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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 343 records · Page 19

Develop High-Throughput Workflows for Whole-Genome Sequencing and Insertion Site Screening (CRADA Final Report)

The engineering of microbes for biomanufacturing (e.g. of fuels, chemicals, materials) applications has advanced to a stage where researchers screen genetic libraries with millions of variations each for those with enhanced productivity. This screening, however, can be slow and expensive, as screening individual variants in a high-throughput yet cost-effective manner is challenging. In this project, we aimed to reduce by 3-fold costs associated with the sequencing aspects of the screening process (to determine which genetic variant is responsible for an observed change in productivity), while being able to process over 1,000 samples per batch.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Develop High-Throughput Workflows for Whole-Genome Sequencing and Insertion Site Screening

The engineering of microbes for biomanufacturing (e.g. of fuels, chemicals, materials) applications has advanced to a stage where researchers screen genetic libraries with millions of variations each for those with enhanced productivity. This screening, however, can be slow and expensive, as screening individual variants in a high-throughput yet cost-effective manner is challenging. In this project, we aimed to reduce by 3-fold costs associated with the sequencing aspects of the screening process (to determine which genetic variant is responsible for an observed change in productivity), while being able to process over 1,000 samples per batch.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

An Innovative High Throughput Genome Releaser for Rapid and Efficient PCR Screening

High-throughput PCR screening is vital in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering as it allows researchers to rapidly analyze and detect numerous targeted genetic mutation in the genome. Current challenges for high-throughput PCR screening in synthetic biology include efficiently preparing genomic DNA, optimizing protocols for diverse sample types, managing contamination risks, and effectively analyzing the large volumes of data generated while ensuring consistent and accurate results. In this study, we present the development of a High Throughput Genome Releaser (HTGR), an innovative device addressing common challenges in screening PCR. This genome DNA releaser is designed based on a squash method for rapid, cost-effective, and efficient DNA release, optimized for subsequent PCR reactions. After experimenting with various synthetic materials, we selected a plastic that closely replicates the smooth surface and compression properties of microscope slides, ensuring reliable performance. We engineered a device featuring a 96-Well Plate and a shear applicator, operable both manually and automatically, and compatible with standard liquid-handling robot platform. This compatibility enhances ease of use in high-throughput PCR workflows. Additionally, we developed software to support its automatic functions. Our results demonstrated that the specially engineered 96-Well Plate and HTGR can effectively squash fungal spores , which release enough genome DNA for PCR screening. The genome releaser facilitates the preparation of PCR-amplifiable genomic DNA substrate from 96 samples within minutes, eliminates the need for extraction buffers, and is adaptable to a wide range of microorganisms and cells, which could significantly advance biomanufacturing processes.

Yuan, Guoliang [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗

A non-traditional crystal-based compound screening method targeting the ATP binding site of Plasmodium falciparum GRP78 for identification of novel nucleoside analogues

Drug resistance to front-line malarial treatments represents an ongoing threat to control malaria, a vector borne infectious disease. The malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum has developed genetic variants, conferring resistance to the current standard therapeutic artemisinin and its derivatives commonly referred to as artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs). Emergence of multi-drug resistance parasite genotypes is a warning of potential treatment failure, reaffirming the urgent and critical need to find and validate alternate drug targets to prevent the spread of disease. An attractive and novel drug target includes glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78, or BiP), an essential molecular chaperone protein involved in the unfolded protein response that is upregulated in ACT treated P. falciparum parasites. We have shown that both sequence and structure are closely related to human GRP78 (hGRP78), a chaperone belonging to the HSP70 class of ATPase proteins, which is often upregulated in cellular stress responses and cancer. By screening a library of nucleoside analogues, we identified eight ‘hit’ compounds binding at the active site of the ATP binding domain of P. falciparum GRP78 using a high-throughput ligand soaking screen using x-ray crystallography. These compounds were further evaluated using protein thermal shift assays to assess target binding activity. The nucleoside analogues identified from our screen provide a starting point for the development of more potent and selective antimalarial inhibitors. In addition, we have established a well-defined, high-throughput crystal-based screening approach that can be applied to many crystallizable P. falciparum proteins for generating anti-Plasmodium specific compounds.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Towards the first plasma-electron screening experiment

The enhancement of fusion reaction rates in a thermonuclear plasma by electron screening of the Coulomb barrier is an important plasma-nuclear effect that is present in stellar models but has not been experimentally observed. Experiments using inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions may provide a unique opportunity to observe this important plasma-nuclear effect. Herein, we show that experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have reached the relevant physical regime, with respect to the density and temperature conditions, but the estimated impacts of plasma screening on nuclear reaction rates are currently too small and need to be increased to lower the expected measurement uncertainty. Detailed radiation hydrodynamics simulations show that practical target changes, like adding readily available high-Z gases, and significantly slowing the inflight implosion velocity, while maintaining inflight kinetic energy, might be able to push these conditions to those where plasma screening effects may be measurable. We also perform synthetic data exercises to help understand where the anticipated experimental uncertainties will become important. But challenges remain, such as the detectability of the reaction products, non-thermal plasma effects, species separation, and impacts of spatial and temporal gradients. This work lays the foundation for future efforts to develop an important platform capable of the first plasma electron screening observation.

