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At least 559 records · Page 31

Host Galaxy Properties of the Swift BAT Ultra Hard X-Ray Selected AGN

We have assembled the largest sample of ultra hard X-ray selected (14-195 keV) AGN with host galaxy optical data to date, with 185 nearby (z<0.05), moderate luminosity AGN from the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) sample. The BAT AGN host galaxies have intermediate optical colors (u -- r and g -- r) that are bluer than a comparison sample of inactive galaxies and optically selected AGN from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) which are chosen to have the same stellar mass. Based on morphological classifications from the RC3 and the Galaxy Zoo, the bluer colors of BAT AGN are mainly due to a higher fraction of mergers and massive spirals than in the comparison samples. BAT AGN in massive galaxies (log Stellar Mass >10.5) have a 5 to 10 times higher rate of spiral morphologies than in SDSS AGN or inactive galaxies. We also see enhanced far-IR emission in BAT AGN suggestive of higher levels of star formation compared to the comparison samples. BAT AGN are preferentially found in the most massive host galaxies with high concentration indexes indicative of large bulge-to-disk ratios and large supermassive black holes. The narrow-line (NL) BAT AGN have similar intrinsic luminosities as the SDSS NL Seyferts based on measurements of [O III] Lambda 5007. There is also a correlation between the stellar mass and X-ray emission. The BAT AGN in mergers have bluer colors and greater ultra hard X-ray emission compared to the BAT sample as whole. In agreement with the Unified Model of AGN, and the relatively unbiased nature of the BAT sources, the host galaxy colors and morphologies are independent of measures of obscuration such as X-ray column density or Seyfert type. The high fraction of massive spiral galaxies and galaxy mergers in BAT AGN suggest that host galaxy morphology is related to the activation and fueling of local AGN.

Koss, Michael↗

Humic Acid Complexation of Th, Hf and Zr in Ligand Competition Experiments: Metal Loading and Ph Effects

The mobility of metals in soils and subsurface aquifers is strongly affected by sorption and complexation with dissolved organic matter, oxyhydroxides, clay minerals, and inorganic ligands. Humic substances (HS) are organic macromolecules with functional groups that have a strong affinity for binding metals, such as actinides. Thorium, often studied as an analog for tetravalent actinides, has also been shown to strongly associate with dissolved and colloidal HS in natural waters. The effects of HS on the mobilization dynamics of actinides are of particular interest in risk assessment of nuclear waste repositories. Here, we present conditional equilibrium binding constants (Kc, MHA) of thorium, hafnium, and zirconium-humic acid complexes from ligand competition experiments using capillary electrophoresis coupled with ICP-MS (CE- ICP-MS). Equilibrium dialysis ligand exchange (EDLE) experiments using size exclusion via a 1000 Damembrane were also performed to validate the CE-ICP-MS analysis. Experiments were performed at pH 3.5-7 with solutions containing one tetravalent metal (Th, Hf, or Zr), Elliot soil humic acid (EHA) or Pahokee peat humic acid (PHA), and EDTA. CE-ICP-MS and EDLE experiments yielded nearly identical binding constants for the metal- humic acid complexes, indicating that both methods are appropriate for examining metal speciation at conditions lower than neutral pH. We find that tetravalent metals form strong complexes with humic acids, with Kc, MHA several orders of magnitude above REE-humic complexes. Experiments were conducted at a range of dissolved HA concentrations to examine the effect of [HA]/[Th] molar ratio on Kc, MHA. At low metal loading conditions (i.e. elevated [HA]/[Th] ratios) the ThHA binding constant reached values that were not affected by the relative abundance of humic acid and thorium. The importance of [HA]/[Th] molar ratios on constraining the equilibrium of MHA complexation is apparent when our estimated Kc, MHA values attained at very low metal loading conditions are compared to existing literature data. Overall, experimental data suggest that the tetravalent transition metal/-actinide-humic acid complexation is important over a wide range of pH values, including mildly acidic conditions, and thus, these complexes should be included in speciation models.

humic acid↗

Relative reactivity of ribosyl 2'-OH vs. 3'-OH in concentrated aqueous solutions of phosphoimidazolide activated nucleotides

