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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 1,441 records · Page 80
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Hydrogen peroxide induces activation of insulin signaling pathway via AMP-dependent kinase in podocytes

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer H{sub 2}O{sub 2} activates the insulin signaling pathway and glucose uptake in podocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer H{sub 2}O{sub 2} induces time-dependent changes in AMPK phosphorylation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer H{sub 2}O{sub 2} enhances insulin signaling pathways via AMPK activation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer H{sub 2}O{sub 2} stimulation of glucose uptake is AMPK-dependent. -- Abstract: Podocytes are cells that form the glomerular filtration barrier in the kidney. Insulin signaling in podocytes is critical for normal kidney function. Insulin signaling is regulated by oxidative stress and intracellular energy levels. We cultured rat podocytes to investigate the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) on the phosphorylation of proximal and distal elements of insulin signaling. We also investigated H{sub 2}O{sub 2}-induced intracellular changes in the distribution of protein kinase B (Akt). Western blots showed that H{sub 2}O{sub 2} (100 {mu}M) induced rapid, transient phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR), the IR substrate-1 (IRS1), and Akt with peak activities at 5 min ({Delta} 183%, P < 0.05), 3 min ({Delta} 414%, P < 0.05), and 10 min ({Delta} 35%, P < 0.05), respectively. Immunostaining cells with an Akt-specific antibody showed increased intensity at the plasma membrane after treatment with H{sub 2}O{sub 2}>. Furthermore, H{sub 2}O{sub 2} inhibited phosphorylation of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN; peak activity at 10 min; {Delta} -32%, P < 0.05) and stimulated phosphorylation of the AMP-dependent kinase alpha subunit (AMPK{alpha}; 78% at 3 min and 244% at 10 min). The stimulation of AMPK was abolished with an AMPK inhibitor, Compound C (100 {mu}M, 2 h). Moreover, Compound C significantly reduced the effect of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} on IR phosphorylation by about 40% (from 2.07 {+-} 0.28 to 1.28 {+-} 0.12, P < 0.05). In addition, H{sub 2}O{sub 2} increased glucose uptake in podocytes (from 0.88 {+-} 0.04 to 1.29 {+-} 0.12 nmol/min/mg protein, P < 0.05), and this effect was attenuated by Compound C. Our results suggested that H{sub 2}O{sub 2} activated the insulin signaling pathway and glucose uptake via AMPK in cultured rat podocytes. This signaling may play a potential role in the prevention of insulin resistance under conditions associated with oxidative stress.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

In-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of the electrode/electrolyte interface on the molecular scale

A method for performing X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in the soft X-ray region was developed to investigate the surface-sensitive electron signal of electrode/electrolyte interfaces in common multivalent based organic solvents under in situ/operando conditions. Our approach enables us to probe the molecular-scale structure of electrode interfaces by measuring total electron yield and is suitable for redox systems exhibiting low intrinsic electrochemical current. In-situ F K-edge XAS measurements in a 0.5 M Magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide)/2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (Mg(TFSI) 2 /2-MeTHF) electrolyte were carried out to determine the evolution of interfacial species during the electrochemical charging/discharging process. Time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) simulation indicate that the F K-edge evolution is the result of interfacial chemical environment change driven by electrochemical potential. In addition, we performed the “operando XAS” which runs the CV and collects spectra simultaneously. Furthermore, by using this method, the non-equilibrium state of condensed matter interfaces and interfacial dynamical transient process can be revealed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Loss of thioredoxin 2 alters mitochondrial respiratory function and induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Highlights: • Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) depletion promotes respiration flux in mitochondria. • Increased respiration flux impacts AMPK/S6K1/rpS6 pathway. • Trx2 depletion induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via AMPK/S6K1/rpS6 pathway. • Trx2 depletion does not impact mitochondrial biogenesis. Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), as a member of the thioredoxin system in mitochondria, is involved in controlling mitochondrial redox state. However, the role of Trx2 in cardiac biology is not fully understood. In the present study, the expression of Trx2 is silenced in quiescent neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCs) and mitochondrial respiratory function and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are assessed. The results show that Trx2 depletion does not induce significant cytotoxicity in quiescent NRVCs. Remarkably, Trx2 depletion results in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy as determined by increased cell size and protein synthesis. Furthermore, Trx2 depletion inhibits AMPK activity and AMPK activator reversed cellular hypertrophy. Trx2 depletion enhances mitochondrial ROS generation without impact on cellular ROS level. Trx2 depletion has no effect on mitochondrial biogenesis. Specifically, Trx2 depletion increases mitochondrial respiration flux and total ATP concentration under quiescent conditions. To decipher the relationship between ROS generation, mitochondrial respiration flux, and AMPK signaling, mitochondrial metabolism and ROS was specifically inhibited, and the results show that AMPK inactivation and hypertrophic response in Trx2-silenced cells is reversed by respiration blockers but not ROS scavenger. In conclusion, these results show that beyond mitochondrial ROS scavenging, Trx2 controls mitochondrial respiratory function in quiescent cardiomyocytes and is implicated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via AMPK signaling.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Dual-Readout Immunochromatographic Assay by Utilizing MnO 2 Nanoflowers as the Unique Colorimetric/Chemiluminescent Probe

