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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 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

A Multifunctional Coating for Autonomous Corrosion Control

This slide presentation reviews the effects of corrosion on various structures at the Kennedy Space Center, and the work to discover a corrosion control coating that will be autonomous and will indicate corrosion at an early point in the process. Kennedy Space Center has many environmental conditions that are corrosive: ocean salt spray, heat, humidity, sunlight and acidic exhaust from the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs). Presented is a chart which shows the corrosion rates of carbon steel at various locations. KSC has the highest corrosion rates with 42.0 mils/yr, leading the next highest Galeta Point Beach, in the Panama Canal Zone with 27 mils/yr corrosion. A chart shows the changes in corrosion rate with the distance from the ocean. The three types of corrosion protective coatings are described: barrier (passive), Barrier plus active corrosion inhibiting components, and smart. A smart coating will detect and respond actively to changes in its environment in a functional and predictable manner and is capable of adapting its properties dynamically. The smart coating uses microcapsules, particles or liquid drops coated in polymers, that can detect and control the corrosion caused by the environment. The mechanism for a pH sensitive microcapsule and the hydrophobic core microcapsule are demonstrated and the chemistry is reviewed. When corrosion begins, the microcapsule will release the contents of the core (indicator, inhibitor, and self healing agent) in close proximity to the corrosion. The response to a pH increase is demonstrated by a series of pictures that show the breakdown of the microcapsule and the contents release. An example of bolt corrosion is used, as an example of corrosion in places that are difficult to ascertain. A comparison of various coating systems is shown.

Calle, L. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Predicting transcription factor activity using prior biological information

Dysregulation of normal transcription factor activity is a common driver of disease. Therefore, the detection of aberrant transcription factor activity is important to understand disease pathogenesis. We have developed Priori, a method to predict transcription factor activity from RNA sequencing data. Priori has two key advantages over existing methods. First, Priori utilizes literature-supported regulatory information to identify transcription factor-target gene relationships. It then applies linear models to determine the impact of transcription factor regulation on the expression of its target genes. Second, results from a third-party benchmarking pipeline reveals that Priori detects aberrant activity from 124 single-gene perturbation experiments with higher sensitivity and specificity than 11 other methods. We applied Priori and other top-performing methods to predict transcription factor activity from two large primary patient datasets. Our work demonstrates that Priori uniquely discovered significant determinants of survival in breast cancer and identified mediators of drug response in leukemia.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A multiplexed nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS) assay for simultaneously detecting glycosyl hydrolase and lignin modifying enzyme activities

Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of three major biopolymers: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Analytical tools capable of quickly detecting both glycan and lignin deconstruction are needed to support the development and characterization of efficient enzymes/enzyme cocktails. Previously we have described nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry-based assays for the analysis of glycosyl hydrolase and most recently an assay for lignin modifying enzymes. Here we integrate these two assays into a single multiplexed assay against both classes of enzymes and use it to characterize crude commercial enzyme mixtures. Application of our multiplexed platform based on nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry enabled us to characterize crude mixtures of laccase enzymes from fungi Agaricus bisporus (Ab) and Myceliopthora thermophila (Mt) revealing activity on both carbohydrate and aromatic substrates. Using time-series analysis we determined that crude laccase from Ab has the higher GH activity and that laccase from Mt has the higher activity against our lignin model compound. Inhibitor studies showed a significant reduction in Mt GH activity under low oxygen conditions and increased activities in the presence of vanillin (common GH inhibitor). Ultimately, this assay can help to discover mixtures of enzymes that could be incorporated into biomass pretreatments to deconstruct diverse components of lignocellulosic biomass.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Highly Sensitive and Selective Immuno-capture/Electrochemical Assay of Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Red Blood Cells: A Biomarker of Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides and Nerve Agents

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity in red blood cells (RBCs) is a useful biomarker for biomonitoring of exposures to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and chemical nerve agents. In this paper, we reported a new method for AChE activity assay based on selective immuno-capture of AChE from biological samples followed by enzyme activity assay of captured AChE using a disposable electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor is based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes-gold nanocomposites (MWCNTs-Au) modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Upon the completion of immunoreaction, the target AChE (including active and inhibited) is captured onto the electrode surface and followed by an electrochemical detection of enzymatic activity in the presence of acetylthiocholine. A linear response is obtained over standard AChE concentration range from 0.1 to 10 nM. To demonstrate the capability of this new biomonitoring method, AChE solutions dosed with different concentration of paraoxon were used to validate the new AChE assay method. AChE inhibition in OP dosed solutions was proportional to its concentration from 0.2 to 50 nM. The new AChE activity assay method for biomonitoring of OP exposure was further validated with in-vitro paraoxon-dosed RBC samples. The established electrochemical sensing platform for AChE activity assay not only avoids the problem of overlapping substrate specificity with esterases by using selective antibody, but also eliminates potential interference from other electroactive species in biological samples. It offers a new approach for sensitive, selective, and rapid AChE activity assay for biomonitoring of exposures to OPs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Design and Fabrication of Cherenkov Counters for the Detection of SNM