Phosphoimidazolide activated ribomononucleotides (*pN, see structure) are useful substrates for the non-enzymatic synthesis of oligonucleotides. In the presence of metal ions, aqueous solutions of *pN yield primarily the two internucleotide-linked (pN2' pN and pN3' pN) and the pyrophosphate-linked (N5' ppN) dimers. Small amounts of cyclic dimers and higher oligomers are also produced. In this study the relative reactivity of 2'-OH vs. 3'-OH was determined from the ratio of the yields of pN2' pN vs. pN3' pN. Experiments were performed at 23 degrees C in the range 7.2 < or = pH < or = 8.4 with substrates that differ in nucleobase (guanosine (G), cytidine (C), uridine (U), and adenosine (A)) and leaving group (imidazole (Im), 2-methylimidazole (2-MeIm) and 2,4-dimethylimidazole (2,4-diMeIm)). Two metal ions (Mg2+ or Mn2+) were employed as catalysts. The conditions used here, i.e. a substrate concentration in the range 0.1 M to 1.0 M and metal ion concentration in the range 0.05 M to 0.2 M, favor base-stacking interactions. The ratio pN2' pN: pN3' pN = 2'-5': 3'-5' was found independent of nucleobase and typically varied between 2 to 3 indicating that the 2'-OH is about 2 to 3 times more reactive than the 3'-OH. *pN with Im, compared to 2-MeIm and 2,4-diMeIm leaving group, produce lower yields of internucleotide linked dimers, and a higher pN2' pN: pN3' pN ratio. Trends in the data, observed with all three leaving groups, suggest an increase in pN2' pN: pN3' pN ratio with decreasing substrate concentration (up to 5.47 with 0.051 M ImpG). The observations are in accord with earlier studies reporting a relative reactivity 2'-5': 3'-5' = 6 to 9 obtained with Im as the leaving group, in dilute nucleotide solutions and under conditions that disfavor stacking. It is speculated that the concentration induced change in the relative reactivity is the result of self-association via base-stacking that enhances selectively the proximity of the 3'-OH of one molecule to the reactive P-N bond of an other molecule. The implication of these conclusions for oligomerization/ligation reactions is discussed.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

Mossbauer effect in the ion-implanted iron-carbon alloys

The concentration dependence of Mossbauer effect in four carbon ion-implanted iron absorbers, which contain carbon as the solute atoms, has been investigated over the range of concentration 0.05 through 1 atomic percent. The specimens were prepared by implanting carbon atoms on each reference iron foil with four different bombarding energies of 250 keV, 160 keV, 140 keV and 80 keV, respectively. Thus, the specimen contains a uniform dosage of carbon atoms which penetrated up to 3,000 A depth of the reference iron. In the measurement of Mossbauer spectra, the backscattering conversion electron counting geometry was used. Typical results of Mossbauer parameters of iron-carbon alloys show that the isomer shift, quadrupole shift, the effective hyperfine splitting of Fe-57, and the intensity ratio exhibit a large variation with the increase of carbon concentration in the environment of iron atoms.

Han, K. S.↗

Ground-based infrared spectroscopic measurements of atmospheric hydrogen cyanide

A number of lines of the nu-3 band of hydrogen cyanide have been detected in solar absorption spectra recorded near sunrise and sunset at Kitt Peak National Observatory (elevation 2095 m) with a 0.01/cm resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. Analysis of two of the strongest and best isolated lines has led to a value of 2.73 x 10 to the 15th molecules/sq cm for the vertical column abundance of HCN above Kitt Peak. The accuracy of this value is estimated as + or - 25%. This result, combined with the stratospheric concentration of HCN derived by Coffey, Mankin, and Cicerone (1981), yields 166 parts per trillion by volume for the average mixing ratio of HCN between 2 and 12 km. This is the first determination of the HCN concentration in the nonurban troposphere.

Rinsland, C. P.↗

Retention of sodium during chondrule melting

Using published data, the differences in Na concentrations in different groups of porphyritic olivine chondrules are analyzed. The results show that Na was incorporated into type II chondrule precursors as albite and was not significantly lost during melting. Type I chondrules, which contain very low concentrations of Na, were also not depleted in Na during melting, as indicated by the lack of correlation between the Na/Al ratios and the liquidus temperatures in type I chondrules. It is concluded that the difference in Na concentration is caused by the abundance of precursor albite in type II chondrules, rather than the loss of Na from the melt.

