Stages Of Accumulation Research Articles

Gas accumulation in the pre-salt reservoirs of Ordovician Majiagou Formation from the northern Ordos Basin, NW China: Insights from integrated fluid inclusion analysis and petrography characteristics

Exploration of gas in the pre-salt reservoirs of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the Ordos Basin shows considerable potential, however the gas accumulation history remains a significant debate. This paper focuses on well cores from the northern Ordos Basin to address these uncertainties. By employing reservoir petrographic research and a comprehensive analysis of fluid inclusions, the periods and times of petroleum accumulation were determined and the gas accumulation history of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the region was analyzed. The results suggest that gas from marine hydrocarbon source rocks and the cracking of oil contributed significantly to the gas accumulation in the Ordovician Majiagou Formation. Two stages of oil and gas accumulation in the pre-salt reservoirs of the study area were identified. In the initial stage, a minor liquid oil charging event occurred between 215 Ma and 170 Ma. In the later stage, gas was generated by the Carboniferous-Permian coal-measure and marine hydrocarbon source rocks, supplemented by the thermal cracking of the earlier liquid oil accumulations in the Ordovician Majiagou Formation. This gas then migrated into the pre-salt reservoirs during the period from 125 Ma to 80 Ma, resulting in substantial gas accumulation in the pre-salt reservoirs of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the study area.

LATE GLACIAL AND HOLOCENE EROSIONAL DISSECTION AND FILL IN THE TEMPORAL (EPHEMERAL) STREAM VALLEY ON THE RIGHT BANK OF THE SELENGA RIVER

The structure, composition and cut and fill sequence of the Late Glacial and Holocene erosional landforms in the Kuitunka River basin on the right bank of the Selenga River were studied based on a detailed analysis and radiocarbon dating of the soil-sedimentary sequence in the Studenyi Klyuch 2 and Kovalev Pad’ sections. A correlation was carried out between seven sections in the intermittent stream valleys in the Kuitunka River basin. There are three episodes of the Late Glacial and Holocene cutting dated back to ~18–17, ~14.7–14.3, and 0.25–0 cal. kyr BP (ka BP). There are distinguished the periods of colluvial, colluvial-deluvial and aeolian-deluvial sediment deposition in the intermittent stream valleys (17.0–14.7 ka BP) and predominantly aeolian-deluvial loess-like sediment accumulation involving pedogenetic stages (14.30–0.25 ka BP). The climatic warming and humidification led to a decrease in sedimentation rate, prevalence of loessification processes in formation of loess-like deposits, and formation of organic–accumulative soil horizons of different thicknesses. The Late Glacial warming, comparable to the Bølling – Allerød Interstadial (14.3–12.9 ka BP) and the Holocene (11.7–0 ka BP), is characterized by a dynamic change in the stages of loess-like deposit accumulation and pedogenesis. The Younger Dryas cooling (12.9–11.7 ka BP) is associated with the activation of aeolian and cryogenic processes and a short phase of pedogenesis. It was revealed that the most frequent changes in sedimentary phases and soil formation occurred during the Late Glacial Interstadial and the Early (11.7–8.2 ka BP) Holocene. The Middle Holocene (8.2–4.2 ka BP) is characterized by a decrease in the rate of accumulation of intermittent-stream valley loess-like bottom deposits and a long-term (several ka) active pedogenetic process. The cross-sections of the Late Holocene (last 4.2 ka BP) draws and valley-bottom gullies exhibit the stages of pedogenesis (4.2–1.0 ka BP), activation of erosion–accumulation processes (1.00–0.25 ka), gullying, accelerated erosion, and accumulation (last 0.25 ka BP).

Hydrocarbon Accumulation and Overpressure Evolution of the Ordovician Carbonate Reservoirs in the Tahe Area, Tarim Basin, NW China

