Sunday, March 31, 2013

IMF team to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday for loan talks

By Ulf Laessing

CAIRO (Reuters) - An IMF delegation will arrive in Egypt on Wednesday for talks with the government on a $4.8 billion loan, a government spokesman said on Sunday, as Cairo seeks to conclude a deal vital to easing a deep economic crisis.

Spokesman Alaa El Hadidi added that Egypt would not seek any emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund and faced no "crisis" in funding the import of essential commodities.

The most populous Arab country has been seeking a loan from the Fund to ease economic strains after two years of political upheaval. Reserves of foreign currency have fallen to critically low levels, threatening Egypt's ability to buy in supplies of wheat, of which it is the world's biggest importer, and fuel.

President Mohamed Mursi's government initialed a deal with the IMF last November but postponed final ratification in December in the face of unrest triggered by a political row over the extent of his powers.

Hadidi, seeking to allay public concerns over power cuts and long queues at petrol stations, ruled out an emergency loan, as suggested by the IMF. He added that the country was still able to buy essential imports.

"(The supply) of wheat and loaves of bread is safe," he told reporters. He added that indications of a higher harvest this year meant Egypt would use locally-grown wheat in the place of wheat that would otherwise have been imported.

He played down as "speculation" repeated media reports that Egypt was seeking aid from Arab states Libya and Iraq. "Egypt seeks to boost investment from these countries and an opening of their labor markets (for Egyptians)," Hadidi said.

WEAK CURRENCY

The IMF said last week a technical delegation would visit Cairo in the "first days of April".

Masood Ahmed, director of the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia department, visited Cairo on March 17, saying the Fund would continue talks aimed at agreeing possible financial aid.

Any deal with the IMF is likely to require Egypt to commit to austerity measures, a very sensitive issue at a time when Mursi is facing protests over his management of the country.

Shortages of subsidized diesel have paralyzed transport in parts of Egypt, as the Egyptian pound has lost 9 percent of its value against the dollar since late last year.

The government is working on an economic program where it plans to cut back on subsidies of fuel. Last year it eliminated subsidies on 95-octane gasoline, the highest grade available, and it raised fuel prices in many sectors last month.

Mursi's cabinet has said it plans to implement a subsidized fuel rationing system at the beginning of July, though local media reports have said the plan, already delayed several times, could be pushed back to January.

The unrest of the past two years has driven away tourists whose spending accounted for around a tenth of GDP before the uprising. Hadidi said the number of tourists in February was 845,000, a 12 percent increase compared with a year earlier.

(Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Catherine Evans)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/imf-team-arrive-egypt-wednesday-loan-talks-103424340--business.html

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Long Short Story: Before The Day is Done

The Races Need To Know Information!

Vampires

* Can be turned and passed down.

Description-

Vampires are un-dead immortals who feed and survive on the blood of a living.

Transitioning-

Humans who have consumed vampire blood and died within 42 hours of doing so will rise un-dead. The nature of the human's death is irrelevant however the body must be preserved and able to function. If the Vampire turn's the person by choice, they will most likely brake their neck or or block their airways. When the new vampire is awakened they will need blood right away, from either a human or a vampire.

Food-

Blood is the main component of a vampire's diet, whether it be animal or human. If vampires fail to drink blood, their bodies will become severely weak, and will ultimately disintegrate into mummification. Blood (especially human blood) will not only satisfy a vampire's thirst, but will also increase and their physical capabilities. The longer a vampire abstains from blood, the more likely the vampire will lose all sense of their humanity and rationality until they finally give into their blood lust. Due to their acute senses, a vampire can detect whether or not a human has recently consumed alcohol or drugs, because their blood tastes unclean and can leave a vampire with a nasty aftertaste. Through animal blood would keep a vampire alive, it will not make them as strong as they would be from drinking human blood, nor will it stop the burning in their throat. Human blood is the best option.

Nature-

Vampires themselves are extremely feral, predatory creatures, and far more savage and beast-like than their human appearance suggests. They growl, hiss, snarl, and curl their lips back baring their fangs as signs of aggression when provoked. When they sense danger, they will immediately evade the area or per pair for battle. 99% of Vampire population feed off of humans rather than animals.

The bite of a vampire can sever the limbs of both animals and humans, as vampires are known for having extremely sharp and strong teeth. Despite their nature, vampires are also capable of human emotions, such as compassion, love, and self-control. However the emotions of vampires are far more intense than the emotions of humans; anger, happiness, hate, love, etc. are more powerful and much more overwhelming than when they were human. Whenever a vampire is faced with a powerful feeling (such as hunger) their faces transform into a paler complexion, while the pupils from their eye's will expand into their iris's, making their eyes look black. Their canine teeth will lengthen into fangs, giving them a more predatory look to scare off or threaten their prey.

Vampire's also feel bonds to certain humans, which will cause them to either kill the human or keep them as a pet, or even turn them when they feel the time comes. When a human drink's their, blood, the bond get's stronger and the Vampire will be able to feel their emotions and if they are in pain and or danger. This bond means that they are their soul mate, and they end up together no matter what, unless the vampire kills the human, of course.

Powers/Abilities-

Compulsion: The supernatural ability to control and manipulate the body, mind, and soul of an animal or human. However a vampire cant compel any other creature besides a human.

Healing: The supernatural ability to heal all illnesses, injuries, and wounds at superhuman speed. As well as heal other species when the vampire feeds them their own blood.

Immortality: The supernatural ability of eternal life, beauty and youth.

Super Senses: The supernatural ability to hear, see, smell, and taste beyond the human extent. The small of human blood is like a drug to them, the sweeter the better.

Super Speed: The supernatural ability to jump, move and run at superhuman velocity.

Super Strength: The supernatural ability of superhuman stamina.

Super Agility: Vampires possess superhuman agility. They can move, jump, climb, and run incredibly fast without difficulty or exhaustion.

Super Durability: Vampires can take far more trauma than Humans can without much discomfort or injury. they can also exert themselves without much tire

Supernatural Abilities Some vampires will have a supernatural power to call their own, through it is rare, it does happen often to the older vampires.

Weaknesses-

Decapitation: The act of dismembering or removing the head of a vampire will result in permanent death.

Fire: The act of exposing a vampire to fire will result in permanent death,Vampires do not die when exposed to sunlight, but thier powers will weaken if they are exposed for to long, and they tend to get horrible sun burn and head aches.

Heart Extraction: The act of removing a vampire's heart will result in permanent death.

The Seraph

Dark Seraph- Only can be turned by I violent death and the deep need for revenge

Light Seraph- Only can be turned by a peaceful death, and the need to do good, or a violent death and the need for justice, instead of revenge.

Dark Seraph?s- Dark Seraph?s are malevolent spiritual entities created by a violent death and the need for revenge. They are corrupted human souls after extensive torture in Hell, they're extremely evil and have a strong hate for human kind.

Transformation-
Humans who have had done bad things in their past such as murder, drug use, or had a violent death and want revenge. Once they have died and have paid for their sins they will turn into dark Seraph?s or as some believe demons.

Light Seraph?s-
The Light Seraph?s bring light and peace, everywhere they go, and they take care of their angels comrades help them at times of need. They like human kind, and their will to live, and they wish to keep them alive and help them re-build after the war.

