bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use and misuse of geophysical data to determine the shape at depth of granitic intrusions
Authors: Vigneresse Jean Louis
Published: February 2007

Geological data are seldom reliable enough to quantify the shape of granitic bodies at depth. Remote sensing measurements and geophysical methods may allow hidden features inside plutons to be recognized. Seismic methods can be employed to display the interface between the granite and its sedimentary cover. Unfortunately, impedance contrasts are very low inside the intrusive body resulting in a transparency to seismic waves. In addition, the high cost of seismic lines with sufficient resolution excludes full 3D shaping. The use of magnetic methods is limited by the low content of magnetic minerals in acidic rocks and the observed magnetic field is often flat over plutons. Some high amplitude magnetic anomalies are restricted to the contact metamorphic aureoles surrounding granites. Acidic rocks generally have a lower density than the surrounding country rocks. A negative gravity signature is therefore associated with the intrusion. To assist with geological interpretation, a detailed gravity survey should be made over the pluton with a coverage density of about 1 measurement per km2. This is necessary to register the effects of facies variations. Interpretation should be restricted to 3D methods rather than 2D modelling on profiles because granitic bodies are not uniform along any one direction. However, 3D inversion of data must take into account the regional gravity field and variations of density in and outside the pluton. With these assumptions, models are presented which can be correlated with the structures acquired during the magmatic stage of pluton emplacement. The zones where magmatic foliations are vertical correlate with deep zones identified from gravity data. They are interpreted as magma feeding zones. The information provided by these methods represents a valuable contribution to determining the mode of emplacement of granitic intrusions.
The rapakivi texture of feldspars in a plutonic mixing environment: A dissolution‐recrystallization process?
Authors: Bussy François
Published: February 2007

A new hypothesis is formulated to explain the development of rapakivi texture in and around the mafic enclaves of porphyritic granitoids, i.e. in environments involving magma mixing and mingling. The formation of a plagioclase mantle around alkali feldspar megacrysts is attributed to the localized presence of a melt resulting from the reaction of these megacrysts, with host hybrid magma with which they are in disequilibrium. This feldspathic melt adheres to the resorbed crystals and is virtually immiscible with the surrounding magma. Its composition is modified in terms of the relative proportions of K2O, Na2O, and CaO through selective diffusion of these elements, thus allowing the specific crystallization of andesine. With decreasing temperature, the K‐feldspar, again stable, crystallizes along with the plagioclase, leading to mixed mantle structures.
Layering in felsic granites in the main East pluton, Hinchinbrook Island, North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Stephenson P. J.
Published: February 2007

Hinchinbrook is an island 36km long and is composed of late Palaeozoic igneous rocks. The main East pluton is 16km long and intrudes volcanics, granodiorites, and granites, and cuts a felsic ring dyke related to it. The rocks forming the pluton are varied, strongly‐fractioned hypersolvus granites, some of which contain late‐crystallized arfved‐sonite.

The mountains show quasi‐horizontal jointing and layering at many localities. Some details indicating downwarddirected solidification are evident. These are varied but commonly involve comb‐quartz layers or plumose quartzfeldspar intergrowths. Variations in the textures can be ascribed to varied undercooling whereas comb quartz layers grew from a separate aqueous fluid.

Directional layering is sporadically developed over the full section from sea level to the peaks above. It is concluded that the exposures represent a thick roof facies. However, the roof contact is not preserved.
A diverse ichnofauna from silurian flysch of the aberystwyth grits formation, Wales
Authors: Crimes T. P. , Crossley J. D.
Published: February 2007

The most extensive ichnofauna yet recorded from a deep water Lower Palaeozoic sequence occurs within the distal turbidites of the Lower Silurian Aberystwyth Grits Formation of Central Wales.

The strata contain an abundant assemblage comprising 25 ichnogenera: Asteriacites, Bergaueria, Chondrites, Cochlichnus, Cosmorhaphe, Glockerichnus, Gordia, Helicolithus, Helminthopsis, Helminthoida, Hormosiroidea, Lorenzinia, Megagrapton, Monomorphichnus, Neonereites, Nereites, Palaeophycus, Paleodictyon, Planolites, Protopaleodictyon, Spirorhaphe, Spirophycus, Squamodictyon, Subphyllochorda, Taphrhelminthopsis; 36 ichnospecies are described, three of which (Asteriacites aberensis, Helminthopsis regularis, Cosmorhaphe elongata) are new.

The inorganic sedimentary structures and trace fossils of some 418 sandstone beds were examined in detail; 16 per cent of the beds commence with Divisions A or B and 84 per cent with Division C of the turbidite sequence. This indicates a relatively distal environment, mainly receiving low velocity turbidity currents, and favouring trace fossil preservation. The most common traces were Helminthopsis, Paleodictyon, and Squamodictyon which were found on 46 per cent, 34 per cent, and 19 per cent of the beds examined.

