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At least 217 records · Page 12

Parameter Sweep and Optimization of Loosely Coupled Simulations Using the DAKOTA Toolkit

The increasing availability of large scale computing capabilities has accelerated the development of high-fidelity coupled simulations. Such simulations typically involve the integration of models that implement various aspects of the complex phenomena under investigation. Coupled simulations are playing an integral role in fields such as climate modeling, earth systems modeling, rocket simulations, computational chemistry, fusion research, and many other computational fields. Model coupling provides scientists with systematic ways to virtually explore the physical, mathematical, and computational aspects of the problem. Such exploration is rarely done using a single execution of a simulation, but rather by aggregating the results from many simulation runs that, together, serve to bring to light novel knowledge about the system under investigation. Furthermore, it is often the case (particularly in engineering disciplines) that the study of the underlying system takes the form of an optimization regime, where the control parameter space is explored to optimize an objective functions that captures system realizability, cost, performance, or a combination thereof. Novel and flexible frameworks that facilitate the integration of the disparate models into a holistic simulation are used to perform this research, while making efficient use of the available computational resources. In this paper, we describe the integration of the DAKOTA optimization and parameter sweep toolkit with the Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS), a component-based framework for loosely coupled simulations. The integration allows DAKOTA to exploit the internal task and resource management of the IPS to dynamically instantiate simulation instances within a single IPS instance, allowing for greater control over the trade-off between efficiency of resource utilization and time to completion. We present a case study showing the use of the combined DAKOTA-IPS system to aid in the design of a lithium ion battery (LIB) cell, by studying a coupled system involving the electrochemistry and ion transport at the lower length scales and thermal energy transport at the device scales. The DAKOTA-IPS system provides a flexible tool for use in optimization and parameter sweep studies involving loosely coupled simulations that is suitable for use in situations where changes to the constituent components in the coupled simulation are impractical due to intellectual property or code heritage issues.

IPS CAEBAT Coupled Battery Simulations↗

Myostatin acts as an autocrine/paracrine negative regulator in myoblast differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Highlights: ► iPS-derived cells express myostatin and its receptor upon myoblast differentiation. ► Myostatin inhibits myoblast differentiation by inhibiting MyoD and Myo5a induction. ► Silencing of myostatin promotes differentiation of human iPS cells into myoblasts. -- Abstract: Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor (GDF-8), regulates proliferation of muscle satellite cells, and suppresses differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes via down-regulation of key myogenic differentiation factors including MyoD. Recent advances in stem cell biology have enabled generation of myoblasts from pluripotent stem cells, but it remains to be clarified whether myostatin is also involved in regulation of artificial differentiation of myoblasts from pluripotent stem cells. Here we show that the human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cells that were induced to differentiate into myoblasts expressed myostatin and its receptor during the differentiation. An addition of recombinant human myostatin (rhMyostatin) suppressed induction of MyoD and Myo5a, resulting in significant suppression of myoblast differentiation. The rhMyostatin treatment also inhibited proliferation of the cells at a later phase of differentiation. RNAi-mediated silencing of myostatin promoted differentiation of human iPS-derived embryoid body (EB) cells into myoblasts. These results strongly suggest that myostatin plays an important role in regulation of myoblast differentiation from iPS cells of human origin. The present findings also have significant implications for potential regenerative medicine for muscular diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A dominant negative form of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor induces metacyclogenesis and increases mitochondrial density in Trypanosoma cruzi

