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At least 487 records · Page 27

Considerations for Bioassay Monitoring of Mixtures of Radionuclides

Complying with regulations for bioassay monitoring of radionuclide intakes is significantly more complex for mixtures than it is for pure radionuclides. Different constituents will naturally have different dose coefficients, be detectable at significantly different levels, and may require very different amounts of effort to bioassay. The ability to use certain constituents as surrogates for others will depend on how well characterized the mixture is, as well as whether the employee is also working with other radionuclides. This is further compounded by the fact that the composition of a mixture (or even of a pure radionuclide) is likely to change over time. Internal dosimetrists must decide how best to monitor employees who work with radionuclide mixtures. In particular, they must decide which constituents should be monitored routinely, which constituents only need to be monitored in the case of an intake, and how to estimate doses based on intakes of monitored and unmonitored constituents.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

SU-G-TeP1-04: Deriving Spot Shape Criteria for Proton Pencil Beam Scanning

Purpose: The shape of a single beam in proton PBS influences the resulting dose distribution. Spot profiles are modelled as two-dimensional Gaussian (single/ double) distributions in treatment planning systems (TPS). Impact of slight deviations from an ideal Gaussian on resulting dose distributions is typically assumed to be small due to alleviation by multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) in tissue and superposition of many spots. Quantitative limits are however not clear per se. Methods: A set of 1250 deliberately deformed profiles with sigma=4 mm for a Gaussian fit were constructed. Profiles and fit were normalized to the same area, resembling output calibration in the TPS. Depth-dependent MCS was considered. The deviation between deformed and ideal profiles was characterized by root-mean-squared deviation (RMSD), skewness/ kurtosis (SK) and full-width at different percentage of maximum (FWxM). The profiles were convolved with different fluence patterns (regular/ random) resulting in hypothetical dose distributions. The resulting deviations were analyzed by applying a gamma-test. Results were compared to measured spot profiles. Results: A clear correlation between pass-rate and profile metrics could be determined. The largest impact occurred for a regular fluence-pattern with increasing distance between single spots, followed by a random distribution of spot weights. The results are strongly dependent on gamma-analysis dose and distance levels. Pass-rates of >95% at 2%/2 mm and 40 mm depth (=70 MeV) could only be achieved for RMSD<10%, deviation in FWxM at 20% and root of quadratic sum of SK <0.8. As expected the results improve for larger depths. The trends were well resembled for measured spot profiles. Conclusion: All measured profiles from ProBeam sites passed the criteria. Given the fact, that beam-line tuning can result shape distortions, the derived criteria represent a useful QA tool for commissioning and design of future beam-line optics.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Microstructural stability and mechanical behavior of FeNiMnCr high entropy alloy under ion irradiation

In recent years, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance, making them potential candidates for high temperature fission and fusion structural applications. However there is very little known about their radiation resistance, particularly at elevated temperatures relevant for energy applications. In the present study, a single phase (face centered cubic) concentrated solid solution alloy of composition 27%Fe-28%Ni-27%Mn-18%Cr was irradiated with 3 or 5.8 MeV Ni ions at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 700 °C and midrange doses from 0.03 to 10 displacements per atom (dpa). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (STEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the radiation defects and microstructural changes. Irradiation at higher temperatures showed evidence of relatively sluggish solute diffusion with limited solute depletion or enrichment at grain boundaries. The main microstructural feature at all temperatures was high-density small dislocation loops. Voids were not observed at any irradiation condition. Nano-indentation tests on specimens irradiated at room temperature showed a rapid increase in hardness ~35% and ~80% higher than the unirradiated value at 0.03 and 0.3 dpa midrange doses, respectively. The irradiation-induced hardening was less pronounced for 500 °C irradiations (<20% increase after 3 dpa). Overall, the examined HEA material exhibits superior radiation resistance compared to conventional single phase Fe-Cr-Ni austenitic alloys such as stainless steels. Furthermore, the present study provides insight on the fundamental irradiation behavior of a single phase HEA material over a broad range of irradiation temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of a New Structural Class of Broadly Acting HCV Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors Leading to the Discovery of MK-8876

