Newsletter of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service discussing topics related to economic aspects of raising dairy cows, dairy production, and managing dairy operations.

Phase transformation and cracking during RT aging of charged, high-purity Fe18Cr12Ni alloy and commerical 304 ss were examined; results show that [epsilon]* (hcp) hydride formed on Fe18Cr12Ni upon charging, and it decomposed rapidly to form first [epsilon] and then [alpha]' martensite. Morphology of fracture surfaces of Fe18Cr12Ni produced by corrosion fatigue in NaCl solutions and in hydrogen was found to be identical. Effort was made to examine the approaches and methodologies used in service life predictions and reliability analyses.

Phase transformation and cracking during RT aging of charged, high-purity Fe18Cr12Ni alloy and commerical 304 ss were examined; results show that {epsilon}* (hcp) hydride formed on Fe18Cr12Ni upon charging, and it decomposed rapidly to form first {epsilon} and then {alpha}` martensite. Morphology of fracture surfaces of Fe18Cr12Ni produced by corrosion fatigue in NaCl solutions and in hydrogen was found to be identical. Effort was made to examine the approaches and methodologies used in service life predictions and reliability analyses.

The principal objective of this research is to determine the role host petroleum-derived oils (1000[degrees]F+), as well as that of catalytically treated host oils, play when used as liquefaction solvents in coprocessing with coal. The host oils will be extensively characterized and then pretreated in a number of ways which involve catalytic reactions such as hydrogenation, hydrocracking, isomerization, and dehydrogenation. The pretreated oils will then be characterized. The effects of the host oil on coprocessing with coal will be compared to those obtained using catalytically modified heavy oils. When appropriate, model compounds will be used to study specific reactions brought about by the pretreatments. Highly dispersed iron catalysts modified by the addition of small amounts of other metals will be used to modify the chemical composition of the host oils. To date, five different pretreatment reactions have been carried out on the Amoco oil. Table 1 list some properties of this oil. Details of the reaction conditions used are given in Table 2. An objective of the pretreatment reactions is to increase hydrogen content without too significant a breakdown (cracking) of the hydrocarbon structures. Severe cracking could produce a light hydrocarbon solvent which may not be suitable for coprocessing because …

The principal objective of this research is to determine the role host petroleum-derived oils (1000{degrees}F+), as well as that of catalytically treated host oils, play when used as liquefaction solvents in coprocessing with coal. The host oils will be extensively characterized and then pretreated in a number of ways which involve catalytic reactions such as hydrogenation, hydrocracking, isomerization, and dehydrogenation. The pretreated oils will then be characterized. The effects of the host oil on coprocessing with coal will be compared to those obtained using catalytically modified heavy oils. When appropriate, model compounds will be used to study specific reactions brought about by the pretreatments. Highly dispersed iron catalysts modified by the addition of small amounts of other metals will be used to modify the chemical composition of the host oils. To date, five different pretreatment reactions have been carried out on the Amoco oil. Table 1 list some properties of this oil. Details of the reaction conditions used are given in Table 2. An objective of the pretreatment reactions is to increase hydrogen content without too significant a breakdown (cracking) of the hydrocarbon structures. Severe cracking could produce a light hydrocarbon solvent which may not be suitable for coprocessing because …

Results are reported on adsorption of water vapor on reservoir rocks, physics of injection of water into vapor-dominated geothermal reservoirs, earth-tide effects on downhole pressures, injection optimization at the Geysers, effects of salinity in adsorption experiments, interpreting multiwell pressure data from Ohaaki, and estimation of adsorption parameters from transient experiments.

Results are reported on adsorption of water vapor on reservoir rocks, physics of injection of water into vapor-dominated geothermal reservoirs, earth-tide effects on downhole pressures, injection optimization at the Geysers, effects of salinity in adsorption experiments, interpreting multiwell pressure data from Ohaaki, and estimation of adsorption parameters from transient experiments.

The SDC calorimeter will be immersed in a strong magnetic field in the endcap region because of the solenoid which supplies the SDC tracking field. This flux must be returned through the endcap region of the electromagnetic (EM) and hadronic (HAD) calorimeters. Since magnetic fields are known to induce changes in the light output of plastic scintillator, the endcap will need to be recalibrated once the solenoid is energized. In addition, gradients in the field will create nonuniformities in the calorimetric response. The ``induced constant term`` in the EM and HAD calorimeters due to the inhomogeneities induced by the magnetic field are here evaluated in order to see that SDC performance specifications are not compromised.

