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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Comparing Calibration Algorithms for the Rapid Characterization of Pretreated Corn Stover Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Rapid characterization of biomass composition is a key enabling technology for biorefineries—the ability to measure the chemical composition of biomass materials entering the biorefinery as well as the composition of key process intermediate streams would allow real-time process control and the development of robust models to predict process performance. The utility of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for rapid characterization requires multivariate algorithms for building calibration models. The most prevalent algorithm used for building calibration models using NIR spectra is the linear modeling algorithm Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS). Nonlinear regression algorithms (which are typically more computationally intensive than linear modeling approaches) have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to solve a wide variety of classification and regression problems and the dramatic increase in available computational resources. In this work, we demonstrate that a calibration model can predict the composition of corn stover process intermediate samples pretreated with three different treatments—hot water (HW), dilute acid (DA), and deacetylation followed by dilute acid (DDA). We quantitatively compare three different algorithms for building prediction models based on near-infrared spectroscopy—partial least squares (PLS), support vector machines (SVM), and random forests (RF). We demonstrate the utility of improving model performance by accounting for instrument performance variability using repeated measurements of standard materials (e.g., the “repeatability file” strategy) and investigate its performance with nonlinear regression techniques, and we discuss methods for quantifying the uncertainties of specific predictions among the three methods.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1975

A program for contouring randomly spaced data

A description is given of a digital computer program which prepares contour plots of three dimensional data. The contouring technique uses a triangulation procedure. As presently configured, the program can accept up to 56,000 randomly spaced data points, although the required computer resources may be prohibitive. However, with relatively minor internal modifications, the program can handle essentially unlimited amounts of data. Up to 20 contouring intervals can be selected and contoured with either polygonal lines or smooth curves. Sample cases are illustrated. A general description of the main program and primary level subroutines is included to permit simple modifications of the program.

Hamm, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Steady-State Pursuit Is Driven by Object Motion Rather Than the Vector Average of Local Motions

We have previously shown that humans can pursue the motion of objects whose trajectories can be recovered only by spatio-temporal integration of local motion signals. We now explore the integration rule used to derive the target-motion signal driving pursuit. We measured the pursuit response of 4 observers (2 naive) to the motion of a line-figure diamond viewed through two vertical bar apertures (0.2 cd/square m). The comers were always occluded so that only four line segments (93 cd/square m) were visible behind the occluding foreground (38 cd/square m). The diamond was flattened (40 & 140 degree vertex angles) such that vector averaging of the local normal motions and vertical integration (e.g. IOC) yield very I or different predictions, analogous to using a Type II plaid. The diamond moved along Lissajous-figure trajectories (Ax = Ay = 2 degrees; TFx = 0.8 Hz; TFy = 0.4 Hz). We presented only 1.25 cycles and used 6 different randomly interleaved initial relative phases to minimize the role of predictive strategies. Observers were instructed to track the diamond and reported that its motion was always coherent (unlike type II plaids). Saccade-free portions of the horizontal and vertical eye-position traces sampled at 240 Hz were fit by separate sinusoids. Pursuit gain with respect to the diamond averaged 0.7 across subjects and directions. The ratio of the mean vertical to horizontal amplitude of the pursuit response was 1.7 +/- 0.7 averaged across subjects (1SD). This is close to the prediction of 1.0 from vertical motion-integration rules, but far from 7.7 predicted by vector averaging and infinity predicted by segment- or terminator-tracking strategies. Because there is no retinal motion which directly corresponds to the diamond's motion, steady-state pursuit of our "virtual" diamond is not closed-loop in the traditional sense. Thus, accurate pursuit is unlikely to result simply from local retinal negative feedback. We conclude that the signal driving steady-state pursuit is not the vector average of local motion signals, but rather a more vertical estimate of object motion, derived in extrastriate cortical areas beyond V1, perhaps NIT or MST.

Stone, Leland S.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Impact of Simulated Microgravity on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation

Background Long term exposure to microgravity has adverse effects on human body such as bone loss. Due to the vital role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) in bone regeneration, studying MSC under microgravity conditions has been of interest during the past decade. However, high cost and limited access to space flight can dampen enthusiasm of researchers. Microgravity simulators provide a way to investigate the effects of microgravity in human physiology. Methods In this study, we compared MSC cultures under simulated microgravity using random positioning machine (RPM) and Gravite 3D simulators. Two culture durations, 1 week and 2 weeks, were selected for MSC cultures without media change. To evaluate impact of simulated microgravity on cell proliferation, cell counting was performed using trypan blue exclusion assay. Additionally, RNA samples and conditioned media were collected for further analysis. Results After 1 week and 2 weeks, no cell morphology change was observed from RPM and Gravite cultures compared to control. Notably, distinct lower cell confluence at the edge of the flasks on the RPM was observed, which could be caused by fluid sheer forces. MSCs cultured on both microgravity simulators showed decreased cell proliferation after 1-week culture. After 2-week culture, cells grown on the RPM showed no significant difference in cell proliferation compared with control while cells cultured on the Gravite bioreactor showed significantly enhanced MSC proliferation. Conclusion Type of microgravity simulator and duration of culture significantly affect MSC proliferation. Further investigation into how simulated microgravity influences MSC gene expression and cytokine secretion related to bone loss is currently on going in our lab.

Cuiping Zhang↗
DOE OSTI2022

The relation between quasars’ optical spectra and variability

Abstract Brightness variation is an essential feature of quasars, but its mechanism and relationship to other physical quantities are not understood well. We aimed to find the relationship between the optical variability and spectral features to reveal the regularity behind the random variation. It is known that a quasar’s Fe ii/Hβ flux ratio and equivalent width of [O iii]5007 are negatively correlated; this is called Eigenvector 1. In this work, we visualized the relationship between the position on this Eigenvector 1 (EV1) plane and how the brightness of the quasars had changed after ∼10 yr. We conducted three analyses, using a different quasar sample in each. The first analysis showed the relation between the quasars’ distributions on the EV1 plane and how much they had changed brightness, using 13438 Sloan Digital Sky Survey quasars. This result shows how brightness changes later are clearly related to the position on the EV1 plane. In the second analysis, we plotted the sources reported as “changing-look quasars” (or “changing-state quasars”) on the EV1 plane. This result shows that the position on the EV1 plane corresponds to the activity level of each source, and the bright or dim states of them are distributed on the opposite sides divided by the typical quasar distribution. In the third analysis, we examined the transition vectors on the EV1 plane using sources with multiple-epoch spectra. This result shows that the brightening and dimming sources move on a similar path and they reach a position corresponding to the opposite activity level. We also found this trend is opposite to the empirical rule that $R_{\rm {Fe\, \small {II}}}$ positively correlated with the Eddington ratio, which has been proposed based on the trends of a large number of quasars. From all these analyses, it is indicated that quasars tend to oscillate between both sides of the distribution ridge on the EV1 plane; each of them corresponds to a dim state and a bright state. This trend in optical variation suggests that significant brightness changes, such as changing-look quasars, are expected to repeat.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2015

An adaptive filtered back-projection for photoacoustic image reconstruction

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an improved filtered-back-projection (FBP) algorithm for photoacoustic tomography (PAT), which allows image reconstruction with higher quality compared to images reconstructed through traditional algorithms. Methods: A rigorous expression of a weighting function has been derived directly from a photoacoustic wave equation and used as a ramp filter in Fourier domain. The authors’ new algorithm utilizes this weighting function to precisely calculate each photoacoustic signal’s contribution and then reconstructs the image based on the retarded potential generated from the photoacoustic sources. In addition, an adaptive criterion has been derived for selecting the cutoff frequency of a low pass filter. Two computational phantoms were created to test the algorithm. The first phantom contained five spheres with each sphere having different absorbances. The phantom was used to test the capability for correctly representing both the geometry and the relative absorbed energy in a planar measurement system. The authors also used another phantom containing absorbers of different sizes with overlapping geometry to evaluate the performance of the new method for complicated geometry. In addition, random noise background was added to the simulated data, which were obtained by using an arc-shaped array of 50 evenly distributed transducers that spanned 160° over a circle with a radius of 65 mm. A normalized factor between the neighbored transducers was applied for correcting measurement signals in PAT simulations. The authors assumed that the scanned object was mounted on a holder that rotated over the full 360° and the scans were set to a sampling rate of 20.48 MHz. Results: The authors have obtained reconstructed images of the computerized phantoms by utilizing the new FBP algorithm. From the reconstructed image of the first phantom, one can see that this new approach allows not only obtaining a sharp image but also showing the correct signal strength of the absorbers. The reconstructed image of the second phantom further demonstrates the capability to form clear images of the spheres with sharp borders in the overlapping geometry. The smallest sphere is clearly visible and distinguishable, even though it is surrounded by two big spheres. In addition, image reconstructions were conducted with randomized noise added to the observed signals to mimic realistic experimental conditions. Conclusions: The authors have developed a new FBP algorithm that is capable for reconstructing high quality images with correct relative intensities and sharp borders for PAT. The results demonstrate that the weighting function serves as a precise ramp filter for processing the observed signals in the Fourier domain. In addition, this algorithm allows an adaptive determination of the cutoff frequency for the applied low pass filter.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

