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At least 397 records · Page 22

Modeling Synergistic Fuel Cell Membrane Degradation with Mitigating Effects of Cerium

During operation, polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cells undergo mechanical and chemical degradation mechanisms, which behave synergistically and lead to accelerated membrane degradation over time. This study builds upon previous modeling work on mechanical degradation as described by a pinhole in the membrane and the effects of cerium on chemical degradation.1 By combining these two models, analysis can be carried out on the coupled degradation methods and how the mitigation effects of cerium disrupt the degradation cycle. The mechanical model represents a pinhole in the membrane using an effective void fraction, which allows for increased gas crossover through the membrane and impacts the membrane transport and mechanical properties. A microkinetic model for the chemical degradation is included in the model, including attack of the membrane polymer by hydroxyl radicals as well as the mitigation reaction for quenching of hydroxyl radicals with cerium. A concentrated solution theory approach is used to model the transport of cerium ions throughout the cell.2 The model results show how the location of cerium in the cell can be used to prevent chemical degradation. In addition, the model shows how cerium slows down the rate of pinhole growth by reducing the gas crossover and membrane thinning rate. Finally, the model can be used to optimize the distribution of cerium in the membrane and catalyst layers by balancing trade-offs between lowering degradation rates and decreasing fuel cell performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Knowledge Oriented Graph Unified Transformer (KOGUT) v0.1

KOGUT — Knowledge Oriented Graph Unified Transformer KOGUT implements the Relational Graph Transformer (RelGT) architecture for knowledge graph link prediction in biological domains, with a primary focus on microbial growth media prediction. While the original RelGT (arXiv:2505.10960) targets relational tables, time series, and multi-table databases, KOGUT adapts this architecture for heterogeneous biological knowledge graphs, providing first-in-class AI predictive models for microbial cultivation. Key Adaptations Beyond Original RelGT: - Knowledge Graph Focus: Applied to biological KGs with semantic node types (taxa, chemicals, media, phenotypes, environments) versus generic relational database tables, trained on the KG-Microbe knowledge graph (1.3M entities, 2.9M edges, 24 relation types). - Multimodal Node Encoding: Integrates node labels, categories, descriptions, and synonyms from KG metadata through learned embedding layers—adapting relational column features to graph node attributes with textual semantics. - Extended K-Hop Subgraph Strategy: Optimized neighborhood sampling (3-hop default, configurable up to 200 nodes) tuned for sparse biological networks, building on the original local-global attention framework with biological relation preservation. - Biolink Predicate Preservation: Type-specific transformations for 24 biological edge semantics (occurs_in, consumes, produces, has_phenotype, subclass_of) beyond standard relational foreign keys, enabling multi-relation link prediction. - Inductive Learning Support: Enables zero-shot predictions for novel taxa through feature-based embeddings (temperature, oxygen requirements, gram stain, cell shape), extending the original transductive relational benchmark scope to uncultured microorganisms. CheapSOTA Performance Optimizations (This Distribution): - VQ-EMA Centroid Attention: Vector quantization with exponential moving average for improved global context modeling (+5-10% MRR improvement). - HDF5 Precomputed Data Loading: One-time preprocessing of k-hop subgraphs to eliminate redundant graph traversals (2-5× training speedup). - Distributed Data Parallel Training: Multi-GPU support for scaling to larger knowledge graphs (tested on 4× NVIDIA A100 GPUs at NERSC Perlmutter). - Mixed Precision Training: Automatic mixed precision (AMP) for memory efficiency and faster training. Advantages Over Standard Knowledge Graph Embedding Models: Combines RelGT's proven multi-element tokenization (features, type, hop, structure) with graph-native biological representations, enabling interpretable link prediction across heterogeneous entities that standard embedding models (TransE, RotatE, ComplEx) and table-based transformers cannot directly model. Achieves near-perfect performance on microbial growth media prediction (MRR: 0.9966, Precision@1: 0.9932, Hit@10: 1.0000) while maintaining explainability through attention-based reasoning over biological pathways. Training Data: - KG-Microbe merged knowledge graph: 1,379,337 nodes, 2,960,472 edges - 24 biological relation types including taxonomic hierarchies, metabolic interactions, phenotype associations, and environmental relationships - Primary prediction task: Growth media suitability for microbial taxa (biolink:occurs_in, 50K edges) - Multi-relation capability: Predicts links for any of the 24 relation types, including chemical consumption/production, phenotype associations, and taxonomic classification Citation: Original RelGT Architecture: Dwivedi et al., "Relational Graph Transformer", arXiv:2505.10960, 2025 KOGUT Implementation: Knowledge Oriented Graph Unified Transformer for Microbial Growth Media Prediction Developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Trained on NERSC Perlmutter supercomputer