Data from this, and other recently described sequences, confirms that there was a gradual increase in trace fossil diversity in the deep oceans throughout the Lower Palaeozoic, in contrast to the situation in shallow water shelf seas where a peak was reached as early as the Lower Cambrian.
The genesis of the west shropshire orefield: Evidence from fluid inclusions, sphalerite chemistry, and sulphur isotopic ratios
Authors: Pattrick R. A. D. , Bowell R. J.
Published: February 2007

The Pb + Zn + Ba veins of West Shropshire, England, occupy fractures in Ordovician and Precambrian rocks of the Shelve Inlier. Precipitation of sphaleritic ores was succeeded by galena + baryte mineralization, with chalcopyrite also occurring late in the mineralizing episode. Three generations of sphalerite are recognized, and second being chemically zoned with distinct Fe + Cd‐rich growth zones. Associated with these iron‐rich bands are smaller (∼ 10 μm) zones rich in indium (>1.0 wt%) and copper, electron electron probe microanalyses suggesting coupled substitution of Cu+ + In+3 in the ZnS. Based on the sequence of growth zones and their chemistry a sphalerite stratigraphy can be recognized within the orefield.

Fluid inclusions studies reveal the mineralizing fluids to be highly saline (18–30 wt% CaCl2 equivalent) Na + Ca‐richbrines, with mineralizing temperatures in the range 200–120°C. A trend from higher temperature‐low salinity to low temperature‐high salinity fluids with time is recognized. Sulphide sulphur isotopic ratios are consistent and suggest a ΔS34SH2S of the mineralizing fluid of 10%, while 34Sbaryte values are in the range + 14 to + 19%, indicating separate sulphate and sulphide sulphur sources. The mineralogical, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data suggest the saline fluids rose into an open plumbing system where mineral precipitation was mainly controlled by fluid cooling. The baryte however, formed due to mixing with oan overlying sulphate‐bearing reservioir.

Theree possible fluid sources are considered, namely: Lower Carboniferous seawater, basinal brines, and metamorphic fluids. However, the information available does not allow the source to be positively identified.
Zoning and layering in diorites of the scottish caledonian appinite suite
Authors: Platten Ian M.
Published: February 2007

Dioritic plugs (< 1 km across) are common associates of the late Caledonian, post‐tectonic granites of the Scottish Highlands. These contain a very wide range of rock types from ultramafic through mesocratic diorites to anorthositic and granitic. These rocks form steeply dipping, wall‐parallel layers and zones within the plugs. Outer layers are shown to form first, inner layers later. Mafic zones are composed of the minerals seen as phenocrysts in chilled margins and have the chemical characteristics of cumulates. The inner margins of the mafic zones reflect the onset of plagioclase crystallization. Core zones also show inward variations in mineralogy and texture which define vertical, wall‐parallel cylinders. These variations are ascribed to fractional crystallization accompanying accretion of rock onto the pipe walls. Cores in different intrusions may be mafic, mesocratic, or leucocratic, which indicates vertical zonation in the bodies. The mafic cores additionally show that recharge with less evolved magma occurred in some cases. The few larger (> 1 km diameter) intrusions show examples of layering and lamination dipping at low to moderate angles. These indicate the beginning of a change from wall‐dominated to floor‐dominated crystallization as intrusion diameter increases. A comparison is made with the nature and origin of layering in other intrusions.
Lower Carboniferous (Dinantian) stratigraphy and structure of the Walterstown‐Kentstown area, Co. Meath, Ireland
Authors: Pickard Neil A. H. , Jones Gareth Li. , Rees John G. , Somerville Ian D. , Strogen Peter
Published: February 2007

Stratigraphic units are defined and described for the Lower Carboniferous succession in the Walterstown‐Kentstown area of Co. Meath, Ireland. A complete (unexposed) Courceyan succession from the terrestrial red bed facies of the Baronstown Formation to the Moathill Formation of the Navan Group has been penetrated in several boreholes. Although the lower part of the sequence is comparable with the Courceyan succession at Navan and Slane, the middle part of the sequence differs markedly in the Walterstown‐Kentstown area and two new members, the Proudstown and Walterstown Members, are defined in the upper part of the Meath Formation.

Syndepositional faulting was initiated during the Courceyan, probably in latest Pseudopolygnathus multistriatus or early Polygnathus mehli latus time. Movement on the ENE trending St. Patrick's Well Fault influenced the deposition of the Walterstown Member and the overlying Moathill Formation and was probably associated with the development of the East Midlands depocentre to the south of the area. A second episode of tectonism in the latest Courceyan or early Chadian resulted in uplift and erosion and the development of ‘block and basin’ sedimentation.

Subsequent transgression of the uplifted block led to the establishment of the Kentstown Platform, bounded to the north, west and south by rocks of basinal facies. The Milverton Group (Chadian‐Asbian), confined to this platform, unconformably overlies Courceyan or Lower Palaeozoic strata and is subdivided into three formations: Crufty Formation (late Chadian), Holmpatrick Formation (late Chadian‐Arundian) and Mullaghfin Formation (late Arundian‐Asbian). The Walterstown Fault controlled the western margin of the Kentstown Platform at this time. Contemporaneous basinal sediments of the Fingal Group (Lucan and Naul Formations) accumulated to the west of the Walterstown Fault and are much thicker than age‐equivalent platform facies.

Platform sedimentation ceased in latest Asbian to early Brigantian time with tectonically induced collapse and drowning of the platform; platform carbonates of the Mullaghfin Formation are onlapped northwards by coarse proximal basinal facies of the Loughshinny Formation.