Transformation-
Humans who have done good things in their life time like saving someone?s life, choosing to never do drugs, has a big heart or died a violent death and want to end all evil out in the world or if they are murdered or die from a disease without having them deserve to die are re-made as a light Seraph.

Powers/Abilities-

Dream Walking: Seraph can appear in people's dreams, they usually use this to communicate, when they can't find the person their looking for, or want to talk privately.

Immortality: Seraph don't age and cannot be killed by diseases. Nor, can they reproduce.

Sedation: Seraph are able to render humans unconscious with a touch or make them unconscious by using their feathers.

Superhuman Stamina: Seraph never tire, and they do not require food, water, oxygen, or sleep to sustain themselves.

Super Strength: Strong enough to punch a person through two wide buildings made of bricks.

Supernatural Perception: They are able to see all supernatural activity around them.

Telekinesis: They are able to telekinetically move beings and objects with their mind.

Telepathy: They can read the minds of Humans.

Teleportation: They are able to travel from one place to another, instantly, without occupying the space in between. They can also summon or send other beings.

Flying: Seraph can fly by making their wings grow or expand. Normally Seraph?s hide their wings or make them shrink in size, unless they?re in battle. They can also use their wings as a shield by wrapping them around themselves and another person?s body.

Weaknesses-

In Love: They're in touch with their human side when they fall in love with a human, some consider this bad and or good.

Ice: When a witch freezes their wings or them they will be unable to move and weak when attacked.

Darkness: Unless they have a orb of light, they are fearful of complete and otter darkness in small spaces. Most of them have orb?s of light through.

Wicans/Witches

*Can be turned by deal with devil and can be passed down.

Description-

A person can be turned by making a deal with the devil and can be passed down to those with the spirit.

A witch is a person with the power to effect change by magical means ("Witchcraft"). A witch can be either male or female, as they connect with the elements and forces of nature, in order to practice sorcery, they uses these powers for either good or bad, it is fully their choice.

Humans who are genetically born with magical powers are called "witches". The origin of witchcraft remains a mystery through people believe it came from making deals with the devil, it is also known that witches have existed for many centuries, passing down their knowledge and skills through generations in family lines.

Magic-

Magic, or Witchcraft, is the power to effect change by magical means. Magic can often be split into dark and light, though depending on the situation can also be neutral. Magic is mostly a genetic heredity that connects a witch to the elements and forces of nature in order to practice sorcery. If a person makes a deal with the devil to gain the power of Witchcraft, they will uses their powers for evil.

Powers/Abilities-

Seers: Seers, for example, have the skill of insight into future events. They may garner this insight through visions and dreams or through scrying physical objects like tea dregs, tarot cards, and crystal balls.

Animagi: While some witches have the ability to turn into animals, it is not an inherent power, but rather a trained technique.

Metamorphmagi: Other witches may have the ability to change only their physical appearance rather than their bodily form. This type of wizard is termed a Metamorphmagus. Such a witch can change the shape of their noses, hair color, and other physical attributes.

Communicating with Animals: Some witches have the ability to talk to animals.

Legilmens: Legilimens are people who can perform Legilimency. These people can tune into other people's minds, but have difficulty reading the minds of those people who can perform Occlumency.

Occulmens:[i] Some witches, and other supernatural being's have the ability to protect their minds from others who can perform Legilimency. This ability is called Occlumency, and it is also known that some humans have the unknown ability to protect their minds.

Weaknesses-

-They have to observe a special personal taboo to maintain their status.

-They have to protect a certain object as it is bound up with their spirit, soul, powers, etc.

-When they undergo a transformation for to long, they become weaker.

-They must respect nature as much as possible.

Shapeshifters

*Cannot be turned, must be passed down in order to be one.

Powers/Abilities-

[i]Animal Morphing: A special type of Shapeshifting where the user can only turn into animals.

Biomorphing: The ability to transform only into living things (Animals, Bacteria, possibly even Humans or Plants)

Doppelganger: Users may become people they have seen, they may need to have a similar body mass of the person they are turning into.

Enhanced Regeneration: By altering cellular structure, one can rejuvenate cells to regenerate, and even maintain youth, granting eternal youth, when they stop shifting they will age like a normal human, but each time they shift they take on that age, through their mental age stays the same and grows over time.

Size Manipulation: The ability to alter ones own size and mass by shifting additional mass from an outside source.

Weaknesses-

-Users may revert back to original form when unconscious.

-Users may require visual or genetic source material for a copy to be made.

-May be unable to return to original form unless unconscious.

-May be unable to assume the voice and accent of the person he/she shifts into (rare cases).

-Users may retain characteristics of their original form in their new shape (i.e., color scheme, birthmarks, scars, etc.).

Werewolves

*Can be turned and passed down.

Description-

Not much is known about the history of werewolves except that they existed before vampires were created. Who created them, how they were created, when exactly they were created and the reason for their creation is currently unknown.

Psychological characteristics-

Werewolves are known to be aggressive, strong and fast even in human form. Those with the werewolf curse still latent can exhibit some supernatural traits which can be triggered by aggression, along with unusual physical strength for the person's given size and age but they cannot fully transform and they also black out they go blind with rage when provoked. Also werewolves have a higher body temperature than humans. This high temperature allows the werewolves to withstand very cold weather and makes it difficult for them to become overheated. It also makes it very difficult for vampires to harm them in combat, due to vampires being extremely sensitive to high temperatures. The wolves bear an animal scent that makes them unappetizing to vampires, making it easier for vampires to resist the temptation caused by their blood.

Food-

Like normal people, werewolves can eat normal food if they choose to. However, because they turn into ferocious beasts at will, they are flesh eating creatures. When they feed, it is absorbed throughout the body and they need to consume organs or body parts, but they do not have to feed in order to prolong their existence like Vampires. There is no known side effects in the absence of devouring victims in werewolf form. Werewolves have not been seen to attack each other in human or wolf form, but have been known to hunt both human and vampire prey while transformed until they joined sides with Vampires.

Code of Loyalty-

Werewolves are very similar to Witches when it comes to their own kind. Unlike the vampires, werewolves are more sworn to loyalty and may bond with other werewolves they meet. They work with each other as sort of an extended family. The bond of loyalty between werewolves is strangely strong, the only things they do not attack are other werewolves.

Appearance-

Werewolves in their wolf form have the appearances of an ordinary wolf, but with a much larger and brute-like appearance. The fur color of wolf forms differs from one to the other. Each wolf's distinctive color and characteristics correlates with each wolf's soul. No real explanation of this phenomenon is given; none, perhaps, should be sought for - variability is the one fundamental of living beings. The "monstrous size" of these creatures is emphasized repeatedly. As humans, they are between 6'0" and 7'0" tall, and after phasing become bigger, more muscular, and harder in look and substance. Their voices also deepen considerably. The wolves become similar in their human forms, partly due to their appearances (hard-muscled bodies, and unusual height) and the synchronization of their movements, so that they could be mistaken for biological siblings. While their skin is much more durable than that of a human being, it is not granite hard like a vampire's.

