Coherent control of quantum dynamics: the dream is alive

Current experimental and theoretical progress toward the goal of controlling quantum dynamics is summarized. Two key developments have now revitalized the field. First, appropriate ultrafast laser pulse shaping capabilities have only recently become practical. Second, the introduction of engineering control concepts has put the required theoretical framework on a rigorous foundation. Extrapolations to determine what is realistically possible are presented.     

The dead sea: deepening of the mixolimnion signifies the overture to overturn of the water column

Throttling of freshwater inputs into the meromictic Dead Sea weakened the long-term stability of the water column. Between 1975 and 1978 successive deepenings of the pycnocline from 70 meters to beyond 200 meters were recorded. Complete overturn finally took place during the winter of 1978-1979. This unique process was accompanied by changes in the geochemistry of several components.     

Catagonus, an "extinct" peccary, alive in paraguay

A third species of peccary, discovered in the Chaco of Paraguay, is added to the living members of family Tayassuidae. It is assigned to the genus Catagonus Ameghino, heretofore considered confined to the Pleistocene. The new peccary is conspecific with Catagonus wagneri (Rusconi), a species placed in the related extinct genus Platygonus LeConte when it was described from pre-Hispanic archeological deposits of Argentina.     

ECOLOGY: Louisiana's Vanishing Wetlands: Going, Going ..

An ambitious $14 billion plan known as Coast 2050 attempts to protect more than 10,000 square kilometers of Louisiana's wetlands, which are disappearing at a rate of up to 90 square kilometers per year, one of the highest rates of land loss in the world. But a number of unanswered scientific questions swirl around the plan. And it could run afoul of powerful interests in the shipping, petroleum, and fishing industries.     

马克思主义需要理论是做好思想政治工作的理论前提和基础

人的需要理论是马克思主义人学理论的重要内容之一。人的各种需要都要源于人的本质 ,人的双重属性决定了人的双重需要。掌握需要的多样性和层次性原理 ,增强思想政治工作的针对性 ,是我们工作的根本出发点 ;坚持需要的变化发展性原理 ,能够增强思想政治工作的灵活性 ;掌握需要的发展不平衡性和条件制约性原理 ,可增强思想政治工作的实效性和说服力 ;坚持需要的阶级性原理 ,努力增强人们的阶级意识。这是做好思想政治工作的理论前提和基础。