bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress: acute and progressive lung injury
Authors: Ward Peter A.
Published: August 2010

Oxidative stress in lung often occurs in humans during acute lung injury (ALI) and in the acute respiratory distress syndrome. The lung inflammatory response may proceed to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating complication that occurs in premature infants after prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations. Oxidant‐related ALI can be induced by airway deposition of lipopolysaccharide or IgG immune complexes, resulting in activation of recruited neutrophils and residential macrophages, whose oxidants and proteases produce reversible ALI. In the presence of a powerful trigger of leukocytes (phorbol myristate acetate), or following intrapulmonary deposition of enzymes that generate oxidants, extensive endothelial and epithelial damage and destruction occurs, overwhelming repair mechanisms of lung and resulting in pulmonary fibrosis. How residential or circulating stem cells participate in regeneration of damaged/destroyed cells may provide clues regarding therapy in humans who are experiencing lung inflammatory damage.
Regulation of apoptosis through cysteine oxidation: implications for fibrotic lung disease
Authors: Janssen‐Heininger Yvonne M.W. , Aesif Scott W. , van der Velden Jos , Guala Amy S. , Reiss Jessica N. , Roberson Elle C. , Budd Ralph C. , Reynaert Niki L. , Anathy Vikas
Published: August 2010

Tissue fibrosis is believed to be a manifestation of dysregulated repair following injury, in association with impaired reepithelialization, and aberrant myofibroblast activation and proliferation. Numerous pathways have been linked to the pathogenesis of fibrotic lung disease, including the death receptor Fas, which contributes to apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. A redox imbalance also has been implicated in disease pathogenesis, although mechanistic details whereby oxidative changes intersect with profibrotic signaling pathways remain elusive. Oxidation of cysteines in proteins, such as S‐glutathionylation (PSSG), is known to act as a regulatory event that affects protein function. This manuscript will discuss evidence that S‐glutathionylation regulates death receptor induced apoptosis, and the potential implications for cysteine oxidations in the pathogenesis of in fibrotic lung disease.
Redox regulation of responses to hypoxia and NO‐cGMP signaling in pulmonary vascular pathophysiology
Authors: Wolin Michael S. , Gupte Sachin A. , Mingone Christopher J. , Neo Boon Hwa , Gao Qun , Ahmad Mansoor
Published: August 2010

Pulmonary vascular responses elicited by hypoxia and NO‐cGMP signaling are potentially influenced by ROS and redox mechanisms that change during the progression of disease processes. Our studies in endothelium‐rubbed bovine pulmonary arteries suggest increased glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase levels (compared to coronary arteries) seem to maintain a tonic peroxide‐mediated relaxation removed by hypoxia through NADPH fueling superoxide generation from Nox oxidase. The activities of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, oxidases (i.e., Nox4), and systems metabolizing superoxide and peroxide markedly influence hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and cGMP protein kinase seems to participate in peroxide‐elicited relaxation. Endogenous NO helps maintain low pulmonary arterial pressure and suppresses HPV. Multiple redox processes potentially occurring during the progression of pulmonary hypertension may also attenuate NO‐mediated relaxation beyond its scavenging by superoxide, including oxidation of guanylate cyclase heme and thiols normally maintained by cytosolic NADPH redox control.
Inhibition of epithelial sodium channels by respiratory syncytial virusin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Song Weifeng , Wei Shipeng , Matalon Sadis
Published: August 2010

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children worldwide. Infection of mice with RSV decreased sodium (Na+) dependent alveolar fluid clearance (AFC), resulting in increased lung water content and hypoxemia. RSV infection resulted in higher levels of pyrimidines and purines in the alveolar space. Intratracheal administration of UTP or UDP also decreased AFC. The effects of RSV on AFC and oxygen saturation of Balb/c mice were reversed by intraalveolar administration of antagonists of P2Y nucleotide receptors, enzymes that enhance the breakdown of pyrimidines and systemic or intranasal administration of inhibitors of thede novopathway of pyrimidine synthesis. RSV infection of H441 or mouse tracheal epithelial cells decreased the amiloride‐sensitive Na+currents and pretreatment of H441 cells with A77 prevented this effect. These findings indicate that the harmful effects of RSV on lung epithelia are mediated at least in partviathe production of UTP and its paracrine action on ENaC.
Inhibition of inflammation and carcinogenesis in the lung and colon by tocopherols
Authors: Yang Chung S. , Lu Gang , Ju Jihyeung , Li Guang Xun
Published: August 2010

Tocopherols, which exist in α, β, γ, and δ forms, are antioxidative nutrients also known as vitamin E. Although α‐tocopherol (α‐T) is the major form of vitamin E found in the blood and tissues, γ‐ and δ‐T have been suggested to have stronger anti‐inflammatory activities. In the present study, using a tocopherol mixture that is rich in γ‐T (γ‐TmT, which contains 57%γ‐T), we demonstrated the inhibition of inflammation as well as of cancer formation and growth in the lung and colon in animal models. When given in the diet at 0.3%, γ‐TmT inhibited chemically induced lung tumorigenesis in the A/J mice as well as the growth of human lung cancer cell H1299 xenograft tumors. γ‐TmT also decreased the levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, γ‐H2AX, and nitrotyrosine in tumors. More evident anti‐inflammatory and cancer preventive activities of dietary γ‐TmT were demonstrated in mice treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium. These results demonstrate the antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities of tocopherols.
The role of iNOS‐mediated DNA damage in infection‐ and asbestos‐induced carcinogenesis
Authors: Hiraku Yusuke , Kawanishi Shosuke , Ichinose Takamichi , Murata Mariko
Published: August 2010

