Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “CaS”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9

ATcT — Active Thermochemical Tables Python Interface

SF-25-140 atct is a lightweight, Python client for the ATcT v1 API that enables programmatic access to high-accuracy thermochemical data and turnkey reaction-enthalpy analysis. The package implements full v1 endpoint coverage (species lookup by ATcT ID, name, formula, SMILES, InChI, CAS RN; covariance queries; health checks) with robust error handling, retries, and environment-based configuration for local/production endpoints. Beyond data retrieval, atct provides rigorously implemented reaction calculators that propagate uncertainties via either (i) a conventional independent-errors method (0 K or 298.15 K) or (ii) covariance-aware propagation using provided covariances at 298.15 K. Typed data classes ensure transparent, reproducible data structures and carry ATcT Thermochemical Network (TN) version identifiers for provenance. Dual import paths and comprehensive examples facilitate integration into research pipelines, enabling reproducible thermochemical calculations, automated validation, and downstream method development.

Bross, DavidHamilton [Argonne National Laboratory ↗

SpacerExtractor v0.9

The SpacerExtractor tool is meant to robustly identify and extract CRISPR spacers from metagenome short reads. Working from a database of known CRISPR repeats, SpacerExtractor quickly scans short reads for the corresponding repeat sequences, extract the potential spacer between two repeats, apply several quality control, denoising, and clustering steps, and provides a full non-redundant complement of spacers for each detected repeat. Because of the high variability observed at CRISPR loci, this read mining approach typically recovers a much larger diversity of spacers than can be found in assembled contigs. SpacerExtractor also includes commands to run CRISPR-Cas Typer on a new set of genomes or MAGs, and add newly predicted repeats to the repeat database.

Bushnell, Brian↗

BSMV-mediated genome editing exhibits host-specific heritability: germline transmission in barley and somatic edits in Nicotiana benthamiana

Plant RNA virus–mediated guide RNA (gRNA) delivery represents a transformative advance in genome editing technologies. Unlike conventional transformation methods that rely on labor-intensive tissue culture and regeneration for each individual gRNA delivery, viral vectors can rapidly and systemically transmit gRNAs into pre-established Cas-expressing plants, providing an accelerated route for functional genomics and trait discovery directly in planta . However, key design parameters, including subgenomic promoter choice, transcript architecture, and their effects on viral fitness and editing outcomes, remain to be elucidated for most viral platforms. We developed five Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) vectors, each with distinct subgenomic promoter elements to drive single gRNA expression. These were initially evaluated in Cas9-expressing transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants targeting the Phytoene desaturase ( PDS ) gene to compare their editing efficiencies. Single gRNAs expressed under the duplicated γb subgenomic promoter or when fused directly to the γb genome achieved the highest mutation frequencies (up to 90% at 60 days post-inoculation), whereas β1- and β2-driven sgRNAs produced delayed and reduced editing. Thus, promoter selection critically determines gRNA accumulation and the efficacy of BSMV-mediated genome editing. The top-performing design was then applied to Cas9-expressing barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) targeting HvCMF7 (conferring green-white variegation) and HvGW2.1 (impacts grain width and weight). BSMV spread systemically throughout barley, inducing somatic and heritable mutations at frequencies up to 100%, with virus-free edited progeny. In contrast, despite robust somatic editing in N. benthamiana, no heritable mutations were detected indicating species-dependent limitations in germline transmission. Our systematic comparison of subgenomic promoter architectures establishes clear design principles for optimizing viral vector–mediated delivery. Promoter choice and transcript structure critically shape editing efficiency and viral stability. The host-specific boundary for germline editing, defined by efficient heritable editing in barley but not N. benthamiana , highlights where BSMV offers advantages and where alternative vectors or hybrid strategies are required, guiding rational platform selection for diverse crop species and applications. Collectively, these findings establish BSMV as a promising next-generation vector for rapid, tissue culture–free, and transformation-independent genome editing in cereals and other recalcitrant monocots.

barley↗

Data for Rapid and Efficient in planta Genome Editing in Sorghum Using Foxtail Mosaic Virus-mediated sgRNA Delivery

