Studying boundary layer methane isotopy and vertical mixing processes at a rewetted peatland site using an unmanned aircraft system

The combination of two well-established methods, of quadrocopter-borne air sampling and methane isotopic analyses, is applied to determine the source process of methane at different altitudes and to study mixing processes. A proof-of-concept study was performed to demonstrate the capabilities of quadrocopter air sampling for subsequently analysing the methane isotopic composition δ13C in the laboratory. The advantage of the system compared to classical sampling on the ground and at tall towers is the flexibility concerning sampling location, and in particular the flexible choice of sampling altitude, allowing the study of the layering and mixing of air masses with potentially different spatial origin of air masses and methane. Boundary layer mixing processes and the methane isotopic composition were studied at Polder Zarnekow in Mecklenburg–West Pomerania in the north-east of Germany, which has become a strong source of biogenically produced methane after rewetting the drained and degraded peatland. Methane fluxes are measured continuously at the site. They show high emissions from May to September, and a strong diurnal variability. For two case studies on 23 May and 5 September 2018, vertical profiles of temperature and humidity were recorded up to an altitude of 650 and 1000 m, respectively, during the morning transition. Air samples were taken at different altitudes and analysed in the laboratory for methane isotopic composition. The values showed a different isotopic composition in the vertical distribution during stable conditions in the morning (delta values of −51.5 ‰ below the temperature inversion at an altitude of 150 m on 23 May 2018 and at an altitude of 50 m on 5 September 2018, delta values of −50.1 ‰ above). After the onset of turbulent mixing, the isotopic composition was the same throughout the vertical column with a mean delta value of −49.9 ± 0.45 ‰. The systematically more negative delta values occurred only as long as the nocturnal temperature inversion was present. During the September study, water samples were analysed as well for methane concentration and isotopic composition in order to provide a link between surface and atmosphere. The water samples reveal high variability on horizontal scales of a few tens of metres for this particular case. The airborne sampling system and consecutive analysis chain were shown to provide reliable and reproducible results for two samples obtained simultaneously. The method presents a powerful tool for distinguishing the source process of methane at different altitudes. The isotopic composition showed clearly depleted delta values directly above a biological methane source when vertical mixing was hampered by a temperature inversion, and different delta values above, where the air masses originate from a different footprint area. The vertical distribution of methane isotopic composition can serve as tracer for mixing processes of methane within the atmospheric boundary layer

Interaction between rs10830962 polymorphism in MTNR1B and lifestyle intervention on maternal and neonatal outcomes : secondary analyses of the DALI lifestyle randomized controlled trial

Background: Interactions between polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B ) gene and lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes have been described. Whether these are specific for physical activity or the healthy eating intervention is unknown. Objectives: The aim was to assess the interaction between MTNR1B rs10830962 and rs10830963 polymorphisms and lifestyle interventions during pregnancy. Methods: Women with a BMI (in kg/m2) of ≥29 (n = 436) received counseling on healthy eating (HE), physical activity (PA), or both. The control group received usual care. This secondary analysis had a factorial design with comparison of HE compared with no HE and PA compared with no PA. Maternal outcomes at 24–28 wk were gestational weight gain (GWG), maternal fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), disposition index, and development of GDM. Neonatal outcomes were cord blood leptin and C-peptide and estimated neonatal fat percentage. The interaction between receiving either the HE or PA intervention and genotypes of both rs10830962 and rs10830963 was assessed using multilevel regression analysis. Results: GDM risk was increased in women homozygous for the G allele of rs10830962 (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.34, 5.06) or rs10830963 (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.24, 6.47). Significant interactions between rs10830962 and interventions were found: in women homozygous for the G allele but not in the other genotypes, the PA intervention reduced maternal fasting insulin (β: –0.16; 95% CI: –0.33, 0.02; P = 0.08) and HOMA-IR (β: –0.17; 95% CI: –0.35, 0.01; P = 0.06), and reduced cord blood leptin (β: –0.84; 95% CI: –1.42, –0.25; P = 0.01) and C-peptide (β: –0.62; 95% CI: –1.07, –0.17; P = 0.01). In heterozygous women, the HE intervention had no effect, whereas in women homozygous for the C allele, HE intervention reduced GWG (β: −1.6 kg; 95% CI: −2.4, −0.8 kg). No interactions were found. Conclusions: In women homozygous for the risk allele of MTNR1B rs10830962, GDM risk was increased and PA intervention might be more beneficial than HE intervention for reducing maternal insulin resistance, cord blood C-peptide, and cord blood leptin