bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the influence of indium segregation on the optical properties of InGaAs/GaAs quantum wells via split-operator method
Authors: Martini S. , Manzoli J. E. , Quivy A. A.
Published: April 2010

In the case of quantum wells, the indium segregation leads to complex potential profiles that are hardly considered in the majority of the theoretical models. The authors demonstrated that the split-operator method is useful tool for obtaining the electronic properties in these cases. Particularly, they studied the influence of the indium surface segregation in optical properties of InGaAs/GaAs quantum wells. Photoluminescence measurements were carried out for a set of InGaAs/GaAs quantum wells and compared to the results obtained theoretically via split-operator method, showing a good agreement.
Quantum limits to the electron field emission from tapered conductive sheets
Authors: Filip Marina Rucsandra , Antohe Ştefan , Ion Lucian , Tanemura Masaki
Published: April 2010

A model has been constructed in order to study the effects of quantum confinement on the electron population on tapered conductive sheets. A two-dimensional rounded nanocone was considered for this study and the Schrödinger equation was solved analytically on the entire system. The average number of electrons on the tip region was shown to be strongly influenced by the geometrical parameters of the system, such as the tip and base radius and the overall length. Field emission from such structures was also investigated using a simple one-dimensional Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation. The limitations on the electron population imposed by the strong quantum confinement at the tip region will have important consequences on the field emission current obtained from these structures.
Model for trap-assisted electron tunneling in thin insulators
Authors: Filip V. , Liu J. , Wong C. K. , Wong H. , Nicolaescu D. , Barna V. , Barna E. S.
Published: April 2010

The trap-assisted electron tunneling in thin insulators has been modeled to explain the apparition of plateaus in the current-voltage characteristics of some existing experimental data. As a consequence of the electron tight confinement in the trap, the charge therein has a steplike variation with the voltage increase, a feature that further translates into wide plateaus of the current-voltage diagrams, in accordance with some experimental data. The temperature dependence of these diagrams has been included into the model and compares well with the experimental evidence. The possibility of quantitatively comparing the model computations with the measured data opens useful insight into trap’s physical properties such as spatial extent or energy depth.
Systematic Analysis of Human Protein Complexes Identifies Chromosome Segregation Proteins
Authors: Hutchins James R. A. , Toyoda Yusuke , Hegemann Björn , Poser Ina , Hériché Jean-Karim , Sykora Martina M. , Augsburg Martina , Hudecz Otto , Buschhorn Bettina A. , Bulkescher Jutta , Conrad Christian , Comartin David , Schleiffer Alexander , Sarov Mihail , Pozniakovsky Andrei , Slabicki Mikolaj Michal , Schloissnig Siegfried , Steinmacher Ines , Leuschner Marit , Ssykor Andrea , Lawo Steffen , Pelletier Laurence , Stark Holger , Nasmyth Kim , Ellenberg Jan , Durbin Richard , Buchholz Frank , Mechtler Karl , Hyman Anthony A. , Peters Jan-Michael
Published: April 2010

Division Machinery Tagged

An international consortium of labs has been testing the feasibility of large-scale screening for insights into the function of mammalian proteins by expressing a tagged version of proteins from bacterial artificial chromosomes harbored in mammalian cells. Depending on the tag used,

Hutchins
et al.

(p.
593
, published online 1 April) were able to monitor localization of tagged proteins by microscopy or to isolate interacting proteins and subsequently identify the binding partners by mass spectrometry. Applying the technology to proteins implicated in control of cell division revealed about 100 protein machines required for mitosis.
Onset of Convective Rainfall During Gradual Late Miocene Rise of the Central Andes
Authors: Poulsen Christopher J. , Ehlers Todd A. , Insel Nadja
Published: April 2010

Separated About Lift

The uplift history of the Andes of South America is a contentious issue, with the two main hypotheses polarizing from rapid growth between roughly 10 and 7 million years ago to more gradual elevation over most of the past 40 million years. The oxygen isotopic composition of soil carbonates has been used as a proxy for altitude and to measure the timing of uplift.

Poulsen
et al.

(p.
490
, published online 1 April) applied a global atmospheric general circulation model to show that the oxygen isotopic composition changes seen in carbonates formed in the late Miocene were driven more by changes in the amount of precipitation than by the altitude at which the precipitation forms. Consequently, it seems that oxygen isotopes are not a reliable paleoaltimeter, and Andean uplift may not have been as precipitate as thought.
Cost of spinal cord injuries caused by rollover automobile crashes
Authors: Burns Stephen P , Kaufman Robert P , Mack Christopher D , Bulger Eileen
Published: April 2010

Objective

To determine the reduction in direct cost for treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in belted occupants involved in rollover automobile crashes in the USA that would result if severe roof intrusion were eliminated.

Methods

Risk of SCI per rollover crash and by belted/unbelted status was calculated for roof intrusion magnitude categories using 1993–2006 National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) data. Direct costs of SCI based on neurological level and completeness of SCI were calculated using data from the National SCI Statistical Center.

