Remotely Readable Fiber Optic Compass

PatentA remotely readable fiber optic compass. A sheet polarizer is affixed to a magnet rotatably mounted in a compass body, such that the polarizer rotates with the magnet. The optical axis of the sheet polarizer is preferably aligned with the north-south axis of the magnet. A single excitation light beam is divided into four identical beams, two of which are passed through the sheet polarizer and through two fixed polarizing sheets which have their optical axes at right angles to one another. The angle of the compass magnet with respect to a fixed axis of the compass body can be determined by measuring the ratio of the intensities of the two light beams. The remaining ambiguity as to which of the four possible quadrants the magnet is pointing to is resolved by the second pair of light beams, which are passed through the sheet polarizer at positions which are transected by two semicircular opaque strips formed on the sheet polarizer. The incoming excitation beam and the four return beams are communicated by means of optical fibers, giving a remotely readable compass which has no electrical parts

SPOT on RS CVn From Spectroscopy and Photometry

We have used contemporaneous spectra and V light curves to form spot models for RS CVn in 1991 and 1992. More than two spots are needed to fit all the properties of the observations. In fact, moderately small spots (22 x 28 deg in latitude and longitude) having only a slight effect on the rotational light curve were eclipsed in both years, and we find that a collection of 6-8 such moderate spots is required to fit the line profiles in each year. These groups of spots also account naturally for a difference in level of light between the two years. There is no evidence for polar spots larger than 18 degrees in radius. We have also derived new orbits from radial velocities of the stars, which give the mass ratio Mc/Mh = 1.04 +/-0.02

High-energy gamma-ray emission from the inner jet of LS I+61 303: the hadronic contribution revisited

LS I+61 303 has been detected by the Cherenkov telescope MAGIC at very high energies, presenting a variable flux along the orbital motion with a maximum clearly separated from the periastron passage. In the light of the new observational constraints, we revisit the discussion of the production of high-energy gamma rays from particle interactions in the inner jet of this system. The hadronic contribution could represent a major fraction of the TeV emission detected from this source. The spectral energy distribution resulting from p-p interactions is recalculated. Opacity effects introduced by the photon fields of the primary star and the stellar decretion disk are shown to be essential in shaping the high-energy gamma-ray light curve at energies close to 200 GeV. We also present results of Monte Carlo simulations of the electromagnetic cascades developed very close to the periastron passage. We conclude that a hadronic microquasar model for the gamma-ray emission in LS I +61 303 can reproduce the main features of its observed high-energy gamma-ray flux.Comment: 6 pages. Sligth improvements made. Accepted version by Astrophysics and Space Scienc

Determining Matrilines by Antibody Response to Exotic Antigens

The antibody responses of female Microtuspennsylvanicus inoculated with a series of antigens not normally encountered under field conditions were examined, and the kinetics of maternally acquired antibody loss in their offspring were determined. The initial antibody response in adults was rapid, peaking in 4-9 weeks, and long-lasting, with a half life of 4-5 months. Antibody levels in females were unaffected by parity, and more than one antigen could be given without affecting circulating-antibody titers. Antibody titers could be enhanced with additional inoculations. Maternal antibody in offspring increased until weaning at 3 weeks then declined exponentially. Minimal detectable titers were reached at 7-11 weeks. In many instances, maternal antibody remained detectable even after offspring reached adult (35 g) size. Examination of uninoculated wild-caught voles showed only one of 130 tests produced a false positive response. The exotic-antigen technique may be generally applicable for determining maternity in small, secretive mammals

Results from MAGIC's first observation cycle on galactic sources

During its Cycle I, the MAGIC telescope targeted about 250 hours several galactic sources sought to be, or detected previously by other experiments in the same energy domain, gamma-ray emitters. This paper reviews some results of such MAGIC observations covering, among others, supernova remnants, the Galactic Center and microquasars. We will concentrate on the recent discovery at very high energy gamma-rays of the microquasar LS I +61 303.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figures. Prepared for "The Multi-messenger Approach to High-energy Gamma-ray Sources", Barcelona (Spain) 4-7 July 200

Effectiveness of the Relaxation Response-Based Group Intervention for Treating Depressed Chinese American Immigrants: A Pilot Study