Chronic inflammation contributes to a substantial part of environmental carcinogenesis. Various infectious diseases and physical, chemical, and immunological factors participate in inflammation‐related carcinogenesis. Under inflammatory conditions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are generated from inflammatory and epithelial cells, and resulting DNA damage may participate in carcinogenesis. 8‐Nitroguanine is a mutagenic DNA lesion formed during chronic inflammation. We performed immunohistochemical analysis, and demonstrated that 8‐nitroguanine was formed at the sites of carcinogenesis in animal models and patients with various cancer‐prone infectious and inflammatory diseases, caused by parasites, viruses, and asbestos exposure. In asbestos‐exposed mice, 8‐nitroguanine was formed in bronchial epithelial cells, and it is noteworthy that crocidolite induced significantly more intense 8‐nitroguanine formation than chrysotile, inconsistent with their carcinogenic potentials. On the basis of these findings, we have proposed that 8‐nitroguanine could be a potential biomarker to evaluate the risk of inflammation‐related carcinogenesis.
Oxidants and antioxidants in sulfur mustard–induced injury
Authors: Laskin Jeffrey D. , Black Adrienne T. , Jan Yi‐Hua , Sinko Patrick J. , Heindel Ned D. , Sunil Vasanthi , Heck Diane E. , Laskin Debra L.
Published: August 2010

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical weapon that targets the skin, eyes, and lung. It was first employed during World War I and it remains a significant military and civilian threat. As a bifunctional alkylating agent, SM reacts with a variety of macromolecules in target tissues including nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, as well as small molecular weight metabolites such as glutathione. By alkylating subcellular components, SM disrupts metabolism, a process that can lead to oxidative stress. Evidence for oxidative stress in tissues exposed to SM or its analogs include increased formation of reactive oxygen species, the presence of lipid peroxidation products and oxidized proteins, and increases in antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Inhibition of antioxidant enzymes including thioredoxin reductase by SM can also disrupt cellular redox homeostasis. Consistent with these findings, SM‐induced toxicity has been shown to be reduced by antioxidants in bothin vitroandin vivomodels. These data indicate that drugs that target oxidative stress pathways may represent important candidates for reducing SM‐induced tissue injury.
Macrophages, reactive nitrogen species, and lung injury
Authors: Laskin Debra L. , Sunil Vasanthi R. , Fakhrzadeh Ladan , Groves Angela , Gow Andrew J. , Laskin Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2010

Evidence has accumulated over the past several years demonstrating that lung injury following inhalation of irritants like ozone is due, not only to direct effects of the chemical, but also indirectly to the actions of inflammatory mediators released by infiltrating macrophages. Among the mediators involved in the cytotoxic process, reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are of particular interest because of their well‐documented cytotoxic potential. Findings that macrophage suppression blocks RNS production and ozone‐induced toxicity provide strong support for a role of these cells and inflammatory mediators in lung injury. Recent investigations have focused on understanding pathways by which macrophages become activated to release RNS. One protein that has attracted considerable attention is caveolin‐1, a membrane scaffolding molecule that functions to negatively regulate cell signaling. The fact that expression of caveolin‐1 is down‐regulated in macrophages after ozone inhalation suggests a mechanism controlling the release of cytotoxic mediators by these inflammatory cells.
White and Green Teas (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis): Variation in Phenolic, Methylxanthine, and Antioxidant Profiles
Authors: Unachukwu Uchenna J. , Ahmed Selena , Kavalier Adam , Lyles James T. , Kennelly Edward J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Recent investigations have associated white teas with anti‐carcinogenic, immune‐boosting, and antioxidative properties that may impact human health in a manner comparable to green teas. An in‐depth chemical analysis of white tea types was conducted to quantify polyphenols and antioxidant potential of 8 commercially available white teas, and compare them to green tea. Extraction and HPLC protocols were optimized and validated for the quantification of 9 phenolic and 3 methylxanthine compounds to examine inter‐ and intra‐variation in white and green tea types and subtypes. A sampling strategy was devised to assess various subtypes procured from different commercial sources. Variation in antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of both tea types was further assessed by the 1‐1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Folin–Ciocalteau (F–C) assays, respectively. Total catechin content (TCC) for white teas ranged widely from 14.40 to 369.60 mg/g of dry plant material for water extracts and 47.16 to 163.94 mg/g for methanol extracts. TCC for green teas also ranged more than 10‐fold, from 21.38 to 228.20 mg/g of dry plant material for water extracts and 32.23 to 141.24 mg/g for methanol extracts. These findings indicate that statements suggesting a hierarchical order of catechin content among tea types are inconclusive and should be made with attention to a sampling strategy that specifies the tea subtype and its source. Certain white teas have comparable quantities of total catechins to some green teas, but lesser antioxidant capacity, suggesting that white teas have fewer non‐catechin antioxidants present.

