A design and operational description is presented of a BF/sub 3/ withdrawal mechanism planned for installation on one of the two startup channels at the SM-1. An analysis of possible malfunctions is included. (J.R.D.)

Sodium-water reaction products (SWRP) which had accumulated in the bottom of the reaction products tank (RPT) of the Large Leak Test Rig (LLTR) were sampled and characterized. Analysis showed that the SWRP consisted of NaOH, Na/sub 2/O, NaH, and Na, as expected, in varying proportions. The unreacted sodium in the samples examined ranged from 32 to 60% by weight. The SWRP reacts (dissolves) rapidly and completely with ethanol, and somewhat less rapidly and completely with Dowanol PM. A magnetic, metallic residue was left, originating in the Croloy of the test article in the LLTR. These solvents should be investigated further as possible agents for cleaning sodium systems that are highly contaminated with water reaction products. The SWRP does not completely liquefy with heating to 800/sup 0/F (427/sup 0/C). Although it softens to a consistency similar to that of wet sand, it is unlikely that it would flow or could be pumped even at such elevated temperature. The presence of highly corrosive molten NaOH. (above 606/sup 0/F, 319/sup 0/C) also makes the hot draining of SWRP unattractive.

ON NUCLEAR PHYSICS LABORATORY AT CANEL. The critical experiment facility at CANEL is described. Information of the mature of experimental assemblies and operations is included. Safety features of the building, equipment, and operations are pointed out. Possible accidents and the resulting hazards to surrounding areas are analyzed. The make-up of the surrounding area is described. (M.C.G.)

Status of the following investigations is given: effect of molecular geometry on the electron affinity of H/sub 2/O; effect of non-spherically symmetric exchange potential in energy transfer and CIDEP; fragmentation patterns in the radiolysis of normal alkanes; properties of solvated electrons; temperature dependence of electron localization and impurity trapping in methanol and propanol; field-dependent electron mobility; aluminium cluster and organoaluminum systems; collision-induced atomic dipole moments; T-R energy transfer between electronically excited atoms and ground state molecules; correlation between the anisotropy of polarizability and electron-density contour diagrams; high-field conduction in thin-film alkali halides; chemically induced electron polarization of t-butyl radicals in solution; nonlinear response of radical systems to modulated initiation; measurement of electron spin-lattice relaxation times; electron attachment to N/sub 2/O in the gas phase; laser fluorescence of cyclohexadienyl radical in irradiated benzene crystals; kinetics of radical exchange between micelles and water; dynamics of probe molecules in a micellar environment; radiolytic reduction of colloidal silver bromide; characterization of structure in fatty acid aggregate systems; photochemical reactions of Cu(II) complexes with macrocyclic ligands; studies of Ni(III) macrocyclic complexes; rateconstant for oxidation of hydroxycyclohexadienyl radical by ferricyanide; alkoxyl radical reactions with lipids; luminescence from diarylcarbenes; excited-state reactions of 7-hydroxy-4-methyl coumarin; photochronic aziridines; and …

Progress is reported on research and development work in pot calcination and radiant-heat spray calcination studies of synthetic Purex high-level wastes; and sorption studies using synthetic minerals and resins as well as natural minerals. The calcination studies are discussed in terms of batch calcination, melting of pot calcination products, spray calcination, and off-gas treatment; and sorption studies in terms of mineral reactions, fixation chemistry, and condensate wastes. (B.O.G.)

Investigators are studying hydrogen purification by membrane technology as a means to make the coal-to-hydrogen route economically attractive. To allow prediction of membrane performance and to facilitate comparisons between membrane and other technologies (cryogenic distillation, pressure swing adsorption), they developed a mathematical model to describe the permeation process inside a membrane module. The results of this model were compared with available experimental data (separation of CO{sub 2}/O{sub 2}/N{sub 2} mixtures). The model was first used to calculate the gas permeabilities from one set of mixed-gas experiments; the resulting permeabilities were then used to predict the results of the other mixed-gas experiments. The agreement between these predictions and the experimental data was good. However, model predictions using gas permeabilities obtained in pure gas experiments did not agree with the mixed gas experimental data. This disagreement is believed to be due to plasticization of the membrane by contact with CO{sub 2}. These results indicate that data obtained from experiments with mixed-gas feeds are necessary to adequately predict membrane performance when CO{sub 2} is present. The performance of different system configurations, including one and two stages of membrane modules, was examined. The different configurations examined were single module (SM), single module with recycle …

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Over the past two and a half decades, the Department of Defense (DOD) has invested heavily to acquire a cruise missile capable of attacking ground targets stealthily, reliably, and affordably. After abandoning an earlier, more expensive missile and a joint service effort, the Air Force began producing the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) in 2001. After that, the program (1) encountered many flight test failures, (2) decided to develop an extended range version, and (3) recognized significant cost growth. The production decision for the JASSM-ER is planned for November 2010. Also, the Secretary of Defense has recently announced a major initiative to restore affordability and productivity in defense spending. This initiative is expected to, among other things, identify savings by conducting needed programs more efficiently. As DOD faces the initial production decision on JASSM-ER, GAO was asked to assess (1) most recent test results, correction of causes of previous flight test failures, and efforts to improve JASSM's reliability; and (2) JASSM cost changes, efforts to control costs, and additional cost risks for the program."

