Depletion Of Ca2 Research Articles

Computational Model of Complex Calcium Dynamics: Store Operated Ca2+ Channels and Mitochondrial Associated Membranes in Pancreatic Acinar Cells.

This proposed model explores the intricate Ca2+ dynamics within the pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) by emphasizing the role of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and the mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) in the secretory region (apical) of the PACs. Traditionally, Ca2+ releases from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via calcium-induced calcium release (CICR). It has been shown to be important in regulating functions such as secretion of digestive enzymes in PACs. However, this model posits that upon the depletion of Ca2+ in the ER, the signaling protein stromal interaction molecule (STIM1) is activated. Activated STIM1, then facilitates the opening of Orai channels, allowing Ca2+ influx through the store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs). The model highlights the complexity of the Ca2+ dynamics, and the importance of SOCE and MAMs in the PACs Ca2+ homeostasis. The numerical and bifurcation analysis illustrate how changes in agonist concentrations can lead to the diverse Ca2+ oscillation patterns, such as thin to broader oscillations, sinusoidal patterns, and baseline fluctuations, driven by the feedback mechanisms involving Ca2+ and inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3). This understanding could have broader implications for cellular physiology and the development of therapies targeting Ca2+ signaling pathways.

Phospholipase C-β3 is dispensable for vascular constriction but indispensable for vascular hyperplasia

Angiotensin II (AngII) induces the contraction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). AngII activates phospholipase C-β (PLC-β), thereby inducing Ca2+ mobilization as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since contraction is a unique property of contractile VSMCs, signaling cascades related to the proliferation of VSMCs may differ. However, the specific molecular mechanism that controls the contraction or proliferation of VSMCs remains unclear. AngII-induced ROS production, migration, and proliferation were suppressed by inhibiting PLC-β3, inositol trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, and NOX or by silencing PLC-β3 or NOX1 but not by NOX4. However, pharmacological inhibition or silencing of PLC-β3 or NOX did not affect AngII-induced VSMC contraction. Furthermore, the AngII-dependent constriction of mesenteric arteries isolated from PLC-β3∆SMC, NOX1−/−, NOX4−/− and normal control mice was similar. AngII-induced VSMC contraction and mesenteric artery constriction were blocked by inhibiting the L-type calcium channel Rho-associated kinase 2 (ROCK2) or myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The activation of ROCK2 and MLCK was significantly induced in PLC-β3∆SMC mice, whereas the depletion of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium suppressed the AngII-induced activation of ROCK2, MLCK, and vasoconstriction. AngII-induced hypertension was significantly induced in NOX1−/− and PLC-β3∆SMC mice, whereas LCCA ligation-induced neointima formation was significantly suppressed in NOX1−/− and PLC-β3∆SMC mice. These results suggest that PLC-β3 is essential for vascular hyperplasia through NOX1-mediated ROS production but is nonessential for vascular constriction or blood pressure regulation.

