Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library Project: 3. Characterization of Samples With MicrOmega

The Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library (PTAL) project aims at building and exploiting a database involving several analytical techniques, to help characterize the mineralogical evolution of terrestrial bodies, starting with Mars. Around 100 natural Earth rock samples have been collected from selected locations to gather a variety of analogs for martian geology, from volcanic to sedimentary origin with different levels of alteration. All samples are to be characterized within the PTAL project with different mineralogical and elemental analysis techniques, including techniques brought on actual and future instruments at the surface of Mars (near infrared [NIR] spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy). This article presents the NIR measurements and interpretations acquired with the ExoMars MicrOmega spare instrument. MicrOmega is an NIR hyperspectral microscope, mounted in the analytical laboratory of the ExoMars rover Rosalind Franklin. All PTAL samples have been observed at least once with MicrOmega using a dedicated setup. For all PTAL samples, data description and interpretation are presented. For some chosen examples, color composite images and spectra are presented as well. A comparison with characterizations by NIR and Raman spectrometry is discussed for some of the samples. In particular, the spectral imaging capacity of MicrOmega allows detections of mineral components and potential organic molecules that were not possible with other one-spot techniques. In addition, it enables estimation of heterogeneities in the spatial distribution of various mineral species. The MicrOmega/PTAL data shall support the future observations and analyses performed by MicrOmega/Rosalind Franklin instrument.

Mineralogical and Spectral (Near-Infrared) Characterization of Fe-Rich Vermiculite-Bearing Terrestrial Deposits and Constraints for Mineralogy of Oxia Planum, ExoMars 2022 Landing Site

Oxia Planum is a Noachian plain on Mars. It was chosen as the final landing site for in situ studies by ExoMars 2022 rover. The main scientific objectives of the mission are to understand the mineralogy and aqueous evolution of ancient Mars with relevance to habitability. Oxia is covered by vast deposits of Fe,Mg-phyllosilicates, but the exact nature of these deposits is not yet fully understood. We performed a survey of potential terrestrial analog rocks, and here we show combined mineralogical characterization of these rocks with their near-infrared spectral analysis. Samples from two terrestrial sites were studied: (1) vermiculitized chlorite-schists from Otago, New Zealand, which underwent an alteration process without significant oxidation; and (2) basaltic tuffs from Granby, Massachusetts, USA, with Fe-rich clays filling amygdales of supposedly hydrothermal origin. Both analogues are incorporated into the newly built Planetary Terrestrial Analogue Library (PTAL) collection. Oxia bedrock clay-rich deposits are spectrally matched best by a well-crystallized trioctahedral vermiculite/saponite mixture from the basaltic tuff, although the contribution of saponite must be minor. Otago vermiculite is a good analogue to Oxia vermiculite in terms of overall mineralogy and Fe content. However, spectral inconsistencies related to the Al content in the Otago clays indicate that illitization of vermiculite, which results from postalteration oxidation, did not occur at Oxia. This implies limited water/rock interactions and reducing conditions during deposition of sediments now constituting the bedrock at Oxia. Whereas the spectral match does not conclusively imply the mineralogy, trioctahedral vermiculite should be considered a likely mineral component of the bedrock unit at Oxia Planum. Vermiculite has great potential to store organic matter, and the postdeposition geological context of Oxia Planum derived from understanding of environmental conditions in analog sites is promising for organic matter preservation.

ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer: A Tool to Semiquantify the Serpentinization Degree of Olivine-Rich Rocks on Mars