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP{sub 3}R) is a key regulator of intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration that release Ca{sup 2+} from Ca{sup 2+} stores in response to various external stimuli. IP{sub 3}R also works as a signal hub which form a platform for interacting with various proteins involved in diverse cell signaling. Previously, we have identified an IP{sub 3}R homolog in the parasitic protist, Trypanosoma cruzi (TcIP{sub 3}R). Parasites expressing reduced or increased levels of TcIP{sub 3}R displayed defects in growth, transformation, and infectivity. In the present study, we established parasitic strains expressing a dominant negative form of TcIP{sub 3}R, named DN-TcIP{sub 3}R, to further investigate the physiological role(s) of TcIP{sub 3}R. We found that the growth of epimastigotes expressing DN-TcIP{sub 3}R was significantly slower than that of parasites with TcIP{sub 3}R expression levels that were approximately 65% of wild-type levels. The expression of DN-TcIP{sub 3}R in epimastigotes induced metacyclogenesis even in the normal growth medium. Furthermore, these epimastigotes showed the presence of dense mitochondria under a transmission electron microscope. Our findings confirm that TcIP{sub 3}R is crucial for epimastigote growth, as previously reported. They also suggest that a strong inhibition of the IP{sub 3}R-mediated signaling induces metacyclogenesis and that mitochondrial integrity is closely associated with this signaling. - Highlights: • We established T. cruzi strains expressing a dominant negative form of the TcIP{sub 3}R. • DN-TcIP{sub 3}R expression inhibits epimastigote growth and induces metacyclogenesis. • Microscopic analysis indicated TcIP{sub 3}R role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity. • Growth, but not microbial density, was altered by mammalian IP{sub 3}R inhibitor (2-APB).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Spontaneous oscillation of the ciliary beat frequency regulated by release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in mouse nasal epithelia

Highlights: • Spontaneous CBF oscillation was found in ciliated mouse nasal epithelial cells. • The CBF oscillation was caused by the [Ca{sup 2+}]i oscillation. • The [Ca{sup 2+}]i oscillations were generated by the periodic Ca{sup 2+} release from internal stores via interactions between IP{sub 3} and IP{sub 3} receptor. • The CBF oscillation may play a crucial role for maintaining an efficient mucociliary clearance in nasal epithelia. Ciliary beating frequency (CBF) was investigated in ciliated nasal epithelial cells (cMNECs) isolated from mice using video microscopy equipped with a high-speed camera. In cMNECs, a spontaneous CBF oscillation was observed. The CBF oscillation was abolished by BAPTA-AM but not by Ca{sup 2+}-free solution. The addition of thapsigargin, which depletes Ca{sup 2+} from internal stores, also abolished CBF oscillation. Moreover, the intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i}, spontaneously oscillated even with the Ca{sup 2+}-free solution. Moreover, 2APB (an inhibitor of the IP{sub 3} receptor) abolished CBF oscillation in cMNECs. Overall, these findings suggest that the CBF oscillation in cMNECs is triggered by the release of Ca{sup 2+} from the IP{sub 3}-sensitive internal stores. Moreover, IBMX, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, did not affect CBF oscillation in cMNECs, although it slightly increased CBF. These results suggest that CBF oscillations were induced by [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} oscillation controlled via the release of Ca{sup 2+} from IP{sub 3}-sensitive stores, rather than via cAMP accumulation. CBF oscillation possibly plays a crucial role in maintaining an efficient mucociliary clearance in the nasal epithelia.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Effect of different manufacturing methods on polyamide reverse-osmosis membranes for desalination: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Membranes are a key technology platform for a broad application of energy-efficient separations. To best serve the separation demands of industry, the manufacturing processes for these membranes are garnering increasing attention. In particular, for water desalination, the industry leading polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes can be manufactured via molecular layer-by-layer (mLBL) deposition, interfacial polymerization (IP), and 3D-printing technique. However, the influence of different manufacturing methods on PA membrane’s properties is far from understood. Here, in this study, we present the high-pressure transport behavior of water and salt ions for PA membranes formed with IP, mLBL, and 3D-printing through non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Studies show that membranes fabricated with 3D-printing have similar performances to those manufactured using mLBL, quantified by water permeability, rejection of salt ions, structural integrity, and porosity features. However, the membranes formed with IP exhibit faster water transport, lower rejection, worse structural integrity, and more inhomogeneous network pores than those constructed using mLBL and 3D-printing. The unconnected water-accessible space governs water transport for PA membranes formed with mLBL and 3D-printing, which offers the impermanent open-closed pores that enable water to jump through PA membranes. In contrast, the permeated water-enterable space plays a prominent role in water movement across the PA membrane formed with IP, providing a continuous transport channel at high pressure. Importantly, we observe the more significant compaction features at high pressure for PA membranes formed with IP than mLBL and 3D printing. In short, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of existing membrane preparation technologies. It also provides a guide for developing the new membrane preparation process at the molecular level.

