Quantum mechanics for space applications

This paper is an introduction to the following articles in the scope of quantum mechanics for space study initiated by ESA and lead by ONERA. The context of quantum mechanics for space is summarised, and the fields under development are briefly introduced. Technological applications of quantum mechanics in space are explored and some tests of quantum mechanics are outlined. We also give a brief presentation of the opto-electronic section of the European Space Agency, and the technology development activities it carries out, with particular emphasis on those activities related to the topics of interest of the quantum mechanics in space workshop. As an example, a summary of two ESA studies on gravity gradiometry and their relevance to the field of atomic interferometry is given. In view of the scientific requirements, derived for both Earth observation and planetology for future space missions, atom interferometry shows promise and may provide an advantage over currently available accelerometer and inertial sensor systems. PACS 04.25.Nx; 04.80.Cc; 07.60.Ly; 95.30.Sf     

Linear programming based analysis of marginal cost pricing in electric utility capacity expansion

This paper concerns methods for discretizing and approximating the annual load duration curve in the context of a linear programming model and its interpretation in electric utility expansion planning. The emphasis is upon the interpretation of the linear programming dual variables and their relationship with classical results of peak load pricing. In particular, for capacity planning in which one can choose from a diverse number of technological alternatives, we support the work of Wenders by precisely characterizing how off-peak periods bear partial responsibility of the capacity cost.     

Crystallization behavior of poly(3,3-bisethoxymethyl oxetane) and poly(3,3-bisazidomethyl oxetane)

Two crystal modifications have been found for poly(3,3-bisethoxymethyl oxetane) [poly- (BEMO)] by wide-angle x-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, while only one modification has been found for poly(3,3-bisazidomethyl oxetane) [poly(BAMO)]. Melting temperatures for the two polymers were nearly the same, varying from about 70 to about 90°C depending on the thermal treatment; higher crystallization temperatures resulted in higher melting temperatures. The equilibrium melting temperature T was found to be 125 and 128°C for poly(BEMO) and poly(BAMO), respectively, by using the Hoffman-Weeks extrapolation procedure. Measurement of the melting-point depression of Poly(BEMO) and poly(BAMO) in dibutyl phthalate yielded enthalpy of fusion values of 2.25 and 12.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The percent crystallinity for poly(BEMO) and poly(BAMO), respectively, was calculated to be 55-60 and 13-30% based on DSC and x-ray analysis.     

Influence of the two-body potential on the radial distribution function of liquid 4He

The theoretical ground-state radial distribution function of liquid ⁴He appears to depend much more sensitively on the range of the assumed two-body potential than on its depth. Fairly good agreement with experiment is obtained by using realistic pair potentials.     

A serendipitous route to the benzidene nucleus. Structural elucidation by noeds.

The epimeric indenones (3) and (4) are readily synthesised and rapidly formed by treating bis(p-methoxyphenylcyclopropyl) ketone (2) with stannic chloride in nitromethane. The structure of (3) was determined by X-ray crystallography and that of (4) by NOEDS.     

DETERMINATION OF THE BINDING CONSTANT OF H14 CO−3 TO THE PHOTOSYSTEM II COMPLEX IN MAIZE CHLOROPLASTS: EFFECTS OF INHIBITORS AND LIGHT

The binding (dissociation) constant for HCO^?₃ to the photosystem II complex in maize chloroplasts is approximately 80 μM. One HCO^?₃ binds per 500–600 chlorophyll molecules. In the dark, formate is a competitive inhibitor of HCO^?₃ binding, while 3-(3′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea (DCMU) inhibits HCO^?₃ binding non-competitively. Light decreases HCO^?₃ binding in the presence of formate. Light increases the binding of HCO^?₃ in the presence of DCMU. The high binding constant for HCO, discriminates strongly among the various hypotheses attempting to explain the “bicarbonate-effect” on photosystem II. The proposal by Stemler and Jursinic (Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 221, 227–237 1983), that HCO^?₃ is one of a class of monovalent anionic inhibitors of photosystem II, is favored. These anions compete for a specific binding site on the photosystem II complex.