A distinct gravity anomaly in the Kentstown area suggests the presence of a granitoid body within the basement. The Kentstown Platform is therefore considered to have formed on a buoyant, granite‐cored, footwall high analogous to the Askrigg and Alston Blocks of northern England.
Petrology and petrogenesis of a tertiary bimodal dolerite‐peralkaline/subalkaline trachyte/rhyolite dyke association from Lundy, Bristol Channel, UK
Authors: Thorpe R. S. , Tindle A. G.
Published: February 2007

The island of Lundy forms the southernmost igneous complex of the British Tertiary Volcanic Province (BTVP) and consists of granite (≈ 90%) emplaced into deformed Devonian sedimentary rocks (Pilton Shale) and associated with a swarm of dykes of dolerite/basalt, minor trachyte and rhyolite composition. The dolerites are of varied olivine basalt composition and are associated with peralkaline trachyte and subalkaline/peralkaline rhyolite with alkali feldspar and quartz ± alkali amphibole ± pyroxene mineralogy. The dyke swarm is therefore an anorogenic bimodal dolerite/basalt–trachyte/rhyolite BTVP association. Although the dyke association is bimodal in major element terms between dolerite/basalt and minor trachyte/rhyolite, the mineralogy and trace element geochemistry indicate that the dykes may be regarded as a cogenetic dolerite—peralkaline trachyte/rhyolite association with minor subalkaline rhyolites. Sr and Nd isotope data indicate derivation of these magmas from a similar BTVP mantle source (with or without minor contamination by Pilton Shale, or possibly Lundy granite).

The petrogenesis of the Lundy dyke association is therefore interpreted in terms of extensive fractional crystallization of basaltic magma in a magma chamber of complex geometry below the (exposed) Lundy granite. Fractional crystallization of a representative dolerite magma (olivine ± clinopyroxene ± plagioclase) yields trachyte magma from which the crystallization of alkali feldspar (anorthoclase) ± plagioclase (oligoclase) + Fe–Ti oxide + apatite results in peralkaline rhyolite. Rarer subalkaline rhyolites result from fractionation from a similar dolerite source which did not achieve a peralkaline composition so allowing the crystallization and fractionation of zircon. The basalt–(minor trachyte)/rhyolite bimodality reflects rapid crystallization of basalt magma to trachyte (and rhyolite) over a relatively small temperature interval (mass fraction of melt, F = ≈ 0.15). The rapid high level emplacement of basalt, trachyte and rhyolite dyke magmas is likely to have been associated with the development of a substantial composite bimodal basalt–(minor trachytel)/rhyolite volcano above the BTVP Lundy granite in the Bristol Channel.
40Ar/39 Ar geochronological constraints on timing of deformation and metamorphism of the Central Norrbotten Caledonides, Sweden
Authors: Page Laurence M.
Published: February 2007

40Ar/39Ar geothermochronology is especially useful within the Scandinavian Caledonides, which experienced deformation and metamorphism as a result of two major tectonothermal pulses during the Early and Middle Palaeozoic. This detailed 40Ar/39Ar geochronological study of the Central Norrbotten Caledonides allows examination of the timing of tectonothermal activity within the Lower Köli Nappe, the Seve–Köli shear zone, the Seve Nappe and the shear zone rocks of the Middle Allochthon. The results obtained from a suite of 19 samples from the study area can be incorporated with structural and metamorphic constraints to establish the geological history of the region. Results from this study include: (1) the high grade metamorphism and associated deformation of the Seve units was a Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician event (Finnmarkian) in which the rocks cooled below the respective closure temperatures for hornblende at ≈ 490 Ma and muscovite at ≈ 454 Ma; (2) assuming a simple linear cooling model a cooling rate of 3–6°C/Ma was obtained for the older tectonothermal event; (3) there is evidence for late stage Finnmarkian (450 Ma), relatively high grade shear zones separating different tectonostratigraphic elements within the Seve; (4) the Scandian phase of deformation and metamorphism partially reset some of the Seve hornblendes and most of the muscovites, which indicates that the rocks affected by the Finnmarkian event felt a second tectonothermal pulse of more than 350°C beginning at ≈ 430 Ma; and (5) during the Scandian event all of the far travelled allochthonous tectonic units were juxtaposed and the Middle Allochthon mylonites were formed as these nappes were emplaced above the Baltic Shield. The tectonic units of the Singis‐Nikkaluokta transect were assembled before regional cooling through the closure temperature of muscovite.
Arundian (Dinantian) carbonate mudbanks in north‐west Ireland
Authors: Kelly John G. , Somerville Ian D.
Published: February 2007

