The Seventh Annual Human Genome Conference: Beyond the Identification of Transcribed Sequences (BITS) was held November 16-19, 1997 at the Asilomar Conference Center in Monterey, California. The format for the meeting was a combination of oral presentations, group discussions and poster sessions. The original workshop was held to discuss methodologies for the identification of transcribed sequences in mammalian genomes. Over the years, the focus of the workshops has gradually shifted towards functional analysis, with the most dramatic change in emphasis at this meeting, as reflected in the modest change in the workshop title. Topics presented and discussed included: (1) large scale expression and mutational analysis in yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila and zebrafish, (2) comparative mapping of zebrafish, chicken and Fugu; (3) functional analysis in mouse using promoter traps, mutational analysis of biochemical pathways, and Cre/lox constructs; (4) construction of 5 foot end and complete cDNA libraries; (5) expression analysis in mammalian organisms by array screening and differential display; (6) genome organization as determined by detailed transcriptional mapping and genomic sequence analysis; (7) analysis of genomic sequence, including gene and regulatory sequence predictions, annotation of genomic sequence, development of expression databases and verification of sequence analysis predictions; and (8) structural/functional relationships …

Crystals of Yb{sup 3+}:Sr{sub 1-x}Ba{sub x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F (0 < x < 5) have been investigated as a means to obtain broader absorption bands than are currently available with Yb{sup 3+}:S-FAP [Yb{sup 3+}: Sr{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F], thereby improving diode-pumping efficiency for high peak power applications. Large diode-arrays have a FWHM pump band of >5 nm while the FWHM of the 900 nm absorption band for Yb:S-FAP is 5.5 nm; therefore, a significant amount of pump power can be wasted due to the nonideal overlap. Spectroscopic analysis of Yb:Sr{sub 5-x}Ba{sub x}-FAP crystals indicates that adding barium to the lattice increases the pump band to 13-16 run which more than compensates for the diode-array pump source without a detrimental reduction in absorption cross section. However, the emission cross section decreases by approximately half with relatively no effect on the emission lifetime. The small signal gain has also been measured and compared to the parent material Yb:S-FAP and emission cross sections have been determined by the method of reciprocity, the Filchtbauer-Ladenburg method, and small signal gain. Overall, Yb{sup 3+}:Sr{sub 5-x}Ba{sub x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F crystals appear to achieve the goal of nearly matching the favorable thermal and laser performance properties of Yb:S-FAP while …

Environmental accounting represents a major paradigm shift in the way most companies account for costs and benefits. However, it is a change that must be made if pollution prevention is to become institutionalized into the corporate and government mainstream. Pollution prevention investments must be justified on an economic basis; without environmental accounting tools, pollution prevention investments cannot show their true profitability. This is because traditional accounting methods only track billable costs, thus ignoring some of the major benefits of pollution prevention investments, which are indirect savings resulting from a lessening of a company`s regulatory compliance burden and present and future liabilities. This paper discusses how to apply environmental accounting principles to pollution prevention assessments to improve the outcome of profitability analyses.

Much has been written about the deterrence strategies that justified the arms race. Walter Slocombe explained that {open_quotes}[t]he dominant problem of U.S. nuclear strategy is credibly using U.S. nuclear power to deter and if necessary resist nonnuclear as well as nuclear threats to America`s allies, forces, and interests overseas.{close_quotes} As a result, the {open_quotes}flexible response{close_quotes} doctrine was developed to declare {open_quotes}that the United States, in consultation with its allies, is prepared to use nuclear weapons should other means of protection from Soviet attack threaten to fail.{close_quotes} In contrast, Freeman Dyson pointed out the Soviet Union was committed to the concept of {open_quotes}counterforce,{close_quotes} which meant that {open_quotes}if the Soviet Union sees a nuclear attack coming or has reason to believe that an attack is about to be launched, the Soviet Union will strike first at the attacker`s weapons with all available forces, and will then do whatever is necessary in order to survive.{close_quotes} Out of these military postures a tense peace ironically emerged, but the terms by which decisions were made about controlling weapons of mass destruction (i.e., nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons) were the terms of war. The thesis of this paper is that the end of the Cold War …