Werewolf Transformation-

The first transformation at the age of 17 is quite slow and the person is subjected to at least five hours of intense pain before transforming. After the first transformation it will get faster but still hurt. During the transformation, the body of the person is twisted in an unnatural manner as bones reshape and shift to form a wolf skeleton, causing the person immense pain. A werewolf changes at will, and turns back at will, unless they get wounded horribly. Older werewolves or more powerful werewolves can control themselves when angry and turn at will, faster than a less experienced being.

Pack Behavior-

In their wolf forms, pack members are telepathically linked with each other, enhancing their coordination during hunts and fights but allowing little or no privacy at any time. The Alphas of two different packs are able to communicate telepathically, and can control what thoughts they share, while the subordinates of different packs don't show this ability. The dominant male/female, the Alpha, can force the other pack members to obey his/her orders against their will. So can the Beta, though he/she can't command his/her own Alpha. Though implied, it is unknown whether this characteristic is also extended down the pack hierarchy. Alpha status is related to lineage, the born Alpha, having no interest in leading the pack. By having the rest of the pack agree to his/her decision, they can select a new candidate to lead the pack. Though possible, it is unclear whether a lower-ranking pack member can challenge the Alpha for status.

Powers/Abilities-

Alpha's Voice: A werewolf Alpha can use this on the other pack members to make them follow his orders willingly.(Only the alpha has of course)

Super Strength: Werewolves are much stronger than any human. They are not as strong as a vampire whilst in human form but when transformed they are at equal's with Vampires.

Telepathy: Werewolves can hear each other pack member's thoughts in wolf form, but only if those pack members are from the same pack.

Super Speed: Werewolves are extremely faster than any human and vampire or other supernatural beings other than Vampires. Werewolves can use this ability in either Human or wolf form.

Super Agility: Werewolves possess superhuman agility. They can move, jump, climb, and run incredibly fast without difficulty or exhaustion.

Super Senses: Werewolves have the extremely keen senses of smell, sight, taste, and hearing inherent in all canines, but not as strong as vampires.

Healing Factor: Werewolves possess superhuman regenerative abilities, meaning if ever injured, their bodies will heal near instantaneously. Werewolves have also been said to heal exactly as fast as vampires. Even in human form.

Shapeshifting: Willingly turn into wolves whenever they want or when they get angry.

Anger: When a Werewolf is furious, their anger increase all their powers and abilities for a short period of time, as well as can have an advantage over a Vampire.

Weaknesses-

Broken Neck: By breaking a werewolf's neck, it results in instant death. While their healing factor is identical to a vampire's, they are alive. Not un-dead.

Heart Extraction: If a werewolves heart is ripped out, it will cause instant death.

Decapitation: By removing the head of a werewolves, he dies.

Wolfs bane: Wolfs bane is an herb that which brought upon a werewolf, they will become weak and feverish.

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RolePlayGateway

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From the Editor's Desk: We're going to Facebook - but first, a few questions

Facebook

So we'll be at Facebook HQ on Thursday morning to find out about its "New home in Mobile." I've seen countless headlines (mostly rewrites of what probably are controlled leaks) full of possible answers about what we'll see on Thursday morning.

We'll be there, of course, to check it out. Liveblogs are inevitable, but Facebook should be streaming it live, if history repeats.

I don't have answers. But I do have a few questions. Will they be answered on Thursday? Or will we leave California once again asking "Why, Facebook? Why?"

A few thoughts worth exploring ...

read more



Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/xHhnBD4wvFI/story01.htm

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A road map: High efficiency bulk-micromegas based neutron imaging detector

A road map: High efficiency bulk-micromegas based neutron imaging detector [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 31-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: YAN Bei
yanbei@scichina.org
86-106-400-8316
Science China Press

To increase the neutron detection efficiency of Bulk-Micromegas (MICRO-MEsh GAseous Structure) neutron detectors, researchers from Lanzhou University (China), IRFU-CEA (France), and the University of Tennesse-Knoxville (USA) have proposed three novel converters (Fig. 1). When validated using Monte Carlo simulations, the design shown in Fig.1 C results in a threefold increase in neutron detection efficiencies. This work is described in detail in SCI CHINA: Tech. Sci. 2013, 43?3?.

The team have now made a Bulk-Micromegas based neutron imaging detector with a traditional thin-film neutron convertor. The dimensions of the detector's sensitive area is 57.4 mm 88.6 mm, which is composed of 1,728 rectangular pads (36 pads in the X direction and 48 pads in the Y direction). Each pad has an area of 1.50 mm 1.75 mm (http://mpgd.lzu.edu.cn/research.html). Although the detector has a relatively low neutron detection efficiency, very good mask images are obtained (Fig. 2). Without any modification, the detector can be used as a 2D neutron beam monitor for projects that require low detection efficiency (detectors with high detection efficiency cannot operate with high intensity neutron beams). At the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, CA, USA (2012), Dr. Xiaodong Zhang presented this work on behalf of the FNI collaboration.

The team is currently collaborating with companies to make detectors using micro-machining and new printed circuit board techniques.

Additionally, the novel detectors can be used to improve thermal neutron, cold neutron and ultra-cold neutron efficiencies, through simply changing the detection conversion material from polyethylene to boron-10, or lithium-7. Dr. Zhang is optimistic about the impact of these detectors in different research fields: "By choosing different conversion materials I envisage that at least a 10% detection efficiency can be achieved for thermal neutron detection. Our detectors can be used to replace the current neutron detectors which use helium-3, and hence reduce the demand for helium-3." Currently, his team is developing this technique at Spalation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.

###

Corresponding Author:

ZHANG, XiaoDong on behalf of FNI collaboration* xzhang39@utk.edu zhangxd@lzu.edu.cn

See the article: AN LvXing, SHEN HuaYa, ZHANG ChunHui, WAN ChengLiang, CHEN YongHao, HO ZhanYing and ZHANG XiaoDong. Optimization of neutron convertor inside Bulk-Micromegas based fast neutron imaging system with Geant4 simulation. SCI CHINA Tech. Sci, 2013, 43(3): 315-319.doi: 10.1360/092012-1271

http://tech.scichina.com:8082/sciE/CN/abstract/abstract510294.shtml

* FNI (Fast Neutron Imager) collaboration: 1) ZHANG XiaoDong, WAN ChengLiang, ZHANG ChunHui, WANG WenXin, SHEN HuaYa, AN LvXing, CHEN YongHao, HE ZhanYing, and WEI Kun, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P.R. China; 2) ZHANG XiaoDong, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA, 37996; 3) Paul Colas, David Attie, WANG WenxXin, M. Rillot, IRFU-CEA, Saclay, 91191, France.

Science China Press Co., Ltd. (SCP) is a scientific journal publishing company of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). For 50 years, SCP takes its mission to present to the world the best achievements by Chinese scientists on various fields of natural sciences researches.

http://www.scichina.com/



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


A road map: High efficiency bulk-micromegas based neutron imaging detector [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 31-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: YAN Bei
yanbei@scichina.org
86-106-400-8316
Science China Press

To increase the neutron detection efficiency of Bulk-Micromegas (MICRO-MEsh GAseous Structure) neutron detectors, researchers from Lanzhou University (China), IRFU-CEA (France), and the University of Tennesse-Knoxville (USA) have proposed three novel converters (Fig. 1). When validated using Monte Carlo simulations, the design shown in Fig.1 C results in a threefold increase in neutron detection efficiencies. This work is described in detail in SCI CHINA: Tech. Sci. 2013, 43?3?.