This report describes the FY2011 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Administration requested a net appropriation of $45.0 billion in budget authority for FY2011. This amounts to a $1.1 billion, or a 2.4% increase from the $43.9 billion enacted for FY2010. Total budget authority requested by the Administration for DHS for FY2011 amounts to $52.6 billion as compared to $51.7 billion enacted for FY2010.

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Intellectual property (IP) plays a significant role in the U.S. economy. Enforcing IP laws involves many U.S. agencies, making coordination essential. Under the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 (PRO-IP Act), Congress required the U.S. Attorney General, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), to devote additional resources and undertake other specific IP efforts. The PRO-IP Act also created the position of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) to enhance interagency coordination. The act mandates that GAO provide Congress with a report on the efforts of DOJ and the IPEC. This status report addresses DOJ and Office of the IPEC's efforts to implement the act. The report also compares the 2010 Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement to the content called for in the PRO-IP Act. GAO examined relevant documents, interviewed agency staff and officials, and compared agency actions and the 2010 strategic plan with the PRO-IP Act."

This report briefly explores the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), 18 U.S.C. 924(e), which requires imposition of a minimum 15-year term of imprisonment for recidivists convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). Section 924(e) applies only to those defendants who have three prior state or federal convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. The report includes descriptions of constitutional challenges to the application of section 924(e), which have been generally unsuccessful.

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the actions taken by the Department of Defense (DOD) to improve the accuracy of its cost reporting for contract services."

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program aims to increase the participation of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals--known as DBEs--in highway contracting. In 2009, U.S. DOT awarded, through state and local governments, about $4 billion to DBEs nationwide. State DOTs are required to establish DBE programs and implement them on federal-aid highway projects. This report responds to a congressional request to examine U.S. DOT's Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) oversight of state DOT DBE programs. It examines how FHWA (1) oversees state DOTs to ensure they implement their DBE programs according to applicable regulations, (2) assesses whether state DOTs have met their DBE goals, and (3) oversees organizations that certify businesses as DBEs. GAO analyzed FHWA data; reviewed relevant laws and regulations; and interviewed FHWA, and state DOT officials from five states, selected to obtain variation in, among other things, the methods state DOTs use to meet DBE goals.."

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Following a 2007 disputed election and widespread violence, Kenya reformed its constitution, which its voters approved in August 2010. The United States has provided over $18 million to support this process to date. GAO was asked to (1) describe any involvement that U.S. officials have had in Kenya's constitutional reform process relating to abortion; (2) describe any support that U.S.-funded award recipients and subrecipients have provided in Kenya's constitutional reform process relating to abortion; and (3) assess the extent to which agencies have developed and implemented guidance on compliance with the Siljander Amendment, which prohibits using certain assistance funds to lobby either for or against abortion. GAO analyzed documents and interviewed officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of State (State), award recipients and subrecipients, and the Kenyan government, and conducted an extensive media search."

A chapter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Forest Service's progress in improving its accounting and financial reporting, focusing on Forest Service's efforts to: (1) achieve financial accountability; (2) become more accountable for its performance; and (3) better align its budget with its strategic goals and objectives."

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "A strong competitive workforce is necessary for success in today's era of technological advances and increased global competition. Congress wants to ensure that employment and training programs foster a coherent and efficient approach to helping individuals find jobs in an environment characterized by changing labor demands. GAO identified 40 federally funded employment and training programs for which a key program goal is providing assistance to persons trying to find employment or improve their job skills. The most frequently cited target populations were Native Americans, youths, and veterans. Several programs target the same populations and provide similar services. This overlap could result in inefficiencies and redundancies. To assess whether such overlap is creating duplication among programs, agencies need to collect and analyze information on the eligibility requirements for the target populations. Federal regulations, such as the Government Performance and Results Act, provide agencies with the opportunity to coordinate their activities with other agencies. It also provides agencies with a framework to measure and evaluate the progress of their efforts."

