/m2, and ≥35 kg/m2), with and without knee OA

Main Outcome Measurement

The slope of the relationship between quadriceps muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (dynamometer) in each BMI and OA group.

Results

There were 113 limbs (48.7% women), 101 limbs (38.6% women), and 89 limbs (73.0% women) in the <30 kg/m2, 30‐35 kg/m2, and ≥35 kg/m2 BMI groups, respectively; knee OA was present in 10.6%, 28.7%, and 58.4% of the limbs in each of these respective groups. Quadriceps CSA did not significantly differ among BMI groups in either gender or between subjects with and without knee OA. Peak quadriceps strength also did not significantly differ by BMI group or by the presence of knee OA. Multivariable analyses also demonstrated that peak quadriceps strength did not differ by BMI group, even after adjusting for (a) gender, (b) OA status, (c) intramuscular fat, or (d) quadriceps attenuation. The slopes for the relationships between quadriceps strength and CSA did not differ by BMI group, OA status, or their interaction.

Conclusions

Individuals who were obese and at risk for knee OA did not appear to have altered muscle strength or muscle quality compared with adults who were not obese and were aged 50‐59 years. The absence of a difference in the relationship between peak quadriceps strength and CSA provided further evidence that there was not an impairment in quadriceps muscle quality in this cohort, which suggests that factors other than strength might mediate the association between obesity and knee OA.
Four thousand years of environmental change and human activity in the Cochabamba Basin, Bolivia
Authors: Williams Joseph J. , Gosling William D. , Coe Angela L. , Brooks Stephen J. , Gulliver Pauline
Published: April 2011

The Cochabamba Basin (Bolivia) is on the ancient road network connecting Andean and lowland areas. Little is known about the longevity of this trade route or how people responded to past environmental changes. The eastern end of the Cochabamba valley system constricts at the Vacas Lake District, constraining the road network and providing an ideal location in which to examine past human–environmental interactions. Multiproxy analysis of sediment from Lake Challacaba has allowed a c. 4000 year environmental history to be reconstructed. Fluctuations in drought tolerant pollen taxa and calcium carbonate indicate two periods of reduced moisture availability (c. 4000–3370 and c. 2190–1020 cal yr BP) compared to adjacent wetter episodes (c. 3370–2190 and c. 1020 cal yr BP–present). The moisture fluctuations broadly correlate to El Niño/Southern Oscillation variations reported elsewhere. High charcoal abundance from c. 4000 to 2000 yr ago indicates continuous use of the ancient road network. A decline in charcoal and an increase in dung fungus (Sporormiella) c. 1340–1210 cal yr BP, suggests that cultural changes were a major factor in shaping the modern landscape. Despite undisputable impacts of human populations on the Polylepis woodlands today, we see no evidence of woodland clearance in the Challacaba record.
Recent Work on Rural Settlement in Later Prehistoric and Early Historic Dyfed
Authors: Williams George
Published: April 2011

The archaeology of Dyfed in the first millennia B.C. and A.D. is largely that of defended enclosures. The distribution of these is described. This suggests the existence of three zones of defended enclosures, reflecting differences in environment and socio-economic systems, particularly differences in the relative productivity of different areas. The results of recent excavations are described and discussed in terms of chronology, economy, function and status. The excavations at Llawhaden—which have included the total excavation of three small enclosures—provide a key sequence, covering the whole period in question, with which other excavations can be compared. Throughout much of the period differences in the development of settlements can be related to the environmental and socio-economic differences between zones. In terms of function and status, it can be suggested that the majority of totally excavated defended enclosures were high status sites.
Fetters on the Wall
Authors: Thompson F. H.
Published: April 2011

The Literary Evidence for the use of fetters in the ancient world, both for prisoners of war and slaves, is fairly plentiful and has recently been examined by the writer in preparation for a study of the archaeological evidence for slavery in the ancient world (Thompson 1993). Three well-attested cases of the dedication of fetters in Greek history which have been noticed in passing by translators and commentators (e.g. Rouse 1902, 233), but which have not received in total the attention they deserve, are of particular interest.
Encore Lindisfarne Priory and the Problem of its Nave Vaults
Authors: McAleer J. Philip
Published: April 2011

