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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,171 records · Page 65

WE-H-207B-01: Commissioning and QC

In recent years, steady progress has been made towards the implementation of MRI in external beam radiation therapy for processes ranging from treatment simulation to in-room guidance. Novel procedures relying mostly on MR data are currently implemented in the clinic. This session will cover topics such as (a) commissioning and quality control of the MR in-room imagers and simulators specific to RT, (b) treatment planning requirements, constraints and challenges when dealing with various MR data, (c) quantification of organ motion with an emphasis on treatment delivery guidance, and (d) MR-driven strategies for adaptive RT workflows. The content of the session was chosen to address both educational and practical key aspects of MR guidance. Learning Objectives: Good understanding of MR testing recommended for in-room MR imaging as well as image data validation for RT chain (e.g. image transfer, filtering for consistency, spatial accuracy, manipulation for task specific); Familiarity with MR-based planning procedures: motivation, core workflow requirements, current status, challenges; Overview of the current methods for the quantification of organ motion; Discussion on approaches for adaptive treatment planning and delivery. T. Stanescu - License agreement with Modus Medical Devices to develop a phantom for the quantification of MR image system-related distortions.; T. Stanescu, N/A.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

WE-H-207B-02: MR-Driven RT Planning

In recent years, steady progress has been made towards the implementation of MRI in external beam radiation therapy for processes ranging from treatment simulation to in-room guidance. Novel procedures relying mostly on MR data are currently implemented in the clinic. This session will cover topics such as (a) commissioning and quality control of the MR in-room imagers and simulators specific to RT, (b) treatment planning requirements, constraints and challenges when dealing with various MR data, (c) quantification of organ motion with an emphasis on treatment delivery guidance, and (d) MR-driven strategies for adaptive RT workflows. The content of the session was chosen to address both educational and practical key aspects of MR guidance. Learning Objectives: Good understanding of MR testing recommended for in-room MR imaging as well as image data validation for RT chain (e.g. image transfer, filtering for consistency, spatial accuracy, manipulation for task specific); Familiarity with MR-based planning procedures: motivation, core workflow requirements, current status, challenges; Overview of the current methods for the quantification of organ motion; Discussion on approaches for adaptive treatment planning and delivery. T. Stanescu - License agreement with Modus Medical Devices to develop a phantom for the quantification of MR image system-related distortions.; T. Stanescu, N/A.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

WE-H-207B-03: MRI Guidance in the Radiation Therapy Clinic: Site-Specific Discussions

In recent years, steady progress has been made towards the implementation of MRI in external beam radiation therapy for processes ranging from treatment simulation to in-room guidance. Novel procedures relying mostly on MR data are currently implemented in the clinic. This session will cover topics such as (a) commissioning and quality control of the MR in-room imagers and simulators specific to RT, (b) treatment planning requirements, constraints and challenges when dealing with various MR data, (c) quantification of organ motion with an emphasis on treatment delivery guidance, and (d) MR-driven strategies for adaptive RT workflows. The content of the session was chosen to address both educational and practical key aspects of MR guidance. Learning Objectives: Good understanding of MR testing recommended for in-room MR imaging as well as image data validation for RT chain (e.g. image transfer, filtering for consistency, spatial accuracy, manipulation for task specific); Familiarity with MR-based planning procedures: motivation, core workflow requirements, current status, challenges; Overview of the current methods for the quantification of organ motion; Discussion on approaches for adaptive treatment planning and delivery. T. Stanescu - License agreement with Modus Medical Devices to develop a phantom for the quantification of MR image system-related distortions.; T. Stanescu, N/A.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

