Elemental Scientific Lasers’ Scientific Publications

The Esperanza granitoids unit is composed of an assemblage of metamorphic lithologies that belong to a high-pressure suite of the Acatlán Complex, the largest Paleozoic basement in Mexico, that records a continuous tectonic history spanning from the opening and closure of the Rheic Ocean. The Esperanza granitoids include megacrystic K-feldspar, amphibolite facies mylonitic augen gneisses. We studied deformed granitoids that vary from protomylonitic to ultramylonitic augen gneisses and strongly foliated pegmatites, obtaining U-Pb zircon and apatite ages and apatite chemistry, intending to better understand the thermotectonic events that affected the Esperanza granitoids from their crystallization to metamorphism. The zircon U-Pb geochronolo...

Volcanoes in complex tectonic settings are natural laboratories for exploring how tectonic processes influence plumbing systems, magmatic conditions, and eruptive phases. Recent studies in tephra at the Tongariro Volcanic Centre (TgVC), New Zealand, suggest a dike-dominated plumbing system that facilitates rapid ascent of hot, anhydrous intermediate magmas. Although recent eruptions at Mount Ruapehu have been predominantly phreatic or phreatomagmatic, the processes and timescales responsible for the voluminous andesite-dacite lava flows that built its ~150 m³ edifice over the past ~250 ka remain poorly constrained, yet critical for reconstructing the evolution of its plumbing system. This study integrates geochemical and textural analyses,...

L’éperlan arc-en-ciel (Osmerus mordax) est une espèce de poisson fourrage anadrome retrouvée dans le fleuve, l’estuaire et le golfe du Saint-Laurent. Aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine (IDLM), des pêches commerciales et récréatives à l’éperlan sont pratiquées en automne et en hiver. Ces pêches constituent des activités sociales et culturelles importantes, puisque l’exploitation et la consommation de l’espèce sont ancrées dans une longue tradition. La pêche commerciale génère des retombées économiques à l’échelle locale. En effet, quelques 800 permis de pêche commerciale à l’éperlan sont émis à chaque année uniquement aux IDLM et en moyenne près de 14 tonnes métriques d’éperlans sont récoltées annuelleme...

This thesis investigates the petrogenesis and metallogenic significance of felsic magmatism associated with volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits through integrated zircon petrochronology of two contrasting geological settings: the Archean Izok Lake deposit in the west-central Slave Province (Nunavut, Canada) and the Ordovician Wild Bight Group (WBG) in the Newfoundland Appalachians. Both case studies employ in-situ zircon U-Pb geochronology, trace element geochemistry, Ti-in-zircon thermometry, and Hf isotope analyses to unravel magma evolution and its relationship to VMS-forming hydrothermal systems. At Izok Lake, zircons from the footwall and hanging wall rhyolites yield concordant CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb ages of 2674.58 ± 0.15 Ma and 267...

Hydrothermal fluid flow alters rocks and concentrates resources, but recognizing ancient events and identifying the drivers of the ancient events remains challenging. This dissertation addresses the challenges through a diagenetic study of the hydrothermal overprint in the Midcontinent, USA. Following a brief Chapter 1 introduction, Chapter 2 presents a novel approach integrating U-Pb dating with fluid inclusion geothermometry to quantify hydrothermal heating above paleo-ambient burial temperature (PABT). Three calcite cements from Mississippian carbonates yielded U-Pb dates of 318.2 ± 18.1 Ma, 305.0 ± 10.5 Ma, and 308.6 ± 2.5 Ma, with temperature anomalies 44°C to 144°C above calculated PABTs, documenting prolonged Carboniferous-Permi...

