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At least 361 records · Page 20

Markovian Statistical Model of Cloud Optical Thickness. Part I: Theory and Examples

We present a generalization of the binary-value Markovian model previously used for statistical characterization of cloud masks to a continuous-value model describing 1D fields of cloud optical thickness (COT). This model has simple functional expressions and is specified by four parameters: the cloud fraction, the autocorrelation (scale) length, and the two parameters of the normalized probability density function of (non-zero) COT values (this PDF is assumed to have gamma-distribution form). Cloud masks derived from this model by separation between the values above and below some threshold in COT appear to have the same statistical properties as in binary-value model described in our previous publications. We demonstrate the ability of our model to generate examples of various cloud-field types by using it to statistically imitate actual cloud observations made by the Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) during two field experiments.

binary-value Markovian model↗

Electromagnetic and corpuscular emission from the solar flare of 1991 June 15: Continuous acceleration of relativistic particles

Data on X-, gamma-ray, optical and radio emission from the 1991 June 15 solar flare are considered. We have calculated the spectrum of protons that produces gamma-rays during the gradual phase of the flare. The primary proton spectrum can be described as a Bessel-function-type up to 0.8 GeV and a power law with the spectral index approximately equal to 3 from 0.8 up to 10 GeV or above. We have also analyzed data on energetic particles near the Earth. Their spectrum differed from that of primary protons producing gamma-ray line emission. In the gradual phase of the flare additional pulses of energy release occurred and the time profiles of cm-radio emission and gamma-rays in the 0.8-10 MeV energy band and above 50 MeV coincided. A continuous and simultaneous stochastic acceleration of the protons and relativistic electrons at the gradual phase of the flare is considered as a natural explanation of the data.

Kocharov, L. G.↗

The initial mass function for massive stars in the Magellanic Clouds. 3: Luminosity and mass functions for 14 OB associations

We have used UBV photometry of stars in 14 associations in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC/SMS) (Hill, Madore, & Freedman) to derive luminosity and mass functions for the most massive stars. The main-sequence luminosity functions for the associations are quite similar, having an average slope of s = 0.03 +/- 0.06. The mass functions for the associations have slopes that span similar ranges about a common mean for both the LMC and SMC and there is no strong evidence for a significant variation in the slopes from one association to another. Accordingly, metal abundance does not appear to have a strong effect on the initial mass function (IMF), at least for the range in metallicity observed between the Magellanic Clouds. The average slope of the IMF for the Magellanic Cloud associations is Gamma = -2.0 +/- 0.5 for M greater than 9 Solar Masses. The range in the derived slopes is more likely due to the large uncertainties associated with the calculations of the mass functions, rather than to real variations in the IMF. There may be some evidence for a decrease in the slope of the IMF at masses below 9 Solar Masses, but incompleteness and the larger photometric errors associated with the faintest stars make this conclusion tentative.

Hill, Robert J.↗

Transverse single-spin asymmetries in $γ$ SIDIS as a direct probe of quark-gluon-quark longitudinal momentum structure

Transverse single-spin asymmetries in the semi-inclusive deep-inelastic production of isolated photons ($\gamma$SIDIS), $A_{UT}^{\gamma {\rm SIDIS}}$, provide an unprecedented opportunity to extract the quark-gluon-quark correlators $F_{FT}(x,x')$ and $G_{FT}(x,x')$ point-by-point in their full support $x,x'$. We utilize realistic models for these functions, based on input from the Sivers transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function and imposing constraints from the $d_2$ matrix element calculated in lattice QCD, in order to provide numerical estimates for $A_{UT}^{\gamma {\rm SIDIS}}$ at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). We thoroughly explore the EIC phase space in order to isolate in which regions the asymmetry can be sizable, finding it can be as much as $10\%$ or larger for certain kinematics. Given that $F_{FT}(x,x')$ and $G_{FT}(x,x')$ are basically unknown, $A_{UT}^{\gamma {\rm SIDIS}}$ will be an important future measurement to learn about multi-parton correlations in the nucleon.

