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At least 973 records · Page 54

A study of resistive peeling–ballooning modes across spherical tokamaks

We investigate how non-ideal-magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) effects, in particular plasma resistivity, impact the peeling–ballooning stability thresholds in spherical tokamaks. This analysis follows the discovery of resistive kink-peeling modes in ELMing National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) discharges. In the present study we extend this modeling to ELMing pulses in the Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak (MAST) and MAST—Upgrade (MAST-U), where we find a clear resistive scaling for peeling–ballooning modes. While in NSTX ideal-MHD predicts stability for ELMing discharges, in MAST-U we find that the plasma is slightly unstable to peeling–ballooning modes, but is fully stabilized once diamagnetic effects are considered in terms of a growth rate normalization. A resistive power law scaling is calculated for these modes on MAST-U, which lies in between that of tearing modes and resistive interchange modes. A comparison between M3D-C1 and NIMROD shows reasonable agreement for this scaling. Resistivity destabilizes the modes and the peeling–ballooning unstable domain is considerably expanded in both, MAST and MAST-U. In addition to the MAST/-U pulses we also analyze resistive PB stability in a NSTX-similarity discharge on DIII-D. While having a different aspect ratio from NSTX, this discharge uses NSTX-like shaping parameters, toroidal field and plasma current. By considering these discharges alongside NSTX cases, we identify conditions influencing the onset of resistive peeling–ballooning modes. Furthermore, our findings indicate that magnetic shear in the pedestal region is closely linked to the emergence of resistive edge modes.

MAST-U↗

Essential Function Analysis Capability

The Essential Function Analysis Capability (EFAC) is an extension of the All Hazards Knowledge Framework (AHA) and is a dynamic analytical framework that enables critical infrastructure knowledge discovery and decision support across the five mission areas – prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. EFAC provides the ability to store and model infrastructure systems as a linked multigraphs providing an intuitive and natural representation. These infrastructure systems can then be tied to the organizational and essential function breakdown of an entity. This capability provides the foundation to rapidly evaluate and understand the potential consequences of manmade and natural disaster on these infrastructure systems and essential functions.

Hoover, MichaelJ.↗

LungMAP Portal Ecosystem: Systems-level Exploration of the Lung

An improved understanding of the human lung necessitates advanced systems models informed by an ever-increasing repertoire of molecular omics, cellular, imaging, and pathological datasets. To centralize and standardize information across broad lung research efforts we expanded the LungMAP.net website into a new gateway portal. This portal connects a broad spectrum of research networks, bulk and single-cell multi-omics data and a diverse collection of image data that span mammalian lung development, and disease. The data are standardized across species and technologies using harmonized data and metadata models that leverage recent advances including those from the Human Cell Atlas, diverse ontologies, and the LungMAP CellCards initiative. To cultivate future discoveries, we have aggregated a diverse collection of single-cell atlases for multiple species (human, rhesus, mouse), to enable consistent queries across technologies, cohorts, age, disease, and drug treatment. These atlases are provided as independent and integrated queryable datasets, with an emphasis on dynamic visualization, figure generation, re-analysis, cell-type curation, and automated reference-based classification of user-provided single-cell genomics datasets (Azimuth). Finally, as this resource grows, we intend to increase the breadth of available interactive interfaces, supported data types, data portals and datasets from LungMAP and external research efforts.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

QTG-Finder2: A Generalized Machine-Learning Algorithm for Prioritizing QTL Causal Genes in Plants

Linkage mapping has been widely used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) in many plants and usually requires a time-consuming and labor-intensive fine mapping process to find the causal gene underlying the QTL. Previously, we described QTG-Finder, a machine-learning algorithm to rationally prioritize candidate causal genes in QTLs. Although it showed good performance, QTG-Finder could only be used in Arabidopsis and rice because of the limited number of known causal genes in other species. Here we tested the feasibility of enabling QTG-Finder to work on species that have few or no known causal genes by using orthologs of known causal genes as training set. The model trained with orthologs could recall about 64% of Arabidopsis and 83% of rice causal genes when the top 20% ranked genes were considered, which is similar to the performance of models trained with known causal genes. The average precision was 0.027 for Arabidopsis and 0.029 for rice. We further extended the algorithm to include polymorphisms in conserved non-coding sequences and gene presence/absence variation as additional features. Using this algorithm, QTG-Finder2, we trained and cross-validated Sorghum bicolor and Setaria viridis models. The S. bicolor model was validated by causal genes curated from the literature and could recall 70% of causal genes when the top 20% ranked genes were considered. Furthermore, we applied the S. viridis model and public transcriptome data to prioritize a plant height QTL and identified 13 candidate genes. QTL-Finder2 can accelerate the discovery of causal genes in any plant species and facilitate agricultural trait improvement.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Selection Effect in Dark Energy Survey Y1

