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DOE OSTI2024

Safety Considerations for Advanced Material Irradiation at the ATR

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) is a light water reactor with aluminum-clad driver fuel. A primary mission of the ATR is to support the next generation of nuclear reactors. This support necessarily requires irradiation of advanced materials such as sodium, fuel salts, and metal eutectics. Irradiation of advanced materials in the ATR environment presents a challenge when completing accident analyses and demonstrating compliance to the Safety Analysis Report (SAR). Many advanced materials have the possibility to react with the ATR protective barriers such as the cladding or primary coolant system (PCS) boundary during postulated accident scenarios. Further, molten fuel experiments fall outside of the standard regulatory framework for dose consequence analyses. ATR is currently developing new safety analysis methods to support irradiation of advanced materials. The primary considerations for this development are 1) experiment containment design requirements, 2) primary coolant system response to an experiment containment failure, and 3) dose analyses for molten fuels.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

99m Tc Generator Development for Low Specific Activity 99 Mo

Because of aging reactor fleets, complicated regulatory applications for new reactors, unresolved uranium disposition pathways, and the nonproliferation and minimization efforts spearheaded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), non-fission-based production of 99 Mo is becoming an attractive alternative.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Performance Monitoring Program: Developing Comparative Metrics for Fitness-for-Duty Programs

To comply with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, licensees and entities authorized under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 26 Section 26.3 (§ 26.3) are required to have fitness-for-duty (FFD) programs. Under § 26.3, the expectation of these FFD programs is to provide reasonable assurance that individuals who are granted unescorted access to nuclear power reactor protected areas and Category I fuel cycle facility material control areas are trustworthy, will perform their tasks in a reliable manner, are not under the influence of any substance, legal or illegal, that may impair their ability to perform their duties, and are not mentally or physically impaired from any cause that can adversely affect their ability to safely and competently perform their duties. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) was tasked with developing a performance monitoring program to risk inform NRC inspection and policy regarding quantitative FFD performance data. To meet this need, PNNL developed methodologies that could be implemented within a performance monitoring program. Throughout this report, these methodologies are referred to as comparative metrics. The NRC provided PNNL with 2016–2019 data from annual reporting forms and single positive test forms provided by licensees and other entities. For most of the comparative metrics, the analyses required customized processing, such as creating filtering fields, adding data fields and summaries, and joining datasets. The comparative metrics developed include: random testing rate, random policy violation rate, pre-access policy violation rate, subversion attempt rate, and number of policy violations by labor category. The comparative metrics can be used for parsing and visualizing FFD program data and monitoring FFD performance at the labor category, facility, licensee, and industry levels to risk inform NRC inspection and policy with regard to the FFD data currently collected from licensees and other entities that implement Part 26 requirements. Furthermore, these developed comparative metrics allow a more in-depth look at the FFD programs for the industry to discern trends and patterns that may warrant changes at an industry level and to inform policy decisions. These analyses should be refreshed as new FFD data become available.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Prediction of condition-specific regulatory genes using machine learning

Recent advances in genomic technologies have generated data on large-scale protein–DNA interactions and open chromatin regions for many eukaryotic species. How to identify condition-specific functions of transcription factors using these data has become a major challenge in genomic research. To solve this problem, we have developed a method called ConSReg, which provides a novel approach to integrate regulatory genomic data into predictive machine learning models of key regulatory genes. Using Arabidopsis as a model system, we tested our approach to identify regulatory genes in data sets from single cell gene expression and from abiotic stress treatments. Our results showed that ConSReg accurately predicted transcription factors that regulate differentially expressed genes with an average auROC of 0.84, which is 23.5–25% better than enrichment-based approaches. To further validate the performance of ConSReg, we analyzed an independent data set related to plant nitrogen responses. ConSReg provided better rankings of the correct transcription factors in 61.7% of cases, which is three times better than other plant tools. We applied ConSReg to Arabidopsis single cell RNA-seq data, successfully identifying candidate regulatory genes that control cell wall formation. Our methods provide a new approach to define candidate regulatory genes using integrated genomic data in plants.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