A mathematical assessment of the isolation random forest method for anomaly detection in big data

We present the mathematical analysis of the Isolation Random Forest Method (IRF Method) for anomaly detection, proposed by Liu F.T., Ting K.M. and Zhou Z. H. in their seminal work as a heuristic method for anomaly detection in Big Data. We prove that the IRF space can be endowed with a probability induced by the Isolation Tree algorithm (iTree). In this setting, the convergence of the IRF method is proved, using the Law of Large Numbers. Here, a couple of counterexamples are presented to show that the method is inconclusive and no certificate of quality can be given, when using it as a means to detect anomalies. Hence, an alternative version of the method is proposed whose mathematical foundation is fully justified. Furthermore, a criterion for choosing the number of sampled trees needed to guarantee confidence intervals of the numerical results is presented. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to compare the performance of the classic method with the proposed one.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1993

X-ray emission from a complete sample of Abell clusters of galaxies

The ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) is used to investigate the X-ray properties of a complete sample of Abell clusters with measured redshifts and accurate positions. The sample comprises the 145 clusters within a 561 square degree region at high galactic latitude. The mean redshift is 0.17. This sample is especially well suited to be studied within the RASS since the mean exposure time is higher than average and the mean galactic column density is very low. These together produce a flux limit of about 4.2 x 10(exp -13) erg/sq cm/s in the 0.5 to 2.5 keV energy band. Sixty-six (46%) individual clusters are detected at a significance level higher than 99.7% of which 7 could be chance coincidences of background or foreground sources. At redshifts greater than 0.3 six clusters out of seven (86%) are detected at the same significance level. The detected objects show a clear X-ray luminosity -- galaxy count relation with a dispersion consistent with other external estimates of the error in the counts. By analyzing the excess of positive fluctuations of the X-ray flux at the cluster positions, compared with the fluctuations of randomly drawn background fields, it is possible to extend these results below the nominal flux limit. We find 80% of richness R greater than or = 0 and 86% of R greater than or = 1 clusters are X-ray emitters with fluxes above 1 x 10(exp -13) erg/sq cm/s. Nearly 90% of the clusters meeting the requirements to be in Abell's statistical sample emit above the same level. We therefore conclude that almost all Abell clusters are real clusters and the Abell catalog is not strongly contaminated by projection effects. We use the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator to calculate the cumulative X-ray luminosity function. We show that the shape of the luminosity functions are similiar for different richness classes, but the characteristic luminosities of richness 2 clusters are about twice those of richness 1 clusters which are in turn about twice those of richness 0 clusters. This result is another manifestation of the luminosity -- richness elation for Abell clusters.

Briel, Ulrich G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Machine Learning Correlation of Electron Micrographs and ToF-SIMS for the Analysis of Organic Biomarkers in Mudstone

The spatial distribution of organics in geological samples can be used to determine when and how these organics were incorporated into the host rock. Mass spectrometry (MS) imaging can rapidly collect a large amount of data, but ions produced are mixed without discrimination, resulting in complex mass spectra that can be difficult to interpret. Here, we apply unsupervised and supervised machine learning (ML) to help interpret spectra from time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) of an organic-carbon-rich mudstone of the Middle Jurassic of England (UK). It was previously shown that the presence of sterane molecular biomarkers in this sample can be detected via ToF-SIMS (Pasterski, M. J. et al., Astrobiology 2023, 23, 936). We use unsupervised ML on scanning electron microscopy–electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) measurements to define compositional categories based on differences in elemental abundances. We then test the ability of four ML algorithms─k-nearest neighbors (KNN), recursive partitioning and regressive trees (RPART), eXtreme gradient boost (XGBoost), and random forest (RF)─to classify the ToF-SIM spectra using (1) the categories assigned via SEM-EDS, (2) organic and inorganic labels assigned via SEM-EDS, and (3) the presence or absence of detectable steranes in ToF-SIMS spectra. In terms of predictive accuracy and balanced accuracy, KNN was the best performing model and RPART the worst. The feature importance, or the specific features of the ToF-SIM spectra used by the models to make classifications, cannot be determined for KNN, preventing posthoc model interpretation. Nevertheless, the feature importance extracted from the other models was useful for interpreting spectra. In conclusion, we determined that some of the organic ions used to classify biomarker containing spectra may be fragment ions derived from kerogen which is abundant in this mudstone sample.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural changes and conductance thresholds in metal-free intrinsic SiO{sub x} resistive random access memory