The need for large-size detectors for long-range active interrogation (AI) detection of SNM has generated interest in water-based detector technologies. Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCD) were selected for this research because of their transportability, scalability, and an inherent energy threshold. The detector design and analysis was completed using the Geant4 toolkit. It was demonstrated both computationally and experimentally that it is possible to use WCD to detect and characterize gamma rays. Absolute efficiency of the detector (with no energy cuts applied) was determined to be around 30% for a {sup 60}Co source.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Rotaxane-mediated suppression and activation of cucurbit[6]uril for molecular detection by 129 Xe hyperCEST NMR

Here, we report a method for blocking interactions between 129 Xe and cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) until activation by a specific chemical event. We then synthesized a CB6-rotaxane that allowed no 129 Xe interaction with the CB6 macrocycle component until a cleavage event released the CB6, which then produced a 129 Xe@CB6 NMR signal. This contrast-upon-activation 129 Xe NMR platform allows for modular synthesis and can be expanded to applications in detection and disease imaging.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2012

Satellite Detection of Orographic Gravity-wave Activity in the Winter Subtropical Stratosphere over Australia and Africa

Orographic gravity-wave (OGW) parameterizations in models produce waves over subtropical mountain ranges in Australia and Africa that propagate into the stratosphere during austral winter and deposit momentum, affecting weather and climate. Satellite sensors have measured stratospheric GWs for over a decade, yet find no evidence of these waves. So are parameterizations failing here? Here we argue that the short wavelengths of subtropical OGWs place them near or below the detection limits of satellite sensors. To test this hypothesis, we reanalyze nine years of stratospheric radiances from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on NASA's Aqua satellite during austral winter, applying new averaging techniques to maximize signal-to-noise and improve thresholds for OGW detection. Deep climatological enhancements in stratospheric OGW variance over specific mountain ranges in Australia and southern Africa are revealed for the first time, which exhibit temporal and vertical variations consistent with predicted OGW responses to varying background winds.

Australia and Africa↗
DOE OSTI2024

Detection of uranium-photofission neutrons with a 4 He scintillation detector

The use of photon active interrogation to detect special nuclear material has held significant theoretical promise, as the interrogating source particles, photons, are fundamentally different from one of the main signatures of special nuclear material: neutrons produced in nuclear fission. However, neutrons produced by photonuclear reactions in the accelerator target, collimator, and environment can obscure the fission neutron signal. These (γ, n) neutrons could be discriminated from fission neutrons by their energy spectrum, but common detectors sensitive to the neutron spectrum, like organic scintillators, are typically hampered by the intense photon background characteristic of photon-based active interrogation. In contrast, high-pressure 4 ⁢He-based scintillation detectors are well-suited to photon active interrogation, as they are similarly sensitive to fast neutrons and can measure their spectrum, but show little response to gamma rays. Here, in this work, a photon active interrogation system utilizing a 4 ⁢He scintillation detector and a 9 MeV linac-bremsstrahlung x-ray source was experimentally evaluated. The detector was shown to be capable of operating in intense gamma-ray environments and detecting photofission neutrons from 238 ⁢U when interrogated by this x-ray source. The photofission neutrons show clear spectral separation from (γ, n) neutrons produced in lead, a common shielding material.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1983

Detecting forest canopy change due to insect activity using Landsat MSS

Multitemporal Landsat multispectral scanner data were analyzed to test various computer-aided analysis techniques for detecting significant forest canopy alteration. Three data transformations - differencing, ratioing, and a vegetative index difference - were tested to determine which best delineated gypsy moth defoliation. Response surface analyses were conducted to determine optimal threshold levels for the individual transformed bands and band combinations. Results indicate that, of the three transformations investigated, a vegetative index difference (VID) transformation most accurately delineates forest canopy change. Band 5 (0.6 to 0.7 micron ratioed data did nearly as well. However, other single bands and band combinations did not improve upon the band 5 ratio and VID results.