State Strategies for Valuing Distributed Energy Resources in Cost-Effective Locations

The deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), small-scale electricity generation sources or controllable loads connected to the distribution system or a facility served by the distribution system, can have wide-ranging and positive impacts for the electricity grid. Interconnecting a DER in a high-value location on the grid can unlock benefits beyond those that accrue to the off-taker or asset owner. When DERs are deployed optimally, not only can the individual consumer benefit, but the local utility, the electricity system, and other ratepayers can benefit as well. By engaging in locational DER planning, states can help protect their communities and ratepayers and can help ensure the reliability and resilience of the electricity system. This report explores states' role in better integrating locational value into DER siting and development. It first outlines some of the benefits that can be achieved through the deployment of DERs in high-value locations. It then looks at state policy and regulatory roles and the tools states can use to influence the location of DER development. The report next examines the challenges of locational DER planning, with a particular focus on the challenges that states face in influencing the location of DER development. It highlights three case studies from states that engaged in locational DER planning through the Multistate Initiative to Develop Solar in Locations that Provide Benefits to the Grid and then presents several lessons learned from these efforts. The final section of this report summarizes some recent publications related to locational value of DERs in the form of an abbreviated literature review.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Transport Affordable Clean Hydrogen Energy via Existing Pipeline Infrastructure (CRADA 573)

Our Nation’s vast network of oil pipelines span over 230,000 miles connecting remote energy producing regions to distant markets. The COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on oil prices intensified technical and economic vulnerabilities afflicting the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS, operating below 25% capacity) that may soon resurface as energy demand shifts to low carbon sources. Through the opportunity afforded by the Arctic Advanced Manufacturing Program, I’ve toured the great State of Alaska learning about its culture, unique energy challenges, business ecosystem, research institutions, and regulatory agencies. With encouragement and support from dedicated Alaskans and my professional mentors, I’ve founded Mighty Pipeline for the purpose of developing and commercializing proprietary technology and hardware to convert oil pipelines into clean hydrogen energy transmission systems. Leveraging the advanced technical capabilities of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, we’ve demonstrated proof-of-concept (TRL = 3) and are seeking pre-pilot development project opportunities to conduct hardware and system level tests. If we successfully achieve technical and regulatory milestones, Mighty Pipeline’s technology could be available to help facilitate bulk clean hydrogen energy export this decade.

08 HYDROGEN↗

NASA NTRS1994

Earth Observation

For pipeline companies, mapping, facilities inventory, pipe inspections, environmental reporting, etc. is a monumental task. An Automated Mapping/Facilities Management/Geographic Information Systems (AM/FM/GIS) is the solution. However, this is costly and time consuming. James W. Sewall Company, an AM/FM/GIS consulting firm proposed an EOCAP project to Stennis Space Center (SSC) to develop a computerized system for storage and retrieval of digital aerial photography. This would provide its customer, Algonquin Gas Transmission Company, with an accurate inventory of rights-of-way locations and pipeline surroundings. The project took four years to complete and an important byproduct was SSC's Digital Aerial Rights-of-Way Monitoring System (DARMS). DARMS saves substantial time and money. EOCAP enabled Sewall to develop new products and expand its customer base. Algonquin now manages regulatory requirements more efficiently and accurately. EOCAP provides government co-funding to encourage private investment in and broader use of NASA remote sensing technology. Because changes on Earth's surface are accelerating, planners and resource managers must assess the consequences of change as quickly and accurately as possible. Pacific Meridian Resources and NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) developed a system for monitoring changes in land cover and use, which incorporated the latest change detection technologies. The goal of this EOCAP project was to tailor existing technologies to a system that could be commercialized. Landsat imagery enabled Pacific Meridian to identify areas that had sustained substantial vegetation loss. The project was successful and Pacific Meridian's annual revenues have substantially increased. EOCAP provides government co-funding to encourage private investment in and broader use of NASA remote sensing technology.

