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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

Investigation of Relation of Radiation Therapy Quality With Toxicity and Survival in LAP07 Phase 3 Trial for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma

The LAP07 multicenter randomized study assessed whether chemoradiation therapy increases overall survival versus continuation chemotherapy in patients whose locally advanced pancreatic cancer was controlled after 4 months of induction chemotherapy. This analysis investigated whether failure to adhere to radiation therapy (RT) guidelines influenced survival and toxicity.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

The moderately defficient enzyme: Catalysis-related damage in vivo and its repair

Enzymes have in vivo lifespans. Analysis of lifespans – lifetime totals of catalytic turnovers – suggests that non-survivable collateral chemical damage from the very reactions that enzymes catalyze is a common but underdiagnosed cause of enzyme death. Analysis also implies that many enzymes are moderately deficient in that their active-site regions are not naturally as hardened against such collateral damage as they could be, leaving room for improvement by rational design or directed evolution. Enzyme lifespan might also be improved by engineering systems that repair otherwise fatal active-site damage, of which a handful are known and more are inferred to exist. Unfortunately, the data needed to design and execute such improvements is lacking: there are too few measurements of in vivo lifespan, and existing information on the extent, nature, and mechanisms of active-site damage and repair during normal enzyme operation is too scarce, anecdotal, and speculative to act on. Fortunately, advances in proteomics, metabolomics, cheminformatics, comparative genomics, and structural biochemistry now empower a systematic, data-driven approach to identify, predict, and validate instances of active-site damage and its repair. These capabilities would be practically useful in enzyme redesign and improvement of in-use stability, and could change thinking about which enzymes die young in vivo, and why.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The moderately defficient enzyme: Catalysis-related damage in vivo and its repair

Enzymes have in vivo lifespans. Analysis of lifespans – lifetime totals of catalytic turnovers – suggests that non-survivable collateral chemical damage from the very reactions that enzymes catalyze is a common but underdiagnosed cause of enzyme death. Analysis also implies that many enzymes are moderately deficient in that their active-site regions are not naturally as hardened against such collateral damage as they could be, leaving room for improvement by rational design or directed evolution. Enzyme lifespan might also be improved by engineering systems that repair otherwise fatal active-site damage, of which a handful are known and more are inferred to exist. Unfortunately, the data needed to design and execute such improvements is lacking: there are too few measurements of in vivo lifespan, and existing information on the extent, nature, and mechanisms of active-site damage and repair during normal enzyme operation is too scarce, anecdotal, and speculative to act on. Fortunately, advances in proteomics, metabolomics, cheminformatics, comparative genomics, and structural biochemistry now empower a systematic, data-driven approach to identify, predict, and validate instances of active-site damage and its repair. These capabilities would be practically useful in enzyme redesign and improvement of in-use stability, and could change thinking about which enzymes die young in vivo, and why.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Assessing the vulnerability of solar inverters to EMPs: Port testing, PCI modeling, and protection strategies

Renewable energy sources are becoming an ever-larger contributor to the power grid. These renewable energy sources depend upon the power electronic devices, specifically inverters, being essential for connecting Photovoltaic (PV) generation to the grid. However, the Electromagnetic Pulses (EMPs) caused by the high-altitude nuclear explosions can generate fast broad-band pulses with nanosecond rise time, potentially causing damage or destruction to electronic components. To assess the vulnerability of PV inverters to high-altitude EMPs, the port testing and Pulsed Current Injection (PCI) modeling schemes are proposed based on the port impedance analysis. Wide-band frequency measurements are achieved by fusing impedance results from three vector network analyzers. Then, a PCI model is used to simulate the induced response to EMP, with two typical immunity levels of EC5 and EC8 tested. Here, the experiment successfully excites the induced voltage and current under EMP, where the voltage and current can reach 1500V/40A and 8000V/150Aunder EC5 andEC8, respectively. The port vulnerability analysis results demonstrate that only some ports can survive under EC5. To defend against the impact of EMP, three protection strategies are discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Time-dependent relaxation of observables in complex quantum systems

