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At least 955 records · Page 53

An Integrated 0-1 Hour First-Flash Lightning Nowcasting, Lightning Amount and Lightning Jump Warning Capability

Lightning one of the most dangerous weather-related phenomena, especially as many jobs and activities occur outdoors, presenting risk from a lightning strike. Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning represents a considerable safety threat to people at airfields, marinas, and outdoor facilities-from airfield personnel, to people attending outdoor stadium events, on beaches and golf courses, to mariners, as well as emergency personnel. Holle et al. (2005) show that 90% of lightning deaths occurred outdoors, while 10% occurred indoors despite the perception of safety when inside buildings. Curran et al. (2000) found that nearly half of fatalities due to weather were related to convective weather in the 1992-1994 timeframe, with lightning causing a large component of the fatalities, in addition to tornadoes and flash flooding. Related to the aviation industry, CG lightning represents a considerable hazard to baggage-handlers, aircraft refuelers, food caterers, and emergency personnel, who all become exposed to the risk of being struck within short time periods while convective storm clouds develop. Airport safety protocols require that ramp operations be modified or discontinued when lightning is in the vicinity (typically 16 km), which becomes very costly and disruptive to flight operations. Therefore, much focus has been paid to nowcasting the first-time initiation and extent of lightning, both of CG and of any lightning (e.g, in-cloud, cloud-to-cloud). For this project three lightning nowcasting methodologies will be combined: (1) a GOESbased 0-1 hour lightning initiation (LI) product (Harris et al. 2010; Iskenderian et al. 2012), (2) a High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) lightning probability and forecasted lightning flash density product, such that a quantitative amount of lightning (QL) can be assigned to a location of expected LI, and (3) an algorithm that relates Pseudo-GLM data (Stano et al. 2012, 2014) to the so-called "lightning jump" (LJ) methodology (Shultz et al. 2011) to monitor lightning trends and to anticipate/forecast severe weather (hail > or =2.5 cm, winds > or =25 m/s, tornadoes). The result will be a time-continuous algorithm that uses GOES satellite, radar fields, and HRRR model fields to nowcast first-flash LI and QL, and subsequently monitors lightning trends on a perstorm basis within the LJ algorithm for possible severe weather occurrence out to > or =3 hours. The LI-QL-LJ product will also help prepare the operational forecast community for Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) data expected in late 2015, as these data are monitored for ongoing convective storms. The LI-QL-LJ product will first predict where new lightning is highly probable using GOES imagery of developing cumulus clouds, followed by n analysis of NWS (dual-polarization) radar indicators (reflectivity at the -10 C altitude) of lightning occurrence, to increase confidence that LI is immanent. Once lightning is observed, time-continuous lightning mapping array and Pseudo-GLM observations will be analyzed to assess trends and the severe weather threat as identified by trends in lightning (i.e. LJs). Additionally, 5- and 15-min GOES imagery will then be evaluated on a per-storm basis for overshooting and other cloud-top features known to be associated with severe storms. For the processing framework, the GOES-R 0-1 hour convective initiation algorithm's output will be developed within the Warning Decision Support System - Integrated Information (WDSS-II) tracking tool, and merged with radar and lightning (LMA/Psuedo-GLM) datasets for active storms. The initial focus of system development will be over North Alabama for select lightning-active days in summer 2014, yet will be formed in an expandable manner. The lightning alert tool will also be developed in concert with National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters to meet their needs for real-time, accurate first-flash LI and timing, as well as anticipated lightning trends, amounts, continuation and cessation, so to provide key situational awareness and decision support information. The NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center will provide important logistical and collaborative support and training, involving interactions with the NWS and broader user community.

