The infra-red background generated by pregalactic stars and their remnants

We examine whether the IR background reported by Matsumoto (1983) could have been generated by stars or black holes in the pregalactic era, z=10100.     

Ion composition behaviour in low and mid-latitudes during high solar activity

In the present analysis, the mass spectrometer data from the ISS-b satellite, available in the form of contour plots at an average height of 1100 km for every alternate hour, is used. This analysis showed some interesting results in terms of the diurnal variation of the transition heights; at times dominance of He⁺ over the other ions, and the seasonal variations of different constituents. In the development of ion composition models, it is suggested that this type of result should be taken into consideration.     

Simulation of launch and re-entry acceleration profiles for testing of shuttle and unmanned microgravity research payloads

Microgravity experiments designed for execution in Get-Away Special canisters, Hitchhiker modules, and Reusable Re-entry Satellites will be subjected to launch and re-entry accelerations. Crew-dependent provisions for preventing acceleration damage to equipment or products will not be available for these payloads during flight; therefore, the effects of launch and re-entry accelerations on all aspects of such payloads must be evaluated prior to flight. A procedure was developed for conveniently simulating the launch and re-entry acceleration profiles of the Space Shuttle (3.3 and 1.7 × g maximum, respectively) and of two versions of NASA's proposed materials research Re-usable Re-entry Satellite (8 × g maximum in one case and 4 × g in the other). By using the 7 m centrifuge of the Gravitational Plant Physiology Laboratory in Philadelphia it was found possible to simulate the time dependence of these 5 different acceleration episodes for payload masses up to 59 kg. A commercial low-cost payload device, the “Materials Dispersion Apparatus” of Instrumentation Technology Associates was tested for (1) integrity of mechanical function, (2) retention of fluid in its compartments, and (3) integrity of products under simulated re-entry g-loads. In particular, the sharp rise from 1 g to maximum g-loading that occurs during re-entry in various unmanned vehicles was successfully simulated, conditions were established for reliable functioning of the MDA, and crystals of 5 proteins suspended in compartments filled with mother liquor were subjected to this acceleration load.     

Accuracy of source localization using multipath delays

The depth and range of underwater source can be estimated from measurements of propagation delay differences along multiple propagation paths. The accuracy of depth and range estimation using the Cramer-Rao lower bound is studied. The formulas derived can be used in conjunction with a propagation medium (nonconstant velocity profile). Explicit formulas for the bounds are derived for the case of homogeneous medium (constant velocity profile). Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the behavior of these bounds     

Controlled-root formulation for digital phase-locked loops

In a new formulation for digital phase-locked loops, loop-filter constants are determined from loop roots that can each be selectively placed in the s-plane on the basis of a new set of parameters, each with single and direct physical meaning in terms of loop noise band, width root-specific decay rate, or root-specific damping. Loops of first to fourth order are treated in the continuous-update approximation (B_L T→0) and in a discrete-update formulation with arbitrary B _LT. Deficiencies of the continuous-update approximation in large-B_LT applications are avoided in the new discrete-update formulation. A new method for direct, transient-free acquisition with third- and fourth-order loops can improve the versatility and reliability of acquisition with such loops     

Space radiation quality factor investigations with “NAUSICAA”-device on board the “MIR” space station

The estimation of radiation quality factor in space flights is a serious problem of space dosimetry. The solution of this problem is based on LET-spectra measurements. The “NAUSICAA”-device installed on the “MIR” station has a detector with a large geometric factor, that gives the possibility of measuring LET-spectra with sufficient statistic in relatively short time interval and hence the corresponding Q. LET-spectra are accumulated through 24 hour periods and equivalent dose (H), absorbed dose (D), quality factor and flux (F) are measured every 10 minutes. The obtained data permit the estimate of the diurnal Q and Q in South Atlantic Anomaly. These values vary in the range of 1.4 – 2.2. The analysis of these values including their comparison with the calculated results is given in this paper.     

Implementation issues impacting system designer utilization ofwireless technologies

Wireless technologies provide the missing link for automating a wide spectrum of applications which previously were not computerized due to constraints of their environment. For example, remote flight line support, outdoor sporting events, and one-time events such as conferences, all could be well served through computer aided support and resources. However, the costs associated with, even solely, the physical labor required to lay conventional cabling for such an event is prohibitive. Weatherproofing and time constraints also come into play; but before wireless technologies can become ubiquitous, many implementation issues must be addressed. This paper provides an overview of these issues and the current trends     

Observations of ion cyclotron waves near synchronous orbit and on the ground

Ion cyclotron waves (hereafter ICW's) generated in the magnetosphere by the ion cyclotron instability of 10–100 keV protons are now known to be the origin of short-period (0.1–5 Hz) electromagnetic field oscillations observed by synchronous spacecraft and on the earth's surface. Observations of the various wave characteristics, including spectral and polarization properties that lead to the identification of generation and propagation mechanisms and regions in the magnetosphere are described with reference to ATS-6, GEOS and ground-based wave data and interpreted using cold plasma propagation theory. The presence of heavy ions (O⁺, He⁺) dramatically modifies ICW magnetospheric propagation characteristics giving rise to spectral slots and polarization reversals. These properties may be used in plasma diagnostics. Finally satellite-ground correlations and techniques for determining the magnetospheric source position of ICW's not seen at synchronous orbit but observed on the ground as structured Pc1 pulsations are considered.     

Results from the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Observatory

The Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory covers the high energy gamma ray energy range, approximately 30 MeV to 30 GeV, with a sensitivity considerably greater than earlier high energy gamma-ray satellites. Thus far, 4 pulsars have been detected and their properties measured, including in 3 cases the energy spectrum as a function of phase. The details of the galactic plane are being mapped and a spectra of the center region has been obtained in good agreement with that expected from cosmic ray interactions. The Magellanic clouds have been examined with the Large Magellanic Cloud having been detected at a level consistent with it having a cosmic ray density compatible with quasi-stable equilibrium. Sixteen Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN's) have been seen thus far with a high degree of certainty including 12 quasars and 4 BL Lac objects, but no Seyferts. Time variation has been detected in some of these AGN's.     

Radiation protection against early and late effects of ionizing irradiation by the prostaglandin inhibitor indomethacin.

Protective effects of indomethacin, a prototype prostaglandin-inhibiting agent, against early and late sequelae of radiation injury (after X-rays or gamma rays) in mice were investigated. The following tissues or organs were examined: hematopoietic tissue, esophagus, jejunum, colon, lung, hair follicles, and tissues involved in the development of radiation-induced leg contractures. In addition, the effect of indomethacin was tested against radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In all experiments, the radiation was delivered as a single dose. Indomethacin led to significant protection of hematopoietic tissue, by a factor of 1.3. There was also some protection against radiation-induced pneumonitis and against radiation-induced carcinogenesis (protection factor of 1.2). The other tissues tested showed no change in their radioresponse after being treated with indomethacin. Thus, indomethacin can act as a radioprotective agent against both early and late sequelae of radiation, but its effect is dependent on the tissue tested. This protection is smaller than that observed with WR-2721. However, indomethacin combined with WR-2721 produced a radioprotective effect greater than the radioprotection achieved by individual treatments.