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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Nitrogen Status Rewires Transcriptional Regulation of Dhurrin, a Dual‐Purpose Defense Metabolite in Sorghum bicolor

Dhurrin, a cyanogenic glucoside, plays an important role in Sorghum bicolor physiology and defense. The concentration of dhurrin in sorghum is influenced by both nitrogen status and stage of plant organ development. While nitrogen resupply activates the expression of genes for dhurrin biosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional response of sorghum to nitrogen resupply following growth under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Using a time-course design, we measured hydrogen cyanide potential (HCNp), growth, and nitrate content at 0-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-h after resupply and collected tissue for RNAseq analysis in parallel for analysis of gene expression and construction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs). HCNp (mg g −1 DW) increased significantly in leaf and stem tissues following nitrogen resupply, with increases in the leaf partially driven by continued declines in controls under ongoing nitrogen stress. Expression of the dhurrin pathway genes was upregulated in leaves from 24 h after nitrogen resupply, with diel expression patterns observable over the remaining time points. No upregulation was observed in roots or stems, suggesting that developmental context overrides environmental cues. GRN analysis identified candidate transcription factors regulating dhurrin biosynthesis genes, including members of the MYB, bZIP, and GARP-type transcription factor families. Some of these candidate transcription factors may be involved in relieving senescence-associated suppression of dhurrin biosynthesis and link nitrogen signaling to pathway activation. These findings provide new insight into the nitrogen-responsive regulation of dhurrin in sorghum, highlighting candidate regulators for future functional characterization.

S. bicolor↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sorghum bicolor BTx623 Nitrogen Grown Conditions Gene Expression Profiling

Dhurrin, a cyanogenic glucoside, plays an important role in Sorghum bicolor physiology and defense. The concentration of dhurrin in sorghum is influenced by both nitrogen status and stage of plant organ development. While nitrogen resupply activates the expression of genes for dhurrin biosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional response of sorghum to nitrogen resupply following growth under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Using a time-course design, we measured hydrogen cyanide potential (HCNp), growth, and nitrate content at 0-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-h after resupply and collected tissue for RNAseq analysis in parallel for analysis of gene expression and construction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs). HCNp (mg g−1 DW) increased significantly in leaf and stem tissues following nitrogen resupply, with increases in the leaf partially driven by continued declines in controls under ongoing nitrogen stress. Expression of the dhurrin pathway genes was upregulated in leaves from 24 h after nitrogen resupply, with diel expression patterns observable over the remaining time points. No upregulation was observed in roots or stems, suggesting that developmental context overrides environmental cues. GRN analysis identified candidate transcription factors regulating dhurrin biosynthesis genes, including members of the MYB, bZIP, and GARP-type transcription factor families. Some of these candidate transcription factors may be involved in relieving senescence-associated suppression of dhurrin biosynthesis and link nitrogen signaling to pathway activation. These findings provide new insight into the nitrogen-responsive regulation of dhurrin in sorghum, highlighting candidate regulators for future functional characterization.

cyanogenic glucoside↗
DOE OSTI2024

Sorghum bicolor BTx623 Nitrogen Grown Conditions Set2 Gene Expression Profiling

Dhurrin, a cyanogenic glucoside, plays an important role in Sorghum bicolor physiology and defense. The concentration of dhurrin in sorghum is influenced by both nitrogen status and stage of plant organ development. While nitrogen resupply activates the expression of genes for dhurrin biosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional response of sorghum to nitrogen resupply following growth under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Using a time-course design, we measured hydrogen cyanide potential (HCNp), growth, and nitrate content at 0-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-h after resupply and collected tissue for RNAseq analysis in parallel for analysis of gene expression and construction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs). HCNp (mg g−1 DW) increased significantly in leaf and stem tissues following nitrogen resupply, with increases in the leaf partially driven by continued declines in controls under ongoing nitrogen stress. Expression of the dhurrin pathway genes was upregulated in leaves from 24 h after nitrogen resupply, with diel expression patterns observable over the remaining time points. No upregulation was observed in roots or stems, suggesting that developmental context overrides environmental cues. GRN analysis identified candidate transcription factors regulating dhurrin biosynthesis genes, including members of the MYB, bZIP, and GARP-type transcription factor families. Some of these candidate transcription factors may be involved in relieving senescence-associated suppression of dhurrin biosynthesis and link nitrogen signaling to pathway activation. These findings provide new insight into the nitrogen-responsive regulation of dhurrin in sorghum, highlighting candidate regulators for future functional characterization.

