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The paper wasp Polistes riparius is distributed in cold regions of northern East Asia to Russia. P. riparius are characterized by having longer cells than those of the closely related P. chinensis, which has a similar life history, as an adaptation to cold regions. The phylogenetic relationships of paper wasps have recently been studied; however, the genetic diversity and population structure of P. riparius has not been determined. The present study is the first to analyze the complete mitochondrial genome using next generation sequencing of P. riparius collected from Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. The genome consisted of a closed loop that was 16,383 bp-long and included 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one AT-rich control region. The average AT content was 84.54%. The heavy (H)-strand was predicted to have 12 PCGs and 14 tRNA genes, while the light (L)-strand was predicted to contain one PCGs, eight tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. All PCGs started with ATG. Stop codons were of two types: TAA for 11 genes (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4L, ND5, ND6, COXI, COXII, COXIII, COB, ATP6 and ATP8) and TAG for two genes (ND3 and ND4). The molecular phylogenetic relationship based on the maximum likelihood method using 13 PCGs was consistent with some previous studies in which a closely relationship between P. riparius and P. jokahamae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a description of the Olenekian–Anisian sections in South Primorye, Far East Russia, containing reptile remains. The paper describes important ammonoid Flexoptychites cf. rifunus (Yabe et Shimizu), as well as Flexoptychites cf. compressus (Yabe et Shimizu), which are stratigraphically significant. New Anisian reptile remains were discovered from four stratigraphic levels in South Primorye: (1) the upper part of the middle Anisian Acrochordiceraskiparisovae Zone (Ichthyopterigia indet. A), (2) the middle part of the upper Anisian Flexoptychites cf. rifunus Beds (Reptilia indet. cf. Ichthyopterygia A), (3) the upper part of the upper Anisian Flexoptychites cf. rifunus Beds (Ichthyoterygia indet. B), and (4) the uppermost part of the upper Anisian Flexoptychites cf. rifunus Beds (Reptilia indet. cf. Ichthyopterygia B). The Anisian stage is marked by an abundance of medium- to large-sized ichthyopterygians and a comparatively limited number of gigantic forms, particularly in the eastern Panthalassic and western Tethyan provinces. Our recent discovery has unveiled the presence of medium- to large-sized reptiles, seemingly ichthyopterygians, in the western Panthalassic province during the late Anisian (Flexoptychites cf. rifunus Chrone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As countries scramble for cleaner energy production and to meet carbon reduction targets, natural gas seems to become an increasingly attractive option with liquified natural gas (LNG) as a popular transportation choice. In this paper, we first conduct a literature review and discuss the various factors affecting the global natural gas market, its recent history, current state, and future. Then we look at the possibility of East Asia becoming an alternative market to Europe for Russian LNG. We also bring in the US both as a political force that employs economic sanctions and as a potential LNG supplier. As a case study, we define a 3-player game between Russia, The United States, and Japan which results in relative market stability. In the case of sanctions against Russia, we conclude that it will lose its foothold in the Japanese market in the long term. Finally, we discuss the potential of LNG trading as the first step for East Asia's energy transition to a low-carbon economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis is made of the variability of the acidity index of precipitation and fluxes of wet sulfur and nitrogen deposition on the territory of the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation (FEFD). The analysis uses data of Roshydromet (Hydrometeorological Service of Russia). It is found that alkaline precipitation is characteristic for most of the FEFD (Yakutia and Transbaikalia). However, an increase in the acidity of precipitation is observed in the southeast of the region during the period under consideration. The average annual pH values of precipitation in Primorskii krai dropped below 5.6 in the first decade of the 21st century to reach 4.6–4.7 in particular years at some of the monitoring stations. It is pointed out that the ever-increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers in East Asian countries leads to an increase in the flux of atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which negatively affects forest vegetation. The annual flux of wet deposition at the EANET Primorskaya international monitoring station between 2006 and 2015 was 6.37 kg/ha per year for S deposition and 6.3 kg/ha per year for N (nitrate + ammonium). Similar values were obtained by averaging data from all stations in Primorskii krai. In 2018, this flux exceeded a critical value of 10 kg/ha per year. The Ternei monitoring station located in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve observed twice as few nitrogen fluxes as that at the Primorskaya station, but an order of magnitude higher than the values recorded in the western part of FEFD. The determining factor for an increase in the acidity of precipitation and for the high levels of nitrogen depositions in the south-east of FEFD is the transboundary atmospheric transport of pollutants from the centers of anthropogenic emissions in East Asia. The analysis of data made in this paper is in agreement with reports of Roshydromet on the state and pollution of the environment of the Russian Federation and supplements and details them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we studied the response of the lower and upper ionosphere to the passage of Typhoon Faxai 2019 using the regional network of ultralong-wave radio translucence stations in the Far East region of Russia and measurements of electron density perturbations using the SWARM mission satellites. The presented experimental data clearly demonstrate wave perturbations of the amplitude and phase of the ULW signal, as well as the electron density during the active stage of the typhoon. The parameters of wave perturbations correspond to atmospheric internal gravity waves. The maximum spectral density of wave perturbations in the lower ionosphere corresponds to 16–20 min. A mechanism for the impact of internal waves on the ionosphere, which is due to polarization fields arising from the wave motion of plasma in the lower part of the F-region, is proposed. These fields projected along the geomagnetic field lines make it possible to interpret the observed variations in the phase of the ULW signal and variations in the electron density in the upper ionosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the biodiversity of vegetation cover in the context of its genesis and development is an important task. The results of these studies are the basis for the development of ecological, biogeographical, evolutionary, and sociological research, such as modelling the dynamic processes of natural ecosystems, understanding the consequences of natural and anthropogenic changes for biodiversity, solving problems of biodiversity conservation, etc. Of particular interest from this point of view is the biodiversity of ecotones, which can serve as a model for studying the factors of the genesis of the plant cover structure in a dynamic environment. In this paper, we analyze the taxonomic structure of the flora of vascular plants and the spatial structure of the plant cover in the East Asian boreal–nemoral ecotone (of the Lower Amur region). The botanical research was conducted through the application of traditional techniques for floristic and geobotanical studies. The material for this article was drawn from over 15,000 herbarium samples and 1400 floristic and geobotanical descriptions made between 1993 and 2021 in the Lower Amur region. The analyzed flora includes 2240 species from 760 genera and 158 families, which constitute 80% of the species composition of the Russian part of the Amur River basin. The native flora comprises 1801 species from 602 genera and 152 families. The species diversity and quantitative characteristics of the natural and adventive flora of vascular plants in the Lower Amur region are comparable to those of the southern limit of the distribution of taiga