bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AvrB mutants lose both virulence and avirulence activities on soybean and Arabidopsis
Authors: Ong Laura E. , Innes Roger W.
Published: April 2006

The Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea effector protein AvrB induces resistance responses in soybean varieties that contain the resistance gene Rpg1‐b and Arabidopsis varieties that carry RPM1. In addition to this avirulence activity, AvrB also enhances bacterial virulence on soybean plants that lack Rpg1‐b and induces a chlorotic phenotype on Arabidopsis plants that lack RPM1. We screened a library of avrB mutants for loss of avirulence on soybean and Arabidopsis, and assayed selected avirulence mutants for loss of virulence on both plants. All mutants screened were recognized similarly on both plant species. Nine single‐site avrB mutations that affected avirulence localized to a solvent‐accessible pocket in the protein structure. Seven of these mutated residues are absolutely conserved between AvrB and its nine homologues. Avirulence mutants generally lost virulence enhancement on susceptible soybean varieties and lost the ability to induce a chlorotic response on the rpm1 null Arabidopsis variety Mt‐0. Three of four avirulence mutants tested failed to interact with RIN4, an Arabidopsis protein previously shown to be required for RPM1 function. Our results suggest that soybean and Arabidopsis recognize AvrB in the same manner, and that AvrB enzymatic activity is required for its function as an avirulence and virulence effector on two different plant species.
Eclipsing binaries in the All Sky Automated Survey catalogue
Authors: Paczyński B. , Szczygieł D. M. , Pilecki B. , Pojmański G.
Published: April 2006

The All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS) is a long-term project to monitor bright variable stars over the whole sky. It has discovered 50 099 variables brighter than V < 14 mag south of declination +28°, and among them 11 076 eclipsing binaries. We present a preliminary analysis of 5384 contact, 2949 semi-detached, and 2743 detached systems. The statistics of the distribution provides a qualitative confirmation of decades old idea of Flannery and Lucy that the W UMa-type binaries evolve through a series of relaxation oscillations: the ASAS finds comparable number of contact and semi-detached systems.

The most surprising result is a very small number of detached eclipsing binaries with periods P < 1 d, the systems believed to be the progenitors of the W UMa stars. As many (perhaps all) contact binaries have companions, there is a possibility that some were formed in a Kozai cycle, as suggested by Eggleton and his associates.
FcγRIII‐Expressing Macrophages are Essential for Development of Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Andrén M. , Xiang Z. , Nilsson G. , Kleinau S.
Published: April 2006

IgG‐binding Fc receptors, and in particular FcγRIII, are crucial for induction of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), as FcγRIII‐deficient mice are highly protected to arthritis. However, which of the FcγRIII‐expressing cells that is responsible for induction of arthritis is not known. In this study, we have addressed this question by purifying different FcγRIII+ cell populations, transferred them to FcγRIII‐deficient mice and studied if the recipient mice can develop arthritis. The cell populations were isolated from spleen, bone marrow and the peritoneal cavity. Our results show that FcγRIII+ CD11b+ peritoneal macrophages can render FcγRIII‐deficient mice susceptible to CIA. In contrast, FcγRIII– peritoneal macrophages or FcγRIII+ spleenocytes, bone marrow cells, mast cells or monocytes could not mediate this effect. To further evaluate the contribution of the FcγRIII+ macrophages in arthritis, we investigated the cytokine profile in these cells during CIA. The arthritic macrophages exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of TNFα and IL‐12p35 compared with macrophages from normal mice. We conclude that FcγRIII‐expressing macrophages, producing pro‐inflammatory cytokine and T helper type 1 differentiating factor, are the major effector cells in the induction of CIA.
A case of recurrent Sweet’s syndrome in an 80‐year‐old man: a clue to an underlying malignancy
Authors: Choi Hye‐Jin , Chang Sung‐Eun , Lee Mi‐Woo , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung
Published: April 2006

An 80‐year‐old man presented with multiple erythematous papules on the trunk and extremities of a few weeks’ duration. He had no past medical or family history of skin diseases or any other medical diseases. A biopsy showed a perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and sparse neutrophils with several atypical lymphocytes in the deeper dermis. With an initial diagnosis of T‐cell pseudolymphoma or unspecified neutrophilic dermatosis, he showed a brisk response to an intramuscular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL). After 1 month, his skin lesion recurred. Steroid was given with a good clinical response.

One month later, however, his skin lesion relapsed. At this time, he presented with disseminated pustulopapular lesions on the trunk and extremities. Examination revealed multiple, variable‐sized, erythematous plaques with central pustules on the extremities (Fig. 1). The mucous membranes were not involved. He had no pain or tenderness. He had no systemic symptoms. Laboratory tests showed a hemoglobin level of 10.3 g/dL, a leukocyte level of 6900/mm3, with an increased proportion of segmented nuclear neutrophils (83%), and an elevated C‐reactive protein. A skin biopsy revealed a dense perivascular and interstitial infiltrate composed of neutrophils with marked dermal edema (Fig. 2). Sweet’s syndrome was the final diagnosis and he was treated with oral prednisolone (30–40 mg/day) and dapsone (50 mg/day) for 2 months.