A New Biosynthetic 6-Phytase Added at 500 Phytase Unit/kg Diet Improves Growth Performance, Bone Mineralization, and Nutrient Digestibility and Retention in Weaned Piglets and Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of a biosynthetic 6-phytase added at 500 phytase unit (FTU)/kg diet on growth performance, bone mineralization, and nutrient digestibility and retention in weaned piglets and growing-finishing pigs. Experiments were performed on 90 weaned male and female piglets with an average initial body weight (BW) at 7.7 ± 0.73 kg, 26 days of age) and 300 male and female growing pigs (initial BW: 21.0 ± 3.44 kg) for 43 and 98 days in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In each experiment, the animals were assigned to one of three treatments according to a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of a positive-control (PC) diet formulated to meet nutrient requirements; a negative-control (NC) diet reduced similarly in calcium (Ca) and digestible P by 0.15 and 0.12% points in phases 1 and 2, respectively, in piglets and by 0.14, 0.11, and 0.10% points, respectively, in phases 1, 2, and 3 in growing-finishing pigs, compared with PC diet; and a NC diet supplemented with the new 6-phytase at 500 FTU/kg diet (PHY). The dietary P and Ca depletion reduced (p < 0.05) the final BW (-11.9%; -7.8%,), average daily gain (ADG, -17.8%; -10.1%), average daily feed intake (ADFI, -9.9%; -6.0%), gain-to-feed (G:F) ratio (-8.9%; -4.6%), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P (-7.7% points; -6.7% points) in nursery piglets and growing pigs, respectively. It also decreased (p < 0.001) P and Ca retention by 6.1 and 9.4% points, respectively, in nursery pigs and ash, P, and Ca contents in metacarpal bones by 18.4, 18.4, and 16.8%, respectively, in growing pigs. Compared to animals fed the NC diet, phytase supplementation improved (p < 0.001) the final BW (+7.7%; +11.3%), ADG (+12.5%; +15.0%), G:F ratio (+8.4%; +5.8%), ATTD of Ca (+10.8% points; +7.2% points), and ATTD of P (+18.7% points; +16.6% points) in weaned piglets and growing pigs, respectively. In addition, phytase also increased (p < 0.001) P and Ca retention by 6.1 and 9.4% points, respectively, in nursery pigs and ash, P, and Ca contents in metacarpal bones by 17.7, 15.0, and 15.2%, respectively, in growing pigs. The final BW, ADG, G:F ratio, and bone traits in animals fed the NC diet supplemented with phytase were comparable to animals fed the PC diet. This finding indicates the ability of this novel biosynthetic phytase to restore performance and bone mineralization by improving the availability of P and Ca in piglets and growing pigs fed P- and Ca-deficient diets.

The Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin dephosphorylates TBK1 to suppress antiviral innate immunity.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor family member-associated NF-κB activator-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) plays a key role in the induction of the type 1 interferon (IFN-I) response, which is an important component of innate antiviral defense. Viruses target calcium (Ca2+) signaling networks, which participate in the regulation of the viral life cycle, as well as mediate the host antiviral response. Although many studies have focused on the role of Ca2+ signaling in the regulation of IFN-I, the relationship between Ca2+ and TBK1 in different infection models requires further elucidation. Here, we examined the effects of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels on the suppression of host antiviral responses. We demonstrated that intracellular Ca2+ increased significantly during NDV infection, leading to impaired IFN-I production and antiviral immunity through the activation of calcineurin (CaN). Depletion of Ca²+ was found to lead to a significant increase in virus-induced IFN-I production resulting in the inhibition of viral replication. Mechanistically, the accumulation of Ca2+ in response to viral infection increases the phosphatase activity of CaN, which in turn dephosphorylates and inactivates TBK1 in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Furthermore, the inhibition of CaN on viral replication was counteracted in TBK1 knockout cells. Together, our data demonstrate that NDV hijacks Ca2+ signaling networks to negatively regulate innate immunity via the CaN-TBK1 signaling axis. Thus, our findings not only identify the mechanism by which viruses exploit Ca2+ signaling to evade the host antiviral response but also, more importantly, highlight the potential role of Ca2+ homeostasis in the viral innate immune response.IMPORTANCEViral infections disrupt intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, which affects the regulation of various host processes to create conditions that are conducive for their own proliferation, including the host immune response. The mechanism by which viruses trigger TBK1 activation and IFN-I induction through viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns has been well defined. However, the effects of virus-mediated Ca2+ imbalance on the IFN-I pathway requires further elucidation, especially with respect to TBK1 activation. Herein, we report that NDV infection causes an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ that leads to activation of the serine/threonine phosphatase CaN, which subsequently dephosphorylates TBK1 and negatively regulates IFN-I production. Furthermore, depletion of Ca2+ or inhibition of CaN activity exerts antiviral effects by promoting the production of IFN-I and inhibiting viral replication. Thus, our results reveal the potential role of Ca2+ in the innate immune response to viruses and provide a theoretical reference for the treatment of viral infectious diseases.

