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At least 55 records · Page 3

Gamma rays from clusters of galaxies

The possibility that Coma-type radio halos are powered by secondary electrons produced during the decay of energetic charge pions is examined. These pions are generated by the collision of cosmic ray protons with thermal ions in the intracluster medium. A calculation of both the cosmic ray concentration and the spectrum needed to power the halo in the Coma cluster is presented. The gamma-ray flux is predicted and it is shown that this model can be tested with the Gamma Ray Observatory Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope.

Vestrand, W. Thomas↗

Characterization of Acousto-Electric Cluster and Array Levitation and its Application to Evaporation

An acousto-electric levitator has been developed to study the behavior of liquid drop and solid particle clusters and arrays. Unlike an ordinary acoustic levitator that uses only a standing acoustic wave to levitate a single drop or particle, this device uses an extra electric static field and the acoustic field simultaneously to generate and levitate charged drops in two-dimensional arrays in air without any contact to a solid surface. This cluster and array generation (CAG) instrument enables us to steadily position drops and arrays to study the behavior of multiple drop and particle systems such as spray and aerosol systems relevant to the energy, environmental, and material sciences.

Robert E. Apfel↗

A reconsideration of nucleation phenomena in light of recent findings concerning the properties of small clusters, and a brief review of some other particle growth processes

The paper examines mechanisms of nucleation and growth by condensation and coagulation in the light of recent research on properties of small clusters. Homogeneous, hetero-molecular, and heterogeneous nucleation is analyzed, and expressions for the rate of formation of a stable condensed phase and evaluation of the free energy of formation of charged droplets are given. Application of high-pressure mass spectrometry which makes possible a direct determination of intensity spectra for cluster distributions, measurement of the thermodynamic properties of individual ion clusters and determination of cluster entropy and bond energy is discussed. Finally, coagulation of the condensed phase is considered, noting that concentration and mean particle size vary during coagulation, but the shape distribution is time independent, leading to the concept of a self-preserving aerosol size distribution.

Castleman, A. W., Jr.↗

DNA Break Clustering as a Predictor of Cell Death across Various Radiation Qualities: Influence of Cell Size, Cell Asymmetry, and Beam Orientation

Cosmic radiation, composed of high charge and energy (HZE) particles, causes cellular DNA damage that can result in cell death or mutation that can evolve into cancer. In this work, a cell death model is applied to several cell lines exposed to HZE ions spanning a broad range of linear energy transfer (LET) values. We hypothesize that chromatin movement leads to the clustering of multiple double strand breaks (DSB) within one radiation-induced foci (RIF). The survival probability of a cell population is determined by averaging the survival probabilities of individual cells, which is function of the number of pairwise DSB interactions within RIF. The simulation code RITCARD was used to compute DSB. Two clustering approaches were applied to determine the number of RIF per cell. RITCARD outputs were combined with experimental data from four normal human cell lines to derive the model parameters and expand its predictions in response to ions with LET ranging from ∼0.2keV/μmto∼3000keV/μm. Spherical and ellipsoidal nuclear shapes and two ion beam orientations were modeled to assess the impact of geometrical properties on cell death. The calculated average number of RIF per cell reproduces the saturation trend for high doses and high-LET values that is usually experimentally observed. The cell survival model generates the recognizable bell shape of LET dependence for the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). At low LET, smaller nuclei have lower survival due to increased DNA density and DSB clustering. At high LET, nuclei with a smaller irradiation area either because of a smaller size or a change in beam orientation have a higher survival rate due to a change in the distribution of DSB/RIF per cell. If confirmed experimentally, the geometric characteristics of cells would become a significant factor in predicting radiation-induced biological effects.

cell survival↗

The effect of CO chemisorption on the metal surface CO/Ni(100)

The chemisorption of CO on Ni(100) is studied with a cluster model. The calculations suggest that chemisorption changes the nature of the Ni 3d orbitals. The open shell Ni 3d accepts charge from the Ni valence 4s4p orbitals, reducing the open shell 3d character on the Ni. The closed shell Ni 3d orbitals also mix with the Ni valence 4s4p orbitals and donate charge to the CO; thus helping to maintain the Ni 3d population near 9. These changes should affect the density of 3d states near the Fermi level and the surface magnetic moment. The variation in the bonding with the size of cluster is also discussed.

