Changes in neurotransmitter levels,brain structural characteristics,and their correlation with PANSS scores in patients with firstepisode schizophrenia

BACKGROUND In patients with schizophrenia,the brain structure and neurotransmitter levels change,which may be related to the occurrence and progression of this disease.AIM To explore the relationships between changes in neurotransmitters,brain structural characteristics,and the scores of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale(PANSS)in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.METHODS The case group comprised 97 patients with schizophrenia,who were evaluated using the Canadian Neurological Scale and confirmed by laboratory tests at Ningbo Mental Hospital from January 2020 to July 2022.The control group comprised 100 healthy participants.For all participants,brain structural characteristics were explored by measuring brain dopamine(DA),glutamic acid(Glu),and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)levels,with magnetic resonance imaging.The case group was divided into negative and positive symptom subgroups using PANSS scores for hierarchical analysis.Linear correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between neurotransmitters,brain structural character istics,and PANSS scores.RESULTS Patients in the case group had higher levels of DA and lower levels of Glu and GABA,greater vertical and horizontal distances between the corpus callosum and the inferior part of the fornix and larger ventricle area than patients in the control group(P<0.05).Patients with positive schizophrenia symptoms had significantly higher levels of DA,Glu,and GABA than those with negative symptoms(P<0.05).In patients with positive schizophrenia symptoms,PANSS score was significantly positively correlated with DA,vertical and horizontal distances between the corpus callosum and the infrafornix,and ventricular area,and was significantly negatively correlated with Glu and GABA(P<0.05).In patients with negative schizophrenia symptoms,PANSS score was significantly positively correlated with DA,vertical distance between the corpus callosum and the infrafornix,horizontal distance between the corpus callosum and the infrafornix,and ventricular area,and was significantly negatively correlated with Glu and GABA(P<0.05).CONCLUSION In patients with first-episode schizophrenia,DA levels increased,Glu and GABA levels decreased,the thickness of the corpus callosum increased,and these variables were correlated with PANSS scores.

Diagnostic Study on the Structural Characteristics of a Typical Mei-yu Front System and Its Maintenance Mechanism

In this paper, a typical mei-yu front process with heavy rainfall from June 12 to 15 in 1998 is analyzed. The results show that the mei-yu front is a front system which consists of an iso-theta(e) dense area with strong horizontal gradient, a deep-convective cloud tower band, a passageway transporting warm and moist air flow from the summer monsoon surge in the mid and low levels to the south of the mei-yu front, and a migrating synoptic scale trough to the north of the mei-yu front, which transports cold and dry air southward in the mid and upper levels. The maintenance of the mei-yu front is realized by: (1) is a positive feedback between the moist physical process enhancing frontogenesis and the development of the strong convective system in front of the mei-yu front; (2) the sustaining system to the north of the mei-yu front which is a migrating synoptic scale trough transporting cold and dry air to the mei-yu front and positive vorticity to the mesoscale system in front of the mei-yu front.

Effect of Pig Manure Application on Structural Characteristics of Humic Acids in Brown Soil

The effect of application of pig manure (PM) on the structural characteristics of humic acids (HAs) of brown soil was studied in field and incubation experiments. The results showed that the number-average molecular weights (Mn), the ratios of C/ H, C/ N and O/C, the contents of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups, the content ofaromatic C, the values of E2, E4and λ Exmax of HAs all decreased; whereas, the contents of alkyl C and O-alkyl C, the ratio of carboxyl to phenolic hydroxyl groups, the degree of oxidation stability, the absorption intensity at 285 mμ (UV), and 2920cm-1 of HAs increased after the application of PM. The above results indicated that the molecular structure of HAs tended to be more aliphatic and simpler after the application of PM.