Paleoclimate changes across the Cenomanian–Santonian transition at the southern Neo-Tethys margin (SW Iran): An integrated approach

The Cenomanian–Santonian (C–S) carbonate successions include valuable petroleum reservoirs in the Zagros Basin. They also provide important information on the paleogeographic setting, paleoclimatic conditions, and tectonic evolution of the southern Neo-Tethys margin. This study focuses on the paleoclimatic changes across the C–S transition using the petrographical, petrophysical, paleontological, major and trace element and isotope geochemical data from three subsurface sections selected from the southern Dezful Embayment and northwestern part of the Persian Gulf. Remarkable differences in allochemical (skeletal and non-skeletal) elements indicate dissimilar paleoclimatic conditions during the Cenomanian–Turonian and Santonian. Paleoexposure events are related to diagenetic processes such as extensive meteoric dissolution (karstification) and the development of bauxitic–lateritic paleosols with high Fe, Al, and kaolinite concentrations indicating warm and humid (tropical) conditions. Increased values of Fe, Al, Rb, and 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios and depletion of Ca, Sr, δ18O, and δ13C considered together indicate meteoric diagenetic effects under this paleoclimatic condition. Spectral gamma measurements are used to investigate paleoclimatic conditions. Low content of Uranium (U) throughout the transgressive systems tract (TST) and high concentration in the regressive systems tract (RST) along with low contents of kaolinite within the Santonian sequence denote the predominance of arid conditions. The major fall in U concentrations at the Cenomanian–Turonian interface (CT-Exposure Surface) could be regarded as an outcome of the fall in the relative sea-level and a proxy of oxidizing conditions (Th/U > 7) that could be the consequence of a change in paleoclimate from humid/semi-humid to humid. Evidence for a 3–4 °C decrease in paleo-temperature and increase in aridity are recorded during the Cenomanian–Santonian transition in the Zagros Basin, which is in close agreement with global trends. This cooling pattern is attributed to a decline in atmospheric CO2 levels and alterations in oceanic circulation, specifically an increase in meridional circulation.

The Origin of Mesozoic A‐type Granitoids, Fujian Province, Southeast China: Insights from Geochronology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry

AbstractThe magma sources, origins and precise forming ages of the miarolite from Qishan and Kuiqi intrusions are still uncertain. New results reveal that, miarolites from the Qishan and Kuiqi intrusions yield crystallization ages of ∼101 and ∼98 Ma, and they have a high formation temperature (∼910°C) and low oxygen fugacity value, indicating crystallization condition at low pressure in the upper crust with temperature of 678°C. The Qishan and Kuiqi miarolites are characterized by enrichment in SiO2 and high‐K alkali, depletion in Ca and Mg, and belong to the high‐K weak peraluminous rock series. The samples are enriched in HFSEs (i.e., Ta, Zr and Hf) and LILEs (i.e., Ba, P and Sr), depleted in Ba and Sr with the negative anomaly of Eu. In the primitive mantle normalized trace element spider diagram, the samples show a right‐inclined ‘seagull‐type’ pattern, combined the ratios of (La/Yb)N, 10000 × Al/Ga, Rb/Nb and Nb/Ta etc., they were proved to be alkaline A‐type granite. Combined the characterize of the trace elements, they were derived from clay‐rich source accompanied pelite melting, and subjected to K‐feldspar crystallization fractional. The values of εHf(t) and tDM2 are distributed in the range of –2.8 to 3.3 with ∼1.2 Ga, and –6.0 to 4.0 with ∼1.2 Ga, revealing that they were generated from the Mesoproterozoic Cathaysia basement rocks. The comprehensive research reveals the Kuiqi and Qishan intrusions derived from crust‐mantle mixing and partial melting of the crust, respectively, resulting from lithospheric extension generated by the Paleo‐Pacific Plate subducted into the European–Asian Plate.