Studies directed at developing a broadly acting non-nucleoside inhibitor of HCV NS5B led to the discovery of a novel structural class of 5-aryl benzofurans that simultaneously interact with both the palm I and palm II binding regions. An initial candidate was potent in vitro against HCV GT1a and GT1b replicons, and induced multi-log reductions in HCV viral load when orally dosed to chronic GT1 infected chimpanzees. However, in vitro potency losses against clinically relevant GT1a variants prompted a further effort to develop compounds with sustained potency across a broader array of HCV genotypes and mutants. Ultimately, a biology and medicinal chemistry collaboration led to the discovery of the development candidate MK-8876. MK-8876 demonstrated a pan-genotypic potency profile and maintained potency against clinically relevant mutants. It demonstrated moderate bioavailability in rats and dogs, but showed low plasma clearance characteristics consistent with once-daily dosing. Herein we describe the efforts which led to the discovery of MK-8876, which advanced into Phase 1 monotherapy studies for evaluation and characterization as a component of an all-oral direct-acting drug regimen for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dislocation loop evolution in F/M steel T91 under in-situ ion irradiation: Influence of the presence of initial dislocations

Ferritic/Martensitic (F/M) steel T91 was irradiated in-situ to 4 and 10 dpa at 470 °C using 1 MeV Kr 2+ . Additionally, the microstructure evolution under irradiation was followed and characterized by in-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), in terms of dislocation loop Burgers vector, average size and density as a function of dose. Furthermore, the influence of the presence of dislocations in the pre-irradiated matrix was investigated by comparing the radiation induced defect evolution in grains with and without initial dislocations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrostatic Screening Modulates Analyte Binding and Emission of Carbon Nanotubes

Many nanomaterials are promising biosensor elements due to capabilities for transduction of biomolecular interactions into an electrical or optical signal. Certain nanomaterials have intrinsic charges and are thus susceptible to electrostatic forces that may enhance or attenuate their response. We are using a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we found and characterized a critical role of the solvent salt conditions in determining the extent of optical changes due to anionic analyte interaction with an intrinsically responsive nanomaterial, single-walled carbon nanotubes. Using a well-characterized model anionic analyte, we found that monovalent salts enabled greater optical changes of a polyanion-bound carbon nanotube in a highly dose-dependent manner but not with a neutrally charged analyte. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to derive a quantitative understanding of this mechanism from a free-energy perspective. We also show that salt can be used to enhance the sensitivity of detection for a polyanionic analyte. These results suggest that electrostatic screening is an important parameter for intrinsically charged nanoparticle sensors and it may be tuned to control the response to analytes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Post-deformation examination of specimens subjected to SCC testing

This report details the results of post-radiation and post-deformation characterizations performed during FY 2015–FY 2016 on a subset of specimens that had previously been irradiated at high displacement per atom (dpa) damage doses. The specimens, made of commercial austenitic stainless steels and alloys, were subjected to stress-corrosion cracking tests (constant extension rate testing and crack growth testing) at the University of Michigan under conditions typical of nuclear power plants. After testing, the specimens were returned to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for further analysis and evaluation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Novel High Temperature and Radiation Resistant Infrared Glasses and Optical Fibers for Sensing in Advanced Small Modular Reactors

One binary and three series of ternary non-oxide pure sulfide glasses compositions were investigated with the goal of synthesizing new glasses that exhibit high glass transition (Tg) and crystallization (Tc) temperatures, infrared transparency, and reliable glass formability. The binary glass series consisted of Ges 2 and La 2 S 3 and the three glass series in the x(nBaS + mLa2S3) + (1-2x)GeS2 ternary system have BaS:La2S3 modifier ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 with . With these glasses, new insights were realized as to how ionic glasses form and how glass modifiers affect both structure and glass formability. All synthesized compositions were characterized by Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to better understand the fundamental structure, optical, and thermal characteristics of the glasses. After a range of these glasses were synthesized, optimal compositions were formed into glass disks and subjected to gamma irradiation. Glass disks were characterized both before and after irradiation by microscope imaging, measuring the refractive index, density, and UV-VIS-IR transmission spectra. The final total dose the samples were subjected to was ~2.5 MGy. Ternary samples showed a less than 0.4% change in density and refractive index and minimal change in transmission window. The glasses also resisted cracking as seen in microscope images. Overall, many glass compositions were developed that possess operating temperatures above 500 °C, where conventional chalcogenide glasses such as As2S3 and have T g s from ~200-300 °C, and these glasses have a greater than Tc – Tg values larger than 100 °C and this shows that these glasses have good thermal stability of Tg such that they can be fabricated into optical fibers and as such can be considered candidates for high temperature infrared fiber optics. Initial fiber fabrication efforts showed that selected glasses could be drawn but larger samples would be needed for further development and optimization

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Research pressure instrumentation for NASA Space Shuttle main engine, modification no. 5

The objective of the research project described is to define and demonstrate methods to advance the state of the art of pressure sensors for the space shuttle main engine (SSME). Silicon piezoresistive technology was utilized in completing tasks: generation and testing of three transducer design concepts for solid state applications; silicon resistor characterization at cryogenic temperatures; experimental chip mounting characterization; frequency response optimization and prototype design and fabrication. Excellent silicon sensor performance was demonstrated at liquid nitrogen temperature. A silicon resistor ion implant dose was customized for SSME temperature requirements. A basic acoustic modeling software program was developed as a design tool to evaluate frequency response characteristics.

