Yucca Mountain licensing will require estimation of ground motions from probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA) with annual probabilities of exceedance on the order of 10{sup -6} to 10{sup -7} per year or smaller, which correspond to much longer earthquake return periods than most previous PSHA studies. These long return periods for the Yucca Mountain PSHA result in estimates of ground motion that are extremely high ({approx} 10 g) and that are believed to be physically unrealizable. However, there is at present no generally accepted method to bound ground motions either by showing that the physical properties of materials cannot maintain such extreme motions, or the energy release by the source for such large motions is physically impossible. The purpose of this feasibility study is to examine recorded ground motion and rock property data from nuclear explosions to determine its usefulness for studying the ground motion from extreme earthquakes. The premise is that nuclear explosions are an extreme energy density source, and that the recorded ground motion will provide useful information about the limits of ground motion from extreme earthquakes. The data were categorized by the source and rock properties, and evaluated as to what extent non-linearity in the material has …

A Service Class Description (SCD) is an effective meta-data based approach for discovering Deep Web sources whose data exhibit some regular patterns. However, it is tedious and error prone to create an SCD description manually. Moreover, a manually created SCD is not adaptive to the frequent changes of Web sources. It requires its creator to identify all the possible input and output types of a service a priori. In many domains, it is impossible to exhaustively list all the possible input and output data types of a source in advance. In this paper, we describe machine learning approaches for automatic generation of the data types of an SCD. We propose two different approaches for learning data types of a class of Web sources. The Brute-Force Learner is able to generate data types that can achieve high recall, but with low precision. The Clustering-based Learner generates data types that have a high precision rate, but with a lower recall rate. We demonstrate the feasibility of these two learning-based solutions for automatic generation of data types for citation Web sources and presented a quantitative evaluation of these two solutions.

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In this project we developed a suite of progressive visualization algorithms and a data-streaming infrastructure that enable interactive exploration of scientific datasets of unprecedented size. The methodology aims to globally optimize the data flow in a pipeline of processing modules. Each module reads a multi-resolution representation of the input while producing a multi-resolution representation of the output. The use of multi-resolution representations provides the necessary flexibility to trade speed for accuracy in the visualization process. Maximum coherency and minimum delay in the data-flow is achieved by extensive use of progressive algorithms that continuously map local geometric updates of the input stream into immediate updates of the output stream. We implemented a prototype software infrastructure that demonstrated the flexibility and scalability of this approach by allowing large data visualization on single desktop computers, on PC clusters, and on heterogeneous computing resources distributed over a wide area network. When processing terabytes of scientific data, we have achieved an effective increase in visualization performance of several orders of magnitude in two major settings: (i) interactive visualization on desktop workstations of large datasets that cannot be stored locally; (ii) real-time monitoring of a large scientific simulation with negligible impact on the computing resources available. …

The objective of this LDRD project was to develop one or more models for the production of {beta}-delayed {gamma} rays following neutron-induced fission of a special nuclear material (SNM) and to define a standardized formatting scheme which will allow them to be incorporated into some of the modern, general-purpose Monte Carlo transport codes currently being used to simulate inspection techniques proposed for detecting fissionable material hidden in sea-going cargo containers. In this report, we will describe a Monte Carlo model for {beta}-delayed {gamma}-ray emission following the fission of SNM that can accommodate arbitrary time-dependent fission rates and photon collection histories. The model involves direct sampling of the independent fission yield distributions of the system, the branching ratios for decay of individual fission products and spectral distributions representing photon emission from each fission product and for each decay mode. While computationally intensive, it will be shown that this model can provide reasonably detailed estimates of the spectra that would be recorded by an arbitrary spectrometer and may prove quite useful in assessing the quality of evaluated data libraries and identifying gaps in the libraries. The accuracy of the model will be illustrated by comparing calculated and experimental spectra from the decay …

