bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interdisciplinary relations in some high‐priority fields of science and technology
Authors: Sedighi Mehri
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the interdisciplinary relations in some high‐priority fields of science and technology based on ISI data.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an applied study using scientometric, citation analysis and network analysis methods. The study population consists of scientific articles of Iranian researchers in five fields that have been indexed in “WOS” database. These fields are included nanotechnology, biophysics, nuclear physics, sociology and communication. After identifying and extracting data from “WOS” (included 1,777 records), in order to determine the interdisciplinary relations and the evolution of these relationships, the citations of these records (41,080 citations) have been extracted and analysed.

Findings

The results indicate all the studied scientific fields have self‐citation and other‐citation. Depending on the type of field, the rate of intra‐disciplinary and extra‐disciplinary citations is various. There is a positive correlation between co‐authorship and interdisciplinary approach in all the studied fields. There is no significant relation between the number of citations and interdisciplinary approach. Overall, the results showed the use of only a bibliographic method cannot specify all aspects of interdisciplinarity of the scientific field. Simultaneous use of different analysis methods such as citation analysis, co‐authorship analysis and bibliographic coupling is necessary in order to data exchange between fields.

Originality/value

The analysis and mapping of interdisciplinary relations in a scientific field can provide useful information regarding connectivity and interdependence among areas. Through such studies, the status of cooperation between disciplines and the evolutionary trend of it is well defined. The results of these studies would also be useful in developing the interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals and understanding their information needs and plan to meet these needs.
Leadership in problem‐oriented policing
Authors: Mazerolle Lorraine , Darroch Steve , White Gentry
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of leadership in problem‐oriented policing (POP).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses interrupted time series models to isolate the impact on crime trends of a transformational leader's efforts to spearhead the implementation of a program of POP, called the problem solving model (PSM), in a southern state in Australia.

Findings

This paper finds that the PSM led directly to an impact on overall crime, with a significant reduction in crimes per 100,000 persons per year after the introduction of the PSM. The majority of the overall crime drop attributable to implementation of POP was driven by reductions in property crime. It was noted that the leadership influence of the PSM was not effective in reducing all types of crime. Crimes against the person where not affected by the introduction of the PSM and public nuisance crimes largely followed the forecasted, upward trajectory.

Practical implications

The driver behind the PSM was Commissioner Hyde and the success of the PSM is largely attributable to his strong commitment to transformational leadership and a top‐down approach to implementation. These qualities encapsulate the original ideas behind POP that Goldstein (1979, 2003), back in 1979, highlighted as critical for the success of future POP programs.

Social implications

Reducing crime is an important part of creating safe communities and improving quality of life for all citizens. This research shows that successful implementation of the PSM within South Australia under the strong leadership of Commissioner Hyde was a major factor in reducing property crime and overall crime rates.

Originality/value

This paper is valuable because it demonstrates the link between strong leadership in policing, the commissioner's vision for POP and how his vision then translated into widespread adoption of POP. The study empirically shows that the statewide adoption of POP led to significant reductions in crime, particularly property crime.
Democratic police governance in comparative perspective
Authors: Jones Trevor , van Steden Ronald
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the specific institutional arrangements for realizing democratically accountable policing in England & Wales and the Netherlands. It assesses each accountability system against a set of “democratic criteria” and considers the implications for democratic policing of the current reform trajectories in both jurisdictions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a cross‐national approach exploring the relationship between policing and democratic institutions by comparing the democratic credentials of the police governance systems in England & Wales and the Netherlands.

Findings

Current reforms to the police governance system in England & Wales aim to increase local elected influence over policing. By contrast, the Dutch system deliberately limits the degree of local electoral control over policing. The paper argues that there is a range of elements to democratic policing, and that “democratic accountability” should not be conflated with control of policing by elected bodies. Whilst the trajectories of reform in England & Wales and the Netherlands are going in opposite directions, each raises a number of “democratic” concerns.

Research limitation/implications

The research is limited to only two developed European parliamentary democracies in the European Union. Further comparative research on democratic policing is required to expand the analysis to a wider variety of democratic contexts.

Originality/value

To date, there has been little attention paid by policy makers or by academics to the form and nature of police governance in continental European countries. By drawing comparisons between England & Wales and the Netherlands, the paper aims to provide a democratic assessment of the two police accountability systems (and their current reform trajectories) and discuss some broad policy implications for police governance in each jurisdiction.

Practical implications

Comparative analysis of police accountability in both England and Wales and the Netherlands provides potential for policy learning in each jurisdiction. The analysis suggests that both systems, in different ways, are currently at risk of over‐emphasizing particular democratic criteria (such as electoral participation, or delivery of service) to the exclusion of others (such as concerns with equitable and fair policing and the protection of minority rights).
Copyright in light of ethics
Authors: Aulisio George J.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This article aims to explore the relationship between copyright law and how an academic reference librarian could and should ethically comply with copyright when considering the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association and the Library Bill of Rights.