Results

A reduction in rate of SCI for belted occupants with >15 cm roof intrusion to the rate seen for belted occupants with 8–15 cm roof intrusion would reduce the direct cost of SCI by approximately $97 million annually.

Conclusion

There would be substantial cost savings solely by a reduction in one uncommon type of injury, SCI, if severe roof intrusion were eliminated.
Physical and psychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers
Authors: Harcombe Helen , McBride David , Derrett Sarah , Gray Andrew
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate the association of physical and psychosocial risk factors with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers.

Design

A cross-sectional postal survey asking about demographic, physical and psychosocial factors and MSDs.

Participants

A total of 911 participants was randomly selected; nurses from the Nursing Council of New Zealand database (n=280), postal workers from their employer's database (n=280) and office workers from the 2005 electoral roll (n=351).

Outcome Measures

Self-reported pain in the low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand or knee lasting more than 1 day in the month before the survey.

Results

The response rate was 58%, 443 from 770 potential participants. 70% (n=310) reported at least one MSDs. Physical work tasks were associated with low back (odds ratio (OR) 1.35, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.6), shoulder (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.69), elbow (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.83) and wrist/hand pain (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.69). Job strain had the strongest association with neck pain (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.30 to 9.21) and wrist/hand pain. Somatisation was weakly associated with MSDs at most sites. Better general and mental health status were weakly associated with lower odds of MSDs.

Conclusions

In injury prevention and rehabilitation the physical nature of the work needs to be addressed for most MSDs, with modest decreases in risk seemingly possible. Addressing job strain could provide significant benefit for those with neck and wrist/hand pain, while the effects of somatisation and the promotion of good mental health may provide smaller but global benefits.
A practical approach for applying best practices in behavioural interventions to injury prevention
Authors: Winston Flaura K , Jacobsohn Lela
Published: April 2010

Behavioural science when combined with engineering, epidemiology and other disciplines creates a full picture of the often fragmented injury puzzle and informs comprehensive solutions. To assist efforts to include behavioural science in injury prevention strategies, this paper presents a methodological tutorial that aims to introduce best practices in behavioural intervention development and testing to injury professionals new to behavioural science. This tutorial attempts to bridge research to practice through the presentation of a practical, systematic, six-step approach that borrows from established frameworks in health promotion and disease prevention. Central to the approach is the creation of a programme theory that links a theoretically grounded, empirically tested behaviour change model to intervention components and their evaluation. Serving as a compass, a programme theory allows for systematic focusing of resources on the likely most potent behavioural intervention components and directs evaluation of intervention impact and implementation. For illustration, the six-step approach is applied to the creation of a new peer-to-peer campaign, Ride Like a Friend/Drive Like You Care, to promote safe teen driver and passenger behaviours.
The modern paediatric injury pyramid: injuries in Massachusetts children and adolescents
Authors: Lee Lois Kaye , Fleegler Eric William , Forbes Peter Whitney , Olson Karen Lea , Mooney David Patrick
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to develop a modern version of the paediatric injury pyramid, a visual classification of injury severity, and to present mechanism-based pyramids. As the original paediatric injury pyramid was described in 1980, the injury epidemiology from 1980 was compared with 2004. Comprehensive emergency department, hospital discharge and death data for Massachusetts in 2004 were used to determine injury rates for residents aged 0–19 years. Injury pyramids were constructed on the basis of the number of injuries resulting in death, hospitalisations and emergency department visits. In 2004, unintentional and intentional injuries accounted for 197 deaths, 7120 hospitalisations and 199 814 emergency department visits giving a ratio of 1:36:1014. The 2004 injury pyramids differed by mechanism and intent. Compared with 1980, there were lower rates for overall injury and for most major injury mechanisms in Massachusetts in 2004.
Risk factors for injury and severe injury in youth ice hockey: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Emery Carolyn A , Hagel Brent , Decloe Melissa , Carly McKay
Published: April 2010

Objective

To identify risk factors for injury in youth ice hockey (ie, body checking, age, player position, player experience and level of play).

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature, including a meta-analysis component was completed. Ten electronic databases and the American Society for Testing and Materials Safety in Ice Hockey series (volumes 1–4) were systematically searched with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify articles examining risk factors for injury in youth ice hockey.

Results

Participation in games, compared with practices, was associated with an increased risk of injury in all studies examined. Age, level of play and player position produced inconsistent findings. Body checking was identified as a significant risk factor for all injuries (summary rate ratio: 2.45; 95% CI 1.7 to 3.6) and concussion (summary odds ratio: 1.71; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.44).