We evaluated the effectiveness of the ExoMars Raman laser spectrometer (RLS) to determine the degree of serpentinization of olivine-rich units on Mars. We selected terrestrial analogs of martian ultramafic rocks from the Leka Ophiolite Complex (LOC) and analyzed them with both laboratory and flight-like analytical instruments. We first studied the mineralogical composition of the samples (mostly olivine and serpentine) with state-of-the-art diffractometric (X-ray diffractometry [XRD]) and spectroscopic (Raman, near-infrared spectroscopy [NIR]) laboratory systems. We compared these results with those obtained using our RLS ExoMars Simulator. Our work shows that the RLS ExoMars Simulator successfully identified all major phases. Moreover, when emulating the automatic operating mode of the flight instrument, the RLS ExoMars Simulator also detected several minor compounds (pyroxene and brucite), some of which were not observed by NIR and XRD (e.g., calcite). Thereafter, we produced RLS-dedicated calibration curves (R² between 0.9993 and 0.9995 with an uncertainty between ±3.0% and ±5.2% with a confidence interval of 95%) to estimate the relative content of olivine and serpentine in the samples. Our results show that RLS can be very effective in identifying serpentine, a scientific target of primary importance for the potential detection of biosignatures on Mars-the main objective of the ExoMars rover mission.

ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer: A Tool for the Potential Recognition of Wet-Target Craters on Mars

In the present work, near-infrared, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, Raman, and X-ray diffractometer techniques have been complementarily used to carry out a comprehensive characterization of a terrestrial analogue selected from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure (CBIS). The obtained data clearly highlight the key role of Raman spectroscopy in the detection of minor and trace compounds, through which inferences about geological processes occurred in the CBIS can be extrapolated. Beside the use of commercial systems, further Raman analyses were performed by the Raman laser spectrometer (RLS) ExoMars Simulator. This instrument represents the most reliable tool to effectively predict the scientific capabilities of the ExoMars/Raman system that will be deployed on Mars in 2021. By emulating the analytical procedures and operational restrictions established by the ExoMars mission rover design, it was proved that the RLS ExoMars Simulator can detect the amorphization of quartz, which constitutes an analytical clue of the impact origin of craters. Beside amorphized minerals, the detection of barite and siderite, compounds crystallizing under hydrothermal conditions, helps indirectly to confirm the presence of water in impact targets. Furthermore, the RLS ExoMars Simulator capability of performing smart molecular mappings was successfully evaluated.

Spectroscopic study of olivine-bearing rocks and its relevance to the ExoMars rover mission

We present the compositional analysis of three terrestrial analogues of Martian olivine-bearing rocks derived from both laboratory and flight-derived analytical instruments. In the first step, state-of-the-art spectroscopic (XRF, NIR and Raman) and diffractometric (XRD) laboratory systems were complementary used. Besides providing a detailed mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the samples, results comparison shed light on the advantages ensured by the combined use of Raman and NIR techniques, being these the spectroscopic instruments that will soon deploy (2021) on Mars as part of the ExoMars/ESA rover payload. In order to extrapolate valuable indicators of the mineralogical data that could derive from the ExoMars/Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS), laboratory results were then compared with the molecular data gathered through the RLS ExoMars Simulator. Beside correctly identifying all major phases (feldspar, pyroxene and olivine), the RLS ExoMars Simulator confirmed the presence of additional minor compounds (i.e. hematite and apatite) that were not detected by complementary techniques. Furthermore, concerning the in-depth study of olivine grains, the RLS ExoMars simulator was able to effectively detect the shifting of the characteristic double peak around 820 and 850 cm^-1, from which the FeMg content of the analyzed crystals can be extrapolated. Considering that olivine is one of the main mineral phases of the ExoMars landing site (Oxia Planum), this study suggests that the ExoMars/RLS system has the potential to provide detailed information about the elemental composition of olivine on Mars.

4D Arctic: A Glimpse into the Structure and Evolution of the Arctic in the Light of New Geophysical Maps, Plate Tectonics and Tomographic Models

Knowledge about the Arctic tectonic structure has changed in the last decade as a large number of new datasets have been collected and systematized. Here, we review the most updated, publicly available Circum-Arctic digital compilations of magnetic and gravity data together with new models of the Arctic's crust. Available tomographic models have also been scrutinized and evaluated for their potential to reveal the deeper structure of the Arctic region. Although the age and opening mechanisms of the Amerasia Basin are still difficult to establish in detail, interpreted subducted slabs that reside in the High Arctic's lower mantle point to one or two episodes of subduction that consumed crust of possibly Late Cretaceous-Jurassic age. The origin of major igneous activity during the Cretaceous in the central Arctic (the Alpha-Mendeleev Ridge) and in the proximity of rifted margins (the so-called High Arctic Large Igneous Province-HALIP) is still debated. Models of global plate circuits and the connection with the deep mantle are used here to re-evaluate a possible link between Arctic volcanism and mantle plumes.

