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Mineralization
Kinds of Mineralization Terms modified by Mineralization Selected AbstractsFactors affecting biodegradation of 2-chlorophenol by Alcaligenes sp. in aerobic reactorsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2001A. Gallego Abstract The influence of variations in carbon source concentration, cell inocula, pH, presence of other substrates, and other organisms on the biodegradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) was studied for Alcaligenes sp. isolated from natural sources. Assays of biodegradation were performed in batch and continuous-flow fluidized-bed aerobic reactors. Evaluation of biodegradation was performed by determining total phenols, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 2-CP by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Measurement of microbial growth was carried out by the plate count method. Bioassays of acute toxicity were performed to evaluate detoxification by using Daphnia magna. Results obtained show that under batch conditions with initial inocula of 106 cells/mL the strain grew exponentially with 100, 200, and 300 mg/L of 2-CP within 48 hr. A lag period was observed with low cell density inocula (105 cells/mL). The strain showed marked delay in the biodegradation of 2-CP at pH 5. Removal of target substrate from mixtures containing other carbon sources demonstrated the possibility of concurrent growth. Mineralization of 2-CP was assessed by gas chromatography carried out at the end of the batch assays and at the exit of the continuous-flow reactor. The presence of other organisms (bacteria, rotifers, ciliate, and algae) that developed in the fluidized-bed reactor did not affect the efficacy of the biodegradation of 2-CP. The removal of 2-CP in the two assayed systems was over 97% in all cases. Toxicity was not detected at the exit of the continuous reactor. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 306,313, 2001 [source] Influence of hydroxypropyl-,-cyclodextrin on the extraction and biodegradation of phenanthrene in soilENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2004Brian J. Reid Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effect of hydroxypropyl-,-cyclodextrin (HPCD) on the aging and biodegradation of phenanthrene (PHE) in soil. Soil was spiked with PHE at 25 mgPHE/kgSOIL and HPCD at a range of concentrations from 0 to 3.5 gHPCD/kgSOIL and aged for 1, 84, and 322 d. At each time point, a variety of analyses were performed to assess the loss and aging of the PHE in the soil. Methods included determination of total PHE remaining, dichloromethane (DCM) and butan-1-ol (BuOH) extractions, and determination of PHE extractable by an aqueous HPCD shake extraction. Mineralization assays were also carried out to assess the availability of the PHE to a PHE-degrading bacterial inoculum. It was found that the presence of HPCD in the soils increased PHE loss from the aged soil systems, particularly at the higher application rates. Dichloromethane and BuOH extractabilities were reduced with aging and increasing HPCD concentration, as was the amount of PHE that was extractable using an aqueous HPCD shake extraction or that was available for mineralization. The DCM and BuOH extraction yielded similar results, and both greatly overestimated the availability of the PHE to the degraders, whereas the HPCD extraction results were very similar to that of PHE biodegradation. This study indicates that cyclodextrins have potential for use as alternatives to surfactants in enhancing the desorption/solubilization and degradation of recalcitrant organic contaminants in soil. [source] Mineralization of organic contaminants in sludge-soil mixturesENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2001Bo Gejlsbjerg Abstract The mineralization of 14C-labeled linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol-di-ethoxylate (NP2EO), di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), pyrene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) was investigated in different sludge-soil mixtures and soils. Under aerobic conditions, the mineralization of LAS, NP, and NP2EO was between 50 and 81% of the added amounts after two months, while DEHP and pyrene were mineralized more slowly. The mineralization of the model chemicals was indirectly affected by the amount of sludge in the test mixtures. A higher content of sludge in the mixtures reduced the overall concentration of oxygen, which resulted in a decrease of the mineralization of several of the model chemicals. In sludge-soil mixtures with predominantly anaerobic conditions, the mineralization was slower for all of the chemicals with the exception of DEHP and DCB. The mineralization of DCB was enhanced in mixtures with a high sludge content. No pronounced difference in the mineralization of the model chemicals (except DEHP) was observed when the sludge was mixed with three different agricultural soils. [source] Potential for octylphenol to biodegrade in some english riversENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2000Andrew C. Johnson Abstract To study octylphenol biodegradation, samples of river water and sediments were taken from the Aire and Calderr vers in the United Kingdom, running through urban/industrial areas, as well as the Thames River running through a more rural area. Using laboratory microcosms, half-lives of 7 to 50 d were obtained for the water samples, with most curves fitting a zero-order reaction. The Calder River was sampled at four separate points along a 45-km length, encompassing rural to increasingly urban/industrial reaches. Little degradation was observed in the sample from the upland/rural reach, while half-lives of 8 to 13 d were seen in the more urban/industrial reaches. Mineralization of the phenyl ring, detected by evolution of 14CO2 from ring-labeled octylphenol, was only observed in water from the Calder River sample. Degradation rate was similar for a range of concentrations from 0.3 to 100 ,,g/L when tested with river water from the Thames River. No degradation was observed over 83 d when bed sediments were spiked with octylphenol and incubated under anaerobic conditions. [source] Biomimetic Composites: Protein Localization in Silica Nanospheres Derived via Biomimetic Mineralization (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2010Mater. Abstract Lysozyme-templated precipitation of silica synthesized by sol-gel chemistry produces a composite material with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the structural properties of the composite material that allow for retention of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy reveal that the composite has a hierarchical structure composed of quasi-spherical structures (,450 nm diameter), which are in turn composed of closely packed spherical structures of ,8,10 nm in diameter. Using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation, the scattering signatures of the lysozyme and silica within the composite were separated. It was determined that the lysozyme molecules are spatially correlated in the material and form clusters with colloidal silica particles. The size of the clusters determined by SANS agrees well with the structural architecture observed by TEM. BET analysis revealed that the surface area of the composite is relatively low (4.73 m2/g). However, after removal