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At least 145 records · Page 8

Co-existence of Heterogeneous Wireless Networks in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Spectrum

To achieve automation across different applications, next-generation nuclear power plants are beginning to leverage advanced wireless technologies. The deployment of these wireless technologies is a salient need for modernizing the existing nuclear plants. A “one-size-fits-all” solution cannot be adopted since wireless technologies are selected according to specific application needs, quality of service, and economic restrictions. To balance the trade-off between technical and economic requirements, a multi-band heterogeneous wireless network architecture is needed. However, the co-existence of these multi-band wireless technologies poses numerous challenges. Due to factors including dissimilarity in channel access mechanisms, transmit power levels, distance between nodes, and interference among co-existing solutions, performance can be seriously degraded, leading to very low signal-to-noise ratio. This report builds on our previous study, "Experimental Evaluation of Interference in 2.4 GHz Wireless Network," which analyzed the performance of wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth co-existing within the 2.4 GHz band. We now extend this study by developing a new upper-layer approach that uses rate control to create temporary opportunities for signal transmission while using the shared band. Unlike existing work in the literature, our approach does not require modifications at the link or physical layers of the network. Further, we extend our work to explore the co-existence of Wi-Fi and fifth-generation (5G) in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum, using both experiments and simulations. This report provides a technical foundation for understanding the operational designs of Wi-Fi and 5G in the unlicensed band and evaluates their performance when these networks co-exist. Our findings show that the performance of 5G can be improved by controlling the Wi-Fi’s packet rate at the upper layer.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Novel Z-DNA binding domains in giant viruses

Z-nucleic acid structures play vital roles in cellular processes and have implications in innate immunity due to their recognition by Zα domains containing proteins (Z-DNA/Z-RNA binding proteins, ZBPs). Although Zα domains have been identified in six proteins, including viral E3L, ORF112, and I73R, as well as, cellular ADAR1, ZBP1, and PKZ, their prevalence across living organisms remains largely unexplored. In this study, we introduce a computational approach to predict Zα domains, leading to the revelation of previously unidentified Zα domain-containing proteins in eukaryotic organisms, including non-metazoan species. Our findings encompass the discovery of new ZBPs in previously unexplored giant viruses, members of the Nucleocytoviricota phylum. Through experimental validation, we confirm the Zα functionality of select proteins, establishing their capability to induce the B-to-Z conversion. Additionally, we identify Zα-like domains within bacterial proteins. While these domains share certain features with Zα domains, they lack the ability to bind to Z-nucleic acids or facilitate the B-to-Z DNA conversion. Our findings significantly expand the ZBP family across a wide spectrum of organisms and raise intriguing questions about the evolutionary origins of Zα-containing proteins. Moreover, our study offers fresh perspectives on the functional significance of Zα domains in virus sensing and innate immunity and opens avenues for exploring hitherto undiscovered functions of ZBPs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

US Perspectives on the Conventional/Nuclear Interactions and the Impacts on Nuclear Escalation Risks and Future Arms Control Prospects

This short paper is organized around a few discrete questions. How have U.S. perspectives on conventional and nuclear interactions evolved in recent years? How have these changing perspectives shaped U.S. thinking on perceived nuclear escalation risks with Russia, both long standing and newly emerged? And finally, what do these U.S. perceptions of interactions and risks mean for future potential arms control either in the conventional or nuclear arena? The answers to these questions appear to show some promise for future work in this area. Conventional and nuclear interactions are increasing, and thus the two domains cannot be kept as deliberately or artificially separated as in the past. There is a growing mutual recognition regarding the interplay between conventional and nuclear capabilities in the strategic stability equation. There is also an increasingly shared recognition in the United States and Russia that nuclear escalation risks are likely to originate in conventional crises or conflict, placing an imperative on some form of conflict prevention procedures at the lower end of the spectrum. This requirement suggests some potential areas for risk reduction measures outside of those traditionally considered in conventional and nuclear arms control over the past several decades.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

