bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorine in sarcolite: additional history and new chemical data
Authors: Livingstone A.
Published: December 2006

The historical background leading to the discovery of sarcolite by Thomson is reviewed. Many mineralogical reference works quote Thompson (1807) but no paper on sarcolite by Thomson has been found; also the spelling of Thomson is incorrect on numerous occasions. The history of sarcolite from its original discovery is reviewed. Chemically, sarcolite is inadequately characterized in spite of a structural study by Giuseppetti et al. (1977). All known chemical analyses are collated and discussed. Two new analyses, using a combination of gravimetric, colorimetric, atomic absorption, and electron probe methods, are presented which show sarcolite to contain 2 wt. % flourine. The presence of this element in sarcolite was reported in 1860 but no quantitative data given; the new determinations cast some doubt over certain aspects of the sarcolite structure.

Measured densities of sarcolite range from 2.93 to 2.96 (mean 2.95) gm/cm3; the tetragonal unit cell of a 12.32 and c 15.48 Å leads to a calculated density of 2.925 gm/cm3 using the empirical formula. Empirically sarcolite may be expressed as:

Na1.38Ca6.0(Ca0.37,K0.13,Fe0.08,Sr0.07,Mg0.05)Σ0.70 Al3.90Si6.02P0.54O26.20F1.06C0.06

and ideally

Na2Ca12(Ca,K,Fe,Sr,Mg)2Al8Si12(P,Si)O52F2

and suggests 27 (oxygen and fluorine) atoms in the quarter unit cell.

Details are given of the mineralogical assemblage, optical properties, infra-red and thermal behaviour of sarcolite which, after 176 years, is still known from only one locality—Monte Somma.
Compositional variations in glauconite
Authors: Buckley H. A. , Easton A. J. , Johnson L. R.
Published: December 2006

Variation in composition, Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio, per cent mixed-layering, and d(060) spacing have been determined both between and within grains of glauconite from the Folkestone Beds at 286.5 m in the Tollgate bore, Sandwich, Kent. Grains extracted from the rock were classified on the basis of size into large (> 1 mm) and small (< 1 mm), and on colour into light and dark green. Large grains have a progressive increase in Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio with increase in total iron, while small grains have variable ratios; the largest variation is in the dark grains. The effect of the range of Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio variations on structural formula (e.g. R3+) is discussed. The per cent mixed-layering is not related to colour. There is a greater variation in Al, Fe, and K contents in and between large grains than small grains. Both sizes of grains may be separated on d(060) spacings determined by X-ray diffraction. Glauconite from coral and gastropod casts has different d(060) spacings than that from bryozoan casts and variegated grains, but is similar to the small grains. Large light grains may have developed from small light grains but it is unlikely that the large dark grains developed from small dark grains. The large grains probably all formed under similar conditions, with a common origin; the small from several sources or from a single source under a variety of conditions.
Macaulayite, a new mineral from North-East Scotland
Authors: Wilson M. J. , Russell J. D. , Tait J. M. , Clark D. R. , Fraser A. R.
Published: December 2006

Macaulayite was found by the late I. Stephen (Soil Science Department, University of Aberdeen) in an outcrop of reddened, deeply weathered granite, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. It is blood red in colour, very fine-grained, and has refractive indices greater than 1.734. Its calculated density is 4.41 g/cm3. The mean of fourteen electron microprobe analyses in the anhydrous form is Fe2O384.67, Al2O34.01, SiO211.32%. With thermogravimetric data this leads to a formula of (Al3.38)Si7.95O86(OH)4; the ideal formula isSi4O43(OH)2. The cell indexes as C-centred monoclinic witha5.038,b8.726,c36.342Å, β 92°. The strongest X-ray lines are 36.6 (vs), 18.16 (vs), 3.700 (25), 2.720 (35), 2.533 (100), 2.214 (20), and 1.420 (35). Macaulayite has a layer structure, thought to consist of a double hematite unit terminated on both sides by silicate sheets and with water between these sheets. The infra-red spectrum includes absorption bands at 3597, 1052, 1033, and 858 cm−1, arising from the hydroxysilicate component of the mineral and at 647, 520, 438, 400, 304, and 227 cm−1corresponding to the platy hematite unit. The mineral is named for the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research and the name was approved by the Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names of the International Mineralogical Association prior to publication.
A new occurrence of the hydrated aluminium sulphate zaherite, from Pofadder, South Africa
Authors: Beukes G. J. , Schoch A. E. , de Bruiyn H. , Van der Westhuizen W. A. , Bok L. D. C.
Published: December 2006

A new occurrence of zaherite is reported from a sillimanite quarry 65 km west of Pofadder, Bushmanland, South Africa. It occurs as earthy white to light bluish-green cryptocrystalline material in narrow veins, in close association with natro-alunite and hotsonite, a new hydrated aluminium phosphate-sulphate. Scanning electron micrographs show an orientated wavy texture and tubular fibres. The optical and physical properties agree with those of the type material described from Pakistan, and it can be added that the mineral is biaxial positive with a moderate 2V and length-fast orientation. The new chemical analysis yields an ideal formula of Al12(SO4)5(OH)26·20H2O, which is identical to that of the type material. The white and light bluishgreen varieties are identical in major element composition but yielded trace Cu values of 1281 and 2408 ppm respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern fits a triclinic symmetry (a 5.55, b 9.74, c 18.43Å, α 99.71°, β 89.13° γ 94.97°), and is dominated by one intense reflection at 18.12 Å, representing 001. The most important of the weak lines are (d, I, hkl): 9.56, 5, 010; 9.08, 4, 002; 4.82, 6, 01; 4.61, 8, 110; 4.56, 4, 02; 4.44, 4, 021; 3.61, 4, 1; 3.22, 8, 015. The differential thermal properties are characterized by endothermic peaks at 190, 470, and 685°C and a duplex at 880 and 910°C The infrared absorption spectrum is characterized by absorption bands centring about 905, 960, 985, 1150, 1700, and 3600 cm−1.
Mineral parageneses and metamorphic reactions in metasedimentary enclaves from the Archaean Gneiss Complex of north-west India
Authors: Sharma Ram. S. , Windley Brian F.
Published: December 2006