Viscous Sintering of Acid Leached Glass Powders

The process of viscous flow sintering is a phenomenon that is closely linked to the surface properties of the glass particles. In this work, we studied the extreme case of acid-leaching of soda-lime-silicate glass beads of two different particle size distributions and its effects on non-isothermal viscous sintering of powder compacts. Depth profiling of the chemical composition after leaching revealed a near-surface layer depleted in alkali and alkaline earth ions, associated with concurrent hydration as mass loss was detected by thermogravimetry. Heating microscopy showed that acid treatment of glasses shifted the sinter curves to higher temperatures with increasing leaching time. Modelling of the shrinkage with the cluster model predicted a higher viscosity of the altered surface layer, while analysis of the time scales of mass transport of mobile species (Na+, Ca2+ and H2O) during isochronous sintering revealed that diffusion of Na+ can compensate for concentration gradients before sintering begins. Also, exchanged water species can diffuse out of the altered layer, but the depletion of Ca2+ in the altered surface layer persists during the sinter interval, resulting in a glass with higher viscosity, which causes sintering to slow down.

Proteomic Analyses of the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor GPER1 Reveal Constitutive Links to Endoplasmic Reticulum, Glycosylation, Trafficking, and Calcium Signaling.

The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) has been proposed to mediate rapid responses to the steroid hormone estrogen. However, despite a strong interest in its potential role in cancer, whether it is indeed activated by estrogen and how this works remain controversial. To provide new tools to address these questions, we set out to determine the interactome of exogenously expressed GPER1. The combination of two orthogonal methods, namely APEX2-mediated proximity labeling and immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, gave us high-confidence results for 73 novel potential GPER1 interactors. We found that this GPER1 interactome is not affected by estrogen, a result that mirrors the constitutive activity of GPER1 in a functional assay with a Rac1 sensor. We specifically validated several hits highlighted by a gene ontology analysis. We demonstrate that CLPTM1 interacts with GPER1 and that PRKCSH and GANAB, the regulatory and catalytic subunits of α-glucosidase II, respectively, associate with CLPTM1 and potentially indirectly with GPER1. An imbalance in CLPTM1 levels induces nuclear association of GPER1, as does the overexpression of PRKCSH. Moreover, we show that the Ca2+ sensor STIM1 interacts with GPER1 and that upon STIM1 overexpression and depletion of Ca2+ stores, GPER1 becomes more nuclear. Thus, these new GPER1 interactors establish interesting connections with membrane protein maturation, trafficking, and calcium signaling.

Magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the aquamarine-bearing Yamrang Pegmatite, Eastern Nepal: Insights from beryl, garnet, and tourmaline mineral chemistry

The Ikhabu Pegmatite Field (IPF) in the Nepal Himalaya is a newly discovered rare-element (REL) pegmatite field that hosts the Yamrang pegmatite, the primary source of the famous Nepalese aquamarines. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive description of the geology of both the IPF and the Yamrang pegmatite, offering insights into the evolutionary stages of the Yamrang pegmatite based on its internal texture and the mineral chemistry of beryl, garnet, and tourmaline. The Yamrang pegmatite is classified as a beryl-columbite subtype of REL pegmatite, exhibiting axial symmetric zonation and is differentiated into five mineralogical-textural zones during magmatic and hydrothermal stages. The magmatic stage involves undercooling, disequilibrium crystallization, and fractional crystallization whereas the hydrothermal stage comprises alkali-enriched fluid exsolution, the formation of miarolitic cavities, and the crystallization of aquamarine. Yamrang aquamarines are enriched in FeO, up to 1.1 wt%, with Fe2+ as the primary chromophore, resulting in their blue color. Two types of beryl have been identified: magmatic beryl in zones 3 and 4 and hydrothermal beryl in miarolitic cavities (zone 5). Magmatic beryls are characterized by their alkali-poor to sodic composition, prismatic to columnar habit, homogeneous texture, and the presence of Fe-Al octahedral substitution. In contrast, hydrothermal beryls belong to the sodic to Li-Cs beryl group, with tabular to acicular habit, weak compositional zoning, and channel-tetrahedral substitution. Yamrang garnet belongs to the almandine-spessartine series, while the tourmalines are Mg-Ca rich dravite-schorl to Fe-Mn rich schorl variety. Alkali-poor to Li-Cs beryl with low REE contents, spessartine garnet (spessartine component, Xsps ∼ 52) with high HREE, and schorl with high Ti but low Li, Pb, and REE contents suggests that the Yamrang Pegmatite is an intermediate-fractionated REL pegmatite. Potential pegmatite evolution indicators for IPF include high alkali, Fe, Mn, and Rb contents in beryl, high Xsps in garnet, and an increase in Li, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ga, and Nb, alongside depletion of Mg, Ca, Ti, and Ta in schorl. The identification of a rare metal pegmatite field in the Nepalese Himalaya reinforces the general rare metal mineralization potential of the entire Himalaya region.

