Variable Amounts Research Articles

Water Transport Dynamics and Kinetic Equilibria in Nanoblisters at the Graphene-Mica Interface.

Nanoscale reduced volumes with novel properties can be produced from 2D materials like graphene. Mild thermal annealing imposes vast and varied amounts of water intercalation into the graphene-mica interface, resulting in the formation of nanoblisters and impacting the local environment for applications such as reactions confined at the solid-solid interface. Atomic force microscopy imaging (AFM) and micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy characterization after 60-120 °C anneals revealed large volumes of water readily intercalate into graphene-mica nanoblisters, elucidating water transport behavior under mild reaction conditions. The inflation and deflation of graphene nanoblisters throughout the annealing process is attributed to the contraction of the graphene capping layer upon cooling from the annealing temperature, due to the independence of nanoblister aspect ratios from nanoblister volume or surface area. The intercalated water volume was estimated by the distended volumes of each nanoblister and exhibit an equilibrium trend established after 2 h of annealing. This water equilibrium occurs at a variety of temperatures, but higher temperatures favor graphene contraction and distention to accommodate larger volumes of water. Nanoblister volumes are set during the cooling process, indicating a kinetic trapping effect that can influence physical properties and reactivity for all systems confined at the graphene-mica interface.

Novel Ni/SBA-15 Catalyst Pellets for Tar Catalytic Cracking in a Dried Sewage Sludge Pyrolysis Pilot Plant

Novel Ni/SBA-15 catalysts were synthesised and their activity in the dry reforming of methane process was assessed. These materials were prepared into extrudates shaped like pellets and tested in a pyrolysis pilot plant fitted with a catalytic reactor for sewage sludge pyrolysis tar removal. The Ni/SBA-15 catalyst pellets remained highly active and stable throughout the test’s duration, converting 100% tar in the hot gas to smaller non-condensable gases, thereby increasing the pyrolysis gas fraction and eliminating the problematic tar in the vapour stream. Catalyst characterisation with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) confirmed that both the Ni/SBA-15-powered catalyst and the pellets were resistant to sintering and carbon deposition and remained highly active even with relatively high-level sulphur in the feed stream. The Ni/SBA-15 catalyst extrudates were prepared by mixing the powdered catalyst with varied amounts of colloidal silica binder and fixed amounts of methyl cellulose and water. The highest mechanical strength of the extrudates was determined to be of those obtained with 36% of the inorganic binder. The physical properties and catalytic activity of Ni/SBA-15 pellets with 36% colloidal silica were compared with the original powdered Ni/SBA-15 catalyst to assess the binder inhibitory effect, if any. The results confirmed that colloidal silica binder did not inhibit the desired catalyst properties and performance in the reaction. Instead, enhanced catalytic performance was observed.

Adverse Reactions to Cosmetic Fillers in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: Clinico-Pathological, Histochemical, and Immunohistochemical Characterization.

Cosmetic injections are increasing, as their complications, which can be misdiagnosed as neoplastic lesions. This study aimed to detail clinical, pathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features of adverse reactions to cosmetic fillers in the oral and maxillofacial region. Samples were retrieved from five pathology laboratories. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Alcian Blue, Sirius Red, and Toluidine blue stains were performed, as well as immunohistochemistry for CD68, CD3, and CD20. H&E was evaluated under polarization. Descriptive statistics were performed. Twenty-three cases were included. Polymethyl-methacrylate was the most common material. Most reactions affected women, lips and were asymptomatic, with a variable time of evolution, presenting as nodules. Materials had different shape and size on H&E. Giant cells were commonly found, except in silicone and hyaluronic acid. Foreign-body granuloma was frequent in polymethyl-methacrylate. Calcium hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactic acid were refractile under polarized light. Hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide hydrogel were metachromatic by Toluidine blue. Alcian blue was positive in all cases of hyaluronic acid. Mast cells were detected in all materials, except hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide hydrogel. Eosinophils were rarer than mast cells. Numerous CD68-positive cells were seen in all cases. All cases had CD3-positive cells, with variable amounts. CD20 was scant or negative in most cases. An evident macrophage reaction is observed in all aesthetic fillers, frequently associated with giant cell formation. Despite similarities, there are specific features of each material and the host response that assist the correct histopathological diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 and Toluidine blue stain are useful in doubtful cases.

