Global mapping of iron and titanium oxides in the lunar megaregolith and subsurface

[Abstract]: This paper reports mapping results obtained by remote sensing analysis of Iron and Titanium oxides in the megaregolith under the lunar Highlands regolith and in the subsurface under the Mare and South Pole Aitken basin regolith. FeO and TiO2 images were mosaicked from data extracted from the 1994 Clementine lunar orbiter mission from 600 N to 600 S, using the Lucey et al. technique (2000). These images then used to study the ejecta blanket for each of 2059 craters analysed using ISIS software (US Geological Survey). Average weight percentage values for each crater ejecta blanket were interpolated to derive underlying global Province Maps for FeO and TiO2. The Moon was divided into five (5) provinces as a balance of the needs of analysis requirements and simplicity. Division of global TiO2 weight percentages in the megaregolith /subsurface five provinces was matching the observed distribution of that at the surface. In contrast, division of lunar FeO into 5 Provinces reveals unexpectedly elevated iron concentrations (3.8 to 6.4%) in some areas of the Highland megaregolith. This Province of elevated iron oxide is termed “Highland II”

A bibliography of samplers for benthic invertebrates

This annotated bibliography covers literature to the end of November 1977, and includes references to samplers that could be used for the rapid removal of benthic invertebrates from natural substrata of rivers and streams. Marine samplers which have been, or could be, used in freshwater. Coverage of Russian literature is incomplete, although a selection of recent and important references are included. The references are arranged under the following headings, Reviews; Nets and quadrat samplers; Scoops, shovels and dredges; Grabs; Corers; Suction and air-lift samplers; Electroshocking samplers; Efficiencies and comparisons; and Samplers from catalogues. There is an index to samplers (by the common name) and an author index

Crocodylus acutus

Number of Pages: 17Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Influence of GABA and GABA-producing Lactobacillus brevis DPC 6108 on the development of diabetes in a streptozotocin rat model

peer-reviewedThe aim of this study was to investigate if dietary administration of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing Lactobacillus brevis DPC 6108 and pure GABA exert protective effects against the development of diabetes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. In a first experiment, healthy rats were divided in 3 groups (n=10/group) receiving placebo, 2.6 mg/kg body weight (bw) pure GABA or L. brevis DPC 6108 (~109microorganisms). In a second experiment, rats (n=15/group) were randomised to five groups and four of these received an injection of STZ to induce type 1 diabetes. Diabetic and non-diabetic controls received placebo [4% (w/v) yeast extract in dH2O], while the other three diabetic groups received one of the following dietary supplements: 2.6 mg/kg bw GABA (low GABA), 200 mg/kg bw GABA (high GABA) or ~109 L. brevis DPC 6108. L. brevis DPC 6108 supplementation was associated with increased serum insulin levels (P0.05), compared with non-diabetic controls while all other diabetic groups displayed reduced diversity (P<0.05). L. brevis DPC 6108 attenuated hyperglycaemia induced by diabetes but additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in this reduction.The authors and their work were supported by the APC Microbiome Institute. The APC Microbiome Institute is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). This publication has emanated from research supported by a research grant from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) under Grant Number SFI/12/RC/2273

Selenium in biology: Facts and medical perspectives

Several decades after the discovery of setenium as an essential trace element in vertebrates approximately 20 eukaryotic and more than 15 prokaryotic selenoproteins containing the 21(st) proteinogenic amino acid, selenocysteine, have been identified, partially characterized or cloned from several species. Many of these proteins are involved in redox reactions with selenocysteine acting as an essential component of the catalytic cycle. Enzyme activities have been assigned to the glutathione peroxidase family, to the thioredoxin reductases, which were recently identified as selenoproteins, to the iodothyronine deiodinases, which metabolize thyroid hormones, and to the selenophosphate synthetase 2, which is involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis. Prokaryotic selenoproteins catalyze redox reactions and formation of selenoethers in (stress-induced) metabolism and energy production of E. coli, of the clostridial cluster XI and of other prokaryotes. Apart from the specific and complex biosynthesis of selenocysteine, selenium also reversibly binds to proteins, is incorporated into selenomethionine in bacteria, yeast and higher plants, or posttranslationally modifies a catalytically essential cysteine residue of CO dehydrogenase. Expression of individual eukaryotic selenoproteins exhibits high tissue specificity, depends on selenium availability, in some cases is regulated by hormones, and if impaired contributes to several pathological conditions. Disturbance of selenoprotein expression or function is associated with deficiency syndromes (Keshan and Kashin-Beck disease), might contribute to tumorigenesis and atherosclerosis, is altered in several bacterial and viral infections, and leads to infertility in male rodents

A quasar companion to the puzzling quasar SDSS J0927+2943

We report the discovery of a quasar close to SDSS J0927+2943 (z = 0.713), which is a massive binary / recoiling black hole candidate. The companion quasar is at a projected distance of 125 h_70^{-1} kpc and exhibits a radial velocity difference of ~1400 km/s with respect to the known quasar. We discuss the nature of this peculiar quasar pair and the properties of its environment. We propose that the overall system is caught in the process of ongoing structure formation.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in A&

The analysis of solar models: Neutrinos and oscillations

Tests of solar neutrino flux and solar oscillation frequencies were used to assess standard stellar structure theory. Standard and non-standard solar models are enumerated and discussed. The field of solar seismology, wherein the solar interior is studied from the measurement of solar oscillations, is introduced