cyanogenic glucoside↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dissertation Defense: Three Papers on Organizational Decision-Making and Change at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

This is a three-paper dissertation that responds to a call for empirical research on stakeholder influence in the implementation of evaluation recommendations. The literature is consistent but mostly theoretical: stakeholder participation should positively influence and increase the probability of implementation (see e.g., Christie, 2011; Cousins & Earl, 1992; Fetterman, 2004). In response, I use two Goddard Space Flight Center engineering technical training and development programs to build a causal argument supporting my proposition that stakeholder influence in the logic modeling process impacts organizational decision-making and change. I first introduce the logic modeling process as a tool to involve stakeholders in program and evaluation design (paper 1); then use the data collection process to implement the collaboratively constructed logic model outcomes (paper 2); and, finally, I triangulate the data using the Toal (2009) Evaluation Involvement Scale (paper 3). I do this to “increase the validity of the findings” (Noble & Heale, 2019, p. 67) and to garner potential mechanisms. I found that stakeholder participation in the logic modeling process positively influenced the use of data to inform recommendations which in turn positively influenced implementation of evaluation recommendations. I identified the process itself as the mechanism and the key decision points as links or influencers. Potential factors included power and interest (measured by role) and time-on-job.

organizational decision-making↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Laser Beam Welding for in-Space Joining Demonstrated Under Vacuum on the Ground and By Parabolic Flight Experiments

High energy density electron beam welding enabled the first and, to date, only American weld performed in space during the M551 experiment on Skylab in 1973. Though welding is critical to 90% of durable goods manufacturing in America, there is not yet regular and reliable application of welding processes to the In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector. Fundamental studies are needed to develop basic capabilities and to enhance fundamental process knowledge, which will support follow-on efforts to mature in-space welding for use in commercial, defense, and other aerospace applications. The current work seeks to build on past flights and improve understanding and quantification of materials joining in space conditions using laser beam welding (LBW). LBW offers several advantages over the electron beam welding of Skylab, amongst others: reduced electromagnetic interference, less exposure of operators to ionizing radiation, and flexible delivery through optical fibers supporting unique workpieces and joints. Since there is no orbital laboratory to mature laser beam welding for space, the current effort addresses maturation of laser beam welding through parabolic flights augmented with data collection to enable numerical modeling efforts that capture the physical effects of the space environment. This team has retrofitted an LBW experimental apparatus that can simulate the vacuum and, during a parabolic flight, the reduced gravity & microgravity conditions of in-space welding. A team of Capstone students modified the setup, originally developed by NASA Langley Research Center for electron beam free-form fabrication, to replace its electron gun with a 1 kW, 1070 nm Yb fiber laser. The apparatus was further instrumented with temperature sensing and high-speed welding cameras to monitor and record changes in the thermal state of the workpiece, the melt pool, the laser penetration level, and the development and orientation of spatter & plumes. The system will operate autonomously, demonstrating its utility to uncrewed missions. During upcoming parabolic flight campaigns expected summer 2024, this LBW equipment will weld common aerospace alloys of aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium under conditions representative of the space environment. This data will guide future computational modeling efforts of laser welding in space and help to qualify in-space welding as a viable ISAM technique.

