We are currently developing a component based, parallel visualization and graphical analysis tool for visualizing and analyzing data on two- and three-dimensional (20, 30) meshes. The tool consists of three primary components: a graphical user interface (GUI), a viewer, and a parallel compute engine. The components are designed to be operated in a distributed fashion with the GUI and viewer typically running on a high performance visualization server and the compute engine running on a large parallel platform. The viewer and compute engine are both based on the Visualization Toolkit (VTK), an open source object oriented data manipulation and visualization library. The compute engine will make use of parallel extensions to VTK, based on MPI, developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory in collaboration with the originators of P K . The compute engine will make use of meta-data so that it only operates on the portions of the data necessary to generate the image. The meta-data can either be created as the post-processing data is generated or as a pre-processing step to using VisIt. VisIt will be integrated with the VIEWS' Tera-Scale Browser, which will provide a high performance visual data browsing capability based on multi-resolution techniques.

We point out that for solar neutrino oscillations with the mass-squared difference of {Delta}m{sup 2} {approx} 10{sup -10} - 10{sup -9} eV{sup 2}, traditionally known as ''vacuum oscillation'' range, the solar matter effects are non-negligible, particularly for the low energy pp neutrinos. One consequence of this is that the values of the mixing angle {theta} and {pi}/2 - {theta} are not equivalent, leading to the need to consider the entire physical range of the mixing angle 0 {le} {theta} {le} {pi}/2 when determining the allowed values of the neutrino oscillation parameters.

This brief lecture series discusses how our current understanding of chiral symmetry may be tested more globally in high-energy nuclear collisions by suitable extraction of pionic observables. After briefly recalling the general features of chiral symmetry, we focus on the SU(2) linear sigma model and show how a semi-classical mean-field treatment makes it possible to calculate its statistical properties, including the chiral phase diagram. Subsequently, we consider scenarios of relevance to high-energy collisions and discuss the features of the ensuing non-equilibrium dynamics and the associated characteristic signals. Finally, we illustrate how the presence of vacuum fluctuations or the inclusion of strangeness may affect the results quantitatively.

''Radiation Safety Training for Workers'' (ANSI 13.36) specifies a process for developing and implementing radiation safety training using performance-based concepts. In general, radiation safety training includes radiological safety policies, fundamental radiological controls, and the technical functions of specific facilities. Actual training, however, can vary significantly from one site to another, depending on the requirements and potential risks associated with the specific work involved. Performance-based training focuses on the instruction and practices required to develop job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities, rather than on simply prescribing training content and objectives. The Health Physics Society Standards Committee (HPSSC) working group recommended performance-based training, as opposed to a broad training program with prescribed performance objectives, for two main reasons: (1) the wide range of radiological workers to be trained and (2) the concern that a prescriptive program (i.e., 40 hours of training) could be misapplied. In addition, the working group preferred that the scope and depth of training be based on specific hazards and the magnitude of risk posed by those hazards. The group also proposed that passing scores be based on specified goals and the characteristics of test questions used. For instance, where passing scores are established (e.g., multiple-choice exams), they should be …

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is redesigning its Computer-Based Training (CBT) program for radiological workers. The redesign represents a major effort to produce a single, highly interactive and flexible CBT program that will meet the training needs of a wide range of radiological workers--from researchers and x-ray operators to individuals working in tritium, uranium, plutonium, and accelerator facilities. The new CBT program addresses the broad diversity of backgrounds found at a national laboratory. When a training audience is homogeneous in terms of education level and type of work performed, it is difficult to duplicate the effectiveness of a flexible, technically competent instructor who can tailor a course to the express needs and concerns of a course's participants. Unfortunately, such homogeneity is rare. At LLNL, they have a diverse workforce engaged in a wide range of radiological activities, from the fairly common to the quite exotic. As a result, the Laboratory must offer a wide variety of radiological worker courses. These include a general contamination-control course in addition to radioactive-material-handling courses for both low-level laboratory (i.e., bench-top) activities as well as high-level work in tritium, uranium, and plutonium facilities. They also offer training courses for employees who work with radiation-generating devices--x-ray, …

