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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Multi-omics data resource: Data package 23 (Pck023)

The data package consists of isolated pancreatic islets from adult male C57BL6/J mice treated with IL-1β + IFNγ, IL-1β + IFNγ + NMMA, or NMMA alone for 18 h and submitted for scRNA-seq. This study focused on the cell-type-specific effects of nitric oxide signaling in islets and characterized the heterogeneity of responses. Data contributors: Jennifer S Stancill & John A Corbett: Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA Data repository: GSE183010 Publication: 10.1093/function/zqab063

Sarkar, Soumyadeep [Pacific Northwest National Lab↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multiplexed Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Detection of Heavy Metals in Water Using Nanocomposites Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes Integrated With a 3D-Printed Flow Cell

In this study, we present multiplexed anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) detection of heavy metal ions (HMIs)—As(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II)—using a homemade electrochemical cell consisting of dual working, reference and counter screen-printed electrodes (SPE) on polyimide substrate integrated with a 3D-printed flow cell. Working and counter electrodes were fabricated by the screen-printing of graphite paste while the Ag/AgCl paste was screen-printed as a reference electrode (Ag/AgCl quasi-reference electrode). The working electrodes were modified with (BiO) 2 CO 3 -reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-Nafion [(BiO) 2 CO 3 -rGO-Nafion] and Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 MNPs) decorated Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)-ionic liquid (IL) (Fe 3 O 4 -Au-IL) nanocomposites separately to enhance HMIs sensing. Electrochemical detection was achieved using square wave ASV technique. The desired structure of the flow electrochemical cell was optimized by the computational fluid dynamic (CFD). Different experimental parameters for stripping analysis of HMIs were optimized including deposition time, deposition potential and flow rate. The linear range of calibration curves with the sensing nanocomposites modified SPE for the three metal ions was from 0–50 μg/L. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) were estimated to be 2.4 μg/L for As(III), 1.2 μg/L for Pb(II) and 0.8 μg/L for Cd(II). Furthermore, the homemade flow anodic stripping sensor platform was used to detect HMIs in simulated river water with a 95–101% recovery, indicating high selectivity and accuracy and great potential for applicability even in complex matrices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Urban Impacts on Convective Squall Lines over Chicago in the Warm Season—Part I: Observations of Multi-Scale Convective Evolution

In this study, our aim is to diagnose how two quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS) are organized so one can determine the possible role of the city of Chicago, IL, USA, in modifying convective precipitation systems. In this Part I of a two-part study, we employ large-scale analyses, radiosonde soundings, surface observations, and Doppler radar data to diagnose the precursor atmospheric circulations that organize the evolution of two mesoscale convective systems and compare those circulations to radar and precipitation. Several multi-scale processes are found that organize and modify convection over the Chicago metroplex. Two sequential quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS #1 and #2) were organized that propagated over Chicago, IL, USA, during an eight-hour period on 5–6 July 2018. The first squall line (QLCS #1) built from the southwest to the northeast while strengthening as it propagated over the city, and the second (QLCS #2) propagated southeastwards and weakened as it passed over the city in association with a polar cold front. The weak upper-level divergence associated with a diffluent flow poleward of an expansive ridge built over and strengthened a low-level trough and confluence zone, triggering QLCS #1. Convective downdrafts from QLCS #1 produced a cold pool that interacted with multiple confluent low-level jets surrounding and focused on the metroplex urban heat island, thus advecting the convection poleward over the metroplex. The heaviest precipitation occurred just south-southeast of Midway Airport, Chicago. Subsequently, a polar cold front propagated into the metroplex, which triggered QLCS #2. However, the descending air above it under the polar jet and residual cold pool from QLCS #1 rapidly dissipated the cold frontal convection. This represents a case study where very active convection built over the metroplex and was likely modified by it, as evidenced in numerical simulations to be described in Part II.

