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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 1,099 records · Page 61

High-quality draft genome sequence of the Thermus amyloliquefaciens type strain YIM 77409T with an incomplete denitrification pathway

Abstract Thermus amyloliquefaciens type strain YIM 77409 T is a thermophilic, Gram-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium isolated from Niujie Hot Spring in Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, southwest China. In the present study we describe the features of strain YIM 77409 T together with its genome sequence and annotation. The genome is 2,160,855 bp long and consists of 6 scaffolds with 67.4 % average GC content. A total of 2,313 genes were predicted, comprising 2,257 protein-coding and 56 RNA genes. The genome is predicted to encode a complete glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Additionally, a large number of transporters and enzymes for heterotrophy highlight the broad heterotrophic lifestyle of this organism. A denitrification gene cluster included genes predicted to encode enzymes for the sequential reduction of nitrate to nitrous oxide, consistent with the incomplete denitrification phenotype of this strain.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

PoroTomo: BRAD and BRDY GPS Station RINEX Files - December 20, 2014

This dataset provides links to daily RINEX files for two GPS stations at Brady's Hot Springs as of December 20, 2014. The data is formatted as compressed GNSS RINEX observation files and is accessible through CSV files containing metadata such as file size, data type, and publication dates. The dataset includes FTP links for downloading the individual RINEX files and covers data collected through 2012. The CSV files serve as a directory for navigating to the correct FTP locations to access the desired data. Users are advised to cross-reference the filenames and station identifiers (BRAD or BRDY) when downloading files. The files were generated by the UNAVCO GSAC Repository, and all data-related timestamps and units are specified within the CSV structure. Links to additional resources, including the original database for direct downloads and a more recent dataset with data as of March 26, 2015, are also provided.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Recovery of Rare Earths, Precious Metals and Other Critical Materials from Geothermal Waters with Advanced Sorbent Structures

The work evaluates, develops and demonstrates flexible, scalable mineral extraction technology for geothermal brines based upon solid phase sorbent materials with a specific focus upon rare earth elements (REEs). The selected organic and inorganic sorbent materials demonstrated high performance for collection of trace REEs, precious and valuable metals. The nanostructured materials typically performed better than commercially available sorbents. Data contains organic and inorganic sorbent removal efficiency, Sharkey Hot Springs (Idaho) water chemsitry analysis, and rare earth removal efficiency from select sorbents.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Google Earth Locations of USA and Seafloor Hydrothermal Vents with Associated Rare Earth Element Data

Google Earth .kmz files that contain the locations of geothermal wells and thermal springs in the USA, and seafloor hydrothermal vents that have associated rare earth element data. The file does not contain the actual data, the actual data is available through the GDR website in two tier 3 data sets entitled "Compilation of Rare Earth Element Analyses from US Geothermal Fields and Mid Ocean Ridge (MOR) Hydrothermal Vents" and "Rare earth element content of thermal fluids from Surprise Valley, California"

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Brady's Geothermal Field Nodal Seismometer Active Source Data Sample

This data is in sac format and includes recordings of two active source events from 238 three-component nodal seismometers deployed at Bradys Hot Springs geothermal field as part of the PoroTomo project. The source was a viberoseis truck operating in P-wave vibrational mode and generating a swept-frequency signal. The files are 33 seconds long starting 4 seconds before each sweep was initiated. There is some overlap in the file times.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Utah FORGE: Observation Well Data

This archive contains temperature data for Roosevelt Hot Springs observation wells OH-1, OH-4, OH-5 and OH-7. There are also mud logs for OH-4. These are old datasets obtained from Rocky Mountain Power for use in the Utah FORGE project. Temperature data were collected in the 1970s and 1980s.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Brady's Geothermal Field Nodal Seismometer Data

This submission includes links to raw data, field notes, metadata, and p-wave arrival auto-picks from processed data (not provided) from the nodal seismometer array deployed at the PoroTomo Natural Laboratory in Brady's Hot Springs, Nevada during the March 2016 testing. The data is available as continuous or windowed (to vibroseis sweep) files and is stored in an AWS S3 bucket. Note: No raw data was recovered from stations 73 and 82. These data are available for download without login credentials through the free and publicly accessible Open Energy Data Initiative (OEDI) data viewer which allows users to browse and download individual or groups of files.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Candidatus Nanopusillus