Arundian mudbank complexes at Pollower and Carrickbaun in north‐west Ireland are described in detail. The two bank complexes developed on different fault blocks controlled and separated by the Curlew Mountain Fault system which was active during the Dinantian. The two mudbank complexes are composed predominantly of lime mudstone and wackestone textures with abundant peloids and intraclasts. Stromatactoid cavity systems in the banks are extensive and have multiple generations of geopetal internal sediment and radiaxial and bladed cryptofibrous calcite cements. These mudbanks are comparable with earlier Courceyan‐Chadian deep water Waulsortian mudbanks which accumulated on carbonate ramps. Components in the Pollower bank most closely resemble those in subphotic Phase C Waulsortian banks, whereas the Carrickbaun mudbank, which possesses dasycladacean algae, intraclasts and micritized fragmented bioclasts, indicates a much shallower environment of in situ carbonate mud accumulation, comparable to the photic Phase D assemblages of Waulsortian banks. The difference in depositional setting is also reflected by their respective enclosing lithologies. The Pollower bank is surrounded by deep water black argillaceous wackestones and shales, whereas at Carrickbaun shallower water crinoidal packstones and grainstones are developed on the flanks and bank top. The Arundian mudbank complexes have many similarities with the Asbian mudbanks of north‐west Ireland and as such appear to represent an important ‘stratigraphic’ link in the continuum of deep water mudbanks between the two main periods of development in the early Dinantian (Waulsortian) and late Dinantian (Asbian/Brigantian).
Discussion of ‘A late Ordovician/early Silurian non‐depositional slope and perched basin along the Tywi Anticline, Mid Wales’ by D. M. D. James
Authors: Waters R. A. , Davies J. R. , Fletcher C. J. N. , Wilson D.
Published: February 2007

In Volume 26, 7‐26 of the Journal, Dr D. M. D. James described the stratigraphy, sedimentology and structure of the late Ordovician to earliest Silurian succession in the core of the Tywi Anticline between the Sugar Loaf and the Wye Valley. He has used these new data to consolidate his previous model of a non‐depositional slope, established by Ashgill progradation of the shelf margin, separating basinal from shelf facies during the latest Ashgill and early Silurian (James 1983).

Over the past four years, we have mapped the northern region of the Tywi Anticline, north‐east of the Chwefru Valley, as part of the survey of the 1:50000 Sheet 179 (Rhayader) (British Geological Survey (a) in press). Our results (Barron et al. 1989; Davies et al. 1991; Smith et al. 1991; Waters et al. in press; Wilson et al. in press) lead us to question aspects of James's Ashgill stratigraphy and the viability of his non‐depositional slope model.
Garn Prŷs: A mid‐Silurian canyon, feeder to the Denbigh Grits of North Wales
Authors: Cave R. , Evans J. A. , Campbell S. D. G.
Published: February 2007

A fining‐upward, siliciclastic sequence of Wenlock strata, coarsely rudaceous at the base, infilled a canyon, about 4.5 km wide and 1700 m deep, in older strata. The rudaceous deposits, at the flat base of the canyon, are composed mainly of rounded cobbles and boulders of acid volcanic rocks. These are interpreted as cohesionless debris‐flow deposits that were succeeded by northward‐directed high concentration turbidity currents. The infill is deduced to have been derived from a terrain of acid volcanic rocks to the south, similar in Nd isotope composition to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group of Snowdonia. It implies mid‐Silurian uplift and erosion of the Harlech Dome.
Evidence for neural accommodation to a writing system following learning
Authors: Liu Ying , Dunlap Susan , Fiez Julie , Perfetti Charles
Published: February 2007

Native English speakers with no knowledge of Chinese were trained on 60 Chinese characters according to one of three mapping conditions: orthography to pronunciation and meaning (P + M), orthography to pronunciation (P), and orthography to meaning (M). Following the training, fMRI scans taken during passive viewing of Chinese characters showed activation in brain regions that partially overlap the regions found in studies of skilled Chinese readers, but typically not found in alphabetic readers. Areas include bilateral middle frontal (BA 9), right occipital (BA 18/19), and fusiform (BA 37) regions. The activation pattern of Chinese characters was similar across the three groups. However, peak location was different in the left middle frontal region between groups. Direct contrasts between the groups also revealed stronger activation of left middle frontal in the P + M group. The results suggest that learners acquired skill in reading Chinese characters using a brain network similar to that used by Chinese native speakers. The results are consistent with the system accommodation hypothesis: The brain's reading network accommodates to features of an acquired writing system. Hum Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Change in spontaneous analogical transfer in young children: a microgenetic study
Authors: Tunteler Erika , Resing Wilma C. M.
Published: February 2007

This study assessed the development of spontaneous analogical transfer from story problems to physical tasks by examining the effects of practice alone, without intervention or explicit prompting. Participants were 216 children aged 5–8 years. The microgenetic technique was incorporated with each age group by following them for six consecutive sessions of three trails each. The role of practice and age was investigated, not only on children's task behaviour, but also on their explanations of their actions. The results indicated that the ability to use analogy spontaneously improves over time with practice regardless of age, and that it develops over a protracted age range, with some children showing competence early, while others show poor performance at the age of 8 years. Furthermore, the study found development of analogical transfer to involve within‐participant variability, as children showed competence on some trials but not on others. Although not a focus of the study, the results revealed intra‐individual utilization deficiency in the domain of analogical transfer. It is concluded that there is strong evidence for gradual rather than step‐like change in the development of analogical transfer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple roles of the candidate oncogene ZNF217 in ovarian epithelial neoplastic progression
Authors: Li Peixiang , Maines‐Bandiera Sarah , Kuo Wen‐Lin , Guan Yinghui , Sun Yu , Hills Mark , Huang Guiqing , Collins Collin C. , Leung Peter C.K. , Gray Joe W. , Auersperg Nelly
Published: February 2007

