阿爾泰哈巴河群的沉積時代及其構造背景

Habahe Group mainly consists of elastic sediments, which widely distribute in the Chinese Altai and can provide important constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, there are different opinions about its deposition time and tectonic background. Previous studies suggested that the Habahe Group formed in Sinian to Mid-Ordovician or Mid- to Late Ordovician in a passive continental margin. On the other hand, recent geological investigations reveal a long lasting subduction-related setting in the Chinese Altai at least since Cambrian. The current geochronological study for detrital zircons from the Habahe Group reveals that the detrital zircons of individual samples, irrespective of their lithological and metamorphic differences, all show similar age patterns, with the early Paleozoic ( 206Pb/ 238U age = 463 ± 542Ma) grains predominating. The youngest detrital zircons from different samples display similar ages (ca. 470Ma), which may reflect the maximum deposition time of the Habahe Group. Dating of growth rim of detrital zircons from migmatite yielded a Mid-Devonian age (384 ± 6Ma), which was coeval with intrusion of Early to Mid-Devonian granitic plutons in the area and clearly indicates the minimum deposition time of the Hababe Group. Therefore, the deposition time of the Habahe Group can be constrained to be Mid-Ordovician to Early Devonian. Zircon U Pb dating results indicate that the detrital zircons of the Habahe Group are dominated by early Paleozoic grains, with small proportion formed in Precambrian. The early Paleozoic detrital zircons are mostly magmatic in origin, and their less rounded shapes indicate a limited transportation. The age and morphological characteristics of the detrital zircons are consistent with those of detrital zircons in active tectonic settings and indicate that the Chinese Altai was under an active continental margin environment during the Early Paleozoic. 北疆阿爾泰造山帶的哈巴河群變質碎屑巖分布廣泛,其沉積時代和構造環境對于認識中亞造山帶的演化歷史有重要意義。早期研究認為哈巴河群沉積于震旦紀—中奧陶世時期,形成于被動大陸邊緣構造環境。而最近有學者根據中亞造山帶的地質演化背景提出,阿爾泰形成于活動陸緣構造環境。對哈巴河群中碎屑鋯石的年代學研究表明,不同巖性或變質程度不同的樣品碎屑鋯石主要類群具有相似的年齡分布特征,其206Pb/238U 年齡主要介于463～542Ma 之間。在這些樣品中, 最年輕的碎屑鋯石年齡均集中于470Ma 左右,代表了碎屑沉積的時代下限。而哈巴河群混合巖樣品中碎屑鋯石增生邊形成于中泥盆世晚期（384±6Ma）,與侵入該群的早古生代花崗巖的年齡十分接近,大致反映了哈巴河群碎屑巖沉積時代的上限,因此哈巴河群的沉積時代應在早泥盆世—中奧陶世之間。鋯石的形態和內部結構特征顯示哈巴河群的年輕碎屑鋯石類群（463～542Ma）主要為巖漿鋯石,其磨圓度較差,而且在比例上遠高于前寒武紀碎屑鋯石。上述特點與活動大陸邊緣碎屑鋯石類群分布特征完全一致,反映阿爾泰在中奧陶世至早泥盆世可能處于活動大陸邊緣構造環境。postprin

Challenges and opportunities for assessing transport properties of high-performance concrete

In this paper, a review of techniques is given so that both, the challenges and opportunities for assessing transport properties of high-performance concrete, are highlighted. A knowledge of performance of structural concrete is required for design and compliance purposes. One driving force for the use of high performance concretes (HPC) is enhanced durability yet it would be wrong to assume that all HPCs can deliver the desired performance level. In situ characterisation of the permeation properties of concrete is the most viable means for assessing durability and has become increasingly important over the past 20 years. A variety of methods exist that provide a range of parameters, e.g. air permeability, water absorption rate, sorptivity and chloride migration coefficient

Caenorhabditis elegans Operons Contain a Higher Proportion of Genes with Multiple Transcripts and Use 3′ Splice Sites Differentially

RNA splicing generates multiple transcript isoforms from a single gene and enhances the complexity of eukaryotic gene expression. In some eukaryotes, operon exists as an ancient regulatory mechanism of gene expression that requires strict positional and regulatory relationships among its genes. It remains unknown whether operonic genes generate transcript isoforms in a similar manner as non-operonic genes do, the expression of which is less likely limited by their positions and relationships with surrounding genes. We analyzed the number of transcript isoforms of Caenorhabditis elegans operonic genes and found that C. elegans operons contain a much higher proportion of genes with multiple transcript isoforms than non-operonic genes do. For genes that express multiple transcript isoforms, there is no apparent difference between the number of isoforms in operonic and non-operonic genes. C. elegans operonic genes also have a different preference of the 20 most common 3′ splice sites compared to non-operonic genes. Our analyses suggest that C. elegans operons enhance expression complexity by increasing the proportion of genes that express multiple transcript isoforms and maintain splicing efficiency by differential use of common 3′ splice sites

