Bathyal Research Articles

Microbial diversity and secondary metabolism potential in relation to dark alterations in Paleolithic Lascaux Cave

Tourism in Paleolithic caves can cause an imbalance in cave microbiota and lead to cave wall alterations, such as dark zones. However, the mechanisms driving dark zone formation remain unclear. Using shotgun metagenomics in Lascaux Cave’s Apse and Passage across two years, we tested metabarcoding-derived functional hypotheses regarding microbial diversity and metabolic potential in dark zones vs unmarked surfaces nearby. Taxonomic and functional metagenomic profiles were consistent across years but divergent between cave locations. Aromatic compound degradation genes were prevalent inside and outside dark zones, as expected from past biocide usage. Dark zones exhibited enhanced pigment biosynthesis potential (melanin and carotenoids) and melanin was evidenced chemically, while unmarked surfaces showed genes for antimicrobials production, suggesting that antibiosis might restrict the development of pigmented microorganisms and dark zone extension. Thus, this work revealed key functional microbial traits associated with dark zone formation, which helps understand cave alteration processes under severe anthropization.

The hysteresis loop on the near-threshold fatigue crack growth curves generated by stepped load reduction and constant-amplitude loading methods in a Ni-based superalloy

Fatigue crack growth (FCG) tests were conducted on compact tension specimens made of a Ni-based superalloy to investigate the near-threshold FCG behaviors using both the stepped load reduction method (LRM) and the constant-amplitude loading method (CALM) at three stress ratios (R = 0.05, 0.5 and 0.7) under ambient condition. It is found that after the FCG threshold being approached by the LRM, a remarkable hysteresis plateau occurs on the subsequent FCG curve generated by the CALM for R ≤ 0.5, resulting a hysteresis loop on the near-threshold region, but the situation becomes complicated at R = 0.7. In the appearance of hysteresis plateau, the FCG life to fracture can be over 107 cycles longer than that without hysteresis plateau. For FCG rate faster than 10−8 m/cycle, the fractography is dominated by transgranular feature which is insensitive to the microstructure of the alloy. In the hysteresis plateau region where FCG rate is lower than 10−9 m/cycle, fractography shows a wide optical dark zone where microstructure-sensitive crystallographic facet feature dominates, while when no hysteresis at R = 0.7, the optical dark zone is too narrow for the fracture feature transition so that crystallographic facet, transgranular as well as mosaic features can be observed simultaneously. As FCG in the hysteresis plateau under the CALM can be significantly slower than that under the stepped LRM, it is recommend that the stepped LRM should be used to generate the material basic FCG curves for fatigue life prediction of high durability structures.

Exoplanet detection techniques for direct imaging dark zone maintenance datasets

Exoplanet detection techniques for direct imaging dark zone maintenance datasets

MYC-rearranged mature B-cell lymphomas in children and young adults are molecularly Burkitt Lymphoma

Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) include Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and a subset of high-grade tumors with features intermediate between these entities whose genetic and molecular profiles have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we have characterized 37 aggressive B-NHL in CAYA, 33 with high-grade morphology, and 4 DLBCL with MYC rearrangement (MYC-R), using targeted next-generation sequencing and the aggressive lymphoma gene expression germinal center B-cell-like (GCB), activated B-cell-like (ABC), and dark zone signatures (DZsig). Twenty-two tumors had MYC-R without BCL2 breaks, and two MYC-non-R cases had BCL6 translocations. MYC-R cases, including DLBCL, carried BL-related mutations and copy number alterations. Conversely, MYC-non-R lymphomas had alterations in the B-cell receptor signaling/NF-κB pathway (71%). DZsig was expressed in 12/13 of MYC-R tumors but only in 2/10 of MYC-non-R GCB tumors (P < 0.001). The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) of the whole cohort was 79.6%. TP53 and KMT2C mutations conferred inferior outcome (3-year EFS P < 0.05). Overall, MYC-R lymphomas in CAYA have a molecular profile similar to BL regardless of their high-grade or DLBCL morphology, whereas MYC-non-R has more heterogeneous genetic alterations closer to that of DLBCL.