The genus Candidatus Nanopusillus is comprised of small coccoid cells (~100–400 nm) that live epibiotically on the surface of archaeal hosts. The first described species, Candidatus Nanopusillus acidilobi, is an anaerobic, hyperthermophilic acidophile whose best growth is observed at 82°C, pH 3.6, cultivated from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. Ca. Nanopusillus acidilobi cells associate with the Crenarchaeota host organism Acidilobus sp. 7A. Archaeal flagella (archaella) have been predicted from the genome sequence and shown to be expressed in the proteome. Additionally, a second putative species, Candidatus Nanopusillus massiliensis, was recently reported from human dental plaque and associates with the methanogen Methanobrevibacter oralis. The genome consists of a single scaffold which is highly fragmented by spans of ambiguous nucleotides, with 16S rRNA gene fragments from Bacteria. Both species have small genomes (~0.6 Mb) encoding few biosynthetic genes and no apparent ATP synthase complex genes, suggesting that the nanoarchaeotes rely on their host for the production of major cellular precursors.

acidophile↗

Understanding Mercury Cycling in Tibetan Glacierized Mountain Environment: Recent Progress and Remaining Gaps

Glacierized mountain environments can preserve and release mercury (Hg) and play an important role in regional Hg cycling. In the Tibetan Plateau (TP), most glaciers have been retreating at unprecedented rate in recent decades, acting as one of the most active factors in regional hydrological cycling. In this mini-review, we summarized recent studies on Hg distribution, transport, and accumulation in Tibetan glacierized environments. We highlight that melting glacier may represent a stimulator that exports Hg to glacier-fed ecosystems. We identified major knowledge gaps and proposed future research needs with several emphases, including quantifying Hg in glacier ablation zone, depicting Hg transport and transformation in glacial rivers during spring melt season, and better constraining glacier-export Hg and its environmental risks to the downstream. Besides, Hg isotopic technical, passive sampling and hydrological transport model should be utilized to improve the understanding of Hg cycling in high mountain regions in the TP.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A multi-method approach for groundwater resource assessment in coastal carbonate (karst) aquifers: the case study of Sierra Almijara (southern Spain)

Understanding the transference of water resources within hydrogeological systems, particularly in coastal aquifers, in which groundwater discharge may occur through multiple pathways (through springs, into rivers and streams, towards the sea, etc.), is crucial for sustainable groundwater use. This research aims to demonstrate the usefulness of the application of conventional recharge assessment methods coupled to isotopic techniques for accurately quantifying the hydrogeological balance and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) from coastal carbonate aquifers. Sierra Almijara (Southern Spain), a carbonate aquifer formed of Triassic marbles, is considered as representative of Mediterranean coastal karst formations. The use of a multi-method approach has permitted the computation of a wide range of groundwater infiltration rates (17–60%) by means of direct application of hydrometeorological methods (Thornthwaite and Kessler) and spatially distributed information (modified APLIS method). A spatially weighted recharge rate of 42% results from the most coherent information on physiographic and hydrogeological characteristics of the studied system. Natural aquifer discharge and groundwater abstraction have been volumetrically quantified, based on flow and water-level data, while the relevance of SGD was estimated from the spatial analysis of salinity, {sup 222}Rn and the short-lived radium isotope {sup 224}Ra in coastal seawater. The total mean aquifer discharge (44.9–45.9 hm{sup 3} year{sup −1}) is in agreement with the average recharged groundwater (44.7 hm{sup 3} year{sup −1}), given that the system is volumetrically equilibrated during the study period. Besides the groundwater resources assessment, the methodological aspects of this research may be interesting for groundwater management and protection strategies in coastal areas, particularly karst environments.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Optimal Allocation of Water Resources Using a Two-Stage Stochastic Programming Method with Interval and Fuzzy Parameters