Bauschlicher, Charles, W., jr.↗

Investigations on the usefulness of the Massively Parallel Processor for study of electronic properties of atomic and condensed matter systems

The usefulness of the Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) for investigation of electronic structures and hyperfine properties of atomic and condensed matter systems was explored. The major effort was directed towards the preparation of algorithms for parallelization of the computational procedure being used on serial computers for electronic structure calculations in condensed matter systems. Detailed descriptions of investigations and results are reported, including MPP adaptation of self-consistent charge extended Hueckel (SCCEH) procedure, MPP adaptation of the first-principles Hartree-Fock cluster procedure for electronic structures of large molecules and solid state systems, and MPP adaptation of the many-body procedure for atomic systems.

Das, T. P.↗

Transport of Light Ions in Matter

A recent set of light ion experiments are analyzed using the Green's function method of solving the Boltzmann equation for ions of high charge and energy (the GRNTRN transport code) and the NUCFRG2 fragmentation database generator code. Although the NUCFRG2 code reasonably represents the fragmentation of heavy ions, the effects of light ion fragmentation requires a more detailed nuclear model including shell structure and short range correlations appearing as tightly bound clusters in the light ion nucleus. The most recent NTJCFRG2 code is augmented with a quasielastic alpha knockout model and semiempirical adjustments (up to 30 percent in charge removal) in the fragmentation process allowing reasonable agreement with the experiments to be obtained. A final resolution of the appropriate cross sections must await the full development of a coupled channel reaction model in which shell structure and clustering can be accurately evaluated.

Wilson, J. W.↗

Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Electrostatic vulnerability of the E8 and XM15/XM165 clusters, phase 2

An investigation into the electrostatic phenomena associated with the manufacturing and handling of explosives is discussed. The testing includes measurement of the severity of the primary charge generation mechanism, triboelectric effects between dissimilar surfaces; refinement of equivalent circuits of the XM15/XM165 and E8 fuse trains; evaluation of the electrostatic spark discharge characteristics predicted by an equivalent circuit analysis; and determination of the spark ignition sensitivity of materials, components, junctions, and subassemblies which compose the XM15/XM165 and E8 units. Special studies were also performed. These special tests included ignition sensitivity of the complete XM15 fuse train when subjected to discharges through its entire length, measurement of electrostatic potentials which occur during the E8 foaming operation during fabrication, and investigation of the inadvertent functioning of an XM15 cluster during manufacturing. The test results are discussed and related to the effectiveness of suggested modification to reduce the electrostatic ignition sensitivity.

Source record↗

A new analysis of charge transfer and polarization for ligand-metal bonding - Model studies of Al4CO and Al4NH3

The nature of the bonding of CO and NH3 ligands to Al is analyzed, and the intra-unit charge polarization and inter-unit donation for the interaction of ligands with metals are studied. The consequences of metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal charge transfer are separately considered by performing a constrained space orbital variation (CSOV) with the electrons of the metal member of the complex in the field of frozen ligand. The electrons of the metal atoms are then frozen in the relaxed distribution given by the CSOV SCF wave function and the ligand electrons are allowed to relax. Quantitative measures of the importance of inter-unit charge transfers and intra-unit polarization are obtained using results of SCF studies of Al4CO and Al4NH3 clusters chosen to simulate the adsorption of the ligands at an on-top side of the Al(111) surface. The electrostatic attraction of the effective dipole moments of the metal and ligand units makes an important contribution to the bond.

Bagus, P. S.↗

Theoretical Investigation of OCN(-) Charge Transfer Complexes in Condensed Phase Media: Spectroscopic Properties in Amorphous Ice

