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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Modeling suggests SARS-CoV-2 rebound after nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment is driven by target cell preservation coupled with incomplete viral clearance

In a subset of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals treated with the antiviral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, the virus rebounds following treatment. The mechanisms driving this rebound are not well understood. We used a mathematical model to describe the longitudinal viral load dynamics of 51 individuals treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, 20 of whom rebounded. Target cell preservation, either by a robust innate immune response or initiation of N-R near the time of symptom onset, coupled with incomplete viral clearance, appears to be the main factor leading to viral rebound. Moreover, the occurrence of viral rebound is likely influenced by the time of treatment initiation relative to the progression of the infection, with earlier treatments leading to a higher chance of rebound. A comparison with an untreated cohort suggests that early treatments with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may be associated with a delay in the onset of an adaptive immune response. Nevertheless, our model demonstrates that extending the course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment to a 10-day regimen may greatly diminish the chance of rebound in people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and who are at high risk of progression to severe disease. Altogether, our results suggest that in some individuals, a standard 5-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir starting around the time of symptom onset may not completely eliminate the virus. Thus, after treatment ends, the virus can rebound if an effective adaptive immune response has not fully developed. These findings on the role of target cell preservation and incomplete viral clearance also offer a possible explanation for viral rebounds following other antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cross Section Measurements of Photonuclear Reaction Pathways Towards Promising Medical Radioisotopes

Project Objectives: The goal of this project was to generate data relevant to radioisotope production while developing innovative technologies that foster and enhance novel production of radioisotopes, and, also, while providing opportunities for cultivating and training future generations of scientists. This work has provided the foundation for methodologies for determination of photonuclear cross sections over multiple energies in a single irradiation. Simultaneously, the feasibility of electron LINAC production of several in-demand radioisotopes such as 47 Sc, 67 Cu, 77 As, and 186 Re has been demonstrated. To accomplish these objectives a collaboration was formed between two complimentary facilities, the Low Energy Accelerator Facility (LEAF) at Argonne National Laboratory and the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIGS) at Triangular Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL). The involvement of the research group from North Carolina Central University gave students at this Historically Black University experience in forefront nuclear-physics research relevant to addressing a high-priority interdisciplinary issue. Project Description: HIGS provides a nearly monoenergetic gamma-ray beam by intra-cavity Compton backscattering of free-electron photons from electrons circulating in a storage ring. This beam can be collimated to produce a very precise energy beam. If the beam is un-collimated a calculated and precise energy spread of the beam occurs radially. The γ-flux can be evenly distributed over the radial distribution of energy and used to perform activation experiments on concentric ring targets. Thus providing multiple energy ranges in a single irradiation. Each concentric ring target can be counted separately in order to determine activation at the given energy and successively be correlated to the activation cross section. Targets were activated to determine production feasibility using electron beams at LEAF. Potential Impact: The Nuclear Science Advisory Committee recently named production of radioisotopes with electron LINACs as one of the most compelling and largest-impact opportunities for the production of high specific activity radioisotopes. Improving the photonuclear cross sectional data base with experimentally verified results will greatly enhance a researcher’s ability to rationalize electron LINAC production routes towards desired radioisotopes. This work will provide the foundation for methodologies for determination of photonuclear cross sections over multiple energies and multiple targets in a single irradiation. The techniques developed in this project will enable future studies to continue verifying theoretically predicted photonuclear cross section with experimental results. These data will also enable adaptation of models and support more precise theoretical calculation of photonuclear cross sections. This research will involve undergraduates, graduate students, and post-docs to give them a valuable research experience leading towards the next generation of scientists in the field of medical isotopes.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

DLK1 is a GATA1s-driven dependency and therapeutic target in Down syndrome–associated myeloid leukemia

Children with Down syndrome have a markedly increased risk of developing myeloid leukemia. Although having an excellent prognosis, 10% to 20% develop relapsed or refractory disease with poor survival, highlighting the need for new targeted approaches. The pathogenesis of myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome (ML-DS) is tightly linked to fetal hematopoiesis and mutations in GATA1, generating the truncated GATA1 short (GATA1s) isoform. We identified Delta-like noncanonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1) as a direct GATA1s target. DLK1, a paternally imprinted transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in fetal liver CD34 + cells but absent in adult hematopoiesis, making it an attractive immunotherapeutic target. Chromatin profiling revealed GATA1s occupancy at a distal enhancer within the DLK1-DIO3 locus, driving aberrant DLK1 upregulation in ML-DS. Functional studies demonstrated that DLK1 is a leukemia dependency, as its genetic ablation impaired proliferation and engraftment, induced apoptosis, and altered Notch and β-catenin signaling. Therapeutically, a DLK1-directed antibody-drug conjugate–induced selective cytotoxicity, abrogated colony formation, and significantly prolonged survival in refractory ML-DS patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, achieving durable remissions at higher doses. These findings establish DLK1 as a leukemia-specific vulnerability and provide preclinical proof-of-concept for DLK1-targeted therapies in ML-DS and other leukemias with fetal-like expression programs.

