bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiotension II receptor 1 blocker modifies the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins and transforming growth factor‐β1 in prostate tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Yu Wei , Zhao Ya‐Yuan , Zhang Zhi‐Wen , Guo Ying‐Lu , Jin Jie
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether angiotensin II (Ang II), important in hypertension and highly expressed in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is involved in prostate growth, by analysing changes in the histological composition, tissue apoptotic status and level of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) induced by an Ang II type 1 receptor blocker, losartan, in the prostates of spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed four groups of six rats each: normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto counterparts of SH rats; untreated SH rats; SH rats given low‐dose losartan (10 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks); and SH given high‐dose losartan (30 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks). We evaluated the histological composition and expression of TGFβ1 and apoptosis‐related proteins, i.e. Bax and the 116‐kDa poly (adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), by Western blotting in the rat prostate ventral lobes.

RESULTS

Compared with Wistar‐Kyoto rats, untreated SH rats had a significantly increased epithelium component in the prostate (P < 0.01), but with losartan treatment, SH rats showed less of the epithelium component than untreated rats (P < 0.01 for both low‐ and high‐dose losartan). Western‐blot analysis showed a significantly increased level of Bax in high‐dose losartan‐treated rats (P < 0.01). The expression of 116 kDa PARP was also decreased in these rats (P < 0.01), which suggests increased caspase‐3 activity. In addition, TGFβ1 levels were significantly elevated in high‐dose losartan‐treated rats (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results show that losartan can induce apoptosis of prostate epithelium and increase the TGFβ1 expression in SH rats, suggesting that Ang II stimulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of BPH, which might correlate with the regulation of TGFβ1 expression.
HEDGING, SPECULATION, AND INVESTMENT IN BALANCE‐SHEET TRIGGERED CURRENCY CRISES*
Authors: RÖTHIG ANDREAS , SEMMLER WILLI , FLASCHEL PETER
Published: September 2007

This paper explores the linkage between corporate risk management strategies, investment, and economic stability in an open economy with a flexible exchange rate regime. Firms use currency futures contracts to manage their exchange rate exposure – caused by balance sheet effects as in Krugman (2000)– and therefore their investments’ sensitivity to currency risk. We find that, depending on whether futures contracts are used for risk reduction (i.e. hedging) or risk taking (i.e. speculation), the implied magnitudes of recessions and booms are decreased or increased. Corporate risk management can therefore substantially affect economic stability on the macrolevel.
The Conditions Promoting Compromise in the Workplace
Authors: Bélanger Jacques , Edwards Paul
Published: September 2007

A previous article developed a framework to understand workplace co‐operation. We now elaborate on the key structuring conditions (technology, product markets and institutional regulation) generating different patterns and illustrate from field research how these different workplace regimes develop. Conditions generating positive and sustainable outcomes for both capital and labour are feasible but rare; stronger ‘beneficial constraints’ are needed if they are to be made more frequent. This article provides an alternative to current interpretations of labour–management co‐operation in the industrial relations literature.
The Growing Importance of Issue Competition: The Changing Nature of Party Competition in Western Europe
Authors: Green-Pedersen Christoffer
Published: September 2007

Changes in Western European political parties in general have attracted considerable scholarly interest, whereas changes in party competition have been almost overlooked in an otherwise extensive literature. Using the party manifesto data set, this article documents that party competition in Western Europe is increasingly characterised by issue competition, i.e. competition for the content of the party political agenda. What should be the most salient issues for voters: unemployment, the environment, refugees and immigrants, law and order, the welfare state or foreign policy? This change is crucial because it raises a question about the factors determining the outcome of issue competition. Is it the structure of party competition itself or more unpredictable factors, such as media attention, focusing events or skilful political communication? The two answers to this question have very different implications for the understanding of the role of political parties in today's Western European democracies.
Commercial exploitation of new technologies arising from university research: start‐ups and markets for technology
Authors: Pries Fred , Guild Paul
Published: September 2007

The creation of start‐up firms is an important method of commercializing new technologies arising from R&D at universities and other research institutions. Most research into start‐ups presumes that these firms develop products or services. However, start‐ups may operate through markets for technology by selling or licensing rights to use their technology to other firms – typically established firms – who develop and sell new products or services based on the technology. In this study of 57 public start‐up firms created to commercialize the results of university research, we find evidence that (1) operating through markets for technology is a common approach to commercialization, (2) start‐ups that operate in markets for technology can be effectively distinguished in practice from start‐ups operating through product markets, and (3) there are substantive differences in the business activities of firms depending on whether they operate through product markets or markets for technology.
Successful pharmaceutical discovery: Paul Janssen's concept of drug research
Authors: Lewi Paul J. , Smith Adam
Published: September 2007