The SDC calorimeter will be immersed in a strong magnetic field in the endcap region because of the solenoid which supplies the SDC tracking field. This flux must be returned through the endcap region of the electromagnetic (EM) and hadronic (HAD) calorimeters. Since magnetic fields are known to induce changes in the light output of plastic scintillator, the endcap will need to be recalibrated once the solenoid is energized. In addition, gradients in the field will create nonuniformities in the calorimetric response. The induced constant term'' in the EM and HAD calorimeters due to the inhomogeneities induced by the magnetic field are here evaluated in order to see that SDC performance specifications are not compromised.

Document 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 the Texas Surplus Property Agency is authorized to obtain fire and casualty insurance to protect agency buildings, and related questions (RQ-53)

Newsletter of the Texas Bureau of Disease Control and Epidemiology discussing the news, activities, and events of the organization and other information related to health in Texas.

We will explore a variant of resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI). Development of the IR + UV R2PI experiment is underway. We have used optical R2PI and pulsed field ionization detection to obtain vibrational spectra of the benzyl and phenylsilane cations. In benzyl, we have learned about the vibronic coupling in the mixed 1{sup 2}A{sub 2}-2{sup 2}B{sub 2} system near 450 nm by projecting the mixed states onto the manifold of cation vibrational states. In phenylsilane{sup +}, we find that the sixfold barrier to internal rotation of the silyl group is small (V{sub 6}= +19 cm{sup {minus}1}). We are beginning to understand the mechanisms of coupling of torsional states with vibrations, overall rotation, and other electronic states, and we are developing a model of internal rotation in aromatic compounds based on Weinhold`s natural resonance theory. 1 tab, 14 refs.

We will explore a variant of resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI). Development of the IR + UV R2PI experiment is underway. We have used optical R2PI and pulsed field ionization detection to obtain vibrational spectra of the benzyl and phenylsilane cations. In benzyl, we have learned about the vibronic coupling in the mixed 1[sup 2]A[sub 2]-2[sup 2]B[sub 2] system near 450 nm by projecting the mixed states onto the manifold of cation vibrational states. In phenylsilane[sup +], we find that the sixfold barrier to internal rotation of the silyl group is small (V[sub 6]= +19 cm[sup [minus]1]). We are beginning to understand the mechanisms of coupling of torsional states with vibrations, overall rotation, and other electronic states, and we are developing a model of internal rotation in aromatic compounds based on Weinhold's natural resonance theory. 1 tab, 14 refs.

High power and high radiance laser technologies developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) such as copper-vapor lasers, solid-state slab lasers, dye lasers, harmonic wavelength conversion of these lasers, and fiber optic delivery systems show great promise for material processing tasks. Evaluation of models suggests significant potential for tenfold increases in welding, cutting, and drilling performance, as well as capability for applications in emerging technologies such as micromachining, surface treatment, and stereolithography. The goals of this program are to develop low-cost, reliable and maintainable industrial laser systems. Chains of copper lasers currently operate at more than 1.5 kW output and achieve mean time between failures of more than 1,000 hours. The beam quality of copper vapor lasers is approximately three times the diffraction limit. Dye lasers have near diffraction limited beam quality at greater than 1.0 kW. diode laser pumped, Nd:YAG slab lasers are also being developed at LLNL. Current designs achieve powers of greater than 1.0 kW and projected beam quality is in the two to five times diffraction limited range. Results from cutting and drilling studies in titanium and stainless steel alloys show that cuts and holes with extremely fine features can be made with dye and copper-vapor …

Starting in 1989, the concept that partitioning and transmuting actinides from spent nuclear fuel could be a {open_quotes}solution{close_quotes} to the apparent lack of progress in the high-level waste disposal program began to be heard from a variety of sources, both in the US and internationally. There have been numerous papers and sessions at scientific conferences and several conferences devoted to this subject in the last three years. At the request of the US Department of Energy, the National Research Council is evaluating the feasibility of this concept. Because either plutonium or highly enriched uranium is needed to startup breeder reactors, there is a sound rationale for using Pu from reprocessing spent light-water reactor fuel to start a conversion to Pu-breeding liquid metal reactors (LMRs), once society makes the determination that adding a large component of LMRs to the electricity-generating grid is desirable. This is the long-term option referred to in the title. It is compatible with the current and likely future high-level waste program, as well as the current nuclear power industry in the US. However, the thesis of this paper is that partitioning and transmutation (P-T) does not offer a near term solution to high-level waste disposal in the …

Proton and deuteron kinetic energy spectra have been measured at target rapidities for both minimum bias and central collisions of 14.6 A{center_dot}GeV/c {sup 28}Si and 11.7 A{center_dot}GeV/c {sup 197}Au beams with a {sup 197}Au target. The spectra were measured from a low energy threshold of approximately E{sub kin}=35 MeV to well over 200 MeV for laboratory angles of 50{degree} to 130{degree} ({vert_bar}{eta}{vert_bar} {le}0.76). The acceptance-corrected spectra have been fit over a limited range of kinetic energies using a Boltzmann distribution. The integrated yields and the inverse slope parameters are presented as a function of centrality for the {sup 28}Si + {sup 197}Au reaction and as a function of trigger for the {sup 197}Au + {sup 197}Au reaction. These quantities are also compared with the proton spectra generated using both the ARC and RQMD codes.