Practical Application:  In this investigation white and green teas were extracted in ways that mimic common tea preparation practices, and their chemical profiles were determined using validated analytical chemistry methods. The results suggest certain green and white tea types have comparable levels of catechins with potential health promoting qualities. Specifically, the polyphenolic content of green teas was found to be similar to certain white tea varieties, which makes the latter tea type a potential substitute for people interested in consuming polyphenols for health reasons. Moreover, this study is among the first to demonstrate the effect subtype sampling, source of procurement, cultivation, and processing practices have on the final white tea product, as such analysis has previously been mostly carried out on green teas.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Vanadium in Carbonaceous Shales (Stone Coal Ores) Using 2‐(5‐bromo‐2‐pyridylazo)‐5‐diethylaminophenol
Authors: Xianzhong Cheng , Yun Kong
Published: August 2010

A selective and sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for determining the total amount of vanadium in carbonaceous shales (stone coal ores). The method is based on the reaction of vanadium(V) with the chromophore reagent 2‐(5‐bromo‐2‐pyridylazo)‐5‐diethylaminophenol (5‐Br‐PADAP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In a 0.072 mol l−1 sulfuric acid medium, 5‐Br‐PADAP reacts with vanadium(V) to form a red‐violet complex with a maximum absorption peak at 596 nm with an apparent molar absorption coefficient of the complex of 8.45 × 104 l mol−1 cm−1. Beer's law was obeyed in the range 0–25 μg vanadium in 25 ml of solution, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9995. Interferences due to various non‐target ions were also investigated and high quantities of other common inorganic ions were tolerable. The method involved the dissolution of the ore sample by Na2O2 fusion, followed by filtering of the alkali solution after which Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) etc. were effectively separated from the solution by precipitation in a NaOH solution. Selectivity was increased with the use of EDTA as a masking agent. The vanadium in ore samples was determined with a relative deviation (RSD) between 0.20 and 0.76%, and has been successfully applied to the determination of vanadium‐bearing stone coal ores. The results indicated that the accuracy of 5‐Br‐PADAP spectrophotometry is comparable with the ICP‐AES method. The characteristics of the method, i.e., simplicity, selectivity, sensitivity and rapid calibration, make it specially suitable for routine analysis.
Trait‐specific effects of habitat isolation on carabid species richness and community composition in managed grasslands
Authors: WAMSER SABINE , DIEKÖTTER TIM , BOLDT LUISE , WOLTERS VOLKMAR , DAUBER JENS
Published: August 2010

1. Isolation of natural and semi‐natural habitats, a consequence of increasing management intensification, has been identified as a major threat to the diversity of many taxa in agricultural landscapes. Yet, it is increasingly apparent that the effects of habitat isolation vary not only among distantly but also closely related taxa, depending on their respective ecological traits.

2. We studied the effects of habitat isolation on carabid beetles with different dispersal potential in common perennial grasslands. The grasslands belonged to three isolation classes: (i) situated in a continuous belt of grasslands, (ii) in an arable matrix but connected to the continuous belt via corridors or (iii) completely isolated in the arable matrix.

3. Neither total carabid species richness nor richness of carabids with high dispersal potential was affected by habitat isolation. In contrast, richness of carabid species with low dispersal potential was more than two times lower in isolated than in continuous grasslands. Communities of isolated sites were characterised by species with high dispersal potential whereas species with low dispersal potential were associated with continuous or well connected grasslands.

4. Our results revealed trait‐specific responses of carabids to habitat isolation and highlight the need for considering these differences when predicting effects of landscape structure on carabid diversity. Grassy corridors seemed to assist the dispersal of carabids with low dispersal potential, thereby allowing these species to persist also in non‐continuous but connected habitats. Thus, corridors represent a suitable measure to maintain the diversity of carabids in spatially structured grasslands in agricultural landscapes.
Survey of the level of anti‐HBs antibody titer in vaccinated Iranian general dentists
Authors: Alavian Seyed‐Moayed , Izadi Morteza , Zare Ali‐Akbar , Lankarani Maryam Moghani , Assari Shervin , Vardi Mohammad‐Mahdi
Published: August 2010

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease to which dentists are susceptible. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of antibody titer and immunity in vaccinated Iranian general dentists. A total of 861 general dentists were invited to participate in this study; 598 persons who could recall their history of vaccination and consented to have blood samples taken were recruited. Demographic and work‐related data were recorded, and anti‐Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs‐Ag) evaluations were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 598 participants, 35 (5.9%) were nonimmune (anti‐HBs <10 IU/l), 101 (16.9%) were relatively immune (anti‐HBs = 10–99 IU/l), and 462 (77.3%) were completely immune (anti‐HBs ≥100 IU/l). Only 218 (36.5%) of the dentists knew their HBs antibody titer. Fourteen (2.3%) persons reported receiving one dose and 65 (10.9%) had received two doses. The number of those who had received the three recommended doses totaled 519 (86.8%), 491 (82.1%) of them receiving their vaccine on schedule. Age, city, pack‐years of smoking, years of smoking, and the interval between the last vaccination and the commencement of the study had a significant relationship to the antibody titer level, whereas sex, marital status, place of practice, smoking, and vaccination schedule were not related. Only 36.5% of the general dentists had checked their antibody titer. We, therefore, recommend that dentists, as a potential high‐risk group, should know their level of anti‐HBs antibody titer so that those who require revaccination can get treatment.
Geochemistry of Platinum Group and Rare Earth Elements of the Polymetallic Layer in the Lower Cambrian, Weng'an, Guizhou Province
Authors: FU Yong , WU Chaodong , GUAN Ping , QU Wenjun , CHEN Jiafu
Published: August 2010