Unraveling the polymetamorphism of calc-silicate rocks from 639 to 561 Ma in the Western Gondwana (Passo Feio Complex, Dom Feliciano Belt, South Brazil) based on U-Pb dating in titanite, apatite and zircon

Titanite is a valuable tool for studying polymetamorphism and understanding the evolution of orogenic belts as it potentially records different stages of metamorphic evolution. The combination of geochronology and Zr-in-titanite geothermometry has been widely used in petrochronology studies. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the significance of ages and temperatures obtained from titanite. Here, we conducted the first integrated titanite, zircon, and apatite UPb study, along with Zr-in-titanite geothermometry, on calc-silicate rocks from a polymetamorphic complex of the central Dom Feliciano Belt (Western Gondwana). Our aim was to investigate the impact of various metamorphic events on titanite grains. We carried out a geochronological, geochemical, and petrographic analysis of a calc-silicate sequence of the Passo Feio Complex, which was intruded by the Caçapava do Sul Granitic Complex (CSGC). The metamorphic complex experienced regional, contact, and hydrothermal metamorphism during the Neoproterozoic, but the ages and conditions of these metamorphic events remain widely debated. UPb analyses on over one hundred titanite grains from a K-feldspar-diopside schist revealed three distinct titanite populations. The older group, dated at 639 ± 3/7 Ma (2s; n = 19), was associated with the regional metamorphism event (M1), likely initiated by the primary collision of the Dom Feliciano Belt. The intermediate group exhibited an age of 596 ± 1/6 Ma (2s; n = 91). Given the presence of high-K magmatism and a carbonatite intrusion in the study area, producing zircon UPb ages around 600 Ma, this group was associated with contact metamorphism (M2), belike influenced by these intrusive igneous activities. The youngest titanite population showed an age of 566 ± 3/6 Ma (2s; n = 6), which closely aligns, within analytical error, with the age of 561 ± 1/6 Ma (2s; n = 46) obtained from UPb dating on apatite sourced from a diopside-phlogopite schist. The younger ages observed in both titanite and apatite are attributed to alterations resulting from interactions with hydrothermal fluids (M3) during the cooling phase of the CSGC. Chemical analyses conducted with an electron microprobe assessed the Zr concentrations in fifty titanite grains, examining both bright and dark zones observed in back-scattered electron images. The lowest temperature recorded among the 50 grains was 629 °C, which corresponds to dark BSE zones. In the light zones, the minimum temperature was 639 °C. While temperatures estimated using the Zr content in titanite may not correspond precisely with UPb ages, combining titanite ages with those from other accessory minerals like zircon and apatite, along with microstructural analysis, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of orogenic belt evolution.

Theory-driven design of graphene-nickel gallate nanocomplex as functional catalyst for composite modified double base propellant

New graphene-nickel gallate nanocomplex (G-M-Ni) was designed, synthesized and characterized to deal with the requirement of functional combustion catalyst based on investigations of combustion mechanisms of propellant, structural analysis of catalyst and simulation results of quantum mechanics. The positive effect of G-M-Ni is not only reflected in the significantly increased burning rate, but also reflected in the reduction of friction sensitivity of composite modified double base (CMDB) propellant. The G-M-Ni nanocomplex exhibited significantly enhanced catalytic performances, and the burning rate of propellant at 20 MPa enhanced from 23.15 to 29.07 mm·s−1. Besides, the friction sensitivity of propellant reduced from 64 % to 36 % after addition of 0.5% G-M-Ni. The positive effect of G-M-Ni on CMDB propellant combustion is mainly attributed to its promotion impact on nitroglycerin (NG) pyrolysis, which significantly increased the differential charge density and decreased the decomposition activation energy (from 1.89 eV to 1.38 eV). The gas products produced by the rapid pyrolysis of NG are conducive to the heat feedback between the gas phase and the combustion surface, which makes the propellant have higher burning rate, bright flame, thin dark zone and flocculated quenching surface morphology. The findings in this study confirm the potential of G-M-Ni as a functional combustion catalyst for CMDB propellants, which has guiding significance and inspiration for the development of new combustion catalysts from the view of molecular-level insights. Novelty and significance statementRecently, graphene based functional combustion catalysts have attracted much attention in the field of solid propellants due to their excellent catalytic combustion performance, reduced sensitivity, and improved mechanical properties. Herein, novel graphene-nickel gallate nanocomplex (G-M-Ni) were designed, synthesized and characterized to deal with the to deal with the requirement of functional combustion catalyst based on investigations of combustion mechanisms of CMDB propellant, structural analysis of new material and simulation results of quantum mechanics. By taking graphene as the benchmark, the G-M-Ni nanocomplex exhibited significantly enhanced catalytic performances, and excellent effect on the reduction of friction sensitivity. The relationship between molecular structure of G-M-Ni and combustion characteristics of CMDB propellant were disclosed. The theory-driven design mode of this work may provide new pathways to tune combustion behaviors of CMDB propellants from the view of molecular-level insights.

