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At least 397 records · Page 22

Multidisciplinary study of Wyoming test sites

The author has identified the following significant results. Investigation of a variety of applications of EREP photographic data demonstrated that EREP S-190 data offer a unique combination of synoptic coverage and image detail. The broad coverage is ideal for regional geologic mapping and tectonic analysis while the detail is adequate for mapping of crops, mines, urban areas, and other relatively small features. The investigative team at the University of Wyoming has applied the EREP S-190 data to: (1) analysis of photolinear elements of the Powder River Basin, southern Montana, and the Wind River Mountains; (2) drainage analysis of the Powder River Basin and Beartooth Mountains; (3) lithologic and geologic mapping in the Powder River Basin, Black Hills, Green River Basin, Bighorn Basin and Southern Bighorn Mountains; (4) location of possible mineralization in the Absaroka Range; and (5) land use mapping near Riverton and Gillette. All of these applications were successful to some degree. Image enhancement procedures were useful in some efforts requiring distinction of small objects or subtle contrasts.

Houston, R. S.↗

Toxicity of pyrolysis gases from polyether sulfone

A sample of polyether sulfone was evaluated for toxicity of pyrolysis gases, using the toxicity screening test method developed at the University of San Francisco. Animal response times were relatively short at pyrolysis temperatures of 600 to 800 C, with death occurring within 6 min. The principal toxicant appeared to be a compound other than carbon monoxide.

Hilado, C. J.↗

A global model of the neutral thermosphere in magnetic coordinates based on AE-C data

An empirical model of the global atomic oxygen and helium distributions in the thermosphere is developed in a magnetic coordinate system and compared to similar models which are expanded in geographic coordinates. The advantage of using magnetic coordinates is that fewer terms are needed to make predictions which are nearly identical to those which would be obtained from a geographic model with longitudinal and universal time corrections. Magnetic coordinates are more directly related to the major energy inputs in the polar regions than geographic coordinates and are more convenient to use in studies of high latitude energy deposition processes. This is important for comparison with theoretical models where the number of coordinates is limited. The effect of magnetic activity on the atomic oxygen distribution in the morning sector of the high latitude thermosphere in the auroral zone is also considered. A magnetic activity indicator (ML) based on an auroral electrojet index (AL) and the 3 hour ap index are used to relate the atomic oxygen density variations to magnetic activity in this region.

Stehle, C. G.↗

NASA Space controls research and technology program

The NASA technological organization is outlined. The Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) is one of the four major technical offices that comprise NASA. The Office of Space Science and Applications administers programs directed towards using space-based or related techniques to further understanding of the total universe and to apply that understanding to practical applications in such areas as Astrophysics, Solar System exploration, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Communications and Information Systems. The Office of Space Flight administers the programs for all U.S. civil launch capability, plus Spacelab development and operations. The Office of Space Tracking & Data Systems administers the programs that operate and maintain a world-wide network of facilities for data acquisition, processing, and ground to spacecraft communications for all NASA missions. The OAST has primary responsibility within NASA for conducting space research and technology development to support commercial and military as well as NASA space interests.

Mciver, D. E.↗

Data base development and research and editorial support

The Life Sciences Bibliographic Data Base was created in 1981 and subsequently expanded. A systematic, professional system was developed to collect, organize, and disseminate information about scientific publications resulting from research. The data base consists of bibliographic information and hard copies of all research papers published by Life Sciences-supported investigators. Technical improvements were instituted in the database. To minimize costs, take advantage of advances in personal computer technology, and achieve maximum flexibility and control, the data base was transferred from the JSC computer to personal computers at George Washington University (GWU). GWU also performed a range of related activities such as conducting in-depth searches on a variety of subjects, retrieving scientific literature, preparing presentations, summarizing research progress, answering correspondence requiring reference support, and providing writing and editorial support.

Source record↗

Observation of Shoemaker-Levy Impacts by the Galileo Photopolarimeter Radiometer

The Galileo Photopolarimeter Radiometer experiment made direct photometric observations at 678 and 945 nanometers of several comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments impacting with Jupiter. Initial flashes occurred at (fragment G) 18 July 1994 07:33:32, (H) 18 July 19:31:58, (L) 19 July 22:16:48, and (Q1) 20 July 20:13:52, equivalent Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) observed at Earth, with relative peak 945-nanometer brightnesses of 0.87, 0.67, 1.00, and 0.42, respectively. The light curves show a 2-second to maximum, a 10-second plateau, and an accelerating falloff. The Ql event, observed at both wavelengths, yielded a color temperature of more than 1 0,000 kelvin at its peak.