Abstract We consider time-dependent relaxation of observables in quantum systems of chaotic and regular type. Using statistical arguments and exact numerical solutions we show that the spread of the initial wave function in the Hilbert space and the main characteristics of evolution of observables have certain generic features. The study compares examples of regular dynamics, a completely chaotic case of the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble, a bosonic system with random interactions, and a fully realistic case of the time evolution of various initial non-stationary states in the nuclear shell model. In the case of the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble we show that the survival probability obtained analytically also fully defines the relaxation timescale of observables. This is not the case in general. Using the realistic nuclear shell model and the quadrupole moment as an observable we demonstrate that the relaxation time is significantly longer than defined by the survival probability of the initial state. The full analysis does not show the presence of an analog of the Lyapunov exponent characteristic for examples of classical chaos.

Volya, Alexander (ORCID:0000000217656466)↗

Integrating the Value of Resilience into Energy Decisions

The value of resilience can be quantified and integrated into decision making to help inform economic, resilient, and sustainable energy deployment decisions using tools and analysis. Traditionally, distributed energy deployment decisions have often been based on how much energy, or how much money, a system can save. More and more, building owners and communities are recognizing that these systems can also provide a resilience value by sustaining critical loads during an outage. In order to consider the value of resilience in investment decisions, we must quantify how much resilience a system provides, assign a value to that resilience, and monetize that value through grid services, incentives, or other methods. This presentation discusses methods, tools, advantages, and challenges inherent to the process.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Immunological Analysis of a Commercial Cashew Nut-Based Yogurt

Nut-based milks and yogurts are gaining popularity, but may not offer the same benefits as dairy yogurts to consumers. Cashew nuts often cause severe allergic reactions, and cashew nut allergens are stable to several types of processing. To compare its characteristics to dairy yogurt and characterize the effects of fermentation on the Ana o 1–3 cashew nut allergens, a commercial yogurt made from cashew nuts (Cashewgurt) was evaluated for microbiological, physiochemical, and immunological properties. Average counts for lactobacilli and Streptococcus thermophilus were greater than 10 million colony forming units per milliliter, indicating the capacity to provide a health benefit. Cashewgurt pH and viscosity values were comparable to cow milk yogurts, and it was off white in color. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated a clear reduction in Ana o 1 and 2, and immuno-assay with polyclonal anti-cashew IgG antibody and cashew-allergic IgE indicated an overall reduction in allergen content. In contrast, SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, immunoblot, and ELISA all revealed that Ana o 3 was relatively unaffected by the fermentation process. In conclusion, Ana o 1 and Ana o 2 are sensitive to degradation, while Ana o 3 survives lactic acid bacterial fermentation during yogurt production. The analysis presented here indicates that cashew nut yogurt is not suitable for those with cashew nut allergy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The Analysis and Support for LANL Technology Testbed: High Altitude Balloon Gondola and Orion Eagle Gamma Ray Detection Instrument

The Analysis and Support for LANL Technology Testbed: High Altitude Balloon Gondola and Orion Eagle Gamma-Ray Detection Instrument is a project where Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), in conjunction with the University of Michigan, are looking into gamma-ray detection in a space-like environment. The purpose of the detection is to work on instruments that can assist with planetary exploration and nuclear deterrents using a High-Altitude Balloon (HAB). For this paper, the main focus is on the mechanical aspects related to the structural analysis of the gondola. It is vital to understand the structural analysis because it helps determine if the gondola can survive the changes in the environment and the different forces or shocks that it will experience when the parachute is deployed and at landing. Additionally, NASA's Balloon Program Office (BPO) has specific requirements to meet to achieve flight certifications. Part of those certifications requires the gondola to simulate different scenarios at specific conditions with various forces applied and orientations. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the calculations of each method and the force applied to get the right results. Once that is done, the information is inputted into the structural analysis modeling system. The system will aid the mechanical team in assessing the conditions of the gondola at each scenario and determine its margin of safety. After the gondola and instrument are certified, the payload will be able to fly. The HAB and payload are launched from NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) at Fort Sumner, NM. The official flight was on September 26th, 2021.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Cancer survival in the United States 2007–2016: Results from the National Program of Cancer Registries

