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Understanding the genetic mechanisms of phenotypic variation in hybrids between domestic animals and their wild relatives may aid germplasm innovation. Here, we report the high-quality genome assemblies of a male Pamir argali (O. ammon polii, 2n = 56), a female Tibetan sheep (O. aries, 2n = 54), and a male hybrid of Pamir argali and domestic sheep, and the high-throughput sequencing of 425 ovine animals, including the hybrids of argali and domestic sheep. We detected genomic synteny between Chromosome 2 of sheep and two acrocentric chromosomes of argali. We revealed consistent satellite repeats around the chromosome breakpoints, which could have resulted in chromosome fusion. We observed many more hybrids with karyotype 2n = 54 than with 2n = 55, which could be explained by the selfish centromeres, the possible decreased rate of normal/balanced sperm, and the increased incidence of early pregnancy loss in the aneuploid ewes or rams. We identified genes and variants associated with important morphological and production traits (e.g., body weight, cannon circumference, hip height, and tail length) that show significant variations. We revealed a strong selective signature at the mutation (c.334C > A, p.G112W) in TBXT and confirmed its association with tail length among sheep populations of wide geographic and genetic origins. We produced an intercross population of 110 F2 offspring with varied number of vertebrae and validated the causal mutation by whole-genome association analysis. We verified its function using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Our results provide insights into chromosomal speciation and phenotypic evolution and a foundation of genetic variants for the breeding of sheep and other animals.

Background In December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported, but the relationships between laboratory features and viral load has not been comprehensively described. Methods Adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with COVID-19 who underwent multiple (≥5 times) nucleic acid tests with nasal and pharyngeal swabs were recruited from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, including general patients (n = 70), severe patients (n = 195), and critical patients (n = 43). Laboratory data, demographic data, and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The fitted polynomial curve was used to explore the association between serial viral loads and illness severity. Results Viral load of SARS-CoV-2 peaked within the first few days (2–4 days) after admission, then decreased rapidly along with virus rebound under treatment. Critical patients had the highest viral loads, in contrast to the general patients showing the lowest viral loads. The viral loads were higher in sputum compared with nasal and pharyngeal swab (P = .026). The positive rate of respiratory tract samples was significantly higher than that of gastrointestinal tract samples (P < .001). The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was negatively correlated with portion parameters of blood routine and lymphocyte subsets and was positively associated with laboratory features of cardiovascular system. Conclusions The serial viral loads of patients revealed whole viral shedding during hospitalization and the resurgence of virus during the treatment, which could be used for early warning of illness severity, thus improve antiviral interventions.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a novel tick-borne infectious disease caused by a new type of SFTS virus (SFTSV). Here, a longitudinal sampling study is conducted to explore the differences in transcript levels after SFTSV infection, and to characterize the transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles of hospitalized patients. The results reveal significant changes in the mRNA expression of certain genes from onset to recovery. Moreover, m6A-seq reveals that certain genes related with immune regulation may be regulated by m6A. Besides the routine tests such as platelet counts, serum ALT and AST levels testing, distinct changes in myocardial enzymes, coagulation function, and inflammation are well correlated with the clinical data and sequencing data, suggesting that clinical practitioners should monitor the above indicators to track disease progression and guide personalized treatment. In this study, the transcript changes and RNA modification may lend a fresh perspective to our understanding of the SFTSV and play a significant role in the discovery of drugs for effective treatment of this disease., Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging hemorrhagic fever caused by tick-borne SFTS virus. Here, Wang et al. characterize transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in infected patients and correlate them with clinical parameters to improve the understanding of disease progression.

Objective To explore the clinical significance of some risk factor, such as blood calcium serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hemoglobin (Hb) for predicting or diagnosing bone metastases from urinary bladder neoplasms. Methods A total of 35 patients diagnosed as urinary bladder neoplasms and bone metastasis based on the histopathologic analysis (bone metastasis group, BM), and 105 cases of age-, sex- and follow-up time matched urinary bladder neoplasms patients without bone metastasis (non bone metastasis group, NBM) were included in present study. The correlations between clinical-pathological parameters (blood calcium, ALP, Hb) and bone metastases from urinary bladder neoplasms were analyzed and the risk factors for predicting or diagnosing bone metastases were identified. Results The levels of blood calcium, ALP and Hb were significantly higher at first diagnosis and follow-up period in BM group than in NBM group (P

Purpose The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have markedly increased over the past decade. However, there is very limited epidemiological data on CDI in China so far, specifically no data in Shandong Province. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic algorithm for CDI and to gain data on molecular epidemiology of CDI in the Shandong Province of China. Materials and methods Nonrepetitive unformed fecal specimens (n=504) were investigated by the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), C. difficile toxin A&B (CDAB) tests and toxigenic culture. Furthermore, 85 isolates were characterized by toxin gene detection, multilocus sequence typing, ribotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results The algorithm of combining GDH and CDAB tests could define diagnosis of 54.2% CDI cases and excluded 90% of non-CDI. Further adding the toxigenic culture to the algorithm enhanced the detection sensitivity to 100%. Toxigenic strains comprised 84.7% of isolates, including A+B+CDT- (71.8%, 61/85), A-B+CDT- (11.8%, 10/85) and A+B+CDT+ (1.2%, 1/85) isolates. RT046/ST35 (13.9%, 10/72), RT014/ST2 (12.5%, 9/72) and RT017/ST37 (12.5%, 9/72) were the more common genotypes among toxigenic C. difficile strains. The clinical severity score of A-B+CDT- toxin genes genotype (3.50±0.85) was significantly higher than the A+B+CDT- type (2.59±0.93) (P

