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At least 613 records · Page 34

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Lipids and Metabolites in Tissues by Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of tissue sections is a new frontier in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Here we report on fast 3D imaging of lipids and metabolites associated with mouse uterine decidual cells and embryo at the implantation site on day 6 of pregnancy. 2D imaging of 16-20 serial tissue sections deposited on the same glass slide was performed using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) – an ambient ionization technique that enables sensitive localized analysis of analytes on surfaces without special sample pre-treatment. In this proof-of-principle study, nano-DESI was coupled to a high-resolution Q-Exactive instrument operated at high repetition rate of >5 Hz with moderate mass resolution of 35,000 (m/Δm at m/z 200), which enabled acquisition of the entire 3D image with a spatial resolution of ~150 μm in less than 4.5 hours. The results demonstrate localization of acetylcholine in the primary decidual zone (PDZ) of the implantation site throughout the depth of the tissue examined, indicating an important role of this signaling molecule in decidualization. Choline and phosphocholine – metabolites associated with cell growth – are enhanced in the PDZ and abundant in other cellular regions of the implantation site. Very different 3D distributions were obtained for fatty acids (FA), oleic acid and linoleic acid (FA 18:1 and FA 18:2), differing only by one double bond. Localization of FA 18:2 in the PDZ indicates its important role in decidualization while FA 18:1 is distributed more evenly throughout the tissue. In contrast, several lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) observed in this study show donut-like distributions with localization around the PDZ. Complementary distributions with minimal overlap were observed for LPC 18:0 and FA 18:2 while the 3D image of the potential precursor phosphatidylcholine (PC 36:2) showed a significant overlap with both LPC 18:0 and FA 18:2.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Environmental exposure to arsenic and chromium in children is associated with kidney injury molecule-1

Environmental hazards from natural or anthropological sources are widespread, especially in the north-central region of Mexico. Children represent a susceptible population due to their unique routes of exposure and special vulnerabilities. In this study we evaluated the association of exposure to environmental kidney toxicants with kidney injury biomarkers in children living in San Luis Potosi (SLP), Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 83 children (5–12 years of age) residents of Villa de Reyes, SLP. Exposure to arsenic, cadmium, chromium, fluoride and lead was assessed in urine, blood and drinking water samples. Almost all tap and well water samples had levels of arsenic (81.5%) and fluoride (100%) above the permissible levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Mean urine arsenic (45.6 ppb) and chromium (61.7 ppb) were higher than the biological exposure index, a reference value in occupational settings. Using multivariate adjusted models, we found a dose-dependent association between kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) across chromium exposure tertiles [(T1: reference, T2: 467 pg/mL; T3: 615 pg/mL) (p-trend=0.001)]. Chromium upper tertile was also associated with higher urinary miR-200c (500 copies/μl) and miR-423 (189 copies/μL). Arsenic upper tertile was also associated with higher urinary KIM-1 (372 pg/mL). Other kidney injury/functional biomarkers such as serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and miR-21 did not show any association with arsenic, chromium or any of the other toxicants evaluated. We conclude that KIM-1 might serve as a sensitive biomarker to screen children for kidney damage induced by environmental toxic agents. - Highlights: • Children living in Mexico had exceedingly high arsenic and chromium exposure. • Arsenic and chromium exposure was significantly associated with urinary KIM-1. • KIM-1 might serve as a sensitive biomarker to evaluate kidney injury in children.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A New Galerkin Quadrature Method Not Requiring a Matrix Inverse

We derive a new Galerkin quadrature (GQ) method for S 𝑛 calculations that differs from the two methods preceding it in that a matrix inverse for an 𝑁 𝑑 × 𝑁 𝑑 matrix, where 𝑁𝑑 is the number of directions in the quadrature set, is no longer required. Galerkin quadrature methods are designed for calculations with highly anisotropic scattering. Such methods are not simply special angular quadratures but also are methods for representing the S 𝑛 scattering source that offers several advantages relative to the standard scattering source representation when highly truncated Legendre cross-section expansions must be used. Galerkin quadrature methods are also useful when the scattering is moderately anisotropic, but the quadrature being used is not sufficiently accurate for the order of the scattering source expansion that is required. Furthermore, we derive the new method and present computational results showing that its performance for two challenging problems is comparable to those of the two GQ methods that preceded it.

Galerkin quadrature↗

Two component laser velocimeter measurements of turbulence parameters downstream of an axisymmetric sudden expansion

Simultaneous two-component laser velocimeter measurements were made in an axisymmetric sudden expansion flowfield. A specially designed correction lens was employed to correct optical aberrations introduced by the circular tube. This lens system allowed the accurate simultaneous measurement of axial and radial velocities in the test section. The experimental measurements were compared to predictions generated by a code which employed the k-epsilon turbulence model. Possible sources of differences observed between model predictions and the measurements are discussed.