Three metasedimentary enclaves up to a kilometre in length of contrasting compositions within the polymetamorphic Banded Gneissic Complex (> 2580Ma) have been studied for their mineral parageneses and metamorphic conditions. The largest enclave, consisting of kyanite-chloritoid-muscovite schist with quartz or corundum, and kyanite-fuchsite-corundum ± diaspore, was metamorphosed at most under lower amphibolite conditions, and is thus not isofacial with the surrounding schists and gneisses (of the ‘basement’ complex) which reached sillimanite-grade metamorphism in the last orogenic cycle (Aravalli: 1650–950Ma Orogeny) in Rajasthan.

The second enclave is a calc-silicate rock which occurs as a small lens. The presence of two generations of wollastonite which formed during different metamorphic events in the calcite-quartz-grossularite-anorthite-clinopyroxene assemblage indicates polymetamorphism.

The third enclave is a metabasic rock which records a complete polymetamorphic history in discontinuous zones in garnet coexisting with hornblende-chlorite-plagioclase-quartz±epidote. To explain the garnet zoning a model involving partial resorption of early garnet during the initial recrystallization stage of superimposed regional metamorphism is preferred to the alternative based on a single prograde metamorphism and retrogression.

The mineralogy of the calc-silicate and metabasic enclaves gives a recrystallization temperature of c. 700°C and a pressure in the range of 8–3 kbar during the second metamorphism.
The International Mineralogical Association amphibole nomenclature scheme: computerization and its consequences
Authors: Rock N. M. S. , Leake B. E.
Published: December 2006

A FORTRAN program has been written which inputs amphibole analyses, and outputs complete IMA-approved names, along with tabulated analyses, formula units, and IMA classification parameters. Several important corrections, additions, and amendments to the IMA scheme were found to be necessary. Two newly approved names have been incorporated—sadanagaite (ferro-pargasitic amphibole with Si < 5.5), and nyboite (alkali amphibole with (Na+K)A ⩾ 0.5, Fe3 ⩽ AlVI, Si < 7.5). The name anophorite (alkali amphibole with (Na+K)A ⩾ 0.5, Fe3 > AlVI, Si < 7.5) has been reinstated to complement nyboite, with the approval of the Amphibole Subcommittee of the IMA. Results of computer processing of several hundred analyses, which together cover the range of IMA-approved names, are summarized. These indicate substantial differences between IMA and previous nomenclature. The IMA-favoured procedure for reallocating total Fe in microprobe data is quite effective, except in kaersutites. Over half the analyses processed have anomalously high cations (e.g. Ca > 2), or cation totals (e.g. T + C + B > 15), commonly reflecting low H2O determinations. These prevent strict obeyance of the IMA site occupancy calculation rules. This problem can often be overcome by recalculation free of H2O, but other cases require modifications to the IMA rules. In particular, ‘misclassification’ of certain sodic-calcic amphiboles as edenite follows from transferring large excesses of C cations to the B site.
Calcium and magnesium hydroxide precipitation from alkaline groundwaters in Oman, and their significance to the process of serpentinization
Authors: Neal Colin , Stanger Gordon
Published: December 2006

The occurrence and genesis of Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 deposits associated with hyperalkaline groundwater from partly serpentinized ultramafic rocks in Northern Oman is reported. Two types of Ca(OH)2 deposit are differentiated; crystalline portlandite formed by the evaporation of Ca2+-2OH− spring waters, and a form of amorphous gel, not previously known in nature. The latter is a product of present-day low-temperature serpentinization. Mg(OH)2 (brucite) in both holocrystalline and gel forms is produced by mixing of Mg2+−2H surface waters with a Ca2+-2OH− groundwater in both surface and groundwater environments. These results indicate that significant differences exist between the processes of medium- and low-temperature brucite generation.
Occurrence of some Ni- and Sn-rich minerals in copper converter slags
Authors: Wearing E.
Published: December 2006

The chemistry of opaque spinel, delafossite (Cu2O·Fe2O3), cuprite (Cu2O), cassiterite, nickel-olivine (Ni2SiO4), and bunsenite (NiO) from some copper converter slags has been investigated by electron microprobe analysis. The spinel has a complex composition containing up to 33.89% NiO and 47.69% SnO2, ranging from essentially Ni2SnO4 to (Ni,Fe2+)O4. The associated delafossite contains up to 19.18% NiO and 38.15% SnO2. The chemical variation of the mineral phases is evaluated, and it appears that Ni2+ enters the spinel and delafossite to charge-balance the octahedrally coordinated Sn4+.
Nelenite, a manganese arsenosilicate of the friedelite group, polymorphous with schallerite, from Franklin, New Jersey
Authors: Dunn Pete J. , Peacor Donald R.
Published: December 2006

Nelenite, (Mn,Fe)16si12O30(OH)14[O6 (OH)3], is a polymorph of schallerite and a member of the friedelite group. X-ray diffraction patterns can be indexed on a supercell with a = 13.418(5) and c = 85.48(8)A, space group Rm, but by analogy with TEM results on mcGillite and friedelite, the structure is based on a one-layer monoclinic cell with a = 23.240, b = 13.418, c = 7.382 Å, β = 105.21°, and space group C2/m. Chemical analysis yields SiO2 31.12, FeO 17.12, MgO 0.12, ZnO 3.63, MnO 29.22, As2O3 12.46, H2O 6.42, sum = 100.09%. Analysis of a number of samples indicates that Fe substitutes for Mn up to 5.8 of the 16 octahedrally coordinated cations, but that the Si: As ratio is constant. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern (d, I/Io) are: 2.552,100; 2.878,70; 1.677,60; 3.55,60; 1.723,50.

