Callovian and the Callovian - Oxfordian transition sedimentary record in NE Iberian Chain: Taphonomic analysis and palaeogeography

A comparative study is made on Callovian to middle Oxfordian sequences along the Northeastern Iberian Chain (E. Spain). In the NW areas, from Veruela-Ricla to Tosos (SW-S of Zaragoza), Callovian deposits are represented by expanded carbonate sequences (mudstone and marls with a variable content in clastics) ranging from early Bullatus to Athleta Biozone. Farther East in the near area of Moneva-Ariño (Sierra de Arcos) and in the area of Calanda (SE of Zaragoza), this stratigraphic interval is represented by a strongly condensed, 2-4 m thick, highly incomplete sequence. Bullatus to early Anceps biozones are partly represented under bioclastic or oolitic packstone facies. The Callovian-Oxfordian transition interval deposits are represented by a decimeter-thick ironooid fossiliferous limestone condensed sequence (low values of sedimentation rate) formed by expanded sediments (high values of instant rate of sediment accumulation). Ammonite recorded associations frequently show traces of reelaboration and clear evidence of taphonomic condensation. The palaeogeographic evolution of the platform is reconstructed on the basis of extensive sedimentologic studies and on the analysis of taphonomic gradients shown by ammonite associations. Such taphonomic gradients clearly show a shallowing trend of the platform during the Callovian, which would take place earlier in the SE areas (Sierra de Arcos-Calanda) from Gracilis Biozone onwards, and later, from Coronatum Biozone onwards, in the NW areas (Veruela-Ricla to Tosos), the SE area acting as a shallow to temporarily emerged palaeogeographic threshold. The shallowing process would lead to the widespread emersion of the platform from latest Callovian (Lamberti Biozone) to earliest Oxfordian (Mariae and Cordatum biozone, p.p.)Se realiza un estudio comparativo de las sucesiones del Calloviense al Oxfordiense medio en la Cordillera Ibérica nororiental (Rama Aragonesa). En la parte noroccidental, en el sector de Veruela-Ricla a Tosos, del SW al S de Zaragoza, los materiales del Calloviense están representados por sucesiones carbonatadas expandidas (calizas mudstone y margas con un contenido variable en Belsiliciclásticos) que abarcan desde la parte inferior de la Biozona Bullatus hasta la Biozona Athleta. Más al E, en la región de Moneva- Ariño (Sierra de Arcos) y en el sector de Calanda, este intervalo, entre las biozonas Bullatus y Anceps está representado sólo parcialmente, por una sucesión condensada, muy incompleta, en facies de packstone bioclástico o en ocasiones oolítico. Los materiales del intervalo correspondiente a la transición Calloviense-Oxfordiense constituyen una sucesión condensada (= baja tasa de sedimentación) de espesor decimétrico formada por calizas fosilíferas con ooides ferruginosos que constituyen sedimentos expandidos (= altos valores de tasa instantánea de acumulación de sedimento). Las asociaciones registradas de ammonites muestran con frecuencia claras señales de reelaboración tafonómica y evidencias de condensación tafonómica (= asociaciones condensadas). La evolución paleogeográfica de la plataforma se ha reconstruido sobre la base de análisis sedimentológicos extensivos y del análisis de los gradientes tafonómicos mostrados por las asociaciones de ammonites. Estos gradientes muestran claramente la progresiva somerización de la plataforma durante el Calloviense. Esta somerización es más temprana (a partir de la Biozona Gracilis) en el sector de Sierra de Arcos-Calanda, que actuaría como un alto paleogeográfico temporalmente emergido, y más tardía (biozonas Coronatum-Athleta) en el sector noroccidental, entre Veruela-Ricla y Tosos. Dicha somerización culmina al final del Calloviense (Biozona Lamberti) y comienzos del Oxfordiense (biozonas Mariae y Cordatum p.p.) con la probable emersión generalizada de la plataforma

