Late Activity Research Articles

Seasonal activity of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in Southeast Pennsylvania.

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845), is an invasive species in the United States. This pest causes damage to vineyards and has the potential to negatively affect other crops and industries. Information describing the seasonal timing of life stages can improve its management. In 2019 and 2020, spotted lanternfly seasonal activity was followed weekly from spring egg hatch to the first hard freeze. Weighted mean timing of activity for each nymphal instar, early adults, late adults, total adults, and egg mass deposition are presented for 2019 and 2020 on Acer rubrum and 2020 on Ailanthus altissima. Logistic equations describing the percentage completion of each activity period on these hosts were fitted using a start date of 1 January to calculate accumulated degree days (ADD). For the adult and egg mass deposition periods, we additionally used a biofix of the date adults were first observed to calculate ADD. ADD from 1 January adequately estimated the timing of nymphal instars but ADD from observation of the first adult better estimated the timing of adult activity and egg mass deposition. Late adult activity and egg mass deposition periods appeared to be influenced by another environmental cue, such as day length. Maps of season-long ADD show that spotted lanternflies are unlikely to reach adulthood in colder regions of the northeast United States, and therefore may not establish there. We also report a strong seasonal trend in sex ratio on A. rubrum, where the population shifted from over 80% male to over 80% female in October.

Temporal Dynamics of Brain Activity Predicting Sense of Agency over Muscle Movements.

Our muscles are the primary means through which we affect the external world, and the sense of agency (SoA) over the action through those muscles is fundamental to our self-awareness. However, SoA research to date has focused almost exclusively on agency over action outcomes rather than over the musculature itself, as it was believed that SoA over the musculature could not be manipulated directly. Drawing on methods from human-computer interaction and adaptive experimentation, we use human-in-the-loop Bayesian optimization to tune the timing of electrical muscle stimulation so as to robustly elicit a SoA over electrically actuated muscle movements in male and female human subjects. We use time-resolved decoding of subjects' EEG to estimate the time course of neural activity which predicts reported agency on a trial-by-trial basis. Like paradigms which assess SoA over action consequences, we found that the late (post-conscious) neural activity predicts SoA. Unlike typical paradigms, however, we also find patterns of early (sensorimotor) activity with distinct temporal dynamics predicts agency over muscle movements, suggesting that the "neural correlates of agency" may depend on the level of abstraction (i.e., direct sensorimotor feedback versus downstream consequences) most relevant to a given agency judgment. Moreover, fractal analysis of the EEG suggests that SoA-contingent dynamics of neural activity may modulate the sensitivity of the motor system to external input.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The sense of agency, the feeling of "I did that," when directing one's own musculature is a core feature of human experience. We show that we can robustly manipulate the sense of agency over electrically actuated muscle movements, and we investigate the time course of neural activity that predicts the sense of agency over these actuated movements. We find evidence of two distinct neural processes: a transient sequence of patterns that begins in the early sensorineural response to muscle stimulation and a later, sustained signature of agency. These results shed light on the neural mechanisms by which we experience our movements as volitional.

Guiding ablation strategies for ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease by analyzing links and conversion patterns of traceable abnormal late potential zone.

Substrate-based ablation can treat uninducible or hemodynamically instability scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, whether a correlation exists between the critical VT isthmus and late activation zone (LAZ) during sinus rhythm (SR) is unknown. To demonstrate the structural and functional properties of abnormal substrates and analyze the link between the VT circuit and abnormal activity during SR. Thirty-six patients with scar-related VT (age, 50.0 ± 13.7 years and 86.1% men) who underwent VT ablation were reviewed. The automatic rhythmia ultrahigh resolution mapping system was used for electroanatomic substrate mapping. The clinical characteristics and mapping findings, particularly the LAZ characteristics during SR and VT, were analyzed. To determine the association between the LAZ during the SR and VT circuits, the LAZ was defined as five activation patterns: entrance, exit, core, blind alley, and conduction barrier. Forty-five VTs were induced in 36 patients, 91.1% of which were monomorphic. The LAZ of all patients was mapped during the SR and VT circuits, and the consistency of the anatomical locations of the LAZ and VT circuits was analyzed. Using the ultrahigh resolution mapping system, interconversion patterns, including the bridge, T, puzzle, maze, and multilayer types, were identified. VT ablation enabled precise ablation of abnormal late potential conduction channels. Five interconversion patterns of the LAZ during the SR and VT circuits were summarized. These findings may help formulate more precise substrate-based ablation strategies for scar-related VT and shorter procedure times.