Geochemical and geochronological evidences from Cambrian to Ordovician protracted magmatism in the Istranca Massif, NW Türkiye

Plutonic rocks in different ages are cropted out and form the basement rocks in the Istranca Massif. One of the plutons located at the basement is the Cambrian-Ordovician Vize pluton (Vize-Kırklareli) and is distinguished from other plutons by some of its characteristic features. This pluton intruded into the high-grade metamorphic sedimentary rocks, and is unconformably overlay by Triassic low-grade metamorphic rocks and Eocene aged coral reef limestones (Soğucak Formation). Based on new whole rock geochemical and zircon UPb data concentrated in two different ages, it can be said that the Vize pluton was affected by protracted magmatic activity. The igneous minerals and texture of Vize pluton are partly preserved, It has a mylonitic texture, a distinct foliation consisting of light and dark zones. In addition, metagranites contain mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs) in some places.The Vize pluton is an I-type pluton with predominantly peraluminous and slightly metaluminous character. It is also High-K, calc-alkaline, and reflecting volcanic arc and post-collisional tectonic settings. Mineral chemical analyses show that the mafic minerals in the Vize pluton consist of Fe-biotite and calcic amphibole (hornblende). Ti-in biotite thermometry shows that the temperature of the pluton in the final crystallization temperatures are between 834 and 850 °C (mean = 845 ± 4 °C), while the crystallization temperatures of amphiboles are between 876 and 910 °C (mean = 893 ± 22 °C). Crystallization depths are estimated to be a range of 6.5 to 7.9 km. It can be assumed that the oxygen fugacity of calcic amphiboles (logƒO2) is stabilized between −10.7 and − 11.3 bar (mean = −11.05 ± 0.4 bar). ∆NNO values are between 0.72 and 1.11 (mean = 0.96 ± 0.12) and H2O melt content is between 4.63 % and 5.43 % (mean = 5.04 ± 0.4 %). Oxygen fugacity values are among the typical values of calc-alkaline magma crystallization.The Vize pluton was crystallized in Cambrian to Ordovician times according to zircon UPb dating is concentrated in two different populations as 526.16 ± 3.26 Ma and 452.93 ± 2.76 Ma. All data obtained are consistent with the ages of the magmatism that produced the Vize Pluton in the Balkanides and Istranca Massif of 420–470 Ma (mean 447.17 ± 3.24 Ma) and indicate that it probably formed in the northern Gondwana. It was affected by the magma-mixing processes of coeval felsic and mafic magmas, and anatexis processes. Geochronological and geochemical data indicate the existence of a protracted magmatic activity related to convergent setting (long-lived magmatic arc) that forced the Vize-Pluton to undergo multi-stage melting-crystallization processes.

