新疆东昆仑蛇绿岩岩石学、地球化学特征及其大地构造意义

The East Kunlun area of Xinjiang (briefly EKAX) is the western part of broadly speaking East Kunlun orogenic zone. The absence of geological data (especially ophiolites) on this area has constrained our recognition to its geology since many years. Fund by National 305 Item (96-915-06-03), this paper, by choosing the two ophiolite zones (Muztag and Southwestern Margin of Aqikekule Lake ophiolite zones) exposed at EKAX as the studied objects and by the analysis of thin section, electron probe, XRF, ICP-MS, SEM and Sm-Nd isotope, totally and sys ematically dealt with the field geological, petrological, minerological, petrochemical and geochemical characteristics (including trace, rare earth element and Sm-Nd isotope) and the tectonic setting indicated by them for each ophilite zone. Especially, this paper discussed the trace and rare earth element patterns for metamorphic peridotites, their implications and related them to the other components of ophiolite in order to totally disclose ophiolite origins. Besides, this paper also studied the petrological, geochemical and paleobiological characteristics for the cherts coexsisted with the Muztag ophiolite and the tectonic setting indicated by them. Based on these, the author discussed the tectonic evolution from Proterozoic to Permian for this area. For Muztag ophiolite, their field geological, petrological, minerological, petrochemical and geochemical characteristics show that: ① outcropped along the Muztag-Jingyuhu fault with west-to-east strike, the ophiolite is composed of such three components as metamorphic peridotites, cumulates and volcanic rocks; ② metamophic peridotites consist of such types as lherzolites, serpentinized lherzolites and serpentinites, only pyroxenites is seen of cumulates and volcanic rocks include basalts, basaltic andesites and andesites; ③ mineralogical data on this ophiolite suggest it formed in supra-subduction zone (SSZ)environment, and its mantle wedge is heterogeneous; ④ whole-rock TiO_2 and Al_2O_3 of metamorphic peridotites indicate their original environment with the MORB and SSZ characteristics; ⑤ metamorphic peridotites have depleted LREE and flat REE patterns and volcanic rocks have enriched LREE patterns; ⑥ trace element characteristics of metamorphic peridotites imply that they had undergone Nb and Ta enrichment event after partial melting; ⑦ trace element characteristics of volcanic rocks and their tectonic diagrams show they are formed in the spreading and developed island arc environment with back-arc basin, such as rifted island arc, which is supported by the ε_(Nd)(t) -2.11～+3.44. In summary, the above evidence implies that Muztag ophiolite is formed in SSZ environment, where heterogeneous mantle wedge was metasomatised by the silica-enriched melt from subducted sediments and/or oceanic crust, which makes the mantle wedge enriched again, and this enriched mantle wedge later partially melted to form the volcanic rocks. For Southwestern Margin of Aqikekule Lake ophiolite, their field geological, petrological, minerological, petrochemical and geochemical characteristics show that: ① it outcropped as tectonic slices along the near west-to-east strike Kunzhong fault and is composed of metamorphic perodotties, cumulates and volcanic rocks, in which, chromites are distributed in the upper part of metamorphic peridotites as pods, or in the lower part of cumulates as near-strata; ② metamorphic peridotites include serpentinites, chromite-bearing serpentinites, thlorite-epidote schists and chromitites, of which, chromitites have nodular and orbicular structure, and cumulates include pyroxenits, serpentinites, chromite-bearing serpentinites, chromites and metamorphically mafic rocks and only basalts are seen in volcanic rocks; ③ Cr# of chromites suggest that they formed in the SSZ and Al_2O_3 and TiO_2 of metamorphic peridotites also suggest SSZ environment; ④metamorphic peridotites have V type and enriched LREE patterns, cumulates have from strongly depleted LREE, flat REE to enriched LREE patterns with universally striking positive Eu anomalies and basalts show flat REE or slight enriched LREE patterns with no Eu anomalies; ⑤ trace element and Sm-Nd isotope characteristics of metamorphic peridotites imply their strikingly heterogeneous mantle character(ε_(Nd)(t)+4.39～+26.20) and later Nb, Ta fertilization; ⑥ trace element characteristics of basalts and their tectonic diagrams show they probably formed in the rifted island arc or back-arc basin enviromnent. In summary, the above evidence shows that this ophiolite formed in the SSZ environment and melts from subudcted plate are joined during its formation. Rare earth element, whole-rock and sedimentary characteristics of cherts with the Muztag ophiolite show that they formed in the continental margin environment with developed back-arc basin, and radiolarias in the cherts indicate that the upper age of Muztag ophiolite is early carboniferous. Based on the accreted wedge models of Professor Li Jiliang for Kunlunshan Mountain and combined with study on the two typical ophiolite profiles of EKAX, the author discussed the tectonic evolution of EKAX from Proterzoic to Permian.