Manganese dioxide nanoflowers (MnO2 NFs) were synthesized and utilized as a dual readout probe to develop a novel immunochromatographic test strip (ITS) for detecting pesticide residues using chlorpyrifos as the model analyte. MnO2 NFs-labeled antibody for chlorpyrifos was employed as the signal tracer for conducting the ITS. After 10-min competitive immunoreaction, the tracer antibody was captured by the immobilized immunogen on test line in the test strip, resulting in the accumulation of MnO2 NFs. The accumulation of MnO2 NFs led to the appearance of brown color on the test line, which could be easily observed by the naked eye as a qualitative readout. Moreover, MnO2 NFs showed a remarkably enhancing effect on the luminol-H2O2 chemiluminescent (CL) system. Unlike peroxidase-like nanomaterials, the enhancing mechanism of MnO2 NFs was based on its oxidant activity to decompose H2O2 for forming reactive oxygen species. After initiating the CL system in the test zone, strong CL signal was collected as a quantitative readout to sensitively detect chlorpyrifos. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of chlorpyrifos was 0.1–50 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.033 ng/mL (S/N = 3). The reliability of the dual-readout ITS was successfully demonstrated by the application on traditional Chinese medicine and environmental water samples. Due to the simultaneous rapid-qualitative and sensitive-quantitative detection, the dual-readout protocol provides a promising strategy for rapid screening and field assay on various areas such as environmental monitoring, food safety and point-of-care testing.

Ouyang, Hui↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multiplicity of Th(IV) and U(VI) HEH[EHP] Chelates at Low Temperatures from Concentrated Nitric Acid Extractions

Organophosphorus extractants have been widely investigated for lanthanide recovery from ore and for application in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, such as in Advanced TALSPEAK schemes. Determining the speciation of the extracted metal complex in the organic phase remains a significant challenge. A better understanding of the variability of HEH[EHP]–actinide complexes and the speciation of chelates for tetra- and hexavalent actinides can improve the predictability of actinide phase transfer in such biphasic systems. Here, the extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) from nitric acid media using HEH[EHP] in heptane is examined. The distribution ratio as a function of nitric acid concentration was quantified using UV–vis spectroscopy, and then the speciation of HEH[EHP]–metal complexes in the organic phase was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and low-temperature 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition to perturbation of the vibrational modes proximal to the phosphonic moiety in HEH[EHP] in the FTIR spectra, the appearance of a nitrate signal was found in the organic phase following extraction from the highest acidity conditions for U(VI). The 31 P NMR spectra of the organic phase at a low temperature (-70 °C) exhibited a surprising number (n) of resonances (n ≥ 7 for Th(IV) and n ≥ 11 for U(VI)), with the distribution between these resonances changing with the initial concentration of nitric acid in the aqueous phase. These results indicate that the compositions of the inner and outer spheres of the extracted actinides in the organic phase are more diverse than initially thought.

