bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

Abstract: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

AbstractAimIron 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.MethodsIsolated 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).ResultsWe 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.ConclusionsThese 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.
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

AimsPropranolol 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThirty‐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).ConclusionThe current meta‐analysis provided strong evidence for propranolol as a first line therapy for IHs.
Association of single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs4236601 near caveolin 1 and 2 with primary open‐angle glaucoma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Wenbin , Wang Wei , Zhou Minwen , Zhang Xiulan 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo clarify the effects of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism, rs4236601[A] near caveolin 1 and 2, on primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) risk.DesignMeta‐analysis.ParticipantsA total of 5774 patients and 40 598 controls from previously reported case–control studies were included.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed for studies published up to April 2013. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, employing random‐ or fixed‐effects models according to between‐study heterogeneity. Publication bias of the literature articles was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.Main Outcome MeasuresOR for the effects of rs4236601[A] on POAG risk.ResultsFive eligible studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Overall, the association between rs4236601[A] and risk for POAG was statistically significant (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.12–1.34; P < 0.001). Stratified analyses showed that the association between rs4236601[A] and POAG risk was statistically significant in Caucasians (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.33; P < 0.001) and Asians (OR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.56–7.08; P = 0.003) but not in Africans. Increased risks were found in age‐ and sex‐matched studies (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.14–1.40; P < 0.001), but no statistically significant risk was found in unmatched studies.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests that rs4236601[A] is associated with increased risk for POAG in Caucasian and Asian populations. However, well‐designed gene–environment interaction studies and studies including more ethnic groups are required in further investigations.
Spatially Explicit Power Analyses for Occupancy‐Based Monitoring of Wolverine in the U.S. Rocky Mountains
Authors: ELLIS MARTHA M. , IVAN JACOB S. , SCHWARTZ MICHAEL K. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractConservation scientists and resource managers often have to design monitoring programs for species that are rare or patchily distributed across large landscapes. Such programs are frequently expensive and seldom can be conducted by one entity. It is essential that a prospective power analysis be undertaken to ensure stated monitoring goals are feasible. We developed a spatially based simulation program that accounts for natural history, habitat use, and sampling scheme to investigate the power of monitoring protocols to detect trends in population abundance over time with occupancy‐based methods. We analyzed monitoring schemes with different sampling efforts for wolverine (Gulo gulo) populations in 2 areas of the U.S. Rocky Mountains. The relation between occupancy and abundance was nonlinear and depended on landscape, population size, and movement parameters. With current estimates for population size and detection probability in the northern U.S. Rockies, most sampling schemes were only able to detect large declines in abundance in the simulations (i.e., 50% decline over 10 years). For small populations reestablishing in the Southern Rockies, occupancy‐based methods had enough power to detect population trends only when populations were increasing dramatically (e.g., doubling or tripling in 10 years), regardless of sampling effort. In general, increasing the number of cells sampled or the per‐visit detection probability had a much greater effect on power than the number of visits conducted during a survey. Although our results are specific to wolverines, this approach could easily be adapted to other territorial species.Poder de Análisis Espacialmente Explícito para el Monitoreo Basado en Ocupación del Glotón (Gulo gulo) en las Montañas Rocallosas de Estados Unidos