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The opposed wall-fired boiler is widely used in Chinese power plants due to its adaptability. However, deviations from design conditions can cause the reduction of combustion efficiency and combustion stability, and the overheating of heating surfaces. This study conducted numerical simulations on a 600 MW supercritical opposed wall-fired boiler at 75%, 50%, and 30% Turbine Heat Acceptance (THA) load conditions. The variation of temperature field and heat flux in the furnace under different loads, and parameters such as distributions of heat flux, temperature, and the stress of the high-temperature heating surface are analyzed. Results indicate that reducing the load from 75% to 30% THA lowers the furnace outlet temperature from 1158 to 1009 K and reduces the average gas temperature of the high-temperature heating surface from 1800 to 1570 K. Under a high load, the maximum heat flux concentrates on the side water-cooled wall of the combustion zone. However, when the load decreases, the heat absorption shifts towards the main combustion zone. Furthermore, under a high load, the average wall temperature of the high-temperature heating surface remains at 1600 K with a uniform temperature distribution. In contrast, when the load drops to 30% THA, significant temperature differences appear on the heating surface, with a maximum difference of 400 K. This leads to excessive expansion and slagging on the high-temperature heating surface, particularly in the middle and lower sections, due to the increased stress. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the combustion characteristics of opposed wall-fired boilers and preventing overtemperature explosions on the platen heating surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, polymer-based adsorption materials have been investigated intensively. However, either natural or synthetic polymers exhibit limited absorbing performances. Herein, eco-friendly porous composites based on poly(lactic acid)/alkali-treated walnut shell powder (PLA/AWSP) were fabricated by a facile solution mixing approach. The methylene blue (MB) adsorption behaviors of composites containing different AWSP contents were discussed. Furthermore, the effects of contact time, initial MB concentration, solution pH and temperature were studied to explore the adsorption performance of the adsorbents under different conditions. Results indicated that the adsorption process was accordance with pseudo-second-order kinetics and fitted well with Langmuir isotherm model. PLA/AWSP exhibited stable adsorption capacity and the removal efficiency on MB. The obtained porous biosorbent demonstrates excellent adsorption properties, which offers a wide range of applications in the field of separation and adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) linked to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) overdose during treatment for acetaminophen overdose. The patient presented to the emergency department following the ingestion of 455 mg/kg of acetaminophen and was administered a total of 46.2 g of NAC over 14 h in error, compared to the intended 19.8 g. She subsequently developed status epilepticus. After seizure control, brain imaging by CT and MRI showed PRES. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was started to eliminate NAC and acetaminophen. The patient eventually recovered neurologically with improved transaminases and was free of further seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive network built by less conductive filler is vital for high‐performance conductive polymer composites. Herein, porous ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) blends filled with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were fabricated, where poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were served as sacrificial template. An interconnecting conductive network is formed based on the UHMWPE segregated structure and PVDF co‐continuous structure in porous UHMWPE/PVDF/MWCNT (UFC) composites. The UFC composites demonstrate a low electrical percolation threshold (0.25 wt%) due to the segregated/co‐continuous structure. Porous UFCs exhibit higher electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) than their compact counterparts. The blend‐templated porous structure enhances the EMI SE of composites because a well‐dispersed and densely packed MWCNT network is formed around the polymer particles, facilitating the multiple reflections of electromagnetic waves inside the composites. This effort provides a facile way for preparing high‐performance shielding materials by controlling the hierarchical structure and conductive filler distribution. Highlights: Hierarchical porous structure was constructed by blend sacrificial templating method.Carbon fillers are exclusively distributed at blend interface, forming the segregated structure.Porous composites exhibit better shielding performances than their solid counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appinite–granite suites commonly occur in the final stage of collisional orogenic processes, providing a unique opportunity to reveal the properties of continental lithospheric mantle and crust–mantle geodynamics. In this paper, we present a systematic study of the petrology, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and geochronology of the Xiong'erling pluton and adjacent appinite dikes in the northern margin of the North Qinling orogenic belt. The pluton is mainly composed of diorites, quartz monzonites and minor granites. The diorites and appinites have LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages of c. 389 Ma with variable εHf(t) values of −5.58 to +3.36 and TDM1 model ages peaking at c. 1133 Ma. These rocks belong to the shoshonitic series with high Ba–Sr content and were emplaced in an intraplate extensional environment. The quartz monzonites and granites are oxidized A-type granites and have zircon U–Pb ages of c. 396 and c. 378 Ma with negative εHf(t) values of −11.99 to −1.18 and TDM2 model age peaks at 1434, 1720, and 1888 Ma. The in situ 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plagioclase from the mafic and felsic rocks are 0.70565-0.70752 and 0.70695-0.71008, respectively. The Xiong'erling pluton and the coeval appinite dikes represent a Devonian appinite–granite suite in the North Qinling orogenic belt. Asthenospheric upwelling during the intraplate extension triggered partial melting of a phlogopite- and amphibole-bearing garnet lherzolite mantle source that had been previously metasomatized by the subducted oceanic slab, leading to the formation of a primitive hydrous mafic magma. The rapid ascent of the water-rich magma along deep-seated active faults with fast crystallization of amphibole resulted in emplacement of the c. 389 Ma appinite dikes. Replacement of anhydrous minerals by amphibole and biotite via hydrous reaction during magma cooling resulted in the formation of the coeval diorites. The mafic magma underplating triggered episodic remelting of a late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic crustal source, leading to the generation of the c. 396–378 Ma quartz monzonites and granites. Combining our results with existing data, we identify a sequence of (1) northward subduction of the Shangdan oceanic crust beneath the Qinling block at c. 524–438 Ma resulting in island-arc calc-alkaline magmatism, (2) closure of the Shangdan Ocean indicated by collision between the Qinling block and the South Qinling terrane and slab failure magmatism at c. 438–410 Ma, and (3) post-collisional to intraplate extension with alkaline magmatism at c. 410–370 Ma. The Devonian extensive intraplate magmatism marks the end of the Paleozoic orogenesis in the North Qinling belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An M6.8 earthquake occurred in Luding, Sichuan Province, China, on September 5, 2022. Since towns and villages in the earthquake-stricken area are densely populated, the earthquake caused severe fatalities and economic losses. Rapid estimation of earthquake intensity and disaster losses is significantly important for post-earthquake emergency rescue, scientific anti-seismic deployment, and the reduction of casualties and economic losses. Therefore, we make a preliminary rapid estimation of the earthquake intensity and disaster losses in the aftermath of the Luding earthquake. The seismic intensity represents the distribution of earthquake disasters and the degree of ground damage and can be directly converted from the peak ground velocity (PGV) map. To obtain a reliable PGV distribution map of this earthquake, we combined the finite-fault model constrained by seismic observations, with the complex three-dimensional (3D) geological environment and topographical features to perform strong ground motion simulation. Then, we compared the consistency between the simulated ground motion waveforms and observations, indicating the plausibility and reliability of simulations. In addition, we transformed the PGV simulation results into intensity and obtained a physics-based map of the intensity distribution of the Luding earthquake. The maximum simulated intensity of this earthquake is IX, which is consistent with the maximum intensity determined from the post-earthquake field survey. Based on the simulated seismic intensity map of the Luding earthquake and the earthquake disaster loss estimation model, we rapidly estimated the death and economic losses caused by this earthquake. The estimated results show that the death toll caused by this earthquake is probably 50–300, with a mathematic expectation of 89. Thus the government should launch a Level II earthquake emergency response plan. The economic losses are likely to be 10–100 billion RMB, with a mathematical expectation of 23.205 billion RMB. Such seismic intensity simulations and rapid estimation of disaster losses are expected to provide a preliminary scientific reference for governments to carry out the targeted deployment of emergency rescue and post-disaster reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, immiscible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(lactic acid) (PVDF/PLA) blends filled with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were fabricated by a facile solution flocculation method. A co‐continuous structure was formed at the blend ratio of 50v/50v. By extracting PLA, MWCNTs were found wrapped on the surface of porous PVDF. The electrical percolation threshold of porous composites is 0.25 wt.%, which is much lower than compact composites (2 wt.%). By comparing the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) between compact and porous composites, the EMI SE of compact composites containing 15 wt.