Intermittent Stage Research Articles

Fluid Evolution and Ore Genesis of the Songjianghe Au Deposit in Eastern Jilin Province, NE China: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and H-O-S-Pb Isotope Systematics

The medium-sized Songjianghe Au deposit is located in the southeastern part of the Jiapigou-Haigou gold belt (JHGB) in central eastern Jilin Province, NE China. The gold mineralization is primarily characterized by disseminated-style ores and hosted in the low-/medium-grade metamorphic rocks of the Seluohe Group. The ore bodies are governed by NNW-striking brittle-ductile structures and spatially correlated with silicic and sericitic alterations. Four alteration/mineralization stages have been distinguished: (I) Quartz-pyrrhotite-pyrite, (II) quartz-polymetallic sulfides, (III) quartz-pyrite, and (IV) quartz-calcite. The fluid inclusion (FI) assemblage in quartz from Stage I comprises C1-type, C2-type, C3-type, and VL-type FIs, with total homogenization temperatures (Th-total) of 292.8 to 405.6 °C and salinities of 2.8 to 9.3 wt% NaCl eqv. Quartz from Stage II (main ore stage) developed C2-, C3-, and VL-type FIs, with a Th-total of 278.5 to 338.9 °C and salinities of 2.8 to 8.1 wt% NaCl eqv. Stage III is characterized by coexisting C3- and VL-type FIs in quartz, with a Th-total of 215.9 to 307.3 °C and salinities of 2.4 to 7.2 wt% NaCl eqv. Only VL-type FIs are observed in Stage IV, with a Th-total of 189.5 to 240.4 °C and salinities of 3.7 to 5.7 wt% NaCl eqv. The Laser Raman spectroscopic results demonstrated minor CH4 in the C-type FIs from Stages I and II. The results suggest that ore fluids may have evolved from a medium-high temperature, low-salinity immiscible CO2-NaCl-H2O ± CH4 system to a low temperature, low-salinity homogeneous NaCl-H2O system. Fluid immiscibility caused by the rapid drop in pressure may have been the main trigger for gold-polymetallic sulfide precipitation. The Songjianghe Au deposit may have been formed under 352–448 °C and 850–1380 bar pressure, based on the isochore intersection for Stage II fluid inclusions. The H-O isotopic compositions (Stage I: δ18Ofluid = 5.6 to 5.8‰, δD = −96.2 to −95.7‰; Stage II: δ18Ofluid = 3.7 to 4.2‰, δD = −98.7 to −89.8‰; Stage III: δ18Ofluid = 1.2 to 1.4‰, δD = −103.5 to −101.2‰) indicate that the hydrothermal fluids are dominated by magmatic water in the early stages (Stages I and II) and mixed with meteoric water since Stage III. The pyrite S-Pb isotope data (δ34S: −2.91 to 3.40‰; 206Pb/204Pb: 16.3270 to 16.4874; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.2258 to 15.3489; 208Pb/204Pb: 36.6088 to 36.7174), combined with Pb isotopic compositions of the intrusive rocks and wall rocks (the Seluohe Group) in the ore district, indicate that the ore-forming materials at Songjianghe are predominantly from a magmatic source and may have been affected by the contamination of the Seluohe Group. In accordance with the features of ore geology, ore-forming fluids and metals, and geodynamic setting, the Songjianghe Au deposit belongs to a mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein gold deposit, which formed in the intermittent stage of Paleo-Pacific plate subduction during the Late Jurassic.

Investigating possible effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptor G1661A polymorphism on asthma severity in adults

Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with an important role in lung health. The association of AhR polymorphisms with asthma severity has not been yet investigated. We analyzed the association of G1661A, the most prevalent polymorphism of AhR, with the asthma stages in a population-based study including 555 asthmatics (Intermittent: 93, Mild: 240, Moderate: 158, and Severe: 64). The SNP was genotyped using allele-specific PCR. Obtained data were analyzed using the Generalized-Ordered Logit Estimates. Genotypes GA (OR: 0.53, CI: 0.32-0.90, P=0.019) and AA (OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06-0.76, P=0.017) were associated with decreased risk of Severe, Moderate, Mild vs. Intermittent stage; and Severe, Moderate, vs. Mild, Intermittent stages respectively. However, Genotype GA (OR: 1.90, CI: 1.05-3.44, P=0.033), dominant model GA+AA (OR: 2.04, CI: 1.17-3.57, P=0.012), and allele A (OR: 1.68, CI: 1.06-2.66, P=0.027) were associated with increased risk of Severe stage vs. Moderate, Mild, Intermittent stages. Also, male sex and higher age were associated with an increased odds ratio for severe asthma. Furthermore, significant associations with asthma stages were found for the interactions of the SNP and sex, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In conclusion, we revealed that the mutant allele of AhR-G1661A may interact with independent variables and act as a protective factor against lower stages of asthma but it may increase the risk of severe asthma.

Symbiosis Mechanism of Academic Journals and Discipline Construction in Chinese Colleges

Academic journals and discipline construction in colleges are two major drivers of scientific progress. There is a complex interactive mechanism between the two drivers. The synergy between the two is worthy of in-depth research. The research aims include better developing academic journals with discipline advantages and back-feeding discipline construction with academic journals. The symbiotic theory provides a new research perspective for the cooperation mechanism between college academic journals and discipline construction. Drawing on the symbiotic theory, this paper explores the root causes and interactive logic of the collaboration between college academic journals and discipline construction, from the angles of the symbiotic unit, symbiotic environment, and symbiotic model. The results show that the symbiosis between academic journals and discipline construction in Chinese colleges mainly relies on two essential parameters, namely, academic talents and research results; although colleges provide a positive environment, the symbiosis between the two factors mostly takes place on unofficial information platforms and cooperation mechanisms, for the relevant policies are relatively new and mostly discipline-oriented; the symbiosis between college academic journals and discipline construction is mutualistic but remains in the intermittent stage. Therefore, it is important to find a more effective symbiotic path for college academic journals and discipline construction, following their symbiotic law.

Cumulative permanent strain and critical dynamic stress of silty filler for subgrade subjected to intermittent cyclic loading of trains

The long-term loading of the trains on the subgrade in service is the cyclic loading when the train passes and the intermittent stage when there is no train passing. However, in most studies, continuous loading was used to investigate the dynamic characteristics of a subgrade soil, which ignores the effect of loading intermittence. The aims of this research were first to study the cumulative permanent deformation behaviors under intermittent cyclic loading of trains, then to establish the classification criterion for cumulative permanent strain behaviors, and finally to propose a practical method for estimating the critical dynamic stress in the intermittent loading mode. For this purpose, according to the actual conditions of the subgrade of Shuo-Huang Heavy-Haul Railway, the monotonic triaxial test and the cyclic triaxial test with intermittent loading were performed. Based on the shakedown theory, the cumulative permanent strain behaviors under intermittent loading can be classified into three categories of plastic shakedown, plastic creep, and incremental collapse. Then, the classification criterion was established based on the permanent strain rate. Finally, an empirical formula of critical dynamic stress for intermittent loading, which could also consider the varying moisture content, was proposed.

Characterization of permanent deformation of fine-grained subgrade soil under intermittent loading

Understanding the permanent deformation characteristics of subgrade soils under traffic loads can provide a basis for subgrade design and evaluation. During repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests, accurate simulation of traffic loads is critical. RLT tests on silt under continuous loading and intermittent loading (cycles of continuous loading and intermittent stage) were performed using an RLT apparatus. The effects of the intermittent stage on the development of axial strain, pore water pressure and accumulated plastic strain were analyzed, and the dynamic behaviors of accumulated plastic strain under intermittent loading were also studied. The results show that the existence of the intermittent stage plays an active role in dissipating pore water pressure and improving the ability of the specimen to resist permanent deformation. Based on shakedown concept, an expression of critical stress and a prediction model for the accumulated plastic strain of silt under intermittent loading were proposed. The research results provide reference values for understanding the permanent deformation characteristics of silt.