Arrays of lasers are often considered when a need exists to increase laser optical output power, for a variety of purposes. Similarly, individual semiconductor laser-diodes, generating 0.01-1.0 W each, are commonly placed in arrays in order to increase total optical power onto targeted objects. Examples of such usage are diode-laser pump arrays for solid-slab heat-capacity lasers, laser arrays for heat-treating materials, and arrays for efficient solid state laser systems. The commercial and defense communities also use such arrays for many applications from laser range-finders, laser designators, to laser machining systems, etc. However, the arraying process does not automatically increase ''focusable'' light on target (i.e., intensity/steradian). For those applications requiring the highest focusability, it is necessary that the collective output beam from arrays of individual lasers be phase-coherent. Under this condition, the individual laser-element optical outputs are ''fused together'' into a larger area, phase coherent (i.e., all wavefronts are ''in step''), high-power combined beam. The process of joining multiple laser beams together to produce a single coherent wave, is in general very difficult and seldom accomplished. Thus joining together many hundreds to thousands of beams from individual laser-diodes, in large arrays, is still an unsolved problem. There are 2 major reasons …

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) uses the Cost-Effective Sampling (CES) program for reviewing groundwater data and optimizing the site's groundwater monitoring plan. The CES program produces a data assessment sheet and a lowest-frequency sampling schedule for each groundwater monitoring location. The assessment sheet and recommended sampling schedule greatly streamline the data review process and provide useful information for regulatory and remedial decision-making. The determination of sampling frequency for a given location is based on trend, variability, and magnitude statistics. The underlying principle is that a location's schedule should be determined primarily by the rate of change in concentrations observed there in the recent past. The larger the rate of change, whether upward or downward, the greater the need for frequent sampling. Conversely, where little change is observed, less sampling is recommended. In 1992, CES was approved by the U.S. EPA - Region IX and the local regulators for use at LLNL, and became part of the LLNL's approved compliance monitoring plan (Lamarre et al. 1996). Applying the CES methodology produced, initially, a 40% reduction in the annual number of required groundwater samples, and with recent optimization of the program a 55% reduction has been produced. This reduction saves LLNL $530,000 …

The focus of this review is on trace-element quantitation of microstructures in solids. This review is aimed at the non-specialist who wants to know how SIMS quantitation is achieved. Despite 35 years of SIMS research and applications, SIMS quantitation remains a fundamentally empirical enterprise and is based on standards. The most used standards are ''bulk standards''--solids with a homogeneous distribution of a trace element--and ion-implanted solids. The SIMS systematics of bulk standards and ion-implanted solids are reviewed.

This document examines the potential use of Thomson-Radiated Extreme X-ray (T-REX) sources for Fluorescence Imaging in the Nuclear Domain (FIND) of special nuclear materials. A back-of-the-envelope, relative comparison of T-REX sources vs. Bremsstrahlung sources for this application is presented. It is estimated that use of T-REX for FIND could be as much as 5 x 10{sup 12} more effective than the use of anode based sources. Furthermore it is estimated that illumination of samples of dimension 1 cm on a side could produce up to {approx}10{sup 9} detectable photons per second.

This project developed ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation techniques based on guided and bulk waves in multilayered structures using arrays. First, a guided wave technique was developed by preferentially exciting dominant modes with energy in the layer of interest via an ultrasonic array. Second, a bulk wave technique uses Fermat's principle of least time as well as wave-based properties to reconstruct array data and image the multilayered structure. The guided wave technique enables the inspection of inaccessible areas of a multilayered structure without disassembling it. Guided waves propagate using the multilayer as a waveguide into the inaccessible areas from an accessible position. Inspecting multi-layered structures with a guided wave relies on exciting modes with sufficient energy in the layer of interest. Multilayered structures are modeled to determine the possible modes and their distribution of energy across the thickness. Suitable modes were determined and excited by designing arrays with the proper element spacing and frequency. Bulk wave imaging algorithms were developed to overcome the difficulties of multiple reflections and refractions at interfaces. Reconstruction algorithms were developed to detect and localize flaws. A bent-ray algorithm incorporates Fermat's principle to correct time delays in the ultrasonic data that result from the difference in wave speeds …

This paper presents DynaBot, a domain-specific web service discovery system. The core idea of the DynaBot service discovery system is to use domain-specific service class descriptions powered by an intelligent Deep Web crawler. In contrast to current registry-based service discovery systems--like the several available UDDI registries--DynaBot promotes focused crawling of the Deep Web of services and discovers candidate services that are relevant to the domain of interest. It uses intelligent filtering algorithms to match services found by focused crawling with the domain-specific service class descriptions. We demonstrate the capability of DynaBot through the BLAST service discovery scenario and describe our initial experience with DynaBot.

