Evidence for Modified Newtonian Dynamics from Cavendish-type gravitational constant experiments

Recent experimental results for the gravitational constant G from Cavendish-type experiments were analysed in the framework of Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND). MOND corrections were applied to the equation of motion of a pendulum, under the assumption that the magnitude of the horizontal time dependent gravitational acceleration determines the amount of MOND corrections. The large vertical component of the local gravitational field of the earth is fully compensated by the alignment of the torsion pendulum in accordance with Newtons third law and therefore not considered for MOND corrections. From the analysis of the MOND corrected equation of motion of a realistic torsion pendulum with mixed gravitational and electromagnetic restoring torque simple rules for meaningful MOND corrections of measured G values determined by different operational modes of Cavendish type G experiments were derived. Based on this analysis the reported discrepancies for G determined by static deflection and electrostatic servo methods of the BIPM experiment by Quinn et al. and between time-of-swing and angular acceleration feedback methods for the HUST experiment by Li et al. could be fully resolved by MOND corrections using one common MOND interpolation function, determined by a one parameter fit. The MOND corrected BIPM and HUST results, along with other single method results from G experiments by Gundlach and Merkovitz, Schlamminger et al. and Newman et al. lead to an average G value of 6.67422x10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2 with a standard deviation of 12.5 ppm only. The applied MOND correction procedure and the fitted interpolation function employed for the G experiments were found to be consistent with the most viable MOND fits to galaxy rotation curves.Comment: 22 pages, 7 figures. 2020 Class. Quantum Gra

Knowledge, belief, normality, and introspection

We study two logics of knowledge and belief stemming from the work of Stalnaker (2006), omitting positive introspection for knowledge. The two systems are equivalent with positive introspection, but not without. We show that while the logic of beliefs remains unaffected by omitting introspection for knowledge in one system, it brings significant changes to the other. The resulting logic of belief is non-normal, and its complete axiomatization uses an infinite hierarchy of coherence constraints. We conclude by returning to the philosophical interpretation underlying both models of belief, showing that neither is strong enough to support a probabilistic interpretation, nor an interpretation in terms of certainty or the "mental component" of knowledge

Neuroprotective strategies during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Aortocoronary bypass or valve surgery usually require cardiac arrest using cardioplegic solutions. Although, in principle, in a number of cases beating heart surgery (so-called off-pump technique) is possible, aortic or valve surgery or correction of congenital heart diseases mostly require cardiopulmonary arrest. During this condition, the heart-lung machine also named cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has to take over the circulation. It is noteworthy that the invention of a machine bypassing the heart and lungs enabled complex cardiac operations, but possible negative effects of the CPB on other organs, especially the brain, cannot be neglected. Thus, neuroprotection during CPB is still a matter of great interest. In this review, we will describe the impact of CPB on the brain and focus on pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to protect the brain

The impact of fetal gender on prematurity in dichorionic twin gestations after in vitro fertilization

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Impact of fetal gender on prematurity has been primarily investigated in singleton pregnancies. In an attempt to understand better how fetal gender may affect gestational length in twin gestations after in vitro fertilization, same-sex twins and opposite twins were compared for pregnancy duration.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study evaluated 113 women at ages 20 to 39 years with consecutive dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestations after assisted reproduction. All pregnancies were results of fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles with use of autologous oocytes and sperm and were delivered at up to 37 weeks of gestation at a University-based high-risk, maternal-fetal medicine unit.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both groups did not differ in baseline characteristics, such as maternal ages, indications for fertility treatments, number of previous IVF attempts, body mass index and parity. Opposite sex- twins, however, presented with significantly shorter gestational age at birth (32.9 +/- 3.4 weeks) than same-sex twins (34.3 +/- 2.5 weeks), (p < 0.05). Younger maternal age was also associated with shorter pregnancy duration (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Fetal gender mix serves as risk factor for more significant prematurity in dichorionic-diamniotic twins after assisted reproduction with opposite sex twins at higher risk than same sex-twins.</p

Microwave dielectric sensing of free-flowing, single, living cells in aqueous suspension

Dielectric measurements offer the possibility of highly sensitive detection of physical cell properties, and are of interest for clinical applications due to their non-destructive nature and the lack of need for cell labelling. Here we report sensitive measurements on single, living, free-flowing cells (not electrostatically or dielectrophoretically trapped, cultured or fixed directly on sensing elements) in aqueous medium at ~9.8 GHz taken using a coupled dielectric-split ring resonator assembly. Inductive coupling between the two resonators enabled separation of microfluidic chips from RF connectors and allowed for time-resolved continuous-wave measurements on flowing single cells via the coaxial ports of a dielectric-loaded microwave cavity. Analysis via an equivalent circuit model showed that the novel resonator assembly maintained the permittivity-dependent sensitivity of a split ring resonator while operating at quality factors >1000 with lossy aqueous media (typically ~1900). Using a microfluidic channel with a 300 x 300 μm cross section, at a water-loaded resonant amplitude of ~-22 dB at 0 dBm input power level, shifts in amplitude due to individual cells passing through the sensing region of up to -0.0015 dB were observed. Correlations between averaged amplitude shifts and cell size as well as material properties demonstrate the diagnostic potential of this technique