Background:: This study examined the feasibility, safety and efficacy of an 8-week Relaxation Response (RR)-based group. Methods:: Twenty-two depressed Chinese American immigrants were recruited. Outcomes measures were response and remission rates, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Clinical Global Impressions Scale, Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale. Results: Participants (N = 22) were 82% female, mean age was 53 (±12). After intervention, completers (N = 15) showed a 40% response rate and a 27% remission rate, and statistically significant improvement in most outcome measures. Discussion: The RR-based group is feasible and safe in treating Chinese American immigrants with depression

Developmental mediation of genetic variation in response to the Fast Track Prevention Program

We conducted a developmental analysis of genetic moderation of the effect of the Fast Track intervention on adult externalizing psychopathology. The Fast Track intervention enrolled 891 children at high risk to develop externalizing behavior problems when they were in kindergarten. Half of the enrolled children were randomly assigned to receive 10 years of treatment, with a range of services and resources provided to the children and their families, and the other half to usual care (controls). We previously showed that the effect of the Fast Track intervention on participants\u27 risk of externalizing psychopathology at age 25 years was moderated by a variant in the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Children who carried copies of the A allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs10482672 had the highest risk of externalizing psychopathology if they were in the control arm of the trial and the lowest risk of externalizing psychopathology if they were in the treatment arm. In this study, we test a developmental hypothesis about the origins of this for better and for worse Gene × Intervention interaction (G × I): that the observed G × I effect on adult psychopathology is mediated by the proximal impact of intervention on childhood externalizing problems and adolescent substance use and delinquency. We analyzed longitudinal data tracking the 270 European American children in the Fast Track randomized control trial with available genetic information (129 intervention children, 141 control group peers, 69% male) from kindergarten through age 25 years. Results show that the same pattern of for better and for worse susceptibility to intervention observed at the age 25 follow-up was evident already during childhood. At the elementary school follow-ups and at the middle/high school follow-ups, rs10482672 predicted better adjustment among children receiving the Fast Track intervention and worse adjustment among children in the control condition. In turn, these proximal G × I effects early in development mediated the ultimate G × I effect on externalizing psychopathology at age 25 years. We discuss the contribution of these findings to the growing literature on genetic susceptibility to environmental intervention

Developmental mediation of genetic variation in response to the Fast Track Prevention Program

We conducted a developmental analysis of genetic moderation of the effect of the Fast Track intervention on adult externalizing psychopathology. The Fast Track intervention enrolled 891 children at high risk to develop externalizing behavior problems when they were in kindergarten. Half of the enrolled children were randomly assigned to receive 10 years of treatment, with a range of services and resources provided to the children and their families, and the other half to usual care (controls). We previously showed that the effect of the Fast Track intervention on participants\u27 risk of externalizing psychopathology at age 25 years was moderated by a variant in the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Children who carried copies of the A allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs10482672 had the highest risk of externalizing psychopathology if they were in the control arm of the trial and the lowest risk of externalizing psychopathology if they were in the treatment arm. In this study, we test a developmental hypothesis about the origins of this for better and for worse Gene × Intervention interaction (G × I): that the observed G × I effect on adult psychopathology is mediated by the proximal impact of intervention on childhood externalizing problems and adolescent substance use and delinquency. We analyzed longitudinal data tracking the 270 European American children in the Fast Track randomized control trial with available genetic information (129 intervention children, 141 control group peers, 69% male) from kindergarten through age 25 years. Results show that the same pattern of for better and for worse susceptibility to intervention observed at the age 25 follow-up was evident already during childhood. At the elementary school follow-ups and at the middle/high school follow-ups, rs10482672 predicted better adjustment among children receiving the Fast Track intervention and worse adjustment among children in the control condition. In turn, these proximal G × I effects early in development mediated the ultimate G × I effect on externalizing psychopathology at age 25 years. We discuss the contribution of these findings to the growing literature on genetic susceptibility to environmental intervention

Advancing fluoride-ion batteries with a Pb-PbF2 counter electrode and a diluted liquid electrolyte

Fluoride ion batteries (FIB) are a promising post lithium-ion technology thanks to their high theoretical energy densities and Earth-abundant materials. However, the flooded cells commonly used to test liquid electrolyte FIBs severely affect the overall performance and impede comparability across different studies, hindering FIB progress. Here, we report a reliable Pb-PbF2 counter electrode that enables the use of two-electrode coin cells. To test this setup, we first introduce a liquid electrolyte that combines the advantages of a highly concentrated electrolyte (tetramethylammonium fluoride in methanol) while addressing its transport and high-cost shortcomings by introducing a diluent (propionitrile). We then demonstrate the viability of this system by reporting a BiF3–Pb-PbF2 cell with the highest capacity retention to date