D M Golden studies how tiny particles of sulfuric acid in the atmosphere interact with various chemicals. These reactions occur in the lower atmosphere, where they can influence the chemistry of air pollutants. Golden's research sheds light on how these interactions can affect the breakdown of harmful substances in the air, impacting air quality and potentially human health.
Key findings
Discoveries showed that sulfuric acid aerosols significantly alter air chemistry, affecting how pollutants break down.
The reactions involving these aerosols occur frequently enough to have a meaningful impact on atmospheric conditions.
This work contributed to a deeper understanding of how air pollution is affected by various chemical reactions in the troposphere.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Golden study air pollution?
Yes, Dr. Golden's research focuses on how airborne particles, including sulfuric acid, affect the breakdown of air pollutants.
What is sulfuric acid aerosol?
Sulfuric acid aerosol refers to tiny droplets of sulfuric acid suspended in the air, which can interact with other chemicals.
Why is Dr. Golden's work important?
Dr. Golden's findings help us understand the chemistry of the atmosphere, which is crucial for improving air quality and public health.
Publications in plain English
Reprogramming of Ovarian Granulosa Cells by YAP1 Leads to Development of High-Grade Cancer with Mesenchymal Lineage and Serous Features.
2020
Science bulletin
Lv X, He C, Huang C, Hua G, Chen X +17 more
Plain English This study explored how a specific type of ovarian cell, called granulosa cells, could change and lead to a dangerous form of ovarian cancer known as high-grade serous cancer (HGSC). Researchers discovered that a protein called YAP1 caused these cells to transform, resulting in a subtype of ovarian cancer that has a very poor prognosis. This discovery is important because identifying the origin of this aggressive cancer may help with prevention and early diagnosis.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for ovarian cancer and their doctors by providing insights for better monitoring and treatment strategies.
Characterization of the cortisol response to traumatic hemorrhage and intra-abdominal contamination models in Cynomologus Macaques.
2020
Molecular and cellular endocrinology
Atwood RE, Golden DM, Kaba SA, Bradley MJ
Plain English This study looked at how cortisol, a stress hormone, responds to different types of severe injuries in monkeys. Researchers found that cortisol levels skyrocketed by 600% in animals experiencing multiple injuries and infections, while there was only a 20% increase in those who had hemorrhage alone. This matters because understanding these hormone responses can help improve treatment strategies for patients with severe trauma.
Who this helps: This helps doctors treating trauma patients.
Copy number variant discrepancy resolution using the ClinGen dosage sensitivity map results in updated clinical interpretations in ClinVar.
2018
Human mutation
Riggs ER, Nelson T, Merz A, Ackley T, Bunke B +23 more
Plain English This study examined how often inconsistencies in the interpretation of certain genetic variants, known as copy number variants (CNVs), arise when they overlap with specific genes that are sensitive to changes in their amounts. Researchers reviewed 246 CNVs that were mistakenly classified and found that 157 of them (about 64%) needed a new interpretation, meaning that these updates could lead to better patient care and clearer genetic information. This is important because it helps ensure that patients receive accurate diagnoses and treatments based on their genetic makeup.
Who this helps: Patients with genetic disorders and their healthcare providers benefit from clearer and more accurate genetic interpretations.
Assessing the utility of confirmatory studies following identification of large-scale genomic imbalances by microarray.
2015
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics
Sanmann JN, Pickering DL, Golden DM, Stevens JM, Hempel TE +5 more
Plain English This study looked at the effectiveness of retesting positive genomic findings identified by a technology called microarray, which detects large-scale genetic changes. Researchers reviewed 519 cases and found that every genomic imbalance flagged by microarray was confirmed by a second method, with no mistakes reported. This means that in many cases, the extra testing might not be needed, but in some scenarios, it still plays an important role.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by streamlining the testing process and reducing unnecessary procedures.
Plain English This study looked at how certain chemical reactions behave when they aren’t at a stable energy level, which can happen in real-world situations like combustion. The researchers found that when reactions are in these unstable conditions, the rates and amounts of products can differ significantly from what we expect under stable conditions. For instance, they showed that in common substances involved in combustion, a different approach is needed to accurately predict outcomes, particularly using detailed simulations.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers in fields like combustion science and chemical manufacturing.
