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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 55 records · Page 3

Secure Wireless Communication Using Distributed Coherent Transmission and Spatial Signal Decomposition

We present a new approach to secure wireless communications using coherent distributed transmission of signals that are spatially decomposed between a two-element distributed antenna array. High-accuracy distributed coordination of microwave wireless systems supports the ability to transmit different parts of a signal from separate transmitters such that they combine coherently at a designated destination. In this article, we explore this concept using a two-element coherent distributed phased array where each of the two transmitters sends a separate component of a communication signal, where each symbol is decomposed into a sum of two pseudorandom signal vectors, the coherent summation of which yields the intended symbol. By directing the transmission to an intended receiver using distributed beamforming, the summation of the two vector components is largely confined to a spatial region at the destination receiver. We implement the technique in a $50−λ$ array operating at 3 GHz. We evaluate the symbol error rate (SER) in 2-D space through simulation and measurement, showing that the approach yields a spatially confined secure region where the information is recoverable (i.e., the received signal has low SER), and outside of which the information is unrecoverable (high SER). The proposed system is also compared against a traditional beamforming system where each node sends the same data. We validate experimentally that our approach achieves a low SER of 0.0082 at broadside and an SER above 0.25 at all other locations compared to a traditional beamforming approach that achieves a SER of 0 at all locations measured.

Engineering - Electronic and electrical engineerin↗

Beam Signal Recovery Using Wiener Deconvolution

This project explores the use of Wiener deconvolution to recover an original signal that has been distorted by a known transfer function and by noise. A simulated Gaussian pulse was used as the test signal, and a transfer function was applied in the frequency domain to model system distortion. Controlled noise was then introduced to approximate real-world signal degradation. A Wiener filter was implemented to reverse the effects of the transfer function while minimizing the influence of noise. The recovered signal was compared to the original pulse to evaluate the effectiveness of the filter. Results demonstrate that Wiener deconvolution offers a stable and effective approach to signal recovery, balancing complete transfer function inversion and noise suppression.

Campbell, Savanna [El Camino Coll.]↗

Toroid Signal Processing Container with Redis Integration

This report presents the research, design, and implementation of a Toroid Signal Processing Container with Redis Integration, conducted during my internship assignment. The project focused on developing a modular signal processing sys- tem capable of performing baseline correction, droop compensation, and real- time data communication for beam diagnostic signals. Using Redis as a message broker and configuration manager, the system ensures modularity, scalability, and efficient inter-process communication. Signal correction algorithms, such as Asymmetric Least Squares (ALS) baseline smoothing and a numerical droop correction approach, were implemented and tested using Linac beam data. The results confirm that this system improves signal fidelity and supports real-time analysis requirements, offering valuable contributions to the field of beam instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Bowers, Elliot [Cabrillo Coll.]↗

Toroid Signal Processing Container with Redis Integration

This report presents the research, design, and implementation of a Toroid Signal Processing Container with Redis Integration, conducted during my internship assignment. The project focused on developing a modular signal processing sys- tem capable of performing baseline correction, droop compensation, and real- time data communication for beam diagnostic signals. Using Redis as a message broker and configuration manager, the system ensures modularity, scalability, and efficient inter-process communication. Signal correction algorithms, such as Asymmetric Least Squares (ALS) baseline smoothing and a numerical droop correction approach, were implemented and tested using Linac beam data. The results confirm that this system improves signal fidelity and supports real-time analysis requirements, offering valuable contributions to the field of beam in- strumentation and data acquisition systems.

Bowers, Elliot [Cabrillo Coll.; Fermilab]↗

Wiener Filter Deconvolution for Analog Signals

This project explores the use of Wiener deconvolution to recover an original signal that has been distorted by a known transfer function and by noise. A simulated Gaussian pulse was used as the test signal, and a transfer function was applied in the frequency domain to model the system distortion. Controlled noise was then introduced to approximate real-world signal degradation. A Wiener filter was implemented to reverse the effects of the transfer function while minimizing the influence of noise. The recovered signal was compared with the original pulse to evaluate the effectiveness of the filter. The results demonstrate that Wiener deconvolution offers a stable and effective approach to signal recovery, balancing complete transfer function inversion and noise suppression.