The requirement of in vitro tissue culture for the delivery of gene editing reagents limits the application of gene editing to commercially relevant varieties of many crop species. To overcome this bottleneck, plant RNA viruses have been deployed as versatile tools for in planta delivery of recombinant RNA. Viral delivery of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to transgenic plants that stably express CRISPR-associated (Cas) endonuclease has been successfully used for targeted mutagenesis in several dicotyledonous and few monocotyledonous plants. Progress with this approach in monocotyledonous plants is limited so far by the availability of effective viral vectors. We engineered a set of foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) and barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) vectors to deliver the fluorescent protein AmCyan to track viral infection and movement in Sorghum bicolor . We further used these viruses to deliver and express sgRNAs to Cas9 and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) expressing transgenic sorghum lines, targeting Phytoene desaturase (PDS), Magnesium-chelatase subunit I (MgCh), 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase, orthologs of maize Lemon white1 (Lw1) or GFP. The recombinant BSMV did neither infect sorghum nor deliver or express AmCyan and sgRNAs. In contrast, the recombinant FoMV systemically spread throughout sorghum plants and induced somatic mutations with frequencies reaching up to 60%. This mutagenesis led to visible phenotypic changes, demonstrating the potential of FoMV for in planta gene editing and functional genomics studies in sorghum.

Feedstock Production↗

VERITAS highlights of observations and results

Located in southern Arizona, VERITAS is amongst the most sensitive detectors for astrophysical very high energy (VHE; E>100 GeV) gamma rays and has been operational since April 2007. We highlight some recent results from VERITAS observations. These include the long-term observations of the gamma-ray binaries HESS J0632+057 and LS I +61° 303, the observations of the Galactic Center region, and of the supernova remnant Cas A. We discuss the results from a decade of multi-wavelength observations of the blazar 1ES 1215+303, the EHT 2017 campaign on the M87 galaxy, the discovery of 3C 264 in VHE, and the observation of three flaring quasars. Brief highlights of the indirect dark matter searches and targets-of-opportunity (ToO) observations are also discussed. The ToO observations allow for rapid follow-up of multi-messenger alerts and astrophysical transients.

Patel, Sonal Ramesh↗

Test your Trinity knowledge, print a 75th anniversary poster

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Trinity test, award-winning artist and graphic designer Paul Ziomek (Communication Arts and Services, CPA-CAS), illustrated an original poster. This one-of-a-kind work of art features Los Alamos Physicist Enrico Fermi witnessing the world’s first detonation of a nuclear device, the Gadget, on July, 16, 1945. This moment marked one of the greatest scientific achievements of all time and the dawn of the nuclear age. The work of those Los Alamos scientists – documented in their notebooks, photos, films, engineering drawings, and memos to each other – is part of the collections in the National Security Research Center, the Lab’s classified library located in the National Security Sciences Building.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Cyber Security Analysis for Nuclear Reactor Control Systems (Final Technical Report)

This project investigated the cyber-security impacts of moving from an all analog, point-to-point, instrumentation and control (I&C) system to a digital I&C system based on Modbus and a shared communication medium. A formalism called a hybrid attack graph was expanded to support the nuclear research reactor system. The hybrid attack graph allows one to check a system for vulnerabilities, in this case cyber-security vulnerabilities, and to document the attack vectors (scenarios) causing those vulnerabilities. In parallel, a simulation of the system was developed to model both the physical reactor parameters and operations, as well as the network interconnects and communications. This simulation platform was modeled on the nuclear research reactor located at Washington State University. The simulation platform provided a sandbox to evaluate and quantify the impact of identified and proposed vulnerabilities in the system and to determine the effectiveness of countermeasures at stopping these attacks. The simulation and hybrid attack graph tools were integrated to provide a streamlined process of generating attack scenarios, playing those scenarios out in the simulation, and then analyzing the results to correlate system state to states in the hybrid attack graph. This process was used to (1) quantify the impact of attack scenarios and (2) to determine if the system moved through the hybrid attack graph as anticipated. The hybrid attack graph tool was extended and customized to produce a tool to automatically identify critical assets (CAs) and critical digital assets (CDAs) as defined by NRC Regulatory Guide 5.71. This tool was verified using the nuclear research reactor at Washington State University. Finally, a series of educational modules covering the findings of the different aspects of this research have been created.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Geochemical data package for performance assessment calculations related to the Savannah River Site