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of cyanate (OCN(-)) charge-transfer complexes were performed to model the "XCN" feature observed in interstellar icy grain mantles. OCN(-) charge-transfer complexes were formed from precursor combinations of HNCO or HOCN with either NH3 or H2O. Three different solvation strategies for realistically modeling the ice matrix environment were explored, including (1) continuum solvation, (2) pure DFT cluster calculations, and (3) an ONIOM DFT/PM3 cluster calculation. The model complexes were evaluated by their ability to reproduce seven spectroscopic measurements associated with XCN: the band origin of the OCN(-) asymmetric stretching mode, shifts in that frequency due to isotopic substitutions of C, N, O, and H, plus two weak features. The continuum solvent field method produced results consistent with some of the experimental data but failed to account for other behavior due to its limited capacity to describe molecular interactions with solvent. DFT cluster calculations successfully reproduced the available spectroscopic measurements very well. In particular, the deuterium shift showed excellent agreement in complexes where OCN(-) was fully solvated. Detailed studies of representative complexes including from two to twelve water molecules allowed the exploration of various possible solvation structures and provided insights into solvation trends. Moreover, complexes arising from cyanic or isocyanic acid in pure water suggested an alternative mechanism for the formation of OCN(-) charge-transfer complexes without the need for a strong base such as NH3 to be present. An extended ONIOM (B3LYP/PM3) cluster calculation was also performed to assess the impact of a more realistic environment on HNCO dissociation in pure water.

Park, Jin-Young↗

Theoretical Modeling of Formic Acid (HCOOH), Formate (HCOO(-)), and Ammonia (NH(4)) Vibrational Spectra in Astrophysical Ices

Ions embedded in icy grain mantles are thought to account for various observed infrared spectroscopic features, particularly in certain young stellar objects. The dissociation of formic acid (HCOOH) in astrophysical ices to form the formate ion (HCOO(-)) was modeled with density functional theory cluster calculations. Like isocyanic acid (HOCN), HCOOH was found to spontaneously deprotonate when sufficient water is present to stabilize charge transfer complexes. Both ammonia and water can serve as proton acceptors, yielding ammonium (NH4(+)) and hydronium (H3O(+)) counterions. Computed frequencies of weak infrared features produced by stretching and bending modes in both HCOO(-) and HCOOH were compared with experimental and astronomical data. Our results confirm laboratory assignments that a band at 1381 cm(exp -1) can be attributed to the CH bend in either HCOO(-) or HCOOH, but a band at 1349 cm(exp -1) corresponds to CO stretching in HCOO(-). Another feature at 1710 cm(exp -1) (5.85 m) can possibly be assigned to a CO stretching mode in HCOOH, as suggested by experiment, but the agreement is less satisfactory. In addition, we examine and analyze spectroscopic features associated with NH+4, both as a counterion to HCOO(-) or OCN(-) and in isolation, in order to compare with experimental and astronomical data in the 7 m region.

Park, Jin-Young↗

Rayleigh Scattering Density Measurements, Cluster Theory, and Nucleation Calculations at Mach 10

In an exploratory investigation, quantitative unclustered laser Rayleigh scattering measurements of density were performed in the air in the NASA Langley Research Center's 31 in. Mach 10 wind tunnel. A review of 20 previous years of data in supersonic and Mach 6 hypersonic flows is presented where clustered signals typically overwhelmed molecular signals. A review of nucleation theory and accompanying nucleation calculations are also provided to interpret the current observed lack of clustering. Data were acquired at a fixed stagnation temperature near 990Kat five stagnation pressures spanning 2.41 to 10.0 MPa (350 to 1454 psi) using a pulsed argon fluoride excimer laser and double-intensified charge-coupled device camera. Data averaged over 371 images and 210 pixels along a 36.7mmline measured freestream densities that agree with computed isentropic-expansion densities to less than 2% and less than 6% at the highest and lowest densities, respectively. Cluster-free Mach 10 results are compared with previous clustered Mach 6 and condensation-free Mach 14 results. Evidence is presented indicating vibrationally excited oxygen and nitrogen molecules are absorbed as the clusters form, release their excess energy, and inhibit or possibly reverse the clustering process. Implications for delaying clustering and condensation onset in hypersonic and hypervelocity facilities are discussed.

Balla, R. Jeffrey↗

Multiple-Bit Errors Caused By Single Ions

Report describes experimental and computer-simulation study of multiple-bit errors caused by impingement of single energetic ions on 256-Kb dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) integrated circuit. Studies illustrate effects of different mechanisms for transport of charge from ion tracks to various elements of integrated circuits. Shows multiple-bit errors occur in two different types of clusters about ion tracks causing them.