WE-H-207B-04: Strategies for Adaptive RT

In recent years, steady progress has been made towards the implementation of MRI in external beam radiation therapy for processes ranging from treatment simulation to in-room guidance. Novel procedures relying mostly on MR data are currently implemented in the clinic. This session will cover topics such as (a) commissioning and quality control of the MR in-room imagers and simulators specific to RT, (b) treatment planning requirements, constraints and challenges when dealing with various MR data, (c) quantification of organ motion with an emphasis on treatment delivery guidance, and (d) MR-driven strategies for adaptive RT workflows. The content of the session was chosen to address both educational and practical key aspects of MR guidance. Learning Objectives: Good understanding of MR testing recommended for in-room MR imaging as well as image data validation for RT chain (e.g. image transfer, filtering for consistency, spatial accuracy, manipulation for task specific); Familiarity with MR-based planning procedures: motivation, core workflow requirements, current status, challenges; Overview of the current methods for the quantification of organ motion; Discussion on approaches for adaptive treatment planning and delivery. T. Stanescu - License agreement with Modus Medical Devices to develop a phantom for the quantification of MR image system-related distortions.; T. Stanescu, N/A.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE Hanford Tank Side Cesium Removal System (TSCR) Update: Fabrication and Factory Acceptance Testing - 20300

The Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) System is a modular, quickly-deployable, and passively safe system for efficiently removing solids and cesium from alkaline liquid waste raffinate created by fuel processing on the Hanford site. This paper provides an overview of the project with particular emphasis on completion of fabrication and factory acceptance testing (FAT). All TSCR System components are inside three enclosures known as the Process Enclosure, Ancillary Enclosure, and Control Enclosure. The Process Enclosure is seismic design category II (SDC-II) and built to withstand the rigors of transportation and lifting, high winds, volcanic ash fall, and heavy precipitation (snow) over a temperature range of -25 to 115 deg. F. The Process Enclosure and Control Enclosure were fabricated in AVANTech's Columbia, SC facility, while the Ancillary Enclosure was fabricated in AVANTech's Richland, WA facility. The design and preliminary documented safety analysis were completed in December 2019, with all work being performed in accordance with ASME NQA-1 quality assurance requirements. The Process Enclosure, Ion Exchange Columns (IXCs), and several other TSCR components have a nuclear safety function and are designated as safety significant structures, systems, and components (SS-SSCs). The NQA-1 Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) process was used to identify critical characteristics in order to accept materials and items used for fabrication of several safety significant TSCR components. This paper also addresses unique aspects and challenges of implementing CGD in DOE facilities and systems. After fabrication and preliminary testing, the Process and Control Enclosures were shipped to AVANTech's Richland facility where the complete TSCR System was setup and connected in a represented layout and configuration that will be used on the Hanford site. Test tanks and pumps were put in place and connected to the TSCR Process Enclosure in a manner that mimicked interfacing Double Shell Tanks in the 241-AP Tank Farm. The TSCR System was then tested/operated under conditions equivalent to those planned for onsite operation. Testing was separated into five separate phases as defined below: - Phase 1: Confirmation of TSCR System readiness for the FAT; - Phase 2: Verification of TSCR System operation under standard conditions; - Phase 3: Demonstration of TSCR System operation under non-standard conditions; - Phase 4: Demonstration of ion exchange media removal from an IXC; and - Phase 5: Completion of TSCR System lift plans and site mobilization. The Hanford Tank Operations Contractor, Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS), participated in all phases of testing. Testing at AVANTech's Richland Facility allowed WRPS personnel to familiarize themselves with TSCR operations in a radiologically clean facility prior to onsite mobilization. Engineering and operations personnel gained valuable experience that allowed them to better refine onsite operational protocols and procedures - including handling and movement of IXCs with a forklift. This paper describes the technologies used by the TSCR System as well as how these technologies are deployed and operated to advance the Hanford mission of safely, efficiently, and effectively treating tank waste. It also provides detailed information on fabrication and FAT, including operational data from simulated tank waste runs. A project schedule for WRPS' planned construction acceptance testing, operational acceptance testing, and actual tank waste treatment is provided. This presentation should be of great interest to parties responsible for the design, testing, and mobilization of modular NQA-1 technologies for the treatment of raffinate and similar liquid wastes containing high concentrations of radioactive cesium. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Functional Imaging of the Foot with Perfusion Angiography in Critical Limb Ischemia

