Problems in the analysis of gamma-ray burst spectra

Spectral measurements by the Solar Maximum Mission have been used to confirm the cyclotron lines in gamma-ray bursts reported from the Konus experiment. We present ISEE-3 data for the same burst (GB800419) during the same period of time which show no line. We discuss various problems in the analysis of scintillator spectra and point out that unfolded spectra are not necessarily unique and that the position of a data point in a deconvolved spectrum may vary depending on the assumed overall shape of the spectrum. As a result, if the analysis assumes a soft spectrum (such as optically thin thermal bremsstrahlung) an absorption feature might appear, whereas a harder spectrum (such as a Comptonized blackbody) would not require the feature. Since the continuum shape probably changes during the duration of a typical burst, the nonuniqueness of the spectral unfolding, combined with the assumption that the continuum is optically thin thermal bremsstrahlung, could give rise to spurious “absorption” features which vary on a time scale of seconds. Despite these problems, there is still some evidence for $\text{narrow}$ spectral lines in the range 45 to 65 keV but not for the broad lines reported from the Konus experiment. Unfortunately, the range 45 to 65 keV is the most difficult spectral region to unfold.     

Nonlinear analysis of hydrodynamic instability in laminar flames—II. Numerical experiments

We consider a nonstationary nonlinear integrodifferential equation describing the evolution of a disturbed plane flame front. The following two-dimensional problems are solved numerically: (i) The formation of a wrinkled noncellular laminar flame front under conditions of spontaneous hydrodynamic instability. (ii) The formation of a turbulent cellular flame front under conditions of spontaneous diffusional-thermal instability. (iii) The formation of a turbulent wrinkled-cellular flame front under conditions of spontaneous hydrodynamic and diffusional-thermal instability. We compute the flame front velocity in laminar and turbulent propagation.     

The sensitivity of the earth's radiation budget to changes in cloudiness

Cloudiness modulates the radiation budget at the top of the Earth-atmosphere system. For radiation balance studies, for climate diagnostic studies, and for climate modeling studies, it is important to know the sensitivity of both the outgoing longwave radiation and the net (absorbed solar minus outgoing longwave) radiation of the system to changes in cloudiness on a global basis. Based on a 45 month series of NOAA satellite scanning radiometer observations, estimates of the global distribution of these sensitivity parameters are obtained.     

Probability of Anomaly Expressions for Random Waveform Registration

Registration by integral-square error correlation of one-dimensional discrete-time waveforms which are treated as random processes with specified autocorrelation functions is considered. An important design parameter for this class of problems is the probability of anomaly (a false dip in the correlation function) because it gives an indication of system immunity to gross registration errors. Explicit expressions for this parameter are not possible, so bounds and appoximations must be derived. Two upper bounds and an approximation for the probability of anomaly are derived here. The use of these expressions is illustrated by an example. The relative utility of these performance indicators is shown for the example by comparison with actual values of the probability of anomaly obtained by computer simulation.     

Changes in the loco-regional Cerebral Blood Flow (r.C.B.F.) during a simulation of weightlessness.

Experiments of prolonged bedrest in antiorthostatic position are conducted in order to simulated cardio-circulatory modifications observed in weightlessness. Until now, no studies of r.C.B.F. have been effected in these conditions. Six young, healthy volunteers (average age 23.8) were placed in strict bedrest and in antiorthostatic position -4 degrees for 7 days. The r.C.B.F. measurements were studied by 133Xe inhalation method using a 32 detectors system. Studies were made first in basal conditions, then between the 6th and 12th hr, and finally between the 72nd and the 78th hr after the beginning of the experiment. Three of the subjects received 0.450 mg of Clonidine daily during the experiment. In the subjects having taken no Clonidine, we observed a constant increase in r.C.B.F. (12, 17 and 16% respectively) in the first 12 hr; at the 72nd hour, all values had returned to basal state. This findings agrees with the well known notion of a rapid correction of hemodynamic disturbances observed in the first days of weightlessness. In the subjects treated with Clonidine, the increase of r.C.B.F. did not occur. Several mechanisms of action are possible; the Clonidine affecting either the heart by inhibiting volemic atrial receptors or the brain by direct vasoconstriction.     

Enhanced resolution in simple radars

Many simple radars use fact-risetime pulses, but wide bandwidth does not translate into corresponding high resolution since the spectrum is far from flat. A scheme for enhancing down- and cross-range resolution of multiple targets through a two-step partial equalization of the spectrum is illustrated by detailed computer simulation, with emphasis on the tradeoffs between resolution and signal-to-noise ratios. Three examples are treated: two equal scattering centers, two unequal scattering centers, and compound target     

LIPS III-a solar cell test bed in space

The LIPS III satellite, which was launched into a 1100-km circular orbit of 60° inclination in the spring of 1987, is discussed. LIPS III is a member of the living-plume-shield class of spacecraft, all of which were built around a simple sheet metal plume deflector. The purpose of LIPS III was to provide a testbed for space power sources. An overview of the LIPS III system is given, and the experiments submitted for it, all but one of which were photovoltaic in nature, are described     

Incremental planning to control time-constrained blackboard-basedproblem solver [vehicle monitoring]

A planner that improves the control decisions made by a blackboard-based problem solver is described. This planner interleaves planning and execution. It sketches out major plan steps but incrementally details actions for only the next step since earlier actions influence how (and whether) to pursue a plan. The planner also reasons about time constraints, revising plans to meet problem-solving deadlines and deciding when it has done enough work on a problem. Implementation of these mechanisms is outlined, and experiments are discussed showing how they reduce overall computation and improve problem solving