Gould, Richard D.↗

Research and Technology, 1998

This report selectively summarizes the NASA Lewis Research Center's research and technology accomplishments for the fiscal year 1998. It comprises 134 short articles submitted by the staff scientists and engineers. The report is organized into five major sections: Aeronautics, Research and Technology, Space, Engineering and Technical Services, and Commercial Technology. A table of contents and an author index have been developed to assist readers in finding articles of special interest. This report is not intended to he a comprehensive summary of all the research and technology work done over the past fiscal year. Most of the work is reported in Lewis-published technical reports, journal articles, and presentations prepared by Lewis staff and contractors. In addition, university grants have enabled faculty members and graduate students to engage in sponsored research that is reported at technical meetings or in journal articles. For each article in this report, a Lewis contact person has been identified, and where possible, reference documents are listed so that additional information can be easily obtained. The diversity of topics attests to the breadth of research and technology being pursued and to the skill mix of the staff that makes it possible. At the time of publication, NASA Lewis was undergoing a name change to the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field.

Source record↗

Research and Technology 2000

This report selectively summarizes the NASA Glenn Research Center's research and technology accomplishments for the fiscal year 2000. It comprises 138 short articles submitted by staff scientists and engineers. The report is organized into five major sections: Aeronautics, Research and Technology, Space, Engineering and Technical Services, and Commercial Technology, a table of contents and an author index have been developed to assist readers in finding articles of special interest. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all the research and technology work done over the past fiscal year. Most of the work is reported in Glenn-published technical reports, journal articles, and presentations prepared by Glenn staff and contractors. In addition, university grants have enabled faculty members and graduate students to engage in sponsored research that was reported at technical meetings or in journal articles. For each article in this report, a Glenn contact person has been identified, and where possible, reference documents are listed so that additional information can be easily obtained. The diversity of topics attests to the breadth of research and technology being pursued and to the skill mix of the staff that makes it possible. For more information about research at NASA Glenn, visit us on the World Wide Web (http://www.grc.nasa.gov). This document is available online (http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT). For publicly available reports, visit the Glenn Technical Report Server (http://gltrs.gre.nasa.gov/GLTRS).

Source record↗

Boundary Layer Theory: Turbulent Flows - Part 2

The flow laws of the actual flows at high Reynolds numbers differ considerably from those of the laminar flows treated in the preceding part. These actual flows show a special characteristic, denoted as turbulence. The character of a turbulent flow is most easily understood the case of the pipe flow. Consider the flow through a straight pipe of circular cross section and with a smooth wall. For laminar flow each fluid particle moves with uniform velocity along a rectilinear path. Because of viscosity, the velocity of the particles near the wall is smaller than that of the particles at the center. i% order to maintain the motion, a pressure decrease is required which, for laminar flow, is proportional to the first power of the mean flow velocity. Actually, however, one ob~erves that, for larger Reynolds numbers, the pressure drop increases almost with the square of the velocity and is very much larger then that given by the Hagen Poiseuille law. One may conclude that the actual flow is very different from that of the Poiseuille flow.

Schlichting, H.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, September 1995

A special focus for this issue is Sensors. Topics covered include : Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Life Sciences; Mechanics; Machinery; Fabrication Technology; and Mathematics and Information Sciences. A section of Laser Tech Briefs is included.

Source record↗

Critical and subcritical mass computations for {sup 247}Cm - 14378

Experimental nuclear criticality data are unavailable for many special actinides so subcritical limits are established using computations and conservative practices. Computations are done using codes in the SCALE6.1 system and the MCNP6, version 1.0, Monte Carlo code with cross sections based on Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF) B-VI, B-VII.0, and B-VII.1 data. Both SCALE multigroup and MCNP continuous energy cross sections are used to estimate critical masses of unreflected, stainless steel reflected, and water reflected spherical {sup 247}Cm metal/water systems. For well moderated systems the critical masses derived using ENDF/B-VII data are about half those previously reported. The difference appears to be caused by changes in the ENDF/B-VII fission cross sections and an overall increase in the value of ν-bar. Subcritical mass limits are derived based on the critical mass estimates. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

On the extraction of cross sections for π{sup 0} and η photoproduction off neutrons from deuteron data