Nelenite is brown in colour with a vitreous luster and perfect {0001} cleavage, which easily distinguishes it from schallerite. The Mohs' hardness is approximately 5. The density is 3.45 g/cm3 (calc.) and 3.46 g/cm3 (obs.). Nelenite is uniaxial negative with ɛ = 1.700 and ω = 1.718 (both ± 0.004). Nelenite was formerly known as ferroschallerite, which is a misnomer. It was found in the Franklin Mine, Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey, in the 1920s. It occurs in several parageneses, associated with actinolite, tirodite, albite, garnet, feldspars, and several members of the stilpnomelane group in coarse-grained assemblages with pegmatitic texture and a breccia likely derived from this rock. Nelenite is named in honour of Joseph A. Nelen, chemist at the Smithsonian Institution.
Macphersonite, a new mineral from Leadhills, Scotland, and Saint-Prix, France— a polymorph of leadhillite and susannite
Authors: Livingstone A. , Sarp H.
Published: December 2006

Macphersonite is white, resinous to adamantine, hardness (Mohs) 2½−3, density 6.50–6.55 gm/cm3 and possesses a perfect cleavage on {010}. Optically it is negative with 2Vα 35–36°, α = 1.87, β = 2.00 and γ = 2.01, α = b, γ = c, and γ = a, dispersion r > v. Polysynthetic twinning, with either coarse or fine lamellae, is common, as are contact twins. Crystals are orthorhombic, tabular on b with a 10.37, b 23.10 and c 9.25 Å, cell volume 2215.8 Å3 and space group Pcab; Z is 8 formula units. The seven strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are 3.274 (50) 052; 3.234 (100) 251; 2.654 (90) 351,203; 2.598 (30) 172, 400; 2.310 (30) 004, 371, 0.10.0; 2.182 (30) 263; and 2.033 (30) 234, 452, 154, 1.10.2. Electronprobe-microanalysis-determined chemistry leads to the empirical formula (Pb4.08, Cu0.10, Cd0.07)Σ4.25S0.90 C2.18O10.55(OH)1.58 which yields the ideal formula Pb4(SO4)(CO3)2(OH)2 and hence macphersonite is a polymorph of leadhillite and susannite. The infrared spectrum shows basic similarities to leadhillite and susannite spectra with additional diagnostic absorption bands. Macphersonite shows an identical thermogravimetric behaviour to that of leadhillite. It is associated, in varying combinations, with leadhillite, susannite, cerussite, caledonite, pyromorphite, scotlandite, galena, and the ‘lead hydroxyapatite’ of Temple (1955). The new mineral mimics leadhillite.
A new mineral, scotlandite (PbSO3) from Leadhills, Scotland; the first naturally occurring sulphite
Authors: Paar W. H. , Braithwaite R. S. W. , Chen T. T. , Keller P.
Published: December 2006

Electron microprobe analysis of the new mineral scotlandite yielded Pb 72.27, S 9.95, corresponding to PbO 77.85, SO2 19.88, sum 97.73 wt.%. Secondary ion mass spectrometry showed the absence of Li, Be, B, C, N, and F, but the presence of very small amounts of Br. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the mineral is a sulphite with neither OH nor any other polyatomic anions. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of Pb+S = 2 is Pb1.06S0.94O2.94 or ideally PbSO3.

The mineral has the following vibrations of the sulphite ion in the infrared spectrum: v3 920, 865; v1 970 (?); v2 620, 600; v4 488, 470 cm−1.

Scotlandite is monoclinic, with possible space groups P21 or P21/m. The unit cell dimensions are: a 4.542(2), b 5.333(2), c 6.413(2) Å, β 106.22(4)°, Z = 2. The strongest lines in the powder diffraction pattern are: 3.99(10) (011), 3.38(7) (110), 3.25(8) (11), 3.07(4) (002), 2.66(7) (020, 012), 2.56(4) (11), 2.24(5) (12, 102), 2.01(5)(210, 022), 1.707(4) (031), 1.538(4) (032, 004).

Scotlandite occurs as chisel-shaped or bladed crystals elongated along the c-axis, with a tendency to form radiating clusters. The following forms have been determined: {100}, {010}, {011}, {021}, {031}, and {032}. The new mineral has a pronounced cleavage along {100}, and a less good one along {010}. The crystals are pale yellow to greyish-white and colourless, sometimes transparent. Their lustre is adamantine, pearly on cleavage planes.

The mineral is optically biaxial positive, 2Vmeas. 35° 24' (Na). The refractive indices are: α ~ 2.035, β ~ 2.040, and γ ~ 2.085 (Na). Dispersion is strong, v >> r. The extinction is β//b, and α [001] = 20° (γ: [100] = 4°) in the obtuse angle β. H (Mohs) ≤ 2. D = 6.37 and calculated Dx = 6.40 g cm-3.

