Reference Section Research Articles

Transparency Matters: Assessing Harms Reporting Compliance in Randomized Controlled Trials Underpinning the AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Background: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Primary studies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are cited as evidence for the guidelines. Given the influence that these trials have on patient care, adherence to standardized protocols for conducting and reporting RCTs is essential. Purpose: To evaluate the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Extension for Harms–related reporting of RCTs cited as supporting evidence for the AAOS CPG on the management of ACL tears. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The reference section of the AAOS guideline for ACL tears was first screened for RCTs cited in the CPG. Next, each RCT was evaluated for adherence to the CONSORT Extension for Harms checklist. Both identification of RCTs and assessment of adherence were performed in a masked and duplicate process. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize adherence to CONSORT Extension for Harms items. A Pearson correlation test was conducted to assess the relationship between the year of publication and adherence to CONSORT harms reporting. Results: The sample included 113 RCTs, of which 16 (14.2%) were published before the CONSORT Extension for Harms was implemented in 2004. Sample sizes ranged from 24 to 4564 participants, with a mean of 228. None of the included RCTs included all 18 items in the CONSORT Extension for Harms checklist. The mean number of checklist items reported was 4 (of 18; 22.2%). A moderate, positive, and statistically significant correlation was found between the RCT publication year and the adherence with reporting of the CONSORT Extension for Harms (t111 = 3.54; P < .001) (r = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.14-0.47). Conclusion: Harms were infrequently reported in RCTs cited as supporting evidence in the AAOS CPG for the management of ACL tears. One encouraging finding was the positive correlation between the year when RCTs were published and how well they adhered to reporting harms. Efforts to improve adverse event reporting are warranted, as RCTs are commonly used to make clinical decisions in orthopaedic surgery.

Optimization of cold-formed steel beam cross-sections for pallet rack storage systems

This paper aims to obtain optimized cold-formed beam cross-sections for industrial pallet rack storage systems. The optimal sections were obtained by applying fitness functions aimed at reducing cross-sectional area and/or displacement and solving them using the Genetic Algorithm. These functions imposed a behavioral constraint so that all optimized solutions had the same resistant bending moment. The calculation of the characteristic resistant bending moment was carried out according to the direct strength method, with load factors defined by the elastic stability analysis with CUFSM, in an analysis routine implemented on the MATLAB platform. Four parameterized sections were studied, verifying the optimum set of height, width and stiffening elements that met the objectives defined by functions, assuming reference values of a rectangular hollow section. Manufacturing constraints were also taken into account. The results show that it is possible to manufacture cold-formed beams that consume less material and/or have a better moment of inertia in relation to the reference section, without compromising the strength of the structural element.

Patterns of extinction and recovery across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary interval in three resilient Southern Tethyan carbonate platforms

During the end-Triassic extinction (ETE), carbonate platform biocalcifiers suffered high extinction rates that have been linked to volcanically-induced global changes in climate and carbon cycle. Most studies have been focused on the classical sections of the Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA, Austria) and Lombardy Basin (Italy), where the extinction of the aragonitic Dachstein-type biota (involutinid foraminifera and megalodontid bivalves) coincides with the demise of the carbonate platform and with the initial negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) of the reference sections for the Triassic/Jurassic Boundary (TJB).In this study, we present a detailed facies analysis, bio- and carbon-isotope stratigraphy of three Southern Tethyan carbonate platform sections, Mt. Messapion (Greece), Valle Agricola and Mt. Sparagio (southern Italy) that instead show persisting carbonate productivity across the TJB and potentially preserve the most detailed record of timing and patterns of the ETE in these ecosystems.In the studied sections, the disappearance of the Dachstein-type biota is observed within a positive δ13Ccarb excursion that, according to our study, correlates with that documented in the Schattwald beds (NCA) and Malanotte Fm (Lombardy Basin) above the initial CIE. This level represents the true extinction of the Dachstein-type biota, while the disappearance in the Northern Tethyan sections of the NCA and Lombardy Basin represents a pseudoextinction coinciding with the carbonate platform demise. Above the ETE, Southern Tethyan carbonate platform sections are characterized either by microbial laminites or ooid and oncoid limestones and low-diversity associations.This study reveals a possible paleogeographic and/or latitudinal control on the response of biocalcifiers and carbonate platform ecosystems during the ETE. The Dachstein-type biota was resilient to the environmental perturbations associated with the initial CIE in Southern Tethys, but probably failed to survive subsequent and/or prolonged stress. Despite extinctions, Southern Tethyan carbonate platforms adapted to environmental disturbances through a shift of the dominant carbonate production style from aragonitic biocalcification to chemical and microbially-mediated CaCO3 precipitation. The ecosystem recovery was slow and aragonitic biocalcifiers (dasycladacean algae) reappeared during the early Sinemurian.

