bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Fullerenes (C60/C70) from the Permian‐Triassic Boundary in the Meishan Section of South China
Authors: Yanfang LI , Handong LIANG , Hongfu YIN , Jing SUN , Hou'an CAI , Zhu RAO , Fanlin RAN
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Fullerenes (C60/C70), clays and rocks near the Permian‐Triassic (P/T) boundary in the Meishan section of South China are explored by means of comprehensive analytical techniques, including ultrasonic extraction with column purification, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS). The study confirms the existence of fullerenes toward the P/T event boundary and their absence in clays and limestones beyond the boundary. In particular, the white clay, known as the event boundary, contains fullerenes of 0.33 ppb, while the red material, as the first lamina fill of goethite and gypsum on the base of the white clay, contains fullerenes of 1.23 ppb, and the last lamina of 2.50 ppb. Significantly, distinct enrichment of fullerenes is coincident with the disappearance of fossil records of marine species (94%) just at the base of the white clay, implying that geological fullerenes would be one of temporal remnants led by the P/T catastrophic event. This work strongly supports that fullerenes would be one of significant records of the P/T catastrophic event but their origin remains to be studied further.
Permo‐Carboniferous Radiolarians from the Wupata'erkan Group, Western South Tianshan, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yuejun LI , Longde SUN , Haoruo WU , Guangya ZHANG , Guolin WANG , Zhibin HUANG
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The Wupata'erkan Group, also called Wupata'erkan Formation, distributed in the South Tianshan, Xinjiang, China, mainly consists of gray and dark gray fine‐grained clastic rocks, interlayered with volcanic rocks, carbonates and cherts. Some ultra‐basic rocks (blocks) punctuate the formation. The formation was variously assigned to Silurian‐Middle Devonian, Silurian‐Lower Devonian, and pre‐Devonian, mainly based on Atrypa bodini Mansuy, Hypothyridina parallelepipedia (Brour.) and Prismatophyllum hexagonum Yoh collected from the limestone interlayers, respectively. However, radiolarian fossils obtained from 24 chert specimens of the Wupata'erkan Group, mainly include Albaillella sp. cf. A. undulata Deflandre, Albaillella sp. cf. A. paradoxa Deflandre, Albaillella cf. A. deflandrei Gourmelon, Albaillella sp. cf. A. indensis Won, Albaillella sp. cf. A. excelsa Ishiga, Kito and Imoto, Albaillella sp. and Latentifistulidae gen. et. sp. indet., are earliest Carboniferous and Late Permian. The earliest Carboniferous assemblage is characterized by Albaillella sp. cf. A. undulata Deflandre, Albaillella sp. cf. A. paradoxa Deflandre, Albaillella cf. A. deflandrei Gourmelon and Albaillella sp. cf. A. indensis Won, and the Late Permian assemblage by Albaillella sp. cf. A. excelsa Ishiga, Kito and Imoto. This new stratigraphic evidence indicates that the Wupata'erkan Group is possibly composed of rocks with different ages from Silurian to Permian, and therefore, it is probably an ophiolite mélange. The discovery of Late Permian Albaillella sp. cf. A. excelsa provides more reliable evidence supporting the existence of a Permian relic ancient oceanic basin in the western part of Xinjiang South Tianshan.
Numerical Modeling of Basin‐Range Tectonics Related to Continent‐Continent Collision
Authors: Junwen CUI , Jinsong SHI , Pengwu LI , Xiaowei ZHANG , Xianpu GUO , Xiaozhong DING
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Continent‐continent collision is the most important driving mechanism for the occurrence of various geological processes in the continental lithosphere. How to recognize and determine continent‐continent collision, especially its four‐dimensional temporal‐spatial evolution, is a subject that geological communities have long been concerned about and studied. Continent‐continent collision is mainly manifested by strong underthrusting (subduction) of the underlying block along an intracontinental subduction zone and continuous obduction (thrusting propagation) of the overlying block along the intracontinental subduction zone, the occurrence of a basin‐range tectonic framework in a direction perpendicular to the subduction zone and the flexure and disruption of the Moho. On the basis of numerical modeling, the authors discuss in detail the couplings between various amounts and rates of displacement caused by basin subsidence, mountain uplift and Moho updoming and downflexure during obduction (thrusting propagation) and subduction and the migration pattern of basin centers. They are probably indications or criteria for judgment or determination of continent‐continent collision.
Minerogenic Theory of the Superlarge Lop Nur Potash Deposit, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Mili WANG , Chenglin LIU , Pengcheng JIAO , Zhichen YANG
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Located in the eastern part of the Tarim basin, Xinjiang, the Lop Nur was an ultimate water catchment area of the Tarim basin during the Quaternary. Through nearly ten years of investigation and research, the authors have found a superlarge brine potash deposit in the Luobei subbasin—a secondary basin of the Lop Nur depression. The deposit has been mined now. On that basis, the authors propose new theories on the genesis of the potash rock deposit. In the tectonic and geomorphologic contexts, the Tarim basin lies in a “high mountain‐deep basin” environment. At the beginning of the Quaternary, influenced by the neotectonic movement, the Lop Nur evolved into a “deep basin” in the Tarim basin. At the end of the middle Pleistocene, neotectonic migration began to take place in the interior of the Lop Nur and a new secondary deep basin—the Luobei subbasin—formed gradually. Despite its small area, it is actually the deepest subbasin in the Lop Nur depression, where brines of the Lop Nur Salt Lake gather and evaporate, thus providing materials for the formation of a superlarge brine potash rock deposit. With respect to the phenomenon of brine concentration and change with deepening of the lake, the authors propose a model of “high mountain‐deep basin” tectonic migration for potash concentration. In the sedimentological context, the honeycomb‐shaped voids developed in glauberite rock in the subbasin are good space for potash‐rich brine accumulation. Study indicates that the deposition of glauberite requires recharge of calcium‐rich water. In the Tarim area the calcium‐rich water might come from deep formation water or oilfield water, and the river water recharging the Lop Nur Salt Lake was rich in sulfate radicals and other components; in addition, the climate in the area was very dry and the brine evaporated steadily, thus resulting in deposition of substantial amount of glauberite, potash accumulation in intercrystal brine and final formation of the potash deposit. Generally, potash formation in a salt lake undergoes a three‐stage process of “carbonates→sulfates (gypsum and glauberite)→chlorides (halite etc.)”, but in the study area there only occurred a two‐stage process of “carbonates→sulfates (gypsum and glauberite)”. The authors call this new geological phenomenon the “two‐stage potash formation” model. In conclusion, the superlarge Lop Nur potash deposit is the result of combined “high mountain‐deep basin” tectonism and “two‐stage potash formation”.
Timing of Magma Mixing in the Gangdisê Magmatic Belt during the India‐Asia Collision: Zircon SHRIMP U‐Pb Dating
Authors: Xuanxue MO , Guochen DONG , Zhidan ZHAO , Tieying GUO , Liangliang WANG , Tao CHEN
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) extensively distribute in granitoids in the Gangdisê giant magmatic belt, within which the Qüxü batholith is the most typical MME‐bearing pluton. Systematic sampling for granodioritic host rock, mafic microgranular enclaves and gabbro nearby at two locations in the Qüxü batholith, and subsequent zircon SHRIMP II U‐Pb dating have been conducted. Two sets of isotopic ages for granodioritic host rock, mafic microgranular enclaves and gabbro are 50.4±1.3 Ma, 51.2±1.1 Ma, 47.0±1 Ma and 49.3±1.7 Ma, 48.9±1.1 Ma, 49.9±1.7 Ma, respectively. It thus rules out the possibilities of mafic microgranular enclaves being refractory residues after partial melting of magma source region, or being xenoliths of country rocks or later intrusions. Therefore, it is believed that the three types of rocks mentioned above likely formed in the same magmatic event, i.e., they formed by magma mixing in the Eocene (c. 50 Ma). Compositionally, granitoid host rocks incline towards acidic end member involved in magma mixing, gabbros are akin to basic end member and mafic microgranular enclaves are the incompletely mixed basic magma clots trapped in acidic magma. The isotopic dating also suggested that huge‐scale magma mixing in the Gangdisê belt took place 15–20 million years after the initiation of the India‐Asia continental collision, genetically related to the underplating of subduction‐collision‐induced basic magma at the base of the continental crust. Underplating and magma mixing were likely the main process of mass‐energy exchange between the mantle and the crust during the continental collision, and greatly contributed to the accretion of the continental crust, the evolution of the lithosphere and related mineralization beneath the portion of the Tibetan Plateau to the north of the collision zone.
Organic Geochemistry of Sedimentary Rock‐hosted Disseminated Gold Deposits in Southwestern Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Zhiwei BAO , Zhenhua ZHAO , GUHA Jayanta
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Sedimentary rock‐hosted disseminated gold (SRHDG) deposits in the Youjiang‐Nanpanjiang Basin, southwestern Guizhou Province are commonly hosted by the same fold crests that commonly contain a remarkable amount of organic material. The total organic carbon (TOC) contents of the ores and host rocks are usually less than 1%. The reflectance of vitrinite and pyrobitumen in the ores and the host rocks ranges from 1.5% to 4.5%, often in the range of 2% to 3%. In the Lannigou deposit, the reflectance of vitrinite and pyrobitumen in the ores is usually somewhat higher than those within the host rocks, indicating a hydrothermal impact on the organic matter in the altered host rocks. On the contrary, the estimated maximum paleotemperatures of the Getang and Zimudang deposits are higher than the homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions in the ores, signifying that the organic matter maturation predated Au mineralization. No correlation between the organic matter contents and Au concentrations were recognized in the ores. However, the most striking observation is that there is a positive correlation between the S2 (a parameter of Rock‐Eval analysis), Au and As contents of the ores in the Lannigou deposit. Organic matter maturation and migration is apparent from the TOC vs. HCI diagram. Furthermore, group analysis of the dichloromethane extractable organic component of the ores and host rocks shows that the maturation degree of the organic matter in the ores is slightly higher than that of the host rocks in the Lannigou gold deposit. However, the compositions of their alkanes, steranes and terpenes, which serve as biomarkers, are quite similar; this suggests that the organic matter found in the ores and host rocks has a common marine source. Organic matter probably contributed to the preconcentration of Au in the host rocks. Hydrocarbons in the system, on the other hand, clearly contributed to the emplacement of the gold mineralization through thermal sulfate reduction. Organic matter in the solution might have increased the potential of the hydrothermal solution to transport Au.
Deformation Characteristics of Loess Landslide along the Contact between Loess and Neocene Red Mudstone
Authors: Baoping WEN , Sijing WANG , Enzhi WANG , Jianmin ZHANG , Yugeng WU , Xinglin WANG
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The loess landslide along the contact between loess and Neogene red mudstone (NRM) is one of those that have occurred extensively and frequently in loess areas of China. To better understand the mechanism of this type of landslides, a distressed loess slope being subjected to deformation along the loess‐NRM contact was comprehensively investigated through approaches of field monitoring and laboratory physical modeling. Field observation and physical modeling shows that the slope deformation will experience two distinct processes: 1) laterally retrogressive and vertically progressive propagation, which was initiated by falling of the slope head; and 2) retrogressively separate mass sliding along the weak basal zone of the loess‐NRM contact with minor sliding along the paleosols within the loess. Shear failure of the loess‐NRM contact may initiate in the middle section, followed by a progressive propagation towards the slope toe and inner slope. Analysis reveals that the deformation characteristics of the distressed slope are largely constrained by slope topography, the unique structure, physical and mechanical properties of loess and paleosols, and occurrence and nature of the loess‐NRM contact. Rainfall has significantly influence on the deformation characteristics of the slope through its interaction with the loess and soil of the loess‐NRM contact. Additionally, improper style and intensity of cutting on the slope greatly enhance and accelerate the deformation course of the slope.
Kaili Biota: A Taphonomic Window on Diversification of Metazoans from the Basal Middle Cambrian: Guizhou, China
Authors: Yuanlong ZHAO , Maoyan ZHU , BABCOCK Loren E. , Jinliang YUAN , PARSLEY Ronald L. , Jin PENG , Xinglian YANG , Yue WANG
Published: December 2010