Objective The vertebral number is associated with body length and carcass traits, which represents an economically important trait in farm animals. The variation of vertebral number has been observed in a few mammalian species. However, the variation of vertebral number and quantitative trait loci in sheep breeds have not been well addressed. Methods In our investigation, the information including gender, age, carcass weight, carcass length and the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae from 624 China Kazakh sheep was collected. The effect of vertebral number variation on carcass weight and carcass length was estimated by general linear model. Further, the polymorphic sites of Vertnin (VRTN) gene were identified by sequencing, and the association of the genotype and vertebral number variation was analyzed by the one-way analysis of variance model. Results The variation of thoracolumbar vertebrae number in Kazakh sheep (18 to 20) was smaller than that in Texel sheep (17 to 21). The individuals with 19 thoracolumbar vertebrae (T13L6) were dominant in Kazakh sheep (79.2%). The association study showed that the numbers of thoracolumbar vertebrae were positively correlated with the carcass length and carcass weight, statistically significant with carcass length. To investigate the association of thoracolumbar vertebrae number with VRTN gene, we genotyped the VRTN gene. A total of 9 polymorphic sites were detected and only a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs426367238) was suggested to associate with thoracic vertebral number statistically. Conclusion The variation of thoracolumbar vertebrae number positively associated with the carcass length and carcass weight, especially with the carcass length. VRTN gene polymorphism of the SNP (rs426367238) with significant effect on thoracic vertebral number could be as a candidate marker to further evaluate its role in influence of thoracolumbar vertebral number.

Most of the Algoma-type BIFs and associated volcanic suites in the North China Craton (NCC) have undergone high-grade metamorphism during the ∼2.5 Ga tectonothermal event. Isotopic systems in high-grade metamorphic rocks are often reset, thereby losing the earlier records, whereas zircons in low-grade metamorphic rocks are potential candidates to evaluate earlier thermal events. Detailed textural relationship and internal structures of zircons and their age data for eight wall-rock samples with metamorphic grades from greenschist to upper amphibolite facies of the Algoma-type BIFs in the Anshan–Benxi area are used to constrain the age of protolith. Zircons in the greenschist to lower amphibolite facies are generally metamorphism-resistant, whereas those in the upper amphibolite facies rocks show variable recrystallization. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons in six samples constrains the peak of BIF-deposition at 2.56–2.53 Ga, which is consistent with ∼2.5 Ga crustal growth in the NCC. In addition, the greenschist-facies metamorphic rocks in the Anshan area also record an event of volcanic activity at 2.72–2.65 Ga. We consider that low-grade metamorphic wall rocks were not significantly affected by the ∼2.5 Ga tectonothermal event, and the 2.72–2.65 Ga age group records another important magmatic event corresponding to ∼2.7 Ga crustal growth. The metamorphic zircons from these rocks record a thermal event during 1.88–1.84 Ga.

Global climate change has a significant effect on extreme environments and a profound influence on species survival. However, little is known of the genome-wide pattern of livestock adaptations to extreme environments over a short time frame following domestication. Sheep (Ovis aries) have become well adapted to a diverse range of agroecological zones, including certain extreme environments (e.g., plateaus and deserts), during their post-domestication (approximately 8–9 kya) migration and differentiation. Here, we generated whole-genome sequences from 77 native sheep, with an average effective sequencing depth of ∼5× for 75 samples and ∼42× for 2 samples. Comparative genomic analyses among sheep in contrasting environments, that is, plateau (>4,000 m above sea level) versus lowland (1500 m) versus low-altitude region (600 mm), and arid zone (400 mm), detected a novel set of candidate genes as well as pathways and GO categories that are putatively associated with hypoxia responses at high altitudes and water reabsorption in arid environments. In addition, candidate genes and GO terms functionally related to energy metabolism and body size variations were identified. This study offers novel insights into rapid genomic adaptations to extreme environments in sheep and other animals, and provides a valuable resource for future research on livestock breeding in response to climate change.

Tibetan sheep are the most common and widespread domesticated animals on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and have played an essential role in the permanent human occupation of this high-altitude region. However, the precise timing, route, and process of sheep pastoralism in the QTP region remain poorly established, and little is known about the underlying genomic changes that occurred during the process. Here, we investigate the genomic variation in Tibetan sheep using whole-genome sequences, single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-chromosomal variants in 986 samples throughout their distribution range. We detect strong signatures of selection in genes involved in the hypoxia and ultraviolet signaling pathways (e.g., HIF-1 pathway and HBB and MITF genes) and in genes associated with morphological traits such as horn size and shape (e.g., RXFP2). We identify clear signals of argali (Ovis ammon) introgression into sympatric Tibetan sheep, covering 5.23–5.79% of their genomes. The introgressed genomic regions are enriched in genes related to oxygen transportation system, sensory perception, and morphological phenotypes, in particular the genes HBB and RXFP2 with strong signs of adaptive introgression. The spatial distribution of genomic diversity and demographic reconstruction of the history of Tibetan sheep show a stepwise pattern of colonization with their initial spread onto the QTP from its northeastern part ∼3,100 years ago, followed by further southwest expansion to the central QTP ∼1,300 years ago. Together with archeological evidence, the date and route reveal the history of human expansions on the QTP by the Tang–Bo Ancient Road during the late Holocene. Our findings contribute to a depth understanding of early pastoralism and the local adaptation of Tibetan sheep as well as the late-Holocene human occupation of the QTP.