K-nearest neighbor algorithm for imputing missing longitudinal prenatal alcohol data

AimsThe objective of this study is to illustrate the application of a machine learning algorithm, K Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) to impute missing alcohol data in a prospective study among pregnant women.MethodsWe used data from the Safe Passage study (n = 11,083). Daily alcohol consumption for the last reported drinking day and 30 days prior was recorded using the Timeline Follow back method, which generated a variable amount of missing data per participants. Of the 3.2 million person-days of observation, data were missing for 0.36 million (11.4%). Using the k-NN imputed values were weighted for the distances and matched for the day of the week. Since participants with no missing days were not comparable to those with missing data, segments of non-missing data from all participants were included as a reference. Validation was done after randomly deleting data for 5–15 consecutive days from the first trimester.ResultsWe found that data from 5 nearest neighbors (i.e., K = 5) and segments of 55 days provided imputed values with least imputation error. After deleting data segments from the first trimester data set with no missing days, there was no difference between actual and predicted values for 64% of deleted segments. For 31% of the segments, imputed data were within +/−1 drink/day of the actual. Imputation accuracy varied by study site because of the differences in the magnitude of drinking and proportion of missing data.Conclusionk-NN can be used to impute missing data from longitudinal studies of alcohol during pregnancy with high accuracy.

Baseline and outcome stereoacuity of children with anisometropic amblyopia undergoing dichoptic amblyopia treatment.

One rationale for dichoptic amblyopia therapy is that it may promote recovery of binocular function. Yet data on binocular outcomes in anisometropic amblyopia following dichoptic therapy are sparse. We report factors associated with pre- and post-treatment binocular function in anisometropic amblyopia, and examine binocular function in children who recover normal visual acuity compared to those with residual amblyopia. Baseline and outcome stereoacuity and binocular function (BF) scores were pooled across 185 children (3-12 years of age) with anisometropic amblyopia who participated in one of eight clinical trials of contrast-rebalanced dichoptic amblyopia treatment conducted at a single site. Associations of baseline variables (visual acuity, suppression, type and amount of anisometropia, prior treatment) with baseline and outcome stereoacuity and BF scores were analyzed, as well the association between improvement in visual acuity with improvement in stereoacuity and BF scores. Better baseline stereoacuity and BF score were associated with better baseline visual acuity, less baseline suppression, less anisometropia, and anisometropia due to astigmatism. Better outcome stereoacuity and BF score were associated with better baseline stereoacuity and BF score, more improvement in visual acuity, less anisometropia, and anisometropia due to astigmatism. Children aged 3-6 years who recovered normal visual acuity with dichoptic treatment had better stereoacuity and BF score outcomes than those with residual amblyopia. Dichoptic therapy is an effective amblyopia treatment. Although there was no substantive advantage in promoting binocular function, stereoacuity outcomes were similar to those previously reported for patching and Bangerter filters.

Mitral isthmus line: anatomical aspects relevant to linear catheter ablation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia for which Pulmonary Vein (PV) isolation remains a mainstay treatment. Several linear ablation lines have been suggested to improve the efficacy of PV isolation. The mitral isthmus line/region lies between the left inferior PV and mitral valve annulus within the left atrium and used for targeting non-PV triggers during AF. Unfavorable anatomy along this line leads to incomplete ablation and recurrence of AF. The aim of this study is to provide anatomical data of mitral isthmus region and its implications for linear catheter ablation procedure. Total fifty formalin-fixed cadaveric hearts were examined. The mitral isthmus line was evaluated for its length, shape and presence of any structures. The mitral isthmus line length was not uniform with ranges between 21.05-34.62 mm (mean- 28.55 ± 3.12 mm). In 40% of studied hearts, a high amount of anatomic heterogeneity was present in this region, with undesirable structures like crevices (28%) and diverticula (12%). These structures had thinner walls compared to the surrounding atrial wall. The mitral isthmus line had concave shape in majority of cases (98%). This study concludes that a high amount of anatomical variability and barriers are present in along the mitral isthmus line. This could make it difficult to achieve complete block during ablation with pertaining risks of complications. Individualized strategy for ablation after studying the local anatomy is suggested to improve procedural outcomes.

Invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma of the cervix: A case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT Invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma (ISMC) is a rare, recently described subtype of HPV-associated cervical adenocarcinoma. It shows varied morphological patterns, making it difficult to diagnose, especially the mixed forms. A 57-year-old female, P7L7, presented with postmenopausal bleeding for the past five months. On per-vaginal examination, a friable cervical growth was noted. Microscopic examination of the cervical biopsy showed an invasive tumor composed of nests of stratified columnar cells with peripheral palisading and a variable amount of (alcian blue-positive) intracytoplasmic mucin. Another component of the tumor showed sheets and nests of undifferentiated tumor cells. IHC on both components showed diffuse positivity for P16, PAX8, and keratin 7. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of ISMC was made. Awareness of the morphological features and ancillary stain results of ISMC can aid in picking up the diagnosis in a small biopsy. These findings have prognostic value, as most cases of ISMC behave aggressively.

Genetic Variability Studies in Early Segregating Generation of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp subsp unguiculata

Aims: In a self-pollinated crop like cowpea, most breeding approaches predominantly use different techniques of handling the segregating generations. It is important to select and increase the frequency of the desirable genotypes for efficient management of segregating generations and gradual improvement of important characters in the material. For the selection to be efficient, a complete knowledge of the features of the segregating material in terms of genetic variability with regard to important characters is crucial. So the objective of the study was to comprehend the genetic variability in segregating generations and to estimate the percentage of transgressive segregants. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Augmented design II during kharif, 2023. Place and Duration of Study: The current experiment was undergone at the Botany garden, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka to evaluate 36 F4 families and six checks during kharif 2023. Methodology: Observations were taken for ten yield and yield related traits viz., total yield (kg/ha), single plant yield (g), number of pods per plant, test weight (g), number of seeds per pod, pod length (cm), number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, days to fifty per cent flowering and days to maturity. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for yield and yield related traits of 36 F4 families of diverse crosses and pedigree along with checks in grain type cowpea was carried out in augmented design II as proposed by Federer and Raghavarao, 1975. Different genetic parameters were estimated to characterize the material for nature and amount of genetic variability. Percentage of transressive segregants was calculated using the mean±1 SD for all characters. Results: The variances between genotypes were shown to be highly significant among all the characters under study. All traits exhibited high heritability (>60%) except the trait number of pods per cluster. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance (>20%) was obtained in traits like total yield (kg/ha) (71.00% and 43.59%), single plant yield (g) (76.18% and 35.01%), number of pods per plant (71.98% and 33.49%), pod length (cm) (75.99% and 22.00%) and number of clusters per plant (64.90% and 30.02%), indicating the possibility of effective selection for these characters. Highest percentage of transgressive segregants was revealed for the traits total yield (19.44%) and days to fifty per cent flowering (19.44%). Conclusion: Sufficient amount of genetic variability present among the F4 families ensures profound scope of selection which in turn indicates possibility of improvement in the population.

Some basic improvements in mineral resource estimation and reporting

ABSTRACT Bulk density miscalculations and subsequent reporting can produce resource estimation errors and unexpected financial outcomes. Density and bulk density vary throughout a mineral deposit, especially in porous deposits and deposits containing variable amounts of high-density minerals (e.g., barite). Resource estimators must correlate bulk density with core recovery and apply quality assurance/quality control analysis to bulk density data. Core recovery is an important factor in resource estimation and reporting. Block tonnages (ore and waste) are estimated from volumes using a dry bulk density value. Ore dilution is a volumetric effect integral to ore reserve estimation that also has the potential to affect the economics of mining a deposit. Both the bulk density and dilution problems could be overcome by reporting a mineral resource estimate in grade per unit volume.