Abstract  A Burgess Shale‐type biota is, in part, characterized by a wide diversity of taxa and soft‐part preservation. Each provides unique historical insights into early metazoan evolution. Among the more than 40 globally distributed biotas, the early Cambrian Chengjiang and Middle Cambrian Burgess‐type biotas are the largest. The Kaili Biota, from the earliest Middle Cambrian of Guizhou, China, contains representatives of 110 metazoan genera belonging to 10 phyla. It contains many well‐persevered soft‐bodied specimens. This Chinese biota has become the third most taxonomically diverse Burgess Shale‐type fauna. Because the Kaili Biota formed in an outer‐shelf environment, its main faunal character is large numbers of eocrinoids and planktoic trilobites. The Kaili is younger than the Chengjiang Biota but older than the Canadian Burgess Shale Biota it shares 30 genera with the Chengjiang and 38 genera with the Burgess Biota. The Kaili Biota displays a taphonomic window to the diversification and evolution of marine offshore organisms covering 5.13 million years between the Early and Middle Cambrian.
An Early Aged Ophiolite in the Western Kunlun Mts., NW Tibetan Plateau and Its Tectonic Implications
Authors: Xuchang XIAO , Jun WANG , Li SU , Wenhua JI , Shuguang SONG
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The early aged ophiolites have attracted attention of many geologists in recent decades, because the early aged ophiolites can provide the information about the ancient oceanic processes relevant to the evolution of plate tectonics in the early period of the earth, and also concern such problems as whether there existed a “Proto‐Tethys” and the break‐up and convergence of the Rodinian Supercontinent. This paper reveals a definite complete ophiolite of Neoproterozoic‐Early Paleozoic, named Kuda ophiolite in the western Kunlun Mts., NW Tibetan Plateau, and reports the recent reasonable SHRIMP zircon U‐Pb ages of 510±4 Ma, and 502±13 Ma for the cumulates of the Kuda ophiolite, using the most powerful dating tool, the SHRIMP‐II. The geochemical and geochronology data integrating with the geological setting suggest that the Kuda ophiolite might have formed in an archipelago oceanic basin, not in a vast ocean, the so‐called “Proto‐Tethys”, and was tectonically emplaced during the Early Paleozoic.
Geochronologic Constraints on the Magmatic Underplating of the Gangdisê Belt in the India‐Eurasia Collision: Evidence of SHRIMP II Zircon U‐Pb Dating
Authors: Guochen DONG , Xuanxue MO , Zhidan ZHAO , Tieying GUO , Liangliang WANG , Tao CHEN
Published: December 2010