The transcription factor ZNF217 is often amplified in ovarian cancer, but its role in neoplastic progression is unknown. We introduced ZNF217‐HA by adenoviral and retroviral infection into normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSE), i.e., the source of ovarian cancer, and into SV40 Tag/tag expressing, p53/pRB‐deficient OSE with extended but finite life spans (IOSE). In OSE, ZNF217‐HA reduced cell–substratum adhesion and accelerated loss of senescent cells, but caused no obvious proneoplastic changes. In contrast, ZNF217‐HA transduction into IOSE yielded two permanent lines, I‐80RZ and I‐144RZ, which exhibited telomerase activity, stable telomere lengths, anchorage independence and reduced serum dependence, but were not tumorigenic in SCID mice. This immortalization required short‐term EGF treatment near the time of crisis. The permanent lines were EGF‐independent, but ZNF217‐dependent since siRNA to ZNF217 inhibited anchorage independence and arrested growth. Array CGH revealed genomic changes resembling those of ovarian carcinomas, such as amplicons at 3q and 20q, and deletions at 4q and 18, associated with underexpressed annexin A10, N‐cadherin, desmocollin 3 and PAI‐2, which have been reported as tumor suppressors. The lines overexpressed EEF1A2, SMARA3 and STAT1 and underexpressed other oncogenes, tumor suppressors and extracellular matrix/adhesion genes. The results implicate ZNF217 as an ovarian oncogene, which is detrimental to senescing normal OSE cells but contributes to neoplastic progression in OSE with inactivated p53/RB. The resemblance of the genomic changes in the ZNF217‐overexpressing lines to ovarian carcinomas provides a unique model to investigate interrelationships between these changes and ovarian neoplastic phenotypes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of combined antioxidant (β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol and ascorbic acid) supplementation on antioxidant capacity, DNA single‐strand breaks and levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1/IGF‐binding protein 3 in the ferret model of lung cancer
Authors: Kim Yuri , Lian Fuzhi , Yeum Kyung‐Jin , Chongviriyaphan Nalinee , Choi Sang‐Woon , Russell Robert M. , Wang Xiang‐Dong
Published: February 2007

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and its major binding protein, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) are implicated in lung cancer and other malignancies. We have previously shown that the combination of three major antioxidants [β‐carotene (BC), α‐tocopherol (AT) and ascorbic acid (AA)] can prevent lung carcinogenesis in a 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK)‐treated and smoke‐exposed (SM) ferret model, which is highly analogous to humans. The present study is aimed at determining the effect of the combination of BC, AT and AA on antioxidant capacity, lymphocyte DNA damage, plasma IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 concentrations, as well as on IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3 mRNA expression in the tissues (lung and liver) of the ferrets. Ferrets were treated with or without combined antioxidant (BC, AT and AA) supplementation (AOX) for 6 months in the following 4 groups: (i) control; (ii) SM+NNK; (iii) AOX; and (iv) SM+NNK+AOX. Combined AOX supplementation significantly attenuated SM+NNK induced lymphocyte DNA damage in the ferret, while increasing resistance to oxidative damage when challenged with H2O2 in vitro. Ferrets treated with SM+NNK had significantly lower IGFBP‐3 mRNA expression in lungs, whereas there was significantly higher IGFBP‐3 mRNA expression in the liver, as well as higher circulating IGFBP‐3 concentrations. Combined AOX supplementation did not affect the plasma or tissue (lung and liver) ratio of IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3. Combined antioxidant supplementation provides protection against smoke‐induced oxidative DNA damage, but does not affect the IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3 system. Differential expression of IGFBP‐3 in different tissues indicates that caution should be taken when using plasma IGFBP‐3 as a biomarker of tissue status. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal smoking and the epidemic of testicular cancer—A nested case–control study
Authors: Pettersson Andreas , Akre Olof , Richiardi Lorenzo , Ekbom Anders , Kaijser Magnus
Published: February 2007

For no apparent reason, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased to epidemic proportions in many countries. Pregnancy smoking has been suggested to be a cause. Previous analytical studies have been negative, but the inherent difficulties in retrospective assessment of this exposure have led to no definite conclusion. We have conducted a population‐based case–control study on 192 cases of testicular germ‐cell cancer—born in Sweden in 1973 onwards and aged ≥15 at cancer diagnosis—and 494 matched controls, where data on maternal smoking were collected during pregnancy. We found no association with testicular cancer for maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.64–1.30), and there was no evidence of a dose–response effect. We conclude that the epidemic rise in testicular cancer in many populations is not due to the surge in smoking among women. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cigarette smoke components inhibited intercellular communication and differentiation in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells
Authors: Tai Mei‐Hui , Upham Brad L. , Olson Lawrence Karl , Tsao Ming‐Sound , Reed Donald N. , Trosko James E.
Published: February 2007

