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• Z-scheme heterostructure of α-Fe 2 O 3 coupled with Zn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S is reported in the field of PEC water oxidation for the first time. • Incorporation of elemental S in heterostructure improves the photogenerated carrier separation. • The formed Z-type heterojunction provides strong driving force for the photoelectrochemical water oxidation reaction. A Z-type heterojunction system is proven to be an efficient strategy to promote the separation of photo-generated carriers and maintain strong redox capacity for an enhanced photoanode. Herein, we synthesized a S-modified Fe 2 O 3 /Zn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S (Fe/ZCS) photoanode by one-pot hydrothermal treatment of FeOOH/Zn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S precursor film, followed by vapor deposition treatment. The as-synthesized S-modified Fe/ZCS displayed enhanced PEC water oxidation performance with a photocurrent density (2.76 mA cm−2) of about 2.63 times that of a pure phase Fe 2 O 3 and 2.05 times that of Fe/ZCS at 1.23 V RHE. After 8 h of continuous operation, the photocurrent density retention rate was still 96.4 % demonstrating its satisfactory stability. Benefiting from the morphology of fine nanorods, the fabricated Z-scheme heterostructure exhibited strong oxidation–reduction ability and the well-distributed Fe(III)-SO 4 2- bonds played key roles as the electron capture centers. The fabricated Z-scheme photoanode exhibited prospective applications in sustainable photoelectrochemical water oxidation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of secondary vibration and the time interval of secondary vibration on the shrinkage properties of freshly placed concrete. In this study, four sets of cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 30 cm and a height of 100 cm were designed with different time intervals for secondary vibration. By continuously monitoring the shrinkage strain of concrete for 17 weeks, a calculation model for the early-age shrinkage strain of concrete considering the effects of secondary vibration was proposed. Concrete compressive strength tests and water expansion tests were also designed to investigate the effects of secondary vibration on compressive strength, compactness and other properties under different environments. The study results showed that secondary vibration mainly reduced concrete shrinkage during the first three days, with a reduction ratio of 10%-20%, and then stabilized. The longer the time interval for vibration, the smaller the shrinkage strain of concrete, and the more significant the improvement in compressive strength and compactness, with an increased ratio of 15%-30%. The proposed prediction model can consider the effects of secondary vibration and reflect the early-age shrinkage variation of concrete during the first seven days. After the cast concrete undergoes water absorption and expansion, it can shrink again under natural air-drying conditions, and the shrinkage rate is not affected by the time interval of secondary vibration. • The effect of secondary vibration and time intervals on the shrinkage properties of freshly placed concrete was investigated. • A calculation model for early-age shrinkage strain was proposed considering the effects of secondary vibration. • A new test device was designed to study the improvement of concrete shrinkage properties through secondary vibration. • A new test method was devised to test concrete compactness and water expansion properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High myopia (HM) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Here, we report a whole-exome sequencing (WES) study in 9,613 HM cases and 9,606 controls of Han Chinese ancestry to pinpoint HM-associated risk variants. Single-variant association analysis identified three newly identified -genetic loci associated with HM, including an East Asian ancestry-specific low-frequency variant (rs533280354) in FKBP5. Multi-ancestry meta-analysis with WES data of 2,696 HM cases and 7,186 controls of European ancestry from the UK Biobank discerned a newly identified European ancestry-specific rare variant in FOLH1. Functional experiments revealed a mechanism whereby a single G-to-A transition at rs533280354 disrupted the binding of transcription activator KLF15 to the promoter of FKBP5 , resulting in decreased transcription of FKBP5. Furthermore, burden tests showed a significant excess of rare protein-truncating variants among HM cases involved in retinal blood vessel morphogenesis and neurotransmitter transport. [Display omitted] • Large-scale WES of HM identifies an