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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 865 records · Page 48

The XFP (17-BM) beamline for X-ray footprinting at NSLS-II

Hydroxyl-radical mediated synchrotron X-ray footprinting (XF) is a powerful solution-state technique in structural biology for the study of macromolecular structure and dynamics of proteins and nucleic acids, with several synchrotron resources available to serve the XF community worldwide. The XFP (Biological X-ray Footprinting) beamline at the NSLS-II was constructed on a three-pole wiggler source at 17-BM to serve as the premier beamline for performing this technique, providing an unparalleled combination of high flux density broadband beam, flexibility in beam morphology, and sample handling capabilities specifically designed for XF experiments. The details of beamline design, beam measurements, and science commissioning results for a standard protein using the two distinct XFP endstations are presented here. XFP took first light in 2016 and is now available for general user operations through peer-reviewed proposals. Currently, beam sizes from 450 µm × 120 µm to 2.7 mm × 2.7 mm (FWHM) are available, with a flux of 1.6 × 10 16 photons s −1 (measured at 325 mA ring current) in a broadband (∼5–16 keV) beam. This flux is expected to rise to 2.5 × 10 16 photons s −1 at the full NSLS-II design current of 500 mA, providing an incident power density of >500 W mm −2 at full focus.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

An Online Approach to Solve the Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic Trip Requests for Paratransit Services

Many transit agencies operating paratransit and microtransit services have to respond to trip requests that arrive in real-time, which entails solving hard combinatorial and sequential decision-making problems under uncertainty. To avoid decisions that lead to significant inefficiency in the long term, vehicles should be allocated to requests by optimizing a non-myopic utility function or by batching requests together and optimizing a myopic utility function. While the former approach is typically offline, the latter can be performed online. We point out two major issues with such approaches when applied to paratransit services in practice. First, it is difficult to batch paratransit requests together as they are temporally sparse. Second, the environment in which transit agencies operate changes dynamically (e.g., traffic conditions can change over time), causing the estimates that are learned offline to become stale. To address these challenges, we propose a fully online approach to solve the dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) with time windows and stochastic trip requests that is robust to changing environmental dynamics by construction. We focus on scenarios where requests are relatively sparse—our problem is motivated by applications to paratransit services. We formulate DVRP as a Markov decision process and use Monte Carlo tree search to evaluate actions for any given state. Accounting for stochastic requests while optimizing a non-myopic utility function is computationally challenging; indeed, the action space for such a problem is intractably large in practice. To tackle the large action space, we leverage the structure of the problem to design heuristics that can sample promising actions for the tree search. Our experiments using real-world data from our partner agency show that the proposed approach outperforms existing state-of-the-art approaches both in terms of performance and robustness.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

The use of subchondral bone topography to approximate the center of rotation of the elbow joint in dogs

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the approximate center of rotation in normal and diseased elbows in dogs. Study design Cross‐sectional study Sample population Computer tomography scans of nine dogs with unilateral fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP). Methods A board certified radiologist confirmed that each dog had unilateral FMCP, and a normal contralateral elbow. Digital 3D models of all elbow joints were uploaded into a surgical planning software package. Four axes approximating the center of rotation (COR) of elbow joints were generated using five geometric shapes based on subchondral topography of the humeral condyle radius and ulna. Images showing the locations where axes exited the medial and lateral cortex of the humeral condyle were captured and imported into a second software package, for measurement of distances between exit points and the origin of a system of axes. Results In normal joints 20/27 (74%) axes exited the medial cortex, and 25/27 (93%) axes exited the lateral cortex cranial and distal to the medial and lateral epicondyles, respectively. In diseased joints 22/27 (81%) axes exited medial cortex and 19/27 (70%) axes exited the lateral cortex, caudal and distal to the medial and lateral epicondyles, respectively. Conclusion Based on CT‐ derived geometry, the COR of elbow affected with FMCP was generally more caudal than normal. Clinical significance External landmarks approximating the location of the elbow COR are provided, and while not validated, may assist in planning, creation, and assessment of procedures for FMCP.

Berger, Chen↗

Broadband, 920-nm mirror thin film damage competition

This year’s competition proposed to survey the state-of-the-art broadband, near-IR multilayer dielectric (MLD) mirrors designed for ultra-short, pulsed laser applications. The requirements for the coatings were a minimum reflection of 99.5% at 45-degree incidence angle for S-polarization from 830 nm to 1010 nm and group delay dispersion (GDD) < ± 50 fs 2 . The participants in this effort selected the coating materials, coating design, and deposition method. Samples were damage tested at a single testing facility to enable direct comparison among the participants using a 25 ± 5 fs OPCPA laser system operating at 5 Hz. A double blind test assured sample and submitter anonymity. The damage performance results, sample rankings, details of the deposition processes, coating materials and substrate cleaning methods are shared here. We found that multilayer coatings using tantala and/or hafnia as high index materials were top performers within several coating deposition groups. Specifically, dense coatings by ion-beam sputtering (IBS), magnetron sputtering (MS), and electron-beam ion assisted deposition (e-beam IAD) exhibited highest damage initiation onset (LIDT) while e-beam coatings were low performers. In addition, damage growth onset (LDGT) was also examined and the results are reported here for all samples as this performance metric plays an important role in establishing the safe operational conditions for larger aperture, ultrashort pulsed lasers. As a result, not all coating samples in the survey met the GDD requirements stated above and associated measurements are discussed in the context of the present and past competitions focused on similar broadband, near-IR MLD coatings.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Cross-instrument Analysis Correlation Software