Shock tube measurements of the rate constant for the reaction ethanol + OH.
2014
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Stranic I, Pang GA, Hanson RK, Golden DM, Bowman CT
Plain English This study looked at how ethanol reacts with hydroxyl (OH) particles at high temperatures. Researchers found that the overall rate of this reaction is about 5.07 times 10 to the power of 5 times the temperature in Kelvin raised to 2.31, with a specific formula that works from 300 to 1300 Kelvin. They also discovered that the reaction specifically involving the β-site of ethanol happens about 20 to 25% of the time under the conditions tested, which helps scientists understand chemical processes better.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working on combustion and pollution control.
Plain English This study investigated how northern pine snakes in the New Jersey Pine Barrens use both natural and human-made hibernation sites over six years. The researchers found that while the snakes used both types of sites, 78% of them changed their hibernation locations each year, with a preference for natural sites, as most hibernacula were found in old animal burrows. This information is important because it highlights the need to focus on protecting natural hibernation sites rather than solely building new artificial ones.
Who this helps: This helps wildlife conservationists and environmental managers working to protect snake habitats.
Shock tube measurements of the tert-butanol + OH reaction rate and the tert-C4H8OH radical β-scission branching ratio using isotopic labeling.
2013
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Stranic I, Pang GA, Hanson RK, Golden DM, Bowman CT
Plain English This study looked at how quickly a chemical reaction happens when tert-butanol reacts with hydroxyl radicals (OH), which is important for understanding air pollution and combustion processes. The researchers found that about 80% of the hydroxyl radicals produced further reactions that can create more hydroxyl radicals, and their measurements showed this process in detail at high temperatures. This information is crucial for scientists developing cleaner fuels and reducing harmful emissions.
Who this helps: This helps researchers, environmental scientists, and energy developers.
Master equation modeling of the unimolecular decompositions of hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) and methoxy (CH3O) radicals to formaldehyde (CH2O) + H.
2013
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Dames EE, Golden DM
Plain English This study focused on how certain chemical radicals, specifically hydroxymethyl and methoxy, break down into formaldehyde and hydrogen. Researchers found that the breakdown rates of these radicals change based on the pressure and temperature, with some uncertainties affecting the predictions of these rates. For instance, the decomposition rates for methoxy could vary by 1.4 to 2 times, while for hydroxymethyl, the range is 1.5 to 2.6. Understanding these processes is important because they impact how combustion models are created for fuels like methanol, leading to more accurate predictions about fuel performance.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working on combustion technologies and fuel efficiency.
Rate constant for the reaction C2H5 + HBr → C2H6 + Br.
2012
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Golden DM, Peng J, Goumri A, Yuan J, Marshall P
Plain English This study focused on a chemical reaction involving two compounds, C2H5 and HBr, that creates C2H6 and Br. The researchers found that the energy needed for the reaction to occur was unusual because it was negative, meaning the reaction happens more easily at lower energies. They identified an energy barrier of about 9.7 kJ/mol for the reaction to proceed and noted that at higher temperatures, the activation energy could change to a positive value.
Who this helps: This research benefits chemists and scientists working on chemical reactions and energy dynamics.
Rate constant measurements for the overall reaction of OH + 1-butanol → products from 900 to 1200 K.
2012
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Pang GA, Hanson RK, Golden DM, Bowman CT
Plain English This study examined how quickly a chemical reaction happens when hydroxyl (OH) interacts with 1-butanol at high temperatures (between 900 and 1200 K). It found that the rate of this reaction can be expressed with a specific formula, with the rate constant being around 3.24 x 10^(-10) when adjusted for temperature. This is important because understanding these reactions better can help improve combustion processes, which are crucial for engines and power generation.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working on improving fuel efficiency and emissions in combustion systems.
The reaction OH + C2H4: an example of rotational channel switching.
