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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Addressing Human and Organizational Factors in Nuclear Industry Modernization: A Sociotechnically Based Strategic Framework

The modernization of nuclear power plants will require an advanced concept of operations, involving an integrated set of tightly coupled systems in which all stakeholders act in a coordinated manner. For this modernization effort to be enabled, we developed a human and organizational factors approach based on a broad sociotechnical framework. Starting from core human factors principles, we conducted a literature review of the methods and approaches relevant to the modernization problem. These included not only core disciplines such as cognitive systems engineering, systems theoretic accident modeling and processes, human systems integration, resilience engineering, and macroergonomics but also related topics of safety culture and organizational change. From this literature, we developed a conceptual framework centered around the work system with its four interacting components: people, technology, process, and governance. In an effective work system, these four components are jointly optimized according to three systems criteria: efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. System failure may result from excessive emphasis on any one criterion. The actual work of attaining joint optimization in a given work system can be accomplished by utilizing three high-level functions: knowledge elicitation, knowledge representation, and cross-functional integration. Finally, we illustrated the utility of this approach by applying it to practical problems and case studies.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Data from Enhanced 2′-Fucosyllactose Production by Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae using Xylose as a Co-Substrate

2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide with confirmed benefits for infant health, is a promising infant formula ingredient. Although Escherichia coli , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Corynebacterium glutamicum , and Bacillus subtilis have been engineered to produce 2′-FL, their titers and productivities need be improved for economic production. Glucose along with lactose have been used as substrates for producing 2′-FL, but accumulation of by-products due to overflow metabolism of glucose hampered efficient production of 2′-FL regardless of a host strain. To circumvent this problem, we used xylose, which is the second most abundant sugar in plant cell wall hydrolysates and is metabolized through oxidative metabolism, for the production of 2′-FL by engineered yeast. Specifically, we modified an engineered S. cerevisiae strain capable of assimilating xylose to produce 2′-FL from a mixture of xylose and lactose. First, a lactose transporter (Lac12) from Kluyveromyces lactis was introduced. Second, a heterologous 2′-FL biosynthetic pathway consisting of enzymes Gmd, WcaG, and WbgL from E. coli was introduced. Third, we adjusted expression levels of the heterologous genes to maximize 2′-FL production. The resulting engineered yeast produced 25.5 g/L of 2′-FL with a volumetric productivity of 0.35 g/L∙h in a fed-batch fermentation with lactose and xylose feeding to mitigate the glucose repression. Interestingly, the major location of produced 2′-FL by the engineered yeast can be changed using different culture media. While 72% of the produced 2′-FL was secreted when a complex medium was used, 82% of the produced 2′-FL remained inside the cells when a minimal medium was used. As yeast extract is already used as food and animal feed ingredients, 2′-FL enriched yeast extract can be produced cost-effectively using the 2′-FL-accumulating yeast cells.

Conversion↗
DOE OSTI2024

CloudZero Phase 2 Technical Report

Expand upon the successful Phase 1 net zero cloud test proof of concept by moving actual OT systems to the cloud and proving cloud feasibility to support various OT technologies such as IoT, Machine Learning, etc. Explore threat analysis when these technologies are moved to the cloud. A detailed analysis in NREL ARIES Cyber Range will be used to conduct deeper analysis of cloud suitability to support OT and net zero system operations in a higher fidelity representative environment. Outputs will identify, quantify, and document the results and cyber security risks associated with the move of these OT technologies in a formal delivered report. Programmatic Benefits: Identify cloud integration challenges for energy systems characterize the cloud threat space, contribute to policy and standards discussions, empower the sector to change their cloud culture where appropriate.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Operator Insights and Usability Evaluation of Machine Learning Assistance for Power Grid Contingency Analysis

Introducing machine learning (ML) assistance into any established process comes with adoption barriers, including entrenched procedures, technological and human readiness levels, human-machine trust, and work culture resistance to change. These barriers are even greater in critical operations such as operating a national or regional power grid, in which both regulatory frameworks and the importance of maintaining reliability levels causes additional resistance to the adoption of new computational support. Developers of future systems and job aides must consider not only technical aspects, but also whether new systems are usable by power system operators. This work presents the methodology and results of a study to evaluate the usability and readiness of a prototype recommender system for power grid contingency analysis. We explore operator cognitive load and evaluate operator performance when solving a collection of scenarios both with and without recommender assistance. We also examine operator trust in the system. We report insights gained on the readiness of the system using a collection of evaluation techniques.