Biological and medical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2022

Neutron Source Facility of the National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology” at Kharkiv, Ukraine

Argonne National Laboratory developed, designed, and supported the construction of a state-of-the-art Neutron Source Facility (NSF) at the Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) in Kharkov Ukraine, under the U.S. DOE NNSA Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) program. Ukraine approved the return of all highly enriched uranium in the country to Russia prior to the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in return for the RRRFR program to fund the development, the design, and the construction of the NSF. The facility is designed to produce medical isotopes, train nuclear professionals, support the Ukrainian nuclear industry, and provide experimental capabilities for performing reactor physics, materials, and basic science research. The NSF was successfully started and operated in August 2021. The NSF is the first facility of this type in the world, and it will be used to understand the physics of driven systems for energy production and the disposal of spent nuclear fuels. The NSF consists of a subcritical assembly using low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel driven with an electron accelerator. The NSF target design utilizes tungsten or natural uranium for producing neutrons through photonuclear reactions using 100-MeV electrons. The accelerator power is 100 KW, which produces 3x10 14 neutrons per second from the uranium target. The subcritical assembly is designed to obtain the highest possible neutron flux intensity with an effective neutron multiplication factor of less than 0.98. Passive safety, reliability, and environmental considerations were included in the NSF design. The NSF utilization study shows that this neutron source has the capability of producing different medical isotopes. Several horizontal neutron channels are incorporated for performing applied and basic research. The NSF is configured to accommodate future design upgrades and new missions. The facility design was approved by the Ukraine Academy of Sciences before starting the NSF construction. The construction, the equipment installation, and the operation of the different systems of the NSF were completed and approved by the Ukrainian regulators. In July 2020, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) issued a license for the physical startup of the NSF. The construction of facility was completed in early 2021.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

multiBreath.py

This is a research code which is intended to be made available to researchers to the password-protected simtk.org website which hosts the lung deposition simulation project "In-silico LADDER: Lung Aerosol Dosimetry for Drug and Environmental Research" headed by NIH PI Prof. Chantal Darquenne (UCSD). Industrial applications are more accurate deposition predictions of medical aerosols, including potentially subject-specific exposures. Accessing the code requires registration.

Kuprat, Andrew [Pacific Northwest National Laborat↗
DOE OSTI2024

Shape restricted additive hazards models: Monotone, unimodal, and U‐shape hazard functions

We consider estimation of the semiparametric additive hazards model with an unspecified baseline hazard function where the effect of a continuous covariate has a specific shape but otherwise unspecified. Such estimation is particularly useful for a unimodal hazard function, where the hazard is monotone increasing and monotone decreasing with an unknown mode. A popular approach of the proportional hazards model is limited in such setting due to the complicated structure of the partial likelihood. Our model defines a quadratic loss function, and its simple structure allows a global Hessian matrix that does not involve parameters. Thus, once the global Hessian matrix is computed, a standard quadratic programming method can be applicable by profiling all possible locations of the mode. However, the quadratic programming method may be inefficient to handle a large global Hessian matrix in the profiling algorithm due to a large dimensionality, where the dimension of the global Hessian matrix and number of hypothetical modes are the same order as the sample size. We propose the quadratic pool adjacent violators algorithm to reduce computational costs. The proposed algorithm is extended to the model with a time‐dependent covariate with monotone or U‐shape hazard function. In simulation studies, our proposed method improves computational speed compared to the quadratic programming method, with bias and mean square error reductions. We analyze data from a recent cardiovascular study.

