bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A direct blood polymerase chain reaction approach for the determination of GP.Mur (Mi.III) and other Hil+ Miltenberger glycophorin variants
Authors: Hsu Kate , Lin Yen‐Chun , Chang Yu‐Cheng , Chan Yung‐Syu , Chao Hsueh‐Ping , Lee Ting‐Ying , Lin Marie
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: GP.Mur (Mi.III) is a glycophorin B‐A‐B hybrid sialoglycoprotein expressing several potent immunogens, including Mia, Mur, and Hil. GP.Mur is considered one of the most important red blood cell (RBC) phenotypes in blood banking in Southeast Asia. However, there are no antibodies commercially available for the screening of GP.Mur RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To develop a direct blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach for the screening of GP.Mur cells, we first confirmed the genomic sequence differences among four GP.Mur and three Mi(a–) samples by sequencing their GYP.Mur and GYPB genes. With these data, we designed PCR primers that best discriminate GYPB and GYP.Mur. Our primer design also allows the detection of other Hil+ glycophorin variants. We also constructed two plasmids—pGBi2i3 and pMiIIIi2i3—which serve as the negative and positive control DNA, respectively, for the PCR procedure. Additionally, we designed a control PCR to be run side by side with the typing PCR.

RESULTS: Because of the high specificity of our primers, we found it unnecessary to extract DNA from blood samples for PCR. We have tested this PCR method on 379 fresh and frozen blood samples. The results were further validated by serology and DNA sequencing and were shown to be completely accurate in our hand. We also found that the rapid genotyping method—high‐resolution melting—can be a timesaving alternative for DNA sequencing.

CONCLUSION: This direct blood PCR approach for determination of GP.Mur and related Hil+ phenotypes is reliable and economical and is expected to be useful for blood banking in Southeast Asia.
An International Pooled Analysis for Obtaining a Benchmark Dose for Environmental Lead Exposure in Children
Authors: Budtz‐Jørgensen Esben , Bellinger David , Lanphear Bruce , Grandjean Philippe ,   on behalf of the International Pooled Lead Study Investigators
Published: August 2012

Lead is a recognized neurotoxicant, but estimating effects at the lowest measurable levels is difficult. An international pooled analysis of data from seven cohort studies reported an inverse and supra‐linear relationship between blood lead concentrations and IQ scores in children. The lack of a clear threshold presents a challenge to the identification of an acceptable level of exposure. The benchmark dose (BMD) is defined as the dose that leads to a specific known loss. As an alternative to elusive thresholds, the BMD is being used increasingly by regulatory authorities. Using the pooled data, this article presents BMD results and applies different statistical techniques in the analysis of multistudy data. The calculations showed only a limited variation between studies in the steepness of the dose‐response functions. BMD results were quite robust to modeling assumptions with the best fitting models yielding lower confidence limits (BMDLs) of about 0.1–1.0 μ g/dL for the dose leading to a loss of one IQ point. We conclude that current allowable blood lead concentrations need to be lowered and further prevention efforts are needed to protect children from lead toxicity.
Transseptal Left Ventricular Lead Placement Using Snare Technique
Authors: WRIGHT GARY A. , TOMLINSON DAVID R. , LINES IAN , DAVIES EDWARD J. , HAYWOOD GUY A.
Published: August 2012

Background:
 Coronary sinus (CS) lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy has a failure rate of ∼5–10%. Here we describe a way of implanting an endocardial left ventricular (LV) lead via a transseptal puncture (TSP), using a GooseNeck snare and active fixation lead.

Methods:
 Three male patients (67–83 years) with failed or extracted epicardial LV leads implanted via the CS had an endocardial LV lead implanted. TSP was performed via a femoral vein. The active fixation pacing lead was advanced to the right atrium from a subclavian vein. A GooseNeck snare was passed via the TSP sheath and used to grasp the tip of the pacing lead. The sheath, GooseNeck snare, and pacing lead tip were then passed to the left atrium by sliding the system up the TSP guidewire and across the interatrial septum before deflecting the lead to permit implantation in the left ventricle.

Results:
 Successful implantation was performed in all patients with an LV implant time of 25–55 minutes.