During the past decade pharmaceutical research has become increasingly dependent on processes, stage gating and market orientation. The result has been a shift of attention from the individual researcher, patient and physician to hierarchical management structures. While the latter may work well in incremental innovation, such structures are far from optimal for fostering the type of environment that most often leads to breakthrough research. The authors describe here, from personal experience, the success factors of one of the most productive research enterprises that the pharmaceutical industry has known. Janssen Pharmaceutica was founded and directed by the late Dr Paul Janssen, whose life and work are described in brief. His style of management can be characterized as people‐oriented in contrast with the more common process‐oriented style of organizing research. Janssen's concept rested on giving maximal freedom to competent and trusted researchers while continuously probing their activities and focusing their efforts towards achievable goals. Rather than give a formal description of this unique concept, the authors describe a typical day in Janssen's laboratory. Dr Janssen, although being a world‐class scientist and entrepreneur, only occasionally published about the factors that contributed to his success. Rather he preferred to explain his concept of organizing around competent people and continuous critical questioning in the form of metaphors. Four of his typical metaphors are discussed here in some detail. Finally, the authors try to answer three frequently heard objections to the actual validity of this concept.
German Academics in British Universities During the First World War: The Case of Karl Wichmann1
Authors: Husbands Christopher T.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Despite the scholarly attention given to the treatment of Germans in Great Britain during the First World War, there are only sparse details in this historical literature about how those of German origin working specifically in higher education were treated. This article considers Professors of German of German origin in British higher education, focusing on the hitherto little‐reported case of Karl Wichmann (better known as a minor German/English lexicographer), who was employed as Professor of German at the University of Birmingham from 1907 to 1917. It considers the circumstances leading to Wichmann's resignation in March 1917 and discusses the known details of what happened to him thereafter.
Wunderkammer und Apokalypse: Zu W.G. Sebalds Poetik des Sammelns zwischen Barock und Moderne
Authors: Finkelde Dominik
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Der Artikel widmet sich der Frage, inwiefern Sebald das Motiv des Sammelns Teil seiner Poetik werden lässt. Dabei zeigen Querverweise zu Walter Benjamin, Robert Burton und Thomas Browne, dass Sebalds Manie des Sammelns (von Fragmenten, Fotos, etc.) sich am Kombinationsprinzip der barocken Wunderkammer orientiert und sein Stil verschachtelter Sätze von der Hypotaxe Thomas Brownes geprägt ist.

So wie Goethe und Stifter für Sammel‐Konzepte des 19. Jahrhunderts, Walter Benjamin und Ernst Jünger für die erste Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts genannt werden können, so artikuliert Sebalds Poetik ein Sammelkonzept der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts und indirekt auch eine mit der Struktur seiner Romane eng verbundene Theorie eines Sammelns nach Auschwitz. Ein Leben geprägt durch innere Zerstreuung braucht für seine Figuren mit pathologischer Notwendigkeit die wiederholte Bestätigung, im gesammelten Fragment, Foto, in der einzelnen Briefmarke eine Inspirationsquelle der Phantasie zur Rekonstruktion verlorener innerer Sammlung zu finden.
Wie viel Diskurs braucht ein Wörterbuch? Das Stichwort Globalisierung im elexiko‐Wörterbuch
Authors: Storjohann Petra
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

In gängigen deutschen Wörterbüchern liegen für diskursrelevante Ausdrücke keine angemessenen Beschreibungsformen vor. Darauf haben bereits Strauß, Haß und Harras (1989: 10) in Brisante Wörter von Agitation bis Zeitgeist hingewiesen. Hierfür gibt es unterschiedliche Ursachen, wie beispielsweise zu sehr in der Tradition verhaftete lexikografische Methoden und Datengrundlagen; es liegt aber auch daran, dass nach wie vor häufig in der deutschen Lexikografie Aspekte des Diskurses für die Bedeutungskonstituierung bei gesellschaftspolitischen Schlüsselwörtern unberücksichtigt bleiben. Die Bedeutung konfliktträchtigen Vokabulars (z. B. Ausdrücke wie Globalisierung, Humankapital, Kollateralschaden) kann aber nicht ohne diskurssemantische Erklärungen beschrieben werden, da es in seinem Gebrauch Zeit‐, Kultur‐ und Mentalitätsgeschichte reflektiert und die Sprechergemeinschaft bezüglich ihrer Einstellung zu solchen Ausdrücken spaltet.

In diesem Beitrag soll dargestellt werden, welche Rolle die sprachwissenschaftliche Diskursanalyse bei der Bedeutungserfassung spielen kann, und wie unterschiedliche Bewertungen und inhaltliche Thematisierungen seitens der Sprechergemeinschaft beim Gebrauch brisanter Begriffe in der öffentlichen Kommunikation zum Ausdruck kommen. Mithilfe einer konkreten linguistisch‐diskursorientierten Untersuchung des Ausdrucks Globalisierung soll die enge Verflechtung von Sprachanalyse mit Zeit‐ und Kulturgeschichte verdeutlicht werden.
A qualitative comparative analysis of strategies for an ageing society, with special reference to pension and employment policies
Authors: Kim Kyo‐seong , Lee Yeonjung
Published: September 2007

The primary purpose of this study is to typify the respondent strategies of the OECD countries based on the interconnected structure of income and employment guarantees. More specifically, this article seeks to typify welfare policies into four types (welfare‐to‐work, welfare emphasis, labour emphasis, market emphasis) based on the leniency of the pension system and active state intervention in employment security. With the resultant four types, this article then places them as the dependent variable while incorporating per capita GDP, aged dependency ratio, pension maturity level, union density, constitutional structure index and degree of decommodification as causal variables. Through this process, this article aims to derive the decisive variable for each type through qualitative comparative analysis.
“Mirror Neurons,” Collective Objects and the Problem of Transmission: Reconsidering Stephen Turner's Critique of Practice Theory
Authors: LIZARDO OMAR
Published: September 2007

