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At least 1,459 records · Page 81

Exploration of High-Dimensional Scalar Function for Nuclear Reactor Safety Analysis and Visualization

The next generation of methodologies for nuclear reactor Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) explicitly accounts for the time element in modeling the probabilistic system evolution and uses numerical simulation tools to account for possible dependencies between failure events. The Monte-Carlo (MC) and the Dynamic Event Tree (DET) approaches belong to this new class of dynamic PRA methodologies. A challenge of dynamic PRA algorithms is the large amount of data they produce which may be difficult to visualize and analyze in order to extract useful information. We present a software tool that is designed to address these goals. We model a large-scale nuclear simulation dataset as a high-dimensional scalar function defined over a discrete sample of the domain. First, we provide structural analysis of such a function at multiple scales and provide insight into the relationship between the input parameters and the output. Second, we enable exploratory analysis for users, where we help the users to differentiate features from noise through multi-scale analysis on an interactive platform, based on domain knowledge and data characterization. Our analysis is performed by exploiting the topological and geometric properties of the domain, building statistical models based on its topological segmentations and providing interactive visual interfaces to facilitate such explorations. We provide a user’s guide to our software tool by highlighting its analysis and visualization capabilities, along with a use case involving dataset from a nuclear reactor safety simulation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Exploration of high-dimensional scalar function for nuclear reactor safety analysis and visualization

The next generation of methodologies for nuclear reactor Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) explicitly accounts for the time element in modeling the probabilistic system evolution and uses numerical simulation tools to account for possible dependencies between failure events. The Monte-Carlo (MC) and the Dynamic Event Tree (DET) approaches belong to this new class of dynamic PRA methodologies. A challenge of dynamic PRA algorithms is the large amount of data they produce which may be difficult to visualize and analyze in order to extract useful information. We present a software tool that is designed to address these goals. We model a large-scale nuclear simulation dataset as a high-dimensional scalar function defined over a discrete sample of the domain. First, we provide structural analysis of such a function at multiple scales and provide insight into the relationship between the input parameters and the output. Second, we enable exploratory analysis for users, where we help the users to differentiate features from noise through multi-scale analysis on an interactive platform, based on domain knowledge and data characterization. Our analysis is performed by exploiting the topological and geometric properties of the domain, building statistical models based on its topological segmentations and providing interactive visual interfaces to facilitate such explorations. We provide a user's guide to our software tool by highlighting its analysis and visualization capabilities, along with a use case involving data from a nuclear reactor safety simulation. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Dynamic properties along the neutral line of a delta spot inferred from high-resolution observations

Delta (δ) spots are complex magnetic configurations of sunspots characterized by umbrae of opposite polarity sharing a common penumbra. In order to investigate the fine structure of the region separating the two magnetic polarities of a δ spot, we studied the morphology, the magnetic configuration, and the velocity field in such a region using observations of active region (AR) NOAA 11267 obtained with the CRisp Imaging SpectroPolarimeter (CRISP) at the Swedish Solar Telescope on 2011 August 6. The analysis of CRISP data shows upflows and downflows of ∼ ± 3 km s{sup –1} in proximity of the δ spot polarity inversion line (PIL), and horizontal motions along the PIL of the order of ∼1 km s{sup –1}. The results obtained from the SIR inversion of CRISP data also indicate that the transverse magnetic field in the brighter region separating the two opposite magnetic polarities of the δ spot is tilted about ∼45° with respect to the PIL. Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager observations confirm the presence of motions of ∼ ± 3 km s{sup –1} in proximity of the PIL, which were observed to last 15 hr. From the data analyzed, we conclude that the steady, persistent, and subsonic motions observed along the δ spot PIL can be interpreted as being due to Evershed flows occurring in the penumbral filaments that show a curved, wrapped configuration. The fluting of the penumbral filaments and their bending, continuously increased by the approaching motion of the negative umbra toward the positive one, give rise to the complex line-of-sight velocity maps that we observed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

X-ray and molecular dynamics study of the temperature-dependent structure of molten NaF-Zr⁢F 4

The local atomic structure of NaF-Zr⁢F 4 (53–47 mol%) molten system and its evolution with temperature are examined with x-ray scattering measurements which are then used to validate the quality of ab initio and neural network-based molecular dynamics (NNMD) calculations in the temperature range 515–700°⁢C. The machine-learning enhanced NNMD calculations offer improved efficiency while maintaining accuracy at higher distances compared to ab initio calculations. Looking at the evolution of the pair distribution function with increasing temperature, a fundamental change in the liquid structure within the selected temperature range, accompanied by a slight decrease in overall correlation is revealed. NNMD calculations indicate the coexistence of three different fluorozirconate complexes: [Zr⁢F 6 ] 2– , [Zr⁢F 7 ] 3– , and [Zr⁢F 8 ] 4– , with a shift in the dominant coordination state from the 7-coordinated Zr cation toward a 6-coordinated cation with increasing temperature. The study also highlights the metastability of different local coordination structures, with frequent interconversions between the 6- and 7-coordinate states. Analysis of the Zr-F-Zr angular distribution function reveals the presence of both “edge-sharing” and “corner-sharing” fluorozirconate complexes with specific bond angles and distances in accord with previous studies, while the next-nearest-neighbor cation-cation correlations demonstrate a clear preference for unlike cations as nearest-neighbor pairs, emphasizing nonrandom arrangement. Finally, these findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex local structure of the molten salt, providing insights into temperature-dependent preferences and correlations within the molten system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nonlinear elasticity and damping govern ultrafast dynamics in click beetles