Conclusion:
 The use of a GooseNeck snare via a deflectable transseptal sheath represents a reliable alternative method for endocardial LV lead placement in patients with failed CS LV lead implantation. (PACE 2012; 35:1248–1252)
Rice Starch Diversity: Effects on Structural, Morphological, Thermal, and Physicochemical Properties—A Review
Authors: Wani Ali Abas , Singh Preeti , Shah Manzoor Ahmad , Schweiggert‐Weisz Ute , Gul Khalid , Wani Idrees Ahmed
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Rice starch is one of the major cereal starches with novel functional properties. Significant progress has been made in recent years on the characterization of rice starches separated from different rice cultivars. Studies have revealed that the molecular structure and functional properties are affected by rice germplasm, isolation procedure, climate, agronomic conditions, and grain development. Morphological studies (microscopy and particle size analysis) have reflected significant differences among rice starch granule shapes (polyhedral, irregular) and in granule size (2 to 7 μm). Nonwaxy and long‐grain rice starches show greater variation in granular size than the waxy starches. Rice starch granules are smaller than other cereal starches with amylose contents varying from virtually amylose‐free in waxy to about 35% in nonwaxy and long‐grain rice starches. Amylose content appears to be the major factor controlling almost all physicochemical properties of rice starch due to its influence on pasting, gelatinization, retrogradation, syneresis, and other functional properties. Waxy rice starches have high swelling and solubility parameters, and larger relative crystallinity values than nonwaxy and long‐grain starches. However, nonwaxy rice starches have a higher gelatinization temperature than the waxy and long‐grain starches. The bland taste, nonallergenicity, and smooth, creamy, and spreadable characteristics of rice starch make it unique and valuable in food and pharmaceutical applications. This review provides recent information on the variation in the molecular structure and functional properties of different rice starches.
Review Article: Sensory Characteristics of Probiotic Cheese
Authors: Karimi R. , Sohrabvandi S. , Mortazavian A. M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Cheese has a good potential for delivery of probiotic microorganisms into the human intestine. In addition, the very wide variety of cheese types all over the world, consumption of cheese by almost everybody, as well as the high nutritional value of cheese constitute growing market for probiotic cheese. Probiotic microorganisms must survive in food products above a standard level until the time of consumption without adversely changing their sensory attributes. Since probiotic microorganisms could affect the flavor, texture, and appearance of dairy products, the sensory attributes of these products have been the subject of numerous studies. This article reviews the sensory characteristics of cheese as affected by probiotic microorganisms.
Human Risk Assessment of Endocrine‐Disrupting Chemicals Derived from Plastic Food Containers
Authors: Bang Du Yeon , Kyung Minji , Kim Min Ji , Jung Bu Young , Cho Myung Chan , Choi Seul Min , Kim Young Woo , Lim Seong Kwang , Lim Duck Soo , Won A Jin , Kwack Seung Jun , Lee Youngkwan , Kim Hyung Sik , Lee Byung Mu
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  In the manufacture of plastic containers, various materials such as additives (for example, plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants), polymers (for example, polystyrene [PS], polycarbonate [PC], polyvinyl chloride [PVC]) are widely used. Endocrine disrupting chemicals [EDCs] can migrate as residual monomers (for example, styrene for PS or bisphenol A [BPA] for PC) presented in polymers, as additives (for example, phthalates for PVC) used in polymer manufacturing, and/or as contaminants from the polymers depending on physicochemical conditions such as temperature, UV light, pH, microwave, and mechanical stress. Some phthalates (for example, DEHP, DBP), styrene, or bisphenol have been suspected to have endocrine disrupting effects, but human toxicological effects of these compounds are very controversial. For these reasons, a comprehensive review on toxicological and risk assessment studies for these chemicals (phthalates, BPA, and styrene) was carried out to evaluate their safety in humans. On the basis of exposure estimates for the these chemicals and reference doses (RfDs), we calculated hazard index (HI = chronic daily intake/tolerable daily intake [TDI] or RfD). A HI of less than 1 suggests an exposure lower than the safety limit of the chemicals. We showed that the HI values of these chemicals were lower then 1, but there are one or several exceptions for di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di‐isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and di‐n‐octyl phthalate (DnOP; for example, exposure via infant formula, packaged lunch, total exposure), where estimated their HI values are higher than 1, which suggests an exposure higher than the safety limits of the chemicals. However, the HI of BPA was 0.001–0.26 (3.57–1000 times lower than its safety limit), and the HI for styrene was 0.276 (3.62 times lower than its safety limit). In this article, we focused on recent issues concerning the endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) derived from plastic food containers or packaging. This review suggests that the use of plastic food containers might not exceed human safe limits n general with respect to endocrine disruptors aside from the exceptions of the phthalates mentioned earlier.
Risk‐Benefit Analysis of Seafood Consumption: A Review
Authors: Hellberg Rosalee S. , DeWitt Christina A. Mireles , Morrissey Michael T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Seafood, defined here as marine and freshwater fish and shellfish, is recognized as a healthy food choice because it is a low‐fat protein source that provides long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids important for early development along with eye and heart health. However, seafood is also known to contain certain contaminants, such as methylmercury and persistent organic pollutants, which can have harmful effects on human health and development. In order to limit exposure to contaminants while maximizing the benefits of seafood consumption, a number of quantitative and qualitative risk‐benefit analyses have been conducted for seafood consumption. This review paper provides a brief background on risk‐benefit analysis of foods, followed by a discussion of the risks and benefits associated with fish consumption. Next, risk‐benefit analyses are reviewed in an historical context. While risk‐benefit analysis consists of three main elements (that is, assessment, management, and communication), this review will primarily focus on risk‐benefit assessments. Overall, most studies have found that the benefits far outweigh the risks among the general population, especially when a variety of fish is consumed at least twice per week. However, for certain populations (for example, pregnant women and young children) a more targeted approach is warranted in order to ensure that these groups consume fish that are low in contaminants but high in omega‐3 fatty acids. The potentially harmful unintended consequences of risk‐benefit communication on the general population and certain groups are also discussed.
Supercath Safety Clampcath buttonhole creation: Complication of catheter breakage
Authors: Donnelly Sandra M. , Marticorena Rosa M. , Hunter Joyce , Goldstein Marc B.
Published: August 2012

