Mysterious Phenomenon Research Articles

Magic bullets and moving targets: antibiotic resistance and experimental chemotherapy, 1900-1940

It was in the 1940s that antibiotic resistance arose as an object of study for clinical medicine. Somewhat earlier it had become an important analytical tool for bacterial geneticists. However, the concept of antibiotic resistance as an induced and inheritable trait of microbial species was introduced a generation earlier in the years preceding the First World War. The paper reconstructs the concept that was put forward by the German immunologist Paul Ehrlich in 1907. He came across the phenomenon when trying to develop chemotherapies for trypanosomiasis, the best known of which is African sleeping sickness. However, resistance was studied by him for other than therapy-related purposes. It provided a productive laboratory model for the study of cell functions. Induced resistance to chemicals facilitated the development of ideas on the relation of a parasite's cellular metabolism and of drug action, i.e. by providing a negative proof for the existence of chemoreceptors on the surfaces of parasite cells. This approach does also serve to explain why British and German researchers continued to study the phenomenon of induced resistance in microbes for decades -despite it being absent from clinical medicine. After all, there existed very few chemotherapies of infectious diseases prior to the arrival of the sulfa drugs. Moreover, resistance to such medicines was rarely observed. However, being part and parcel of Ehrlich's theories, his views on resistance were also criticised together with these. It was in particular Henry Dale who would challenge Ehrlich's views of resistance being an inheritable and stable trait of microbes. Instead he insisted that understanding this "wholly mysterious phenomenon" required taking into account some host interaction. Induced resistance, which had come into being as a chance discovery on the chemotherapy of sleeping sickness, thus became one of the more important laboratory models of twentieth-century immunological research. Its early history is largely discontinuous with later work, and antimicrobial resistance as it evolved from 1900 to 1940 followed other trajectories than those which became relevant after 1940.

Pinpointing Earthly Gamma Rays

Satellite measurements show that short flashes of gamma rays from thunderstorms mainly shoot straight up–essential information for theorists trying to unravel this mysterious phenomenon.

Hydrogen Effect against Hydrogen Embrittlement

The well-known term “hydrogen embrittlement” (HE) expresses undesirable effects due to hydrogen such as loss of ductility, decreased fracture toughness, and degradation of fatigue properties of metals. However, this article shows, surprisingly, that hydrogen can have an effect against HE. A dramatic phenomenon was found in which charging a supersaturated level of hydrogen into specimens of austenitic stainless steels of types 304 and 316L drastically improved the fatigue crack growth resistance, rather than accelerating fatigue crack growth rates. Although this mysterious phenomenon has not previously been observed in the history of HE research, its mechanism can be understood as an interaction between hydrogen and dislocations. Hydrogen can play two roles in terms of dislocation mobility: pinning (or dragging) and enhancement of mobility. Competition between these two roles determines whether the resulting phenomenon is damaging or, unexpectedly, desirable. This finding will, not only be the crucial key factor to elucidate the mechanism of HE, but also be a trigger to review all existing theories on HE in which hydrogen is regarded as a dangerous culprit.

Business miracles

Drawing on the concepts of the miraculous in theology and philosophy, this paper makes a distinction between transcendent miracles, human miracles, and immanent miracles. The first find their origin in a deity that resides above our world, the second arise from the interactions of people, and the third emerge from an earth that constantly reinvents itself against its own laws. The paper starts off by showing how these three concepts of the miraculous manifest themselves in business literature on creativity and innovation. Next, it discusses different possible reasons for the importance of the miraculous within business texts. The paper suggests that business authors often ‘miraculate’ their object of study, that is they attribute mysterious powers to much less mysterious phenomena. The paper concludes by suggesting that miraculation does not have to be negative: it might well be a necessary road to successful business knowledge. This would explain why so much of what counts as business science today is based on the mixed methods of objectification and miraculation.

Astro Dub Morphologies

ABSTRACTIn the text artists Anna Piva and Edward George discuss ideas, processes and practices that informed the making of Astro Black Morphologies/Astro Dub Morphologies, a multimedia installation and sound performance created using transformed X-ray data from the black hole Cygnus X-1. In 2002 in a talk titled ‘The Music of Black Holes’, astrophysicist Phil Uttley at Southampton University announced that Cygnus X-1's X-ray emissions were implicitly musical in structure. Piva and George, working with astronomer Tim O'Brien from Jodrell Bank Observatory and generative designer Adrian Ward, transformed the data from this mysterious deep space phenomenon into an immersive dub space experience.