Conclusions

Findings regarding most risk factors for injury remain inconclusive; however, body checking was found to be associated with an increased risk of injury. Policy implications regarding delaying body checking to older age groups and to only the most elite levels requires further rigorous investigation.
An observational study of seatbelt use among vehicle occupants in Nigeria
Authors: Sangowawa Adesola O , Alagh Ben T , Ekanem Simeon E U , Ebong Idang P , Faseru Babalola , Adekunle Babatunde J , Uchendu Obioma C
Published: April 2010

Objective

The use of seatbelts reduces the likelihood of death and severe injuries to crash-involved vehicle occupants by 45–60%. Several countries, including Nigeria, have laws mandating the use of seatbelts but compliance is not universal. This study was conducted to determine rates of use of seatbelts among vehicle occupants in Ibadan municipality.

Design

An observational study was conducted. A selected petrol station in each of the five local government areas in Ibadan municipality was used as an observation site. Observations were documented by trained research staff between 08:30 and 18:00 hours over a 6-day period.

Results

5757 occupants in 2870 vehicles were observed. Approximately 90% of drivers were men. Driver seatbelts were installed in approximately 90% of vehicles. Overall seatbelt use was 18.7; 31.7% among drivers and 10.3% and 0.4% among front and rear-seated adults, respectively. Only one child (0.7%) was restrained. Significantly more female drivers 47.3% used their seatbelts compared with men, 30.3% (p<0.001). An adult passenger was more likely to be restrained when riding with a female driver (p=0.007) and when the driver was restrained (p=0.000).

Conclusions

The study showed that seatbelt use among vehicle occupants was low. Further research into reasons for the non-use of restraints needs to be conducted so that these can be incorporated into programmes aimed at improving seatbelt use.
Real-world performance of vehicle crash test: the case of EuroNCAP
Authors: Segui-Gomez Maria , Lopez-Valdes Francisco J , Frampton Richard
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate whether the occupants in vehicles with better safety ratings according to EuroNCAP sustain fewer fatal and severe injuries than occupants in vehicles with worse experimental safety ratings when in frontal crashes.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

A representative sample of crashes in Britain from 1996 to 2008 as gathered in the Cooperative Crash Injury Study (CCIS) database under the auspices of the UK Department of Transportation and augmented with EuroNCAP experimental ratings for each crashed vehicle.

Subjects

Drivers and front seat passengers while occupants of vehicles for which EuroNCAP test results were available and who met inclusion criteria meant to select those in crashes similar to those in the frontal experimental setting.

Main outcome measures

Fatality and severe MAIS3+ injuries to the head, thorax, pelvis and lower extremities.

Results

The multivariate Poisson regression models on the 1259 cases who sustained crash conditions most similar to the experimental ones showed no statistically significant effect on either mortality or MAIS3+ injury in real-world crashes when travelling in cars with better safety ratings. For example, when compared to a driver in a vehicle rated as safest for head injuries MAIS3+ in frontal crashes, drivers in vehicles rated yellow or orange presented adjusted ORs of 0.6 (0.2 to 1.7) and 0.8 (0.3 to 2.1), respectively.

Conclusions

No statistically significant relationships between the EuroNCAP safety scores and real-world death or severe injury outcomes were found, suggesting the need to review biomechanical criteria chosen to set cut-off points for the rating system.
Effects of domestic violence policies, alcohol taxes and police staffing levels on intimate partner homicide in large US cities
Authors: Zeoli April M , Webster Daniel W
Published: April 2010

Objective

To assess the relationships between intimate partner homicide (IPH) and public policies including police staffing levels in large US cities.

Design

The research uses a multiple time-series design to examine the effects of statutes aimed at restricting access to firearms for perpetrators of domestic violence, allowing or mandating arrest for violators of domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs), beer excise taxes, and police staffing levels on IPH in 46 of the largest US cities from 1979 to 2003. Both total IPH and IPH committed with a firearm are analysed. Generalised estimating equations using a Poisson distribution are used to regress IPH on the policies and potential confounders.

Results

State statutes restricting those under DVROs from accessing firearms, and laws allowing the warrantless arrest of DVRO violators are associated with reductions in total and firearm IPH. Police staffing levels are also negatively associated with IPH and firearm IPH. There was no evidence that other policies to restrict firearm access to domestic violence offenders or alcohol taxes had a significant impact on IPH.

Conclusions

Reducing access to firearms for DVRO defendants, increasing police staffing levels and allowing the warrantless arrest of DVRO violators may reduce the city-level risk of IPH. Future research should evaluate factors that may mediate the effect of these laws and increased police staffing levels on IPH to determine whether there are opportunities to increase their protective effect. Further research is needed on firearm law implementation to determine why the other tested laws were not found effective.
The future of aptamers in medicine
Authors: Khati Makobetsa
Published: April 2010

Aptamers, simply described as chemical antibodies, are synthetic oligonucleotide ligands or peptides that can be isolated in vitro against diverse targets including toxins, bacterial and viral proteins, virus-infected cells, cancer cells and whole pathogenic microorganisms. Aptamers assume a defined three-dimensional structure and generally bind functional sites on their respective targets. They possess the molecular recognition properties of monoclonal antibodies in terms of their high affinity and specificity. The applications of aptamers range from diagnostics and biosensing, target validation, targeted drug delivery, therapeutics, templates for rational drug design to biochemical screening of small molecule leads compounds. This review describes recent progress made in the application of biomedically relevant aptamers and relates them to their future clinical prospects.
Immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses in myeloid sarcoma of the breast in a patient with relapse ofNPM1-mutated andFLT3-mutated AML after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Choschzick Matthias , Bacher Ulrike , Ayuk Francis , Lebeau Annette
Published: April 2010