The recovery of reservoir paleo-pressure has been a key focus in hydrocarbon accumulation research. The evolution of paleo-pressure in carbonate reservoir rocks has long been a research challenge for researchers. Using the Tahe area in the Tarim Basin as a case study, this paper proposes an idea for studying the paleo-pressure evolution in carbonate rocks through fluid inclusions. A series of methods, including cathodoluminescence, fluid inclusion petrography, laser in situ U–Pb isotope dating, and microthermometry, were employed to determine the stages of hydrocarbon accumulation. Additionally, the paleo-pressure of oil inclusions from different stages has been restored, and the pressure evolution of the Ordovician carbonate reservoirs in the Tahe area was reconstructed. The study identifies four stages of oil charging in Ordovician carbonate reservoirs. The four oil-charging events occurred during the Caledonian (459–450 Ma), Hercynian (320–311 Ma), late Indosinian (227–213 Ma), and Yanshanian (134–117 Ma) periods. The overpressure evolution indicates that the Cambrian source rocks reached the first oil generation peak and started to expel hydrocarbons during the late Caledonian period. Oil mainly migrated vertically along strike-slip faults and accumulated in fracture-cavity karst reservoirs. At the same time, the reservoir pressure increased rapidly. Subsequent tectonic compression caused uplift and erosion, leading to the destruction of the oil reservoirs and a decrease in pressure. During the Hercynian period, hydrocarbons migrated and accumulated in reservoirs, leading to an increase in reservoir pressure. Subsequently, a slight formation uplift occurred, which caused a decrease in pressure. During the late Indosinian period, the third stage of oil accumulation led to an increase in reservoir pressure. Tectonic uplift during the Yanshanian period caused reservoir destruction and adjustment, resulting in a decrease in pressure. Reservoir pressure increased with oil charging during the Yanshanian period. Subsequently, a large number of faults developed in the study area, causing further destruction and re-adjustment of the oil reservoirs, which led to a decrease in pressure to the current state of normal pressure or weak overpressure.

Biotic agents of tufa formation in сarbon dioxide enriched hard-water springs of Mizhhirya basin and adjacent territories

The main groups of biote and their functional role in the calcareous tufa formation at the hard-water springs enriched by carbon dioxide of the Mizhhirya basin and adjacent territories were investigated. It has been studied that in the formation of calcareous tufa of all surveyed locations, representatives of micro-, bryo and phytobiota play an important role, and therefore, the studied sedimentary rock are mainly biogenic in their origin. Microbiota agents, mainly cyanobacteria of the order Oscillatoriales, play a leading role in the initial acts of calcareous tufa accumulation (stage I). These bacteriogenic initial forms, which can be defined as initial thromboids, are represented by small- or medium-grained, ocher-yellow aggregates of a spherical shape, with a diameter of 0.5-2 mm, which actively accumulate at the springs exits. These congestions (mesoclots) are growing and compacting over time and forming weakly cemented thrombolites, which are a cluster of separate aggregates together with particles of sand, silt, rocks, plant remains, etc. The next post-pioneer stage (II) is marked by the appearance of specialized amphibious Bryophytes vegetation of the Pellion endiviifoliae alliance and pioneer caliciophilic vegetation of the Grimmaldion fragrantis alliance. In the formation of calcareous tufa deposits of the next stage (III), the leading role is played by the Bryophytes vegetation of the Pellion endiviifoliae alliance. Their mineralized turfs are modeling light, fragile and porous bryolithes of an ocher-brown color. Bryolithes usually contain seasonal layers richly encrusted with leaves of trees, which growing near the spring. Base on the specificity and ecological value of the biotic (calcicolous Bryobiota) and abiotic, primarily geological (calcareous iron tufa) component, the hard-water tufagenic springs of Mizhhirya Verkhovyna can be considered significant natural monuments of Transcarpathia region. However, regardless of the nature protection status of most hard-water iron springs (they are hydrological monuments of nature of local importance), they often suffer from human’s improvement, illegal water extraction, high recreational load etc. Thus, they need applicating of conservation measures and nature protection management planning.

Insight into the impact of various processing stages on metabolites and flavors in jujube jam

Essential to the determination of the ultimate and flavor of jujube jam are various processing stages. Nevertheless, the alterations in metabolites and flavor chemistry throughout the processing of jujube jam are poorly comprehended. This research employed metabolomics, flavor analysis, and microbial indicators to examine the impact of distinct processing stages on the metabolites and flavor profile of jujube jam. The research findings indicated that the sterilization stage (SJ) was the most favorable stage for metabolite accumulation. Hexahydro-pseudoketone and 2-methylbutyraldehyde, compounds responsible for off-odors, exhibited a significant reduction following the concentration stage (NS). The distinctive flavors detected in jujube jam included floral, citrus, sweet and sour, as well as cheesy notes. Furthermore, the alterations observed in microbial indicators confirmed that the jujube jam products adhered to the established jam production benchmarks. In summary, these findings offer a foundational framework for the creation of a regulated processing system and for the improvement of jujube jam quality, thereby providing valuable guidance for the targeted production of premium jujube jam.

