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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 127 records · Page 7

Beyond the Surface: Non-Invasive Low-Field NMR Analysis of Microbially-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in Shale Fractures

Microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a biological process in which microbially-produced urease enzymes convert urea and calcium into solid calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) deposits. MICP has been demonstrated to reduce permeability in shale fractures under elevated pressures, raising the possibility of applying this technology to enhance shale reservoir storage safety. For this and other applications to become a reality, non-invasive tools are needed to determine how effectively MICP seals shale fractures at subsurface temperatures. In this study, two different MICP strategies were tested on 2.54 cm diameter and 5.08 cm long shale cores with a single fracture at 60 °C. Flow-through, pulsed-flow MICP-treatment was repeatedly applied to Marcellus shale fractures with and without sand (“proppant”) until reaching approximately four orders of magnitude reduction in apparent permeability, while a single application of polymer-based “immersion” MICP-treatment was applied to an Eagle Ford shale fracture with proppant. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and X-Ray computed microtomography (micro-CT) techniques were used to assess the degree of biomineralization. With the flow-through approach, these tools revealed that while CaCO 3 precipitation occurred throughout the fracture, there was preferential precipitation around proppant. Without proppant, the same approach led to premature sealing at the inlet side of the core. In contrast, immersion MICP-treatment sealed off the fracture edges and showed less mineral precipitation overall. This study highlights the use of LF-NMR relaxometry in characterizing fracture sealing and can help guide NMR logging tools in subsurface remediation efforts.

MICP↗

Rapid recovery of invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations following density reduction

Abstract Trapping is an effective strategy for control of invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa), but eradication of populations via trapping alone typically is impractical throughout much of the species’ introduced range. Consequently, recovery of wild pig populations to pre-trapping levels following control is a major impediment to success of long-term control. In this study, we conducted camera-trap surveys to monitor recovery of two wild pig populations immediately following density reductions achieved via trapping on two sites on the Savannah River Site, SC. We used spatial capture-recapture models to estimate wild pig density during seven 3 week periods spanning 12 months to: (1) determine the time required for populations to recover to pre-trapping levels; and (2) evaluate trends in population growth, density, and distribution during recovery. Recovery of both wild pig populations started immediately after trapping ceased, with populations reaching pre-trapping levels in 3 and 5 months. Threeweek population growth rates for each wild pig population during recovery averaged 1.28 (range = 1.11–1.39 on site 1) and 1.24 (range = 0.64–1.92 on site 2), which corresponded to a 345% and 132% increase in abundance (an increase of 141 and 126 individual wild pigs on site 1 and 2, respectively) of each population by the last survey period. Rapid recovery and growth beyond pre-trapping levels of wild pig populations likely were driven by residual wild pigs not removed by trapping and compensatory reproduction and immigration. Our study is one of the first to provide information on how quickly wild pig populations can recover following overall density reductions of 54–68% and indicates practitioners should be prepared to reinitiate trapping efforts in as little as 3 months to prevent recovery of wild pig populations following control.

Biodiversity & Conservation↗

Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria for Radiation Treatment of Node-Negative Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Definitive radiation therapy (RT), with or without concurrent chemotherapy, is an alternative to radical cystectomy for patients with localized, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are either not surgical candidates or prefer organ preservation. We aim to synthesize an evidence-based guideline regarding the appropriate use of RT.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Ultrasound-Mediated Gemcitabine Delivery Reduces the Normal-Tissue Toxicity of Chemoradiation Therapy in a Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Model

Chemoradiation therapy is the standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Although agents such as gemcitabine can enhance tumor radiosensitivity, their side effects can limit patient eligibility and treatment efficacy. This study investigates ultrasound and microbubbles for targeting gemcitabine delivery to reduce normal-tissue toxicity in a murine orthotopic MIBC model.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Prognostic Importance of MRI-Detected Extramural Venous Invasion in Rectal Cancer: A Literature Review and Systematic Meta-Analysis

Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is recognized as a poor prognostic factor in rectal cancer. There are well-documented limitations associated with pathology detection of EMVI, including variable reporting and the inability to use it preoperatively to guide neoadjuvant treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected EMVI (mrEMVI) has been proposed as an imaging biomarker. This review assesses the prognostic significance of mrEMVI on survival outcomes and whether regression of mrEMVI after neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improvements in survival.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Molecular homing and retention of muscle membrane stabilizing copolymers by non-invasive optical imaging in vivo