Myeloid sarcoma of the breast is a rare manifestation of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This report describes a patient who was diagnosed with AML FAB M2. Molecular analysis showed evidence of anNPM1mutation (subtype A) and internal tandem duplications of theFLT3gene (FLT3-ITD). Eight months after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the patient developed a palpable mass in the left breast initially suspected as breast carcinoma. Core needle biopsy of the lesion resulted in diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. Molecular analysis of formalin-fixed specimens of the breast tumour confirmed the knownFLT3andNPM1gene mutations. Immunohistochemically, an aberrant cytoplasmic staining pattern forNPM1and overexpression ofFLT3were demonstrated. The myeloid sarcoma showed complete transient resolution following treatment with the kinase inhibitor sorafenib. However, the patient developed bone marrow relapse and died in fatal cerebral haemorrhage 1 year after initial diagnosis of AML. In summary, combined molecular and immunohistochemical examination ofNPM1andFLT3is helpful in the diagnosis of extramedullary manifestations of AML in core needle biopsies.
Design of a multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and confirmation ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: O'Callaghan Isabelle , Corcoran Daniel , Lucey Brigid
Published: April 2010

Objectives

To improve the detection ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeby designing a multiplex PCR assay using twoN gonorrhoeae-specific genes as targets, thereby providing detection and confirmation of a positive result simultaneously.

Methods

PCR primers were designed to detect twoN gonorrhoeaegenes, namely porA and pgi1. Primers for an internal control targeting theompWgene ofVibrio choleraewere also designed and incorporated in the assay. The DNA of 45 clinical isolates including 33N gonorrhoeaeisolates, seven non-gonococcal Neisseria species, and five non-Neisseria species was tested using the multiplex PCR assay.

Results

All 33N gonorrhoeaeisolates were successfully detected by the assay and none of the non-gonococcal isolates was detected. The assay showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100%, and a limit of detection of 1.25 ng of DNA.

Conclusion

This multiplex PCR assay offers a sensitive and specific assay suitable for the detection ofN gonorrhoeae, and offers real potential for diagnostic use.
Toxoplasma tachyzoites from cell culture are more appropriate in some situations
Authors: Chatterton Jean M W , McDonagh Susan , Ho-Yen Darrel O
Published: April 2010

Background

Laboratories traditionally culture toxoplasma tachyzoites in animals for testing and experimental use. This article considers why available cell culture methods are not used more often.

Aim

To compare HeLa cell culture and animal culture for production of toxoplasma tachyzoites.

Methods

In 2000 HeLa culture replaced animal culture for continuous production of toxoplasma tachyzoites in the Scottish Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory. The performance of animal culture (1994–1998) was compared with HeLa culture (2004–2008). A PubMed search was carried out for 1998 and 2008 to assess the culture methods used in laboratories.

Results

Animal culture was able to produce higher yields of tachyzoites (109from a cotton rat peritoneal harvest compared to 107from a 75 cm2cell culture flask) but significantly more HeLa cultures were successful (93% versus 84%; p=0.025). There was no difference in the quality of tachyzoites from animal and HeLa cultures as demonstrated by the high levels of success in the dye test. HeLa culture offered significant advantages in flexibility and control. A review of the literature showed no significant change in the method of culture used in laboratories between 1998 and 2008 (p=0.36).

Conclusion

The availability of cell culture methods and the increasingly stringent regulations on the use of animals have not resulted in a decline in the use of animal culture. Animals are necessary for certain experiments but many studies could use cell-culture-derived parasites.
Simple hand-held metal detectors are an effective means of detecting cardiac pacemakers in the deceased prior to cremation: Figure 1
Authors: Stone Jason Lyle , Williams John , Fearn Lesley
Published: April 2010

The hazard of undetected cardiac pacemakers exploding in crematoria is well described. This short report describes the use of an affordable hand-held metal detector to detect cardiac pacemakers. Over the course of a year, the metal detector located 100% of cardiac pacemakers in a district general hospital mortuary. A simple model using pigskin and fat is also used to demonstrate the effectiveness in vitro. Commercially purchased hand-held metal detectors should be used in all mortuaries responsible for detection and removal of cardiac pacemakers prior to cremation.
Natural stones for monuments: their availability for restoration and evaluation
Authors: Přikryl Richard , Török Ákos
Published: April 2010

