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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Addition Polyimides from Non-Mutagenic Diamines

Studies were conducted to find an acceptable non-mutagenic diamine to replace 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA), a suspect carcinogen, which is currently being used in PMR-15 polyimide applications. Several diamines containing fluorine and trifluoromethyl substituent groups were synthesized. The diamines were polymerized with the dimethyl ester of 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BTDE), using the monomethyl ester of nadic acid (NE) as an endcap. The effect of diamine structure on rheological properties, glass transition temperature, and thermo-oxidative stability was investigated. Unidirectional laminates were fabricated from selected resins, using carbon fiber as the reinforcement. The results indicate that some of the diamines containing trifluoromethyl groups are non-mutagenic, and have potential to replace MDA in PMR polyimides for long-term applications at temperatures up to 300 C.

Delvigs, Peter↗
NASA NTRS2004

Advanced Concepts Research for Flywheel Technology Applications

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) (formerly the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization) is embarking on a program to employ the use of High Altitude Airships (HAAs) for surveillance of coastal areas as a part of homeland defense. It is envisioned that these HAAs will fly at 70,000 feet continuously for at least a year, therefore requiring a regenerative electric power system. As part of a program to entice the MDA to utilize the NASA GRC expertise in electric power and propulsion as a means of risk reduction, an internal study program was performed to examine possible configurations that may be employed on a HAA to meet a theoretical surveillance need. This entailed the development of a set of program requirements which were flowed down to system and subsystem level requirements as well as the identification of environmental and infrastructure constraints. Such infrastructure constraints include the ability to construct a reasonably sized HAA within existing airship hangers, as the size of such vehicles could reach in excess of 600 ft. The issues regarding environments at this altitude are similar to those that would be imposed on satellite in Low Earth Orbit. Additionally, operational constraints, due to high winds at certain times of the year were also examined to determine options that could be examined to allow year round coverage of the US coast.

Keith, Theo G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Model-Drive Architecture for Agent-Based Systems

The Model Driven Architecture (MDA) approach uses a platform-independent model to define system functionality, or requirements, using some specification language. The requirements are then translated to a platform-specific model for implementation. An agent architecture based on the human cognitive model of planning, the Cognitive Agent Architecture (Cougaar) is selected for the implementation platform. The resulting Cougaar MDA prescribes certain kinds of models to be used, how those models may be prepared and the relationships of the different kinds of models. Using the existing Cougaar architecture, the level of application composition is elevated from individual components to domain level model specifications in order to generate software artifacts. The software artifacts generation is based on a metamodel. Each component maps to a UML structured component which is then converted into multiple artifacts: Cougaar/Java code, documentation, and test cases.

Gradanin, Denis↗
NASA NTRS2004

Development of DMBZ-15 High-Glass-Transition-Temperature Polyimides as PMR-15 Replacements Given R&D 100 Award

PMR-15, a high-temperature polyimide developed in the mid-1970s at the NASA Lewis Research Center,1 offers the combination of low cost, easy processing, and good high-temperature performance and stability. It has been recognized as the leading polymer matrix resin for carbon-fiber-reinforced composites used in aircraft engine components. The state-of-the-art PMR-15 polyimide composite has a glass-transition temperature (Tg) of 348 C (658 F). Since composite materials must be used at temperatures well below their glass-transition temperature, the long-term use temperatures of PMR-15 composites can be no higher than 288 C (550 F). In addition, PMR-15 is made from methylene dianiline (MDA), a known liver toxin. Concerns about the safety of workers exposed to MDA during the fabrication of PMR-15 components and about the environmental impact of PMR-15 waste disposal have led to the industry-wide implementation of special handling procedures to minimize the health risks associated with this material. These procedures have increased manufacturing and maintenance costs significantly and have limited the use of PMR-15 in commercial aircraft engine components.

Chuang, Kathy↗
NASA NTRS2006

A Model-Driven Architecture Approach for Modeling, Specifying and Deploying Policies in Autonomous and Autonomic Systems

Autonomic Computing (AC), self-management based on high level guidance from humans, is increasingly gaining momentum as the way forward in designing reliable systems that hide complexity and conquer IT management costs. Effectively, AC may be viewed as Policy-Based Self-Management. The Model Driven Architecture (MDA) approach focuses on building models that can be transformed into code in an automatic manner. In this paper, we look at ways to implement Policy-Based Self-Management by means of models that can be converted to code using transformations that follow the MDA philosophy. We propose a set of UML-based models to specify autonomic and autonomous features along with the necessary procedures, based on modification and composition of models, to deploy a policy as an executing system.