Martin, Terry Z.↗

A Study of Business Incubators: Models, Best Practices, and Recommendations for NASA and Florida

This study was conducted to provide NASA-Kennedy Space Center with information and recommendations to support establishing one or more technology-based business incubators In Florida. The study involved assembling information about incubators: why they succeed, why they fail, how they are organized, and what services they provide. Consequently, this study focuses on widely-recognized "best practices," needed to establish successful technology- based business incubators. The findings are used to optimize the design and implementation of one or more technology-based business incubators to be established in Florida. Recommendations reflect both the essential characteristics of successful incubators and the optimal business demographics in Florida. Appendix A provides a fuller description of the objectives of the study. Technology-based business incubators are an increasing catalyst of new business development across the USi Incubators focus on providing entrepreneurs and small start-up firms with a wide array of support services necessary to bring forth new products and processes based on technologies developed in the nation's federal and private laboratories and universities. Appendix B provides extensive discussion of findings relative to technology- based business incubators.

Source record↗

Application of Satellite SAR Imagery in Mapping the Active Layer of Arctic Permafrost

The objective of this project is to map the spatial variation of the active layer over the arctic permafrost in terms of two parameters: (i) timing and duration of thaw period and (ii) differential frost heave and thaw settlement of the active layer. To achieve this goal, remote sensing, numerical modeling, and related field measurements are required. Tasks for the University of Colorado team are to: (i) determine the timing of snow disappearance in spring through changes in surface albedo (ii) simulate the freezing and thawing processes of the active layer and (iii) simulate the impact of snow cover on permafrost presence.

Zhang, Ting-Jun↗

The Explorer's Guide to the Universe: A Reading List for Planetary and Space Science

During the last decade, both scientists and the public have been engulfed by a flood of discoveries and information from outer space. Distant worlds have become familiar landscapes. Instruments in space have shown us a different Sun by the "light" of ultraviolet radiation and X-rays. Beyond the solar system, we have detected a strange universe of unsuspected violence, unexplained objects, and unimaginable energies. We are completely remarking our picture of the universe around us, and scientists and the general public alike are curious and excited about what we see. The public has participated in this period of exploration and discovery to an extent never possible before. In real time, TV screens show moonwalks, the sands of Mars, the volcanoes of Io, and the rings of Saturn. But after the initial excitement, it is hard for the curious non-scientist to learn more details or even to stay in touch with what is going on. Each space mission or new discovery is quickly skimmed over by newspapers and TV and then preserved in technical journals that are neither accessible nor easily read by the average reader. This reading list is an attempt to bridge the gap between the people who make discoveries in space and the people who would like to read about them. The aim has been to provide to many different people--teachers, students, scientists, other professionals, and curious citizens of all kinds--a list of readings where they can find out what the universe is like and what we have learned about it. We have included sections on the objects that seem to be of general interest--the Moon, the planets, the Sun, comets, and the universe beyond. We have also included material on related subjects that people are interested in--the history of space exploration, space habitats, extraterrestrial life, and U F O ' s . The list is intended to be self-contained; it includes both general references to supply background and more specific sources for new discoveries. Although the list can be used by a wide range of people, it has been compiled with the non-scientist specifically in mind. A s a general rule, we have not included technical symposia or the special issues of

French, Bevan M.↗

Timescale Correlation between Marine Atmospheric Exposure and Accelerated Corrosion Testing - Part 2

Evaluation of metals to predict service life of metal-based structures in corrosive environments has long relied on atmospheric exposure test sites. Traditional accelerated corrosion testing relies on mimicking the exposure conditions, often incorporating salt spray and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and exposing the metal to continuous or cyclic conditions similar to those of the corrosive environment. Their reliability to correlate to atmospheric exposure test results is often a concern when determining the timescale to which the accelerated tests can be related. Accelerated corrosion testing has yet to be universally accepted as a useful tool in predicting the long-term service life of a metal, despite its ability to rapidly induce corrosion. Although visual and mass loss methods of evaluating corrosion are the standard, and their use is crucial, a method that correlates timescales from accelerated testing to atmospheric exposure would be very valuable. This paper presents work that began with the characterization of the atmospheric environment at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Beachside Corrosion Test Site. The chemical changes that occur on low carbon steel, during atmospheric and accelerated corrosion conditions, were investigated using surface chemistry analytical methods. The corrosion rates and behaviors of panels subjected to long-term and accelerated corrosion conditions, involving neutral salt fog and alternating seawater spray, were compared to identify possible timescale correlations between accelerated and long-term corrosion performance. The results, as well as preliminary findings on the correlation investigation, are presented.