博兴洼陷西部砂体成因与油气成藏研究

Based on achievements of thirty years of hydrocarbon exploration, this paper uses the modern theories and methods of sedimentology and oil accumulation to study the origin and distribution features of four sandbodies of Gaoqing, Fanjia, Zhenglizhuang and Jinjia from the third member to the lower second member of Shahejie Formation in detail. Various geophysical methods are also used to explain and to predict the spatial distribution of sandbodies, which further shows mechanism and the model of oil accumulation and illuminates the disciplinarians of oil enrichment and its controlling factors in the study area. The most favourable oil pools predicted by this paper have significant economic and social benefits, which has been confirmed by the exploration. The main conclusions and knowledge includes: (1) Resolving the problems, which remain unresolvable for a long time in the western area of Boxing depression, about the original environment and the spatial distribution of sandbodies of Gaoqing, Fanjia, Zhenglizhuang and Jinjia, and illuminating their relationships. It is suggested that two deltas or delta-related sandbody sediments, which include the delta sandbodies of Jinjia and Gaoqing and their frontal turbidite fan sandbody, are developed in the second and third members of Shahejie Formation. The sandbodies of Fanjia, Gaoqing and Zhenglizhuang are components of Gaoqing delta and belong to the sediments of various periods in different part of the delta. Whereas, the sandbody of Jinjia belong to the Jinjia delta or fan-delta created by the uplift of the Western Shandong and in some areas shows the features of juxtaposition, superimposed deposition and fingeration with the sandbodies of Gaoqing and Zhenglizhuang. (2)Proposing that the sandbodies of different origins in the deltas of Gaoqing and Jinjia have obvious different reservoir qualities, among which the delta frontal bedded sandbodies in the second member of Shahejie Formation in Zhenglizhuang are the best ones and the turbidite sandbody of Fanjia is relatively worse. This shows the direction of further reservoir prediction. (3) According to modern petroleum system theory and continental pool-formation theory, the author divided the western area of Boxing depression into the Jinjia—Zhenglizhuang—Fanjia nose structure belt pool-formation system and the Gaoqing fracture belt pool-formation system. The study area is predominantly located in the former belt and subdivided into pool-formation sub-systems of Zhenglizhuang-Fanjia and Jinjia, which have the source rock of mudstone and oil shale from the upper forth member and the third member of Shahejie Formation in Boxing depression. The hydrocarbon migration and accumulation are controlled by Jinjia-Zhenglizhuang-fanjia nose structure and Gaoqing fracture. (4)Proposing that compared with the best developed sandbodies and traps in the west area of Boxing, the source from the Boxing depression is not sufficient, which is the fundamental reason that the hydrocarbon resources in mid-west area is less than in the east of Boxing. (5) Under the direction of the new theory (fluid compartments theory) and new method of modern pool-formation mechanism, two kinds of pool-formation model are established in study, i.e. inner-compartment model and outer-compartment model. The former has abnormal pressure and is the antigenic source seal pool-forming mechanism, whereas the latter has normal pressure and is of the allochthonous source opening pool-formation mechanism. (6)The study shows that the four sandbodies of Gaoqing, Fanjia, Jinjia and Zhenglizhuang sand are all very benefit for pool-formation, among which the Fanjia sandbody is the best favourable one and is likely to form lithological reservoir and fault-lithological reservoir. But the main step of exploration in Gaoqing, Zhenglizhuang sandbodies should be finding out the fault block, reversed roof and stratum-lithological oil reservoir. (7)Established a set of guidelines and techniques for the research and exploration in the large scale of sandbodies. Proposing that the various traps related to reversed fault and basin-ward fault should be found in step slopes and gentle slopes respectively, and the lithological oil reservoir should mainly be found in the sandstone updip pinch out. It is also suggested that Fanjia sandbody is most favourable to form the lithological and fault-lithological and the Gaoqing, Zhenglizhuang and Jinjia sandbodies have the potential of forming fault block, reversed roof and stratum-lithological oil reservoir. (8) Interpretation and prediction the spatial distribution of main sandbodies based on various geophysical methods suggestion that Fanxi, Gao28 south and Gao27 east have better exploration potential.