One fold, many functions—M23 family of peptidoglycan hydrolases

Bacterial cell walls are the guards of cell integrity. They are composed of peptidoglycan that provides rigidity to sustain internal turgor and ensures isolation from the external environment. In addition, they harbor the enzymatic machinery to secure cell wall modulations needed throughout the bacterial lifespan. The main players in this process are peptidoglycan hydrolases, a large group of enzymes with diverse specificities and different mechanisms of action. They are commonly, but not exclusively, found in prokaryotes. Although in most cases, these enzymes share the same molecular function, namely peptidoglycan hydrolysis, they are leveraged to perform a variety of physiological roles. A well-investigated family of peptidoglycan hydrolases is M23 peptidases, which display a very conserved fold, but their spectrum of lytic action is broad and includes both Gram- positive and Gram- negative bacteria. In this review, we summarize the structural, biochemical, and functional studies concerning the M23 family of peptidases based on literature and complement this knowledge by performing large-scale analyses of available protein sequences. This review has led us to gain new insight into the role of surface charge in the activity of this group of enzymes. We present relevant conclusions drawn from the analysis of available structures and indicate the main structural features that play a crucial role in specificity determination and mechanisms of latency. Our work systematizes the knowledge of the M23 family enzymes in the context of their unique antimicrobial potential against drug-resistant pathogens and presents possibilities to modulate and engineer their features to develop perfect antibacterial weapons.

Razew, Alicja↗

Sunshade/radiative cooler for IRAS infrared astronomical satellite

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) is a joint project shared by the United States and the Netherlands with the United Kingdom providing tracking and ground support services. IRAS features a cryogenically cooled telescope designed to perform an unbiased all-sky survey of the far infrared spectrum from 8 to 120 microns and to observe objects of special interest. The sunshade is designed to protect the telescope aperture and sunshade radiators from: direct solar radiation; direct earth radiation; radiation exchange with satellite structures; excessive aperture heating caused by sunshade inner cone emission. The sunshade three-stage radiative cooler design meets the listed requirements and, in addition, provides some contamination protection for the telescope aperture and optical surfaces during pointing maneuvers when the telescope is tilted in the direction of the velocity vector. Unless protected by the sunshade, the ram effect can cause molecules to enter the aperture and deposit on the cooled optical surfaces. This paper describes the sunshade design, the thermal analyses, and the results of thermal balance testing of the flight hardware.

Anderson, R. R.↗

Excitation spectrum and low-temperature magnetism in the disordered defect-fluorite Ho2⁢Zr2⁢O7

In this work, we report on the thermomagnetic characterization and crystalline-electric field (CEF) energy scheme of the disordered defect-fluorite Ho2⁢Zr2⁢O7. This structural phase is distinguished by the coexistence of magnetic frustration and extensive disorder, with Ho3+ and Zr4+ sharing randomly the same 4⁢𝑎 site with even 50% occupancy, and an average 1/8 oxygen vacancy per unit cell. AC magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on powder samples down to 0.5 K revealed signs of slowing spin dynamics without glassy behavior, including a frequency dependent peak at ∼1K. Yet, no evidence for long-range magnetic order is found down to 200 mK in the specific heat. Inelastic neutron scattering measurements show a weak, low-lying CEF excitation around 2 meV, accompanied by a broad level centered at 60 meV. To fit our observations, we propose an approach to account for structural disorder in the crystal-field splitting of the non-Kramers Ho3+. Our model provides an explanation to the broadening of the high-energy, single-ion excitations and suggests that the zirconate ground-state wavefunction has zero magnetic moment. Through the breaking of local symmetry, structural disorder enables the magnetic response observed in Ho2⁢Zr2⁢O7, allowing the mixing of low-lying states at finite temperatures. Finally, we show that this scenario is in good agreement with the bulk properties reported in this work.