We welcome you to The Power of Anaerobes. This conference serves two purposes. One is to celebrate the life of Harry D. Peck, Jr.,who was born May 18, 1927 and would have celebrated his 73rd birthday at this conference. He died November 20, 1998. The second is to gather investigators to exchange views within the realm of anaerobic microbiology, an area in which tremendous progress has been seen during recent years. It is sufficient to mention discoveries of a new form of life (the archaea), hyper or extreme thermophiles, thermophilic alkaliphiles and anaerobic fungi. With these discoveries has come a new realization about physiological and metabolic properties of microorganisms, and this in turn has demonstrated their importance for the development, maintenance and sustenance of life on Earth.

Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) is a novel manufacturing process for fabricating metal parts directly from Computer Aided Design (CAD) solid models. The process is similar to rapid prototyping technologies in its approach to fabricate a solid component by layer additive methods. However, the LENS technology is unique in that fully dense metal components with material properties that are similar to that of wrought materials can be fabricated. The LENS process has the potential to dramatically reduce the time and cost required realizing functional metal parts. In addition, the process can fabricate complex internal features not possible using existing manufacturing processes. The real promise of the technology is the potential to manipulate the material fabrication and properties through precision deposition of the material, which includes thermal behavior control, layered or graded deposition of multi-materials, and process parameter selection. This paper describes the authors' research to understand solidification aspects, thermal behavior, and material properties for laser metal deposition technologies.

The Li(Si)/FeS{sub 2} and Li(Si)/CoS{sub 2} couples were evaluated with a low-melting LiBr-KBr-LiF eutectic and all-Li LiCl-LiBr-LiF electrolyte for a battery application that required both high energy and high power for short duration. Screening studies were carried out with 1.25 inch-dia. triple cells and with 10-cell batteries. The Li(Si)/LiCl-LiBr-LiF/CoS{sub 2} couple performed the best under the power load and the Li(Si)/LiCl-LiBr-LiF/FeS{sub 2} was better under the energy load. The former system was selected as the best overall performer for the wide range of temperatures for both loads, because of the higher thermal stability of CoS{sub 2}.

An important challenge for seismic monitoring of nuclear explosions at low magnitude to verify a nuclear-test-ban treaty is the development of techniques that use regional phases for detection, location, and identification. In order to use such phases, region-specific earth models and tools are needed that accurately predict features such as travel times, amplitudes, and spectral characteristics. In this paper, we present our efforts to use two-dimensional finite-difference modeling to help develop and validate regional earth models for the Middle East and North Africa and to develop predictive algorithms for identifying anomalous regional phases. To help develop and validate a model for the Middle East and North Africa, we compare data and finite-difference simulations for selected regions. We show that the proposed three-dimensional regional model is a significant improvement over standard one-dimensional models by comparing features of broadband data and simulations and differences between observed and predicted features such as narrow-band group velocities. We show how a potential trade-off between source and structure can be avoided by constraining source parameters such as depth, mechanism, and moment/source-time function with independent data. We also present numerous observations of anomalous timing and amplitude of regional phases and show how incorporation of two-dimensional structure can …

We propose a new design for a solid-state microrefrigerator based on Normal-Insulator-Superconductor (NIS) tunnel junctions. These devices are a promising means of providing continuous refrigeration from 0.3 to 0.1 K without vibration or moving parts. Previously, the area and cooling power of NIS refrigerators have been limited by heating of the superconducting electrode. This problem can be overcome by using a superconducting single crystal as both the substrate and superconducting electrode of the NIS junction. In this paper, we briefly explain the benefits of our new design and describe experimental progress towards building such a device.