laser beam welding↗
NASA NTRS2006

LAD-C: A large area debris collector on the ISS

The Large Area Debris Collector (LAD-C) is a 10 sq m aerogel and acoustic sensor system under development by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) with main collaboration from the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office at Johnson Space Center, JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Chiba University (Japan), ESA Space Debris Office, University of California at Berkeley, and University of Kent at Canterbury (UK). The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) has assumed the responsibility for having the system manifested and deployed on the International Space Station (ISS), and then having it retrieved and returned to Earth after one to two years. LAD-C will attempt to utilize the ISS as a scientific platform to characterize the near-Earth meteoroid and orbital debris environment in the size regime where little data exist. In addition to meteoroid and orbital debris sample return, the acoustic sensors will record impact time, location, signal strength, and acoustic waveform data of the largest collected samples. A good time-dependent meteoroid and orbital debris flux estimate can be derived. Analysis of the data will also enable potential source identification of some of the collected samples. This dynamical link can be combined with laboratory composition analysis of impact residuals extracted from aerogel to further our understanding of orbital debris population, and the sources of meteoroids, asteroids and comets.

Liou, J.-C.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Missions to Near-Earth Asteroids: Implications for Exploration, Science, Resource Utilization, and Planetary Defense

Introduction: In 2009 the Augustine Commission identified near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) as high profile destinations for human exploration missions beyond the Earth-Moon system as part of the Flexible Path. More recently the U.S. presidential administration directed NASA to include NEAs as destinations for future human exploration with the goal of sending astronauts to a NEA in the mid to late 2020s. This directive became part of the official National Space Policy of the United States of America as of June 28, 2010. NEA Space-Based Survey and Robotic Precursor Missions: The most suitable targets for human missions are NEAs in Earth-like orbits with long synodic periods. However, these mission candidates are often not observable from Earth until the timeframe of their most favorable human mission opportunities, which does not provide an appropriate amount of time for mission development. A space-based survey telescope could more efficiently find these targets in a timely, affordable manner. Such a system is not only able to discover new objects, but also track and characterize objects of interest for human space flight consideration. Those objects with characteristic signatures representative of volatile-rich or metallic materials will be considered as top candidates for further investigation due to their potential for resource utilization and scientific discovery. Once suitable candidates have been identified, precursor spacecraft are required to perform basic reconnaissance of a few NEAs under consideration for the human-led mission. Robotic spacecraft will assess targets for potential hazards that may pose a risk to the deep space transportation vehicle, its deployable assets, and the crew. Additionally, the information obtained about the NEA's basic physical characteristics will be crucial for planning operational activities, designing in-depth scientific/engineering investigations, and identifying sites on the NEA for sample collection. Human Exploration Considerations: These missions would be the first human expeditions to interplanetary bodies beyond the Earth-Moon system and would prove useful for testing technologies required for human missions to Mars, Phobos and Deimos, and other Solar System destinations. Current analyses of operational concepts suggest that stay times of 15 to 30 days may be possible at a NEA with total mission duration limits of 180 days or less. Hence, these missions would undoubtedly provide a great deal of technical and engineering data on spacecraft operations for future human space exploration while simultaneously conducting detailed investigations of these primitive objects with instruments and equipment that exceed the mass and power capabilities delivered by robotic spacecraft. All of these activities will be vital for refinement of resource characterization/identification and development of extraction/utilization technologies to be used on airless bodies under low- or micro-gravity conditions. In addition, gaining enhanced understanding of a NEA s geotechnical properties and its gross internal structure will assist the development of hazard mitigation techniques for planetary defense. Conclusions: The scientific, resource utilization, and hazard mitigation benefits, along with the programmatic and operational benefits of a human venture beyond the Earth-Moon system, make a piloted sample return mission to a NEA using NASA s proposed human exploration systems a compelling endeavor.

