Geochemistry and origins of hydrogen-containing natural gases in deep Songliao Basin,China:Insights from continental scientific drilling

The different reservoirs in deep Songliao Basin have non-homogeneous lithologies and include multiple layers with a high content of hydrogen gas.The gas composition and stable isotope characteristics vary significantly,but the origin analysis of different gas types has previously been weak.Based on the geochemical parameters of gas samples from different depths and the analysis of geological settings,this research covers the diverse origins of natural gas in different strata.The gas components are mainly methane with a small amount of C_(2+),and non-hydrocarbon gases,including nitrogen(N_(2)),hydrogen(H_(2)),carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),and helium(He).At greater depth,the carbon isotope of methane becomes heavier,and the hydrogen isotope points to a lacustrine sedimentary environment.With increasing depth,the origins of N_(2)and CO_(2)change gradually from a mixture of organic and inorganic to inorganic.The origins of hydrogen gas are complex and include organic sources,water radiolysis,water-rock(Fe^(2+)-containing minerals)reactions,and mantle-derived.The shales of Denglouku and Shahezi Formations,as source rocks,provide the premise for generation and occurrence of organic gas.Furthermore,the deep faults and fluid activities in Basement Formation control the generation and migration of mantle-derived gas.The discovery of a high content of H_(2)in study area not only reveals the organic and inorganic association of natural-gas generation,but also provides a scientific basis for the exploration of deep hydrogen-rich gas.

Identification of S-RNase genotype and analysis of its origin and evolutionary patterns in Malus plants

Identification of the S genotype of Malus plants will greatly promote the discovery of new genes,the cultivation and production of apple,the breeding of new varieties,and the origin and evolution of self-incompatibility in Malus plants.In this experiment,88 Malus germplasm resources,such as Aihuahong,Xishuhaitang,and Reguanzi,were used as materials.Seven gene-specific primer combinations were used in the genotype identification.PCR amplification using leaf DNA produced a single S-RNase gene fragment in all materials.The results revealed that 70 of the identified materials obtained a complete S-RNase genotype,while only one S-RNase gene was found in 18 of them.Through homology comparison and analysis,13 S-RNase genotypes were obtained:S_(1)S_(2)(Aihuahong,etc.),S_(1)S_(28)(Xixian Haitang,etc.),S_(1)S_(51)(Hebei Pingdinghaitang),S_(1)S_(3)(Xiangyangcun Daguo,etc.),S_(2)S_(3)(Zhaiyehaitang,etc.),S_(3)S_(51)(Xishan 1),S_(3)S_(28)(Huangselihaerde,etc.),S_(2)S_(28)(Honghaitang,etc.),S_(4)S_(28)(Bo 11),S_(7)S_(28)(Jiuquan Shaguo),S_(10)S_e(Dongchengguan 13),S_(10)S_(21)(Dongxiangjiao)and S_(3)S_(51)(Xiongyue Haitang).Simultaneously,the frequency of the S gene in the tested materials was analyzed.The findings revealed that different S genes had varying frequencies in Malus resources,as well as varying frequencies between intraspecific and interspecific.S_(3) had the highest frequency of 68.18%,followed by S_(1)(42.04%).In addition,the phylogenetic tree and origin evolution analysis revealed that the S gene differentiation was completed prior to the formation of various apple species,that cultivated species also evolved new S genes,and that the S_(50) gene is the oldest S allele in Malus plants.The S_(1),S_(29),and S_(33) genes in apple-cultivated species,on the other hand,may have originated in M.sieversii,M.hupehensis,and M.kansuensis,respectively.In addition to M.sieversii,M.kansuensis and M.sikkimensis may have also played a role in the origin and evolution of some Chinese apples.

Distribution and geochemical significance of alkylbenzenes for crude oil with different depositional environments and thermal maturities