Application of Urea Nanoparticles in Low‐Land Rice Fields to Boost Crop Production While Maintaining Soil Fertility and Rhizospheric Health

ABSTRACTNano‐fertilizers are becoming promising in developing novel fertilization strategies while reducing the requirements of traditional fertilizers. Nano‐fertilizers have high nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and are required in small doses as compared to bulk fertilizers. The use of nano fertilizers in conjunction with a reduced dose of traditional fertilizers improves nutrient availability to plants and minimizes leaching and environmental contamination. The impact of the application of such an integrated fertilization approach on the soil fertility and microbiological population also needs to be understood. The present study investigates the influence of seven field treatments, including biogenic urea nanoparticles, as a source of N nutrient developed by TERI (referred as Teri's nano urea [TNU]), with and without conventional urea in an integrated manner. These treatments include the following: (T1)—100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), (T2)—TNU alone, (T3) 100% RDN combined with TNU, (T4)—TNU at 50% concentration alone, (T5)—75% RDN combined with TNU, (T6) 50% RDN combined with TNU, and (T7) 50% RDN alone. RDF for N, P, and K used in the experiment is 140 kg/ha of urea for nitrogen fertilizer, 60 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 70 kg/ha of potassium in accordance with the local agronomic guidelines. A variable amount of urea was applied in different treatments but the recommended dose of phosphorous and potash fertilizers was applied consistently across the treatments. In different treatments, urea nanoparticles were applied as a nitrogen source via root dipping and foliar spray. The study also incorporates the economics of using nanoparticles to supplement nitrogen in an additive manner along with non‐nano macronutrient sources. Further, the influence of this novel approach of fertilization was also evaluated on the native microorganism species found in the rice fields. The results for the evaluated growth parameters, yield parameters, microbial population of soil, plant uptake, and cost economics suggest that at least 25% of the conventional urea requirement can be substituted with urea nanoparticles without causing harm to the bacterial and mycological species found in the rice agricultural fields.

Complementary benefits of multivariate and hierarchical models for identifying individual differences in cognitive control

Abstract Understanding individual differences in cognitive control is a central goal in psychology and neuroscience. Reliably measuring these differences, however, has proven extremely challenging, at least when using standard measures in cognitive neuroscience such as response times or task-based fMRI activity. While prior work has pinpointed the source of the issue — the vast amount of cross-trial variability within these measures — solutions remain elusive. Here, we do so with one potential way forward: an analytic framework that combines hierarchical Bayesian modeling with multivariate decoding of trial-level fMRI data. Using this framework and longitudinal data from the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control project, we estimated individuals’ neural responses associated with cognitive control within a color-word Stroop task, then assessed the reliability of these individuals’ responses across a time interval of several months. We show that in many prefrontal and parietal brain regions, test–retest reliability was near maximal, and that only hierarchical models were able to reveal this state of affairs. Further, when compared to traditional univariate contrasts, multivariate decoding enabled individual-level correlations to be estimated with significantly greater precision. We specifically link these improvements in precision to the optimized suppression of cross-trial variability in decoding. Together, these findings not only indicate that cognitive control-related neural responses individuate people in a highly stable manner across time, but also suggest that integrating hierarchical and multivariate models provides a powerful approach for investigating individual differences in cognitive control, one that can effectively address the issue of high-variability measures.

Biological, linguistic, and individual factors govern voice qualitya).

