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An experiment was conducted to investigate the nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of Mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis) leaf meal (MLM) as protein source. MLM was included at graded levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% in the five respective diets. Two hundred and twenty five (225) day-old chicks were used for the study. They were brooded for two weeks and randomly allotted to five experimental diets in groups of forty-five (45). Each treatment contained three replicates of fifteen (15) birds each. The birds were fed starter (23.77 - 24% CP) and finisher diets (19.78 - 20.43% CP) at 3-4 weeks and 5 - 8 weeks, respectively. Standard management practices were followed while water and feed were supplied ad libitum. At the end of the eight weeks trial, feed and faecal samples were analyzed for proximate composition and nutrient digestibility. Blood samples were also collected and used for the determination of haemotological and serum biochemical indices. The proximate analysis results revealed decreased in metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) contents of the diets with increasing levels of the MLM as a result of lower energy and CP contents of the MLM. The CF contents (6.75-9.00%) of the starter and finisher diets (6.20-10.81%) increased as the level of MLM increased. The nutrient digestibility decreased as the level of MLM increased for dry matter (DM), CP, ether extract (EE) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The results for the haematology revealed non-significant (P>0.005) differences among the dietary treatment groups for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, and white blood (WBC) count. The parameters evaluated were all within the recommended haematological range of values for broiler chickens. The serum biochemical indices obtained in this study revealed that there was no significant (P>0.05) differences for most serum biochemical indices among the treatment groups except urea, potassium and ASAT which differed. The values, however, did not follow any definite trend. It is concluded that inclusion levels up to 20% MLM in the diets of broilers will support optimum performance without adverse effects on the nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new diamine monomer having ether and azomethine linkages in the long pendent group was synthesized. New polyimide was prepared by reacting the new diamine with BTDA and nanocomposites were prepared with silicon dioxide as nanofiller. SEM analysis shows a uniform distribution of the nanopowder in the polyimide matrix. TGA shows that the polyimide and nanocomposites have good thermal stability with the T10% values varying between 440 and 458°C. DSC analysis shows Tg values between 210 and 230°C. The neat polyimide shows high elongation at break and stretchability (260%) but low tensile strength. The nanocomposites of polyimide show lower elongation at break but have improved tensile strength. The chemically imidised polyimide shows good solubility in solvents like N, N‐dimethyl formamide, N, N‐dimethyl acetamide, and N‐methyl 2‐pyrrollidone. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:832–843, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very simple, fundamental physical explanation is presented of time dilation and length contraction. This explanation is obtained from a classical model of physics that is Galilean. It assumes the existence of a medium (ether) that acts as an absolute reference in accordance with Mach's principle. Time and space are conventional, i.e., a three-dimensional space independent of time. In addition, the explanation relies on the assumption that all physics, including matter such as clocks and measuring rods, has a scalar wave structure. Matter is assumed to consist of locally stable scalar wave structures, specifically scalar standing wave structures. The scalar waves are just variations in space and time of medium density. Also, an element of special relativity is used, namely, the one taking into account the finite velocity of light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the creation of the BBC in 1922, wireless sets ceased to be obscure devices for military and commercial communication, and became household goods to entertain the British middle classes. Wireless amateurs, electrical engineers, inventors, and specialized physicists engaged in a cultural exchange among themselves and with the general public to explain and understand the mechanisms and possibilities of the new technology. This created a new arena for discussions on the existence of the ether at a time when highly esoteric physics (mainly relativity, but also quantum physics) had triggered a debate about its very existence. In this paper I explore the ways in which the ether saw its popularity renewed by its link to the modern wireless technologies. I argue that far from being part of an old, outdated physics, radio broadcasting was instrumental for the ether to remain popular, and even an element of modernity, among many wireless amateurs, engineers, and the general public in the 1920s and early 1930s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared random copolymers from elemental sulfur (S) and bis(alkenyl) compound with crown ether (BUMB18C6). The resulted random copolymers, poly(S- r -BUMB18C6) were soluble in the organic solvents, tetrahydrofuran, N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and chloroform. The Ketjenblack (KB) and acetylene black (AB) particles were treated with the copolymer solution. TEM and EDS results of the treated carbon particles indicate that the incorporation of the copolymer into the KB cavities. The attachment of the copolymer to the AB particles was not observed, obviously. The copolymers in the KB particles showed the electrochemical responses based on the redox reaction of their polysulfide chains in organic electrolyte solution (1.0 mol dm −3 lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide in 1:1 (v/v) mixture of 1,3-dioxolane and 1,2-dimethoxy- ethane). The lithium coin cells having the copolymer electrode were constructed and their charge–discharge behaviors were also tested under constant current conditions. Coulombic efficiency the test cells with poly(S- r -BUMB18C6-0.5)/KB