ecosystems in the Holarctic. The spectrum of the leading families and genera in terms of the number of species corresponds to the geographical position of the territory (the family spectrum is led by Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae and Polygonaceae and in the generic spectrum, Carex, Artemisia, Salix, Viola, Saxifraga, Poa and Saussurea). The specificity of the flora is determined by a combination of elements in the boreal and sub-boreal flora of East Asia. Seven floristic complexes are defined for the Lower Amur region flora: forest (41.4% of the native flora), meadow (19.2%), mire (4.1%), mountain tundra (12.5%), rocky scree (8.9%), aquatic–semiaquatic (7.8%) and floodplain–estuarine shallow (6.2%). The regularity of some floristic complexes is defined by the landscape's ecological conditions, and the variety in the edaphic, orographic and climatic parameters within the region. The spatial structure of the plant cover of the boreal–nemoral ecotone is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of "the Belt and Road" and "the economic corridor of China, Mongolia and Russia" initiatives, it has great value to study the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of the coordinated development between the urbanization and ecological environment in eastern Russia (the Siberian Federal District and the Far East Federal District). In this paper, we studied the urbanization development level, eco-environment development level, and their coupling coordinated development degree during 2005–2018 in the eastern Russia from the perspectives of the 3D global trend and 2D plane analysis. First, combining with the Population-Economic-Sociology and Pressure-State-Response models, the urbanization development level and eco-environment development level were calculated by the comprehensive weighting method of entropy weight and variation coefficient for eastern Russia. Second, the coupling coordinated development degree of the urbanization development level and eco-environment development level was measured by the coupling coordination model for eastern Russia. Finally, the spatial differentiation of the urbanization development level, the eco-environment development level and their coupling coordinated development degree was performed respectively by the 3D global trend and 2D plane analysis using ArcGIS. The results are as following. First, the comprehensive urbanization development level of eastern Russia has increased from 2005 to 2018, and the economic urbanization is the main factor that affects the urbanization development in eastern Russia. The comprehensive eco-environment development level of eastern Russia has decreased from 2005 to 2018, and the eco-environment pressure is the main factor that affects the eco-environment development in eastern Russia. The coupling coordination degree of the urbanization development and eco-environment development has increased from 2005 to 2018. However, it is still in the uncoordinated stage. Second, from 2005 to 2018, the urbanization development level of the Siberian Federal District is higher than that of the Far East Federal District. The eco-environment development level of the Siberian Federal District is balanced to that of the Far East Federal District. The coupling coordination degree of the Siberian Federal District is higher than that of the Far East Federal District. Among the Siberian and Far East Federal Districts, most of the federal subjects belong to the uncoordinated stage of the urbanization development and the eco-environment development. Third, the urbanization development level, the eco-environment development level, and their coupling coordinated development level are all spatially imbalanced in the eastern Russia, which show the "High West, Low East" and "High Center, Low North and Low South" spatial pattern from the perspectives of the 3D global trend and 2D plane analysis. The areas with high levels are concentrated in the Novosibirsk Region, Altay Territory, Kemerovo Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, and Irkutsk Region. The areas with low ones are mostly in the Republic of Altay and Chukotka Autonomous Area. Finally, we suggest policies and strategies that can boost the growth and development of the urbanization and the eco-environment in the Sino-Russian border areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of railroad infrastructure in East Siberia and the Russian Far East was a key aspect of Soviet industrialization during the 1970s and 1980s. Although built primarily for freight transportation, the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) and the Amur-Yakutsk Mainline (AYaM) have also been used for passenger transport and have thus contributed to increased mobility and heightened local expectations about future mobility. This article presents the results of an extensive survey carried out in the BAM/AYaM region, which maps experiences of individual mobility, including usage-related needs, practices, and expectations. The findings show low levels of satisfaction differing across the region's social and spatial diversity. The paper argues that hierarchies of mobility prevail at two related levels in the BAM/AYaM region: 1) the state's regional development policies favor industrial development, focusing on freight transportation while neglecting local passengers' needs for improved individual mobility; and 2) intersectional structural conditions along lines of diversity, such as gender, age, ethnicity, and place of residence, result in mobility disadvantage and lower mobility satisfaction. These hierarchies are embedded in the broader social and spatial inequality structures in the Russian Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In compliance with the fundamentals of the government's policy on nuclear and radiation safety, Russia is continuing to implement its national program for decommissioning its nuclear legacy. Under this program, the State Atomic Energy Corporation, 'Rosatom', is carrying out decommissioning and remediation of the Navy's former shore technical bases (STBs) in the Russian Far East. Along with the 'old problems' accumulated during the operation of STBs in the past, new challenges arise because of the planned intensification of radioactive waste (RW) management on the site in the nearest future. The paper presents the results of comprehensive environmental monitoring at the site of temporary storage for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and RW at Sysoeva Bay, located in Primorsky Krai. One of the site's features is the cross contamination of the environment with radioactive substances and nonradiological pollutants. The dominant radionuclides in the environmental media are 137Cs, 90Sr, and a minor contribution from 60Сo. The soil contamination with artificial radionuclides predominantly relates to the category of industrial waste with local areas classified as very low-level RWs. The contamination penetrated the underground water via migration from the damaged SNF and RW storage facilities. Along with cesium and strontium radionuclides, widespread groundwater pollution with heavy metals (I–III hazardous classes), including Be and As, was revealed. Moreover, the exceedance of permissible levels of Cd reaches 1000 times, and that of radionuclides (90Sr)reaches 50 times. It dictates the necessity to improve the environmental impact assessment by accounting for the nonradiological pollutants in monitoring design. The radiological conditions in the residential area are characterized by the regional background levels. The average annual effective dose of public exposure due to artificial sources does not exceed 40 µSv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents two new pollen records and quantitative climate reconstructions from northern Chukotka documenting environmental changes over the last 27.9 ka. Open tundra‐ and steppe‐like habitats dominated between 27.9 and 18.7 cal. ka BP. Betula and Alnus shrubs might have grown in sheltered microhabitats but disappeared after 18.7 cal. ka BP. Although the climate was rather harsh, local herb‐dominated communities supported herbivores as is evident by the presence of coprophilous spores in the sediments. The increase in Salix and Cyperaceae ~16.1 cal. ka BP suggests climate amelioration. Shrub Betula appeared ~15.9 cal. ka BP, and became dominant after ~15.52 cal. ka BP, whilst typical steppe communities drastically reduced. Very high presence of Botryococcus in the Lateglacial sediments reflects widespread shallow habitats, probably due to lake level increase. Shrub Alnus became common