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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 1,459 records · Page 81
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Topologically-guided continuous protein crystallization controls bacterial surface layer self-assembly

Abstract Many bacteria and most archaea possess a crystalline protein surface layer (S-layer), which surrounds their growing and topologically complicated outer surface. Constructing a macromolecular structure of this scale generally requires localized enzymatic machinery, but a regulatory framework for S-layer assembly has not been identified. By labeling, superresolution imaging, and tracking the S-layer protein (SLP) from C. crescentus , we show that 2D protein self-assembly is sufficient to build and maintain the S-layer in living cells by efficient protein crystal nucleation and growth. We propose a model supported by single-molecule tracking whereby randomly secreted SLP monomers diffuse on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) outer membrane until incorporated at the edges of growing 2D S-layer crystals. Surface topology creates crystal defects and boundaries, thereby guiding S-layer assembly. Unsupervised assembly poses challenges for therapeutics targeting S-layers. However, protein crystallization as an evolutionary driver rationalizes S-layer diversity and raises the potential for biologically inspired self-assembling macromolecular nanomaterials.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Mathematical model of marine diesel engine simulator for a new methodology of self propulsion tests

As a vessel operates in the open seas, a marine diesel engine simulator whose engine rotation is controlled to transmit through propeller shaft is a new methodology for the self propulsion tests to track the fuel saving in a real time. Considering the circumstance, this paper presents the real time of marine diesel engine simulator system to track the real performance of a ship through a computer-simulated model. A mathematical model of marine diesel engine and the propeller are used in the simulation to estimate fuel rate, engine rotating speed, thrust and torque of the propeller thus achieve the target vessel’s speed. The input and output are a real time control system of fuel saving rate and propeller rotating speed representing the marine diesel engine characteristics. The self-propulsion tests in calm waters were conducted using a vessel model to validate the marine diesel engine simulator. The simulator then was used to evaluate the fuel saving by employing a new mathematical model of turbochargers for the marine diesel engine simulator. The control system developed will be beneficial for users as to analyze different condition of vessel’s speed to obtain better characteristics and hence optimize the fuel saving rate.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Complete genomes of Asgard archaea reveal diverse integrated and mobile genetic elements

Asgard archaea are of great interest as the progenitors of Eukaryotes, but little is known about the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that may shape their ongoing evolution. Here, we describe MGEs that replicate in Atabeyarchaeia, a wetland Asgard archaea lineage represented by two complete genomes. We used soil depth–resolved population metagenomic data sets to track 18 MGEs for which genome structures were defined and precise chromosome integration sites could be identified for confident host linkage. Additionally, we identified a complete 20.67 kbp circular plasmid and two family-level groups of viruses linked to Atabeyarchaeia, via CRISPR spacer targeting. Closely related 40 kbp viruses possess a hypervariable genomic region encoding combinations of specific genes for small cysteine-rich proteins structurally similar to restriction-homing endonucleases. One 10.9 kbp integrative conjugative element (ICE) integrates genomically into theAtabeyarchaeum deiterrae-1chromosome and has a 2.5 kbp circularizable element integrated within it. The 10.9 kbp ICE encodes an expressed Type IIG restriction-modification system with a sequence specificity matching an active methylation motif identified by Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) high-accuracy long-read (HiFi) metagenomic sequencing. Restriction-modification of Atabeyarchaeia differs from that of another coexisting Asgard archaea, Freyarchaeia, which has few identified MGEs but possesses diverse defense mechanisms, including DISARM and Hachiman, not found in Atabeyarchaeia. Overall, defense systems and methylation mechanisms of Asgard archaea likely modulate their interactions with MGEs, and integration/excision and copy number variation of MGEs in turn enable host genetic versatility.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗
DOE OSTI2024

Constraints on fifth forces and ultralight dark matter from OSIRIS-REx target asteroid Bennu

It is important to test the possible existence of fifth forces, as ultralight bosons that would mediate these are predicted to exist in several well-motivated extensions of the Standard Model. Recent work indicated asteroids as promising probes, but applications to real data are lacking so far. Here we use the OSIRIS-REx mission and ground-based tracking data for the asteroid Bennu to derive constraints on fifth forces. Our limits are strongest for mediator masses m ~ (10 -18 -10 -17 ) eV, where we currently achieve the tightest bounds. These can be translated to a wide class of models leading to Yukawa-type fifth forces, and we demonstrate how they apply to U(1) B dark photons and baryon-coupled scalars. Our results demonstrate the potential of asteroid tracking in probing well-motivated extensions of the Standard Model and ultralight bosons near the fuzzy dark matter range.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Tracking the origins and drivers of subclonal metastatic expansion in prostate cancer