Mecikalski, John↗

An Innovative Technique for Evaluating the Integrity and Durability of Wind Turbine Blade Composites

Wind turbine blades are subjected to complex multiaxial stress states during operation. A review of the literature suggests that mixed mode fracture toughness can be significantly less than that of the tensile opening mode (Mode I), implying that fracture failure can occur at a much lower load capacity if the structure is subject to mixed-mode loading. Thus, it will be necessary to identify the mechanisms that might lead to failure in blade materials under mixed-mode loading conditions. Meanwhile, wind turbine blades are typically fabricated from fiber reinforced polymeric materials, e.g. fiber glass composites. Due to the large degree of anisotropy in mechanical properties that is usually associated with laminates, the fracture behavior of these composite materials is likely to be strongly dependent on the loading conditions. This may further strengthen the need to study the effect of mixed-mode loading on the integrity and durability of the wind turbine blade composites. To quantify the fracture behavior of composite structures under mixed mode loading conditions, particularly under combined Mode I (flexural or normal tensile stress) and Mode III (torsional shear stress) loading, a new testing technique is proposed based on the spiral notch torsion test (SNTT). As a 2002 R&D 100 Award winner, SNTT is a novel fracture testing technology. SNTT has many advantages over conventional fracture toughness methods and has been used to determine fracture toughness values on a wide spectrum of materials. The current project is the first attempt to utilize SNTT on polymeric and polymer-based composite materials. It is expected that mixed-mode failure mechanisms of wind turbine blades induced by typical in-service loading conditions, such as delamination, matrix cracking, fiber pull-out and fracture, can be effectively and economically investigated by using this methodology. This project consists of two phases. The Phase I (FY2010) effort includes (1) preparation of testing material and testing equipment set-up, including calibration of associated instruments/sensors, (2) development of design protocols for the proposed SNTT samples for both polymer and composite materials, such as sample geometries and fabrication techniques, (3) manufacture of SNTT samples, and (4) fracture toughness testing using the SNTT method. The major milestone achieved in Phase I is the understanding of fracture behaviors of polymeric matrix materials from testing numerous epoxy SNTT samples. Totals of 30 epoxy SNTT samples were fabricated from two types of epoxy materials provided by our industrial partners Gougeon Brothers, Inc. and Molded Fiber Glass Companies. These samples were tested with SNTT in three groups: (1) fracture due to monotonic loading, (2) fracture due to fatigue cyclic loading, and (3) monotonic loading applied to fatigue-precracked samples. Brittle fractures were observed on all tested samples, implying linear elastic fracture mechanics analysis can be effectively used to estimate the fracture toughness of these materials with confidence. Appropriate fatigue precracking protocols were established to achieve controllable crack growth using the SNTT approach under pure torsion loading. These fatigue protocols provide the significant insights of the mechanical behavior of epoxy polymeric materials and their associated rate-dependent characteristics. Effects of mixed-mode loading on the fracture behavior of epoxy materials was studied. It was found that all epoxy samples failed in brittle tensile failure mode; the fracture surfaces always follow a 45o spiral plane that corresponded to Mode I tensile failure, even when the initial pitch angle of the machined spiral grooves was not at 45o. In addition, general observation from the fatigue experiments implied that loading rate played an important role determining the fracture behavior of epoxy materials, such that a higher loading rate resulted in a shorter fatigue life. A detailed study of loading rate effect will be continued in the Phase II. On the other hand, analytical finite element analysis for fracture toughness evaluation is also an integral part of our research program. In the report period this analysis was also initiated. Preliminary progress has been achieved in building geometric models and designs with appropriate meshing protocols for epoxy polymeric samples. Based on the experience learned from the Phase I study, in FY2011 we will carry Phase II efforts to continue the finite element analysis to simulate the fracture process of both epoxy and composite materials. Experimental investigation will be focused on blade composite materials. The proposed SNTT composite samples are currently being jointly developed by ORNL team and Prof. John Mandell s group at Montana State University.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Effect of Anode Porosity and Temperature on the Performance and Lithium Plating During Fast-Charging of Lithium-Ion Cells

