Reply to Comment by W. Kurz on "Tectonic map and overall architecture of the Alpine orogen”

No Abstrac

Identification of aspects of functioning, disability and health relevant to patients experiencing vertigo: a qualitative study using the international classification of functioning, disability and health

Purpose: Aims of this study were to identify aspects of functioning and health relevant to patients with vertigo expressed by ICF categories and to explore the potential of the ICF to describe the patient perspective in vertigo. Methods: We conducted a series of qualitative semi-structured face-to-face interviews using a descriptive approach. Data was analyzed using the meaning condensation procedure and then linked to categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results: From May to July 2010 12 interviews were carried out until saturation was reached. Four hundred and seventy-one single concepts were extracted which were linked to 142 different ICF categories. 40 of those belonged to the component body functions, 62 to the component activity and participation, and 40 to the component environmental factors. Besides the most prominent aspect "dizziness" most participants reported problems within "Emotional functions (b152), problems related to mobility and carrying out the daily routine. Almost all participants reported "Immediate family (e310)" as a relevant modifying environmental factor. Conclusions: From the patients' perspective, vertigo has impact on multifaceted aspects of functioning and disability, mainly body functions and activities and participation. Modifying contextual factors have to be taken into account to cover the complex interaction between the health condition of vertigo on the individuals' daily life. The results of this study will contribute to developing standards for the measurement of functioning, disability and health relevant for patients suffering from vertigo

Comparative analysis of sequence features involved in the recognition of tandem splice sites

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The splicing of pre-mRNAs is conspicuously often variable and produces multiple alternatively spliced (AS) isoforms that encode different messages from one gene locus. Computational studies uncovered a class of highly similar isoforms, which were related to tandem 5'-splice sites (5'ss) and 3'-splice sites (3'ss), yet with very sparse anecdotal evidence in experimental studies. To compare the types and levels of alternative tandem splice site exons occurring in different human organ systems and cell types, and to study known sequence features involved in the recognition and distinction of neighboring splice sites, we performed large-scale, stringent alignments of cDNA sequences and ESTs to the human and mouse genomes, followed by experimental validation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We analyzed alternative 5'ss exons (A5Es) and alternative 3'ss exons (A3Es), derived from transcript sequences that were aligned to assembled genome sequences to infer patterns of AS occurring in several thousands of genes. Comparing the levels of overlapping (tandem) and non-overlapping (competitive) A5Es and A3Es, a clear preference of isoforms was seen for tandem acceptors and donors, with four nucleotides and three to six nucleotides long exon extensions, respectively. A subset of inferred A5E tandem exons was selected and experimentally validated. With the focus on A5Es, we investigated their transcript coverage, sequence conservation and base-paring to U1 snRNA, proximal and distal splice site classification, candidate motifs for <it>cis</it>-regulatory activity, and compared A5Es with A3Es, constitutive and pseudo-exons, in <it>H. sapiens </it>and <it>M. musculus</it>. The results reveal a small but authentic enriched set of tandem splice site preference, with specific distances between proximal and distal 5'ss (3'ss), which showed a marked dichotomy between the levels of in- and out-of-frame splicing for A5Es and A3Es, respectively, identified a number of candidate NMD targets, and allowed a rough estimation of a number of undetected tandem donors based on splice site information.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This comparative study distinguishes tandem 5'ss and 3'ss, with three to six nucleotides long extensions, as having unusually high proportions of AS, experimentally validates tandem donors in a panel of different human tissues, highlights the dichotomy in the types of AS occurring at tandem splice sites, and elucidates that human alternative exons spliced at overlapping 5'ss posses features of typical splice variants that could well be beneficial for the cell.</p

Devonian to Permian intrusions in the Zentralgneis Supersuite of the eastern Tauern Window constrained by U-Pb zircon geochronology and geochemistry

