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At least 127 records · Page 7

Airborne Measurements in Support of the NASA Atmospheric Carbon and Transport - America (ACT-America) Mission

NASA announced the research opportunity Earth Venture Suborbital -2 (EVS-2) mission in support of the NASA's science strategic goals and objectives in 2013. Penn State University, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC), and other academic institutions, government agencies, and industrial companies together formulated and proposed the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport -America (ACT -America) suborbital mission, which was subsequently selected for implementation. The airborne measurements that are part of ACT-America will provide a unique set of remote and in-situ measurements of CO2 over North America at spatial and temporal scales not previously available to the science community and this will greatly enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle. ACT -America will consist of five airborne campaigns, covering all four seasons, to measure regional atmospheric carbon distributions and to evaluate the accuracy of atmospheric transport models used to assess carbon sinks and sources under fair and stormy weather conditions. This coordinated mission will measure atmospheric carbon in the three most important regions of the continental US carbon balance: Northeast, Midwest, and South. Data will be collected using 2 airborne platforms (NASA Wallops' C-130 and NASA Langley's B-200) with both in-situ and lidar instruments, along with instrumented ground towers and under flights of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2) satellite. This presentation provides an overview of the ACT-America instruments, with particular emphasis on the airborne CO2and backscatter lidars, and the, rationale, approach, and anticipated results from this mission.

Meadows, Byron↗

Cosmological Shocks Around Galaxy Clusters: A Coherent Investigation With DES, SPT & ACT

We search for signatures of cosmological shocks in gas pressure profiles of galaxy clusters using the cluster catalogues from three surveys: the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year 3, the South Pole Telescope (SPT) SZ survey, and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) data releases 4, 5, and 6, and using thermal Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ) maps from SPT and ACT. The combined cluster sample contains around 105 clusters with mass and redshift ranges 10 13.7 200m /M ⊙ <10 15.5 and 0.1 < z < 2, and the total sky coverage of the maps is ≈15000deg 2 ⁠. We find a clear pressure deficit at R/R 200m ≈ 1.1 in SZ profiles around both ACT and SPT clusters, estimated at 6σ significance, which is qualitatively consistent with a shock-induced thermal non-equilibrium between electrons and ions. The feature is not as clearly determined in profiles around DES clusters. We verify that measurements using SPT or ACT maps are consistent across all scales, including in the deficit feature. The SZ profiles of optically selected and SZ-selected clusters are also consistent for higher mass clusters. Those of less massive, optically selected clusters are suppressed on small scales by factors of 2–5 compared to predictions, and we discuss possible interpretations of this behaviour. An oriented stacking of clusters – where the orientation is inferred from the SZ image, the brightest cluster galaxy, or the surrounding large-scale structure measured using galaxy catalogues – shows the normalization of the one-halo and two-halo terms vary with orientation. Finally, the location of the pressure deficit feature is statistically consistent with existing estimates of the splashback radius.

galaxies↗

Testing of the Authenticatable Container Tracking System (ACTS)

The Authenticatable Container Tracking System (ACTS) is being designed to provide a secure container tag that can be used to optimize chain-of-custody monitoring for packaged nuclear materials as they are being stored, processed, and transported. ACTS is an active device that uses an almost-universal core platform that can be appropriately configured to provide the necessary data acquisition, data logging, and communications functions needed for 21st century material accountancy, monitoring, and tracking applications. The core design supports active monitoring of containment, movement, and location and provides secure data transmission via selectable communication methods that can be used throughout the world. This core architecture enables appropriately designed modules to be easily interfaced to the basic system, thus providing an integration path for current and new technologies. ACTS contains a built-in set of sensors but also supports an expansion bus for up to six additional communications, tracking, or sensing modules that may enhance monitoring and tracking of particular containers for specific applications. ACTS stores events in memory, communicates activity to Argonne National Laboratory’s ARG-US TransPort tracking and information server, and provides options for data encryption and authentication. We are currently beginning a testing phase that will field five devices outdoors in a controlled environment to allow evaluation of the functionality of the systems and the hardness of the devices to outdoor conditions. Partners for this system are Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and commercialization partner The Aquila Group.