We present an investigation of structural changes in silicon-rich silicon oxide metal-insulator-metal resistive RAM devices. The observed unipolar switching, which is intrinsic to the bulk oxide material and does not involve movement of metal ions, correlates with changes in the structure of the oxide. We use atomic force microscopy, conductive atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy to examine the structural changes occurring as a result of switching. We confirm that protrusions formed at the surface of samples during switching are bubbles, which are likely to be related to the outdiffusion of oxygen. This supports existing models for valence-change based resistive switching in oxides. In addition, we describe parallel linear and nonlinear conduction pathways and suggest that the conductance quantum, G{sub 0}, is a natural boundary between the high and low resistance states of our devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dynamics of laser induced metal nanoparticle and pattern formation

Discontinuous metal films are converted into either almost round, isolated, and randomly distributed nanoparticles (NPs) or fringed patterns of alternate non transformed film and NPs by exposure to single pulses (20 ns pulse duration and 193 nm wavelength) of homogeneous or modulated laser beam intensity. The dynamics of NPs and pattern formation is studied by measuring in real time the transmission and reflectivity of the sample upon homogeneous beam exposure and the intensity of the diffraction orders 0 and 1 in transmission configuration upon modulated beam exposure. The results show that laser irradiation induces melting of the metal either completely or at regions around intensity maxima sites for homogeneous and modulated beam exposure, respectively, within ≤10 ns. The aggregation and/or coalescence of the initially irregular metal nanostructures is triggered upon melting and continues after solidification (estimated to occur at ≤80 ns) for more than 1 μs. The present results demonstrate that real time transmission rather than reflectivity measurements is a valuable and easy-to-use tool for following the dynamics of NPs and pattern formation. They provide insights on the heat-driven processes occurring both in liquid and solid phases and allow controlling in-situ the process through the fluence. They also evidence that there is negligible lateral heat release in discontinuous films upon laser irradiation.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=266,270,274,278,282,286,290,294,298☆