Purpose The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have markedly increased over the past decade. However, there is very limited epidemiological data on CDI in China so far, specifically no data in Shandong Province. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic algorithm for CDI and to gain data on molecular epidemiology of CDI in the Shandong Province of China. Materials and methods Nonrepetitive unformed fecal specimens (n=504) were investigated by the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), C. difficile toxin A&B (CDAB) tests and toxigenic culture. Furthermore, 85 isolates were characterized by toxin gene detection, multilocus sequence typing, ribotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results The algorithm of combining GDH and CDAB tests could define diagnosis of 54.2% CDI cases and excluded 90% of non-CDI. Further adding the toxigenic culture to the algorithm enhanced the detection sensitivity to 100%. Toxigenic strains comprised 84.7% of isolates, including A+B+CDT− (71.8%, 61/85), A−B+CDT− (11.8%, 10/85) and A+B+CDT+ (1.2%, 1/85) isolates. RT046/ST35 (13.9%, 10/72), RT014/ST2 (12.5%, 9/72) and RT017/ST37 (12.5%, 9/72) were the more common genotypes among toxigenic C. difficile strains. The clinical severity score of A−B+CDT− toxin genes genotype (3.50±0.85) was significantly higher than the A+B+CDT− type (2.59±0.93) (P

In this paper, in view of the complexity of the 3D laser marking, 3D ultraviolet laser precision machining process test is described. Firstly, the principle of ultraviolet laser processing technology and 3D surface texture mapping method were studied for laser marking of 3D surface. Second, through 3D ultraviolet laser test bench, with nonmetallic material as test object, test method and 3D ultraviolet laser marking processing was designed comparing with the 1064nm infrared laser marking. Experimental researches show that the precision of 3D ultraviolet laser marking is higher than infrared laser marking for three-dimensional parts.

Algoma-type BIFs and associated volcanic suites of the Qianxi Group in eastern Hebei Province have undergone high-grade metamorphism and anatexis. The anatectic event is genetically related to high-grade magnetite ores, but the age of the anatectic melting has not been well constrained. We present detailed textural relationship and internal structures of zircon grains and their age data from eight samples of migmatitic rocks representing the different Algoma-type BIF-hosted iron deposits to constrain the formation age of BIF deposition and subsequent anatexis. Six continuous zircon growth stages are distinguished by a series of low-CL and high-CL zones outside from center to edge: inherited magmatic zircon, bright-CL resorption domain, dark-CL recrystallization front, dark-gray-CL diffusion domain, light-gray-CL overgrowth and bright-CL resorption edge. The overgrowths are interpreted as a solid-state diffusion of Zr of primary zircon during interaction with anatectic melt, which resulted in different stages of chemical re-equilibration of primary domains and local re-deposition of newly grown domains on the suitable isostructural substrate of residual magmatic zircon. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating of inherited magmatic cores and discrete magmatic grains constrains the peak BIF-deposition age at 2520 Ma, which is different from the peak at 2.75–2.70 Ga for Algoma-type BIFs elsewhere in the world. Zircon U–Pb dating of light-gray-CL rims and newly grown homogeneous grains indicates that the anatectic event lasted from 2511 to 2485 Ma at least, immediately following the BIF deposition. The BIF depositional event is consistent with widespread late Neoarchean magmatism, and the anatectic event is consistent with regional metamorphic events in the eastern part of the North China Craton.

The high-grade magnetite ores related to banded iron formations (BIFs) in the Anshan-Benxi area, Liaoning Province in China, have been widely interpreted as the product of replacement of protore by epigenetic hydrothermal fluids. The high-grade iron ore reserves in the mining area II (164 million tons) in the Gongchangling (G2) and Qidashan-Wangjiabuzi (QW) iron deposits (11.45 million tons) are the largest deposits in the Anshan-Benxi area. We present a detailed comparison of the geology, geochemical and stable isotopic compositions of the iron ores in the G2 with those in the QW to constrain the role of desilicification and iron activation–reprecipitation in converting the BIFs to high-grade magnetite ores. These two deposits show marked difference in wall-rock alteration, geochemical features, and oxygen and sulfur isotopic compositions. Wall-rock alteration in the G2 is characterized by garnetization, actinolitization, and chloritization, whereas the QW shows chloritization, biotitization and sericitization. The geochemistry of altered rocks in the G2 is characterized by slight REE fractionation, positive Eu and no significant Ce anomalies, whereas the QW is characterized by high ΣREE contents, strong REE fractionation, and the absence of significant Eu and Ce anomalies. High-grade iron ores in the G2 show similar δ 18 O V-SMOW values for magnetite, lower δ 18 O V-SMOW values for quartz and higher δ 34 S V-CDT values for pyrite when compared to the BIFs, whereas the QW shows lower δ 18 O V-SMOW values for magnetite, similar δ 18 O V-SMOW values for quartz and similar δ 34 S V-CDT values for pyrite. These features indicate that desilicification process by hypogene alkaline-rich hydrothermal fluids were possibly responsible for the formation of high-grade iron ores in the G2 whereas iron activation–reprecipitation process by migmatitic-hydrothermal fluids generated the high-grade iron orebodies in QW.

