bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feather growth bands and photoperiod
Authors: Jovani Roger , Blas Julio , Navarro Carlos , Mougeot François
Published: December 2010

Growth bands are alternate dark/light bands perpendicular to the feather rachis. Previous studies indicate that pairs of dark/light bands are grown every 24h, with light bands being produced at night, and dark ones during the day. Thus, the dark:light width ratio could reflect the photoperiod under which a feather was grown. We tested this hypothesis by inducing feathers to grow under contrasting photoperiods, using red‐legged partridgesAlectoris rufaas a model species. We first validated the assumption that a pair of dark/light band is produced every day. Secondly, we show that dark/light width ratios remain close to 1:1, irrespective of the photoperiod under which feathers were grown. Dark:light width ratios of feathers grown in summer (15 light‐hours: 9 darkness‐hours) and winter solstices (9l: 15d) did not show any consistent pattern of variation within individuals. Thus, the dark/light banding patterns are not simply the product of light regimes and are not indicative of photoperiod. This finding, together with reports of “aberrant” growth band patterns (e.g. two growth bands produced over 24 h instead of one) challenges our current knowledge of growth bands. We propose that the normal circadian periodicity of growth bands is primarily driven by circadian rhythms: band formation starts at a point of critically low physiological activity (e.g. during night resting), and thus every 24 h irrespective of photoperiod. Our experiment emphasises that our knowledge of growth bands is weaker than previously appreciated, and that the study of dark/light band patterns on feathers could shed new light on interesting phenomena such as unusual avian biological rhythms and the functioning of internal clocks. Detecting “aberrant” banding patterns could therefore allow identifying bird species with unusual activity patterns or physiological rhythms.
Sampling in ecology and evolution – bridging the gap between theory and practice
Authors: Albert Cécile H. , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Edwards Thomas C. , Graham Catherine H. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: December 2010

Sampling is a key issue for answering most ecological and evolutionary questions. The importance of developing a rigorous sampling design tailored to specific questions has already been discussed in the ecological and sampling literature and has provided useful tools and recommendations to sample and analyse ecological data. However, sampling issues are often difficult to overcome in ecological studies due to apparent inconsistencies between theory and practice, often leading to the implementation of simplified sampling designs that suffer from unknown biases. Moreover, we believe that classical sampling principles which are based on estimation of means and variances are insufficient to fully address many ecological questions that rely on estimating relationships between a response and a set of predictor variables over time and space. Our objective is thus to highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate sampling space and an appropriate sampling design. We also emphasize the importance of using prior knowledge of the study system to estimate models or complex parameters and thus better understand ecological patterns and processes generating these patterns. Using a semi‐virtual simulation study as an illustration we reveal how the selection of the space (e.g. geographic, climatic), in which the sampling is designed, influences the patterns that can be ultimately detected. We also demonstrate the inefficiency of common sampling designs to reveal response curves between ecological variables and climatic gradients. Further, we show that response‐surface methodology, which has rarely been used in ecology, is much more efficient than more traditional methods. Finally, we discuss the use of prior knowledge, simulation studies and model‐based designs in defining appropriate sampling designs. We conclude by a call for development of methods to unbiasedly estimate nonlinear ecologically relevant parameters, in order to make inferences while fulfilling requirements of both sampling theory and field work logistics.
Addressing loneliness in a retirement village community: A pilot test of a print‐delivered intervention
Authors: Gracia Natalie , Moyle Wendy , Oxlade Deborah , Radford Katrina
Published: December 2010

Aim:  To explore perceptions of a self‐help print‐delivered intervention aimed at encouraging social well‐being and addressing loneliness in a retirement village community.

Method:  A total of 58 residents of an Australian retirement village received a series of five factsheets addressing various dimensions of loneliness.

Results:  The factsheets raised awareness of the importance of social well‐being and loneliness. However, the approach was considered difficult to update and was not appropriate for those from a non‐English speaking background or with vision impairments. The non‐face‐to‐face approach also was unable to address issues of loneliness associated with bereavement.

Conclusion:  This form of intervention offers a cost‐effective way to raise awareness of loneliness and social well‐being in a retirement village community when issues of updating and presentation of information are taken into consideration.
Development and testing of a questionnaire to measure older people's experience of the Transition Care Program in Australia
Authors: Masters Stacey , Giles Lynne , Halbert Julie , Crotty Maria
Published: December 2010

Aim:  Transition Care (TC) is a new program for older adults in Australia. At present, program quality is assessed using provider reports of compliance with key requirements established by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. As part of the National Evaluation of the Transition Care Program, the authors developed a questionnaire to measure recipient experience of TC.

Method:  Validity and reliability were assessed via interviews with 582 recipients or proxies 3 months after discharge from TC.

Results:  Concordance between test–retest observations was high. Principal component analysis suggested three subscales were important: restoration, continuity of care and patient involvement. Recipients of TC in a residential care setting had lower mean scores on the restoration subscale compared to those who received services in the community.

