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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Overexpression of the Mas1 gene mitigated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in mammary epithelial cells by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathways

Breast infection is the primary etiology of mastitis in dairy cows, leading to a reduction in the quality of dairy products and resulting in substantial economic losses for animal husbandry. Although antibiotic treatment can eliminate the pathogenic microorganisms that induce mastitis, it cannot repair the inflammatory damage of mammary epithelial cells and blood milk barrier. Mas1 is a G protein-coupled receptor, and its role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced inflammatory injury to mammary epithelial cells has not been studied. LPS treatment of EpH4 EV cells led to a significant downregulation of Mas1 transcript levels, which attracted our great interest, suggesting that Mas1 may be an important target for the treatment of mastitis. Therefore, this study intends to verify the role of Mas1 in the inflammatory injury of EpH4 EV cells by gene overexpression technology and gene silencing technology. The findings demonstrated that the overexpression of the Mas1 gene effectively reversed the activation of the nuclear factor-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (NF-κB/MAPK) signaling pathways induced by LPS, while also suppressing the upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, overexpression of the Mas1 gene reversed the downregulation of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-3 caused by LPS, suggesting that Mas1 could promote to repair the blood-milk barrier. However, the silencing of the Mas1 gene using siRNA resulted in a contrasting effect. These results indicated that Mas1 alleviated the inflammatory injury of mammary epithelial cells induced by LPS.

Yan, Shuping↗
DOE OSTI2022

Application of Multiharmonic QCM-D for Detection of Plasmin at Hydrophobic Surfaces Modified by β-Casein

Plasmin protease plays an important role in many processes in living systems, including milk. Monitoring plasmin activity is important for control of the nutritional quality of milk and other dairy products. We designed a biosensor to detect the proteolytic activity of plasmin, using multiharmonic quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The β-casein immobilized on the hydrophobic surface of 1-dodecanethiol on the AT-cut quartz crystal was used to monitor plasmin activity. We demonstrated detection of plasmin in a concentration range of 0.1–20 nM, with the limit of detection about 0.13 ± 0.01 nM. The analysis of viscoelastic properties of the β-casein layer showed rapid changes of shear elasticity modulus, μ, and coefficient of viscosity, η, at plasmin sub-nanomolar concentrations, followed by modest changes at nanomolar concentrations, indicating multilayer architecture β-casein. A comparative analysis of viscoelastic properties of β-casein layers following plasmin and trypsin cleavage showed that the higher effect of trypsin was due to larger potential cleavage sites of β-casein.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Immunological Analysis of a Commercial Cashew Nut-Based Yogurt

Nut-based milks and yogurts are gaining popularity, but may not offer the same benefits as dairy yogurts to consumers. Cashew nuts often cause severe allergic reactions, and cashew nut allergens are stable to several types of processing. To compare its characteristics to dairy yogurt and characterize the effects of fermentation on the Ana o 1–3 cashew nut allergens, a commercial yogurt made from cashew nuts (Cashewgurt) was evaluated for microbiological, physiochemical, and immunological properties. Average counts for lactobacilli and Streptococcus thermophilus were greater than 10 million colony forming units per milliliter, indicating the capacity to provide a health benefit. Cashewgurt pH and viscosity values were comparable to cow milk yogurts, and it was off white in color. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated a clear reduction in Ana o 1 and 2, and immuno-assay with polyclonal anti-cashew IgG antibody and cashew-allergic IgE indicated an overall reduction in allergen content. In contrast, SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, immunoblot, and ELISA all revealed that Ana o 3 was relatively unaffected by the fermentation process. In conclusion, Ana o 1 and Ana o 2 are sensitive to degradation, while Ana o 3 survives lactic acid bacterial fermentation during yogurt production. The analysis presented here indicates that cashew nut yogurt is not suitable for those with cashew nut allergy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tailoring the rheological properties of high protein suspension by thermal-mechanical treatment

The viscoelasticity of concentrated protein suspensions associates closely with the mixing efficiency and cleaning frequency of facility during high-protein food development. This study investigated the effects of thermal-mechanical treatment on the viscoelasticity of milk protein isolate (MPI) suspensions and their underlying mechanisms to develop protein ingredient with low viscoelasticity. MPI suspensions (20%) were treated at 25, 50 and 85°C for 10-60 min under constant shear (100 s -1 ), followed by storage at 4°C. The viscosity (η) of MPI suspension treated at 50°C and 85°C was similar to 1-10% as those treated at 25 ° C. After four days of storage at 4°C, η showed the least value in 50°C-treated samples compared to those at 25 ° C and 85 ° C. The η and storage modulus (G') was decreased with prolonged treatment at 25 and 50°C, whereas opposite trend was found in 85°C treated samples. Differential scanning calorimetry found proteins in 50°C treated samples had smaller enthalpy than those in the control and 25°C treated samples. Protein surface hydrophobicity was increased slightly from 25°C to 50°C, but remarkably in 85°C treated samples. Ultra-small angle x-ray scattering showed the radius of gyration (R-g) of casein micelle was similar to 38 nm at 25°C and 50°C treated samples but increased to similar to 44 nm 85°C treated samples with reduced compactness. A new sphere-like structure with R-g of 18 nm was generated in 85°C treated samples. These findings suggested modulating temperature during thermal-mechanical treatment is essential to alter protein structures and morphology for desirable rheological properties.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Idaho National Laboratory Site Environmental Surveillance Report: First Quarter 2022