Signatures of Relativistic Neutrinos in CMB Anisotropy and Matter Clustering

We present a detailed analytical study of ultra-relativistic neutrinos in cosmological perturbation theory and of the observable signatures of inhomogeneities in the cosmic neutrino background. We note that a modification of perturbation variables that removes all the time derivatives of scalar gravitational potentials from the dynamical equations simplifies their solution notably. The used perturbations of particle number per coordinate, not proper, volume are generally constant on superhorizon scales. In real space an analytical analysis can be extended beyond fluids to neutrinos. The faster cosmological expansion due to the neutrino background changes the acoustic and damping angular scales of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). But we find that equivalent changes can be produced by varying other standard parameters, including the primordial helium abundance. The low-l integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect is also not sensitive to neutrinos. However, the gravity of neutrino perturbations suppresses the CMB acoustic peaks for the multipoles with l>~200 while it enhances the amplitude of matter fluctuations on these scales. In addition, the perturbations of relativistic neutrinos generate a *unique phase shift* of the CMB acoustic oscillations that for adiabatic initial conditions cannot be caused by any other standard physics. The origin of the shift is traced to neutrino free-streaming velocity exceeding the sound speed of the photon-baryon plasma. We find that from a high resolution, low noise instrument such as CMBPOL the effective number of light neutrino species can be determined with an accuracy of sigma(N_nu) = 0.05 to 0.09, depending on the constraints on the helium abundance.Comment: 38 pages, 7 figures. Version accepted for publication in PR

Cosmological parameters from SDSS and WMAP

We measure cosmological parameters using the three-dimensional power spectrum P(k) from over 200,000 galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in combination with WMAP and other data. Our results are consistent with a ``vanilla'' flat adiabatic Lambda-CDM model without tilt (n=1), running tilt, tensor modes or massive neutrinos. Adding SDSS information more than halves the WMAP-only error bars on some parameters, tightening 1 sigma constraints on the Hubble parameter from h~0.74+0.18-0.07 to h~0.70+0.04-0.03, on the matter density from Omega_m~0.25+/-0.10 to Omega_m~0.30+/-0.04 (1 sigma) and on neutrino masses from <11 eV to <0.6 eV (95%). SDSS helps even more when dropping prior assumptions about curvature, neutrinos, tensor modes and the equation of state. Our results are in substantial agreement with the joint analysis of WMAP and the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey, which is an impressive consistency check with independent redshift survey data and analysis techniques. In this paper, we place particular emphasis on clarifying the physical origin of the constraints, i.e., what we do and do not know when using different data sets and prior assumptions. For instance, dropping the assumption that space is perfectly flat, the WMAP-only constraint on the measured age of the Universe tightens from t0~16.3+2.3-1.8 Gyr to t0~14.1+1.0-0.9 Gyr by adding SDSS and SN Ia data. Including tensors, running tilt, neutrino mass and equation of state in the list of free parameters, many constraints are still quite weak, but future cosmological measurements from SDSS and other sources should allow these to be substantially tightened.Comment: Minor revisions to match accepted PRD version. SDSS data and ppt figures available at http://www.hep.upenn.edu/~max/sdsspars.htm

