The Role of Metal Halide Perovskites in Next-Generation Lighting Devices.

PubMed

Lozano, Gabriel

2018-06-28

The development of smart illumination sources represents a central challenge of the current technology. In this context, the quest for novel materials that enable efficient light generation is essential. Metal halide compounds with perovskite crystalline structure (ABX3) have gained tremendous interest in the last five years since they come as easy-to-prepare high performance semiconductors. Perovskite absorbers are driving the power-conversion-efficiencies of thin film photovoltaics to unprecedented values. Nowadays, mixed-cation mixed-halide lead perovskite solar cells reach efficiencies consistently over 20% and promise to get close to 30% in multi-junction devices when combined with silicon cells at no surcharge. Nonetheless, perovskites' fame extends further since extensive research on these novel semiconductors has also revealed their brightest side. Soon after their irruption in the photovoltaic scenario, demonstration of efficient color tunable -with high color purity- perovskite emitters has opened new avenues for light generation applications that are timely to discuss herein.

Tablet—next generation sequence assembly visualization

PubMed Central

Milne, Iain; Bayer, Micha; Cardle, Linda; Shaw, Paul; Stephen, Gordon; Wright, Frank; Marshall, David

2010-01-01

Summary: Tablet is a lightweight, high-performance graphical viewer for next-generation sequence assemblies and alignments. Supporting a range of input assembly formats, Tablet provides high-quality visualizations showing data in packed or stacked views, allowing instant access and navigation to any region of interest, and whole contig overviews and data summaries. Tablet is both multi-core aware and memory efficient, allowing it to handle assemblies containing millions of reads, even on a 32-bit desktop machine. Availability: Tablet is freely available for Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, Linux and Solaris. Fully bundled installers can be downloaded from http://bioinf.scri.ac.uk/tablet in 32- and 64-bit versions. Contact: tablet@scri.ac.uk PMID:19965881

Novel Phenotype-Genotype Correlations of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy With Myosin-Binding Protein C (MYBPC3) Gene Mutations Tested by Next-Generation Sequencing.

PubMed

Wu, Wei; Lu, Chao-Xia; Wang, Yi-Ning; Liu, Fang; Chen, Wei; Liu, Yong-Tai; Han, Ye-Chen; Cao, Jian; Zhang, Shu-Yang; Zhang, Xue

2015-07-10

MYBPC3 dysfunctions have been proven to induce dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and/or left ventricular noncompaction; however, the genotype-phenotype correlation between MYBPC3 and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) has not been established. The newly developed next-generation sequencing method is capable of broad genomic DNA sequencing with high throughput and can help explore novel correlations between genetic variants and cardiomyopathies. A proband from a multigenerational family with 3 live patients and 1 unrelated patient with clinical diagnoses of RCM underwent a next-generation sequencing workflow based on a custom AmpliSeq panel, including 64 candidate pathogenic genes for cardiomyopathies, on the Ion Personal Genome Machine high-throughput sequencing benchtop instrument. The selected panel contained a total of 64 genes that were reportedly associated with inherited cardiomyopathies. All patients fulfilled strict criteria for RCM with clinical characteristics, echocardiography, and/or cardiac magnetic resonance findings. The multigenerational family with 3 adult RCM patients carried an identical nonsense MYBPC3 mutation, and the unrelated patient carried a missense mutation in the MYBPC3 gene. All of these results were confirmed by the Sanger sequencing method. This study demonstrated that MYBPC3 gene mutations, revealed by next-generation sequencing, were associated with familial and sporadic RCM patients. It is suggested that the next-generation sequencing platform with a selected panel provides a highly efficient approach for molecular diagnosis of hereditary and idiopathic RCM and helps build new genotype-phenotype correlations. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

An efficient and scalable graph modeling approach for capturing information at different levels in next generation sequencing reads

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Next generation sequencing technologies have greatly advanced many research areas of the biomedical sciences through their capability to generate massive amounts of genetic information at unprecedented rates. The advent of next generation sequencing has led to the development of numerous computational tools to analyze and assemble the millions to billions of short sequencing reads produced by these technologies. While these tools filled an important gap, current approaches for storing, processing, and analyzing short read datasets generally have remained simple and lack the complexity needed to efficiently model the produced reads and assemble them correctly. Results Previously, we presented an overlap graph coarsening scheme for modeling read overlap relationships on multiple levels. Most current read assembly and analysis approaches use a single graph or set of clusters to represent the relationships among a read dataset. Instead, we use a series of graphs to represent the reads and their overlap relationships across a spectrum of information granularity. At each information level our algorithm is capable of generating clusters of reads from the reduced graph, forming an integrated graph modeling and clustering approach for read analysis and assembly. Previously we applied our algorithm to simulated and real 454 datasets to assess its ability to efficiently model and cluster next generation sequencing data. In this paper we extend our algorithm to large simulated and real Illumina datasets to demonstrate that our algorithm is practical for both sequencing technologies. Conclusions Our overlap graph theoretic algorithm is able to model next generation sequencing reads at various levels of granularity through the process of graph coarsening. Additionally, our model allows for efficient representation of the read overlap relationships, is scalable for large datasets, and is practical for both Illumina and 454 sequencing technologies. PMID:24564333

Optically efficient InAsSb nanowires for silicon-based mid-wavelength infrared optoelectronics.

PubMed

Zhuang, Q D; Alradhi, H; Jin, Z M; Chen, X R; Shao, J; Chen, X; Sanchez, Ana M; Cao, Y C; Liu, J Y; Yates, P; Durose, K; Jin, C J

2017-03-10

InAsSb nanowires (NWs) with a high Sb content have potential in the fabrication of advanced silicon-based optoelectronics such as infrared photondetectors/emitters and highly sensitive phototransistors, as well as in the generation of renewable electricity. However, producing optically efficient InAsSb NWs with a high Sb content remains a challenge, and optical emission is limited to 4.0 μm due to the quality of the nanowires. Here, we report, for the first time, the success of high-quality and optically efficient InAsSb NWs enabling silicon-based optoelectronics operating in entirely mid-wavelength infrared. Pure zinc-blende InAsSb NWs were realized with efficient photoluminescence emission. We obtained room-temperature photoluminescence emission in InAs NWs and successfully extended the emission wavelength in InAsSb NWs to 5.1 μm. The realization of this optically efficient InAsSb NW material paves the way to realizing next-generation devices, combining advances in III-V semiconductors and silicon.

Compression of next-generation sequencing reads aided by highly efficient de novo assembly

PubMed Central

Jones, Daniel C.; Ruzzo, Walter L.; Peng, Xinxia

2012-01-01

We present Quip, a lossless compression algorithm for next-generation sequencing data in the FASTQ and SAM/BAM formats. In addition to implementing reference-based compression, we have developed, to our knowledge, the first assembly-based compressor, using a novel de novo assembly algorithm. A probabilistic data structure is used to dramatically reduce the memory required by traditional de Bruijn graph assemblers, allowing millions of reads to be assembled very efficiently. Read sequences are then stored as positions within the assembled contigs. This is combined with statistical compression of read identifiers, quality scores, alignment information and sequences, effectively collapsing very large data sets to <15% of their original size with no loss of information. Availability: Quip is freely available under the 3-clause BSD license from http://cs.washington.edu/homes/dcjones/quip. PMID:22904078

Construction of a high-density genetic map for grape using next generation restriction-site associated DNA sequencing

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Genetic mapping and QTL detection are powerful methodologies in plant improvement and breeding. Construction of a high-density and high-quality genetic map would be of great benefit in the production of superior grapes to meet human demand. High throughput and low cost of the recently developed next generation sequencing (NGS) technology have resulted in its wide application in genome research. Sequencing restriction-site associated DNA (RAD) might be an efficient strategy to simplify genotyping. Combining NGS with RAD has proven to be powerful for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker development. Results An F1 population of 100 individual plants was developed. In-silico digestion-site prediction was used to select an appropriate restriction enzyme for construction of a RAD sequencing library. Next generation RAD sequencing was applied to genotype the F1 population and its parents. Applying a cluster strategy for SNP modulation, a total of 1,814 high-quality SNP markers were developed: 1,121 of these were mapped to the female genetic map, 759 to the male map, and 1,646 to the integrated map. A comparison of the genetic maps to the published Vitis vinifera genome revealed both conservation and variations. Conclusions The applicability of next generation RAD sequencing for genotyping a grape F1 population was demonstrated, leading to the successful development of a genetic map with high density and quality using our designed SNP markers. Detailed analysis revealed that this newly developed genetic map can be used for a variety of genome investigations, such as QTL detection, sequence assembly and genome comparison. PMID:22908993

Ultra High Bypass Integrated System Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-09-14

NASA’s Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Pratt & Whitney, completed testing of an Ultra High Bypass Ratio Turbofan Model in the 9’ x 15’ Low Speed Wind Tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center. The fan model is representative of the next generation of efficient and quiet Ultra High Bypass Ratio Turbofan Engine designs.

SNP discovery through de novo deep sequencing using the next generation of DNA sequencers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The production of high volumes of DNA sequence data using new technologies has permitted more efficient identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in vertebrate genomes. This chapter presented practical methodology for production and analysis of DNA sequence data for SNP discovery....

Development of next generation tempered and ODS reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion energy applications

DOE PAGES

Zinkle, S. J.; Boutard, J. L.; Hoelzer, D. T.; ...

2017-06-09

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are currently the most technologically mature option for the structural material of proposed fusion energy reactors. Advanced next-generation higher performance steels offer the opportunity for improvements in fusion reactor operational lifetime and reliability, superior neutron radiation damage resistance, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and reduced construction costs. The two main strategies for developing improved steels for fusion energy applications are based on (1) an evolutionary pathway using computational thermodynamics modelling and modified thermomechanical treatments (TMT) to produce higher performance reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels and (2) a higher risk, potentially higher payoff approach based on powder metallurgy techniquesmore » to produce very high strength oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels capable of operation to very high temperatures and with potentially very high resistance to fusion neutron-induced property degradation. The current development status of these next-generation high performance steels is summarized, and research and development challenges for the successful development of these materials are outlined. In conclusion, material properties including temperature-dependent uniaxial yield strengths, tensile elongations, high-temperature thermal creep, Charpy impact ductile to brittle transient temperature (DBTT) and fracture toughness behaviour, and neutron irradiation-induced low-temperature hardening and embrittlement and intermediate-temperature volumetric void swelling (including effects associated with fusion-relevant helium and hydrogen generation) are described for research heats of the new steels.« less

Development of next generation tempered and ODS reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion energy applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zinkle, S. J.; Boutard, J. L.; Hoelzer, D. T.

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are currently the most technologically mature option for the structural material of proposed fusion energy reactors. Advanced next-generation higher performance steels offer the opportunity for improvements in fusion reactor operational lifetime and reliability, superior neutron radiation damage resistance, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and reduced construction costs. The two main strategies for developing improved steels for fusion energy applications are based on (1) an evolutionary pathway using computational thermodynamics modelling and modified thermomechanical treatments (TMT) to produce higher performance reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels and (2) a higher risk, potentially higher payoff approach based on powder metallurgy techniquesmore » to produce very high strength oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels capable of operation to very high temperatures and with potentially very high resistance to fusion neutron-induced property degradation. The current development status of these next-generation high performance steels is summarized, and research and development challenges for the successful development of these materials are outlined. In conclusion, material properties including temperature-dependent uniaxial yield strengths, tensile elongations, high-temperature thermal creep, Charpy impact ductile to brittle transient temperature (DBTT) and fracture toughness behaviour, and neutron irradiation-induced low-temperature hardening and embrittlement and intermediate-temperature volumetric void swelling (including effects associated with fusion-relevant helium and hydrogen generation) are described for research heats of the new steels.« less

Development of next generation tempered and ODS reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion energy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinkle, S. J.; Boutard, J. L.; Hoelzer, D. T.; Kimura, A.; Lindau, R.; Odette, G. R.; Rieth, M.; Tan, L.; Tanigawa, H.

2017-09-01

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are currently the most technologically mature option for the structural material of proposed fusion energy reactors. Advanced next-generation higher performance steels offer the opportunity for improvements in fusion reactor operational lifetime and reliability, superior neutron radiation damage resistance, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and reduced construction costs. The two main strategies for developing improved steels for fusion energy applications are based on (1) an evolutionary pathway using computational thermodynamics modelling and modified thermomechanical treatments (TMT) to produce higher performance reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels and (2) a higher risk, potentially higher payoff approach based on powder metallurgy techniques to produce very high strength oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels capable of operation to very high temperatures and with potentially very high resistance to fusion neutron-induced property degradation. The current development status of these next-generation high performance steels is summarized, and research and development challenges for the successful development of these materials are outlined. Material properties including temperature-dependent uniaxial yield strengths, tensile elongations, high-temperature thermal creep, Charpy impact ductile to brittle transient temperature (DBTT) and fracture toughness behaviour, and neutron irradiation-induced low-temperature hardening and embrittlement and intermediate-temperature volumetric void swelling (including effects associated with fusion-relevant helium and hydrogen generation) are described for research heats of the new steels.

The DOE Next-Generation Drivetrain for Wind Turbine Applications: Gearbox, Generator, and Advanced Si/SiC Hybrid Inverter System: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erdman, William; Keller, Jonathan

This paper reports on the design and testing results from the U.S. Department of Energy Next-Generation Wind Turbine Drivetrain Project. The drivetrain design reduces the cost of energy by increasing energy capture through drivetrain efficiency improvements; by reducing operation and maintenance costs through reducing gearbox failures; and by lowering capital costs through weight reduction and a series of mechanical and electronic innovations. The paper provides an overview of the drivetrain gearbox and generator and provides a deeper look into the power converter system. The power converter has a number of innovations including the use of hybrid silicon (Si)/silicon carbide (SiC)more » isolated baseplate switching modules. Switching energies are compared between SiC and Si PIN diodes. The efficiency improvement by use of the SiC diode in a three-level converter is also described. Finally, a brief discussion covering utility interconnect requirements for turbines is provided with a particular focus on utility events that lead to high transient torque loads on drivetrain mechanical elements.« less

FY2010 Annual Progress Report for Propulsion Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davis, Patrick B.; Schutte, Carol L.; Gibbs, Jerry L.

The Propulsion Materials Technology actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of the Vehicle Technologies Program by developing advanced materials that enable development of higher efficiency powertrains for ground transportation. Propulsion Materials works closely with the other disciplines within the VT Program to identify the materials properties essential for the development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light duty powertrains.

A highly efficient method for extracting next-generation sequencing quality RNA from adipose tissue of recalcitrant animal species.

PubMed

Sharma, Davinder; Golla, Naresh; Singh, Dheer; Onteru, Suneel K

2018-03-01

The next-generation sequencing (NGS) based RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and transcriptome profiling offers an opportunity to unveil complex biological processes. Successful RNA-Seq and transcriptome profiling requires a large amount of high-quality RNA. However, NGS-quality RNA isolation is extremely difficult from recalcitrant adipose tissue (AT) with high lipid content and low cell numbers. Further, the amount and biochemical composition of AT lipid varies depending upon the animal species which can pose different degree of resistance to RNA extraction. Currently available approaches may work effectively in one species but can be almost unproductive in another species. Herein, we report a two step protocol for the extraction of NGS quality RNA from AT across a broad range of animal species. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

VOC-FREE, HIGHLY FLAME-RESISTANT HYBRIDSIL® INSULATION COATINGS FOR NEXT-GENERATION THERMAL INSULATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY - PHASE II

EPA Science Inventory

NanoSonic's HybridSil^® insulative coatings provide a paradigm-breaking alternative to spray-deposited polyurethane foams by affording comparable insulation, yet without any of the health and safety concerns associated ...

Making Ternary Quantum Dots From Single-Source Precursors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Sheila; Banger, Kulbinder; Castro, Stephanie; Hepp, Aloysius

2007-01-01

A process has been devised for making ternary (specifically, CuInS2) nanocrystals for use as quantum dots (QDs) in a contemplated next generation of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic cells. The process parameters can be chosen to tailor the sizes (and, thus, the absorption and emission spectra) of the QDs.

Holographic optical disc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Gan; An, Xin; Pu, Allen; Psaltis, Demetri; Mok, Fai H.

1999-11-01

The holographic disc is a high capacity, disk-based data storage device that can provide the performance for next generation mass data storage needs. With a projected capacity approaching 1 terabit on a single 12 cm platter, the holographic disc has the potential to become a highly efficient storage hardware for data warehousing applications. The high readout rate of holographic disc makes it especially suitable for generating multiple, high bandwidth data streams such as required for network server computers. Multimedia applications such as interactive video and HDTV can also potentially benefit from the high capacity and fast data access of holographic memory.

Wind tunnel investigation of a high lift system with pneumatic flow control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Victor, Pricop Mihai; Mircea, Boscoianu; Daniel-Eugeniu, Crunteanu

2016-06-01

Next generation passenger aircrafts require more efficient high lift systems under size and mass constraints, to achieve more fuel efficiency. This can be obtained in various ways: to improve/maintain aerodynamic performance while simplifying the mechanical design of the high lift system going to a single slotted flap, to maintain complexity and improve the aerodynamics even more, etc. Laminar wings have less efficient leading edge high lift systems if any, requiring more performance from the trailing edge flap. Pulsed blowing active flow control (AFC) in the gap of single element flap is investigated for a relatively large model. A wind tunnel model, test campaign and results and conclusion are presented.

High-Throughput Next-Generation Sequencing of Polioviruses

PubMed Central

Montmayeur, Anna M.; Schmidt, Alexander; Zhao, Kun; Magaña, Laura; Iber, Jane; Castro, Christina J.; Chen, Qi; Henderson, Elizabeth; Ramos, Edward; Shaw, Jing; Tatusov, Roman L.; Dybdahl-Sissoko, Naomi; Endegue-Zanga, Marie Claire; Adeniji, Johnson A.; Oberste, M. Steven; Burns, Cara C.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The poliovirus (PV) is currently targeted for worldwide eradication and containment. Sanger-based sequencing of the viral protein 1 (VP1) capsid region is currently the standard method for PV surveillance. However, the whole-genome sequence is sometimes needed for higher resolution global surveillance. In this study, we optimized whole-genome sequencing protocols for poliovirus isolates and FTA cards using next-generation sequencing (NGS), aiming for high sequence coverage, efficiency, and throughput. We found that DNase treatment of poliovirus RNA followed by random reverse transcription (RT), amplification, and the use of the Nextera XT DNA library preparation kit produced significantly better results than other preparations. The average viral reads per total reads, a measurement of efficiency, was as high as 84.2% ± 15.6%. PV genomes covering >99 to 100% of the reference length were obtained and validated with Sanger sequencing. A total of 52 PV genomes were generated, multiplexing as many as 64 samples in a single Illumina MiSeq run. This high-throughput, sequence-independent NGS approach facilitated the detection of a diverse range of PVs, especially for those in vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV), circulating VDPV, or immunodeficiency-related VDPV. In contrast to results from previous studies on other viruses, our results showed that filtration and nuclease treatment did not discernibly increase the sequencing efficiency of PV isolates. However, DNase treatment after nucleic acid extraction to remove host DNA significantly improved the sequencing results. This NGS method has been successfully implemented to generate PV genomes for molecular epidemiology of the most recent PV isolates. Additionally, the ability to obtain full PV genomes from FTA cards will aid in facilitating global poliovirus surveillance. PMID:27927929

Multi-Ferroic Polymer Nanoparticle Composites for Next Generation Metamaterials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-28

particle size of magnetite nanoparticles. The PI will continue to develop composites that could be utilized for developing high- bandwidth radio frequency...to improve the efficiency and decrease the size of the device. High performance stretchable magneto-dielectric materials can be accomplished using...nanoparticles oxidize at dimensions smaller than the critical size for superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, which is essential for minimal

Next-generation sequencing for targeted discovery of rare mutations in rice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Advances in DNA sequencing (i.e., next-generation sequencing, NGS) have greatly increased the power and efficiency of detecting rare mutations in large mutant populations. Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) is a reverse genetics approach for identifying gene mutations resulting fro...

Early detection of non-native fishes using next-generation DNA sequencing of fish larvae

EPA Science Inventory

Our objective was to evaluate the use of fish larvae for early detection of non-native fishes, comparing traditional and molecular taxonomy based on next-generation DNA sequencing to investigate potential efficiencies. Our approach was to intensively sample a Great Lakes non-nati...

Multi-platform next-generation sequencing of the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) genome assembly and analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Next-generation sequencing technologies were used to rapidly and efficiently sequence the genome of the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). The current genome assembly (~1.1 Gb) includes 917 Mb of sequence assigned to chromosomes. Innate heterozygosity of the sequenced bird allowed discovery of...

Investigation of Doppler Effects on high mobility OFDM-MIMO systems with the support of High Altitude Platforms (HAPs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, H. A.; Sibley, M. J. N.; Mather, P. J.

2012-05-01

The merging of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is a promising mobile air interface solution for next generation wireless local area networks (WLANs) and 4G mobile cellular wireless systems. This paper details the design of a highly robust and efficient OFDM-MIMO system to support permanent accessibility and higher data rates to users moving at high speeds, such as users travelling on trains. It has high relevance for next generation wireless local area networks (WLANs) and 4G mobile cellular wireless systems. The paper begins with a comprehensive literature review focused on both technologies. This is followed by the modelling of the OFDM-MIMO physical layer based on Simulink/Matlab that takes into consideration high vehicular mobility. Then the entire system is simulated and analysed under different encoding and channel estimation algorithms. The use of High Altitude Platform system (HAPs) technology is considered and analysed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None available

For the purpose of this STI product and unless otherwise stated, hybrid fuel cell systems are power generation systems in which a high temperature fuel cell is combined with another power generating technology. The resulting system exhibits a synergism in which the combination performs with an efficiency far greater than can be provided by either system alone. Hybrid fuel cell designs under development include fuel cell with gas turbine, fuel cell with reciprocating (piston) engine, and designs that combine different fuel cell technologies. Hybrid systems have been extensively analyzed and studied over the past five years by the Department ofmore » Energy (DOE), industry, and others. These efforts have revealed that this combination is capable of providing remarkably high efficiencies. This attribute, combined with an inherent low level of pollutant emission, suggests that hybrid systems are likely to serve as the next generation of advanced power generation systems.« less

Using Evidence to Create Next Generation High Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, US Department of Education, 2016

2016-01-01

Next Generation High Schools are schools that redesign the high school experience to make it more engaging and worthwhile for high school students. In order to create such Next Generation High Schools, schools, districts, and States should utilize evidence-based strategies to transform high schools in ways that engage students and help prepare…

BAC-pool 454-sequencing: A rapid and efficient approach to sequence complex tetraploid cotton genomes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

New and emerging next generation sequencing technologies have been promising in reducing sequencing costs, but not significantly for complex polyploid plant genomes such as cotton. Large and highly repetitive genome of G. hirsutum (~2.5GB) is less amenable and cost-intensive with traditional BAC-by...

Low-cost, high-efficiency organic/inorganic hetero-junction hybrid solar cells for next generation photovoltaic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pudasaini, P. R.; Ayon, A. A.

2013-12-01

Organic/inorganic hybrid structures are considered innovative alternatives for the next generation of low-cost photovoltaic devices because they combine advantages of the purely organic and inorganic versions. Here, we report an efficient hybrid solar cell based on sub-wavelength silicon nanotexturization in combination with the spin-coating of poly (3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The described devices were analyzed by collecting current-voltage and capacitance-voltage measurements in order to explore the organic/inorganic heterojunction properties. ALD deposited ultrathin aluminium oxide was used as a junction passivation layer between the nanotextured silicon surface and the organic polymer. The measured interface defect density of the device was observed to decrease with the inclusion of an ultrathin Al2O3 passivation layer leading to an improved electrical performance. This effect is thought to be ascribed to the suppression of charge recombination at the organic/inorganic interface. A maximum power conversion efficiency in excess of 10% has been achieved for the optimized geometry of the device, in spite of lacking an antireflection layer or back surface field enhancement schemes.

Designing Next Generation Massively Multithreaded Architectures for Irregular Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tumeo, Antonino; Secchi, Simone; Villa, Oreste

Irregular applications, such as data mining or graph-based computations, show unpredictable memory/network access patterns and control structures. Massively multi-threaded architectures with large node count, like the Cray XMT, have been shown to address their requirements better than commodity clusters. In this paper we present the approaches that we are currently pursuing to design future generations of these architectures. First, we introduce the Cray XMT and compare it to other multithreaded architectures. We then propose an evolution of the architecture, integrating multiple cores per node and next generation network interconnect. We advocate the use of hardware support for remote memory referencemore » aggregation to optimize network utilization. For this evaluation we developed a highly parallel, custom simulation infrastructure for multi-threaded systems. Our simulator executes unmodified XMT binaries with very large datasets, capturing effects due to contention and hot-spotting, while predicting execution times with greater than 90% accuracy. We also discuss the FPGA prototyping approach that we are employing to study efficient support for irregular applications in next generation manycore processors.« less

Material and cooling requirements for poly-Bitter resistive magnets and hybrid inserts generating continuous fields up to 50 T

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, B.J.; Bird, M.D.; Eyssa, Y.M.

1994-07-01

The new National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), equipped with a 40 MW DC power supply, will design and construct the next generation of high field resistive magnets and hybrid inserts generating DC fields up to 50 T. The authors present a study on the required materials and the necessary cooling characteristics, these magnets need. The configuration selected for this study consists of a combination of thin poly-Bitter and thick Bitter coils optimized in dimensions and power under constraint of maximum design stress and heat removal to obtain maximum field. The study shows that each design requires a different optimummore » ratio of conductor strength to electrical conductivity and that efficient cooling is only advantageous if strong copper alloys are used. For efficient use of the available power the development of new high strength, high conductivity materials will be necessary. Equally important are improvements in the heat transfer characteristics of these high power density magnets.« less

High energy efficient solid state laser sources. [slab geometry laser sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, R. L.

1983-01-01

Slab glass performance studies demonstate 18 J of output at 2 Hz with 2.3% wall plug efficiency. The goal is to achieve 10 J per pulse at 10 Hz and 3% wall plug efficiency during the next annual period. The slab concept was extended to Nd:YAG and to Nd:GGG. To date over 80 W of CW output power at 2% efficiency was generated in slab Nd:YAG. A multiplexed slab Nd:YAG pre-amplifier was invented and a Nd:YAG oscillator was demonstrated with 100kHz linewidth for eventual use in wind velocity measurements.

Mantle convection on modern supercomputers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weismüller, Jens; Gmeiner, Björn; Mohr, Marcus; Waluga, Christian; Wohlmuth, Barbara; Rüde, Ulrich; Bunge, Hans-Peter

2015-04-01

Mantle convection is the cause for plate tectonics, the formation of mountains and oceans, and the main driving mechanism behind earthquakes. The convection process is modeled by a system of partial differential equations describing the conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Characteristic to mantle flow is the vast disparity of length scales from global to microscopic, turning mantle convection simulations into a challenging application for high-performance computing. As system size and technical complexity of the simulations continue to increase, design and implementation of simulation models for next generation large-scale architectures demand an interdisciplinary co-design. Here we report about recent advances of the TERRA-NEO project, which is part of the high visibility SPPEXA program, and a joint effort of four research groups in computer sciences, mathematics and geophysical application under the leadership of FAU Erlangen. TERRA-NEO develops algorithms for future HPC infrastructures, focusing on high computational efficiency and resilience in next generation mantle convection models. We present software that can resolve the Earth's mantle with up to 1012 grid points and scales efficiently to massively parallel hardware with more than 50,000 processors. We use our simulations to explore the dynamic regime of mantle convection assessing the impact of small scale processes on global mantle flow.

Numerical modelling of high efficiency InAs/GaAs intermediate band solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imran, Ali; Jiang, Jianliang; Eric, Debora; Yousaf, Muhammad

2018-01-01

Quantum Dots (QDs) intermediate band solar cells (IBSC) are the most attractive candidates for the next generation of photovoltaic applications. In this paper, theoretical model of InAs/GaAs device has been proposed, where we have calculated the effect of variation in the thickness of intrinsic and IB layer on the efficiency of the solar cell using detailed balance theory. IB energies has been optimized for different IB layers thickness. Maximum efficiency 46.6% is calculated for IB material under maximum optical concentration.

What's in your next-generation sequence data? An exploration of unmapped DNA and RNA sequence reads from the bovine reference individual

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing projects commonly commence by aligning reads to a reference genome assembly. While improvements in alignment algorithms and computational hardware have greatly enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of alignments, a significant percentage of reads often remain u...

Interface design principles for high-performance organic semiconductor devices

DOE PAGES

Nie, Wanyi; Gupta, Gautam; Crone, Brian K.; ...

2015-03-23

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are a promising cost-effective candidate in next generation photovoltaic technology. However, a critical bottleneck for OSCs is the electron/hole recombination loss through charge transfer state at the interface, which greatly limits the power conversion efficiency. W. Nie, A. Mohite, and co-workers demonstrate a simple strategy of suppressing the recombination rate by inserting a spacer layer at the donor-acceptor interface, resulting in a dramatic increase in power conversion efficiency.

Generation After Next Propulsor Research: Robust Design for Embedded Engine Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arend, David J.; Tillman, Gregory; O'Brien, Walter F.

2012-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United Technologies Research Center and Virginia Polytechnic and State University have contracted to pursue multi-disciplinary research into boundary layer ingesting (BLI) propulsors for generation after next environmentally responsible subsonic fixed wing aircraft. This Robust Design for Embedded Engine Systems project first conducted a high-level vehicle system study based on a large commercial transport class hybrid wing body aircraft, which determined that a 3 to 5 percent reduction in fuel burn could be achieved over a 7,500 nanometer mission. Both pylon-mounted baseline and BLI propulsion systems were based on a low-pressure-ratio fan (1.35) in an ultra-high-bypass ratio engine (16), consistent with the next generation of advanced commercial turbofans. An optimized, coupled BLI inlet and fan system was subsequently designed to achieve performance targets identified in the system study. The resulting system possesses an inlet with total pressure losses less than 0.5%, and a fan stage with an efficiency debit of less than 1.5 percent relative to the pylon-mounted, clean-inflow baseline. The subject research project has identified tools and methodologies necessary for the design of next-generation, highly-airframe-integrated propulsion systems. These tools will be validated in future large-scale testing of the BLI inlet / fan system in NASA's 8 foot x 6 foot transonic wind tunnel. In addition, fan unsteady response to screen-generated total pressure distortion is being characterized experimentally in a JT15D engine test rig. These data will document engine sensitivities to distortion magnitude and spatial distribution, providing early insight into key physical processes that will control BLI propulsor design.

Next Generation Solar Collectors for CSP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Molnar, Attila; Charles, Ruth

The intent of “Next Generation Solar Collectors for CSP” program was to develop key technology elements for collectors in Phase 1 (Budget Period 1), design these elements in Phase 2 (Budget Period 2) and to deploy and test the final collector in Phase 3 (Budget Period 3). 3M and DOE mutually agreed to terminate the program at the end of Budget Period 1, primarily due to timeline issues. However, significant advancements were achieved in developing a next generation reflective material and panel that has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of CSP systems.

Value-based genomics.

PubMed

Gong, Jun; Pan, Kathy; Fakih, Marwan; Pal, Sumanta; Salgia, Ravi

2018-03-20

Advancements in next-generation sequencing have greatly enhanced the development of biomarker-driven cancer therapies. The affordability and availability of next-generation sequencers have allowed for the commercialization of next-generation sequencing platforms that have found widespread use for clinical-decision making and research purposes. Despite the greater availability of tumor molecular profiling by next-generation sequencing at our doorsteps, the achievement of value-based care, or improving patient outcomes while reducing overall costs or risks, in the era of precision oncology remains a looming challenge. In this review, we highlight available data through a pre-established and conceptualized framework for evaluating value-based medicine to assess the cost (efficiency), clinical benefit (effectiveness), and toxicity (safety) of genomic profiling in cancer care. We also provide perspectives on future directions of next-generation sequencing from targeted panels to whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing and describe potential strategies needed to attain value-based genomics.

Value-based genomics

PubMed Central

Gong, Jun; Pan, Kathy; Fakih, Marwan; Pal, Sumanta; Salgia, Ravi

2018-01-01

Advancements in next-generation sequencing have greatly enhanced the development of biomarker-driven cancer therapies. The affordability and availability of next-generation sequencers have allowed for the commercialization of next-generation sequencing platforms that have found widespread use for clinical-decision making and research purposes. Despite the greater availability of tumor molecular profiling by next-generation sequencing at our doorsteps, the achievement of value-based care, or improving patient outcomes while reducing overall costs or risks, in the era of precision oncology remains a looming challenge. In this review, we highlight available data through a pre-established and conceptualized framework for evaluating value-based medicine to assess the cost (efficiency), clinical benefit (effectiveness), and toxicity (safety) of genomic profiling in cancer care. We also provide perspectives on future directions of next-generation sequencing from targeted panels to whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing and describe potential strategies needed to attain value-based genomics. PMID:29644010

Construction Guide to Next-Generation High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 - Part 1: 2x6 Walls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kochkin, V.; Wiehagen, J.

2017-08-31

Part 1 of this Construction Guide to High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 provides time-proven, practical, and cost-effective strategies for constructing durable, energy-efficient walls. It addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) exterior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories high.

Construction Guide to Next-Generation High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 - Part 1: 2x6 Walls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kochkin, V.; Wiehagen, J.

Part 1 of this Construction Guide to High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 provides time-proven, practical, and cost-effective strategies for constructing durable, energy-efficient walls. It addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) exterior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories high.

Generation of recombinant rotaviruses expressing fluorescent proteins using an optimized reverse genetics system.

PubMed

Komoto, Satoshi; Fukuda, Saori; Ide, Tomihiko; Ito, Naoto; Sugiyama, Makoto; Yoshikawa, Tetsushi; Murata, Takayuki; Taniguchi, Koki

2018-04-18

An entirely plasmid-based reverse genetics system for rotaviruses was established very recently. We improved the reverse genetics system to generate recombinant rotavirus by transfecting only 11 cDNA plasmids for its 11 gene segments under the condition of increasing the ratio of the cDNA plasmids for NSP2 and NSP5 genes. Utilizing this highly efficient system, we then engineered infectious recombinant rotaviruses expressing bioluminescent (NanoLuc luciferase) and fluorescent (EGFP and mCherry) reporters. These recombinant rotaviruses expressing reporters remained genetically stable during serial passages. Our reverse genetics approach and recombinant rotaviruses carrying reporter genes will be great additions to the tool kit for studying the molecular virology of rotavirus, and for developing future next-generation vaccines and expression vectors. IMPORTANCE Rotavirus is one of the most important pathogens causing severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. In this paper, we describe a robust and simple reverse genetics system based on only rotavirus cDNAs, and its application for engineering infectious recombinant rotaviruses harboring bioluminescent (NanoLuc) and fluorescent (EGFP and mCherry) protein genes. This highly efficient reverse genetics system and recombinant RVAs expressing reporters could be powerful tools for the study of different aspects of rotavirus replication. Furthermore, they may be useful for next-generation vaccine production for this medically important virus. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Efficient generation of transgenic cattle using the DNA transposon and their analysis by next-generation sequencing

PubMed Central

Yum, Soo-Young; Lee, Song-Jeon; Kim, Hyun-Min; Choi, Woo-Jae; Park, Ji-Hyun; Lee, Won-Wu; Kim, Hee-Soo; Kim, Hyeong-Jong; Bae, Seong-Hun; Lee, Je-Hyeong; Moon, Joo-Yeong; Lee, Ji-Hyun; Lee, Choong-Il; Son, Bong-Jun; Song, Sang-Hoon; Ji, Su-Min; Kim, Seong-Jin; Jang, Goo

2016-01-01

Here, we efficiently generated transgenic cattle using two transposon systems (Sleeping Beauty and Piggybac) and their genomes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Blastocysts derived from microinjection of DNA transposons were selected and transferred into recipient cows. Nine transgenic cattle have been generated and grown-up to date without any health issues except two. Some of them expressed strong fluorescence and the transgene in the oocytes from a superovulating one were detected by PCR and sequencing. To investigate genomic variants by the transgene transposition, whole genomic DNA were analyzed by NGS. We found that preferred transposable integration (TA or TTAA) was identified in their genome. Even though multi-copies (i.e. fifteen) were confirmed, there was no significant difference in genome instabilities. In conclusion, we demonstrated that transgenic cattle using the DNA transposon system could be efficiently generated, and all those animals could be a valuable resource for agriculture and veterinary science. PMID:27324781

Far-infrared-light shadowgraphy for high extraction efficiency of extreme ultraviolet light from a CO2-laser-generated tin plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsukuma, Hiraku; Hosoda, Tatsuya; Suzuki, Yosuke; Yogo, Akifumi; Yanagida, Tatsuya; Kodama, Takeshi; Nishimura, Hiroaki

2016-08-01

The two-color, double-pulse method is an efficient scheme to generate extreme ultraviolet light for fabricating the next generation semiconductor microchips. In this method, a Nd:YAG laser pulse is used to expand a several-tens-of-micrometers-scale tin droplet, and a CO2 laser pulse is subsequently directed at the expanded tin vapor after an appropriate delay time. We propose the use of shadowgraphy with a CO2 laser probe-pulse scheme to optimize the CO2 main-drive laser. The distribution of absorption coefficients is derived from the experiment, and the results are converted to a practical absorption rate for the CO2 main-drive laser.

Miniaturization Technologies for Efficient Single-Cell Library Preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing.

PubMed

Mora-Castilla, Sergio; To, Cuong; Vaezeslami, Soheila; Morey, Robert; Srinivasan, Srimeenakshi; Dumdie, Jennifer N; Cook-Andersen, Heidi; Jenkins, Joby; Laurent, Louise C

2016-08-01

As the cost of next-generation sequencing has decreased, library preparation costs have become a more significant proportion of the total cost, especially for high-throughput applications such as single-cell RNA profiling. Here, we have applied novel technologies to scale down reaction volumes for library preparation. Our system consisted of in vitro differentiated human embryonic stem cells representing two stages of pancreatic differentiation, for which we prepared multiple biological and technical replicates. We used the Fluidigm (San Francisco, CA) C1 single-cell Autoprep System for single-cell complementary DNA (cDNA) generation and an enzyme-based tagmentation system (Nextera XT; Illumina, San Diego, CA) with a nanoliter liquid handler (mosquito HTS; TTP Labtech, Royston, UK) for library preparation, reducing the reaction volume down to 2 µL and using as little as 20 pg of input cDNA. The resulting sequencing data were bioinformatically analyzed and correlated among the different library reaction volumes. Our results showed that decreasing the reaction volume did not interfere with the quality or the reproducibility of the sequencing data, and the transcriptional data from the scaled-down libraries allowed us to distinguish between single cells. Thus, we have developed a process to enable efficient and cost-effective high-throughput single-cell transcriptome sequencing. © 2016 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Efficient mutation identification in zebrafish by microarray capturing and next generation sequencing.

PubMed

Bontems, Franck; Baerlocher, Loic; Mehenni, Sabrina; Bahechar, Ilham; Farinelli, Laurent; Dosch, Roland

2011-02-18

Fish models like medaka, stickleback or zebrafish provide a valuable resource to study vertebrate genes. However, finding genetic variants e.g. mutations in the genome is still arduous. Here we used a combination of microarray capturing and next generation sequencing to identify the affected gene in the mozartkugelp11cv (mzlp11cv) mutant zebrafish. We discovered a 31-bp deletion in macf1 demonstrating the potential of this technique to efficiently isolate mutations in a vertebrate genome. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluating opportunities to improve material and energy impacts in commodity supply chains

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanes, Rebecca J.; Carpenter, Alberta

When evaluated at the scale of individual processes, next-generation technologies may be more energy and emissions intensive than current technology. Furthermore, many advanced technologies have the potential to reduce material and energy consumption in upstream or downstream processing stages. In order to fully understand the benefits and consequences of technology deployment, next-generation technologies should be evaluated in context, as part of a supply chain. This work presents the Materials Flow through Industry (MFI) supply chain modeling tool. The MFI tool is a cradle-to-gate linear network model of the US industrial sector that can model a wide range of manufacturing scenarios,more » including changes in production technology and increases in industrial energy efficiency. The MFI tool was developed to perform supply chain scale analyses in order to quantify the impacts and benefits of next-generation technologies and materials at that scale. For the analysis presented in this paper, the MFI tool is utilized to explore a case study comparing three lightweight vehicle supply chains to the supply chain of a conventional, standard weight vehicle. Several of the lightweight vehicle supply chains are evaluated under manufacturing scenarios that include next-generation production technologies and next-generation materials. Results indicate that producing lightweight vehicles is more energy and emission intensive than producing the non-lightweight vehicle, but the fuel saved during vehicle use offsets this increase. In this case study, greater reductions in supply chain energy and emissions were achieved through the application of the next-generation technologies than from application of energy efficiency increases.« less

Evaluating opportunities to improve material and energy impacts in commodity supply chains

DOE PAGES

Hanes, Rebecca J.; Carpenter, Alberta

2017-01-10

When evaluated at the scale of individual processes, next-generation technologies may be more energy and emissions intensive than current technology. Furthermore, many advanced technologies have the potential to reduce material and energy consumption in upstream or downstream processing stages. In order to fully understand the benefits and consequences of technology deployment, next-generation technologies should be evaluated in context, as part of a supply chain. This work presents the Materials Flow through Industry (MFI) supply chain modeling tool. The MFI tool is a cradle-to-gate linear network model of the US industrial sector that can model a wide range of manufacturing scenarios,more » including changes in production technology and increases in industrial energy efficiency. The MFI tool was developed to perform supply chain scale analyses in order to quantify the impacts and benefits of next-generation technologies and materials at that scale. For the analysis presented in this paper, the MFI tool is utilized to explore a case study comparing three lightweight vehicle supply chains to the supply chain of a conventional, standard weight vehicle. Several of the lightweight vehicle supply chains are evaluated under manufacturing scenarios that include next-generation production technologies and next-generation materials. Results indicate that producing lightweight vehicles is more energy and emission intensive than producing the non-lightweight vehicle, but the fuel saved during vehicle use offsets this increase. In this case study, greater reductions in supply chain energy and emissions were achieved through the application of the next-generation technologies than from application of energy efficiency increases.« less

LED Solar Simulator

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-18

NASA Glenn's new LED solar simulator was developed by Angstrom Designs and UC Santa Barbara under a Small Business Innovative Research program to test the next generation of high-efficiency space solar cells for future missions. The new simulator contains over 1500 individually adjustable light sources, most of which emit light invisible to the human eye, to cover a 10 x10 foot area.

LED Solar Simulator

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

NASA Glenn's new LED solar simulator was developed by Angstrom Designs and UC Santa Barbara under a Small Business Innovative Research program to test the next generation of high-efficiency space solar cells for future missions. The new simulator contains over 1500 individually adjustable light sources, most of which emit light invisible to the human eye, to cover a 10 x10 foot area.

Advanced Stirling Technology Development at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaltens, Richard K.; Wong, Wayne A.

2007-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center has been developing advanced energy-conversion technologies for use with both radioisotope power systems and fission surface power systems for many decades. Under NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Planetary Science Theme, Technology Program, Glenn is developing the next generation of advanced Stirling convertors (ASCs) for use in the Department of Energy/Lockheed Martin Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG). The next-generation power-conversion technologies require high efficiency and high specific power (watts electric per kilogram) to meet future mission requirements to use less of the Department of Energy's plutonium-fueled general-purpose heat source modules and reduce system mass. Important goals include long-life (greater than 14-yr) reliability and scalability so that these systems can be considered for a variety of future applications and missions including outer-planet missions and continual operation on the surface of Mars. This paper provides an update of the history and status of the ASC being developed for Glenn by Sunpower Inc. of Athens, Ohio.

Motion-Based Piloted Simulation Evaluation of a Control Allocation Technique to Recover from Pilot Induced Oscillations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craun, Robert W.; Acosta, Diana M.; Beard, Steven D.; Leonard, Michael W.; Hardy, Gordon H.; Weinstein, Michael; Yildiz, Yildiray

2013-01-01

This paper describes the maturation of a control allocation technique designed to assist pilots in the recovery from pilot induced oscillations (PIOs). The Control Allocation technique to recover from Pilot Induced Oscillations (CAPIO) is designed to enable next generation high efficiency aircraft designs. Energy efficient next generation aircraft require feedback control strategies that will enable lowering the actuator rate limit requirements for optimal airframe design. One of the common issues flying with actuator rate limits is PIOs caused by the phase lag between the pilot inputs and control surface response. CAPIO utilizes real-time optimization for control allocation to eliminate phase lag in the system caused by control surface rate limiting. System impacts of the control allocator were assessed through a piloted simulation evaluation of a non-linear aircraft simulation in the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator. Results indicate that CAPIO helps reduce oscillatory behavior, including the severity and duration of PIOs, introduced by control surface rate limiting.

Conductive Polymer Binder-Enabled SiO–Sn xCo yC z Anode for High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Hui; Fu, Yanbao; Ling, Min; ...

2016-05-10

In this paper, a SiOSnCoC composite anode is assembled using a conductive polymer binder for the application in next-generation high energy density lithium-ion batteries. A specific capacity of 700 mAh/g is achieved at a 1C (900 mA/g) rate. A high active material loading anode with an areal capacity of 3.5 mAh/cm 2 is demonstrated by mixing SiOSnCoC with graphite. To compensate for the lithium loss in the first cycle, stabilized lithium metal powder (SLMP) is used for prelithiation; when paired with a commercial cathode, a stable full cell cycling performance with a 86% first cycle efficiency is realized. Finally, bymore » achieving these important metrics toward a practical application, this conductive polymer binder/SiOSnCoC anode system presents great promise to enable the next generation of high-energy lithium-ion batteries.« less

Efficient genome-wide detection and cataloging of EMS-induced mutations using exome capture and next-generation sequencing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Chemical mutagenesis efficiently generates phenotypic variation in otherwise homogeneous genetic backgrounds, enabling functional analysis of genes. Advances in mutation detection have brought the utility of induced mutant populations on par with those produced by insertional mutagenesis, but system...

Interval Management Display Design Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxley, Brian T.; Beyer, Timothy M.; Cooke, Stuart D.; Grant, Karlus A.

2014-01-01

In 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimated that U.S. commercial air carriers moved 736.7 million passengers over 822.3 billion revenue-passenger miles. The FAA also forecasts, in that same report, an average annual increase in passenger traffic of 2.2 percent per year for the next 20 years, which approximates to one-and-a-half times the number of today's aircraft operations and passengers by the year 2033. If airspace capacity and throughput remain unchanged, then flight delays will increase, particularly at those airports already operating near or at capacity. Therefore it is critical to create new and improved technologies, communications, and procedures to be used by air traffic controllers and pilots. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the FAA, and the aviation industry are working together to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System and the cost to operate in it in several ways, one of which is through the creation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NextGen is intended to provide airspace users with more precise information about traffic, routing, and weather, as well as improve the control mechanisms within the air traffic system. NASA's Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1 (ATD-1) Project is designed to contribute to the goals of NextGen, and accomplishes this by integrating three NASA technologies to enable fuel-efficient arrival operations into high-density airports. The three NASA technologies and procedures combined in the ATD-1 concept are advanced arrival scheduling, controller decision support tools, and aircraft avionics to enable multiple time deconflicted and fuel efficient arrival streams in high-density terminal airspace.

Solar Photovoltaics Technology: The Revolution Begins . . .

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazmerski, Lawrence

2009-11-01

The prospects of current and coming solar-photovoltaic (PV) technologies are envisioned, arguing this solar-electricity source is at a tipping point in the complex worldwide energy outlook. The emphasis of this presentation is on R&D advances (cell, materials, and module options), with indications of the limitations and strengths of crystalline (Si and GaAs) and thin-film (a-Si:H, Si, Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2, CdTe). The contributions and technological pathways for now and near-term technologies (silicon, III-Vs, and thin films) and status and forecasts for next- generation PV (organics, nanotechnologies, non-conventional junction approaches) are evaluated. Recent advances in concentrators with efficiencies headed toward 50%, new directions for thin films (20% and beyond), and materials/device technology issues are discussed in terms of technology progress. Insights into technical and other investments needed to tip photovoltaics to its next level of contribution as a significant clean-energy partner in the world energy portfolio. The need for R&D accelerating the now and imminent (evolutionary) technologies balanced with work in mid-term (disruptive) approaches is highlighted. Moreover, technology progress and ownership for next generation solar PV mandates a balanced investment in research on longer-term (the revolution needs revolutionary approaches to sustain itself) technologies (quantum dots, multi-multijunctions, intermediate-band concepts, nanotubes, bio-inspired, thermophotonics, solar hydrogen. . . ) having high-risk, but extremely high performance and cost returns for our next generations of energy consumers. Issues relating to manufacturing are explored-especially with the requirements for the next-generation technologies. This presentation provides insights into how this technology has developed-and where the R&D investments should be made and we can expect to be by this mid-21st century.

A Near IR Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Wide Field, Low Resolution Hyperspectral Imaging on the Next Generation Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barry, R. K.; Satyapal, S.; Greenhouse, M. A.; Barclay, R.; Amato, D.; Arritt, B.; Brown, G.; Harvey, V.; Holt, C.; Kuhn, J.

2000-01-01

We discuss work in progress on a near-infrared tunable bandpass filter for the Goddard baseline wide field camera concept of the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). This filter, the Demonstration Unit for Low Order Cryogenic Etalon (DULCE), is designed to demonstrate a high efficiency scanning Fabry-Perot etalon operating in interference orders 1 - 4 at 30K with a high stability DSP based servo control system. DULCE is currently the only available tunable filter for lower order cryogenic operation in the near infrared. In this application, scanning etalons will illuminate the focal plane arrays with a single order of interference to enable wide field lower resolution hyperspectral imaging over a wide range of redshifts. We discuss why tunable filters are an important instrument component in future space-based observatories.

Next generation laser for Inertial Confinement Fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marshall, C.D.; Beach, J.; Bibeau, C.

1997-07-18

We are in the process of developing and building the ``Mercury`` laser system as the first in a series of a new generation of diode-pumped solid-state Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) lasers at LLNL. Mercury will be the first integrated demonstration of a scalable laser architecture compatible with advanced high energy density (HED) physics applications. Primary performance goals include 10% efficiencies at 10 Hz and a 1-10 ns pulse with 1{omega} energies of 100 J and with 2{omega}/3{omega} frequency conversion.

Next Generation Molecular Histology Using Highly Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) of Breast Cancer Tissue Specimens for Enhanced Clinical Guidance

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH- 14-1-0192 TITLE: Next-Generation Molecular Histology Using Highly Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) of Breast Cancer...DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Next-Generation Molecular Histology Using Highly Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) of Breast Cancer Tissue

Cosine-Gauss plasmon beam: a localized long-range nondiffracting surface wave.

PubMed

Lin, Jiao; Dellinger, Jean; Genevet, Patrice; Cluzel, Benoit; de Fornel, Frederique; Capasso, Federico

2012-08-31

A new surface wave is introduced, the cosine-Gauss beam, which does not diffract while it propagates in a straight line and tightly bound to the metallic surface for distances up to 80 μm. The generation of this highly localized wave is shown to be straightforward and highly controllable, with varying degrees of transverse confinement and directionality, by fabricating a plasmon launcher consisting of intersecting metallic gratings. Cosine-Gauss beams have potential for applications in plasmonics, notably for efficient coupling to nanophotonic devices, opening up new design possibilities for next-generation optical interconnects.

Experimental demonstration of PAM-DWMT for passive optical network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bangjiang; Zhang, Kaiwei; Tang, Xuan; Ghassemlooy, Zabih; Lin, Chun; Zhou, Zhenlei

2018-07-01

We experimentally demonstrate a discrete wavelet multitone (DWMT) modulation scheme based on pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) for next generation passive optical network (PON), which offers high tolerance against chromatic dispersion, high spectral efficiency, low peak to average power ratio (PAPR) and low side lobes. The experimental results show the chromatic dispersion induced power penalties are negligible after 20km fiber transmission. Compared with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), DWMT offers a better receiver sensitivity.

Ultrahigh–current density anodes with interconnected Li metal reservoir through overlithiation of mesoporous AlF 3 framework

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hansen; Lin, Dingchang; Liu, Yayuan

Lithium (Li) metal is the ultimate solution for next-generation high–energy density batteries but is plagued from commercialization by infinite relative volume change, low Coulombic efficiency due to side reactions, and safety issues caused by dendrite growth. These hazardous issues are further aggravated under high current densities needed by the increasing demand for fast charging/discharging. We report a one-step fabricated Li/Al 4Li 9-LiF nanocomposite (LAFN) through an “overlithiation” process of a mesoporous AlF 3 framework, which can simultaneously mitigate the abovementioned problems. Reaction-produced Al 4Li 9-LiF nanoparticles serve as the ideal skeleton for Li metal infusion, helping to achieve a near-zeromore » volume change during stripping/plating and suppressed dendrite growth. As a result, the LAFN electrode is capable of working properly under an ultrahigh current density of 20 mA cm –2 in symmetric cells and manifests highly improved rate capability with increased Coulombic efficiency in full cells. Here, the simple fabrication process and its remarkable electrochemical performances enable LAFN to be a promising anode candidate for next-generation lithium metal batteries.« less

Ultrahigh–current density anodes with interconnected Li metal reservoir through overlithiation of mesoporous AlF 3 framework

DOE PAGES

Wang, Hansen; Lin, Dingchang; Liu, Yayuan; ...

2017-09-08

Lithium (Li) metal is the ultimate solution for next-generation high–energy density batteries but is plagued from commercialization by infinite relative volume change, low Coulombic efficiency due to side reactions, and safety issues caused by dendrite growth. These hazardous issues are further aggravated under high current densities needed by the increasing demand for fast charging/discharging. We report a one-step fabricated Li/Al 4Li 9-LiF nanocomposite (LAFN) through an “overlithiation” process of a mesoporous AlF 3 framework, which can simultaneously mitigate the abovementioned problems. Reaction-produced Al 4Li 9-LiF nanoparticles serve as the ideal skeleton for Li metal infusion, helping to achieve a near-zeromore » volume change during stripping/plating and suppressed dendrite growth. As a result, the LAFN electrode is capable of working properly under an ultrahigh current density of 20 mA cm –2 in symmetric cells and manifests highly improved rate capability with increased Coulombic efficiency in full cells. Here, the simple fabrication process and its remarkable electrochemical performances enable LAFN to be a promising anode candidate for next-generation lithium metal batteries.« less

[Target gene sequence capture and next generation sequencing technology to diagnose four children with Alagille syndrome].

PubMed

Gao, M L; Zhong, X M; Ma, X; Ning, H J; Zhu, D; Zou, J Z

2016-06-02

To make genetic diagnosis of Alagille syndrome (ALGS) patients using target gene sequence capture and next generation sequencing technology. Target gene sequence capture and next generation sequencing were used to detect ALGS gene of 4 patients. They were hospitalized at the Affiliated Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics between January 2014 and December 2015, referred to clinical diagnosis of ALGS typical and atypical respectively in 2 cases. Blood samples were collected from patients and their parents and genomic DNA was extracted from lymphocytes. Target gene sequence capture and next generation sequencing was detected. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the results of the patients and their parents. Cholestasis, heart defects, inverted triangular face and butterfly vertebrae were presented as main clinical features in 4 male patients. The first hospital visiting ages ranged from 3 months and 14 days to 3 years and 1 month. The age of onset ranged from 3 days to 42 days (median 23 days). According to the clinical diagnostic criteria of ALGS, patient 1 and patient 2 were considered as typical ALGS. The other 2 patients were considered as atypical ALGS. Four Jagged 1(JAG1) pathogenic mutations were detected. Three different missense mutations were detected in patient 1 to patient 3 with ALGS(c.839C>T(p.W280X), c. 703G>A(p.R235X), c. 1720C>T(p.V574M)). The JAG1 mutation of patient 3 was first reported. Patient 4 had one novel insertion mutation (c.1779_1780insA(p.Ile594AsnfsTer23)). Parental analysis verified that the JAG1 missense mutation of 3 patients were de novo. The results of sanger sequencing was consistent with the results of the next generation sequencing. Target gene sequence capture combined with next generation sequencing can detect two pathogenic genes in ALGS and test genes of other related diseases in infantile cholestatic diseases simultaneously and presents a high throughput, high efficiency and low cost. It may provide molecular diagnosis and treatment for clinicians with good clinical application prospects.

Silver Nanowire Transparent Conductive Electrodes for High-Efficiency III-Nitride Light-Emitting Diodes

PubMed Central

Oh, Munsik; Jin, Won-Yong; Jun Jeong, Hyeon; Jeong, Mun Seok; Kang, Jae-Wook; Kim, Hyunsoo

2015-01-01

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been successfully demonstrated to function as next-generation transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) in organic semiconductor devices owing to their figures of merit, including high optical transmittance, low sheet resistance, flexibility, and low-cost processing. In this article, high-quality, solution-processed AgNWs with an excellent optical transmittance of 96.5% at 450 nm and a low sheet resistance of 11.7 Ω/sq were demonstrated as TCEs in inorganic III-nitride LEDs. The transmission line model applied to the AgNW contact to p-GaN showed that near ohmic contact with a specific contact resistance of ~10−3 Ωcm2 was obtained. The contact resistance had a strong bias-voltage (or current-density) dependence: namely, field-enhanced ohmic contact. LEDs fabricated with AgNW electrodes exhibited a 56% reduction in series resistance, 56.5% brighter output power, a 67.5% reduction in efficiency droop, and a approximately 30% longer current spreading length compared to LEDs fabricated with reference TCEs. In addition to the cost reduction, the observed improvements in device performance suggest that the AgNWs are promising for application as next-generation TCEs, to realise brighter, larger-area, cost-competitive inorganic III-nitride light emitters. PMID:26333768

High temperature performance of high-efficiency, multi-layer solar selective coatings for tower applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gray, M. H.; Tirawat, R.; Kessinger, K. A.

The roadmap to next-generation concentrating solar power plants anticipates a progression to central towers with operating temperatures in excess of 650°C. These higher temperatures are required to drive higher power-cycle efficiencies, resulting in lower cost energy. However, these conditions also place a greater burden on the materials making up the receiver. Any novel absorber material developed for next-generation receivers must be stable in air, cost effective, and survive thousands of heating and cooling cycles. The collection efficiency of a power tower plant can be increased if the energy absorbed by the receiver is maximized while the heat loss from themore » receiver to the environment is minimized. Thermal radiation losses can be significant (>7% annual energy loss) with receivers at temperatures above 650°C. We present progress toward highly efficient and durable solar selective absorbers (SSAs) intended for operating temperatures from 650°C to 1000°C. Selective efficiency (η sel) is defined as the energy retained by the absorber, accounting for both absorptance and emittance, relative to the energy incident on the surface. The low emittance layers of multilayer SSAs are binary compounds of refractory metals whose material properties indicate that coatings formed of these materials should be oxidation resistant in air to 800-1200°C. On this basis, we initially developed a solar selective coating for parabolic troughs. This development has been successfully extended to meet the absorptance and emittance objectives for the more demanding, high temperature regime. We show advancement in coating materials, processing and designs resulting in the initial attainment of target efficiencies η sel > 0.91 for proposed tower conditions. Additionally, spectral measurements show that these coatings continue to perform at targeted levels after cycling to temperatures of 1000°C in environments of nitrogen and forming gas.« less

High temperature performance of high-efficiency, multi-layer solar selective coatings for tower applications

DOE PAGES

Gray, M. H.; Tirawat, R.; Kessinger, K. A.; ...

2015-05-01

The roadmap to next-generation concentrating solar power plants anticipates a progression to central towers with operating temperatures in excess of 650°C. These higher temperatures are required to drive higher power-cycle efficiencies, resulting in lower cost energy. However, these conditions also place a greater burden on the materials making up the receiver. Any novel absorber material developed for next-generation receivers must be stable in air, cost effective, and survive thousands of heating and cooling cycles. The collection efficiency of a power tower plant can be increased if the energy absorbed by the receiver is maximized while the heat loss from themore » receiver to the environment is minimized. Thermal radiation losses can be significant (>7% annual energy loss) with receivers at temperatures above 650°C. We present progress toward highly efficient and durable solar selective absorbers (SSAs) intended for operating temperatures from 650°C to 1000°C. Selective efficiency (η sel) is defined as the energy retained by the absorber, accounting for both absorptance and emittance, relative to the energy incident on the surface. The low emittance layers of multilayer SSAs are binary compounds of refractory metals whose material properties indicate that coatings formed of these materials should be oxidation resistant in air to 800-1200°C. On this basis, we initially developed a solar selective coating for parabolic troughs. This development has been successfully extended to meet the absorptance and emittance objectives for the more demanding, high temperature regime. We show advancement in coating materials, processing and designs resulting in the initial attainment of target efficiencies η sel > 0.91 for proposed tower conditions. Additionally, spectral measurements show that these coatings continue to perform at targeted levels after cycling to temperatures of 1000°C in environments of nitrogen and forming gas.« less

Evaluating multiplexed next-generation sequencing as a method in palynology for mixed pollen samples.