Twenty-four single-layer approximate to 32 mAh pouch cells are tested to determine the effect of electrode porosity on lithium plating. Twelve cells contain a graphite electrode that is 26% porous, and 47% for the other twelve. The cells are cycled using a 6-C charge and a C/2 discharge protocol at temperatures in the range of 20-50 degrees C. A macro-homogeneous electrochemical model and microstructure analysis tool set are used to help interpret experimental observations for the effect of anode porosity and ambient temperature on fast-charging performance. Additionally, comparison between the two also highlights gaps in current theoretical understanding that need to be addressed. In post-test examination, lithium plating is seen in all cells, regardless of porosity. Elevated temperature is shown to reduce the amount of lithium plating and improve initial fast-charge capacity, but also changes the rate of other, less well-understood degradation mechanisms. Apparent kinetic rate laws, At + Bt 1/2 , where A and B are constants, can be fit to most of the capacity loss and resistance increase data. The relative magnitudes of A and B change with temperature and porosity. The capacity loss data at 50 degrees C from the high-porosity cells are fit by a logistics rate law.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and involved in cell proliferation and invasion

Previous studies have shown that leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is expressed on most types of hamatopoietic cells and negatively regulate immune response, but the roles of LAIR-1 in tumor of the non-hematopoietic lineage have not been determined. Despite advances in therapy of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), many questions relating to EOC pathogenesis remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of LAIR-1 expression in EOC and explore the possible association between LAIR-1 and cancer. In this study, a tissue microarray containing 78 ovarian cancer cases was stained following a standard immunohistochemical protocol for LAIR-1 and the correlation of LAIR-1 expression with clinicopathologic features was assessed. LAIR-1 was detected to express in tumor cells of ovarian cancer tissues (73.1%) and EOC cell lines COC1 and HO8910, not in normal ovarian tissues. In addition, LAIR-1 expression correlates significantly with tumor grade (p = 0.004). Furthermore, down-regulation of LAIR-1 in HO8910 cells increased cell proliferation, colony formation and cell invasion. These data suggest that LAIR-1 has a relevant impact on EOC progression and may be helpful for a better understanding of molecular pathogenesis of cancer. - Highlights: • LAIR-1 is expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. • LAIR-1 expression correlates significantly with tumor grade. • Down-regulation of LAIR-1 expression increased cell proliferation and invasion. • LAIR-1 may be a novel candidate for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Identifiability and characterization of transmon qutrits through Bayesian experimental design

Robust control of a quantum system is essential to utilize the current noisy quantum hardware to its full potential, such as quantum algorithms. To achieve such a goal, a systematic search for an optimal control for any given experiment is essential. The design of optimal control pulses requires accurate numerical models and, therefore, accurate characterization of the system parameters. We present an online Bayesian approach for quantum characterization of qutrit systems, which automatically and systematically identifies optimal experiments that provide maximum information on the system parameters, thereby greatly reducing the number of experiments that need to be performed on the quantum testbed. Unlike most characterization protocols that provide point-estimates of the parameters, the proposed approach is able to estimate their probability distribution. The applicability of the Bayesian experimental design technique was demonstrated on test problems, where each experiment was defined by a parameterized control pulse. In addition to this, we also present an approach for iterative pulse extension, which is robust under uncertainties in transition frequencies and coherence times, and shot noise, despite being initialized with wide uninformative priors. Furthermore, we provide a mathematical proof of the theoretical identifiability of the model parameters and present conditions on the quantum state under which the parameters are identifiable. The proof and conditions for identifiability are presented for both closed and open quantum systems using the Schrödinger equation and the Lindblad master equation, respectively.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Chemosensory proteins used as target for screening behaviourally active compounds in the rice pest Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract Reverse chemical ecology based on insect functional odorant binding proteins has been extensively studied to screen behaviourally active compounds, whereas chemosensory proteins (CSPs), which are reportedly involved in olfactory chemical reception and could serve as molecular targets remain unclear. In the present study, two behaviourally active compounds for Cnaphalocrocis medinalis , a serious pest of rice in Asia, were successfully screened via an antenna‐biased CSP, CmedCSP33. Fluorescence competitive binding assays showed that CmedCSP33 could bind to seven out of 32 rice volatiles. Fluorescence quenching experiments revealed that CmedCSP33 forms a stable complex with nerolidol and β‐ionone, and circular dichroism (CD) spectra demonstrated that these two compounds cause conformational changes in CmedCSP33. Furthermore, H‐tube olfactometer bioassays showed that C. medinalis displayed prominent attractant responses to nerolidol and prominent repellent responses to β‐ionone. Additionally, binding assays and CD spectra at different pH values implied that extensive conformational changes may be a general feature of CSPs for triggering the subsequent chemical transduction. Overall, our findings provide evidence for the involvement of CSPs in olfactory perception, and a protocol for effectively screening behaviourally active compounds.