Gardner, Jason [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000278234072)↗

Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Path to Sustainable Aviation Fuel

A variety of technologies are currently under development for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and one of the most promising technologies is the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of low-cost waste feedstocks. Organizations across the globe are conducting research and development on HTL technology at scales varying from the laboratory to demonstrations focused on various aspects of technology development. The identification of more advanced and sustainable solutions to maximize the fuel yield while optimizing fuel properties and achieving cost parity with conventional fuels is the major focus in developing HTL technology. This workshop on the application of HTL to produce SAF, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), was held virtually on November 17–19, 2020. A broad spectrum of experts from industry, academia, national laboratories, and government from across the globe participated in the workshop, contributing their ideas, insights, and perspectives. A series of keynote presentations, plenary presentations, and breakout sessions provided an interdisciplinary framework for sharing information and building collaboration. This document provides an overview of the content discussed in the presentations as well as the breakout session discussion. Diverse stakeholder perspectives were gathered, and this wealth of information collectively provides an update on the current state of the field and identifies the key research opportunities.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

X-ray observations of the supernova remnant MSH 11-54

Soft X-ray observations of the X-ray source H1122-59 in the 0.4-2 keV band made with the low-energy detector 1 of the HEAO A-2 experiment are described. Based on positional coincidence, the source is identified with the supernova remnant MSH-11-54, thus confirming the report of Share et al. (1980). The object is a bright source in the 0.4-2 keV band with an X-ray flux of 9 x 10 to the -11th ergs/sq cm s near the earth. The measured source spectrum implies a plasma temperature of 4 million K and X-ray luminosity in the 0.4-2 keV band of 10 to the 37th ergs/s using a distance of 10 kpc for MSH 11-54. The X-ray observations, interpreted in terms of an adiabatic shock wave model, give a shock velocity of about 560 km/s and a supernova age of about 2300 yr, in good agreement with the age derived from the radio observations.

Agrawal, P. C.↗

The Dust Properties of Hot R Coronae Borealis Stars and a Wolf-Rayet Central Star of a Planetary Nebula: In Search of the Missing Link

We present new Spitzer IIRS spectra of two hot R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars, one in the Galaxy,V348 Sgr, and one lying in the Large Magellanic Cloud, HV 2671. These two objects constitute a link between the RCB stars and the [WCL] class of central stars of planetary nebula (CSPNe) that has little or no hydrogen in their atmospheres such as CPD -560 8032. HV 2671 and V348 Sgr are members of a rare subclass that has significantly higher effective temperatures than most RCB stars, but sharing the traits of hydrogen deficiency and dust formation that define the cooler RCB stars. The [WC] CSPNe star, CPD -560 8032, displays evidence for dual-dust chemistry showing both PAHs and crystalline silicates in its mid-IR spectrum. HV 2671 shows strong PAH emission but shows no sign of having crystalline silicates. The spectrum of V348 Sgr is very different from those of CPD -56deg 8032 and HV 2671. The PAH emission seen strongly in the other two stars is only weakly present. Instead, the spectrum is dominated by a broad emission centered at about 8.5 microns. This feature is not identified with either PAHs or silicates. Several other novae and post-asymptotic giant branch stars show similar features in their IR spectra. The mid-IR spectrum of CPD -56deg 8032 shows emission features associated with C60 . The other two stars do not show evidence for C60. The nature of the dust around these stars does not help us in establishing further links that may indicate a common origin.

Clayton, Geoffrey C.↗

Integrated and Advanced Lighting Controls: The Next Frontier in Energy Savings?

Lighting energy use has significantly declined as a portion of overall building energy usage due largely to the uptake of more efficient light-emitting diode technology. Although the per unit cost of lighting controls has declined, the installation and use of lighting controls are low and the installation and use of advanced controls are abysmally low. Increased use of advanced and connected lighting controls, and the ability to integrate lighting with other building systems (e.g., heat and air, plug loads, miscellaneous loads) that make the building “smarter,” offer the potential for additional energy savings. Studies into the performance of new, advanced lighting control technologies in commercial buildings have generated new findings. Although each field evaluation has interesting results individually, an analysis of their collective findings across a spectrum of commercial building types will help establish the current state of the technology and implications related to market readiness. This paper will analyze results from available field evaluation studies (recently completed as well as ongoing) of retrofit sites and share findings and insights including: • The amount of energy savings that may be expected from these systems. • Cost effectiveness, monetization, and cost points of these systems. • Ideal characteristics of these systems the most viable. • Lessons learned from the installation, commissioning, and occupant response of these systems. The results will support Department of Energy research investments and help inform efficiency programs of the potential of these emerging technologies and how they may fit within the clean energy future.