of the protein by heating to 200 °C, the surface area is increased by ,20%. In addition to demonstrating a well organized sol-gel synthesis which generates a functional material with antimicrobial applications, the analysis and modeling approaches described herein can be used for characterizing a wide range of mesoporous and ultrastructural materials. [source] Protein Localization in Silica Nanospheres Derived via Biomimetic MineralizationADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2010Mateus B. Cardoso Abstract Lysozyme-templated precipitation of silica synthesized by sol-gel chemistry produces a composite material with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the structural properties of the composite material that allow for retention of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy reveal that the composite has a hierarchical structure composed of quasi-spherical structures (,450 nm diameter), which are in turn composed of closely packed spherical structures of ,8,10 nm in diameter. Using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation, the scattering signatures of the lysozyme and silica within the composite were separated. It was determined that the lysozyme molecules are spatially correlated in the material and form clusters with colloidal silica particles. The size of the clusters determined by SANS agrees well with the structural architecture observed by TEM. BET analysis revealed that the surface area of the composite is relatively low (4.73 m2/g). However, after removal of the protein by heating to 200 °C, the surface area is increased by ,20%. In addition to demonstrating a well organized sol-gel synthesis which generates a functional material with antimicrobial applications, the analysis and modeling approaches described herein can be used for characterizing a wide range of mesoporous and ultrastructural materials. [source] Localized ductile thrusting north of the Variscan Front, Ross Island, southwest IrelandGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2003Paul A. M. Nex Abstract Two thrusts occur on Ross Island: the Head of Ross Thrust and the more southerly Ross Island Thrust. These lie to the north of the Killarney,Mallow Fault (KMF), the boundary frequently interpreted as the Variscan Front. The Ross Island Thrust, exposed in outcrop and in seven borehole cores, has emplaced dark blue,grey limestones of the Courceyan Ballysteen Formation over pale grey,brown Rockfield Limestone Formation of Chadian,Holkerian age. These lithologies at Ross Island exhibit a continuum of deformation at both the micro- and macro-scale, beginning with the generation of a spaced cleavage, formed during layer parallel shortening, that was subsequently rotated into parallelism with fold axial planes. Extensional microstructures are predominant in thin section and are associated with attenuation of the fold limb. Calcite veins are also attenuated and lie parallel to a mylonitic fabric close to the thrust plane. Lithological boundaries, the prominent pressure solution cleavage and the southerly dipping limb of an asymmetrical antiform are all parallel and form a composite planar anisotropy. This has controlled the location of the ductile Ross Island Thrust, which formed during the attenuation and shearing of a common fold limb. Ductile thrusts within the limestones at Ross Island contrast with the reactivation of basin-margin extensional faults further to the south along the major KMF. The Ross Island Thrust is considered to result from deformation ahead of the major northerly propagating Variscan décollement thrust and does not necessitate a continuous décollement structure north of the KMF. Mineralization at Ross Island exhibits remobilization associated with the formation of a pressure-solution cleavage and probably pre-dates thrusting. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Role of lakes for organic carbon cycling in the boreal zoneGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Grete Algesten Abstract We calculated the carbon loss (mineralization plus sedimentation) and net CO2 escape to the atmosphere for 79 536 lakes and total running water in 21 major Scandinavian catchments (size range 437,48 263 km2). Between 30% and 80% of the total organic carbon that entered the freshwater ecosystems was lost in lakes. Mineralization in lakes and subsequent CO2 emission to the atmosphere was by far the most important carbon loss process. The withdrawal capacity of lakes on the catchment scale was closely correlated to the mean residence time of surface water in the catchment, and to some extent to the annual mean temperature represented by latitude. This result implies that variation of the hydrology can be a more important determinant of CO2 emission from lakes than temperature fluctuations. Mineralization of terrestrially derived organic carbon in lakes is an important regulator of organic carbon export to the sea and may affect the net exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the boreal landscape. [source] Preparation of Protamine,Titania Microcapsules Through Synergy Between Layer-by-Layer Assembly and Biomimetic MineralizationADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2009Yanjun Jiang Abstract A novel approach combining layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly with biomimetic mineralization is proposed to prepare protamine,titiania hybrid microcapsules. More specifically, these microcapsules are fabricated by alternative deposition of positively charged protamine layers and negatively charged titania layers on the surface of CaCO3 microparticles, followed by dissolution of the CaCO3 microparticles using EDTA. During the deposition process, the protamine layer induces the hydrolysis and condensation of a titania precursor, to form the titania layer. Thereafter, the negatively charged titania layer allows a new cycle of deposition step of the protamine layer, which ensures a continuous LbL process. The morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the microcapsules are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Moreover, these protamine,titania hybrid microcapsules are first employed as the carrier for the immobilization of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH), and the encapsulated YADH displays enhanced recycling stability. This approach may open a facile, general, and efficient way to prepare organic,inorganic hybrid materials with different compositions and shapes. [source] Self-Assembled Organic,Inorganic Hybrid Elastic Crystal via Biomimetic MineralizationADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 33 2010Halei Zhai Organic,inorganic hybrid rhombs with regular shape and a lamellar superstructure are biomimetically fabricated by the cooperative self-assembly of bovine serum albumin (BSA), sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate (AOT), and calcium phosphate (see figure). Although crystalline calcium phosphate is the main component, the hybrid crystals are elastic and they can be flexible under external stresses. [source] Hydrology and nitrogen balance of a seasonally inundated Danish floodplain wetlandHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 3 2004Hans Estrup Andersen Abstract This paper characterizes a seasonally inundated Danish floodplain wetland in a state close to naturalness and includes an analysis of the major