Despite much attention, history of sheep (Ovis aries) evolution, including its dating, demographic trajectory and geographic spread, remains controversial. To address these questions, we generated 45 complete and 875 partial mitogenomic sequences, and performed a meta-analysis of these and published ovine mitochondrial DNA sequences (n = 3,229) across Eurasia. We inferred that O. orientalis and O. musimon share the most recent female ancestor with O. aries at approximately 0.790 Ma (95% CI: 0.637-0.934 Ma) during the Middle Pleistocene, substantially predating the domestication event (∼8-11 ka). By reconstructing historical variations in effective population size, we found evidence of a rapid population increase approximately 20-60 ka, immediately before the Last Glacial Maximum. Analyses of lineage expansions showed two sheep migratory waves at approximately 4.5-6.8 ka (lineages A and B: ∼6.4-6.8 ka; C: ∼4.5 ka) across eastern Eurasia, which could have been influenced by prehistoric West-East commercial trade and deliberate mating of domestic and wild sheep, respectively. A continent-scale examination of lineage diversity and approximate Bayesian computation analyses indicated that the Mongolian Plateau region was a secondary center of dispersal, acting as a "transportation hub" in eastern Eurasia: Sheep from the Middle Eastern domestication center were inferred to have migrated through the Caucasus and Central Asia, and arrived in North and Southwest China (lineages A, B, and C) and the Indian subcontinent (lineages B and C) through this region. Our results provide new insights into sheep domestication, particularly with respect to origins and migrations to and from eastern Eurasia.

International audience; Analyses of genomic diversity along the X chromosome and of its correlation with autosomal diversity can facilitate understanding of evolutionary forces in shaping sex-linked genomic architecture. Strong selective sweeps and accelerated genetic drift on the X-chromosome have been inferred in primates and other model species, but no such insight has yet been gained in domestic animals compared with their wild relatives. Here, we analyzed X-chromosome variability in a large ovine data set, including a BeadChip array for 943 ewes from the world's sheep populations and 110 whole genomes of wild and domestic sheep. Analyzing whole-genome sequences, we observed a substantially reduced X-to-autosome diversity ratio (∼0.6) compared with the value expected under a neutral model (0.75). In particular, one large X-linked segment (43.05-79.25 Mb) was found to show extremely low diversity, most likely due to a high density of coding genes, featuring highly conserved regions. In general, we observed higher nucleotide diversity on the autosomes, but a flat diversity gradient in X-linked segments, as a function of increasing distance from the nearest genes, leading to a decreased X: autosome (X/A) diversity ratio and contrasting to the positive correlation detected in primates and other model animals. Our evidence suggests that accelerated genetic drift but reduced directional selection on X chromosome, as well as sex-biased demographic events, explain low X-chromosome diversity in sheep species. The distinct patterns of X-linked and X/A diversity we observed between Middle Eastern and non-Middle Eastern sheep populations can be explained by multiple migrations, selection, and admixture during the domestic sheep's recent postdomestication demographic expansion, coupled with natural selection for adaptation to new environments. In addition, we identify important novel genes involved in abnormal behavioral phenotypes, metabolism, and immunity, under selection on the sheep X-chromosome.

We investigate the problem of static and spherically symmetric solutions in the Starobinsky gravity model. By extending the Lichnerowicz and Israel theorems, William Nelson have demonstrated that the Schwarzschild solution is the unique static, spherically symmetric, and asymptotically flat black hole solution in the Starobinsky model. However, Hong L{\"u} et al find that there are sign errors in the proof of Nelson. This raises the problem whether Nelson's proof is correct or not. In order to answer this question, we explore the corresponding solutions by using the Taylor series expansion method. We find that Nelson's conclusion is indeed correct despite the flaw in the proof., Comment: 7 pages, RAA accepted

China has a rich resource of native sheep (Ovis aries) breeds associated with historical movements of several nomadic societies. However, the history of sheep and the associated nomadic societies in ancient China remains poorly understood. Here, we studied the genomic diversity of Chinese sheep using genome-wide SNPs, mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal variations in > 1,000 modern samples. Population genomic analyses combined with archeological records and historical ethnic demographics data revealed genetic signatures of the origins, secondary expansions and admixtures, of Chinese sheep thereby revealing the peopling patterns of nomads and the expansion of early pastoralism in East Asia. Originating from the Mongolian Plateau ∼5,000‒5,700 years ago, Chinese sheep were inferred to spread in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River ∼3,000‒5,000 years ago following the expansions of the Di-Qiang people. Afterwards, sheep were then inferred to reach the Qinghai-Tibetan and Yunnan-Kweichow plateaus ∼2,000‒2,600 years ago by following the north-to-southwest routes of the Di-Qiang migration. We also unveiled two subsequent waves of migrations of fat-tailed sheep into northern China, which were largely commensurate with the migrations of ancestors of Hui Muslims eastward and Mongols southward during the 12th‒13th centuries. Furthermore, we revealed signs of argali introgression into domestic sheep, extensive historical mixtures among domestic populations and strong artificial selection for tail type and other traits, reflecting various breeding strategies by nomadic societies in ancient China., published version, peerReviewed