Multiple, variable‐sized, erythematous plaques with central pustules on the right arm

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Dense perivascular and interstitial infiltrate composed of neutrophils in the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×40; inset, ×400)

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As this 80‐year‐old patient had a recurrent history of similar skin lesions and anemia, an underlying hematologic malignancy was suspected. A bone marrow biopsy showed typical myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The hemoglobin level was decreased to 5.3 g/dL during a follow‐up period of 5 months. The skin lesions recurred despite oral steroids and dapsone. The patient received only symptomatic treatment, such as a transfusion, for the underlying malignancy MDS.
A study to determine the effect of tacrolimus on ceramide levels in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Paslin David , Wertz Philip
Published: April 2006

Background  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized both by inflammation and by abnormally low ceramide levels in the stratum corneum. Tacrolimus, effective in the treatment of AD, inhibits transcription and release of inflammatory cytokines operative in AD, but it is unknown if tacrolimus normalizes ceramide levels.

Methods  Stratum corneum ceramides of seven subjects with lesional AD were measured before and after treatment with tacrolimus ointment.

Results  Treatment with tacrolimus ointment did not increase the ceramide fractions toward or to normal.

Conclusion  These findings suggest that tacrolimus ointment is effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis due to its anti‐inflammatory actions rather than to any restorative effect on stratum corneum ceramides.
Influence of desloratadine on oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Cassano Nicoletta , Raho Gabriella , Filieri Maura , D’Argento Vito , Amoruso Antonella , Filotico Raffaele , Vena Gino A.
Published: April 2006

Background  Recent findings suggest the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). It has been demonstrated that desloratadine has an antioxidant activity in vitro. We evaluated the effects of desloratadine on markers of oxidative stress in patients with CIU.

Methods  Blood samples were obtained from 10 patients with CIU before and after 4 weeks of treatment with desloratadine. Blood samples from 10 healthy volunteers were used as controls. In platelets from both patients and controls, radical oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using spectrofluorimetric detection of dichloro‐fluorescein oxidation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined by means of the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system.

Results  Radical oxygen species concentrations and SOD activity were significantly elevated in patients with CIU at baseline as compared with control subjects. Treatment with desloratadine caused a relevant reduction of ROS levels and SOD activity (P < 0.005).

Conclusions  These preliminary results suggest that desloratadine exerts antioxidant effects also in vivo.
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma on Crete, Greece
Authors: Lasithiotakis Konstantinos , Krüger‐Krasagakis Sabine , Manousaki Aglaia , Ioannidou Despina , Panagiotides Ioannis , Tosca Androniki
Published: April 2006

Background  For Greece, no data regarding the incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) have been reported. In this report, we present epidemiologic data for CM on Crete, an island in southern Greece, during the years 1999–2002. We attempt a comparison with corresponding data reported for the Italian population.

Methods  One hundred and two CM patients of Cretan origin with primary CM first diagnosed between the years 1999–2002 were interviewed and underwent complete skin examination by the same two experienced dermatologists. Crude and/or age‐standardized incidence rates were calculated for Crete as a whole, as well as for each one of the four prefectures of the island.

Results  The age‐standardized incidence rate according to the Greek population was 4.6 per 100,000 person‐years for men and 4.7 per 100,000 person‐years for women. The crude incidence rates did not differ significanty between the four prefectures. Significant differences between Cretan and Italian CM patients were found in terms of gender, age at diagnosis, anatomic site and histogenetic type of CM, hair color, skin reaction to sun exposure, history of sunburn before the age of 15 years, presence of solar lentigines, and total common nevus count.

Conclusions  The incidence of CM on Crete is higher than that estimated for the whole of Greece and comparable with the incidence reported for other southern European countries.
Borderline systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a separate entity or a forerunner to SLE?
Authors: Al Attia Haider M.
Published: April 2006

Aim  To compare a subgroup of patients with borderline systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with those with classic lupus in order to determine whether the former subset is a separate entity or a forerunner to SLE.

Methods  A retrospective survey was undertaken of a database containing the clinical information of a total of 71 patients in an Abu Dhabi hospital setting over a 12‐year period. Data of interest were criterial and noncriterial features of SLE together with relevant laboratory tests.

Results  Fifty‐six patients had SLE and 15 were considered to have borderline SLE as they satisfied less than four criteria of classification. Age and female sex distribution were no different in the two subgroups, but the disease duration was shorter in patients with borderline lupus. The occurrence of arthropathy (nonerosive), serositis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and malar eruption was common to both subgroups. Patients with borderline SLE lacked other mucocutaneous manifestations of lupus and major organ disease involvement. A number of other clinical features were also observed in the latter subgroup, including antiphospholipid (APL) syndrome. In addition, patients with borderline SLE expressed a multiple autoantibody profile, but had lower titers of antinuclear factor (ANF) and anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies than those with classic SLE. None progressed to full‐blown SLE after a mean period of follow‐up of 21.2 months.

Conclusions  In our patients, borderline SLE was milder than classic lupus, yet shared a wide spectrum of noncriterial features and also produced clinical subsets. The clinical heterogeneity and multiple antibody profile may suggest that borderline SLE is a forerunner to SLE rather than a separate entity. A regular and longer period of follow‐up is required, however, to ultimately determine the fate of these patients.
Psoriasis treatment in the United States at the end of the 20th century
Authors: Pearce Daniel J. , Stealey Katherine H. , Balkrishnan Rajesh , Fleischer Alan B. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: April 2006

Background  Psoriasis presents many management complexities. A cornerstone of therapy has been topical corticosteroids, although over the past 10 years there have been many additions to the medication armamentarium. Furthermore, various combination regimens and approaches have been advocated.