An examination of at least six views of Lindisfarne Priory dating from the late eighteenth century, at which time most of the nave was still standing, led to the surprising conclusion in an earlier study that the nave was covered by groin vaults. Because of the unequivocal evidence of ribbed vaults in the choir, transept arms and crossing, as well as in the nave aisles, it would be expected that the form of the nave vault was the same. Since the evidence provided by the early views has been greeted with some scepticism, this study documents the collapse and restoration of the nave during the nineteenth century, closely examines the only two points at which the springing of the former nave vault is preserved, and, finally, considers the continued use of groin vaults in England after the appearance of ribbed vaults at Durham Cathedral, c. 1093–-1100. None of these further investigations produced any evidence that contradicts the conclusions based on the early views as initially presented, nor does a consideration of other views from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, during which time the nave elevations were gradually collapsing. Whether ‘logical’ or not, the nave of Lindisfarne was covered by groin vaults. This finding leads to the suggestion that groin vaults, not ribbed vaults, may have been used over the choir of Durham.

This paper was submitted for publication in November 1992.
The Rievaulx Abbey Chapter House
Authors: Fergusson Peter , Harrison Stuart
Published: April 2011

The chapter house (figs, i, 2) is the most puzzling of the buildings that survive at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire — the Cistercians's first foundation in the north of England. A reconstruction based on the ruined remains shows a two storey interior supported on cylindrical columns, lower flanking aisles, and an apsed termination with a hemicycle and surrounding ambulatory (figs. 3, 4). No other chapter house in England or France shares these features. As a consequence the building has been ignored in the literature for the most part, or drawn criticism on account of its divergence from Cistercian norms. Gardner (1976, 106 n. 103), for example, in his wide-ranging study of English chapter houses categorized it as ‘bizarre’ and Gilyard-Beer (1978, 34) judged it a ‘remarkable lapse’ from Cistercian austerity. Yet the building merits greater attention. It survives as the oldest example in England of a Cistercian chapter house, a building type which, except for the conventual church, ranked as the most important in the entire monastic complex. Moreover, the visible remains can be dated to the brilliant rule of Rievaulx's third abbot, Ælred (1146–67), the pre-eminent pastoral master and spiritual writer of the High Middle Ages in Britain, under whom the community grew to the largest in the country with 640 men. Ælred's role as patron raises important questions, therefore, about the building's sources and meaning.
An Investigation into the Environment and Archaeology of the Wessex Linear Ditch System
Authors: Evans J. G. , Vaughan M. P.
Published: April 2011

Investigations into a later prehistoric ditch system in an area of Wessex about 15 km. south-west of Salisbury are described. The main objectives were to study the past environment of the earthworks at various stages in their history and to investigate their form and how they may have functioned. The two parts of the system studied were just south of Blagdon Plantation, Pentridge, Dorset, and on Knoll Down, Damerham, Hants. Excavations, study of soil and sediment macromorphology, and molluscan analysis were the main techniques used.

At Blagdon Plantation the earthwork lay in an area in which there was no trace of earlier fields. The bank was of simple dump construction, the ditch shallow and flat-bottomed, possibly unfinished. The molluscan sequence prior to the construction of the earthwork indicated a succession from closed woodland to stable grassland. The ditch sequence showed no trace of shading, and there was no indication of a former hedgerow on the bank crest. At Knoll Down, the earthwork crosses lynchets of an Iron Age field system, dated by potsherds from the ancient ploughsoil sealed beneath the bank. In one profile, lynchet deposits with an open-country molluscan fauna preceded the bank, and in some sections clear ploughsoils were present. A short episode when the area was under grass immediately preceded the earthwork. At one point, where there was no accompanying buried soil, deeply incised ploughmarks were present at the base of the bank, interpreted as clearance- or marking-out lines, possibly of a symbolic nature. The bank was of simple dump construction, the ditch deep, steep-sided, and with a narrow, flat bottom. There was no indication of a hedge. An earlier, smaller ditch, which may have held a wooden palisade, had been backfilled deliberately. These changes, which may reflect friction between different groups of people on various scales, took place in a prevailing environmental background of open country.
Excavations on the Sites of the Amphitheatre and Forum-Basilica at Silchester, Hampshire: an Interim Report
Authors: Fulford Michael
Published: April 2011