PurposeTo report on the first clinical experience with perfusion angiography (PA) of the foot in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia.Materials and MethodsPA is a post-processing software algorithm and no extra digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has to be performed for this analysis. The data used to test the feasibility of PA were obtained from a consecutive group of 89 patients with CLI who were treated with standard below the knee angioplasty and 12 separate patients who were not suitable for endovascular revascularization.ResultsMotion artifacts in the dataset of the DSA made post-procedural analysis impossible in 10 % intervention. In the majority of patients (59/68) PA showed an increase in volume flow in the foot after successful angioplasty of the crural vessels. However, in 9/68 patients no increase was seen after successful angioplasty. With the use of a local administered competitive α-adrenergic receptor antagonist, it is also possible to test and quantify the capillary resistance index which is a parameter for the remaining functionality of the microcirculation in CLI patients.ConclusionPA might be used as a new endpoint for lower limb revascularization and can also be used to test the functionality the microcirculation to identify sub-types of patients with CLI. Clinical evaluation and standardization of PA is mandatory before introduction in daily practice.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Evaluation and Field Assessment of Bifacial Photovoltaic Module Power Rating Methodologies

1-sun power ratings for bifacial modules are currently undefined. This is partly because there is no standard definition of rear irradiance given 1000 Wm-2 on the front. Using field measurements and simulations, we evaluate multiple deployment scenarios for bifacial modules and provide details on the amount of irradiance that could be expected. A simplified case that represents a single module deployed under conditions consistent with existing 1-sun irradiance standards leads to a bifacial reference condition of 1000 Wm-2 Gfront and 130-140 Wm-2 Grear. For fielded systems of bifacial modules, Grear magnitude and spatial uniformity will be affected by self-shade from adjacent modules, varied ground cover, and ground-clearance height. A standard measurement procedure for bifacial modules is also currently undefined. A proposed international standard is under development, which provides the motivation for this work. Here, we compare outdoor field measurements of bifacial modules with irradiance on both sides with proposed indoor test methods where irradiance is only applied to one side at a time. The indoor method has multiple advantages, including controlled and repeatable irradiance and thermal environment, along with allowing the use of conventional single-sided flash test equipment. The comparison results are promising, showing that the indoor and outdoor methods agree within 1%-2% for multiple rear-irradiance conditions and bifacial module types.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Verification and Validation Tests of Gamma Library of MC2-3 for Coupled Neutron and Gamma Heating Calculation

For the accurate assessment of the heat generation rate in fast reactors, the gamma library of MC2 -3 and the MC2 -3 + GAMSOR procedure employing the coupled neutron and gamma heating calculation has been thoroughly verified against Monte Carlo results and validated using the ZPPR-15D gamma dose measurement data. NJOY outputs are post-processed in a consistent way with the NJOY procedure to avoid any missing data or double counting of data. Prompt heating for 379 out of 391 isotopes in the gamma library was verified against MCNP6.2 to within 1% relative error in total heating for most isotopes. For both a simple one-dimensional slab problem representing a sodium cooled fast reactor and the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) benchmark problem, the root-mean-square values of assembly power error were less than 0.5% for fuel assemblies, ~1% in blankets and ~1 to ~3% in reflectors compared to MCNP6.2 results. The most plausible cause for the 3% error in a reflector assembly is believed to be the error in the multigroup neutron cross sections for the reflector assembly. For validation, gamma doses measured with thermoluminiscent dosimeters (TLDs) in the ZPPR-15D experiment were calculated using GAMSOR. Due to the uncertainty in the TLD measurement with regards to the energy deposition of photons and neutrons, the validation data leads to a 12.7% uncertainty on the experimental measurement. With this uncertainty bound, the calculated doses all fell within one standard deviation of the measured value. Combined with the accurate calculation of reaction rate distributions and neutron spectrum measurements, these results indicate good agreement for the neutron and gamma heating calculations that were performed.

coupled neutron and gamma heating↗

Trends in the Quality of Treatment for Patients With Intact Cervical Cancer in the United States, 1999 Through 2011

