A chapter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the reasons for the reported military pilot shortages, focusing on: (1) the services' reported and projected estimates of their pilot shortages; (2) the basis for the services' pilot requirements; (3) key factors that account for the reported pilot shortages; and (4) concerns that are causing pilots to consider leaving the military."

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed federally created or facilitated programs for helping schools and libraries with their telecommunications and information technology efforts."

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Financial Management Service's (FMS) internal controls over cash receipts collected on behalf of the federal government, focusing on testing the effectiveness of FMS' internal controls over lockbox collections."

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the: (1) standards and processes under which mergers between local telephone companies are evaluated and approved by governmental bodies; and (2) implementation of this process in the Bell Atlantic-NYNEX merger, and the effects of the merger that can be observed."

With support provided by the LLNL Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, the UCR Radiocarbon Laboratory continued its studies involving sample pretreatment and target preparation for both AMS radiocarbon ({sup 14}C) and radiocalcium ({sup 41}Ca) involving applications to archaeologically -- and paleoanthropologically- related samples. With regard to AMS {sup 14}C-related studies, we have extended the development of a series of procedures which have, as their initial goal, the capability to combust several hundred microgram amounts of a chemically-pretreated organic sample and convert the resultant CO{sub 2} to graphitic carbon which will consistently yield relatively high {sup 13}C{sup {minus}} ion currents and blanks which will yield, on a consistent basis, {sup 14}C count rates at or below 0.20% modern, giving an 2 sigma age limit of >50,000 yr BP.

A series of runs were planned in the Precipitate Hydrolysis Experimental Facility (PHEF) at the Savannah River Plant to determine the effectiveness of equipment and process modifications on the PHEF decanter organic removal efficiency. Runs 54-59 were planned to test the effectiveness of spray recirculation, a new decanter, heated organic recirculation and aqueous drawoff on organic removal efficiency in the revised HAN flowsheet. Runs 60-63 were planned to provide a comparison of the original and new decanter designs on organic removal efficiency in the late wash flowsheet without organic recirculation. Operational problems were experienced in both the PHEF and IDMS pilot facilities because of the production of high boiling organics and the low organic removal efficiency of the PHEF decanters. To prevent these problems in the DWPF Salt and Chemical Cells, modifications were proposed to the decanter and flowsheet to maximize the organic removal efficiency and minimize production of high boiling organics.

The principle task given us by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to perform under Subcontract 6181405 was to develop a method and corresponding computer programs to make very rapid, yet accurate, fully relativistic and quasirelativistic calculations of cross sections or collision strengths for electron impact excitation of highly charged ions with any value for the nuclear charge number Z. Also while this major code development was being done we were asked to calculate cross sections of interest using our previous rapid, more approximate codes, which used hydrogenic basis functions and screening constants with both the electron-electron Coulomb interaction and relativistic interactions included by perturbation theory. We were also asked to determine the branching ratio for ionization to various final states in complex cases, where two or more states corresponding to the final configuration of the ion were possible.

The overall goal of this project is to improve the effectiveness of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to image and quantify radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. During the past year, we have made significant progress toward this goal, and this report summarizes that work. Our efforts have been mainly directed along three fronts. First, we have developed and tested new reconstruction methods including three-dimensional iterative algorithms that model non-uniform attenuation and distance-dependent detector response. Both fan beam and parallel beam collimator geometries have been modeled and novel ways of improving the efficiency of the computationally intensive methods have been introduced. Second, an ultra-high resolution, small field-of-view pinhole collimator has been constructed and evaluated. Reconstructed spatial resolution of 1 to 3 mm (FWHM) has been achieved in phantom scans with a useful field-of-view of 9 to 10 cm. Finally, we have investigated the ability of SPECT to image and quantify astatine-211 distributions. Reconstructed images of phantom data demonstrated quantitative accuracy to within 10% with proper attenuation and scatter compensation.

A series of runs were planned in the Precipitate Hydrolysis Experimental Facility (PHEF) at the Savannah River Plant to determine the effectiveness of equipment and process modifications on the PHEF decanter organic removal efficiency. Runs 54-59 were planned to test the effectiveness of spray recirculation, a new decanter, heated organic recirculation and aqueous drawoff on organic removal efficiency in the revised HAN flowsheet. Runs 60-63 were planned to provide a comparison of the original and new decanter designs on organic removal efficiency in the late wash flowsheet without organic recirculation. Operational problems were experienced in both the PHEF and IDMS pilot facilities because of the production of high boiling organics and the low organic removal efficiency of the PHEF decanters. To prevent these problems in the DWPF Salt and Chemical Cells, modifications were proposed to the decanter and flowsheet to maximize the organic removal efficiency and minimize production of high boiling organics.