inertial confinement fusion↗

A Rapid and High Throughput MIC Determination Method to Screen Uranium Resistant Microorganisms

The assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is a conventional technique used for the screening of microbial resistance against antibiotics, biocides, and contaminants such as heavy metals. However, as part of our ongoing work, we have observed biases associated with using traditional liquid MIC method to screen microbial heavy metal resistance, including both bacterial and fungal strains. Specifically, the addition of uranium into synthetic media causes immediate precipitation prior to the initiation of microbial growth, thus hampering the optical density measurements, and the obtained MIC values are thus flawed and inaccurate. To address this discrepancy, we report the optimization and development of a serial-dilution-based MIC method conducted on solid growth media supplemented with uranium, which is more accurate, relative to the testing of MICs performed in liquid cultures. Notably, we report on the efficacy of this method to screen not only bacteria that are resistant to uranium but also demonstrate the successful application to yeast and fungal isolates, for their ability to resist uranium, is more accurate and sensitive relative to the liquid method. We believe that this newly developed method to screen heavy metal resistance, such as uranium, is far superior to the existing liquid MIC method and propose replacing the liquid assay with the solid plate MIC reported herein.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Understanding Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening in Women With Access to Care, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2014

Cervical cancer screening can save lives when abnormal cervical lesions and early cancers are detected and treated; however, many women are not screened as recommended. We used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey to examine nonfinancial barriers to cervical cancer screening among women who reported having insurance and a personal doctor or health care provider. Among these women, a higher proportion who were never or rarely screened reported having multiple chronic conditions. The results of this study underscore the importance of incorporating preventive clinical services into the management of one or more chronic conditions.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

High-field side scrape-off layer investigation: plasma profiles and impurity screening behavior in near-double-null configurations

New experiments on Alcator C-Mod reveal that the favorable impurity screening characteristics of the high-field side (HFS) scrape-off layer (SOL), previously reported for single null geometries, is retained in double null configurations, despite the formation of an extremely thin SOL. In balanced double-null, nitrogen injected locally into the HFS SOL is better screened by a factor of 2.5 compared to the same injection into the low field side (LFS) SOL. This result is insensitive to plasma current and Greenwald fraction. Nitrogen injected into the HFS SOL is not as well screened (only a factor of 1.5 improvement over LFS) in unbalanced double-null discharges, when the primary divertor is in the direction of B×?B. In this configuration, impurity ‘plume’ emission patterns indicate that an opposing E X B drift competes with the parallel impurity flow to the divertor. In balanced double-null plasmas, the dispersal pattern exhibits a dominant E X B motion. Unbalanced discharges with the primary divertor opposite the direction of B×?B exhibit excellent HFS screening characteristics – a factor of 5 enhancement compared to LFS. These data support the idea that future tokamaks should locate all RF actuators and close-fitting wall structures on the HFS and employ near-double-null magnetic topologies, both to precisely control plasma conditions at the antenna/plasma interface and to maximally mitigate the impact of local impurity sources arising from plasma-material interactions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Normal Impingement of a Circular Liquid Jet onto a Screen in a Weightless Environment

The normal impingement of a circular liquid jet onto a fine-mesh screen in a weightless environment was investigated. Equations were developed to predict the velocity of the emerging jet on the downstream side of the screen as a function of screen and liquid parameters and of the velocity of the impinging jet. Additionally, the stability of the emerging jet was found to be Weber number dependent. In general, excepting at high velocities, the screen behaved much as a baffle, deflecting the major portion of the impinging flow.

Symons, E. P.↗

Radiographic amplifier screens: Fabrication process and characteristics

The fabrication process and transfer characteristics for solid state radiographic image transducers (radiographic amplifier screens) is described. These screens were developed for use in real time nondestructive evaluation procedures that require large format radiographic images with contrast and resolution capabilities unavailable with conventional fluoroscopic screens. This work was directed toward screens usable for inmotion, on-line radiographic inspection by means of closed circuit television.

Szepesi, Z. P.↗

Irradiate-anneal screening of total dose effects in semiconductor devices

Judicious choice of radiation dose and parameter change acceptance criteria, absence of anomalous anneal phenomena, and absence of anomalous reirradiation effects are recognized as essential for a successful irradiation-anneal (IRAN) screening procedure to ensure that no device will fall, upon reirradiation, above parametric limits assigned for the worst case application. Reirradiation and irradiation-anneal behavior of various semiconductor devices are compared and those that do not lend themselves to IRAN screening are singled out. Information needed to judge the suitability of an IRAN type screening program is detailed. Reasons for success of the limited IRAN screening of flight parts for the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn (MJS '77) spacecraft are indicated.