Joachimiak, Marcin [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab↗

OASIS: Optimal Analysis-Specific Importance Sampling for event generation

We propose a technique called Optimal Analysis-Specific Importance Sampling (OASIS) to reduce the number of simulated events required for a high-energy experimental analysis to reach a target sensitivity. We provide recipes to obtain the optimal sampling distributions which preferentially focus the event generation on the regions of phase space with high utility to the experimental analyses. OASIS leads to a conservation of resources at all stages of the Monte Carlo pipeline, including full-detector simulation, and is complementary to approaches which seek to speed-up the simulation pipeline.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

An MILP-Based Distributed Energy Management for Coordination of Networked Microgrids

An MILP-based distributed energy management for the coordination of networked microgrids is proposed in this paper. Multiple microgrids and the utility grid are coordinated through iteratively adjusted price signals. Based on the price signals received, the microgrid controllers (MCs) and distribution management system (DMS) update their schedules separately. Then, the price signals are updated according to the generation–load mismatch and distributed to MCs and DMS for the next iteration. The iteration continues until the generation–load mismatch is small enough, i.e., the generation and load are balanced under agreed price signals. Through the proposed distributed energy management, various microgrids and the utility grid with different economic, resilient, emission and socio-economic objectives are coordinated with generation–load balance guaranteed and the microgrid customers’ privacy preserved. In particular, a piecewise linearization technique is employed to approximate the augmented Lagrange term in the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm. Thus, the subproblems are transformed into mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problems and efficiently solved by open-source MILP solvers, which would accelerate the adoption and deployment of microgrids and promote clean energy. The proposed MILP-based distributed energy management is demonstrated through various case studies on a networked microgrids test system with three microgrids.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Carbon Dioxide Pressure and Catalyst Quantity Dependencies in Artificial Photosynthesis of Hydrocarbon Chains on Nanostructured Co/CoO Surfaces

In this study, we investigated the influence of pressure and the quantity of Co/CoO catalyst on an artificial photosynthesis process that converts CO 2 and H 2 O into hydrocarbons (C n H 2n+2 , where n ≤ 18). The adsorption of CO 2 and H 2 O on Co/CoO surfaces proved to be pivotal in this photo-catalytic reaction. Photoexcited carbon dioxide and water molecules ((CO 2 )* and (H 2 O)*) generated by illuminating the catalyst surface led to the formation of alkene hydrocarbon molecules with carbon numbers following an approximate Poisson distribution. The optimal pressure was found to be 0.40 MPa. Pressure less than 0.40 MPa resulted in low CO 2 adsorption, impeding excitation for photosynthesis. At greater pressure, oil/wax accumulation on Co/CoO surfaces hindered CO 2 adsorption, limiting further photosynthesis reactions. The average number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon yield were correlated. The amount of Co/CoO was also found to affect the hydrocarbon yield. Our study contributes to the understanding of Co/CoO-catalyzed photosynthesis and suggests that an open-flow system could potentially enhance the productivity of long-chain hydrocarbons.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Validation of the Scientific Program for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) was designed to conduct a survey covering 14,000 deg$^{2}$ over 5 yr to constrain the cosmic expansion history through precise measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO). The scientific program for DESI was evaluated during a 5 month survey validation (SV) campaign before beginning full operations. This program produced deep spectra of tens of thousands of objects from each of the stellar Milky Way Survey (MWS), Bright Galaxy Survey (BGS), luminous red galaxy (LRG), emission line galaxy (ELG), and quasar target classes. These SV spectra were used to optimize redshift distributions, characterize exposure times, determine calibration procedures, and assess observational overheads for the 5 yr program. In this paper, we present the final target selection algorithms, redshift distributions, and projected cosmology constraints resulting from those studies. We also present a One-Percent Survey conducted at the conclusion of SV covering 140 deg$^{2}$ using the final target selection algorithms with exposures of a depth typical of the main survey. The SV indicates that DESI will be able to complete the full 14,000 deg$^{2}$ program with spectroscopically confirmed targets from the MWS, BGS, LRG, ELG, and quasar programs with total sample sizes of 7.2, 13.8, 7.46, 15.7, and 2.87 million, respectively. These samples will allow exploration of the Milky Way halo, clustering on all scales, and BAO measurements with a statistical precision of 0.28% over the redshift interval z < 1.1, 0.39% over the redshift interval 1.1 < z < 1.9, and 0.46% over the redshift interval 1.9 < z < 3.5.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Control of exit velocity profile of an asymmetric annular diffuser using wall suction

