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Author(s): C. H. Blake [1]; J. S. Bloom (corresponding author) [1, 2]; D. L. Starr [13]; E. E. Falco [3]; M. Skrutskie [9]; E. E. Fenimore [7]; G. Duchêne [12]; [...]

Observations from a wide variety of instruments and platforms are used to validate many different aspects of a three-dimensional mesoscale simulation of the dynamics, cloud microphysics, and radiative transfer of a cirrus cloud system observed on 26 November 1991 during the second cirrus field program of the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Program (ISCCP) Regional Experiment (FIRE-II) located in southeastern Kansas. The simulation was made with a mesoscale dynamical model utilizing a simplified bulk water cloud scheme and a spectral model of radiative transfer. Expressions for cirrus optical properties for solar and infrared wavelength intervals as functions of ice water content and effective particle radius are modified for the midlatitude cirrus observed during FIRE-II and are shown to compare favorably with explicit size-resolving calculations of the optical properties. Rawinsonde, Raman lidar, and satellite data are evaluated and combined to produce a time-height cross section of humidity at the central FIRE-II site for model verification. Due to the wide spacing of rawinsondes and their infrequent release, important moisture features go undetected and are absent in the conventional analyses. The upper-tropospheric humidities used for the initial conditions were generally less than 50% of those inferred from satellite data, yet over the course of a 24-h simulation the model produced a distribution that closely resembles the large-scale features of the satellite analysis. The simulated distribution and concentration of ice compares favorably with data from radar, lidar, satellite, and aircraft. Direct comparison is made between the radiative transfer simulation and data from broadband and spectral sensors and inferred quantities such as cloud albedo, optical depth, and top-of-the-atmosphere 11-[[micro]meter] brightness temperature, and the 6.7-[[micro]meter] brightness temperature. Comparison is also made with theoretical heating rates calculated using the rawinsonde data and measured ice water size distributions near the central site. For this case study, and perhaps for most other mesoscale applications, the differences between the observed and simulated radiative quantities are due more to errors in the prediction of ice water content, than to errors in the optical properties or the radiative transfer solution technique.

A study of a North Carolina newspaper indicates that newspapers using fully integrated electronic editing systems have fewer errors in spelling, punctuation, sentence construction, hyphenation, and typography than newspapers not using electronic editing. (GT)

Perovskite oxides CaMnO3 and Ca0.8Sr0.2MnO3 show continuous non-stoichiometry over a range of temperatures and oxygen partial pressures. In this work a thermobalance equipped with an oxygen pump was used to measure the equilibrium non-stoichiometry of both materials for temperatures in the range 400–1200 °C and oxygen partial pressures in the range 1–10−5 bar. Analysis of the data showed that Ca0.8Sr0.2MnO3 has a lower enthalpy of reduction and thus can be more easily reduced. The strontium added sample was also robust against a phase transition that was seen in CaMnO3 at high temperatures. A statistical thermodynamic model of the system suggests that the defects form clusters of the form UGRAPHIC DISPLAY="INLINE" ID="UGT1" SRC="UGT1"/. The oxidation kinetics were also investigated with Ca0.8Sr0.2MnO3 showing faster kinetics and maintaining activity at lower temperatures. Overall, Ca0.8Sr0.2MnO3 shows very promising properties for redox applications, including gravimetric oxygen storage up to 4% by mass, high stability and rapid reversibility, with re-oxidation in less than 1 min at 400 °C. Finally, the redox chemistry of Ca0.8Sr0.2MnO3 was also investigated using in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption measurements at near ambient pressure in oxygen atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doped microcrystalline silicon oxide (μc-SiO x:H) alloys attract significant attention as a functional material in photovoltaic devices. By using various advanced characterization methods, we have studied the relationship between optoelectronic properties, chemical composition, and structure of p-type µc-SiO x:H deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). For a wide range of compositions with varying oxygen content, we show that the dominant components are Si and a-SiO2, while the fraction of suboxides is minor. The μc-SiO x:H material with sufficient oxygen content ( x = 0.35) exhibits an enlarged optical gap E04 > 2.2 eV and sufficiently high dark conductivity >10−6 S cm−1; the crystalline silicon fraction has a filament-like shape (with a typical width of around 10 nm) forming a branch-like structure elongated in the growth direction over several hundreds of nanometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental