On atmospheric loss of oxygen ions from earth through magnetospheric processes

In Earth's environment, the observed polar outflow rate for O(+) ions, the main source of oxygen above gravitational escape energy, corresponds to the loss of approximately 18% of the present-day atmospheric oxygen over 3 billion years. However, part of this apparent loss can actually be returned to the atmosphere. Examining loss rates of four escape routes with high-altitude spacecraft observations, we show that the total oxygen loss rate inferred from current knowledge is about one order of magnitude smaller than the polar O(+) outflow rate. This disagreement suggests that there may be a substantial return flux from the magnetosphere to the low-latitude ionosphere. Then the net oxygen loss over 3 billion years drops to approximately 2% of the current atmospheric oxygen content.     

Lithophagic snail from southern British Honduras

A freshwater gastropod, Pachycheilus glaphyrus, responsible for unusual erosion in limestone has been located in southern British Honduras where it is abundant in streams flowing through areas of karst topography. These snails ingest algae that proliferate in solution grooves formed at the fluctuating air-water interface. Rasping action of the radula results in deepening of these grooves and appears to improve the algal habitat.     

Observations at venus encounter by the plasma science experiment on mariner 10

Preliminary results from the rearward-looking electrostatic analyzer of the plasma science experiment during the Mariner 10 encounter with Venus are described. They show that the solar-wind interaction with the planet probably involves a bow shock rather than an extended exosphere, but that this is not a thin boundary at the point where it was crossed by Mariner 10. An observed reduction in the flux of electrons with energies greater than 100 electron volts is interpreted as evidence for somne direct interaction with the exosphere. Unusual intermittent features observed downstream of the planet indicate the presence of a comet-like tail hundreds of scale lengths in length.     

Quantitative autoradiography of [3H]muscimol binding in rat brain

A simple quantitative autoradiographic technique for the study of neurotransmitter receptors that includes the use of a tritium-sensitive film permits saturation, kinetic, and competition studies of brain samples as small as 0.01 cubic millimeter. This technique was used to study [3H]muscimol binding in rat brain. Unilateral gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor supersensitivity was observed in the substantia nigra pars reticulata after production of localized lesions of the ipsilateral corpus striatum.     

Venus: volcanism and rift formation in Beta regio

A new high-resolution radar image of Beta Regio, a Venus highland area, confirms the presence of a major tectonic rift system and associated volcanic activity. The lack of identifiable impact craters, together with the apparent superposition of the Theia Mons volcanic structure on the rift system, suggest that at least some of the volcanic activity occurred in relatively recent geologic time. The presence of topographically similar highland areas elsewhere on Venus (Aphrodite Terra, Dali Chasma, and Diana Chasma) suggests that rifting and volcanism are significant processes on Venus.     

Formation of mixed invasions of waterfowl

It is established that wild and synanthropic waterfowl of the order Anseriformes (gadwell, mallard, graylag goose, teal, garganey, etc.) are possible sources of mixed invasions i.e., an etiological factor in forming and maintaining ill-being of domestic geese with respect to the following diseases: echinostomatidosis, amidostomosis, ganguleterikidosis, thominxosis, streptocarosis, echinuriosis, as well as ectoparasites (bird lice).