East-Asian-specific risk variant rs533280354 in FKBP5 • rs533280354 disrupts the binding of KLF15 to FKBP5 and decreases its expression • Burden analysis shows SRPK1 and CHRNA3 associated with HM in Han Chinese population • Rare variants in retinal vascular and neurotransmitter-related pathways are enriched in HM Su et al. report a large-scale whole-exome sequencing study of high myopia (HM). They find several ancestry-specific risk variants and candidate genes associated with HM and demonstrate that a low-frequency variant disrupts the binding site of KLF15, resulting in suppressed FKBP5 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can increase thrombogenesis risk, especially in the left atrium (LA). The exact mechanism is still unclear. Objective We assessed the effects of PAF on endothelial function, and investigated if febuxostat (FX) can attenuate endothelial dysfunction by inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO). Materials and methods Eighteen male New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into sham-operated (S), PAF (P) or FX + pacing (FP) groups. Group P and group FP received rapid atrial pacing (RAP). Group FP was administered febuxostat (FX) for 7 days before RAP. Post-procedure, blood samples were collected from the LA, right atrium (RA) and peripheral circulation. Tissues from the LA and RA were obtained. Endothelial dysfunction (thrombomodulin [TM], von Willebrand factor [VWF], asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA]), and indirect thrombin generation (thrombin-antithrombin complex [TAT], prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 [F1.2]) and oxidative stress in atrial tissue (xanthine oxidase [XO], superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA]) were measured using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Atrial endothelial expression of TM and VWF was measured by histology/western blotting. Results and conclusions Endothelial dysfunction (TM, VWF, ADMA), TAT generation and oxidative stress (XO, SOD, MDA) in group P were more significant compared with that in group S ( p < 0.05, respectively). In group P, all of these changes occurred to a greater extent in the LA compared with those in the RA or peripheral circulation. In group FP, FX attenuated endothelial dysfunction and reduced TAT levels by inhibition of XO-mediated oxidative stress. PAF can lead to endothelial dysfunction and TAT generation by XO-mediated oxidative stress. The LA is more susceptible to these effects. FX can attenuate these changes by inhibition XO and XO-mediated oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Songliao basin, situated between the Siberian and Sino-Korean (North China) cratons, was tectonically shaped by convergence of the Mongol-Okhotsk and Paleo-Pacific oceans. The lack of isotopic and geochemical data from its sedimentary rocks has hindered a better understanding of the depositional–tectonic history of the basin so far. A continuous sedimentary sequence is preserved in the upper part of the Songliao basin (Denglouku and Quantou formations). These rocks provide clues to depositional processes operating in this region during the late Cretaceous. Dominant zircon populations of the underlying Denglouku Formation are largely Paleozoic (270–250Ma) and Mesozoic (190–170Ma) in age, whereas the overlying Quantou Formation contains mostly older zircon populations of ~1800Ma and ~2500–2900Ma. The youngest detrital zircons place the deposition ages of both rock formations at about ~117Ma and ~103Ma, respectively. The Denglouku Formation is characterized by less negative initial εNd values (−6.3 to −2.8), younger Nd model ages (1.05–1.39Ga) and lower initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7079 to 0.7088), compared to the Quantou Formation (−12.8, 1.75Ga and 0.7129), confirming that both formations were derived from different source areas. Our data suggest that Paleozoic and Mesozoic magmatic rocks were widespread in the northern periphery of the basin, and served as potential sources of the Denglouku Formation. In the south-east, old basement rocks of the North China craton provided sedimentary material for the Quantou Formation. The south-eastward migration of erosion center(s) in the Songliao basin in the late Mesozoic probably resulted from an abrupt change in basin uplift and subsidence. These processes were driven in response to regional tectonic changes toward an increasing dominance of the Pacific Ocean over the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean subduction regime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The North Qinling terrain reveals a different geological history from the North China block to the north and the South Qinling micro-continental block to the south. The timing of events and geochemical features of the North Qinling terrain are essential for understanding the evolution of the Qinling orogenic belt that joins the North and South China blocks. This study presents detrital zircon ages and Hf isotopic compositions from the Guandaokou Group, a cover sequence of the North China block, and from the Kuanping Group, an upper basement sequence of the North Qinling terrain. The youngest detrital zircon U–Pb ages constrain the initiation of sedimentation in the Guandaokou Group to 1.85Ga and the maximum depositional age of the Kuanping Group to ~640Ma. Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf data testify to a major phase of magmatism in the North Qinling terrain at ~1000–900Ma. The magmatic rocks were largely produced from reworking of early Paleoproterozoic (~2.5–2.0Ga) crust with minor contribution of late Paleoproterozoic (~1.7Ga) juvenile material. This age record differs in time from the two important thermal events of ~1.85Ga and ~2.5Ga, widely manifested in the North China block. The North Qinling terrain can thus be regarded as a separate micro-continent with a pre-Neoproterozoic evolution different from that of the North China block. The final assembly of the North Qinling terrain to the North China block took place after about 640Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Hongqiyingzi Complex, located at the northern margin of the North China Craton, was previously defined as a Paleoproterozoic unit. It consists of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, which underwent greenschist- to amphibolite-facies metamorphism. This study presents zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition and whole-rock Nd isotopic composition of metamorphosed igneous and sedimentary rocks from the Hongqiyingzi Complex. The age dating results show that different gneisses of this complex contain mainly late Paleoproterozoic (~1800Ma) and late Paleozoic (~275 to ~300Ma) zircons and minor late Archean zircons. Late Paleozoic zircons either occur as magmatic grains or as metamorphic overgrowth and both types of zircon can be distinguished by their Th/U ratios and internal structures. Most zircon grains of a Paleozoic magmatic rock (sample Hq14) have high εHf(t) values of 1.5 to 10.8, suggesting significant contribution of mantle or juvenile crustal material to the magma source(s). The results imply that the Hongqiyingzi Complex contains Precambrian supracrustal sequences and Paleozoic rocks of magmatic origin that underwent strong metamorphism and deformation during the late Paleozoic related to the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean between Siberia and the North China Craton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The basement of the Romanian Carpathians is comprised of pre-Variscan metasedimentary and metaigneous units. Age patterns from corresponding detrital zircons show similarities to those from the eastern Mediterranean region. Consistently, these patterns suggest a northern Gondwanan origin for the Carpathian terranes with the most common detrital sources representing fragments of the Pan-African Orogen, Arabian-Nubian Shield, Kibaran Orogen, and West African Craton (Eburnean Orogen and Liberian-Leonian Orogens), as well as the Saharan metacraton. Some contributions from the Indian Craton are also possible. The youngest detrital zircon ages constrain the maximum age of the sedimentary rock protoliths to Middle Cambrian. On the other hand, the U/Pb zircon ages of the metaigneous protoliths indicate predominantly Early Ordovician ages and bracket most magmatism in the Carpathian pre-Variscan basement units between Middle Cambrian and Late Ordovician. An exception is the Neoproterozoic lower part of the Sebes–Lotru terrane, whose igneous ages are equivalent to the Danubian Domain in the South Carpathians. The Carpathian pre-Variscan terranes were originally located along the eastern extension of the Galatian superterrane, and thus within a Late Cambrian to Ordovician extensional tectonic setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study employs the single grain pyrite Rb–Sr technique to date mineralization, using the example of the Linglong lode gold deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, eastern China. The gold deposits in this area are interpreted to have a consistent spatial–temporal relationship with widespread Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous magmatism in eastern China, likely related to lithospheric thinning around 120 Ma. Pyrite of the Linglong gold mine contains different types of mineral inclusions such as sericite and