Hewins, Roger H.↗

The Effect of Climate Change on Ozone Depletion through Changes in Stratospheric Water Vapour

Several studies have predicted substantial increases in Arctic ozone depletion due to the stratospheric cooling induced by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. But climate change may additionally influence Arctic ozone depletion through changes in the water vapor cycle. Here we investigate this possibility by combining predictions of tropical tropopause temperatures from a general circulation model with results from a one-dimensional radiative convective model, recent progress in understanding the stratospheric water vapor budget, modelling of heterogeneous reaction rates and the results of a general circulation model on the radiative effect of increased water vapor. Whereas most of the stratosphere will cool as greenhouse-gas concentrations increase, the tropical tropopause may become warmer, resulting in an increase of the mean saturation mixing ratio of water vapor and hence an increased transport of water vapor from the troposphere to the stratosphere. Stratospheric water vapor concentration in the polar regions determines both the critical temperature below which heterogeneous reactions on cold aerosols become important (the mechanism driving enhanced ozone depletion) and the temperature of the Arctic vortex itself. Our results indicate that ozone loss in the later winter and spring Arctic vortex depends critically on water vapor variations which are forced by sea surface temperature changes in the tropics. This potentially important effect has not been taken into account in previous scenarios of Arctic ozone loss under climate change conditions.

Kirk-Davidoff, Daniel B.↗

Constraints on the NH3 and PH3 distributions in the Great Red Spot

Medium resolution (10 A) UV spectra were obtained for the Great Red Spot (GRS) and South Tropical Zone (STZ) of Jupiter using the low dispersion mode of the IUE spectrometers at wavelengths from 1900-2200 A. The scans were carried out to determine the coloring agent for the GRS to improve the database for developing photochemical models of the feature. The wavelengths were selected to cover the absorption features of NH3 and PH3. The resulting data were interpreted using a vertically inhomogeneous Rayleigh scattering radiative transfer model. Various NH3 concentrations were explored in an effort to fit the data, taking into account changes which would occur at different atmospheric pressure levels and due to the projected temperature fields. A forbidden NH3/forbidden H2 mixing ratio that was calculated at the 80-125 mbar pressure level in the GRS was enhanced by 3-10 percent relative to the STZ. An upper limit was obtained for the mixing ratio of PH3 in the GRS that is significantly lower than previously predicted concentrations, implying that vertical transport in the GRS is not much greater than in adjacent regions.

Wagener, R.↗

Stress-concentration factors for finite orthotropic laminates with a pin-loaded hole

Stresses were calculated for finite size orthotropic laminates loaded by a frictionless steel pin in a circular hole of the same diameter. The calculations were based on finite element analyses for six laminates. Stress concentration factors, based on nominal bearing stress, were determined for wide ranges of the ratios of width to diameter, w/d and edge distance to diameter, e/d. An infinite laminate case was analyzed for each laminate. Orthotropy had a significant influence on the tensile stress concentration at the hole. For example, the stress concentration factors for the infinite laminate cases ranged from 0.82 to 2.16, compared with 0.87 for the quasi-isotropic laminate. The finite widths and edge distances strongly influenced the tensile stress concentration. For the practical range w/d or = 3, the peak tensile stresses were as much as 80% larger than the infinite laminate reference value. For e/d or = 3, these stresses were amplified by as much as 50%. In contrast, the finite width and edge distance had little effect on shear-out and bearing stress concentrations.

Crews, J. H., Jr.↗

Effect of adsorbed chlorine and oxygen on shear strength of iron and copper junctions

Static friction experiments were performed in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature on copper, iron, and steel contacts selectively contaminated with oxygen and chlorine in submonolayer amounts. The concentration of the adsorbates was determined with Auger electron spectroscopy and was measured relative to the saturation concentration of oxygen on iron (concentration 1.0). The coefficient of static friction decreased with increasing adsorbate concentration. It was independent of the metal and the adsorbate. The results compared satisfactorily with an extension of the junction growth theory to heterogeneous interfaces. The reduction in interfacial shear strength was measured by the ratio sub a/sub m where sub a is the shear strength of the interface with an adsorbate concentration of 1.0, and sub m is the strength of the clean metal interface. This ratio was 0.835 + or - 0.012 for all the systems tested.