Dynamic nexus between urban digitization and pollutant discharge: RBC theory and empirical evidence from China

An economy undergoing digitalization may experience environmental degradation. This study aims to explore the potential environmental consequences of digitalization. First, the paper develops a real business cycle model that incorporates pollution constraints and endogenous digital capital investment. Second, the study identifies three stages of endogenous digital capital accumulation: resource mismatch, scaling, technology spillovers, and eventual monopolization. Correspondingly, environmental changes unfold in three stages: degradation, subsequent improvement, and regression back to deterioration. Finally, the empirical analysis draws on the process of digital capital accumulation across Chinese cities, revealing that while digital capital accumulation initially contributed to environmental degradation, technology spillovers could help mitigate these effects. Furthermore, the study highlights the differing levels of digital capital across cities, placing them at various stages of development. It underscores the critical need for policymakers to carefully balance the scale of digital capital, as both insufficient and excessive accumulation can exacerbate environmental challenges. This analysis offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to foster digital development while mitigating environmental pollution.

Formation and development of the stopping vortex ring in starting jets

The formation mechanism for the stopping vortex ring (SVR) and its effects on the development of starting jets have been systematically investigated. The radial inward flow near the nozzle exit, arising from the pressure difference caused by the deceleration of starting jets, is considered to be the main contributing factor to the formation of the SVR. The formation process can generally be divided into (i) the rapid accumulation stage ( $t_d^*\leq 1$ ) and (ii) the development stage ( $t_d^*>1$ ), where $t_d^*$ is the formation time defined by the duration of the deceleration stage. For starting jets with different $(L/D)_d$ , the final circulation value and circulation growth rate of the SVR can be scaled by $[(L/D)_d]^{-0.5}$ and $[(L/D)_d]^{-1.5}$ , respectively. Here $(L/D)_d$ represents the stroke ratio during the deceleration stage. Analysing the temporal evolution of fluid parcels in the vicinity of the nozzle exit reveals that SVR entrains fluid from both inside and outside of the nozzle. Additionally, the influence of the SVR on the leading vortex ring and the trailing jet has been examined, with particular attention to its effects on the propulsive performance of the starting jet. The SVR affects the profiles of axial velocity and gauge pressure at the nozzle exit, thereby enhancing the generation of total thrust during the deceleration stage. Analysis has shown that depending on the deceleration rate, SVR can enhance the average velocity thrust by at least $10\,\%$ and compensate for up to a $60\,\%$ reduction in pressure thrust due to deceleration.

Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of CYP450 genes in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) with a focus on anthocyanin accumlation

BackgroundIn plants, Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) constitutes the largest family of metabolic enzymes and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including plant growth and development. Eggplants are well-known for their peel’s high concentration of anthocyanin compounds that provide significant health benefits to humans. The accumulation of anthocyanins in eggplant peels is an important process during growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to identify the CYP450 genes in eggplant (SmCYPs) and analyze their expression profiles during the period of anthocyanin accumulation in the peel.ResultsA total of 180 SmCYPs were identified in the eggplant genome and classified into eight subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. These SmCYPs exhibited highly conserved gene structure (exon/intron) and protein motifs, especially within their respective subgroup. Sixteen pairs of genes with collinearity were identified through gene duplication analysis. Promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed that SmCYPs are involved in various responses, including growth and development, stress responsiveness, and light responsiveness. Transcriptome data analysis revealed that all SmCYPs were expressed in various eggplant tissues, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits; with diverse expression patterns among members. The expression patterns of SmCYPs in eggplant peel also exhibited diversity during different stages of anthocyanin accumulation. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated similar expression patterns for 15 selected SmCYPs as observed in the transcriptome data. Metabolomics analysis further suggested that SmCYPs are involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and metabolic pathways related to flavonoid and flavone/flavonol biosynthesis. Notably, three specific SmCYPs (SmCYP73A1/75A/98A1) play a significant role in flavonoid biosynthesis, particularly in anthocyanin synthesis in eggplant.ConclusionGenome-wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, expression profile analysis, and exploration of metabolic pathways related to SmCYPs provide valuable insights into the roles of these genes in anthocyanin accumulation in various tissues and organs, including eggplant peel. The findings from this study lay a foundation for the functional analysis of SmCYPs involvement in anthocyanin accumulation in eggplant peel, providing a molecular basis for breeders to cultivate novel varieties of eggplants with high levels of anthocyanin content.