Total and free triiodothyronine in human serum

A reliable method has been developed for the determination of total serum T3, dialyzable fraction (DFT3), and absolute concentration of free T3 (AFT3). Total T3 values (mean +/- SD) were: healthy euthyroid subjects, 0.33 +/- 0.07 mug per 100 ml; hyperthyroid patients, 0.71 +/- 0.1 mug per 100 ml; hypothyroid, 0.10 +/- 0.03 mug per 100 ml. Values (mean +/- SD) for DFT3 in these groups were 0.46 +/- 0.14%, 0.78 +/- 0.17%, and 0.16 +/- 0.08%, respectively. Calculated values for AFT3 were: 1.51 +/- 0.4 mmug per 100 ml, 5.00 +/- 0.6 mmug per 100 ml and 0.24 +/- 0.1 mmug per 100 ml, respectively. Dilution of serum before dialysis lowered estimated DFT3 values. Enrichment of serum with labeled T3 in the range examined did not affect DFT3. However, DFT3 was increased by addition of Merthiolate to serum in concentration 1: 10,000 due to displacement of T3 from thyroxine-binding globulin to albumin. The data suggest that triiodothyronine may play a considerably more important role in normal and pathological physiology, as evidenced by kinetic analysis using these data. A metabolic role for T3 equal to that of T4 is indicated.

Evidence from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera for a frozen sea close to Mars' equator

It is thought that the Cerberus Fossae fissures on Mars were the source of both lava and water floods two to ten million years ago. Evidence for the resulting lava plains has been identified in eastern Elysium, but seas and lakes from these fissures and previous water flooding events were presumed to have evaporated and sublimed away. Here we present High Resolution Stereo Camera images from the European Space Agency Mars Express spacecraft that indicate that such lakes may still exist. We infer that the evidence is consistent with a frozen body of water, with surface pack-ice, around 5 degrees north latitude and 150 degrees east longitude in southern Elysium. The frozen lake measures about 800 x 900 km in lateral extent and may be up to 45 metres deep--similar in size and depth to the North Sea. From crater counts, we determined its age to be 5 +/- 2 million years old. If our interpretation is confirmed, this is a place that might preserve evidence of primitive life, if it has ever developed on Mars.

Recent and episodic volcanic and glacial activity on Mars revealed by the High Resolution Stereo Camera

The large-area coverage at a resolution of 10-20 metres per pixel in colour and three dimensions with the High Resolution Stereo Camera Experiment on the European Space Agency Mars Express Mission has made it possible to study the time-stratigraphic relationships of volcanic and glacial structures in unprecedented detail and give insight into the geological evolution of Mars. Here we show that calderas on five major volcanoes on Mars have undergone repeated activation and resurfacing during the last 20 per cent of martian history, with phases of activity as young as two million years, suggesting that the volcanoes are potentially still active today. Glacial deposits at the base of the Olympus Mons escarpment show evidence for repeated phases of activity as recently as about four million years ago. Morphological evidence is found that snow and ice deposition on the Olympus construct at elevations of more than 7,000 metres led to episodes of glacial activity at this height. Even now, water ice protected by an insulating layer of dust may be present at high altitudes on Olympus Mons.

Utility of thyroid aspiration biopsy

The utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy to detect carcinoma in thyroid nodules was evaluated by a decision-analysis approach in 102 patients. The procedure caused no morbidity. Cytologic diagnoses were categorized as unsatisfactory (4), no abnormality detected (61), atypical (13), suspicious for malignancy (14), malignancy (2), and inflammation (8). The duration of follow-up averaged 13 months. Of 21 thyroidectomy patients, 10 (48%) had carcinoma. Half of the ten patients operated upon for suspicious cytologic findings were found to have malignancy. Assuming criterion I, that atypical, suspicious, or malignancy results indicated cancer, sensitivity was 90%, specificity 77%, false positive fraction 23%, positive predictive value 31%, negative predictive value 99%, and accuracy 79%. Assuming criterion II, that only suspicious or malignancy cytologic findings represented carcinoma, sensitivity was 70%, specificity 90%, false positive fraction 10%, positive predictive value 44%, negative predictive value 96%, and accuracy 88%. We conclude that sensitivity and specificity of fine-needle aspiration biopsy vary depending upon the use of criterion I or II. Accuracy is highest if atypical results are not considered to represent carcinoma. Positive predictive values remain low and negative predictive values are high in either case. The utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy when interpreted in relation to clinical criteria is supported by these results.