First-in-class membrane stabilizer Poloxamer 188 (P188) has been shown to confer membrane protection in an extensive range of clinical conditions; however, elements of the systemic distribution and localization of P188 at the organ, tissue, and muscle fiber levels in vivo have not yet been elucidated. Here we used non-invasive fluorescence imaging to directly visualize and track the distribution and localization of P188 in vivo. The results demonstrated that the Alx647 probe did not alter the fundamental properties of P188 to protect biological membranes. Distribution kinetics in mdx mice demonstrated that Alx647 did not interface with muscle membranes and had fast clearance kinetics. In contrast, the distribution kinetics for P188-Alx647 was significantly slower, indicating a dramatic depot and retention effect of P188. Results further demonstrated the significant retention of P188-Alx647 in the skeletal muscle of mdx mice, showing a significant genotype effect with a higher fluorescence signal in the mdx muscles over BL10 mice. High-resolution optical imaging provided direct evidence of P188 surrounding the sarcolemma of skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. Taken together, these findings provide direct evidence of muscle-disease-dependent molecular homing and retention of synthetic copolymers in striated muscles thereby facilitating advanced studies of copolymer-membrane association in health and disease.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Exploring the Use of Non‐Invasive Drone‐Based Ground‐Penetrating Radar (GPR) to Characterize Biogenic Gas Dynamics in Subtropical Peat Soils

Peat soils are a critical component of the global carbon cycle as natural producers of biogenic greenhouse gases (e.g., methane and carbon dioxide) that accumulate within the soil and are released to the atmosphere. Previous studies have showed the ability of ground-based minimally-invasive geophysical methods such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to characterize carbon dynamics in peat soils. However, ground-based GPR is limited by scale of measurement and soil disturbance potentially altering gas releases during deployment. Here, we explore the potential of drone-based GPR for identification of hot spots and hot moments of gas accumulation and release in subtropical soils. Here, we collected drone-based GPR data sets across two grids (∼17,500 m 2 ) in the Everglades during January (dry season), September, and November (wet season) of 2023 to characterize peat thickness and seasonal variability of gas content. Results show that drone-based GPR is effective and efficient for: (a) capturing the temporal variation of in situ biogenic gas content in peat soils with changes between 1% and 25 % volumetric gas content over repeatable grids; (b) inferring a total peat thickness between 0.8 and 1.2 m; and (c) estimating flux releases of 63 and 135 mg CH 4 m −2 day −1 for specific locations and periods that are strikingly consistent with our coincident gas trap measurements. This work also indicates that (a) spatial distribution of gas content in the Everglades is strongly controlled by landscape morphology such as ridges and sloughs and (b) the temporal variation of gas content is seasonal with increased gas production during the wet season.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Non-invasive measurement of leaf water content and pressure–volume curves using terahertz radiation

In this paper we describe a non-invasive method of measuring leaf water content using THz radiation and combine this with psychrometry for determination of leaf pressure–volume relationships. In contrast to prior investigations using THz radiation to measure plant water status, the reported method exploits the differential absorption characteristic of THz radiation at multiple frequencies within plant leaves to determine absolute water content in real-time. By combining the THz system with a psychrometer, pressure–volume curves were generated in a completely automated fashion for the determination of leaf tissue water relations parameters including water potential at turgor loss, osmotic potential at full turgor and the relative water content at the turgor loss point. This novel methodology provides for repeated, non-destructive measurement of leaf water content and greatly increased efficiency in generation of leaf PV curves by reducing user handling time.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Non-invasive authentication of mail packages using nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy

The international postal network is one of the most widely used methods for correspondence throughout the world. Most postal traffic across the globe consists of legitimate interpersonal, business-consumer, and business-business communications. However, the global postal system is also utilized for criminal activity. In particular, it is often utilized to ship and distribute contraband, including illegal psychoactive drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, to consumers. Existing technological solutions are capable of identifying synthetic opioids and other illegal drugs within packages, but are accompanied by several disadvantages that make them unsuitable for large-scale authentication of international mail traffic. This paper presents a novel method for non-invasive authentication of mail packages that overcomes these challenges. The approach uses nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify the presence of known active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within the package. It has been experimentally demonstrated using a bench top prototype. Test results from a variety of package types demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed authentication approach.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Constrained Invasion Percolation Model: Growth via Leath Bursts and the Origin of Seismic b-Value