after ~13 cal. ka BP reflecting further climate amelioration. Simultaneously, herb communities gradually decreased in the vegetation reaching a minimum ~11.8 cal. ka BP. A gradual decrease of algae remains suggests a reduction of shallow‐water habitats. Shrubby and graminoid tundra was dominant ~11.8–11.1 cal. ka BP, later Salix stands significantly decreased. The forest‐tundra ecotone established in the Early Holocene, shortly after 11.1 cal. ka BP. Low contents of green algae in the Early Holocene sediments likely reflect deeper aquatic conditions. The most favourable climate conditions were between ~10.6 and 7 cal. ka BP. Vegetation became similar to the modern after ~7 cal. ka BP but Pinus pumila came to the Ilirney area at about 1.2 cal. ka BP. It is important to emphasize that the study area provided refugia for Betula and Alnus during MIS 2. It is also notable that our records do not reflect evidence of Younger Dryas cooling, which is inconsistent with some regional environmental records but in good accordance with some others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents data on the comparative assessment of the composition and properties of natural and magnetized zeolite-bearing tuffs (ZBT) from the Kholinsky, Transbaikalia, and Chuguevsky, southern Russian Far East, deposits in Russia. In addition, the composition and properties of magnetite synthesized by two methods and used for ferritization of ZBT were determined. The phase composition of the synthesized magnetically active material and the quantitative phase composition of natural and magnetized samples of the ZBT from the Kholinsky and Chuguevsky deposits were determined by X-ray powder diffraction. The composition of rock-forming minerals of the ZBT from the Kholinsky deposit was refined. The chemical composition of ZBT from the Kholinsky and Chuguevsky deposits and the initial and magnetized samples was analyzed by XRF. Magnetite content on the surface of the ferritized ZBT was demonstrated to be no higher than 5–7% and not to be able to affect the capacity of ZBT and the pH of the solution. Magnetization of the ZBT does not affect the structure and properties of the ZBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a new form of investment attraction recently introduced in Russia—territories of outrunning socio-economic development (TOSEDs). These initiatives provide tax and other benefits to 20 territories in the Far East and to 90 cities in which a considerable number of jobs are concentrated in a single factory (mono-cities). Using secondary sources and interviews, we present the initial legislation for TOSEDs, the evolution of the initial legislation, and the functioning of TOSED residents. We also identify several opportunities for foreign investors who have installed or intend to install their new manufacturing facilities in TOSEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relative roles of region-specific and commodity-specific developments in the consumer price setting in Russia. For this purpose, we estimate a dynamic hierarchical factor model using inflation rates across regions and sectors. We found little evidence of association between region-specific factors and inflation developments, although there are several regions (mostly located in the Far East and North Caucasus) where the idiosyncratic component may contribute substantially. Conversely, the role of cross-commodity relative price changes in inflation developments in Russia is substantial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russia's invasion in Ukraine has led to substantial restrictions on exports to Russia, which some East Asian economies have joined. We review the importance of East Asian economies as providers of technology imports for Russia and present a preliminary analysis on the development of Russian imports from East Asia after the invasion. We find that East Asian economies have been important suppliers of technology goods for Russia. After February 2022, exports of most East Asian countries to Russia have dropped substantially. Chinese exports to Russia have increased, especially in the category of vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new data on mineral composition and geochemical peculiarities of ores from the Albazinskoe gold-bearing deposit (Khabarovsk region, Far East of Russia). Excepting earlier known ore minerals represented by sulfides of iron, arsenic, lead, zinc, and copper, authors have established about two tens of ore minerals, new for this deposit. Among them are sulfides of antimony, bismuth and molybdenum, native bismuth, copper, nickel, silver, tellurides of bismuth, cobalt sulphoarsenite, nickel sulphoantimonite, silver sulphobismuthites, lead-antimony-bismuth sulphosalts, oxides of tin, titanium, tungsten and some others. The revealed specificity of the ores' material composition indicates this deposit belongs to the gold-rare metallic ore-formational type. The sets of geological and structural data show that gold-bearing deposits of this ore-formational type are spatially and genetically associated with the granitoid magmatism, which is exhibited within transform continental margin and related to the geodynamic mode of sliding of the continental and oceanic lithospheric plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers new and little-known species of the genus Tetracanthella distributed in the Far East of Russia and in Japan. Sensillar chaetotaxy and labial palp, two less known morphological characters for the genus, are discussed. Two new species T. annulata sp. nov. and T. tardoki sp. nov. are described; T. manschurica Kutyreva, 1980 and T czernovae Kutyreva, 1980 are redescribed. For the latter species a lectotype and paralectotypes are designated. Remarks are provided for T. sylvatica Yosii, 1939. A second undescribed species is recorded for Japan. New records for T. orientalis Martynova, 1977 and T. sibirica Deharveng, 1987 are listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the conodont species found for the first time in Abrek Bay in the upper part of the Lower Triassic deposits, which are provisionally assigned through ammonoids to the Anasibirites nevolini zone. The study of the conodonts from these layers has made it possible to identify the assemblage composed of the species Concervatella concervativa (Müller), Ellisonia triassica Müller, Foliella gardenae (Staesche), Neospathodus novaehollandiae McTavish, N. posterolongatus Zhao et Orchard, N. spitiensis Goel, and Novispathodus waageni (Sweet) occurring in both the Anasibirites nevolini zone and the Mesohedenstroemia bosphorensis underlying zone, belonging to the Olenekian bottom, and also the species Triassospathodus aff. homeri (Bender) and T. cf. symmetricus (Orchard) that are more characteristic for the overlying ammonite zones of the Olenekian top. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to analyze Russia's efforts, both domestically and internationally, to combat illicit crab harvesting and safeguard its marine resources. A comparison of total crab imports and allowable catch in Russian waters from 1990 to 2022 indicates a peak in shadow activities during the mid-2000s, with a cessation of large-scale illegal fishing observed since 2013. A narrative analysis of institutional shifts reveals that the bolstering of internal oversight, heightened accountability for harvesters, and enhanced global cooperation have been pivotal in fostering these positive dynamics. Concerning trends, however, emerged towards the beginning of the current decade, indicating potential instability within the legal framework of the crab industry. Persistent statistical discrepancies in trade with South Korea, diminishing institutional capacities within Russia to combat shadow activities, and heightened media scrutiny of illicit crab harvesting underscore the need for sustained vigilance in addressing both internal and external dimensions of this multifaceted problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on the ChilopodaGeophilomorpha of the Asian part of Russia is presented, based on the critical revision of all published morphological descriptions and all geographical records. Revised diagnoses for all the 38 nominal species so far reported from Asian Russia are given, with comments on their validity. Among them a total of 18 species are recorded only from this region and many of them from a single locality only. The species belong to Geophilidae s. l., (in the genera Arctogeophilus, Geophilus, Pachymerium, and Strigamia), Schendylidae (Escaryus), and Mecistocephalidae (Agnostrup, Arrup, and Tygarrup). At