Campbell, Savanna [Fermilab]↗

Effect of a Fine-Scale Layered Structure of the Atmosphere on Infrasound Signals from Fragmenting Meteoroids

We investigate the influence of a fine-scale (FS) layered structure in the atmosphere on the propagation of infrasound signals generated by fragmenting meteoroids. Using a pseudo-differential parabolic equation (PPE) approach, we model broadband acoustic signals from point sources at altitudes of 35–100 km. The presence of FS fluctuations in the stratosphere (37–45 km) and the lower thermosphere (100–120 km) modifies ray trajectories, causing multiple arrivals and prolonged signal durations at ground stations. In particular, meteoroids fragmenting at 80–100 km can produce two distinct thermospheric arrivals beyond 150 km range, while meteoroids descending to 50 km or below yield weak, long-lived arrivals within the acoustic shadow zone via antiguiding propagation and diffraction. Comparison with observed infrasound data confirms that FS-layered inhomogeneities can account for multi-arrival “N-waves,” broadening potential interpretations of meteoroid signals. The results also apply to other atmospheric-entry objects, such as sample return capsules, emphasizing how FS structure impacts shock wave propagation. In conclusion, our findings advance understanding of wavefield evolution in a layered atmosphere and have broad relevance for global infrasound monitoring of diverse phenomena (e.g., re-entry capsules, rocket launches, and large-scale explosions).

Aeroacoustics↗

Nanoparticle-mediated antagonism of sustained endosomal signaling of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor provides enhanced and persistent relief of oral cancer pain

By improving the delivery and tumor retention of chemotherapeutics, nanomedicines hold potential for cancer treatment. The usefulness of nanoparticle (NP)-encapsulated analgesics for the cancer pain treatment is comparatively unexplored. We investigated whether NPs encapsulating olcegepant (OCP), an antagonist of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) for the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), effectively relieved oral cancer pain in mice. Because persistent endosomal CLR signaling in Schwann cells mediates craniofacial pain, we reasoned that the predisposition of NPs to accumulate in endosomes could be leveraged to effectively relieve oral cancer pain. By expressing biosensors for activated CLR, Gα proteins and β-arrestins in HEK293T and Schwann cells, we found that CGRP activates CLR signaling first at the plasma membrane and then in early, late and recycling endosomes and the cis- and trans-Golgi apparatus. We synthesized biocompatible NPs encapsulating OCP and fluorophores by integrating hydrophobic ion pairing nanoformulation with Flash NanoPrecipitation. NPs slowly released OCP and accumulated in early endosomes, leading to sustained inhibition of endosomal CLR signaling in HEK293T and Schwann cells. Oral cancers were established in mice, which led to heightened pain-like responses. After intra-tumoral injection, NPs were retained in tumors for at least one week. OCP-loaded NPs almost completely reversed allodynia and hyperalgesia for a prolonged period, whereas unencapsulated OCP had small and transient effects. The NP accumulation in endosomal sites of pain signaling, the sustained release of antagonist, and the retention of NPs in tumors explain their beneficial actions. Thus, NP-encapsulation holds promise for the relief of painful cancers that are inadequately treated by opioids.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide↗