Tumour heterogeneity in primary prostate cancer is a well-established phenomenon. However, how the subclonal diversity of tumours changes during metastasis and progression to lethality is poorly understood. Here we reveal the precise direction of metastatic spread across four lethal prostate cancer patients using whole-genome and ultra-deep targeted sequencing of longitudinally collected primary and metastatic tumours. We find one case of metastatic spread to the surgical bed causing local recurrence, and another case of cross-metastatic site seeding combining with dynamic remoulding of subclonal mixtures in response to therapy. By ultra-deep sequencing end-stage blood, we detect both metastatic and primary tumour clones, even years after removal of the prostate. As a result, analysis of mutations associated with metastasis reveals an enrichment of TP53 mutations, and additional sequencing of metastases from 19 patients demonstrates that acquisition of TP53 mutations is linked with the expansion of subclones with metastatic potential which we can detect in the blood.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2014

STK Integrated Message Production List Editor (SIMPLE) for CEO Operations

Late in fiscal year 2011, the Crew Earth Observations (CEO) team was tasked to upgrade and replace its mission planning and mission operations software systems, which were developed in the Space Shuttle era of the 1980s and 1990s. The impetuses for this change were the planned transition of all workstations to the Windows 7 64-bit operating system and the desire for more efficient and effective use of Satellite Tool Kit (STK) software required for reliable International Space Station (ISS) Earth location tracking. An additional requirement of this new system was the use of the same SQL database of CEO science sites from the SMMS, which was also being developed. STK Integrated Message Production List Editor (SIMPLE) is the essential, all-in-one tool now used by CEO staff to perform daily ISS mission planning to meet its requirement to acquire astronaut photography of specific sites on Earth. The sites are part of a managed, long-term database that has been defined and developed for scientific, educational, and public interest. SIMPLE's end product is a set of basic time and location data computed for an operator-selected set of targets that the ISS crew will be asked to photograph (photography is typically planned 12 to 36 hours out). The CEO operator uses SIMPLE to (a) specify a payload operations planning period; (b) acquire and validate the best available ephemeris data (vectors) for the ISS during the planning period; (c) ingest and display mission-specific site information from the CEO database; (d) identify and display potential current dynamic event targets as map features; (e) compute and display time and location information for each target; (f) screen and select targets based on known crew availability constraints, obliquity constraints, and real-time evaluated constraints to target visibility due to illumination (sun elevation) and atmospheric conditions (weather); and finally (g) incorporate basic, computed time and location information for each selected target into the daily CEO Target List product (message) for submission to ISS payload planning and integration teams for their review and approval prior to uplink. SIMPLE requires and uses the following resources: an ISS mission planning period Greenwich Mean Time start date/time and end date/time), the best available ISS mission ephemeris data (vectors) for that planning period, the STK software package configured for the ISS, and an ISS mission-specific subset of the CEO sites database. The primary advantages realized by the development and implementation of SIMPLE into the CEO payload operations support activity are a smooth transition to the Windows 7 operating system upon scheduled workstation refresh; streamlining of the input and verification of the current ISS ephemeris (vector data); seamless incorporation of selected contents of the SQL database of science sites; the ability to tag and display potential dynamic event opportunities on orbit track maps; simplification of the display and selection of encountered sites based on crew availability, illumination, obliquity, and weather constraints; the incorporation of high-quality mapping of the Earth with various satellite-based datasets for use in describing targets; and the ability to encapsulate and export the essential selected target elements in XML format for use by onboard Earth-location systems, such as Worldmap. SIMPLE is a carefully designed and crafted in-house software package that includes detailed help files for the user and meticulous internal documentation for future modifications. It was delivered in February 2012 for test and evaluation. Following acceptance, it was implemented for CEO mission operations support in May 2012.