Los Alamos National Laboratory (Los Alamos) generates radioactive and liquid wastes that must be treated before being discharged to the environment. Presently, the liquid wastes are treated in the Radioactive Liquid Waste Treatment Facility (Treatment Facility), which is over 30 years old and in need of repair or replacement. However, there are various ways to satisfy the treatment need. The objective of the audit was to determine whether Los Alamos cost effectively managed its Treatment Facility operations. The audit determined that Los Alamos` treatment costs were significantly higher when compared to similar costs incurred by the private sector. This situation occurred because Los Alamos did not perform a complete analysis of privatization or prepare a {open_quotes}make-or-buy{close_quotes} plan for its treatment operations, although a {open_quotes}make-or-buy{close_quotes} plan requirement was incorporated into the contract in 1996. As a result, Los Alamos may be spending $2.15 million more than necessary each year and could needlessly spend $10.75 million over the next five years to treat its radioactive liquid waste. In addition, Los Alamos has proposed to spend $13 million for a new treatment facility that may not be needed if privatization proves to be a cost effective alternative. We recommended that the Manager, Albuquerque …

The Hynol Process for conversion of coal and natural gas to methanol as a liquid fuel consists of three consecutive unit operations: (1) hydrogasification of coal, (2) steam reforming of the methane formed and added natural gas feedstock, and (3) catalytic methanol synthesis. The Hynol Process is a total recycle process. Using a process simulation computer program, mass and energy balances and yields and efficiency data have been obtained for a range of natural gas to coal feedstock ratios. Although the methanol yield increases with natural gas to coal feed ratio, the cost of feedstock per unit methanol is insensitive over a wide range of feedstock ratios. The Hynol Process produces a 13% increase in methanol yield compared to the equivalent of two separate conventional coal gasification and natural gas reforming plants. The CO{sub 2} emissions are reduced by 22% for the Hynol plant compared to the conventional processes with greater CO{sub 2} reductions at lower gas to coal feedstock ratios. A preliminary cost estimate for a 10,000 tons/day Hynol methanol plant indicates a lower production cost than the current cost of methanol by the conventional natural gas reforming plant. The lower unit energy cost for coal is beneficial in …

R2BaNiO5 (R = rare earth) quasi-1-D antiferromagnets are structurally equivalent to the well-studied 1-D S = 1 Haldane-gap compound Y2BaNiO5. Unlike the Y-nickelate though, these materials undergo 3-D magnetic ordering at finite temperatures. Recent inelastic neutron scattering studies of Pr2BaNiO5 and (Nd(x)Y(1-x))2BaNiO5 revealed purely one-dimensional gap excitations that propagate exclusively on the Ni-chains and are strikingly similar to Haldane gap modes in Y2BaNiO5. In the ordered phase these excitations survive and actually coexist with conventional spin waves. The results suggest that the Haldane singlet ground state of the Ni-chains is not fully destroyed by Neel ordering.

Absorption lines in the Ly{alpha} forest can be thought of as peaks in neutral hydrogen density along lines of sight. The column density distribution (the number density of absorption lines as a function of column density) is then a statistic of density peaks, which contains information about the underlying power spectrum. In particular, we show that the slope of the distribution provides a measure of power on scales smaller than those probed by studies of present day large scale structure. 2 refs., 1 fig.

The study conducted by Arkenol was designed to test the conversion of feedstocks such as sugar cane bagasse, sorghum, napier grass and rice straw into fermentable sugars, and then ferment these sugars using natural yeasts and genetically engineered Zymomonis mobilis bacteria (ZM). The study did convert various cellulosic feedstocks into fermentable sugars utilizing the patented Arkenol Concentrated Acid Hydrolysis Process and equipment at the Arkenol Technology Center in Orange, California. The sugars produced using this process were in the concentration range of 12--15%, much higher than the sugar concentrations the genetically engineered ZM bacteria had been developed for. As a result, while the ZM bacteria fermented the produced sugars without initial inhibition, the completion of high sugar concentration fermentations was slower and at lower yield than predicted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Natural yeasts performed as expected by Arkenol, similar to the results obtained over the last four years of testing. Overall, at sugar concentrations in the 10--13% range, yeast produced 850090% theoretical ethanol yields and ZM bacteria produced 82--87% theoretical yields in 96 hour fermentations. Additional commercialization work revealed the ability to centrifugally separate and recycle the ZM bacteria after fermentation, slight additional benefits from mixed culture …

This Corrective Action Investigation Plan (CAIP) contains the environmental sample collection objectives and the criteria for conducting site investigation activities at the Area 3 Compound, specifically Corrective Action Unit (CAU) Number 427, which is located at the Tonopah Test Range (TTR). The TTR, included in the Nellis Air Force Range, is approximately 255 kilometers (140 miles) northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Corrective Action Unit Work Plan, Tonopah Test Range, Nevada divides investigative activities at TTR into Source Groups. The Septic Tanks and Lagoons Group consists of seven CAUs. Corrective Action Unit Number 427 is one of three septic waste system CAUs in TTR Area 3. Corrective Action Unit Numbers 405 and 428 will be investigated at a future data. Corrective Action Unit Number 427 is comprised of Septic Waste Systems Number 2 and 6 with respective CAS Numbers 03-05-002-SW02 and 03-05-002-SW06.