Electron-Ion Collider↗

Clump Giants in the Hyades

The project is entitled 'Clump Giants in the Hyades.' This observation of one of the late-type Hyades giants (Gamma Tau) has implications for understanding the formation of late-type stellar coronae as a function of the evolutionary state of the star. The Hyades giants are interesting because they are all clump giants in the Helium burning phase, similar to the cool primary of Capella. The Hyades giants show significantly more magnetic activity than expected from their state of evolution (and slowed-down rotation). Thus these systems provide an important clue to dynamo action. The data were obtained by the satellite on 13 March 2001 for a total RGS exposure of 58220 seconds. These data were delivered to the PI on 7 August 2001. The data could not be reprocessed until SAS Version 5.3.3 which became available 7 June 2002. Although the guidelines for assessing background rates suggested that half the data were contaminated, it does not appear that the spectral region of the RGS was adversely affected by unusually high background. The spectra show strong lines of Fe XVII and XVIII, O VII and VIII, Ne IX and X, along with numerous weaker lines. The emission measure distribution is highly reminiscent of Capella; if anything, the emission measure distribution is steeper at 6 million K than for Capella. Gamma Tau is the second brightest of the Hyades clump giants. Pallavicini et al. have shown that the luminosity of the brightest Hyades giant (Theta Tau) is remarkably similar to its luminosity as measured by Einstein. Short-term variability is also modest. We are addressing the variability issue now for Gamma Tau. Initial results were reported at the 2003 Seattle AAS meeting. A paper is in preparation for submission to the Astrophysical Journal.

Mushotzky, Richard F.↗

The diffuse galactic gamma radiation: The Compton contribution and component separation by energy interval and galactic coordinates

The radiation to be expected from cosmic ray interactions with matter and photons was examined. Particular emphasis is placed on the Compton emission. Both the photon density in and near the visible region and that in the region are deduced from the estimates of the emission functions throughout the Galaxy. The blackbody radiation is also included in the estimate of the total Compton emission. The result suggests that the gamma ray Compton radiation from cosmic ray ineractions with galactic visible and infrared photons is substantially larger than previously believed.

Kniffen, D. A.↗

Code CUGEL: A code to unfold Ge(Li) spectrometer polyenergetic gamma photon experimental distributions

A FORTRAN code was developed for the Univac 1108 digital computer to unfold lithium-drifted germanium semiconductor spectrometers, polyenergetic gamma photon experimental distributions. It was designed to analyze the combination continuous and monoenergetic gamma radiation field of radioisotope volumetric sources. The code generates the detector system response matrix function and applies it to monoenergetic spectral components discretely and to the continuum iteratively. It corrects for system drift, source decay, background, and detection efficiency. Results are presented in digital form for differential and integrated photon number and energy distributions, and for exposure dose.

Steyn, J. J.↗

Probing the solar corona with energetic particles

Representative sets of recent experimental results and theoretical studies are summarized to show the current knowledge of energetic particle phenomena based mainly on observations near 1 AU. Measurements close to the sun of quantities such as particle spectra, charge and isotopic composition, and the flow of particles as a function of time, together with measurements of the plasma, magnetic field, X-rays, and gamma rays will not only reveal the properties of the source region and acceleration mechanisms but will also provide a better knowledge of the physics of the corona. These measurements may also reveal the existence of large scale inhomogeneities in the solar corona. The general requirements for making these measurements on the solar probe are listed. An energetic particle detector system which has the capability of resolving the charge and isotopic composition up to 50 MeV/nucleon may successfully measure the above quantities provided that it can perform under both very low and average intensity levels.

Vanhollebeke, M. A. I.↗

Radiation test results on TK 1024 CCDs

Results are presented from tests on TK 1024 CCDs with a multipinned phase (MPP) implant built into an experiental mask set. The average dark current as a function of temperature increased by a factor of about 3 for the 5 krads of gammas, which is a 10-fold increase for the extra 2 krads of protons. Histograms of the dark current show two types of dark current, an average level change, and dark current spikes.

Delamere, Alan↗

Radiative transfer in a clumpy universe: The colors of high-redshift galaxies

We assess the effects of the stochastic attenuation produced by intervening QSO absorption systems on the broadband colors of galaxies at cosmological distances. We compute the H I opacity of a clumpy universe as a function of redshift, including scattering in resonant lines, such as Lyman alpha, Lyman beta, Lyman gamma, and higher order members, and Lyman-continuum absorption. Both the numerous, optically thin Lyman-alpha forest clouds and the rarer, optically thick Lyman limit systems are found to contribute to the obscuration of background sources. We study the mean properties of primeval galaxies at high redshift in four broad optical passbands, U(sub n), B, G, and R. Even if young galaxies radiated a significant amount of ionizing photons, the attenuation due to the accumulated photoelectric opacity along the path is so severe that sources beyond z approximately 3 will drop out of the U(sub n) image together. We also show that the observed B-R color of distant galaxies can be much redder than expected from a stellar population. At z approximately 3.5, the blanketing by discrete absorption lines in the Lyman series is so effective that background galaxies appear, on average, 1 mag fainter in B. By z approximately 4, the observed B magnitude increment due to intergalactic absorption exceeds 2 mag. By modeling the intrinsic UV spectral energy distribution of star-forming galaxies with a stellar population synthesis code, we show that the (B-R)(sub AB) approximately 0 criterion for identifying 'flat-spectrum,' metal-producing galaxies is biased against objects at z greater than 3. The continuum blanketing from the Lyman series produces a characteristic staircase profile in the transmitted power. We suggest that this cosmic Lyman decrement might be used as a tool to identify high-z galaxies.