The team have now made a Bulk-Micromegas based neutron imaging detector with a traditional thin-film neutron convertor. The dimensions of the detector's sensitive area is 57.4 mm 88.6 mm, which is composed of 1,728 rectangular pads (36 pads in the X direction and 48 pads in the Y direction). Each pad has an area of 1.50 mm 1.75 mm (http://mpgd.lzu.edu.cn/research.html). Although the detector has a relatively low neutron detection efficiency, very good mask images are obtained (Fig. 2). Without any modification, the detector can be used as a 2D neutron beam monitor for projects that require low detection efficiency (detectors with high detection efficiency cannot operate with high intensity neutron beams). At the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, CA, USA (2012), Dr. Xiaodong Zhang presented this work on behalf of the FNI collaboration.

The team is currently collaborating with companies to make detectors using micro-machining and new printed circuit board techniques.

Additionally, the novel detectors can be used to improve thermal neutron, cold neutron and ultra-cold neutron efficiencies, through simply changing the detection conversion material from polyethylene to boron-10, or lithium-7. Dr. Zhang is optimistic about the impact of these detectors in different research fields: "By choosing different conversion materials I envisage that at least a 10% detection efficiency can be achieved for thermal neutron detection. Our detectors can be used to replace the current neutron detectors which use helium-3, and hence reduce the demand for helium-3." Currently, his team is developing this technique at Spalation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.

###

Corresponding Author:

ZHANG, XiaoDong on behalf of FNI collaboration* xzhang39@utk.edu zhangxd@lzu.edu.cn

See the article: AN LvXing, SHEN HuaYa, ZHANG ChunHui, WAN ChengLiang, CHEN YongHao, HO ZhanYing and ZHANG XiaoDong. Optimization of neutron convertor inside Bulk-Micromegas based fast neutron imaging system with Geant4 simulation. SCI CHINA Tech. Sci, 2013, 43(3): 315-319.doi: 10.1360/092012-1271

http://tech.scichina.com:8082/sciE/CN/abstract/abstract510294.shtml

* FNI (Fast Neutron Imager) collaboration: 1) ZHANG XiaoDong, WAN ChengLiang, ZHANG ChunHui, WANG WenXin, SHEN HuaYa, AN LvXing, CHEN YongHao, HE ZhanYing, and WEI Kun, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P.R. China; 2) ZHANG XiaoDong, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA, 37996; 3) Paul Colas, David Attie, WANG WenxXin, M. Rillot, IRFU-CEA, Saclay, 91191, France.

Science China Press Co., Ltd. (SCP) is a scientific journal publishing company of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). For 50 years, SCP takes its mission to present to the world the best achievements by Chinese scientists on various fields of natural sciences researches.

http://www.scichina.com/



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/scp-arm032513.php

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Bashir to make first visit to South Sudan since split

KHARTOUM/JUBA (Reuters) - Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir will visit his long-time foe South Sudan for the first time since its independence next week, an official said on Friday, cementing new deals on oil and border security between the two countries.

The African neighbours agreed this month to resume cross-border oil flows and defuse tensions that have plagued them since South Sudan seceded in July 2011 following an agreement which ended decades of civil war.

Bashir had originally planned to visit Juba a year ago but canceled the trip when border skirmishes between the countries' armies in April brought them close to a full-blown conflict.

He has now accepted an invitation from his southern counterpart Salva Kiir to go to South Sudan's capital Juba next week, Bashir's spokesman Imad Said told Reuters. He gave no date.

The two countries went their separate ways without resolving a long list of disputes over the ownership of disputed territory, the legal status of each others' citizens and how much the landlocked south should pay to transport its oil through Sudan.

Juba shut down its entire oil output of 350,000 barrels a day in January last year at the height of the dispute over pipeline fees - a closure that had a devastating effect on both struggling economies.

Under the new deals, both sides agreed to restart the oil flow, grant their citizens free residency in the other country, boost border trade and encourage close cooperation between their central banks.

They also withdrew their troops from their shared border as agreed in a deal brokered by the African Union in September.

Both sides still need to decide on who owns Abyei and other disputed regions.

Bashir last visited Juba on July 9, 2011 to attend the ceremony marking South Sudan's separation.

Around two million died in the decades-long civil war between Khartoum and Sudan's south, fueled by religion, oil, ethnicity and ideology. It ended in a 2005 peace deal that paved the way for the southern secession.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/bashir-first-visit-south-sudan-since-split-131457433.html

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Patients of Oklahoma doctor line up for tests

About 150 to 200 patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington, who's accused of unsanitary practices, line up outside the Tulsa Health Department North Regional Health and Wellness Center to be screened for hepatitis and the virus that causes AIDS, Saturday, March 30, 2013, in Tulsa, Okla. Oklahoma officials say 7,000 patients of Harrington's in the past six years will receive letters that warn that poor hygiene at Harrington's two clinics created a public health hazard. (AP Photo/Tulsa World, James Gibbard) ONLINE OUT; TV OUT; TULSA OUT

About 150 to 200 patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington, who's accused of unsanitary practices, line up outside the Tulsa Health Department North Regional Health and Wellness Center to be screened for hepatitis and the virus that causes AIDS, Saturday, March 30, 2013, in Tulsa, Okla. Oklahoma officials say 7,000 patients of Harrington's in the past six years will receive letters that warn that poor hygiene at Harrington's two clinics created a public health hazard. (AP Photo/Tulsa World, James Gibbard) ONLINE OUT; TV OUT; TULSA OUT

This Thursday, March 28, 2013 photo shows the dental offices of Dr. Scott Harrington at 2111 S. Atlanta Place in Tulsa, Okla. Health officials on Thursday, March 28, 2013 urged thousands of patients of an Oklahoma oral surgeon to undergo hepatitis and HIV testing, saying unsanitary conditions behind his office's spiffy facade posed a threat to his clients and made him a "menace to the public health." (AP Photo/Tulsa World, Michael Wyke) ONLINE OUT; TV OUT; TULSA OUT

This 1977 license picture provided by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry shows Dr. Scott Harrington. Health officials urged thousands of patients of Harrington, an oral surgeon, to undergo hepatitis and HIV testing, saying unsanitary conditions behind his office's spiffy facade posed a threat to his clients and made him a "menace to the public health." (AP Photo/Oklahoma Board of Dentistry)

This Thursday, March 28, 2013 photo shows the dental offices of Dr. Scott Harrington at 2111 S. Atlanta Place in Tulsa, Okla. Health officials on Thursday, March 28, 2013 urged thousands of patients of an Oklahoma oral surgeon to undergo hepatitis and HIV testing, saying unsanitary conditions behind his office's spiffy facade posed a threat to his clients and made him a "menace to the public health." (AP Photo/Tulsa World, Michael Wyke) ONLINE OUT; TV OUT; TULSA OUT

(AP) ? About 150 to 200 patients of a Tulsa oral surgeon accused of unsanitary practices queued outside a health clinic Saturday, hoping to discover whether they had been exposed to hepatitis or the virus that causes AIDS.