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as a critical gaseous mediator at the intersection of hypoxia signaling, redox balance, and mitochondrial function. However, the mechanisms by which H₂S metabolism influences hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) activity, organismal resilience, and lifespan remain incompletely understood. This thesis addresses three central questions: (i) which and how sulfide-metabolizing enzymes mediate the phenotypic consequences of HIF-1 activation in Caenorhabditis elegans, (ii) how H₂S and persulfide metabolism interact with the hypoxia pathway to shape stress resistance and longevity, and (iii) whether Mesna, an FDA-approved thiol drug, can be repurposed as a modulator of sulfide/persulfide metabolism with protect...

This thesis examines the distribution of elements in the intracellular spaces of osteoblasts and chondrocytes using a multi-element method laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The method provides high spatial resolution and low detection limits, making it possible to determine trace concentrations of metals at the single-cell level. The main aim of the thesis was to examine the effect of magnesium concentration and exposure time on nickel accumulation in chondrocytes. Simultaneously, the distribution and accumulation of metals commonly used in the manufacture of bone implants ̶ cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum ̶ in osteoblasts were also determined. The obtained data were processed using Iolite 4 and MS ...

Weight loss and changes in fuel partitioning are features of infection and cancer. Yet, the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying these metabolic alterations remain insufficiently understood. Sustained weight loss can become maladaptive and thereby reduce life expectancy. This thesis investigated the role of GFRAL-expressing neurons as central triggers of systemic metabolic responses under conditions of stress including cancer and infection. Despite substantial evidence linking GFRAL⁺ neuron signaling to reduced food intake, its broader role in systemic metabolic regulation remained unclear. I found that acute activation of GFRAL⁺ neurons mimicked gluco-, endo-, and thermoregulatory adaptations characteristic of starvation and torp...

Late Cretaceous to Paleogene age contractional deformation in the southern Basin and Range province is obscured by widespread, Cenozoic extensional faulting and volcanism. As a result, debate continues about the structural style and tectonic evolution of the region. There are two end-member structural models that have been proposed for deformation: 1) high-angle reverse faulting and basement uplift and 2) thin-skinned faulting and development of a thrust belt. We undertook new geologic mapping, cross-section construction, and structural analysis in Sierra Rica, in the bootheel region of southern New Mexico, to help evaluate these hypotheses. A major thrust system, the Sierra Rica fault, is present in the study area and forms 1) a low-angle ...

~...

The purpose of this master’s thesis was to define and assess parameters and procedures for a tandem method of vapor phase decomposition droplet collection (VPD-DC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) setup used for the trace elemental analysis of silicon wafer surfaces. The literature review of this work focuses on metal contamination in semiconductor device processing and the principles of VPD-DC ICP-MS trace elemental analyses. In the experimental section VPD-DC scanning solutions containing HF and a varied concentration of H2O2 are investigated for their contaminant collection efficiencies. Yields of over 75 % are achieved for most analyte elements, while Sr, Y, Ba, La, Ce, and Pb are left poorly recovered. An inc...

In this doctoral thesis, the synthesis and characterization of different carbon quantum dots are presented. The approach for obtaining these nanomaterials was based on simple carbonization synthesis protocols without the inclusion of heavy metals, while seeking to modulate their optical properties, focusing on variable emission wavelengths for subsequent application in multidisciplinary areas. The partial or total substitution of carbon precursors with residues from the Colombian agroindustry was also considered, with special emphasis on waste generated in the southern region of the country. A comprehensive understanding of the properties governing the optoelectronic behavior of these quantum dots and the optimization of strategies for thei...

~...

~...

El análisis morfológico y geoquímico de minerales pesados en rocas sedimentarias (incluyendo las volcanogénicas) es clave para delimitar procesos de procedencia y petrogénesis. Además, los minerales pesados son fuentes potenciales de algunos de los llamados metales críticos. Esta tesis se centra en la caracterización morfológica y química de minerales pesados encontrados en muestras de Lithium-rich Tuff, la unidad principal de mena del Proyecto de Litio Falchani, y otra toba texturalmente similar, caracterizada como lutita tobácea blanca, todas ellas encontradas en el Campo Volcánico Neógeno de Macusani. Los minerales pesados se concentraron usando hidroseparación (HS11) y se analizaron sistemáticamente mediante microscopía ...