The creation of buttonhole tracks with Supercath Safety Clampcath is a novel and simple technique that allows dull fistula needle insertions with relative ease and diminished pain. As greater experience with this procedure develops, new issues arise for consideration. We report an unexpected complication of Supercath Safety Clampcath catheter breakage that may be due to physical distortions as a result of its location in the antecubital fossa just proximal to the elbow joint. We present a review of our experience and a framework for the safe ongoing use of this device for creation of buttonholes in fistula for hemodialysis.
Same‐day discharge after laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: LASSEN PERNILLE DANNESKIOLD , MOELLER‐LARSEN HEDVIG , DE NULLY PIA
Published: August 2012

The benefits of laparoscopic hysterectomy are well documented and include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic hysterectomy as an outpatient procedure. A total of 26 women regarded eligible for an accelerated approach were included. The mean duration of the operation was 40 min (range 23–60 min), with a blood loss of 50 mL (range 10–200 mL). Twenty‐three left the hospital the same day (88%). One woman required overnight hospitalization because of a port hematoma, while two stayed for reasons unrelated to the surgery. Three other women were referred with minor problems to an urgent clinic appointment within the first month. Overall, the women were satisfied with the procedure, with a mean rating of 9 of 10 possible points. Thus, outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy appeared to be safe and well accepted by selected patients.
EvaluatingSKIas a candidate gene for non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Mangold Elisabeth , Reutter Heiko , León‐Cachón Rafael B. R. , Ludwig Kerstin U. , Herms Stefan , Chacón‐Camacho Óscar , Ortiz‐López Rocío , Paredes‐Zenteno Mario , Arizpe‐Cantú Abelardo , Muñoz‐Jiménez Sergio G. , Nowak Stefanie , Kramer Franz‐Josef , Wienker Thomas F. , Nöthen Markus M. , Knapp Michael , Rojas‐Martínez Augusto
Published: August 2012

Non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is one of the most common of all congenital malformations and has a multifactorial etiology. Findings in mice suggest that the v‐ski sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (SKI) gene is a candidate gene for orofacial clefting. In humans, a significant association between rs2843159 withinSKIandNSCL/Phas been reported in patients from the Philippines and South America. In the South American patients, the association was driven by the subgroup of patients with non‐syndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO). Here we investigated the association with rs2843159 in a Mayan Mesoamerican population (172NSCL/Ppatients and 366 controls). In addition, we analyzed the phenotypic subgroupsNSCLOand non‐syndromic cleft of lip and palate (NSCLP). A trend towards association between rs2843159 andNSCL/Pwas observed in the Mayan cohort (P = 0.097), and we found a stronger association in theNSCLPsubgroup (P = 0.072) despite a limited sample size. To investigate whether other common variants within theSKIgene contribute toNSCL/Psusceptibility in European and Asian populations, we also analyzed genotypic data from two recent genome‐wide association studies using set‐based statistical approaches. These analyses detected a trend toward association in the European population. Our data provide limited support for the hypothesis that commonSKIvariants are susceptibility factors forNSCL/P.
Prevalence, severity, and clinical determinants of oral impacts in older people in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Erić Jelena , Stančić Ivica , Tihaček‐Šojić Ljiljana , Kulić Ljiljana , Popovac Aleksandra , Tsakos Georgios
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the severity of oral impacts and the relationships between oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and clinical measures of oral function in a sample of older adults in Bosnia. The sample comprised 261 community‐dwelling adults of ≥65 yr of age. Participants were randomly drawn from three senior day‐centres for elderly people. Data were collected using clinical examination and a questionnaire. The OHRQoL was assessed through the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) measure, in terms of the prevalence, intensity, and extent of oral impacts. Overall, 55.2% reported at least one oral impact in the last 6 months. Difficulty eating (43.3%) and difficulty speaking (34.1%) were the most common impacts. These were also the most severely affected performances, while ‘going out’ and ‘enjoying the contact of other people’ were the least severe. A higher number of natural teeth, natural occluding pairs, and anterior and posterior occluding pairs were all significantly associated with a lower prevalence of oral impacts and correlated with the OIDP score, even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. The prevalence of oral impacts was high and there was a strong and consistent association between OHRQoL and clinical dental indicators of function.
Preschool children born moderately preterm have increased waist circumference at two years of age despite low body mass index
Authors: Roswall J , Karlsson A‐K , Allvin K , Tangen G Almqvist , Bergman S , Niklasson A , Alm B , Dahlgren J
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To investigate the development of waist circumference (WC) in preschool children born preterm compared with a population‐based reference.

Background:  Children born preterm are reported to be insulin resistant, despite being lean during early childhood. We hypothesize that the mechanism is through increased visceral adiposity.

Methods:  Data from 4446 preschool children (2169 girls/2277 boys) born in 2001–2006 from a population‐based study were compared with longitudinal measurements of body mass index (BMI) and WC from a cohort of 152 children (64 girls/88 boys) born moderately preterm in 2002–2004 (gestational age, 32–37 weeks).

