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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 73 records · Page 4

Socioeconomic and atmospheric factors affecting aerosol radiative forcing: Production-based versus consumption-based perspective

There exist substantial differences in top-of-atmosphere direct radiative forcing of aerosols due to a region's economic production (RFp) and consumption (RFc), in the context of economic globalization, trade and globalizing air pollution. Yet an explicit systematic analysis of all socioeconomic and atmospheric factors determining the RF difference is lacking. Here, we evaluate five socioeconomic (population, per capita output, emission intensity) and atmospheric (chemical efficiency and radiative efficiency) factors that determine a region's RFp, RFc and their difference. We consider the RF of secondary inorganic aerosols, primary organic aerosols and black carbon by 10 regions worldwide in 2007. The population size varies by a factor of nine across the regions, and per capita output by 40 times from both production- and consumption-based perspectives. The cross-regional spread reaches a factor of 181 (species dependent) for production-based emission intensity and a factor of 96 for consumption-based intensity. From one region to another, production-based chemical efficiency changes within a factor of 5 and consumption-based efficiency within a factor of 3.5. Radiative efficiency varies slightly across the regions (within 2) from both production- and consumption-based perspectives. Although socioeconomic factors are often a greater driver for the difference between a source region's RFp and RFc, the atmospheric factors are also important for many source regions and species. Our results contribute to regional attribution of climate change and establishment of effective international collaborative mitigation strategies.

aerosol radiative forcing↗

Activation of brown adipocytes by placental growth factor

Highlights: • In this study, 91 non-diabetic pregnant participants and 73 GDM patients were recruited to Gynaecology and Obstetrics Centre in Lu He hospital. • The direct effect of PlGF on BAT function was explored using the established human preadipocyte differentiation system. PlGF induced activation of human brown adipocytes. • PlGF stimulated mitochondrial function in brown adipocytes. • PlGF stimulated AMPKα phosphorylation in brown adipocytes. • PlGF reduced lipid content in the liver and increased BAT activity in db/db mice. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes and occurs during pregnancy. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) improves glucose homeostasis and mitigates insulin resistance, however, its activity is reduced in GDM. Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic factor produced by placental trophoblasts. Nevertheless, whether and how PlGF could affect BAT function in GDM are not defined. To investigate this question, 91 non-diabetic pregnant participants and 73 GDM patients were recruited to Gynaecology and Obstetrics Centre in Lu He hospital. Serum levels of PlGF were quantified by ELISA. Skin temperature was measured by far infrared thermography in the supraclavicular region where classical BATs were located. The direct effect of PlGF on BAT function was explored using the established human preadipocyte differentiation system. Thereby, we demonstrated that serum levels of PlGF were lower in GDM patients compared with controls, which was accompanied by decreased skin temperature in the supraclavicular region. By qPCR and western blot, mRNA and protein expression of UCP1 and OXPHOS were elevated in differentiated adipocytes treated with PlGF. PlGF stimulated mitochondrion transcription and increased copy number of mitochondrial. When subjected for respirometry, PlGF-treated differentiated adipocytes showed higher oxygen consumption rates than controls. PlGF induced AMPK phosphorylation and blockade of AMPK phosphorylation blunted UCP1 and OXPHOS expression in differentiated adipocytes. PlGF administration reduced cholesterol and triglyceride content in the liver and improved insulin sensitivity in db mice compared with control. In Conclusion, PlGF could activate BAT function. Downregulation of PlGF might contribute to the reduced BAT activity in GDM.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Structural Complexity and Tuned Thermoelectric Properties of a Polymorph of the Zintl Phase Ca 2 CdSb 2 with a Non-centrosymmetric Monoclinic Structure