Human-Machine Teaming, Power Systems, usability ev↗
DOE OSTI2021

Addressing Human and Organizational Factors In Nuclear Industry Modernization: A Sociotechnically-Based Strategic Framework

The modernization of nuclear power plants will require an advanced concept of operations, involving an integrated set of tightly coupled systems in which all stakeholders act in a coordinated manner. For this modernization effort to be enabled, we developed a human and organizational factors approach, based on a broad sociotechnical framework. Starting from core human factors principles, we conducted a literature review of the methods and approaches relevant to the modernization problem. These included core disciplines such as cognitive systems engineering, systems theoretic accident modeling and processes (STAMP), human systems integration, resilience engineering, and macroergonomics but also related topics of safety culture and organizational change. From this literature, we developed a conceptual framework centered around the work system with its four interacting components: people, technology, process, and governance. In an effective work system, these four components are jointly optimized according to three systems criteria: efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. System failure may result from excessive emphasis on any one criterion. The actual work of attaining joint optimization in a given work system can be accomplished by utilizing three high level functions: knowledge elicitation, knowledge representation, and cross-functional integration. We illustrated the utility of this approach by applying it to practical problems and case studies. The complete report is available in [1]; this paper is a description of our approach and report contents.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Outgrowth of erlotinib-resistant subpopulations recapitulated in patient-derived lung tumor spheroids and organoids

A model that recapitulates development of acquired therapeutic resistance is needed to improve oncology drug development and patient outcomes. To achieve this end, we established methods for the preparation and growth of spheroids from primary human lung adenocarcinomas, including methods to culture, passage, monitor growth, and evaluate changes in mutational profile over time. Primary lung tumor spheroids were cultured in Matrigel® with varying concentrations of erlotinib, a small molecule kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that is ineffective against KRAS mutant cells. Subtle changes in spheroid size and number were observed within the first two weeks of culture. Spheroids were cultured for up to 24 weeks, during which time interactions between different cell types, movement, and assembly into heterogeneous organoid structures were documented. Allele-specific competitive blocker PCR (ACB-PCR) was used to quantify low frequency BRAF V600E, KRAS G12D, KRAS G12V, and PIK3CA H1047R mutant subpopulations in tumor tissue residue (TR) samples and cultured spheroids. Mutant subpopulations, including multiple mutant subpopulations, were quite prevalent. Twelve examples of mutant enrichment were found in eight of the 14 tumors analyzed, based on the criteria that a statistically-significant increase in mutant fraction was observed relative to both the TR and the no-erlotinib control. Of the mutants quantified in erlotinib-treated cultures, PIK3CA H1047 mutant subpopulations increased most often (5/14 tumors), which is consistent with clinical observations. Thus, this ex vivo lung tumor spheroid model replicates the cellular and mutational tumor heterogeneity of human lung adenocarcinomas and can be used to assess the outgrowth of mutant subpopulations. Spheroid cultures with characterized mutant subpopulations could be used to investigate the efficacy of lung cancer combination therapies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Phenotypic and functional characterization of corneal endothelial cells during in vitro expansion

The advent of cell culture-based methods for the establishment and expansion of human corneal endothelial cells (CEnC) has provided a source of transplantable corneal endothelium, with a significant potential to challenge the one donor-one recipient paradigm. However, concerns over cell identity remain, and a comprehensive characterization of the cultured CEnC across serial passages has not been performed. To this end, we compared two established CEnC culture methods by assessing the transcriptomic changes that occur during in vitro expansion. In confluent monolayers, low mitogenic culture conditions preserved corneal endothelial cell state identity better than culture in high mitogenic conditions. Expansion by continuous passaging induced replicative cell senescence. Transcriptomic analysis of the senescent phenotype identified a cell senescence signature distinct for CEnC. We identified activation of both classic and new cell signaling pathways that may be targeted to prevent senescence, a significant barrier to realizing the potential clinical utility of in vitro expansion.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Improved chemical and isotopic labeling of biomembranes in Bacillus subtilis by leveraging CRISPRi inhibition of beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase (fabF)

