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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 1,495 records · Page 83
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2012

Automatic Facial Expression Recognition and Operator Functional State

The prevalence of human error in safety-critical occupations remains a major challenge to mission success despite increasing automation in control processes. Although various methods have been proposed to prevent incidences of human error, none of these have been developed to employ the detection and regulation of Operator Functional State (OFS), or the optimal condition of the operator while performing a task, in work environments due to drawbacks such as obtrusiveness and impracticality. A video-based system with the ability to infer an individual's emotional state from facial feature patterning mitigates some of the problems associated with other methods of detecting OFS, like obtrusiveness and impracticality in integration with the mission environment. This paper explores the utility of facial expression recognition as a technology for inferring OFS by first expounding on the intricacies of OFS and the scientific background behind emotion and its relationship with an individual's state. Then, descriptions of the feedback loop and the emotion protocols proposed for the facial recognition program are explained. A basic version of the facial expression recognition program uses Haar classifiers and OpenCV libraries to automatically locate key facial landmarks during a live video stream. Various methods of creating facial expression recognition software are reviewed to guide future extensions of the program. The paper concludes with an examination of the steps necessary in the research of emotion and recommendations for the creation of an automatic facial expression recognition program for use in real-time, safety-critical missions

Blanson, Nina↗
DOE OSTI2017

Final Technical Report for GO17004 Regulatory Logic: Codes and Standards for the Hydrogen Economy

The objectives of this project are to: develop a robust supporting research and development program to provide critical hydrogen behavior data and a detailed understanding of hydrogen combustion and safety across a range of scenarios, needed to establish setback distances in building codes and minimize the overall data gaps in code development; support and facilitate the completion of technical specifications by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for gaseous hydrogen refueling (TS 20012) and standards for on-board liquid (ISO 13985) and gaseous or gaseous blend (ISO 15869) hydrogen storage by 2007; support and facilitate the effort, led by the NFPA, to complete the draft Hydrogen Technologies Code (NFPA 2) by 2008; with experimental data and input from Technology Validation Program element activities, support and facilitate the completion of standards for bulk hydrogen storage (e.g., NFPA 55) by 2008; facilitate the adoption of the most recently available model codes (e.g., from the International Code Council [ICC]) in key regions; complete preliminary research and development on hydrogen release scenarios to support the establishment of setback distances in building codes and provide a sound basis for model code development and adoption; support and facilitate the development of Global Technical Regulations (GTRs) by 2010 for hydrogen vehicle systems under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and Working Party on Pollution and Energy Program (ECE-WP29/GRPE); and to Support and facilitate the completion by 2012 of necessary codes and standards needed for the early commercialization and market entry of hydrogen energy technologies.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2018

ALK is required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages

Highlights: • ALK promotes LPS-induced NLRP3 priming. • ALK promotes ATP-induced NLRP3 activation. • ALK promotes NLRP3-NEK7 complex formation. • ALK-mediated lipid peroxidation promotes NLRP3 activation. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a key mediator of host immune responses through the induction of pyroptosis and the release of cytokines. Although the pathologic role of inflammasome in infection and sterile inflammation is well known, the mechanism and regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains obscure. Here, we report that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a novel regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of ALK through targeted drugs (ceritinib and lorlatinib) or RNAi blocked extracellular ATP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Mechanically, ALK-mediated NF-κB activation was required for the priming step of NLRP3 upregulation, whereas ALK-mediated lipid peroxidation contributed to the sensing step of NLRP3-NEK7 complex formation. These studies indicate that inhibition of ALK could be utilized to treat NLRP3-related inflammatory diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Development of an Advanced Finite Element Model and Parametric Study to Evaluate Cement Sheath Barrier

