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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 1,225 records · Page 68
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

LinkML: an open data modeling framework

Background Scientific research relies on well-structured, standardized data; however, much of it is stored in formats such as free-text lab notebooks, nonstandardized spreadsheets, or data repositories. This lack of structure challenges interoperability, making data integration, validation, and reuse difficult. Findings LinkML (Linked Data Modeling Language) is an open framework that simplifies the process of authoring, validating, and sharing data. LinkML can describe a range of data structures, from flat, list-based models to complex, interrelated, and normalized models that utilize polymorphism and compound inheritance. It offers an approachable syntax that is not tied to any one technical architecture and can be integrated seamlessly with many existing frameworks. The LinkML syntax provides a standard way to describe schemas, classes, and relationships, allowing modelers to build well-defined, stable, and optionally ontology-aligned data structures. Once defined, LinkML schemas may be imported into other LinkML schemas. These key features make LinkML an accessible platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and a reliable way to define and share data semantics. Conclusions LinkML helps reduce heterogeneity, complexity, and the proliferation of single-use data models while simultaneously enabling compliance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data standards. LinkML has seen increasing adoption in various fields, including biology, chemistry, biomedicine, microbiome research, finance, electrical engineering, transportation, and commercial software development. In short, LinkML makes implicit models explicitly computable and allows data to be standardized at their origin. LinkML documentation and code are available at https://linkml.io/.

AI-ready data↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unlocking Scholarly Insights: Leveraging Machine Learning Approaches for Citation Analysis and Intent Classification

Publicly funded organizations, notably institutions like the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), are deeply vested in acquiring robust productivity metrics to gauge the entirety of their research output. Motivated by the imperative to enhance institutional productivity assessment, this study investigates the utilization of Large Language Models (LLM) such as BERT-based models, as well as local LLaMa-30b-instruct and Mixtral-8x7b-instruct architectures for classifying type of URL referenced resources in academic papers such as software, dataset, as well as authorship intent. Challenges in discerning resource types from context are highlighted, along with the potential of BERT and LLMs to address these challenges. Through comprehensive analysis, this research unveils a notable surge in documents featuring URL citations, indicative of the escalating importance of digital resources in scholarly publications. Moreover, citations to datasets and software demonstrate consistent growth over time, underscoring their increasing significance. Our findings also reveal that LANL authors contribute substantially to accessible science, comprising about 10% of dataset and software mentions in LANL

Large Language Models, BERT, citation classificati↗
DOE OSTI2022

VAST: the Void Analysis Software Toolkit

Voids are expansive regions in the universe containing significantly fewer galaxies than surrounding galaxy clusters and filaments. They are a fundamental feature of the cosmic web and provide important information about galaxy physics and cosmology. For example, correlations between voids and luminous tracers of large-scale structure improve constraints on the expansion of the universe as compared to using tracers alone, and numerous studies have shown that the void environment influences the evolution of galaxies. However, what constitutes a void is vague and formulating a concrete definition to use in a void-finding algorithm is not trivial. As a result, several different algorithms exist to identify these cosmic underdensities. Our Void Analysis Software Toolkit, or VAST, provides Python 3 implementations of two such algorithms: VoidFinder and V 2 . This consolidation of two popular void-finding algorithms allows the user to, for example, easily compare the results of their analysis using different void definitions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Crystalline Disposal R&D at LBNL: FY20 Progress Report

Within the Spent Fuel & Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) Program, research work continues further with the goal to better understand long-term performance of disposal systems in three main geologic rock types: clay/shale, salt, and crystalline rock. This report documents LBNL’s research activities related to investigations of crystalline host rock according to the scope of two work packages: SF-20LB01030207 “Crystalline International Collaborations – LBNL,” and SF-20LB01030203 “Crystalline Disposal R&D – LBNL.” These research activities correspond are related to key Features, Events, and Processes (FEPs), ranked in importance from medium to high, as listed in Table 7 of the Used Fuel Disposition Campaign Disposal Research and Development Roadmap (FCR&D-USED-2011-000065 REV0) (Nutt, 2011). Specifically, these research activities address FEP 2.2.01, Excavation Disturbed Zone (EZD). The results of these research activities provide important insights into understanding and predicting flow and transport processes that could occur in low-permeability crystalline rocks, in which fractures might serve as main conduits for fluid flow and radionuclide transport. The evolution of the EDZ during the excavation of the tunnel as well as the evolution of microcrack growth within the EDZ after the emplacement of backfill are critical for predicting the long- term behavior of the EDZ. A number of factors including stress, temperature, water activity, capillary pressure, chemistry, and mineralogy can affect the rock evolution, which require advanced experimental tools to study it.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Flavor Classification in ICARUS Using Convolutional Visual Networks

In this work, we adapt the Convolutional Visual Network (CVN) approach [1] to the ICARUS detector by incorporating TPC stitching methods inspired by NuGraph[8]. The stitching technique used here is unique to ICARUS, designed specifically to handle its distinct detector segmentations. We then retrain the network using ICARUS-specific data. This study underscores the flexibility of deep learning models in high-energy physics and the importance of accounting for detector-specific features when transferring machine learning techniques between experiments. This poster presents the methods, classification performance, and insights gained from applying CVN to ICARUS data.