% MWCNT is ca. 30 dB, whereas 60 dB for the porous composites at the same filler loading. The enhanced shielding performance is derived from the porous structure and densely packed MWCNT on the PVDF surface that facilitates the multiple reflections of electromagnetic waves. This work provides a new thought in fabricating high performance EMI material by effectively tuning filler distribution in polymer blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural ester insulating oil has the advantages of environmental protection and high ignition point. FR3 is a natural ester insulating oil that can be used in high voltage transformers above 110 kV. In order to provide theoretical guidance for the application of FR3 insulating oil in transformer. The heat transfer performance of transformer with FR3 insulating oil is evaluated by means of experiment and numerical simulation. In this paper, a heat transfer model of large oil immersed transformer winding is established and verified. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the established heat transfer model can reach 98.5%. The heat transfer performance of FR3 and traditional mineral oil are compared and analyzed by using the established heat transfer model. Research results show that: In ODAF cooling mode, the heat transfer performance of natural ester insulating oil is stronger than that of mineral oil;When the inlet temperature or low rate of the model is increased, the heat transfer advantage of natural ester insulating oil will be reduced; With the increase of coil heat load, natural ester insulating oil shows a better cooling performance; Especially in the area close to the guide plate, the heat transfer advantage of natural ester insulating oil become more obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For gas reservoirs that contain water, investigating characteristics of water–gas seepage is crucial to the formulation of gas field development plans and predicting the production capacity and water breakthrough of gas wells. For the purposes of such an investigation, the process of water invasion into a water-containing gas reservoir was studied based on four sandstone samples whose physical properties differed quite vastly (permeability: 0.112–192.251 mD; porosity: 8.33–20.60%). Gas–water relative permeability experiments were conducted on the gas-driven water in the reservoir conditions (temperature: 135 °C; pressure: 75 MPa). Starting with the sandstone samples' microstructural characteristics, particular attention was paid to the impacts of throat radius and clay content on the water–gas seepage characteristics. It was found that the basic physical properties, microscopic characteristics, and mineral composition of the sandstone samples all affected the water–gas seepage characteristics. The larger the pore-throat radius, the stronger the ability of sandstone samples to allow fluid through under the same water saturation and the greater the relative permeability of gas and water phases. Furthermore, the wider the throat radius and the lower the clay content, the greater the gas–water relative permeability. Isotonic water saturation and irreducible water saturation were found to be negatively to throat radius and positively with clay content. Furthermore, When sandstone samples have similar clay content, the average throat radius is four times larger, its irreducible water saturation is decreased by 1.63%, its residual gas saturation is decreased by 1.00%, and the gas permeability under irreducible water saturation increases by more than 400 times. Water intrusion showed a more significant impact on the gas–water flow characteristics of the low-permeability sandstone samples, and it severely restricted the flow capacity of the gas phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian orogen marks the northern boundary of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and consists of the North Qilian belt, the Central Qilian block and the South Qilian belt. The metamorphic P–T–t path of the Central Qilian block and the tectonothermal processes that affected it are crucial to understanding the closure of the ocean. This paper presents a systematic investigation of the metamorphic P–T–t path of amphibolites from the Precambrian Huangyuan Group and Maxianshan Group in the Central Qilian block. An amphibole 40Ar/39Ar age of 456.7 ± 5.2 Ma from a garnet amphibolite and a 427.8 ± 3.8 Ma muscovite 40Ar/39Ar age from an orthogneiss in the Huangyuan Group, and amphibole and biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages of 408.7 ± 2.2 Ma and 349.9 ± 2.0 Ma from an amphibolite and a 361.4 ± 2.0 Ma biotite 40Ar/39Ar age from an orthogneiss in the Maxianshan Group record cooling stages after peak metamorphism. Phase equilibrium modeling of all amphibolite samples indicates clockwise P–T paths. A garnet amphibolite from the sillimanite zone in the Huangyuan Group recorded peak metamorphic conditions of 5.6–6.6 kbar and 730–770°C, reflecting granulite-facies metamorphism. Peak P–T conditions for a garnet amphibolite from the garnet zone are constrained to 580–600°C and 6–7 kbar. The amphibolite sample from the Maxianshan Group indicates peak P–T conditions of ~5.2 kbar and ~630°C. The Central Qilian block was affected by both southward subduction of the North Qilian Ocean and northward subduction of the South Qilian Ocean, which resulted in paired metamorphic belts along the northern margin of the Central Qilian block and accretion of the Hualong block to its southern margin. The subducted North Qilian oceanic slab detached and the remainder was exhumed at 453–445 Ma, accompanied by the extension and retrograde metamorphism of the overlying crust of Huangyuan Group at 457–428 Ma. Subsequent cooling of the Maxianshan Group indicates that the thermal regime relaxed during post-collisional extension at c. 409–350 Ma between the Hualong block and the Central Qilian block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) based on polycarbonate/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PC/MWCNT) were fabricated by melt mixing. By selecting the PCs with different molecular weights, three kinds of PC/MWCNT composites were obtained. The CPCs containing low viscous PC (lPC) had the lowest percolation threshold (0.06 vol%) as compared to those of medium viscous PC (mPC) (0.07 vol%) and high viscous PC (hPC) (0.13 vol%), which was attributed to the best MWCNT dispersion in matrix. Light microscopy images also demonstrated that lPC/MWCNT composite had the smallest undispersed filler agglomerates than the other two corresponding PC/MWCNT composites with the same filler loading (0.25 wt%). In terms of rheological measurements, rheological percolation occurred at a lower filler content for lPC/MWCNT than mPC/MWCNT and hPC/MWCNT composites. The chemo‐resistive properties of composites towards organic vapors were investigated by measuring relative resistance change of CPCs upon vapor immersion‐drying cycles. CPCs exhibited different sensing tendencies towards different organic vapors. lPC based CPCs exhibit higher relative resistance change as compared to mPC and hPC based CPCs because of their loosely overlapped conductive network, which are easily changed under polymer swelling. Besides, sample thickness is another factor that determined the vapor sensing performance of CPCs. Furthermore, relative resistance change of composites is found to be closely related with vapor concentration. This work presents a new thought in understanding filler dispersion in PC with different molecular weights, which has implication of turning conductive network structure and sensing performance of composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The chemical compositions of five types of Anhua dark tea were investigated. • Multi-omics based on metabolomics, volatolomics, and electronic sensory analysis were used. • All of the tea samples were derived from identical tea materials. • Microbial communities of Anhua DTs were identified. • The chemical differences between Anhua DTs and five other kinds of tea were investigated. Anhua dark teas (DTs), including Tianjian tea, Qianliang tea, Hei brick tea, and Fu brick tea, are unique fermented teas from China's Anhua County; yet their chemical composition differences remain unclear. Herein, metabolomics, volatolomics, and electronic sensory assessments were employed to analyze and compare chemical compositions and sensory characteristics of five types of Anhua DTs. All of these teas were derived from identical tea materials. Chemical compositions differed significantly among Anhua DTs, with Tianjian tea remarkable. Long-lasting fermentation and complex processing methods led to transformation of multiple compounds, particularly catechins. Eighteen volatile compounds with OVA > 1 were key aroma contributors in Anhua DTs. Internal transcribed spacer and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing showed that Eurotium , Pseudomonas , and Bacillus are dominant microorganisms in Anhua DTs. Furthermore, this study unveiled notable differences in chemical compositions between Anhua DTs and five other traditional types of tea. This research enhances our understanding of Anhua DTs processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and fabrication of flexible strain sensors are still challenging for high‐temperature application in the aerospace, metallurgical industry, and underground energy exploration. In the present work, an all‐inorganic flexible strain sensor has been fabricated based on single‐crystal SrRuO3 (SRO) thin films epitaxially grown on muscovite. A high resistive tunability ((∆R/R0%) ∼ 26.05%), excellent linearity (correlation coefficient of 0.93), and large gauge factor (GF ∼ 101) have been achieved in the as‐prepared SRO‐based sensors with great bending durability. The mechanism for the tunability of the electrical transport in flexible SRO thin films under mechanical bending is proposed based on the Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. The sensors have been confirmed to work properly from ambient temperatures up to ∼425 K, showing the potential application in high‐temperature environments. Moreover, the flexible sensors have the ability to monitor the hand joint movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Liquid film will stretch and burst when blown by pulsed gas jets instead of forming bubbles. • The bursting length is governed by liquid properties and independent from gas velocity. Blowing gas perpendicularly onto a liquid film may lead to various kinds of film deformations. When the jet is steady and mild, a protrusion structure will appear on the film and stretches in length, as jet velocity continue to increase, separated bubbles will detach from the protruded surface. Compared with continuously blowing gentle gas jets, short duration pulsed strong jets are more realistic and generally existing, yet the in-depth mechanism studies are insufficient, thus need further investigation. We have observed that the liquid film protrusion tends to stretch to a critical length then burst into tiny droplets when blown by the pulsed jet. After theoretical analysis, we discover that during the stretching process, rather than the jet velocity that was presumed as the