A total of 45 alkylbenzenes were detected and identified in crude oils with different depositional environments and thermal maturities from the Tarim Basin,Beibuwan Basin,and Songliao Basin using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC×GCTOFMS).By analyzing the distribution characteristics of C0-C5alkylbenzenes,it is found that the content of some alkylbenzenes varies greatly in crude oils.Based on the distribution characteristics of 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene(Te MB)and 1,2,3,4-Te MB,the ratio of 1,2,4,5-Te MB to 1,2,3,4-Te MB is proposed to indicate the organic matter origin and depositional environment of ancient sediments.Oil samples originated mainly from lower hydrobiont,algae,bacteria and source rocks deposited under reducing/anoxic conditions have low 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB values(less than 0.6),while oil samples originated mainly from terrestrial higher plants and source rocks deposited under oxic/sub-oxic conditions have higher 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB values(greater than 1.0).The significant difference of 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB values is controlled by 1,2,4,5-Te MB content.1,2,4,5-Te MB content in oils derived from source rocks deposited in oxidized sedimentary environment(greater than 1.0 mg/g whole oil)is higher than that in oils from source rocks deposited in reduced sedimentary environment(less than 1.0 mg/g whole oil).1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB ratio might not or slightly be affected by evaporative fractionation,biodegradation and thermal maturity.1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB ratio and 1,2,4,5-Te MB content can be used as supplementary parameter for the identification of sedimentary environment and organic matter input.It should be noted that compared to the identification of organic matter sources,the 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB parameter is more effective in identifying sedimentary environments.

Interpretation of the Standards of Basic Dataset of Chronic Diseases Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance in Adults

BACKGROUND China’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System(BRFSS)originated from the World Bankfunded HealthⅦLoan Project in the 1990s,which conducted behavioral risk factor surveillance in seven cities and one province^([1]).Drawing on the World Health Organization’s(WHO)STEPwise approach to surveillance(STEPs)and the U.S.Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System(BRFSS)^([2,3]).

Geographical origin identification of winter jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Dongzao')by using multi-element fingerprinting with chemometrics

Winter jujube(Ziziphus jujuba'Dongzao')is greatly appreciated by consumers for its excellent quality,but brand infringement frequently occurs in the market.Here,we first determined a total of 38 elements in 167 winter jujube samples from the main winter jujube producing areas of China by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer(ICP-MS).As a result,16 elements(Mg,K,Mn,Cu,Zn,Mo,Ba,Be,As,Se,Cd,Sb,Ce,Er,Tl,and Pb)exhibited significant differences in samples from different producing areas.Supervised linear discriminant analysis(LDA)and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)showed better performance in identifying the origin of samples than unsupervised principal component analysis(PCA).LDA and OPLS-DA had a mean identification accuracy of 87.84 and 94.64%in the testing set,respectively.By using the multilayer perceptron(MLP)and C5.0,the prediction accuracy of the models could reach 96.36 and 91.06%,respectively.Based on the above four chemometric methods,Cd,Tl,Mo and Se were selected as the main variables and principal markers for the origin identification of winter jujube.Overall,this study demonstrates that it is practical and precise to identify the origin of winter jujube through multi-element fingerprint analysis with chemometrics,and may also provide reference for establishing the origin traceability system of other fruits.

Origin of the Dashuigou independent tellurium deposit at Qinghai–Xizang Plateau: constraints from the light stable isotopes C, O, and H

By studying the light isotopic compositions of carbon,oxygen,and hydrogen,combined with previous research results on the ore-forming source of the deposit,the authors try to uncover its metallogenic origin.The δ^(18)O and δ^(13)C isotope signatures of dolomite samples vary between 10.2 and 13.0‰,and between−7.2 and−5.2‰,respectively,implying that the carbon derives from the upper mantle.δD and δ^(18) O of quartz,biotite,and muscovite from diff erent ore veins of the deposit vary between−82 and−59‰,and between 11.6 and 12.4‰,respectively,implying that the metallogenic solutions are mainly magmatic.According to the relevant research results of many isotope geologists,the fractionation degree of hydrogen isotopes increases as the depth to the Earth’s core increases,and the more diff erentiated the hydrogen isotopes are,the lower their values will be.In other words,mantle-derived solutions can have extremely low hydrogen isotope values.This means that the δD‰ value−134 of the pyrrhotite sample numbered SD-34 in this article may indicate mantle-derived oreforming fl uid of the deposit.The formation of the Dashuigou tellurium deposit occurred between 91.71 and 80.19 Ma.

