中频雷达风场的双谱分析

对中纬度中频雷达１９９７年６月８２ｋｍ高度的小时平均风场数据进行了动态谱分析和双谱分析,得到了中层顶区域谱行为具有多样性和各向异性的特点,以及行星波,潮汐波和重力波之间相位相干的现象,讨论了中层顶行星波,潮汐波和重力波之间存在非线性相互作用的可能性。     

The origin and early evolution of membrane channels

The origin and early evolution of ion channels are considered from the point of view that the transmembrane segments of membrane proteins are structurally quite simple and do not require specific sequences to fold. We argue that the transport of solute species, especially ions, required an early evolution of efficient transport mechanisms, and that the emergence of simple ion channels was protobiologically plausible. We also argue that, despite their simple structure, such channels could possess properties that, at the first sight, appear to require markedly greater complexity. These properties can be subtly modulated by local modifications to the sequence rather than global changes in molecular architecture. In order to address the evolution and development of ion channels, we focus on identifying those protein domains that are commonly associated with ion channel proteins and are conserved throughout the three main domains of life (Eukarya, Bacteria, and Archaea). We discuss the potassium-sodium-calcium superfamily of voltage-gated ion channels, mechanosensitive channels, porins, and ABC-transporters and argue that these families of membrane channels have sufficiently universal architectures that they can readily adapt to the diverse functional demands arising during evolution.     

Did life begin on the beach?

Water is one of the prerequisites of life. Further requirements are the existence of a system of interacting organic molecules capable of capturing and converting the supply of external energy and elaborating the replicating function that is needed for propagation. None of this would be possible without the existence of some means of concentrating, selecting, and then containing these mutually interacting substances in proximity to one another, i.e., a primitive cell. Starting from this hypothesis we propose a model for the development of life on Earth. Our model embodies the following new features: (1) rapid cycles of catalysis and transport of material, (2) desegregation (separation by tidal action and degradation by catalysis) as well as segregation (by chromatography on tidal beaches), (3) cross-catalysis instead of auto-catalysis, as well as (4) compartmentalization, although the latter idea is of course not new. But our "lipid first" model, in contrast to earlier "peptide first" or "RNA first" models, provides for the compartments needed to act as a cradle for the subsequent development of information- rich molecules like peptides and RNA. If anything, the earliest information-rich molecules were probably membrane-spanning peptides/proteins.     

Effects of repeated long duration +2Gz load on man's cardiovascular function

Usefulness of a short-arm human centrifuge is expected when it is used in space as a countermeasure against cardiovascular deconditioning, problem of bone-calcium metabolism, etc. However, nothing is solidly established regarding the most desirable program for artificial G application. Accordingly, this study was designed to analytically evaluate the effects of repeated long duration +Gz load on human cardiovascular function. Recently heart rate spectral analysis has been recognized as a powerful tool for quantitatively evaluating parasympathetic and sympathetic activity separately in human. It is reported that power of the high frequency component (HF-p) is mediated selectively by parasympathetic activity and the power ratio of low to high frequency components(LF/HF) is indicative of cardiac sympathetic activity or cardiac sympathovagal balance. Sequence method is developed to examine spontaneous baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS). We studied cardiovascular control function by using these methods in 9 healthy men before and after 7 days of daily repeated 1hour +2Gz load. When compared with the data of pre-G load period, post-G load period, decrease of HR, increases of HF-p and BRS were statistically significant. SBP, DBP and LF/HF tended to decrease, however, these changes were not statistically significant. This results indicate that repeated +2Gz load increases parasympathetic activity and arterial baroreceptor-cardiac reflex sensitivity. In recent years, many investigators suggest that space flight and head-down bedrest leads to impaired baroreceptor-cardiac reflex responses and decrease of parasympathetic activity, which may contribute to orthostatic intolerance. So our results suggest that daily repeated 1hour +2Gz load would be useful in preventing post-flight orthostatic intolerance.     