Nuclear criticality parameters were developed as a basis for evaluating criticality safety for waste stored in the high-level waste tank farms on the Hanford Site in Washington State. The plutonium critical concentration and critical mass were calculated using a conservative waste model (CWM). The primary requirement of a CWM is that it have a lower neutron absorption than any actual waste. Graphs are provided of the critical mass as a function of plutonium concentration for spheres and for uniform slab layers in a 22.9-m-diameter tank. Minimum subcritical absorber-to-plutonium mass rates were calculated for waste components selected for their relative abundance and neutron absorption capacity. Comparison of measured absorber-to-plutonium mass ratios in their corresponding subcritical limit mass ratios provides a means of assessing whether criticality is possible for waste of the measured composition. A comparison is made between the plutonium critical concentrations in CWM solids and in a postulated real waste. This comparison shows that the actual critical parameters are likely to be significantly larger than those obtained using the CWM, thus providing confidence that the margin of safety obtained to the criticality safety evaluation is conservative.

Using an end-pumped technology developed at LLNL we have demonstrated a Yb:YAG laser capable of delivering up to 434 W of CW power and 226 W of Q-switched power. In addition, we have frequency doubled the output to 515 nm using a dual crystal scheme to produce 76 W at 10 kHz in a 30 ns pulse length.

The Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) has adopted a data quality objective (DQO) process to define informational needs required to address waste tank safety issues. This document, the Organic Solvent DQO, provides a process to resolve the Organic Solvent Safety Issue. Organic solvents in the presence of air (a source of oxidizer) in a waste tank headspace can combust when heated to the flash point of the solvent. Separable phase organic liquids can form a combustible situation by being present as a pool on the waste surface, or by collecting in sufficient concentration entrained in the waste solids to form a combustible mixture at the waste surface by capillary or wicking behavior. Organic solvent combustion would result in an increase in pressure and temperature of the gas in the waste tank headspace. A significant pressure increase could result in the release of radionuclides and toxic materials to the environment. The Organic Solvent DQO is based on several technical documents, summarized and referenced throughout, that provide the technical bases for threshold values (decision limits) used to develop decision rules that address the problem statement. Likewise, this DQO supports characterization documents, such as the tank sampling analysis plan (TSAP) and tank characterization …

The work carried out in this CRADA addressed the development of computational algorithms to simulate the response for commonly used electrochemical techniques. The goal was the incorporation of these algorithms into DigiSim^R, a generalized simulator for cyclic voltammetry (CV). CV, a ubiquitously applied electroanalytical technique used by nonelectrochemists as well as electrochemists, is sometimes referred to as "electrochemical spectroscopy". The latest version, DigiSim^R 2.1, is now being sold by the industrial partner, Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. The response of the electrochemical community to this latest program (as well as its predecessors, DigiSim^R 2.0 and the DOS version; versions 2.0 and 2.1 are for Windows), has been uniformly positive and numerous publications are now appearing which feature its application.

The mission of the Hanford Fire Department (HFD) is to support the safe and timely cleanup of the Hanford site by providing fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency rescue, emergency medical service, and hazardous materials response; and to be capable of dealing with and terminating emergency situations which could threaten the operations, employees, or interest of the U.S. Department of Energy operated Hanford site. This includes response to surrounding fire departments/districts under mutual aid and state mobilization agreements and fire fighting, hazardous materials, and ambulance support to Washington Public Power Supply System (Supply System) and various commercial entities operating on site through Requests for Service from DOE-RL. This fire department also provides site fire marshal overview authority, fire system testing and maintenance, respiratory protection services, building tours and inspections, ignitable and reactive waste site inspections, prefire planning, and employee fire prevention education. This plan provides a program overview, program baselines, and schedule baseline.

This paper summarizes the development of a reliable methodology for the prediction of peak spent nuclear fuel cladding temperature within the waste disposal package. The effective thermal conductivity method replaces other older methodologies.