Modifications in aroma characteristics of'Merlot'dry red wines aged in American,French and Slovakian oak barrels with different toasting degrees

Aging in oak barrels is widely used in enology which could bring flavor changes and aromatic complexity to wines.In the present study,the aroma compounds were analyzed from the‘Merlot’dry red wines,which were fermented in two types of fermenters(stainless steel tank and rotated oak barrel)and aged in six types of oak barrels(three geographic origins×two toasting degrees)for different time(0,3,6 and 9 months,respectively).Results showed that 30 volatiles were associated with barrels and increased during oak aging.The fermenters could influence the intensities of the toast,leathery,smoky,fruity,floral and caramel aromas.The concentration of whisky lactone,eugenol,cis-isoeugenol,and the intensities of the toast and spicy aromas were highest in the wines aged in American oak and were lowest in the wines aged in French oak barrels.The concentrations of guaiacol,syringol,trans-isoeugenol,furfural alcohol,vanilla,cis-whisky lactone enabled the medium toasting barrels to be distinguished from the light toasting ones.The compounds originating from the barrels could be used to distinguish the types of different barrels,but the other general grape-derived and fermentation-derived volatiles could not.The fermenters,oak species and toasting degrees of the barrels all had significant effects on the aroma profiles of the aged‘Merlot’dry red wines,but the influence of the geographic origin was not obvious.

Genetic analyses of ancient tea trees provide insights into the breeding history and dissemination of Chinese Assam tea(Camellia sinensis var.assamica)

Chinese Assam tea(Camellia sinensis var.assamica)is an important tea crop with a long history of cultivation in Yunnan,China.Despite its potential value as a genetic resource,its genetic diversity and domestication/breeding history remain unclear.To address this issue,we genotyped 469 ancient tea plant trees representing 26 C.sinensis var.assamica populations,plus two of its wild relatives(six and three populations of C.taliensis and C.crassicolumna,respectively)using 16 nuclear microsatellite loci.Results showed that Chinese Assam tea has a relatively high,but comparatively lower gene diversity(H_(S)=0.638)than the wild relative C.crassicolumna(H_S=0.658).Clustering in STRUCTURE indicated that Chinese Assam tea and its two wild relatives formed distinct genetic groups,with considerable interspecific introgression.The Chinese Assam tea accessions clustered into three gene pools,corresponding well with their geographic distribution.However,New Hybrids analysis indicated that 68.48%of ancient Chinese Assam tea plants from Xishuangbanna were genetic intermediates between the Puer and Lincang gene pools.In addition,10%of the ancient Chinese Assam tea individuals were found to be hybrids between Chinese Assam tea and C.taliensis.Our results suggest that Chinese Assam tea was domesticated separately in three gene pools(Puer,Lincang and Xishuangbanna)in the Mekong River valley and that the hybrids were subsequently selected during the domestication process.Although the domestication history of Chinese Assam tea in southwestern Yunnan remains complex,our results will help to identify valuable genetic resources that may be useful in future tea breeding programs.

Management of retroperitoneal high-grade serous carcinoma of unknown origin:A case report

BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal high-grade serous carcinoma(HGSC)of unknown origin is a sporadic tumor that can originate from ovarian cancer.Herein,we report the case of a woman with retroperitoneal HGSC of unknown origin and describe how she was diagnosed and treated.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old female presented with the tumor marker CA125 elevated to 1041.9 U/mL upon a regular health examination.Computed tomography revealed retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement.Subsequently,positron emission tomography scanning revealed lesions with increased F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake at the nodes.As a result,she underwent laparoscopic lymph node resection,and pathology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma with CK7(+),PAX8(+),WT1(+),PR(-),and p53 mutational loss of expression,indicating that the origin may be from the adnexa.The patient was admitted to our ward and underwent laparoscopic staging;however,the pathological results were negative.Under the suspicion of retroperitoneal HGSC of unknown origin,chemotherapy and targeted therapy were initiated.Tumor marker levels decreased after treatment.CONCLUSION We present a case of HGSC of unknown origin managed using retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy,staging surgery,chemotherapy,and targeted therapy.

Tracing of natural gas migration by light hydrocarbons:A case study of the Dongsheng gas field in the Ordos Basin,NW China