Abell, P. A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Genetic mapping of sorghum resistance to an Illinois isolate of Colletotrichum sublineola

Anthracnose leaf blight (ALB) is an economically important disease of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineola Henn. ex Sacc. & Trotter. Although qualitative and quantitative resistance have been identified for ALB, the usefulness of resistance loci differs depending on the pathogen pathotype. Identifying resistance effective against unique pathogen pathotypes is critical to managing ALB, as the disease is managed primarily through the deployment of host resistance. We isolated C. sublineola from ALB-infected leaves collected in Illinois and found that the strain was a novel pathotype, as it produced a unique combination of virulence against a set of differential lines. Using this isolate, we inoculated 579 temperate-adapted sorghum conversion lines in 2019 and 2020. We then conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a metabolic pathway analysis using the Pathway Associated Study Tool (PAST). We identified 47 significant markers distributed across all chromosomes except chromosome 8. We identified 32 candidate genes based on physical proximity with significant markers, some of which have a known role in host defense. We identified 47 pathways associated with ALB resistance, indicating a role for secondary metabolism in defense to ALB. Our results are important to improve the understanding of the genetic basis of ALB resistance in sorghum and highlight the importance of developing durable resistance to ALB.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2015

Oxidative Stress and Autophagy Responses of Osteocytes Exposed to Spaceflight-like Radiation.

Weightlessness and radiation, two of the unique elements of the space environment, causes a profound decrement in bone mass that mimics aging. This bone loss is thought to result from increased activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and functional changes in bone-forming osteoblasts, cells that give rise to mature osteocytes. Our current understanding of the signaling factors and mechanisms underlying bone loss is incomplete. However, it is known that oxidative stress, characterized by the excess production of free radicals, is elevated during radiation exposure. The goals of this study is to examine the response of osteocytes to spaceflight-like radiation and to identify signaling processes that may be targeted to mitigate bone loss in scenarios of space exploration, earth-based radiotherapy and accidental radiation exposure. We hypothesize that (1) oxidative stress, as induced by radiation, decreases osteocyte survival and increases pro-osteoclastogenic signals and that (2) autophagy is one of the key cellular defenses against oxidative stress. Autophagy is the process by which cellular components including organelles and proteins are broken down and recycled. To test our hypothesis, we exposed the osteocyte-like cell line, MLO-Y4, to 0.5, 1, and 2 Gy of simulated space radiation (Iron-56 radiation at 600 MeV/n) and assessed cell numbers, cell growth-associated molecules as well as markers of autophagy and oxidative stress at various time points post-irradiation. We observed a reduction in cell numbers in the groups exposed to 1 and 2 Gy of Iron-56 radiation. Collectively, flow cytometry and gene expression analysis revealed that radiation caused a shift in cell cycle distribution consistent with growth arrest. Compared to sham-treatment, 2 Gy of Iron-56 increased FoxO3, SOD1, and RANKL gene expression yet unexpectedly decreased LC3B-II protein levels at 4 and 24 hours post-IR. Taken together, these findings suggest that simulated space radiation invoke antioxidant, pro-osteoclastogenic, and growth arrest responses in osteocytes. The implications of reduced autophagy flux at the time points examined remain to be elucidated.

Biological Sciences↗
NASA NTRS2007

"Smart" Sensor Module

An assembly that contains a sensor, sensor-signal-conditioning circuitry, a sensor-readout analog-to-digital converter (ADC), data-storage circuitry, and a microprocessor that runs special-purpose software and communicates with one or more external computer(s) has been developed as a prototype of "smart" sensor modules for monitoring the integrity and functionality (the "health") of engineering systems. Although these modules are now being designed specifically for use on rocket-engine test stands, it is anticipated that they could also readily be designed to be incorporated into health-monitoring subsystems of such diverse engineering systems as spacecraft, aircraft, land vehicles, bridges, buildings, power plants, oilrigs, and defense installations. The figure is a simplified block diagram of the "smart" sensor module. The analog sensor readout signal is processed by the ADC, the digital output of which is fed to the microprocessor. By means of a standard RS-232 cable, the microprocessor is connected to a local personal computer (PC), from which software is downloaded into a randomaccess memory in the microprocessor. The local PC is also used to debug the software. Once the software is running, the local PC is disconnected and the module is controlled by, and all output data from the module are collected by, a remote PC via an Ethernet bus. Several smart sensor modules like this one could be connected to the same Ethernet bus and controlled by the single remote PC. The software running in the microprocessor includes driver programs for operation of the sensor, programs that implement self-assessment algorithms, programs that implement protocols for communication with the external computer( s), and programs that implement evolutionary methodologies to enable the module to improve its performance over time. The design of the module and of the health-monitoring system of which it is a part reflects the understanding that the main purpose of a health-monitoring system is to detect damage and, therefore, the health-monitoring system must be able to function effectively in the presence of damage and should be capable of distinguishing between damage to itself and damage to the system being monitored. A major benefit afforded by the self-assessment algorithms is that in the output of the module, the sensor data indicative of the health of the engineering system being monitored are coupled with a confidence factor that quantifies the degree of reliability of the data. Hence, the output includes information on the health of the sensor module itself in addition to information on the health of the engineering system being monitored.