3D-printing↗

Transient oxidative stress and inflammation after intraperitoneal administration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with single strand DNA in rats

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are widely used for nanotechnology. Their impact on living organisms is, however, not entirely clarified. Oxidative stress and inflammation seem to be the key mechanisms involved in MWCNTs' cytotoxicity. Until present, pulmonary and skin models were the main tested experimental designs to assess carbon nanotubes' toxicity. The systemic administration of MWCNTs is essential, with respect for future medical applications. Our research is performed on Wistar rats and is focused on the dynamics of oxidative stress parameters in blood and liver and pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver, after single dose (270 mg l{sup −1}) ip administration of MWCNTs (exterior diameter 15–25 nm, interior diameter 10–15 nm, surface 88 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}) functionalized with single strand DNA (ss-DNA). The presence of MWCNTs in blood was assessed by Raman spectroscopy, while in liver histological examination and confocal microscopy were used. It was found that ss-DNA-MWCNTs induce oxidative stress in plasma and liver, with the return of the tested parameters to normal values, 6 h after ip injection of nanotubes, with the exception of reduced glutathione in plasma. The inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) had a similar pattern of evolution. We also assessed the level of ERK1/2 and the phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-kB in liver that had a transient increase and returned to normal at the end of the tested period. Our results demonstrate that ss-DNA-MWCNTs produce oxidative stress and inflammation, but with a transient pattern. Given the fact that antioxidants modify the profile not only for oxidative stress, but also of inflammation, the dynamics of these alterations may be of practical importance for future protective strategies. -- Highlights: ► ss-DNA-MWCNTs ip administration induce oxidative stress in plasma and liver. ► ss-DNA-MWCNTs ip administration determine liver inflammation. ► ERK1/2 and p65 phosphorylated NF-KB increase in liver after MWCNTs ip injection. ► All the alterations, except plasma GSH, return to normal within 6 days.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Post-exposure administration of diazepam combined with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition stops seizures and modulates neuroinflammation in a murine model of acute TETS intoxication

Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS) is a potent convulsant poison for which there is currently no approved antidote. The convulsant action of TETS is thought to be mediated by inhibition of type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA{sub A}R) function. We, therefore, investigated the effects of post-exposure administration of diazepam, a GABA{sub A}R positive allosteric modulator, on seizure activity, death and neuroinflammation in adult male Swiss mice injected with a lethal dose of TETS (0.15 mg/kg, ip). Administration of a high dose of diazepam (5 mg/kg, ip) immediately following the second clonic seizure (approximately 20 min post-TETS injection) effectively prevented progression to tonic seizures and death. However, this treatment did not prevent persistent reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation, as determined by GFAP and Iba-1 immunoreactivity and microglial cell morphology. Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects and to increase survival in mice intoxicated with other GABA{sub A}R antagonists. The sEH inhibitor TUPS (1 mg/kg, ip) administered immediately after the second clonic seizure did not protect TETS-intoxicated animals from tonic seizures or death. Combined administration of diazepam (5 mg/kg, ip) and TUPS (1 mg/kg, ip, starting 1 h after diazepam and repeated every 24 h) prevented TETS-induced lethality and influenced signs of neuroinflammation in some brain regions. Significantly decreased microglial activation and enhanced reactive astrogliosis were observed in the hippocampus, with no changes in the cortex. Combining an agent that targets specific anti-inflammatory mechanisms with a traditional antiseizure drug may enhance treatment outcome in TETS intoxication. - Highlights: • Acute TETS intoxication causes delayed and persistent neuroinflammation. • Diazepam given post-TETS prevents lethal tonic seizures but not neuroinflammation. • A soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor alters TETS-induced neuroinflammation. • Acute TETS intoxication may be more effectively treated by a combinatorial therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The effect of metallothionein 2A core promoter region single-nucleotide polymorphism on accumulation of toxic metals in sinonasal inverted papilloma tissues