PubMed

Keller, A; Danner, N; Grimmer, G; Ankenbrand, M; von der Ohe, K; von der Ohe, W; Rost, S; Härtel, S; Steffan-Dewenter, I

2015-03-01

The identification of pollen plays an important role in ecology, palaeo-climatology, honey quality control and other areas. Currently, expert knowledge and reference collections are essential to identify pollen origin through light microscopy. Pollen identification through molecular sequencing and DNA barcoding has been proposed as an alternative approach, but the assessment of mixed pollen samples originating from multiple plant species is still a tedious and error-prone task. Next-generation sequencing has been proposed to avoid this hindrance. In this study we assessed mixed pollen probes through next-generation sequencing of amplicons from the highly variable, species-specific internal transcribed spacer 2 region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Further, we developed a bioinformatic workflow to analyse these high-throughput data with a newly created reference database. To evaluate the feasibility, we compared results from classical identification based on light microscopy from the same samples with our sequencing results. We assessed in total 16 mixed pollen samples, 14 originated from honeybee colonies and two from solitary bee nests. The sequencing technique resulted in higher taxon richness (deeper assignments and more identified taxa) compared to light microscopy. Abundance estimations from sequencing data were significantly correlated with counted abundances through light microscopy. Simulation analyses of taxon specificity and sensitivity indicate that 96% of taxa present in the database are correctly identifiable at the genus level and 70% at the species level. Next-generation sequencing thus presents a useful and efficient workflow to identify pollen at the genus and species level without requiring specialised palynological expert knowledge. © 2014 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

High efficiency H6 single-phase transformerless grid-tied PV inverter with proposed modulation for reactive power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almasoudi, Fahad M.; Alatawi, Khaled S.; Matin, Mohammad

2017-08-01

Implementation of transformerless inverters in PV grid-tied system offer great benefits such as high efficiency, light weight, low cost, etc. Most of the proposed transformerless inverters in literature are verified for only real power application. Currently, international standards such as VDE-AR-N 4105 has demanded that PV grid-tied inverters should have the ability of controlling a specific amount of reactive power. Generation of reactive power cannot be accomplished in single phase transformerless inverter topologies because the existing modulation techniques are not adopted for a freewheeling path in the negative power region. This paper enhances a previous high efficiency proposed H6 trnasformerless inverter with SiC MOSFETs and demonstrates new operating modes for the generation of reactive power. A proposed pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is applied to achieve bidirectional current flow through freewheeling state. A comparison of the proposed H6 transformerless inverter using SiC MOSFETs and Si MOSFTEs is presented in terms of power losses and efficiency. The results show that reactive power control is attained without adding any additional active devices or modification to the inverter structure. Also, the proposed modulation maintains a constant common mode voltage (CM) during every operating mode and has low leakage current. The performance of the proposed system verifies its effectiveness in the next generation PV system.

Group-based variant calling leveraging next-generation supercomputing for large-scale whole-genome sequencing studies.

PubMed

Standish, Kristopher A; Carland, Tristan M; Lockwood, Glenn K; Pfeiffer, Wayne; Tatineni, Mahidhar; Huang, C Chris; Lamberth, Sarah; Cherkas, Yauheniya; Brodmerkel, Carrie; Jaeger, Ed; Smith, Lance; Rajagopal, Gunaretnam; Curran, Mark E; Schork, Nicholas J

2015-09-22

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have become much more efficient, allowing whole human genomes to be sequenced faster and cheaper than ever before. However, processing the raw sequence reads associated with NGS technologies requires care and sophistication in order to draw compelling inferences about phenotypic consequences of variation in human genomes. It has been shown that different approaches to variant calling from NGS data can lead to different conclusions. Ensuring appropriate accuracy and quality in variant calling can come at a computational cost. We describe our experience implementing and evaluating a group-based approach to calling variants on large numbers of whole human genomes. We explore the influence of many factors that may impact the accuracy and efficiency of group-based variant calling, including group size, the biogeographical backgrounds of the individuals who have been sequenced, and the computing environment used. We make efficient use of the Gordon supercomputer cluster at the San Diego Supercomputer Center by incorporating job-packing and parallelization considerations into our workflow while calling variants on 437 whole human genomes generated as part of large association study. We ultimately find that our workflow resulted in high-quality variant calls in a computationally efficient manner. We argue that studies like ours should motivate further investigations combining hardware-oriented advances in computing systems with algorithmic developments to tackle emerging 'big data' problems in biomedical research brought on by the expansion of NGS technologies.

Design and building of new spin polarized Positron Annihilation Induced Auger Electron Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Zheng Hui; Mishler, Michael; Joglekar, Prasad; Shastry, Karthik; Koymen, Ali; Sharma, Suresh; Weiss, Alexander

2014-03-01

We propose to develop a next generation high flux variable energy spin-polarized position beam facility for materials studies. This new system will have a higher efficiency than our current system, and it will also be the first in the world to combine spin polarization with a time of flight Positron Annihilation induced Auger Electron Spectroscopy (PAES). The spin polarized positrons are electromagnetically guided towards the sample with an axial magnetic field and perpendicular electric fields. These incident positrons get annihilated at the surface of the sample creating two gamma rays and auger electrons via Auger transitions. These signals are useful in characterizing material surface, surface magnetization, and energy sharing in valence band. This new spectrometer, which is currently under construction, will be a next generation positron system. NSF.

Efficient Computation of Atmospheric Flows with Tempest: Development of Next-Generation Climate and Weather Prediction Algorithms at Non-Hydrostatic Scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerra, J. E.; Ullrich, P. A.

2015-12-01

Tempest is a next-generation global climate and weather simulation platform designed to allow experimentation with numerical methods at very high spatial resolutions. The atmospheric fluid equations are discretized by continuous / discontinuous finite elements in the horizontal and by a staggered nodal finite element method (SNFEM) in the vertical, coupled with implicit/explicit time integration. At global horizontal resolutions below 10km, many important questions remain on optimal techniques for solving the fluid equations. We present results from a suite of meso-scale test cases to validate the performance of the SNFEM applied in the vertical. Internal gravity wave, mountain wave, convective, and Cartesian baroclinic instability tests will be shown at various vertical orders of accuracy and compared with known results.

Next-generation optical wireless communications for data centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnon, Shlomi

2015-01-01

Data centers collect and process information with a capacity that has been increasing from year to year at an almost exponential pace. Traditional fiber/cable data center network interconnections suffer from bandwidth overload, as well as flexibility and scalability issues. Therefore, a technology-shift from the fiber and cable to wireless has already been initiated in order to meet the required data-rate, flexibility and scalability demands for next-generation data center network interconnects. In addition, the shift to wireless reduces the volume allocated to the cabling/fiber and increases the cooling efficiency. Optical wireless communication (OWC), or free space optics (FSO), is one of the most effective wireless technologies that could be used in future data centers and could provide ultra-high capacity, very high cyber security and minimum latency, due to the low index of refraction of air in comparison to fiber technologies. In this paper we review the main concepts and configurations for next generation OWC for data centers. Two families of technologies are reviewed: the first technology regards interconnects between rack units in the same rack and the second technology regards the data center network that connects the server top of rack (TOR) to the switch. A comparison between different network technologies is presented.

Beyond Extreme Ultra Violet (BEUV) Radiation from Spherically symmetrical High-Z plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Kensuke; Fujioka, Shinsuke; Higashiguchi, Takeshi; Ugomori, Teruyuki; Tanaka, Nozomi; Kawasaki, Masato; Suzuki, Yuhei; Suzuki, Chihiro; Tomita, Kentaro; Hirose, Ryouichi; Eshima, Takeo; Ohashi, Hayato; Nishikino, Masaharu; Scally, Enda; Nshimura, Hiroaki; Azechi, Hiroshi; O'Sullivan, Gerard

2016-03-01

Photo-lithography is a key technology for volume manufacture of high performance and compact semiconductor devices. Smaller and more complex structures can be fabricated by using shorter wavelength light in the photolithography. One of the most critical issues in development of the next generation photo-lithography is to increase energy conversion efficiency (CE) from laser to shorter wavelength light. Experimental database of beyond extreme ultraviolet (BEUV) radiation was obtained by using spherically symmetrical high-Z plasmas generated with spherically allocated laser beams. Absolute energy and spectra of BEUV light emitted from Tb, Gd, and Mo plasmas were measured with a absolutely calibrated BEUV calorimeter and a transmission grating spectrometer. 1.0 x 1012 W/cm2 is the optimal laser intensity to produced efficient BEUV light source plasmas with Tb and Gd targets. Maximum CE is achieved at 0.8% that is two times higher than the published CEs obtained with planar targets.

Next-Gen 3: Sequencing, Modeling, and Advanced Biofuels - Final Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zengler, Karsten; Palsson, Bernhard; Lewis, Nathan

Successful, scalable implementation of biofuels is dependent on the efficient and near complete utilization of diverse biomass sources. One approach is to utilize the large recalcitrant biomass fraction (or any organic waste stream) through the thermochemical conversion of organic compounds to syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2), and hydrogen (H 2), which can subsequently be metabolized by acetogenic microorganisms to produce next-gen biofuels. The goal of this proposal was to advance the development of the acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii as a chassis organism for next-gen biofuel production from cheap, renewable sources and to detail the interconnectivitymore » of metabolism, energy conservation, and regulation of acetogens using next-gen sequencing and next-gen modeling. To achieve this goal we determined optimization of carbon and energy utilization through differential translational efficiency in C. ljungdahlii. Furthermore, we reconstructed a next-generation model of all major cellular processes, such as macromolecular synthesis and transcriptional regulation and deployed this model to predicting proteome allocation, overflow metabolism, and metal requirements in this model acetogen. In addition we explored the evolutionary significance of tRNA operon structure using the next-gen model and determined the optimal operon structure for bioproduction. Our study substantially enhanced the knowledgebaase for chemolithoautotrophs and their potential for advanced biofuel production. It provides next-generation modeling capability, offer innovative tools for genome-scale engineering, and provide novel methods to utilize next-generation models for the design of tunable systems that produce commodity chemicals from inexpensive sources.« less

Towards Intelligent Control for Next Generation CESTOL Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acosta, Diana Michelle

2008-01-01

This talk will present the motivation, research approach and status of intelligent control research for Next Generation Cruise Efficient Short Take Off and Landing (CESTOL) aircraft. An introduction to the challenges of CESTOL control will be given, leading into an assessment of potential control solutions. The approach of the control research will be discussed, including a brief overview of the technical aspects of the research.

NREL Next Generation Drivetrain: Mechanical Design and Test Plan (Poster)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keller, J.; Halse, C.

The Department of Energy and industry partners are sponsoring a $3m project for design and testing of a 'Next Generation' wind turbine drivetrain at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This poster focuses on innovative aspects of the gearbox design, completed as part of an end-to-end systems engineering approach incorporating innovations that increase drivetrain reliability, efficiency, torque density and minimize capital cost.

On the next generation of reliability analysis tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Babcock, Philip S., IV; Leong, Frank; Gai, Eli

1987-01-01

The current generation of reliability analysis tools concentrates on improving the efficiency of the description and solution of the fault-handling processes and providing a solution algorithm for the full system model. The tools have improved user efficiency in these areas to the extent that the problem of constructing the fault-occurrence model is now the major analysis bottleneck. For the next generation of reliability tools, it is proposed that techniques be developed to improve the efficiency of the fault-occurrence model generation and input. Further, the goal is to provide an environment permitting a user to provide a top-down design description of the system from which a Markov reliability model is automatically constructed. Thus, the user is relieved of the tedious and error-prone process of model construction, permitting an efficient exploration of the design space, and an independent validation of the system's operation is obtained. An additional benefit of automating the model construction process is the opportunity to reduce the specialized knowledge required. Hence, the user need only be an expert in the system he is analyzing; the expertise in reliability analysis techniques is supplied.

Two-step photon up-conversion solar cells

PubMed Central

Asahi, Shigeo; Teranishi, Haruyuki; Kusaki, Kazuki; Kaizu, Toshiyuki; Kita, Takashi

2017-01-01

Reducing the transmission loss for below-gap photons is a straightforward way to break the limit of the energy-conversion efficiency of solar cells (SCs). The up-conversion of below-gap photons is very promising for generating additional photocurrent. Here we propose a two-step photon up-conversion SC with a hetero-interface comprising different bandgaps of Al0.3Ga0.7As and GaAs. The below-gap photons for Al0.3Ga0.7As excite GaAs and generate electrons at the hetero-interface. The accumulated electrons at the hetero-interface are pumped upwards into the Al0.3Ga0.7As barrier by below-gap photons for GaAs. Efficient two-step photon up-conversion is achieved by introducing InAs quantum dots at the hetero-interface. We observe not only a dramatic increase in the additional photocurrent, which exceeds the reported values by approximately two orders of magnitude, but also an increase in the photovoltage. These results suggest that the two-step photon up-conversion SC has a high potential for implementation in the next-generation high-efficiency SCs. PMID:28382945

Next-generation phenotyping: requirements and strategies for enhancing our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships and its relevance to crop improvement.

PubMed

Cobb, Joshua N; Declerck, Genevieve; Greenberg, Anthony; Clark, Randy; McCouch, Susan

2013-04-01

More accurate and precise phenotyping strategies are necessary to empower high-resolution linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies and for training genomic selection models in plant improvement. Within this framework, the objective of modern phenotyping is to increase the accuracy, precision and throughput of phenotypic estimation at all levels of biological organization while reducing costs and minimizing labor through automation, remote sensing, improved data integration and experimental design. Much like the efforts to optimize genotyping during the 1980s and 1990s, designing effective phenotyping initiatives today requires multi-faceted collaborations between biologists, computer scientists, statisticians and engineers. Robust phenotyping systems are needed to characterize the full suite of genetic factors that contribute to quantitative phenotypic variation across cells, organs and tissues, developmental stages, years, environments, species and research programs. Next-generation phenotyping generates significantly more data than previously and requires novel data management, access and storage systems, increased use of ontologies to facilitate data integration, and new statistical tools for enhancing experimental design and extracting biologically meaningful signal from environmental and experimental noise. To ensure relevance, the implementation of efficient and informative phenotyping experiments also requires familiarity with diverse germplasm resources, population structures, and target populations of environments. Today, phenotyping is quickly emerging as the major operational bottleneck limiting the power of genetic analysis and genomic prediction. The challenge for the next generation of quantitative geneticists and plant breeders is not only to understand the genetic basis of complex trait variation, but also to use that knowledge to efficiently synthesize twenty-first century crop varieties.

Energy-Efficient Next-Generation Passive Optical Networks Based on Sleep Mode and Heuristic Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulai, Luis G. T.; Durand, Fábio R.; Abrão, Taufik

2015-05-01

In this article, an energy-efficiency mechanism for next-generation passive optical networks is investigated through heuristic particle swarm optimization. Ten-gigabit Ethernet-wavelength division multiplexing optical code division multiplexing-passive optical network next-generation passive optical networks are based on the use of a legacy 10-gigabit Ethernet-passive optical network with the advantage of using only an en/decoder pair of optical code division multiplexing technology, thus eliminating the en/decoder at each optical network unit. The proposed joint mechanism is based on the sleep-mode power-saving scheme for a 10-gigabit Ethernet-passive optical network, combined with a power control procedure aiming to adjust the transmitted power of the active optical network units while maximizing the overall energy-efficiency network. The particle swarm optimization based power control algorithm establishes the optimal transmitted power in each optical network unit according to the network pre-defined quality of service requirements. The objective is controlling the power consumption of the optical network unit according to the traffic demand by adjusting its transmitter power in an attempt to maximize the number of transmitted bits with minimum energy consumption, achieving maximal system energy efficiency. Numerical results have revealed that it is possible to save 75% of energy consumption with the proposed particle swarm optimization based sleep-mode energy-efficiency mechanism compared to 55% energy savings when just a sleeping-mode-based mechanism is deployed.

Metallic phase change material thermal storage for Dish Stirling

DOE PAGES

Andraka, C. E.; Kruizenga, A. M.; Hernandez-Sanchez, B. A.; ...

2015-06-05

Dish-Stirling systems provide high-efficiency solar-only electrical generation and currently hold the world record at 31.25%. This high efficiency results in a system with a high possibility of meeting the DOE SunShot goal of $0.06/kWh. However, current dish-Stirling systems do not incorporate thermal storage. For the next generation of non-intermittent and cost-competitive solar power plants, we propose adding a thermal energy storage system that combines latent (phase-change) energy transport and latent energy storage in order to match the isothermal input requirements of Stirling engines while also maximizing the exergetic efficiency of the entire system. This paper reports current findings in themore » area of selection, synthesis and evaluation of a suitable high performance metallic phase change material (PCM) as well as potential interactions with containment alloy materials. The metallic PCM's, while more expensive than salts, have been identified as having substantial performance advantages primarily due to high thermal conductivity, leading to high exergetic efficiency. Systems modeling has indicated, based on high dish Stirling system performance, an allowable cost of the PCM storage system that is substantially higher than SunShot goals for storage cost on tower systems. Several PCM's are identified with suitable melting temperature, cost, and performance.« less

Vertical Navigation Control Laws and Logic for the Next Generation Air Transportation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hueschen, Richard M.; Khong, Thuan H.

2013-01-01

A vertical navigation (VNAV) outer-loop control system was developed to capture and track the vertical path segments of energy-efficient trajectories that are being developed for high-density operations in the evolving Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The VNAV control system has a speed-on-elevator control mode to pitch the aircraft for tracking a calibrated airspeed (CAS) or Mach number profile and a path control mode for tracking the VNAV altitude profile. Mode control logic was developed for engagement of either the speed or path control modes. The control system will level the aircraft to prevent it from flying through a constraint altitude. A stability analysis was performed that showed that the gain and phase margins of the VNAV control system significantly exceeded the design gain and phase margins. The system performance was assessed using a six-deg-of-freedom non-linear transport aircraft simulation and the performance is illustrated with time-history plots of recorded simulation data.

Highly improved voltage efficiency of seawater battery by use of chloride ion capturing electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyoungho; Hwang, Soo Min; Park, Jeong-Sun; Han, Jinhyup; Kim, Junsoo; Kim, Youngsik

2016-05-01

Cost-effective and eco-friendly battery system with high energy density is highly desirable. Herein, we report a seawater battery with a high voltage efficiency, in which a chloride ion-capturing electrode (CICE) consisting of Ag foil is utilized as the cathode. The use of Ag as the cathode leads to a sharp decrease in the voltage gaps between charge and discharge curves, based on reversible redox reaction of Ag/AgCl (at ∼2.9 V vs. Na+/Na) in a seawater catholyte during cycling. The Ag/AgCl reaction proves to be highly reversible during battery cycling. The battery employing the Ag electrode shows excellent cycling performance with a high Coulombic efficiency (98.6-98.7%) and a highly improved voltage efficiency (90.3% compared to 73% for carbonaceous cathode) during 20 cycles (total 500 h). These findings demonstrate that seawater batteries using a CICE could be used as next-generation batteries for large-scale stationary energy storage plants.

Evaluating the Environmental Performance of the U.S. Next Generation Air Transportation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graham, Michael; Augustine, Stephen; Ermatinger, Christopher; Difelici, John; Thompson, Terence R.; Marcolini, Michael A.; Creedon, Jeremiah F.

2009-01-01

The environmental impacts of several possible U.S. Next Generation Air Transportation scenarios have been quantitatively evaluated for noise, air-quality, fuel-efficiency, and CO2 impacts. Three principal findings have emerged. (1) 2025 traffic levels about 30% higher than 2006 are obtained by increasing traffic according to FAA projections while also limiting traffic at each airport using reasonable ratios of demand to capacity. NextGen operational capabilities alone enable attainment of an additional 10-15% more flights beyond that 2025 baseline level with negligible additional noise, air-quality, and fuel-efficiency impacts. (2) The addition of advanced engine and airframe technologies provides substantial additional reductions in noise and air-quality impacts, and further improves fuel efficiency. 2025 environmental goals based on projected system-wide improvement rates of about 1% per year for noise and fuel-efficiency (an air-quality goal is not yet formulated) are achieved using this new vehicle technology. (3) Overall air-transport "product", as measured by total flown distance or total payload distance, increases by about 50% relative to 2006, but total fuel consumption and CO2 production increase by only about 40% using NextGen operational capabilities. With the addition of advanced engine/airframe technologies, the increase in total fuel consumption and CO2 production can be reduced to about 30%.

Achieving significantly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic efficiency using a polyelectrolyte: the composites of exfoliated titania nanosheets, graphene, and poly(diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian; An, Qi; Luan, Xinglong; Huang, Hongwei; Li, Xiaowei; Meng, Zilin; Tong, Wangshu; Chen, Xiaodong; Chu, Paul K.; Zhang, Yihe

2015-08-01

A high-performance visible-light-active photocatalyst is prepared using the polyelectrolyte/exfoliated titania nanosheet/graphene oxide (GO) precursor by flocculation followed by calcination. The polyelectrolyte poly(diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride) serves not only as an effective binder to precipitate GO and titania nanosheets, but also boosts the overall performance of the catalyst significantly. Unlike most titania nanosheet-based catalysts reported in the literature, the composite absorbs light in the UV-Vis-NIR range. Its decomposition rate of methylene blue is 98% under visible light. This novel strategy of using a polymer to enhance the catalytic performance of titania nanosheet-based catalysts affords immense potential in designing and fabricating next-generation photocatalysts with high efficiency.A high-performance visible-light-active photocatalyst is prepared using the polyelectrolyte/exfoliated titania nanosheet/graphene oxide (GO) precursor by flocculation followed by calcination. The polyelectrolyte poly(diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride) serves not only as an effective binder to precipitate GO and titania nanosheets, but also boosts the overall performance of the catalyst significantly. Unlike most titania nanosheet-based catalysts reported in the literature, the composite absorbs light in the UV-Vis-NIR range. Its decomposition rate of methylene blue is 98% under visible light. This novel strategy of using a polymer to enhance the catalytic performance of titania nanosheet-based catalysts affords immense potential in designing and fabricating next-generation photocatalysts with high efficiency. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03256c

Gallium Nitride Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit Designs Using 0.25-micro m Qorvo Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-27

and sensor systems of interest to US Defense Department applications, particularly for next-generation radar systems. Broadband, efficient, high...A simple GaN high-electron-mobility-transistor (HEMT) TR single-pull double- throw (SPDT) switch consists of at least 2 series- and 2 shunt... simple TR switch that works well up to 6 GHz is shown in Figs. 4 (layout) and 5 (simulation). Complementary DC-bias voltages are applied at inputs A

Hybrid scheduling mechanisms for Next-generation Passive Optical Networks based on network coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jijun; Bai, Wei; Liu, Xin; Feng, Nan; Maier, Martin

2014-10-01

Network coding (NC) integrated into Passive Optical Networks (PONs) is regarded as a promising solution to achieve higher throughput and energy efficiency. To efficiently support multimedia traffic under this new transmission mode, novel NC-based hybrid scheduling mechanisms for Next-generation PONs (NG-PONs) including energy management, time slot management, resource allocation, and Quality-of-Service (QoS) scheduling are proposed in this paper. First, we design an energy-saving scheme that is based on Bidirectional Centric Scheduling (BCS) to reduce the energy consumption of both the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Units (ONUs). Next, we propose an intra-ONU scheduling and an inter-ONU scheduling scheme, which takes NC into account to support service differentiation and QoS assurance. The presented simulation results show that BCS achieves higher energy efficiency under low traffic loads, clearly outperforming the alternative NC-based Upstream Centric Scheduling (UCS) scheme. Furthermore, BCS is shown to provide better QoS assurance.

Multi-d CFD Modeling of a Free-piston Stirling Convertor at NASA Glenn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Scott D.; Dyson, Rodger W.; Tew, Roy C.; Ibrahim, Mounir B.

2004-01-01

A high efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) is being developed for possible use in long duration space science missions. NASA s advanced technology goals for next generation Stirling convertors include increasing the Carnot efficiency and percent of Carnot efficiency. To help achieve these goals, a multidimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code is being developed to numerically model unsteady fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena of the oscillating working gas inside Stirling convertors. Simulations of the Stirling convertors for the SRG will help characterize the thermodynamic losses resulting from fluid flow and heat transfer between the working gas and solid walls. The current CFD simulation represents approximated 2-dimensional convertor geometry. The simulation solves the Navier Stokes equations for an ideal helium gas oscillating at low speeds. The current simulation results are discussed.

Enhancing Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells via Surface Passivation with Graphene Oxide Interlayer.

PubMed

Li, Hao; Tao, Leiming; Huang, Feihong; Sun, Qiang; Zhao, Xiaojuan; Han, Junbo; Shen, Yan; Wang, Mingkui

2017-11-08

Perovskite solar cells have been demonstrated as promising low-cost and highly efficient next-generation solar cells. Enhancing V OC by minimization the interfacial recombination kinetics can further improve device performance. In this work, we for the first time reported on surface passivation of perovskite layers with chemical modified graphene oxides, which act as efficient interlayer to reduce interfacial recombination and enhance hole extraction as well. Our modeling points out that the passivation effect mainly comes from the interaction between functional group (4-fluorophenyl) and under-coordinated Pb ions. The resulting perovskite solar cells achieved high efficient power conversion efficiency of 18.75% with enhanced high open circuit V OC of 1.11 V. Ultrafast spectroscopy, photovoltage/photocurrent transient decay, and electronic impedance spectroscopy characterizations reveal the effective passivation effect and the energy loss mechanism. This work sheds light on the importance of interfacial engineering on the surface of perovskite layers and provides possible ways to improve device efficiency.

Efficient sulfur host based on NiCo2O4 hollow microtubes for advanced Li-S batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, Azhar; Ali Ghazi, Zahid; Muqsit Khattak, Abdul; Ahmad, Aziz

2017-12-01

High energy density and cost effectiveness make lithium-sulfur battery a promising candidate for next-generation electrochemical energy storage technology. Here, we have synthesized a highly efficient sulfur host namely NiCo2O4 hollow microtubes/sulfur composite (NiCo2O4/S). The hollow interior cavity providing structural integrity while sufficient self-functionalized surfaces of NiCo2O4 chemically bind polysulfides to prevent their dissolution in the organic electrolyte. When used in lithium-sulfur batteries, the synthesized NiCo2O4/S cathode delivers high specific capacity (1274 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C), long cycling performance at 0.5 C, and good rate capability at high current rates.

A multiple-alignment based primer design algorithm for genetically highly variable DNA targets

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Primer design for highly variable DNA sequences is difficult, and experimental success requires attention to many interacting constraints. The advent of next-generation sequencing methods allows the investigation of rare variants otherwise hidden deep in large populations, but requires attention to population diversity and primer localization in relatively conserved regions, in addition to recognized constraints typically considered in primer design. Results Design constraints include degenerate sites to maximize population coverage, matching of melting temperatures, optimizing de novo sequence length, finding optimal bio-barcodes to allow efficient downstream analyses, and minimizing risk of dimerization. To facilitate primer design addressing these and other constraints, we created a novel computer program (PrimerDesign) that automates this complex procedure. We show its powers and limitations and give examples of successful designs for the analysis of HIV-1 populations. Conclusions PrimerDesign is useful for researchers who want to design DNA primers and probes for analyzing highly variable DNA populations. It can be used to design primers for PCR, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, and other experimental protocols targeting highly variable DNA samples. PMID:23965160

Isolated Open Rotor Noise Prediction Assessment Using the F31A31 Historical Blade Set

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nark, Douglas M.; Jones, William T.; Boyd, D. Douglas, Jr.; Zawodny, Nikolas S.

2016-01-01

In an effort to mitigate next-generation fuel efficiency and environmental impact concerns for aviation, open rotor propulsion systems have received renewed interest. However, maintaining the high propulsive efficiency while simultaneously meeting noise goals has been one of the challenges in making open rotor propulsion a viable option. Improvements in prediction tools and design methodologies have opened the design space for next generation open rotor designs that satisfy these challenging objectives. As such, validation of aerodynamic and acoustic prediction tools has been an important aspect of open rotor research efforts. This paper describes validation efforts of a combined computational fluid dynamics and Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation methodology for open rotor aeroacoustic modeling. Performance and acoustic predictions were made for a benchmark open rotor blade set and compared with measurements over a range of rotor speeds and observer angles. Overall, the results indicate that the computational approach is acceptable for assessing low-noise open rotor designs. Additionally, this approach may be used to provide realistic incident source fields for acoustic shielding/scattering studies on various aircraft configurations.

Next-generation laser for Inertial Confinement Fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marshall, C.D.; Deach, R.J.; Bibeau, C.

1997-09-29

We report on the progress in developing and building the Mercury laser system as the first in a series of a new generation of diode- pumped solid-state Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) lasers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Mercury will be the first integrated demonstration of a scalable laser architecture compatible with advanced high energy density (HED) physics applications. Primary performance goals include 10% efficiencies at 10 Hz and a 1-10 ns pulse with 1 omega energies of 100 J and with 2 omega/3 omega frequency conversion.

Highly Efficient Nondoped Green Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Combination of High Photoluminescence and High Exciton Utilization.

PubMed

Wang, Chu; Li, Xianglong; Pan, Yuyu; Zhang, Shitong; Yao, Liang; Bai, Qing; Li, Weijun; Lu, Ping; Yang, Bing; Su, Shijian; Ma, Yuguang

2016-02-10

Photoluminescence (PL) efficiency and exciton utilization efficiency are two key parameters to harvest high-efficiency electroluminescence (EL) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). But it is not easy to simultaneously combine these two characteristics (high PL efficiency and high exciton utilization) into a fluorescent material. In this work, an efficient combination was achieved through two concepts of hybridized local and charge-transfer (CT) state (HLCT) and "hot exciton", in which the former is responsible for high PL efficiency while the latter contributes to high exciton utilization. On the basis of a tiny chemical modification in TPA-BZP, a green-light donor-acceptor molecule, we designed and synthesized CzP-BZP with this efficeient combination of high PL efficiency of η(PL) = 75% in the solid state and maximal exciton utilization efficiency up to 48% (especially, the internal quantum efficiency of η(IQE) = 35% substantially exceed 25% of spin statistics limit) in OLED. The nondoped OLED of CzP-BZP exhibited an excellent performance: a green emission with a CIE coordinate of (0.34, 0.60), a maximum current efficiency of 23.99 cd A(-1), and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE, η(EQE)) of 6.95%. This combined HLCT state and "hot exciton" strategy should be a practical way to design next-generation, low-cost, high-efficiency fluorescent OLED materials.

Next-generation fiber lasers enabled by high-performance components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kliner, D. A. V.; Victor, B.; Rivera, C.; Fanning, G.; Balsley, D.; Farrow, R. L.; Kennedy, K.; Hampton, S.; Hawke, R.; Soukup, E.; Reynolds, M.; Hodges, A.; Emery, J.; Brown, A.; Almonte, K.; Nelson, M.; Foley, B.; Dawson, D.; Hemenway, D. M.; Urbanek, W.; DeVito, M.; Bao, L.; Koponen, J.; Gross, K.

2018-02-01

Next-generation industrial fiber lasers enable challenging applications that cannot be addressed with legacy fiber lasers. Key features of next-generation fiber lasers include robust back-reflection protection, high power stability, wide power tunability, high-speed modulation and waveform generation, and facile field serviceability. These capabilities are enabled by high-performance components, particularly pump diodes and optical fibers, and by advanced fiber laser designs. We summarize the performance and reliability of nLIGHT diodes, fibers, and next-generation industrial fiber lasers at power levels of 500 W - 8 kW. We show back-reflection studies with up to 1 kW of back-reflected power, power-stability measurements in cw and modulated operation exhibiting sub-1% stability over a 5 - 100% power range, and high-speed modulation (100 kHz) and waveform generation with a bandwidth 20x higher than standard fiber lasers. We show results from representative applications, including cutting and welding of highly reflective metals (Cu and Al) for production of Li-ion battery modules and processing of carbon fiber reinforced polymers.

Mining and Development of Novel SSR Markers Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Data in Plants.

PubMed

Taheri, Sima; Lee Abdullah, Thohirah; Yusop, Mohd Rafii; Hanafi, Mohamed Musa; Sahebi, Mahbod; Azizi, Parisa; Shamshiri, Redmond Ramin

2018-02-13

Microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are one of the most informative and multi-purpose genetic markers exploited in plant functional genomics. However, the discovery of SSRs and development using traditional methods are laborious, time-consuming, and costly. Recently, the availability of high-throughput sequencing technologies has enabled researchers to identify a substantial number of microsatellites at less cost and effort than traditional approaches. Illumina is a noteworthy transcriptome sequencing technology that is currently used in SSR marker development. Although 454 pyrosequencing datasets can be used for SSR development, this type of sequencing is no longer supported. This review aims to present an overview of the next generation sequencing, with a focus on the efficient use of de novo transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) and related tools for mining and development of microsatellites in plants.

Quasi-CW Laser Diode Bar Life Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephen, Mark A.; Krainak, Michael A.; Dallas, Joseph L.

1997-01-01

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is developing technology for satellite-based, high peak power, LIDAR transmitters requiring 3-5 years of reliable operation. Semi-conductor laser diodes provide high efficiency pumping of solid state lasers with the promise of long-lived, reliable operation. 100-watt quasi- CW laser diode bars have been baselined for the next generation laser altimeters. Multi-billion shot lifetimes are required. The authors have monitored the performance of several diodes for billions of shots and investigated operational modes for improving diode lifetime.

Design Method For Ultra-High Resolution Linear CCD Imagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheu, Larry S.; Truong, Thanh; Yuzuki, Larry; Elhatem, Abdul; Kadekodi, Narayan

1984-11-01

This paper presents the design method to achieve ultra-high resolution linear imagers. This method utilizes advanced design rules and novel staggered bilinear photo sensor arrays with quadrilinear shift registers. Design constraint in the detector arrays and shift registers are analyzed. Imager architecture to achieve ultra-high resolution is presented. The characteristics of MTF, aliasing, speed, transfer efficiency and fine photolithography requirements associated with this architecture are also discussed. A CCD imager with advanced 1.5 um minimum feature size was fabricated. It is intended as a test vehicle for the next generation small sampling pitch ultra-high resolution CCD imager. Standard double-poly, two-phase shift registers were fabricated at an 8 um pitch using the advanced design rules. A special process step that blocked the source-drain implant from the shift register area was invented. This guaranteed excellent performance of the shift registers regardless of the small poly overlaps. A charge transfer efficiency of better than 0.99995 and maximum transfer speed of 8 MHz were achieved. The imager showed excellent performance. The dark current was less than 0.2 mV/ms, saturation 250 mV, adjacent photoresponse non-uniformity ± 4% and responsivity 0.7 V/ μJ/cm2 for the 8 μm x 6 μm photosensor size. The MTF was 0.6 at 62.5 cycles/mm. These results confirm the feasibility of the next generation ultra-high resolution CCD imagers.

Low Cost High Performance Nanostructured Spectrally Selective Coating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, Sungho

2017-04-05

Sunlight absorbing coating is a key enabling technology to achieve high-temperature high-efficiency concentrating solar power operation. A high-performance solar absorbing material must simultaneously meet all the following three stringent requirements: high thermal efficiency (usually measured by figure of merit), high-temperature durability, and oxidation resistance. The objective of this research is to employ a highly scalable process to fabricate and coat black oxide nanoparticles onto solar absorber surface to achieve ultra-high thermal efficiency. Black oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using a facile process and coated onto absorber metal surface. The material composition, size distribution and morphology of the nanoparticle are guidedmore » by numeric modeling. Optical and thermal properties have been both modeled and measured. High temperature durability has been achieved by using nanocomposites and high temperature annealing. Mechanical durability on thermal cycling have also been investigated and optimized. This technology is promising for commercial applications in next-generation high-temperature concentration solar power (CSP) plants.« less

Smart Energy Cryo-refrigerator Technology for the next generation Very Large Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spagna, Stefano

2018-01-01

We describe a “smart energy” cryocooler technology architecture for the next generation Very Large Array that makes use of multiple variable frequency cold heads driven from a single variable speed air cooled compressor. Preliminary experiments indicate that the compressor variable flow control, advanced diagnostics, and the cryo-refrigerator low vibration, provide a unique energy efficient capability for the very large number of antennas that will be employed in this array.

Driving R&D for the Next Generation Work Truck; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Melendez, M.

2015-03-04

Improvements in medium- and heavy-duty work truck energy efficiency can dramatically reduce the use of petroleum-based fuels and the emissions of greenhouse gases. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working with industry partners to develop fuel-saving, high-performance vehicle technologies, while examining fleet operational practices that can simulateneously improve fuel economy, decrease emissions, and support bottom-line goals.

Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with CdSe QDs/LiF Electron Transporting Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Furui; Xu, Weizhe; Hu, Xiaodong; Yu, Ping; Zhang, Weifeng

2017-12-01

Organic/inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cell has emerged as a very promising candidate for the next generation of near-commercial photovoltaic devices. Here in this work, we focus on the inverted perovskite solar cells and have found that remarkable photovoltaic performance could be obtained when using cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) as electron transporting layer (ETL) and lithium fluoride (LiF) as the buffer, with respect to the traditionally applied and high-cost [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The easily processed and low-cost CdSe QDs/LiF double layer could facilitate convenient electron-transfer and collection at the perovskite/cathode interface, promoting an optoelectric conversion efficiency of as high as 15.1%, very close to that with the traditional PCBM ETL. Our work provides another promising choice on the ETL materials for the highly efficient and low-cost perovskite solar cells.

Mantle Convection on Modern Supercomputers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weismüller, J.; Gmeiner, B.; Huber, M.; John, L.; Mohr, M.; Rüde, U.; Wohlmuth, B.; Bunge, H. P.

2015-12-01

Mantle convection is the cause for plate tectonics, the formation of mountains and oceans, and the main driving mechanism behind earthquakes. The convection process is modeled by a system of partial differential equations describing the conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Characteristic to mantle flow is the vast disparity of length scales from global to microscopic, turning mantle convection simulations into a challenging application for high-performance computing. As system size and technical complexity of the simulations continue to increase, design and implementation of simulation models for next generation large-scale architectures is handled successfully only in an interdisciplinary context. A new priority program - named SPPEXA - by the German Research Foundation (DFG) addresses this issue, and brings together computer scientists, mathematicians and application scientists around grand challenges in HPC. Here we report from the TERRA-NEO project, which is part of the high visibility SPPEXA program, and a joint effort of four research groups. TERRA-NEO develops algorithms for future HPC infrastructures, focusing on high computational efficiency and resilience in next generation mantle convection models. We present software that can resolve the Earth's mantle with up to 1012 grid points and scales efficiently to massively parallel hardware with more than 50,000 processors. We use our simulations to explore the dynamic regime of mantle convection and assess the impact of small scale processes on global mantle flow.

Quantum-Dot-Based Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Strategies, and Challenges.

PubMed

Kim, Mee Rahn; Ma, Dongling

2015-01-02

Among next-generation photovoltaic systems requiring low cost and high efficiency, quantum dot (QD)-based solar cells stand out as a very promising candidate because of the unique and versatile characteristics of QDs. The past decade has already seen rapid conceptual and technological advances on various aspects of QD solar cells, and diverse opportunities, which QDs can offer, predict that there is still ample room for further development and breakthroughs. In this Perspective, we first review the attractive advantages of QDs, such as size-tunable band gaps and multiple exciton generation (MEG), beneficial to solar cell applications. We then analyze major strategies, which have been extensively explored and have largely contributed to the most recent and significant achievements in QD solar cells. Finally, their high potential and challenges are discussed. In particular, QD solar cells are considered to hold immense potential to overcome the theoretical efficiency limit of 31% for single-junction cells.

A vertebrate case study of the quality of assemblies derived from next-generation sequences

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The unparalleled efficiency of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has prompted widespread adoption, but significant problems remain in the use of NGS data for whole genome assembly. We explore the advantages and disadvantages of chicken genome assemblies generated using a variety of sequencing and assembly methodologies. NGS assemblies are equivalent in some ways to a Sanger-based assembly yet deficient in others. Nonetheless, these assemblies are sufficient for the identification of the majority of genes and can reveal novel sequences when compared to existing assembly references. PMID:21453517

The Science and Design of the AGIS Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroedter, Martin

2010-02-01

The AGIS observatory is a next-generation array of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) for gamma-ray astronomy between 100 GeV and 100 TeV. The AGIS observatory is the next logical step in high energy gamma-ray astronomy, offering improved angular resolution and sensitivity compared to FERMI, and overlapping the high energy end of FERMI's sensitivity band. The baseline AGIS observatory will employ an array of 36 Schwarzschild-Couder IACTs in combination with a highly pixelated (0.05^o diameter) camera. The instrument is designed to provide millicrab sensitivity over a wide (8^o diameter) field of view, allowing both deep studies of faint point sources as well as efficient mapping of the Galactic plane and extended sources. I will describe science drivers behind the AGIS observatory and the design and status of the project. )

The Science and Design of the AGIS Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falcone, Abraham; Aliu, E.; Arlen, T.; Benbow, W.; Buckley, J.; Bugaev, S.; Byrum, K.; Ciupik, L.; Coppi, P.; Digel, S.; Drake, G.; Finley, J.; Fortson, L.; Franco, J.; Funk, S.; Guarino, V.; Gyuk, G.; Hanna, D.; Hiriart, D.; Humensky, B.; Holder, J.; Kaaret, P.; Karlsson, N.; Kieda, D.; Konopelko, A.; Krawczynski, H.; Krennrich, F.; LeBohec, S.; Maier, G.; Mukherjee, R.; Ong, R.; Otte, N.; Pareschi, G.; Pohl, M.; Quinn, J.; Ramsey, B.; Romani, R.; Rovero, A. C.; Schroedter, M.; Sinnis, C.; Slane, P.; Smith, A.; Swordy, S.; Tajima, H.; Vassiliev, V.; Wagner, R.; Wakely, S. P.; Weekes, T. C.; Weinstein, A.; Williams, D.

2010-01-01

The AGIS observatory is a next-generation array of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) for gamma-ray astronomy between 100GeV and 100 TeV. The AGIS observatory is the next logical step in high energy gamma-ray astronomy, offering improved angular resolution and sensitivity compared to FERMI, and overlapping the high energy end of FERMI's sensitivity band. The baseline AGIS observatory will employ an array of 36 Schwarzschild-Couder IACTs in combination with a highly pixelated (0.05 degree/pixel) camera. The instrument is designed to provide millicrab sensitivity over a wide (8 degree diameter) field of view, allowing both deep studies of faint point sources as well as efficient mapping of the Galactic plane and extended sources. This presentation will include a description of science drivers behind the AGIS observatory and the design and status of the project.

Optimized Generator Designs for the DTU 10-MW Offshore Wind Turbine using GeneratorSE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sethuraman, Latha; Maness, Michael; Dykes, Katherine

Compared to land-based applications, offshore wind imposes challenges for the development of next generation wind turbine generator technology. Direct-drive generators are believed to offer high availability, efficiency, and reduced operation and maintenance requirements; however, previous research suggests difficulties in scaling to several megawatts or more in size. The resulting designs are excessively large and/or massive, which are major impediments to transportation logistics, especially for offshore applications. At the same time, geared wind turbines continue to sustain offshore market growth through relatively cheaper and lightweight generators. However, reliability issues associated with mechanical components in a geared system create significant operation andmore » maintenance costs, and these costs make up a large portion of overall system costs offshore. Thus, direct-drive turbines are likely to outnumber their gear-driven counterparts for this market, and there is a need to review the costs or opportunities of building machines with different types of generators and examining their competitiveness at the sizes necessary for the next generation of offshore wind turbines. In this paper, we use GeneratorSE, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's newly developed systems engineering generator sizing tool to estimate mass, efficiency, and the costs of different generator technologies satisfying the electromagnetic, structural, and basic thermal design requirements for application in a very large-scale offshore wind turbine such as the Technical University of Denmark's (DTU) 10-MW reference wind turbine. For the DTU reference wind turbine, we use the previously mentioned criteria to optimize a direct-drive, radial flux, permanent-magnet synchronous generator; a direct-drive electrically excited synchronous generator; a medium-speed permanent-magnet generator; and a high-speed, doubly-fed induction generator. Preliminary analysis of leveled costs of energy indicate that for large turbines, the cost of permanent magnets and reliability issues associated with brushes in electrically excited machines are the biggest deterrents for building direct-drive systems. The advantage of medium-speed permanent-magnet machines over doubly-fed induction generators is evident, yet, variability in magnet prices and solutions to address reliability issues associated with gearing and brushes can change this outlook. This suggests the need to potentially pursue fundamentally new innovations in generator designs that help avoid high capital costs but still have significant reliability related to performance.« less

Optimized Generator Designs for the DTU 10-MW Offshore Wind Turbine using GeneratorSE: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sethuraman, Latha; Maness, Michael; Dykes, Katherine

Compared to land-based applications, offshore wind imposes challenges for the development of next generation wind turbine generator technology. Direct-drive generators are believed to offer high availability, efficiency, and reduced operation and maintenance requirements; however, previous research suggests difficulties in scaling to several megawatts or more in size. The resulting designs are excessively large and/or massive, which are major impediments to transportation logistics, especially for offshore applications. At the same time, geared wind turbines continue to sustain offshore market growth through relatively cheaper and lightweight generators. However, reliability issues associated with mechanical components in a geared system create significant operation andmore » maintenance costs, and these costs make up a large portion of overall system costs offshore. Thus, direct-drive turbines are likely to outnumber their gear-driven counterparts for this market, and there is a need to review the costs or opportunities of building machines with different types of generators and examining their competitiveness at the sizes necessary for the next generation of offshore wind turbines. In this paper, we use GeneratorSE, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's newly developed systems engineering generator sizing tool to estimate mass, efficiency, and the costs of different generator technologies satisfying the electromagnetic, structural, and basic thermal design requirements for application in a very large-scale offshore wind turbine such as the Technical University of Denmark's (DTU) 10-MW reference wind turbine. For the DTU reference wind turbine, we use the previously mentioned criteria to optimize a direct-drive, radial flux, permanent-magnet synchronous generator; a direct-drive electrically excited synchronous generator; a medium-speed permanent-magnet generator; and a high-speed, doubly-fed induction generator. Preliminary analysis of leveled costs of energy indicate that for large turbines, the cost of permanent magnets and reliability issues associated with brushes in electrically excited machines are the biggest deterrents for building direct-drive systems. The advantage of medium-speed permanent-magnet machines over doubly-fed induction generators is evident, yet, variability in magnet prices and solutions to address reliability issues associated with gearing and brushes can change this outlook. This suggests the need to potentially pursue fundamentally new innovations in generator designs that help avoid high capital costs but still have significant reliability related to performance.« less

Direct transfer of wafer-scale graphene films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Maria; Shah, Ali; Li, Changfeng; Mustonen, Petri; Susoma, Jannatul; Manoocheri, Farshid; Riikonen, Juha; Lipsanen, Harri

2017-09-01

Flexible electronics serve as the ubiquitous platform for the next-generation life science, environmental monitoring, display, and energy conversion applications. Outstanding multi-functional mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties of graphene combined with transparency and flexibility solidifies it as ideal for these applications. Although chemical vapor deposition (CVD) enables cost-effective fabrication of high-quality large-area graphene films, one critical bottleneck is an efficient and reproducible transfer of graphene to flexible substrates. We explore and describe a direct transfer method of 6-inch monolayer CVD graphene onto transparent and flexible substrate based on direct vapor phase deposition of conformal parylene on as-grown graphene/copper (Cu) film. The method is straightforward, scalable, cost-effective and reproducible. The transferred film showed high uniformity, lack of mechanical defects and sheet resistance for doped graphene as low as 18 Ω/sq and 96.5% transparency at 550 nm while withstanding high strain. To underline that the introduced technique is capable of delivering graphene films for next-generation flexible applications we demonstrate a wearable capacitive controller, a heater, and a self-powered triboelectric sensor.

An efficient approach to BAC based assembly of complex genomes.

PubMed

Visendi, Paul; Berkman, Paul J; Hayashi, Satomi; Golicz, Agnieszka A; Bayer, Philipp E; Ruperao, Pradeep; Hurgobin, Bhavna; Montenegro, Juan; Chan, Chon-Kit Kenneth; Staňková, Helena; Batley, Jacqueline; Šimková, Hana; Doležel, Jaroslav; Edwards, David

2016-01-01

There has been an exponential growth in the number of genome sequencing projects since the introduction of next generation DNA sequencing technologies. Genome projects have increasingly involved assembly of whole genome data which produces inferior assemblies compared to traditional Sanger sequencing of genomic fragments cloned into bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs). While whole genome shotgun sequencing using next generation sequencing (NGS) is relatively fast and inexpensive, this method is extremely challenging for highly complex genomes, where polyploidy or high repeat content confounds accurate assembly, or where a highly accurate 'gold' reference is required. Several attempts have been made to improve genome sequencing approaches by incorporating NGS methods, to variable success. We present the application of a novel BAC sequencing approach which combines indexed pools of BACs, Illumina paired read sequencing, a sequence assembler specifically designed for complex BAC assembly, and a custom bioinformatics pipeline. We demonstrate this method by sequencing and assembling BAC cloned fragments from bread wheat and sugarcane genomes. We demonstrate that our assembly approach is accurate, robust, cost effective and scalable, with applications for complete genome sequencing in large and complex genomes.

Modular approach to achieving the next-generation X-ray light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biedron, S. G.; Milton, S. V.; Freund, H. P.

2001-12-01

A modular approach to the next-generation light source is described. The "modules" include photocathode, radio-frequency, electron guns and their associated drive-laser systems, linear accelerators, bunch-compression systems, seed laser systems, planar undulators, two-undulator harmonic generation schemes, high-gain harmonic generation systems, nonlinear higher harmonics, and wavelength shifting. These modules will be helpful in distributing the next-generation light source to many more laboratories than the current single-pass, high-gain free-electron laser designs permit, due to both monetary and/or physical space constraints.

Brightness-enhanced high-efficiency single emitters for fiber laser pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanson, Dan; Rappaport, Noam; Shamay, Moshe; Cohen, Shalom; Berk, Yuri; Klumel, Genadi; Don, Yaroslav; Peleg, Ophir; Levy, Moshe

2013-02-01

Reliable single emitters delivering <10W in the 9xx nm spectral range, are common energy sources for fiber laser pumps. The brightness (radiance) of a single emitter, which connotes the angular concentration of the emitted energy, is just as important a parameter as the output power alone for fiber coupling applications. We report on the development of high-brightness single emitters that demonstrate <12W output with 60% wall-plug efficiency and a lateral emission angle that is compatible with coupling into 0.15 NA delivery fiber. Using a purpose developed active laser model, simulation of far-field patterns in the lateral (slow) axis can be performed for different epitaxial wafer structures. By optimizing both the wafer and chip designs, we have both increased the device efficiency and improved the slow-axis divergence in high-current operation. Device reliability data are presented. The next-generation emitters will be integrated in SCD's NEON fiber pump modules to upgrade the pump output towards higher ex-fiber powers with high efficiency.

Efficient quasi-monoenergetic ion beams from laser-driven relativistic plasmas

PubMed Central

Palaniyappan, Sasi; Huang, Chengkun; Gautier, Donald C.; Hamilton, Christopher E.; Santiago, Miguel A.; Kreuzer, Christian; Sefkow, Adam B.; Shah, Rahul C.; Fernández, Juan C.

2015-01-01

Table-top laser–plasma ion accelerators have many exciting applications, many of which require ion beams with simultaneous narrow energy spread and high conversion efficiency. However, achieving these requirements has been elusive. Here we report the experimental demonstration of laser-driven ion beams with narrow energy spread and energies up to 18 MeV per nucleon and ∼5% conversion efficiency (that is 4 J out of 80-J laser). Using computer simulations we identify a self-organizing scheme that reduces the ion energy spread after the laser exits the plasma through persisting self-generated plasma electric (∼1012 V m−1) and magnetic (∼104 T) fields. These results contribute to the development of next generation compact accelerators suitable for many applications such as isochoric heating for ion-fast ignition and producing warm dense matter for basic science. PMID:26657147

Efficient quasi-monoenergetic ion beams from laser-driven relativistic plasmas

DOE PAGES

Palaniyappan, Sasi; Huang, Chengkun; Gautier, Donald C.; ...

2015-12-11

Here, table-top laser–plasma ion accelerators have many exciting applications, many of which require ion beams with simultaneous narrow energy spread and high conversion efficiency. However, achieving these requirements has been elusive. Here we report the experimental demonstration of laser-driven ion beams with narrow energy spread and energies up to 18 MeV per nucleon and ~5% conversion efficiency (that is 4 J out of 80-J laser). Using computer simulations we identify a self-organizing scheme that reduces the ion energy spread after the laser exits the plasma through persisting self-generated plasma electric (~10 12 V m –1) and magnetic (~10 4 T)more » fields. These results contribute to the development of next generation compact accelerators suitable for many applications such as isochoric heating for ion-fast ignition and producing warm dense matter for basic science.« less

Organic photovoltaic cells: from performance improvement to manufacturing processes.

PubMed

Youn, Hongseok; Park, Hui Joon; Guo, L Jay

2015-05-20

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have been pursued as a next generation power source due to their light weight, thin, flexible, and simple fabrication advantages. Improvements in OPV efficiency have attracted great attention in the past decade. Because the functional layers in OPVs can be dissolved in common solvents, they can be manufactured by eco-friendly and scalable printing or coating technologies. In this review article, the focus is on recent efforts to control nanomorphologies of photoactive layer and discussion of various solution-processed charge transport and extraction materials, to maximize the performance of OPV cells. Next, recent works on printing and coating technologies for OPVs to realize solution processing are reviewed. The review concludes with a discussion of recent advances in the development of non-traditional lamination and transfer method towards highly efficient and fully solution-processed OPV. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Efficient quasi-monoenergetic ion beams up to 18 MeV/nucleon via self-generated plasma fields in relativistic laser plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palaniyappan, Sasi; Huang, Chengkun; Gautier, Donald; Hamilton, Christopher; Santiago, Miguel; Kreuzer, Christian; Shah, Rahul; Fernandez, Juan; Los Alamos National Laboratory Team; Ludwig-Maximilian-University Team

2015-11-01

Table-top laser-plasma ion accelerators seldom achieve narrow energy spreads, and never without serious compromises in efficiency, particle yield, etc. Using massive computer simulations, we identify a self-organizing scheme that exploits persisting self-generated plasma electric (~ TV/m) and magnetic (~ 104 Tesla) fields to reduce the ion energy spread after the laser exits the plasma - separating the ion acceleration from the energy spread reduction. Consistent with the scheme, we experimentally demonstrate aluminum and carbon ion beams with narrow spectral peaks at energies up to 310 MeV (11.5 MeV/nucleon) and 220 MeV (18.3 MeV/nucleon), respectively, with high conversion efficiency (~ 5%, i.e., 4J out of 80J laser). This is achieved with 0.12 PW high-contrast Gaussian laser pulses irradiating planar foils with optimal thicknesses of up to 250 nm that scale with laser intensity. When increasing the focused laser intensity fourfold (by reducing the focusing optic f/number twofold), the spectral-peak energy increases twofold. These results pave the way for next generation compact accelerators suitable for applications. For example, 400 MeV (33.3 MeV/nucleon) carbon-ion beam with narrow energy spread required for ion fast ignition could be generated using PW-class lasers.

Production of knock-in mice in a single generation from embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Ukai, Hideki; Kiyonari, Hiroshi; Ueda, Hiroki R

2017-12-01

The system-level identification and analysis of molecular networks in mammals can be accelerated by 'next-generation' genetics, defined as genetics that does not require crossing of multiple generations of animals in order to achieve the desired genetic makeup. We have established a highly efficient procedure for producing knock-in (KI) mice within a single generation, by optimizing the genome-editing protocol for KI embryonic stem (ES) cells and the protocol for the generation of fully ES-cell-derived mice (ES mice). Using this protocol, the production of chimeric mice is eliminated, and, therefore, there is no requirement for the crossing of chimeric mice to produce mice that carry the KI gene in all cells of the body. Our procedure thus shortens the time required to produce KI ES mice from about a year to ∼3 months. Various kinds of KI ES mice can be produced with a minimized amount of work, facilitating the elucidation of organism-level phenomena using a systems biology approach. In this report, we describe the basic technologies and protocols for this procedure, and discuss the current challenges for next-generation mammalian genetics in organism-level systems biology studies.

Next generation communications satellites: multiple access and network studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meadows, H. E.; Schwartz, M.; Stern, T. E.; Ganguly, S.; Kraimeche, B.; Matsuo, K.; Gopal, I.

1982-01-01

Efficient resource allocation and network design for satellite systems serving heterogeneous user populations with large numbers of small direct-to-user Earth stations are discussed. Focus is on TDMA systems involving a high degree of frequency reuse by means of satellite-switched multiple beams (SSMB) with varying degrees of onboard processing. Algorithms for the efficient utilization of the satellite resources were developed. The effect of skewed traffic, overlapping beams and batched arrivals in packet-switched SSMB systems, integration of stream and bursty traffic, and optimal circuit scheduling in SSMB systems: performance bounds and computational complexity are discussed.

ONU power saving modes in next generation optical access networks: progress, efficiency and challenges.

PubMed

Dixit, Abhishek; Lannoo, Bart; Colle, Didier; Pickavet, Mario; Demeester, Piet

2012-12-10

The optical network unit (ONU), installed at a customer's premises, accounts for about 60% of power in current fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. We propose a power consumption model for the ONU and evaluate the ONU power consumption in various next generation optical access (NGOA) architectures. Further, we study the impact of the power savings of the ONU in various low power modes such as power shedding, doze and sleep.

A Next-Generation Sequencing Primer—How Does It Work and What Can It Do?

PubMed Central

Alekseyev, Yuriy O.; Fazeli, Roghayeh; Yang, Shi; Basran, Raveen; Miller, Nancy S.

2018-01-01

Next-generation sequencing refers to a high-throughput technology that determines the nucleic acid sequences and identifies variants in a sample. The technology has been introduced into clinical laboratory testing and produces test results for precision medicine. Since next-generation sequencing is relatively new, graduate students, medical students, pathology residents, and other physicians may benefit from a primer to provide a foundation about basic next-generation sequencing methods and applications, as well as specific examples where it has had diagnostic and prognostic utility. Next-generation sequencing technology grew out of advances in multiple fields to produce a sophisticated laboratory test with tremendous potential. Next-generation sequencing may be used in the clinical setting to look for specific genetic alterations in patients with cancer, diagnose inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, and detect and profile microbial organisms. This primer will review DNA sequencing technology, the commercialization of next-generation sequencing, and clinical uses of next-generation sequencing. Specific applications where next-generation sequencing has demonstrated utility in oncology are provided. PMID:29761157

Minnealloy: a new magnetic material with high saturation flux density and low magnetic anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehedi, Md; Jiang, Yanfeng; Suri, Pranav Kumar; Flannigan, David J.; Wang, Jian-Ping

2017-09-01

We are reporting a new soft magnetic material with high saturation magnetic flux density, and low magnetic anisotropy. The new material is a compound of iron, nitrogen and carbon, α‧-Fe8(NC), which has saturation flux density of 2.8  ±  0.15 T and magnetic anisotropy of 46 kJ m-3. The saturation flux density is 27% higher than pure iron, a widely used soft magnetic material. Soft magnetic materials are very important building blocks of motors, generators, inductors, transformers, sensors and write heads of hard disk. The new material will help in the miniaturization and efficiency increment of the next generation of electronic devices.

Experiences Building Globus Genomics: A Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis Service using Galaxy, Globus, and Amazon Web Services

PubMed Central

Madduri, Ravi K.; Sulakhe, Dinanath; Lacinski, Lukasz; Liu, Bo; Rodriguez, Alex; Chard, Kyle; Dave, Utpal J.; Foster, Ian T.

2014-01-01

We describe Globus Genomics, a system that we have developed for rapid analysis of large quantities of next-generation sequencing (NGS) genomic data. This system achieves a high degree of end-to-end automation that encompasses every stage of data analysis including initial data retrieval from remote sequencing centers or storage (via the Globus file transfer system); specification, configuration, and reuse of multi-step processing pipelines (via the Galaxy workflow system); creation of custom Amazon Machine Images and on-demand resource acquisition via a specialized elastic provisioner (on Amazon EC2); and efficient scheduling of these pipelines over many processors (via the HTCondor scheduler). The system allows biomedical researchers to perform rapid analysis of large NGS datasets in a fully automated manner, without software installation or a need for any local computing infrastructure. We report performance and cost results for some representative workloads. PMID:25342933

Spin nematics next to spin singlets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Yuto; Hotta, Chisa

2018-05-01

We provide a route to generate nematic order in a spin-1/2 system. Unlike the well-known magnon-binding mechanism, our spin nematics requires neither the frustration effect nor spin polarization in a high field or in the vicinity of a ferromagnet, but instead appears next to the spin singlet phase. We start from a state consisting of a quantum spin-1/2 singlet dimer placed on each site of a triangular lattice, and show that interdimer ring exchange interactions efficiently dope the SU(2) triplets that itinerate and interact, easily driving a stable singlet state to either Bose-Einstein condensates or a triplet crystal, some hosting a spin nematic order. A variety of roles the ring exchange serves includes the generation of a bilinear-biquadratic interaction between nearby triplets, which is responsible for the emergent nematic order separated from the singlet phase by a first-order transition.