Design/methodology/approach

The Code of Ethics and the Library Bill of Rights are examined to determine how they would affect a reference librarian's ability to comply with copyright rules while conducting a reference interview.

Findings

Adhering to the Code of Ethics would prevent reference librarians from entering into difficult situations. The Code of Ethics serves as an ethical framework on which librarians can rely to prevent the need to choose between complying with copyright rules and providing a patron with the information s/he is requesting. In addition, the author explains why supplemental instruction or volunteering information on copyright to patrons above that which is required by law should be provided only after careful consideration.

Originality/value

Academic reference librarians have much to gain from a better understanding of the Code of Ethics, the Library Bill of Rights, copyright law, and the relationship between the three doctrines. Reference librarians who read this article will acquire a practical knowledge of how copyright and the Code of Ethics affects their reference duties and librarianship in general.
Navigating circular library stacks: a case study on signage
Authors: Stempler Amy F.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The intent of this paper is to outline a case study that addressed signage issues in a circulating book collection at a four‐year college library. A signage redesign project is detailed, with special attention paid to the challenges of a complex and often confusing layout.

Design/methodology/approach

A consistent and comprehensive stack signage system involving the implementation of a color‐coded scheme, along with a variety of new informational and wayfinding signs, was designed. The project also supported the creation of a corresponding digital map linked to library catalog.

Findings

The redesigned stack signage system contributed to a dramatic increase in the number of books checked out from the circulating collection. A pattern of positive responses observed during reference services and library instruction sessions also supports the favorable outcome of the project.

Research limitations/implications

The study would benefit from a survey or related data that could quantify the impact of the redesign on patron wayfinding in the circulating stacks.

Practical implications

The unique circular nature of the library discussed presented additional obstacles; however, the measures taken are applicable to libraries of various configurations. The detailed signage strategy could also serve as a framework to develop best practice guidelines for stack signage.

Originality/value

While there is significant literature on library signage, stack signage specific to directing patrons towards locating books on the shelves has not been widely addressed.
Using student questions to direct information literacy workshops
Authors: Hanz Katherine , Lange Jessica
Published: September 2013

Purpose – This article aims to discuss an innovative, student‐centered method for engaging students in one‐shot information literacy workshops. By using student‐generated questions to find out what students want to know about the library, the authors examine how the students' questions are used both as an ice breaker activity and as a means to orient the workshop's content. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review discusses various approaches to active learning activities in one‐shot information literacy workshops as well as methods for assessing students' library knowledge prior to workshops. The authors' own case study identifies best practices for implementing the activity. Finally, the authors discuss the types of student questions they collected from students over the course of two semesters. Findings – The activity outlined in this article provides an engaging method for interacting with students during one‐shot information literacy workshops. The activity acts as an effective method for obtaining a basic understanding of students' library knowledge. Analyses of the questions collected by the authors suggest that librarians should tailor their workshop content depending on the time of year in which their workshops take place. Originality/value – The activity described in this article is discussed sparingly in the literature. As such, this article outlines best practices for a student‐centered activity that librarians can add to their information literacy toolkit. This article is valuable to librarians with instruction responsibilities.
Information literacy competency of post graduate students at Haryana Agricultural University and impact of instruction initiatives
Authors: Singh Devendra , Joshi Manoj K.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Since the education of Master of Science students in the discipline of agriculture is catalectic without libraries, the present paper seeks to assess the information literacy competency (ILC) of post graduate (PG) students at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India, along with the impact of instruction initiatives in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Standards for Science and Engineering/Technology, 2006, an instrument was developed with 79 scoring items in the first part of the questionnaire along with non‐scoring items in the second part. Broad headings of the questions asked are shown in detail. Validity and reliability of the instrument are also reported.

Findings

Information literacy competency of PG students has been found satisfactory along with significant difference between the first and second year students. Results of the paper distinguish between the first and second year students in the light of five information literacy (IL) standards along with other considerations. Various instruction initiatives were found to have a positive impact upon the ILC of PG students.

Practical implications

Since the study has been able to establish a positive relationship between instruction initiatives and ILC, such initiatives may be introduced in other academic institutions.

Originality/value

None of the earlier reported research instruments had used science and engineering/technology IL standards, especially upon PG students in agriculture. This study further paved the way for the development of such an nstrument along with assessing the ILC of PG students and impact of instruction initiatives in an agricultural university.
Student perceptions of academic and social effects of working in a university library
Authors: Jacobson Heather A. , Shuyler Kristen S.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This study aims to explore the positive and negative effects of working in an academic library, as reported by college students.

