SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “Highlight”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Energy to Communities (E2C) 2025 Annual Highlights
In 2025, E2C provided customized technical assistance to representatives from 166 communities to improve reliability, affordability, and overall delivery of energy throughout the United States.
Highlight of IC project: w25_dreamxd
(left) The Earth’s radiation belts are donut-shaped regions containing MeV electrons (color contour for density) trapped by the magnetic field (white curves). We use DREAMxD code to model their dynamics. (right) We develop a new method to accelerate a key piece of the code – diffusion coefficient calculation. Comparing the compute time in node hours required by the standard approach to the compute time required for the fast method, it shows that the new method can be 100x faster for a large problem size.
Mission Highlights from Deep Purple and the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-R
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Recent highlights of dark matter searches from CMS
Determination of the nature of dark matter is one of the most fundamental problems of particle physics and cosmology. This talk presents recent searches for dark matter particles from the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider.
Recent highlights of dark matter searches from CMS
Determination of the nature of dark matter is one of the most fundamental problems of particle physics and cosmology. This talk presents recent searches for dark matter particles from the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider.
Effective Mechanisms for Improving Seed Oil Production in Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) Highlighted by Integration of Comparative Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Pennycress is a potentially lucrative biofuel crop due to its high content of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, and because it uses non-conventional pathways to achieve efficient oil production. However, metabolic engineering is required to improve pennycress oilseed content and make it an economically viable source of aviation fuel. Research is warranted to determine if further upregulation of these non-conventional pathways could improve oil production within the species even more, which would indicate these processes serve as promising metabolic engineering targets and could provide the improvement necessary for economic feasibility of this crop. To test this hypothesis, we performed a comparative biomass, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses between a high oil accession (HO) and low oil accession (LO) of pennycress to assess potential factors required to optimize oil content. An evident reduction in glycolysis intermediates, improved oxidative pentose phosphate pathway activity, malate accumulation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and an anaplerotic pathway upregulation were noted in the HO genotype. Additionally, higher levels of threonine aldolase transcripts imply a pyruvate bypass mechanism for acetyl-CoA production. Nucleotide sugar and ascorbate accumulation also were evident in HO, suggesting differential fate of associated carbon between the two genotypes. An altered transcriptome related to lipid droplet (LD) biosynthesis and stability suggests a contribution to a more tightly-packed LD arrangement in HO cotyledons. In addition to the importance of central carbon metabolism augmentation, alternative routes of carbon entry into fatty acid synthesis and modification, as well as transcriptionally modified changes in LD regulation, are key aspects of metabolism and storage associated with economically favorable phenotypes of the species.
Genome-wide characterization of the soybean DOMAIN OF UNKNOWN FUNCTION 679 membrane protein gene family highlights their potential involvement in growth and stress response
The DMP (DUF679 membrane proteins) family is a plant-specific gene family that encodes membrane proteins. The DMP family genes are suggested to be involved in various programmed cell death processes and gamete fusion during double fertilization in Arabidopsis. However, their functional relevance in other crops remains unknown. This study identified 14 genes from the DMP family in soybean (Glycine max) and characterized their physiochemical properties, subcellular location, gene structure, and promoter regions using bioinformatics tools. Additionally, their tissue-specific and stress-responsive expressions were analyzed using publicly available transcriptome data. Phylogenetic analysis of 198 DMPs from monocots and dicots revealed six clades, with clade-I encoding senescence-related AtDMP1/2 orthologues and clade-II including pollen-specific AtDMP8/9 orthologues. The largest clade, clade-III, predominantly included monocot DMPs, while monocot- and dicot-specific DMPs were assembled in clade-IV and clade-VI, respectively. Evolutionary analysis suggests that soybean GmDMPs underwent purifying selection during evolution. Using 68 transcriptome datasets, expression profiling revealed expression in diverse tissues and distinct responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. The genes Glyma.09G237500 and Glyma.18G098300 showed pistil-abundant expression by qPCR, suggesting they could be potential targets for female organ-mediated haploid induction. Furthermore, cis-acting regulatory elements primarily related to stress-, hormone-, and light-induced pathways regulate GmDMPs, which is consistent with their divergent expression and suggests involvement in growth and stress responses. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive report on the soybean GmDMP family and a framework for further biological functional analysis of DMP genes in soybean or other crops.