Pena, Joaquin↗
NASA NTRS2007

Low-melt Viscosity Polyimide Resins for Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) II

A series of polyimide resins with low-melt viscosities in the range of 10-30 poise and high glass transition temperatures (Tg s) of 330-370 C were developed for resin transfer molding (RTM) applications. These polyimide resins were formulated from 2,3,3 ,4 -biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA) with 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride endcaps along with either 3,4 - oxyaniline (3,4 -ODA), 3,4 -methylenedianiline, (3,4 -MDA) or 3,3 -methylenedianiline (3,3 -MDA). These polyimides had pot lives of 30-60 minutes at 260-280 C, enabling the successful fabrication of T650-35 carbon fiber reinforced composites via RTM process. The viscosity profiles of the polyimide resins and the mechanical properties of the polyimide carbon fiber composites will be discussed.

Chuang, Kathy C.↗
NASA NTRS2008

International Space Station (ISS) S-Band Corona Discharge Anomaly Consultation

The Assembly and Contingency Radio Frequency Group (ACRFG) onboard the International Space Station (ISS) is used for command and control communications and transmits (45 dBm or 32 watts) and receives at S-band. The system is nominally pressurized with gaseous helium (He) and nitrogen (N2) at 8 pounds per square inch absolute (psia). MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) was engaged to analyze the operational characteristics of this unit in an effort to determine if the anomalous behavior was a result of a corona event. Based on this analysis, MDA did not recommend continued use of this ACRFG. The NESC was requested to provide expert support in the area of high-voltage corona and multipactoring in an S-Band RF system and to assess the probability of corona occurring in the ACRFG during the planned EVA. The NESC recommended minimal continued use of S/N 002 ACRFG until a replacement unit can be installed. Following replacement, S/N 002 will be subjected to destructive failure analysis in an effort to determine the proximate and root cause(s) of the anomalous behavior.

Kichak, Robert A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Low Viscosity Imides Based on Asymmetric Oxydiphthalic Anhydride

A series of low-melt viscosity imide resins were prepared from asymmetric oxydiphthalic dianhydride (a-ODPA) and 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride as the endcap, along with 3,4' - oxydianiline (3,4' -ODA), 3,4' -methylenedianiline (3,4' -MDA), 3,3' -methylenedianiline (3,3' - MDA) and 3,3'-diaminobenzophenone (3,3'-DABP), using a solvent-free melt process. These imide oligomers displays low-melt viscosities (2-15 poise) at 260-280 C, which made them amenable to low-cost resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The a-ODPA based RTM resins exhibits glass transition temperatures (Tg's) in the range of 265-330 C after postcure at 343 C. The mechanical properties of these polyimide/carbon fiber composites fabricated by RTM will be discussed.

Chuang, Kathy C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Transgenic Mouse Model for Reducing Oxidative Damage in Bone

Bone loss can occur due to many challenges such age, radiation, microgravity, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a critical role in bone resorption by osteoclasts (Bartell et al. 2014). We hypothesize that suppression of excess ROS in skeletal cells, both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, regulates skeletal growth and remodeling. To test our hypothesis, we used transgenic mCAT mice which overexpress the human anti-oxidant catalase gene targeted to the mitochondria, the main site for endogenous ROS production. mCAT mice have a longer life-span than wildtype controls and have been used to study various age-related disorders. To stimulate remodeling, 16 week old mCAT mice or wildtype mice were exposed to treatment (hindlimb-unloading and total body-irradiation) or sham treatment conditions (control). Tissues were harvested 2 weeks later for skeletal analysis (microcomputed tomography), biochemical analysis (gene expression and oxidative damage measurements), and ex vivo bone marrow derived cell culture (osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis). mCAT mice expressed the transgene and displayed elevated catalase activity in skeletal tissue and marrow-derived osteoblasts and osteoclasts grown ex vivo. In addition, when challenged with treatment, bone tissues from wildtype mice showed elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating oxidative damage) whereas mCAT mice did not. Correlation analysis revealed that increased catalase activity significantly correlated with decreased MDA levels and that increased oxidative damage correlated with decreased percent bone volume (BVTV). In addition, ex-vivo cultured osteoblast colony growth correlated with catalase activity in the osteoblasts. Thus, we showed that these transgenic mice can be used as a model to study the relationship between markers of oxidative damage and skeletal properties. mCAT mice displayed reduced BVTV and trabecular number relative to wildtype mice, as well as increased structural model index in the cancellous tibia. Treatment caused bone loss in wildtype mice, as expected. Treatment also caused deficits in microarchitecture of mCAT mice, although less severe than wildtype mice in some parameters (percent bone volume, structural model index and cortical area). In conclusion, our results indicate that endogenous ROS signaling in both osteoblast and osteoclast lineage cells contributes to skeletal growth and remodeling, and quenching oxidative damage could play a role in bone loss prevention.