Trenchard, Mike↗
DOE OSTI2025

Zero-Emission Transit Bus Needs Assessment

The transition to zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) in public transit has gained traction due to significant federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This needs assessment, commissioned by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and conducted by researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory, explores the current state of electrification in transit agencies, identifying barriers to implementation, potential funding sources, and operational considerations necessary for a successful transition. The assessment involved qualitative interviews with representatives from 19 transit service providers across diverse geographic regions. Key findings highlight the challenges related to bus facilities and operations, which require careful planning for charging infrastructure and maintenance capabilities to accommodate battery electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCBs). Agencies reported operational hurdles due to the shorter range of BEBs compared to diesel buses, necessitating revised scheduling and routing strategies. Despite these challenges, many agencies expressed optimism about their capacity to adapt. Funding availability emerged as a critical factor influencing the transition to ZEVs. While agencies welcomed increased financial support, particularly from the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Lo-No), concerns about the sustainability of this funding and the ongoing operational costs were prevalent. The need for a comprehensive funding inventory was underscored to ensure transit agencies are aware of all available resources. Technological constraints were significant barriers to ZEV adoption. The limited range of BEBs was frequently cited as a concern, leading to operational challenges and reliability issues. Agencies reported difficulties in sourcing replacement parts, which exacerbated downtime and maintenance challenges. Workforce development and training were identified as pivotal for a successful transition. Many agencies rely heavily on manufacturers for technician training, highlighting the need for scalable training programs that equip staff with the necessary skills to maintain electric powertrains effectively. This assessment offers actionable recommendations for the Joint Office, including enhancing outreach to transit agencies, developing resources for effective utility partnerships, and facilitating comprehensive training programs. Establishing a zero-emission bus evaluation program to track performance metrics such as cost, range, and reliability could provide valuable insights for transit agencies. The needs assessment provides a detailed examination of the challenges and opportunities facing transit agencies in their transition to zero-emissions bus fleets. By addressing these issues through targeted support, stakeholders can collaboratively work towards a cleaner, more sustainable public transportation system that benefits all communities.

33 - ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nucleon structure studies: DVCS on polarised protons with the CLAS12 experiment, and development of Micromegas detectors for EIC

The quark and gluon structure of nucleons is crucial for understanding the origin of their mass and spin. This information is encoded in structure function such as Generalised Parton Distributions (GPDs), which provide a three-dimensional picture of the nucleon in terms of its constituents. Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) offers the most direct access to GPDs, but their extraction requires high-precision measurements of multiple observables over a wide kinematic range. In 2022 and 2023 the CLAS12 experiment at Jefferson Lab (JLab) collected data from polarised electron scattering on a longitudinally polarised proton target, enabling the first measurement of polarised DVCS asymmetries at JLab 12GeV kinematics. This thesis will present preliminary measurement of the beam, target and double spin DVCS asymmetries from the CLAS12 polarised proton target data. Nucleon structure studies will also constitute a major part of the physics program at the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC). The development of the first detector at the EIC is ongoing and it requires light Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) for its tracking system. This thesis further reports initial tests of Micromegas MPGDs with a two-dimensional readout developed for EIC.

Polcher, Samy [Univ. Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette ↗
NASA NTRS1995

Time-to-Passage Judgments in Nonconstant Optical Flow Fields

The time until an approaching object will pass an observer (time to passage, or TTP) is optically specified by a global flow field even in the absence of local expansion or size cues. Kaiser and Mowafy have demonstrated that observers are in fact sensitive to this global flow information. The present studies investigate two factors that are usually ignored in work related to TTP: (1) non-constant motion functions and (2) concomitant eye rotation. Non-constant velocities violate an assumption of some TTP derivations, and eye rotations may complicate heading extraction. Such factors have practical significance, for example, in the case of a pilot accelerating an aircraft or executing a roll. In our studies, a flow field of constant-sized stars was presented monocularly on a large screen. TIP judgments had to be made on the basis of one target star. The flow field varied in its acceleration pattern and its roll component. Observers did not appear to utilize acceleration information. In particular, TTP with decelerating motion were consistently underestimated. TTP judgments were fairly robust with respect to roll, even when roll axis and track vector were decoupled. However, substantial decoupling between heading and track vector led to a decrement in performance, in both the presence and the absence of roll.