A multi-omic survey of black cottonwood tissues highlights coordinated transcriptomic and metabolomic mechanisms for plant adaptation to phosphorus deficiency
Phosphorus (P) deficiency in plants creates a variety of metabolic perturbations that decrease photosynthesis and growth. Phosphorus deficiency is especially challenging for the production of bioenergy feedstock plantation species, such as poplars (Populus spp.), where fertilization may not be practically or economically feasible. While the phenotypic effects of P deficiency are well known, the molecular mechanisms underlying whole-plant and tissue-specific responses to P deficiency, and in particular the responses of commercially valuable hardwoods, are less studied. We used a multi-tissue and multi-omics approach using transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses of the leaves and roots of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) seedlings grown under P-deficient (5 µM P) and replete (100 µM P) conditions to assess this knowledge gap and to identify potential gene targets for selection for P efficiency. In comparison to seedlings grown at 100 µM P, P-deficient seedlings exhibited reduced dry biomass, altered chlorophyll fluorescence, and reduced tissue P concentrations. In line with these observations, growth, C metabolism, and photosynthesis pathways were downregulated in the transcriptome of the P-deficient plants. Additionally, we found evidence of strong lipid remodeling in the leaves. Metabolomic data showed that the roots of P-deficient plants had a greater relative abundance of phosphate ion, which may reflect extensive degradation of P-rich metabolites in plants exposed to long-term P-deficiency. With the notable exception of the KEGG pathway for Starch and Sucrose Metabolism (map00500), the responses of the transcriptome and the metabolome to P deficiency were consistent with one another. No significant changes in the proteome were detected in response to P deficiency. Collectively, our multi-omic and multi-tissue approach enabled the identification of important metabolic and regulatory pathways regulated across tissues at the molecular level that will be important avenues to further evaluate for P efficiency. These included stress-mediating systems associated with reactive oxygen species maintenance, lipid remodeling within tissues, and systems involved in P scavenging from the rhizosphere.
Leaf functional traits highlight phenotypic variation of two tree species in the urban environment
Urbanization is transforming landscapes globally, altering environmental conditions that affect ecosystem functioning, particularly in urban areas where trees are crucial for regulating microclimates, improving air quality, and sustaining biodiversity. This study investigates the environmental differences and tree leaf structure and morphology in urban and suburban sites in the Chicago Metropolitan Region. The leaf functional traits of Norway Maple and Little − leaved Linden were studied in three locations in the summer of 2023: an urban park (University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL), a suburban park (Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL), and a suburban residential site (Lombard, IL). The urban site had higher daytime and nighttime air, and land surface temperatures compared to the suburban sites with significant fluctuations observed across the sites. Cumulative growing degree days, a measure of potential photosynthetically active days, were also higher in the urban park than in the suburban sites between March and August. Norway Maple trees growing in the urban site displayed higher specific leaf area (SLA) and lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC) than in the suburban sites, resulting in thinner leaves. Similarly, Little−leaved Linden trees in the suburban residential site displayed higher SLA and lower LDMC than those in the suburban park. The values of gas exchange traits − namely photosynthetic assimilation, transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance − of Norway Maple were higher at the urban site compared to suburban sites as temperatures increased during the summer. Norway Maple gas exchange values decreased as the growing season progressed, as expected by ontogeny. In contrast, Little−leaved Linden maintained similar leaf gas exchange values throughout the growing season. Both species in the urban site exhibited lower instantaneous water use efficiency and reduced LDMC, suggesting greater water loss in response to elevated temperatures compared to suburban park and residential sites. Comparisons with existing global trait databases emphasize the need for localized data to accurately capture site−specific responses. Although some traits aligned with database values, others deviated significantly, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, site−specific datasets for robust ecosystem modeling and management strategies.
Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics Highlight Specific Genetic Features in Ganoderma Species
The Ganoderma species in Polyporales are ecologically and economically relevant wood decayers used in traditional medicine, but their genomic traits are still poorly documented. In the present study, we carried out a phylogenomic and comparative genomic analyses to better understand the genetic blueprint of this fungal lineage. We investigated seven Ganoderma genomes, including three new genomes, G. australe, G. leucocontextum, and G. lingzhi. The size of the newly sequenced genomes ranged from 60.34 to 84.27 Mb and they encoded 15,007 to 20,460 genes. A total of 58 species, including 40 white-rot fungi, 11 brown-rot fungi, four ectomycorrhizal fungi, one endophyte fungus, and two pathogens in Basidiomycota, were used for phylogenomic analyses based on 143 single-copy genes. It confirmed that Ganoderma species belong to the core polyporoid clade. Comparing to the other selected species, the genomes of the Ganoderma species encoded a larger set of genes involved in terpene metabolism and coding for secreted proteins (CAZymes, lipases, proteases and SSPs). Of note, G. australe has the largest genome size with no obvious genome wide duplication, but showed transposable elements (TEs) expansion and the largest set of terpene gene clusters, suggesting a high ability to produce terpenoids for medicinal treatment. G. australe also encoded the largest set of proteins containing domains for cytochrome P450s, heterokaryon incompatibility and major facilitator families. Besides, the size of G. australe secretome is the largest, including CAZymes (AA9, GH18, A01A), proteases G01, and lipases GGGX, which may enhance the catabolism of cell wall carbohydrates, proteins, and fats during hosts colonization. The current genomic resource will be used to develop further biotechnology and medicinal applications, together with ecological studies of the Ganoderma species.
2025 EIC-France Workshop: Physics Highlights and Perspectives
This document presents a synthesis of the theory contributions and discussions from the 2nd EIC-France Workshop, held at IJCLab (Orsay) on 1-3 December 2025. The workshop brought together members of the French hadron-physics community to review recent theoretical developments relevant to the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) and to coordinate national efforts in preparation for its early physics program. The report first summarizes the collider's initial running conditions and luminosity performance, as outlined in the EIC Early Science Matrix. It then provides concise overviews of the theoretical presentations on inclusive, semi-inclusive, exclusive, heavy-flavor, and small-x physics. Based on these discussions, two measurements emerged as especially well suited for early EIC operation and strongly aligned with areas of established French expertise: inclusive diffraction and inclusive quarkonium production. These channels offer clean signatures, robust theoretical interpretability, and direct sensitivity to fundamental QCD phenomena such as gluon saturation, heavy-quark dynamics, and the small-x structure of hadrons and nuclei. In addition, the workshop identified longer-term physics opportunities that will benefit from the full capabilities of the EIC after its ramp-up phase. These include accessing the three-dimensional structure of the pion through the Sullivan process and a broader program of exclusive three-body final states, both of which represent high-impact avenues for exploring hadronic structure and non-perturbative QCD. Together, the elements summarized in this report provide a coherent overview of the strategic priorities and scientific ambitions shaping the French community's contribution to the EIC physics program.
Highlights from the STAR Experiment
Despite the challenges of pandemic, the years 2020-21 were quite successful for STAR. We completed the Beam Energy Scan program phase 2 and installed the forward upgrade with which STAR finished data-taking for polarized p+p collisions at 510 GeV. In this contribution, we discuss STAR results on five different topics that were presented in twenty-one parallel talks, forty-seven posters, and two flash talks at the Quark Matter 11 2022 conference.