In the course of comprehensive geological mapping, the Geosphere Austria (formerly Geologische Bundesanstalt – Geological Survey of Austria) initiated a systematic geochemical and geochronological characterization of the metamorphic granitoids forming the Zentralgneis Supersuite in the eastern Tauern Window. Three dozens of samples from already defined units (Sonnblick, Siglitz, Romate, Göss, and Hochalm orthogneiss) as well as newly defined units (Säuleck, Kampleck, and Grübelwand orthogneisses) were sampled in four different nappes of the Venediger Nappe-System (Sonnblick, Romate, Hochalm, and Göss nappe). Major and trace element geochemical analyses indicate three groups. Most of the Sonnblick orthogneiss samples, the Siglitz orthogneiss and other non-leucocratic orthogneisses derive from high-K, calc-alkaline granite with a peraluminous and magnesian composition. The analyzed samples classify as I-type (subordinately S-type) granites formed in volcanic arcs and show no negative Eu-anomaly. The Kampleck, Säuleck, and Grübelwand orthogneiss as well as leucocratic orthogneisses derive from high-Si, calc-alkaline granite, aplite and pegmatite, with a peraluminous ferroan composition. This group classifies as S-type granites formed in a within-plate setting and samples show a clear negative Eu-anomaly as well as comparably low Ba and Sr concentrations. The Romate orthogneiss and one analyzed Sonnblick orthogneiss sample derive from shoshonitic, quartz-monzonite to syenite with metaluminous and magnesian composition. This group classifies as syn-collisional A-Type granites and shows no negative Eu-anomaly with comparably high Eu, U and Th concentrations. The three distinguished groups are found in different nappes of the Venediger Nappe System; however, note that single orthogneiss units can host elements of different characteristics. U-Pb zircon geochronology further constrains some of the orthogneiss units. A sample of coarse-grained Sonnblick orthogneiss with an augen microstructure yields a Late Devonian age. An atypical fine-grained Sonnblick orthogneiss with small K-feldspar yields a late Carboniferous age and a Siglitz orthogneiss sample yields an early Carboniferous age. Samples from Kampleck, Säuleck and Grübelwand yield middle Permian ages. Our findings illustrate the complex and long lived intrusion story over 100 Myrs hidden in what is called the Zentralgneis Supersuite. The dominant group corresponding to I-type calc-alkaline plutonism contemporaneous to the Variscan Orogeny took more than 30 Myrs to form. At least in the Sonnblick orthogneiss, this group hosts younger intrusions that remain undefined and unmapped. Later Permian S-type intrusions are for the moment only attested in the Hochalm Nappe. However, based on lithological characteristics these can also be expected in other nappes (e.g. Sonnblick and Göss nappe). Finally, geochronological characterization of the Romate orthogneiss underpins any interpretation of its exotic chemistry. These results stress the importance of combined geochemical and geochronological analyses together with geological mapping for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex geological situation in the eastern Tauern Window

The Northern Calcareous Alps revisited: Formation of a hyperextended margin and mantle exhumation in the Northern Calcareous Alps sector of the Neo-Tethys (Eastern Alps, Austria)

The Neo-Tethys margin evolution is preserved in the Northern Calcareous Alps (Eastern Alps), from Late Permian crustal stretching to Late Triassic oceanization. The Northern Calcareous Alps represent the salt-floored fold-and-thrust belt developed from the salt-influenced Triassic carbonate sedimentary cover of the ancestral European margin of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. A crustal scale model for the margin has been obtained by restoration of regional cross-sections of the Northern Calcareous Alps carbonate platforms. Lithospheric break-up was investigated from remnants of exhumed mantle found within an evaporitic melange, suggesting hyperextended crust underneath the distal Triassic platforms of the Northern Calcareous Alps preceding breakup. By modelling the thermal evolution of the margin in combination with excellent stratigraphic control, a detailed timeline has been established for the evolution of the Neo-Tethys margin, especially around the period of rapid mantle exhumation. Our study indicates that salt-floored carbonate shelfs can be used as a proxy to characterize the margins evolution, from crustal stretching to continental breakup. Diagnostic stratigraphic records are preserved in the carbonate platforms: pre- mantle exhumation carbonates are represented by aggrading isolated carbonate platforms first, followed by expanding and margin wide prograding carbonate shelfs once thermal subsidence dominates. In addition, a distinct clastic sequence is deposited as an immediate response to mantle exhumation, in between the pre- and post-mantle exhumation carbonate factory. Our study proposes a new refined model for the formation of the Neo-Tethys margin and provides new insights for the dynamic coupling of salt-controlled carbonate shelfs and the underlying lithosphere during continental breakup

Petrology, geochemistry and tectono-magmatic affinity of gabbroic olistoliths from the ophiolite mélange in the NW Dinaric-Vardar ophiolite zone (Mts. Kalnik and Ivanščica, North Croatia)