Spectroscopic information such as production, identification, half-lives, decay modes and possible excited states for experimentally known nuclides of mass numbers 266, 270, 274, 278, 282, 286, 290, 294, and 298 are presented together with the recommended values, superseding information and data in the previous ENSDF and NDS evaluation by 2005Gu33. No nuclides have yet been identified for A=302. In the last 14 years, large amounts of new and definitive data on the superheavy nuclides (SHN) have become available, thus changing almost entirely the landscape of nuclear data in this mass region, as also indicated by a number of recent review articles: 2017Og01, 2016Ho09, 2016Ho06 (for fission barriers), 2015Og05, 2015Og07, 2015Mo25, 2015OgZX, 2013Th02, and 2011Og07. See 2016Ka49 for IUPAC technical discussions for the discovery of Z=117 (Ts), Z=115 (Mc), Z=113 (Nh), 2001Ka70 and 2003Ka71 for Z=110-112, 2011Ba54 for Z≥113, 2009Ba62 for Z=112, and 2016Ka50 for Z=118 (Og). A special issue of Nuclear Physics A444 (2015) is devoted to research on superheavy elements (SHE) with 27 articles. In particular, see article by 2015Ko20 on mass spectrometric searches for superheavy elements in terrestrial matter. See also Proceedings of Nobel Symposium NS160 ‘Chemistry and Physics of Heavy and Superheavy Elements’ published in Eur. Phys. Jour. Web of Conferences 131 (2016), in particular 2016UtZZ, 2016DmZZ and 2016HoZY. See also 2016DuZX for future prospects of discovery of elements beyond Z=118 A=266: {sup 266}Db, {sup 266}Sg, {sup 266}Bh, {sup 266}Hs and {sup 266}Mt are the experimentally identified nuclides with A=266. Identification of {sup 266}Lr from α decay of {sup 270}Db has been proposed by 2014Kh04 from experiments at GSI, but complete details and analyses of all the four decay chains reported in this experiment have not yet been published, and discussion in 2015Og05 review article considering their work from Dubna (2013Og04, 2011Og04) and from GSI (2014Kh04) still concluded that {sup 270}Db decayed dominantly by SF mode, in contrast with dominant α decay mode proposed by 2014Kh04. Experiments carried out at FLNR-JINR-Dubna in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL, GSI-SHIP facility, RIKEN, and LBNL facilities: {sup 266}Db from the α-decay of {sup 282}Nh in two correlated decay chains at Dubna; {sup 266}Sg as α-daughter of {sup 270}Hs in 12 correlated decay chains at Dubna and GSI; {sup 266}Bh in α decay of {sup 278}Nh in three correlated decay chains observed at RIKEN, and also directly with one event in {sup 249}Bk({sup 22}Ne,5n) at LBNL, and with four events in {sup 243}Am({sup 26}Mg,3n) at HIRFL-Lanzhou; {sup 266}Hs as α-daughter of {sup 270}Ds at GSI in two different experiments, six correlated decays in the first, and 25 decay chains in the second experiment, the analysis of which has not been fully reported as yet; and {sup 266}Mt directly in {sup 209}Bi({sup 58}Fe,n) reaction at GSI in two different experiments, observing three events in the first experiment and 12 events in the second, also produced in {sup 208}Pb({sup 59}Co,n) reaction at LBNL, observing five correlated decay chains. See also 2000Ho27 for discussion on {sup 266}Sg and {sup 266}Mt. A=270: {sup 270}Db, {sup 270}Bh, {sup 270}Hs, {sup 270}Mt and {sup 270}Ds are the experimentally identified nuclides with A=270 are presented. Experiments carried out at FLNR-JINR-Dubna in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL, GSI-SHIP facility, and RIKEN: {sup 270}Db from the decay of {sup 294}Ts in six correlated decay chains at Dubna and GSI; {sup 270}Bh as α great-granddaughter of {sup 282}Nh in two correlated decay chains observed at Dubna; {sup 270}Hs directly in {sup 248}Cm({sup 26}Mg,4n) reaction at GSI, and in {sup 226}Ra({sup 48}Ca,4n) reaction at Dubna; {sup 270}Mt as granddaughter of {sup 278}Ts in three correlated decay chains at RIKEN; and {sup 270}Ds directly in {sup 207}Pb({sup 64}Ni,n) at GSI in 33 correlated decay chains. A=274: {sup 274}Bh, {sup 274}Mt and {sup 274}Rg are the experimentally identified nuclides with A=274. Search for {sup 274}Ds in {sup 238}U({sup 40}Ar, 4n),E=5.7 MeV/nucleon reaction and subsequent α decays at GSI (1990Sc11) proved negative. Experiments carried out at FLNR-JINR-Dubna in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL, GSI-SHIP facility, and RIKEN: {sup 274}Bh from the decay of {sup 294}Ts in six correlated decay chains at Dubna and GSI, {sup 274}Mt produced as α daughter of {sup 282}Nh in two correlated decay chains observed at Dubna, and {sup 274}Rg as α daughter of {sup 278}Nh produced in three correlated decay chains at RIKEN. A=278: {sup 278}Mt, {sup 278}Rg and {sup 278}Nh are the experimentally identified nuclides with A=278. A very tentative evidence is provided for {sup 278}Bh and {sup 278}Hs from a chain originally observed and assigned to {sup 289}Fl by 1999Og10, but later reassigned by 2004Og10 to {sup 290}Fl, and further discussed in detail by 2016Ho09, where, based on systematics of α decays and SF half-lives, {sup 290}Fl is proposed to decay via ε mode to {sup 290}Nh, which then decays by an α chain, ending in {sup 278}Bh that decays by SF mode. Experiments carried out at FLNR-JINR-Dubna in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL labs in the USA, GSI-SHIP facility, and RIKEN: {sup 278}Mt from the decay of {sup 294}Ts in six correlated decay chains at Dubna and GSI, {sup 278}Rg produced as α daughter of {sup 282}Nh in two correlated decay chains observed at Dubna, and {sup 278}Nh produced directly in three correlated decay chains at RIKEN. A=282: {sup 282}Rg, {sup 282}Cn and {sup 282}Nh are the experimentally identified nuclides with A=282. A very tentative evidence is provided for {sup 282}Mt and {sup 282}Ds from a chain originally observed and assigned to {sup 289}Fl by 1999Og10, but later reassigned by 2004Og10 to {sup 290}Fl, and