electrode was over 95% at 100th cycle and the average capacity through the 100 cycles was 286 Ah kg −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider one of the fundamental debates in performing the relativity theory, namely, the ether and the relativity points of view, in a way to aid the learning of the subjects. In addition, we present our views and prospects while describing the issues that being accessible to many physicists and allowing broader views. Also, we very briefly review the two almost recent observations of the Webb redshift and the ultra high energy cosmic rays, and the modified relativity models that have been presented to justify them, wherein we express that these justifications have not been performed via a single model with a single mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary is presented of the subquantum kinetics ether methodology, a type of unified field theory that successfully predicts a large number of physical phenomena. This utilizes a new approach to theory development that emphasizes the use of system theory and places theory development as primary and observation as secondary. The rationale is given for adopting an open system, process-based view of the physical universe and for choosing the Model G reaction system as a prospective “genetic code” for the physical universe. Model G is shown to provide a viable model for the creation of subatomic particles from zero-point energy fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The influence of ether groups in the side chain of spin coated regioregular polythiophene derivatives on the polymer layer formation and the hybrid solar cell properties was investigated using electrical, optical, and X-ray diffraction experiments. The polymer layers are of high crystallinity but the polymer with 3 ether groups in the side chain (P3TOT) did not show any vibrational fine structure in the UV-Vis spectrum. The presence of ether groups in the side chains leads to better adhesion resulting in thinner and more homogeneous polymer layers. This, in turn, enhances the electronic properties of the planar c-Si/poly-thiophene hybrid solar cell. We find that the power conversion efficiency increases with the number of ether groups in the side chains, and a maximum power conversion efficiency of n=9.6% is achieved even in simple planar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of motion of one element with respect to others in an interlocked architecture allows for different co-conformational states of a molecule. This can result in variations of physical or chemical properties. The increase of knowledge in the field of molecular interactions led to the design, the synthesis, and the study of various systems of molecular machinery in a wide range of interlocked architectures. In this field, the discovery of new molecular stations for macrocycles is an attractive way to conceive original molecular machines. In the very recent past, the triazolium moiety proved to interact with crown ethers in interlocked molecules, so that it could be used as an ideal molecular station. It also served as a molecular barrier in order to lock interlaced structures or to compartmentalize interlocked molecular machines. This review describes the recently reported examples of pH-sensitive triazolium-containing molecular machines and their peculiar features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1861-62, James Clerk Maxwell published "On Physical Lines of Force," in which he laid out a detailed mechanical model of the ether and argued that it could account not only for electromagnetic phenomena but for light as well. In 1864, he followed with "A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field," in which he derived the electromagnetic equations from general dynamical considerations without invoking any mechanical model of the ether. Why the shift? Did Maxwell regard his mechanical model as mere scaffolding, to be cast aside once it had led him to the proper field equations? Or did he remain committed to the goal of a purely mechanical explanation, but find it useful to free his main results, particularly his electromagnetic theory of light, from dependence on the specifics of an admittedly speculative model? To understand the apparent shift Maxwell's thinking underwent between 1862 and 1864, I propose that we look closely at what he was doing in 1863. He spent that year working hard for the British Association Committee on Electrical Standards, collaborating with telegraph engineers to establish the value of the ohm and laying the groundwork for measuring the ratio of electrostatic to electromagnetic units, a key quantity in his electromagnetic theory of light. This experience led Maxwell to adopt for a time an engineering approach that focused on establishing relationships between measureable quantities rather than devising hypothetical mechanisms. Maxwell's electromagnetic work thus had closer ties to the technological context of the day than has generally been recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 19th century, James Clerk Maxwell developed a theory of aether to explain electromagnetic phenomena. In that era, the existence of aether was generally accepted. In the 20th and 21st centuries, science has moved away from the notion of the existence of aether and into the age of photons and quanta. This article suggests that the scientific community revisit the concept of Maxwell's aether as the fundamental substance that might underlie electromagnetic phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, the outcome of Michelson's interference experiment has been interpreted as evidence against, the existence of a luminiferous medium called "ether." Einstein, however, emphasized in 1920 that an ether must exist in spite of Michelson's null result. In this paper, it is shown that a medium theory--be it for light or for sound--actually predicts the observed null result. Michelson expected a gradual fringe shift when his apparatus was turned in the "ether wind." Such a phase change would, however, require a temporary frequency change in one of the interferometer arms. Since wind does not alter the frequency in the interferometer, a phase shift cannot, occur either. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show first that the Newton approximation (NA) of the Lagrange-Einstein function of a massive particle m submitted to a Schwarzschild field created by the massive particle m0 is of the same form as the Lagrange-Einstein function of an electric charged particle q submitted to an electrostatic field due to the imm0bile electric charged particle q0- That is to say that the electrostatic field A4,S (S for static) is of similar form to a particular gravitational field G4,S- It appears that the Lienard-Wiechert potential tensor Aμ, due to the motion of q0, that reaches an imm0bile observation point rob, is of the same form as the NA of the gravitational field due to the motion of m0 that reaches rob, this is shown as follows. In a precedent paper, we have shown that to the moving m0 of velocity Vmo is associated a globule of limited volume vibrating in the ether and moving there with this velocity. The perturbation caused by this motion is propagated in the free ether with the velocity c, and is a propagating gravitational field. As we show the NA of this field is a tensor Gμ obtained by applying the Lorenz transformation on Gμ,s for Vm,o constant. It appears that: Gμ is, like Aμ, a Lienard-Wiechert potential tensor. Furtherm0re, we show that the ether deformation caused by q0 is of the same form as that caused by m0, and that their interactions are interaction forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Aryl-6-methyl-pyrimidine-2(1 H )-one scaffolds of Biginelli type were subjected to C–O cross-coupling reactions using symmetrical diaryliodonium salts under transition metal-free conditions to afford 2-aryloxy pyrimidine derivatives in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of harmoniums populate Honoré de Balzac's novels, including the physharmonica, the orgue expressif, the panharmonicon, and the accordion. The sounds of these instruments typically illustrate unusual mental states. Balzac's musical fantasies drew on contemporaneous medical practice, which between 1820 and 1850 used the harmonium regularly to help treat nervous disorders. The linking of the harmonium with nervous effects resembles earlier associations of the glass harmonica with pathology. However, the medical implementation of the harmonium differs from this tradition both in the instrument's generally positive connotations and in the later trajectory of its use. Studying the discourse of ethereal mediums helps explain why certain types of sounds were thought to have privileged access to the nerves. The unusual timbres and swelling dynamics of newly popular musical instruments, including the glass harmonica, the Aeolian harp, and the Jew's harp, were conflated with ideas about a vibratory nervous system and an ethereal world spirit. Both ideas were essential to the formation of the culturally determined ideal of ethereality in the eighteenth century. Closely linked to contemporaneous ideas about physiology and nervous transmission, the sounds and their presumed access to the nervous system continued to influence the design and reception of instruments, most notably the harmonium, during much of the nineteenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently-discovered manuscripts throw new light on Poincare's discovery of the Lorentz group, and his ether-based interpretation of the Lorentz transformation. At first, Poincare postulated longitudinal contraction of bodies in motion with respect to the ether, and ignored time deformation. In April, 1909, he acknowledged time deformation due to translation, obtaining thereby a theory of relativity more compatible with those of Einstein and Minkowski. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a long time, Newton's ideas about gravity were widely accepted, although not all problems were solved. The main problem was that a body acts immediately on any other body. Immediately in two senses: without a (perceptible) medium and without time-delay. Before the relativity theory, ether was regarded as the medium, but this medium had no physical properties: it acted like a preferred coordinate system. The force acted without time-delay; a time-delay would give rise to an increase in energy. In the theory of relativity (GRT), the situation is even worse. Space-time can be seen as a medium, but there is still no time-delay in gravitation. Perturbations in space-time travel with infinite speed, much faster than the maximal speed that is allowed in GRT. The main problem is probably insufficient difference between nature--God's Creation--and human abstractions. Space and time are not physical quantities, they can be chosen like coordinate systems. But the ether must be physical; the choice is a modification of Lorentz's ether, with properties that have a resemblance with an elastic medium (ELET). Just like an elastic medium, the ether has two speeds for the travel of disturbances, one for transversal disturbances and one for longitudinal ones. Transversal disturbances travel with the speed of light, longitudinal disturbances travel much faster. Using Lorentz's formulae for movements with respect to the ether, the movements of a body in a central gravitational field are calculated. For the bending of light and the perihelion advance the results are the same as for GRT. A main difference is that ELET gives no "black holes." For a very concentrated energy the speed of light goes only asymptotically to zero, as the radius decreases. To get some insight in the distribution of the ether within the cosmos, the stresses in the ether are considered. The result is that the expansion rate of the ether is the same as that of the material cosmos. Therefore, there is no force between the galaxies, and the expansion rate of the cosmos is constant. For spiral galaxies, it is concluded that the rotation curves can be explained by rotation of the ether in the same direction as the stars. No dark matter is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article attempts to provide scientific context for the blending of the post-Enlightenment esoteric discourses and contemporaneous scientific cultures. It provides a background of atomic metaphysics which tries to offer esoteric speculations on the ultimate nature of matter. A description of the birth and development of Victorian ether physics is presented. It explains the use of scientific discourses on matter, ether and electromagnetism in the concept of the etheric body.