The black shales of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in Weng'an, on the Yangtze platform of south China, contain voluminous polymetallic sulfide deposits. A comprehensive geochemical investigation of trace, rare earth, and platinum group elements (PGE) has been undertaken in order to discuss its ore genesis and correlation with the tectono‐depositional setting. The ore‐bearing layers enrich molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), uranium (U), arsenic (As), and rare earth elements (REE) in abundance. High uranium/thorium (U/Th) ratios (U/Th>1) indicated that mineralization was mainly influenced by the hydrothermal process. The δU value was above 1.9, showing a reducing sedimentary condition. The REE patterns showed high enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) (heavy rare earth elements (HREE) (LREE/HREE=5–17), slightly negative europium (Eu) and cerium (Ce) anomalies (δEu=0.81–0.93), and positive Ce anomalies (δCe=0.76–1.12). PGE abundance was characterized by the PGE‐type distribution patterns, enriching platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru) and osmium (Os). The Pt/Pd ratio was 0.8, which is close to the ratios of seawater and ultramafic rocks. All of these geochemical features suggest that the mineralization was triggered by hydrothermal activity in an extensional setting in the context of break‐up of the Rodinian supercontinent.
Rheological Properties of Fractal Deformation in Multilayer Folds
Authors: HOU Guiting
Published: August 2010

The fractal dimensions of folds are related to layer thickness and viscosity of the multilayer. This paper discusses how the thickness, viscosity, and anisotropic degree affect the rheological deformation of fractal folds in multilayers. The number of layers, their thicknesses, viscosities, and anisotropic degree of multilayers cooperate to affect the rheological deformation of folds, which is not controlled by a single rheological factor. A greater anisotropic degree of multilayers is favorable to develop the more complex and disharmonious fractal folds.
Biodiversity and Sequence of the Middle Triassic Panxian Marine Reptile Fauna, Guizhou Province, China
Authors: JIANG Dayong , MOTANI Ryosuke , HAO Weicheng , RIEPPEL Olivier , SUN Yuanlin , TINTORI Andrea , SUN Zuoyu , SCHMITZ Lars
Published: August 2010

The Middle Triassic Panxian fauna is a physical marker and representative record of the rapid recovery of the Triassic marine ecosystem following the Early Triassic stagnant stage after the end‐Permian mass extinction. Ten marine reptile taxa have been found from the 1.82–2.10 m‐thick fossiliferous level in the Upper Member of the Guanling Formation, which can be subdivided into three marine reptile beds through the analysis on the stratigraphic distributions of fossil reptiles. The Lower Reptile Bed yields the sauropterygians Placodus inexpectatus Jiang et al., 2008 and Lariosaurus hongguoensis Jiang et al., 2006, the ichthyopterygians Xinminosaurus catactes Jiang et al., 2008 and Phalarodon cf. Phalarodon fraasi Merriam, 1910, associated with Mixosaurus panxianensis Jiang et al., 2006, representing a stage of predominance of durophagous taxa. In this bed, the large complete skeletons may reach up to 2.3 m in length, and lithofacies and chemostratigraphic analyses indicate a relatively deep carbonate platform with an oxic water environment near the bottom, as well as a rising sea level. The Middle Reptile Bed yields the sauropterygian Nothosaurus yangjuanensis Jiang et al., 2006 and the archosaur Qianosuchus mixtus Li et al., 2006, associated with Mixosaurus panxianensis Jiang et al., 2006. The fossils in this bed are characterized by its pincering dentition and large overall body size, with the largest possibly exceeding 3 m in length. This bed might represent a time of deepest basin with relatively anoxic condition near the bottom. The Upper Reptile Bed yields the sauropterygians Wumengosaurus delicatomandibularis Jiang et al., 2008, Keichousaurus sp., the protorosaur Dinocephalosaurus orientalis Li, 2003, and the ichthyopterygian Mixosaurus panxianensis Jiang et al., 2006. In this bed, reptilian taxa characterized by suction feeding appeared, and most are less than 1 m long. This bed corresponds to a period of decreasing water depth.
A Middle–Upper Devonian Boundary Section in the Open Platform, Platform Margin Facies of Guilin, South China
Authors: LI Hua , MA Xueping , WEI Longming
Published: August 2010

The Caiziyan Middle and Upper Devonian boundary section is located approximately 30 km northeast of Guilin. It hosts relatively abundant benthic and common‐rare pelagic fossils, including brachiopods, corals, tentaculites, and conodonts, which may serve as a better suitable section for pelagic and neritic stratigraphic correlation. In this section, 10 “standard” conodont zones are recognized across the Givetian–Frasnian boundary, including, in descending order, the Lower hassi Zone, punctata Zone, transitans Zone, the Upper falsiovalis Zone, the Lower falsiovalis Zone, disparilis Zone, the Upper hermanni–cristatus Zone, the Lower hermanni–cristatus Zone, the Upper varcus Zone, and the Middle varcus Zone, all of which are defined by the first occurrence of their defining conodont species. The Middle–Upper Devonian (Givetian–Frasnian) boundary is defined by the first occurrence of Ancyrodella pristina in accordance with the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), which is assigned at 6.2m above the base of bed 19 in the Caiziyan section.
Evaluating the Provenance of Metasedimentary Rocks of the Jiangxian Group from the Zhongtiao Mountain Using Whole‐Rock Geochemistry and Detrital Zircon Hf Isotope
Authors: LI Qiugen , CHEN Xu , LIU Shuwen , WANG Zongqi , ZHOU Yingkui , ZHANG Jian , WANG Tao
Published: August 2010