COMPARISON OF THE STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPED VERSUS UNDEVELOPED MID-LEVEL VORTEXES

Using the NCEP 1°×1°reanalysis data,several obvious differences of the structural characteristics of developed versus undeveloped mid-level vortexes are studied.First,the central vorticity of the developed mid-level vortex increases towards higher levels while the undeveloped one decreases.The low-level convergence structure maintains well in the developed mid-level vortex whereas the undeveloped one does badly.Second,on the one hand,according to the symmetric analysis,the horizontal wind field and wind vertical section of the developed mid-level vortex are well symmetric while those of the undeveloped one are less symmetric.Meanwhile,weak wind vertical shear help the developed mid-level vortex to establish a warm core in upper-and mid-levels of the troposphere.On the other hand,according to the balance analysis,better balance between wind and pressure is shown in the mid-and lower-levels of the troposphere of the developed mid-level vortex than in those of the undeveloped vortex.Third,positive anomaly of potential vorticity is enhanced and developed in the vertical direction of the developed vortex.However,the undeveloped vortex weakens with a weak positive anomaly.

Effect of structural characteristics distribution on strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF systems considering soil-structure interaction

It is known that structural stiffness and strength distributions have an important role in the seismic response of buildings. The effect of using different code-specified lateral load patterns on the seismic performance of fixed-base buildings has been investigated by researchers during the past two decades. However, no investigation has yet been carried out for the case of soil-structure systems. In the present study, through intensive parametric analyses of 21,600 linear and nonlinear MDOF systems and considering five different shear strength and stiffness distribution patterns, including three code-specified patterns as well as uniform and concentric patterns subjected to a group of earthquakes recorded on alluvium and soft soils, the effect of structural characteristics distribution on the strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF fixed-base and soil-structure systems are parametrically investigated. The results of this study show that depending on the level of inelasticity, soil flexibility and number of degrees-of-freedoms (DOFs), structural characteristics distribution can significantly affect the strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF systems. It is also found that at high levels of inelasticity, the ductility reduction factor of low-rise MDOF soil-structure systems could be significantly less than that of fixed-base structures and the reduction is less pronounced as the number of stories increases.

The Structural Characteristics of Side-Opening Costumes during the Republic Period of China

The structural characteristics of Chinese side-opening costumes during the Republic Period of China were investigated.By measuring and recovering the physical structures of side-opening costume objects from the Folk Costumes Biography Museum of Jiangnan University,three structural characteristics were analyzed.These structural characteristics show that most of the side-opening costumes during the Republic Period of China remain traditional Chinese costume structures.The general structural characteristics of side-opening costumes are concluded and the structural cutting methods can inspire current designs as well as provide useful references for contemporary fashion designers.

Physicochemical and structural characteristics of the Venn components of wheat gliadin

The aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical and structural characteristics of the Venn components of wheat gliadin to provide theoretical basis of gliadin for processing in dough and Chinese steamed bread. Eight Venn components, Gli-8, Gli-9, Gli-10, Gli-11, Gli-12, Gli-13, Gli-14, and Gli-15, were extracted from wheat gliadin based on their solubility. The results of physicochemical characteristics showed that the differences in the contents, TDS,electrical conductivity, particle size and zeta potential of Venn components were significant, respectively. The content of Gli-15 in gliadin was the highest, and the content of Gli-9 was the lowest. The TDS value of Gli-9 was the highest(336.0), and the TDS value of Gli-15 was the lowest(52.0). The electrical conductivity of Gli-9 was the highest,which was 7.54 times the lowest value of Gli-11. The zeta potential of Gli-9 was -25.2 mV, and the zeta potential of the Gli-15 was -7.64 mV. However, the difference in the p H values was not significant. The results of UV spectrum and FTIR analysis showed that the secondary structures of the Venn components had significant differences. The results of the XRD patterns indicated that the Venn components might not be a single substance. The results of CLSM images implied that the molecular interactions among the components were varied. Hence, the results could provide research materials and basic data for deep processing and utilization of gliadin.

Study of Structural Characteristics of Cellulose Esters with Different Degrees of Substitution

In this article,structural characteristics of amorphous mono-,di-,and tri-substituted esters of cellulose have been studied.These esters were synthesized under homogenous conditions using anhydrides of various aliphatic acids.The specific gravity of the highly substituted samples was measured by a pycnometric method in the aqueous medium.To calculate the molar,Van der Waals,and free volumes,as well as the packing coefficient of amorphous esters the method of additive contributions of partial volumes of atoms and atom groups in the volumes of polymers was used.Based on the molar volume,also specific gravity of cellulose esters was calculated.The coincidence of calculated and experimental characteristics was shown.In addition,the relationship between glass transition temperature and free volume was found for the esters.The theoretical equations were derived,which provide predicting the structural characteristics of cellulose esters with different degrees of substitution.