transgenic mice↗
NASA NTRS2018

Medical Data Architecture Project Status

The Medical Data Architecture (MDA) project supports the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) risk to minimize or reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes and decrements in performance due to in-flight medical capabilities on human exploration missions. To mitigate this risk, the ExMC MDA project addresses the technical limitations identified in ExMC Gap Med 07: We do not have the capability to comprehensively process medically-relevant information to support medical operations during exploration missions. This gap identifies that the current in-flight medical data management includes a combination of data collection and distribution methods that are minimally integrated with on-board medical devices and systems. Furthermore, there are a variety of data sources and methods of data collection. For an exploration mission, the seamless management of such data will enable a more medically autonomous crew than the current paradigm. The medical system requirements are being developed in parallel with the exploration mission architecture and vehicle design. ExMC has recognized that in order to make informed decisions about a medical data architecture framework, current methods for medical data management must not only be understood, but an architecture must also be identified that provides the crew with actionable insight to medical conditions. This medical data architecture will provide the necessary functionality to address the challenges of executing a self-contained medical system that approaches crew health care delivery without assistance from ground support. Hence, the products supported by current prototype development will directly inform exploration medical system requirements.

medical data architecture↗
NASA NTRS2019

Elemental Variation and Petrogenesis of Pyroxenes in HED Meteorites by Multivariable Discriminant Analysis Method

HED (Howardite, Eucrite and Diogenite) are meteorites with mafic and ultramafic igneous composition. Previous studies suggested HED came from asteroid (4) Vesta and they were generated by magmatic melting followed by differentiation crystallization, metamorphic, and impact. Uniform oxygen isotopic composition of HED samples favors global magma ocean for (4) Vesta. However, the petrological diversity of HED may indicate more complex magma processes in the meteorites. In general, most of the geochemical studies are using traditional methods (e.g. element to element or ratio to ratio plots) to classify the different rock type and groups. With the traditional methods, only limited elements can be shown in a figure. As such, some meteorites may have been identified as HED by a traditional method but found different either in isotopic composition or other elemental characteristic. These anomalous HED meteorites may or may not come from asteroid (4) Vesta. In fact, magma is a unit system where any elemental change should affect to all other elements as a whole, it would be reasonable to consider all elements together to look for the systematical changes. Using multivariable discriminant analysis (MDA) method is one of such testing for their geochemical variation. The method may be able to help us to better understand the petrologic processes and the relationship among elements. This study is to test the MDA method by focus mainly on pyroxene composition of eucrite and diogenite.

Peng, Z. X.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Salvaging Data Records with Missing Data: Data Imputation using the Multivariate t Distribution

When doing multivariate data analysis, one commonobstacle is the presence of incomplete observations, i.e., observationsfor which one or more key fields are blank. Missing datais often countered by deleting entire observations that containmissing data. The negative effects of deleting entire observationsare multiple: deleting observations reduces sample size andcan also result in biased inferences even if data is missing atrandom. In addition, knowledge contained within incompleteobservations is knowledge lost when they are deleted– and theeffort spent collecting that knowledge is effort wasted. Data imputationmethods, or methods of statistically “filling-in” missingdata, can help combat small sample sizes by using the existinginformation in partially complete observations with the end goalof producing less biased and higher confidence inferences. Whena sample from a multivariate normal population is only partiallycomplete, and the missing data meets appropriate assumptions(missing at random), robust data imputation of the missing datacan be implemented with monotone data augmentation (MDA)using the multivariate t distribution.Missing data imputation is applied to data from the NASA InstrumentCost Model (NICM) using the MDA algorithm underthe assumption of having a multivariate t distribution with fixeddegrees of freedom. A sensitivity analysis to the degrees offreedom parameter is presented to demonstrate robustness ofthe multivariate t distribution when dealing with small samplesas compared to the multivariate normal distribution.