Voice quality serves as a rich source of information about speakers, providing listeners with impressions of identity, emotional state, age, sex, reproductive fitness, and other biologically and socially salient characteristics. Understanding how this information is transmitted, accessed, and exploited requires knowledge of the psychoacoustic dimensions along which voices vary, an area that remains largely unexplored. Recent studies of English speakers have shown that two factors related to speaker size and arousal consistently emerge as the most important determinants of quality, regardless of who is speaking. The present findings extend this picture by demonstrating that in four languages that vary fundamental frequency (fo) and/or phonation type contrastively (Korean, Thai, Gujarati, and White Hmong), additional acoustic variability is systematically related to the phonology of the language spoken, and the amount of variability along each dimension is consistent across speaker groups. This study concludes that acoustic voice spaces are structured in a remarkably consistent way: first by biologically driven, evolutionarily grounded factors, second by learned linguistic factors, and finally by variations within a talker over utterances, possibly due to personal style, emotional state, social setting, or other dynamic factors. Implications for models of speaker recognition are also discussed.

Impact of Financial Incentives and Department Size on Scholarly Activity Output.

Family medicine research is essential to improving population health. It has the unique ability to answer questions about health care outcomes and use those insights to impact communities. Increasing research capacity continues to be a challenge; however, recent literature has touted the success of incentivization in several academic medicine specialties. We used the 2022 CERA annual Family Medicine Department Chair survey to characterize the amount and type of scholarly activities by institutional financial incentive status (yes or no) and type (flat vs variable amount), to investigate the relationship between financial incentives and scholarly output. Questions included targeted demographic variables, institutional incentives, and family medicine department scholarly output. Summary statistics and logistical regression analyses were conducted. The overall survey response rate was 47.1% (106/225). Respondents reported financial incentives were allowed at 41 (38.7%) of 106 institutions. Of these, 19 (17.9%) reported clinical faculty received cash-based incentives, while 34 (32.1%) received noncash-based incentives for engaging in scholarly activity. The main barriers to offering financial incentives were institutional budget constraints and department culture or tradition. Financial incentives were not statistically associated with scholarly output; however, faculty size was statistically significant for giving more than 6 presentations (adjusted odds ratio = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.054-0.739). Institutions aiming to increase their family medicine department scholarly productivity might benefit from focusing resources on increasing their faculty size such as adding consultants, statistical analysts, grant writers, or other research staff.

Bitcoin-Compatible Privacy-Preserving Multi-Party Payment Channels Supporting Variable Amounts

Bitcoin-Compatible Privacy-Preserving Multi-Party Payment Channels Supporting Variable Amounts

Metabolism-lipid droplet-nucleic acid crosstalk to regulate lipid storage and other cellular processes in oleaginous Rhodococcus bacteria.

Actinobacteria belonging to Mycobacterium and Rhodococcus genera are able to synthesize and intracellularly accumulate variable amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) in the form of lipid droplets (LDs). The lipid storage capacity of LDs in cells is controlled by the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis. The growth of LDs in bacterial cells may be directly promoted by TAG biosynthesis, whereas TAG degradation might result in the reduction of LD sizes and lipid storage capacity. Therefore, LD formation and turnover have to be precisely regulated to maintain a balanced lipid distribution, coupling gene regulation with the metabolic state of the cell. In eukaryotic cells, LDs have emerged as critical mediators of diverse cellular responses, including fatty acid trafficking and modulation of transcriptional programs. Recent studies performed in mycobacteria and rhodococci suggested the existence of similar crosstalk mechanisms between lipid metabolism, LDs, and gene expression regulation in cells. This review connects and organizes results of different studies in a comprehensive framework for providing evidence of "lipid metabolism-LDs-genomic DNA" crosstalk occurring in TAG-accumulating actinobacteria. We provide examples indicating that bacterial cells evolved sensing mechanisms that detect lipid metabolites changes as indicators of metabolic states, and adapt their transcriptional profiles through epigenetic-like mechanisms mediated by LD-associated proteins. Here, we describe the molecular interconnections of this coupling system and the main role of each component that integrates the information about the cellular metabolic state into the regulation of lipogenesis, LD formation and transcription in oleaginous bacteria.

