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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Taste Perception of Branched Maltooligosaccharides

Oral processing of starch generates linear and branched maltooligosaccharides (MOS). This study investigates the impact of branching and the degree of polymerization (DP) on MOS taste detection. Three branched MOS samples (A−C) were enzymatically prepared from gelatinized waxy corn starch and characterized using reducing-end assays, MALDI-TOF MS, β-amylase hydrolysis, and GC-MS linkage analysis. Samples A, B, and C had average DPs of 6, 10, and 18, respectively, with α-1,6 branch points comprising 9−13% of glycosidic bonds; linear MOS were negligible. In triangle tests, participants evaluated MOS samples and a maltose control at 75 mM, with and without lactisole, a sweet receptor inhibitor. All samples were detectable without lactisole (d′ = 1.81−2.9; p < 0.05), but not with lactisole (d′ = 0−0.61; p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that α-1,6 branching enables MOS detection via the sweet receptor, not the putative “starchy” receptor, underscoring the importance of glycosidic structure in carbohydrate taste perception.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Improving the Academic Climate of an R1 STEM Department: Quantified Positive Shifts in Perception

Ongoing efforts to improve diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) primarily manifest as attempts to recruit more women and individuals from historically marginalized groups. Yet, these efforts fail to repair the specific, systemic issues within academic communities that hinder diverse individuals from persisting and thriving in STEM. Here, we present the results of a quantitative, multiyear effort to make the academic climate of an R1 STEM department more inclusive. We use a student-led, department-specific, faculty-supported initiative to assess and improve the climate of the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, as a case study. Our results provide quantitative evidence that community discussions grounded in our own data, alongside cooperative community efforts to address the issues present in those data, are effective methods for driving positive change. Longitudinal assessment of our academic climate from 2018 to 2020 via annual department-wide surveys indicates that these interventions have succeeded in shifting the perception of our academic climate. This study confirms the positive outcomes of having a practical, sustainable, and data-driven framework for affecting change within a graduate community.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural and functional analyses explain Pea KAI2 receptor diversity and reveal stereoselective catalysis during signal perception

KAI2 proteins are plant α/β hydrolase receptors which perceive smoke-derived butenolide signals and endogenous, yet unidentified KAI2-ligands (KLs). The number of functional KAI2 receptors varies among species and KAI2 gene duplication and sub-functionalization likely plays an adaptative role by altering specificity towards different KLs. Legumes represent one of the largest families of flowering plants and contain many agronomic crops. Prior to their diversification, KAI2 underwent duplication resulting in KAI2A and KAI2B. Here we demonstrate that Pisum sativum KAI2A and KAI2B are active receptors and enzymes with divergent ligand stereoselectivity. KAI2B has a higher affinity for and hydrolyses a broader range of substrates including strigolactone-like stereoisomers. We determine the crystal structures of PsKAI2B in apo and butenolide-bound states. The biochemical, structural, and mass spectra analyses of KAI2s reveal a transient intermediate on the catalytic serine and a stable adduct on the catalytic histidine, confirming its role as a bona fide enzyme. Our work uncovers the stereoselectivity of ligand perception and catalysis by diverged KAI2 receptors and proposes adaptive sensitivity to KAR/KL and strigolactones by KAI2B.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Utility and Industry Perceptions of Control Room Modernization Over the Last 10 Years

Within the current United States (U.S.) nuclear power fleet, main control room modernization (CRM) is an important step towards cost savings. In recent decades, plants have been engaged in upgrades to varying degrees. This process requires a nuanced, balanced, and timely approach that ensures continued safety and long-term sustainability. In 2012 a survey was issued to individuals from the nuclear industry to learn their perspectives on a range of CRM issues. The survey targeted the benefits and challenges for utilities undertaking this process, including the main drivers and barriers to technology upgrades, regulatory compliance, and the effects these factors have on concepts of operations, strategic approaches, and staffing. In 2022, the survey was issued again to understand whether CRM perceptions had changed in the last 10 years. Our findings identify changes in industry thinking from a decade ago. Here we reveal perspective shifts that represent increased optimism and, in some instances, increased doubt regarding the opportunities and challenges inherent in CRM and implementation. We also report nuanced differences in CRM perspectives between utility and surrounding nuclear industry respondents.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Divergent Clade KAI2 Protein in the Root Parasitic Plant Orobanche minor Is a Highly Sensitive Strigolactone Receptor and Is Involved in the Perception of Sesquiterpene Lactones