Behavior of a viscoelastic valveless pump: a simple theory with experimental validation

BackgroundA valveless pump generates a unidirectional net flow of fluid around a closed loop of soft viscoelastic tubing that is rhythmically compressed at one point. The tubing must have at least two sections with two different stiffnesses. When a short segment of the tube is squeezed asymmetrically at certain frequencies, net flow of fluid around the loop can occur without valves.MethodsPartial differential equations for the pressures, volumes, and flows define a simple one-dimensional model of such a pump, based upon elementary physical principles. Numerical computations on a personal computer can predict measured net flows.ResultsNet flow varies with the frequency and waveform of compression used to excite the pump, as well as with the site of compression and the stiffness and viscosity of the tubing. Net flows on the order of 1 ml/sec are obtained in a water-filled loop including 46 cm of stiffer plastic (Tygon) laboratory tubing and 70 cm of softer latex rubber tubing.ConclusionsThe heretofore mysterious phenomenon of valveless pumping can be described in terms of classical Newtonian physics, in which viscous damping in the walls of the pump is included. Studying valveless pumps in the laboratory and modeling their behavior numerically provides a low-cost, engaging, and instructive exercise for research and teaching in biomedical engineering.

SPRITE-SAT: a Micro Satellite for Scientific Observation of Transient Luminous Events and Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes

SPRITE-SAT is a micro satellite in the size of 50 cm cube and weighing 45-kg, designed and developed by Tohoku University. Its mission objective is to conduct scientific observation of atmospheric luminous emissions called sprites and terrestrial Gamma-ray flushes. Both are recently discovered phenomena and their mechanisms are still under the veil. SPRITE-SAT was developed to achieve significant observations to determine clear models of these mysterious phenomena. On January 23rd, 2009, SPRITE-SAT was successfully launched by JAXA's H-IIA rocket as a piggyback payload of Greenhouse Gas Observation Satellite (GOSAT). The spacecraft is now in a sun-synchronous polar orbit with 670 km altitude from the Earth's surface. This paper describes a general overview of the spacecraft and its mission.

Investigating the superconductor-insulator transition in thin films using drag resistance: Theoretical analysis of a proposed experiment

The magnetically driven superconductor-insulator transition in amorphous thin films (e.g., InO and Ta) exhibits several mysterious phenomena, such as a putative metallic phase and a huge magnetoresistance peak. Unfortunately, several conflicting categories of theories, particularly quantum-vortex condensation, and normal region percolation, explain key observations equally well. We present a experimental setup, an amorphous thin-film bilayer, where a drag resistance measurement would clarify the role quantum vortices play in the transition, and hence decisively point to the correct picture. We provide a thorough analysis of the device, which shows that the vortex paradigm gives rise to a drag with an opposite sign and orders of magnitude larger than the drag measured if competing paradigms apply.

A Mathematical Exploration of the Mystery of Loudness Adaptation

Loudness adaptation, or the decrease in perceived loudness of a steady, prolonged tone is rather a mysterious phenomenon. When measured by one technique (utilizing both ears), loudness of an extended tone will decrease by as much as 35 decibels; when measured by another technique (using only a single ear), loudness does not adapt at all regardless of how long the tone persists. The mystery is even more intriguing. When loudness adaptation does occur, the fractional reduction in the loudness of a tone (adaptation dB/sound level of extended tone dB SL) provides a good measure of the Stevens exponent, n, for loudness, an exponent which depends on sound frequency. When we analyze mathematically the two methods for measuring loudness adaptation, the reason for the apparent difference in adaptation emerges. Moreover, we derive the approximate equation showing that n equals fractional adaptation, and a method for improving the derivation of n from adaptation data. These results, derived mathematically, compare well with measured data, both our own and those obtained from the literature.

Spectral evolution of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi during the 2006 outburst and some mysterious phenomena

Spectral evolution in the optical region of the recurrent nova RS Oph during the 2006 outburst was monitored at the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory. A short-lived flare-up of He I emission lines, which was clearly different from the helium flash of classical novae, was observed on March 7, that is 22 days after the outburst and 3.8 mag below maximum luminosity. The coronal emission line [Fe XIV] 5303 was first detected 35 days after the outburst. Its maximum intensity relative to Hβ was observed 80 days after the outburst, then the intensity declined rapidly. Another coronal line [Ar XI] 6919 showed a similar variation, while [Fe X] 6374 faded more slowly. When the former two coronal lines started to fade about 90 days after the outburst, the emission lines of [O I], [N II], [S II], and [O III] started to strengthen rapidly. Probably, the collisional shock front on the high velocity ejecta reached the outer boundary of the circumstellar envelope and a free expansion started at that time. The variations in intensity of the coronal lines [Fe XIV] and [Ar XI] coincided with that of the flux of super-soft X-rays, suggesting that also the latter originated in the collisional shock front. Many prominent emission lines were composed of a central narrow component, blue- and red-shifted wings, and a very broad component. Unidentified emission lines at 6105.5 and 6181.2 A are identified as O IV 4s2P 0 –4p2S, 6105.9 and 6183.4 A, respectively. On the other hand, new unidentified, probably coronal, emission lines are found at 7711 ± 2 A and 7774 ± 2 A. A weak trace of the Raman emission band at 6830 A was detected when the emission lines of [Fe VII] were not seen. It seems that the lines of O IV at about 1033 A contributed, in the place of O VI 1032 A, to the Raman scattering in a low ionization condition. Splittings in two parts of the narrow emission components of H I, He I, and the coronal lines were observed. The splittings were largest on April 8, when the separations between the two peaks were 48 km s −1 for [Fe XIV] 5303, 37 km s −1 for Hβ, and 33 km s −1 for He I 5876. On the other hand, the narrow emission components of Fe II, [N II], [O III], O IV, and [Fe VII] did not show any splitting.

