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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Quantitative modeling of carcinogenesis induced by single beams or mixtures of space radiations using targeted and non-targeted effects

Abstract Ionizing radiations encountered by astronauts on deep space missions produce biological damage by two main mechanisms: (1) Targeted effects (TE) due to direct traversals of cells by ionizing tracks. (2) Non-targeted effects (NTE) caused by release of signals from directly hit cells. The combination of these mechanisms generates non-linear dose response shapes, which need to be modeled quantitatively to predict health risks from space exploration. Here we used a TE + NTE model to analyze data on APC (1638N/+) mouse tumorigenesis induced by space-relevant doses of protons, 4 He, 12 C, 16 O, 28 Si or 56 Fe ions, or γ rays. A customized weighted Negative Binomial distribution was used to describe the radiation type- and dose-dependent data variability. This approach allowed detailed quantification of dose–response shapes, NTE- and TE-related model parameters, and radiation quality metrics (relative biological effectiveness, RBE, and radiation effects ratio, RER, relative to γ rays) for each radiation type. Based on the modeled responses for each radiation type, we predicted the tumor yield for a Mars-mission-relevant mixture of these radiations, using the recently-developed incremental effect additivity (IEA) synergy theory. The proposed modeling approach can enhance current knowledge about quantification of space radiation quality effects, dose response shapes, and ultimately the health risks for astronauts.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Development of exosome surface display technology in living human cells

Surface display technology is an emerging key player in presenting functional proteins for targeted drug delivery and therapy. Although a number of technologies exist, a desirable mammalian surface display system is lacking. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that facilitate cell–cell communication and can be engineered as nano-shuttles for cell-specific delivery. In this study, we report the development of a novel exosome surface display technology by exploiting mammalian cell secreted nano-vesicles and their trans-membrane protein tetraspanins. By constructing a set of fluorescent reporters for both the inner and outer surface display on exosomes at two selected sites of tetraspanins, we demonstrated the successful exosomal display via gene transfection and monitoring fluorescence in vivo. We subsequently validated our system by demonstrating the expected intracellular partitioning of reporter protein into sub-cellular compartments and secretion of exosomes from human HEK293 cells. Lastly, we established the stable engineered cells to harness the ability of this robust system for continuous production, secretion, and uptake of displayed exosomes with minimal impact on human cell biology. In sum, our work paved the way for potential applications of exosome, including exosome tracking and imaging, targeted drug delivery, as well as exosome-mediated vaccine and therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-45: Design and Study of An In-House Respiratory Gating Phantom Platform for Gated Radiotherapy

Purpose: The main purpose of this work was to develop an in-house low cost respiratory motion phantom platform for testing the accuracy of the gated radiotherapy system and analyze the dosimetric difference during gated radiotherapy. Methods: An in-house respiratory motion platform(RMP) was designed and constructed for testing the targeting accuracy of respiratory tracking system. The RMP consist of acrylic Chest Wall Platform, 2 DC motors, 4 IR sensors, speed controller circuit, 2 LED and 2 moving rods inside the RMP. The velocity of the movement can be varied from 0 to 30 cycles per minute. The platform mounted to a base using precision linear bearings. The base and platform are made of clear, 15mm thick polycarbonate plastic and the linear ball bearings are oriented to restrict the platform to a movement of approximately 50mm up and down with very little friction. Results: The targeting accuracy of the respiratory tracking system was evaluated using phantom with and without respiratory movement with varied amplitude. We have found the 5% dose difference to the PTV during the movement in comparison with stable PTV. The RMP can perform sinusoidal motion in 1D with fixed peak to peak motion of 5 to 50mm and cycle interval from 2 to 6 seconds. The RMP was designed to be able to simulate the gross anatomical anterior posterior motion attributable to respiration-induced motion of the thoracic region. Conclusion: The unique RMP simulates breathing providing the means to create a comprehensive program for commissioning, training, quality assurance and dose verification of gated radiotherapy treatments. Create the anterior/posterior movement of a target over a 5 to 50 mm distance to replicate tumor movement. The targeting error of the respiratory tracking system is less than 1.0 mm which shows suitable for clinical treatment with highly performance.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Performance Study of Distance-Weighting Approach with Loopy Sum-Product Algorithm for Multi-Object Tracking in Clutter

