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At least 253 records · Page 14

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NASA NTRS2005

Traction in smooth muscle cells varies with cell spreading

Changes in cell shape regulate cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. It has been suggested that the regulation of cell function by the cell shape is a result of the tension in the cytoskeleton and the distortion of the cell. Here we explore the association between cell-generated mechanical forces and the cell morphology. We hypothesized that the cell contractile force is associated with the degree of cell spreading, in particular with the cell length. We measured traction fields of single human airway smooth muscle cells plated on a polyacrylamide gel, in which fluorescent microbeads were embedded to serve as markers of gel deformation. The traction exerted by the cells at the cell-substrate interface was determined from the measured deformation of the gel. The traction was measured before and after treatment with the contractile agonist histamine, or the relaxing agonist isoproterenol. The relative increase in traction induced by histamine was negatively correlated with the baseline traction. On the contrary, the relative decrease in traction due to isoproterenol was independent of the baseline traction, but it was associated with cell shape: traction decreased more in elongated than in round cells. Maximum cell width, mean cell width, and projected area of the cell were the parameters most tightly coupled to both baseline and histamine-induced traction in this study. Wide and well-spread cells exerted larger traction than slim cells. These results suggest that cell contractility is controlled by cell spreading.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS1985

Report of the Microbial Development Working Group

In formulating ideas on the relationship of gravity to the development, growth, and reproduction of microorganisms, a rather liberal definition of microorganisms is used which includes bacteria, yeasts, protists, filamentous fungi, and single cells in culture. A principal advantage of microorganisms as experimental subjects is the rigor with which they can be defined and controlled. As single cells, each cell may be regarded as identical to the others in the population. This property applies to the morphology, physiology, and genetic parameters of the cells. The growth and development of the population is subject to precise manipulation as the nutritional requirements are known and minimal media formulations have been developed. Growth and differentiation can be manipulated in a variety of ways, such as alteration of the culture temperature and food supply, or by use of mutants. Finally, the short generation times of microorganisms provide the opportunity to conduct multigenerational studies within practical time limits and, in a similar vein, cellular responses to various stimuli or stresses are conveniently monitored because of the rapid response times of single cells.

Nelson, G.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Estimation of minority carrier diffusion lengths in InP/GaAs solar cells

Minority carrier diffusion length is one of the most important parameters affecting the solar cell performance. An attempt is made to estimate the minority carrier diffusion lengths is the emitter and base of InP/GaAs heteroepitaxial solar cells. The PC-1D computer model was used to simulate the experimental cell results measured at NASA Lewis under AMO (air mass zero) spectrum at 25 C. A 16 nm hole diffusion length in the emitter and a 0.42 micron electron diffusion length in the base gave very good agreement with the I-V curve. The effect of varying minority carrier diffusion lengths on cell short current, open circuit voltage, and efficiency was studied. It is also observed that the front surface recombination velocity has very little influence on the cell performance. The poor output of heteroepitaxial cells is caused primarily by the large number of dislocations generated at the interfaces that propagate through the bulk indium phosphide layers. Cell efficiency as a function of dislocation density was calculated and the effect of improved emitter bulk properties on cell efficiency is presented. It is found that cells with over 16 percent efficiencies should be possible, provided the dislocation density is below 10(exp 6)/sq cm.

Jain, R. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Sensitivity analysis of low bulk resistivity solar cells

In an effort to identify critical parameters of single-junction solar cells and to determine their relative sensitivity, parametric analyses have been conducted with a computer code SPCOLAY. A receipt for high-efficiency cells emerges from the analyses that requires the primary ingredients of low bulk resistivity (0.1-0.2 ohm-cm), a bulk diffusion length as large as attainable (greater than 100 microns), and a small front surface recombination velocity (about 100 cm/sec). Other parameters appear to play less sensitive roles.

Lin, E. I. H.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Modified NASA standard nickel-cadmium cell designs

The experimental design, parameters, and testing of a modified NASA standard nickel-cadmium cell are discussed. Modifications regarding positive plate loading levels and nickel attack levels, loading levels for the negative plates, interelectrode spacing, and the positive electrode impregnation process are addressed.

Manzo, Michelle A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Application of the MOS-C-V technique to determine impurity concentrations and surface parameters on the diffused face of silicon solar cells

The feasibility of using the MOS C-V technique to obtain information regarding impurity and surface state concentrations on the diffused face of silicon solar cells with Ta2O5 coatings is studied. Results indicate that the MOS C-V technique yields useful information concerning surface parameters which contribute to the high, efficiency limiting, surface recombination velocities on the n+ surface of silicon solar cells.