The Influence of Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Case Study of Fandom Couple Pairing Culture

Abstract: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of an individual's mental health and an important stage for personal growth and knowledge accumulation. During this period, adolescents often show a keen interest in various things, information, or knowledge. In an era of information explosion, the media, as one of the main channels for information dissemination, has an important impact on the mental health of adolescents. As one of the current niche cultures with a relatively wide range of communication, CP culture helps social and emotional communication, but also raises concerns about mistrust in real-life intimate relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness of CP culture and promote healthy communication strategies among adolescents. This paper explores the psychological impact of the widespread popularity of CP culture among adolescents. Through a literature review and case study, this paper examines the positive and negative effects of CP culture on adolescents' social and emotional development. This paper uses the widespread CP (Coupling/Character Pairing) culture as an example to discuss its impact on adolescents' mental health. This paper examines the research findings through case studies and comparative analysis, revealing that while the television media and other media promote the social, emotional and cognitive development of adolescents, they also bring potential risks, such as the negative effects of promoting violence, pornography and abuse. Therefore, effective intervention and management strategies must be developed to strengthen cooperation between families and schools, or strengthen media regulation to mitigate potential harm.

Progressive amyloid-β accumulation in the brain leads to altered protein expressions in the liver and kidneys of APP knock-in mice

Impaired hepatic and renal function influence Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression; however, whether AD progression affects these important organ functions remains unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of AD progression, characterized by brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation, on liver and kidney function of AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F (APP-KI) mice using quantitative proteomics. SWATH-based quantitative proteomics revealed changes in mitochondrial, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetic-related proteins in mouse liver and kidneys during the early (2-month-old) and intermediate (5-month-old) stages of Aβ accumulation. Notably, in 5-month-old APP-KI mouse liver, 25 phase I/II metabolizing enzymes (8 CYPs, 7 UGTs, 7 CESs, and 3 SLCs) and five transporters (2 ABCs and 3 SLCs) were significantly altered; specifically, Ugt1a9 and Slc33a1 protein abundances increased, whereas Ugt1a1 and Abcc3 protein abundances decreased. In the kidneys, 13 phase I/II metabolizing enzymes and 10 ABC-SLC transporters were altered, including Ugt1a6, Ugt1a7, Slc22a7, and Abcb1a. Additionally, plasma proteins, such as albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, which are critical for drug binding and distribution, were also altered. These results underscore the significant role of progressive brain Aβ accumulation in modifying hepatic and renal protein abundances, potentially influencing drug metabolism and disposition in AD. Our findings provide novel insights into the complex relationship between AD progression and organ dysfunction.

Automated Surface Defect Detection Based on CycleGAN Model

Abstract Defect detection occupies an increasingly important position in the manufacturing industry, and most of approaches for the traditional defect detection are based on manual extraction of defective region traits and labeling work. This paper presents a novel defect detection approach based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) to automatically detect and extract defects from the target dataset. The method extends the samples using GAN model to solve the problem of insufficient samples in reality, and also provides paired samples for the second stage of defective pixel accumulation, after which the defective pixel images are output as binarized defect maps using difference accumulation and threshold segmentation. The experimental results verify that the proposed method can very accurately highlight the defects at the defect locations, and can be generated without manual labeling of defect traits.

Cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase isoform mediates metabolic adjustments in bean fruit pericarp to support seed growth.

Seed development requires substantial metabolic resources and is influenced by adverse environmental conditions. However, the ability of plants to produce viable seeds under restrictive conditions suggests the existence of mechanisms that make this process less sensitive to environmental stress. Uncovering their regulation could lead to the development of genotypes better adapted to stressful conditions. Plant response to stress is complex, and the contribution of organs such as the fruit pericarp to stress tolerance mechanism may have been underestimated. The bean fruit pericarp, a photosynthetic structure that contributes to seed development, can synthesize starch from surplus sucrose, which is later degraded during the rapid seed growth phase. This metabolic flexibility may be crucial for supporting seed growth when the photosynthate supply is reduced. To explore this possibility, we disrupted phloem continuity at the pedicel level in fruits about to enter the seed reserve accumulation stage. We used the capacity of the pericarp to incorporate 14CO2 to investigate changes in its metabolism. Our findings reveal that, in response to reduced photosynthate availability, the fruit pericarp did not increase 14CO2 fixation. However, the amount of 14C used for starch synthesis decreased, while the proportion used for soluble sugars synthesis increased. This shift resulted in an increase in 14C-products transported to seeds was accompanied by a significant increase in the activity of cytosolic fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase. Our results indicate that photosynthate restriction accelerates the degradation of pericarp storage proteins, and the increase in cFBPase activity could be crucial in converting the carbon produced in carbohydrates.