driving factor, the two physical properties of the fluid, namely the surface tension and viscosity, play the dominant role to cause the structure collapsing. The critical burst length of the protrusion structure correlates with the ratio of these two properties. We conducted experiments using various test fluids, gas nozzle diameters, and jet velocities. The experimental results confirmed our theoretical analysis. This discovery provides a critical insight into the physics of liquid film deformation and atomization under gaseous crossflow, which can be commonly seen in fuel injection and aerosol droplet generation related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overcoming the incompatibility of a pair of conflicting catalysts via a flow methodology has great significance in the practical applications for multistep organic transformations. In this study, a multiple continuous‐flow system is developed, which can boost the reactivity and selectivity in a sequential enantioselective cascade reaction. During this process, a periodic mesoporous organosilica‐supported Pd/carbene species as a Suzuki cross‐coupling catalyst is packed in the first column reactor, whereas another periodic mesoporous organosilica‐supported Ru/diamine species as an asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalyst is packed in the second column reactor. As we envisioned, the initially Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of meta‐/para‐chloroacetophenones and aryl boronic acids followed by the subsequentially Ru‐catalyzed reduction provides chiral biarylols with enhanced yields and enantioselectivities. Furthermore, the advantages of the easy handling and the simple procedure make this system an attractive application in a scale‐up preparation of optically pure organic molecules under environmentally‐friendly conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the acceleration of urbanization and industrialization, air pollutants has been increasing, posing a major threat to human health and the ecological environment. During the past period of rapid growth, with the booming development of real estate, the air pollutants brought about by the construction of housing buildings have become more and more serious, especially sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and dust, which cast a great threat to human life and seriously jeopardize human health. Compared with the traditional construction of houses, prefabricated buildings construction procedures are reduced, to some extent, can reduce air pollutants. Therefore, this paper takes an empirical perspective to include prefabricated buildings and air pollutants into the same research framework and analyze the inherent logical relationship. We found that prefabricated buildings have a substantial role in mitigating urban air pollution. This conclusion remained solid after various robustness tests including constructing instrumental variables. The effect is observed to be greater in cities above the non-sub-provincial level and those positioned within central regions. The conclusions explore new areas for the green and sustainable development of the construction industry, which in the future will have to fill the requirements of green development in order to survive. Else, perspectives from the construction industry, it provides a realistic solution to economic development and ecological protection, helping to alleviate or resolve the conflict between development and survival. • The air pollution abatement effect of prefabricated buildings is investigated. • The results are robust after controlling the endogenous issue. • The heterogeneity is supported for different samples and air pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B) acts as an oncogene in various cancers, and abnormal expression of FNDC3B has been found in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study aimed to illustrate the role of FNDC3B in CRC development. Methods: Through RT-qPCR and western blotting assays, the mRNA and protein expressions of target genes were measured. CCK-8 and MTT methods were used to detect cell proliferation. Invasion ability was determined using Transwell assay. TargetScan platform and luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to predict and validate the bindings between FNDC3B and miR-125a-5p or miR-217. Besides, the expression correlation was measured by Pearson's Correlation analysis. Results: We found that FNDC3B was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and tumor cell lines, and high expression of FNDC3B predicted a poor survival outcome. The bindings between FNDC3B and miR-125a-5p and miR-217 were respectively at the motifs of CUCAGGG and AUGCAGU. MiR-125a-5p and miR-217 were downregulated in CRC tissues, and both were negatively correlated with FNDC3B expression. Subsequently, the downregulated miR-125a-5p and miR-217 were confirmed as contributors FNDC3B upregulation in CRC. A loss-of-function assay demonstrated that FNDC3B knockdown inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells, while FNDC3B overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Besides, we validated that PI3K/mTOR signaling was involved in the regulation of FNDC3B on the proliferation and invasion of CRC cells. Conclusion: Generally, our findings demonstrated that FNDC3B facilitated cell proliferation and invasion via PI3K/mTOR signaling, and further promoted CRC progression. The novel miR-125a-5p/FNDC3B and miR-217/FNDC3B axes might be new targets for CRC prognosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Qilian Block is a Precambrian block in the Qilian Orogen, which has long drawn international attention for the study of orogeny and continental dynamics. The Huangyuan Group in the Datong area is one of the Precambrian metamorphic basement units in the Central Qilian Block and reflects metamorphism in the Barrovian garnet zone and sillimanite zone from south to north. Based on detailed fieldwork, this study presents a systematic study of petrography, mineral chemistry and phase equilibria of schists and gneisses from the two metamorphic zones. The garnet metamorphic zone is composed of micaschist, garnet-bearing micaschist and felsic leptynite, with interlayered plagioclase amphibolite. The sillimanite metamorphic zone consists of garnet-bearing biotite micaschist, sillimanite-bearing biotite-plagioclase gneiss and felsic leptynite. Garnet from the garnet metamorphic zone shows growth zoning with increasing almandine and pyrope and decreasing spessartine from core to rim. Garnet from the sillimanite metamorphic zone is almost homogeneous. Towards the outer rim, the contents of almandine and pyrope slightly decrease and grossular slightly increase. Biotite in both metamorphic zones is ferro-biotite. Plagioclase is oligoclase in garnet metamorphic zone and andesine in sillimanite metamorphic zone. Phase equilibrium modeling of a sample from garnet metamorphic zone resulted in a clockwise P-T path with a prograde stage (4.5–5.0 kbar, 520–530 °C), a peak P stage (9.8–10.2 kbar, 560–570 °C), a stage of thermal relaxation (8.0–8.5 kbar, 580–590 °C) and finally a retrograde stage (6.8–7.0 kbar, 560–580 °C). Thermodynamic modeling of a sample from the sillimanite metamorphic zone indicates a prograde stage (5.5–6.0 kbar, 540–550 °C) and a peak stage (7.8–8.5 kbar, 660–690 °C). The results indicate that the Huangyuan Group experienced medium-pressure amphibolite-facies metamorphism, which resulted from continental-continental collision between the Qaidam Block and the Central Qilian Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) resulted from accretion during the Paleozoic subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The Xilinhot area in Inner Mongolia is located in the northern subduction zone of the central‐eastern CAOB and outcropped a large number of late Paleozoic mafic intrusions. The characteristics of magma source and tectonic setting of the mafic intrusions and their response to the closure process of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean are still controversial. This study presents LA‐ICPMS zircon U‐Pb ages and geochemical features of mafic intrusions in the Xilinhot area to constrain the northward subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The mafic intrusions consist of gabbro, hornblende gabbro, and diabase. Their intrusion times can be divided into three stages of 326–321 Ma, 276 Ma and 254 Ma by zircon U‐Pb ages. The first two stages of the 326–276 Ma intrusions mostly originated from subduction‐modified continental lithospheric mantle sources that underwent a variable degree partial melting (5–30%), recording the subduction of oceanic crust. The third stage of the 254 Ma mafic rocks also show arc‐related features. The primary magma compositions calculated by PRIMELT2 modeling on three samples of ∼326 Ma and two samples of ∼254 Ma show that these mafic samples are characterized by a variable range in SiO2 (47.51–51.47 wt%), Al2O3 (11.46–15.55 wt%), ΣFeO (8.27–9.61 wt%), MgO (13.01–15.18 wt%) and CaO (9.13–11.67 wt%), consisting with the features between enriched mantle and lower continental crust. The source mantle melting of mafic intrusions occurred under temperatures of 1302–1351°C and pressures of 0.92–1.30 GPa. The magmatic processes occurred near the crust‐mantle boundary at about 33–45 km underground. Combined with previous studies, it is concluded that Carboniferous to early Permian (∼326–275 Ma) northward subduction of the Paleo‐Asian oceanic crust led to the formation of the mafic magmatism in the Baolidao arc zone. The whole region had entered the collision environment at ∼254 Ma, but with subduction‐related environments locally. The final collision between the North China craton and the South Mongolian microcontinent may have lasted until ca. 230 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solonker suture zone has long been considered to mark the location of the final disappearance of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, the time of final suturing is still controversial with two main different proposals of late Permian to early Triassic, and late Devonian. This study reports integrated whole‐rock geochemistry and LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb ages of sedimentary rocks from the Silurian Xuniwusu Formation, the Devonian Xilingol Complex and the Permian Zhesi Formation in the Hegenshan‐Xilinhot‐Linxi area in central Inner Mongolia, China. The depositional environment, provenance and tectonic setting of the Silurian‐Devonian and the Permian sediments are compared to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Solonker suture zone and its neighboring zones. The protoliths of the silty slates from the Xuniwusu Formation in the Baolidao zone belong to wacke and were derived from felsic igneous rocks with steady‐state weathering, poor sorting and compositional immaturity. The protoliths of metasedimentary rocks from the Xilingol Complex were wackes and litharenites