feldspar that cause distinguishable variations in Rb- and Sr contents and Rb/Sr ratios. Four pyrite samples from veins of different mineralization stages give an average isochron age of 120.6±0.9 Ma. Analyses of one quartz and two sericite samples yield isochron ages between 122 Ma and 120 Ma. Dating of mineralization is often hampered by disequilibrium of isotopic systems and/or the lack of suitable minerals for dating purposes. Hence, the successful attempt of the single grain Rb–Sr technique of pyrite, which occurs as a common mineral phase in orebodies and is genetically related to the mineralization, has great potential for precise geochronology of hydrothermal mineral deposits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sm–Nd isotopic system, one of the important techniques for dating and geochemical tracing, has been widely used in geosciences. Precise and accurate measurements of Nd isotopic ratios are more difficult to achieve for microsamples that contain less than 50ngNd, when routine Nd+ technique is applied on thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS). Compared to Nd+ technique, the NdO+ technique, owing to more efficient ionization, is a better choice for high precision measurements of Nd isotopic ratios of micro- or low-content samples. This study presents measurement results of sub-nanogram size samples of standard reference solution and rock-powder using NdO+ technique on the latest TIMS (GV product IsoProbe-T). Sixteen rock-powder references and four reference solutions were measured both by NdO+ and Nd+ techniques for an evaluation of accuracy and precision of measurements obtained by the NdO+ technique. Results show that analytical precision and reproducibility of NdO+ measurements of sub-nanogram Nd is comparable with those obtained by the Nd+ measurements of samples containing 200ngNd. Internal precision of the 143Nd/144Nd ratios achieved with both techniques is better than 0.003%. Our results show that the microsample NdO+ technique is a very promising method for high resolution Sm–Nd geochronology and isotopic tracing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Mesoproterozoic rifting and accompanying magmatism and sedimentation in the North China Craton are interpreted to be related to the breakup of the Paleoproterozoic supercontinent Columbia. This study presents zircon ages and Nd–Hf isotopic data of the low-grade Mesoproterozoic Zhaertai Group exposed along the northern margin of the North China Craton. Sandstones of the Zhaertai Group contain detrital zircon populations of about 2500Ma, which originated from the late Archean basement rocks underlying this group. A close match between the U–Pb ages and the TDM (Hf) ages with high initial ε Hf values (at 2500Ma) for the detrital zircon grains imply a juvenile origin for protoliths of the basement rocks. Sedimentation of the Zhaertai Group likely began around 1750Ma tentatively constrained by the formation time of an intercalated volcanic layer. The volcanic rocks have low initial ε Nd values of −8.0 to −8.5 (at 1750Ma), similar to those of contemporaneous mafic dyke swarms within the North China Craton, which have been interpreted to be related either to the breakup of the supercontinent Columbia or to the post-collisional collapse of the Trans-North China Orogen. A progressive increase of ε Nd values of whole-rock samples upwards in the stratigraphic sequence likely indicates an increase of juvenile material with time probably related to the contribution of Mesoproterozoic mantle-derived rocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Beihuaiyang zone of the Dabie ultrahigh-pressure collisional belt, which was formed by the Early Mesozoic collision of the North and South China (Yangtze) Blocks, is diversely interpreted as an active or a passive sedimentary sequence. It comprises the Luzhenguan and Foziling complexes. Six granitoid rocks of the Luzhenguan complex are dated at 770 Ma to 720 Ma and one schist sample also contains detrital zircons of 760 Ma to 720 Ma. These data indicate that this complex was of the South China affinity and probably originated from the northern Yangtze Block. Two quartzite samples of the Foziling complex contain abundant detrital zircons of Archean to Paleozoic ages, clustering around 2.5 Ga, 1.9–1.8 Ga, 1.0–0.7 Ga, and 0.5–0.4 Ga. This age spectrum demonstrates a mixed source of these two blocks. The youngest zircons suggest a Paleozoic deposition along an active continental margin south of the North China Block, while these Late Proterozoic zircons are characterized for the Yangtze Block. Subsequently, it is suggested that a terrain drifted from the northern Yangtze Block in Early Paleozoic must have been