Article describes how taxonomic profiling of ancient metagenomic samples is challenging due to the accumulation of specific damage patterns on DNA over time. The authors performed a comprehensive evaluation on simulated metagenomes representing human dental calculus microbiome, with the level of DNA damage successively raised to mimic modern to ancient metagenomes.

Article presents the simulations of an electrostatic quadrupole quadruplet (EQQ) lens system that will be used in a new sub-micron multi-ion beam for radiobiological studies.

This article describes a proposed antihydrogen gravity experiment that could be conducted at the CERN Antiproton Decelerator facility to determine the directionality of the acceleration of antihydrogen in earth’s gravitational field.

Substantial increases in the high-temperature creep strength of Mo-Hf alloys can be obtained by internal nitriding. The creep resistance of internally nitrided Mo-1.86 wt % Hf is more than 100 times greater than that of other commercially available molybdenum-base alloys. The HfN precipitates appear to be stable over long times at temperatures near 1600 K. Internally nitrided Mo-Hf alloys appear to be good candidates for fabrication of components of space power systems where the ratio of high-temperature strength to weight is important. They are particularly good candidates for components that can be fabricated from the lower-strength unnitrided alloy and subsequently nitrided to provide high-temperature strength.

This work studies multiscale phenomena in silicon micro-resonators which comprise the mechanical components of next-generation Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Unlike their larger relatives, the behavior of these sub-micron MEMS is not described well by conventional continuum models and finite elements, but it is determined appreciably by the interplay between physics at the Angstrom, nanometer and micron scales. As device sizes are reduced below the micron scale, atomistic processes cause systematic deviations from the behavior predicted by conventional continuum elastic theory. [1] These processes cause anomalous surface effects in the resonator frequency and quality factor-even for single crystal devices with clean surfaces due to thermal fluctuations. The simulation of these atomistic effects is a challenging problem due to the large number of atoms involved and due to the fact that they are finite temperature phenomena. Our simulations include up to two million atoms in the device itself, and hundreds of millions more are in the proximal regions of the substrate. A direct, atomistic simulation of the motion of this many atoms is prohibitive, and it would be inefficient. The micron-scale processes in the substrate are well described by finite elements, and an atomistic simulation is not required. On the other hand, atomistic …

This study examines the effects of burning and granivory on the reproductive success of the rare plant Amsinckia grandiflora (Boraginaceae). Fire is often used in California grasslands as a means of exotic species control, but the indirect effects of these controls on the reproductive ecology of a native plants are rarely assessed. The interaction of fire with granivory of A. grandiflora seeds was examined in California grasslands over five years (1998-2002). In 1998 and 1999, both burned and unburned plots had bird-exclusion (netted) and no-exclusion (open) treatments. Predation rates were high (51-99%) and final predation rates did not differ among treatments. In 2000, granivory rates in the unburned, open plots were lower than in previous years (14%), and rodent trapping yielded only a single animal. Low granivory rates were observed in 2001 for unburned, open plots (47%). In 2001, burned/open plots experienced significantly more granivory (87%) than either burned/netted plots (37%) or unburned/open plots (47%). In 2002, every seed was taken from burned, open plots. Granivory was highly variable, ranging from 4% to 100% per plot over a three-week period. Nearly all plots were discovered (>10% predation) by granivores in all trials in all years. When data from all treatments …

Current e-commerce systems support online shopping based on electronic product catalogs. The major issues associated with catalog-based commerce systems are: difficulty in distinguishing one retailer from another, complex navigation with confusing links, and a lack of personalized service. This paper reports an intelligent solution to address these issues. Our solution will provide a more personalized sales experience through the use of a transaction-based knowledge model that includes both the rules used for reasoning as well as the corresponding actions. Based on this solution, we have developed an intelligent electronic sales platform that is supported by a framework which provides the desired personalization as well as extensibility and customization capabilities. This paper reports our design and development of this system and application examples.