Design/methodology/approach

Through surveys and interviews, student workers shared their perceptions of how employment in a university library affects their academics, social life, engagement with campus life, professional skill development, and emotional/psychological states.

Findings

Results indicate that the library job is seen as a generally positive part of the students' college experience, particularly in the areas of skill development and academic performance. However, neutral, mixed, and negative effects exist as well.

Research limitations/implications

Findings may not be generalizable due to the limited number of participants and their employment in a single department. Future research could include students in other departments, libraries, or universities. This study employed a single survey and interview, capturing a snapshot of student perceptions. A more longitudinal approach could examine how the attitudes and perceptions of working students change over time as a result of their employment.

Practical implications

This study presents suggestions for how librarians, faculty, staff, and administrators can promote working students' academic success and professional development.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a new perspective to the current literature on the academic and social effects of library employment. By gathering student perceptions via surveys and interviews, this research provides one of the first analyses of the experiences of library student workers as shared in their own voices.
Using secret shopping to assess student assistant training
Authors: Hammill Sarah J. , Fojo Eduardo
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the results of three rounds of secret shopping conducted at the Hubert Library of Florida International University, and how the results affected and were affected by changes made to circulation desk student training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Volunteers from the campus community asked circulation desk work‐study students preformulated questions, in person or by phone, and recorded both the answers and service quality perceptions for analysis.

Findings

Analysis of the results revealed that the program did what it was designed to do: highlight customer service strengths and weaknesses. A majority of shoppers reported favourable experiences, but identified problematic areas and situations to be addressed in student worker training.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the most valuable data came from secret shoppers' comments, which made clear the need to revisit some of the questions. In some instances shoppers' desires to highlight the positive and deemphasize the negative indicated apparent bias.

Originality/value

This study shows how a secret shopping program can guide and fine‐tune a library student training program as opposed to a librarian or library staff training program.
The influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Namukasa Juliet
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty. To achieve this, the research was guided by four specific objectives to which data collection was effected mainly by interview method using fully structured questionnaires.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used random sampling technique and it covered 303 respondents on international flights using Entebbe International Airport. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences 16, were χ2 was used to test the hypothesis and regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships between variables.

Findings

– Findings indicated that the quality of pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight services had a statistically significant effect on passenger satisfaction. In addition to that, passenger satisfaction as a mediating variable also had a significant effect on passenger loyalty. It was noted that passenger satisfaction differed from person to person as some were more interested in off board facilities, others onboard, others in the quality of food while others wanted more extra luggage.

Originality/value

– It was recommended that airline management should consider developing various strategies for improving service quality based on demographic characteristics of the customers such as occupation, age, gender and education level.
An experiment to test key hypotheses of the drivers of reptile distribution in subalpine ski resorts
Authors: Sato Chloe F. , Wood Jeff T. , Schroder Mellesa , Green Ken , Osborne William S. , Michael Damian R. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: September 2013

Alpine and subalpine ecosystems support many endemic species. These ecosystems are increasingly under threat from human‐induced disturbances such as habitat loss and fragmentation as a consequence of ski resort development and expansion. However, limited peer‐reviewed research has investigated the impacts of ski‐related disturbances on wildlife, particularly on reptiles.

To address this knowledge gap, we conducted reptile surveys to determine the patterns of reptile distribution and abundance in Australian ski resorts. Then, using a factorial experimental design, we investigated 1) the influence of temperature and predation in driving observed distributions and 2) how a common ski resort management practice – mowing of modified ski slopes – affected thermal regimes and rates of predation of reptiles on ski runs.

We found that the removal of vegetation structural complexity through mowing resulted in significantly higher rates of predation on plasticine models, as well as significantly altered thermal regimes.

Crucially, mown ski runs had higher maximum ground temperatures that frequently exceeded the recorded critical maximum body temperatures of the target species of lizards. Thus, mowing has the potential to render these areas unsuitable for thermoregulatory purposes for a large proportion of the potential activity period of reptiles.

Together, modifications of the thermal environment and elevated rates of predation appear to explain the avoidance of ski runs by reptiles. To facilitate the persistence of reptiles in disturbed subalpine environments, management plans must focus on implementing strategies that reduce the impact of human activities that alter temperature regimes and predation rates on lizards.

