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At least 1,207 records · Page 67

Chandra Observations and Models of the Mixed Morphology Supernova Remnant W44: Global Trends

We report on the Chandra observations of the archetypical mixed morphology (or thermal composite) supernova remnant, W44. As with other mixed morphology remnants, W44's projected center is bright in thermal X-rays. It has an obvious radio shell, but no discernable X-ray shell. In addition, X-ray bright knots dot W44's image. The spectral analysis of the Chandra data show that the remnant s hot, bright projected center is metal-rich and that the bright knots are regions of comparatively elevated elemental abundances. Neon is among the affected elements, suggesting that ejecta contributes to the abundance trends. Furthermore, some of the emitting iron atoms appear to be underionized with respect to the other ions, providing the first potential X-ray evidence for dust destruction in a supernova remnant. We use the Chandra data to test the following explanations for W44's X-ray bright center: 1.) entropy mixing due to bulk mixing or thermal conduction, 2.) evaporation of swept up clouds, and 3.) a metallicity gradient, possibly due to dust destruction and ejecta enrichment. In these tests, we assume that the remnant has evolved beyond the adiabatic evolutionary stage, which explains the X-ray dimness of the shell. The entropy mixed model spectrum was tested against the Chandra spectrum for the remnant's projected center and found to be a good match. The evaporating clouds model was constrained by the finding that the ionization parameters of the bright knots are similar to those of the surrounding regions. While both the entropy mixed and the evaporating clouds models are known to predict centrally bright X-ray morphologies, their predictions fall short of the observed brightness gradient. The resulting brightness gap can be largely filled in by emission from the extra metals in and near the remnant's projected center. The preponderance of evidence (including that drawn from other studies) suggests that W44's remarkable morphology can be attributed to dust destruction and ejecta enrichment within an entropy mixed, adiabatic phase supernova remnant. The Chandra data prompts a new question - by what astrophysical mechanisms are the metals distributed so inhomogeneously in the supernova remnant.

Shelton, R. L.↗

A catalog of ionospheric F region irregularity behavior based on Ogo 6 retarding potential analyzer data

Review of in situ data obtained with the aid of the retarding potential analyzer on board Ogo 6 which reveal the nature of ionospheric irregularities in the total ion concentration above 400 km. Except for the high-latitude regions, the ionosphere is usually observed to be very smooth in the daytime, but considerable structure is observed at night, particularly near the equator and at Atlantic longitudes. Although most of the irregularities observed appear to be stochastic in nature, many nearly monochromatic waveforms are observed near the equator. The topics discussed include the midlatitude scintillation boundary, large-amplitude equatorial irregularities, the fluctuation spectrum of typical F-region irregularities, the lower edge of the equatorial F region, sinusoidal waveforms, ground glass irregularities, breaking wave irregularities, and regions of smooth and irregular ionization inside the polar cap.

Mcclure, J. P.↗

Design of a Microwave Assisted Discharge Inductive Plasma Accelerator

A new plasma accelerator concept that employs electrodeless plasma preionization and pulsed inductive acceleration is presented. Preionization is achieved through an electron cyclotron resonance discharge that produces a weakly-ionized plasma at the face of a conical theta pinch-shaped inductive coil. The presence of the preionized plasma allows for current sheet formation at lower discharge voltages than those found in other pulsed inductive accelerators. The location of an electron cyclotron resonance discharge can be controlled through the design of the applied magnetic field in the thruster. A finite-element model of the magnetic field was used as a design tool, allowing for the implementation of an arrangement of permanent magnets that yields a small volume of preionized propellant at the coil face. This allows for current sheet formation at the face of the inductive coil, minimizing the initial inductance of the pulse circuit and maximizing the potential efficiency of the new accelerator.