Here, we analyze a new model for growing networks, the constrained Leath invasion percolation model. Cluster dynamics are characterized by bursts in space and time. The model quantitatively reproduces the observed frequency-magnitude scaling of earthquakes in the limit that the occupation probability approaches the critical bond percolation probability in $\textit{d}$ = 2 . The model may have application to other systems characterized by burst dynamics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Residence time determines invasiveness and performance of garlic mustard ( Alliaria petiolata ) in North America

Abstract While biological invasions have the potential for large negative impacts on local communities and ecological interactions, increasing evidence suggests that species once considered major problems can decline over time. Declines often appear driven by natural enemies, diseases or evolutionary adaptations that selectively reduce populations of naturalised species and their impacts. Using permanent long‐term monitoring locations, we document declines of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) in eastern North America with distinct local and regional dynamics as a function of patch residence time. Projected site‐specific population growth rates initially indicated expanding populations, but projected population growth rates significantly decreased over time and at the majority of sites fell below 1, indicating declining populations. Negative soil feedback provides a potential mechanism for the reported disappearance of ecological dominance of A. petiolata in eastern North America.

Blossey, Bernd↗

Global population structures and demographic history of Suillus luteus, a pine co‐introduced ectomycorrhizal fungus associated with exotic forestry and invasion

Human colonization since the 19th century has resulted in the global spread of pines beyond their original northern boreal distribution. Although the introduction history of pines is documented through historical records, little is known about the introduction history of their ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, which are critical symbionts for the survival and invasion of pines. Using Suillus luteus as an example, whole genomes of 208 individuals collected across native and introduced ranges were sequenced to reveal the introduction history of pine co-introduced ECM fungi. Population genomics analyses showed that all introductions originated from Europe. With the exception of North America, introduced populations were genetically differentiated from the European population, with varying magnitudes of population expansion in different introduced regions. Genetic variation within the native European population followed isolation by distance, but not in the introduced range, highlighting the disparity in the spatial-genetic patterns of native vs exotic habitats. The spread of S. luteus is mediated by human activities accompanying pine introductions, with its demographic history linked to forestry practices. The spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns observed in S. luteus offer insight into the population genetics of a widely introduced ECM fungus and are likely applicable to other pine co-introduced ECM fungi.

Ke, Yi‐Hong↗

Response of ectomycorrhizal fungi to full and selective removal of an invasive tree in riparian woodland

The Brazilian pepper tree ( Schinus terebinthifolius ) is an invasive species that requires significant disturbance to eradicate. Previous studies have identified associations between the Brazilian pepper tree and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). However, limited research has explored the connection between disturbance from removal and the effect on EMF. This study investigated the sensitivity of EMF and the broader fungal community to the full and selective removal of the Brazilian pepper tree. During the selective removal of Brazilian pepper tree, we examined the mycorrhizal community of the Arroyo willow ( Salix lasiolepis ) to assess the influence of the restoration disturbance on native species. We used ITS2 sequencing to identify the EMF present during the restoration. Our expectation was that both removal efforts would reduce the presence of EMF. Contrary to our predictions, full removal increased EMF richness and relative abundance in the soil. As anticipated, selective removal reduced the richness and relative abundance of EMF associated with soil. Selective removal led to a decrease in the richness of EMF in arroyo willow roots with no effect on relative abundance. Moreover, fungal community composition in soil and roots shifted significantly during selective and full removal. However, the community composition of EMF, specifically, remained constant across treatment types. During full removal efforts, the application of organic soil amendments may have contributed to the increase in the diversity and relative abundance of EMF. Selective removal will require additional measures, such as soil amendments, to curtail the loss of EMF.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗

Major Revisions in Arthropod Phylogeny Through Improved Supermatrix, With Support for Two Possible Waves of Land Invasion by Chelicerates

