Are the Earth and the Moon compositionally alike? Inferences on lunar composition and implications for lunar origin and evolution from geophysical modeling

The main objective of the present study is to discuss in detail the results obtained from an inversion of the Apollo lunar seismic data set, lunar mass, and moment of inertia. We inverted directly for lunar chemical composition and temperature using the model system CaO-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2. Using Gibbs free energy minimization, stable mineral phases at the temperatures and pressures of interest, their modes and physical properties are calculated. We determine the compositional range of the oxide elements, thermal state, Mg#, mineralogy and physical structure of the lunar interior, as well as constraining core size and density. The results indicate a lunar mantle mineralogy that is dominated by olivine and orthopyroxene ( 80 vol%), with the remainder being composed of clinopyroxene and an aluminous phase (plagioclase, spinel, and garnet present in the depth ranges 0–150 km, 150–200 km, and >200 km, respectively). This model is broadly consistent with constraints on mantle mineralogy derived from the experimental and observational study of the phase lationships and trace element compositions of lunar mare basalts and picritic glasses. In particular, by melting a typical model mantle composition using the pMELTS algorithm, we found that a range of batch melts generated from these models have features in common with low Ti mare basalts and picritic glasses. Our results also indicate a bulk lunar composition and Mg# different to that of the Earth’s upper mantle, represented by the pyrolite composition. This difference is reflected in a lower bulk lunar Mg# ( 0.83). Results also indicate a small iron-like core with a radius around 340 km.The Carlsberg Foundation, NER

The evolution of green jobs in Scotland : a hybrid approach

In support of its ambitious target to reduce CO2 emissions the Scottish Government is aiming to have the equivalent of 100% of Scottish electricity consumption generated from renewable sources by 2020. This is, at least in part, motivated by an expectation of subsequent employment growth in low carbon and renewable energy technologies; however there is no official data source to track employment in these areas. This has led to a variety of definitions, methodologies and alternative estimates being produced. Building on a recent study (Bishop et al, 2013) we develop a "hybrid" approach which combines the detail of "bottom-up" surveys with "top-down" trend data to produce estimates on employment in Low Carbon Environmental Goods and Services (LCEGS). We demonstrate this methodology to produce estimates for such employment in Scotland between 2004 and 2012. Our approach shows how survey and official sources can combine to produce a more timely measure of employment in LCEGS activities, assisting policymakers in tracking, consistently, developments. Applying our approach, we find that over this period employment in LCEGS in Scotland grew, but that this was more volatile than aggregate employment, and in particular that employment in this sector was particularly badly hit during the great recession

Developing an electricity satellite account (ELSA) : an application to Scotland, UK

Within the system of national accounts the electricity sector is typically reported as a single entry representing generation, transmission, distribution and trade. The ways in which these components interact with the economy differ greatly, a feature lost within the standard accounting framework. In this paper we propose an Electricity Satellite Account (ELSA) approach to better understand the linkages between the electricity sector and economy, with a particular focus on generation technologies. In developing this framework, we draw parallels with Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSAs). To illustrate the practical steps in constructing ELSAs, we develop an ELSA for Scotland for 2012, and show how the ELSA framework gives an improved understanding of the economic contribution of the electricity sector, which is critical in improving the usefulness of such accounts for climate, energy, and economic policy

Creating electricity satellite accounts

Currently there is a significant amount of work being put into reconciling models of the economy with models of the physical generation and transmission of electricity. Yet, there is a fundamental challenge which has not been addressed to date, and that is better capturing the electricity sector within the economic system of national accounts (SNAs). Generally in the SNA framework the electricity sector has been represented by a single aggregate sector representing generation, distribution, transmission and supply. In this paper, we set out the principals and construction of an electricity satellite account (ElSA) in which we improve the resolution of the electricity sector. We implement our suggested approach using data for Scotland, a good case study given that it has a diverse mix of generation technologies, detailed electricity statistics and formal set of economic accounts. Additionally, it is also part of a larger (Great Britain) electricity grid which has interesting aspects for the (interregional) trade in electricity. These accounts could be created for almost any nation or region in a standardised manner, given the availability of similar data

Balancing the Benefits and Risks of 2 Doses of Dabigatran Compared With Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation

ObjectivesThis study sought to compare the net clinical benefit of dabigatran 110 mg bid and 150 mg bid with that of warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).BackgroundIn patients with AF, dabigatran 110 mg bid and 150 mg bid are associated with similar rates of death. However, the higher dose reduces ischemic stroke and increases bleeding compared with the lower dose. Therefore, there is uncertainty about how to evaluate the overall benefit of the 2 doses.MethodsIn 18,113 AF patients in the RE-LY (Randomized Evaluation of Long Term Anticoagulant Therapy) trial, we used a previously developed method for integrating ischemic and bleeding events as “ischemic stroke equivalents” in order to compare a weighted benefit of 2 doses of dabigatran with each other, and with that of warfarin.ResultsCompared with warfarin, there was a significant decrease in ischemic stroke equivalents with both dabigatran doses: –0.92 per 100 patient years (95% confidence interval [CI]: –1.74 to −0.21, p = 0.02) with dabigatran 110 mg bid and –1.08 (95% CI: –1.86 to −0.34, p = 0.01) with dabigatran 150 mg bid. There was no significant difference in ischemic stroke equivalents between the 2 doses: –0.16 (95% CI: –0.80 to 0.43) comparing dabigatran 150 mg bid with 110 bid. When including death in the weighted benefit calculations, the results were similar.ConclusionsOn a group level both doses of dabigatran as compared with warfarin have similar benefits when considering a weighted estimate including both efficacy and safety. The similar overall benefits of the 2 doses of dabigatran versus warfarin support individualizing the dose based on patient characteristics and physician and patient preferences. (Randomized Evaluation of Long Term Anticoagulant Therapy [RE-LY] With Dabigatran Etexilate; NCT00262600

PLAUR polymorphisms and lung function in UK smokers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We have previously identified Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (<it>PLAUR</it>) as an asthma susceptibility gene. In the current study we tested the hypothesis that <it>PLAUR </it>single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) determine baseline lung function and contribute to the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in smokers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>25 <it>PLAUR </it>SNPs were genotyped in COPD subjects and individuals with smoking history (n = 992). Linear regression was used to determine the effects of polymorphism on baseline lung function (FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC) in all smokers. Genotype frequencies were compared in spirometry defined smoking controls (n = 176) versus COPD cases (n = 599) and COPD severity (GOLD stratification) using logistic regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Five SNPs showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with baseline lung function; rs2302524(Lys220Arg) and rs2283628(intron 3) were associated with lower and higher FEV₁respectively. rs740587(-22346), rs11668247(-20040) and rs344779(-3666) in the 5'region were associated with increased FEV₁/FVC ratio. rs740587 was also protective for COPD susceptibility and rs11668247 was protective for COPD severity although no allele dose relationship was apparent. Interestingly, several of these associations were driven by male smokers not females.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study provides tentative evidence that the asthma associated gene <it>PLAUR </it>also influences baseline lung function in smokers. However the case-control analyses do not support the conclusion that <it>PLAUR </it>is a major COPD susceptibility gene in smokers. PLAUR is a key serine protease receptor involved in the generation of plasmin and has been implicated in airway remodelling.</p

Progression to chronic atrial fibrillation after pacing: the Canadian Trial of Physiologic Pacing

AbstractOBJECTIVESThis study examined the effect of physiologic pacing on the development of chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) in the Canadian Trial Of Physiologic Pacing (CTOPP).BACKGROUNDThe role of physiologic pacing to prevent CAF remains unclear. Small randomized studies have suggested a benefit for patients with sick sinus syndrome. No data from a large randomized trial are available.METHODSThe CTOPP randomized patients undergoing first pacemaker implant to ventricular-based or physiologic pacing (AAI or DDD). Patients who were prospectively found to have persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting greater than or equal to one week were defined as having CAF. Kaplan-Meier plots for the development of CAF were compared by log-rank test. The effect of baseline variables on the benefit of physiologic pacing was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards modeling.RESULTSPhysiologic pacing reduced the development of CAF by 27.1%, from 3.84% per year to 2.8% per year (p = 0.016). Three clinical factors predicted the development of CAF: age ≥74 years (p = 0.057), sinoatrial (SA) node disease (p < 0.001) and prior AF (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a trend for patients with no history of myocardial infarction or coronary disease (p = 0.09) as well as apparently normal left ventricular function (p = 0.11) to derive greatest benefit.CONCLUSIONSPhysiologic pacing reduces the annual rate of development of chronic AF in patients undergoing first pacemaker implant. Age ≥74 years, SA node disease and prior AF predicted the development of CAF. Patients with structurally normal hearts appear to derive greatest benefits