Wieler, Felipe [Tech. Fed. Parana U.]↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Surface Exposed, Two-Domain Lipoprotein Cargo of a Type XI Secretion System Promotes Colonization of Host Intestinal Epithelia Expressing Glycans

The only known required component of the newly described Type XI secretion system (TXISS) is an outer membrane protein (OMP) of the DUF560 family. TXISS OMPs are broadly distributed across proteobacteria, but properties of the cargo proteins they secrete are largely unexplored. We report biophysical, histochemical, and phenotypic evidence that Xenorhabdus nematophila NilC is surface exposed. Biophysical data and structure predictions indicate that NilC is a two-domain protein with a C-terminal, 8-stranded β-barrel. This structure has been noted as a common feature of TXISS effectors and may be important for interactions with the TXISS OMP . The NilC N-terminal domain is more enigmatic, but our results indicate it is ordered and forms a β-sheet structure, and bioinformatics suggest structural similarities to carbohydrate-binding proteins. X. nematophila NilC and its presumptive TXISS OMP partner NilB are required for colonizing the anterior intestine of Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes: the receptacle of free-living, infective juveniles and the anterior intestinal cecum (AIC) in juveniles and adults. We show that, in adult nematodes, the AIC expresses a Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA)-reactive material, indicating the presence of N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylneuraminic acid sugars on the AIC surface. A role for this material in colonization is supported by the fact that exogenous addition of WGA can inhibit AIC colonization by X. nematophila. Conversely, the addition of exogenous purified NilC increases the frequency with which X. nematophila is observed at the AIC, demonstrating that abundant extracellular NilC can enhance colonization. NilC may facilitate X. nematophila adherence to the nematode intestinal surface by binding to host glycans, it might support X. nematophila nutrition by cleaving sugars from the host surface, or it might help protect X. nematophila from nematode host immunity. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses of wild type X. nematophila compared to those lacking nilB and nilC revealed differences in cell wall and secreted polysaccharide metabolic pathways. Additionally, purified NilC is capable of binding peptidoglycan, suggesting that periplasmic NilC may interact with the bacterial cell wall. Overall, these findings support a model that NilB-regulated surface exposure of NilC mediates interactions between X. nematophila and host surface glycans during colonization. This is a previously unknown function for a TXISS.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Using iterative random forest to find geospatial environmental and Sociodemographic predictors of suicide attempts

Despite a recent global decrease in suicide rates, death by suicide has increased in the United States. It is therefore imperative to identify the risk factors associated with suicide attempts to combat this growing epidemic. In this study, we aim to identify potential risk factors of suicide attempt using geospatial features in an Artificial intelligence framework. We use iterative Random Forest, an explainable artificial intelligence method, to predict suicide attempts using data from the Million Veteran Program. This cohort incorporated 405,540 patients with 391,409 controls and 14,131 attempts. Our predictive model incorporates multiple climatic features at ZIP-code-level geospatial resolution. We additionally consider demographic features from the American Community Survey as well as the number of firearms and alcohol vendors per 10,000 people to assess the contributions of proximal environment, access to means, and restraint decrease to suicide attempts. In total 1,784 features were included in the predictive model. Our results show that geographic areas with higher concentrations of married males living with spouses are predictive of lower rates of suicide attempts, whereas geographic areas where males are more likely to live alone and to rent housing are predictive of higher rates of suicide attempts. We also identified climatic features that were associated with suicide attempt risk by age group. Additionally, we observed that firearms and alcohol vendors were associated with increased risk for suicide attempts irrespective of the age group examined, but that their effects were small in comparison to the top features. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of social determinants and environmental factors in understanding suicide risk among veterans.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling the Impact of Riparian Hollows on River Corridor Nitrogen Exports

