Micrometeorites, which are submillimeter-sized extraterrestrial particles that survive atmospheric entry, originate from dust-producing objects such as comets and asteroids. Although ancient micrometeorites found in sedimentary rocks are of key interest as a historical record of meteoroid populations in the solar system, they are rare and prone to severe chemical weathering. Here we report the recovery of well-preserved micrometeorites, older than 240 Ma, in radiolarian chert from Japan. The collection of micrometeorites comprised 258 cosmic spherules, which are particles that totally melted during atmospheric entry, and 2 coarse-grained unmelted micrometeorites. These micrometeorites are much older than any previous micrometeorite collection in the sedimentary record. Using this collection, we calculated the accretion rate of iron-type cosmic spherules to the Earth during the Anisian Stage of the Middle Triassic. The estimated accretion rate for Anisian iron-type spherules smaller than 125 µm is 25 ± 8 t yr -1 . Analysis of the accretion rate for cosmic spherules also reveals high accretion rates of small spherules (~8-36 µm) for a 0.74 m.y. period in the late Anisian. However, the possible link between an enhancement in the accretion rate of small cosmic spherules in the late Anisian and variations in the fl ux of extraterrestrial matter to the Earth requires further scrutiny.

Background Euglena gracilis is a unicellular eukaryotic microalgae found in aquatic environments. It can adapt its morphology in response to various environmental stress factors such as changes in temperature, light, and ion concentrations. E. gracilis cells excrete succinate and amino acids under dark and anaerobic conditions; however, only a few studies on the effect of these conditions on the cell

We present a lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic (conodont and ammonoid), and petrographic study of Upper Triassic bedded limestones (Nakijin Formation)

An Accelerated competency development is one of the essential factors to achieve and sustain the medium-to long-term vision of INPEX. After intensive reviews and discussions, a skillmap based development approach had been selected and implemented especially targeting young technical professionals to enhance the company's overall technical capabilities. This paper describes the key success factors of our Skillmap set-up approach and its implementation procedures.The internal discussion concluded that we required ЉownЉ style of competency development scheme rather than utilizing a 'ready-madeЉ scheme or contracting out. Three key points of our approach are highlighted as follows.1. Job matrix and skill matrix: Two matrixes were created to evaluate the work experiences and technical capabilities respectively for the optimum development plan. 2. A face-to-face approach: This is our core approach of communication, to build strong relationship between young and senior professionals. 3. A dedicated competency development support team, so-called ЉSkillmap teamЉ, leads the entire process proactively.The approach was implemented nearly two years ago and over 150 young professionals have experienced the processes.