Results:  In the preterm children, the mean WC was 2.8 cm larger compared with the reference group (p < 0.001) at 2 years of age but not at 5 years of age. There was no significant difference in the mean BMI at 2 years of age. The preterm group was significantly leaner at 5 years of age, with a mean BMI of 15.13 compared with 15.98 in the reference group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Children born moderately preterm present as lean during early childhood but have an increased waist circumference in infancy, pointing towards a change in fat distribution with more abdominal fat. This may have implications for their metabolic status.
Dissecting Maize Productivity: Ideotypes Associated with Grain Yield under Drought Stress and Well‐watered Conditions
Authors: Cairns Jill E. , Sanchez Ciro , Vargas Mateo , Ordoñez Raziel , Araus Jose Luis
Published: August 2012

To increase maize (Zea mays L.) yields in drought‐prone environments and offset predicted maize yield losses under future climates, the development of improved breeding pipelines using a multi‐disciplinary approach is essential. Elucidating key growth processes will provide opportunities to improve drought breeding progress through the identification of key phenotypic traits, ideotypes, and donors. In this study, we tested a large set of tropical and subtropical maize inbreds and single cross hybrids under reproductive stage drought stress and well‐watered conditions. Patterns of biomass production, senescence, and plant water status were measured throughout the crop cycle. Under drought stress, early biomass production prior to anthesis was important for inbred yield, while delayed senescence was important for hybrid yield. Under well‐watered conditions, the ability to maintain a high biomass throughout the growing cycle was crucial for inbred yield, while a stay‐green pattern was important for hybrid yield. While new quantitative phenotyping tools such as spectral reflectance (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) allowed for the characterization of growth and senescence patterns as well as yield, qualitative measurements of canopy senescence were also found to be associated with grain yield.
Optimization of the landfill leachate treatment by the Fenton process
Authors: Vilar Almudena , Eiroa Marta , Kennes Christian , Veiga Maria C.
Published: August 2012

The Fenton process was used with the objective of improving the biodegradability of the leachate pretreated biologically up to a value compatible with a subsequent biological treatment. The optimum reaction and settlement pH was 3, both for the organic matter removal and for the improvement of the biodegradability. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal increased at increasing Fe2+ dosages, from 75.6% for 300 mg/L to 89.0% for 1400 mg/L. The most significant enhancement (84.8%) was obtained with 800 mg Fe2+/L. However, the biological oxygen demand/chemical oxygen demand ratio (BOD/COD) was almost the same at all the Fe2+ dosages, around 0.29. Moreover, varying the H2O2 concentration between 600 and 3600 mg/L, COD removal percentages were between 85.9 and 89.0%. However, the BOD/COD ratio increased at increasing H2O2 dosage up to 3000 mg/L, from 0.12 at 600 mg/L to 0.29 at 3000 mg/L.
Meeting the challenges of medical countermeasure development
Authors: Maher Carmen , Hu‐Primmer Jean , MacGill Tracy , Courtney Brooke , Borio Luciana
Published: August 2012

Despite substantial investments since the events of 2001, much work remains to prepare the nation for a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attack or to respond to an emerging infectious disease threat. Following a 2010 review of the US Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise, FDA launched its Medical Countermeasures initiative (MCMi) to facilitate the development and availability of medical products to counter CBRN and emerging disease threats. As a regulatory agency, FDA has a unique and critical part to play in this national undertaking. Using a three‐pillar approach, FDA is addressing key challenges associated with the regulatory review process for medical countermeasures; gaps in regulatory science for MCM development and evaluation; and issues related to the legal, regulatory and policy framework for an effective public health response. Filling the gaps in the MCM Enterprise is a huge national undertaking, requiring the collaboration of all stakeholders, including federal partners, current and prospective developers of medical countermeasures, relevant research organizations, and state and local responders. Especially critical to success are an appreciation of the long timelines, risks and high costs associated with developing medical countermeasures – and the systems to deliver them – and the requisite support of all stakeholders, including national leadership.
DONORS SELF‐REPORTED EXPERIENCES OF LIVE KIDNEY DONATION—A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Lennerling Annette , Forsberg Anna
Published: August 2012

Many reports on living kidney donation describe rapid recovery. In our experience rehabilitation is rather slow. This study aimed to explore self‐reported health status among living donors (LDs) three to four weeks and six months post‐donation with a longitudinal design. In this study. LDs (n = 112) reported their physical and mental health by responding to a questionnaire before surgery, after three to four weeks and after six months. Points could range from 1 (normal) to 5 (severe trouble), total score 7–35. Age (n = 112) was 50 years (median) and 52% were females. Before surgery, the total score was 9 (7–21). After three to four weeks, the score was 15 (7–31), with a rise in all measured variables. Women noted higher score rises than men (p= 0.01). The majority showed complete recovery after six months. It is clear that professional nursing support in the recuperation period is needed. Nursing interventions should aim at preventing delay and setbacks in the donors’ recovery process.
Intention and Motor Representation in Purposive Action
Authors: Butterfill Stephen A. , Sinigaglia Corrado
Published: August 2012