least two species have been introduced, namely Geophilus flavus and Tygarrup javanicus. The history of studies on the Geophilomorpha in the Asian part of Russia are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the biodiversity of endophytic bacteria of cultivated grape varieties from the vineyards of Primorsky Krai, Russia, was analyzed for the first time. Far Eastern grape varieties with a high level of stress resistance are a unique object of research as they are cultivated in cold and humid climates with a short summer season. Grapevine endophytic microorganisms are known as promising agents for the biological control of grapevine diseases and agricultural pests. Using genomic approaches, we analyzed the biodiversity of the endophytic bacteria and fungi in the most common grape varieties of Primorsky Krai, Russia: Vitis vinifera × Vitis amurensis cv. Adele (hybrid No. 82-41 F3), Vitis riparia × V. vinifera cv. Mukuzani (pedigree unknown), two cultivars Vitis labrusca × V. riparia cv. Alfa, and Vitis Elmer Swenson 2-7-13 cv. Prairie Star for the first time. The main representatives of the endophytic microorganisms included 16 classes of bacteria and 21 classes of fungi. The endophytic bacterial community was dominated by Gammaproteobacteria (31–59%), followed by Alphaproteobacteria (9–34%) and, to a lesser extent, by the classes Bacteroidia (9–22%) and Actinobacteria (6–19%). The dominant fungal class was Dothideomycetes (43–77%) in all samples analyzed, with the exception of the grapevine cv. Mukuzani from Makarevich, where Malasseziomycetes was the dominant fungal class. In the samples cv. Alfa and cv. Praire Star, the dominant classes were Tremellomycetes and Microbotriomycetes. A comparative analysis of the endophytic communities of the cultivated grape varieties and the wild grape V. amurensis Rupr. was also carried out. We found that 18–20% of the variance between the endophytic communities accounted for the differences between the cultivated and wild grapevines, while the factors "plant location" and "individual plants" accounted for 50–56% and 3–10% of the variance, respectively. The results of this study can be used to develop new means of biocontrol in vineyards to protect plants from abiotic stresses and pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the material culture of the indigenous hunters and fshermen of the Udehe in the Far East of Russia have been transformed by outside infuence, from an autonomous and already sophisticated culture to a dependent and modernized one. The discussion centres around the means of water transport, two kinds of dugout boats (the bat and omorochka) because they were and still are essential for hunting and fshing, which are the main economic activities of Udehe. The author demonstrates how this one part of material culture has changed in manufacturing and use, and what has changed in the everyday life due to this transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates applicability of cassiterite to dating ore deposits in a wide age range. We report in situ LA-ICPMS U-Pb and Pb-Pb dating results (n = 15) of cassiterite from six ore deposits in Russia ranging in age from ~1.85 Ga to 93 Ma. The two oldest deposits dated at ~1.83–1.86 Ga are rare metal Vishnyakovskoe located in the East Sayan pegmatite belt and tin deposits within the Tuyukan ore region in the Baikal folded region. Rare metal skarn deposits of Pitkäranta ore field in the Ladoga region, Fennoscandian Shield are dated at ~1.54 Ga. Cassiterite from the Mokhovoe porphyry tin deposit located in western Transbaikalia is 810 ± 20 Ma. The youngest cassiterite was dated from the deposits Valkumei (Russian North East, 108 ± 2 Ma) and Merek (Russian Far East, 93 ± 2 Ma). Three methods of age calculations, including 208Pb/206Pb-207Pb/206Pb inverse isochron age, Tera-Wasserburg Concordia lower intercept age, and 207Pb-corrected 206Pb*/238U age were used and the comparison of the results is discussed. In all cases, the dated cassiterite from the ore deposits agreed, within error, with the established period of magmatism of the associated granitic rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic (232–233 Ma) Ildeus mafic-ultrabasic massif is a fragment of a large mineralized magmatogenic system formed within the Stanovoy Mobile Belt at the Mesozoic stage of its evolution. Ultrabasic rocks are represented by cumulative plagioclase- and amphibole-bearing dunites, peridotites, websterites, and pyroxenites; basic rocks are gabbro-anorthosites, norites, and two-pyroxene gabbro. Most intrusive rocks of the Ildeus magmatogenic system experienced ultramafic (serpentine, chlorite, talc, and carbonates) and acidic (quartz, biotite, potassium feldspar, and secondary micas) metasomatism. Geochemical characteristics (calc-alkaline differentiation trend, negative anomalies of highly-charged incoherent elements) indicate the subduction nature of the primary magma in the Ildeus system. The ultrabasic rocks are intruded by intermediate-acidic intrusions with geochemical characteristics of adakite. Magmatic-stage silver mineralization is represented by microinclusions of cuprous silver, alloys of silver, copper, gold and zinc, acanthite and silver halides in association with pentlandite, chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrrhotite. These rocks are characterized by microinclusions of native platinum, gold, tungsten, bismuth, lead, PGE alloys, W–Co–Ti, Sb–Pb, Cu–Zn–Sn, minerals of Ag–Cu–Sb–Se–S and Zn–Ni–Co–Fe–S systems, barite, chlorapatite and Bi–Sn–Pb chlorides. At the metasomatic stage, native silver, Au–Ag alloys, silver and copper chlorides, acanthite, silver and lead tellurides coexist with, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, native nickel and gold, Cu–Zn alloys, sulfides of the Pb–As–Cu–Fe–S and bismuth chloride. At the magmatic stage, silver minerals crystallized under reducing conditions in the presence of high-temperature aqueous fluids enriched in sulfide sulfur, halogens, and volatile siderophile (W, Pt) and chalcophile (Ag, Bi, Sn, Sb, and Pb) metals that entered the primary melt from serpentinites, metamorphosed gabbroids, and metal-bearing pelagic sediments of the subducting oceanic plate. Metasomatic parageneses of silver minerals were formed under oxidized near-surface conditions with the participation of low-temperature water–salt solutions with elevated concentrations of sulfate sulfur, arsenic, and tellurium. A two-stage model is proposed for the formation of silver mineralization in the island-arc magmatic systems, where the high-temperature magmatic stage of the formation in deep crustal parts is replaced by low-temperature hydrothermal ore formation processes in near-surface conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the generalization results of studying the long-term history of paleofires in the world and on the territory of Russia specifically. Perspective and reliable methods of reconstructing the local and regional dynamics of paleofires – micro- and macro-charcoal analyzes, are considered. In the article, we analyze approaches to the study of paleofires, methods of processing and identifying micro- and macroscopic charcoal particles, including the state-of-the-art software tools for their identification ("The Charcoal Quantification Tool", "WinSEEDLETM") and analysis ("CharAnalysis") based on a review of world and Russian scientific achievements. In addition, the possibilities of modern international paleofire databases (Global Charcoal Database, Reading Palaeofire Database), which contain up-to-date information on local and regional paleofire data in the Holocene, are considered here. The results of the study of paleofires globally and on the territory of Russia in particular are analyzed and possible research directions along with fire reconstruction issues are highlighted. The review of Russian publications has shown that the central and south parts of the East European Plain, as well as the southeast of Western Siberia, are the most studied regions in terms of reconstructing the dynamics of paleofires. Few similar studies were carried out in the Urals Mts., Eastern Siberia and the Far East, but most of the regions of Russia remain understudied in this regard. In recent years, Russian researchers are mainly focused on the study of local fire dynamics based on the use of macro-charcoal analysis. The analysis of international paleofire databases (Global Charcoal Database, Reading Palaeofire Database) shows that these data need to be radically revised in relation to key sites in Russia. The authors present a generalized scheme-map of