Conclusion:  This study found that a standardised measure of recipient experience could inform quality improvement in TC and is feasible to administer via questionnaire.
Retrospective case note review of patients brought to Ipswich emergency department under mental health emergency examination orders: Does intoxication alter outcome?
Authors: Brierley Stephen , Baker Kylie , Brack Janet , Cunningham Sgt Peter
Published: December 2010

Objective:  To alter staff perceptions, and to examine alternative management processes for intoxicated patients brought to Ipswich ED under mental health emergency examination orders by comparing disposition outcomes with non‐intoxicated patients.

Methods:  Consultation‐Liaison mental health nursing staff completed surveys on all patients assessed under emergency examination orders over a 6 month period in 2008. Patients were classified as intoxicated if they recorded alcometer readings of greater than 0.05%, or self‐reported drug use during the events leading to their transport to the ED. Outcomes were retrospectively collated with entries in Clinical Liaison nursing logbooks. Outcome measures recorded were rates of admission, outpatient referrals to the Integrated Mental Health Service, follow up by other community services or no follow up. Differences in outcomes for intoxicated and non‐intoxicated patient groups were tested for significance using χ2 or Fisher's exact test.

Results:  One hundred and sixty‐eight cases were included in the audit. No cases were excluded. Sixty patients were identified as intoxicated. The age and sex distributions were similar between intoxicated and non‐intoxicated patients. There were no significant differences in admission or referral rates. The average length of assessment time in the ED was longer in the intoxicated group.

Discussion:  This audit showed similar outcomes for both patient groups contrary to the perceptions expressed by ED staff in informal surveys. The admission and referral rate for both groups indicate they are an at‐risk population. The admission rate of 16% has led to this department negotiating alternative accommodation for patients while they sober up.
The comparative pharmacokinetics of modified‐release and immediate‐release paracetamol in a simulated overdose model
Authors: Chiew Angela , Day Peter , Salonikas Chris , Naidoo Daya , Graudins Andis , Thomas Rebecca
Published: December 2010

Background:  Panadol Extend (PEx) is an over‐the‐counter, modified‐release formulation of paracetamol. Each 665 mg tablet contains 69% slow‐release and 31% immediate‐release paracetamol. In simulated human overdose, PEx exhibits lower and later peak serum concentrations and a lower area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) than comparable doses of immediate‐release paracetamol (APAP‐IR). The lower AUC might result from incomplete absorption of paracetamol or simultaneous metabolism with absorption.

Objective:  Do differences in pharmacokinetics (PK) between PEx and APAP‐IR result from incomplete absorption or simultaneous absorption and metabolism of paracetamol?

Methods:  Cross‐over study of 80 mg/kg of PEx or APAP‐IR in nine volunteers. Serial plasma paracetamol, glucuronide, sulphate and cysteine metabolite estimates performed over 24 h. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax), AUC(0–∞), time to peak concentration (Tmax) and elimination half‐life (t1/2) were compared.

Results:  PEx exhibited significantly lower paracetamol Cmax (252.33 µmol/L vs 565.56 µmol/L, P= 0.0421), AUC(0–∞) (2133 µmol/h/L vs 2637 µmol/h/L, P= 0.0004) and delayed Tmax (2.889 h vs 1.389 h, P= 0.0189) than APAP‐IR. Sulphate metabolite PK parameters for both preparations, PEx vs APAP‐IR, showed similar AUC(0–∞) (1369 µmol/h/L vs 1089 µmol/h/L), Tmax (3.889 h vs 4.444 h), Cmax (95.889 µmol/L vs 95.889 µmol/L) and t1/2 (3.895 h vs 3.810 h). Glucuronide metabolite concentrations revealed that PEx produced a lower Cmax (257.44 µmol/L vs 335.22 µmol/L, P= 0.0239) than APAP‐IR. All other pharmacokinetic parameters were similar. Cysteine metabolite was not detected.

Conclusion:  There were minor differences between the PK parameters of the two major paracetamol metabolites of these two preparations in simulated overdose. The variability in paracetamol AUC seen between the two preparations in moderate overdose might be explained by concurrent metabolism of paracetamol during slower absorption with PEx.
Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum: Diagnostic and management difficulties
Authors: Mann Caroline M , Bhati Chandra S , Gemmell David , Doyle Peter , Gupta Vibhore , Gorman David F
Published: December 2010

Acute abdominal pain is a common presentation to the ED. Most patients undergo a chest radiograph as part of their initial investigations, which occasionally reveals pneumoperitoneum. Pneumoperitoneum on imaging suggests a perforated hollow abdominal viscus and therefore often constitutes a surgical emergency. However, if the patient is neither peritonitic nor septic a management dilemma is faced. Some cases of pneumoperitoneum might be managed conservatively thus avoiding unnecessary laparotomy. We present a case of recurrent spontaneous pneumoperitoneum with abdominal pain that was managed conservatively and discuss the possible aetiologies and management issues of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum.
Monitoring standing herbage on granitic soils in the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Uresk Daniel W. , Juntti Tom , Javersak Jody
Published: December 2010