Wheeler, D. R.↗

Prebiotic polymerization: Oxidative polymerization of 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanol on the surface of iron(III) hydroxide oxide

The oxidation of 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanol by ferric ions on the surface of iron(III) hydroxide oxide (Fe(OH)O) yielded polydisulfide oligomers. This polymerization occurred readily at low dithiol concentration under mild aqueous conditions. Polydisulfide polymers up to the 15-mer were synthesized from 1 mM dithiol in 5 ml water reacted with iron(III) hydroxide oxide (20 mg, 160 micromole Fe) for 3 days under anaerobic conditions at 40 C and pH 4. About 91% of the dithiol was converted to short soluble oligomers and 9% to insoluble larger oligomers that were isolated with the Fe(OH)O phase. Reactions carried out at the same ratio of dithiol to Fe(OH)O but at higher dithiol concentrations gave higher yields of the larger insoluble oligomers. The relationship of these results to prebiotic polymer synthesis is discussed.

Weber, Arthur L.↗

Prebiotic Polymerization: Oxidative Polymerization of 2,3 Dimercapto-1- Propanol on the Surface of Iron(III) Hydroxide Oxide

The oxidation of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol by ferric ions on the surface of iron(III) hydroxide oxide (Fe(OH)O) yielded polydisulfide oligomers. This polymerization occurred readily at low dithiol concentration under mild aqueous conditions. Polydisulfide polymers up to the 15-mer were synthesized from 1 mM dithiol in 5 ml water reacted with iron(III) hydroxide oxide (20 mg, 160 micromole Fe) for 3 days under anaerobic conditions at 40 C and pH 4. About 91% of the dithiol was converted to short soluble oligomers and 9% to insoluble larger oligomers that were isolated with the FE(OH)O phase. Reactions carried out at the same ratio of dithiol to FE(OH)O but at higher dithiol concentrations gave higher yields of the larger insoluble oligomers. The relationship of these results to prebiotic polymer synthesis is discussed.

Weber, Arthur L.↗

Anti-misting additives for jet fuels

The ignition characteristics of sprays, created by wind shear action, of Jet-A fuel containing polyisobutylene additives wee examined over ranges of air velocities from 45 to 90 m/s and of fuel/air mass ratios of 0.20 to 8.0. Ignition was by calibrated sparks of energies up to about 0.5 J and by a butane/oxygen flame at 165 J/s. The polymeric additives studied included the grades L80, L160, and L200 from Exxon Chemical and B200 and B230 from BASF. The ignition suppression ability of the additives, as well as their observed anti-misting (AM) behavior, ranked exactly as their molecular weights (viscosity average, M sub v) with 400-500 ppm of L80 (M sub v = 0.68 x 1,000,000) being required to suppress ignition of a spray at 51 m/s, 1.8 fuel/air mass ratio, by a 0.55 J spark while only 10 ppm of B230 (M sub v = 7.37 x 1,000,000) was required for the same conditions. The additive concentrations (L160) required for ignition suppression increased with increasing air velocity and with increasing fuel/air ratio.

Grens, E. A., II↗

Composition and structure of the Venus atmosphere - Results from Pioneer Venus

The composition of the Venusian atmosphere was studied using a mass spectrometer on the Pioneer Venus sounder probe. The single-focusing magnetic-sector spectrometer scanned the mass range from hydrogen through mercury with a dynamic range of six decades. Data taken by the mass spectrometer were compared with those of a gas chromatograph, resulting in slight discrepancies due to the use of a sputter ion pump acting as a sink for entry of rare gases through the inlet leak. A surprisingly large concentration of primordial Ar-36 and Ar-38 was discovered in a ratio of 5 to 1. It was concluded that the large excess of primordial argon was a valid result and that the mixing of HCl in the lower Venusian atmosphere was less than a few parts per million. Arguments against the sun as the source for excess primordial gases on Venus were presented. Concentrations of other elements such as Ne, Kr, He, S, and O were discussed. Although the mass peaks in the spectrum were real, it was not clear whether all of the chemical reactions (i.e., COS production) actually occurred in the atmosphere. Until further analysis can be made, it will be uncertain how the inlet system, which is at atmospheric temperature, affected the results.

