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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Development of a rapid viability RT-PCR (RV-RT-PCR) method to detect infectious SARS-CoV-2 from swabs

Since the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, its causative virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to spread and increase the number of fatalities. To expedite studies on understanding potential surface transmission of the virus and to aid environmental epidemiological investigations, here we developed a rapid viability reverse transcriptase PCR (RV-RT-PCR) method that detects viable (infectious) SARS-CoV-2 from swab samples in <1 day compared to several days required by current gold-standard cell-culture-based methods. The method integrates cell-culture-based viral enrichment in a 96-well plate format with gene-specific RT-PCR-based analysis before and after sample incubation to determine the cycle threshold (C T ) difference (ΔC T ). An algorithm based on ΔC T ≥ 6 representing ~ 2-log or more increase in SARS-CoV-2 RNA following enrichment determines the presence of infectious virus. The RV-RT-PCR method with 2-hr viral infection and 9-hr post-infection incubation periods includes ultrafiltration to concentrate virions, resulting in detection of <50 SARS-CoV-2 virions in swab samples in 17 h (for a batch of 12 swabs), compared to days typically required by the cell-culture-based method. The SARS-CoV-2 RV-RT-PCR method may also be useful in clinical sample analysis and antiviral drug testing, and could serve as a model for developing rapid methods for other viruses of concern.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Time-resolved luminescence detection of peroxynitrite using a reactivity-based lanthanide probe

Peroxynitrite (ONOO - ) is a powerful and short-lived oxidant formed in vivo, which can react with most biomolecules directly. To fully understand the roles of ONOO - in cell biology, improved methods for the selective detection and real-time analysis of ONOO - are needed. We present a water-soluble, luminescent europium(III) probe for the rapid and sensitive detection of peroxynitrite in human serum, living cells and biological matrices. We have utilised the long luminescence lifetime of the probe to measure ONOO - in a time-resolved manner, effectively avoiding the influence of autofluorescence in biological samples. To demonstrate the utility of the Eu(III) probe, we monitored the production of ONOO - in different cell lines, following treatment with a cold atmospheric plasma device commonly used in the clinic for skin wound treatment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Luminescent Metal–Organic Framework for the Selective Detection of Aldehydes

The detection of toxic, hazardous chemical species is an important task because they pose serious risks to either the environment or human health. Luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) as alternative sensors offer rapid and sensitive detection of chemical species. Interactions between chemical species and LMOFs result in changes in the photoluminescence (PL) profile of the LMOFs which can be readily detected using a simple fluorometer. Herein, we report the use of a robust, Zn-based LMOF, [Zn 5 (μ 3 -OH) 2 (adtb) 2 (H 2 O) 5 ·5 DMA] (Zn-adtb, LMOF-341), for the selective detection of benzaldehyde. Upon exposure to benzaldehyde, Zn-adtb experiences significant luminescent quenching, as characterized through PL experiments. Photoluminescent titration experiments reveal that LMOF-341 has a detection limit of 64 ppm and a Ksv value of 179 M –1 for benzaldehyde. Furthermore, we study the guest–host interactions that occur between LMOF-341 and benzaldehyde through in situ Fourier transform infrared and computational modeling employing density functional theory. The results show that benzaldehyde interacts more strongly with LMOF-341 compared to formaldehyde and propionaldehyde. Furthermore, our combined studies also reveal that the mechanism of luminescence quenching originates from an electron-transfer process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