The Savannah River Site (SRS) disposes of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) and stabilizes high-level radioactive waste (HLW) tanks in the subsurface environment. Calculations used to establish the radiological limits of these facilities are referred to as Performance Assessments (PAs), Special Analyses (SAs), and Composite Analyses (CAs). The purpose of this document is to revise the existing geochemical data package used for these calculations (Kaplan, 2016). This work builds on earlier compilations of geochemical data, referred to a geochemical data packages (Kaplan, 2007; Kaplan, 2010; Kaplan, 2016; McDowell-Boyer et al., 2000). This work is being conducted as part of the on-going maintenance program of the SRS PA programs that periodically updates calculations and data packages when new information becomes available.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Event Response and Criticality Alarm Systems [Slides]

The smallest accident, in terms of fission yield and dose rate, that a criticality alarm system is required to detect. Need for a CAS shall be evaluated for all activities in which the inventory in individual unrelated areas exceeds 700g U-235, 500g U-233, 450 g Pu-239 OR 450g of any combination of these three isotopes. Unique configurations exist such that critical mass requirements may be less than the limits noted above.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

CB10412: Bulk CWA Destruction

The objective of this project was to eliminate and/or render bulk agent unusable by a threat entity via neutralization and/or polymerization of the bulk agent using minimal quantities of additives. We proposed the in situ neutralization and polymerization of bulk chemical agents (CAs) by performing reactions in the existing CA storage container via wet chemical approaches using minimal quantities of chemical based materials. This approach does not require sophisticated equipment, fuel to power generators, electricity to power equipment, or large quantities of decontaminating materials. By utilizing the CA storage container as the batch reactor, the amount of logistical resources can be significantly reduced. Fewer personnel are required since no sophisticated equipment needs to be set up, configured, or operated. Employing the CA storage container as the batch reactor enables the capability to add materials to multiple containers in a short period of time as opposed to processing one container at a time for typical batch reactor approaches. In scenarios where a quick response is required, the material can be added to all the CA containers and left to react on its own without intervention. Any attempt to filter the CA plus material solution will increase the rate of reaction due to increased agitation of the solution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Environmental Brand Guidelines

The Environmental Brand Guidelines have been prepared by the CEA-CAS Visual Design team for use primarily by IFPROG, but they apply to all LANL employees ordering signage for new and existing buildings. By adhering to this guidance, you will be a responsible steward of the “One Lab, one voice” mentality and successfully implement the Lab’s brand on all of your communications.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Less-Than-Lethal Quick Deploy Inflatable Hall/Door Barrier: VISTA Feasibility Study

Physical protection of public buildings has long been a concern of police and security services where a balance of facility security and personnel safety is vital. Due to the nature of public spaces, the use of permanently installed and deploy-on-demand physical barrier systems must be safe for the legitimate occupants and visitors of that space. Such systems must seek to mitigate the personal and organizational consequences of unintentionally seriously injuring or killing an innocent bystander by slamming a heavy, rigid, and quick-deploying barrier into place. Consideration and implementation of less-than-lethal technologies is necessary to reduce risk to visitors and building personnel. One potential barrier solution is a fast-acting, high-strength, composite airbag barrier system for doorways and hallways to quickly deploy a less-than-lethal barrier at entry points as well as isolate intruders who have already gained access. This system is envisioned to be stored within an architecturally attractive selectively frangible shell that could be permanently installed at a facility or installed in remote or temporary locations as dictated by risk. The system would be designed to be activated remotely (hardwired or wireless) from a Central Alarm Station (CAS) or other secure location.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Data Science and Machine Learning for Genome Security

This report describes research conducted to use data science and machine learning methods to distinguish targeted genome editing versus natural mutation and sequencer machine noise. Genome editing capabilities have been around for more than 20 years, and the efficiencies of these techniques has improved dramatically in the last 5+ years, notably with the rise of CRISPR-Cas technology. Whether or not a specific genome has been the target of an edit is concern for U.S. national security. The research detailed in this report provides first steps to address this concern. A large amount of data is necessary in our research, thus we invested considerable time collecting and processing it. We use an ensemble of decision tree and deep neural network machine learning methods as well as anomaly detection to detect genome edits given either whole exome or genome DNA reads. The edit detection results we obtained with our algorithms tested against samples held out during training of our methods are significantly better than random guessing, achieving high F1 and recall scores as well as with precision overall.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Non-Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Unit (CAU) Post-Closure Inspection Report, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada (CY2021, Revision 0)