This report for the first quarter of 2022 contains results from the INL Site environmental surveillance program’s monitoring of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site’s onsite, boundary and distant location environment, January 1 through March 31, 2022. All sample types (media) and the sampling schedule followed during 2022 are listed in Appendix A. This report contains results for the following sample types: • Air, including particulate air filters, charcoal cartridges, and atmospheric moisture, • Quarterly composites, • Precipitation, • Milk, and • Large game animals

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Idaho National Laboratory Site Environmental Surveillance Program Report: Third Quarter 2022

This report for the third quarter of 2022 contains results from the INL Site environmental surveillance program’s monitoring of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site’s onsite, boundary and distant location environment, July 1 through September 30, 2022. All sample types (media) and the sampling schedule followed during 2022 are listed in Appendix A. This report contains results for the following sample types: • Air, including particulate air filters, charcoal cartridges, and atmospheric moisture, • Precipitation, • Milk, • Lettuce, • Grain, and • Large Game Animal Sampling.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Idaho National Laboratory Site Environmental Surveillance Program: Fourth Quarter 2022

This report for the fourth quarter of 2022 contains results from the INL Site environmental surveillance program’s monitoring of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site’s Onsite, Boundary and Offsite location environment, October 1 through December 31, 2022. All sample types (media) and the sampling schedule followed during 2022 are listed in Appendix A. This report contains results for the following sample types: • Air, including particulate air filters, charcoal cartridges, and atmospheric moisture, • Quarterly composites, • Precipitation, • Drinking and surface water, • Milk, • Potatoes, • Soil, • Large game animals, • Waterfowl, and • OSLDs.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Idaho National Laboratory Site Environmental Surveillance Program Report: First Quarter 2023

This report for the first quarter of 2023 contains results from the INL Site environmental surveillance program’s monitoring of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site’s onsite, boundary and offsite location environment, January 1 through March 31, 2023. All sample types (media) and the sampling schedule followed during 2023 are listed in Appendix A. This report contains results for the following sample types: •Air, including particulate air filters, charcoal cartridges, and atmospheric moisture •Quarterly composites •Precipitation •Milk •Large game animal sampling.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Idaho National Laboratory Site Environmental Surveillance Program Report: Third Quarter 2023

This report for the third quarter of 2023 contains results from the INL Site environmental surveillance program’s monitoring of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site’s onsite, boundary and offsite location environment, July 1 through September 30, 2023. All sample types (media) and the sampling schedule followed during 2023 are listed in Appendix A. This report contains results for the following sample types: (1) Air, including particulate air filters, charcoal cartridges, and atmospheric moisture; (2) Precipitation; (3) Surface water; (4) Milk; (5) Agricultural; and (6) Large game animal sampling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Idaho National Laboratory Site Environmental Surveillance Program Report: Second Quarter 2023

This report for the second quarter of 2023 contains results from the INL Site environmental surveillance program’s monitoring of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site’s onsite, boundary and offsite location environment, April 1 through June 30, 2023. All sample types (media) and the sampling schedule followed during 2023 are listed in Appendix A. This report contains results for the following sample types: (1) Air, including particulate air filters, charcoal cartridges, and atmospheric moisture; (2) Precipitation; (3) Drinking/surface water; (4) Milk; (5) OSLDs; and (6) Large Game Animal Sampling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Interdigitation-Induced Order and Disorder in Asymmetric Membranes

We studied the transleaflet coupling of compositionally asymmetric liposomes in the fluid phase. The vesicles were produced by cyclodextrin-mediated lipid exchange and contained dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in the inner leaflet and different mixed-chain phosphatidylcholines (PCs) as well as milk sphingomyelin (MSM) in the outer leaflet. In order to jointly analyze the obtained small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering data, we adapted existing models of trans-bilayer structures to measure the overlap of the hydrocarbon chain termini by exploiting the contrast of the terminal methyl ends in X-ray scattering. In all studied systems, the bilayer-asymmetry has large effects on the lipid packing density. Fully saturated mixed-chain PCs interdigitate into the DPPC-containing leaflet and evoke disorder in one or both leaflets. The long saturated acyl chains of MSM penetrate even deeper into the opposing leaflet, which in turn has an ordering effect on the whole bilayer. These results are qualitatively understood in terms of a balance of entropic repulsion of fluctuating hydrocarbon chain termini and van der Waals forces, which is modulated by the interdigitation depth. Monounsaturated PCs in the outer leaflet also induce disorder in DPPC despite vestigial or even absent interdigitation. Instead, the transleaflet coupling appears to emerge here from a matching of the inner leaflet lipids to the larger lateral lipid area of the outer leaflet lipids.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Application of a Novel Heat Pump Model for Estimating Economic Viability and Barriers of Heat Pumps in Dairy Applications in the United States