New insights on improved growth and biogas production potential of Chlorella pyrenoidosa through intermittent iron oxide nanoparticle supplementation

In the present work, the effect of α-Fe2O3-nanoparticles (IONPs) supplementation at varying doses (0, 10, 20 and, 30 mg L−1) at the intermittent stage (after 12th day of growth period) was studied on the growth and biogas production potential of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Significant enhancements in microalgae growth were observed with all the tested IONPs doses, the highest (2.94 ± 0.01 g L−1) being at 20 mg L−1. Consequently, the composition of the biomass was also improved. Based on the precedent determinations, theoretical chemical oxygen demand (CODth) as well as theoretical and stoichiometric methane potential (TMP, and SMP) were also estimated. The CODth, TMP, SMP values indicated IONPs efficacy for improving biogas productivity. Further, the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test was done for IONPs supplemented biomass. The BMP test revealed up to a 25.14% rise in biogas yield (605 mL g–1 VSfed) with 22.4% enhanced methane content for 30 mg L−1 IONPs supplemented biomass over control. Overall, at 30 mg L−1 IONPs supplementation, the cumulative enhancements in biomass, biogas, and methane content proffered a net rise of 98.63% in biomethane potential (≈ 2.86 × 104 m3 ha−1 year−1) compared to control. These findings reveal the potential of IONPs in improving microalgal biogas production.

Deformation characteristics of fine-grained soil under cyclic loading with intermittence

Since there is an interval time between two trains traveling in the same direction on an automatically blocked line, the dynamic loading on the railway subgrade is composed of periodic vibration when the train passes and an intermittent stage after a train has passed. Take into account this characteristic, a series of continuous-stopping repeated load triaxial tests were conducted to study deformation characteristics such as plastic strain and elastic strain of fine-grained soil under intermittent loading. Compared to continuous loading, it is found that the intermittent stage has a significant effect on the deformation characteristics of subgrade. The excess pore water pressure accumulated during the loading stage dissipated during the intermittent stage. The development of plastic strain in subsequent loading stages slowed down significantly, and the axial strain of the sample rebounded in the intermittent stage, so cumulative plastic strain was reduced. The intermittent effect on reducing elastic strain was, however, limited. An increase in intermittent time can also improve the resistance of the sample to subsequent cyclic loading. An alternating continuous-stopping loading mode can better simulate intermittent loading of trains in actual train operation and produce more practical results, providing a theoretical basis and guidance for further understanding of deformation characteristics of railway subgrade.

Effect of Multiple Flow Pulses on Hydraulic Fracture Network Propagation in Naturally Fractured Volcanic Rock

Exploring engineering methods for increasing fracture network complexity is important for the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. In this study, we conducted a series of fracturing experiments on naturally fractured volcanic samples. An injection method, multiple flow pulses, is proposed to increase fracture complexity. The results show that fluid leaked into the natural fracture network (NFN) when the injection rate was low (0.2 mL/min); hydraulic-fracture-dominant fracture geometry was created with an injection rate of 2 and 5 mL/min. Under the 2 mL/min-injection scheme with 3 pulses, the injection pressure during the intermittent stage was low (<5 MPa), resulting in a limited increase in fracture complexity. When the number of the flow pulses increased to 5, the pressure drop rate in the fourth and fifth intermittent stage significantly increased, indicating an increase in the aperture of natural fractures (NFs) and in the fluid leak-off effect. Under the 5 mL/min injection scheme containing 5 pulses, besides the enhanced fluid leak-off, a sharp injection pressure drop was observed, indicating the activation of NFs. The complexity and the aperture of the ultimate fracture network further increased. The injection method, multiple flow pulses, can be used to create complex fracture networks effectively.