Recent studies in snowmelt-dominated catchments have documented changes in nitrogen (N) retention over time, such as declines in watershed exports of N, though there is a limited understanding of the controlling processes driving these trends. Working in the mountainous headwater East River Colorado watershed, we explored the effects of riparian hollows as N-cycling hotspots and as important small-scale controls on observed watershed trends. Using a modeling-based approach informed by remote sensing and in situ observations, we simulated the N-retention capacity of riparian hollows with seasonal and yearly hydrobiogeochemical perturbations imposed as drivers. We then implemented a scaling approach to quantify the relative contribution of riparian hollows to the total river corridor N budget. We found that riparian hollows primarily serve as N sinks, with N-transformation rates significantly limited by periods of enhanced groundwater upwelling and promoted at the onset of rainfall events. Given these observed hydrologic controls, we expect that the nitrate ( NO 3 - ) sink capacity of riparian hollows will increase in magnitude with future climatic perturbations, specifically the shift to more frequent rainfall events and fewer snowmelt events, as projected for many mountainous headwater catchments. Our current estimates suggest that while riparian hollows provision ~5–20% of NO 3 - to the river network, they functionally act as inhibitors to upland NO 3 - reaching the stream. Our work linking transient hydrological conditions to numerical biogeochemical simulations is an important step in assessing N-retaining features relative to the watershed N budget and better understanding the role of small-scale features within watersheds.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

The anaerobic fungus Caecomyces churrovis produces H 2 via a non-bifurcating NADH-dependent enzyme complex

ABSTRACT Hydrogenosomes are mitochondria-derived organelles that produce ATP and H 2 to support energy metabolism in anaerobic eukaryotes. H 2 production allows reoxidation of reduced cofactors generated during fermentative metabolism; however, the metabolic mechanisms for H 2 production in anaerobic eukaryotes remains incompletely understood. In particular, it remains unclear whether anaerobic fungi (AF) hydrogenosomes use a ferredoxin-dependent pathway or a distinct mechanism to regenerate NAD(P) + and link electron transfer to H 2 formation. Here, by combining genomic search, proteomic analysis, and enzymology, we reveal the molecular mechanism for H 2 production in the AF strain Caecomyces churrovis . Our enzyme assays on the organelle fraction of C. churrovis revealed the activity of H 2 :NAD + oxidoreductase but not pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, which is usually linked to H 2 formation. We identified genes encoding [FeFe] hydrogenase (Hyd) and NADH dehydrogenase subunits E and F (NuoE, NuoF) in C. churrovis , and confirmed their expression in the isolated hydrogenosomal fractions by proteomic analysis. Combining the individually purified enzymes, we found Hyd and NuoEF proteins formed H 2 directly from NADH independently of ferredoxin, functioning as a non-bifurcating NADH-dependent enzyme rather than an electron-bifurcating enzyme. We identified homologs of hydrogenosomal NuoE, NuoF, and Hyd in many other AF, indicating this pathway is commonly shared among the AF. This work demonstrates the existence of a non-bifurcating NADH-dependent enzyme complex in eukaryotes. Moreover, this complex could potentially be exploited as a target for controlling AF H 2 production and altering fungal metabolism. IMPORTANCE H 2 production is a prominent feature of anaerobic energy metabolism, yet our understanding of eukaryotic mechanisms remains limited. Anaerobic fungi (AF) are key decomposers of lignocellulose and contribute to hydrogen flux in anaerobic environments. Although it has been more than 40 years since the H 2 production from AF was first reported, the molecular mechanism for hydrogenosomal H 2 production and redox balance remains unclear. We demonstrate that AF produce H 2 from NADH utilizing a non-bifurcating NADH-dependent enzyme complex rather than an electron-bifurcating, ferredoxin-dependent variant. We show that this enzyme complex is conserved across multiple AF lineages and thus demonstrate the occurrence of a non-bifurcating NADH-dependent enzyme in eukaryotes. This discovery expands our understanding of eukaryotic hydrogenosomal metabolism, reveals a previously unknown strategy for redox balancing, and highlights potential targets for manipulating H 2 production. These insights have broad implications for microbial energy metabolism, anaerobic ecosystems, and bioengineering of H 2 -producing systems.

Zhang, Bo [Department of Chemical Engineering, Uni↗
NASA NTRS1969

Why is the moon gray?

Gray and colorless features of moon explained as atomic H imported by solar wind replacing lost H by photolytic decomposition of water vapor

Libby, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Structural and lithologic study of Northern Coast Range and Sacramento Valley, California

The author has identified the following significant results. Preliminary analysis of the data received has disclosed two potentially important northwest-trending systems of linear features within the Northern California Coast Ranges. A third system, which trends northeast, can be traced with great uncertainty across the alluviated part of the Sacramento Valley and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. These linear features may represent fault systems or zones of shearing. Of interest, although not yet verified, is the observation that some of the mercury concentrations and some of the geothermally active areas of California may be located at the intersection of the Central and the Valley Systems. One, perhaps two, stratigraphic unconformities within the Late Mesozoic sedimentary rocks were detected during preliminary examination of the imagery; however, more analysis is necessary in order to verify this preliminary interpretation. A heretofore unrecognized, large circular depression, about 15 km in diameter, was detected within the alluviated part of the Sacramento Valley. The depression is adjacent to a large laccolithic intrusion and may be geologically related to it. Changes in the photogeologic characteristics of this feature will continue to be monitored.