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) regulates hair length in humans and a variety of other animals. To investigate whether FGF5 has similar effects in sheep, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) to generate loss-of-function mutations with the FGF5 gene in Chinese Merino sheep. A total of 16 lambs were identified with genetic mutations within the targeting locus: 13 lambs had biallelic modifications and three lambs had monoallelic modifications. Characterization of the modifications revealed that 13 were frameshift mutations that led to premature termination, whereas the other three were in-frame deletions. Thus, CRISPR/Cas9 efficiently generated loss-of-function mutations in the sheep FGF5 gene. We then investigated the effect of loss of FGF5 function on wool traits in 12 lambs and found that wool staple length and stretched length of genetically modified (GM) yearling sheep were significantly longer compared with that of wild-type (WT) control animals. The greasy fleece weight of GM yearling sheep was also significantly greater compared with that of WT sheep. Moreover, the mean fiber diameter in GM sheep showed no significant difference compared with WT sheep, suggesting that the increase in greasy fleece weight was likely attributed to the increase in wool length. The results of this study suggest that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of FGF5 activity could promote wool growth and, consequently, increase wool length and yield.

Continuous-wave (CW) lasers are widely used in laser polishing, but with CW laser polishing, it is difficult to reduce the surface roughness to 0.2 µm from an original value exceeding 1.0 µm. The aim of this study is to develop an innovative method of laser polishing assisted by a steady magnetic field to overcome that bottleneck and produce smoother surfaces. Two experiments confirm the hypothesis that the molten pool overflows during melting peaks to flow into valleys in CW laser polishing, resulting in secondary roughness that causes the aforementioned quality bottleneck. To either reduce or eliminate this secondary roughness, a steady magnetic field is used during CW laser polishing to suppress the overflow of the molten pool. A three-dimensional surface profiler, a scanning electron microscope, and a nanometer indentation tester are used to characterize and analyze the microstructure and properties of the materials. The experimental results show that the Lorentz force due to the steady magnetic field plays an important suppression role in reducing the secondary roughness.Continuous-wave (CW) lasers are widely used in laser polishing, but with CW laser polishing, it is difficult to reduce the surface roughness to 0.2 µm from an original value exceeding 1.0 µm. The aim of this study is to develop an innovative method of laser polishing assisted by a steady magnetic field to overcome that bottleneck and produce smoother surfaces. Two experiments confirm the hypothesis that the molten pool overflows during melting peaks to flow into valleys in CW laser polishing, resulting in secondary roughness that causes the aforementioned quality bottleneck. To either reduce or eliminate this secondary roughness, a steady magnetic field is used during CW laser polishing to suppress the overflow of the molten pool. A three-dimensional surface profiler, a scanning electron microscope, and a nanometer indentation tester are used to characterize and analyze the microstructure and properties of the materials. The experimental results show that the Lorentz force due to the steady magnetic field...

Variation in two SNPs and one microsatellite on the Y chromosome was analyzed in a total of 663 rams representing 59 breeds from a large geographic range in northern Eurasia. SNPA-oY1 showed the highest allele frequency (91.55%) across the breeds, whereas SNPG-oY1 was present in only 56 samples. Combined genotypes established seven haplotypes (H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H12 and H19). H6 dominated in northern Eurasia, and H8 showed the second-highest frequency. H4, which had been earlier reported to be absent in European breeds, was detected in one European breed (Swiniarka), whereas H7, which had been previously identified to be unique to European breeds, was present in two Chinese breeds (Ninglang Black and Large-tailed Han), one Buryatian (Transbaikal Finewool) and two Russian breeds (North Caucasus Mutton-Wool and Kuibyshev). H12, which had been detected only in Turkish breeds, was also found in Chinese breeds in this work. An overall low level of haplotype diversity (median h = 0.1288) was observed across the breeds with relatively higher median values in breeds from the regions neighboring the Near Eastern domestication center of sheep. H6 is the dominant haplotype in northwestern and eastern China, in which the haplotype distribution could be explained by the historical translocations of the H4 and H8 Y chromosomes to China via the Mongol invasions followed by expansions to northwestern and eastern China. Our findings extend previous results of sheep Y chromosomal genetic variability and indicate probably recent paternal gene flows between sheep breeds from distinct major geographic regions.

The Damiao type iron deposit is hosted in a typical Proterozoic anorthosite complex in the northern North China Craton. The types of ores in Damiao mainly comprise massive Fe ores, massive Fe–P ores, and disseminated Fe and Fe–P ores. The disseminated Fe and Fe–P ores formed by fractional crystallization are generally hosted in oxide-apatite gabbronorite and account for 70% of the proven reserve of the Damiao type iron ore. The massive Fe and Fe–P ores account for 30% of the proven reserve of the Damiao type deposit iron ore and generally occur as irregular dykes or veins filling vertical fractures of the previously consolidated anorthosite, showing typical features of hydrothermal mineralization. The contact between the massive orebodies and wall rocks is sharp and straight. The anorthosite comprises white and dark varieties, with the former resulted by the alteration of the latter that occurs as relicts. Petrographic observation and electron microprobe analyses show abundant Fe–Ti oxide inclusions in plagioclase which impart the dark color to the rock. The similar spider diagram patterns between fresh and altered plagioclase and between dark- and white-colored anorthosite imply a genetic relationship between the dark and white types. During the alteration of anorthosite, CaO and MgO were slightly decreased, the SiO2, Al2O3 and Na2O were significantly increased, and the TFe2O3 and TiO2 were significantly decreased. The TFe2O3 and TiO2 in the dark-colored anorthosite have a range of 4.86–12.18 wt.% and 0.37–1.65 wt.%, respectively. However, The TFe2O3 and TiO2 in the white-colored anorthosite have a range of 1.67–3.1 wt.% and 0.14–0.31 wt.%, respectively. These features suggest that the alteration of the anorthosite led the Fe element by leaching from the dark-colored anorthosite at highly oxidized condition, and then precipitated within the fractures of the anorthosite, thus forming the massive Fe and Fe–P orebodies. Because the estimated amount of transported Fe is much more abundant than the proven ore reserve, we infer that there should be huge potential for prospecting Damiao type iron ores.