2012
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Golden DM
Plain English This research looked at how a chemical reaction between hydroxyl (OH) and ethylene (C2H4) behaves at low temperatures, specifically focusing on how changes in temperature affect the reaction rates. The study found that the speed of this reaction can be described by two models, with key rate coefficients calculated for temperatures between 200 K and 400 K: one being extremely small (1.0 × 10^(-28)) and the other being slightly larger (8.0 × 10^(-12)). Understanding this reaction is important because it can help improve models predicting how chemicals react in the atmosphere.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying atmospheric chemistry.
High-temperature rate constant determination for the reaction of OH with iso-butanol.
2012
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Pang GA, Hanson RK, Golden DM, Bowman CT
Plain English This study looked at how quickly a chemical reaction occurs when hydroxyl (OH) interacts with iso-butanol, specifically at very high temperatures ranging from 907 to 1147 Kelvin. The researchers found that the overall speed of this reaction can be described by a specific formula: the rate constant (k) is about 1.84 × 10^(-10) multiplied by a temperature-dependent factor. Understanding this reaction speed is important because it helps scientists predict how iso-butanol behaves under different conditions, which is relevant for various applications, including fuel combustion.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers working on improving combustion processes and pollution control.
Experimental determination of the high-temperature rate constant for the reaction of OH with sec-butanol.
2012
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Pang GA, Hanson RK, Golden DM, Bowman CT
Plain English This study looked at how a chemical called hydroxyl (OH) reacts with sec-butanol, which is a type of alcohol, at very high temperatures. Researchers found that the reaction rate can be calculated using a specific formula over temperatures ranging from 888 to 1178 degrees Kelvin, and their measurements showed a rate constant of about 6.97 x 10^-11 multiplied by an exponential factor based on temperature. This is important because understanding this reaction can improve predictions about how alcohols burn in engines, which can lead to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Who this helps: This helps engineers and scientists working on cleaner and more efficient fuels.
Reactions of OH with butene isomers: measurements of the overall rates and a theoretical study.
2011
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Vasu SS, Huynh LK, Davidson DF, Hanson RK, Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at how hydroxyl (OH) radicals react with different forms of butene—specifically 1-butene, trans-2-butene, and cis-2-butene—under high temperatures and pressures. The researchers measured the speed of these reactions, discovering that they could accurately assess how quickly OH reacts with cis-2-butene for the first time at high temperatures and confirmed previous findings on the other two butene forms. Understanding these reactions is important because it helps improve models of combustion and air pollution, which can lead to better environmental and health outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and policymakers working on air quality and climate issues.
An evidence-based approach to establish the functional and clinical significance of copy number variants in intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2011
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics
Kaminsky EB, Kaul V, Paschall J, Church DM, Bunke B +29 more
Plain English Researchers studied the role of specific genetic changes, called copy number variants, in conditions like autism and intellectual disabilities. They found that among nearly 16,000 individuals with these conditions, certain genetic deletions and duplications were much more common than in a control group, confirming 14 deletions and 7 duplications as likely harmful. This is important because it helps doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively by understanding which genetic changes contribute to these disabilities.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with developmental disabilities and their families, along with the doctors involved in their care.
High-temperature measurements and a theoretical study of the reaction of OH with 1,3-butadiene.
2010
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Vasu SS, Zádor J, Davidson DF, Hanson RK, Golden DM +1 more
Plain English Researchers investigated how hydroxyl (OH) radicals react with a gas called 1,3-butadiene at very high temperatures, ranging from 1011 to 1406 Kelvin. They found that the speed of this reaction, which is important for understanding air quality and combustion processes, can be measured with a precision of about ±13% at 1200 K. This study improves our understanding of these reactions at high temperatures, which is crucial for developing better air pollution control strategies and improving engine efficiency.
Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and engineers working on air quality and combustion technologies.
Shock tube/laser absorption measurements of the reaction rates of OH with ethylene and propene.
2010
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Vasu SS, Hong Z, Davidson DF, Hanson RK, Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at how quickly hydroxyl (OH) radicals react with ethylene and propene gases under high temperatures and pressures. Researchers found that the reaction rates between OH and ethylene were measured for temperatures between 973-1438 K, resulting in a specific rate constant, while for propene, the temperatures ranged from 890-1366 K with another distinct rate constant obtained for that reaction. Knowing these reaction rates is important as it helps improve our understanding of combustion processes and atmospheric chemistry.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and engineers working on air quality and combustion technology.