Background Cancer survival has improved for the most common cancers. However, less improvement and lower survival has been observed in some groups perhaps due to differential access to cancer care including prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods To further understand contemporary relative cancer survival (one- and five- year), we used survival data from CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) for cancers diagnosed during 2007–2016. We examined overall relative cancer survival by sex, race and ethnicity, age, and county-level metropolitan and non-metropolitan status. Relative cancer survival by metropolitan and non-metropolitan status was further examined by sex, race and ethnicity, age, and cancer type. Results Among persons with cancer diagnosed during 2007–2016 the overall one-year and five-year relative survival was 80.6% and 67.4%, respectively. One-year relative survival for persons living in metropolitan counties was 81.1% and 77.8% among persons living in non-metropolitan counties. We found that persons who lived in non-metropolitan counties had lower survival than those who lived in metropolitan counties, and this difference persisted across sex, race and ethnicity, age, and most cancer types. Conclusion Further examination of the differences in cancer survival by cancer type or other characteristics might be helpful for identifying potential interventions, such as programs that target screening and early detection or strategies to improve access to high quality cancer treatment and follow-up care, that could improve long-term outcomes. Impact This analysis provided a high-level overview of contemporary cancer survival in the United States.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

12-gene prognostic signature for breast cancer survival

A biomarker panel of 12 genes based on expression levels. Methods for calculating prognostic scores and patient ranking based on their score and divided into two equal sized cohorts. Kaplan-Meier analysis and a log-rank test were used to determine differences in survival.

Snijders, Antoine M.↗

An Evaluation of the Economic and Resilience Benefits of a Microgrid in Northampton, Massachusetts

Recent developments and advances in distributed energy resource (DER) technologies make them valuable assets in microgrids. This paper presents an innovative evaluation framework for microgrid assets to capture economic benefits from various grid and behind-the-meter services in grid-connecting mode and resilience benefits in islanding mode. In particular, a linear programming formulation is used to model different services and DER operational constraints to determine the optimal DER dispatch to maximize economic benefits. For the resiliency analysis, a stochastic evaluation procedure is proposed to explicitly quantify the microgrid survivability against a random outage, considering uncertainties associated with photovoltaic (PV) generation, system load, and distributed generator failures. Optimal coordination strategies are developed to minimize unserved energy and improve system survivability, considering different levels of system connectedness. The proposed framework has been applied to evaluate a proposed microgrid in Northampton, Massachusetts that would link the Northampton Department of Public Works, Cooley Dickenson Hospital, and Smith Vocational Area High School. The findings of this analysis indicate that over a 20-year economic life, a 441 kW/441 kWh battery energy storage system, and 386 kW PV solar array can generate $2.5 million in present value benefits, yielding a 1.16 return on investment ratio. Results of this study also show that forming a microgrid generally improves system survivability, but the resilience performance of individual facilities varies depending on power-sharing strategies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Thermomechanical response of thickly tamped targets and diamond anvil cells under pulsed hard x-ray irradiation

In the laboratory study of extreme conditions of temperature and density, the exposure of matter to high intensity radiation sources has been of central importance. Here, we interrogate the performance of multi-layered targets in experiments involving high intensity, hard x-ray irradiation, motivated by the advent of extremely high brightness hard x-ray sources, such as free electron lasers and 4th-generation synchrotron facilities. Intense hard x-ray beams can deliver significant energy in targets having thick x-ray transparent layers (tampers) around samples of interest for the study of novel states of matter and materials’ dynamics. Heated-state lifetimes in such targets can approach the microsecond level, regardless of radiation pulse duration, enabling the exploration of conditions of local thermal and thermodynamic equilibrium at extreme temperature in solid density matter. The thermal and mechanical responses of such thick layered targets following x-ray heating, including hydrodynamic relaxation and heat flow on picosecond to millisecond timescales, are modeled using radiation hydrocode simulation, finite element analysis, and thermodynamic calculations. Assessing the potential for target survival over one or more exposures and resistance to damage arising from heating and resulting mechanical stresses, this study doubles as an investigation into the performance of diamond anvil high pressure cells under high x-ray fluences. Long used in conjunction with synchrotron x-ray radiation and high power optical lasers, the strong confinement afforded by such cells suggests novel applications at emerging high intensity x-ray facilities and new routes to studying thermodynamic equilibrium states of warm, very dense matter.