In this paper, I critically examineStephen Turner's (1994)critique of practice theory in light of recent neurophysiological discoveries regarding the “mirror neuron system” in the pre‐frontal mo‐tor cortex of humans and other primates. I argue that two of Turner's strongest objections against the sociological version of the practice‐theoretical account, the problem of transmission and the problem of sameness, are substantially undermined when examined from the perspective of re‐cently systematized accounts of embodied learning and intersubjective action understanding in‐spired by these developments. In addition, I show that the practice‐theoretical framework out‐lined by Pierre Bourdieu in the Logic of Practice and other works is, in contrast to Turner's por‐trayal of a confused hodgepodge of logical errors and empirical impossibilities, largely consistent with the latest neurophysiological evidence and as such fundamentally foreshadowed more recent understandings of the neurocognitive foundations of the perception, understanding and structure of the motor schemes productive of action in the world. Also in line with these newer neurosci‐entific developments, the practice‐theoretical focus on the body as the central matrix generative of tacit understandings and analogical operations responsible for “higher order” systems of classi‐fication emerges as the key to solving some of the thorniest problems in the theory of action: eliminating to need to resort to unwarranted “collective object” explanations for the origins of shared presuppositional frameworks.
Mirror Neurons and Practices: A Response to Lizardo
Authors: TURNER STEPHEN P.
Published: September 2007

Lizardo argues that The Social Theory of Practices is refuted by the discovery of mirror neurons. The book argues that the kind of sameness of tacit mental content assumed by practice theorists such as Bourdieu is fictional, because there is no actual process by which the same mental content can be transmitted. Mirror neurons, Lizardo claims, provide such a mechanism, as they imply that bodily automatisms, which can be understood as the basis of habitus and concepts, can be shared and copied from one person to another. This response to Lizardo points out that the Gallese arguments on which Lizardo relies relate to phylogenetic and universal body movements, not to the learned movements characteristic of practices, and that there is no sameness producing mechanism parallel to the genetic one.
Fractal dimension as a quantitator of the microvasculature of normal and adenomatous pituitary tissue
Authors: Di Ieva Antonio , Grizzi Fabio , Ceva‐Grimaldi Giorgia , Russo Carlo , Gaetani Paolo , Aimar Enrico , Levi Daniel , Pisano Patrizia , Tancioni Flavio , Nicola Giancarlo , Tschabitscher Manfred , Dioguardi Nicola , Baena Riccardo Rodriguez y
Published: September 2007

It is well known that angiogenesis is a complex process that accompanies neoplastic growth, but pituitary tumours are less vascularized than normal pituitary glands. Several analytical methods aimed at quantifying the vascular system in two‐dimensional histological sections have been proposed, with very discordant results. In this study we investigated the non‐Euclidean geometrical complexity of the two‐dimensional microvasculature of normal pituitary glands and pituitary adenomas by quantifying the surface fractal dimension that measures its space‐filling property. We found a statistical significant difference between the mean vascular surface fractal dimension estimated in normal versus adenomatous tissues (P = 0.01), normal versus secreting adenomatous tissues (P = 0.0003), and normal versus non‐secreting adenomatous tissues (P = 0.047), whereas the difference between the secreting and non‐secreting adenomatous tissues was not statistically significant. This study provides the first demonstration that fractal dimension is an objective and valid quantitator of the two‐dimensional geometrical complexity of the pituitary gland microvascular network in physiological and pathological states. Further studies are needed to compare the vascular surface fractal dimension estimates in different subtypes of pituitary tumours and correlate them with clinical parameters in order to evaluate whether the distribution pattern of vascular growth is related to a particular state of the pituitary gland.
Microbial stabilization of riverine sediments by extracellular polymeric substances
Authors: GERBERSDORF SABINE ULRIKE , JANCKE THOMAS , WESTRICH BERNHARD , PATERSON DAVID M.
Published: September 2007

Sediment stability is a critical component for the understanding of cohesive sediment dynamics. Traditionally, physico‐chemical sediment conditions have been regarded as most important drivers of sediment stability. However, over the last decade, the stabilization of sediment by biological activity, particularly the influence of highly hydrated matrices of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) has been given increasing attention. However, most studies have focused on the sediment/water interface and, usually, of marine systems. The present study exploits current knowledge of EPS dynamics from marine systems and applies it to freshwater habitats, also considering a wide range of biological and physico‐chemical variables. Natural sediments were taken from a freshwater site with high levels of heavy metal pollution (Lauffen reservoir, River Neckar, Germany). Vertical profiles from the flocculent surface layer to depth of 50 cm within the sediment were investigated, monthly, over the course of year. Tubificidae and Chironomidae larvae constituted the majority of the macrofauna. Despite the turbidity of the water column, a highly diverse and abundant microphytobenthic community of diatoms (11–82 µg g−1 DW) was found at the sediment surface closely associated with high numbers of bacteria (109 cells g−1 DW). The concentrations of all EPS moieties were remarkably high (0.1–0.5, 1.7–3.8, 0.9–5.2 mg g−1 DW, for colloidal and bound carbohydrates and proteins, respectively) and levels were comparable to those determined in intertidal studies. The microalgal and bacterial biomass both showed strong correlations with the colloidal and bound EPS carbohydrate fractions. The data suggested that the present macrofauna as well as the metabolic activities of microalgae and bacteria interact with sedimentological factors to influence the properties of the sediment by binding fine‐grained sediment, changing water content and enhancing the organic content through secretion products. The colloidal and bound EPS moieties showed strong correlation with the critical shear stress for erosion over sediment depth. It is suggested that the cohesive strength of the sediment was controlled by a high number of active adsorption sites and higher charge densities in fine grained sediments. The EPS network may significantly enhance this by embedding particles and permeating the void space but also in offering additional ionic binding sites and cross‐linkages.
Effects of vertical distribution of soil inorganic nitrogen on root growth and subsequent nitrogen uptake by field vegetable crops
Authors: Kristensen H. L. , Thorup‐Kristensen K.
Published: September 2007