T-Type Modular DC Circuit Breaker (T-Breaker) for Future DC Networks

The developed T-Type Modular DC Circuit Breaker (T-Breaker) technology offers an all-in-one solution to challenges in DC networks. This includes swift fault detection and protection, power transient stability, and power quality improvement, achieved through the utilization of wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductors and energy storage devices. The T-Breaker not only facilitates rapid fault current detection and interruption but also implements fault current limiting through active insertion of storage devices or by operating WBG devices in the saturation region. Additionally, with the assistance of energy storage devices, potential overvoltage issues on power devices induced by control signal misalignment can be mitigated. The T-Breaker can be regulated to perform shunt current injection/absorption using the vertical arm and series voltage insertion via the horizontal arm, thereby enhancing DC system stability during voltage or load power fluctuation transients. The OSU team and Raytheon team actively worked together on designing, fabricating, assembling, and testing of two T-Breaker prototypes. The first prototype is rated at 1 kV, 500 A with half-bridge (unipolar) structure to validate the T-Breaker concept. The second prototype is rated at 20 kV, 50 A with full-bridge (bipolar) topology which can reach an efficiency of 99.977%, realize a power density of 60.2 MW/m3, and eliminate the 500-A fault current with a fault response time of around 20 µs. The prototypes show great feasibility of adopting this technology in multiple applications including electrified aircraft, super charging stations, data centers, etc.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Enzymatic Laser-Induced Graphene Biosensor for Electrochemical Sensing of the Herbicide Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a globally applied herbicide yet it has been relatively undetectable in-field samples outside of gold-standard techniques. Its presumed nontoxicity toward humans has been contested by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, while it has been detected in farmers’ urine, surface waters and crop residues. Rapid, on-site detection of glyphosate is hindered by lack of field-deployable and easy-to-use sensors that circumvent sample transportation to limited laboratories that possess the equipment needed for detection. Herein, the flavoenzyme, glycine oxidase, immobilized on platinum-decorated laser-induced graphene (LIG) is used for selective detection of glyphosate as it is a substrate for GlyOx. The LIG platform provides a scaffold for enzyme attachment while maintaining the electronic and surface properties of graphene. The sensor exhibits a linear range of 10–260 µm, detection limit of 3.03 µm, and sensitivity of 0.991 nA µm -1 . The sensor shows minimal interference from the commonly used herbicides and insecticides: atrazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, dicamba, parathion-methyl, paraoxon-methyl, malathion, chlorpyrifos, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and imidacloprid. Sensor function is further tested in complex river water and crop residue fluids, which validate this platform as a scalable, direct-write, and selective method of glyphosate detection for herbicide mapping and food analysis.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Centrality determination with a forward detector in the RHIC Beam Energy Scan

Recently, Chatterjee et al [1] used a hadronic transport model to estimate the resolution with which various experimental quantities select the impact parameter of relativistic heavy ion collisions at collision energies relevant to the Beam Energy Scan (BES) program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Measures based on particle multiplicity at forward rapidity were found to be significantly worse than those based on midrapidity multiplicity. Using the same model, we show that a slightly more sophisticated measure greatly improves the resolution based on forward rapidity particles; this improvement persists even when the model is filtered through a realistic simulation of a recent upgrade detector to the STAR experiment. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of optimizing centrality measures based on particles detected at forward rapidity, especially for experimental studies that search for a critical point in the QCD phase diagram. Such measurements usually focus on proton multiplicity fluctuations at midrapidity, hence selecting events based on multiplicity at midrapidity raises the possibility of nontrivial autocorrelations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

An Innovative High Throughput Genome Releaser for Rapid and Efficient PCR Screening

High-throughput PCR screening is vital in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering as it allows researchers to rapidly analyze and detect numerous targeted genetic mutation in the genome. Current challenges for high-throughput PCR screening in synthetic biology include efficiently preparing genomic DNA, optimizing protocols for diverse sample types, managing contamination risks, and effectively analyzing the large volumes of data generated while ensuring consistent and accurate results. In this study, we present the development of a High Throughput Genome Releaser (HTGR), an innovative device addressing common challenges in screening PCR. This genome DNA releaser is designed based on a squash method for rapid, cost-effective, and efficient DNA release, optimized for subsequent PCR reactions. After experimenting with various synthetic materials, we selected a plastic that closely replicates the smooth surface and compression properties of microscope slides, ensuring reliable performance. We engineered a device featuring a 96-Well Plate and a shear applicator, operable both manually and automatically, and compatible with standard liquid-handling robot platform. This compatibility enhances ease of use in high-throughput PCR workflows. Additionally, we developed software to support its automatic functions. Our results demonstrated that the specially engineered 96-Well Plate and HTGR can effectively squash fungal spores , which release enough genome DNA for PCR screening. The genome releaser facilitates the preparation of PCR-amplifiable genomic DNA substrate from 96 samples within minutes, eliminates the need for extraction buffers, and is adaptable to a wide range of microorganisms and cells, which could significantly advance biomanufacturing processes.