Smoking is a well‐documented risk factor for the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Although the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cigarette smoke are methylated anthracenes and phenanthrenes, the epigenetic toxicity of these compounds has not been extensively studied. We previously showed that methylanthracenes, which possess a bay‐like structure, affect epigenetic events such as an induced release of arachidonic acid, inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and induction of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in a pluripotent rat liver epithelial stem cell line. Anthracenes with no bay‐like structures were inactive. These biological effects are all molecular events associated with the promotional phase of cancer. A human immortalized, nontumorigenic pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line, H6c7, was examined to study the epigenetic toxicity of PAHs related to pancreatic cancer by using scrape‐loading dye transfer, immunostaining, RT‐PCR and telomerase assay methods. H6c7 cells were GJIC‐incompetent and exhibited high telomerase activity when grown in growth factor and hormone‐supplemented medium. In the presence of the cAMP elevating drugs (forskolin and IBMX) the cells became GJIC competent and expressed connexins. Telomerase activity was also decreased by cAMP elevating drug treatment. After induction of cAMP, 1‐methylanthracene with bay‐like structures inhibited GJIC, whereas the 2‐methylanthracene lacking a bay‐like structure had no effect on GJIC. Telomerase activity remained high in 1‐methylanthracene treatment but not with 2‐methylanthracene. These results indicate that a prominent component of cigarette smoke, namely methylanthracenes with distinct structural configurations, could be a potential etiological agent contributing to the epigenetic events of pancreatic cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus‐16 DNA methylation patterns support a causal association of the virus with oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Balderas‐Loaeza Adriana , Anaya‐Saavedra Gabriela , Ramirez‐Amador Velia A. , Guido‐Jimenez Miriam C. , Kalantari Mina , Calleja‐Macias Itzel E. , Bernard Hans‐Ulrich , Garcia‐Carranca Alejandro
Published: February 2007

Infection with human papillomavirus‐16 (HPV‐16) is the cause of most anogenital carcinomas. This virus is also detected in about 20% of all head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. While there is strong evidence for a causal etiological role in the case of tonsillar carcinomas, causal association with malignant lesions of the oral cavity is not yet conclusive. Our previous investigations of HPV‐16 DNA methylation in anogenital sites have identified hypermethylation of the L1 gene and part of the long control region in many malignant lesions, but rarely in asymptomatic infections and low‐grade precancerous lesions. Here, we report hypermethylation of this diagnostically important segment of the viral DNA in 10 out of 12 HPV‐16 positive oral carcinomas from Mexican patients. These data indicate epigenetic changes of HPV‐16 in oral carcinomas similar to those in anogenital carcinomas, suggesting carcinogenic processes under the influence of HPV‐16 in most if not all of these oral malignant lesions. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a novel single nucleotide polymorphism in the first tandem repeat sequence of the thymidylate synthase 2R allele
Authors: Lincz Lisa F. , Scorgie Fiona E. , Garg Madhu B. , Ackland Stephen P.
Published: February 2007

Thymidylate synthase (TS) activity is an important determinant of response to chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine prodrugs and its expression is largely determined by the number of functional upstream stimulatory factor (USF) E‐box consensus elements present in the 5′regulatory region of the TYMS gene. Two known polymorphisms in this area, a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) consisting of 2 or 3 repeats (2R/3R) of a 28‐bp sequence and a further G > C single nucleotide substitution within the second repeat of the 3R, result in genotypes with between 2 and 4 functional repeats in most humans. Here, we identify a further G > C SNP in the first repeat of the TYMS 2R allele, which effectively abolishes the only functional USF protein binding site in this promoter. The frequency of the new allele was found to be 4.2% (95% CI = 1.4–9.6%), accounting for 8.8% (95% CI = 2.9–19.3%) of all 2R alleles in our patient cohort. Thus, we observed that the lowest number of inherited functional binding sites is 1 instead of 2 as previously thought, and could potentially be 0 in a homozygous individual. This would severely decrease TS expression and may have implications for predicting efficacy and toxicity of therapy with commonly used fluorouracil‐based therapy regimes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smoking and survival after breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Holmes Michelle D. , Murin Susan , Chen Wendy Y. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Spiegelman Donna , Colditz Graham A.
Published: February 2007

We examined whether a history of smoking is associated with an increased risk of death from any cause or from breast cancer, among women diagnosed with breast cancer. This was a prospective observational study among 5,056 women from the Nurses' Health Study with Stages I–III invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 1978 and 2002 and for whom we had information on smoking, and who were followed until January 2002 or death, whichever came first. Subjects were classified as current, former or never smokers based upon smoking status at the biennial questionnaire immediately preceding the breast cancer diagnosis. In multivariate‐adjusted analyses, compared with never smokers, women who were current smokers had a 43% increased adjusted relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.24–1.65] of death from any cause. A strong linear gradient was observed with the number of cigarettes per day smoked, p‐trend <0.0001; the RR (95% CI) for 1–14, 15–24 and 25 or more cigarettes per day was 1.27 (1.01–1.61), 1.30 (1.08–1.57) and 1.79 (1.47–2.19). In contrast, there was no association with current smoking and breast cancer death; the RR (95% CI) was 1.00 (0.83–1.19). Current and past smokers were more likely than never smokers to die from primary lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung diseases. We conclude that a history of smoking increased mortality following diagnosis with breast cancer, but did not increase mortality from breast cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro oxime reactivation of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase inhibited by methyl‐paraoxon
Authors: Petroianu G. A. , Arafat K. , Nurulain S. M. , Kuča K. , Kassa J.
Published: February 2007

Oximes are cholinesterase reactivators of use in poisoning with organophosphorus ester enzyme inhibitors. Pralidoxime (PRX) is the oxime used in the United States. Clinical experience with pralidoxime (and other oximes) is disappointing and the routine use has been questioned. Furthermore oximes are not equally effective against all existent enzyme inhibitors. There is a clear demand for ‘broad spectrum’ cholinesterase reactivators with a higher efficacy than those clinically available. To meet this need over the years new reactivators of cholinesterase of potential clinical utility have been developed.