Meza-Galvez, J. (ORCID:000000032699849X)↗

Structural modeling and dynamic analysis of condensate storage tanks in nuclear power plants

Condensate storage tanks (CSTs) in nuclear power plants (NPPs) are classified as critical equipment capable of surviving strong shaking in a design basis earthquake to assure the ability to subsequently provide cooling water. Structural modeling and dynamic analysis of CSTs are complicated due to fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and coupling issues, which could have significant effects on seismic response. The capability of a number of approximate models to capture seismic response is investigated using dynamic analysis results from detailed finite element models. Modal analyses and time history analyses are carried out using both 2D and 3D models to predict the dynamic behavior of CSTs as a function of ground motion intensity. Although 2D simplified models can be used to quickly evaluate the dynamic response of CSTs when there is substantial margin to failure, a detailed 3D model is required when it is necessary to examine a limit state associated with the failure mode of the tank. The findings show good agreement between the natural frequencies of convective modes determined from the 2D and 3D CST models. The difference between the frequencies of impulsive modes were found to be equal to or less than 25%.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Vitality models found useful in modeling tag-failure times in acoustic-tag survival studies

Abstract Acoustic telemetry studies often rely on the assumption that premature tag failure does not affect the validity of inferences. However, in some cases this assumption is possibly or likely invalid and it is necessary to apply a correction to estimation procedures. The question of which approaches and specific models are best suited to modeling acoustic tag failures has received little research attention. In this short communication, we present a meta-analysis of 42 acoustic tag-life studies, originally used to correct survival studies involving outmigrating juvenile salmonids in the Columbia/Snake river basin. We compare the performance of nine alternative parametric models including common failure–time/survival models and the vitality models of Li and Anderson Theor Popul Biol 76:118–131, (2009) and Demogr Res 28:341–372, (2013). The tag-life studies used acoustic tags from three different tag manufacturers, had expected lifetimes between 12 and 61 days, and had dry weights ranging from 0.22 to 1.65 g. In 57% of the cases, the vitality models of Li and Anderson Theor Popul Biol 76:118–131, (2009) and Demogr Res 28:341–372, (2013) fit the tag-failure times best. The vitality models were also the second-best choices in 17% of the cases. Together, the vitality models, log-logistic, (19%), and gamma models (14%) accounted for 90% of the models selected. Unlike more traditional failure–time models (e.g., Weibull, Gompertz, gamma, and log-logistic), the vitality models are capable of characterizing both the early onset of tag failure due to manufacturing errors and the anticipated battery life. We provide further guidance on appropriate sample sizes (50–100 tags) and procedures to be considered when applying precise tag-life corrections in release–recapture survival studies.

Skalski, John R. (ORCID:0000000270702505)↗

Comprehensive characterization of protein–protein interactions perturbed by disease mutations

Technological and computational advances in genomics and interactomics have made it possible to identify how disease mutations perturb protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks within human cells. Here, we show that disease-associated germline variants are significantly enriched in sequences encoding PPI interfaces compared to variants identified in healthy participants from the projects 1000 Genomes and ExAC. Somatic missense mutations are also significantly enriched in PPI interfaces compared to noninterfaces in 10,861 tumor exomes. We computationally identified 470 putative oncoPPIs in a pan-cancer analysis and demonstrate that oncoPPIs are highly correlated with patient survival and drug resistance/sensitivity. Further, we experimentally validate the network effects of 13 oncoPPIs using a systematic binary interaction assay, and also demonstrate the functional consequences of two of these on tumor cell growth. In summary, this human interactome network framework provides a powerful tool for prioritization of alleles with PPI-perturbing mutations to inform pathobiological mechanism- and genotype-based therapeutic discovery.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Treatment of Prostate Cancer with CD46-targeted 225 Ac Alpha Particle Radioimmunotherapy

