Modified Empirical Parametrization of Fragmentation Cross Sections

New experimental data obtained mainly at the GSI/FRS facility allow to modify the empirical parametrization of fragmentation cross sections, EPAX. It will be shown that minor modifications of the parameters lead to a much better reproduction of measured cross sections. The most significant changes refer to the description of fragmentation yields close to the projectile and of the memory effect of neutron-deficient projectiles.Comment: 10 pages, latex file, 11 postscript figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Properties of lift-off structured high Tc microbridges

Microbridges and DC SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices) were fabricated, using a lift-off technique, from RF sputtered YBaCuO films on MgO single-crystal substrates. Microwave measurements at 9 GHz on microbridges and the magnetic-field dependence of their critical current reveal wide bridge behaviour up to temperatures near the maximum operating temperature of the bridge. Mostly, a linear dependence of the critical current on the temperature is found, which is connected with high intrinsic 1/f noise if the bridge is constant-current-biased slightly above the critical current. In some bridges and DC SQUIDs, regimes with a temperature dependence proportional to (1-T/Tc)1.5 are found. In this case the 1/f noise level is much smaller and SQUID modulation can be followed to about 65

Temporal characteristics of the influence of punishment on perceptual decision making in the human brain

Perceptual decision making is the process by which information from sensory systems is combined and used to influence our behavior. In addition to the sensory input, this process can be affected by other factors, such as reward and punishment for correct and incorrect responses. To investigate the temporal dynamics of how monetary punishment influences perceptual decision making in humans, we collected electroencephalography (EEG) data during a perceptual categorization task whereby the punishment level for incorrect responses was parametrically manipulated across blocks of trials. Behaviorally, we observed improved accuracy for high relative to low punishment levels. Using multivariate linear discriminant analysis of the EEG, we identified multiple punishment-induced discriminating components with spatially distinct scalp topographies. Compared with components related to sensory evidence, components discriminating punishment levels appeared later in the trial, suggesting that punishment affects primarily late postsensory, decision-related processing. Crucially, the amplitude of these punishment components across participants was predictive of the size of the behavioral improvements induced by punishment. Finally, trial-by-trial changes in prestimulus oscillatory activity in the alpha and gamma bands were good predictors of the amplitude of these components. We discuss these findings in the context of increased motivation/attention, resulting from increases in punishment, which in turn yields improved decision-related processing

Sampling and handling of desert soils

Sampling and handling of desert soils - area site, transportation, processing, and storag

Experimental demonstration of a W-band gyroklystron amplifier

The experimental demonstration of a four cavity W-band (93 GHz) gyroklystron amplifier is reported. The gyroklystron has produced 67 kW peak output power and 28% efficiency in the TE011 mode using a 55 kV, 4.3 A electron beam. The full width at half maximum instantaneous bandwidth is greater than 460 MHz, a significant increase over the bandwidth demonstrated in previous W-band gyroklystron amplifier experiments. The amplifier is unconditionally stable at this operating point. Experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions

SEQUENTIAL STOCHASTIC PRODUCTION DECISIONS FOR A PERENNIAL CROP: THE YIELD/QUALITY TRADEOFF FOR ALFALFA HAY

The "optimal cutting schedule" for alfalfa hay is described as a function of the trade-off between rising yield and falling quality of alfalfa over time and the local market prices being offered for different qualities of hay during the harvest season. Field test results quantify the yield/quality tradeoff for a California case study. A general decision rule is then derived to assist growers in making cutting decisions during a season. Finally, the optimal cutting schedule is shown to be the sum of sequential decisions for cuttings throughout the harvest season, with no schedule being best a priori.Crop Production/Industries,

Profit Patterns Across American Agriculture

To remain viable, agriculture in each location must offer returns that are competitive with those from alternative investments and sufficient to cover producers' financial obligations. Economic theory says that rates of return converge over time as resources flow into more-profitable industries and out of less-profitable industries, causing factor price changes. Both traditional growth and trade theories say factor markets will adjust to equalize commodity returns over time. This study examines spatial relationships in agriculture's profitability over time. Results show temporal and spatial convergence of returns consistent with trade and development theories. However, there are profit patterns unique to state/regional agriculture, raising policy implications.convergence, return on assets, "risk of ruin", Agribusiness,

Growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in agar subjected to freezing and diurnal freezing and thawing

Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria growth in agar after freezing and diurnal freezing and thawin

Chaotic Cascades with Kolmogorov 1941 Scaling

We define a (chaotic) deterministic variant of random multiplicative cascade models of turbulence. It preserves the hierarchical tree structure, thanks to the addition of infinitesimal noise. The zero-noise limit can be handled by Perron-Frobenius theory, just as the zero-diffusivity limit for the fast dynamo problem. Random multiplicative models do not possess Kolmogorov 1941 (K41) scaling because of a large-deviations effect. Our numerical studies indicate that deterministic multiplicative models can be chaotic and still have exact K41 scaling. A mechanism is suggested for avoiding large deviations, which is present in maps with a neutrally unstable fixed point.Comment: 14 pages, plain LaTex, 6 figures available upon request as hard copy (no local report #