Britton Jr, Chuck↗

Millimeter-wave Detections of Symbiotic Stars in SPT and ACT Data

We present the results of a joint targeted search of candidate symbiotic stars at millimeter wavelengths using the South Pole Telescope (SPT) and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT). Candidates are selected from the New Online Database of Symbiotic Variables, restricting to objects that are within either the SPT-3G or ACT~DR6 footprint, covering most of the southern hemisphere and up to a declination of $+20^\circ$. Forced photometry on the 828 candidate symbiotic star locations in SPT and ACT data results in 31 unique objects detected with more than a $3σ$ significance using two frequency bands: 18 confirmed and 13 suspected symbiotic stars. We provide the SPT and ACT 95/98, 150, and 220~GHz light curves, along with optical and infrared light curves from 2016--2026, as well as spectral energy distributions, physical parameters from the literature, and brief summaries regarding the nature of each individual object. Using Herschel SPIRE data from 2013, we place upper limits on millimeter flux for CN Cha near the beginning of the optical rise in its 2012/2013 nova, which suggests a strong variability and lag at millimeter wavelengths and results in a rare observance of a Galactic millimeter slow transient. In addition, we provide coadded thumbnails and light curves for the remaining 797 candidate symbiotic stars that did not pass our detection thresholds. Millimeter-wave emission from symbiotic stars is primarily a combination of free-free emission of the ionization region and optically thick blackbody emission of the cooler dust components of the system. When combined with contemporaneous multi-wavelength observations, millimeter-wave observations can be used to test binary models of symbiotic stars and provide insight on the geometry and physical properties of these systems.

Tandoi, C. [Illinois U., Urbana, Astron. Dept.] (O↗

Elementary Equivalence of Endomorphism Monoids of Almost Free S-Acts

In this paper, we study the connection between elementary equivalence of endomorphism monoids of almost free S-acts (acts that are unions of projective indecomposable cyclic S-acts) and equivalence (in first- or second-order logic) of original monoids.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Identification of trans-acting factors regulating SamDC expression in Oryza sativa

Highlights: • Identification of cis elements responsible for SamDC expression by in silico analysis. • qPCR analysis of SamDC expression to abiotic and biotic stress treatments. • Detection of SamDC regulators using identified cis-elements as probe by EMSA. • Southwestern Blot analysis to predict the size of the trans-acting factors. - Abstract: Abiotic stress affects the growth and productivity of crop plants; to cope with the adverse environmental conditions, plants have developed efficient defense machinery comprising of antioxidants like phenolics and flavonoids, and osmolytes like polyamines. SamDC is a key enzyme in the polyamine biosynthesis pathway in plants. In our present communication we have done in silico analysis of the promoter region of SamDC to look for the presence of different cis-regulatory elements contributing to its expression. Based on the presence of different cis-regulatory elements we completed comparative analysis of SamDC gene expression in rice lamina of IR-29 and Nonabokra by qPCR in response to the abiotic stress treatments of salinity, drought, cold and the biotic stress treatments of ABA and light. Additionally, to explore the role of the cis-regulatory elements in regulating the expression of SamDC gene in plants we comparatively analyzed the binding of rice nuclear proteins prepared from IR-29 and Nonabokra undergoing various stress treatments. The intensity of the complex formed was low and inducible in IR-29 in contrast to Nonabokra. Southwestern blot analysis helped in predicting the size of the trans-acting factors binding to these cis-elements. To our knowledge this is the first report on the comprehensive analysis of SamDC gene expression in rice and identification of the trans-acting factors regulating its expression.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Evidence that cytochrome b{sub 5} acts as a redox donor in CYP17A1 mediated androgen synthesis

Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is an important drug target for castration resistant prostate cancer. It is a bi-functional enzyme, catalyzing production of glucocorticoid precursors by hydroxylation of pregnene-nucleus, and androgen biosynthesis by a second C−C lyase step, at the expense of glucocorticoid production. Cytochrome b{sub 5} (cyt b{sub 5}) is known to be a key regulator of the androgen synthesis reaction in vivo, by a mechanism that is not well understood. Two hypotheses have been proposed for the mechanism by which cyt b{sub 5} increases androgen biosynthesis. Cyt b{sub 5} could act as an allosteric effector, binding to CYP17A1 and either changing its selective substrate affinity or altering the conformation of the P450 to increase the catalytic rate or decrease unproductive uncoupling channels. Alternatively, cyt b{sub 5} could act as a redox donor for supply of the second electron in the P450 cycle, reducing the oxyferrous complex to form the reactive peroxo-intermediate. To understand the mechanism of lyase enhancement by cyt b{sub 5}, we generated a redox-inactive form of cyt b{sub 5}, in which the heme is replaced with a Manganese-protoporphyrin IX (Mn-b{sub 5}), and investigated enhancement of androgen producing lyase reaction by CYP17A1. Given the critical significance of a stable membrane anchor for all of the proteins involved and the need for controlled stoichiometric ratios, we employed the Nanodisc system for this study. The redox inactive form was observed to have no effect on the lyase reaction, while reactions with the normal heme-iron containing cyt b{sub 5} were enhanced ∼5 fold as compared to reactions in the absence of cyt b{sub 5}. We also performed resonance Raman measurements on ferric CYP17A1 bound to Mn-b{sub 5}. Upon addition of Mn-b{sub 5} to Nanodisc reconstituted CYP17A1, we observed clear evidence for the formation of a b{sub 5}-CYP17A1 complex, as noted by changes in the porphyrin modes and alteration in the proximal Fe−S vibrational frequency. Thus, although Mn-b{sub 5} binds to CYP17A1, it is unable to enhance the lyase reaction, strongly suggesting that cyt b{sub 5} has a redox effector role in enhancement of the CYP17A1 mediated lyase reaction necessary for androgen synthesis. - Highlights: • Cyt b{sub 5} role in human CYP17A1 mediated androgen synthesis was probed in Nanodiscs. • Native cyt b{sub 5} enhances androgen synthesis by CYP17A1. • Redox inactive Mn cyt b{sub 5} does not enhance androgen synthesis by CYP17A1. • Interactions with Cyt b{sub 5} perturb Fe−S and heme Raman modes of CYP17A1. • Cyt b{sub 5} acts as a redox donor for CYP17A1 mediated androgen synthesis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

α2 Integrin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 act sequentially to induce differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into odontoblast-like cells

We previously reported that interleukin 1β acts via matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 to regulate cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis in α2 integrin-positive odontoblast-like cells differentiated from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here we characterize the signal cascade underpinning odontoblastic differentiation in mouse ES cells. The expression of α2 integrin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (Emmprin), and MMP-3 mRNA and protein were all potently increased during odontoblastic differentiation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) disruption of the expression of these effectors potently suppressed the expression of the odontoblastic biomarkers dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein-1 and alkaline phosphatase, and blocked odontoblast calcification. Our siRNA, western blot and blocking antibody analyses revealed a unique sequential cascade involving α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3 that drives ES cell differentiation into odontoblasts. This cascade requires the interaction between α2 integrin and Emmprin and is potentiated by exogenous MMP-3. Finally, although odontoblast-like cells potently express α2, α6, αV, β1, and β3, integrins, we confirmed that β1 integrin acts as the trigger for ES cell differentiation, apparently in complex with α2 integrin. These results demonstrate a unique and unanticipated role for an α2 integrin-, Emmprin-, and MMP-3-mediated signaling cascade in driving mouse ES cell differentiation into odontoblast-like cells. - Highlights: • Odontoblast differentiation requires activation of α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3. • α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3 form a sequential signaling cascade. • β1 integrin acts a specific trigger for odontoblast differentiation. • The role of these effectors is highly novel and unanticipated.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Cosmological constraints from the cross-correlation of DESI Luminous Red Galaxies with CMB lensing from Planck PR4 and ACT DR6