Mafic intrusive rocks are subordinately represented fragments of the oceanic crust in the ophiolite mélange exposedat Mts. Kalnik and Ivanščica located in the NW Dinaric-Vardar ophiolite zone. This ophiolite mélange occurs in thenorthern area of the Kalnik Unit and represents the SW surface boundary of the Zagorje-Mid-Transdanubian ShearZone. The mélange, except for mafic intrusive rocks, consists of a chaotic mixture of various extrusive rocks formedin different tectonic settings of the Repno Oceanic Domain (ROD). The ROD was the segment of Neo-Tethys thatconnects the Meliata-Maliak and Dinaric-Vardar oceanic systems. Previous study of mafic extrusive sequences suggestedan 80 Ma period of tectono-magmatic evolution of the ROD from intra-continental rifting during the Anisian,to the formation of proto-arc crust during the Callovian-Oxfordian. The domain exposes ophiolitic rocks in four mélangeareas. Isotropic gabbroic rocks that are abundant in two northern areas (Mts. Kalnik and Ivanščica), can be discriminatedinto three distinct geochemical groups: (A) N-MORB-type gabbro [(Th/Nb)n = 0.99–1.10; (Nb/La)n =0.95–0.99], (B) IAT-type amphibole gabbro with clear supra-subduction characteristics [(Th/Nb)n = 6.04–8.16; (Nb/La)n = 0.32–0.42] and (C) BABB-type amphibole-bearing gabbro [(Th/Nb)n = 2.88–4.02; (Nb/La)n = 0.58–0.69].Representative gabbro samples of each geochemical group were dated by the Ar-Ar and/or the K-Ar dating method.The Early Jurassic N-MORB-type gabbros (geochemical group A), ~185 Ma old, signifies a peculiar stage of Palaeo-Tethyan slab break-off. The Late Jurassic IAT-type gabbros (geochemical group B), ~147 Ma old, is the vestige of anascent intra-oceanic arc, whilst the Early Cretaceous BABB-type gabbros (geochemical group C), ~100 Ma old,provides evidence of magmatism in the back-arc marginal basin. The analyzed gabbroic rocks enable refinement andcompletion of the geodynamic evolution of the ROD, from the opening of an ensialic back-arc basin during the Ladinianand a continuous spreading event until the Bajocian. Intra-oceanic convergence was initiated in the Bathonian,with the formation of a nascent island-arc during the Tithonian, leading to formation of a Cretaceous ensimatic backarcmarginal basin. There are many lines of evidence that correlate the geodynamic evolution of the ROD with theAlbanide-Hellenide Neo-Tethyan oceanic segment.</p

Multiple-charge transfer and trapping in DNA dimers

We investigate the charge transfer characteristics of one and two excess charges in a DNA base-pair dimer using a model Hamiltonian approach. The electron part comprises diagonal and off-diagonal Coulomb matrix elements such a correlated hopping and the bond-bond interaction, which were recently calculated by Starikov [E. B. Starikov, Phil. Mag. Lett. {\bf 83}, 699 (2003)] for different DNA dimers. The electronic degrees of freedom are coupled to an ohmic or a super-ohmic bath serving as dissipative environment. We employ the numerical renormalization group method in the nuclear tunneling regime and compare the results to Marcus theory for the thermal activation regime. For realistic parameters, the rate that at least one charge is transferred from the donor to the acceptor in the subspace of two excess electrons significantly exceeds the rate in the single charge sector. Moreover, the dynamics is strongly influenced by the Coulomb matrix elements. We find sequential and pair transfer as well as a regime where both charges remain self-trapped. The transfer rate reaches its maximum when the difference of the on-site and inter-site Coulomb matrix element is equal to the reorganization energy which is the case in a GC-GC dimer. Charge transfer is completely suppressed for two excess electrons in AT-AT in an ohmic bath and replaced by damped coherent electron-pair oscillations in a super-ohmic bath. A finite bond-bond interaction $W$ alters the transfer rate: it increases as function of $W$ when the effective Coulomb repulsion exceeds the reorganization energy (inverted regime) and decreases for smaller Coulomb repulsion