Mathematical & Computational Biology↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design of Hypothetical Processes for the Production of 131 I and 99 Mo from Activation Targets

For over six decades, medical isotope production has been a high-priority focus of many research reactors across the globe. The majority of these isotopes were produced using highly-enriched uranium (HEU) or low enriched uranium (LEU) – delivering millions of doses of diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes. As a consequence of this production, however, six decades of isotope production has resulted in massive quantities of spent uranium material worldwide with no known disposition pathway creating growing proliferation concerns. Supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Material Management and Minimization (M3) program, there has been increased focus in the production of high-priority isotopes without special nuclear materials or without uranium altogether. Isotope production via activation can potentially fulfill regional isotope demands – particularly in under-developed regions without access to isotope supply chains. The benefits of this approach would be a reduction in uranium proliferation risks, less special nuclear material wastes, and reduced risk of supply disruption in the likely event that major isotope producers will again go off-line as has happened in recent years due to a number of factors.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Making Wireless Power Matter (CRADA Final Report)

The Resonant Link project team investigated the integration of their novel, self-resonant magnetic structure for electromagnetic coils into inductive wireless power transfer systems. Relative to conventional wireless power coils, their multi-layer self-resonant structure (the “MSRS”) reduces losses by up to 6x and lowers to BOM cost by up to 10x. These power-dense, cost-effective coils are a promising path towards the first value-add wireless power systems in a variety of applications, from phones to medical devices to kitchen appliances to mobile robots to electric vehicles. The researchers explored development of the power electronics for wireless power transfer systems using the multi-layer self-resonant structure (MSRS) concept that efficiently transmits power over air gaps for in-home applications, including through-wall power transfer, appliances built around the Ki and Qi standards, and other potential use cases This project specifically focused on the power electronics design, development, and testing for these applications. Resonant Link’s proprietary wireless power technology holds the promise of matching the performance of wired chargers in size and efficiency, especially when operated from a DC distribution grid.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cross‐Cultural Validation of the Binge Eating Disorder Screener‐7 ( BEDS ‐7) Across 42 Countries

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Binge Eating Disorder Screener‐7 (BEDS‐7) across 42 countries and 26 languages, assessing its reliability and validity as a screening tool for binge‐eating disorder (BED) in diverse cultural contexts. Specifically, it sought to enhance early recognition of BED symptoms in primary care settings globally, contributing to a standardized framework for assessing BED. Method The International Sex Survey, a cross‐sectional online study, was conducted in 42 countries and 26 languages. A diverse community sample of 82,243 participants, aged 18 years or older, completed the BEDS‐7 and measures of sexuality, mental health, substance use, and sociodemographic characteristics. Confirmatory factor analyses and tests of measurement invariance were employed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the BEDS‐7 across languages, countries, genders, and sexual orientations. Results The BEDS‐7 demonstrated scalar factorial invariance across languages and countries, indicating consistent factor loadings and item intercepts. In contrast, the screener showed residual invariance across gender and sexual orientation groups, supporting its robustness across these demographics. Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed significant differences in BED symptoms across languages, countries, genders, and sexual orientations, with the highest BED scores observed among queer, pansexual, and gender‐diverse individuals. The BEDS‐7 also demonstrated adequate reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.80) and moderate criterion validity. Discussion The findings provide further evidence of the reliability and validity of the BEDS‐7 as a potential screening tool for identifying probable cases of BED globally, facilitating early intervention in primary care settings.

Gewirtz‐Meydan, Ateret [School of Social Work, Fac↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advances in 211 At production at Texas A&M University

Alpha emitting radionuclides with medically relevant half-lives are interesting for treatment of tumors and other diseases because they deposit large amounts of energy close to the location of the radioisotope. Researchers at the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A&M University are developing a program to produce 211 At, an alpha emitter with a medically relevant half-life. Here, the properties of 211 At make it a great candidate for targeted alpha therapy for cancer due to its short half-life (7.2 h). Astatine-211 has now been produced multiple times and reliability of this process is being improved.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of Advanced, Radiation Resistant, Optical-based Detector Technology for Future Experiments.