Here, we infer the growth of large scale structure over the redshift range 0.4 ≲ z ≲ 1 from the cross-correlation of spectroscopically calibrated Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs) selected from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) legacy imaging survey with CMB lensing maps reconstructed from the latest Planck and ACT data. We adopt a hybrid effective field theory (HEFT) model that robustly regulates the cosmological information obtainable from smaller scales, such that our cosmological constraints are reliably derived from the (predominantly) linear regime. We perform an extensive set of bandpower- and parameter-level systematics checks to ensure the robustness of our results and to characterize the uniformity of the LRG sample. We demonstrate that our results are stable to a wide range of modeling assumptions, finding excellent agreement with a linear theory analysis performed on a restricted range of scales. From a tomographic analysis of the four LRG photometric redshift bins we find that the rate of structure growth is consistent with ΛCDM with an overall amplitude that is ≃ 5-7% lower than predicted by primary CMB measurements with modest (∼ 2σ) statistical significance. From the combined analysis of all four bins and their cross-correlations with Planck we obtain S 8 = 0.765 ± 0.023, which is less discrepant with primary CMB measurements than previous DESI LRG cross Planck CMB lensing results. From the cross-correlation with ACT we obtain S 8 = 0.790 +0.024 -0.027 , while when jointly analyzing Planck and ACT we find S 8 = 0.775 +0.019 -0.022 from our data alone and σ 8 = 0.772 +0.020 -0.023 with the addition of BAO data. These constraints are consistent with the latest Planck primary CMB analyses at the ≃ 1.6-2.2σ level, and are in excellent agreement with galaxy lensing surveys.

cosmological parameters from LSS↗

Unified and Consistent Structure Growth Measurements from Joint ACT, SPT, and Planck CMB Lensing

We present the tightest cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing constraints to date on the growth of structure by combining CMB lensing measurements from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), the South Pole Telescope (SPT), and Planck. Each of these surveys individually provides lensing measurements with similarly high statistical power, achieving signal-to-noise ratios of approximately 40. The combined lensing band powers represent the most precise CMB lensing power spectrum measurement to date with a signal-to-noise ratio of 61 and an amplitude of A lens recon = 1.025 ± 0.017 with respect to the theory prediction from the best-fit CMB Planck-ACT cosmology. The band powers from all three lensing datasets, analyzed jointly, yield a 1.6% measurement of the parameter combination S 8 CMBL ≡ σ 8 ( Ω m / 0.3 ) 0.25 = 0.82 5 - 0.013 + 0.015 . Including dark energy spectroscopic instrument baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) data improves the constraint on the amplitude of matter fluctuations to σ 8 = 0.829 ± 0.009 (a 1.1% determination). When combining with uncalibrated supernovae from Pantheon+, we present a 4% sound-horizon-independent estimate of H 0 = 66.4 ± 2.5 km s - 1 Mpc - 1 . The joint lensing constraints on structure growth and present-day Hubble rate are fully consistent with a Λ CDM model fit to the primary CMB data from Planck and ACT. While the precise upper limit is sensitive to the choice of data and underlying model assumptions, when varying the neutrino mass sum within the Λ CDM cosmological model, the combination of primary CMB, BAO, and CMB lensing drives the probable upper limit for the mass sum towards lower values, comparable to the minimum mass prior required by neutrino oscillation experiments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

An overview of the draft for the amendment of 'nuclear materials and radioactive waste management act'