Association between objectively-measured sleep duration and early cardiac and hepatic imaging changes in adolescents: insights from the EnIGMA study

Abstract Introduction Inadequate sleep duration (SD) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in adults and adiposity in all life stages. Furthermore, previous cross-sectional studies have shown a possible association between self-reported SD and cardiac structural alterations as detected with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR), even in young healthy people. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies demonstrating an association between objectively-measured SD and structural cardiac alterations. Purpose To assess the association between SD and MR-derived cardiac and hepatic parameters in adolescents. Methods This study used longitudinal data collected as part of the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial in Spain (2017-2021), which enrolled 1326 participants (mean age: 12.5±0.5 years at baseline). Measurements were taken at three different time-points: baseline, 2-year follow-up and 4-year follow-up. SD and physical activity were assessed by accelerometry for seven consecutive days at each follow-up. The participants were offered to undergo a MR scan in the final follow-up as part of the Early imaging markers of unhealthy lifestyles in adolescents (EnIGMA) study. The imaging protocol included a cine SSFP to provide images for chamber size and function, myocardial tagging acquisitions to assess myocardial strain, T1 and T2 mapping sequences to provide precise myocardial relaxation time properties, and a liver mDixonQuant sequence to obtain liver fat content, using a 3-T scanner. The cumulative effect of the independent variable (SD) and the covariates was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) method, calculating the integral of the curve parameters during the follow-up period for each subject. To facilitate interpretation, AUC values were divided by the years of follow-up. The participants were included in the analysis if they had available data for SD in at least 2 of the 3 time-points. The association between SD and the MR parameters was assessed by linear regression models. Results 109 participants (61 girls [56.0%]; mean age=16.0±0.5 years) were included in this study. Indexed left ventricular (LV) mass, as well as indexed end-diastolic biventricular volumes were higher in boys than in girls (Figure 1). SD AUC (hours/day) was independently and inversely associated with indexed LV mass and liver fat fraction in the unadjusted and adjusted (age, gender, physical activity, body mass index percentile, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure percentiles AUCs) models (Figure 2). There were no significant associations between the SD AUC and other MR-derived parameters. Conclusion Shorter SD is independently associated with initial stages of cardiac remodeling and liver fat accumulation as assessed with state-of-the-art MR as early as in adolescence. Considering these results, health promotion programs should be implemented early in life emphasizing the importance of good sleep habits.Participant characteristicsAssociation between SD and MR

Dissecting the temporal genetic networks programming soybean embryo development from embryonic morphogenesis to post-germination

Key messageDesiccation-stage transcription factors perform similar functions, with early ones focused on desiccation tolerance and later ones on development. Gene networks governing late embryo development diverge between soybean and Arabidopsis.To understand gene activities programming seed embryo development, we profiled the soybean embryo transcriptome across embryonic morphogenesis through post-germination. Transcriptomic landscapes across embryo development feature highly prevalent transcripts, categorized into early and late groups, with shared and distinct functions. During the mid-storage reserve accumulation stage, the upregulated genes are enriched with regulatory tasks at both the transcriptional and chromatin levels, including DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling. The epigenetic-related functions also dominate in the upregulated genes during germination, involving core histone variants and histone chaperones. Gene network analysis reveals both stage-specific modules and modules active across multiple stages. The desiccation-associated gene module integrates diverse transcription factors (TFs) that are sequentially active during different desiccation stages, transitioning from abiotic stress functions early on to developmental functions later. Two TFs, active during the early and mid-desiccation stages were functionally assessed in Arabidopsis overexpression lines to uncover their potential roles in desiccation processes. Interestingly, nearly half of the Arabidopsis orthologs of soybean TFs active in the desiccation-associated module are inactive during Arabidopsis desiccation. Our results reveal that chromatin and transcriptional regulation coordinate during mid-storage reserve accumulation, while distinct epigenetic mechanisms drive germination. Additionally, gene modules either perform stage-specific functions or are required across multiple stages, and gene networks during late embryogenesis diverge between soybean and Arabidopsis. Our studies provide new information on the biological processes and gene networks underlying development from embryonic morphogenesis to post-germination.