Myer, Michael↗

Solar Coronal Jets: Observations, Theory, and Modeling

Coronal jets represent important manifestations of ubiquitous solar transients, which may be the source of significant mass and energy input to the upper solar atmosphere and the solar wind. While the energy involved in a jet-like event is smaller than that of "nominal" solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), jets share many common properties with these phenomena, in particular, the explosive magnetically driven dynamics. Studies of jets could, therefore, provide critical insight for understanding the larger, more complex drivers of the solar activity. On the other side of the size-spectrum, the study of jets could also supply important clues on the physics of transients close or at the limit of the current spatial resolution such as spicules. Furthermore, jet phenomena may hint to basic process for heating the corona and accelerating the solar wind; consequently their study gives us the opportunity to attack a broad range of solar-heliospheric problems.

Raouafi, N. E.↗

Freewheeling: What Six Locations, 61,000 Trips, and 242,000 Miles in Colorado Reveal About How E-Bikes Improve Mobility Options

E-bikes have been quickly growing in popularity in recent years. Access to e-bikes poses an opportunity to improve mobility options as a comparatively inexpensive yet similarly convenient alternative to car ownership. This study focuses on the outcomes of the CanBikeCO program developed by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) that provided e-bikes to low-income users in sites across Colorado. This is the first large-scale, longitudinal evaluation of how privately-owned e-bikes are used, revealing energy, emissions, and behavior implications. The evaluation indicates that e-bikes primarily replaced driving alone. They were primarily used to access employment opportunities, although their use spanned the spectrum of mobility needs. They were popular among low-income, disadvantaged participants, with the greatest usage in the < $25,000 income bracket and by those who did not have access to a household vehicle. They have similar proportions to driving alone and shared rides for trips under 5 miles, so are a viable alternative for the majority of trips in the United States. Finally, they are competitive with cars in the number of destinations that can be reached in a given time, especially in urban cores and areas with good bicycling infrastructure. Analysis of the CanBikeCO pilot program revealed that e-bikes are a viable alternative to larger motorized modes, particularly for disadvantaged communities who may not have a variety of other mobility options. With supporting land use and infrastructure, their high energy efficiency can support substantial energy and emissions impacts due to mode shift, even in smaller communities. We will expand on these themes in a comprehensive paper to be released later this year.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Reflectance spectroscopy and GEX simulation of palagonite and iron-rich montmorillonite clay mixtures: Implications for the surface composition of Mars

Because of the power of remote sensing reflectance spectroscopy in determining mineralogy, it has been used as the major method of identifying a possible mineral analogue of the martian surface. A summary of proposed martian surface compositions from reflectance spectroscopy before 1979 was presented by Singer et al. Since that time, iron-rich montmorillonite clay, nanocrystalline or nanophase hematite, and palagonite have been suggested as Mars soil analogue materials. Palagonite in petrological terms is best described as an amorphous, hydrated, ferric iron, silica gel. Montmorillonite is a member of the smectite clay group, and its structure is characterized by an octahedral sheet in coordination with two tetrahedral sheets in which oxygen atoms are shared. The crystal unity of montmorillonite is well defined in contrast to palagonite where it is considered amorphous or poorly crystalline at best. Because of the absence of the diagnostic strong 2.2-micron reflectance band characteristic of clays in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum of Mars and palagonite and based upon a consideration of wide wavelength coverage (0.3-50 microns), Roush et al. concluded that palagonite is a more likely Mars surface analogue. In spite of the spectral agreement of palagonite and the Mars reflectance spectrum in the 2.2-micron region, palagonite shows poor correspondence with the results of the Viking LR experiment. In contrast, iron-rich montmorillonite clays show relatively good agreement with the results of the Viking LR experiment. This spectral study was undertaken to evaluate the spectral properties of mixtures of palagonite and Mars analogue iron-rich montmorillonite clay (16-18 wt. percent Fe as Fe2O3) as a Mars surface mineralogical model. Mixtures of minerals as Mars surface analogue materials have been studied before, but the mixtures were restricted to crystalline clays and iron oxides.