In this study, whole‐rock geochemical and Nd isotopic data, as well as detrital zircon Hf isotopes of Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks from the Jiangxian Group are presented to evaluate the characteristics of their provenance and the tectonic history. The major and trace element compositions are comparable to Post‐Archean upper continental crust (PA‐UCC), but have slight enrichment in the LILE, with the exception of Cs and Sr, and a slight depletion in ferromagnesian elements, HFS elements, such as Nb and Ta, and some major elements, such as CaO and Na2O. The geochemical data reveal that the collected metasedimentary rocks have experienced intermediate source weathering with chemical index of alteration values ranging from 72 to 78, varying degrees of K‐metasomatism, and post‐depositional loss of Na, as well as negligible sorting, and are derived from the weathering of mostly felsic and non‐mafic rocks. The selected Lu–Hf isotopic analysis on detrital zircon points to both the Trans‐North China Orogen and Eastern Block of the north China craton as the most likely sources for the metasedimentary rocks of the Jiangxian Group. However, a contribution of detritus from the Western Block of the north China craton can be ruled out. The sediments were probably deposited in a back‐arc basin within an active continental margin setting.
Two Zosterophyll Plants from the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) Xitun Formation of Northeastern Yunnan, China
Authors: XUE Jinzhuang
Published: August 2010

Two zosterophyll plants are described from the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) Xitun Formation of Qujing, Yunnan, China. Xitunia spinitheca gen. et sp. nov. has stalked sporangia laterally attached on the axis in a helical arrangement. Sporangia are dorsoventrally flattened and composed of two unequal valves; the adaxial valve is round in face view, while the abaxial valve is larger than the former, triangular or wedge‐shaped, and radially bears long spiny appendages along the distal margin. Xitunia shows new variation of sporangial morphology within the zosterophylls. Zosterophyllum minorstachyum sp. nov. has K‐shaped branchings at the basal parts and small‐sized terminal spikes, which consist of round to elliptical sporangia arranged helically. This paper provides new data on the diversity of plant types during Lochkovian when rare vascular plants were reported. As for various species of Zosterophyllum in South China, their apparent evolutionary trend of features from the Late Silurian to Early Devonian (Emsian) is discussed.
Determining Pressure with Daughter Minerals in Fluid Inclusion by Raman Spectroscopy: Sphalerite as an Example
Authors: YANG Yuping , ZHENG Haifei , ZHANG Lifei
Published: August 2010

Raman frequency of some materials, including minerals, molecules and ions, shifts systematically with changing pressure and temperature. This property is often used as a pressure gauge in high pressure experiments with the hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC). Since the system of fluid inclusion is similar to that of HDAC, it can also be used to determine the internal pressure of fluid inclusions. Sphalerite is a common daughter mineral. In this study, the frequency shift of the 350 cm−1 peak of sphalerite has been studied from 296 to 523 K and from 0.07 to 2.00 GPa using the HDAC. The global slope of the isotherms (∂V350/∂p)T is 0.0048 in the studied pressure range. No significant variation of the slopes with temperature has been observed. The correlation between the frequency shift of the 350 cm−1 peak of sphalerite and pressure and temperature is constrained as P=208.33(ΔVp)350+3.13T–943.75. This relationship may be used to estimate the internal pressure of the sphalerite‐bearing fluid inclusions.
Age and Provenance of Loess deposits on the Northern Flank of Tianshan Mountain
Authors: YUAN Qingdong , ZHANG Zhicheng , WU Chaodong , GUO Zhaojie
Published: August 2010

The distribution, optically stimulated luminescence dating and granulometric properties suggest that the loess on the northern flank of Tian Shan should be divided into two types. One which is like mantle and is named type A, is located on the windward slopes and dated to about 54.5±5.73 Ka. The other, called type B, lies flatly on the terraces of the rivers or low hills and penetrated 30.8±2.05 Ka ago. Here we study the origin and the age of two types of loess, and a model of loess formation is proposed. The dust was entrained from the Gobi Desert located to the north of Tian Shan by the monsoon from Mongolia, obstructed by the high mountains and deposited on the windward slopes of the mountains. The rivers and flows then transported the aeolian loess to low terraces and piedmont alluvial plains.
Discovery of a Miocene Mafic Dyke from the Western Hills of Beijing and its Geological Implications
Authors: ZHANG Zhicheng , HAN Baofu , WU Tairan
Published: August 2010

The present study is the first report of a Miocene mafic dyke from the Dahuichang, in the Western Hills of Beijing. The dyke cuts the fossil‐dated Changxindian Formation of Eocene sequences and yields K‐Ar ages of 14–15 Ma. The dyke is fine‐grained diabase and has 49.84%–50.81% SiO2 and 3.56–3.97% Na2O+K2O, high TiO2 (1.65%–1.93%) and MgO (7.36%–9.85%), and low K2O (<1.22%) contents, with Na2O>K2O and slightly varied magnesium numbers (Mg#=55.54–62.74). In trace elements geochemistry, the dyke is very similar to the Miocene basalts from Jining and Hanuoba. The enrichment of light rare earth elements ([La/Yb]N=5.03–6.12) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), no negative Eu anomalies, relatively high Cr (265–326 ppm) and Ni (155–262 ppm), and almost constant V concentrations (194–213 ppm) reveal that the composition close to the primary basaltic magma from an enriched‐mantle source, with little crustal contamination and fractional crystallization. The basaltic magma was possibly derived from the upwelling asthenosphere mantle beneath eastern China during the Miocene lithospheric thinning.
A New Perleidiform (Actinopterygii, Osteichthyes) from the Middle Anisian (Middle Triassic) of Yunnan, South China
Authors: SUN Zuoyu , TINTORI Andrea , JIANG Dayong , LOMBARDO Cristina , RUSCONI Marco , HAO Weicheng , SUN Yuanlin
Published: August 2010

