Comparative mineralogical and fluid inclusion study of the Hnúst'a-Mútnik talc-magnesite and Miková-Jedl'ovec magnesite deposit (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)

Two type localities, located in two different geological and metamorphic units, have been studied. The Hnúst'a-Mútnik deposit is located in amphibolite facies rock sequences of the Veporic unit, while the Miková-Jedl'ovec deposit (a part of the Dúbrava massive) is located in greenschists facies sequences of the Gemeric unit. On both localities successive crystallisation occurred during three stages of replacement. The first two belong to an older metamorphic process M1, the third corresponds to a younger M2 metamorphic process. During the first stage dolomite1 and calcite1 has formed on the expense of protolithic limestone. The second (major) stage is characterized by crystallization of magnesite. The third stage is represented by dolomite2, talc, chlorite, pyrite. At Hnúst'a-Mútnik this stage is much better developed and is further accompanied by tremolite, phlogopite, clinozoisite, zoisite. Based on the carbonate geothermometry at Hnúst'a-Mútnik the first stage occurred at 280-400°C and the third stage at 490-540°C; at Miková-Jedl'ovec the first stage crystallized at 370-420°C. Fluid inclusion study in magnesite showed the presence of primary brine inclusions, with high concentrations of salts other than NaCl, probably highly evolved evaporated marine waters. Brines from Miková-Jedl'ovec are slightly less saline (23-24 wt% NaCl eq.) and homogenised at lower temperatures (195-248°C) than the brines from Hnúst'a-Mútnik (29-32 wt% NaCl eq., 299- 348°C). Brines are accompanied by CO 2 -rich inclusions with nearly identical parameters at both deposits (1-8 wt% NaCl eq., CO 2 density 0.53 to 0.69 g.cm -3 , Th 307 to 336°C). CO 2 fluids probably result from dissolution of carbonates and are coeval or younger than brines. At Miková-Jedl'ovec also low salinity aqueous fluid inclusions have been identified (3-8 wt% NaCl eq., Th 132-249°C), corresponding to the stage 3. Microthermometric data have been also used to determine pressure and temperature limits related to the second and partially to the third stage of replacement

The Pole Behaviour of the Phase Derivative of the Short-Time Fourier Transform

The short-time Fourier transform (STFT) is a time-frequency representation widely used in applications, for example in audio signal processing. Recently it has been shown that not only the amplitude, but also the phase of this representation can be successfully exploited for improved analysis and processing. In this paper we describe a rather peculiar pole phenomenon in the phase derivative, a recurring pattern that appears in a characteristic way in the neighborhood around any of the zeros of the STFT, a negative peak followed by a positive one. We describe this phenomenon numerically and provide a complete analytical explanation.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures; Applied and Computational Harmonic Analysis (in press), available online 22 October 201

Atmospheric temperature responses to solar irradiance and geomagnetic activity

The relative effects of solar irradiance and geomagnetic activity on the atmospheric temperature anomalies (Ta) are examined from the monthly to interdecadal timescales. Geomagnetic Ap (Ap) signals are found primarily in the stratosphere, while the solar F10.7-cm radio flux (Fs) signals are found in both the stratosphere and troposphere. In the troposphere, 0.1–0.4 K increases in Ta are associated with Fs. Enhanced Fs signals are found when the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is westerly. In the extrapolar region of the stratosphere, 0.1–0.6 and 0.1–0.7 K increases in Ta are associated with solar irradiance and with geomagnetic activity, respectively. In this region, Fs signals are strengthened when either the QBO is easterly, or geomagnetic activity is high, while Ap signals are strengthened when either the QBO is westerly, or solar irradiance is high. High solar irradiance and geomagnetic activity tend to enhance each other's signatures either making the signals stronger and symmetric about the equator or extending the signals to broader areas, or both. Positive Ap signals dominate the middle Arctic stratosphere and are two to five times larger than those of Fs. When solar irradiance is low, the signature of Ap in Ta is asymmetric about the equator, with positive signals in the Arctic stratosphere and negative signals at midlatitudes of the NH stratosphere. Weaker stratospheric QBO signals are associated with high Ap and Fs, suggesting possible disturbances on the QBO. The signals of Ap and Fs are distinct from the positive temperature anomalies resulting from volcanic eruptions