Deletion 17q12 is a recurrent copy number variant that confers high risk of autism and schizophrenia.
2010
American journal of human genetics
Moreno-De-Luca D, , Mulle JG, , Kaminsky EB +33 more
Plain English This study focused on a specific genetic deletion called 17q12 that is linked to a higher risk of autism and schizophrenia. Researchers found this deletion in 18 out of 15,749 patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, while it was absent in control groups, indicating a strong connection; it was also identified in 2 out of 1,182 patients with autism and 4 out of 6,340 patients with schizophrenia. These findings matter because they highlight how certain genetic changes can significantly increase the likelihood of developing serious mental health issues and point to the need for better understanding and potentially targeted interventions.
Who this helps: Patients with autism and schizophrenia, as well as their families and healthcare providers.
Evaluation of data for atmospheric models: master equation/RRKM calculations on the combination reaction, BrO + NO2 --> BrONO2, a conundrum.
2008
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Walsh R, Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at how certain chemical reactions, specifically the combination of bromine monoxide (BrO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to form bromine nitrate (BrONO2), can be understood using complex mathematical models. Researchers found that the calculations based on existing data showed a significant difference, about four times, from what was experimentally observed. They concluded that for their models to match the experimental data, they would need to assume unrealistically high energy values or change several key factors, which raises questions about the accuracy of the current models.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on atmospheric chemistry and pollution.
Pressure dependent reactions for atmospheric and combustion models.
2008
Chemical Society reviews
Golden DM
Plain English This study focused on understanding how certain chemical reactions behave under different conditions, particularly temperature and pressure, which are important for atmospheric science and combustion processes. Researchers used advanced computer models to analyze these reactions and highlighted that inaccuracies in the available data necessitate careful adjustments and teamwork when creating reliable models for real-world applications. These findings are crucial because they help improve our understanding of the chemical processes that affect air quality and energy production.
Who this helps: Patients, especially those affected by air pollution and related health issues.
High-temperature shock tube measurements of methyl radical decomposition.
2007
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Vasudevan V, Hanson RK, Golden DM, Bowman CT, Davidson DF
Plain English This study looked at how methyl radicals decompose at high temperatures, specifically through two different chemical pathways, using a special tube experiment that heated gases to very high temperatures between 2253 and 3527 K. They found that the speed of the first reaction (where methyl radicals turn into other products) is consistent regardless of pressure and is approximately 3.09 x 10^15 multiplied by a factor that depends on the temperature. For the second reaction, they established a similar rate at about 2.24 x 10^15, also temperature-dependent, showing no pressure effects in the tested ranges.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working in fields like combustion and atmospheric chemistry.
Plain English This study looked at how chlorine atoms react with nitrogen dioxide to form two compounds, ClONO and ClNO2. The researchers found that previous methods underestimated the reaction rates by about 2.6 times, indicating that certain factors, like the movement of molecules and energy transfer, were not fully taken into account. Understanding these reactions is important because they play a role in atmospheric chemistry and pollution.
Who this helps: This helps scientists studying air quality and atmospheric reactions.
Shock tube study of the reaction of CH with N2: overall rate and branching ratio.
2007
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Vasudevan V, Hanson RK, Bowman CT, Golden DM, Davidson DF
Plain English This study examined how a chemical called CH reacts with nitrogen (N2) at high temperatures using shock tube experiments. Researchers found that the reaction rate of CH with N2 is relatively quick, with a measurable rate coefficient of about 6.03 x 10^12, and they identified that this reaction primarily produces two substances: NCN and H. Understanding this reaction is important because it helps improve our knowledge of combustion processes and the formation of pollutants in the atmosphere.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and manufacturers working on cleaner combustion technologies.
Evaluating data for atmospheric models, an example: IO + NO2 = IONO2.
2006
The journal of physical chemistry. A
Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at how a specific chemical reaction involving iodine and nitrogen dioxide behaves in the atmosphere. Researchers found that the energy needed to break the bond in this reaction ranges from about 95 to 135 kilojoules per mole, with their best estimate being around 150 kJ/mol. Understanding these values is important because they help improve models that predict how chemicals react in the atmosphere, which can impact things like pollution and climate change.
