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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 217 records · Page 12

Safety First: Stability and Dissipation of Line-tied Force-free Flux Tubes in Magnetized Coronae

Abstract Magnetized plasma columns and extended magnetic structures with both footpoints anchored to a surface layer are an important building block of astrophysical dissipation models. Current loops shining in X-rays during the growth of plasma instabilities are observed in the corona of the Sun and are expected to exist in highly magnetized neutron star magnetospheres and accretion disk coronae. For varying twist and system sizes, we investigate the stability of line-tied force-free flux tubes and the dissipation of twist energy during instabilities using linear analysis and time-dependent force-free electrodynamics simulations. Kink modes ( m = 1) and efficient magnetic energy dissipation develop for plasma safety factors q ≲ 1, where q is the inverse of the number of magnetic field line windings per column length. Higher-order fluting modes ( m > 1) can distort equilibrium flux tubes for q > 1 but induce significantly less dissipation. In our analysis, the characteristic pitch μ ˜ 0 of flux-tube field lines determines the growth rate ( ∝ μ ˜ 0 3 ) and minimum wavelength of the kink instability ( ∝ μ ˜ 0 − 1 ). We use these scalings to determine a minimum flux tube length for the growth of the kink instability for any given μ ˜ 0 . By drawing analogies to idealized magnetar magnetospheres with varying regimes of boundary shearing rates, we discuss the expected impact of the pitch-dependent growth rates for magnetospheric dissipation in magnetar conditions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Spectroscopic Probe Molecule Selection Using Quantum Theory, First-Principles Calculations, and Machine Learning

Probe molecule vibrational spectra have a long history of being used to characterize materials including metals, oxides, metal-organic frameworks, and even human proteins. Furthermore, recent advances in machine learning have enabled computationally generated spectra to aid in detailed characterization of complex surfaces with probe molecules. Despite widespread use of probe molecules, the science of probe molecule selection is underdeveloped. Here, we develop physical concepts, including orbital interaction energy and the energy overlap integral, to explain and predict the ability of probe molecules to discriminate structural descriptors. We resolve the crystal orbital overlap population (COOP) to specific molecular orbitals and quantify their bonding character, which directly influences vibrational frequencies. Using only a single adsorbate calculation from density function theory (DFT), we compute the interaction energy of individual adsorbate molecular orbitals with adsorption site atomic orbitals across many different sites. Combining the molecular orbital resolved COOP and changes in orbital interaction energy enables probe molecule selection for improved discrimination of various sites. We demonstrate these concepts by comparing the predicted effectiveness of carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) to probe Pt adsorption sites. Finally, using a previously developed machine learning framework, we show that models trained on hundreds of thousand C 2 H 4 spectra, computed from DFT, which regress surface binding-type and generalized coordination number (GCN), outperform those trained using CO and NO spectra. Lastly, a python package, pDOS_overlap, for implementing the electron density based analysis on any combination of adsorbates and materials, is also made available.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Inverse kinematics study of the energy levels of 21 Ne populated with the 20 Ne +𝑑 reaction

In recent years there has been significant experimental effort aimed at studying the impact of 16 O neutron poisoning on the weak 𝑠 process in rotating massive stars. Improving the understanding of energy levels in 21 Ne is crucial to reducing uncertainties in the rates of the 𝛼-induced reactions on 17 O that determine the overall efficiency of the weak 𝑠 process. This paper reports on one such experiment: a study of the 20 Ne (𝑑,𝑝)⁢ 21 Ne reaction in inverse kinematics. Deduced spin-parity assignments were made based on adiabatic distorted-wave approximation analysis and neutron partial widths were estimated by comparison with a previous experiment. Of particular significance for nuclear astrophysics is the resulting neutron partial width for the 7820-keV energy level, estimated to be 12 200 ⁢(2900)⁢ eV, and an upper limit of ≤ 9300 eV for that of the 7749-keV energy level. These results are in tension with previous studies and therefore this paper also discusses the current state of the research into the astrophysically relevant energy levels and highlights both areas of agreement and areas of disagreement between this and various other studies that have investigated this nucleus.

direct reactions↗

Quasiparton distributions in massive QED2: Toward quantum computation

We analyze the quasiparton distributions of the lightest 𝜂′ meson in massive two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics (QED2) by exact diagonalization. The Hamiltonian and boost operators are mapped onto spin qubits in a spatial lattice with open boundary conditions. The lowest excited state in the exact diagonalization is shown to interpolate continuously between an anomalous 𝜂′ state at strong coupling, and a nonanomalous heavy meson at weak coupling, with a cusp at the critical point. The boosted 𝜂′ state follows relativistic kinematics but with large deviations in the luminal limit. The spatial quasiparton distribution function and amplitude for the 𝜂′ state are computed numerically for increasing rapidity both at strong and weak coupling, and compared to the exact light front results. The numerical results from the boosted form of the spatial parton distributions, compare fairly with the inverse Fourier transformation of the luminal parton distributions, derived in the lowest Fock space approximation. Our analysis points out some of the limitations facing the current lattice program for the parton distributions.