Kaplan, Michael L.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Functionalization of Cathode–Electrolyte Interface with Ionic Liquids for High-Performance Quasi-Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: A Low-Sulfur Loading Study

We introduce a quasi-solid-state electrolyte lithium-sulfur (Li–S) battery (QSSEB) based on a novel Li-argyrodite solid-state electrolyte (SSE), Super P–Sulfur cathode, and Li-anode. The cathode was prepared using a water-based carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as the binder while Li6PS5F0.5Cl0.5 SSE was synthesized using a solvent-based process, via the introduction of LiF into the argyrodite crystal structure, which enhances both the ionic conductivity and interface-stabilizing properties of the SSE. Ionic liquids (IL) were prepared using lithium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as the salt, with pre-mixed pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (PYR) as solvent and 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) as diluent, and they were used to wet the SSE–electrode interfaces. The effect of IL dilution, the co-solvent amount, the LiTFSI concentration, the C rate at which the batteries are tested and the effect of the introduction of SSE in the cathode, were systematically studied and optimized to develop a QSSEB with higher capacity retention and cyclability. Interfacial reactions occurring at the cathode–SSE interface during cycling were also investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy supported by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. This work offers a new insight into the intimate interfacial contacts between the SSE and carbon–sulfur cathodes, which are critical for improving the electrochemical performance of quasi-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

X-ray Crystallographic Study of Preferred Spacing by the NF-κB p50 Homodimer on κB DNA

Though originally characterized as an inactive or transcriptionally repressive factor, the NF-κB p50 homodimer has become appreciated as a physiologically relevant driver of specific target gene expression. By virtue of its low affinity for cytoplasmic IκB protein inhibitors, p50 accumulates in the nucleus of resting cells, where it is a binding target for the transcriptional co-activator IκBζ. In this study, we employed X-ray crystallography to analyze the structure of the p50 homodimer on κB DNA from the promoters of human interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) genes, both of which respond to IκBζ. The NF-κB p50 homodimer binds 11-bp on IL-6 κB DNA, while, on NGAL κB DNA, the spacing is 12-bp. This begs the question: what DNA binding mode is preferred by NF-κB p50 homodimer? To address this, we engineered a “Test” κB-like DNA containing the core sequence 5'-GGGGAATTCCCC-3' and determined its X-ray crystal structure in complex with p50. This revealed that, when presented with multiple options, NF-κB p50 homodimer prefers to bind 11-bp, which necessarily imposes asymmetry on the complex despite the symmetry inherent in both the protein and its target DNA, and that the p50 dimerization domain can contact DNA via distinct modes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Eucalyptus Wood Smoke Extract Elicits a Dose-Dependent Effect in Brain Endothelial Cells

The frequency, duration, and size of wildfires have been increasing, and the inhalation of wildfire smoke particles poses a significant risk to human health. Epidemiological studies have shown that wildfire smoke exposure is positively associated with cognitive and neurological dysfunctions. However, there is a significant gap in knowledge on how wildfire smoke exposure can affect the blood–brain barrier and cause molecular and cellular changes in the brain. Our study aims to determine the acute effect of smoldering eucalyptus wood smoke extract (WSE) on brain endothelial cells for potential neurotoxicity in vitro. Primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) and immortalized human brain endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3) were treated with different doses of WSE for 24 h. WSE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in IL-8 in both HBMEC and hCMEC/D3. RNA-seq analyses showed a dose-dependent upregulation of genes involved in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathways and a decrease in tight junction markers in both HBMEC and hCMEC/D3. When comparing untreated controls, RNA-seq analyses showed that HBMEC have a higher expression of tight junction markers compared to hCMEC/D3. In summary, our study found that 24 h WSE treatment increases IL-8 production dose-dependently and decreases tight junction markers in both HBMEC and hCMEC/D3 that may be mediated through the AhR and NRF2 pathways, and HBMEC could be a better in vitro model for studying the effect of wood smoke extract or particles on brain endothelial cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Potential Role of Malassezia restricta in Pterygium Development

Pterygium is a condition affecting the ocular surface, marked by a triangular-shaped growth of fibrotic tissue extending from the nasal conjunctiva toward the corneal center, potentially causing visual impairment. While ultraviolet (UV )light exposure is the primary risk factor for pterygium, its underlying cause remains unclear. In order to better understand the true genesis of pterygium development, we investigated pterygium tissue and compared it with healthy conjunctiva controls. Given the eye’s direct environmental exposure, we analyzed the microbiota composition using metagenomic sequencing of pterygium tissue to identify microbes potentially associated with this condition. Metagenomic sequencing revealed a higher prevalence of the fungus Malassezia restricta in five pterygium samples, confirmed by in situ hybridization. The CHIT1 gene, which plays a role in antifungal defenses, displayed the highest expression in five pterygium tissue samples compared to healthy conjunctiva controls, suggesting the potential involvement of Malassezia restricta in pterygium development. Gene expression profiling of pterygium highlighted an IL-33 and IL-4 gene expression signature, along with an increased presence of M2 macrophages, emphasizing their role in promoting fibrosis—a hallmark feature of pterygium. The detection of Malassezia restricta in the pterygium samples and associated molecular changes provides novel insights into the ocular microbiome and raises the possibility of Malassezia’s involvement in pterygium pathology.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Structure-Based Design of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Human Interleukin-6

