Constraints on injection parameters of cosmic rays in the Galactic center from resolved HESS observations

In this study, we investigate how restrictive the γ-ray emission from the Galactic center region, as seen by HESS and other Cherenkov air shower arrays, is against various models for cosmic ray injection. We derive diffusion coefficients which fit the observed spatial scales of diffuse γ-ray emission from the extended emission associated with the molecular clouds SgrA, B and C. Using these diffusion coefficients, we then obtain a limit for time scale of assumed recent proton acceleration near the SMBH, as the spatial size of SgrA^∗ in VHE γ-rays has to be consistent with the observed unresolved HESS point source size at this position. The signal from this hadronic component may be mixed with the expected VHE inverse Compton emission from the nearby unresolved pulsar wind nebula.     

Attempt to identify a source mechanism of Mercury’s sodium exosphere by a spectrometer using Fabry–Perot etalon

The Mercury’s Sodium Atmosphere Spectral Imager (MSASI) on BepiColombo (BC) will address a range of fundamental scientific questions pertaining to Mercury’s exosphere. The measurements will provide new information on regolith–exosphere–magnetosphere coupling as well as new understanding of the dynamics governing the exosphere bounded by the planetary surface, the solar wind and interplanetary space. MSASI is a high-dispersion visible spectrometer working in the spectral range around sodium D2 emission (589 nm). A tandem Fabry–Perot etalon is used to achieve a compact design. We presents a design of the spectral analyzer using Fabry–Perot interferometer. We conclude that: (1) The MSASI optical design is practical and can be implemented without new or critical technology developments; (2) The thermally-tuned etalon design is based on concepts, designs and materials that have good space heritage.     

Structure of technological-purpose automation models by the example of a computer-aided design system of labor standards

Structures of models for computer-aided calculation of cutting conditions and time standards for the NORMA computer-aided design system of labor standards (CADS LS) are described.     

Intermittency of solar wind density fluctuations and its relation to sharp density changes

The paper presents the study of turbulent properties of the solar wind plasma, namely, the intermittency of fluctuations of the solar wind ion flux in the earlier unexplored region of comparatively high frequencies (0.01–1 Hz). Special attention is given to a comparison of intermittency for solar wind observation intervals containing sharp (shorter than 10 min) and high-amplitude (greater than 20%) changes of the ion flux to intervals without such changes. The solar wind observation intervals containing sharp changes of the flux are found to be essentially more intermittent than the intervals of quiet solar wind. Such a comparison allows one to reveal the fundamental difference in turbulent properties of the solar wind depending on the presence or absence of sharp boundaries in plasma structures.     

Influence of ultrasonic machining on physico-mechanical properties of adhesive joints and epoxide compounds

The results of experimental studies concerning the physico-mechanical properties of adhesive joints and epoxide compound-based coatings after ultrasonic machining are presented. Also considered is a change of adhesive strength and residual stresses in different “metal — polymer” systems.     

A concept of a spacecraft with small initial mass placed in the near-earth orbit by a laser rocket engine

A method and results of calculating the laser radiation power values necessary to place an artificial earth satellite in orbit are presented; the values depend on the initial vehicle mass, velocity of the working fluid efflux from the laser rocket engine nozzle, velocity of vehicle motion, optimal values of thrust-to-weight ratio taking into account irreversible energy losses in the rocket engine jet. The possibility of creating a spacecraft with small initial mass is substantiated. A layout scheme of the propulsive system is proposed that makes it possible to divide total laser radiation power and to use atmospheric air as a working fluid.     

Fluxes of low-energy particles in quiet periods of solar activity and the <Emphasis Type="Italic">MgII</Emphasis> index

Low fluxes of protons with energies 0.3–10 MeV were studied during 21–23 solar cycles as a function of the MgII index using the data of the instruments CPME, EIS (IMP8), and EPHIN (SOHO). It has been shown that a) during quiet time of solar activity the fluxes of protons (background protons) have a positive correlation with the MgII index value throughout the solar cycle, b) specific features of variations of the MgII index during the solar minima of 1986–1987 and 1996–1997 can be considered, as well as variations of background fluxes of low energy charged particles, to be manifestations of the 22-year magnetic cycle of the Sun, and c) periods of the lowest value of the MgII index are also characterized by the smaller values of the ratio of intensities of protons and helium nuclei than in other quiet periods. A hypothesis is put forward that acceleration in a multitude of weak solar flares is one of the sources of background fluxes of low energy particles in the interplanetary space.     

Life support systems and optimal isotope composition in cosmonaut habitats for long-term missions.

Differences in the isotope content of the biogenous chemicals of cosmonaut habitats are given a theoretical consideration. Rationale is given to the hypothesis according to which the biochemical and biophysical processes in plants. animals, and humans must be impacted by the isotopes of all the biogenous chemicals in cosmonaut habitats. Organisms were found to persistently make preference of lighter fractions of stable isotopes from the biogenous chemicals. In most of the compounds the light fraction of stable isotopes constitutes the greater portion by mass. However, the optimal isotope composition of biogenous chemicals is still unknown and necessitates biochemical, toxicological, biological and other kinds of research. The functions of a life support system should also include production and maintenance of an optimal isotope composition for habitats, i.e. water, oxygen, food stuffs in order to improve metabolism in and performance of cosmonauts.     

Plant cell plasma membrane structure and properties under clinostatting.

Structural-functional organization of plasma membrane of pea roots seedling was investigated by methods of chemiluminescence, fluorescence probes, chromatography and freeze-fracture studies under normal conditions and clinostatting. Phase character of lipid peroxidation intensity was fixed. The initial phase of this process is characterized by lipid peroxidation decreasing with its next induction. The primary changes depending on free-radical mechanisms of lipid peroxidation were excellently revealed by chemiluminescence. Plasmalemma microviscosity increased on the average of 15-20% under microgravity at the initial stages of its phenomenon. There were major changes of phosphatidilcholine and phosphatidilethanolamine contents. The total quantity of phospholipids remained rather stable. Changes of phosphatide acid concentration point to degradation and phospholipids biosynthesis. There were increases of unsaturated fatty acids mainly at the expense of linoleic and linolenic acids and also a decrease of saturated fatty acid content at the expense of palmitic and stearic acids. Unsaturation index of fatty acids increased as well. On the whole fatty acid composition was variable in comparison with phospholipids. Probably it is one of mechanisms of maintaining of microviscosity within definite limits. Considerable structural changes in organization of plasmalemma protein-lipid complex were not revealed by the freeze-fracture studies.