Simulation of Structural Characteristics and Depth Filtration Elements in Interconnected Nanofibrous Membrane Based on Adaptive Image Analysis

Due to their unique structural features, electrospun membranes have gained considerable attention for use in applications where quality of depth filtration is a dominant performance factor. To elucidate the depth filtration phenomena it is important to quantify the intrinsic structural properties independent from the dynamics of transport media. Several methods have been proposed for structural characterization of such membranes. However, these methods do not meet the requirement for the quantification of intrinsic structural properties in depth filtration. This may be due to the complex influence of transport media dynamics and structural elements in the depth filtration process. In addition, the different morphological architectures of electrospun membranes present obstacles to precise quantification. This paper seeks to quantify the structural characteristics of electrospun membranes by introducing a robust image analysis technique and exploiting it to evaluate the permeation-filtration mechanism. To this end, a nanostructured fibrous network was simulated as an ideal membrane using adaptive local criteria in the image analysis. The reliability of the proposed approach was validated with measurements and comparison of structural characteristics in different morphological conditions. The results were found to be well compatible with empirical observations of perfect membrane structures. This approach, based on optimization of electrospinning parameters, may pave the way for producing optimal membrane structures for boosting the performance of electrospun membranes in end-use applications.

In vitro binding capacities, physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of polysaccharides fractionated from Passiflora edulis peel

This study aimed to determine structural characteristics, physical properties and binding effects of polysaccharide and its fractions from Passiflora edulis peel on lipid, cholesterol and bile acids. The crude polysaccharide (WPEP) was extracted using hot water extraction method, fractionated using DEAE-52 cellulose column, and purified by Sepharose CL-6B column to obtain four polysaccharide fractions (WPEP-F1, WPEP-F2, WPEP-F3, and WPEP-F4). The physicochemical properties and structural characteristics were analyzed using several methods. The chemical-binding effects were also determined. Among all polysaccharide samples, WPEP-F2 had the highest total sugar content (77.63%). The viscosity of all polysaccharide samples was increased. Among the four polysaccharide fractions, WPEP-F2 showed the best emulsifying activity. WPEP-F1 was mainly composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, and arabinose, whereas WPEP-F2, WPEP-F3, and WPEP-F4 were principally composed of galacturonic acid. SEM analysis showed that the four fractions had different microstructures. Among the polysaccharide components, WPEP-F2 had the highest lipid-binding effect (9.3 g/g). It also had the best binding effect on taurocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and cholesterol (50.87%, 69.12%, 30.22%, and 78.68%, respectively), but WPEP-F3 had the best binding effect on cholic acid (53.99%). The lipid, cholesterol, and bile acid-binding activities of WPEP-F2 could be attributed to its high viscosity, porous appearance structure, and sugar content in addition to its triple helix structure. The findings lay a theoretical foundation for developing Passiflora edulis peel polysaccharide-related foods and promoting application of the peel polysaccharide in functional food industries.

Structural Characteristics and Evolution of a Weighted Sino-US Container Shipping Network

