The political economy of Russia’s economic transition problems since 1991 and their implications for Russia’s relations with the west

Copyright @ 2001, The Author

Obtaining Atomic Matrix Elements from Vector Tune-Out Wavelengths using Atom Interferometry

Accurate values for atomic dipole matrix elements are useful in many areas of physics, and in particular for interpreting experiments such as atomic parity violation. Obtaining accurate matrix element values is a challenge for both experiment and theory. A new technique that can be applied to this problem is tune-out spectroscopy, which is the measurement of light wavelengths where the electric polarizability of an atom has a zero. Using atom interferometry methods, tune-out wavelengths can be measured very accurately. Their values depend on the ratios of various dipole matrix elements and are thus useful for constraining theory and broadening the application of experimental values. Tune-out wavelength measurements to date have focused on zeros of the scalar polarizability, but in general the vector polarizability also contributes. We show here that combined measurements of the vector and scalar polarizabilities can provide more detailed information about the matrix element ratios, and in particular can distinguish small contributions from the atomic core and the valence tail states. These small contributions are the leading error sources in current parity violation calculations for cesium.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure

Adjustment and the labor market

How has the labor market responded to changes in macroeconomic conditions and related government policies? And to what extent has government intervention affected the microeconomic functioning of the labor market. Geographical immobility of workers does not seem to hinder adjustment. Labor is increasingly deployed in nontradables and import competing sectors, however, and problems of mobility between tradables and nontradables are reported. In addition, shortages of skilled manpower are reported. There is little evidence of wage resistence where wage indexation is not institutionalized. Traditional methods of wage support have become less important in the past two decades. Where effective minimum wage policies exist, they have the expected distortionary effects. Wage differences between the public and private sectors, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, have continued to widen, and the efficiency of the public sector has declined as a result. Job security regulations may be an obstacle to structural adjustment programs insofar as they hinder the release of labor from contracting sectors.Environmental Economics&Policies,Banks&Banking Reform,Economic Theory&Research,Health Economics&Finance,Poverty Assessment

Flutter: A finite element program for aerodynamic instability analysis of general shells of revolution with thermal prestress

Documentation for the computer program FLUTTER is presented. The theory of aerodynamic instability with thermal prestress is discussed. Theoretical aspects of the finite element matrices required in the aerodynamic instability analysis are also discussed. General organization of the computer program is explained, and instructions are then presented for the execution of the program

Properties of isocalar-pair condensates

It is pointed out that the ground state of n neutrons and n protons in a single-j shell, interacting through an isoscalar (T=0) pairing force, is not paired, J=0, but rather spin-aligned, J=n. This observation is explained in the context of a model of isoscalar P (J=1) pairs, which is mapped onto a system of p bosons, leading to an approximate analytic solution of the isoscalar-pairing limit in jj coupling.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

Roles of Religious Orientation and Health Locus of Control in an Aging Population

An intrinsic religious orientation has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Individuals may be protected by their beliefs against anger/hostility, which have been linked to increased cardiovascular reactivity and disease. Health locus of control differentiates between internals, who take responsibility for health, and externals, who attribute responsibility to chance or powerful others. Internal health locus of control has been linked to healthy behaviors, but its relationship to religious orientation is unclear. Intrinsically held religious beliefs and internally held expectancies for health may, through the mechanism of reactivity, reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. This study explored relationships among health locus of control, religious orientation, and cardiovascular reactivity to an interpersonal stressor in an older adult population. Intrinsic religiousness and internal health locus of control emerged as highly related potential buffers against anger/hostility and cardiovascular reactivity

Pentosidine as a biomarker for age in birds and museum-prepared study skins

The phenomenon of aging is progressive, irreversible and universal to all living things. One unavoidable outcome of aging is the modification of proteins by sugars, which, through a non-enzymatic process, can lead to the formation of crosslinked compounds termed advanced glycation endproducts. One such endproduct, pentosidine (Ps), is an indicator, or biomarker, of biological age. Because most birds have no reliable markers of age beyond adulthood, this investigation examines the accumulation of Ps as an estimator of chronological age in birds. The first study herein examines interspecies comparison of Ps accumulation in Ruffed grouse and Double-crested cormorants. The second investigates the stability of Ps in museum prepared study skins. Accurate age information can contribute to our understanding of population demographics, could aid species recovery programs, and provide insights into longevity now understood entirely from banding programs and captive birds