Efficient water allocation is one of the most prominent issues in water resources management. In this research, a two-stage interval-parameter stochastic fuzzy programming with type 2 membership functions was used to allocate water resources optimally to different users under uncertainty. This method can handle uncertainties expressed as probability distributions, discrete intervals, and fuzzy sets. The model considers treated wastewater as an allocable water resource in a scenario, in addition to water that is extracted from wellheads, springs, and qanats. Moreover, the loss rate of water during distribution, surplus water in the reservoir in the previous and the next period, and treated wastewater parameters have been incorporated into the model. This model was applied to a case study of water resources allocation within a multi-user and multi-reservoir context in the Zarand region of Kerman, Iran. The results indicate that reasonable solutions have been generated, in the form of interval and fuzzy information under different scenarios that could help managers provide optimal water resources allocation plans. The results also demonstrate that establishing a wastewater treatment station increases the system net benefits, surplus water in wellheads for the next period, and system reliability (level of satisfying the fuzzy goal and constraints), and decreases encountering water shortages.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Influence of Fiber Orientation on Deformation of Additive Manufactured Composites

Anisotropy caused by flow-induced fiber orientation of discontinuous fibers within the extrudate in the Extrusion Deposition Additive Manufacturing (EDAM) process gives rise to anisotropic shrinkage in printed parts and thereby, final part deformations. Three fiber orientation states, described by the second-order orientation tensor, were investigated to determine their influence upon final geometry. Two material systems were investigated including a short glass fiber-reinforced polyamide and a short carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide. A curvilinear geometry was modeled and printed virtually in the thermo-mechanical simulation, ADDITIVE3D©. The scale of the printed geometry was in the range of 300–400 mm and contained three semicircular geometry regions connected to linear regions, thereby inducing significant magnification of the spring-in deformation. The predicted deformation of the printed geometry for the three fiber orientation states and two material systems were compared. The deformation predicted for glass fiber-filled polyamide and carbon fiber-filled polyamide of the same fiber orientation states showed comparable deformations. In conclusion, the largest residual deformation was shown to correspond to the orientation tensor with the greatest degree of anisotropy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

TOUGH–RBSN simulator for hydraulic fracture propagation within fractured media: Model validations against laboratory experiments

This study presents coupled hydro-mechanical modeling of hydraulic fracturing processes in complex fractured media using a discrete fracture network (DFN) approach. The individual physical processes in the fracture propagation are represented by separate program modules: the TOUGH2 code for multiphase flow and mass transport based on the finite volume approach; and the rigid-body-spring network (RBSN) model for mechanical and fracture-damage behavior, which are coupled with each other. Fractures are modeled as discrete features, of which the hydrological properties are evaluated from the fracture deformation and aperture change. The verification of the TOUGH–RBSN code is performed against a 2D analytical model for single hydraulic fracture propagation. Subsequently, modeling capabilities for hydraulic fracturing are demonstrated through simulations of laboratory experiments conducted on rock-analogue (soda-lime glass) samples containing a designed network of pre-existing fractures. Sensitivity analyses are also conducted by changing the modeling parameters, such as viscosity of injected fluid, strength of pre-existing fractures, and confining stress conditions. The hydraulic fracturing characteristics attributed to the modeling parameters are investigated through comparisons of the simulation results.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Arsenic speciation and transport associated with the release of spent geothermal fluids in Mutnovsky field (Kamchatka, Russia)

The use of geothermal fluids for the production of electricity poses a risk of contaminating surface waters when spent fluids are discharged into (near) surface environments. Arsenic (As) in particular is a common component in geothermal fluids and leads to a degradation of water quality when present in mobile and bioavailable forms. We have examined changes in arsenic speciation caused by quick transition from high temperature reducing conditions to surface conditions, retention mechanisms, and the extent of transport associated with the release of spent geothermal fluids at the Dachny geothermal fields (Mutnovsky geothermal region), Kamchatka, Russia -- a high temperature field used for electricity production. In the spent fluids, the arsenic concentration reaches 9 ppm, while in natural hot springs expressed in the vicinity of the field, the As concentration is typically below 10 ppb. The aqueous phase arsenic speciation was determined using Liquid Chromatography (LC) coupled to an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The arsenic speciation in the bottom sediments (< 65 {mu}m fraction) of the local surface waters was analyzed using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). Arsenic in the geothermal source fluids is predominantly found as As(III), while a mixture of As(III)/As(V) is found in the water and sediment of the Falshivaia River downstream from the power plant. The extent of elevated arsenic concentrations in water is limited by adsorption to the bottom sediment and dilution, as determined using Cl{sup -} from the deep well fluids as a tracer. Analysis of the Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectra shows that sediment phase arsenic is associated with both Al- and Fe-rich phases with a bi-dentate corner sharing local geometry. The geothermal waste fluids released in the surface water create a localized area of arsenic contamination. The extent of transport of dissolved As is limited to {approx}7 km downstream from the source, while As associated with bottom sediment travels {approx}3 km farther.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Isotopic fractionation accompanying CO 2 hydroxylation and carbonate precipitation from high pH waters at The Cedars, California, USA