Impact of the Source Material Gradation on the Disaster Mechanism of Underground Debris Flows in Mines

In mines where the natural caving method is used, the frequent occurrence of underground debris flows and the complex mine environments make it difficult to prevent and control underground debris flows. The source is one of the critical conditions for the formation of debris flows, and studying the impact of source material gradation on underground debris-flow disasters can effectively help prevent and control these occurrences. This paper describes a multiscale study of underground debris flows using physical model experiments and the discrete-element method (PFC3D) to understand the impact of the source material gradation on the disaster mechanism of underground debris flows from macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Macroscopically, an increase in content of medium and large particles in the gradation will enhance the instantaneous destructive force. Large particles can more easily cause disasters than medium and fine particles with the same content, but the disaster-causing ability is minimized when the contents of medium and large particles exceed 50% and 60%, respectively. With increasing fine particle content, the long-distance disaster-causing ability and duration is increased. On the microscopic level, the source-level pairs affect the initial flow mode, concentration area of the force chain, average velocity, average runout distance, and change in energy of the underground debris flow. Among them, the proportion of large particles in the gradation significantly affects the change in kinetic energy, change in dissipative energy, time to reach the peak kinetic energy, and time of coincidence of dissipative energy and gravitational potential energy. The process of underground debris flow can be divided into a “sudden stage”, a “continuous impact stage”, and a “convergence and accumulation stage”. This work reveals the close relationship between source material gradation and the disaster mechanism of underground debris flows and highlights the necessity of considering the source material gradation in the prevention and control of underground debris flows. It can provide an important basic theory for the study of environmental and urban sustainable development.

First experience on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of the crest relief deposits of the Tobol-Ishim interfluve

Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, the Late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits of the crest relief of the Tobol-Ishim interfluve (southwest of the Western Siberian Plain, Russian Federation), footslope colluvial deposits on the right-bank terrace of the Ishim River valley and dune sands in the Tobol River valley were studied for the first time. The first obtained luminescence ages provide older ages of crest deposits, than previously assumed, from 33.5±1.5 to 25.8±1.3 ka. The formation of the footslope colluvial cover on the right bank of the Ishim River valley began ~22 ka ago. Dune pinery sands in the Tobol River valley relate to a later stage of aeolian accumulation and were formed due to local wind reworking of the alluvial deposits of the youngest river terrace in the Late Glacial-Holocene.

Models and criteria of destruction of composite materials at the stage of macrocrack initiation

The analysis was carried out and the limits of the use of modern damage models and criteria for the failure of composite materials (CM) at the stage of macrocrack initiation were established. The classification of CM and the main hypotheses and assumptions used in the development of the condition level are described. The main stage of the life cycle of a CM product is considered - the stage of nucleation and accumulation of scattered fractures at the micro and meso levels. The main principles of continuum damage mechanics, thermodynamics of irreversible processes and mechanics of a solid deformed body are used. The main mechanisms of microfailure of reinforced CM are described. It is shown that for them it is necessary to consider a set of phenomenological parameters that could assess the kinetics of the accumulation of diffused failures in the matrix, reinforcing fibers and the delamination between them. These complex processes in reinforced CMs require phenomenological modeling of damage in the form of tensor quantities with certain assumptions. Thus, the "mixture" hypothesis was widely used. It is shown that each component of the damage parameter is more expedient to determine from the hypothesis of the equivalence of specific energies. The method of conducting basic experiments to specify the regularities of damage accumulation in CM is detailed. A modified CM stiffness tensor is established, taking into account the degradation of the mechanical properties of the CM, regardless of the thermo-force parameters of the operating load. An analysis of modern criteria for the destruction of reinforced CMs and the limits of their use was carried out. The main directions of solving the problem of estimating the limit state of CM and the load-bearing elements made from them are shown.