further discussed in detail by 2016Ho09, where, based on systematics of α decays and SF half-lives, {sup 290}Fl is proposed to decay via ε mode to {sup 290}Nh, which then decays by an α chain, ending in {sup 278}Bh that decays by SF mode. Experiments carried out at FLNR-Dubna, in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL labs in the USA, and at GSI-SHIP facility confirm the identification of these isotopes, {sup 282}Rg in α decay chain of {sup 294}Ts in six correlated decay chains at Dubna and GSI, {sup 282}Cn produced in four ways at Dubna: independently in one correlated decay chain, as α daughter of {sup 286}Lv in 11 correlated decay chains, as α grand-daughter of {sup 290}Lv in 12 correlated decay chains, as α great-grand daughter of {sup 294}Og in four correlated decay chains, and {sup 282}Nh produced at Dubna directly in two correlated decay chains. A=286: {sup 286}Nh and {sup 286}Fl are the only experimentally identified nuclides with A=286. A very tentative evidence is provided for {sup 286}Rg and {sup 286}Cn from a chain originally observed and assigned to {sup 289}Fl by 1999Og10, but later reassigned by 2004Og10 to {sup 290}Fl, and further discussed in detail by 2016Ho09, where, based on systematics of α decays and SF half-lives, {sup 290}Fl is proposed to decay via ε mode to {sup 290}Nh, which then decays by an α chain, ending in {sup 278}Bh that decays by SF mode. 2017Ka66 in experiments at RIKEN using GARIS separator interpret one correlated decay chain in three different ways, one involving possible production of {sup 294}Lv in {sup 248}Cm({sup 48}Ca,2n),E=261.6 MeV, and α decay to {sup 290}Fl which further decays to {sup 286}Cn. Experiments carried out at FLNR-Dubna, in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL labs in the USA, and at GSI-SHIP facility confirm the identification of these isotopes, {sup 286}Nh as α grand-daughter of {sup 294}Ts in six correlated decay chains, and {sup 286}Fl produced in three ways: independently in 11 correlated decay chains, as α daughter of {sup 290}Lv in 12 correlated decay chains, and as α grand-daughter of {sup 294}Og in four correlated decay chains. A=290: {sup 290}Mc and {sup 290}Lv are the only experimentally identified nuclides with A=290. A tentative evidence is provided for {sup 290}Nh and {sup 290}Fl from a chain originally observed and assigned to {sup 289}Fl by 1999Og10, but later reassigned by 2004Og10 to {sup 290}Fl, and further discussed in detail by 2016Ho09, where, based on systematics of α decays and SF half-lives, {sup 290}Fl is proposed to decay via ε mode to {sup 290}Nh, which then decays by an α chain, ending in {sup 278}Bh that decays by SF mode. 2017Ka66 in experiments at RIKEN using GARIS separator interpret one correlated decay chain in three different ways, one involving possible production of {sup 294}Lv in {sup 248}Cm({sup 48}Ca,2n),E=261.6 MeV, and α decay to {sup 290}Fl. Experiments carried out at FLNR-Dubna, in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL labs in the USA, and at GSI-SHIP facility confirm the identification of these isotopes, {sup 290}Mc as α daughter of {sup 294}Ts in six correlated decay chains, and {sup 290}Lv produced in two ways, independently in 14 correlated decay chains, and as α daughter of {sup 294}Og in four correlated decay chains. A=294: {sup 294}Ts and {sup 294}Og are the only experimentally identified nuclides with A=294. Experiments carried out at FLNR-Dubna, in collaboration with LLNL and ORNL labs in the USA, and at GSI-SHIP facility confirm the identification of these isotopes, with a total of six EVR-α-SF correlated decay chains observed for {sup 294}Ts and four for {sup 294}Og. Tentative identification of {sup 294}Lv is provided by 2017Ka66 from the observation one correlated event using GARIS-RIKEN facility, where this event is interpreted in three possible ways, two interpretations lead to production of {sup 293}Lv and successive odd-A nuclides of {sup 289}Fl, {sup 285}Cn and {sup 281}Ds, whereas the third prediction starts with the production of {sup 294}Lv and successive {sup 290}Fl and {sup 286}Cn nuclides. Search for {sup 294}Rg in natural gold materials (2011De03), and for {sup 294}Ds, {sup 294}Fl and {sup 294}Mc in natural Pt, Pb and Bi samples (2011De21) using accelerator mass spectroscopy (AMS) proved negative, with extremely low upper limits established. Also 1980St05 did not see any evidence for {sup 294}Ds in natural Pt sample using AMS. A=298: Search for {sup 298}120 through fusion-evaporation reaction at Dubna, and for {sup 298}Fl and {sup 298}Mc in natural Pt, Pb and Bi samples using accelerator mass spectroscopy (AMS) proved negative. Tentative assignment of three α-α-α decay chains by 2016Ho09 to {sup 299}120 in {sup 248}Cm({sup 54}Cr,3n){sup 299}120 at GSI was refuted by 2017He11, assigning these correlations to random events, instead. A=302: Fluorescent x rays from Z=120 element were observed by 2012Fr03 from compound nucleus {sup 302}120 produced in {sup 238}U({sup 64}Ni,X),E=6.6 MeV/nucleon at GANIL, and x-ray yields were measured, together with minimum average time deduced from x-ray multiplicity. The compound nucleus could decay by 3n- or 4n-channels to produce {sup 299}120 or {sup 298}120. 2012He05 and 2016Ho09 also produced {sup 302}120 compound nucleus in {sup 248}Cm({sup 54}Cr, xn){sup 302}120{sup *},E=6.035 MeV/nucleon; and {sup 238}U({sup 64}Ni,xn){sup 302}120{sup *},E=5.53 MeV/nucleon reactions using UNILAC at GSI. Three α-α-α correlated decays from {sup 248}Cm({sup 54}Cr,xn){sup 302}120{sup *} reaction were tentatively assigned by 2016Ho09 to {sup 299}120 decay, however, a detailed analysis by 2017He11 refuted this claim, ascribing these events to random sequences. There are no data tables for A=302.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Framework of compressive sensing and data compression for 4D-STEM