Experiences Building Globus Genomics: A Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis Service using Galaxy, Globus, and Amazon Web Services.

PubMed

Madduri, Ravi K; Sulakhe, Dinanath; Lacinski, Lukasz; Liu, Bo; Rodriguez, Alex; Chard, Kyle; Dave, Utpal J; Foster, Ian T

2014-09-10

We describe Globus Genomics, a system that we have developed for rapid analysis of large quantities of next-generation sequencing (NGS) genomic data. This system achieves a high degree of end-to-end automation that encompasses every stage of data analysis including initial data retrieval from remote sequencing centers or storage (via the Globus file transfer system); specification, configuration, and reuse of multi-step processing pipelines (via the Galaxy workflow system); creation of custom Amazon Machine Images and on-demand resource acquisition via a specialized elastic provisioner (on Amazon EC2); and efficient scheduling of these pipelines over many processors (via the HTCondor scheduler). The system allows biomedical researchers to perform rapid analysis of large NGS datasets in a fully automated manner, without software installation or a need for any local computing infrastructure. We report performance and cost results for some representative workloads.

The Next Generation of Synthetic Biology Chassis: Moving Synthetic Biology from the Laboratory to the Field

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-26

toolkit of additional promoters, RBS, and proteolysis tags to control gene expression at the transcrip- tional, translational, and protein levels. CRISPR ...synthetic promoters, high efficiency RBS, and terminators. Furthermore, the CRISPR -Cas system has been investigated for one cyanobacteria species,10 which...Development of a CRISPR -Cas9 toolkit for comprehensive engineer- ing of Bacillus subtilis. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 82, 01159−01116. (9) Hussein, A. H

Next generation HOM-damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marhauser, Frank

2017-06-01

Research and development for superconducting radio-frequency cavities has made enormous progress over the last decades from the understanding of theoretical limitations to the industrial mass fabrication of cavities for large-scale particle accelerators. Key technologies remain hot topics due to continuously growing demands on cavity performance, particularly when in pursuit of high quality beams at higher beam currents or higher luminosities than currently achievable. This relates to higher order mode (HOM) damping requirements. Meeting the desired beam properties implies avoiding coupled multi-bunch or beam break-up instabilities depending on the machine and beam parameters that will set the acceptable cavity impedance thresholds. The use of cavity HOM-dampers is crucial to absorb the wakefields, comprised by all beam-induced cavity Eigenmodes, to beam-dynamically safe levels and to reduce the heat load at cryogenic temperature. Cavity damping concepts may vary, but are principally based on coaxial and waveguide couplers as well as beam line absorbers or any combination. Next generation energy recovery linacs and circular colliders call for cavities with strong HOM-damping that can exceed the state-of-the-art, while the operating mode efficiency shall not be significantly compromised concurrently. This imposes major challenges given the rather limited damping concepts. A detailed survey of established cavities is provided scrutinizing the achieved damping performance, shortcomings, and potential improvements. The scaling of the highest passband mode impedances is numerically evaluated in dependence on the number of cells for a single-cell up to a nine-cell cavity, which reveals the increased probability of trapped modes. This is followed by simulations for single-cell and five-cell cavities, which incorporate multiple damping schemes to assess the most efficient concepts. The usage and viability of on-cell dampers is elucidated for the single-cell cavity since it can push the envelope towards quasi HOM-free operation suited for next generation storage and collider rings. Geometrical end-cell shape alterations for the five-cell cavity with already efficient mode damping are discussed as a possibility to further lower specific high impedance modes. The findings are eventually put into relation with demanding impedance instability thresholds in future collider rings.

Next generation HOM-damping

DOE PAGES

Marhauser, Frank

2017-05-15

Research and development for superconducting radio-frequency cavities has made enormous progress over the last decades from the understanding of theoretical limitations to the industrial mass fabrication of cavities for large-scale particle accelerators. Key technologies remain hot topics due to continuously growing demands on cavity performance, particularly when in pursuit of high quality beams at higher beam currents or higher luminosities than currently achievable. This relates to Higher Order Mode (HOM) damping requirements. Meeting the desired beam properties implies avoiding coupled multi-bunch or beam break-up instabilities depending on the machine and beam parameters that will set the acceptable cavity impedance thresholds.more » The use of cavity HOM-dampers is crucial to absorb the wakefields, comprised by all beam-induced cavity Eigenmodes, to beam-dynamically safe levels and to reduce the heat load at cryogenic temperature. Cavity damping concepts may vary, but are principally based on coaxial and waveguide couplers as well as beam line absorbers or any combination. Next generation Energy Recovery Linacs and circular colliders call for cavities with strong HOM-damping that can exceed the state-of-the-art, while the operating mode efficiency shall not be significantly compromised concurrently. This imposes major challenges given the rather limited damping concepts. A detailed survey of established cavities is provided scrutinizing the achieved damping performance, shortcomings, and potential improvements. The scaling of the highest passband mode impedances is numerically evaluated in dependence on the number of cells for a single-cell up to a nine-cell cavity, which reveals the increased probability of trapped modes. This is followed by simulations for single-cell and five-cell cavities, which incorporate multiple damping schemes to assess the most efficient concepts. The usage and viability of on-cell dampers is elucidated for the single-cell cavity since it can push the envelope towards quasi HOM-free operation suited for next generation storage and collider rings. Geometrical end-cell shape alterations for the five-cell cavity with already efficient mode damping are discussed as a possibility to further lower specific high impedance modes. Lastly, the findings are eventually put into relation with demanding impedance instability thresholds in future collider rings.« less

Highly efficient all-nitride phosphor-converted white light emitting diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller-Mach, Regina; Mueller, Gerd; Krames, Michael R.; Höppe, Henning A.; Stadler, Florian; Schnick, Wolfgang; Juestel, Thomas; Schmidt, Peter

2005-07-01

The development and demonstration of a highly efficient warm-white all-nitride phosphor-converted light emitting diode (pc-LED) is presented utilizing a GaN based quantum well blue LED and two novel nitrogen containing luminescent materials, both of which are doped with Eu2+. For color conversion of the primary blue the nitridosilicates M2Si5N8 (orange-red) and MSi2O2N2 (yellow-green), with M = alkaline earth, were employed, thus achieving a high luminous efficiency (25 lumen/W at 1 W input), excellent color quality (correlated color temperature CCT = 3200 K, general color rendering index Ra > 90) and the highest proven color stability of any pc-LED obtained so far. Thus, these novel all-nitride LEDs are superior to both incandescent and fluorescent lamps and may therefore become the next generation of general lighting sources.

Optimizing Illumina next-generation sequencing library preparation for extremely AT-biased genomes.

PubMed

Oyola, Samuel O; Otto, Thomas D; Gu, Yong; Maslen, Gareth; Manske, Magnus; Campino, Susana; Turner, Daniel J; Macinnis, Bronwyn; Kwiatkowski, Dominic P; Swerdlow, Harold P; Quail, Michael A

2012-01-03

Massively parallel sequencing technology is revolutionizing approaches to genomic and genetic research. Since its advent, the scale and efficiency of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has rapidly improved. In spite of this success, sequencing genomes or genomic regions with extremely biased base composition is still a great challenge to the currently available NGS platforms. The genomes of some important pathogenic organisms like Plasmodium falciparum (high AT content) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (high GC content) display extremes of base composition. The standard library preparation procedures that employ PCR amplification have been shown to cause uneven read coverage particularly across AT and GC rich regions, leading to problems in genome assembly and variation analyses. Alternative library-preparation approaches that omit PCR amplification require large quantities of starting material and hence are not suitable for small amounts of DNA/RNA such as those from clinical isolates. We have developed and optimized library-preparation procedures suitable for low quantity starting material and tolerant to extremely high AT content sequences. We have used our optimized conditions in parallel with standard methods to prepare Illumina sequencing libraries from a non-clinical and a clinical isolate (containing ~53% host contamination). By analyzing and comparing the quality of sequence data generated, we show that our optimized conditions that involve a PCR additive (TMAC), produces amplified libraries with improved coverage of extremely AT-rich regions and reduced bias toward GC neutral templates. We have developed a robust and optimized Next-Generation Sequencing library amplification method suitable for extremely AT-rich genomes. The new amplification conditions significantly reduce bias and retain the complexity of either extremes of base composition. This development will greatly benefit sequencing clinical samples that often require amplification due to low mass of DNA starting material.

A Concept for Robust, High Density Terminal Air Traffic Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isaacson, Douglas R.; Robinson, John E.; Swenson, Harry N.; Denery, Dallas G.

2010-01-01

This paper describes a concept for future high-density, terminal air traffic operations that has been developed by interpreting the Joint Planning and Development Office s vision for the Next Generation (NextGen) Air Transportation System and coupling it with emergent NASA and other technologies and procedures during the NextGen timeframe. The concept described in this paper includes five core capabilities: 1) Extended Terminal Area Routing, 2) Precision Scheduling Along Routes, 3) Merging and Spacing, 4) Tactical Separation, and 5) Off-Nominal Recovery. Gradual changes are introduced to the National Airspace System (NAS) by phased enhancements to the core capabilities in the form of increased levels of automation and decision support as well as targeted task delegation. NASA will be evaluating these conceptual technological enhancements in a series of human-in-the-loop simulations and will accelerate development of the most promising capabilities in cooperation with the FAA through the Efficient Flows Into Congested Airspace Research Transition Team.

The NASA Next Generation Stirling Technology Program Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schreiber, J. G.; Shaltens, R. K.; Wong, W. A.

2005-12-01

NASAs Science Mission Directorate is developing the next generation Stirling technology for future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for surface and deep space missions. The next generation Stirling convertor is one of two advanced power conversion technologies currently being developed for future NASA missions, and is capable of operating for both planetary atmospheres and deep space environments. The Stirling convertor (free-piston engine integrated with a linear alternator) produces about 90 We(ac) and has a specific power of about 90 We/kg. Operating conditions of Thot at 850 degree C and Trej at 90 degree C results in the Stirling convertor estimated efficiency of about 40 per cent. Using the next generation Stirling convertor in future RPS, the "system" specific power is estimated at 8 We/kg. The design lifetime is three years on the surface of Mars and fourteen years in deep space missions. Electrical power of about 160 We (BOM) is produced by two (2) free-piston Stirling convertors heated by two (2) General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules. This development is being performed by Sunpower, Athens, OH with Pratt & Whitney, Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, CA under contract to Glenn Research Center (GRC), Cleveland, Ohio. GRC is guiding the independent testing and technology development for the next generation Stirling generator.

Development of Kinetic Mechanisms for Next-Generation Fuels and CFD Simulation of Advanced Combustion Engines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pitz, William J.; McNenly, Matt J.; Whitesides, Russell

Predictive chemical kinetic models are needed to represent next-generation fuel components and their mixtures with conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. These kinetic models will allow the prediction of the effect of alternative fuel blends in CFD simulations of advanced spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. Enabled by kinetic models, CFD simulations can be used to optimize fuel formulations for advanced combustion engines so that maximum engine efficiency, fossil fuel displacement goals, and low pollutant emission goals can be achieved.

Requirements for Next Generation Comprehensive Analysis of Rotorcraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Wayne; Data, Anubhav

2008-01-01

The unique demands of rotorcraft aeromechanics analysis have led to the development of software tools that are described as comprehensive analyses. The next generation of rotorcraft comprehensive analyses will be driven and enabled by the tremendous capabilities of high performance computing, particularly modular and scaleable software executed on multiple cores. Development of a comprehensive analysis based on high performance computing both demands and permits a new analysis architecture. This paper describes a vision of the requirements for this next generation of comprehensive analyses of rotorcraft. The requirements are described and substantiated for what must be included and justification provided for what should be excluded. With this guide, a path to the next generation code can be found.

Cloud-based bioinformatics workflow platform for large-scale next-generation sequencing analyses

PubMed Central

Liu, Bo; Madduri, Ravi K; Sotomayor, Borja; Chard, Kyle; Lacinski, Lukasz; Dave, Utpal J; Li, Jianqiang; Liu, Chunchen; Foster, Ian T

2014-01-01

Due to the upcoming data deluge of genome data, the need for storing and processing large-scale genome data, easy access to biomedical analyses tools, efficient data sharing and retrieval has presented significant challenges. The variability in data volume results in variable computing and storage requirements, therefore biomedical researchers are pursuing more reliable, dynamic and convenient methods for conducting sequencing analyses. This paper proposes a Cloud-based bioinformatics workflow platform for large-scale next-generation sequencing analyses, which enables reliable and highly scalable execution of sequencing analyses workflows in a fully automated manner. Our platform extends the existing Galaxy workflow system by adding data management capabilities for transferring large quantities of data efficiently and reliably (via Globus Transfer), domain-specific analyses tools preconfigured for immediate use by researchers (via user-specific tools integration), automatic deployment on Cloud for on-demand resource allocation and pay-as-you-go pricing (via Globus Provision), a Cloud provisioning tool for auto-scaling (via HTCondor scheduler), and the support for validating the correctness of workflows (via semantic verification tools). Two bioinformatics workflow use cases as well as performance evaluation are presented to validate the feasibility of the proposed approach. PMID:24462600

Cloud-based bioinformatics workflow platform for large-scale next-generation sequencing analyses.

PubMed

Liu, Bo; Madduri, Ravi K; Sotomayor, Borja; Chard, Kyle; Lacinski, Lukasz; Dave, Utpal J; Li, Jianqiang; Liu, Chunchen; Foster, Ian T

2014-06-01

Due to the upcoming data deluge of genome data, the need for storing and processing large-scale genome data, easy access to biomedical analyses tools, efficient data sharing and retrieval has presented significant challenges. The variability in data volume results in variable computing and storage requirements, therefore biomedical researchers are pursuing more reliable, dynamic and convenient methods for conducting sequencing analyses. This paper proposes a Cloud-based bioinformatics workflow platform for large-scale next-generation sequencing analyses, which enables reliable and highly scalable execution of sequencing analyses workflows in a fully automated manner. Our platform extends the existing Galaxy workflow system by adding data management capabilities for transferring large quantities of data efficiently and reliably (via Globus Transfer), domain-specific analyses tools preconfigured for immediate use by researchers (via user-specific tools integration), automatic deployment on Cloud for on-demand resource allocation and pay-as-you-go pricing (via Globus Provision), a Cloud provisioning tool for auto-scaling (via HTCondor scheduler), and the support for validating the correctness of workflows (via semantic verification tools). Two bioinformatics workflow use cases as well as performance evaluation are presented to validate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohite, Aditya; Blancon, Jean-Christophe

In the eternal search for next generation high-efficiency solar cells and LEDs, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory and their partners are gaining an extra degree of freedom in designing and fabricating efficient optoelectronic devices based on 2D layered hybrid perovskites. Industrial applications could include low cost solar cells, LEDs, laser diodes, detectors, and other nano-optoelectronic devices. The 2D, near-single-crystalline “Ruddlesden-Popper” thin films have an out-of-plane orientation so that uninhibited charge transport occurs through the perovskite layers in planar devices. The new research finds the existence of “layer-edge-states” at the edges of the perovskite layers which are key to bothmore » high efficiency of solar cells (greater than 12 percent) and high fluorescence efficiency (a few tens of percent) for LEDs. The spontaneous conversion of excitons (bound electron-hole pairs) to free carriers via these layer-edge states appears to be the key to the improvement of the photovoltaic and light-emitting thin film layered materials.« less

[Development of the next generation humanized mouse for drug discovery].

PubMed

Ito, Ryoji

A humanized mouse, which is efficiently engrafted human cells and tissues, is an important tool to mimic human physiology for biomedical researches. Since 2000s, severe combined immunodeficient mouse strains such as NOG, BRG, and NSG mice have been generated. They are great recipients to create humanized mouse models compared to previous other immunodeficient strains due to their multiple dysfunctions of innate and acquired immunity. Especially, the transfer of human hematopoietic stem cells into these immunodeficient mice has been enabled to reconstitute human immune systems, because the mice show high engraftment level of human leukocyte in peripheral blood (～50%), spleen and bone marrow (60～90%) and generate well-differentiated multilineage human immune cells including lymphoid and myeloid lineage cells. Using these mice, several human disease models such as cancer, allergy, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and etc. have been established to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of the diseases and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel drugs. In this review, I provide an overview of recent advances in the humanized mouse technology, including generation of novel platforms of genetically modified NOG (next generation NOG) mice and some applications of them to create human disease models for drug discovery in preclinical researches.

Photonic-Assisted mm-Wave and THz Wireless Transmission towards 100 Gbit/s Data Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freire Hermelo, Maria; Chuenchom, Rattana; Rymanov, Vitaly; Kaiser, Thomas; Sheikh, Fawad; Czylwik, Andreas; Stöhr, Andreas

2017-09-01

This paper presents photonic-assisted 60 GHz mm-wave and 325 GHz system approaches that enable the transmission of spectral-efficient and high data rate signals over fiber and over air. First, we focus on generic channel characteristics within the mm-wave 60 GHz band and at the terahertz (THz) band around 325 GHz. Next, for generating the high data rate baseband signals, we present a technical solution for constructing an extreme bandwidth arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). We then report the development of a novel coherent photonic mixer (CPX) module for direct optic-to-RF conversion of extreme wideband optical signals, with a>5 dB higher conversion gain compared to conventional photodiodes. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate record spectral efficient wireless transmission for both bands. The achieved spectral efficiencies reach 10 bit/s/Hz for the 60 GHz band and 6 bit/s/Hz for the 325 GHz band. The maximum data rate transmitted at THz frequencies in the 325 GHz band is 59 Gbit/s using a 64-QAM-OFDM modulation format and a 10 GHz wide data signal.

Cleaner, More Efficient Diesel Engines

ScienceCinema

Musculus, Mark

2018-01-16

Mark Musculus, an engine combustion scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, led a study that outlines the science base for auto and engine manufacturers to build the next generation of cleaner, more efficient engines using low-temperature combustion. Here, Musculus discusses the work at Sandia's Combustion Research Facility.

Detecting exact breakpoints of deletions with diversity in hepatitis B viral genomic DNA from next-generation sequencing data.

PubMed

Cheng, Ji-Hong; Liu, Wen-Chun; Chang, Ting-Tsung; Hsieh, Sun-Yuan; Tseng, Vincent S

2017-10-01

Many studies have suggested that deletions of Hepatitis B Viral (HBV) are associated with the development of progressive liver diseases, even ultimately resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among the methods for detecting deletions from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, few methods considered the characteristics of virus, such as high evolution rates and high divergence among the different HBV genomes. Sequencing high divergence HBV genome sequences using the NGS technology outputs millions of reads. Thus, detecting exact breakpoints of deletions from these big and complex data incurs very high computational cost. We proposed a novel analytical method named VirDelect (Virus Deletion Detect), which uses split read alignment base to detect exact breakpoint and diversity variable to consider high divergence in single-end reads data, such that the computational cost can be reduced without losing accuracy. We use four simulated reads datasets and two real pair-end reads datasets of HBV genome sequence to verify VirDelect accuracy by score functions. The experimental results show that VirDelect outperforms the state-of-the-art method Pindel in terms of accuracy score for all simulated datasets and VirDelect had only two base errors even in real datasets. VirDelect is also shown to deliver high accuracy in analyzing the single-end read data as well as pair-end data. VirDelect can serve as an effective and efficient bioinformatics tool for physiologists with high accuracy and efficient performance and applicable to further analysis with characteristics similar to HBV on genome length and high divergence. The software program of VirDelect can be downloaded at https://sourceforge.net/projects/virdelect/. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Series production of next-generation guide-star lasers at TOPTICA and MPBC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enderlein, Martin; Friedenauer, Axel; Schwerdt, Robin; Rehme, Paul; Wei, Daoping; Karpov, Vladimir; Ernstberger, Bernhard; Leisching, Patrick; Clements, Wallace R. L.; Kaenders, Wilhelm G.

2014-07-01

Large telescopes equipped with adaptive optics require high power 589-nm continuous-wave sources with emission linewidths of ~5 MHz. These guide-star lasers should be highly reliable and simple to operate and maintain for many years at the top of a mountain facility. After delivery of the first 20-W systems to our lead customer ESO, TOPTICA and MPBC have begun series production of next-generation sodium guide-star lasers. The chosen approach is based on ESO's patented narrow-band Raman fiber amplifier (RFA) technology [1]. A master oscillator signal from a TOPTICA 50-mW, 1178-nm diode laser, with stabilized emission frequency and linewidth of ~ 1 MHz, is amplified in an MPBC polarization-maintaining (PM) RFA pumped by a high-power 1120-nm PM fiber laser. With efficient stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression, an unprecedented 40 W of narrow-band RFA output has been obtained. This is spatially mode-matched into a patented resonant-cavity frequency doubler providing also the repumper light [2]. With a diffraction-limited output beam and doubling efficiencies < 80%, all ESO design goals have been easily fulfilled. Together with a wall-plug efficiency of < 3%, including all system controls, and a cooling liquid flow of only 5 l/min, the modular, turn-key, maintenance-free and compact system design allows a direct integration with a launch telescope. With these fiber-based guide star lasers, TOPTICA for the first time offers a fully engineered, off-the-shelf guide star laser system for ground-based optical telescopes. Here we present a comparison of test results of the first batch of laser systems, demonstrating the reproducibility of excellent optical characteristics.

Vapor Deposition Rig

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-01-27

The Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) Rig at NASA Glenn Research Center. The rig helps develop coatings for next-generation aircraft turbine components and create more efficient engines.

CRISPR/Cas9-Directed Gene Editing for the Generation of Loss-of-Function Mutants in High-Throughput Zebrafish F0 Screens.

PubMed

Shankaran, Sunita S; Dahlem, Timothy J; Bisgrove, Brent W; Yost, H Joseph; Tristani-Firouzi, Martin

2017-07-05

The ability to perform reverse genetics in the zebrafish model organism has been greatly advanced with the advent of the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated) system. The high level of efficiency in generating mutations when using the CRISPR/Cas9 system combined with the rapid generation time of the zebrafish model organism has made the possibility of performing F 0 screens in this organism a reality. This unit describes a detailed protocol for performing an F 0 screen using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in zebrafish starting with the design and production of custom CRISPR/Cas9 reagents for injection. Next, two approaches for determining the efficiency of mutation induction by the custom CRISPR/Cas9 reagents that are easily performed using standard molecular biology protocols are detailed. Finally, screening for F 0 induced phenotypes using the zebrafish flh gene as an example is discussed. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

All optical OFDM transmission for passive optical networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kachare, Nitin; Ashik T., J.; Bai, K. Kalyani; Kumar, D. Sriram

2017-06-01

This paper demonstrates the idea of data transmission at a very higher rate (Tbits/s) through optical fibers in a passive optical network using the most efficient data transmission technique widely used in wireless communication that is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. With an increase in internet users, data traffic has also increased significantly and the current dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems may not support the next generation passive optical networks (PONs) requirements. The approach discussed in this paper allows to increase the downstream data rate per user and extend the standard single-mode fiber reach for future long-haul applications. All-optical OFDM is a promising solution for terabit per second capable single wavelength transmission, with high spectral efficiency and high tolerance to chromatic dispersion.

CRISPR-Cas9-Edited Site Sequencing (CRES-Seq): An Efficient and High-Throughput Method for the Selection of CRISPR-Cas9-Edited Clones.

PubMed

Veeranagouda, Yaligara; Debono-Lagneaux, Delphine; Fournet, Hamida; Thill, Gilbert; Didier, Michel

2018-01-16

The emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) gene editing systems has enabled the creation of specific mutants at low cost, in a short time and with high efficiency, in eukaryotic cells. Since a CRISPR-Cas9 system typically creates an array of mutations in targeted sites, a successful gene editing project requires careful selection of edited clones. This process can be very challenging, especially when working with multiallelic genes and/or polyploid cells (such as cancer and plants cells). Here we described a next-generation sequencing method called CRISPR-Cas9 Edited Site Sequencing (CRES-Seq) for the efficient and high-throughput screening of CRISPR-Cas9-edited clones. CRES-Seq facilitates the precise genotyping up to 96 CRISPR-Cas9-edited sites (CRES) in a single MiniSeq (Illumina) run with an approximate sequencing cost of $6/clone. CRES-Seq is particularly useful when multiple genes are simultaneously targeted by CRISPR-Cas9, and also for screening of clones generated from multiallelic genes/polyploid cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Innovative open air brayton combined cycle systems for the next generation nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zohuri, Bahman

The purpose of this research was to model and analyze a nuclear heated multi-turbine power conversion system operating with atmospheric air as the working fluid. The air is heated by a molten salt, or liquid metal, to gas heat exchanger reaching a peak temperature of 660 0C. The effects of adding a recuperator or a bottoming steam cycle have been addressed. The calculated results are intended to identify paths for future work on the next generation nuclear power plant (GEN-IV). This document describes the proposed system in sufficient detail to communicate a good understanding of the overall system, its components, and intended uses. The architecture is described at the conceptual level, and does not replace a detailed design document. The main part of the study focused on a Brayton --- Rankine Combined Cycle system and a Recuperated Brayton Cycle since they offer the highest overall efficiencies. Open Air Brayton power cycles also require low cooling water flows relative to other power cycles. Although the Recuperated Brayton Cycle achieves an overall efficiency slightly less that the Brayton --- Rankine Combined Cycle, it is completely free of a circulating water system and can be used in a desert climate. Detailed results of modeling a combined cycle Brayton-Rankine power conversion system are presented. The Rankine bottoming cycle appears to offer a slight efficiency advantage over the recuperated Brayton cycle. Both offer very significant advantages over current generation Light Water Reactor steam cycles. The combined cycle was optimized as a unit and lower pressure Rankine systems seem to be more efficient. The combined cycle requires a lot less circulating water than current power plants. The open-air Brayton systems appear to be worth investigating, if the higher temperatures predicted for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant do materialize.

Quest for Efficacious Next-Generation Taxoid Anticancer Agents and Their Tumor-Targeted Delivery

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Paclitaxel and docetaxel are among the most widely used chemotherapeutic drugs against various types of cancer. However, these drugs cause undesirable side effects as well as drug resistance. Therefore, it is essential to develop next-generation taxoid anticancer agents with better pharmacological properties and improved activity especially against drug-resistant and metastatic cancers. The SAR studies by the authors have led to the development of numerous highly potent novel second- and third-generation taxoids with systematic modifications at the C-2, C-10, and C-3′ positions. The third-generation taxoids showed virtually no difference in potency against drug-resistant and drug-sensitive cell lines. Some of the next-generation taxoids also exhibited excellent potency against cancer stem cells. This account summarizes concisely investigations into taxoids over 25 years based on a strong quest for the discovery and development of efficacious next-generation taxoids. Discussed herein are SAR studies on different types of taxoids, a common pharmacophore proposal for microtubule-stabilizing anticancer agents and its interesting history, the identification of the paclitaxel binding site and its bioactive conformation, characteristics of the next-generation taxoids in cancer cell biology, including new aspects of their mechanism of action, and the highly efficacious tumor-targeted drug delivery of potent next-generation taxoids. PMID:29468872

Efficient error correction for next-generation sequencing of viral amplicons

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Next-generation sequencing allows the analysis of an unprecedented number of viral sequence variants from infected patients, presenting a novel opportunity for understanding virus evolution, drug resistance and immune escape. However, sequencing in bulk is error prone. Thus, the generated data require error identification and correction. Most error-correction methods to date are not optimized for amplicon analysis and assume that the error rate is randomly distributed. Recent quality assessment of amplicon sequences obtained using 454-sequencing showed that the error rate is strongly linked to the presence and size of homopolymers, position in the sequence and length of the amplicon. All these parameters are strongly sequence specific and should be incorporated into the calibration of error-correction algorithms designed for amplicon sequencing. Results In this paper, we present two new efficient error correction algorithms optimized for viral amplicons: (i) k-mer-based error correction (KEC) and (ii) empirical frequency threshold (ET). Both were compared to a previously published clustering algorithm (SHORAH), in order to evaluate their relative performance on 24 experimental datasets obtained by 454-sequencing of amplicons with known sequences. All three algorithms show similar accuracy in finding true haplotypes. However, KEC and ET were significantly more efficient than SHORAH in removing false haplotypes and estimating the frequency of true ones. Conclusions Both algorithms, KEC and ET, are highly suitable for rapid recovery of error-free haplotypes obtained by 454-sequencing of amplicons from heterogeneous viruses. The implementations of the algorithms and data sets used for their testing are available at: http://alan.cs.gsu.edu/NGS/?q=content/pyrosequencing-error-correction-algorithm PMID:22759430

Efficient error correction for next-generation sequencing of viral amplicons.

PubMed

Skums, Pavel; Dimitrova, Zoya; Campo, David S; Vaughan, Gilberto; Rossi, Livia; Forbi, Joseph C; Yokosawa, Jonny; Zelikovsky, Alex; Khudyakov, Yury

2012-06-25

Next-generation sequencing allows the analysis of an unprecedented number of viral sequence variants from infected patients, presenting a novel opportunity for understanding virus evolution, drug resistance and immune escape. However, sequencing in bulk is error prone. Thus, the generated data require error identification and correction. Most error-correction methods to date are not optimized for amplicon analysis and assume that the error rate is randomly distributed. Recent quality assessment of amplicon sequences obtained using 454-sequencing showed that the error rate is strongly linked to the presence and size of homopolymers, position in the sequence and length of the amplicon. All these parameters are strongly sequence specific and should be incorporated into the calibration of error-correction algorithms designed for amplicon sequencing. In this paper, we present two new efficient error correction algorithms optimized for viral amplicons: (i) k-mer-based error correction (KEC) and (ii) empirical frequency threshold (ET). Both were compared to a previously published clustering algorithm (SHORAH), in order to evaluate their relative performance on 24 experimental datasets obtained by 454-sequencing of amplicons with known sequences. All three algorithms show similar accuracy in finding true haplotypes. However, KEC and ET were significantly more efficient than SHORAH in removing false haplotypes and estimating the frequency of true ones. Both algorithms, KEC and ET, are highly suitable for rapid recovery of error-free haplotypes obtained by 454-sequencing of amplicons from heterogeneous viruses.The implementations of the algorithms and data sets used for their testing are available at: http://alan.cs.gsu.edu/NGS/?q=content/pyrosequencing-error-correction-algorithm.

Serratia marcescens outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): new insights from next-generation sequencing applications.

PubMed

Martineau, Christine; Li, Xuejing; Lalancette, Cindy; Perreault, Thérèse; Fournier, Eric; Tremblay, Julien; Gonzales, Milagros; Yergeau, Étienne; Quach, Caroline

2018-06-13

Serratia marcescens is an environmental bacterium commonly associated with outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Investigation of S. marcescens outbreaks requires efficient recovery and typing of clinical and environmental isolates. In this study, we described how the use of next-generation sequencing applications, such as bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bacterial community profiling, could improve S. marcescens outbreak investigation. Phylogenomic links and potential antibiotic resistance genes and plasmids in S. marcescens isolates were investigated using WGS, while bacterial communities and relative abundances of Serratia in environmental samples were assessed using sequencing of bacterial phylogenetic marker genes (16S rRNA and gyrB genes). Typing results obtained using WGS for the ten S. marcescens isolates recovered during a NICU outbreak investigation were highly consistent with those from pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), the current gold standard typing method for this bacterium. WGS also allowed for the identification of genes associated with antibiotic resistance in all isolates, while no plasmid was detected. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes both showed higher relative abundances of Serratia in environmental sampling sites that were in close contact with infected babies. Much lower relative abundances of Serratia were observed following disinfection of a room, indicating that the protocol used was efficient. Variations in the bacterial community composition and structure following room disinfection and between sampling sites were also identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Globally, results from this study highlight the potential for next-generation sequencing tools to improve and facilitate outbreak investigation. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

A finite element approach for solution of the 3D Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, E. A.; Ramakrishnan, R.; Dechaumphai, P.

1986-01-01

Prediction of thermal deformations and stresses has prime importance in the design of the next generation of high speed flight vehicles. Aerothermal load computations for complex three-dimensional shapes necessitate development of procedures to solve the full Navier-Stokes equations. This paper details the development of a three-dimensional inviscid flow approach which can be extended for three-dimensional viscous flows. A finite element formulation, based on a Taylor series expansion in time, is employed to solve the compressible Euler equations. Model generation and results display are done using a commercially available program, PATRAN, and vectorizing strategies are incorporated to ensure computational efficiency. Sample problems are presented to demonstrate the validity of the approach for analyzing high speed compressible flows.

Gamma beams generation with high intensity lasers for two photon Breit-Wheeler pair production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Humieres, Emmanuel; Ribeyre, Xavier; Jansen, Oliver; Esnault, Leo; Jequier, Sophie; Dubois, Jean-Luc; Hulin, Sebastien; Tikhonchuk, Vladimir; Arefiev, Alex; Toncian, Toma; Sentoku, Yasuhiko

2017-10-01

Linear Breit-Wheeler pair creation is the lowest threshold process in photon-photon interaction, controlling the energy release in Gamma Ray Bursts and Active Galactic Nuclei, but it has never been directly observed in the laboratory. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate the possibility to produce collimated gamma beams with high energy conversion efficiency using high intensity lasers and innovative targets. When two of these beams collide at particular angles, our analytical calculations demonstrate a beaming effect easing the detection of the pairs in the laboratory. This effect has been confirmed in photon collision simulations using a recently developed innovative algorithm. An alternative scheme using Bremsstrahlung radiation produced by next generation high repetition rate laser systems is also being explored and the results of first optimization campaigns in this regime will be presented.

CPERC CONSORTIUM

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boopathy, Ramaraj

2012-12-31

CPERC’s activities focused on two major themes: (a) cost-effective production of next-generation fuels with a focus on hydrogen from gasification and biofuels (primarily ethanol and butanol), and (b) efficient utilization of hydrogen and biofuels for power generation with a focus on improved performance, greater reliability and reduced energy costs.

Three-Dimensional Measurements of Fuel Distribution in High-Pressure, High- Temperature, Next-Generation Aviation Gas Turbine Combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, Yolanda R.; Locke, Randy J.; Anderson, Robert C.; Zaller, Michelle M.

1998-01-01

In our world-class, optically accessible combustion facility at the NASA Lewis Research Center, we have developed the unique capability of making three-dimensional fuel distribution measurements of aviation gas turbine fuel injectors at actual operating conditions. These measurements are made in situ at the actual operating temperatures and pressures using the JP-grade fuels of candidate next-generation advanced aircraft engines for the High Speed Research (HSR) and Advanced Subsonics Technology (AST) programs. The inlet temperature and pressure ranges used thus far are 300 to 1100 F and 80 to 250 psia. With these data, we can obtain the injector spray angles, the fuel mass distributions of liquid and vapor, the degree of fuel vaporization, and the degree to which fuel has been consumed. The data have been used to diagnose the performance of injectors designed both in-house and by major U.S. engine manufacturers and to design new fuel injectors with overall engine performance goals of increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Mie scattering is used to visualize the liquid fuel, and laser-induced fluorescence is used to visualize both liquid and fuel vapor.

Semantic e-Learning: Next Generation of e-Learning?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konstantinos, Markellos; Penelope, Markellou; Giannis, Koutsonikos; Aglaia, Liopa-Tsakalidi

Semantic e-learning aspires to be the next generation of e-learning, since the understanding of learning materials and knowledge semantics allows their advanced representation, manipulation, sharing, exchange and reuse and ultimately promote efficient online experiences for users. In this context, the paper firstly explores some fundamental Semantic Web technologies and then discusses current and potential applications of these technologies in e-learning domain, namely, Semantic portals, Semantic search, personalization, recommendation systems, social software and Web 2.0 tools. Finally, it highlights future research directions and open issues of the field.

Gallium Nitride (GaN) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) Designs Submitted to Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sponsored Qorvo Fabrication

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

of interest to Department of Defense applications, particularly for next-generation radar systems. Broadband, efficient, high-power MMIC amplifiers...handling capability. Figures 1 and 2 show the layouts and simulations of a simple 1-stage 3- to 6-GHz Wilkinson coupler/combiner. A 2-stage broader band...from 4 to nearly 7 GHz for the 2-stage PA design. The simple , compact broadband feedback amplifier that serves as the first-stage driver for the 2

Sensitivity of Solar Fossil Hybrid Electricity Technology Penetration to Price and Efficiency Projections

EPA Science Inventory

With many aging coal and nuclear plants nearing retirement age, new electricity production capacity will need to be built over the next several decades. There are many methods of generating electricity, each with different benefits and drawbacks. While solar and wind generation a...

Performance Comparison of Bench-Top Next Generation Sequencers Using Microdroplet PCR-Based Enrichment for Targeted Sequencing in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

PubMed Central

Okamoto, Nobuhiko; Nakashima, Mitsuko; Tsurusaki, Yoshinori; Miyake, Noriko; Saitsu, Hirotomo; Matsumoto, Naomichi

2013-01-01

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) combined with enrichment of target genes enables highly efficient and low-cost sequencing of multiple genes for genetic diseases. The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy and sensitivity of our method for comprehensive mutation detection in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We assessed the performance of the bench-top Ion Torrent PGM and Illumina MiSeq platforms as optimized solutions for mutation detection, using microdroplet PCR-based enrichment of 62 ASD associated genes. Ten patients with known mutations were sequenced using NGS to validate the sensitivity of our method. The overall read quality was better with MiSeq, largely because of the increased indel-related error associated with PGM. The sensitivity of SNV detection was similar between the two platforms, suggesting they are both suitable for SNV detection in the human genome. Next, we used these methods to analyze 28 patients with ASD, and identified 22 novel variants in genes associated with ASD, with one mutation detected by MiSeq only. Thus, our results support the combination of target gene enrichment and NGS as a valuable molecular method for investigating rare variants in ASD. PMID:24066114

Novel diffraction gratings for next generation spectrographs with high spectral dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebizuka, N.; Okamoto, T.; Hosobata, T.; Yamagata, Y.; Sasaki, M.; Uomoto, M.; Shimatsu, T.; Sato, S.; Hashimoto, N.; Tanaka, I.; Hattori, T.; Ozaki, S.; Aoki, W.

2016-07-01

As a transmission grating, a surface-relief (SR) grating with sawtooth shaped ridges and volume phase holographic (VPH) grating are widely used for instruments of astronomical observations. However the SR grating is difficult to achieve high diffraction efficiency at high angular dispersion, and the VPH grating has low diffraction efficiency in high diffraction orders. We propose novel gratings that solve these problems. We introduce the hybrid grism which combines a high refractive index prism with a replicated transmission grating, which has sawtooth shaped ridges of an acute apex angle. The birefringence VPH (B-VPH) grating which contains an anisotropic medium, such as a liquid crystal, achieves diffraction efficiency up to 100% at the first diffraction order for natural polarization and for circular polarization. The quasi-Bragg (QB) grating which consists of long rectangular mirrors aligned in parallel precisely, like a window blind, achieves diffraction efficiency of 60% or more in higher than the 4th diffraction order. The volume binary (VB) grating with narrow grooves also achieves diffraction efficiency of 60% or more in higher than the 6th diffraction order. The reflector facet transmission (RFT) grating which is a SR grating with sawtooth shaped ridges of an acute apex angle achieves diffraction efficiency up to 80% in higher than the 4th diffraction order.

Comparative study on stained InGaAs quantum wells for high-speed optical-interconnect VCSELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui; Jia, Xiaowei

2018-05-01

The gain-carrier characteristics of InGaAs quantum well for 980 nm high-speed, energy-efficient vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers are investigated. We specially studied the potentially InGaAs quantum well designs can be used for the active region of energy-efficient, temperature-stable 980-nm VCSEL, which introduced a quantum well gain peak wavelength-to-cavity resonance wavelength offset to improve the dynamic performance at high operation temperature. Several candidate quantum wells are being compared in theory and measurement. We found that ∼5 nm InGaAs QW with ∼6 nm barrier thickness is suitable for the active region of high-speed optical interconnect 980 nm VCSELs, and no significant improvement in the 20% range of In content of InGaAs QWs. The results are useful for next generation green photonic device design.

Thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase fusion proteins and their use in cDNA synthesis and next-generation RNA sequencing.

PubMed

Mohr, Sabine; Ghanem, Eman; Smith, Whitney; Sheeter, Dennis; Qin, Yidan; King, Olga; Polioudakis, Damon; Iyer, Vishwanath R; Hunicke-Smith, Scott; Swamy, Sajani; Kuersten, Scott; Lambowitz, Alan M

2013-07-01

Mobile group II introns encode reverse transcriptases (RTs) that function in intron mobility ("retrohoming") by a process that requires reverse transcription of a highly structured, 2-2.5-kb intron RNA with high processivity and fidelity. Although the latter properties are potentially useful for applications in cDNA synthesis and next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), group II intron RTs have been difficult to purify free of the intron RNA, and their utility as research tools has not been investigated systematically. Here, we developed general methods for the high-level expression and purification of group II intron-encoded RTs as fusion proteins with a rigidly linked, noncleavable solubility tag, and we applied them to group II intron RTs from bacterial thermophiles. We thus obtained thermostable group II intron RT fusion proteins that have higher processivity, fidelity, and thermostability than retroviral RTs, synthesize cDNAs at temperatures up to 81°C, and have significant advantages for qRT-PCR, capillary electrophoresis for RNA-structure mapping, and next-generation RNA sequencing. Further, we find that group II intron RTs differ from the retroviral enzymes in template switching with minimal base-pairing to the 3' ends of new RNA templates, making it possible to efficiently and seamlessly link adaptors containing PCR-primer binding sites to cDNA ends without an RNA ligase step. This novel template-switching activity enables facile and less biased cloning of nonpolyadenylated RNAs, such as miRNAs or protein-bound RNA fragments. Our findings demonstrate novel biochemical activities and inherent advantages of group II intron RTs for research, biotechnological, and diagnostic methods, with potentially wide applications.

Engineering Design Elements of a Two-Phase Thermosyphon to Trannsfer NGNP Nuclear Thermal Energy to a Hydrogen Plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Piyush Sabharwal

2009-07-01

Two hydrogen production processes, both powered by a Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), are currently under investigation at Idaho National Laboratory. The first is high-temperature steam electrolysis, which uses both heat and electricity; the second is thermo-chemical production through the sulfur iodine process primarily using heat. Both processes require a high temperature (>850°C) for enhanced efficiency; temperatures indicative of the NGNP. Safety and licensing mandates prudently dictate that the NGNP and the hydrogen production facility be physically isolated, perhaps requiring separation of over 100 m.

NASA's High Speed Research Program - An introduction and status report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wesoky, Howard L.; Prather, Michael J.; Kayten, Gerald G.

1990-01-01

NASA's High Speed Research Program (HSRP) gives attention to the potential environmental effects of a next-generation SST in three areas of concern: atmospheric pollution, airport community noise, and sonic boom. Research has accordingly been undertaken in such fields as the validation of ozone depletion predictions, the feasibility a 90-percent NO(x) emissions reduction to minimize ozone-layer impacts, economically viable compliance with FAR 36 Stage 3 airport community noise levels, and the comparative advantages of efficient subsonic flight over land masses or low-sonic-boom-optimized configurations. Interim HSRP milestones for 1991 and 1992 are noted.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Hot Impact Toughness of Various Zones of P91 Welded Pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, C.; Mahapatra, M. M.

2016-06-01

The new generation super critical thermal power plants are required to operate at enhanced thermal efficiency of over 50% to reduce the fuel consumption and environmental pollution. Creep strength-enhanced ferritic steels, commonly known as Cr-Mo alloys such as P91 (X10CrMoVNb 9-1) are such material of choice for the next generation power plants. The operating requirement of these next generation power plants is that steam temperature of around 650 °C is maintained. For such high-temperature application, creep strength of material is the primary consideration together with adequate weld heat-affected zone (HAZ) toughness. Present work deals with the effect of high service temperature on impact toughness of P91 (X10CrMoVNb 9-1) base material, weld fusion zone, and HAZ. The impact toughness of HAZ for conventional weld groove design and narrow weld groove design has been evaluated experimentally in as-welded and at different post-weld heat treatment conditions. Fractography of the impact toughness specimens of base metal, weld fusion zone, and HAZ was carried out using scanning electron microscope. The effects of heat treatment schemes on the percentage of element present at the fracture surface were also studied.

[Screening specific recognition motif of RNA-binding proteins by SELEX in combination with next-generation sequencing technique].

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Xu, Jinhao; Ma, Jinbiao

2016-07-25

RNA-binding protein exerts important biological function by specifically recognizing RNA motif. SELEX (Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), an in vitro selection method, can obtain consensus motif with high-affinity and specificity for many target molecules from DNA or RNA libraries. Here, we combined SELEX with next-generation sequencing to study the protein-RNA interaction in vitro. A pool of RNAs with 20 bp random sequences were transcribed by T7 promoter, and target protein was inserted into plasmid containing SBP-tag, which can be captured by streptavidin beads. Through only one cycle, the specific RNA motif can be obtained, which dramatically improved the selection efficiency. Using this method, we found that human hnRNP A1 RRMs domain (UP1 domain) bound RNA motifs containing AGG and AG sequences. The EMSA experiment indicated that hnRNP A1 RRMs could bind the obtained RNA motif. Taken together, this method provides a rapid and effective method to study the RNA binding specificity of proteins.

Reduction-responsive multifunctional hyperbranched polyaminoglycosides with excellent antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and gene transfection capability.

PubMed

Huang, Yajun; Ding, Xiaokang; Qi, Yu; Yu, Bingran; Xu, Fu-Jian

2016-11-01

There is an increasing demand in developing of multifunctional materials with good antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and drug/gene delivery capability for next-generation biomedical applications. To achieve this purpose, in this work series of hydroxyl-rich hyperbranched polyaminoglycosides of gentamicin, tobramycin, and neomycin (HP and SS-HP with redox-responsive disulfide bonds) were readily synthesized via ring-opening reactions in a one-pot manner. Both HP and SS-HP exhibit high antibacterial activity toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, the hemolysis assay of the above materials shows good biocompatibility. Moreover, SS-HPs show excellent gene transfection efficiency in vitro due to the breakdown of reduction-responsive disulfide bonds. For an in vivo anti-tumor assay, the SS-HP/p53 complexes exhibit potent inhibition capability to the growth of tumors. This study provides a promising approach for the design of next-generation multifunctional biomedical materials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design project: LONGBOW supersonic interceptor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoney, Robert; Baker, Matt; Capstaff, Joseph G.; Dishman, Robert; Fick, Gregory; Frick, Stephen N.; Kelly, Mark

1993-01-01

A recent white paper entitled 'From the Sea' has spotlighted the need for Naval Aviation to provide overland support to joint operations. The base for this support, the Aircraft Carrier (CVN), will frequently be unable to operate within close range of the battleground because of littoral land-based air and subsurface threats. A high speed, long range, carrier capable aircraft would allow the CVN to provide timely support to distant battleground operations. Such an aircraft, operating as a Deck-Launched Interceptor (DLI), would also be an excellent counter to Next Generation Russian Naval Aviation (NGRNA) threats consisting of supersonic bombers, such as the Backfire, equipped with the next generation of high-speed, long-range missiles. Additionally, it would serve as an excellent high speed Reconnaissance airplane, capable of providing Battle Force commanders with timely, accurate pre-mission targeting information and post-mission Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA). Recent advances in computational hypersonic airflow modeling has produced a method of defining aircraft shapes that fit a conical shock flow model to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle. This 'Waverider' concept provides one means of achieving long ranges at high speeds. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued by Professor Conrad Newberry that contained design requirements for an aircraft to accomplish the above stated missions, utilizing Waverider technology.

Investigating the Nature of and Methods for Managing Metroplex Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkins, Stephen; Capozzi, Brian; Hinkey, Jim; Idris, Husni; Kaiser, Kent

2011-01-01

A combination of traffic demand growth, Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technologies and operational concepts, and increased utilization of regional airports is expected to increase the occurrence and severity of coupling between operations at proximate airports. These metroplex phenomena constrain the efficiency and/or capacity of airport operations and, in NextGen, have the potential to reduce safety and prevent environmental benefits. Without understanding the nature of metroplexes and developing solutions that provide efficient coordination of operations between closely-spaced airports, the use of NextGen technologies and distribution of demand to regional airports may provide little increase in the overall metroplex capacity. However, the characteristics and control of metroplex operations have not received significant study. This project advanced the state of knowledge about metroplexes by completing three objectives: 1. developed a foundational understand of the nature of metroplexes; 2. provided a framework for discussing metroplexes; 3. suggested and studied an approach for optimally managing metroplexes that is consistent with other NextGen concepts

Low-power, transparent optical network interface for high bandwidth off-chip interconnects.

PubMed

Liboiron-Ladouceur, Odile; Wang, Howard; Garg, Ajay S; Bergman, Keren

2009-04-13

The recent emergence of multicore architectures and chip multiprocessors (CMPs) has accelerated the bandwidth requirements in high-performance processors for both on-chip and off-chip interconnects. For next generation computing clusters, the delivery of scalable power efficient off-chip communications to each compute node has emerged as a key bottleneck to realizing the full computational performance of these systems. The power dissipation is dominated by the off-chip interface and the necessity to drive high-speed signals over long distances. We present a scalable photonic network interface approach that fully exploits the bandwidth capacity offered by optical interconnects while offering significant power savings over traditional E/O and O/E approaches. The power-efficient interface optically aggregates electronic serial data streams into a multiple WDM channel packet structure at time-of-flight latencies. We demonstrate a scalable optical network interface with 70% improvement in power efficiency for a complete end-to-end PCI Express data transfer.

Simplified Perovskite Solar Cell with 4.1% Efficiency Employing Inorganic CsPbBr3 as Light Absorber.

PubMed

Duan, Jialong; Zhao, Yuanyuan; He, Benlin; Tang, Qunwei

2018-05-01

Perovskite solar cells with cost-effectiveness, high power conversion efficiency, and improved stability are promising solutions to the energy crisis and environmental pollution. However, a wide-bandgap inorganic-semiconductor electron-transporting layer such as TiO 2 can harvest ultraviolet light to photodegrade perovskite halides, and the high cost of a state-of-the-art hole-transporting layer is an economic burden for commercialization. Here, the building of a simplified cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr 3 ) perovskite solar cell with fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/CsPbBr 3 /carbon architecture by a multistep solution-processed deposition technology is demonstrated, achieving an efficiency as high as 4.1% and improved stability upon interfacial modification by graphene quantum dots and CsPbBrI 2 quantum dots. This work provides new opportunities of building next-generation solar cells with significantly simplified processes and reduced production costs. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pump absorption in coiled and twisted double-clad hexagonal fiber: effect of launching conditions and core location

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalidet, Romain; Peterka, Pavel; Doya, Valérie; Aubrecht, Jan; Koška, Pavel

2018-02-01

Ever extending applications of fiber lasers require energy efficient, high-power, small footprint and reliable fiber lasers and laser wavelength versatility. To meet these demands, next generation of active fibers for high-power fiber lasers is coming out that will eventually offer tailored spectroscopic properties, high robustness and reduced cooling requirements and improved efficiency through tailored pump absorption. We report on numerical modelling of the efficiency of the pump absorption in double clad active fibers with hexagonal shape of the inner cladding cross section and rare-earth-doped core. We analyze both the effect of different radii of the spool on which the fiber is coiled and different fiber twisting rates. Two different launching conditions were investigated: the Gaussian input pump beam and a speckle pattern that mimics the output of the pump laser diode pigtail. We have found that by asymmetric position of the rare-earth-doped core we can significantly improve the pump absorption.

“Wine-Dark Sea” in an Organic Flow Battery: Storing Negative Charge in 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole Radicals Leads to Improved Cyclability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duan, Wentao; Huang, Jinhua; Kowalski, Jeffrey A.

Redox-active organic materials (ROMs) have shown great promise for redox flow battery applications but generally encounter limited cycling efficiency and stability at relevant redox material concentrations in nonaqueous systems. Here we report a new heterocyclic organic anolyte molecule, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, that has high solubility, a low redox potential, and fast electrochemical kinetics. Coupling it with a benchmark catholyte ROM, the nonaqueous organic flow battery demonstrated significant improvement in cyclable redox material concentrations and cell efficiencies compared to the state-of-the-art nonaqueous systems. Especially, this system produced exceeding cyclability with relatively stable efficiencies and capacities at high ROM concentrations (>0.5 M), which ismore » ascribed to the highly delocalized charge densities in the radical anions of 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, leading to good chemical stability. As a result, this material development represents significant progress toward promising next-generation energy storage.« less

Design and implementation of the next generation Landsat satellite communications system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mah, Grant R.; O'Brien, Michael; Garon, Howard; Mott, Claire; Ames, Alan; Dearth, Ken

2012-01-01

The next generation Landsat satellite, Landsat 8 (L8), also known as the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), uses a highly spectrally efficient modulation and data formatting approach to provide large amounts of downlink (D/L) bandwidth in a limited X-Band spectrum allocation. In addition to purely data throughput and bandwidth considerations, there were a number of additional constraints based on operational considerations for prevention of interference with the NASA Deep-Space Network (DSN) band just above the L8 D/L band, minimization of jitter contributions to prevent impacts to instrument performance, and the need to provide an interface to the Landsat International Cooperator (IC) community. A series of trade studies were conducted to consider either X- or Ka-Band, modulation type, and antenna coverage type, prior to the release of the request for proposal (RFP) for the spacecraft. Through use of the spectrally efficient rate-7/8 Low-Density Parity-Check error-correction coding and novel filtering, an XBand frequency plan was developed that balances all the constraints and considerations, while providing world-class link performance, fitting 384 Mbits/sec of data into the 375 MHz X-Band allocation with bit-error rates better than 10-12 using an earth-coverage antenna.

Non-equilibrium tunneling in zigzag graphene nanoribbon break-junction results in spin filtering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, Liming; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010; National ICT Australia, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010

Spintronic devices promise new faster and lower energy-consumption electronic systems. Graphene, a versatile material and candidate for next generation electronics, is known to possess interesting spintronic properties. In this paper, by utilizing density functional theory and non-equilibrium green function formalism, we show that Fano resonance can be generated by introducing a break junction in a zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR). Using this effect, we propose a new spin filtering device that can be used for spin injection. Our theoretical results indicate that the proposed device could achieve high spin filtering efficiency (over 90%) at practical fabrication geometries. Furthermore, our results indicatemore » that the ZGNR break junction lattice configuration can dramatically affect spin filtering efficiency and thus needs to be considered when fabricating real devices. Our device can be fabricated on top of spin transport channel and provides good integration between spin injection and spin transport.« less

Realistic Specific Power Expectations for Advanced Radioisotope Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Lee S.

2006-01-01

Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) are being considered for a wide range of future NASA space science and exploration missions. Generally, RPS offer the advantages of high reliability, long life, and predictable power production regardless of operating environment. Previous RPS, in the form of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTG), have been used successfully on many NASA missions including Apollo, Viking, Voyager, and Galileo. NASA is currently evaluating design options for the next generation of RPS. Of particular interest is the use of advanced, higher efficiency power conversion to replace the previous thermoelectric devices. Higher efficiency reduces the quantity of radioisotope fuel and potentially improves the RPS specific power (watts per kilogram). Power conversion options include Segmented Thermoelectric (STE), Stirling, Brayton, and Thermophotovoltaic (TPV). This paper offers an analysis of the advanced 100 watt-class RPS options and provides credible projections for specific power. Based on the analysis presented, RPS specific power values greater than 10 W/kg appear unlikely.

Bringing Next-Generation Sequencing into the Classroom through a Comparison of Molecular Biology Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowling, Bethany; Zimmer, Erin; Pyatt, Robert E.

2014-01-01

Although the development of next-generation (NextGen) sequencing technologies has revolutionized genomic research and medicine, the incorporation of these topics into the classroom is challenging, given an implied high degree of technical complexity. We developed an easy-to-implement, interactive classroom activity investigating the similarities…

SPE analysis of high efficiency PMTs for the DEAP-3600 dark matter detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, Kevin; Hallin, Aksel; DEAP/CLEAN Collaboration

2011-09-01

The Dark matter Experiment using Argon Pulse-shape discrimination is a collaborative effort to develop a next-generation, tonne-scale dark matter detector at SNOLAB. The detector will feature a single-phase liquid argon (LAr) target surrounded by an array of 266 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). A new high-efficiency Hamamatsu R877-100 PMT has been delivered to the University of Alberta for evaluation by the DEAP collaboration. The increase in efficiency could lead to a much greater light yield, but other experiments have reported a slower rise time [1],[2]. We have placed the PMT in a small dark box and had a base and preamplifier designed to be used with either an oscilloscope or a multi-channel analyzer. With this setup we have demonstrated the PMT's ability to distinguish single photo-electrons (SPE) and characterized the PMT by measuring the SPE pulse height spectrum, the peak-to-valley ratio, the dark pulse rate, the baseline, time resolution and SPE efficiency for varying the high voltage supplied to the PMT.

An Overview of Metallic Nanowire Networks, Promising Building Blocks for Next Generation Transparent Conductors: Emergence, Fundamentals and Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirsalami, Sedigheh; Zebarjad, Seyed Mojtaba; Daneshmanesh, Habib

2017-08-01

Transparent conductors (TCs) have a wide range of applications in numerous electronic and optoelectronic devices. This review provides an overview of the emergence of metallic nanowire networks (MNNs) as promising building blocks for the next generation transparent conductors. The fundamental aspects, structure-property relations, fabrication techniques and the corresponding challenges are reviewed. Theoretical and experimental researches suggest that nanowires with smaller diameter, longer length and higher aspect ratio have higher performance. Yet, the development of an efficient synthesis technique for the production of MNNs has remained a challenge. The synthesis method is also crucial to the scalability and the commercial potential of these emerging TCs. The most promising techniques for the synthesis together with their advantages, limitations and the recent findings are here discussed. Finally, we will try to show the promising future research trends in MNNs to have an approach to design the next generation TCs.

High-Efficiency Genome Editing of Streptomyces Species by an Engineered CRISPR/Cas System.

PubMed

Wang, Y; Cobb, R E; Zhao, H

2016-01-01

Next-generation sequencing technologies have rapidly expanded the genomic information of numerous organisms and revealed a rich reservoir of natural product gene clusters from microbial genomes, especially from Streptomyces, the largest genus of known actinobacteria at present. However, genetic engineering of these bacteria is often time consuming and labor intensive, if even possible. In this chapter, we describe the design and construction of pCRISPomyces, an engineered Type II CRISPR/Cas system, for targeted multiplex gene deletions in Streptomyces lividans, Streptomyces albus, and Streptomyces viridochromogenes with editing efficiency ranging from 70% to 100%. We demonstrate pCRISPomyces as a powerful tool for genome editing in Streptomyces. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimization of preservation and storage time of sponge tissues to obtain quality mRNA for next-generation sequencing.

PubMed

Riesgo, Ana; Pérez-Porro, Alicia R; Carmona, Susana; Leys, Sally P; Giribet, Gonzalo

2012-03-01

Transcriptome sequencing with next-generation sequencing technologies has the potential for addressing many long-standing questions about the biology of sponges. Transcriptome sequence quality depends on good cDNA libraries, which requires high-quality mRNA. Standard protocols for preserving and isolating mRNA often require optimization for unusual tissue types. Our aim was assessing the efficiency of two preservation modes, (i) flash freezing with liquid nitrogen (LN₂) and (ii) immersion in RNAlater, for the recovery of high-quality mRNA from sponge tissues. We also tested whether the long-term storage of samples at -80 °C affects the quantity and quality of mRNA. We extracted mRNA from nine sponge species and analysed the quantity and quality (A260/230 and A260/280 ratios) of mRNA according to preservation method, storage time, and taxonomy. The quantity and quality of mRNA depended significantly on the preservation method used (LN₂) outperforming RNAlater), the sponge species, and the interaction between them. When the preservation was analysed in combination with either storage time or species, the quantity and A260/230 ratio were both significantly higher for LN₂-preserved samples. Interestingly, individual comparisons for each preservation method over time indicated that both methods performed equally efficiently during the first month, but RNAlater lost efficiency in storage times longer than 2 months compared with flash-frozen samples. In summary, we find that for long-term preservation of samples, flash freezing is the preferred method. If LN₂ is not available, RNAlater can be used, but mRNA extraction during the first month of storage is advised. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Precise Perforation and Scalable Production of Si Particles from Low-Grade Sources for High-Performance Lithium Ion Battery Anodes.