Objective  We sought to characterize various patterns of psoriasis health care delivery and the changes associated with these patterns from 1990 to 2001.

Methods  Visits for psoriasis were identified using National Ambulatory Medical Care survey data, a representative survey of visits to physician offices in the United States. We determined basic demographic characteristics, specialty of the physician provider and medications listed at these visits over the 1990–2001 interval.

Results  There were more than 13.5 million visits for psoriasis during the 12‐year study period. Dermatologists were responsible for the majority of the visits over the study interval (82%) although there was an overall decline in the proportion of psoriasis visits to dermatologists. As a category, the most common medications used for psoriasis were topical steroids. Topical calcipotriene was the single‐most listed medication. There was no observed use of noncorticosteroid topical agents at visits to nondermatologists. Non‐dermatologists were as likely as dermatologists to list a systemic medication at a visit as well as use a systemic as monotherapy.

Discussion  In conclusion, the primary topical therapies for psoriasis remain clobetasol and calcipotriene. The decreasing role of dermatologists in the treatment of psoriasis is probably a complex issue, but may relate in part to the difficulty of obtaining access to dermatology care.
Inhibition of ultraviolet‐B‐induced wrinkle formation by an elastase‐inhibiting herbal extract: implication for the mechanism underlying elastase‐associated wrinkles
Authors: Tsukahara Kazue , Nakagawa Hidemi , Moriwaki Shigeru , Takema Yoshinori , Fujimura Tsutomu , Imokawa Genji
Published: April 2006

Background  Previously, we have demonstrated that fibroblast‐derived elastase plays an essential role in the increased three‐dimensional tortuosity of elastic fibers, contributing to the loss of skin elasticity in UV‐B‐exposed skin. This decrease in skin elasticity is closely associated with the formation of wrinkles induced by UV exposure.

Objective  To further clarify the role of elastase in the formation of wrinkles induced by UV exposure, we assessed the effects of an extract of Zingiber officinale (L.) Rose (which inhibits fibroblast‐derived elastase) on the wrinkle formation induced by chronic UV‐B irradiation.

Results  Topical application of an extract of Zingiber officinale (L.) Rose to rat or hairless mouse skin significantly inhibited the wrinkle formation induced by chronic UV‐B irradiation at a suberythemal dose, which was accompanied by a significant prevention of the decrease in skin elasticity in both types of animal skin. In the rat hind limb skin, consistent with the inhibition of reduced skin elasticity, wrinkle prevention occurred concomitantly with a significant decrease in the curling and three‐dimensional tortuosity of dermal elastic fibers.

Conclusion  Our results indicate that herbal extracts with an ability to inhibit fibroblast‐derived elastase may prove to be effective as antiwrinkling agents, confirming the important role of elastase in UV‐B‐induced wrinkle formation.
The utility of an automated electronic system to monitor and audit transfusion practice
Authors: Grey D. E. , Smith V. , Villanueva G. , Richards B. , Augustson B. , Erber W. N.
Published: April 2006

Background and Objectives  Transfusion laboratories with transfusion committees have a responsibility to monitor transfusion practice and generate improvements in clinical decision‐making and red cell usage. However, this can be problematic and expensive because data cannot be readily extracted from most laboratory information systems. To overcome this problem, we developed and introduced a system to electronically extract and collate extensive amounts of data from two laboratory information systems and to link it with ICD10 clinical codes in a new database using standard information technology.

Materials and Methods  Three data files were generated from two laboratory information systems, ULTRA (version 3·2) and TM, using standard information technology scripts. These were patient pre‐ and post‐transfusion haemoglobin, blood group and antibody screen, and cross match and transfusion data. These data together with ICD10 codes for surgical cases were imported into an MS ACCESS database and linked by means of a unique laboratory number. Queries were then run to extract the relevant information and processed in Microsoft Excel for graphical presentation. We assessed the utility of this data extraction system to audit transfusion practice in a 600‐bed adult tertiary hospital over an 18‐month period.

Results  A total of 52 MB of data were extracted from the two laboratory information systems for the 18‐month period and together with 2·0 MB theatre ICD10 data enabled case‐specific transfusion information to be generated. The audit evaluated 15 992 blood group and antibody screens, 25 344 cross‐matched red cell units and 15 455 transfused red cell units. Data evaluated included cross‐matched to transfusion ratios and pre‐ and post‐transfusion haemoglobin levels for a range of clinical diagnoses. Data showed significant differences between clinical units and by ICD10 code.

Conclusion  This method to electronically extract large amounts of data and linkage with clinical databases has provided a powerful and sustainable tool for monitoring transfusion practice. It has been successfully used to identify areas requiring education, training and clinical guidance and allows for comparison with national haemoglobin‐based transfusion guidelines.
Extended storage of platelets in SSP+ platelet additive solution
Authors: Hornsey V. S. , McColl K. , Drummond O. , McMillan L. , Morrison A. , Morrison L. , MacGregor I. R. , Prowse C. V.
Published: April 2006

Background and Objectives  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extended storage of pooled random platelets in SSP+ additive solution (MacoPharma).