Four-dimensional Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (4D-STEM) is a powerful technique for high-resolution and high-precision materials characterization at multiple length scales, including the characterization of beam-sensitive materials. However, the field of view of 4D-STEM is relatively small, which in absence of live processing is limited by the data size required for storage. Furthermore, the rectilinear scan approach currently employed in 4D-STEM places a resolution- and signal-dependent dose limit for the study of beam sensitive materials. Improving 4D-STEM data and dose efficiency, by keeping the data size manageable while limiting the amount of electron dose, is thus critical for broader applications. Here we introduce a general method for reconstructing 4D-STEM data with subsampling in both real and reciprocal spaces at high fidelity. The approach is first tested on the subsampled datasets created from a full 4D-STEM dataset, and then demonstrated experimentally using random scan in real-space. The same reconstruction algorithm can also be used for compression of 4D-STEM datasets, leading to a large reduction (100 times or more) in data size, while retaining the fine features of 4D-STEM imaging, for crystalline samples.

4D-STEM↗
DOE OSTI2020

Supernova Siblings: Assessing the Consistency of Properties of Type Ia Supernovae that Share the Same Parent Galaxies

While many studies have shown a correlation between properties of the light curves of SNe Ia and properties of their host galaxies, it remains unclear what is driving these correlations. We introduce a new direct method to study these correlations by analyzing "parent" galaxies that host multiple SNe Ia "siblings." In this study, we search the Dark Energy Survey SN sample, one of the largest samples of discovered SNe, and find eight galaxies that hosted two likely SNe Ia. Comparing the light-curve properties of these SNe and recovered distances from the light curves, we find no better agreement between properties of SNe in the same galaxy as any random pair of galaxies, with the exception of the SN light-curve stretch. We show at 2.8 σ significance that at least one-half of the intrinsic scatter of SNe Ia distance modulus residuals is not from common host properties. We also discuss the robustness with which we could make this evaluation with LSST, which will find 100 × more pairs of galaxies, and pave a new line of study on the consistency of SNe Ia in the same parent galaxies. Finally, we argue that it is unlikely that some of these SNe are actually single, lensed SN with multiple images.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2007

Relative Bioavailability of Scopolamine Dosage Forms and Interaction with Dextroamphetamine

The NASA Reduced Gravity Office (RGO) uses scopolamine (SCOP) and in combination with dextoamphetamine (DEX) to manage motion sickness symptoms during parabolic flights. The medications are dispensed as custom dosage forms as gelatin capsules. Anecdotal evidence of efficacy suggests that these formulations are unreliable and less efficacious for the treatment of motion sickness. We estimated bioavailability of four different oral formulations used by NASA for the treatment of motion sickness. Twelve healthy, non-smoking subjects between 21and 48 years of age received four treatments on separate days in a randomized fashion; the treatments were 0.8 mg SCOP alone as tablet, 0.8 mg SCOP alone in gel cap, 0.8 mg SCOP and 10 mg DEX as tablets, and 0.8 mg SCOP and 10 mg DEX in gel cap. After each treatment, blood, saliva, and urine samples were collected at scheduled time intervals for 24 h after dosing. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and compared using ANOVA. After administration of SCOP tablets alone, maximum concentration (C(sub max)) and time for maximum concentration (t(sub max)) were 0.26 plus or minus 0.04 ng/mL and 0.71 plus or minus 0.02 h, respectively; volume of distribution, and clearance were 47.6 plus or minus 4.72 L/kg and 23.0 plus or minus 4.58 L/h/kg, respectively. SCOP t(sub max) after administration as gelcaps was significantly longer than that with tablets (1.04 h, p less than 0.05), but no significant differences in other pharmacokinetic parameters of SCOP were observed between the two dosage forms. When coadministered with DEX, the area underneath the concentration versus time curve (AUC) of SCOP was significantly reduced to 0.61 plus or minus 0.09 and 0.64 plus or minus 0.11 ng (raised dot) h/mL after administration as a tablet or gelcap formulation, respectively; SCOP C(sub max) was lower after coadministration with DEX, this difference, however, was not statistically significant. Delayed absorption with gelcaps coupled with reduced bioavailability with DEX coadministration may have resulted in the observed treatment failure with some of these formulations. This could result from failure to reach minimum effective concentrations after treatment with gelcap formulations before parabolic flights. A new nomogram for dosing is proposed for treatment with SCOP gelcaps or SCOP-DEX combination.