Abstract  Abundant small mafic intrusions occur associated with granitoids along the Gangdisê magmatic belt. In addition to many discrete gabbro bodies within the granitoid plutons, a gabbro‐pyroxenite zone occurs along the southern margin of the Gangdisê belt to the north of the Yarlung Zangbo suture. The mafic intrusion zone spatially corresponds to a strong aeromagnetic anomaly, which extends ∼1400 km. The mafic intrusions consist of intermittently distributed small bodies and dikes of gabbro and dolerite with accumulates of pyroxenite, olivine pyroxenite, pegmatitic pyroxenite and amphibolite. Much evidence indicates that the Gangdisê gabbro‐pyroxenite assemblage is most likely a result of underplating of mantle‐derived magma. Detailed field investigation and systematic sampling of the mafic rocks was conducted at six locations along the Lhasa‐Xigazê segment of the mafic intrusive zone, and was followed by zircon SHRIMP II U‐Pb dating. In addition to the ages of two samples previously published (47.0±1 Ma and 48.9±1.1 Ma), the isotopic ages of the remaining four gabbro samples are 51.6±1.3 Ma, 52.5±3.0 Ma, 50.2±4.2 Ma and 49.9±1.1 Ma. The range of these ages (47–52.5 Ma) provide geochronologic constraints on the Eocene timing of magma underplating beneath the Gangdisê belt at ca. 50 Ma. This underplating event post‐dated the initiation of the India‐Eurasia continental collision by 15 million years and was contemporaneous with a process of magma mixing. The SHRIMP II U‐Pb isotopic analysis also found several old ages from a few zircon grains, mostly in a range of 479–526 Ma (weighted average age 503±10 Ma), thus yielding information about the pre‐existing lower crust when underplating of mafic magma took place. It is believed that magma underplating was one of the major mechanisms for crustal growth during the Indian‐Eurasia collision, possibly corresponding in time to the formation of the 14–16 km‐thick “crust‐mantle transitional zone” characterized by Vp = 6.85–6.9 km/s.
SHRIMP U‐Pb Zircon Geochronology of the Xiaotongguanshan and Shatanjiao Intrusions and Its Petrological Implications in the Tongling Area, Anhui
Authors: Yongjun DI , Ganguo WU , Da ZHANG , Biao SONG , Wenshuan ZANG , Zhongyi ZHANG , Jinwen LI
Published: December 2010