mors create a heterogeneous acidic microenvironment which assists their growth and which must be taken into account in the design of drugs and their delivery. In addition the acidic extracellular pH (pHe) is itself exploited in several experimental techniques for drug delivery. The way the acidity is created is not clear. We report here the spatial organization of key proton-handling proteins in C6 gliomas in rat brain. The mean profiles across the tumor rim of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 and the lactate-H+ cotransporter MCT1 both showed peaks. NHE1 which is important for extension and migration of cells in vitro showed a peak 1.55 times higher than in extratumoural tissue at 0.33 mm from the edge. MCT1 had a broader peak further into the tumor (maximum 1.76 fold at 1.0 mm from the edge). In contrast MCT4 and the carbonic anhydrase CAIX which are associated with hypoxia were not significantly upregulated in the rim. The spatial distribution of MCT4 was highly correlated with that of CAIX suggesting that their expression is regulated by the same factors. Since protons extruded by NHE1 diffuse away through extracellular clefts NHE1 requires a continuous source of intracellular protons. From the stoichiometries of metabolic pathways that produce or consume H+ and the greater availability of glucose compared to oxygen in most parts of a tumor we support the classic view that most of the net proton efflux from C6 gliomas originates in glycolytic formation of lactate and H+ inside the tumor but add that some lactate is taken up into cells in the rim on MCT1 and some lactate diffuses away leaving its associated protons available to re-enter cells for extrusion on NHE1. Therapeutic inhibition of NHE1 MCT1 or CAIX is predicted to affect different parts of a tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper poses a dilemma for applying the category of substance given Kant's different conceptions of substance in the Critique of Pure Reason. Briefly stated, if the category of substance applies to an omnipresent and sempiternal substance, then although this would ensure that all experiences of empirical objects take place in a common spatiotemporal framework, one could not individuate these empirical objects and experience their alterations. If the category of substance applies to ordinary empirical objects, however, then although one could individuate these substances and experience their alterations, the category would not pick out a common spatiotemporal framework for these experiences. I will argue that this dilemma can be overcome by examining the development of Kant's conception of substance in his final work, the Opus postumum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is to explore the epitaph commemorating the warriors that fell at Poteidaia in 432 bce. After looking briefly at the importance of the concept of aither in the history of ideas, I will then analyze the epitaph and its message. Moreover, some ideas of the early Greek philosophers and the tragedians upon the subject will be given. I will conclude that during the sixth and the fifth centuries bce it was a common opinion to assert that the aither, the upper divine region of the atmosphere, was the dwelling place of the soul after the death of the body. Thus, the Archaic and Classical Greeks did not distinguish sharply between the realms of gods and men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a June 2010 conference in Trier, Germany, on the theme "Transfer Spaces - Archaeological Media Perspectives in the Spatial Perceptions of the Modern." Topics discussed included a system theory of media, varieties of concepts of the ether, the work of scientist Nicola Tesla, and the role of telegraphy in conceptions of space.

