Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Seeds”

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 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Phytosynthesis and applications of bioactive SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles

A facile, eco-friendly, cost effective and versatile synthesis of SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles of size in the range 2.2–3.2 nm using fenugreek seeds is reported. The structural and morphological properties of SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles have been studied using X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. UV–visible spectra show a blue shift of the absorption band arising from quantum size effect. Studies on thermal conductivity, viscosity, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the synthesized SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles highlight the possible applications in nanofluids and biomedical field. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Bioactive SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles are synthesized using Fenugreek seeds. • Structural, morphological and optical characterizations have been done. • Thermal conductivity and rheological properties are reported. • Antioxidant and antibacterial activities are highlighted.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum–boron co-doped ZnO nanostructures

Graphical abstract: In this paper, we have reported the development of aluminum boron co-doped ZnO (AZB) nanostructures deposited by sol–gel method using spin coating technique. The structure of AZB nanostructure films has been found to exhibit the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The shape of nanostructures has been changed from seed structure to tetra-pods, tetra-pods to nanorods and finally nanorods to nanofiber with variation in Al concentration. The structural, electrical and optical properties of AZB nanostructures are tuned with shape and size of the nanostructures. The effect of Al concentration on the resistivity (ρ), carrier concentration (n) and mobility (μ) of nanostructure films is shown in graph below. A minimum resistivity of 6.8 × 10{sup −4} Ω cm is obtained in AZB films at doping concentration of B 0.6 at.% and Al 0.4 at.% with a sheet resistance of 24 Ω/□ and transmittance of ∼88% for nanorods structure. These nanostructures could be applicable for a various nano-regime devices such as photovolatics, gas sensing and field emission device. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Synthesis of Al and B co-doped ZnO (AZB) nanostructures. ► Minimum resistivity (ρ) of 6.8 × 10{sup −4} Ω cm in AZB films. ► Minimum sheet resistance (R{sub s}) 24 Ω/□ in nanorods (NRs). ► Maximum transmittance ∼88% in NRs. ► Application in nano-electronic devices. -- Abstract: In this paper, we have reported the development of aluminum boron co-doped ZnO (AZB) nanostructures deposited by sol–gel method using spin coating technique. The structure of AZB nanostructure films has been found to exhibit the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The shape of AZB nanostructures has changed from seed structure to tetra-pods, tetra-pods to nanorods and finally to nanofibers with increase in aluminum concentration. The structural, electrical and optical properties of AZB films are tuned with shape and size of the nanostructures. These AZB nanostructures could be applicable for various nano-regime devices such as photovoltaic cells, gas sensors and field emission devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of lead-free niobium-rich potassium lithium tantalate niobate single crystals

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Lead-free K{sub 0.95}Li{sub 0.05}Ta{sub 1−x}Nb{sub x}O{sub 3} single crystals were grown using the top-seeded melt growth method. • The piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of as-grown crystals were systematically investigated. • The piezoelectric properties are very attractive, e.g. for x = 0.60 composition, k{sub t} ≈ 70%, k{sub 31} ≈ 70%, k{sub 33} ≈ 77%, d{sub 31} ≈ 230 pC/N, d{sub 33} ≈ 600 pC/N. • The coercive fields of P–E hysteresis loops are quite small, about or less than 1 kV/mm. - Abstract: Lead-free potassium lithium tantalate niobate single crystals with the composition of K{sub 0.95}Li{sub 0.05}Ta{sub 1−x}Nb{sub x}O{sub 3} (abbreviated as KLTN, x = 0.51, 0.60, 0.69, 0.78) were grown using the top-seeded melt growth method. Their piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties in as-grown crystals have been systematically investigated. The phase transitions and Curie temperatures were determined from dielectric and pyroelectric measurements. Piezoelectric coefficients and electromechanical coupling factors in thickness mode, length-extensional mode and longitudinal mode were obtained. The piezoelectric properties are very attractive, e.g. for x = 0.60 composition, k{sub t} ≈ 70%, k{sub 31} ≈ 70%, k{sub 33} ≈ 77%, d{sub 31} ≈ 230 pC/N, d{sub 33} ≈ 600 pC/N are comparable to the lead-based PZT composition. The polarization versus electric field hysteresis loops show saturated shapes. In short, lead-free niobium-rich KLTN system possesses comparable properties to those in important lead-based piezoelectric material nowadays.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Investigations of Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 2+} single crystal as a scintillator