Based on the analysis of light hydrocarbon compositions of natural gas and regional comparison in combination with the chemical components and carbon isotopic compositions of methane,the indication of geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons on the migration features,dissolution and escape of natural gas from the Dongsheng gas field in the Ordos Basin is revealed,and the effect of migration on specific light hydrocarbon indexes is further discussed.The study indicates that,natural gas from the Lower Shihezi Formation(Pix)in the Dongsheng gas field displays higher iso-C5-7contents than n-C5-7contents,and the C6-7light hydrocarbons are composed of paraffins with extremely low aromatic contents(<0.4%),whereas the C7light hydrocarbons are dominated by methylcyclohexane,suggesting the characteristics of coal-derived gas with the influence by secondary alterations such as dissolution.The natural gas from the Dongsheng gas field has experienced free-phase migration from south to north and different degrees of dissolution after charging,and the gas in the Shiguhao area to the north of the Borjianghaizi fault has experienced apparent diffusion loss after accumulation.Long-distance migration in free phase results in the decrease of the relative contents of the methylcyclohexane in C7 light hydrocarbons and the toluene/n-heptane ratio,as well as the increase of the n-heptane/methylcyclohexane ratio and heptane values.The dissolution causes the increase of isoheptane values of the light hydrocarbons,whereas the diffusion loss of natural gas in the Shiguhao area results in the increase of n-C5-7contents compared to the iso-C5-7contents.

Gas source of the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in the Zhongjiang large gas field of Western Sichuan Depression:Constraints from geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons

The Zhongjiang gas field is a typical large gas field in terrigenous strata of the Western Sichuan Depression.It remains debatable which member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation served as the source rocks and how significant the member contributed to the gas accumulations in the Zhongjiang gas field.In this study,we analyzed the essential characteristics of the Lower Jurassic source rocks and the geochemical features of light hydrocarbons in natural gas from the 2nd(T3χ^(2))and 4th members(T3χ^(4))of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T3χ),as well as the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao(J2s)and Qianfoya(J2q)formations.Based on this,we explored the sources of the natural gas in the Zhongjiang gas field and determined the natural gas migration patterns and their effects on the properties of light hydrocarbons in the natural gas.The results indicate that the Lower Jurassic lacustrine source rocks of the Zhongjiang gas field contain humic organic matter,with vitrinite reflectance(R_(0))values ranging from 0.86%to 0.98%.Samples meeting the criterion for effective source rocks[total organic carbon(TOC)content≥0.75%]exhibited an average TOC content of merely 1.02%,suggesting significantly lower hydrocarbon generation potential than source rocks in the underlying T3x,which show higher thermal maturity and TOC contents.For natural gas samples from T3χ^(2),T3χ^(4),J2s,and J2q reservoirs,their C_(5-7)iso-alkane content was significantly higher than their n-alkane content,and their methylcyclohexane(MCH)index ranged from 59.0%to 77.3%,indicating the predominance of methylcyclohexane in C_(7)light hydrocarbons.As indicated by the origin identification and gas-source correlation based on the geochemical features of light hydrocarbons,the natural gas in the Zhongjiang gas field is typical coal-derived gas.The gas from the primary pay zone of the Shaximiao Formation,with significantly high K_(1),(P_(2)+N_(2))/C_(7),and P_(3)/C_(7)values,predominantly originated from the 5th member of the T3x and migrated in the free phase,with a small amount possibly sourced from the Lower Jurassic source rocks.The dissolution and adsorption during gas migration led to a decrease in the aromatic content in C_(6-7)light hydrocarbons and an increase in the isoheptane values.Therefore,their effects must be considered when determining the gas origin and thermal maturity based on the aromatic content in C_(6-7) light hydrocarbons and iso-heptane values.

Overpressure origins and evolution in deep-buried strata:A case study of the Jurassic Formation,central Junggar Basin,western China

Overpressure is significant to the exploration and exploitation of petroleum due to its influence on hydrocarbon accumulation and drilling strategies.The deep-burial hydrocarbon reservoirs of Jurassic strata in the central Junggar Basin are characterized by intensive overpressure,whose origins are complex and still unclear.In this study,Bowers'method and sonic velocity-density crossplot method based on well logging data were used as a combination for overpressure judgements in geophysics.Furthermore,the corresponding geological processes were analysed in quality and quantity to provide a rational comprehension of the overpressure origins and the model of overpressure evolution and hy-drocarbon accumulation processes.The results showed that hydrocarbon generation in the Jurassic source rocks led to overpressure in the mudstones,while hydrocarbon generation in Permian source rocks led to overpressure in the sandstone reservoirs in Jurassic strata by vertical pressure transfer.The burial and thermal history indicated that the aquathermal effect of pore fluids by temperature increase in deep strata is also an important origin of overpressure,while disequilibrium compaction may not be the dominant cause for the overpressure in deep-buried strata.Furthermore,the continuous tectonic compression in both the north-south and west-east trends from the Jurassic period to the present may also have enhanced the overpressure in deep strata.Meanwhile,the developed faults formed by intensive tectonic compression led to pressure transfer from source rocks to the Jurassic reservoirs.Overpressured geofluids with hydrocarbons migrated to sandstone reservoirs and aggravated the over-pressure in the Jurassic strata.To conclude,the intensive overpressure in the central Junggar Basin is attributed to the combination of multiple mechanisms,including hydrocarbon generation,the aqua-thermal effect,tectonic compression and pressure transfer.Furthermore,the developed overpressure indicated hydrocarbon migration and accumulation processes and the potential of oil and gas reservoirs in deeply buried strata.We hope this study will provide a systematic research concept for overpressure origin analysis and provide guidance for petroleum exploration and exploitation in deep-buried strata.