The primary objective of this project has been to advance the design of high-performance electromagnetic (EM) calorimeters for future particle physics experiments, to identify and measure the timing, position and energy of electrons, positrons and gamma rays, particularly in high-luminosity environments with intense radiation and pileup conditions. To meet such challenges, the proposed research has focused on the development of ultra-compact, radiation-hard calorimeter modules, to provide excellent timing, spatial, and energy resolution. The work aligns with the DOE’s Basic Research Needs (BRN) for High Energy Physics (HEP) Instrumentation and the research team contributes actively to the Coordinating Panel on Advanced Detectors (CPAD) RDC9 calorimetry collaboration in the USA and the European Committee on Future Accelerators (ECFA) DRD-CALO calorimetry collaboration at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics located in Geneva, Switzerland. The research builds on the RADiCAL (radiation-hard, ultra-compact) modular sampling calorimeter approach, developed by the research team, which employs dense and very bright optical materials such as LYSO:Ce scintillator plates that are interleaved with very dense tungsten plates to minimize detector size while optimizing performance. The modules are comparable in size to a human index finger, dimensionally 14 mm x 14 mm in cross section and 135 mm in length. And despite the small size, the structure is capable of providing excellent timing and energy resolution. This is facilitated through the use of specialized quartz capillaries filled with wavelength-shifting filaments, positioned at various depths along the length of a module, to collect and guide light signals to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) which detect and convert the optical signals to electronic signals for analysis. The primary goals of this project have been: (1) Achieve a timing resolution to σ t ≤ 30 ps for high-energy electrons and photons, important for their association with specific events produced in colliding-beam experiments and for the detection of decays-in-flight of long-lived particles. The project has achieved this goal in beam tests of a single RADiCAL module at CERN, during which a timing resolution of σ t = 27 ps was measured for electrons of energy E = 150 GeV. Based upon a mathematical fit to the data measured over a broad energy range from low energy to high energy, a resolution of σ t ≤ 18 ps has been estimated for electrons of very high (TeV) energy. From these measurements and with further expected technical improvements, the timing resolution should reach σ t ≤ 10 ps, important for searches for discovery physics in upcoming and future experiments. (2) Achieve an energy resolution of σ E / E ≤ 10% / $\sqrt{E}$. The project has yet to achieve this goal, but is close to it, having measured a value of σ E / E ≤ 15.9% / $\sqrt{E}$ using a modular array. Ultimately, the resolution goal is expected to be reached by adjustments to material thicknesses within the modules, which will improve the sampling fraction to measure more precisely the shower energy for lower energy particles. The versatility of the modular RADiCAL approach enables the testing of advanced materials, photosensors and electronics, developed in collaboration with CPAD RDC and ECFA DRD-CALO groups. The structure can distinguish electrons, positrons and gamma rays from hadrons and muons and beam-induced backgrounds, making it a valuable tool in a variety of detector environments, including future circular colliders (FCC-ee, FCC-hh) proposed for the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), the muon-collider proposed for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), and searches for new physics in beam-dump, fixed target and forward-physics experiments. And, while designed with particle physics applications in mind, the technologies developed in this project have the potential for application more broadly in particle and nuclear physics, materials science, and medical physics, underscoring the far-reaching potential of this line of instrumentation research and development.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Visible-to-THz near-field nanoscopy

Optical microscopy has a key role in research, development and quality control across a wide range of scientific, technological and medical fields. However, diffraction limits the spatial resolution of conventional optical instruments to about half the illumination wavelength. A technique that surpasses the diffraction limit in the wide spectral range between visible and terahertz frequencies is scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM). The basis of s-SNOM is an atomic force microscope in which the tip is illuminated with light from the visible to the terahertz spectral range. By recording the elastically tip-scattered light while scanning the sample below the tip, s-SNOM yields near-field optical images with a remarkable resolution of 10 nm, simultaneously with the standard atomic force microscopic topography image. This resolution is independent of the illumination wavelength, rendering s-SNOM a versatile nanoimaging and nanospectroscopy technique for fundamental and applied studies of materials, structures and phenomena. This Review presents an overview of the fundamental principles governing the measurement and interpretation of near-field contrasts and discusses key applications of s-SNOM. We also showcase emerging developments that enable s-SNOM to operate under various environmental conditions, including cryogenic temperatures, electric and magnetic fields, electrical currents, strain and liquid environments. Furthermore, all these recent developments broaden the applicability of s-SNOMs for exploring fundamental solid-state and quantum phenomena, biological matter, catalytic reactions and more.

