83 research outputs found
Exoplanetary Geophysics -- An Emerging Discipline
Thousands of extrasolar planets have been discovered, and it is clear that
the galactic planetary census draws on a diversity greatly exceeding that
exhibited by the solar system's planets. We review significant landmarks in the
chronology of extrasolar planet detection, and we give an overview of the
varied observational techniques that are brought to bear. We then discuss the
properties of the currently known distribution, using the mass-period diagram
as a guide to delineating hot Jupiters, eccentric giant planets, and a third,
highly populous, category that we term "ungiants", planets having masses less
than 30 Earth masses and orbital periods less than 100 days. We then move to a
discussion of the bulk compositions of the extrasolar planets. We discuss the
long-standing problem of radius anomalies among giant planets, as well as
issues posed by the unexpectedly large range in sizes observed for planets with
masses somewhat greater than Earth's. We discuss the use of transit
observations to probe the atmospheres of extrasolar planets; various
measurements taken during primary transit, secondary eclipse, and through the
full orbital period, can give clues to the atmospheric compositions,
structures, and meteorologies. The extrasolar planet catalog, along with the
details of our solar system and observations of star-forming regions and
protoplanetary disks, provide a backdrop for a discussion of planet formation
in which we review the elements of the favored pictures for how the terrestrial
and giant planets were assembled. We conclude by listing several research
questions that are relevant to the next ten years and beyond.Comment: Review chapter to appear in Treatise on Geophysics, 2nd Editio
Mitochondrial dysfunction and biogenesis: do ICU patients die from mitochondrial failure?
Mitochondrial functions include production of energy, activation of programmed cell death, and a number of cell specific tasks, e.g., cell signaling, control of Ca2+ metabolism, and synthesis of a number of important biomolecules. As proper mitochondrial function is critical for normal performance and survival of cells, mitochondrial dysfunction often leads to pathological conditions resulting in various human diseases. Recently mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to multiple organ failure (MOF) often leading to the death of critical care patients. However, there are two main reasons why this insight did not generate an adequate resonance in clinical settings. First, most data regarding mitochondrial dysfunction in organs susceptible to failure in critical care diseases (liver, kidney, heart, lung, intestine, brain) were collected using animal models. Second, there is no clear therapeutic strategy how acquired mitochondrial dysfunction can be improved. Only the benefit of such therapies will confirm the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in clinical settings. Here we summarized data on mitochondrial dysfunction obtained in diverse experimental systems, which are related to conditions seen in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Particular attention is given to mechanisms that cause cell death and organ dysfunction and to prospective therapeutic strategies, directed to recover mitochondrial function. Collectively the data discussed in this review suggest that appropriate diagnosis and specific treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction in ICU patients may significantly improve the clinical outcome
Mitigating Failed Attempts at Mitigation: Using Unilateral Consumption-Based Measures to Remedy the UNFCCC/Kyoto System’s Failure to Stabilise Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Trading at Stale Prices with Modern Technology: Policy Options for Mutual Funds in the Internet Age
Delaware and the Market for LLC Law: A Theory of Contractibility and Legal Indeterminacy
Medical Marijuana Premises Leasing and Property Lawyer Dilemmas in Statutorily Altered States
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