Nelson, R. F.↗
DOE OSTI2025

CAMIS: A Cylindrical Active Mask Imaging System

Detecting and locating radiological and nuclear materials at distances of 10 m or more in urban and cluttered environments continues to pose challenges in nuclear security and proliferation detection. Previous approaches have focused on large-area radiation imaging using planar configurations of detectors and passive masks. However, these approaches suffer from limitations such as limited field-of-view (FOV) and reduced detection efficiency due to absorption in the mask. To address these limitations, we have developed the cylindrical active mask imaging system (CAMIS). This system comprises 128 NaI(Tl) (10 cm)3 detectors. These detectors are arranged in a cylindrical configuration, enabling gamma-ray imaging with a full 360° azimuthal FOV. The active mask elements within the system are arranged in a pseudorandom configuration, providing unique encoding for all incident directions within the FOV. CAMIS offers an effective detection area of approximately 1 m2 across the entire 360° FOV in the horizontal plane, achieving a mean angular resolution of 10.9° in the azimuthal direction and 12.9° in the polar direction measured by taking the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of a cross-section at the maximum reconstructed intensity.

Lamb, C↗
DOE OSTI2019

MARSAME Radiological Release Report for Metal Items from TA 53- Set 16

EPC-ES has evaluated the survey results for metal items from the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and found that the metal items described in Table 1 of this report (identified by RP Tracking Numbers) meet the criteria for unrestricted release under DOE Order 458.1 Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment and can be recycled. This conclusion is based on the known history of the metal items and on radiation survey data (see the completed RP-Form-036 LANSCE Metals Clearance Log for each item). None of the items in this report are located within radiological areas. Therefore, the items are considered unencumbered and are not subject to the moratorium suspension on metal recycling from Department of Energy facilities. Additionally, LANL has determined that there is no practical opportunity for internal DOE reuse or recycling of this metal. Process knowledge indicates that these metal items were unlikely to ever be in direct contact with the beam and thus are unlikely to have become activated. Surface contamination measurements (both total and removable) showed either no detectable radioactivity or activity levels within the range of background. All measurements for volumetric contamination were indistinguishable from background based on calculated decision limits. Additionally, all gamma isotopic surveys conducted for defense in depth showed no identifiable gamma radiation from beam activation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

MARSAME Radiological Release Report for Metal Items from TA 53, Set 20

EPC-ES has evaluated the survey results for metal items from the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and found that the metal items described in Table 1 of this report (identified by RP Tracking Numbers) meet the criteria for unrestricted release under DOE Order 458.1 Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment (DOE 2020) and can be recycled. This conclusion is based on the known history of the metal items and on radiation survey data (see the completed RP-Form-031 LANSCE Metals Clearance Log for each item). None of the items in this report are located within radiological areas. Therefore, the items are considered unencumbered and are not subject to the moratorium suspension on metal recycling from Department of Energy facilities. Additionally, LANL has determined that there is no practical opportunity for internal DOE reuse or recycling of this metal. Process knowledge indicates that these metal items were unlikely to ever be in direct contact with the beam and thus are unlikely to have become activated. Surface contamination measurements (both total and removable) showed either no detectable radioactivity or activity levels within the range of background. All measurements for volumetric contamination were indistinguishable from background based on calculated decision limits. Additionally, all gamma isotopic surveys conducted for defense-in-depth showed no identifiable gamma radiation from beam activation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

MARSAME Radiological Release Report for Metal Items from Technical Area 53, Set 26

Environmental Protection and Compliance, Environmental Stewardship Group (EPC-ES) has evaluated the survey results for metal items from the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) at Technical Area 53 (TA-53) and found that the metal items described in Table 1 of this report (identified by Radiation Protection [RP] Tracking Numbers) meet the criteria for unrestricted release under Department of Energy (DOE) Order 458.1 Chg 4, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment (DOE 2020) and can be recycled. This conclusion is based on the known history of the metal items and radiation survey data. None of the items in this report are located within radiological areas. Therefore, the items are considered unencumbered and are not subject to the moratorium suspension on metal recycling from DOE facilities. Additionally, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has determined that there is no practical opportunity for internal DOE reuse of this metal. Process knowledge indicates that these metal items were unlikely to ever be in direct contact with the beam and thus are unlikely to have become activated. Surface contamination measurements (both total and removable) showed either no detectable radioactivity or activity levels within the range of background. All measurements for volumetric contamination were indistinguishable from background based on calculated decision limits. Additionally, all gamma isotopic surveys conducted for defense-in depth showed no identifiable gamma radiation from beam activation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

