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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

Protein Crystal Growth

In order to rapidly and efficiently grow crystals, tools were needed to automatically identify and analyze the growing process of protein crystals. To meet this need, Diversified Scientific, Inc. (DSI), with the support of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center, developed CrystalScore(trademark), the first automated image acquisition, analysis, and archiving system designed specifically for the macromolecular crystal growing community. It offers automated hardware control, image and data archiving, image processing, a searchable database, and surface plotting of experimental data. CrystalScore is currently being used by numerous pharmaceutical companies and academic and nonprofit research centers. DSI, located in Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded the patent Method for acquiring, storing, and analyzing crystal images on March 4, 2003. Another DSI product made possible by Marshall SBIR funding is VaporPro(trademark), a unique, comprehensive system that allows for the automated control of vapor diffusion for crystallization experiments.

Source record↗

FCIC FY18 LT-baseline Feedstock Images

Set of images taken during pilot plant dilute-acid hydrolysis preatreatment reactor operation. Images were taken with a GoPro Hero 5 with rectilinear lens facing downwards on a weigh-belt instrument. Image period was every 30 seconds during operation. This image set is connected to a journal article titled "Real-Time Biomass Feedstock Particle Quality Detection Using Image Analysis and Machine Vision", http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13399-020-00904-w.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

A quantitative assay for intercellular aggregation

In an earlier communication (Munn et al., J Immunol. Methods 166: 11-25, 1993), we presented the initial development of a quantitative assay for monitoring the rates of cellular aggregation based on digital image processing and video microscopy. This study describes some important enhancements and modifications to the procedure. A new index is introduced to characterize the three-dimensional morphology of the aggregates. This index is based on temporal changes in the projected area of the cells and cell aggregates during the course of the experiment. By drawing an analogy with the kinetic theory of gases, we have also introduced a procedure to normalize for variations in cell seeding density among different experiments. In addition, the image analysis technique has been improved by introducing a background subtraction algorithm to remove illumination defects and an adaptive segmentation procedure. These improvements allowed us to completely automate the image analysis procedure, thus minimizing user intervention and improving the reproducibility of the measurements. The enhanced visual assay is evaluated using some recent results from our studies on homotypic lymphocyte aggregation.

Non-NASA Center↗

RhizoNet segments plant roots to assess biomass and growth for enabling self-driving labs

Abstract Flatbed scanners are commonly used for root analysis, but typical manual segmentation methods are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in large-scale, multi-plant studies. Furthermore, the complex nature of root structures combined with noisy backgrounds in images complicates automated analysis. Addressing these challenges, this article introduces RhizoNet, a deep learning-based workflow to semantically segment plant root scans. Utilizing a sophisticated Residual U-Net architecture, RhizoNet enhances prediction accuracy and employs a convex hull operation for delineation of the primary root component. Its main objective is to accurately segment root biomass and monitor its growth over time. RhizoNet processes color scans of plants grown in a hydroponic system known as EcoFAB, subjected to specific nutritional treatments. The root detection model using RhizoNet demonstrates strong generalization in the validation tests of all experiments despite variable treatments. The main contributions are the standardization of root segmentation and phenotyping, systematic and accelerated analysis of thousands of images, significantly aiding in the precise assessment of root growth dynamics under varying plant conditions, and offering a path toward self-driving labs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Systems and Methods for Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis for Earthquakes

Many embodiments provide a hybrid data processing system (HySDS) of an end-to-end geodetic imaging data system enabling near-real-time science, assessment, response, and rapid recovery. The HySDS may be an operation data processing system that integrates data from many different geodetic data sources and/or sensors, including interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), GPS, pixel tracking, seismology, and/or modeling, and processes the data to generate actionable high quality science data products. The HySDS may provide for an automated imaging and analysis capabilities that is able to handle the imminent increases in raw data from new and existing geodetic monitoring sensor systems.

