Systematic study of visible transitions in Ti-like high Z ions

The magnetic dipole transitions between fine structure levels in the ground term of Ti-like ions, (3d(4)) D-5(2)-D-5(3), were investigated by observation of visible and near-UV light for several elements with atomic numbers from 51 to 78. The wavelengths are compared with theoretical values we recently calculated. The differences between the present calculations and measurements are less than 0.6%. The anomalous wavelength stability predicted by Feldman, Indelicato and Sugar [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 8, 3 (1991)] was observed. We attribute this anomalous wavelength stability to the transition from LS to JJ coupling and the asymptotic behavior of the transition energies in the intermediate coupling regime.

A new device for the study of electron-ion interactions: The Belfast EBIT

An electron beam ion trap ( EBIT) has been designed and is currently under construction for use in atomic physics experiments at the Queen's University, Belfast. In contrast to traditional EBITs where pairs of superconducting magnets are used, a pair of permanent magnets will be used to compress the electron beam. The permanent magnets have been designed in conjunction with bespoke vacuum ports to give unprecedented access for photon detection. Furthermore, the bespoke vacuum ports facillitate a versatile, reconfigurable trap structure able to accommodate various in-situ detectors and in-line charged particle analysers. Although the machine will have somewhat lower specifications than many existing EBITs in terms of beam current density, it is hoped that the unique features will facilitate a number of hitherto impossible studies involving interactions between electrons and highly charged ions. In this article the new machine's design is outlined along with some suggestions of the type of process to be studied once the construction is completed.

Cochlin in the eye: Functional implications

Aqueous humor is actively produced in the ciliary epithelium of the anterior chamber and has important functions for the eye. Under normal physiological conditions, the inflow and outflow of the aqueous humor are tightly regulated, but in the pathologic state this balance is lost. Aqueous outflow involves structures of the anterior chamber and experiences most resistance at the level of the trabecular meshwork (TM) that acts as a filter. The modulation of the TM structure regulates the filter and its mechanism remains poorly understood. Proteomic analyses have identified cochlin, a protein of poorly understood function, in the glaucomatous TM but not in healthy control TM from human cadaver eyes. The presence of cochlin has subsequently been confirmed by Western and immunohistochemical analyses. Functionally, cochlin undergoes multimerization induced by shear stress and other changes in the microenvironment. Cochlin along with mucopolysaccharide deposits have been found in the TM of glaucoma patients and in the inner ear of subjects affected by the hearing disorder DNFA9, a late onset, progressive disease that also involves alterations in fluid shear regimes. In vitro, cochlin induces aggregation of primary TM cells suggesting a role in cell adhesion, possibly in mechanosensation, and in modulation of the TM filter.

“The new Cagliostro”: Onofroff, Rubén Darío and his story "La esfinge"

The article retraces the career of the famous hypnotist Onofroff and particularly his visit to Buenos Aires, where his activity, in 1895, provoked many discussions and some public embarrassment. In this context Darío, using a pseudonym, published his crónica “La esfinge”. We reproduce “La esfinge”, transcribing the original text of La Nación, with annotations identifying the literary and theosophical sources Darío used when he wrote it.

Progress in proton radiography for diagnosis of ICF-relevant plasmas

Proton radiography using laser-driven sources has been developed as a diagnostic since the beginning of the decade, and applied successfully to a range of experimental situations. Multi-MeV protons driven from thin foils via the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration mechanism, offer, under optimal conditions, the possibility of probing laser-plasma interactions, and detecting electric and magnetic fields as well as plasma density gradients with similar to ps temporal resolution and similar to 5-10 mu m spatial resolution. In view of these advantages, the use of proton radiography as a diagnostic in experiments of relevance to Inertial Confinement Fusion is currently considered in the main fusion laboratories. This paper will discuss recent advances in the application of laser-driven radiography to experiments of relevance to Inertial Confinement Fusion. In particular we will discuss radiography of hohlraum and gasbag targets following the interaction of intense ns pulses. These experiments were carried out at the HELEN laser facility at AWE (UK), and proved the suitability of this diagnostic for studying, with unprecedented detail, laser-plasma interaction mechanisms of high relevance to Inertial Confinement Fusion. Non-linear solitary structures of relevance to space physics, namely phase space electron holes, have also been highlighted by the measurements. These measurements are discussed and compared to existing models.

Short-term consumption of phytoestrogen-rich foods in humans alters dietary macro- and micronutrient intake

The aim of this study was to determine bow nutrient intake is affected by a short-term phytoestrogen-rich diet. Ten healthy volunteers consumed 100 g soya chunks, 150 g lentils, and 250 g kidney beans daily for 3 days. Urine was collected during the 2 days before, 3 intervention days, and 2 days after the intervention and analyzed for phytoestrogen status. Subjects filled in food diaries throughout the study period. Urinary daidzein, but not equol and enterolactone, levels increased during the 7-day period. There was no change in energy, protein, sugar, or total fat intake, but an increase in carbohydrate, fiber, and starch intake. There was a change in the distribution of fat intake with a fall in saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Iron intake significantly increased, although vitamin B-12 fell significantly. The long-term effects of this diet and the associated health benefits of these changes require further study. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Short-term phytoestrogen supplementation alters insulin-like growth factor profile but not lipid or antioxidant status

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that have been proposed to have a variety of health benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of these compounds on a number of physiological endpoints. Subjects were given a single intake of a phytoestrogen-rich (80 mg total phytoestrogens) supplement containing soy, rye and linseed (Phase 1), followed by a week-long intervention using the same supplement (Phase 2) (80 mg total phytoestrogens daily). A number of biochemical endpoints were assessed including urinary phytoestrogen metabolites, lipids, antioxidant status, DNA damage and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and -3 (IGFBP-3). Ten healthy female subjects took part in the study. Excretion of the isoflavones genistein, daidzein and equol in urine increased in both phases of the study. No other endpoint was altered in Phase 1. However, in Phase 2, concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were increased by phytoestrogen supplementation [IGF-1, median (IQ range), baseline 155 (123, 258), postweek 265 (228, 360) ng/ml, P