In this paper, we explore the performance of the distance-weighting probabilistic data association (DWPDA) approach in conjunction with the loopy sum-product algorithm (LSPA) for tracking multiple objects in clutter. First, we discuss the problem of data association (DA), which is to infer the correspondence between targets and measurements. DA plays an important role when tracking multiple targets using measurements of uncertain origin. Second, we describe three methods of data association: probabilistic data association (PDA), joint probabilistic data association (JPDA), and LSPA. We then apply these three DA methods for tracking multiple crossing targets in cluttered environments, e.g., radar detection with false alarms and missed detections. We are interested in two performance metrics: tracking accuracy and computation time. LSPA is known to be superior to PDA in terms of the former and to dominate JPDA in terms of the latter. Last, we consider an additional DA method that is a modification of PDA by incorporating a weighting scheme based on distances between position estimates and measurements. This distance-weighting approach, when combined with PDA, has been shown to enhance the tracking accuracy of PDA without significant change in the computation burden. Since PDA constitutes a crucial building block of LSPA, we hypothesize that DWPDA, when integrated with LSPA, would perform better under the two performance metrics above. Contrary to expectations, the distance-weighting approach does not enhance the performance of LSPA, whether in terms of tracking accuracy or computation time.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Projection-Based Constrained Fusion Performance with Link Loss and Measurement Bias

Sensor networks have been deployed in many real-world applications for tracking and monitoring of dynamic targets over large geographical areas. We consider a scenario where a number of ground and/or airborne sensors are used to jointly track a ground target with certain constraints on its motion dynamics, such as those defined by roadways. The state estimates from these sensors are sent over a lossy communications network to a remote fusion center for fusion. We propose both centralized and distributed projection-based methods to incorporate known constraints into the estimation and fusion process. In addition to presenting simple closed-form projected fusion solutions, we also show how to utilize knowledge of the constraints into the fusion process by two distance-based weighting methods. Wealso explore the effect of link loss and sensor measurement bias on tracking accuracy performance of constrained fusion using illustrative tracking examples. Performance evaluation results demonstrate the potential of adopting weighted average fusers in improving the overall tracking performance in the presenceof link loss and measurement bias.

Liu, Qiang↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Robust Data-Driven Approach for Mechanical Serial Sectioning

Mechanical serial sectioning (MSS) provides detailed microstructural information across large length scales. By repeatedly removing thin layers of material and imaging the exposed surface, a 3D representation of a specimen’s internal structure can be constructed, enabling failure analysis and feature identification that are otherwise inaccessible via conventional 2D or nondestructive evaluation techniques. Achieving consistent and accurate material removal can be challenging due to system variability, requiring an experienced operator to manually adjust parameters, prolonging data collection times and necessitating post-processing routines to standardize the data. Here, to address these challenges, this paper presents the employment of a one-step model predictive control (MPC) framework tailored to a run-to-run (R2R) controller. The R2R-MPC controller automates the parameter selection process, improving the consistency of material removal through iterative feedback for disturbance rejection and accurate tracking of the target removal rate. Using a data-driven approach, the controller robustly adapts to changing material characteristics. The effectiveness of the R2R-MPC controller is demonstrated through simulation and experimental results and compared to previous data collection procedures.

3D Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2024

Forest Carbon Storage in the Western United States: Distribution, Drivers, and Trends

Abstract Forests are a large carbon sink and could serve as natural climate solutions that help moderate future warming. Thus, establishing forest carbon baselines is essential for tracking climate‐mitigation targets. Western US forests are natural climate solution hotspots but are profoundly threatened by drought and altered disturbance regimes. How these factors shape spatial patterns of carbon storage and carbon change over time is poorly resolved. Here, we estimate live and dead forest carbon density in 19 forested western US ecoregions with national inventory data (2005–2019) to determine: (a) current carbon distributions, (b) underpinning drivers, and (c) recent trends. Potential drivers of current carbon included harvest, wildfire, insect and disease, topography, and climate. Using random forests, we evaluated driver importance and relationships with current live and dead carbon within ecoregions. We assessed trends using linear models. Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Southwest (SW) ecoregions were most and least carbon dense, respectively. Climate was an important carbon driver in the SW and Lower Rockies. Fire reduced live and increased dead carbon, and was most important in the Upper Rockies and California. No ecoregion was unaffected by fire. Harvest and private ownership reduced carbon, particularly in the PNW. Since 2005, live carbon declined across much of the western US, likely from drought and fire. Carbon has increased in PNW ecoregions, likely recovering from past harvest, but recent record fire years may alter trajectories. Our results provide insight into western US forest carbon function and future vulnerabilities, which is vital for effective climate change mitigation strategies.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗
DOE OSTI2022