A novel analytical method for local buckling check of box sections with unequal wall thicknesses subjected to bending

This study develops a novel analytical method to evaluate if box sections, with unequal wall thicknesses under bending, will undergo local buckling prior to reaching their yield strength since the analytical determination of critical local buckling stresses for such sections remains unexplored due to the lack of local buckling coefficients, warranting further investigation in scholarly discourse. Despite not directly computing the local buckling stresses, the developed method specifies a possible critical local buckling stress range by incorporating reference, critical, and equivalent section models, all formulated and developed with uniform wall thicknesses. The formulated method proficiently discerns the occurrence of local buckling by conducting a comparative assessment of the yield strength of the box section material against both the lower (min) and upper (max) bound stresses of the critical local buckling stress range. If local buckling persists unclear after the initial benchmark, the method reaches the final conclusion by comparing the constant wall thickness of the critical section with the web thickness of the box section. The developed method validated against finite element results obtained from linear elastic eigenvalue buckling analyses can be applied to the problem of determining whether such box sections subjected to bending will experience local buckling.

Thalgut, the first protected Quaternary reference section in Switzerland

Thalgut, the first protected Quaternary reference section in Switzerland

A bulit-in self-calibration ratiometric self-powered photoelectrochemical sensor for high-precision and sensitive detection of microcystin-RR.

Anovel high-precision aptasensor of microcystin-RR (MC-RR) is developed based on a ratiometric self-powered photoelectrochemical platform. In detail, the defective MoS2/Ti3C2 nanocomposite with good photoelectric activity was designed to serve as the photoanode of the sensor for enhancing the signal and improving the detection sensitivity. In order to effectively eliminate external interferences, the key point of this ratiometric device is the introduction of the spatial-resolved technique, which includes the detection section and the reference section, generating reference signals and response signals, respectively. Moreover, output power was used as the detection signal, instead of the traditional photocurrent or photovoltage. Further, potassium persulfate was introduced as electron acceptor, which was beneficial for improving the electron transport efficiency, hindering electron-hole recombination, and significantly promoting the performance of the sensor. Finally, aptamer was adopted as recognition element to capture MC-RR molecules. The prepared sensor had a linear range from 10-12to 10-6 M, and the detection limit was 5.6 × 10-13 M (S/N = 3). It has good precision, selectivity, and sensitivity, which shows great prospects in the on-site accurate analysis of samples with high energy output in the self-powered sensing field.

Correction: Ahmed et al. Assessing the Rainfall Water Harvesting Potential Using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). CivilEng 2022, 3, 895–908

In the original publication [1], there were two mistakes in relation to the cited references (within the References section) as follows:Reference 52 (Xin-gang et al [...]

#439 Nephron number determination in whole slide mice kidney specimens using a deep learning assisted disector/fractionator approach