The discovery that the Universe expansion is accelerated poses one of the most profound mysteries in physics. Cosmic acceleration could be a sign of the fact that General Relativity breaks down on cosmological scales and has to be replaced, or it could arise from an unknown form of energy that currently dominates our Universe. That is what we call dark energy and in this case the problem moves to the discovery of its nature. Dark Energy Survey aims to study the nature of dark energy and to test General Relativity and cosmological models. The cluster analysis of the first run of DES leads to results which are incomparable with what other surveys have obtained. In particular it turns out that the matter density of the Universe is $Ω_m = 0.179^{+0.031}_{−0.038}$, very different from the 0.3 value expected. In this work we build a procedure that can be followed in order to understand whether the solution of DES Y1 problem could be a selection effect or not.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Probing BSM Oscillatory Signals with the DUNE Detectors and the LBNF Neutrino Beam: NSI and Sterile Neutrino Sensitivities

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a flagship long-baseline accelerator neutrino experiment under construction in the U.S. With a 1,300 km distance between its Near Detector (ND) and Far Detector (FD), the world’s most intense LBNF (Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility) neutrino beam, and high-resolution LArTPC (Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber) detectors, DUNE will measure the neutrino oscillation parameters with unprecedented precision. In addition to the determination of the neutrino mass ordering and the potential discovery of Charge-Parity violation in the leptonic sector, DUNE's capabilities present a unique opportunity for probing Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) physics signals with neutrinos. Examples of BSM physics manifestations include the presence of Non-Standard Interactions (NSI) of neutrinos with matter, or the existence of sterile neutrinos that mix with 3-Flavor neutrinos. In this study, we present a joint ND+FD fit to simulated data assessing DUNE's sensitivity to probing neutrino NSI, as well as scenarios including sterile neutrino mixing.

Prais, Luiz [Cincinnati U.] (ORCID:000000018224947↗

Soliton Generation in Negative Thermal Expansion Materials

Strain solitons have been observed statically in several 2D materials and dynamically in substrate materials using ultrafast laser pulses. The latter case relies on lattice relaxation in response to ultrafast heating in a light-absorbing transducer material, a process which is sensitive to the thermal expansion coefficient. Here we consider an unusual case where the sign of the thermal expansion coefficient is negative, a scenario which is experimentally feasible in light of rapid and recent advances in the discovery of negative thermal expansion materials. We present numerical solutions to a nonlinear differential equation which has been repeatedly demonstrated to quantitatively model experimental data and discuss the salient results using realistic parameters for material linear and nonlinear elasticity. The solitons that emerge from the initial value problem with negative and positive thermal expansion are qualitatively different in several ways. The new case of negative thermal expansion gives rise to a nearly-periodic soliton train with chirped profile and free of an isolated shock front. We suggest this unanticipated result may be realized experimentally and assess the potential for certain applications of this generic effect.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Variations in the Width, Density, and Direction of the Palomar 5 Tidal Tails

Stars that escape globular clusters form tidal tails that are predominantly shaped by the global distribution of mass in the Galaxy, but also preserve a historical record of small-scale perturbations. Using deep grz photometry from DECaLS, we present highly probable members of the tidal tails associated with the evaporating globular cluster Palomar 5. These data yield the cleanest view of a stellar stream beyond ≈20 kpc and reveal: (1) a wide, low surface-brightness extension of the leading tail; (2) significant density variations along the stream; and (3) sharp changes in the direction of both the leading and the trailing tail. In the fiducial Milky Way model, a rotating bar perturbs the Palomar 5 tails and can produce streams with similar width and density profiles to those observed. However, the deviations of the stream track in this simple model do not match those observed in the Palomar 5 trailing tail, indicating the need for an additional source of perturbation. These discoveries open up the possibility of measuring the population of perturbers in the Milky Way, including dark-matter subhalos, with an ensemble of stellar streams and deep photometry alone.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Volatile inventories on Mars