Orenberg, J. B.↗

Biosignatures of early earths

A major goal of NASA's Origins Program is to find habitable planets around other stars and determine which might harbor life. Determining whether or not an extrasolar planet harbors life requires an understanding of what spectral features (i.e., biosignatures) might result from life's presence. Consideration of potential biosignatures has tended to focus on spectral features of gases in Earth's modern atmosphere, particularly ozone, the photolytic product of biogenically produced molecular oxygen. But life existed on Earth for about 1(1/2) billion years before the buildup of atmospheric oxygen. Inferred characteristics of Earth's earliest biosphere and studies of modern microbial ecosystems that share some of those characteristics suggest that organosulfur compounds, particularly methanethiol (CH(3)SH, the sulfur analog of methanol), may have been biogenic products on early Earth. Similar production could take place on extrasolar Earth-like planets whose biota share functional chemical characteristics with Earth life. Since methanethiol and related organosulfur compounds (as well as carbon dioxide) absorb at wavelengths near or overlapping the 9.6-microm band of ozone, there is potential ambiguity in interpreting a feature around this wavelength in an extrasolar planet spectrum.

Earth (Planet)↗

Meeting the Challenges of Modern Transit through the Integration of Traditional Transit, On-Demand Micro-Transit Services and Vehicle Automation - A Case Study in Chandler, Arizona

Current technology trends of vehicle automation, electrification and on-demand transit are providing new tools to develop effective public mobility services, yet need to be balanced with traditional modes to serve the spectrum of demand effectively and efficiently. Automated vehicle transportation network company (TNC) services, better known as 'Robotaxis' are beginning to proliferate and scale across the US, with Waymo as the lead commercial entity. Chandler, AZ was the first fully automated deployment of Waymo technology. Chandler was also one of the first municipalities in Arizona to roll out micro-transit service to its citizens in 2022. At present the Chandler Flex micro-transit program is beginning to partner with Waymo to augment micro-transit services during peak demands, another first in the nation. However, the mix of services in Chandler relies not only on new technology, but also on traditional modes including fixed route transit and para-transit services. These are blended and balanced such that both old and new modes are applied within the context in which each excel. This presentation will provide background on the Chandler, AZ public mobility services, and the performance metrics that govern their use and selection within the spectrum of development and population density as well as socio-demographics within Chandler. Additionally, the behavioral response of the use of unmanned, automated vehicles employed to augment micro-transit is novel, the first in the nation - and initial feedback from public transit constituents in Chandler will be shared.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

WARC and CCIR support for spectrum-orbit planning

Papers prepared for the use of the U.S. delegation to the 1979 World Administrative Radio Conference; papers contributed to the National CCIR study groups on broadcasting satellites and spectrum-orbit utilization; responses to specific requests for technical analyses and evaluations; and papers presented at technical conferences on related topics are presented. Nonlinear optimization methods for finding optimum positions of satellites in the fixed satellite service; the effects of geography on the use of the geostationary orbit; intercontinental orbit sharing; traffic coordination in interfering satellites operating in the fixed satellite service; and domestic fixed and broadcasting satellite systems are covered. A possible channel orbit plan for broadcasting satellite service in the U.S. and Canada; polarization for broadcasting satellite systems; and the communication capacity of the geostationary satellite orbit are also examined.