Identification of Human Ventricular Tachycardia Demarcated by Fixed Lines of Conduction Block in a 3-Dimensional Hyperboloid Circuit.

The circuit boundaries for reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been historically conceptualized within a 2-dimensional (2D) construct, with their fixed or functional nature unresolved. This study aimed to examine the correlation between localized lines of conduction block (LOBs) evident during baseline rhythm with lateral isthmus boundaries that 3-dimensionally constrain the VT isthmus as a hyperboloid structure. A total of 175 VT activation maps were correlated with isochronal late activation maps during baseline rhythm in 106 patients who underwent catheter ablation for scar-related VT from 3 centers (42% nonischemic cardiomyopathy). An overt LOB was defined by a deceleration zone with split potentials (≥20 ms isoelectric segment) during baseline rhythm. A novel application of pacing within deceleration zone (≥600 ms) was implemented to unmask a concealed LOB not evident during baseline rhythm. LOBs identified during baseline rhythm or pacing were correlated with isthmus boundaries during VT. Among 202 deceleration zones analyzed during baseline rhythm, an overt LOB was evident in 47%. When differential pacing was performed in 38 deceleration zones without overt LOBs, an underlying concealed LOB was exposed in 84%. In 152 VT activation maps (2D=53, 3-dimensional [3D]=99), 69% of lateral boundaries colocalized with an LOB in 2D activation patterns, and the depth boundary during 3D VT colocalized with an LOB in 79%. In VT circuits with isthmus regions that colocalized with a U-shaped LOB (n=28), the boundary invariably served as both lateral boundaries in 2D and 3D. Overall, 74% of isthmus boundaries were identifiable as fixed LOBs during baseline rhythm or differential pacing. The majority of VT circuit boundaries can be identified as fixed LOBs from intrinsic or paced activation during sinus rhythm. Analysis of activation while pacing within the scar substrate is a novel technique that may unmask concealed LOBs, previously interpreted to be functional in nature. An LOB from the perspective of a myocardial surface is frequently associated with intramural conduction, supporting the existence of a 3D hyperboloid VT circuit structure. Catheter ablation may be simplified to targeting both sides around an identified LOB during sinus rhythm.

Minimization of Economic Losses in Photovoltaic System Cleaning Schedules Based on a Novel Methodological Framework for Performance Ratio Forecast and Cost Analysis

The growing interest in deploying photovoltaic systems and achieving their benefits as sustainable energy supplier raises the need to seek reliable medium-term and long-term operations with optimal performance and efficient use of economic resources. Cleaning scheduling is one of the activities that can positively impact performance. This work proposes a methodological framework to define the optimal scheduling of the cleaning activities of photovoltaic systems. The framework integrates a forecast model of the performance ratio, including the environmental variables’ effect. In addition, an economic analysis involving the economic losses and maintenance costs of cleaning is used. This framework is applied to a case study of a photovoltaic system located in Yumbo, Colombia. Based on the historical data on irradiance, active energy, temperature, rainfall, and wind speed, the obtained forecast model of the photovoltaic system’s performance ratio in a 60-day horizon has a mean absolute percentage error lesser of than 11%. The next cleaning date is forecasted to be beyond the horizon in a 19-day range, which will decrease as time goes by. This framework was applied to historical data and compared to actual cleaning dates performed by the utility company. The results show a loss of USD 33.616 due to unnecessary, early, or late cleaning activities.

Features of T cell immunity depending on the content of natural killer cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome following COVID-19