An asymmetric annular diffuser equipped with wall bleed (suction) capability was tested for controllability of exit velocity profile. The diffuser area ratio was 3.2, and the length to inlet height ratio was 1.6. Results show that the diffuser radial exit velocity profile could be controlled from a hub peaked to a tip peaked form by selective use of bleed on the outer wall or on both diffuser walls. Based on these results, application of the diffuser bleed technique to gas turbine combustors may be possible. Diffuser bleed could be used to tailor the airflow distribution for optimizing combustor performance at a variety of operating conditions.

Juhasz, A. J.↗

On signal design by the R sub 0 criterion for non-white Gaussian noise channels

The use of the R sub 0 criterion for modulation system design is investigated for channels with non-white Gaussian noise. A signal space representation of the waveform channel is developed, and the cut-off rate R sub 0 for vector channels with additive nonwhite Gaussian noise and unquantized demodulation is derived. When the signal unput to the channel is a continuous random vector, maximization of R sub 0 with constrained average signal energy leads to a water-filling interpretation of optimal energy distribution in signal space. The necessary condition for a finite signal set to maximize R sub 0 with constrained energy and an equally likely probability assignment of signal vectors is presented, and an algorithm is outlined for numerically computing the optimum signal set. A necessary condition on a constrained energy, finite signal set is found which maximizes a Taylor series approximation of R sub 0. This signal set is compared with the finite signal set which has the water-filling average energy distribution.

Bordelon, D. L.↗

Numerical optimization techniques for bound circulation distribution for minimum induced drag of nonplanar wings: Basic formulations

A theoretical method was developed for determining the optimum span load distribution for minimum induced drag for subsonic nonplanar configurations. The undistorted wing wake is assumed to have piecewise linear variation of shed vortex sheet strength, resulting in a quadratic variation of bound circulation and span load. The optimum loading is obtained either through a direct technique, whereby derivatives of the drag expression are calculated analytically in terms of the unknown wake vortex sheet strengths. Both techniques agree well with each other and with available exact solutions for minimum induced drag.

Kuhlman, J.↗

On signal design by the R/0/ criterion for non-white Gaussian noise channels

The use of the cut-off rate criterion for modulation system design is investigated for channels with non-white Gaussian noise. A signal space representation of the waveform channel is developed, and the cut-off rate for vector channels with additive non-white Gaussian noise and unquantized demodulation is derived. When the signal input to the channel is a continuous random vector, maximization of the cut-off rate with constrained average signal energy leads to a water-filling interpretation of optimal energy distribution in signal space. The necessary condition for a finite signal set to maximize the cut-off rate with constrained energy and an equally likely probability assignment of signal vectors is presented, and an algorithm is outlined for numerically computing the optimum signal set. As an example, the rectangular signal set which has the water-filling average energy distribution and the optimum rectangular set are compared.