Small-Signal Analysis of Current-Limiting Grid-Forming Inverters

Grid-forming (GFM) inverters are equipped with a current limiter to protect the device during grid disturbances. Because the intervention of the current limiter can compromise the transient stability of the GFM inverter, various types of current limiter designs and additional frequency-stabilization control methods have been proposed in recent literature to aid in transient GFM inverter stability; however, the small-signal stability implications of adding these additional control blocks during, in particular, off-nominal conditions are not fully understood. To address this challenge, this paper presents a generic small-signal model of a GFM inverter that incorporates various types of current limiters and frequency stability-enhancing controls. With the proposed model, we analyze the root causes of inverter instability, which reveals two critical design trade-offs. First, due to current-limiter engagement caused by a disturbance, the GFM inverter dynamics are altered, which can lead to voltage oscillations. Second, additional frequency-stabilization controls can improve the small-signal stability of the GFM inverter, but at the cost of reduced power and voltage support to the grid. Comprehensive hardware experiments validate the theoretical concept and analysis. The findings in this work underscore the importance of incorporating both transient-response and small-signal dynamics requirements into the design procedure of GFM current limiters and frequency-stabilization controls.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Unified Model of Current-Limiting Grid-Forming Inverters for Large-Signal Analysis

Grid-forming (GFM) inverters can hardly withstand any overloading. As such, GFM inverters need a current limiter in their control system to avoid hardware damage during overloading or grid disturbances. When the current limiter is engaged for inverter protection, however, it dynamically changes the inverter output impedance, which can significantly affect the system behavior against large disturbances. For example, when the current limiter curtails the output power, the primary controller of the GFM inverter-which generates the voltage and angle reference-is prone to losing synchronization with the grid. This can cause large-signal instability in the network. This paper presents a unified GFM current-limiter model to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the GFM inverter current limiting on large-signal instability and other system behaviors. The unified model captures several well-known current limiters for GFM inverters, and it reveals their large-signal equivalence characterized by the limiter angle. We use the unified model to present in-depth insights into the driving forces that cause large-signal instability in GFM inverter-driven grids. Further, this paper illustrates that the unified model can be used as a tool for assessing the system-level impacts of various GFM current-limiter designs during grid disturbances. Using numerical, analytical, electromagnetic transient models, and a hardware setup, the validity of the unified model is evaluated.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Using time reversal with long duration broadband noise signals to achieve high amplitude and a desired spectrum at a target location

Time Reversal (TR) is a signal processing technique that can be used to focus acoustic waves to a specific location in space, with most applications aiming to create an impulsive focus. Here, this study instead aims to focus long-duration noise signals using TR. This paper seeks to generate higher amplitude noise at a desired location over an existing method of broadcasting equalized noise. Additionally, this paper explores various characteristics associated with focusing long duration noise using TR. The dependence of the focal amplitude on the duration of the focused signal is explored as well as the implications of using multiple sources when focusing noise. The focal amplitude decreases with longer duration and then levels off when the duration exceeds a few seconds. Coherent addition of focused noise is observed if all loudspeakers have coherent noise signals convolved with their reversed impulse responses. Lastly, focusing noise with a desired spectrum is explored.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Analytical small-signal stability analysis of low-inertia power system frequency response considering secondary frequency regulation

Modern power systems are increasingly vulnerable to frequency instability as inverter-based resources (IBRs) replace synchronous machines and reduce system rotational inertia. Existing small-signal frequency stability assessment methods are either computationally intensive, relying on simulation-driven approaches, or lack analytical stability regions that explicitly account for secondary frequency response (SFR). This paper introduces new analytical frameworks that enable evaluation small-signal frequency stability while explicitly incorporating tunable IBR and SFR parameters. Using Kharitonov’s theorem with an overbounding approach, explicit small-signal stability criteria are derived. In addition, based on Białas’ criterion and Hurwitz matrix, analytical stability regions are established to reveal feasible design spaces for SFR and IBR parameters tuning. Extensive Matlab/Simulink-based simulations validate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed methods, demonstrating that coordinated tuning of SFR and IBR parameters can substantially enhance system resilience. By bridging analytical rigor with practical tunability, this work provides an analytical framework for assessing small-signal frequency stability in low-inertia grids, supporting the real-time, scalable, and resilient operation of sustainable power systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Redox active plant phenolic, acetosyringone, for electrogenetic signaling