MARSAME Radiological Release Report for Metal Items from Technical Area 53, Set 28

Environmental Protection and Compliance, Environmental Stewardship Group (EPC-ES) has evaluated the survey results for metal items from the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) at Technical Area 53 (TA-53) and found that the metal items described in Table 1 of this report (identified by Radiation Protection [RP] Tracking Numbers) meet the criteria for unrestricted release under Department of Energy (DOE) Order 458.1 Chg 4, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment (DOE 2020) and can be recycled. This conclusion is based on the known history of the metal items and radiation survey data (see the completed RP-Form-031 LANSCE Metals Clearance Log [LANL 2021a] for each item in Attachment 1). Process knowledge indicates that items were released from radiological areas, including radiation areas, prior to the implementation of the 2000 metals moratorium. Therefore, the items are considered unencumbered and are not subject to the moratorium suspension on metal recycling from DOE facilities. Additionally, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has determined that there is no practical opportunity for internal DOE reuse of this metal. Process knowledge indicates that these metal items were unlikely to ever be in direct contact with the beam and thus are unlikely to have become activated. Surface contamination measurements (both total and removable) showed either no detectable radioactivity or activity levels within the range of background. All measurements for volumetric contamination were indistinguishable from background based on calculated decision limits. Additionally, all gamma isotopic surveys conducted for defense-in depth showed no identifiable gamma radiation from beam activation.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2022

MARSAME Radiological Release Report for Metal Items from TA 53, Set 22

EPC-ES has evaluated the survey results for metal items from the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and found that the metal items described in Table 1 of this report (identified by RP Tracking Numbers) meet the criteria for unrestricted release under DOE Order458.1 Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment (DOE 2020) and can be recycled. This conclusion is based on the known history of the metal items and on radiation survey data (see the completed RP-Form-031 LANSCE Metals Clearance Log [LANL 2021a] for each item). None of the items in this report are located within radiological areas. Therefore, the items are considered unencumbered and are not subject to the moratorium suspension on metal recycling from Department of Energy facilities. Additionally, LANL has determined that there is no practical opportunity for internal DOE reuse or recycling of this metal. Process knowledge indicates that these metal items were unlikely to ever bein direct contact with the beam and thus are unlikely to have become activated. Surface contamination measurements (both total and removable) showed either no detectable radioactivity or activity levels within the range of background. All measurements for volumetric contamination were indistinguishable from background based on calculated decision limits. Additionally, all gamma isotopic surveys conducted for defense-in-depth showed no identifiable gamma radiation from beam activation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2011

An Integral-Field Spectrograph for a Terrestrial Planet Finding Mission

We describe a conceptual design for an integral field spectrograph for characterizing exoplanets that we developed for NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C), although it is equally applicable to an external-occulter mission. The spectrograph fulfills all four scientific objectives of a terrestrial planet finding mission by: (1) Spectrally characterizing the atmospheres of detected planets in search of signatures of habitability or even biological activity; (2) Directly detecting terrestrial planets in the habitable zone around nearby stars; (3) Studying all constituents of a planetary system including terrestrial and giant planets, gas and dust around sun-like stars of different ages and metallicities; (4) Enabling simultaneous, high-spatial-resolution, spectroscopy of all astrophysical sources regardless of central source luminosity, such as AGN's, proplyds, etc.

Heap, Sara R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Integrated failure detection and management for the Space Station Freedom external active thermal control system

This paper presents the integrated approach toward failure detection, isolation, and recovery/reconfiguration to be used for the Space Station Freedom External Active Thermal Control System (EATCS). The on-board and on-ground diagnostic capabilities of the EATCS are discussed. Time and safety critical features, as well as noncritical failures, and the detection coverage for each provided by existing capabilities are reviewed. The allocation of responsibility between on-board software and ground-based systems, to be shown during ground testing at the Johnson Space Center, is described. Failure isolation capabilities allocated to the ground include some functionality originally found on orbit but moved to the ground to reduce on-board resource requirements. Complex failures requiring the analysis of multiple external variables, such as environmental conditions, heat loads, or station attitude, are also allocated to ground personnel.

Mesloh, Nick↗