The 'Nuclear Materials and Radioactive Waste Management Act' (NMRWMA) in Taiwan has been in use since 2002. To promote further administrative efficiency and improve regulatory capacity, an amendment of the act has been initiated by the Atomic Energy Council (AEC). It is now being reviewed by outside experts and related communities so as to include the best understanding of risk management factors. For the future decommissioning challenges of nuclear facilities, the act is also being amended to comply with the regulatory requirements of the decommissioning mandates. Currently the Taiwan government is conducting government reorganization, and AEC will be reformed but will remain as an independent regulatory body. AEC will then be capable of improving the regulatory capacity for facilitating licensing and inspection, ensuring operational safety, environmental protection and public involvement, and giving a more flexible administrative discretion, such as expending the margin of penalty. The amendment is also required to provide a formal legal basis for the Nuclear Backend Fund, and to mandate the waste producers to take responsibility for any final debt repayment. In addition, this amendment promotes measures to prevent accidents or emergencies concerning radioactive materials and facilities and procedures to reduce the impact and effect of any unexpected events. Furthermore, this amendment intends to implement the concept of information transparency and public participation so as to meet the public needs. Finally, radioactive waste final disposal tasks have to be completed by waste producers under the supervision of the AEC. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

The Atmospheric Carbon and Transport (ACT)-America Mission

The Atmospheric Carbon and Transport (ACT)-America NASA Earth Venture Suborbital Mission set out to improve regional atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) inversions by exploring the intersection of the strong GHG fluxes and vigorous atmospheric transport that occurs within the midlatitudes. In this study, two research aircraft instrumented with remote and in situ sensors to measure GHG mole fractions, associated trace gases, and atmospheric state variables collected 1,140.7 flight hours of research data, distributed across 305 individual aircraft sorties, coordinated within 121 research flight days, and spanning five 6-week seasonal flight campaigns in the central and eastern United States. Flights sampled 31 synoptic sequences, including fair-weather and frontal conditions, at altitudes ranging from the atmospheric boundary layer to the upper free troposphere. The observations were complemented with global and regional GHG flux and transport model ensembles. We found that midlatitude weather systems contain large spatial gradients in GHG mole fractions, in patterns that were consistent as a function of season and altitude. We attribute these patterns to a combination of regional terrestrial fluxes and inflow from the continental boundaries. These observations, when segregated according to altitude and air mass, provide a variety of quantitative insights into the realism of regional CO 2 and CH 4 fluxes and atmospheric GHG transport realizations. The ACT-America dataset and ensemble modeling methods provide benchmarks for the development of atmospheric inversion systems. As global and regional atmospheric inversions incorporate ACT-America’s findings and methods, we anticipate these systems will produce increasingly accurate and precise subcontinental GHG flux estimates.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Final Scientific/Technical Report [Recovery Act: Districtwide Geothermal Heating Conversion]

The Recovery Act: Districtwide Geothermal Heating Conversion project performed by the Blaine County School District was part of a larger effort by the District to reduce operating costs, address deferred maintenance items, and to improve the learning environment of the students. This project evaluated three options for the ground source which were Open-Loop Extraction/Re-injection wells, Closed-Loop Vertical Boreholes, and Closed-Loop Horizontal Slinky approaches. In the end the Closed-Loop Horizontal Slinky approach had the lowest total cost of ownership but the majority of the sites associated with this project did not have enough available ground area to install the system so the second lowest option was used (Open-Loop). In addition to the ground source, this project looked at ways to retrofit existing HVAC systems with new high efficiency systems. The end result was the installation of distributed waterto- air heat pumps with water-to-water heat pumps installed to act as boilers/chillers for areas with a high ventilation demand such as they gymnasiums. A number of options were evaluated and the lowest total cost of ownership approach was implemented in the majority of the facilities. The facilities where the lowest total cost of ownership approaches was not selected were done to maintain consistency of the systems from facility to facility. This project had a number of other benefits to the Blaine County public. The project utilizes guaranteed energy savings to justify the levy funds expended. The project also developed an educational dashboard that can be used in the classrooms and to educate the community on the project and its performance. In addition, the majority of the installation work was performed by contractors local to Blaine County which acted as an economic stimulus to the area during a period of recession.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