We examined 65 men with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (acute coronary syndrome - ACS) from 40 to 65 years old who had previously had COVID-19 and 20 people with ACS who had not undergone COVID-19. All persons also had hypertension, and they required stenting of the coronary arteries within the next 3 days after admission to the hospital. From the immunological parameters by flow cytometry on the Navios cytofluorimeter (BeckmanCoulter, USA), according to the standardized technology for assessing the lymphocytic link of immunity [1], the following were determined: ), CD45+ CD3+ CD8+ (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes), CD45+CD3-CD19+ (B-lymphocytes), CD45+CD3+CD16+CD56+ (TNK cells), CD45+CD3-CD16+CD56+ (natural killer cells), CD45+ CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127- (T-regulatory cells), CD45+ CD3+CD4+CD25+ (T-lymphocytes - early activation), CD45+CD3+HLA-DR (T-lymphocytes - late activation). All patients were divided into groups depending on the content of NK cells (natural killer cells). Patients who have had COVID-19 have 3 phenotypes of disorders (decreased NK cell count, normal and increased), while non-survivors have 2 phenotypes (decreased NK cell count and normal). The most severe condition and severity of immune disorders were found in patients who had undergone COVID-19. In patients with acute coronary syndrome and COVID-19, predominantly with normal and elevated levels of NK cells, compared with ACS patients without COVID-19, a more severe course of the disease was observed - patients with acute myocardial infarction prevailed, they had a higher mortality rate, the duration of treatment was increased, and stent thrombosis was also more common. In persons with ACS and COVID-19 with elevated NK cells, the maximum decrease in the T-cell immunity was observed: T-lymphocytes of general, T-lymphocytes-helpers, T-cytotoxic lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes of early activation, T-regulatory cells in absolute numbers compared to other groups. The lowest immunoregulatory index and, at the same time, the maximum number of T-NK-lymphocytes were observed in persons who had undergone COVID-19 and had reduced NK cells. The minimum number of T-NK lymphocytes was recorded in patients with low NK cells who did not have COVID-19. Minimal T-lymphocytes (CD45+CD3+CD4+HLA-DR+) of late activation were found in people who recovered from COVID-19 with elevated and normal NK cells. The lowest number of late activation regulatory T cells was observed in patients who did not have COVID-19, but were vaccinated, and had a normal content of NK cells. The study also allows us to more clearly define the groups of patients with ACS who need additional immunocorrection.

Morphometric analysis of the North Liuleng Shan Fault in the northern Shanxi Graben System, China: Insights into active deformation pattern and fault evolution

The North Liuleng Shan Fault (NLSF) is one of the major active faults in the northern Shanxi Graben System (SGS) in North China. Although the fault has been investigated extensively in terms of late Quaternary activity, its active deformation pattern is still poorly characterized. In this study, we conducted a morphometric analysis of the fault using various geomorphic indices to assess the along-strike relative uplift rates, which include basin relief, slope, mountain front sinuosity (Smf), hypsometric integral (HI) and curves, valley floor width-to-height ratio (Vf), asymmetry factor (Af), basin elongation ratio (Re), and normalized channel steepness indices (ksn). Our findings indicate that the central portion of the fault has experienced higher relative uplift rates than the southwestern and northeastern portions, as demonstrated by higher basin-averaged slopes and ksn values, and lower Vf, Re, and Smf values. This spatial distribution pattern of relative uplift rates appears to correlate well with along-strike changes in the fault geometry and kinematics of the NLSF. We interpret the EW-striking, central portion of the NLSF as a releasing bend formed by the NE-striking, right-stepping, en-echelon southwestern and northeastern portions of the fault system, which are characterized by right-lateral oblique slip. Furthermore, the northeastward increase in HI values along with the regional basin evolution history suggest that the NLSF likely propagated from southwest to northeast. We propose that the southwestern portion of the fault most probably initiated earlier and that the central and northeastern portions formed later as extensional structures at the termini of the fault zone. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the tectonics and genesis of the basin-and-range geomorphology in the northern SGS.

Specialized late cingulo-opercular network activation elucidates the mechanisms underlying decisions about ambiguity

Cortical task control networks, including the cingulo-opercular (CO) network play a key role in decision-making across a variety of functional domains. In particular, the CO network functions in a performance reporting capacity that supports successful task performance, especially in response to errors and ambiguity. In two studies testing the contribution of the CO network to ambiguity processing, we presented a valence bias task in which masked clearly and ambiguously valenced emotional expressions were slowly revealed over several seconds. This slow reveal task design provides a window into the decision-making mechanisms as they unfold over the course of a trial. In the main study, the slow reveal task was administered to 32 young adults in the fMRI environment and BOLD time courses were extracted from regions of interest in three control networks. In a follow-up study, the task was administered to a larger, online sample (n = 81) using a more extended slow reveal design with additional unmasking frames. Positive judgments of surprised faces were uniquely accompanied by slower response times and strong, late activation in the CO network. These results support the initial negativity hypothesis, which posits that the default response to ambiguity is negative and positive judgments are associated with a more effortful controlled process, and additionally suggest that this controlled process is mediated by the CO network. Moreover, ambiguous trials were characterized by a second CO response at the end of the trial, firmly placing CO function late in the decision-making process.