PubMed

Zong, Linqi; Jin, Yan; Liu, Chang; Zhu, Bin; Hu, Xiaozhen; Lu, Zhenda; Zhu, Jia

2016-11-09

Alloy anodes, particularly silicon, have been intensively pursued as one of the most promising anode materials for the next generation lithium-ion battery primarily because of high specific capacity (>4000 mAh/g) and elemental abundance. In the past decade, various nanostructures with porosity or void space designs have been demonstrated to be effective to accommodate large volume expansion (∼300%) and to provide stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during electrochemical cycling. However, how to produce these building blocks with precise morphology control at large scale and low cost remains a challenge. In addition, most of nanostructured silicon suffers from poor Coulombic efficiency due to a large surface area and Li ion trapping at the surface coating. Here we demonstrate a unique nanoperforation process, combining modified ball milling, annealing, and acid treating, to produce porous Si with precise and continuous porosity control (from 17% to 70%), directly from low cost metallurgical silicon source (99% purity, ∼ $1/kg). The produced porous Si coated with graphene by simple ball milling can deliver a reversible specific capacity of 1250 mAh/g over 1000 cycles at the rate of 1C, with Coulombic efficiency of first cycle over 89.5%. The porous networks also provide efficient ion and electron pathways and therefore enable excellent rate performance of 880 mAh/g at the rate of 5C. Being able to produce particles with precise porosity control through scalable processes from low-grade materials, it is expected that this nanoperforation may play a role in the next generation lithium ion battery anodes, as well as many other potential applications such as optoelectronics and thermoelectrics.

FHWA White Paper on Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-01

Advanced next generation communications technologies offer the potential to greatly improve safety, system efficiency, and mobility across our Nations roadways. These new technologies and processes can address both traditionally difficult as well ...

Connected vehicles and cybersecurity.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-01-01

Connected vehicles are a next-generation technology in vehicles and in infrastructure that will make travel safer, cleaner, and more efficient. The advanced wireless technology enables vehicles to share and communicate information with each other and...

A fast sequence assembly method based on compressed data structures.

PubMed

Liang, Peifeng; Zhang, Yancong; Lin, Kui; Hu, Jinglu

2014-01-01

Assembling a large genome using next generation sequencing reads requires large computer memory and a long execution time. To reduce these requirements, a memory and time efficient assembler is presented from applying FM-index in JR-Assembler, called FMJ-Assembler, where FM stand for FMR-index derived from the FM-index and BWT and J for jumping extension. The FMJ-Assembler uses expanded FM-index and BWT to compress data of reads to save memory and jumping extension method make it faster in CPU time. An extensive comparison of the FMJ-Assembler with current assemblers shows that the FMJ-Assembler achieves a better or comparable overall assembly quality and requires lower memory use and less CPU time. All these advantages of the FMJ-Assembler indicate that the FMJ-Assembler will be an efficient assembly method in next generation sequencing technology.

In Situ-Grown ZnCo2O4 on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Air Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Bin; Xu, Wu; Yan, Pengfei

2015-10-12

Although lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries have great potential to be used as one of the next generation energy storage systems due to their ultrahigh theoretical specific energy, there are still many significant barriers before their practical applications. These barriers include electrolyte and electrode instability, poor ORR/OER efficiency and cycling capability, etc. Development of a highly efficient catalyst will not only enhance ORR/OER efficiency, it may also improve the stability of electrolyte because the reduced charge voltage. Here we report the synthesis of nano-sheet-assembled ZnCo2O4 spheres/single walled carbon nanotubes (ZCO/SWCNTs) composites as high performance air electrode materials for Li-O2 batteries. The ZCOmore » catalyzed SWCNTs electrodes delivered high discharge capacities, decreased the onset of oxygen evolution reaction by 0.9 V during charge processes, and led to more stable cycling stability. These results indicate that ZCO/SWCNTs composite can be used as highly efficient air electrode for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. The highly enhanced catalytic activity by uniformly dispersed ZnCo2O4 catalyst on nanostructured electrodes is expected to inspire« less

Ultralow threading dislocation density in GaN epilayer on near-strain-free GaN compliant buffer layer and its applications in hetero-epitaxial LEDs.

PubMed

Shih, Huan-Yu; Shiojiri, Makoto; Chen, Ching-Hsiang; Yu, Sheng-Fu; Ko, Chung-Ting; Yang, Jer-Ren; Lin, Ray-Ming; Chen, Miin-Jang

2015-09-02

High threading dislocation (TD) density in GaN-based devices is a long unresolved problem because of the large lattice mismatch between GaN and the substrate, which causes a major obstacle for the further improvement of next-generation high-efficiency solid-state lighting and high-power electronics. Here, we report InGaN/GaN LEDs with ultralow TD density and improved efficiency on a sapphire substrate, on which a near strain-free GaN compliant buffer layer was grown by remote plasma atomic layer deposition. This "compliant" buffer layer is capable of relaxing strain due to the absorption of misfit dislocations in a region within ~10 nm from the interface, leading to a high-quality overlying GaN epilayer with an unusual TD density as low as 2.2 × 10(5) cm(-2). In addition, this GaN compliant buffer layer exhibits excellent uniformity up to a 6" wafer, revealing a promising means to realize large-area GaN hetero-epitaxy for efficient LEDs and high-power transistors.

Towards Intelligent Control for Next Generation Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acosta, Diana Michelle; KrishnaKumar, Kalmanje Srinvas; Frost, Susan Alane

2008-01-01

NASA Aeronautics Subsonic Fixed Wing Project is focused on mitigating the environmental and operation impacts expected as aviation operations triple by 2025. The approach is to extend technological capabilities and explore novel civil transport configurations that reduce noise, emissions, fuel consumption and field length. Two Next Generation (NextGen) aircraft have been identified to meet the Subsonic Fixed Wing Project goals - these are the Hybrid Wing-Body (HWB) and Cruise Efficient Short Take-Off and Landing (CESTOL) aircraft. The technologies and concepts developed for these aircraft complicate the vehicle s design and operation. In this paper, flight control challenges for NextGen aircraft are described. The objective of this paper is to examine the potential of state-of-the-art control architectures and algorithms to meet the challenges and needed performance metrics for NextGen flight control. A broad range of conventional and intelligent control approaches are considered, including dynamic inversion control, integrated flight-propulsion control, control allocation, adaptive dynamic inversion control, data-based predictive control and reinforcement learning control.

NASA's mobile satellite communications program; ground and space segment technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naderi, F.; Weber, W. J.; Knouse, G. H.

1984-01-01

This paper describes the Mobile Satellite Communications Program of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The program's objectives are to facilitate the deployment of the first generation commercial mobile satellite by the private sector, and to technologically enable future generations by developing advanced and high risk ground and space segment technologies. These technologies are aimed at mitigating severe shortages of spectrum, orbital slot, and spacecraft EIRP which are expected to plague the high capacity mobile satellite systems of the future. After a brief introduction of the concept of mobile satellite systems and their expected evolution, this paper outlines the critical ground and space segment technologies. Next, the Mobile Satellite Experiment (MSAT-X) is described. MSAT-X is the framework through which NASA will develop advanced ground segment technologies. An approach is outlined for the development of conformal vehicle antennas, spectrum and power-efficient speech codecs, and modulation techniques for use in the non-linear faded channels and efficient multiple access schemes. Finally, the paper concludes with a description of the current and planned NASA activities aimed at developing complex large multibeam spacecraft antennas needed for future generation mobile satellite systems.

CNES developments of key detection technologies to prepare next generation focal planes for high resolution Earth observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Materne, A.; Virmontois, C.; Bardoux, A.; Gimenez, T.; Biffi, J. M.; Laubier, D.; Delvit, J. M.

2014-10-01

This paper describes the activities managed by CNES (French National Space Agency) for the development of focal planes for next generation of optical high resolution Earth observation satellites, in low sun-synchronous orbit. CNES has launched a new programme named OTOS, to increase the level of readiness (TRL) of several key technologies for high resolution Earth observation satellites. The OTOS programme includes several actions in the field of detection and focal planes: a new generation of CCD and CMOS image sensors, updated analog front-end electronics and analog-to-digital converters. The main features that must be achieved on focal planes for high resolution Earth Observation, are: readout speed, signal to noise ratio at low light level, anti-blooming efficiency, geometric stability, MTF and line of sight stability. The next steps targeted are presented in comparison to the in-flight measured performance of the PLEIADES satellites launched in 2011 and 2012. The high resolution panchromatic channel is still based upon Backside illuminated (BSI) CCDs operated in Time Delay Integration (TDI). For the multispectral channel, the main evolution consists in moving to TDI mode and the competition is open with the concurrent development of a CCD solution versus a CMOS solution. New CCDs will be based upon several process blocks under evaluation on the e2v 6 inches BSI wafer manufacturing line. The OTOS strategy for CMOS image sensors investigates on one hand custom TDI solutions within a similar approach to CCDs, and, on the other hand, investigates ways to take advantage of existing performance of off-the-shelf 2D arrays CMOS image sensors. We present the characterization results obtained from test vehicles designed for custom TDI operation on several CIS technologies and results obtained before and after radiation on snapshot 2D arrays from the CMOSIS CMV family.

Fabrication Processes to Generate Concentration Gradients in Polymer Solar Cell Active Layers

PubMed Central

Inaba, Shusei; Vohra, Varun

2017-01-01

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are considered as one of the most promising low-cost alternatives for renewable energy production with devices now reaching power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) above the milestone value of 10%. These enhanced performances were achieved by developing new electron-donor (ED) and electron-acceptor (EA) materials as well as finding the adequate morphologies in either bulk heterojunction or sequentially deposited active layers. In particular, producing adequate vertical concentration gradients with higher concentrations of ED and EA close to the anode and cathode, respectively, results in an improved charge collection and consequently higher photovoltaic parameters such as the fill factor. In this review, we relate processes to generate active layers with ED–EA vertical concentration gradients. After summarizing the formation of such concentration gradients in single layer active layers through processes such as annealing or additives, we will verify that sequential deposition of multilayered active layers can be an efficient approach to remarkably increase the fill factor and PCE of PSCs. In fact, applying this challenging approach to fabricate inverted architecture PSCs has the potential to generate low-cost, high efficiency and stable devices, which may revolutionize worldwide energy demand and/or help develop next generation devices such as semi-transparent photovoltaic windows. PMID:28772878

Fabrication Processes to Generate Concentration Gradients in Polymer Solar Cell Active Layers.

PubMed

Inaba, Shusei; Vohra, Varun

2017-05-09

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are considered as one of the most promising low-cost alternatives for renewable energy production with devices now reaching power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) above the milestone value of 10%. These enhanced performances were achieved by developing new electron-donor (ED) and electron-acceptor (EA) materials as well as finding the adequate morphologies in either bulk heterojunction or sequentially deposited active layers. In particular, producing adequate vertical concentration gradients with higher concentrations of ED and EA close to the anode and cathode, respectively, results in an improved charge collection and consequently higher photovoltaic parameters such as the fill factor. In this review, we relate processes to generate active layers with ED-EA vertical concentration gradients. After summarizing the formation of such concentration gradients in single layer active layers through processes such as annealing or additives, we will verify that sequential deposition of multilayered active layers can be an efficient approach to remarkably increase the fill factor and PCE of PSCs. In fact, applying this challenging approach to fabricate inverted architecture PSCs has the potential to generate low-cost, high efficiency and stable devices, which may revolutionize worldwide energy demand and/or help develop next generation devices such as semi-transparent photovoltaic windows.

Plasma wakefield acceleration experiments at FACET II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, C.; Adli, E.; An, W.; Clayton, C. E.; Corde, S.; Gessner, S.; Hogan, M. J.; Litos, M.; Lu, W.; Marsh, K. A.; Mori, W. B.; Vafaei-Najafabadi, N.; O'shea, B.; Xu, Xinlu; White, G.; Yakimenko, V.

2018-03-01

During the past two decades of research, the ultra-relativistic beam-driven plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) concept has achieved many significant milestones. These include the demonstration of ultra-high gradient acceleration of electrons over meter-scale plasma accelerator structures, efficient acceleration of a narrow energy spread electron bunch at high-gradients, positron acceleration using wakes in uniform plasmas and in hollow plasma channels, and demonstrating that highly nonlinear wakes in the ‘blow-out regime’ have the electric field structure necessary for preserving the emittance of the accelerating bunch. A new 10 GeV electron beam facility, Facilities for Accelerator Science and Experimental Test (FACET) II, is currently under construction at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory for the next generation of PWFA research and development. The FACET II beams will enable the simultaneous demonstration of substantial energy gain of a small emittance electron bunch while demonstrating an efficient transfer of energy from the drive to the trailing bunch. In this paper we first describe the capabilities of the FACET II facility. We then describe a series of PWFA experiments supported by numerical and particle-in-cell simulations designed to demonstrate plasma wake generation where the drive beam is nearly depleted of its energy, high efficiency acceleration of the trailing bunch while doubling its energy and ultimately, quantifying the emittance growth in a single stage of a PWFA that has optimally designed matching sections. We then briefly discuss other FACET II plasma-based experiments including in situ positron generation and acceleration, and several schemes that are promising for generating sub-micron emittance bunches that will ultimately be needed for both an early application of a PWFA and for a plasma-based future linear collider.

Plasma wakefield acceleration experiments at FACET II

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, C.; Adli, E.; An, W.

During the past two decades of research, the ultra-relativistic beam-driven plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) concept has achieved many significant milestones. These include the demonstration of ultra-high gradient acceleration of electrons over meter-scale plasma accelerator structures, efficient acceleration of a narrow energy spread electron bunch at high-gradients, positron acceleration using wakes in uniform plasmas and in hollow plasma channels, and demonstrating that highly nonlinear wakes in the 'blow-out regime' have the electric field structure necessary for preserving the emittance of the accelerating bunch. A new 10 GeV electron beam facility, Facilities for Accelerator Science and Experimental Test (FACET) II, is currentlymore » under construction at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory for the next generation of PWFA research and development. The FACET II beams will enable the simultaneous demonstration of substantial energy gain of a small emittance electron bunch while demonstrating an efficient transfer of energy from the drive to the trailing bunch. In this paper we first describe the capabilities of the FACET II facility. We then describe a series of PWFA experiments supported by numerical and particle-in-cell simulations designed to demonstrate plasma wake generation where the drive beam is nearly depleted of its energy, high efficiency acceleration of the trailing bunch while doubling its energy and ultimately, quantifying the emittance growth in a single stage of a PWFA that has optimally designed matching sections. Here, we briefly discuss other FACET II plasma-based experiments including in situ positron generation and acceleration, and several schemes that are promising for generating sub-micron emittance bunches that will ultimately be needed for both an early application of a PWFA and for a plasma-based future linear collider.« less

Plasma wakefield acceleration experiments at FACET II

DOE PAGES

Joshi, C.; Adli, E.; An, W.; ...

2018-01-12

During the past two decades of research, the ultra-relativistic beam-driven plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) concept has achieved many significant milestones. These include the demonstration of ultra-high gradient acceleration of electrons over meter-scale plasma accelerator structures, efficient acceleration of a narrow energy spread electron bunch at high-gradients, positron acceleration using wakes in uniform plasmas and in hollow plasma channels, and demonstrating that highly nonlinear wakes in the 'blow-out regime' have the electric field structure necessary for preserving the emittance of the accelerating bunch. A new 10 GeV electron beam facility, Facilities for Accelerator Science and Experimental Test (FACET) II, is currentlymore » under construction at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory for the next generation of PWFA research and development. The FACET II beams will enable the simultaneous demonstration of substantial energy gain of a small emittance electron bunch while demonstrating an efficient transfer of energy from the drive to the trailing bunch. In this paper we first describe the capabilities of the FACET II facility. We then describe a series of PWFA experiments supported by numerical and particle-in-cell simulations designed to demonstrate plasma wake generation where the drive beam is nearly depleted of its energy, high efficiency acceleration of the trailing bunch while doubling its energy and ultimately, quantifying the emittance growth in a single stage of a PWFA that has optimally designed matching sections. Here, we briefly discuss other FACET II plasma-based experiments including in situ positron generation and acceleration, and several schemes that are promising for generating sub-micron emittance bunches that will ultimately be needed for both an early application of a PWFA and for a plasma-based future linear collider.« less

Determination of a Screening Metric for High Diversity DNA Libraries.

PubMed

Guido, Nicholas J; Handerson, Steven; Joseph, Elaine M; Leake, Devin; Kung, Li A

2016-01-01

The fields of antibody engineering, enzyme optimization and pathway construction rely increasingly on screening complex variant DNA libraries. These highly diverse libraries allow researchers to sample a maximized sequence space; and therefore, more rapidly identify proteins with significantly improved activity. The current state of the art in synthetic biology allows for libraries with billions of variants, pushing the limits of researchers' ability to qualify libraries for screening by measuring the traditional quality metrics of fidelity and diversity of variants. Instead, when screening variant libraries, researchers typically use a generic, and often insufficient, oversampling rate based on a common rule-of-thumb. We have developed methods to calculate a library-specific oversampling metric, based on fidelity, diversity, and representation of variants, which informs researchers, prior to screening the library, of the amount of oversampling required to ensure that the desired fraction of variant molecules will be sampled. To derive this oversampling metric, we developed a novel alignment tool to efficiently measure frequency counts of individual nucleotide variant positions using next-generation sequencing data. Next, we apply a method based on the "coupon collector" probability theory to construct a curve of upper bound estimates of the sampling size required for any desired variant coverage. The calculated oversampling metric will guide researchers to maximize their efficiency in using highly variant libraries.

Next-generation laser for inertial confinement fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marshall, C; Bibeau, C; Bayramian, A

1998-03-13

We are developing and building the ''Mercury'' laser system as the first in a series of a new generation of diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSSL) for advanced high energy density (HED) physics experiments at LLNL. Mercury will be the first integrated demonstration of a scalable laser architecture compatible with advanced Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) goals. Primary performance goals include 10% efficiencies at 10 Hz and a <10 ns pulse with l {omega} energies of 100 J and with 2 {omega}/3 {omega} frequency conversion. Achieving this performance will provide a near term capability for HED experiments and prove the potential of DPSSLsmore » for inertial fusion energy (IFE).« less

ngs.plot: Quick mining and visualization of next-generation sequencing data by integrating genomic databases.

PubMed

Shen, Li; Shao, Ningyi; Liu, Xiaochuan; Nestler, Eric

2014-04-15

Understanding the relationship between the millions of functional DNA elements and their protein regulators, and how they work in conjunction to manifest diverse phenotypes, is key to advancing our understanding of the mammalian genome. Next-generation sequencing technology is now used widely to probe these protein-DNA interactions and to profile gene expression at a genome-wide scale. As the cost of DNA sequencing continues to fall, the interpretation of the ever increasing amount of data generated represents a considerable challenge. We have developed ngs.plot - a standalone program to visualize enrichment patterns of DNA-interacting proteins at functionally important regions based on next-generation sequencing data. We demonstrate that ngs.plot is not only efficient but also scalable. We use a few examples to demonstrate that ngs.plot is easy to use and yet very powerful to generate figures that are publication ready. We conclude that ngs.plot is a useful tool to help fill the gap between massive datasets and genomic information in this era of big sequencing data.

ngs.plot: Quick mining and visualization of next-generation sequencing data by integrating genomic databases

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Understanding the relationship between the millions of functional DNA elements and their protein regulators, and how they work in conjunction to manifest diverse phenotypes, is key to advancing our understanding of the mammalian genome. Next-generation sequencing technology is now used widely to probe these protein-DNA interactions and to profile gene expression at a genome-wide scale. As the cost of DNA sequencing continues to fall, the interpretation of the ever increasing amount of data generated represents a considerable challenge. Results We have developed ngs.plot – a standalone program to visualize enrichment patterns of DNA-interacting proteins at functionally important regions based on next-generation sequencing data. We demonstrate that ngs.plot is not only efficient but also scalable. We use a few examples to demonstrate that ngs.plot is easy to use and yet very powerful to generate figures that are publication ready. Conclusions We conclude that ngs.plot is a useful tool to help fill the gap between massive datasets and genomic information in this era of big sequencing data. PMID:24735413

Final Report, Next-Generation Mega-Voltage Cargo-Imaging System for Cargo Conainer Inspection, March 2007

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dr. James Clayton, Ph.D., Varian Medical Systems-Security & Inspection Products; Dr. Emma Regentova, Ph.D, University of Nevada Las Vegas; Dr. Evangelos Yfantis, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The UNLV Research Foundation, as the primary award recipient, teamed with Varian Medical Systems-Security & Inspection Products and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) for the purpose of conducting research and engineering related to a "next-generation" mega-voltage imaging (MVCI) system for inspection of cargo in large containers. The procurement and build-out of hardware for the MVCI project has been completed. The K-9 linear accelerator and an optimized X-ray detection system capable of efficiently detecting X-rays emitted from the accelerator after they have passed through the device is under test. The Office of Science financial assistance award has made possiblemore » the development of a system utilizing a technology which will have a profound positive impact on the security of U.S. seaports. The proposed project will ultimately result in critical research and development advances for the "next-generation" Linatron X-ray accelerator technology, thereby providing a safe, reliable and efficient fixed and mobile cargo inspection system, which will very significantly increase the fraction of cargo containers undergoing reliable inspection as the enter U.S. ports. Both NNSA/NA-22 and the Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office are collaborating with UNLV and its team to make this technology available as soon as possible.« less

From the Bench to the Bedside: The Role of Semantic Web and Translational Medicine for Enabling the Next Generation Healthcare Enterprise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashyap, Vipul

The success of new innovations and technologies are very often disruptive in nature. At the same time, they enable novel next generation infrastructures and solutions. These solutions introduce great efficiencies in the form of efficient processes and the ability to create, organize, share and manage knowledge effectively; and the same time provide crucial enablers for proposing and realizing new visions. In this paper, we propose a new vision of the next generation healthcare enterprise and discuss how Translational Medicine, which aims to improve communication between the basic and clinical sciences, is a key requirement for achieving this vision. This will lead therapeutic insights may be derived from new scientific ideas - and vice versa. Translation research goes from bench to bedside, where theories emerging from preclinical experimentation are tested on disease-affected human subjects, and from bedside to bench, where information obtained from preliminary human experimentation can be used to refine our understanding of the biological principles underpinning the heterogeneity of human disease and polymorphism(s). Informatics and semantic technologies in particular, has a big role to play in making this a reality. We identify critical requirements, viz., data integration, clinical decision support and knowledge maintenance and provenance; and illustrate semantics-based solutions wrt example scenarios and use cases.

Next-generation sequencing of mixed genomic DNA allows efficient assembly of rearranged mitochondrial genomes in Amolops chunganensis and Quasipaa boulengeri

PubMed Central

Yuan, Siqi; Zheng, Yuchi; Zeng, Xiaomao

2016-01-01

Recent improvements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can facilitate the obtainment of mitochondrial genomes. However, it is not clear whether NGS could be effectively used to reconstruct the mitogenome with high gene rearrangement. These high rearrangements would cause amplification failure, and/or assembly and alignment errors. Here, we choose two frogs with rearranged gene order, Amolops chunganensis and Quasipaa boulengeri, to test whether gene rearrangements affect the mitogenome assembly and alignment by using NGS. The mitogenomes with gene rearrangements are sequenced through Illumina MiSeq genomic sequencing and assembled effectively by Trinity v2.1.0 and SOAPdenovo2. Gene order and contents in the mitogenome of A. chunganensis and Q. boulengeri are typical neobatrachian pattern except for rearrangements at the position of “WANCY” tRNA genes cluster. Further, the mitogenome of Q. boulengeri is characterized with a tandem duplication of trnM. Moreover, we utilize 13 protein-coding genes of A. chunganensis, Q. boulengeri and other neobatrachians to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree for evaluating mitochondrial sequence authenticity of A. chunganensis and Q. boulengeri. In this work, we provide nearly complete mitochondrial genomes of A. chunganensis and Q. boulengeri. PMID:27994980

Use of parallel computing in mass processing of laser data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Będkowski, J.; Bratuś, R.; Prochaska, M.; Rzonca, A.

2015-12-01

The first part of the paper includes a description of the rules used to generate the algorithm needed for the purpose of parallel computing and also discusses the origins of the idea of research on the use of graphics processors in large scale processing of laser scanning data. The next part of the paper includes the results of an efficiency assessment performed for an array of different processing options, all of which were substantially accelerated with parallel computing. The processing options were divided into the generation of orthophotos using point clouds, coloring of point clouds, transformations, and the generation of a regular grid, as well as advanced processes such as the detection of planes and edges, point cloud classification, and the analysis of data for the purpose of quality control. Most algorithms had to be formulated from scratch in the context of the requirements of parallel computing. A few of the algorithms were based on existing technology developed by the Dephos Software Company and then adapted to parallel computing in the course of this research study. Processing time was determined for each process employed for a typical quantity of data processed, which helped confirm the high efficiency of the solutions proposed and the applicability of parallel computing to the processing of laser scanning data. The high efficiency of parallel computing yields new opportunities in the creation and organization of processing methods for laser scanning data.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Madduri, Kamesh; Im, Eun-Jin; Ibrahim, Khaled Z.

The next decade of high-performance computing (HPC) systems will see a rapid evolution and divergence of multi- and manycore architectures as power and cooling constraints limit increases in microprocessor clock speeds. Understanding efficient optimization methodologies on diverse multicore designs in the context of demanding numerical methods is one of the greatest challenges faced today by the HPC community. In this paper, we examine the efficient multicore optimization of GTC, a petascale gyrokinetic toroidal fusion code for studying plasma microturbulence in tokamak devices. For GTC’s key computational components (charge deposition and particle push), we explore efficient parallelization strategies across a broadmore » range of emerging multicore designs, including the recently-released Intel Nehalem-EX, the AMD Opteron Istanbul, and the highly multithreaded Sun UltraSparc T2+. We also present the first study on tuning gyrokinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithms for graphics processors, using the NVIDIA C2050 (Fermi). Our work discusses several novel optimization approaches for gyrokinetic PIC, including mixed-precision computation, particle binning and decomposition strategies, grid replication, SIMDized atomic floating-point operations, and effective GPU texture memory utilization. Overall, we achieve significant performance improvements of 1.3–4.7× on these complex PIC kernels, despite the inherent challenges of data dependency and locality. Finally, our work also points to several architectural and programming features that could significantly enhance PIC performance and productivity on next-generation architectures.« less

Ultrahigh Thermal Conductive yet Superflexible Graphene Films.

PubMed

Peng, Li; Xu, Zhen; Liu, Zheng; Guo, Yan; Li, Peng; Gao, Chao

2017-07-01

Electrical devices generate heat at work. The heat should be transferred away immediately by a thermal manager to keep proper functions, especially for high-frequency apparatuses. Besides high thermal conductivity (K), the thermal manager material requires good foldability for the next generation flexible electronics. Unfortunately, metals have satisfactory ductility but inferior K (≤429 W m -1 K -1 ), and highly thermal-conductive nonmetallic materials are generally brittle. Therefore, fabricating a foldable macroscopic material with a prominent K is still under challenge. This study solves the problem by folding atomic thin graphene into microfolds. The debris-free giant graphene sheets endow graphene film (GF) with a high K of 1940 ± 113 W m -1 K -1 . Simultaneously, the microfolds render GF superflexible with a high fracture elongation up to 16%, enabling it more than 6000 cycles of ultimate folding. The large-area multifunctional GFs can be easily integrated into high-power flexible devices for highly efficient thermal management. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Airspace Systems Program: Next Generation Air Transportation System Concepts and Technology Development FY2010 Project Plan Version 3.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopardekar, Parimal H.

2010-01-01

This document describes the FY2010 plan for the management and execution of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Concepts and Technology Development (CTD) Project. The document was developed in response to guidance from the Airspace Systems Program (ASP), as approved by the Associate Administrator of the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), and from guidelines in the Airspace Systems Program Plan. Congress established the multi-agency Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) in 2003 to develop a vision for the 2025 Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and to define the research required to enable it. NASA is one of seven agency partners contributing to the effort. Accordingly, NASA's ARMD realigned the Airspace Systems Program in 2007 to "directly address the fundamental research needs of the Next Generation Air Transportation System...in partnership with the member agencies of the JPDO." The Program subsequently established two new projects to meet this objective: the NextGen-Airspace Project and the NextGen-Airportal Project. Together, the projects will also focus NASA s technical expertise and world-class facilities to address the question of where, when, how and the extent to which automation can be applied to moving aircraft safely and efficiently through the NAS and technologies that address optimal allocation of ground and air technologies necessary for NextGen. Additionally, the roles and responsibilities of humans and automation influence in the NAS will be addressed by both projects. Foundational concept and technology research and development begun under the NextGen-Airspace and NextGen-Airportal projects will continue. There will be no change in NASA Research Announcement (NRA) strategy, nor will there be any change to NASA interfaces with the JPDO, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Research Transition Teams (RTTs), or other stakeholders

Nitrogen, Fluorine, and Boron Ternary Doped Carbon Fibers as Cathode Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Wang, Yueqing; Wu, Mingguang; Wei, Zengxi; Cui, Chunyu; Mao, Minglei; Zhang, Jintao; Han, Xiaopeng; Liu, Quanhui; Ma, Jianmin

2018-05-01

Zinc-air batteries with high-density energy are promising energy storage devices for the next generation of energy storage technologies. However, the battery performance is highly dependent on the efficiency of oxygen electrocatalyst in the air electrode. Herein, the N, F, and B ternary doped carbon fibers (TD-CFs) are prepared and exhibited higher catalytic properties via the efficient 4e - transfer mechanism for oxygen reduction in comparison with the single nitrogen doped CFs. More importantly, the primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries using TD-CFs as air-cathode catalysts are constructed. When compared to batteries with Pt/C + RuO 2 and Vulcan XC-72 carbon black catalysts, the TD-CFs catalyzed batteries exhibit remarkable battery reversibility and stability over long charging/discharging cycles. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Next generation of Z* modelling tool for high intensity EUV and soft x-ray plasma sources simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, S. V.; Zakharov, V. S.; Choi, P.; Krukovskiy, A. Y.; Novikov, V. G.; Solomyannaya, A. D.; Berezin, A. V.; Vorontsov, A. S.; Markov, M. B.; Parot'kin, S. V.

2011-04-01

In the specifications for EUV sources, high EUV power at IF for lithography HVM and very high brightness for actinic mask and in-situ inspections are required. In practice, the non-equilibrium plasma dynamics and self-absorption of radiation limit the in-band radiance of the plasma and the usable radiation power of a conventional single unit EUV source. A new generation of the computational code Z* is currently developed under international collaboration in the frames of FP7 IAPP project FIRE for modelling of multi-physics phenomena in radiation plasma sources, particularly for EUVL. The radiation plasma dynamics, the spectral effects of self-absorption in LPP and DPP and resulting Conversion Efficiencies are considered. The generation of fast electrons, ions and neutrals is discussed. Conditions for the enhanced radiance of highly ionized plasma in the presence of fast electrons are evaluated. The modelling results are guiding a new generation of EUV sources being developed at Nano-UV, based on spatial/temporal multiplexing of individual high brightness units, to deliver the requisite brightness and power for both lithography HVM and actinic metrology applications.

Claisen thermally rearranged (CTR) polymers

PubMed Central

Tena, Alberto; Rangou, Sofia; Shishatskiy, Sergey; Filiz, Volkan; Abetz, Volker

2016-01-01

Thermally rearranged (TR) polymers, which are considered the next-generation of membrane materials because of their excellent transport properties and high thermal and chemical stability, are proven to have significant drawbacks because of the high temperature required for the rearrangement and low degree of conversion during this process. We demonstrate that using a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement, the temperature required for the rearrangement of a solid glassy polymer was reduced by 200°C. Conversions of functionalized polyimide to polybenzoxazole of more than 97% were achieved. These highly mechanically stable polymers were almost five times more permeable and had more than two times higher degrees of conversion than the reference polymer treated under the same conditions. Properties of these second-generation TR polymers provide the possibility of preparing efficient polymer membranes in a form of, for example, thin-film composite membranes for various gas and liquid membrane separation applications. PMID:27482538

Claisen thermally rearranged (CTR) polymers.

PubMed

Tena, Alberto; Rangou, Sofia; Shishatskiy, Sergey; Filiz, Volkan; Abetz, Volker

2016-07-01

Thermally rearranged (TR) polymers, which are considered the next-generation of membrane materials because of their excellent transport properties and high thermal and chemical stability, are proven to have significant drawbacks because of the high temperature required for the rearrangement and low degree of conversion during this process. We demonstrate that using a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement, the temperature required for the rearrangement of a solid glassy polymer was reduced by 200°C. Conversions of functionalized polyimide to polybenzoxazole of more than 97% were achieved. These highly mechanically stable polymers were almost five times more permeable and had more than two times higher degrees of conversion than the reference polymer treated under the same conditions. Properties of these second-generation TR polymers provide the possibility of preparing efficient polymer membranes in a form of, for example, thin-film composite membranes for various gas and liquid membrane separation applications.

Plasma simulation in a hybrid ion electric propulsion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jugroot, Manish; Christou, Alex

2015-04-01

An exciting possibility for the next generation of satellite technology is the microsatellite. These satellites, ranging from 10-500 kg, can offer advantages in cost, reduced risk, and increased functionality for a variety of missions. For station keeping and control of these satellites, a suitable compact and high efficiency thruster is required. Electrostatic propulsion provides a promising solution for microsatellite thrust due to their high specific impulse. The rare gas propellant is ionized into plasma and generates a beam of high speed ions by electrostatic processes. A concept explored in this work is a hybrid combination of dc ion engines and hall thrusters to overcome space-charge and lifetime limitations of current ion thruster technologies. A multiphysics space and time-dependent formulation was used to investigate and understand the underlying physical phenomena. Several regions and time scales of the plasma have been observed and will be discussed.

Wind Energy Facilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laurie, Carol

2017-02-01

This book takes readers inside the places where daily discoveries shape the next generation of wind power systems. Energy Department laboratory facilities span the United States and offer wind research capabilities to meet industry needs. The facilities described in this book make it possible for industry players to increase reliability, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of wind energy -- one discovery at a time. Whether you require blade testing or resource characterization, grid integration or high-performance computing, Department of Energy laboratory facilities offer a variety of capabilities to meet your wind research needs.

Analytical Micromechanics Modeling Technique Developed for Ceramic Matrix Composites Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Min, James B.

2005-01-01

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) promise many advantages for next-generation aerospace propulsion systems. Specifically, carbon-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) CMCs enable higher operational temperatures and provide potential component weight savings by virtue of their high specific strength. These attributes may provide systemwide benefits. Higher operating temperatures lessen or eliminate the need for cooling, thereby reducing both fuel consumption and the complex hardware and plumbing required for heat management. This, in turn, lowers system weight, size, and complexity, while improving efficiency, reliability, and service life, resulting in overall lower operating costs.

Wind Energy Facilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

This book takes readers inside the places where daily discoveries shape the next generation of wind power systems. Energy Department laboratory facilities span the United States and offer wind research capabilities to meet industry needs. The facilities described in this book make it possible for industry players to increase reliability, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of wind energy -- one discovery at a time. Whether you require blade testing or resource characterization, grid integration or high-performance computing, Department of Energy laboratory facilities offer a variety of capabilities to meet your wind research needs.

Small RNA Transfection in Primary Human Th17 Cells by Next Generation Electroporation.

PubMed

Montoya, Misty M; Ansel, K Mark

2017-04-13

CD4 + T cells can differentiate into several subsets of effector T helper cells depending on the surrounding cytokine milieu. Th17 cells can be generated from naïve CD4 + T cells in vitro by activating them in the presence of the polarizing cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and TGFβ. Th17 cells orchestrate immunity against extracellular bacteria and fungi, but their aberrant activity has also been associated with several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Th17 cells are identified by the chemokine receptor CCR6 and defined by their master transcription factor, RORγt, and characteristic effector cytokine, IL-17A. Optimized culture conditions for Th17 cell differentiation facilitate mechanistic studies of human T cell biology in a controlled environment. They also provide a setting for studying the importance of specific genes and gene expression programs through RNA interference or the introduction of microRNA (miRNA) mimics or inhibitors. This protocol provides an easy to use, reproducible, and highly efficient method for transient transfection of differentiating primary human Th17 cells with small RNAs using a next generation electroporation device.

Advanced CHP Control Algorithms: Scope Specification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Katipamula, Srinivas; Brambley, Michael R.

2006-04-28

The primary objective of this multiyear project is to develop algorithms for combined heat and power systems to ensure optimal performance, increase reliability, and lead to the goal of clean, efficient, reliable and affordable next generation energy systems.

Design of Particle-Based Thermal Energy Storage for a Concentrating Solar Power System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, Zhiwen; Zhang, Ruichong; Sawaged, Fadi

Solid particles can operate at higher temperature than current molten salt or oil, and they can be a heat-transfer and storage medium in a concentrating solar power (CSP) system. By using inexpensive solid particles and containment material for thermal energy storage (TES), the particle-TES cost can be significantly lower than other TES methods such as a nitrate-salt system. The particle-TES system can hold hot particles at more than 800 degrees C with high thermal performance. The high particle temperatures increase the temperature difference between the hot and cold particles, and they improve the TES capacity. The particle-based CSP system ismore » able to support high-efficiency power generation, such as the supercritical carbon-dioxide Brayton power cycle, to achieve >50% thermal-electric conversion efficiency. This paper describes a solid particle-TES system that integrates into a CSP plant. The hot particles discharge to a heat exchanger to drive the power cycle. The returning cold particles circulate through a particle receiver to absorb solar heat and charge the TES. This paper shows the design of a particle-TES system including containment silos, foundation, silo insulation, and particle materials. The analysis provides results for four TES capacities and two silo configurations. The design analysis indicates that the system can achieve high thermal efficiency, storage effectiveness (i.e., percentage usage of the hot particles), and exergetic efficiency. An insulation method for the hot silo was considered. The particle-TES system can achieve high performance and low cost, and it holds potential for next-generation CSP technology.« less

Evaluation of high-perimeter electrode designs for deep brain stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, Bryan; Grill, Warren M.

2014-08-01

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for movement disorders and a promising therapy for treating epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Despite its clinical success, complications including infections and mis-programing following surgical replacement of the battery-powered implantable pulse generator adversely impact the safety profile of this therapy. We sought to decrease power consumption and extend battery life by modifying the electrode geometry to increase stimulation efficiency. The specific goal of this study was to determine whether electrode contact perimeter or area had a greater effect on increasing stimulation efficiency. Approach. Finite-element method (FEM) models of eight prototype electrode designs were used to calculate the electrode access resistance, and the FEM models were coupled with cable models of passing axons to quantify stimulation efficiency. We also measured in vitro the electrical properties of the prototype electrode designs and measured in vivo the stimulation efficiency following acute implantation in anesthetized cats. Main results. Area had a greater effect than perimeter on altering the electrode access resistance; electrode (access or dynamic) resistance alone did not predict stimulation efficiency because efficiency was dependent on the shape of the potential distribution in the tissue; and, quantitative assessment of stimulation efficiency required consideration of the effects of the electrode-tissue interface impedance. Significance. These results advance understanding of the features of electrode geometry that are important for designing the next generation of efficient DBS electrodes.

An efficient interpolation filter VLSI architecture for HEVC standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wei; Zhou, Xin; Lian, Xiaocong; Liu, Zhenyu; Liu, Xiaoxiang

2015-12-01

The next-generation video coding standard of High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is especially efficient for coding high-resolution video such as 8K-ultra-high-definition (UHD) video. Fractional motion estimation in HEVC presents a significant challenge in clock latency and area cost as it consumes more than 40 % of the total encoding time and thus results in high computational complexity. With aims at supporting 8K-UHD video applications, an efficient interpolation filter VLSI architecture for HEVC is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a new interpolation filter algorithm based on the 8-pixel interpolation unit is proposed in this paper. It can save 19.7 % processing time on average with acceptable coding quality degradation. Based on the proposed algorithm, an efficient interpolation filter VLSI architecture, composed of a reused data path of interpolation, an efficient memory organization, and a reconfigurable pipeline interpolation filter engine, is presented to reduce the implement hardware area and achieve high throughput. The final VLSI implementation only requires 37.2k gates in a standard 90-nm CMOS technology at an operating frequency of 240 MHz. The proposed architecture can be reused for either half-pixel interpolation or quarter-pixel interpolation, which can reduce the area cost for about 131,040 bits RAM. The processing latency of our proposed VLSI architecture can support the real-time processing of 4:2:0 format 7680 × 4320@78fps video sequences.

Generation of an allelic series of knock-in mice using recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE).

PubMed

Roebroek, Anton J M; Van Gool, Bart

2014-01-01

Molecular genetic strategies applying embryonic stem cell (ES cell) technologies to study the function of a gene in mice or to generate a mouse model for a human disease are continuously under development. Next to (conditional) inactivation of genes the application and importance of approaches to generate knock-in mutations are increasing. In this chapter the principle and application of recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) are discussed as being a new emerging knock-in strategy, which enables easy generation of a series of different knock-in mutations within one gene. An RMCE protocol, which was used to generate a series of different knock-in mutations in the Lrp1 gene of ES cells, is described in detail as an example of how RMCE can be used to generate highly efficiently an allelic series of differently modified ES cell clones from a parental modified ES cell clone. Subsequently the differently modified ES cell clones can be used to generate an allelic series of mutant knock-in mice.

Construction Guide to Next-Generation High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 - Part 2: 2x4 Walls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kochkin, V.; Wiehagen, J.

2017-06-01

Part 2 of this Construction Guide to High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 provides straightforward and cost-effective strategies to construct durable, energy-efficient walls. It addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories high. Walls with 2x6 framing are addressed in Part 1 of the Guide.

Construction Guide to Next-Generation High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 - Part 2: 2x4 Walls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kochkin, V.; Wiehagen, J.

Part 2 of this Construction Guide to High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 provides straightforward and cost-effective strategies to construct durable, energy-efficient walls. It addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories high. Walls with 2x6 framing are addressed in Part 1 of the Guide.

Research & Development Roadmap for Next-Generation Appliances

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goetzler, William; Sutherland, Timothy; Foley, Kevin

2012-03-01

Appliances present an attractive opportunity for near-term energy savings in existing building, because they are less expensive and replaced more regularly than heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or building envelope components. This roadmap targets high-priority research and development (R&D), demonstration and commercialization activities that could significantly reduce residential appliance energy consumption. The main objective of the roadmap is to seek activities that accelerate the commercialization of high-efficiency appliance technologies while maintaining the competitiveness of American industry. The roadmap identified and evaluated potential technical innovations, defined research needs, created preliminary research and development roadmaps, and obtained stakeholder feedback on themore » proposed initiatives.« less

IDEAL: Images Across Domains, Experiments, Algorithms and Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushizima, Daniela M.; Bale, Hrishikesh A.; Bethel, E. Wes; Ercius, Peter; Helms, Brett A.; Krishnan, Harinarayan; Grinberg, Lea T.; Haranczyk, Maciej; Macdowell, Alastair A.; Odziomek, Katarzyna; Parkinson, Dilworth Y.; Perciano, Talita; Ritchie, Robert O.; Yang, Chao

2016-11-01

Research across science domains is increasingly reliant on image-centric data. Software tools are in high demand to uncover relevant, but hidden, information in digital images, such as those coming from faster next generation high-throughput imaging platforms. The challenge is to analyze the data torrent generated by the advanced instruments efficiently, and provide insights such as measurements for decision-making. In this paper, we overview work performed by an interdisciplinary team of computational and materials scientists, aimed at designing software applications and coordinating research efforts connecting (1) emerging algorithms for dealing with large and complex datasets; (2) data analysis methods with emphasis in pattern recognition and machine learning; and (3) advances in evolving computer architectures. Engineering tools around these efforts accelerate the analyses of image-based recordings, improve reusability and reproducibility, scale scientific procedures by reducing time between experiments, increase efficiency, and open opportunities for more users of the imaging facilities. This paper describes our algorithms and software tools, showing results across image scales, demonstrating how our framework plays a role in improving image understanding for quality control of existent materials and discovery of new compounds.

An efficient and scalable analysis framework for variant extraction and refinement from population-scale DNA sequence data.

PubMed

Jun, Goo; Wing, Mary Kate; Abecasis, Gonçalo R; Kang, Hyun Min

2015-06-01

The analysis of next-generation sequencing data is computationally and statistically challenging because of the massive volume of data and imperfect data quality. We present GotCloud, a pipeline for efficiently detecting and genotyping high-quality variants from large-scale sequencing data. GotCloud automates sequence alignment, sample-level quality control, variant calling, filtering of likely artifacts using machine-learning techniques, and genotype refinement using haplotype information. The pipeline can process thousands of samples in parallel and requires less computational resources than current alternatives. Experiments with whole-genome and exome-targeted sequence data generated by the 1000 Genomes Project show that the pipeline provides effective filtering against false positive variants and high power to detect true variants. Our pipeline has already contributed to variant detection and genotyping in several large-scale sequencing projects, including the 1000 Genomes Project and the NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project. We hope it will now prove useful to many medical sequencing studies. © 2015 Jun et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Development of Next Generation Energy Audit Protocols for the Rapid and Advanced Analysis of Building Energy Use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartley, Christopher Ahlvin

Current building energy auditing techniques are outdated and lack targeted, actionable information. These analyses only use one year's worth of monthly electricity and gas bills to define energy conservation and efficiency measures. These limited data sets cannot provide robust, directed energy reduction recommendations. The need is apparent for an overhaul of existing energy audit protocols to utilize all data that is available from the building's utility provider, installed energy management system (EMS), and sub-metering devices. This thesis analyzed the current state-of-the-art in energy audits, generated a next generation energy audit protocol, and conducted both audits types on four case study buildings to find out what additional information can be obtained from additional data sources and increased data gathering resolutions. Energy data from each case study building were collected using a variety of means including utility meters, whole building energy meters, EMS systems, and sub-metering devices. In addition to conducting an energy analysis for each case study building using the current and next generation energy audit protocols, two building energy models were created using the programs eQuest and EnergyPlus. The current and next generation energy audit protocol results were compared to one another upon completion. The results show that using the current audit protocols, only variations in season are apparent. Results from the developed next generation energy audit protocols show that in addition to seasonal variations, building heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) schedules, occupancy schedules, baseline and peak energy demand levels, and malfunctioning equipment can be found. This new protocol may also be used to quickly generate accurate building models because of the increased resolution that yields scheduling information. The developed next generation energy auditing protocol is scalable and can work for many building types across the United States, and perhaps the world.

On the Properties and Design of Organic Light-Emitting Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erickson, Nicholas C.

Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) are attractive for use in next-generation display and lighting technologies. In display applications, OLEDs offer a wide emission color gamut, compatibility with flexible substrates, and high power efficiencies. In lighting applications, OLEDs offer attractive features such as broadband emission, high-performance, and potential compatibility with low-cost manufacturing methods. Despite recent demonstrations of near unity internal quantum efficiencies (photons out per electron in), OLED adoption lags conventional technologies, particularly in large-area displays and general lighting applications. This thesis seeks to understand the optical and electronic properties of OLED materials and device architectures which lead to not only high peak efficiency, but also reduced device complexity, high efficiency under high excitation, and optimal white-light emission. This is accomplished through the careful manipulation of organic thin film compositions fabricated via vacuum thermal evaporation, and the introduction of a novel device architecture, the graded-emissive layer (G-EML). This device architecture offers a unique platform to study the electronic properties of varying compositions of organic semiconductors and the resulting device performance. This thesis also introduces an experimental technique to measure the spatial overlap of electrons and holes within an OLED's emissive layer. This overlap is an important parameter which is affected by the choice of materials and device design, and greatly impacts the operation of the OLED at high excitation densities. Using the G-EML device architecture, OLEDs with improved efficiency characteristics are demonstrated, achieving simultaneously high brightness and high efficiency.

Excitonic Materials for Hybrid Solar Cells and Energy Efficient Lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabra, Dinesh; Lu, Li Ping; Vaynzof, Yana; Song, Myounghoon; Snaith, Henry J.; Friend, Richard H.

2011-07-01

Conventional photovoltaic technology will certainly contribute this century, but to generate a significant fraction of our global power from solar energy, a radically new disruptive technology is required. Research primarily focused on developing the physics and technologies being low cost photovoltaic concepts are required. The materials with carbon-based solution processible organic semiconductors with power conversion efficiency as high as ˜8.2%, which have emerged over the last decade as promising alternatives to expensive silicon based technologies. We aim at exploring the morphological and optoelectronic properties of blends of newly synthesized polymer semiconductors as a route to enhance the performance of organic semiconductor based optoelectronic devices, like photovoltaic diodes (PV) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED). OLED efficiency has reached upto 150 lm/W and going to be next generation cheap and eco friendly solid state lighting solution. Hybrid electronics represent a valuable alternative for the production of easy processible, flexible and reliable optoelectronic thin film devices. I will be presenting recent advancement of my work in the area of hybrid photovoltaics, PLED and research path towards realization electrically injectable organic laser diodes.

Hybrid Resonant Acoustics: Exploiting a New Class of Sound Waves for Highly Efficient Microfluidic Nebulisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezk, Amgad; Yeo, Leslie

2017-11-01

A longstanding convention in acoustomicrofluidic manipulation-a consequence of wholesale adoption from decades long application of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in electronics and telecommunications-has been to employ pure SAWs by eliminating wave reflections and bulk resonances in single crystal piezoelectric substrates with the assumption that this provides the most efficient way to actuate or manipulate fluid flow at microscale dimensions. Despite the many advantages of SAW microfluidics, particularly for aerosolising and hence delivering next generation macromolecular-based therapeutics via inhalation, the limitation of the SAW devices, however, lies in the input power it can sustain, thus constraining the nebulisation rates that can be generated, which has, among other things, severely hampered its practical adoption in pulmonary drug administration to date. Here, we unravel the existence of a surface reflected bulk wave (SRBW)-the first new class of sound waves to have been discovered in well over five decades-and show, quite counterintuitively, that it is possible to obtain an order-of-magnitude improvement in microfluidic manipulation efficiency through this unique hybrid combination of surface and bulk waves without increasing complexity or cost.

HAlign-II: efficient ultra-large multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction with distributed and parallel computing.

PubMed

Wan, Shixiang; Zou, Quan

2017-01-01

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) plays a key role in biological sequence analyses, especially in phylogenetic tree construction. Extreme increase in next-generation sequencing results in shortage of efficient ultra-large biological sequence alignment approaches for coping with different sequence types. Distributed and parallel computing represents a crucial technique for accelerating ultra-large (e.g. files more than 1 GB) sequence analyses. Based on HAlign and Spark distributed computing system, we implement a highly cost-efficient and time-efficient HAlign-II tool to address ultra-large multiple biological sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree construction. The experiments in the DNA and protein large scale data sets, which are more than 1GB files, showed that HAlign II could save time and space. It outperformed the current software tools. HAlign-II can efficiently carry out MSA and construct phylogenetic trees with ultra-large numbers of biological sequences. HAlign-II shows extremely high memory efficiency and scales well with increases in computing resource. THAlign-II provides a user-friendly web server based on our distributed computing infrastructure. HAlign-II with open-source codes and datasets was established at http://lab.malab.cn/soft/halign.

Combined selective emitter and filter for high performance incandescent lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leroy, Arny; Bhatia, Bikram; Wilke, Kyle; Ilic, Ognjen; Soljačić, Marin; Wang, Evelyn N.

2017-08-01

The efficiency of incandescent light bulbs (ILBs) is inherently low due to the dominant emission at infrared wavelengths, diminishing its popularity today. ILBs with cold-side filters that transmit visible light but reflect infrared radiation back to the filament can surpass the efficiency of state-of-the-art light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, practical challenges such as imperfect geometrical alignment (view factor) between the filament and cold-side filters can limit the maximum achievable efficiency and make the use of cold-side filters ineffective. In this work, we show that by combining a cold-side optical filter with a selective emitter, the effect of the imperfect view factor between the filament and filter on the system efficiency can be minimized. We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate energy savings of up to 67% compared to a bare tungsten emitter at 2000 K, representing a 34% improvement over a bare tungsten filament with a filter. Our work suggests that this approach can be competitive with LEDs in both luminous efficiency and color rendering index (CRI) when using selective emitters and filters already demonstrated in the literature, thus paving the way for next-generation high-efficiency ILBs.

Combined selective emitter and filter for high performance incandescent lighting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leroy, Arny; Bhatia, Bikram; Wilke, Kyle

The efficiency of incandescent light bulbs (ILBs) is inherently low due to the dominant emission at infrared wavelengths, diminishing its popularity today. ILBs with cold-side filters that transmit visible light but reflect infrared radiation back to the filament can surpass the efficiency of state-of-the- art light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, practical challenges such as imperfect geometrical alignment (view factor) between the filament and cold-side filters can limit the maximum achievable efficiency and make the use of cold-side filters ineffective. Here in this work, we show that by combining a cold-side optical filter with a selective emitter, the effect of the imperfectmore » view factor between the filament and filter on the system efficiency can be minimized. We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate energy savings of up to 67% compared to a bare tungsten emitter at 2000 K, representing a 34% improvement over a bare tungsten filament with a filter. Our work suggests that this approach can be competitive with LEDs in both luminous efficiency and color rendering index (CRI) when using selective emitters and filters already demonstrated in the literature, thus paving the way for next-generation high-efficiency ILBs.« less

Combined selective emitter and filter for high performance incandescent lighting

DOE PAGES

Leroy, Arny; Bhatia, Bikram; Wilke, Kyle; ...

2017-09-01

The efficiency of incandescent light bulbs (ILBs) is inherently low due to the dominant emission at infrared wavelengths, diminishing its popularity today. ILBs with cold-side filters that transmit visible light but reflect infrared radiation back to the filament can surpass the efficiency of state-of-the- art light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, practical challenges such as imperfect geometrical alignment (view factor) between the filament and cold-side filters can limit the maximum achievable efficiency and make the use of cold-side filters ineffective. Here in this work, we show that by combining a cold-side optical filter with a selective emitter, the effect of the imperfectmore » view factor between the filament and filter on the system efficiency can be minimized. We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate energy savings of up to 67% compared to a bare tungsten emitter at 2000 K, representing a 34% improvement over a bare tungsten filament with a filter. Our work suggests that this approach can be competitive with LEDs in both luminous efficiency and color rendering index (CRI) when using selective emitters and filters already demonstrated in the literature, thus paving the way for next-generation high-efficiency ILBs.« less

Improved Efficiency and Enhanced Color Quality of Light-Emitting Diodes with Quantum Dot and Organic Hybrid Tandem Structure.

PubMed

Zhang, Heng; Feng, Yuanxiang; Chen, Shuming

2016-10-03

Light-emitting diodes based on organic (OLEDs) and colloidal quantum dot (QLEDs) are widely considered as next-generation display technologies because of their attractive advantages such as self-emitting and flexible form factor. The OLEDs exhibit relatively high efficiency, but their color saturation is quite poor compared with that of QLEDs. In contrast, the QLEDs show very pure color emission, but their efficiency is lower than that of OLEDs currently. To combine the advantages and compensate for the weaknesses of each other, we propose a hybrid tandem structure which integrates both OLED and QLED in a single device architecture. With ZnMgO/Al/HATCN interconnecting layer, hybrid tandem LEDs are successfully fabricated. The demonstrated hybrid tandem devices feature high efficiency and high color saturation simultaneously; for example, the devices exhibit maximum current efficiency and external quantum efficiency of 96.28 cd/A and 25.90%, respectively. Meanwhile, the full width at half-maximum of the emission spectra is remarkably reduced from 68 to 44 nm. With the proposed hybrid tandem structure, the color gamut of the displays can be effectively increased from 81% to 100% NTSC. The results indicate that the advantages of different LED technologies can be combined in a hybrid tandem structure.

Novel Carbon Films for Next Generation Rotating Equipment Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michael McNallan; Ali Erdemir; Yury Gogotsi

2006-02-20

This report describes the results of research performed on a new generation of low friction, wear resistant carbon coatings for seals and bearings in high speed rotating equipment. The low friction coatings, Near Frictionless Carbon (NFC), a high hydrogen content diamondlike carbon, and Carbide Derived Carbon (CDC), a conversion coating produced on the surfaces of metal carbides by halogenation, can be applied together or separately to improve the performance of seals and bearings, with benefits to energy efficiency and environmental protection. Because hard carbide ceramics, such as silicon carbide, are widely used in the seals industry, this coating is particularlymore » attractive as a low cost method to improve performance. The technology of CDC has been licensed to an Illinois company, Carbide Derivative Technologies, Inc. (CDTI) to implement the commercialization of this material.« less

Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticles retain self-assembled nanostructures and provide high specificity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhai, Jiali; Scoble, Judith A.; Li, Nan; Lovrecz, George; Waddington, Lynne J.; Tran, Nhiem; Muir, Benjamin W.; Coia, Gregory; Kirby, Nigel; Drummond, Calum J.; Mulet, Xavier

2015-02-01

Next generation drug delivery utilising nanoparticles incorporates active targeting to specific sites. In this work, we combined targeting with the inherent advantages of self-assembled lipid nanoparticles containing internal nano-structures. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting, PEGylated lipid nanoparticles using phytantriol and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-PEG-maleimide amphiphiles were created. The self-assembled lipid nanoparticles presented here have internal lyotropic liquid crystalline nano-structures, verified by synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering and cryo-transmission electron microscopy, that offer the potential of high drug loading and enhanced cell penetration. Anti-EGFR Fab' fragments were conjugated to the surface of nanoparticles via a maleimide-thiol reaction at a high conjugation efficiency and retained specificity following conjugation to the nanoparticles. The conjugated nanoparticles were demonstrated to have high affinity for an EGFR target in a ligand binding assay.Next generation drug delivery utilising nanoparticles incorporates active targeting to specific sites. In this work, we combined targeting with the inherent advantages of self-assembled lipid nanoparticles containing internal nano-structures. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting, PEGylated lipid nanoparticles using phytantriol and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-PEG-maleimide amphiphiles were created. The self-assembled lipid nanoparticles presented here have internal lyotropic liquid crystalline nano-structures, verified by synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering and cryo-transmission electron microscopy, that offer the potential of high drug loading and enhanced cell penetration. Anti-EGFR Fab' fragments were conjugated to the surface of nanoparticles via a maleimide-thiol reaction at a high conjugation efficiency and retained specificity following conjugation to the nanoparticles. The conjugated nanoparticles were demonstrated to have high affinity for an EGFR target in a ligand binding assay. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1-S4. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05200e

The DoD's High Performance Computing Modernization Program - Ensuing the National Earth Systems Prediction Capability Becomes Operational

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnett, W.

2016-12-01

The Department of Defense's (DoD) High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) provides high performance computing to address the most significant challenges in computational resources, software application support and nationwide research and engineering networks. Today, the HPCMP has a critical role in ensuring the National Earth System Prediction Capability (N-ESPC) achieves initial operational status in 2019. A 2015 study commissioned by the HPCMP found that N-ESPC computational requirements will exceed interconnect bandwidth capacity due to the additional load from data assimilation and passing connecting data between ensemble codes. Memory bandwidth and I/O bandwidth will continue to be significant bottlenecks for the Navy's Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) scalability - by far the major driver of computing resource requirements in the N-ESPC. The study also found that few of the N-ESPC model developers have detailed plans to ensure their respective codes scale through 2024. Three HPCMP initiatives are designed to directly address and support these issues: Productivity Enhancement, Technology, Transfer and Training (PETTT), the HPCMP Applications Software Initiative (HASI), and Frontier Projects. PETTT supports code conversion by providing assistance, expertise and training in scalable and high-end computing architectures. HASI addresses the continuing need for modern application software that executes effectively and efficiently on next-generation high-performance computers. Frontier Projects enable research and development that could not be achieved using typical HPCMP resources by providing multi-disciplinary teams access to exceptional amounts of high performance computing resources. Finally, the Navy's DoD Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) currently operates a 6 Petabyte system, of which Naval Oceanography receives 15% of operational computational system use, or approximately 1 Petabyte of the processing capability. The DSRC will provide the DoD with future computing assets to initially operate the N-ESPC in 2019. This talk will further describe how DoD's HPCMP will ensure N-ESPC becomes operational, efficiently and effectively, using next-generation high performance computing.

Experimental Verification and Integration of a Next Generation Smart Power Management System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clemmer, Tavis B.

With the increase in energy demand by the residential community in this country and the diminishing fossil fuel resources being used for electric energy production there is a need for a system to efficiently manage power within a residence. The Smart Green Power Node (SGPN) is a next generation energy management system that automates on-site energy production, storage, consumption, and grid usage to yield the most savings for both the utility and the consumer. Such a system automatically manages on-site distributed generation sources such as a PhotoVoltaic (PV) input and battery storage to curtail grid energy usage when the price is high. The SGPN high level control features an advanced modular algorithm that incorporates weather data for projected PV generation, battery health monitoring algorithms, user preferences for load prioritization within the home in case of an outage, Time of Use (ToU) grid power pricing, and status of on-site resources to intelligently schedule and manage power flow between the grid, loads, and the on-site resources. The SGPN has a scalable, modular architecture such that it can be customized for user specific applications. This drove the topology for the SGPN which connects on-site resources at a low voltage DC microbus; a two stage bi-directional inverter/rectifier then couples the AC load and residential grid connect to on-site generation. The SGPN has been designed, built, and is undergoing testing. Hardware test results obtained are consistent with the design goals set and indicate that the SGPN is a viable system with recommended changes and future work.