Are there distinct roles for intention and motor representation in explaining the purposiveness of action? Standard accounts of action assign a role to intention but are silent on motor representation. The temptation is to suppose that nothing need be said here because motor representation is either only an enabling condition for purposive action or else merely a variety of intention. This paper provides reasons for resisting that temptation. Some motor representations, like intentions, coordinate actions in virtue of representing outcomes; but, unlike intentions, motor representations cannot feature as premises or conclusions in practical reasoning. This implies that motor representation has a distinctive role in explaining the purposiveness of action. It also gives rise to a problem: were the roles of intention and motor representation entirely independent, this would impair effective action. It is therefore necessary to explain how intentions interlock with motor representations. The solution, we argue, is to recognise that the contents of intentions can be partially determined by the contents of motor representations. Understanding this content‐determining relation enables better understanding how intentions relate to actions.
On Possibly Nonexistent Propositions
Authors: SPEAKS JEFF
Published: August 2012

Alvin Plantinga gave a reductio of the conjunction of the following three theses: Existentialism (the view that, e.g., the proposition that Socrates exists can't exist unless Socrates does), Serious Actualism (the view that nothing can have a property at a world without existing at that world) and Contingency (the view that some objects, like Socrates, exist only contingently). I sketch a view of truth at a world which enables the Existentialist to resist Plantinga's argument without giving up either Serious Actualism or Contingency.
The Causal Relevance of Content to Computation
Authors: Rescorla Michael
Published: August 2012

Many philosophers worry that the classical computational theory of mind (CTM) engenders epiphenomenalism. Building on Block’s (1990) discussion, I formulate a particularly troubling version of this worry. I then present a novel solution to CTM’s epiphenomenalist conundrum. I develop my solution within aninterventionisttheory of causal relevance. My solution departs substantially from orthodox versions of CTM. In particular, I reject the widespread picture of digital computation as formal syntactic manipulation.1
Evaluation of the Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk Training
Authors: Jacobson Jodi Michelle , Osteen Philip , Jones Andrea , Berman Alan
Published: August 2012

Changes in attitudes, confidence, and practice behaviors were assessed among 452 clinicians who completed the training, Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk, and who work with clients at risk for suicide. Data were collected at three time points. Scores on measures of attitudes toward suicide prevention and confidence to work with clients at risk for suicide improved over time. Clinical practice behaviors improved for assessing and formulating suicide risk, developing suicide prevention treatment plans, and responding to vignettes. Results suggest training can improve clinicians’ attitudes toward suicide, confidence to work with clients at risk for suicide, and, most importantly, clinical practice skills.
New fission‐track age determinations on impact glasses
Authors: Bigazzi Giulio , De Michele Vincenzo
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Four samples from Libyan Desert glass, one sample from Muong‐Nong‐type tektite, labelled Guang‐Dong, and one sample from Czech Moldavite were analysed using the fission‐track dating method. The Moldavite was unaffected by partial thermal track annealing, whereas the ages of Libyan Desert glass and Guang‐Dong tektite appear to have been thermally lowered. Fission‐track ages of the latter impact glasses were corrected using the plateau method. Apparent ages of Libyan Desert glass (between 26.0 ± 1.8 Ma and 29.0 ± 1.8 Ma) and Guang‐Dong tektite (0.61 ± 0.05 Ma), as well as plateau ages (weighted mean: 28.5 ± 0.8 Ma for Libyan Desert glass and 0.77 ± 0.08 Ma for Guang‐Dong) resulted in close agreement with previous determinations published in the late 1970s by Storzer and Wagner (1977). The age of the Moldavite (15.2 ± 0.08 Ma) also resulted in agreement with previous fission track and K‐Ar determinations.
The ultrafine mineralogy of a molten interplanetary dust particle as an example of the quench regime of atmospheric entry heating
Authors: Rietmeijer Frans J. M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Melting and degassing of interplanetary dust particle L2005B22 at ∼1200 °C was due to flash heating during atmospheric entry. Preservation of the porous particle texture supports rapid quenching from the peak heating temperature whereby olivine and pyroxene nanocrystals (3 nm‐26 nm) show partial devitrification of the quenched melt at T ⋍ 450 °C–740 °C. The implied ultrahigh cooling rates are calculated at ∼105 °C/h–106 °C/h, which is consistent with quench rates inferred from the temperature‐time profiles based on atmospheric entry heating models. A vesicular rim on a nonstoichiometric relic forsterite grain in this particle represents either evaporative magnesium loss during flash heating or thermally annealed ion implantation texture.
Determining chondrule size distributions from thin‐section measurements
Authors: Eisenhour Don D.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— A method is described for correcting thin‐section‐derived chondrule sizes for three common sources of bias: (1) the non‐equatorial sectioning of chondrules, (2) the non‐zero thickness of thin sections, and (3) the unequal probability of sectioning different size chondrules. Application of the correction procedure to chondrule data from CO chondrites results in a reduction of mean and median chondrule diameters, an increase in minimum diameters, and transforms nearly log‐normal distributions to distributions that conform to a Weibull probability function. The Weibull‐function form of CO chondrule size distributions is similar to the form of chondrule distributions in ordinary chondrites obtained by disaggregation analyses.
CM‐like interplanetary dust particles in lower stratosphere during 1989 October and 1991 June/July
Authors: Rietmeijer Frans J. M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— The stratospheric interplanetary dust particles L2005T12 and L2011O3 are linked to CM chondrite matrix. Particle L2005T12 is dominated by tabular grains of partially dehydrated greenalite‐rich serpentine. Its amorphous matrix contains abundant smectite nanocrystals and annular Fe, Ni, S units. A uniquely stratified (partial) maghémite rim occurs only on S‐rich parts of the matrix. Formation of this rim and Mg depletions in the matrix occurred during atmospheric entry heating of this particle. Particle L2011O3 has large iron sulfide and magnesiowüstite grains in an amorphous low‐Al, ferromagnesiosilica matrix. Hydrous crystallisation of this matrix produced ultrafine‐grained smectites and disseminated iron sulfides. Atmospheric entry heating of both particles is indicated by the partial iron oxide rim, vesicular sulfides, and the scatter of matrix compositions due to loss of Mg. While many uncertainties remain, the high incidence of chondritic rough particles, which include an unknown amount of CM‐like particles, in the lower stratosphere during 1984, 1989, and 1991 suggests annual variations in their abundances. The timing of lower stratospheric dust samplings is critical to collect these particles.
Exposure history of glass and breccia phases of lunar meteorite EET87521
Authors: Eugster O. , Thalmann Ch. , Albrecht A. , Herzog G. F. , Delaney J. S. , Klein J. , Middleton R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Glass‐rich separates were prepared from a sample of the basaltic lunar meteorite EET87521 rich in dark glass. Noble gas isotopic abundances and 26Al and 10Be activities were measured to find out whether shock effects associated with lunar launch helped to assemble these phases. Similar 10Be and 26Al activities indicate that all materials in EET87521 had a common exposure history in the last few million years before launch. However, the glass contains much higher concentrations of trapped gases and records a much longer cosmic‐ray exposure, 100 Ma–150 Ma, in the lunar regolith than does the bulk sample. The different histories show that the glass existed long before the ejection of EET87521. The trapped 40Ar/36Ar ratio of 1.6 ± 0.1 implies that the lunar exposure that produced most of the stable cosmogenic noble gases began 500 Ma ago.