The purpose of the study was to quantify ‘in vitro’ the extent of protection conferred by available (pralidoxime and methoxime) and experimental (K‐27, K‐33 and K‐48) oximes, using methyl‐paraoxon (methyl‐POX) as an esterase inhibitor and to compare the results with those previously obtained using paraoxon (POX) as an inhibitor.

Red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in whole blood were measured photometrically in the presence of different methyl‐POX concentrations and IC50 values calculated. Determinations were repeated in the presence of increasing oxime concentrations. The IC50 of methyl‐POX (59 nm) increased with the oxime concentration in a linear manner. The calculated IC50 values were plotted against the oxime concentrations to obtain an IC50 shift curve. The slope of the shift curve (tg α) was used to quantify the magnitude of the protective effect (nm IC50 increase per µm reactivator).

Based on our determinations the new K‐series of reactivators is superior to pralidoxime (tg α = 1.9) and methoxime (tg α = 0.7), K‐27 and K‐48 being the outstanding compounds with a tg α value of 10 (nm IC50 increase per µm reactivator), which is ≈ five times the reactivator ability of PRX. The tg α value determined for K‐33 was 6.3.

The ranking of reactivator potencies of the examined oximes determined with methyl‐POX as an inhibitor (K‐27 = K‐48 > K‐33 > pralidoxime > methoxime) is similar to the ranking previously reported by us using POX as an inhibitor (K‐27 ≥ K‐48 > K‐33 > methoxime = pralidoxime). There is an (expected) inverse relationship between the binding constant K and the slope of the IC50 shift curve (tg α) for all oximes examined. K‐27 and K‐48 (the most protective substances judging by the tg α) having the lowest K value (highest affinity).

In vivo testing of the new oximes as methyl‐paraoxon protective agents is necessary. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced bone bonding of hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium implants by electrical polarization
Authors: Kobayashi Takayuki , Itoh Soichiro , Nakamura Satoshi , Nakamura Miho , Shinomiya Kenichi , Yamashita Kimihiro
Published: February 2007

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings are applied to orthopedic and dental implants made of titanium (Ti) and its alloys in order to increase their bioactivities and to offset the mechanical weakness of HAp. We examined thein vivoeffects of electrical polarization on the bone bonding of HAp‐coated Ti. Polarized samples with a negatively or positively charged HAp‐coated surface (N‐ or P‐surface, respectively) were randomly implanted in the femora and tibiae of canines. As controls, nonpolarized HAp‐coated Ti substrates with 0‐surfaces were implanted. Direct bonding between the newly formed bone and HAp‐coated Ti was observed with the O‐, N‐, and P‐surfaces. The results of a pullout test were consistent with the amount of newly formed bone bonded directly to the surface of HAp‐coated Ti. Electrically polarized HAp‐coated Ti substrates, especially those with N‐surfaces, exposed to recipient bone enhance bone bonding and could enable earlier weight‐bearing loads after operations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Expression of core binding factor 1 and osteoblastic markers in C2C12 cells induced by calcium phosphate ceramics in vitro
Authors: Tan Yanfei , Wang Gang , Fan Hongsong , Wang Xinlong , Lu Jian , Zhang Xingdong
Published: February 2007

The in vivo osteoinductive capacity of porous calcium phosphate ceramics (Ca/P ceramics) with special structure and phase composition had been found for almost decades. The mechanism of the osteoinductivity of porous calcium phosphate is studied by C2C12 cells culture in this paper. C2C12 cells were cocultured with four kinds of porous Ca/P ceramics for 2 and 5 days, without adding other growth factors. The four kinds of Ca/P ceramics were pure HA sintered at 1250°C and HA/TCP with a ratio of 60/40 sintered at 1100, 1200, and 1250°C respectively. RT‐PCR analysis found that the Ca/P ceramics induced the expression of Cbfa1, collagen type I, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin in C2C12 cells, while they did not induce mRNA expression of Indian hedgehog (IHH) that regulate chondrocyte differentiation. Our results showed that Ca/P ceramics alone were sufficient to induce C2C12 cells differentiation. The induction of bone‐related markers expression by Ca/P ceramics in osteoprogenitor cells suggested that the osteogenesis induced by the ceramics was intramembranous and the osteoinductivity was their intrinsic property. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
In vitro culture of mesenchymal cells onto nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite‐coated Ti13Nb13Zr alloy
Authors: Bigi A. , Nicoli‐Aldini N. , Bracci B. , Zavan B. , Boanini E. , Sbaiz F. , Panzavolta S. , Zorzato G. , Giardino R. , Facchini A. , Abatangelo G. , Cortivo R.
Published: February 2007