Monitoring annual herbage use in rangelands is desirable for scientific management but problematic due to the difficulty and expense of making direct measurements of sufficient precision. We used a Robel pole with 1.27 cm alternating white and gray bands to indirectly measure standing herbage. This technique enables a smooth transition in the basis of annual use monitoring from percent use to residual herbage and overcomes the difficulties alluded to above. Our study was conducted in the southern Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming on granitic soils and within the Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer) vegetation type. The objectives were to develop and validate the relationship between Robel pole visual obstruction readings and clipped standing herbage, and develop guidelines for monitoring and estimation of optimum sample size. Clipped standing herbage ranged from 134 to 3792 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1 with a mean of 1558 kg DM ha−1. Visually obstructed bands (band = 1.27 cm) averaged 6.1 and ranged from 0.2 to 19.5. Approximately 75% of the variation in standing herbage was explained by linear regression on visual obstruction measurements. Both intercept and slope of the regression were highly significant (P = 0.001). The standard error of the estimate for a single observation was 458 kg DM ha−1. Cluster analyses grouped the visual obstruction readings into four management categories. This monitoring tool provides pertinent information for managers to develop guidelines based on band and/or standing herbage for natural areas, wildlife and livestock use.
Testing genetic algorithm as a tool to select relevant wavebands from field hyperspectral data for estimating pasture mass and quality in a mixed sown pasture using partial least squares regression
Authors: Kawamura Kensuke , Watanabe Nariyasu , Sakanoue Seiichi , Lee Hyo‐Jin , Inoue Yoshio , Odagawa Shinya
Published: December 2010

It is now accepted that partial least squares (PLS) regression with waveband selection might improve their predictive accuracy in multivariate calibration of models to describe pasture mass and quality. Recently, genetic algorithm (GA) has been shown to be a suitable method for selecting wavebands in the laboratory calibrations. This study aimed to investigate the performance of genetic algorithms PLS (GA‐PLS) regression analyses for estimating green forage biomass (GBM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and crude protein (CP) concentrations of herbage and herbage mass in CP (CPm) from field hyperspectral data at canopy scale. The predictive ability of GA‐PLS was compared with that of iterative stepwise elimination PLS (ISE‐PLS) and standard full‐spectrum PLS (FS‐PLS), using first derivative reflectance (FDR) spectra data. Canopy reflectance measurements and plant sampling were obtained from 50 selected sites in each of two seasons; spring (May) and summer (July) 2007. For all parameters, cross‐validated coefficients of determination (R2) increased and root mean square error values decreased, respectively, with GA wavebands selection. The number of wavebands selected in the GA‐PLS model ranged between 63 (4.0% of all 1563 available wavebands) and 167 (10.7%), suggesting that over 89% of wavebands were redundant. Between ISE‐PLS and GA‐PLS models, higher R2 values and lower root mean squared errors of prediction were obtained from GA‐PLS prediction for all parameters except CP concentration. Particularly, GA based waveband selection greatly improved ADF (R2 = 0.68–0.77) and ADL (R2 = 0.47–0.59) predictions. These results suggest that pasture quality and GBM can be predicted from field hyperspectral measurements using a GA‐PLS model, and that the GA‐PLS has the advantage of tuning the optimum bands for PLS regression, giving better predictive ability.
Instructional Sensitivity as a Psychometric Property of Assessments
Authors: Polikoff Morgan S.
Published: December 2010

Standards‐based reform, as codified by the No Child Left Behind Act, relies on the ability of assessments to accurately reflect the learning that takes place in U.S. classrooms. However, this property of assessments—their instructional sensitivity—is rarely, if ever, investigated by test developers, states, or researchers. In this paper, the literature on the psychometric property of instructional sensitivity is reviewed. Three categories of instructional sensitivity measures are identified—those relying on item or test scores only, those relying on item or test scores and teacher reports of instruction, and strictly judgmental methods. Each method identified in the literature is discussed alongside the evidence for its utility. Finally, recommendations are made as to the proper role of instructional sensitivity in the evaluation of assessments used under standards‐based reform.
Determination of serum biochemistry reference intervals in a large sample of adult greyhounds
Authors: Dunlop M. M. , Sanchez‐Vazquez M. J. , Freeman K. P. , Gibson G. , Sacchini F. , Lewis F.
Published: December 2010

Background: As large breed, highly muscled dogs, greyhounds are regarded as physiologically different to other breeds. Biochemistry reference intervals have previously been determined using small numbers of greyhounds or based on the observations from racing dogs.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop statistically defined reference intervals for biochemical analytes in healthy non‐racing greyhounds. Partitioning according to gender was also examined.

Methods: Biochemical analytes from a population of non‐racing healthy greyhounds, including 269 males, 202 females and 28 dogs where gender had not been recorded, were examined using a non‐parametric statistical approach. The dogs were aged between one and nine years old.

Results: Total protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine reference intervals differed from generic reference intervals used for dogs. The reference intervals for greyhounds in this study are similar to those obtained by other studies of greyhounds, but often had a narrower range of values, likely reflecting more accurate estimation associated with larger numbers of reference individuals. Recommended methods for assessment of partitioning do not indicate a need to partition according to gender.
Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic examination of clinically healthy, conscious ferrets
Authors: Dudás‐Györki Z. , Szabó Z. , Manczur F. , Vörös K.
Published: December 2010

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of performing electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography on conscious ferrets and to establish reference values for this species under these conditions.