This study selected the Sino-US route data from the top 30 global container liner companies between December 1,2019,and December 29,2019,as the data source utilizing the complex network research methodology.It constructs a Sino-US container shipping network through voyage weighting and analyzes the essential structural characteristics to explore the network’s complex structural fea-tures.The network’s evolution is examined from three perspectives,namely,time,space,and event influence,aiming to comprehens-ively explore the network’s evolution mechanism.The results revealed that:1)the weighted Sino-US container shipping network exhib-its small-world and scale-free properties.Key hub ports in the United States include NEW YORK NY,SAVANNAH GA,LOS ANGELES CA,and OAKLAND CA,whereas SHANGHAI serving as the hub port in China.The geographical distribution of these hub ports is uneven.2)Concerning the evolution of the weighted Sino-US container shipping network,from a temporal perspective,the evolution of the regional structure of the entire Sino-US region and the Inland United States is in a stage of radiative expansion and de-velopment,with a need for further enhancement in competitiveness and development speed.The evolution of the regional structure of southern China and Europe is transitioning from the stage of radiative expansion and development to an advanced equilibrium stage.The shipping development in Northern China,the Western and Eastern United States,and Asia is undergoing significant changes but faces challenges of fierce competition and imbalances.From a spatial perspective,the rationality and effectiveness of the improved weighted Barrat-Barthelemy-Vespignani(BBV)model are confirmed through theoretical derivation.The applicability of the improved evolution model is verified by simulating the evolution of the weighted Sino-US container shipping network.From an event impact per-spective,the Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has not fundamentally affected the spatial pattern of the weighted Sino-US container shipping network but has significantly impacted the network’s connectivity.The network lacks sufficient resilience and stability in emergency situations.3)Based on the analysis of the structural characteristics and evolution of the weighted Sino-US con-tainer shipping network,recommendations for network development are proposed from three aspects:emphasizing the development of hub ports,focusing on the balanced development of the network,and optimizing the layout of Chinese ports.

Comparative analysis of structural characteristics and cardiomyocyte protective effects of glucomannan extracted from Bletilla striata using varied methods

Doxorubicin(DOX)is a widely employed tumor therapy,yet its substantial toxic side effects pose a considerable challenge.Bletilla striata has demonstrated efficacy in preventing and treating these toxic side effects in clinical practice,with polysaccharides identified as the principal active component.In the present study,16 fractions of B.striata polysaccharides(BsPs)were extracted using diverse methods,including hot-water extraction(HWE),ultrasonic-assisted extraction(UAE),enzyme-assisted extraction(EAE),dilute acid-water extraction(ACWE),and dilute alkali-water extraction(ALWE).These extractions were subsequently precipitated at final ethanol concentrations of 80%and 95%,respectively.The investigation encompassed yields,total carbohydrate content(TCC),total protein content(TPC),preliminary structural properties,and anti-DOX myocardial cytotoxic activity.Results indicated that the extraction method significantly influenced the physicochemical properties,associated functional properties,and anti-DOX myocardial cytotoxic activity of BsPs.HWE and UAE yielded higher BsPs quantities.The relative molecular weight(RMW)distribution of BsPs differed notably between HWE or UAE,EAE,ACWE,and ALWE.The RMW of primary BsPs obtained from HWE and UAE(1.9×10^(7)-1.7×10^(7) Da)exceeded that from EAE(7.5×10^(3)-2.8×10^(4) Da)and ALWE(5.1×10^(4)-1.7×10^(4) Da),with smaller molecular weights primarily precipitated by higher ethanol concentrations.BsPs were composed of Man and Glu,with partial fractions containing small amounts of Gal or Ara,displaying varying molar ratios.Notably,BsPs from ACWE exhibited the most significant structural differences,lacking 1,4-α-D-Glcp and a triple-helical structure.Furthermore,BsPs obtained from HWE,UAE,and EAE demonstrated heightened anti-DOX myocardial cytotoxic activity compared to other methods.This study underscored the influence of extraction methods on BsPs’structure and myocardial protective activity,offering a foundation for exploring structural diversity and employing specific extraction methods to extract polysaccharides with robust myocardial protective properties efficiently.

Structural Characteristics of Semen coicis Resistant Starch and Its Effect on the Proliferation of Bifidobacterium bifidum

Semen coicis resistant starch is a type of starch which has undergone retrogradation. In this study,the structural characteristics of Semen coicis native starch,high-amylose maize starch,and heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch were investigated. The field emission scanning electron microscopy results indicated that compared to Semen coicis native starch and high-amylose maize starch,the surface of heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch was rough and full of irregular layered strips. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements indicated the degree of ordered structure values of Semen coicis native starch,high-amylose maize starch,and heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch are 1.355,1.372,and 1.410,respectively,and the degree of double helix values is 1.931,1.942,and 2.027,respectively,indicating that the degree of ordered structure and double helix structure of heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch is both higher than those of Semen coicis native starch and high-amylose maize starch. ^（13） C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that Semen coicis native starch and high-amylose maize starch exhibited A-type crystal structures,while heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch displayed B-type crystal structures. The relative crystallinity of Semen coicis native starch,high-amylose maize starch,and heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch is 76.41,85.36,and 87.25,respectively,and the percentages of amorphous region are 5.78,4.72,and 4.39,respectively. Additionally,heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch could increase the proliferation of Bifidobacterium bifidum more than Semen coicis native starch or high-amylose maize starch. Bifidobacterium bifidum displayed a higher tolerance under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions such as low p H,bile acid,pepsin,and trypsin in heat-moisture treated Semen coicis resistant starch medium than in Semen coicis native starch or high-amylose maize starch media.