Anderson, P. J.↗

Designing Antifouling and Antimicrobial Interfaces: Structural Characterization using CryoEM, Automated Microscopy, and AI Image Segmentation

The design of functionalized surfaces for interactions with biological systems is critical across sectors such as healthcare, energy, and agriculture. Tailoring materials for specific applications, such as antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces, demands a comprehensive understanding of topology and chemistry across multiple length and time scales on both biological and materials systems. This work presents the development and characterization of nanostructured surfaces with controlled topographies and chemistries that enhance bacterial membrane disruption, reduce biofilm formation, and improve antimicrobial and antifouling capabilities. Two specific use cases will be presented - the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for bacterial growth inhibition and the development of antifouling surfaces to prevent protein and bacterial adsorption [1-4]. By leveraging large language models (LLMs) for image segmentation and training [5], we enable automated analysis of terabyte-scale cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) datasets. This analysis provides statistical insights into the biotic/abiotic interface and facilitates automated electron microscopy experiments to mitigate time and dose. The integration of cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) and cryogenic focused ion beam (cryoFIB) milling enables high-resolution, near-native-state imaging and 3D reconstructions of bio/material interfaces [6]. Orthogonal characterization techniques and computational modeling further enhances our understanding, offering a robust platform for the design and optimization of next-generation functional surfaces [7].

Williams, Alexis [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000252835822)↗

Milestone 1.2.15: Feasibility of In Situ Accelerated Aluminum Coupon Radiolysis by Synchrotron X-Rays

Extended dry storage of aluminum-clad spent nuclear fuel (ASNF) requires an assessment of the radiolytic generation of molecular hydrogen gas (H2) from the ASNF’s corrosion layers. H2 accumulation can potentially lead to storage canister embrittlement/rupture and the accumulation of flammable gas mixtures in accident scenarios. To date, computational models have been developed for the prediction of radiolytic H2 generation from samples exposed to lower absorbed dose regimes (up to ~3 MGy). However, greater accuracy is needed for higher absorbed doses (> 25 MGy) where the concentration of H2 ultimately reaches a steady-state. Data in this area is limited due to the amount of time taken (months) to accumulate such high gamma doses. Furthermore, a recent study observed radiation-induced damage to the surface of pre-corroded aluminum alloy coupons at high absorbed gamma doses. Despite this observation and its implications, there is currently no computational connection between the radiolytic formation of H2 and changes in the composition and morphology of the cladding’s corrosion layers with absorbed dose. To develop a better understanding of the processes and effects described above, the present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of leveraging synchrotron x-ray capabilities for coupled accelerated irradiation and in situ surface characterization of ASNF alloys. To that end, National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) beamtime was secured and a series of aluminum alloy 1100 (AA1100) wires, prepared under a variety of conditions, were interrogated using ex situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and ex situ and in situ XRD capabilities at the NSLS-II x-ray powder diffraction (XPD) beamline. Results indicated that performing synchrotron XRD using the available XPD beamline configuration can provide sufficient radiation dose but cannot discern changes in the composition and morphology of sample corrosion layers. Additionally, ex situ XRD and SEM data from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) indicated that the pre-corrosion of AA1100 wires did not generate an appreciably thick corrosion layer, as compared with previous aluminum coupon studies. These thinner surface corrosion layers were not sufficient for detection by both ex situ and in situ synchrotron XRD, specifically under consideration of the NSLS-II XPD beamline’s configuration primarily capturing information from the sample’s bulk material, i.e., aluminum metal. In summary, the use of the NSLS-II XPD beamline for promoting accelerated radiolysis and in situ surface characterization is not appropriate for this program’s goals.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

First Annual Progress Report on the Procurement and Post-Irradiation Examination of the Selected Samples of Alloy 800H and Grade 92 and 91 Steels