Materials and Methods  Eight buffy coat‐derived, pooled, leucoreduced platelet concentrates were prepared in 75% SSP+, 25% plasma using Fresenius/NPBI Composelect thrombocyte polishing filter (TPF) systems. Platelet concentrates were stored for 19 days in polyolefin storage bags and samples for in vitro analysis were taken at various time‐points during storage.

Results  Platelet yields were lower than seen routinely when platelets are prepared in 100% plasma. The in vitro quality of the platelets stored in SSP+ was maintained until day 9. Glucose was depleted by day 12 and this was accompanied by a rapid fall in pCO2, a rise in pO2 and a cessation of lactate production. ATP and bicarbonate concentrations fell, the platelets began to swell and the ability to swirl decreased. Soluble P‐selectin, glycocalicin, and regulated on activation, normal, T‐cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES) concentrations increased, as did P‐selectin expression. Loss of platelets and an increase in lacate hydrogenase concentration indicated that lysis had occurred. However, the pH remained between 6·4 and 7·4.

Conclusions  The results suggest that SSP+ could be used for platelet storage for up to 9 days. However, the preparation of platelets in the additive requires some optimization. In vivo studies are required to confirm these in vitro results.
Oblique subduction, collision of microcontinents and subduction of oceanic ridge: Their implications on the Cretaceous tectonics of Japan
Authors: Otsuki Kenshiro
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The Izanagi plate subducted rapidly and obliquely under the accretionary terrane of Japan in the Cretaceous before 85 Ma. A chain of microcontinents collided with it at about 140 Ma. In southwest Japan the major part of it subducted thereafter, but in northeast Japan it accreted and the trench jumped oceanward, resulting in a curved volcanic front. The oblique subduction and the underplated microcon‐tinent caused uplifting of high‐pressure (high‐P) metamorphic rocks and large scale crustal shortening in southwest Japan. The oblique subduction caused left‐lateral faulting and ductile shearing in northeast Japan. The arc sliver crossed over the high‐temperature (high‐T) zone of arc magmatism, resulting in a wide high‐T metamorphosed belt. At about 85 Ma, the subduction mode changed from oblique to normal and the tectonic mode changed drastically. Just after this the Kula/Pacific ridge subducted and the subduction rate of the Pacific plate decreased gradually, causing the intrusion of huge amounts of granite magma and the eruption of acidic volcanics from large cauldrons. The oblique subduction of the Pacific plate resumed at 53 Ma and the left‐lateral faults were reactivated.
Geodynamic evolution of Korea: A view
Authors: Cluzel Dominique , Cadet Jean‐Paul
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Evidence for South Korean Palaeozoic geodynamic evolution is restricted to the Ogcheon Belt, which is a complex polycyclic domain forming the boundary between the Precambrian Gyeonggi Block to the northwest and the Ryeongnam Block to the southeast. Two independent sub‐zones can be distinguished: the Taebaeksan Zone to the northeast and the Ogcheon Zone sensu stricto. The Taebaeksan Zone and Ryeongnam Block display characteristic features of the North China palaeocontinent. This domain remained relatively stable during the Palaeozoic.

In contrast, the Ogcheon Belt s. s. is a highly mobile zone that belongs to the South China palaeocontinent and corresponds to a rift that opened during the Early Palaeozoic. In lowermost Devonian times, the rift basin was closed and the Ogcheon Belt was structured in a pile of nappes. From the lack of suture in the Ogcheon Belt it can be inferred that the Gyeonggi Block belongs to the South China palaeocontinent. Thus, the boundary between the North China and South China blocks should be located to the north of Gyeonggi Block, that is, in the Palaeozoic Imjingang Belt. From the Middle Carboniferous, sedimentation started again on a weakly subsiding paralic platform located in the hinterland of the Late Palaeozoic orogen of southwest Japan. In the Late Carboniferous, increasing subsidence recorded extensional tectonics related to the opening of the Yakuno Oceanic Basin (southwest Japan). In the Middle Permian, the end of marine influences in the platform and emplacement of terrestrial coal measures, may be correlated with the closure of the oceanic area and subsequent ophiolite obduction. In Late Permian to Early Triassic times, the Honshu Block (the eastern palaeomargin of the Yakuno Basin) collided with Sino‐Korea.