controls on the wetland water and nitrogen balances. The main inputs of water are precipitation and percolation during ponding and unsaturated conditions. Lateral saturated subsurface flow is low. The studied floodplain owes its wetland status to the hydraulic properties of its sediments: the low hydraulic conductivity of a silt,clay deposit on top of the floodplain maintains ponded water during winter, and parts of autumn and spring. A capillary fringe extends to the soil surface, and capillary rise from groundwater during summer maintains near-saturated conditions in the root zone, and allows a permanently very high evapotranspiration rate. The average for the growing season of 1999 is 3·6 mm day,1 and peak rate is 5·6 mm day,1. In summer, the evapotranspiration is to a large degree supplied by subsurface storage in a confined peat layer underlying the silt,clay. The floodplain sediments are in a very reduced state as indicated by low sulphate concentrations. All nitrate transported into the wetland is thus denitrified. However, owing to modest water exchange with surrounding groundwater and surface water, denitrification is low; 71 kg NO3,N ha,1 during the study period of 1999. Reduction of nitrate diffusing into the sediments during water ponding accounts for 75% of nitrate removal. Biomass production and nitrogen uptake in above-ground vegetation is high,8·56 t dry matter ha,1 year,1 and 103 kg N ha,1 year,1. Subsurface ammonium concentrations are high, and convective upward transport into the root zone driven by evapotranspiration amounted to 12·8 kg N ha,1year,1. The floodplain wetland sediments have a high nitrogen content, and conditions are very favourable for mineralization. Mineralization thus constitutes 72% of above-ground plant uptake. The study demonstrates the necessity of identifying controlling factors, and to combine surface flow with vadose and groundwater flow processes in order to fully comprehend the flow and nitrogen dynamics of this type of wetland. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Nutrient Uptake and Mineralization during Leaf Decay in Streams , a Model SimulationINTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009J. R. Webster Abstract We developed a stoichiometrically explicit computer model to examine how heterotrophic uptake of nutrients and microbial mineralization occurring during the decay of leaves in streams may be important in modifying nutrient concentrations. The simulations showed that microbial uptake can substantially decrease stream nutrient concentrations during the initial phases of decomposition, while mineralization may produce increases in concentrations during later stages of decomposition. The simulations also showed that initial nutrient content of the leaves can affect the stream nutrient concentration dynamics and determine whether nitrogen or phosphorus is the limiting nutrient. Finally, the simulations suggest a net retention (uptake > mineralization) of nutrients in headwater streams, which is balanced by export of particulate organic nutrients to downstream reaches. Published studies support the conclusion that uptake can substantially change stream nutrient concentrations. On the other hand, there is little published evidence that mineralization also affects nutrient concentrations. Also, there is little information on direct microbial utilization of nutrients contained in the decaying leaves themselves. Our results suggest several directions for research that will improve our understanding of the complex relationship between leaf decay and nutrient dynamics in streams. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Hip geometry variation is associated with bone mineralization pathway gene variants: The framingham studyJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2010Ching-Lung Cheung Abstract Mineralization of bone matrix is an important process in bone formation; thus defects in mineralization have been implicated in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone structure alterations. Three central regulators of phosphate balance, ALPL, ANKH, and ENPP1, are central in the matrix mineralization process; therefore, the genes encoding them are considered important candidates genes for BMD and bone geometry. To test for an association between these three candidate genes and BMD and bone geometry traits, 124 informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped in 1513 unrelated subjects from the Framingham offspring cohort. Initial results showed that SNP rs1974201 in the gene ENPP1 was a susceptibility variant associated with several hip geometric indices, with the strongest p value of 3.8,×,10,7 being observed for femoral neck width. A few modest associations were observed between SNPs in or near ALPL and several bone traits, but no association was observed with ANKH. The association signals observed for SNPs around rs1974201 were attenuated after conditional analysis on rs1974201. Transcription factor binding-site prediction revealed that the HOXA7 binding site was present in the reference sequence with the major allele, whereas this potential binding site is lost in the sequence with the minor allele of rs1974201. In conclusion, we found evidence for association of bone geometry variation with an SNP in ENPP1, a gene in the mineralization pathway. The alteration of a binding site of the deregulator of extracellular matrix HOXA7 warrants further investigation. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source] Activation of Sirt1 Decreases Adipocyte Formation During Osteoblast Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2006Carl-Magnus Bäckesjö PhD Abstract In vitro, mesenchymal stem cells differentiate to osteoblasts when exposed to bone-inducing medium. However, adipocytes are also formed. We showed that activation of the nuclear protein deacetylase Sirt1 reduces adipocyte formation and promotes osteoblast differentiation. Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and myoblasts. It has been suggested that a reciprocal relationship exists between the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ,2 (PPAR,2) is a key element for the differentiation into adipocytes. Activation of Sirt1 has recently been shown to decrease adipocyte development from preadipocytes through inhibition of PPAR,2. Materials and Methods: We used the mouse mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 and primary rat bone marrow cells cultured in osteoblast differentiation medium with or without reagents affecting Sirt1 activity. Adipocyte levels were analyzed by light microscopy and flow cytometry (FACS) after staining with Oil red O and Nile red, respectively. Osteoblast and adipocyte markers were studied with quantitative real-time PCR. Mineralization in cultures of primary rat bone marrow stromal cells was studied by von Kossa and alizarin red staining. Results: We found that Sirt1 is expressed in the mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2. Treatment with the plant polyphenol resveratrol as well as isonicotinamide, both of which activate Sirt1, blocked adipocyte development and increased the expression of osteoblast markers. Nicotinamide, which inhibits Sirt1, increased adipocyte number and increased expression of adipocyte markers. Furthermore, activation of Sirt1 prevented the increase in adipocytes caused by the PPAR,-agonist troglitazone. Finally, activation