Scotlandite occurs in cavities in massive baryte and anglesite, and is closely associated with lanarkite and susannite; it represents the latest phase in the crystallization sequence of the associated lead secondary minerals. The label locality of the specimen is the Susanna vein, Leadhills, Scotland.
Recent Advances in Ideas on the Origin of the Igneous Rocks of the Tertiary Igneous Province—Introduction
Authors: Walsh J. N.
Published: December 2006

The first five papers of this issue of the Mineralogical Magazine have as a common theme Tertiary Igneous Geology. In May 1983 the Society held a thematic meeting on the igneous rocks of the Tertiary Province and from this has followed a collection of papers, grouped here together for convenience. The range of topics covered is broadly based and the papers demonstrate the extent of current research activity in the area.

All readers of the Magazine will be aware of the extent of the contribution made to igneous petrology and geochemistry by work done on the Tertiary Igneous Province. The Tertiary age of the igneous rocks had been recognized from work during the last century by Sir Archibald Geike and Professor J. W. Judd.
Hydrothermal Sr contamination of the Dippin sill, Isle of Arran, Western Scotland
Authors: Dickin A. P. , Henderson C. M. B. , Gibb F. G. F.
Published: December 2006

The Dippin sill, which is emplaced into the Triassic sediments of SE Arran, is an alkaline basic sheet which displays pronounced hydrothermal alteration. The 40-m-thick sill has suffered pervasive contamination with radiogenic Sr, introduced from the Triassic sediments by hydrothermal fluids. Stable isotope measurements suggest that fluids were of meteoric origin, but were restricted to a small closed-system circulation. Initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the sill were raised from an original value of 0.7032 to a maximum of 0.7091, contamination being especially pronounced near the contacts at Dippin Head itself (localities 12 and 14) and in a drill core section through the sill above Dippin. Hydrothermal Sr was incorporated into an early-formed high-CaO, high-Sr analcime, which replaced unstable high-silica nepheline in interstitial patches. However, this high-CaO analcime, along with plagioclase, was later replaced by a low-CaO, low-Sr analcime, allowing Sr leaching from the margins of the sill. Hydrothermal fluids are thought to have migrated up to 1 km laterally, up the dip of the sill, mainly via tension joints forming in the cooling intrusion. Pooling of hot fluids at the upper end of the sill probably raised water/rock ratios in this region and allowed greater Sr contamination during mineralogical alteration. The undersaturated mineralogy of the sill accounts for its pervasive hydrothermal Sr contamination, which contrasts markedly with the relatively undisturbed Sr isotope compositions of Hebridean granites involved in hydrothermal systems.
Myggbukta and Kap Broer Ruys: the most northerly of the East Greenland Tertiary igneous centres(?)
Authors: Upton B. G. J. , Emeleus C. H. , Beckinsale R. D. , Macintyre R. M.
Published: December 2006

The Myggbukta Complex is a shallowly dissected central volcano superimposed on the early Tertiary Plateau Basalts of NE Greenland. This, and the Kap Broer Ruys centre, 30 km to the east, appear to be the most northerly central complexes of the North Atlantic Tertiary Province. The Myggbukta Complex comprises a suite of extrusions and minor intrusions ranging from picritic basalt to potassic rhyolite: most of the suite appears related by relatively low pressure (< 10 kbar) crystal fractionation. A small rise in initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.70593) with silica content is attributed to minor contamination through crustal anatexis. A basic dyke-swarm associated with the complex, precedes it and shows more limited differentiation. The basalts of the dyke-swarm and the Myggbukta Complex are genetically intimately related to the lavas forming the upper part of the earlier plateau basalt succession (UPLS). It is proposed that a large shield volcano developed some 100 km west of the developing spreading centre (Mohns/Aegir ridge), of which the UPLS, the dyke-swarm and the Myggbukta Complex represent three successive evolutionary stages. A generalized increase in differentiation through time can be recognized from one stage to the next. The acid intrusions of the Kap Broer Ruys area are probably also largely residues of basalt fractionation like their Myggbukta counterparts. However, higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70625–0.71034) imply a greater degree of crustal contamination.
Mixing of supernatant and interstitial fluids in the Rhum layered intrusion
Authors: Young Iain M.
Published: December 2006

An alternative explanation for the occurrence of chrome-spinel layers in the Eastern Layered Series of the Rhum intrusion is suggested by extreme concentrations of chrome-spinel in small-scale structures in the layer at the unit 7–8 boundary (Brown, 1956). These take the form of downward pointing cones several centimetres across and deep, and lined or wholly filled with chrome-spinel; lamination in the underlying allivalite exhibits quaquaversal dips around these cones. By comparing these structures to fluid escape structures in clastic sediments, it is proposed that spinel is the product of mixing and reaction of upward moving interstitial liquid and more primitive liquid newly emplaced in the chamber. Further evidence for the presence of a second liquid during spinel crystallization is provided by spherical silicate inclusions within spinel grains. Complex zoning in feldspars in the underlying allivalite suggests that the newly emplaced primitive liquid was able to penetrate the crystal mush on the intrusion floor.
The geochemistry of Lower Tertiary basic dykes in the Eastern Red Hills district, Isle of Skye, and their significance for the proposed magmatic evolution of the Skye Centre
Authors: Bell B. R.
Published: December 2006

Major- and trace-element data are presented for basic dykes intruding the Eastern Red Hills district of the Tertiary igneous centre of Skye. In addition to a group of transitional basic intrusions, members of two other distinctive suites have been identified: (1) a series of basic alkaline intrusions (akin to the ‘Beinn Dearg Type’ of Harker, 1904), with characteristic high alkali contents, distinctive values of K2O/(K2O + Na2O) and rare-earth-element (REE) patterns similar to those of many of the Tertiary lavas of north Skye, and, (2) tholeiitic dykes, with low concentrations ofK2O, Ti/Zr values of c. 100, and flat REE patterns similar to those of the so-called Fairy Bridge magma type (Mattey et al., 1977). From these data and a consideration of the time relationships of the various components of the Skye Centre, agreement is found with Thompson et al.'s (1972, 1980) model of a mantle thermal anomaly which generates the magmatic sequence: transitional basic magmas, giving way to olivine-bearing tholeiitic magmas (at the culmination of the anomaly), and, finally, late-stage basic alkaline magmas at the end of the activity.
Grandidierite from a pelitic xenolith in the Haddo House complex, NE Scotland
Authors: Hero R. K. , Windley B. F. , Ackermand D.
Published: December 2006