Abstract Redox is a unique, programmable modality capable of bridging communication between biology and electronics. Previous studies have shown that the E. coli redox-responsive OxyRS regulon can be re-wired to accept electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) as an inducer of gene expression. Here we report that the redox-active phenolic plant signaling molecule acetosyringone (AS) can also induce gene expression from the OxyRS regulon. AS must be oxidized, however, as the reduced state present under normal conditions cannot induce gene expression. Thus, AS serves as a “pro-signaling molecule” that can be activated by its oxidation—in our case by application of oxidizing potential to an electrode. We show that the OxyRS regulon is not induced electrochemically if the imposed electrode potential is in the mid-physiological range. Electronically sliding the applied potential to either oxidative or reductive extremes induces this regulon but through different mechanisms: reduction of O 2 to form H 2 O 2 or oxidation of AS. Fundamentally, this work reinforces the emerging concept that redox signaling depends more on molecular activities than molecular structure. From an applications perspective, the creation of an electronically programmed “pro-signal” dramatically expands the toolbox for electronic control of biological responses in microbes, including in complex environments, cell-based materials, and biomanufacturing.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

On the detectability of the moving lens signal in CMB experiments

Abstract Upcoming cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments are expected to detect new signals probing interaction of CMB photons with intervening large-scale structure. Among these the moving-lens effect, the CMB temperature anisotropy induced by cosmological structures moving transverse to our line of sight, is anticipated to be measured to high significance in the near future. In this paper, we investigate two possible strategies for the detection of this signal: pairwise transverse-velocity estimation and oriented stacking. We expand on previous studies by including in the analysis realistic simulations of competing signals and foregrounds. We confirm that the moving lens effect can be detected at ≥ 10σlevel by a combination of CMB-S4 and LSST surveys. We show that the limiting factors in the detection depend on the strategy: for the stacking analysis, correlated extragalactic foregrounds, namely the cosmic infrared background and thermal Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect, play the most important role. The addition of foregrounds make the signal-to-noise ratio be most influenced by large and nearby objects. As for the pairwise detection, halo lensing and pair number counts are the main issues. In light of our findings, we elaborate on possible strategies to improve the analysis approach for the moving lens detection with upcoming experiments. We also deliver to the community all the simulations and tools we developed for this study.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Testing hadronic-model predictions of depth of maximum of air-shower profiles and ground-particle signals using hybrid data of the Pierre Auger Observatory

We test the predictions of hadronic interaction models regarding the depth of maximum of air-shower profiles, X max , and ground-particle signals in water-Cherenkov detectors at 1000 m from the shower core, S ( 1000 ) , using the data from the fluorescence and surface detectors of the Pierre Auger Observatory. The test consists of fitting the measured two-dimensional ( S ( 1000 ) , X max ) distributions using templates for simulated air showers produced with hadronic interaction models pos-, et--04, 2.3d and leaving the scales of predicted X max and the signals from hadronic component at ground as free-fit parameters. The method relies on the assumption that the mass composition remains the same at all zenith angles, while the longitudinal shower development and attenuation of ground signal depend on the mass composition in a correlated way. The analysis was applied to 2239 events detected by both the fluorescence and surface detectors of the Pierre Auger Observatory with energies between 10 18.5 eV to 10 19.0 eV and zenith angles below 60°. We found, that within the assumptions of the method, the best description of the data is achieved if the predictions of the hadronic interaction models are shifted to deeper X max values and larger hadronic signals at all zenith angles. Given the magnitude of the shifts and the data sample size, the statistical significance of the improvement of data description using the modifications considered in the paper is larger than 5 σ even for any linear combination of experimental systematic uncertainties. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Search for continuous gravitational wave signals from luminous dark photon superradiance clouds with LVK O3 observations