Graves' disease following acute (subacute) thyroiditis

The development of Graves' disease with positive thyroid-stimulating antibody titers is described in a woman, five months after onset of the putatively viral disorder, acute (subacute) thyroiditis. There was no evidence of transient hyperthyroidism during the acute episode. The arguments for and against a causal relationship between the two diseases have been reviewed. The present experience adds to the earlier suggestion that the association may represent cause and effect.

Modification of the classification of the eye changes of Graves' disease

The original (1969) classification of the Eye Changes of Graves' Disease has been retained except for Classes 1 and 3. Class 1 has been limited so that proptosis of 23 mm or greater is placed in Class 3, even if the patient is asymptomatic. Grading of Classes 1 and 2 has been left to the individual physician or clinic, but we urge that the suggested criteria for grading Classes 3 through 6 be used. Progression of disease is not necessarily sequential through each of the classes, and ethnic factors and myopia may influence the extent of proptosis in normal subjects.

Similar serum IgM concentrations in Greek endemic goiter and control populations: failure to confirm previous experience

Circulating immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations were determined in 47 nontoxic goiter patients from four Greek endemic goiter areas, and in 13 patients from Athens, a non-goitrous area; and compared with 38 control non-goitrous subjects from the same goiter regions, and 23 more controls from Athens. The values in both goitrous and non-goitrous groups were indistinguishable. Current techniques for single radial immunodiffusion were employed. The results are expressed in standardized international units/ml serum, instead of the formerly used mg/dl. The present findings are in disagreement with the earlier observation from this laboratory that 40 per cent of goitrous patients had elevated IgM values compared with 10 per cent of control subjects.

Excessive thyrotropin concentrations in the circulation of the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Thyroid funct-on in SHR was compared to that of inbred normotensive Wistar rats from Kyoto, and random bred Wistar rats from the United States. A marked increase in circulating thyrotropin concentration was found in SHR compared to controls. Serum thyroxine and T3 concentrations relative to controls, however, were variable and the concentrations in male and female SHR relative to Kyoto controls did not correspond with each other. No ready explanation for the circulating excess of thyrotropin, with mimimal increase in T4 and T3 concentrations, is available.

Circulating immonoglobulin M: increased concentrations in endemic and sporadic goiter

Increased concentrations of immunoglobulin M have been found in the circulation of approximately half of patients with either endemic or sporadic nontoxic goiter. Blood was obtained from patients in several iodine-deficient goitrous areas; the patients with sporadic goiter resided in or about New York City. Concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A, and D were normal. Blood for control purposes was taken from patients residing in cities near the goiter areas where there was no iodine deficiency, and in New York City. Most of these samples came from hospitalized patients without known thyroid disease and were collected at random. Chi-square values for the difference between the number of goitrous patients with elevated concentrations of immunoglobulin M and those in the control patients were highly significant statistically.

Materials indistinguishable from iodotyrosines in normal human serum and human serum albumin

Materials indistinguishable from authentic mono- and diiodotyrosines were identified in extracts of normal human serum as well as in extracts of purified human serum albumin. These materials were not found in association with the other serum proteins. Identification of MIT and DIT was made by a technique using rechromatography to constant specific activity, as well as by the Barker wet ash distillation method, which established the compounds in question as being iodinated ones. By two different extraction and chromatographic methods we estimated the amounts of both MIT and DIT present in normal human serum or albumin; the estimates were in good agreement. These compounds together constituted between 19% and 25% of the extractable serum iodine.