Source record↗

DOE OSTI2021

Up-regulating TIPE2 alleviates inflammatory pain by suppressing microglial activation-mediated inflammatory response via inhibiting Rac1/NF-κB pathway

TNF-α-inducible protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) is a recently discovered regulator of inflammation that can maintain immune homeostasis, exerting a significant role in the development of inflammation-related diseases. Here, we aimed to explore the role and potential regulatory mechanism of TIPE2 in the progression of inflammatory pain. In the present study, a mouse BV2 microglia cell activation-mediated inflammatory model was developed with LPS induction, and a mouse inflammatory pain model was established with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection. In vitro, the TIPE2 expression was decreased in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Overexpression of TIPE2 mitigated LPS-medicated microglial activation via decreasing nitric oxide (NO) generation and the expression of microglia marker IBA-1. Notably, increasing TIPE2 expression alleviated microglial activation-triggered expression levels and releases of proinflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Mechanism analysis verified that overexpression of TIPE2 blunted Rac1-mediated activation of NF-κB pathway following LPS stimulation. More importantly, CFA injection reduced the expression of TIPE2 in a mouse inflammatory pain model and overexpression of TIPE2 alleviated CFA-mediated pain hypersensitivity and inflammatory response, and inactivated microglia cell in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of TIPE2 decreased Rac1 expression and suppressed the activation of NF-κB pathway in spinal cord after CFA injection. In summary, the present study revealed that overexpression of TIPE2 mitigated inflammatory pain through suppressing microglial activation-induced inflammation by inactivating Rac1/NF-κB pathway. The study provides a novel theoretical foundation for the therapy of inflammatory pain.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2026

Poxvirus infection triggers remodeling of host m⁶A epitranscriptome and benefits from the m⁶A regulatory responses

Understanding how host gene regulation responds to viral infection is essential for developing effective antiviral strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that host transcripts undergo dynamic chemical modifications to counteract viral invasion. Conversely, viruses that rely on nuclear transcription exploit host RNA methyltransferases to enhance mRNA export and translation. Orthopoxviruses, however, complete their entire replication cycle within compartmentalized cytoplasmic “factories” utilizing enzymes encoded by their large double-stranded viral DNA genomes. The dynamic interplay between host and poxviral epitranscriptome remains poorly characterized. Using a temporally resolved model of Vaccinia virus (VV) infection, we investigated host-virus interactions through transcriptome and N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) epitranscriptome whole genome sequencing. We found that host m⁶A modifications respond rapidly to VV infection, preceding the delayed transcriptional changes that emerge at later stages. Early m⁶A signatures included key innate immunity factors as well as host genes involved in transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional modification, and protein ubiquitination. Functional assays validated two host factors with early m⁶A modification changes that are essential for VV infection: a m⁶A reader, YTHDF1, and a component of the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, FBXO31. The m⁶A gain on YTHDF1 enhanced its protein expression and promoted efficient VV replication. In addition, we identified previously unrecognized roles of FBXO31 and the SCF E3 ligase complex in supporting VV infection. Temporal profiling of the m⁶A epitranscriptome reveals how VV exploits host post-transcriptional regulatory pathways, specifically m⁶A RNA modification and protein ubiquitination. These findings highlight critical host factors co-opted during poxvirus infection and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1992

NASA/FAA helicopter simulator workshop

A workshop was convened by the FAA and NASA for the purpose of providing a forum at which leading designers, manufacturers, and users of helicopter simulators could initiate and participate in a development process that would facilitate the formulation of qualification standards by the regulatory agency. Formal papers were presented, special topics were discussed in breakout sessions, and a draft FAA advisory circular defining specifications for helicopter simulators was presented and discussed. A working group of volunteers was formed to work with the National Simulator Program Office to develop a final version of the circular. The workshop attracted 90 individuals from a constituency of simulator manufacturers, training organizations, the military, civil regulators, research scientists, and five foreign countries.

