33 research outputs found
Progress in Lunar Laser Ranging Tests of Relativistic Gravity
Analyses of laser ranges to the Moon provide increasingly stringent limits on
any violation of the Equivalence Principle (EP); they also enable several very
accurate tests of relativistic gravity. We report the results of our recent
analysis of Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) data giving an EP test of \Delta
(M_G/M_I)_{EP} =(-1.0 +/- 1.4) x 10^{-13}. This result yields a Strong
Equivalence Principle (SEP) test of \Delta (M_G/M_I)_{SEP} =(-2.0 +/- 2.0) x
10^{-13}. Also, the corresponding SEP violation parameter \eta is (4.4 +/- 4.5)
x 10^{-4}, where \eta=4\beta-\gamma-3 and both \beta and \gamma are
parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters. Using the recent Cassini result
for the parameter \gamma, PPN parameter \beta is determined to be \beta-1=(1.2
+/- 1.1) x 10^{-4}. The geodetic precession test, expressed as a relative
deviation from general relativity, is K_{gp}=-0.0019 +/- 0.0064. The search for
a time variation in the gravitational constant results in \dot G/G=(4 +/- 9) x
10^{-13} yr^{-1}, consequently there is no evidence for local (~1AU) scale
expansion of the solar system.Comment: 4 pages, revtex4, minor changes made for publicatio
Inflammation Triggers Emergency Granulopoiesis through a Density-Dependent Feedback Mechanism
Normally, neutrophil pools are maintained by homeostatic mechanisms that require
the transcription factor C/EBPα. Inflammation, however, induces neutrophilia
through a distinct pathway of “emergency” granulopoiesis that is
dependent on C/EBPβ. Here, we show in mice that alum triggers emergency
granulopoiesis through the IL-1RI-dependent induction of G-CSF. G-CSF/G-CSF-R
neutralization impairs proliferative responses of hematopoietic stem and
progenitor cells (HSPC) to alum, but also abrogates the acute mobilization of BM
neutrophils, raising the possibility that HSPC responses to inflammation are an
indirect result of the exhaustion of BM neutrophil stores. The induction of
neutropenia, via depletion with Gr-1 mAb or myeloid-specific ablation of Mcl-1,
elicits G-CSF via an IL-1RI-independent pathway, stimulating granulopoietic
responses indistinguishable from those induced by adjuvant. Notably, C/EBPβ,
thought to be necessary for enhanced generative capacity of BM, is dispensable
for increased proliferation of HSPC to alum or neutropenia, but plays a role in
terminal neutrophil differentiation during granulopoietic recovery. We conclude
that alum elicits a transient increase in G-CSF production via IL-1RI for the
mobilization of BM neutrophils, but density-dependent feedback sustains G-CSF
for accelerated granulopoiesis
Lunar Laser Ranging Science: Gravitational Physics and Lunar Interior and Geodesy
Laser pulses fired at retroreflectors on the Moon provide very accurate ranges. Analysis yields information on Earth, Moon, and orbit. The highly accurate retroreflector positions have uncertainties less than a meter. Tides on the Moon show strong dissipation, with Q=33+/-4 at a month and a weak dependence on period. Lunar rotation depends on interior properties; a fluid core is indicated with radius approx.20% that of the Moon. Tests of relativistic gravity verify the equivalence principle to +/-1.4x10(exp -13), limit deviations from Einstein's general relativity, and show no rate for the gravitational constant G/G with uncertainty 9x10(exp -13)/yr
Lunar Laser Ranging Retroreflectors: Velocity Aberration and Diffraction Pattern
The Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) retroreflector arrays have been on the Moon for half a century. During that time, the laser range uncertainty has improved by a factor of 100. Consequently, the science results have also improved by orders of magnitude. New retroreflectors are scheduled to go to the Moon on Commercial Lander Payload Services missions and the Lunar Geophysical Network mission. The new retroreflectors are single 10 cm corner cube retroreflectors that will not spread the laser pulse during reflection like the existing arrays do. Due to the orbital and Earth rotational speeds, there is a velocity aberration of 0.″8–1.″5 for existing stations. Larger corner cubes require attention to ensure that the spread of possible velocity aberration displacements is optimally contained within the diffraction pattern. The diffraction pattern can be changed by making one or more of the rear dihedral angles slightly different from 90°. Improvements in the equipment at the LLR stations and improvements in the data analysis software are also desirable. Future possibilities are described