A critical analysis of the hydrino model

Recently, spectroscopic and calorimetric observations of hydrogen plasmas and chemical reactions with them have been interpreted as evidence for the existence of electronic states of the hydrogen atom with a binding energy of more than 13.6 eV. The theoretical basis for such states, that have been dubbed hydrinos, is investigated. We discuss both, the novel deterministic model of the hydrogen atom, in which the existence of hydrinos was predicted, and standard quantum mechanics. Severe inconsistencies in the deterministic model are pointed out and the incompatibility of hydrino states with quantum mechanics is reviewed.Comment: 9 page

Neutron die-away experiment for remote analysis of the surface of the moon and the planets, phase 3

Continuing work on the two die-away measurements proposed to be made in the combined pulsed neutron experiment (CPNE) for analysis of lunar and planetary surfaces is described. This report documents research done during Phase 3. A general exposition of data analysis by the least-squares method and the related problem of the prediction of variance is given. A data analysis procedure for epithermal die-away data has been formulated. In order to facilitate the analysis, the number of independent material variables has been reduced to two: the hydrogen density and an effective oxygen density, the latter being determined uniquely from the nonhydrogeneous elemental composition. Justification for this reduction in the number of variables is based on a set of 27 new theoretical calculations. Work is described related to experimental calibration of the epithermal die-away measurement. An interim data analysis technique based solely on theoretical calculations seems to be adequate and will be used for future CPNE field tests

Terrestrial Ecosystem Adaptation

In this report we evaluate adaptation issues for natural ecosystems. We will specifically focus on the interactions with the abiotic environment of plants and animals, along with other organisms with which they interact (e.g., disease-causing bacteria and viruses). We further limit ourselves to natural ecosystems in which the predominant vegetation has developed without having been planted, irrigated, or fertilized. Most of the natural lands in the United States are managed by federal or state governments. Agricultural lands— including range grazing lands — are dealt with in a related adaptation report. This will evaluate the potential magnitudes and challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems in the United States in adapting to changing climate over the next 30-50 years. Our report will not address attribution or mitigation of climate change, as these topics have been dealt with in many other forums. We will begin with a brief summary of the current trajectory of the changing climate in the United States, including both temporal and spatial patterns. We will then relate these trends to ecosystem impacts and vulnerabilities

Magnon Mediated Electric Current Drag Across a Ferromagnetic Insulator Layer

In a semiconductor hererostructure, the Coulomb interaction is responsible for the electric current drag between two 2D electron gases across an electron impenetrable insulator. For two metallic layers separated by a ferromagnetic insulator (FI) layer, the electric current drag can be mediated by a nonequilibrium magnon current of the FI. We determine the drag current by using the semiclassical Boltzmann approach with proper boundary conditions of electrons and magnons at the metal-FI interface.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figures: to appear in PR

Atmospheric Composition, Chemistry, and Clouds

Venus’ atmosphere has a rich chemistry involving interactions among sulfur, chlorine, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen radicals. The chemical regimes in the atmosphere range from ion-neutral reactions in the ionosphere to photochemistry in the middle atmosphere to thermal equilibrium chemistry and surface-atmosphere reactions in the lower atmosphere. This variety makes Venus an important planet to understand within the context of terrestrial-like planets, both in our own solar system and outside it. The primary chemical cycles are believed known but surprisingly few details about these cycles have been fully verified by concurrence among observations, experiments, and modeling. Good models have been developed that account for many properties of the cloud layers, but the size distribution, shape, and composition of the majority of the aerosol mass are still open issues. This chapter reviews the state of knowledge prior to the Venus Express mission for the composition, chemistry, and clouds of the neutral atmosphere on Venus. Observations by instruments on Venus Express, in combination with ground-based observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling, should answer some of the major open questions regarding the composition, chemistry, and clouds of Venus’ atmosphere