challenge for wide-field imaging surveys is obtaining follow-up spectroscopic observations: there are > 109 photometrically cataloged sources, yet modern spectroscopic surveys are limited to ~few x 106 targets. As we approach the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) era, new algorithmic solutions are required to cope with the data deluge. Here we report the development of a machine-learning framework capable of inferring fundamental stellar parameters (Teff, log g, and [Fe/H]) using photometric-brightness variations and color alone. A training set is constructed from a systematic spectroscopic survey of variables with Hectospec/MMT. In sum, the training set includes ~9000 spectra, for which stellar parameters are measured using the SEGUE Stellar Parameters Pipeline (SSPP). We employed the random forest algorithm to perform a non-parametric regression that predicts Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] from photometric time-domain observations. Our final, optimized model produces a cross-validated root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 165 K, 0.39 dex, and 0.33 dex for Teff, log g, and [Fe/H], respectively. Examining the subset of sources for which the SSPP measurements are most reliable, the RMSE reduces to 125 K, 0.37 dex, and 0.27 dex, respectively, comparable to what is achievable via low-resolution spectroscopy. For variable stars this represents a ≈12%-20% improvement in RMSE relative to models trained with single-epoch photometric colors. As an application of our method, we estimate stellar parameters for ~54,000 known variables. We argue that this method may convert photometric time-domain surveys into pseudo-spectrographic engines, enabling the construction of extremely detailed maps of the Milky Way, its structure, and history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous chemical reactions at vapor/solid interfaces play an important role in many processes in the environment and technology. Ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) is a valuable tool to investigate the elemental composition and chemical specificity of surfaces and adsorbates on the molecular scale at pressures of up to 130 mbar. In this review we summarize the historical development of APXPS since its introduction over forty years ago, discuss different approaches to minimize scattering of electrons by gas molecules, and give a comprehensive overview about the experimental systems (vapor/solid interfaces) that have been studied so far. We also present several examples for the application of APXPS to environmental science, heterogeneous catalysis, and electrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the ice hydrometer profile retrieval algorithm which is applied to Compact Scanning Submillimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer(CoSSIR) during the Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling (TC4) experiment. It says that the first part of the algorithm prepares an a priori file with empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs). It shows that CoSSIR is capable of retrieving low-resolution ice cloud profiles in the upper troposphere.

A comprehensive optical design for a high-resolution, high-flux, wide-energy range, micro-focused beamline working in the vacuum ultraviolet and soft x-ray photon energy range is proposed. The beamline is to provide monochromatic radiation to three photoelectron microscopes: a full-field x-ray photoelectron emission microscope and two scanning instruments, one dedicated to angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (μ-ARPES) and one for ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning photoelectron microscopy (AP-XPS/SPEM). Microfocusing is achieved with state of the art elliptical cylinders, obtaining a spot size of 1 μm for ARPES and 0.5 μm for AP-XPS/SPEM. A detailed ray tracing analysis quantitatively evaluates the overall beamline performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a combination of X-ray photoemission and near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS) as well as density-functional theory (DFT), we have investigated the adsorption of acetone on ice in the temperature range from 218 to 245 K. The adsorption enthalpy determined from experiment (45 kJ mol−1) agrees well with the adsorption energy predicted by theory (41 to 44 kJ mol−1). Oxygen K-edge NEXAFS spectra indicate that the presence of acetone at the ice surface does not induce the formation of a pre-melted layer at temperatures up to 243 K. DFT calculations show that the energetically most favored adsorption geometry for acetone on ice is with the molecular plane almost parallel to the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swift captured for the first time a smoothly rising X-ray re-brightening of clear non-flaring origin after the steep decay in a long gamma-ray burst (GRB): GRB 081028. A rising phase is likely present in all GRBs but is usually hidden by the prompt tail emission and constitutes the first manifestation of what is later to give rise