The chemistry of uranium and plutonium in conjunction with the storage, retrieval and treatment of high-level nuclear waste (HLW) has been the subject of increasing scrutiny due to concerns with nuclear criticality safety. Previous studies focused on determining the solubilities of plutonium and uranium in alkaline salt solutions that encompass the compositions present during storage and evaporation of fresh and aged. Recent studies extend the chemistry to include the effects of coprecipitation on the liquid phase concentrations of plutonium and uranium. Particle size, morphology and identification of crystalline phases in the precipitated solids as well as the plutonium and uranium dissolution characteristics upon dilution of the liquid phases were also determined.

The purpose of this document is to investigate the effects of a spray leak inside the 204-AR Waste Unloading Facility. This analysis will provide information to be used in the revision of the Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). The scope of work is to assess the impacts of the radiological and toxicological consequences if the 204-AR Waste Unloading Facility door remains open during a spray leak accident. The dimensions of the roll-up door on the Unloading room are 3.7 m by 5.5 m (12 feet x 18 feet). The 204-AR Waste Unloading Facility is a reinforced concrete structure approximately 20 m (64 ft) long by 12 m (40 ft) wide by 7.77 m (25.5 ft) high. Aging waste liquids are considered in this analysis.

The on-site version of Balance of Power reached a total audience of 21,331 between November 10, 1994 and January 31, 1996; in addition, the Physics on Wheels van offered exhibits and programs to an additional 30,000 students in the 1995-1996 school year. The program provided a groundbreaking new approach to informal science education, combining a dynamic demonstration with an intensely interactive game show. Between the on-site programming and the Physics on Wheels van programs, 51,331 students were impacted by the activities, exhibits and energy-conservation message of Balance of Power.

There are three tanks in the 241-SY tank farm. Tank 241-SY101 and 241-SY-103 are flammable gas watch list tanks. Tank 241-SY-102 is included in the ventilation improvement process in an effort to further control air flow in the tank farm. This tank farm has only one outlet ventilation port for all three tanks. Flammable gas is released (may be steady and/or periodic) from the waste in the primary tank vapor space. The gas is removed from the tank by an active ventilation system. However, maintaining consistent measurable flow through the tank can be problematic due to the poor control capabilities of existing equipment. Low flow through the tank could allow flammable gas to build up in the tank and possibly exceed the lower flammability limit (LFL), prevent the most rapid removal of flammable gas from the tank after a sudden gas release, and/or cause high vacuum alarms to sound. Using the inlet and outlet down stream butterfly valves performs the current method of controlling flow in tank farm 241-SY. A filter station is installed on the inlet of each tank, but controlling air flow with its 12 inch butterfly valve is difficult. There is also in-leakage through pump and valve …

The Evaluated Photon Data Library, 1997 version (EPLD97), is designed for use in photon transport calculations at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This library includes photon interaction data for all elements with atomic number between Z = 1 (hydrogne) and 100 (fermium), including: photoionization, photoexcitation, coherent and incoherent scattering, and pair and triplet porduction cross sections. For use in applications data is provided for all elements over the energy range 1 eV to 100 GeV. This report documents the sources and treatment of the data included inthis library. EPDL97 completely supersedes the earlier 1989 version of EPDL and it is highly recommended that useres only use the most recent version of this library.

The traditional method for plutonium density determination is by measuring the weight loss of the component when it is immersed in a liquid of known density, Archimedes` Principle. The most commonly used heavy liquids that are compatible for plutonium measurement are freon and monobromobenzene, but these pose serious environmental and health hazards. The contaminated liquid is also a radiological waste concern with difficult disposition. A gaseous medium would eliminate these environmental and health concerns. A collaborative research effort between the Savannah River Technology Center and Los Alamos National Laboratory was undertaken to determine the feasibility of a gaseous density measurement process for plutonium hemishells.

The objective of this project is to investigate styles of reservoir heterogeneity found in low permeability pelleted wackestone/packstone facies and mixed carbonate/clastic facies found in Permian Basin reservoirs by studying similar facies exposed in the Guadalupe Mountains. Specific objectives for the outcrop study include construction of a stratigraphic framework, petrophysical quantification of the framework, and testing the outcrop reservoir model for effects of reservoir heterogeneity on production performance. Specific objectives for the subsurface study parallel objectives for the outcrop study. Subsurface Activities - We continue to prepare two final reports that summarize research results of the South Cowden Field study. One report summarizes results of the petrophysical characterization research, and one summarizes results of the fluid-flow modeling research. Outcrop Activities - We also continue to prepare the final report, which summarizes the research results of the Grayburg outcrop reservoir study.

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