A surface oxidation treatment is described to remove surface contamination from uranium (U) metal and/or hydrides of uranium and heavy metals (HM) from U-metal parts. In the case of heavy metal atomic contamination on a surface, and potentially several atomic layers beneath, the surface oxidation treatment combines both chemical and chemically driven mechanical processes. The chemical process is a controlled temperature-time oxidization process that creates a thin film of uranium oxide (UO{sub 2} and higher oxides) on the U-metal surface. The chemically driven mechanical process is strain induced by the volume increase as the U-metal surface transforms to a UO{sub 2} surface film. These volume strains are sufficiently large to cause surface failure spalling/scale formation and thus, removal of a U-oxide film that contains the HM-contaminated surface. The case of a HM-hydride surface contamination layer can be treated similarly by using inert hot gas to decompose the U-hydrides and/or HM-hydrides that are contiguous with the surface. A preliminary analysis to design and to plan for a sequence of tests is developed. The tests will provide necessary and sufficient data to evaluate the effective implementation and operational characteristics of a safe and reliable system. The following description is limited to only …

We present a simulation technique that allows the calculation of a phase coexistence curve from a single nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The approach is based on the simultaneous simulation of two coexisting phases, each in its own computational cell, and the integration of the relevant Clausius-Clapeyron equation starting from a known coexistence point. As an illustration of the effectiveness of our approach we apply the method to explore the melting curve in the Lennard-Jones phase diagram.

We describe how the powerful technique of spectrally resolved Thomson scattering can be extended to the x-ray regime, for direct measurements of the ionization state, density, temperature, and the microscopic behavior of dense cool plasmas. Such a direct measurement of microscopic parameters of solid density plasmas could eventually be used to properly interpret laboratory measurements of material properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity, EUS and opacity. In addition, x-ray Thomson scattering will provide new information on the characteristics of rarely and hitherto difficult to diagnose Fermi degenerate and strongly coupled plasmas.

We have developed high-resolution Nb-Al-AlOx-Al-Nb tunnel junction extreme ultra-violet (EUV) detectors. In the energy range between 25 and 70 eV, we have measured an energy resolution of 2.2 eV full-width at half maximum (FWHM). The energy resolution degrades significantly in the energy range between {approx}80 and {approx}230 eV where the Nb absorber is partially transparent and some of the photons are absorbed in the Al trap layers. We have for the first time observed a distinctly different response for photons absorbed in the Nb and the Al layer of the same junction electrode. We have modeled this effect with Monte-Carlo simulations of the charge generation process in superconducting multilayers.

Damage growth in optical materials used in large aperture laser systems is an issue of great importance when determining component lifetime and therefore cost of operation. Understanding the mechanisms and photophysical processes associated with damage growth are important in order to devise mitigation techniques. In this work we examined plasma-modified material and cracks for their correlation to damage growth on fused silica and DKDP samples. We employ an in-situ damage testing optical microscope that allows the acquisition of light scattering and fluorescence images of the area of interest prior to, and following exposure to a high fluence, 355-nm, 3-ns laser pulse. In addition, high-resolution images of the damage event are recorded using the associated plasma emission. Experimental results indicate that both aforementioned features can initiate plasma formation at fluences as low as 2 J/cm{sup 2}. The intensity of the recorded plasma emission remains low for fluences up to approximately 5 J/cm{sup 2} but rapidly increases thereafter. Based on the experimental results, we propose as possible mechanisms leading to damage growth the initiation of avalanche ionization by defects at the damage modified material and presence of field intensification due to cracks.

The space charge limited emission of ions from a target in the focus of an intense relativistic electron beam is studied analytically for the case of a spatially varying target density profile. In particular, the emission in the presence of an under-dense plasma shelf in contact with the solid density target dramatically differs from the case of an abrupt solid-vacuum boundary. It is found that an under-dense gradient scale length several times that of the beam radius at the focus reduces the emission by at least an order of magnitude over that to be expected from a solid-vacuum boundary.