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The warped spacetime near black holes is one of the most exotic observable environments in the Universe. X-ray spectra from active galaxies obtained with the current generation of X-ray observatories reveal line emission that is modified by both special relativistic and general relativistic effects. The interpretation is that we are witnessing X-ray irradiated matter orbiting in an accretion disk around a supermassive black hole, as it prepares to cross the event horizon. This interpretation, however, is based upon highly schematized models of accretion disk structure. This report describes a project to design a detailed computer model of accretion disk atmospheres, with the goal of elucidating the high radiation density environments associated with mass flows in the curved spacetime near gravitationally collapsed objects. We have evolved the capability to generate realistic theoretical X-ray line spectra of accretion disks, thereby providing the means for a workable exploration of the behavior of matter in the strong-field limit of gravitation.

The research under this grant has focused on three-dimensional numerical simulations, as well as on computational linear stability analysis. In the following, our main results for each of those areas will be described separately. In addition, copies of reprints are attached with this report.

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SRNL was tasked to simulate the draining of interstitial liquid from Tank 25 saltcake which is scheduled to take place in 2005. The salt processing plan baseline identifies a target of 135,000 gallons of interstitial liquid to be removed from Tank 25. Due to the uncertainty of the Tank 25 material properties and conditions, several cases were modeled varying the saltcake and interstitial liquid properties. The cases present a wide range of performance. The nominal baseline, case 1, removed the 135,000 gallons in approximately 1,030 hours of pump operation. The cases with optimal drain characteristics (high intrinsic permeability, high temp.) drain the 135,000 gallons in less time. Those with less favorable drain conditions did not approach the 135,000 gallons in a reasonable amount of time. Common to all cases unable to achieve the target volume was the low temperature at which they were run, 30 C (the lowest modeled), though there were additional contributing factors. A summary of the results are shown in Table 1.

This report summarizes the amount of federal appropriations for K-12 education, including total elementary and secondary funding, recent increases, and the major components counted in the K-12 total. K-12 components include: the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLBA), P.L. 107-110; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998; and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).

In November 2003 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a policy regarding a type of wastewater treatment practice called blending. Some cities use blending to manage peak flows of water and waste into wastewater treatment plants during and after storms as a way to prevent conditions that otherwise result in raw sewage backups into homes and other buildings or overflows into nearby waters. This report provides background on blending, why and how it is practiced, EPA’s proposed policy, associated issues, and congressional interest in the topic.

This report provides historical background on wildfires, and describes concerns about the wildland-urban interface and about forest and rangeland health.

This report provides a concise overview of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and its major functions, and highlights a number of issues influenced by OMB in matters of policy, budget, management, and OMB's internal operations.

In 2004, concerns arose that certain antidepressants, other medicines, and medical devices, had been marketed to consumers despite unresolved safety issues. Data from clinical trials conducted both before and after a product goes to market are central to assessing its safety and effectiveness, but there is currently no centralized system for reporting results. This report includes information on recent events as related to clinical trial reporting as of the writing of this report and legislation introduced on the subject in the 108th Congress.

This report consists of the budget for fiscal year 2005.

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A new temperature-profile method was recently developed for analyzing perturbed flow conditions in superheated porous media. The method uses high-resolution temperature data to estimate the magnitude of the heat-driven liquid and gas fluxes that form as a result of boiling, condensation, and recirculation of pore water. In this paper, we evaluate the applicability of this new method to the more complex flow behavior in fractured formations with porous rock matrix. In such formations, with their intrinsic heterogeneity, the porous but low-permeable matrix provides most of the mass and heat storage capacity, and dominates conductive heat transfer, Fractures, on the other hand, offer highly effective conduits for gas and liquid flow, thereby generating significant convective heat transfer. After establishing the accuracy of the temperature-profile method for fractured porous formations, we apply the method in analyzing the perturbed flow conditions in a large-scale underground heater test conducted in unsaturated fractured porous tuff. The flux estimates for this test indicate a significant reflux of water near the heat source, on the order of a few hundred millimeter per year-much larger than the ambient percolation flux of only a few millimeter per year.