Identification of Tibetan and Qiang Edible and Medicinal Herbs Cardamine tangutorum and Cardamine macrophylla

[Objectives]To study the original plants,characters,tissue structure,powder characteristics and thin-layer chromatography(TLC)characteristics of Cardamine tangutorum and Cardamine macrophylla as Tibetan and Qiang edible and medicinal herbs,and to provide the basis for the identification of C.tangutorum and C.macrophylla.[Methods]The identification of C.macrophyll and C.tangutorum was carried out by original plant identification,character identification,microscopic identification and TLC identification.[Results]C.tangutorum and C.macrophylla can be distinguished according to the shape of rhizome and stem,the difference of stem leaves and leaflets,and the difference of flower color;there is no obvious difference between the characteristics of the shape and the powder;the thin layer chromatography shows that in the thin layer chromatography of C.tangutorum and C.macrophylla,spots with the same color are shown on the corresponding positions of the ground part and the reference substance quercetin;the underground part and the position corresponding to the reference substanceβ-sitosterol all show the same color spots.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the identification of C.tangutorum and C.macrophylla.

Optimization study of station track utilization in high-speed railroad based on constraints of control in random origin and process

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to eliminate the fluctuations in train arrival and departure times caused by skewed distributions in interval operation times.These fluctuations arise from random origin and process factors during interval operations and can accumulate over multiple intervals.The aim is to enhance the robustness of high-speed rail station arrival and departure track utilization schemes.Design/methodologylapproach-To achieve this objective,the paper simulates actual train operations,incorporating the fluctuations in interval operation times into the utilization of arrival and departure tracks at the station.The Monte Carlo simulation method is adopted to solve this problem.This approach transforms a nonlinear model,which includes constraints from probability distribution functions and is difficult to solve directly,into a linear programming model that is easier to handle.The method then linearly weights two objectives to optimize the solution.Findings-Through the application of Monte Carlo simulation,the study successfully converts the complex nonlinear model with probability distribution function constraints into a manageable linear programming model.By continuously adjusting the weighting coefficients of the linear objectives,the method is able to optimize the Pareto solution.Notably,this approach does not require extensive scene data to obtain a satisfactory Pareto solution set.Originality/value-The paper contributes to the field by introducing a novel method for optimizing high-speed rail station arrival and departure track utilization in the presence of fluctuations in interval operation times.The use of Monte Carlo simulation to transform the problem into a tractable linear programming model represents a significant advancement.Furthermore,the method's ability to produce satisfactory Pareto solutions without relying on extensive data sets adds to its practical value and applicability in real-world scenarios.

Unroofing Technique for Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva: Report of a Case

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (AOLCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva constitutes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. Patients with an anomalous left main coronary artery face a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with an anomalous right coronary artery. The anomalous coronary artery traversing between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery markedly heightens the risk of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Symptomatic patients often exhibit a longer intramural course of the coronary artery, which may necessitate earlier intervention or influence the choice of surgical repair method. Surgical intervention is advocated for patients with this anomaly, even in the absence of symptoms. For anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course, coronary unroofing is the preferred revascularization procedure. This report presents a case of AOLCA originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, treated surgically using the unroofing technique for the aortic intramural segment of the anomalous coronary artery traversing between the great vessels. The unroofing technique is recommended for treating AOLCA with an extensive intramural course that does not involve the commissure.