Modeling hepatitis C virus kinetics during liver transplantation highlights the role of the liver in virus clearance
While the liver, specifically hepatocytes, are widely accepted as the main source of hepatitis C virus (HCV) production, the role of the liver/hepatocytes in clearance of circulating HCV remains unknown. Frequent HCV kinetic data were recorded and mathematically modeled from five liver transplant patients throughout the anhepatic (absence of liver) phase and for 4 hr post-reperfusion. During the anhepatic phase, HCV remained at pre-anhepatic levels (n = 3) or declined (n = 2) with t 1/2 ~1 hr. Immediately post-reperfusion, virus declined in a biphasic manner in four patients consisting of a rapid decline (t 1/2 = 5 min) followed by a slower decline (t 1/2 = 67 min). Consistent with the majority of patients in the anhepatic phase, when we monitored HCV clearance at 37°C from culture medium in the absence/presence of chronically infected hepatoma cells that were inhibited from secreting HCV, the HCV t 1/2 in cell culture was longer in the absence of chronically HCV-infected cells. The results suggest that the liver plays a major role in the clearance of circulating HCV and that hepatocytes may be involved.
Apparatus, system and method for highlighting activity-induced change in multi-pass synthetic aperture radar imagery
Described herein are various technologies relating to constructing a differenced change product (DCP) image. A plurality of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of a scene are generated based upon radar signals directed towards and reflected off of the scene, and a plurality of coherence change detection (CCD) images of the scene are generated based upon the SAR images. The CCD images are registered with one another, and their pixel values re-scaled according to a monotonic mapping function. The DCP image is generated based upon a computed pixel-wise difference between a pair of the re-scaled CCD images. The DCP image identifies locations in the scene where human activity-induced change is likely to have occurred between a pair of SAR passes of the scene.
JISEA Research Highlight: Integrated Model of Natural Gas Pipelines and the Electricity Grid
This study developed a market-based coordination framework that allows for exchanging information on gas off-takes as well as constraints between a power sector model. This includes unit commitment, economic dispatch, and a dynamic gas network simulation model. The framework was then tested using real power- and gas-system data from Colorado.
Hydraulic fracturing experiments at 1500 m depth in a deep mine: Highlights from the kISMET project
In support of the U.S. DOE SubTER Crosscut initiative, we established a field test facility in a deep mine and designed and carried out in situ hydraulic fracturing experiments relevant to enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in crystalline rock to characterize the stress field, understand the effects of rock fabric on fracturing, and gain experience in monitoring using geophysical methods. The project also included pre- and post-fracturing simulation and analysis, and laboratory measurements and experiments. The kISMET (permeability (k) and Induced Seismicity Management for Energy Technologies) site was established in the West Access Drift of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) 4757 ft (1450 m) below ground (on the 4850 ft level (4850L)) in phyllite of the Precambrian Poorman Formation. We drilled and continuously cored five near-vertical boreholes in a line on 3 m (10 ft) spacing, deviating the two outermost boreholes slightly to create a five-spot pattern around the test borehole centered in the test volume 40 m below the drift invert (floor) at a total depth of ~1490 m (4890 ft). Laboratory measurements of core from the center test borehole showed P-wave velocity heterogeneity along each core indicating strong, fine-scale (~1 cm or smaller) changes in the mechanical properties of the rock. Field measurements of the stress field by hydraulic fracturing showed that the minimum horizontal stress at the kISMET site averages 21.7 MPa (3146 psi) trending approximately N-S (356 degrees azimuth) and plunging slightly NNW at 12°. The vertical and horizontal maximum stresses are similar in magnitude at 42-44 MPa (6090-6380 psi) for the depths of testing, which averaged approximately 1530 m (5030 ft). Hydraulic fractures were remarkably uniform suggesting core-scale and larger rock fabric did not play a role in controlling fracture orientation. Analytical solutions suggest that the fracture radius of the large fracture (stimulation test) was more than 6 m (20 ft), depending on the unknown amount of leak-off.
AGR Program Highlights - 2020 ART-GCR Status Meeting
Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program Overview and Timeline