Invitation to a forum: architecting operational `next generation' earth monitoring satellites based on best modeling, existing sensor capabilities, with constellation efficiencies to secure trusted datasets for the next 20 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helmuth, Douglas B.; Bell, Raymond M.; Grant, David A.; Lentz, Christopher A.

2012-09-01

Architecting the operational Next Generation of earth monitoring satellites based on matured climate modeling, reuse of existing sensor & satellite capabilities, attention to affordability and evolutionary improvements integrated with constellation efficiencies - becomes our collective goal for an open architectural design forum. Understanding the earth's climate and collecting requisite signatures over the next 30 years is a shared mandate by many of the world's governments. But there remains a daunting challenge to bridge scientific missions to 'operational' systems that truly support the demands of decision makers, scientific investigators and global users' requirements for trusted data. In this paper we will suggest an architectural structure that takes advantage of current earth modeling examples including cross-model verification and a first order set of critical climate parameters and metrics; that in turn, are matched up with existing space borne collection capabilities and sensors. The tools used and the frameworks offered are designed to allow collaborative overlays by other stakeholders nominating different critical parameters and their own treaded connections to existing international collection experience. These aggregate design suggestions will be held up to group review and prioritized as potential constellation solutions including incremental and spiral developments - including cost benefits and organizational opportunities. This Part IV effort is focused on being an inclusive 'Next Gen Constellation' design discussion and is the natural extension to earlier papers.

Fabrication process for a gradient index x-ray lens

DOEpatents

Bionta, R.M.; Makowiecki, D.M.; Skulina, K.M.

1995-01-17

A process is disclosed for fabricating high efficiency x-ray lenses that operate in the 0.5-4.0 keV region suitable for use in biological imaging, surface science, and x-ray lithography of integrated circuits. The gradient index x-ray optics fabrication process broadly involves co-sputtering multi-layers of film on a wire, followed by slicing and mounting on block, and then ion beam thinning to a thickness determined by periodic testing for efficiency. The process enables the fabrication of transmissive gradient index x-ray optics for the 0.5-4.0 keV energy range. This process allows the fabrication of optical elements for the next generation of imaging and x-ray lithography instruments in the soft x-ray region. 13 figures.

Towards the Ultimate Membranes: Two-dimensional Nanoporous Materials and Films.

PubMed

Agrawal, Kumar Varoon

2018-05-30

The energy-efficient separation of molecules has been a popular topic in chemistry and chemical engineering as a consequence of the large energy-footprint of separation processes in the chemical industry. The Laboratory of Advanced Separations (LAS) at EPFL, led by Prof. Kumar Varoon Agrawal, is focused to develop next-generation, high-performance membranes that can improve the energy efficiency of hydrogen purification, carbon capture, hydrocarbon and water purification. For this, LAS is seeking to develop the ultimate nanoporous membranes, those with a thickness of 1 nm and possessing an array of size-selective nanopores. In this article, the research activities at LAS, especially in the bottom-up and top-down synthesis of chemically and thermally stable, nanoporous two-dimensional materials and membranes are discussed.

Fabrication process for a gradient index x-ray lens

DOEpatents

Bionta, Richard M.; Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Skulina, Kenneth M.

1995-01-01

A process for fabricating high efficiency x-ray lenses that operate in the 0.5-4.0 keV region suitable for use in biological imaging, surface science, and x-ray lithography of integrated circuits. The gradient index x-ray optics fabrication process broadly involves co-sputtering multi-layers of film on a wire, followed by slicing and mounting on block, and then ion beam thinning to a thickness determined by periodic testing for efficiency. The process enables the fabrication of transmissive gradient index x-ray optics for the 0.5-4.0 keV energy range. This process allows the fabrication of optical elements for the next generation of imaging and x-ray lithography instruments m the soft x-ray region.

Synergetic electrode architecture for efficient graphene-based flexible organic light-emitting diodes

PubMed Central

Lee, Jaeho; Han, Tae-Hee; Park, Min-Ho; Jung, Dae Yool; Seo, Jeongmin; Seo, Hong-Kyu; Cho, Hyunsu; Kim, Eunhye; Chung, Jin; Choi, Sung-Yool; Kim, Taek-Soo; Lee, Tae-Woo; Yoo, Seunghyup

2016-01-01

Graphene-based organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have recently emerged as a key element essential in next-generation displays and lighting, mainly due to their promise for highly flexible light sources. However, their efficiency has been, at best, similar to that of conventional, indium tin oxide-based counterparts. We here propose an ideal electrode structure based on a synergetic interplay of high-index TiO2 layers and low-index hole-injection layers sandwiching graphene electrodes, which results in an ideal situation where enhancement by cavity resonance is maximized yet loss to surface plasmon polariton is mitigated. The proposed approach leads to OLEDs exhibiting ultrahigh external quantum efficiency of 40.8 and 62.1% (64.7 and 103% with a half-ball lens) for single- and multi-junction devices, respectively. The OLEDs made on plastics with those electrodes are repeatedly bendable at a radius of 2.3 mm, partly due to the TiO2 layers withstanding flexural strain up to 4% via crack-deflection toughening. PMID:27250743

Highly efficient and stable organic light-emitting diodes with a greatly reduced amount of phosphorescent emitter

PubMed Central

Fukagawa, Hirohiko; Shimizu, Takahisa; Kamada, Taisuke; Yui, Shota; Hasegawa, Munehiro; Morii, Katsuyuki; Yamamoto, Toshihiro

2015-01-01

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been intensively studied as a key technology for next-generation displays and lighting. The efficiency of OLEDs has improved markedly in the last 15 years by employing phosphorescent emitters. However, there are two main issues in the practical application of phosphorescent OLEDs (PHOLEDs): the relatively short operational lifetime and the relatively high cost owing to the costly emitter with a concentration of about 10% in the emitting layer. Here, we report on our success in resolving these issues by the utilization of thermally activated delayed fluorescent materials, which have been developed in the past few years, as the host material for the phosphorescent emitter. Our newly developed PHOLED employing only 1 wt% phosphorescent emitter exhibits an external quantum efficiency of over 20% and a long operational lifetime of about 20 times that of an OLED consisting of a conventional host material and 1 wt% phosphorescent emitter. PMID:25985084

Synergetic electrode architecture for efficient graphene-based flexible organic light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Lee, Jaeho; Han, Tae-Hee; Park, Min-Ho; Jung, Dae Yool; Seo, Jeongmin; Seo, Hong-Kyu; Cho, Hyunsu; Kim, Eunhye; Chung, Jin; Choi, Sung-Yool; Kim, Taek-Soo; Lee, Tae-Woo; Yoo, Seunghyup

2016-06-02

Graphene-based organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have recently emerged as a key element essential in next-generation displays and lighting, mainly due to their promise for highly flexible light sources. However, their efficiency has been, at best, similar to that of conventional, indium tin oxide-based counterparts. We here propose an ideal electrode structure based on a synergetic interplay of high-index TiO2 layers and low-index hole-injection layers sandwiching graphene electrodes, which results in an ideal situation where enhancement by cavity resonance is maximized yet loss to surface plasmon polariton is mitigated. The proposed approach leads to OLEDs exhibiting ultrahigh external quantum efficiency of 40.8 and 62.1% (64.7 and 103% with a half-ball lens) for single- and multi-junction devices, respectively. The OLEDs made on plastics with those electrodes are repeatedly bendable at a radius of 2.3 mm, partly due to the TiO2 layers withstanding flexural strain up to 4% via crack-deflection toughening.

Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes for Next Generation Pervaporation Process: Strategies, Challenges and Future Prospects.

PubMed

Roy, Sagar; Singha, Nayan Ranjan

2017-09-08

Pervaporation (PV) has been considered as one of the most active and promising areas in membrane technologies in separating close boiling or azeotropic liquid mixtures, heat sensitive biomaterials, water or organics from its mixtures that are indispensable constituents for various important chemical and bio-separations. In the PV process, the membrane plays the most pivotal role and is of paramount importance in governing the overall efficiency. This article evaluates and collaborates the current research towards the development of next generation nanomaterials (NMs) and embedded polymeric membranes with regard to its synthesis, fabrication and application strategies, challenges and future prospects.

A cloud-based X73 ubiquitous mobile healthcare system: design and implementation.

PubMed

Ji, Zhanlin; Ganchev, Ivan; O'Droma, Máirtín; Zhang, Xin; Zhang, Xueji

2014-01-01

Based on the user-centric paradigm for next generation networks, this paper describes a ubiquitous mobile healthcare (uHealth) system based on the ISO/IEEE 11073 personal health data (PHD) standards (X73) and cloud computing techniques. A number of design issues associated with the system implementation are outlined. The system includes a middleware on the user side, providing a plug-and-play environment for heterogeneous wireless sensors and mobile terminals utilizing different communication protocols and a distributed "big data" processing subsystem in the cloud. The design and implementation of this system are envisaged as an efficient solution for the next generation of uHealth systems.

Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes for Next Generation Pervaporation Process: Strategies, Challenges and Future Prospects

PubMed Central

Singha, Nayan Ranjan

2017-01-01

Pervaporation (PV) has been considered as one of the most active and promising areas in membrane technologies in separating close boiling or azeotropic liquid mixtures, heat sensitive biomaterials, water or organics from its mixtures that are indispensable constituents for various important chemical and bio-separations. In the PV process, the membrane plays the most pivotal role and is of paramount importance in governing the overall efficiency. This article evaluates and collaborates the current research towards the development of next generation nanomaterials (NMs) and embedded polymeric membranes with regard to its synthesis, fabrication and application strategies, challenges and future prospects. PMID:28885591

Plasma-based generation and control of a single few-cycle high-energy ultrahigh-intensity laser pulse.

PubMed

Tamburini, M; Di Piazza, A; Liseykina, T V; Keitel, C H

2014-07-11

A laser-boosted relativistic solid-density paraboloidal foil is known to efficiently reflect and focus a counterpropagating laser pulse. Here we show that in the case of an ultrarelativistic counterpropagating pulse, a high-energy and ultrahigh-intensity reflected pulse can be more effectively generated by a relatively slow and heavy foil than by a fast and light one. This counterintuitive result is explained with the larger reflectivity of a heavy foil, which compensates for its lower relativistic Doppler factor. Moreover, since the counterpropagating pulse is ultrarelativistic, the foil is abruptly dispersed and only the first few cycles of the counterpropagating pulse are reflected. Our multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that even few-cycle counterpropagating laser pulses can be further shortened (both temporally and in the number of laser cycles) with pulse amplification. A single few-cycle, multipetawatt laser pulse with several joules of energy and with a peak intensity exceeding 10(23)  W/cm(2) can be generated already employing next-generation high-power laser systems. In addition, the carrier-envelope phase of the generated few-cycle pulse can be tuned provided that the carrier-envelope phase of the initial counterpropagating pulse is controlled.

Application of sorting and next generation sequencing to study 5΄-UTR influence on translation efficiency in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Evfratov, Sergey A.; Osterman, Ilya A.; Komarova, Ekaterina S.; Pogorelskaya, Alexandra M.; Rubtsova, Maria P.; Zatsepin, Timofei S.; Semashko, Tatiana A.; Kostryukova, Elena S.; Mironov, Andrey A.; Burnaev, Evgeny; Krymova, Ekaterina; Gelfand, Mikhail S.; Govorun, Vadim M.; Bogdanov, Alexey A.; Dontsova, Olga A.

2017-01-01

Abstract Yield of protein per translated mRNA may vary by four orders of magnitude. Many studies analyzed the influence of mRNA features on the translation yield. However, a detailed understanding of how mRNA sequence determines its propensity to be translated is still missing. Here, we constructed a set of reporter plasmid libraries encoding CER fluorescent protein preceded by randomized 5΄ untranslated regions (5΄-UTR) and Red fluorescent protein (RFP) used as an internal control. Each library was transformed into Escherchia coli cells, separated by efficiency of CER mRNA translation by a cell sorter and subjected to next generation sequencing. We tested efficiency of translation of the CER gene preceded by each of 48 natural 5΄-UTR sequences and introduced random and designed mutations into natural and artificially selected 5΄-UTRs. Several distinct properties could be ascribed to a group of 5΄-UTRs most efficient in translation. In addition to known ones, several previously unrecognized features that contribute to the translation enhancement were found, such as low proportion of cytidine residues, multiple SD sequences and AG repeats. The latter could be identified as translation enhancer, albeit less efficient than SD sequence in several natural 5΄-UTRs. PMID:27899632

Tribal Waste Journal: What Is an Integrated Waste Management Plan (Issue 7)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) may offer tribes an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce open dumping, effectively manage solid waste, and protect human health and the environment for this generation and the next.

Center For Advanced Energy Studies Overview

ScienceCinema

Blackman, Harold; Curnutt, Byron; Harker, Caitlin; Hamilton, Melinda; Butt, Darryl; Imel, George; Tokuhiro, Akira; Harris, Jason; Hill, David

2017-12-09

A collaboration between Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University, Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. Conducts research in nuclear energy, advanced materials, carbon management, bioenergy, energy policy, modeling and simulation, and energy efficiency. Educates next generation of energy workforce.

Exciton shelves for charge and energy transport in third-generation quantum-dot devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodman, Samuel; Singh, Vivek; Noh, Hyunwoo; Casamada, Josep; Chatterjee, Anushree; Cha, Jennifer; Nagpal, Prashant

2014-03-01

Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystallites with size-dependent quantum-confined energy levels. While they have been intensively investigated to utilize hot-carriers for photovoltaic applications, to bridge the mismatch between incident solar photons and finite bandgap of semiconductor photocells, efficient charge or exciton transport in quantum-dot films has proven challenging. Here we show development of new coupled conjugated molecular wires with ``exciton shelves'', or different energy levels, matched with the multiple energy levels of quantum dots. Using single nanoparticle and ensemble device measurements we show successful extraction and transport of both bandedge and high-energy charge carriers, and energy transport of excitons. We demonstrate using measurements of electronic density of states, that careful matching of energy states of quantum-dot with molecular wires is important, and any mismatch can generate midgap states leading to charge recombination and reduced efficiency. Therefore, these exciton-shelves and quantum dots can lead to development of next-generation photovoltaic and photodetection devices using simultaneous transport of bandedge and hot-carriers or energy transport of excitons in these nanostructured solution-processed films.

Engineered CRISPR Systems for Next Generation Gene Therapies.

PubMed

Pineda, Michael; Moghadam, Farzaneh; Ebrahimkhani, Mo R; Kiani, Samira

2017-09-15

An ideal in vivo gene therapy platform provides safe, reprogrammable, and precise strategies which modulate cell and tissue gene regulatory networks with a high temporal and spatial resolution. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), a bacterial adoptive immune system, and its CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9), have gained attention for the ability to target and modify DNA sequences on demand with unprecedented flexibility and precision. The precision and programmability of Cas9 is derived from its complexation with a guide-RNA (gRNA) that is complementary to a desired genomic sequence. CRISPR systems open-up widespread applications including genetic disease modeling, functional screens, and synthetic gene regulation. The plausibility of in vivo genetic engineering using CRISPR has garnered significant traction as a next generation in vivo therapeutic. However, there are hurdles that need to be addressed before CRISPR-based strategies are fully implemented. Some key issues center on the controllability of the CRISPR platform, including minimizing genomic-off target effects and maximizing in vivo gene editing efficiency, in vivo cellular delivery, and spatial-temporal regulation. The modifiable components of CRISPR systems: Cas9 protein, gRNA, delivery platform, and the form of CRISPR system delivered (DNA, RNA, or ribonucleoprotein) have recently been engineered independently to design a better genome engineering toolbox. This review focuses on evaluating CRISPR potential as a next generation in vivo gene therapy platform and discusses bioengineering advancements that can address challenges associated with clinical translation of this emerging technology.

Utilizing Radioisotope Power System Waste Heat for Spacecraft Thermal Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pantano, David R.; Dottore, Frank; Tobery, E. Wayne; Geng, Steven M.; Schreiber, Jeffrey G.; Palko, Joseph L.

2005-01-01

An advantage of using a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) for deep space or planetary surface missions is the readily available waste heat, which can be used for a number of beneficial purposes including: maintaining electronic components within a controlled temperature range, warming propulsion tanks and mobility actuators, and maintaining liquid propellants above their freezing temperature. Previous missions using Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) dissipated large quantities of waste heat due to the low efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion technology. The next generation RPSs, such as the 110-Watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110) will have higher conversion efficiencies, thereby rejecting less waste heat at a lower temperature and may require alternate approaches to transferring waste heat to the spacecraft. RTGs, with efficiencies of 6 to 7 percent, reject their waste heat at the relatively high heat rejection temperature of 200 C. This is an advantage when rejecting heat to space; however, transferring heat to the internal spacecraft components requires a large and heavy radiator heat exchanger. At the same time, sensitive spacecraft instruments must be shielded from the thermal radiation of the RTG. The SRG110, with an efficiency around 22 percent and 50 C nominal housing surface temperature, can readily transfer the available waste heat directly via heat pipes, thermal straps, or fluid loops. The lower temperatures associated with the SRG110 avoid the chances of overheating other scientific components, eliminating the need for thermal shields. This provides the spacecraft designers more flexibility when locating the generator for a specific mission. A common misconception with high-efficiency systems is that there is not enough waste heat for spacecraft thermal management. This paper will dispel this misconception and investigate the use of a high-efficiency SRG110 for spacecraft thermal management and outline potential methods of waste heat utilization in several conceptual missions (Lunar Rover, Mars Rover, and Titan Lander). The advantages associated with the SRG110 as they relate to ease of assembly, less complex interfaces, and overall mass savings for a spacecraft will be highlighted.

Dual-Spool Turbine Facility Design Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giel, Paul; Pachlhofer, Pete

2003-01-01

The next generation of aircraft engines, both commercial and military, will attempt to capitalize on the benefits of close-coupled, vaneless, counter-rotating turbine systems. Experience has shown that significant risks and challenges are present with close-coupled systems in terms of efficiency and durability. The UEET program needs to demonstrate aerodynamic loading and efficiency goals for close-coupled, reduced-stage HP/LP turbine systems as a Level 1 Milestone for FY05. No research facility exists in the U.S. to provide risk reduction for successful development of close-coupled, high and low pressure turbine systems for the next generations of engines. To meet these objectives, the design, construction, and integrated systems testing of a Dual-Spool Turbine Facility (DSTF) facility has been initiated at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The facility will be a warm (-IOOO'F), continuous flow facility for overall aerodynamic performance and detailed flow field measurement acquisition. The facility will have state-of-the-art instrumentation to capture flow physics details. Accurate and reliable speed control will be achieved by utilizing the existing Variable Frequency Drive System. Utilization of this and other existing GRC centralized utilities will reduce the overall construction costs. The design allows for future installation of a turbine inlet combustor profile simulator. This presentation details the objectives of the facility and the concepts used in specifying its capabilities. Some preliminary design results will be presented along with a discussion of plans and schedules.

ParticleCall: A particle filter for base calling in next-generation sequencing systems

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Next-generation sequencing systems are capable of rapid and cost-effective DNA sequencing, thus enabling routine sequencing tasks and taking us one step closer to personalized medicine. Accuracy and lengths of their reads, however, are yet to surpass those provided by the conventional Sanger sequencing method. This motivates the search for computationally efficient algorithms capable of reliable and accurate detection of the order of nucleotides in short DNA fragments from the acquired data. Results In this paper, we consider Illumina’s sequencing-by-synthesis platform which relies on reversible terminator chemistry and describe the acquired signal by reformulating its mathematical model as a Hidden Markov Model. Relying on this model and sequential Monte Carlo methods, we develop a parameter estimation and base calling scheme called ParticleCall. ParticleCall is tested on a data set obtained by sequencing phiX174 bacteriophage using Illumina’s Genome Analyzer II. The results show that the developed base calling scheme is significantly more computationally efficient than the best performing unsupervised method currently available, while achieving the same accuracy. Conclusions The proposed ParticleCall provides more accurate calls than the Illumina’s base calling algorithm, Bustard. At the same time, ParticleCall is significantly more computationally efficient than other recent schemes with similar performance, rendering it more feasible for high-throughput sequencing data analysis. Improvement of base calling accuracy will have immediate beneficial effects on the performance of downstream applications such as SNP and genotype calling. ParticleCall is freely available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/particlecall. PMID:22776067

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halvorsen, T.

The next generation subsea developments will be facing a number of new challenges which have to be solved to maintain a cost-efficient solution for production of oil and gas: (1) Smaller fields, i.e. cost reduction through volume will no longer be valid. (2) Freedom in configuration of subsea development. The current idea of standardization will not be directly applicable for cost reduction. (3) Various water depth. The same technology should be applicable for both guideline- and guideline less water depth. (4) Development in new areas of the world where drilling rig deployable system is a must. (5) Various types ofmore » fluid processing may be required as an integral part of a subsea production system. The next generation subsea production system should be universal and applicable to any subsea field development. Kongsberg Offshore a.s. (KOS) have gained extensive experience in supplying standardized total subsea systems. The paper presents the approach taken by KOS to develop the next generation subsea system, and discussed the challenges associated with this.« less

Utilizing Radioisotope Power System Waste Heat for Spacecraft Thermal Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pantano, David R.; Dottore, Frank; Geng, Steven M.; Schrieber, Jeffrey G.; Tobery, E. Wayne; Palko, Joseph L.

2005-01-01

One of the advantages of using a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) for deep space or planetary surface missions is the readily available waste heat, which can be used to maintain electronic components within a controlled temperature range, to warm propulsion tanks and mobility actuators, and to gasify liquid propellants. Previous missions using Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) dissipated a very large quantity of waste heat due to the relatively low efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion technology. The next generation RPSs, such as the 110-watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110) will have much higher conversion efficiencies than their predecessors and therefore may require alternate approaches to transferring waste heat to the spacecraft. RTGs, with efficiencies of approx. 6 to 7% and 200 C housing surface temperatures, would need to use large and heavy radiator heat exchangers to transfer the waste heat to the internal spacecraft components. At the same time, sensitive spacecraft instruments must be shielded from the thermal radiation by using the heat exchangers or additional shields. The SRG110, with an efficiency around 22% and 50 C nominal housing surface temperature, can use the available waste heat more efficiently by more direct heat transfer methods such as heat pipes, thermal straps, or fluid loops. The lower temperatures allow the SRG110 much more flexibility to the spacecraft designers in configuring the generator without concern of overheating nearby scientific instruments, thereby eliminating the need for thermal shields. This paper will investigate using a high efficiency SRG110 for spacecraft thermal management and outline potential methods in several conceptual missions (Lunar Rover, Mars Rover, and Titan Lander) to illustrate the advantages with regard to ease of assembly, less complex interfaces, and overall mass savings.

Large-area high-efficiency flexible PHOLED lighting panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Huiqing; Mandlik, Prashant; Levermore, Peter A.; Silvernail, Jeff; Ma, Ruiqing; Brown, Julie J.

2012-09-01

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) provide various attractive features for next generation illumination systems, including high efficiency, low power, thin and flexible form factor. In this work, we incorporated phosphorescent emitters and demonstrated highly efficient white phosphorescent OLED (PHOLED) devices on flexible plastic substrates. The 0.94 cm2 small-area device has total thickness of approximately 0.25 mm and achieved 63 lm/W at 1,000 cd/m2 with CRI = 85 and CCT = 2920 K. We further designed and fabricated a 15 cm x 15 cm large-area flexible white OLED lighting panels, finished with a hybrid single-layer ultra-low permeability single layer barrier (SLB) encapsulation film. The flexible panel has an active area of 116.4 cm2, and achieved a power efficacy of 47 lm/W at 1,000 cd/m2 with CRI = 83 and CCT = 3470 K. The efficacy of the panel at 3,000 cd/m2 is 43 lm/W. The large-area flexible PHOLED lighting panel is to bring out enormous possibilities to the future general lighting applications.

Hybrid WDM/OCDMA for next generation access network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xu; Wada, Naoya; Miyazaki, T.; Cincotti, G.; Kitayama, Ken-ichi

2007-11-01

Hybrid wavelength division multiplexing/optical code division multiple access (WDM/OCDMA) passive optical network (PON), where asynchronous OCDMA traffic transmits over WDM network, can be one potential candidate for gigabit-symmetric fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services. In a cost-effective WDM/OCDMA network, a large scale multi-port encoder/decoder can be employed in the central office, and a low cost encoder/decoder will be used in optical network unit (ONU). The WDM/OCDMA system could be one promising solution to the symmetric high capacity access network with high spectral efficiency, cost effective, good flexibility and enhanced security. Asynchronous WDM/OCDMA systems have been experimentally demonstrated using superstructured fiber Bragg gratings (SSFBG) and muti-port OCDMA en/decoders. The total throughput has reached above Tera-bit/s with spectral efficiency of about 0.41. The key enabling techniques include ultra-long SSFBG, multi-port E/D with high power contrast ratio, optical thresholding, differential phase shift keying modulation with balanced detection, forward error correction, and etc. Using multi-level modulation formats to carry multi-bit information with single pulse, the total capacity and spectral efficiency could be further enhanced.

DNA copy number, including telomeres and mitochondria, assayed using next-generation sequencing.

PubMed

Castle, John C; Biery, Matthew; Bouzek, Heather; Xie, Tao; Chen, Ronghua; Misura, Kira; Jackson, Stuart; Armour, Christopher D; Johnson, Jason M; Rohl, Carol A; Raymond, Christopher K

2010-04-16

DNA copy number variations occur within populations and aberrations can cause disease. We sought to develop an improved lab-automatable, cost-efficient, accurate platform to profile DNA copy number. We developed a sequencing-based assay of nuclear, mitochondrial, and telomeric DNA copy number that draws on the unbiased nature of next-generation sequencing and incorporates techniques developed for RNA expression profiling. To demonstrate this platform, we assayed UMC-11 cells using 5 million 33 nt reads and found tremendous copy number variation, including regions of single and homogeneous deletions and amplifications to 29 copies; 5 times more mitochondria and 4 times less telomeric sequence than a pool of non-diseased, blood-derived DNA; and that UMC-11 was derived from a male individual. The described assay outputs absolute copy number, outputs an error estimate (p-value), and is more accurate than array-based platforms at high copy number. The platform enables profiling of mitochondrial levels and telomeric length. The assay is lab-automatable and has a genomic resolution and cost that are tunable based on the number of sequence reads.

NOAO's next-generation optical spectrograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barden, Samuel C.; Harmer, Charles F.; Blakley, Rick D.; Parks, Rachel J.

2000-08-01

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory is developing a new, wide-field, imaging spectrograph for use on its existing 4-meter telescopes. This Next Generation Optical Spectrograph (NGOS) will utilize volume-phase holographic grating technology and will have a mosaiced detector array to image the spectra over a field of view that will be something like 10.5 by 42 arc-minutes on the sky. The overall efficiency of the spectrograph should be quite high allowing it to outperform the current RC spectrograph by factors of 10 to 20 and the Hydra multi-fiber instrument by a facto of fiber to ten per object. The operational range of the instrument will allow observations within the optical and near-IR regions. Spectral resolutions will go from R equals 1000 to at least R equals 5000 with 1.4 arc-second slits. The large size of this instrument, with a beam diameter of 200 mm and an overall length of nearly 3 meters, presents a significant challenge in mounting it at the Cassegrain location of the telescope. Design trades and options that allow it to fit are discussed.

Targeted therapy according to next generation sequencing-based panel sequencing.

PubMed

Saito, Motonobu; Momma, Tomoyuki; Kono, Koji

2018-04-17

Targeted therapy against actionable gene mutations shows a significantly higher response rate as well as longer survival compared to conventional chemotherapy, and has become a standard therapy for many cancers. Recent progress in next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled to identify huge number of genetic aberrations. Based on sequencing results, patients recommend to undergo targeted therapy or immunotherapy. In cases where there are no available approved drugs for the genetic mutations detected in the patients, it is recommended to be facilitate the registration for the clinical trials. For that purpose, a NGS-based sequencing panel that can simultaneously target multiple genes in a single investigation has been used in daily clinical practice. To date, various types of sequencing panels have been developed to investigate genetic aberrations with tumor somatic genome variants (gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations, high-level copy number alterations, and gene fusions) through comprehensive bioinformatics. Because sequencing panels are efficient and cost-effective, they are quickly being adopted outside the lab, in hospitals and clinics, in order to identify personal targeted therapy for individual cancer patients.

DNA copy number, including telomeres and mitochondria, assayed using next-generation sequencing

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background DNA copy number variations occur within populations and aberrations can cause disease. We sought to develop an improved lab-automatable, cost-efficient, accurate platform to profile DNA copy number. Results We developed a sequencing-based assay of nuclear, mitochondrial, and telomeric DNA copy number that draws on the unbiased nature of next-generation sequencing and incorporates techniques developed for RNA expression profiling. To demonstrate this platform, we assayed UMC-11 cells using 5 million 33 nt reads and found tremendous copy number variation, including regions of single and homogeneous deletions and amplifications to 29 copies; 5 times more mitochondria and 4 times less telomeric sequence than a pool of non-diseased, blood-derived DNA; and that UMC-11 was derived from a male individual. Conclusion The described assay outputs absolute copy number, outputs an error estimate (p-value), and is more accurate than array-based platforms at high copy number. The platform enables profiling of mitochondrial levels and telomeric length. The assay is lab-automatable and has a genomic resolution and cost that are tunable based on the number of sequence reads. PMID:20398377

Enhanced Electron Injection and Exciton Confinement for Pure Blue Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes by Introducing Partially Oxidized Aluminum Cathode.

PubMed

Wang, Zhibin; Cheng, Tai; Wang, Fuzhi; Bai, Yiming; Bian, Xingming; Zhang, Bing; Hayat, Tasawar; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Tan, Zhan'ao

2018-05-31

Stable and efficient red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light sources based on solution-processed quantum dots (QDs) play important roles in next-generation displays and solid-state lighting technologies. The brightness and efficiency of blue QDs-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) remain inferior to their red and green counterparts, due to the inherently unfavorable energy levels of different colors of light. To solve these problems, a device structure should be designed to balance the injection holes and electrons into the emissive QD layer. Herein, through a simple autoxidation strategy, pure blue QD-LEDs which are highly bright and efficient are demonstrated, with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Poly-TPD/QDs/Al:Al2O3. The autoxidized Al:Al2O3 cathode can effectively balance the injected charges and enhance radiative recombination without introducing an additional electron transport layer (ETL). As a result, high color-saturated blue QD-LEDs are achieved with a maximum luminance over 13,000 cd m -2 , and a maximum current efficiency of 1.15 cd A -1 . The easily controlled autoxidation procedure paves the way for achieving high-performance blue QD-LEDs.

Scanning the horizon for high value-add manufacturing science: Accelerating manufacturing readiness for the next generation of disruptive, high-value curative cell therapeutics.

PubMed

Hourd, Paul; Williams, David J

2018-05-01

Since the regenerative medicine sector entered the second phase of its development (RegenMed 2.0) more than a decade ago, there is increasing recognition that current technology innovation trajectories will drive the next translational phase toward the production of disruptive, high-value curative cell and gene-based regenerative medicines. To identify the manufacturing science problems that must be addressed to permit translation of these next generation therapeutics. In this short report, a long lens look within the pluripotent stem cell therapeutic space, both embryonic and induced, is used to gain early insights on where critical technology and manufacturing challenges may emerge. This report offers a future perspective on the development and innovation that will be needed within manufacturing science to add value in the production and commercialization of the next generation of advanced cell therapies and precision medicines. Copyright © 2018 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Solar Energy Harvesting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blackburn, Jeffrey L.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) represent a tunable model one-dimensional system with exceptional optical and electronic properties. High-throughput separation and purification strategies have enabled the integration of s-SWCNTs into a number of optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaics (PVs). In this Perspective, we discuss the fundamental underpinnings of two model PV interfaces involving s-SWCNTs. We first discuss s-SWCNT-fullerene heterojunctions where exciton dissociation at the donor-acceptor interface drives solar energy conversion. Next, we discuss charge extraction at the interface between s-SWCNTs and a photoexcited perovskite active layer. In each case, the use of highly enriched semiconducting SWCNT samples enables fundamental insights into themore » thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms that drive the efficient conversion of solar photons into long-lived separated charges. As a result, these model systems help to establish design rules for next-generation PV devices containing well-defined organic semiconductor layers and help to frame a number of important outstanding questions that can guide future studies.« less

Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Solar Energy Harvesting

DOE PAGES

Blackburn, Jeffrey L.

2017-06-14

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) represent a tunable model one-dimensional system with exceptional optical and electronic properties. High-throughput separation and purification strategies have enabled the integration of s-SWCNTs into a number of optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaics (PVs). In this Perspective, we discuss the fundamental underpinnings of two model PV interfaces involving s-SWCNTs. We first discuss s-SWCNT-fullerene heterojunctions where exciton dissociation at the donor-acceptor interface drives solar energy conversion. Next, we discuss charge extraction at the interface between s-SWCNTs and a photoexcited perovskite active layer. In each case, the use of highly enriched semiconducting SWCNT samples enables fundamental insights into themore » thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms that drive the efficient conversion of solar photons into long-lived separated charges. As a result, these model systems help to establish design rules for next-generation PV devices containing well-defined organic semiconductor layers and help to frame a number of important outstanding questions that can guide future studies.« less

Room-Temperature Triple-Ligand Surface Engineering Synergistically Boosts Ink Stability, Recombination Dynamics, and Charge Injection toward EQE-11.6% Perovskite QLEDs.

PubMed

Song, Jizhong; Li, Jinhang; Xu, Leimeng; Li, Jianhai; Zhang, Fengjuan; Han, Boning; Shan, Qingsong; Zeng, Haibo

2018-06-10

Developing low-cost and high-quality quantum dots (QDs) or nanocrystals (NCs) and their corresponding efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is crucial for the next-generation ultra-high-definition flexible displays. Here, there is a report on a room-temperature triple-ligand surface engineering strategy to play the synergistic role of short ligands of tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB), didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), and octanoic acid (OTAc) toward "ideal" perovskite QDs with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of >90%, unity radiative decay in its intrinsic channel, stable ink characteristics, and effective charge injection and transportation in QD films, resulting in the highly efficient QD-based LEDs (QLEDs). Furthermore, the QD films with less nonradiative recombination centers exhibit improved PL properties with a PLQY of 61% through dopant engineering in A-site. The robustness of such properties is demonstrated by the fabrication of green electroluminescent LEDs based on CsPbBr 3 QDs with the peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.6%, and the corresponding peak internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and power efficiency are 52.2% and 44.65 lm W -1 , respectively, which are the most-efficient perovskite QLEDs with colloidal CsPbBr 3 QDs as emitters up to now. These results demonstrate that the as-obtained QD inks have a wide range application in future high-definition QD displays and high-quality lightings. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

BigQ: a NoSQL based framework to handle genomic variants in i2b2.

PubMed

Gabetta, Matteo; Limongelli, Ivan; Rizzo, Ettore; Riva, Alberto; Segagni, Daniele; Bellazzi, Riccardo

2015-12-29

Precision medicine requires the tight integration of clinical and molecular data. To this end, it is mandatory to define proper technological solutions able to manage the overwhelming amount of high throughput genomic data needed to test associations between genomic signatures and human phenotypes. The i2b2 Center (Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside) has developed a widely internationally adopted framework to use existing clinical data for discovery research that can help the definition of precision medicine interventions when coupled with genetic data. i2b2 can be significantly advanced by designing efficient management solutions of Next Generation Sequencing data. We developed BigQ, an extension of the i2b2 framework, which integrates patient clinical phenotypes with genomic variant profiles generated by Next Generation Sequencing. A visual programming i2b2 plugin allows retrieving variants belonging to the patients in a cohort by applying filters on genomic variant annotations. We report an evaluation of the query performance of our system on more than 11 million variants, showing that the implemented solution scales linearly in terms of query time and disk space with the number of variants. In this paper we describe a new i2b2 web service composed of an efficient and scalable document-based database that manages annotations of genomic variants and of a visual programming plug-in designed to dynamically perform queries on clinical and genetic data. The system therefore allows managing the fast growing volume of genomic variants and can be used to integrate heterogeneous genomic annotations.

Ultralow threading dislocation density in GaN epilayer on near-strain-free GaN compliant buffer layer and its applications in hetero-epitaxial LEDs

PubMed Central

Shih, Huan-Yu; Shiojiri, Makoto; Chen, Ching-Hsiang; Yu, Sheng-Fu; Ko, Chung-Ting; Yang, Jer-Ren; Lin, Ray-Ming; Chen, Miin-Jang

2015-01-01

High threading dislocation (TD) density in GaN-based devices is a long unresolved problem because of the large lattice mismatch between GaN and the substrate, which causes a major obstacle for the further improvement of next-generation high-efficiency solid-state lighting and high-power electronics. Here, we report InGaN/GaN LEDs with ultralow TD density and improved efficiency on a sapphire substrate, on which a near strain-free GaN compliant buffer layer was grown by remote plasma atomic layer deposition. This “compliant” buffer layer is capable of relaxing strain due to the absorption of misfit dislocations in a region within ~10 nm from the interface, leading to a high-quality overlying GaN epilayer with an unusual TD density as low as 2.2 × 105 cm−2. In addition, this GaN compliant buffer layer exhibits excellent uniformity up to a 6” wafer, revealing a promising means to realize large-area GaN hetero-epitaxy for efficient LEDs and high-power transistors. PMID:26329829

Design of lateral heterostructure from arsenene and antimonene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Qilong; Dai, Ying; Ma, Yandong; Yin, Na; Wei, Wei; Yu, Lin; Huang, Baibiao

2016-09-01

Lateral heterostructures fabricated by two-dimensional building blocks have opened up exciting realms in material science and device physics. Identifying suitable materials for creating such heterostructures is urgently needed for the next-generation devices. Here, we demonstrate a novel type of seamless lateral heterostructures with excellent stabilities formed within pristine arsenene and antimonene. We find that these heterostructures could possess direct and reduced energy gaps without any modulations. Moreover, the highly coveted type-II alignment and the high carrier mobility are also identified, marking the enhanced quantum efficiency. The tensile strain can result in efficient bandgap engineering. Besides, the proposed critical condition for favored direct energy gaps would have a guiding significance on the subsequent works. Generally, our predictions not only introduce new vitality into lateral heterostructures, enriching available candidate materials in this field, but also highlight the potential of these lateral heterostructures as appealing materials for future devices.

Highly Controlled Codeposition Rate of Organolead Halide Perovskite by Laser Evaporation Method.

PubMed

Miyadera, Tetsuhiko; Sugita, Takeshi; Tampo, Hitoshi; Matsubara, Koji; Chikamatsu, Masayuki

2016-10-05

Organolead-halide perovskites can be promising materials for next-generation solar cells because of its high power conversion efficiency. The method of precise fabrication is required because both solution-process and vacuum-process fabrication of the perovskite have problems of controllability and reproducibility. Vacuum deposition process was expected to achieve precise control; however, vaporization of amine compound significantly degrades the controllability of deposition rate. Here we achieved the reduction of the vaporization by implementing the laser evaporation system for the codeposition of perovskite. Locally irradiated continuous-wave lasers on the source materials realized the reduced vaporization of CH 3 NH 3 I. The deposition rate was stabilized for several hours by adjusting the duty ratio of modulated laser based on proportional-integral control. Organic-photovoltaic-type perovskite solar cells were fabricated by codeposition of PbI 2 and CH 3 NH 3 I. A power-conversion efficiency of 16.0% with reduced hysteresis was achieved.

Single-atom Catalysis Using Pt/Graphene Achieved through Atomic Layer Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shuhui; Zhang, Gaixia; Gauquelin, Nicolas; Chen, Ning; Zhou, Jigang; Yang, Songlan; Chen, Weifeng; Meng, Xiangbo; Geng, Dongsheng; Banis, Mohammad N.; Li, Ruying; Ye, Siyu; Knights, Shanna; Botton, Gianluigi A.; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xueliang

2013-05-01

Platinum-nanoparticle-based catalysts are widely used in many important chemical processes and automobile industries. Downsizing catalyst nanoparticles to single atoms is highly desirable to maximize their use efficiency, however, very challenging. Here we report a practical synthesis for isolated single Pt atoms anchored to graphene nanosheet using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. ALD offers the capability of precise control of catalyst size span from single atom, subnanometer cluster to nanoparticle. The single-atom catalysts exhibit significantly improved catalytic activity (up to 10 times) over that of the state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses reveal that the low-coordination and partially unoccupied densities of states of 5d orbital of Pt atoms are responsible for the excellent performance. This work is anticipated to form the basis for the exploration of a next generation of highly efficient single-atom catalysts for various applications.

0D-2D and 1D-2D Semiconductor Hybrids Composed of All Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals and Single-Layer Graphene with Improved Light Harvesting

DOE PAGES

Chen, Jia-Shiang; Doane, Tennyson L.; Li, Mingxing; ...

2017-12-27

In this study, inorganic cesium lead iodide (CsPbI 3) perovskite nanoparticles (PNPs) and perovskite nanowires (PNWs) with single-layer graphene (SLG) are combined to obtain 0D–2D PNP–SLG and 1D–2D PNW–SLG hybrids with improved light harvesting. Time-resolved single-nanostructure photoluminescence studies of PNPs, PNWs, and related hybrids reveal (i) quasi-two-state photoluminescence blinking in PNPs, (ii) highly polarized photoluminescence emitted by PNWs and (iii) efficient interfacial electron transfer between perovskite nanostructures and SLG in both PNP–SLG and PNW–SLG hybrids. Thus, doping of poorly absorbing, highly conductive SLG with perovskite nanocrystals and nanowires provides a simple, yet efficient path to obtain hybrids with increased light-harvestingmore » properties for potential utilization in the next-generation photodetectors and photovoltaic devices, including polarization sensitive photodetectors.« less

0D-2D and 1D-2D Semiconductor Hybrids Composed of All Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals and Single-Layer Graphene with Improved Light Harvesting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Jia-Shiang; Doane, Tennyson L.; Li, Mingxing

In this study, inorganic cesium lead iodide (CsPbI 3) perovskite nanoparticles (PNPs) and perovskite nanowires (PNWs) with single-layer graphene (SLG) are combined to obtain 0D–2D PNP–SLG and 1D–2D PNW–SLG hybrids with improved light harvesting. Time-resolved single-nanostructure photoluminescence studies of PNPs, PNWs, and related hybrids reveal (i) quasi-two-state photoluminescence blinking in PNPs, (ii) highly polarized photoluminescence emitted by PNWs and (iii) efficient interfacial electron transfer between perovskite nanostructures and SLG in both PNP–SLG and PNW–SLG hybrids. Thus, doping of poorly absorbing, highly conductive SLG with perovskite nanocrystals and nanowires provides a simple, yet efficient path to obtain hybrids with increased light-harvestingmore » properties for potential utilization in the next-generation photodetectors and photovoltaic devices, including polarization sensitive photodetectors.« less

Li+-Permeable Film on Lithium Anode for Lithium Sulfur Battery.

PubMed

Yang, Yan-Bo; Liu, Yun-Xia; Song, Zhiping; Zhou, Yun-Hong; Zhan, Hui

2017-11-08

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is an important candidate for next-generation energy storage. However, the reaction between polysulfide and lithium (Li) anode brings poor cycling stability, low Coulombic efficiency, and Li corrosion. Herein, we report a Li protection technology. Li metal was treated in crown ether containing electrolyte, and thus, treated Li was further used as the anode in Li-S cell. Due to the coordination between Li + and crown ether, a Li + -permeable film can be formed on Li, and the film is proved to be able to block the detrimental reaction between Li anode and polysulfide. By using the Li anode pretreated in 2 wt % B15C5-containing electrolyte, Li-S cell exhibits significantly improved cycling stability, such as∼900 mAh g -1 after 100 cycles, and high Coulombic efficiency of>93%. In addition, such effect is also notable when high S loading condition is applied.

The best features of diamond nanothread for nanofibre applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Haifei; Zhang, Gang; Tan, Vincent B. C.; Gu, Yuantong

2017-03-01

Carbon fibres have attracted interest from both the scientific and engineering communities due to their outstanding physical properties. Here we report that recently synthesized ultrathin diamond nanothread not only possesses excellent torsional deformation capability, but also excellent interfacial load-transfer efficiency. Compared with (10,10) carbon nanotube bundles, the flattening of nanotubes is not observed in diamond nanothread bundles, which leads to a high-torsional elastic limit that is almost three times higher. Pull-out tests reveal that the diamond nanothread bundle has an interface transfer load of more than twice that of the carbon nanotube bundle, corresponding to an order of magnitude higher in terms of the interfacial shear strength. Such high load-transfer efficiency is attributed to the strong mechanical interlocking effect at the interface. These intriguing features suggest that diamond nanothread could be an excellent candidate for constructing next-generation carbon fibres.

Single-atom Catalysis Using Pt/Graphene Achieved through Atomic Layer Deposition

PubMed Central

Sun, Shuhui; Zhang, Gaixia; Gauquelin, Nicolas; Chen, Ning; Zhou, Jigang; Yang, Songlan; Chen, Weifeng; Meng, Xiangbo; Geng, Dongsheng; Banis, Mohammad N.; Li, Ruying; Ye, Siyu; Knights, Shanna; Botton, Gianluigi A.; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xueliang

2013-01-01

Platinum-nanoparticle-based catalysts are widely used in many important chemical processes and automobile industries. Downsizing catalyst nanoparticles to single atoms is highly desirable to maximize their use efficiency, however, very challenging. Here we report a practical synthesis for isolated single Pt atoms anchored to graphene nanosheet using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. ALD offers the capability of precise control of catalyst size span from single atom, subnanometer cluster to nanoparticle. The single-atom catalysts exhibit significantly improved catalytic activity (up to 10 times) over that of the state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses reveal that the low-coordination and partially unoccupied densities of states of 5d orbital of Pt atoms are responsible for the excellent performance. This work is anticipated to form the basis for the exploration of a next generation of highly efficient single-atom catalysts for various applications.

Smart article: application of intelligent platforms in next generation biomedical publications.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Babak; Saeedi, Marjan; Haghpanah, Vahid

2017-01-01

Production of scientific data has been accelerated exponentially though ease of access to the required knowledge is still challenging. Hence, the emergence of new frameworks to allow more efficient storage of information would be beneficial. Attaining intelligent platforms enable the smart article to serve as a forum for exchanging idea among experts of academic disciplines for a rapid and efficient scientific discourse.

The Next Generation of Personal Computers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crecine, John P.

1986-01-01

Discusses factors converging to create high-capacity, low-cost nature of next generation of microcomputers: a coherent vision of what graphics workstation and future computing environment should be like; hardware developments leading to greater storage capacity at lower costs; and development of software and expertise to exploit computing power…

SEP Mission to Titan NEXT Aerocapture In-Space Propulsion (Quicktime Movie)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baggett, Randy

2004-01-01

The ion thruster is one of the most promising solar electric propulsion (SEP) technologies to support future Outer Planet missions (place provided link below here) for NASA's Office of Space Science. Typically, ion thrusters are used in high Isp- low thrust applications that require long lifetimes, as well as, higher efficiency over state-of-the-art chemical propulsion systems.Today, the standard for ion thrusters is the SEP Technology Application Readiness (NSTAR) thruster. Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL's) extended life test (ELT) of the DS 1 flight spare NSTAR thruster began in October 1998. This test successfully demonstrated lifetime of the NSTAR flight spare thruster, which will provide a solid basis for selection of ion thrusters for future Code S missions. The NSTAR ELT was concluded on June 30,2003 after 30,352 hours. The purpose of the Next Generation Ion (NGI) activities is to advance Ion propulsion system technologies through the development of NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT). The goal of NEXT is to more than double the power capability and lifetime throughput (the total amount of propellant which can be processed) while increasing the Isp by 30% and the thrust by 120%.

Data centers as dispatchable loads to harness stranded power

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Kibaek; Yang, Fan; Zavala, Victor M.

Here, we analyze how traditional data center placement and optimal placement of dispatchable data centers affect power grid efficiency. We use detailed network models, stochastic optimization formulations, and diverse renewable generation scenarios to perform our analysis. Our results reveal that significant spillage and stranded power will persist in power grids as wind power levels are increased. A counter-intuitive finding is that collocating data centers with inflexible loads next to wind farms has limited impacts on renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goals because it provides limited system-level flexibility. Such an approach can, in fact, increase stranded power and fossil-fueled generation. In contrast,more » optimally placing data centers that are dispatchable provides system-wide flexibility, reduces stranded power, and improves efficiency. In short, optimally placed dispatchable computing loads can enable better scaling to high RPS. In our case study, we find that these dispatchable computing loads are powered to 60-80% of their requested capacity, indicating that there are significant economic incentives provided by stranded power.« less

Data centers as dispatchable loads to harness stranded power

DOE PAGES

Kim, Kibaek; Yang, Fan; Zavala, Victor M.; ...

2016-07-20

Here, we analyze how traditional data center placement and optimal placement of dispatchable data centers affect power grid efficiency. We use detailed network models, stochastic optimization formulations, and diverse renewable generation scenarios to perform our analysis. Our results reveal that significant spillage and stranded power will persist in power grids as wind power levels are increased. A counter-intuitive finding is that collocating data centers with inflexible loads next to wind farms has limited impacts on renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goals because it provides limited system-level flexibility. Such an approach can, in fact, increase stranded power and fossil-fueled generation. In contrast,more » optimally placing data centers that are dispatchable provides system-wide flexibility, reduces stranded power, and improves efficiency. In short, optimally placed dispatchable computing loads can enable better scaling to high RPS. In our case study, we find that these dispatchable computing loads are powered to 60-80% of their requested capacity, indicating that there are significant economic incentives provided by stranded power.« less

Large Size Color-tunable Electroluminescence from Cationic Iridium Complexes-based Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells

PubMed Central

Zeng, Qunying; Li, Fushan; Guo, Tailiang; Shan, Guogang; Su, Zhongmin

2016-01-01

Solution-processable light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with simple device architecture have become an attractive candidate for application in next generation lighting and flat-panel displays. Herein, single layer LECs employing two cationic Ir(III) complexes showing highly efficient blue-green and yellow electroluminescence with peak current efficiency of 31.6 cd A−1 and 40.6 cd A−1, respectively, have been reported. By using both complexes in the device, color-tunable LECs with a single spectral peak in the wavelength range from 499 to 570 nm were obtained by varying their rations. In addition, the fabrication of efficient LECs was demonstrated based on low cost doctor-blade coating technique, which was compatible with the roll to roll fabrication process for the large size production. In this work, for the first time, 4 inch LEC devices by doctor-blade coating were fabricated, which exhibit the efficiencies of 23.4 cd A−1 and 25.4 cd A−1 for the blue-green and yellow emission, respectively. The exciting results indicated that highly efficient LECs with controllable color could be realized and find practical application in large size lighting and displays. PMID:27278527

Conductive polymer binder for nano-silicon/graphite composite electrode in lithium-ion batteries towards a practical application

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Hui; Du, Allen; Ling, Min; ...

2016-05-10

The state-of-the-art graphite anode containing a small portion of silicon represents a promising way of applying high-capacity alloy anode in the next generation high energy density lithium-ion batteries. The conductive polymeric binders developed for Si anodes proved to be an effective binder for this graphite/nanoSi composite electrode. Without any acetylene black conductive additives in the electrode, a high areal capacity of above 2.5 mAh/cm 2 is achieved during long-term cycling over 100 cycles. Finally, this conductive polymer-enabled graphite/nanoSi composite electrode exhibits high specific capacity and high 1 st cycle efficiency, which is a significant progress toward commercial application of Simore » anodes.« less

High-Oriented Polypyrrole Nanotubes for Next-Generation Gas Sensor.

PubMed

Xue, Mianqi; Li, Fengwang; Chen, Dong; Yang, Zhanhai; Wang, Xiaowei; Ji, Junhui

2016-10-01

Highly oriented PPy nanotubes are grown by in situ vapor phase polymerization within a nanoscale template under low temperature. As-fabricated PPy nanotubes are used for gas sensing, where an ultralow detection limit (0.05 ppb) and very fast response are achieved. Such an in situ mass-productive method for synthesizing highly oriented conducting polymers may pave a new step toward next-generation gas sensors. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hamann, Thomas

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted a lot of interest as they proffer the possibility of extremely inexpensive and efficient solar energy conversion. The excellent performance of the most efficient DSSCs relies on two main features: 1) a high surface area nanoparticle semiconductor photoanode to allow for excellent light absorption with moderate extinction molecular dyes and 2) slow recombination rates from the photoanode to I 3 - allowing good charge collection. The I 3 -/I - couple, however, has some disadvantages, notably the redox potential limits the maximum open-circuit voltage, and the dye regeneration requires a large driving force whichmore » constrains the light harvesting ability. Thus, the design features that allow DSSCs to perform as well as they do also prevent further significant improvements in performance. As a consequence, the most efficient device configuration, and the maximum efficiency, has remained essentially unchanged over the last 16 years. Significant gains in performance are possible; however it will likely require a substantial paradigm shift. The general goal of this project is to understand the fundamental role of dye-sensitized solar cell, DSSC, components (sensitizer, redox shuttle, and photoanode) involved in key processes in order to overcome the kinetic and energetic constraints of current generation DSSCs. For example, the key to achieving high energy conversion efficiency DSSCs is the realization of a redox shuttle which fulfills the dual requirements of 1) efficient dye regeneration with a minimal driving force and 2) efficient charge collection. In current generation DSSCs, however, only one or the other of these requirements is met. We are currently primarily interested in understanding the physical underpinnings of the regeneration and recombination reactions. Our approach is to systematically vary the components involved in reactions and interrogate them with a series of photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements. The lessons learned will ultimately be used to develop design rules for next generation DSSCs.« less

Fermi-level effects in semiconductor processing: A modeling scheme for atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo simulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin-Bragado, I.; Castrillo, P.; Jaraiz, M.; Pinacho, R.; Rubio, J. E.; Barbolla, J.; Moroz, V.

2005-09-01

Atomistic process simulation is expected to play an important role for the development of next generations of integrated circuits. This work describes an approach for modeling electric charge effects in a three-dimensional atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo process simulator. The proposed model has been applied to the diffusion of electrically active boron and arsenic atoms in silicon. Several key aspects of the underlying physical mechanisms are discussed: (i) the use of the local Debye length to smooth out the atomistic point-charge distribution, (ii) algorithms to correctly update the charge state in a physically accurate and computationally efficient way, and (iii) an efficient implementation of the drift of charged particles in an electric field. High-concentration effects such as band-gap narrowing and degenerate statistics are also taken into account. The efficiency, accuracy, and relevance of the model are discussed.

Gyrokinetic particle-in-cell optimization on emerging multi- and manycore platforms

DOE PAGES

Madduri, Kamesh; Im, Eun-Jin; Ibrahim, Khaled Z.; ...

2011-03-02

The next decade of high-performance computing (HPC) systems will see a rapid evolution and divergence of multi- and manycore architectures as power and cooling constraints limit increases in microprocessor clock speeds. Understanding efficient optimization methodologies on diverse multicore designs in the context of demanding numerical methods is one of the greatest challenges faced today by the HPC community. In this paper, we examine the efficient multicore optimization of GTC, a petascale gyrokinetic toroidal fusion code for studying plasma microturbulence in tokamak devices. For GTC’s key computational components (charge deposition and particle push), we explore efficient parallelization strategies across a broadmore » range of emerging multicore designs, including the recently-released Intel Nehalem-EX, the AMD Opteron Istanbul, and the highly multithreaded Sun UltraSparc T2+. We also present the first study on tuning gyrokinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithms for graphics processors, using the NVIDIA C2050 (Fermi). Our work discusses several novel optimization approaches for gyrokinetic PIC, including mixed-precision computation, particle binning and decomposition strategies, grid replication, SIMDized atomic floating-point operations, and effective GPU texture memory utilization. Overall, we achieve significant performance improvements of 1.3–4.7× on these complex PIC kernels, despite the inherent challenges of data dependency and locality. Finally, our work also points to several architectural and programming features that could significantly enhance PIC performance and productivity on next-generation architectures.« less

Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) status report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nored, D. L.; Dugan, J. F., Jr.; Saunders, N. T.; Ziemianski, J. A.

1979-01-01

Fuel efficiency in aeronautics, for fuel conservation in general as well as for its effect on commercial aircraft operating economics is considered. Projects of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency Program related to propulsion are emphasized. These include: (1) engine component improvement, directed at performance improvement and engine diagnostics for prolonged service life; (2) energy efficient engine, directed at proving the technology base for the next generation of turbofan engines; and (3) advanced turboprop, directed at advancing the technology of turboprop powered aircraft to a point suitable for commercial airline service. Progress in these technology areas is reported.

High-Performance Permanent Magnets for Energy-Efficient Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjipanayis, George

2012-02-01

Permanent magnets (PMs) are indispensable for many commercial applications including the electric, electronic and automobile industries, communications, information technologies and automatic control engineering. In most of these applications, an increase in the magnetic energy density of the PM, usually presented via the maximum energy product (BH)max, immediately increases the efficiency of the whole device and makes it smaller and lighter. Worldwide demand for high performance permanent magnets has increased dramatically in the past few years driven by hybrid and electric cars, wind turbines and other power generation systems. New energy challenges in the world require devices with higher energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact. The potential of 3d-4f compounds which revolutionized the PM science and technology is almost fully utilized, and the supply of 4f rare earth elements does not seem to be much longer assured. This talk will address the major principles guiding the development of PMs and overview state-of-the-art theoretical and experimental research. Recent progress in the development of nanocomposite PMs, consisting of a fine (at the scale of the magnetic exchange length) mixture of phases with high magnetization and large magnetic hardness will be discussed. Fabrication of such PMs is currently the most promising way to boost the (BH)max, while simultaneously decreasing, at least partially, the reliance on the rare earth elements. Special attention will be paid to the impact which the next-generation high-(BH)max magnets is expected to have on existing and proposed energy-saving technologies.

A Very High Order, Adaptable MESA Implementation for Aeroacoustic Computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dydson, Roger W.; Goodrich, John W.

2000-01-01

Since computational efficiency and wave resolution scale with accuracy, the ideal would be infinitely high accuracy for problems with widely varying wavelength scales. Currently, many of the computational aeroacoustics methods are limited to 4th order accurate Runge-Kutta methods in time which limits their resolution and efficiency. However, a new procedure for implementing the Modified Expansion Solution Approximation (MESA) schemes, based upon Hermitian divided differences, is presented which extends the effective accuracy of the MESA schemes to 57th order in space and time when using 128 bit floating point precision. This new approach has the advantages of reducing round-off error, being easy to program. and is more computationally efficient when compared to previous approaches. Its accuracy is limited only by the floating point hardware. The advantages of this new approach are demonstrated by solving the linearized Euler equations in an open bi-periodic domain. A 500th order MESA scheme can now be created in seconds, making these schemes ideally suited for the next generation of high performance 256-bit (double quadruple) or higher precision computers. This ease of creation makes it possible to adapt the algorithm to the mesh in time instead of its converse: this is ideal for resolving varying wavelength scales which occur in noise generation simulations. And finally, the sources of round-off error which effect the very high order methods are examined and remedies provided that effectively increase the accuracy of the MESA schemes while using current computer technology.

Focusing X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen; Brissenden, Roger; Davis, William; Elsner, Ronald; Elvis, Martin; Freeman, Mark; Gaetz, Terrance; Gorenstein, Paul; Gubarev, Mikhall; Jerlus, Diab;

Novel methods to optimize genotypic imputation for low-coverage, next-generation sequence data in crop plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Next-generation sequencing technology such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) made low-cost, but often low-coverage, whole-genome sequencing widely available. Extensive inbreeding in crop plants provides an untapped, high quality source of phased haplotypes for imputing missing genotypes. We introduc...

Applications and Case Studies of the Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies in Food, Nutrition and Agriculture.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Next-generation sequencing technologies are able to produce high-throughput short sequence reads in a cost-effective fashion. The emergence of these technologies has not only facilitated genome sequencing but also changed the landscape of life sciences. Here I survey their major applications ranging...

Next generation sequencers: methods and applications in food-borne pathogens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Next generation sequencers are able to produce millions of short sequence reads in a high-throughput, low-cost way. The emergence of these technologies has not only facilitated genome sequencing but also started to change the landscape of life sciences. This chapter will survey their methods and app...

Constraining Galaxy Evolution With Hubble's Next Generation Spectral Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heap, S.; Lindler, D. J.

2009-03-01

We present Hubble's Next Generation Spectral Library, a library of UV-optical spectra (0.2-1.0 μ) of 378 stars. We show that the mid-UV spectrum can be used to constrain the ages and metallicities of high-redshift galaxies presently being observed with large, ground-based telescopes.