On the bistable zone of milling processes

A modal-based model of milling machine tools subjected to time-periodic nonlinear cutting forces is introduced. The model describes the phenomenon of bistability for certain cutting parameters. In engineering, these parameter domains are referred to as unsafe zones, where steady-state milling may switch to chatter for certain perturbations. In mathematical terms, these are the parameter domains where the periodic solution of the corresponding nonlinear, time-periodic delay differential equation is linearly stable, but its domain of attraction is limited due to the existence of an unstable quasi-periodic solution emerging from a secondary Hopf bifurcation. A semi-numerical method is presented to identify the borders of these bistable zones by tracking the motion of the milling tool edges as they might leave the surface of the workpiece during the cutting operation. This requires the tracking of unstable quasi-periodic solutions and the checking of their grazing to a time-periodic switching surface in the infinite-dimensional phase space. As the parameters of the linear structural behaviour of the tool/machine tool system can be obtained by means of standard modal testing, the developed numerical algorithm provides efficient support for the design of milling processes with quick estimates of those parameter domains where chatter can still appear in spite of setting the parameters into linearly stable domains

Galactic and Extragalactic Samples of Supernova Remnants: How They Are Identified and What They Tell Us

Supernova remnants (SNRs) arise from the interaction between the ejecta of a supernova (SN) explosion and the surrounding circumstellar and interstellar medium. Some SNRs, mostly nearby SNRs, can be studied in great detail. However, to understand SNRs as a whole, large samples of SNRs must be assembled and studied. Here, we describe the radio, optical, and X-ray techniques which have been used to identify and characterize almost 300 Galactic SNRs and more than 1200 extragalactic SNRs. We then discuss which types of SNRs are being found and which are not. We examine the degree to which the luminosity functions, surface-brightness distributions and multi-wavelength comparisons of the samples can be interpreted to determine the class properties of SNRs and describe efforts to establish the type of SN explosion associated with a SNR. We conclude that in order to better understand the class properties of SNRs, it is more important to study (and obtain additional data on) the SNRs in galaxies with extant samples at multiple wavelength bands than it is to obtain samples of SNRs in other galaxiesComment: Final 2016 draft of a chapter in "Handbook of Supernovae" edited by Athem W. Alsabti and Paul Murdin. Final version available at https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20794-0_90-

Geochemical characteristics and 40Ar- 39Ar ages of the amphibolites and gabbros in Tarlang area: Implications for tectonic evolution of the Chinese Altai

Amphibolitic and gabbroic rocks occur in Tarlang area in Chinese Altay. Amphibolites are metamorphosed products of mafic magmatic rocks (SiO 2 = 45.42% - 52.96%) and contain high Al 2O 3 (13.14% - 17.92%), Fe 2O 3 T (9.08% - 16.88%) and TiO 2 (0.82% - 3.23%) contents. The amphibolite samples show relatively flat REE patterns, without significant fractionations of REEs (La/Yb N = 1.53 - 1.79). These samples are depleted in HFSEs slightly, with slightly Ti-Nb-Ta negative anomalies, which suggest a subtle relation to subduction-related environment. The gabbroic samples (SiO 2 = 46.96% - 49.86%) have intermediate TiO 2 (0.38% - 1.89%) and relatively low K 2 O contents (K 2 O = 0.34% - 1.03%), belonging to subalkali rocks (Na 2 O > K 2 O). They have relatively high Al 2O 3 (15.0% - 20.81%), CaO (10.13% - 11.60%) and moderate MgO (7.3% - 8.3% ) contents. The gabbroic samples show two types of REE patterns. One is characterized by slight fractionation of REEs (La/Yb N = 1.10 - 1.67) and weak Eu anomalies (δEu = 1.03 - 1.10), while the other is enriched in LREE s (La/Yb N = 5.97 - 6.39), with significantly positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 1.31 - 1.44), which may reflect accumulation of plagioclase in the magma chamber. These gabbroic rocks all exhibit Ti-Nb-Ta troughs and Pb-Sr spikes, also implying a subduction-related origin. The 40Ar/ 39Ar spectrum of the gabbroic sample is simple and flat (plateau age of 266.9 ± 4.2Ma; isochron age of 261 ± 23Ma), indicating that its K-Ar isotopic system was not seriously disturbed by subsequent thermal events and may reflect the intrusion time of the gabbro. However, 40Ar- 39Ar analysis of the amphibolite give rise to a saddle-like spectrum, and its youngest plateau (297.3 ± 6.1Ma) probably reflects the last metamorphic event. The difference on age and geochemistry between the amphibolitic and gabbroic rocks implies that they probably represent different mafic magma. The protolith of amphibolites probably formed in a seamount near a subduction zone and subsequently accreated to the Altai. The gabbro exhibits subduction-releted characteristics and was coeval with transtensional movement in the Chinese Altai, probably reflecting a tectonic transition in the Permian.阿爾泰塔爾浪地區出露一些斜長角閃巖和輝長巖。其中,斜長角閃巖為基性巖漿巖變質的產物,SiO_2含量為45.42%～52.96%,具有較高的Al_2O_3(13.14%～17.92%)、Fe_2O_3~T(9.08%～16.88%)和TiO_2(0.82%～3.23%)含量。斜長角閃巖樣品稀土元素曲線比較平坦,輕重稀土元素分餾不明顯(La/Yb_N=1.53～1.79),無明顯的Nb和Ta虧損。通過野外產狀及地球化學特征分析,認為該斜長角閃巖形成于海山的構造環境。輝長巖SiO_2(46.96%～49.86%)含量稍低,TiO_2(0.38%～1.89%)變化較大,并富Al_2O_3(15.0%～20.81%)、CaO(10.13%～11.60%),具有中等至較高MgO含量(7.3%～8.3%)和相對較低的鉀含量(K_2O=0.34%～1.03%),屬亞堿性巖石系列(Na_2O>K_2O)。輝長巖呈現兩種稀土元素組成特征。一種輕重稀土分餾不明顯,配分曲線比較平坦(La/Yb_N=1.10～1.67),具有輕微的Eu正異常(δEu=1.03～1.10);另一種輕重稀土元素分餾較明顯(La/Yb_N=5.97～...published_or_final_versio