Kaiser, Mary K.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Energy Management in Small Commercial Buildings: A Look at How HVAC Contractors Can Deliver Energy Efficiency to this Segment

While buildings smaller than 50,000 sq ft account for nearly half of the energy used in US commercial buildings, energy efficiency programs to-date have primarily focused on larger buildings. Interviews with stakeholders and a review of the literature indicate interest in energy efficiency from the small commercial building sector, provided solutions are simple and low-cost. An approach to deliver energy management to small commercial buildings via HVAC contractors and preliminary demonstration findings are presented. The energy management package (EMP) developed includes five technical elements: benchmarking and analysis of monthly energy use; analysis of interval electricity data (if available), a one-hour onsite walkthrough, communication with the building owner, and checking of results. This data-driven approach tracks performance and identifies low-cost opportunities, using guidelines and worksheets for each element to streamline the delivery process and minimize the formal training required. This energy management approach is unique from, but often complementary to conventional quality maintenance or retrofit-focused programs targeting the small commercial segment. Because HVAC contractors already serve these clients, the transaction cost to market and deliver energy management services can be reduced to the order of hundreds of dollars per year. This business model, outlined briefly in this report, enables the offering to benefit the contractor and client even at the modest expected energy savings in small buildings. Results from a small-scale pilot of this approach validated that the EMP could be delivered by contractors in 4-8 hours per building per year, and that energy savings of 3-5percent are feasible through this approach.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Pu-238 Production Calculator and Estimation Tool in the Advanced Test Reactor

A MS Excel tool was created to help track Pu-238 production, Np-237 feedstock use, estimate production scenarios, and coordinate planning for shipments at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). As-run estimates were used as a basis for beginning and end of life isotopic concentrations. Multiple target types were created to demonstrate a proof of concept while actual results were not yet available.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2016

WE-H-BRA-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (THERAPY): Nano-Dosimetric Kinetic Model for Variable Relative Biological Effectiveness of Proton and Ion Beams

Purpose: Recent clonogenic cell survival and γH2AX studies suggest proton relative biological effectiveness (RBE) may be a non-linear function of linear energy transfer (LET) in the distal edge of the Bragg peak and beyond. We sought to develop a multiscale model to account for non-linear response phenomena to aid in the optimization of intensity-modulated proton therapy. Methods: The model is based on first-principle simulations of proton track structures, including secondary ions, and an analytical derivation of the dependence on particle LET of the linear-quadratic (LQ) model parameters α and β. The derived formulas are an extension of the microdosimetric kinetic (MK) model that captures dissipative track structures and non-Poissonian distribution of DNA damage at the distal edge of the Bragg peak and beyond. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to confirm the non-linear dose-response characteristics arising from the non-Poisson distribution of initial DNA damage. Results: In contrast to low LET segments of the proton depth dose, from the beam entrance to the Bragg peak, strong deviations from non-dissipative track structures and Poisson distribution in the ionization events in the Bragg peak distal edge govern the non-linear cell response and result in the transformation α=(1+c-1 L) α-x+2(c-0 L+c-2 L^2 )(1+c-1 L) β-x and β=(1+c-1 L)^2 β-x. Here L is the charged particle LET, and c-0,c-1, and c-2 are functions of microscopic parameters and can be served as fitting parameters to the cell-survival data. In the low LET limit c-1, and c-2 are negligible hence the linear model proposed and used by Wilkins-Oelfke for the proton treatment planning system can be retrieved. The present model fits well the recent clonogenic survival data measured recently in our group in MDACC. Conclusion: The present hybrid method provides higher accuracy in calculating the RBE-weighted dose in the target and normal tissues.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
NASA NTRS2006

Deep Impact Autonomous Navigation : the trials of targeting the unknown

On July 4, 2005 at 05:44:34.2 UTC the Impactor Spacecraft (s/c) impacted comet Tempel 1 with a relative speed of 10.3 km/s capturing high-resolution images of the surface of a cometary nucleus just seconds before impact. Meanwhile, the Flyby s/c captured the impact event using both the Medium Resolution Imager (MRI) and the High Resolution Imager (HRI) and tracked the nucleus for the entire 800 sec period between impact and shield attitude transition. The objective of the Impactor s/c was to impact in an illuminated area viewable from the Flyby s/c and capture high-resolution context images of the impact site. This was accomplished by using autonomous navigation (AutoNav) algorithms and precise attitude information from the attitude determination and control subsystem (ADCS). The Flyby s/c had two primary objectives: 1) capture the impact event with the highest temporal resolution possible in order to observe the ejecta plume expansion dynamics; and 2) track the impact site for at least 800 sec to observe the crater formation and capture the highest resolution images possible of the fully developed crater. These two objectives were met by estimating the Flyby s/c trajectory relative to Tempel 1 using the same AutoNav algorithms along with precise attitude information from ADCS and independently selecting the best impact site. This paper describes the AutoNav system, what happened during the encounter with Tempel 1 and what could have happened.