Composite Li metal anode with vertical graphene host for high performance Li-S batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. J.; Liu, S. F.; Wang, X. L.; Zhong, Y.; Xia, X. H.; Wu, J. B.; Tu, J. P.

2018-01-01

Efficient and stable operation of a lithium metal anode has become the enabling factor for next-generation high energy density storage system. Here, vertical graphene (VG) arrays are used as the scaffold structure for high performance Li metal batteries. The melt infusion method is employed to encapsulate Li inside the VG scaffold structure, and the lithiophilic Si layer is coated onto the array surface by magnetron sputtering to assist this melt-infusion process. The porous scaffold structure can control the volume expansion and inhibit the formation of dendritic lithium significantly, leading to the excellent electrochemical performance of the Li composite anode. In addition, the Li-S full batteries with the composite anode display enhanced cycling reversibility.

YAMAT-seq: an efficient method for high-throughput sequencing of mature transfer RNAs

PubMed Central

Shigematsu, Megumi; Honda, Shozo; Loher, Phillipe; Telonis, Aristeidis G.; Rigoutsos, Isidore

2017-01-01

Abstract Besides translation, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play many non-canonical roles in various biological pathways and exhibit highly variable expression profiles. To unravel the emerging complexities of tRNA biology and molecular mechanisms underlying them, an efficient tRNA sequencing method is required. However, the rigid structure of tRNA has been presenting a challenge to the development of such methods. We report the development of Y-shaped Adapter-ligated MAture TRNA sequencing (YAMAT-seq), an efficient and convenient method for high-throughput sequencing of mature tRNAs. YAMAT-seq circumvents the issue of inefficient adapter ligation, a characteristic of conventional RNA sequencing methods for mature tRNAs, by employing the efficient and specific ligation of Y-shaped adapter to mature tRNAs using T4 RNA Ligase 2. Subsequent cDNA amplification and next-generation sequencing successfully yield numerous mature tRNA sequences. YAMAT-seq has high specificity for mature tRNAs and high sensitivity to detect most isoacceptors from minute amount of total RNA. Moreover, YAMAT-seq shows quantitative capability to estimate expression levels of mature tRNAs, and has high reproducibility and broad applicability for various cell lines. YAMAT-seq thus provides high-throughput technique for identifying tRNA profiles and their regulations in various transcriptomes, which could play important regulatory roles in translation and other biological processes. PMID:28108659

ADS-B and multilateration sensor fusion algorithm for air traffic control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Mengchen

Air traffic is expected to increase rapidly in the next decade. But, the current Air Traffic Control (ATC) system does not meet the demand of the future safety and efficiency. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is a transformation program for the ATC system in the United States. The latest estimates by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) show that by 2018 NextGen will reduce total delays in flight by 35 percent and provide 23 billion dollars in cumulative benefits. A satellite-based technology called the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system is one of the most important elements in NextGen. FAA expects that ADS-B systems will be available in the National Airspace System (NAS) by 2020. However, an alternative surveillance system is needed due to vulnerabilities that exist in ADS-B systems. Multilateration has a high accuracy performance and is believed to be an ideal back-up strategy for ADS-B systems. Thus, in this study, we develop the ADS-B and multilateration sensor fusion algorithm for aircraft tracking applications in ATC. The algorithm contains a fault detection function for ADS-B information monitoring by using Trajectory Change Points reports from ADS-B and numerical vectors from a hybrid estimation algorithm. We consider two types of faults in the ADS-B measurement model to show that the algorithm is able to deal with the bad data from ADS-B systems and automatically select good data from multilateration systems. We apply fuzzy logic concepts and generate time variant parameters during the fusion process. The parameters play a role of weights for combining data from different sensors. The algorithm performance is validated through two aircraft tracking examples.

OLED microdisplay design and materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wacyk, Ihor; Prache, Olivier; Ali, Tariq; Khayrullin, Ilyas; Ghosh, Amalkumar

2010-04-01

AMOLED microdisplays from eMagin Corporation are finding growing acceptance within the military display market as a result of their excellent power efficiency, wide operating temperature range, small size and weight, good system flexibility, and ease of use. The latest designs have also demonstrated improved optical performance including better uniformity, contrast, MTF, and color gamut. eMagin's largest format display is currently the SXGA design, which includes features such as a 30-bit wide RGB digital interface, automatic luminance regulation from -45 to +70°C, variable gamma control, and a dynamic range exceeding 50:000 to 1. This paper will highlight the benefits of eMagin's latest microdisplay designs and review the roadmap for next generation devices. The ongoing development of reduced size pixels and larger format displays (up to WUXGA) as well as new OLED device architecture (e.g. high-brightness yellow) will be discussed. Approaches being explored for improved performance in next generation designs such as lowpower serial interfaces, high frame rate operation, and new operational modes for reduction of motion artifacts will also be described. These developments should continue to enhance the appeal of AMOLED microdisplays for a broad spectrum of near-to-the-eye applications such as night vision, simulation and training, situational awareness, augmented reality, medical imaging, and mobile video entertainment and gaming.

Spectrum of benzo[a]pyrene-induced mutations in the Pig-a gene of L5178YTk+/- cells identified with next generation sequencing.

PubMed

Revollo, Javier; Wang, Yiying; McKinzie, Page; Dad, Azra; Pearce, Mason; Heflich, Robert H; Dobrovolsky, Vasily N

2017-12-01

We used Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) for analysis of mutations in the endogenous X-linked Pig-a gene of clonally expanded L5178YTk +/- cells. The clones developed from single cells that were sorted on a flow cytometer based upon the expression pattern of the GPI-anchored marker, CD90, on their surface. CD90-deficient and CD90-proficient cells were sorted from untreated cultures and CD90-deficient cells were sorted from cultures treated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Pig-a mutations were identified in all clones developed from CD90-deficient cells; no Pig-a mutations were found in clones of CD90-proficient cells. The spectrum of B[a]P-induced Pig-a mutations was dominated by basepair substitutions, small insertions and deletions at G:C, or at sequences rich in G:C content. We observed high concordance between Pig-a mutations determined by Sanger sequencing and by NGS, but NGS was able to identify mutations in samples that were difficult to analyze by Sanger sequencing (e.g., mixtures of two mutant clones). Overall, the NGS method is a cost and labor efficient high throughput approach for analysis of a large number of mutant clones. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Fiber to the home: next generation network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chengxin; Guo, Baoping

2006-07-01

Next generation networks capable of carrying converged telephone, television (TV), very high-speed internet, and very high-speed bi-directional data services (like video-on-demand (VOD), Game etc.) strategy for Fiber To The Home (FTTH) is presented. The potential market is analyzed. The barriers and some proper strategy are also discussed. Several technical problems like various powering methods, optical fiber cables, and different network architecture are discussed too.

Hyperbranched quasi-1D nanostructures for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Passoni, Luca; Ghods, Farbod; Docampo, Pablo; Abrusci, Agnese; Martí-Rujas, Javier; Ghidelli, Matteo; Divitini, Giorgio; Ducati, Caterina; Binda, Maddalena; Guarnera, Simone; Li Bassi, Andrea; Casari, Carlo Spartaco; Snaith, Henry J; Petrozza, Annamaria; Di Fonzo, Fabio

2013-11-26

In this work we demonstrate hyperbranched nanostructures, grown by pulsed laser deposition, composed of one-dimensional anatase single crystals assembled in arrays of high aspect ratio hierarchical mesostructures. The proposed growth mechanism relies on a two-step process: self-assembly from the gas phase of amorphous TiO2 clusters in a forest of tree-shaped hierarchical mesostructures with high aspect ratio; oriented crystallization of the branches upon thermal treatment. Structural and morphological characteristics can be optimized to achieve both high specific surface area for optimal dye uptake and broadband light scattering thanks to the microscopic feature size. Solid-state dye sensitized solar cells fabricated with arrays of hyperbranched TiO2 nanostructures on FTO-glass sensitized with D102 dye showed a significant 66% increase in efficiency with respect to a reference mesoporous photoanode and reached a maximum efficiency of 3.96% (among the highest reported for this system). This result was achieved mainly thanks to an increase in photogenerated current directly resulting from improved light harvesting efficiency of the hierarchical photoanode. The proposed photoanode overcomes typical limitations of 1D TiO2 nanostructures applied to ss-DSC and emerges as a promising foundation for next-generation high-efficiency solid-state devices comprosed of dyes, polymers, or quantum dots as sensitizers.

Fiber optic hydrogen sensors: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Minghong; Dai, Jixiang

2014-12-01

Hydrogen is one of the next generation energies in the future, which shows promising applications in aerospace and chemical industries. Hydrogen leakage monitoring is very dangerous and important because of its low ignition energy, high combustion efficiency, and smallest molecule. This paper reviews the state-of-art development of the fiber optic hydrogen sensing technology. The main developing trends of fiber optic hydrogen sensors are based on two kinds of hydrogen sensitive materials, i.e. palladium-alloy thin films and Pt-doped WO3 coatings. In this review work, the advantages and disadvantages of these two kinds of sensing technologies will be evaluated.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jacques V Hugo

This book chapter describes the considerations for the selection of advanced human–system interfaces (HSIs) for the new generation of nuclear power plants. The chapter discusses the technologies that will be needed to support highly automated nuclear power plants, while minimising demands for numbers of operational staff, reducing human error and improving plant efficiency and safety. Special attention is paid to the selection and deployment of advanced technologies in nuclear power plants (NPPs). The chapter closes with an examination of how technologies are likely to develop over the next 10–15 years and how this will affect design choices for the nuclearmore » industry.« less

Observation of entanglement of a single photon with a trapped atom.

PubMed

Volz, Jürgen; Weber, Markus; Schlenk, Daniel; Rosenfeld, Wenjamin; Vrana, Johannes; Saucke, Karen; Kurtsiefer, Christian; Weinfurter, Harald

2006-01-27

We report the observation of entanglement between a single trapped atom and a single photon at a wavelength suitable for low-loss communication over large distances, thereby achieving a crucial step towards long range quantum networks. To verify the entanglement, we introduce a single atom state analysis. This technique is used for full state tomography of the atom-photon qubit pair. The detection efficiency and the entanglement fidelity are high enough to allow in a next step the generation of entangled atoms at large distances, ready for a final loophole-free Bell experiment.

HIV protease drug resistance and its impact on inhibitor design.

PubMed

Ala, P J; Rodgers, J D; Chang, C H

1999-07-01

The primary cause of resistance to the currently available HIV protease inhibitors is the accumulation of multiple mutations in the viral protease. So far more than 20 substitutions have been observed in the active site, dimer interface, surface loops and flaps of the homodimer. While many mutations reduce the protease's affinity for inhibitors, others appear to enhance its catalytic efficiency. This high degree of genetic flexibility has made the protease an elusive drug target. The design of the next generation of HIV protease inhibitors will be discussed in light of the current structural information.

Toward Dendrite-Free Lithium Deposition via Structural and Interfacial Synergistic Effects of 3D Graphene@Ni Scaffold.

PubMed

Xie, Keyu; Wei, Wenfei; Yuan, Kai; Lu, Wei; Guo, Min; Li, Zhihua; Song, Qiang; Liu, Xingrui; Wang, Jian-Gan; Shen, Chao

2016-10-05

Owing to its ultrahigh specific capacity and low electrochemical potential, lithium (Li) metal is regarded as one of the most attractive anode materials for next-generation lithium batteries. Nevertheless, the commercialization of Li-metal-based rechargeable batteries (LiMBs) has been retarded by the uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites, as well as the resulting poor cycle stability and safety hazards. In this work, a 3D graphene@Ni scaffold has been proposed to accomplish dendrite-free Li deposition via structural and interfacial synergistic effects. Due to the intrinsic high surface area used to reduce the effective electrode current density and the surface-coated graphene working as an artificial protection layer to provide high cycle stability as well as suppress the growth of Li dendrites, the Coulombic efficiencies of Li deposition on 3D graphene@Ni foam after 100 cycles can be sustained as high as 96, 98, and 92% at the current densities of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mA cm -2 , respectively, which shows more excellent cycle stability than that of its planar Cu foil and bare Ni foam counterparts. The results obtained here demonstrate that the comprehensive consideration of multiaspect factors could be more help to enhance the performance of Li metal anode so as to achieve its real application in next-generation LiMBs.

Engineering of a hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine nanovaccine as a next-generation immunotherapeutic strategy against nicotine addiction: A focus on hapten density.

PubMed

Zhao, Zongmin; Powers, Kristen; Hu, Yun; Raleigh, Michael; Pentel, Paul; Zhang, Chenming

2017-04-01

Although vaccination is a promising way to combat nicotine addiction, most traditional hapten-protein conjugate nicotine vaccines only show limited efficacy due to their poor recognition and uptake by immune cells. This study aimed to develop a hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine vaccine with improved efficacy. The focus was to study the impact of hapten density on the immunological efficacy of the proposed hybrid nanovaccine. It was shown that the nanovaccine nanoparticles were taken up by the dendritic cells more efficiently than the conjugate vaccine, regardless of the hapten density on the nanoparticles. At a similar hapten density, the nanovaccine induced a significantly stronger immune response against nicotine than the conjugate vaccine in mice. Moreover, the high- and medium-density nanovaccines resulted in significantly higher anti-nicotine antibody titers than their low-density counterpart. Specifically, the high-density nanovaccine exhibited better immunogenic efficacy, resulting in higher anti-nicotine antibody titers and lower anti-carrier protein antibody titers than the medium- and low-density versions. The high-density nanovaccine also had the best ability to retain nicotine in serum and to block nicotine from entering the brain. These results suggest that the hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine vaccine can elicit strong immunogenicity by modulating the hapten density, thereby providing a promising next-generation immunotherapeutic strategy against nicotine addiction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RFID of next generation network for enhancing customer relationship management in healthcare industries.

PubMed

Alzahrani, Ahmed; Qureshi, Muhammad Shuaib; Thayananthan, Vijey

2017-10-23

This paper aims to analyze possible next generation of networked radio frequency identification (NGN-RFID) system for customer relationship management (CRM) in healthcare industries. Customer relationship and its management techniques in a specific healthcare industry are considered in this development. The key objective of using NGN-RFID scheme is to enhance the handling of patients' data to improve the CRM efficiency in healthcare industries. The proposed NGN-RFID system is one of the valid points to improve the ability of CRM by analyzing different prior and current traditional approaches. The legacy of customer relationship management will be improved by using this modern NGN-RFID technology without affecting the novelty.

Transforming clinical microbiology with bacterial genome sequencing.

PubMed

Didelot, Xavier; Bowden, Rory; Wilson, Daniel J; Peto, Tim E A; Crook, Derrick W

2012-09-01

Whole-genome sequencing of bacteria has recently emerged as a cost-effective and convenient approach for addressing many microbiological questions. Here, we review the current status of clinical microbiology and how it has already begun to be transformed by using next-generation sequencing. We focus on three essential tasks: identifying the species of an isolate, testing its properties, such as resistance to antibiotics and virulence, and monitoring the emergence and spread of bacterial pathogens. We predict that the application of next-generation sequencing will soon be sufficiently fast, accurate and cheap to be used in routine clinical microbiology practice, where it could replace many complex current techniques with a single, more efficient workflow.

Transforming clinical microbiology with bacterial genome sequencing

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Whole genome sequencing of bacteria has recently emerged as a cost-effective and convenient approach for addressing many microbiological questions. Here we review the current status of clinical microbiology and how it has already begun to be transformed by the use of next-generation sequencing. We focus on three essential tasks: identifying the species of an isolate, testing its properties such as resistance to antibiotics and virulence, and monitoring the emergence and spread of bacterial pathogens. The application of next-generation sequencing will soon be sufficiently fast, accurate and cheap to be used in routine clinical microbiology practice, where it could replace many complex current techniques with a single, more efficient workflow. PMID:22868263

A Cloud-Based X73 Ubiquitous Mobile Healthcare System: Design and Implementation

PubMed Central

Ji, Zhanlin; O'Droma, Máirtín; Zhang, Xin; Zhang, Xueji

2014-01-01

Based on the user-centric paradigm for next generation networks, this paper describes a ubiquitous mobile healthcare (uHealth) system based on the ISO/IEEE 11073 personal health data (PHD) standards (X73) and cloud computing techniques. A number of design issues associated with the system implementation are outlined. The system includes a middleware on the user side, providing a plug-and-play environment for heterogeneous wireless sensors and mobile terminals utilizing different communication protocols and a distributed “big data” processing subsystem in the cloud. The design and implementation of this system are envisaged as an efficient solution for the next generation of uHealth systems. PMID:24737958

dictyExpress: a web-based platform for sequence data management and analytics in Dictyostelium and beyond.

PubMed

Stajdohar, Miha; Rosengarten, Rafael D; Kokosar, Janez; Jeran, Luka; Blenkus, Domen; Shaulsky, Gad; Zupan, Blaz

2017-06-02

Dictyostelium discoideum, a soil-dwelling social amoeba, is a model for the study of numerous biological processes. Research in the field has benefited mightily from the adoption of next-generation sequencing for genomics and transcriptomics. Dictyostelium biologists now face the widespread challenges of analyzing and exploring high dimensional data sets to generate hypotheses and discovering novel insights. We present dictyExpress (2.0), a web application designed for exploratory analysis of gene expression data, as well as data from related experiments such as Chromatin Immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq). The application features visualization modules that include time course expression profiles, clustering, gene ontology enrichment analysis, differential expression analysis and comparison of experiments. All visualizations are interactive and interconnected, such that the selection of genes in one module propagates instantly to visualizations in other modules. dictyExpress currently stores the data from over 800 Dictyostelium experiments and is embedded within a general-purpose software framework for management of next-generation sequencing data. dictyExpress allows users to explore their data in a broader context by reciprocal linking with dictyBase-a repository of Dictyostelium genomic data. In addition, we introduce a companion application called GenBoard, an intuitive graphic user interface for data management and bioinformatics analysis. dictyExpress and GenBoard enable broad adoption of next generation sequencing based inquiries by the Dictyostelium research community. Labs without the means to undertake deep sequencing projects can mine the data available to the public. The entire information flow, from raw sequence data to hypothesis testing, can be accomplished in an efficient workspace. The software framework is generalizable and represents a useful approach for any research community. To encourage more wide usage, the backend is open-source, available for extension and further development by bioinformaticians and data scientists.

Low-bandgap mixed tin–lead iodide perovskite absorbers with long carrier lifetimes for all-perovskite tandem solar cells

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Dewei; Yu, Yue; Wang, Changlei; ...

2017-03-01

Tandem solar cells using only metal-halide perovskite sub-cells are an attractive choice for next-generation solar cells. However, the progress in developing efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells has been hindered by the lack of high-performance low-bandgap perovskite solar cells. Here in this paper, we report efficient mixed tin-lead iodide low-bandgap (~1.25 eV) perovskite solar cells with open-circuit voltages up to 0.85 V and over 70% external quantum efficiencies in the infrared wavelength range of 700-900 nm, delivering a short-circuit current density of over 29 mA cm -2 and demonstrating suitability for bottom-cell applications in all-perovskite tandem solar cells. Our low-bandgap perovskitemore » solar cells achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.6% and a certified efficiency of 17.01% with a negligible current-voltage hysteresis. Finally, when mechanically stacked with a ~1.58 eV bandgap perovskite top cell, our best all-perovskite 4-terminal tandem solar cell shows a steady-state efficiency of 21.0%.« less

Low-bandgap mixed tin–lead iodide perovskite absorbers with long carrier lifetimes for all-perovskite tandem solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Dewei; Yu, Yue; Wang, Changlei

Tandem solar cells using only metal-halide perovskite sub-cells are an attractive choice for next-generation solar cells. However, the progress in developing efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells has been hindered by the lack of high-performance low-bandgap perovskite solar cells. Here in this paper, we report efficient mixed tin-lead iodide low-bandgap (~1.25 eV) perovskite solar cells with open-circuit voltages up to 0.85 V and over 70% external quantum efficiencies in the infrared wavelength range of 700-900 nm, delivering a short-circuit current density of over 29 mA cm -2 and demonstrating suitability for bottom-cell applications in all-perovskite tandem solar cells. Our low-bandgap perovskitemore » solar cells achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.6% and a certified efficiency of 17.01% with a negligible current-voltage hysteresis. Finally, when mechanically stacked with a ~1.58 eV bandgap perovskite top cell, our best all-perovskite 4-terminal tandem solar cell shows a steady-state efficiency of 21.0%.« less

Application of the Iridium Satellite System to Aeronautical Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerczewski, Robert J.; Meza, Mike; Gupta, Om

2008-01-01

The next generation air transportation system will require greater air-ground communications capacity to accommodate more air traffic with increased safety and efficiency. Communications will remain primarily terrestrially based, but satellite communications will have an increased role. Inmarsat s aeronautical services have been approved and are in use for aeronautical safety communications provided by geostationary satellites. More recently the approval process for the Iridium low earth orbit constellation is nearing completion. The current Iridium system will be able to provide basic air traffic services communications suitable for oceanic, remote and polar regions. The planned second generation of the Iridium system, called Iridium NEXT, will provide enhanced capabilities and enable a greater role in the future of aeronautical communications. This paper will review the potential role of satellite communications in the future of air transportation, the Iridium approval process and relevant system testing, and the potential role of Iridium NEXT.

A vertical handoff decision algorithm based on ARMA prediction model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ru; Shen, Jiao; Chen, Jun; Liu, Qiuhuan

2012-01-01

With the development of computer technology and the increasing demand for mobile communications, the next generation wireless networks will be composed of various wireless networks (e.g., WiMAX and WiFi). Vertical handoff is a key technology of next generation wireless networks. During the vertical handoff procedure, handoff decision is a crucial issue for an efficient mobility. Based on auto regression moving average (ARMA) prediction model, we propose a vertical handoff decision algorithm, which aims to improve the performance of vertical handoff and avoid unnecessary handoff. Based on the current received signal strength (RSS) and the previous RSS, the proposed approach adopt ARMA model to predict the next RSS. And then according to the predicted RSS to determine whether trigger the link layer triggering event and complete vertical handoff. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the RSS-based scheme with a threshold in the performance of handoff and the number of handoff.

Tailoring Anisotropic Li-Ion Transport Tunnels on Orthogonally Arranged Li-Rich Layered Oxide Nanoplates Toward High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Xu, Ming; Fei, Linfeng; Zhang, Weibing; Li, Tao; Lu, Wei; Zhang, Nian; Lai, Yanqing; Zhang, Zhian; Fang, Jing; Zhang, Kai; Li, Jie; Huang, Haitao

2017-03-08

High-performance Li-rich layered oxide (LRLO) cathode material is appealing for next-generation Li-ion batteries owing to its high specific capacity (>300 mAh g -1 ). Despite intense studies in the past decade, the low initial Coulombic efficiency and unsatisfactory cycling stability of LRLO still remain as great challenges for its practical applications. Here, we report a rational design of the orthogonally arranged {010}-oriented LRLO nanoplates with built-in anisotropic Li + ion transport tunnels. Such a novel structure enables fast Li + ion intercalation and deintercalation kinetics and enhances structural stability of LRLO. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations demonstrate the successful synthesis of target cathode material that delivers an initial discharge capacity as high as 303 mAh g -1 with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 93%. After 200 cycles at 1.0 C rate, an excellent capacity retention of 92% can be attained. Our method reported here opens a door to the development of high-performance Ni-Co-Mn-based cathode materials for high-energy density Li-ion batteries.

Spirally Structured Conductive Composites for Highly Stretchable, Robust Conductors and Sensors.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaodong; Han, Yangyang; Zhang, Xinxing; Lu, Canhui

2017-07-12

Flexible and stretchable electronics are highly desirable for next generation devices. However, stretchability and conductivity are fundamentally difficult to combine for conventional conductive composites, which restricts their widespread applications especially as stretchable electronics. Here, we innovatively develop a new class of highly stretchable and robust conductive composites via a simple and scalable structural approach. Briefly, carbon nanotubes are spray-coated onto a self-adhesive rubber film, followed by rolling up the film completely to create a spirally layered structure within the composites. This unique spirally layered structure breaks the typical trade-off between stretchability and conductivity of traditional conductive composites and, more importantly, restrains the generation and propagation of mechanical microcracks in the conductive layer under strain. Benefiting from such structure-induced advantages, the spirally layered composites exhibit high stretchability and flexibility, good conductive stability, and excellent robustness, enabling the composites to serve as highly stretchable conductors (up to 300% strain), versatile sensors for monitoring both subtle and large human activities, and functional threads for wearable electronics. This novel and efficient methodology provides a new design philosophy for manufacturing not only stretchable conductors and sensors but also other stretchable electronics, such as transistors, generators, artificial muscles, etc.

Next-generation materials for future synchrotron and free-electron laser sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Assoufid, Lahsen; Graafsma, Heinz

We show that the development of new materials and improvements of existing ones are at the root of the spectacular recent developments of new technologies for synchrotron storage rings and free-electron laser sources. This holds true for all relevant application areas, from electron guns to undulators, x-ray optics, and detectors. As demand grows for more powerful and efficient light sources, efficient optics, and high-speed detectors, an overview of ongoing materials research for these applications is timely. In this article, we focus on the most exciting and demanding areas of materials research and development for synchrotron radiation optics and detectors. Materialsmore » issues of components for synchrotron and free-electron laser accelerators are briefly discussed. Lastly, the articles in this issue expand on these topics.« less

Damage Characterization Method for Structural Health Management Using Reduced Number of Sensor Inputs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krishnamurthy, T.; Hochhalter, Jacob D.; Gallegos, Adam M.

2012-01-01

The development of validated multidisciplinary Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) tools, technologies, and techniques to enable detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and mitigation in the presence of adverse conditions during flight will provide effective solutions to deal with safety related challenges facing next generation aircraft. The adverse conditions include loss of control caused by environmental factors, actuator and sensor faults or failures, and damage conditions. A major concern in these structures is the growth of undetected damage (cracks) due to fatigue and low velocity foreign impacts that can reach a critical size during flight, resulting in loss of control of the aircraft. Hence, development of efficient methodologies to determine the presence, location, and severity of damage in critical structural components is highly important in developing efficient structural health management systems.

Next-generation materials for future synchrotron and free-electron laser sources

DOE PAGES

Assoufid, Lahsen; Graafsma, Heinz

2017-06-09

We show that the development of new materials and improvements of existing ones are at the root of the spectacular recent developments of new technologies for synchrotron storage rings and free-electron laser sources. This holds true for all relevant application areas, from electron guns to undulators, x-ray optics, and detectors. As demand grows for more powerful and efficient light sources, efficient optics, and high-speed detectors, an overview of ongoing materials research for these applications is timely. In this article, we focus on the most exciting and demanding areas of materials research and development for synchrotron radiation optics and detectors. Materialsmore » issues of components for synchrotron and free-electron laser accelerators are briefly discussed. Lastly, the articles in this issue expand on these topics.« less

Damage Characterization Using the Extended Finite Element Method for Structural Health Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krishnamurthy, Thiagarajan; Gallegos, Adam M.

2011-01-01

The development of validated multidisciplinary Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) tools, technologies, and techniques to enable detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and mitigation in the presence of adverse conditions during flight will provide effective solutions to deal with safety related challenges facing next generation aircraft. The adverse conditions include loss of control caused by environmental factors, actuator and sensor faults or failures, and damage conditions. A major concern in these structures is the growth of undetected damage/cracks due to fatigue and low velocity foreign impact that can reach a critical size during flight, resulting in loss of control of the aircraft. Hence, development of efficient methodologies to determine the presence, location, and severity of damage/cracks in critical structural components is highly important in developing efficient structural health management systems.

Modeling Off-Nominal Recovery in NextGen Terminal-Area Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callantine, Todd J.

2011-01-01

Robust schedule-based arrival management requires efficient recovery from off-nominal situations. This paper presents research on modeling off-nominal situations and plans for recovering from them using TRAC, a route/airspace design, fast-time simulation, and analysis tool for studying NextGen trajectory-based operations. The paper provides an overview of a schedule-based arrival-management concept and supporting controller tools, then describes TRAC implementations of methods for constructing off-nominal scenarios, generating trajectory options to meet scheduling constraints, and automatically producing recovery plans.

DELIMINATE--a fast and efficient method for loss-less compression of genomic sequences: sequence analysis.

PubMed

Mohammed, Monzoorul Haque; Dutta, Anirban; Bose, Tungadri; Chadaram, Sudha; Mande, Sharmila S

2012-10-01

An unprecedented quantity of genome sequence data is currently being generated using next-generation sequencing platforms. This has necessitated the development of novel bioinformatics approaches and algorithms that not only facilitate a meaningful analysis of these data but also aid in efficient compression, storage, retrieval and transmission of huge volumes of the generated data. We present a novel compression algorithm (DELIMINATE) that can rapidly compress genomic sequence data in a loss-less fashion. Validation results indicate relatively higher compression efficiency of DELIMINATE when compared with popular general purpose compression algorithms, namely, gzip, bzip2 and lzma. Linux, Windows and Mac implementations (both 32 and 64-bit) of DELIMINATE are freely available for download at: http://metagenomics.atc.tcs.com/compression/DELIMINATE. sharmila@atc.tcs.com Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells with superior reproducibility

PubMed Central

Jeon, Ye-Jin; Lee, Sehyun; Kang, Rira; Kim, Jueng-Eun; Yeo, Jun-Seok; Lee, Seung-Hoon; Kim, Seok-Soon; Yun, Jin-Mun; Kim, Dong-Yu

2014-01-01

Perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) have been considered one of the competitive next generation power sources. To date, light-to-electric conversion efficiencies have rapidly increased to over 10%, and further improvements are expected. However, the poor device reproducibility of PeSCs ascribed to their inhomogeneously covered film morphology has hindered their practical application. Here, we demonstrate high-performance PeSCs with superior reproducibility by introducing small amounts of N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone (CHP) as a morphology controller into N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). As a result, highly homogeneous film morphology, similar to that achieved by vacuum-deposition methods, as well as a high PCE of 10% and an extremely small performance deviation within 0.14% were achieved. This study represents a method for realizing efficient and reproducible planar heterojunction (PHJ) PeSCs through morphology control, taking a major step forward in the low-cost and rapid production of PeSCs by solving one of the biggest problems of PHJ perovskite photovoltaic technology through a facile method. PMID:25377945

Setting the stage - building and working in an ancient DNA laboratory.

PubMed

Knapp, Michael; Clarke, Andrew C; Horsburgh, K Ann; Matisoo-Smith, Elizabeth A

2012-01-20

With the introduction of next generation high throughput sequencing in 2005 and the resulting revolution in genetics, ancient DNA research has rapidly developed from an interesting but marginal field within evolutionary biology into one that can contribute significantly to our understanding of evolution in general and the development of our own species in particular. While the amount of sequence data available from ancient human, other animal and plant remains has increased dramatically over the past five years, some key limitations of ancient DNA research remain. Most notably, reduction of contamination and the authentication of results are of utmost importance. A number of studies have addressed different aspects of sampling, DNA extraction and DNA manipulation in order to establish protocols that most efficiently generate reproducible and authentic results. As increasing numbers of researchers from different backgrounds become interested in using ancient DNA technology to address key questions, the need for practical guidelines on how to construct and use an ancient DNA facility arises. The aim of this article is therefore to provide practical tips for building a state-of-the-art ancient DNA facility. It is intended to help researchers new to the field of ancient DNA research generally, and those considering the application of next generation sequencing, in their planning process. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Beam diagnostics at high-intensity storage rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plum, Mike

1994-10-01

Beam diagnostics at high-intensity facilities feature their own special set of problems and characteristics, issues peculiar to high-intensity storage rings include beam loss, beam halos, extraction efficiency, beam in the gap, clearing electrodes, and beam-profile measurement. The Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring (PSR) is a nice example of a high-intensity storage ring. I will discuss in some detail three diagnostic systems currently in use at the PSR: the beam-loss-monitor system, the electron-clearing system, and the beam-in-the-gap monitor. Much of our discussion is inspired by the problems we have encountered and the useful things we have learned while commissioning and developing the PSR. Another inspiration is our work on the next-generation neutron-spallation source, also known as the National Center for Neutron Research (NCNR).

Low-frequency approximation for high-order harmonic generation by a bicircular laser field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milošević, D. B.

2018-01-01

We present low-frequency approximation (LFA) for high-order harmonic generation (HHG) process. LFA represents the lowest-order term of an expansion of the final-state interaction matrix element in powers of the laser-field frequency ω . In this approximation the plane-wave recombination matrix element which appears in the strong-field approximation is replaced by the exact laser-free recombination matrix element calculated for the laser-field dressed electron momenta. First, we have shown that the HHG spectra obtained using the LFA agree with those obtained solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Next, we have applied this LFA to calculate the HHG rate for inert gases exposed to a bicircular field. The bicircular field, which consists of two coplanar counter-rotating fields having different frequencies (usually ω and 2 ω ), is presently an important subject of scientific research since it enables efficient generation of circularly polarized high-order harmonics (coherent soft x rays). Analyzing the photorecombination matrix element we have found that the HHG rate can efficiently be calculated using the angular momentum basis with the states oriented in the direction of the bicircular field components. Our numerical results show that the HHG rate for atoms having p ground state, for higher high-order harmonic energies, is larger for circularly polarized harmonics having the helicity -1 . For lower energies the harmonics having helicity +1 prevails. The transition between these two harmonic energy regions can appear near the Cooper minimum, which, in the case of Ar atoms, makes the selection of high-order harmonics having the same helicity much easier. This is important for applications (for example, for generation of attosecond pulse trains of circularly polarized harmonics).

Transcriptome analysis of blueberry using 454 EST sequencing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a major berry crop in the United States, and one that has great nutritional and economical value. Next generation sequencing methodologies, such as 454, have been demonstrated to be successful and efficient in producing a snap-shot of transcriptional activities du...

Programming Digital Stories and How-to Animations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Alexandria Killian; Iveland, Ashley; Harlow, Danielle Boyd; Dwyer, Hilary; Franklin, Diana

2015-01-01

As science teachers continue preparing for implementation of the "Next Generation Science Standards," one recommendation is to use computer programming as a promising context to efficiently integrate science and engineering. In this article, a interdisciplinary team of educational researchers and computer scientists describe how to use…

Next Generation Sequencing at the University of Chicago Genomics Core

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Faber, Pieter

2013-04-24

The University of Chicago Genomics Core provides University of Chicago investigators (and external clients) access to State-of-the-Art genomics capabilities: next generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing / genotyping and micro-arrays (gene expression, genotyping, and methylation). The current presentation will highlight our capabilities in the area of ultra-high throughput sequencing analysis.

Cisco Networking Academy: Next-Generation Assessments and Their Implications for K-12 Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Meredith

2014-01-01

To illuminate the possibilities for next-generation assessments in K-12 schools, this case study profiles the Cisco Networking Academy, which creates comprehensive online training curriculum to teach networking skills. Since 1997, the Cisco Networking Academy has served more than five million high school and college students and now delivers…

Visual Representations on High School Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaDue, Nicole D.; Libarkin, Julie C.; Thomas, Stephen R.

2015-01-01

The pervasive use of visual representations in textbooks, curricula, and assessments underscores their importance in K-12 science education. For example, visual representations figure prominently in the recent publication of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States in Next generation science standards: for states, by states.…

Determining RNA quality for NextGen sequencing: some exceptions to the gold standard rule of 23S to 16S rRNA ratio

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Using next-generation-sequencing technology to assess entire transcriptomes requires high quality starting RNA. Currently, RNA quality is routinely judged using automated microfluidic gel electrophoresis platforms and associated algorithms. Here we report that such automated methods generate false-n...

Recent progress in nanostructured next-generation field emission devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittal, Gaurav; Lahiri, Indranil

2014-08-01

Field emission has been known to mankind for more than a century, and extensive research in this field for the last 40-50 years has led to development of exciting applications such as electron sources, miniature x-ray devices, display materials, etc. In the last decade, large-area field emitters were projected as an important material to revolutionize healthcare and medical devices, and space research. With the advent of nanotechnology and advancements related to carbon nanotubes, field emitters are demonstrating highly enhanced performance and novel applications. Next-generation emitters need ultra-high emission current density, high brightness, excellent stability and reproducible performance. Novel design considerations and application of new materials can lead to achievement of these capabilities. This article presents an overview of recent developments in this field and their effects on improved performance of field emitters. These advancements are demonstrated to hold great potential for application in next-generation field emission devices.

An Optimal Bahadur-Efficient Method in Detection of Sparse Signals with Applications to Pathway Analysis in Sequencing Association Studies.

PubMed

Dai, Hongying; Wu, Guodong; Wu, Michael; Zhi, Degui

2016-01-01

Next-generation sequencing data pose a severe curse of dimensionality, complicating traditional "single marker-single trait" analysis. We propose a two-stage combined p-value method for pathway analysis. The first stage is at the gene level, where we integrate effects within a gene using the Sequence Kernel Association Test (SKAT). The second stage is at the pathway level, where we perform a correlated Lancaster procedure to detect joint effects from multiple genes within a pathway. We show that the Lancaster procedure is optimal in Bahadur efficiency among all combined p-value methods. The Bahadur efficiency,[Formula: see text], compares sample sizes among different statistical tests when signals become sparse in sequencing data, i.e. ε →0. The optimal Bahadur efficiency ensures that the Lancaster procedure asymptotically requires a minimal sample size to detect sparse signals ([Formula: see text]). The Lancaster procedure can also be applied to meta-analysis. Extensive empirical assessments of exome sequencing data show that the proposed method outperforms Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). We applied the competitive Lancaster procedure to meta-analysis data generated by the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium to identify pathways significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

High performance 3-coil wireless power transfer system for the 512-electrode epiretinal prosthesis.

PubMed

Zhao, Yu; Nandra, Mandheerej; Yu, Chia-Chen; Tai, Yu-chong

2012-01-01

The next-generation retinal prostheses feature high image resolution and chronic implantation. These features demand the delivery of power as high as 100 mW to be wireless and efficient. A common solution is the 2-coil inductive power link, used by current retinal prostheses. This power link tends to include a larger-size extraocular receiver coil coupled to the external transmitter coil, and the receiver coil is connected to the intraocular electrodes through a trans-sclera trans-choroid cable. In the long-term implantation of the device, the cable may cause hypotony (low intraocular pressure) and infection. However, when a 2-coil system is constructed from a small-size intraocular receiver coil, the efficiency drops drastically which may induce over heat dissipation and electromagnetic field exposure. Our previous 2-coil system achieved only 7% power transfer. This paper presents a fully intraocular and highly efficient wireless power transfer system, by introducing another inductive coupling link to bypass the trans-sclera trans-choroid cable. With the specific equivalent load of our customized 512-electrode stimulator, the current 3-coil inductive link was measured to have the overall power transfer efficiency around 36%, with 1-inch separation in saline. The high efficiency will favorably reduce the heat dissipation and electromagnetic field exposure to surrounding human tissues. The effect of the eyeball rotation on the power transfer efficiency was investigated as well. The efficiency can still maintain 14.7% with left and right deflection of 30 degree during normal use. The surgical procedure for the coils' implantation into the porcine eye was also demonstrated.

A Framework for the Evaluation of Biosecurity, Commercial, Regulatory, and Scientific Impacts of Plant Viruses and Viroids Identified by NGS Technologies

PubMed Central

Massart, Sebastien; Candresse, Thierry; Gil, José; Lacomme, Christophe; Predajna, Lukas; Ravnikar, Maja; Reynard, Jean-Sébastien; Rumbou, Artemis; Saldarelli, Pasquale; Škorić, Dijana; Vainio, Eeva J.; Valkonen, Jari P. T.; Vanderschuren, Hervé; Varveri, Christina; Wetzel, Thierry

2017-01-01

Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have generated huge new opportunities for discovering and diagnosing plant viruses and viroids. Plant virology has undoubtedly benefited from these new methodologies, but at the same time, faces now substantial bottlenecks, namely the biological characterization of the newly discovered viruses and the analysis of their impact at the biosecurity, commercial, regulatory, and scientific levels. This paper proposes a scaled and progressive scientific framework for efficient biological characterization and risk assessment when a previously known or a new plant virus is detected by next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Four case studies are also presented to illustrate the need for such a framework, and to discuss the scenarios. PMID:28174561

Topological signature in the NEXT high pressure xenon TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrario, Paola; NEXT Collaboration

2017-09-01

The NEXT experiment aims to observe the neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe in a high-pressure xenon gas TPC using electroluminescence to amplify the signal from ionization. One of the main advantages of this technology is the possibility to use the topology of events with energies close to Qββ as an extra tool to reject background. In these proceedings we show with data from prototypes that an extra background rejection factor of 24.3 ± 1.4 (stat.)% can be achieved, while maintaining an efficiency of 66.7 ± 1.% for signal events. The performance expected in NEW, the next stage of the experiment, is to improve to 12.9% ± 0.6% background acceptance for 66.9% ± 0.6% signal efficiency.

Next Gen One Portal Usability Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, E. V., III; Perera, J. S.; Hanson, A. M.; English, K.; Vu, L.; Amonette, W.

2018-01-01

Each exercise device on the International Space Station (ISS) has a unique, customized software system interface with unique layouts / hierarchy, and operational principles that require significant crew training. Furthermore, the software programs are not adaptable and provide no real-time feedback or motivation to enhance the exercise experience and/or prevent injuries. Additionally, the graphical user interfaces (GUI) of these systems present information through multiple layers resulting in difficulty navigating to the desired screens and functions. These limitations of current exercise device GUI's lead to increased crew time spent on initiating, loading, performing exercises, logging data and exiting the system. To address these limitations a Next Generation One Portal (NextGen One Portal) Crew Countermeasure System (CMS) was developed, which utilizes the latest industry guidelines in GUI designs to provide an intuitive ease of use approach (i.e., 80% of the functionality gained within 5-10 minutes of initial use without/limited formal training required). This is accomplished by providing a consistent interface using common software to reduce crew training, increase efficiency & user satisfaction while also reducing development & maintenance costs. Results from the usability evaluations showed the NextGen One Portal UI having greater efficiency, learnability, memorability, usability and overall user experience than the current Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) UI used by astronauts on ISS. Specifically, the design of the One-Portal UI as an app interface similar to those found on the Apple and Google's App Store, assisted many of the participants in grasping the concepts of the interface with minimum training. Although the NextGen One-Portal UI was shown to be an overall better interface, observations by the test facilitators noted specific exercise tasks appeared to have a significant impact on the NextGen One-Portal UI efficiency. Future updates to the NextGen One Portal UI will address these inefficiencies.

Identifying micro-inversions using high-throughput sequencing reads.

PubMed

He, Feifei; Li, Yang; Tang, Yu-Hang; Ma, Jian; Zhu, Huaiqiu

2016-01-11

The identification of inversions of DNA segments shorter than read length (e.g., 100 bp), defined as micro-inversions (MIs), remains challenging for next-generation sequencing reads. It is acknowledged that MIs are important genomic variation and may play roles in causing genetic disease. However, current alignment methods are generally insensitive to detect MIs. Here we develop a novel tool, MID (Micro-Inversion Detector), to identify MIs in human genomes using next-generation sequencing reads. The algorithm of MID is designed based on a dynamic programming path-finding approach. What makes MID different from other variant detection tools is that MID can handle small MIs and multiple breakpoints within an unmapped read. Moreover, MID improves reliability in low coverage data by integrating multiple samples. Our evaluation demonstrated that MID outperforms Gustaf, which can currently detect inversions from 30 bp to 500 bp. To our knowledge, MID is the first method that can efficiently and reliably identify MIs from unmapped short next-generation sequencing reads. MID is reliable on low coverage data, which is suitable for large-scale projects such as the 1000 Genomes Project (1KGP). MID identified previously unknown MIs from the 1KGP that overlap with genes and regulatory elements in the human genome. We also identified MIs in cancer cell lines from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). Therefore our tool is expected to be useful to improve the study of MIs as a type of genetic variant in the human genome. The source code can be downloaded from: http://cqb.pku.edu.cn/ZhuLab/MID .

Low thermal budget, photonic-cured compact TiO 2 layers for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

DOE PAGES

Das, Sanjib; Gu, Gong; Joshi, Pooran C.; ...

2016-05-25

Rapid advances in organometallic trihalide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have positioned them to be one of the leading next generation photovoltaic technologies. However, most of the high-performance PSCs, particularly those using compact TiO 2 as an electron transport layer, require a high-temperature sintering step, which is not compatible with flexible polymer-based substrates. Considering the materials of interest for PSCs and corresponding device configurations, it is technologically imperative to fabricate high-efficiency cells at low thermal budget so that they can be realized on low-temperature plastic substrates. In this paper, we report on a new photonic curing technique that produces crystalline anatase-phasemore » TiO 2 films on indium tin oxide-coated glass and flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. Finally, the planar PSCs, using photonic-cured TiO 2 films, exhibit PCEs as high as 15.0% and 11.2% on glass and flexible PET substrates, respectively, comparable to the device performance of PSCs incorporating furnace annealed TiO 2 films.« less

Next Generation RFID-Based Medical Service Management System Architecture in Wireless Sensor Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolentino, Randy S.; Lee, Kijeong; Kim, Yong-Tae; Park, Gil-Cheol

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) are two important wireless technologies that have wide variety of applications and provide unlimited future potentials most especially in healthcare systems. RFID is used to detect presence and location of objects while WSN is used to sense and monitor the environment. Integrating RFID with WSN not only provides identity and location of an object but also provides information regarding the condition of the object carrying the sensors enabled RFID tag. However, there isn't any flexible and robust communication infrastructure to integrate these devices into an emergency care setting. An efficient wireless communication substrate for medical devices that addresses ad hoc or fixed network formation, naming and discovery, transmission efficiency of data, data security and authentication, as well as filtration and aggregation of vital sign data need to be study and analyze. This paper proposed an efficient next generation architecture for RFID-based medical service management system in WSN that possesses the essential elements of each future medical application that are integrated with existing medical practices and technologies in real-time, remote monitoring, in giving medication, and patient status tracking assisted by embedded wearable wireless sensors which are integrated in wireless sensor network.

Evaluating Opportunities to Improve Material and Energy Impacts in Commodity Supply Chains.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanes, Rebecca J.; Carpenter, Alberta

When evaluated at the process level, next-generation technologies may be more energy and emissions intensive than current technology. However, many advanced technologies have the potential to reduce material and energy consumption in upstream or downstream processing stages. In order to fully understand the benefits and consequences of technology deployment, next-generation technologies should be evaluated in context, as part of a supply chain. This work presents the Material Flows through Industry (MFI) scenario modeling tool. The MFI tool is a cradle-to-gate linear network model of the U.S. industrial sector that can model a wide range of manufacturing scenarios, including changes inmore » production technology, increases in industrial energy efficiency, and substitution between functionally equivalent materials. The MFI tool was developed to perform supply chain scale analyses in order to quantify the impacts and benefits of next-generation technologies and materials at that scale. For the analysis presented in this paper, the MFI tool is utilized to explore a case study comparing a steel supply chain to the supply chains of several functionally equivalent materials. Several of the alternatives to the baseline steel supply chain include next-generation production technologies and materials. Results of the case study show that aluminum production scenarios can out-perform the steel supply chain by using either an advanced smelting technology or an increased aluminum recycling rate. The next-generation material supply chains do not perform as well as either aluminum or steel, but may offer additional use phase reductions in energy and emissions that are outside the scope of the MFI tool. Future work will combine results from the MFI tool with a use phase analysis.« less

Charge recombination in organic photovoltaic devices with high open-circuit voltages.

PubMed

Westenhoff, Sebastian; Howard, Ian A; Hodgkiss, Justin M; Kirov, Kiril R; Bronstein, Hugo A; Williams, Charlotte K; Greenham, Neil C; Friend, Richard H

2008-10-15

A detailed charge recombination mechanism is presented for organic photovoltaic devices with a high open-circuit voltage. In a binary blend comprised of polyfluorene copolymers, the performance-limiting process is found to be the efficient recombination of tightly bound charge pairs into neutral triplet excitons. We arrive at this conclusion using optical transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy with visible and IR probes and over seven decades of time resolution. By resolving the polarization of the TA signal, we track the movement of polaronic states generated at the heterojunction not only in time but also in space. It is found that the photogenerated charge pairs are remarkably immobile at the heterojunction during their lifetime. The charge pairs are shown to be subject to efficient intersystem crossing and terminally recombine into F8BT triplet excitons within approximately 40 ns. Long-range charge separation competes rather unfavorably with intersystem crossing--75% of all charge pairs decay into triplet excitons. Triplet exciton states are thermodynamically accessible in polymer solar cells with high open circuit voltage, and we therefore suggest this loss mechanism to be general. We discuss guidelines for the design of the next generation of organic photovoltaic materials where separating the metastable interfacial charge pairs within approximately 40 ns is paramount.

The Business of Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bers, Trudy; Gelfman, Arnold; Knapp, Jolene

2008-01-01

This article describes several community colleges that are taking a more business-like approach, trimming costs, improving efficiencies, and pursuing next-generation innovation--all while keeping the focus squarely where it should be: on learning. At Florida Keys Community College (FKCC), John Keho says his college is taking some strong--though…

Three, Two, One ... Blast Off!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkins, Susan; Rogers, Meredith Park

2014-01-01

This lesson addresses the three dimensions of science learning as laid out in the "Next Generation Science Standards"--science and engineering process skills, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas--in addition to embedding practical exposure to NOS tenets in an inquiry-based activity. In addition to the efficiency component,…

Next Generation Lighting Technologies (LBNL Summer Lecture Series)

ScienceCinema

Siminovittch, Micheal

2018-04-27

For the past several years, Michael Siminovittch, a researcher in the Environmental Energy Technologies Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, has worked to package efficient lighting in an easy-to-use and good-looking lamp. His immensely popular "Berkeley Lamp" has redefined how America lights its offices.

PVT: An Efficient Computational Procedure to Speed up Next-generation Sequence Analysis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background High-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques are advancing genomics and molecular biology research. This technology generates substantially large data which puts up a major challenge to the scientists for an efficient, cost and time effective solution to analyse such data. Further, for the different types of NGS data, there are certain common challenging steps involved in analysing those data. Spliced alignment is one such fundamental step in NGS data analysis which is extremely computational intensive as well as time consuming. There exists serious problem even with the most widely used spliced alignment tools. TopHat is one such widely used spliced alignment tools which although supports multithreading, does not efficiently utilize computational resources in terms of CPU utilization and memory. Here we have introduced PVT (Pipelined Version of TopHat) where we take up a modular approach by breaking TopHat’s serial execution into a pipeline of multiple stages, thereby increasing the degree of parallelization and computational resource utilization. Thus we address the discrepancies in TopHat so as to analyze large NGS data efficiently. Results We analysed the SRA dataset (SRX026839 and SRX026838) consisting of single end reads and SRA data SRR1027730 consisting of paired-end reads. We used TopHat v2.0.8 to analyse these datasets and noted the CPU usage, memory footprint and execution time during spliced alignment. With this basic information, we designed PVT, a pipelined version of TopHat that removes the redundant computational steps during ‘spliced alignment’ and breaks the job into a pipeline of multiple stages (each comprising of different step(s)) to improve its resource utilization, thus reducing the execution time. Conclusions PVT provides an improvement over TopHat for spliced alignment of NGS data analysis. PVT thus resulted in the reduction of the execution time to ~23% for the single end read dataset. Further, PVT designed for paired end reads showed an improved performance of ~41% over TopHat (for the chosen data) with respect to execution time. Moreover we propose PVT-Cloud which implements PVT pipeline in cloud computing system. PMID:24894600

PVT: an efficient computational procedure to speed up next-generation sequence analysis.

PubMed

Maji, Ranjan Kumar; Sarkar, Arijita; Khatua, Sunirmal; Dasgupta, Subhasis; Ghosh, Zhumur

2014-06-04

High-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques are advancing genomics and molecular biology research. This technology generates substantially large data which puts up a major challenge to the scientists for an efficient, cost and time effective solution to analyse such data. Further, for the different types of NGS data, there are certain common challenging steps involved in analysing those data. Spliced alignment is one such fundamental step in NGS data analysis which is extremely computational intensive as well as time consuming. There exists serious problem even with the most widely used spliced alignment tools. TopHat is one such widely used spliced alignment tools which although supports multithreading, does not efficiently utilize computational resources in terms of CPU utilization and memory. Here we have introduced PVT (Pipelined Version of TopHat) where we take up a modular approach by breaking TopHat's serial execution into a pipeline of multiple stages, thereby increasing the degree of parallelization and computational resource utilization. Thus we address the discrepancies in TopHat so as to analyze large NGS data efficiently. We analysed the SRA dataset (SRX026839 and SRX026838) consisting of single end reads and SRA data SRR1027730 consisting of paired-end reads. We used TopHat v2.0.8 to analyse these datasets and noted the CPU usage, memory footprint and execution time during spliced alignment. With this basic information, we designed PVT, a pipelined version of TopHat that removes the redundant computational steps during 'spliced alignment' and breaks the job into a pipeline of multiple stages (each comprising of different step(s)) to improve its resource utilization, thus reducing the execution time. PVT provides an improvement over TopHat for spliced alignment of NGS data analysis. PVT thus resulted in the reduction of the execution time to ~23% for the single end read dataset. Further, PVT designed for paired end reads showed an improved performance of ~41% over TopHat (for the chosen data) with respect to execution time. Moreover we propose PVT-Cloud which implements PVT pipeline in cloud computing system.

An Aqueous Inorganic Polymer Binder for High Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Flame-Retardant Properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Guangmin; Liu, Kai; Fan, Yanchen

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as promising next-generation high energy density storage devices for both portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, there remain some issues yet to be fully addressed with the main challenges stemming from the ionically insulating nature of sulfur and the dissolution of polysulfides in electrolyte with subsequent parasitic reactions leading to low sulfur utilization and poor cycle life. The high flammability of sulfur is another serious safety concern which has hindered its further application. Herein, an aqueous inorganic polymer, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), has been developedmore » as a novel multifunctional binder to address the above issues. The strong binding affinity of the main chain of APP with lithium polysulfides blocks diffusion of polysulfide anions and inhibits their shuttling effect. The coupling of APP with Li ion facilitates ion transfer and promotes the kinetics of the cathode reaction. Moreover, APP can serve as a flame retardant, thus significantly reducing the flammability of the sulfur cathode. In addition, the aqueous characteristic of the binder avoids the use of toxic organic solvents, thus significantly improving safety. As a result, a high rate capacity of 520 mAh g –1 at 4 C and excellent cycling stability of ~0.038% capacity decay per cycle at 0.5 C for 400 cycles are achieved based on this binder. In conclusion, this work offers a feasible and effective strategy for employing APP as an efficient multifunctional binder toward building next-generation high energy density Li–S batteries.« less

An Aqueous Inorganic Polymer Binder for High Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Flame-Retardant Properties

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as promising next-generation high energy density storage devices for both portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, there remain some issues yet to be fully addressed with the main challenges stemming from the ionically insulating nature of sulfur and the dissolution of polysulfides in electrolyte with subsequent parasitic reactions leading to low sulfur utilization and poor cycle life. The high flammability of sulfur is another serious safety concern which has hindered its further application. Herein, an aqueous inorganic polymer, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), has been developed as a novel multifunctional binder to address the above issues. The strong binding affinity of the main chain of APP with lithium polysulfides blocks diffusion of polysulfide anions and inhibits their shuttling effect. The coupling of APP with Li ion facilitates ion transfer and promotes the kinetics of the cathode reaction. Moreover, APP can serve as a flame retardant, thus significantly reducing the flammability of the sulfur cathode. In addition, the aqueous characteristic of the binder avoids the use of toxic organic solvents, thus significantly improving safety. As a result, a high rate capacity of 520 mAh g–1 at 4 C and excellent cycling stability of ∼0.038% capacity decay per cycle at 0.5 C for 400 cycles are achieved based on this binder. This work offers a feasible and effective strategy for employing APP as an efficient multifunctional binder toward building next-generation high energy density Li–S batteries. PMID:29532026

An Aqueous Inorganic Polymer Binder for High Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Flame-Retardant Properties

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Guangmin; Liu, Kai; Fan, Yanchen; ...

2018-02-14

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as promising next-generation high energy density storage devices for both portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, there remain some issues yet to be fully addressed with the main challenges stemming from the ionically insulating nature of sulfur and the dissolution of polysulfides in electrolyte with subsequent parasitic reactions leading to low sulfur utilization and poor cycle life. The high flammability of sulfur is another serious safety concern which has hindered its further application. Herein, an aqueous inorganic polymer, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), has been developedmore » as a novel multifunctional binder to address the above issues. The strong binding affinity of the main chain of APP with lithium polysulfides blocks diffusion of polysulfide anions and inhibits their shuttling effect. The coupling of APP with Li ion facilitates ion transfer and promotes the kinetics of the cathode reaction. Moreover, APP can serve as a flame retardant, thus significantly reducing the flammability of the sulfur cathode. In addition, the aqueous characteristic of the binder avoids the use of toxic organic solvents, thus significantly improving safety. As a result, a high rate capacity of 520 mAh g –1 at 4 C and excellent cycling stability of ~0.038% capacity decay per cycle at 0.5 C for 400 cycles are achieved based on this binder. In conclusion, this work offers a feasible and effective strategy for employing APP as an efficient multifunctional binder toward building next-generation high energy density Li–S batteries.« less

ASME Material Challenges for Advanced Reactor Concepts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Piyush Sabharwall; Ali Siahpush

2013-07-01

This study presents the material Challenges associated with Advanced Reactor Concept (ARC) such as the Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR). ACR are the next generation concepts focusing on power production and providing thermal energy for industrial applications. The efficient transfer of energy for industrial applications depends on the ability to incorporate cost-effective heat exchangers between the nuclear heat transport system and industrial process heat transport system. The heat exchanger required for AHTR is subjected to a unique set of conditions that bring with them several design challenges not encountered in standard heat exchangers. The corrosive molten salts, especially at highermore » temperatures, require materials throughout the system to avoid corrosion, and adverse high-temperature effects such as creep. Given the very high steam generator pressure of the supercritical steam cycle, it is anticipated that water tube and molten salt shell steam generators heat exchanger will be used. In this paper, the ASME Section III and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section VIII requirements (acceptance criteria) are discussed. Also, the ASME material acceptance criteria (ASME Section II, Part D) for high temperature environment are presented. Finally, lack of ASME acceptance criteria for thermal design and analysis are discussed.« less

Analysis of Eye-Tracking Data with Regards to the Complexity of Flight Deck Information Automation and Management - Inattentional Blindness, System State Awareness, and EFB Usage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dill, Evan T.; Young, Steven D.

2015-01-01

In the constant drive to further the safety and efficiency of air travel, the complexity of avionics-related systems, and the procedures for interacting with these systems, appear to be on an ever-increasing trend. While this growing complexity often yields productive results with respect to system capabilities and flight efficiency, it can place a larger burden on pilots to manage increasing amounts of information and to understand intricate system designs. Evidence supporting this observation is becoming widespread, yet has been largely anecdotal or the result of subjective analysis. One way to gain more insight into this issue is through experimentation using more objective measures or indicators. This study utilizes and analyzes eye-tracking data obtained during a high-fidelity flight simulation study wherein many of the complexities of current flight decks, as well as those planned for the next generation air transportation system (NextGen), were emulated. The following paper presents the findings of this study with a focus on electronic flight bag (EFB) usage, system state awareness (SSA) and events involving suspected inattentional blindness (IB).

Engineering of Semiconductor Nanocrystals for Light Emitting Applications

PubMed Central

Todescato, Francesco; Fortunati, Ilaria; Minotto, Alessandro; Signorini, Raffaella; Jasieniak, Jacek J.; Bozio, Renato

2016-01-01

Semiconductor nanocrystals are rapidly spreading into the display and lighting markets. Compared with liquid crystal and organic LED displays, nanocrystalline quantum dots (QDs) provide highly saturated colors, wide color gamut, resolution, rapid response time, optical efficiency, durability and low cost. This remarkable progress has been made possible by the rapid advances in the synthesis of colloidal QDs and by the progress in understanding the intriguing new physics exhibited by these nanoparticles. In this review, we provide support to the idea that suitably engineered core/graded-shell QDs exhibit exceptionally favorable optical properties, photoluminescence and optical gain, while keeping the synthesis facile and producing QDs well suited for light emitting applications. Solid-state laser emitters can greatly profit from QDs as efficient gain materials. Progress towards fabricating low threshold, solution processed DFB lasers that are optically pumped using one- and two-photon absorption is reviewed. In the field of display technologies, the exploitation of the exceptional photoluminescence properties of QDs for LCD backlighting has already advanced to commercial levels. The next big challenge is to develop the electroluminescence properties of QD to a similar state. We present an overview of QLED devices and of the great perspectives for next generation display and lighting technologies. PMID:28773794

Next generation fuel irradiation capability in the High Flux Reactor Petten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fütterer, Michael A.; D'Agata, Elio; Laurie, Mathias; Marmier, Alain; Scaffidi-Argentina, Francesco; Raison, Philippe; Bakker, Klaas; de Groot, Sander; Klaassen, Frodo

2009-07-01

This paper describes selected equipment and expertise on fuel irradiation testing at the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten, The Netherlands. The reactor went critical in 1961 and holds an operating license up to at least 2015. While HFR has initially focused on Light Water Reactor fuel and materials, it also played a decisive role since the 1970s in the German High Temperature Reactor (HTR) development program. A variety of tests related to fast reactor development in Europe were carried out for next generation fuel and materials, in particular for Very High Temperature Reactor (V/HTR) fuel, fuel for closed fuel cycles (U-Pu and Th-U fuel cycle) and transmutation, as well as for other innovative fuel types. The HFR constitutes a significant European infrastructure tool for the development of next generation reactors. Experimental facilities addressed include V/HTR fuel tests, a coated particle irradiation rig, and tests on fast reactor, transmutation and thorium fuel. The rationales for these tests are given, results are provided and further work is outlined.