Assuming that the Universe consists of absolute space, or more properly aether-space as evidenced by several well-documented experiments and supported by the dynamic steady state universe (DSSU) theory, the transformation of the coordinates from one moving inertial frame to another frame while retaining the information of their absolute motion (with respect to aether-space) requires the application of the Lorentz transformation, not once but twice. The combined transformations are detailed. The resulting expressions for space-and-time coordinates are then used to redefine: absolute velocity, apparent velocity, length contraction, momentum, mass, and kinetic energy-all redefined in terms of absolute inertial motion. Each of the resulting expressions are validated by showing that each reduces, under the specified condition, to the Einstein special relativity form (as each must) and also reduces, under specified speed restrictions, to the familiar Newtonian-Galilean form (again, as each must). In effect, DSSU relativity (the relativity of absolute motion) encompasses both special relativity and classical relativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though many experiments appear to have confirmed the light speed invariance postulate of special relativity theory, this postulate is actually unverified. This paper resolves this issue by first showing the manner in which an illusion of light speed invariance occurs in a two-way light speed measurement in the framework of a semiclassical absolute space theory. It then demonstrates a measurable variation of the one-way speed of light, which directly invalidates the light speed invariance postulate and hence falsifies special relativity theory. This light speed variation also confirms the existence of the preferred reference frame of the absolute space theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In global positioning system (GPS) satellites, the earth-centered locally inertial (ECI) coordinate system is used for calculations. We cannot use other reference frames, for example, one based on the solar system, in the calculation of GPS satellites because if the relative velocities in the solar system are used, large periodic orbital deviations of reference time are calculated. Therefore, the ECI coordinate system is a stationary gravitational frame. This fact provides experimental evidence for the ether-dragging hypothesis in which the ether is assumed to be the permittivity of free space [variant_greek_epsilon]0 and the permeability of free space μ0. This is interpreted using the analogy of an acoustic wave that is traveling in the atmosphere, which is dragged by the gravity of the earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Einstein's initial attitude towards electromagnetic ether in special relativity was deeply disrupted by general relativity. In this paper we analyze Einstein's different arguments against electromagnetic ether in the frame of special relativity. We then study his reasons for postulating a gravitatory ether in general relativity. After comparing the properties and functions of the traditional electromagnetic ether with those of the new relativistic ether, we conclude that a conceptual change has occurred, because the term "ether" has undergone a change of meaning. However, we also show that the new ether still retains many properties and functions characteristic of the old electromagnetic ether [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huygens principle is applied to the propagation of plane waves from a uniformly moving source in an ideal, inviscid fluid. This simple dynamical model is shown to be consistent with the special relativistic phenomena of stellar aberration and time dilation, and can account for the null result in the Michelson-Morley experiment. These findings are consistent with the four-vector properties of linear acoustic fields, and suggest a reconsideration of ether models for electromagnetic wave propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the theory of a primordial substance called "ether," articulated by 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant in his final work, "Opus Postumum," and the significance of his frequent references in the text to the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza. The author argues that these are actually references to the "Spinozism" of another German philosopher, Johann Gottfried Herder, whom Kant is taken to be criticizing.

Abstract  The Cysteamine/DNA/SWNTs-film-modified Au electrode was successfully prepared, and its electrochemical behavior is investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The modified electrode exhibited a pair of stable and well-defined redox peaks, with the formal potentials (E 0′ at about −0.032 V (vs. SCE) in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The dependence of E 0′ on solution pH indicated that the direct electron transfer reaction of the Cysteamine/DNA/SWNTs film is the same electron transfer coupled with the proton participating in the reaction process. Taxol is an anticancer drug; it interacts with microtubule proteins in a manner that catalyzes the formation of microtubules from tubulin and stabilizes the resulting structures. Using the Cysteamine/DNA/SWNTs-film-modified Au electrode, we study the interaction between DNA and Taxol studied. A UV-Vis experiment is performed to confirm this interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In four previous articles [Thierry Delort, Phys. Essays 13, 573 (2000); 17, 259 (2004); 18, 9 (2005); 18, 207 (2005)] we have exposed theoretical elements of a complete theory of ether. In this article we include new elements concerning this theory in the presence of gravitation. So it is very suitable to have read the first and third of these articles before reading this one. However, it is not necessary to have read the other