Abstract Strigolactones (SLs) were initially discovered as germination inducers for root parasitic plants. In 2015, three groups independently reported the characterization of the SL receptor in the root parasitic plant Striga hermonthica, which causes significant damage to crop production, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The characterized receptors belong to HYPOSENSITIVE TO LIGHT/KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (HTL/KAI2), which is a member of the α/β-hydrolase protein superfamily. In non-parasitic plants, HTL/KAI2 perceives the smoke-derived germination inducer karrikin and a yet-unidentified endogenous ligand. However, root parasitic plants evolved a specific clade of HTL/KAI2 that has diverged from the KAI2 clade of non-parasitic plants. The S. hermonthica SL receptors are included in this specific clade, which is called KAI2 divergent (KAI2d). Orobanche minor is an obligate root holoparasitic plant that grows completely dependent on the host for water and nutrients because of a lack of photosynthetic ability. Previous phylogenetic analysis of KAI2 proteins in O. minor has demonstrated the presence of at least five KAI2d clade genes. Here, we report that KAI2d3 and KAI2d4 in O. minor have the ability to act as the SL receptors. They directly interact with SLs in vitro, and when expressed in Arabidopsis, they rescue thermo-inhibited germination in response to the synthetic SL analog GR24. In particular, KAI2d3 showed high sensitivity to GR24 when expressed in Arabidopsis, suggesting that this receptor enables highly sensitive SL recognition in O. minor. Furthermore, we provide evidence that these KAI2d receptors are involved in the perception of sesquiterpene lactones, non-strigolactone-type germination inducers.

Cell Biology↗
DOE OSTI2021

A small molecule antagonizes jasmonic acid perception and auxin responses in vascular and nonvascular plants

The phytohormone jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile) regulates many stress responses and developmental processes in plants. A co-receptor complex formed by the F-box protein Coronatine Insensitive 1 (COI1) and a Jasmonate (JA) ZIM-domain (JAZ) repressor perceives the hormone. JA-Ile antagonists are invaluable tools for exploring the role of JA-Ile in specific tissues and developmental stages, and for identifying regulatory processes of the signaling pathway. Using two complementary chemical screens, we identified three compounds that exhibit a robust inhibitory effect on both the hormone-mediated COI–JAZ interaction and degradation of JAZ1 and JAZ9 in vivo. One molecule, J4, also restrains specific JA-induced physiological responses in different angiosperm plants, including JA-mediated gene expression, growth inhibition, chlorophyll degradation, and anthocyanin accumulation. Interaction experiments with purified proteins indicate that J4 directly interferes with the formation of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) COI1–JAZ complex otherwise induced by JA. The antagonistic effect of J4 on COI1–JAZ also occurs in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, suggesting the mode of action is conserved in land plants. Besides JA signaling, J4 works as an antagonist of the closely related auxin signaling pathway, preventing Transport Inhibitor Response1/Aux–indole-3-acetic acid interaction and auxin responses in planta, including hormone-mediated degradation of an auxin repressor, gene expression, and gravitropic response. However, J4 does not affect other hormonal pathways. Altogether, our results show that this dual antagonist competes with JA-Ile and auxin, preventing the formation of phylogenetically related receptor complexes. J4 may be a useful tool to dissect both the JA-Ile and auxin pathways in particular tissues and developmental stages since it reversibly inhibits these pathways. One-sentence summary: A chemical screen identified a molecule that antagonizes jasmonate perception by directly interfering with receptor complex formation in phylogenetically distant vascular and nonvascular plants.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

OSCA1 is an osmotic specific sensor: a method to distinguish Ca 2+ -mediated osmotic and ionic perception

Genetic mutants defective in stimulus-induced Ca 2+ increases have been gradually isolated, allowing the identification of cell-surface sensors/receptors, such as the osmosensor OSCA1. However, determining the Ca 2+ -signaling specificity to various stimuli in these mutants remains a challenge. For instance, less is known about the exact selectivity between osmotic and ionic stresses in the osca1 mutant. Here, we have developed a method to distinguish the osmotic and ionic effects by analyzing Ca 2+ increases, and demonstrated that osca1 is impaired primarily in Ca 2+ increases induced by the osmotic but not ionic stress. We recorded Ca 2+ increases induced by sorbitol (osmotic effect, OE) and NaCl/CaCl 2 (OE + ionic effect, IE) in Arabidopsis wild-type and osca1 seedlings. Here we assumed the NaCl/CaCl 2 total effect (TE) = OE + IE, then developed procedures for Ca 2+ imaging, image analysis and mathematic fitting/modeling, and found osca1 defects mainly in OE. The osmotic specificity of osca1 suggests that osmotic and ionic perceptions are independent. The precise estimation of these two stress effects is applicable not only to new Ca 2+ -signaling mutants with distinct stimulus specificity but also the complex Ca 2+ signaling crosstalk among multiple concurrent stresses that occur naturally, and will enable us to specifically fine tune multiple signal pathways to improve crop yields.