Investigation and Analysis of Catheter-Associated Skin Impairment in PICC’s Patients in Jingzhou City

Objective: To understand the status quo of PICC Catheter-associated Skin Impairment (CASI) in some hospitals at all levels in Jingzhou city, and to explore the risk factors for PICC Catheter-associated Skin Impairment. Methods: From June 2019 to July 2020, a self-made questionnaire for CASI status was used to facilitate the extraction of CASI patients in PICC in some hospitals at all levels in Jingzhou city. Local skin lesions were collected and classified during PICC maintenance, and the damage types, occurrence frequency and related influencing factors of CASI were counted to identify independent risk factors. Results: In this study, there were 173 cases of CASI in PICC’s patients including local infection 56.1% (97/173), exudation at the puncture site 16.8% (29/173), irritant dermatitis 21.4% (37/173), allergic dermatitis 4.6% (8/173), and tension injury 1.2% (2/173). After univariate analysis, there were statistically significant differences between CASI occurrence type and duration of catheter wear, age, underlying disease, skin moisture and hyperhidrosis, PICC maintenance as required, hospital grade maintenance and intermittent chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Then, disordered multiple Logistic regression analysis was performed, and exudation at the puncture site was used as the reference group. The results showed that patients with PICC were more likely to have CASI if they were aged, long catheter time, had diabetes, had moist and sweaty skin, and were in the intermittent stage of chemotherapy. Conclusion: The incidence of CASI is high in patients aged 70 - 79 years, and local infection is the most common. PICC’s patients with diabetes are at high risk of CASI. PICC’s patients with excessive sweating are more likely to have CASI. The intermittent stage of chemotherapy is the excessive CASI; time with tube affects CASI occurrence.

Ester formation in intermittently dried noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.)

The formation of aromatic esters in intermittently dried noni fruit by endogenous enzymatic activity was investigated. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was used to determine the volatile compounds of Morinda citrifolia (noni). Large amounts of free fatty acids, especially hexanoic and octanoic acids, were found in fully matured noni. Significant amounts of esters derived from hexanoic and octanoic acids were detected in dried noni, especially in the product that intermittently dried. We postulate that autolysis occurred during ripening and that ester formation was catalyzed by endogenous lipase under low water activity (0.6 ± 0.1) during the intermittent drying stage. By controlling the water activities of noni fruit, biochemical reactions leading to the transformation of the sharp odor into an aromatic smell in dried noni products were investigated.

LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb and sericite 40Ar/39Ar ages of the Songjianghe gold deposit in southeastern Jilin Province, Northeast China, and their geological significance

The Songjianghe deposit is a newly discovered altered gold deposit in the southeastern Jiapigou-Haigou Gold Metallogenic Belt (JHGMB) in southeastern Jilin Province of NE China. The host rocks were considered to be the Mesoproterozoic Seluohe Group, and the metallogenic epoch lacked accurate isotopic constraints. To determine the age and metallogenic setting of the deposit, we describe the geologic characteristics of the deposit and present the results of petrographic and geochronologic analyses of the host rocks and ores. The ore bodies are hosted within a suite of amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks superimposed by greenschist facies indicative of retrograde metamorphism. Zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that the host rocks belong to the Jiapigou Group that formed at the end of the Neoarchean (2543–2527 Ma). Subsequently, the rocks successively underwent metamorphism during the late Neoarchean (2521–2506 Ma), retrograde metamorphism caused by the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during the late Permian to Early Triassic (262–250 Ma), and extension after the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during the Late Triassic (231–210 Ma). Sericite 40Ar/39Ar dating results suggest that the Songjianghe deposit formed during the Late Jurassic between 157 Ma and 156 Ma. By combining these new insights with those of previous studies, we propose that the Songjianghe deposit is a mesothermal gold deposit and that mineralization occurred during the extensional period in the intermittent stage that followed the first subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. All the gold deposits in the JHGMB formed from the late Permian to Early Cretaceous by multi-stage mineralization events that corresponded temporally with the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the episodic subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.