Highlights: • Eu{sup 2+}-activated Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} single crystals have been grown by the top-seeded solution growth method (TSSG) for the first time. • Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 2+} single crystal exhibits wide transparency in the wavelength range from 250 to 700 nm. • Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 2+} single crystal shows high overall scintillation efficiency (1.8 times of BGO) and moderate decay time (860 ns). - Abstract: Single crystals of Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 2+} with high optical quality have been grown by the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method using BPO{sub 4}–NaF mixture as the flux. Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 2+} single crystal exhibits wide transparency in the wavelength range from 250 to 700 nm, and shows a broad emission band in the wavelength range of 350–650 nm when excited by X-ray radiation. The overall scintillation efficiency is about 1.8 times of that of BGO crystal under the same conditions. Its room temperature fluorescence decay curve exhibits a single-exponent shape with decay time of about 860 ns. It is worth noting that Ba{sub 3}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 2+} single crystal may be of great interest for applications in the field of scintillation materials considering its scintillation properties, as well as the good chemical stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Facile synthesis of gold nanopuncheons with high-index facets and their SERS effects on Rhodamine 6G

Highlights: • Au nanopuncheons with high-index facets have been prepared by seed-mediated growth. • The nanopuncheons are enclosed by 24 planes of (2 5 0), (3 0 1) and 2 (0 1 0) planes. • The nanopuncheons showed high SERS activity toward Rhodamine 6G. - Abstract: Au nanopuncheons with exposed high-index facets have been synthesized in high-yield by employing didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) as surfactant in one-step seed-mediated growth. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization showed that the as-prepared Au nanopuncheons possessed 24 high index facets of (2 5 0), (3 0 1), and 2 (0 1 0) planes. Due to the high density of atomic steps and kinks in the structure, the Au nanopuncheons exhibited high surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity toward Rhodamine 6G.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

An optimal thermal evaporation synthesis of c-axis oriented ZnO nanowires with excellent UV sensing and emission characteristics

Highlights: • c-Axis alignment of ZnO nanowires was optimized using self-seeding thermal evaporation method. • Influence of purified air on the morphology and optoelectronic properties were studied. • Nanowires grown under optimal conditions exhibit strong UV emission peak in PL spectrum. • Optimized growth condition establish nanowires of excellent UV sensing characteristics - Abstract: Well-aligned (c-axis oriented) ZnO nanowire arrays were successfully synthesized on Si (1 0 0) substrates through an optimized self-seeding thermal evaporation method. An open-ended chemical vapor deposition (CVD) setup was used in the experiment, with argon and purified air as reaction gases. Epitaxial growth of c-axis oriented ZnO nanowires was observed for 5 sccm flow rate of purified air, whereas Zn/Zn suboxide layers and multiple polycrystalline layers of ZnO were obtained for absence and excess of purified air, respectively. Ultraviolet (UV) sensing and emission properties of the as-grown ZnO nanostructures were investigated through the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the nanowires under UV (λ = 365 nm) illumination of 8 mW/cm{sup 2} and using photoluminescence spectra. Nanowires grown under optimum flow of air emitted four times higher intensity of 380 nm UV light as well as exhibited 34 times higher UV radiation sensitivity compared to that of other nanostructures synthesized in this study.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of MgO shell on electron transfer from Cu doped ZnInS quantum dots to FePt nanoparticles

Highlights: • MgO-coated FePt NPs were synthesized using 4 nm FePt cores as seeds for the growth of MgO shell. • Significant PL quenching took place in Cu doped ZnInS QD-FePt NP system owing to photoexcited electron transfer. • The formation of interfacial MgO barriers could efficiently restrain the electron transfer at QD-FePt interface. - Abstract: The effect of MgO shell on the electron transfer between luminescent Cu doped ZnInS quantum dots (QDs) and magnetic FePt/MgO core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) was studied by using steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. MgO-coated FePt NPs were synthesized using 4 nm FePt cores as seeds for the growth of MgO shell, having a reduced saturation magnetization Ms compared to the pure FePt NPs. It was found that the shortening in PL lifetime of Cu doped ZnInS QDs induced by FePt NPs demonstrated an electrons transfer process from excited QDs to the adjacent FePt NPs. When FePt NPs were coated with a MgO shell, the low work function of MgO shell resulted in a formation of higher interfacial barriers between Cu doped ZnInS QDs and FePt NPs, significantly suppressing the electron transfer at Cu doped ZnInS QD-FePt NP interface.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Synthesis of Na + -gated nanochannel membranes for the ammonia (NH 3 ) separation