This is the Third Technical Report to develop the Variable Wall Mining Machine(VWM), a patented mining system that has the potential of greatly improving the underground mining of coal and other flat-lying mineral beds by providing a greater safety for workers, a healthier human environment, and a higher productivity. One of the thrusts of this project is to analyze the adaptation of the VWM system to a dual duct ventilation system which separates the air for human breathing from the air which becomes contaminated from dust and dangerous gases. In conventional practice there is one zone in an underground working section where workers breathe the air used to carry away gases and dust. A proposed dual duct system divides the single zone into two zones: one for cutting and fragmentation and one for worker occupancy. It is both technically and economically impossible to ventilate longwall face with the conventional method when methane emission rate is higher than 1,500 cfM. The only available option to the methane problem is to pre-drain the methane before mining so the methane emission rate will be lower later during longwall mining. But it is questionable that enough methane can be predrained to significantly erase the …

The objective of this task is to field characterize and sample the soil at selected locations along the proposed effluent line routes for Project C-018H. The overall purpose of this effort is to meet the proposed plan to discontinue the disposal of contaminated liquids into the Hanford soil column as described by DOE (1987). Detailed information describing proposed transport pipeline route and associated Kaiser Engineers Hanford Company (KEH) preliminary drawings (H288746...755) all inclusive, have been prepared by KEH (1992). The information developed from field monitoring and sampling will be utilized to characterize surface and subsurface soil along the proposed C-018H effluent pipeline and it`s associated facilities. Potentially existing contaminant levels may be encountered therefore, soil characterization will provide a construction preoperational baseline reference, develop personnel safety requirements, and determine the need for any changes in the proposed routes prior to construction of the pipeline.

The Savannah River Site (SRS) will process large bulky transuranic (TRU) waste items with a robotic gantry manipulator. The Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC) built a TRU Waste Test Facility (TWTF) to demonstrate this concept. The test robot uses several tools (i.e. plasma torch, chain saw, and gripper) to open, size reduce, and repackage simulated waste items. Waste processing campaigns in the TWTF show the various robot tools require periodic maintenance, such as replacing the torch tip and replacing saw blades. The primary objectives of this test were to determine if standard master-slave manipulators (MSMS) can complete remote robot tool maintenance, and if so, how long does the maintenance take. Test results show that MSMs completed 5 of 8 tool maintenance tasks attempted, and each task took 15 minutes or less. The three tasks that couldn't be completed involved specially designed tools, and these tools could be redesigned to allow remote MSM maintenance. MSMs can complete robot tool maintenance in a reasonable amount of time. This conclusion supports the SRS philosophy of remotely processing large bulky TRU waste items using a robotic gantry manipulator.

Table 1 indicates that the stiffest line is the cryogenic vent line while the most flexible line is the 6 inch insulating vacuum line. The table also shows that the four remaining lines are roughly of the same stiffness. This follows closely with the experience of installing the U-tubes in the assembly hall. The vent line was by far the stiffest, while the other lines are comparitively more flexible. However, the value for the LAr line is misleading. It is as flexible as the other 1 1/2 x 3 lines. Using this as a basis, the collision hall connections should be slightly more stiff, but not appreciably. The vent line represents the only anticipated 'difficulty'. Provided that the building piping is constructed to reasonable tolerances, there should be no need to modify the existing U-tubes for use in the Collision hall. The analysis makes many assumptions which are not completely valid. For example, the inner line is much more flexible than the table indicates. Thus the analysis should not be taken as an absolute measure of the amount of force necessary to deflect the lines. The analysis does provide a means of comparison between individual lines and between the assembly …

The energy system dominates human-induced carbon flows on our planet. Globally, six billion tons of carbon are contained in the fossil fuels removed from below the ground every year. More than 90% of the carbon in fossil fuels is used for energy purposes, with carbon dioxide as the carbon product and the atmosphere as the initial destination for the carbon dioxide. Significantly affecting the carbon flows associated with fossil fuels is an immense undertaking. Four principal technological approaches are available to affect these carbon flows: (1) Fossil fuels and other energy resources can be utilized more efficiently; (2) Energy sources other than fossil fuels can be used; (3) Carbon dioxide from the combustion of fossil fuels can be trapped and redirected, preventing it from reaching the atmosphere (fossil carbon sequestration); and (4) One can work outside the energy system to remove carbon dioxide biologically from the atmosphere (biological carbon sequestration). An optimum carbon management strategy will surely implement all four approaches and a wise R&D program will have vigorous sub-programs in all four areas. These programs can be effective by integrating scenario analyses into the planning process. A number of future scenarios must be evaluated to determine the need for …