Synthesis and Applications. We suggest that the retention of structural complexity on ski runs (e.g. through the cessation of mowing during peak reptile activity periods) and/or revegetation with native plant communities will concurrently provide refuge from predators and buffer against extreme temperatures, making ski runs more hospitable to reptiles. Based on our findings, we emphasize that effective management strategies targeting subalpine biodiversity conservation require an understanding of the drivers that determine species distributions in these landscapes.
The Effect of Fat Replacers on Batter and Cake Properties
Authors: Psimouli Vassiliki , Oreopoulou Vassiliki
Published: September 2013

Fat was replaced at 35% to 100% in cakes by maltodextrin (dextrose equivalent = 3), inulin (high performance and granulated), oligofructose, citrus pectin, and microparticulated protein. Fat replacement by 35% did not induce significant differences in general. Above 65% fat replacement resulted in statistically significant (P < 0.05) decreased viscosity (except for pectin) that was followed by statistically significant decrease in air incorporation and broader bubble size distribution. The starch gelatinization temperature showed a statistically significant increase when fat was replaced by fructose oligosaccharides. The cakes presented statistically significant increase of hardness, elasticity, and decrease of volume development as fat replacement increased above 65%. Also cakes with increased fat replacement received lower scores on taste and flavor, whereas at total fat replacement they were evaluated as not acceptable. Nevertheless, at 65% fat replacement, the samples presented acceptable textural, physical, and sensorial attributes.
Adsorptive Removal of Patulin from Apple Juice Using Ca‐Alginate‐Activated Carbon Beads
Authors: Yue Tianli , Guo Caixia , Yuan Yahong , Wang Zhouli , Luo Ying , Wang Ling
Published: September 2013

This study aimed to investigate the adsorption of patulin from apple juice by Ca‐alginate‐activated carbon (Ca‐alginate‐AC) beads. The capacity of patulin was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that Ca‐alginate‐AC beads have significant ability to reduce patulin from contaminated apple juice. Furthermore, the adsorption process did not affect the quality of apple juice. The effects of contact time, initial patulin concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature were assessed. The removal percentage of patulin increased with contact time, adsorbent dose, and temperature. A reduction was also noted to bind patulin at increased levels of contamination. The equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models and the isotherm constants were calculated at different temperatures. The adsorption equilibrium was best described by the Freundlich isotherm (R2 > 0.990). The pseudo 1st‐order model was found to describe the kinetic data satisfactorily. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG◦◦), standard enthalpy (ΔH◦), and standard entropy (ΔS◦) were evaluated. The results showed that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic nature.
Quantitative Analysis of Flabellophyton from the Ediacaran Lantian Biota, South China: Application of Geometric Morphometrics in Precambrian Fossil Research
Authors: Bin WAN , Xunlai YUAN , Zhe CHEN , Chengguo GUAN , Ke PANG , Qing TANG , Xin RAO
Published: September 2013

As a more efficient quantitative method for morphological analysis, geometric morphometrics is applied to the flabellate fossils Flabellophyton including Flabellophyton lantianensis and Flabellophyton strigata from Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Lantian biota, South China. Both traditional morphometric analysis (including diverging angle, length, and width distribution) and geometric morphometric analysis [including superposition of normalized area analysis, non‐metric multidimensional scaling (n‐MDS), Bray‐Curtis similarity cluster analysis (CLUSTER) and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM)] were performed. The results indicate there are great interspecific morphological differences between F. lantianensis and F. strigata, in addition to some intraspecific variations within each species. Here we preliminarily suggest that the previously defined Flabellophyton should be subdivided into 2 genera at least: one marked by the dark transverse striated structure, and the other without. This recharacterization and reclassification work still needs further careful observation and comprehensive analysis with large number of flabellate fossils combining morphology, structure, population, and community‐ecology study.
A New Angiosperm Genus from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation, Western Liaoning, China
Authors: Gang HAN , Xiao‐ping FU , Zhong‐jian LIU , Xin WANG
Published: September 2013

The abundant fossils of early angiosperms found in the Yixian Formation (125 Ma, Early Cretaceous) have demonstrated unexpectedly high diversity and various reproductive strategies, and thus have shed new light on early angiosperm evolution. Here, using light microscope and scanning electron microscope, we document several fructifications of Baicarpus gen. nov. from Liaoning province, China. Each fructification of the new taxon includes several apocarpous carpels/fruits attached in an urn‐formed gynobase. Each fruit/carpel has a persistent straight style and an ovary enclosing a single seed. These fossil plants demonstrate a new floral organization and thus enhance our understanding of the diversity of angiosperms in the Yixian Formation. Together with previously reported ones, this fossil angiosperm suggests an origin time for angiosperms earlier than widely accepted.
Tectonic Taphrogenesis and Paleoseismic Records from the Yishu Fault Zone in the Initial Stage of the Caledonian Movement
Authors: Hongshui TIAN , Zengqi ZHANG , Banghua ZHANG , Jiewang ZHU , Zhongxi SANG , Hongkui LI
Published: September 2013