Madau, Piero↗

The Effect of Ballistic Impacts on the High Cycle Fatigue Properties of Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr (at.%)

The ability of gamma - TiAl to withstand potential foreign and/or domestic object damage is a technical risk to the implementation of gamma - TiAl in low pressure turbine (LPT) blade applications. The overall purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of ballistic impact damage on the high cycle fatigue strength of gamma - TiAl simulated LPT blades. Impact and specimen variables included ballistic impact energy, projectile hardness, impact temperature, impact location, and leading edge thickness. The level of damage induced by the ballistic impacting was studied and quantified on both the impact (front) and backside of the specimens. Multiple linear regression was used to model the cracking and fatigue response as a function of the impact variables. Of the impact variables studied, impact energy had the largest influence on the response of gamma - TiAl to ballistic impacting. Backside crack length was the best predictor of remnant fatigue strength for low energy impacts (<0.74J) whereas Hertzian crack length (impact side damage) was the best predictor for higher energy impacts. The impacted gamma - TiAl samples displayed a classical mean stress dependence on the fatigue strength. For the fatigue design stresses of a 6th stage LPT blade in a GE90 engine, a Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr LPT blade would survive an impact of normal service conditions.

Draper, S. L.↗

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of restriction endonuclease EcoRII

Crystals of the restriction endonuclease EcoRII have been obtained by the vapor-diffusion technique in the presence of ammonium sulfate or polyethylene glycol. The best crystals were grown with ammonium sulfate as a precipitant. Crystals with dimensions of up to 0.6 x 0. 6 x 0.6 mm have been observed. The crystals diffract to about 4.0 A resolution at a cryo-temperature of 100 K using a rotating-anode X-ray source and a Rigaku R-AXIS IV imaging-plate detector. The space group has been determined to be either I23 or I2(1)3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 160.3 A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees. The crystal asymmetric unit contains two protein molecules, and self-rotation function analysis shows a pseudo-twofold symmetry relating the two monomers. Attempts to improve the resolution of crystal diffraction and to search for heavy-atom derivatives are under way.

Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific/chemistr↗

Confirmation of the E(sup src)(sub Peak)-E(sub iso) (Amati) relation from the x-ray flash XRF 050416A observed by the Swift burst alert telescope

We report Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) observations of the X-ray flash (XRF) XRF 050416A. The fluence ratio between the 15-25 and 25-50 keV energy bands of this event is 1.5, thus making it the softest gamma-ray burst (GRB) observed by BAT so far. The spectrum is well fitted by a Band function with E(sup obs)(sub peak) of 15.0(sup +2.3)(sub -2.7) keV. Assuming the redshift of the host galaxy (z = 0.6535), the isotropic equivalent radiated energy E(sub iso) and the peak energy at the GRB rest frame (E(sup src)(sub peak)) of XRF 050416A are not only consistent with the correlation found by Amati et al. and extended to XRFs by Sakamoto et al. but also fill in the gap of this relation around the 30-80 keV range of E(sup src)(sub peak). This result tightens the validity of the E(sup src)(sub Peak)-E(sup src)(sub peak) relation from XRFs to GRBs. We also find that the jet break time estimated using the empirical relation between E(sup src)(sub peak) and the collimation corrected energy E(sub gamma), is inconsistent with the afterglow observation by the Swift X-Ray Telescope. This could be due to the extra external shock emission overlaid around the jet break time or to the nonexistence of a jet break feature for XRFs, which might be a further challenge for GRB jet emission models and XRF/GRB unification scenarios.

Sakamoti, T.↗

Direct cross section measurement of 102 Pd ⁢(𝛾,𝑝) and 102 Pd ⁢(𝛾,𝛼) for the astrophysical 𝑝 process