Na + -gated nanochannel membranes were synthesized on α-Al 2 O 3 supports by secondary growth for ammonia (NH 3 ) separation from a mixture gas containing NH 3 , hydrogen (H 2 ) and nitrogen (N 2 ) at high temperature and pressure. Here, the effects of synthesis parameters (number of seeding steps, aging time, synthesis time, and Si/Al ratio) on membrane properties were investigated by characterization and gas permeation testing. Under the optimized condition (two-time seeding, 8 h aging time, 5 h synthesis time, and gel composition of 1.05 Al 2 O 3 : 5 SiO 2 : 50 Na 2 O: 100 H 2 O), the best membranes achieved NH 3 /H 2 and NH 3 /N 2 selectivities of 328 ± 60 and 1106 ± 207, respectively at 200 °C and 21 bar. Separation performance of the membrane was shown to be highly dependent on the permeances of N 2 and H 2 , which were greatly influenced by the membrane quality.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Beam debunching due to ISR-induced energy diffusion

One of the options for increasing longitudinal coherency of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) is seeding with a microbunched electron beam. Several schemes leading to significant amplitude of the beam bunching at X-ray wavelengths were recently proposed. All these schemes rely on beam optics having several magnetic dipoles. While the beam passes through a dipole, its energy spread increases due to quantum effects of synchrotron radiation. As a result, the bunching factor at small wavelengths reduces since electrons having different energies follow different trajectories in the bend. We rigorously calculate the reduction in the bunching factor due to incoherent synchrotron the radiation while the beam travels in an arbitrary beamline. Lastly, we apply general results to estimate reduction of harmonic current in common schemes proposed for XFEL seeding.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Improvement of machine learning enhanced genetic algorithm for nonlinear beam dynamics optimization

On top of the genetic algorithm enhanced by machine learning for nonlinear lattice optimization, as proposed in Li et al. (2018), an improved repopulation technique has been developed. Different weight coefficients for defining the “elite cluster” were compared to discern the fastest convergence in two classic optimization test problems. Additonally, the volume of the parameter space for generating potentially competitive candidates was further confined by repopulation in the vicinity of randomly selected “elite seeds”. The new repopulation technique significantly improves the quality of newly populated candidates by excluding the less competitive seeds introduced by the old repopulation algorithm. Finally, this technique has been validated, having a faster convergence for test problems first, and then applied to the nonlinear lattice optimization for the High Energy Photon Source storage ring.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Switchgrass-associated soil microbes have subtle but distinct effects on germination vs. growth under drought

Soil microbial communities can play a large role in plant fitness, including plants’ response to drought. How microbes mediate drought response may also differ across the plants’ life stage, but studies rarely study causal effects of microbes on plant fitness at multiple stages. We conducted a greenhouse experiment on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to investigate how microbial presence (sterile bulk vs. live bulk soils) and microbial source (communities from bulk vs. rhizosphere soil) affect germination and seedling growth (life-stage) during drought. We also investigated how drought and life-stage alter the assembly of the inoculated communities. Both drought conditions and the absence of microbes reduced germination (49% and 50% fewer seedlings, respectively, p < 0.05), but there were few effects of microbial presence on older seedlings. In addition, microbial source had no effect on the evaluated plant traits, but interestingly, the initially similar bulk and rhizosphere communities became compositionally distinct after 34 days with germinating seeds, but not with seedlings. Therefore, it may be that the plants did respond to microbial source through changes in seed or root exudates, and calls for further study. Finally, while sometimes microbes did benefit plants under drought, we did not find evidence that they are especially beneficial in this condition. We suggest that microbes’ effects differ across plant life stage, and may be both positive and negative. Further research should advance understanding of plant stress tolerance within a framework of plant-microbiome co-development.

drought↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Ricin Forensic Profiling Approach Based on a Complex Set of Biomarkers

A forensic method for the retrospective determination of preparation methods used for illicit ricin toxin production was developed. The method was based on a complex set of biomarkers, including carbohydrates, fatty acids, seed storage proteins, in combination with data on ricin and Ricinus communis agglutinin. The analyses were performed on samples prepared from four castor bean plant ( Ricinus communis ) cultivars by four different sample preparation methods (PM1 – PM4) ranging from simple disintegration of the castor beans to multi-step preparation methods including different protein precipitation methods. Comprehensive analytical data was collected by use of a range of analytical methods and robust orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis- models (OPLS-DA) were constructed based on the calibration set. By the use of a decision tree and two OPLS-DA models, the sample preparation methods of a test set of ricin preparations were determined. The model statistics of the two models were good and a 100% rate of correct predictions of the test set was achieved.