31P NMR↗
DOE OSTI2019

Bright sub-20-nm cathodoluminescent nanoprobes for electron microscopy

Electron microscopy has been integral in our understanding of complex biological systems. Although electron microscopy reveals cellular morphology with nanoscale resolution, it does not provide information on the location of different types of proteins. An electron-microscopy-based bioimaging technology capable of localizing individual proteins and resolving protein-protein interactions with respect to cellular ultrastructure would provide important insights into the molecular biology of a cell. In this report, we synthesize small lanthanide-doped nanoparticles and measure the absolute photon emission rate of individual nanoparticles resulting from a given electron excitation flux (cathodoluminescence). Our results indicate that the optimization of nanoparticle composition, synthesis protocols and electron imaging conditions can lead to sub-20-nm nanolabels that would enable high signal-to-noise localization of individual biomolecules within a cellular context. In ensemble measurements, these labels exhibit narrow spectra of nine distinct colours, so the imaging of biomolecules in a multicolour electron microscopy modality may be possible.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Control of magnetic contrast with nonlinear magneto-plasmonics

The interaction between surface plasmons (SP) and magnetic behavior has generated great research interest due to its potential for future magneto-optical devices with ultra-high sensitivity and ultra-fast switching. Here we combine two surface sensitive effects: magnetic second-harmonic generation (MSHG) and SP to enhance the detection sensitivity of the surface magnetization in a single-crystal iron film. We show that the MSHG signal can be significantly enhanced by SP in an attenuated total reflection (ATR) condition, and that the magnetic contrast can be varied over a wide range by the angle-of-incidence. Furthermore, the magnetic contrast of transverse and longitudinal MSHG display opposite trends, which originates from the change of relative phase between MSHG components. This new effect enhances the sensing of magnetic switching, which has potential usage in quaternary magnetic storage systems and bio-chemical sensors due to its very high surface sensitivity and simple structure.

NANOPHOTONICS AND PLASMONICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Electrochemical reduction of europium(iii) using tetra- n -octyl diglycolamide functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon microelectrodes

This work investigates the one-electron reduction of Eu(III) to Eu(II) with ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) in cavity microelectrode (CME) systems. OMC materials with and without tetra-n-octyl diglycolamide (TODGA) functionalization were subjected to voltammetric measurements and compared with commercial carbon black Vulcan® XC-72. The electrochemical reduction of solution Eu(III) with unfunctionalized OMC, XC-72, and TODGA-functionalized OMC—both within the electrode matrix and on the electrode surface—is reported. The complexation of Eu(III) by TODGA-functionalized OMC prior to electrode preparation incorporates Eu(III) as part of the bulk electrode matrix. Under these conditions, the high capacitance obscures the Eu(III)/Eu(II) redox couple. A signal emerges above the background (capacitive) currents when 2-octanol is added to the TODGA-functionalized OMC as a wetting agent. In contrast, surface Eu(III)–TODGA complexation, when Eu(III) contacts the electrode surface exclusively after electrode preparation, provides a strong response. The addition of 2-octanol to TODGA reduces the capacitance of the electrode and narrows the Eu(III)/Eu(II) redox peak widths. In conclusion, the desorption by reductive stripping of Eu(II) was demonstrated using a 2-octanol modified TODGA OMC CME, opening the possibility for selective separation of Eu from adjacent trivalent lanthanides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Time-domain model of gyroklystrons with diffraction power input and output

A time-domain theory of gyroklystrons with diffraction input and output has been developed. The theory is based on the description of the wave excitation and propagation by a parabolic equation. The results of the simulations are in good agreement with the experimental studies of two-cavity gyroklystrons operating at the first and second cyclotron harmonics. Along with the basic characteristics of the amplification regimes, such as the gain and efficiency, the developed method makes it possible to define the conditions of spurious self-excitation and frequency-locking by an external signal.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design and characterization of the time-resolved opacity spectrometer (OpSpecTR) for the NIF iron opacity campaign

A new time-resolved opacity spectrometer (OpSpecTR) is currently under development for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) opacity campaign. Here, the spectrometer utilizes Icarus version 2 (IV2) hybridized complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor sensors to collect gated data at the time of the opacity transmission signal, unlocking the ability to collect higher-temperature measurements on NIF. Experimental conditions to achieve higher temperatures are feasible; however, backgrounds will dominate the data collected by the current time-integrating opacity spectrometer. The shortest available OpSpecTR integration time of ~2 ns is predicted to reduce self-emission and other late-time backgrounds by up to 80%. Initially, three Icarus sensors will be used to collect data in the self-emission, backlighter, and absorption regions of the transmission spectrum, with plans to upgrade to five Daedalus sensors in future implementations with integration times of ~1.3 ns. We present the details of the diagnostic design along with recent characterization results of the IV2 sensors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental decoy-state Bennett-Brassard 1984 quantum key distribution through a turbulent channel