Predictions for the total inventory of outgassed volatiles on Mars can be developed by studying volatiles in meteorites, terrestrial rocks, and the atmospheres of Venus, the moon, and the earth. Two models are presented, following the basic assumption that the devolatilization of Mars has been analogous to that of the earth. The recent discovery of a high abundance of argon in the Martian atmosphere appears to indicate that Mars has outgassed as completely as the earth, but present uncertainties and lacunae in the essential data set permit several other interpretations.

Owen, T.↗

Participation in the Mars Data Analysis Program: Analysis of cloud forms in Viking and Mariner 9 images

The first systematic account of the climate of Mars, based upon observations was produced. Cloud data were used to determine spatially and temporally varying near-surface wind direction, relative wind speed, static stability, and humidity conditions on a global scale. Existing models of meteorological processes were critically reexamined in light of the data, and more stringent constraints were set on global processes. Several discoveries were made, including the large extent and seasonal variability of the Mars equatorial Hadley cell, the failure of high latitude winds to reverse direction in early northern spring, the change in meridional wind component in southern midautum, and the almost constant cloud cover in the northern hemisphere, during spring and summer primarily by condensate clouds and in fall and winter by condensates and dust. The implications of these observations are discussed.

Gierasch, P.↗

Superlattices and NiPi structures in new forms of cascade solar cells

The activity in the field of photovoltaic semiconductor superstructures is described. Progress was accomplished in the two principal directions previously defined in our initial proposal, i.e.: (1) Theoretical investigation of the optical properties of superlattices; and (2) New solar cell concepts and device modeling. Although important information concerning the optical constants of superlattices and multiple quantum well structures was obtained from our computer model, most of the theoretical efforts have progressively shifted from the former to the latter aspect of the project because of the discovery of a new kind of photovoltaic device which may exhibit improved performances with respect to conventional solar cells.

Leburton, J. P.↗

Stellar activity cycles

The variety of stellar chromospheric and coronal activity provides a framework for understanding solar and stellar magnetic activity. It is pointed out that the recognition of an 11-yr periodicity within the record of sunspot numbers is a relatively recent discovery of just over a century ago. The solar activity cycle is examined, taking into account the sunspot cycle, and solar dynamo models. Time-averaged stellar chromospheric activity levels are considered along with long-term activity fluctuations of cool stars. Attention is given to the direct measurement of stellar magnetic fields, solar luminosity variations, the RS Canum Venaticorum and BY Draconis variables, continuum variations in lower main sequence stars, chromospheric variations in lower main sequence stars, and chromospheric variations in evolved stars.

Baliunas, S. L.↗

Dust bands in the asteroid belt

This paper describes the original IRAS observations leading to the discovery of the three dust bands in the asteroid belt and the analysis of data. Special attention is given to an analytical model of the dust band torus and to theories concerning the origin of the dust bands, with special attention given to the collisional equilibrium (asteroid family), the nonequilibrium (random collision), and the comet hypotheses of dust-band origin. It is noted that neither the equilibrium nor nonequilibrium models, as currently formulated, present a complete picture of the IRAS dust-band observations.

Sykes, Mark V.↗

Historical Data for Geomagnetic Field Modelling

Described here are the various types of historical data (by which we mean actual measurements of the field taken in the past) which are available for geomagnetic field modelling, concentrating exclusively on observations made prior to the 20th century. These data take quite diverse forms, being derived from voyages of discovery or scientific expeditions, from surveys on land, or from observatories after the formation of the Gottingen Magnetic Union. Toward the latter part of the 19th Century, declination was measured quite regularly by various naval vessels for the purpose of constructing charts. Prior to the invention of a method for measuring field intensities by Gauss in 1832, all measurements were of declination or inclination. During the 19th Century over 40,000 observations are available in one year (the first International Polar Year 1882-83). Prior to 1800 there are only of the order of 12,000 measurements. We discuss measurement methods and the types of instruments used, and focus on specific problems which have been noted, such as those associated with the measurement of intensity on iron ships in the late 19th Century.