to the shallow decay phase. Contemporaneous optical observations reveal a rapid evolution of the injection frequency of a fast cooling synchrotron spectrum through the optical band, which disfavours the afterglow onset (start of the forward shock emission along our line of sight when the outflow is decelerated) as the origin of the observed re-brightening. We investigate alternative scenarios and find that the observations are consistent with the predictions for a narrow jet viewed off-axis. The high on-axis energy budget implied by this interpretation suggests different physical origins of the prompt and (late) afterglow emission. Strong spectral softening takes place from the prompt to the steep decay phase: we track the evolution of the spectral peak energy from the γ-rays to the X-rays and highlight the problems of the high latitude and adiabatic cooling interpretations. Notably, a softening of both the high and low spectral slopes with time is also observed. We discuss the low on-axis radiative efficiency of GRB 081028 comparing its properties against a sample of Swift long GRBs with secure measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the influence of oxygen on the structure and morphology of a Pd/Fe3O4 model catalyst using molecular beam (MB) methods, IR reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) and scanning tunneling microcopy (STM). The model catalyst was prepared under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and growth of Pd nanoparticles on an ordered Fe3O4 thin film on Pt(111). It is found that surface oxides are formed on the Pd nanoparticles even under mild oxidation conditions (temperatures of 500 K and effective oxygen partial pressures of around 10−6 mbar). These surface oxides are initially generated at the Pd/Fe3O4 interface and, subsequently, are formed at the Pd/gas interface. The process of formation and reduction of surface and interface oxides on the Pd particles is fully reversible in that all oxides formed can be fully reduced. As a result, the oxide phase acts like a storage medium for oxygen during oxidation reactions, as probed via CO oxidation. The process of surface and interface oxidation is directly connected with the onset of a non-reversible sintering process of the Pd particles. It is suggested that this sintering process occurs via a mobile Pd oxide species, which is stabilized by interaction with the Fe3O4 support. The restructuring is monitored via STM and IRAS using CO as a probe molecule. In addition to a decrease in particle density and Pd surface area, a reshaping of the particles occurs, which is characterized by the formation of well-ordered crystallites and with a relatively large fraction of (100) facets. After a few oxidation/reduction cycles at 500 K, the sintering process becomes very slow and the system shows a stable behavior under conditions of CO oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed observations of the interactions of a cold front and a dryline over the central United States that led to dramatic undulations in the boundary layer, including an undular bore, are investigated using high-resolution water vapor mixing ratio profiles measured by Raman lidars. The lidar-derived water vapor mixing ratio profiles revealed the complex interaction between a dryline and a cold-frontal system. An elevated, well-mixed, and deep midtropospheric layer, as well as a sharp transition (between 5- and 6-km altitude) to a drier region aloft, was observed. The moisture oscillations due to the undular bore and the mixing of the prefrontal air mass with the cold air at the frontal surface are all well depicted. The enhanced precipitable water vapor and roll clouds, the undulations associated with the bore, the strong vertical circulation and mixing that led to the increase in the depth of the low-level moist layer, and the subsequent lifting of this moist layer by the cold-frontal surface, as well as the feeder flow behind the cold front, are clearly indicated. A synthesis of the Raman lidar–measured water vapor mixing ratio profiles, satellite, radiometer, tower, and Oklahoma Mesonet data indicated that the undular bore was triggered by the approaching cold front and propagated south-southeastward. The observed and calculated bore speeds were in reasonable agreement. Wave-ducting analysis showed that favorable wave-trapping mechanisms existed; a low-level stable layer capped by an inversion, a well-mixed midtropospheric layer, and wind curvature from a low-level jet were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The explosion that results in a cosmic?-ray burst (GRB) is thought to produce emission from two physical processes: the central engine gives rise to the high-energy emission of the burst through internal shocking, and the subsequent interaction of the flow with the external environment produces long-wavelength afterglows. Although observations of afterglows continue to refine our understanding of GRB progenitors and relativistic shocks,?