Risk profiles and one-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in India: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) is an ongoing prospective noninterventional registry, which is providing important information on the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 1-year outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This report describes data from Indian patients recruited in this registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 52,014 patients with newly diagnosed AF were enrolled globally; of these, 1388 patients were recruited from 26 sites within India (2012-2016). In India, the mean age was 65.8 years at diagnosis of NVAF. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AF, present in 68.5% of patients from India and in 76.3% of patients globally (P < 0.001). Diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) were prevalent in 36.2% and 28.1% of patients as compared with global prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Antiplatelet therapy was the most common antithrombotic treatment in India. With increasing stroke risk, however, patients were more likely to receive oral anticoagulant therapy [mainly vitamin K antagonist (VKA)], but average international normalized ratio (INR) was lower among Indian patients [median INR value 1.6 (interquartile range {IQR}: 1.3-2.3) versus 2.3 (IQR 1.8-2.8) (P < 0.001)]. Compared with other countries, patients from India had markedly higher rates of all-cause mortality [7.68 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.32-9.35) vs 4.34 (4.16-4.53), P < 0.0001], while rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were lower after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to previously published registries from India, the GARFIELD-AF registry describes clinical profiles and outcomes in Indian patients with AF of a different etiology. The registry data show that compared to the rest of the world, Indian AF patients are younger in age and have more diabetes and CAD. Patients with a higher stroke risk are more likely to receive anticoagulation therapy with VKA but are underdosed compared with the global average in the GARFIELD-AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362

The biostratigraphy of the upper Pliensbachian-Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) sequence at Ilminster, Somerset

Temporary road sections for the A303 bypass at Ilminster, Somerset, revealed Upper Pliensbachian and Toarcian sediments from an alternating limestone–marl facies, in marked contrast to the limestone-dominated Dorset coast succession. The lithostratigraphy is described, with the standard ammonite zonation providing chronostratigraphical correlation. The uppermost Pliensbachian (Spinatum Chronozone) and much of the Toarcian (Serpentinum, Bifrons, Variabilis, Thouarsense and Pseudoradiosa chronozones) of the classic Dorset coast Lower Jurassic sequence are represented by the Beacon Limestone Formation, formerly the ‘Junction Bed’ (a highly condensed carbonate deposit). The Tenuicostatum Chronozone is largely missing from the sequence. Elsewhere in southern and eastern England this interval is poorly or rarely exposed. The argillaceous units have yielded rich microfaunas and -floras (foraminifera, ostracods, calcareous nannofossils and palynomorphs), the biostratigraphical distributions of which are analysed and discussed in relation to contemporary evolutionary patterns and other UK records. This study provides an insight into the micro-biostratigraphy of the Late Pliensbachian to Toarcian interval for onshore southern England

The biostratigraphy of the Upper Pliensbachian-Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) sequence at Ilminister, Somerset

Temporary road sections for the A303 bypass at Ilminster, Somerset, revealed Upper Pliensbachian and Toarcian sediments from an alternating limestone–marl facies, in marked contrast to the limestone-dominated Dorset coast succession. The lithostratigraphy is described, with the standard ammonite zonation providing chronostratigraphical correlation. The uppermost Pliensbachian (Spinatum Chronozone) and much of the Toarcian (Serpentinum, Bifrons, Variabilis, Thouarsense and Pseudoradiosa chronozones) of the classic Dorset coast Lower Jurassic sequence are represented by the Beacon Limestone Formation, formerly the ‘Junction Bed’ (a highly condensed carbonate deposit). The Tenuicostatum Chronozone is largely missing from the sequence. Elsewhere in southern and eastern England this interval is poorly or rarely exposed. The argillaceous units have yielded rich microfaunas and -floras (foraminifera, ostracods, calcareous nannofossils and palynomorphs), the biostratigraphical distributions of which are analysed and discussed in relation to contemporary evolutionary patterns and other UK records. This study provides an insight into the micro-biostratigraphy of the Late Pliensbachian to Toarcian interval for onshore southern England

Prevalence and pathophysiology of impaired glucose tolerance in three different high-risk white groups