Grandidierite occurs in the outer margin of a biotite-rich pelitic xenolith in norite close to the contact of a tourmaline-bearing granite in the Haddo House norite-gabbro complex. The boron for the grandidierite was derived by metasomatism from the granite. The assemblage is (decreasing order): An55–51 plagioclase (65%), biotite (10%), spinel (10%), cordierite (5%), corundum (5%), ilmenite, grandidierite (< 1%), rutile, sphene, zircon. XMg range is grandidierite (0.80–0.78) > cordierite (0.78) > biotite (c. 0.59) > spinel (0.35–0.27). The grandidierite has little chemical variation: SiO2, 19.9–20.5%; Al2O3, 51.3–51.9%. A compilation of all grandidierite analyses in the literature shows that the only substitutions are Fe2+ ⇌ Mg and Al ⇌ Fe3+, the XMg range being 0.98 to 0.19.
The evolution of saline and thermal groundwaters in the Carnmenellis granite
Authors: Edmunds W. M. , Andrews J. N. , Burgess W. G. , Kay R. L. F. , Lee D. J.
Published: December 2006

The Carnmenellis granite and its aureole contain the only recorded thermal groundwaters (up to 52 °C) in British granites. They occur as springs in tin mines at depths between 200 and 700 m and most are saline (maximum mineralization 19 310 mg 1−1). Mining activity has disturbed the groundwater circulation pattern developed over a geological time-scale and levels of bomb-produced tritium (> 4 TU) indicate that a significant component (up to 65 %) of the most saline waters are of recent origin. All components of all the mine waters are of meteoric origin. Radiogenic 4He contents, 40Ar/36Ar ratios, and uranium series geochemistry suggest that the thermal component has a likely residence time of at least 5 × 104 years and probably of order 106 years.

The thermal waters have molar Na+/Cl− ratios considerably less than 1 but they are enriched relative to sea water in all major cations except Mg. The groundwater is also particularly enriched in Li with contents ranging up to 125 mg 1−1. The groundwater salinity, which may reach a maximum of 30 000 mg 1−1, is shown to result from weathering reactions of biotite (probably through a chloritization step) and plagioclase feldspar, to kaolinite. On volumetric considerations, fluid inclusions cannot contribute significantly to the groundwater salinity, and stable isotope ratios rule out any contribution from sea water.

Groundwater silica contents and molar Na+/K+ ratios suggest that the likely equilibration temperature is 54°C, which would imply a depth of circulation of about 1.2 km.
Gahnite compositions compared
Authors: Batchelor Richard A. , Kinnaird Judith A.
Published: December 2006

Blue-coloured gem-quality spinel from Nigeria was analysed by wet chemical methods (using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) and investigated by X-ray diffraction. The results showed it to be gahnite (unit cell dimension a=8.091±0.003 Å) containing 36.7% ZnO, 3.58% FeO, and 0.12% MgO. The spinel has an RI of 1.79 and density between 4.4 and 4.59. Broadening of the n[111] XRD reflections indicates a measure of compositional heterogeneity. The gahnite analyses were compared with compositions of zinc spinels from other parts of the world. The analyses cluster into two distinct groups, Mg-rich spinels of metamorphic origin and Mg-poor spinels (including the Nigerian gahnite) with igneous affinities. Diadochy seems to operate within the zinc spinel structure between (Zn + Mn) and (Fe + Mg).
Some observations on the properties of dypingite, Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O, and related minerals
Authors: Canterford J. H. , Tsambourakis G. , Lambert B.
Published: December 2006

Dypingite, Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O, was found in materials obtained during the production of high purity magnesia from crude magnesite by the calcination/CO2-leaching process. The snow-white, finely crystalline dypingite contained 41.0% MgO; the theoretical value is 41.5%. The X-ray powder data revealed a long period structure with a strong peak at 31.0 Å. The five strongest reflections (Å) and their estimated intensities (I/I0) were 10.4 (100), 31.0 (40), 15.62 (40), 5.86 (30), and 6.34 (20). The DTA curve showed ten endothermic reactions with maxima at 43, 50, 77, 86, 105, 127, 180, 260, 420, and 514°C and an exothermic reaction at 495°C.
On the occurrence of niobium-tantalum and other rare-element minerals in the Meldon aplite, Devonshire
Authors: Knorring Oleg von , Condliffe Eric
Published: December 2006

A number of rare-element minerals from the Meldon aplite are described, e.g. native arsenic and antimony, arsenolite, stibiconite, and various niobium-tantalum minerals. Some of the minerals are new to the occurrence and some may be new to the British Isles. Particular attention has been paid to the Nb-Ta minerals and a large number of electron-microprobe analyses for manganocolumbite, manganotantalite, and microlite are presented. Examination of numerous, minute crystals and fragments of columbite-tantalite revealed a complex oscillatory zoning, indicating a slow rate of cooling and perhaps incomplete miscibility of the isomorphous columbite-tantalite series.
Secondary ilvaite in a dolerite dyke from Rogaland, SW Norway
Authors: Barton Michael , van Bergen Manfred J.
Published: December 2006