With the deepening of the oilfield development, oil field has entered the high water cut period. The rate of water cut increasing and production decline are accelerate. It is needed to adjust the way of exploitation in order to improve oilfield exploitation effect. Cyclic water flooding is one of effective means to improve oilfield development effect with the advantages of small investment, quick effect, reduce inefficient output and improve oilfield overall development benefit. In this paper, we use the means of numerical simulation to study the injection timing and reasonable working systems of different types of Wells. Technical basis is provided for further study and field test.

The development direction of transformer monitoring and diagnosis is remote and intelligent. But the existing systems have the following problems: lack of diagnostic knowledge and methods, poor flexibility etc. To solve these problems, the architecture of a remote monitoring and diagnostic system for transformers based on multi-agent techniques is presented. On the basis of ultra high frequency (UHF) partial discharge (PD), core earth current and dissolved gas analysis (DGA), the hierarchical decomposition model is established. The tasks, functions and structure involved in the collaboration agents are defined. Then, the fusion strategy from multi-experts conclusions is proposed based on diagnostic confidence and weights. In final, the system implementation is described. Some functions of the system have been put into service and worked well.

Rapid determination of soil moisture in the arid area has important ecological significance and practical value. This study carried out a series of measurements in the alpine meadow of Urumqi Southern Mountain on April 28th, 2011 right after the snow melt. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), time domain reflectometry (TDR) were used simultaneously for measuring the soil moisture of a 50 × 50 m2 plot, and a vertical soil profile was dug for validation analysis. The results show that: (1) a clear and continuous reflective layer in the experimental plot can be found from the GPR radar data and have a depth range from 0.362 to 0.656 m, while the GPR calculated average soil moisture above this layer is approximate 0.191 ~ 0.341; (2) TDR derived soil moistures of surface 10 cm and 20 cm depth show a consistent distribution with GPR measurements, and the former is slightly higher than the latter is likely to be due to the snow melt water accumulated more in the surface layer and not transferred immediately to the deep; (3) the vertical soil profile displays a actual compacted layer which is just at same position with the corresponding GRP measured reflective layer, and the TDR measured average soil moisture above this layer is only 0.001 less than the GPR derived data. The results give fully demonstrates to the accuracy of GPR reflected wave model to measure soil reflector and average moisture, which provides a scientific and effective technique for field-scale soil moisture and structure studies.

Powder forming process can produce parts with homogeneous and satisfactory mechanical properties. Based on the assumption that the powder system is a compressive continuous material, the flow stress models used in powder forming were analyzed. The correspondent elasto-plastic constitutive model was derived from the yield criterion. Appropriate algorithm and mechanical models were applied. The program was developed and three-dimensional simulations for the powder compaction process of the iron matrix powder were performed. Effects of different flow stress models on simulation results were analyzed.

An on-line monitoring system based on ultra high frequency (UHF) partial discharge (PD) measurements was developed for power transformers. The UHF PD signals were coupled by a UHF sensor and preprocessed by peak envelope detection technique. The system has high sensitivity, strong ability of interference suppression and well real-time capability according to the simulated experiment in lab and field test of a power transformer. Experimental results showed that the forepart PD faults could be discovered by the analysis of UHF PD signals. The on-line monitoring system has already been applied on a power transformer for years.

Ultra high frequency (UHF) partial discharge (PD) detection technique is drawing attention to transformer insulation accident prevention. However, the configuration of a large oil-immersed transformer is very complicated, so the reflection, refraction and absorption phenomena between PD sources and UHF sensors need to be considered. The phenomena make it difficult to calibrate the magnitude and locate the source of a PD activity. Therefore, detailed investigation of EM wave propagation inside the tank is carried out to enhance the performance of UHF method. Numerical simulations are performed on the 3D models using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. From the results, the effects of transformer oil, cores and the tanks are clarified.

In high speed and accuracy positioning systems, torque control mode can achieve much better dynamic response and easy tuning of PID parameters compared to those of position and speed control modes. By adopting and implementing the improved PID control law with feed forward algorithm, the control system can provide much higher performance at high speed movement.

The concept of reliability of road service level was put forward and the threshold determination method based on this concept was studied in this paper. Results of case studies showed that the proposed method for threshold determination was valuable in practice.