Weinberg, I.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Determination of series resistance of indium phosphide solar cells

The series resistance of a solar cell is an important parameter, which must be minimized to achieve high cell efficiencies. The cell series resistance is affected by the starting material, its design, and processing. The theoretical approach proposed by Jia, et. al., is used to calculate the series resistance of indium phosphide solar cells. It is observed that the theoretical approach does not predict the series resistance correctly in all cases. The analysis was modified to include the use of effective junction ideality factor. The calculated results were compared with the available experimental results on indium phosphide solar cells processed by different techniques. It is found that the use of process dependent junction ideality factor leads to better estimation of series resistance. An accurate comprehensive series resistance model is warranted to give proper feedback for modifying the cell processing from the design state.

Jain, Raj K.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Optimal Charging of Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries for Life Extension

We are exploring the possibility of extending the cycle life of battery systems by using a charging profile that minimizes cell damage. Only nickel-hydrogen cells are discussed at this time, but applications to lithium-ion cells are being considered. The process first requires the development of a fractional calculus based nonlinear dynamic model of the specific cells being used. The parameters of this model are determined from the cell transient responses. To extend cell cycle life, an instantaneous damage rate model is developed. The model is based on cycle life data and is highly dependent on cell voltage. Once both the cell dynamic model and the instantaneous damage rate model have been determined, the charging profile for a specific cell is determined by numerical optimization. Results concerning the percentage life extension for different charging strategies are presented. The overall procedure is readily adaptable to real-time implementations where the charging profile can maintain its minimum damage nature as the specific cell ages.

Hartley, Tom T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Large area, low cost space solar cells with optional wraparound contacts

Design parameters for two large area, low cost solar cells are presented, and electron irradiation testing, thermal alpha testing, and cell processing are discussed. The devices are a 2 ohm-cm base resistivity silicon cell with an evaporated aluminum reflector produced in a dielectric wraparound cell, and a 10 ohm-cm silicon cell with the BSF/BSR combination and a conventional contact system. Both cells are 5.9 x 5.9 cm and require 200 micron thick silicon material due to mission weight constraints. Normalized values for open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and maximum power calculations derived from electron radiation testing are given. In addition, thermal alpha testing values of absorptivity and emittance are included. A pilot cell processing run produced cells averaging 14.4% efficiencies at AMO 28 C. Manufacturing for such cells will be on a mechanized process line, and the area of coverslide application technology must be considered in order to achieve cost effective production.

Michaels, D.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Phase-field approach to cellular blebbing

Bulges in the plasma membrane of cells known as blebs can form spontaneously in a wide range of biological processes, but what controls their shape and stability remains incompletely understood. Here, to address this we introduce a dual phase-field model with coupled order parameters representing the cell cortex and plasma membrane that can quantitatively model blebbing in three dimensions. Simulations and sharp-interface analyses reveal that, depending on whether blebbing occurs by detachment of the plasma membrane or rupture of the actin cortex, blebs can form discontinuously through a saddle-node bifurcation or continuously with increasing cortical tension. The model predictions are in good quantitative agreement with existing experimental data for laser-induced cortex rupture.

Biological and medical sciences↗

NASA NTRS1976

On the determination of series resistance and diode quality factor of solar cells

The series resistance and diode quality factor are used for evaluation of solar cell performance. These parameters are normally deduced from the terminal I-V characteristics under forward bias. The method produces a smaller series resistance and a larger value for diode quality factor than appropriate for the device when operating as a solar cell. It is suggested that the diode quality factor be determined from measured saturated photocurrent, open circuit voltage characteristics and the series resistance be measured with an r-f bridge or calculated from a measurement of the surface sheet resistance.

Anderson, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Extracellular mass transport considerations for space flight research concerning suspended and adherent in vitro cell cultures

Conducting biological research in space requires consideration be given to isolating appropriate control parameters. For in vitro cell cultures, numerous environmental factors can adversely affect data interpretation. A biological response attributed to microgravity can, in theory, be explicitly correlated to a specific lack of weight or gravity-driven motion occurring to, within or around a cell. Weight can be broken down to include the formation of hydrostatic gradients, structural load (stress) or physical deformation (strain). Gravitationally induced motion within or near individual cells in a fluid includes sedimentation (or buoyancy) of the cell and associated shear forces, displacement of cytoskeleton or organelles, and factors associated with intra- or extracellular mass transport. Finally, and of particular importance for cell culture experiments, the collective effects of gravity must be considered for the overall system consisting of the cells, their environment and the device in which they are contained. This does not, however, rule out other confounding variables such as launch acceleration, on orbit vibration, transient acceleration impulses or radiation, which can be isolated using onboard centrifuges or vibration isolation techniques. A framework is offered for characterizing specific cause-and-effect relationships for gravity-dependent responses as a function of the above parameters.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS1994

Intensity Measurements of the 01(sup 1)21-00(sup 0)01 Perpendicular CO2 band at 5315 cm (sup -1) and 4 related hot bands

