Very Low-grade Metamorphic Evolution of Pelitic Rocks under High-pressure/Low-temperature Conditions, NW New Caledonia (SW Pacific)

The P-T gradient in a Late Eocene low-T high-P metamorphic belt in northern New Caledonia increases from SW to NE. Metapelites in the pumpellyite-prehnite and blueschist zones contain lawsonite, Mg-carpholite, Fe-stilpnomelane and Fe-glaucophane. Thermodynamic calculations indicate a progression of metamorphic conditions from less than 0·3 GPa and 250°C in a kaolinite-bearing rock in the SW, up to 1·5 GPa and 410°C in a lawsonite-glaucophane-bearing sample in the NE of the Diahot terrane. Through a multi-method investigation of phyllosilicates, organic matter and fluid inclusions, we demonstrate that the evolution of organic matter and illite crystallinity depends strongly on the evolution of the P-T path with time. In addition, we show that the illite-muscovite b cell dimension provides a robust estimate of maximum pressure reached in low-temperature domains with polyphase metamorphic histories, despite subsequent high-temperature-low-pressure events. Fluid inclusion study reveals an isothermal decompression in the Diahot terran

A Survey of Bayesian Statistical Approaches for Big Data

The modern era is characterised as an era of information or Big Data. This has motivated a huge literature on new methods for extracting information and insights from these data. A natural question is how these approaches differ from those that were available prior to the advent of Big Data. We present a review of published studies that present Bayesian statistical approaches specifically for Big Data and discuss the reported and perceived benefits of these approaches. We conclude by addressing the question of whether focusing only on improving computational algorithms and infrastructure will be enough to face the challenges of Big Data

Entropy-Layer Instabilities in Plane Supersonic Flow

Entropy-layer instabilities in the supersonic flow over a blunt flat plate are investigated. Two types of entropy-layer instabilities are identified with the linear, local, parallel stability theory. The most amplified mode is a two-dimensional one. In order to validate the numerical findings experiments were carried out: The computed steady, laminar mean-flow data agree with experimentally obtained mass-flow and Pitot-pressure distributions. The wall-normal distribution of the mass-flow eigenfunction of the most amplified entropy-layer instability is found in hot-wire data. The streamwise wave number and the wall-normal phase distribution of the numerically obtained density eigenfunctions agree with a Schlieren pictur

Attitudes towards personal genomics and sharing of genetic data among older Swiss adults: A qualitative study

Objective: To assess the willingness of older Swiss adults to share genetic data for research purposes and to investigate factors that might impact their willingness to share data. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 40 participants (19 male and 21 female) aged between 67 and 92 years, between December 2013 and April 2014 attending the Seniorenuniversität Zürich, Switzerland. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and anonymized. For the analysis of the interviews, an initial coding scheme was developed, refined over time, and applied afterwards to all interviews. Results: The majority of participants were in favor of placing genetic data to research's disposal. Participant's motivations to share data were mainly driven by altruistic reasons and by contributing to the greater good. Furthermore, several factors which might impact the willingness to share data such as sharing data with private companies, generational differences, differences between sharing genetic data or health data, and sharing due to financial incentives were highlighted. Last, some participants indicated concerns regarding data sharing such as misuse of data, the fear of becoming a transparent citizen, and data safety. However, 20% of the participants express confidence in data protection. Even participants who were skeptical in the beginning of the interviews admitted the benefits of data sharing. Discussion: Overall, this study suggests older citizens are willing to share their data for research purposes. However, most of them will only contribute if their data is appropriately protected and if they trust the research institution to use the shared data responsibly. More transparency and detailed information regarding the data usage are urgently needed. There is a great need to increase the engagement of older adults in research since they present a large segment of our society - one which is often underexamined in research. Conclusion: Increased focus on general public engagement, especially of older adults, in scientific research activities known as "citizen science" is needed to further strengthen the uptake of personalized medicine