two. Here we will present an analysis of the Lagrangian in the theory of ether with gravitation (TEG), the study of Galilean referentials in TEG, the study of quantum systems in gravitational potentials according to TEG, and the study of fundamental electromagnetic variables in a Galilean referential and in the presence of gravitation according to TEG. We will also complete the study of black holes according to TEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/4,4′-diglycidyl(3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbiphenyl) epoxy resin (TMBP) composite membranes in situ polymerization were prepared for the purpose of improving the methanol resistance and mechanical properties of SPEEK membranes with high ion-exchange capacities (IEC) for the usage in the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The effects of introduction of TMBP content on the properties of the composite membranes were investigated in detail. The composite membranes have good mechanical, thermal properties, lower swelling ratio, lower water diffusion coefficient (0.87×10−5 cm2 s−1 at 80°C) and better methanol resistance (5.26×10−7 cm2 s−1 at 25°C) than SPEEK membranes. The methanol diffusion coefficients of the composite membranes are much lower than that of SPEEK membrane (17.5×10−7 cm2 s−1 at 25°C). Higher selectivity was been found for the composite membranes in comparison with SPEEK. Therefore, the SPEEK/TMBP composite membranes show a good potential in DMFCs usages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The idea that the wave function represents information, or knowledge, rather than the state of a microscopic object has been held to solve foundational problems of quantum mechanics. Realist interpretation schemes, like Bohmian trajectories, have been compared to the ether in prerelativistic theories. I argue that the comparison is inadequate, and that the epistemic view of quantum states begs the question of interpretation.PACS Nos.: 03.65.Ta, 03.50.De, 03.30.+p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on conceptions of the ether developed by leading late- Victorian physicists and their complex relationships with the broader religious and political contexts they were part of. It assesses Brian Wynne's thesis focusing on the physicists' tacit involvement with ethers. It argues that ether was actively, not just tacitly, used by physicists to articulate different religious and political views. Characterized by universality, continuity and unity, ethers served to comprehend Divine intelligence and providence, to mediate between the terrestrial and spiritual existences, to prove that mechanical science was not fighting the possibility of immaterial agency in nature.

The article discusses the development of the teaching on the spiritual body by Johannes Scottus Eriugena. In Eriugena's early works, he understands the spiritual body as ethereal or aerial. He proposed a notion which states that men and angels are connatural. Furthermore, Eriugena's angelology and demonology compel him to localize Hades in the air, a teaching which follows a well-established ancient and Christian tradition.

Responds to the comments of Michael Friedman and Paul Guyer on Eckart Forster's analysis of Immanuel Kant's 'Opus postumum.' Kant's proof of the existence of the space-filling ether; Connection between beauty and systematicity; Kant's discovery of a new a priori principle; Judgment of beauty; Postulate of God's existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the relationship between Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity and the ether theory by Hendrik A. Lorentz in terms of competing interpretations of Lorentz invariance. Comparison on the case of Copernicus versus Cladius Ptolemy; Information on Maxwell's equation by James Clerk Maxwell used in the ether theory; Introduction of the notion of space-time by German mathematician Hermann Minkowski, who developed the geometry of the space-time implicit in Einstein's theory; Examination on the attempts of various philosophers of science on the case of Einstein versus Lorentz.

The motivations for investigating a theory of gravitation based on a concept of "ether" are discussed -- a crucial point is the existence of an alternative interpretation of special relativity, named the Lorentz-Poincaré ether theory. The basic equations of one such theory of gravity, based on just one scalar field, are presented. To check this theory in celestial mechanics, an "asymptotic" scheme of post-Newtonian (PN) approximation is summarized and its difference with the standard PN scheme is emphasized. The derivation of PN equations of motion for the mass centers, based on the asymptotic scheme, is outlined. They are implemented for the major bodies of the solar system and the prediction for Mercury is compared with an ephemeris based on general relativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclopolymerization of dipropargyl ether was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere with different initiators (KSCN/KCl/KBr/KI) in dimethyl formamide. The rate of polymerization was determined for different conditions and used for comparing the efficiency of the initiators. KSCN and KI were found to be effective initiators for cyclopolymerization. The resulting polymer exhibits good solubility in common organic solvents and exhibited solvatochromic behaviour. The results from 1H NMR, FT-IR and UV-Visible spectra of poly(dipropargyl ether), PDPE supported the idea that the resulting polymer possesses polyene structure having cyclic recurring units in the polymer backbone. Conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis and electroactivity of the polymer were also studied. The results from UV-Visible, FTIR spectroscopy and conductivity measurements clearly revealed the doped nature of PDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]