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NASA NTRS1988

Advanced altimetry

The radar altimeter being developed for the Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX) will have an inherent instrument precision of 2 to 3 cm. While some minor refinements may be possible in the future, major geophysical advances could be made if altimetric measurements over a wide swath of the Earth's surface were possible. The NASA Headquarters Oceanic Processes Branch is supporting a 3-year investigation of the technological issues inherent in the precision measurement of topography from spaceborne platforms at angles off-nadir. To explore the off-nadir measurement of topography, a flexible, airborne radar instrument system is being developed. Its hardware design is now complete, and it is made up of several subsystems. The antenna selected is a dielectric lens of .894 m diameter. The RF subsystem uses phase-locked oscillators, FET solid-state amplifiers, and times four frequency multipliers to develop a transmit signal at a frequency of 36.0 GHz and a local oscillator signal at a frequency of 35.4 GHz. Lecroy 6880 digitizers under computer control digitize the five receiver outputs. The digital subsystem consists of six single-board Heurikon processors. At this time, the instrument construction continues with final system integration planned for November 1988.

Parsons, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Airborne remote sensing of tropospheric water vapor using a near infrared DIAL system

Summarized here are the results of airborne water vapor measurements in the lower middle and upper troposphere using the Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique in the near infrared. The measurements were performed in July 1990 in Southern Bavaria between Allersberg and Straubing from 20 to 23 UTC taking advantage of night time conditions. The tropospheric H2O profiles were range investigated both horizontally and vertically. With the DIAL system that was used, water vapor measurements in the upper troposphere have been carried out for the first time. To calibrate the H2O-retrievals, effective absorption cross sections of selected H2O lines in terms of altitude around 724 nm were calculated using line parameter data from the literature (B. E. Grossmann et al). The frequency of the on-line measurements was adjusted by the spectra of a Polyacenic Semiconductor (PAS) cell filled with H2O. We found that the calibration error ranged between 0.005 and 0.015 cm(exp -1). The systematic errors of the H2O as a function of altitude were estimated below 7 km and 12 percent accuracy in the upper troposphere. The vertical H2O profile agrees well with in situ measurements in the investigated range between the top of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) up to near the tropopause. Horizontal and vertical H2O profiles are calculated by means of averaging single lidar returns. Typical horizontal resolutions range from 4 km in the lower to 11 km in the upper troposphere with vertical resolutions varying from 0.3 km up to 1 km, respectively, in order to satisfy a 5 - 10 percent accuracy in the statistical error. The measurement sensibility of the water vapor mixing ration in the upper troposphere is 0.01 g/kg.

Ehret, G.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Table-Driven Control Method to Meet Continuous, Near-Real-Time Observation Requirements for the Solar X-Ray Imager

The design of the Solar X-Ray Imager (SXI) for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) presents an unusual scenario for controlling the observing sequences. The SXI is an operational instrument, designed not primarily for scientific research, but for providing "operational" data used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to forecast the near-term space weather. To this end, a sequence of images selected to cover the full dynamic range of the sun will be executed routinely. As the dynamics of the sun have differing temporal cadences, the frequency of various images will differ. These images must be routinely received at the forecast center in near real-time, 24-hours a day, with a minimum of interruptions. While these requirements clearly lead to a 'routine patrol' of images, the parameters for each do not form a static set. The dynamics of the sun will change with the I 1-year solar cycle. The performance of the imaging will vary with on-orbit conditions and time. And while the SXI is not intended as a research instrument, forecasting techniques may change with time, which in turn will further alter the imaging sequences. An additional complication is the highly restricted commanding window, and a very slow commanding rate. To fulfill these requirements, the SXI was designed to utilize a table-driven approach. Sequences are defined using structured loops, with nested repetitions and delays. These sequences reference combinations of imaging parameters which in turn reference tables of parameters than can be loaded by ground commands. Multiple sequences can be built and stored in preparation for execution when determined appropriate by the NOAA forecasters. The result is an approach that can be used to provide a flexible, yet autonomous SXI capable of meeting both arbitrary forecasting requirements, and operating within the commanding constraints.