Abstract  This paper determines the crystallization ages of the Xiaotongguanshan quartz monzodiorite and Shatanjiao quartz monzonite porphyry from the Tongling area using the SHRIMP zircon U‐Pb method. The crystallization age of the former is 142.8±1.8 Ma; that of the latter is 151.8±2.6 Ma. These data indicate that they were formed during the Late Jurassic (142.8 to 151.8 Ma). Zoned magma chamber was formed because of double diffusive convection. Therefore, the intrusive sequence of magma is generally from quartz monzonite through quartz monzodiorite to pyroxene monzodiorite, i.e. an inverted sequence.
Elemental Geochemistry of the Interlayer Oxidation Zone in the Shihongtan Sandstone Type Uranium Deposit, Xinjiang
Authors: Genqing CAI , Zimin ZHANG , Shengxiang LI
Published: December 2010

Abstract  According to the oxidation intensity of ore‐hosting sandstone, the interlayer oxidation zone of the Shihongtan sandstone‐type uranium deposit in the Turpan‐Hami basin can be divided into 4 geochemical subzones, namely, intensely‐oxidized, weakly‐oxidized, redox and unoxidized primary subzones. The elemental geochemical characteristics of the four subzones have been studied in detail, and the results show that U, together with other elements such as Re, Mo, Se, Sr, S, REE, Corganic etc., is enriched in the redox subzone. Re and U have similar geochemical properties in the reduction‐oxidation process. The geochemical properties of Mo and Se are similar to those of U in the reduction condition, but different from those of U in the oxidation condition. It is proposed that the ore‐hosting layers can provide a curtain mount of uranium for uranium mineralization.
Formation Mechanism of the High‐quality Upper Paleozoic Natural Gas Reservoirs in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Wenzhi ZHAO , Zecheng WANG , Menjin CHEN , Hongju ZHENG
Published: December 2010

Abstract The upper Paleozoic natural gas reservoirs in the Ordos basin are generally characterized by a large gas‐bearing area and low reserve abundance. On such a geological background, there still exist gas‐enriched zones, with relatively high outputs, high reserve abundance and stably distributed gas layers. The gas‐enriched layers with relatively high permeability (the lower limit permeability is 0.5×10−3μm2) are key factors for the enrichment and high output of natural gas. Based on core observation, analytic results of inclusions, and a great deal of drilling data, we proposed the following four mechanisms for the formation of high‐quality reservoirs: (1) in the source area the parent rocks are mainly metamorphic rocks and granites, which are favorable to keeping primary porosity; (2) under the condition of low A/S (accommodation/sediment supply) ratios, sandstone complex formed due to multistage fluvial stacking and filling are coarse in grain size with a high degree of sorting, low content of mud and good physical properties; (3) early‐stage recharge of hydrocarbons restricted compaction and cementation, and thus are favorable to preservation of primary pores; (4) microfractures caused by the activity of basement faults during the Yanshan Movement stage can not only improve the permeability of tight sandstones, but also afford vertical pathways for hydrocarbon gas migration.
Promoting Speaking Proficiency through Motivation and Interaction: The Study Abroad and Classroom Learning Contexts
Authors: Hernández Todd A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract: This study investigates how motivation and interaction shape the speaking proficiency of study abroad (SA) and classroom or at home (AH) language learners. The author administered a motivation questionnaire, language contact profile, and pretest and posttest simulated oral proficiency interview. The data reveal that SA and AH students had similar motivational profiles. As expected, SA participants used the target language outside of class more than their AH counterparts. Furthermore, SA students improved their speaking proficiency more than the AH group. Student motivation and interaction were identified as important factors in the development of speaking proficiency in both learning contexts. Results suggest a potential role for explicit instruction in language learning strategies and approaches that enhance students' motivation and interaction with the target language culture. Discussion focuses on how to use the positive features of the SA environment to enhance AH instruction.
The Effectiveness of Written Corrective Feedback in Teaching Beginning German
Authors: Vyatkina Nina
Published: December 2010