The Yishu fault zone (mid‐segment of the Tanlu fault zone) was formed in the Presinian. Periodic tectonic activities and strong seismic events have occurred along the fault zone. During the initial stage of the Caledonian Movement, with the proceeding of the marine transgression from the Yishu paleo‐channel to the western Shandong, uneven thick sediments, composed mainly of sand, mud and carbonates of littoral, lagoon, and neritic facies, were deposited in the Yishu fault zone and western Shandong, and constructed the bottom part of the Lower Cambrian consisting of the Liguan and Zhushadong formations. Through field observations and the lab‐examinations, various paleoseismic records have been discovered in the Liguan Formation and the Zhushadong Formations of the Yishu fault zone and its vicinity, including some layers with syn‐sedimentary deformation structures that were triggered by strong earthquakes (i.e. seismite, seismo‐olistostrome, and seismo‐turbidite). Paleoseismic records developed in the Zhushadong Formation are mainly seismites with soft‐sediment deformation structures, such as liquefied diapir, small liquefied‐carbonate lime‐mud volcano, liquefied vein, liquefied breccia, convolute deformation (seismic fold), graded fault, soft siliceous vein, and deformation stromatolite, as well as seismites with brittle deformation structures of semiconsolidated sediments. Paleoseismic records preserved in the Liguan Formation are not only seismo‐olistostrome with a slump fold, load structure, and ball‐and‐pillows, but also seismo‐turbidite with convolution bedding, graded bedding and wavy‐bedding. However, in the western Shandong area, the closer to the Yishu fault zone, the greater the thickness of the Liguan Formation and the Zhushadong Formation, the greater the number and type of layers with paleoseismic records, and the higher the earthquake intensity reflected by associations of seismic records. This evidence indicates that tectonic taphrogenesis accompanied by strong earthquake events occurred in the Yishu fault zone during the initial stage of the Caledonian Movement, which embodied the break‐up of the Sino‐Korean Plate along the Paleo‐Tanlu fault zone at that time.
The Seismic Induced Soft Sediment Deformation Structures in the Middle Jurassic of Western Qaidamu Basin
Authors: Yong LI , Zhufu SHAO , Cui MAO , Yuping YANG , Shengxin LIU
Published: September 2013

Intervals of soft‐sediment deformation structures are well‐exposed in Jurassic lacustrine deposits in the western Qaidamu basin. Through field observation, many soft‐sediment deformation structures can be identified, such as convoluted bedding, liquefied sand veins, load and flame structures, slump structures and sliding‐overlapping structures. Based on their genesis, soft‐sediment deformation structures can be classified as three types: seismic induced structures, vertical loading structures, and horizontal shear structures. Based on their geometry and genesis analysis, they are seismic‐induced structures. According to the characteristics of convoluted bedding structures and liquefied sand veins, it can be inferred that there were earthquakes greater than magnitude 6 in the study area during the middle Jurassic. Furthermore, the study of the slump structures and sliding‐overlapping structures indicates that there was a southeastern slope during the middle Jurassic. Since the distance from the study area to the Altyn Mountain and the Altyn fault is no more than 10km, it can be also inferred that the Altyn Mountain existed then and that the Altyn strike‐slip fault was active during the middle Jurassic.
Characteristics and Dolomitization of Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician Dolomite from Outcrop in Keping Uplift, Western Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Congwei JI , Hairuo QING , Daizhao CHEN , Ping LUO , Zhijun JIN , Longyi SHAO
Published: September 2013

Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician sedimentary rocks in the western Tarim Basin, Northwest China, are composed of shallow‐marine platform carbonates. The Keping Uplift is located in the northwest region of this basin. On the basis of petrographic and geochemical features, four matrix replacement dolomites and one type of cement dolomite are identified. Matrix replacement dolomites include (1) micritic dolomites (MD1); (2) fine–coarse euhedral floating dolomites (MD2); (3) fine–coarse euhedral dolomites (MD3); and (4) medium–very coarse anhedral mosaic dolomites (MD4). Dolomite cement occurs in minor amounts as coarse saddle dolomite cement (CD1) that mostly fills vugs and fractures in the matrix dolomites. These matrix dolomites have δ18O values of −9.7‰ to −3.0‰ VPDB (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite); δ13C values of −0.8‰ to 3.5‰ VPDB; 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.708516 to 0.709643; Sr concentrations of 50 to 257 ppm; Fe contents of 425 to 16878 ppm; and Mn contents of 28 to 144 ppm. Petrographic and geochemical data suggest that the matrix replacement dolomites were likely formed by normal and evaporative seawater in early stages prior to chemical compaction at shallow burial depths. Compared with matrix dolomites, dolomite cement yields lower δ18O values (−12.9‰ to −9.1‰ VPDB); slightly lower δ13C values (−1.6‰–0.6‰ VPDB); higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.709165–0.709764); and high homogenization temperature (Th) values (98°C–225°C) and salinities (6 wt%−24 wt% NaCl equivalent). Limited data from dolomite cement shows a low Sr concentration (58.6 ppm) and high Fe and Mn contents (1233 and 1250 ppm, respectively). These data imply that the dolomite cement precipitated from higher temperature hydrothermal salinity fluids. These fluids could be related to widespread igneous activities in the Tarim Basin occurring during Permian time when the host dolostones were deeply buried. Faults likely acted as important conduits that channeled dolomitizing fluids from the underlying strata into the basal carbonates, leading to intense dolomitization. Therefore, dolomitization, in the Keping Uplift area is likely related to evaporated seawater via seepage reflux in addition to burial processes and hydrothermal fluids.
U‐Pb Zircon Age, Geochemical, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb Isotopic Constraints on the Age and Origin of Mafic Dykes from Eastern Shandong Province, Eastern China
Authors: Shen LIU , Ruizhong HU , Caixia FENG , Shan GAO , Guangying FENG , Shaocong LAI , Youqiang QI , COULSON Ian M. , Yuhong YANG , Chaogui YANG , Liang TANG
Published: September 2013

U‐Pb zircon age, geochemical, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopic data of mafic dykes from eastern Shandong Province, eastern China is reported herein. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U‐Pb zircon analyses of two samples from the investigated mafic dykes yield consistent ages ranging from 121.9 Ma ± 0.47 Ma to 122.9 Ma ± 0.61 Ma. The mafic dykes are characterized by high (87Sr/86Sr)i ranging from 0.7087 to 0.7089, low εNd(t) values ranging from −16.9 to −17.8, 206Pb/204Pb = 17.15 to 17.17, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.45 to 15.47, and 208Pb/204Pb = 37.59 to 37.68. Results from the current study suggest that the mafic dykes are derived from partial melting of ancient lithospheric mantle that was variably hybridized by melts derived from foundered lower crustal eclogite. The mafic dykes may have been generated through subsequent insignificant crystal fractionation and very minor crustal contamination during magma ascent. Combined with previous studies, the current findings provide new evidence that the intense lithospheric thinning beneath the eastern Shandong Province of eastern China occurred at ∼120 Ma, and that this condition was caused by the removal of the lower lithosphere (mantle and lower crust).
Analysis of the Wenchuan Ms8.0 Earthquake's Co‐seismic Stress and Displacement Change by Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Dongsheng SUN , Lianjie WANG , Hongcai WANG , Yinsheng MA , Chunjing ZHOU , Junwen CUI
Published: September 2013

The variation of in situ stress before and after earthquakes is an issue studied by geologists. In this paper, on the basis of the fault slip dislocation model of Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake, the changes of co‐seismic displacement and the distribution functions of stress tensor around the Longmen Shan fault zone are calculated. The results show that the co‐seismic maximum surface displacement is 4.9 m in the horizontal direction and 6.5 m in the vertical direction, which is almost consistent with the on‐site survey and GPS observations. The co‐seismic maximum horizontal stress in the hanging wall and footwall decreased sharply as the distance from the Longmen Shan fault zone increased. However, the vertical stress and minimum horizontal stress increased in the footwall and in some areas of the hanging wall. The study of the co‐seismic displacement and stress was mainly focused on the long and narrow region along the Longmen Shan fault zone, which coincides with the distribution of the earthquake aftershocks. Therefore, the co‐seismic stress only affects the aftershocks, and does not affect distant faults and seismic activities. The results are almost consistent with in situ stress measurements at the two sites before and after Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake. Along the fault plane, the co‐seismic shear stress in the dip direction is larger than that in the strike direction, which indicates that the faulting mechanism of the Longmen Shan fault zone is a dominant thrust with minor strike‐slipping. The results can be used as a reference value for future studies of earthquake mechanisms.
The Chemical Kinetics in Migration of Organophosphorus in Clay with Different pH
Authors: Hongyan LI , Guangxin ZHANG , Dingfeng SONG , Yanliang WANG , Jianping LI , Xuqian LI
Published: September 2013