and were sourced from predominantly felsic igneous rocks with variable weathering conditions and moderate sorting. The Xuniwusu Formation and Xilingol Complex samples both have two groups of detrital zircon that peak at ca. 0.9–1.0 Ga and ca. 420–440 Ma, with maximum deposition ages of late Silurian and middle Devonian age, respectively. Considering the ca. 484–383 Ma volcanic arc in the Baolidao zone, the Xuxiniwu Formation represents an oceanic trench sediment and is covered by the sedimentary rocks in the Xilingol Complex that represents a continental slope sediment in front of the arc. The middle Permian Zhesi Formation metasandstones were derived from predominantly felsic igneous rocks and are texturally immature with very low degrees of rounding and sorting, indicating short transport and rapid burial. The Zhesi Formation in the Hegenshan zone has a main zircon age peak of 302 Ma and a subordinate peak of 423 Ma and was deposited in a back‐arc basin with an early marine transgression during extension and a late marine regression during contraction. The formation also crops out locally in the Baolidao zone with a main zircon age peak of 467 Ma and a minor peak of 359 Ma, and suggests it formed as a marine transgression sedimentary sequence in a restricted extensional basin and followed by a marine regressive event. Two obvious zircon age peaks of 444 Ma and 280 Ma in the Solonker zone and 435 Ma and 274 Ma in Ondor Sum are retrieved from the Zhesi Formation. This suggests as a result of the gradual closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean a narrow ocean sedimentary environment with marine regressive sedimentary sequences occupied the Solonker and Ondor Sum zones during the middle Permian. A restricted ocean is suggested by the Permian strata in the Bainaimiao zone. Early Paleozoic subduction until ca. 381 Ma and renewed subduction during ca. 310–254 Ma accompanied by the opening and closure of a back‐arc basin during ca. 298–269 Ma occurred in the northern accretionary zone. In contrast, the southern accretionary zone documented early Paleozoic subduction until ca. 400 Ma and a renewed subduction during ca. 298–246 Ma. The final closure of the Paleo‐Asian ocean therefore lasted at least until the early Triassic and ended with the formation of the Solonker suture zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The heat transfer mode of tokamak PFCs during baking is described in detail. • The heat transfer model of EAST PFCs is established and solved by the COMSOL Multiphysics software. • The accuracy and robustness of this analysis method is verified on EAST. • Compared with the experimental results, the uncertainty of this analysis method is less than 5%, and this analysis method has a satisfied robustness. Baking is an important wall conditioning method that is widely used in tokamak devices to obtain high quality plasma discharges. In order to create a theoretical analysis method for the baking of tokamak plasma facing components (PFCs), the COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to establish and solve a series of the heat transfer models of the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) PFCs, as a representative calculation case. The thermohydraulic measurement system (including the temperature, pressure and flow sensors) is successfully installed on EAST to verify the accuracy of the heat transfer model, as a calorimetry verification example. The uncertainty of this analysis method as compared to the experimental results is less than 5% and the robustness of this analysis method is satisfied. These heat transfer models are used to obtain the temperatures on the surface, the internal temperature distributions of the components, and the internal temperature and velocity distributions of the cooling ducts numerically. The significance of these parameters for the fusion reactor design is discussed in detail. This analysis method is an important component of the fusion reactor thermohydraulic analysis method (FRTHAM), and it provides an accurate computing method for fusion reactor baking analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • VOC vapor sensing of polycarbonate composites with MWCNT/CB hybrid fillers. • Conductive networks dominated by MWCNT/CB or by CB can be formed by tuning composition. • CB dominated networks show the highest relative resistance change towards VOCs. • The sensing response follows an exponential equation vs. acetone vapor concentration. • Polymer/vapor interaction is key parameter for relative resistance change of CPCs. Abstract The vapor sensing behaviors of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) fabricated by dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and carbon black (CB) in polycarbonate (PC) via melt mixing were studied. Two MWCNT contents of 0.10 and 0.50 wt% were selected, which were respectively lower and higher than the electrical percolation threshold of PC/MWCNT composites (0.11 wt%), and different CB contents ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 wt% were added. The chemo-resistive properties with different hybrid filler contents were investigated by exposing CPC strips to different organic vapors. The vapor sensing response was found to be well correlated to the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter between the solvents and PC. Acetone with the strongest interaction resulted in highest responses, followed by toluene, whereas cyclohexane, as the solvent with the weakest interaction to PC, caused only very low sensing responses. Irrespective of the solvent, the highest relative resistance changes during cyclic sensing were found for the composite with 0.1 wt% MWCNT and 1.5 wt% CB, which has the lowest network density. The responses after the first immersion cycle, which can be regarded as equilibration cycle, were the highest for this composite in toluene and cyclohexane. In acetone, the composite with 0.5 wt% MWCNT and 1.5 wt% CB, having the network formed mainly by MWCNTs, showed the highest sensing response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian Orogen marks the junction of the North China, South China and Tarim cratons. The mechanism of continental growth during the formation of the orogen remains unclear. Based on detailed fieldwork, we present a systematic study of petrography, mineral chemistry and phase equilibria of garnet amphibolites from the Hualong Group, which represents the Precambrian basement in the southern accretionary belt of the Qilian Orogen. The garnet amphibolites mainly consist of amphibole, plagioclase, garnet and quartz, with minor pyroxene, biotite and ilmenite. A peak stage of upper amphibolite facies to low-temperature granulite facies metamorphism and retrograde metamorphism in the amphibolite facies affected the samples. Garnet has a homogeneous composition of Alm66-71Grs14-17Prp9-12Sps3-5, amphibole is ferro-hornblende, biotite belongs to the ferro-biotite species and pyroxene is dominated by orthopyroxene with few clinopyroxene. Pseudosection modeling of the garnet amphibolite samples indicates clockwise P-T paths. The samples witness peak metamorphism at conditions of ~4.9-6.3 kbar and ~755-820 ºC in the upper amphibolite facies to lowtemperature granulite facies, and retrograde cooling and decompression at conditions of ~2.5-3.1 kbar and ~525-545 ºC. It is inferred that peak metamorphism with high temperature and low pressure occurred at ca. 450 Ma during northward subduction of the South Qilian oceanic crust beneath the central Qilian Block. When continental collision occurred between the central Qilian and the Qaidam blocks, the Hualong Block was accreted onto the South Qilian accretionary complex and experienced amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism at ca. 440 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sulu Orogen constitutes the eastern part of the Sulu-Dabie Orogen formed by Triassic collision between the Sino-Korean and Yangtze plates. An HP Slice I and two UHP slices II and III with contrasting subduction and exhumation histories within the Sulu Orogen were postulated. This study presents the metamorphic P-T paths of eclogites from the two UHP belts constructed by petrography, mineral chemistry and Perple_X P-T pseudosection modeling in the MnC(K)NFMASHO system. Eclogites from Slice III mainly consist of omphacite, garnet and quartz, with minor rutile, ilmenite, amphibole and phengite. Eclogites from Slice II show a porphyroblastic texture with epidote porphyroblasts and garnet, omphacite, phengite, quartz and rutile in matrix. Pseudosection modeling reveals that eclogites from Slice II witness a peak metamorphism of eclogite-facies under conditions of 3.1-3.3 GPa and 660-690 ºC, and a retrograde cooling decompression process. The eclogites from Slice III record a heating decompressive P-T path with a peak-P stage of 3.2 GPa and 840 ºC and a peak-T stage of 2.4 GPa and 950 ºC, suggesting an apparent granulite-facies metamorphism overprint during exhumation. Both eclogites recorded clockwise P-T paths with peak P-T conditions suggesting a subduction beneath the Sino-Korean Plate to ~100-105 km depth. Combined with tectonic scenarios from previous studies, it is concluded that the two UHP crustal slices in the Sulu terrane have a similar geodynamic evolution, but the UHP rocks in Slice II exhumed after the eclogitic peak-pressure conditions earlier than that of Slice III. The existence of Slice II diminished the buoyancy force on Slice III, resulting in a granulite-facies overprint on Slice III. The Sulu orogenic belt is made up of different crustal slices that underwent different subduction and exhumation histories, rather than a single unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian block is a Precambrian block in the Qilian Orogen, which marks the junction of the North China, South China and Tarim cratons. The mechanism of continental growth for the Qilian block remains unclear and several models have been proposed. We present a systematic study of petrology, geochemistry and geochronology of paragneisses and intermediate to basic intrusions from the Hualong Group, which represents the lower part of Precambrian basement of the block. The protoliths of paragneisses are wackes with a maximum deposition age of ca. 900 Ma formed at an active continental margin during assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. Their clastic input was derived from a single source granitic material of ca. 922 Ma and the magmas of their source rocks mainly came from reworked Paleoproterozoic crustal sources. The sediments were deposited close to source with a minor degree of weathering and limited sorting. Cooling after amphibolite facies metamorphism affected the paragneisses at 439.6 ± 4.9 Ma as suggested by a biotite 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age. Lenticular quartz diorites with a LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb age of 900 ± 22 Ma are adakitic rocks formed by partial melting of