We discuss the procedure of extracting the photoproduction cross section for neutral pseudoscalar mesons off neutrons from deuteron data. The main statement is that the final-state-interaction corrections for the proton and neutron target are in general not equal, but for π{sup 0} production there are special cases where they have to be identical and there are large regions in the parameter space of incident photon energy and pion polar angle, Θ*, where they happen to be quite similar. The corrections for both target nucleons are practically identical for π0 production in the energy range of the Δ(1232)3/2+ resonance due to the specific isospin structure of this excitation. Also above the Δ-isobar range large differences between proton and neutron correction factors are only predicted for extreme forward angles (Θ* *lt; 20°), but the results are similar for larger angles. The case of η photoproduction is also briefly considered. Numerical results for the γp → π{sup 0}p and γn → π{sup 0}n correction factors are discussed. Also the model description for the available data on the differential γd → π{sup 0}pn cross sections are given.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Exploration of Water Jets in Supersonic Crossflow Using X-Ray Diagnostics

Here, near-field structures of pure- and aerated-liquid jets injected into Mach 2 crossflow environments were experimentally investigated at the 7-BM beamline of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory using high-speed shadowgraph imaging, high-speed x-ray imaging, and pathlength-integrated x-ray fluorescence. Liquid was flush injected into a blowdown supersonic wind tunnel. Test section top and side windows were fitted with a polycarbonate plate for high x-ray transmittance. An axisymmetric aerated-liquid injector was fitted with an exchangeable nozzle adaptor to generate a liquid jet. Water and nitrogen, the gas used for aerated-liquid jets, were doped with specially selected dopants to facilitate x-ray measurements. Liquid column structures for a pure-liquid jet, typically masked by dense droplet clouds in a supersonic crossflow environment, were visualized with the present x-ray imaging setup. Surface-wave formation, movement, and transformation on the column windward surface of the pure-liquid jet, along with column deformation and breakup processes, were qualitatively characterized. We measured time-averaged line-of-sight (LOS) liquid mass distributions within the liquid jet near fields. Cross-sectional liquid column contours of pure-liquid jets at various deformation stages were reconstructed from LOS liquid mass distributions. The pure-liquid jet deformed liquid column reached a maximum width of 1.47 times the orifice diameter before exhibiting rapid mass removal. We also observed the plume-crossing phenomenon in the aerated-liquid jet.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Gamma-ray burst polarization via Compton scattering process

Synchrotron radiation and Compton scattering are widely accepted as the most likely emission mechanisms of some astrophysical phenomena, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and active galactic nuclei. The measurement of the polarization of photons provides a useful tool to distinguish different emission mechanisms and structures of the emission region. Based on the differential cross section of a polarized photon scattered by an unpolarized electron of any initial momentum, we derive an analytical formula of polarization for beamed photons scattered by isotropic electrons with a power-law distribution. Numerical calculations are carried out in four special cases: electrons at rest, Thomson limit, head-on collision, and monochromatic electrons. It is found that the maximum polarization can be as high as 100% for low energy photons, if the electrons are at rest. Although polarization is highly suppressed due to the isotropic electrons, a maximum value of ∼10%-20% can still be achieved. The Compton scattering process can be used to explain the polarization of GRB 041219A and GRB 100826A.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Gold Polar Intermetallics: Structural Versatility through Exclusive Bonding Motifs

The design of new materials with desired chemical and physical characteristics requires thorough understanding of the underlying composition–structure–property relationships and the experimental possibility of their modification through the controlled involvement of new components. From this point of view, intermetallic phases, a class of compounds formed by two or more metals, present an endless field of combinations that produce several chemical compound classes ranging from simple alloys to true ionic compounds. Polar intermetallics (PICs) belong to the class that is electronically situated in the middle, between Hume–Rothery phases and Zintl compounds and possessing e/a (valence electron per atom) values around 2. In contrast to the latter, where logical rules of formation and classification systems were developed decades ago, polar intermetallics remain a dark horse with a huge diversity of crystal structures but unclear mechanisms of their formation. Partial incorporation of structural and bonding features from both nonpolar and Zintl compounds is commonly observed here. A decent number of PICs can be described in terms of complex metallic alloys (CMAs) following the Hume–Rothery electron-counting schemes but exhibit electronic structure changes that cannot be explained by the latter. Our research is aimed at the discovery and synthesis of new polar intermetallic compounds, their structural characterization, and investigation of their properties in line with the analysis of the principles connecting all of these components. Understanding of the basic structural tendencies is one of the most anticipated outcomes of this analysis, and systematization of the available knowledge is the initial and most important step. Here in this Account, we focus on a well-represented but rather small section of PICs: ternary intermetallic compounds of gold with electropositive and post-transition metals of groups 12 to 15. The strong influence of relativistic effects in its chemical bonding results in special, frequently unique structural motifs, while at the same time gold participates in common structure types as an ordinary transition element. Enhanced bonding strength leads to the formation and stabilization of complex homo- and heteroatomic clusters and networks that are compositionally restricted to just a few options throughout the periodic table. Because it has the highest absolute electronegativity among metals, comparable to those of some halogens, gold usually plays the role of an anion, even being able to form true salts with the most electropositive metals. We discuss the occurrence of the structure types and show the place of gold intermetallics in the general picture. Among the structures considered are ones as common as AlB 2 or BaAl 4 types, in line with the recently discovered diamond-like homoatomic metal networks, formation of local fivefold symmetry, different types of tunneled structures, and more complex intergrown multicomponent structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Anomalous output characteristic shift for the n-type lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor with floating P-top layer

