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At least 883 records · Page 49

Simulation and modeling of the deep space receiver interaction with channel decoding performance

Computer models were developed in an attempt to reproduce the sequential decoder computation curve of Deep Space Network (DSN) ground station receivers, by simulation of the binary data output of the Gaussian channel with the carrier phaselock loop and the subcarrier demodulator assembly. Simulations were run at bit rates equal to the powers of 2 from 8 to 2,048, and agreement with DSN data was generally good above 32 bits per second. Simulation results at data rates of 8, 16, and 32 bits per second did not closely match experimental data. This simulation provides a more accurate prediction of DSN computation lengths than either current mathematical models or simulations without both the subcarrier demodulator and carrier loop.

Jones, H. W., Jr.↗

Genome Extraction from Shotgun Metagenome Sequence Data

Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea comprise the vast majority of species on Earth, but obtaining their genomes directly from the environment, using shotgun sequencing, has only recently become possible. To realize the hope of capturing Earth’s microbial genetic complement, technologies that accelerate recovery of high-quality genomes are necessary. We present a series of analysis steps and data products for the extraction of high quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from microbiomes using the U.S. Department of Energy Systems Biology Knowledgebase (KBase) platform (http://www.kbase.us/). In KBase, the process is end-to-end, allowing a user to go from the initial sequencing reads all the way through to MAG genomes, which can then be analyzed with other KBase capabilities such as phylogenetic placement, functional assignment, metabolic modeling, pangenome functional profiling, RNA-Seq, and others. While portions of such capabilities are individually available from other resources, the combination of the intuitive usability, data interoperability, and integration of tools in a freely available compute resource makes KBase a uniquely powerful platform for obtaining MAGs from microbiomes. While this workflow offers tools for each of the key steps in the genome extraction process, it also provides a scaffold that can be easily extended, with additional MAG recovery and analysis tools, via the KBase SDK (Software Development Kit).

Chivian, Dylan↗

Moab Desert Crust - Sample 4E

Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea comprise the vast majority of species on Earth, but obtaining their genomes directly from the environment, using shotgun sequencing, has only recently become possible. To realize the hope of capturing Earth’s microbial genetic complement, technologies that accelerate recovery of high-quality genomes are necessary. We present a series of analysis steps and data products for the extraction of high quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from microbiomes using the U.S. Department of Energy Systems Biology Knowledgebase (KBase) platform (http://www.kbase.us/). In KBase, the process is end-to-end, allowing a user to go from the initial sequencing reads all the way through to MAG genomes, which can then be analyzed with other KBase capabilities such as phylogenetic placement, functional assignment, metabolic modeling, pangenome functional profiling, RNA-Seq, and others. While portions of such capabilities are individually available from other resources, the combination of the intuitive usability, data interoperability, and integration of tools in a freely available compute resource makes KBase a uniquely powerful platform for obtaining MAGs from microbiomes. While this workflow offers tools for each of the key steps in the genome extraction process, it also provides a scaffold that can be easily extended, with additional MAG recovery and analysis tools, via the KBase SDK (Software Development Kit).

Chivian, Dylan↗

Which nuclear data can be validated with LLNL pulsed-sphere experiments?