Methods: End‐systolic and end‐diastolic left ventricular (LV) diameters, LV and interventricular septal thicknesses were measured by M‐mode echocardiography, while left atrial, aortic and pulmonary trunk diameters were determined by two‐dimensional echocardiography in 46 ferrets. In some animals the maximum velocities of blood flow in the aorta and the pulmonary trunk were also measured by spectral Doppler. ECG examinations were performed by using limb leads both in right lateral recumbency and in the so‐called “hanging” position. In the course of the ECG examinations (n=43), the occurrences, directions, durations and amplitudes of the P, QRS and T waves and the duration of the PR‐ and QT intervals were recorded for all six leads.

Results: ECG and echocardiography were successfully performed on non‐sedated ferrets in 90 and 96% of the cases, respectively. Males were significantly heavier and had larger cardiac dimensions compared to females.

ClinicalSignificance: Performance of both echocardiography and ECG are feasible techniques in conscious ferrets, and reference values are now available for future comparisons.
Choledochotomy and primary repair of extrahepatic biliary duct rupture in seven dogs and two cats
Authors: Baker S. G. , Mayhew P. D. , Mehler S. J.
Published: December 2010

Objective: To report clinical findings and outcome in dogs and cats undergoing choledochotomy or primary repair of extrahepatic biliary duct rupture.

Methods: Retrospective study of dogs (n=7) and cats (n=2) that had choledochotomy or primary bile duct repair.

Results: Extrahepatic biliary obstruction was confirmed at surgery in all cases. The underlying cause in four dogs and both cats was choledocholithiasis, two dogs had gall bladder mucocoeles with associated bile duct rupture, and one dog had inspissated bile obstructing the bile duct secondary to gall bladder carcinoid tumour. Three dogs and both cats had choledochotomies performed to relieve extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and four dogs with bile duct rupture underwent primary repair of the defect. One dog with a bile duct rupture was re‐explored four days postoperatively and had suffered dehiscence of the repair; this rupture was re‐repaired. All animals were discharged from the hospital, and did not have clinical recurrence of extrahepatic biliary obstruction.

ClinicalSignificance: Choledochotomy and primary repair of extrahepatic biliary duct rupture were associated with low perioperative morbidity and no mortality in this small cohort of cases. These techniques are reasonable options either alone or in conjunction with other procedures when bile duct patency cannot be re‐established by catheterisation or bile duct discontinuity exists.
An Experimental Population Study of Nucleotide Excision Repair as a Risk Factor for UVB‐induced Melanoma
Authors: Fernandez André A. , Garcia Rachel , Paniker Lakshmi , Trono David , Mitchell David L.
Published: December 2010

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the primary defense against the DNA damage implicit in skin cancer formation and is negatively affected by chronic exposure to UVB radiation. However, in situ and in vitro studies consistently yield equivocal results when addressing individual DNA repair capacity and melanoma susceptibility. The primary objective of this study was to determine if individual global NER capacity is a risk factor for melanoma formation in a prominent UVB‐inducible melanoma model, hybrid Xiphophorus fishes. After neonatal UVB irradiation, adult tumor‐bearing and tumor‐free fish were given a challenge UVB dose and (6–4) photoproduct repair was quantified in individual fish at 24 h using radioimmunoassay. Despite considerable inter‐individual variation in repair capacity, ranging from 13% to 91%, we found no difference in mean NER capacity between fish with and without melanomas, thus detaching global NER from melanomagenesis. Furthermore, despite epidemiological data indicating that sex and age are important risk factors underlying melanoma susceptibility, we found no difference in mean NER rates among the sexes or as a function of age. We conclude with a discussion of the apparent paradox of how inter‐individual variation in NER is not a risk factor given the clear evidence that DNA damage underlies melanoma susceptibility.
Deletion of the signalling molecule synthase ScbA has pleiotropic effects on secondary metabolite biosynthesis, morphological differentiation and primary metabolism in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: D'Alia Davide , Eggle Daniela , Nieselt Kay , Hu Wei‐Shou , Breitling Rainer , Takano Eriko
Published: December 2010

Streptomycetes have high biotechnological relevance as producers of diverse metabolites widely used in medical and agricultural applications. The biosynthesis of these metabolites is controlled by signalling molecules, γ‐butyrolactones, that act as bacterial hormones. In Streptomyces coelicolor, a group of signalling molecules called SCBs (S. coelicolorbutanolides) regulates production of the pigmented antibiotics coelicolor polyketide (CPK), actinorhodin and undecylprodigiosin. The γ‐butyrolactone synthase ScbA is responsible for the biosynthesis of SCBs. Here we show the results of a genome‐wide transcriptome analysis of a scbA deletion mutant prior to and during the transition to antibiotic production. We report a strong perturbation in the expression of three pigmented antibiotic clusters in the mutant throughout the growth curve, thus providing a molecular explanation for the antibiotic phenotype observed previously. Our study also revealed, for the first time, that the secondary metabolite cluster responsible for synthesis of the siderophore desferrioxamine is under the control of SCB signalling. Moreover, expression of the genes encoding enzymes for primary metabolism pathways, which supply antibiotic precursors and genes for morphological differentiation, was found shifted earlier in time in the mutant. In conclusion, our time series analysis demonstrates new details of the regulatory effects of the γ‐butyrolactone system in Streptomyces.
Forkhead‐associated proteins genetically linked to the serine/threonine kinase PknB regulate carbon flux towards antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Jones Greg , Del Sol Ricardo , Dudley Ed , Dyson Paul
Published: December 2010