of Sirt1 in rat primary bone marrow stromal cells increased expression of osteoblast markers and also mineralization. Conclusions: In this study, we targeted Sirt1 to control adipocyte development during differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts. The finding that resveratrol and isonicotinamide markedly inhibited adipocyte and promoted osteoblast differentiation may be relevant in the search for new treatment regimens of osteoporosis but also important for the evolving field of cell-based tissue engineering. [source] Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Induces Cyclo-oxygenase 2 in Osteoblasts via a Cbfa1 Binding Site: Role in Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 In Vitro and In VivoJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2005Daichi Chikazu Abstract We tested the hypothesis that induction of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 2 mediates some effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 on bone. BMP-2 induced COX-2 mRNA and prostaglandin (PG) production in cultured osteoblasts. BMP-2 increased luciferase activity in calvarial osteoblasts from mice transgenic for a COX-2 promoter-luciferase reporter construct (Pluc) and in MC3T3-E1 cells transfected with Pluc. Deletion analysis identified the -300/-213-bp region of the COX-2 promoter as necessary for BMP-2 stimulation of luciferase activity. Mutation of core-binding factor activity 1 (muCbfa1) consensus sequence (5,-AACCACA-3,) at -267/-261 bp decreased BMP-2 stimulation of luciferase activity by 82%. Binding of nuclear proteins to an oligonucleotide spanning the Cbfa1 site was inhibited or supershifted by specific antibodies to Cbfa1. In cultured osteoblasts from calvariae of COX-2 knockout (-/-) and wild-type (+/+) mice, the absence of COX-2 expression reduced the BMP-2 stimulation of both ALP activity and osteocalcin mRNA expression. In cultured marrow cells flushed from long bones, BMP-2 induced osteoclast formation in cells from COX-2+/+ mice but not in cells from COX-2,/, mice. In vivo, BMP-2 (10 ,g/pellet) induced mineralization in pellets of lyophilized collagen implanted in the flanks of mice. Mineralization of pellets, measured by microcomputed tomography (,CT), was decreased by 78% in COX-2,/, mice compared with COX-2+/+ mice. We conclude that BMP-2 transcriptionally induces COX-2 in osteoblasts via a Cbfa1 binding site and that the BMP-2 induction of COX-2 can contribute to effects of BMP-2 on osteoblastic differentiation and osteoclast formation in vitro and to the BMP-2 stimulation of ectopic bone formation in vivo. [source] Overexpression of Lysyl Hydroxylase-2b Leads to Defective Collagen Fibrillogenesis and Matrix Mineralization,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005Suchaya Pornprasertsuk Abstract Several MC3T3-E1 cell-derived clones expressing higher levels of LH2b were analyzed for their abilities to form collagen fibrils and mineralization. The clones all exhibited smaller collagen fibrils and defective matrix mineralization in vitro and in vivo, indicating a critical role of LH2b-catalyzed post-translational modifications of collagen in bone matrix formation and mineralization. Introduction: We have recently shown that lysyl hydroxylase (LH) 2b, through its action on the telopeptidyl lysine residues of collagen, regulates collagen cross-linking pathway in the osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1. To further elucidate the roles of LH2b in bone physiology, the effects of overexpression of LH2b on collagen fibrillogenesis and matrix mineralization were investigated. Materials and Methods: Several MC3T3-E1-derived osteoblastic cell clones expressing higher levels of LH2b (S clones) and two controls (i.e., MC3T3-E1 cells and those transfected with an empty vector) were cultured. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to identify the LH2b. The collagen fibrillogenesis in the cultures was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and the ability of these clones and cells to form mineralized matrix was analyzed by both in vitro and in vivo mineralization assays. Results: The diameter of collagen fibrils in the S clone cultures was markedly smaller than that of the controls. The onset of matrix mineralization in the S clones was significantly delayed, and considerably fewer mineralized nodules were formed in their cultures in comparison with the controls. When transplanted into immunodeficient mice, the S clones failed to form mineralized matrices in vivo, whereas a bone-like mineralized matrix was well formed by the controls. The diameter of the collagen fibrils and the timing/extent of matrix mineralization in vitro were inversely correlated with the level of LH2b. In vitro cell differentiation was unaffected by the LH2b overexpression. Conclusions: These results indicate a critical role of LH2b catalyzed post-translational modification of collagen (i.e., telopeptidyl lysine hydroxylation and subsequent cross-linking) in collagen matrix formation and mineralization in bone. [source] An In Vitro Study of the Ultrasonic Axial Transmission Technique at the Radius: 1-MHz Velocity Measurements Are Sensitive to Both Mineralization and Intracortical Porosity,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2004Emmanuel Bossy Abstract The ultrasonic axial transmission technique allows for investigating skeletal sites such as the cortical layer of long bones (radius, tibia, phalanges). Using synchrotron radiation ,CT, we investigated, in vitro, the relationships between 1-MHz axial transmission SOS measurements at the radius and site-matched measurements of C.Th, POR, MIN, and vBMD. Introduction: The ultrasonic axial transmission technique allows for investigating skeletal sites such as the cortical layer of long bones (radius, tibia, phalanges). Materials and Methods:Using synchrotron radiation ,CT, we investigated, in vitro, the relationships between 1-MHz axial transmission speed of sound (SOS) measurements at the radius and site-matched measurements of cortical thickness (C.Th), intracortical porosity (POR), tissue mineralization (MIN), and volumetric BMD (vBMD). SOS measurements were based on bidirectional axial transmission and were performed with a 1-MHz proprietary probe on 39 excised human radii. Results: The highest correlations between SOS values and bone parameters (R2SOS/POR = 0.28, p < 10,3; R2SOS/MIN = 0.38, p < 10,4; R2SOS/vBMD = 0.57, p < 10,3) were found for bone parameters assessed in a 1-mm-thick periosteal region of the cortex rather than throughout the whole cortex. The observed moderate correlation between SOS and C.Th values (R2SOS/C.Th = 0.20, p < 10,2) disappeared when controlled for other variables. The two best multilinear predictive models, including either BMD alone or the pair of dependent variables MIN and POR (all assessed in the periosteal cortex), were equally accurate in predicting SOS values (R2SOS/(POR,MIN) = 0.59, p < 10,5; R2SOS/vBMD = 0.57, p < 10,5). Conclusion: For the first time, the respective adjusted contributions of POR (,24 m/s%,1) and tissue mineralization (+3.5 m/s/mg/cm,3) to SOS values were assessed. These results suggest potential sensitivity of axial transmission SOS values to changes in cortical bone status under different pathological conditions or treatments affecting POR and/or tissue mineralization. [source] Functional