Wallace, Shawn↗
NASA NTRS2003

International Space Station Increment-4/5 Microgravity Environment Summary Report

This summary report presents the results of some of the processed acceleration data measured aboard the International Space Station during the period of December 2001 to December 2002. Unlike the past two ISS Increment reports, which were increment specific, this summary report covers two increments: Increments 4 and 5, hereafter referred to as Increment-4/5. Two accelerometer systems were used to measure the acceleration levels for the activities that took place during Increment-4/5. Due to time constraint and lack of precise timeline information regarding some payload operations and station activities, not a11 of the activities were analyzed for this report. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration sponsors the Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System and the Space Acceleration Microgravity System to support microgravity science experiments which require microgravity acceleration measurements. On April 19, 2001, both the Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System and the Space Acceleration Measurement System units were launched on STS-100 from the Kennedy Space Center for installation on the International Space Station. The Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System supports science experiments requiring quasi-steady acceleration measurements, while the Space Acceleration Measurement System unit supports experiments requiring vibratory acceleration measurement. The International Space Station Increment-4/5 reduced gravity environment analysis presented in this report uses acceleration data collected by both sets of accelerometer systems: The Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System, which consists of two sensors: the low-frequency Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment Sensor Subsystem and the higher frequency High Resolution Accelerometer Package. The low frequency sensor measures up to 1 Hz, but is routinely trimmean filtered to yield much lower frequency acceleration data up to 0.01 Hz. This filtered data can be mapped to arbitrary locations for characterizing the quasi-steady environment for payloads and the vehicle. The high frequency sensor is used to characterize the vibratory environment up to 100 Hz at a single measurement location. The Space Acceleration Measurement System, which deploys high frequency sensors, measures vibratory acceleration data in the range of 0.01 to 400 Hz at multiple measurement locations. This summary report presents analysis of some selected quasi-steady and vibratory activities measured by these accelerometers during Increment- 4/5 from December 2001 to December 2002.

Jules, Kenol↗
NASA NTRS1997

Brillouin Amplification--A Powerful New Scheme for Microwave Photonic Communications

We introduce the Brillouin selective sideband amplification technique and demonstrate many important applications of this technique in photonic microwave systems, including efficient phase modulation to amplitude modulation conversion, photonic frequency multiplication, photonic signal mixing with gain, and frequency multiplied signal up conversion.

systems Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) side↗
NASA NTRS2007

Procedures for Tuning a Multiresonator Photonic Filter

Two procedures have been devised for tuning a photonic filter that comprises multiple whispering-gallery mode (WGM) disk resonators. As used here, tuning signifies locking the filter to a specific laser frequency and configuring the filter to obtain a desired high-order transfer function. The main problem in tuning such a filter is how to select the correct relative loading of the resonators to realize a prescribed filter function. The first of the two procedures solves this problem. As temperature gradients develop during operation, the spectra of individual resonators tend to drift, primarily because of the thermorefractive effect. Thus, there arises the additional problem of how to adjust the tuning during operation to maintain the desired transfer function. The second of the two procedures solves this problem. To implement the procedures, it is necessary to incorporate the resonators into an apparatus like that of Figure 1. In this apparatus, the spectrum of each resonator can be adjusted individually, via the electro-optical effect, by adjusting a bias voltage applied to that resonator. In addition, the positions of the coupling prisms and resonators can be adjusted to increase or reduce the gaps between them, thereby reducing or increasing, respectively, the optical coupling between them. The optical power (Pi) in resonator i is monitored by use of a tracking photodiode. Another tracking diode monitors the power reflected from the input terminal (Pr), and still others monitor the input power (Pin) and output power (Po). The readings of these photodiodes are used to guide the tuning adjustments described in this paper.

Matsko, Andrey↗
NASA NTRS2014

Improving Early Adaptation Following Long Duration Spaceflight by Enhancing Vestibular Information