Ti Gr 7 is an extremely corrosion resistant material, with a very stable passive film. Based upon exposures in the LTCTF, it has been determined that the general corrosion and oxidation rates of Ti Gr 7 are essentially below the level of detection. In any event, over the 10,000 year life of the repository, general corrosion and oxidation should not be life limiting. The large separation between measured corrosion and threshold potentials indicate that localized breakdown of the passive film is unlikely under plausible conditions, even in SSW at 120 C. In the future, the pH and current in crevices formed from Ti Gr 7 should be determined experimentally. With exposures of two years, no significant evidence of crevice corrosion has been observed with Ti Gr 16 in SDW, SCW, and SAW at temperatures up to 9O C, though many of the samples have a beautiful green patina. An abstracted model has been presented, with parameters determined experimentally, that should enable performance assessment to account for the general and localized corrosion of this material. A feature of this model is the use of the materials specification to limit the range of corrosion and threshold potentials, thereby making sure that substandard …

The NPE computer program was studied to test its feasibility as a tool in simulating clandestine nuclear tests. The calculational results indicate that the model is accurate. However, computer time is a concern; and validation via experimental data remains to be done.

This document is the third quarterly technical progress report under Contract No. AC22-92PC92110, ``Development of Vanadium-Phosphate Catalysts for Methanol Production by Selective Oxidation of Methane.`` During this quarter, we have continued to develop methods for catalyst activation by investigating activation in wet gas environments. This procedure leads to the formation of highly crystalline (VO){sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}, while activation under identical conditions, but with no moisture, leads to a poorly crystalline sample. Published data indicate that the highly crystalline form is representative of commercial butane oxidation catalysts. The main focus of our work during this quarter has been in the area of catalyst testing in the microreactor system. In order to confirm that our microreactor system was providing reliable data, we tested a V{sub 2}O{sub 5}/SiO{sub 2} catalyst at atmospheric pressure and temperatures from 500 to 600{degree}C using 90 to 95 percent CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2}. Several studies of methane oxidation using this catalyst have been published with reasonably good agreement between different research groups. We were not able to reproduce the literature data using steel reactors. However, when the steel reactor was lined with quartz and the postcatalyst reactor volume was minimized by packing with quartz chips, we obtained results …

This report discusses legislative issues regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides federal funds to the states to assist them in providing an education for children with disabilities.

The United States produced 242 million short tons of coal in the first quarter of 1993, a decrease of 6 percent (14 million short tons) from the amount produced during the first quarter of 1992. The decrease was due to a decline in production east of the Mississippi River. All major coal-producing States in this region had lower coal production levels led by West Virginia, which produced 5 million short tons less coal. The principal reasons for the overall drop in coal output compared to a year earlier were: A decrease in demand for US coal in foreign markets; a slower rate of producer/distributor stock build-up; and a drawn-down of electric utility coal stocks. Distribution of US coal in the first quarter of 1993 was 10 million short tons lower than in the first quarter of 1992, with 5 million short tons less distributed to both electric utilities and overseas markets. The average price of coal delivered to electric utilities during the first quarter of 1993 was $28.65 per short ton, the lowest value since the first quarter of 1980. Coal consumption in the first quarter of 1993 was 230 million short tons, 4 percent higher than in the first …

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This report provides information about the Generalized System of Preferences which provides duty free treatment for products that are imported from some designated countries. The main purpose is to promote economic growth.

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This document is prepared in support of the 100 Area Environmental Restoration activity at the US Department of Energy`s Hanford Site near Richland, Washington. It provides a technical baseline of waste sites located at the 100-D Area. The report is based on an environmental investigation undertaken by the Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) History Office in support of the Environmental Restoration Engineering Function and on review and evaluation of numerous Hanford Site current and historical reports, drawings, and photographs, supplemented by site inspections and employee interviews. No intrusive field investigation or sampling was conducted. All Hanford coordinate locations are approximate locations taken from several different maps and drawings of the 100-D Area. Every effort was made to derive coordinate locations for the center of each facility or waste site, except where noted, using standard measuring devices. Units of measure are shown as they appear in reference documents. The 100-D Area is made up of three operable units: 100-DR-1, 100-DR-2, and 100-DR-3. All three are addressed in this report. These operable units include liquid and solid waste disposal sites in the vicinity of, and related to, the 100-D and 100-DR Reactors. A fourth operable unit, 100-HR-3, is concerned with groundwater and is …