西江流域环境河水地球化学研究

River is a major component of the global surface water and CO2 cycles. The chemistry of river waters reveals the nature of weathering on a basin-wide scale and helps us understand the exogenic cycles of elements in the continent-river-ocean system. In particular, geochemical investigation of large river gives important information on the biogeochemical cycles of the elements, chemical weathering rates, physical erosion rates and CO2 consumption during the weathering of the rocks within the drainage basin. Its importance has led to a number of detailed geochemical studies on some of the world's large and medium-size river systems. Flowing in the south of China, the Xijiang River is the second largest river in the China with respect to its discharge, after the Yangtze River. Its headwaters drain the YunGui Plateau, where altitude is approximately 2000 meters. Geologically, the carbonate rocks are widely spread in the river drainage basin, which covers an area of about 0.17xl06 km2, i.e., 39% of the whole drainage basin. This study focuses on the chemistry of the Xijiang river system and constitutes the first geochemical investigation into major and trace elements concentrations for both suspended and dissolved loads of this river and its main tributaries, and Sr isotopic composition of the dissolved load is also investigated, in order to determine both chemical weathering and mechanical erosion rates. As compared with the other large rivers of the world, the Xijiang River is characterized by higher major element concentration. The dissolved major cations average 1.17, 0.33, 0.15, and 0.04 mmol I"1 for Ca, Mg, Na, and K, respectively. The total cation concentrations (TZ+) in these rivers vary between 2.2 and 4.4 meq I'1. The high concentration of Ca and Mg, high (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K) ratio (7.9), enormous alkalinity and low dissolved SiO2/HCO3 ratio (0.05) in river waters reveal the importance of carbonate weathering and relatively weak silicate weathering over the river drainage basin. The major elements in river water, such as the alkalis and alkaline-earths, are of different origins: from rain water, silicate weathering, carbonate and evaporite weathering. A mixing model based on mass budget equation is used in this study, which allows the proportions of each element derived from the different source to be calculated. The carbonate weathering is the main source of these elements in the Xijiang drainage basin. The contribution of rainwater, especially for Na, reaches to approximately 50% in some tributaries. Dissolved elemental concentration of the river waters are corrected for rain inputs (mainly oceanic salts), the elemental concentrations derived from the different rock weathering are calculated. As a consequence, silicate, carbonate and total rock weathering rates, together with the consumption rates of atmospheric CO2 by weathering of each of these lithologies have been estimated. They provide specific chemical erosion rates varying between 5.1~17.8 t/km2/yr for silicate, 95.5~157.2 t/km2/yr for carbonate, and 100.6-169.1 t/km2/yr for total rock, respectively. CO2 consumptions by silicate and carbonate weathering approach 13><109and 270.5x10 mol/yr. Mechanical denudation rates deduced from the multi-year average of suspended load concentrations range from 92-874 t/km2/yr. The high denudation rates are mainly attributable to high relief and heavy rainfall, and acid rain is very frequent in the drainage basin, may exceed 50% and the pH value of rainwater may be <4.0, result from SO2 pollution in the atmosphere, results in the dissolution of carbonates and aluminosilicates and hence accelerates the chemical erosion rate. The compositions of minerals and elements of suspended particulate matter are also investigated. The most soluble elements (e.g. Ca, Na, Sr, Mg) are strongly depleted in the suspended phase with respect to upper continent crust, which reflects the high intensity of rock weathering in the drainage basin. Some elements (e.g. Pb, Cu, Co, Cr) show positive anomalies, Pb/Th ratios in suspended matter approach 7 times (Liu Jiang) to 10 times (Nanpan Jiang) the crustal value. The enrichment of these elements in suspended matter reflects the intensity both of anthropogenic pollution and adsorption processes onto particles. The contents of the soluble fraction of rare earth elements (REE) in the river are low, and REE mainly reside in particulate phase. In dissolved phase, the PAAS-normalized distribution patterns show significant HREE enrichment with (La/Yb) SN=0.26~0.94 and Ce depletion with (Ce/Ce*) SN=0.31-0.98, and the most pronounced negative Ce anomalies occur in rivers of high pH. In the suspended phase, the rivers have LREE-enriched patterns relative to PAAS, with (La/Yb) SN=1 -00-1 .40. The results suggest that pH is a major factor controlling both the absolute abundances of REE in solution and the fractionation of REE of dissolved phase. Ce depletion in river waters with high pH values results probably from both preferential removal of Ce onto Fe-Mn oxide coating of particles and CeC^ sedimentation. This process is known to occur in the marine environment and may also occur in high pH rivers. Positive correlations are also observed between La/Yb ratio and DOC, HCO3", PO4", suggesting that colloids and (or) adsorption processes play an important role in the control of these elements.