Information is needed about root growth and N uptake of crops under different soil conditions to increase nitrogen use efficiency in horticultural production. The purpose of this study was to investigate if differences in vertical distribution of soil nitrogen (Ninorg) affected root growth and N uptake of a variety of horticultural crops. Two field experiments were performed each over 2 years with shallow or deep placement of soil Ninorg obtained by management of cover crops. Vegetable crops of leek, potato, Chinese cabbage, beetroot, summer squash and white cabbage reached root depths of 0.5, 0.7, 1.3, 1.9, 1.9 and more than 2.4 m, respectively, at harvest, and showed rates of root depth penetration from 0.2 to 1.5 mm day−1 °C−1. Shallow placement of soil Ninorg resulted in greater N uptake in the shallow‐rooted leek and potato. Deep placement of soil Ninorg resulted in greater rates of root depth penetration in the deep‐rooted Chinese cabbage, summer squash and white cabbage, which increased their depth by 0.2–0.4 m. The root frequency was decreased in shallow soil layers (white cabbage) and increased in deep soil layers (Chinese cabbage, summer squash and white cabbage). The influence of vertical distribution of soil Ninorg on root distribution and capacity for depletion of soil Ninorg was much less than the effect of inherent differences between species. Thus, knowledge about differences in root growth between species should be used when designing crop rotations with high N use efficiency.
Water‐table management in lowland UK peat soils and its potential impact on CO2 emission
Authors: Kechavarzi C. , Dawson Q. , Leeds‐Harrison P. B. , Szatyłowicz J. , Gnatowski T.
Published: September 2007

The rate of oxidation of peat soils is highly seasonal and varies with temperature and soil moisture content. Large variations in soil moisture content result in wet–dry cycles that can enhance peat degradation. Water‐table management plays a crucial role in controlling and damping the effect of these environmental factors. However, maintaining high ditch water levels in fields bounded by ditches does not guarantee a high field groundwater level. The effect of installing subsurface irrigation at different spacings on water table elevation was studied in a low‐lying peat grassland. The water table elevation data were compared against values predicted with a water balance model. In addition, greenhouse experiments were carried out on undisturbed soil core samples collected from the peat grassland as well as a low‐lying peatland under intensive arable faming to measure CO2 evolution under different water regimes. The field data from the peat grassland suggest that sub‐irrigation spacing as low as 10 m is necessary during summer periods to maintain groundwater levels similar to those in the ditches. Over the same period of observation, the difference in water level between the ditches and the non‐irrigated fields is as high as 0.7 m. Modelled outputs are in good correlation with the field observations, and demonstrate that simple water balance models can provide an effective tool to study the effect of water management practices and potential changes in subsurface conditions, climate and land use on water‐table levels. The measurement of CO2 emission from undisturbed peat soil columns shows that the rate of oxidation of soil organic matter from peat soils is highly seasonal and that drainage exacerbates the rate of peat mineralization.
TECHNOLOGY AND COLOUR DEVELOPMENT OF HISPANO‐MORESQUE LEAD‐GLAZED POTTERY
Authors: MOLERA J. , VENDRELL‐SAZ M. , GARCÍA‐VALLÉS M. , PRADELL T.
Published: September 2007

Lead‐glazed pottery from the medieval workshop of Les Olleries Majors (Paterna, Spain) has been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence and optical spectroscopy. Yellow, brown and honey‐coloured glazes occur on pots glazed on only one surface. They have virtually identical compositions and transmittance spectra, their apparent differences in colour are due to the colours of the underlying pastes. Yellow glazes occur on cream‐coloured calcareous bodies, honey‐coloured glazes occur on less calcareous bodies with some development of hematite, while brown glazes occur on red siliceous cooking‐pots. Green glazes are found on pots glazed on both surfaces; the glazes trapped CO2 evolved by decomposing carbonates, resulting in an internal reducing environment. This caused the reduction of iron to the ferrous state which coloured the glaze green by diffusion.
THE BRITISH ARCHAEOMAGNETIC CALIBRATION CURVE: AN OBJECTIVE TREATMENT
Authors: BATT C. M.
Published: September 2007

This paper examines the limitations and deficiencies of the current archaeomagnetic calibration curve in use in Britain and explores a different approach to its construction, drawing on recent advances in this subject, in particular the use of a weighted moving window method of averaging. The main advantage of this method is shown to be its ability to take into account uncertainties in both the magnetic direction and the archaeological date of data used in the calibration curve, leading to a secular variation curve with an associated error estimate. Hence, when dating a magnetic direction, the uncertainties in the calibration curve can be taken into account, as well as the uncertainties in the magnetic direction to be dated.
AN ATTEMPT AT DATING THE SWANSCOMBE SKULL BONES USING NON‐DESTRUCTIVE GAMMA‐RAY COUNTING
Authors: BARTON J. C. , STRINGER C. B.
Published: September 2007