Time Evolution Images of the Hypergiant RW Cephei during the Rebrightening Phase Following the Great Dimming

Stars with initial masses larger than 8 M ⊙ undergo substantial mass loss through mechanisms that remain elusive. Unraveling the origins of this mass loss is important for comprehending the evolutionary path of these stars, the type of supernova explosion, and whether they become neutron stars or black hole remnants. In 2022 December, RW Cep experienced the Great Dimming in its visible brightness, presenting a unique opportunity to understand mass-loss mechanisms. Our previous observations of RW Cep from the CHARA Array, taken during the dimming phase, show a compelling asymmetry in the star images, with a darker zone on the west side of the star indicating the presence of dust in front of the star in our line of sight. Here, we present multiepoch observations from CHARA while the star rebrightened in 2023. We created images using three image reconstruction methods and an analytical model fit. Comparisons of images acquired during the dimming and rebrightening phases reveal remarkable differences. Specifically, the west side of RW Cep, initially obscured during the dimming phase, reappeared during the subsequent rebrightening phase, and the measured angular diameter became larger by 8%. We also observed image changes from epoch to epoch while the star is brightening, indicating the time evolution of dust in front of the star. We suggest that the dimming of RW Cep was a result of a recent surface mass ejection event, generating a dust cloud that partially obstructed the stellar photosphere.

Distribution of Carbon-Sequestering Microbes in Different Habitats and the Interaction with Habitat Factors in a Natural Karst Cave

The distributional characteristics of microorganisms in karst cave ecosystems have been widely studied. However, in such a dark, humid, and oligotrophic habitat, studies on the differences in carbon-sequestering bacteria in multiple habitats are limited. Therefore, to learn the distribution characteristics of carbon-sequestering colonies in cave habitats and their correlation with habitat factors (e.g., pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, etc.), samples from five cave habitats (weathered rock walls, underground river water, drips, sediments, and air) were collected from the twilight and dark zones of Shiziyan Cave (CO2 concentration 5385 ppm). The results of high-throughput sequencing and statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences in the distribution of communities in different habitats, with higher abundance in sediments habitat and underground river water habitat, and the dominant phyla of Pseudomonadota (30.53%) and Cyanobacteria (75.11%) in these two habitats. The microbial diversity of the carbon-sequestering microbial community was higher in sediments than in underground river water. The pH, and Ca2+, SO42−, and NO3− concentrations can alter the diversity of carbon-sequestering microbes, thereby affecting carbon cycling in caves. Carbon metabolism analyses suggest that microbes in the habitat can cooperate and coexist by participating in different carbon metabolic pathways. These results expanded our understanding of carbon-sequestering microbial communities in cave systems and their responses to the environment.

What Is Dark Zone Lymphoma and Is It Clinically Relevant?

What Is Dark Zone Lymphoma and Is It Clinically Relevant?

Islamic Religious Education Assistance In Communities Affected By Prostitution In Downstream Indragiri

This service is carried out to increase understanding of religion and the practice of Islam in the coastal communities of the Indragiri Hilir river, Tembilahan Kota Village, Tembilahan District, Indragiri Hilir Regency. The service method uses the Participatory Action Learning System (PALS) method, a method that emphasizes the activeness and participation of partners in the learning process in the form of prayer practices, reading the Koran and its application in daily life. The results of the service show that there is an increase in understanding and practice of the partner's religion. This can be seen from the increase in mastery of reading and the practice of the five daily prayers, the ability to read the Koran and the enthusiasm of partners in seeking work that is approved by Allah through agriculture. To empower communities affected by prostitution, there needs to be synergy between the government and ulama or intellectuals to empower partners to get out of this dark world. Empowerment is not only in the form of material such as social service programs in the form of the Family Planning Program (PKH), programs from education services such as the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP), health services such as the Healthy Indonesia Card (KIS) but is also supported by local government policies through localization closures. , and from the Ministry of Religion and Intellectual Services to make it easier for partners to get out of their dark zones.