The effect of Ti and Zr content on the structure,mechanics and energy-release characteristics of Ti—Zr—Ta alloys

Energetic structural materials(ESMs)are a new type of structural materials with bearing and damage characteristics.In this work the microstructure,mechanical properties and energy release characteristics of multi-element Ti-Zr-Ta alloys with good casting performance were studied.The microstructure of the Ti_(x)ZrTa alloys gradually change from BCC+HCP to single BCC structure with the increase of Ti.While the Ti_(2)Zr_(y)Ta alloys was still uniform and single BCC structure with the increase of Zr.The evolution of microstructure and composition then greatly affect the mechanical properties and energy-release characteristics of Ti-Zr-Ta alloys.The synergistic effect of dual phase structure increases the fracture strain of Ti_(x)ZrTa(x=0.2,0.5)with the Ti content decreases,while the fracture strain of Ti_(x)ZrTa(x=2.0,3.0,4.0)gradually increase with the Ti content increases caused by the annihilation of the obstacles for dislocation movement.And as Zr content increases,the fracture strain of Ti_(2)Zr_(y)Ta alloys decrease,then the oxidation reaction rate and fragmentation degree gradually increase.The higher oxidation rate and the lager exposed oxidation area jointly leads the higher releasing energy efficiency of Ti_(x)ZrTa alloys with low Ti content and Ti_(2)Zr_(y)Ta alloys with high Zr content.

Experimental study of the effects of a multistage pore-throat structure on the seepage characteristics of sandstones in the Beibuwan Basin:Insights into the flooding mode

To investigate the relationship between grain sizes, seepage capacity, and oil-displacement efficiency in the Liushagang Formation of the Beibuwan Basin, this study identifies the multistage pore-throat structure as a crucial factor through a comparison of oil displacement in microscopic pore-throat experiments. The two-phase flow evaluation method based on the Li-Horne model is utilized to effectively characterize and quantify the seepage characteristics of different reservoirs, closely relating them to the distribution of microscopic pores and throats. It is observed that conglomerate sandstones at different stages exhibit significant heterogeneity and noticeable differences in seepage capacity, highlighting the crucial role played by certain large pore throats in determining seepage capacity and oil displacement efficiency. Furthermore, it was found that the displacement effects of conglomeratic sandstones with strong heterogeneity were inferior to those of conventional homogeneous sandstone, as evidenced by multiple displacement experiments conducted on core samples with varying granularities and flooding systems. Subsequently, core-based experiments on associated gas flooding after water flooding were conducted to address the challenge of achieving satisfactory results in a single displacement mode for reservoirs with significant heterogeneity. The results indicate that the oil recovery rates for associated gas flooding after water flooding increased by 7.3%-16.4% compared with water flooding alone at a gas-oil ratio of approximately 7000 m^(3)/m^(3). Therefore, considering the advantages of gas flooding in terms of seepage capacity, oil exchange ratio, and the potential for two-phase production, gas flooding is recommended as an energy supplement mode for homogeneous reservoirs in the presence of sufficient gas source and appropriate tectonic angle. On the other hand, associated gas flooding after water flooding is suggested to achieve a more favorable development effect compared to a single mode of energy supplementation for strongly heterogeneous sandstone reservoirs.