The near-infrared thermal emission windows in the spectrum of the night-side of Venus have stimulated new determinations of the intensities of weak CO2 bands which are prominent absorption features in Venus spectra. We have previously measured the 31(sup 1)04-00(sup 0)01 band at 4416 cm (sup -1), which dominates a portion of the 2.2 micrometer window, using the 25-meter White absorption cell at Ames. Parameters for many of the unmeasured bands have been recomputed for the HITRAN compilation using direct numerical diagonalization. This procedure has some uncertainties, particularly for higher overtone-combination perpendicular bands, and substantial differences were noted for these bands when comparing the 1986 HITRAN tabulation with the 1992 values. To clarify this situation, we decided to measure the intensities of several of these bands; L.R.B. obtained spectra using the McMath FTS and 6 meter White cell, covering the region 3800 to 7700 cm (sup -1). A table is provided in which we compare our measured intensities and Herman-Wallis al parameters for the 01(sup 1)21-00(sup 0)01 band and 4 associated hot bands with both Hitran tabulations. It is anticipated that these measured values will be useful in further DND calculations of many very weak unmeasurable bands.

Giver, Lawrence P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Optimal design study of high efficiency indium phosphide space solar cells

Recently indium phosphide solar cells have achieved beginning of life AMO efficiencies in excess of 19 pct. at 25 C. The high efficiency prospects along with superb radiation tolerance make indium phosphide a leading material for space power requirements. To achieve cost effectiveness, practical cell efficiencies have to be raised to near theoretical limits and thin film indium phosphide cells need to be developed. The optimal design study is described of high efficiency indium phosphide solar cells for space power applications using the PC-1D computer program. It is shown that cells with efficiencies over 22 pct. AMO at 25 C could be fabricated by achieving proper material and process parameters. It is observed that further improvements in cell material and process parameters could lead to experimental cell efficiencies near theoretical limits. The effect of various emitter and base parameters on cell performance was studied.

Jain, Raj K.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Effect of impurity doping concentration on solar cell output

Experimental measurements were made of solar cell and related photovoltaic parameters for silicon with high concentrations of dopant impurities. The cell output peaked for doping levels around 10 to the 17th power per cu cm. Independent measurements of diffusion length and open circuit voltage at high doping levels showed severe reductions at concentrations above 10 to the 18th power per cu cm. Theoretical reasons are given to explain these reductions. Indication is given of the problems requiring solution before increased cell output can be achieved at high doping levels.

Iles, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

28 percent efficient GaAs concentrator solar cells

AlGaAs/GaAs heteroface solar concentrator cells which exhibit efficiencies in excess of 27 percent at high solar concentrations (over 400 suns, AM1.5D, 100 mW/sq cm) have been fabricated with both n/p and p/n configurations. The best n/p cell achieved an efficiency of 28.1 percent around 400 suns, and the best p/n cell achieved an efficiency of 27.5 percent around 1000 suns. The high performance of these GaAs concentrator cells compared to earlier high-efficiency cells was due to improved control of the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition growth conditions and improved cell fabrication procedures (gridline definition and edge passivation). The design parameters of the solar cell structures and optimized grid pattern were determined with a realistic computer modeling program. An evaluation of the device characteristics and a discussion of future GaAs concentrator cell development are presented.

Macmillan, H. F.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Three year performance of the NTS-2 solar cell experiment

Twelve different solar cell modules from the NTS 2 experiment are functioning after more than three years in a severe trapped radiation orbit of 20,367 km (10,990 nm) circular, 63 deg inclination. The rate of maximum power degradation may be fit to a predicted rate which is based on twice the value of 1 MeV electron equivalent damage fluence calculated from the space electron model AEI 7. The photovoltaic parameters of the cells are compared to their original values to demonstrate rank order of performance.

Statler, R. L.↗

DOE OSTI2024

The impact of hot-press conditions on the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

The proton exchange membrane integrity can be compromised during hot-press fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) causing premature cell failures during operation. In this work, infrared (IR) thermography was used as a diagnostic tool to spatially visualize hydrogen (H 2 ) crossover and identify process-induced-membrane irregularities (PIMs). These irregularities were identified as seed locations for MEA failures. Fine tuning of hot-press conditions was used to mitigate premature cell failures informed by accelerated stress testing (AST). The impact of PIMs on the initial performance, high-frequency resistances, open-circuit voltage, and H 2 crossover are reported. Nafion XL and 212 membranes, hot-pressed with a force of 16 kg/cm 2 and temperature of 120°C, were found to be consistently irregularity-free. Irregularity-free MEAs using Nafion 211, 212, and XL membranes demonstrated AST lifetime improvements of 58, 64 and 400%, respectively, compared to those fabricated with non-optimized conditions. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of fabrication parameters on premature cell failures.

08 HYDROGEN↗