A low‐background germanium spectrometer was used to measure the gamma‐ray spectra of the three parts of the Swanscombe skull. Detailed studies of the method showed that it was possible to make accurate measurements of the content of 226 Ra and 231 Pa but less accurate ones of 238U and 235U. Results from the three samples were inconsistent, showing that their exposure to radioactive ground water must have been very different, although they were found close together. The uncertainty in the ratio of 234U to 238U in the ground water and the lack of knowledge of the time at which the bones acquired the uranium also prevented the deduction of any reliable dates for these specimens.
AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF GEOTECHNICAL SOUNDINGS UNDER THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, MEXICO CITY
Authors: OVANDO‐SHELLEY E. , MANZANILLA L.
Published: September 2007

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City has undergone alarmingly large differential settlings. An extensive geotechnical investigation programme was performed in its subsoil, as part of the studies required in an ongoing salvage project. The results of many of the soundings performed can be interpreted from the viewpoint of the archaeologist. This paper shows, based upon the framework provided by previous archaeological research performed in the cathedral, that the geotechnical investigations allow the unique opportunity of establishing hypotheses regarding the extent and distribution of some of the structures that existed in the ritual precinct of Tenochtitlan, as well as of its foundation.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DATA BASE OF NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSES OF WHITE MARBLE*
Authors: MATTHEWS K. J.
Published: September 2007

The establishment of a data base of trace element analysis results obtained by neutron activation analysis of 183 marble samples, each weighing about 200 mg, from eight different quarrying localities for use in provenance studies is described and a summary of the results presented. The problems of sampling museum artefacts are discussed, and details of tests of the reproducibility of the technique are given together with those obtained from multiple‐samples from single museum objects. Replicate analyses of a marble standard are also discussed. Thus these data are a measure of the accuracy and precision of the technique, as well as allowing an assessment of the variation in trace element composition within quarry sources and single blocks of marble, as used for artefacts.
A PROVENANCE STUDY OF POTTERY FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES NEAR CANOSA, PUGLIA (ITALY)*
Authors: ROTUNNO T. , SABBATINI L. , CORRENTE M.
Published: September 2007

Studies have been carried out to assess the provenance of selected pottery excavated at archaeological sites near Canosa, Puglia (Italy). Sixty‐six sherds, ranging in date from the mid‐seventh century BC to the beginning of the third century BC, were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and 16 elements were determined. The analysis data were subjected to multivariate classification procedures. Tests showed that the majority of the examined sherds came from ancient local kilns; a probable Ionian origin was established for some other sherds, while the rest were of unknown origin.
CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF GLASS BEADS FOUND IN TWO SARMATIAN BURIALS*
Authors: HALL M. , YABLONSKY L.
Published: September 2007

The chemical compositions of 14 glass beads from two Early Sarmatian‐period burials were determined. Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, K, Na, and Si were measured by electron probe microbeam analysis, while the Co, Cu, Ga, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Th, Ti, Y, Zn, and Zr contents were measured using energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. All the beads can be classed as low‐magnesia soda‐lime‐silica glasses. The blue glass beads examined in this study were coloured with Co and Cu containing minerals. Cluster analysis and principal components analysis suggest that two distinct glass recipes were used to manufacture these beads.
INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA‐MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT METALS*
Authors: YOUNG S. M. M. , BUDD P. , HAGGERTY R. , POLLARD A. M.
Published: September 2007

Inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is a relatively new analytical technique, growing in popularity, that offers many advantages over previously available instrumentation for the measurement of both the elemental and isotopic composition of metallic antiquities. The application of this method of analysis to archaeological metalwork is discussed and the technique compared with other methods of analysis commonly used in archaeometallurgy. Particular attention is drawn to the potential pitfalls and difficulties associated with ICP‐MS and the need for extremely careful sample preparation and instrument operation.
ADDITIONAL ARCHAEOMAGNETIC DATA ON THE SOUTH‐WEST USA MASTER GEOMAGNETIC POLE CURVE*
Authors: LABELLE J. M. , EIGHMY J. L.
Published: September 2007

Archaeomagnetic dating in the American south‐west is progressing rapidly in terms of both method and application. Of particular importance has been the creation of a master curve of geomagnetic direction change for the region. However, confirmation, extension and refinement of this curve are always welcome contributions to the technique. So, efforts are under way to accumulate a large body of well‐dated virtual geomagnetic pole positions and document these through publication so that the basis for dating samples of unknown age can be evaluated. This article adds 23 new dated pole positions to the list discussed in Eighmy (1991) and reports the results of our experiments with refining the south‐west USA master curve, especially the creation of a new south‐west master curve, SWCV595.
FIRING ANALYSIS OF SOUTH‐EASTERN MISSOURI INDIAN POTTERY USING IRON MÖSSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY*
Authors: FEATHERS J. K. , BERHANE M. , MAY L.
Published: September 2007