Ferritic-martensitic steel Grade 92, with Grade 91 as a reference, together with austenitic stainless steel (or Incoloy Alloy) 800H and its grain-boundary-engineered version 800H-TMP (Thermo-Mechanical Processing), is investigated in this project. A total of fifteen Grade 92 samples from two or three heats, four T91 samples from two heats, and six 800H and six 800H-TMP samples from one heat were selected, which were primarily irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) of Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with the rest in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), BOR-60 of Russia, and Phénix reactor of France. The samples were irradiated in the temperature range of 241 to 720°C and a dose range of 1.28 to ~70 displacements per atom. All the INL and ORNL samples and part of the LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) samples have been received at the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) hot cell facility. The selected ORNL samples include six Grade 92 and two 800H samples, which were irradiated in the HFIR to 0.46–14.66 dpa at 400 to ~720°C. The Grade 92 is an optimized heat and named as G92-2b. The two 800H samples have one sample as the standard solution-annealed condition and the other sample as a TMP condition with a maximized fraction of low-Σ coincidence site lattice (CSL) boundaries. Tensile test of the G92-2b samples were conducted at room temperature in the IMET hot cell. The lower temperature irradiation at 400–496.7°C to 0.52–14.66 dpa resulted in minimal changes in tensile properties. However, the higher temperature irradiation at ~683.3–720°C to 0.46–14.63 dpa tended to reduce yield and tensile strength by about –136 to –311 MPa and plastic elongation by –1 to –3% with the increasing dose. The 800H and 800H-TMP samples were tensile-tested at their irradiation temperature 580°C in the IMET hot cell, which showed >40% increase in yield and tensile strength with nearly 9% reduction in elongation for 800H-TMP compared with 800H. Three of the G92-2b samples, i.e., GB04 (7.44 dpa at ~490°C), GB05 (14.66 dpa at 496.7°C), and GB12 (14.63 dpa at ~720°C), were examined at the LAMDA for Vickers hardness measurements and microstructural characterization by SEM and TEM. Vickers hardness was successfully measured on GB12, which was reduced by is – (112.4 ± 12.3) HV1 from the control sample. However, the Vickers hardness measurements were failed on GB04 and GB05 because the samples were polished too thin to prevent the interference from the substrate (epoxy). The other half of the GB04 and GB05 will be polished for the hardness measurements, as well as nanoindentation studies. Fractography by SEM indicated increased numbers of ductile dimples (or voids) with the increasing irradiation dose, while significantly increased numbers and sizes of dimples with the increasing irradiation temperature. TEM characterization exhibited the presence of Cr 23 C 6 , VN, and Laves precipitates at boundaries and matrix, which showed pronounced precipitate-dislocation interactions (pinning effect). Dense dislocations but limited dislocation loops were observed in the samples, which noticeably reduced in GB12. Additionally, some tiny partially amorphized spherical domains were observed in GB12, which had a normal body-centered cubic lattice parameter of 9Cr steels at the surround regions but ~11% smaller than the lattice parameter of the matrix away from the amorphized spherical domains. Further characterization will be pursued to clarify the new findings.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Mutagenesis in human cells with accelerated H and Fe ions

The overall goals of this research were to determine the risks of mutation induction and the spectra of mutations induced by energetic protons and iron ions at two loci in human lymphoid cells. During the three year grant period the research has focused in three major areas: (1) the acquisition of sufficient statistics for human TK6 cell mutation experiments using Fe ions (400 MeV/amu), Fe ions (600 MeV/amu) and protons (250 MeV/amu); (2) collection of thymidine kinase- deficient (tk) mutants or hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase deficient (hprt) mutants induced by either Fe 400 MeV/amu, Fe 600 MeV/amu, or H 250 MeV/amu for subsequent molecular analysis; and (3) molecular characterization of mutants isolated after exposure to Fe ions (600 MeV/amu). As a result of the shutdown of the BEVALAC heavy ion accelerator in December 1992, efforts were rearranged somewhat in time to complete our dose-response studies and to complete mutant collections in particular for the Fe ion beams prior to the shutdown. These goals have been achieved. A major effort was placed on collection, re-screening, and archiving of 3 different series of mutants for the various particle beam exposures: tk-ng mutants, tk-sg mutants, and hprt-deficient mutants. Where possible, groups of mutants were isolated for several particle fluences. Comparative analysis of mutation spectra has occured with characterization of the mutation spectrum for hprt-deficient mutants obtained after exposure of TK6 cells to Fe ions (600 MeV/amu) and a series of spontaneous mutants.