In order to study the characters of chemical kinetics for organophosphorus migration in clay with different pH, waste of organophosphorus was put under pressure to leakage permeating the cohesive soil, and simulate the process of organophosphorus leakage permeating the Aquitard, searching the characters of chemical kinetics for organophosphorus migration in clay with different pH. It is shown that the ability of migration of organophosphorus leakage permeating the cohesive soil fall with increase of pH; the penetration rate of organophosphorus is about 1.25% when pH is 7.5, organophosphorus has not penetrated the cohesive soil when pH is equal or greater than 8.5. The effect of retardarce is obvious. Concentration of PO43− that comes from the mineralization of organophosphorus is lowered slightly with increases of pH of clay, and rise with extension of time. The Chemical Kinetics equation is log c=−0.1pH+0.2172k1t+S.
Holocene Dune Mobility and Forcing Mechanisms at the Northern Margin of the East Asian Monsoon
Authors: Zhong HE , Jie ZHOU , Linhai YANG , Hongming HE
Published: September 2013

Dune fields at the northern margin of the East Asian monsoon (EAM), are mosaics of mobile and vegetation‐stabilized aeolian dunes. These sand dunes are highly sensitive to environmental change, thus the distribution and the timing of their development may provide important clues to past environmental dynamics. Due to the strong wind erosion and dune migration, long and continuous stratigraphic records are seldom preserved. Synthesizing a large body of events, ultimately producing a relatively complete and high‐resolution record, may be a proper method to investigate the dune development history and climate change. In this study, we synthesized a large body of luminescence ages for aeolian deposits from the Mu Us, Otindag, Horqin dune fields at the northern margin of the EAM. The results show that these dune fields, as a whole experienced a most extensive mobility during the early Holocene, followed by a widespread shift toward limited mobility and soil development in the mid‐Holocene, and widespread reactivation occurred during late Holocene. The dune developments are directly linked to the effective moisture change controlled by the EAM changes, which respond to the low latitude summer insolation variation. The increased subsidence at the margin contrary to the core EAM, the delay from the feedback of the soil‐vegetation‐air coupled system, the increased evaporation due to the high temperature all play partial role in the lag of the margin EAM effective moisture change to the low latitude summer insolation. The asynchronous end of the wetter mid‐Holocene mainly responds to the southeastwardly shift of the precipitation belt, while the regional sensitivity, response speed and internal feedback also contributed. The correspondence between dune records and North Atlantic drift‐ice records of the rapid climate changes implies a close relationship between North Atlantic climate and the frequent dune activity at the northern margin of EAM.
Blockade of mitochondrial calcium uniporter prevents cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction caused by iron overload
Authors: Sripetchwandee J. , KenKnight S. B. , Sanit J. , Chattipakorn S. , Chattipakorn N.
Published: September 2013

Aim

Iron overload in the heart can lead to iron‐overload cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmia. In the past decades, growing evidence has suggested that cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the development of cardiac dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias. Despite these facts, the effect of iron overload on cardiac mitochondrial function is still unclear. In this study, we determined the effects of iron overload on the cardiac mitochondrial function and the routes of cardiac mitochondrial iron uptake. We tested the hypothesis that iron overload can lead to cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and that mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) plays a major role for cardiac mitochondrial iron uptake under iron‐overload condition. Cardiac mitochondrial function was assessed via the determination of mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential changes.

Methods

Isolated cardiac mitochondria from male Wistar rats were used in this study. To determine the routes for cardiac mitochondrial iron uptake, isolated mitochondria were exposed to MCU blocker (Ru360), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) blocker (cyclosporin A) and an iron chelator (deferoxamine).

Results

We found that (i) iron overload caused cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction, indicated by increased ROS production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial swelling; and (ii) only MCU blocker completely protected cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction caused by iron overload.

Conclusions

These findings strongly suggest that MCU could be the major route for iron uptake into cardiac mitochondria. The inhibition of MCU could be the novel pharmacological intervention for preventing iron‐overload cardiomyopathy.
Relationship of TGF‐β1 and Smad7 expression with decreased dendritic cell infiltration in liver gastrointestinal cancer metastasis
Authors: Gulubova Maya , Manolova Irena , Ananiev Julian , Kjurkchiev Dobroslav , Julianov Alexander , Altunkova Iskra
Published: September 2013