Lattice field theory↗

SGD-Net: Efficient Model-Based Deep Learning with Theoretical Guarantees

Deep unfolding networks have recently gained popularity for solving imaging inverse problems. However, the computational and memory complexity of data-consistency layers within traditional deep unfolding networks scales with the number of measurements, limiting their applicability to large-scale imaging inverse problems. We propose SGD-Net as a new methodology for improving the efficiency of deep unfolding through stochastic approximations of the data-consistency layers. Our theoretical analysis shows that SGD-Net can be trained to approximate batch deep unfolding networks to an arbitrary precision. Our simulations on intensity diffraction tomography and sparse-view computed tomography show that SGD-Net can match the performance of the traditional batch network at a fraction of training and testing complexity.Deep unfolding networks have recently gained popularity for solving imaging inverse problems. However, the computational and memory complexity of data-consistency layers within traditional deep unfolding networks scales with the number of measurements, limiting their applicability to large-scale imaging inverse problems. We propose SGD-Net as a new methodology for improving the efficiency of deep unfolding through stochastic approximations of the data-consistency layers. Our theoretical analysis shows that SGD-Net can be trained to approximate batch deep unfolding networks to an arbitrary precision. Our simulations on intensity diffraction tomography and sparse-view computed tomography show that SGD-Net can match the performance of the traditional batch network at a fraction of training and testing complexity.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Predicting Selective Laser Printing Print Quality of Polymer Powders through Melt Flow Index

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a precisely controlled laser to fuse polymer powder to build complex 3D shapes. While SLS covers a wide application space, the processing knowledge of polymer powder is limited, restricting the number of commercial powders available. This study serves to expand the processing knowledge of polypropylene and polyethylene in parallel with a “mature” SLS feedstock, nylon, through melt flow index (MFI) characterization. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to explore the sintering window of the polymers. Polyethylene and polypropylene exhibited a relatively narrow sintering window between 4 – 5 °C, whereas the sintering window of nylon was much wider, between 23 – 24 °C. This suggests that the print quality between polyethylene and polypropylene would be similar; however, X-ray computed tomography revealed a higher volume of print defects, voids, and de lamination in polyethylene than in polypropylene. MFI analysis provided additional insight into the difference in print quality, as the MFI of polyethylene was 7.16 g/10 min, 9.95 g/10 min for polypropylene, and 17.23 g/10 min for nylon. MFI is inversely correlated to melt viscosity, and a low melt viscosity is desired for proper coalescing between the layers and particles. These results suggest that MFI is a promising tool, in conjunction with traditional thermal analysis, for screening candidate powder feedstocks for SLS and optimization of print parameters for novel powders.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ligand efficacy shifts a nuclear receptor conformational ensemble between transcriptionally active and repressive states

Abstract Nuclear receptors (NRs) are thought to dynamically alternate between transcriptionally active and repressive conformations, which are stabilized upon ligand binding. Most NR ligand series exhibit limited bias, primarily consisting of transcriptionally active agonists or neutral antagonists, but not repressive inverse agonists—a limitation that restricts understanding of the functional NR conformational ensemble. Here, we report a NR ligand series for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) that spans a pharmacological spectrum from repression (inverse agonism) to activation (agonism) where subtle structural modifications switch compound activity. While crystal structures provide snapshots of the fully repressive state, NMR spectroscopy and conformation-activity relationship analysis reveals that compounds within the series shift the PPARγ conformational ensemble between transcriptionally active and repressive conformations that are natively populated in the apo/ligand-free ensemble. Our findings reveal a molecular framework for minimal chemical modifications that enhance PPARγ inverse agonism and elucidate their influence on the dynamic PPARγ conformational ensemble.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Synthesis and Analysis of Performance-Advantaged Bioproducts

