Award Data

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: We believe that employing current molecular biology techniques it is possible to develop plasmid DNA based positive control standard kits for a wide variety molecular assays for environmental organisms, and that this represents a significant commercial opportunity. In Phase I we demonstrated that plasmid DNA-based qPCR positive controls are stable, perform as well as genomic DN ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: Recent advances in gas chromatographic (GC) and mass spectrometric (MS) techniques for atmospheric measurements have led to highly complex data sets that have overwhelmed the capabilities of current data analysis software. We propose a new method for the automated reduction of chromatographic data using peak-fitting algorithms. By relying upon constrained peak-fit parameterizat ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: We propose to continue the development of a generalized 3DVAR data assimilation module, in an open-source and non-proprietary programming language, which is compatible with FVCOM and incorporated into the Lake Erie Operational Forecast System (LEOFS). We will leverage our experience and expertise in using 3DVAR for a ROMS-based real-time forecast system for the California coast ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: HPD, a small business focused on development and commercialization of advanced instruments, sensors and research equipment, proposes to partner with NAOA on technology transfer and commercialization of the NO(y) Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer for atmospheric research. Since our founding in 1993, HPD has collaborated with researchers at NAOA and other government, commercial and a ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: Tropospheric oxidation capacity is dominated by HOx photochemistry, however halogen atoms and oxides significantly affect these chemical cycles. A sensitive and robust measurement of gaseous HCl is critically important to improve our understanding of halogen chemistry and its impacts on the spatial and temporal oxidation capacity of the atmosphere. In Phase I, we met all of our ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: As our nation’s dependence on reliable satellite navigation systems for precise Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) applications increases, any errors/uncertainties or degradation of service will have significant life, safety, and economic impacts. Ionospheric ‘space weather’ is one of the largest sources of error in PNT applications that use the Global Navigation Satel ...

The feasibility of fusion as a practical energy source needs to be improved significantly by removing some of the restrictions that low-temperature superconductors put on the fusion magnet systems. One method to simplify the magnet system is by using high-temperature superconductors that allow for more compact magnet systems with higher performance and much larger temperature margins. The compact, ...

Dry cask storage systems (DCSS) are used to store spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants. Without a long term storage solution in place, storage for decades in casks may be required. High burnup fuel rods may become brittle over time presenting problems for eventual transport of the spent fuel from reactor sites to a central storage facility. It is desired to passively determine the structur ...

Improved NDT (non-destructive testing) techniques are needed for inspection of concrete structures in nuclear power plants. Steel reinforcements embedded within concrete can corrode and crack, leading to weakening of the structures, and existing NDT techniques do not provide the full picture. Condition assessment is critical in evaluating these structures in order to ensure safe, long-term operati ...

Substantial improvements to the integrity of residential building envelopes have been realized in recent years with the use of advanced house wraps, fenestration, and air sealing technologies. While tight construction significantly lowers residential energy consumption, the concomitant reduction in natural ventilation results in less frequent air turnover that can adversely impact indoor air quali ...