Immune responses and their modulation within the liver are critical to the outcome of liver malignancies. In late‐stage tumors, secreted TGF‐β promotes oncogenic functions and can confer tolerogenicity to some immune cells like DCs. The TGF‐β signaling pathway is involved in the control of several biological processes, including immunosurveillance. The aim of the present study was to assess CD1a+ and CD83+ DCs and to evaluate the impact of TGF‐β pathway on DCs maturation and distribution in the liver metastases from gastric and colorectal tumors. The percentage of CD83+ DCs in the liver tissue, surrounding metastasis and in the metastasis‐free liver was measured by flow cytometry, and TGF‐β levels were assessed in the tissue supernatant from the peritumoral liver after mononuclear cell isolation and in the sera of the same patients. CD1a+ and CD83+ DCs were observed in the tumor stroma and border. Out of 73 patients, there was cytoplasmic reactivity: of TGF‐β1 in 37 (50.7%); of Smad4 in 62 (84.9%); of Smad7 in 46 (63%), and of TGFβRII in 39 (53.4%) of the metastases. The TGF‐β1 expression in tumor cell cytoplasm correlated with low CD1a+ and low CD83+ DCs infiltration. The tissue levels of TGF‐β1, measured by ELISA in the supernatant were significantly increased in metastases than in normal liver. Using a two‐color FACS analysis, we found that the percentage of HLA‐DR+ CD83+ DCs in metastases was significantly decreased as compared with metastasis‐free liver tissue. In conclusion, the positive and negative correlations between the mediators from the TGF‐β pathway implied the existence of imbalance and suppression of this cytokine activity. The presence of increased TGF‐β expression by immunohistochemistry in tumor cells was confirmed by detection of increased TGF‐β tissue level in the supernatant from the tissue homogenate. The observation of low numbers of CD1a+ and CD83+ DCs in tumor stroma correlated with TGF‐β overexpression in tumor cells, a fact that well documents the immunosuppressive role of TGF‐β in metastasis development. The increased percentage of CD83+ DCs in the peritumoral tissue supposes that there could be active recruitment or local differentiation of DCs in the metastasis border, but inside the tumor the immune cells recruitment and activity are suppressed by TGF‐β and by other cytokines.
Combining the ‘bottom up’ and ‘top down’ approaches in pharmacokinetic modelling: fittingPBPKmodels to observed clinical data
Authors: Tsamandouras Nikolaos , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Aarons Leon
Published: September 2013

Pharmacokinetic models range from being entirely exploratory and empirical, to semi‐mechanistic and ultimately complex physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. This choice is conditional on the modelling purpose as well as the amount and quality of the available data. The main advantage ofPBPKmodels is that they can be used to extrapolate outside the studied population and experimental conditions. The trade‐off for this advantage is a complex system of differential equations with a considerable number of model parameters. When these parameters cannot be informed fromin vitroorin silicoexperiments they are usually optimized with respect to observed clinical data. Parameter estimation in complex models is a challenging task associated with many methodological issues which are discussed here with specific recommendations. Concepts such as structural and practical identifiability are described with regards toPBPKmodelling and the value of experimental design and sensitivity analyses is sketched out. Parameter estimation approaches are discussed, while we also highlight the importance of not neglecting the covariance structure between model parameters and the uncertainty and population variability that is associated with them. Finally the possibility of using model order reduction techniques and minimal semi‐mechanistic models that retain the physiological‐mechanistic nature only in the parts of the model which are relevant to the desired modelling purpose is emphasized. Careful attention to all the above issues allows us to integrate successfully information fromin vitroorin silicoexperiments together with information deriving from observed clinical data and develop mechanistically sound models with clinical relevance.
The effectiveness of propranolol in treating infantile haemangiomas: a meta‐analysis including 35 studies
Authors: Lou Yin , Peng Wen‐jia , Cao Yi , Cao Dong‐sheng , Xie Juan , Li Hong‐hong
Published: September 2013

Aims

Propranolol may have shown excellent results as a first line therapy in infantile haemangiomas (IHs) at all sites in the body, but this conclusion remains controversial. In an attempt to resolve this issue, we performed a meta‐analysis.

Methods

A search of the literature using PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library databases and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed to identify studies which estimated the efficacy of propranolol therapy in infants with haemangiomas all sites of the body. The pooled odds ratio (OR) along with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were assessed using a fixed effects model.

Results

Thirty‐five studies involving 324 infantile haemangioma(IH) patients and 248 controls were retrieved and analyzed. The efficacy of propranolol was greater than other therapies in treating IHs (OR = 9.67, 95% CI 6.62, 14.12, P < 0.001). In a stratified analysis by sites of tumour, propranolol was a more effective therapy when compared with steroids (OR = 9.67, 95% CI 6.61, 14.15, P < 0.001), vincristine (OR = 9.00, 95% CI 2.15, 37.66, P = 0.003) and laser treatment (OR = 9.00, 95% CI 1.42, 57.12, P = 0.020) in treating cutaneous IHs (OR = 24.95, 95% CI 9.48, 65.64, P < 0.001), peri‐ocular IHs (OR = 9.39, 95% CI 3.88, 22.71, P < 0.001), infantile airway haemangiomas (OR = 20.91, 95% CI 7.81, 55.96, P < 0.001) and infantile hepatic haemangiomas (OR = 9.89, 95% CI 1.20, 81.54, P = 0.033).

Conclusion

The current meta‐analysis provided strong evidence for propranolol as a first line therapy for IHs.