Post‐collisional intracontinental tectonics reached the Ogcheon Belt in the Middle Triassic (Songnim tectonism). Ductile dextral shear zones associated with synkinematic granitoids were emplaced in the southwest of the belt. In the Upper Triassic, the late stages of the intracontinental transcurrent tectonics generated narrow intramontane troughs (Daedong Supergroup). The Daedong basins were deformed during two tectonic events, in the Middle (?) and Late Jurassic. The Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous basins (Gyeongsang Supergroup), that are controlled by left‐lateral faults, may have resulted from the same tectonic event.
Relict back‐arc basins of Eurasia and their hydrocarbon potentials
Authors: Aplonov Sergei , Hsü Kenneth J. , Ustritsky Vitali
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Large petroliferous basins in the continental interior are characterized by very thick sedimentary sequences. It is suggested that these are not intracratonic basins, but areas underlain by oceanic crust. These include the Western Siberian, Pre‐Caspian, South Caspian, North and South Kara Basins of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Tarim, junggar and Qaidam Basins of China. The relict ocean basins are distinguished by their basement topography, by their magnetic signatures and by their elevated Moho. Their sedimentary history is distinguished by an abrupt subsidence, followed by isostastic subsidence under sedimentary load. Two circumstances have contributed to the genesis of giant hydrocarbon deposits in these basins: (1) the geochemical environment in those basins was at one time oxygen‐deficient as they evolved from the open marine, through restricted marine to become inland alluvial basins; and (2) the sedimentary in‐fill provide thick reservoir beds. Oil has accumulated in older structures, folds, faults, unconformities etc. on the margin of the basins, trapping early migrated hydrocarbons.
Structure of the Nankai accretionary prism as revealed from IZANAGI sidescan imagery and multichannel seismic reflection profiling
Authors: Ashi Juichiro , Taira Asahiko
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The Nankai accretionary prism, off southwest Japan represents one of the best developed clastic prisms in the world. A combination of swath mapping including Sea Beam and ‘IZANAGI’ sidescan sonar and closely spaced seismic reflection data was used to investigate the relationship between the progressive landward change in surface morphology and the internal structural evolution of the prism. The prism surface is divided into three zones sub‐parallel to the trough axis on the basis of the IZANAGI backscattering image. The frontal part of the prism is characterized by several continuous lineaments that are approximately perpendicular to the plate convergence direction. These lineaments correspond to anticlinal ridges caused by active imbricate thrusting. Landward, these anticlinal ridges become progressively masked by fine‐grained hemipelagic slope sediments that are constantly supplied to the entire prism slope. However, these overlying sediments show little deformation. This implies a change in deformation style from frontal thrusting with fault‐bend folds to internal refolding of thrust sheets. In the middle to upper prism slope, the IZANAGI image shows numerous landslide features and large fault scarps, suggesting that exposed sediments are lithified enough to fail in brittle mode compared with the wet sediment deformation at the prism toe. Prism evolution is strongly affected by the decollement depth which may be indirectly controlled by oceanic basement relief; a topographic embayment coincides with a regional minimum of sediment offscraping where a basement high has been subducted. The small tapered prism observed in the embayment may be due to lateral supply of overpressured pore fluids from the adjacent prism. Strain caused by the differential rate of prism growth across the basement relief forms faults trending at high angles to the trough axis.
Anomalous structural evolution of the Shimanto Accretionary Prism at Murotomisaki, Shikoku Island, Japan
Authors: Hibbard James , Karig Daniel , Taira Asahiko
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The Late Oligocene‐Early Miocene Nabae Sub‐belt of the Shimanto Accretionary Prism was created coevally (ca 25‐15 Ma) with the opening of the Shikoku back‐arc basin, located to the south of the southwest Japan convergent margin. The detailed geology of the sub‐belt has been controversial and the interaction of the Shimanto accretionary prism and the opening of the Shikoku Basin has been ambiguous. New structural analysis of the sub‐belt has led to a new perception of its structural framework and has significant bearing on the interpretation of the Neogene tectonics of southwest Japan.

The sub‐belt is divided into three units: the Nabae Complex; the Shijujiyama Formation; and the Maruyama Intrusive Suite. The Nabae Complex comprises coherent units and mélange, all of which show polyphase deformation. The first phase of deformation appears to have involved landward vergent thrusting of coherent units over the mélange terrane. The second phase of deformation involved continued landward vergent shortening. The Shijujiyama Formation, composed mainly of mafic volcanics and massive sandstone, is interpreted as a slope basin deposited upon the Nabae Complex during the second phase of deformation. The youngest deformational pulse involved regional flexing and accompanying pervasive faulting. During this event, mafic rocks of the Maruyama Intrusive Suite intruded the sub‐belt. Fossil evidence in the Nabae Complex and radiometric dates on the intrusive rocks indicate that this tectonic scheme was imprinted upon the sub‐belt between ∼23 and ∼14 Ma.

The timing of accretion and deformation of the sub‐belt coincides with the opening of the Shikoku Basin; hence, subduction and spreading operated simultaneously. Accretion of the Nabae Sub‐belt was anomalous, involving landward vergent thrusting, magmatism in newly accreted strata and regional flexing. It is proposed that this complex and anomalous structural history is largely related to the subduction of the active Shikoku Basin spreading ridge and associated seamounts.
Evidence for changing plate motions in southwest Japan and reconstructions of the Philippine Sea plate
Authors: Byrne Tim , DiTullio Lee
Published: April 2006