Crewmember adapted to the microgravity state may need to egress the vehicle within a few minutes for safety and operational reasons after g-transitions. The transition from one sensorimotor state to another consists of two main mechanisms: strategic and plastic-adaptive and have been demonstrated in astronauts returning after long duration space flight. Strategic modifications represent "early adaptation" -immediate and transitory changes in control that are employed to deal with short-term changes in the environment. If these modifications are prolonged then plastic-adaptive changes are evoked that modify central nervous system function, automating new behavioral responses. More importantly, this longer term adaptive recovery mechanism was significantly associated with their strategic ability to recover on the first day after return to Earth G. We are developing a method based on stochastic resonance (SR) to enhance information transfer by improving the brain's ability to detect vestibular signals especially when combined with balance training exercises for rapid improvement in functional skill, for standing and mobility. The countermeasure to improve post-flight balance and locomotor disturbances is a stimulus delivery system that is wearable/portable providing low imperceptible levels of white noise based binaural bipolar electrical stimulation of the vestibular system (stochastic vestibular stimulation, SVS). The techniques for improving signal detection using SVS may thus provide additional information to improve such strategic abilities and thus help in significantly reducing the number of days required to recover functional performance to preflight levels after long duration space flight. We have conducted a series of studies to document the efficacy of SVS stimulation on balance/locomotion tasks on unstable surfaces and motion tracking tasks during intra-vestibular system conflicts. In an initial study, we showed that SVS improved overall balance performance while standing on an unstable surface indicating that SVS may be sufficient to provide a comprehensive countermeasure approach for improving postural stability. In a second study, we showed that SVS improved locomotor performance on a treadmill mounted on an oscillating platform indicating that SVS may also be used to maximize locomotor performance during walking in unstable environments. In a third study, SVS was evaluated during an otolith-canal conflict scenario in a variable radius centrifuge at low frequency of oscillation (0.1 Hz) on both eye movements and perceptual responses (using a joystick) to track imposed oscillations. The variable radius centrifuge provides a selective tilting sensation that is detectable only by the otolith organs providing conflicting information from the canal organs of the vestibular system (intra-vestibular conflict). Results show that SVS significantly reduced the timing difference between both the eye movement responses as well as the perceptual tracking responses with respect to the imposed tilt sensations. These results indicate that SVS can improve performance in sensory conflict scenarios like that experienced during space flight. Such a SR countermeasure will act synergistically along with the pre-and in-flight adaptability training protocols providing an integrated, multi-disciplinary countermeasure capable of fulfilling multiple requirements making it a comprehensive and cost effective countermeasure approach to enhance sensorimotor capabilities following long-duration space flight.

Mulavara, Ajitkumar↗
NASA NTRS2001

Laser Materials Processing for NASA's Aerospace Structural Materials

Lasers are useful for performing operations such as joining, machining, built-up freeform fabrication, and surface treatment. Due to the multifunctional nature of a single tool and the variety of materials that can be processed, these attributes are attractive in order to support long-term missions in space. However, current laser technology also has drawbacks for space-based applications. Specifically, size, power efficiency, lack of robustness, and problems processing highly reflective materials are all concerns. With the advent of recent breakthroughs in solidstate laser (e.g., diode-pumped lasers) and fiber optic technologies, the potential to perform multiple processing techniques in space has increased significantly. A review of the historical development of lasers from their infancy to the present will be used to show how these issues may be addressed. The review will also indicate where further development is necessary to realize a laser-based materials processing capability in space. The broad utility of laser beams in synthesizing various classes of engineering materials will be illustrated using state-of-the art processing maps for select lightweight alloys typically found on spacecraft. Both short- and long-term space missions will benefit from the development of a universal laser-based tool with low power consumption, improved process flexibility, compactness (e.g., miniaturization), robustness, and automation for maximum utility with a minimum of human interaction. The potential advantages of using lasers with suitable wavelength and beam properties for future space missions to the moon, Mars and beyond will be discussed. The laser processing experiments in the present report were performed using a diode pumped, pulsed/continuous wave Nd:YAG laser (50 W max average laser power), with a 1064 nm wavelength. The processed materials included Ti-6AI-4V, Al-2219 and Al-2090. For Phase I of this project, the laser process conditions were varied and optimized to see the effects on melt-quenching, cladding/alloying (using the pre-placed powder technique), and cutting. Key parameters such laser power, pulse repetition frequency, process speed, and shield gas flow and the observed process characteristics such as plasma formation during laser/material interaction, have been reported for all experimental runs. Preliminary materials characterization of select samples was carried out using various microscopy, diffraction, spectroscopy and microhardness test methods, and reported. Select nitridation results of Ti-6AI-4V using nitrogen assist gas indicated the successful formation of hard titanium nitrides with much higher hardness (2180 kg/sq mm). A cost-effective and simple powder delivery system has been successfully fabricated for the further experimentation in Phase H.