Long-term variations in the correlation between NAO and solar activity: the importance of North-South solar activity asymmetry for atmospheric circulation

General atmospheric circulation is the system of atmospheric motions over the Earth on the scale of the whole globe. Two main types of circulation have been identified: zonal - characterized by low amplitude waves in the troposphere moving quickly from west to east, and meridional with stationary high amplitude waves when the meridional transfer is intensified. The prevailing type of circulation is related to global climate. Based on many years of observations, certain circulation epochs have been defined when the same type of circulation prevails for years or decades. Here we study the relation between long-term changes in solar activity and prevailing type of atmospheric circulation, using NAO index reconstructed for the last four centuries as a proxy for large-scale atmospheric circulation. We find that when the southern solar hemisphere is more active, increasing solar activity in the secular solar cycle results in increasing zonality of the circulation, while when the northern solar hemisphere is more active, increasing solar activity increases meridional circulation. In an attempt to explain the observations, we compare the short-term reaction of NAO and NAM indices to different solar drivers: powerful solar flares, high speed solar wind streams, and magnetic cloudsComment: submitted to Advances in Space Research - a special issue with the proceedings of The Second International Symposium on Space Climate: "Long-term Change in the Sun, and its effects in the Heliosphere and Planet Earth" - Sinaia, Romania, September 13-16, 200

Decadal to multidecadal variability and the climate change background

Three prominent quasi-global patterns of variability and change are observed using the Met Office's sea surface temperature (SST) analysis and almost independent night marine air temperature analysis. The first is a global warming signal that is very highly correlated with global mean SST. The second is a decadal to multidecadal fluctuation with some geographical similarity to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It is associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and its Pacific-wide manifestation has been termed the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). We present model investigations of the relationship between the IPO and ENSO. The third mode is an interhemispheric variation on multidecadal timescales which, in view of climate model experiments, is likely to be at least partly due to natural variations in the thermohaline circulation. Observed climatic impacts of this mode also appear in model simulations. Smaller-scale, regional atmospheric phenomena also affect climate on decadal to interdecadal timescales. We concentrate on one such mode, the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). This shows strong decadal to interdecadal variability and a correspondingly strong influence on surface climate variability which is largely additional to the effects of recent regional anthropogenic climate change. The winter NAO is likely influenced by both SST forcing and stratospheric variability. A full understanding of decadal changes in the NAO and European winter climate may require a detailed representation of the stratosphere that is hitherto missing in the major climate models used to study climate change

Canagliflozin and Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease in Primary and Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention Groups

Background: Canagliflozin reduces the risk of kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, but effects on specific cardiovascular outcomes are uncertain, as are effects in people without previous cardiovascular disease (primary prevention). Methods: In CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation), 4401 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease were randomly assigned to canagliflozin or placebo on a background of optimized standard of care. Results: Primary prevention participants (n=2181, 49.6%) were younger (61 versus 65 years), were more often female (37% versus 31%), and had shorter duration of diabetes mellitus (15 years versus 16 years) compared with secondary prevention participants (n=2220, 50.4%). Canagliflozin reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events overall (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.67-0.95]; P=0.01), with consistent reductions in both the primary (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.49-0.94]) and secondary (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.69-1.06]) prevention groups (P for interaction=0.25). Effects were also similar for the components of the composite including cardiovascular death (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61-1.00]), nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.59-1.10]), and nonfatal stroke (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.56-1.15]). The risk of the primary composite renal outcome and the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure were also consistently reduced in both the primary and secondary prevention groups (P for interaction >0.5 for each outcome). Conclusions: Canagliflozin significantly reduced major cardiovascular events and kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, including in participants who did not have previous cardiovascular disease