Enabling reactive microscopy with MicroMator

Microscopy image analysis has recently made enormous progress both in terms of accuracy and speed thanks to machine learning methods and improved computational resources. This greatly facilitates the online adaptation of microscopy experimental plans using real-time information of the observed systems and their environments. Applications in which reactiveness is needed are multifarious. Here we report MicroMator, an open and flexible software for defining and driving reactive microscopy experiments. It provides a Python software environment and an extensible set of modules that greatly facilitate the definition of events with triggers and effects interacting with the experiment. We provide a pedagogic example performing dynamic adaptation of fluorescence illumination on bacteria, and demonstrate MicroMator’s potential via two challenging case studies in yeast to single-cell control and single-cell recombination, both requiring real-time tracking and light targeting at the single-cell level.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Development of robust and multi-mode control of tearing in DIII-D

Neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) are instabilities that can produce undesirable magnetic islands in tokamak plasmas. They can be stabilized by applying electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) at the island. The NTM control system on DIII-D can now control multiple modes. Each of 6 mirrors that reflect ECCD beams into the plasma can be assigned to different surfaces in the plasma where NTMs are unstable. The control system then steers the mirrors to keep the beams aimed at the surfaces. The system routinely stabilizes one NTM preemptively and has now also been used to control two modes in the same discharge. With the “catch-and-subdue” function, ECCD-generating gyrotrons can be turned on when NTMs appear and off after suppression. Newly triggered NTMs can be promptly suppressed if mode onset is detected early and ECCD immediately applied. Early mode detection is achieved in this paper by spectral analysis of Mirnov probes with a band-pass filter for the expected mode frequency. Targeted surfaces are tracked by equilibrium reconstructions (that include measurements of the motional Stark effect). The ECCD position is tracked by ray-tracing using the TORBEAM code. Several techniques are being explored for fine-tuning alignment when NTMs occur. One method adjusts ECCD alignment in steps until the island decays fast enough. A second method sweeps the alignment to find the optimum. A third method pulses gyrotrons and uses electron cyclotron emission to compare where the resulting temperature pulses are relative to temperature fluctuations from a rotating NTM. NTM control in ITER is expected to use active profile regulation to maximize controllability, followed by repeated catch-and-subdue actions if modes are retriggered, in order to maintain island size below the disruptive threshold while maximizing confinement and fusion gain. Between events, real-time tracking will be performed to maintain alignment and readiness for subsequent catch-andsubdue actions. Methods for active probing of stability boundaries will be studied as possible diagnostics for the profile regulation. Finally, selected elements of this ITER NTM control vision will be discussed and assessed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Correlative Magnetic Imaging of Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording Media in Cross Section Using Lorentz TEM and MFM

In order to increase the storage density of hard disk drives, a detailed understanding of the magnetic structure of the granular magnetic layer is essential. Here, we demonstrate an experimental procedure of imaging recorded bits on heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media in cross section using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (TEM). With magnetic force microscopy and focused ion beam (FIB), we successfully targeted a single track to prepare cross-sectional TEM specimens. Then, we characterized the magnetic structure of bits with their precise location and orientation using Fresnel mode of Lorentz TEM. Here, this method can promote understanding of the correlation between bits and their material structure in HAMR media to design better the magnetic layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-D-17A-01: Geometric and Dosimetric Evaluation of a 4D-CBCT Reconstruction Technique Using Prior Knowledge

Purpose: To evaluate a 4D-CBCT reconstruction technique both geometrically and dosimetrically Methods: A prior-knowledge guided 4DC-BCT reconstruction method named the motion-modeling and free-form deformation (MM-FD) has been developed. MM-FD views each phase of the 4D-CBCT as a deformation of a prior CT volume. The deformation field is first solved by principal component analysis based motion modeling, followed by constrained free-form deformation.The 4D digital extended-cardiac- torso (XCAT) phantom was used for comprehensive evaluation. Based on a simulated 4D planning CT of a lung patient, 8 different scenarios were simulated to cover the typical on-board anatomical and respiratory variations: (1) synchronized and (2) unsynchronized motion amplitude change for body and tumor; tumor (3) shrinkage and (4) expansion; tumor average position shift in (5) superior-inferior (SI) direction, (6) anterior-posterior (AP) direction and (7) SI, AP and lateral directions altogether; and (8) tumor phase shift relative to the respiratory cycle of the body. Orthogonal-view 30° projections were simulated based on the eight patient scenarios to reconstruct on-board 4D-CBCTs. For geometric evaluation, the volume-percentage-difference (VPD) was calculated to assess the volumetric differences between the reconstructed and the ground-truth tumor.For dosimetric evaluation, a gated treatment plan was designed for the prior 4D-CT. The dose distributions were calculated on the reconstructed 4D-CBCTs and the ground-truth images for comparison. The MM-FD technique was compared with MM-only and FD-only techniques. Results: The average (±s.d.) VPD values of reconstructed tumors for MM-only, FDonly and MM-FD methods were 59.16%(± 26.66%), 75.98%(± 27.21%) and 5.22%(± 2.12%), respectively. The average min/max/mean dose (normalized to prescription) of the reconstructed tumors by MM-only, FD-only, MM-FD methods and ground-truth tumors were 78.0%/122.2%/108.2%, 13%/117.7%/86%, 58.1%/120.8%/103.6% and 57.6%/118.6%/101.8%,respectively. Conclusion: The MM-FD method provides superior reconstruction accuracy both geometrically and dosimetrically, which can potentially be used for 4D target localization, dose tracking and adaptive radiation therapy. This research is supported by grant from Varian Medical Systems.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Markerless tracking of small lung tumors for stereotactic radiotherapy