Abstract: This study explores the effectiveness of instructor‐written corrective feedback for the improvement of writing accuracy by beginning college‐level learners of German. The researcher investigated changes in error rates in six error categories in essay writing in correlation with three different corrective feedback types administered consistently throughout one semester: direct, coded, and uncoded feedback. The author analyzed both short‐term revision effects and semester‐long changes. The study found that all groups improved their accuracy in redrafting; participants did not shorten the essay length in the final drafts to eliminate errors; direct correction led to slightly higher correction rates for selected errors; and there was no significant difference in overall error rate changes between the groups. The study concludes with suggestions for further research and pedagogical applications.
Fluency, Accuracy, and Complexity in Graded and Ungraded Writing
Authors: Armstrong Kimberly M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract:This study describes the effect of grades on second language writing performance. Do students write better when their essays are graded, and what implications might this have for foreign language instruction? This study compares three different types of student writing: graded compositions; for‐credit online discussion boards; and ungraded, not‐for‐credit, essays. Data were collected from writing samples provided by students enrolled in a 4th‐semester Spanish class. Each sample was coded for T‐units, errors, and clauses and then analyzed to determine the fluency, complexity, and accuracy of the different writing samples. Findings suggested that grades had little effect on student writing, and therefore more frequent and more varied ungraded writing assignments may be a productive pedagogical tool for improving the form and content of student writing.
Investigation of the Beltline Welding Seam and Base Metal of the Greifswald WWER-440 Unit 1 Reactor Pressure Vessel
Authors: Schuhknecht Jan , Viehrig Hans-Werner , Rindelhardt Udo
Published: December 2010

The investigation of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) materials from decommissioned nuclear power plants (NPPs) offers the unique opportunity to scrutinize the irradiation behavior under real conditions. Material samples taken from the RPV wall enable a comprehensive material characterization. The paper describes the investigation of trepans taken from the decommissioned WWER-440 first generation RPVs of the Greifswald NPP. Those RPVs represent different material conditions such as irradiated (I); irradiated and recovery annealed (IA); and irradiated, recovery annealed, and re-irradiated (IAI). The working program is focused on the characterization of the RPV steels (base and weld metal) through the RPV wall. The key part of the testing is aimed at the determination of the reference temperature T0 following the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) Test Standard E1921–08 to determine the fracture toughness of the RPV steel in different thickness locations. In a first step, the trepans taken from the RPV Greifswald unit 1 containing the X-butt multilayer submerged welding seam and from base metal ring 0.3.1 both located in the beltline region were investigated. Unit 1 represents the IAI condition. It is shown that the master curve (MC) approach as adopted in ASTM E1921 is applicable to the investigated original WWER-440 weld metal. The evaluated T0 varies through the thickness of the welding seam. The lowest T0 value was measured in the root region of the welding seam representing a uniform fine grain ferritic structure. Beyond the welding root T0 shows a wavelike behavior. The highest T0 of the weld seam was not measured at the inner wall surface. This is important for the assessment of ductile-to-brittle temperatures measured on subsize Charpy specimens made of weld metal compact samples removed from the inner RPV wall. Our findings imply that these samples do not represent the most conservative condition. Nevertheless, the Charpy-V transition temperature TT41J estimated with results of subsize specimens after the recovery annealing was confirmed by the testing of standard Charpy-V-notch specimens. The evaluated TT41J shows a better accordance with the irradiation fluence along the wall thickness than the master curve reference temperature T0. The evaluated T0 from the trepan of base metal ring 0.3.1 varies through the thickness of the RPV wall. The KJc values generally follow the course of the MC, although the scatter is large. The re-embrittlement during two campaign operations can be assumed to be low for the weld and base metal.
Modeling and Analysis of a Piezoelectric Energy Scavenger for Rotary Motion Applications
Authors: Khameneifar F. , Moallem M. , Arzanpour S.
Published: December 2010

This paper presents modeling and analysis of a piezoelectric mounted rotary flexible beam that can be used as an energy scavenger for rotary motion applications. The energy harvester system consists of a piezoelectric bimorph cantilever beam with a tip mass mounted on a rotating hub. Assuming Euler–Bernoulli beam equations and considering the effect of a piezoelectric transducer, equations of motion are derived using the Lagrangian approach followed by relationships describing the harvested power. The equations provide a quantitative description of how the hub acceleration and gravity due to the tip mass contribute power to the energy harvester. In particular, expressions describing optimum load resistance and the maximum power that can be harvested using the proposed system are derived. Numerical simulations are performed to show the performance of the harvester by obtaining tip velocities and electrical output voltages for a range of electrical load resistances and rotational speeds. It is shown that by proper sizing and parameter selection, the proposed system can supply enough energy for operating wireless sensors in rotating mechanisms such as tires and turbines.
Genome Evolution Following Host Jumps in the Irish Potato Famine Pathogen Lineage
Authors: Raffaele Sylvain , Farrer Rhys A. , Cano Liliana M. , Studholme David J. , MacLean Daniel , Thines Marco , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Zody Michael C. , Kunjeti Sridhara G. , Donofrio Nicole M. , Meyers Blake C. , Nusbaum Chad , Kamoun Sophien
Published: December 2010

From Blight to Powdery Mildew

Pathogenic effects of microbes on plants have widespread consequences. Witness, for example, the cultural upheavals driven by potato blight in the 1800s. A variety of microbial pathogens continue to afflict crop plants today, driving both loss of yield and incurring the increased costs of control mechanisms. Now, four reports analyze microbial genomes in order to understand better how plant pathogens function (see the Perspective by

Dodds

).

Raffaele
et al.

(p.
1540
) describe how the genome of the potato blight pathogen accommodates transfer to different hosts.

Spanu
et al.

(p.
1543
) analyze what it takes to be an obligate biotroph in barley powdery mildew, and

Baxter
et al.

