Comments on the course of solar activity during the declining phase of solar cycle 20 (1970–74)

In the declining phase of solar cycle 20 (1970–74) three pulses of activity occurred and resulted in two well defined ‘stillstands’ in the smoothed means of sunspot, 2800 MHz, and calcium plage data. Marked diminutions in spot and 2800 MHz flux took place in 1970 and 1971, respectively, and were accompanied by concomitant decreases in flare-occurrence. Studies of the latitude distribution of spots and flares show the extent of the dominance of the northern hemisphere in cycle 20 and the marked phase shift between northern and southern hemispheres. In the years studied, the longitudes of centers of activity clustered in identifiable zones or hemispheres for relatively long intervals of time. From mid-1973 to mid-1974 the Sun had a relatively inactive hemisphere centered on ∼0° longitude. The relationship of certain well defined ‘coronal holes’ to this inactive hemisphere of the chromosphere is noted. The first two spot groups of the new cycle formed in November 1974 and January 1975 in the longitude zone associated with relatively high levels of old cycle activity, a repetition of the pattern observed in 1963–64.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43738/1/11207_2004_Article_BF00153289.pd

A Markov Chain based method for generating long-range dependence

This paper describes a model for generating time series which exhibit the statistical phenomenon known as long-range dependence (LRD). A Markov Modulated Process based upon an infinite Markov chain is described. The work described is motivated by applications in telecommunications where LRD is a known property of time-series measured on the internet. The process can generate a time series exhibiting LRD with known parameters and is particularly suitable for modelling internet traffic since the time series is in terms of ones and zeros which can be interpreted as data packets and inter-packet gaps. The method is extremely simple computationally and analytically and could prove more tractable than other methods described in the literatureComment: 8 pages, 2 figure

The Complex Wind Torus and Jets of PSR B1706-44

We report on Chandra ACIS imaging of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) of the young Vela-like PSR B1706-44, which shows the now common pattern of an equatorial wind and polar jets. The structure is particularly rich, showing a relativistically boosted termination shock, jets with strong confinement, a surrounding radio/X-ray PWN and evidence for a quasi-static `bubble nebula'. The structures trace the pulsar spin geometry and illuminate its possible relation to SNR G343.1-2.3. We also obtain improved estimates of the pulsar flux and nebular spectrum, constraining the system age and energetics.Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journal. 15pp, 4 figures in 7 file

Pulsars with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) is a 36-element array with a 30-square-degree field of view being built at the proposed SKA site in Western Australia. We are conducting a Design Study for pulsar observations with ASKAP, planning both timing and search observations. We provide an overview of the ASKAP telescope and an update on pulsar-related progress.Comment: To appear in proceedings of "Radio Pulsars: An astrophysical key to unlock the secrets of the Universe

Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Adipocytes

Obesity and metabolic syndromes are examples whereby excess energy consumption and energy flux disruptions are causative agents of increased fatness. Because other, as yet elucidated, cellular factors may be involved and because potential treatments of these metabolic problems involve systemic agents that are not adipose depot-specific in their actions, should we be thinking of adipose depot-specific (cellular) treatments for these problems? For sure, whether treating obesity or metabolic syndrome, the characteristics of all adipose depot-specific adipocytes and stromal vascular cells should be considered. The focus of this paper is to begin to align metabolic dysfunctions with specific characteristics of adipocytes

Modeling of Covalent Bonding in Solids by Inversion of Cohesive Energy Curves

We provide a systematic test of empirical theories of covalent bonding in solids using an exact procedure to invert ab initio cohesive energy curves. By considering multiple structures of the same material, it is possible for the first time to test competing angular functions, expose inconsistencies in the basic assumption of a cluster expansion, and extract general features of covalent bonding. We test our methods on silicon, and provide the direct evidence that the Tersoff-type bond order formalism correctly describes coordination dependence. For bond-bending forces, we obtain skewed angular functions that favor small angles, unlike existing models. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we derive a Si interatomic potential which exhibits comparable accuracy to existing models.Comment: 4 pages revtex (twocolumn, psfig), 3 figures. Title and some wording (but no content) changed since original submission on 24 April 199

Arthroscopic subscapularis bankart technique as a salvage procedure for failed anterior shoulder stabilization

BACKGROUND: Shoulder instability is a relatively common problem. Even with contemporary surgical techniques, instability can recur following both open and arthroscopic fixation. Surgical management of capsular insufficiency in anterior shoulder stabilization represents a significant challenge, particularly in young, active patients. There are a limited number of surgical treatment options. The Laterjet technique can present with a number of intraoperative challenges and postoperative complication.; DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: We report an arthroscopic subscapularis tenodesis technique as a salvage procedure for challenging glenohumeral instability cases. Sutures are passed through the subscapularis tendon and capsule before they are tied as one in the subdeltoid psace. The rotator interval is closed with superior and medial advancement of anterior and inferior tissue. This technical note carefully describes this procedure with useful technical tips, illustrations, and diagrams.; PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two clinical cases are described involving patients with recurrent instability following failed surgery who were successfully managed with this procedure.; RESULTS: Both cases described resulted in improved shoulder stability, range of motion, and function following management with this surgical technique. This arthroscopic subscapularis tenodesis procedure is proposed as a useful alternative repair technique for cases of recurrent instability after failed surgery with isolated capsular insufficiency.; CONCLUSION: It is believed that this arthroscopic subscapularis tenodesis technique can potentially provide similar outcomes to open bone block stabilization procedures, while reducing the risks associated with those procedures