Optically activated magnetic recording tape

Optically activated data storage medium visually and electromagnetically reproduces a recorded signal. In an electric field, particles in heat-fluidized thermoplastic layer form a visible image of the recorded signal. Refluidizing the thermoplastic layer erases the signals. Very high data packing densities are achieved

An observational test of common-envelope evolution

By analysing and modelling the change in the abundance ratio of $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C and $^{16}$O/$^{17}$O on the surface of the lower mass star of a binary during the common-envelope (CE) phase of evolution, we propose a simple observational test of the CE scenario. The test is based on the infrared measurement of either the $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C or $^{16}$O/$^{17}$O ratio of red dwarfs in post-common envelope binaries (PCEB's). In certain cases (main-sequence red dwarf secondaries in PCEB's without planetary nebulae), as well as determining whether or not accretion has occurred during the CE phase, we can determine the amount of mass accreted during the CE phase and hence the initial mass of the red dwarf component prior to the CE phase. In the other cases considered (low-mass red dwarfs in PCEB's and red dwarf's in PCEB's with planetary nebulae) we can only say whether or not accretion has occurred during the CE phase.Comment: uuencoded compressed postscript. The preprint are also available at URL http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/preprint/PrePrint.htm

Operations planning simulation model extension study. Volume 2: Life sciences shuttle laboratory LS-09-S Sortie payload

For abstract, see N75-20432

Operations planning simulation model extension study. Volume 3: Dedicated solar sortie mission SO-01-S sortie payload

For abstract, see N75-20432

Comedies of Transgression in Gangsta Rap and Ancient Classical Poetry

First paragraph: The history of literature and art offers no shortage of works created to offend or shock an audience, but few have been as incendiary as gangsta rap. Apologists cannot deny the problematic content of this form of rap—the misogynistic posturing, themes of intense violence, freewheeling and gratuitous obscenity—and some detractors hold that even the attempt to analyze the genre bestows undeserved legitimacy on its practitioners. The transgressive and counter-hegemonic stance of gangsta rap has become so hreatening, in fact, that its origins as a complex poetic form with deep roots in a variety of literary and ritual traditions have, for the most part, been neglected or obscured. Indeed, it is difficult to think of any poetic form in the contemporary West in which politics, race and ideology have dictated so completely the terms of acceptable criticism. This is all the more remarkable for gangsta rap, insofar as so much foundational scholarship, some even decades old, already exists within fields such as folklore, psychology and anthropology which can articulate the nexus of literary and cultural forces that gave rise to it. As such approaches make clear, far from being an unprecedented art form that can only reflect the social pathologies idiosyncratic to American ghetto life, gangsta rap operates within a well-documented poetic tradition within African-American culture that ritualizes invective, satire, obscenity, and other verbal phenomena with transgressive aims

YF-12 cooperative airframe/propulsion control system program, volume 1

Several YF-12C airplane analog control systems were converted to a digital system. Included were the air data computer, autopilot, inlet control system, and autothrottle systems. This conversion was performed to allow assessment of digital technology applications to supersonic cruise aircraft. The digital system was composed of a digital computer and specialized interface unit. A large scale mathematical simulation of the airplane was used for integration testing and software checkout

Site preparation for Pinus establishment in south-eastern Queensland. 2. Effect of cultivation and cultivation width on growth

The standard site preparation practice used for Pinus plantation establishment on well-drained soils in south-eastern Queensland is blade (subsurface, wing rip) cultivation to a width of 2.0 m and a depth of 0.2 m. This operation requires high drawbar power and is difficult to achieve in high strength soils, or in soils where roots and stumps hinder progress of the blade through the soil. The aim of the study reported in this paper was to better define cultivation growth relationships for Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis plantations in order to determine if site preparation objectives could be achieved with a reduced cultivation effort. A highly significant 'soil type x cultivation' interaction was observed. In contrast to the growth responses observed on hardsetting soils, cultivation did not improve growth on non-hardsetting soils. There is an opportunity therefore to reduce reforestation site preparation costs by only cultivating soils that show a growth response. The cultivation response on hardsetting soils has increased throughout the study period, and is attributed to a reduction in soil penetration resistance. The response however shows diminishing gains with increasing cultivation widths. Blade cultivation widths of 1.2 m were found to capture 97% of the gains that could be expected from widths of 2.0 m. A significant 'family x soil penetration resistance' interaction was observed. An opportunity to increase plantation productivity by targeting better performing families to hardsetting soils is suggested