富硫流体的成因与硫酸盐还原作用研究

Origins of H_2S, thiols, thiophenes in natural gases and sulphur-enriched oils are complicated and thus some debates exist on them. The post-doctoral research is based upon oil- and gas-field data. Cases for study include Triassic Jianglingjiang Formation natural gases, Wolonghe Field, Sichuan Basin, Paleozoic oils and bitumen, Central Tarim, gases reserviored nearby Carboniferious - Ordovician unconformity, Hetianhe Field, Tarim Basin and sulphur-enriched oils in Tertiary reserviors in Jinxian Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. We have carried out analyses on the oils and gases for chemistry, δ~(13)C, δ~(34)S, and molecular composition of biomarkers, analyzed authigenetic pyrite forδ~(34)S, formation water for chemistry and δD and δ~(18)O along with petroleum system and burial history analyses, The aims are to assess the origins of the H2S and authigenetic pyrite, to discuss the possibility of reduced sulphur incorporation into hydrocarbons and to determine the mechanisms of hydrocarbon secondary alteration in the above four cases by comparison. The research shows that the reduced sulphur in the four cases is the result of thermochemical and biological sulphate reduction., TSR and BSR, respectively. No evidence indicates an origin of decomposition of organic matter or mantle - derived H2S in the cases. Elevated H_2S contents (up to 32%) in the Triassic Jialingjiang Formation are considered to result from TSR while relatively low H_2S (up to 2000ppm) in the Hetianhe Field resulted from BSR. However, it is not the case for the Central Tarim where relatively low H2S but abundant authigenetic pyrite occurr. Part of the H_2S in the Central Tarim reservoirs has reacted with iron released from clay minerals to precipitate pyrite. Thus, reduced sulphur δ~(34)S and reservoir temperatures rather than the H2S amount are reliable parameters to distinguish between TSR and BSR. TSR in Sichuan Basin Triassic Jialingjiang Formation and Central Tarim Paleozoic reservoirs are showed to take place at more than 125℃. the H2S and authigenetic pyrite have δ~(34)S close to parent anhydrite. In contrast, BSR in the reservoirs near the Carboniferous - Ordovician unconformity in the Hetianhe Field and in the Tertiary in the Jinxian Sag took place at temperatures less than 80℃with sulphide δ~(34)S as light as -24.9‰ and -12.5‰, anhydrite δ~(34)S as heavy as +26‰and +3 5-+40‰, respectively. Chemistry and isotopic composition of the natural gases change as the result of sulphate reduction. It has been observed that relative composition of light hydrocarbon gases is changed along with a rise in H_2S and CO_2. TSR in the Triassic Jialingjiang Formation and BSR in the Hetianhe Field result in a greater degree of preferential depletion of methane than larger molecular hydrocarbon gases. As TSR or BSR proceeds, hydrocarbon gases evolved to heavier carbon isotope as the result of kinetic isotopic fractionation, i.e., selective anaerobic oxidation of ~(12)C. Using the model of residual methane (Whiticar, 1999) to describe the relationship among the proportion of methane oxidation, isotopic shift and fraction factor, about 30% methane is calculated to have been oxidized during BSR in the western part of the Hetianhe Field. From the above, it can be concluded that in the area where H_2S is abundant, empiricalδ~(13)C -Ro relationships do not work. Sulphate reduction results in a rise in sulphur content, gravity and viscosity of an oil as well as changes in δ~(13)C and δ~(34)S. On special conditions, the reduced sulphur from sulphates might be incorporated into oils, i.e., the increasing sulphur is derived from secondarily reduced sulphur. A positive correlative relationship exists between sulphur content and δ~(34)S in the oils in Paleozoic reservoirs in Central Tarim, indicating that enhanced sulphur is ~(34)S-enriched, originated from TSR. The Jinxian oil with the highest sulphur content has the lightest δ~(34)S, suggesting part of the sulphur in the oil is ~(34)S-depleted, originated from BSR. In the Jinxian oil with increasing sulphur content, asphaltenes shows higher content and more negative δ~(13)C, and saturates shows evidence of biodegradetion and a decreasing content and a positive δ~(13)C shift. Thus, asphaltenes have δ~(13)C values closer to saturates. All the above indicate that the reduced sulphur has been incorporated into biodegradated saturates to generate new asphaltenes with relatively light δ~(13)C of saturates. Thiols and thiophenes in natural gases in the Triassic Jialingjiang Formation may result from reaction of H_2S with hydrocarbon. In the Jialingjiang Formation hydrocarbon gases are dominated by methane thus have a high dryness coefficient and thiols are showed to be positively related to H_2S content, suggesting that the thiols may result from H_2S reaction with short chain hydrocarbons. In contrast, high thiophenes occur in wet gases in Jurassic reservoirs with their source rock from sulphur - depleted type I kerogen, indicating that thiophenes may be a product of reaction of H2S with longer chain hydrocarbons.