(p.
1549
) ask a similar question for a natural pathogen of
Arabidopsis
.

Schirawski
et al.

(p.
1546
) compared genomes of maize pathogens to identify virulence determinants. Better knowledge of what in a genome makes a pathogen efficient and deadly is likely to be useful for improving agricultural crop management and breeding.
Stagnant Health Technologies in Africa
Authors: Simiyu Ken , Daar Abdallah S. , Singer Peter A.
Published: December 2010

Commercializing technologies may help alleviate some of sub-Saharan Africa's health and economic problems.
In Situ Observation of the Electrochemical Lithiation of a Single SnO
2
Nanowire Electrode
Authors: Huang Jian Yu , Zhong Li , Wang Chong Min , Sullivan John P. , Xu Wu , Zhang Li Qiang , Mao Scott X. , Hudak Nicholas S. , Liu Xiao Hua , Subramanian Arunkumar , Fan Hongyou , Qi Liang , Kushima Akihiro , Li Ju
Published: December 2010

Fragile Tin Oxide Electrodes

While tin oxide has a high energy density, and would thus make an attractive anode material for a Li-ion battery, it undergoes significant volume changes when Li is intercalated. The large strains cause cracking, pulverization, and a resultant loss of electrical conduction.

Huang
et al.

(p.
1515
; see the Perspective by

Chiang

) used in situ transmission electron microscopy on a single tin oxide nanowire to identify the physical changes that occur during intercalation and observed a moving cloud of dislocations that separated the reacted and unreacted sections. Upon completion of the electrochemical charging, the nanowire showed up to 90% elongation and a 35% increase in diameter.
Gett'N-WASP Stripes
Authors: Gautel Mathias , Ehler Elisabeth
Published: December 2010

The N-WASP protein is involved in regulating the assembly of muscle actin filaments.
Italian Parliament Passes Controversial University Reforms
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: December 2010

The latest attempt to reform Italy's archaic university system passed an important milestone last week when the Italian Parliament's lower house approved a proposed law aimed at eliminating nepotism in academic appointments as well as improving the quality of teaching and research.
Chinese Initiative Aims to Comprehend and Combat a Slimy Foe
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: December 2010

Last month, researchers met in Qingdao, China, to plot strategy on a 5-year, $4 million mission to understand the disturbing ascendancy of jellyfish in Asian waters, one that parallels the apparent rise of the animals in the Mediterranean and Caspian seas and other bodies of water.
Reduction of Immunogenicity of Anthrax Vaccines Subjected to Thermal Stress, as Measured by a Toxin Neutralization Assay
Authors: Castelán-Vega Juan , Corvette Laura , Sirota Lev , Arciniega Juan
Published: December 2010

We report that a toxin neutralization assay (TNA) can detect a decrease in the immunogenicity of anthrax vaccines as a consequence of brief exposure to elevated temperature. This attribute of TNA may help in adopting immunogenicity as a replacement of the current potency test, which involves protection from lethal challenge.
A Live, AttenuatedBordetella pertussisVaccine Provides Long-Term Protection against Virulent Challenge in a Murine Model
Authors: Skerry Ciaran M. , Mahon Bernard P.
Published: December 2010

Despite successful mass vaccination programs, whooping cough remains a significant cause of neonatal mortality. Immunity induced by current vaccines wanes in adolescence, requiring additional immunizations to prevent resurgence. There is a need for a new generation of vaccines capable of conferring long-lasting immunity from birth. Recently, a live, attenuated whooping cough vaccine, BPZE1, has been developed. Here, an established murine immunization model was used to examine the induction and longevity of immunological memory. In this predictive model, BPZE1 conferred a level of protection against virulent bacterial challenge comparable to that conferred by recovery from prior infection, up to 1 year after immunization. One year after immunization with BPZE1, a pertussis-specific persistent response, with high levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), could be detected from spleen cells restimulated with inactivatedBordetella pertussis. BPZE1 induced low levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and no IL-10 or IL-5. BPZE1 immunization induced long-lasting, efficacious memory B-cell and specific antibody responses dominated by IgG2a, which were boosted by subsequent challenge. Finally, the antibody induced by BPZE1 was functionally relevant and could clear a virulentB. pertussisinfection in antibody-deficient mice following passive transfer. This study suggests that BPZE1 is capable of conferring a high level of long-lived effective protection against virulentB. pertussis.
Use of Epidemiological Cutoff Values To Examine 9-Year Trends in Susceptibility of Candida Species to Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, and Micafungin
Authors: Pfaller M. , Boyken L. , Hollis R. , Kroeger J. , Messer S. , Tendolkar S. , Diekema D.
Published: December 2010