Arabidopsis↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reanalysis of crackle perception data using logistic and logarithmic fits and sound quality metrics

Mathematical models of human auditory perception (sound quality metrics) are explored for the purpose of fitting human subject data from a prior published study. A variety of linearizing transforms and techniques are employed. Ultimately, a model is identified that predicts 98.9% of the variance in average human subject ratings of crackliness of jet noise waveforms.

Swift, Stephen Hales↗
DOE OSTI2025

PERCEPTIVE

PERCEPTIVE: a pipeline for the prediction of epigenetic modulators in novel species

Small, Eric↗
DOE OSTI2021

Comparing perceptions of a dimmable LED lighting system between a real space and a virtual reality display

Over the last several decades, designers have used digital screens to view images of real and simulated spaces and make critical design decisions. Screen technology has improved during this time, as technologies like OLED have replaced legacy displays (CRT, plasma, and LCD). These new screens provide a higher pixel resolution, luminous output and contrast ratio. Immersive head-mounted displays now allow designers to view immersive images, and recent developments in real-time rendering have encouraged the uptake of virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays in mainstream practice and design education. This paper presents an experiment on lighting perception using a series of LED lighting conditions in a real space and a virtual representation of those conditions captured using a 360° high-dynamic-range camera and presented on an HTC Vive Pro HMD. Fifty-three participants were asked to rate each lighting condition by viewing it in a real space (n = 30) or via immersive HDR photographs displayed in a VR HMD (n = 23). The results show that ratings of visual comfort, pleasantness, evenness, contrast and glare are similar between the HTC Vive Pro HMD and our real space when evaluating well-lit scenes, but significant differences emerge in dim and highly contrasted scenes for a number of rating scales.

Rockcastle, S.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Examining Perceptions of Spanish Language Health Information Among Hispanics Living in the United States: A Qualitative Study Assessing Videos, Brochures, and Websites

Background Nationally, Hispanics experience health disparities manifested as a higher prevalence of chronic diseases in comparison to non-Hispanic Whites. Factors that influence health disparities in this population include inadequate dissemination of culturally and linguistically appropriate health information. Method Our qualitative analysis is based on data obtained from three focus groups with Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults conducted at a clinic in Nebraska. Participants were asked about their perceptions of health information in the form of videos, brochures, and websites. We followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research and used the theoretical framework of content analysis. Results For videos, attributes associated with higher levels of trust included a friendly health professional, the logo or name of a health care institute, and a reference specifying “se habla Español.” For brochures, attributes associated with trust included use of visual aids, use of numerous colors and big font sizes, the year of printing, and a health care agency logo. For websites, characteristics associated with trust were inclusion of plain language, use of pictures and videos, and date of last update. In all focus groups, participants perceived the use of mixed English/Spanish language in health information from pamphlets and websites as unprofessional. The use of unknown governmental logos in health promotional videos and websites was perceived as untrustworthy information. Conclusions Spanish-speaking Hispanics prefer health information supported by a health care agency or delivered by a health care professional. Health communication strategies should avoid the use of mixed English/Spanish language in sensitive information especially when combined with governmental logos.

De Alba Rosales, Armando↗
DOE OSTI2026

Shaping with water: linking moisture perception to development in plant roots

Water is the most limiting resource for plant growth and development. Heterogeneity in the environmental distribution of water requires plants to direct root growth toward water and to avoid investing resources in areas that lack water. Roots use hydrosignaling pathways—hydrotropism, hydropatterning, and xerobranching—to sense and respond to water availability. While molecular mechanisms of water perception remain unclear, recent studies suggest that organ-level processes using proxies like ethylene help detect spatial water patterns. This review summarizes advances in hydrosignaling and identifies key knowledge gaps to address how plants sense water. Understanding these processes will guide strategies to improve root water capture for sustainable agriculture.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Farmers’ Perceptions of Marginal Land for Biofuel Crops