TFEB activation hallmarks antigenic experience of B lymphocytes and directs germinal center fate decisions

Ligation of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) initiates humoral immunity. However, BCR signaling without appropriate co-stimulation commits B cells to death rather than to differentiation into immune effector cells. How BCR activation depletes potentially autoreactive B cells while simultaneously primes for receiving rescue and differentiation signals from cognate T lymphocytes remains unknown. Here, we use a mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach to identify cytosolic/nuclear shuttling elements and uncover transcription factor EB (TFEB) as a central BCR-controlled rheostat that drives activation-induced apoptosis, and concurrently promotes the reception of co-stimulatory rescue signals by supporting B cell migration and antigen presentation. CD40 co-stimulation prevents TFEB-driven cell death, while enhancing and prolonging TFEB’s nuclear residency, which hallmarks antigenic experience also of memory B cells. In mice, TFEB shapes the transcriptional landscape of germinal center B cells. Within the germinal center, TFEB facilitates the dark zone entry of light-zone-residing centrocytes through regulation of chemokine receptors and, by balancing the expression of Bcl-2/BH3-only family members, integrates antigen-induced apoptosis with T cell-provided CD40 survival signals. Thus, TFEB reprograms antigen-primed germinal center B cells for cell fate decisions.

Unbalanced MYC break-apart FISH patterns indicate the presence of a MYC rearrangement in HGBCL-DH-BCL2

AbstractFluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using break-apart probes is recommended for identifying high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (HGBCL-DH-BCL2). Unbalanced MYC break-apart patterns, in which the red or green signal is lost, are commonly reported as an equivocal result by clinical laboratories. In a cohort of 297 HGBCL-DH-BCL2, 13% of tumors had unbalanced MYC break-apart patterns with loss of red (LR; 2%) or loss of green (LG; 11%) signal. To determine the significance of these patterns, MYC rearrangements were characterized by sequencing in 130 HGBCL-DH-BCL2, including 3 LR and 14 LG tumors. A MYC rearrangement was identified for 71% of tumors with LR or LG patterns, with the majority involving immunoglobulin loci or other recurrent MYC rearrangement partners. The architecture of these rearrangements consistently preserved the rearranged MYC allele, with the MYC gene predicted to be on the derivative chromosome containing the signal that is still present in nearly all cases. MYC protein expression, MYC messenger RNA expression, and the proportion of tumors expressing the dark-zone signature was not significantly different between balanced and unbalanced groups. These results support a recommendation that unbalanced MYC break-apart FISH patterns be reported as positive for MYC rearrangement in the context of diagnosing HGBCL-DH-BCL2.

Improving light availability and creating high-frequency light–dark cycles in raceway ponds through vortex-induced vibrations for microalgae cultivation: a fluid dynamic study

Limited light availability due to insufficient vertical mixing strongly reduces the applicability of raceway ponds (RWPs). To overcome this and create light–dark (L/D) cycles for enhanced biomass production through improved vertical mixing, vortex-induced vibration (VIV) system was implemented by the authors in a previous study to an existing pilot-scale RWP. In this study, experimental characterization of fluid dynamics for VIV-implemented RWP is carried out. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique is applied to visualize the flow. The extents of the vertical mixing due to VIV and the characteristics of L/D cycles were examined by tracking selected particles. Pond depth was hypothetically divided into three zones, namely dark, light Iimited and light saturated for detailed analysis of cell trajectories. It has been observed that VIV cylinder oscillation can efficiently facilitate the transfer of cells from light-limited to light-saturated zones. Among the cells that were tracked, 44% initially at dark zone entered the light-limited zone and 100% of initially at light-limited zone entered the light-saturated zone. 33% of all tracked cells experienced high-frequency L/D cycles with an average frequency of 35.69 s−1 and 0.49 light fraction. The impact of VIV was not discernible in the deeper sections of the pond, due to constrained oscillation amplitudes. Our findings suggest that the approximately 20% increase in biomass production reported in our previous study can be attributed to the synergistic effects of enhanced L/D cycle frequencies and improved light availability resulting from the transfer of cells from dark to light-limited zones. To further enhance the effectiveness of VIV, design improvements were developed. It was concluded that light availability could be significantly improved with the presented method for more effective use of RWPs.

Evaluation of Ablation Parameters to Predict Irreversible Lesion Size During Pulsed Field Ablation.