The forming scheme of a side-plate of the core part in parallel flow evaporator was studied. Two forming schemes were compared and the explicit dynamic software DYNAFORM was applied to make simulations about the forming processes. According to comparisons between two forming schemes, the optimized scheme and process parameters were determined. Multi-station dies were designed based on the optimized process. Successful experiments with the dies showed that numerical simulation provided an efficient way for the optimization of the forming scheme in the side-plate production.

The Xiuyan impact crater with a rim-rim diameter of 1.8 km is located at northern hills in the Liaodong peninsula, Liaoning province, China, which is well reserved and confirmed by evidences from different sources to be a meteorite impact crater. A special geophysical field formed from the meteorite impact and subsequent deposit at the crater makes different medium velocity and density between inside and outside of the crater. In the project, velocity structures, stratum structures and whole configuration of the crater are gotten using the differences of seismic velocity and wave impedance from the combined exploration of reflection and refraction. Based on the reflection features of strata, the crater body formed by the direct impact has a diameter about 1.8 km and a depth about 800 m, and the depth affected by the impact is about 1.4 km. The crater structure is divided into 3 parts, slow deposition area, rapid deposition area and affected area. According to the seismic velocity features, the velocity at the crater center reaches 7.0 km/s at the depth of 800 m. The 7.0 km/s isoline is consistent with the crater configuration, but the velocity reaches 7.0 km/s at the depth of 500~600 m in the edge of the crater. The structure of the crater body and the physical property of rocks conform further that the Xiuyan crater is originated from meteorite impact.

High speed machining (HSM) features in high efficiency, high precision, high flexibility and high quality. The key techniques on HSM such as linear interpolation, circular interpolation, cubic B-spline curve interpolation, non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve interpolation and their respective characteristics are paid more attention and expatiated. Circle arcs are approximated by using intersecting polygons instead of general inscribed polygons. NURBS interpolation algorithms can reduce feedrate fluctuation and improve machining accuracy.

Until 2009, 176 meteorite impact craters have been found in the world. Since the 80's of 20th century, Chinese scholars have confirmed, from the geological, geochemical and drilling data, that a circular structure was formed by meteorite impacting in Xiuyan County, Liaoning Province. But the deep structures and the overall characteristics of the crater need still to be confirmed by using the geophysical methods. In this paper, three-dimensional Q structure has been obtained for the first time by using seismic refraction data in order to have a total understanding of the crater. Q value structure is of great significance for understanding the non-elastic and nonuniform nature of the crust. Using three-dimensional Q tomography method based on absorption characteristic time t* the amplitude spectra have been obtained and by fitting the amplitude spectrum, t* values have been obtained, which reflect seismic wave attenuation. The three-dimensional Q value structure has been obtained by using t* values through three-dimensional Q tomography method. The results showed that the Q-value layer from the surface to the depth of 100 m within the crater corresponds to the upper 107 m thick lake sediments, the Q-value layer from the depth of 100 m to 300 m corresponds to the lower 188 m thick breccia accumulation lens. The Q-value layer from the depth of 300 m to 700 m corresponds to the broken Lower Proterozoic metamorphic rock layer with less impacting. The wave impedance interface about 250 m deep corresponds to the meteorite impact interface confirmed by geological drilling at the 260 m depth.

Pocket corner in the high-speed milling (HSM) often occur under-cut, over-cut, vibration and other phenomena. This not only reduces tool life, seriously affected the work-piece machining accuracy and processing efficiency. In the paper, the impact of cutting speed on cutting forces is studied in the pocket corner based on the high-speed milling experiments. The results show that cutting force increased slightly with the increase in cutting speed, and that cutting force no significant change with the increase in radial depth of cut.

The drawing scheme of a silencer cover in the progressive die was studied. This cover was formerly processed by several single punching dies and now was produced by a progressive die. The drawing scheme was hard to determine. Therefore, the explicit dynamic software DYNAFORM was applied to make simulations about the drawing process. According to comparisons between the simulation and experiment results, the optimized drawing scheme, blank layout, blank size, binding force and some other process parameters were determined. The defects were eliminated after the proper drawbead was set. Experiments showed that numerical simulation provided an efficient way for the optimization of the forming scheme in the progressive die production.

Based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) module of Dynaform software, the paper made numerical simulation of a motor cover’s stamping process in the method of elastic-plastic flow, pointed out the behavior of deformation of stamping process, predicted and prevented stamping defect such as crack in the process, and calculated the degree of resilience. Consequently three forming numerical simulation schemes have been designed respectively, more feasible process parameters has been achieved in comparison with the features of each scheme.

A high resolution deep seismic reflection profile of 68.9 km long across the Yinchuan faulted basin has been accomplished which for the first time yields the fine crustal structures, characteristics of deep fault system (Yellow River fault, Yinchuan fault and Eastern piedmont fault of Helanshan) of faulted basin in graben style, and the relationship between shallow and deep structures in Yinchuan basin. The results show that the upper crust is the region above a reflector with 8 s two-way traveling time (about 20 km deep), there are many strata in the upper part of the upper crust where the continuity of different segment of stratum is good, and there is no obvious layered feature in the lower part of upper crust, where the geological structure is simple. The reflection energy is weak in the lower crust (8~13 s), where reflection events are not obvious. The crust-mantle transitional zone (around 13 s) below the lower crust consists of a group of reflection sequences that have stronger energy and longer duration (1.5 s), and the thickness is about 4.5 km. Luhuatai fault and Yinchuan fault merge into the Eastern piedmont fault of Helanshan in the depth of 12~12.5 km and 18~19 km, respectively, the Eastern piedmont fault of Helanshan merges into Yellow River fault in the depth of 28~29 km, and Yellow River fault is a deep fault cutting the Moho. Yinchuan graben is a negative flower structure that is assembled mainly by Yellow River fault and secondarily by other faults. Based on the relationship between the Eastern piedmont fault of Helanshan and Yinchuan fault, it is thought that the Eastern piedmont fault of Helanshan played a controlling role in 1739 M=8 Pingluo-Yinchuan earthquake.