Human Interleukin-6 (hIL-6) is a pro inflammatory cytokine that binds to its receptor, IL-6Rα followed by binding to gp130 and subsequent dimerization to form a hexamer signaling complex. As a critical inflammation mediator, hIL-6 is associated with a diverse range of diseases and monoclonal antibodies in clinical use that either target IL-6Rα or hIL-6 to inhibit signaling. Here, we perform high-throughput structure-based computational screening using ensemble docking for small-molecule antagonists for which the target conformations were taken from 600 ns long molecular dynamics simulations of the apo protein. Prior knowledge of the contact sites from binary complex studies and experimental work was incorporated into the docking studies. The top 20 scoring ligands from the in silico studies after post analysis were subjected to in vitro functional assays. Among these compounds, the ligand with the second-highest calculated binding affinity experimentally showed an ~84% inhibitory effect on IL6-induced STAT3 reporter activity at 10 μM concentration. This finding may pave the way for designing small-molecule inhibitors of hIL-6 of therapeutic significance.

Human Interleukin-6↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effects of Dimethylamino Functional Group Substitution on the Physical, Structural and Radiolytic Properties of Pyridinium Ionic Liquids

A diverse range of 4-dimethylaminopyridinium (DMAP) bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-amide ionic liquids with specific functionalities (alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and benzyl) were designed, characterized and compared with their pyridinium analogs in terms of their physical and radiolytic properties. The influence of the dimethylamino group on ionic liquid structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics simulations. The influence of the electron-donating ability of the dimethylamino-substituted cation is evident in the differences in the electronic density of states between the DMAP and pyridinium ILs. This leads to substantial changes in the radical transients observed in pulse radiolysis of the neat ILs. It was found that the DMAP salts were higher melting, more viscous and less conducting than their pyridinium analogs. However, the DMAP salts exhibited higher thermal stabilities and could therefore be useful for high-temperature applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Impedance-Loaded Surface Acoustic Wave Corrosion Sensor for Infrastructure Monitoring

Passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are attractive candidates for continuous wireless monitoring of corrosion in large infrastructures. However, acoustic loss in the aqueous medium and limited read range usually create challenges in their widespread use for monitoring large systems such as oil and gas (O&G) pipelines, aircraft, and processing plants. This paper presents the investigation of impedance-loaded reflective delay line (IL-RDL) SAW devices for monitoring metal corrosion under O&G pipeline-relevant conditions. Specifically, we studied the effect of change in resistivity of a reflector on the backscattered signal of an RDL and investigated an optimal range through simulation. This was followed by the experimental demonstrations of real-time monitoring of Fe film corrosion in pressurized (550 psi) humid CO 2 conditions. Additionally, remote monitoring of Fe film corrosion in an acidic solution inside a 70 m carbon steel pipe was demonstrated using guided waves. This paper also suggests potential ways to improve the sensing response of IL-RDLs.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Aerosolized Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Microcystin-LR Induces Type 1/Type 17 Inflammation of Murine Airways

Harmful algal blooms are increasing globally and pose serious health concerns releasing cyanotoxins. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of the most frequently produced cyanotoxins, has recently been detected in aerosols generated by the normal motions of affected bodies of water. MC-LR aerosol exposure has been linked to a pro-inflammatory influence on the airways of mice; however, little is understood about the underlying mechanism or the potential consequences. This study aimed to investigate the pro-inflammatory effects of aerosolized MC-LR on murine airways. C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were exposed to MC-LR aerosols, as these strains are predisposed to type 1/type 17 and type 2 immune responses, respectively. Exposure to MC-LR induced granulocytic inflammation in C57BL/6 but not BALB/c mice, as observed by increased expression of cytokines MIP-1α, CXCL1, CCL2, and GM-CSF compared with their respective vehicle controls. Furthermore, the upregulation of interleukins IL-17A and IL-12 is consistent with Th1- and Th17-driven type 1/type 17 inflammation. Histological analysis confirmed inflammation in the C57BL/6 lungs, with elevated neutrophils and macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and increased pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving oxidized lipids. In contrast, BALB/c mice showed no significant airway inflammation. These results highlight the ability of aerosolized MC-LR to trigger harmful airway inflammation, requiring further research, particularly into populations with predispositions to type 1/type 17 inflammation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigation of Lubricant Additive Interactions on Gasoline Particulate Filters