Histone deacetylase adaptation in single ventricle heart disease and a young animal model of right ventricular hypertrophy.

BackgroundHistone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are promising therapeutics for various forms of cardiac diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess cardiac HDAC catalytic activity and expression in children with single ventricle (SV) heart disease of right ventricular morphology, as well as in a rodent model of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH).MethodsHomogenates of right ventricle (RV) explants from non-failing controls and children born with a SV were assayed for HDAC catalytic activity and HDAC isoform expression. Postnatal 1-day-old rat pups were placed in hypoxic conditions, and echocardiographic analysis, gene expression, HDAC catalytic activity, and isoform expression studies of the RV were performed.ResultsClass I, IIa, and IIb HDAC catalytic activity and protein expression were elevated in the hearts of children born with a SV. Hypoxic neonatal rats demonstrated RVH, abnormal gene expression, elevated class I and class IIb HDAC catalytic activity, and protein expression in the RV compared with those in the control.ConclusionsThese data suggest that myocardial HDAC adaptations occur in the SV heart and could represent a novel therapeutic target. Although further characterization of the hypoxic neonatal rat is needed, this animal model may be suitable for preclinical investigations of pediatric RV disease and could serve as a useful model for future mechanistic studies

Sexuality and Body Image After Uterine Artery Embolization and Hysterectomy in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Comparison

In this paper the effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on sexual functioning and body image is investigated in a randomized comparison to hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The EMbolization versus hysterectoMY (EMMY) trial is a randomized controlled study, conducted at 28 Dutch hospitals. Patients were allocated hysterectomy (n = 89) or UAE (n = 88). Two validated questionnaires (the Sexual Activity Questionnaire [SAQ] and the Body Image Scale [BIS]) were completed by all patients at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. Repeated measurements on SAQ scores revealed no differences between the groups. There was a trend toward improved sexual function in both groups at 2 years, although this failed to reach statistical significance except for the dimensions discomfort and habit in the UAE arm. Overall quality of sexual life deteriorated in a minority of cases at all time points, with no significant differences between the groups (at 24 months: UAE, 29.3%, versus hysterectomy, 23.5%; p = 0.32). At 24 months the BIS score had improved in both groups compared to baseline, but the change was only significant in the UAE group (p = 0.009). In conclusion, at 24 months no differences in sexuality and body image were observed between the UAE and the hysterectomy group. On average, both after UAE and hysterectomy sexual functioning and body image scores improved, but significantly so only after UAE

Workflows for Quantitative Data Analysis in The Social Sciences

The background is given to how statistical analysis is used by quantitative social scientists. Developing statistical analyses requires substantial effort, yet there are important limitations in current practice. This has motivated the authors to create a more systematic and effective methodology with supporting tools. The approach to modelling quantitative data analysis in the social sciences is presented. Analysis scripts are treated abstractly as mathematical functions and concretely as web services. This allows individual scripts to be combined into high-level workflows. A comprehensive set of tools allows workflows to be defined, automatically validated and verified, and automatically implemented. The workflows expose opportunities for parallel execution, can define support for proper fault handling, and can be realised by non-technical users. Services, workflows and datasets can also be readily shared. The approach is illustrated with a realistic case study that analyses occupational position in relation to health