Microbial diversity of Indian Ocean hydrothermal vent plumes: microbes tolerant of desiccation, peroxide exposure, and ultraviolet and gamma-irradiation

The microbial diversity of Kali chimney plumes, part of a hydrothermal vent field in the Rodriguez Triple Junction, Indian Ocean (depth approximately 2,240 m), was examined in an attempt to discover "extremotolerant" microorganisms that have evolved unique resistance capabilities to this harsh environment. Water and sediment samples were collected from the vent and from sediments located at various distances (2-20 m) away from and surrounding the chimney. Samples were screened for hypertolerant microbes that are able to withstand multiple stresses. A total of 46 isolates were selected for exposure to a number of perturbations, such as heat shock, desiccation, H(2)O(2), and ultraviolet (UV) and gamma-irradiation. The survival of Psychrobacter sp. L0S3S-03b following exposure to >1,000 J/m(2) UV(254) radiation was particularly intriguing amid a background of varying levels of resistance. Vegetative cells of this non-spore-forming microbe not only survived all of the treatments, but also exhibited a 90% lethal dose of 30 s when exposed to simulated martian UV radiation and a 100% lethal dose of 2 min when exposed to full spectrum UV, which is comparable to findings for bacterial endospores.     

小卫星的空间操作

CAT空间系统公司(原DSI)在80及90年代的“小卫星”计划中起了重要的作用。传统低轨卫星的设计、制造、发射及操作成本高,时间长。这些问题一直在激励人们去开发新的工艺、技术,以及低成本、毋需严格调整的卫星。这些卫星采用低功率“小卫星”通信设备(TDRSS用于NASA低轨星则要求大功率),通常搭载不需要大量冗余备价系统并且不需要大型地面设备和人员保障的有效载荷/实验设备。这种小型且适应性强的卫星还有研制周期非常短(通常1～2年)的特点。本文介绍了CTA空间系统(CTA/SS)在这些新计划中采用的几种方法和成功的有代表性的例子,并就如何减轻NASA越来越大的降低航天器及其操作成本方面的压力提出建议。重点是在任务操作的主控设施和各种用户终端(UT)中使用适应性强、功能足够、价格低廉的基于PC机的地面设备。这些系统以CTA/SS多种型号的用户终端成功地控制了20多颗USAF、USN、APPA卫星,从而使这些系统得到验证。这些用户终端经同步轨道卫星和低轨道卫星建立了链路,而且在边远地区自动担负起中继任务。由于用户可以很容易安装轻型天线(通常是用小功率马达、PC驱动的全向或螺旋型),低轨卫星的应用特别显示了这些方法的效能。几英尺长的同轴电缆与小型收发模块(小型PC机大小)相连,串行线与相应PC机相连,便     

Combustion modeling in a model combustor

The flow-field of a propane-air diffusion flame combustor with interior and exterior conjugate heat transfers was numerically studied.Results obtained from four combustion models,combined with the re-normalization group(RNG) k-ε turbulence model,discrete ordinates radiation model and enhanced wall treatment are presented and discussed.The results are compared with a comprehensive database obtained from a series of experimental measurements.The flow patterns and the recirculation zone length in the combustion chamber are accurately predicted,and the mean axial velocities are in fairly good agreement with the experimental data,particularly at downstream sections for all four combustion models.The mean temperature profiles are captured fairly well by the eddy dissipation(EDS),probability density function(PDF),and laminar flamelet combustion models.However,the EDS-finite-rate combustion model fails to provide an acceptable temperature field.In general,the flamelet model illustrates little superiority over the PDF model,and to some extent the PDF model shows better performance than the EDS model.      

X射线衍射技术的发展趋势

多年来,X射线粉末衍射的计算和自动化一直是这类会议的主要议题之一。事实上,第一次描述这种测试仪器可以追溯到1967年。现代的仪器要比早期的精巧和复杂得多,但是自动化的目标始终没有变化。这就是用比手动操作的仪器更小的代价、更快的速度,获得更好的数据。的确,“懒惰是发明之母”。