The transcriptome of the parapoxvirus Orf virus reveals novel promoters for heterologous gene expression by poxvirus vectors

Orf virus (ORFV) has been used as a vaccine delivery vector for multiple animal species. Several strategies are being used to improve the immunogenicity and efficacy of ORFV vectors, including the use of poxviral promoter(s) with strong early and late activity capable of driving the expression of the heterologous genes for a prolonged time and eliciting a potent immune response. Here, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) approach to analyze the transcriptome of ORFV during infection in primary ovine cells. Based on the transcriptional profile of individual ORFV genes, we identified ORFV promoters with strong early and late activity and have shown that they can be used to express heterologous genes in ORFV vectors. Our results show that the intergenic regulatory sequence containing core promoter sequences present upstream of ORF112 (p112) and ORF116 (p116) lead to markedly higher transgene expression than conventional poxviral promoters. Thus, these promoters are valuable alternatives to express transgenes in poxviral vectors.

Late Quaternary Deformation of the Ambon fault, Indonesia: Preliminary Results

The Ambon fault in the northern Banda Arc has capability of generating Mw 6.9 earthquake. The Ambon fault poses a significant seismic hazard to Ambon Island because the fault is located near populous areas, the Ambon City. Recent seismicity in Ambon Island and surrounding areas indicates that this region is actively deforming. Ambon Island has experienced many damaging earthquakes since the 17th century. However, the potential seismic hazard on this island remains enigmatic due to the lack of detailed geological information, such as fault traces, slip rate, and paleoseismic history. This study reports the preliminary results of tectonic geomorphic investigations and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys on the Ambon fault. Tectonic geomorphic features, such as fault scarps, warped surfaces, and sag ponds indicate the late Quaternary activity of the Ambon fault. The Ambon fault predominantly shows a normal sense of motion with a dip of ~60-70°. The Ambon fault is related to the extensional tectonics in the Banda Sea.

The origin and ore-forming processes of the Qixiashan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit, South China: Constraints from LA–ICP–MS analysis of pyrite and sphalerite

The Qixiashan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit, located in the Nanjing–Zhenjiang area of the Middle–Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt (MLYB), is one of the largest PbZn deposits in Eastern China. The middle Carboniferous carbonates of the Huanglong Formation are the main host rocks of orebodies. Whether this deposit is associated with magmatic activity or sedimentary exhalative deposit is still debated due to the poor constraints on the origin of the ore materials and metallogenic processes. To address this, we analyzed the compositions of pyrite and sphalerite from different mineralization stages and depths, and the distributions of minor and trace elements within the pyrite and sphalerite crystals, using in situ laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer and scanning electron microscope analyses. Four hydrothermal stages can be identified: the pre-ore pyrite stage (stage I); Pb–Zn–Py stage (stage II); Pb–Zn–Ag stage (stage III); and carbonate stage (stage IV). The sphalerite in the deposit is typically enriched in Fe, Mn, In, and Sn, and depleted in Ge and Cd. These results are characteristic of magmatic hydrothermal activity and indicate the mineralization was related to late Yanshanian magmatic activity. The Co and Ni contents of pyrite, and the Fe, In, and Sn contents of sphalerite decrease from the early to late stages, suggesting that the temperature of the hydrothermal fluid decreased continuously. Variations in the Se content of pyrite suggest that the fO2 increased from stage I to stage II, then decreased during stage III. Detailed SEM and elemental maps show that stage-II sphalerite (Sph-1) and pyrite (Py-2) are oscillatory zoned, which we interpret to reflect pressure fluctuations and repeated local fluid phase separation during stage II. We also infer from the zoning and subsequent formation of Py-3 that magmatic hydrothermal activity increased from stage I to II, then decreased from stage II to III. In addition, changes in the In, Sn, and Fe contents of sphalerite can be useful indicators of the upward migration of ore-forming fluid and can help during prospecting for related deep magmatic rocks.

Arterial Structure in 18-Year-Old Males Is Dependent on Physical Activity at 12Years and Cumulative Cardiorespiratory Fitness From Puberty to Late Adolescence.