During pulsed field ablation (PFA), relationships between ablation parameters (contact force [CF], number of burst pulses, impedance decrease, and electrode temperature) and lesion size in beating hearts have not been well validated. A 7.5F-catheter with a 3.5-mm ablation electrode and CF sensor (ThermoCool SmartTouch SF-Dual-Energy, Biosense Webster, Inc, Irwindale, CA) was connected to a PFA system (TRUPULSE2, Biosense Webster, Inc). In 11 closed-chest swine, biphasic PFA current was delivered between the ablation electrode and the skin patch at 219 sites in left ventricle and right ventricle using 12, 18, and 24 burst pulses with 4 different levels of CF: (1) low (n=57; CF, 4-15g; median, 10g); (2) moderate (n=60; CF, 16-30g; median, 22.5g); (3) high (n=68; CF, 32-65g; median, 40g); and (4) no electrode contact (n=34), 2 mm away from the endocardium. Swine were euthanized 2 hours after ablation, and lesion size was measured using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. All PFA lesions with electrode-myocardium contact were well demarcated with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, demonstrating (1) pale central zone (contraction band necrosis with minimal coagulation necrosis), (2) dark brown zone (contraction band necrosis with hemorrhage), and (3) hyperstained red zone by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (unaffected normal myocardium with preserved mitochondrial activity, consistent with reversible zone). Lesion depth increased significantly with increasing CF and the number of PFA burst pulses. An exponential/logarithmic formula combined with CF and the number of PFA burst pulses correlated lesion depth with high accuracy: R=0.809, P<0.0001, ±1.0-mm accuracy in 128 of 163 (79%) lesions, and ±1.5-mm accuracy in 153 of 163 (94%) lesions. Impedance decrease and electrode temperature were poor predictors of lesion size. There were no detectable lesions resulting from ablation without electrode contact. Acute PFA ventricular lesions demonstrate irreversible and reversible lesion boundaries. Electrode-tissue contact is required for effective lesion formation. Lesion depth increases significantly with increasing CF and PFA burst pulses. A new exponential/logarithmic formula combined with CF and the number of PFA burst pulses correlates lesion depth with high accuracy.

The first emerging records of a dragonfly in the dark zone of subterranean ecosystems: Exuviae and newly emerged adults of Hyrcanian Goldenring, Cordulegaster vanbrinkae in Danial Cave, northern Iran.

Riverine caves are special habitats that are home to many aquatic and terrestrial species. Some Odonata species and their emerging are recorded at the entrance and in the twilight zones of subterranean habitats around the world. However, the emergence of any Odonata species has not been recorded in the dark zones of caves or other subterranean habitats. We report the first evidence of the emerging of the Hyrcanian Goldenring, Cordulegaster vanbrinkae Lohmann, 1993, as an endemic species of the Hyrcanian biogeographical region, in the dark zone of Danial Cave, in the World Heritage-listed Hyrcanian Forests, northern Iran. During 2020-2023, three newly emerged and three exuviae of the species were recorded in the entrance zone (25 m) and the dark zone of the cave (200-280 m). The main hypothesis of the study is the entry and exit of adults from the cave entrance. However, we still do not know if the newly emerged will leave the cave or not. We still need more study on the biology and ecology of the species inside and around the cave. Danial Cave, with its high biodiversity, is one of the most important caves in the Middle East, and is urgently in need of conservation as a national natural monument.

Acute exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of pharmaceutical pollutants induces neurobehavioral toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Pharmaceutical waste from point and non-point sources enters, persists, or disseminates in the environment and is known as environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants. Understanding the impacts of pharmaceutical pollutants on the environment and health is essential. This study investigates the behavioral impacts of pharmaceutical pollutants on aquatic organisms and delineates the possible nexus of oxidative stress. The male zebrafish were exposed to four major representative pharmaceutical pollutants, viz., acetaminophen, carbamazepine, metformin, and trimethoprim at environmentally relevant concentrations individually as well as in a mixture for seven days. Substantial alterations in social interaction, aggressive nature, novel tank exploration, and light and dark zone preferences were recorded and the degree varied to different pharmaceutical pollutants. The activity of oxidative stress markers, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase, was found to be suppressed to 66–20%, 42–25%, and 59–20% respectively with the elevated malondialdehyde generation (180–260%) compared to control. The activity level of acetylcholine esterase was found to be increased to 200–500% across all treatment groups. Despite the synergistic impacts of pharmaceutical pollutants on the whole system that could not be ascertained, this comprehensive study highlights their toxicity nature to induce neurobehavioral toxicity in zebrafish through oxidative stress mechanisms and altered cholinergic systems.