Anomalous output characteristic shift of the n-type lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor with floating P-top layer is investigated. It shows that the linear drain current has obvious decrease when the output characteristic of fresh device is measured for two consecutive times. The charge pumping experiments demonstrate that the decrease is not from hot-carrier degradation. The reduction of cross section area for the current flowing, which results from the squeezing of the depletion region surrounding the P-top layer, is responsible for the shift. Consequently, the current capability of this special device should be evaluated by the second measured output characteristic.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Challenges and Opportunities Specific to Microreactors: Compact and Light-Weight Shielding During Operation and Transportation

The problem of designing a shield for a mobile microreactor has been addressed. The principal challenges encountered in this endeavor are the dual goals of increasing radiation protection and decreasing weight. It is recognized that these two goals are contradictory. Increasing shielding naturally increases weight. Conversely, decreasing weight naturally calls for decreasing material inventory, including possibly decreasing shield mass. The operational and regulatory drivers for shielding and transportation constraints are identified and summarized. The main constraints pertain to volume, mass, radiation dose, material feasibility and availability, and decommissioning expectations. The latter are limits on residual contamination and dose rates after the reactor is removed. Progress toward solving the challenge of shielding a transportable microreactor is made by considering a tungsten tetraboride (WB4) shell surrounding the reactor vessel. The shield and a generic microreactor were modeled using the MCNP code. It was determined that the presence of a 16-cm-thick WB4 shield reduces the dose equivalent rate during operations to 3.6 mrem/h just outside of a concrete vault and dome and soil berm surrounding the reactor, which is very near the occupational dose rate limits. Without the WB4 layer, the dose rate at the same location outside the berm would be 120 mrem/h. Most importantly, the presence of the WB4 shield substantially protects the surrounding concrete and soil from activation, thus decreasing the duration of administrative control for the site following removal of the reactor from 16 to 3.4 years. At that point, the site may be decommissioned and returned to unrestricted public access. A limitation on the incorporation of a WB4 shield as an intrinsic component of a microreactor is that it results in a design that is transportable only by using the largest road conveyances and that the load would require special permits for transit through the U.S. highway system. New directions for further improvements and possibly more effective solutions to the shielding problem of a mobile microreactor are discussed in the conclusion section.

Microreactor↗

Experimental study of Cl 35 excited states via S 32 ( α , p )

The presolar grains originating in oxygen-neon novae may be identified more easily than those of other stellar sources if their sulfur isotopic ratios ($^{33}\mathrm{S}/^{32}\mathrm{S}$ and $^{34}\mathrm{S}/^{32}\mathrm{S}$) are compared with the theoretical ones. The accuracy of such a comparison depends on reliable $^{33}\mathrm{S}(p,{\gamma})^{34}\mathrm{Cl}$ and $^{34}\mathrm{S}(p,{\gamma})^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$ reaction rates at the nova temperature regime. The latter rate has recently been computed based on experimental input, and many new excited states in $^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$ were discovered above the proton threshold. As a result, the experimental $^{34}\mathrm{S}(p,{\gamma})^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$ rate was found to be less uncertain and 2–5 times smaller than the theoretical one. Consequently, the simulated $^{34}\mathrm{S}/^{32}\mathrm{S}$ isotopic ratio for nova presolar grains was predicted to be smaller than that of type II supernova grains by a factor of 1.5 to 3.7. The present study was performed to confirm the existence of these new resonances, and to improve the remaining uncertainties in the S 34 ( p , γ ) Cl 35 reaction rate. Energies and spin-parities of the Cl 35 excited levels were investigated via high-resolution charged-particle spectroscopy with an Enge split-pole spectrograph using the S 32 ( α , p ) Cl 35 reaction. Differential cross sections of the outgoing protons were measured at E α = 21 MeV. Distorted-wave Born approximation calculations were carried out to constrain the spin-parity assignments of observed levels, with special attention to those significant in determination of the S 34 ( p , γ ) Cl 35 reaction rate over the nova temperature regime. The existence of these newly discovered states are largely confirmed, although a few states were not observed in this study. The spins and parities of a few Cl 35 states were assigned tentatively for the first time. The present S 34 ( p , γ ) Cl 35 experimental thermonuclear reaction rate at 0.1–0.4 GK is consistent within 1 σ with the previous evaluation. However, our rate uncertainty is larger than before due to a more realistic treatment of the uncertainties in the rate input. In comparison with the previous rate evaluation, where the high and low rates differed by less than a factor of 2 over the nova temperature regime, the ratio of the present limit rates is at most a factor of 3.5 at 0.12 GK. At temperatures above 0.2 GK, we recommend the future work to focus on determination of the unknown properties of four excited states of Cl 35 : 6643, 6761, 6780, and 6800 keV.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Prediction of Total Dissolved Gas Exchange at Hydropower Dams

