Electron-attachment rates for carbon-rich molecules in protoplanetary atmospheres: the role of chemical differences

The formation of anionic species in the interstellar medium from interaction of linear molecules containing carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen as atomic components (polyynes) with free electrons in the environment is modelled via a quantum treatment of the collision dynamics. The ensuing integral cross sections are employed to obtain the corresponding attachment rates over a broad range of temperatures for the electrons. The calculations unequivocally show that a parametrization form often employed for such rates yields a broad range of values that turn out to be specific for each molecular species considered, thus excluding using a unique set for the whole class of polyynes.Comment: accepted to be published on MNRA

Neutral and ionic dopants in helium clusters: interaction forces for the Li2(a3Σu+)−HeLi_2(a^3\Sigma_u^+)-He and Li2+(X2Σg+)−HeLi_2^+(X^2\Sigma_g^+)-He

The potential energy surface (PES) describing the interactions between $\mathrm{Li_{2}(^{1}\Sigma_{u}^{+})}$ and $\mathrm{^{4}He}$ and an extensive study of the energies and structures of a set of small clusters, $\mathrm{Li_{2}(He)_{n}}$, have been presented by us in a previous series of publications [1-3]. In the present work we want to extend the same analysis to the case of the excited $\mathrm{Li_{2}}(a^{3}\Sigma_{u}^{+})$ and of the ionized Li$_{2}^{+}(X^{2}\Sigma_{g}^{+})$ moiety. We thus show here calculated interaction potentials for the two title systems and the corresponding fitting of the computed points. For both surfaces the MP4 method with cc-pV5Z basis sets has been used to generate an extensive range of radial/angular coordinates of the two dimensional PES's which describe rigid rotor molecular dopants interacting with one He partner

Assessment of an adjustment factor to model radar range dependent error

Quantitative radar precipitation estimates are affected by errors determined by many causes such as radar miscalibration, range degradation, attenuation, ground clutter, variability of Z-R relation, variability of drop size distribution, vertical air motion, anomalous propagation and beam-blocking. Range degradation ( including beam broadening and sampling of precipitation at an increasing altitude) and signal attenuation, determine a range dependent behavior of error. The aim of this work is to model the range-dependent error through an adjustment factor derived from the G/R ratio trend against the range, where G and R are the corresponding rain gauge and radar rainfall amounts computed at each rain gauge location. Since range degradation and signal attenuation effects are negligible close to the radar, resultsshowthatwithin 40 km from radar the overall range error is independent of the distance from Polar 55C and no range-correction is needed. Nevertheless, up to this distance, the G/R ratiocan showa concave trend with the range, which is due to the melting layer interception by the radar beam during stratiform events

On precipitation measurements collected by a weather radar and a rain gauge network

Many phenomena (such as attenuation and range degradation) can influence the accuracy of rainfall radar estimates. They introduce errors that increase as the distance from radar increases, thereby decreasing the reliability of radar estimates for applications that require quantitative precipitation estimation. The present paper evaluates radar error as a function of the range, in order to correct the rainfall radar estimates. The radar is calibrated utilizing data from the rain gauges. Then, the G/R ratio between the yearly rainfall amount measured in each rain gauge position during 2008 and the corresponding radar rainfall amount is calculated against the slant range. The trend of the G/R ratio shows two behaviours: a concave part due to the melting layer effect close to the radar location and an almost linear, increasing trend at greater distances. A best fitting line is used to find an adjustment factor, which estimates the radar error at a given range. The effectiveness of the methodology is verified by comparing pairs of rainfall time series that are observed simultaneously by collocated rain gauges and radar. Furthermore, the variability of the adjustment factor is investigated at the scale of event, both for convective and stratiform events. The main result is that there is not a univocal range error pattern, as it also depends on the characteristics of the considered event. On the other hand, the adjustment factor tends to stabilize itself for time aggregations of the order of one year or greater

How does tissue adhesive compare with suturing for superficial lacerations?

Tissue adhesives are effective and yield results comparable to those with conventional suturing of superficial, linear, and low-tension lacerations. The cosmetic outcome is similar; wound complications, such as infection and dehiscence, may be lower with tissue adhesives. Wound closure of superficial lacerations by tissue adhesives is quicker and less painful compared with conventional suturing (strength of recommendation: A, systematic reviews of randomized trials)

Data selection to assess bias in rainfall radar estimates. An entropy-based method

Miscalibration of radar determines a systematic error (i.e., bias) that is observed in radar estimates of rainfall. Although a rain gauge can provide a pointwise rainfall measurement, weather radar can cover an extended area. To compare the two measurements, it is necessary to individuate the weather radar measurements at the same location as the rain gauge. Bias is measured as the ratio between cumulative rain gauge measurements and the corresponding radar estimates. The rainfall is usually cumulated, taking into account all rainfall events registered in the target area. The contribution of this work is the determination of the optimal number of rainfall events that are necessary to calibrate rainfall radar. The proposed methodology is based on the entropy concept. In particular, the optimal number of events must fulfil two conditions, namely, maximisation of information content and minimisation of redundant information. To verify the methodology, the bias values are estimated with 1) a reduced number of events and 2) all available data. The proposed approach is tested on the Polar 55C weather radar located in the borough area of Rome (IT). The radar is calibrated against rainfall measurements of a couple of rain gauges placed in the Roman city centre. Analysing the information content of all data, it is found that it is possible to reduce the number of rainfall events without losing information in evaluating the bias

reply to comment on dynamics of formation of anthracene anions in molecular clouds and protoplanetary atmospheres

We discuss in some detail the implications of the suggestion made by P D Burrow and G A Gallup on the physics of anion formation and of resonant electron attachment in gas-phase anthracene molecules

Interlayer-confined Cu(II) complex as an efficient and long-lasting catalyst for oxidation of H2s on montmorillonite

Removal of highly toxic H2S for pollution control and operational safety is a pressing need. For this purpose, a montmorillonite intercalated with Cu(II)-phenanthroline complex [Cu[(Phen)(H2O)2]2+ (Mt-CuPhen) was prepared to capture gaseous H2S under mild conditions. This hybrid material was simple to obtain and demonstrated an outstanding ability to entrap H2S at room temperature, retaining high efficiency for a very long time (up to 36.8 g of S/100 g Mt-CuPhen after 3 months of exposure). Sorbent and H2S uptake were investigated by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction measurements, diffuse reflectance (DR) UV\u2013Vis and infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and evolved gas mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The H2S capture was studied over time and a mechanism of action was proposed. The entrapping involves a catalytic mechanism in which [Cu[(Phen)(H2O)2]2+ acts as catalyst for H2S oxidation to S0 by atmospheric oxygen. The low cost and the long-lasting performance for H2S removal render Mt-CuPhen an extremely appealing trap for H2S removal and a promising material for many technological applications