Purpose: (1) To validate retrospective markerless tracking software for small lung tumors by comparing tracked motion in 4-dimensional planning computed tomography (4DCT) derived kV projection images and known tumor motion in the same 4DCT. (2) To evaluate variability of tumor motion using kV projection images from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans acquired on different days. Methods: Nonclinical tumor tracking software (TTS) used a normalized cross correlation algorithm to track the tumor on enhanced kV projection images (e.g., from a CBCT scan). The reference dataset consisted of digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) from one phase of a planning 4DCT. TTS matches two in-plane coordinates and obtains the out-of-plane coordinate by triangulating with match results from other projections. (1) To validate TTS, tracking results were compared with known 4DCT tumor motion for two patients (A and B). Projection images (1 image/1°) were digitally reconstructed for each 4DCT phase. From these, kV projection series were composed simulating full breathing cycles every 20° of gantry rotation [breathing period = 20°/(6°/s) = 3.33 s]. Reference templates were 360 “tumor enhanced” DRRs from the 4DCT expiration phase. TTS-derived tumor motion was compared to known tumor motion on 4DCT. (2) For five patients, TTS-assessed motion during clinical CBCT acquisition was compared with motion on the planning 4DCT, and the motion component in the Y (cranio–caudal)-direction was compared with the motion of an external marker box (RPM, real-time position management). Results: (1) Validation results: TTS for case A (tumor 6.2 cm{sup 3}, 32 mm axial diameter) over 360° showed mean motion X (medial–lateral) = 3.4, Y = 11.5, and Z (ventral–dorsal) = 4.9 mm (1 SD < 1.0 mm). Corresponding 4DCT motion was X = 3.1, Y = 11.3, and Z = 5.1 mm. Correlation coefficients between TTS tumor motion and displacement of the tumor’s center of mass (CoM) on 4DCT were 0.64, 0.96, and 0.82 (X, Y, and Z, respectively). For case B (4.1 cm{sup 3}, 20 mm diameter), due to temporarily decreased tumor visibility preventing TTS from resolving the tumor, robust tracking data were only available between angles 300°–40° and 120°–220°. Mean motion according to TTS was X = 2.0, Y = 7.7, and Z = 8.2 mm (1 SD < 0.9 mm). Tumor motion on 4DCT was X = 1.8, Y = 7.6, and Z = 9.5 mm and correlation coefficients between TTS motion and CoM displacement were 0.59, 0.95, and 0.93 (X, Y, and Z, respectively). (2) Clinical results: TTS revealed a mean intrafraction variation in tumor motion in Y-direction of >2.0 mm (1 SD) in four of five patients. In addition, clinical tumor motion amplitude differed from that seen on planning 4DCT. Internal and external structures that create abrupt density change (e.g., table-top edge, interface between lung/mediastinum and lung/heart) were observed to prevent 360° tracking of the tumor. Correlation coefficients between TTS motion in the Y-direction and the RPM signal (22 observations) ranged from 0.78 to 0.96. In 2D, 241 TTS matches at end-inspiration and end-expiration were visually validated: mean difference was 0.8 mm (SD = 0.7) for both. Conclusions: TTS can track small lung tumors if these are visible in kV projections. A 4DCT dataset can be used to validate kV tracking of moving targets. TTS and 4DCT displacement agreed to within 2 mm. TTS and RPM motion were closely associated but tumor motion during CBCT can vary from the planning 4DCT.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

A Closed-Loop Proportional-Integral (PI) Control Software for Fully Mechanically Controlled Automated Electron Microscopic Tomography