Nagarathnam, Karthik↗
NASA NTRS2006

Tunable Microstrip Filters Using Selectively Etched Ferroelectric Thin-Film Varactors for Coupling

We report on the use of patterned ferroelectric films to fabricate proof of concept tunable one-pole microstrip filters with excellent transmission and mismatch/reflection properties at frequencies up to 24 GHz. By controlling the electric field distribution within the coupling region between the resonator and input/output lines, sufficiently high loaded and unloaded Q values are maintained so as to be useful for microstrip filter design, with low mismatch loss. In the 23 - 24 GHz region, the filter was tunable over a 100 MHz range, the loaded and unloaded Q values were 29 and 68, respectively, and the reflection losses were below -16 dB, which demonstrates the suitability of these films for practical microwave applications.

Mueller, Carl H.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Streptococcus salivarius-mediated CD8+ T cell stimulation required antigen presentation by macrophages in oral squamous cell carcinoma

It has been shown that the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients presented cytotoxic CD8 T cell response against Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), of which the frequency was positively associated with recurrence-free survival in OSCC patients. To identify the conditions required for regulating S. salivarius-specific CD8 T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, we selectively depleted individual components of the PBMCs, and observed that the depletion of monocytes/macrophages, but not other immune cell subsets, significantly downregulated the S. salivarius-specific CD8 T cell cytotoxicity. Monocyte/macrophage alone was sufficient to reconstitute optimal granzyme B expression from S. salivarius-specific CD8 T cells. Also, both the memory and the naive CD8 T cells reacted to S. salivarius-stimulation, with the memory CD8 T cells presenting significantly higher S. salivarius-reactivity. Using M1- and M2-polarized macrophages from circulating monocytes, we found that M1-polarized macrophages, with significantly higher IL-12 expression and significantly lower IL-10 and MHC class II molecule expression, was more effective at promoting granzyme B responses in CD8 T cells, and required CD80/CD86 costimulating molecules for optimal responses. Interestingly, the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from resected tumors presented characteristics of M2-polarized macrophages with high MHC class II expression and low IL-12 secretion. The frequency of tumor-infiltrating S. salivarius-specific cytotoxic CD8 T cell was inversely correlated with the level of IL-10 secretion and the MHC class II molecule expression in autologous TAMs. Together, we demonstrated that monocyte/macrophages presented essential antigen-presentation and costimulatory roles in CD8 T cell-mediated S. salivarius-specific granzyme B responses, and the polarization of macrophages could influence the potency of CD8 T cell responses.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Improving Lambda Red Genome Engineering in Escherichia coli via Rational Removal of Endogenous Nucleases

Lambda Red recombineering is a powerful technique for making targeted genetic changes in bacteria. However, many applications are limited by the frequency of recombination. Previous studies have suggested that endogenous nucleases may hinder recombination by degrading the exogenous DNA used for recombineering. In this work, we identify ExoVII as a nuclease which degrades the ends of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotides and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) cassettes. Removing this nuclease improves both recombination frequency and the inheritance of mutations at the 3' ends of ssDNA and dsDNA. Extending this approach, we show that removing a set of five exonucleases (RecJ, ExoI, ExoVII, ExoX, and Lambda Exo) substantially improves the performance of co-selection multiplex automatable genome engineering (CoS-MAGE). In a given round of CoS-MAGE with ten ssDNA oligonucleotides, the five nuclease knockout strain has on average 46% more alleles converted per clone, 200% more clones with five or more allele conversions, and 35% fewer clones without any allele conversions. Finally, we use these nuclease knockout strains to investigate and clarify the effects of oligonucleotide phosphorothioation on recombination frequency. The results described in this work provide further mechanistic insight into recombineering, and substantially improve recombineering performance.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Ultrafast manipulation of topologically enhanced surface transport driven by mid-infrared and terahertz pulses in Bi 2 Se 3