Coscheduling is essential for obtaining good performance in a time-shared symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) cluster environment. However, the most common technique, gang scheduling, has limitations such as poor scalability and vulnerability to faults mainly due to explicit synchronization between its components. A decentralized approach called dynamic coscheduling (DCS) has been shown to be effective for network of workstations (NOW), but this technique is not suitable for the workloads on a very large SMP-cluster with thousands of processors. Furthermore, its implementation can be prohibitively expensive for such a large-scale machine. IN this paper, they propose a novel coscheduling technique based on the DCS approach which can achieve coscheduling on very large SMP-clusters in a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective way. In the proposed technique, each local scheduler achieves coscheduling based upon message traffic between the components of parallel jobs. Message trapping is carried out at the user-level, eliminating the need for unsupported hardware or device-level programming. A sending process attaches its status to outgoing messages so local schedulers on remote nodes can make more intelligent scheduling decisions. Once scheduled, processes are guaranteed some minimum period of time to execute. This provides an opportunity to synchronize the parallel job's components across all nodes and …

We describe features of the HADES radiographic simulation code. We begin with a discussion of why it is useful to simulate transmission radiography. The capabilities of HADES are described, followed by an application of HADES to a dynamic experiment recently performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. We describe quantitative comparisons between experimental data and HADES simulations using a copper step wedge. We conclude with a short discussion of future work planned for HADES.

Article on solvation descriptors for ferrocene, and the estimation of some physiochemical and biochemical properties.

For the first time, we show that redox-sensitive metals, which are highly soluble in the oxidized state can be reduced and precipitated from aqueous solution using tin protoporphyrin and light in the presence of an electron donor. Hg{sup 2+} and Cu{sup 2+} were reduced to the metallic state, and Ub{sup 6+} precipitated as oxide with very low volubility, suggesting that removal of these metals via reductive photoreduction and precipitation may be an innovative way for wastewater treatment. Ag{sup 2+} and Au{sup 2+} were reduced to the metallic state and precipitated as nanoparticles. Finally, using tin porphyrins and light for a variety of purposes involving reactions that require a low redox potential may be a good step toward energy conservation and environmentally benign processing.

In this study, the authors investigated the effects of various source gases (methane, ethane, ethylene, and acetylene) on the friction and wear performance of diamondlike carbon (DLC) films prepared in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. Films were deposited on AISI H13 steel substrates and tested in a pin-on-disk machine against DLC-coated M50 balls in dry nitrogen. They found a close correlation between friction coefficient and source gas composition. Specifically, films grown in source gases with higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratios exhibited lower friction coefficients and higher wear resistance than films grown in source gases with lower hydrogen-to-carbon (H/C) ratios. The lowest friction coefficient (0.014) was achieved with a film derived from methane with an WC ratio of 4, whereas the coefficient of films derived from acetylene (H/C = 1) was of 0.15. Similar correlations were observed for wear rates. Specifically, films derived from gases with lower H/C values were worn out and the substrate material was exposed, whereas films from methane and ethane remained intact and wore at rates that were nearly two orders of magnitude lower than films obtained from acetylene.

This paper will concentrate on the progression of the bioassay and dose evaluation programs at Savannah River Site.

The interfacial force microscope (IFM) was used to indent and image defect free Au(111) surfaces, providing atomic-scale observations of the onset of pileup and the excursion of material above the initial surface plane. Images and load-displacement measurements demonstrate that elastic accommodation of an indenter is followed by two stages of plasticity. The initial stage is identified by slight deviations of the load-displacement relationship from the predicted elastic response. Images acquired after indentations showing only this first stage indicate that these slight load relaxation events result in residual indentations 0.5 to 4 nm deep with no evidence of pileup or surface orientation dependence. The second stage of plasticity is marked by a series of dramatic load relaxation events and residual indentations tens of nanometers deep. Images acquired following this second stage document 0.25 nm pileup terraces which reflect the crystallography of the surface as well as the indenter geometry. Attempts to plastically displace the indenter 4-10 nanometers deep into the Au(111) surface were unsuccessful, demonstrating that the transition from stage I to stage H plasticity is associated with overcoming some sort of barrier. Stage I is consistent with previously reported models of dislocation nucleation. The dramatic load relaxations of stage II …

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