Based on P-wave, S-wave velocity structures and Poisson's ratio of the Maqin-Lanzhou-Jingbian seismic refraction/wide angle reflection profile, which crosses the northern Bayan Har block, the Qinling block, the Qilian block, the Haiyuan arcuate tectonic region, and the Ordos block, the crustal composition of the northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau is studied and the geodynamic issues are discussed. At first, a set of feasible methods are systemically summed up, with which in situ P-wave velocities observed by deep seismic sounding can be corrected to the velocity under the special condition of temperature and pressure in the laboratory. It is the key to the methods to get temperatures in the crust using heat flow. The second, in situ P-wave velocities of the profile are corrected to the velocities under a standard pressure of 600 MPa and room temperature, the corrected velocities, combined with Poisson's ratio, are compared with laboratory measurements of ultrasonic velocities, and the crustal petrologic composition is determined in the study area. Results show that the average corrected velocity in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau is 6.43 km/s, and the bulk crustal composition is felsic like the composition of the upper crust. In the Bayan Har block and southern part of the Qinling block, there is a lack of Vp > 6.9 km/s mafic rock layer in the lowest crust, instead there are alternating felsic and intermediate layers in the lower crust, and the bulk composition of the lower crust is felsic. In other blocks, there is a 2~10 km thick mafic layer of Vp > 6.9 km/s and the bulk composition is intermediate in the lower crust. At last, on the basis of the crustal structure and composition in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau, the opinion that crustal thickening occurred mainly in the lower crust is supported, and it is proposed that delamination possibly occurred in the lower crust of the Bayan Har block and southern Qinling block in the recent geologic time, which accelerated the uplift of the Tibetan plateau.

The rolling compaction can produce porous or dense strips with special functions. The mechanical behaviors in rolling compaction are hard to predict accurately and efficiently by traditional means. The numerical simulation based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) provides a flexible and efficient way for such problems. This paper introduces three-dimensional (3-D) FEM simulations for the rolling compaction of the iron matrix powders. The elliptical yield criterion, elasto-plastic constitutive relationship and the friction model were analyzed. Simulations were based on the second-developed user subroutine in MSC.Marc. Effects of friction and rolling velocity on the rolling force, distribution of the density and some other parameters were analyzed.

Hemp is cooked and bleached in alkali-H2O2 one-bath. The analysis of physical and chemical properties related to acid, alkali, and hydrogen peroxide about various types of components in hemp such as hemicelluloses and pectin, and lignin components makes it ascertained. In this one-bath process, alkali and H2O2 have cooperative effects to remove most proportions of the noncellulosic components efficiently. The additive MgSO4 and a stabilizer of H2O2 as auxiliary agents are introduced to protect cellulose from degradation and, meanwhile, they improve the efficiency of H2O2. The universal rotatable composite experiment design is employed to get the highly precise equation, in which the variables of NaOH and H2O2 concentrations, and the processing time are considered to be the main technological parameters of this alkali-H2O2 one-bath process. The residual gum content and residual lignin content of hemp fiber are the evaluation indexes. Based on regression equations, the figures are plotted to analyze the influences of parameters on the evaluation indexes; the optimization multicriteria mathematical model is simultaneously established to obtain the optimum parameters. Finally, an experiment is carried out to further test the acceptance of the calculated optimum values. It is shown that, for the hemp taken from Anhui Province of China, this alkali-H2O2 one-bath process can substantially remove gum and lignin from raw hemp. NaOH 10.5 g/L, H2O2 9.8 g/L, and the processing time of 127 min with 0.1% MgSO4 + 2.7 g/L stabilizer of H2O2 at 100°C are recommended to be the optimum parameters; then, a compromise is achieved among the lowest lignin content, the residual gum content, and the best strength and whiteness of hemp fiber. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2279–2285, 2005

The deep seismic reflection data on profile HY2 are reprocessed by the method of simultaneous inversion of velocity distribution and interface position. By the travel-time inversion with the data of the diving wave Pg and fault plane reflection wave, we determine the geometric form and velocity of Haiyuan fault zone interior and surrounding rock down to 10 km depth. The measured data show that the amplitudes have strong attenuation in the range of stake number 37–39 km, suggesting the fault zone has considerable width in the crustal interior. The results of this paper indicate that to the north of the fault zone the crystalline basement interface upheaves gradually from southwest to northeast and becomes shallow gradually towards northeast, and that to the south of the fault zone, within the basin between Xihua and Nanhua mountains, the folded basement becomes shallow gradually towards southwest. The obliquity of the fault zone is about 70° above the 3 km depth, about 60° in the range of the 3–10 km depths. From the results of this paper and other various citations, we believe that Haiyuan fault zone is in steep state from the Earth’s surface to the depth of 10 km.