Topology-protected surface transport of ultimate thinness in three-dimensional topological insulators (TIs) is breaking new ground in quantum science and technology. Yet a challenge remains on how to disentangle and selectively control surface helical spin transport from the bulk contribution. Here we use the mid-infrared and terahertz (THz) photoexcitation of exclusive intraband transitions to enable ultrafast manipulation of surface THz conductivity in Bi 2 Se 3 . The unique, transient electronic state is characterized by frequency-dependent carrier relaxations that directly distinguish the faster surface channel than the bulk with no complication from interband excitations or need for reduced bulk doping. We determine the topological enhancement ratio between bulk and surface scattering rates, i.e., γ BS /γ SS ~3.80 in equilibrium. As a result, the ultra-broadband, wavelength-selective pumping may be applied to emerging topological semimetals for separation and control of the protected transport connected with the Weyl nodes from other bulk bands.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Experimental trials of species-specific bat flight responses to an ultrasonic deterrent

Unintended consequences of increasing wind energy production include bat mortalities from wind turbine blade strikes. Ultrasonic deterrents (UDs) have been developed to reduce bat mortalities at wind turbines. Our goal was to experimentally assess the species-specific effectiveness of three emission treatments from the UD developed by NRG Systems. We conducted trials in a flight cage measuring approximately 60 m × 10 m × 4.4 m (length × width × height) from July 2020 to May 2021 in San Marcos, Texas, USA. A single UD was placed at either end of the flight cage, and we randomly selected one for each night of field trials. Trials focused on a red bat species group (Lasiurus borealis and Lasiurus blossevillii; n = 46) and four species: cave myotis (Myotis velifer; n = 57), Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis; n = 73), evening bats (Nycteceius humeralis; n = 53), and tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus; n = 17). The trials occurred during three treatment emissions: low (emissions from subarrays at 20, 26, and 32 kHz), high (emissions from subarrays at 38, 44, and 50 kHz), and combined (all six emission frequencies). We placed one wild-captured bat into the flight cage for each trial, which consisted of an acclimation period, a control period with the UD powered off, and the three emission treatments (order randomly selected), each interspersed with a control period. We tracked bat flight using four thermal cameras placed outside the flight cage. We quantified the effectiveness of each treatment by comparing the distances each bat flew from the UD during each treatment vs. the control period using quantile regression. Additionally, we conducted an exploratory analysis of differences between sex and season and sex within season using analysis of variance. Broadly, UDs were effective at altering the bats’ flight paths as they flew farther from the UD during treatments than during controls; however, results varied by species, sex, season, and sex within season. For the red bat group, bats flew farther from the UD during all treatments than during the control period at all percentiles (p < 0.001), and treatments were comparable in effectiveness. For cave myotis, all percentile distances were farther from the UD during each of the treatments than during the control, except the 90th percentile distance during high, and low was most effective. For evening bats and Brazilian free-tailed bats, results were inconsistent, but high and low were most effective, respectively. For tricolored bats, combined and low were significant at the 10th–75th percentiles, high was significant at all percentiles, and combined was most effective. Results suggest UDs may be an effective means of reducing bat mortalities due to wind turbine blade strikes. We recommend that continued research on UDs focus on low emission treatments, which have decreased sound attenuation and demonstrated effectiveness across the bat species evaluated in this study.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2015

Differential Deposition for Surface Figure Corrections in Grazing Incidence X-Ray Optics

Differential deposition corrects the low- and mid- spatial-frequency deviations in the axial figure of Wolter-type grazing incidence X-ray optics. Figure deviations is one of the major contributors to the achievable angular resolution. Minimizing figure errors can significantly improve the imaging quality of X-ray optics. Material of varying thickness is selectively deposited, using DC magnetron sputtering, along the length of optic to minimize figure deviations. Custom vacuum chambers are built that can incorporate full-shell and segmented Xray optics. Metrology data of preliminary corrections on a single meridian of full-shell x-ray optics show an improvement of mid-spatial frequencies from 6.7 to 1.8 arc secs HPD. Efforts are in progress to correct a full-shell and segmented optics and to verify angular-resolution improvement with X-ray testing.