This paper represents the introduction to the volume focused on the various aspects of natural stone research. From the topic issues studied recently, four major aspects are covered: (1) availability of certain stone types for monuments, (2) strategies aiming to strengthen our knowledge of past resources through the establishment of natural stone databases and inventories, (3) evaluation of natural stone properties and assessment of the compatibility of repair stones, and (4) decay studies of natural stone on monuments and on natural exposures. This paper also aims to highlight the importance of the use of local stone resources, a practice that has seriously declined during the 20th century in most of the industrialized countries. The availability of natural stone from monuments is also discussed in terms of sandstones and travertine in the Czech Republic and Hungary as a typical example.
Evaluation of the compatibility of building limestones from salt crystallization experiments
Authors: Beck Kévin , Al-Mukhtar Muzahim
Published: April 2010

Salt absorption in porous building stones contributes greatly to the degradation of monuments. Two French porous limestones with similar main characteristics (total porosity, densities and mechanical resistance) were studied: white Tuffeau and Sebastopol stone. Accelerated ageing (weathering) tests were carried out by applying immersion-drying cycles with water containing sodium sulphate or sodium chloride. Samples of the two stones were tested separately and then in sets containing both rock varieties. The results facilitated interpretation of the observed and measured responses of these two limestones to the cycling salt crystallization. The durability of studied stones was evaluated by determining the normalized weight changes during the applied cycles. The Sebastopol stone amplified the amount of salt stored in the Tuffeau with increasing number of cycles performed, inducing its more rapid degradation. Water retention and water transfer in the pore space were found to be two main factors controlling the rate and the type of stone decay due to the salt crystallization.
Evaluation of three Italian tuffs (Neapolitan Yellow Tuff, Tufo Romano and Tufo Etrusco) as compatible replacement stone for Römer tuff in Dutch built cultural heritage
Authors: Nijland Timo G. , Van Hees Rob P. J. , Bolondi Laura
Published: April 2010

Rhenish tuffs from the volcanic Eifel region in Germany, in particular the so-called Römer tuff, are among the most prominent and voluminous natural stones in Dutch monuments. The Römer tuff has been used since Roman times, and was widely used again in Romanesque (and to a lesser extent Romano-Gothic and early Gothic) architecture. The limited (or non) availability of Römer tuff for restoration purposes is posing an increasing problem. Last decennia, the availability of Römer tuff was practically limited to blocks from the lower parts of the pyroclastic flows with abundant basalt (and other) xenoliths, giving the rock a different appearance from its traditional type; the different types of Römer tuff also demonstrate different physical and hygric properties. Given the wide use of tuff stone in Italian architecture, several Italian tuffs have been evaluated in search of a compatible replacement stone for Römer tuff. The replacement stones should approach the original as much as possible, that is, in terms of authentic appearance, physical characteristics and durability. The Italian tuffs evaluated include tuffs commercially denominated as Tufo Etrusco and Tufo Romano (from the central part of Italy) and a variety of Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (Naples region). Hygric behaviour, resistance to frost-thaw cycles, petrographic characteristics and mineralogy of Italian tuffs have been determined and compared with original Römer tuff. In all three cases, resistance to frost-thaw cycles is unfortunately shown to be considerably less than that of original Römer tuff. In addition, hygric expansion of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff appeared to be considerably larger than that of original Römer tuff. Of the tuffs evaluated, the variety of Neapolitan Yellow Tuff is a good match with the original Römer tuff in terms of visual appearance. It has already been sparsely used in the Netherlands in minor amounts. However, the durability characteristics require additional evaluation.
Petrophysical and mechanical properties of soft and porous building rocks used in Apulian monuments (south Italy)
Authors: Andriani Gioacchino F. , Walsh Nicola
Published: April 2010

This paper brings a comprehensive review of the main petrophysical and mechanical properties of calcarenite rocks used from time immemorial in Apulia (south Italy), with load-bearing and decorative functions both in constructions of specific historic and architectonic interest and in more common buildings. These soft and porous rocks show a reduced ability to maintain their characteristics of strength, appearance and resistance to decay over a considerable period of time. Even more than other sedimentary rocks, calcarenites belonging to the same formation can change considerably in terms of physical properties and mechanical behaviour due to the complex spatial arrangement of facies strongly conditioned by depositional fabric and diagenetic processes. A number of calcarenite varieties belonging to the Calcarenite di Gravina Fm. and Pietra Leccese Fm. was selected from different parts of Apulia and characterized according to petrographical, physical and mechanical properties. These included porosity, pore size distribution, density, water absorption, degree of saturation, permeability, thermal properties as well as compressive strength and flexural strength. Particular attention was given to the relationships between rock fabric features and physico-mechanical behaviour of the calcarenites. In addition, a comparison of data for the examined varieties was also discussed. A classification of the Apulian calcarenites based on rock fabric features and uniaxial compressive strength was proposed. Critical observations regarding the durability of the Apulian calcarenites were made, taking into account other data from literature.
Petrophysical properties of selected Quaternary building stones in western Austria
Authors: Unterwurzacher Michael , Obojes Ulrich , Hofer Roland , Mirwald Peter W.
Published: April 2010