An Accelerated Creep Testing (ACT) Program for Advanced Creep Resistant Alloys for High Temperature Fossil Energy (FE) Applications (Final Report)

The research objective of this study is to develop an accelerated creep testing (ACT) program for advanced creep resistant alloys for high temperature FE applications. This research produced a new ACT for metallic materials based on Time-Temperature-Stress Superposition (TTSSP). In TTSSP, there exists a fundamental relationship between creep resistance, time, temperature, and stress that can be manipulated to reduce test durations. In our study, the stepped isostress method was employed where step increases of load during creep testing accelerated the time-to-rupture. Well-posed constitutive models including sin-hyperbolic and Wilshire-Cano-Stewart where calibrated using the SSM data and employed to predict the conventional creep response of the material. In our best experiments, <100-hour tests on lnconel 718 at 750 deg C produced over a 64x acceleration of data when compared to conventional data from Japan's National Institute of Materials Science. The ACTs enable the rapid screening of candidate materials, where a small test matrix of short duration tests can be employed to determine the creep resistance (minimum-creep-strain-rate, stress-rupture, and creep deformation) of a material across decades.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC Site 300 Facility ID N-472 Toxics Emissions Inventory Plan for AB 2588 California Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Information and Assessment Act of 1987

The Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Information and Assessment Act (AB 2588 or the “Act”) was enacted in September 1987. Under the Act, stationary sources are required to report the types and quantities of certain toxic substances their facilities routinely release into the air. AB 2588 is designed to provide information to state and local agencies and to the general public on the extent of airborne emissions from stationary sources and the potential public health impacts of those emissions. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District) is mandated by the State to implement AB 2588.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analyzing the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Their Effects on Nuclear Cost Data

Decarbonizing to meet aggressive climate change mitigation targets requires energy transition within all sectors. In the industrial sector, emissions will need to decrease by 65–90% by 2050 to avert global warming greater than 1.5°C (IPCC 2022). The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and Defense Production Act (DPA) have clean energy requirements and provide financial incentives to accelerate the use of clean energy technologies in the industrial sector. It is important to note that IRA is the most extensive action ever taken by Congress and the U.S. government to combat climate change (US CBO 2021, 2022). The energy system provisions comprise most of the estimated climate and energy support. A better understanding of those provisions in the above mentioned acts and laws is crucial to assessing their impact on the equivalent energy costs to the power plant owners (impact on net revenue in $/MWh) across different energy technologies, market deployment potential offered to different energy technologies applications, and energy system research modeling. The purpose of the report is to shed light on IRA and BIL provisions with particular attention to impacts on the nuclear industry. The report also seeks to understand potential equivalent energy cost savings for nuclear energy technologies from other laws and programs in conjunction with IRA, BIL, loan program guarantees, and DPA. The report reviews recent legislation on energy policy and translates that policy to impacts on equivalent nuclear costs for the purpose of modeling policy in energy scenarios.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

New circumferential seal design concept using self-acting lift geometries

Seal operating temperatures, leakage (pressurizing gas flow), torque, and wear of a conventional circumferential shaft seal were measured and compared to those of a conventional seal modified to have self-acting lift geometries. Both seal types had a 2.625-in diameter bore and were operated at a sliding velocity of 150 ft/sec with differential pressures ranging from 0 to 100 psi. Results of this investigation show that the self-acting seal operated at lower bulk carbon temperatures with half the torque and approximately one-tenth the wear of the conventional seal. Seal leakage of the self-acting seal was of order of 0.04 scfm for pressures above 60 psi which is well within the accepted range for gas turbine engine applications.

Hady, W. F.↗