Assessing the structure of living microbial cell membranes is a challenging analytical goal. The cell membrane is defined by its transverse structure, an approximately 5 nm-thick selectively permeable bilayer that serves many important cellular functions. Compositionally complex, dynamic, and organized in both the transverse and lateral dimensions, understanding the cell membrane structure—and the role that structure plays in cellular function, communication, and environmental sensing is an active scientific effort. Previously, we have devised a novel isotopic labeling approach for membrane lipids to enable direct in vivo structural studies of the cell membrane in the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus subtilis , using small-angle neutron scattering. This was accomplished through a genetic inhibition of fatty acid (FA) degradation (Δ fadN ) and a chemical inhibition of FA biosynthesis using cerulenin, an irreversible inhibitor of type II fatty acid synthases. Here, we improve upon the previous system by introducing a dCas9/sgRNA- fabF complex that blocks transcription of the essential fabF gene when under xylose induction. This leads to greater sensitivity to cerulenin in the mutant strain (JEBS102) and more robust cell growth when supplementary FAs are introduced to the culture medium. A subtle change in FA uptake is noted when compared to the prior labeling strategy. This is seen in the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) data as a higher ratio of n 16:0 to a 15:0, and manifests in an apparent increase in the membrane thickness determined via neutron scattering. This represents an improved method of isotopic labeling for the cell membrane of Bacillus subtilis; enabling improved investigations of cellular uptake and utilization of FAs, cell membrane structure and organization as a phenotypic response to metabolic and environmental changes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optical device for in-line and real-time monitoring of microorganisms

A multi-wavelength laser diode based optical sensor system capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of a microorganism culture in real-time. The microorganism culture from a microorganism production chamber is pumped to a flow chamber. Laser diodes emit light at certain wavelengths through the flow chamber, which is sensed by photodiodes. A laser control circuitry is operatively connected to the laser diodes and a signal conditioning circuitry is operatively connected to the photodiodes. A microprocessor reads and records voltage signals corresponding to the wavelengths. A data acquisition system converts said voltage signals into measurements of biological parameters, which are displayed on a graphical user interface and allow a user to monitor the measurements in real time.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Co‑cultivation of the anaerobic fungus Caecomyces churrovis with Methanobacterium bryantii enhances transcription of carbohydrate binding modules, dockerins, and pyruvate formate lyases on specific substrates

Abstract Anaerobic fungi and methanogenic archaea are two classes of microorganisms found in the rumen microbiome that metabolically interact during lignocellulose breakdown. Here, stable synthetic co-cultures of the anaerobic fungus Caecomyces churrovis and the methanogen Methanobacterium bryantii (not native to the rumen) were formed, demonstrating that microbes from different environments can be paired based on metabolic ties. Transcriptional and metabolic changes induced by methanogen co-culture were evaluated in C. churrovis across a variety of substrates to identify mechanisms that impact biomass breakdown and sugar uptake. A high-quality genome of C. churrovis was obtained and annotated, which is the first sequenced genome of a non-rhizoid-forming anaerobic fungus. C. churrovis possess an abundance of CAZymes and carbohydrate binding modules and, in agreement with previous studies of early-diverging fungal lineages, N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) was associated with transcriptionally active genes. Co-culture with the methanogen increased overall transcription of CAZymes, carbohydrate binding modules, and dockerin domains in co-cultures grown on both lignocellulose and cellulose and caused upregulation of genes coding associated enzymatic machinery including carbohydrate binding modules in family 18 and dockerin domains across multiple growth substrates relative to C. churrovis monoculture. Two other fungal strains grown on a reed canary grass substrate in co-culture with the same methanogen also exhibited high log2-fold change values for upregulation of genes encoding carbohydrate binding modules in families 1 and 18. Transcriptional upregulation indicated that co-culture of the C. churrovis strain with a methanogen may enhance pyruvate formate lyase (PFL) function for growth on xylan and fructose and production of bottleneck enzymes in sugar utilization pathways, further supporting the hypothesis that co-culture with a methanogen may enhance certain fungal metabolic functions. Upregulation of CBM18 may play a role in fungal–methanogen physical associations and fungal cell wall development and remodeling.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Using Change Models to Envision Better Applications of Animal Behavior Research in Conservation Management and Beyond

