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At least 847 records · Page 47

Optimization of the angular orientation for a fast ion loss detector in a tokamak

A scintillator type fast ion loss detector measures the gyroradius and pitch angle distribution of superthermal ions escaping from a magnetically confined fusion plasma at a single location. Described here is a technique for optimizing the angular orientation of such a detector in an axisymmetric tokamak geometry in order to intercept losses over a useful and interesting ranges of pitch angle. The method consists of evaluating the detector acceptance as a function of the fast ion constants of motion, i.e. energy, canonical toroidal momentum, and magnetic moment. The detector acceptance can then be plotted in a plane of constant energy and compared with the relevant orbit class boundaries and fast ion source distributions. Knowledge of expected or interesting mechanisms of loss can further guide selection of the detector orientation. The example of a fast ion loss detector for the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) is considered.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Adaptive Forward Modeling Method for Analysis and Reconstructions of Orientation Image Map

IceNine is a MPI-parallel orientation reconstruction and microstructure analysis code. It's primary purpose is to reconstruct a spatially resolved orientation map given a set of diffraction images from a high energy x-ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM) experiment (1). In particular, IceNine implements the adaptive version of the forward modeling method (2, 3). Part of IceNine is a library used to for conbined analysis of the microstructure with the experimentally measured diffraction signal. The libraries is also designed for tapid prototyping of new reconstruction and analysis algorithms. IceNine is also built with a simulator of diffraction images with an input microstructure.

Frankie Li, ShiuFai↗

Knowledge Oriented Graph Unified Transformer (KOGUT) v0.1

KOGUT — Knowledge Oriented Graph Unified Transformer KOGUT implements the Relational Graph Transformer (RelGT) architecture for knowledge graph link prediction in biological domains, with a primary focus on microbial growth media prediction. While the original RelGT (arXiv:2505.10960) targets relational tables, time series, and multi-table databases, KOGUT adapts this architecture for heterogeneous biological knowledge graphs, providing first-in-class AI predictive models for microbial cultivation. Key Adaptations Beyond Original RelGT: - Knowledge Graph Focus: Applied to biological KGs with semantic node types (taxa, chemicals, media, phenotypes, environments) versus generic relational database tables, trained on the KG-Microbe knowledge graph (1.3M entities, 2.9M edges, 24 relation types). - Multimodal Node Encoding: Integrates node labels, categories, descriptions, and synonyms from KG metadata through learned embedding layers—adapting relational column features to graph node attributes with textual semantics. - Extended K-Hop Subgraph Strategy: Optimized neighborhood sampling (3-hop default, configurable up to 200 nodes) tuned for sparse biological networks, building on the original local-global attention framework with biological relation preservation. - Biolink Predicate Preservation: Type-specific transformations for 24 biological edge semantics (occurs_in, consumes, produces, has_phenotype, subclass_of) beyond standard relational foreign keys, enabling multi-relation link prediction. - Inductive Learning Support: Enables zero-shot predictions for novel taxa through feature-based embeddings (temperature, oxygen requirements, gram stain, cell shape), extending the original transductive relational benchmark scope to uncultured microorganisms. CheapSOTA Performance Optimizations (This Distribution): - VQ-EMA Centroid Attention: Vector quantization with exponential moving average for improved global context modeling (+5-10% MRR improvement). - HDF5 Precomputed Data Loading: One-time preprocessing of k-hop subgraphs to eliminate redundant graph traversals (2-5× training speedup). - Distributed Data Parallel Training: Multi-GPU support for scaling to larger knowledge graphs (tested on 4× NVIDIA A100 GPUs at NERSC Perlmutter). - Mixed Precision Training: Automatic mixed precision (AMP) for memory efficiency and faster training. Advantages Over Standard Knowledge Graph Embedding Models: Combines RelGT's proven multi-element tokenization (features, type, hop, structure) with graph-native biological representations, enabling interpretable link prediction across heterogeneous entities that standard embedding models (TransE, RotatE, ComplEx) and table-based transformers cannot directly model. Achieves near-perfect performance on microbial growth media prediction (MRR: 0.9966, Precision@1: 0.9932, Hit@10: 1.0000) while maintaining explainability through attention-based reasoning over biological pathways. Training Data: - KG-Microbe merged knowledge graph: 1,379,337 nodes, 2,960,472 edges - 24 biological relation types including taxonomic hierarchies, metabolic interactions, phenotype associations, and environmental relationships - Primary prediction task: Growth media suitability for microbial taxa (biolink:occurs_in, 50K edges) - Multi-relation capability: Predicts links for any of the 24 relation types, including chemical consumption/production, phenotype associations, and taxonomic classification Citation: Original RelGT Architecture: Dwivedi et al., "Relational Graph Transformer", arXiv:2505.10960, 2025 KOGUT Implementation: Knowledge Oriented Graph Unified Transformer for Microbial Growth Media Prediction Developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Trained on NERSC Perlmutter supercomputer

