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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.

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At least 325 records · Page 18

Ethical, legal and social implications of human genome studies in radiation research: a workshop report for studies on atomic bomb survivors at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation

The Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) is the primary organization in Japan dedicated to studying the health consequences of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings in World War II. In December 2020, RERF held a virtual international workshop on the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genome studies. In this workshop, the ELSI considerations of future human genome studies on radiation research including atomic bomb survivors and their families were discussed. Since genome sequencing (GS) is now practical and affordable, RERF now plans GS of parents/child trios to examine genetic effects of atomic bomb radiation. As such studies may engender some novel risks and benefits, ethics review and engagement with families (including consent) need to be considered. These include protection of individual privacy, use of samples from deceased prior participants, return of results to the participants, public sharing of genome data and advance science and social welfare. Specifically with regard to social welfare, the results of such studies may have implications for public and government decision-making regarding social benefits of victims and other important questions. Based on these broad-ranging discussions we have developed the following concepts to guide this work: “trust,” “compromise” and “relationship building,” inclusive of the concerned stakeholders, scientific aims and Japanese society at large. We conclude that in order to realize, establish and maintain these concepts, it is essential to put procedures into place to ensure the successful, consensus-based implementation of the RERF studies.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

Leaf microscopy applications in photosynthesis research: identifying the gaps

Abstract Leaf imaging via microscopy has provided critical insights into research on photosynthesis at multiple junctures, from the early understanding of the role of stomata, through elucidating C4 photosynthesis via Kranz anatomy and chloroplast arrangement in single cells, to detailed explorations of diffusion pathways and light utilization gradients within leaves. In recent decades, the original two-dimensional (2D) explorations have begun to be visualized in three-dimensional (3D) space, revising our understanding of structure–function relationships between internal leaf anatomy and photosynthesis. In particular, advancing new technologies and analyses are providing fresh insight into the relationship between leaf cellular components and improving the ability to model net carbon fixation, water use efficiency, and metabolite turnover rate in leaves. While ground-breaking developments in imaging tools and techniques have expanded our knowledge of leaf 3D structure via high-resolution 3D and time-series images, there is a growing need for more in vivo imaging as well as metabolite imaging. However, these advances necessitate further improvement in microscopy sciences to overcome the unique challenges a green leaf poses. In this review, we discuss the available tools, techniques, challenges, and gaps for efficient in vivo leaf 3D imaging, as well as innovations to overcome these difficulties.

Plant Sciences↗

Do Research Software Engineers and Software Engineering Researchers Speak the Same Language?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that research software engineers (RSEs) and software engineering researchers (SERs) often use different terminologies for similar concepts, creating communication challenges. To better understand these divergences, we have started investigating how software engineering fundamentals from the SER community are interpreted within the RSE community, identifying aligned concepts, knowledge gaps, and areas for potential adaptation. In conclusion, our preliminary findings reveal opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration, and our systematic methodology for terminology mapping provides a foundation for a crowdsourced extension and validation in the future.

Kehrer, Timo [Univ. of Bern (Switzerland)] (ORCID:↗

Coupling WRF Double-Moment 6-Class Microphysics Schemes to RRTMG Radiation Scheme in Weather Research Forecasting Model

A method to explicitly calculate the effective radius of hydrometeors in the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) double-moment 6-class (WDM6) microphysics scheme is designed to tackle the physical inconsistency in cloud properties between the microphysics and radiation processes. At each model time step, the calculated effective radii of hydrometeors from the WDM6 scheme are linked to the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model for GCMs (RRTMG) scheme to consider the cloud effects in radiative flux calculation. This coupling effect of cloud properties between the WDM6 and RRTMG algorithms is examined for a heavy rainfall event in Korea during 25–27 July 2011, and it is compared to the results from the control simulation in which the effective radius is prescribed as a constant value. It is found that the derived radii of hydrometeors in the WDM6 scheme are generally larger than the prescribed values in the RRTMG scheme. Consequently, shortwave fluxes reaching the ground (SWDOWN) are increased over less cloudy regions, showing a better agreement with a satellite image. The overall distribution of the 24-hour accumulated rainfall is not affected but its amount is changed. A spurious rainfall peak over the Yellow Sea is alleviated, whereas the local maximum in the central part of the peninsula is increased.