Heat pumps represent an important opportunity for energy savings and decarbonization. This work investigates the techno-economic performance of high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) for use in the U.S. dairy industry. The studied heat pump performs a 50 °C temperature lift on a waste heat stream of cleaning water and applies the upgraded heat stream to a fluid milk pasteurization process. This work involved the creation of a HTHP model that estimated the coefficient of performance (COP), internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and payback period (PBP), and emissions saved for a heat pump replacing a natural gas boiler. Capital costs, operations, and maintenance (O&M) cost, heat pump lifetime, electricity prices, natural gas prices, and a cost of carbon were varied to perform a parametric study on the factors affecting the break-even price of HTHPs. The results show that HTHP economics are highly sensitive to COP and energy price environment, and less sensitive to capital and O&M cost variance, leading to a large scatter of positive and negative NPVs based on U.S. location. PBPs demonstrate a defined threshold, based on energy price environment, below which favorable two-to-three-year PBPs predominate. This work is focused on the U.S. dairy industry, but international application in relation to fossil vs. electricity price regimes. Heat pumps have seen wider adoption in regions with a high ratio of fossil energy to electricity prices ($/MMBTU vs. $/kWh). The U.S. has plentiful natural gas resulting in lower fossil energy prices which has reduced heat pump adoption. This paper identifies potential first mover industries for HTHP adoption and their associated price regimes even in regions with lower ratios of fossil energy to electricity prices that exist many places globally.

ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION,↗
DOE OSTI2025

Genetically pliable green algae for bioproduction of modified fatty acids, nutritional therapeutic oils, and biopharmaceuticals

Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential tool for complex metabolic engineering in yeast, but transgene integration into plant and green algal nuclear genomes predominantly occurs by non-homologous end-joining. Species of the closely related, oleaginous trebouxiophytes Auxenochlorella and Prototheca, are unusual among the green algae in that HR is the favored mechanism for DNA integration into the nuclear genome. This property enables locus-specific targeting of gene cassettes encoding multiple enzymes for manipulating existing biochemical pathways or introducing new functions. Genetic malleability, and regulatory approval for human consumption, coupled with robust fermentation performance at industrial scale, establishes Auxenochlorella and Prototheca as prime candidates for algal production of biochemicals and biomaterials. The examples presented here highlight strain improvement and engineering for synthesis of hydroxylated fatty acids for biomaterials, structured triglycerides resembling human milk fat for infant nutrition, very-long-chain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids with nutraceutical or therapeutic potential, and cannabinoids for pharmacological applications.

Moseley, Jeffrey L. [University of California, Ber↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tracking alternative versions of the galactose gene network in the genus Saccharomyces and their expansion after domestication

When Saccharomyces cerevisiae grows on mixtures of glucose and galactose, galactose utilization is repressed by glucose, and induction of the GAL gene network only occurs when glucose is exhausted. Contrary to reference GAL alleles, alternative alleles support faster growth on galactose, thus enabling distinct galactose utilization strategies maintained by balancing selection. Here, we report on new wild populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae harboring alternative GAL versions and, for the first time, of Saccharomyces paradoxus alternative alleles. We also show that the non-functional GAL version found earlier in Saccharomyces kudriavzevii is phylogenetically related to the alternative versions, which constitutes a case of trans-specific maintenance of highly divergent alleles. Strains harboring the different GAL network variants show different levels of alleviation of glucose repression and growth proficiency on galactose. We propose that domestication involved specialization toward thriving in milk from a generalist ancestor partially adapted to galactose consumption in the plant niche.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enhanced 2'-Fucosyllactose production by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae using xylose as a co-substrate