Boyd, Jason L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Recent Advancements in Electrical Capacitance Mass Gauging for Cryogenic PropellantTanks

The current lack of unsettled mass gauging is a key roadblock for many space activities, such as orbital refueling, missions to the Moon and Mars, and nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion technologies. Liquid can form any one of an infinite number of configurations in microgravity, such as floating in globs or accumulating on tank surfaces in discontiguous volumes, or both. Capacitive sensing requires no moving parts and dissipates close to zero heat, making it an ideal candidate for cryogenic fluid mass gauging in settled and unsettled configurations. Capacitive sensing has a history of proven use in space propellant tanks, including tanks on the space shuttle, Saturn V, and the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module. Modern capacitive sensor technology allows using the entire tank as the capacitor volume by placing electrodes on the tank walls and propellant management surfaces. Capacitance is directly related to density, and therefore to mass for fixed volumes. In this presentation, we discuss the concepts behind whole-tank capacitance mass gauging and associated engineering challenges. We describe recent efforts to develop a micro-g unsettled cryogenic mass gauge using whole-tank capacitance sensing, including the development of test beds, electronics, and algorithms. We describe several mathematical processing techniques, including empirical-based averaging, electrical capacitance volume tomography, and spatial regularization. A modeling study, performed using settled configurations in gravity and no gravity, and with a set of 100 random fluid configurations, has indicated that spatial regularization, in which capacitance measurements are weighted to account for non-uniform electric fields, yields a mass fraction accuracy of 8% for any fluid configuration. Such a sensor is expected to operate in real time with a sampling frequency of at least 1 kHz.

cryogenic↗
DOE OSTI2015

A Bayesian Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Alcohol Use on HCV-Treatment Outcomes with a Comparison of Resampling Methods to Assess Uncertainty in Parameter Estimates.

There is mounting evidence that alcohol use is significantly linked to lower HCV treatment response rates in interferon-based therapies, though some of the evidence is conflicting. Furthermore, although health care providers recommend reducing or abstaining from alcohol use prior to treatment, many patients do not succeed in doing so. The goal of this meta-analysis was to systematically review and summarize the Englishlanguage literature up through January 30, 2015 regarding the relationship between alcohol use and HCV treatment outcomes, among patients who were not required to abstain from alcohol use in order to receive treatment. Seven pertinent articles studying 1,751 HCV-infected patients were identified. Log-ORs of HCV treatment response for heavy alcohol use and light alcohol use were calculated and compared. We employed a hierarchical Bayesian meta-analytic model to accommodate the small sample size. The summary estimate for the log-OR of HCV treatment response was -0.775 with a 95% credible interval of (-1.397, -0.236). The results of the Bayesian meta-analysis are slightly more conservative compared to those obtained from a boot-strapped, random effects model. We found evidence of heterogeneity (Q = 14.489, p = 0.025), accounting for 60.28% of the variation among log-ORs. Meta-regression to capture the sources of this heterogeneity did not identify any of the covariates investigated as significant. This meta-analysis confirms that heavy alcohol use is associated with decreased HCV treatment response compared to lighter levels of alcohol use. Further research is required to characterize the mechanism by which alcohol use affects HCV treatment response.

alcohol↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fast Magnetoresistive Random-Access Memory

Magnetoresistive binary digital memories of proposed new type expected to feature high speed, nonvolatility, ability to withstand ionizing radiation, high density, and low power. In memory cell, magnetoresistive effect exploited more efficiently by use of ferromagnetic material to store datum and adjacent magnetoresistive material to sense datum for readout. Because relative change in sensed resistance between "zero" and "one" states greater, shorter sampling and readout access times achievable.

Wu, Jiin-Chuan↗