A COMPACT GAS PROCESSING DEVICE WAS INVESTIGATED TO INCREASE GAS PRODUCTION FROM REMOTE, PREVIOUSLY UN-ECONOMIC RESOURCES. THE UNIT WAS TESTED ON AIR AND WATER AND WITH NATURAL GAS AND LIQUID. RESULTS ARE REPORTED WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK.

We have performed experiments at the COMET and Calisto short pulse laser facilities to make the first comprehensive measurements of the laser absorption and energy partition in solid targets heated with an ultrashort laser pulse focused to relativistic laser intensities (>10 10{sup 17} W/cm{sup 2}). The measurements show an exceedingly high absorption for P polarized laser-target interactions above 10{sup 19} W/cm{sup 2}. Additionally, the hot electron population is observed to markedly increase at the same intensity range. An investigation of the relaxation process was initiated u using time sing time-resolved K{sub {alpha}} spectroscopy. Measurements of the time time-resolved K{sub {alpha}} radiation suggest a 10-20 ps relativistic electron relaxation time. However modeling difficulties of these data are apparent and a more detailed investigation on this subject matter is warranted.

This month's issue has the following articles: (1) Shaking the Foundations of Solar-System Science--Commentary by William H. Goldstein; (2) Stardust Results Challenge Astronomical Convention--The first samples retrieved from a comet are a treasure trove of surprises to Laboratory researchers; (3) Fire in the Hole--Underground coal gasification may help to meet future energy supply challenges with a production process from the past; (4) Big Physics in Small Spaces--A newly developed computer model successfully simulates particle-laden fluids flowing through complex microfluidic systems; (5) A New Block on the Periodic Table--Livermore and Russian scientists add a new block to the periodic table with the creation of element 118; and (6) A Search for Patterns and Connections--Throughout his career, Edward Teller searched for mathematical solutions to explain the physical world.

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This project characterizes typical two-phase stratified flow conditions in advanced water reactor horizontal pipe sections, following activation of passive cooling systems. It provides (1) a means to educate nuclear engineering students regarding the importance of two-phase stratified flow in passive cooling systems to the safety of advanced reactor systems and (2) describes the experimental apparatus and process to measure key parameters essential to consider when designing passive emergency core cooling flow paths that may encounter this flow regime. Based on data collected, the state of analysis capabilities can be determined regarding stratified flow in advanced reactor systems and the best paths forward can be identified to ensure that the nuclear industry can properly characterize two-phase stratified flow in passive emergency core cooling systems.

In the fiscal years 2003 through 2006, the LMU-IAC conducted 76 industrial assessments with 595 assessment recommendations, with 382 recommendations implemented, with practically all plant types and sizes, extending in geographical location from about 250 miles north of LMU-IAC to 50 miles south and 90 miles east. Plant sizes varied from one building of 30,000 sq ft to 17 buildings of 1.5 million sq ft. The amount of energy savings identified was worth about $34,303,699. Because of the national level Lean Productivity programs at the university, LMU-IAC is unique in its expertise of the impact of Lean productivity on energy savings, which is huge, far exceeding the energy savings from the equipment improvements. Besides energy savings, LMU-IAC promoted the good name of the program and DOE in the local industry, utilities, trade organizations, the vast aerospace industry, educational institutions, and the public. The IAC work resulted in numerous public lectures, a chapter in the Encyclopedia of Industrial Energy, and several journal articles. 37 students, including 8 graduate students have been trained and issued DOE IAC Certificates. Several of them found work as energy experts.

Research on cellular function and regulation would be greatly advanced by new instrumentation using methods to alter cellular processes with spatial discrimination on the nanometer-scale. We present a novel technique for targeting submicrometer sized organelles or other biologically important regions in living cells using femtosecond laser pulses. By tightly focusing these pulses beneath the cell membrane, we can vaporize cellular material inside the cell through nonlinear optical processes. This technique enables non-invasive manipulation of the physical structure of a cell with sub-micrometer resolution. We propose to study the role mitochondria play in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our technique provides a unique tool for the study of cell biology.

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This report provides information about the U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances on Cuba. Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in The U.S.

This report contains brief summaries of federal animal protection statues, listed alphabetically. It includes statues concerning animals that are not entirely, or not at all, animal protection statues.

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This report discusses the budget of the fiscal year of 2007 and the requests of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Updated February 27, 2007.