Improving the Intermittent Discharge Performance of Mg–Air Battery by Using Oxyanion Corrosion Inhibitor as Electrolyte Additive

A widely used oxyanion corrosion inhibitor (Li2CrO4) was used as electrolyte additive (3.5 wt% NaCl solution was used as electrolyte solution) for Mg–air battery. The potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that the presence of 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4 in the NaCl electrolyte reduced enormously the corrosion current density of the tested AZ31 Mg alloys. According to the intermittent discharge tests, the use of 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4 as electrolyte additive increased the anode efficiency of the Mg–air battery by 28.4%. The addition of 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4 reduced the anode self-corrosion rate of the battery in the intermittent stage effectively. The product film after discharge was observed by scanning electron microscope, and the Mg–air battery containing 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4 has a loose product film, which is beneficial to its discharge performance. So using Li2CrO4 as electrolyte additive could improve the intermittent discharge performance of Mg–air battery. And the use of oxyanion corrosion inhibitor as electrolyte additive may be an excellent way to improve the intermittent discharge performance of Mg–air battery.

Remedial radiofrequency ablation or portal vein embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation-assistant associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis

Objective To explore the clinical effect of remedial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or portal vein embolization (PVE) combined with radiofrequency ablation-assistant associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (RALPPS) in the treatment of patients with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) after the first staged operation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cirrhosis. Methods The retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted. The clinical data of 5 patients with insufficient FLR after the first staged of RALPPS and HCC with cirrhosis who underwent remedial RFA or PVE at the Southwest Hospital of the Third Military Medical University between September 2014 and February 2016 were collected. Standard liver volume (SLV)=613.0×body surface area (BSA)+ 162.8, BSA=0.007 1×height+ 0.013 3×body mass. Patients with FLR<40% received RALPPS. In the first staged operation, RFA was used to cauterize a coagulated avascular area between the FLR and contralateral lobe, and then right branch of portal vein was ligated. After the operation, remedial RFA or PVE was performed in patients with insufficient FLR. Once the FLR achieved the target value, the second staged RALPPS was performed. Observation indicators included (1) perioperative complications and death, complications in stage IIIa and above of Clavien-Dindo as main complications, (2) changes of FLR and tumor progression, (3) intraoperative situation, (4) follow-up. The follow-up using outpatient examination was performed up to February 2016, including laboratory examination, tumor markers and imaging examinations (enhanced scan of computed tomography in the epigastric region or ultrasound). Measure-ment data with normal distribution were represented as ±s. Results (1) Perioperative complications and death: of 5 patients, 2 didn′t receive second staged RALPPS and 3 completed both stages. Five patients had no postoperative main complications and 1 died of renal failure and pulmonary infection after second staged RALPPS. (2) Changes of FLR and tumor progression: the average FLR and percentage of FLR to SLV were (329±80)cm3 , 25%±5% in 5 patients before first staged operation and (533±45)cm3, 43%±3% in 3 patients before second staged operation, with an average growth rate of 44%-113%. The average interval time of 5 patients was (29.0±2.2)days. For the 3 patients which completed both stages, the 1-week increased percentage of FLR was 33.5%-68.9% after first staged operation, 1.2%-14.3% and 9.7%-29.8% before and after remedial RFA or PVE. Two patients didn′t undergo the second staged operation, 1 patient was due to not reach standard of safe resection after 4 times remedial PVE, and 1 patient was due to tumor metastasis during intermittent stage after remedial RFA with average FLR after 2 weeks and average 1-week increased percentage of 762.0 cm3 and 10.6%. (3) Intraoperative situations: 1 patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted first staged RALPPS and 1 underwent RFA in the left lobe of liver. The first staged operation time, RFA time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were (240±43)minutes, (15±8)minutes and (190±136)mL, and no patient had blood transfusion. After first staged operation, 5 patients received 5 times remedial PVE and 7 times RFA. Two patients underwent right hemihepatectomy and 1 patient underwent hepatic trisegmentectomy in the second staged operation. The second staged operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss of 3 patients were (257±33)minutes and (303±73)mL, and 3 patients received R0 resection and no intraoperative blood transfusion. (4) Follow-up: 1 patient was dead during hospitalization and 4 patients were followed up for 1-12 months with a median time of 6 months. Of 2 patients without second staged operation, 1 continued to undergo interventional treatment and then was dead after half year, and 1 continued to undergo transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and had good survival up to the end of follow-up. Of the other 2 patients, 1 with tumor recurrence at postoperative month 2 received interventional treatment and traditional Chinese medicine and then was dead after 6 months, and 1 had no tumor recurrence and metastasis during the follow-up. Conclusion For the patients with HCC with cirrhosis who had insufficient FLR after the first staged RALPPS, remedial RFA or PVE could promote further regeneration of FLR and thus improve the completion rate of both stages. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Cirrhosis; Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy; Radiofrequency ablation; Portal vein embolization; Future liver remnant