Two complete specimens from the Pelsonian (Middle Anisian, Middle Triassic) of Luoping, Yunnan Province, South China are referred to a new actinopterygian genus, Luopingichthys gen. nov., and ascribed to the perleidiform family Polzbergidae based especially on a typical synapomorphy of a peculiar premaxillary‐maxillary complex, i.e., the fusion between premaxillary and maxillary along the antero‐dorsal margin of the maxillary. The new taxon differs from other deep‐bodied representatives of the family, Felberia and Stoppania, in its fusiform or deep fusiform body shape; sickle‐shaped preopercular with short infraorbital process; lack of modified scales at the base of the anal fin; the short‐based dorsal fin; scarcely ornamented scales; and thin anterior teeth. Based on a redescription of the holotype of the taxon Ctenognathichthys hattichi from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) Prosanto Formation, Canton Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, the only known specimen, which shows the same fusion between premaxillary and maxillary, the systematic position of the species is clarified and the taxon is proposed to be a further representative of the family Polzbergidae, and is transferred to the new genus.
Vestrogothia spinata (Phosphatocopina, Crustacea), Fossils of Orsten‐type Preservation from the Upper Cambrian of Western Hunan, South China
Authors: LIU Zheng , DONG Xiping
Published: August 2010

Fossils of Orsten‐type preservation represented by the crustacean Skaracarida and Phosphatocopida were found in western Hunan, South China in 2005, including the important phosphatocopid species Vestrogothia spinata based on exquisitely preserved soft‐bodied specimens that allow the first growth stage to be reestablished. The taxonomy of Vestrogothia spinata is revised employing the character of a two‐divided limb stem of the mandible. A new foundation for the phytogeny of the Phosphatocopina using mandible characters related to crustacean appendages is postulated. Vestrogothia spinata has only previously been found from Sweden.
Archaeopteris halliana from the Late Devonian (Famennian) of Anhui Province, China
Authors: GUO Yun , WANG Deming
Published: August 2010

New materials from the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Wutong Formation of Chizhou District, Anhui Province, South China, allow description of fertile and sterile characters of Archaeopteris halliana. This plant has penultimate axes attached by sterile leaves and paired ultimate branches in the same ontogenetic spiral. Sterile leaves are narrowly cuneate in shape and bear distal margins dissected deeply. These leaves are spirally arranged on sterile ultimate axes. Non‐laminated sporophylls occur spirally on the ultimate axes and bifurcate once or twice. Elongate sporangia with longitudinal dehiscence are borne adaxially below or above the dividing points of the sporophylls. Despite the leaf shape resembling that of Archaeopteris macilenta, our plant is assigned to A. halliana because of its non‐laminated sporophylls. Fertile characters should be given priority or enough consideration in identifying species of Archaeopteris.
Geochemical Characteristics, Genesis of Concealed Cu‐rich Ore Body in the Jinchuan Deposit, Northwestern China, and Its Prospecting
Authors: Yalin GAO , Zhongli TANG , Mingjie ZHANG , Yulong TIAN , Lizhong XIAO
Published: August 2010

The Jinchuan deposit is hosted by the olivine‐rich ultramafic rock body, which is the third‐largest magmatic sulfide Ni–Cu deposit in the world currently being exploited. Seeking new relaying resources in the deep and the border of the deposit becomes more and more important. The ore body, ore and geochemistry characteristics of the concealed Cu‐rich ore body are researched. Through spatial analysis and comparison with the neighboring II1 main ore body, the mineralization rule of the concealed Cu‐rich ore body is summed up. It is also implied that Cu‐rich magma may exist between Ni‐rich magma and ore pulp during liquation differentiation in deep‐stage chambers, which derives from deep‐mantle Hi–MgO basalt magma. It is concluded that the type of ore body has features of both magmatic liquation and late reconstruction action. It has experienced three stages: deep liquation and pulsatory injection of the Cu‐ and PPGE‐rich magma, concentration of tectonic activation, and the later magma hydrothermal superimposition. In addition, the Pb and S isotopes indicate the magma of 16 concealed Cu‐rich ore body originates predominantly from mantle; however, it is interfused by minute crust material. Finally, it is inferred that the genesis of the Cu–Ni sulfide deposit is complex and diverse, and the prospect of seeking new deep ore bodies within similar deposits is promising, especially Cu‐rich ore bodies.
Petroleum System of the Sufyan Depression at the Eastern Margin of a Huge Strike‐slip Fault Zone in Central Africa
Authors: Yamin ZHANG , Qin GU
Published: August 2010