Mahajan, Ajay↗
DOE OSTI2020

Alternative Treatment of Defense Waste Processing Facility Recycle via Reuse of Existing Liquid Waste Facilities - 20097

The Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) at Savannah River Site (SRS) has been immobilizing high level waste since 1996. The chemical process within DWPF generates a large volume of condensate, which is recycled to the SRS H-Area Tank Farm. The recycle stream includes a small quantity of sludge solids, as well as soluble cesium that is volatilized during melter operation. The recycle waste is currently received into a large, underground waste tank that separates insoluble solids via decanting. The supernate is treated by an evaporator with a concentrate stream that is stored for future processing. The evaporator overheads are collected and sent to the Effluent Treatment Project (ETP) for final polishing and testing prior to discharge to local surface water. Recycle storage and treatment as described above complicates the overall mission within the tank farms, which are primarily engaged in waste retrieval and preparation activities that support sludge and salt disposition, as well as tank characterization and closure. The need to devote a portion of available storage space to recycle treatment limits operational flexibility, and ultimately the DWPF recycle stream must be diverted to fully close all the SRS waste tanks. An alternative treatment process is being explored to decouple the recycle stream from the tank farm. The proposed treatment process will accomplish solids separation via crossflow filtration and will utilize a wiped film evaporator to volume-reduce the filtrate stream. Evaporator overheads will continue to be further processed in ETP while the solids stream and evaporator concentrate stream will be returned for reprocessing with the DWPF and Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF). This process will utilize existing facilities within DWPF and the tank farm that were previously dedicated to Interim Salt Disposition (ISD), but no longer have an identified mission with the startup of SWPF. The reuse of these facilities will remove several constraints from the current Liquid Waste (LW) System Plan without expanding the current footprint of Department of Energy Environmental Management (EM) infrastructure within LW. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

From Count Rates to Quantifying Isotopic Activities – Field Analysis of Radiation Monitoring Data

The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) provides a comprehensive bicoastal radiological and nuclear emergency response to United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. A major part of the support is to provide systematic radiological search for lost or stolen sources, Radiological search is a core competency of the NNSS with its origin dating back to nuclear weapons test era. Search operations from multiple platforms is the common thread among the various NNSS assets, which include Aerial Measuring System (AMS), Maritime Support Team (MST), National Capitol Response (NCR), National Search Team (NST) and Radiological Assistance Program (RAP). Information collected and analyzed during search operations add to the actionable intelligence for the law enforcement agencies and provide valuable guidance for the tactical resolution of a nuclear or radiological crisis. Search is an intelligence and situational awareness driven operation and most often called upon during a radiological emergency, however it can be brought into play to thwart a potential threat by providing monitoring and surveillance support. The Office of Nuclear Incident Response (NA-84) serves as the technical leader in responding to and resolving nuclear and radiological threats worldwide and integrates its efforts with other NNSA stakeholders (e.g., NNSA office of Defense Nuclear Non-proliferation NA-22). The response includes expertise in the areas of radiological search, render safe, and consequence management. This article will discuss the methodologies, tools, procedures, and techniques to extract maximum radiological characterization information (isotopic composition, activities for individual isotopes, threat assessment etc.) from field monitoring or Search operation data.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Evaluations of the Fates of Alkali Metals, Actinides, Mercury, and Iodine During DWPF Recycle Diversion