The Sambagawa Belt is a well-known high-?/? metamorphic belt located on the northern side of the Northern Chichibu Belt in Japan. The main parts of the Sambagawa Belt underwent metamorphism during the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene. South of the Kiyomizu Tectonic Line, which marks the southern limit of the main part of the Sambagawa metamorphic rocks in Shikoku, there are areas that have undergone Sambagawa (Cretaceous high-?/? type) metamorphism. Although the protoliths of these areas are considered to be Jurassic accretionary complexes of the Northern Chichibu Belt, their details remain unclear. These areas are distributed from south to north as the Omoiji and Kawamata units. We performed U-Pb dating of zircon on (1) meta-sandstone from ...

~...

~...

~...

~...

~...

~...

~...

~...

~...

~...

The Late Cretaceous epoch was marked by significant climatic and tectonic events that shaped the evolution of the South American continental margin. In northern Chile, between 28.5° and 30°S, extensive sedimentary and volcanic sequences provide a crucial record of these processes. However, inconsistencies in stratigraphic nomenclature and the lack of precise chronological constraints have hindered a comprehensive understanding of this period. This study presents a revised stratigraphic framework for Upper Cretaceous units in the region, integrating recent geological mapping, U-Pb zircon dating, and new field observations. Three distinct north-south trending stratigraphic domains are identified, each characterized by unique sedimentary and...

THE RAPID EVOLUTION OF OMICS SCIENCES IS PROFOUNDLY TRANSFORMING BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND ACCELERATING THE SHIFT TOWARD PRECISION AND PERSONALIZED MEDICINE. AMONG OMICS DISCIPLINES, METABOLOMICS HOLDS A DISTINCTIVE ROLE AS IT PROVIDES A DIRECT FUNCTIONAL SNAPSHOT OF BIOCHEMICAL ACTIVITY, INTEGRATING GENETIC, EPIGENETIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES. LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-HIGH RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY (LC-HRMS) HAS BECOME THE GOLD STANDARD FOR METABOLOMICS AND LIPIDOMICS; HOWEVER, ACHIEVING COMPREHENSIVE METABOLOME COVERAGE REMAINS CHALLENGING DUE TO THE VAST CHEMICAL DIVERSITY AND DYNAMIC CONCENTRATION RANGE OF SMALL MOLECULES. THIS PHD PROJECT FOCUSES ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF ADVANCED LC-MS-BASED MULTI OMICS STRATEGIES DES...

The Eocene-Oligocene period in the North American Cordillera represents a period of great intrigue with complex interactions among tectonics, climate, and surface processes. Although this period is generally associated with synorogenic extension associated with gravitational collapse of the Cordillera, the paleotopographic history remains debated. Existing studies offer conflicting interpretations, suggesting either sustained elevations or modest uplift during this time. Notably, recent reconstructions based on volcanic glass δD values have proposed renewed uplift during the early Oligocene, which needs to be tested with a more extensive and robust dataset. Concurrently, global cooling and aridification during this interval may have been a...

La Zona de Cizalla Sarandí del Yí es una de las estructuras principales del basamento precámbrico de Uruguay y de la región, ya que define el límite entre los terrenos Piedra Alta y Nico Pérez. Su evolución tectónica registra al menos dos fases principales de deformación. La fase más antigua, de cinemática dextral, se manifiesta en la flexión del margen oriental del Terreno Piedra Alta, siendo la rotación del Haz de Diques de Florida el principal indicador pasivo de la deformación. Por su parte, la fase de reactivación es sinestral y se asocia al emplazamiento de granitos sincinemáticos. El objetivo de esta tesis es profundizar en el conocimiento de la fase de cizallamiento dextral, cuantificar la deformación asociada y res...