Letters began going out Friday to 7,000 patients who had seen Dr. W. Scott Harrington during the past six years, warning them that poor hygiene at his clinics created a public health hazard. The one-page letter said how and where to seek treatment but couldn't explain why Harrington's allegedly unsafe practices went on for so long.

Testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and the virus that causes AIDS began at 10 a.m. Saturday, but many arrived early and stood through torrential downpours.

Kari Childress, 38, showed up at the Tulsa Health Department North Regional Health and Wellness Center at 8:30 a.m., mainly because she was nervous.

"I just hope I don't have anything," said Childress, who had a tooth extracted at one of Harrington's two clinics five months ago. "You trust and believe in doctors to follow the rules, and that's the scariest part."

Inspectors found a number of problems at the doctor's clinics in Tulsa and suburban Owasso, according to the state Dentistry Board, which filed a 17-count complaint against Harrington pending an April 19 license revocation hearing. According to the complaint, needles were reinserted into drug vials after being used on patients, expired drugs were found in a medicine cabinet and dental assistants administered sedatives to patients, rather than the doctor.

One patient, Orville Marshall, said he didn't meet Harrington until after he had two wisdom teeth pulled about five years ago at the Owasso clinic. A nurse inserted the IV for his anesthesia; Harrington was there when Marshall came to.

"It's just really scary. It makes you doubt the whole system, especially with how good his place looked," said Marshall, 37.

An instrument set reserved for use on patients with infectious diseases was rusty, preventing its effective sterilization, and the office autoclave ? a pressurized cleaner ? was used improperly and hadn't been certified as effective in at least six years, according to the complaint.

Dr. Matt Messina, a practicing dentist in Cleveland and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, said creating a safe and hygienic environment is "one of the fundamental requirements" before any dental procedure can be performed.

"It's not hard. It just takes effort," he said.

Weekly autoclave testing can be performed for less than $400 annually, according to the website of the Autoclave Testing Services of Pearl River, New York.

Autoclaves themselves typically can be purchased for $1,000 to $8,000, depending on their size and features. And an average dental practice can expect to pay more than $40,000 a year in equipment, tools and supplies alone, according to several dental organizations.

Attempts to reach Harrington have been unsuccessful. No one answered the door Thursday at his Oklahoma home, which property records show is worth more than $1 million. His practice a few miles away, in a tony section of Tulsa where plastic surgeons operate and locals congregate at bistros and stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, has a fair-market value of around $851,000.

Property and tax records show Harrington owns another residence in Carefree, Ariz., in an area of upscale homes tucked into in the boulder-strewn mountains north of Phoenix.

Nobody was at home Saturday at the low-slung, 1950s-style vacation home, across from the tony Boulders Resort. Neighbors said they had seen a lot of activity at the home in recent weeks.

Harrington's malpractice lawyer, Jim Secrest II, did not respond to phone messages left Thursday or Friday. A message at Harrington's Tulsa office said it was closed and an answering service referred callers to the Tulsa Health Department.

Nursing student Anisa Lewis, 22, said her friends recommended Harrington's practice when she had to get her wisdom teeth taken out in 2005.

"I'm a little nervous because I read the complaints filed against him, and in nursing school, we're taught how to handle and clean our instruments, she said. "It was very shocking to read some of the allegations," which she called "far beyond the pale of the precautions you're supposed to be taking."

Susan Rogers, the executive director of the state Dentistry Board, said her agency has a budget of around $1 million, much of that generated from license renewal fees and dentist certification. It has only five employees to monitor more than 2,000 dentists, and the staff does inspections only if the agency receives a complaint.

"With three incoming telephone lines and essentially one person handling the phones, emails, snail mail, renewals, new license/permit applications, walk ins ... we will miss phones calls," the board's website says.

"So follow the instructions on the message," the site says. "We will respond to your request as soon as we can in the order in which it is received, but it will take time. We appreciate your patience."

___

Associated Press writer Traci Carl contributed to this report from Carefree, Ariz.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2013-03-30-Dentist%20Investigation-Testing/id-1636d27af56340478553aaf12f50c957

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Cell reprogramming during liver regeneration

Friday, March 29, 2013

During embryonic development, animals generate many different types of cells, each with a distinct function and identity.

"Although the identities of these cells remain stable under normal conditions, some cells can be persuaded to take on new identities, through reprogramming," says Ben Stanger, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

Researchers have been able to reprogram cells experimentally, but few have shown that cells can change their identities under normal physiological conditions in the body, particularly in mammals.

In the cover article of this month's issue of Genes and Development, Stanger, PhD candidate Kilangsungla Yanger, Yiwei Zong, PhD, and their colleagues, did just that in the liver of a mouse. Stanger is also an investigator in the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.

The adult liver contains two major cell types ? hepatocytes and biliary cells ? that differ dramatically in appearance and function. Hepatocytes are the main cell type in the liver, where they synthesize proteins and other macromolecules, and detoxify toxic substances. Biliary cells, on the other hand, line the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the small intestine to help digest fats.

Using a sensitive method to tag and track how cells develop and differentiate, the researchers found that conditional expression of an activated Notch1 gene converted hepatocytes into biliary cells. Notch is an important receptor for relaying signals to tell cells how to develop.

What's more, after the researchers injured liver cells with a variety of toxins to stimulate wound healing, they found that over two to three weeks hepatocytes activated a biliary cell program on their own, acquiring the shape and function of biliary cells. These changes were dependent on the activation of endogenous Notch signaling.

"This is direct evidence that cells can be converted from one mature cell type to another in a live animal, as part of a normal response to injury," says Stanger. "We think that augmenting pre-existing cell reprogramming relationships may be another way to engineer cells for the treatment of diseases in which there are not enough bile ducts, such as cholestasis."

###

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/

Thanks to University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/127525/Cell_reprogramming_during_liver_regeneration

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Saturday, March 30, 2013

United delays Denver-Toyko service as 787s sit

CHICAGO (AP) ? United Airlines is delaying its new Denver-Tokyo service ? again ? because its new Boeing 787 jets remain grounded.

United said Friday that service between Denver and Tokyo's Narita Airport will begin June 10. The airline had already pushed back the original March 31 start to at least May 12.

The airline said that it was still determined to use the plane on the new route.

The 787, which Boeing calls the Dreamliner, promises a more comfortable ride for passengers and significant fuel savings for airline customers. But all 50 of the planes in airline fleets are grounded because of incidents involving smoldering batteries in January.

Boeing Co.'s fix for the lithium-ion batteries includes putting more space around cells and wrapping the batteries in steel cases.

Boeing spokesman Marc Birtel said Friday that the changes "will add several layers of additional safety features" to the batteries. He said Boeing was moving as quickly as possible on the testing and certification process without taking short cuts.

CEO Jim McNerney said Thursday that Boeing feels it is "very close" to getting the 787 approved for passenger flights.

The company conducted a 2-hour test flight of a 737 on Monday over Washington and Oregon and reported that everything went according to plan. Boeing is doing follow-up work in preparation for another test flight in which it would demonstrate the battery system's performance for Federal Aviation Administration experts.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/united-delays-denver-toyko-787s-sit-180425750--finance.html

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Why To Choose Gatwick Aiport Hotels?