The present paper mainly studies the petroleum system of the Sufyan Depression in the Muglad Basin of central Africa and analyzes its control of hydrocarbon accumulation. On the basis of comprehensive analysis of effective source rock, reservoir bed types and source–reservoir–seal assemblages, petroleum system theory has been used to classify the petroleum system of the Sufyan Depression. Vertically, the Sufyan Depression consists of two subsystems. One is an Abu Gabra subsystem as a self generating, accumulating and sealing assemblage. The other subsystem is composed of an Abu Gabra source rock, Bentiu channel sandstone reservoir and Darfur group shale seal, which is a prolific assemblage in this area. Laterally, the Sufyan Depression is divided into eastern and western parts with separate hydrocarbon generation centers more than 10 000 m deep. The potential of the petroleum system is tremendous. Recently, there has been a great breakthrough in exploration. The Sufyan C‐1 well drilled in the central structural belt obtained high‐yielding oil flow exceeding 100 tons per day and controlled geologic reserves of tens of millions of tons. The total resource potential of the Sufyan Depression is considerable. The central structural belt is most favorable as an exploration and development prospect.
Character of the Si and Al Phases in Coal Gangue and Its Ash
Authors: Lihua WANG , Pengda ZHAO , Geng LI
Published: August 2010

Analysis of the Si and Al phases in coal gangue fuel and its ash is important for use of coal gangue ashes. A comprehensive study by theoretical and experimental analyses with differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction and Infrared Spectroscopy has been made in the present article to explore the diagram of the Si and Al phases in coal gangue fuel and its ashes. It is found that kaolinite and quartz are the main phases in coal gangue fuel. The ratio of moles Al2O3to SiO2 (i.e., Al2O3 (mole)/ SiO2 (mole)) is usually no more than 0.5 in most coal gangue fuel and its ashes. The kaolinit at about 984°C releases a large quantity of SiO2, which makes calcine coal gangue more active than coal gangue itself. The relationship between the ratio Al2O3 (mole)/SiO2 (mole) and the components of coal gangue ash is analyzed, resulting in a formula to calculate the quantity of each phase. Applying the formula to the testing samples from an electric plant in north China supports the above conclusions.
Active Faulting Pattern, Present‐day Tectonic Stress Field and Block Kinematics in the East Tibetan Plateau
Authors: ZHANG Yueqiao , DONG Shuwen , YANG Nong
Published: August 2010

This paper examines major active faults and the present‐day tectonic stress field in the East Tibetan Plateau by integrating available data from published literature and proposes a block kinematics model of the region. It shows that the East Tibetan Plateau is dominated by strike‐slip and reverse faulting stress regimes and that the maximum horizontal stress is roughly consistent with the contemporary velocity field, except for the west Qinling range where it parallels the striking of the major strike‐slip faults. Active tectonics in the East Tibetan Plateau is characterized by three faulting systems. The left‐slip Kunlun‐Qinling faulting system combines the east Kunlun fault zone, sinistral oblique reverse faults along the Minshan range and two major NEE‐striking faults cutting the west Qinling range, which accommodates eastward motion, at 10–14 mm/a, of the Chuan‐Qing block. The left‐slip Xianshuihe faulting system accommodated clockwise rotation of the Chuan‐Dian block. The Longmenshan thrust faulting system forms the eastern margin of the East Tibetan Plateau and has been propagated to the SW of the Sichuan basin. Crustal shortening across the Longmenshan range seems low (2–4 mm/a) and absorbed only a small part of the eastward motion of the Chuan‐Qing block. Most of this eastward motion has been transmitted to South China, which is moving SEE‐ward at 7–9 mm/a. It is suggested from geophysical data interpretation that the crust and lithosphere of the East Tibetan Plateau is considerably thickened and rheologically layered. The upper crust seems to be decoupled from the lower crust through a décollement zone at a depth of 15–20 km, which involved the Longmenshan fault belt and propagated eastward to the SW of the Sichuan basin. The Wenchuan earthquake was just formed at the bifurcated point of this décollement system. A rheological boundary should exist beneath the Longmenshan fault belt where the lower crust of the East Tibetan Plateau and the lithospheric mantle of the Yangze block are juxtaposed.
Deep Background of Wenchuan Earthquake and the Upper Crust Structure beneath the Longmen Shan and Adjacent Areas
Authors: LI Qiusheng , GAO Rui , WANG Haiyan , ZHANG Jisheng , LU Zhanwu , LI Pengwu , GUAN Ye , HE Rizheng
Published: August 2010

By analyzing the deep seismic sounding profiles across the Longmen Shan, this paper focuses on the study of the relationship between the upper crust structure of the Longmen Shan area and the Wenchuan earthquake. The Longmen Shan thrust belt marks not only the topographical change, but also the lateral velocity variation between the eastern Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. A low‐velocity layer has consistently been found in the crust beneath the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and ends beneath the western Sichuan Basin. The low‐velocity layer at a depth of ∼20 km beneath the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau has been considered as the deep condition for favoring energy accumulation that formed the great Wenchuan earthquake.
Vp/Vs Anisotropy and Implications for Crustal Composition Identification and Earthquake Prediction
Authors: WANG Qian , JI Shaocheng , XU Zhiqin
Published: August 2010

