Appropriations are one part of a complex federal budget process that includes budget resolutions, appropriations (regular, supplemental, and continuing) bills, rescissions, and budget reconciliation bills. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress passes each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on the District of Columbia.

Under the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States may use the dispute settlement mechanism to resolve certain trade problems with Japan. As compared with the mechanism under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the WTO offers expanded coverage and nearly automatic approval for panel requests and reports.

The 105th Congress adjourned without passing any legislation affecting solid waste management. Changes to the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) cleanup program and bills to exempt from hazardous waste management requirements certain wastes generated by remediation of old waste sites had been considered possible until late in the second session. The House passed changes to the LUST program (H.R. 688) on April 23, 1997. A comparable Senate bill (S. 555) was ordered reported, amended, September 23, 1998; but it never came to the floor.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification;Whether acts of private citizens demonstrating against drug dealers implicate certain sections of the Penal Code(ID# 39178)

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Authority of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to regulate private facility for incarceration of persons convicted by federal courts or courts of other states (ID# 39010)

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) security controls over information on the foreign nationals involved in remediating and reviewing software, focusing on: (1) the extent to which foreign nationals were involved in year 2000 code remediation and subsequent code review activities at FAA; and (2) FAA's policies covering this involvement."

Single ion impacts have been observed using in-situ transmission electron microscopy during irradiation. In addition to internal defects, single-ion impacts create surface craters as large as 12 nm on In, Ag, Pb and Au. Crater formation rates have been determined from video recordings with a time-resolution of 33 milliseconds. The cratering rate for Xe ions increases linearly with increasing target mass density above a threshold density of approximately 7 gm/cm{sup 3}. The cratering rate increases as the ion mass is increased. These results suggest that cratering requires a high energy-density, near-surface displacement cascade. TRIM calculations have been made in an effort to establish a near-surface energy-density criterion for cratering.

Because of their unusually good chemical durability, iron phosphate glasses are a natural candidate for a nuclear waste disposal glass. We have studied the effects of UO{sub 2} high-level waste on the structure of iron phosphate glasses with both neutron and high-energy x-ray diffraction using the GLAD instrument of the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source and the 1-BM bending magnet beamline of the Advanced Photon Source, respectively. The results of neutron scattering, which is mostly sensitive to correlations involving light atoms i.e. O-O, Fe-O and P-O, suggest the main structural features of the base glass are largely unaffected by the addition of UO{sub 2}. The nearest-neighbor P-O, Fe-O and O-O peaks remain at the same position in real space and their intensities scale approximately with concentration. These findings are consistent with the earlier results of Raman scattering and EXAFS on the Fe-K edge wherein both cases the spectra remain similar to the base glass. High-energy x-ray scattering which is sensitive to correlations involving the heavier atoms and thus complements the neutron measurements, is also consistent with uranium occupying interstitial sites in the relatively undisturbed base glass structure. However, important questions remain as to the precise local structure and oxidation state of …

In May 1991, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Waste Operations, issued a nationwide moratorium on shipping slightly radioactive mixed waste from DOE facilities to commercial treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities. Studies were subsequently conducted to evaluate the radiological impacts associated with DOE's prior shipments through DOE's authorized release process under DOE Order 5400.5. To support this endeavor, a radiological assessment computer code--TSD-DOSE (Version 1.1)--was developed and issued by DOE in 1997. The code was developed on the basis of detailed radiological assessments performed for eight commercial hazardous waste TSD facilities. It was designed to utilize waste-specific and site-specific data to estimate potential radiological doses to on-site workers and the off-site public from waste handling operations at a TSD facility. The code has since been released for use by DOE field offices and was recently used by DOE to evaluate the release of septic waste containing residual radioactive material to a TSD facility licensed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Revisions to the code were initiated in 1997 to incorporate comments received from users and to increase TSD-DOSE's capability, accuracy, and flexibility. These updates included incorporation of the method used to estimate external radiation doses from …

First principles calculations within the local-spin-density-functional theory (LSDFF) framework are presented of densities of electronic states for MnO, LiMnO{sub 2} in the monoclinic and orthorhombic structures, cubic LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel and {lambda}-MnO{sub 2} (delithiated spinel), all in antiferromagnetic spin configurations. The changes in energy spectra as the Mn oxidation state varies between 2+ and 4+ are illustrated. Preliminary calculations for Co-doped LiMnO{sub 2} are presented, and the destabilization of a monoclinic relative to a rhombohedral structure is discussed.