滚石机理及滚石灾害评价研究

Rockfall is a geological evolution process involving detachment of blocks or boulders from a slope face, then their free falls, bouncing, rolling or sliding, and finally deposition near the toe of the slope. Many facts indicate that the rockfall can cause hazards to peoples, and it can be regarded as a geological hazard. A rockfall event may only involve a boulder or rock, and also several ones. When there are peoples, buildings, or other man-made establishments within the scope of rockfall trajectory, losses will be possibly induced in tenns of human lives or damages to these facilities. Researches into mechanism, kinematics, dynamics, hazard assessment, risk analysis, and mitigation measures of rockfalls are extremely necessary and important. Occurrence of rockfall is controlled by a lot of conditions, mainly including topographical, geomorphic, geological ones and triggering factors. The rockfall especially in mountainous areas, has different origins, and occurs to be frequent, unexpected, uncertain, in groups, periodic and sectional. The characterization and classification of the rockfalls not only increase knowledge about rockfall mechanism, but also can instruct mitigation of the hazards. In addition, stability of potential rockfalls have various sensitivity to different triggering factors and changes of geometrical conditions. Through theoretical analyses, laboratory experiments and field tests, the author presents some back-analysis methods for friction coefficients of sliding and rolling, and restitution coefficients. The used input data can be obtained economically and accurately in the field. Through deep studies on hazard assessment methods and analysis of factors influencing rockfall hazard, this paper presents a new assessment methodology consisting of preliminary assessment and detailed one. From the application in a 430 km long stretch of the Highway, which is located between Paksho and Nyingtri in Tibet, the methodology can be applicable for the rockfall hazard assessment in complex and difficult terrains. In addition, risk analyses along the stretch are conducted by computing the probability of encountering rockfalls and life losses resulting from rockfall impacts. Rockfall hazards may be mitigated by avoiding hazardous areas, clearness of dangerous rocks, reinforcement, obstructing the rockfalls, leading the rockfalls, warning and monitoring for rockfalls, etc. Seen from present remedial level of rockfall hazards, different mitigation measures, economical and effective buffering units, monitoring tecliniques and consciousness of environmental protection for rockfall mitigations should be further developed.