Abstract Background and Aims Nephron number highly varies between different species and within species, ranging in humans from 200 000 to 2 000 000 nephrons per kidney. Low nephron numbers can promote early onset of end-stage kidney disease. Nephron assessment is highly needed for better diagnosis and more targeted treatment. However, its assessment in vivo is not established in clinical practice yet. Pioneer studies suggest nephron number estimation in vivo through a combination of glomerular densities in kidney biopsies together with medical imaging. In contrast, post-mortem nephron assessment either using optical clearing or by exhaustive kidney sectioning is well studied but remains laborious. Here, we propose a new semi-automated nephron counting approach using serial PAS-stained whole slide kidney sections, deep learning segmentation and slide registration. Method Mice were sacrificed, kidneys harvested, measured, halved in the coronary plane and then opposingly embedded in paraffin. Subsequently, the entire kidney was sectioned with 10 µm thickness per slide. Tissue was stained with PAS and slides were digitalized using Aperio GT 450 DX scanner (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany) (Fig. a). Deep learning segmentation of glomeruli was performed in the first and every 10th (reference) section and subsequent (look-up) section using Tensorflow. Obtained segmentation results were manually quality controlled and adjusted, if necessary, in QuPath (Fig. b). Final segmentations of the look-up slides were registered to the reference slides in ImageJ using manual landmarks with the ImageJ BigWarp plugin (Fig. c). Glomeruli being present either in the look-up slide, or in the reference slide were counted as disector particles (Q-). Kidney areas on every examined slide were measured. Total number of glomeruli and total kidney area were determined as previously described (Fig. d). Results A kidney from a 12-week-old mouse suffering chronic kidney disease (mouse line Alb-creERT2 (ki/ki); Glut9 (fl/fl)) was used. Kidney weight was 162 mg, length 11 mm, width 6 mm, depth 4 mm and kidney volume 260 mm³. In total the kidney was sectioned in 95 slices. 20 reference sections and its respective look-up sections were stained and digitalized. In total 5981 glomeruli were segmented in 40 kidney slices using the deep learning algorithm. Glomerular segmentation quality was verified by two independent observers (mean dice score 0.79). Inaccuracies, if any, where manually corrected. For image registration in average 18.1 landmarks per slide were created within the ImageJ BigWarp plugin. Registration took in average 5 minutes per slide. Glomeruli without match (disector particles, Q-) were automatically counted. Number of disector particles (Q-) ranged from 32 to 244 per slide. Total nephron number was 11.085 and kidney area 210 mm³. The differences to the manual measured volume (260 mm³) might be explained by discard of small kidney fractions for the used sectioning technique. Conclusion We report, to our knowledge, the first deep learning assisted disector/fractionator approach to determine nephron number in whole slide kidney specimens. This method requires no physical disector setup, is scalable, cheap, time efficient, and unbiased. The method was so far validated in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease. The method will further be validated on different animal models. Additionally, occurrence of atubular glomeruli will be considered in nephron number determination. Furthermore, the integration of GFR measurements might allow the calculation of mean single nephron GFR and might together with automated glomerular area measurements unravel pathophysiologic processes in kidney ageing and disease.

Transactionology of publication under reference and periodical sections using ICT and coding

Purpose. The project intends to use a qualitative approach to investigate the state and procedures of present transaction processes to pinpoint inefficiencies. Integrating ICT and coding solutions will be formulated and examined through prototyping to evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness. By concentrating on user behaviour and section-specific dynamics, the study offers a more analytical and data-driven approach to library management by leveraging Python's analytical capabilities and extracting quantitative data from transaction logs. Future funding can be directed towards required and necessary subjects by using library management's data to research trends and student requirements. This research can potentially transform library operations and ultimately enhance everyone's user experience for all.Methodology. The approach entails the utilization of ICT and programming to conduct a qualitative examination of data about the transaction aspects of publications.Results and discussion. By utilising ICT and coding, publication transaction data is consolidated efficiently in the preferred format, paving the way for advanced analytics and strategic insights with minimal human input.Conclusions. This study contributes to the examination, implementation, and consolidation of automated transaction recording across various sections of a library, with a prospective expansion towards integration with library management systems such as KOHA, Evergreen, Easylib, and Software for University Libraries (SOUL).

Affective Responses to Acute Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of the Potential Beneficial Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on General Mood, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms.

Acute exercise elicits various biobehavioral and psychological responses, but results are mixed with regard to the magnitude of exercise-induced affective reactions. This meta-analysis examines the magnitude of general mood state, anxiety, and depressive symptom responses to acute exercise while exploring exercise protocol characteristics and background health behaviors that may play a role in the affective response. A total of 2770 articles were identified from a MEDLINE/PubMed search and an additional 133 articles from reviews of reference sections. Studies had to have measured general mood before the acute exercise bout and within 30 minutes after exercise completion. Effect sizes were estimated using Hedges' g , with larger values indicating improvement in the outcome measure. A total of 103 studies were included presenting data from 4671 participants. General mood state improved from preexercise to postexercise ( g = 0.336, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.234-0.439). Anxiety ( g = 0.497, 95% CI = 0.263-0.730) and depressive symptoms ( g = 0.407, 95% CI = 0.249-0.564) also improved with exercise. There was substantial and statistically significant heterogeneity in each of these meta-analyses. This heterogeneity was not explained by differences in participants' health status. Meta-regression analyses with potential moderators (intensity of exercise, mode of exercise, usual physical activity level, or weight status of participants) also did not reduce the heterogeneity. This meta-analysis shows significantly improved general mood, decreased anxiety, and lower depressive symptoms in response to an acute bout of exercise. There was substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of the effect sizes, indicating that additional research is needed to identify determinants of a positive affective response to acute exercise.