Hotels near Gatwick airports provide you the needed comfort to relax before taking up the flight. These hotels are furnished with facilities to provide value added services to their guests. Read on the article to know more about such hotels.

Traditionally, hotels are usually located far away from airports forcing travellers to commute for several miles between their hotels and the airport to catch their flights. This is changing since more and more airports are having hotels built around them to serve those travellers who would love to stay near the airport. They are many reasons why one should use the services of airport hotels rather than travel to the city hotels.

It allows you to travel without worry or stress. By booking an airport hotel at your destination prior to your flight, you will travel with a peace of mind since you will not be thinking of whether you will be late or there will be traffic jam especially if your flight is to arrive during rush hours. These hotels also ensure that you do not need to drive to your home when you arrive late at night. Driving at night is dangerous especially after you had a long flight. You can have a rest and wait to drive home the next day when you have already relaxed enough and when there is also no heavy traffic. The hotels are also available in different sizes,style and also in price. Apart from the five star hotels around the airports, there are also budget hotels. This means that you will be able to find a hotel that fits both your needs and your pocket.

If you are connecting flights or your flight has been cancelled or delayed, instead of travelling to further hotels to get a place to relax and enjoy food from, you can visit Gatwick airport hotels. These are near and hence you will not waste more time travelling to and from the hotel when you are coming back to the airport. This reduces the chance of you getting stuck in traffic and hence not only wasting time, but also risking missing your flight. These hotels also offer there customers great discounts. Some discounted hotels offer passengers discounts of up to 75 percent.

The hotels also provide their clients with value added services such as parking spaces and airport car rentals. Some of these hotels also offer their clients 'Park and Fly'. This means that you can park your car there and fly to your destination without having to worry about its security. When you come back, you will simply take your car and drive home hence there is no need to hire a taxi or rent a car if you already have one. There are also hotels that offer free parking services to clients so long as they have spend at least a night in the hotel.

Every Gatwick Airport hotel is also fit with amenities and facilities to ensure your life is as comfortable as possible while you stay there. You will find things such as iron and iron board in the rooms. Most of these hotels also have business centre, fitness centre, spa and some may also have swimming pools. In top of these, these hotels provide their clients with good nutritious meals plus quality room services..

About the Author:
The author of this article is associated with Days Hotel Gatwick, providing comfortable accommodation to the travellers. For further details, log on to dayshotelgatwick.com

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Why-To-Choose-Gatwick-Aiport-Hotels-/4510504

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Phil Ramone dies, leaving 14-Grammy legacy with biggest stars

Phil Ramone dies: A Grammy-award winning engineer and producer, Phil Ramone worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, including Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles.

By Hillel Italie,?Associated Press / March 30, 2013

Phil Ramone attends the 2008 National Arts Awards in New York. Ramone, the Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer whose platinum touch included recordings with Ray Charles, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon, has died.

(AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

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Phil Ramone, the Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer whose platinum touch included recordings with Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon, has died at 72.

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Ramone's son, Matt Ramone, confirmed the death. The family did not immediately release details of the death, but Matt Ramone says his father was "very loving and will be missed."

Few producers had a more spectacular and diverse career. Ramone won 14 Grammy Awards. He worked with Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, Elton John and Tony Bennett.

He produced three records that went on to win Grammys for album of the year ? Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years," Joel's "52nd Street" and Charles' "Genius Loves Company." He was a pioneer of digital recording who produced what is regarded as the first major commercial release on compact disc, "52nd Street," which came out on CD in 1982.

He thrived producing music for television, film and the stage. He won an Emmy for a TV special about Duke Ellington, a Grammy for the soundtrack to the Broadway musical "Promises, Promises" and a Grammy for the soundtrack to "Flashdance."

Ramone made an art out of the "Duets" concept, pairing Sinatra with Bono, Luther Vandross and other younger artists, Bennett with McCartney and Barbra Streisand, and Charles with Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison. In Ramone's memoir, "Making Records," he recalled persuading a hesitant Sinatra to re-record some of his signature songs.

"I reminded Frank that while Laurence Olivier had performed Shakespeare in his 20s, the readings he did when he was in his 60s gave them new meaning," Ramone wrote. "I spoke with conviction. 'Don't my children ? and your grandchildren ? deserve to hear the way you're interpreting your classic songs now?'"

A native of South Africa, he seemed born to make music. He had learned violin by age 3 and was trained at The Julliard School in New York. Before age 20, he had opened his own recording studio.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/KG6-FqIgpTQ/Phil-Ramone-dies-leaving-14-Grammy-legacy-with-biggest-stars

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NASA's Swift sizes up comet ISON

NASA's Swift sizes up comet ISON [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 29-Mar-2013
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Contact: Francis Reddy
francis.j.reddy@nasa.gov
301-286-4453
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Astronomers from the University of Maryland at College Park (UMCP) and Lowell Observatory have used NASA's Swift satellite to check out comet C/2012 S1 (ISON), which may become one of the most dazzling in decades when it rounds the sun later this year.

Using images acquired over the last two months from Swift's Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT), the team has made initial estimates of the comet's water and dust production and used them to infer the size of its icy nucleus.

"Comet ISON has the potential to be among the brightest comets of the last 50 years, which gives us a rare opportunity to observe its changes in great detail and over an extended period," said Lead Investigator Dennis Bodewits, an astronomer at UMCP.

Additional factors, including an encounter with Mars followed by a scorching close approach to the sun, make comet ISON an object of special interest. In late February, at NASA's request, a team of comet experts initiated the Comet ISON Observing Campaign (CIOC) to assist ground- and space-based facilities in obtaining the most scientifically useful data.

Like all comets, ISON is a clump of frozen gases mixed with dust. Often described as "dirty snowballs," comets emit gas and dust whenever they venture near enough to the sun that the icy material transforms from a solid to gas, a process called sublimation. Jets powered by sublimating ice also release dust, which reflects sunlight and brightens the comet.

Typically, a comet's water content remains frozen until it comes within about three times Earth's distance to the sun. While Swift's UVOT cannot detect water directly, the molecule quickly breaks into hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl (OH) molecules when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. The UVOT detects light emitted by hydroxyl and other important molecular fragments as well as sunlight reflected from dust.

The Jan. 30 UVOT observations reveal that ISON was shedding about 112,000 pounds (51,000 kg) of dust, or about two-thirds the mass of an unfueled space shuttle, every minute. By contrast, the comet was producing only about 130 pounds (60 kg) of water every minute, or about four times the amount flowing out of a residential sprinkler system.

"The mismatch we detect between the amount of dust and water produced tells us that ISON's water sublimation is not yet powering its jets because the comet is still too far from the sun," Bodewits said. "Other more volatile materials, such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide ice, evaporate at greater distances and are now fueling ISON's activity."

At the time, the comet was 375 million miles (604 million km) from Earth and 460 million miles (740 million km) from the sun. ISON was at magnitude 15.7 on the astronomical brightness scale, or about 5,000 times fainter that the threshold of human vision.

Similar levels of activity were observed in February, and the team plans additional UVOT observations.