Abstract
We propose that a change in convergence between the Pacific and Eurasian plates and the demise of the Kula‐Pacific spreading centre at ca 43 Ma resulted in an ∼40° counterclockwise rotation in shortening direction within the Eocene Shimanto accretionary prism of southwest Japan. Evidence for this interpretation comes from: (1) structural studies of the accreted, deep‐sea rocks of the Eocene Shimanto Belt from four widely separated localities; and (2) new plate reconstructions that incorporate the geological history of east Asia as well as the recently recognized reorganization of the Kula and Pacific plates at the time of anomaly 24. These reconstructions suggest that the Philippine Sea plate formed as the Kula‐Pacific spreading centre reoriented at the time of anomaly 24 and that the Kula plate was being subducted beneath southwest Japan until ca 43 Ma. Our reconstructions and structural studies suggest that after ca 43 Ma, plate convergence in southwest Japan was oblique to the trend of the continental margin. Oblique convergence was apparently recorded at this time because arc volcanism had decreased and the accretionary prism was not detached from the arc massif. Moreover, the transition from cataclasis and faulting to pressure solution within the accreted sediments may have resulted in a stronger basal décollément, resulting in higher shear stresses along this boundary. We therefore propose that where the arc region and the décollément are of similar strengths, structures within accretionary prisms may record changing plate motions, including oblique convergence.
History and modes of Mesozoic accretion in Southeastern Russia
Authors: Natal'in Boris
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The history of Mesozoic accretion and growth of the Asia eastern margin, occupied by Southeastern Russia, includes five main events; two main tectonic regimes were responsible for the growth of the continent. In the Triassic‐Jurassic, Early Cretaceous and Late Cretaceous‐Paleogene, the subduction of the oceanic lithosphere resulted in the formation of wide accretionary wedges of the Mongol‐Okhotsk, Khingan‐Okhotsk and Eastern Sikhote‐Alin active continental margins, respectively. These stages of the comparatively slow growth of the continent were broken by stages of rapid growth and drastic changes in the shape of the continent, since at these stages large terranes of various tectonic nature collided with active continental margins. At the end of the Early‐Middle Jurassic, the Bureya terranes collided with the Mongol‐Okhotsk active margin, and at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous there was collision of the Central and Southern Sikhote‐Alin terranes with the Khingan‐Okhotsk active margin.

Collision‐related structural styles in all cases are indicative of oblique collision and great strike‐slip motions along the main sutures. The peculiarities of the terrane's geological structure show that prior to collision with the Mongol‐Okhotsk and Khingan‐Okhotsk active margins, they had already accreted to Asia and then migrated along its margins along the strike‐slip faults. The Bureya terranes were squeezed out of the compression zone between Siberia and North China. This compression zone originated after the Paleozoic oceans which divided these cratons had closed. The Khanka terranes and Mesozoic accretionary wedge terranes of the Sikhote‐Alin shifted along the strike‐slip faults subparallel to the Asia Pacific margin. Strike‐slip motions resulted in duplication of the primary tectonic zonation.
Terrane analysis and accretion in North‐East Asia
Authors: Parfenov Leonid M. , Natapov Lev M. , Sokolov Sergey D. , Tsukanov Nikolay V.
Published: April 2006

Abstract
A terrane map of North‐East Asia at 1:5 000 000 scale has been compiled. The map shows terranes of different types and ages accreted to the North‐Asian craton in the Mesozoic–Cenozoic, sub‐and superterranes, together with post‐amalgamation and post‐accretion assemblages.

The great Kolyma‐Omolon superterrane adjoins the north‐east craton margin. It is composed of large angular terranes of continental affinity: craton fragments and fragments of the passive continental margin of Siberia, and island arc, oceanic and turbidite terranes that are unconformably overlain by shallow marine Middle‐Upper Jurassic deposits. The superterrane resulted from a long subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific oceanic crust beneath the Alazeya arc. Its south‐west boundary is defined by the Late Jurassic Uyandina‐Yasachnaya marginal volcanic arc which was brought about by subduction of the oceanic crust that separated the superterrane from Siberia. According to paleomagnetic evidence the width of the basin is estimated to be 1500–2000 km. Accretion of the superterrane to Siberia is dated to the late Late Jurassic‐Neocomian. The north‐east superterrane boundary is defined by the Lyakhov‐South Anyui suture which extends across southern Chukotka up to Alaska. Collision of the superterrane with the Chukotka shelf terrane is dated to the middle of the Cretaceous.