Luminescence dating of Late Pleistocene sea level change and cryogenesis in the northern Caspian region (Chernyy Yar section)

During the Quaternary sedimentation in the southern part of the Caspian Lowland was influenced significantly by the Caspian Sea. This is expressed both in accumulation of marine/lagoon sediments as a result of transgressive phases, as well as erosion of sediments, which leads to an incompleteness in the geological record. The most detailed record of Later Quaternary sedimentation is found in the Lower Volga region, where a series of Caspian Sea transgressions, Volga River alluvium and loess-palaeosol series provide an excellent archive of the evolution of the climate and landscapes of the past. We have studied one of the reference sections, at Chernyy Yar, in which a series of major stages of regional sedimentations is recorded. Description of the Late Quaternary sediments and luminescence dating allowed us to obtain, for the first time, a detailed chronostratigraphy for the southern part of the Lower Volga. Our results show that the quartz OSL and feldspar pIRIR50,290 signals were sufficiently bleached before deposition and uncertainties in bleaching have a negligible impact on the reliability of the luminescence ages. The new luminescence chronology described here, based on quartz OSL and K-feldspar pIRIR290 ages, suggests five major stages during the Late Quaternary: (1) a stable alluvial sedimentation of the Volga River between 130 and 105 ka (MIS 5e/d), when the thick Chernyyar alluvial suite formed regionally during the Late Khazarian transgression of the Caspian Sea; (2) a stage when the retreat of the Khazarian transgression formed a very broad floodplain about 85 ka ago, and promoted Volga channel incision. New findings shows that the Atelian regression – a major event in the Late Quaternary of the Caspian Sea – began after ∼60 ka; (3) subaerial sedimentation during MIS 4 with evidence of cryogenic processes at ∼40 ka, reliably dated for the first time in this southern part of the East European Plain; (4) about 24 ka ago, the largest Late Quaternary Khvalynian transgression reached the Chernyy Yar; (5) after the subsequent regression at ∼14–15 ka some part of the marine record was eroded and the Holocene kastanozem soil formed.

High resolution calpionellid biozonation of Upper Tithonian reference sections in NE Algeria (Jebel Azreg, Aurès Range; Jebel Toumbaït, Aïn Yaghout Mounts): correlations and geodynamic implications

High resolution calpionellid biozonation of Upper Tithonian reference sections in NE Algeria (Jebel Azreg, Aurès Range; Jebel Toumbaït, Aïn Yaghout Mounts): correlations and geodynamic implications

Targeting the Interplay of Proteins through PROTACs for Management Cancer and Associated Disorders

Abstract: Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Traditional small-molecule inhibitors often face limitations in selectively targeting diseaseassociated proteins, leading to side effects and incomplete therapeutic responses. Proteolysistargeting chimeras (PROTACs) turned out to be a promising approach to address these challenges. Unlike traditional inhibitors, PROTACs leverage the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively degrade disease-associated proteins. In this review, we addressed PROTACs: Targeted approach for cancer management, key findings, limitations, and future perspectives. For this, the authors have critically reviewed literature obtained from prime sources comprising Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Publons. From the selected papers' reference section, a number of pertinent articles were retrieved. Preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and potential of PROTACs in cancer management. Additionally, the potential of PROTACs in overcoming therapy resistance, tackling tumor heterogeneity, and engaging multiple pathways is explored. As research advances, addressing challenges and refining PROTAC technology will pave the way for their integration into the next generation of cancer therapeutics, marking a transformative era in precision medicine.