Hallock, Ashley K.↗

An Algorithm for the Transport of Anisotropic Neutrons

One major obstacle to human space exploration is the possible limitations imposed by the adverse effect of long-term exposure to the space environment. Even before human spaceflight began, the potentially brief exposure of astronauts to the very intense random solar particle events (SPE) were of great concern. A new challenge appears in deep space exploration from exposure to the low-intensity heavy-ion flux of the galactic cosmic rays (GCR) since the missions are of long duration and the accumulated GCR exposures can be high. Because cancer induction rates increase behind low to rather large thicknesses of aluminum shielding, according to available biological data on mammalian exposures to GCR like ions, the shield requirements for a Mars mission are prohibitively expensive in terms of mission launch costs. Therefore, a critical issue in the Human Exploration and Development of Space enterprise is cost effective mitigation of risk associated with ionizing radiation exposure. In order to estimate astronaut risk to GCR exposure and associated cancer risks and health hazards, it is necessary to do shield material studies. To determine an optimum radiation shield material it is necessary to understand nuclear interaction processes such as fragmentation and secondary particle production which is a function of energy dependent cross sections. This requires knowledge of material transmission characteristics either through laboratory testing or improved theoretical modeling. Here ion beam transport theory is of importance in that testing of materials in the laboratory environment generated by particle accelerators is a necessary step in materials development and evaluation for space use. The approximations used in solving the Boltzmann transport equation for the space setting are often not sufficient for laboratory work and those issues are a major emphasis of the present work.

Tweed, J.↗

Assessment Study of Small Space Debris Removal by Laser Satellites

Space debris in Earth orbit poses significant danger to satellites, humans in space, and future space exploration activities. In particular, the increasing number of unidentifiable objects, smaller than 10 cm, presents a serious hazard. Numerous technologies have been studied for removing unwanted objects in space. Our approach uses a short wavelength laser stationed in orbit to vaporize these small objects. This paper discusses the power requirements for space debris removal using lasers. A short wavelength laser pumped directly or indirectly by solar energy can scan, identify, position, and illuminate the target, which will then be vaporized or slow down the orbital speed of debris by laser detonation until it re-enters the atmosphere. The laser-induced plasma plume has a dispersive motion of approximately 105 m/sec with a Lambertian profile in the direction of the incoming beam [1-2]. The resulting fast ejecting jet plume of vaporized material should prevent matter recombination and condensation. If it allows any condensation of vaporized material, the size of condensed material will be no more than a nanoscale level [3]. Lasers for this purpose can be indirectly pumped by power from an array of solar cells or directly pumped by the solar spectrum [4]. The energy required for vaporization and ionization of a 10 cm cube (~ 2700 gm) of aluminum is 87,160 kJ. To remove this amount of aluminum in 3 minutes requires a continuous laser beam power of at least 5.38 MW under the consideration of 9% laser absorption by aluminum [5] and 5% laser pumping efficiency. The power needed for pumping 5.38 MW laser is approximately 108 MW, which can be obtained from a large solar array with 40% efficiency solar cells and a minimal area of 450 meters by 450 meters. This solar array would collect approximately 108 MW. The power required for system operation and maneuvering can be obtained by increasing solar panel size. This feasibility assessment covers roughly the power requirement, laser system, and a potential operational scenario.

Choi, Sang H.↗

HTR-1.3 solver: Predicting electrified combustion using the hypersonic task-based research solver

Here this manuscript presents an updated open-source version of the Hypersonics Task-based Research (HTR) solver. The solver, whose main features are presented in Di Renzo et al. (2020) and Di Renzo & Pirozzoli (2021), is designed for direct numerical simulation of reacting flows at high Reynolds numbers. This new version extends the applications of the HTR solver to turbulent combustion in the presence of external electric fields. In particular, a new distributed Poisson solver compatible with heterogeneous architectures has been incorporated in the algorithm to compute the electric potential distribution in bi-periodic configurations. The drift fluxes of the electrically charged species are now included in the transport equations using a targeted essentially non-oscillatory scheme. A verification of these new features of the solver is provided using one-dimensional burner stabilized flames, whereas a three dimensional turbulent flame is utilized to discuss the scalability of the proposed numerical tool.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Physical Properties of Advanced GaAs/AlGaAs Junctions