The Mössbauer spectra of prehistoric pottery and clay from the Malden Plain of south‐eastern Missouri, USA, were examined. The pottery dates from AD 500 to 1400. The earlier sherds were tempered with sand and the later ones with shell. The sherds and clay contain a mixture of illite, smectite, and kaolinite. Most samples of clay and sherds contained both ferric and ferrous species. The spectral parameters for the ferric species were %DLEQ∼0. 7—1.1 mms‐1 and δ∼0.0–0.3 mms‐1 for the ferrous species, ΔEQ∼2.1–2.7mms‐1 and δ∼0.7–1.0mms‐1. The ferric to ferrous ratio is more accurately determined from the spectra than from consideration of the colour or the firing core of the sherds, which are not always related to the iron species ratio. Differences among sherds in the ferrous ΔEQ can be related to original temperature of heating but with low precision.
INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA ATOMIC EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSES OF ROMAN MILITARY COPPER‐ALLOY ARTEFACTS FROM THE EXCAVATIONS AT MASADA, ISRAEL*
Authors: PONTING M. , SEGAL I.
Published: September 2007

A selection of Roman military fittings and associated copper‐alloy artefacts was analysed by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy. The method used was a variant on those previously published and gives very good precision and accuracy. The Roman metalwork analysed conforms extremely well to similar artefacts analysed from, contemporaneous European sites and suggests, despite the strongly ‘local’ nature of the Judaean legions, a considerable uniformity of alloying practice within the Roman army during the first century AD.
MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF THE ENERGY DISPERSIVE X‐RAY FLUORESCENCE RESULTS FROM BLUE AND WHITE CHINESE PORCELAINS*
Authors: YU K. N. , MIAO J. M.
Published: September 2007

The energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence technique was employed to study non‐destructively the surface of 66 samples of Chinese porcelain, of different periods and origins, and determine the contents of 13 chemical elements, namely, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Pb, Rb, Sr, Y and Zr. Principal components analysis was performed on these 13 variables, and scatter plots, incorporating the first, second and third principal components, used to study the clustering behaviour of the data. Based on these results, discriminant analysis was then performed on the data, and discriminant functions established for attributing the period and origin of the porcelains.
PRE‐COLUMBIAN METALLURGY: TECHNOLOGY, MANUFACTURE, AND MICROPROBE ANALYSES OF COPPER BELLS FROM THE GREATER SOUTHWEST*
Authors: PALMER J. W. , HOLLANDER M. G. , ROGERS P. S. Z. , BENJAMIN T. M. , DUFFY C. J. , LAMBERT J. B. , BROWN J. A.
Published: September 2007

Twenty‐four cast copper crotals (commonly called bells), one 'spilled bell’, one tinkler bell and a number of minerals from locations throughout the Greater Southwest were analysed for their elemental composition by a PIXE nuclear microprobe at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA. Sixteen bells contained minor and trace amounts of silver, antimony, arsenic, lead, and in some cases tin, strontium, and selenium. Nine bells contained little or no detectable amounts of these elements. This suggests that several workshops throughout the Greater Southwest and Mexico might have manufactured these bells.
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY‐ENERGY DISPERSIVE SPECTROMETRY AND PROTON INDUCED X‐RAY EMISSION ANALYSES OF MEDIEVAL GLASS FROM KOROINEN (FINLAND)*
Authors: KUISMA‐KURSULA P. , RÄISÄNEN J.
Published: September 2007

Thirteenth‐ to fourteenth‐century ecclesiastical window glass, excavated from the administrative centre of Koroinen, Finland, represents the earliest window glass in the country and includes the only emerald green window glass known from Finland at this time. This was examined, together with some excavated vessel glass. X‐ray analysis, using scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectrometry and proton induced X‐ray emission, reveals that while the vessels are made from potash‐lime, soda‐lime, mixed alkali and lead‐silica glasses, the window glasses are lead‐silica and wood ash‐lead‐silica glasses; they resemble similar glasses from central Europe and suggest that Koroinen shared the trading network of other European religious centres.
BONE POROSITY AND THE USE OF MERCURY INTRUSION POROSIMETRY IN BONE DIAGENESIS STUDIES*
Authors: NIELSEN‐MARSH C. M. , HEDGES R. E. M.
Published: September 2007

Porosity measurements made on archaeological bones have revealed very‐close relationships between changes in the porosity, remaining protein content and mineral alterations. The results have important implications for models that attempt to quantify the rates and extent of chemical reaction between bone and its geochemical environment. We report here on a novel application of an established technique, mercury intrusion porosimetiy, to investigate in more detail the pore size distribution of archaeological bones. Mercury intrusion porosimetry measures an ‘intermediate’range of bone porosity, ‘mesoporosity’, and produces data which permit the observation of significant structure characteristics in the porosity of modern laboratory altered and diagenetically altered bones.
PROVENANCE DETERMINATION OF LAVA FLAGSTONES FROM THE ROMAN ‘VIA CONSOLARE FLAMINIA’PAVEMENT (CENTRAL ITALY) USING PETROLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS*
Authors: RENZULLI A. , ANTONELLI F. , SANTI P. , BUSDRAGHI P. , LUNI M.
Published: September 2007

Trachyte lava flagstones from the northernmost stretch of the Roman ‘Via Consolare Flaminia’pavement and trachyte lavas from the most exploited quarries in Roman times were compared from a petrological point of view. ‘Via Consolare Flaminia’was the most important route used by the Romans to reach northern Italy and all the northern provinces of the Empire. A provenance for the flagstones as coming from the trachyte quarries of the Euganean Hills (Veneto region, northern Italy) is suggested by the similarity of both the fundamental mineral assemblage and the major trace element geochemistry. The location of the quarries of the Euganean Hills next to the harbours of the northern Adriatic Sea strongly supports the hypothesis that the Romans carried the flagstones by ship towards the coasts of the central Adriatic Sea.
INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE PEAKS IN SOME POWDERED GREEK WHITE MARBLES*
Authors: BAÏETTO V. , VILLENEUVE G. , SCHVOERER M. , BECHTEL F. , HERZ N.
Published: September 2007