situated to the southern margin of the North China Block to provide material source prior to the final collision in Early Mesozoic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) acts as a vital role in regulation of iodide uptake in thyroid cancer. However, the efficient approach to increase NIS expression and the mechanism of NIS-mediated iodide uptake in thyroid cancer remain unclear. Small activating RNA (saRNA) was used to promote NIS expression. And the cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy were detected using Cell count-kit 8 (CCK-8), Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and GFP-LC3 immunofluorescence assays, respectively. The protein levels of caspase 3, Bax, Bcl-2, ATG5, ATG12, LC3B Ⅱ to LC3B Ⅰ, Beclin 1, P62, AMPK, mTOR, P70S6K, actin, and phosphorylation of AMPK, mTOR, P70S6K were determined by western blotting. Moreover, a nude murine node with transplanted NC-dsRNA or NIS-482-transfected SW579 cells was used to examine the effect of NIS-mediated autophagy in vivo. And the levels of caspase 3 and ki67 were examined by immunohistochemical staining assay. saRNA mediated NIS mRNA and protein upregulated in SW579 cells. saRNA-mediated NIS expression inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and autophagy, and promoted iodide uptake in SW579 cells. Moreover, the effects of NIS on cells were enhanced by autophagy activator Rapamycin whereas reversed by autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). For mechanism analysis, we found that NIS upregulation exerted the effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and iodide uptake via regulating AMPK/mTOR pathway. We also demonstrated that saRNA-mediated NIS expression promoted iodide uptake in vivo. saRNA-mediated NIS expression acted as a critical role in increasing iodide uptake via AMPK/mTOR pathway in thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zircon grains from quartz monzonites and MMEs in the Mishuling pluton are all dated at ~215 Ma. • Three types of zircon are identified from the MMEs with distinct texture and ε Hf (t). • Type-1 and Type-2 zircon crystallized from compositionally different hybrid magmas. • Type-3 zircon is the xenocryst captured from less-evolved granitic magma. • Zircon grains from the MMEs record successive magma mixing processes in deep magma chambers. Extensive Mesozoic magmatism in the Qinling orogenic belt, Central China, has produced voluminous granitic plutons. In Western Qinling, the Triassic Mishuling pluton contains abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), recording magma mixing processes in the generation of the pluton. The Mishuling pluton is composed of quartz monzonite, whereas the MMEs are mainly diorite and monzonite. In this study, zircons from the MMEs are all dated by LA-ICP-MS at ca. 215 Ma, clearly consistent with the crystallization age of the host pluton. Quartz monzonites have low Mg# (43–48), Cr (30–64 ppm), and Ni (11–39 ppm) and high Th/U relative to the MMEs. Quartz monzonites are considered to have been produced by melting of Neoproterozoic mafic rocks in the northwestern part of the Yangtze Block, whereas the MMEs were likely the products of mixed mafic and felsic magmas. The mafic magmas may have been derived from partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle. Both the MMEs and host quartz monzonites have nearly identical Sr-Nd isotopic compositions, indicating that the hybrid melts and felsic magmas may have reached Sr-Nd isotopic equilibrium due to magma mixing. Zircon grains from the MMEs can be further divided into three types on the basis of internal texture and ε Hf (t). Overall, all these types of zircon grains have Th/U ranging from 0.18 to 1.63, typical of magmatic origin. Type-1 zircon grains show well-developed {1 0 0} and {1 1 0} prisms as well as {1 0 1} and {2 1 1} pyramids, whereas Type-2 zircon grains show well-developed {1 0 1} pyramids and {1 1 0} prisms. Types-1 and 2 zircon grains have slightly higher ε Hf (t) (–0.2 to –4.4) than those of the zircon grains from quartz monzonites (ε Hf (t) = –2.7 to –5.4), indicating crystallization from different hybrid magmas. Type-3 zircon grains have morphology and ε Hf (t) similar to and Hf concentrations lower than those of the zircon grains from quartz monzonites. We interpret that the Type-3 zircon grains were likely captured from less evolved granitic magmas and are thus xenocrysts in the MMEs. Therefore, the three types of zircon grains from the MMEs record successive magma mixing processes in deep-seated magma chambers. Such a scenario may have broad implications for magma mixing in the generation of granitic plutons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]