Larsen, William E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Part 1: Executive summary

Larsen, William E.↗

DOE OSTI2026

An expanded registry of candidate cis -regulatory elements

Mammalian genomes contain millions of regulatory elements that control the complex patterns of gene expression. Previously, the ENCODE consortium mapped biochemical signals across hundreds of cell types and tissues and integrated these data to develop a registry containing 0.9 million human and 300,000 mouse candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) annotated with potential functions. Here we have expanded the registry to include 2.37 million human and 967,000 mouse cCREs, leveraging new ENCODE datasets and enhanced computational methods. This expanded registry covers hundreds of unique cell and tissue types, providing a comprehensive understanding of gene regulation. Functional characterization data from assays such as STARR-seq, massively parallel reporter assay, CRISPR perturbation and transgenic mouse assays have profiled more than 90% of human cCREs, revealing complex regulatory functions. We identified thousands of novel silencer cCREs and demonstrated their dual enhancer and silencer roles in different cellular contexts. Integrating the registry with other ENCODE annotations facilitates genetic variation interpretation and trait-associated gene identification, exemplified by the identification of KLF1 as a novel causal gene for red blood cell traits. This expanded registry is a valuable resource for studying the regulatory genome and its impact on health and disease.

Moore, Jill E. [Univ. of Massachusetts, Worchester↗

DOE OSTI2025

Regulatory Considerations for Domestic Reprocessing Facility Physical Security

U.S. advanced non-light-water reactor vendors may pursue collocated on-site reprocessing activities. Therefore, these facilities are likely to possess formula quantities, or Category I quantities, of special nuclear material (SNM) during normal operations. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) has yet to formally establish a regulatory framework for commercial reprocessing. While Category I requirements would explicitly not apply in this circumstance under current regulatory requirements, regulatory certainty does not exist. A novel framework should be developed to ensure public health and safety while also risk-informing the physical security requirements. This report reviews the relevant background of related rulemaking activities and proposes risk-informed physical protection requirements to satisfy these objectives. Insights from NRC security-related rulemaking activities provide a substantial technical basis to approach potential establishment of physical security requirements for reprocessing facilities. If a licensee can provide justification that the material satisfies a sufficient self-protecting radiation dose threshold, the material may not be subject to theft or diversion requirements and only potential sabotage requirements would apply. Furthermore, if the material can be justified to be moderately dilute, a set of risk-informed requirements could provide adequate protection of public health and safety. A revised performance objective for prevention of theft of moderately dilute Category I SNM may be detection to allow prompt recovery by a local law enforcement agency. However, a significant caveat to the proposed categorization scheme is the unknown integration of radiological sabotage with requirements for the protection against theft. Future licensees should consult with the NRC regarding treatment of this regulatory topic. Additionally, the self-protecting radiation dose threshold (either the existing or a proposed future threshold) would need to be considered. An integrated approach may apply graded potential requirements for protection against the design basis threat of radiological sabotage currently applicable to commercial nuclear power plants and Category I SNM facilities defined within 10 CFR 73.1(a).

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of Nuclear Materials on Both Sides of Regulatory Control: from IAEA Safeguards to Global Counter-Nuclear Smuggling

Global nuclear security is dependent upon the sustained and verifiable control of radiological and nuclear (R/N) materials within nuclear facilities, under the administrative purview of national governments. It is the responsibility of each country to account for their R/N materials holdings and to ensure that they do not escape regulatory control and fall into the wrong hands. The Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) is tasked with providing support to foreign partners in developing the tools and expertise to detect, disrupt, and investigate R/N materials encountered out of regulatory control, in such circumstances as at border crossings and other checkpoints, or in the course of routine policework. Thankfully, such incidents are infrequent, and NSDD continues to work bilaterally with partner countries to strengthen their capabilities to combat nuclear smuggling and trafficking incidents in their countries. For the vast majority of R/N materials that remain under regulatory control, however, it is critical that their safe storage and use be independently verified. Even a single loss incident of R/N materials, particularly of special nuclear materials (highly-enriched uranium and plutonium) has the potential to cause a catastrophe. How can the international community be assured that R/N materials currently under national regulatory control remain there?