Ilvaite is an alteration product of carbonate, which itself replaced clinopyroxene, in a Precambrian tholeiitic dyke. Additional secondary minerals are ferroactinolite, cummingtonite, chlorite, biotite, prehnite, and epidote. Microprobe analyses demonstrate that the ilvaite is close to the ideal end-member composition [CaFe22+Fe3+Si2O8 (OH)] and that only cummingtonites, Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) 0.77–0.39, and carbonates (solid solutions between calcite and dolomite, dolomite and ankerite, magnesite and siderite) show significant compositional variations. It is estimated that ilvaite formed at temperatures < 470 °C and at pressures < 2 kbar, probably during a low-grade metamorphic event (or events) associated with the Caledonian orogeny. The fluids involved in the alteration process contained both CO2 and H2O, initial fluids probably being richer in CO2 than later ones. Ilvaite may be more common in hydrothermally altered igneous rocks than previously supposed.
Unusual sector zoning in Lewisian zircons
Authors: Hoffman J. F. , Long J. V. P.
Published: December 2006

An unusual form of sector zoning has been recorded in some Lewisian zircons. The sectors lie in a plane cut perpendicular to the c-axis and are observed as variations in the intensity of cathodoluminescence, and in trace-element concentrations. Sectors radiating from the centre of growth out to the {100} faces exhibit low-intensity cathodoluminescence and are enriched in Y and depleted in Hf and Zr. Those radiating to the {110} faces are brightly luminescent, slightly enriched in Hf and depleted in Y. X-ray diffraction data, and comparison with previous studies of zircons, suggest that the sectors vary slightly in crystallographic orientation, such that the boundaries between sectors form discontinuities in the structure.
Retzian-(La), a new mineral from Sterling Hill, Sussex County, New Jersey
Authors: Dunn Pete J. , Peacor Donald R. , Simmons William B.
Published: December 2006

Retzian-(La), ideally, Mn2La(AsO4)(OH)4, is a new rare-earth analogue of retzian and retzian-(Nd). It was found associated with willemite, calcite, and franklinite, in the Stealing Hill Mine, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA. Retzian-(La) is orthorhombic, space group Pban, with a = 5.670(7), b = 12.01(1), and c = 4.869(8) Å. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are (d,I/I0,hkl): 3.51 80 111, 2.715 100 131, 1.848 50 061, 1.456 40. Microprobe analysis yielded MnO 25.2, MgO 3.7, ZnO 1.2, As2O5 26.5, La2O3 10.6, Ce2O3 8.8, Nd2O3 8.2, Pr2O3 5.1, Sm2O3 2.2, Y2O3 2.5, H2O [7.7], sum = 101.7 wt. %, corresponding to an La-dominant member of the retzian series.

Retzian-(La) forms 0.5 mm euhedral crystals composed of the forms {001}, {010}, {110}, and {150}; the crystals have pseudohexagonal habit. It is reddish-brown, with vitreous luster, no cleavage, density > 4.2 g/cm3. Optically, it is biaxial, positive, 2V = 82° with α = 1.766, β = 1.773, and γ = 1.788. Dispersion is strong, r > v; pleochroism is very weak; orientation is X = c, Y= b, Z = a; absorption is Z > Y > X.
Caratiite, a potassium, new sulphate-chloride of copper and from the lavas of the 1869 Vesuvius eruption
Authors: Clark A. M. , Fejer E. E. , Couper A. G.
Published: December 2006

Caratiite is a sulphate-chloride of potassium and copper with ideal formula K4Cu4O2(SO4)4MeCl (where Me = Na and/or Cu); it formed as fine green acicular crystals in lava of the 1869 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, Naples, Italy. Caratiite is tetragonal, space group I4; a 13.60(2), c 4.98(1) Å, Z = 2. The strongest lines of the powder pattern are [d Å, I, hkl]: 9.61 100 (110); 6.80 80 (200); 4.296 60 (310); 3.015 100b (420,321); 2.747 70 (411); 2.673 60 (510); 2.478 60 (002); 2.388 70 (431,501); 2.281 60 (600). The mineral is uniaxial positive, ω 1.598, ɛ 1.711; it does not fluoresce under either short- or long-wavelength ultra-violet light. The specific gravity is 3.0 (meas.) and 3.22 (calc.).
The β-tail domain (βTD) regulates physiologic ligand binding to integrin CD11b/CD18
Authors: Gupta Vineet , Gylling Annette , Alonso José Luis , Sugimori Takashi , Ianakiev Petre , Xiong Jiang-Ping , Amin Arnaout M.
Published: December 2006

Crystallographic and electron microscopy studies revealed genuflexed (bent) integrins in both unliganded (inactive) and physiologic ligandbound (active) states, suggesting that local conformational changes are sufficient for activation. Herein we have explored the role of local changes in the contact region between the membrane-proximal β-tail domain (βTD) and the ligand-binding βA domain of the bent conformation in regulating interaction of integrin CD11b/CD18 (αMβ2) with its physiologic ligand iC3b. We replaced the βTD CD loop residues D658GMD of the CD18 (β2) subunit with the equivalent D672SSG of the β3 subunit, with AGAA or with NGTD, expressed the respective heterodimeric receptors either transiently in epithelial HEK293T cells or stably in leukocytes (K562), and measured their ability to bind iC3b and to conformation-sensitive mAbs. In the presence of the physiologic divalent cations Ca2+ plus Mg2+ (at 1 mM each), the modified integrins showed increased (in HEK293) or constitutive (in K562) binding to iC3b compared with wild-type receptors. K562 expressing the βTD-modified integrins bound in Ca2+Mg2+ to the βA-directed high-affinity reporter mAb 24 but not to mAb KIM127, a reporter of the genu-straightened state. These data identify a role for the membrane proximal βTD as an allosteric modulator of integrin activation.
Interrelation between polyploidization and megakaryocyte differentiation: a gene profiling approach
Authors: Raslova Hana , Kauffmann Audrey , Sekkaï Dalila , Ripoche Hugues , Larbret Fréderic , Robert Thomas , Le Roux Diana Tronik , Kroemer Guido , Debili Najet , Dessen Philippe , Lazar Vladimir , Vainchenker William
Published: December 2006