The Zintl phase Ca 2 CdSb 2 was found to be dimorphic. Besides the orthorhombic Ca 2 CdSb 2 (-o), here we report on the synthesis, the structural characterization, and the thermoelectric transport properties of its monoclinic form, Ca 2 CdSb 2 (-m), and its Lu-doped variant Ca 2–x Lu x CdSb 2 (x ≈ 0.02). The monoclinic structure exhibits complex structural characteristics and constitutes a new structure type with the non-centrosymmetric space group Cm (Z = 30). The electrical resistivity ρ(T) measured on single crystals of both phases portrays a transition from a semiconductor to a degenerate p-type semiconductor upon doping with Lu and with an attendant change in the Hall carrier concentration nH from 7.15 × 10 18 to 2.30 × 10 19 cm –3 at 300 K. The Seebeck coefficient S(T) of both phases are comparable and indicate a hole-dominated carrier transport mechanism with magnitudes of 133 and 116 μV/K at 600 K for Ca 2 CdSb 2 (-m) and Ca 2–x Lu x CdSb 2 , respectively. The convoluted atomic bonding with an attendant large unit cell volume of ~4365 Å 3 drives a putative low thermal conductivity in these materials resulting in a power factor PF of 1.63 μW/cm K 2 and an estimated thermoelectric figure of merit zT of ~0.5 for Ca 2–x Lu x CdSb 2 at 600 K. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry results reveal the stability of these phases up to about 960 K, making them candidates for moderate temperature thermoelectric materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of Layer Thickness on the Charge Carrier and Spin Coherence Lifetime in Two-Dimensional Layered Perovskite Single Crystals

In this paper, we report the charge carrier recombination rate and spin coherence lifetimes in single crystals of two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites PEA 2 PbI 4 ·(MAPbI 3 ) n-1 (PEA, phenethylammonium; MA, methylammonium; n = 1, 2, 3, 4). Layer thickness-dependent charge carrier recombination rates are observed, with the fastest rates for n = 1 because of the large exciton binding energy, and the slowest rates are observed for n = 2. Room-temperature spin coherence times also show a nonmonotonic layer thickness dependence with an increasing spin coherence lifetime with increasing layer thickness from n = 1 to n = 4, followed by a decrease in lifetime from n = 4 to ∞. The longest coherence lifetime of ~7 ps is observed in the n = 4 sample. Our results are consistent with two contributions: Rashba splitting increases the spin coherence lifetime going from the n = ∞ to the layered systems, while phonon scattering, which increases for smaller layers, decreases the spin coherence lifetime. Finally, the interplay between these two factors contributes to the layer thickness dependence.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Connecting Geomechanical Properties with Potential for Proppant Embedment and Production Decline for the Emerging Caney Shale, Oklahoma

The Caney Shale is emerging as a target for hydrocarbon production, creating opportunities to study rock mechanical origins of observed/anticipated challenges to effective and sustained stimulation. Here we examine five subunits within the Caney, two of which are dubbed “ductile” and three of which are dubbed “reservoir” rock types. The “ductile” versus “reservoir” identification is initially based on elastic properties ascertained from well logs. By comparing core-based mechanical tests, it is found nominally ductile and reservoir layers do not differ in terms of brittleness, but instead the nominally ductile layers tend to be weaker and more prone to creep deformation compared to the nominally more brittle reservoir layers. This difference in mechanical properties is shown to generate higher susceptibility to proppant embedment in the weaker and more creep-prone layers. Specifically, over a 5-year period, the creep is expected to have little impact on reservoir layers but is predicted to reduce propped fracture aperture by a factor of 2 in the ductile layers.

Benge, Margaret↗

Preparation and characterization of Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 ternary ferroelectric ceramics with high piezoelectric constant

Highlights: • PLN-PNN-PT ternary ferroelectric systems were prepared by two-step method. • PLN-PNN-PT ceramics exhibit typical relaxor behavior. • 0.17PLN-0.47PNN-0.36PT ceramic has optimal properties (T{sub C} ∼ 142 °C, d{sub 33} ∼ 378 pC/N). - Abstract: Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-Pb(Ni{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-PbTiO{sub 3} ferroelectric ceramics were successfully prepared by a modified two-step columbite precursor method. The structural, dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ferroelectric and dielectric measurements. All the obtained samples have pure perovskite structure. The composition of 0.17PLN-0.47PNN-0.36PT within morphotropic phase boundary exhibits optimal properties with piezoelectric coefficient d{sub 33} = 378 pC/N, Curie temperature Tc = 142 °C, dielectric constant ε΄ = 4700, dielectric loss tangent tanδ = 0.05, remnant polarization Pr = 27.1 μC/cm{sup 2} and coercive field Ec = 8.89 KV/cm. According to Curie-Weiss Law and Lorentz-type quadratic relationship, the dielectric behavior was studied and the relaxor factor γ is between 1.55–1.87, indicating the character of diffuse phase transition of the Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-Pb(Ni{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-PbTiO{sub 3} ceramics. The excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature make this system a promising material for high-power transducer applications in a broad temperature range.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Uniformly dispersed FeO x atomic clusters by pulsed arc plasma deposition: An efficient electrocatalyst for improving the performance of Li–O2 battery