Temperature Resistant Fiber Bragg Gratings for On-Line and Structural Health Monitoring of the Next-Generation of Nuclear Reactors.

PubMed

Laffont, Guillaume; Cotillard, Romain; Roussel, Nicolas; Desmarchelier, Rudy; Rougeault, Stéphane

2018-06-02

The harsh environment associated with the next generation of nuclear reactors is a great challenge facing all new sensing technologies to be deployed for on-line monitoring purposes and for the implantation of SHM methods. Sensors able to resist sustained periods at very high temperatures continuously as is the case within sodium-cooled fast reactors require specific developments and evaluations. Among the diversity of optical fiber sensing technologies, temperature resistant fiber Bragg gratings are increasingly being considered for the instrumentation of future nuclear power plants, especially for components exposed to high temperature and high radiation levels. Research programs are supporting the developments of optical fiber sensors under mixed high temperature and radiative environments leading to significant increase in term of maturity. This paper details the development of temperature-resistant wavelength-multiplexed fiber Bragg gratings for temperature and strain measurements and their characterization for on-line monitoring into the liquid sodium used as a coolant for the next generation of fast reactors.

Development of a 2.0 eV AlGaInP Solar Cell Grown by OMVPE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perl, Emmett E.; Simon, John; Geisz, John F.

2015-06-14

AlGaInP solar cells with a bandgap (Eg) of ~2.0 eV are developed for use in next-generation multijunction photovoltaic devices. This material system is of great interest for both space and concentrator photovoltaics due to its high bandgap, which enables the development of high-efficiency five-junction and six-junction devices and is also useful for solar cells operated at elevated temperatures. In this work, we explore the conditions for the Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE) growth of AlGaInP and study their effects on cell performance. A ~2.0 eV AlGaInP solar cell is demonstrated with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.59V, a bandgap-voltagemore » offset (WOC) of 420mV, a fill factor (FF) of 88.0%, and an efficiency of 14.8%. These AlGaInP cells have attained a similar FF, WOC and internal quantum efficiency (IQE) to the best upright GaInP cells grown in our lab to date.« less

FY2016 Propulsion Materials Annual Progress Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None, None

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines and Fuels) teams to develop strategies thatmore » overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.« less

Comparison of Different Strategies for Selection/Adaptation of Mixed Microbial Cultures Able to Ferment Crude Glycerol Derived from Second-Generation Biodiesel.

PubMed

Varrone, C; Heggeset, T M B; Le, S B; Haugen, T; Markussen, S; Skiadas, I V; Gavala, H N

2015-01-01

Objective of this study was the selection and adaptation of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs), able to ferment crude glycerol generated from animal fat-based biodiesel and produce building-blocks and green chemicals. Various adaptation strategies have been investigated for the enrichment of suitable and stable MMC, trying to overcome inhibition problems and enhance substrate degradation efficiency, as well as generation of soluble fermentation products. Repeated transfers in small batches and fed-batch conditions have been applied, comparing the use of different inoculum, growth media, and Kinetic Control. The adaptation of activated sludge inoculum was performed successfully and continued unhindered for several months. The best results showed a substrate degradation efficiency of almost 100% (about 10 g/L glycerol in 21 h) and different dominant metabolic products were obtained, depending on the selection strategy (mainly 1,3-propanediol, ethanol, or butyrate). On the other hand, anaerobic sludge exhibited inactivation after a few transfers. To circumvent this problem, fed-batch mode was used as an alternative adaptation strategy, which led to effective substrate degradation and high 1,3-propanediol and butyrate production. Changes in microbial composition were monitored by means of Next Generation Sequencing, revealing a dominance of glycerol consuming species, such as Clostridium, Klebsiella, and Escherichia.

High-Efficiency Nanowire Solar Cells with Omnidirectionally Enhanced Absorption Due to Self-Aligned Indium-Tin-Oxide Mie Scatterers.

PubMed

van Dam, Dick; van Hoof, Niels J J; Cui, Yingchao; van Veldhoven, Peter J; Bakkers, Erik P A M; Gómez Rivas, Jaime; Haverkort, Jos E M

2016-12-27

Photovoltaic cells based on arrays of semiconductor nanowires promise efficiencies comparable or even better than their planar counterparts with much less material. One reason for the high efficiencies is their large absorption cross section, but until recently the photocurrent has been limited to less than 70% of the theoretical maximum. Here we enhance the absorption in indium phosphide (InP) nanowire solar cells by employing broadband forward scattering of self-aligned nanoparticles on top of the transparent top contact layer. This results in a nanowire solar cell with a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 17.8% and a short-circuit current of 29.3 mA/cm 2 under 1 sun illumination, which is the highest reported so far for nanowire solar cells and among the highest reported for III-V solar cells. We also measure the angle-dependent photocurrent, using time-reversed Fourier microscopy, and demonstrate a broadband and omnidirectional absorption enhancement for unpolarized light up to 60° with a wavelength average of 12% due to Mie scattering. These results unambiguously demonstrate the potential of semiconductor nanowires as nanostructures for the next generation of photovoltaic devices.

Low-Temperature Presynthesized Crystalline Tin Oxide for Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

PubMed

Bu, Tongle; Shi, Shengwei; Li, Jing; Liu, Yifan; Shi, Jielin; Chen, Li; Liu, Xueping; Qiu, Junhao; Ku, Zhiliang; Peng, Yong; Zhong, Jie; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Huang, Fuzhi

2018-05-02

Organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been emerging as one of the most promising next generation photovoltaic technologies with a breakthrough power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 22%. However, aiming for commercialization, it still encounters challenges for the large-scale module fabrication, especially for flexible devices which have attracted intensive attention recently. Low-temperature processed high-performance electron-transporting layers (ETLs) are still difficult. Herein, we present a facile low-temperature synthesis of crystalline SnO 2 nanocrystals (NCs) as efficient ETLs for flexible PSCs including modules. Through thermal and UV-ozone treatments of the SnO 2 ETLs, the electron transporting resistance of the ETLs and the charge recombination at the interface of ETL/perovskite were decreased. Thus, the hysteresis-free highly efficient rigid and flexible PSCs were obtained with PCEs of 19.20 and 16.47%, respectively. Finally, a 5 × 5 cm 2 flexible PSC module with a PCE of 12.31% (12.22% for forward scan and 12.40% for reverse scan) was fabricated with the optimized perovskite/ETL interface. Thus, employing presynthesized SnO 2 NCs to fabricate ETLs has showed promising for future manufacturing.

The E3 combustors: Status and challenges. [energy efficient turbofan engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sokolowski, D. E.; Rohde, J. E.

1981-01-01

The design, fabrication, and initial testing of energy efficient engine combustors, developed for the next generation of turbofan engines for commercial aircraft, are described. The combustor designs utilize an annular configuration with two zone combustion for low emissions, advanced liners for improved durability, and short, curved-wall, dump prediffusers for compactness. Advanced cooling techniques and segmented construction characterize the advanced liners. Linear segments are made from castable, turbine-type materials.

Micromechanisms of Monotonic and Cyclic Subcritical Crack Growth in Advanced High Melting Point Low-Ductility Intermetallics

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-01

next generation of hk,- s-performance jet engines will require markedly stiffer materials, operating at higher stress levels anw. :apable of...the crack tip, and fatigue-crack propagation is observed at stress -intensity levels as low as 6 MPa&m, far below those required to initiate cracking...The next generation of high-performance jet engines will require markedly stiffer materials, operating at higher stress levels and capable of

Outer Planet Science Missions enabled by Solar Power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaplan, M.; Klaus, K.; Smith, D. B.

2009-12-01

Our studies demonstrate that New Frontiers-class science missions to the Jupiter and Saturn systems are possible with commercial solar powered space craft. These spacecraft are flight proven with more than 60 years of in-space operation and are equipped with highly efficient solar arrays capable of up to 25kW in low earth orbit. Such a vehicle could generate nearly 1kW in the Jovian System. Our analysis shows substantially greater power at the end of mission with this solar array system than the system that is planned for use in the Europa Jupiter System Flagship mission study. In the next few years, a new solar array technology will be developed and demonstrated by DARPA that will provide even higher power. DARPA’s Fast Access Space Testbed (FAST) program objective is to develop a revolutionary approach to spacecraft high power generation. This high power generation Subsystem, when combined with electric propulsion, will form the technological basis for a light weight, high power, highly mobile spacecraft platform. The FAST program will demonstrate the implementation of solar concentrators and high flux solar cells in conjunction with high specific impulse electric propulsion, to produce a high performance, lightweight power and propulsion system. A basic FAST spacecraft design provides about 60 kW in LEO, which scales to > 2 kW at 5 AU, or a little less than 1 kW at 10 AU. In principle, higher power levels (120 kW or even 180kW at 1 AU) could be accommodated with this technology. We envision missions using this FAST array and NASA’s NEXT engines for solar electric propulsion (SEP) Jovian and Saturn system maneuvers. We envision FAST arrays to cost in the tens of millions, making this an affordable, plutonium-free way to do outer planets science. Continued funding will mean flight experiments conducted in the 2012 timeframe that could make this technology flight proven for the New Frontiers 4 opportunity.

Designing high efficiency organic photovoltaics by controlling the ordering at the donor-acceptor interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohite, Aditya; Nie, Wanyi; Gupta, Gautam; Crone, Brian; Kuo, Chenyu; Tsai, Hsinhan; Smith, Darryl; Ruden, Paul; Liu, Feilong; Wang, Hsing-Lin; Tretiak, Sergei

2014-03-01

The overall power conversion efficiency in an organic solar cell depends on the balance between the rates of exciton dissociation, recombination and separation at the donor acceptor interface. Inability to design, control and engineer these interfaces remains a key bottleneck in their widespread use for the next generation organic electronic devices. Here, we show that we can control the ordering at the P3HT/C60 interface in bilayer device geometry by inserting a monolayer of oligothiophenes, which leads to a complete suppression in the exciplex (or charge transfer state) recombination. We observe that the photocurrent increases by 500%, which in turn results in an increase in the overall power conversion efficiency by an order of magnitude. Moreover, we find that the oligothiophene with an odd number of rings (ter and penta oligothiophene) exhibit a much higher increase in the photocurrent in comparison to the oligothiophene with an even number of rings (tetra oligothiphene). STM measurements reveal that the oligothiophene with odd and even number of rings differ in their ordering respectively, that has a big effect on the overall device performance. We also find that this ordering is highly dependent on the side functional groups in the oligothiophenes. The mechanism of photocurrent generation will be discussed and a simple transport model will be used to explain the change in the charge transfer and recombination rates and predict current-voltage curves.

Conceptualizing Accessibility for English Language Proficiency Assessments. Research Report. ETS RR-16-07

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guzman-Orth, Danielle; Laitusis, Cara; Thurlow, Martha; Christensen, Laurene

2016-01-01

This paper is the second in a series from Educational Testing Service (ETS) that conceptualizes next-generation English language proficiency (ELP) assessment systems for K-12 English learners (ELs) in the United States.The first paper articulated a high-level conceptualization of next-generation ELP assessment systems (Hauck, Wolf, & Mislevy,…

Teachers' Practices in High School Chemistry Just Prior to the Adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boesdorfer, Sarah B.; Staude, Kristin D.

2016-01-01

Effective professional development that influences teachers' classroom practices starts with what teachers know, understand, and do in their classroom. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) challenge teachers to make changes to their classroom; to help teachers make these changes, it is necessary to know what they are doing in their…

Advanced Vehicle Concepts and Implications for NextGen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, Matt; Smith, Jim; Wright, Ken; Mediavilla Ricky; Kirby, Michelle; Pfaender, Holger; Clarke, John-Paul; Volovoi, Vitali; Dorbian, Christopher; Ashok, Akshay;

Comparing microarrays and next-generation sequencing technologies for microbial ecology research.

PubMed

Roh, Seong Woon; Abell, Guy C J; Kim, Kyoung-Ho; Nam, Young-Do; Bae, Jin-Woo

2010-06-01

Recent advances in molecular biology have resulted in the application of DNA microarrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to the field of microbial ecology. This review aims to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each of the methodologies, including depth and ease of analysis, throughput and cost-effectiveness. It also intends to highlight the optimal application of each of the individual technologies toward the study of a particular environment and identify potential synergies between the two main technologies, whereby both sample number and coverage can be maximized. We suggest that the efficient use of microarray and NGS technologies will allow researchers to advance the field of microbial ecology, and importantly, improve our understanding of the role of microorganisms in their various environments.

NREL-Prime Next-Generation Drivetrain Dynamometer Test Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keller, Jonathan; Erdman, Bill; Blodgett, Douglas

2016-08-01

Advances in wind turbine drivetrain technologies are necessary to improve reliability and reduce the cost of energy for land-based and offshore wind turbines. The NREL-Prime Next-Generation Drivetrain team developed a geared, medium-speed drivetrain that is lighter, more reliable and more efficient than existing designs. One of the objectives of Phase II of the project was to complete the detailed design, fabrication, and dynamometer testing of a 750 kilowatt (kW) drivetrain that includes the key gearbox innovations designed by Romax Technology and power converter innovations designed by DNV Kema Renewables. The purpose of this document is to summarize these tests completedmore » in NREL's National Wind Technology Center 2.5 megawatt (MW) dynamometer.« less

Increasing feed efficiency and reducing methane emissions using genomics: An international approach

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Genomic technology (including SNP arrays and next-generation sequencing) is a powerful driver for the genetic improvement of livestock. Phenotype recording can now, to an extent, be partitioned from selection, and even limited to several thousand animals. Rapid development of new technologies and pr...

Monitoring and Analyzing Process Streams Towards Understanding Ionic Liquid Pretreatment of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fundamental understanding of biomass pretreatment and its influence on sacchrification kinetics, total sugar yield, and inhibitor formation is essential to develop efficient next-generation biofuels strategies, capable of displacing fossil fuels at a commercial level. In this study we investigate t...

A Monocular SLAM Method to Estimate Relative Pose During Satellite Proximity Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

localization and mapping with efficient outlier handling. In The IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR), June 2013. 5. Herbert Bay...S.H. Spencer . Next generation advanced video guidance sensor. In Aerospace Conference, 2008 IEEE, pages 1–8, March 2008. 12. Michael Calonder, Vincent

Library 2.0: Service for the Next-Generation Library

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casey, Michael E.; Savastinuk, Laura C.

2006-01-01

Libraries are changing. Funding limits and customer demands are transforming staffing levels, service models, access to resources, and services to the public. Administrators and taxpayers are seeking more efficient ways of delivering services to achieve greater returns on financial investments. In this article, the author discusses the benefits of…

Development and transferability of black and red raspberry microsatellite markers from short-read sequences

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has been a boon to the cost-effective development of molecular markers, particularly in non-model species. Here, we demonstrate the efficiency of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker development from short-read sequences using th...

Energy Storage | Transportation Research | NREL

Science.gov Websites

, and safe energy storage systems to power the next generation of electric-drive vehicles (EDVs). While lasting, safe, and operate at maximum efficiency in a wide range of driving conditions and climates. The Consumers, Industry, and the Environment As manufacturers develop new electric-drive vehicles, NREL acts as

Growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana under single-wavelength red and blue laser light.

PubMed

Ooi, Amanda; Wong, Aloysius; Ng, Tien Khee; Marondedze, Claudius; Gehring, Christoph; Ooi, Boon S

2016-09-23

Indoor horticulture offers a sensible solution for sustainable food production and is becoming increasingly widespread. However, it incurs high energy and cost due to the use of artificial lighting such as high-pressure sodium lamps, fluorescent light or increasingly, the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy efficiency and light quality of currently available horticultural lighting is suboptimal, and therefore less than ideal for sustainable and cost-effective large-scale plant production. Here, we demonstrate the use of high-powered single-wavelength lasers for indoor horticulture. They are highly energy-efficient and can be remotely guided to the site of plant growth, thus reducing on-site heat accumulation. Furthermore, laser beams can be tailored to match the absorption profiles of different plant species. We have developed a prototype laser growth chamber and demonstrate that plants grown under laser illumination can complete a full growth cycle from seed to seed with phenotypes resembling those of plants grown under LEDs reported previously. Importantly, the plants have lower expression of proteins diagnostic for light and radiation stress. The phenotypical, biochemical and proteome data show that the single-wavelength laser light is suitable for plant growth and therefore, potentially able to unlock the advantages of this next generation lighting technology for highly energy-efficient horticulture.

Growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana under single-wavelength red and blue laser light

PubMed Central

Ooi, Amanda; Wong, Aloysius; Ng, Tien Khee; Marondedze, Claudius; Gehring, Christoph; Ooi, Boon S.

2016-01-01

Indoor horticulture offers a sensible solution for sustainable food production and is becoming increasingly widespread. However, it incurs high energy and cost due to the use of artificial lighting such as high-pressure sodium lamps, fluorescent light or increasingly, the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy efficiency and light quality of currently available horticultural lighting is suboptimal, and therefore less than ideal for sustainable and cost-effective large-scale plant production. Here, we demonstrate the use of high-powered single-wavelength lasers for indoor horticulture. They are highly energy-efficient and can be remotely guided to the site of plant growth, thus reducing on-site heat accumulation. Furthermore, laser beams can be tailored to match the absorption profiles of different plant species. We have developed a prototype laser growth chamber and demonstrate that plants grown under laser illumination can complete a full growth cycle from seed to seed with phenotypes resembling those of plants grown under LEDs reported previously. Importantly, the plants have lower expression of proteins diagnostic for light and radiation stress. The phenotypical, biochemical and proteome data show that the single-wavelength laser light is suitable for plant growth and therefore, potentially able to unlock the advantages of this next generation lighting technology for highly energy-efficient horticulture. PMID:27659906

Design approaches to more energy efficient engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, N. T.; Colladay, R. S.; Macioce, L. E.

1978-01-01

The status of NASA's Energy Efficient Engine Project, a comparative government-industry effort aimed at advancing the technology base for the next generation of large turbofan engines for civil aircraft transports is summarized. Results of recently completed studies are reviewed. These studies involved selection of engine cycles and configurations that offer potential for at least 12% lower fuel consumption than current engines and also are economically attractive and environmentally acceptable. Emphasis is on the advancements required in component technologies and systems design concepts to permit future development of these more energy efficient engines.

Screening for plant viruses by next generation sequencing using a modified double strand RNA extraction protocol with an internal amplification control.

PubMed

Kesanakurti, Prasad; Belton, Mark; Saeed, Hanaa; Rast, Heidi; Boyes, Ian; Rott, Michael

2016-10-01

The majority of plant viruses contain RNA genomes. Detection of viral RNA genomes in infected plant material by next generation sequencing (NGS) is possible through the extraction and sequencing of total RNA, total RNA devoid of ribosomal RNA, small RNA interference (RNAi) molecules, or double stranded RNA (dsRNA). Plants do not typically produce high molecular weight dsRNA, therefore the presence of dsRNA makes it an attractive target for plant virus diagnostics. The sensitivity of NGS as a diagnostic method demands an effective dsRNA protocol that is both representative of the sample and minimizes sample cross contamination. We have developed a modified dsRNA extraction protocol that is more efficient compared to traditional protocols, requiring reduced amounts of starting material, that is less prone to sample cross contamination. This was accomplished by using bead based homogenization of plant material in closed, disposable 50ml tubes. To assess the quality of extraction, we also developed an internal control by designing a real-time (quantitative) PCR (qPCR) assay that targets endornaviruses present in Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar Black Turtle Soup (BTS). Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AMPLISAS: a web server for multilocus genotyping using next-generation amplicon sequencing data.

PubMed

Sebastian, Alvaro; Herdegen, Magdalena; Migalska, Magdalena; Radwan, Jacek

2016-03-01

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are revolutionizing the fields of biology and medicine as powerful tools for amplicon sequencing (AS). Using combinations of primers and barcodes, it is possible to sequence targeted genomic regions with deep coverage for hundreds, even thousands, of individuals in a single experiment. This is extremely valuable for the genotyping of gene families in which locus-specific primers are often difficult to design, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The utility of AS is, however, limited by the high intrinsic sequencing error rates of NGS technologies and other sources of error such as polymerase amplification or chimera formation. Correcting these errors requires extensive bioinformatic post-processing of NGS data. Amplicon Sequence Assignment (AMPLISAS) is a tool that performs analysis of AS results in a simple and efficient way, while offering customization options for advanced users. AMPLISAS is designed as a three-step pipeline consisting of (i) read demultiplexing, (ii) unique sequence clustering and (iii) erroneous sequence filtering. Allele sequences and frequencies are retrieved in excel spreadsheet format, making them easy to interpret. AMPLISAS performance has been successfully benchmarked against previously published genotyped MHC data sets obtained with various NGS technologies. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Thiomers and thiomer-based nanoparticles in protein and DNA drug delivery.

PubMed

Hauptstein, Sabine; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

2012-09-01

Thanks to advances in biotechnology, more and more highly efficient protein- and DNA-based drugs have been developed. Unfortunately, these kinds of drugs underlie poor non-parental bioavailability. To overcome hindrances like low mucosal permeability and enzymatic degradation polymeric excipients are utilized as drug carrier whereat thiolated excipients showed several promising qualities in comparison to the analogical unmodified polymer. The article deals with the comparatively easy modification of well-established polymers like chitosan or poly(acrylates) to synthesize thiomers. Further, the recently developed "next generation" thiomers e.g. preactivated or S-protected thiomers are introduced. Designative properties like mucoadhesion, uptake and permeation enhancement, efflux pump inhibition and protection against enzymatic degradation will be discussed and differences between first and next generation thiomers will be pointed out. Additionally, nanoparticles prepared with thiomers will be dealt with regarding to protein and DNA drug delivery as thiomers seem to be a promising approach to avoid parenteral application. Properties of thiomers per se and results of in vivo studies carried out so far for peptide and DNA drugs demonstrate their potential as multifunctional excipients. However, further investigations and optimizations have to be done before establishing a carrier system ready for clinical approval.

Socrates: identification of genomic rearrangements in tumour genomes by re-aligning soft clipped reads

PubMed Central

Schröder, Jan; Hsu, Arthur; Boyle, Samantha E.; Macintyre, Geoff; Cmero, Marek; Tothill, Richard W.; Johnstone, Ricky W.; Shackleton, Mark; Papenfuss, Anthony T.

2014-01-01

Motivation: Methods for detecting somatic genome rearrangements in tumours using next-generation sequencing are vital in cancer genomics. Available algorithms use one or more sources of evidence, such as read depth, paired-end reads or split reads to predict structural variants. However, the problem remains challenging due to the significant computational burden and high false-positive or false-negative rates. Results: In this article, we present Socrates (SOft Clip re-alignment To idEntify Structural variants), a highly efficient and effective method for detecting genomic rearrangements in tumours that uses only split-read data. Socrates has single-nucleotide resolution, identifies micro-homologies and untemplated sequence at break points, has high sensitivity and high specificity and takes advantage of parallelism for efficient use of resources. We demonstrate using simulated and real data that Socrates performs well compared with a number of existing structural variant detection tools. Availability and implementation: Socrates is released as open source and available from http://bioinf.wehi.edu.au/socrates. Contact: papenfuss@wehi.edu.au Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:24389656

Evidence of covalent synergy in silicon–sulfur–graphene yielding highly efficient and long-life lithium-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Hassan, Fathy M.; Batmaz, Rasim; Li, Jingde; ...

2015-10-26

Silicon has the potential to revolutionize the energy storage capacities of lithium-ion batteries to meet the ever increasing power demands of next generation technologies. To avoid the operational stability problems of silicon-based anodes, we propose synergistic physicochemical alteration of electrode structures during their design. This capitalizes on covalent interaction of Si nanoparticles with sulfur-doped graphene and with cyclized polyacrylonitrile to provide a robust nanoarchitecture. This hierarchical structure stabilized the solid electrolyte interphase leading to superior reversible capacity of over 1,000 mAh g -1 for 2,275 cycles at 2 A g -1. Furthermore, the nanoarchitectured design lowered the contact of themore » electrolyte to the electrode leading to not only high coulombic efficiency of 99.9% but also maintaining high stability even with high electrode loading associated with 3.4 mAh cm -2. As a result, the excellent performance combined with the simplistic, scalable and non-hazardous approach render the process as a very promising candidate for Li-ion battery technology.« less

Reviews of a Diode-Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL): a potential high powered light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, He; Wang, You; Han, Juhong; An, Guofei; Zhang, Wei; Xue, Liangping; Wang, Hongyuan; Zhou, Jie; Gao, Ming; Jiang, Zhigang

2015-03-01

Diode pumped alkali vapor lasers (DPALs) were first developed by in W. F. Krupke at the beginning of the 21th century. In the recent years, DPALs have been rapidly developed because of their high Stokes efficiency, good beam quality, compact size and near-infrared emission wavelengths. The Stokes efficiency of a DPAL can achieve a miraculous level as high as 95.3% for cesium (Cs), 98.1% for rubidium (Rb), and 99.6% for potassium (K), respectively. The thermal effect of a DPAL is theoretically smaller than that of a normal diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL). Additionally, generated heat of a DPAL can be removed by circulating the gases inside a sealed system. Therefore, the thermal management would be relatively simple for realization of a high-powered DPAL. In the meantime, DPALs combine the advantages of both DPSSLs and normal gas lasers but evade the disadvantages of them. Generally, the collisionally broadened cross sections of both the D1 and the D2 lines for a DPAL are much larger than those for the most conventional solid-state, fiber and gas lasers. Thus, DPALs provide an outstanding potentiality for realization of high-powered laser systems. It has been shown that a DPAL is now becoming one of the most promising candidates for simultaneously achieving good beam quality and high output power. With a lot of marvelous merits, a DPAL becomes one of the most hopeful high-powered laser sources of next generation.

Computationally-efficient stochastic cluster dynamics method for modeling damage accumulation in irradiated materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hoang, Tuan L.; Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA 94550; Marian, Jaime, E-mail: jmarian@ucla.edu

2015-11-01

An improved version of a recently developed stochastic cluster dynamics (SCD) method (Marian and Bulatov, 2012) [6] is introduced as an alternative to rate theory (RT) methods for solving coupled ordinary differential equation (ODE) systems for irradiation damage simulations. SCD circumvents by design the curse of dimensionality of the variable space that renders traditional ODE-based RT approaches inefficient when handling complex defect population comprised of multiple (more than two) defect species. Several improvements introduced here enable efficient and accurate simulations of irradiated materials up to realistic (high) damage doses characteristic of next-generation nuclear systems. The first improvement is a proceduremore » for efficiently updating the defect reaction-network and event selection in the context of a dynamically expanding reaction-network. Next is a novel implementation of the τ-leaping method that speeds up SCD simulations by advancing the state of the reaction network in large time increments when appropriate. Lastly, a volume rescaling procedure is introduced to control the computational complexity of the expanding reaction-network through occasional reductions of the defect population while maintaining accurate statistics. The enhanced SCD method is then applied to model defect cluster accumulation in iron thin films subjected to triple ion-beam (Fe{sup 3+}, He{sup +} and H{sup +}) irradiations, for which standard RT or spatially-resolved kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are prohibitively expensive.« less

Computationally-efficient stochastic cluster dynamics method for modeling damage accumulation in irradiated materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Tuan L.; Marian, Jaime; Bulatov, Vasily V.; Hosemann, Peter

2015-11-01

An improved version of a recently developed stochastic cluster dynamics (SCD) method (Marian and Bulatov, 2012) [6] is introduced as an alternative to rate theory (RT) methods for solving coupled ordinary differential equation (ODE) systems for irradiation damage simulations. SCD circumvents by design the curse of dimensionality of the variable space that renders traditional ODE-based RT approaches inefficient when handling complex defect population comprised of multiple (more than two) defect species. Several improvements introduced here enable efficient and accurate simulations of irradiated materials up to realistic (high) damage doses characteristic of next-generation nuclear systems. The first improvement is a procedure for efficiently updating the defect reaction-network and event selection in the context of a dynamically expanding reaction-network. Next is a novel implementation of the τ-leaping method that speeds up SCD simulations by advancing the state of the reaction network in large time increments when appropriate. Lastly, a volume rescaling procedure is introduced to control the computational complexity of the expanding reaction-network through occasional reductions of the defect population while maintaining accurate statistics. The enhanced SCD method is then applied to model defect cluster accumulation in iron thin films subjected to triple ion-beam (Fe3+, He+ and H+) irradiations, for which standard RT or spatially-resolved kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are prohibitively expensive.

Sub-GHz-resolution C-band Nyquist-filtering interleaver on a high-index-contrast photonic integrated circuit.

PubMed

Zhuang, Leimeng; Zhu, Chen; Corcoran, Bill; Burla, Maurizio; Roeloffzen, Chris G H; Leinse, Arne; Schröder, Jochen; Lowery, Arthur J

2016-03-21

Modern optical communications rely on high-resolution, high-bandwidth filtering to maximize the data-carrying capacity of fiber-optic networks. Such filtering typically requires high-speed, power-hungry digital processes in the electrical domain. Passive optical filters currently provide high bandwidths with low power consumption, but at the expense of resolution. Here, we present a passive filter chip that functions as an optical Nyquist-filtering interleaver featuring sub-GHz resolution and a near-rectangular passband with 8% roll-off. This performance is highly promising for high-spectral-efficiency Nyquist wavelength division multiplexed (N-WDM) optical super-channels. The chip provides a simple two-ring-resonator-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which has a sub-cm² footprint owing to the high-index-contrast Si₃N₄/SiO₂ waveguide, while manifests low wavelength-dependency enabling C-band (> 4 THz) coverage with more than 160 effective free spectral ranges of 25 GHz. This device is anticipated to be a critical building block for spectrally-efficient, chip-scale transceivers and ROADMs for N-WDM super-channels in next-generation optical communication networks.

High-Level Heteroatom Doped Two-Dimensional Carbon Architectures for Highly Efficient Lithium-Ion Storage.

PubMed

Wang, Zhijie; Wang, Yanyan; Wang, Wenhui; Yu, Xiaoliang; Lv, Wei; Xiang, Bin; He, Yan-Bing

2018-01-01

In this work, high-level heteroatom doped two-dimensional hierarchical carbon architectures (H-2D-HCA) are developed for highly efficient Li-ion storage applications. The achieved H-2D-HCA possesses a hierarchical 2D morphology consisting of tiny carbon nanosheets vertically grown on carbon nanoplates and containing a hierarchical porosity with multiscale pore size. More importantly, the H-2D-HCA shows abundant heteroatom functionality, with sulfur (S) doping of 0.9% and nitrogen (N) doping of as high as 15.5%, in which the electrochemically active N accounts for 84% of total N heteroatoms. In addition, the H-2D-HCA also has an expanded interlayer distance of 0.368 nm. When used as lithium-ion battery anodes, it shows excellent Li-ion storage performance. Even at a high current density of 5 A g -1 , it still delivers a high discharge capacity of 329 mA h g -1 after 1,000 cycles. First principle calculations verifies that such unique microstructure characteristics and high-level heteroatom doping nature can enhance Li adsorption stability, electronic conductivity and Li diffusion mobility of carbon nanomaterials. Therefore, the H-2D-HCA could be promising candidates for next-generation LIB anodes.

High-Level Heteroatom Doped Two-Dimensional Carbon Architectures for Highly Efficient Lithium-Ion Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhijie; Wang, Yanyan; Wang, Wenhui; Yu, Xiaoliang; Lv, Wei; Xiang, Bin; He, Yan-Bing

2018-04-01

In this work, high-level heteroatom doped two-dimensional hierarchical carbon architectures (H-2D-HCA) are developed for highly efficient Li-ion storage applications. The achieved H-2D-HCA possesses a hierarchical 2D morphology consisting of tiny carbon nanosheets vertically grown on carbon nanoplates and containing a hierarchical porosity with multiscale pore size. More importantly, the H-2D-HCA shows abundant heteroatom functionality, with sulfur (S) doping of 0.9 % and nitrogen (N) doping of as high as 15.5 %, in which the electrochemically active N accounts for 84 % of total N heteroatoms. In addition, the H-2D-HCA also has an expanded interlayer distance of 0.368 nm. When used as lithium-ion battery anodes, it shows excellent Li-ion storage performance. Even at a high current density of 5 A g-1, it still delivered a high discharge capacity of 329 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles. First principle calculations verified that such unique microstructure characteristics and high-level heteroatom doping nature can enhance Li adsorption stability, electronic conductivity and Li diffusion mobility of carbon nanomaterials. Therefore, the H-2D-HCA could be promising candidates for next-generation LIB anodes.

Next generation biofuel engineering in prokaryotes

PubMed Central

Gronenberg, Luisa S.; Marcheschi, Ryan J.; Liao, James C.

2014-01-01

Next-generation biofuels must be compatible with current transportation infrastructure and be derived from environmentally sustainable resources that do not compete with food crops. Many bacterial species have unique properties advantageous to the production of such next-generation fuels. However, no single species possesses all characteristics necessary to make high quantities of fuels from plant waste or CO2. Species containing a subset of the desired characteristics are used as starting points for engineering organisms with all desired attributes. Metabolic engineering of model organisms has yielded high titer production of advanced fuels, including alcohols, isoprenoids and fatty acid derivatives. Technical developments now allow engineering of native fuel producers, as well as lignocellulolytic and autotrophic bacteria, for the production of biofuels. Continued research on multiple fronts is required to engineer organisms for truly sustainable and economical biofuel production. PMID:23623045

A Highly Flexible and Efficient Passive Optical Network Employing Dynamic Wavelength Allocation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsueh, Yu-Li; Rogge, Matthew S.; Yamamoto, Shu; Kazovsky, Leonid G.

2005-01-01

A novel and high-performance passive optical network (PON), the SUCCESS-DWA PON, employs dynamic wavelength allocation to provide bandwidth sharing across multiple physical PONs. In the downstream, tunable lasers, an arrayed waveguide grating, and coarse/fine filtering combine to create a flexible new optical access solution. In the upstream, several distributed and centralized schemes are proposed and investigated. The network performance is compared to conventional TDM-PONs under different traffic models, including the self-similar traffic model and the transaction-oriented model. Broadcast support and deployment issues are addressed. The network's excellent scalability can bridge the gap between conventional TDM-PONs and WDM-PONs. The powerful architecture is a promising candidate for next generation optical access networks.

ATD-1 ATM Technology Demonstration-1 and Integrated Scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quon, Leighton

2014-01-01

Enabling efficient arrivals for the NextGen Air Traffic Management System and developing a set of integrated decision support tools to reduce the high cognitive workload so that controllers are able to simultaneously achieve safe, efficient, and expedient operations at high traffic demand levels.

YAMAT-seq: an efficient method for high-throughput sequencing of mature transfer RNAs.

PubMed

Shigematsu, Megumi; Honda, Shozo; Loher, Phillipe; Telonis, Aristeidis G; Rigoutsos, Isidore; Kirino, Yohei

2017-05-19

Besides translation, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play many non-canonical roles in various biological pathways and exhibit highly variable expression profiles. To unravel the emerging complexities of tRNA biology and molecular mechanisms underlying them, an efficient tRNA sequencing method is required. However, the rigid structure of tRNA has been presenting a challenge to the development of such methods. We report the development of Y-shaped Adapter-ligated MAture TRNA sequencing (YAMAT-seq), an efficient and convenient method for high-throughput sequencing of mature tRNAs. YAMAT-seq circumvents the issue of inefficient adapter ligation, a characteristic of conventional RNA sequencing methods for mature tRNAs, by employing the efficient and specific ligation of Y-shaped adapter to mature tRNAs using T4 RNA Ligase 2. Subsequent cDNA amplification and next-generation sequencing successfully yield numerous mature tRNA sequences. YAMAT-seq has high specificity for mature tRNAs and high sensitivity to detect most isoacceptors from minute amount of total RNA. Moreover, YAMAT-seq shows quantitative capability to estimate expression levels of mature tRNAs, and has high reproducibility and broad applicability for various cell lines. YAMAT-seq thus provides high-throughput technique for identifying tRNA profiles and their regulations in various transcriptomes, which could play important regulatory roles in translation and other biological processes. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Design and Control of Integrated Systems for Hydrogen Production and Power Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgis, Dimitrios

Growing concerns on CO2 emissions have led to the development of highly efficient power plants. Options for increased energy efficiencies include alternative energy conversion pathways, energy integration and process intensification. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) constitute a promising alternative for power generation since they convert the chemical energy electrochemically directly to electricity. Their high operating temperature shows potential for energy integration with energy intensive units (e.g. steam reforming reactors). Although energy integration is an essential tool for increased efficiencies, it leads to highly complex process schemes with rich dynamic behavior, which are challenging to control. Furthermore, the use of process intensification for increased energy efficiency imposes an additional control challenge. This dissertation identifies and proposes solutions on design, operational and control challenges of integrated systems for hydrogen production and power generation. Initially, a study on energy integrated SOFC systems is presented. Design alternatives are identified, control strategies are proposed for each alternative and their validity is evaluated under different operational scenarios. The operational range of the proposed control strategies is also analyzed. Next, thermal management of water gas shift membrane reactors, which are a typical application of process intensification, is considered. Design and operational objectives are identified and a control strategy is proposed employing advanced control algorithms. The performance of the proposed control strategy is evaluated and compared with classical control strategies. Finally SOFC systems for combined heat and power applications are considered. Multiple recycle loops are placed to increase design flexibility. Different operational objectives are identified and a nonlinear optimization problem is formulated. Optimal designs are obtained and their features are discussed and compared. The results of the dissertation provide a deeper understanding on the design, operational and control challenges of the above systems and can potentially guide further commercialization efforts. In addition to this, the results can be generalized and used for applications from the transportation and residential sector to large--scale power plants.

Next Generation Molecular Histology Using Highly Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) of Breast Cancer Tissue Specimens for Enhanced Clinical Guidance

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0180 TITLE: Next-Generation Molecular Histology Using Highly Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) of Breast Cancer Tissue...1212 REPORT DATE: July 2016 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012...SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER

Aquatic weeds as the next generation feedstock for sustainable bioenergy production.

PubMed

Kaur, Manpreet; Kumar, Manoj; Sachdeva, Sarita; Puri, S K

2018-03-01

Increasing oil prices and depletion of existing fossil fuel reserves, combined with the continuous rise in greenhouse gas emissions, have fostered the need to explore and develop new renewable bioenergy feedstocks that do not require arable land and freshwater resources. In this regard, prolific biomass growth of invasive aquatic weeds in wastewater has gained much attention in recent years in utilizing them as a potential feedstock for bioenergy production. Aquatic weeds have an exceptionally higher reproduction rates and are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose with a very low lignin content that makes them an efficient next generation biofuel crop. Considering their potential as an effective phytoremediators, this review presents a model of integrated aquatic biomass production, phytoremediation and bioenergy generation to reduce the land, fresh water and fertilizer usage for sustainable and economical bioenergy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Next generation information communication infrastructure and case studies for future power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Bin

As power industry enters the new century, powerful driving forces, uncertainties and new functions are compelling electric utilities to make dramatic changes in their information communication infrastructure. Expanding network services such as real time measurement and monitoring are also driving the need for more bandwidth in the communication network. These needs will grow further as new remote real-time protection and control applications become more feasible and pervasive. This dissertation addresses two main issues for the future power system information infrastructure: communication network infrastructure and associated power system applications. Optical networks no doubt will become the predominant data transmission media for next generation power system communication. The rapid development of fiber optic network technology poses new challenges in the areas of topology design, network management and real time applications. Based on advanced fiber optic technologies, an all-fiber network is investigated and proposed. The study will cover the system architecture and data exchange protocol aspects. High bandwidth, robust optical networks could provide great opportunities to the power system for better service and efficient operation. In the dissertation, different applications are investigated. One of the typical applications is the SCADA information accessing system. An Internet-based application for the substation automation system will be presented. VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology is also used for one-line diagrams auto-generation. High transition rate and low latency optical network is especially suitable for power system real time control. In the dissertation, a new local area network based Load Shedding Controller (LSC) for isolated power system will be presented. By using PMU (Phasor Measurement Unit) and fiber optic network, an AGE (Area Generation Error) based accurate wide area load shedding scheme will also be proposed. The objective is to shed the load in the limited area with minimum disturbance.

Design of a High Density SNP Genotyping Assay in the Pig Using SNPs Identified and Characterized by Next Generation Sequencing Technology

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The dissection of complex traits of economic importance for the pig industry requires the availability of a significant number of genetic markers, such as SNPs. This study was conducted in order to discover thousands of porcine SNPs using next generation sequencing technologies and use those SNPs, a...

76 FR 31252 - Fixed and Mobile Services in the Mobile Satellite Service Bands at 1525-1559 MHz and 1626.5-1660...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-31

... also claims that MSS networks provide the only means to create a next generation air traffic management..., articulated their plans to offer high-speed data services, especially in connection with terrestrial networks... claimed that MSS networks provide the only means to create a next generation air traffic management (ATM...

Multi-Fluid Moment Simulations of Ganymede using the Next-Generation OpenGGCM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L.; Germaschewski, K.; Hakim, A.; Bhattacharjee, A.; Raeder, J.

2015-12-01

We coupled the multi-fluid moment code Gkeyll[1,2] to the next-generation OpenGGCM[3], and studied the reconnection dynamics at the Ganymede. This work is part of our effort to tackle the grand challenge of integrating kinetic effects into global fluid models. The multi-fluid moment model integrates kinetic effects in that it can capture crucial kinetic physics like pressure tensor effects by evolving moments of the Vlasov equations for each species. This approach has advantages over previous models: desired kinetic effects, together with other important effects like the Hall effect, are self-consistently embedded in the moment equations, and can be efficiently implemented, while not suffering from severe time-step restriction due to plasma oscillation nor artificial whistler modes. This model also handles multiple ion species naturally, which opens up opportunties in investigating the role of oxygen in magnetospheric reconnection and improved coupling to ionosphere models. In this work, the multi-fluid moment solver in Gkeyll was wrapped as a time-stepping module for the high performance, highly flexible next-generation OpenGGCM. Gkeyll is only used to provide the local plasma solver, while computational aspects like parallelization and boundary conditions are handled entirely by OpenGGCM, including interfacing to other models like ionospheric boundary conditions provided by coupling with CTIM [3]. The coupled code is used to study the dynamics near Ganymede, and the results are compared with MHD and Hall MHD results by Dorelli et al. [4]. Hakim, A. (2008). Journal of Fusion Energy, 27, 36-43. Hakim, A., Loverich, J., & Shumlak, U. (2006). Journal of Computational Physics, 219, 418-442. Raeder, J., Larson, D., Li, W., Kepko, E. L., & Fuller-Rowell, T. (2008). Space Science Reviews, 141(1-4), 535-555. Dorelli, J. C., Glocer, A., Collinson, G., & Tóth, G. (2015). Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 120.

Welcoming a New Generation to College: The Millennial Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elam, Carol; Stratton, Terry; Gibson, Denise D.

2007-01-01

High on any required reading list for college-level student affairs officers and high school counselors is "Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation" by Neil Howe and William Strauss (2000). Experts on generational change in the United States, the authors contend that the current generation of college-age and pre-college-age…

Investigation of High-alpha Lateral-directional Control Power Requirements for High-performance Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, John V.; Ross, Holly M.; Ashley, Patrick A.

1993-01-01

Designers of the next-generation fighter and attack airplanes are faced with the requirements of good high-angle-of-attack maneuverability as well as efficient high speed cruise capability with low radar cross section (RCS) characteristics. As a result, they are challenged with the task of making critical design trades to achieve the desired levels of maneuverability and performance. This task has highlighted the need for comprehensive, flight-validated lateral-directional control power design guidelines for high angles of attack. A joint NASA/U.S. Navy study has been initiated to address this need and to investigate the complex flight dynamics characteristics and controls requirements for high-angle-of-attack lateral-directional maneuvering. A multi-year research program is underway which includes ground-based piloted simulation and flight validation. This paper will give a status update of this program that will include a program overview, description of test methodology and preliminary results.

Investigation of high-alpha lateral-directional control power requirements for high-performance aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, John V.; Ross, Holly M.; Ashley, Patrick A.

1993-01-01

Designers of the next-generation fighter and attack airplanes are faced with the requirements of good high angle-of-attack maneuverability as well as efficient high speed cruise capability with low radar cross section (RCS) characteristics. As a result, they are challenged with the task of making critical design trades to achieve the desired levels of maneuverability and performance. This task has highlighted the need for comprehensive, flight-validated lateral-directional control power design guidelines for high angles of attack. A joint NASA/U.S. Navy study has been initiated to address this need and to investigate the complex flight dynamics characteristics and controls requirements for high angle-of-attack lateral-directional maneuvering. A multi-year research program is underway which includes groundbased piloted simulation and flight validation. This paper will give a status update of this program that will include a program overview, description of test methodology and preliminary results.

Next Generation Life Support (NGLS): High Performance EVA Glove (HPEG) Technology Development Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walsh, Sarah; Barta, Daniel; Stephan, Ryan; Gaddis, Stephen

2015-01-01

The overall objective is to develop advanced gloves for extra vehicular activity (EVA) for future human space exploration missions and generate corresponding standards by which progress may be quantitatively assessed. The glove prototypes that result from the successful completion of this technology development activity will be delivered to NASA's Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) and ultimately to be included in an integrated test with the next generation spacesuit currently under development.

Sam2bam: High-Performance Framework for NGS Data Preprocessing Tools

PubMed Central

Cheng, Yinhe; Tzeng, Tzy-Hwa Kathy

2016-01-01

This paper introduces a high-throughput software tool framework called sam2bam that enables users to significantly speed up pre-processing for next-generation sequencing data. The sam2bam is especially efficient on single-node multi-core large-memory systems. It can reduce the runtime of data pre-processing in marking duplicate reads on a single node system by 156–186x compared with de facto standard tools. The sam2bam consists of parallel software components that can fully utilize multiple processors, available memory, high-bandwidth storage, and hardware compression accelerators, if available. The sam2bam provides file format conversion between well-known genome file formats, from SAM to BAM, as a basic feature. Additional features such as analyzing, filtering, and converting input data are provided by using plug-in tools, e.g., duplicate marking, which can be attached to sam2bam at runtime. We demonstrated that sam2bam could significantly reduce the runtime of next generation sequencing (NGS) data pre-processing from about two hours to about one minute for a whole-exome data set on a 16-core single-node system using up to 130 GB of memory. The sam2bam could reduce the runtime of NGS data pre-processing from about 20 hours to about nine minutes for a whole-genome sequencing data set on the same system using up to 711 GB of memory. PMID:27861637

Optimal and fast E/B separation with a dual messenger field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodi Ramanah, Doogesh; Lavaux, Guilhem; Wandelt, Benjamin D.

2018-05-01

We adapt our recently proposed dual messenger algorithm for spin field reconstruction and showcase its efficiency and effectiveness in Wiener filtering polarized cosmic microwave background (CMB) maps. Unlike conventional preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) solvers, our preconditioner-free technique can deal with high-resolution joint temperature and polarization maps with inhomogeneous noise distributions and arbitrary mask geometries with relative ease. Various convergence diagnostics illustrate the high quality of the dual messenger reconstruction. In contrast, the PCG implementation fails to converge to a reasonable solution for the specific problem considered. The implementation of the dual messenger method is straightforward and guarantees numerical stability and convergence. We show how the algorithm can be modified to generate fluctuation maps, which, combined with the Wiener filter solution, yield unbiased constrained signal realizations, consistent with observed data. This algorithm presents a pathway to exact global analyses of high-resolution and high-sensitivity CMB data for a statistically optimal separation of E and B modes. It is therefore relevant for current and next-generation CMB experiments, in the quest for the elusive primordial B-mode signal.

Pooled-matrix protein interaction screens using Barcode Fusion Genetics.

PubMed

Yachie, Nozomu; Petsalaki, Evangelia; Mellor, Joseph C; Weile, Jochen; Jacob, Yves; Verby, Marta; Ozturk, Sedide B; Li, Siyang; Cote, Atina G; Mosca, Roberto; Knapp, Jennifer J; Ko, Minjeong; Yu, Analyn; Gebbia, Marinella; Sahni, Nidhi; Yi, Song; Tyagi, Tanya; Sheykhkarimli, Dayag; Roth, Jonathan F; Wong, Cassandra; Musa, Louai; Snider, Jamie; Liu, Yi-Chun; Yu, Haiyuan; Braun, Pascal; Stagljar, Igor; Hao, Tong; Calderwood, Michael A; Pelletier, Laurence; Aloy, Patrick; Hill, David E; Vidal, Marc; Roth, Frederick P

2016-04-22

High-throughput binary protein interaction mapping is continuing to extend our understanding of cellular function and disease mechanisms. However, we remain one or two orders of magnitude away from a complete interaction map for humans and other major model organisms. Completion will require screening at substantially larger scales with many complementary assays, requiring further efficiency gains in proteome-scale interaction mapping. Here, we report Barcode Fusion Genetics-Yeast Two-Hybrid (BFG-Y2H), by which a full matrix of protein pairs can be screened in a single multiplexed strain pool. BFG-Y2H uses Cre recombination to fuse DNA barcodes from distinct plasmids, generating chimeric protein-pair barcodes that can be quantified via next-generation sequencing. We applied BFG-Y2H to four different matrices ranging in scale from ~25 K to 2.5 M protein pairs. The results show that BFG-Y2H increases the efficiency of protein matrix screening, with quality that is on par with state-of-the-art Y2H methods. © 2016 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.

Efficient high-throughput sequencing of a laser microdissected chromosome arm

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Genomic sequence assemblies are key tools for a broad range of gene function and evolutionary studies. The diploid amphibian Xenopus tropicalis plays a pivotal role in these fields due to its combination of experimental flexibility, diploid genome, and early-branching tetrapod taxonomic position, having diverged from the amniote lineage ~360 million years ago. A genome assembly and a genetic linkage map have recently been made available. Unfortunately, large gaps in the linkage map attenuate long-range integrity of the genome assembly. Results We laser dissected the short arm of X. tropicalis chromosome 7 for next generation sequencing and computational mapping to the reference genome. This arm is of particular interest as it encodes the sex determination locus, but its genetic map contains large gaps which undermine available genome assemblies. Whole genome amplification of 15 laser-microdissected 7p arms followed by next generation sequencing yielded ~35 million reads, over four million of which uniquely mapped to the X. tropicalis genome. Our analysis placed more than 200 previously unmapped scaffolds on the analyzed chromosome arm, providing valuable low-resolution physical map information for de novo genome assembly. Conclusion We present a new approach for improving and validating genetic maps and sequence assemblies. Whole genome amplification of 15 microdissected chromosome arms provided sufficient high-quality material for localizing previously unmapped scaffolds and genes as well as recognizing mislocalized scaffolds. PMID:23714049

Time for Genome Editing: Next-Generation Attenuated Malaria Parasites.

PubMed

Singer, Mirko; Frischknecht, Friedrich

2017-03-01

Immunization with malaria parasites that developmentally arrest in or immediately after the liver stage is the only way currently known to confer sterilizing immunity in both humans and rodent models. There are various ways to attenuate parasite development resulting in different timings of arrest, which has a significant impact on vaccination efficiency. To understand what most impacts vaccination efficiency, newly developed gain-of-function methods can now be used to generate a wide array of differently attenuated parasites. The combination of multiple attenuation approaches offers the potential to engineer efficiently attenuated Plasmodium parasites and learn about their fascinating biology at the same time. Here we discuss recent studies and the potential of targeted parasite manipulation using genome editing to develop live attenuated malaria vaccines. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultra-thin high-efficiency mid-infrared transmissive Huygens meta-optics.

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Ding, Jun; Zheng, Hanyu; An, Sensong; Lin, Hongtao; Zheng, Bowen; Du, Qingyang; Yin, Gufan; Michon, Jerome; Zhang, Yifei; Fang, Zhuoran; Shalaginov, Mikhail Y; Deng, Longjiang; Gu, Tian; Zhang, Hualiang; Hu, Juejun

2018-04-16

The mid-infrared (mid-IR) is a strategically important band for numerous applications ranging from night vision to biochemical sensing. Here we theoretically analyzed and experimentally realized a Huygens metasurface platform capable of fulfilling a diverse cross-section of optical functions in the mid-IR. The meta-optical elements were constructed using high-index chalcogenide films deposited on fluoride substrates: the choices of wide-band transparent materials allow the design to be scaled across a broad infrared spectrum. Capitalizing on a two-component Huygens' meta-atom design, the meta-optical devices feature an ultra-thin profile (λ 0 /8 in thickness) and measured optical efficiencies up to 75% in transmissive mode for linearly polarized light, representing major improvements over state-of-the-art. We have also demonstrated mid-IR transmissive meta-lenses with diffraction-limited focusing and imaging performance. The projected size, weight and power advantages, coupled with the manufacturing scalability leveraging standard microfabrication technologies, make the Huygens meta-optical devices promising for next-generation mid-IR system applications.

LightAssembler: fast and memory-efficient assembly algorithm for high-throughput sequencing reads.

PubMed

El-Metwally, Sara; Zakaria, Magdi; Hamza, Taher

2016-11-01

The deluge of current sequenced data has exceeded Moore's Law, more than doubling every 2 years since the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies were invented. Accordingly, we will able to generate more and more data with high speed at fixed cost, but lack the computational resources to store, process and analyze it. With error prone high throughput NGS reads and genomic repeats, the assembly graph contains massive amount of redundant nodes and branching edges. Most assembly pipelines require this large graph to reside in memory to start their workflows, which is intractable for mammalian genomes. Resource-efficient genome assemblers combine both the power of advanced computing techniques and innovative data structures to encode the assembly graph efficiently in a computer memory. LightAssembler is a lightweight assembly algorithm designed to be executed on a desktop machine. It uses a pair of cache oblivious Bloom filters, one holding a uniform sample of [Formula: see text]-spaced sequenced [Formula: see text]-mers and the other holding [Formula: see text]-mers classified as likely correct, using a simple statistical test. LightAssembler contains a light implementation of the graph traversal and simplification modules that achieves comparable assembly accuracy and contiguity to other competing tools. Our method reduces the memory usage by [Formula: see text] compared to the resource-efficient assemblers using benchmark datasets from GAGE and Assemblathon projects. While LightAssembler can be considered as a gap-based sequence assembler, different gap sizes result in an almost constant assembly size and genome coverage. https://github.com/SaraEl-Metwally/LightAssembler CONTACT: sarah_almetwally4@mans.edu.egSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Next-generation libraries for robust RNA interference-based genome-wide screens

PubMed Central

Kampmann, Martin; Horlbeck, Max A.; Chen, Yuwen; Tsai, Jordan C.; Bassik, Michael C.; Gilbert, Luke A.; Villalta, Jacqueline E.; Kwon, S. Chul; Chang, Hyeshik; Kim, V. Narry; Weissman, Jonathan S.

2015-01-01

Genetic screening based on loss-of-function phenotypes is a powerful discovery tool in biology. Although the recent development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based screening approaches in mammalian cell culture has enormous potential, RNA interference (RNAi)-based screening remains the method of choice in several biological contexts. We previously demonstrated that ultracomplex pooled short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) libraries can largely overcome the problem of RNAi off-target effects in genome-wide screens. Here, we systematically optimize several aspects of our shRNA library, including the promoter and microRNA context for shRNA expression, selection of guide strands, and features relevant for postscreen sample preparation for deep sequencing. We present next-generation high-complexity libraries targeting human and mouse protein-coding genes, which we grouped into 12 sublibraries based on biological function. A pilot screen suggests that our next-generation RNAi library performs comparably to current CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-based approaches and can yield complementary results with high sensitivity and high specificity. PMID:26080438

Graphene oxide/graphene vertical heterostructure electrodes for highly efficient and flexible organic light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, S.; Sun, H. D.; Du, J. H.; Zhang, Z. K.; Zhang, D. D.; Ma, L. P.; Chen, J. S.; Ma, D. G.; Cheng, H. M.; Ren, W. C.

2016-05-01

The relatively high sheet resistance, low work function and poor compatibility with hole injection layers (HILs) seriously limit the applications of graphene as transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, a graphene oxide/graphene (GO/G) vertical heterostructure is developed as TCEs for high-performance OLEDs, by directly oxidizing the top layer of three-layer graphene films with ozone treatment. Such GO/G heterostructure electrodes show greatly improved optical transmittance, a large work function, high stability, and good compatibility with HIL materials (MoO3 in this work). Moreover, the conductivity of the heterostructure is not sacrificed compared to the pristine three-layer graphene electrodes, but is significantly higher than that of pristine two-layer graphene films. In addition to high flexibility, OLEDs with different emission colors based on the GO/G heterostructure TCEs show much better performance than those based on indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes. Green OLEDs with GO/G heterostructure electrodes have the maximum current efficiency and power efficiency, as high as 82.0 cd A-1 and 98.2 lm W-1, respectively, which are 36.7% (14.8%) and 59.2% (15.0%) higher than those with pristine graphene (ITO) anodes. These findings open up the possibility of using graphene for next generation high-performance flexible and wearable optoelectronics with high stability.The relatively high sheet resistance, low work function and poor compatibility with hole injection layers (HILs) seriously limit the applications of graphene as transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, a graphene oxide/graphene (GO/G) vertical heterostructure is developed as TCEs for high-performance OLEDs, by directly oxidizing the top layer of three-layer graphene films with ozone treatment. Such GO/G heterostructure electrodes show greatly improved optical transmittance, a large work function, high stability, and good compatibility with HIL materials (MoO3 in this work). Moreover, the conductivity of the heterostructure is not sacrificed compared to the pristine three-layer graphene electrodes, but is significantly higher than that of pristine two-layer graphene films. In addition to high flexibility, OLEDs with different emission colors based on the GO/G heterostructure TCEs show much better performance than those based on indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes. Green OLEDs with GO/G heterostructure electrodes have the maximum current efficiency and power efficiency, as high as 82.0 cd A-1 and 98.2 lm W-1, respectively, which are 36.7% (14.8%) and 59.2% (15.0%) higher than those with pristine graphene (ITO) anodes. These findings open up the possibility of using graphene for next generation high-performance flexible and wearable optoelectronics with high stability. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XPS spectra, Raman spectra, sheet resistance and transmittance of graphene films with different numbers of layers and different ozone treatment times, doping effect of MoO3 on graphene and GO/G electrodes, performance of green OLEDs with different graphene anodes, a movie showing the flexibility of device. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01649a

A novel binary shape context for 3D local surface description

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Zhen; Yang, Bisheng; Liu, Yuan; Liang, Fuxun; Li, Bijun; Zang, Yufu

2017-08-01

3D local surface description is now at the core of many computer vision technologies, such as 3D object recognition, intelligent driving, and 3D model reconstruction. However, most of the existing 3D feature descriptors still suffer from low descriptiveness, weak robustness, and inefficiency in both time and memory. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a robust and descriptive 3D Binary Shape Context (BSC) descriptor with high efficiency in both time and memory. First, a novel BSC descriptor is generated for 3D local surface description, and the performance of the BSC descriptor under different settings of its parameters is analyzed. Next, the descriptiveness, robustness, and efficiency in both time and memory of the BSC descriptor are evaluated and compared to those of several state-of-the-art 3D feature descriptors. Finally, the performance of the BSC descriptor for 3D object recognition is also evaluated on a number of popular benchmark datasets, and an urban-scene dataset is collected by a terrestrial laser scanner system. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed BSC descriptor obtained high descriptiveness, strong robustness, and high efficiency in both time and memory and achieved high recognition rates of 94.8%, 94.1% and 82.1% on the considered UWA, Queen, and WHU datasets, respectively.