While most animal behavior researchers have mastered the process of knowledge creation, generating knowledge that can readily be applied requires a different set of skills. The process and timeframe of fundamental scientific knowledge production is often not relevant to those who might apply it, such as conservation or wildlife managers. Additionally, the complex challenges that policy makers, managers and practitioners face are often not adequately communicated to and among scientists. This mutual disconnect in discourse, relationships, common terms, and practices is especially apparent when animal behavior researchers seek to have applied impact. We argue that bridging the complex implementation gap in animal behavior requires a formalized vision for change. We turn to change model theory, a tool commonly used in other fields for identifying the links between actions and outcomes necessary for enacting large-scale change. We focus on the subfield of conservation behavior with a change model that outlines specific ways to improve collaboration and coordination between animal behavior science and conservation practice. We present this targeted change model, review each strategy the model outlines, and highlight pressing actions that people from various career stages and backgrounds can take. We encourage researchers to further the alignment of science with management needs by developing the proper communication mechanisms for improved cultural exchange and plan future change model efforts directly targeting managers. Beyond the conservation behavior change model we present, we also discuss the broad applicability of change models to enhance the application of academic research to other fields. Fundamental science researchers are increasingly required to show impact of their work on society; the change model process we describe here can enable further impact.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multi-omics profiling of the cold tolerant Monoraphidium minutum 26B-AM in response to abiotic stress

Microalgae that are of interest for biofuel production must be able to tolerate environmental changes that occur in outdoor cultivation systems. While algal cultures may experience daily temperature fluctuations and seasonal environmental changes, the underlying mechanisms that control and regulate physiological responses and adaptation to environmental pressures are largely unknown. Systems-level characterization enabled by functional genomics can help identify biochemical pathways that promote stability and productivity of algae in various environmental conditions. Monoraphidium minutum 26B-AM, a freshwater green microalga, was identified as a top performer in biomass production in winter season screens. We sequenced the genome of M. minutum 26B-AM and applied our multi-omics pipeline to profile this high potential strain under high salt and cold temperature perturbations. Through comparative analysis, including other green algae in the class Chlorophyceae, we identified gene families unique to the genus Monoraphidium, including a desaturase that has been linked to cold tolerance in plants. We observed that osmolytes, such as trehalose, proline and betaine, accumulate under salt stress, coinciding with upregulation of genes involved in biosynthesis of these metabolites. From the genome annotation, we reconstructed a metabolic model to provide a detailed map of the metabolic pathways and can be used to simulate growth and reaction fluxes. This multi-omics analysis provides a foundation to explore algal strain potential for biofuel applications, guides strain engineering, and expands our understanding of metabolic and regulatory mechanisms of algae in applied systems.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

YAP1 Dysfunction Promotes Molecular Properties Linked to Breast Cancer Susceptibility

YAP1 is a cotranscription factor that promotes malignant and stem cell properties in cancer. We previously found that YAP1 dysregulation is associated with aging in human mammary epithelia. With increased age, YAP1 expression changes in luminal epithelial cells, the prospective breast cancer cell of origin. Because age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, we tested whether YAP1 dysregulation acted early in cancer progression by conferring cellular states associated with increased cancer susceptibility. In this study, we find that with increased age and genetic risk for developing cancer, human breast tissues showed significantly increased YAP1 expression, and cultured primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) showed significantly increased expression of both YAP1 and its transcriptional targets. Increased YAP1 expression in cultured HMEC induced gene expression changes associated with increased cancer susceptibility, such as genes associated with stem cell states, increased telomerase activity, breast cancer progression, and increased age and genetic breast cancer risk. Furthermore, overexpression of YAP1 in post-stasis HMEC—finite lifespan cells that have bypassed a retinoblastoma-mediated senescence barrier—promoted properties related to increased growth potential. We found that YAP1 dysregulation in finite epithelial cells allows for access to gene programs and functions that are typically thought to be restricted to stem cells. We hypothesize that YAP1 acts early in breast cancer progression, long before the development of a tumor, to impose cancer-susceptible molecular states.