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Concerns about the effects of the globalization of national economies and the rapid pace of economic change have focused attention on federal programs designed to assist U.S. workers displaced by foreign trade and increased imports. GAO reviewed two programs run by the Department of Labor. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement Transitional Adjustment Assistance Program (NAFTA-TAA) have spent more than $1.3 billion in the past five years to help workers make the transition to new jobs, but it is unclear how effective these programs are in achieving their goals. Limited data indicate that 75 percent of workers who left the programs found jobs, but that many earned far less than their prior salaries. Training participation rates for both programs are low due to such factors as low unemployment rates and a healthy economy. GAO identified several factors that affected the delivery of services, including: (1) non-standardized eligibility criteria, (2) open-ended training enrollment, and (3) overall program administration. Further review of available data indicates that weak internal controls may result in the payment of benefits to ineligible beneficiaries."

The usefulness of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction as a measure of low-level radiation effect was examined in a benthic marine worm, Neanthes arenaceodentata. Larvae were exposed to /sup 60/Co radiation for 12 to 24 h at total doses ranging from 0.5 to 309 R and at dose rates from 0.04 to 13 R/h. Animals exposed at intermediate dose rates (0.5, 0.6, 1.25, 2.0, and 2.5 R/h) had SCE frequencies per chromosome about twice that of those receiving no radiation (controls), whereas those exposed at the higher dose rates (7.0 and 13 R/h) had SCE frequencies lower than the controls. Animals exposed at the lower dose rates (0.04 and 0.1 R/h) had lower SCE frequencies than those exposed at intermediate dose rates (and higher SCE frequencies than controls). The length of chromosome pair number one differed among metaphase spreads and was used as an index of chromosome condensation in a given metaphase. Because there is a possibility that chromosome morphology may affect the ability to resolve SCEs, morphology will be monitored in future studies. A preliminary experiment was performed to assess the effects of 2.2 and 11.5 R/h for 24 h on growth and development. Larvae observed at 6 and …

A proposal of using extrapolation algorithms as an analytical - numerical tool for the evaluation of the beam-beam effects in storage rings is formulated. These algorithms already known to experts of Applied Mathematics are described in some detail. Physical models for the beam-beam interaction effects on betatron motion and polarization of a test particle are discussed and put in such a form to allow the application of the extrapolation algorithms.

This report discusses the current political state of Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan government. This report also discusses Afghanistan's relationship with the United States, particularly U.S. efforts to urge President Hamid Karzai, to address corruption within the Afghan government. The report also includes discussion of election fraud and corruption in Afghanistan.

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Every year, food stamp recipients exchange hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits for cash instead of food with retailers across the country, a practice known as trafficking. From 2000 to 2005, the Food Stamp Program has grown from $15 billion to $29 billion in benefits. During this period of time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) replaced paper food stamp coupons with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that work much like a debit card at the grocery checkout counter. Given these program changes and continuing retailer fraud, GAO was asked to provide information on (1) what is known about the extent and nature of retailer food stamp trafficking, (2) the efforts of federal agencies to combat such trafficking, and (3) program vulnerabilities. To do this, GAO interviewed agency officials, visited 10 field offices, conducted case file reviews, and analyzed data from the FNS retailer database."

This report provides background on the conflict over interpretation and implementation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act. A brief discussion of the two laws is followed by a review of the major litigation of interest. EPA's efforts to clarify its policy in this area and the November 2006 rule and the 2009 federal court ruling are discussed, as well as possible options for EPA and Congress to further address the FIFRA-CWA issues. In June, EPA proposed a draft general CWA permit that it intends to finalize by April 2011 in response to the court ruling.

The purpose of this report is to provide information needed by the DOE to assess WIPP's environmental performance and to make WIPP environmental information available to stakeholders and members of the public. This report has been prepared in accordance with DOE Order 231.1A and DOE guidance. This report documents WIPP's environmental monitoring programs and their results for 2004. The WIPP Project is authorized by the DOE National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-164). After more than 20 years of scientific study and public input, WIPP received its first shipment of waste on March 26, 1999. Located in southeastern New Mexico, WIPP is the nation's first underground repository permitted to safely and permanently dispose of TRU radioactive and mixed waste (as defined in the WIPP LWA) generated through defense activities and programs. TRU waste is defined, in the WIPP LWA, as radioactive waste containing more than 100 nanocuries (3,700 becquerels [Bq]) of alpha-emitting TRU isotopes per gram of waste, with half-lives greater than 20 years except for high-level waste, waste that has been determined not to require the degree of isolation required by the disposal regulations, and waste the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission …

The objectives of this proposed research were: 91) Separation and storage of hydrogen on nanophase diamonds. It is expected that the produced hydrogen, which will be in a mixture, can be directed to a nanophase diamond system directly, which will not only store the hydrogen, but also separate it from the gas mixture, and (2) release of the stored hydrogen from the nanophase diamond.

The computational performance of two-dimensional Fortran 90 arrays defined with the pointer attribute were compared to identically sized arrays defined with the allocatable attribute. The goal of this work was to quantify the computational cost of using each array type within a high-performance finite element setting.