Polyploidization is a part of the normal developmental process leading to platelet production during megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation. Ploidization is mainly involved in cell enlargement, but it is not clear whether gene expression is modified during MK ploidization. In this study, human MKs were grown from CD34+ cells in the presence of thrombopoietin and sorted according to their ploidy level. A pangenomic microarray technique was applied to compare gene expression in 2N-, 4N-, 8N-, and 16N-sorted MKs. Using hierarchical clustering, we demonstrated that 2N and 4N MKs or 8N and 16N MKs are 2 different close populations with 105 discriminating genes. In the second approach, we determined the profile of genes that were continuously down- and up-regulated during polyploidization. Among the 100 down-regulated genes, 24 corresponded to genes involved in DNA replication and repair. The great majority of up-regulated genes corresponded to genes directly involved in platelet functions, such as genes encoding specific platelet glycoproteins and α-granule proteins, actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, factors involved in signaling, and transport proteins. Together, these results suggest that MK polyploidization per se does not regulate gene expression but is intrinsically included in the differentiation process.
In vivo administration of lentiviral vectors triggers a type I interferon response that restricts hepatocyte gene transfer and promotes vector clearance
Authors: Brown Brian D. , Sitia Giovanni , Annoni Andrea , Hauben Ehud , Sergi Lucia Sergi , Zingale Anna , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Guidotti Luca G. , Naldini Luigi
Published: December 2006

Liver gene transfer is a highly sought goal for the treatment of inherited and infectious diseases. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) have many desirable properties for hepatocyte-directed gene delivery, including the ability to integrate into nondividing cells. Unfortunately, upon systemic administration, LV transduces hepatocytes relatively inefficiently compared with nonparenchymal cells, and the duration of transgene expression is often limited by immune responses. Here, we investigated the role of innate antiviral responses in these events. We show that administration of LVs to mice triggers a rapid and transient IFNαβ response. This effect was dependent on functional vector particles, and in vitro challenge of antigen-presenting cells suggested that plasmacytoid dendritic cells initiated the response. Remarkably, when LVs were administered to animals that lack the capacity to respond to IFNαβ, there was a dramatic increase in hepatocyte transduction, and stable transgene expression was achieved. These findings indicate that, even in the setting of acute delivery of replication-defective vectors, IFNs effectively interfere with transduction in a cell-type–specific manner. Moreover, because disabling a single component of the innate/immune network was sufficient to establish persistent xenoantigen expression, our results raise the hope that the immunologic barriers to gene therapy are less insurmountable than expected.
Modification of the mycobacteriophage Ms6 attP core allows the integration of multiple vectors into different tRNAala T-loops in slow- and fast-growing mycobacteria
Authors: Dos Vultos Tiago , Méderlé Isabelle , Abadie Valérie , Pimentel Madalena , Moniz-Pereira José , Gicquel Brigitte , Reyrat Jean-Marc , Winter Nathalie
Published: December 2006

Background

Mycobacteriophage Ms6 integrates into Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. bovis BCG chromosome at the 3' end of tRNAala genes. Homologous recombination occurs between the phage attP core and the attB site located in the T-loop. Integration-proficient vectors derived from Ms6 are useful genetic tools, but their insertion sites in the BCG chromosome remain poorly defined. The primary objective of this study was to identify Ms6 target genes in M. smegmatis and BCG. We then aimed to modify the attP site in Ms6-derived vectors, to switch integration to other tRNAala loci. This provided the basis for the development of recombinant M. bovis BCG strains expressing several reporter genes inserted into different tRNAala genes.

Results

The three tRNAala genes are highly conserved in M. smegmatis and BCG. However, in the T-loop of tRNAalaU and tRNAalaV containing the attB site, a single base difference was observed between the two species. We observed that the tRNAalaU gene was the only site into which Ms6-derived integration-proficient vectors integrated in M. smegmatis, whereas in BCG, the tRNAalaV gene was used as the target. No integration occurred in the BCG tRNAalaU T-loop, despite a difference of only one base from the 26-base Ms6 attP core. We mutated the attP core to give a perfect match with the other tRNAala T-loops from M. smegmatis and BCG. Modification of the seven-base T-loop decreased integration efficiency, identifying this site as a possible site of strand exchange. Finally, two Ms6 vectors were constructed to integrate two reporter genes into the tRNAalaU and tRNAalaV T-loops of the same BCG chromosome.

Conclusion

Small changes in the 7 bp T-loop attP site of Ms6 made it possible to use another attB site, albeit with a lower integration efficiency. These molecular studies on BCG tRNAala genes made it possible to create valuable tools for the site-directed insertion of several genes in the same BCG strain. These tools will be useful for the development of novel multivalent vaccines and genetic studies.
Acupuncture for chronic neck pain: a pilot for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Salter Gemma C , Roman Mark , Bland Martin J , MacPherson Hugh
Published: December 2006

Background

Acupuncture is increasingly being used for many conditions including chronic neck pain. However the evidence remains inconclusive, indicating the need for further well-designed research. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot randomised controlled parallel arm trial, to establish key features required for the design and implementation of a large-scale trial on acupuncture for chronic neck pain.