Impact of antibiotics, iron oxide, and sodium sulfate on microbial community composition in laboratory-built municipal solid waste microcosms.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills represent underexplored microbial ecosystems. Landfills contain variable amounts of antibiotic and construction and demolition (C&D) wastes, which have the potential to alter microbial metabolism due to biocidal or redox active components, and these effects are largely underexplored. To circumvent the challenge of MSW heterogeneity, we conducted a 65-day time series study on simulated MSW microcosms to assess microbiome changes using 16S rRNA sequencing in response to 1) Fe(OH)3 and 2) Na2SO4 to represent redox active components of C&D waste as well as 3) antibiotics. The addition of Fe(OH)3 altered the overall community composition and increased Shannon diversity and Chao1 richness. The addition of a mixture of seven antibiotics (1000 ng/L each) altered the community composition without affecting diversity metrics. Sulfate addition had little effect on microbial community composition or diversity. These results suggest that the microbial community composition in fresh MSW may be significantly impacted by influxes of iron waste and a single application of antibiotics.

Coupled antimony and sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite as a window to the origin of Sb mineralization in epithermal systems (examples from the Kremnica and Zlatá Baňa deposits, Slovakia)

AbstractStibnite is a relatively common mineral in epithermal deposits, with little known about Sb transport and efficient stibnite precipitation. The famous Kremnica Au-Ag low-sulfidation deposit and Zlatá Baňa intermediate-sulfidation Pb-Zn-Cu-Au-Ag-Sb deposit are hosted in two different Neogene volcanic fields in Western Carpathians, Slovakia. In both deposits, stibnite-rich veins occur outside of major vein structures, accompanied by illite, illite/smectite, and kaolinite alteration, and affiliated to late-stage fluids (< 2 wt% NaCl eq., < 150 °C). Sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite and sulfides is different at both deposits, likely due to a different magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the parental magmatic chambers in the Central and Eastern Slovak Volcanic Fields. The Sb isotopes (δ123Sb), however, show similar values and trends of gradual simultaneous increase with δ34S values, explained by a progressive precipitation of stibnite and its fractionation with the fluid. The data were modeled by two coupled Rayleigh fractionation models, (for Sb and for S), assuming a predominant Sb transport in HSb2S4– with a variable amount of S species. Higher molality ratio mS/mSb of fluids was found in Kremnica (~ 3–4) than in Zlatá Baňa (~ 2). At both deposits, the heaviest δ123Sb values are accompanied by a decrease in the δ34S values probably due to the commencement of pyrite/marcasite precipitation. According to thermodynamic models of solubility of Sb(III) complexes and observations from active geothermal fields, stibnite precipitation was triggered by temperature decrease accompanied by mixing with a mildly acidic fluid (pH 4–5) of a steam-heated CO2-rich condensate on margins and in the final stages of epithermal systems. The proposed model for the origin of stibnite-bearing veins in epithermal systems can be used for their better targeting and efficient mineral exploration.

Simplifying complexity: the novel degradation index for urban stream landscapes-case of Tekirdag.

This study aims to examine the degradation process of urban stream landscapes in Tekirdağ by utilizing a newly developed degradation index (DI) that effectively defines degradation. The DI considers the vital factors that affect urban stream landscapes, making it possible to determine the level of degradation and resulting environmental quality. This index aims to provide valuable insight into the degradation of urban stream landscapes with a minimal amount of independent variables and training samples. The key enhancements of the DI include its clear computation of degradation value, ease of replication, and overall objectivity. The results indicate that the most substantial change has been observed on impermeable surfaces between 2000 and 2020, resulting in a 5.18% increase in impervious surfaces. Furthermore, there has been a decrease by 4.67% in agricultural lands, highlighting a pronounced shift towards impervious surfaces. The total percentage of areas categorized as high and very high degradation categories increased by 1.54% over the study period. Additionally, the area classified as high degradation expanded from 135.91 to 375.42 hectares between 2000 and 2020. Notably, there was no land classified as very high degradation in 2000, whereas in 2020, it reached 38.15 hectares. The DI has been proven to provide better representational information on how human activity affects ecosystems compared to both the Human Influence Index and the Human Footprint Index which has been used for this purpose. As a valuable tool for urban planning strategies, the DI can provide decision-makers with a more precise depiction of degradation, aiding in the preservation of sustainable urban stream landscapes, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas.