Cement failure is known as one of the major causes for loss of well control events. Cement design is considered as one of the top technological knowledge gaps in high-pressure high-temperature oil and gas exploration. The primary objective of this paper is to perform a parametric analysis and identify critical parameters affecting the mechanical integrity of the set cement sheath. To achieve the objective, three-dimensional finite element models consisting of concentric casings and annular cement sheath were created. The finite element model was validated by analytical calculations. Performance of cement sheath was assessed by analyzing radial, hoop, and maximum shear stresses at different loading conditions. A parametric study was conducted by individually varying influencing factors such as cement material properties, sheath dimensions, and wellbore pressure loads. Values of all parameters were normalized and represented on the same plot against mechanical stresses. Such response curves can be used to estimate whether cement will structurally fail because of various operational loads or material aging. The plot can also be utilized to rank various factors in terms of influence on cement’s performance. Sensitivity response reveals that wellbore pressure, cement material properties, and annulus pressure are major parameters influencing mechanical stresses in neat class G cement. The order of importance depends on the type of stress. Results indicate interfacial bond failure and radial cracking to be the more likely modes of failure for class G cement. Cement response curves can help design engineers and regulators alike in quickly evaluating short-term or long-term fitness-for-service of cement sheath from the perspective of structural integrity. Industry standards and guidelines can be improved by adding performance curves for standard cement recipes.

Energy & Fuels↗
DOE OSTI2016

Potential Offshore Wind Energy Areas in California: An Assessment of Locations, Technology, and Costs

This report summarizes a study of possible offshore wind energy locations, technologies, and levelized cost of energy in the state of California between 2015 and 2030. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the federal agency responsible for regulating renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf. It is based on reference wind energy areas where representative technology and performance characteristics were evaluated. These reference areas were identified as sites that were suitable to represent offshore wind cost and technology based on physical site conditions, wind resource quality, known existing site use, and proximity to necessary infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to assist energy policy decision-making by state utilities, independent system operators, state government officials and policymakers, BOEM, and its key stakeholders. The report is not intended to serve as a prescreening exercise for possible future offshore wind development.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Comprehensive Cradle to Grave Life Cycle Analysis of On-Road Vehicles in the United States based on GREET

To properly compare and contrast the environmental performance of one vehicle technology against another, it is necessary to consider their production, operation, and end-of-life fates. Since 1995, Argonne’s GREET® life cycle analysis model (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) has been annually updated to model and refine the latest developments in fuels and materials production, as well as vehicle operational and composition characteristics. Updated cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis results from the model’s latest release are described for a wide variety of fuel and powertrain options for U.S. light-duty and medium/heavy-duty vehicles. Light-duty vehicles include a passenger car, sports utility vehicle (SUV), and pick-up truck, while medium/heavy-duty vehicles include a Class 6 pickup-and-delivery truck, Class 8 day-cab (regional) truck, and Class 8 sleeper-cab (long-haul) truck. Powertrain coverage includes internal combustion (spark ignition and compression ignition) engines, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, full battery electric, and fuel cell vehicles powered by conventional and low carbon energy sources. The results offer insights into the current state of these technologies, as well as a projection of the likely environmental implications of future fuel and vehicle advancements through a time-series evaluation of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

Kelly, Jarod C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Light-inducible protein degradation in E. coli with the LOVdeg tag

Molecular tools for optogenetic control allow for spatial and temporal regulation of cell behavior. In particular, light-controlled protein degradation is a valuable mechanism of regulation because it can be highly modular, used in tandem with other control mechanisms, and maintain functionality throughout growth phases. Here, we engineered LOVdeg, a tag that can be appended to a protein of interest for inducible degradation in Escherichia coli using blue light. We demonstrate the modularity of LOVdeg by using it to tag a range of proteins, including the LacI repressor, CRISPRa activator, and the AcrB efflux pump. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of pairing the LOVdeg tag with existing optogenetic tools to enhance performance by developing a combined EL222 and LOVdeg system. Finally, we use the LOVdeg tag in a metabolic engineering application to demonstrate post-translational control of metabolism. Together, our results highlight the modularity and functionality of the LOVdeg tag system and introduce a powerful new tool for bacterial optogenetics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Light-inducible protein degradation in E. coli with the LOVdeg tag

Molecular tools for optogenetic control allow for spatial and temporal regulation of cell behavior. In particular, light-controlled protein degradation is a valuable mechanism of regulation because it can be highly modular, used in tandem with other control mechanisms, and maintain functionality throughout growth phases. Here, we engineered LOVdeg, a tag that can be appended to a protein of interest for inducible degradation in Escherichia coli using blue light. We demonstrate the modularity of LOVdeg by using it to tag a range of proteins, including the LacI repressor, CRISPRa activator, and the AcrB efflux pump. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of pairing the LOVdeg tag with existing optogenetic tools to enhance performance by developing a combined EL222 and LOVdeg system. Finally, we use the LOVdeg tag in a metabolic engineering application to demonstrate post-translational control of metabolism. Together, our results highlight the modularity and functionality of the LOVdeg tag system and introduce a powerful new tool for bacterial optogenetics.