In west Austria Quaternary building stones, such as lithic breccias of alluvial fans and talus slopes or calcareous spring tufa, have been frequently used as building stones since Roman times. Spring tufas are a widely used building material of historical objects in west Austria. This porous calcareous rock, formed by carbonate precipitation from calcium carbonate supersaturated spring waters, is an appreciated building stone: easy to quarry, lightweight, easily workable and relatively resistant to weathering. The Hötting Breccia, a lithified talus and alluvial breccia, has only been extracted in a few quarries near Innsbruck/Tyrol, however. Many of the mediaeval buildings of the towns of Innsbruck and Hall are built of this decorative type of stone. Petrography, mineralogical composition, porosity parameters and hygric properties have been investigated in this study from two tufas and one breccia occurrence. The results obtained reveal that these Quaternary stones, being formed at the Earth's surface, exhibit pore properties and hygric behaviour which differ considerably from other stone materials which have been subjected to the physical-chemical formation conditions of the upper Earth crust. This has implications for their workability, internal stability and weathering behaviour.
Pore and hygric properties of porous limestones: a case study from Bratislava, Slovakia
Authors: Laho Marek , Franzen Christoph , Holzer Rudolf , Mirwald Peter W.
Published: April 2010

Most historic stone monuments in Bratislava (Slovakia) are built with various types of porous, light and weakly cemented sedimentary rocks. These Neogene sandstones and limestones, also known as Leitha limestones, were quarried in the Vienna Basin. The various sedimentary environments are reflected in the heterogeneity of lithotypes and their cementation. The distinctly different pore structure of these rocks is reflected in their very variable physical properties and consequently in the distinct durability. Petrographic and petrophysical properties were determined on main ashlar types of the two most important historical monuments of Bratislava, the Castle and St Martin's Cathedral. Fresh samples of Leitha limestones were also obtained from the existing or abandoned quarries. The study includes a detailed petrographic examination of major rocks types and an assessment of their mineralogical composition by X-ray diffraction and microscopy. Hygric properties and porosity influence the weathering stability and the chances to apply conservation treatment. Parameters such as pore volume, pore size distribution by mercury porosimetry, specific surface of pores by nitrogen adsorption (BET) analysis as well as water sorption, capillary water uptake and drying behaviour were measured and compared for the six studied lithotypes.
The 19th century Corsi collection of decorative stones: a resource for the 21st century?
Authors: Cooke Lisa
Published: April 2010

The Corsi collection of decorative stones is arguably the most important and certainly the most diverse and well known of similar collections in Europe. Formed in Rome in the first quarter of the 19th century it consists of 1000 polished sample blocks (
c
. 15×7.5×4 cm) of natural decorative and semi-precious stone. All the blocks were acquired by Faustino Corsi through other persons, usually a dealer or stonecutter who had them cut to approximately the dimensions of the first model. More than 300 are from stone that had been used in ancient Rome; the others are from stone quarried at a later date. The collection, which is complete, has been in the possession of Oxford University since 1827. The reasoned catalogue by Corsi sheds light on early 19th century ideas about mineralogy and many of the types of stone in use in Rome. Hand specimens are not as important as they used to be for teaching undergraduates, and the decorative arts have little place in modern science. Recent work on provenance, type of stone and nomenclature greatly increase the value of the collection as a resource for identification of ornamental stone used in historical buildings, sculpture and the decorative arts in the 21st century.
Working for an electronic database of historical stone resources in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy)
Authors: Frangipane Anna
Published: April 2010

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is situated in northeast Italy, on the border with Austria and Slovenia. The availability of stone from many different sites across the geographical area of the Carnian and Julian Alps, the foothills and the eastern Karst has meant that, historically, a great variety of stone materials has been employed in the region. The sources of these materials are well documented as are the locations of earlier quarries, providing evidence that small-scale local quarrying operated throughout the region for more than two thousand years. In the modern period, from the beginning of the 20th century, these quarries were progressively abandoned. It is only recently that the area of historical building resources has started to attract new attention and detailed studies have been carried out into the use of natural stone materials, both from the geological and architectural points of view. The results of these studies are of great importance for the history of construction, and they also provide useful support for restoration. However, there is a great need for a comprehensive system to organize the considerable amount of data from historical documents and recent research. At present, much of the information available is accessible only to specialists, a situation which hinders the sharing of knowledge and the development of the field. In order to meet this need, a research project is in progress which aims to create an electronic database of the historical stone resources of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Based on the historical listings of quarries included in two 19th century surveys of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the database will describe the sites with existing buildings and other constructions in which the quarried materials were employed supplementing the data, where possible, with illustrations and specific references. The aim of the work is not only to demonstrate the great variety of stone resources in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the influence of this on the history of building, but also to allow the cross-disciplinary correlation between architectural, material and geographical data. Once the database has been implemented, it is hoped that it will provide a continuously upgraded resource for future conservation and restoration projects.
Alveolar weathering of Cretaceous building sandstones on monuments in Saxony, Germany
Authors: Siedel Heiner
Published: April 2010