A self-amplified spontaneously emitting (SASE) free-electron laser (FEL) for the visible-to-ultraviolet spectral range is under construction at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The amplifier part of the FEL consists of twelve identical 2.7-meter-long sections. Each section includes a 2.4-meter-long, 33-mm-period hybrid undulator, a quadruple lens, and a set of electron beam and radiation diagnostics equipment. The undulatory will operate at a fixed magnetic gap (approx. 9.3 mm) with K=3.1. The electron beam position will be monitored using capacitive beam position monitors, YAG scintillators with imaging optics, and secondary emission detectors. The spatial distribution of the photon beam will be monitored by position sensitive detectors equipped with narrow-band filters. A high-resolution spectrograph will be used to observe the spectral distribution of the FEL radiation.

This project deals with the demonstration of a coking process using proprietary technology of Calderon, with the following objectives geared to facilitate commercialization: (1) making coke of such quality as to be suitable for use in hard-driving, large blast furnaces; (2) providing proof that such process is continuous and environmentally closed to prevent emissions; (3) demonstrating that high-coking-pressure (non-traditional) coal blends which cannot be safely charged into conventional by-product coke ovens can be used in the Calderon process; and (4) demonstrating that coke can be produced economically, at a level competitive with coke imports. The activities of the past quarter were focused on the following: Conducting bench-scale tests to produce coke and acceptable tar from the process to satisfy Koppers, a prospective stakeholder; Consolidation of the project team players to execute the full size commercial cokemaking reactor demonstration; and Progress made in advancing the design of the full size commercial cokemaking reactor.

The effects of loading frequency, strain amplitude, and saturation on elastic moduli and attenuation have been measured in samples of the Topopah Spring Member welded tuff. Four different laboratory techniques have been used to determine Young`s modulus and extensional wave attenuation at frequencies ranging from 10{sup {minus}2} to 10{sup 6} Hz. The results are compared with data acquired for Sierra White granite under the same conditions. The modulus and attenuation in room dry samples remain relatively constant over frequency. Frequency dependent attenuation and modulus dispersion are observed in the saturated samples and are attributed to fluid flow and sample size. The properties of tuff were independent of strain amplitude in room dry and saturated conditions.

The nucleation and growth of cracks at critical interfaces can degrade electrical and mechanical performance of electronic assemblies. Sandia National Laboratories is working to develop a fracture mechanics-based approach for assessing the reliability of components containing interfaces and subjected to thermal/mechanical fatigue. Models are being developed to predict the nucleation of a crack-like flaw in the vicinity of an interface, the path of crack propagation (along interface or into substrate), and the conditions for crack propagation. In addition, interfacial fracture toughness data are being generated to support model development. This paper summarizes an experimental study aimed at measuring the fracture toughness of epoxy-to-substrate interfaces that are representative of those found in bonded and encapsulated electronic components.

This report presents results of computations of doses and the associated health risks of postulated accidental atmospheric releases from the Rocky Flats Plant (RFP) of one gram of weapons-grade plutonium in a form that is respirable. These computations are intended to be reference computations that can be used to evaluate a variety of accident scenarios by scaling the dose and health risk results presented here according to the amount of plutonium postulated to be released, instead of repeating the computations for each scenario. The MACCS2 code has been used as the basis of these computations. The basis and capabilities of MACCS2 are summarized, the parameters used in the evaluations are discussed, and results are presented for the doses and health risks to the public, both the Maximum Offsite Individual (a maximally exposed individual at or beyond the plant boundaries) and the population within 50 miles of RFP. A number of different weather scenarios are evaluated, including constant weather conditions and observed weather for 1990, 1991, and 1992. The isotopic mix of weapons-grade plutonium will change as it ages, the {sup 241}Pu decaying into {sup 241}Am. The {sup 241}Am reaches a peak concentration after about 72 years. The doses to the …

Determining the subset of points (particles) in a problem domain that are contained within certain spatial regions of interest can be one of the most time-consuming parts of some computer simulations. Examples where this 'point-in-box' search can dominate the computation time include (1) finite element contact problems; (2) molecular dynamics simulations; and (3) interactions between particles in numerical methods, such as discrete particle methods or smooth particle hydrodynamics. This paper describes methods to optimize a point-in-box search algorithm developed by Swegle that make optimal use of the architectural features of the Cray Y-MP Supercomputer.

Dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics (DCV-GCMD) is a boundary-driven non-equilibrium molecular dynamics technique for simulating gradient driven diffusion in multi-component systems. Two control volumes are established at opposite ends of the simulation box. Constant temperature and chemical potential of diffusing species are imposed in the control volumes. This results in stable chemical potential gradients and steady-state diffusion fluxes in the region between the control volumes. We present results and detailed analysis for a new constant-pressure variant of the DCV-GCMD method in which one of the diffusing species for which a steady-state diffusion flux exists does not have to be inserted or deIeted. Constant temperature, pressure and chemical potential of all diffusing species except one are imposed in the control volumes. The constant-pressure method can be applied to situations in which insertion and deletion of large molecules would be prohibitively difficult. As an exampIe, we used the method to shnulate diffusion in a biruuy mixture of spherical particles with a 2:1 size ratio. Steady-state diffusion fluxes of both diffbsi.ng species were established. The constant-pressure diffision coefficients agreed closely with the results of the standard constant-volume calculations. In addition, we show how the concentration, chemical potential and flux profiles can …

The role of the inert gas additive (He, Ar, Xe) to C12 Inductively Coupled Plasmas for dry etching of GaAs and GaSb was examined through the effect on etch rate, surface roughness and near-surface stoichiometry. The etch rates for both materials go through a maximum with Clz 0/0 in each type of discharge (C12/'He, C12/Ar, C12/Xc), reflecting the need to have efficient ion-assisted resorption of the etch products. Etch yields initially increase strongly with source power as the chlorine neutral density increases, but decrease again at high powers as the etching becomes reactant-limited. The etched surfaces are generally smoother with Ax or Xe addition, and maintain their stoichiometry.

A large-scale field demonstration comparing and contrasting final landfill cover designs has been constructed and is currently being monitored. Four alternative cover designs and two conventional designs (a RCRA Subtitle `D' Soil Cover and a RCRA Subtitle `C' Compacted Clay Cover) were constructed side-by-side for direct comparison. The demonstration is intended to evaluate the various cover designs based on their respective water balance performance, ease and reliability of construction, and cost. This paper provides an overview of the construction costs of each cover design.

Ion channeling and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the microstructure of GaN implanted with deuterium (D) at high (>1 at. %) and low (< 0.1 at. %) D concentrations. At high concentrations, bubbles and basal-plane stacking faults were observed. Ion channeling showed the D was disordered relative to the GaN lattice, consistent with precipitation of D2 into bubbles. At low D concentrations, bubbles and stacking faults are absent and ion channeling shows that a large fraction of the D occupies sites near the center of the c-axis channel.

The effects of solute dragon grain growth kinetics were studied in two dimensional (2-D) computer simulations by using a diffuse-interface field model. It is shown that, in the low velocity / low driving force regime, the velocity of a grain boundary motion departs from a linear relation with driving force (curvature) with solute drag. The nonlinear relation of migration velocity and driving force comes from the dependence of grain boundary energy and width on the curvature. The growth exponent m of power growth law for a polycrystalline system is affected by the segregation of solutes to grain boundaries. With the solute drag, the growth exponent m can take any value between 2 and 3 depending on the ratio of lattice diffusion to grain boundary mobility. The grain size and topological distributions are unaffected by solute drag, which are the same as those in a pure system.

An electrochemical method of separating heavy metal values from a radioactive molten salt including Li halide at temperatures of about 500{degree}C. The method comprises positioning a solid Li-Cd alloy anode in the molten salt containing the heavy metal values, positioning a Cd-containing cathode or a solid cathode positioned above a catch crucible in the molten salt to recover the heavy metal values, establishing a voltage drop between the anode and the cathode to deposit material at the cathode to reduce the concentration of heavy metals in the salt, and controlling the deposition rate at the cathode by controlling the current between the anode and cathode.

The PCM-2 manufactured by Eberline Instruments is a whole body monitor that detects both alpha and beta contamination. The PCM-2 uses an IBM compatible personal computer for all software functions. The PCM-2 has 34 large area detectors which can cover approximately 40% of the body at a time. This requires two counting cycles to cover approximately 80% of the body. With the normal background seen at Rocky Flats, each count time takes approximately 15--20 seconds. There are a number of beta and gamma whole body monitors available from different manufacturers, but an alpha whole body monitor is a rarity. Because of the need for alpha whole body monitors at The Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, it was decided to do thorough testing on the PCM-2. A three month test was run in uranium building and a three month test in a plutonium building to verify the alpha capabilities of the PCM-2.