Joachimiak, Marcin [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab↗

BOS Gas Detection Pipeline (Integrated System for Optical Hydrogen Detection Using Background Oriented Schlieren and Machine Learning) [SWR-26-007]

This software is the world's first integrated background oriented schlieren and machine learning-based leak detection system. The system provides real time visualization of gas leaks and machine learning interpenetration of leak severity. The software is supplemented by SWR-25-177, "gpu_piv (Graphics Processing Unit Accelerated Background Oriented Schlieren Algorithm", also developed by the National Laboratory of the Rockies. SEE DOECODE ID 182832.

Palin, Ian [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NL↗

Shapes and Fall Orientations of Ice Particle Aggregates

Testing the often-made assumption that ice particle aggregates (snowflakes) are well represented by oblate spheroids, ellipsoid fits are applied to aggregate images. An algorithm to retrieve both the ellipsoidal parameters and the orientations of the fitted ellipsoids is applied to Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera measurements of ice particle aggregates observed in Alaska. The resulting ellipsoids have shapes closer to prolate spheroids than the oft-assumed oblate spheroids. A robust linear relationship exists between the two characteristic aspect ratios of the ellipsoids. The most probable orientation of the maximum dimension of the retrieved ellipsoids is not in the horizontal plane, and the rotational angles of the maximum dimensions in the horizontal plane are not uniform, but instead display some correlation with the wind direction at the times of the measurements. The retrieval results can be used to improve the representation of aggregates in microphysics and/or electromagnetic radiation scattering models applicable to radar and satellite measurements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

ENSO-Induced Teleconnection: Process-Oriented Diagnostics to Assess Rossby Wave Sources and Ambient Flow Properties in Climate Models

Climate model fidelity in representing ENSO-induced teleconnection is assessed with process-oriented diagnostics that examine a chain of processes, from equatorial Pacific precipitation to the midlatitude circulation pattern over the Pacific–North American regions. Such processes are rarely addressed during model development. Using an upper-tropospheric divergent level, local vorticity gradient of the ambient zonal flow (∂ 2 U¯/∂y 2 ) and a restoring force for Rossby waves (β * ) are estimated, the equivalent barotropic vorticity equation is solved, and an anomalous Rossby wave source (RWS') quantified. The analysis is applied to AMIP5 and AMIP6 simulations. For a realistic circulation response representation, the hypothesis that models accurately represent the strength and location of RWS', and spatial variations in β * is tested. Compared to AMIP5, in AMIP6 there are clear improvements in representing RWS' and β * . To validate the hypothesis, the analysis identifies two metrics: spatially coherent RWS' in the subtropical North Pacific, and longitudes of negative β * over the western-central North Pacific. By projecting these metrics in two and three-dimensional views, improvements or degradations in model versions are apparent. If a model’s fidelity in representing ∂ 2 U¯/∂y 2 and RWS' are compromised, then radiated Rossby waves are reflected more equatorward, resulting in zonally elongated circulation anomalies over the central North Pacific. Thus, during climate model development, applying this analysis frequently will keep a regular check on the fidelity of the modeled response to anomalous El Niño convection in conjunction with changing model ambient flow dependencies. As a result, this analysis is intended to form a process-oriented diagnostics package, a community contribution to the NOAA Model Diagnostics Task Force.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Structural insights into the mechanism defining substrate affinity in Arabidopsis thaliana dUTPase: the role of tryptophan 93 in ligand orientation

Deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) hydrolyzes dUTP to dUMP and pyrophosphate to maintain the cellular thymine-uracil ratio. dUTPase is also a target for cancer chemotherapy. However, the mechanism defining its substrate affinity remains unclear. Sequence comparisons of various dUTPases revealed that Arabidopsis thaliana dUTPase has a unique tryptophan at position 93, which potentially contributes to its degree of substrate affinity. To better understand the roles of tryptophan 93, A. thaliana dUTPase was studied. Enzyme assays showed that A. thaliana dUTPase belongs to a high-affinity group of isozymes, which also includes the enzymes from Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Enzymes from Homo sapiens and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are grouped as low-affinity dUTPases. The structure of the homo-trimeric A. thaliana dUTPase showed three active sites, each with a different set of ligand interactions between the amino acids and water molecules. On an α-helix, tryptophan 93 appears to keep serine 89 in place via a water molecule and to specifically direct the ligand. Upon being oriented in the active site, the C-terminal residues close the active site to promote the reaction. In the high-affinity group, the prefixed direction of the serine residues was oriented by a positively charged residue located four amino acids away, while low-affinity enzymes possess small hydrophobic residues at the corresponding sites.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Fluorogenic aptamers resolve the flexibility of RNA junctions using orientation-dependent FRET

To further understand the transcriptome, new tools capable of measuring folding, interactions, and localization of RNA are needed. Although Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is an angle- and distance-dependent phenomenon, the majority of FRET measurements have been used to report distances, by assuming rotationally averaged donor–acceptor pairs. Angle-dependent FRET measurements have proven challenging for nucleic acids due to the difficulties in incorporating fluorophores rigidly into local substructures in a biocompatible manner. Fluorescence turn-on RNA aptamers are genetically encodable tags that appear to rigidly confine their cognate fluorophores, and thus have the potential to report angular-resolved FRET. In this work, we use the fluorescent aptamers Broccoli and Mango-III as donor and acceptor, respectively, to measure the angular dependence of FRET. Joining the two fluorescent aptamers by a helix of variable length allowed systematic rotation of the acceptor fluorophore relative to the donor. FRET oscillated in a sinusoidal manner as a function of helix length, consistent with simulated data generated from models of oriented fluorophores separated by an inflexible helix. Analysis of the orientation dependence of FRET allowed us to demonstrate structural rigidification of the NiCo riboswitch upon transition metal-ion binding. This application of fluorescence turn-on aptamers opens the way to improved structural interpretation of ensemble and single-molecule FRET measurements of RNA.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Modeling Helium Segregation to the Surfaces of Plasma-Exposed Tungsten as a Function of Temperature and Surface Orientation

We provide a description of the dependence on surface crystallographic orientation and temperature of the segregation of helium implanted with energies consistent with low-energy plasma exposure to tungsten surfaces. Here, we describe multiscale modeling results based on a hierarchical approach to scale bridging that incorporates atomistic studies based on a reliable interatomic potential to parameterize a spatially dependent drift-diffusion-reaction cluster-dynamics code. An extensive set of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations has been performed at 933 K and/or 1200 K to determine the probabilities of desorption and modified trap mutation that occurs as small, mobile Hen (1 ≤ n ≤ 7) clusters diffuse from the near-surface region toward surfaces of varying crystallographic orientation due to an elastic interaction force that provides the thermodynamic driving force for surface segregation. These near-surface cluster dynamics have significant effects on the surface morphology, the near-surface defect structures, and the amount of helium retained in the material upon plasma exposure, for which we have developed an extensive MD database of cumulative evolution during high-flux helium implantation at 933 K, which we compare to our properly parameterized cluster-dynamics model. This validated model is then used to evaluate the effects of temperature on helium retention and subsurface helium clustering.