It is shown here that 14-MeV D+T LLNL pulsed-sphere experiments bring complementary information into the process of validating nuclear data compared to experiments that are traditionally used for this purpose—such as critical assemblies. To be more specific, the 14-MeV D+T LLNL pulsed-sphere neutron-leakage spectra enable to validate scattering and fission nuclear data up to 15 MeV (compared to approximately up to 5 MeV when using criticality experiments) and employ to this end simple compound targets containing only few isotopes. In this work, sensitivity profiles of the spectra to nuclear data are calculated in order to understand in detail which isotopes, observables, and energy ranges of nuclear data contribute significantly to their simulation. These profiles are presented for a few selected spheres containing 16 O, 12 C, 56 Fe, and 239 Pu. It is shown that the neutron-leakage spectra of spheres containing light elements are mostly sensitive to elastic- and inelastic-scattering cross sections on discrete levels and corresponding angular distributions. Spheres of structural materials are sensitive to elastic- and inelastic-scattering cross sections, including scattering on discrete levels and the continuum, and double-differential cross sections. Actinide spheres are also strongly sensitive to the fission observables, in particular to the total-fission neutron spectrum. Thin spheres (in which neutrons experience on average less than one scatter) are mostly sensitive to data near the elastic peak, in the energy range from 12–15 MeV, while thicker ones can be sensitive to data at lower incident-neutron energies due to multiple-scattering effects. This information is brought together with simulations of 71 pulsed-sphere neutron-leakage spectra using the ENDF/B-VII.1 and ENDF/B-VIII.0 nuclear-data libraries. This analysis highlights ENDF/B-VIII.0 data that could be further investigated for potential shortcomings ( 6 Li, 12 C, 16 O, 24-26 Mg, 27 Al, 48 Ti, 56 Fe, and 208 Pb) or are likely reliable ( 1,2 H, 7 Li, 9 Be, 14 N, 235,238 U, and 239 Pu) as indicated by validating with LLNL pulsed-sphere experiments.

14-MeV D+T LLNL pulsed-sphere neutron-leakage spec↗

Dose Rate Analysis of the WCS Consolidated Interim Storage Facility

This report describes a confirmatory calculation for a proposed consolidated interim storage facility (CISF) to support the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s review of the license application submitted by the Interim Storage Partners. The scope of this report is limited to an assessment of the annual dose from direct radiation associated with Phase 1 of the Waste Control Specialists (WCS) CISF and the determination of the minimum controlled area boundary based on the 10 CFR 72.104 limit of 25 mrem annual dose to the whole body. The confirmatory dose rate calculations used the source term and shielding calculation capabilities of the SCALE 6.2.3 computer code system. The calculation method employed in the confirmatory calculations uses a detailed Monte Carlo radiation transport simulation from source to dose rate. This method differs from the two-step method used in the safety analysis report (SAR), which requires determination of the photon and neutron energy and angular distributions on the cask external surface and then the use of this surface source in a new radiation transport calculation to determine dose rate as a function of distance from the storage facility. A simulation was made using the complete site geometry (all casks present) but with only one cask containing source, and a total of 467 independent calculations were performed to obtain the dose rate maps produced by each storage cask. Basic input data and assumptions used in the SAR (e.g., cask design parameters and design basis assembly characteristics) were used in this confirmatory calculation for consistency with the SAR. Local atmospheric conditions for skyshine calculations were simulated using US standard atmosphere data, which describe average air temperature, pressure, and density as a function of altitude. The determined minimum required distances from the WCS Phase 1 CISF to a contour defined by the 25 mrem annual dose limit were approximately 623 m (0.387 miles) in the N-NE direction, 594 m (0.369 miles) in the SSW direction, and 533 m (0.331 miles) in the E-SE direction and the W-NW direction. The annual dose results of the confirmatory calculation are in relatively good agreement with the annual dose values presented in the WCS SAR. The annual dose produced by the Phase 1 CISF at the nearest site boundary, 0.75 miles away from the CISF, was estimated by this study to be approximately 6.02E-02 ± 2.0E-04 mrem, which is significantly smaller than the 25 mrem annual dose limit provided in 10 CFR 72.104. The SAR annual dose rate value for the nearest site boundary was 7.52E-2 mrem, which included 7.73E-03 mrem due to postulated leakage of the FO-, FC-, and FF-canisters. A comparison with the dose rate values reported in the SAR for 16 detector locations, D1 through D16, on the protected area boundary is also included in this report. This comparison shows that the SAR determined higher annual dose values for detectors D1 through D14 by 12% to 45% and lower annual dose values for detectors D15 and D16 by 18% and 8%, respectively, as compared with this ORNL confirmatory calculation. Sensitivity studies have been performed to support a comprehensive review of the application. In these studies, the effects on dose rate of the modeled air volume, density, and humidity were analyzed. The sensitivity calculations showed that the air volume used in the Monte Carlo simulations was adequate and that a larger air volume would not further increase the dose rate due to skyshine contributions. The sensitivity analysis showed that simulation of local atmospheric conditions is important for the accuracy of dose rate estimates at large distances from the facility. Air humidity was demonstrated to have negligible effects on dose rate values for the simulated local atmospheric conditions.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Structural insight into host plasma membrane association and assembly of HIV-1 matrix protein