Metallothioneins (MTs) are intracellular thiol-rich heavy metal-binding proteins which join trace metal ions protecting cells against heavy metal toxicity and regulate metal distribution and donation to various enzymes and transcription factors. The goal of this study was to identify the − 5 A/G (rs28366003) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the core promoter region of the MT2A gene, and to investigate its effect on allele-specific gene expression and Cd, Zn, Cu and Ni content in sinonasal inverted papilloma tissue (IP), with non-cancerous sinonasal mucosa (NCM) as a control. The MT2A promoter region − 5 A/G SNP was identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism using 117 IP and 132 NCM. MT2A gene analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR. Metal levels were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The frequency of A allele carriage was 99.2% and 100% in IP and NCM, respectively. The G allele carriage was detected in 23.9% of IP and in 12.1% of the NCM samples. As a result, a significant association of − 5 A/G SNP in MT2A gene with mRNA expression in both groups was determined. A significant association was identified between the − 5 A/G SNP in the MT2A gene with mRNA expression in both groups. A highly significant association was detected between the rs28366003 genotype and Cd and Zn content in IP. Furthermore, significant differences were identified between A/A and A/G genotype with regard to the type of metal contaminant. The Spearman rank correlation results showed the MT2A gene expression and both Cd and Cu levels were negatively correlated. The results obtained in this study suggest that the − 5 A/G SNP in the MT2A gene may have an effect on allele-specific gene expression and toxic metal accumulation in sinonasal inverted papilloma. - Highlights: • MT2A gene expression and metal content in sinonasal inverted papilloma tissues • Association between SNP (rs28366003) and expression of MT2A • Significant associations between the SNP and Cd and Zn levels • Negative correlation between MT2A gene expression and Cd and Cu levels.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Metal Interactions at the Biochar-Water Interface: Energetics and Structure-Sorption Relationships Elucidated by Flow Adsorption Microcalorimetry

Interest in biochars and their role in the biogeochemical cycling of metals have increased in recent years. However, a systematic understanding of the mechanisms involved in biochar-metal interactions and conditions under which a given mechanism is predominant is still needed. We used flow adsorption micro-calorimetry to study structure-sorption relationships between twelve plant-derived biochars and two metals of different ionization potential (Ip). Biochar structure influenced the amount of K+ (Ip = 419 kJ mol-1) or Cd(II) (Ip = 868 kJ mol-17 ) sorption but had no effect on the mechanism of sorption. Irrespective of the biochar, K+ sorption was exothermic, surface-controlled and occurred via an ion-exchange mechanism on negatively- charged sites with molar heats of adsorption (_Hads) of -4 kJ mol-1 on wood versus -8 kJ mol-1 on grass biochars. In contrast, Cd(II) sorption was endothermic and favored surface complexation on uncharged biochar surfaces with _Hads of around +17 kJ mol-1. Cadmium sorption transitioned from surface- to diffusion-controlled on biochars formed at ≥ 350 oC and _Hads for Cd(II) sorption was the same on grass and wood biochars. We concluded that, in general, metals with lower Ip favor electrostatic interactions with biochars, while metals of higher Ip favor more covalent-like interactions.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Time-resolved momentum imaging of UV photodynamics in structural isomers of iodopropane probed by site-selective XUV ionization