To date, the function of only two of the 34 predicted serine/threonine protein kinases (STPKs) of Streptomyces coelicolor has been described. Here we report functional analysis of pknB and two linked genes, fhaAB, encoding forkhead‐associated (FHA) domain proteins that are part of a highly conserved gene locus in actinobacteria. In contrast to the homologous gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pknB in S. coelicolor is not essential and has no apparent role in defining cell shape. Phosphorylation of recombinant forms of both the full‐length protein and N‐terminal kinase domain suggest that PknB‐mediated signalling in S. coelicolor may be modulated by another factor(s). FhaAB are candidate interacting partners of PknB and loss of their function resulted in deregulation of central carbon metabolism, with carbon flux diverted to synthesis of the antibiotic actinorhodin. The substrate hyphae of the fhaAB mutant also exhibited an unusual cording morphology. The results indicate that inactivation of FHA ‘brake’ proteins can potentially amplify the function of STPKs and, in this case, provide a means to overproduce antibiotics.
Ginsenosides and Their CNS Targets
Authors: Radad Khaled , Moldzio Rudolf , Rausch Wolf‐Dieter
Published: December 2010

Ginsenosides are a special group of triterpenoid saponins attributed to medical effects of ginseng. Therefore, they have been research targets over the last three decades to explain ginseng actions and a wealth of literature has been presented reporting on ginsenosides’ effects on the human body. Recently, there is increasing evidence on beneficial effects of ginsenosides to the central nervous system (CNS). Using a wide range ofin vitroandin vivomodels, researchers have attributed these effects to specific pharmacological actions of ginsenosides on cerebral metabolism, oxidative stress and radical formation, neurotransmitter imbalance and membrane stabilizing effects, and even antiapoptotic effects. Modulating these particular mechanisms by ginsenosides has thus been reported to exert either general stimulatory effects on the brain functions or protecting the CNS against various disease conditions. In this review, we try to address the recently reported ginsenosides’ actions on different CNS targets particularly those supporting possible therapeutic efficacies in CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Power‐law Distribution of Normal Fault Displacement and Length and Estimation of Extensional Strain due to Normal Faults: A Case Study of the Sierra de San Miguelito, Mexico
Authors: Shunshan XU , NIETO‐SAMANIEGO A. F. , ALANIZ‐ÁLVAREZ S. A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The Sierra de San Miguelito is a relatively uplifted area and is constituted by a large amount of silicic volcanic rocks with ages from middle to late Cenozoic. The normal faults of the Sierra de San Miguelito are Domino‐style and nearly parallel. The cumulative length and displacement of the faults obey power‐law distribution. The fractal dimension of the fault traces is −1.49. Using the multi‐line one‐dimensional sampling, the calculated exponent of cumulative fault displacements is −0.66. A cumulative curve combining measurements of all four sections yielded a slope of −0.63. The displacement‐length plot shows a non‐linear relationship and large dispersion of data. The large dispersion in the plot is mainly due to the fault linkage during faulting. An estimation of extensional strain due to the normal faults is ca. 0.1830. The bed extension strain is always less than or equal to the horizontal extension strain. The deformation in the Sierra de San Miguelito occurred near the surface, producing pervasive faults and many faults are too small to appear in maps and sections at common scales. The stretching produced by small faults reach ca. 33% of the total horizontal elongation.
Evidences for Incipient Hydrothermal Event(s) in the Central Indian Basin: A Review
Authors: IYER Sridhar D.
Published: December 2010

Abstract The Central Indian Basin (CIB, 10°–19°S) encompasses morphotectonic features such as seamounts, abyssal hills, faults, fracture zones and lineations and basic to silicic volcanics that were derived from different sources. Instances of incipient hydrothermal event (s) occurred as evident from: (1) spilites that probably formed due to low‐temperature hydrothermal action on the precursory basalts, (2) slabs and fragments of zeolitites which are the consequent products of palagonitization of the basaltic glasses, (3) chemical variations in the ferromanganese crusts, and (4) abundance of volcanogenic‐hydrothermal material (vhm) that includes ochrous sediments and magnetite spherules. The vhm suggests its origin by interaction of Fe‐rich hydrothermal solutions with surrounding sediments. The CIB spherules occur in sediments of ∼10 ka and ∼425 to 650 ka age and are orders of magnitude younger than the 50 to 60 Ma age of the basin. Incidentally, to the north of the basin at ODP Site 717–719 (1°S/81°E) hydrothermal precipitates of inorganic calcite and deposition of sulphide minerals (∼7.5 to 9 Ma and 0.5 Ma) occur as a result of the on‐going intraplate deformation. This paper reviews the above evidences that possibly indicate episodes of localized hydrothermal events in the CIB.
Biomineralization of Uranium: A Simulated Experiment and Its Significance
Authors: Maozhong MIN , XU Huifang , BARTON L. L. , Jinping WANG , Xinjian PENG , WIATROWSKI H.
Published: December 2010