Russia indicating the key areas where paleofire dynamics were reconstructed using micro- or macro-charcoal analyzes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is the most direct threat to the persistence of Amur tigers. Despite the recognition that reducing poaching is necessary to prevent extinction, the motivations that drive this activity are not well understood. Understanding this behavior is the first critical step to implementing tangible policy solutions. This study utilizes ethnographic methods to gather empirical evidence about the motivations associated with the poaching and trafficking of Amur tigers in the Russian Far East. By conducting interviews with those directly involved in the illegal tiger trade, three main motivations are identified: status and impunity, poverty (both economic and cultural/traditional poverty), and human/tiger conflict. Economic factors, due to the value of tiger parts for traditional medicine in China, is by far the largest influence on poaching in Russia. It is facilitated and exacerbated by systemic structural inequalities between social classes, including unequal distribution of power and resources and embedded corruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Apterocuris Jacobson, 1901, formerly considered a monotypic genus endemic to South Siberia, a second congener is described from the Central Sikhote-Alin' Mountains in the Far East of Russia. Apterocuris brinevi sp. n. differs from A. sibirica Jacobson, 1901 in the rather convex body, shining smooth dorsum, absence of rectangular projecting basilateral angles of elytra, and only two or three distinct striae of elytral punctures. For Apterocuris sibirica, the pupa is first described, imago redescribed, and the revised distribution is mapped. The place of Apterocuris in the tribe Chrysomelini is discussed and its similarity to the genus Sclerophaedon Weise, 1882 considered. Both genera have pupae with two urogomphi that should place them into the subtribe Entomoscelina, but their adults with open anterior coxal cavities do not fit the subtribe diagnosis. Therefore, re-establishment of the subtribe Sclerophaedonina Steinhausen, 1996 is proposed to place the genera Sclerophaedon, Apterocuris, Colaphellus Weise, 1916 and Colaspidema Laporte, 1833. A triple key to the genera of the tribe Chrysomelini based on the combination of larval, pupal and imaginal characters is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the poorly studied and widespread plants in the Russian Far East is the Manchurian saw-wort (Serratula manshurica Kitag.). It is known that this plant is rich in phytoecdysteroids, which have high biological activity (anabolic, adaptogenic, cardiotropic, immunomodulatory effects). Two biologically active compounds of the flavonoid class were isolated from the aerial part of Serratula manshurica Kitag., growing in the Primorskii krai of the Far East of Russia by liquid extraction and recrystallization methods: quercetin-4'-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside. The structure of the isolated compounds was demonstrated by UV, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. The quantitative content of flavonoids in the aerial part of the Serratula manshurica plant in different phenological phases of plant development (luteolin-4'-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, quercetin-4'-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, 3-methylquercetin -4'-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, quercetin, apigenin, 3-methylquercetin, luteolin, isokaempferide) was determined by the method of reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP HPLC). It was shown that the maximum content of flavonoid aglycones in plants was observed during the beginning of the growing season and in the budding phase, and their glycosides during the flowering phase. Thus, to obtain plant material with the maximum content of flavonoid aglycones (quercetin, 3-methylquercetin, luteolin) the collection of vegetative mass should be carried out during the beginning of the growing season, and their glycosides during the flowering period. Serratula manshurica Kitag., which grows abundantly on the territory of Primorskii krai, can be considered a constantly renewable and promising source for obtaining flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the problems of transport and energy components in the costs of the economy of Siberia and the Far East is presented. The influence of geographical factors on the production costs of enterprises in the subjects of the Russian Federation located on the territory of the macroregions of Siberia and the Far East is analyzed. Huge spaces and infrastructurally undeveloped distances derived from them and extreme temperature conditions for most of the year make it fundamentally important to assess the transport, communication, and energy components of economic activity in these macroregions. Territorial differences in transport and fuel and energy costs in the Siberian and Far Eastern subjects of the Russian Federation are considered. Since these items of expenditure are derived from climate and geographical location, together they are considered the main component of geographical costs. A calculation was carried out both in the fractional and in the specific dimension, followed by the integration of the resulting values in the form of an index from 0 to 3. For the spatial analysis of the integral index and its terms, a series of maps is compiled. It is established that the geographical location and specialization of the region affect both the total share of energy costs (its fuel and electricity components) and transport in total production costs and their structure. The types of transport and energy cost combinations are highlighted: absolutely extreme; fuel increased, high, and extreme; electric high and extreme; and transport high and extreme. The approach presented in this study can be used to optimize the siting of productive forces in Asian Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare minerals represented by oxides, fluorides, F-carbonates and REE arsenates in association with monazite-Ce, monazite-Th, xenotime-Y and zonal REE fluorite were identified in the rare-metal ores of the Sn–W deposits of Lesser Khingan, Amur region. Rare lanthanide minerals are described, including fluocerite, bastnaesite, and gasparite-Ce, which was found for the first time in Russia in the Sn–W greisens, and chernovite-Y, the second find in the greisens of the Russian Far East. The influence of arsenic fluids at the late hydrothermal stage caused the replacement of xenotime-Y and monazite-Ce by diverse REE minerals with different lanthanide proportions. It is found that these minerals differ in chemical composition from the same minerals described in other deposits elsewhere. Due to the variable valence state of arsenic and the complete isomorphism between rare earths, arsenates can be used as indicators of redox conditions of their deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the available Moho models for the Sikhote Alin region revealed significant discrepancies between them both in depth for individual sites and isolines over the entire area of the orogenic belt. In this study, results of the two-dimensional power spectrum analysis of the gravity field based on a digital model of the Bouguer gravity field were used to calculate the crustal thickness (Moho depth). The data from seven seismic profiles were employed to adjust the new model. The new model and its correlation with structural and geological data allowed the following conclusions to be made. (1) The span of Moho depth variations for the southern part of the continental Far East of Russia is just over 18 km, with extreme values of 42.4 and 24.0 km. The Moho is deepest (41–42 km) beneath mountain ranges and massifs: Sikhote Alin in the east and Yam Alin and Aesop in the north-west. The Moho is most shallow (27–30 km) beneath the sedimentary basins Khanka, Partizan-Sukhodol, Suifun in the south, Middle Amur and Lower Amur in the central part of the study area, and Upper Zeya and Uda in the north-west. (2) Correlation of the Moho estimates derived from the Airy model and the power spectrum of the Bouguer gravity field shows significant positive correlation. The Moho depths practically coincide over 11% of the area, with a difference of ± 5%. The Moho depth discrepancies are in the range of 5–15% over 48% of the study area, and over the rest of the study area (41%), discrepancies are in the range of 15–30%. (3) A comparison between the new gravity Moho model