Owen, Susan Ethel↗

MultiTaskDeltaNet: change detection-based image segmentation for operando ETEM with application to carbon gasification kinetics

Transforming in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging into a tool for spatially-resolved operando characterization of solid-state reactions requires automated, high-precision semantic segmentation of dynamically evolving features. However, traditional deep learning methods for semantic segmentation often face limitations due to the scarcity of labeled data, visually ambiguous features of interest, and scenarios involving small objects. To tackle these challenges, we introduce MultiTaskDeltaNet (MTDN), a novel deep learning architecture that creatively reconceptualizes the segmentation task as a change detection problem. By implementing a unique Siamese network with a U-Net backbone and using paired images to capture feature changes, MTDN effectively leverages minimal data to produce high-quality segmentations. Furthermore, MTDN utilizes a multi-task learning strategy to exploit correlations between physical features of interest. In an evaluation using data from in situ environmental TEM (ETEM) videos of filamentous carbon gasification, MTDN demonstrated a significant advantage over conventional segmentation models, particularly in accurately delineating fine structural features. Notably, MTDN achieved a 10.22% performance improvement over conventional segmentation models in predicting small and visually ambiguous physical features. This work bridges key gaps between deep learning and practical TEM image analysis, advancing automated characterization of nanomaterials in complex experimental settings.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Real-time biomass feedstock particle quality detection using image analysis and machine vision

Abstract A common and costly challenge in the nascent biorefinery industry is the consistent handling and conveyance of biomass feedstock materials, which can vary widely in their chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Solutions to cope with varying feedstock qualities will be required, including advanced process controls to adjust equipment and reject feedstocks that do not meet a quality standard. In this work, we present and evaluate methods to autonomously assess corn stover feedstock quality in real time and provide data to process controls with low-cost camera hardware. We explore the use of neural networks to classify feedstocks based on actual processing behavior and pixel matrix feature parameterization to further assess particle attributes that may explain the variable processing behavior. We used the pretrained ResNet neural network coupled with a gated recurrent unit (GRU) time-series classifier trained on our image data, resulting in binary classification of feedstock anomalies with favorable performance. The textural aspects of the image data were statistically analyzed to determine if the textural features were predictive of operational disruptions. The significant textural features were angular second moment, prominence, mean height of surface profile, mean resultant vector, shade, skewness, variation of the polar facet orientation, and direction of azimuthal facets. Expansion of these models is recommended across a wider variety of labeled feedstock images of different qualities and species to develop a more robust tool that may be deployed using low-cost cameras within biorefineries.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Spatiotemporal Route to Understanding Metal Halide Perovskitoid Crystallization

Here, a spatiotemporal experimental route is reported for the antisolvent vapor diffusion crystal growth of metal halide perovskitoids. A computational analysis combining automated image capture and diffusion modeling enables the determination of the critical concentrations required for nucleation and crystal growth from a single experiment. Five different solvent systems and ten distinct organic ammonium iodide salts were investigated with lead iodide, from which nine previously unreported compounds were discovered. Automated image capture of the mother liquor and antisolvent vials was used to determine changes in solution meniscus positions and detect the nucleation event location. Matching the observations to a numerical solution of Fick's second law diffusion model enables the calculation of reactant, solvent, and antisolvent concentrations at both the time and position of the first stable nucleation and crystal growth. A machine learning model was trained on the resulting data, and it reveals solvent- and amine-specific crystallization tendencies. Solvent systems that interact more weakly with dissolved lead species promote crystallization, while those with stronger interactions can prevent crystallization through increased solubilities. Organic amines that interact more strongly with inorganic components and exhibit greater rigidity are more likely to be incorporated into crystalline products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Training Ultrasound Image Classification Deep-Learning Algorithms for Pneumothorax Detection Using a Synthetic Tissue Phantom Apparatus

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a critical tool in emergency and military medicine because of its portability and immediate nature. However, proper image interpretation requires skill, limiting its utility in remote applications for conditions such as pneumothorax (PTX) which requires rapid intervention. Artificial intelligence has the potential to automate ultrasound image analysis for various pathophysiological conditions. Training models require large data sets and a means of troubleshooting in real-time for ultrasound integration deployment, and they also require large animal models or clinical testing. Here, we detail the development of a dynamic synthetic tissue phantom model for PTX and its use in training image classification algorithms. The model comprises a synthetic gelatin phantom cast in a custom 3D-printed rib mold and a lung mimicking phantom. When compared to PTX images acquired in swine, images from the phantom were similar in both PTX negative and positive mimicking scenarios. We then used a deep learning image classification algorithm, which we previously developed for shrapnel detection, to accurately predict the presence of PTX in swine images by only training on phantom image sets, highlighting the utility for a tissue phantom for AI applications.