人口空间数据误差分析研究

Spatial population data, obtained through the pixeling method, makes many related researches more convenient. However, the limited methods of precision analysis prevent the spread of spatial distribution methods and cumber the application of the spatial population data. This paper systematically analyzes the different aspects of the spatial population data precision, and re-calculates them with the reformed method, which makes breakthrough for the spread of the pixeling method and provides support and reference for the application of spatial population data. The paper consists of the following parts: (2) characters of the error; (2) origins of the error; (3) advancement on the calculating methods of the spatial population data. In the first place, based on the analysis of the error trait, two aspects of the spatial population data precision are characterized and analyzed: numerical character and spatial distributing character. The later one, placed greater emphasis on in this paper, is depicted in two spatial scales: county and town. It is always essential and meaningful to the research in this paper that spatial distribution is as important as numerical value in analyzing error of the spatial distributed data. The result illustrates that the spatial population data error appears spatially in group, although it is random in the aspect of data statistics, all of that shows there lies spatial systematic error. Secondly, this paper comes to conclude and validate the lineal correlation between the residential land area (from 1:50000 map and taken as real area) and population. Meanwhile, it makes particular analysis on the relationship between the residential land area, which is obtained from the land use map and the population in three different spatial scales: village, town and county, and makes quantitative description of the residential density variation in different topological environment. After that, it analyzes the residential distributing traits and precision. With the consideration of the above researches, it reaches the conclusion that the error of the spatial distributed population is caused by a series of factors, such as the compactness of the residents, loss of the residential land, the population density of the city. Eventually, the paper ameliorates the method of pixeling the population data with the help of the analysis on error characters and causes. It tests 2-class regionalization based on the 1-class regionalization of China, and resorts the residential data from the land use map. In aid of GIS and the comprehensive analysis of various data source, it constructs models in each 2-class district to calculate spatial population data. After all, LinYi Region is selected as the study area. In this area, spatial distributing population is calculated and the precision is analyzed. All it illustrates is that new spatial distributing population has been improved much. The research is fundamental work. It adopts large amounts of data in different types and contains many figures to make convincing and detailed conclusions.

Developing a Pedagogy for Interactive Learning.

Recent developments in higher education have seen the demise of much didactic, teacher-directed instruction which was aimed mainly towards lower-level educational objectives. This traditional educational approach has been largely replaced by methods which feature the teacher as an originator or facilitator of interactive and learner-centred learning - with higher-level aims in mind. The origins of, and need for, these changes are outlined, leading into an account of the emerging pedagogical approach to interactive learning, featuring facilitation and reflection. Some of the main challenges yet to be confronted effectively in consolidating a sound and comprehensive pedagogical approach to interactive development of higher level educational aims are outlined.

Influence of different neuroprotective drugs on dopamine neurotoxicity induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and MPTP in mice