Bae, Soo Ya↗

Petrophysical properties of saprolites from the Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Challenge site, Tennessee

At the Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Challenge site, near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the shallow saprolitic aquifer is contaminated by nitric acid, uranium, and metals originating from the former S3 settling ponds. To interpret low-frequency geophysical methods used to image contaminant plumes, we have characterized the petrophysical properties of three representative saprolite core samples. Their hydraulic conductivity ranges from to in agreement with field data. Complex conductivity measurements, in the frequency range of 1 mHz to 45 kHz, were performed with NaCl solutions with electrical conductivities in the range to , a range representative of field conditions. The electrical conductivity data were well reproduced with a simple linear conductivity model between the saprolite conductivity and the pore water conductivity. The conductivity plots were used to estimate the formation factor (the cementation exponent was about ) and the surface conductivity ( ). The magnitude of the surface conductivity depended on the degree of weathering and therefore on the amount of smectite and mixed layer (illite-smectite) clays present in the saprolite. The chargeability of the core samples was in the range of and is strongly dependent on the salinity. We also performed streaming potential measurements with the same pore fluid composition as that used for the complex conductivity measurements. We found an excess of movable electrical charges on the order of 100 to in agreement with previous investigations connecting the movable excess charge density to permeability. The zeta potential was in the range of to independent on the salinity. The electrical measurements were consistent with an average cation exchange capacity in the range of 1.4 to and a specific surface area on the order of 4000 to about 30,000 . Read More: http://library.seg.org/doi/abs/10.1190/geo2012-0176.1

Revil, André↗

Freeze It or Leave It? Evaluating the Role of Cryo-Electron Microscopy in Battery Research

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) continues to gain prominence in materials science, particularly in battery research where it has enabled high-resolution, multimodal characterization of electrode materials and interfaces that otherwise degrade quickly under electron beam irradiation. But as anyone who has attempted cryo-EM techniques knows, freezing comes at a cost; cryo-EM experiments are time-consuming, highly sensitive, and carry an increased risk of artifacts due to issues such as frost contamination. Thus, when planning new characterization of battery materials or other beam-sensitive samples, it is critical to consider whether (and which) cryo-EM techniques are appropriate, based on study goals and an understanding of electron beam-sample interactions. Here we review such considerations for battery materials to elucidate the questions of when, why, and how to freeze to achieve high-quality characterization.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The progeria research foundation 10 th international scientific workshop; researching possibilities, ExTENding lives – webinar version scientific summary

Progeria is an ultra-rare (prevalence 1 in 20 million), fatal, pediatric autosomal dominant premature aging disease caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene. This mutation results in accumulation of a high level of an aberrant form of the nuclear membrane protein, Lamin A. This aberrant protein, termed progerin, accumulates in many tissues and is responsible for the diverse array of disease phenotypes. Children die predominantly from premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The Progeria Research Foundation’s 10th International Scientific Workshop took place via webinar on November 2 and 3, 2020. Participants from 30 countries joined in this new, virtual meeting format. Patient family presentations led the program, followed by updates on Progeria’s first-ever application for FDA drug approval as well as initial results from the only current Progeria clinical trial. This was followed by presentations of unpublished preclinical data on drugs in development targeting the disease-causing DNA mutation, the aberrant mRNA, progerin protein, and its downstream effector proteins. Tying bench to bedside, clinicians presented new discoveries on the natural history of disease to inform future clinical trial development and new Progeria aortic valve replacement procedures. The program engaged the Progeria research community as a single unit with a common goal – to treat and cure children with Progeria worldwide.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Combustion Characteristics of Various Fuels during Research Octane Number Testing on an Instrumented CFR F1/F2 Engine

The Cooperative Fuels Research (CFR) engine is the long-established standard for characterization of fuel knock resistance in spark-ignition internal combustion engines. Despite its measurements of RON and MON being widely used, there is little understanding of what governs the CFR octane rating for fuels of various chemical compositions compared to primary reference fuels (iso-octane and n-heptane). Detailed combustion characteristics were measured on a highly instrumented CFR F1/F2 engine during RON testing of fuels with significantly different chemical composition. The results revealed differences in the cylinder pressure and temperature conditions, as well as knocking characteristics.