Extensive studies have been performed on MQW junctions and structures because of their potential applications as avalanche photodetectors in optical communications and imaging systems. The role of the avalanche photodiode is to provide for the conversion of an optical signal into charge. Knowledge of junction physics, and the various carrier generation/recombination mechanisms, is crucial for effectively optimizing the conversion process and increasing the structure's quantum efficiency. In addition, the recent interest in the use of APDs in imaging systems has necessitated the development of semiconductor junctions with low dark currents and high gains for low light applications. Because of the high frame rate and high pixel density requirements in new imaging applications, it is necessary to provide some front-end gain in the imager to allow operation under reasonable light conditions. Understanding the electron/hole impact ionization process, as well as diffusion and surface leakage effects, is needed to help maintain low dark currents and high gains for such applications. In addition, the APD must be capable of operating with low power, and low noise. Knowledge of the effects of various doping configurations and electric field profiles, as well as the excess noise resulting from the avalanche process, are needed to help maintain low operating bias and minimize the noise output.

Menkara, Hicham M.↗

Magnesium Hall Thruster

This Phase II project is developing a magnesium (Mg) Hall effect thruster system that would open the door for in situ resource utilization (ISRU)-based solar system exploration. Magnesium is light and easy to ionize. For a Mars- Earth transfer, the propellant mass savings with respect to a xenon Hall effect thruster (HET) system are enormous. Magnesium also can be combusted in a rocket with carbon dioxide (CO2) or water (H2O), enabling a multimode propulsion system with propellant sharing and ISRU. In the near term, CO2 and H2O would be collected in situ on Mars or the moon. In the far term, Mg itself would be collected from Martian and lunar regolith. In Phase I, an integrated, medium-power (1- to 3-kW) Mg HET system was developed and tested. Controlled, steady operation at constant voltage and power was demonstrated. Preliminary measurements indicate a specific impulse (Isp) greater than 4,000 s was achieved at a discharge potential of 400 V. The feasibility of delivering fluidized Mg powder to a medium- or high-power thruster also was demonstrated. Phase II of the project evaluated the performance of an integrated, highpower Mg Hall thruster system in a relevant space environment. Researchers improved the medium power thruster system and characterized it in detail. Researchers also designed and built a high-power (8- to 20-kW) Mg HET. A fluidized powder feed system supporting the high-power thruster was built and delivered to Busek Company, Inc.

Szabo, James J.↗

Femtosecond Laser Desorption Postionization MS vs ToF-SIMS Imaging for Uncovering Biomarkers Buried in Geological Samples

The study of lipid molecular fossils by traditional biomarker analysis requires bulk sample crushing, followed by solvent extraction, and then the analysis of the extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). This traditional analysis mixes all organic compounds in the sample regardless of their origins, with a loss of information on the spatial distribution of organic molecules within the sample. These shortcomings can be overcome using the chemical mapping of intact samples. Spectroscopic techniques such as UV fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) are among those elemental and molecular mapping techniques. This study employed femtosecond (fs) laser ablation combined with single-photon ionization, a method called fs-laser desorption postionization mass spectrometry (fs-LDPI-MS). In this work, a pulsed ~75 fs, 800 nm laser was used to ablate the geological sample, which was then photoionized after a few microseconds by a pulsed 7.9 eV vacuum ultraviolet laser. An organic carbon-rich geological sample was used for this study to map hydrocarbon biomarkers in sediments that were previously studied by GC–MS. The petrography of this sample was examined by optical and fluorescence microscopy. It is demonstrated here that fs-LDPI-MS combined with petrography for multimodal imaging can expose buried compounds within the sample via in situ layer removal. When used in conjunction with traditional organic geochemical analysis, this method has the potential to determine the spatial distribution of organic biomarkers in geological material. Finally, fs-LDPI-MS imaging data are compared with ToF-SIMS imaging that is commonly used for such studies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Heavy ion mutagenesis: linear energy transfer effects and genetic linkage