Duan, S. ‐G.↗

TH-AB-207A-11: Anatomical and Functional Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease Using Low-Dose Whole-Organ Dynamic Computed Tomography

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of a low-dose, first-pass-analysis (FPA) dynamic computed tomography angiography and perfusion (CTAP) technique, for whole-organ anatomical and functional assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: An angioplasty balloon was advanced into the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery of five swine (35–45 kg) to induce several levels of stenosis at maximal hyperemia (intracoronary adenosine, 240 µg/min). Reference fluorescence microspheres and intravenous contrast (370 mg/mL iodine, 25 mL, 7 mL/s) were injected centrally and dynamic imaging was performed using a 320-slice CT scanner at 100 kVp and 200 mA. Twenty volume scans were acquired per stenosis level to capture complete aortic and myocardial enhancement curves, but only two volume scans were used for whole-organ dynamic FPA CTAP measurement. All CTAP measurements in the LAD were compared to the reference microsphere perfusion measurements using linear regression, concordance correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The result of dynamic FPA CTAP measurement in the LAD was in good agreement with the reference microsphere perfusion measurement (P-CTAP = 1.01 P-MICRO + 0.16, R{sup 2} = 0.95). The root mean square error (RMSE) and difference (RMSD) of measurement were 0.51 mL/min/g and 0.47 mL/min/g, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated negligible systematic measurement bias. Additionally, the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was found to be ρ = 0.97, indicating excellent agreement between dynamic FPA CTAP measurement and the reference microsphere perfusion measurement. Lastly, the effective dose of the proposed technique using the “simulated” two-volume scan CTAP acquisition protocol was 2.6 mSv; much lower than the ∼10 mSv effective dose of current dynamic CTP techniques alone. Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for significant improvements in CAD assessment through low-dose, quantitative dynamic FPA CTAP. Such improvements are afforded through whole-organ CT scanning technology, and have the potential to improve patient outcomes and lead to healthier patient lives. Conflict of Interest (only if applicable): Grant funding from Toshiba America Medical Systems.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Leaf gas exchange, spectral reflectance and leaf composition, BIONTE, Brazil, 2022

Leaf traits measured at the top of the canopy on 10 species at the BIONTE experimental plot T1B4SB3, near Manaus, Brazil, in August and September, 2022. The aim of this study was to test the relationship between leaf water use efficiency and wood density. Ten tree species located in close proximity of each other (within 50 meters) were selected and classified by wood density (low or high). Sampling was carried out on top-of-canopy leaves accessed by an articulated boom lift. Survey gas exchange measurement were performed on attached leaves at various times during the day. Following gas exchange, the leaf was harvested, and measured for spectral reflectance, leaf water content, leaf mass per area and leaf carbon content and leaf nitrogen content. Additional leaves other than those used for gas exchange were also harvested from different branches on the same tree for spectral reflectance and leaf trait measurements. Data in this data package is presented in csv files, with metadata in csv and descriptive experimental protocols as pdf. Gas exchange data and metadata meets the requirements of the ESS-DIVE reporting format for leaf gas exchange data and metadata.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Nanotechnology Standardization Activities – Support of U.S. Representation on ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnologies

In carrying out its responsibilities on behalf of the United States, ANSI provides comprehensive, administrative support and expertise on international protocols and procedures to: (1) the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 229 Nanotechnologies, and (2) the corresponding U.S. TAG Working Groups tasked with formulating U.S. positions on topics relevant to nanotechnology standardization. Additionally, secretariat and procedural support is provided for the ISO/TC 229 WG 3 on health, safety and environment, for which the United States was assigned leadership by the participating national body members of ISO/TC 229. As the official entity that serves as the U.S. representative to ISO, ANSI provides not only expert coordination of U.S. positions and representation at ISO but also strategic direction, advice and procedural expertise to facilitate navigation of international issues to promote U.S. positions for incorporation into the ISO/TC 229 program of work necessary to support U.S. objectives.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Zero-Emission Bus Evaluation Results: County Connection Battery Electric Buses

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) supports the research, development, and demonstration of low- and zero-emission technology for transit buses. FTA funds research projects with a goal of facilitating commercialization of advanced technologies for transit buses that will increase efficiency and improve transit operations. DOT's Research, Development, and Technology Office (OST-R) also has an interest in zero-emission bus (ZEB) technology deployment and commercialization. OST-R is coordinating and collaborating with FTA on the evaluation process and results by providing funding to cover additional evaluations. FTA and OST-R are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct in-service evaluations of advanced technology buses developed under its programs. NREL uses a standard evaluation protocol for evaluating the advanced technologies deployed under the FTA programs. FTA seeks to provide results from new technologies being adopted by transit agencies. The eight evaluations selected to date include battery electric buses (BEBs) and fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) from different manufacturers operating in fleets located in both cold and hot climates. The purpose of this report is to present the results from Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) deployment of four BEBs in Concord, California. NREL's evaluation of the BEBs at County Connection was funded by OST-R.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Improved Moisture Management Technology for Eco-N-Control Fertilizer

Three fertilizer technologies to manage nitrogen (N) release rates in soil dominate the market today: 1) bulk controlled-release technologies, which use the intrinsic solubility properties of a N-organic co-polymer to control N release; 2) barrier-based controlled-release technologies, which use porous polymer or sulfur coatings as a physical barrier to control N release from encapsulated N nutrients; and 3) slow-release technologies, which use enzyme inhibitors to chemically slow down the transformation of N nutrients into ammonia (NH 3 ) or to temporarily reduce populations of bacteria in the soil that are responsible for converting ammonium (NH 4 + ) to highly soluble nitrates. These technologies are expensive and provide only limited control of N-release rates. Also, from another environmental perspective, synthetic polymer coatings do not decompose easily and will accumulate over time with continuous application of fertilizer. For most of the past two decades we have been developing the Eco-N-Control solid-nitride fertilizer technology, a type of bulk controlled-release technology. With Eco-N-Control, solid-nitride compounds weather like a mineral, slowly releasing N at a rate determined by their composition. Testing by an industrial collaborator, however, showed that earlier versions of Eco-N-Control released at 25% of the desired rate when deployed in unsaturated soils. The overall goal of the current project, therefore, was to strengthen our IP position and the potential for licensing of Eco-N-Control solid-nitride fertilizer technology by developing new ways to manage the level of moisture in contact with the fertilizer when applied to soil thereby ensuring the desired N-release rate. We achieved this goal by developing a biodegradable polymer cross-linking approach that substantially improved performance of our patented solid-nitride fertilizer. We found that cross-linking an environmentally friendly and biodegradable polymer with a mixture of solid nitrides, other N-nutrient compounds and other additives offers several advantages: 1) mechanical robustness of fertilizer beads, 2) chemical stability during storage, 3) maintenance of sufficient water content in the vicinity of the nitride, and 4) control of N-release rates. We also updated our N-release testing protocol to more realistically simulate the conditions found in soil. Finally, we filed an invention disclosure record to protect these new aspects of Eco-N-Control technology, which offers a potential way to lower both agricultural and industrial pollution by providing an efficient N-delivery mechanism to plants.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Machine Tool Data Analytics for Digital Twin and Machine Predictive Maintenance