Oligomerization of Pr55 Gag is a critical step of the late stage of the HIV life cycle. It has been known that the binding of IP6, an abundant endogenous cyclitol molecule at the MA domain, has been linked to the oligomerization of Pr55 Gag . However, the exact binding site of IP6 on MA remains unknown and the structural details of this interaction are missing. Here, we present three high-resolution crystal structures of the MA domain in complex with IP6 molecules to reveal its binding mode. Additionally, extensive Differential Scanning Fluorimetry analysis combined with cryo- and ambient-temperature X-ray crystallography and GNM-based transfer entropy calculations identify the key residues that participate in IP6 binding. Our data provide novel insights about the multilayered HIV-1 virion assembly process that involves the interplay of IP6 with PIP2, a phosphoinositide essential for the binding of Pr55 Gag to membrane. IP6 and PIP2 have neighboring alternate binding sites within the same highly basic region (residues 18–33). This indicates that IP6 and PIP2 bindings are not mutually exclusive and may play a key role in coordinating virion particles’ membrane localization. Based on our three different IP6-MA complex crystal structures, we propose a new model that involves IP6 coordination of the oligomerization of outer MA and inner CA domain’s 2D layers during assembly and budding.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Biofoundries: Principles, Tools, and Applications

This chapter aims to provide a broad overview of biofoundries and introduces the principles, concepts, and case studies. We first outline the underlying principles of the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) framework and the role of automation, digital integration, and standardization. The chapter then explores core biofoundry technologies including robotic liquid handlers, high-throughput analytical instruments, and digital infrastructure for data management and workflow scheduling. Case studies spanning DNA assembly, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and mammalian cell culture demonstrate the practical applications of the biofoundries. Economic and societal impacts are assessed alongside current limitations. We discuss the emerging trends including artificial intelligence integration and cloud-based distributed facilities to highlight its potential for biotechnology and the bioeconomy.

Singh, Nilmani↗

Cryo-EM structures reveal native GABA A receptor assemblies and pharmacology

Type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA A Rs) are the principal inhibitory receptors in the brain and the target of a wide range of clinical agents, including anaesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics and antidepressants. However, our understanding of GABA A R pharmacology has been hindered by the vast number of pentameric assemblies that can be derived from 19 different subunits and the lack of structural knowledge of clinically relevant receptors. Here, we isolate native murine GABA A R assemblies containing the widely expressed α1 subunit and elucidate their structures in complex with drugs used to treat insomnia (zolpidem (ZOL) and flurazepam) and postpartum depression (the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (APG)). Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis and single-molecule photobleaching experiments, we uncover three major structural populations in the brain: the canonical α1β2γ2 receptor containing two α1 subunits, and two assemblies containing one α1 and either an α2 or α3 subunit, in which the single α1-containing receptors feature a more compact arrangement between the transmembrane and extracellular domains. Interestingly, APG is bound at the transmembrane α/β subunit interface, even when not added to the sample, revealing an important role for endogenous neurosteroids in modulating native GABA A Rs. Together with structurally engaged lipids, neurosteroids produce global conformational changes throughout the receptor that modify the ion channel pore and the binding sites for GABA and insomnia medications. Our data reveal the major α1-containing GABA A R assemblies, bound with endogenous neurosteroid, thus defining a structural landscape from which subtype-specific drugs can be developed.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Pair distribution function analysis of nano-object assemblies

The atomic pair distribution function (aPDF) analysis technique, also known as the total scattering method, which considers both Bragg and diffuse scattering, has been used extensively to probe local atomic arrangements in crystalline and disordered materials. In contrast, there have been limited applications of the PDF in self-assembled nanomaterials, which represent a class of materials built from nanoscale objects, such as nano-colloids, micelles and proteins. As distinguished from atoms, nano-objects have polydispersity in size and shape, and such form-factor effects complicate the application of PDF analysis to nano-systems. Here, in this paper, the application of the PDF is extended to spherical nano-object assemblies and the formulae for the nano-PDF (nPDF) are derived, showing some differences from the aPDF. By numerical simulations, the properties of the nPDF (peak broadening and pattern profile) are studied systematically as a function of structural features, such as nano-object parameters (size and size polydispersity) and assembly structural features (size, shape, structure type and lattice disorder), and of data processing parameters ( q cut-off and `missing' data in ultra-small-angle regions). The nPDF analysis method is found to provide an effective route to revealing not only nanoscale but also mesoscale structural properties, for example the morphology of a nano-assembly.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