The present study aims to explore a new method to improve the catalytic activity of non-precious metals, especially in electrochemical reactions. In this study, highly ionized Fe plasma produced by arc discharge uniformly deposit on porous carbon substrate and form atomic clusters by the Pulsed Arc Plasma Deposition technique. The as-prepared FeOx/C material was tested as a cathode material in rechargeable Li-O2 battery under different current rates. The results show a significantly improvement of the battery performance in both cycle life and reaction rate. Furthermore, XRD and SEM results show that the as-prepared cathode material has the ability to stabilize cathode and reduce side reactions, and current rate is a critical factor of the nucleation of the discharge products.

electrocatalyst↗

The interaction of soybean reticulon homology domain protein (GmRHP) with Soybean mosaic virus encoded P3 contributes to the viral infection

Highlights: • GmRHP interacted with SMV-P3 in a screening of soybean cDNAs using mYTHS. • The interaction between GmRHP and SMV-P3 was confirmed using BiFC. • GmRHP's expression promoted TuMV replication and spread in N. benthamiana. • The interaction between SMV-P3 and GmRHP may contribute to the potyvirus infection. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a member of the Potyvirus genus, is a prevalent and devastating viral pathogen in soybean-growing regions worldwide. Potyvirus replication occurs in the 6K2-induced viral replication complex at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites. Potyvirus-encoded P3 is also associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and is as an essential component of the viral replication complex, playing a key role in viral replication. This study provides evidence that the soybean (Glycine max) reticulon homology domain protein (designated as GmRHP) interacts with SMV-P3 by using a two-hybrid yeast system to screen a soybean cDNA library. A bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay further confirmed the interaction, which occurred on the cytomembrane, endoplasmic reticulum and cytoskeleton in Nicotiana benthamiana cells. The transient expression of GmRHP can promote the coupling of Turnip mosaic virus replication and cell-to-cell movement in N. benthamiana. The interaction between the membrane protein SMV-P3 and GmRHP may contribute to the potyvirus infection, and GmRHP may be an essential host factor for P3's involvement in potyvirus replication.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Long non-coding RNA SBF2-AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through regulation of miR-140-5p-TGFBR1 pathway

Highlights: • LncRNA SBF2-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. • Up-regulation of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 was associated with poor clinical features and prognosis in HCC patients. • Knockdown of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 suppressed HCC progression by regulation of miR-140-5p-TGFBR1 pathway. A growing number of studies has suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert essential roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of lncRNA and its molecular mechanism in HCC are largely unknown. In the present study, the functions and molecular mechanisms of a novel lncRNA, SET-binding factor 2 (SBF2) antisense RNA1 (SBF2-AS1), were investigated in HCC tissues and cell lines. We found that the expression levels of SBF2-AS1 were significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues and correlated with poor prognosis. SBF2-AS1 knockdown could inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells and attenuate the development of HCC tumor in vivo. Moreover, wound healing and Transwell assays revealed that down-regulation of SBF2-AS1 suppressed the migration and invasion of HCC cells by modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) ability. Mechanistically, we observed that SBF2-AS1 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-140–5p. Subsequently, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) was certified as a direct target of miR-140–5p and enforcing SBF2-AS1 expression elevated TGFBR1 expression in HCC. Taken together, our study suggested that SBF2-AS1 modulated TGFBR1 through sponging miR-140–5p in HCC development and progression indicating that SBF2-AS1 might be further chosen as a potential anticancer therapeutic target and a promising prognostic biomarker for HCC.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