Differences Between Growth Plate Apoptotic Bodies and Matrix Vesicles,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003Thorsten Kirsch Abstract Mineralization often occurs in areas of apoptotic changes. Our findings indicate that physiological mineralization is mediated by matrix vesicles. These matrix vesicles use mechanisms to induce mineralization that are different from the mechanisms used by apoptotic bodies released from apoptotic cells. Therefore, different therapeutic approaches must be chosen to inhibit pathological mineralization depending on the mechanism of mineralization (matrix vesicles versus apoptotic bodies). Introduction: Physiological mineralization in growth plate cartilage is restricted to regions of terminally differentiated and apoptotic chondrocytes. Pathological mineralization of tissues also often occurs in areas of apoptosis. We addressed the question of whether apoptotic changes control mineralization events or whether both events are regulated independently. Methods: To induce mineralization, we treated growth plate chondrocytes with retinoic acid (RA); apoptosis in these cells was induced by treatment with staurosporine, anti-Fas, or TNF,. The degrees of mineralization and apoptosis were determined, and the structure and function of matrix vesicles and apoptotic bodies were compared. Results: Release of matrix vesicles and mineralization in vivo in the growth plate occurs earlier than do apoptotic changes. To determine the functional relationship between apoptotic bodies and matrix vesicles, growth plate chondrocytes were treated with RA to induce matrix vesicle release and with staurosporine to induce release of apoptotic bodies. After 3 days, approximately 90% of staurosporine-treated chondrocytes were apoptotic, whereas only 2,4 % of RA-treated cells showed apoptotic changes. RA- and staurosporine-treated chondrocyte cultures were mineralized after 3 days. Matrix vesicles isolated from RA-treated cultures and apoptotic bodies isolated from staurosporine-treated cultures were associated with calcium and phosphate. However, matrix vesicles were bigger than apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, matrix vesicles but not apoptotic bodies contained alkaline phosphatase and Ca2+ channel-forming annexins II, V, and VI. Consequently, matrix vesicles but not apoptotic bodies were able to take up Ca2+ and form the first mineral phase inside their lumen. Mineralization of RA-treated cultures was inhibited by antibodies specific for annexin V but not mineralization of staurosporine-treated cultures. Conclusion: Physiological mineralization of growth plate chondrocytes is initiated by specialized matrix vesicles and requires alkaline phosphatase and annexins. In contrast, mineral formation mediated by apoptotic bodies occurs by a default mechanism and does not require alkaline phosphatase and annexins. [source] Smad3 Promotes Alkaline Phosphatase Activity and Mineralization of Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2002Hideaki Sowa Abstract Transforming growth factor (TGF) , is abundantly stored in bone matrix and appears to regulate bone metabolism. Although the Smad family proteins are critical components of the TGF-, signaling pathways, the roles of Smad3 in the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study was performed to clarify the roles of Smad3 in the regulation of proliferation, expression of bone matrix proteins, and mineralization in osteoblasts by using mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 cells stably transfected with Smad3. Smad3 significantly inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation and fluorescent intensity of the MTT-dye assay, compared with empty vector. Moreover, Smad3 increased the levels of type I procollagen, osteopontin (OPN), and matrix Gla protein (MGP) mRNA in Northern blotting. These effects of Smad3 mimicked the effects of TGF-, on the same cells. On the other hand, Smad3 greatly enhanced ALP activity and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells compared with empty vector, although TGF-, inhibited ALP activity and mineralization of wild-type MC3T3-E1 cells. A type I collagen synthesis inhibitor L -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, as well as osteocalcin (OCN), significantly antagonized Smad3-stimulated ALP activity and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. In conclusion, this study showed that in mouse osteoblastic cells, Smad3 inhibited proliferation, but it also enhanced ALP activity, mineralization, and the levels of bone matrix proteins such as type I collagen (COLI), OPN, and MGP. We propose that Smad3 plays an important role in osteoblastic bone formation and might help to elucidate the transcriptional mechanism of bone formation and possibly lead to the development of bone-forming drugs. [source] Bone Mineralization and Osteoblast Differentiation Are Negatively Modulated by Integrin ,v,3JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2001Su-Li Cheng Abstract Numerous bone matrix proteins can interact with ,v-containing integrins including ,v,3. To elucidate the net effects of the interaction between these proteins and ,v,3 on osteoblast function, we developed a murine osteoblastic cell line that overexpressed human ,v,3. Human ,v,3-integrin was expressed on cell membrane, in which its presence did not alter the surface level of endogenous mouse ,v,3. The expressed human ,v,3 was functional because cell adhesion to osteopontin was increased and this increment was abolished by antibody against human ,v,3. The proliferation rate of cells overexpressing ,v,3 (,v,3-cells) was increased whereas matrix mineralization was decreased. To elucidate the mechanisms leading to inhibition of matrix mineralization, the expression of proteins important for mineralization was analyzed. Alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of osteocalcin, type I collagen, and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were decreased whereas osteopontin was stimulated in ,v,3-cells. The regulation of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and BSP expression was mediated via transcriptional mechanism because their promoter activities were altered. Examination of molecules involved in integrin signaling indicated that activator protein-1 (AP-1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activities were enhanced whereas c-jun N -terminal kinase (JNK) activity was decreased in ,v,3-cells. The activity of p38 and the levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and vinculin were not altered. Moreover, the adhesions of ,v,3-cells to type I collagen and fibronectin were inhibited, which was attributed to decreased ,1-integrin levels on cell surface. In conclusion, overexpressing ,v,3-integrin in osteoblasts stimulated cell proliferation but retarded differentiation, which were derived via altered integrin-matrix interactions, signal transduction, and matrix protein expression. [source] Bioinspired Mineralization of Inorganics from Aqueous Media Controlled by Synthetic PolymersMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Katarzyna Gorna Abstract The formation of inorganic structures in nature is commonly controlled by biogenic macromolecules. The understanding of mineralization phenomena and the nucleation and growth mechanisms involved is still a challenge in science but also of great