auto-ignition↗

A Report on the Activities, Publications, and Pending Research of DHS/DOD Sponsored Post-doctoral Research Associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Since beginning at Los Alamos National Laboratory in February of 2012, I have been working as a DHS./DNDO Postdoctoral Research Associate under the mentorship of Lav Tandon and Khalil Spencer (NA-22 and mass spectrometry). The focus of my efforts, in addition to pursuing needed training and qualifications, has been the application of various instrumental approaches (e.g. Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry; TIMS) to a range of systems of interest in materials characterization and nuclear forensics. Research to be pursued in the coming months shall include the continued use of such approaches to advance current methods for: modified total evaporation, monitoring critical minor isotope systems, and chronometry. Each of the above points will be discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Report on the Activities, Publications, and Pending Research of a DHS/DOD Sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Since beginning at Los Alamos National Laboratory in February of 2012, I have been working as a DHS/DNDO Postdoctoral Research Associate under the mentorship of Lav Tandon and Khalil Spencer (NA-22 and mass spectrometry). The focus of these efforts, in addition to pursuing training and qualifications, has principally been the application of Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) methods to the characterization of actinide systems of interest in nuclear forensics research. Recently pursued initiatives have included the adaptation of modified total evaporation (MTE) strategies to current group methods and the preliminary development of TIMS-based uranium age-dating approaches; each of these points is discussed below, along with future plans.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nuclear Physics Exascale Requirements Review: An Office of Science Review sponsored jointly by Advanced Scientific Computing Research and Nuclear Physics, June 15 - 17, 2016, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Imagine being able to predict — with unprecedented accuracy and precision — the structure of the proton and neutron, and the forces between them, directly from the dynamics of quarks and gluons, and then using this information in calculations of the structure and reactions of atomic nuclei and of the properties of dense neutron stars (NSs). Also imagine discovering new and exotic states of matter, and new laws of nature, by being able to collect more experimental data than we dream possible today, analyzing it in real time to feed back into an experiment, and curating the data with full tracking capabilities and with fully distributed data mining capabilities. Making this vision a reality would improve basic scientific understanding, enabling us to precisely calculate, for example, the spectrum of gravity waves emitted during NS coalescence, and would have important societal applications in nuclear energy research, stockpile stewardship, and other areas. This review presents the components and characteristics of the exascale computing ecosystems necessary to realize this vision.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

2017 Photosynthesis Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Photosynthesis were held at the Sunday River Conference Center in Newry, Maine from July 15-21, 2017. The meeting covered a variety of scientific topics and the content presented was highly rated by participants.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Fuel Cell Vehicle Infrastructure Research and Demonstration: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-16-601

In support of NREL's mission, which includes preparing technologies and markets with 'speed and scale,' HATCI will loan up to two fuel cell vehicles (collectively, the 'vehicles') to NREL. Operation of the vehicles enables NREL to provide education of the vehicle technology and research renewable hydrogen production, fueling equipment, and hydrogen energy system integration in real-world conditions and use. These vehicles provide an opportunity for NREL to evaluate the Hydrogen Infrastructure Testing & Research Facility (HITRF) using a variety of vehicle types, which provides a balanced portfolio of this technology and represents real world conditions more accurately.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Direct Supercritical CO 2 Power Cycle Technology Research and Development: Technology Gaps and Research Needs

This research and development (R&D) plan aims to identify technology gaps and research needs to help enable the commercialization of the direct supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO 2 ) power cycle technology by 2025. The goal of the plan is to help reduce technical risks to commercialization of the technology by providing guidance to United States (U.S.) national laboratories for closing the technology gaps.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Modeled Results of Four Residential Energy Efficiency Measure Packages for Deriving Advanced Building Construction Research Targets

The Advanced Building Construction (ABC) Initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office is working to accelerate industrialized construction innovations for decarbonizing buildings. To inform performance and cost targets for research under the ABC Initiative, this analysis used the ResStock™ tool to evaluate the energy savings, utility bill impacts, and carbon emissions impacts of four simulated upgrade packages with specific target performance levels on a large sample of residential dwelling units (approximately 550,000) representative of the U.S. housing stock.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