Abstract  A simulated experimental reduction of UVI and the synthesis of uraninite by a sulfate‐reducing bacteria, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans DSM 642, are first reported. The simulated physicochemical experimental conditions were: 35°C, pH=7.0–7.4, corresponding to the environments of formation of the sandstone‐hosted interlayer oxidation‐zone type uranium deposits in Xinjiang, NW China. Uraninite was formed on the surface of the host bacteria after a one‐week's incubation. Therefore, sulfate‐reducing bacteria, which existed extensively in Jurassic sandstone‐producing environments, might have participated in the biomineralization of this uranium deposit. There is an important difference in the order‐disorder of the crystalline structure between the uraninite produced by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and naturally occurring uraninite. Long time and slow precipitation and growth of uraninite in the geological environment might have resulted in larger uraninite crystals, with uraninite nanocrystals arranged in order, whereas the experimentally produced uraninite is composed of unordered uraninite nanocrystals which, in contrast, result from the short time span of formation and rapid precipitation and growth of uraninite. The discovery has important implications for understanding genetic significance in mineralogy, and also indicates that in‐situ bioremediation of U‐contaminated environments and use of biotechnology in the treatment of radioactive liquid waste is being contemplated.
A Review on the Global Stratotype Section and Point of the Permian‐Triassic Boundary
Authors: Hongfu YIN , Jinnan TONG , Kexin ZHANG
Published: December 2010

Abstract  This paper provides a synthetic review of researches on Meishan Section D, the Global Stratotype Section and Point of the Permian‐Triassic Boundary (PTB). The history of research, geographic and geological setting of the section are briefly introduced. Changhsingian to “Griesbachian” conodont and ammonoid zonations, the most perfect Permo‐Triassic zonations over the world, are presented, with a short discussion on the age of Otoceras. The Changhsingian to “Griesbachian” strata are subdivided into three 3rd order sequences, and the sedimentary structure of each sequence is indicated. The paper presents a correlation of the Changhsingian to “Griesbachian” magnetostratigraphy of the Meishan section with the general scale, and informed the negation of a short magnetic reversal at the PTB suggested by Zhu and Liu (1999). Recent developments of chemostratigraphy of δ13C and δ34S are introduced, especially the discovery of more than one negative δ13C excursions across the PTB. Two important molecular researches reveal the profound changes at the base of eco‐system, the microbial catastrophy, and the euxinic conditions in the photic zone during the Permian‐Triassic superanoxic event. The paper reports the changes in dating the age of PTB since 2001. According to recent achievements, the age of volcanogenic claybed 25, 14 cm below the PTB, is now set at 252.4±0.3 Ma. A discussion on the eventostratigraphy concludes that, although there is a major event episode at beds 25–26, the events across the PTB at Meishan are multi‐episodic and commenced prior to the Event Beds 25–26, thus the possibility that the mass extinction was mainly induced by an exterrestrial impact is largely excluded.
Character, Age and Ecology of the Hezheng Biota from Northwestern China
Authors: Tao DENG
Published: December 2010

Abstract The Hezheng area of Gansu Province produces the most abundant mammal fossils in China as well as the whole Eurasia, and it also produces other Cenozoic fossils of different animals and plants. Therefore, all of them are named the Hezheng Biota. Mammals are very sensitive to environmental changes, and thus the evolution of mammalian faunas in the Hezheng area reflects the strong uplift of the Tibetan Plateau during the Late Cenozoic, which dramatically affects environmental changes. In the Hezheng area, micromammals are not very rich, but some of them still are important. It is relatively uncommon that three primates are found from the Middle Miocene and the Early Pleistocene deposits. Since the Middle Miocene, carnivores have become important components in the ecosystem of the Hezheng area, and dominated in the Early Pleistocene. The Middle Miocene is a time of high diversity for Proboscidea, characterized by shovel‐tusked elephants. Perissodactyls in the Hezheng area are very abundant, especially Late Oligocene and Late Miocene rhinoceroses as well as the Late Miocene and Early Pleistocene horses. From the Middle Miocene, artiodactyls became important components of the mammalian faunas, especially bovids.
Yangtzedonta is Undoubtedly a Junior Synonym of Xianfengella
Authors: Yi QIAN
Published: December 2010

Abstract  With the verification of the type specimen by six experts from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, the specimen of Xianfengella prima He and Yang, 1982 described by Qian (Qian, 2001, flge2: la‐c) is confirmed to be the holotype specimen (NIGP. 84430) of Yangtzedonta primitiva Yu, 1985, and consequently, Yu Wen's view that they are not the same specimen is impractical. This fact demonstrates that Yangtzedonta primitiva Yu, 1985 is undoubtedly a junior synonym of Xianftngella prima He and Yang, 1982, and is invalid. Qian's conclusion (Qian, 2001) that no bivalve appeared in the early Meishucunian Stage of the Early Cambrian is rational.
Experimental Study on the Electrical Conductivity of Orthopyroxene at High Temperature and High Pressure under Different Oxygen Fugacities
Authors: Lidong DAI , Heping LI , Congqiang LIU , Shuangming SHAN , Tongdi CUI , Genli SU
Published: December 2010