Lupenone attenuates thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells possibly through inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase 2 activity

AimsProlonged high levels of cytokines, glucose, or free fatty acids are associated with diabetes, elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]C), and depletion of Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic beta cells. This Ca2+ imbalance induces ER stress and apoptosis. Lupenone, a lupan-type triterpenoid, is beneficial in diabetes; however, its mechanism of action is yet to be clarified. This study evaluated the protective mechanism of lupenone against thapsigargin-induced ER stress and apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells. Materials and methodsMIN6, INS-1, and native mouse islet cells were used. Western blot for protein expressions, measurement of [Ca2+]C, and in vivo glucose tolerance test were mainly performed. Key findingsThapsigargin increased the protein levels of cleaved caspase 3, cleaved PARP, and the phosphorylated form of JNK, ATF4, and CHOP. Thapsigargin increased the interaction between stromal interaction molecule1 (Stim1) and Orai1, enhancing store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). SOCE is further activated by protein tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), which is Ca2+-dependent and phosphorylates the tyrosine residue at Y361 in Stim1. Lupenone inhibited thapsigargin-mediated Pyk2 activation, suppressed [Ca2+]C, ER stress, and apoptosis. Lupenone restored impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion effectuated by thapsigargin and glucose intolerance in a low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. SignificanceThese results suggested that lupenone attenuated thapsigargin-induced ER stress and apoptosis by inhibiting SOCE; this may be due to the hindrance of Pyk2-mediated Stim1 tyrosine phosphorylation. In beta cells that are inevitably exposed to frequent [Ca2+]C elevation, the attenuation of abnormally high SOCE would be beneficial for their survival.

Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers.

Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.

Synchronization of oscillatory growth prepares fungal hyphae for fusion.

Communication is crucial for organismic interactions, from bacteria, to fungi, to humans. Humans may use the visual sense to monitor the environment before starting acoustic interactions. In comparison, fungi, lacking a visual system, rely on a cell-to-cell dialogue based on secreted signaling molecules to coordinate cell fusion and establish hyphal networks. Within this dialogue, hyphae alternate between sending and receiving signals. This pattern can be visualized via the putative signaling protein Soft (SofT), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase MAK-2 (MakB) which are recruited in an alternating oscillatory manner to the respective cytoplasmic membrane or nuclei of interacting hyphae. Here, we show that signal oscillations already occur in single hyphae of Arthrobotrys flagrans in the absence of potential fusion partners (cell monologue). They were in the same phase as growth oscillations. In contrast to the anti-phasic oscillations observed during the cell dialogue, SofT and MakB displayed synchronized oscillations in phase during the monologue. Once two fusion partners came into each other's vicinity, their oscillation frequencies slowed down (entrainment phase) and transit into anti-phasic synchronization of the two cells' oscillations with frequencies of 104±28 s and 117±19 s, respectively. Single-cell oscillations, transient entrainment, and anti-phasic oscillations were reproduced by a mathematical model where nearby hyphae can absorb and secrete a limited molecular signaling component into a shared extracellular space. We show that intracellular Ca2+ concentrations oscillate in two approaching hyphae, and depletion of Ca2+ from the medium affected vesicle-driven extension of the hyphal tip, abolished the cell monologue and the anti-phasic synchronization of two hyphae. Our results suggest that single hyphae engage in a 'monologue' that may be used for exploration of the environment and can dynamically shift their extracellular signaling systems into a 'dialogue' to initiate hyphal fusion.