In free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) in turbulent conditions, scattering and beam wandering cause intensity fluctuations which decrease the detected signal-to-noise ratio. This effect can be mitigated by rejecting received bits when the channel's transmittance is below a threshold. Thus, the overall error rate is reduced and the secure key rate increases despite the deletion of bits. In this work, we implement recently proposed selection methods focusing on the prefixed-threshold real-time selection (P-RTS) where a cutoff can be chosen prior to data collection and independently of the transmittance distribution. We perform finite-size decoy-state Bennett-Brassard 1984 QKD in a laboratory setting where we simulate the atmospheric turbulence using an acousto-optical modulator. We show that P-RTS can yield considerably higher secure key rates for a wide range of the atmospheric channel parameters. In addition, we evaluate the performance of the P-RTS method for a realistically finite sample size. We demonstrate that a near-optimal selection threshold can be predetermined even with imperfect knowledge of the channel transmittance distribution parameters.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cone beam neutron interferometry: From modeling to applications

Phase-grating moiré interferometers (PGMIs) have emerged as promising candidates for the next generation of neutron interferometry, enabling the use of a polychromatic beam and manifesting interference patterns that can be directly imaged by existing neutron cameras. However, the modeling of the various PGMI configurations is limited to cumbersome numerical calculations and backward propagation models which often do not enable one to explore the setup parameters. Here we generalize the Fresnel scaling theorem to introduce a k -space model for PGMI setups illuminated by a cone beam, thus enabling an intuitive forward propagation model for a wide range of parameters and experimental setups. The interference manifested by a PGMI is shown to be a special case of the Talbot effect, and the optimal fringe visibility is shown to occur at the moiré location of the Talbot distances. We derive analytical expressions for the contrast and the propagating intensity profiles in various conditions and provide the first analysis of the PGMI dark-field imaging signal when considering sample characterization. The model's predictions are compared to experimental measurements and good agreement is found between them. Last, we propose and experimentally verify a method to recover contrast at typically inaccessible PGMI autocorrelation lengths. The presented work provides a toolbox for analyzing and understanding existing PGMI setups and their future applications, for example extensions to two-dimensional PGMIs and characterization of samples with nontrivial structures. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Sarenac, D. (ORCID:0000000185753367)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Signal Temporal Logic Control for Residential HVAC Systems to Accommodate High Solar PV Penetration

This paper proposes a new signal temporal logic (STL) control for ON/OFF residential buildings' Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. STL is used to control indoor temperatures while consuming most of the generated solar photovoltaic (PV) power locally to minimize its impact on the grid and reduce the need for large energy storage devices. In contrast to most, if not all, control mechanisms such as the traditional model predictive control (MPC), STL control allows for including temporal constraints in the control formulation to further relax indoor temperatures' constraints and allow them to exceed the comfort band limits for a prespecified (short) period of time. This relaxation allows to consume an additional PV power by the HVAC systems, which prevents such an unwanted intermittent power from affecting the grid. We formulate the MPC-based STL control mechanism to implement the objective. Simulation results show that the PV tracking performance has been improved while employing the proposed STL controller.

Wu, Tumin↗
DOE OSTI2017

D-DMTD: Digital Dual Mixer Time Difference

The digital design discussed in the following document is inspired by the digital dual mixer time difference circuit and based on the white paper, Digital femtosecond time difference circuit for CERN's timing system. DMTD is originally an analog technique that measures the time difference between two events with high precision using a commercial time interval counter. Our project applies this analog concept to a digital system programmed onto a Microsemi ProASIC3E FPGA (Field- Programmable Gate Array). D-DMTD is a digital system theoretically capable of measuring the time difference between two digital clock signals with very fine resolution (sub-picosecond) using a relatively low frequency counter. The system essentially acts as a digital phase detector with femtosecond time resolution. The main concern with this processing technique is its feasibility and accuracy when implemented on an FPGA. Another concern is the environmentally-induced, horizontal phase noise in the digital signals; this 'litter" jeopardizes the fidelity of the clocks and generates glitches in the signals. Thus, the majority of the work was focused on determining under what conditions the digital design performs optimally and generates the most accurate estimations for the phase shift.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Classification of Ultrasonic Weld Quality using Acoustic Signatures Acquired During Manufacture

