Systems Analysis of an Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle Based on a Modified UREX+3c Process (open access)

Systems Analysis of an Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle Based on a Modified UREX+3c Process

The research described in this report was performed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to describe and compare the merits of two advanced alternative nuclear fuel cycles -- named by this study as the “UREX+3c fuel cycle” and the “Alternative Fuel Cycle” (AFC). Both fuel cycles were assumed to support 100 1,000 MWe light water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plants operating over the period 2020 through 2100, and the fast reactors (FRs) necessary to burn the plutonium and minor actinides generated by the LWRs. Reprocessing in both fuel cycles is assumed to be based on the UREX+3c process reported in earlier work by the DOE. Conceptually, the UREX+3c process provides nearly complete separation of the various components of spent nuclear fuel in order to enable recycle of reusable nuclear materials, and the storage, conversion, transmutation and/or disposal of other recovered components. Output of the process contains substantially all of the plutonium, which is recovered as a 5:1 uranium/plutonium mixture, in order to discourage plutonium diversion. Mixed oxide (MOX) fuel for recycle in LWRs is made using this 5:1 U/Pu mixture plus appropriate makeup uranium. A second process output contains all of the recovered uranium except the …
Date: December 28, 2009
Creator: Johnson, E. R. & Best, R. E.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Texas Attorney General Opinion: GA-0752 (open access)

Texas Attorney General Opinion: GA-0752

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, Greg Abbott, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Whether multiple contiguous lots may be claimed as part of a homestead exemption under section 11.13(j) of the Tax Code (RQ-0808-GA)
Date: December 28, 2009
Creator: Texas. Attorney-General's Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Texas Attorney General Opinion: GA-0753 (open access)

Texas Attorney General Opinion: GA-0753

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, Greg Abbott, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Whether a peace officer who has taken a person into custody under chapter 573 of the Health and Safety Code may be required to transport that individual to a medical facility for evaluation prior to taking that person to a mental health facility (RQ-0809-GA)
Date: December 28, 2009
Creator: Texas. Attorney-General's Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Worker Environment Beryllium Characterization Study (open access)

Worker Environment Beryllium Characterization Study

This report summarizes the conclusion of regular monitoring of occupied buildings at the Nevada Test Site and North Las Vegas facility to determine the extent of beryllium (Be) contamination in accordance with Judgment of Needs 6 of the August 14, 2003, “Minnema Report.”
Date: December 28, 2009
Creator: NSTec Environment, Safety, Health & Quality
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Air Force KC-X Tanker Aircraft Program: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Air Force KC-X Tanker Aircraft Program: Background and Issues for Congress

This report discusses issues for Congress in FY2011, which are whether to approve, reject, or modify DOD's new KC-X competition strategy, and whether to approve, reject, or modify the Air Force's request for FY2011 research and development funding for the new KC-X program.
Date: December 27, 2009
Creator: Gertler, Jeremiah
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Formation of inner-shell autoionizing CO+ states below the CO++ threshold (open access)

Formation of inner-shell autoionizing CO+ states below the CO++ threshold

We report a kinematically complete experiment on the production of CO{sup +} autoionizing states following photoionization of carbon monoxide below its vertical double ionization threshold. Momentum imaging spectroscopy is used to measure the energies and body-frame angular distributions of both photo- and autoionization electrons, as well as the kinetic energy release (KER) of the atomic ions. This data, in combination with ab initio theoretical calculations, provides insight into the nature of the cation states produced and their subsequent dissociation into autoionizing atomic (O*) fragments.
Date: December 27, 2009
Creator: Osipov, Timur; Weber, Thorsten; Rescigno, Thomas N; Lee, Sun; Orel, Ann; Schoffler, Markus et al.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Institute for Multiscale Modeling of Biological Interactions (open access)