Superradiance clouds of kinetically mixed dark photons around spinning black holes can produce observable multimessenger electromagnetic and gravitational wave signals. The cloud generates electric fields of up to a teravolt-per-meter, which leads to a cascade production of charged particles, yielding a turbulent quasiequilibrium plasma around the black hole, and resulting in electromagnetic fluxes ranging from supernova to pulsar-like luminosities. For stellar mass black holes, such systems resemble millisecond pulsars and are expected to emit pulsating radio waves and continuous gravitational waves (CWs) within the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) sensitivity band. We select 44 sources with approximately coincident frequencies or positive frequency drifts from existing pulsar catalogs as potential candidates of long-lasting superradiance clouds around old Galactic black holes. For a subset of 34 sources that are well measured and have not been previously targeted, we perform the first search for CW emission in LVK data from the third observing run. We find no evidence of a CW signal and place 95% confidence level upper limits on the emitted strain amplitude. We interpret these results, together with limits from previous searches, in terms of the underlying dark photon theory by performing an analysis of the expected signals from superradiance clouds from Galactic black holes. Finally, we find that, even for moderately spinning black holes, the absence of an observed CW signal disfavors a discrete set of dark photon masses between about 10 −13 and 10 −12 eV/c 2 and kinetic mixing couplings in the range of 10 −9 –10 −7 , subject to assumptions about the properties of the black hole population and the cloud’s electromagnetic emission.

astronomical black holes↗

Deep Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Real-World Signalized Traffic Corridor Control

Signalized traffic control problem has been addressed recently with deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) approaches involving diverse state, action, and reward structures. While significant progress has been noted in the literature, open challenges still remain in the areas of adaptive signal phase timing, coordination in a multi-intersection corridor setting, and consideration of real-world traffic conditions. In the context of deep RL-based problem framing, extensions are needed that enable adaptive signal phase timings in an intersection agent's action space, computationally efficient information sharing among neighboring signalized intersection agents along a corridor, and experimentation in realistic simulation environments. In this paper, we develop a deep Advantage Actor Critic (A2C) multi-agent RL (MARL) approach capturing the research extensions above and apply it within a real-world calibrated Aimsun Next traffic corridor simulation model based on traffic data from the City of Coral Gables, Florida. For a multi-intersection corridor control setting, our numerical simulation experiments with a decentralized A2C MARL algorithm applied at different time periods led to a total average corridor travel delay reduction (expressed in seconds/mile averaged over vehicles) from 4.9% to 19.9% compared to state-of-the-art actuated control.

Shuvo, Salman S. [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗

Pulsar Movement Animation and its Corresponding Signal Visualization for Timing Source

The global positioning system, widely used for synchronization in energy systems, faces vulnerabilities, while Pulsars—natural cosmic clocks—offer long-term stability as potential backup timing sources. Existing research lacks sufficient exploration of Pulsar signal animation under astrophysical factors, limiting practical applications. This study establishes a mathematical model based on the rotation dynamics of dual-beam Pulsars and implements dynamic signal visualization through MATLAB. The model dynamically illustrates the relative motion between Pulsar beams and observers via timeline calculations, beam intensity modeling, and rotation matrix derivation. A case study on the millisecond Pulsar J1939+2134 reveals that observer angles influence signal peak timing, while beam widths determine signal duration, highlighting the critical role of parameter calibration for timing accuracy. Open-source code and animation results are publicly shared, providing tools for interdisciplinary research. This study validates the feasibility of Pulsar-based timing in energy systems, offering new insights to enhance synchronization robustness.

Wu, Ori [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000326723410)↗

To immunity and beyond: the central role of jasmonate signalling in beneficial root–microbe–environment interactions

Jasmonates (JAs) have traditionally been studied for their defensive roles against wounding and detrimental organisms, but they are also crucial hormones for plant–microbe beneficial interactions. Here, we review the most recent advances in this overlooked field. We cover the evolutionary divergences of JA biosynthesis and signalling across various plant lineages and present the molecular mechanisms of action through which beneficial microbes interact with the host JA signalling pathway as well as environmental integration. Special emphasis is given to the cutting‐edge tools to study the spatial compartmentalization and cell and tissue specialization of JA signalling. This review underscores the role of the JA signalling pathway, with the MYELOCYTOMATOSIS2 transcription factor as a potential integrator of biotic and environmental cues, and highlights its significance in mutualistic interactions.

defence↗