This report includes visual inspection results, maintenance and repair activities, and recommendations for calendar year (CY) 2021 for use restrictions (URs) at corrective action sites (CASs) located on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) that are accessed through the NNSS Main Gate. This document is formatted by project activity (i.e., Industrial Sites, Soils, and Defense Threat Reduction Agency [DTRA]); then by corrective action unit (CAU); and then by CAS.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Campaign Guidelines: Security Starts With You [Slides]

The Security Starts With You Campaign Guidelines have been prepared by the CEA-CAS Visual Design team for use primarily by DSOs, FODs, and/or any LANL employee who wishes to extend the messaging to new and existing buildings. By adhering to this guidance, you will be a responsible steward of the “One Lab, one voice” mentality and successfully implement the Lab’s brand and security messaging on all of your communications.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

Print or order a LANSCE 50th anniversary poster [Poster]

To mark the anniversary of LANSCE and its five decades of cutting-edge science, the National Security Research Center’s graphic designer Gabriella Smith (from CEA-CAS) illustrated a commemorative poster now available for display. The LANSCE (the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center) facility houses one of the nation’s most powerful linear accelerators, which are used to improve safety and security as well as advance technology in stockpile sustainment, modern materials and manufacturing, and threat mitigation, among other areas. Now-deceased Lab scientist Louis Rosen, who is featured prominently on the poster, first proposed creating this major experimental science facility, said NSRC Archivist-Historian Madeline Whitacre (WRS-NSRCMS)

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Compound Specific Stable Isotope Signatures of Chemical Threat Agents: Incapacitants

In year 2 of this project (2017), our group focused on determining the causes of isotopic signatures in fentanyl. In order to better predict isotopic signatures in fentanyl, we analyzed the nitrogen isotope compositions of two key intermediates of fentanyl, NPP and ANPP. In addition, we analyzed additional fentanyl products produced using the Valdez route, along with five other alternative fentanyl routes. A new, more sensitive GC-C-IRMS method has been developed, which allows for compound specific isotope analysis of Chemical Attribution Signatures (CAS) in fentanyl.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Feasibility of a Novel Density Functional Method Outside the Kohn-Sham Framework for Modeling Global Potential Energy Surfaces of Molecular Chemical Reactions (Final Technical Report)

The project aimed towards the construction of computational methods capable of modeling the global potential energy surface (PES) of small molecules, molecular ions, and radicals — including the parts of the PES which correspond to chemical reactions, and the reaction paths connecting reactants, intermediates, and reaction products. This goal may seem humble at first glance, but for chemical systems with more than about six atoms in total, at the time the project was proposed, there were no established theoretical methods capable of simulating such systems reliably, not even for small molecules in the gas phase which are electronically benign. This restriction severely hampers our ability to model and control chemical processes under harsh conditions. With the goal of constructing a method capable of modeling such chemical systems, we proposed to pursue a novel approach towards a Multi-Configuration (MC) DFT outside the traditional frameworks of Kohn-Sham theory and other methods of coupling wave function theory with DFT. Rather than being a complete active space (CAS) method, the proposed DOCI-DFT would employ a special restricted form of the active space wave function, called Doubly-Occupied CI (DOCI)—this wave function form is sufficient to describe not only heterolytic, but also homolytic bond dissociation processes at the zeroth order (i.e., as active space wave function). There are no other standard mean field methods which can do so. In the original proposal, we also outlined strong formal and practical arguments speaking for this method. The project proposal was accepted by the Department of Energy and provided two years of seed funding for one graduate student, as well as two years of two weeks PI summer-salary for the PI. However, ultimately the project could not be effectively pursued due to severe interferences outside the context scientific problems and was cancelled. Apart from two weeks of PI salary (and associated fringe & overhead costs issues by the performing institution), no costs were charged against the award, with the entire rest of funding returned to the Department of Energy. This report reiterates the primary background information regarding the project, its original goals, and outlines the preliminary work performed during the two weeks of DOE funding charged.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