COVID-19 Evidence Accelerator: A parallel analysis to describe the use of Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin among hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant global threat. However, despite urgent need, there remains uncertainty surrounding best practices for pharmaceutical interventions to treat COVID-19. In particular, conflicting evidence has emerged surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, alone or in combination, for COVID-19. The COVID-19 Evidence Accelerator convened by the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA, in collaboration with Friends of Cancer Research, assembled experts from the health systems research, regulatory science, data science, and epidemiology to participate in a large parallel analysis of different data sets to further explore the effectiveness of these treatments. Methods: Electronic health record (EHR) and claims data were extracted from seven separate databases. Parallel analyses were undertaken on data extracted from each source. Each analysis examined time to mortality in hospitalized patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and the two in combination as compared to patients not treated with either drug. Cox proportional hazards models were used, and propensity score methods were undertaken to adjust for confounding. Frequencies of adverse events in each treatment group were also examined. Results: Neither hydroxychloroquine nor azithromycin, alone or in combination, were significantly associated with time to mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. No treatment groups appeared to have an elevated risk of adverse events. Conclusion: Administration of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and their combination appeared to have no effect on time to mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Continued research is needed to clarify best practices surrounding treatment of COVID-19.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TEAMER: Biofouling Analysis for Wave Energy Piston Design - Load Cell Data

Biofouling and corrosion are a major concern for all ocean-deployed components, especially when mechanical motion is involved. Triton has developed the concept of a biofouling mitigation seal as part of the piston sealing assembly for the Triton Wave Energy Converter (TSI-WEC). This mitigation seal has the purpose of preventing the formation of a biofilm on the inside of the piston cylinder. It is hypothesized that the prevention of a biofilm will reduce the amount of macro-biofouling that can occur in the piston assembly. The mitigation seal can also reduce the wear on the main dynamic seal, helping to maintain smooth operation and water-tightness. The cylinder is made from a thermoset composite epoxy, which is resistant to corrosion. However, no studies have researched the material's performance with biofouling. Triton placed two prototype Power Take-Off (PTO) assemblies in a PNNL biofouling tank, one with a biofouling mitigation seal and one without, allowing for an evaluation of seal effectiveness at the prevention of biofouling. In actual WEC operation, wave action would react against the piston, which would drive the linear actuator and electric generator, providing electrical power. In the test setup, this was reversed; a linear actuator was powered to drive the piston in a consistent motion within the cylinder. There are two assemblies: one has a biofouling mitigation seal, the other (control) does not. The following data encompasses a 4 month test period, with load cells being used to monitor piston friction force. Results from this testing will be used to improve seal design and material selection, mitigating risk of premature failure during open water testing and evaluation. This project is part of the TEAMER RFTS 3 (request for technical support) program.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

30 cm Drop Modeling

This report documents modeling and analysis of the 30 cm cask drop scenario for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) casks. The 30 cm drop is an important hypothetical dynamic loading scenario for SNF because 10 CFR 71.71 defines testing requirements for normal conditions of transport (NCT) of SNF packages, and free drop (of 30 cm for the heaviest packages) tests are required. Other NCT conditions specified in 10 CFR 71.71 include vibration normally incident to transport, and DOE’s multimodal transportation test (MMTT) and related analysis concluded that mechanical shock and vibration incident to transportation is negligible for SNF structural integrity because the loads are so small. The SNF cask 30 cm drop has a lot more potential to cause damage to SNF because the kinetic energy and momentum of the system is stopped abruptly during the cask impact event. Test data and model predictions both agree that the SNF assemblies are subjected to significantly higher loads in a cask drop event than normal transportation shock and vibration, but currently there is no reason to expect gross structural damage of the fuel assembly or widespread SNF cladding failure as a result of a 30 cm cask drop. The ultimate goal of this work is to close the knowledge gap of stress profiles on SNF rods and fuel assembly components during NCT, and this report describes the progress toward reaching that goal as well as a plan for finishing this work over the next year or two. Key remaining tasks include refining the fuel assembly model, calculating a selection of specific fuel assembly cases to populate the damage model, and finally running the damage model to predict the full general response range of 30 cm drop loads on SNF.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis and Grading of the Test Performance of PS Modules for the CMS Phase-2 Outer Tracker Upgrade