Montgomery, Eliza L.↗

Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE)

The Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE) concept describes a high-performing Cubesat system which includes a propulsion module and miniaturized technologies capable of surviving atmospheric entry heating, while reliably transmitting scientific and engineering data. The Micro Return Capsule 2 (MIRKA2) is CAPE’s first planetary entry probe flight prototype. Within this context, this paper summarizes CAPE’s configuration and typical operational scenario. It also summarizes MIRKA2’s design and basic aerodynamic characteristics, and discusses potential challenges drawn from the experience of missions such as Stardust and MUSES-C. CAPE not only opens the door to new planetary mission capabilities, it also offers relatively low-cost opportunities especially suitable to university participation.

Planetary↗

Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry (CAPE) Missions: Micro-Reentry Capsule (MIRCA)

The Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE) concept describes a high-performing Cubesat system which includes a propulsion module and miniaturized technologies capable of surviving atmospheric entry heating, while reliably transmitting scientific and engineering data. The Micro Return Capsule (MIRCA) is CAPEs first planetary entry probe flight prototype. Within this context, this paper briefly describes CAPEs configuration and typical operational scenario, and summarizes ongoing work on the design and basic aerodynamic characteristics of the prototype MIRCA vehicle. CAPE not only opens the door to new planetary mission capabilities, it also offers relatively low-cost opportunities especially suitable to university participation.

micro-return capsule↗

Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry (CAPE) Missions: Micro-Return Capsule (MIRCA)

The Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE) concept describes a high-performing Cubesat system which includes a propulsion module and miniaturized technologies capable of surviving atmospheric entry heating, while reliably transmitting scientific and engineering data. The Micro Return Capsule (MIRCA) is CAPE's first planetary entry probe flight prototype. Within this context, this paper briefly describes CAPE's configuration and typical operational scenario, and summarizes ongoing work on the design and basic aerodynamic characteristics of the prototype MIRCA vehicle. CAPE not only opens the door to new planetary mission capabilities, it also offers relatively low-cost opportunities especially suitable to university participation. In broad terms, CAPE consists of two main functional components: the "service module" (SM), and "CAPE's entry probe" (CEP). The SM contains the subsystems necessary to support vehicle targeting (propulsion, ACS, computer, power) and the communications capability to relay data from the CEP probe to an orbiting "mother-ship". The CEP itself carries the scientific instrumentation capable of measuring atmospheric properties (such as density, temperature, composition), and embedded engineering sensors for Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL). The first flight of MIRCA was successfully completed on 10 October 2015 as a "piggy-back" payload onboard a NASA stratospheric balloon launched from Ft. Sumner, NM.

Cubesat↗

NASA MUREP-DEAP Institutes - Year 1 Updates on Capacity Building, Community Building and Research Initiatives

Through the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), NASA engages underrepresented populations via various initiatives, including by means of three year competitive awards for Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education (DEAP) Institutes led by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). MUREP DEAP Institutes, multi-institutional consortia, conduct data science research and capacity building initiatives that aim to enhance the research, academic, and technological capabilities of the participating HBCUs while providing NASA-specific knowledge, skills and opportunities for students and faculty who have historically been underrepresented and underserved in the STEM workforce. Three MUREP DEAP Institutes, led by Bethune-Cookman University, North Carolina A&T University, and North Carolina Central University, are conducting data science and natural hazard related research utilizing remote sensing and earth observations, with mentorship for the Institutes provided by scientists from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Each Institute has unique capabilities, needs, and goals, but overlap in their common interest to conduct cutting edge data science and natural hazard related research and to build capacity, broaden participation, and increase retention of a diverse group of participating students and faculty​. Here, successes and challenges from the first year of activities at each MUREP DEAP institute are discussed, where activities focused primarily on the recruitment of a diverse group of students and the upskilling of students and faculty in data science and remote sensing concepts. The planned activities and goals of each DEAP Institute for the upcoming two years of activities will also be discussed, both from research and community-building perspectives.