Bordelon, D. L.↗

Stability of flow over axisymmetric bodies with porous suction strips

Linear triple deck, closed form solutions for mean-flow quantities are developed for axisymmetric incompressible flow past a body with porous strips. The solutions account for upstream influence and are linear superpositions of the flow past the body without suction plus the perturbations due to the suction strips. Flow past the suctionless body is calculated using the Transition Analysis Program System, and a simple linear optimization scheme to determine number, spacing, and mass flow rate through the strips on an axisymmetric body is developed using the linear, triple-deck, closed-form solutions. The theory is demonstrated by predicting optimal strip distributions, and the effect of various adverse pressure-gradient situations on stability is studied.

Nayfeh, A. H.↗

Numerical optimization techniques for bound circulation distribution for minimum induced drag of Nonplanar wings: Computer program documentation

A two dimensional advanced panel far-field potential flow model of the undistorted, interacting wakes of multiple lifting surfaces was developed which allows the determination of the spanwise bound circulation distribution required for minimum induced drag. This model was implemented in a FORTRAN computer program, the use of which is documented in this report. The nonplanar wakes are broken up into variable sized, flat panels, as chosen by the user. The wake vortex sheet strength is assumed to vary linearly over each of these panels, resulting in a quadratic variation of bound circulation. Panels are infinite in the streamwise direction. The theory is briefly summarized herein; sample results are given for multiple, nonplanar, lifting surfaces, and the use of the computer program is detailed in the appendixes.

Kuhlman, J. M.↗

A fundamental study of drag and an assessment of conventional drag-due-to-lift reduction devices

The integral conservation laws of fluid mechanics are used to assess the drag efficiency of lifting wings, both CTOL and various out-of-plane configurations. The drag-due-to-lift is separated into two major components: (1) the induced drag-due-to-lift that depends on aspect ratio but is relatively independent of Reynolds number; (2) the form drag-due-to-lift that is independent of aspect ratio but dependent on the details of the wing section design, planform and Reynolds number. For each lifting configuration there is an optimal load distribution that yields the minimum value of drag-due-to-lift. For well designed high aspect ratio CTOL wings the two drag components are independent. With modern design technology CTOL wings can be (and usually are) designed with a drag-due-to-lift efficiency close to unity. Wing tip-devices (winglets, feathers, sails, etc.) can improve drag-due-to-lift efficiency by 10 to 15% if they are designed as an integral part of the wing. As add-on devices they can be detrimental. It is estimated that 25% improvements of wing drag-due-to-lift efficiency can be obtained with joined tip configurations and vertically separated lifting elements without considering additional benefits that might be realized by improved structural efficiency. It is strongly recommended that an integrated aerodynamic/structural approach be taken in the design of (or research on) future out-of-plane configurations.

Yates, J. E.↗

Automated tuning of airframe vibration by structural optimization

Numerical optimization techniques are used to modify the dynamic response at a specified point(s) of a helicopter airframe structure due to a steady state narrow band excitation. Calculation of steady state vibration amplitude is reduced to the solution of linear equations with complex coefficients. The sensitivity of the dynamic amplitudes with respect to the structural parameter perturbations can be computed with the same technique as the one used in the static displacement sensitivity without requiring eigenvector sensitivity. Approximate models for critical structural responses are created based on the sensitivity data to reduce the amount of computational effort and to enable the design of structures of practical scale and complexity. This approach is general in that it accommodates static, dynamic, and frequency constraints simultaneously as long as their computational models are available. It can be used in optimizing mass distribution as well as stiffness modifications of practical structures.

Miura, H.↗

Application of structural tailoring to spar/shell turboprops

The problem of designing a swept advanced turboprop (ATP) blade for minimum noise output is discussed. Optimal sweep distributions are found using the computer code STAT (Structural Tailoring of Advanced Turboprops). The initial designs are unswept. The blade designs have minimum noise output while satisfying other blade design requirements. The STAT program and the modifications required during this work are described. Parameter studies of the effect of sweep on noise output are also presented.

Rubinstein, Robert↗