Stanley, A. G.↗

Fabrication and characteristics of experimental radiographic amplifier screens

The fabrication process and transfer characteristics for solid state radiographic image transducers (radiographic amplifier screens) are described. These screens are for use in realtime nondestructive evaluation procedures that require large format radiographic images with contrast and resolution capabilities unavailable with conventional fluoroscopic screens. The screens are suitable for in-motion, on-line radiographic inspection by means of closed circuit television. Experimental effort was made to improve image quality and response to low energy (5 kV and up) X-rays.

Szepesi, Z.↗

Considerations for the installation of honeycomb and screens to reduce wind-tunnel turbulence

Tests were conducted on a half-scale model representing a 0.914-m (3.0-ft) square stream tube of the flow through the fourth corner and settling chamber of the Langley 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel. The model included the tube cooler 45 degree turning vanes, and the turbulence reduction screens and honeycomb, which were the subject of the tests. Hot-wire measurements of the turbulence reduction for various combinations of screens and honeycomb were made at various duct speeds. Of the four sizes of honeycomb cells tested, none were found to have a superior performance advantage. The effectiveness of screens and honeycomb in reducing turbulence is greatly affected by relatively minor physical damage; therefore, extreme care must be exercised in installing and maintaining honeycomb or screens if the turbulence reduction performance is to be maintained.

Scheiman, J.↗

Flow through very porous screens

Flow through and around screens with small resistance coefficient were analyzed. Both steady and oscillatory flows are considered, however, the case of a screen normal to the flow is treated. At second order in the asymptotic expansion the steady flow normal to the screen is nonuniform along the screen, due to components induced by the wake and by tangential drag. The third order pressure drop is nonuniform and the wake contains distributed vorticity, in addition to the vortex sheet along its boundary. The unsteady drag coefficient is found as a function of frequency.

Durbin, P. A.↗

Vapor-screen technique for flow visualization in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

The vapor-screen technique for flow visualization, as developed for the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, is described with evaluations of light sources and photographic equipment. Test parameters including dew point, pressure, and temperature were varied to determine optimum conditions for obtaining high-quality vapor-screen photographs. The investigation was conducted in the supersonic speed range for Mach numbers from 1.47 to 4.63 at model angles of attack up to 35 deg. Vapor-screen photographs illustrating various flow patterns are presented for several missile and aircraft configurations. Examples of vapor-screen results that have contributed to the understanding of complex flow fields and provided a basis for the development of theoretical codes are presented with reference to other research.

Morris, O. A.↗

Three input concepts for flight crew interaction with information presented on a large-screen electronic cockpit display

A piloted simulation study was conducted comparing three different input methods for interfacing to a large-screen, multiwindow, whole-flight-deck display for management of transport aircraft systems. The thumball concept utilized a miniature trackball embedded in a conventional side-arm controller. The touch screen concept provided data entry through a capacitive touch screen. The voice concept utilized a speech recognition system with input through a head-worn microphone. No single input concept emerged as the most desirable method of interacting with the display. Subjective results, however, indicate that the voice concept was the most preferred method of data entry and had the most potential for future applications. The objective results indicate that, overall, the touch screen concept was the most effective input method. There was also significant differences between the time required to perform specific tasks and the input concept employed, with each concept providing better performance relative to a specific task. These results suggest that a system combining all three input concepts might provide the most effective method of interaction.

Jones, Denise R.↗

Pressure drop and He II flow through fine mesh screens

Fluid acquisition systems for He II transfer devices will utilize gallery arms to ensure that the fluid encounters the pump inlet. In near term experiments such as Superfluid Helium on Orbit Transfer (SHOOT), the preferred configuration consists of several rectangular channels which have one side made from a Dutch weave stainless steel screen having 325 x 2300 wires per inch. The effective pore diameter for this screen is about 5 microns. The present paper reports on measurements of pressure drop across a screen when it is subjected to a flow of liquid helium. The experiment measures the time rate of change of the level in two different helium reservoirs connected by a screen-blocked channel. Results with normal helium are compared with predictions based on the Armour-Cannon (1968) equations. The He II data show considerable deviation from the classical result. A discussion of the He II pressure drop results in terms of two fluid hydrodynamics is included.

Maddocks, J. R.↗

Automated screening of propulsion system test data by neural networks, phase 1

The evaluation of propulsion system test and flight performance data involves reviewing an extremely large volume of sensor data generated by each test. An automated system that screens large volumes of data and identifies propulsion system parameters which appear unusual or anomalous will increase the productivity of data analysis. Data analysts may then focus on a smaller subset of anomalous data for further evaluation of propulsion system tests. Such an automated data screening system would give NASA the benefit of a reduction in the manpower and time required to complete a propulsion system data evaluation. A phase 1 effort to develop a prototype data screening system is reported. Neural networks will detect anomalies based on nominal propulsion system data only. It appears that a reasonable goal for an operational system would be to screen out 95 pct. of the nominal data, leaving less than 5 pct. needing further analysis by human experts.

Hoyt, W. Andes↗