The white dwarf in V842 Cen (Nova Cen 1986)

High speed photometric measurements made in February and March 2008 of the remnant of Nova Cen 1986 show that in the interval since 2000 a strong 56.83 s signal has appeared. We interpret this as the rotation period of the white dwarf (the third shortest known), now visible since the mass transfer rate has dropped, allowing the primary's magnetosphere to expand and produce an intermediate polar structure. Optical sidebands to the 56.83 s signal support the model and enable us to measure an orbital period of 3.94 h; there is also a strong negative superhump in the light curve, with a period of 3.78 h. An additional signal at 2.886 h is of unknown origin, but is probably an example of the mysterious GW Lib phenomenon.

Contralateral allodynia and central change in the chronic post-ischemic pain model rats

Mirror-image allodynia is a mysterious phenomenon that occurs in association with many clinical pain syndromes including complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS). Underlying mechanisms for the development of such pain are still a matter of investigation. Several studies suggest that activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is essential for central sensitization as a base for persistent pain. The aim is to assess whether alteration of NMDA receptor expression correlates with the contralateral allodynia in the chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) model rats representing CRPS-Type I. Application of a tight-fitting tourniquet for a period of 3 hours before reperfusion produced CPIP in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds to von Frey stimuli (using a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer) were measured as pain indicators in ipsilateral and contralateral hindpaws. Phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor 1 subunit (pNR1), assessed with Western blot, was measured in the contralateral L4-6 spinal cord. Ipsilateral and contralateral mechanical allodynia is present at 4 hours after reperfusion, peaked at 3 days, and continued for 7 days after reperfusion. The relative density of pNR1 of CPIP rats significantly decreased in the contralateral L4-6 spinal cord compared to baseline value (P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between paw withdrawal threshold and the relative density of pNR1 (ipsilateral; R2 = 0.75, P < 0.01, contralateral; R2 = 0.60, P < 0.01). These data suggest that pNR1 is correlated to the contralateral mechanical allodynia in CPIP rats.

Considerations on Consciousness-Science for Miscellaneous Mysterious Phenomena : Considerations on spiritual phenomena or the spirit from the viewpoint of information waves

Considerations on Consciousness-Science for Miscellaneous Mysterious Phenomena : Considerations on spiritual phenomena or the spirit from the viewpoint of information waves

From the Obscure and Mysterious Acute Phase Response to Toll-Like Receptors and the Cytokine Network

The discovery of C-reactive protein (CRP) almost 80 years ago in the blood of patients with various infectious and inflammatory diseases initiated studies on the mysterious biological phenomenon called “the acute phase response” (APR). The complex metabolic alterations accompanying APR include changes in the plasma concentration of the majority of liver-produced proteins – acute phase proteins (APPs). The search for mediators released from the site of injury and able to stimulate hepatocytes led to the discovery of “Leukocytic Endogenous Mediator” (or ”Endogenous Pyrogen”), initially identified with interleukin-1. Only in 1987 was the main factor able to induce the majority of symptoms of APR discovered and named interleukin-6 (IL-6). The current paradigm assumes that APR is elicited by numerous proinflammatory cytokines, the principal role being played by the IL-6-family. The last decade has brought about significant progress in understanding the initiation of the acute phase response (recognition of pathogens by Toll-like receptors), interaction of cytokines and their receptors (origin and importance of soluble cytokine receptors, construction of hypercytokines by protein fusion), the mechanism of multi-step signal transduction from the plasma membrane to nuclear transcription factors (including the role of MAP kinases), as well as elucidation of the role of receptor cross-talk in cytokine networks in health and disease. Genomic techniques indicate that hundreds of genes participate in the development of APR. The data presented here emphasize the growing importance of APR for clinical medicine and confirm the close relationship between acute phase response and innate immunity. Keywords: Acute phase proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cytokine pleiotropy and redundancy, soluble receptors and engineered hypercytokines, Toll-like receptors and pathogen recognition, cytokine networks and receptor cross-talk