The Ca ii Lines as Tracers of Disk Structure in T Tauri Stars: The Chamaeleon I Region

We present a study of the Ca ii K and IR triplet lines in a sample of classical T Tauri stars in the Chamaeleon I star-forming region. We study X-shooter spectra of the stars in the sample and find that in some of these stars the Ca ii lines are much weaker than expected from their H line fluxes and mass accretion rates. Since the Ca ii K lines have characteristic magnetospheric accretion line profiles and the magnetospheric flows feed directly from the inner disk, we interpret the Ca deficiency in terms of depletion due to processes happening in the disk. To test this hypothesis, we define a coarse depletion indicator using the flux of the Ca ii K line and show that it correlates with disk properties. In particular, using indicators extracted from Spitzer/IRS spectra, we obtain that all the transitional and pretransitional disks of the sample show depletion, consistent with the trapping of refractories in pressure bumps created by planets and/or in the planets themselves. We find full disks with Ca depletion in the sample that also show indications of advanced dust evolution. We apply magnetospheric accretion models to fit the Balmer and Ca ii line fluxes of a star showing clear Ca depletion and derive a Ca abundance in its inner disk of about 17% solar.

Paleocene A-type igneous suites in the Sikhote-Alin (the East Asian continental margin): Petrological, geochronological, isotopic, and geodynamic constraints

Global geodynamic reconstruction models of the Pacific margin of Asia refer to materials collected throughout Japan, Korea and northeastern China, but they lack data on southern Sikhote-Alin. Therewith, the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt (NE Asia) constituted a single eastern margin of the paleo-Asian continent with the abovementioned territories in the Paleocene. New isotopic, geochemical, and geochronological data show that Paleocene igneous activity (∼61–55 Ma) is widely developed in southern Sikhote-Alin. Bulk rock compositions of the igneous rocks of this period yield ferroan, peraluminous, calc-alkaline to alkaline affinities, highly abundant LILE and HFSE (with pronounced Ba, Sr, Eu, and Ti negative anomalies) and depleted HREE. The initial melts, displaying Zr + Y + Ce + Nb > 350 ppm and 10,000 × Ga/Al > 2.6, derived from an OIB-like mantle source crystallised under fairly reducing conditions (below FMQ buffer), and yield high temperature of zircon saturation (>850 °C), indicating typical A-type granite and related volcanic rock features. It is logical to associate variations in A-type rock geochemical composition with an enrichment of the upper part of the magma chamber with fluid-mobile components involving a redistribution of major and trace elements through fluid-magmatic differentiation. Strong depletion in Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, Eu in the A-type rocks is caused by an outflow of these elements by an oxidizing, initially reduced, acidic fluid beyond the zone of magma generation. Whole-rock Sr-Nd isotope data argue for the generation of the A-type rocks by melting of dominantly a juvenile mantle component with a subordinate component of the ancient crust. Isotope variations of igneous rocks of the reference area: 87Sr/86Sr(t) (0.7024–0.7118), εNd(t) (−0.9 to −5.1) and TDM2 (934–1277 Ma), result from the mixing of the OIB-like mantle source with selective melts or from the metapelite contamination of the Samarka terrane accretionary prism and of the Zhuravlevka-Amur turbidite basin, later followed by fluid-magmatic differentiation that led to the formation of anatectic or hybrid melts. We further suggest that the origin of the A-type granites and related volcanic rocks is the result of the oblique interaction of oceanic and continental plates. This interaction accounts for the simultaneous formation of tears in the slab, enabling sub-slab asthenospheric upwelling, and strike-slip fault-related extensional structures in the overriding continental plate.