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

DOE OSTI2020

Unisexual flower initiation in the monoecious Quercus suber L.: a molecular approach

Abstract Several plant species display a temporal separation of the male and female flower organ development to enhance outbreeding; however, little is known regarding the genetic mechanisms controlling this temporal separation. Quercus suber is a monoecious oak tree with accentuated protandry: in late winter, unisexual male flowers emerge adjacent to the swollen buds, whereas unisexual female flowers emerge in the axils of newly formed leaves formed during spring (4–8 weeks after male flowering). Here, a phylogenetic profiling has led to the identification of cork oak homologs of key floral regulatory genes. The role of these cork oak homologs during flower development was identified with functional studies in Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression profile throughout the year of flower regulators (inducers and repressors), in leaves and buds, suggests that the development of male and female flowers may be preceded by separated induction events. Female flowers are most likely induced during the vegetative flush occurring in spring, whereas male flowers may be induced in early summer. Male flowers stay enclosed within the pre-dormant buds, but complete their development before the vegetative flush of the following year, displaying a long period of anthesis that spans the dormant period. Our results portray a genetic mechanism that may explain similar reproductive habits in other monoecious tree species.

Sobral, Rómulo↗

DOE OSTI2025

Global Regulations for Sustainable Battery Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities

With the rapid expansion of transportation electrification worldwide, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has increased dramatically, creating new and sustainable growth opportunities for the global economy. However, as the most expensive component of EVs, lithium-ion batteries pose significant sustainability challenges due to raw material consumption and supply chain constrains, as well as the complexities of end-of-life battery disposal and recycling. To address these concerns, many countries are actively establishing regulations to promote sustainable pathways for battery reuse and recycling. Despite these efforts, existing battery recycling regulations remain often inefficient and vary significantly across different countries in legal enforcement, producer responsibility, waste classification, recycling targets, design standards, public engagement, and financial incentives, particularly given the complexities of the global supply chain and resource distribution within the battery industry. Understanding these regulatory differences and establishing a unified framework are therefore crucial to ensuring sustainable and efficient battery recycling. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the necessity of establishing robust regulations for sustainable development of battery recycling industry. The evolution and refinement of battery recycling regulations are deeply reviewed to identifying persistent gaps and challenges in key countries. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges associated with regulatory enforcement and propose strategies for developing a more cohesive legislative framework to ensure the effective utilization of retired batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2025

SMR Accelerated Development Needs with Adequate Safety

The development of advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is ongoing. A customer-focused development approach requires accelerated design and analysis of the reactor system while minimizing engineering, regulatory, and economic challenges. SMRs, although not a new concept, are being considered for rapid deployment with optimized economic scalability, and several designs are currently seeking approval. Understanding the research and development needs, with adequate safety support, accelerates reactor development.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Regulatory Implications of Embedded Grid Energy Storage

Electricity is unique among commodities in that its supply chain was developed without a storage component. Every other resource commodity has the ability to store excess quantities built into its supply chain – in the form of granaries, warehouses, reservoirs, etc. This embedded storage creates a buffer for mismatches between supply and demand, stabilizing prices and protecting customers. Recent technological advances in cost-competitive energy storage technologies that are scalable and flexible have made the concept of embedded electrical storage feasible, but several regulatory questions remain. This paper summarizes energy regulatory structures in the U.S. and the implications that they would have for embedded storage on the electric grid. Regulatory challenges for embedded storage include the lack of underlying standards, inclusion in planning processes, ownership models, compensation, and metrics. Two possible pathways forward are explored: an incremental one including regulatory guidance regarding the evaluation of embedded storage in existing planning processes, and a complex one involving the revision of existing reliability standards or the development of a new standard specific to embedded storage.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