Plastic bonded explosives (PBX) generally consist of 85 - 95 % by weight energetic material, such as HMX, and 5 - 15 % polymeric binder. Understanding of the structure and morphology at elevated temperatures and pressures is important for predicting of PBX behavior in accident scenarios. The crystallographic behavior of pure HMX has been measured as functions of temperature and grain size. The investigation is extended to the high temperature behavior of PBX 9501 (95% HMX, 2.5 % Estane, 2.5 % BDNPA/F). The results show that the HMX {beta}-phase to {delta}-phase transition in PBX 9501 is similar to that in neat HMX. However, in the presence of the PBX 9501 binder, {delta}-phase HMX readily converts back to {beta}-phase during cooling. Using the same temperature profile, the conversion rate decreases for each subsequent heating and cooling cycle. As observed in earlier experiments, no reverse conversion is observed without the polymer binder. It is proposed that the reversion of {delta}-phase to {beta}-phase is due to changes in the surface molecular potential caused by the influence of the polymer binder on the surface molecules of the {delta}-phase. Upon thermal cycling, the polymer binder segregates from the HMX particles and thus reduces the influence …

Thanks to the rapid increase of computing power in recent years, simulations of plasmas and particle beams based on direct solution of the Vlasov equation on a multi-dimensional phase-space grid are becoming attractive as an alternative to Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations. Their strength lies essentially in the fact that they are noiseless and that all parts of phase space, including the tail of the distribution, are equally well resolved. Their major drawback is that, for inhomogeneous systems, many of the grid points (where no particles are present) are wasted. This is especially the case for beam simulations where the beam moves rapidly through the phase space (due to varying alternating-gradient focusing forces, for example). This inefficiency has made such Vlasov simulations unsuitable for those cases.

Uncertainties in the prediction of the neutron induced long-lived activity in the natural elements from H to Bi due to activation cross section uncertainties are estimated assuming as neutron environment those of the HYLIFE-II and Sombrero vessel structures. The latest available activation cross section data are employed. The random variables used in the uncertainty analysis have been the concentration limits (CL's) corresponding to hands-on recycling, remote recycling and shallow land burial, quantities typically considered in ranking elements under waste management considerations. The CL standard value (CL{sub nom}), i.e. without uncertainties, is compared with the 95th percentile CL value (CL95). The results of the analysis are very helpful in assessing the quality of the current activation data for IFE applications, providing a rational basis for programmatic priority assignments for new cross sections measurements or evaluations. The HYLIFE-II results shown that a significant error is estimated in predicting the activation of several elements. The estimated errors in the Sombrero case are much less important.

Using the Chandra HETG spectrum of EX Hya as an example, we discuss some of the plasma diagnostics available in high-resolution X-ray spectra of magnetic cataclysmic variables. Specifically, for conditions appropriate to collisional ionization equilibrium plasmas, we discuss the temperature dependence of the H- to He-like line intensity ratios and the density and photoexcitation dependence of the He-like R line ratios and the Fe XVII I(17.10 {angstrom})/I(17.05 {angstrom}) line ratio. We show that the plasma temperature in EX Hya spans the range from {approx}0.5 to {approx}10 keV and that the plasma density n {ge} 2 x 10{sup 14} cm{sup -3}, orders of magnitude greater than that observed in the Sun or other late-type stars.

Low-energy excitations and optical absorption spectrum of C{sub 60} are computed by using time-dependent (TD) Hartree-Fock (HF), TD-density functional theory (TD-DFT), TD-DFT-based tight-binding (TD-DFT-TB) and a semiempirical ZINDO method. A detailed comparison of experiment and theory for the excitation energies, optical gap and absorption spectrum of C{sub 60} is presented. It is found that electron correlations and collective effects of exciton pairs play important roles in assigning accurately the spectral features of C{sub 60} and the TD-DFT method with non-hybrid functionals or a local spin density approximation leads to more accurate excitation energies than with hybrid functionals. The level of agreement between theory and experiment for C{sub 60} justifies similar calculations of the excitations and optical absorption spectrum of a monomeric azafullerene cation C{sub 59}N{sup +} exhibits distinguishing spectral features different from C{sub 60}: (1) the first singlet is dipole-allowed and the optical gap is redshifted by 1.44 eV; (2) several weaker absorption maxima occur in the visible region; (3) the transient triplet-triplet absorption at 1.60 eV (775 nm) is much broader and the decay of the triplet state is much faster. The calculated spectra of C{sub 59}N{sup +} characterize and explain well our measured ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and transient absorption …

The Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has made substantial progress in target physics, target diagnostics, and laser science and technology. In each area, progress required the development of experimental techniques and computational modeling. The objectives of the target physics experiments in the Nova laser facility are to address and understand critical physics issues that determine the conditions required to achieve ignition and gain in an ICF capsule. The LLNL experimental program primarily addresses indirect-drive implosions, in which the capsule is driven by x rays produced by the interaction of the laser light with a high-Z plasma. Experiments address both the physics of generating the radiation environment in a laser-driven hohlraum and the physics associated with imploding ICF capsules to ignition and high-gain conditions in the absence of alpha deposition. Recent experiments and modeling have established much of the physics necessary to validate the basic concept of ignition and ICF target gain in the laboratory. The rapid progress made in the past several years, and in particular, recent results showing higher radiation drive temperatures and implosion velocities than previously obtained and assumed for high-gain target designs, has led LLNL to propose an upgrade of …

Preliminary analysis of p{bar p} collision events at {radical}s = 1.8 TeV using events with large missing transverse energy and on two (four) jets in a minimal SUSY model places new limits on the masses of squarks (gluinos). The data sample (4 pb{sup {minus}1}) was taken in 1988--89 and is approximately 160 times as large as the data sample from our earlier 1987 run (25 nb{sup {minus}1}). 5 refs., 1 fig.

The purpose of the ICRH start-up antenna on MFTF-B is to heat the plasma and control the ion distribution as the density increases during start-up. The antenna, consisting of two center fed half turn loops phased 180/sup 0/ apart, has been designed for 1 MW of input power, with a goal of coupling 400 kW into the ions. To vary the heating frequency relative to the local ion cyclotron frequency, the antenna is tunable over a range from 7.5 to 12.5 MHz. The thermal requirements common to low duty cycle ICRH antennas are especially severe for the MFTF-B antenna. The stress requirements are also unique, deriving from the possibility of seismic activity or JxB forces if the magnets unexpectedly quench. Considerable attention has been paid to contact control at high current bolt-up joints, and arranging geometries so as to minimize the possibility of voltage breakdown.

A new experimental facility is being assembled at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for studying microwave propagation and absorption in high density plasmas. A unique feature of the facility is the free electron laser (FEL) used to generate high peak power microwaves at 250 GHz, at a repetition rate so as to produce up to 2 MW of average power for up to 30 s. Called the Microwave Tokamak Experiment (MTX), the facility will be used for studies of plasma heating, current drive, and confinement.

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is an attractive engine power source for interplanetary manned spacecraft, especially for near-term missions requiring minimum flight duration, because ICF has inherent high power-to-mass ratios and high specific impulses. We have developed a new vehicle concept called VISTA that uses ICF and is capable of round-trip manned missions to Mars in 100 days using A.D. 2020 technology. We describe VISTA's engine operation, discuss associated plasma issues, and describe the advantages of DT fuel for near-term applications. Although ICF is potentially superior to non-fusion technologies for near-term interplanetary transport, the performance capabilities of VISTA cannot be meaningfully compared with those of magnetic-fusion systems because of the lack of a comparable study of the magnetic-fusion systems. We urge that such a study be conducted.

After the two C-coils were joined to form a yin-yang magnet, it was moved to the Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Additional preparatory work was done before the magnet assembly could be moved into the vacuum vessel for final hookup. Apparatus was designed and built to determine magnet mechanical and magnetic centerlines and establish a magnetic-field profile between the mirror points and yin-yang center. Hall probes were installed to measure magnetic fields during startup and operation. A system using linear potentiometers was used to detect magnet movement during operation.