Who this helps: This research helps environmental scientists and engineers working on air quality and climate models.
Cleaning the air and improving health with hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
2005
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Jacobson MZ, Colella WG, Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at the effects of switching all vehicles in the U.S. to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) on air quality, health, and climate. It found that this switch could save between 3,700 and 6,400 lives each year, especially if the hydrogen is produced from wind or natural gas. Making this change is important because it would significantly reduce vehicle pollution and have positive effects on the environment and public health.
Who this helps: Patients suffering from respiratory issues and everyone living in polluted areas.
Gaseous mercury from curing concretes that contain fly ash: laboratory measurements.
2005
Environmental science & technology
Golightly DW, Sun P, Cheng CM, Taerakul P, Walker HW +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied how much gaseous mercury is released from different types of concrete during the curing process, specifically looking at ordinary cement and mixes with fly ash. They found that the highest mercury release rate was from concrete containing mercury-loaded activated carbon, at about 0.43 nanograms per day per kilogram of concrete, while ordinary concrete released the least, around 0.10 nanograms per day. Most of the mercury (over 99.9%) stayed trapped in the concrete rather than entering the air, which is important for understanding the safety of using fly ash in concrete.
Who this helps: This benefits construction workers and environmental regulators by ensuring safer materials are used in building projects.
Use of quantum methods for a consistent approach to combustion modelling: hydrocarbon bond dissociation energies.
2001
Faraday discussions
Senosiain JP, Han JH, Musgrave CB, Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at how to better measure and understand the energies required to break chemical bonds in hydrocarbons, which are important for combustion processes. Researchers found that a new method called KMLYP could simplify these calculations and improve their accuracy, even though there can still be significant uncertainty. This work is important because it helps create more reliable data for engineers and scientists who design combustion systems, which can lead to cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.
Who this helps: Engineers and scientists working on energy and combustion technology.
Experimental effects of habitat fragmentation on old-field canopy insects: community, guild and species responses.
1999
Oecologia
Golden DM, Crist TO
Plain English This study looked at how breaking up large areas of habitat affects insects living in old fields. Researchers found that in July, fragmented areas had fewer different insect species, particularly rare ones, while species richness was the same across all areas by September. This is important because it shows that small-scale habitat loss can significantly reduce the diversity of insect communities, especially affecting certain groups, which may impact the entire ecosystem.
Who this helps: This helps ecologists and conservationists working to protect insect populations and their habitats.
Antarctic Ozone Depletion Chemistry: Reactions of N2O5 with H2O and HCl on Ice Surfaces.
1988
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Tolbert MA, Rossi MJ, Golden DM
Plain English The study focused on how a chemical called dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) reacts with water and hydrochloric acid (HCl) on ice at very cold temperatures found in Antarctica. Researchers found that at 185 K, N2O5 reacts to form nitric acid and releases a gas called nitryl chloride, which can contribute to ozone depletion when it breaks down in the spring. This research is important because it helps explain how certain chemicals in the polar environment can affect ozone levels, which has implications for climate change and environmental protection.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and environmental policymakers working to protect the ozone layer.
Reaction of chlorine nitrate with hydrogen chloride and water at antarctic stratospheric temperatures.
1987
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Tolbert MA, Rossi MJ, Malhotra R, Golden DM
Plain English This study looked at how chlorine nitrate reacts with water and hydrogen chloride at the cold temperatures found in the Antarctic atmosphere. Researchers found that chlorine nitrate easily reacts on ice, producing gases that can harm the ozone layer, including hypochlorous acid and chlorine gas. These reactions, especially in the spring, can lead to more active chlorine, which is responsible for ozone depletion.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying climate change and environmental policies.
Heterogeneous atmospheric reactions: sulfuric Acid aerosols as tropospheric sinks.
1979
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Baldwin AC, Golden DM
Plain English Researchers studied how different chemicals in the air react when they bump into tiny sulfuric acid particles floating in the lower atmosphere. They found that these reactions happen frequently enough to significantly affect air chemistry and potentially change how pollutants break down in the air we breathe.