The dataset includes the survey results about farmers’ perceptions of marginal land availability and the likelihood of a land pixel being marginal based on a machine learning model trained from the survey. Two spreadsheet files are the farmer and farm characteristics (marginal_land_survey_data_shared.xlsx), and the existing land use of marginal lands (land_use_info_sharing.xlsx). Note: the blank cells in these two spreadsheets mean missing values in the survey response. The GeoTiff file includes two bands, one the marginal land likelihood in the Midwestern states (0-1), the other the dominant reason of land marginality (0-5; 0 for farm size, 1 for growing season precipitation, 2 for root zone soil water capacity, 3 for average slope, 4 for growing season mean temperature, and 5 for growing season diurnal range of temperature). To read the data, please use a GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

marginal land↗
DOE OSTI2021

American Homeowner Perceptions and Choices for Energy Efficiency: Summary of Technology Adoption – Census Division Level

In 2020 a nationwide survey of homeowners was conducted to determine what energy efficiency upgrades homeowners had made to their homes and which ones they would make in the near future. The survey also included results on respondent financials about energy efficiency home upgrades/retrofits and perceptions of the value of energy efficiency/who should support improving the energy efficiency of the residential sector. The Department of Energy’s goal for this survey is to inform ongoing work in the residential energy efficiency research portfolio on the human dimensions of residential energy systems transformation. In addition, DOE envisions this work supports efforts by industry, non-profits, and other government partners in informing programming, customer discovery, and policy writ large. This report provides a general summary of the nationwide results as they pertain to the following three issues: (1) how much did respondents indicate spending on energy efficiency-related home upgrades, (2) what upgrades/improvements had they made to their homes, and (3) which upgrades/improvements do they believe have the most significant impact on energy efficiency. The results provided are segmented by census division as specific regions demonstrated unique preferences for energy efficiency and willingness to expend family resources to achieve those goals. As such, the goal of this report is not to analyze the data nor draw cross-cutting conclusions but to serve as a resource for any groups interested in reviewing national trends about residential energy efficiency.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Concept of Operations of Next-Generation Traffic Control Utilizing Infrastructure-Based Cooperative Perception: Preprint

This paper puts forth a system architecture for an infrastructure-based cooperative perception (CP) fusion engine, to provide a complete state-space digital representation, with measurable accuracy, to support a wide-range of applications. The architecture includes the inputs, functional flow, data standardization recommendations, outputs and supported applications. The CP engine addresses critical needs with respect to accelerating the benefits of automation through intelligent roadway infrastructure (IRI), that complements and accelerates connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology. that the CP acquires and fuses information from sensors (radar, LiDAR, and cameras), and CAVs to intelligently perceive roadway traffic states of all moving objects, create a complete three-dimensional digital representation of that state-space, and communicate it to downstream application such as intelligent signal control, safety and energy applications, and cooperate driving applications for CAVs as examples. The IRI approach, as opposed to a vehicle centric approach, is found to be more scalable in that it can deployed to the roughly 300,000 signalized intersections more readily than the over 300 million vehicles in the US, and accrues early-stage benefits equitable to all roadway users addressing safety, equity, fuel efficiency, and GHG reduction.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

What Rocks and What's Not So Hot: U.S. Industry Perception of Geothermal Tax Credits

Nationwide, four U.S. federal tax credits promote the adoption of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) and geothermal power plants and were recently updated with enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).1 However, uptake of these geothermal tax credits has lagged behind other eligible technologies.2 With the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Geother- mal Technologies Office, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) engaged with the geothermal industry to determine: 1) how the industry will use the tax credits, 2) remaining challenges to utilizing tax credits, and 3) suggestions on solutions that could help accelerate tax credit uptake. Insights were obtained through two industry question- naires (59 responses)3 and 21 interviews with representatives from geothermal industry groups, project developers, com- ponent manufacturers, and financiers, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This article synthesizes the industry's perception of these tax credits, i.e., Section 25D (residential GHP), Section 48 (commer- cial GHP), Section 48E (investment tax credit [ITC] for electricity), and Section 45Y (production tax credit [PTC] for electricity).

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Survey of Space Professionals’ Perception of Satellite Cybersecurity from 2012 to 2022: Decision-Makers’ Thoughts on Satellite Cybersecurity Evolving

Cyberattacks on space assets are often portrayed in vague terms of doubt and mystery. Several claims depict satellites being compromised or attacked, but little corroboration has been published or made publicly available. As the commercial space industry is growing, commercial satellite decision makers will need to analyze the unacknowledged risk of cyberattacks against satellites. This paper identifies and characterizes what a cybersecurity risk to a space asset could look like and why space professionals might not prioritize cybersecurity. Additional information was captured from a decadal survey of space professionals in 2012 and 2022. Comparing the decadal results shows a rise in the perceived risk of satellites to cybersecurity threats from a sample of space professionals. This growing notable shift of perspective is not fully defined or agreed upon.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