Influence of Recharge Solution Salinity upon the Thermal Transfer Characteristics in Energy Storage Superficial Brackish Aquifers

Due to the hydrogeologic particularity of brackish aquifers,a three-dimensional couple numerical model of groundwater flow and heat transferring and solute movement in brackish aquifers was established based upon the thermal and mass transferring in porous media. The calibrated numerical model was used to probe into the thermal transfer characteristics and the variation regularity of the geo-temperature field in different modes of recharge solution salinity with the brackish aquifer energy storage system in Tianjin as an example. The simulated calculation indicates that the change rate of the thermal effects radius is 0. 313,-0. 016.0. 348,-0. 04 m / d in the coarse silt aquifer when the 1∶ 1 mixed solution and the deionization solution recharge during the heat storage period of summer and the intermittent recovery period of next spring separately. The results show that the seepage velocity of groundwater increases while the recharge solution salinity decreases during the energy storage stage,which intensifies heat convection and thermodispersion and then increases the influence scope and range of the recharge solution temperature field. During the intermittent stage,the salinity gradient between the original brackish solution and solution recharge becomes larger when the injection salinity decreases and the mechanical dispersion capability becomes stronger,which shrinks the thermal effects radius of the infiltration solution in brackish aquifers.

Bed load transport over a broad range of timescales: Determination of three regimes of fluctuations

This paper describes the relationship between the statistics of bed load transport flux and the timescale over which it is sampled. A stochastic formulation is developed for the probability distribution function of bed load transport flux, based on the Ancey et al. (2008) theory. An analytical solution for the variance of bed load transport flux over differing sampling timescales is presented. The solution demonstrates that the timescale dependence of the variance of bed load transport flux reduces to a three-regime relation demarcated by an intermittency timescale (tI) and a memory timescale (tc). As the sampling timescale increases, this variance passes through an intermittent stage (≪tI), an invariant stage (tI < t < tc), and a memoryless stage (≫ tc). We propose a dimensionless number (Ra) to represent the relative strength of fluctuation, which provides a common ground for comparison of fluctuation strength among different experiments, as well as different sampling timescales for each experiment. Our analysis indicates that correlated motion and the discrete nature of bed load particles are responsible for this three-regime behavior. We use the data from three experiments with high temporal resolution of bed load transport flux to validate the proposed three-regime behavior. The theoretical solution for the variance agrees well with all three sets of experimental data. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the observed fluctuations of bed load transport flux over monosize/multiple-size grain beds, to the characterization of an inherent connection between short-term measurements and long-term statistics, and to the design of appropriate sampling strategies for bed load transport flux.

Early Silurian paleogeography and source-reservoir-cap rocks of the Middle-Upper Yangtze region in South China

The lithofacies paleogeography for the three successive ages (Rhuddanian, Aeronian and Telychian) in the Middle-Upper Yangtze region of South China in the Early Silurian (Llandoverian Epoch) is reconstructed according to the concept that structures control a basin, a basin controls facies, which, in turn, control the basic geology of oil and gas. The time-space distribution and sedimentology of source-reservoir-cap rocks are summarized. In the Rhuddanian age, the study area inherited and developed a semi-confinement stagnant basin resulting from tectonic compression started on Late Ordovician. The widely-covered organic-rich muddy shales occurred on deep-water shelves in a global-scale transgression after the Hirnantian glaciation and subsequent relatively slow regression. The sagged areas, formed mainly by tectonic tilting and plugging effect of rigid continental nucleus, are sedimentary centers of favorable source rocks. At the intermittent stage of tectonic compression during the Aeronian age, a mix-sedimented “carbonate ramp” formed by global sea-level drop, warm-humid climate and slight clastic sources. The reef-bank type carbonate reservoir rocks within Shiniulan Formation occurred in subtidal high-energy environments within inner ramp. In the subsequent Telychian stage, tectonic compression intensified, resulting in regression and overall uplifting of the basin, terminated the development of carbonate depositional environments. The eastern region was then dominated by shoreface and tide-dominated deltas where sand barrier type reservoir rocks in the Xiaoheba Formation occurred. The widespread muddy sediments of the Hanjiadian Formation could be cap rocks for the underlying potential oil-bearing layers.