industrial interest. This article focuses on the formation and mineralization of two archetypical inorganic materials: zinc oxide and amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). Zinc oxide is selected as a model compound to investigate the role that polymers play in mineralization. Most of the effort has been devoted to the investigation of the effects of double-hydrophilic block and graft copolymers. Recent work has demonstrated that latex particles synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization, properly functionalized by various chemical groups, have similar effects to conventional block copolymers and are excellently suited for morphology control of ZnO crystals. Latex particles might serve as analogues of natural proteins in biomineralization. The second example presented, ACC, addresses the issue of whether this amorphous phase is an intermediate in the biomineralization of calcite, vaterite, or aragonite. Conditions under which amorphous calcium carbonate can be obtained as nanometer-sized spheres as a consequence of a liquid,liquid phase segregation are presented. Addition of specific block copolymers allows control of the particle size from the micrometer to the submicrometer length scale. The physical properties of novel materials synthesized from concentrated solution and their potential applications as a filler of polymers are also discussed. [source] Nanogel-Templated Mineralization: Polymer-Calcium Phosphate Hybrid NanomaterialsMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 6 2006Ayae Sugawara Abstract Summary: We report novel organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials that consist of polymer hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) and calcium phosphate. Hybrid nanoparticles that measure ca. 40 nm are synthesized from a dilute solution of hydroxyapatite using nanogels as templates for calcium phosphate mineralization. These nanoparticles show a narrow size distribution and high colloidal stability. Nanogel-adsorbed liposomes act as templates for hierarchical hybrid nanostructures. These nanohybrids can potentially be used as biocompatible drug carriers with controlled-release properties. TEM images of calcium phosphate nanoparticles formed in the presence of CHP nanogels (0.5 mg,·,mL,1) (left) and nanogel-liposomes (CHP 0.05 mg,·,mL,1, DPPC 0.08 mg,·,mL,1)(right). [source] Growth and Differentiation of Osteoblast-Like Cells from Calvaria of Connexin43 Deficient MiceMATERIALWISSENSCHAFT UND WERKSTOFFTECHNIK, Issue 12 2004M. Wiemann Osteoblasten-artige Zellen; Connexin43-defiziente Mäuse; gap junctions; Differenzierung Abstract Extensive cell-cell-coupling via gap junctions has been suspected to play an essential role for osteoblast development. Here, osteoblast-like cells (OBL) from connexin(Cx)43 knock out mice were used to explore the role of Cx43 for osteoblast differentiation. Primary cultures of OBL were derived from calvaria of homozygous (Cx43-/-) and heterozygous (Cx43+/,) knock out mice and also from wild type controls (Cx43+/+). In Cx43-/- OBL Lucifer Yellow dye coupling was largely abolished demonstrating that small molecules could no longer be transferred among neighboring cells. Cx43-/- OBL grew out very slowly from calvarial fragments. Nevertheless their cell density around explants was increased 3-fold vs. controls after 3 weeks. Histochemistry showed that in many Cx43-/- OBL there was an increased alkaline phosphatase activity within the cytoplasm and close to the cell membrane. Mineralization was diminished in Cx43-/- cultures. In heterozygous Cx43+/, OBL all aforementioned effects were less pronounced, pointing to a gene-dosage effect. Data suggest that the loss of Cx43 indirectly impairs the osteoblastic phenotype, e.g. by disturbing cellular functions such as motility and/or secretion. If this holds true, all parameters in the interphase of enosseous implants which lower gap junction expression will also affect bone regeneration. Wachstum und Differenzierung von Osteoblasten-artigen Zellen aus Kalvarien Connexin43-defizienter Mäuse Es wurde oft vermutet, dass die ausgeprägte Zell-Zell-Kopplung von Osteoblasten durch gap junctions eine besondere Rolle für die Differenzierung der gekoppelten Zellen spielt. In dieser Arbeit wurden daher Osteoblasten-artige Zellen (OBL) aus Connexin43 (Cx43) knock out Mäusen benutzt, um die Bedeutung von Cx43-gap-junction-Kanälen für die Differenzierung von Osteoblasten zu untersuchen. Die dafür notwendigen OBL-Primärkulturen wurden aus Calvarienfragmenten von homozygoten (Cx43-/-) und heterozygoten (Cx43+/,) knock out Mäusen sowie aus Wildtyp-Mäusen gewonnen. In Cx43-/- OBL war die Lucifer Yellow-Farbstoffkopplung weitgehend aufgehoben. Dieser Befund zeigt, dass Moleküle ,600 D zwischen Cx43-/- Zellen kaum noch ausgetauscht werden können. Cx43-/- Zellen wuchsen vergleichsweise langsam aus ihren Calvarienfragmenten aus. Dennoch erreichten diese Kulturen nach 3 Wochen eine im Vergleich zur Kontrolle 3fach höhere Zelldichte. Histochemisch zeigte sich, dass in Cx43-/- Zellen die alkalische Phosphatase-Aktivität im Zytoplasma und besonders im Bereich der Zellmembran erhöht war. Die Mineralisierung war hingegen herabgesetzt. In heterozygoten Cx43+/, OBL waren alle genannten Effekte intermediär ausgeprägt, was auf einen Gen-Dosis-Effekt deutet. Insgesamt legen die Befunde nahe, dass der Verlust von Cx43 die Ausprägung des osteoblastären Phänotyps, z.,B. durch eine Behinderung der Zellbeweglichkeit und/oder der Sekretion beeinträchtigt. Daher dürften alle Parameter, die die Expression von Cx43 im Interphase eines enossalen Implantats stören, die Knochenregeneration behindern. [source] atz gene expressions during atrazine degradation in the soil drilosphereMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2010C. MONARD Abstract One of the various ecosystemic services sustained by soil is pollutant degradation mediated by adapted soil bacteria. The pathways of atrazine biodegradation have been elucidated but in situ expression of the genes involved in atrazine degradation has yet to be demonstrated in soil. Expression of the atzA and atzD genes involved in atrazine dechlorination and s -triazine ring cleavage, respectively, was investigated during in situ degradation of atrazine in the soil drilosphere and bulked samples from two agricultural soils that differed in their ability to mineralize atrazine. Interestingly, expression of the atzA gene, although present in both soils, was not detected. Atrazine mineralization was greatest in Epoisses soil, where a larger pool of atzD mRNA was consistently measured 7 days after atrazine treatment, compared with Vezin soil (146 vs. 49 mRNA per 10616S rRNA, respectively). Expression of the atzD gene varied along the degradation time course and was profoundly modified in soil bioturbated by earthworms. The atzD mRNA pool was the highest in the soil drilosphere (casts and burrow-linings) and it was significantly different in burrow-linings compared with bulk soil (e.g. 363 vs. 146 mRNA per 10616S rRNA, 7 days after atrazine treatment in Epoisses soil). Thus, consistent differences in atrazine mineralization were demonstrated between the soil drilosphere and bulk soil. However, the impact of bioturbation on atrazine mineralization depended on soil type. Mineralization was enhanced in casts, compared with bulk soil, from Epoisses soil