Tague, Nathan (ORCID:0000000281146700)↗
NASA NTRS1992

Coupling device with improved thermal interface

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable, and lightweight coupling that will also have an efficient thermal interface. A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling that is capable of blind mating with little or no insertion forces. Another object of the invention is to provide a coupling that acts as a thermal regulator to maintain a constant temperature on one side of the coupling. Another object of the invention is to increase the available surface area of a coupling thus providing a larger area for the conduction of heat across the thermal interface. Another object of the invention is to provide a fluidic coupling that has no fluid passing across the interface, thus reducing the likelihood of leaks and contamination. The foregoing objects are achieved by utilizing, as in the prior art, a hot area (at an elevated temperature as compared to a cold area) with a need to remove excess heat from the hot area to a cold area. In this device, the thermal interface will occur not on a planar horizontal surface, but along a non-planar vertical surface, which will reduce the reaction forces and increase the thermal conductivity of the device. One non-planar surface is a surface on a cold pin extending from the cold area and the other non-planar surface is a surface on a hot pin extending from the hot area. The cold pin is fixed and does not move while the hot pin is a flexible member and its movement towards the cold pin will bring the two non-planar surfaces together forming the thermal interface. The actuating member for the device is a shape-memory actuation wire which is attached through an aperture to the hot pin and through another aperture to an actuation wire retainer. By properly programming the actuation wire, heat from the hot area will cause the actuation wire to bend the hot wire. Heat from the hot area will cause the actuation wire to bend the hot pin towards the cold pin forming the coupling and the desired thermal interface. The shape-memory actuation wire is made of a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol.

Milam, Malcolm Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1991

Valsalva maneuver: Insights into baroreflex modulation of human sympathetic activity

Valsalva's maneuver, voluntary forced expiration against a closed glottis, is a well-characterized research tool, used to assess the integrity of human autonomic cardiovascular control. Valsalva straining provokes a stereotyped succession of alternating positive and negative arterial pressure and heart rate changes mediated in part by arterial baroreceptors. Arterial pressure changes result primarily from fluctuating levels of venous return to the heart and changes of sympathetic nerve activity. Muscle sympathetic activity was measured directly in nine volunteers to explore quantitatively the relation between arterial pressure and human sympathetic outflow during pressure transients provoked by controlled graded Valsalva maneuvers. Our results underscore several properties of sympathetic regulation during Valsalva straining. First, muscle sympathetic nerve activity changes as a mirror image of changes in arterial pressure. Second, the magnitude of sympathetic augmentation during Valsalva straining predicts phase 4 arterial pressure elevations. Third, post-Valsalva sympathetic inhibition persists beyond the return of arterial and right atrial pressures to baseline levels which reflects an alteration of the normal relation between arterial pressure and muscle sympathetic activity. Therefore, Valsalva straining may have some utility for investigating changes of reflex control of sympathetic activity after space flight; however, measurement of beat-to-beat arterial pressure is essential for this use. The utility of this technique in microgravity can not be determined from these data. Further investigations are necessary to determine whether these relations are affected by the expansion of intrathoracic blood volume associated with microgravity.

Smith, Michael L.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Mission Risk Reduction Regulatory Change Management