To evaluate performance of a second generation Tandem Mirror Machine, an extensive instrumentation system is being designed and installed as part of the major device fabrication. The systems listed will be operational during the start-up phase of the TMX Upgrade machine and provide bench marks for future performance data. In addition to plasma diagnostic instrumentation, machine parameter monitoring systems will be installed prior to machine operation. Simultaneous recording of machine parameters will permit evaluation of plasma parameters sensitive to machine conditions.

The predictable nature of transition radiation (TR) emissions has been demonstrated under a wide variety of experimental conditions. The reliable character of TR allows the design of specific practical applications that use emissions from the optical to the x-ray spectral regions. Applications often can be enhanced by the spatial coherence of TR, and some have become highly developed. New applications may be developed through the use of other related radiation mechanisms. 20 refs., 3 figs.

Albedo systems are the mainstay at many facilities and continue to be refined. Advanced electrochemical etching techniques for CR-39 now yield a dose equivalent response that is nearly constant from 0.1 to 4.0 MeV. Recent studies include use of converters to enhance CR-39 response at both low and high energies. Methods have been suggested for use of CR-39, either alone or in conjunction with albedo and other detectors to provide spectral information as a step to more accurate dosimetry. Limitations in the use of CR-39 primarily center on the lack of consistent, high-quality, dosimetry-grade material, significant angular dependence, and poor dose equivalent response at both low and high energies. Work continues on silicon diodes, with some new designs. The most attractive new dosimetry technique is the bubble-damage or superheated drop detector. Metal-on-silicon (MOS) microelectronics present exciting possibilities for the future. 25 refs., 6 figs.

Analysis of oxygen on beryllium can be routinely performed using helium-ion backscattering (RBS). However, determination of the bulk oxygen concentration by this technique is limited to about 350 atomic parts per million (appM). We have performed simultaneous RBS and particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) measurements to improve the detection limit for bulk oxygen. The RBS measurements allowed determination of the surface oxygen before and after in-situ sputter cleaning by argon ions in an ultra-high-vacuum system. PIXE measurements of specimens with surfaces maintained clean by sputtering permitted assessment of the concentration of oxygen in the bulk. For our geometry and detector sensitivities, 90% of the oxygen x-ray signal originated in the first 2.1 ..mu..m of the beryllium and a detection limit of 10 appM was found. 12 refs., 3 figs.

We present spin-resolved 2p core level photoemission for the 3d transition metal films of Fe and Co grown on Cu(100). We observe clear spin asymmetry in the main 2p core level photoemission peaks of Fe and Co films consistent with trends in the bulk magnetic moments. The spin polarization can be strongly enhanced, by variation of the experimental geometry, when the photoemission is undertaken with circularly polarized light, indicating that spin-orbit interaction can have a profound in spin polarized photoemission. Further spin polarized photoemission studies using variable circularly polarized light at high photon energies, high flux are indicated, underscoring the value of synchrotron measurements at facilities with increased beam stability.

To facilitate a direct interface between protein separation by PAGE and protein identification by mass spectrometry, we developed a multichannel system that continuously collects fractions as protein bands migrate off the bottom of gel electrophoresis columns. The device was constructed using several short linear gel columns, each of a different percent acrylamide, to achieve a separation power similar to that of a long gradient gel. A Counter Free-Flow elution technique then allows continuous and simultaneous fraction collection from multiple channels at low cost. We demonstrate that rapid, high-resolution separation of a complex protein mixture can be achieved on this system using SDS-PAGE. In a 2.5 h electrophoresis run, for example, each sample was separated and eluted into 48-96 fractions over a mass range of 10-150 kDa; sample recovery rates were 50percent or higher; each channel was loaded with up to 0.3 mg of protein in 0.4 mL; and a purified band was eluted in two to three fractions (200 L/fraction). Similar results were obtained when running native gel electrophoresis, but protein aggregation limited the loading capacity to about 50 g per channel and reduced resolution.