and the geological and structural data shows that the model is highly correlated with the development of Cretaceous–Early Eocene orogenic and post-orogenic granitoid massifs and Cretaceous–Pliocene extrusive igneous rocks. The former geographically coincide with two linear zones in the Moho relief with depths of more than 35 km, and the latter with the Mesozoic–Cenozoic sedimentary basins and the East Sikhote Alin volcano–plutonic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether people value the environmental goods created as a result of the human-nature interaction. Using the novel face-to-face survey data collected in Vladivostok, the Far East of Russia, we examine the use and non-use value of a so-called Glass Beach. This beach is made of eroded glass fragments, a waste from human activities that has been recycled and processed by nature, creating a unique recreational site. Employing the contingent valuation technique, we elicit the individual willingness to pay of residents in Vladivostok for the preservation of the Glass Beach. We find that the total annual economic benefit based on the use and non-use values is 3.52 million USD, of which 3.3 million USD correspond to the non-use value part associated with the preservation of this beach for future generations. If the Glass Beach is not preserved, the total economic benefit converts to the welfare loss. We also find that visits to the Glass Beach increase the life satisfaction of residents. These results underscore the uniqueness of this site and may serve as the first step in designing beach management policies aimed at its preservation and at sustainable development of this coastal region. Our findings also open the discussion on the types of environmental sites and waste that can be considered as a "good" rather than a "bad", such that people benefit from the consumption of their associated services. • The Glass Beach is created as a result of the human-nature interaction. • CV and life satisfaction approaches are applied. • The use and non-use values of the beach are estimated. • People would like to preserve the beach for future generations. • Individual attitudes affect the willingness to pay for the preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lime leaf miner Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is an east Asian pest, which has recently distributed across the Palaearctic. Here, we provide the novel data on the diversity of its parasitoids in the Russian Far East (native region) and western Siberia (invaded region). Overall, 19 parasitoids from the Eulophidae (17 species) and Braconidae (2 species) reared from the Ph. issikii larvae and pupae were identified based on morphology and/or DNA barcoding. Among them, 12 species were detected in the Primorskiy Territory (Russian Far East) and 10 species in the Novosibirsk Province (Western Siberia), with only 3 shared species, namely Chrysocharis laomedon (Walker), Elachertus inunctus Nees and Sympiesis gordius (Walker). Pleurotroppopsis japonica (Kamijo) is a novel record for Russia, whereas the other eight eulophids are novel for the Novosibisk Province and two for the Primorskiy Territory. The eulophid Mischotetrastichus nadezhdae (Kostjukov) was recorded as a parasitoid of Ph. issikii for the first time. Four new species were described from the Primorskiy Territory: Achrysocharoides nagasawi sp. nov., A. carinatus sp. nov., Cirrospilus ussuriensis sp. nov., Pholetesor nataliae sp. nov. For all parasitoids, the distribution and hosts are listed; the majority of the species are illustrated. In addition, a checklist of the Ph. issikii parasitoids counting 79 species is compiled for the Palaearctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the reduction in S and N emissions, acid deposition continues to be a problem for the inland water in Northeast Asia. However, catchment-scale studies on acid deposition in the Asian part of Russia are limited. Based on the long-term data of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET), we evaluated the effects of acid deposition on the stream water (SW) chemistry in a catchment of the Komarovka River (KMR) located in the Far East of Russia for the period 2005–2019. The SW pH has been decreasing over the last decade, with an increase in acidifying agents, such as SO42– and NO3–. The N/S ratio increased in SW due to a rise in NO3–, which plays a key role in acidification. In contrast, the rainwater pH has been rising at the nearby EANET site. There were transition periods from a decreasing trend to an increasing trend of S and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Moreover, because of changing precipitation patterns, the contribution of warm season deposition to acidification has increased, which may accelerate the leaching of S and DIN from the forested catchment. The recent increase in S and DIN deposition and increased warm-season precipitation appeared to cause acidification of SW at KMR. The N leaching at KMR was largely influenced by the precipitation patterns, while DIN deposition and forest conditions should be taken into consideration. An interlinkage between air pollution and climate change should be carefully assessed to understand the forested catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumpy skin disease continues to pose a threat to countries in the East and Asia-Pacific regions. Although only occasional LSDV outbreaks have been reported recently in Russia, these have been mainly restricted to the Far East region of the country. An increase in the number of outbreaks in South East Asia has been attributed to recombinant vaccine-like LSDV strains. In this scenario, it is epidemiologically important to perform phylogenetic analysis to track the distribution of LSDV worldwide at the genetic level to understand routes of migration and molecular evolution patterns. In this study, we investigated the RPO30 and GPCR gene regions of LSDV isolates associated with outbreaks in 2019-2021 in Siberia and the Far East region of Russia. The inferred phylogeny confirms the recombinant origin of these sequenced isolates. Based on sequences of these selected loci, the isolates from 2019 differed from isolates detected in Russia in the past and from isolates from Asian countries, while the isolates from 2020 and 2021 exhibited a high degree of similarity to the Asian isolates. These findings indicate that recombinant LSDV strains continue to persist and additionally point to the establishment of a specific lineage of recombinant isolates in the region. Full genome sequencing is still needed to gain more information about how the circulating isolates are related to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores Russia's 'turn to the East' and examines different and often conflicting visions of development that emerged in the process of reconstructing the Russian Far Eastern development strategy at regional and federal levels. It draws on a 'thick' case study of the special investment regime, Free Port Vladivostok, which exemplifies simultaneously a new approach to regional development and the contradictions spawned by it. Analysis of Free Port Vladivostok represents an entry point into a discussion of Russian neoliberalisation and 'actually (non-)existent neoliberalism'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Actovegin is a hemodialysate of calf's blood and has been used for several decades in the countries of Central Asia, East Asia, Russia and some European countries. It has been used to treat patients with various neurological conditions, vascular disorders, and ischemic stroke. Objectives: To perform a systematic review to evaluate the effect of Actovegin in patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke. Methods: A search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane and Embase was carried out from inception to October 10, 2021 for clinical trials and observational studies with a control group, published in English or Russian. Results: Of 220 identified unique records, 84 full-text articles were screened, and 5 studies were selected that met the inclusion criteria. This included 4 observational studies with control groups and one randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. These studies enrolled a total of 3879 patients of which 720 patients received Actovegin administered intravenously and/or orally for a duration ranging from 10 to 180 days. Because of study heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not performed. No consistent evidence on improved survival, quality of life, neurologic symptoms, activities of daily living or disability