NASA Headquarters Environmental Management Division supports NASA's mission to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research by integrating environmental considerations into programs and projects early-on, thereby proactively reducing NASA's exposure to institutional, programmatic and operational risk. As part of this effort, NASA established the Principal Center for Regulatory Risk Analysis and Communication (RRAC PC) as a resource for detecting, analyzing, and communicating environmental regulatory risks to the NASA stakeholder community. The RRAC PC focuses on detecting emerging environmental regulations and other operational change drivers that may pose risks to NASA programs and facilities, and effectively communicating the potential risks. For example, regulatory change may restrict how and where certain activities or operations may be conducted. Regulatory change can also directly affect the ability to use certain materials by mandating a production phase-out or restricting usage applications of certain materials. Regulatory change can result in significant adverse impacts to NASA programs and facilities due to NASA's stringent performance requirements for materials and components related to human-rated space vehicles. Even if a regulation does not directly affect NASA operations, U.S. and international regulations can pose program risks indirectly through requirements levied on manufacturers and vendors of components and materials. For example, manufacturers can change their formulations to comply with new regulatory requirements. Such changes can require time-consuming and costly requalification certification for use in human spaceflight programs. The RRAC PC has implemented a system for proactively managing regulatory change to minimize potential adverse impacts to NASA programs and facilities. This presentation highlights the process utilized by the RRACPC to communicate regulatory change and the associated potential risks within NASA, as well as the process for communicating and cooperating with other government agencies and industry partners, both domestic and international, to ensure mission success.

Scroggins, Sharon↗
DOE OSTI2016

The Histone Modification Domain of Paf1 Complex Subunit Rtf1 Directly Stimulates H2B Ubiquitylation through an Interaction with Rad6

The five-subunit yeast Paf1 Complex (Paf1C) regulates all stages of transcription and is critical for the monoubiquitylation of histone H2B (H2Bub), a modification that broadly influences chromatin structure and eukaryotic transcription. Here we show that the histone modification domain (HMD) of Paf1C subunit Rtf1 directly interacts with the ubiquitin conjugase Rad6 and stimulates H2Bub independently of transcription. We present the crystal structure of the Rtf1 HMD and use site-specific, in vivo crosslinking to identify a conserved Rad6 interaction surface. Utilizing ChIP-exo analysis, we define the localization patterns of the H2Bub machinery at high resolution and demonstrate the importance of Paf1C in targeting the Rtf1 HMD, and thereby H2Bub, to its appropriate genomic locations. Finally, we observe HMD-dependent stimulation of H2Bub in a transcription-free, reconstituted in vitro system. Taken together, our results argue for an active role for Paf1C in promoting H2Bub and ensuring its proper localization in vivo.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Single cell RNA sequencing reveals shifts in cell maturity and function of endogenous and infiltrating cell types in response to acute intervertebral disc injury

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration contributes to disabling back pain. Degeneration can be initiated by injury and progressively leads to an irreversible loss of cells and function. IVD function restoration through cell replacement therapies have had limited success due to knowledge gaps in the critical cell populations important for repair. Here, in this study, we used single cell RNA sequencing to identify the transcriptional changes of IVD resident and infiltrating cell populations from Control and Injured coccygeal IVDs extracted from 12-week-old female C57BL/6J mice 7 days post injury. Clustering, gene ontology, and pseudotime trajectory analyses determined transcriptomic divergences with injury, flow cytometry identified they types of infiltrating immune cells, and immunofluorescence was utilized to define mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) localization. We identified 11 distinct clusters that included IVD, immune, vascular cells, and MSCs. Differential gene expression analysis determined that Outer Annulus Fibrosus, Neutrophils, Saa2-High MSCs, Macrophages, and Krt18 + Nucleus Pulposus (NP) cells were the major drivers of transcriptomic differences between Control and Injured cells. Gene ontology revealed that the most upregulated biological pathways were angiogenesis and T cell-related while wound healing and ECM regulation were downregulated. Pseudotime trajectory analyses revealed that IVD injury directed cells towards increased differentiation in all clusters, except for Krt18 + NP cells which remained in a less mature cell state. Saa2-High and Grem1-High MSCs populations shifted towards more differentiated IVD cells profiles with injury and localized distinctly within the IVD. This study revealed novel MSC populations with the potential to be leveraged for future IVD repair studies.

Cartilage↗
DOE OSTI2019

Revealing Fast Structural Dynamics in pH-Responsive Peptides with Time-Resolved X-ray Scattering

Many biomaterials can adapt to changes in local biological environment (such as pH, temperature or ionic composition) in order to regulate function or deliver a payload. Such adaptation to environmental perturbation is typically a hierarchical process that begins with a response on a local structural level and then propagates to supramolecular and macromolecular scales. Understanding fast structural dynamics that occur upon the perturbation is important for rational design of functional biomaterials. However, few nanosecond time-resolved methods can probe both intra- and inter-molecular scales simultaneously with a high structural resolution. Here we utilize time-resolved x-ray scattering to probe nanosecond to microsecond structural dynamics of polypeptides undergoing protonation via a pH jump initiated by photoexcitation of a photoacid. Our results provide insight into the protonation-induced hierarchical changes in packing of peptide chains, formation of helical structure and associated collapse of the peptide chain.