impactor spacecraft↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-D-18A-06: Variation of Controlled Breath Hold From CT Simulation to Treatment and Its Dosimetric Impact for Left-Sided Breast Radiotherapy with a Real-Time Optical Tracking System

Purpose: Different breath-hold (BH) maneuvers (abdominal breathing vs. chest breathing) during CT simulation and treatment can lead to chest wall positional variation. The purpose of this study is to quantify the variation of active breathing control (ABC)-assisted BH and estimate its dosimetric impact for left-sided whole-breast radiotherapy with a real-time optical tracking system (OTS). Methods: Seven breast cancer patients were included. An in-house OTS tracked an infrared (IR) marker affixed over the xiphoid process of the patient at CT simulation and throughout the treatment course to measure BH variations. Correlation between the IR marker and the breast was studied for dosimetric purposes. The positional variations of 860 BHs were retrospectively incorporated into treatment plans to assess their dosimetric impact on breast and cardiac organs (heart and left anterior descending artery [LAD]). Results: The mean intrafraction variations were 2.8 mm, 2.7 mm, and 1.6 mm in the anteroposterior (AP), craniocaudal (CC), and mediolateral (ML) directions, respectively. Mean stability in any direction was within 1.5 mm. A general trend of BH undershoot at treatment relative to CT simulation was observed with an average of 4.4 mm, 3.6 mm, and 0.1 mm in the AP, CC, and ML directions, respectively. Undershoot up to 12.6 mm was observed for individual patients. The difference between the planned and delivered dose to breast targets was negligible. The average planned/delivered mean heart doses, mean LAD doses, and max LAD doses were 1.4/2.1, 7.4/15.7, and 18.6/31.0 Gy, respectively. Conclusion: Systematic undershoot was observed in ABC-assisted BHs from CT simulation to treatment. Its dosimetric impact on breast coverage was minimized with image guidance, but the benefits of cardiac organ sparing were degraded. A real-time tracking system can be used in junction with the ABC device to improve BH reproducibility.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-J-176: Development of a Patient-Specific 3D Couplant Pad for Ultrasound IGRT

Purpose: to overcome the several issues of ultrasound image-guided radiation therapy (US IGRT) such as probe pressure and optical tracking disability by using a patient-specific three-dimensional couplant pad (CP) fabricated by a patient’s skin mold using a 3D printing technique. Methods: A CP was then fabricated by pouring gelatin solution into a fixed-shape container accommodating the patient skin mold fabricated by a 3D printer. A breast phantom was fabricated with the compound of gelatin and agarose and a phantom study was carried out. From four patients who underwent US IGRT, total 486 ultrasound images with and without a CP were acquired before treatment. Effectiveness of the use of the CP was evaluated. Results: The positioning accuracies in the phantom study were 0.9 ± 0.3 mm and 1.3 ± 0.4 mm with and without the CP in 3D vector amplitude, respectively. In the patient study, the use of CP reduced the mean target shift from 4.7 mm to 3.7 mm in 3D vector amplitude and the one standard deviation from 2.2 mm to 1.7 mm. It also improved the image contrast around the treatment target by 10 %. The centroid offset of the target volume affected from the US scanning coverage and the target deformation due to the excessive probe pressure was decreased from 4.4 mm to 2.9 mm due to the use of CP. Its difference among three different users was statistically significant (p=0.020) without the use of CP but not significantly different (p=0.133) with the use of CP. Conclusion: Our patient-specific 3D CP using a mold by 3D printing technique is a promising strategy for improving tracking accuracy, image quality, and inter-observer variation for ultrasound-based image guided radiotherapy. In addition to its conventional advantage of non-invasiveness, US can be more facilitated in radiotherapy by the developed CP.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-JeP1-05: Clinical Impact of MLC Tracking for Lung SABR