Cosmogenic and trapped noble gas components correlate strongly in various temperature‐release fractions and phases of EET87521, which is probably because the glass contains most of the gas. The trapped solar ratios, 20Ne/22Ne = 12.68 ± 0.20 and 36Ar/38Ar = 5.24 ± 0.05 can be understood as resulting from a mixture consisting of ∼60% solar wind and 40% solar energetic particles (SEP). All EET87521 phases show a 40K‐40Ar gas retention age of ∼3300 Ma, which is in the range of typical lunar mare basalts.
Ernst Florens Friedrich Chladni (1756–1827) and the origins of modern meteorite research
Authors: Marvin Ursula B.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— In 1794, Ernst F. F. Chladni published a 63‐page book Über den Ursprung der von Pallas gefundenen und anderer ihr änlicher Eisenmassen und über einige damit in Verbindung stehende Naturerscheinungen in which he proposed that meteor‐stones and iron masses enter the atmosphere from cosmic space and form fireballs as they plunge to Earth. These ideas violated two strongly held contemporary beliefs: (1) fragments of rock and metal do not fall from the sky, and (2) no small bodies exist in space beyond the Moon. From the beginning, Chladni was severely criticised for basing his hypotheses on historical eyewitness reports of falls which others regarded as folk tales and for taking gross liberties with the laws of physics. Eight years later, the study of fallen stones and irons was established as a valid field of investigation. Today, some scholars credit Chladni with founding meteoritics as a science; others regard his contributions as scarcely worthy of mention. Writings by his contemporaries suggest that Chladni's book alone would not have led to changes of prevailing theories; thus, he narrowly escaped the fate of those scientists who propose valid hypotheses prematurely. However between 1794 and 1798, four falls of stones were witnessed and widely publicized. There followed a series of epoch‐making analyses of fallen stones and “native irons” by the chemist Edward C. Howard and the mineralogist Jacques‐Louis de Bournon. They showed that all the stones were much alike in texture and composition but significantly different from the Earth's known crustal rocks. Of primary importance was Howard's discovery of nickel in the irons and the metal grains of the stones. This linked the two as belonging to the same natural phenomenon. The chemical results, published in 1802 February, persuaded leading scientists in England, France, and Germany that bodies fall from the sky. Within a few months, chemists in France reported similar results and a new field of study was inaugurated internationally—although opposition lingered on until 1803 April, when nearly 3,000 stones fell at L'Aigle in Normandy and transformed the last skeptics into believers. Chladni immediately received full credit for his hypothesis of falls, but decades passed before his linking of falling bodies with fireballs received general acceptance. His hypothesis of their origin met with strong resistance from those who argued that stones formed within the Earth's atmosphere or were ejected by lunar volcanoes. After 1860, when both of these hypotheses were abandoned, there followed a century of debate between proponents of an interstellar vs. a planetary origin. Not until the 1950s did conclusive evidence of their elliptical orbits establish meteorite parent bodies as members of the solar system. Thus, nearly 200 years passed before the questions of origin that Chladni raised finally were resolved.
The Wold Cottage meteorite: Not just any ordinary chondrite
Authors: PILLINGER C. T. , PILLINGER J. M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— The Wold Cottage meteorite (fell, 1795), as is well known, played an important part in meteorites being accepted as stones from the sky. In most cases, the very select group of people who have been privileged to witness any meteorite fall, let alone one as important as Wold Cottage, enjoy a moment's fame but then disappear into obscurity. In this respect, Wold Cottage is very different; Edward Topham, the man who reported the fall and who became the meteorite's publicist, was already very well known for many other reasons. This fact contributed substantially to the evidence provided by his workmen being accepted, following two public exhibitions of the meteorite, the second after sworn testimonies were obtained. Here we explore Topham's background in order to reveal his character, particularly the value he placed on truth. When he passed the meteorite over to a public museum, he did so in the belief that he was acting for the benefit of posterity. At a time when the idea of meteorites being extraterrestrial was still controversial, the Wold Cottage stone vitally prompted the observation that specimens from different parts of the globe closely resembled each other, thus stimulating the crucial chemical analyses which verified that they were indeed related. During its first twenty years on Earth, the Wold Cottage meteorite was a prized specimen, a public attraction and sought after for scientific teaching purposes.