Blondel, Sophie↗

Enhancing scattering images for orientation recovery with diffusion map

We explore the possibility for orientation recovery in single-molecule coherent diffractive imaging with diffusion map. This algorithm approximates the Laplace-Beltrami operator, which we diagonalize with a metric that corresponds to the mapping of Euler angles onto scattering images. While suitable for images of objects with specific properties we show why this approach fails for realistic molecules. Here, we introduce a modification of the form factor in the scattering images which facilitates the orientation recovery and should be suitable for all recovery algorithms based on the distance of individual images. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Anomalous Magnetic Orientations of Magnetosome Chains in a Magnetotactic Bacterium: Magnetovibrio blakemorei Strain MV-1

There is a good deal of published evidence that indicates that all magnetosomes within a single cell of a magnetotactic bacterium are magnetically oriented in the same direction so that they form a single magnetic dipole believed to assist navigation of the cell to optimal environments for their growth and survival. Some cells of the cultured magnetotactic bacterium Magnetovibrio blakemorei strain MV-1 are known to have relatively wide gaps between groups of magnetosomes that do not seem to interfere with the larger, overall linear arrangement of the magnetosomes along the long axis of the cell. We determined the magnetic orientation of the magnetosomes in individual cells of this bacterium using Fe 2p X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectra measured with scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). We observed a significant number of cases in which there are sub-chains in a single cell, with spatial gaps between them, in which one or more sub-chains are magnetically polarized opposite to other sub-chains in the same cell. These occur with an estimated frequency of 4.0±0.2%, based on a sample size of 150 cells. We propose possible explanations for these anomalous cases which shed insight into the mechanisms of chain formation and magnetic alignment.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Understanding the driving forces for crystal growth by oriented attachment through theory and simulations

Oriented attachment is a particle-based crystallization pathway, in which nanocrystals self-assemble in solution and attach along certain crystallographic direction often forming highly organized three-dimensional crystal morphologies. The pathway offers the potential for a general synthetic approach of hierarchical nanomaterials, in which multiscale structural control is achieved by manipulating the interfacial nucleation and self-assembly of nanoscale building blocks. Here the current status of the development of a predictive theoretical framework for modeling crystallization by oriented attachment is reviewed. A particular emphasis is made on recent developments in the understanding the microscopic details of solvent mediated forces that drive nanocrystal reorientation and alignment for face-selective attachment.

Sushko, Maria L.↗

Wave vector and field vector orientation dependence of Fe K pre-edge X-ray absorption features in clinopyroxenes

Abstract Pre-edge X-ray absorption features are commonly used to derive redox states for transition metal oxides in crystals and glasses. Several calibrations for Fe2+ and Fe3+ in silicate glasses have utilized the general relationships among pre-edge peak intensity, energy, and redox state. However, absorption variations complicate those relationships in anisotropic crystals. Although absorption anisotropy at and above the energy of the rising edge adheres to the typical cos2 relationship observed in absorption spectroscopies at other energies, the anisotropy of the pre-edge is far more complicated. Prior studies focusing on pre-edge absorption anisotropy demonstrate a 1-cos4φ dependence of absorption magnitudes with rotation. Experiments presented here show that absorption magnitudes of the pre-edge vary as a function of both electric field vector orientation and wave vector direction. However, rotations around the field vector axis or wave vector axis individually result in cos2 dependence of absorption magnitudes. Rotations where both wave vector and field vector orientation are varied are not well fit by either model in the pre-edge. The resulting anisotropy complicates the process of measuring characteristic absorption in the pre-edge, making valence state determinations challenging for strongly anisotropic crystal structures such as pyroxene.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

Influence of Grain Boundary Properties and Orientation on Void Nucleation

For ductile metals, dynamic fracture during shock loading is thought to occur through void nucleation, growth, and then coalescence that leads to material failure. Particularly for high purity metals, it has been observed by numerous investigators that, under incipient spall conditions, voids appear to heterogeneously nucleate at some grain boundaries, but not others. Several factors can affect the void nucleation stress at a grain boundary, such as grain boundary structure, orientation with respect to the loading direction, energy and excess volume, in addition to its interactions with dislocations. In this work, we focus on the influence of loading direction with respect to the grain boundary plane and grain boundary properties such as energy and excess volume on the stress required for void nucleation of a grain boundary, in copper from moleculardynamics simulations. Flyer plate simulations were carried out for four boundary types with different energies and excess volumes. These boundaries were chosen as model systems to represent various boundaries observed in “real” materials. Simulations indicate that there is no direct correlation between the void nucleation stress at a boundary and either its energy and excess volume. This result suggests that average properties of grain boundaries alone are not sufficient indicators of the spall strength of a boundary and perhaps local boundary properties need to be taken into account in order to predict its susceptibility to void nucleation for broad ranges of materials. We also present both experimental and simulation results corresponding to the affect of orientation on void nucleation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DIORAMA Model of Satellite Body Orientation