DiNicola, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of Significance Tests on Stack Sample Data

In October 2023, external assessors visiting LANL’s Rad-NESHAP team reviewed the annual source term documentation package for stack emissions. This document discusses how the team uses significance tests to determine whether or not a measurement represents an actual detection of emitted radioactive material. The significance tests used in the evaluation compare the measured sample result to the Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA) for the sample; to the uncertainty of that measurement; and to the mean blank sample for the same time period. The blank test uses the average blank plus 2-standard deviations (2σ) of the blank results as a comparison threshold for this final evaluation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

DNA viruses from different stages of a wastewater treatment plant in southwest Ohio

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) house diverse populations of microbial communities that are dynamic across treatment stages. Although viruses, especially non-pathogenic ones are relatively less studied compared to their bacterial counterparts, they are equally important players in WWTP microbiomes. In this study, we sampled influent, activated sludge, and effluent stages of a WWTP in southwest Ohio to sequence their viral population using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) and metagenomic approaches. We recovered 1003 viral genomes, the majority of which were ssDNA (single-stranded DNA) viruses that formed distinct clusters representing novel species and phylogenetic groups not closely related to known human gut or terrestrial viruses. Additionally, tracking viruses across treatment stages showed several persisted across multiple treatment stages. These results suggest that further studies are needed to understand the persistence of viral populations, particularly non-pathogenic ones, across different stages of WWTPs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Coordinate-based simulation of pair distance distribution functions for small and large molecular assemblies: implementation and applications

X-ray scattering has become a major tool in the structural characterization of nanoscale materials. Thanks to the widely available experimental and computational atomic models, coordinate-based X-ray scattering simulation has played a crucial role in data interpretation in the past two decades. However, simulation of real-space pair distance distribution functions (PDDFs) from small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, SAXS/WAXS, has been relatively less exploited. This study presents a comparison of PDDF simulation methods, which are applied to molecular structures that range in size from β-cyclodextrin [1 kDa molecular weight (MW), 66 non-hydrogen atoms] to the satellite tobacco mosaic virus capsid (1.1 MDa MW, 81 960 non-hydrogen atoms). The results demonstrate the power of interpretation of experimental SAXS/WAXS from the real-space view, particularly by providing a more intuitive method for understanding of partial structure contributions. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of PDDF simulation algorithms makes them attractive as approaches for the analysis of large nanoscale materials and biological assemblies. The simulation methods demonstrated in this article have been implemented in stand-alone software, SolX 3.0 , which is available to download from https://12idb.xray.aps.anl.gov/solx.html.

Zuo, Xiaobing (ORCID:0000000201344804)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of 225Ac-doped biocompatible nanoparticles for targeted alpha therapy

Abstract Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) relies on chemical affinity or active targeting using radioimmunoconjugates as strategies to deliver α-emitting radionuclides to cancerous tissue. These strategies can be affected by transmetalation of the parent radionuclide by competing ions in vivo and the bond-breaking recoil energy of decay daughters. The retention of α-emitting radionuclides and the dose delivered to cancer cells are influenced by these processes. Encapsulating α-emitting radionuclides within nanoparticles can help overcome many of these challenges. Poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are a biodegradable and biocompatible delivery platform that has been used for drug delivery. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles are utilized for encapsulation and retention of actinium-225 ([ 225 Ac]Ac 3+ ). Encapsulation of [ 225 Ac]Ac 3+ within PLGA nanoparticles (Z ave = 155.3 nm) was achieved by adapting a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The encapsulation efficiency was affected by both the solvent conditions and the chelation of [ 225 Ac]Ac 3+ . Chelation of [ 225 Ac]Ac 3+ to a lipophilic 2,9-bis-lactam-1,10-phenanthroline ligand ([ 225 Ac]AcBLPhen) significantly decreased its release (< 2%) and that of its decay daughters (< 50%) from PLGA nanoparticles. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating [ 225 Ac]AcBLPhen significantly increased the delivery of [ 225 Ac]Ac 3+ to murine (E0771) and human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells with a concomitant increase in cell death over free [ 225 Ac]Ac 3+ in solution. These results demonstrate that PLGA nanoparticles have potential as radionuclide delivery platforms for TAT to advance precision radiotherapy for cancer. In addition, this technology offers an alternative use for ligands with poor aqueous solubility, low stability, or low affinity, allowing them to be repurposed for TAT by encapsulation within PLGA nanoparticles. Graphical Abstract

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Harnessing Metal-Carbon Interactions to Obtain Enhanced Yield in Aromatics and Improved Coking Resistance in Methane Aromatization

Direct CH 4 conversion to value-added products in one step will transform the carbon-based world of fuel and energy, while valorizing an underutilized resource and reducing flared carbon into the atmosphere. Catalytic methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) directly converts CH 4 to value-added aromatic products such as benzene, light hydrocarbons and a significant amount of hydrogen, all of which are chemical commodities [6 CH 4 (g) → C 6 H 6 (g) + 9 H 2 (g)]. The remarkable feature of this reaction is that the formation of the first C-C bonds from CH 4 and oligomerization of the C 2 species occur in one direct step, thus lowering process costs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