To understand how the composition of novel lubricant additives and their ash interact with gasoline particulate filters (GPFs), an accelerated aging protocol was conducted using three lubricant additive formulations and two GPF types. The additive packages (adpaks) consisted of Ca+Mg detergent in a 3:1 or 0:1 ratio and an anti-wear component—either zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) or a novel phosphonium-phosphinate ionic liquid (IL) substitute. The particulate sampling captured amount/compositions of particulate matter (PM) generated, total particulate number, and size distribution. Five ash loadings were completed. GPF position and adpak composition affected the backpressure, ash composition, ash morphology, and captured mass. The particulate sampling indicated that the ash component consisted primarily of particles less than 50 nm in size and that the Mg-only adpak resulted in more particulate of 50–400 nm in size. Postmortem materials characterization indicated GPFs in the underfloor position had deeper penetration of ash into the walls compared to the close-coupled position. Additionally, the Mg-only adpak had a higher filter collection efficiency (>90%) and the ash particles consisted of a higher concentration of dense ash material. In contrast, four of the 3:1 Ca:Mg lubricant adpaks resulted in a collection efficiency of only 40–50%. Although the collection efficiency was higher with the Mg-only adpak, the ash layer in the GPF was not thicker, nor was the penetration into the wall more significant, and surprisingly the full useful life (FUL) backpressure was lower than with Ca:Mg adpaks. The higher density of the Mg-derived ash was the only detectable difference. A possible explanation of this observation is that Mg ash has a lower melting point and is more susceptible to densification during combustion or GPF regeneration. The substitution of IL in place of the ZDDP did not lead to any notable changes in collection efficiency or location of the ash.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Profiling the molecular destruction rates of temperature and humidity as well as the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation in the convective boundary layer

A simultaneous deployment of Doppler, temperature, and water-vapor lidars is able to provide profiles of molecular destruction rates and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation in the convective boundary layer (CBL). Horizontal wind profiles and profiles of vertical wind, temperature, and moisture fluctuations are combined, and transversal temporal autocovariance functions (ACFs) are determined for deriving the dissipation and molecular destruction rates. These are fundamental loss terms in the TKE as well as the potential temperature and mixing ratio variance equations. These ACFs are fitted to their theoretical shapes and coefficients in the inertial subrange. Error bars are estimated by a propagation of noise errors. Sophisticated analyses of the ACFs are performed in order to choose the correct range of lags of the fits for fitting their theoretical shapes in the inertial subrange as well as for minimizing systematic errors due to temporal and spatial averaging and micro- and mesoscale circulations. We demonstrate that we achieve very consistent results of the derived profiles of turbulent variables regardless of whether 1 or 10 s time resolutions are used. We also show that the temporal and spatial length scales of the fluctuations in vertical wind, moisture, and potential temperature are similar with a spatial integral scale of ≈160 m at least in the mixed layer (ML). The profiles of the molecular destruction rates show a maximum in the interfacial layer (IL) and reach values of ϵ m ≃ 7 x 10 -4 g 2 kg −2 s −1 for mixing ratio and ϵ θ ≃ 1.6 x 10 -3 K 2 s −1 for potential temperature. In contrast, the maximum of the TKE dissipation is reached in the ML and amounts to ≃ 10 -2 m 2 s −3 . We also demonstrate that the vertical wind ACF coefficient k w ∝ $\overline{w'^{2}}$ and the TKE dissipation ϵ ∝ ($\overline{w'^{2}}$) 3/2 . For the molecular destruction rates, we show that ϵ m ∝ $\overline{m'^{2}}$ ($\overline{w'^{2}}$) 1/2 and ϵ θ ∝ $\overline{θ'^{2}}$ ($\overline{w'^{2}}$) 1/2 . These equations can be used for parameterizations of ϵ, ϵ m , and ϵ θ . All noise error bars are derived by error propagation and are small enough to compare the results with previous observations and large-eddy simulations. The results agree well with previous observations but show more detailed structures in the IL. Consequently, the synergy resulting from this new combination of active remote sensors enables the profiling of turbulent variables such as integral scales, variances, TKE dissipation, and the molecular destruction rates as well as deriving relationships between them. The results can be used for the parameterization of turbulent variables, TKE budget analyses, and the verification of large-eddy simulations.

dissipation rate↗
NASA NTRS1972

Flight evaluation of three-dimensional area navigation for jet transport noise abatement.