The Okhotsk‐Chukotka belt, composed of Albian‐Late Cretaceous undeformed continental volcan‐ites, defines the Cretaceous margin of North Asia. Terranes eastward of the belt are mainly of oceanic affinity: island arc upon oceanic crust, accretion wedge and turbidite terranes, as well as cratonic terranes and fragments of magmatic arcs on the continental crust and metamorphic terranes of unclear origin and age. The time of their accretion is constrained by post‐accretionary volcanic belts that extend parallel to the Okhotsk‐Chukotka belt but are displaced to the east: the Maastrichtian‐Miocene Kamchatka‐Koryak belt and the Eocene‐Quaternary Central Kamchatka belt which mark active margins of the continent of corresponding ages.
Late Mesozoic low‐P/high‐T metamorphism preceding emplacement of Cretaceous granitic rocks in the Gosaisho‐Takanuki district, Abukuma metamorphic belt
Authors: Tagiri Michio , Sato Hitoshi , Matsumura Eiji , Nemoto Hiroyuki
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The central part of Abukuma metamorphic belt consists of two geologic units, the Gosaisho Group and the Takanuki Group. Although the deformation styles differ between the Gosaisho and the Takanuki Groups, their rock facies show a gradual transition. In both Groups early regional low‐pressure (over 3 kb) metamorphism has been overprinted by contact metamorphism. Evidence for the P/T condition of the regional metamorphism is recorded in cores of armored minerals. Metamorphic zones have been defined on mineral rim assemblages of meta‐mafite, meta‐pelite and meta‐calc‐siliceous schist and on the degree of graphitization of meta‐pelite. The mineral‐core chemistry of plagioclase, Ca‐amphibole and garnet changes with increasing metamorphic grade, and indicates that the regional metamorphism of the Gosaisho Group took place in a high pressure region of the andalusite stability field. The Takanuki metamorphic rocks are structurally overlain by the Gosaisho Group and have undergone regional metamorphism whose conditions have passed near the triple point of Al‐silicates and kyanite has crystallized. The contact aureoles in both groups are developed around middle Cretaceous granitic intrusions. Rims of plagioclase, Ca‐amphibole and garnet overgrew on the mineral‐cores during the contact metamorphism. The regional metamorphism began after the sedimentation of Jurassic chert and was succeeded by the contact metamorphism in the middle Cretaceous.
Global synchroneity of a positive carbon isotope excursion at the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary: Validation by calcareous microfossil biostratigraphy of the Yezo Group, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Saito Tsunemasa
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Isotopic analyses of organic carbon from the mid‐Cretaceous sequence in Hokkaido, Japan, revealed a 2‰ positive excursion of δ13C values at the biostratigraphically defined Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) boundary recognized in the Yezo Group. The planktonic foraminiferal Whiteinella archaeocretacea Zone, which is known to bracket the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary elsewhere in the world, was recognized in the Oyubari area of central Hokkaido based on the distribution of commonly occurring planktonic foraminifera. In the Tappu area of northwestern Hokkaido, where diagnostic planktonic foraminifera are rare but calcareous nannoplankton occur commonly, the interval coeval with the W. archaeocretacea Zone can also be established by recognizing the conjoined last appearance levels of Corollithion kennedyi and Axopodorhabdus albianus, both calcareous nannoplankton species. Carbon isotope profiles exhibit a similar pattern with comparable peaks and troughs occurring in the same stratigraphic position in the sequences. A prominent, positive 2‰ shift of δ13C values, here called ‘δ13C spike’ occurs in the middle of the W. archaeocretacea Zone in the Oyubari area and just above the conjoined last appearances of the two above‐mentioned nannoplankton taxa in the Tappu area. The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary can be drawn just above the peak position of the spike in both sections. The Rock Eval analyses and biomarker analyses of organic carbon indicate that organic carbon subjected to our isotope analyses is of terrestrial origin. Therefore, the observed 2%o shift should reflect changes in the isotopic composition of the atmospheric CO2. A unique layer composed predominantly of sand‐grain sized spumellarian Radiolaria is present immediately above the δ13C spike both in the Oyubari and Tappu areas, suggesting an increasing availability of both nutrients and silica in surface waters.
Thermo‐tectonic history of Ryoke Basement in Hohi volcanic zone, northeast Kyushu, Japan: Constraints from fission track thermochronology
Authors: Kamp Peter J. J. , Takemura Keiji
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Apatite and zircon fission track ages from Ryoke Belt basement in northeast Kyushu show late Cretaceous, middle to late Eocene, middle Miocene and Quaternary groupings. The basement cooled through 240 ± 25°C, the closure temperature for fission tracks in zircon, mainly during the interval 74‐90 Ma as a result of uplift and denudation, the pattern being uniform across northeast Kyushu. In combination with published K‐Ar ages and the Turonian‐Santonian age of sedimentation in the Onogawa Basin, active suturing along the Median Tectonic Line from 100‐80 Ma, at least, is inferred. Ryoke Belt rocks along the northern margin of Hohi volcanic zone (HVZ) cooled rapidly through ∼100°C to less than 50°C during the middle Eocene to Oligocene, associated with 2.5‐3.5 km of denudation. The timing of this cooling follows peak heating in the Eocene‐Oligocene part (Murotohanto subbelt) of the Shimanto Belt in Muroto Peninsula (Shikoku) inferred previously, and coincides with the 43 Ma change in convergence direction of the Pacific‐Eurasian plate and the demise of the Kula‐Pacific spreading centre. Ryoke Belt rocks along the southern margin of HVZ have weighted mean apatite fission track ages of 15.3 ± 3.1 Ma. These reset ages are attributed to an increase in geothermal gradient in the middle Miocene combined with rapid denudation and uplift of at least 1.4 km. These ages indicate that heating of the overriding plate associated with the middle Miocene start of subduction of hot Shikoku Basin lithosphere extended into the Ryoke Belt in northeast Kyushu. Pleistocene apatite fission track ages from Ryoke Belt granites at depth in the centre of HVZ are due to modern annealing in a geothermal environment.
Diagenesis of Neogene diatoms and their importance as a source of petroleum in Japan
Authors: Aoyagi Koichi , Omokawa Mamoru
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Various siliceous rocks are found in the Ohdoji, Akaishi and Maido Formations from the western Aomori basin, and the Yotsuzawa and Wadagawa Formations from the eastern Aomori basin of northern Honshu, Japan. These rocks are classified into diatomite, siliceous shale and chert.

Diatomite is composed of abundant amorphous silica and has porosity between 50 and 65%. Siliceous shale is composed of a large amount of quartz, and has porosity ranging from 25 to 35%. Chert is chiefly composed of cristobalite or quartz, and has porosity between 20 to 30%.

