Universities Space Research Association

About: Universities Space Research Association is a nonprofit organization based out in Columbia, Maryland, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Gamma-ray burst & Galaxy. The organization has 1921 authors who have published 5412 publications receiving 255681 citations. The organization is also known as: USRA.

MODIS Collection 6 shortwave-derived cloud phase classification algorithm and comparisons with CALIOP

Abstract: . Cloud thermodynamic phase (ice, liquid, undetermined) classification is an important first step for cloud retrievals from passive sensors such as MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer). Because ice and liquid phase clouds have very different scattering and absorbing properties, an incorrect cloud phase decision can lead to substantial errors in the cloud optical and microphysical property products such as cloud optical thickness or effective particle radius. Furthermore, it is well established that ice and liquid clouds have different impacts on the Earth's energy budget and hydrological cycle, thus accurately monitoring the spatial and temporal distribution of these clouds is of continued importance. For MODIS Collection 6 (C6), the shortwave-derived cloud thermodynamic phase algorithm used by the optical and microphysical property retrievals has been completely rewritten to improve the phase discrimination skill for a variety of cloudy scenes (e.g., thin/thick clouds, over ocean/land/desert/snow/ice surface, etc). To evaluate the performance of the C6 cloud phase algorithm, extensive granule-level and global comparisons have been conducted against the heritage C5 algorithm and CALIOP. A wholesale improvement is seen for C6 compared to C5.

Superorbital periodic modulation in wind-accretion high-mass x-ray binaries from swift burst alert telescope observations

Abstract: We report the discovery using data from the Swift-Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) of superorbital modulation in the wind-accretion supergiant high-mass X-ray binaries 4U 1909+07 (= X 1908+075), IGR J16418–4532, and IGR J16479–4514. Together with already known superorbital periodicities in 2S 0114+650 and IGR J16493–4348, the systems exhibit a monotonic relationship between superorbital and orbital periods. These systems include both supergiant fast X-ray transients and classical supergiant systems, and have a range of inclination angles. This suggests an underlying physical mechanism which is connected to the orbital period. In addition to these sources with clear detections of superorbital periods, IGR J16393–4643 (= AX J16390.4–4642) is identified as a system that may have superorbital modulation due to the coincidence of low-amplitude peaks in power spectra derived from BAT, Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer Proportional Counter Array, and International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory light curves. 1E 1145.1–6141 may also be worthy of further attention due to the amount of low-frequency modulation of its light curve. However, we find that the presence of superorbital modulation is not a universal feature of wind-accretion supergiant X-ray binaries.

X-Ray Observations of Type Ia Supernovae with Swift: Evidence of Circumstellar Interaction for SN 2005ke

Abstract: We present a study of the early (days to weeks) X-ray and UV properties of eight Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) that have been extensively observed with the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and UV/Optical Telescope (UVOT) on board Swift, ranging from 5 to 132 days after the outburst. SN 2005ke is tentatively detected (at a 3–3.6 j level of significance) in X-rays based on deep monitoring with the XRT ranging from 8 to 120 days after the outburst. The inferred X-ray luminosity [ ergs s 1 ; 0.3–2 keV band] is likely caused by 38 L p (2 1) # 10 0.3–2 interaction of the SN shock with circumstellar material (CSM) deposited by a stellar wind from the progenitor’s companion star with a mass-loss rate of . Evidence of CSM interaction 6 1 1 ˙ M ≈ 3 # 10 M yr (v /10 km s ) , w in X-rays is independently confirmed by an excess of UV emission, as observed with the UVOT on board Swift, starting around 35 days after the explosion. The nondetection of SN 2005ke with Chandra 105 days after the outburst implies a rate of decline steeper than , consistent with the decline expected from the interaction 0.75 L ∝ t X of the SN shock with a spherically symmetric CSM ( ). None of the other seven SNe Ia is detected in X-rays 1 t

Nutritional biochemistry of spaceflight.

Abstract: As we approach the end of the first 50 years of human space travel, much has been learned about adaptation to microgravity and the risks associated with extended-duration space exploration. As the frequency and duration of flights grew, nutrition issues became more critical and the questions to be answered became more complex: What are the nutrient requirements for space travelers? Can nutrients be used as tools to mitigate the negative effects of space travel on humans? How does nutrition interrelate with other physiological systems (such as muscle, bone, and cardiovascular system) and their adaptation to microgravity? Much research has been done over the decades in both actual spaceflight and ground-based analogs. We review here much of what is known, and highlight areas of ongoing research and concerns for future exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.