Hoffman, J. H.↗

Solubility and Cation Exchange Properties of Synthetic Hydroxyapatite and Clinoptilolite Mixtures

A zeoponic plant growth system is defined as the cultivation of plants in artificial soils, which have zeolites as a major component. These systems: 1) can serve as a controllable and renewable fertilization system to provide plant growth nutrients; 2) can mitigate the adverse effects of contamination due to leaching of highly soluble and concentrated fertilizers; and 3) are being considered as substrates for plant growth in regenerative life-support systems for long-duration space missions. Batch-equilibrium studies of the dissolution and ion-exchange properties of mixtures of naturally-occurring Wyoming clinoptilolite (a zeolite) exchanged with K(+) or NH4(+); and synthetic hydroxyapatite were conducted to determine: 1) the plant availability of the macro-nutrients NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg and 2) the effects of varying the clinoptilolite to hydroxyapatite ratio and the ratio of exchangeable cations (K(+) vs. NH4(+)) on clinoptilolite extraframework sites. The nutrients NH4-N (19.7 to 73.6 mg L(sup -1), P (0.57 to 14.99 mg L(sup- 1), K (14.8 to 104.9 mg L(sup -1), and Mg (0.11 to 6.68mg L(sup -1) are available to plants at sufficient levels. Solution Ca concentrations (0.47 to 3.40 mg L(sup -1) are less than optimal. Solution concentrations of NH4(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) all decreased with increasing clinoptilolite to hydroxyapatite ratio in the sample. Solution concentrations of phosphorous initially increased, reached a maximum value and then decreased with increasing clinoptilolite to hydroxyapatite ratio in the sample. The NH4(+) -exchanged clinoptilolite is more efficient in dissolving synthetic hydroxyapatite than the K(+) -exchanged clinoptilolite. This suggests that NH4(+), which is less selective at clinoptilolite extraframework sites than K(+) is exchanged more readily by Ca(2+) and thereby enhances the dissolution of the synthetic hydroxyapatite.

Beiersdorfer, Raymond E.↗

U-Th-Pb systematics of some Apollo 16 lunar samples

U, Th, and Pb concentrations and lead isotopic compositions of Apollo 16 samples are interpreted as follows: (1) an early period of lunar differentiation of either global or regional scale occurred about 4.47 b.y. ago; (2) the Imbrian impact event affected many Apollo 16 samples about 3.99 b.y. ago; (3) some Apollo 16 metaclastic rocks and breccias contain a large amount of KREEP-like material; (4) lead produced in the early history of the moon has been concentrated in lunar highland soils yielding high Pb-207/Pb-206 ratios corresponding to apparent ages of more than 4.8 b.y.; and (5) South Ray Crater soils reflect the approximately 2-b.y.-old event previously proposed for the Apollo 12 and 14 samples.

Nunes, P. D.↗

The effect of turbulence on pollutant formation in a tubular burner

The role of turbulence in pollutant formation was investigated both experimentally and analytically with the objective of understanding the important mechanisms of a fairly basic level. Preliminary measurements of the cold-flow turbulence characteristics downstream of three perforated plate flame holders, of varying solidity ratio, were made. In the combustion experiment, measurements of the concentration distributions of CO, NO(x), HC, and CO2, downstream of the same flame holders, were made. The combustor configuration was tubular and constant-area, and the fuel was premixed, prevaporized propane. The experimental results were modeled by a one-dimensional analysis in which transport phenomena were neglected, and more successfully, by a quasi-one-dimensional analysis containing recirculation zones and turbulent transport effects.

Robinson, G. F.↗

Reevaluation of the Apollo orbital X-ray fluorescence data

A combination of Al/Mg ratios and Al/Si ratios has provided high-quality geochemical and geological information from the Apollo orbital X-ray fluorescence data. The high sensitivity of the characteristic Si X-rays to alterations in the energy spectra of the solar X-ray flux limits the analytical usefulness of the ratios involving Si. A photometric study indicates that the Si concentration in lunar materials varies by less than about + or - 15% of the Si present. In addition, particle size and surface roughness are shown to have small effects on the characteristic fluorescent X-ray radiation of Si.

Hubbard, N. J.↗