A closed-loop proportional-integral (PI) control software is provided for fully mechanically controlled automated electron microscopic tomography. The software is developed based on Gatan DigitalMicrograph, and is compatible with Zeiss LIBRA 120 transmission electron microscope. However, it can be expanded to other TEM instrument with modification. The software consists of a graphical user interface, a digital PI controller, an image analyzing unit, and other drive units (i.e.: image acquire unit and goniometer drive unit). During a tomography data collection process, the image analyzing unit analyzes both the accumulated shift and defocus value of the latest acquired image, and provides the results to the digital PI controller. The digital PI control compares the results with the preset values and determines the optimum adjustments of the goniometer. The goniometer drive unit adjusts the spatial position of the specimen according to the instructions given by the digital PI controller for the next tilt angle and image acquisition. The goniometer drive unit achieves high precision positioning by using a backlash elimination method. The major benefits of the software are: 1) the goniometer drive unit keeps pre-aligned/optimized beam conditions unchanged and achieves position tracking solely through mechanical control; 2) the image analyzing unit relies on only historical data and therefore does not require additional images/exposures; 3) the PI controller enables the system to dynamically track the imaging target with extremely low system error.

Ren, Gang↗
DOE OSTI2022

People who inject drugs in metropolitan Chicago: A meta-analysis of data from 1997-2017 to inform interventions and computational modeling toward hepatitis C microelimination

Progress toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in the United States is not on track to meet targets set by the World Health Organization, as the opioid crisis continues to drive both injection drug use and increasing HCV incidence. A pragmatic approach to achieving this is using a microelimination approach of focusing on high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID). Computational models are useful in understanding the complex interplay of individual, social, and structural level factors that might alter HCV incidence, prevalence, transmission, and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination. However, these models need to be informed with realistic sociodemographic, risk behavior and network estimates on PWID. We conducted a meta-analysis of research studies spanning 20 years of research and interventions with PWID in metropolitan Chicago to produce parameters for a synthetic population for realistic computational models (e.g., agent-based models). We then fit an exponential random graph model (ERGM) using the network estimates from the meta-analysis in order to develop the network component of the synthetic population.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Multi-mode optical sensor (B) evaluation test report

An evaluation test series was performed on the unit to develop realistic specifications for a similar device for use on the orbiter vehicle. Tests included sensitivity, target dynamic range, tracking angular rate, external magnetic field effects, and photocathode uniformity. Several demonstrations of operation under automatic control were also prepared, using a desk calculator for numerical control and for subsequent reduction of data derived from the test.

Smith, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Flight service evaluation of an advanced composite empennage component on commercial transport aircraft. Phase 1: Engineering development

The empennage component selected for this program is the vertical fin box of the L-1011 aircraft. The box structure extends from the fuselage production joint to the tip rib and includes the front and rear spars. Various design options were evaluated to arrive at a configuration which would offer the highest potential for satisfying program objectives. The preferred configuration selected consists of a hat-stiffened cover with molded integrally stiffened spars, aluminum trussed composite ribs, and composite miniwich web ribs with integrally molded caps. Material screening tests were performed to select an advanced composite material system for the Advanced Composite Vertical Fin (ACFV) that would meet the program requirements from the standpoint of quality, reproducibility, and cost. Preliminary weight and cost analysis were made, targets established, and tracking plans developed. These include FAA certification, ancillary test program, quality control, and structural integrity control plans.

Ary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Radar observation of known and unknown clear echoes

Target cross-section as a function of wavelength for known insects, known bird, and dot targets is presented. Tracking data using the time series analysis was tabulated for known birds. Examples were selected from these early works to give entomologists some indication of the types of information that are available by radar as well as examples of the different sources of clear-air radar backscatter.

Glover, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A CCD tracker for closed-loop instrument pointing at Halley's comet

An optical tracker based on CCD technology has been developed for the closed-loop pointing of the narrow-angle imaging system of the proposed Halley's comet intercept mission at the comet nucleus. The target tracker, needed to assure the accurate pointing of science instruments as the nucleus rapidly passes the spacecraft, is a component of the pointing control system, which also includes a two-axis articulated instrument platform and high-resolution optical encoders to measure platform orientation relative to spacecraft structure. The device was designed on the basis of a CCD imaging array to calculate target centroid position based on the optical intensity of all pixels containing the image, and a processor to perform spacecraft attitude control, pointing control and target tracker control and data processing functions. The tracker has been configured to operate in both target acquisition and tracking modes. Preliminary simulation results and past experiments on similar trackers indicate that excellent tracking performance can be achieved, and a breadboard version of the tracker is currently being fabricated.

Stanton, R. H.↗