The pattern of alveolar weathering on Cretaceous building sandstones from Saxony has been studied and related to the sandstone rock fabric and the spatial distribution of soluble salts at two monuments. The results demonstrate that uneven weathering of the stone surface is initiated by differences in porosity and mineral composition at macroscopic or microscopic scale within the heterogeneous material. Magnesium sulphate, the dominant salt, accumulates in areas with a higher content of clay minerals or ferric oxides/hydroxides, characterized by a higher amount of smaller pores. At an incipient stage, small pits in the surface are formed by salt weathering at these points. The stone dries more slowly from the base of these pits, thus accumulating more salt and leading to further material loss. Once deepened, the hole can shelter efflorescing salts from rain. The preferential weathering at the surface of the holes by salt crystallization and hydration pressure becomes a self-perpetuating process at this second stage, dependent only on changing moisture and climate. Building materials (mortars) and sulphur derived from air pollution are the main sources of the salts involved in the process of alveolar weathering on the investigated buildings. In contrast, salts that cause alveolar weathering of the Cretaceous sandstone bedrock in natural outcrops in Saxony mainly originate from long-term chemical weathering of the rock itself.
Electronic database of historical natural stones of the Czech Republic: structuring field and laboratory data
Authors: Kampfová Hana , Přikryl Richard
Published: April 2010

The structure of the electronic database of natural stones used in the Czech Republic (named
Deka
) has been completed. The system is based on MySQL, and is comprised of the following crucial items: general data, data regarding the geographic location and status of the quarry; petrographic description, associated mineralogical data and chemical analyses; technical data covering physical and mechanical properties as well as sculptural workability; parameters about the deposit (quarry); and data describing historical exploitation and utilization. Along with the structure of the database, other practical problems such as access to the database, insertions, corrections, erasing a record or reference, etc. are discussed. The database is designed for geologists, historians and restorers resolving problems of a stone's provenance from monuments, architects involved in the selection of promising stone types for new projects and for educational purposes to geologists, restorers, etc.

Appendix 1: A description of the eight types of data used in the dimension store database is provided at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/sup18394
Ornamental stones in the cultural heritage of Campania region (southern Italy): the Vitulano marbles
Authors: Allocca Francesco , Calcaterra Domenico , Calicchio Gabriella , Cappelletti Piergiulio , Colella Abner , Langella Alessio , Gennaro Maurizio de'
Published: April 2010

The marbles exploited between Vitulano and Cautano (Benevento province, Campania region, Italy), have been widely utilized (at least from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century) in several important monumental buildings of the region, due to their good properties and peculiar aesthetic qualities. They are limestones deriving from the filling of palaeo-cavities, carved into an emerged Cretaceous calcareous platform, by calcareous breccias, bauxite and alabastrine deposits. Such cavities are the result of both jointing and karst processes. The studied outcrops of the Vitulano Marbles are affected by a complex joint pattern in terms of attitude and spacing, which results in rock blocks highly variable in volume. Regarding the mineralogical composition, calcite is definitely predominant whereas the insoluble residue is constituted by low amounts of dolomite, bohemite, ematite and kaolinite. The petrophysical characterization put in evidence fairly good geomechanical properties, only partly affected by the geostructural anisotropy of the rock.
Black-crust growth and interaction with underlying limestone microfacies
Authors: Fronteau Gilles , Schneider-Thomachot Céline , Chopin Edith , Barbin Vincent , Mouze Dominique , Pascal André
Published: April 2010

Black crust growth mechanisms on three French building stones are described using diagenetic models that reveal the close links between the crust–stone interfaces and the microfacies of the host limestone. Each limestone is representative of a specific sedimentary facies and displays mixed pore structure: crinoidal limestone (Euville limestone), oolitic limestone (Savonnières limestone) and bioclastic matrix-supported limestone (Courville limestone). The crinoidal limestone is mainly made of well-developed calcitic cement (spar syntaxial calcite) with low macrocroporosity (15–20 vol. %). The oolitic limestone is macroporous (30–40 vol. %), oolite nucleus being partially or completely dissolved. The third building stone studied is less porous (14 vol. %) but presents a significant microporosity.

Weathering of the Euville limestone proceeds primarily through preferential exploitation of cleavages and microcracks and secondly by progressive recrystallization in the areas separated by previous gypsum fill-in (micro-box work). In the Savonnières limestone (oolitic limestone), gypsum recrystallization could occur without microcracks: elements are sometimes nearly totally weathered, while the palisadic calcitic cement surrounding the oolites was still preserved. In the matrix-supported limestone (Courville limestone), weathering could deeply affect the matrix while elements are not weathered. When a layer of microcrystalline calcite is observed on the surface of the limestone, however, the black crust growth seems to be limited to the external part of the stone.