The CLSI clinical breakpoint (CBP) for echinocandin susceptibility (S; MICs of ≤2 μg/ml) may classify isolates with acquired resistance (R) mutations as susceptible. Epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) have been established to distinguish wild-type (WT)
Candida
strains from those that may exhibit R mutations. The CLSI-developed ECVs for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin were applied to 15,269 isolates of
Candida
spp. collected from over 100 centers worldwide between 2001 and 2009 to determine the frequency of non-WT strains of each species. The collection included 8,378 isolates of
Candida albicans
, 2,352 isolates of
C. glabrata
, 2,195 isolates of
C. parapsilosis
, 1,841 isolates of
C. tropicalis
, and 503 isolates of
C. krusei
. The mean percentages of non-WT isolates per year for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively, were as follows: for
C. albicans
, 0.3, 0.1, and 2.1; for
C. glabrata
, 0.8, 1.3, and 1.6; for
C. parapsilosis
, 0.0, 1.5, and 0.5; for
C. tropicalis
, 0.9, 0.7, and 0.9; and for
C. krusei
, 0.5, 6.4, and 3.5. We noted increases in the percentage of non-WT isolates, from 0.5% (2001) to 3.1% (2009) for caspofungin and
C. parapsilosis
, from 0.4% (2004) to 1.8% (2009) for anidulafungin and
C. glabrata
, from 2.4% (2004) to 5.7% (2009) for micafungin and
C. krusei
, and from 0.0% (2004) to 3.1% (2009) for micafungin and
C. parapsilosis
. No trends were noted for any species and drug when we used the CBP. Echinocandin CBPs are insensitive for detecting emerging R. Although uncommon, decreased S among
Candida
isolates was observed for each of the echinocandins and varied by species. Using ECVs is important in determining R trends among echinocandins and
Candida
.
Natural Suppression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication Is Mediated by Transitional Memory CD8+T Cells
Authors: Killian M. Scott , Johnson Carl , Teque Fernando , Fujimura Sue , Levy Jay A.
Published: December 2010

HIV replication is suppressedin vitroby a CD8+cell noncytotoxic antiviral response (CNAR). This activity directly correlates with an asymptomatic clinical state. The objective of this study was to identify the phenotype of CD8+cell subsets having strong CNAR activity. CD8+cell subset frequencies and CNAR levels were measured for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected individuals and three groups of HIV type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals: asymptomatic individuals with low-level viremia (vHIV), antiretroviral-drug-treated subjects with undetectable virus levels (TxHIV), and therapy-naïve aviremic elite controllers (EC). CD8+cells from the vHIV individuals exhibited the highest HIV-suppressing activity and had elevated frequencies of CD45RA−CD27+and PD-1+(CD279+) cells. Functional assessments of CD8+cells sorted into distinct subsets established that maximal CNAR activity was mediated by CD45RA−CCR7−CD27+and PD-1+CD8+cells. T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire profiles of CD8+cell subsets having strong CNAR activity exhibited increased perturbations in comparison to those of inactive subsets. Together, these studies suggest that CNAR is driven by HIV replication and that this antiviral activity is associated with oligoclonally expanded activated CD8+cells expressing PD-1 and having a transitional memory cell phenotype. The findings better describe the identity of CD8+cells showing CNAR and should facilitate the evaluation of this important immune response in studies of HIV pathogenesis, resistance to infection, and vaccine development.
Immunodominance and Functional Activities of Antibody Responses to Inactivated West Nile Virus and Recombinant Subunit Vaccines in Mice
Authors: Zlatkovic Juergen , Stiasny Karin , Heinz Franz X.
Published: December 2010

Factors controlling the dominance of antibody responses to specific sites in viruses and/or protein antigens are ill defined but can be of great importance for the induction of potent immune responses to vaccines. West Nile virus and other related important human-pathogenic flaviviruses display the major target of neutralizing antibodies, the E protein, in an icosahedral shell at the virion surface. Potent neutralizing antibodies were shown to react with the upper surface of domain III (DIII) of this protein. Using the West Nile virus system, we conducted a study on the immunodominance and functional quality of E-specific antibody responses after immunization of mice with soluble protein E (sE) and isolated DIII in comparison to those after immunization with inactivated whole virions. With both virion and sE, the neutralizing response was dominated by DIII-specific antibodies, but the functionality of these antibodies was almost four times higher after virion immunization. Antibodies induced by the isolated DIII had an at least 15-fold lower specific neutralizing activity than those induced by the virion, and only 50% of these antibodies were able to bind to virus particles. Our results suggest that immunization with the tightly packed E in virions focuses the DIII antibody response to the externally exposed sites of this domain which are the primary targets for virus neutralization, different from sE and isolated DIII, which also display protein surfaces that are cryptic in the virion. Despite its low potency for priming, DIII was an excellent boosting antigen, suggesting novel vaccination strategies that strengthen and focus the antibody response to critical neutralizing sites in DIII.
The N-Terminal Region of
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus
Coat Protein Is a Host- and Strain-Specific Long-Distance Transport Factor
Authors: Tatineni Satyanarayana , Van Winkle David H. , French Roy
Published: December 2010

Understanding the genetics underlying host range differences among plant virus strains can provide valuable insights into viral gene functions and virus-host interactions. In this study, we examined viral determinants and mechanisms of differential infection of
Zea mays
inbred line SDp2 by
Wheat streak mosaic virus
(WSMV) isolates. WSMV isolates Sidney 81 (WSMV-S81) and Type (WSMV-T) share 98.7% polyprotein sequence identity but differentially infect SDp2: WSMV-S81 induces a systemic infection, but WSMV-T does not. Coinoculation and sequential inoculation of SDp2 with WSMV-T and/or WSMV-S81 did not affect systemic infection by WSMV-S81, suggesting that WSMV-T does not induce a restrictive defense response but that virus-encoded proteins may be involved in differential infection of SDp2. The viral determinant responsible for strain-specific host range was mapped to the N terminus of coat protein (CP) by systematic exchanges of WSMV-S81 sequences with those of WSMV-T and by reciprocal exchanges of CP or CP codons 1 to 74. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged WSMV-S81 with CP or CP residues 1 to 74 from WSMV-T produced similar numbers of infection foci and genomic RNAs and formed virions in inoculated leaves as those produced with WSMV-S81, indicating that failure to infect SDp2 systemically is not due to defects in replication, cell-to-cell movement, or virion assembly. However, these GFP-tagged hybrids showed profound defects in long-distance transport of virus through the phloem. Furthermore, we found that four of the five differing amino acids in the N terminus of CP between the WSMV-S81 and WSMV-T isolates were collectively involved in systemic infection of SDp2. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the N-terminal region of tritimoviral CP functions in host- and strain-specific long-distance movement.
Formation of Antiviral Cytoplasmic Granules during Orthopoxvirus Infection
Authors: Simpson-Holley M. , Kedersha N. , Dower K. , Rubins K. H. , Anderson P. , Hensley L. E. , Connor J. H.
Published: December 2010