This program has been designed to assist with the tracking of a sample from one analytical instrument to another such as SEM, microscopes, micro x-ray diffraction and other instruments where particular positions/locations on the sample are examined, photographed, etc. The software is designed to easily enter the position of fiducials and locations of interest such that in a future session in the same of different instrument the positions of interest can be re-found through using the known location fiducials in the current and reference session to transform the point into the current sessions coordinate system. The software is dialog box driven guiding the user through the necessary data entry and program choices. Information is stored in a series of text based extensible markup language (XML) files.

McJunkin, TimothyR.↗

Metis: A Pure Metropolis Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian Inference Library

The use of Bayesian inference in data analysis has become the standard for large scienti c experiments [1, 2]. The Monte Carlo Codes Group(XCP-3) at Los Alamos has developed a simple set of algorithms currently implemented in C++ and Python to easily perform at-prior Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian inference with pure Metropolis sampling. These implementations are designed to be user friendly and extensible for customization based on speci c application requirements. This document describes the algorithmic choices made and presents two use cases.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Scalable Techniques for Stochastic Power Flow Problems (Final Report)

The proposed research focuses on developing scalable algorithms for two-stage security-constrained OPF problems with AC power flow constraints, a class of problems complicated by (i) scale arising from a scenario representation; and (ii) the presence of nonlinearity, nonconvexity, and possibly second-stage discreteness or complementarity. Unfortunately, most existing solvers cannot contend with both challenges simultaneously; accordingly, the proposed research focuses on developing solution techniques that can both scale with the number of scenarios and contend with nonconvexity and second-stage complementarity. We consider three avenues for addressing such problems: (i) Variable sample-size SQP (VS-SQP) methods that combine sparse Quasi-Newton updates with a scalable variance-reduced stochastic gradient scheme for stochastic QP subproblems, allowing for contending with second-stage complementarity via regularization; (ii) Variable sample-size stochastic Interior-point (VS-sIP) schemes that propose a sampling-based regularized (to allow for contending with complementarity) interior-point schemes in which a Schur-complement technique is employed for decomposing the Newton direction computation step; (iii) Variable sample-size tractable ADMM (VS-tADMM) schemes combine variable sample-sizes with carefully designed techniques for resolving each of the nonconvex updates (by leveraging the QCQP structures). We intend to compare the three schemes using performance profiles in terms of solution quality, scalability, etc. and then select one scheme which will then be developed and further refined in Python for purposes of the GO competition.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Trustworthy Physics-Informed Deep Learning for Predictive Scientific Computing

This project has developed powerful trustworthy physics-informed deep learning (TPiDL) models and methods to fundamentally enhance the scale and power of computational modeling in the scientific and engineering domains. Deep learning (DL) has radically advanced the state-of-the-art in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and also scientific computing. Nevertheless, progress has been driven almost entirely by empirical observations, hacks, and tricks. Under the support of this project, the graph operator learning tools and advanced trustworthy physical informed neural networks have been developed. In addition, stochastic gradient replica-exchange Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling algorithms have been designed to quantify the uncertainties and speed up the training of large-scale neural networks.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

FY23 Update: Surface Sampling Activities for the Canister Deposition Field Demonstration

This report describes the results of a field demonstration of the proposed surface sampling techniques and plan for the multi-year Canister Deposition Field Demonstration (CDFD). The CDFD will evaluate salt deposition rates on three commercial 32PTH2 NUHOMS welded stainless steel storage canisters in Advanced Horizontal Storage Modules. Exposure testing is planned for up to 10 years and will incorporate periodic surface sampling campaigns. The goal of the planned dust sampling and analysis is to determine important environmental parameters that impact the potential occurrence of stress corrosion cracking on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters. Specifically, measured dust deposition rates and deposited particle sizes will improve parameterization of dust deposition models employed to predict the potential occurrence and timing of stress corrosion cracks on the stainless steel SNF canisters. Previously, a preliminary sampling plan was developed, identifying possible sampling locations on the canister surfaces and sampling intervals; possible sampling methods were also described. Building from previous work, this report documents hand sampling from a spent nuclear fuel canister on a transfer skid mockup designed by Sandia National Laboratories. The sampling took place from a boom lift and salts were collected from mounted sample plates. The results of these efforts are presented in this report and compared to previous laboratory-controlled tests. The information obtained from the CDFD will be critical for ongoing efforts to develop a detailed understanding of the potential for stress corrosion cracking of SNF dry storage canisters.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Wave-Optics Simulation Framework of Fourier Transform Holography with XMCD