To evaluate the long-term effect of body composition, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) from puberty on arterial health in late adolescent males. The cumulative burden of physical activity (measured with accelerometer), CRF (VO2peak0.82), and body composition (body mass index, fat mass, and fat percentage) from puberty to late adolescence (sum of 4 time points from 12 to 18y) was assessed in 102 males. Additional analysis on the first (T1) and last (T4) time points was performed. Intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and augmentation index adjusted to heart rate of 75 beats per minute (bpm) as dependent variables were measured at T4 and analyzed in multivariable regression models adjusted for known risk factors including maturation, blood pressure, and smoking habits. T1 and cumulative body composition measures were independently associated with IMT, while cumulative (β = -0.011, P = .036) and T4 (β = -0.0.031, P = .001) CRF revealed independent associations with IMT. Individuals with moderate to vigorous physical activity >60minutes per day at T1 showed relationship (β = -1.091, P = .026) with IMT independently of late adolescent physical activity. No significant relationship was present for arterial function. Arterial structure in adolescent males is associated with physical activity at 12years while relationship with CRF can be seen in late adolescence and cumulatively from puberty to late adolescence.

The Uplift of an Early Stage Collisional Plateau Unraveled by Fluvial Network Analysis and River Longitudinal Profile Inversion: The Case of the Eastern Anatolian Plateau

AbstractOrogenic plateaus of continental collision zones exhibit landforms and fluvial networks that retain first‐order information on their topographic evolution and vertical growth. The inversion of river longitudinal profiles allows to reconstruct the base level fall history of plateaus, supporting the study of landscape evolution in the frame of geodynamic models. The Eastern Anatolian Plateau (EAP) of the Arabia‐Eurasia collision zone is a plateau at an early stage of development. It stands at ∼2,000 m, presents endorheic basins, and is drained by three main river networks. Seismic data indicate a thinned lithospheric mantle that explains the late Cenozoic volcanic activity. Despite the number of studies on the EAP uplift, its history is still debated. In this study we investigated the EAP hydrography and topography, and we inverted the longitudinal profile of one of the main rivers: the Arax River. The results describe a high‐standing, low‐relief plateau drained by a hydrography, controlled by active tectonics. Longitudinal profiles and χ‐plots illustrate rivers in disequilibrium with channel steepness increasing downstream. The elevation of marine deposits indicates a surface uplift of ∼2,000 m, ∼500 m of which are of residual topography. This upheaval occurred by two increases: the first one at 10–11 Ma with the opening of a slab window and the arrival of a mantle flow from Arabia and the second one at ∼5 Ma with the continued inflow coupled with isostasy. Our results describe the early stage of collisional plateau development, distinguishing the contribution of deep processes and isostasy to the topographic growth.

Divergent auditory activation in relation to inhibition task performance in children and adults.

Adults and children show remarkable differences in cortical auditory activation which, in children, have shown relevance for cognitive performance, specifically inhibitory control. However, it has not been tested whether these differences translate to functional differences in response inhibition between adults and children. We recorded auditory responses of adults and school-aged children (6-14 years) using combined magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG) during passive listening conditions and an auditory Go/No-go task. The associations between auditory cortical responses and inhibition performance measures diverge between adults and children; while in children the brain-behavior associations are not significant, or stronger responses are beneficial, adults show negative associations between auditory cortical responses and inhibitory performance. Furthermore, we found differences in brain responses between adults and children; the late (~200 ms post stimulation) adult peak activation shifts from auditory to frontomedial areas. In contrast, children show prolonged obligatory responses in the auditory cortex. Together this likely translates to a functional difference between adults and children in the cortical resources for performance consistency in auditory-based cognitive tasks.

Genesis of the Meng’entaolegai Ag–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit, inner Mongolia, Northeastern China