We have characterized a series of 69 independent mutants at the endogenous hprt locus of human TK6 lymphoblasts and over 200 independent S1-deficient mutants of the human x hamster hybrid cell line AL arising spontaneously or following low-fluence exposures to densely ionizing Fe ions (600 MeV/amu, linear energy transfer = 190 keV/microns). We find that large deletions are common. The entire hprt gene (> 44 kb) was missing in 19/39 Fe-induced mutants, while only 2/30 spontaneous mutants lost the entire hprt coding sequence. When the gene of interest (S1 locus = M1C1 gene) is located on a nonessential human chromosome 11, multilocus deletions of several million base pairs are observed frequently. The S1 mutation frequency is more than 50-fold greater than the frequency of hprt mutants in the same cells. Taken together, these results suggest that low-fluence exposures to Fe ions are often cytotoxic due to their ability to create multilocus deletions that may often include the loss of essential genes. In addition, the tumorigenic potential of these HZE heavy ions may be due to the high potential for loss of tumor suppressor genes. The relative insensitivity of the hprt locus to mutation is likely due to tight linkage to a gene that is required for viability.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

Can Lightning Produce Significant Levels of Mass-Independent Oxygen Isotopic Fractionation in Nebular Dust?

Based on recent evidence that oxide grains condensed from a plasma will contain oxygen that is mass independently fractionated compared to the initial composition of the vapor, we present a first attempt to evaluate the potential magnitude of this effect on dust in the primitive solar nebula. This assessment relies on previous studies of nebular lightning to provide reasonable ranges of physical parameters to form a very simple model to evaluate the plausibility that lightning could affect a significant fraction of nebular dust and that such effects could cause a significant change in the oxygen isotopic composition of solids in the solar nebula over time. If only a small fraction of the accretion energy is dissipated as lightning over the volume of the inner solar nebula, then a large fraction of nebular dust will be exposed to lightning. If the temperature of such bolts is a few percent of the temperatures measured in terrestrial discharges, then dust will vaporize and recondense in an ionized environment. Finally, if only a small average decrease is assumed in the O-16 content of freshly condensed dust, then over the last 5 million years of nebular accretion the average delta O-17 of the dust could increase by more than 30 per mil. We conclude that it is possible that the measured " slope 1" oxygen isotope line measured in meteorites and their components represents a time-evolution sequence of nebular dust over the last several million years of nebular evolution O-16-rich materials formed first, then escaped further processing as the average isotopic composition of the dust graduaUy became increasingly depleted in O-16 .

Nuth, Joseph A.↗

Characteristics of Mini-Magnetospheres Formed by Paleo-Magnetic Fields of Mars

The intensely and non-uniformly magnetized crustal sources generate an effective large-scale magnetic field. In the Southern hemisphere the strongest crustal fields lead to the formation of large-scale mini-magnetospheres. In the Northern hemisphere, the crustal fields are rather weak and there are only isolated mini-magnetospheres. Re-connection with the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) occurs in many localized regions. This may occur not only in cusp-like structures above nearly vertical field anomalies but also in halos extending several hundreds of kilometers from these sources. Re-connection will permit solar wind (SW) and more energetic particles to precipitate into and heat the neutral atmosphere. Electron density profiles of the ionosphere of Mars derived from radio occultation data obtained by the Radio Science Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) experiment are concentrated in the near polar regions. The effective scale-height of the neutral atmosphere density in the vicinity of the ionization peak has been derived for each of the profiles studied. The effective scale-heights have been compared with the crustal magnetic fields measured by the MGS Magnetometer/Electron Reflectometer (MAG/ER) experiment. A significant difference between the large-scale mini-magnetospheres and regions outside of them has been found. The neutral atmosphere is cooler inside the large-scale mini-magnetospheres. It appears that outside of the cusps the strong crustal magnetic fields prevent additional heating of the neutral atmosphere by direct interaction of the SW. The scale-height of the neutral atmosphere density derived from the experiment with the MGS Accelerometer has been compared with MAG/ER data. The scale-height was found to be usually larger than mean value near the boundaries of potential mini-magnetospheres and around cusps . It may indicate that the paleo-magnetic/IMF field re-connection is characteristic of the mini-magnetospheres at Mars.