but in burrow-linings from Vezin soil. This study is the first to report the effects of soil bioturbation by earthworms on s -triazine ring cleavage and its spatial variability in soil. [source] Compositional Variation of Hydrothermally Altered Volcanic Rocks in Hishikari Gold Epithermal System: A Useful Geochemical Indicator of Gold,Silver Epithermal MineralizationRESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Naotatsu Shikazono Abstract The hydrothermally altered andesite hosting the Hishikari gold-silver vein deposits in southern Kyushu, Japan, is analyzed with respect to the spatial variation in chemical composition. The (CaO + Na2O) content is found to be inversely correlated with the K2O content as it progresses away from the site of mineralization. It was found that analytical data plotted on a (CaO + Na2O) , K2O diagram cannot be explained only by addition of K+ from the hydrothermal solution to the original rock and release of Ca2+ and Na+ from the original rock (K- alteration). Addition of Ca2+ and Na+ from the hydrothermal solution to the rock and release of K+ from the rock but release of K+, Ca2+, and Na+ to the hydrothermal solution (advanced argillic alteration) is important for causing the wide variations in K2O, CaO, and Na2O contents on the (CaO + Na2O) , K2O diagram. These variations can be explained by superimposed potassic, advanced argillic and calcium alterations. The altered rocks in the Honko-Sanjin area, Yamada area, and Masaki area analyzed by this study are characterized by their intermediate K2O content and variable CaO content, high K2O content and low CaO content, and low K2O content and low CaO content, respectively. The K2O, Na2O and CaO contents and oxygen isotopic composition of altered andesite, in conjunction with the solubility of gold as a thio complex, suggest that both gold deposition and the observed compositional variation of altered andesite are the result of mixing between acidic groundwater and neutral gold-bearing hydrothermal solution. The present results indicate that the compositional variation of hydrothermally altered rocks may represent a useful geochemical indicator of epithermal gold,silver mineralization. [source] Multiple Sources of Metals of Mineralization in Lower Cambrian Black Shales of South China: Evidence from Geochemical and Petrographic StudyRESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Jan Pa Abstract Black shales of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in southern China (Huangjiawan mine, Zunyi region, northern part of the Guizhou Province) host regionally distributed stratiform polymetallic Ni-Mo-platinum group elements (PGE)-Au phosphate- and sulfide-rich ores. These are confined to a ,0.2-m thick ore horizon composed of mineralized bodies of algal onkolites, phosphate nodules, and sulfide and shale clasts in a mineralized phosphate- and organic matter-rich matrix. Compared to footwall and hanging wall shales, the ore bed is strongly enriched in Ni (up to 100-fold), As (up to 97-fold), Mo (up to 95-fold), Sb (up to 67-fold), Rh (up to 49-fold), Cu (up to 37-fold), Pd (up to 33-fold), Ru (up to 24-fold), Zn (up to 23-fold), Pt (up to 21-fold), Ir (up to 15-fold), Co (up to 14-fold), and Pb (up to 13-fold). Even footwall and hanging wall black shales are significantly enriched by Mo (21-fold) and Ni (12-fold) but depleted in Cr in comparison to average Cambrian black shale. Organic matter is represented by separate accumulations dispersed in the rock matrix or as biotic bitumen droplets and veinlets in ore clasts. Similar organic carbon (Corg) values in an ore bed and enclosing footwall and hanging wall shales of little mineralization indicate that metal accumulation was not controlled only by biogenic productivity and organic matter accumulation rate. Evaporitic conditions during sedimentation of the basal part of the Niutitang Formation were documented by an occurrence of preserved Ni-, V-, Cr-, and Cu-enriched phosphate-rich hardground with halite and anhydrite pseudomorphs on the paleosurface of the underlying Neoproterozoic carbonates. Neoproterozoic black shales of the Doushantuo Formation are characterized by increased metal concentrations. Comparison of metal abundances in both hardground and Doushantuo black shales indicate that black shales could have become a source of metal-rich hardground during weathering. The polymetallic Ni-Mo-PGE sulfide-rich ore bed is interpreted to represent a remnant of shallow-water hardground horizon rich in metals, which originated in a sediment-starved, semi-restricted, seawater environment. During the Early Cambrian transgression an influx of fresh seawater and intensive evaporation, together with the hydrothermal enrichment of seawater in a semi-restricted basin, resulted in the formation of dense metalliferous brines; co-precipitation of metals together with phosphates and sulfides occurred at or above the oxic,anoxic sediment interface. Metal-enriched hardground was disintegrated by the action of waves or bottom currents and deposited in a deeper part of the anoxic basin. Contemporaneously with the formation of a polymetallic Ni-Mo-PGE-Au sulfide ore bed, economic sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX)-type barite deposits were forming in a stratigraphically and geotectonically similar setting. The results of geochemical study at the Shang Gongtang SEDEX-type Ba deposit indicate that concentrations of Ag, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn and other metals decrease from top of the barite body toward the hanging wall black shale. Lower Cambrian black shales of the Niutitang Formation above the barite body also display similar element abundances as Neoproterozoic black shales of the Doushantuo Formation, developed in the footwall of the barite body. But the geochemical composition of the sulfide layer is different from the Ni-Mo ore bed, showing only elevated Pb, Cu, Ni and Mo values. It is suggested that hydrothermal brines at Shang Gongtang might have leached metals from footwall Neoproterozoic sequences and became, after mixing with normal seawater, an additional source of Ag, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, Zn, Ni, PGE, V and other metals. [source] Epithermal Gold-Silver Mineralization of the Asachinskoe Deposit in South Kamchatka, RussiaRESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Ryohei Takahashi Abstract The Asachinskoe epithermal Au-Ag deposit is a representative low-sulfidation type of deposit in Kamchatka, Russia. In the Asachinskoe deposit there are approximately 40 mineralized veins mainly hosted by dacite,andesite stock intrusions of Miocene,Pliocene age. The veins are emplaced in tensional cracks with a north orientation. Wall-rock alteration at the bonanza level (170,200 m a.s.l.) consists of the mineral assemblage of quartz, pyrite, albite, illite and trace amounts of smectite. Mineralized veins are well banded with quartz, adularia and minor illite. Mineralization stages in the main zone are divided into stages I,IV. Stage I is relatively barren quartz,adularia association formed at 4.7 ± 0.2 Ma (K-Ar age). Stage II consists of abundant illite, Cu-bearing cryptomelane and other manganese oxides and hydroxides, electrum, argentite, quartz, adularia and minor rhodochrosite and calcite. Stage III, the main stage of gold mineralization (4.5,4.4 ± 0.1,3.1 ± 0.1 Ma, K-Ar