Sm-Nd geochronology and petrologic investigation of sub-ophiolite metamorphic sole from the Dinarides (Krivaja-Konjuh, Ophiolite Complex, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The Dinaridic segment of Neotethys was affected by a widespread shortening and related subduction-accretion-obduction processes that commenced in the middle Jurassic. In the Dinarides, the Krivaja-Konjuh Ophiolite Complex (KKOC) stands as the largest ophiolite complex with a well-exposed metamorphic sole which is the key to understanding the dynamics of intraoceanic subduction initiation in this part of Neotethys. In this contribution we present Sm-Nd geochronology on a granulite facies amphibolite from the KKOC, as well as a detailed petrological description. A five-point isochrone age calculated from clinopyroxene, plagioclase, garnet, amphibole and whole rock is 162 ± 14 Ma (MSWD = 6.2), whereas garnet and whole rock yield 160 ± 7 Ma. Ages calculated from all data points except clinopyroxene are 162 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1.09). Petrographic investigations suggest that these ages date granulite facies metamorphic conditions (i.e. peak metamorphism of Grt-Cpx amphibolite) rather than post-peak exhumation or obduction processes. Phase textural relationships are in line with previous research, which indicated a peak metamorphism equilibration pressure and temperature of ~1 GPa and ~800 °C, respectively. Granulite facies conditions are elucidated for an igneous precursor, which underwent a multi-stage metamorphism that gave rise to recrystallization of igneous clinopyroxene and plagioclase, epitaxial growth of amphibole, and garnet blastosis. Taking into account the age of gabbronorite from the youngest segment of the KKOC oceanic crust (Taorcian to Bathonian) and ages of radiolarian assemblages from the KKOC mélange (Bajocian to Bathonian), it may be inferred that within ~25 Ma the Dinaridic segment of Neotethys evolved rapidly from active ridge spreading through a stage of intraoceanic subduction and arc magmatism toward sub-ophioliteexhumation and further obduction along the Adria passive margin at the end of the Jurassic era.</p

The Alpine-Carpathian-Dinaridic orogenic system: correlation and evolution of tectonic units

A correlation of tectonic units of the Alpine-Carpathian-Dinaridic system of orogens, including the substrate of the Pannonian and Transylvanian basins, is presented in the form of a map. Combined with a series of crustal-scale cross sections this correlation of tectonic units yields a clearer picture of the three-dimensional architecture of this system of orogens that owes its considerable complexity to multiple overprinting of earlier by younger deformations. The synthesis advanced here indicates that none of the branches of the Alpine Tethys and Neotethys extended eastward into the Dobrogea Orogen. Instead, the main branch of the Alpine Tethys linked up with the Meliata-Maliac-Vardar branch of the Neotethys into the area of the present-day Inner Dinarides. More easterly and subsidiary branches of the Alpine Tethys separated Tisza completely, and Dacia partially, from the European continent. Remnants of the Triassic parts of Neotethys (Meliata-Maliac) are preserved only as ophiolitic mélanges present below obducted Jurassic Neotethyan (Vardar) ophiolites. The opening of the Alpine Tethys was largely contemporaneous with the Latest Jurassic to Early Cretaceous obduction of parts of the Jurassic Vardar ophiolites. Closure of the Meliata-Maliac Ocean in the Alps and West Carpathians led to Cretaceous-age orogeny associated with an eclogitic overprint of the adjacent continental margin. The Triassic Meliata-Maliac and Jurassic Western and Eastern Vardar ophiolites were derived from one single branch of Neotethys: the Meliata-Maliac-Vardar Ocean. Complex geometries resulting from out-of-sequence thrusting during Cretaceous and Cenozoic orogenic phases underlay a variety of multi-ocean hypotheses, that were advanced in the literature and that we regard as incompatible with the field evidence. The present-day configuration of tectonic units suggests that a former connection between ophiolitic units in West Carpathians and Dinarides was disrupted by substantial Miocene-age dislocations along the Mid-Hungarian Fault Zone, hiding a former lateral change in subduction polarity between West Carpathians and Dinarides. The SW-facing Dinaridic Orogen, mainly structured in Cretaceous and Palaeogene times, was juxtaposed with the Tisza and Dacia Mega-Units along a NW-dipping suture (Sava Zone) in latest Cretaceous to Palaeogene times. The Dacia Mega-Unit (East and South Carpathian Orogen, including the Carpatho-Balkan Orogen and the Biharia nappe system of the Apuseni Mountains), was essentially consolidated by E-facing nappe stacking during an Early Cretaceous orogeny, while the adjacent Tisza Mega-Unit formed by NW-directed thrusting (in present-day coordinates) in Late Cretaceous times. The polyphase and multi-directional Cretaceous to Neogene deformation history of the Dinarides was preceded by the obduction of Vardar ophiolites onto to the Adriatic margin (Western Vardar Ophiolitic Unit) and parts of the European margin (Eastern Vardar Ophiolitic Unit) during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time