The Outer Tracker of the CMS experiment provides information about the trajectory of charged particles produced in proton-proton collisions at the LHC. During the High Luminosity LHC upgrade, scheduled for the late 2020s, the Outer Tracker will be replaced with new modules capable of transmitting data to the L1 Trigger. These modules are being assembled at several facilities around the world, including Fermilab, necessitating coordinated standards of module quality. Here I discuss the development of POTATO (Phase-2 Outer Tracker Analyzer of Test Outputs), a C++ software which provides a standardized procedure for analyzing and grading test results of the Outer Tracker modules. The particular focus of this poster is on the analysis and grading of the PS (pixel-strip) modules in POTATO.

Riggall, Caroline↗

Analysis and Grading of the Test Performance of PS Modules for the CMS Phase-II Outer Tracker Upgrade

The Outer Tracker detector of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment provides information about the trajectory of charged particles produced in proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). During the High Luminosity LHC upgrade, scheduled for the late 2020s, the Outer Tracker will be replaced with new modules capable of transmitting data to the L1 Trigger. These modules are being assembled at several facilities around the world, including Fermilab, necessitating coordinated standards of module quality. Here I discuss the development of POTATO (Phase-II Outer Tracker Analyzer of Test Outputs), a C++ software which provides a standardized procedure for analyzing and grading test results of the Outer Tracker modules. The particular focus of this paper is on the analysis and grading of the PS (pixel-strip) modules in POTATO.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

LWS design replacement study: Optimum design and tradeoff analysis

A design for two long-wavelength (LW) focal-plane and cooler assemblies, including associated preamplifiers and post-amplifiers is presented. The focal-planes and associated electronic assemblies are intended as direct replacement hardware to be installed into the existing 24-channel multispectral scanner used with the NASA Earth Observations Aircraft Program. An organization skilled in the art of LWIR systems can fabricate and deliver the two long-wavelength focal-plane assemblies described in this report when provided with the data and drawings developed during the performance of this contract. The concepts developed during the study including the alternative approaches and selection of components are discussed. Modifications to the preliminary design as reported in a preliminary design review meeting have also been included.

Source record↗

Measurement of irregularities in angular velocities of rotating assemblies in memory devices on magnetic carriers

Problems in measurement of irregularities in angular velocity of rotating assemblies in memory devices with rigid and flexible magnetic data carriers are discussed. A device and method for determination of change in angular velocities in various frequency and rotation rate ranges are examined. A schematic diagram of a photoelectric sensor for recording the signal pulses is provided. Mathematical models are developed to show the amount of error which can result from misalignment of the test equipment.

Virakas, G. I.↗

Rotating optical coupler for signal transmission

Optical coupler using Dove prism assembly to form stationary image of rotating object, transmits data across rotating interface without sliprings or other mechanical contacts. Device can handle many high-bit-rate data channels.

Ivie, C. V.↗

L-band tone-code-data transponder calibration

The objectives of this program were to identify and quantify factors which affect the performance of the L-band tone-code-data ranging transponders. Specific objectives included the following: (1) assemble the L-band ranging transponder, previously deployed in Hawaii for the tracking of the ATS-5 satellite, at the GE Radio-Optical Observatory; (2) configure the observatory to conduct calibration exercises with the transponder; and (3) conduct sufficient calibration experiments to demonstrate factors which degrade transponder accuracy, precision, and reliability, to quantify these factors where possible, and to verify long term transponder stability under controlled conditions.

Brisken, A. F.↗