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation in waters released at hydropower dams can cause gas bubble trauma in fisheries resulting in physical injuries and eyeball protrusion that can lead to mortality. Elevated TDG pressures in hydropower releases are generally caused by the entrainment of air in spillway releases and the subsequent exchange of atmospheric gasses into solution during passage through the stilling basin. The network of dams throughout the Columbia River Basin (CRB) are managed for irrigation, hydropower production, flood control, navigation, and fish passage that frequently result in both voluntary and involuntary spillway releases. These dam operations are constrained by state and federal water quality standards for TDG saturation which balance the benefits of spillway operations designed for Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed fisheries versus the degradation to water quality as defined by TDG saturation. In the 1970s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), under the federal Clean Water Act (Section 303(d)), established a criterion not to exceed the TDG saturation level of 110% in order to protect freshwater and marine aquatic life. The states of Washington and Oregon have adopted special water quality standards for TDG saturation in the tailrace and forebays of hydropower facilities on the Columbia and Snake Rivers where spillway operations support fish passage objectives. The physical processes that affect TDG exchange at hydropower facilities have been studied throughout the CRB in site-specific studies and routine water quality monitoring programs. These data have been used to quantify the relationship between project operations, structural properties, and TDG exchange. These data have also been used to develop predictive models of TDG exchange to support real-time TDG management decisions. These empirically based predictive models have been developed for specific projects and account for both the fate of spillway and powerhouse flows in the tailrace channel and resultant exchange in route to the next downstream dam. Currently, there exists a need to summarize the general finding from operational and structural TDG abatement programs conducted throughout the CRB and for the development of a generalized prediction model that pools data collected at multiple projects with similar structural attributes. A generalized TDG exchange model can be tuned to specific projects and coupled with water regulation models to allow the formulation of optimal daily water regulation schedules subject to water quality constraints for TDG supersaturation. A generalized TDG exchange model can also be applied to other hydropower dams that affect TDG pressures in tailraces and can be used to develop alternative operational and structural measures to minimize TDG generation. It is proposed to develop a methodology for predicting TDG levels downstream of hydropower facilities with similar structural properties as a function of a set of variables that affect TDG exchange; such as tailwater depth, spill discharge and pattern, project head, and entrainment of powerhouse releases. TDG data from hydropower facilities located throughout the northwest region of the United States will be used to identify relationships between TDG exchange and relevant dependent variables. Data analysis and regression techniques will be used to develop predictive TDG exchange expressions for various structural categories.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Report of the Sixth Regional Review Meeting of the Radiological Security Partnership.

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Commission (AERC) and the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) co-hosted the 6th Regional Review Meeting on Radiological Security involving representatives from over 20 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the World Institute for Nuclear Security. The purpose of the event was to discuss the implementation of, and plans for, high-activity radioactive source security (RSS). The U.S. DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Radiological Security (ORS) fully sponsored this review meeting. Participants were welcomed to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the meeting was formally opened by Nirmali Karunarathna of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulator Council who emphasized the strong partnerships among the participants. The opening Ceremony and Lamp Lighting included dignitaries from the sponsoring countries. Robert Hilton, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, and Kristin Hirsch of the ORS gave other opening remarks that highlighted the social benefit from radiological sources in medicine, industry, and agriculture, while stressing the importance of addressing the risks associated with the malicious use of radiological sources. Emphasis was placed on the importance of partnerships among all the participants to help ensure the success of securing radiological materials throughout the world and the opportunity to share information and experiences. AERC was acknowledged with special thanks for hosting this event. A participant list is included as Attachment A, and the meeting agenda is provided as Attachment B. All presentations were made available to participants. The following sections summarize the meeting’s presentations, discussions, issues, suggestions, and recommendations.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