Excess 40Ar in Alkali Feldspar and 206,207Pb in Apatite Caused by Fluid-Induced Recrystallisation in a Semi-Closed Environment in Proterozoic (Meta)Granites of the Mt Isa Inlier, NE Australia

Interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar dates of alkali feldspar and U-Pb dates of apatite depends on the dominant mechanism of isotopic transport in these minerals, which can be either diffusion or fluid-assisted dissolution-reprecipitation. To clarify the contributions of these processes, we have conducted a holistic study of alkali feldspar, apatite and other minerals from the Mt. Isa Inlier in NE Australia. Mineral characterisation by electron microscopy, optical cathodoluminescence imaging and element mapping reveal a complex interplay of textures resulting from magmatic crystallisation, deuteric recrystallisation, local deformation with subsequent higher-temperature alteration, and finally ubiquitous low-temperature alteration. U-Pb and Pb isotopic data for zircon, apatite, fluorite and alkali feldspar suggest that the latter event occurred at ~300 Ma and was associated with fluid-assisted exchange of Pb isotopes between minerals in the same rock, causing some apatite grains to have 207Pb-corrected U-Pb dates that exceed their crystallisation age. However, this event had no unequivocal effect on the 40Ar/39Ar or Rb-Sr systematics of the alkali feldspar, which were disturbed by higher-temperature alteration at ~1450 Ma. The age of the latter event is derived from Rb-Sr data. 40Ar/39Ar dates are very scattered and suggest that 40Ar redistribution proceeded by diffusion in the presence of traps in some places and by dissolution-reprecipitation with variable amounts of recycling in other places. Our results demonstrate the complex effects that interaction with limited amounts of fluids can have on 40Ar/39Ar dates of alkali feldspar and U-Pb dates of apatite and thereby reinforce previous critique of their suitability for thermochronological reconstructions. We further identify and discuss potential implications for noble gas geochronology of groundwaters and fission track dating of apatite.

Characterizing sociodemographic disparities and predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Asian and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander pregnant people: an analysis of PRAMS data, 2016–2022

BackgroundGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects between 2 and 10% of pregnancies in the United States, with trends of increasing prevalence and a significant amount of variability across race and ethnicity, maternal age, and insurance status. Asian and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI) have been documented to have a higher prevalence and risk of developing GDM compared to non-Hispanic white populations and have been under-studied in health disparities research.MethodsUsing data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) 2016–2022 surveys, we conducted analyses for the overall PRAMS sample as well as within-group analyses among participants who identify as Asian and NHOPI to identify risk factors for GDM. Descriptive statistics were also collected in the Asian and NHOPI subsample, stratified by Asian and NHOPI ethnicity. Bivariate analyses were performed to explore the relationship between potential GDM risk factors among the overall analytic sample and within the Asian and NHOPI subsample, and multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate potential predictors of GDM.ResultsAsian and NHOPI ethnicities differed by prevalence of GDM at 17.2%, 19.56%, 10.8%, 10.71%, and 18.49% for Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and Other Asian, respectively. Compared to White individuals (reference group), the odds of GDM were higher for Asian and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander individuals in the adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.19, 95% CI: 2.62–2.9). Native mothers also demonstrated significantly elevated odds (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.4–1.6), while Mixed-race individuals exhibited slightly increased odds (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14–1.29). The findings revealed notable variability in GDM risk factors across ANHOPI subgroups. Obesity emerged as a consistent and strong predictor of GDM across all groups, while other factors such as interpersonal violence exposure and prenatal depression demonstrated limited or subgroup specific effects.ConclusionThis analysis of 2016 to 2022 PRAMS data illustrated significant variations of GDM predictors between the general population and the Asian and NHOPI population, as well as differences between Asian and NHOPI ethnicities.