The photodynamics of 1- and 2-iodopropane (1 and 2-IP) were studied in a time-resolved scheme incorporating ultraviolet (UV) excitation and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) probing, which initiates photoionization selectively from the I 4d core orbital. UV absorption in the A-band of both isomers leads to prompt C–I bond fission, with significant disposal of internal energy into the propyl radical product. Site-selective ionization enables a range of charge transfer (CT) processes between the nascent highly charged iodine ions and neutral propyl radicals, dependent on the interfragment distance at the instant of ionization. Subtle differences in the dynamics of these CT processes between the two isomers are observed. In 1-IP, the kinetic energies of iodine ions produced by UV photodissociation and subsequent XUV multiple ionization increased notably over the first few hundred femtoseconds, which could be understood in terms of differing gradients along the photodissociation coordinates of the neutral and polycationic states involved in the pump and probe steps, respectively. Led by a recent report of HI elimination in UV photoexcited 2-IP [Todt et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 22(46), 27338 (2020)], we also model the most likely signatures of this process in the present experiment, and can identify signal in the 2-IP data (that is absent or significantly weaker in the data from the unbranched 1-IP isomer) that is consistent with such a process occurring on ultrafast timescales.

Allum, Felix [Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DE↗

Validation of modelled imaging plates sensitivity to 1-100 keV x-rays and spatial resolution characterisation for diagnostics for the “PETawatt Aquitaine Laser”

Thanks to their high dynamic range and ability to withstand electromagnetic pulse, imaging plates (IPs) are commonly used as passive detectors in laser-plasma experiments. In the framework of the development of the diagnostics for the Petawatt Aquitaine Laser facility, we present an absolute calibration and spatial resolution study of five different available types of IP (namely, MS-SR-TR-MP-ND) performed by using laser-induced K-shell X-rays emitted by a solid silver target irradiated by the laser ECLIPSE at CEntre Lasers Intenses et Applications. In addition, IP sensitivity measurements were performed with a 160 kV X-ray generator at CEA DAM DIF, where the absolute response of IP SR and TR has been calibrated to X-rays in the energy range 8-75 keV with uncertainties of about 15%. Finally, the response functions have been modeled in Monte Carlo GEANT4 simulations in order to reproduce experimental data. Simulations enable extrapolation of the IP response functions to photon energies from 1 keV to 1 GeV, of interest, e.g., for laser-driven radiography.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Calibration of imaging plates to electrons between 40 and 180 MeV

This paper presents the response calibration of Imaging Plates (IPs) for electrons in the 40-180 MeV range using laser-accelerated electrons at Laboratoire d’Optique Appliquée (LOA), Palaiseau, France. In the calibration process, the energy spectrum and charge of electron beams are measured by an independent system composed of a magnetic spectrometer and a Lanex scintillator screen used as a calibrated reference detector. It is possible to insert IPs of different types or stacks of IPs in this spectrometer in order to detect dispersed electrons simultaneously. The response values are inferred from the signal on the IPs, due to an appropriate charge calibration of the reference detector. The effect of thin layers of tungsten in front and/or behind IPs is studied in detail. GEANT4 simulations are used in order to analyze our measurements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A GIANT SAMPLE OF GIANT PULSES FROM THE CRAB PULSAR

We observed the Crab pulsar with the 43 m telescope in Green Bank, WV over a timespan of 15 months. In total we obtained 100 hr of data at 1.2 GHz and seven hours at 330 MHz, resulting in a sample of about 95,000 giant pulses (GPs). This is the largest sample, to date, of GPs from the Crab pulsar taken with the same telescope and backend and analyzed as one data set. We calculated power-law fits to amplitude distributions for main pulse (MP) and interpulse (IP) GPs, resulting in indices in the range of 2.1-3.1 for MP GPs at 1.2 GHz and in the range of 2.5-3.0 and 2.4-3.1 for MP and IP GPs at 330 MHz. We also correlated the GPs at 1.2 GHz with GPs from the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), which were obtained simultaneously at a higher frequency (8.9 GHz) over a span of 26 hr. In total, 7933 GPs from the 43 m telescope at 1.2 GHz and 39,900 GPs from the GBT were recorded during these contemporaneous observations. At 1.2 GHz, 236 (3%) MP GPs and 23 (5%) IP GPs were detected at 8.9 GHz, both with zero chance probability. Another 15 (4%) low-frequency IP GPs were detected within one spin period of high-frequency IP GPs, with a chance probability of 9%. This indicates that the emission processes at high and low radio frequencies are related, despite significant pulse profile shape differences. The 43 m GPs were also correlated with Fermi {gamma}-ray photons to see if increased pair production in the magnetosphere is the mechanism responsible for GP emission. A total of 92,022 GPs and 393 {gamma}-ray photons were used in this correlation analysis. No significant correlations were found between GPs and {gamma}-ray photons. This indicates that increased pair production in the magnetosphere is likely not the dominant cause of GPs. Possible methods of GP production may be increased coherence of synchrotron emission or changes in beaming direction.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Experimental study on the role of the target electron temperature as a key parameter linking recycling to plasma performance in JET-ILW*