Performance-advantaged bioproducts (PABPs) are "novel products where the bio-based product does not resemble an existing petroleum-derived molecule but offers a performance advantage over existing products" (Fitzgerald, Bailey 2018). PABPs are an exciting area with near-term potential to accelerate the bioeconomy. We focus on synthesis, characterization, and economic and sustainability analyses for PABPs, aiming to leverage the inherent chemical functionality of molecules from carbohydrates and lignin via chemical and biological transformations. We collaborate with other BETO projects to source new molecules. Our work is integrated with the Inverse Design project, which provides computational predictions for PABPs and first principles-based results to explain observed properties. Primary outcomes include 1) a Nature Reviews Materials paper that establishes PABP design principles, 2) PA nylons from beta-ketoadipic acid, 3) new recyclable thermosets from bio-aromatic amines, 4) new PA plasticizers that are less toxic, and 5) the experimental validation of a machine learning tool, PolyML, from the Inverse Design project. Going forward, we are working towards an integrated framework to dramatically narrow PABP design space and a materials flow analysis of commodity chemicals as a benchmark for PABPs. Our main challenges are in the sourcing of new molecules that are not commercially available and the need for comprehensive characterizations and scale-up for technology transfer.

BIOMASS FUELS↗

Smartphone-based Dual-channel Immunochromatographic Test Strip with Polymer Quantum Dot Labels for Simultaneous Detection of Cypermethrin and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid

Currently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are the primary methods used to detect pesticides and their metabolites for biomonitoring of exposure. Although GC-MS and LC-MS can provide accurate and sensitive measurements, these techniques are not suitable for point-of-care or in-field biomonitoring applications. The objective of this work is to develop a smartphone-based dual-channel immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) for on-site biomonitoring of exposure to cypermethrin by simultaneous detection of cypermethrin and its metabolite, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA). Polymer carbon dots (PCDs) with ultra-high fluorescent brightness were synthesized and used as signal amplifier in ICTS assay. Cypermethrin (a representative pyrethroid pesticide) and its major metabolite 3-PBA were simultaneously detected to provide more comprehensive analysis of cypermethrin exposure. After competitive immunoreactions between the target sample and the coating antigens preloaded on the test line, the tracer antibody (PCDs conjugated antibody) was quantitatively captured on the test lines. The captured PCDs were inversely proportional to the amount of the target compound in sample. The red fluorescence on the test line then was recorded by a smartphone-based device capable of conducting image analysis and recording. Under optimal conditions, the sensor showed excellent linear responses for detecting cypermethrin and 3-PBA ranging from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL and from 0.1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL, the limits of detection were calculated to be ~0.35 ng/mL for cypermethrin and ~0.04 ng/mL for 3-PBA, respectively. The results demonstrate that the ICTS device is promising for accurate point-of-care biomonitoring of pesticide exposure.

Zhao, Yuting↗

Measurement of the top quark pole mass using $ \textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}} $+jet events in the dilepton final state in proton-proton collisions at $ \sqrt{s} $ = 13 TeV

A measurement of the top quark pole mass $\mathcal{m}^\text{pole}_\text{t}$ in events where a top quark-antiquark pair ($\text{t}\bar{\text{t}}$) is produced in association with at least one additional jet ($\text{t}\bar{\text{t}}$ +jet) is presented. This analysis is performed using proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 36.3 fb -1 . Events with two opposite-sign leptons in the final state (e + e – , μ + μ – , e ± μ ∓ ) are analyzed. The reconstruction of the main observable and the event classification are optimized using multivariate analysis techniques based on machine learning. The production cross section is measured as a function of the inverse of the invariant mass of the $\text{t}\bar{\text{t}}$ +jet system at the parton level using a maximum likelihood unfolding. Given a reference parton distribution function (PDF), the top quark pole mass is extracted using the theoretical predictions at next-to-leading order. For the ABMP16NLO PDF, this results in $\mathcal{m}^\text{pole}_\text{t}$ = 172.93 ± 1.36 GeV.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

