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Electrostatic ion engine having a permanent magnetic circuit Patent

Ion engine with magnetic circuit for optimal discharg

Model and Metaphor in Social Anthropology.

A Zambezia article on the use of model and metaphor.The intention in this paper is to review the use of model and metaphor in one social science, social anthropology; to come in this context to a better understanding of the working distinction between these terms; and finally to appraise their usefulness and comprehensiveness for this discipline

EUV spectra of highly-charged ions W54+^{54+}-W63+^{63+} relevant to ITER diagnostics

We report the first measurements and detailed analysis of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectra (4 nm to 20 nm) of highly-charged tungsten ions W$^{54+}$ to W$^{63+}$ obtained with an electron beam ion trap (EBIT). Collisional-radiative modelling is used to identify strong electric-dipole and magnetic-dipole transitions in all ionization stages. These lines can be used for impurity transport studies and temperature diagnostics in fusion reactors, such as ITER. Identifications of prominent lines from several W ions were confirmed by measurement of isoelectronic EUV spectra of Hf, Ta, and Au. We also discuss the importance of charge exchange recombination for correct description of ionization balance in the EBIT plasma.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

The role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) during ovarian follicular development in sheep

BACKGROUND: Recently, several members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily have been shown to be essential for regulating the growth and differentiation of ovarian follicles and thus fertility. METHODS: Ovaries of neonatal and adult sheep were examined for expression of the TGF-betas 1–3 and their receptors (RI and RII) by in situ hybridization using ovine cDNAs. The effects of TGF-beta 1 and 2 on proliferation and differentiation of ovine granulosa cells in vitro were also studied. RESULTS: The expression patterns of TGF-beta 1 and 2 were similar in that both mRNAs were first observed in thecal cells of type 3 (small pre-antral) follicles. Expression of both mRNAs continued to be observed in the theca of larger follicles and was also present in cells within the stroma and associated with the vascular system of the ovary. There was no evidence for expression in granulosa cells or oocytes. Expression of TGF-beta 3 mRNA was limited to cells associated with the vascular system within the ovary. TGFbetaRI mRNA was observed in oocytes from the type 1 (primordial) to type 5 (antral) stages of follicular growth and granulosa and thecal cells expressed this mRNA at the type 3 (small pre-antral) and subsequent stages of development. The TGFbetaRI signal was also observed in the ovarian stroma and vascular cells. In ovarian follicles, mRNA encoding TGFbetaRII was restricted to thecal cells of type 3 (small pre-antral) and larger follicles. In addition, expression was also observed in some cells of the surface epithelium and in some stromal cells. In granulosa cells cultured for 6 days, both TGF-beta 1 and 2 decreased, in a dose dependent manner, both the amount of DNA and concentration of progesterone. CONCLUSION: In summary, mRNA encoding both TGF-beta 1 and 2 were synthesized by ovarian theca, stroma and cells of the vascular system whereas TGF-beta 3 mRNA was synthesized by vascular cells. Luteinizing granulosa cells also responded to both TGF-beta 1 and beta 2 in vitro. These findings in sheep are consistent with TGF-beta potentially being an important autocrine regulator of thecal cell function and possibly a paracrine regulator of ovarian cell function at various development stages

s-Process Abundances in Planetary Nebulae

The s-process should occur in all but the lower mass progenitor stars of planetary nebulae, and this should be reflected in the chemical composition of the gas which is expelled to create the current planetary nebula shell. Weak forbidden emission lines are expected from several s-process elements in these shells, and have been searched for and in some cases detected in previous investigations. Here we extend these studies by combining very high signal-to-noise echelle spectra of a sample of PNe with a critical analysis of the identification of the emission lines of Z>30 ions. Emission lines of Br, Kr, Xe, Rb, Ba, and Pb are detected with a reasonable degree of certainty in at least some of the objects studied here, and we also tentatively identify lines from Te and I, each in one object. The strengths of these lines indicate enhancement of s-process elements in the central star progenitors, and we determine the abundances of Br, Kr, and Xe, elements for which atomic data relevant for abundance determination have recently become available. As representative elements of the ``light'' and ``heavy'' s-process peaks Kr and Xe exhibit similar enhancements over solar values, suggesting that PNe progenitors experience substantial neutron exposure.Comment: 56 Pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ This version corrects missing captions in Figure 1-3 and minor typo

Note on Tests of the Factorization Hypothesis and the Determination of Meson Decay Constants