AMOT is required for YAP function in high glucose induced liver malignancy

Highlights: • AMOT is identified to be O-GlcNAcylated. • High glucose stimulates expression and O-GlcNAcylation of AMOT. • AMOT is a stimulator of YAP in high glucose level, whereas a suppressor of YAP in normal glucose level. • High expression and nuclear accumulation of AMOT and YAP are found in high glucose mice. AMOT has been identified as a YAP interactor. However, how AMOT regulates YAP remains unclear and controversy. Here, we identified that besides YAP, AMOT was another Hippo signaling core factor which could be O-GlcNAcylated. Moreover, high glucose (HG) was able to enhance the expression and O-GlcNAcylation of AMOT. We also found that HG stimulated nuclear accumulation, transcription activity, interaction with transcription factor and transcription of target genes of YAP via AMOT, while AMOT acted as a suppressor of YAP in normal glucose level. Finally, we observed the upregulation and nuclear accumulation of AMOT and YAP in Streptozocin (STZ) induced high glucose mice. Collectively, we have uncovered that AMOT acts as a YAP stimulator in high glucose level. Targeting the aberrantly regulated core factors in Hippo pathway might be a more effective therapeutic approach for liver cancer associated with possibly diabetes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Energy Analysis of Combi Heat Pump System Configurations for Space Conditioning and Domestic Hot Water Heating in Residential Buildings

Combi heat pump systems, also referred to multifunctional variable refrigerant flow heat recovery (MF-VRFHR) systems, are specifically designed for residential applications to manage both space conditioning and domestic hot water (DHW). They have attracted attention due to their potential for energy conservation through heat recovery. The incorporation of a hot water tank introduces various system configurations, each characterized by distinct pros and cons related to energy efficiency, system stability, and maintenance. Despite this, a critical gap exists as the specific energy performance remains unquantified under diverse operational modes (e.g., heating mode and heat recovery mode). This paper aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of two prevalent system configurations while considering feasible proposed control logics. Configuration 1 integrates a separate hot water tank and a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger (HEX), also known as a Hydro Kit while Configuration 2 incorporates a refrigerant-wrapped hot water tank. To facilitate this analysis, we developed high-fidelity system models for both configurations in Modelica, capturing system dynamics and detailed control sequences effectively. These system models were built upon the TIL library for HVAC equipment components and the Buildings library for residential building thermal load calculations. The validation of the simulation testbed utilized data from experiments conducted in the PNNL lab home for Configuration 1. To establish the simulation testbed for Configuration 2, we extended the modeling setup derived from Configuration 1. This extension specifically involved substituting the separate hot water tank and Hydro Kit with a refrigerant-wrapped hot water tank of similar sizing sourced from an actual product. The simulation analysis of heating-only and heat recovery modes reveals that Configuration 2 not only saves energy and maintains warmer tank temperatures but also demonstrates faster water heating capabilities. This is attributed to decreased energy loss and improved heat transfer. The study encompasses a wide range of scenarios, considering diverse thermal loads and water usage patterns across heating and heat recovery modes. Overall, the comprehensive results indicate that Configuration 2 achieves energy savings ranging from 3.5% to 12.2% compared to Configuration 1, depending on factors such as water usage patterns, thermal loads, and operational modes.

Configuration, Comparison, Multi-functional, Resid↗

Comparative Small-Signal Stability Analysis of Grid-Forming and Grid-Following Inverters in Low-Inertia Power Systems: Preprint

Inverter-based resources (IBRs) are gradually replacing conventional fossil energy in modern power systems, which could make the system susceptible due to insufficient inertia, especially when moving towards a 100% inverter-based power grid. Grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) controls are two common inverter control algorithms. However, the corresponding stability issues along with a comparative study on low-inertia power systems should still be investigated. This paper focuses on small-signal stability and conducts a comprehensive analysis of GFM and GFL controls, with emphases on the interactions between synchronous generators and IBRs. The detailed modeling of GFM and GFL inverters, and synchronous generators (SGs) are established. The coupling mechanism of IBRs and SGs is then conducted through participation factor analysis. The impacts of critical parameters on system stability are finally identified. The theoretical analyses are validated through time-domain simulation in MATLAB/Simulink.

grid-following↗