The NASA, working with American Airlines, has completed the first phase of research to evaluate the operational feasibility of two-segment approaches for noise abatement. For these tests, area navigation was used to establish the upper glide slope and an ILS was used to establish the lower. The flight director was modified to provide command information during the entire approach. Twenty-eight pilots representing the airlines, professional pilot associations, FAA, and NASA participated. With an ILS approach for comparison, the procedure gave a noise reduction of 18 EPNdB at the outer marker and 8 EPNdB 1.1 n. mi. from touchdown.

Denery, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Noise measurements obtained during engineering evaluation of two-segment approaches in a 727-200 aircraft

A series of noise measurements were made during engineering evaluation tests of two-segment approaches in a 727-200 aircraft equipped with acoustically treated nacelles. A two-segment approach having a 6-degree upper glide slope angle intercepting the Instrument Landing System (ILS) 2.9-degree glide slope at an altitude of 690 feet gave a 5-EPNdB decrease in measured noise at distances greater than 3 nautical miles from the runway threshold when compared with a normal ILS approach. Several of the noise measurements were taken under adverse weather conditions which were outside the specified limits of FAR Part 36. This may introduce uncertainties into the data from several approaches.

Tanner, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Noise measurements at Stockton Airport obtained during engineering evaluation of two-segment approaches in a 727-222 aircraft

The results of acoustic measurements made on a 727-222 aircraft during standard ILS and two-segment approaches are presented. The aircraft was equipped with a special purpose glide slope computer to provide the capability of making two-segment noise abatement approaches. For upper segment computations, the computer used barometric-corrected pressure altitude and the slant range to a DME transmitter which was colocated with the glide slope transmitter. The computer used the ILS glide slope deviation for lower segment computations. Additional measurements were made on 737 revenue aircraft using the Stockton Airport. The purpose of the acoustical portion of the test was to measure and identify the noise levels during the various approaches.

Glass, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Flight evaluation of advanced control systems and displays on a general aviation airplane

A flight-test program was conducted to determine the effect of advanced flight control systems and displays on the handling qualities of a light twin-engined airplane. A flight-director display and an attitude-command control system, used separately and in combination, transformed a vehicle with poor handling qualities during ILS approaches in turbulent air into a vehicle with good handling qualities. The attitude-command control system also improved the ride qualities of the airplane. A rate-command control system made only small improvements to the airplane's ILS handling qualities in turbulence. Both the rate- and the attitude-command control systems reduced stall warning in the test airplane, increasing the likelihood of inadvertent stalls. The final approach to the point of flare was improved by both the rate- and the attitude-command control systems. However, the small control wheel deflections necessary to flare were unnatural and tended to cause overcontrolling during flare. Airplane handling qualities are summarized for each control-system and display configuration.

Loschke, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Models for estimating runway landing capacity with Microwave Landing System (MLS)

A model is developed which is capable of computing the ultimate landing runway capacity, under ILS and MLS conditions, when aircraft population characteristics and air traffic control separation rules are given. This model can be applied in situations when only a horizontal separation between aircraft approaching a runway is allowed, as well as when both vertical and horizontal separations are possible. It is assumed that the system is free of errors, that is that aircraft arrive at specified points along the prescribed flight path precisely when the controllers intend for them to arrive at these points. Although in the real world there is no such thing as an error-free system, the assumption is adequate for a qualitative comparison of MLS with ILS. Results suggest that an increase in runway landing capacity, caused by introducing the MLS multiple approach paths, is to be expected only when an aircraft population consists of aircraft with significantly differing approach speeds and particularly in situations when vertical separation can be applied. Vertical separation can only be applied if one of the types of aircraft in the mix has a very steep descent angle.

Tosic, V.↗