Sources of metals and sulfur in the mineral deposits of central Idaho, USA

A variety of mineral deposits occur in the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and Late Cretaceous granitic rocks of central Idaho. The main objective of this project is to identify the sources of metals and sulfur in central Idaho ores. Lead isotope compositions of various crustal rocks were determined and compared with the ore lead composition in order to trace sources of lead, and by inference other metals. Sulfur isotope compositions of various sulfide minerals were also determined to trace the sources of sulfur and to explore the coupling or decoupling of metal and sulfur sources. ^ On the basis of lead and sulfur isotope compositions, two groups of ores are recognized: a sedimentary group and an igneous group. The sedimentary group ores are characterized by radiogenic lead and heavy sulfur typical of upper crustal rocks. The sedimentary group ores were formed by meteoric water-dominated hydrothermal systems that leached metals and sulfur from host Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and the underlying Precambrian crystalline basement rocks. The igneous group ores can be divided into two types, the Carrietown-type, and the non Carrietown-type. The Carrietown-type ores are isotopically different from their host granites and are characterized by low uranogenic lead isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb and 207Pb/ 204Pb) and variable thorogenic lead isotope ratios (208Pb/ 204Pb) typical of lower crustal rocks. The non Carrietown-type ores are similar to host granites and are more radiogenic in their uranogenic lead isotope ratios when compared to the Carrietown-type ores. The differences in the lead isotope compositions of the igneous group ores are attributed to two different phases of magmatic activity. The magmatic phase exposed on the surface involved melting of shallow crustal Precambrian crystalline rocks as well as mid/lower crustal rocks while the underlying phase was derived by melting of mid/lower crustal rocks only. Igneous group ores have both light and heavy sulfur associated with them and it is a function of interaction of hydrothermal fluids with Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. ^ Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and Precambrian basement rocks are the sources of radiogenic lead, and the granites are the sources of light sulfur. Heavy sulfur comes almost entirely from Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. ^

Adapting Mpowerment to a Rural Area

As HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact men who have sex with men (MSM) (CDC, 2010a), effective and timely prevention strategies for this population must be developed. Specifically, evidence-based interventions that can be easily adapted and have proven effectiveness are needed. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of the Mpowerment Project (Hayes, Rebchook, & Kegeles, 2003), a community level HIV prevention program originally designed for young urban gay men, when adapted for rural gay men. The Mpowerment Project is recognized as evidence- based intervention by the CDC (CDC, 2009b). The current study is an extension of this research, assessing Mpowerment model fidelity and the behavioral and attitudinal changes that occurred among participants. Data were collected from participants in a rural area of southeast Idaho from 2002-2004. Data were collected prior to M-Group participation and at a three months follow-up. The 66 individuals completing the M-Group pre and posttest assessment also attended a minimum of three study events and a maximum of 226 events. Results revealed no significant changes in attitudinal variables and all but one behavioral variable among Rural Mpowerment (R-MP) participants. The one significant behavior change was an increase in reported safer sex discussion among friends, indicating a possible change in the social norm regarding safer sex. Results also indicate that program fidelity was maintained and the Mpowerment Project is adaptable to rural areas. However, there was no indication of attitudinal changes in participants of this study. There were no changes in behavioral variables aside from discussion about safer sex with friends increasing. The lack of evidence-based interventions for rural gay men highlights the need for further research on the community impact of the Mpowerment Project on rural participants.

Adapting Mpowerment to a rural area

As HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact men who have sex with men (MSM) (CDC, 2010a), effective and timely prevention strategies for this population must be developed. Specifically, evidence-based interventions that can be easily adapted and have proven effectiveness are needed. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of the Mpowerment Project (Hayes, Rebchook, & Kegeles, 2003), a community level HIV prevention program originally designed for young urban gay men, when adapted for rural gay men. The Mpowerment Project is recognized as evidence- based intervention by the CDC (CDC, 2009b). The current study is an extension of this research, assessing Mpowerment model fidelity and the behavioral and attitudinal changes that occurred among participants. Data were collected from participants in a rural area of southeast Idaho from 2002-2004. Data were collected prior to M-Group participation and at a three months follow-up. The 66 individuals completing the M-Group pre and posttest assessment also attended a minimum of three study events and a maximum of 226 events. Results revealed no significant changes in attitudinal variables and all but one behavioral variable among Rural Mpowerment (R-MP) participants. The one significant behavior change was an increase in reported safer sex discussion among friends, indicating a possible change in the social norm regarding safer sex. Results also indicate that program fidelity was maintained and the Mpowerment Project is adaptable to rural areas. However, there was no indication of attitudinal changes in participants of this study. There were no changes in behavioral variables aside from discussion about safer sex with friends increasing. The lack of evidence-based interventions for rural gay men highlights the need for further research on the community impact of the Mpowerment Project on rural participants.