N F Ness↗

An Extreme X-ray Disk Wind in the Black Hole Candidate IGR J17091-3624

Chandra spectroscopy of transient stellar-mass black holes in outburst has clearly revealed accretion disk winds in soft, disk-dominated states, in apparent anti-correlation with relativistic jets in low/hard states. These disk winds are observed to be highly ionized. dense. and to have typical velocities of approx 1000 km/s or less projected along our line of sight. Here. we present an analysis of two Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating spectra of the Galactic black hole candidate IGR J17091-3624 and contemporaneous EVLA radio observations. obtained in 2011. The second Chandra observation reveals an absorption line at 6.91+/-0.01 keV; associating this line with He-like Fe XXV requires a blue-shift of 9300(+500/-400) km/ s (0.03c. or the escape velocity at 1000 R(sub schw)). This projected outflow velocity is an order of magnitude higher than has previously been observed in stellar-mass black holes, and is broadly consistent with some of the fastest winds detected in active galactic nuclei. A potential feature at 7.32 keV, if due to Fe XXVI, would imply a velocity of approx 14600 km/s (0.05c), but this putative feature is marginal. Photoionization modeling suggests that the accretion disk wind in IGR J17091-3624 may originate within 43,300 Schwarzschild radii of the black hole, and may be expelling more gas than accretes. The contemporaneous EVLA observations strongly indicate that jet activity was indeed quenched at the time of our Chandra observations. We discuss the results in the context of disk winds, jets, and basic accretion disk physics in accreting black hole systems

King, A. L.↗

Evidence from Meteorites for Multiple Possible Amino Acid Alphabets for the Origins of Life

A key question for the origins of life is understanding which amino acids made up the first proteins synthesized during the origins of life. The canonical set of 20 - 22 amino acids used in proteins are all alpha-amino, alpha-hydrogen isomers that, nevertheless, show considerable variability in properties including size, hydrophobicity, and ionizability. Abiotic amino acid synthesis experiments such as Miller-Urey spark discharge reactions produce a set of up to 23 amino acids, depending on starting materials and reaction conditions, with significant abundances of both alpha- and non-alpha-amino acid isomers. These two sets of amino acids do not completely overlap; of the 23 spark discharge amino acids, only 11 are used in modern proteins. Furthermore, because our understanding of conditions on the early Earth are limited, it is unclear which set(s) of conditions employed in spark discharge or hydrothermal reactions are correct, leaving us with significant uncertainty about the amino acid alphabet available for the origins of life on Earth. Meteorites, the surviving remnants of asteroids and comets that fall to the Earth, offer the potential to study authentic samples of naturally-occurring abiotic chemistry, and thus can provide an alternative approach to constraining the amino acid library during the origins of life.

Burton, A. S.↗

Neuroprotectin D1 Attenuates Blast Overpressure Induced Reactive Microglial Cells in the Cochlea

Objective/Hypothesis We examined a neuroinflammatory response associated with glial activation in the cochlea exposed to blast overpressure and evaluated the potential therapeutic efficacy of specialized pro‐resolving mediators such as neuroprotectin D1, NPD1; (10R, 17S‐dihydroxy‐4Z, 7Z, 11E, 13E, 15Z, 19Z‐docosahexaenoic acid) in a rodent blast‐induced auditory injury model. Study Design Animal Research. Methods A compressed‐air driven shock tube was used to expose anesthetized adult male Long‐Evan rats to shock waves simulating an open‐field blast exposure. Approximately 30 minutes after blast exposure, rats were treated with NPD1 (100 ng/kg body wt.) or vehicle delivered intravenously via tail vein injection. Rats were then euthanized 48 hours after blast exposure. Unexposed rats were included as controls. Tissue sections containing both middle and inner ear were prepared with hematoxylin–eosin staining to elucidate histopathological changes associated with blast exposure. Cochlear tissues were evaluated for relative expression of ionized calcium‐binding adaptor 1 (Iba1), as an indicator of microglial activation by immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. Results Our animal model resulted in an acute injury mechanism manifested by damage to the tympanic membrane, hemorrhage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and increased expression of Iba1 protein. Moreover, therapeutic intervention with NPD1 significantly reduced Iba1 expression in the cochlea, suggesting a reduction of a neuroinflammatory response caused by blast overpressure. Conclusions Blast overpressure resulted in an increased expression of proteins involved in gliosis within the auditory system, which were reduced by NPD1. Treatment of NPD1 suggests an effective strategy to reduce or halt auditory microglial cell activation due to primary blast exposure. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope , 131:E2018–E2025, 2021