Changes in global and edge plasma parameters (H98(y,2), dimensionless collisionality ν*, core density peaking, separatrix density ne,sep) with variations in the D2 fueling rate and divertor configuration are unified into a single trend when mapped to $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$, the spatially averaged spectroscopically derived outer target electron temperature. Dedicated JET with the ITER-like wall (JET-ILW) experiments in combination with an extended JET-ILW database of unseeded low-triangularity H-mode plasmas spanning a wide range of D2 fueling rates, Ip, Bt and heating power have demonstrated the importance of $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ as a key physics parameter linking the recycling particle source and detachment with plasma performance. The remarkably robust H98(y,2) trend with $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ is connected to a strong inverse correlation between $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$, ne,sep and ν*, thus directly linking changes in the divertor recycling moderated by $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ with the previously established relationship between ν*, core density peaking and core pressure resulting in a degradation in core plasma performance with decreasing $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ (increasing ν*). Additionally, a strong inverse correlation between the separatrix to pedestal density ratio, ne,sep/ne,ped, and $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ is also established, with the rise in ne,sep/ne,ped saturating at $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ > 10 eV. A strong reduction in H98(y,2) is observed as $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ is driven from 30 to 10 eV via additional D2 gas fueling, while the divertor remains attached. Consequently, the pronounced performance degradation in attached divertor conditions has implications for impurity seeding radiative divertor scenarios, in which H98(y,2) is already low (~0.7) before impurities are injected into the plasma since moderate gas fueling rates are required to promote high divertor neutral pressure. A favorable pedestal pressure, pe,ped, dependence on Ip has also been observed, with an overall increase in pe,ped at Ip = 3.4 MA as $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ is driven down from attached to high-recycling divertor conditions. In contrast, pe,ped is reduced with decreasing $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ in the lower Ip branches. Further work is needed to (i) clarify the potential role of edge opacity on the observed favorable pedestal pressure Ip scaling; as well as to (ii) project the global and edge plasma performance trends with $\langle$Te,ot$\rangle$ to reactor-scale devices to improve predictive capability of the coupling between recycling and confined plasma fueling in what are foreseen to be more opaque edge plasma conditions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Ensemble Kalman inversion of induced polarization data

SUMMARY This paper explores the applicability of ensemble Kalman inversion (EKI) with level-set parametrization for solving geophysical inverse problems. In particular, we focus on its extension to induced polarization (IP) data with uncertainty quantification. IP data may provide rich information on characteristics of geological materials due to its sensitivity to characteristics of the pore–grain interface. In many IP studies, different geological units are juxtaposed and the goal is to delineate these units and obtain estimates of unit properties with uncertainty bounds. Conventional inversion of IP data does not resolve well sharp interfaces and tends to reduce and smooth resistivity variations, while not readily providing uncertainty estimates. Recently, it has been shown for DC resistivity that EKI is an efficient solver for inverse problems which provides uncertainty quantification, and its combination with level set parametrization can delineate arbitrary interfaces well. In this contribution, we demonstrate the extension of EKI to IP data using a sequential approach, where the mean field obtained from DC resistivity inversion is used as input for a separate phase angle inversion. We illustrate our workflow using a series of synthetic and field examples. Variations with uncertainty bounds in both DC resistivity and phase angles are recovered by EKI, which provides useful information for hydrogeological site characterization. Although phase angles are less well-resolved than DC resistivity, partly due to their smaller range and higher percentage data errors, it complements DC resistivity for site characterization. Overall, EKI with level set parametrization provides a practical approach forward for efficient hydrogeophysical imaging under uncertainty.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