The fates of alkali metals, actinides, mercury, and iodine in the Defense Waste Processing Facility Recycle Diversion process (as currently conceptualized) have been evaluated through paper studies based on available knowledge of the chemistry, physical properties, solubility, and volatility of the various species involved. The effect of pH in the range from 9 to 13 has been discussed. Recommendations for additional studies to close technology gaps have been provided, many of which are contingent upon the results of pending testing and sample characterization efforts. There is uncertainty in the amounts of soluble actinides passing through the process filter, though the bulk of the actinides should be captured on the filter with the Recycle Collection Tank solids and the total amounts of actinides should be relatively low. The Recycle Collection Tank pH could impact the fraction of actinides reaching the evaporator, but the primary factors determining the actinide fate are expected to be the amount of CO 2 sorption from air sparging or, for certain actinides (such as plutonium), oxidation and/or sorption to MnO 2 solids from permanganate additions to destroy the glycolate anion. Process optimization could minimize the amounts of actinides passing the filter. Depending upon the levels of mercury observed in recycle stream samples and because of the volatility of mercury, the evaporator should be designed with the capability to remove dense mercury phases from the condensate to avoid exceeding ETP WAC limits. The facility design must be adequate to transfer dense mercury phases and testing to confirm mercury transfer is needed. Simulant containing mercury is recommended for both filtration and evaporation testing. OLI Modeling of the various recycle streams is recommended to provide insight on the fate of iodine. Iodine-spiked simulants are recommended for upcoming evaporation tests. The pro) ect should consider the likelihood and impact of NAS scale formation in the evaporators. Process optimization may be needed to minimize the accumulation of NAS scale and possibly the sorption of actinides in the evaporator. Actual waste testing of the Recycle Diversion filtration and evaporation should include the analysis of actinides, mercury, and iodine to determine their partitioning.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS2016

Amazon Forests Response to Droughts: A Perspective from the MAIAC Product

Amazon forests experienced two severe droughts at the beginning of the 21st century: one in 2005 and the other in 2010. How Amazon forests responded to these droughts is critical for the future of the Earth's climate system. It is only possible to assess Amazon forests' response to the droughts in large areal extent through satellite remote sensing. Here, we used the Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation index (VI) data to assess Amazon forests' response to droughts, and compared the results with those from the standard (Collection 5 and Collection 6) MODIS VI data. Overall, the MAIAC data reveal more realistic Amazon forests inter-annual greenness dynamics than the standard MODIS data. Our results from the MAIAC data suggest that: (1) the droughts decreased the greenness (i.e., photosynthetic activity) of Amazon forests; (2) the Amazon wet season precipitation reduction induced by El Niño events could also lead to reduced photosynthetic activity of Amazon forests; and (3) in the subsequent year after the water stresses, the greenness of Amazon forests recovered from the preceding decreases. However, as previous research shows droughts cause Amazon forests to reduce investment in tissue maintenance and defense, it is not clear whether the photosynthesis of Amazon forests will continue to recover after future water stresses, because of the accumulated damages caused by the droughts.

remote sensing↗
DOE OSTI2021

D2U: Data Driven User Emulation for the Enhancement of Cyber Testing, Training, and Data Set Generation

Whether testing intrusion detection systems, conducting training exercises, or creating data sets to be used by the broader cybersecurity community, realistic user behavior is a critical component of a cyber range. Existing methods either rely on network level data or replay recorded user actions to approximate real users in a network. Our work is the first to produce generative models trained on actual user data (sequences of application usage) collected on endpoints. Once trained to the user's behavioral data, these models can generate novel sequences of actions %that appear to come from the same distribution as the training data. These sequences of actions are then fed to our custom software via configuration files, which replicate those behaviors on end devices. Notably, our models are platform agnostic and could generate behavior data for any emulation software package. In this paper we present our model generation process, software architecture, and an initial evaluation of the fidelity of our models. Our software is currently deployed in a cyber range to help evaluate the efficacy of defensive cyber technologies. We suggest additional ways that the cyber community as a whole can benefit from more realistic user behavior emulation. The data used to train our model, as well as sample configuration files produced by the model, are available at [redacted].