X-Ray Optics↗
DOE OSTI2015

OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF GAMMA-RAY BLAZAR CANDIDATES. IV. RESULTS OF THE 2014 FOLLOW-UP CAMPAIGN

The extragalactic γ-ray sky is dominated by the emission arising from blazars, one of the most peculiar classes of radio-loud active galaxies. Since the launch of Fermi several methods were developed to search for blazars as potential counterparts of unidentified γ-ray sources (UGSs). To confirm the nature of the selected candidates, optical spectroscopic observations are necessary. In 2013 we started a spectroscopic campaign to investigate γ-ray blazar candidates selected according to different procedures. The main goals of our campaign are: (1) to confirm the nature of these candidates, and (2) whenever possible, determine their redshifts. Optical spectroscopic observations will also permit us to verify the robustness of the proposed associations and check for the presence of possible source class contaminants to our counterpart selection. This paper reports the results of observations carried out in 2014 in the northern hemisphere with Kitt Peak National Observatory and in the southern hemisphere with the Southern Astrophysical Research telescopes. We also report three sources observed with the Magellan and Palomar telescopes. Our selection of blazar-like sources that could be potential counterparts of UGSs is based on their peculiar infrared colors and on their combination with radio observations both at high and low frequencies (i.e., above and below ∼1 GHz) in publicly available large radio surveys. We present the optical spectra of 27 objects. We confirm the blazar-like nature of nine sources that appear to be potential low-energy counterparts of UGSs. Then we present new spectroscopic observations of 10 active galaxies of uncertain type associated with Fermi sources, classifying all of them as blazars. In addition, we present the spectra for five known γ-ray blazars with uncertain redshift estimates and three BL Lac candidates that were observed during our campaign. We also report the case for WISE J173052.85−035247.2, candidate counterpart of the source 2FGL J1730.6−0353, which has no radio counterpart in the major radio surveys. We confirm that our selection of γ-ray blazars candidates can successfully indentify low-energy counterparts to Fermi unassociated sources and allow us to discover new blazars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2001

Development of a fully integrated analysis system for ions based on ion-selective optodes and centrifugal microfluidics

A fully integrated, miniaturized analysis system for ions based on a centrifugal microfluidics platform and ion-selective optode membranes is described. The microfluidic architecture is composed of channels, five solution reservoirs, a measuring chamber, and a waste reservoir manufactured onto a disk-shaped substrate of poly(methyl methacrylate). Ion-selective optode membranes, composed of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) impregnated with an ionophore, a proton chromoionophore, and a lipophilic anionic additive, were cast, with a spin-on device, onto a support layer and then immobilized on the disk. Fluid propulsion is achieved by the centrifugal force that results from spinning the disk, while a system of valves is built onto the disk to control flow. These valves operate based on fluid properties and fluid/substrate interactions and are controlled by the angular frequency of rotation. With this system, we have been able to deliver calibrant solutions, washing buffers, or "test" solutions to the measuring chamber where the optode membrane is located. An analysis system based on a potassium-selective optode has been characterized. Results indicate that optodes immobilized on the platform demonstrate theoretical responses in an absorbance mode of measurement. Samples of unknown concentration can be quantified to within 3% error by fitting the response function for a given optode membrane using an acid (for measuring the signal for a fully protonated chromoionophore), a base (for fully deprotonated chromoionophore), and two standard solutions. Further, the ability to measure ion concentrations by employing one standard solution in conjunction with acid and base and with two standards alone were studied to delineate whether the current architecture could be simplified. Finally, the efficacy of incorporating washing steps into the calibration protocol was investigated.

NASA Discipline Life Sciences Technologies↗
DOE OSTI2023

Switchgrass sward establishment selection is consistent across multiple environments and fertilization levels

Strong selection can occur during switchgrass sward establishment. Differences in establishment selection due to environment or management could provide information on genotype-by-environment variation and could influence strategies for breeding perennial grasses. Leaf samples were collected before sward establishment and from 3-year-old swards for two breeding groups (lowland and hybrid) at three locations. Within two locations, samples were collected from paired fertilized (112 kg N ha –1 ) and unfertilized plots. Allele frequencies from pooled DNA samples were studied through multivariate analysis of variance, genomewide trait predictions (heading date and winter survivorship), and genomically estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for individual sward survival within an independent data set. This study found only minor variations in selection due to location or management. Predicted heading dates of the hybrid population had significant changes due to fertilization and location. There were strong correlations among sward establishment survival GEBVs between growing environments (hybrid r = 0.77; gulf r = 0.97). Interestingly, this study found a small number of genotypes that were over-represented in established swards across all growing environments. This study reinforces a prior report of selection during sward establishment and indicates that only a small degree of establishment selection is location-specific within these diverse growing conditions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

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