New narrow resonances observed in the unbound nucleus F 15

The structure of the unbound 15 F nucleus is investigated using the inverse kinematics resonant scattering of a radioactive 14 O beam impinging on a CH 2 target. The analysis of 1 H( 14 O,p) 14 O and 1 H( 14 O,2p) 13 N reactions allowed the confirmation of the previously observed narrow 1/2 - resonance, near the two-proton decay threshold, and the identification of two new narrow 5/2 - and 3/2 - resonances. The newly observed levels decay by 1p emission to the ground of 14 O, and by sequential 2p emission to the ground state (g.s.) of 13 N via the 1 - resonance of 14 O. Gamow shell model (GSM) analysis of the experimental data suggests that the wave functions of the 5/2 - and 3/2 - resonances may be collectivized by the continuum coupling to nearby 2p- and 1p- decay channels. Finally, the observed excitation function 1 H( 14 O, p) 14 O and resonance spectrum in 15 F are well reproduced in the unified framework of the GSM.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Joint impedance and facies inversion of time-lapse seismic data for improving monitoring of CO 2 incidentally stored from CO 2 EOR

Time-lapse seismic monitoring is an effective and proven technology for mapping the distribution of CO 2 in a subsurface reservoir. When injected CO 2 displaces other reservoir fluids, porous-medium properties are changed and thus the seismic impedance changes, causing time-lapse seismic amplitude differences in the injection zones. The analysis and interpretation of images created from these amplitude differences can provide information about reservoir architecture and the CO 2 migration within the reservoir. Incorporating seismic inversion and rock physics into the interpretation of time-lapse seismic data can considerably improve the modeling and monitoring to detect and assess the location of CO 2 over time. The joint inversion method presented in this paper has an integral representation of the geology in the inversion algorithm using elastic facies, which provides information about the spatial distribution of the geologic heterogeneities controlling the movement of fluids in the reservoir. The method was successfully applied to time-lapse seismic data from a mature oil field undergoing CO 2 enhanced oil recovery. The estimated seismic acoustic impedances and facies reflect the characteristics of individual geologic facies and fluid conditions of the reservoir subject to CO 2 injection. Finally, the probabilities estimated by the joint impedance and facies inversion for the reservoir's litho-fluid facies can be used for forecasting CO 2 saturation and pressure changes within the target reservoir.

4D seismic↗

First Evidence of Axial Shape Asymmetry and Configuration Coexistence in Zn 74 : Suggestion for a Northern Extension of the N = 40 Island of Inversion

The excited states of N=44 74 Zn were investigated via γ-ray spectroscopy following 74 Cu β decay. By exploiting γ-γ angular correlation analysis, the 2$_2^+$, 3$_1^+$, 0$_2^+$, and 2$_3^+$ states in 74 Zn were firmly established. The γ-ray branching and E2/M1 mixing ratios for transitions deexciting the 2$_2^+$, 3$_1^+$, and 2$_3^+$ states were measured, allowing for the extraction of relative B(E2) values. In particular, the 2$_3^+$→0$_2^+$ and 2$_3^+$→4$_1^+$ transitions were observed for the first time. Here the results show excellent agreement with new microscopic large-scale shell-model calculations, and are discussed in terms of underlying shapes, as well as the role of neutron excitations across the N=40 gap. Enhanced axial shape asymmetry (triaxiality) is suggested to characterize 74 Zn in its ground state. Furthermore, an excited K=0 band with a significantly larger softness in its shape is identified. A shore of the N=40 "island of inversion" appears to manifest above Z=26, previously thought as its northern limit in the chart of the nuclides.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Cytogenetic follow-up studies on humans with internal and external exposure to ionizing radiation

Cells exposed to ionizing radiation have a wide spectrum of DNA lesions that include DNA single-strand breaks, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), oxidative base damage and DNA-protein crosslinks. Among them, DSB is the most critical lesion, which when mis-repaired leads to unstable and stable chromosome aberrations. Currently, chromosome aberration analysis is the preferred method for biological monitoring of radiation-exposed humans. Here, stable chromosome aberrations, such as inversions and balanced translocations, persist in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of radiation-exposed humans for several years and, therefore, are potentially useful tools to prognosticate the health risks of radiation exposure, particularly in the hematopoietic system. In this review, we summarize the cytogenetic follow-up studies performed by REAC/TS (Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training site, Oak Ridge, USA) on humans exposed to internal and external radiation. In the light of our observations as well as the data existing in the literature, this review attempts to highlight the importance of follow-up studies for predicting the extent of genomic instability and its impact on delayed health risks in radiation-exposed victims.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Uncertainty quantification for Multiphase-CFD simulations of bubbly flows: a machine learning-based Bayesian approach supported by high-resolution experiments