Zoutendyk, John A.↗

Radiation damage in scientific charge-coupled devices

Radiation damage is reported on CCDs (charge-coupled devices) that have been primarily exposed to 1.25-MeV gamma rays (Co-60 source). Two important classes of radiation damage are discussed, namely, bulk and ionization effects. Bulk damage or displacement damage is a process in which silicon atoms are displaced from their normal lattice positions by high-energy photons or particles. Single atomic displacements or cluster defect damage is produced, depending on the energy and type of radiation experienced by the detector. Bulk damage creates trapping sites within the CCD's signal channel which in turn degrades charge-transfer efficiency.

Janesick, James↗

Air pollution source identification

The techniques available for source identification are reviewed: remote sensing, injected tracers, and pollutants themselves as tracers. The use of the large number of trace elements in the ambient airborne particulate matter as a practical means of identifying sources is discussed. Trace constituents are determined by sensitive, inexpensive, nondestructive, multielement analytical methods such as instrumental neutron activation and charged particle X-ray fluorescence. The application to a large data set of pairwise correlation, the more advanced pattern recognition-cluster analysis approach with and without training sets, enrichment factors, and pollutant concentration rose displays for each element is described. It is shown that elemental constituents are related to specific source types: earth crustal, automotive, metallurgical, and more specific industries. A field-ready source identification system based on time and wind direction resolved sampling is described.

Fordyce, J. S.↗

A Catalog of Galaxy Clusters Observed by XMM-Newton

Images and the radial profiles of the temperature, abundance, and brightness for 70 clusters of galaxies observed by XMM-Newton are presented along with a detailed discussion of the data reduction and analysis methods, including background modeling, which were used in the processing. Proper consideration of the various background components is vital to extend the reliable determination of cluster parameters to the largest possible cluster radii. The various components of the background including the quiescent particle background, cosmic diffuse emission, soft proton contamination, and solar wind charge exchange emission are discussed along with suggested means of their identification, filtering, and/or their modeling and subtraction. Every component is spectrally variable, sometimes significantly so, and all components except the cosmic background are temporally variable as well. The distributions of the events over the FOV vary between the components, and some distributions vary with energy. The scientific results from observations of low surface brightness objects and the diffuse background itself can be strongly affected by these background components and therefore great care should be taken in their consideration.

Snowden, S. L.↗

Reassignment of the Iron (3) Absorption Bands in the Spectra of Mars

Absorption features in the near-infrared and visible region reflectance spectra of Mars have been assigned to specific Fe (3+) crystal-field and o(2-) yields Fe(3+) charge transfer transitions. Recently, near-ultraviolet absorption spectra of iron oxides were obtained and the energies of o(2-) yields Fe(3+) charge-transfer (LMCT) transitions were determined from accurate SCF-X # alpha-SW molecular orbital calculations on (FeO6)(9-) and (FeO4)(5-) clusters. Both the theoretical and experimental results, together with existing data in the literature, show that some of the previous Fe(3+) band assignments in the spectra of Mars need to be revised. The theory of Fe(3+) spectra in minerals is discussed and applied to the spectrum of Mars.

Sherman, D. M.↗

The (FHCl)- molecular anion - Structural aspects, global surface, and vibrational eigenspectrum

State of the art ab initio electronic structure methods have been used to investigate the (FHCl)- molecular anion. It is proposed that the geometric structure and binding energies of the complex are r(e)(H-F) = 0.963 +/- 0.003 A, R(e)(H-Cl) = 1.925 +/- 0.015 A, and D0(HF + Cl(-)) = 21.8 +/- 0.4 kcal/mol. A Morokuma decomposition of the ion-molecular bonding give the following electrostatic, polarization, exchange repulsion, dispersion, and charge-transfer plus higher-order mixing components of the vibrationless complexation energy: -27.3, -5.2, +18.3, -4.5, and -5.0 kcal/mol, respectively. A couples cluster single and doubles global surface is constructed from 208 and 228 energy points for linear and bent configurations, respectively, these being fit to rms errors of only 3.9 and 9.3/cm, respectively, below 8000/cm. Converged J = 0 and J = 1 variational eigenstates of the (FHCl)- surface to near the HF + Cl(-) dissociation threshold are determined. The fundamental vibrational frequencies are found to be nu1 = 247/cm, nu2 = 876/cm, and nu3 = 2884/cm. The complete vibrational eigenspectrum is analyzed.

Klepeis, Neil E.↗