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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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Predicting potential adverse events using safety data from marketed drugs

Abstract Background While clinical trials are considered the gold standard for detecting adverse events, often these trials are not sufficiently powered to detect difficult to observe adverse events. We developed a preliminary approach to predict 135 adverse events using post-market safety data from marketed drugs. Adverse event information available from FDA product labels and scientific literature for drugs that have the same activity at one or more of the same targets, structural and target similarities, and the duration of post market experience were used as features for a classifier algorithm. The proposed method was studied using 54 drugs and a probabilistic approach of performance evaluation using bootstrapping with 10,000 iterations. Results Out of 135 adverse events, 53 had high probability of having high positive predictive value. Cross validation showed that 32% of the model-predicted safety label changes occurred within four to nine years of approval (median: six years). Conclusions This approach predicts 53 serious adverse events with high positive predictive values where well-characterized target-event relationships exist. Adverse events with well-defined target-event associations were better predicted compared to adverse events that may be idiosyncratic or related to secondary target effects that were poorly captured. Further enhancement of this model with additional features, such as target prediction and drug binding data, may increase accuracy.

Daluwatte, Chathuri↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluation of Minimum Detectable Activities for Stack Sample Analyses

The Rad-NESHAP program takes samples at major point sources to track how much of select nuclides are being emitted out of the stack. Samples are taken at the site where the radiological operations are being performed. The samples are then sent to analytical laboratories for analysis to determine what nuclides exist in the sample. However, due to the sensitivity of the instruments, false positives are often reported. To reduce the number of false positives, the results reported from the analytical labs are compared to set detection limits. Anything below the set detection limit is considered part of the background while anything above the limit is considered a positive hit. Therefore, the detection limit must be set low enough that any false negatives do not result in a significant dose missed at the end of the year but high enough that there are not enough false positives to skew the annual dose being reported. All detection limits listed in this section for the analyses below were designed to meet the stated equivalent emissions rate and subsequent off-site doses. These minimum detectable activities (MDAs) were developed in the 1990s and documented in the memo cited for each analysis below. These limits and memos are all currently referenced in the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the Rad-NESHAP Compliance Task, which is being updated to a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) concurrently with this document. As part of this update process, the original MDAs defined in this section needed to be verified that they were still conservative and meet the off-site dose levels stated.

2019 MDA↗
DOE OSTI2025

CESER: wildfire mapping

Multispectral satellite imagery has been demonstrated to accurately detect wildfires over a variety of land cover types at coarse- and medium-resolution (i.e., 1km to 30m), typically by detecting burned area after the fire has caused substantial damage. We developed an algorithm to map active fire (i.e., flame) in 2-meter resolution WorldView time-series imagery and monitor fire trajectory over time. Our results depict robust mapping across scenes collected from different fires over grassy and forested land cover, identifying fires as small as 4m 2 throughout the image. Operational deployment at scale may provide valuable near-real time maps of active fire for responders to leverage for timely, targeted mitigation efforts. This white paper describes the current capability specifications and indicates requirements for scaling.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Building a High-Throughput MiniFuel PIE Pipeline for HFIR-Based Advanced Fuel Evaluation

MiniFuel irradiation experiments have become a key capability for accelerated evaluation of advanced and high-burnup nuclear fuels in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. As the number of irradiated MiniFuel targets entering postirradiation examination (PIE) has increased, improvements to the PIE workflow were needed to support more repeatable target disassembly, subcapsule processing, specimen recovery, and downstream measurements. This report summarizes FY 2026 improvements developed and implemented at the Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory to improve the MiniFuel target-to-specimen (T2S) workflow and related PIE activities.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1971

Experiment M410: Color patch photography

A slate that supported four calibrated color targets was photographed during Gemini 10 mission extravehicular activity to determine if existing outdoor-type color films can reproduce colored objects accurately in the space environment. The experiment resulted in the acquisition of sufficient information to confirm that objects can be photographed in space with good color fidelity by the use of existing materials. Available color film is balanced to the solar spectrum in space, and the effect of ultraviolet energy on film degradation appears to be negligible.