2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide with confirmed benefits for infant health, is a promising infant formula ingredient. Although Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Bacillus subtilis have been engineered to produce 2'-FL, their titers and productivities need be improved for economic production. Glucose along with lactose have been used as substrates for producing 2'-FL, but accu- mulation of by-products due to overflow metabolism of glucose hampered efficient production of 2' -FL regardless of a host strain. To circumvent this problem, we used xylose, which is the second most abundant sugar in plant cell wall hydrolysates and is metabolized through oxidative metabolism, for the production of 2'-FL by engi- neered yeast. Specifically, we modified an engineered S. cerevisiae strain capable of assimilating xylose to pro- duce 2' -FL from a mixture of xylose and lactose. First, a lactose transporter (Lac12) from Kluyveromyces lactis was introduced. Second, a heterologous 2'-FL biosynthetic pathway consisting of enzymes Gmd, WcaG, and WbgL from Escherichia coli was introduced. Third, we adjusted expression levels of the heterologous genes to maximize 2'-FL production. The resulting engineered yeast produced 25.5 g/L of 2'-FL with a volumetric productivity of 0.35 g/L∙h in a fed-batch fermentation with lactose and xylose feeding to mitigate the glucose repression. Interestingly, the major location of produced 2'-FL by the engineered yeast can be changed using different culture media. While 72% of the produced 2'-FL was secreted when a complex medium was used, 82% of the produced 2'-FL remained inside the cells when a minimal medium was used. In conclusion, as yeast extract is already used as food and animal feed ingredients, 2'-FL enriched yeast extract can be produced cost-effectively using the 2'-FL-accumu- lating yeast cells.

2′ -fucosyllactose↗
DOE OSTI2020

A data mining approach to investigate food groups related to incidence of bladder cancer in the BLadder cancer Epidemiology and Nutritional Determinants International Study

Abstract At present, analysis of diet and bladder cancer (BC) is mostly based on the intake of individual foods. The examination of food combinations provides a scope to deal with the complexity and unpredictability of the diet and aims to overcome the limitations of the study of nutrients and foods in isolation. This article aims to demonstrate the usability of supervised data mining methods to extract the food groups related to BC. In order to derive key food groups associated with BC risk, we applied the data mining technique C5.0 with 10-fold cross-validation in the BLadder cancer Epidemiology and Nutritional Determinants study, including data from eighteen case–control and one nested case–cohort study, compromising 8320 BC cases out of 31 551 participants. Dietary data, on the eleven main food groups of the Eurocode 2 Core classification codebook, and relevant non-diet data (i.e. sex, age and smoking status) were available. Primarily, five key food groups were extracted; in order of importance, beverages (non-milk); grains and grain products; vegetables and vegetable products; fats, oils and their products; meats and meat products were associated with BC risk. Since these food groups are corresponded with previously proposed BC-related dietary factors, data mining seems to be a promising technique in the field of nutritional epidemiology and deserves further examination.

Nutrition & Dietetics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Three-Dimensional Mass Spectrometric Imaging of Biological Structures Using a Vacuum-Compatible Microfluidic Device

Three-dimensional (3D) molecular imaging of biological structures is important for a wide range of research. In recent decades, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has been recognized as a powerful technique for both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D molecular imaging. Sample fixations (e. g., chemical fixation and cryogenic fixation methods) are necessary to adapt biological samples to the vacuum condition in the SIMS chamber, which has been demonstrated to be non-trivial and less controllable, thus limiting the wider application of SIMS on 3D molecular analysis of biological samples. Our group recently developed in situ liquid SIMS that offers great opportunities for the molecular study of various liquids and liquid interfaces. In this work, we demonstrate that a further development of the vacuum-compatible microfluidic device used in in situ liquid SIMS provides a convenient freeze-fixation of biological samples and leads to more controllable and convenient 3D molecular imaging. The special design of this new vacuum-compatible liquid chamber allows an easy determination of sputter rates of ice, which is critical for calibrating the depth scale of frozen biological samples. Sputter yield of a 20 keV Ar 1800 + ion on ice has been determined as 1500 (± 8%) water molecules per Ar 1800 + ion, consistent with our results from molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, using the information of ice sputter yield, we successfully conduct 3D molecular imaging of frozen homogenized milk and observe network structures of interesting organic and inorganic species. Finally, taken together, our results will significantly benefit various research fields relying on 3D molecular imaging of biological structures.

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

Neurospora intermedia from a traditional fermented food enables waste-to-food conversion

AbstractFungal fermentation of food and agricultural by-products holds promise for improving food sustainability and security. However, the molecular basis of fungal waste-to-food upcycling remains poorly understood. Here we use a multi-omics approach to characterize oncom, a fermented food traditionally produced from soymilk by-products in Java, Indonesia. Metagenomic sequencing of samples from small-scale producers in Western Java indicated that the fungus Neurospora intermedia dominates oncom. Further transcriptomic, metabolomic and phylogenomic analysis revealed that oncom-derived N. intermedia utilizes pectin and cellulose degradation during fermentation and belongs to a genetically distinct subpopulation associated with human-generated by-products. Finally, we found that N. intermedia grew on diverse by-products such as fruit and vegetable pomace and plant-based milk waste, did not encode mycotoxins, and could create foods that were positively perceived by consumers outside Indonesia. These results showcase the traditional significance and future potential of fungal fermentation for creating delicious and nutritious foods from readily available by-products.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