Ultrasonic welding is a process is based on generating a solid-state bond between two metals by applying moderate pressure and high intensity sound waves (20-70 kHz frequencies) at their interface. During the solid-state process numerous material, surface, instrument, and environmental factors contribute to bond formation, strength, and durability. The inherent difficulty of measuring and controlling each of these factors has, to date, made predicting bond quality elusive. In this work, a Sonics model MWB20 ultrasonic spot welder with integral base, was used to produce a variety of welds of different metal foils under varying weld conditions. Acoustic measurements were recorded throughout the measurement process. Subsequent analysis of the signals using metrics that approximate the energy dispersed during the weld proved to successfully predict weld quality. Two metrics based on normalized energy differential and Renyi entropy were developed into Python and C++ scripts for direct analysis of weld acoustic data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Seismoacoustic Data Fusion for Ground Coupled Airwaves: a FACT Case Study for Calibration and Array Processing

This report covers an inquiry into seismoacoustic array processing using infrasound arrivals combined with resulting Ground Coupled Airwaves (GCA) that are present on collocated seismic sensors. In preparation, data calibration and denoising is completed for a seismoacoustic sensor array that was deployed at the Facility for Acceptance, Calibration, and Testing on Kirtland Airforce Base from August through September of 2021. The events of interest for this study are small, local explosive sources that lead to short duration, impulsive signals on the instruments. The goal is to determine if combining infrasound signals with the corresponding GCAs on collocated seismic sensors can be used to improve the results returned by automated signal detection and characterization (e.g., back azimuth estimates). Preparation for seismic and infrasound data involves removing the instrument response so that sensors have flat power spectra over the frequency range 0.1-10 Hz, where signal from events of interest may be detected. After instrument response removal, deployment conditions specific to this array require a retrospective noise analysis to determine station emplacement characteristics. Once all data is calibrated, a manual search is performed for possible GCA arrivals across the seismoacoustic network. These arrivals are then processed through beamforming and subsequent event identification, resulting in a catalogue of seismoacoustic GCA arrivals with corresponding back azimuth and trace velocity estimations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Pathology and Therapeutic Significance of Fibroblast Growth Factors

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family includes 22 proteins in humans. Based on their mode of action, there are three families of FGFs: paracrine FGFs (FGF 1–10, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 22), intracrine FGFs (FGF 11–14), and endocrine FGFs (FGF 19, 21, and 23). FGF signaling plays critical roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, regeneration, angiogenesis, and metabolic regulation. They exert their cellular functions by binding, dimerization, and activation of transmembrane FGF receptors (FGFRs). Aberrant FGF signaling is associated with various human diseases. Thus, understanding the unique properties of FGF signaling will help to explore new therapeutic interventions against FGF-mediated pathological conditions. This review will discuss the differential expression and regulation of each FGF under normal human physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, we will outline current therapeutics and treatment strategies that have been developed against FGF-related pathology.

Edirisinghe, Oshadi↗
DOE OSTI2015

Phase partitioning and volatility of secondary organic aerosol components formed from α-pinene ozonolysis and OH oxidation: the importance of accretion products and other low volatility compounds

We measured a large suite of gas- and particle-phase multi-functional organic compounds with a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO) coupled to a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS) developed at the University of Washington. The instrument was deployed on environmental simulation chambers to study monoterpene oxidation as a secondary organic aerosol (SOA) source. We focus here on results from experiments utilizing an ionization method most selective towards acids (acetate negative ion proton transfer), but our conclusions are based on more general physical and chemical properties of the SOA. Hundreds of compounds were observed in both gas and particle phases, the latter being detected by temperature-programmed thermal desorption of collected particles. Particulate organic compounds detected by the FIGAERO–HR-ToF-CIMS are highly correlated with, and explain at least 25–50 % of, the organic aerosol mass measured by an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Reproducible multi-modal structures in the thermograms for individual compounds of a given elemental composition reveal a significant SOA mass contribution from high molecular weight organics and/or oligomers (i.e., multi-phase accretion reaction products). Approximately 50 % of the HR-ToF-CIMS particle-phase mass is associated with compounds having effective vapor pressures 4 or more orders of magnitude lower than commonly measured monoterpene oxidation products. The relative importance of these accretion-type and other extremely low volatility products appears to vary with photochemical conditions. We present a desorption-temperature-based framework for apportionment of thermogram signals into volatility bins. The volatility-based apportionment greatly improves agreement between measured and modeled gas-particle partitioning for select major and minor components of the SOA, consistent with thermal decomposition during desorption causing the conversion of lower volatility components into the detected higher volatility compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