was identified. One study showed statistically significant improvements in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale, extended version (ADAS-cog+) for Actovegin compared with placebo at 6 months but the clinical relevance of this change is uncertain. One study reported a higher incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking Actovegin compared to placebo. Conclusions: The benefits of Actovegin are uncertain and that there is potential risk of harm in patients with stroke. More evidence is needed from rigorously designed clinical trials to justify the role of Actovegin in patients with ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Publications on changes in river water regime in Russia under the conditions of current climate changes are reviewed. Most recent generalizations of such publications are presented in Roshydromet evaluation reports. The publication of these basic studies followed by many studies improving the conclusions of national reports. The objective of this review is to generalize the current concepts regarding the effect of climate changes in Russian Federation territory on the mean annual and maximal river runoff, primarily, based on most recent publications and the authors' own studies. New maps, developed by the authors, are given to characterize variations of the annual and maximal runoff, including the dates of the disturbance of the stationary character of the series based on data up to 2019. Considerable attention is paid to statistical analysis of the revealed changes. The annual runoff on the average for the Russian territory is shown to tend to increase in the recent decades because of an increase in the moistening of the territory. However, the changes in the majority of the analyzed basins are statistically insignificant. The average annual runoff of rivers into the Arctic seas from the territory of Siberia and Far East has also slightly increased. Changes in the maximal runoff are more pronounced and differently directed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines differences in experiences with petty corruption and attitudes toward it among residents of four major urban centers in Russia's Far East, the country's largest but understudied macro-region. Analyzing our own survey data, we find that one subregion stands out from the other three considered in the study. Residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) demonstrate more negative attitudes toward corruption and report less frequent occurrences of petty corruption. Our qualitative findings confirm the existence of a distinct subregional pattern in perceived petty corruption. We hypothesize that the detected difference in attitudes may be rooted in the national composition of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), which, in contrast to the other regions under study, is dominated by native people. As an extension of our main analysis, we explore the conditional correlations between individual characteristics and perceptions of corruption (while accounting for region of residence) and observe several interesting patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the regions of Siberia and the Far East of Russia, anthropogenic causes of forest fires reach 80-93%. The article examines the change in the number of fires in an environment of deteriorating financial conditions of the population. Statistical analysis of panel data is used as a research approach. The following models have been considered and evaluated: linear regression, Fixed Effects model (FE-model), and random effects model (RE-model). Almost all the models have showed good results related to the influence of socio-economic factors on the number of forest fires. The dynamics of real monthly wages has turned out to be statistically significant in influencing the dynamics of the number of forest fires. The Poisson RE-model is the most adequate, since visits to the forest that affect the occurrence of forest fires are often accidental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For a long time, the Russian government has aimed to diversify gas exports to East Asian countries. This gearing of Russia towards Asia will have great consequences on world energy, the global economy, and geopolitics in the coming years. This paper analyzes the growth potential of Russia''s diversification strategy and the impact this policy would have on sales to Europe. As the most likely scenario is for total gas exports to grow at a moderate rate from 2010 to 2030, any increase in sales to Asia could make difficult the raising of exports to Europe. Our thesis is that this trade-off will depend primarily on domestic consumption trends, geographic targeting of investments, and commercial and financial alliances with foreign partners. However, imports from Central Asia, declining exports to Ukraine and Belarus, and Gazprom investments in other gas-producing countries could also affect gas exports and gas distribution among different markets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper raises the question of intermediary translation from English as a lingua franca in communication between people belonging to Russian and East Asian cultures. This type of translation faces the controversy of two tendencies – a long-standing tradition of direct translation recommended by the Russian School of Orientalism and a tendency to follow English–Russian correspondences due to the fact that Asian loans have a Romanized form in English texts. To date, the solution to the controversy is seen in the registers applied to the text – in formal texts orientalist tendency prevails, while in informal everyday speech English-like ways of rendering Romanized Asian loans dominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the analysis of atmospheric air samples for 4–6-nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons at the State monitoring network in 143 cities of the Russian Federation in the winter season 2019‒2020 are presented. Comparative analysis of the situation with air pollution with PAHs in cities at the territories of Federal districts of Russia is performed. The analysis showed that the levels of 4–6-nuclear PAHs in the atmospheric air of cities in the European part of Russia are significantly lower than in the Asian part of the country in winter. The average concentrations of 4–6-nuclear PAHs in the air of some cities of the Siberian Federal District were more than an order of magnitude higher than in the cities of the European part. High (5‒10 MAC) and very high (> 10 MAC) air pollution with benzo(a)pyrene in winter is observed only in the cities of the Siberian (63% of the surveyed cities) and Far East Federal Districts (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk). A method is proposed for comparing the similarity of PAH profiles in environmental matrices using the similarity coefficient (Ks). It was noted that the PAH profiles in the atmospheric air of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts differ appreciably from the respective profiles in the Federal districts of the European part of Russia. The pyrogenic nature of medium- and high-molecular PAHs in the atmospheric air in cities of all Federal Districts was revealed. Higher pyrogenicity indices were obtained for the cities of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on original data, the most complete and updated species list of the water fleas (Crustacea: Cladocera) of both the southern part of the Russian Far East and Korea is represented. In total, 122 taxa are identified to the species level. The list includes 92 valid species recorded in the Far East of Russia and 71 in South Korea. Each taxon is attributed to one of the six zoogeographical groups: one among four faunistic complexes (widespread Eurasian, East Asian–American, endemic East Asian, and southern tropical), a group of widely distributed unrevised taxa, and a group of invasive species. With a decrease in latitude (i.e., in the north–south direction), (1) the species richness is decreased, (2) the dominance structure (based on species occurrence frequencies) is changed from two–three dominant species to a lack of clear dominants; (3) the rate of representatives of the widespread Eurasian complex is decreased, while that of the southern tropical taxa is increased, and (4) the taxocoenoses of the boreal type are changed to those of subtropical type. In addition to boreal and subtropical type taxocoenoses, three more taxocoenosis types are found in the Khanka Lake basin (the largest water body in the region). The relative abundance and occurrence