In this study we coated a new biocompatible, nanostructured titanium alloy, Ti13Nb13Zr, with a thin layer of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and we investigated the response of human bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal cells. The coating was realized using a slightly supersaturated CaP solution, which provokes a fast deposition of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. A thin layer of deposition is appreciable on the etched Ti13Nb13Zr substrates after just 1.5 h soaking in the CaP solution, and it reaches a thickness of 1–2 μm after 3 h soaking. The coating seems thinner than that deposited on Ti6Al4V, which was examined for comparison, likely because of the different roughness profiles of the two etched alloys, and it is constituted of elongated HA nanocrystals, with a mean length of about 100 nm. Mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto coated and uncoated Ti alloys and cultured for up to 35 days. Cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation were evaluated. The cells display good adhesion and proliferation on the uncoated substrates, whereas the presence of hydroxyapatite coating slightly reduces cell proliferation and induces differentiation of MSCs towards a phenotypic osteoblastic lineage, in agreement with the increase of the expression of osteopontin, osteonectin and collagen type I, evaluated by means of rt‐PCR. Type I collagen expression is higher in Ti13Nb13Zr MSC culture compared to Ti6Al4V, standing for a more efficient extracellular matrix deposition. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Effects of mannosylated glycopolymers on specific interaction to bone marrow hematopoietic and progenitor cells derived from murine species
Authors: Park Keun‐Hong , Na Kun , Lee Yong Su , Chang Won‐Kyong , Park Jin‐Ki , Akaike Thoshihiro , Kim Dong Ku
Published: February 2007

Poly[N‐pvinylbenzyl‐O‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(1‐4)‐D‐glucoamide], poly[N‐pvinylbenzyl‐O‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1‐4)‐D‐glucoamide], and poly[N‐p‐vinylbenzyl‐O‐mannopyranosyl‐(1‐4)‐D‐gluconamide] (referred to as PVLA, PVMA, and PV‐Man) are polystyrene derivatives that contain galactose, glucose, and mannose moieties, which interact with hematopoietic cells (HCs). To clarify the specific interaction between the glucopolymers and hematopoietic cells, glycopolymers labeled with fluorescent isothiocyanate (FITC) were used to follow the specific interaction, which was visualized by confocal laser microscopy. We found that PV‐Man binds strongly to HCs, probably because of a specific interaction mediated by specific receptors present on the cell membrane, while some cytotoxicity when was observed when PV‐Man interacted with the cell membrane. The fluorescence intensity between PV‐Man and HCs was up to four‐fold (0.14 ± 0.04) that of PVMA and PVLA with hematopoietic HCs (0.033 ± 0.01). Moreover, cellular fluorescence increased significantly with increasing incubation time and increasing polymer concentration. Using hematopoietic lineage‐specific antibodies, cells were stained and analyzed by flow cytometry to confirm which HCs showed specific binding with glycopolymers, especially hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells (c‐kit+), B‐lymphocyte progenitor cells (B220+), monocyte cells (CD11b+), and erythrocytes (Ter119+). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Preparation and bioactive characteristics of a porous 13–93 glass, and fabrication into the articulating surface of a proximal tibia
Authors: Fu Qiang , Rahaman Mohamed N. , Bal B. Sonny , Huang Wenhai , Day Delbert E.
Published: February 2007

The silicate‐based 45S5 bioactive glass, typically in particulate form, has been widely investigated for bone repair. However, its application as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering is limited due to the difficulty of forming porous three‐dimensional constructs with complex shapes. In this study, the use of another silicate‐based bioactive glass, referred to as 13–93, was investigated for the preparation of porous constructs. Particles of 13–93 glass (255–325 μm) were consolidated and sintered to form cylindrical constructs. Characterization of these constructs was performed using mercury porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical testing. Constructs with porosities of 40–45% and pore sizes in the range 100–300 μm were found to have a compressive strength of 22 ± 1 MPa. The bioactivity of the 13–93 glass was studied by immersing disks in a simulated body fluid at 37°C and characterizing the reaction products. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and SEM showed the formation of a crystalline hydroxyapatite layer on the glass surface after ∼7 days. The ability to fabricate the complex geometrical shape of the articulating surface of a human tibia from 13–93 glass particles was demonstrated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Long‐term activation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase attenuates pressure‐overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Li Hong‐Liang , Yin Ran , Chen Dandan , Liu Dan , Wang Dong , Yang Qinglin , Dong Yu‐Gang
Published: February 2007

Recent in vitro studies suggest that adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) exerts inhibitory effects on cardiac hypertrophy. However, it is unclear whether long‐term activation of AMPK will affect cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. In these reports, we investigate the in vivo effects of long‐term AMPK activation on cardiac hypertrophy and the related molecular mechanisms. To examine the effects of AMPK activation in the development of pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, we administered 5‐aminoimidazole 1 carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR, 0.5 mg/g body wt), a specific activator of AMPK, to rats with transaortic constriction (TAC) for 7 weeks. We found that long‐term AMPK activation attenuated cardiac hypertrophy, and improved cardiac function in rats subjected to TAC. Furthermore, long‐term AMPK activation attenuated protein synthesis, diminished calcineurin‐nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signaling in pressure overload‐induced hypertrophic hearts. Our in vitro experiments further proved that activation of AMPK by infection of AdAMPK blocked cardiac hypertrophy and NFAT, NF‐κB, and MAPK signal pathways. The present study demonstrates for the first time that pharmacological activation of AMPK inhibits cardiac hypertrophy in through blocking signaling transduction pathways that are involved in cardiac growth. It presents a potential therapy strategy to inhibit pathological cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the activity of AMPK. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 1086–1099, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.