In this paper, we developed a machine learning-based Bayesian approach to inversely quantify and reduce the uncertainties of multiphase computational fluid dynamics (MCFD) simulations for bubbly flows. The proposed approach is supported by high-resolution two-phase flow measurements, including those by double-sensor conductivity probes, high-speed imaging, and particle image velocimetry. Local distributions of key physical quantities of interest (QoIs), including the void fraction and phasic velocities, are obtained to support the Bayesian inference. In the process, the epistemic uncertainties of the closure relations are inversely quantified while the aleatory uncertainties from stochastic fluctuations of the system are evaluated based on experimental uncertainty analysis. The combined uncertainties are then propagated through the MCFD solver to obtain uncertainties of the QoIs, based on which probability-boxes are constructed for validation. The proposed approach relies on three machine learning methods: feedforward neural networks and principal component analysis for surrogate modeling, and Gaussian processes for model form uncertainty modeling. The whole process is implemented within the framework of an open-source deep learning library PyTorch with graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration, thus ensuring the efficiency of the computation. The results demonstrate that with the support of high-resolution data, the uncertainties of MCFD simulations can be significantly reduced. The proposed approach has the potential for other applications that involve numerical models with empirical parameters.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Ligand Control of Oxidation and Crystallographic Disorder in the Isolation of Hexavalent Uranium Mono-Oxo Complexes

Here, the development of high-valent transuranic chemistry requires robust methodologies to access and fully characterize reactive species. We have recently demonstrated that the reducing nature of imidophosphorane ligands supports the two-electron oxidation of U 4+ to U 6+ and established the use of this ligand to evaluate the inverse-trans-influence (ITI) in actinide metal-ligand multiple bond (MLMB) complexes. To extend this methodology and analysis to transuranic complexes, new small-scale synthetic strategies and lower-symmetry ligand derivatives are necessary to improve crys-tallinity and reduce crystallographic disorder. To this end, the synthesis of two new imidophosphorane ligands, [N=P t Bu(pip) 2 ]¯ (NPC 1 ) and [N=P t Bu(pyrr) 2 ]¯ (NPC 2 ) (pip = piperidinyl; pyrr = pyrrolidinyl) is presented, which break pseudo-C 3 axes in the tetravalent complexes, U[NPC 1 ] 4 and U[NPC 2 ] 4 . The reaction of these complexes with two-electron oxygen atom transfer reagents (N 2 O, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and 2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene (dbabhNO)) yields the U 6+ mono-oxo complexes U(O)[NPC 1 ] 4 and U(O)[NPC 2 ] 4 . This methodology is optimized for direct translation to transuranic elements. Of the two ligands, the NPC 2 framework is most suitable for facilitating detailed bonding analysis and assessment of the ITI. Theoretical evaluation of the U–(NPC) bonding confirms a substantial difference between axially and equatorially-bonded N atoms, revealing mark-edly more covalent U–N ax interactions. The U 6d+5f combined contribution for U–N ax is nearly double that of U–N eq , accounting for ITI shortening and increased bond order of the axial bond. Two distinct N-atom hybridizations in the pyrrolidine/piperidine rings are noted across the complexes, with approximate sp 2 and sp 3 configurations describing the slightly shorter P–N “planar” and slightly longer P–N “pyramidal” bonds, respectively. In all complexes, the NPC 2 ligands feature more planar N atoms than NPC 1 , in accordance with a higher electron-donating capacity of the former.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multi-Fidelity Active Subspaces for Wind Farm Uncertainty Quantification

Wind plants operate in stochastic environments characterized by complex turbulent flow dynamics and high-dimensional random variables. A key step in uncertainty quantification studies is sensitivity analysis and dimension reduction that can facilitate the development of surrogate models to be used for forward and inverse propagation or optimization under uncertainty. Prior work has shown active subspaces are an effective tool for identifying important directions in the space of stochastic inputs; however, they have only been applied to single-fidelity wind plant models. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of a multi-fidelity active subspace method for analyzing the uncertainty in wind plant power output. The multi-fidelity active subspace estimator offers the promise of increased accuracy in identifying active subspaces as compared to a single-fidelity estimator for the same computational cost, or a reduction in cost for the same accuracy. This makes the study of uncertainty in larger wind plants and with higher fidelity physics tractable. The multi-fidelity active subspace method is applied to gridded and existing wind plant layouts with single and multiple inflow conditions and its performance for surrogate modeling and uncertainty propagation is compared against a single-fidelity active subspace method. This multi-fidelity approach yields substantial computational speedups of 2x - 3.4x across the test cases along with acceptable accuracy in surrogate modeling and computing statistical moments.

active subspace↗