A research excavation was commenced on the site of the basilica which forms the western side of the forum of Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester, Hants) in IQ80. Its aim is to examine the Late Iron Age and early Roman occupation which, despite extensive Victorian excavations, was preserved beneath the masonry basilica. So far there is evidence of the Iron Age sequence dating back to the last quarter of the first century B.C.; it ends with the construction of a palisade dating to about the time of the Roman conquest. Two major phases of Roman timber building have been recorded, of which the later consists of a large basilica, interpreted as part of a forum-basilica and of Flavian date. The masonry basilica dates to the early second century. From the mid third until the later fourth century the basilica was given over to metalworking. The amphitheatre, with its well-preserved earthen seating banks, was first constructed during the third quarter of the first century A.D., when the seating, arena wall and entrance passages were built of timber. After several phases of repair the arena wall and entrance passages were rebuilt in stone in the first half of the third century. The full plan of this phase has been recovered; it consists of two opposing entrances on the long axis and two apsidal recesses on the short axis. The monument enjoyed a brief period of reuse in the twelfth and early thirteenth centuries.
The Nave Roof of the Church of St Mary, Kempley, Gloucestershire
Authors: Morley Beric M.
Published: April 2011

The nave roof of the Norman church of St. Mary, Kempley, Gloucestershire, is hidden above a seventeenth-century ceiling. Recent study has shown the roof structure to be substantially original. The roof is described and its date considered against various dating schemes for the building. A preferred date of c. 1120 is proposed.
The Society of Antiquaries and the British School at Athens, 1886–1986: the Cemeteries of Knossos and Mycenae
Authors: Catling H. W.
Published: April 2011

In a general review of the associations between the British School at Athens and the Society of Antiquaries 100 years on from the School's foundation, a review is given of the excavations of Sir Arthur Evans in the Zapher Papoura and Isopata cemeteries at Knossos, and of Professor A. J. B. Wace in the Kalkani cemetery at Mycenae (both projects published by the Society in Archaeologia).
A Lantern Clock Signed ‘Thomas Knifton at the [Crossed Keys] in Lothbury Fecit’ and its Context
Authors: White George S. J.
Published: April 2011

The seventeenth-century lantern clock in the possession of the Society of Antiquaries of London is shown to be one of the products of the post-Civil War boom in London domestic clockmaking. Its maker Thomas Knifton is found to be one of a close-knit group of house clockmakers working in the Parish of St Margaret's, Lothbury. His relationship with both the Clothworkers' and the Clockmakers' Company is explored. The clock is described, its founder's marks and unique dial-plate noted. The construction of its movement and subsequent alterations are explained in simple terms.
The Early Medieval Textiles at Maaseik, Belgium
Authors: Budny Mildred , Tweddle Dominic
Published: April 2011