In researching Wold Cottage, we have been able to discover information about many of the personalities who were involved in providing and studying the first few meteorites to become available for scientific research. The Wold Cottage story gives an interesting perspective on the cultural scene at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth centuries when there was no clear distinction between the arts and sciences, and meteoritics was the prerogative of often rather flamboyant gentlemen.
Aluminum‐26, sodium‐22 and cobalt‐60 in two drill cores and some other samples of the Jilin chondrite
Authors: HEUSSER G. , OUYANG Z. , OEHM J. , YI W.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Two drill cores have been taken from the main mass of the Jilin chondrite, Jilin I. One was bored perpendicular to the 2π surface of the first exposure stage, the other parallel to this surface, and both intersected at the presumed 4π center of Jilin's second exposure stage. The probed depths were 65 cm and 105 cm, respectively, with a diameter of 26.5 mm.

Fifteen drill core samples, 2 documented samples and 14 strewn field samples have been analysed for 26Al, 60Co and 22Na. The reconstruction of the preatmospheric Jilin via 60Co resulted in slight deviations for the center position and for the radius (now R = 80+10−5 cm) compared to an earlier study in 1985. The 60Co production rate profile is now almost completely reproduced. A constant production rate of 22Na and of 26Al during the 4π irradiation is confirmed also for the center region. The good linear correlation of 26Al and 21Ne yields slightly revised irradiation ages for both stages of t1 = 7 ± 1 Ma and t2 = 0.32+0.06‐0.03 Ma.
Light noble gases in Jilin: More of the same and something new
Authors: BEGEMANN F. , Caiyun FAN , WEBER H. W. , Xianbin WANG
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Results are reported for documented samples from two drill cores and for specimens from the strewn field of the largest known stone meteorite, the H chondrite Jilin. Core B was found to have been parallel to the surface of Jilin during its first stage of irradiation, in 2π geometry. Core A was normal to the 2π surface; in it the mean attenuation length for the production by galactic cosmic rays of 38Ar from metal and of 21Ne from Mg, Al, Si in silicates was found to be the same. A numerical value for the mean attenuation length of (71 ± 4) cm or (246 ± 14) g × cm−2 follows if corrections for the contribution from the second stage of exposure are based on T2 = 0.32 Ma; agreement with the lower values of ∼180 g × cm−2 obtained from lunar studies and target data requires T2 to be about twice as long. Previous results are confirmed that in specimens with high contents of stable spallogenic gases the ratio 21Nebulk/38Armetal is low. The suggestion had been, and is, mat this is a transition effect in near‐surface samples where the secondary cascade of nuclear‐active particles, and hence the production of 21Ne, was not yet fully developed. This suggestion is borne out by the present results on two samples that, based on cosmic‐ray tracks and 60Co content, are certified near‐surface samples (although, strictly speaking, this is true only for the depth of burial during the second stage of irradiation). Cosmic‐ray produced 60Co is positively correlated with 4He content, indicating that significant losses of 4He occurred when the Jilin meteoroid had acquired already its final size and shape and that the losses were more severe for near‐surface samples than for such from the 4π interior. Presumably, the losses were caused by a thermal spike associated with the excavation of Jilin from its parent body. The same event caused losses of part of the 3He produced during the first irradiation stage. From the systematics of the 3He/21Ne vs. 4He correlation, we derive for the second 4π irradiation a production ratio 3He/21Ne = 3.2 ± 0.4.
Cosmic‐ray tracks and cobalt‐60 in near‐surface samples of the Jilin chondrite
Authors: PERRON C. , BOUROT‐DENISE M. , PELLAS P. , HEUSSER G. , OUYANG Z.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Cosmic‐ray track densities (CRTDs) have been measured on several spot samples from two Jilin specimens from the strewn field (VI‐21‐057 and VI‐42‐04), along with 60Co activity in three and four sections, respectively, of the same specimens. The observed CRTD gradient agrees remarkably well with that predicted by Bhattacharya et al.'s calculations (1973) of CRTD variation as a function of shielding depth, which indicates a negligible contribution from the first 2π‐irradiation stage. The shortest distance of each specimen to the preatmospheric surface is 3.6 cm and 6.8 cm, respectively. The distance scale deduced from these measurements allows the determination of the variation of 60Co activity with shielding depth, at low depth values, which is found to be much less steep than model predictions. Two slightly different 60Co profiles are proposed that correspond to the two specimens studied. The mean preatmospheric radius of the Jilin chondrite is 85 ± 8 cm, the uncertainty reflecting in part the meteoroid surface roughness.
Constraints on the formation of layered tektites from the excavation and analysis of layered tektites from northeast Thailand
Authors: Fiske Peter S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract— The size, shape, composition, and vesicle content of 6 kg of layered tektite fragments, excavated near the town of Huai Sai, Thailand, place some constraints on the formation of layered tektites. The mass, shape, and distribution of the fragments are not consistent with an origin as a “puddle” of impact melt but suggest that they were derived from a single equant block. The presence of vesicles up to 7 mm in mean diameter within the tektite fragments suggests that the material was too viscous to allow for significant gravity‐driven flow. These results suggest that layered tektites may be analogous to lava bombs, which may have been stretched and deformed in flight but underwent little flow after landing. Rather than being a product of “unusual circumstances,” such as multiple impacts, layered tektites may differ from splash‐form tektites only in initial temperature of formation, speed of ejection, and small differences in initial composition.
A unique ultrarefractory inclusion from the Murchison meteorite
Authors: Simon Steven B. , Davis Andrew M. , Grossman Lawrence
Published: August 2012