Ronan Lucey↗

Probing supermassive black hole growth and its dependence on stellar mass and star formation rate in low-redshift galaxies

ABSTRACT We present an improved study of the relation between supermassive black hole growth and their host galaxy properties in the local Universe (z < 0.33). To this end, we build an extensive sample combining spectroscopic measurements of star formation rate (SFR) and stellar mass from Sloan Digital Sky Survey, with specific Black Hole accretion rate (sBHAR, $\lambda _{\mathrm{sBHAR}} \propto L_{\rm X}/\mathcal {M}_{\ast }$) derived from the XMM–Newton Serendipitous Source Catalogue (3XMM–DR8) and the Chandra Source Catalogue (CSC2.0). We find that the sBHAR probability distribution for both star-forming and quiescent galaxies has a power-law shape peaking at log λsBHAR ∼ −3.5 and declining towards lower sBHAR in all stellar mass ranges. This finding confirms the decrease of active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity in the local Universe compared to higher redshifts. We observe a significant correlation between $\log \, \lambda _{\rm sBHAR}$ and $\log \, {\rm SFR}$ in almost all stellar mass ranges, but the relation is shallower compared to higher redshifts, indicating a reduced availability of accreting material in the local Universe. At the same time, the BHAR-to-SFR ratio for star-forming galaxies strongly correlates with stellar mass, supporting the scenario where both AGN activity and stellar formation primarily depend on the stellar mass via fuelling by a common gas reservoir. Conversely, this ratio remains constant for quiescent galaxies, possibly indicating the existence of the different physical mechanisms responsible for AGN fuelling or different accretion mode in quiescent galaxies.

Torbaniuk, O. (ORCID:0000000344652564)↗

Brittle-to-Ductile Transitions of Polyelectrolyte Complexes: Humidity, Temperature, and Salt

Polyelectrolyte complexation is an entropically driven, associative phase separation that results in a polymer-rich polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) and a polymer-poor supernatant. PECs show promise as a new class of sustainable materials since they can be processed using aqueous solutions rather than organic solvents. Previous reports have looked at the mechanical properties and glass transitions of PECs as a function of temperature, relative humidity (rH), and salt concentration (CS), but establishing a universal understanding of how these parameters affect PEC mechanics has yet to be achieved. We examined the effects of temperature, rH, and CS on the mechanical properties of PECs formed from poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(trimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) with a goal of establishing design rules for their mechanical response. Relative humidity was shown to have the most dramatic effect on the mechanical properties, with temperature and salt concentration having far less of an impact. Furthermore, we observed that the glass transition of PECs is tied to both temperature and relative humidity, creating a glass transition rH g /T g line that can be modulated by added salt. Finally, we looked at the thermodynamics behind the glass transition of PECs, which yielded similar energies as the condensation of water. Here, we propose the use of water and/or salt as a low energy and efficient method of processing PECs for various applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Relative lateration across the Los Angeles basin using a satellite laser ranging system

In January of 1981 the Transportable Laser Ranging System (TLRS) developed for NASA by the University of Texas was used to conduct a four-day test of the relative lateration technique. The test evolved making repeated measurements of six lines over the Los Angeles basin varying in distance from 26 to 84 kilometers. Although the raw times-of-flight to the various targets changed typically by 5 parts in 10 to the 6th, their line ratios varied nearly an order of magnitude less. The test suggests that the TLRS or other pulsed laser ranging systems might be able to economically combine Lageos ranging and long baseline horizontal work to survey large areas for accumulating crustal strain.

Silverberg, E. C.↗

The Baby Universe is Fine and the CFT Knows It: On Holography for Closed Universes

Big bang/big crunch closed universes can be realized in AdS/CFT, even though they lack asymptotically AdS boundaries. With enough bulk entanglement, the bulk Hilbert space of a closed universe can be holographically encoded in the CFT. We clarify the relation of this encoding to observer-clone proposals and refute recent arguments about the breakdown of semiclassical physics in such spaces. In the limit of no bulk entanglement, the holographic encoding breaks down. The oft-cited one-dimensional nature of the closed universe Hilbert space represents the limitation of the external (CFT) Hilbert space to access the quantum information in the closed universe, similar to the limitations imposed on observers outside a perfectly isolated quantum lab. We advocate that the CFT nevertheless continues to determine the physical properties of the closed universe in this regime, showing how to interpret this relationship in terms of a final state projection in the closed universe. We provide a dictionary between the final state wavefunction and CFT data. We propose a model of the emergence of an arrow of time in the universe with a given initial or final state projection. Finally, we show that the conventional EFT in the closed universe, without any projection, can be recovered as a maximally ignorant description of the final state. This conventional EFT is encoded in CFT data, and it can be probed by computing coarse-grained observables. We provide an example of one such observable. Taken together, these results amount to a clean bill of health for baby universes born of AdS/CFT.

FOS: Physical sciences↗