Introduction: Parkinson‟s disease (PD) is characterized by a chronic progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons that is associated with chronic neuroinflammation. Current treatments for PD can significantly improve symptoms but do not cure the disease or slow its progression. An approach used in existing therapies is based on the inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO), enzyme involved in the metabolic degradation of dopamine. Although, preclinical studies showed that MAO-B inhibitors have neuroprotective activity in cellular and animal models of PD, clinical trials did not completely confirm this result. Therefore a large number of new molecules, with more potent MAO-B inhibitory activity and a possible neuroprotective effect, have been proposed to replace the pre-existing MAO-B inhibitors. The profile of the recent MAO inhibitor, SZV558, appears to be particularly interesting because of its pharmacodynamic, favorable for disease-modifying properties and its irreversible MAO-B enzyme bind. The enhancement of adult neurogenesis could be of great clinical interest in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. In line with this, the metformin, a well-known antidiabetic drug, has recently been proposed to promote neurogenesis and to have a neuroprotective effect on the neurodegenerative processes induced by the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in a mice PD model. Although, PD has multiple origins, one hypothesis is that amphetamine-related drugs may be part of the wide array of factors leading to the dopaminergic neuron degeneration that causes the disease. These hypothesis are supported by different results that showed a persistent, long-term dopaminergic toxicity induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in mice. Moreover, the MDMA, altering the dopaminergic transmission, may affect neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. On these basis, considering that the young brain is particularly sensitive to drug-induced neurotoxicity, the consumption of MDMA during the adolescence might increase the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons. However, the use of amphetamine-related drugs by adolescent and young people is often combined with caffeinated energy drinks in order to amplify their stimulant actions. Although caffeine use is safe, the combined treatment of caffeine and MDMA increases not only the DA release but also the microglia and astroglia activation. Aims: During my Ph.D. I studied the influence of neuroprotective drugs, such as MAO inhibitors and metformin, or substances, such as caffeine, on the neurodegenerative effects of two dopaminergic toxins, MDMA and MPTP, in mice. 1. In the first phase of my study, I evaluated the neuroprotective activity of the new MAO-B inhibitor SZV558, compared with well-known rasagiline, in a chronic mouse model of MPTP plus probenecid (MPTPp), which induces a progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. 2. Previous results showed that when MDMA is associated with caffeine, a more pronounced degeneration in adolescent compared with adult mice was observed. To better clarify the molecular mechanism at the base of the different neurotoxic effect of this drug association at different ages, I evaluated the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression, which plays a critical role in the integration of dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmissions, in the CPu of adolescent or adult mice treated with MDMA, alone or in combination with caffeine. 3. Finally, I investigated the neuroprotective effect of metformin against dopaminergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA in the CPu and SNc of adult mice. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the dopaminergic neurodegenerative process may be induced or conditioned by environment stressors or substances which influence, through different ways, the development of neurodegenerative mechanisms. In the present study I evaluated the effects of 3 substances, known as potentially neuroprotective, in combination with two different neurotoxins that affect the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. The SZV558 MAO-B inhibitor and the metformin protected the nigrostriatal pathway, usually affected in PD, by MPTP- and MDMA- induced neurotoxicity, respectively. On the other hand, caffeine, administrated with MDMA, showed a neurotoxic potential depending on the age of consumers, confirming the vulnerability of adolescent brain to consumption of drug and substances that affected the dopaminergic system. In conclusion, the study of neurodegenerative processes may be relevant to understand the human pharmacology, the origin and development of neurodegenerative disease and to predict the neurotoxic effect of drug abuse.

Pancreatic and adrenal development and function in an ovine model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder encompassing reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Ovarian hyperandrogenism is an endocrine hallmark of human PCOS. In animal models, PCOS-like abnormalities can be recreated by in utero over-exposure to androgenic steroid hormones. This thesis investigated pancreatic and adrenal development and function in a unique model of PCOS. Fetal sheep were directly exposed (day 62 and day 82 of gestation) to steroidal excesses - androgen excess (testosterone propionate - TP), estrogen excess (diethylstilbestrol - DES) or glucocorticoid excess (dexamethasone - DEX). At d90 gestation there was elevated expression of genes involved in β- cell development and function: PDX-1 (P<0.001), and INS (P<0.05), INSR (P<0.05) driven by androgenic excess only in the female fetal pancreas. β- cell numbers (P<0.001) and in vitro insulin secretion (P<0.05) were also elevated in androgen exposed female fetuses. There was a significant increase in insulin secreting β-cell numbers (P<0.001) and in vivo insulin secretion (glucose stimulated) (P<0.01) in adult female offspring, specifically associated with prenatal androgen excess. At d90 gestation, female fetal adrenal gene expression was perturbed by fetal estrogenic exposure. Male fetal adrenal gene expression was altered more dramatically by fetal glucocorticoid exposure. In female adult offspring from androgen exposed pregnancies there was increased adrenal steroidogenic gene expression and in vivo testosterone secretion (P<0.01). This highlights that the adrenal glands may contribute towards excess androgen secretion in PCOS, but such effects might be secondary to other metabolic alterations driven by prenatal androgen exposure, such as excess insulin secretion Thus there may be dialogue between the pancreas and adrenal gland, programmed during early life, with implications for adult health Given both hyperinsulinaemia and hyperandrogenism are common features in PCOS, we suggest that their origins may be at least partially due to altered fetal steroidal environments, specifically excess androgenic stimulation