Fredriksson, Sten-Åke (ORCID:0000000237131990)↗
DOE OSTI2013

Solid waste management of temple floral offerings by vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida

Highlights: ► Effective management of temple floral offerings using E. fetida. ► Physico-chemical properties in TW VC were better especially EC, C/N, C/P and TK. ► TW VC as plant growth promoter at much lower application rates than KW and FYW VC. - Abstract: Recycling of temple waste (TW) mainly comprising of floral offerings was done through vermitechnology using Eisenia fetida and its impact on seed germination and plant growth parameters was studied by comparing with kitchen waste (KW) and farmyard waste (FYW) vermicompost (VC). The worm biomass was found to be maximum in TW VC compared to KW and FYW VCs at both 40 and 120 days old VCs. Physico-chemical analysis of worm-worked substrates showed better results in TW VC especially in terms of electrical conductivity, C/N, C/P and TK. 10% TW VC–water extract (VCE) showed stimulatory effect on germination percentage of chickpea seeds while KW and FYW VCE proved effective at higher concentration. Variation in growth parameters was also observed with change in the VC–soil ratio and TW VC showed enhanced shoot length, root length, number of secondary roots and total biomass at 12.5% VC compared to KW and FYW VC.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2014

High levels of the type III inorganic phosphate transporter PiT1 (SLC20A1) can confer faster cell adhesion

The inorganic phosphate transporter PiT1 (SLC20A1) is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells. We recently showed that overexpression of human PiT1 was sufficient to increase proliferation of two strict density-inhibited cell lines, murine fibroblastic NIH3T3 and pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, and allowed the cultures to grow to higher cell densities. In addition, upon transformation NIH3T3 cells showed increased ability to form colonies in soft agar. The cellular regulation of PiT1 expression supports that cells utilize the PiT1 levels to control proliferation, with non-proliferating cells showing the lowest PiT1 mRNA levels. The mechanism behind the role of PiT1 in increased cell proliferation is not known. We, however, found that compared to control cells, cultures of NIH3T3 cells overexpressing PiT1 upon seeding showed increased cell number after 24 h and had shifted more cells from G0/G1 to S+G2/M within 12 h, suggesting that an early event may play a role. We here show that expression of human PiT1 in NIH3T3 cells led to faster cell adhesion; this effect was not cell type specific in that it was also observed when expressing human PiT1 in MC3T3-E1 cells. We also show for NIH3T3 that PiT1 overexpression led to faster cell spreading. The final total numbers of attached cells did, however, not differ between cultures of PiT1 overexpressing cells and control cells of neither cell type. We suggest that the PiT1-mediated fast adhesion potentials allow the cells to go faster out of G0/G1 and thereby contribute to their proliferative advantage within the first 24 h after seeding. - Highlights: • Effects of elevated levels of the inorganic phosphate transporter PiT1 were studied. • The density-inhibited murine cell lines NIH3T3 and MC3T3-E1 showed faster adhesion. • NIH3T3 cells showed faster spreading. • We suggest that the faster adhesion/spreading contributes to faster proliferation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Orthogonal potency analysis of mesenchymal stromal cell function during ex vivo expansion

Highlights: • MSC potencies for their different functions are not identically affected by age. • In vitro age can strongly predict MSC adipogenic and hematopoietic-supporting potencies. • MSC shape can also strongly predict for hematopoietic-supporting potency. Adult bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have cross-functional, intrinsic potency that is of therapeutic interest. Their ability to regenerate bone, fat, and cartilage, modulate the immune system, and nurture the growth and function of other bone marrow hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells have all been evaluated by transplant applications of MSCs. These applications require the isolation and expansion scaled cell production. To investigate biophysical properties of MSCs that can be feasibly utilized as predictors of bioactivity during biomanufacturing, we used a low-density seeding model to drive MSCs into proliferative stress and exhibit the hallmark characteristics of in vitro aging. A low-density seeding method was used to generate MSCs from passages 1–7 to simulate serial expansion of these cells to maximize yield from a single donor. MSCs were subjected to three bioactivity assays in parallel to ascertain whether patterns in MSC age, size, and shape were associated with the outcomes of the potency assays. MSC age was found to be a predictor of adipogenesis, while cell and nuclear shape was strongly associated to hematopoietic-supportive potency. Together, these data evaluate morphological changes associated with cell potency and highlight new strategies for purification or alternatives to assessing MSC quality.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Systems biology approach to study the role of miRNA in promoter targeting during megakaryopoiesis