Purpose: High-quality treatment for intact cervical cancer requires external radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy, carefully sequenced and completed without delays. We sought to determine how frequently current treatment meets quality benchmarks and whether new technologies have influenced patterns of care. Methods and Materials: By searching diagnosis and procedure claims in MarketScan, an employment-based health care claims database, we identified 1508 patients with nonmetastatic, intact cervical cancer treated from 1999 to 2011, who were <65 years of age and received >10 fractions of radiation. Treatments received were identified using procedure codes and compared with 3 quality benchmarks: receipt of brachytherapy, receipt of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment duration not exceeding 63 days. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to evaluate temporal trends. Results: Seventy-eight percent of patients (n=1182) received brachytherapy, with brachytherapy receipt stable over time (Cochran-Armitage P{sub trend}=.15). Among patients who received brachytherapy, 66% had high–dose rate and 34% had low–dose rate treatment, although use of high–dose rate brachytherapy steadily increased to 75% by 2011 (P{sub trend}<.001). Eighteen percent of patients (n=278) received intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and IMRT receipt increased to 37% by 2011 (P{sub trend}<.001). Only 2.5% of patients (n=38) received IMRT in the setting of brachytherapy omission. Overall, 79% of patients (n=1185) received chemotherapy, and chemotherapy receipt increased to 84% by 2011 (P{sub trend}<.001). Median radiation treatment duration was 56 days (interquartile range, 47-65 days); however, duration exceeded 63 days in 36% of patients (n=543). Although 98% of patients received at least 1 benchmark treatment, only 44% received treatment that met all 3 benchmarks. With more stringent indicators (brachytherapy, ≥4 chemotherapy cycles, and duration not exceeding 56 days), only 25% of patients received treatment that met all benchmarks. Conclusion: In this cohort, most cervical cancer patients received treatment that did not comply with all 3 benchmarks for quality treatment. In contrast to increasing receipt of newer radiation technologies, there was little improvement in receipt of essential treatment benchmarks.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

A hybrid Monte Carlo, discontinuous Galerkin method for linear kinetic transport equations

Here we present a hybrid method for time-dependent particle transport problems that combines Monte Carlo (MC) estimation with deterministic solutions based on discrete ordinates. For spatial discretizations, the MC algorithm computes a piecewise constant solution and the discrete ordinates use bilinear discontinuous finite elements. From the hybridization of the problem, the resulting problem solved by Monte Carlo is scattering free, resulting in a simple, efficient solution procedure. Between time steps, we use a projection approach to “relabel” collided particles as uncollided particles. In conclusion, from a series of standard 2-D Cartesian test problems we observe that our hybrid method has improved accuracy and reduction in computational complexity of approximately an order of magnitude relative to standard discrete ordinates solutions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Commissioning and operation in magnetic field of CMS GE1/1 station

In October and November 2021 the CMS Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors of station GE1/1 were operated for the first time in presence of a magnetic field in CMS. The phenomena observed in this first period led to performing a test on GE1/1 chambers to study their behaviour in presence of a magnetic field ramp. The magnetic field has been created using the Goliath magnet installed in the CERN North Area. In conclusion, the aim of the test is to determine if a magnetic field ramp causes serious problems to the operation of the GEM chambers and to develop a clear set of procedures, that will permit the safe operations of the GEM chambers during a magnetic field ramp.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Insights into Chemical Prelithiation of SiO x /Graphite Composite Anodes through Scanning Electron Microscope Imaging

Initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) is critical for determining the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used for practical applications; however, it is typically disregarded in anode research. We used SiO x and graphite composite anodes for commercial lithium-ion batteries in our preliminary research to achieve a balance between ICE, capacity, and cycling life. ICE reached 88%; however, it needs further improvement for commercial applications. Prelithiation is a process that involves the introduction of extra lithium ions into LIBs during their manufacturing to enhance the overall performance of the LIBs. We applied a chemical prelithiation method on our SiO x /graphite composite anodes, which comprised 95 wt % of the active material mass loading on the electrode. The ICE increased from 88% to 98% using an aryllithium reagent impregnation method within 2 min of prelithiation. The anode’s specific capacity density, rate, and cycle performance also significantly improved. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging enhanced by an osmium tetroxide staining method indicated that the P-anode contained a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer after the prelithiation process and cycling electrochemical test. The P-anode’s stable charge differential peak over 500 cycles also showcases a robust artificial SEI layer that was generated by the prelithiation procedure. Here, this prelithiation process has significant potential for adoption in the LIB industry’s current electrode manufacturing process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Low-cost production method for fluorescent particles for liquid flow velocimetry applications