We discuss various tests of the factorization hypothesis making use of the close relationship between semi-leptonic and factorized nonleptonic decay amplitudes. It is pointed out that factorization leads to truely model-independent predictions for the ratio of nonleptonic to semi-leptonic decay rates, if in the nonleptonic decay a spin one meson of arbitrary mass or a pion take the place of the lepton pair. Where the decay constants of those mesons are known, these predictions represent ideal tests of the factorization hypothesis. In other cases they may be used to extract the decay constants. Currently available data on the decays $\bar B^0 \to D^+\pi^-,\, D^{*+}\pi^-,\, D^+\varrho^-,\, D^{*+}\varrho^-$ are shown to be in excellent agreement with the factorization results. A weighted average of the four independent values for the QCD coefficient $a_1$ extracted from the data gives $a_1=1.15\pm 0.06$ suggesting that it may be equal to the Wilson coefficient $c_1(\mu)$ evaluated at the scale $\mu = m_b$.Comment: (9 pages, ReVTeX, no figures), HD-THEP-92-3

State-resolved valence shell photoionization of Be-like ions: experiment and theory

High-resolution photoionization experiments were carried out using beams of Be-like C$^{2+}$, N$^{3+}$, and O$^{4+}$ ions with roughly equal populations of the $^1$S ground-state and the $^3$P$^o$ manifold of metastable components. The energy scales of the experiments are calibrated with uncertainties of 1 to 10 meV depending on photon energy. Resolving powers beyond 20,000 were reached allowing for the separation of contributions from the individual metastable $^3$P$^o_0$, $^3$P$^o_1$, and $^3$P$^o_2$ states. The measured data compare favourably with semi-relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrixComment: 23 figures and 3 table

A large-scale R-matrix calculation for electron-impact excitation of the Ne2+^{2+} O-like ion

The five J$\Pi$ levels within a $np^2$ or $np^4$ ground state complex provide an excellent testing ground for the comparison of theoretical line ratios with astrophysically observed values, in addition to providing valuable electron temperature and density diagnostics. The low temperature nature of the line ratios ensure that the theoretically derived values are sensitive to the underlying atomic structure and electron-impact excitation rates. Previous R-matrix calculations for the Ne$^{2+}$ O-like ion exhibit large spurious structure in the cross sections at higher electron energies, which may affect Maxwellian averaged rates even at low temperatures. Furthermore, there is an absence of comprehensive excitation data between the excited states that may provide newer diagnostics to compliment the more established lines discussed in this paper. To resolve these issues, we present both a small scale 56-level Breit-Pauli (BP) calculation and a large-scale 554 levels R-matrix Intermediate Coupling Frame Transformation (ICFT) calculation that extends the scope and validity of earlier JAJOM calculations both in terms of the atomic structure and scattering cross sections. Our results provide a comprehensive electron-impact excitation data set for all transitions to higher $n$ shells. The fundamental atomic data for this O-like ion is subsequently used within a collisional radiative framework to provide the line ratios across a range of electron temperatures and densities of interest in astrophysical observations.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figure

Genetic Patterns in Peripheral Marine Populations of the Fusilier Fish Caesio Cuning Within the Kuroshio Current

Aim: Mayr’s central‐peripheral population model (CCPM) describes the marked differences between central and peripheral populations in genetic diversity, gene flow, and census size. When isolation leads to genetic divergence, these peripheral populations have high evolutionary value and can influence biogeographic patterns. In tropical marine species with pelagic larvae, powerful western‐boundary currents have great potential to shape the genetic characteristics of peripheral populations at latitudinal extremes. We tested for the genetic patterns expected by the CCPM in peripheral populations that are located within the Kuroshio Current for the Indo‐Pacific reef fish, Caesio cuning. Methods: We used a panel of 2,677 SNPs generated from restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to investigate genetic diversity, relatedness, effective population size, and spatial patterns of population connectivity from central to peripheral populations of C. cuning along the Kuroshio Current. Results: Principal component and cluster analyses indicated a genetically distinct lineage at the periphery of the C. cuning species range and examination of SNPs putatively under divergent selection suggested potential for local adaptation in this region. We found signatures of isolation‐by‐distance and significant genetic differences between nearly all sites. Sites closest to the periphery exhibited increased within‐population relatedness and decreased effective population size. Main Conclusions: Despite the potential for homogenizing gene flow along the Kuroshio Current, peripheral populations in C. cuning conform to the predictions of the CCPM. While oceanography, habitat availability, and dispersal ability are all likely to shape the patterns found in C. cuning across this central‐peripheral junction, the impacts of genetic drift and natural selection in increasing smaller peripheral populations appear to be probable influences on the lineage divergence found in the Ryukyu Islands