Bacterial sinusitis can be a focus for initial lung colonisation and chronic lung infection in patients with cystic fibrosis

A major purpose of treating patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is to prevent or delay chronic lung infections with CF-pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. In the intermittent stage, bacteria can usually be eradicated from the lungs with antibiotics, but following eradication, the next lung colonisations often occur with bacteria of identical genotype. This may be due to re-colonisation from the patient's paranasal sinuses. In our study, we found that approximately two-thirds of CF patients having sinus surgery (FESS) had growth of CF-lung-pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria in their sinuses (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Burkholderia cepacia complex). The environment in the sinuses is in many ways similar to that of the lower respiratory tract, e.g. low oxygen concentration in secretions. Sinus bacteria are more difficult to eradicate than in the lungs, thus, having good conditions for adapting to the environment in the lungs. In the presence of bacteria, the environment of the sinuses differs from that of the lower respiratory tract by having a higher immunoglobulin A (IgA): IgG ratio, and reduced inflammation. We found a significant correlation between the concentration of IgA against P. aeruginosa (standard antigen and alginate) in nasal secretions and saliva and CF patients' infection status (not lung colonised, intermittently colonised or chronically lung-infected with P. aeruginosa). This supports the hypothesis that infections often originate in the sinuses and can be a focus for initial lung colonisation or for maintaining lung infections in CF patients. We are confident that anti-P. aeruginosa IgA can be used as an early supplementary tool to diagnose P. aeruginosa colonisation; P. aeruginosa being the microorganism causing most morbidity and mortality in CF patients. This is important since urgent treatment reduces morbidity when CF patients are early colonised with P. aeruginosa, however, there is a lack of diagnostic tools for detecting the early colonisation in the lungs and in the sinuses. We initiated a treatment strategy for CF patients to prevent sino-nasal bacteria being seeded into the lower airways: we recommended extensive functional endoscopic FESS with creation of sufficient drainage from all involved sinuses with subsequent i.v. antibiotics and at least 6 months of twice daily nasal irrigation with saline and antibiotics. By this strategy, sinus bacteria could be eradicated in a large proportion of patients. Essentially, growth of CF-pathogenic bacteria from the lower respiratory tract was decreased following the treatment. Furthermore, a number of patients have been free from CF-pathogenic bacteria for more than one year after FESS, and thus re-classified as "not lung colonised". We also corroborated that CF patients obtain an improved quality of life and reduction in their symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis after FESS. It is primarily intermittently lung colonised CF patients with CF-pathogenic bacteria in their sinuses that seem to benefit from the treatment strategy. This is in accordance with the fact that we did not see a significant increase in lung function and only a small decrease in specific antibodies after FESS; a high systemic immune and inflammatory response and a decreasing lung function is generally not present in patients who primarily have sinus CF-pathogenic bacteria. It is important that guidelines are created for how CF patients with CF-pathogenic bacteria in the sinuses are to be treated, including criteria for who may likely benefit from FESS, and who may be treated exclusively with conservative therapy, e.g. saline and antibiotic irrigations.

Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection definition: EuroCareCF Working Group report

Chronic pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa develops in most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF); by adulthood 80% of patients are infected and chronic P. aeruginosa infection is the primary cause of increased morbidity and mortality in CF. Chronic infection is preceded by an intermittent stage of infection. The initial stage is characteristically followed by the gradual emergence of mucoid variants of the colonizing strains and a rise in anti- Pseudomonas antibodies. In addition to optimizing existing therapeutic strategies, effective new agents need to be identified. Studies in patients with CF are particularly challenging: the progressive nature of the disease and the wide variation in severity influence considerably the outcome of drug testing. A validated, universally accepted, and clinically useful classification of patients infected with P. aeruginosa, particularly those chronically infected, is needed that can be used as both a criterion for patient selection for clinical trials and as a study endpoint.