Within the context of white marble provenance research, 42 powdered white Greek marbles have been characterized using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Phase analysis was first carried out to separate calcitic and dolomitic marbles, then EPR spectra of Mnuc were studied. Investigation of other marble EPR spectra, especially around g — 2.00, led us to characterize five different signals. The intensities of Mn2+ lines permit the separatum of eight quarries into two groups, allowing a first discrimination, in the g = 2,00 region, only one signal has been found to be useful for provenance research objectives. The results are cheering and should lead to many other similar experiments.
DETECTION OF NEAR‐SURFACE SILVER ENRICHMENT ON ROMAN IMPERIAL SILVER COINS BY X‐RAY SPECTRAL ANALYSIS*
Authors: KLOCKENKÄMPER R. , BUBERT H. , HASLER K.
Published: September 2007

A collection of 218 Roman imperial silver coins, covering three centuries, was analysed non‐destructively by two variants of X‐ray spectral analysis. Electron beam excitation and energy‐dispersive spectrometry was used for the analysis of the uppermost thin layer (3 μm) of each coin, while X‐ray tube excitation and wavelength‐dispersive spectrometry was applied for the analysis of thicker layers (30 μm), Ag and Cu as major constituents and 18 minor elements were determined quantitatively. Comparing the silver content of the obverse and the reverse of a coin, inhomogeneities could be identified. By comparison of the silver content of the upper thin and the thick surface layers, near‐surface silver enrichment could be detected. Inhomogeneities and enrichments increase in the second and more so in the third century. A large scatter of the silver content and silver enrichment for coins of the same emperor was attributed to varying abrasion of Ag‐enriched layers of the individual coins during decades of circulation.
OPTICAL DATING OF SINGLE AND MULTIPLE GRAINS OF QUARTZ FROM JINMIUM ROCK SHELTER, NORTHERN AUSTRALIA: PART I, EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND STATISTICAL MODELS*
Authors: GALBRAITH R. F. , ROBERTS R. G. , LASLETT G. M. , YOSHIDA H. , OLLEY J. M.
Published: September 2007

Jinmium rock shelter is famous for the claims made by Fullagar et al. (1996) for the early human colonization and ancient rock art of northern Australia. These claims were based on thermo‐luminescence ages obtained for the artefact‐bearing quartz sediments that form the floor deposit at the site. In this paper, we outline the background to the optical dating programme at Jinmium, and describe the experimental design and statistical methods used to obtain optical ages from single grains of quartz sand. The results, interpretations, and implications of this dating programme are reported in a companion paper (Roberts et al. 7999, this volume).
PROCESSING CLAY FOR POTTERY IN NORTHERN CAMEROON: SOCIAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS*
Authors: SMITH A. LIVINGSTONE
Published: September 2007

For several decades, interpreting technical variations in the physical characteristics of pottery has followed two major trends: the ‘cultural’approach and the ‘behavioural or ‘techno‐functionalist’approach. Using data collected during extensive ethnographic fieldwork, I will consider the relative importance of social and technical requirements in the field of clay processing techniques in the Faro area (northern Cameroon) 1 will show that environmental and techno‐functional constraints cannot explain technical variations, while cultural factors appear determinant. However, faking the discussion one step further, I will show the complexity of the social/cultural mechanism involved in the regional distribution of these techniques.
WHY A KILN? FIRING TECHNOLOGY IN THE SIERRA DE LOS TUXTLAS, VERACRUZ (MEXICO)*
Authors: POOL C. A.
Published: September 2007

The benefits of one ceramic firing technology over another are not absolute, but depend upon the interaction of multiple environmental, economic and social factors, as well as the specific design of firing facilities. The coexistence of updraft kilns and open firing methods in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, for over 1700 years provides a case‐in‐point. Evaluation of the performance characteristics of ancient and modern firing technologies in relation to their natural and behavioural contexts offers a more secure basis for understanding this specific historical instance of long‐term polymorphism than explanations based in the generalized technological advantages of kilns or their cross‐cultural association with intensive modes of production.
NON‐DESTRUCTIVE PORTABLE GAMMA RAY SPECTROMETRY USED IN PROVENANCING ROMAN GRANITOID COLUMNS FROM LEPTIS MAGNA, NORTH AFRICA*
Authors: WILLIAMS‐THORPE O. , WEBB P. C. , THORPE R. S.
Published: September 2007

Portable gamma ray spectrometry (PGRS) provides a non destructive means to analyst quantitatively large artefacts, such as building stones, for the radioelements K. U and Th. Nine Raman granitoid columns at the Leptis Magna Ruins in Windsor Great Park, London, were measured in situ by PGRS. Corrections for the environmental background contribution to the gamma ray flux measured, and for the shape and size of the columns, are described Comparison of the PGRS data with a radioelement data base for Roman granite sources indicates that most of the columns originated in the Troad area of Turkey. Two columns could not be unambiguously provenanced using PGRS alone because there is insufficient difference between radioelement concentrations in certain sources. However, non‐destructive measurements of magnetic susceptibility, used in conjunction with PGRS data, suggest that these two columns originated in the Kozak Daǧ, also in Turkey.
A PRELIMINARY PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CYPRIOT WHITE SLIP II WARE*
Authors: DOHERTY C. , GOMEZ B.
Published: September 2007