Average contents of total organic carbon, S1 and S2 generally increase from argillaceous rocks → diatomites → siliceous shales → cherts. Maturation of organic matter in these rocks is generally lower than that in average source rocks. Diatoms, which appeared in the late Cretaceous and became increasingly important in the Miocene, are the principal primary producers of organic matter in the marine environment during the Cenozoic. Excellent organic components and higher biological productivity show that diatoms might be the most important source of petroleum during the Neogene in Japan.

Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids in diatoms have been transformed into fulvic acids, humic acids and humin by polycondensation and polymerization. Later, these humin materials could be changed into insoluble kerogen under the effect of mild temperature and pressure. A part of the lipids would transform to geochemical fossils (biomarkers). Amorphous silica in cells of diatoms would change to low‐cristobalite and low‐quartz by the increase of geothermal temperature.
Phengite K‐Ar ages of schists from the Sanbagawa southern marginal belt, central Shikoku, southwest Japan: Influence of detrital mica and deformation on age
Authors: Itaya Tetsumaru , Fukui Shiro
Published: April 2006

Abstract
K–Ar age determinations were carried out on phengite separates from pelitic schists collected systematically from the Sanbagawa southern marginal belt and the associated area. The petrography and phengite chemistry by electron probe micro‐analyzer (EPMA) revealed the existence of detrital white micas in the schist that have an extremely older age (108 Ma) in comparison with the neighboring schists (88 Ma) without any detrital mica. The ages become gradually older from the north (ca 78 Ma) to the south (ca 90 Ma) except for some samples that contain detrital micas and/or have been reactivated thermally by intrusives. The age is interpreted as an exhumation‐cooling age that has been controlled by the ductile deformation of the host rocks that have never experienced a culmination temperature higher than 350°C which corresponds to the closure temperature of the K–Ar phengite system. The southward aging of the recorded ages in the extensive chlorite zone of the central Shikoku, from the Dozan river area of the north (ca 65 Ma) to the study area of the south (ca 85 Ma) through the Asemi river area (ca 75 Ma), is explained in terms of increasing exhumation/cooling rates of the host rocks from north to south. The phengite K–Ar ages in the pelitic schists from the Kyomizu tectonic zone, which is classically considered as a remarkable thrusting shear zone, have no significant difference in comparison with that of the neighboring schists. This fact suggests that the latest stage of brittle deformation during exhumation/uplift has not significantly affected the ages of phengite in the schists.
Early Cretaceous tectonic events implied in the time‐lag between the age of radiolarian chert and its metamorphic basement in the Bantimala area, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Wakita Koji , Munasri  , Sopaheluwakan Jan , Zulkarnain Iskandar , Mlyazaki Kazuhiro
Published: April 2006

Abstract The Bantimala Complex of South Sulawesi consists mainly of mélange, chert, basalt, ultramafic rocks and high pressure type metamorphic rocks. Well‐preserved radiolarians were extracted from 10 samples of chert, and K‐Ar age dating was done for muscovite from five samples of schist of the Bantimala Complex. The radiolarian assemblage from chert is assigned middle Cretaceous (late Albian‐early Cenomanian) age, while the K‐Ar age data from schist range from 132 Ma to 114 Ma except for one sample with rare muscovite. The radiolarian chert is unconformably underlain by schist in the Bantimala Complex. The stratigraphie relationship and the time lag of these two kinds of age data from chert and underlying schist suggest short‐time tectonic events immediately followed by a quick waning tectonism in this region during the Albian‐Cenomanian transgression.
Ridge collision and in situ greenstones in accretionary complexes: An example from the Late Cretaceous Ryukyu Islands and southwest Japan margin
Authors: Kiminami Kazuo , Miyashita Sumio , Kawabata Kiyoshi
Published: April 2006

Abstract Mélange units containing greenstones are common throughout the Cretaceous‐Miocene Shimanto Supergroup in the Ryukyu Is and southwest Japan. Most greenstones in the accretionary complex originated in oceanic spreading ridges and seamounts, and they formed far from the convergent margin. Some mélange‐like units in the supergroup, however, contain greenstones that were extruded upon and intruded into unconsolidated fine‐grained terrigenous clastic sediments. It is inferred that eruption of the in situ greenstones resulted from igneous activity in the trench area. Geochemical signatures indicate that the greenstone protoliths were similar to mafic lavas generated at spreading ridges. Fossil ages of the strata containing in situ greenstones become younger over a distance of 1300 km eastward from Amami‐Oshima (Cenomanian‐Turonian) in the Ryukyu Is to central Japan (Late Maestrichtian‐earliest Paleocene), implying that a site of igneous activity in the trench area migrated eastward along the Ryukyu Is and southwest Japan margin. Plate reconstructions of the northwest Pacific Ocean suggest the presence of the Kula‐Pacific ridge near Late Cretaceous to early Paleogene Japan. In this context, it is suggested that the greenstones formed in response to Kula‐Pacific ridge‐forearc collision.

Ancient ridge‐forearc collisions are best recognized by the presence of mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) extruded on sediments inferred to have accumulated in the trench area. Diachronous occurrences of the strata associated with these MORB in an orogenic belt are useful for documenting the ridge collision through time.