Sedimentologic successions and chronology of the late Pleistocene deposits on the southern Kola Peninsula, northern Europe

AbstractLate Pleistocene deposits in the southern Kola Peninsula, adjacent to the White Sea, evidence the complex alternation between marine transgressions and glacial expansions in northern Europe during successive late Pleistocene warm and cold stages. According to lithostratigraphic and chronological data from key sections, southern Kola Peninsula underwent two phases of the Boreal marine transgression during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5; marine environments, encompassing the very end of MIS 4 and almost the entirety of MIS 3, were also recognized. Age determinations using electron spin resonance (ESR) and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) techniques reveal marine sediments with ages ranging from 138–128 ka to 72.4 ± 5.6 ka in the Varzuga, Chavanga, Chapoma 1 and 2, and Bolshaya Kumzhevaya sections, indicating initial and second phases of the Boreal transgression. The presence of marine deposits with ages ranging from ca. 59 ka to 37 ka in the Chavanga, Kamenka, Chapoma 2, and Bolshaya Kumzhevaya sections also suggests an accumulation stage in the marine environment. The research material from the studied sections provides evidence of a short glacier expansion into coastal areas of the White Sea during early MIS 4 and a continuous glaciation from the late MIS 3 and throughout MIS 2.

Microbiome-derived indole-3-lactic acid reduces amyloidopathy through aryl-hydrocarbon receptor activation

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis has been associated with the gut microbiome and its metabolites, though the specific mechanisms have remained unclear. In our study, we used a multi-omics approach to identify specific microbial strains and metabolites that could potentially mitigate amyloidopathy in 5xFAD mice, a widely used model for AD research. Among the microbial strains tested, three showed promising results in reducing soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) levels. Plasma metabolomics analysis revealed an enrichment of tryptophan (Trp) and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) in mice with reduced soluble Aβ levels, suggesting a potential preventative role. The administration of a combined treatment of Trp and ILA prevented both Aβ accumulation and cognitive impairment in the 5xFAD mice. Our investigation into the mechanism revealed that ILA’s effect on reducing Aβ levels was mediated through the activation of microglia and astrocytes, facilitated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway. These mechanisms were verified through experiments in 5xFAD mice that included an additional group with the administration of ILA alone, as well as in vitro experiments using an AhR inhibitor. Clinical data analysis revealed a greater abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri in the gut of healthy individuals compared to those at early stages of Aβ accumulation or with mild cognitive impairment. Additionally, human post-mortem brain analyses showed an increased expression of genes associated with the AhR signaling pathway in individuals without AD, suggesting a protective effect against AD progression. Our results indicate that ILA from gut microbes could inhibit the progression of amyloidopathy in 5xFAD mice through activation of AhR signaling in the brain.

Thinking on the application of reinforcing and reducing techniques of moxibustion in the staged differentiation and treatment of prostate cancer

The effect of reinforcing and reducing techniques of moxibustion depends on types of moxibustion, operation methods and characteristics of acupoints. According to the ups and downs of pathogenic factors and healthy qi during the occurrence and development of prostate cancer, three stages are divided, namely, the stage of initial accumulation of cancer toxicity, the stage of the deficiency of healthy qi and toxin retention, and the stage of yang deficiency and cold stagnation. In the stage of initial accumulation of cancer toxicity, zangfu function is impaired and the dampness, heat and stasis toxin are accumulated in the body; due to which, the reducing technique of moxibustion should be dominant and the healthy qi be supported in combination. In treatment, the wheat-grain sized cone moxibustion, suppurative moxibustion and garlic-isolated moxibustion are applicable. The reducing purpose of moxibustion is obtained by delivering an appropriate increased number of moxa cones, large dosage and strong stimulation at acupoints. In the stage of the deficiency of healthy qi and toxin retention, qi movement is weakened and cancer toxin consumes yin; the reinforcing healthy qi and removing pathogenic factors should be operated simultaneously. In treatment, mild moxibustion and suppurative moxibustion can be used. The reduced number of moxa cones, moderate dosage of moxibustion and mild stimulation at acupoints should be considered to gently adjust the conditions of deficiency and excess. In the stage of yang deficiency and cold stagnation, spleen and kidney yang is deficient, and the meridians are blocked by cold and damp pathogens. In treatment, the reinforcing technique of moxibustion should be used specially and eliminating pathogenic factors be combined. Monkshood cake-insulated moxibustion, salt-insulated moxibustion and wheat-grain sized cone moxibustion can be adopted. The less number of moxa cones, small dosage and appropriately increased frequency of treatment should be considered to produce the gentle and sustained stimulation at acupoints so as to excite the healthy qi and promote the transformation of qi and blood.