Oesch, T↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterization of Rare-Earth Elements in Lignite Coal of the Williston Basin: Past Efforts and Ongoing Work

Rare-earth elements (REEs) have been a subject area of high interest for their unique properties. REEs are crucial materials used in an incredible array of consumer goods, energy system components, and military defense applications. While the United States has one operating REE mine, the product is sent overseas for refining into usable metals making the United States 100% import-reliant on these critical materials. This has led the Federal Government to declare the REE market an issue of national security. The Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) under funding provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) has undertaken efforts to determine if the lignite coal found in the Williston Basin has the potential to be an ore body containing sufficient quantities of REEs and Critical Minerals (CM) for extraction and processing. In one such effort, the EERC collected over 400 samples from the Williston Basin lignite coal seams including outcrops as well as active mines. Those efforts have been followed up with ongoing work under the U.S. DOE’s Carbon Ore, Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Initiative (CORE-CM) currently ongoing in the Williston Basin as well as other basins in the United States. This ongoing work in the Williston Basin characterizing REEs in coal has focused on the collection of new sampling and analysis of REEs in coal and building upon previous characterization work. This information is being used to understand the spatial distribution of REEs through mapping and 3D modeling. The goals of these efforts are to better understand the mechanisms for distribution of the REEs in lignite coal as well as their concentration and determine knowledge gaps in characterization and to start to build the database required to understand the potential resource in the Williston Basin.

Feole, Ian K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

NASA Sea Ice and Snow Validation Program for the DMSP SSM/I: NASA DC-8 flight report

In June 1987 a new microwave sensor called the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) was launched as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). In recognition of the importance of this sensor to the polar research community, NASA developed a program to acquire the data, to convert the data into sea ice parameters, and finally to validate and archive both the SSM/I radiances and the derived sea ice parameters. Central to NASA's sea ice validation program was a series of SSM/I aircraft underflights with the NASA DC-8 airborne Laboratory. The mission (the Arctic '88 Sea Ice Mission) was completed in March 1988. This report summarizes the mission and includes a summary of aircraft instrumentation, coordination with participating Navy aircraft, flight objectives, flight plans, data collected, SSM/I orbits for each day during the mission, and lists several piggyback experiments supported during this mission.

Cavalieri, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Triangulation using synthetic aperture radar images

For the extraction of topographic information about Venus from stereoradar images obtained from the Magellan Mission, a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) compilation system was developed on analytical stereoplotters. The system software was extensively tested by using stereoradar images from various spacecraft and airborne radar systems, including Seasat, SIR-B, ERIM XCL, and STAR-1. Stereomodeling from radar images was proven feasible, and development is on a correct approach. During testing, the software was enhanced and modified to obtain more flexibility and better precision. Triangulation software for establishing control points by using SAR images was also developed through a joint effort with the Defense Mapping Agency. The SAR triangulation system comprises four main programs, TRIDATA, MODDATA, TRISAR, and SHEAR. The first two programs are used to sort and update the data; the third program, the main one, performs iterative statistical adjustment; and the fourth program analyzes the results. Also, input are flight data and data from the Global Positioning System and Inertial System (navigation information). The SAR triangulation system was tested with six strips of STAR-1 radar images on a VAX-750 computer. Each strip contains images of 10 minutes flight time (equivalent to a ground distance of 73.5 km); the images cover a ground width of 22.5 km. All images were collected from the same side. With an input of 44 primary control points, 441 ground control points were produced. The adjustment process converged after eight iterations. With a 6-m/pixel resolution of the radar images, the triangulation adjustment has an average standard elevation error of 81 m. Development of Magellan radargrammetry will be continued to convert both SAR compilation and triangulation systems into digital form.

Wu, Sherman S. C.↗