The primary objective of this project is to improve machining process performance using in-process machining data from the machine tool controller and external sensors. Advances in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) enable monitoring of machines using controller data. Examples of the data provided by a controller include execution status of the controller, part count, block of code being executed, door status, tool position, the spindle and axis load, etc. MTConnect and OPC-UA are the two common protocols for capturing machine information. In this collaboration, methods for retrieving the machine controller data from selected machine tool controls and making these data accessible in different subsystems (such as digital twins and machine maintenance portals, etc.) will be developed and tested. In addition, analytics to improve machining process performance (by increasing productivity and reducing downtime) will be developed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Argumentation for coordinating shared activities

an increasing need for space missions to be able to collaboratively (and competitively) develop plans both within and across missions. In addition, interacting spacecraft that interleave onboard planning and execution must reach consensus on their commitments to each other prior to execution. In domains where missions have varying degrees of interaction and different constraints on communication and computation, the missions will require different coordination protocols in order to efficiently reach consensus with in their imposed deadlines. We describe a Shared Activity Coordination (SHAC) framework that provides a decentralized algorithm for negotiating the scheduling of shared activities over the lifetimes of multiple agents and a foundation for customizing protocols for negotiating planner interactions. We investigate variations of a few simple protocols based on argumentation and distributed constraints satisfaction techniques and evaluate their abilities to reach consistent solutions according to computation, time, and communication costs in an abstract domain where spacecraft propose joint measurements.

Mars↗

Architecting Communication Network of Networks for Space System of Systems

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are planning Space System of Systems (SoS) to address the new challenges of space exploration, defense, communications, navigation, Earth observation, and science. In addition, these complex systems must provide interoperability, enhanced reliability, common interfaces, dynamic operations, and autonomy in system management. Both NASA and the DoD have chosen to meet the new demands with high data rate communication systems and space Internet technologies that bring Internet Protocols (IP), routers, servers, software, and interfaces to space networks to enable as much autonomous operation of those networks as possible. These technologies reduce the cost of operations and, with higher bandwidths, support the expected voice, video, and data needed to coordinate activities at each stage of an exploration mission. In this paper, we discuss, in a generic fashion, how the architectural approaches and processes are being developed and used for defining a hypothetical communication and navigation networks infrastructure to support lunar exploration. Examples are given of the products generated by the architecture development process.

Bhasin, Kul B.↗

Strain - The Heart of the Matter

Objective: Identify how much exercise is needed to maintain pre-bedrest / pre-spaceflight strength, minimize any flight complications and reduce time required to reacclimate to Earth's gravity. Subjects volunteered to participate in a 70 day 6deg head down tilt (HDT) study at UTMB hospital in Galveston. HDT are used to study microgravity for several reasons: 1. Allows subjects to experience atrophy of lower extremities from disuse. 2. Allows scientist to study the fluid shifts and the subject's cardiovascular and physiological effects. 3. Allows several studies to be measured and conducted simultaneously in a safe and monitored environment. Throughout those 10 weeks, subjects were either in an exercise or control group. Never before has cardiac strain been monitored at set time points throughout spaceflight or bed rest study. Once we clearly understand this technique, protocols can be formulated for astronauts to use on the ISS as both a diagnostic and monitoring tool. Echoes could have the possibility to predict & monitor heart health, cardiac strength, endurance, and overall rate of muscle degradation. Also, echoes can act as an additional factor in determining exercise prescriptions and effectiveness.

Gapinski, Wendy R.↗

Medical System Concept of Operations for Mars Exploration Mission-11: Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element - Human Research Program