age), consists of a large amount of electrum, naumannite and Se-bearing polybasite with quartz,adularia association. Stage IV is characterized by hydrothermal breccia, where electrum, tetrahedrite and secondary covellite occur with quartz, adularia and illite. The concentration of Au+Ag in ores has a positive correlation with the content of K2O + Al2O3, which is controlled by the presence of adularia and minor illite, and both Hg and Au also have positive correlations with the light rare-earth elements. Fluid inclusion studies indicate a salinity of 1.0,2.6 wt% NaCl equivalent for the whole deposit, and ore-forming temperatures are estimated as approximately 160,190°C in stage III of the present 218 m a.s.l. and 170,180°C in stage IV of 200 m a.s.l. The depth of ore formation is estimated to be 90,400 m from the paleo-water table for stage IV of 200 m a.s.l., if a hydrostatic condition is assumed. An increase of salinity (>CNaCl, 0.2 wt%) and decrease of temperature (>T , 30°C) within a 115-m vertical interval for the ascending hydrothermal solution is calculated, which is interpreted as due to steam loss during fluid boiling. Ranges of selenium and sulfur fugacities are estimated to be logfSe2 = ,17 to ,14.5 and logfS2 = ,15 to ,12 for the ore-forming solution that was responsible for Au-Ag-Se precipitation in stage III of 200 m a.s.l. Separation of Se from S-Se complex in the solution and its partition into selenides could be due to a relatively oxidizing condition. The precipitation of Au-Ag-Se was caused by boiling in stage III, and the precipitation of Au-Ag-Cu was caused by sudden decompression and boiling in stage IV. [source] Orogenic Gold Mineralization in the Qolqoleh Deposit, Northwestern IranRESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Farhang Aliyari Abstract The Qolqoleh gold deposit is located in the northwestern part of the Sanandai-Sirjan Zone, northwest of Iran. Gold mineralization in the Qolqoleh deposit is almost entirely confined to a series of steeply dipping ductile,brittle shear zones generated during Late Cretaceous,Tertiary continental collision between the Afro-Arabian and the Iranian microcontinent. The host rocks are Mesozoic volcano-sedimentary sequences consisting of felsic to mafic metavolcanics, which are metamorphosed to greenschist facies, sericite and chlorite schists. The gold orebodies were found within strong ductile deformation to late brittle deformation. Ore-controlling structure is NE,SW-trending oblique thrust with vergence toward south ductile,brittle shear zone. The highly strained host rocks show a combination of mylonitic and cataclastic microstructures, including crystal,plastic deformation and grain size reduction by recrystalization of quartz and mica. The gold orebodies are composed of Au-bearing highly deformed and altered mylonitic host rocks and cross-cutting Au- and sulfide-bearing quartz veins. Approximately half of the mineralization is in the form of dissemination in the mylonite and the remainder was clearly emplaced as a result of brittle deformation in quartz,sulfide microfractures, microveins and veins. Only low volumes of gold concentration was introduced during ductile deformation, whereas, during the evident brittle deformation phase, competence contrasts allowed fracturing to focus on the quartz,sericite domain boundaries of the mylonitic foliation, thus permitting the introduction of auriferous fluid to create disseminated and cross-cutting Au-quartz veins. According to mineral assemblages and alteration intensity, hydrothermal alteration could be divided into three zones: silicification and sulfidation zone (major ore body); sericite and carbonate alteration zone; and sericite,chlorite alteration zone that may be taken to imply wall-rock interaction with near neutral fluids (pH 5,6). Silicified and sulfide alteration zone is observed in the inner parts of alteration zones. High gold grades belong to silicified highly deformed mylonitic and ultramylonitic domains and silicified sulfide-bearing microveins. Based on paragenetic relationships, three main stages of mineralization are recognized in the Qolqoleh gold deposit. Stage I encompasses deposition of large volumes of milky quartz and pyrite. Stage II includes gray and buck quartz, pyrite and minor calcite, sphalerite, subordinate chalcopyrite and gold ores. Stage III consists of comb quartz and calcite, magnetite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and gold ores. Studies on regional geology, ore geology and ore-forming stages have proved that the Qolqoleh deposit was formed in the compression,extension stage during the Late Cretaceous,Tertiary continental collision in a ductile,brittle shear zone, and is characterized by orogenic gold deposits. [source] Porphyry-Type Mineralization at Selogiri Area, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, IndonesiaRESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Akira Imai Abstract The Selogiri area, situated in Wonogiri regency, Central Java, is one of several gold prospecting areas in the Southern areas Mountain Range in Java, Indonesia. Three types of dioritic,andesitic intrusive rocks occur in the Selogiri area, namely, hornblende andesite porphyry, hornblende diorite porphyry and hornblende diorite, exposed in a half-circular depression where volcanic breccia and tuff are widely distributed. The occurrence of stockwork quartz veinlets and associated with magnetite and malachite coating along the cracks in the diorite porphyry suggests porphyry type mineralization. This is also supported by the occurrence of polyphase hypersaline fluid inclusions in the stockwork veinlet quartz. Small-scale miners are mining NS-trending quartz veins for gold associated with base metal sulfides. These veins are probably epithermal-type mineralization that overprinted porphyry-type mineralization. The Neogene intermediate to silicic hydrous magmatism in Java could have formed the porphyry-type mineralization in Selogiri, as in the rest of the Sunda,Banda arc. [source] Ore and Alteration Types of the Gold and Copper Mineralization in the Lascogon Project, Surigao del Norte, Mindanao Island, PhilippinesRESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Jonelle Nikolai Crisostomo Abstract Two ore and three alteration types were identified in the Lascogon Project of Philex Gold Philippines, in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines. The jasperoid ore is the host to the Carlin-like gold mineralization in the Lascogon and Danao prospects. The ore occurs in a decalcified and silicified horizon, with minor chlorite and goethite, stibnite, pyrite and quartz crystals ranging from cryptocrystalline to botryoidal. The stringer,stockwork type Cu-Au mineralization in the Suyoc prospect is hosted in argillized andesitic rocks of the Mabuhay Formation. The primary ore minerals are chalcopyrite with minor amounts of sphalerite. The alteration types identified are propylitic alteration, argillic alteration and silicification. The propylitized basaltic and andesitic flows of the Bacuag Formation bound the jasperoid mineralization in the Lascogon prospect. Stratigraphically, the relationship between propylitized basalts and stringer,stockwork Cu-Au is not clear but a lateral change can be inferred from jasperoid in the center and stringer,stockwork towards the east. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||