The large-scale Meng’entaolegai Ag–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit is located in the Great Hinggan Range metallogenic belt, northeastern China. To better understand the formation of the Meng’entaolegai deposit, we present in situ S isotope data, zircon U–Pb isotope data, sulfide Rb–Sr data, and molybdenite Re–Os data for the units associated with the deposit and surrounding regions. In situ analyses show that the δ34S values of the sulfides (galena, sphalerite, and pyrite) vary from + 2.4‰ to + 6.6‰ (mean = +4.7‰, n = 60). The data herein confirm that the sulfur was mainly derived from a magmatic source. Zircon U–Pb dating of the medium- to coarse-grained monzogranite, plagiogranite, and fine-grained monzogranite from the Duerji batholiths and granodiorite and monzogranite from the Meng’entaolegai deposit yield weighted mean ages of 244.3 ± 1.7, 243.0 ± 2.1, 151.8 ± 1.5, 232.6 ± 2.2, and 223.1 ± 2.3 Ma, respectively. The Meng’entaolegai deposit yields a molybdenite Re–Os age of 229.5 ± 1.5 Ma, but sulfide Rb–Sr dating yields an isochron age of 147.2 ± 2.3 Ma. These new age data have revealed that the Meng’entaolegai polymetallic deposit formed during two mineralization episodes: an early episode at 230 Ma and a second episode at 147 Ma. The Late Triassic hydrothermal activity and weakly Mo mineralization formed in an extensional setting after the final closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. The Late Jurassic hydrothermal activity and Ag–Pb–Zn mineralization formed in an extensional environment related to the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, but these exposed granitic rocks are unlikely to be related to the Ag–Pb–Zn mineralization, suggesting that more research is needed on the magmatic hydrothermal activity within the study area.

The origin of mafic–ultramafic rocks and felsic plutons along the Clarke River suture zone: implications for porphyry exploration in the northern Tasmanides

The Clarke River Fault in northeast Queensland records an early Paleozoic history of subduction, accretion and continental suturing. Samples of mafic–ultramafic rocks collected proximal to the Clarke River Fault record oceanic geochemical affinities and comprise alteration assemblages consistent with an ophiolitic origin. The ca 456 Ma Falls Creek Tonalite records a continental-arc geochemical signature and was formed in response to long-lived subduction beneath the Thomson Orogen. Ordovician subduction beneath the Thomson Orogen is broadly coeval with arc magmatism documented in the Lachlan Orogen, which has been associated with the formation of several large porphyry ore deposits. The Falls Creek Tonalite yields adakite-like geochemical signatures that reflect a fertile melt source conducive to the formation of porphyry ore deposits. The outcropping plutons record ductile deformation consistent with mid-crustal depths, and they were emplaced during late syntectonic activity. This implies that the Falls Creek Tonalite was emplaced at too great a depth to have formed porphyry ore deposits. The northern Charters Towers Province shares many geological similarities to the Greenvale Province, where the erosional level may be shallower, and the potential for porphyry deposit formation and preservation may be greater.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in healthy adults.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly pathogenic to humans and has caused the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccines are one of the efficient ways to prevent the viral infection. After COVID-19 vaccination, the monitoring of the dynamic change in neutralizing antibodies is necessary to determine booster requirements. We estimated the effectiveness of the inactivated vaccines by monitoring dynamic SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies for over 2 years. Additionally, we also investigated the activation of T lymphocytes (CD3+ T cells) after three doses of the inactivated vaccine. The results showed that the rate of reduction of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody levels gradually showed after each booster dose. The IgG/IgM level at 9 months after the third vaccination were significantly higher than those at 6 months after the second dose (p<0.0001). The expression of CD25+T cell in 18-35 age group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. Nine months after the third dose (the time of last blood sample collection), the expression of CD25+T cell in the 18-35 age group was significantly higher than that at 6 months after the second dose. CD25+T cell in the 18-35 years old group was significantly higher than 6 months after the second vaccination. CD25, a late activation marker of lymphocytes and high-activity memory T cell subgroup, exhibited higher levels at the later stages after vaccination. COVID-19 booster vaccination in older adults and regular testing of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies are recommended. Booster doses should be administered if the antibody level falls below the 30% inhibition rate.

A giant volcanic island in an early Martian Ocean?

Tracking early oceans on Mars has fundamental climatic and exobiological implications but requires unambiguous datable markers. Here we show that the Olympus Mons giant volcano shares morphological similarities with active volcanic islands on Earth where major constructional slope breaks systematically occur at the sea-air transition in response to sharp lava viscosity contrasts. We propose that the upper rim of the 6-km high concentric main escarpment surrounding Olympus Mons most likely formed by lava flowing into liquid water when the edifice was an active volcanic island during the late Noachian - early Hesperian. Similar features on the northern flank of the 1800 km-distant Alba Mons volcano further support an extended early Ocean initially occupying Martian lowlands. Abnormal current shoreline heights imply major surface uplift promoted by internal dynamics during the main phase of development of the Tharsis Bulge at some time during the Hesperian. After ocean retreat, the uplifted shorelines were partly blanketed by late sub-aerial activity during the Amazonian. The newly proposed volcanic shorelines can be dated by radiometric methods, constituting exceptional targets to track early liquid water at key temporal steps and provide valuable insights into the timing and fate of Martian Oceans.