lower crustal material. The quasi-lamellar hornblendites have a zircon U-Pb age of 469 ± 2 Ma and a biotite 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age of 465.4 ± 3.1 Ma. They were derived from a subduction-related metasomatic mantle and underwent fast cooling during their ascent. It is inferred that the Qilian block is a continental fragment that rifted from the South China craton during break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent, which resulted in formation of the North Qilian ocean and the South Qilian ocean as two branches of the global early Paleozoic ocean. The Hualong block, represented by the Hualong Group, is a fragment broken away from the Qilian block during this stage and situated in the South Qilian ocean. Combining our results with existing data, we identify a sequence of seafloor spreading related to a mantle plume activity ( ca. 600–500 Ma), northward intra-oceanic subduction ( ca. 540–469 Ma), oceanic crust-continent subduction ( ca. 470–446 Ma) and continent-continent collision ( ca. 446–440 Ma) between the Qilian block and the Qaidam block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Yolk‐shell‐mesostructured silica was used as a support in the development of an active‐site‐isolated bifunctional catalyst that can mediate a sequential organic transformation. Herein, through immobilization, the location of two catalytic species is controlled: a base functionality is anchored in the channels of the outer silica shell and a chiral ruthenium/diamine functionality is anchored on the inner silica yolk. The result is a yolk‐shell‐mesostructured silica‐supported active‐site‐isolated dual molecule catalyst. Structural analysis through solid‐state carbon 13C NMR spectroscopy reveals its well‐defined single‐site dual active centers. Electron microscopy investigations disclose its uniformly distributed mesoporous nanoparticles. As envisaged, this bifunctional catalyst enables a controllable aza‐Michael addition/asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalytic sequence, where the base‐catalyzed aza‐Michael addition of enones and amines to aryl‐substituted β ‐secondary amino ketones is followed by a Ru‐catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation. Various aryl‐substituted γ‐secondary amino alcohols are obtained in high yields and enantioselectivities via this one‐pot enantioselective organic transformation. Furthermore, the heterogeneous catalyst can be applied in a continuous‐flow process, which was shown to be particularly attractive for the practical preparation of aryl‐substituted γ‐secondary amino alcohols in an environmentally friendly medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Amorphous iron oxide packaged with oxaliplatin as an apoptosis-ferroptosis combination for pancreatic cancer therapy. • In pancreatic cancer, AIO oxp has significant anti-tumor effect compared with free oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. • AIO oxp can reduce CA19-9 level by the excellent antitumor effect. Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor with early metastasis, poor prognosis, and resistant to existing chemotherapy drugs such as oxaliplatin (Oxp). Therefore, a nanodrug of amorphous iron oxide packaged Oxp (AIO oxp) was proposed to achieve a more efficient treatment of orthotopic pancreatic cancer than that of free Oxp. The obtained AIO oxp increased the accumulation of Pt at tumor sites and effectively reduced Oxp-induced systemic toxicity. In addition, the Fe2+/Fe3+ ions released by AIO oxp react with H 2 O 2 through Fenton's reaction and produce a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which further induce ferroptosis, thus promoting Oxp-induced apoptosis and achieve synergistic tumor therapy. Furthermore, AIO oxp nanoplatforms can significantly reduce the levels of carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9), which is the most important biomarker and promoter of pancreatic cancer, suggesting favorable therapeutic effects and prognosis. Overall, this study provides new insights and solutions for the clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the high-yield heterologous expression of bioactive θ-defensin RTD-1 inside Escherichia coli cells by making use of intracellular protein trans -splicing in combination with a high efficient split-intein. RTD-1 is a small backbone-cyclized polypeptide with three disulfide bridges and a natural inhibitor of anthrax lethal factor protease. Recombinant RTD-1 was natively folded and able to inhibit anthrax lethal factor protease. In-cell expression of RTD-1 was very efficient and yielded ≈0.7 mg of folded RTD-1 per gram of wet E. coli cells. This approach was used to generate of a genetically-encoded RTD-1-based peptide library in live E. coli cells. These results clearly demonstrate the possibility of using genetically-encoded RTD-1-based peptide libraries in live E. coli cells, which is a critical first step for developing in-cell screening and directed evolution technologies using the cyclic peptide RTD-1 as a molecular scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far, it remains a great challenge to construct organic vapor sensor that can simultaneously achieve high sensitivity, wide detection range, and fast response. Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of organic vapor sensor based on poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene)/carbon nanotube (SBS/CNT) hybrid fiber using the scalable wet spinning process. The SBS/CNT hybrid fiber-based vapor sensor exhibits a high sensitivity in wide workable detection range (e.g. responsivity of 19% and 256% for 10% acetone and cyclohexane vapors, respectively), rapid response time (≤40 s), good reproducibility as well as excellent mechanical reliability. Moreover, such sensor can quantitatively detect the concentration of organic vapor of as low as 2% in the atmosphere. Such performances demonstrate their great potential applications in wearable and flexible electronics for VOCs monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable strain sensors have promising potentials in wearable electronics for human motion detection, health monitoring and so on. A reliable strain sensor with high flexibility and good stability should be designed to detect human joints motions with a large deformation. Here, a simple and facile solution mixing-casting method was adopted to fabricate a highly stretchable strain sensor based on composites mixing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with hybrid carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB) conductive nanofillers (CNTs-CB). Bridged and overlapped hybrid CNTs-CB nanofillers structure was achieved in the composite on the basis of the morphology observation. In monotonic stretching test, the CNTs-CB/PDMS composites strain sensors exhibited high stretchability, strain-dependent sensitivity in a wide strain sensing range ( ca. 300% strain) and an excellent linear current-voltage behavior. During stretching-releasing cycles, the strain sensors presented excellent repeatability, good stability and superior durability (2500 cycles at 200% strain). Combined with the above outstanding strain sensing performances, the fabricated stretchable strain sensors were attached onto different joints of human body to monitor the corresponding human motions, demonstrating their attractive perspective in large human motions detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/polypropylene (PP) with different polymer blend ratios were fabricated by melt processing method. When fixed the MWCNT content at 1.0 wt.%, A6P4 (PLA/PP 60w/40w) showed the lowest resistivity, which is attributed to the formation of a co-continuous structure. According to the thermodynamics prediction, MWCNT is estimated to be selectively distributed in PLA phase. To further investigate the MWCNT localization behavior in polymer blend, a two-step compounding sequence approach was utilized to fabricate Pre-PLA ( i.e. , MWCNT were firstly mixed with PLA) and Pre-PP composites. Morphology observation and rheology tests were then carried out to demonstrate the MWCNT distribution in the composites. Vapor sensing behaviors of CPCs towards organic vapors with different polarity were investigated in detail. CPCs with higher PLA content showed a higher responsivity to dichloromethane, a ‘good solvent’ to PLA. CPCs containing higher PP content exhibited a higher responsivity towards xylene due to the strong interaction between PP and the xylene vapor. While for cyclohexane, a ‘poor solvent’ to PLA and PP, all the CPCs demonstrate a low responsivity. Interestingly, the vapor sensing feature can be used to testify the MWCNT localization in the polymer blend as a diagnosis probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flick et al. (2015) [1] proposed a novel distributed algorithm for connected component labeling on de Bruijn graphs. As a special activity of the Student Cluster Competition at SC16 ( The International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis ), we replicated the experiments in their paper. Though minor differences exist, experiment results show that, two optimizations, “load balancing” and “active partitions only”, are both effective; the algorithm is scalable when processor cores are enough. We conclude that the correctness, performance and scalability of the algorithm are successfully reproduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A process for recovery of Ce and B F from bastnaesite leaching liquor has been developed. • Ce-B-F was co-extracted by Cyanex923 and stepwise separated, avoiding the precipitation of rare earth fluoride. • The complex properties under different conditions of Ce-B-F system were characterized. • The yields of B and F were 96.83 and 96.23 %. • F and Ce were recovered as KBF 4 and CeO 2 , with a high purity of 96.92 % and 99.95 %. This research investigates a new approach for recovering fluorine and cerium from a boric-acid-added bastnaesite sulfuric leaching liquor by Cyannex923. Systematic research of the effects of H 3 BO 3 on bastnaesite leaching, extraction and stripping process was studied. The process mechanism and conditions in each step, including concentrations, proper pH, K/B and B/F ratio and temperature, were also determined. The result describes that that the formation of B-F complex improves the extraction of Ce and F. The formation of B-F complex also provides a new method to realize the separation and stepwise recovery of Ce and F. After Ce, B and F were co-extracted, Ce/B-F loaded organic phase are stepwise stripped by H 2 SO 4 + H 2 O 2 and NH 3 ·H 2 O, allowing recovery of KBF 4 with 97.12 % purity and CeO 2 with 99.95 % purity from stripping solutions. The size distribution and SEM images of KBF 4 product were given as well, which showed KBF 4 was mainly 1 μm particles and dispersed well. Furthermore, the whole process based on the mechanism was designed and confirmed by cascade extraction