Kronenberg, Amy↗

Implementation of ALARA radiation protection on the ISS through polyethylene shielding augmentation of the Service Module Crew Quarters

With 5-7 month long duration missions at 51.6 degrees inclination in Low Earth Orbit, the ionizing radiation levels to which International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers are exposed will be the highest planned occupational exposures in the world. Even with the expectation that regulatory dose limits will not be exceeded during a single tour of duty aboard the ISS, the "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) precept requires that radiological risks be minimized when possible through a dose optimization process. Judicious placement of efficient shielding materials in locations where crewmembers sleep, rest, or work is an important means for implementing ALARA for spaceflight. Polyethylene (CnHn) is a relatively inexpensive, stable, and, with a low atomic number, an effective shielding material that has been certified for use aboard the ISS. Several designs for placement of slabs or walls of polyethylene have been evaluated for radiation exposure reduction in the Crew Quarters (CQ) of the Zvezda (Star) Service Module. Optimization of shield designs relies on accurate characterization of the expected primary and secondary particle environment and modeling of the predicted radiobiological responses of critical organs and tissues. Results of the studies shown herein indicate that 20% or more reduction in equivalent dose to the CQ occupant is achievable. These results suggest that shielding design and risk analysis are necessary measures for reducing long-term radiological risks to ISS inhabitants and for meeting legal ALARA requirements. Verification of shield concepts requires results from specific designs to be compared with onboard dosimetry. c2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA Center JSC↗

SU-F-T-434: Development of a Fan-Beam Optical Scanner Using CMOS Array for Small Field Dosimetry

Purpose: To design and construct a second generation optical computed tomography (OCT) system using a fan-beam with a CMOS array detector for the 3D dosimetry with polymer gel and radiochromic solid dosimeters. The system was specifically designed for the small field dosimetry. Methods: The optical scanner used a fan-beam laser, which was produced from a collimated red laser beam (λ=620 nm) with a 15-degree laser-line generating lens. The fan-beam was sent through an index-matching bath which holds the sample stage and a sample. The emerging laser light was detected with a 2.54 cm-long CMOS array detector (512 elements). The sample stage rotated through the full 360 degree projection angles at 0.9-degree increments. Each projection was normalized to the unirradiated sample at the projection angle to correct for imperfections in the dosimeter. A larger sample could be scanned by using a motorized mirror and linearly translating the CMOS detector. The height of the sample stage was varied for a full 3D scanning. The image acquisition and motor motion was controlled by a computer. The 3D image reconstruction was accomplished by a fan-beam reconstruction algorithm. All the software was developed inhouse with MATLAB. Results: The scanner was used on both PRESAGE and PAGAT gel dosimeters. Irreconcilable refraction errors were seen with PAGAT because the fan beam laser line refracted away from the detector when the field was highly varying in 3D. With PRESAGE, this type of error was not seen. Conclusion: We could acquire tomographic images of dose distributions by the new OCT system with both polymer gel and radiochromic solid dosimeters. Preliminary results showed that the system was more suited for radiochromic solid dosimeters since the radiochromic dosimeters exhibited minimal refraction and scattering errors. We are currently working on improving the image quality by thorough characterization of the OCT system.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Characterization of defect clusters in ion-irradiated tungsten by X-Ray diffuse scattering

Defect clusters in ion-irradiated tungsten are characterized by X-ray diffuse scattering. Single crystal tungsten samples are irradiated here at 300 K by 0.5–5 MeV copper ions with total doses of 0.2, 0.6, 2, and 5 displacements per atom (DPA). Analysis of the diffuse scattering intensities allows the determination of the concentration of vacancy- and interstitial-type dislocation loops as a function of loop radius for each sample. More vacancies than interstitials are observed in each sample, and the radius of the vacancy loops increases with irradiation dose. For the 0.2DPA sample the average vacancy loop radius is 10.1 ± 3.0 Å with a defect density (counting all atoms in the loops) of ( 10.2 ± 1.5 ) × 10 - 4 per tungsten atom, increasing to an average loop radius of 16.1 ± 3.1 Å at a density of ( 8.5 ± 1.0 ) × 10 - 4 per tungsten atom for the 5DPA sample.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanomaterial datasets to advance tomography in scanning transmission electron microscopy

Electron tomography in materials science has flourished with the demand to characterize nanoscale materials in three dimensions (3D). Access to experimental data is vital for developing and validating reconstruction methods that improve resolution and reduce radiation dose requirements. This work presents five high-quality scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) tomography datasets in order to address the critical need for open access data in this field. The datasets represent the current limits of experimental technique, are of high quality, and contain materials with structural complexity. Included are tomographic series of a hyperbranched Co 2 P nanocrystal, platinum nanoparticles on a carbon nanofibre imaged over the complete 180° tilt range, a platinum nanoparticle and a tungsten needle both imaged at atomic resolution by equal slope tomography, and a through-focal tilt series of PtCu nanoparticles. A volumetric reconstruction from every dataset is provided for comparison and development of post-processing and visualization techniques. Researchers interested in creating novel data processing and reconstruction algorithms will now have access to state of the art experimental test data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