Abstract In this Technical Note, we present a simple and low-cost production method for fluorescent particles perfectly suitable for velocimetry applications. We leverage the unique ability of Nile Red (NR) fluorophores to adsorb on the polymer surface and/or embed itself in between polymeric chains. The laboratory procedure to dye polyamide particles with NR and monetary advantages over commercially available fluorescent particles is outlined. Subsequently, the fluorescence behavior of the dyed particles is tested under a laser illumination source in polar and non-polar liquids. The distinct advantage of the emission spectrum of NR-dyed particles is demonstrated with sample test results.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Technical Report: Benchmarking for Quasispecies Abundance Inference with Confidence Intervals from Metagenomic Sequence Data

The software application “MetaQuant” was developed by our group at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). It is designed to profile microbial populations in a sample using data from whole-genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomic DNA sequencing. Several other metagenomic profiling applications have been described in the literature. We ran a series of benchmark tests to compare the performance of MetaQuant against that of a few existing profiling tools, using real and simulated sequence datasets. This report describes our benchmarking procedure and results.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Site 200 #1400 Block Area New Trailers Project, Soil Sampling and Analysis Plan/Quality Assurance Plan

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL) Project Management Office (PMO) is proposing to install a series of modular trailers and install associated underground utilities in the 1400 Block at the Livermore Site. This Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) outlines the processes and procedures to collect environmental and geotechnical soil samples from the project area and to send the samples to the appropriate laboratory or laboratories for analysis or testing. The resulting environmental laboratory data will determine whether excavated soils can be reused on the project, or which type of landfill or landfills the soils may be sent for disposal. This SAP has been prepared and is organized to be consistent with LLNL's Soils Screening and Management Plan (SSMP) (LLNL, 2019), as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Data Quality Objectives programs (EPA, 2006).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Fission Product Yield Data Adjustment in a Prototype Version of TSURFER

The TSURFER (Tool for Sensitivity/Uncertainty analysis of Response Functionals using Experimental Results) module of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) SCALE code system has been updated to perform nuclear data adjustments for fixed-source irradiation/depletion problems. TSURFER uses a generalized linear least squares (GLLS) approach to consolidate a prior set of measured responses and corresponding calculated values to create the most self-consistent set of nuclear data. Traditionally, TSURFER adjustments have been performed for multigroup nuclear data such as reaction cross sections. In this work, TSURFER is expanded to perform adjustments to independent fission product yields and branching ratios that need equality constraints. To preserve equality constraints after the data adjustment procedure, an updated GLLS formulation includes a new Lagrange multiplier that forces data adjustment to sum to 0 for a given fission yield/branching ratio parent. A test problem illustrates that the newly updated TSURFER module satisfies the required constraint that adjustments for fission yield data sum to 0.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

TA-18-1 Slotin Building Restoration – Summary of Work to be Performed

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires LANL to identify, evaluate, record, and protect eligible historic properties like TA-18-1 Slotin Building. The Environmental Protection and Compliance-Environmental Stewardship (EPC-ES) Cultural Resources program consults with the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on undertakings that may affect these properties. TA-18-1 Slotin Building is an exceptionally significant Manhattan Project Property that has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and is included within the boundary of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The building was constructed in 1946 and served as laboratory space for criticality testing. It is the location of the May 1946 criticality accident that resulted in the death of Louis Slotin. As a result of the accident, new procedures and designs for criticality experiments were implemented to prevent further accidents.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

COR-0011 Rev 6 MARVEL Project Code of Record

This Code of Record identifies the codes, standards, and procedures necessary to design, develop, construct, and startup the Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) Project at the Materials and Fuel Complex (MFC) Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The MARVEL Project is an INL test microreactor funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) via the Microreactor Program (MRP). The goal of the project is to establish an operational nuclear applications test bed that can generate combined heat and power to enable integration and R&D with end-user technologies, as well as allow microreactor technologists to test next-generation control systems. The microreactor is a thermal reactor utilizing Uranium Zirconium Hydride (UZrH) fuel with review and authorization by the Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID) for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, safety review, and supplemental readiness assessments for startup and operation. To enable rapid deployment, the MARVEL reactor will reside in the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility and utilize the existing operating Category B reactor facility, approved facility safety basis, operating crews, and recent re-start experience.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