This article offers an account of the components, the structure and the history of the so-calledcasulaandvelaminaof Sts Harlindis and Relindis preserved at the Church of St Catherine at Maaseik in Belgium as relics of the two sisters who founded the nearby abbey of Aldeneik (where the textiles were kept throughout the Middle Ages). The compositecasulaof Sts Harlindis and Relindis includes the earliest surviving group of Anglo-Saxon embroideries, dating to the late eighth century or the early ninth. Probably similarly Anglo-Saxon, a set of silk tablet-woven braids brocaded with gold associated with the embroideries offers a missing link in the surviving corpus of Anglo-Saxon braids. The ‘David silk’ with its Latin inscription and distinctly western European design dating from the eighth century or the early ninth offers a rare witness to the art of silk-weaving in the West at so early a date. Thevelamenof St Harlindis, more or less intact, represents a remarkable early medieval vestment, garment or cloth made up of two types of woven silk cloths, tablet-woven braids brocaded with gold, gilded copper bosses, pearls and beads. Thevelamenof St Relindis, in contrast, represents the stripped remains—reduced to the lining and the fringed ends—of another composite textile. Originally it was probably luxurious, so as to match the two other composite early medieval textile relics from Aldeneik. As a whole, the group contributes greatly to knowledge of early medieval textiles of various kinds.
The Old Baptist Chapel, Goodshaw Chapel, Rawtenstall, Lancs.
Authors: Brandon Victoria , Johnson Stephen
Published: April 2011

The Old Baptist Chapel at Goodshaw was taken into the care of the Department of the Environment in 1976. Since then, comprehensive repairs to the external fabric and the internal woodwork features have been undertaken. In advance of this necessary work, and during its course, much evidence was discovered to chart the history of the building and to interpret its present form.

The chapel was built in 1760, and was extended around 1800 to its present size. A schoolhouse, on the site of the attached minister's cottage, was added in 1809, but was demolished towards the end of the last century. Further internal alterations to provide for more seating within the galleries and box pews were carried out in the middle years of the nineteenth century, but the chapel went out of use soon after its centenary, in 1863. It has remained in a virtually intact state since that time, and is now preserved as an Ancient Monument.
‘Unique, Traditional and Charming’. The Shapwick Project, Somerset
Authors: Aston Michael , Gerrard Christopher
Published: April 2011

The Shapwick Project, Somerset, began in 1989 as a ten-year, multidisciplinary landscape investigation focused upon the evolution of early and late medieval settlement patterns. This interim paper reviews the work carried out to 1996 and summarizes the results of archaeological fieldwork, standing building recording and documentary study. It is argued that the site of the present village and the medieval field system were planned in the late Saxon period and replaced a scatter of dispersed farmsteads, many of which show continuity from the prehistoric and Roman periods. The role of the medieval and post-medieval landscape is emphasized in reflecting and reinforcing social structure.
Ancient Copper Alloy Figurines from Daghestan
Authors: Chenciner Robert
Published: April 2011

Nothing appears to have been written in English about a group of powerfully-sculpted lost-wax copper alloy, standing, naked figurines, 30–60mm tall, mainly from mountainous regions of west Daghestan and south-east Chechnya in the Caucasus. More than a hundred of these phallic (male), or otherwise sexually explicit (female and hermaphrodite) figurines have been found at different places at different dates since 1867 up to the present day. Most writers have suggested datings from the first millennium BC and indeed dating between 500 BC and AD 500 has been recently confirmed by the first technical and chemical analysis of a sample of these figurines by Dr Peter Northover. The thirteen figurines which he analysed are catalogued here. However, a Daghestani archaeologist Dr M S Gadjiev has recently proposed that the period of their manufacture is from the sixth to ninth centuries AD, since similar figurines have been found with a small spoon, datable to that period. The author's suggested interpretations of the ‘adoration’ and ‘cup-bearer’ types of figurine, which occur most frequently, do not affect the debate on their dating.
The Institutional Façade: Architectural Recording at the Old Schools, University of Cambridge
Authors: Evans Christopher , Pollard Joshua
Published: April 2011

The results of architectural recording within the North Range of the University's Old Schools are described. Argued to have stood independently as a hall in the later fourteenth century, the progressive development of the Schools' quadrangle, and extensive alterations to it – culminating in Wright's neo-classical facade of 1754–58 – reflects upon the historical development of academic architecture. The prestigious display of the complex in the mid eighteenth century, facilitated through the mass levelling of domestic properties, equally tells of the institutional ‘realization’ of the University.
A London Pewterer's Workshop in 1551
Authors: Homer Ronald F
Published: April 2011