Yuan, Guoliang [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent toxicity by retene requires metabolic competence

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of organic compounds frequently detected in the environment with widely varying toxicities. Many PAHs activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), inducing the expression of a battery of genes, including xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes like cytochrome P450s (CYPs); however, not all PAHs act via this mechanism. We screened several parent and substituted PAHs in in vitro AHR activation assays to classify their unique activity. Retene (1-methyl-7-isopropylphenanthrene) displays Ahr2-dependent teratogenicity in zebrafish, but did not activate human AHR or zebrafish Ahr2, suggesting a retene metabolite activates Ahr2 in zebrafish to induce developmental toxicity. To investigate the role of metabolism in retene toxicity, studies were performed to determine the functional role of cyp1a, cyp1b1, and the microbiome in retene toxicity, identify the zebrafish window of susceptibility, and measure retene uptake, loss, and metabolite formation in vivo. Cyp1a-null fish were generated using CRISPR-Cas9. Cyp1a-null fish showed increased sensitivity to retene toxicity, whereas Cyp1b1-null fish were less susceptible, and microbiome elimination had no significant effect. Zebrafish required exposure to retene between 24 and 48 hours post fertilization (hpf) to exhibit toxicity. After static exposure, retene concentrations in zebrafish embryos increased until 24 hpf, peaked between 24 and 36 hpf, and decreased rapidly thereafter. We detected retene metabolites at 36 and 48 hpf, indicating metabolic onset preceding toxicity. This study highlights the value of combining molecular and systems biology approaches with mechanistic and predictive toxicology to interrogate the role of biotransformation in AHR-dependent toxicity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Rapid Inference of Logic Gate Neural Networks for Anomaly Detection in High Energy Physics

The increasing data rates and complexity of detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) necessitate fast and efficient machine learning models, particularly for rapid selection of what data to store, known as triggering. Building on recent work in differentiable logic gates, we present a public implementation of a Convolutional Differentiable Logic Gate Neural Network (CLGN). We apply this to detecting anomalies at the Level-1 Trigger at CMS using public data from the CICADA project. We demonstrate that the CLGN achieves physics performance on par with or superior to conventional quantized neural networks. We also synthesize an LGN for a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and show highly promising FPGA characteristics, notably zero Digital Signal Processor (DSP) resource usage. This work highlights the potential of logic gate networks for high-speed, on-detector inference in High Energy Physics and beyond.

FOS: Physical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enzymatic carbon–fluorine bond cleavage by human gut microbes

Fluorinated compounds are used for agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and numerous industrial applications, resulting in global contamination. In many molecules, fluorine is incorporated to enhance the half-life and improve bioavailability. Fluorinated compounds enter the human body through food, water, and xenobiotics including pharmaceuticals, exposing gut microbes to these substances. The human gut microbiota is known for its xenobiotic biotransformation capabilities, but it was not previously known whether gut microbial enzymes could break carbon-fluorine bonds, potentially altering the toxicity of these compounds. Here, through the development of a rapid, miniaturized fluoride detection assay for whole-cell screening, we identified active gut microbial defluorinases. We biochemically characterized enzymes from diverse human gut microbial classes including Clostridia, Bacilli, and Coriobacteriia, with the capacity to hydrolyze (di)fluorinated organic acids and a fluorinated amino acid. Whole-protein alanine scanning, molecular dynamics simulations, and chimeric protein design enabled the identification of a disordered C-terminal protein segment involved in defluorination activity. Domain swapping exclusively of the C-terminus conferred defluorination activity to a nondefluorinating dehalogenase. To advance our understanding of the structural and sequence differences between defluorinating and nondefluorinating dehalogenases, we trained machine learning models which identified protein termini as important features. Models trained on 41-amino acid segments from protein C termini alone predicted defluorination activity with 83% accuracy (compared to 95% accuracy based on full-length protein features). This work is relevant for therapeutic interventions and environmental and human health by uncovering specificity-determining signatures of fluorine biochemistry from the gut microbiome.

Probst, Silke I↗
DOE OSTI2025

Disentangling Centrality Bias and Final-State Effects in the Production of High-𝑝 𝑇 Neutral Pions Using Direct Photon in 𝑑+Au Collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV

Here, PHENIX presents a simultaneous measurement of the production of direct 𝛾 and 𝜋 0 in 𝑑 + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV over a 𝑝 𝑇 range of 7.5 to 18 GeV/𝑐 for different event samples selected by event activity, i.e., charged-particle multiplicity detected at forward rapidity. Direct-photon yields are used to empirically estimate the contribution of hard-scattering processes in the different event samples. Using this estimate, the average nuclear-modification factor, 𝑅$^{𝜋^0}_{dAu,EXP}$, is 0.925 ± 0.023⁢(stat) ± 0.15⁢(scale), consistent with unity for minimum-bias (MB) 𝑑+Au collisions. For event classes with low and moderate event activity, 𝑅$^{𝜋^0}_{dAu,EXP}$ is consistent with the MB value within 5% uncertainty. This result confirms that the previously observed enhancement of high-𝑝 𝑇 𝜋 0 production found in small-system collisions with low event activity is a result of a bias in interpreting event activity within the Glauber framework. In contrast, for the top 5% of events with the highest event activity, 𝑅$^{𝜋^0}_{dAu,EXP}$ is suppressed by 20% relative to the MB value with a significance of 4.5⁢𝜎, which may be due to final-state effects. This suppression corresponds to a 𝑝 𝑇 shift of 𝛿⁢𝑝 𝑇 = 0.213 ± 0.055 Gev/𝑐 at 9 Gev/𝑐.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

NISQ+: Boosting quantum computing power by approximating quantum error correction

Quantum computers are growing in size, and design decisions are being made now that attempt to squeeze more computation out of these machines. In this spirit, we design a method to boost the computational power of near-term quantum computers by adapting protocols used in quantum error correction to implement "Approximate Quantum Error Correction (AQEC)." By approximating fully-fledged error correction mechanisms, we can increase the compute volume (qubits × gates, or "Simple Quantum Volume (SQV)") of near-term machines. The crux of our design is a fast hardware decoder that can approximately decode detected error syndromes rapidly. Specifically, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept that approximate error decoding can be accomplished online in near-term quantum systems by designing and implementing a novel algorithm in Single-Flux Quantum (SFQ) superconducting logic technology. This avoids a critical decoding backlog, hidden in all offline decoding schemes, that leads to idle time exponential in the number of T gates in a program. Our design utilizes one SFQ processing module per physical qubit. Employing state-of-the-art SFQ synthesis tools, we show that the circuit area, power, and latency are within the constraints of contemporary quantum system designs. Under pure dephasing error models, the proposed accelerator and AQEC solution is able to expand SQV by factors between 3,402 and 11,163 on expected near-term machines. The decoder achieves a 5% accuracy-threshold and pseudo-thresholds of ~ 5%,4.75%,4.5%, and 3.5% physical error-rates for code distances 3,5,7, and 9. Decoding solutions are achieved in a maximum of ~20 nanoseconds on the largest code distances studied. By avoiding the exponential idle time in offline decoders, we achieve a 10x reduction in required code distances to achieve the same logical performance as alternative designs.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mitigation of External Exposure of Energy Delivery System (MEEDS).

MEEDS is a cybersecurity solution that empowers under resourced owners and operators of critical energy infrastructure to rapidly identify and detect the publicly exposed and vulnerable operational technology (OT) and other critical Industrial Control and Energy Delivery Systems.

Mylrea, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2025

Freestanding VO 2 membranes on epidermal nanomesh for ultra-sensitive correlated breathable sensors

The interest in highly sensitive sensors is rapidly increasing for detecting very tiny signals for Internet of Things devices. Here, we achieve ultra-sensitive correlated breathable sensors based on freestanding VO 2 membranes. We fabricate the membranes by growing VO 2 films onto sacrificial Sr 3 Al 2 O 6 layer grown on SrTiO 3 , selectively dissolving the Sr 3 Al 2 O 6 in water, and then rendering freestanding VO 2 membrane on nanomesh. The nanomeshes are extremely flexible, sweat permeable, and readily skin-adhesive. The resistance of the VO 2 membranes is reversibly tuned by human’s tiny mechanical stimuli and breath stimuli. The stimuli modulate the Peierls dimerization of one-dimensional V-V chains in the VO 2 lattice which concomitantly controls the electron correlation and hence resistivity. Since our breathable sensors operate based on quantum-mechanical correlation effects, their sensitivity is 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than conventional tactile and respiratory sensors based on other materials. Thus, the freestanding membranes of correlated oxides on epidermal nanomeshes are multifunctional platforms for developing ultra-sensitive correlated breathable sensors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Analysis of Organophosphorus-Based Nerve Agent Degradation Products by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Current Derivatization Reactions in the Analytical Chemist’s Toolbox

