Award Data

During altitude-induced hypoxia, operator cognitive and physical capacity degrades, compromising individual and team performance. Cognitive degradation is linked to falling brain energy levels, increased reliance on anaerobic energy production and lactate accumulation. Ketones are the evolutionary alternative substrate to glucose for brain metabolic requirements; previous studies demonstrated that ...

Methods for interconversion between cell types (cellular reprogramming) are currently discovered through resource intensive trial and error. Experiments may test a multitude of transcription factors to identify correct combinations that influence cell fate. In addition, reprogramming approaches commonly use stem cell intermediates such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are generated ...

Special OperationsForces (SOF)are an integral aspect of the US military. SOF operators are among the most elite and highly qualified individuals in the U.S.military. As such, extraordinary physical and mental demands are placed upon them to excel in extreme environments for extended periods of time. This unrelenting cycle of combat deployments and intense pre-deployment training shortens the funct ...

We propose to design, fabricate and test turbine blade configurations in a flow driven by a continuous detonation wave engine with a goal of understanding the physics and efficiency of such an integrated device. Analysis based on CFD models and cycle perf

We propose to construct a parametric amplifier and oscillator system for generating and detecting gravitational microwaves using a moving, impermeable superconducting membrane as its active element. A configuration of three adjacent, high-Q SRF cylindrical cavities will be constructed, consisting of a single pump cavity separated from a double signal and idler cavity by means of this membrane, ...

This proposal is to extend into Phase II our development of a new system for Adaptive Visualization of Social Networks (ADVIS). Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the collection and study of social network data. Numerous social network visualizations have been developed to support user exploration and understanding of these data. However even in the few best systems, cognitive and de ...

Obtaining situational awareness in tactical operations often involves high risk to personnel and/or equipment. The ELASTIC concept is to overcome this problem through the use of very low-cost, yet sophisticated, rapidly-deployable imaging sensors. Features of our proposed concept include use of highly portable equipment and support of a range of operational scenarios. Both of these features are ma ...

It is desirable to make focal plane arrays (or imaging arrays) with reduced pitch; doing so enables smaller, cheaper and lighter camera systems that provide the same image resolution. Currently, the lower limit on pitch is set by electron/hole diffusion and light diffraction that results in crosstalk between neighboring pixels. Since electron hole pairs generated outside the depletion layer can ...

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to develop commercially viable bacterial strains (Geobacter sulfurreducens) for use as biocatalysts in microbial fuel cells. The research genetically manipulates these bacteria to enable the utilization of alternative substrates and increase current generation through the expression of an energy consuming futile cycle. The rate ...

This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will complete the development of a support material for Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC) direct metal rapid prototyping and demonstrate the ability to build structures with high aspect ratios or overhanging features. This ability to apply UC to more complex shapes will enable engineers to design important parts more rapidly and ...