Document 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 a county to improve certain subdivision roads and assess the cost of repairs against subdivisions (RQ-457)

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 the Harris County Flood Control District has a right-of-way to build flood control works across Harris County roads, and related questions (RQ-302)

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 the Texas A&M University System may contract with a law firm that has, as one of its partners, a member of the Texas A&M University System’s board of regents and related questions (ID# 17933)

Silica aerogel consists of bonded silicon and oxygen joined into log strands, which are randomly linked together with pockets of air between them. Discovered in the 1930s, the material was thought to have little use outside of theoretical science. However, with the advent of greatly improved processing techniques, such as those developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, aerogels are on the verge of commercialization. This document describes the need for aerogels in the high-speed microelectronics industry, and state of the art processing techniques. Collaboration is welcomed in the endeavor.

By Congress in 1977 as an independent entity within the Department of Energy, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the principal and authoritative source of comprehensive energy data for the Congress, the Federal Government, the States, and the public. During 1992, EIA provided information and analysis in response to many energy-related issues and events, including Hurricane Andrew. In addition, EIA made substantial strides in a number of critical special projects, most notably development of the National Energy Modeling System, preparation of National Petroleum Council studies on petroleum refining and natural gas, and establishment of oxygenate data program mandated by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. EIA also took advantage of new opportunities for international consultations and energy information exchanges. This report to Congress contains energy-related information on the following: petroleum; natural gas; integrated analysis and forecasting; electricity; coal; energy markets and end use, nuclear, statistical standards, and information services. The appendices include: data collection surveys of the Energy Information Administration; Analytic models of the Energy Information Administration; EIA publication -- EIA products available on diskette; and Major laws affecting EIA, 1974-1992.

Argonne National Laboratory`s Analysis & Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) tests advanced batteries under simulated electric and hybrid vehicle operating conditions. The ADL facilities also include a post-test analysis laboratory to determine, in a protected atmosphere if needed, component compositional changes and failure mechanisms. The ADL provides a common basis for battery performance characterization and life evaluations with unbiased application of tests and analyses. The battery evaluations and post-test examinations help identify factors that limit system performance and life, and the most-promising R&D approaches for overcoming these limitations. Since 1991, performance characterizations and/or life evaluations have been conducted on eight battery technologies (Na/S, Li/S, Zn/Br, Ni/MH, Ni/Zn, Ni/Cd, Ni/Fe, and lead-acid). These evaluations were performed for the Department of Energy`s. Office of Transportation Technologies, Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Division (DOE/OTT/EHP), and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Transportation Program. The results obtained are discussed.

Argonne National Laboratory's Analysis Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) tests advanced batteries under simulated electric and hybrid vehicle operating conditions. The ADL facilities also include a post-test analysis laboratory to determine, in a protected atmosphere if needed, component compositional changes and failure mechanisms. The ADL provides a common basis for battery performance characterization and life evaluations with unbiased application of tests and analyses. The battery evaluations and post-test examinations help identify factors that limit system performance and life, and the most-promising R D approaches for overcoming these limitations. Since 1991, performance characterizations and/or life evaluations have been conducted on eight battery technologies (Na/S, Li/S, Zn/Br, Ni/MH, Ni/Zn, Ni/Cd, Ni/Fe, and lead-acid). These evaluations were performed for the Department of Energy's. Office of Transportation Technologies, Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Division (DOE/OTT/EHP), and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Transportation Program. The results obtained are discussed.

This is the fourth quarterly report covering December 5, 1992, to March 4, 1993. The overall goal of this program is to develop a system based on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes that can treat oily water economically. This system will be based on the use of thin-film-composite (TFC) membranes that consist of a selective coating placed on a solvent-resistant hollow-fiber support. For this program, we plan to develop solvent-resistant hollow-fiber supports and coat them with a ``loose RO`` coating. We developed the coating, which is designated TTM, in previous work for the treatment of oily waste waters. During this reporting period, work was focused on (1)fabrication and testing of large-scale hollow-fiber modules, (2)performing preliminary field tests using these modules, and (3)arranging for a demonstration test of this technology. Our results show that the solvent-resistant TTM hollow-fiber modules perform well when operated on oily waters. During the next reporting period, we plan to complete arrangements for the demonstration test of this technology. This field test, preparation of the final report, and technology transfer are the only tasks remaining in this program.