Solid-state transformer-based new traction drive system and control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Jianghua; Shang, Jing; Zhang, Zhixue; Liu, Huadong; Huang, Zihao

2017-11-01

A new type of traction drive system consisting of solid-state traction transformer (SSTT), inverter unit, auxiliary inverter, traction motor and other key components is built in order to suit the demand of developing the next-generation electric traction system which will be efficient and lightweight, with high power density. For the purpose of reducing system volume and weight and improving efficiency and grid-side power quality, an efficient SSTT optimized topology combining high-voltage cascaded rectifiers with high-power high-frequency LLC resonant converter is proposed. On this basis, an integrated control strategy built upon synchronous rotating reference frame is presented to achieve unified control over fundamental active, reactive and harmonic components. The carrier-interleaving phase shift modulation strategy is proposed to improve the harmonic performance of cascaded rectifiers. In view of the secondary pulsating existing in a single-phase system, the mathematical model of secondary power transfer is built, and the mechanism of pulsating voltage resulting in beat frequency of LLC resonant converter is revealed, so as to design optimum matching of system parameters. Simulation and experimental results have verified that the traction system and control scheme mentioned in this paper are reasonable and superior and that they meet the future application requirements for rail transit.

Terahertz pulse generation from metal nanoparticle ink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Kosaku; Takano, Keisuke; Tadokoro, Yuzuru; Phan, Thanh Nhat Khoa; Nakajima, Makoto

2016-11-01

Terahertz pulse generation from metallic nanostructures irradiated by femtosecond laser pulses is of interest because the conversion efficiency from laser pulses to terahertz waves is increased by the local field enhancement resulting from the plasmon oscillation. In this talk we present our recent study on terahertz generation from metal nanoparticle ink. We baked a silver nanoparticle ink spin-coated onto a glass coverslip in various temperatures. On the surface of the baked ink, bumpy nanostructures are spontaneously formed, and the average size of bumps depends on the baking temperature. These structures are expected to lead to local field enhancement and then large nonlinear polarizations on the surface. The baked ink was irradiated by the output of regeneratively amplified Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser at an incidence angle of 45°. Waveforms of generated terahertz pulses are detected by electro-optical sampling. The generation efficiency was high when the average diameter of bumps was around 100 nm, which is realized when the ink is baked in 205 to 235°C in our setup. One of our next research targets is terahertz wave generation from micro-patterned metallic nanoparticle ink. It is an advantage of the metal nanoparticle ink that by using inkjet printers one can fabricate various patterns with micrometer scales, in which terahertz waves have a resonance. Combination of microstructures made by a printer and nanostructure spontaneously formed in the baking process will provide us terahertz emitters with unique frequency characteristics.

Self-assembly 2D zinc-phthalocyanine heterojunction: An ideal platform for high efficiency solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Xue; Jiang, Zhou; Zhao, Jijun

2017-12-01

As an alternative to silicon-based solar cells, organic photovoltaic cells emerge for their easy manufacture, low cost, and light weight but are limited by their less stability, low power conversion efficiencies, and low charge carrier mobilities. Here, we design a series of two-dimensional (2D) organic materials incorporating zinc-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) based building blocks which can inherit their excellent intrinsic properties but overcome those shortcomings. Our first-principles calculation shows that such 2D ZnPc-based materials exhibit excellent thermal stabilities, suitable bandgaps, small effective masses, and good absorption properties. The additional benzene rings and nitrogen atoms incorporated between ZnPc molecules are mainly responsible for the modifications of electronic and optical properties. Moreover, some heterojunction solar cells constructed using those 2D ZnPc monolayers as the donor and acceptor have an appropriate absorber gap and interface band alignment. Among them, a power conversion efficiency up to 14.04% is achieved, which is very promising for the next-generation organic solar cells.

High Voltage, Fast-Switching Module for Active Control of Magnetic Fields and Edge Plasma Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziemba, Timothy; Miller, Kenneth; Prager, James; Slobodov, Ilia

2016-10-01

Fast, reliable, real-time control of plasma is critical to the success of magnetic fusion science. High voltage and current supplies are needed to mitigate instabilities in all experiments as well as disruption events in large scale tokamaks for steady-state operation. Silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs offer many advantages over IGBTs including lower drive energy requirements, lower conduction and switching losses, and higher switching frequency capabilities; however, these devices are limited to 1.2-1.7 kV devices. As fusion enters the long-pulse and burning plasma eras, efficiency of power switching will be important. Eagle Harbor Technologies (EHT), Inc. developing a high voltage SiC MOSFET module that operates at 10 kV. This switch module utilizes EHT gate drive technology, which has demonstrated the ability to increase SiC MOSFET switching efficiency. The module will allow more rapid development of high voltage switching power supplies at lower cost necessary for the next generation of fast plasma feedback and control. EHT is partnering with the High Beta Tokamak group at Columbia to develop detailed high voltage module specifications, to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the fusion science community.

Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease.

PubMed

Dilliott, Allison A; Farhan, Sali M K; Ghani, Mahdi; Sato, Christine; Liang, Eric; Zhang, Ming; McIntyre, Adam D; Cao, Henian; Racacho, Lemuel; Robinson, John F; Strong, Michael J; Masellis, Mario; Bulman, Dennis E; Rogaeva, Ekaterina; Lang, Anthony; Tartaglia, Carmela; Finger, Elizabeth; Zinman, Lorne; Turnbull, John; Freedman, Morris; Swartz, Rick; Black, Sandra E; Hegele, Robert A

2018-04-04

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is quickly revolutionizing how research into the genetic determinants of constitutional disease is performed. The technique is highly efficient with millions of sequencing reads being produced in a short time span and at relatively low cost. Specifically, targeted NGS is able to focus investigations to genomic regions of particular interest based on the disease of study. Not only does this further reduce costs and increase the speed of the process, but it lessens the computational burden that often accompanies NGS. Although targeted NGS is restricted to certain regions of the genome, preventing identification of potential novel loci of interest, it can be an excellent technique when faced with a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disease, for which there are previously known genetic associations. Because of the complex nature of the sequencing technique, it is important to closely adhere to protocols and methodologies in order to achieve sequencing reads of high coverage and quality. Further, once sequencing reads are obtained, a sophisticated bioinformatics workflow is utilized to accurately map reads to a reference genome, to call variants, and to ensure the variants pass quality metrics. Variants must also be annotated and curated based on their clinical significance, which can be standardized by applying the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Pathogenicity Guidelines. The methods presented herein will display the steps involved in generating and analyzing NGS data from a targeted sequencing panel, using the ONDRISeq neurodegenerative disease panel as a model, to identify variants that may be of clinical significance.

A survey of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified from whole-genome sequencing and their functional effect in the porcine genome

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

One of the key aims of livestock genetics and genomics research is to discover the genetic variants underlying economically important traits such as reproductive performance, feed efficiency, disease susceptibility, and product quality. Next generation sequencing has recently emerged as an economica...

NREL and Partners Highlight Collaboration and Explore Future During Partner

Science.gov Websites

districts, exascale computing, more efficient photovoltaics, and next-generation wind turbine blades, to blades on site? What does this do to our grid?" At sessions across NREL's South Table Mountain as the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), the lab and its research partners have helped shape

Educating the Next Generation of Energy-Savvy Workforce

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Bin; Abad, Jorge

2014-01-01

This paper reports a problem-based learning model for the training of university students in the area of industrial energy efficiency, and discusses its context, contents, and the results from its implementation. The impact has been significant, with hundreds of university graduates trained and many of them now working in industry, leading their…

Investigation of the bacterial retting community of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) under different conditions using next-generation semiconductor sequencing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of the natural fibers requires the development of cost-efficient processing of fibers with consistent, uniform properties. The microbial communities associated with kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) plant fibers during retting were determined in an effort to identify possible means of accelerating...

High-dimensional cluster analysis with the Masked EM Algorithm

PubMed Central

Kadir, Shabnam N.; Goodman, Dan F. M.; Harris, Kenneth D.

2014-01-01

Cluster analysis faces two problems in high dimensions: first, the “curse of dimensionality” that can lead to overfitting and poor generalization performance; and second, the sheer time taken for conventional algorithms to process large amounts of high-dimensional data. We describe a solution to these problems, designed for the application of “spike sorting” for next-generation high channel-count neural probes. In this problem, only a small subset of features provide information about the cluster member-ship of any one data vector, but this informative feature subset is not the same for all data points, rendering classical feature selection ineffective. We introduce a “Masked EM” algorithm that allows accurate and time-efficient clustering of up to millions of points in thousands of dimensions. We demonstrate its applicability to synthetic data, and to real-world high-channel-count spike sorting data. PMID:25149694

Significant improvement in Mn2O3 transition metal oxide electrical conductivity via high pressure

PubMed Central

Hong, Fang; Yue, Binbin; Hirao, Naohisa; Liu, Zhenxian; Chen, Bin

2017-01-01

Highly efficient energy storage is in high demand for next-generation clean energy applications. As a promising energy storage material, the application of Mn2O3 is limited due to its poor electrical conductivity. Here, high-pressure techniques enhanced the electrical conductivity of Mn2O3 significantly. In situ synchrotron micro X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and resistivity measurement revealed that resistivity decreased with pressure and dramatically dropped near the phase transition. At the highest pressure, resistivity reduced by five orders of magnitude and the sample showed metal-like behavior. More importantly, resistivity remained much lower than its original value, even when the pressure was fully released. This work provides a new method to enhance the electronic properties of Mn2O3 using high-pressure treatment, benefiting its applications in energy-related fields. PMID:28276479

BG7: A New Approach for Bacterial Genome Annotation Designed for Next Generation Sequencing Data

PubMed Central

Pareja-Tobes, Pablo; Manrique, Marina; Pareja-Tobes, Eduardo; Pareja, Eduardo; Tobes, Raquel

2012-01-01

BG7 is a new system for de novo bacterial, archaeal and viral genome annotation based on a new approach specifically designed for annotating genomes sequenced with next generation sequencing technologies. The system is versatile and able to annotate genes even in the step of preliminary assembly of the genome. It is especially efficient detecting unexpected genes horizontally acquired from bacterial or archaeal distant genomes, phages, plasmids, and mobile elements. From the initial phases of the gene annotation process, BG7 exploits the massive availability of annotated protein sequences in databases. BG7 predicts ORFs and infers their function based on protein similarity with a wide set of reference proteins, integrating ORF prediction and functional annotation phases in just one step. BG7 is especially tolerant to sequencing errors in start and stop codons, to frameshifts, and to assembly or scaffolding errors. The system is also tolerant to the high level of gene fragmentation which is frequently found in not fully assembled genomes. BG7 current version – which is developed in Java, takes advantage of Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing features, but it can also be run locally in any operating system. BG7 is a fast, automated and scalable system that can cope with the challenge of analyzing the huge amount of genomes that are being sequenced with NGS technologies. Its capabilities and efficiency were demonstrated in the 2011 EHEC Germany outbreak in which BG7 was used to get the first annotations right the next day after the first entero-hemorrhagic E. coli genome sequences were made publicly available. The suitability of BG7 for genome annotation has been proved for Illumina, 454, Ion Torrent, and PacBio sequencing technologies. Besides, thanks to its plasticity, our system could be very easily adapted to work with new technologies in the future. PMID:23185310

Development of the Next Generation of Multi-chroic Antenna-Coupled Transition Edge Sensor Detectors for CMB Polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westbrook, B.; Cukierman, A.; Lee, A.; Suzuki, A.; Raum, C.; Holzapfel, W.

2016-07-01

We present the development of the next generation of multi-chroic sinuous antenna-coupled transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers optimized for precision measurements of polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and cosmic foreground. These devices employ a polarization sensitive broadband self-complementary sinuous antenna to feed on-chip band defining filters before delivering the power to load resistors coupled to a TES on a released bolometer island. This technology was originally developed by UC Berkeley and will be deployed by POLARBEAR-2 and SPT-3G in the next year and half. In addition, it is a candidate detector for the LiteBIRD mission which will make all sky CMB and cosmic foreground polarization observations from a satellite platform in the early 2020's. This works focuses on expanding both the bandwidth and band count per pixel of this technology in order to meet the needs of future CMB missions. This work demonstrates that these devices are well suited for observations between 20 and 380 GHz. This proceeding describes the design, fabrication, and the characterization of three new pixel types: a low-frequency triplexing pixel (LFTP) with bands centered on 40, 60, and 90 GHz, a high-frequency triplexing pixel (HFTP) with bands centered on 220, 280, and 350 GHz, and a mid-frequency tetraplexing pixel with bands (MFTP) centered on 90, 150, 220, and 280 GHz. The average fractional bandwidth of these pixels designs was 36.7, 34.5, and 31.4 % respectively. In addition we found that the polarization modulation efficiency of each band was between 1 and 3 % which is consistent with the polarization efficiency of the wire grid used to take the measurement. Finally, we find that the beams have {˜ }1 % ellipticity for each pixel type. The thermal properties of the bolometers where tuned for characterization in our lab so we do not report on G and noise values as they would be unsuitable for modern CMB experiments.

Three-Dimensional Array of TiN@Pt3Cu Nanowires as an Efficient Porous Electrode for the Lithium-Oxygen Battery.

PubMed

Luo, Wen-Bin; Pham, Thien Viet; Guo, Hai-Peng; Liu, Hua-Kun; Dou, Shi-Xue

2017-02-28

The nonaqueous lithium-oxygen battery is a promising candidate as a next-generation energy storage system because of its potentially high energy density (up to 2-3 kW kg -1 ), exceeding that of any other existing energy storage system for storing sustainable and clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of nonrenewable fossil fuels. To achieve high round-trip efficiency and satisfactory cycling stability, the air electrode structure and the electrocatalysts play important roles. Here, a 3D array composed of one-dimensional TiN@Pt 3 Cu nanowires was synthesized and employed as a whole porous air electrode in a lithium-oxygen battery. The TiN nanowire was primarily used as an air electrode frame and catalyst support to provide a high electronic conductivity network because of the high-orientation one-dimensional crystalline structure. Meanwhile, deposited icosahedral Pt 3 Cu nanocrystals exhibit highly efficient catalytic activity owing to the abundant {111} active lattice facets and multiple twin boundaries. This porous air electrode comprises a one-dimensional TiN@Pt 3 Cu nanowire array that demonstrates excellent energy conversion efficiency and rate performance in full discharge and charge modes. The discharge capacity is up to 4600 mAh g -1 along with an 84% conversion efficiency at a current density of 0.2 mA cm -2 , and when the current density increased to 0.8 mA cm -2 , the discharge capacity is still greater than 3500 mAh g -1 together with a nearly 70% efficiency. This designed array is a promising bifunctional porous air electrode for lithium-oxygen batteries, forming a continuous conductive and high catalytic activity network to facilitate rapid gas and electrolyte diffusion and catalytic reaction throughout the whole energy conversion process.

CANEapp: a user-friendly application for automated next generation transcriptomic data analysis.

PubMed

Velmeshev, Dmitry; Lally, Patrick; Magistri, Marco; Faghihi, Mohammad Ali

2016-01-13

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are indispensable for molecular biology research, but data analysis represents the bottleneck in their application. Users need to be familiar with computer terminal commands, the Linux environment, and various software tools and scripts. Analysis workflows have to be optimized and experimentally validated to extract biologically meaningful data. Moreover, as larger datasets are being generated, their analysis requires use of high-performance servers. To address these needs, we developed CANEapp (application for Comprehensive automated Analysis of Next-generation sequencing Experiments), a unique suite that combines a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and an automated server-side analysis pipeline that is platform-independent, making it suitable for any server architecture. The GUI runs on a PC or Mac and seamlessly connects to the server to provide full GUI control of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) project analysis. The server-side analysis pipeline contains a framework that is implemented on a Linux server through completely automated installation of software components and reference files. Analysis with CANEapp is also fully automated and performs differential gene expression analysis and novel noncoding RNA discovery through alternative workflows (Cuffdiff and R packages edgeR and DESeq2). We compared CANEapp to other similar tools, and it significantly improves on previous developments. We experimentally validated CANEapp's performance by applying it to data derived from different experimental paradigms and confirming the results with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CANEapp adapts to any server architecture by effectively using available resources and thus handles large amounts of data efficiently. CANEapp performance has been experimentally validated on various biological datasets. CANEapp is available free of charge at http://psychiatry.med.miami.edu/research/laboratory-of-translational-rna-genomics/CANE-app . We believe that CANEapp will serve both biologists with no computational experience and bioinformaticians as a simple, timesaving but accurate and powerful tool to analyze large RNA-seq datasets and will provide foundations for future development of integrated and automated high-throughput genomics data analysis tools. Due to its inherently standardized pipeline and combination of automated analysis and platform-independence, CANEapp is an ideal for large-scale collaborative RNA-seq projects between different institutions and research groups.

Analysis of Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Their Functional Limits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Hyun Jung

2015-01-01

The world's demand for energy is increasing dramatically, but the best energy conversion systems operate at approximately 30% efficiency. One way to decrease energy loss is in the recovery of waste heat using thermoelectric (TE) generators. A TE generator is device that generates electricity by exploiting heat flow across a thermal gradient. The efficiency of a TE material for power generation and cooling is determined by the dimensionless Figure of Merit (ZT): ZT = S(exp. 2)sigmaT/?: where S is the Seebeck coefficient, sigma is the electrical conductivity, T is the absolute temperature, and ? is the thermal conductivity. The parameters are not physically independent, but intrinsically coupled since they are a function of the transport properties of electrons. Traditional research on TE materials has focused on synthesizing bulk semiconductor-type materials that have low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity affording ZT values of 1. The optimization of the s/? ratio is difficult to achieve using current material formats, as these material constants are complementary. Recent areas of research are focusing on using nanostructural artifacts that introduce specific dislocations and boundary conditions that scatter the phonons. This disrupts the physical link between thermal (phonon) and electrical (electron) transport. The result is that ? is decreased without decreasing s. These material formats give ZT values of up to 2 which represent approximately 18% energy gain from waste heat recovery. The next challenge in developing the next generation of TE materials with superior performance is to tailor the interconnected thermoelectric physical parameters of the material system. In order to approach this problem, the fundamental physics of each parameter S, sigma, and ? need to be physically understood in their context of electron/phonon interaction for the construction of new high ZT thermoelectric devices. Is it possible to overcome the physical limit imposed by of the effect of phonon lattice oscillation and energetic electrons towards thermal conductivity? Is the Seebeck coefficient, based on the difference in voltage over temperature gradient ( deltaV/deltaT), an intrinsic parameter of each material? All these parameters were manipulated using nano-bridge and twin-lattice structural concepts at the NASA Langley Research Center. This talk will review the current trend of TE research to optimize the ZT and discuss about new approaches on increasing ZT within functional limits of each parameter.

A Rapid, High-Quality, Cost-Effective, Comprehensive and Expandable Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Inherited Heart Diseases.

PubMed

Wilson, Kitchener D; Shen, Peidong; Fung, Eula; Karakikes, Ioannis; Zhang, Angela; InanlooRahatloo, Kolsoum; Odegaard, Justin; Sallam, Karim; Davis, Ronald W; Lui, George K; Ashley, Euan A; Scharfe, Curt; Wu, Joseph C

2015-09-11

Thousands of mutations across >50 genes have been implicated in inherited cardiomyopathies. However, options for sequencing this rapidly evolving gene set are limited because many sequencing services and off-the-shelf kits suffer from slow turnaround, inefficient capture of genomic DNA, and high cost. Furthermore, customization of these assays to cover emerging targets that suit individual needs is often expensive and time consuming. We sought to develop a custom high throughput, clinical-grade next-generation sequencing assay for detecting cardiac disease gene mutations with improved accuracy, flexibility, turnaround, and cost. We used double-stranded probes (complementary long padlock probes), an inexpensive and customizable capture technology, to efficiently capture and amplify the entire coding region and flanking intronic and regulatory sequences of 88 genes and 40 microRNAs associated with inherited cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, and cardiac development. Multiplexing 11 samples per sequencing run resulted in a mean base pair coverage of 420, of which 97% had >20× coverage and >99% were concordant with known heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms. The assay correctly detected germline variants in 24 individuals and revealed several polymorphic regions in miR-499. Total run time was 3 days at an approximate cost of $100 per sample. Accurate, high-throughput detection of mutations across numerous cardiac genes is achievable with complementary long padlock probe technology. Moreover, this format allows facile insertion of additional probes as more cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease genes are discovered, giving researchers a powerful new tool for DNA mutation detection and discovery. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Hybrid Network Architectures for the Next Generation NAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madubata, Christian

2003-01-01

To meet the needs of the 21st Century NAS, an integrated, network-centric infrastructure is essential that is characterized by secure, high bandwidth, digital communication systems that support precision navigation capable of reducing position errors for all aircraft to within a few meters. This system will also require precision surveillance systems capable of accurately locating all aircraft, and automatically detecting any deviations from an approved path within seconds and be able to deliver high resolution weather forecasts - critical to create 4- dimensional (space and time) profiles for up to 6 hours for all atmospheric conditions affecting aviation, including wake vortices. The 21st Century NAS will be characterized by highly accurate digital data bases depicting terrain, obstacle, and airport information no matter what visibility conditions exist. This research task will be to perform a high-level requirements analysis of the applications, information and services required by the next generation National Airspace System. The investigation and analysis is expected to lead to the development and design of several national network-centric communications architectures that would be capable of supporting the Next Generation NAS.

Ventilation Transport Trade Study for Future Space Suit Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempf, Robert; Vogel, Matthew; Paul, Heather L.

2008-01-01

A new and advanced portable life support system (PLSS) for space suit surface exploration will require a durable, compact, and energy efficient system to transport the ventilation stream through the space suit. Current space suits used by NASA circulate the ventilation stream via a ball-bearing supported centrifugal fan. As NASA enters the design phase for the next generation PLSS, it is necessary to evaluate available technologies to determine what improvements can be made in mass, volume, power, and reliability for a ventilation transport system. Several air movement devices already designed for commercial, military, and space applications are optimized in these areas and could be adapted for EVA use. This paper summarizes the efforts to identify and compare the latest fan and bearing technologies to determine candidates for the next generation PLSS.

Methods and Strategies: Beyond the Textbook--But Not Just "Hands On". Using High-Quality Informational Texts to Meet the "Next Generation Science Standards"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vick, Matthew

2016-01-01

Science teaching continues to move away from teaching science as merely a body of facts and figures to be memorized to a process of exploring and drawing conclusions. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize eight science and engineering practices that ask students to apply scientific and engineering reasoning and explanation. This…

Virtuality and efficiency - overcoming past antinomy in the remote collaboration experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, Joao; Bjorkli, Knut; Clavo, David Martin; Baron, Thomas

2010-04-01

Several recent initiatives have been put in place by the CERN IT Department to improve the user experience in remote dispersed meetings and remote collaboration at large in the LHC communities worldwide. We will present an analysis of the factors which were historically limiting the efficiency of remote dispersed meetings and describe the consequent actions which were undertaken at CERN to overcome these limitations. After giving a status update of the different equipment available at CERN to enable the virtual sessions and the various collaborative tools which are currently proposed to users, we will focus on the evolution of this market: how can the new technological trends (among others, HD videoconferencing, Telepresence, Unified Communications, etc.) impact positively the user experience and how to attain the best usage of them. Finally, by projecting ourselves in the future, we will give some hints as to how to answer the difficult question of selecting the next generation of collaborative tools: which set of tools among the various offers (systems like Vidyo H264 SVC, next generation EVO, Groupware offers, standard H323 systems, etc.) is best suited for our environment and how to unify this set for the common user. This will finally allow us to definitively overcome the past antinomy between virtuality and efficiency.

A streamlined method for analysing genome-wide DNA methylation patterns from low amounts of FFPE DNA.

PubMed

Ludgate, Jackie L; Wright, James; Stockwell, Peter A; Morison, Ian M; Eccles, Michael R; Chatterjee, Aniruddha

2017-08-31

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor samples are a major source of DNA from patients in cancer research. However, FFPE is a challenging material to work with due to macromolecular fragmentation and nucleic acid crosslinking. FFPE tissue particularly possesses challenges for methylation analysis and for preparing sequencing-based libraries relying on bisulfite conversion. Successful bisulfite conversion is a key requirement for sequencing-based methylation analysis. Here we describe a complete and streamlined workflow for preparing next generation sequencing libraries for methylation analysis from FFPE tissues. This includes, counting cells from FFPE blocks and extracting DNA from FFPE slides, testing bisulfite conversion efficiency with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test, preparing reduced representation bisulfite sequencing libraries and massively parallel sequencing. The main features and advantages of this protocol are: An optimized method for extracting good quality DNA from FFPE tissues. An efficient bisulfite conversion and next generation sequencing library preparation protocol that uses 50 ng DNA from FFPE tissue. Incorporation of a PCR-based test to assess bisulfite conversion efficiency prior to sequencing. We provide a complete workflow and an integrated protocol for performing DNA methylation analysis at the genome-scale and we believe this will facilitate clinical epigenetic research that involves the use of FFPE tissue.

Simplified Design Equations for Class-E Neural Prosthesis Transmitters

PubMed Central

Troyk, Philip; Hu, Zhe

2013-01-01

Extreme miniaturization of implantable electronic devices is recognized as essential for the next generation of neural prostheses, owing to the need for minimizing the damage and disruption of the surrounding neural tissue. Transcutaneous power and data transmission via a magnetic link remains the most effective means of powering and controlling implanted neural prostheses. Reduction in the size of the coil, within the neural prosthesis, demands the generation of a high-intensity radio frequency magnetic field from the extracoporeal transmitter. The Class-E power amplifier circuit topology has been recognized as a highly effective means of producing large radio frequency currents within the transmitter coil. Unfortunately, design of a Class-E circuit is most often fraught by the need to solve a complex set of equations so as to implement both the zero-voltage-switching and zero-voltage-derivative-switching conditions that are required for efficient operation. This paper presents simple explicit design equations for designing the Class-E circuit topology. Numerical design examples are presented to illustrate the design procedure. PMID:23292784

NASA Open Rotor Noise Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Envia, Ed

2010-01-01

Owing to their inherent fuel burn efficiency advantage compared with the current generation high bypass ratio turbofan engines, there is resurgent interest in developing open rotor propulsion systems for powering the next generation commercial aircraft. However, to make open rotor systems truly competitive, they must be made to be acoustically acceptable too. To address this challenge, NASA in collaboration with industry is exploring the design space for low-noise open rotor propulsion systems. The focus is on the system level assessment of the open rotors compared with other candidate concepts like the ultra high bypass ratio cycle engines. To that end there is an extensive research effort at NASA focused on component testing and diagnostics of the open rotor acoustic performance as well as assessment and improvement of open rotor noise prediction tools. In this presentation and overview of the current NASA research on open rotor noise will be provided. Two NASA projects, the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project and the Subsonic Fixed Wing Project, have been funding this research effort.

Improved performance of Ta2O5-x resistive switching memory by Gd-doping: Ultralow power operation, good data retention, and multilevel storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, K. X.; Xu, H. Y.; Wang, Z. Q.; Zhao, X. N.; Liu, W. Z.; Ma, J. G.; Liu, Y. C.

2017-11-01

Resistive-switching memory with ultralow-power consumption is very promising technology for next-generation data storage and high-energy-efficiency neurosynaptic chips. Herein, Ta2O5-x-based multilevel memories with ultralow-power consumption and good data retention were achieved by simple Gd-doping. The introduction of a Gd ion, as an oxygen trapper, not only suppresses the generation of oxygen vacancy defects and greatly increases the Ta2O5-x resistance but also increases the oxygen-ion migration barrier. As a result, the memory cells can operate at an ultralow current of 1 μA with the extrapolated retention time of >10 years at 85 °C and the high switching speeds of 10 ns/40 ns for SET/RESET processes. The energy consumption of the device is as low as 60 fJ/bit, which is comparable to emerging ultralow-energy consumption (<100 fJ/bit) memory devices.

Unique Color Converter Architecture Enabling Phosphor-in-Glass (PiG) Films Suitable for High-Power and High-Luminance Laser-Driven White Lighting.

PubMed

Zheng, Peng; Li, Shuxing; Wang, Le; Zhou, Tian-Liang; You, Shihai; Takeda, Takashi; Hirosaki, Naoto; Xie, Rong-Jun

2018-05-02

As a next-generation high-power lighting technology, laser lighting has attracted great attention in high-luminance applications. However, thermally robust and highly efficient color converters suitable for high-quality laser lighting are scarce. Despite its versatility, the phosphor-in-glass (PiG) has been seldom applied in laser lighting because of its low thermal conductivity. In this work, we develop a unique architecture in which a phosphor-in-glass (PiG) film was directly sintered on a high thermally conductive sapphire substrate coated by one-dimensional photonic crystals. The designed color converter with the composite architecture exhibits a high internal quantum efficiency close to that of the original phosphor powders and an excellent packaging efficiency up to 90%. Furthermore, the PiG film can even be survived under the 11.2 W mm -2 blue laser excitation. Combining blue laser diodes with the YAG-PiG-on-sapphire plate, a uniform white light with a high luminance of 845 Mcd m -2 (luminous flux: 1839 lm), luminous efficacy of 210 lm W -1 , and correlated color temperature of 6504 K was obtained. A high color rendering index of 74 was attained by adding a robust orange or red phosphor layer to the architecture. These outstanding properties meet the standards of vehicle regulations, enabling the PiG films with the composite architecture to be applied in automotive lighting or other high-power and high-luminance laser lighting.

Optimization of multi-color laser waveform for high-order harmonic generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Cheng; Lin, C. D.

2016-09-01

With the development of laser technologies, multi-color light-field synthesis with complete amplitude and phase control would make it possible to generate arbitrary optical waveforms. A practical optimization algorithm is needed to generate such a waveform in order to control strong-field processes. We review some recent theoretical works of the optimization of amplitudes and phases of multi-color lasers to modify the single-atom high-order harmonic generation based on genetic algorithm. By choosing different fitness criteria, we demonstrate that: (i) harmonic yields can be enhanced by 10 to 100 times, (ii) harmonic cutoff energy can be substantially extended, (iii) specific harmonic orders can be selectively enhanced, and (iv) single attosecond pulses can be efficiently generated. The possibility of optimizing macroscopic conditions for the improved phase matching and low divergence of high harmonics is also discussed. The waveform control and optimization are expected to be new drivers for the next wave of breakthrough in the strong-field physics in the coming years. Project supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (Grant No. 30916011207), Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U. S. Department of Energy (Grant No. DE-FG02-86ER13491), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research, USA (Grant No. FA9550-14-1-0255).

Fixed Target combined with Spectral Mapping: Approaching 100% Hit Rates for Serial Crystallography

PubMed Central

Pare-Labrosse, Olivier; Kuo, Anling; Marx, Alexander; Epp, Sascha W.; Sherrell, Darren A.; Eger, Bryan T.; Zhong, Yinpeng; Loch, Rolf; Mariani, Valerio; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Nelson, Silke; Lemke, Henrik T.; Owen, Robin L.; Pearson, Arwen R.; Stuart, David I.; Ernst, Oliver P.; Mueller-Werkmeister, Henrike M.; Miller, R. J. Dwayne

2018-01-01

The advent of ultrafast highly brilliant coherent X-ray Free Electron Laser sources has driven the development of novel structure determination approaches for proteins, and promises visualisation of protein dynamics on the fastest timescales with full atomic resolution. Significant efforts are being applied to the development of sample delivery systems that allow these unique sources to be most efficiently exploited for high throughput serial femtosecond crystallography. We present here the next generation of a fixed target crystallography chip designed for rapid and reliable delivery of up to 11,259 protein crystals with high spatial precision. An experimental scheme for predetermining the positions of crystals in the chip by means of in-situ spectroscopy using a fiducial system for rapid, precise alignment and registration of the crystal positions is presented. This delivers unprecedented performance in serial crystallography experiments at room temperature under atmospheric pressure with a raw hit rate approaching 100% with an effective indexing rate of approximately 50%, increasing the efficiency of beam usage, and allowing the method to be applied to systems where the number of crystals is limited. PMID:27487825

Off-plane x-ray reflection grating fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Thomas J.; DeRoo, Casey T.; Marlowe, Hannah; McEntaffer, Randall L.; Miles, Drew M.; Tutt, James H.; Schultz, Ted B.

2015-09-01

Off-plane X-ray diffraction gratings with precision groove profiles at the submicron scale will be used in next generation X-ray spectrometers. Such gratings will be used on a current NASA suborbital rocket mission, the Off-plane Grating Rocket Experiment (OGRE), and have application for future grating missions. The fabrication of these gratings does not come without challenges. High performance off-plane gratings must be fabricated with precise radial grating patterns, optically at surfaces, and specific facet angles. Such gratings can be made using a series of common micro-fabrication techniques. The resulting process is highly customizable, making it useful for a variety of different mission architectures. In this paper, we detail the fabrication method used to produce high performance off-plane gratings and report the results of a preliminary qualification test of a grating fabricated in this manner. The grating was tested in the off-plane `Littrow' configuration, for which the grating is most efficient for a given diffraction order, and found to achieve 42% relative efficiency in the blaze order with respect to all diffracted light.

Fundamental Study on Saving Energy for Electrified Railway System Applying High Temperature Superconductor Motor and Energy Storage System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Takeshi; Nakamura, Taketsune; Amemiya, Naoyuki

Induction motor instead of dc one has been applied widely for dc electric rolling stock because of the advantage of its utility and efficiency. However, further improvement of motor characteristics will be required to realize environment-friendly dc railway system in the future. It is important to study more efficient machine applying dc electric rolling stock for next generation high performance system. On the other hand, the methods to reuse regenerative energy produced by motors effectively are also important. Therefore, we carried out fundamental study on saving energy for electrified railway system. For the first step, we introduced the energy storage system applying electric double-layer capacitors (EDLC), and its control system. And then, we tried to obtain the specification of high temperature superconductor induction/synchronous motor (HTS-ISM), which performance is similar with that of the conventional induction motors. Furthermore, we tried to evaluate an electrified railway system applying energy storage system and HTS-ISM based on simulation. We succeeded in showing the effectiveness of the introductions of energy storage system and HTS-ISM in DC electrified railway system.

Kinetic Modeling of Next-Generation High-Energy, High-Intensity Laser-Ion Accelerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Albright, Brian James; Yin, Lin; Stark, David James

One of the long-standing problems in the community is the question of how we can model “next-generation” laser-ion acceleration in a computationally tractable way. A new particle tracking capability in the LANL VPIC kinetic plasma modeling code has enabled us to solve this long-standing problem

The Next Century Astrophysics Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swanson, Paul N.

1991-01-01

The Astrophysics Division within the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) has defined a set of major and moderate missions that are presently under study for flight sometime within the next 20 years. These programs include the: Advanced X Ray Astrophysics Facility; X Ray Schmidt Telescope; Nuclear Astrophysics Experiment; Hard X Ray Imaging Facility; Very High Throughput Facility; Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Observatory; Hubble Space Telescope; Lunar Transit Telescope; Astrometric Interferometer Mission; Next Generation Space Telescope; Imaging Optical Interferometer; Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer; Gravity Probe B; Laser Gravity Wave Observatory in Space; Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy; Space Infrared Telescope Facility; Submillimeter Intermediate Mission; Large Deployable Reflector; Submillimeter Interferometer; and Next Generation Orbiting Very Long Baseline Interferometer.

Next generation sequencing applications for breast cancer research

PubMed Central

PETRIC, ROXANA COJOCNEANU; POP, LAURA-ANCUTA; JURJ, ANCUTA; RADULY, LAJOS; DUMITRASCU, DAN; DRAGOS, NICOLAE; NEAGOE, IOANA BERINDAN

2015-01-01

For some time, cancer has not been thought of as a disease, but as a multifaceted, heterogeneous complex of genotypic and phenotypic manifestations leading to tumorigenesis. Due to recent technological progress, the outcome of cancer patients can be greatly improved by introducing in clinical practice the advantages brought about by the development of next generation sequencing techniques. Biomedical suppliers have come up with various applications which medical researchers can use to characterize a patient’s disease from molecular and genetic point of view in order to provide caregivers with rapid and relevant information to guide them in choosing the most appropriate course of treatment, with maximum efficiency and minimal side effects. Breast cancer, whose incidence has risen dramatically, is a good candidate for these novel diagnosis and therapeutic approaches, particularly when referring to specific sequencing panels which are designed to detect germline or somatic mutations in genes that are involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Benchtop next generation sequencing machines are becoming a more common presence in the clinical setting, empowering physicians to better treat their patients, by offering early diagnosis alternatives, targeted remedies, and bringing medicine a step closer to achieving its ultimate goal, personalized therapy. PMID:26609257

Expanding xylose metabolism in yeast for plant cell wall conversion to biofuels.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Yu, Vivian Yaci; Lin, Yuping; Chomvong, Kulika; Estrela, Raíssa; Park, Annsea; Liang, Julie M; Znameroski, Elizabeth A; Feehan, Joanna; Kim, Soo Rin; Jin, Yong-Su; Glass, N Louise; Cate, Jamie H D

2015-02-03

Sustainable biofuel production from renewable biomass will require the efficient and complete use of all abundant sugars in the plant cell wall. Using the cellulolytic fungus Neurospora crassa as a model, we identified a xylodextrin transport and consumption pathway required for its growth on hemicellulose. Reconstitution of this xylodextrin utilization pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that fungal xylose reductases act as xylodextrin reductases, producing xylosyl-xylitol oligomers as metabolic intermediates. These xylosyl-xylitol intermediates are generated by diverse fungi and bacteria, indicating that xylodextrin reduction is widespread in nature. Xylodextrins and xylosyl-xylitol oligomers are then hydrolyzed by two hydrolases to generate intracellular xylose and xylitol. Xylodextrin consumption using a xylodextrin transporter, xylodextrin reductases and tandem intracellular hydrolases in cofermentations with sucrose and glucose greatly expands the capacity of yeast to use plant cell wall-derived sugars and has the potential to increase the efficiency of both first-generation and next-generation biofuel production.

Recent Developments in the Photophysics of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Their Use as Active and Passive Material Elements in Thin Film Photovoltaics

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

photons of energy hn > 1.1 eV, which is the same spectral range captured by a silicon solar cell . The thermodynamic limit for the efficiency of a solar ...Park, NC 27709-2211 15. SUBJECT TERMS Carbon nanotube photovoltaic photophysics solar cell perspective Michael S. Arnold, Jeffrey L. Blackburn...increasing the efficiency and functionality of next-generation solar cells . Widely tunable properties open up possibilities for using nanotubes in many

Quality of Service for Real-Time Applications Over Next Generation Data Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivancic, William; Atiquzzaman, Mohammed; Bai, Haowei; Su, Hongjun; Jain, Raj; Duresi, Arjan; Goyal, Mukyl; Bharani, Venkata; Liu, Chunlei; Kota, Sastri

2001-01-01

This project, which started on January 1, 2000, was funded by NASA Glenn Research Center for duration of one year. The deliverables of the project included the following tasks: Study of QoS mapping between the edge and core networks envisioned in the Next Generation networks will provide us with the QoS guarantees that can be obtained from next generation networks. Buffer management techniques to provide strict guarantees to real-time end-to-end applications through preferential treatment to packets belonging to real-time applications. In particular, use of ECN to help reduce the loss on high bandwidth-delay product satellite networks needs to be studied. Effect of Prioritized Packet Discard to increase goodput of the network and reduce the buffering requirements in the ATM switches. Provision of new IP circuit emulation services over Satellite IP backbones using MPLS will be studied. Determine the architecture and requirements for internetworking ATN and the Next Generation Internet for real-time applications.

Strategies to Achieve High-Performance White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lirong; Li, Xiang-Long; Luo, Dongxiang; Xiao, Peng; Xiao, Wenping; Song, Yuhong; Ang, Qinshu; Liu, Baiquan

2017-01-01

As one of the most promising technologies for next-generation lighting and displays, white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have received enormous worldwide interest due to their outstanding properties, including high efficiency, bright luminance, wide viewing angle, fast switching, lower power consumption, ultralight and ultrathin characteristics, and flexibility. In this invited review, the main parameters which are used to characterize the performance of WOLEDs are introduced. Subsequently, the state-of-the-art strategies to achieve high-performance WOLEDs in recent years are summarized. Specifically, the manipulation of charges and excitons distribution in the four types of WOLEDs (fluorescent WOLEDs, phosphorescent WOLEDs, thermally activated delayed fluorescent WOLEDs, and fluorescent/phosphorescent hybrid WOLEDs) are comprehensively highlighted. Moreover, doping-free WOLEDs are described. Finally, issues and ways to further enhance the performance of WOLEDs are briefly clarified. PMID:29194426

Experimental and Computational Analysis of Unidirectional Flow Through Stirling Engine Heater Head

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Scott D.; Dyson, Rodger W.; Tew, Roy C.; Demko, Rikako

2006-01-01

A high efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) is being developed for possible use in long-duration space science missions. NASA s advanced technology goals for next generation Stirling convertors include increasing the Carnot efficiency and percent of Carnot efficiency. To help achieve these goals, a multi-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code is being developed to numerically model unsteady fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena of the oscillating working gas inside Stirling convertors. In the absence of transient pressure drop data for the zero mean oscillating multi-dimensional flows present in the Technology Demonstration Convertors on test at NASA Glenn Research Center, unidirectional flow pressure drop test data is used to compare against 2D and 3D computational solutions. This study focuses on tracking pressure drop and mass flow rate data for unidirectional flow though a Stirling heater head using a commercial CFD code (CFD-ACE). The commercial CFD code uses a porous-media model which is dependent on permeability and the inertial coefficient present in the linear and nonlinear terms of the Darcy-Forchheimer equation. Permeability and inertial coefficient were calculated from unidirectional flow test data. CFD simulations of the unidirectional flow test were validated using the porous-media model input parameters which increased simulation accuracy by 14 percent on average.

Next-Generation Technologies for Multiomics Approaches Including Interactome Sequencing

PubMed Central

Ohashi, Hiroyuki; Miyamoto-Sato, Etsuko

2015-01-01

The development of high-speed analytical techniques such as next-generation sequencing and microarrays allows high-throughput analysis of biological information at a low cost. These techniques contribute to medical and bioscience advancements and provide new avenues for scientific research. Here, we outline a variety of new innovative techniques and discuss their use in omics research (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and interactomics). We also discuss the possible applications of these methods, including an interactome sequencing technology that we developed, in future medical and life science research. PMID:25649523

Design of association studies with pooled or un-pooled next-generation sequencing data.

PubMed

Kim, Su Yeon; Li, Yingrui; Guo, Yiran; Li, Ruiqiang; Holmkvist, Johan; Hansen, Torben; Pedersen, Oluf; Wang, Jun; Nielsen, Rasmus

2010-07-01

Most common hereditary diseases in humans are complex and multifactorial. Large-scale genome-wide association studies based on SNP genotyping have only identified a small fraction of the heritable variation of these diseases. One explanation may be that many rare variants (a minor allele frequency, MAF <5%), which are not included in the common genotyping platforms, may contribute substantially to the genetic variation of these diseases. Next-generation sequencing, which would allow the analysis of rare variants, is now becoming so cheap that it provides a viable alternative to SNP genotyping. In this paper, we present cost-effective protocols for using next-generation sequencing in association mapping studies based on pooled and un-pooled samples, and identify optimal designs with respect to total number of individuals, number of individuals per pool, and the sequencing coverage. We perform a small empirical study to evaluate the pooling variance in a realistic setting where pooling is combined with exon-capturing. To test for associations, we develop a likelihood ratio statistic that accounts for the high error rate of next-generation sequencing data. We also perform extensive simulations to determine the power and accuracy of this method. Overall, our findings suggest that with a fixed cost, sequencing many individuals at a more shallow depth with larger pool size achieves higher power than sequencing a small number of individuals in higher depth with smaller pool size, even in the presence of high error rates. Our results provide guidelines for researchers who are developing association mapping studies based on next-generation sequencing. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Detection of Bacillus anthracis DNA in Complex Soil and Air Samples Using Next-Generation Sequencing

PubMed Central

Be, Nicholas A.; Thissen, James B.; Gardner, Shea N.; McLoughlin, Kevin S.; Fofanov, Viacheslav Y.; Koshinsky, Heather; Ellingson, Sally R.; Brettin, Thomas S.; Jackson, Paul J.; Jaing, Crystal J.

2013-01-01

Bacillus anthracis is the potentially lethal etiologic agent of anthrax disease, and is a significant concern in the realm of biodefense. One of the cornerstones of an effective biodefense strategy is the ability to detect infectious agents with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in the context of a complex sample background. The nature of the B. anthracis genome, however, renders specific detection difficult, due to close homology with B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. We therefore elected to determine the efficacy of next-generation sequencing analysis and microarrays for detection of B. anthracis in an environmental background. We applied next-generation sequencing to titrated genome copy numbers of B. anthracis in the presence of background nucleic acid extracted from aerosol and soil samples. We found next-generation sequencing to be capable of detecting as few as 10 genomic equivalents of B. anthracis DNA per nanogram of background nucleic acid. Detection was accomplished by mapping reads to either a defined subset of reference genomes or to the full GenBank database. Moreover, sequence data obtained from B. anthracis could be reliably distinguished from sequence data mapping to either B. cereus or B. thuringiensis. We also demonstrated the efficacy of a microbial census microarray in detecting B. anthracis in the same samples, representing a cost-effective and high-throughput approach, complementary to next-generation sequencing. Our results, in combination with the capacity of sequencing for providing insights into the genomic characteristics of complex and novel organisms, suggest that these platforms should be considered important components of a biosurveillance strategy. PMID:24039948

Cycle analysis of planar SOFC power generation with serial connection of low and high temperature SOFCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araki, Takuto; Ohba, Takahiro; Takezawa, Shinya; Onda, Kazuo; Sakaki, Yoshinori

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can be composed of solid components for stable operation, and high power generation efficiency is obtained by using high temperature exhaust heat for fuel reforming and bottoming power generation by a gas turbine. Recently, low-temperature SOFCs, which run in the temperature range of around 600 °C or above and give high power generation efficiency, have been developed. On the other hand, a power generation system with multi-staged fuel cells has been proposed by the United States DOE to obtain high efficiency. In our present study, a power generation system consisting of two-staged SOFCs with serial connection of low and high temperature SOFCs was investigated. Overpotential data for the low-temperature SOFC used in this study are based on recently published data, while data for high-temperature SOFC are based on our previous study. The numerical results show that the power generation efficiency of the two-staged SOFCs is 50.3% and the total efficiency of power generation with gas turbine is 56.1% under standard operating conditions. These efficiencies are a little higher than those by high-temperature SOFC only.

High-performance ferroelectric and magnetoresistive materials for next-generation thermal detector arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todd, Michael A.; Donohue, Paul P.; Watton, Rex; Williams, Dennis J.; Anthony, Carl J.; Blamire, Mark G.

2002-12-01

This paper discusses the potential thermal imaging performance achievable from thermal detector arrays and concludes that the current generation of thin-film ferroelectric and resistance bolometer based detector arrays are limited by the detector materials used. It is proposed that the next generation of large uncooled focal plane arrays will need to look towards higher performance detector materials - particularly if they aim to approach the fundamental performance limits and compete with cooled photon detector arrays. Two examples of bolometer thin-film materials are described that achieve high performance from operating around phase transitions. The material Lead Scandium Tantalate (PST) has a paraelectric-to-ferroelectric phase transition around room temperature and is used with an applied field in the dielectric bolometer mode for thermal imaging. PST films grown by sputtering and liquid-source CVD have shown merit figures for thermal imaging a factor of 2 to 3 times higher than PZT-based pyroelectric thin films. The material Lanthanum Calcium Manganite (LCMO) has a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition around -20oC. This paper describes recent measurements of TCR and 1/f noise in pulsed laser-deposited LCMO films on Neodymium Gallate substrates. These results show that LCMO not only has high TCR's - up to 30%/K - but also low 1/f excess noise, with bolometer merit figures at least an order of magnitude higher than Vanadium Oxide, making it ideal for the next generation of microbolometer arrays. These high performance properties come at the expense of processing complexities and novel device designs will need to be introduced to realize the potential of these materials in the next generation of thermal detectors.

Next-Generation Tools For Next-Generation Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, S. G.

2017-04-01

The next generation of large-scale galaxy surveys, across the electromagnetic spectrum, loom on the horizon as explosively game-changing datasets, in terms of our understanding of cosmology and structure formation. We are on the brink of a torrent of data that is set to both confirm and constrain current theories to an unprecedented level, and potentially overturn many of our conceptions. One of the great challenges of this forthcoming deluge is to extract maximal scientific content from the vast array of raw data. This challenge requires not only well-understood and robust physical models, but a commensurate network of software implementations with which to efficiently apply them. The halo model, a semi-analytic treatment of cosmological spatial statistics down to nonlinear scales, provides an excellent mathematical framework for exploring the nature of dark matter. This thesis presents a next-generation toolkit based on the halo model formalism, intended to fulfil the requirements of next-generation surveys. Our toolkit comprises three tools: (i) hmf, a comprehensive and flexible calculator for halo mass functions (HMFs) within extended Press-Schechter theory, (ii) the MRP distribution for extremely efficient analytic characterisation of HMFs, and (iii) halomod, an extension of hmf which provides support for the full range of halo model components. In addition to the development and technical presentation of these tools, we apply each to the task of physical modelling. With hmf, we determine the precision of our knowledge of the HMF, due to uncertainty in our knowledge of the cosmological parameters, over the past decade of cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. We place rule-of-thumb uncertainties on the predicted HMF for the Planck cosmology, and find that current limits on the precision are driven by modeling uncertainties rather than those from cosmological parameters. With the MRP, we create and test a method for robustly fitting the HMF to observed masses with arbitrary measurement uncertainties on a per-object basis. We find that our method reduces estimation uncertainty on parameters by over 50%, and correctly accounts for Eddington bias even in extremely poorly measured data. Additionally, we use the analytical properties of the MRP to obtain asymptotically correct forms for the stellar-mass halo-mass relation, in the subhalo abundance matching scheme. Finally, with halomod, we explore the viability of the halo model as a test of warm dark matter (WDM) via galaxy clustering. Examining three distinct scale regimes, we find that the clustering of galaxies at the smallest resolvable scales may provide a valuable independent probe in the coming era.

A cost-effective high-throughput metabarcoding approach powerful enough to genotype ~44 000 year-old rodent remains from Northern Africa.

PubMed

Guimaraes, S; Pruvost, M; Daligault, J; Stoetzel, E; Bennett, E A; Côté, N M-L; Nicolas, V; Lalis, A; Denys, C; Geigl, E-M; Grange, T

2017-05-01

We present a cost-effective metabarcoding approach, aMPlex Torrent, which relies on an improved multiplex PCR adapted to highly degraded DNA, combining barcoding and next-generation sequencing to simultaneously analyse many heterogeneous samples. We demonstrate the strength of these improvements by generating a phylochronology through the genotyping of ancient rodent remains from a Moroccan cave whose stratigraphy covers the last 120 000 years. Rodents are important for epidemiology, agronomy and ecological investigations and can act as bioindicators for human- and/or climate-induced environmental changes. Efficient and reliable genotyping of ancient rodent remains has the potential to deliver valuable phylogenetic and paleoecological information. The analysis of multiple ancient skeletal remains of very small size with poor DNA preservation, however, requires a sensitive high-throughput method to generate sufficient data. We show this approach to be particularly adapted at accessing this otherwise difficult taxonomic and genetic resource. As a highly scalable, lower cost and less labour-intensive alternative to targeted sequence capture approaches, we propose the aMPlex Torrent strategy to be a useful tool for the genetic analysis of multiple degraded samples in studies involving ecology, archaeology, conservation and evolutionary biology. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Investigation of Novel Electrolytes for Use in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilar, Kartik

Energy storage and conversion plays a critical role in the efficient use of available energy and is crucial for the utilization of renewable energy sources. To achieve maximum efficiency of renewable energy sources, improvements to energy storage materials must be developed. In this work, novel electrolytes for secondary batteries and fuel cells have been studied using nuclear magnetic resonance and high pressure x-ray scattering techniques to form a better understanding of dynamic and structural properties of these materials. Ionic liquids have been studied due to their potential as a safer alternative to organic solvent-based electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries and composite sulfonated polyetheretherketone (sPEEK) membranes have been investigated for their potential use as a proton exchange membrane electrolyte in direct methanol fuel cells. The characterization of these novel electrolytes is a step towards the development of the next generation of improved energy storage and energy conversion devices.

Towards Efficient Spectral Converters through Materials Design for Luminescent Solar Devices.

PubMed

McKenna, Barry; Evans, Rachel C

2017-07-01

Single-junction photovoltaic devices exhibit a bottleneck in their efficiency due to incomplete or inefficient harvesting of photons in the low- or high-energy regions of the solar spectrum. Spectral converters can be used to convert solar photons into energies that are more effectively captured by the photovoltaic device through a photoluminescence process. Here, recent advances in the fields of luminescent solar concentration, luminescent downshifting, and upconversion are discussed. The focus is specifically on the role that materials science has to play in overcoming barriers in the optical performance in all spectral converters and on their successful integration with both established (e.g., c-Si, GaAs) and emerging (perovskite, organic, dye-sensitized) cell types. Current challenges and emerging research directions, which need to be addressed for the development of next-generation luminescent solar devices, are also discussed. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multilayer Transparent Top Electrode for Solution Processed Perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 Four Terminal Tandem Solar Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Yang Michael; Chen, Qi; Hsieh, Yao-Tsung; Song, Tze-Bin; Marco, Nicholas De; Zhou, Huanping; Yang, Yang

2015-07-28

Halide perovskites (PVSK) have attracted much attention in recent years due to their high potential as a next generation solar cell material. To further improve perovskites progress toward a state-of-the-art technology, it is desirable to create a tandem structure in which perovskite may be stacked with a current prevailing solar cell such as silicon (Si) or Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 (CIGS). The transparent top electrode is one of the key components as well as challenges to realize such tandem structure. Herein, we develop a multilayer transparent top electrode for perovskite photovoltaic devices delivering an 11.5% efficiency in top illumination mode. The transparent electrode is based on a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure, featuring an ultrathin gold seeded silver layer. A four terminal tandem solar cell employing solution processed CIGS and perovskite cells is also demonstrated with over 15% efficiency.

Giant photostriction in organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yang; You, Lu; Wang, Shiwei; Ku, Zhiliang; Fan, Hongjin; Schmidt, Daniel; Rusydi, Andrivo; Chang, Lei; Wang, Le; Ren, Peng; Chen, Liufang; Yuan, Guoliang; Chen, Lang; Wang, Junling

2016-01-01

Among the many materials investigated for next-generation photovoltaic cells, organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites have demonstrated great potential thanks to their high power conversion efficiency and solution processability. Within a short period of about 5 years, the efficiency of solar cells based on these materials has increased dramatically from 3.8 to over 20%. Despite the tremendous progress in device performance, much less is known about the underlying photophysics involving charge–orbital–lattice interactions and the role of the organic molecules in this hybrid material remains poorly understood. Here, we report a giant photostrictive response, that is, light-induced lattice change, of >1,200 p.p.m. in methylammonium lead iodide, which could be the key to understand its superior optical properties. The strong photon-lattice coupling also opens up the possibility of employing these materials in wireless opto-mechanical devices. PMID:27044485

Deterministic implementation of a bright, on-demand single photon source with near-unity indistinguishability via quantum dot imaging.

PubMed

He, Yu-Ming; Liu, Jin; Maier, Sebastian; Emmerling, Monika; Gerhardt, Stefan; Davanço, Marcelo; Srinivasan, Kartik; Schneider, Christian; Höfling, Sven

2017-07-20

Deterministic techniques enabling the implementation and engineering of bright and coherent solid-state quantum light sources are key for the reliable realization of a next generation of quantum devices. Such a technology, at best, should allow one to significantly scale up the number of implemented devices within a given processing time. In this work, we discuss a possible technology platform for such a scaling procedure, relying on the application of nanoscale quantum dot imaging to the pillar microcavity architecture, which promises to combine very high photon extraction efficiency and indistinguishability. We discuss the alignment technology in detail, and present the optical characterization of a selected device which features a strongly Purcell-enhanced emission output. This device, which yields an extraction efficiency of η = (49 ± 4) %, facilitates the emission of photons with (94 ± 2.7) % indistinguishability.

Increasing the efficiency of photon collection in LArTPCs: the ARAPUCA light trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cancelo, G.; Cavanna, F.; Escobar, C. O.; Kemp, E.; Machado, A. A.; Para, A.; Segreto, E.; Totani, D.; Warner, D.

2018-03-01

The Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LArTPCs) are a choice for the next generation of large neutrino detectors due to their optimal performance in particle tracking and calorimetry. The detection of Argon scintillation light plays a crucial role in the event reconstruction as well as the time reference for non-beam physics such as supernovae neutrino detection and baryon number violation studies. In this contribution, we present the current R&D work on the ARAPUCA (Argon R&D Advanced Program at UNICAMP), a light trap device to enhance Ar scintillation light collection and thus the overall performance of LArTPCs. The ARAPUCA working principle is based on a suitable combination of dichroic filters and wavelength shifters to achieve a high efficiency in light collection. We discuss the operational principles, the last results of laboratory tests and the application of the ARAPUCA as the alternative photon detection system in the protoDUNE detector.

Electron-hole pairs generated in ZrO2 nanoparticle resist upon exposure to extreme ultraviolet radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozawa, Takahiro; Santillan, Julius Joseph; Itani, Toshiro

2018-02-01

Metal oxide nanoparticle resists have attracted much attention as the next-generation resist used for the high-volume production of semiconductor devices. However, the sensitization mechanism of the metal oxide nanoparticle resists is unknown. Understanding the sensitization mechanism is important for the efficient development of resist materials. In this study, the energy deposition in a zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticle resist was investigated. The numbers of electron-hole pairs generated in a ZrO2 core and an methacrylic acid (MAA) ligand shell upon exposure to 1 mJ cm-2 (exposure dose) extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiations were theoretically estimated to be 0.16 at most and 0.04-0.17 cm2 mJ-1, respectively. By comparing the calculated distribution of electron-hole pairs with the line-and-space patterns of the ZrO2 nanoparticle resist fabricated by an EUV exposure tool, the number of electron-hole pairs required for the solubility change of the resist films was estimated to be 1.3-2.2 per NP. NP denotes a nanoparticle consisting of a metal oxide core with a ligand shell. In the material design of metal oxide nanoparticle resists, it is important to efficiently use the electron-hole pairs generated in the metal oxide core for the chemical change of ligand molecules.

Recent Applications of 2D Inorganic Nanosheets for Emerging Energy Storage System.

PubMed

Oh, Seung Mi; Patil, Sharad B; Jin, Xiaoyan; Hwang, Seong-Ju

2018-04-03

Among many types of nanostructured inorganic materials, highly anisotropic 2D nanosheets provide unique advantages in designing and synthesizing efficient electrode and electrocatalyst materials for novel energy storage technologies. 2D inorganic nanosheets boast lots of unique characteristics such as high surface area, short ion diffusion path, tailorable compositions, and tunable electronic structures. These merits of 2D inorganic nanosheets render them promising candidate materials as electrodes for diverse secondary batteries and supercapacitors, and electrocatalysts. A wide spectrum of examples is presented for inorganic nanosheet-based electrodes and electrocatalysts. Future perspectives in research about 2D nanosheet-based functional materials are discussed to provide insight for the development of next-generation energy storage systems using 2D nanostructured materials. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Functional Cellular Mimics for the Spatiotemporal Control of Multiple Enzymatic Cascade Reactions.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoling; Formanek, Petr; Voit, Brigitte; Appelhans, Dietmar

2017-12-18

Next-generation therapeutic approaches are expected to rely on the engineering of biomimetic cellular systems that can mimic specific cellular functions. Herein, we demonstrate a highly effective route for constructing structural and functional eukaryotic cell mimics by loading pH-sensitive polymersomes as membrane-associated and free-floating organelle mimics inside the multifunctional cell membrane. Metabolism mimicry has been validated by performing successive enzymatic cascade reactions spatially separated at specific sites of cell mimics in the presence and absence of extracellular organelle mimics. These enzymatic reactions take place in a highly controllable, reproducible, efficient, and successive manner. Our biomimetic approach to material design for establishing functional principles brings considerable enrichment to the fields of biomedicine, biocatalysis, biotechnology, and systems biology. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

MEMS Microshutter Arrays for James Webb Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Mary J.; Beamesderfer, Michael; Babu, Sachi; Bajikar, Sateesh; Ewin, Audrey; Franz, Dave; Hess, Larry; Hu, Ron; Jhabvala, Murzy; Kelly, Dan;

Prepreg and Melt Infiltration Technology Developed for Affordable, Robust Manufacturing of Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Mrityunjay; Petko, Jeannie F.

2004-01-01

Affordable fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites with multifunctional properties are critically needed for high-temperature aerospace and space transportation applications. These materials have various applications in advanced high-efficiency and high-performance engines, airframe and propulsion components for next-generation launch vehicles, and components for land-based systems. A number of these applications require materials with specific functional characteristics: for example, thick component, hybrid layups for environmental durability and stress management, and self-healing and smart composite matrices. At present, with limited success and very high cost, traditional composite fabrication technologies have been utilized to manufacture some large, complex-shape components of these materials. However, many challenges still remain in developing affordable, robust, and flexible manufacturing technologies for large, complex-shape components with multifunctional properties. The prepreg and melt infiltration (PREMI) technology provides an affordable and robust manufacturing route for low-cost, large-scale production of multifunctional ceramic composite components.