Background: A handful of neutron-deficient stable nuclei, known as the “p nuclei,” cannot be produced through astrophysical neutron capture processes. Instead, some of these nuclei are proposed to be produced by 𝛾-induced reactions on existing r- and s-process seeds. The specific astrophysical site or sites are not yet identified, however, with uncertainties in the cross sections of these 𝛾-induced reactions playing a role. Databases of reaction rates for astrophysical simulations often rely on theoretical statistical model calculations, such as Hauser-Feshbach, for rates where no experimental information is known. However, reasonable variations in the choice of parametrizations of various nuclear properties can create order-of-magnitude variations in the final predicted cross sections and reaction rates, which are then propagated through the models to the predicted final abundances. Purpose: To better constrain these statistical model calculations and ultimately reduce the uncertainties from the nuclear physics on our understanding of the p nuclei, a measurement of the cross sections of 𝛾-induced reactions on the p-nucleus 102 Pd was undertaken. This work represents the first measurement of its kind, using segmented silicon detectors to measure prompt charged particle emission from 𝛾-induced reactions. Methods: Quasimonoenergetic gamma beams from the High Intensity 𝛾 Source facility bombarded an enriched 102 Pd target. A segmented silicon array was arranged to detect the particles emitted from (𝛾,𝑝) and (𝛾,𝛼) reactions. Results: Reaction cross sections were deduced at multiple 𝛾-beam energies between 10 and 19 MeV, and compared to statistical model calculations using talys-1.96. The 102 Pd ⁢(𝛾,𝑝)⁢ 101 Rh reaction cross section was reasonably well reproduced by a subset of photon strength functions and level densities, though the strength to the ground state of 101 Rh was underestimated at higher incident gamma energies. The 102 Pd ⁢(𝛾,𝛼)⁢ 98 Ru was in general overpredicted by the various alpha-nucleus optical model potentials. Conclusions: While the theoretical cross sections used to model the (𝛾,𝑝) reactions for the p process may be reasonable, a more careful approach is needed in the case of (𝛾,𝛼). Further work to probe gamma-induced reaction cross sections at and near the p nuclei is warranted.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Anisotropic detector system for the measurement of gamma-ray source position

Detection efficiencies of cylindrical detectors for various gamma ray photon angular distributions in the energy range from .10 MeV to 15 MeV are studied. It was found that a properly chosen cylindrical crystal can produce a significantly modulated count rate as a function of angle when rotated in the anisotropic flux, The studies further indicate that simple detector systems can be used on small satellites for the determination of a gamma ray source position. Results are outlined and extended to examine source resolution angles for a practical size detector.

Trombka, J. I.↗

Using the COSMIC Population Synthesis Code to Investigate How Metallicity Affects the Rates of Interacting Binaries

We use COSMIC, a galaxy population synthesis code, to investigate how metallicity affects the rate of formation of massive stars with a closely orbiting compact object companion. Metallicity—a crucial component to stellar evolution and binary system formation—can affect how and when these systems form. We present the formation time of these systems at different metallicities, and the anti-correlation the rates have with metallicity. In particular, these systems occur about 10 times more frequently at metallicities between Z = 2 × 10 −4 and 2 × 10 −3 , compared to those between Z = 2 × 10 −3 and 2 × 10 −2 . This work serves as a prerequisite to predicting global rates of these systems as a function of redshift, ultimately giving crucial insight into our understanding of the progenitors of long gamma-ray bursts and their evolution over cosmic time.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Comments on the gamma-ray burst log N /greater than S/ log S point of Beurle et al

Statistical improbability is demonstrated for the Beurle et al (1981) determination of an isotropic cumulative burst rate of 7030 + 10,000 or - 6000/year, at a fluence of 8.47 x to the -9th/erg per sq cm, from their observation of two gamma-ray bursts. The difficulty identified is Beurle's assumption that the power law cumulative distribution function index equals one. Reconsideration of the Beurle observations is undertaken, and an alternative upper limit of the annual number of bursts at the fluence cited of less than 5400/year is proposed.

Jennings, M. C.↗

Low temperature diffusion coefficients in the Fe-Ni and FeNiP systems: Application to meteorite cooling rates

The interdiffusion coefficient of FeNi in fcc taenite (gamma) of Fe-Ni and Fe-Ni-0.2 P alloys was measured as a function of temperature between 600 and 900 C. This temperature range is directly applicable to the nucleation and growth of the Widmanstatten pattern in iron meteorites and metal regions of stony and stony-iron meteorites. Diffusion couples were made from FeNi or FeNiP alloys which ensured that the couples were in the taenite phase at the diffusion temperature. The presence or absence of grain boundary diffusion was determined by measuring the Ni profile normal to the existing grain boundaries with the AEM. Ignoring any variation of interdiffusion coefficient with composition, the measured data was plotted versus the reciprocal of the diffusion temperature. The FeNi data generally follow the extrapolated Goldstein, et al. (1965) data from high temperatures. The FeNiP data indicates that small additions of P (0.2 wt%) cause a 3 to 10 fold increase in the FeNi interdifussion coefficient increasing with decreasing temperature. This increase is about the same as that predicted by Narayan and Goldstein (1983) at the Widmanstatten growth temperature.

Dean, D. C.↗