Bound electron nonlinearity beyond the ionization threshold

Although high field laser-induced ionization is a fundamental process underlying many applications, there have been no absolute measurements of the nonlinear polarizability of atoms and molecules in the presence of ionization. Such information is crucial, for example, for understanding the propagation of high intensity ultrashort pulses in matter. Here, we present absolute space- and time-resolved measurements of the ultrafast laser-driven nonlinear polarizability in argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen, and oxygen up to an ionization fraction of a few percent. These measurements enable determination of the non-perturbative bound electron nonlinearity well beyond the ionization threshold, where it is found to be approximately linear in intensity

Interstate Distribution of Benefits from the Federal Budgetary Process

The objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework for examining interstate variations in the benefits which accrue from the federal budgetary process. Unlike most traditional analyses, which center on the relative magnitude of net monetary flows between the federal and state governments, this paper incorporates consideration of both a broader definition of federal aid and the notion of interstate variations in the opportunity cost of making use of federal funds. Empirical estimates of such a benefit distribution are presented, but the assumptions required to permit testing are necessarily heroic. Nevertheless, the substantial difference betwen the interstate distribution of benefits as defined in this paper, and that of net monetary flows, suggests that the latter is likely to present a better picture of the intentions of budget-makers than of the real effects of budgetary policy

Phylogeny of Rosellinia capetribulensis sp. nov. and its allies (Xylariaceae)

A new Rosellinia species, R. capetribulensis isolated from Calamus sp. in Australia is described. R. capetribulensis is characterized by perithecia immersed within a carbonaceous stroma surrounded by subiculum-like hyphae, asci with large, barrel-shaped amyloid apical apparatus and large dark brown spores. Morphologically, R. capetribulensis appears to be similar to R. bunodes, R. markhamiae and R. megalospora. To gain further insights into the phylogeny of this new taxon we analyzed the ITS-5.8S rDNA using maximum parsimony and likelihood methods. In addition, a morphological dataset also was analyzed phylogenetically to investigate possible affinities. ITS rDNA based phylogenies reveal that R. capetribulensis is closely related to other Rosellinia species showing closest affinity to R. arcuata, R. necatrix and R. pepo. However, analysis of R. capetribulensis forms an unsupported branch sister to these taxa. Results from the morphological matrix indicate a close morphological affinity to members of Rosellinia subgenus Rosellinia. Despite that ITS rDNA and morphological analyses present difficulties in constructing a proper phylogenetic framework among Rosellinia and allied genera, there is sufficient evidence to support the establishment of the new taxon in the genus Rosellinia. The morphological similarities and differences between R. capetribulensis and allied genera such as Astrocystis and Entoleuca are also briefly discussed.published_or_final_versio

The Role of State and Local Government in the Economic Development of Appalachia

One dimension of development planning for Appalachia which has been given little attention is the potential role of state and local governments. That is, what taxation and expenditure policies are most harmonious with the goals of economic development? The dual objectives of this paper are to examine the trend and pattern of finances shaped by the state and local government sector in an underdeveloped Appalachian state, and to explore the implications of alternative public (state- local) policies for economic growth

Some Regional Implications of Fiscal Federalism

The function of this analysis is to explore the degree to which the level of state and local government spending is influenced by the level of per capita federal aid when states are analyzed, not in aggregate, but by region of location. The data were taken from the Census of Governments annual report on governmental finances and was analyzed statistically using a multivariate technique where a set of qualitative regressors was introduced to account for region of location. The results of the work indicate strong regional disturbances in the expenditure-grants function, and do not reveal a strong discernible trend toward interregional equalization of public spending

Urban Finance in Seoul

Seoul , the capital of South Korea , has a population approaching six million , and is one of the largest cities in the world . The composition of employment in metropolitan Seoul shows that its economic base is dominated by trade, services, and government - only approximately two of every ten employed persons work in the manufacturing sector. The level of income was $390 per capita in 1970. The rate of population in-migration to Seoul has been substantial, as evidenced by the differential between the average annual population growth rate of the nation as a whole (2.3 percent) and that of Seoul (10.2 percent) . This rapid growth in population places a strain on existing infrastructure, adds to capital expenditure needs, and creates pressures on the level of current expenditures . When in-migrants are relatively lower income families, the growth of tax base due to in- migration may not be adequate to cover the increased expenditure demands. The level of public infrastructure in Seoul is still inadequate and in need of expansion. Nevertheless, the city has made considerable progress in mobilizing its financial resources, and meeting the needs of its fast growing population. (Note : the government of Seoul Special City, abbreviated here to SSC, covers a large metropolitan area

Conceptual Issues and an Alternative Approach to the Determination of Pubic Expenditure Levels

For over two decades researchers have attempted to econo­metrically estimate the variables that determine public expendi­ture levels. Most of these studies employ linear regression to estimate the relationship between per capita expenditure on a particular public function and socio-demographic and economic variables. Since the purpose of many of these studies is to determine statistically significant relationships between per capita public spending and the socio-demographic variables, these studies are often, and appropriately, criticized for their lack of an under­lying economic theory. However, the lack of adequate measures of either public sector output or the price of public output makes conventional empirical analysis of the demand and supply of public output difficult, if not impossible. This paper will examine the implications of the lack of adequate measures of public sector output or prices on the anal­ysis of demand for public output, and suggest an alternative approach to determining public expenditure levels. The con­clusion is that the alternative approach suggested in this paper, i.e., the determination of public sector inputs and input price levels, is both operational and more useful in terms of ex­plaining public expenditure patterns