The effects of improved subsurface drainage on runoff and nitrogen leaching from a clayey field section

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of improved subsurface drainage installation on nitrogen (N) loss in drain discharge (DD) and topsoil layer runoff (TLR). Data on DD and TLR, as well as on concentrations of total, nitrate and ammonium N in the runoff components, were collected from four sections of an experimental field in southern Finland (June 2007–December 2018). Supplementary drains were installed in one of the field sections in June 2014, and the data from that section were compared with those from three reference sections. Differences between the sections were statistically analysed based on annual and monthly values of runoff components and concentrations, as well as the loads of N fractions. The results revealed that improved drainage increased the N load in the DD, reducing the load in the TLR. Changes in N loads were more clearly driven by changes in the runoff volumes rather than by changes in the N concentrations in the runoff waters. Before the drainage improvement, most of the total N load was nitrate (53%), while the share of rest N (fraction of the total N after the mineral N fractions were subtracted) was 45%. After improved drainage, the percentages of nitrate and rest N were 73 and 26%, respectively. The results demonstrate the importance of agricultural water management as the key driver for controlling nutrient loads.

Treatment of Non-Metastatic Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: AUA/ASCO/SUO Guideline (2017; Amended 2020, 2024).

Although representing approximately 25% of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) carries a significant risk of death that has not significantly changed in decades. Increasingly, clinicians and patients recognize the importance of multidisciplinary collaborative efforts that take into account survival and quality of life concerns. This guideline provides a risk-stratified, clinical framework for the management of muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer. In 2024, the MIBC guideline was updated through the AUA amendment process in which newly published literature is reviewed and integrated into previously published guidelines in an effort to maintain currency. The amendment allowed for the incorporation of additional literature released since the previous 2020 amendment. The updated search gathered literature from May 2020 to November 2023. This review identified 3739 abstracts, of which 46 met inclusion criteria.When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions. Updates were made regarding neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy, radical cystectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, multi-modal bladder preserving therapy, and future directions. Further revisions were made to the methodology and reference sections as appropriate. This guideline seeks to improve clinicians' ability to evaluate and treat patients with MIBC based on currently available evidence. Future studies will be essential to further support or refine these statements to improve patient care.

Plantar pressure measurement in diabetic foot disease: A scoping review.

Patients with a healed diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) have a 40% risk of ulcer recurrence within a year. New and effective measures to prevent DFU recurrence are essential. We aimed to highlight emerging trends and future research opportunities in the use of plantar pressure measurement to prevent DFU recurrence. Our scoping review protocol was drafted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis - Scoping Review protocol. Peer-reviewed, English-language papers were included that addressed both plantar pressure measurement and diabetic foot disease, either as primary studies that have advanced the field or as review papers that provide summaries and/or opinion on the field as a whole, as well as specific papers that provide guidelines for future research and advancement in the field. A total of 24 eligible publications were identified in a literature search using PubMed. A further 36 eligible studies were included after searching the references sections of these publications, leaving a total of 60 publications included in this scoping review. Plantar pressure measurement can and will play a major role in the prevention of DFU. There is already a strong, albeit limited, evidence base in place to prove its benefit in reducing DFU recurrence. More research is required in larger populations, using remote monitoring in real-world settings, and with improved technology.

Latent profiles as predictors of response to instruction for students with reading difficulties.

The program code developed by others is appropriately cited in the text and listed in the references section. The raw and processed data on which study conclusions are based are not available. The statistical syntax needed to reproduce analyses in the article is available upon request. The methods section provides references for the materials described therein. We report how we determined our sample size, all data exclusions, all manipulations, and all measures in the study, and we follow APA Style Journal Article Reporting Standards. This study's design, hypotheses, and data analytic plan were not pre-registered. Prior research supports the need for elementary-aged students with reading difficulties (RD) to receive explicit systematic small group evidence-based reading instruction. Yet for many students, simply receiving an evidence-based reading instruction in a small group setting is insufficient to reach the progress milestones needed to meet grade level reading standards. The current study examined whether: (1) elementary school students with RD constitute a homogeneous or heterogeneous groups when considering their basic language and cognitive skills (using a latent profile analysis), and (2) if latent profiles are predictive of response to reading comprehension instruction (using a mixed modeling approach). The sample consisted of 335 students, including students with RD and typical students (n = 57). The results revealed heterogeneity within students with RD - there were two distinct profiles, with one having higher basic language (reading fluency and decoding) and cognitive (verbal domain productivity, cognitive flexibility, working memory) skills and lower attention skills, and the other having stronger attention skills and lower basic language and cognitive skills. The findings also suggested that latent profiles were predictive of response to reading comprehension instruction. Our results provide a convincing argument for leading the field in the direction of developing customized interventions. It is conceivable, but remains to be further examined, that researchers and educators could potentially improve reading outcomes through providing a customized reading intervention to a student based on their cognitive-language profile.