Rich, E. I.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The period structure of the ZZ Ceti variables

The current observational status of the period structure of ZZ Ceti stars is reviewed, and in particular those features which appear to be the most important for theory to explain, or which may be relevant to the directions of theoretical development are discussed. Mechanisms to explain the broad range of period structure are suggested. Multiple nonradial modes, probably corresponding to different radial overtones, may be simultaneously excited in each star. The excitation energy of individual stars is distributed among permitted modes by nonlinear resonant coupling. In addition, rotational splitting of the nonradial modes can produce closely spaced periods which results in modulation of the light curve. Amplitude/spectral complexity correlation results from the appearance in the power spectrum of harmonics and cross-frequencies which are the effects brought on by increasing nonlinearity of the pulsations.

Mcgraw, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The Effect of Point-spread Function Interaction with Radiance from Heterogeneous Scenes on Multitemporal Signature Analysis

The point-spread function is an important factor in determining the nature of feature types on the basis of multispectral recorded radiance, particularly from heterogeneous scenes and particularly from scenes which are imaged repetitively, in order to provide thematic characterization by means of multitemporal signature. To demonstrate the effect of the interaction of scene heterogeneity with the point spread function (PSF)1, a template was constructed from the line spread function (LSF) data for the thematic mapper photoflight model. The template was in 0.25 (nominal) pixel increments in the scan line direction across three scenes of different heterogeneity. The sensor output was calculated by considering the calculated scene radiance from each scene element occurring between the contours of the PSF template, plotted on a movable mylar sheet while it was located at a given position.

Duggin, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Dynamic features of combustion

The dynamic features of combustion are discussed for four important cases: ignition, inflammation, explosion, and detonation. Ignition, the initiation of a self-sustained exothermic process, is considered in the simplest case of a closed thermodynamic system and its stochastic distribution. Inflammation, the initiation and propagation of self-sustained flames, is presented for turbulent flow. Explosion, the dynamic effects caused by the deposition of exothermic energy in a compressible medium, is illustrated by self-similar blast waves with energy deposition at the front and the adiabatic non-self-similar wave. Detonation, the most comprehensive illustration of all the dynamic effects of combustion, is discussed with a phenomenological account of the development and structure of the wave.

Oppenheim, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The Tasseled Cap de-mystified

The fundamental concepts on which the Tasseled Cap transformations of MSS and TM data are based - particularly the identification of inherent data structures - are explained and discussed. Emphasis on the structures present in data from any given sensor, which are themselves the expression of physical characteristics of scene classes, provides a number of advantages, including (a) reduction in data volume with minimal information loss; (b) spectral features which can be applied, without re-definition or adjustment, to any data set for a given sensor; (c) spectral features which can be directly associated with important physical parameters; and (d) easier integration of data from multiple sensors.

Crist, E. P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An experimental investigation of flowfield about a multielement airfoil

Detailed measurements of mean-flow and turbulence quantities around a multielement airfoil model have been made using pressure and hot-wire probes. The results obtained in two test cases at the chord Reynolds number of 3 million and the freestream Mach number of 0.2 show a number of features of the complex flows that are important in accurate modeling of these flows by numerical methods. Many parts of the shear flow vastly deviate from classical flows, and the interaction with the external potential flow is very strong.

Nakayama, A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Neptune cloud structure at visible wavelengths

Digital images of Neptune showing cloud structure at visible wavelengths were obtained in July 1988. A discrete bright feature was detected both at 6190 A (a weak methane absorption band in the visible) and at 8900 A (a stronger methane band in the near infrared). The images also revealed that Neptune's southern pole was bright relative to planetary mid-latitudes at 6190 A but not 8900 A. The implications of these findings for atmospheric rotation and structure are discussed. The detection of discrete features at visible wavelengths is of special importance to the upcoming Voyager encounter with Neptune: the wide-angle camera has a 6190 A filter similar to that used for these observations.

Hammel, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The composition of heavy molecular ions inside the ionopause of Comet Halley

The RPA2-PICCA instrument aboard the Giotto spacecraft obtained 10-210 amu mass spectral of cold thermal molecular ions in the coma of Comet Halley. The dissociation products of the long chain formaldehyde polymer polyoxymethylene (POM) have recently been proposed as the dominant complex molecules in the coma of Comet Halley; however, POM alone cannot account for all of the features of the high resolution spectrum. An important component of the dust at Comet Halley is particles highly enriched in carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen relative to the composition of carbonaceous chondrites. Since this dust could be a source for the heavy molecules observed by PICCA, a search was conducted for other chemical species by determining all the molecules with mass between 20 and 120 amu which can be made from the relatively abundant C, H, O, and N, without regard to chemical structure.

Mitchell, David L.↗