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the dosimetric benefits of multi-leaf collimator (MLC) tracking for lung SABR treatments in end-to-end clinically realistic planning and delivery scenarios. Methods: The clinical benefits of MLC tracking were assessed using previously delivered treatment plans and physical experiments. The 10 most recent single lesion lung SABR patients were re-planned following a 4D-GTV-based real-time adaptive protocol (PTV defined as the end-of-exhalation GTV plus 5.0 mm margins). The plans were delivered on a Trilogy Varian linac. Electromagnetic transponders (Calypso, Varian Medical Systems, USA) were embedded into a programmable moving phantom (HexaMotion platform) tracked with the Varian Calypso system. For each physical experiment, the MLC positions were collected and used as input for dose reconstruction. For both planned and physical experiments, the OAR dose metrics from the conventional and real-time adaptive SABR plans (Mean Lung Dose (MLD), V20 for lung, and near-maximum dose (D2%) for spine and heart) were statistically compared. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare plan and physical experiment dose metrics. Results: While maintaining target coverage, percentage reductions in dose metrics to the OARs were observed for both planned and physical experiments. Comparing the two plans showed MLD percentage reduction (MLDr) of 25.4% (absolute differences of 1.41 Gy) and 28.9% (1.29%) for the V20r. D2% percentage reduction for spine and heart were respectively 27.9% (0.3 Gy) and 20.2% (0.3 Gy). For the physical experiments, MLDr was 23.9% (1.3 Gy), and V20r 37.4% (1.6%). D2% reduction for spine and heart were respectively 27.3% (0.3 Gy) and 19.6% (0.3 Gy). For both plans and physical experiments, significant OAR dose differences (p<0.05) were found between the conventional SABR and real-time adaptive plans. Conclusion: Application of MLC tracking for lung SABR patients has the potential to reduce the dose to OARs during radiation therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unraveling the Atomic Mechanism of the Crystalline Phase‐Dependent Structural Features and Special Spectral Design of α‐, β‐, and Ɛ‐Ga₂O₃

Atomic‐scale phase transformations profoundly influence the functional properties of Ga₂O₃ polymorphs. By combining irradiation experiments with microstructure characterization and theoretical approaches, phase‐specific energy‐dissipation pathways in α‐, β‐, and ε‐Ga₂O₃ are uncovered and strategies for targeted property design are outlined. Competing antiphase boundaries (APBs) and twin domain boundaries (TDBs) promote irreversible α→ε interconversion through domain fragmentation. In β‐Ga₂O₃, defect‐induced stress gradients drive two distinct local transformations: surface Ga‐aggregated β→δ that stabilizes transient states, and latent‐track‐confined β→κ phase transition with recoverable distortions via cation reordering. Under electronic excitation, β‐Ga₂O₃ forms nanohillocks via robust GaO₆ octahedra (high density/strong Ga─O bonds), while α/ε‐Ga₂O₃ generates nanopores from tetrahedral Ga looseness (low bonding energy), highlighting phase‐dependent surface dynamics shaped by atomic packing and bonding anisotropy. Defect‐regulated recombination suppresses visible photoluminescence in α/β‐Ga₂O₃, whereas in ε‐Ga₂O₃ bandgap narrowing of ΔE: 0.30 eV is observed, enhancing emission. Linking phase‐dependent defect‐carrier interactions and metastable‐phase engineering in Ga₂O₃ enables property optimization for power‐electronics and optoelectronics devices.

electronic state configuration↗
DOE OSTI2022

A survey on processing-in-memory techniques: Advances and challenges

Processing-in-memory (PIM) techniques have gained much attention from computer architecture researchers, and significant research effort has been invested in exploring and developing such techniques. Increasing the research activity dedicated to improving PIM techniques will hopefully help deliver PIM’s promise to solve or significantly reduce memory access bottleneck problems for memory-intensive applications. We also believe it is imperative to track the advances made in PIM research to identify open challenges and enable the research community to make informed decisions and adjust future research directions. In this survey, we analyze recent studies that explored PIM techniques, summarize the advances made, compare recent PIM architectures, and identify target application domains and suitable memory technologies. We also discuss proposals that address unresolved issues of PIM designs (e.g., address translation/mapping of operands, workload analysis to identify application segments that can be accelerated with PIM, OS/runtime support, and coherency issues that must be resolved to incorporate PIM). We believe this work can serve as a useful reference for researchers exploring PIM techniques.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