Abstract— Through freeze‐thaw disaggregation of the Murchison meteorite, we have recovered a refractory inclusion, HIB‐11, that is unique in terms of its texture, mineral compositions, and bulk composition. It consists of anhedral, Y‐rich (1.6 wt% Y2O3) perovskite and lathlike spinel grains enclosed in a matrix of fine‐grained, Sc‐rich (10.5 wt% SC2O3 avg.), Ti‐rich (12.6 wt% TiO2 avg., reporting all Ti as TiO2) clinopyroxene. The chondrite‐normalized rare earth element (REE) pattern is complex, with light REE (LREE) at ∼10× C1, abundances increasing from Gd through Ho (the latter at ∼104× C1), decreasing through Yb at 200× C1, and Lu at ∼400× C1. The pattern reflects several stages of high‐temperature volatility fractionation. Removal of Lu and Er from the source gas in the first condensation event was followed by partial to complete removal of the somewhat less refractory heavy REE, Gd through Ho, in the HIB‐11 precursors by condensation from the fractionated residual gas in a second event. Both of these events probably reflect condensation of REE into ZrO2 or a mixed Zr‐, Sc‐, Ti‐, Y‐oxide at temperatures too high for hibonite stability. A second, lower‐temperature component, which was subsequently added, had fractionated (Nd‐poor, Ce‐rich) LREE abundances that resulted from condensation from a gas that had undergone prior removal of the more refractory LREE, resulting in enrichment in Ce and the most volatile REE, Eu and Yb. The aggregate was then melted and quickly cooled, forming a fine‐grained spherule. This is the first reported inclusion in which the two most refractory REE, Lu and Er, are strongly fractionated from the other REE. An absence of mass fractionation among the Ti isotopes indicates that HIB‐11 is not an evaporative residue, implying that volatility fractionation of trace elements took place during condensation. The fact that the two most refractory heavy REE could be separated from the other, only slightly less refractory heavy REE suggests that a wide variety of REE patterns is possible, and that ultrarefractory inclusions with other unusual REE patterns, important recorders of nebular condensation, may yet be discovered.
Thermal metamorphism of the C, G, B, and F asteroids seen from the 0.7 μm, 3 μm, and UV absorption strengths in comparison with carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Hiroi Takahiro , Zolensky Michael E. , Pieters Carlé M. , Lipschutz Michael E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract Thermal metamorphism study of the C, G, B, and F asteroids has been revisited using their UV, visible, NIR, and 3 μm reflectance spectra. High‐quality reflectance spectra of seven selected C, G, B, and F asteroids have been compared with spectra for 29 carbonaceous chondrites, including thermally‐metamorphosed CI/CM meteorites. There are three sets of spectral counterparts, among which 511 Davida and B‐7904 are the most similar to each other in terms of both spectral shape and brightness. By comparing the 0.7 μm and 3 μm absorption strengths of 21 C, G, B, and F asteroids and heated Murchison samples, these asteroids have been grouped into three heating‐temperature ranges. These correspond to (1) <400 °C: phyllosilicate‐rich; (2) 400–600 °C: phyllosilicates transformed to anhydrous silicates; and (3) >600 °C: fully anhydrous. A good correlation between the UV and 3 μm absorption strengths has been confirmed for the C, G, B, and F asteroids and the CI, CM, and CR meteorites. A plot of the UV absorption strength vs. the IRAS diameter for 142 C, G, B, and F asteroids shows that the maximum UV absorption strength decreases as the diameter increases for the asteroids >60 km, with a notable exception, Ceres. These relationships suggest that some of the larger asteroids may be the heated inner portions of once larger bodies and that common CI/CM meteorites may have come from the lost outer portions, which escaped extensive late‐stage heating events.