Brinkmann, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Measurements of Cumulonimbus Clouds using quantitative satellite and radar data

Results are reported for a preliminary study of SMS-2 digital brightness and IR data obtained at frequent 5-7.5 min intervals. The clouds studied were over the Central and Great Plains in midlatitudes and thus were typical of an environment much different from that of the tropical oceans. The satellite data are compared to radar data for both a severe weather event and weak thundershower activity of the type which might be a target for weather modification efforts. The relative importance of short time interval satellite data is shown for both cases, and possible relationships between the two types of data are presented. It is concluded that (1) using a threshold technique for visible reflected brightness, precipitating vs. nonprecipitating clouds can be discriminated; (2) brightness is well related to cloud size and shape; and (3) satellite-derived growth rates may be a significant parameter to be used in determining storm severity, especially if rapid time sequence data are used during the development phase of the storm.

Negri, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Desensitizing structural-control design

A new method for targeted robustness optimization is presented. This method allows the analyst to 'target' the most critical performance parameter (or family of design requirements with almost the same criticality) for enhanced protection from uncertainties in the model. To create this protection, this method uses knowledge about the uncertainties in some of the parameters of the model - this information is usually available to the structural analyst. The power of the targeted robustness method is demonstrated numerically using an active damping example. The results show that the most critical damping ratio is protected - its sensitivity to the uncertainties is far below those of non-critical damping ratios.

Ponslet, E.↗
NASA NTRS2003

High Energy Cosmic Ray Electron Spectra measured from the ATIC Balloon Experiment

The Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter Balloon Experiment (ATIC) is specifically designed for high energy cosmic ray ion detection. From simulation and a CERN beam test exposure we find that the design consisting of a graphite target and an energy detection device, a totally active calorimeter of BGO scintillator, gives us sufficient information to distinguish electrons from protons up to the TeV energy range. Balloon observations were successfully carried out over Antarctica in both 2000/2001 and 2002/2003 for a total of more than 35 days. This paper presents preliminary results on the spectrum of high energy electrons observed in the first ATIC flight.

Chang, J.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Ubiquitin-protein ligases in muscle wasting: multiple parallel pathways?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Studies in a wide variety of animal models of muscle wasting have led to the concept that increased protein breakdown via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is responsible for the loss of muscle mass seen as muscle atrophy. The complexity of the ubiquitination apparatus has hampered our understanding of how this pathway is activated in atrophying muscles and which ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes in muscle are responsible. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent experiments have shown that two newly identified ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s), atrogin-1/MAFbx and MURF-1, are critical in the development of muscle atrophy. Other in-vitro studies also implicated E2(14k) and E3alpha, of the N-end rule pathway, as playing an important role in the process. SUMMARY: It seems likely that multiple pathways of ubiquitin conjugation are activated in parallel in atrophying muscle, perhaps to target for degradation specific classes of muscle proteins. The emerging challenge will be to define the protein targets for, as well as inhibitors of, these E3s.

Review↗
NASA NTRS2002

Retinal flow is sufficient for steering during observer rotation

How do people control locomotion while their eyes are simultaneously rotating? A previous study found that during simulated rotation, they can perceive a straight path of self-motion from the retinal flow pattern, despite conflicting extraretinal information, on the basis of dense motion parallax and reference objects. Here we report that the same information is sufficient for active control ofjoystick steering. Participants steered toward a target in displays that simulated a pursuit eye movement. Steering was highly inaccurate with a textured ground plane (motion parallax alone), but quite accurate when an array of posts was added (motion parallax plus reference objects). This result is consistent with the theory that instantaneous heading is determined from motion parallax, and the path of self-motion is determined by updating heading relative to environmental objects. Retinal flow is thus sufficient for both perceiving self-motion and controlling self-motion with a joystick; extraretinal and positional information can also contribute, but are not necessary.