SMMP: A Deep-Coverage Marine Metaproteome Method for Microbial Community Analysis throughout the Water Column Using 1 L of Seawater.

Marine microbes drive pivotal transformations in planetary-scale elemental cycles and have crucial impacts on global biogeochemical processes. Metaproteomics is a powerful tool for assessing the metabolic diversity and function of marine microbes. However, hundreds of liters of seawater are required for normal metaproteomic analysis due to the sparsity of microbial populations in seawater, which poses a substantial challenge to the widespread application of marine metaproteomics, particularly for deep seawater. Herein, a sensitive marine metaproteomics workflow, named sensitive marine metaproteome analysis (SMMP), was developed by integrating polycarbonate filter-assisted microbial enrichment, solid-phase alkylation-based anti-interference sample preparation, and narrow-bore nanoLC column for trace peptide separation and characterization. The method provided more than 8500 proteins from 1 L of bathypelagic seawater samples, which covered diverse microorganisms and crucial functions, e.g., the detection of key enzymes associated with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Then, we applied SMMP to investigate vertical variations in the metabolic expression patterns of marine microorganisms from the euphotic zone to the bathypelagic zone. Methane oxidation and carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation were active processes, especially in the bathypelagic zone, which provided a remarkable energy supply for the growth and proliferation of heterotrophic microorganisms. In addition, marker protein profiles detected related to ammonia transport, ammonia oxidation, and carbon fixation highlighted that Thaumarchaeota played a critical role in primary production based on the coupled carbon-nitrogen process, contributing to the storage of carbon and nitrogen in the bathypelagic regions. SMMP has low microbial input requirements and yields in-depth metaproteome analysis, making it a prospective approach for comprehensive marine metaproteomic investigations.

Embryonic development of the red snow crab Chionoecetes japonicus (Decapoda: Oregoniidae), inhabiting the meso and bathypelagic zones of the Sea of Japan

ABSTRACT This study investigated the seasonal changes in embryonic development of the red snow crabs inhabiting the deep sea using wild and captive ovigerous females. The embryonic stages were categorised into 14 groups based on their external morphology. Females with recently spawned eggs (between stage 1 and early stage 3), those with the eggs at the midterm stage (mainly stages 7 and 8), and those with eggs just before hatching (stage 14) were observed simultaneously from January to March indicating a 2-year reproductive cycle. These findings aid in understanding and identifying the spawning years of the red snow crabs sampled from their natural habitats.

Eight mineral species in one crystal: unique zonation of polychrome tourmaline from the Krutaya vein (Malkhan pegmatite feld, Transbaikalia, Russia)

A unique unusually Mn-rich concentrically zoned polychrome crystal from the cavity of granite pegmatite of the Krutaya vein within the Malkhan pegmatite feld (Transbaikalia) is studied. It consists of six valid and two potentially new mineral species of the tourmaline supergroup. The paper provides the detailed physical, chemical and crystallographic characteristics of minerals. A Mn-richest (up to 9.6 wt. % MnO) dark brown core of the crystal is composed of fuor-tsilaisite, princivalleite and a Mn2+-F-analog of foitite. A greenish yellow intermediate zone consists of Mn-rich fuor-elbaite and darrellhenryite and is followed by a Mn-poor pink zone composed of fuor-rossmanite, rossmanite and their O2--analog. A yellowish green peripheral zone consists of late-generation Mn-bearing fuor-elbaite. The Mn content decreases, while the Li + Al content increases from the center of the dark brown zone to the margin of the crystal approximately to the middle of the pink zone, where the evolution of the tourmaline composition is inverted and this trend becomes opposite. The crystal structure of fuor-tsilaisite is refned on a single crystal extracted from this specimen, R1 = 2.4 %. The mineral is trigonal, space group R3m, a = 15.9595(1), c = 7.14164(7) A, V = 1575.31(3) A3, Z = 3.