Jackson, Andrew↗

On the Detection of Energetically Efficient Trajectories for Spacecraft

We propose a new method for the detection of energy-efficient trajectories for spacecraft. Via a so called target-shooting approach a pseudo-orbit between the relevant points in space is constructed in a simple model of the problem. This approximate trajectory is meant to serve as input for a more sophisticated direct method in order to compute a true trajectory in the full model. We demonstrate the applicability of the new method by considering the redesign of part of the trajectory of the NASA/JPL Genesis discovery mission.

Genesis mission↗

Infrared Heterodyne Spectroscopy and its Unique Application to Planetary Studies

Since the early 1970's the infrared heterodyne technique has evolved into a powerful tool for the study of molecular constituents, temperatures, and dynamics in planetary atmospheres. Its extremely high spectral resolution (Lambda/(Delta)Lambda/>10(exp 6)) and highly accurate frequency measurement (to 1 part in 10(exp 8)) enabled the detection of nonthermal/natural lasing phenomena on Mars and Venus; direct measurements of winds on Venus, Mars, and Titan; study of mid-infrared aurorae on Jupiter; direct measurement of species abundances on Mars (ozone, isotopic CO2), hydrocarbons on Jupiter, Saturn., Neptune, and Titan, and stratospheric composition in the Earth's stratosphere (O3, CIO, N2O, CO2 ....). Fully resolved emission and absorption line shapes measured by this method enabled the unambiguous retrieval of molecular abundances and local temperatures and thermal structure in regions not probed by other techniques. The mesosphere of Mars and thermosphere of Venus are uniquely probed by infrared heterodyne spectroscopy. Results of these studies tested and constrained photochemical and dynamical theoretical models describing the phenomena measured. The infrared heterodyne technique will be described. Highlights in its evolution to today's instrumentation and resultant discoveries will be presented, including work at Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Koln. Resultant work will include studies supporting NASA and ESA space missions and collaborations between instrumental and theoretical groups.

Kostiuk, Theodore↗

The Outer Solar System Origins Survey: Design and First-Quarter Discoveries - I.

We report the discovery, tracking, and detection circumstances for 85 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) from the first 42 square degrees of the Outer Solar System Origins Survey. This ongoing r-band solar system survey uses the 0.9 square degree field of view MegaPrime camera on the 3.6 meter Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. Our orbital elements for these TNOs are precise to a fractional semimajor axis uncertainty of less than 0.1 percent. We achieve this precision in just two oppositions, as compared to the normal three to five oppositions, via a dense observing cadence and innovative astrometric technique. These discoveries are free of ephemeris bias, a first for large trans-Neptunian surveys. We also provide the necessary information to enable models of TNO orbital distributions to be tested against our TNO sample. We confirm the existence of a cold "kernel" of objects within the main cold classical Kuiper Belt and infer the existence of an extension of the "stirred" cold classical Kuiper Belt to at least several au beyond the 2:1 mean motion resonance with Neptune. We find that the population model of Petit et al. remains a plausible representation of the Kuiper Belt. The full survey, to be completed in 2017, will provide an exquisitely characterized sample of important resonant TNO populations, ideal for testing models of giant planet migration during the early history of the solar system.

Bannister, Michele T.↗

3D Climate Simulations of Earth-Like Planets with A Range of Atmospheric Composition, Radiative Transfer, Ocean, And Resolution Configurations, Using the New Version of ROCKE-3D

Understanding the climate of terrestrial planetary atmospheres has been increasingly the focus of research worldwide, in light of the increasing amount of rocky planet discoveries orbiting other stars in or near their habitable zone. Here we present simulations with the new version of the 3D climate model ROCKE-3D, whose version 2.0 will soon become publicly available. A wide range of configurations will be supported, compared to a handful ones in its predecessor, version 1.0 (Way et al., 2017). These include two model resolutions (4x5 and 2x2.5), two radiation schemes (GISS and SOCRATES), three atmospheric configurations (Earth-like, Earth-like without O3 and aerosols, and N2-dominated), and three ocean setups (prescribed sea-surface temperatures and ice cover, q-flux, and dynamic). Simulations of all different configuration combinations have been performed and will become available for use by the community. Key results will be presented across those configurations, together of the role of the structural uncertainty in model setup in the resulting climate calculated by the model.

climate simulations of Earth-like planets↗