Abstract  At presure 1.0–4.0 GPa and temperature 1073–1423 K and under oxygen partial pressure conditions, a YJ‐3000t multi‐anvil solid high‐pressure apparatus and Sarltron‐1260 Impedance/Gain‐Phase analyzer were employed to conduct an in‐situ measurement of the electrical conductivity of orthopyroxene. The buffering reagents consist of Ni+NiO, Fe+Fe3O4, Fe+FeO and Mo+MoO2 in order to control the environmental oxygen fugacity. Experimental results made clear that: (1) within the measuring frequency range from 10−1 to 106 Hz, the complex impedance (R) is of intensive dependence on the frequency; (2) The electrical conductivity (σ) tends to increase along to the rise of temperature (T), and Log σ vs. 1/T fit the Arrenhius linear relations; (3) Under the control of oxygen buffer Fe+Fe3O4> with the rise of pressure, the activation enthalpy tends to increase whereas the electrical conductivity tends to decrease. The activation energy and activation volume of the main current carriers of orthopyroxene have been obtained, which are (1.715±0.035) eV and (0.03±0.01) cm3/mol, respectively; (4) Under given pressure and temperature, the electrical conductivity tends to increase with increasing oxygen fugacity, while under given pressure the activation enthalpy tends to decrease with increasing oxygen fugacity; and (5) The sample's small polarons mechanism has provided a reasonable explanations to the conduction behavior at high temperature and high pressure.
Metallogenesis related to Mesozoic Granitoids in the Nanling Range, South China and Their Geodynamic Settings
Authors: Renmin HUA , Peirong CHEN , Wenlan ZHANG , Junming YAO , Jinfu LIN , Zhanshi ZHANG , Shengyan GU , Xiaodong LIU , Huawen QI
Published: December 2010

Abstract Affected by the compressive stress from the South‐Central (Indo‐China) Peninsula, the Indosinian orogenesis, characterized by collision, thrust and uplifting, took place inside the South China Plate during 250–230 Ma. The ages of the Indosinian granitoids in the Nanling Range and vicinity areas are mostly 240–205 Ma, indicating that they were emplaced in both late collision and post‐collision geodynamic environments. No important granite‐related metallogenesis occurred in this duration. A post‐orogenic setting started at the beginning of the Yanshanian Period, which controlled large‐scale granitic magmatism and related metallogenesis. This paper makes the first attempt to divide the Yanshanian Period into three sub‐periods, i.e. the early, middle and late Yanshanian Periods, based mainly on the features of magmatism, especially granitoids and related metallogenesis and their geodynamic environments. The magmatic association of the Early Yanshanian (about 185–170 Ma) comprises four categories of magmatism, i.e. basalt, bimodal volcanics, A‐type granite and intraplate high‐K calc‐alkaline (HKCA) magmatism, which indicates an extension‐thinning of lithosphere and upwelling of mantle material to a relative small and local extent. Pb‐Zn, Cu and Au mineralizations associated with HKCA magmatism represents the first high tide of Mesozoic metallogenesis in the Nanling Range area. During the middle Yanshanian, the lithosphere was subjected to more extensive and intensive extending and thinning, and hence mantle upwelling and basaltic magma underplating caused a great amount of crust remelting granitoids. This period can be further divided into two stages. The first stage (170–150 Ma) is represented by large‐scale emplacement of crust remelting granites with local tungsten mineralization at its end. The second stage (150–140 Ma) is the most important time of large‐scale mineralizations of non‐ferrous and rare metals, e.g. W, Sn, Nb‐Ta, Bi, Mo, Be, in the Nanling Range area. The late Yanshanian (140–65 Ma) was generally characterized by full extension and breakup of the lithosphere of South China. However, owing to the influence of the Pacific Plate movement, the eastern part of South China was predominated by subduction‐related compression, which resulted in magmatism of calc‐alkaline and shoshonite series and related metallogeneses of Au, Ag, Pb‐Zn, Cu and (Mo, Sn), followed by extension in its late stage. In the Nanling Range area, the late Yanshanian magmatism was represented by granitic volcanic‐intrusive complexes and mafic dikes, which are genetically related to volcanic‐type uranium and porphyry tin deposits, and the mobilization‐mineralization of uranium from pre‐existing Indosinian granites.
The Quaternary Pan‐lake (Overflow) Period and Paleoclimate on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Mianping ZHENG , Heran YUAN , Xitao ZHAO , Xifang LIU
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Lake geomorphology and high‐level lacustrine deposits since the mid‐late Pleistocene are well preserved in lakes of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. According to geological surveys of 17 lake districts in different locations of the plateau, combined with interpretations of satellite images and topographic maps, the authors studied the timing of formation and scopes of the pan‐lake areas of the plateau and their paleoclimate. The latest two high lake levels (overflow surfaces) on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in the Quaternary occurred at ∼40 to 30/35 ka and ∼65 to 53 ka respectively. In these time intervals, the plateau was covered by huge interconnected pan‐lake systems with a total area of ∼36000km2 and a total volume of lake water of >530 million km2, which are about 38 times and 659 times larger than those of the modern lakes respectively. Before this pan‐lake period in the late Pleistocene, there had been three high lake levels that occurred at ∼132–112 ka, 110–95 ka and 91–72/∼83–75 ka respectively, suggesting that the late Quaternary climate on the plateau was unstable and changed rapidly. The ∼40–30 ka high lake level also appeared in the Tengger desert north of the plateau, suggesting that there existed very strong summer monsoons from South Asia then; the variation in solar radiation with a 20,000 precessional period has special importance for the high‐altitude Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in the low‐latitude zone of the Earth. Around 30 ka, the pan‐lakes at the peripheries of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau drained out suddenly with rapid uplift of the plateau and cooling. In a short time the huge amount of cold lake water emptied into the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. The draining event of the pan‐lakes brought about the environmental changes of rivers and lakes at peripheries of the plateau.
Perceptions of Gender Differences in High School Students' Motivation to Learn Spanish
Authors: Kissau Scott P. , Kolano Lan Quach , Wang Chuang
Published: December 2010