Статистические характеристики расчета приращений сейсмической интенсивности при сейсмическом микрорайонировании горных территорий

Introduction. During seismic micro-zoning of a territory, one of the main instrumental methods for calculating intensity increments is the registration of earthquakes in areas with different soil conditions. In this case, the calculation of increments is based on the amplitudes of oscillations simultaneously in the given and reference sections. The purpose of the work is to compare the increments in various expressions obtained for powerful vibration and pulse sources, as well as for an instrumental measure of seismic intensity. Materials and methods. Processing of instrumental data, their systematization and description using basic statistical indicators. The analysis was carried out using data from the Vladikavkaz network - records of earthquakes obtained simultaneously at four seismic stations located in areas with different ground conditions. Results. To check the formulas for calculating seismic intensity increments and comparing them with the obtained data, distribution histograms and the corresponding probability density functions were constructed, under the assumption that the distribution is normal. All methods for calculating vibration amplitudes gave identical results in ranking areas according to the degree of seismic hazard, however, taking into account rounding, an increase in intensity by 1 point is not always achieved in an area where, due to the worst soil conditions. The best results for calculating intensity increments were obtained for the area values of the velocity and acceleration spectra. At the same time, the areas of the acceleration spectra provide better differentiation of soil conditions according to the degree of danger (with the same coefficient in front of the logarithm). Discussion. The task of developing an instrumental method of seismic micro-zoning is to clarify the coefficients in front of the logarithmic scale of the quantities under consideration, the reduction of which, in turn, determines the clarification of the level of impacts for given intensities. On the other hand, smaller coefficients lead to worse differentiation of soil conditions of areas when calculating increments of seismic intensity. The solution to the problem may lie somewhere at the junction of both approaches. Conclusion. Analysis of the results shows a connection between the magnitude of the distribution dispersion and the complexity of the engineering-geological conditions of the site. The more factors influence the wave processes in the soils, the greater the scatter of values around the average. Main factor is a multi-layered environment, i.e. the presence of reflective boundaries, and the other one is the very properties of the medium, i.e. its dispersion. Resume. Results are useful in differentiating soil conditions by an additional parameter that affects the probability of failure to exceed the calculated values of seismic impacts - the same average values of seismic intensity can be characterized by different confidence intervals; from a practical point of view, one should set the same probability of not exceeding the design impact values. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. For practical applications it is necessary to distinguish the influence of the layering of the medium and the direct dispersion of the soils composing the stratum, which represents the next research task.

Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Avdyrdak anticline along the Ufa – Inzer –Beloretsk highway (Alatau anticlinorium, Southern Urals)

Object of study: sections of deposits of the Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Karatau series of the Upper Riphean of the Avdyrdak anticline of the Alatau anticlinorium (Southern Urals). For the first time, detailed descriptions and sketches of sections of sediments of the Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Avdyrdak anticline along the highway (80K-031) Ufa – Inzer – Beloretsk are presented. The study of deposits in natural outcrops and road quarries and excavations made it possible to clarify the material composition of the deposits in question, their ratio and thickness in the westernmost sections of the outer zone of the folded Urals. It has been established that the main features of the material composition and structure of the sections of the Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Avdyrdak anticline are similar to the deposits of these formations in the reference and stratotype sections, which makes it possible to use the obtained data for stratigraphic correlation of sediments and reconstruction of sedimentation conditions in different parts of the paleobasin.

Reference Section of the Campanian Stage of the Southwestern Crimea: Problems of Substage Subdivision and Global Correlation

Reference Section of the Campanian Stage of the Southwestern Crimea: Problems of Substage Subdivision and Global Correlation