While the water and dust production rates are relatively uncertain because of the comet's faintness, they can be used to estimate the size of ISON's icy body. Comparing the amount of gas needed for a normal comet to blow off dust at the rate observed for ISON, the scientists estimate that the nucleus is roughly 3 miles (5 km) across, a typical size for a comet. This assumes that only the fraction of the surface most directly exposed to the sun, about 10 percent of the total, is actively producing jets.

An important question is whether ISON will continue to brighten at the same pace once water evaporation becomes the dominant source for its jets. Will the comet sizzle or fizzle?

"It looks promising, but that's all we can say for sure now," said Matthew Knight, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., and a member of the Swift and CIOC teams. "Past comets have failed to live up to expectations once they reached the inner solar system, and only observations over the next few months will improve our knowledge of how ISON will perform."

Based on ISON's orbit, astronomers think the comet is making its first-ever trip through the inner solar system. Before beginning its long fall toward the sun, the comet resided in the Oort comet cloud, a vast shell of perhaps a trillion icy bodies that extends from the outer reaches of the planetary system to about a third of the distance to the star nearest the sun.

Formally designated C/2012 S1 (ISON), the comet was discovered on Sept. 21, 2012, by Russian astronomers Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok using a telescope of the International Scientific Optical Network located near Kislovodsk.

The first of several intriguing observing opportunities occurs on Oct. 1, when the inbound comet passes about 6.7 million miles (10.8 million km) from Mars.

"During this close encounter, comet ISON may be observable to NASA and ESA spacecraft now working at Mars," said Michael Kelley, an astronomer at UMCP and also a Swift and CIOC team member. "Personally, I'm hoping we'll see a dramatic postcard image taken by NASA's latest Mars explorer, the Curiosity rover."

Fifty-eight days later, on Nov. 28, ISON will make a sweltering passage around the sun. The comet will approach within about 730,000 miles (1.2 million km) of its visible surface, which classifies ISON as a sungrazing comet. In late November, its icy material will furiously sublimate and release torrents of dust as the surface erodes under the sun's fierce heat, all as sun-monitoring satellites look on. Around this time, the comet may become bright enough to glimpse just by holding up a hand to block the sun's glare.

Sungrazing comets often shed large fragments or even completely disrupt following close encounters with the sun, but for ISON neither fate is a forgone conclusion.

"We estimate that as much as 10 percent of the comet's diameter may erode away, but this probably won't devastate it," explained Knight. Nearly all of the energy reaching the comet acts to sublimate its ice, an evaporative process that cools the comet's surface and keeps it from reaching extreme temperatures despite its proximity to the sun.

Following ISON's solar encounter, the comet will depart the sun and move toward Earth, appearing in evening twilight through December. It will swing past Earth on Dec. 26, approaching within 39.9 million miles (64.2 million km) or about 167 times farther than the moon.

Whether we'll look back on ISON as a "comet of the century" or as an overhyped cosmic dud remains to be seen, but astronomers are planning to learn the most they can about this unusual visitor no matter what happens.

###


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NASA's Swift sizes up comet ISON [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 29-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Francis Reddy
francis.j.reddy@nasa.gov
301-286-4453
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Astronomers from the University of Maryland at College Park (UMCP) and Lowell Observatory have used NASA's Swift satellite to check out comet C/2012 S1 (ISON), which may become one of the most dazzling in decades when it rounds the sun later this year.

Using images acquired over the last two months from Swift's Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT), the team has made initial estimates of the comet's water and dust production and used them to infer the size of its icy nucleus.

"Comet ISON has the potential to be among the brightest comets of the last 50 years, which gives us a rare opportunity to observe its changes in great detail and over an extended period," said Lead Investigator Dennis Bodewits, an astronomer at UMCP.

Additional factors, including an encounter with Mars followed by a scorching close approach to the sun, make comet ISON an object of special interest. In late February, at NASA's request, a team of comet experts initiated the Comet ISON Observing Campaign (CIOC) to assist ground- and space-based facilities in obtaining the most scientifically useful data.

Like all comets, ISON is a clump of frozen gases mixed with dust. Often described as "dirty snowballs," comets emit gas and dust whenever they venture near enough to the sun that the icy material transforms from a solid to gas, a process called sublimation. Jets powered by sublimating ice also release dust, which reflects sunlight and brightens the comet.

Typically, a comet's water content remains frozen until it comes within about three times Earth's distance to the sun. While Swift's UVOT cannot detect water directly, the molecule quickly breaks into hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl (OH) molecules when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. The UVOT detects light emitted by hydroxyl and other important molecular fragments as well as sunlight reflected from dust.

The Jan. 30 UVOT observations reveal that ISON was shedding about 112,000 pounds (51,000 kg) of dust, or about two-thirds the mass of an unfueled space shuttle, every minute. By contrast, the comet was producing only about 130 pounds (60 kg) of water every minute, or about four times the amount flowing out of a residential sprinkler system.

"The mismatch we detect between the amount of dust and water produced tells us that ISON's water sublimation is not yet powering its jets because the comet is still too far from the sun," Bodewits said. "Other more volatile materials, such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide ice, evaporate at greater distances and are now fueling ISON's activity."

At the time, the comet was 375 million miles (604 million km) from Earth and 460 million miles (740 million km) from the sun. ISON was at magnitude 15.7 on the astronomical brightness scale, or about 5,000 times fainter that the threshold of human vision.

Similar levels of activity were observed in February, and the team plans additional UVOT observations.

While the water and dust production rates are relatively uncertain because of the comet's faintness, they can be used to estimate the size of ISON's icy body. Comparing the amount of gas needed for a normal comet to blow off dust at the rate observed for ISON, the scientists estimate that the nucleus is roughly 3 miles (5 km) across, a typical size for a comet. This assumes that only the fraction of the surface most directly exposed to the sun, about 10 percent of the total, is actively producing jets.

An important question is whether ISON will continue to brighten at the same pace once water evaporation becomes the dominant source for its jets. Will the comet sizzle or fizzle?

"It looks promising, but that's all we can say for sure now," said Matthew Knight, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., and a member of the Swift and CIOC teams. "Past comets have failed to live up to expectations once they reached the inner solar system, and only observations over the next few months will improve our knowledge of how ISON will perform."

Based on ISON's orbit, astronomers think the comet is making its first-ever trip through the inner solar system. Before beginning its long fall toward the sun, the comet resided in the Oort comet cloud, a vast shell of perhaps a trillion icy bodies that extends from the outer reaches of the planetary system to about a third of the distance to the star nearest the sun.

Formally designated C/2012 S1 (ISON), the comet was discovered on Sept. 21, 2012, by Russian astronomers Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok using a telescope of the International Scientific Optical Network located near Kislovodsk.

The first of several intriguing observing opportunities occurs on Oct. 1, when the inbound comet passes about 6.7 million miles (10.8 million km) from Mars.

"During this close encounter, comet ISON may be observable to NASA and ESA spacecraft now working at Mars," said Michael Kelley, an astronomer at UMCP and also a Swift and CIOC team member. "Personally, I'm hoping we'll see a dramatic postcard image taken by NASA's latest Mars explorer, the Curiosity rover."

