X-rays from the first massive black holes

X-ray studies of high-redshift (z > 4) active galaxies have advanced substantially over the past few years, largely due to results from the new generation of X-ray observatories. As of this writing X-ray emission has been detected from nearly 60 high-redshift active galaxies. This paper reviews the observational results and their implications for models of the first massive black holes, and it discusses future prospects for the field.     

Portable computer power sources

The designers of any portable computer face a dilemma when choosing the power source for their product. The product can be either smaller and lighter than the competition-and possibly suffer from shorter run-time-or it may have superior run-time at the expense of added weight and volume. The balance between these options is a delicate one that impacts product acceptance and ultimately the manufacturer's revenue stream. Of course a high energy density power source represents only half of the run-time equation. The use of lower power hardware to achieve a given level of functionality can have an equally differentiating effect; and much work is currently underway to improve hardware power efficiency (Fadel, 1993). As levels of circuit integration increase emphasis upon power reduction is critical to achieve reliable operation at a reasonable temperature without some form of active cooling. These diametrically opposed design requirements, small size and light weight versus longer run-time, are set against the backdrop of a quickly changing electronics industry and a battery industry that is inherently slower to develop new products     

Dosimetric investigations on Mars-96 mission.

The dosimetric experiments Dose-M and Liulin as part of the more complex French-German-Bulgarian-Russian experiments for the investigation of the radiation environment for Mars-96 mission are described. The experiments will be realized with dosemeter-radiometer instruments, measuring absorbed dose in semiconductor detectors and the particle flux. Two detectors will be mounted on board the Mars-96 orbiter. Another detector will be on the guiderope of the Mars-96 Aerostate station. The scientific aims of Dose-M and Liulin experiments are: Analysis of the absorbed dose and the flux on the path and around Mars behind different shielding. Study of the shielding characteristics of the Martian atmosphere from galactic and solar cosmic rays including solar proton events. Together with the French gamma-spectrometer and the German neutron detectors the investigation of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars and in the atmosphere up to 4000 m altitude will be conducted.     

Wheat production in controlled environments.

Our goal is to optimize conditions for maximum yield and quality of wheat to be used in a controlled-environment, life-support system (CELSS) in a Lunar or Martian base or perhaps in a space craft. With yields of 23 to 57 g m-2 d-1 of edible biomass, a minimum size for a CELSS would be between 12 and 30 m2 per person, utilizing about 600 W m-2 of electrical energy for artificial light. Temperature, irradiance, photoperiod, carbon-dioxide levels, humidity, and wind velocity are controlled in state-of-the-art growth chambers. Nutrient solutions (adjusted for wheat) are supplied to the roots via a recirculating system that controls pH by adding HNO3 and controlling the NO3/NH4 ratio in solution. A rock-wool plant support allows direct seeding and densities up to 10,000 plants per meter2. Densities up to 2000 plants m-2 appear to increase seed yield. Biomass production increases almost linearly with increasing irradiance from 400 to 1700 micromoles m-2 s-1 of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), but the efficiency of light utilization decreases over this range. Photoperiod and temperature both have a profound influence on floral initiation, spikelet formation, stem elongation, and fertilization. High temperatures (25 to 27 degrees C) and long days shorten the life cycle and promote rapid growth, but cooler temperatures (20 degrees C) and shorter days greatly increase seed number per head and thus yield (g m-2). The life cycle is lengthened in these conditions but yield per day (g m-2 d-1) is still increased. We have evaluated about 600 cultivars from around the world and have developed several breeding lines for our controlled conditions. Some of our ultra-dwarf lines (30 to 50 cm tall) look especially promising with high yields and high harvest indices (percent edible biomass).     

Relative biological effectiveness and microdosimetry of a mixed energy field of protons up to 200 MeV.

We have studied radiation effects utilizing the new 250 MeV Synchrotron at Loma Linda University Medical Center. In this paper we present the data collected for the survival of Chinese hamster lung (V79) cells, that were irradiated with a beam of mixed energy protons up to 200 MeV. The RBE for protons, when compared to 60Co gamma rays, ranged from a low of 1.2 at the high energy portion of the field to 1.3+ at the low energy portion of the field. These results are consistent with the measured lineal energy (microdosimetric) spectra.     

International comparison of satellite winds — An update

Winds obtained from geostationary satellites are compared with each other and with rawinsondes. These comparisons serve as a periodic quality check of satellite cloud motions (or winds) set up by the CGMS (Coordination for Geostationary Meteorological Satellites). Differences are taken between colocated cloud motions observed by adjacent satellites in areas of overlapping coverage (Type 1) and between colocated rawinsondes and cloud motions within the field of view of each individual satellite (Type 2).Among colocated satellite winds (Type 1) RMS vector difference of high clouds rarely exceed 10 mps and of low clouds, 6 mps. But, among colocated cloud and balloon vectors (Type 2), RMS vector differences are large. At high levels, differences range from 12 to 40 mps for GMS (Geostationary Meteorological Satellite) winds and from 10 to 18 mps for GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) winds. The greater disagreement of satellite winds with rawinsonde winds than with each other is attributed in large part to error in the assignment of cloud height especially in the presence of strong vertical shear and to a lesser extent on time differences between cloud and balloon measurements. Both Type 1 and 2 comparisons suffer from separations in distance (tolerated for purposes of establishing “colocation”) between cloud and balloon in the presence of strong horizontal shear. The discrepancy existing between GMS and GOES differences with rawinsondes is attributed primarily to differing techniques of height assignment.At low levels satellite winds departed from balloon winds by a RMS vector difference of about 6 to 9 mps which approached or exceeded the mean wind speed itself. This problem is attributed chiefly to the uncertainty of wind levels controlling the motion of the various low cloud types.     

Analysis of the nucleus and circumnuclear area of comet Halley with the “I.K.S.” infrared sounder from the “Vega” flyby probes

The “Vega” Soviet flyby probes to comet Halley will carry a French infrared sounder, called “I.K.S.”. In order to assess its observing capabilities, a theoretical model of the comet infrared emission was constructed. We show how the experiment results will be used to derive the nucleus size and radiative properties, and to study the distribution of gas and dust in the inner coma and circumnuclear area. A preliminary discussion is made of the relevance of the data in instances where the cometary phenomena would be more complex than assumed in the model.     

Assessment and improvement of the capabilities of a window correlator to model GPS multipath phase errors

The potential of output from a window correlator to mitigate GPS phase multipath is reviewed and assessed based on the analysis of data collected in controlled multipath environments under both static and kinematic conditions. Previous findings that the method is suboptimal for reflectors leading to additional path lengths of less than about 7m are confirmed, and methods for combining this output with two other multipath indicators: time series of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and estimates of code multipath from dual frequency code and phase combinations, are investigated. A new method to combine all three indicators has been found and its application is shown to improve the quality of GPS static phase data by between 10% and 20% depending on the length of the additional path travelled by the reflected signal. The method can be applied completely automatically as it uses just the three multipath indicators; no knowledge of the surrounding environment is required. The paper concludes with some suggested practical applications.