Highlights: • miRNAs could regulate Cyclins and CDKs by targeting their promoters. • Perl programming was used to identify putative targets of miRNA in promoters. • miR-1273g-3p and miR-619-5p showed significance with longest seed sequence matches. • Through CDK10, CDK11 and Cyclin, these two miRNAs could regulate cell cycle during megakaryopoiesis. The distinct process of megakaryopoiesis requires occurrence of endomitosis for polyploidization of the megakaryocytes. Although, Cyclins, CDKs and have been described to regulate endomitosis, the exact mechanism still remains an enigma. miRNA which were otherwise known as post transcriptional gene silencers are now emerging with various non-canonical functions including gene regulation at pre-transcriptional level by miRNA binding at promoter region. Out of the many processes they regulate, miRNA have been manifested to play a role in megakaryocyte differentiation. In this study an attempt has been made to identify miRNA that could regulate cell cycle genes (Cyclins and CDKs) by targeting their promoters, during megakaryopoiesis. A new computational algorithm was implemented using Perl programming to identify putative targets of miRNA in CDK and Cyclin promoters. Perl script was also used to check nuclear localizing miRNA based on the presence of a consensus sequence. Real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of miRNA and their predicted targets in Dami vs. PMA treated Dami cells. Putative targets of miRNAs with longest, high complementarity matches in CDK/Cyclin promoters were obtained. We identified two significant miRNA, miR-1273g-3p and miR-619-5p with longest seed sequence matches. We further identified three main targets (CDK10, CDK11, Cyclin F) through which these two miRNA could regulate cell cycle during megakaryopoiesis. Our results reinforce the role of promoting targeting miRNA in regulation of cell cycle through certain CDK/Cyclins to support the process of endomitosis during megakaryopoiesis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

High-Loading Intermetallic Pt 3 Co/C Core–Shell Nanoparticles as Enhanced Activity Electrocatalysts toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR)

A facile, seed-mediated growth method and postannealing treatment have been employed to synthesize a single-phase 40% mass loading intermetallic Pt 3 Co/Vulcan electrocatalyst, enabling the electrocatalytic layer to be thinner and thus lowering the mass transport resistance for the ORR in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). These 40% Pt 3 Co/C nanocatalysts exhibited superior kinetics toward the ORR, relative to a 20% Pt 3 Co/C catalyst, and only showed a slight degradation in the half-wave potential and electrochemical surface area after a 4000-cycle stability test. The high activity and stability are attributed to a stable intermetallic Pt3Co core with a Pt shell two to three atomic layers thick, as well as to its good dispersion on the support. This seed-mediated growth approach and postannealing treatment provide a new strategy to ensure single-phase formation and uniform particle size distribution for other high-mass-loading binary intermetallic/alloy electrocatalyst systems and can contribute to the practical commercialization of PEMFCs, especially in high-current-density applications, such as automotive

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Particle Size Distribution Dynamics Can Help Constrain the Phase State of Secondary Organic Aerosol

Particle phase state is a property of atmospheric aerosols that has important implications for the formation, evolution, and gas/particle partitioning of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). In this work, we use a size-resolved chemistry and microphysics model (SOM-TOMAS), updated to include an explicit treatment of particle phase state, to constrain the bulk diffusion coefficient (Db) of SOA produced from ??- pinene ozonolysis. By leveraging data from laboratory experiments performed in the absence of a seed and under dry conditions, we find that the Db for SOA can be constrained (1-7 ×10-15 cm2 s-1 in these experiments) by simultaneously reproducing the time-varying SOA mass concentrations and the evolution of the particle size distribution. Another version of our model that used the predicted SOA composition to calculate the glass transition temperature, viscosity, and, ultimately, Db (~10-15 cm2 s-1) of the SOA was able to reproduce the mass and size distribution measurements when we included oligomer formation (oligomers accounted for about a fifth of the SOA mass). Our work highlights the potential of a size resolved SOA model to constrain the particle phase state of SOA by utilizing historical measurements of the evolution of the particle size distribution.

He, Yicong↗