The ratio of P‐ to S‐wave velocities (Vp/Vs) is regarded as one of the most diagnostic properties of natural rocks. It has been used as a discriminant of composition for the continental crust and provides valuable constraints on its formation and evolution processes. Furthermore, the spatial and temporal changes in Vp/Vs before and after earthquakes are probably the most promising avenue to understanding the source mechanics and possibly predicting earthquakes. Here we calibrate the variations in Vp/Vs in dry, anisotropic crustal rocks and provide a set of basic information for the interpretation of future seismic data from the Wenchuan earthquake Fault zone Scientific Drilling (WFSD) project and other surveys. Vp/Vs is a constant (Φ0) for an isotropic rock. However, most of crustal rocks are anisotropic due to lattice‐preferred orientations of anisotropic minerals (e.g., mica, amphibole, plagioclase and pyroxene) and cracks as well as thin compositional layering. The Vp/Vs ratio of an anisotropic rock measured along a selected pair of propagation‐vibration directions is an apparent value (Φij) that is significantly different from the value for its isotropic counterpart (Φ0). The usefulness of apparent Vp/Vs ratios as a diagnostic of crustal composition depends largely on rock seismic anisotropy. A 5% of P‐ and S‐wave velocity anisotropy is sufficient to make it impossible to determine the crustal composition using the conventional criteria (Vp/Vs≤1.756 for felsic rocks, 1.756<Vp/Vs≤1.809 for intermediate rocks, 1.8091.944 fluid‐filled porous/fractured or partially molten rocks) if the information about the wave propagation‐polarization directions with respect to the tectonic framework is unknown. However, the variations in Vp/Vs measured from borehole seismic experiments can be readily interpreted according to the orientations of the ray path and the polarization of the shear waves with respect to the present‐day principal stress directions (i.e., the orientation of cracks) and the frozen fabric (i.e., foliation and lineation).
Risk Assessment and Treatment Countermeasures for the Barrier Lakes of Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12th, 2008
Authors: ZHANG Fawang , ZHANG Zhaoji , HAN Zhantao , SUN Jianping , XIAO Guoqiang
Published: August 2010

This paper introduced the first hand investigation results of the risk and treatment measures for the barrier lakes triggered by the earthquake of Wenchuan. Characteristics of 10 barrier lakes were investigated and analyzed; procedure and methods for barrier lake treatment were brought forward. The dams of the barrier lakes can be classified as two classes: block rock in the south and loose deposit in the north. All the barrier dams were stable at the time of investigation, but water drainage channel needed to be constructed and to be protected from blockage or collapse. After the rain season of 2008, some dams needed to be consolidated, and change the barrier lakes to reservoirs.
Lithostratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Provenance of the Balfour Formation (Beaufort Group) in the Fort Beaufort–Alice Area, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: KATEMAUNZANGA David , GUNTER Cornelis Janse
Published: August 2010

The Balfour Formation has a pronounced lithological variation that is characterized by alternating sandstone‐ and mudstone‐dominated members. The sandstone‐dominated Oudeberg and Barberskrans Members are composed of lithofacies that range from intraformational conglomerates to fine‐grained sediments, whereas the mudstone‐dominated members (Daggaboersnek, Elandsberg, and Palingkloof) are dominated by the facies Fm and FI. Petrography, geochemistry, and a paleocurrent analysis indicated that the source rock of the Balfour Formation was to south east and the rocks had a transitional/dissected magmatic arc signature. The sandstones‐rich members were deposited by seasonal and ephemeral high‐energy, low‐sinuous streams, and the fine‐grained‐rich members were formed by ephemeral meandering streams. The paleoclimates have been equated to present temperate climates; they were semiarid becoming arid towards the top of the Balfour Formation. This has been determined by reconstructing the paleolatitude of the Karoo Basin, geochemistry, paleontology, sedimentary structures, and other rock properties, like color.
Palladium, Platinum and Gold Concentrations in Fengshan Porphyry Cu–Mo Deposit, Hubei Province, China
Authors: WANG Minfang , DENG Xiaodong , BI Shijian , LI Zhanke
Published: August 2010

The Fengshan porphyry‐skarn copper–molybdenum (Cu–Mo) deposit is located in the south‐eastern Hubei Province in east China. Cu–Mo mineralization is hosted in the Fengshan granodiorite porphyry stock that intruded the Triassic Daye Formation carbonate rocks in the early Cretaceous (∼140 Ma), as well as the contact zone between granodiorite porphyry stock and carbonate rocks, forming the porphyry‐type and skarn‐type association. The Fengshan granodiorite stock and the immediate country rocks are strongly fractured and intensely altered by hydrothermal fluids. In addition to intense skarn alteration, the prominent alteration types are potassic, phyllic, and propylitic, whereas argillation is less common. Mineralization occurs as veins, stock works, and disseminations, and the main ore minerals are chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite, bornite, and magnetite. The contents of palladium, platinum and gold (Pd, Pt and Au) are determined in nine samples from fresh and mineralized granodiorite and different types of altered rocks. The results show that the Pd content is systematically higher than Pt, which is typical for porphyry ore deposits worldwide. The Pt content ranges from 0.037 to 1.765 ppb, and the Pd content ranges between 0.165 and 17.979 ppb. Pd and Pt are more concentrated in porphyry mineralization than skarn mineralization, and have negative correlations with Au. The reconnaissance study presented here confirms the existence of Pd and Pt in the Fengshan porphyry‐skarn Cu–Mo deposit. When compared with intracontinent and island arc geotectonic settings, the Pd, Pt, and Au contents in the Fengshan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in the intracontinent is lower than the continental margin types and island are types. A combination of available data indicates that Pd and Pt were derived from oxidized alkaline magmas generated by the partial melting of an enriched mantle source.