2007 Science Challenge and Capabilities-based Call for Proposals
Additional Information
EMSL accepted user proposals from April 23, 2007 until May 30, 2007, 5:00 PM Pacific Coast Time, that were focused on specific use of new or unique EMSL capabilities as outlined below. Those seeking to use other EMSL capabilities may submit an Open Proposal at any time. The next Computational Grand Challenge Call and Science Theme Call are expected in 2008.
Because of the strong response to the recent EMSL Science Theme Call, the current call is narrowly focused on the specific capabilities listed below. We are particularly interested in proposals that would use these capabilities in new or novel ways or apply their use to new areas of research. Other EMSL capabilities may be requested in support of the proposed research. Investigators are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate Scientific Facility Lead prior to submitting a proposal. Proposals in response to this call are valid for 1 year and can be extended once for a total of 2 years.
Instructions for submitting a proposal, types of EMSL proposals, and information required in a proposal can be found by clicking the appropriate topic in the Proposal Resources box at the right.
Capabilities Open for This Call
The specific areas for which we are seeking proposals:
- Single Crystal and Microbeam X-ray Diffraction – A diffraction system with a Cu rotating anode and image plate detector is available for either small molecule or protein crystallography. Due to the Cu radiation, this diffractometer is ideal for the study of strain and/or twinning in otherwise intractable solids in addition to solving unknown structures. This diffractometer is currently available; however usage, will not be scheduled until October 2007. For more information, see the X-ray Diffraction: Single Crystal page.
A rotating anode micro diffractometer with both Cu and Co anodes and curved image plate detection will be available for use in August 2007. With 10-micron spatial resolution, this instrument will be ideal for the study of heterogeneous multicomponent solids, such as layered interfaces or small particles. This diffractometer will arrive Summer 2007 and usage will be scheduled starting October 2007. For more information, see the X-ray Diffraction: microbeam page.
At this time we are only encouraging users with a demonstrated high level of competency in micro- or single-crystal x-ray diffraction to submit proposals. Highly qualified users are encouraged to discuss the possibility of a partner proposal with the Environmental Spectroscopy and Biogeochemistry Scientific Facility Lead, Nancy Hess.
- Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy – EMSL expects to have an instrument by August 2007 combining focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy capabilities. This fully equipped instrument has a wide variety of possible biological and material science applications. We particularly encourage applications of this instrument that highlight specific important science applications previously not possible in EMSL such as site-specific sample preparation and analysis of samples that a traditional method cannot handle, cross-sections and transmission electron microscope specimens cut in order to investigate the chemical and structural properties at interfaces, grain boundary and other specific features inside the material, and pattern-generated nano-lithography. This system is expected to arrive Summer 2007 and usage scheduled starting October 2007. For more information, see Electron Microscope: Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron page or contact the Interfacial and Nanoscale Scientific Facility Lead, Theva Thevuthasan.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with Cryo Stage and Tomography – Recently, A TEM with capabilities for cryo stage and tomography was obtained by EMSL. This system is primarily devoted to biological samples involving morphological and immuno-cyto chemistry studies, but it also supports imaging of samples such as soft materials and polymers. We are particularly interested in users or partners interested in high-resolution imaging and analyses of bacterial-mineral interactions, morphological studies using electron tomography, immunogold labeling of ultracryo or plastic sections for localization of immune response, and cryo stage observation of dynamic cellular processes. This system is currently operational and available; however, usage will not be scheduled until October 2007. For more information, see the Electron Microscope: Transmission, CRYO 2005 page or contact the Interfacial and Nanoscale Scientific Facility Lead, Theva Thevuthasan.
- Bio-solids Capability on the 900-MHz NMR – A 3.2-mm bio-magic-angle spinning (MAS) HXY solids probe that is capable of spinning speeds of over 22 kHz and with a temperature stack to support operation at -30 C for solid-state is now available for biological study. We are particularly interested in attracting users with projects and experience in exploring biological membrane protein systems or other interesting protein systems for structural assignment through the co-development and study with solid-state NMR methods. This type of probe technology paired with a 900-MHz/ 63-mm bore NMR system is a unique capability and offers an opportunity for researchers to take advantage of the unparalleled sensitivity and resolution offered for biomolecular study in the solid-state. This probe is currently available and usage will be scheduled during fiscal years 2007 and/or 2008. For more information, see 900 MHz NMR spectrometer or contact the High Field Magnetic Resonance Scientific Facility Lead, David Hoyt.
Computational Resources
Computational hardware and software resources are available at EMSL to perform molecular-based modeling in support of this capabilities call. These capabilities can include visualization and data analysis in the Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVL). Proposals that link computation and experiment are encouraged, but the maximum computation request for this call is limited to 40,000 hours computation or less on MPP2. Note – supplemental information for requesting computer use must be added to the description of proposed research. Since MPP2 is currently oversubscribed, proposals requesting only MPP2 computer time will not be accepted.
Contact
For information regarding this Call:
Andrew R. Felmy, Ph.D.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
P.O. Box 999, K8-96
Richland, WA 99354
509/376-4079
ar.felmy@pnl.gov