NASA’s exploration missions to Mars will have durations of 2-3 years and will take humans farther away from Earth than ever before. This will result in a paradigm shift for mission planning, spacecraft design, human systems integration, and in-flight medical care. Constraints on real-time communication, resupply, and medical evacuation are major architectural drivers. These constraints require medical system development to be tightly integrated with mission and vehicle design to provide crew autonomy and enable mission success. This concept of operations provides a common vision of medical care for developing a medical system for Mars exploration missions. It documents an overview of the stakeholder needs and goals of a medical system and provides examples of the types of activities the system will be used for during the mission. Development of the concept of operations considers mission variables such as distance from Earth, duration of mission, time to definitive medical care, communication protocols between crewmembers and ground support, personnel capabilities and skill sets, medical hardware and software, and medical data management. The information provided in this document informs the ExMC Systems Engineering effort to define the functions to be provided by the medical system. In addition, this concept of operations will inform the subsequent systems engineering process of developing technical requirements, system architectures, interfaces, and verification and validation approaches for the medical system. This document supports the closure of ExMC Gap Med01: We do not have a concept of operations for medical care during exploration missions, corresponding to the ExMC-managed human system risk: Risk of Adverse Health Outcomes & Decrements in Performance due to Inflight Medical Conditions. This document is applicable to the ExMC Element Systems Engineering process and may be used for collaboration within the Human Research Program.

Urbina, Michelle↗

Operating and Maintaining the JWST Cleanroom attached to JSC's Chamber A during preparations for the OTIS Cryogenic Thermal Vacuum Test

In order to maintain cleanliness during preparations for JWST’s OTIS (Optical Telescope Element-Integrated Science Instrument Module) Cryogenic Thermal Vacuum Test, a cleanroom was built that attached directly to the 60-year-old Chamber A. The cleanroom and chamber were outfitted with independent environmental control systems each providing ISO Class 71 air cleanliness. To maintain balanced, positive pressure in both the cleanroom and chamber volumes, a special control protocol was developed and successfully implemented. Dual back-up environmental control units (one each for the chamber and cleanroom) were installed just outside the building to provide environmental control redundancy due to a single source chilled water supply and weather threats. In addition, lack of a dedicated cleanroom airlock facilitating clean ingress and egress made it necessary to perform additional cleaning and packaging, as well as augment the uncontrolled truck lock space with small clean tents for pre-cleaning. Special procedures were developed to allow ingress of extra-large support equipment required for load testing of the cleanroom crane, installation of optical equipment in Chamber A and accommodation of the OTIS shipping container. A thorough bake-out and cleaning of Chamber A was also necessary to reduce volatiles from the shroud’s black thermal paint and to reduce particle fallout. Acrylic adhesive fracture discovered during early cryo-testing represented a significant challenge that was successfully mitigated prior to OTIS testing. A dedicated team of Contamination Control (CC) Technicians was specifically trained to clean support equipment and screen materials entering the cleanroom and chamber to ensure cleanliness and vacuum compatibility.

Optics↗

Operating and Maintaining the JWST Cleanroom attached to JSC's Chamber A during preparations for the OTIS Cryogenic Thermal Vacuum Test

In order to maintain cleanliness during preparations for JWST’s OTIS (Optical Telescope Element-Integrated Science Instrument Module) Cryogenic Thermal Vacuum Test, a cleanroom was built that attached directly to the 60-year-old Chamber A. The cleanroom and chamber were outfitted with independent environmental control systems each providing ISO Class 71 air cleanliness. To maintain balanced, positive pressure in both the cleanroom and chamber volumes, a special control protocol was developed and successfully implemented. Dual back-up environmental control units (one each for the chamber and cleanroom) were installed just outside the building to provide environmental control redundancy due to a single source chilled water supply and weather threats. In addition, lack of a dedicated cleanroom airlock facilitating clean ingress and egress made it necessary to perform additional cleaning and packaging, as well as augment the uncontrolled truck lock space with small clean tents for pre-cleaning. Special procedures were developed to allow ingress of extra-large support equipment required for load testing of the cleanroom crane, installation of optical equipment in Chamber A and accommodation of the OTIS shipping container. A thorough bake-out and cleaning of Chamber A was also necessary to reduce volatiles from the shroud’s black thermal paint and to reduce particle fallout. Acrylic adhesive fracture discovered during early cryo-testing represented a significant challenge that was successfully mitigated prior to OTIS testing. A dedicated team of Contamination Control (CC) Technicians was specifically trained to clean support equipment and screen materials entering the cleanroom and chamber to ensure cleanliness and vacuum compatibility.

James Webb Space Telescope↗