Toward a European Army: A Military Power in the Making?

Shepherd, Alistair, and T. C. Salmon, Toward a European Army: A Military Power in the Making? (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2003), pp.x+237 RAE2008

Ludwig Feuerbach's Critique of Religion and the End of Moral Philosophy

Williams, H. (2006). Ludwig Feuerbach's Critique of Religion and the End of Moral Philosophy. In Moggach, D. (Ed.), The New Hegelians: Politics and Philosophy in the Hegelian School (pp.50-66). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Introduction; Part I. Eduard Gans: 1. Eduard Gans on poverty and on the constitutional debate; 2. Ludwig Feuerbach's Critique of Religion and the end of moral philosophy; Part II. Ludwig Feuerbach: 3. The symbolic dimension and the politics of Left Hegelianism; Part III. Bruno Bauer: 4. Exclusiveness and political universalism in Bruno Bauer; 5. Republican rigorism and emancipation in Bruno Bauer; Part IV. Edgar Bauer: 6. Edgar Bauer and The Origins of the Theory of Terrorism; Max Stirner 7. Ein Menschenleben: Hegel and Stirner; 8. 'The State and I': Max Stirner's anarchism; Friedrich Engels: 9. Engels and the invention of the catastrophist conception of the industrial revolution; Karl Marx: 10. The basis of the state in the Marx of 1842; 11. Marx and Feuerbachian essence: returning to the question of 'Human Essence' in historical materialism; 12. Freedom and the 'Realm of Necessity'; Concluding with Hegel :13. Work, language and community: a response to Hegel's critics. RAE2008

Entrepreneurship and rural economic development: a scenario analysis approach

Fuller-Love, N., Midmore, P., Thomas, D., Henley, A. (2006). Entrepreneurship and rural economic development: A scenario analysis approach. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 12 (5), 289-305. RAE2008

Approaching the Unapproached Light: Milton and the Romantic Visionary

Shears, J. (2006). Approaching the Unapproached Light: Milton and the Romantic Visionary. In G. Hopps and J. Stabler (Eds.), Romanticism and Religion from William Cowper to Wallace Stevens (pp.25-40). The Nineteenth Century Series. Aldershot: Ashgate. RAE2008

‘All the places we were not supposed to go’: a case study of formative class and gender habitus in adventure climbing

This paper explores the origins of meaning in adventurous activities. Specifically, the paper reports on a study of 10 adventure climbers in the Scottish mountaineering community. The study explores how formative experiences have influenced engagement in adventure climbing. Work has been done on the phenomenology of adventure and how individuals interpret and find meaning in the activity—this paper goes a step further and asks where do these dispositions come from? Using Bourdieu’s ideas of field, habitus and forms of capital to frame these experiences in the wider social environment, early experiences are identified that, for the subjects of this study, provide a framework for their later adoption of the ‘adventure habitus’. Among these influences are mainstream education, adventure education in particular, as well as broader formative experiences relating to factors such as gender and class. In addition, the study suggests that accounts differ between males and females in terms of their attitudes and dispositions towards adventure. This may relate to their respective experiences as well as expanding opportunities for both males and females. However, while the ‘adventure field’ provides a context where women can develop transformative identities, these are nearly always subject to male validation.

Towards national identities: Welsh theatres

Williams, Ioan. 'Towards national identities: Welsh theatres', In: The Cambridge History of British Theatre, (Eds) Kershaw, Baz., Cambridge University Press, 2004, pp.242-272 RAE2008