2000年的数据存储器——数据存储技术发展趋势

据预测,2000年个人计算机处理速度将达100MIPS,半导体RAM容量将达1Gbyte,系统对于数据存储装置容量的要求将超过10Gbyte,数据率为100Mbyte/s,本文研究了为满足上述要求,磁盘及磁光盘需取得的进展,提出了两种假想系统配置。一种可能配置是使用每轴8片3.5英寸盘的磁盘驱动器。另一途径是使用磁光盘驱动器,由于其面密度更高,仅需1片3.5英寸盘即可满足容量要求。但要达到数据率要求和可同磁盘系统相比拟的存取时间,尚需有某些技术突破。如果没有这些突破,并假定磁盘能取得预期的进展,则磁光盘估计会提供今天的软盘所具有的某些功能——在系统之间传送程序和数据库,以及经济的脱机存储。     

EDEN: a payload dedicated to neurovestibular research for Neurolab

The European Space Agency contributes to the Neurolab mission through the delivery of the ESA Developed Elements for Neurolab (EDEN). Those elements include one set supporting the Autonomic Nervous System experiment and one set supporting the Neurovestibular (so-called ATLAS) experiment. This second set is called the Visual and Vestibular Investigation System (VVIS). This paper describes the main characteristics of the VVIS and its various subsystems. The scientific objectives and operational constraints of the ATLAS experiment to be carried out with this equipment during Neurolab are presented to underline the correspondence between the VVIS design and the scientific requirements. Further scientific and technical perspectives for the VVIS, particularly within the scope of the International Space station, are also proposed.     

Electrophysiological, histochemical, and hormonal adaptation of rat muscle after prolonged hindlimb suspension

The perspective of long-duration flights for future exploration, imply more research in the field of human adaptation. Previous studies in rat muscles hindlimb suspension (HLS), indicated muscle atrophy and a change of fibre composition from slow-to-fast twitch types. However, the contractile responses to long-term unloading is still unclear. Fifteen adult Wistar rats were studied in 45 and 70 days of muscle unweighting and soleus (SOL) muscle as well as extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were prepared for electrophysiological recordings (single, twitch, tetanic contraction and fatigue) and histochemical stainings. The loss of muscle mass observed was greater in the soleus muscle. The analysis of electrophysiological properties of both EDL and SOL showed significant main effects of group, of number of unweighting days and fatigue properties. Single contraction for soleus muscle remained unchanged but there was statistically significant difference for tetanic contraction and fatigue. Fatigue index showed a decrease for the control rats, but increase for the HLS rats. According to the histochemical findings there was a shift from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism during HLS. The data suggested that muscles atrophied, but they presented an adaptation pattern, while their endurance in fatigue was decreased.     

Magnetism, iron minerals, and life on Mars

A short critical review is provided on two questions linking magnetism and possible early life on Mars: (1) Did Mars have an Earth-like internal magnetic field, and, if so, during which period and was it a requisite for life? (2) Is there a connection between iron minerals in the martian regolith and life? We also discuss the possible astrobiological implications of magnetic measurements at the surface of Mars using two proposed instruments. A magnetic remanence device based on magnetic field measurements can be used to identify Noachian age rocks and lightning impacts. A contact magnetic susceptibility probe can be used to investigate weathering rinds on martian rocks and identify meteorites among the small regolith rocks. Both materials are considered possible specific niches for microorganisms and, thus, potential astrobiological targets. Experimental results on analogues are presented to support the suitability of such in situ measurements.     

Role of nutrition during long-term spaceflight

The authors discuss changes in macro- and micro-nutrients which occur in weightlessness and consider factors which help maintain appropriate nutrition during extended space flight. Basic energy requirements and metabolism are reviewed. The discussion of handling of foodstuffs includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, folic acid, iron, and selenium. The discussion of fluids and minerals includes fluid intake, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Changes in gastrointestinal function are examined.     

计算机分析加快了波纹喇叭设计

当波纹喇叭天线的张角、轴长和直径给出后,利用写成BASIC语言的计算机程序可以很快地预知天线辐射方向图。     

利用区间广义卡尔曼滤波器跟踪来袭弹道式导弹

用雷达跟踪来袭弹道式导弹,由于其运动模型、测量噪声的不确定性,成为需要研究的重要问题。经典广义卡尔曼滤波器(EKF)不再适用于这种不确定的问题,因此,引入一种新的区间广义卡尔曼德波(EIKF)方法来跟踪导弹系统。计算机仿真结果表明本EIKF算法对于这种不确定的、非线性弹道式导弹的测量问题是有效的。