Chloride effect on sulfate attack in hydrated Portland-limestone cement assessed by 29Si NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis

Structural alterations in the C-S-H phase of hydrated Portland-limestone cements, caused by magnesium sulfate attack, were quantitatively assessed using 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy, considering the presence of sodium chloride in the corrosive medium and the limestone content in cement. Quantitative information about crystalline deterioration products (ettringite, thaumasite, gypsum, brucite) was retrieved from thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy combined with elemental analysis indicated their accumulation areas. Formation of cross-linked silicate chains and reduction of bridging/pairing SiO4 tetrahedra in C-S-H was noted. The presence of chlorides decreased cross-linking of SiO4 tetrahedra and reduced gypsum formation and Ca depletion from the matrix. Precipitation of brucite at the edge of the specimens possibly inhibited the promotion of the attack process. Chlorides penetrated deeper into the matrix compared to sulfates. Increasing limestone content in cement led to a higher mean chain length of cross-linked chains and AlO4/SiO4 ratio in the sulfate-bearing environment. The extent of C-S-H degradation in the cement pastes with the highest limestone content was independent of the exposure conditions. Cement with approx. 12% limestone content can be considered of equal performance to ordinary Portland cement in severe sulfate–chloride solutions.

Cold sensory transduction through the STIM-Orai signaling pathway

The STIM-Orai signaling pathway mediates Ca2+ signals vital for controlling transcription and cell growth. The Ca2+ sensing STIM proteins are activated by depletion of Ca2+ stored in the ER, and translocate into ER-PM junctions to gate PM Orai channels. STIM1 activation also results from heating STIM1 proteins, and new evidence reveals the STIM1-mediated gating of Orai1 channels is activated by noxious cooling of cells. This activation of the STIM-Orai pathway may be important in mediating vascular dilation that occurs in response to severe cold exposure.

Environmental implication of geochemical record in the Arctic Ny-Ålesund glacial sediment, Svalbard (Norway)

Glacial sediments as an important end member of the global dust system, could indicate changes in global climate, aerosols sources, ocean elements, and productivity. With global warming, ice caps shrinking and glaciers retreat at high latitudes have attracted concern. To understand the response of glacier to environment and climate in modern high latitude ice-marginal environments, this paper investigated glacial sediments in the Ny-Ålesund region of the Arctic and clarified the response of polar environmental to global changes through geochemical characteristics of glacial sediments. The results showed that: 1) main factors affecting the elements distribution of the Ny-Ålesund glacial sediments were thought as soil formation, bedrock and weathering, and biological activity; 2) variations of SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/Al2O3 + Fe2O3, indicating low weathering of the soil. The ratio of Na2O/K2O indicating a weak chemical weathering, was negatively correlated to the CIA. With the average CIA of Ny-Ålesund glacial sediments for main minerals of quartz, feldspar, and muscovite as well as dolomite and calcite 50.13, which implied glacial sediments at the early stage of chemical weathering and depletion of Ca and Na; 3) the separating effect of stones and soils by stone circle formation due to thermal conductivity and frost heave makes sediments in stone circle have lower chemical weathering with only two main minerals, albite and quartz; 4) changes of carbonate content in sediments with glacier front retreating in different period implied that weathering rate of calcite averagely reached an estimate of 0.0792%wt/year in glacier A. The succession of vegetation made biological weathering become an important driving force for carbonate leaching from glacial sediments. These results and data provide scientifically significant archive for future global change studies.