Characteristics of geological structures in Shiling and Zhuanshanhu areas of Yehe Uplift,NE China

The basin marginal fault system is the key to understand the formation and evolution of Songliao Basin.In order to investigate the influence of marginal fault system on the structural evolution of Songliao Basin,a comprehensive study was conducted on Shiling Town and Zhuanshanhu area of Yehe Town in Siping City of Jilin Province,where is the southeastern margin of the Songliao Basin and there are a series of well-exposed fault,fold and intrusive bodies belonging to the main marginal fault system of the Songliao Basin known as the Jiamusi-Yitong(Jia-Yi)fault zone.Through profile measurement and field investigation,samples with various lithologies and distinctive features were collected.Detailed field and laboratory works include component and microstructure analysis of these samples,rock-rock contact analysis,main strike measurement and statistics analysis.These data reveal the structural characteristics of the fold,fault and intrusive bodies in the study area.The research results show that the folds are distributed in the Mesozoic strata near the main fault of the eastern branch of the Jia-Yi fault zone,and the folded strata involve the Cretaceous Denglouku and Quantou formations.In addition,the section is dominated by high-angle strikeslip thrust faults.Light-colored veins and dark-colored veins are extensively distributed in the exposed granites.Statistical analysis of joint and fault attitudes in the study area reveals a right-lateral strike-sliping along the main fault.The large-scale right-lateral strike-slip and thrust fault system in Shiling Town occurred in right-lateral transpressive stage in Late Cretaceous.Based on the results above,tectonic evolution sequence in Shiling section of the Jia-Yi fault zone during the Mesozoic can be divided into five stages:Middle Jurassic left-lateral ductile strike-slip stage,Late Jurassic compression stage,Early Cretaceous tension stage,Early Cretaceous extension stage and Late Cretaceous right-lateral transpressive stage.These may have important constraint on understanding the Mesozoic evolution of the Songliao Basin.

Research on the Structural Rigidity Characteristics of a Reconfigurable TBM Thrust Mechanism

To improve the adaptability of TBMs in diverse geological environments,this paper proposes a reconfigurable Type-V thrust mechanism(V-TM)with rearrangeable working states,in which structural stiffness can be automatically altered during operation.Therefore,millions of configurations can be obtained,and thousands of instances of working status per configuration can be set respectively.Nonetheless,the complexity of configurations and diversity of working states contributes to further complications for the structural stiffness algorithm.This results in challenges such as difficulty calculating the payload compliance index and the environment adaptability index.To solve this problem,we use the configuration matrix to describe the relationship between propelling jacks under reconfiguration and adopt pattern vectors to describe the working state of each hydraulic cylinder.Then,both the dynamic compatible equation between propeller forces of the hydraulic cylinders and driving forces,and the kinematic harmonizing equation between the hydraulic cylinder displacements and their deformations are established.Next,we derive the stiffness analytical equation using Hooke’s law and the Jacobian Matrix.The proposed approach provides an effective algorithm to support structural rigidity analysis,and lays a solid theoretical foundation for calculating the performance indexes of the V-TM.We then analyze the rigidity characteristics of typical configurations under different working states,and obtain the main factors affecting structural stiffness of the V-TM.The results show the deviation degree of structural parameters in hydraulic cylinders within the same group,and the working status of propelling jacks.Finally,our constructive conclusions contribute valuable information for matching and optimization by drawing on the factors that affect the structural rigidity of the V-TM.

Structural Characteristics and their Significance for Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Northern Slope of the Central Sichuan Paleo-uplift