Fifty-eight days later, on Nov. 28, ISON will make a sweltering passage around the sun. The comet will approach within about 730,000 miles (1.2 million km) of its visible surface, which classifies ISON as a sungrazing comet. In late November, its icy material will furiously sublimate and release torrents of dust as the surface erodes under the sun's fierce heat, all as sun-monitoring satellites look on. Around this time, the comet may become bright enough to glimpse just by holding up a hand to block the sun's glare.

Sungrazing comets often shed large fragments or even completely disrupt following close encounters with the sun, but for ISON neither fate is a forgone conclusion.

"We estimate that as much as 10 percent of the comet's diameter may erode away, but this probably won't devastate it," explained Knight. Nearly all of the energy reaching the comet acts to sublimate its ice, an evaporative process that cools the comet's surface and keeps it from reaching extreme temperatures despite its proximity to the sun.

Following ISON's solar encounter, the comet will depart the sun and move toward Earth, appearing in evening twilight through December. It will swing past Earth on Dec. 26, approaching within 39.9 million miles (64.2 million km) or about 167 times farther than the moon.

Whether we'll look back on ISON as a "comet of the century" or as an overhyped cosmic dud remains to be seen, but astronomers are planning to learn the most they can about this unusual visitor no matter what happens.

###


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/nsfc-nss032913.php

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Risk and reward at the dawn of civilian drone age

(AP) ? The dawn of the age of aerial civilian drones is rich with possibilities for people far from the war zones where they made their devastating mark as a weapon of choice against terrorists.

The unmanned, generally small aircraft can steer water and pesticides to crops with precision, saving farmers money while reducing environmental risk. They can inspect distant bridges, pipelines and power lines, and find hurricane victims stranded on rooftops.

Drones ? some as tiny as a hummingbird ? promise everyday benefits as broad as the sky is wide. But the drone industry and those eager to tap its potential are running headlong into fears the peeping-eye, go-anywhere technology will be misused.

Since January, drone-related legislation has been introduced in more than 30 states, largely in response to privacy concerns. Many of the bills would prevent police from using drones for broad public surveillance or to watch individuals without sufficient grounds to believe they were involved in crimes.

Stephen Ingley, executive director of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, says resistance to the technology is frustrating. Drones "clearly have so much potential for saving lives, and it's a darn shame we're having to go through this right now," he said.

But privacy advocates say now is the time to debate the proper use of civilian drones and set rules, before they become ubiquitous. Sentiment for curbing domestic drone use has brought the left and right together perhaps more than any other recent issue.

"The thought of government drones buzzing overhead and constantly monitoring the activities of law-abiding citizens runs contrary to the notion of what it means to live in a free society," Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said at a recent hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

With military budgets shrinking, drone makers have been counting on the civilian market to spur the industry's growth. Some companies that make drones or supply support equipment and services say the uncertainty has caused them to put U.S. expansion plans on hold, and they are looking overseas for new markets.

"Our lack of success in educating the public about unmanned aircraft is coming back to bite us," said Robert Fitzgerald, CEO of the BOSH Group of Newport News, Va., which provides support services to drone users.

"The U.S. has been at the lead of this technology a long time," he said. "If our government holds back this technology, there's the freedom to move elsewhere ... and all of a sudden these things will be flying everywhere else and competing with us."

Law enforcement is expected to be one of the bigger initial markets for civilian drones. Last month, the FBI used drones to maintain continuous surveillance of a bunker in Alabama where a 5-year-old boy was being held hostage.

In Virginia, the state General Assembly passed a bill that would place a two-year moratorium on the use of drones by state and local law enforcement. The measure is supported by groups as varied as the American Civil Liberties Union on the left and the Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation on the right.

Gov. Bob McDonnell is proposing amendments that would retain the broad ban on spy drones but allow specific exemptions when lives are in danger, such as for search-and rescue operations. The legislature reconvenes on April 3 to consider the matter.

Seattle abandoned its drone program after community protests in February. The city's police department had purchased two drones through a federal grant without consulting the city council.

In Congress, Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., co-chairman of the House's privacy caucus, has introduced a bill that prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration from issuing drone licenses unless the applicant provides a statement explaining who will operate the drone, where it will be flown, what kind of data will be collected, how the data will be used, whether the information will be sold to third parties and the period for which the information will be retained.

Privacy advocates acknowledge the many benign uses of drones. In Mesa County, Colo., for example, an annual landfill survey using manned aircraft cost about $10,000. The county recently performed the same survey using a drone for about $200.

Drones can help police departments find missing people, reconstruct traffic accidents and act as lookouts for SWAT teams. Real estate agents can have them film videos of properties and surrounding neighborhoods, offering clients a better-than-bird's-eye view though one that neighbors may not wish to have shared.

"Any legislation that restricts the use of this kind of capability to serve the public is putting the public at risk," said Steve Gitlin, vice president of AeroVironment, a leading maker of smaller drones.

Yet the virtues of drones can also make them dangerous, privacy advocates say. The low cost and ease of use may encourage police and others to conduct the kind of continuous or intrusive surveillance that might otherwise be impractical.

Drones can be equipped with high-powered cameras and listening devices, and infrared cameras that can see people in the dark.

"High-rise buildings, security fences or even the walls of a building are not barriers to increasingly common drone technology," Amie Stepanovich, director of the Electronic Privacy Information Council's surveillance project, told the Senate panel.

Civilian drone use is limited to government agencies and public universities that have received a few hundred permits from the FAA. A law passed by Congress last year requires the FAA to open U.S. skies to widespread drone flights by 2015, but the agency is behind schedule and it's doubtful it will meet that deadline. Lawmakers and industry officials have complained for years about the FAA's slow progress.

The FAA estimates that within five years of gaining broader access about 7,500 civilian drones will be in use.

Although the Supreme Court has not dealt directly with drones, it has OK'd aerial surveillance without warrants in drug cases in which officers in a plane or helicopter spotted marijuana plants growing on a suspect's property.

But in a case involving the use of ground-based equipment, the court said police generally need a warrant before using a thermal imaging device to detect hot spots in a home that might indicate that marijuana plants are being grown there.

In some states economic concerns have trumped public unease. In Oklahoma, an anti-drone bill was shelved at the request of Republican Gov. Mary Fallin, who was concerned it might hinder growth of the state's drone industry. The North Dakota state Senate killed a drone bill in part because it might impede the state's chances of being selected by the Federal Aviation Administration as one of six national drone test sites, which could generate local jobs.

A bill that would have limited the ability of state and local governments to use drones died in the Washington legislature. The measure was opposed by the Boeing Co., which employs more than 80,000 workers in the state and which has a subsidiary, Insitu, that's a leading military drone manufacturer.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., recently drew attention to the domestic use of drones when he staged a Senate filibuster, demanding to know whether the president has authority to use weaponized drones to kill Americans on American soil. The White House said no, if the person isn't engaged in combat. Industry officials worry that the episode could temporarily set back civilian drone use.

"The opposition has become very loud," said Gitlin of AeroVironment, "but we are confident that over time the benefits of these solutions are going to far outweigh the concerns, and they'll become part of normal life in the future."

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Associated Press writer Michael Felberbaum in Richmond, Va., contributed to this report.

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Follow Joan Lowy on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-03-29-Everyday%20Drones/id-2898ef918ddb4166839776f7d86a1295

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