The field of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the analysis of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), specifically those involving the organophosphorus-based nerve agents (OPNAs), is a continually evolving and dynamic area of research. The ever-present interest in this field within analytical chemistry is driven by the constant threat posed by these lethal CWAs, highlighted by their use during the Tokyo subway attack in 1995, their deliberate use on civilians in Syria in 2013, and their use in the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Great Britain in 2018 and Alexei Navalny in 2020. These events coupled with their potential for mass destruction only serve to stress the importance of developing methods for their rapid and unambiguous detection. Although the direct detection of OPNAs is possible by GC-MS, in most instances, the analytical chemist must rely on the detection of the products arising from their degradation. To this end, derivatization reactions mainly in the form of silylations and alkylations employing a vast array of reagents have played a pivotal role in the efficient detection of these products that can be used retrospectively to identify the original OPNA.

sarin↗
DOE OSTI2024

Methane Quantification Performance of the Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI) System Using Single-Blind Controlled Release Assessment

Quantitative optical gas imaging (QOGI) system can rapidly quantify leaks detected by optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras across the oil and gas supply chain. A comprehensive evaluation of the QOGI system’s quantification capability is needed for the successful adoption of the technology. This study conducted single-blind experiments to examine the quantification performance of the FLIR QL320 QOGI system under near-field conditions at a pseudo-realistic, outdoor, controlled testing facility that mimics upstream and midstream natural gas operations. The study completed 357 individual measurements across 26 controlled releases and 71 camera positions for release rates between 0.1 kg Ch 4 /h and 2.9 kg Ch 4 /h of compressed natural gas (which accounts for more than 90% of typical component-level leaks in several production facilities). The majority (75%) of measurements were within a quantification factor of 3 (quantification error of –67% to 200%) with individual errors between –90% and 831%, which reduced to –79% to +297% when the mean of estimates of the same controlled release from multiple camera positions was considered. Performance improved with increasing release rate, using clear sky as plume background, and at wind speeds ≤1 mph relative to other measurement conditions.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rapid sensing of hidden objects and defects using a single-pixel diffractive terahertz sensor

Abstract Terahertz waves offer advantages for nondestructive detection of hidden objects/defects in materials, as they can penetrate most optically-opaque materials. However, existing terahertz inspection systems face throughput and accuracy restrictions due to their limited imaging speed and resolution. Furthermore, machine-vision-based systems using large-pixel-count imaging encounter bottlenecks due to their data storage, transmission and processing requirements. Here, we report a diffractive sensor that rapidly detects hidden defects/objects within a 3D sample using a single-pixel terahertz detector, eliminating sample scanning or image formation/processing. Leveraging deep-learning-optimized diffractive layers, this diffractive sensor can all-optically probe the 3D structural information of samples by outputting a spectrum, directly indicating the presence/absence of hidden structures or defects. We experimentally validated this framework using a single-pixel terahertz time-domain spectroscopy set-up and 3D-printed diffractive layers, successfully detecting unknown hidden defects inside silicon samples. This technique is valuable for applications including security screening, biomedical sensing and industrial quality control.

Li, Jingxi (ORCID:0000000165958680)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fast Evaluation of Viral Emerging Risks (FEVER): A computational tool for biosurveillance, diagnostics, and mutation typing of emerging viral pathogens

Viral pathogens can rapidly evolve, adapt to novel hosts, and evade human immunity. The early detection of emerging viral pathogens through biosurveillance coupled with rapid and accurate diagnostics are required to mitigate global pandemics. However, RNA viruses can mutate rapidly, hampering biosurveillance and diagnostic efforts. Here, we present a novel computational approach called FEVER (Fast Evaluation of Viral Emerging Risks) to design assays that simultaneously accomplish: 1) broad-coverage biosurveillance of an entire group of viruses, 2) accurate diagnosis of an outbreak strain, and 3) mutation typing to detect variants of public health importance. We demonstrate the application of FEVER to generate assays to simultaneously 1) detect sarbecoviruses for biosurveillance; 2) diagnose infections specifically caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); and 3) perform rapid mutation typing of the D614G SARS-CoV-2 spike variant associated with increased pathogen transmissibility. These FEVER assays had a high in silico recall (predicted positive) up to 99.7% of 525,708 SARS-CoV-2 sequences analyzed and displayed sensitivities and specificities as high as 92.4% and 100% respectively when validated in 100 clinical samples. The D614G SARS-CoV-2 spike mutation PCR test was able to identify the single nucleotide identity at position 23,403 in the viral genome of 96.6% SARS-CoV-2 positive samples without the need for sequencing. This study demonstrates the utility of FEVER to design assays for biosurveillance, diagnostics, and mutation typing to rapidly detect, track, and mitigate future outbreaks and pandemics caused by emerging viruses.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