Vaccinia virus (VV) mutants lacking the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding E3L protein (Δ
E3L
mutant VV) show restricted replication in most cell types, as dsRNA produced by VV activates protein kinase R (PKR), leading to eIF2α phosphorylation and impaired translation initiation. Here we show that cells infected with Δ
E3L
mutant VV assemble cytoplasmic granular structures which surround the VV replication factories at an early stage of the nonproductive infection. These structures contain the stress granule-associated proteins G3BP, TIA-1, and USP10, as well as poly(A)-containing RNA. These structures lack large ribosomal subunit proteins, suggesting that they are translationally inactive. Formation of these punctate structures correlates with restricted replication, as they occur in >80% of cells infected with Δ
E3L
mutant VV but in only 10% of cells infected with wild-type VV. We therefore refer to these structures as antiviral granules (AVGs). Formation of AVGs requires PKR and phosphorylated eIF2α, as mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking PKR displayed reduced granule formation and MEFs lacking phosphorylatable eIF2α showed no granule formation. In both cases, these decreased levels of AVG formation correlated with increased Δ
E3L
mutant VV replication. Surprisingly, MEFs lacking the AVG component protein TIA-1 supported increased replication of Δ
E3L
mutant VV, despite increased eIF2α phosphorylation and the assembly of AVGs that lacked TIA-1. These data indicate that the effective PKR-mediated restriction of Δ
E3L
mutant VV replication requires AVG formation subsequent to eIF2α phosphorylation. This is a novel finding that supports the hypothesis that the formation of subcellular protein aggregates is an important component of the successful cellular antiviral response.
Nuclear NF-κB/p65 expression and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Jones Robin L , Rojo Federico , A'Hern Roger , Villena Nadia , Salter Janine , Corominas Josep Maria , Servitja Sonia , Smith Ian E , Rovira Ana , Reis-Filho Jorge S , Dowsett Mitchell , Albanell Joan
Published: December 2010

Aims

To evaluate the clinicopathological associations and predictive value of the transcription factor NF-κB in a large series of breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective search of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the p65 subunit of NF-κB, using nuclear staining as a surrogate of activation.

Results

Nuclear NF-κB expression was found in 26.3% (35/133) of cases. Nuclear NF-κB staining was associated with high histological grade (p=0.05), oestrogen receptor (ER) negativity (p=0.01) and higher Ki67 index (p=0.002). Patients with nuclear NF-κB staining had a higher pathological complete response (pCR) rate than those without (26.5% vs 6.0% respectively, p=0.004); there was no significant association with clinical response or outcome. In an exploratory hypothesis-generating analysis, in the ER+/HER2− subgroup (n=43) a significantly lower clinical response rate was observed in those with nuclear NF-κB staining compared with those who had no nuclear NF-κB staining (14.3% vs 61.0%, p=0.038). There were no pCRs in ER+/ HER2− tumours.

Conclusions

Nuclear NF-κB expression is associated with ER negativity, higher Ki67 index and tumour grade. It was also found to be significantly associated with increased pCR but not clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Lumbar disc nucleoplasty using coblation technology: clinical outcome
Authors: Azzazi Alaa , AlMekawi Sherif , Zein Mostafa
Published: December 2010

Background and purpose

Although the standard treatment for lumbar disc herniation is lumbar microdiscectomy, nucleoplasty offers a new technique with encouraging results in well selected cases. Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive technique that manages intradiscal herniation through energy based removal of part of the nucleus pulposus. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and clinical outcome of the nucleoplasty procedure in well selected cases.

Methods

Coblation technology was used in 50 patients, who had radicular leg pain due to contained disc herniation or focal protrusion, from 2005 to 2008. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire. Reduction in analgesic treatment was also recorded. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia.

Results

The mean Visual Analog Scale score decreased from 8.2 to 1.3 at the 1 year evaluation (p=0.001). The Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire decreased from 62.2 to 9.6 at the 1 year follow-up (p=0.001). Analgesic consumption was reduced or stopped in 90% of cases after 1 year. There was complete resolution of symptoms in 40 patients after 1 year. There were four patients who underwent conventional microdiscectomy. Five cases had postoperative discitis which cleared clinically and radiologically within 2 months without sequelae in four of them. One patient had to undergo operative instrumental fusion at the affected level.

Conclusion

Nucleoplasty does not require general anesthesia, offers less morbidity and shortens recovery time. Contained herniated disc or focal protrusion are the most important inclusion criteria. Hence this technique is a promising tool in well selected cases.