Tunable competing magnetic anisotropies and spin reconfigurations in ferrimagnetic Fe 100– x Gd x alloy films

Here, we report a comprehensive study of the temperature evolution of in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) effective magnetic anisotropies in compensated ferrimagnetic Fe 100– x Gd x alloy films by employing direct current magnetometry and radiofrequency (RF) transverse susceptibility (TS) measurements. We suggest that our Fe 100– x Gd x system is chemically inhomogeneous and phase segregates into Fe- and Gd-enriched regions. Our IP and OOP magnetometry results indicate that the system undergoes a temperature-driven transformation from an IP-spin-configuration-dominated state to an OOP-spin-configuration-dominated state below a certain temperature (spin reorientation temperature). A two-step reversal behavior emerges in the OOP $\textit{M(H)}$ loop near compensation, which we attribute to the sequential magnetization reversals of Fe- and Gd-enriched domains. Field-induced spin-flop transitions were also observed near the compensation. Our RF TS measurements indicate that the effective magnetic anisotropy for the OOP configuration dominates over that for the IP configuration below a certain spin reorientation temperature. Both IP and OOP anisotropy fields determined from our TS measurement exhibit a minimum around the compensation temperature, which has been explained in the framework of the Stoner-Wohlfarth model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Ghost Collider: An Innovative Higgs Factory

The Ghost Collider is an innovative proposal for a 550 GeV centre-of-mass, 275 GeV per beam linear collid-er with four interaction regions, each with the design luminosity. The primary innovation is the use of “ghost bunches” containing equal numbers of electrons and posi-trons so they are electrically neutral. In the linacs, energy is transferred between electrons and positrons in the same bunch, decelerating one type of particle and using the energy to accelerate the other: a new class of Energy Re-covery Linacs. At the interaction points, collisions be-tween two neutral ghost bunches occurs with weakened electromagnetic interaction such as the beam-beam effect or disruption, ensuring that the particles and their energy can be recycled with minimal loss. Four “serial IPs” are incorporated, where chromatic errors produced in one IP are cancelled in the following IP. The neutral beam insta-bility at the IP is also addressed. All interaction points have the nominal luminosity per IP of 2.8 x 1034 cm-2s-1 for a facility luminosity of 1.1 x1035 cm-2s-1 @ 100 MW electrical power for the RF systems. The result is a totally original concept for an electron-positron collider.

Hutton, A. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator ↗

Usability Evaluation of the Innovation Portal and Integrated Capability Analysis Platform

The usability evaluation of the ICAP and IP tools was conducted as part of the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) ION effort with two evaluators for the Idaho National Laboratory. Many nuclear operations in the United States are facing challenges of increased business, operations, and maintenance costs due to subsidized renewables and natural gas. The commercial NPP industry has looked to other industries to develop methods such as Integrated Operations (IO) to use available technologies to reduce operating costs. One concept for reducing costs that has been developed is the Integrated Operations for Nuclear (ION). A capability Stack model was developed as part of the ION effort to break down information related to People, Technology, Processes, and Governance (PTPG). The Innovation Portal (IP) and Integrated Capability Analysis Platform (ICAP) were created from the Capability Stack model as part of the ION effort to help utilities reduce O&M costs by identifying work reduction opportunities. Two heuristic evaluations and a cognitive walkthrough of the ICAP and IP tools were completed to identify usability issues to further develop the tools for use in the ION effort. Usability issues identified were rated by priority levels and across both tools. The priority levels identified were high (5), medium (11), and low (10). Recommendation were made to help reduce usability issues of the systems and help increase the user response rate of using the systems once they are implemented for utilities. Future work on designs for the IP tool and additional heuristic evaluations and external testing are being developed to continue refinement of the ICAP and IP tools for the ION effort.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