Methods

Patients whose GPs had diagnosed neck pain were recruited from one general practice, and randomised to receive usual GP care only, or acupuncture (up to 10 treatments over 3 months) as an adjunctive treatment to usual GP care. The primary outcome measure was the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) at 3 months. The primary analysis was to determine the sample size for the full scale study.

Results

Of the 227 patients with neck pain identified from the GP database, 28 (12.3%) consenting patients were eligible to participate in the pilot and 24 (10.5%) were recruited to the trial. Ten patients were randomised to acupuncture, receiving an average of eight treatments from one of four acupuncturists, and 14 were randomised to usual GP care alone. The sample size for the full scale trial was calculated from a clinically meaningful difference of 5% on the NPQ and, from this pilot, an adjusted standard deviation of 15.3%. Assuming 90% power at the 5% significance level, a sample size of 229 would be required in each arm in a large-scale trial when allowing for a loss to follow-up rate of 14%. In order to achieve this sample, one would need to identify patients from databases of GP practices with a total population of 230,000 patients, or approximately 15 GP practices roughly equal in size to the one involved in this study (i.e. 15,694 patients).

Conclusion

This pilot study has allowed a number of recommendations to be made to facilitate the design of a large-scale trial, which in turn will help to clarify the existing evidence base on acupuncture for neck pain.
ICD-10 coding algorithms for defining comorbidities of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: So Lawrence , Evans Dewey , Quan Hude
Published: December 2006

Background

With the introduction of ICD-10 throughout Canada, it is important to ensure that Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) comorbidities employed in risk adjustment methods remain valid and robust. Therefore, we developed ICD-10 coding algorithms for nine AMI comorbidities, examined the validity of the ICD-10 and ICD-9 coding algorithms in detection of these comorbidities, and assessed their performance in predicting mortality. The nine comorbidities that we examined were shock, diabetes with complications, congestive heart failure, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary edema, acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Methods

Coders generated a comprehensive list of ICD-10 codes corresponding to each AMI comorbidity. Physicians independently reviewed and determined the clinical relevance of each item on the list. To ensure that the newly developed ICD-10 coding algorithms were valid in recording comorbidities, medical charts were reviewed. After assessing ICD-10 algorithms' validity, both ICD-10 and ICD-9 algorithms were applied to a Canadian provincial hospital discharge database to predict in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality.

Results

Compared to chart review data as a 'criterion standard', ICD-9 and ICD-10 data had similar sensitivities (ranging from 7.1 – 100%), and specificities (above 93.6%) for each of the nine AMI comorbidities studied. The frequencies for the comorbidities were similar between ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding algorithms for 49,861 AMI patients in a Canadian province during 1994 – 2004. The C-statistics for predicting 30-day and 1 year mortality were the same for ICD-9 (0.82) and for ICD-10 data (0.81).

Conclusion

The ICD-10 coding algorithms developed in this study to define AMI comorbidities performed similarly as past ICD-9 coding algorithms in detecting conditions and risk-adjustment in our sample. However, the ICD-10 coding algorithms should be further validated in external databases.
Quantitative expansion of ES cell-derived myeloid progenitors capable of differentiating into macrophages
Authors: Odegaard Justin I , Vats Divya , Zhang Lina , Ricardo-Gonzalez Roberto , Smith Kristi L , Sykes David B , Kamps Mark P , Chawla Ajay
Published: December 2006

Macrophages participate in physiologic and pathologic processes through elaboration of distinct activation programs. Studies with macrophage cell systems have revealed much concerning the importance of this pleiotropic cell; however, these studies are inherently limited by three factors: heterogeneity of the target cell population, poor capacity to elaborate various activation programs, and lack of a genetically tractable model system for loss- and gain-of-function studies. Although definitive, hematopoietic lineages can be isolated from embryonic stem (ES) cells, these isolation procedures are inefficient and time-consuming and require elaborate cell-sorting protocols. We therefore examined whether myeloid precursors, capable of differentiating into macrophages, could be conditionally expanded in vitro. Here, we report methods for selective isolation and immortalization of ES cell-derived myeloid precursors by estrogen-regulated HoxA9 protein. Using this new macrophage differentiation system, an unlimited number of custom-designed macrophages with defined functional characteristics can be generated from any targeted ES cell. In combination with knockout or small interfering RNA knockdown technologies, this macrophage differentiation system provides a powerful tool for high throughput analysis of regulatory mechanisms controlling macrophage activation in health and disease.
A methodology for best practice knowledge management
Authors: Dani S , Harding J A , Case K , Young R I M , Cochrane S , Gao J , Baxter D
Published: December 2006

Capturing and reusing knowledge of best practices has been identified as one of the requirements for next-generation product development. Knowledge identification is therefore already being done to some degree in many organizations, through instruction manuals or ‘how to’ guidelines. However, this is only a first step, as to fully exploit valuable knowledge, best practices must be identified and shared. A detailed review of previous research in best practice knowledge management shows that the method of modelling best practice knowledge and the resulting model structure are critically important for the successful reuse of best practice knowledge. Yet, to date, only limited research has been focused on these aspects. This paper therefore presents research into a methodology to determine ways for better communication, sharing, and reuse of best/good practice knowledge. The proposed methodology has been divided into two parts: firstly, the identification of best practices for product development, and secondly, the structuring of best practice knowledge for effective sharing and reuse. This methodology encourages the adoption of best practices by providing knowledge about both process and implementation elements. This makes the explicit knowledge easier to find and reuse. Once a best practice is found to suit current requirements and circumstances, an expert who has identified and used the best practice can also be contacted to gain additional knowledge/information. This helps to address the challenges posed by ‘tacit’ knowledge, which cannot easily be shared within the knowledge base.