Hillenbrand, Rainer [CIC nanoGUNE BRTA and Departm↗
DOE OSTI2020

Lighting Control in Patient Rooms: Understanding Nurses’ Perceptions of Hospital Lighting Using Qualitative Methods

Here, this study differs in its methodological approach from previously published research by interpreting qualitative results against existing literature to understand how nurses conceptualize medical–surgical patient rooms as productive settings in relation to lighting, as well as the ways in which nurses believe these spaces could be enhanced for patient satisfaction. Content analysis was used to interpret themes emerging from nurses’ subjective responses to open-ended items. Three of the facilities had older, traditional lighting systems; one had a contemporary framework. A theme of environmental control over both overhead and task lighting emerged from data from all items. Although controllability was among the “best” lighting attributes, more refinement is necessary for optimal staff productivity and patient satisfaction. Daylighting was also considered to be among the best attributes. Control over light level via additional dimming capability for patients, as well as additional light sources, was prominent across the four hospitals. Unique to the more modern facility, trespassing of light was problematic for nurses considering the experiences of patients—even where modern models exist, more attention can be paid to the ways in which window shades, and light sources outside of rooms, penetrate spaces and affect users. Finally, the finding that nurses and patients desire greater control over the lighting in patient rooms is consistent with Ulrich’s theory of supportive design for healthcare and coincides with advances in lighting technology. Despite differences in the level of sophistication in lighting among the four facilities, control continues to be a primary concern for nurses.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Filter Adapters for BI-PAP and CPAP Equipment

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory are researching and designing technology intended to help reduce the exposure of patients and medical staff to pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, while providing medical staff the dexterity and flexible work conditions necessary to conduct routine and complex patient care on infected patients. This investigative technology would potentially enable hospitals to adapt, utilize, and repurpose existing Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP) equipment in the fight against COVID-19, which would potentially save hospitals significant money, reduce exposure to staff and patients, and increase the supply of critically needed devices at a time when supplies are scarce in the market place. A provisional patent has been filed on the technology and we are seeking a commercialization partner to license and further develop the product for commercial purposes, including processing the device through the FDA emergency use authorization or clearance process. One hospital system has indicated that upon FDA authorization or clearance, it would have interest in the product.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Air Evacuation Bridge

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory are researching and designing technology intended to help reduce the exposure of patients and medical staff to pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 while providing medical staff the dexterity and flexible work conditions necessary to conduct routine and complex patient care on infected patients. This investigative technology would potentially enable hospitals to adapt, utilize, and re-purpose existing and otherwise infrequently used equipment in the fight against COVID-19, thereby saving hospitals significant money, reducing exposure to staff and patients, and increasing the supply of critically needed devices at a time when supplies are scarce in the market place. A provisional patent has been filed on the technology and we are seeking a commercialization partner to license and further develop the product for commercial purposes, including processing the device through the FDA authorization or clearance process. Once FDA has cleared the product, at least one hospital system has expressed interest in the experimental test components for use in their hospitals.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Potential molecular targets for intervention in pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a concerning gynecological benign illness in middle-aged and senior women. Its etiology is complex, the incidence rate is high, symptoms are clinically subjective, and its influence tends to be polarized. At present, for those who need medical treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, complications cannot be ignored, and treatment effect needs to be optimized. However, there is a lack of accurate molecular biological interventions for the prevention, diagnosis, progression delay, and treatment of POP. Here, we reviewed the current state of understanding of the molecular mechanisms and factors associated with POP etiology. These factors include cyclins, matrix metal peptidases/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, microRNAs, homeobox A11, transforming growth factor β1, insulin-like growth factor 1, fibulin 5, lysyl oxidase-like 1, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, estrogen, and other potential biomarkers associated with POP. In addition, relevant molecular targets that may be used to intervene in POP are summarized. The aim of this review was to provide more information to identify accurate potential biomarkers and/or molecular targets for the prevention, diagnosis, progression delay, and treatment of POP, with the goal of improving medical treatment for patients at-risk for POP or having POP. Continued research is needed to identify additional details of currently accepted molecular mechanisms and to identify additional mechanisms that contribute to POP.

Wu, Xia↗
DOE OSTI2024

Graph learning for particle accelerator operations

Particle accelerators play a crucial role in scientific research, enabling the study of fundamental physics and materials science, as well as having important medical applications. This study proposes a novel graph learning approach to classify operational beamline configurations as good or bad. By considering the relationships among beamline elements, we transform data from components into a heterogeneous graph. We propose to learn from historical, unlabeled data via our self-supervised training strategy along with fine-tuning on a smaller, labeled dataset. Additionally, we extract a low-dimensional representation from each configuration that can be visualized in two dimensions. Leveraging our ability for classification, we map out regions of the low-dimensional latent space characterized by good and bad configurations, which in turn can provide valuable feedback to operators. This research demonstrates a paradigm shift in how complex, many-dimensional data from beamlines can be analyzed and leveraged for accelerator operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