Kinesthesis/physiology↗
NASA NTRS2008

Aquarius's Instrument Science Data System (ISDS) Automated to Acquire, Process, Trend Data and Produce Radiometric System Assessment Reports

The Aquarius Radiometer, a subsystem of the Aquarius Instrument required a data acquisition ground system to support calibration and radiometer performance assessment. To support calibration and compose performance assessments, we developed an automated system which uploaded raw data to a ftp server and saved raw and processed data to a database. This paper details the overall functionalities of the Aquarius Instrument Science Data System (ISDS) and the individual electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) which produced data files that were infused into the ISDS. Real time EGSEs include an ICDS Simulator, Calibration GSE, Labview controlled power supply, and a chamber data acquisition system. ICDS Simulator serves as a test conductor primary workstation, collecting radiometer housekeeping (HK) and science data and passing commands and HK telemetry collection request to the radiometer. Calibration GSE (Radiometer Active Test Source) provides source choice from multiple targets for the radiometer external calibration. Power Supply GSE, controlled by labview, provides real time voltage and current monitoring of the radiometer. And finally the chamber data acquisition system produces data reflecting chamber vacuum pressure, thermistor temperatures, AVG and watts. Each GSE system produce text based data files every two to six minutes and automatically copies the data files to the Central Archiver PC. The Archiver PC stores the data files, schedules automated uploads of these files to an external FTP server, and accepts request to copy all data files to the ISDS for offline data processing and analysis. Aquarius Radiometer ISDS contains PHP and MATLab programs to parse, process and save all data to a MySQL database. Analysis tools (MATLab programs) in the ISDS system are capable of displaying radiometer science, telemetry and auxiliary data in near real time as well as performing data analysis and producing automated performance assessment reports of the Aquarius Radiometer.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2007

Revised Energy Spectra for Primary Elements, H - Si, above 50 GeV from the ATIC-2 Science Flight

The Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) long duration balloon experiment had a successful science flight accumulating 18 days of data (12/02 - 1/03) during a single circumnavigation in Antarctica. ATIC measures the energy spectra of elements from H to Fe in primary cosmic rays using a fully active Bismuth Germanate calorimeter preceded by a carbon target, with embedded scintillator hodoscopes, and a silicon matrix charge detector at the top. Preliminary results from ATIC have been reported in previous conferences. The revised results reported here are derived from a new analysis of the data with improved charge resolution, lower background and revised energy calibration. The raw energy deposit spectra are de-convolved into primary energy spectra and extrapolated to the top of the atmosphere. We compare these revised results to previous data and comment upon the astrophysical interpretation of the results.

Wefel, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS2007

All-Particle Spectrum Measured by the ATIC Experiment

The Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC), a balloon-borne experiment, is designed to investigate the composition and energy spectra of cosmic rays of charge Z = 1 to 26 over the energy range - 10(exp 11) - 10(exp 14) ev. The instrument consists of a silicon matrix charge detector, plastic-scintillator strip hodoscopes interleaved with graphite interaction targets, and an 18 radiation length deep, fully active bismuth germanate (BGO) calorimeter. ATIC has had two successful long duration balloon (LDB) flights launched from McMurdo Station, Antarc't'ica in 2000 and 2002. In this paper, we present the all-particle spectrum extracted from data collected during the ATIC flights, and compare it with results from other experiments at both lower and higher energies.

Ahn, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS2010

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, on Behalf of the Fermi Large Area Telescope Collaboration

Because high-energy gamma rays can be produced by processes that also produce neutrinos, the gamma-ray survey of the sky by the Fermi (Gamma-ray Space Telescope offers a view of potential targets for neutrino observations. Gamma-ray bursts. Active Galactic Nuclei, and supernova remnants are all sites where hadronic, neutrino-producing interactions are plausible. Pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, and binary sources are all phenomena that reveal leptonic particle acceleration through their gamma-ray emission. While important to gamma-ray astrophysics, such sources are of less interest to neutrino studies. This talk will present a broad overview of the constantly changing sky seen with the Large Area Telescope (LAT)on the Fermi spacecraft.

Thompson, David J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Evaluating the Impact of AIRS Observations on Regional Forecasts at the SPoRT Center

NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center collaborates with operational partners of different sizes and operational goals to improve forecasts using targeted projects and data sets. Modeling and DA activities focus on demonstrating utility of NASA data sets and capabilities within operational systems. SPoRT has successfully assimilated the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) radiance and profile data. A collaborative project is underway with the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) to use AIRS profiles to better understand the impact of AIRS radiances assimilated within Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) in hopes of engaging the operational DA community in a reassessment of assimilation methodologies to more effectively assimilate hyperspectral radiances.