We present a wave-optics simulation framework, implemented within the SRW, for modeling FTH with XMCD contrast. The framework propagates coherent, circularly polarized X-ray wavefronts from an undulator source through the sample and optics to the detector, reconstructing real-space images from the resulting holograms. Three principal extensions are introduced: (i) incorporation of polarization-dependent refractive indices in the sample plane, enabling direct simulation of XMCD contrast, (ii) a memory-efficient wavefront-splitting propagation scheme that treats individual apertures independently and coherently combines their fields at detector, and (iii) an integrated reconstruction module that delivers holographic images within the same framework. Together, these advances establish a versatile tool for quantitative exploration of coherence, aperture geometry, and detector sampling, and for the design and interpretation of XMCD-FTH experiments at synchrotron beamlines.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Mechanism of Peptide Agonist Binding in CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor

Chemokine receptors are key G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that control cell migration in immune system responses, development of cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and numerous diseases. In particular, the CXCR4 chemokine receptor promotes metastasis, tumor growth and angiogenesis in cancers. CXCR4 is also used as one of the two co-receptors for T-tropic HIV-1 entry into host cells. Therefore, CXCR4 serves as an important therapeutic target for treating cancers and HIV infection. Apart from the CXCL12 endogenous peptide agonist, previous studies suggested that the first 17 amino acids of CXCL12 are sufficient to activate CXCR4. Two 17-residue peptides with positions 1–4 mutated to RSVM and ASLW functioned as super and partial agonists of CXCR4, respectively. However, the mechanism of peptide agonist binding in CXCR4 remains unclear. Here, we have investigated this mechanism through all-atom simulations using a novel Peptide Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (Pep-GaMD) method. The Pep-GaMD simulations have allowed us to explore representative binding conformations of each peptide and identify critical low-energy states of CXCR4 activated by the super versus partial peptide agonists. Our simulations have provided important mechanistic insights into peptide agonist binding in CXCR4, which are expected to facilitate rational design of new peptide modulators of CXCR4 and other chemokine receptors.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The design of an automated verification of redundant systems

Handbook describes design processes, presents design considerations and techniques, gives tutorial material on implementation and methodology, shows design aids, illustrates use of design aids and application samples, and identifies general practices to be adhered to or avoided.

Ford, F. A.↗

Optical effect of the contamination of infrared windows by the outgassing of materials in outer space

The composition and evaporation rate of the outgassing of a space vehicle thermal control paint as a function of temperature were studied. A contamination chamber was designed, constructed, and tested. Samples of thermal control paint were tested to determine if heating to moderate temperatures causes them to release outgassing products which can be collected on a cooled cesium iodide window for identification by IR analysis. Results showed that outgassing of surfaces other than the sample was a problem. Spectral bands of the deposits collected were compared.

Silberman, E.↗

Engineering studies of vectorcardiographs in blood pressure measuring systems, appendix 3

The following subjects were covered: (1) ASM80 manual, (2) signal preprocessing as an aid to on-line EKG analysis, and (3) high speed evaluation of magnetic tape recordings of electrocardiograms. A description of the ASM80 symbolic assembly program for the INTEL 8080 microprocessor and a user's manual were presented. The capability of three redundancy reduction algorithms to produce adequate representations of electrocardiographic data was examined. A hardware device was constructed which carried out zero order interpolation on a signal. Examination of the zero order interpolators reconstructed signal indicated that this representation was adequate for analysis of rhythm. A system to analyze magnetic tapes of electrocardiograms recorded over 24 hour intervals was designed. The recordings are sampled 200 times per second using a Nova computer and a special interface system. This system was tested on several recordings of clinical data, containing over 75 premature ventricular contractions, each one of which was flagged.

Mark, R. G.↗

Comparison of two methods of performing the Thellier experiment

Two methods for performing the Thellier experiment on paleointensity determinations are compared. The first method is essentially that of Coe (1967) and the second is a slight modification of it. Prepared samples containing different species of magnetic particles are used, and both methods are always performed on the same sample. The study is designed to accent procedural differences between the two methods. It is shown that only the Coe method yields linear PNRM-PTRM (Partial ThermoRemanent Magnetization) plots for single domain and pseudo-single domain particles, because it maintains the symmetry between high-temperature VRM (Viscous Remanent Magnetization) and spontaneous decay, whereas for the modified Coe method the spontaneous decay is enhanced. For multidomain remanence, even the Coe method yields a nonlinear concave-up PNRM-PTRM plot. Paleointensity determinations employing only the ratio NRM/TRM provide no means of evaluating the reliability of the results.

Levi, S.↗

Water sample-collection and distribution system

Collection and distribution system samples water from six designated stations, filtered if desired, and delivers it to various analytical sensors. System may be controlled by Water Monitoring Data Acquisition System or operated manually.

Brooks, R. R.↗