A three-leaf fragment of an unidentified London pewterer's business records, covering some three months of the year 1551, has been found among the archives of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers and is here transcribed together with a discussion of its contents. It provides an inventory of the pewterer's stock, describes the alloying and casting of over a ton of tin to produce a wide range of pewter flatware, and itemizes the sales and loans of pewterware to named customers. These include other pewterers and Alderman Richard Lambert. The manuscript provides a unique insight into a sixteenth century pewterer's workshop practices. Speculation into the identity of the pewterer has proved inconclusive.
Three Gems in the Society's Collection
Authors: Henig Martin
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this note is to mark the transfer to the Society's museum of three Roman gemstones which came into my possession as gifts at different times and which I decided I would like to share with the Fellowship in general. The Society, indeed, has long owned a number of medieval and later seals and sealings, a few of which were recently displayed in the entrance lobby, and it has long seemed to me that the inclusion of Roman intaglios would make its holdings more representative for future students. Historians of medieval sigillography in the past were rather ignorant of Roman gems and, indeed, of Classical iconography in general and more curiously were hardly aware that the seal use of the Middle Ages almost exactly parallels earlier Roman practice. However, since the recent publication of a general book on sealing, the basic continuity of the tradition should be obvious to all.
Sculpture, Dates and Patrons: Dating the Herefordshire School of Sculpture
Authors: Hunt John
Published: April 2011

The origins of the Herefordshire School of Sculpture have traditionally been associated with Shobdon Priory, although both Leominster Priory and Kilpeck Church have also been suggested. This paper proposes that the origins of the Herefordshire School should be sought elsewhere, most probably in Hereford Cathedral. Recent studies tend to date the activity of the Herefordshire School earlier than was previously supposed, but it is here argued that these principal monuments of the School are actually later in date than the revisions suggest and that the Herefordshire School of Sculpture was active for around thirty years, into the early 1160s. The importance of lay patronage is confirmed, but scope for the influence of churchmen in the promotion of the School is also proposed. Some of the schemes adopted may have served to convey messages intended to help the church protect itself and its possessions in the turbulent times of the Anarchy.
The Great Tower, Chepstow Castle, Wales
Authors: Turner R C , Allen J R L , Coldstream N , Jones-Jenkins C , Morris R K , Priestley S G
Published: April 2011

The Great Tower of Chepstow Castle is probably the most important surviving domestic medieval building in Wales. In the Norman period it consisted of a single large room partly surrounded by niches built over a vast undercroft. In the second quarter of the thirteenth century, the first floor was dramatically converted into a more conventional great hall and chamber, through the insertion of new windows and the construction of a pair of sumptuously decorated arches across the building in the most refined Early English style. These alterations also provided a single second-floor chamber, which was extended across the whole building in the 1290s. This article gathers together the documentary, architectural and art historical evidence in an attempt to identify who was the patron of each phase of this remarkable building and what they were hoping it would provide.
Britain's First Brass
Authors: Craddock Paul , Cowell Michael , Stead Ian
Published: April 2011

Stamps on the blade of a sword from the Thames, originally considered to be Anglo-Saxon, now place the sword stylistically in the La Tène II period (late third to early second century BC). X-ray fluorescence tests have shown that the gold-coloured foil covering the stamps consists of 80 per cent copper and 20 per cent zinc, this being the formula for brass. The sword therefore represents the earliest known use of brass in Britain.
Manchester's Ancient Name
Authors: Breeze Andrew
Published: April 2011

Mamucium, the Roman name of Manchester, is often explained as ‘place on the breast-shaped hill’ from the hypothetical British mamma ’breast; breast-shaped hill’. But the name of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, suggests this is baseless. A likelier etymology is ‘place on the river called Mamma, “mother”’, apparently the old name of the River Medlock, perhaps revered as a Celtic goddess.