Based on 2D and 3D seismic data,the latest drilling data and field outcrop data of the northern slope of the Central Sichuan paleo-uplift,the structural analysis method is used to analyze unconformity development characteristics and fault characteristics during the key structural transformation period,discussing the influence of the structural characteristics on the hydrocarbon accumulation of deep carbonate rocks.The results show that:(1)The two key unconformities of the Tongwan and Caledonian periods were primarily developed in deep carbonate rocks.Firstly,Tongwan’s unconformities are characterized by regional disconformities between the second and third members of the Dengying Formation,the top formation of the Sinian and the lower Cambrian,strips of which zigzag through the north and south sides of the study area.Secondly,the Caledonian unconformity is characterized by a regional unconformable contact between the lower Permian and the ower Paleozoic strata.From NE to SW,the age of the strata,which were subject to erosion,changes from new to old,the denudation distribution showing as a nose-shaped structure which inclines towards the ENE.(2)Boundary fault and transtensional strike-slip faults developed in the Sinian to Paleozoic strata.In profile,there are three types of structural styles:steep and erect,flower structures,’Y’and reversed’Y’type faults.In plane view,the Sinian developed extensional boundary faults extending in an almost NS direction,strike-slip faults developing and extending linearly in approximately EW,WNW and NE strikes in the Cambrian,with characteristically more in the south and less in the north.(3)The faults in the northern slope show obvious zonal deformations in transverse view as well as significant stages and stratified activity in a longitudinal direction.Among them,the activity of faults in the Sinian was the strongest,followed by the activity in the Cambrian period,the activity intensity of faults in the Permian period being the weakest.This fault activity can be divided into four periods:Sinian,Cambrian-Permian,the early Indosinian period and the late Indosinian-Himalayan period,the transtensional strikeslip faults being the products of oblique extensions of pre-existing weak zones in the Xingkai and Emei taphrogenesis,with a particular inheritance in the main faults.(4)Combined with hydrocarbon accumulation factors,it is considered that the epigenetic karstification of the Tongwan and Caledonian unconformities in the northern slope controlled the formation and distribution of carbonate karst reservoirs over a large area,also acting as a good pathway for oil and gas migration.The extensional faults developed at the margin of the NS trending rift,controlling the sag-platform sedimentary pattern in the Dengying Formation of the Sinian.Strike-slip faults in NE,WNW and ENE directions may control the microgeomorphological pattern inside the platform and intensify the differential distribution of grain beach facies.The multi-stage hereditary activity of strike-slip faults not only improved the porosity and permeability of the reservoirs,but also acted as the main channel of oil and gas migration,providing favorable conditions for the development of the current multi-layer gasbearing scenario in the northern slope of the Central Sichuan Basin.

Effects of extrusion and enzymatic debranching on the structural characteristics and digestibility of corn and potato starches

Amylose content has a profound impact on the contents of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch.Enzymatic debranching is a safe method to increase the amylose content,however,the lower substrate concentration and high viscosity of fully gelatinized starch limit the efficiency and yield of this method.This paper aims to explore the effects of extrusion and enzymatic debranching on increasing the amylose content thereby increasing slowly digestible starch and resistant starch contents.Different starch concentrations (10%,15%,and 20%) of extruded corn starch (ECS) and extruded potato starch (EPS) were used to debranch.Both debranched ECS and debranched EPS showed high amylose content of approximately 90%,indicating that all samples with different starch concentrations achieved high-efficiency enzymatic debranching.The high-performance liquid chromatograph results indicated that the samples were mainly short amylose.The samples exhibit a typical B-type crystalline structure and the relative crystallinity of them exceeds 37%.The short amylose exhibited rapid rearrangement ability,with the gelatinization temperature range of rescanning determined as 80–125℃,this will facilitate the formation of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch.The slowly digestible starch and resistant starch contents of the samples (debranched ECS and debranched EPS) were between 23% and 30% and between 31% and 37%,respectively.These results indicate that the extrusion and enzymatic debranching of a high substrate concentration can efficiently increase the amylose content,thereby significantly reducing the digestibility of starch,and has broad prospects of the actual production of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch.

Rheological characteristics of soft rock structural surface

There are two mechanisms of the coarse surface asperity resistance effect and rubbing resistance effect in the course of the soft rock structural surface creep,of which the former plays a dominant role in hindering the deformation in the starting creep phase,so that the structural surface creep usually displays the strong surface roughness effect,and so does the latter when the asperities in the coarse surface were fractured by shearing.Under the low stress condition,there are only two phases of the decelerating creep and the constant creep for the soft rock structural surface,and as the stress increases and overcomes the rubbing resistance,the accelerating creep failure of the structural surface will happen suddenly.Therefore,a multiple rheological model,which combines the nonlinear NEWTON body(NN) of a certain mass and the empirical plastic body(EM) with the classical SAINT VENANT body,NEWTON body,KELVIN body and HOOKE body,could be used to comprehensively describe the creep characteristics of the soft rock structural surface.Its mechanical parameter values will vary owing to the different surface roughness of the structural surface.The parameters of GH,GK and ηL are positively linearly correlative to the surface roughness.The surface roughness and m are negative exponential function correlation.The long-term strength τS is positively correlative to the surface roughness.