Sawitz, P. H.↗

Mineralogical Variations Among High Albedo E-Type Asteroids: Implications for Asteroid Igneous Processes

The link between the E-type asteroids and the enstatite achondrites (aubrites) was first proposed for the original E-asteroid, 44 Nysa. The association was based on the high albedos and the featureless spectra shared by the E-asteroids and the aubrites. Among the plausible geologic and meteoritic materials, only enstatite (the magnesium end-member of the pyroxene solid solution series) is sufficiently abundant to comprise asteroid-sized bodies. However, the presence of a weak 0.89 m absorption feature in the spectrum of 44 Nysa indicates that its pyroxene contains a small amount of Fe(2+) but still substantially more than any aubrite present in the meteorite collection. The original E-class was defined based on its high albedo and flat to slightly reddish spectrum. In the absence of albedo data, the E-type was degenerate with the M- and P-types, and together these were designated as X-types. Recently, a taxonomy has been proposed to identify E-types in the absence of albedo data. In this newer classification system three subdivisions of the X-type have been proposed, including Xc, Xe and Xk. Of nine albedo-defined E-types [d], this newer non-albedo based taxonomy produced the following classifications: X-1 asteroid; Xc-2 asteroids; Xe-5 asteroids; and Xk-1 asteroid. Although the Xe subtype includes the largest number of albedo-defined E-types, most of the remaining 24 Xe-types can be excluded based on their low measured IRAS albedos, ranging from 0.116 to 0.329, which are below the lower albedo limit of the E-class (0.34) and substantially below that of the lowest albedo an actual E-type asteroid (0.41). The present discussion will be limited to unambiguous E-type asteroids determined on albedo criteria.

Gaffey, Michael J.↗

Temporal Variability of Observed and Simulated Hyperspectral Earth Reflectance

The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) is a climate observation system designed to study Earth's climate variability with unprecedented absolute radiometric accuracy and SI traceability. Observation System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) were developed using GCM output and MODTRAN to simulate CLARREO reflectance measurements during the 21st century as a design tool for the CLARREO hyperspectral shortwave imager. With OSSE simulations of hyperspectral reflectance, Feldman et al. [2011a,b] found that shortwave reflectance is able to detect changes in climate variables during the 21st century and improve time-to-detection compared to broadband measurements. The OSSE has been a powerful tool in the design of the CLARREO imager and for understanding the effect of climate change on the spectral variability of reflectance, but it is important to evaluate how well the OSSE simulates the Earth's present-day spectral variability. For this evaluation we have used hyperspectral reflectance measurements from the Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Cartography (SCIAMACHY), a shortwave spectrometer that was operational between March 2002 and April 2012. To study the spectral variability of SCIAMACHY-measured and OSSE-simulated reflectance, we used principal component analysis (PCA), a spectral decomposition technique that identifies dominant modes of variability in a multivariate data set. Using quantitative comparisons of the OSSE and SCIAMACHY PCs, we have quantified how well the OSSE captures the spectral variability of Earth?s climate system at the beginning of the 21st century relative to SCIAMACHY measurements. These results showed that the OSSE and SCIAMACHY data sets share over 99% of their total variance in 2004. Using the PCs and the temporally distributed reflectance spectra projected onto the PCs (PC scores), we can study the temporal variability of the observed and simulated reflectance spectra. Multivariate time series analysis of the PC scores using techniques such as Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) and Multichannel SSA will provide information about the temporal variability of the dominant variables. Quantitative comparison techniques can evaluate how well the OSSE reproduces the temporal variability observed by SCIAMACHY spectral reflectance measurements during the first decade of the 21st century. PCA of OSSE-simulated reflectance can also be used to study how the dominant spectral variables change on centennial scales for forced and unforced climate change scenarios. To have confidence in OSSE predictions of the spectral variability of hyperspectral reflectance, it is first necessary for us to evaluate the degree to which the OSSE simulations are able to reproduce the Earth?s present-day spectral variability.

Roberts, Yolanda↗