Samples of Late Bronze Age White Slip II ware from Cyprus were analysed using optical and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy and wavelength dispersive analyse The slip has a novel granular nature and the coarser aggregates are impressed into the outer surface of the body, indicating that it was applied to a moist surface before the vessels were fired. It has a consistent mineral assemblage (Mg‐chlorite + illite‐smectite + sphene + anatase/rutile ± albite) which is very similar to that of hydrothermally altered zones associated with copper orebodies in the Troodos Massif which were mined in antiquity Our analysis suggests that the raw material for the slip was not found at the ground surface, because the alteration assemblage is unaffected by oxidation and copper carbonate or iron staining. It may, therefore, be a by‐product of sub‐surface ore extraction
CHARACTERIZATION OF RED‐COLOURED SLIPS (ALMAGRA) ON ISLAMIC CERAMICS IN MUSLIM SPAIN*
Authors: PÉREZ‐ARANTEGUI J. , CASTILLO J. R.
Published: September 2007

Small objects found in Islamic (eleventh‐century) kilns excavated in Zaragoza (Spain) were studied to determine the nature of the red coating of almagra pottery. Ceramics with almagra decoration were completely coated with a glossy deep‐red layer, a slip, applied to the body before firing. Chemical and mineralogical studies were carried out, together with analysis of a surface treatment with organic compounds. The results of this study confirm that almagra ceramics were produced by means of a specific and elaborate process (slip preparation, firing and wax application), demonstrating the introduction of this slip into local production during the Islamic period.
MULTI‐METHOD MARBLE PROVENANCE DETERMINATIONS: THE CARRARA MARBLES AS A CASE STUDY FOR THE COMBINED USE OF ISOTOPIC, ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE AND PETROGRAPHIC DATA*
Authors: ATTANASIO D. , ARMIENTO G. , BRILLI M. , EMANUELE M. C. , PLATANIA R. , TURI B.
Published: September 2007

A multi‐method approach, based on petrography, stable isotope data and electron spin resonance spectroscopy for assigning the provenance of white marbles, is presented. A total of 11 experimental variables has been used, including the quantitative measurement of the sample colour and its homogeneity. On this basis we attempt to distinguish the three main quarrying basins of the Carrara district, that is, Torano, Miseglia and Colonnata. Such discrimination, extremely uncertain on the basis of the single techniques, may be performed with acceptable confidence’ using a properly selected subset of six petrographic, isotopic and spectroscopic variables. The final resubstitution and jackknifed re‐assignment rates are, respectively, 85% and 81%. Inclusion of the remaining five variables into the classification rule does not improve the results, but simply increases data overinterpretation. The practical possibility of using such an approach for more general provenancing problems is considered.
TESTING ASSUMPTIONS OF NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS: COMMUNITIES, WORKSHOPS AND PASTE PREPARATION IN YUCATAN, MEXICO*
Authors: ARNOLD D. E. , NEFF H. , GLASCOCK M. D.
Published: September 2007

Contemporary pottery and raw materials (N= 170) from three workshops in Ticul, Yucatán, were analysed by neutron activation to test the hypothesis that individual workshops that used their own clay sources could be identified by their pottery. Although the data failed to confirm the hypothesis, the results reinforced previous conclusions about the relationship of local communities of potters to the chemical patterning of pottery made in these communities.
TECHNOLOGY AND PROVENANCE OF A COLLECTION OF ISLAMIC COPPER‐BASED OBJECTS AS FOUND BY CHEMICAL AND LEAD ISOTOPE ANALYSIS*
Authors: AL‐SAA'D Z.
Published: September 2007

Chemical and lead isotope analyses were utilized to determine the composition, technology and origin of a collection of Islamic copper‐based objects found in Jordan. The atomic absorption spectrometry results show that the objects were made of different types of copper‐base alloys that contain various amounts of zinc, tin and lead. The use of brass, highly leaded brass and quaternary alloys of Cu‐Zn‐Sn‐Pb in the manufacture of everyday, household objects strongly points to Islamic traditions. The lead isotope compositions of the objects match very well that of the copper ore mined from the Dolomite‐Limestone‐Shale unit of the Arabah copper mines.
THE TENTACULITID AFFINITIES OF ANTICALYPTRAEA FROM THE SILURIAN OF BALTOSCANDIA
Authors: VINN OLEV , ISAKAR MARE
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  The problematic fossil Anticalyptraea Quenstedt, 1867, traditionally interpreted as a phorid gastropod, is here assigned to the Class Tentaculita. Its dextrally coiled substrate‐cemented tube, bulbous initial chamber, vesicular tube wall and pseudopunctate microlamellar shell structure closely resembles Trypanopora (Tentaculita), but Anticalyptraea differs in having the cones of the pseudopunctae orientated in the opposite direction. Pseudopunctae orientated similarly to Anticalyptraea occur in Cornulites and thick‐walled tentaculitids. Anticalyptraea differs from gastropods in having pseudopunctae and a vesicular shell structure.