Fault Zone Drilling in the Backstop to the Mediterranean Ridge Accretionary Complex off Crete, Greece

Scientific drilling and the installation of downhole seismic instrumentation to observe seismicity at a low-magnitudea low-magnitudelow-magnitude detection threshold are powerful tools to monitor denselyare powerful tools to monitor densely powerful tools to monitor densely to monitor densely populated areas in Southern Europe, such as the Athens such as the Athens metropolitan region, to minimize societal and environmental to minimize societal and environmental dangers, which millennia ago destroyed entire cultures, two of the seven wonders of the world (Colossus of Rhodes 224 BC, Lighthouse on Pharos 365 AD) and several historical sites in the circum-Mediterranean. The EasternThe Eastern Mediterranean hosts one of the most prominent retreating convergent margins worldwide that was capable of gener-of gener- gener-ating M>8 earthquakes (365 AD, western Crete) anding M>8 earthquakes (365 AD, western Crete) and M>8 earthquakes (365 AD, western Crete) and exhaustive volcanic eruptions (1650 BC, Santorini) in historic times.The Hellenic Subduction Zone (HSZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea represents a mature subduction zone where African crust is thrust (i.e., subducted) beneath Eurasiaandwhereawidebackstopareaofpartlyoldaccreted and whereawidebackstopareaofpartlyoldaccreted a wide backstop area of partly old accreted strata (marine), partly HP/LT rocks (the exhumed island ofthe exhumed island ofexhumed island of Crete as forearc high), an extensional submerged landward forearc (Cretan Sea), and a volcanic arc and backarc basin (Aegean Sea) evolved. The HSZ is an ideal natural laboratory to study collisional processes which are well recorded overrecorded overrecorded over the past ca. 35 million years, including an intermittent stage of micro-continent collisions between about 30 Ma and between about 30 Ma andMa andand 20 Ma, followed by breakoff of the subducting slab, and incipient collision with the passive African margin today (Thomson et al., 1998). The island of Crete represents a horst structure developed within the last 5 million years in the central forearc, and it provides excellent onshore access to and it provides excellent onshore access toit provides excellent onshore access toprovides excellent onshore access to the internal structure of the forearc at various levels (for overall geodynamic situation in map view, see Fig. 1).

Examination of the First-Night Effect during the Sleep-Onset Period

The present study examined the first-night effect during the sleep-onset period using the 9 electroencephalogram stage scoring system. After a week of monitoring sleep-wake habits with sleep diaries and wrist actigraphy, polysomnography recording was made for 3 consecutive nights. Participants slept in their own private, individual, temperature-controlled bedroom in a sleep laboratory at the university. Eleven healthy student volunteers (5 women and 6 men, 21 to 25 years old, mean 22.7 years) who had no experience sleeping in a laboratory participated in the study. N/A. The electroencephalogram during the sleep-onset period was scored manually for every 5-second epoch into 9 electroencephalogram stages. Latencies of the electroencephalogram stages were delayed on the first night, especially during the alpha-wave intermittent stages. The average time of the alpha-wave train, intermittent (> 50%) and the electroencephalogram flattening stage increased on Night 1. Stage changes among these stages also increased on Night 1. In contrast, stage changes between the alpha-wave intermittent stage (< 50%) and the theta-wave stage increased on Night 3. Alpha-wave activity increased on Night 1, demonstrating that the activity of the wake-promoting system during the sleep-onset period was enhanced on the first night. From the second to the third night, the alpha-wave intermittent stage jumped to the theta-wave stage, omitting electroencephalogram flattening, suggesting that the electroencephalogram flattening stage is unlikely to appear during stable sleep-onset period. This is the first study to demonstrate the detail of the first-night effect during the sleep-onset period.