Porous characteristics of limestones directly depend on sedimentary and diagenetic phases developed. The pore network controls moisture movement and also determines the reactivity of the stone to gypsum recrystallization.
Influence of temperature and salt concentration on the salt weathering of a sedimentary stone with sodium sulphate
Authors: Angeli Matthieu , Hébert Ronan , Menéndez Beatriz , David Christian , Bigas Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study is to evaluate how the ambient temperature and salt concentration affect the salt decay of a sedimentary stone. Samples of a detritic limestone which have experienced cycles of accelerated ageing at 5, 25 (room temperature, RT) and 50 °C with brines which had different sodium sulphate concentration were analysed. The weight of the samples and of the pieces fallen off during the cycles was monitored. The results show that the damage is more important at 5 °C than at RT. The samples at 50 °C were intact at the end of the experiment. Second, the size of the pieces fallen from the samples is significantly smaller for low temperatures: at 5 °C, the decay produces a fine powder; at RT, the pieces fallen off are of millimetre to centimetre scale. The weathering patterns are therefore different at these two temperatures: fine crumbling at 5 °C; coarse crumbling and contour scaling at RT. The salt uptake seems quite similar for a given concentration whatever the temperature. The decay also seems to be of a different kind for each concentration at RT: crumbling at low concentration, contour scaling at high concentration. Crystallization seems to take place deeper inside the porous network of the stone when the concentration of salts in the brine is higher, that is to say when the brine viscosity is higher.
Is sodium sulphate invariably effective in destroying any type of rock?
Authors: Yu Swe , Oguchi Chiaki T.
Published: April 2010

Sodium sulphate has been implicated as one of the most destructive weathering agents in many field observations and numerous laboratory studies. We hypothesize however, that sodium sulphate would not be invariably effective on any type of rock. To verify the supposition, a laboratory cyclic impregnation–drying experiment was undertaken. In addition to sodium sulphate, two other destructive hydratable salts, magnesium sulphate and sodium carbonate, were used to attack eight types of rock. In all three salt attacks, rock breakdown occurred only during immersion due to the exertion of higher crystallization pressure driven by the greater supersaturation reached after dissolution of the crystals precipitated during drying. Sodium sulphate was the most destructive salt in six out of the eight rocks tested, and even granite was substantially disintegrated. However, although probability is small, sodium sulphate indeed manifested its impotency against a relatively weak rock (Tago Sandstone). Contrary to its modest damaging power on other rocks, magnesium sulphate destroyed Tago Sandstone which could resist sodium sulphate attack. Sodium carbonate was the least destructive of the three hydratable salts. The general damage mechanism of hydratable salts, the process of damage of Tago Sandstone by magnesium sulphate and the possible reasons behind the impotency of sodium sulphate against Tago Sandstone are all investigated.
Simultaneous wetting/drying, freeze/thaw and salt crystallization experiments of three types of Oya tuff
Authors: Oguchi Chiaki T. , Yuasa Hayato
Published: April 2010

An abandoned subsurface Oya tuff quarry in Japan had abundant salt efflorescence in winter. Besides salt weathering, freeze-thaw weathering and slaking were likely to occur because of winter temperatures below 0 °C and the presence of swelling clays in the rock. Field surveys were performed to collect salts. Thenardite and gypsum were detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as the main salts, along with zeolites as secondary minerals. Oya tuff is categorized into three types for practical usage. To investigate petrophysical differences among the three types of Oya tuff, mercury intrusion porosimetry and tensile strength tests were performed. To determine the influence of petrophysical properties on salt weathering, freeze-thaw weathering and slaking (wet-dry weathering), all three types of Oya tuff were used for experiments. Prismatic specimens, the bases of which were sunk into distilled water, were used for the freeze-thaw and slaking experiments and Na
2
SO
4
saturated solution was used for the salt-weathering experiment. The results show that the specimens subjected to salt weathering were the most severely damaged. The coarse-type Oya tuff sustained the most severe damage, whereas the fine type received the least. There was a large amount of debris in the coarse type, but less in the fine type. The weathering susceptibility index WSI was also calculated from the results of the pore size analyses and tensile strength. The index decreases with increasing weathering cycles representing resistant rocks. The phenomena of weathering of Oya tuff were explained by three weathering experiments on three kinds of tuff. The WSI may be useful as a practical indicator of rock weathering.
Fire damage of trachyte: investigations of the Teplá monastery building stones
Authors: Gillhuber Stephanie , Lehrberger Gerhard , Göske Jürgen
Published: April 2010

The building stones of Teplá monastery (founded 1193) experienced a huge fire in 1677. Trachyte as a major rock type responded by changing colour from light beige to pink-red. Laboratory tests, during which the fresh unaltered stone from the original quarry was heated, proved the same reddened surface. Three varieties of local trachyte were examined: a greyish, naturally very fresh type (TA), a yellowish, slightly weathered and therefore iron hydroxide-bearing type (TB) and a trachyte typical with black manganese oxide dendrites and patches (TC). The changes of the physical properties and composition of these rocks were examined by ultrasonic velocity, thin section analysis, SEM observation and XRD tests. The experimental studies showed that Teplá trachyte is generally fire resistant up to 1000 °C.