Extraterrestrial Life in the Thermosphere: Plasmas, UAP, Pre-Life, Fourth State of Matter

“Plasmas” up to a kilometer in size and behaving similarly to multicellular organisms have been filmed on 10 separate NASA space shuttle missions, over 200 miles above Earth within the thermosphere. These self-illuminated “plasmas” are attracted to and may “feed on” electromagnetic radiation. They have different morphologies: 1) cone, 2) cloud, 3) donut, 4) spherical-cylindrical;and have been filmed flying towards and descending from the thermosphere into thunderstorms;congregating by the hundreds and interacting with satellites generating electromagnetic activity;approaching the Space Shuttles. Computerized analysis of flight path trajectories documents these plasmas travel at different velocities from different directions and change their angle of trajectory making 45°, 90°, and 180° shifts and follow each other. They’ve been filmed accelerating, slowing down, stopping, congregating, engaging in “hunter-predatory” behavior and intersecting plasmas leaving a plasma dust trail in their wake. Similar life-like behaviors have been demonstrated by plasmas created experimentally. “Plasmas” may have been photographed in the 1940s by WWII pilots (identified as “Foo fighters”);repeatedly observed and filmed by astronauts and military pilots and classified as Unidentified Aerial—Anomalous Phenomenon. Plasmas are not biological but may represent a form of pre-life that via the incorporation of elements common in space, could result in the synthesis of RNA. Plasmas constitute a fourth state of matter, are attracted to electromagnetic activity, and when observed in the lower atmosphere likely account for many of the UFO-UAP sightings over the centuries.

The Translation of Chinese Literature under the Theory of Translation Compensation

In order to promote the exchange of Chinese culture with foreign countries,translators bear an important mission in the process of cross-cultural communication.Although there are cultural differences,we can achieve cultural dissemination and exchange through continuous cultural dialogue.As an important way for foreign scholars to understand the history of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties in China,the translation of historical texts is crucial.Multiple typical cases are selected under the guidance of the translation theory of compensation to use relevant methods or techniques from the three levels of language,culture,and aesthetics to compensate for the loss of Li Xueqin’s The Origin of Ancient Chinese Civilization in English translation proofreading.

Hongshan Culture:Tracing The Origins of Chinese Civilization

The Liaohe River basin in northeastern China occupies an important geographical position connecting Northeast Asia and the Central Plains.Millennia ago,it witnessed the convergence of farming,fishing,hunting,and nomadic cultures and the coexistence and flourishing of multiple peoples.Archaeological excavations and research on this area show that as early as the Neolithic period,the indigenous Hongshan Culture had already embraced the dawn of civilization.Traces of early city forms were discovered at the Niuheliang site dating from the late Hongshan period,providing archaeological evidence on the 5,000 years of history of Chinese civilization.In academic circles,Hongshan Culture is considered the“tap root”of Chinese civilization,from which the core traditions of Chinese civilization such as respecting heaven and ancestors and worshiping the dragon and jade originated.This issue’s“Focus”section is dedicated to tracing the origins of Chinese civilization by focusing on the origins and characteristics of Hongshan Culture as well as its fusion with other civilizations around the world.We hope to shed light on the far reaching,time-honored Chinese culture and provide a fresh perspective for readers to understand the development of human civilization.

Cultural and Historical Origins of the Central Axis of Beijing

The Central Axis of Beijing embodies the cultural spirit and urban planning ingenuity of an ancient nation.WITH the release of the Beijing Central Axis panoramic map by Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau in late November,2022,together with the plan for its protection and management in the coming decade.

Annelid functional genomics reveal the origins of bilaterian life cycles

Indirect development with an intermediate larva exists in all major animal lineages1, which makes larvae central to mostscenarios of animal evolution2-11. Yet how larvae evolved remains disputed. Here we show that temporal shifts (that is,heterochronies) in trunk formation underpin the diversification of larvae and bilaterian life cycles. We performed chromosomescalegenome sequencing in the annelid Owenia fusiformis with transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling during the life cycles ofthis and two other annelids. We found that trunk development is deferred to pre-metamorphic stages in the feeding larva of O.fusiformis but starts after gastrulation in the non-feeding larva with gradual metamorphosis of Capitella teleta and the directdeveloping embryo of Dimorphilus gyrociliatus. Accordingly, the embryos of O. fusiformis develop first into an enlarged anteriordomain that forms larval tissues and the adult head12. Notably, this also occurs in the so-called 'head larvae' of other bilaterians13-17, with which the O. fusiformis larva shows extensive transcriptomic similarities. Together, our findings suggest that the temporaldecoupling of head and trunk formation, as maximally observed in head larvae, facilitated larval evolution in Bilateria. Thisdiverges from prevailing scenarios that propose either co-option9,10 or innovation11 of gene regulatory programmes to explainlarva and adult origins.