Insulin resistance and β-cell function were assessed by a continuous infusion of glucose in the following three groups of white subjects at risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes: 41 subjects who were the offspring of patients with type II diabetes, 26 general-population subjects with an increased fasting plasma glucose level of at least 5.6 mmol/L on screening, and 22 subjects who had had gestational diabetes but were now nondiabetic. Subjects had a mean (± 1 SD) age of 43 ± 9 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 ± 5 kg/m2. Subjects with previously increased fasting glucose levels were significantly more insulin resistant than a control group, taking into account BMI, age, and gender (% normal insulin sensitivity [%S], 59 [50 to 79] v 87 [73 to 96]; P &lt; .005), and previously gestationally diabetic subjects showed greater impairment of β-cell function (% normal β-cell function [%β], 69 [60 to 87] v 97 [89 to 105]; P &lt; .005). Diabetes (defined by World Health Organization criteria) or impaired glucose tolerance (defined as an achieved plasma glucose concentration [APG]&gt;95th percentile of an age-and weight-matched population) was identified in 22% of family members, 31% of fasting hyperglycemic subjects, and 41% of previously gestationally diabetic subjects. Twenty-two subjects with impaired glucose tolerance from all the groups were compared with their normoglycemic counterparts and were characterized by greater obesity (29 ± 7 v 25 ± 3 kg/m2, P &lt; .05), impaired insulin sensitivity [%S, 46 [23 to 78] v 81 [51 to 128]; P &lt; .001), impaired β-cell function (%β, 83 [63 to 110] v 95 [65 to 141]; P &lt; .05), and decreased suppression of nonesterified fatty acids ([NEFA] 40 [38 to 50] v 66 [50 to 77] % decrease in NEFA, P &lt; .001). After taking into account BMI, gender, and age, the decrease in β-cell function of the impaired-glucose tolerance group was more apparent (P &lt; .01) and there continued to be a difference in insulin sensitivity, implying non-obesity-associated insulin resistance in the impaired-glucose tolerance group (P &lt; .001). In conclusion, although subjects with impaired glucose tolerance from each of the three different at-risk groups showed similar phenotypic characteristics with obesity being a major feature, we have identified in a single study using a single investigative technique more marked impairment of β-cell function in previously gestationally diabetic subjects and more insulin resistance in subjects with a previously increased fasting plasma glucose level. Impaired glucose tolerance is thus a multifactorial disease in which genetic or environmental contributions vary between different at-risk groups and between different individuals.</p

A potential stratotype for the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian boundary (Upper Jurassic). Staffin Bay, Isle of Skye, U.K

A coastal exposure of the Staffin Shale Formation at Flodigarry, Staffin Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK fulfils the criteria for definition as the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Kimmeridgian Stage (Upper Jurassic). This marine shale succession was deposited during a long-term transgression, and is part of a complete, relatively well-expanded stratigraphic succession. A rich fauna of ammonites above and below the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary allows recognition of the Evoluta Subzone (Pseudocordata Zone) and Rosenkrantzi Subzone (Rosenkrantzi Zone) of the Subboreal and Boreal uppermost Oxfordian, and the Densicostata Subzone (Baylei Zone) and the Bauhini Zone of the Subboreal and Boreal lowermost Kimmeridgian). A suitable level for the boundary is thus marked by the replacement of the Subboreal Ringsteadia (M)/Microbiplices (m) by Pictonia (M)/Prorasenia (m), and by the first appearance of Boreal Amoeboceras (Plasmatites). Detailed study of the microfossils reveals an excellent dinoflagellate succession. A variety of stratigraphically important dinoflagellates are found, the assemblages being intermediate in character between Boreal and Subboreal ones. The magnetostratigraphic data, though rather troublesome to extract, shows a polarity pattern which can be confidently correlated to other UK boundary sections. The upper boundary of a normal magnetozone falls at, or very near, the proposed Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio at the boundary, based on an analysis of belemnites, lies between 0,70689 and 0,70697, averaging 0.70693. Matching worldwide trends, no distinct change in the ratio is seen across the boundary. A lack of variations in the carbon isotope composition of belemnites across the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary does not indicate perturbation in the global carbon cycle. However, high δ13C values and their scatter suggest the influence of local fractionation affecting isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the partly isolated Boreal sea. A fall in the belemnite δ18O values in the Upper Oxfordian and Lower Kimmeridgian compared to the Mid Oxfordian suggests a slight rise in seawater temperature