Radiopharmaceutical therapy is changing the standard of care in prostate cancer and other malignancies. We previously reported high CD46 expression in prostate cancer and developed an antibody–drug conjugate and immunoPET agent based on the YS5 antibody, which targets a tumor-selective CD46 epitope. Here, we present the preparation, preclinical efficacy, and toxicity evaluation of [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5, a radioimmunotherapy agent based on the YS5 antibody. [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5 was developed, and its therapeutic efficiency was tested on cell-derived (22Rv1, DU145), and patient-derived (LTL-545, LTL484) prostate cancer xenograft models. Biodistribution studies were carried out on 22Rv1 tumor xenograft models to confirm the targeting efficacy. Toxicity analysis of the [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5 was carried out on nu/nu mice to study short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) toxicity. Biodistribution study shows that [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5 agent delivers high levels of radiation to the tumor tissue (11.64% ± 1.37%ID/g, 28.58% ± 10.88%ID/g, 29.35% ± 7.76%ID/g, and 31.78% ± 5.89%ID/g at 24, 96, 168, and 408 hours, respectively), compared with the healthy organs. [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5 suppressed tumor size and prolonged survival in cell line–derived and patient-derived xenograft models. Toxicity analysis revealed that the 0.5 μCi activity levels showed toxicity to the kidneys, likely due to redistribution of daughter isotope 213 Bi. [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5 suppressed the growth of cell-derived and patient-derived xenografts, including prostate-specific membrane antigen–positive and prostate-specific membrane antigen–deficient models. Overall, this preclinical study confirms that [ 225 Ac]DOTA-YS5 is a highly effective treatment and suggests feasibility for clinical translation of CD46-targeted radioligand therapy in prostate cancer.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Long-Term Toxicity and Health-Related Quality of Life After Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy or Radiation Therapy Alone for High-Risk Endometrial Cancer in the Randomized PORTEC-3 Trial

The survival results of the PORTEC-3 trial showed a significant improvement in both overall and failure-free survival with chemoradiation therapy versus pelvic radiation therapy alone. The present analysis was performed to compare long-term adverse events (AE) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Analysis of iron-chromium-aluminum samples exposed to accident conditions followed by quench in the QUENCH-19 experiment

The QUENCH-19 experiment was a first-of-its-kind full-bundle test simulating accident conditions followed by water quench on accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding. Here, a type of FeCrAl(Y) alloy, B136Y3, was developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and tested at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology using Kanthal APM corner rods, a shroud, and Kanthal AF spacer grids. Testing conditions were similar to those in QUENCH-15—which tested ZIRLO cladding behavior—so that B136Y3 and ZIRLO cladding could be compared. QUENCH-19 consisted of an initial pre-oxidation heating followed by a transient. Then, a maximum power hold, which was not present in QUENCH-15, was executed to extend the heating period for the FeCrAl(Y) rods. Finally, a rapid water quench was executed that was similar to emergency core coolant system (ECCS) actuation. Compared with the ZIRLO rods in QUENCH-15, the bundle in QUENCH-19 released significantly less H 2 (9.2 g vs. 47.6 g) and achieved a much lower maximum temperature (1455°C vs. 1880°C). Furthermore, no breakaway oxidation was observed in QUENCH-19. Metallographic mounts revealed that despite the symmetry of the setup, at elevations near the maximum temperature, cladding and thermocouples were heavily damaged, substantial melting and oxidation occurred, and the cladding underwent chemical interaction with the thermocouple sheaths. Additionally, the ZrO 2 spacers detrimentally interacted with the cladding, leading to mixed oxide debris and the full destruction of some rods. Additional failure was found in certain cooler rods that may have risen due to the high thermal expansion coefficient of FeCrAl alloys. This paper presents an analysis of this work, which suggests that FeCrAl cladding can chemically survive anticipated loss-of-coolant accident events followed by rapid ECCS quench if the correct geometry and core design are present.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