The SOAR of STIM1 interacts with plasma membrane lipids to form ER-PM contact sites

Depletion of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 to form membrane contact sites (MCSs) with the plasma membrane (PM). At the ER-PM MCS, STIM1 binds to Orai channels to induce cellular Ca2+ entry. The prevailing view of this sequential process is that STIM1 interacts with the PM and with Orai1 using two separate modules: a C-terminal polybasic domain (PBD) for the interaction with PM phosphoinositides and the STIM-Orai activation region (SOAR) for the interaction with Orai channels. Here, using electron and fluorescence microscopy and protein-lipid interaction assays, we show that oligomerization of the SOAR promotes direct interaction with PM phosphoinositides to trap STIM1 at ER-PM MCSs. The interaction depends on a cluster of conserved lysine residues within the SOAR and is co-regulated by the STIM1 coil-coiled 1 and inactivation domains. Collectively, our findings uncover a molecular mechanism for formation and regulation of ER-PM MCSs by STIM1.

Using SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS to Explore Evidence of Treatment and Physiological Responses to Leprosy in Medieval Denmark.

Leprosy can lead to blood depletion in Zn, Ca, Mg, and Fe and blood enrichment in Cu. In late medieval Europe, minerals were used to treat leprosy. Here, physiological responses to leprosy and possible evidence of treatment are investigated in enamel, dentine, and cementum of leprosy sufferers from medieval Denmark (n = 12) and early 20th century Romania (n = 2). Using SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS, 12 elements were mapped in 15 tooth thin sections, and the statistical covariation of paired elements was computed to assess their biological relevance. The results show marked covariations in the Zn, Ca, and Mg distributions, which are compatible with clinical studies but cannot be directly attributed to leprosy. Minerals used historically as a treatment for leprosy show no detectable intake (As, Hg) or a diffuse distribution (Pb) related to daily ingestion. Intense Pb enrichments indicate acute incorporations of Pb, potentially through the administration of Pb-enriched medication or the mobilization of Pb from bone stores to the bloodstream during intense physiological stress related to leprosy. However, comparisons with a healthy control group are needed to ascertain these interpretations. The positive correlations and the patterns observed between Pb and essential elements may indicate underlying pathophysiological conditions, demonstrating the potential of SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS for paleopathological investigations.

Spatio-temporal variation of major ion chemistry and nutrient stoichiometry in a tropical monsoonal estuary: insight into biogeochemical processes

Major ions and nutrient chemistry of surface water from the Devi river estuary, eastern India has been studied in order to understand the governing biogeochemical processes. Concentration of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4 and PO4 increases toward higher salinity; however, NO3 and dissolved silica (DSi) decreases from upper to lower estuary. All major ions, except NO3 and DSi, show the highest and lowest concentration in summer and monsoon season, respectively. Increased surface runoff has resulted in the highest concentration of NO3 and DSi in the monsoon period. The Na, Cl, SO4, NO3 and PO4 ions show conservative mixing behavior in the estuary throughout the year. Non-conservative behavior of DSi is attributed to the combined process of mineral weathering and biological removal by diatoms. Enrichment and depletion of Ca and Mg in the estuary is owed to carbonate mineral precipitation and dissolution processes. Decreasing carbonate saturation indices (SI) with reducing pH accompanied by lowering of DO% suggests the influence of organic matter degradation on the carbonate precipitation and/or dissolution potential. Nutrient stoichiometric ratios—NO3:PO4, DSi:PO4 and DSi:NO3—are found to vary spatially and seasonally as a result of differences in geochemical processes prevailing in the fresh- and marine-water environment. A prominent PO4 limitation is observed in the upper estuary during summer and winter. However, this limitation reduces toward the lower estuary owing to precipitation of Fe-sulfide under the influence of higher salinity. In contrast, the influx of PO4-limited freshwater into the estuary controls the nutrient stoichiometric ratios in the monsoon season. The spatial variation of chlorophyll concentration in the estuary is in accordance to the nutrient stoichiometric ratios. Thus, this study emphasizes on the role of unique biogeochemical processes in controlling the spatial and seasonal distribution of major ions and nutrient stoichiometry in a tropical estuarine system.