-ray observations alone have not yielded a clear picture of the origin of the prompt emission nor details of the central engine. Only one concurrent visible-light transient has been found and it was associated with emission from an external shock. Here we report the discovery of infrared emission contemporaneous with a GRB, beginning 7.2 minutes after the onset of GRB 041219a (ref. 8). We acquired 21 images during the active phase of the burst, yielding early multi-colour observations. Our analysis of the initial infrared pulse suggests an origin consistent with internal shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of cloud systems to their environment is an important link in a chain of processes responsible for monsoons, frontal depression, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes and other climate variations (e.g., 30-60 day intra-seasonal oscillations). Numerical models of cloud properties provide essential insights into the interactions of clouds with each other, with their surroundings, and with land and ocean surfaces. Significant advances are currently being made in the modeling of rainfall and rain-related cloud processes, ranging in scales from the very small up to the simulation of an extensive population of raining cumulus clouds in a tropical- or midlatitude-storm environment. The Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model is a multi- dimensional non-hydrostatic dynamic/ microphysical cloud resolving model. It has been used to simulate many different mesoscale convective systems that occurred in various geographic locations. In this paper, recent OCE model improvements (microphysics, radiation and surface processes) will be described as well as their impact on the development of precipitation events from various geographic locations. The performance of these new physical processes will be examined by comparing the model results with observations. Specifically, the impact of different ice schemes (i.e., three-class ice scheme, four-class two-moment ice scheme) on precipitation processes are examined and compared. Spectral bin microphysics are used to investigate precipitation processes under clean and dirty environments. The coupled GCE-radiation model shows that the modulation of relative humidity by radiative processes is the main reason for the diurnal variation of precipitation in the tropics. The coupled GCE-land surface model is used to examine the impact of heterogeneous land surface characteristics (soil-vegetation) on precipitation processes. The effect of ocean flux algorithms (e.g., the TOGA COARE flux algorithm and a simple bulk aerodynamic method) on surface fluxes, environmental convective available potential energy (CAPE) and precipitation processes are compared. In addition, the coupled GCE- ocean mixed layer (OML) model is used to investigate the physical processes that affect the variation of sea surface temperature, mixed layer depth and salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidirectional surface reflectances measured from NOAA AVHRR over the Negev (southern Israel) and the Sinai are analysed to assess the impact on the surface characteristics of anthropogenic pressures of overgrazing. The impacted Sinai is assumed bare, while the Negev is vegetated by desert scrub. The Negev plants are known to be much darker than the underlying soil, and thus assumed to be absorbing (black). The leaf area distribution as a function of the zenith angle is modelled initially as that of small spheres, which specifies a pronouncedly vertical architecture. We infer from the Negev-to-Sinai reflectance ratios the optical thickness τ[sup b] of the plants (spheres) in the range 0.12 to 0.20 for channel 1 (band centre at 0.63 μm), with only weak seasonal variability. Evaluated from average values of τ[sub b], the Negev-to-Sinai ratios of the spectral albedos (hemispheric reflectances) are 0.63 and 0.55 in channel 1 and 0.67 and 0.60 in channel 2, at solar zenith angles of 30° and 60°, respectively. These ratios indicate the severe climatic impact of overgrazing in the Sinai, inasmuch as a high albedo means reduced shortwave heat absorption (which is detrimental to rainfall-inducing convection). We subsequently proceed to invert the Negev-to-Sinai reflectance ratios assuming a plant-element distribution tending even more to the vertical. The values of τ[sub b] are reduced when derived for a greater tendency to vertical architecture. The Negev-to-Sinai ratios of the spectral albedos are also significantly lower in these cases, which means that the assessed impact of over-grazing in the Sinai is indeed extremely severe. We conclude that plant architecture (which controls the reflection anisotropy) should be considered when evaluating the albedos of vegetated versus bare (impacted) surfaces from satellite-measured bidirectional reflectances. Uncertainty in the zenith angle distribution of the leaf area produces significant uncertainty in the albedo assessment. Multidirectional reflectance measurements made near the ground would greatly reduce uncertainties about the surface-reflection anisotropy, and thus enhance the value of satellite measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]