The Cedars ultramafic block hosts alkaline springs (pH > 11) in which calcium carbonate forms upon uptake of atmospheric CO 2 and at times via mixing with surface water. Here, these processes lead to distinct carbonate morphologies with “floes” forming at the atmosphere-water interface, “snow” of fine particles accumulating at the bottom of pools and terraced constructions of travertine. Floe material is mainly composed of aragonite needles despite CaCO 3 precipitation occurring in waters with low Mg/Ca (<0.01). Precipitation of aragonite is likely promoted by the high pH (11.5–12.0) of pool waters, in agreement with published experiments illustrating the effect of pH on calcium carbonate polymorph selection.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Characterizing the relationship between satellite phenology and pollen season: A case study of birch

Pollen released by vegetation in urban and surrounding rural areas is an important risk factor for respiratory allergies. Mapping the onset, duration, and severity of pollen is difficult, because of insufficient stations and/or monitoring networks at the national and international levels. To address this challenge, we evaluated the spatiotemporal relationship between satellite derived vegetation phenology and in-situ station derived information of pollen season during 2001–2015 at five stations in Canada. First, we calculated annual indicators of start of season (SOS) and start of pollen season (SPS) for birch from Landsat time series and pollen concentration data, respectively, at the five stations. Second, we explored the relationship between derived indicators of SOS and SPS and investigated the scale effect on the relationship. Our results indicate the Landsat based SOS is a good proxy for the indicator of SPS in the birch dominated area. The mean SOS and SPS in the study period are close (within 2.7?days) across the five stations. The interannual variability of SOS and SPS suggests the satellite derived phenology indicator can capture well the dynamics of pollen season in spring. Our analysis also indicates that the annual SOS at a finer resolution (30?m) is more consistent with SPS as compared to the indicators derived from coarser resolution satellite observations. This study shows the potential of using fine spatial resolution satellite data (e.g., Landsat) to derive the pollen season indicators, which is important for predicting pollen season severity and risk, and assessment of their impacts on respiratory allergies in urban domains.

Landsat, Phenology, Spring leaf unfolding, Pollen,↗

Lattice modeling of excavation damage in argillaceous clay formations: Influence of deformation and strength anisotropy

This paper presents modeling of mechanical anisotropy in argillaceous rocks using an irregular lattice modeling approach, namely the rigid-body-spring network. To represent the mechanical anisotropy, new schemes are implemented in the modeling framework. The directionality of elastic deformation is resolved by modifying the element formulation with anisotropic elastic properties. The anisotropy of strength and failure characteristics is facilitated by adopting orientation-dependent failure criteria into the failure model. The verification of the improved modeling procedures is performed against theoretical model predictions for unconfined compression tests with various bedding orientations. Furthermore, excavation damage and fracturing processes in rock formations are simulated for different geomechanical configurations, such as rock anisotropy and tectonic heterogeneity. The simulated excavation damage characteristics are realistic and comparable with the actual field observation at a tunnel located in an argillaceous clay formation. The simulation results provide insights into the excavation damage zone phenomena with an explicit representation of fracturing processes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Correction of Spherical Aberration in Grazing-Incidence X-ray Optics by Combination of Spherical-Concave Mirrors

In grazing-incidence total-reflection mirror optics for x-rays, spherical aberrations and coma are the most serious aberrations for microfocusing and microimaging. High-resolution imaging is believed to be possible only when an aspherical mirror system is used. However, the spherical aberrations of a spherical-concave mirror in a grazing-incidence condition can be eliminated by sequential reflection of spherical mirrors of similar shapes. A sub-micrometer one-dimensional focusing is easily achieved by the spherical-aberration-corrected tandem-spherical mirror optics. By configuring four spherical mirrors in an analogy of the crossed mirror optics (Kirkpatrick-Baez optics), it is possible to achieve sub-micrometer focused beam size in the hard x-ray region. Preliminary experiments on x-ray microfocusing have been carried out at beamline 20XU of SPring-8, and a 0.5 {mu}mx0.4 {mu}m beam size was achieved at 8 keV.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