Zavodsky, Bradley↗
NASA NTRS2012

Agile Science Operations: A New Approach for Primitive Exploration Bodies

Primitive body exploration missions such as potential Comet Surface Sample Return or Trojan Tour and Rendezvous would challenge traditional operations practices. Earth-based observations would provide only basic understanding before arrival and many science goals would be defined during the initial rendezvous. It could be necessary to revise trajectories and observation plans to quickly characterize the target for safe, effective observations. Detection of outgassing activity and monitoring of comet surface activity are even more time constrained, with events occurring faster than round-trip light time. "Agile science operations" address these challenges with contingency plans that recognize the intrinsic uncertainty in the operating environment and science objectives. Planning for multiple alternatives can significantly improve the time required to repair and validate spacecraft command sequences. When appropriate, time-critical decisions can be automated and shifted to the spacecraft for immediate access to instrument data. Mirrored planning systems on both sides of the light-time gap permit transfer of authority back and forth as needed. We survey relevant science objectives, identifying time bottlenecks and the techniques that could be used to speed missions' reaction to new science data. Finally, we discuss the results of a trade study simulating agile observations during flyby and comet rendezvous scenarios. These experiments quantify instrument coverage of key surface features as a function of planning turnaround time. Careful application of agile operations techniques can play a significant role in realizing the Decadal Survey plan for primitive body exploration

Agile science↗
NASA NTRS2015

Implementing NASA's Capability-Driven Approach: Insight into NASA's Processes for Maturing Exploration Systems

NASA is engaged in transforming human spaceflight. The Agency is shifting from an exploration-based program with human activities focused on low Earth orbit (LEO) and targeted robotic missions in deep space to a more sustainable and integrated pioneering approach. Through pioneering, NASA seeks to address national goals to develop the capacity for people to work, learn, operate, live, and thrive safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time. However, pioneering space involves more than the daunting technical challenges of transportation, maintaining health, and enabling crew productivity for long durations in remote, hostile, and alien environments. This shift also requires a change in operating processes for NASA. The Agency can no longer afford to engineer systems for specific missions and destinations and instead must focus on common capabilities that enable a range of destinations and missions. NASA has codified a capability driven approach, which provides flexible guidance for the development and maturation of common capabilities necessary for human pioneers beyond LEO. This approach has been included in NASA policy and is captured in the Agency's strategic goals. It is currently being implemented across NASA's centers and programs. Throughout 2014, NASA engaged in an Agency-wide process to define and refine exploration-related capabilities and associated gaps, focusing only on those that are critical for human exploration beyond LEO. NASA identified 12 common capabilities ranging from Environmental Control and Life Support Systems to Robotics, and established Agency-wide teams or working groups comprised of subject matter experts that are responsible for the maturation of these exploration capabilities. These teams, called the System Maturation Teams (SMTs) help formulate, guide and resolve performance gaps associated with the identified exploration capabilities. The SMTs are defining performance parameters and goals for each of the 12 capabilities, developing maturation plans and roadmaps for the identified performance gaps, specifying the interfaces between the various capabilities, and ensuring that the capabilities mature and integrate to enable future pioneering missions. By managing system development through the SMTs instead of traditional NASA programs and projects, the Agency is shifting from mission-driven development to a more flexible, capability-driven development. The process NASA uses to establish, integrate, prioritize, and manage the SMTs and associated capabilities is iterative. NASA relies on the Human Exploration and Operation Mission Directorate's SMT Integration Team within Advanced Exploration Systems to coordinate and facilitate the SMT process. The SMT Integration team conducts regular reviews and coordination meetings among the SMTs and has developed a number of tools to help the Agency implement capability driven processes. The SMT Integration team is uniquely positioned to help the Agency coordinate the SMTs and other processes that are making the capability-driven approach a reality. This paper will introduce the SMTs and the 12 key capabilities they represent. The role of the SMTs will be discussed with respect to Agency-wide processes to shift from mission-focused exploration to a capability-driven pioneering approach. Specific examples will be given to highlight systems development and testing within the SMTs. These examples will also show how NASA is using current investments in the International Space Station and future investments to develop and demonstrate capabilities. The paper will conclude by describing next steps and a process for soliciting feedback from the space exploration community to refine NASA's process for developing common exploration capabilities.

Williams-Byrd, Julie↗