test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We report the occurrence of Blastocystis spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis infections in Leizhou black goats in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China. The total prevalence rates of Blastocystis spp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis were 33.63% (76/226), 17.7% (40/226), and 24.78% (56/226), respectively. Four Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14, and ST21), four E. bieneusi genotypes (CHG3, CM21, CHG1, and ET-L2) and two assemblages (A and E) of G. duodenalis were identified. The detection of zoonotic pathogen species, genotypes, and assemblages in Leizhou black goats implied their potential involvement in the transmission of zoonotic parasitic diseases. Blastocystis spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are three common zoonotic intestinal parasites that cause severe diarrhea and enteric diseases. Leizhou black goats are characterized by a high reproductive rate, fast growth, and good meat quality, making them one of the pre-eminent goat breeds in China. Goats are reportedly common reservoirs of these three intestinal pathogens, but no information on their prevalence or genotypic distributions in black goats in Guangdong Province, China, is available. A total of 226 fecal samples were collected from goats in Zhanjiang city and genomic DNA was extracted from them. The presence of the three pathogens was detected using nested PCR targeting the sequences encoding SSU rRNA (Blastocystis spp.), the internal transcribed spacer of rRNA (ITS; E. bieneusi), as well as beta-giardin, glutamate dehydrogenase, and triosephosphate isomerase (G. duodenalis). All PCR products were sequenced to determine the species and genotypes of the organisms. The total prevalence rates of Blastocystis spp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis were 33.63% (76/226), 17.70% (40/226), and 24.78% (56/226), respectively. Four subtypes of Blastocystis spp. were detected: ST5 (n = 6), ST10 (n = 50), ST14 (n = 14), and ST21 (n = 6). Among them, ST10 was the dominant genotype, accounting for 65.79% of strains, followed by the genotypes ST14 (18.42%), zoonotic ST5 (7.89%), and ST21 (7.89%). Four genotypes of E. bieneusi were detected: CHG3 (n = 32), CM21 (n = 4), CHG1 (n = 2), and ET-L2 (n = 2). Among these, CHG3 was the dominant genotype. Assemblage E (n = 54) and concurrent assemblages A and E (n = 2) were identified in the G. duodenalis-positive goats using multilocus genotyping. Blastocystis spp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis infections were common in Leizhou black goats, all of which have zoonotic genotypes, indicating the potential risk of zoonotic transmission. Our results provide basic data for the prevention and control of these three intestinal pathogens. Further studies are required to better understand their genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential in Guangdong Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible and wearable strain sensors based on conductive polymer composites (CPCs) for human motion detection have been highlighted recently. Herein, two flexible conductive composites were fabricated by mixing matrix polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with zero-dimensional conductive filler carbon black (CB) and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs), respectively. A low percolation threshold of CB/PDMS (0.48 vol%) was achieved, while this value was higher than that of CNTs/PDMS (0.13 vol%). In strain-dependent response tests, compared with CNTs/PDMS with a gauge factor ( GF ) of 4.36 (a strain of 10%), CB/PDMS composites showed a higher sensitivity with a larger GF of 15.75 (a strain of 10%). A good reproducibility was obtained in stretching-releasing process for the two composites. In long-term cyclic test, CB/PDMS showed more stable sensing behaviors, while a slight drifting and fluctuation was observed for CNTs/PDMS. Generally, two composites both possessed satisfactory durability. Mathematical models were proposed to explain the mechanism of the distinct strain sensing behaviors. A smart glove was assembled to monitor the finger motion to evaluate the application of the two composites as flexible strain sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) and water stable MOFs were used to construct IL hybrid MOF materals. • IL was highly dispersed in the nanopores of MOFs to expose significantly more active adsorption sites. • IL@MOF hybrid materals exhibit a record I 3 − absorption capacity due to high dispersion of IL in MOF nanopores. • Multiple sites cooperative interactions of I 3 − with highly dispersed IL is the key driven force for the adsorption. The development and utilization of nuclear energy is one of the effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and achieve the goal of global carbon neutrality. However, it is inevitable to release radioactive pollutants, such as I 3 −, into the environment during the utilization of nuclear energy, and the efficient adsorption and storage of iodide ion remains a challenge. In this work, a series of ionic liquid (IL) hybrid metal–organic framework (MOF) materials have been developed by simple impregnation of hydrophobic ILs into nanopores of stable MOFs for high-efficient I 3 − absorption from water for the first time. It is found that the hybrid materal [C 2 mim][Tf 2 N]@UiO-67–30 % exhibits a record high I 3 − absorption capacity at room temperature (4.30 g·g−1), and the I 3 − absorption capacity of [C 2 mim][Tf 2 N] in UiO-67–5 % is 10 times that of the neat [C 2 mim][Tf 2 N]. The adsorption process can be well described by Freundlich model and pseudo-second-order model. Such superior I 3 − absorption capacity is mainly attributed to the multiple sites interaction between anion of the highly dispersed IL and I 3 −, although cation of the IL and benzene ring of MOF framework also have contribution for the adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Via solid state reaction, Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped Y 2 Zr 2 O 7 (YZO) transparent ceramics with different ytterbium concentration were successfully prepared. Highest in-line transmittance of samples reaches over 75% in both visible and near-infrared region. The homogeneity and microstructure of powders and ceramics were investigated through XRD and SEM characterizations. The luminescence results show that under excitation at ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) source, strong green emission peaks were observed and corresponding energy-conversion mechanism such as cooperative energy transfer (CET) were applied to explain the transition mechanism. Combined with the excellent optical properties and high temperature resistance, these results suggest that Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped Y 2 Zr 2 O 7 (YZO) transparent ceramics are promising novel phosphor material under different circumstance. • Highly transparent Ho, Yb: Y2Zr2O7 ceramics was fabricated via vacuum sintering method. • Different Yb3+ concentration was studied and corresponding structural differences were compared. • High intensity Up/Down-conversion were explained, indicating that Ho, Yb: Y2Zr2O7 is a novel phosphor material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have found applications as eco-friendly vapor sensor. In this study, ramie fiber (RF) was incorporated into poly (lactic acid) (PLA), an eco-friendly polymer, through a premixing process of conductive fillers (carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) and RF. The introduction of RF increases the crystallinity of composites without sacrificing electrical properties. The influence of RF on the vapor sensing behaviors of the CPC was investigated in detail. Compared with those systems with only conductive fillers, i.e. , CB/PLA and CNT/PLA, the RF embedded CPCs show higher electrical conductivity with lower percolation threshold, better shape stability toward ‘good solvent’ such as dichloromethane, and excellent reversibility upon ‘poor’ solvent. The increased crystallinity and the interaction between conductive fillers and RF are responsible for the phenomenon. To illustrate the conductive network evolution during tests, a schematic was proposed. The results suggest that conductive polymer composites containing RF can be applied as a promising eco-friendly vapor sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Telomere crisis occurs during tumorigenesis when depletion of the telomere reserve leads to frequent telomere fusions. The resulting dicentric chromosomes have been proposed to drive genome instability. Here, we examine the fate of dicentric human chromosomes in telomere crisis. We observed that dicentric chromosomes invariably persisted through mitosis and developed into 50–200 μm chromatin bridges connecting the daughter cells. Before their resolution at 3–20 hr after anaphase, the chromatin bridges induced nuclear envelope rupture in interphase, accumulated the cytoplasmic 3′ nuclease TREX1, and developed RPA-coated single stranded (ss) DNA. CRISPR knockouts showed that TREX1 contributed to the generation of the ssDNA and the resolution of the chromatin bridges. Post-crisis clones showed chromothripsis and kataegis, presumably resulting from DNA repair and APOBEC editing of the fragmented chromatin bridge DNA. We propose that chromothripsis in human cancer may arise through TREX1-mediated fragmentation of dicentric chromosomes formed in telomere crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coupling the newest plasma physics research result in the thermophysical performance analysis of divertor. • First time detailed description the working principle of fishtail divertor. • First time analysis the thermophysical performance of fishtail divertor use COMSOL code. • The thermophysical performance of fishtail divertor is descripted in detail by the first time. Fishtail Divertor (FTD) configuration is a dynamic magnetic field divertor configuration that uses the AC coil installed on the back of the divertor target plate to realize the swing of the strike line. The most important driving force of FTD configuration design is to improve the thermal bearing performance of divertor target plate. Under FTD configuration, the maximum temperature of divertor target plate will eventually reach a dynamic equilibrium state, and it have an obvious jump at both ends of the swing area. With the increase of the swing frequency, FTD configuration can more effectively improve the thermal load bearing performance of the divertor target plate. However, if only to alleviate the steady-state heat load, the swing frequency of FTD no need to be higher than 100 Hz. FTD configuration has engineering application prospects in future fusion reactors. Under a swing distance of 10 cm and a thermal load condition of q p = 100 M W / m 2 and λ T = 5 m m (steady state), Triangular wave Fishtail Divertor (TFTD) swing frequency exceeds 5 Hz or Sine wave Fishtail Divertor (SFTD) swing frequency exceeds 20 Hz, the maximum temperature of target plate can be lower than 900 K. At the same conditions expect the swing frequency is 100 Hz, the maximum temperature under TFTD and SFTD can lower than 700 K and 800 K respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-sensing behaviors of carbon black (CB)/polypropylene (PP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/PP-conductive polymer composites (CPCs) were studied in detail. It was found that the CB/PP showed a higher liquid-sensing intensity but a poorer reproducibility toward the 'good solvent' xylene. The main origin is that the conductive works formed by CB, the zero-dimensional filler, are vulnerable to the swelling effect of PP during the immersion-drying runs (IDRs), whereas CNTs in the CNTs/PP with a large aspect ratio have better capacity in maintaining the conductive networks. To investigate the influence of the remaining solvent on the evolution of conductive networks, liquid-sensing tests of the two composites after long-term immersion in xylene were investigated. Results showed that the liquid-sensing behaviors of CNTs/PP changed less weakly compared with that of the CB/PP. Liquid-sensing behaviors of the two composites, cyclohexane and tetrachloromethane, to the 'poor solvents' were also studied. The results of this article indicate that liquid-sensing behaviors of the CPCs were affected by the microstructure of the conductive filler, the solubility parameter, and the molar volume of the solvent significantly. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:205-213, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Yaolinghe Group outcrops in the Shangnan area (north) and the Wudang area (south) of the South Qinling orogenic belt. • Basalts of 847 ± 5 Ma and rhyolites of 841 ± 7 Ma erupted in an arc setting in the north part. • Rhyolites of 788 ± 28 Ma and basalts of 663–644 Ma erupted in a continental rifting setting in the south part. • The South Qinling orogenic belt resulted from bidirectional subduction of the South Qinling Ocean at ca. 950–750 Ma. • The amalgamated continents were affected by the Mirovoi oceanic subduction at ca. 750–680 Ma and subsequent rifting at ca. 680–620 Ma. The tectonic mechanism responsible for the Neoproterozoic magma generation at the northern margin of the Yangtze craton is crucial to understanding the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. Here, we present a systematic study of the petrology, whole-rock geochemistry and geochronology of mafic and felsic volcanic rocks from the Yaolinghe Group, which outcrops mainly in the Shangnan area (north) and the Wudang area (south) of the South Qinling orogenic belt along the northern margin of Yangtze craton. Basalts from the Shangnan area are tholeiitic and calc-alkaline and indicated an arc environment. They have a LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of 847 ± 5 Ma with positive εHf (t) values of + 6.93 to + 8.79 and T DM1 model ages of 1130–1053 Ma. The rhyolites from this area exhibit geochemical characteristics similar to S-type granites and have a zircon U-Pb age of 841 ± 7 Ma, with a wide range of εHf (t) values of + 1.02 to −11.40 and T DM2 model ages of 2453–1674 Ma. This is different from the rhyolites from the Wudang area, which reveal geochemical affinities similar to A 2 -type granites, with a zircon U-Pb age of 788 ± 28 Ma, uniform negative εHf (t) values of −8.75 to −0.15 and T DM2 model ages of 2214–1663 Ma. Both rhyolites were sourced from partial melting of Paleoproterozoic crust with minor input of mantle material, but were formed in an arc setting and a post-collision extension setting, respectively. The 663–644 Ma mafic volcanic rocks from the Wudang area are enriched in Th, U, Nb and Ta, similar to oceanic island basalts and have positive zircon εHf (t) values ranging from + 9.24 to + 4.89 with T DM1 model ages peaking at 1018 Ma. They were derived from partial melting of an asthenospheric mantle source that had been modified by slab-derived melts and erupted during late Neoproterozoic continental rifting. Combining our results with existing data, we suggest that the South Qinling orogenic belt resulted from bidirectional subduction of the South Qinling Ocean between the Douling block and the Yangtze craton at ca. 950–750 Ma, accompanied by the formation of a trench-arc-basin system along the Douling block and an Andean-type continental arc belt at the northern margin of the Yangtze craton. After accretion, the amalgamated Douling block and Yangtze craton were affected by oceanic subduction of the Mirovoi Ocean at ca. 750–680 Ma, and subsequent continental rifting at ca. 680–620 Ma. The model further poses that the Yangtze craton was assembled to the periphery of the Rodinia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in gene dosage are a major driver of cancer, known to be caused by a finite, but increasingly well annotated, repertoire of mutational mechanisms. This can potentially generate correlated copy-number alterations across hundreds of linked genes, as exemplified by the 2% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with recurrent amplification of megabase regions of chromosome 21 (iAMP21). We used genomic, cytogenetic and transcriptional analysis, coupled with novel bioinformatic approaches, to reconstruct the evolution of iAMP21 ALL. Here we show that individuals born with the rare constitutional Robertsonian translocation between chromosomes 15 and 21, rob(15;21)(q10;q10)c, have approximately 2,700-fold increased risk of developing iAMP21 ALL compared to the general population. In such cases, amplification is initiated by a chromothripsis event involving both sister chromatids of the Robertsonian chromosome, a novel mechanism for cancer predisposition. In sporadic iAMP21, breakage-fusion-bridge cycles are typically the initiating event, often followed by chromothripsis. In both sporadic and rob(15;21)c-associated iAMP21, the final stages frequently involve duplications of the entire abnormal chromosome. The end-product is a derivative of chromosome 21 or the rob(15;21)c chromosome with gene dosage optimized for leukaemic potential, showing constrained copy-number levels over multiple linked genes. Thus, dicentric chromosomes may be an important precipitant of chromothripsis, as we show rob(15;21)c to be constitutionally dicentric and breakage-fusion-bridge cycles generate dicentric chromosomes somatically. Furthermore, our data illustrate that several cancer-specific mutational processes, applied sequentially, can coordinate to fashion copy-number profiles over large genomic scales, incrementally refining the fitness benefits of aggregated gene dosage changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of genes influencing a phenotype of interest is frequently achieved through genetic screening by RNA interference (RNAi) or knockouts. However, RNAi may only achieve partial depletion of gene activity, and knockout-based screens are difficult in diploid mammalian cells. Here we took advantage of the efficiency and high throughput of genome editing based on type II, clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems to introduce genome-wide targeted mutations in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We designed 87,897 guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting 19,150 mouse protein-coding genes and used a lentiviral vector to express these gRNAs in ESCs that constitutively express Cas9. Screening the resulting ESC mutant libraries for resistance to either Clostridium septicum alpha-toxin or 6-thioguanine identified 27 known and 4 previously unknown genes implicated in these phenotypes. Our results demonstrate the potential for efficient loss-of-function screening using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solonker suture zone of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) records the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The nature and timing of final collision along the Solonker suture has long been controversial, partly because of an incomplete record of isotopic ages and differing interpretations of the geological environments of key tectonic units. The Xilin Gol Complex, consisting of strongly deformed gneisses, schists and amphibolites, is such a key tectonic unit within the CAOB. Lenticular or quasi-lamellar amphibolites are dispersed throughout the complex, intercalated with biotite-plagioclase gneiss. Both rock types experienced amphibolite-facies metamorphism. The protolith of the amphibolite is a basic rock that intruded into the biotite-plagioclase gneiss at 319 ± 4 Ma based on LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb dating. The basic intrusion was sourced from a modified magma that experienced crystal fractionation and was admixed with slab-derived fluids. The slab-derived fluids, which formed during Early Paleozoic oceanic subduction along the north-dipping Sonidzuoqi-Xilinhot subduction zone, mixed with the magma source and produced subduction-related geochemical signatures superimposed on volcanic arc chemistry. After Early Paleozoic oceanic subduction and arc-continent collision, a transient stage of extension occurred between 313 and 280 Ma in the Sonidzuoqi-Xilinhot area. Deformation and recrystallization during the switch from compression to extension and reheating by the later magmatic intrusions reset the isotope systems of minerals in the Xilin Gol Complex, recorded by a 312.2 ± 1.5 Ma biotite Ar/Ar age from biotite-plagioclase gneiss, a 309 ± 12 Ma zircon intercept age and a 307.5 ± 3.5 Ma hornblende Ar/Ar age from amphibolites in the complex. There was an arc/forearc-related marine basin at the southern margin of the Xilin Gol Complex during the Permian. The closure of the oceanic basin led to Late Paleozoic-Middle Triassic north-dipping subduction beneath the Xilin Gol Complex and induced the amphibolite-facies metamorphism of the complex. The final suturing of the Solonker zone occurred from 269 to 231 Ma. This latest amphibolite-facies metamorphism with pressures of 0.31-0.39 GPa and temperatures of 620-660 °C was recorded at 263.4 ± 1.4 Ma to the Xilin Gol Complex, as indicated by the hornblende Ar/Ar age from the amphibolites, as well as several zircon ages of 260 ± 3-231 ± 3 Ma. The Xilin Gol Complex documented the progressive accretion of a single, long-lived subduction system at the southern margin of the south Mongolian microcontinent from the Early Paleozoic (~452 Ma) to Middle Triassic (~231 Ma). The CAOB shows protracted collision prior to final suturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proto-Tethys Ocean existed from the Neoproterozoic through early Paleozoic during the breakup of Rodinia and was closed with the subduction and accretion of numerous East Asian blocks. The North Qinling Orogenic Belt is thought to have formed upon the closure of the Kuanping Ocean between the North China Craton and the Qinling Block. However, the timing of this closure is widely debated between Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic. To date, this controversy remains as a barrier in understanding the ocean-continent configuration and closure process of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. The Kuanping Ocean is best represented by the Kuanping Complex, which is the northernmost unit in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt and consists of a wide range of meta-sedimentary rocks. Here we present a systematic study of the petrology, whole-rock geochemistry and geochronology of paraschists from the complex. The paraschists yield new detrital zircon U Pb ages from 500 Ma to 3584 Ma with two main peaks at 798 Ma and 958 Ma and a less dominant peak at 2460 Ma. Based on our investigations we infer that the protoliths of the paraschists were dominantly wackes and minor litharenites and shales with maximum depositional ages from 578 to 500 Ma, which represents different levels of a sedimentary sequence in an arc-related basin. Their clastic input was sourced mainly from the Qinling Block, with minor addditions from the North China Craton. Combining our results with previous data, we also infer that the Kuanping Complex represents an early Paleozoic accretionary wedge assemblage with existence of late Paleoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic continental nuclei. Initial intra-oceanic subduction in the Erlangping-Kuanping Ocean occurred at ca. 578 Ma with a northward subduction polarity towards the continental nuclei, resulting in the formation of the Erlangping island arc and the protoliths of meta-sedimentary rocks in the Kuanping Complex in an arc-related basin until ca. 500 Ma. During the accretion of the Erlangping arc and the Kuanping Complex, oceanic crust subducted underneath this continental amalgam at 500–490 Ma. Northward continental subduction of the Qinling Block beneath the consolidated Erlangping-Kuanping arc terrane at 490–460 Ma and their final accretion to the southern margin of the North China Craton at ca. 440 Ma marked the closure of the northern branch of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. However, sedimentation continued in few of the remaining residual oceanic basins until 436 Ma. Our new model suggests that the Erlangping-Kuanping Ocean was part of the northern branch of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and closed in the early Paleozoic with a northward subduction polarity. [Display omitted] • Protoliths of Kuangping paraschists were formed in arc-related basin at 578–500 Ma. • The sediments were sourced from the Qinling Block and the North China Craton. • The Kuanping region was part of the northern branch of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. • Northward subduction of Proto-Tethys Ocean led to accretion of the Kuanping region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report an efficient approach for the chemical synthesis of Rhesus θ-defensin-1 (RTD-1) using Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis in combination with an intramolecular version of native chemical ligation. The corresponding linear thioester precursor was cyclized and folded in a one-pot reaction using reduced glutathione. The reaction was extremely efficiently yielding natively folded RTD-1 with minimal or no purification at all. This approach is fully compatible with the high throughput production of chemical libraries using this peptide scaffold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Solonker Suture Zone is thought to record the terminal evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) in Inner Mongolia. However, two contrasting interpretations of the timing of suturing of the Solonker Suture Zone exist: (i) Permian to Early Triassic; and (ii) Middle Devonian or Late Devonian to Carboniferous. The Shuangjing Schist is exposed in the Linxi area along the Xar Moron Fault Zone, which marks the southern boundary of the Solonker Suture Zone in the eastern section of the CAOB, and thus provides insight into the timing of suturing of the Solonker Suture Zone. Detailed and systematic analysis of the petrology and geochemistry of the Shuangjing Schist shows that the Shuangjing Schist developed by greenschist facies prograde metamorphism of a volcanisedimentary rock series protolith. The volcanic parts of the Shuangjing Schist are a calc-alkaline series with large volumes of intermediate members and subordinate acidic members. Volcanism occurred in a magmatic arc on the continental margin and was induced by subduction-related magmatism resulting from mantle metasomatism. The sedimentary parts of the Shuangjing Schist reflect a transition from continental shelf to abyssal plain sedimentation. The formation of the Shuangjing Schist is suggested to be related to closure of an arc/forearc-related ocean basin. The timing is constrained by a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb magmatic zircon age of 298 ± 2 Ma from a carbonaceous biotite-plagioclase schist that was intruded by granite at 272 ± 2 Ma. In the Linxi area, southward subduction of the arc/forearc basin led to uplift, thickening, collapse, and erosion of the overriding continental crust. Collapse induced extension and widespread magmatism along the volcanic arc at the northern margin of the North China Craton. The closure of the arc/forearc-related oceanic basin led to the formation of Late Permian to Middle Triassic collisional granites and the subsequent end of the collision of the Solonker Suture Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Xilin Gol Complex, consisting of strongly deformed and metamorphosed rocks, is exposed as a large tectonic unit within the Central-Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). It is located on the Xilinhot–Sonidzuoqi north-dipping thrust belt and near the Solonker suture zone that is widely regarded to record the terminal evolution of the CAOB. Its genesis and tectonic origin are a key to test the existing tectonic models as to whether there was a single arc chain by successive accretion or multiple amalgamation involving some microcontinents. This study reports petrological, geochemical, and zircon U–Pb age data of biotite-plagioclase gneisses from the complex. As migmatization is common in the gneiss, restitic and magmatic components are identified in the gneiss by their petrographic features. Mineral chemistry indicates that the Xilin Gol Complex was subjected to amphibolite facies metamorphism. Three groups of zircons are identified by cathodoluminescence (CL) images and Th/U ratios: (1) the first and most abundant group is of magmatic origin and yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 452±5Ma; (2) the second, scarcest group is of metamorphic origin and yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 339±4Ma; (3) the third group is minor, of apparent detrital origin and yields 207Pb/206Pb ages from 1902±11 to 886±54Ma for the cores, with a peak at 1150 to 900Ma. Whole-rock major and trace element contents are representative for the upper continental crust, with Rb, Pb, U, Th, K, LREE enrichment and Nb, Ta, Sr depletion. This suggests the gneisses are sourced in the upper continental crust with some old sediment contamination. The protolith of the biotite-plagioclase gneiss is a sedimentary rock with detrital source ages between 1902±11Ma and 886±54Ma that was deposited at the southern active continental margin of the Siberia Craton during the amalgamation of the Rodinia supercontinent. Partial melting and migmatization occurred at 452±5Ma in response to north-dipping oceanic subduction in the Sonidzuoqi–Xilinhot area. Many new magmatic materials formed in the Xilin Gol Complex during this time, while it resided in a continental marginal arc tectonic setting. Oceanic subduction started at 490±8Ma and lasted at least to 440±4Ma. In the Early-Paleozoic, the CAOB was an advancing accretionary orogen. The complex was mildly affected by a 320–310Ma magmatic event in the Xilinhot–Sonidzuoqi area. Therefore, the Xilin Gol Complex recorded a long-lived successive accretion along the southern margin of the Siberia Craton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Metasedimentary rocks in the Qinling block represent a sedimentary series with depositional ages between 1262 and 840 Ma. • The 1754–1266 Ma detritus was sourced from the Indian craton and the younger detritus was sourced from the Qinling block during assembly of Rodinia. • A sequence of oceanic subduction (1262–981 Ma), arc-continent collision (981–911 Ma), continuous subduction of oceanic crust (929–833 Ma), and continental rifting (833–774 Ma) during the formation of the Qinling block were identified. • The Qinling block, as part of the circum-Rodinia subduction zone, represents the outer margin of Rodinia. The Meso-Neoproterozoic Rodinia supercontinent formed a coherent large landmass, which was later dispersed over all current major continents and a number of microcontinents. The Qinling block is a Precambrian continental mass, located in the Qinling orogenic belt, which marks the junction of the North China and South China cratons. In this paper, we present a systematic study of the petrology, whole-rock geochemistry and geochronology of metasedimentary rocks from the Xiahe Group, which is a key unit of the Precambrian basement in the Qinling block, to constrain the paleogeographic reconstruction of Rodinia. The studied metasedimentary rocks have detrital zircon ages of 3054–1082 Ma that peak at 1172 Ma and 1582 Ma. The protoliths of the metasedimentary rocks are mainly shales and wackes with maximum depositional ages from 1147 to 1082 Ma, representing a part of a continental arc-related sedimentary sequence. Combining our results with existing data, we propose that their protoliths constituted a sedimentary series including an older sequence of basement and a younger sequence with depositional ages between 1262 and 840 Ma. The detritus that is older than 1266 Ma was sourced from the continental margin of the Indian craton, which was part of the Columbia supercontinent. There was a Paleo-Mesoproterozoic continental nucleus in the Qinling block that split from the margin of the Indian craton during the breakup of Columbia. The source rocks for the younger detritus were arc magmatic rocks in the Qinling block, which formed in a continental arc by oceanic lithosphere subduction during the assembly of Rodinia. A sequence of oceanic subduction beneath the continental nucleus of the Qinling block (1262–981 Ma), arc-continent collision between the continental nucleus and the Indian craton (981–911 Ma), continuous subduction of oceanic crust beneath the block with formation of a mature volcanic arc (929–833 Ma), and continental rifting (833–774 Ma) during the formation of the Qinling block was identified. The block faced the Neoproterozoic ocean during the assembly of Rodinia, and finally rifted off the supercontinent during its breakup to form an isolated arc terrane [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]