Abstract: Little research has been conducted in the United States to explore male motivation to learn Spanish. In response, we conducted a study to investigate gender differences in motivation to learn Spanish among students in a southeastern United States high school. Building upon Gardner's (1985) influential model of second language (L2) motivation, we employed a mixed methodology to investigate gender differences in motivational factors. Sixty students studying Level 1 Spanish completed a questionnaire. We further explored the findings of the questionnaires in interviews. Although the results indicated that the boys perceived themselves to be less motivated than their female peers, gender differences were less dramatic than in previous studies. The study's results also suggest that males and females have opposing preferences with respect to L2 classroom management.
The Role of Fabric in the Large Strain Compressive Behavior of Human Trabecular Bone
Authors: Charlebois Mathieu , Pretterklieber Michael , Zysset Philippe K.
Published: December 2010

Osteoporosis-related vertebral body fractures involve large compressive strains of trabecular bone. The small strain mechanical properties of the trabecular bone such as the elastic modulus or ultimate strength can be estimated using the volume fraction and a second order fabric tensor, but it remains unclear if similar estimations may be extended to large strain properties. Accordingly, the aim of this work is to identify the role of volume fraction and especially fabric in the large strain compressive behavior of human trabecular bone from various anatomical locations. Trabecular bone biopsies were extracted from human T12 vertebrae (n=31), distal radii (n=43), femoral head (n=44), and calcanei (n=30), scanned using microcomputed tomography to quantify bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and the fabric tensor (M), and tested either in unconfined or confined compression up to very large strains (∼70%). The mechanical parameters of the resulting stress-strain curves were analyzed using regression models to examine the respective influence of BV/TV and fabric eigenvalues. The compressive stress-strain curves demonstrated linear elasticity, yielding with hardening up to an ultimate stress, softening toward a minimum stress, and a steady rehardening followed by a rapid densification. For the pooled experiments, the average minimum stress was 1.89±1.77 MPa, while the corresponding mean strain was 7.15±1.84%. The minimum stress showed a weaker dependence with fabric as the elastic modulus or ultimate strength. For the confined experiments, the stress at a logarithmic strain of 1.2 was 8.08±7.91 MPa, and the dissipated energy density was 5.67±4.42 MPa. The latter variable was strongly related to the volume fraction (R2=0.83) but the correlation improved only marginally with the inclusion of fabric (R2=0.84). The influence of fabric on the mechanical properties of human trabecular bone decreases with increasing strain, while the role of volume fraction remains important. In particular, the ratio of the minimum versus the maximum stress, i.e., the relative amount of softening, decreases strongly with fabric, while the dissipated energy density is dominated by the volume fraction. The collected results will prove to be useful for modeling the softening and densification of the trabecular bone using the finite element method.
Modeling and Analysis of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting From Aeroelastic Vibrations Using the Doublet-Lattice Method
Authors: De Marqui Carlos , Vieira Wander G. R. , Erturk Alper , Inman Daniel J.
Published: December 2010

Multifunctional structures are pointed out as an important technology for the design of aircraft with volume, mass, and energy source limitations such as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and micro air vehicles (MAVs). In addition to its primary function of bearing aerodynamic loads, the wing/spar structure of an UAV or a MAV with embedded piezoceramics can provide an extra electrical energy source based on the concept of vibration energy harvesting to power small and wireless electronic components. Aeroelastic vibrations of a lifting surface can be converted into electricity using piezoelectric transduction. In this paper, frequency-domain piezoaeroelastic modeling and analysis of a cantilevered platelike wing with embedded piezoceramics is presented for energy harvesting. The electromechanical finite-element plate model is based on the thin-plate (Kirchhoff) assumptions while the unsteady aerodynamic model uses the doublet-lattice method. The electromechanical and aerodynamic models are combined to obtain the piezoaeroelastic equations, which are solved using a p-k scheme that accounts for the electromechanical coupling. The evolution of the aerodynamic damping and the frequency of each mode are obtained with changing airflow speed for a given electrical circuit. Expressions for piezoaeroelastically coupled frequency response functions (voltage, current, and electrical power as well the vibratory motion) are also defined by combining flow excitation with harmonic base excitation. Hence, piezoaeroelastic evolution can be investigated in frequency domain for different airflow speeds and electrical boundary conditions.