YAP1↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nomenclatural issues concerning cultured yeasts and other fungi: why it is important to avoid unneeded name changes

The unambiguous application of fungal names is important to communicate scientific findings. Names are critical for (clinical) diagnostics, legal compliance, and regulatory controls, such as biosafety, food security, quarantine regulations, and industrial applications. Consequently, the stability of the taxonomic system and the traceability of nomenclatural changes is crucial for a broad range of users and taxonomists. The unambiguous application of names is assured by the preservation of nomenclatural history and the physical organisms representing a name. Fungi are extremely diverse in terms of ecology, lifestyle, and methods of study. Predominantly unicellular fungi known as yeasts are usually investigated as living cultures. Methods to characterize yeasts include physiological (growth) tests and experiments to induce a sexual morph; both methods require viable cultures. Thus, the preservation and availability of viable reference cultures are important, and cultures representing reference material are cited in species descriptions. Historical surveys revealed drawbacks and inconsistencies between past practices and modern requirements as stated in the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (ICNafp). Improper typification of yeasts is a common problem, resulting in a large number invalid yeast species names. With this opinion letter, we address the problem that culturable microorganisms, notably some fungi and algae, require specific provisions under the ICNafp. We use yeasts as a prominent example of fungi known from cultures. But viable type material is important not only for yeasts, but also for other cultivable Fungi that are characterized by particular morphological structures (a specific type of spores), growth properties, and secondary metabolites. We summarize potential proposals which, in our opinion, will improve the stability of fungal names, in particular by protecting those names for which the reference material can be traced back to the original isolate.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Climate change deniers, hippies, and preppers. Oh my!: Unpacking engineering student perceptions of renewable energy technology adoption in the United States

Engineers play a key role in the formation, operation, and maintenance of large socio-technical systems. Enmeshed in these practices of engineering are shared perceptions and visions of how society should be ordered, and what role of engineers should play. These value systems and how they shape the perception of who and where alternative energy belongs will shape who does or does not have the opportunity to participate in these alternative visions of energy. Drawing on engineering studies and dialectology research this study examines how a group of engineering students engaged in learning about renewable energy systems perceive the kinds of people in the United States who would or would not adopt alternative energy. Rather than see adoption/non-adoption as a purely “technical” matter, students brought their own perceptions of regional, social, and political differences to characterize the potential acceptability of each technology. Certain regions of the United States, despite their technical potential based on government and industry sources, are cast as too culturally backward and resistant to change to embrace new energy sources. In conclusion, these insights elucidate the importance of 'engineers' value systems as they continue to play a significant role in shaping the development of alternative energy technologies and markets.

Adoption↗
DOE OSTI2024

Uncertain Pathways to a Future Safe Climate

Abstract Global climate change is often thought of as a steady and approximately predictable physical response to increasing forcings, which then requires commensurate adaptation. But adaptation has practical, cultural and biological limits, and climate change may pose unanticipated global hazards, sudden changes or other surprises–as may societal adaptation and mitigation responses. These poorly known factors could substantially affect the urgency of mitigation as well as adaptation decisions. We outline a strategy for better accommodating these challenges by making climate science more integrative, in order to identify and quantify known and novel physical risks including those arising from interactions with ecosystems and society. We need to do this even–or especially–when they are highly uncertain, and to explore risks and opportunities associated with mitigation and adaptation responses by engaging across disciplines. We argue that upcoming climate assessments need to be more risk‐aware, and suggest ways of achieving this. These strategies improve the chances of anticipating potential surprises and identifying and communicating “safe landing” pathways that meet UN Sustainable Development Goals and guide humanity toward a better future.

Sherwood, S. C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Sac1 links phosphoinositide turnover to cryptococcal virulence

Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmentally acquired fungal pathogen that causes over 140,000 deaths per year. Cryptococcal infection occurs when infectious particles are deposited into the lung, where they encounter host phagocytic cells. C. neoformans may be engulfed by these phagocytes, an important step of infection that leads to outcomes ranging from termination of infection to cryptococcal dissemination. To study this critical process, we screened approximately 4,700 cryptococcal gene deletion mutants for altered uptake, using primary mouse and human phagocytic cells. Among the hits of these two screens, we identified 93 mutants with perturbed uptake in both systems, as well as others with differences in uptake by only one cell type. We further screened the hits for changes in thickness of the capsule, a protective polysaccharide layer around the cell which is an important cryptococcal virulence factor. The combination of our three screens yielded 45 mutants, including one lacking the phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate phosphatase Sac1. In this work, we implicate Sac1 in both host cell uptake and capsule production. We found that sac1 mutants exhibit lipid trafficking defects, reductions in secretory system function, and changes in capsule size and composition. Many of these changes occur specifically in tissue culture media, highlighting the role of Sac1 phosphatase activity in responding to the stress of host-like conditions. Overall, these findings show how genome-scale screening can identify cellular factors that contribute to our understanding of cryptococcal biology and demonstrate the role of Sac1 in determining fungal virulence.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