Rimmerman, Dolev↗
DOE OSTI2013

Resin-assisted enrichment of thiols as a general strategy for proteomic profiling of cysteine-based reversible modifications

Reversible modifications on cysteine thiols play a significant role in redox signaling and regulation. A number of reversible redox modifications, including disulfide formation, S-nitrosylation, and S-glutathionylation, have been recognized for their significance in various physiological and pathological processes. Here we describe in detail a resin-assisted thiol-affinity enrichment protocol for both biochemical and proteomics applications. This protocol serves as a general approach for specific isolation of thiol-containing proteins or peptides derived from reversible redox-modified proteins. This approach utilizes thiol-affinity resins to directly capture thiol-containing proteins or peptides through a disulfide exchange reaction followed by on-resin protein digestion and on-resin multiplexed isobaric labeling to facilitate LC-MS/MS based quantitative site-specific analysis of redox modifications. The overall approach requires a much simpler workflow with increased specificity compared to the commonly used biotin switch technique. By coupling different selective reduction strategies, the resin-assisted approach provides the researcher with a useful tool capable of enriching different types of reversible modifications on protein thiols. Procedures for selective enrichment and analyses of S-nitrosylation and total reversible cysteine oxidation are presented to demonstrate the utility of this general strategy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Data-Driven Voltage Control Strategy for Distribution Grids With Distributed Energy Resources

Traditionally, distribution system control approaches have been model-based. The deployment of advanced metering infrastructure has provided electric utilities with the capability of data-driven control with real-time measurements. The shift from model-based to data-driven control represents a significant advancement in the management of distribution systems, offering a more adaptive approach to system control because of the ability to dynamically adapt to changing conditions without the need for system modeling. Here, in this paper, a behavioral data-driven control method is developed to provide voltage regulation to an actual distribution system by controlling the legacy devices and distributed energy resource (DER) assets. The studied distribution system has a load tap changer and three capacitor banks as the legacy devices and photovoltaic systems as the DERs. The performance of the proposed control algorithm is validated using a laboratory test bed setup considering multiple scenarios. The results show that the proposed control achieved 99% voltage regulation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Tariff Setting in the District Heating Sector: Recommendations Based on International Experience

Ukraine’s district heating (DH) system is an essential resource for the country and has the potential to provide efficient, local, and renewable energy to a large share of the population. However, inefficient regulation and management have caused the sector to experience a vicious cycle of financial, operational, and technological problems. Overcoming these challenges and building a sustainable DH system requires comprehensive reforms, which could attract significant investment, improve the quality of services, and increase the efficiency of DH. One of the key elements of a comprehensive reform program should be a comprehensive reform of the tariff system. The purpose of this report is to provide analysis of European models for tariff regulation and recommendations for reforms to Ukraine’s DH tariff system. The report presents several case studies from European countries, followed by analysis of the current tariff system in Ukraine and barriers to effective regulation. Based on these findings, the report proposes actions Ukraine could take to improve the tariff regulatory system and promote a sustainable DH sector.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Developing a Prototype Methodology to Rank CO2-EOR Wells and Assess Their Reuse Potential for Geologic Carbon Sequestration

This study presents a prototype methodology for evaluating the reuse potential of Class II CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) wells as Class VI wells for geologic carbon sequestration. The approach focuses on assessing wellbore construction materials—casing, cement, tubing, and packers—based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class VI well conversion guidelines. Utilizing Python scripts and JSON representations, the methodology automates checks on digitized Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) data to rank wells based on regulatory and integrity criteria. Key factors include casing integrity, cementing techniques, tubing compatibility, and packer selection. Due to limitations in digitized data, manual verification is required for certain sections. Future enhancements include incorporating non-digitized data via web scraping and machine learning. This research provides a practical framework for well owners and regulators, supporting informed decision-making for sustainable CO₂ storage.

carbon sequestration↗