Sounds from a Mountain. Acoustics at La Peña de los Enamorados (Antequera, Spain), a Neolithic sanctuary

La Peña de los Enamorados, a limestone massif located in Antequera, Spain, is a famous landmark since (at least) the Middle Ages on account of its marked anthropomorphic silhouette and geographic position right at the crossroads of Andalucía’s two main communication routes (connecting Málaga and Córdoba, in a South-North direction, and Sevilla and Granada in a West-East direction). In the last fifteen years, archaeological research has revealed substantial evidence of intense Late Neolithic, Copper Age and Early Bronze Age activity (spanning from the mid-4th to the early 2nd millennia BC) on its northern sector. This includes various loci of activity: (i) the Matacabras shelter, with schematic-style rock art, which is located at the foot of Tajo Colorado, a 100 m-high rocky wall that forms the mountain’s ‘chin’; (ii) the recently discovered Piedras Blancas megalithic grave; (iii) and several remains of activity, including Locus 4, on the steep glacis at the foot of Tajo Colorado. In this paper, we examine the acoustic behaviour of Tajo Colorado, Matacabras and Locus 4. Signals produced by means of a blank-shot pistol were recorded at each reception point by means of a high-quality audio recorder via a microphone condenser mic while controlling background noise levels. The study included impulse response analysis based on its temporal and frequency behaviour, through Schroeder decay curves, Envelop-Time Curves, spectrograms and spectrum curves. The results show good acoustic conditions, not unlike some ancient theatres, which reinforces the interpretation of the area as a major Neolithic open-air sanctuary.

Iron, boron, and sulfur isotope constraints on the ore-forming process of subseafloor replacement-style volcanogenic massive sulfide systems

The well-preserved Ashele subseafloor replacement-style volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt comprises two stages of Cu mineralization, i.e., early massive sulfides dominated by colloform and euhedral pyrite intergrown with chalcopyrite and sphalerite, which were replaced by late vein-dominated chlorite-chalcopyrite assemblages. In this study, a combined systematic Fe, B, and S isotope investigation was first applied to investigate the sulfide precipitation processes and the relative proportion of fluid sources in different alteration and mineralization stages of the Ashele deposit. Boron isotopes of Mg-rich tourmaline (δ11B from −5.57‰ to −2.73‰, average (avg.) −4.23‰) indicate significant seawater (∼19%) participated during the formation of massive sulfides. A two-component mixing model is used to estimate the contribution of seawater and igneous sulfur to the total sulfur budget, and the results show the increasing contribution of magmatic sulfur from the early (35%) to late (76%) stages. In addition, δ56Fe values of pyrite gradually increase from the massive ore (−0.46‰ to −0.02‰, avg. −0.24‰), quartz-pyrite (−0.09‰ to 0.07‰, avg. −0.01‰), chlorite-chalcopyrite-quartz-pyrite (0‰ to 0.21‰, avg. 0.08‰) to the quartz-sericite zone (−0.02‰ to 0.29‰, avg. 0.14‰), which is likely related to the different extent of isotopic exchange and formation temperature, and could be used in the exploration of VMS systems. The new two-stage ore-forming model shows that in the early stage, rapid mixing of hydrothermal fluid from underlying magma chamber with abundant cold seawater led to rapid deposition of pyrite and associated Cu mineralization under relatively oxidized condition, and long-term hydrothermal activities in relatively closed systems would promote the formation of upper massive ores, which resulted in an equilibrium system between pyrite, chalcopyrite, and associated fluid with wide ranges of δ56Fe in pyrite (−0.46‰ to −0.02‰) and chalcopyrite (−1.56‰ to −0.49‰). The late hydrothermal activities in relatively open system would contribute to stringer sulfides or stockworks underlying the massive ore in relatively reduced conditions with heavier Fe isotope compositions in pyrite (−0.09‰ to 0.29‰) and chalcopyrite (−0.60‰ to −0.04‰). Overall, our study demonstrates that the coupling of B, Fe, and S isotopes could be a useful tool to indicate long-term subseafloor infilling and replacement processes for subseafloor replacement-type VMS deposits, which are the prerequisite to form large-tonnage VMS deposits.