Deep phylogeny involving arthropod lineages is difficult to recover because the erosion of phylogenetic signals over time leads to unreliable multiple sequence alignment (MSA) and subsequent phylogenetic reconstruction. One way to alleviate the problem is to assemble a large number of gene sequences to compensate for the weakness in each individual gene. Such an approach has led to many robustly supported but contradictory phylogenies. A close examination shows that the supermatrix approach often suffers from two shortcomings. The first is that MSA is rarely checked for reliability and, as will be illustrated, can be poor. The second is that, to alleviate the problem of homoplasy at the third codon position of protein-coding genes due to convergent evolution of nucleotide frequencies, phylogeneticists may remove or degenerate the third codon position but may do it improperly and introduce new biases. We performed extensive reanalysis of one of such “big data” sets to highlight these two problems, and demonstrated the power and benefits of correcting or alleviating these problems. Our results support a new group with Xiphosura and Arachnopulmonata (Tetrapulmonata + Scorpiones) as sister taxa. This favors a new hypothesis in which the ancestor of Xiphosura and the extinct Eurypterida (sea scorpions, of which many later forms lived in brackish or freshwater) returned to the sea after the initial chelicerate invasion of land. Our phylogeny is supported even with the original data but processed with a new “principled” codon degeneration. We also show that removing the 1673 codon sites with both AGN and UCN codons (encoding serine) in our alignment can partially reconcile discrepancies between nucleotide-based and AA-based tree, partly because two sequences, one with AGN and the other with UCN, would be identical at the amino acid level but quite different at the nucleotide level.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Non-Invasive Functional-Brain-Imaging with an OPM-based Magnetoencephalography System

A non-invasive functional-brain-imaging system based on optically-pumped-magnetometers (OPM) is presented. The OPM-based magnetoencephalography (MEG) system features 20 OPM channels conforming to the subject’s scalp. We have conducted two MEG experiments on three subjects: assessment of somatosensory evoked magnetic field (SEF) and auditory evoked magnetic field (AEF) using our OPM-based MEG system and a commercial MEG system based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). We cross validated the robustness of our system by calculating the distance between the location of the equivalent current dipole (ECD) yielded by our OPM-based MEG system and the ECD location calculated by the commercial SQUID-based MEG system. We achieved sub-centimeter accuracy for both SEF and AEF responses in all three subjects. Due to the proximity (12 mm) of the OPM channels to the scalp, it is anticipated that future OPM-based MEG systems will offer enhanced spatial resolution as they will capture finer spatial features compared to traditional MEG systems employing SQUIDs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Design of a non-invasive laser-based beam profile monitor system for the new Fermilab PIP-II superconducting H- linac

As part of the new Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II), Fermilab is undertaking the development of a new 800 MeV, 2 mA H- superconducting RF linac to replace its present normal conducting 400 MeV linac. The PIP-II linac consists of a series of superconducting RF cryomodules from 2.1 MeV to 800 MeV. To limit the potential damage to the superconducting RF cavities, PIP-II will utilize non-invasive laser-based monitors (laserwires) to obtain beam profiles via photoionization. This paper will present the design of this PIP-II laserwire system including the picosecond pulsed laser, optical transport line, 13 individual laserwire stations, laser feedback and timing controls. The paper also describes the signal detection system and operation of the profile measurements.

Scarpine, Victor [Fermilab]↗

A Non-Invasive Approach for Elucidating the Spatial Distribution of In-Situ Stress in Deep Subsurface Geologic Formations Considered for CO 2 Storage (Task 3 Report Laboratory Characterization of Stress Dependent Wavespeed)

This report presents a summary of Task 3 (Laboratory Experimental Characterization of Stress Dependent Wavespeed in Rocks and Application for In-Situ Stress Estimation) of the project titled “A Non-Invasive Approach for Elucidating the Spatial Distribution of In-Situ Stress in Deep Subsurface Geologic Formations Considered for CO 2 Storage”. The main objective of this component of the project was to employ non-destructive techniques to determine how compressional (P)-wave and shear (S)-wave propagation velocities are related to triaxial-stress conditions in laboratory test samples of targeted reservoir rocks. The overarching principle is that such laboratory measurements can provide a basis whereby field measurements of wave-propagation velocities in rocks can be used to ascertain the stress state that would be expected to generate the observed wave-propagation behavior.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