Variability of GRB light curve: Shock wave model modification

The main topic of our investigation is a mysterious phenomenon of gamma ray bursts. If someone analyses the observation of this events, one can see that the most interesting data are among the gamma phase, during the first couple of seconds. In this stage central engine generate a high intensity and high energy radiation, observed in the form of pulses in the light curve. If we could understood the main physical processes in this phase, we could put some constraints for the model which try to explain the core of this phenomena, deeply hidden from observation by high optical thickness of surrounding material.Observation of the GRB light curve can be easily done with the help of modern satellites, so that the data of this kind are vastly dispersed. We try to analyse them and to explain in details physical process which create the light curve pulses. Our research is based on the broadly accepted scenario of gamma phase in GRBs, which predicts that GRB core generate highly relativistic mater in some amount of time. This mater form shock waves of different velocities, due to highly differential motions. The shock waves can interact with each others, and in that moment radiation significantly increases, creating the observed pulses in the GRB light curve. We develop a phenomenological model based on the model developed by Huang and coauthors, to explain evolution of a shock wave expanding from some distance. In it, we implemented the ability to simulate collision between incoming shock and density barrier. We also propose that the density barrier is created by the material ejected from the core and spread around by the shocks. As a result of simulation we can get synthesized pulses, and by comparing them with the observational data we can acquire values of basic parameters used in our model.

Coloring by two-way independent sets

The paper stems from an attempt to investigate a somewhat mysterious phenomenon: conditions which suffice for the existence of a “large” set satisfying certain conditions (e.g., a large independent set in a graph) often suffice (or at least are conjectured to suffice) for the existence of a covering of the ground set by few sets satisfying these conditions (in the example of independent sets in a graph this means that the graph has small chromatic number). We consider two conjectures of this type, on coloring by sets which are “two-way independent”, in the sense of belonging to a matroid and at the same time being independent in a graph sharing its ground set with the matroid. We prove these conjectures for matroids of rank 2. We also consider dual conjectures, on packing bases of a matroid, which are independent in a given graph.

A neutrino's wobble?

Periodic oscillations have been observed in what should be straightforward exponential decay curves of two radioactive isotopes. An entirely mysterious phenomenon, its proposed cause seems equally exotic.

The perceptual and cognitive nonlinearities underlying musical preference across multiple exposures

Repetition is a fundamental part of engagement with the auditory world. Repeated exposures influence what gets perceived as important and what features are singled out for attention. That repetition can also influence the mysterious phenomenon of aesthetic enjoyment is a longstanding observation to which much intellectual attention has been paid. A special case of repetition and perceptual learning is music, a domain in which people choose to be exposed to the identical stimulus again and again. This apparent preference for repeated exposures connects fundamentally to notions of human identity, affect, cognitive processing, and neural function. We report on a set of experiments that uses behavioral measures to assess perceptual changes across multiple exposures (five over one week) of a 20‐minute piece for orchestra. Across the five exposures, we found an inverted U‐shape preference response, which possibly is decomposable to the complex interaction of multiple nonlinear components, represented by performance on tasks relating to memory, attention, affect, syntax, and error detection We argue that musical preference has remained a puzzle because the behavior depends on an underlying complex system with numerous nonlinear cognitive components revealed by our results. [Work supported by NIH, NSF, and Northwestern University.]

Mysterious diel cycles of mercury emission from soils held in the dark at constant temperature

It is well known that mercury (Hg) emission from soils is largely controlled by solar radiation and soil temperature, exhibiting diel cycles that closely follow diel variations of solar radiation. To study soil Hg emission processes, we conducted experiments by measuring soil Hg emission fluxes under controlled conditions in the laboratory with a dynamic flux chamber using outside ambient air as flushing air. Unexpectedly, we observed consistent, recurring diel cycles of Hg emissions from dry soils held at constant temperature in the dark in our laboratory. The peaks of the emissions also seemed subject to some seasonal variation and to respond to local weather conditions with lower flux peaks in wintertime and on cloudy or rainy days. Finally, much lower soil Hg emission fluxes were observed in the presence of Hg-free zero air than in the presence of outside ambient air. It is hypothesized that some unidentified air-borne substance(s) in the ambient air might be responsible for the observed diel cycles of soil Hg emission. Further elaborate mechanistic investigations are clearly needed to test the initial working hypotheses and uncover the cause for this interesting, mysterious phenomenon. The present work and recent finding of enhancement of Hg emissions from soil and mineral particles by O 3 seem to point to a research need to probe the possible role of near-ground atmospheric chemistry in Hg air/soil exchange.

Considerations on Consciousness-Cosmology for Miscellaneous Mysterious Phenomena

Considerations on Consciousness-Cosmology for Miscellaneous Mysterious Phenomena