Ríos, José David↗

Proton beam position measurement in air using a BPM

A Beam Position Monitor (BPM) is potentially useful to measure the position and phase of the beam in air in a non-destructive way. An air-gap BPM in experiments, such as beam-induced radioactive waste management and dynamic radiography applications, where a so-called air gap is needed, can be utilized to measure the beam position and phase. In this study, a stripline BPM was used in the air-gap of an 800 MeV proton beam transport line. The downstream end of the primary beamline exit window was made of a thin aluminum plate and allowed the beam to travel 1.2 m in ambient air before re-entering into a vacuum drift section. Such a configuration was arranged to examine the BPM effectiveness in atmospheric temperature and pressure where ionization of air occurs. In this study, a high energy (800 MeV), high current (0.6 A beam peak current/pulse) proton beam of 5 mm radius was transported in the air. The beam position relative to the axis was measured by detecting the signature of the beam in a nanosecond scale. This nanosecond scale detection ability was useful to identify other signals such as plasma effects. The BPM signals were processed at a frequency of 201 MHz; thus, one gets a stronger response in a stripline pattern as it was used in this study instead of a dot-type BPM. Experimental data show that the BPM works well in air, but ionization of air or plasma formation could not be measured over the BPM signal. The design, construction, and performance of a BPM in air environment are presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Epidemiological Studies of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation and Cancer: Rationale and Framework for the Monograph and Overview of Eligible Studies

Abstract Whether low-dose ionizing radiation can cause cancer is a critical and long-debated question in radiation protection. Since the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation report by the National Academies in 2006, new publications from large, well-powered epidemiological studies of low doses have reported positive dose-response relationships. It has been suggested, however, that biases could explain these findings. We conducted a systematic review of epidemiological studies with mean doses less than 100 mGy published 2006–2017. We required individualized doses and dose-response estimates with confidence intervals. We identified 26 eligible studies (eight environmental, four medical, and 14 occupational), including 91 000 solid cancers and 13 000 leukemias. Mean doses ranged from 0.1 to 82 mGy. The excess relative risk at 100 mGy was positive for 16 of 22 solid cancer studies and 17 of 20 leukemia studies. The aim of this monograph was to systematically review the potential biases in these studies (including dose uncertainty, confounding, and outcome misclassification) and to assess whether the subset of minimally biased studies provides evidence for cancer risks from low-dose radiation. Here, we describe the framework for the systematic bias review and provide an overview of the eligible studies.

Berrington de Gonzalez, Amy↗

Filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy with structured beams

Filament-induced ablation represents an attractive scheme for long-range material identification via optical spectroscopy. However, the delivery of laser energy to the target can be severely hindered by the stochastic nature of multiple-filamentation, ionization of ambient gas, and atmospheric turbulence. In order to mitigate some of these adverse effects, we examine the utility of beam shaping for femtosecond filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy with Gaussian and structured (Laguerre-Gaussian, Airy, and Bessel-Gaussian) beams in the nonlinear regime. Interaction of filaments with copper, zinc, and brass targets was studied by recording axially-resolved broadband emission from the filament-induced plasma. The laser-solid coupling efficacy was assessed by inferring thermodynamic parameters such as excitation temperature and electron density. While under our experimental conditions the ablation rate with Gaussian- and Laguerre-Gaussian beams is found to be similar, the Airy and Bessel-Gaussian beams offer the advantage of longitudinally extended working zones. These results provide insights into potential benefits of structuring ultrafast laser beams for standoff sensing applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