Institute for Multiscale Modeling of Biological Interactions

The Institute for Multiscale Modeling of Biological Interactions (IMMBI) has two primary goals: Foster interdisciplinary collaborations among faculty and their research laboratories that will lead to novel applications of multiscale simulation and modeling methods in the biological sciences and engineering; and Building on the unique biophysical/biology-based engineering foundations of the participating faculty, train scientists and engineers to apply computational methods that collectively span multiple time and length scales of biological organization. The success of IMMBI will be defined by the following: Size and quality of the applicant pool for pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellows; Academic performance; Quality of the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research; Impact of the research broadly and to the DOE (ASCR program) mission; Distinction of the next career step for pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellows; and Faculty collaborations that result from IMMBI activities. Specific details about accomplishments during the three years of DOE support for IMMBI have been documented in Annual Progress Reports (April 2005, June 2006, and March 2007) and a Report for a National Academy of Sciences Review (October 2005) that were submitted to DOE on the dates indicated. An overview of these accomplishments is provided.
Date: December 26, 2009
Creator: Paulaitis, Michael E.; Garcia-Moreno, Bertrand & Lenhoff, Abraham
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Optical People Counting for Demand Controlled Ventilation: A Pilot Study of Counter Performance (open access)

Optical People Counting for Demand Controlled Ventilation: A Pilot Study of Counter Performance

This pilot scale study evaluated the counting accuracy of two people counting systems that could be used in demand controlled ventilation systems to provide control signals for modulating outdoor air ventilation rates. The evaluations included controlled challenges of the people counting systems using pre-planned movements of occupants through doorways and evaluations of counting accuracies when naive occupants (i.e., occupants unaware of the counting systems) passed through the entrance doors of the building or room. The two people counting systems had high counting accuracy accuracies, with errors typically less than 10percent, for typical non-demanding counting events. However, counting errors were high in some highly challenging situations, such as multiple people passing simultaneously through a door. Counting errors, for at least one system, can be very high if people stand in the field of view of the sensor. Both counting system have limitations and would need to be used only at appropriate sites and where the demanding situations that led to counting errors were rare.
Date: December 26, 2009
Creator: Fisk, William J. & Sullivan, Douglas
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Texas Register, Volume 34, Number 52, Pages 9265-9546, December 25, 2009 (open access)

Texas Register, Volume 34, Number 52, Pages 9265-9546, December 25, 2009

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.
Date: December 25, 2009
Creator: Texas. Secretary of State.
Object Type: Journal/Magazine/Newsletter
System: The Portal to Texas History
Iran Sanctions (open access)

Iran Sanctions

This report focuses on the United States' relationship with Iran and how the Obama Administration is handling prior administration's economic sanctions against Iran. The Obama Administration's policy approach toward Iran has contrasted with the Bush Administration's by attempting to couple the imposition of sanctions to an active and direct U.S. effort to negotiate with Iran on the nuclear issue.
Date: December 24, 2009
Creator: Katzman, Kenneth
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
1-D Van der Waals Foams Heated by Ion Beam Energy Deposition (open access)

1-D Van der Waals Foams Heated by Ion Beam Energy Deposition

One dimensional simulations of various initial average density aluminum foams (modeled as slabs of solid metal separated by low density regions) heated by volumetric energy deposition are conducted with a Lagrangian hydrodynamics code using a van der Waals equation of tate (EOS). The resulting behavior is studied to facilitate the design of future warm dense matter (WDM) experiments at LBNL. In the simulations the energy deposition ranges from 10 to 30 kJ/g and from 0.075 to 4.0 ns total pulse length, resulting in temperatures from approximately 1 o 4 eV. We study peak pressures and temperatures in the foams, expansion velocity, and the phase evolution. Five relevant time scales in the problem are identified. Additionally, we present a method for characterizing the level of inhomogeneity in a foam target as it is heated and the time it takes for a foam to homogenize.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Zylstra, A. B.; Barnard, J. J. & More, R. M.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Agriculture and Forestry Provisions in Climate Legislation in the 111th Congress (open access)

Agriculture and Forestry Provisions in Climate Legislation in the 111th Congress

This report compares and contrasts the House's American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and the Senate's Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Both bills establish further regulations on greenhouse gases. The contention is that both of these bills potentially raise costs.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Johnson, Renée
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (open access)

Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships

This report provides information regarding pollution from ships and port facilities; discusses some of the measures being implemented and considered by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies; discusses the efforts to ratify and to strengthen Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL); and describes legislation in Congress to control emissions from ships by amending the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: McCarthy, James E.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Set to Expire February 28, 2010 (open access)

Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Set to Expire February 28, 2010

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) provides a statutory framework by which government agencies may, when gathering foreign intelligence investigation, obtain authorization to conduct electronic surveillance or physical searches, utilize pen registers and trap and trace devices, or access specified business records and other tangible things. This report discusses three sunsetting amendments of FISA which include the "Lone Wolf" provision, "roving" wiretaps, and access to business records.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Henning, Anna C. & Liu, Edward C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues (open access)

China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues

Using a variety of unclassified consultations and sources, this report discusses the national security problem of the People's Republic of China's (PRC) role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Kan, Shirley A.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities--Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities--Background and Issues for Congress

This report focuses on the potential implications of China's naval modernization for future required U.S. Navy capabilities. This report is based on unclassified open-source information, such as the annual Department of Defense (DOD) report to Congress on China's military power, an August 2009 report from the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), and published reference sources such as Jane's Fighting Ships.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress (open access)

Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

This report provides background information and oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's Deepwater acquisition programs for replacing and modernizing the service's aging fleet of deepwater-capable ships and aircraft.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress (open access)

Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress

This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the modernization of the Coast Guard's polar icebreaker fleet, which performs a variety of missions supporting U.S. interests in polar regions.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Continuity and Performance in Composite Electrodes (open access)

Continuity and Performance in Composite Electrodes

It is shown that the rate performance of a lithium battery composite electrode may be compromised by poor internal connectivity due to defects and inhomogeneities introduced during electrode fabrication or subsequent handling. Application of a thin conductive coating to the top surface of the electrode or to the separator surface in contact with the electrode improves the performance by providing alternative current paths to partially isolated particles of electroactive material. Mechanistic implications are discussed and strategies for improvement in electrode design and fabrication are presented.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Chen, Guoying & Richardson, Thomas J.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations (open access)

Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations

This report provides an overview of the administration's fiscal year 2010 budget request. The report discusses base budget, war costs and issues regarding the defense appropriations for FY2010.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Towell, Pat
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Government Collection of Private Information: Background and Issues Related to the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization (open access)

Government Collection of Private Information: Background and Issues Related to the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

This report discusses the history of constitutional interpretations and legislative responses relevant to the collection of private information for criminal investigation, foreign intelligence gathering, and national security purposes.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Henning, Anna C.; Bazan, Elizabeth B.; Doyle, Charles & Liu, Edward C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations (open access)

Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations

This report provides a brief overview of Iran's nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council. It will be updated as events warrant.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: Kerr, Paul K.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
National Airspace System: Regional Airport Planning Could Help Address Congestion If Plans Were Integrated with FAA and Airport Decision Making (open access)

National Airspace System: Regional Airport Planning Could Help Address Congestion If Plans Were Integrated with FAA and Airport Decision Making

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts that the national airspace system will become increasingly congested over time, imposing costs of delay on passengers and regions. While transforming the current air-traffic control system to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) may provide additional en route capacity, many airports will still face constraints at their runways and terminals. In light of these forecasts, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to evaluate regional airport planning in metropolitan regions with congested airports. GAO (1) identified which airports are currently or will be significantly congested and the potential benefits of regional airport planning, (2) assessed how regions with congested airports use regional airport planning in decision making, and (3) identified factors that hinder or aid in the development and implementation of regional airport plans. GAO reviewed studies; interviewed FAA, airport, and other aviation and transportation officials; and conducted case studies in selected regions."
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress

This report discusses issues Congress faces regarding the Navy's proposed FY2011 budget, particularly as relating to destroyer procurement plans and programs.
Date: December 23, 2009
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library