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Mineralization processes in the central zone of the Banska Stiavnica stratovolcano (Slovakia) associated with a subvolcanic granodiorite pluton

The central zone of the Stiavnica stratovolcano (Western Carpathians) hosts an extensive subvolcanic intrusive complex, dominated by a granodiorite pluton (16.3- 15.5 Ma) (Lexa et al., 1999). The granodiorite intrusion locally forms apophyses at the margins associated with Fe-skarns, while in the central, apical part it contains an irregular network of fractures, hosting base metal mineralisation. In order to develop a complex genetic model for the mineralization processes, detailed geochemical, fluid inclusion and stable isotope research were undertaken on the intrusion and on related mineralisation & alteration. The granodiorite intrusion, especially the marginal facies, is altered.Geochemical studies show that subsolidus alteration, intimately related to the skarns, resulted in an apparent depletion in Fe[sub]total, MnO, Zn and an increase in CaO, MgO, Na[sub]2 O (± K[sub]2 O), Cu. Hydrothermal alteration, closely related to stockwork mineralisation, is characterised by an enrichment in K[sub]2 O, MnO, Cu, Pb, Zn and depletion in Na[sub]2 O and Sr. Studies of fluid inclusion in skarn minerals (from Vyhne-Klokoč deposit) showed a large variation in salinity (4-23 wt% NaCl eq.) and Th (271°-371°C), reflecting a mixing process. In retrograde skarn minerals these fluids become progressively more dilute and cooler with indications of boiling at shallow depth. Fluid inclusions from the stockwork minerals (from B1 drill hole) also showed progressively more dilute and cool fluids (0.5-5.3 wt% NaCl eq., 191-328°C) resulting from mixing. Fluids related to acid leaching alteration in andesite (from Rozália mine) were of moderate temperature (-300°C). Secondary fluid inclusions in granodiorite were of variable vapour/liquid/solid ratios, Th values, salinities, and contained high proportions of Ca, Fe, K in addition to Na. The admixing effect of these components substantially decreased the solubility of NaCl, which significantly influenced the interpretation of PT evolution. The interpretation of data from the skarn-related granodiorite favoured here is that early immiscibility of an exsolved magmatic fluid (at -650°C and -600 bars) was followed by autonomous evolution of the saline liquid toward Fe-enriched NaCl saturated brine (650°-400°C). Subsequent cooling was followed by penetration of Ca¬rich fluids, late hydrothermal boiling and mixing with dilute fluids (400°-200°C). Studies on the stockwork-related granodiorite suggest broadly similar fluid properties in the apical part of the intrusion, but at depth the Th data suggest that there was no accumulation of magmatic fluids below -400°C.The isotopic composition of magmatic minerals indicates open magmatic degassing during granodiorite crystallisation, influenced by re-equilibration to variable degrees. Fluids in equilibrium with skarn and stockwork-related minerals showed a clear progressive mixing trend. Heavy, possibly [delta][sup]18 O-shifted, meteoric water seems to be most probable source of external waters that diluted the magmatically derived fluids. According to the fluid evolution model proposed here, magmatic brine accumulated only along the margins of the pluton. Chemical re-equilibration with the rock caused subsolidus reactions, while the liquid was further enriched in iron. The magmatic fluid was able to penetrate through the apophyses of the granodiorite into carbonates. In this hydrodynamic regime it mixed with circulating meteoric waters, forming magnetite and skarn lenses. These were later overprinted by retrograde mineralisation, dominated by heated groundwaters. In the apical part of the intrusion the magmatic vapour phase (the counterpart of saline liquid), escaped through several vents into the over-lying andesites, forming acid leaching alteration upon condensing into groundwater. Rapid cooling of this part of the intrusion caused extensive fracturing during the transition from ductile to brittle deformation (-400°C). Increased permeability enabled a large convective hydrothermal system and related K-rich alteration to form. Simultaneously, a low salinity supercritical magmatic fluid, exsolved from the intrusion at larger depths, probably contributed metals for the accompanying Pb-Zn mineralisation