The DIORAMA GPS satellite platform orientation model is described. Satellites need to keep sensors pointed towards the earth and solar panels oriented to face the sun (when not in the earth’s shadow) while they orbit the earth.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Development and Advanced Analysis of Dynamic and Static Casing Strain Monitoring to Characterize the Orientation and Dimensions of Hydraulic Fractures

Horizontal wells combined with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing have been applied to significantly increase production from low permeability formations, contributing to expanded total US production of oil and gas. Not all applications are successful, however. Field observations indicate that poorly designed or placed fracture stages in horizontal wells can result in significant well casing deformation and damage. In some instances, early fracture stages have deformed the casing enough so that it is not possible to drill out plugs in order to complete subsequent fracture stages. Improved fracture characterization techniques are required to identify potential problems early in the development of the field. Over the past decade, several new technologies have been presented as alternatives to characterize the fracture geometry for unconventional reservoirs. Monitoring dynamic casing strain and deformation during hydraulic fracturing represents one of these new techniques. The objective of this research is to evaluate dynamic and static strains imposed on a well casing by single and multiple stage fractures, and to use that information in combination with numerical inversion techniques to estimate fracture characteristics such as length, orientation and post treatment opening. GeoMechanics Technologies, working in cooperation with the Department of Energy, Small Business Innovation Research through DOE SBIR Grant No: DE-SC-0017746, is conducting a research project to complete an advanced analysis of dynamic and static casing strain monitoring to characterize the orientation and dimensions of hydraulic fractures. This report describes our literature review and technical approach.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

Meshing, Language Server Protocol, and other User-Oriented MOOSE Framework Improvements to Enhance Reactor Analysis Capabilities and Workflows

The open-source Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework underpins most of the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) physics applications and coupling methods. Users interact with MOOSE in multiple ways to enable the construction of complex multiphysics models, including but not limited to compilation, input creation and syntax validation, meshing, solving the physics problem via MOOSE-based solvers and coupling, and output inspection. In FY23, numerous enhancements have been made to MOOSE to enhance the user experience. Reactor-oriented meshing capabilities in MOOSE have been expanded, an online tutorial was created and hosted on the MOOSE site, and a hands-on workshop was held for more than 100 users. The Language Server Protocol (LSP) capability has been implemented in MOOSE to better communicate correct syntax to the NEAMS Workbench user interface which is commonly used to validate input and submit jobs by users. Finally, several other user-facing improvements were made including the implementation of improved screen output and logging control, enhancements to the initial condition system, and enhancements of the MultiApp system commonly used for coupling. Collectively, these enhancements were driven by user needs and directly improve user ability to construct complex multiphysics models for nuclear reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Polarized Resonant X-ray Scattering to Measure Molecular Orientation and Conformation in Organic Nanostructures

The ordering of organic (carbon-based) molecules into nanostructures drives useful materials properties for applications such as organic light emitting diodes, flexible batteries, and polymer nanocarriers. However, there is a current lack of techniques to measure this ordering. X-ray scattering techniques involving molecular resonances have shown promise in identifying molecular types, locations, and orientation. However, resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSoXS) techniques have not been developed even lacking basic optical models. The objectives achieved by this research were the development of methods, models, and analysis techniques that harness these resonant phenomena in X-ray scattering measurements to quantitatively probe ordering of organic molecules within devices and nanostructures. This award resulted in 11 peer reviewed publications with two others soon to be submitted. New physical models for X-ray scattering that accurately describe these complex molecular resonances enable measurements of how molecules assemble, orient and conform at the nanometer scale. These new techniques were applied to both organic electronic devices and aqueous nanoparticles being developed for hydrocarbon sequestration. This new measurement capability will enable characterization of structure-property relationships that lead to disruptive technologies of printable, stretchable, and biocompatible devices based on organic materials.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