Boice, Emily N. (ORCID:0000000171802842)↗

Use of the TM tasseled cap transform for interpretation of spectral contrasts in an urban scene

Investigations are being conducted with the objective to develop automated numerical image analysis procedures. In this context, an examination is performed of physically-based multispectral data transforms as a means to incorporate a priori knowledge of land radiance properties in the analysis process. A physically-based transform of TM observations was developed. This transform extends the Landsat MSS Tasseled Cap transform reported by Kauth and Thomas (1976) to TM data observations. The present study has the aim to examine the utility of the TM Tasseled Cap transform as applied to TM data from an urban landscape. The analysis conducted is based on 512 x 512 subset of the Washington, DC November 2, 1982 TM scene, centered on Springfield, VA. It appears that the TM tasseled cap transformation provides a good means to explain land physical attributes of the Washington scene. This result provides a suggestion regarding a direction by which a priori knowledge of landscape spectral patterns may be incorporated into numerical image analysis.

Goward, S. N.↗

An ice-motion tracking system at the Alaska SAR facility

An operational system for extracting ice-motion information from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery is being developed as part of the Alaska SAR Facility. This geophysical processing system (GPS) will derive ice-motion information by automated analysis of image sequences acquired by radars on the European ERS-1, Japanese ERS-1, and Canadian RADARSAT remote sensing satellites. The algorithm consists of a novel combination of feature-based and area-based techniques for the tracking of ice floes that undergo translation and rotation between imaging passes. The system performs automatic selection of the image pairs for input to the matching routines using an ice-motion estimator. It is designed to have a daily throughput of ten image pairs. A description is given of the GPS system, including an overview of the ice-motion-tracking algorithm, the system architecture, and the ice-motion products that will be available for distribution to geophysical data users.

Kwok, Ronald↗

Measuring track densities in lunar grains using image analysis

We have used digitized scanning electron micrographs and computer image analysis programs to measure track densities in lunar soil grains. Tracks were formed by highly ionizing solar energetic particles and cosmic rays. Back-scattered electron images produced suitable high contrast images for analysis. We used computer counting and measurement of area to obtain track densities. We found an excellent correlation with manual measurements for track densities below 1x10(exp 8) cm(exp -2). For track densities between 1x10(exp 8) to 1x10(exp 9) cm(exp -2) we found that a regression formula using the percentage area covered by tracks gave good agreement with manual measurements. Measurement of tract densities in lunar samples has been a very rewarding technique for measuring exposure ages and soil maturation processes. We have shown that we can reliably measure track densities in lunar grains using image analysis techniques. Automating track counting may allow application of this technique to important problems in regolith dynamics including the ratio of radiation exposure to reworking in various surface and core samples and in regolith breccias.

Blanford, G. E.↗

Feature-Identification and Data-Compression Software

A report discusses the continuing development of Windows Interface for Nominal Displacement Selection (WINDS), a computer program for automated analysis of images of the Sun and planets acquired by scientific instruments aboard spacecraft. WINDS is intended to afford capabilities for identification of features, measurement of displacements and velocities, analysis of terrain and of atmospheres, and synthesis of animation sequences of images of terrains and atmospheres from small sets of samples by use of velocity-based interpolation. A major element of WINDS will be a nonlinear correlator capable of tracking small features in complex image sequences. For dynamic image sequences, the correlator will enable compression of data by factors >100. In processing image data, WINDS will take account of such factors as texture in image data, rotation of features during measurement intervals, effects of viewing and solar illumination angles, and vertical structures of atmospheres. WINDS will also take account of positions, aiming directions, and fields of view of cameras to determine three-dimensional feature structures by use of triangulation and stereoscopic analysis techniques.

Jong, Eric De↗

Beyond Binary: Automated PLC Memory Forensics through RGB Image Analysis and Deep Learning

The introduction of Industry 4.0 and the evolution of industrial control systems (ICS) to adopt Internet-based technologies enhanced productivity, but have inadvertently increased their vulnerability to cyber-based malicious attacks. When an ICS system is compromised, security analysts need to identify the root cause quickly to start the recovery process and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard against future instances. Memory forensics is critical in the analysis process to ascertain what occurred. To date, approaches to analyze the persistent memory in ICS devices are limited, and almost nonexistent for volatile memory. This paper proposes an automated methodology, COMA, for PLC memory dump analysis using computer vision and deep learning techniques. Specifically, COMA converts the sequences of bytes in a PLC memory dump to RGB pixels and creates a deep learning model that learns the underlying patterns and features of pre-labeled forensic artifacts in images and segments them into distinct regions. COMA then uses the trained model to automatically segment new memory images and extract forensic artifacts. We evaluate COMA on a Schneider Electric Modicon M221 PLC involving two cyber-based attack scenarios: (i) code injection and (ii) code modification. The empirical results show that COMA can successfully detect attack artifacts in memory dumps in both scenarios.

Asmar Awad, Rima↗