of taxa from the endemic East Asian complex are similar within the entire region and do not vary with latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Serratula L. (the Asteraceae family) is represented by two species in the Russia's Far East: Serratula manshurica Kitag. and Serratula komarovii Iljin, which are potential sources of biologically active compounds (phytoecdysteroids). Using liquid extraction with 70% ethanol and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC), six representatives of the flavonoid class in the above-ground parts (leaves, stems, and inflorescences) of S. komarovii growing in the Primorskii krai of the Far East of Russia, are identified for the first time: luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, chrysoeriol-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, quercetin, luteiolin, and 3-methylquercetin. The structure of the compounds luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, and chrysoeriol-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, which are isolated by preparative column chromatography on silica gel using gradient elution with a mixture of carbon tetrachloride and ethanol, is established by UV, 1H and 13C NMR, and 1H−13C heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) spectroscopies. Luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside is found to be the major flavonoid in S. komarovii (its content in leaves and stems is 4.92 ± 0.98% and 1.23 ± 0.25%, respectively), and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside is the dominant flavonoid found in inflorescences (1.10 ± 0.22%). Total flavonoids in the above-ground organs of S. komarovii are determined by differential spectrophotometry; their content varies from 1.96 to 9.04 wt %. The highest flavonoid content is found in leaves (9.04 ± 0.71%), and the lowest content is found in stems of the plant (1.96 ± 0.20%). As a result, S. komarovii can be a promising and constantly renewable source of not only phytoecdysteroids but also flavonoids for the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fruticulose species, Polycauliona comandorica, is described from the supralittoral zone of the Commander Islands in the Russian Far East. This growth form is very rare in the family Teloschistaceae where the new species belongs. It is the only fruticulose species of the family that forms vegetative propagules (soredia and blastidia). Polycauliona comandorica is similar to the North American P. thamnodes but differs in having a lighter yellow to grey thallus, longer and thicker branches with a rough surface, soredia and blastidia, and in lacking apothecia. Two fruticulose-lobate pairs of species in Polycauliona are briefly discussed: P. comandorica-P. verruculifera and P. thamnodes-P. brattiae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some geochemical features of fine-grained clastic/clayey rocks are considered for a series of formations of the Yudoma–Maya region, southeast Yakutia. The following conclusions were drawn from a comparison of the distribution of the chemical composition of samples and average composition of clayey rocks of various formations on (La/Yb)N–Eu/Eu* and (La/Yb)N–Th diagrams, which show the compositional areas of the bottom sediments of the mouth parts of various present-day rivers. As an example, the individual compositions on the (La/Yb)N–Eu/Eu* diagram are mostly focused in areas of the bottom sediments of the mouth parts of the present-day rivers, which are supplied by erosion products of mostly sedimentary (types 1 and 2) and volcanic (type 4) rocks, as well as in zones of their overlapping. The average composition of clayey rocks of Trekhgornaya Formation on this diagram corresponds to the area of the bottom sediments of the mouth parts of the present-day rivers, which drain the igneous/metamorphic terranes/complexes/provinces (type 3). The average compositions of clayey shales of the Dim, Talyn, and Svetlinskaya formations tend to the overlapping zone of the areas of the bottom sediments of the mouth parts of the present-day type 1, 2, and 3 rivers, i.e., they contain the erosion products of both sedimentary rocks and igneous and metamorphic complexes. This is in agreement with the real geological setting. At the same time, the erosion products of igneous/metamorphic terranes/complexes/provinces in clayey rocks of the higher levels of the Riphean of the Yudoma–Maya region are either absent or they are minor. On the (La/Yb)N–Th diagram, most compositions of the Riphean clayey rocks also tend to areas 1, 2, and 4. The average compositions are mostly confined to the overlapping zone of the bottom sediments of the mouth parts of the present-day type 1 and 2 rivers. The average composition of clayey rocks of the Ust-Kirba Formation occurs in the area of the bottom sediments of the mouth parts of the present-day rivers, which are supplied by the erosion products of rocks of volcanic provinces. This is also consistent with the regional geological setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2012, with a view to strengthen the development of strategically important regions, Russia has established several federal agencies responsible for these territories. The essay investigates one of these agencies: the Ministry for the Development of the Far East (Ministerstvo Rossiiskoi Federatsii po razvitiyu Dal'nego Vostoka). We identify two main trade-offs associated with the governance approach used in Russia—between federal power and local knowledge, and between bureaucratic expertise and novel ideas—and examine how the ministry has dealt with these trade-offs and their consequences for the ministry's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a comparative analysis of the tachinid fauna of the Phasiinae subfamily of the Russian Far East with the fauna of neighboring regions has been presented. The Phasiinae fauna of the Primorsky Krai (Far East of Russia) is characterized as peculiar but closest to the fauna of the southern part of Khabarovsk Krai, Amur Oblast and Eastern Siberia. The following groups of regions have been identified: Southern, Western and Eastern Siberia; Amur Oblast and Primorsky Krai, which share many common Holarctic and Transpalaearctic species. Special mention should be made of the fauna of the Khabarovsk Krai, Sakhalin Oblast, which are characterized by poor species composition and Japan (having a subtropical appearance). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on latest early Olenekian (latest Smithian) ammonoids is available apparently from only seven regions of the world, including South Primorye. Latest Smithian evidences on this topic are recorded from the West SMID (abbreviation from the Russian name of the quarry: "Building Materials and Details"), East SMID and Golyj Cape areas in South Primorye. This provides additional information on systematic composition of latest Smithian ammonoid, as well as conodont and brachiopod assemblages from the recently identified Shimanskyites shimanskyi Zone, located between lower Olenekian Anasibirites nevolini Zone and upper Olenekian Tirolites subcassianus Zone. There are many common ammonoid species in the Shimanskyites shimanskyi Zone and the underlying Anasibirites nevolini Zone, e.g., Prosphingitoides sp., Arctoceras septentrionale (Diener), Churkites syskoi Zakharov et Shigeta, Submeekoceras? subhhydaspis (Kiparisova), Prionites markevichi Zakharov et Smyshlyaeva, 'Anasibirites' simanenkoi Zakharov et Smyshlyaeva, Xenoceltites? subvariocostatus Zakharov et Smyshlyaeva, and Mianwaliites zimini Zakharov et Smyshlyaeva. The base of the Shimanskyites shimanskyi Zone, marked by a negative δ13Corg excursion in the Kamenushka-2 Section by our previous study, coincides with the FO (first occurrence) of ammonoids Shimanskyites shimanskyi Zakharov et Smyshlyaeva and Glyptophiceras cf. sinuatum (Waagen) and conodont Hindeodella budurovi Buryi. This zone is characterized additionally by some fossils common for the overlying upper Olenekian Tirolites subcassianus Zone: ammonoids of the genus Kamenushkaites, brachiopods Bittnerihyris margaritovi (Bittner) and Lepismatina sp. and conodont 'Neogondolella' (=?Borinella) jubata Sweet. The latest Smithian ammonoids recorded from the Shimanskyites shimanskyi Zone totally consist of 30 taxa belonging to 11 families (Sageceratidae, Ussuiriidae, Aspenitidae, Paranannitidae, Arctoceratidae, Proptychitidae, ?Galfetitidae, Prionitidae, ?Kashmiritidae, Xenoceltitidae and Palaeophyllitidae). The problems of global correlation of uppermost Smithian strata are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]