Many small animals use springs and latches to overcome the mechanical power output limitations of their muscles. Click beetles use springs and latches to bend their bodies at the thoracic hinge and then unbend extremely quickly, resulting in a clicking motion. When unconstrained, this quick clicking motion results in a jump. While the jumping motion has been studied in depth, the physical mechanisms enabling fast unbending have not. Here, we first identify and quantify the phases of the clicking motion: latching, loading, and energy release. We detail the motion kinematics and investigate the governing dynamics (forces) of the energy release. We use high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging to observe and analyze the motion of the hinge’s internal structures of four Elater abruptus specimens. We show evidence that soft cuticle in the hinge contributes to the spring mechanism through rapid recoil. Using spectral analysis and nonlinear system identification, we determine the equation of motion and model the beetle as a nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom oscillator. Quadratic damping and snap-through buckling are identified to be the dominant damping and elastic forces, respectively, driving the angular position during the energy release phase. The methods used in this study provide experimental and analytical guidelines for the analysis of extreme motion, starting from motion observation to identifying the forces causing the movement. Here, the tools demonstrated here can be applied to other organisms to enhance our understanding of the energy storage and release strategies small animals use to achieve extreme accelerations repeatedly.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The structural organization of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone + water mixtures: A densitometry, x-ray diffraction, and molecular dynamics study

A combined approach of molecular dynamics simulations, wide angle X-ray scattering experiments, and density measurements was employed to study the structural properties of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) + water mixtures over the whole concentration range. Remarkably, a very good agreement between computed and experimental densities and diffraction patterns was achieved, especially if the effect of the mixture composition on NMP charges is taken into account. Analysis of the intermolecular organization, as revealed by the radial and spatial distribution functions of relevant solvent atoms, nicely explained the density maximum observed experimentally.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dromion-like structures and stability analysis in the variable coefficients complex Ginzburg–Landau equation

The study of the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation, which can describe the fiber laser system, is of significance for ultra-fast laser. In this paper, dromion-like structures for the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation are considered due to their abundant nonlinear dynamics. Via the modified Hirota method and simplified assumption, the analytic dromion-like solution is obtained. The partial asymmetry of structure is particularly discussed, which arises from asymmetry of nonlinear and dispersion terms. Furthermore, the stability of dromion-like structures is analyzed. Oscillation structure emerges to exhibit strong interference when the dispersion loss is perturbed. Through the appropriate modulation of modified exponent parameter, the oscillation structure is transformed into two dromion-like structures. It indicates that the dromion-like structure is unstable, and the coherence intensity is affected by the modified exponent parameter. Results in this paper may be useful in accounting for some nonlinear phenomena in fiber laser systems, and understanding the essential role of modified Hirota method.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Charge carrier dynamics in nanocrystalline Dy substituted ceria based oxygen ion conductors

Nano-crystalline Ce{sub 1-x}Dy{sub x}O{sub 2-δ} (x = 0.1-0.5) materials were prepared using the low temperature citrate auto-ignition method. The Rietveld analysis of the XRD data confirmed the single phase cubic fluorite structure. The particle sizes of the sintered samples are in nano range and lattice parameter increases with Dy concentration. Polydispersed and agglomerated particles are observed by SEM. The EDAX spectra show good stoichiometry of the different atoms in the samples. The conductivity is found to have both grain and grain boundary contribution and shows highest value at x= 0.2. The frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity has been analyzed using Havrilliak-Negami formalism. The variation in different electrical properties has been explained by formation defect associates and their interaction with charge carriers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Genomic analysis of Klebsiella aerogenes circulating in New Mexico

Klebsiella aerogenes is an opportunistic pathogen and a growing cause of healthcare-associated infections, characterized by multidrug resistance and the emergence of global high-risk clones. However, regional genomic surveillance data remain limited. Here, we sought to characterize the population structure, transmission dynamics and resistance mechanisms of clinical K. aerogenes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We sequenced 177 clinical isolates collected between 2021 and 2023. We also developed a novel, species-specific PopPUNK database to facilitate rapid, high-resolution typing. The New Mexico K. aerogenes population was diverse but dominated by two global pandemic lineages, ST93 (47.5%) and ST4 (7.9%), which were significantly enriched for the virulence factors yersiniabactin and colibactin. Genomic evidence for recent local transmission was rare, with only four putative transmission pairs identified. The resistome was characterized by intrinsic and adaptive mutations. Nearly all isolates possessed gyrA mutations associated with decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibility. Mutations in the AmpC regulator AmpD and the outer membrane porin Omp36 were common, particularly within the dominant ST93 lineage. These mutations have been associated with increased AmpC-mediated carbapenem resistance. Our findings underscore the critical importance of genomic surveillance to monitor the transmission and evolution of adaptive resistance.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Identification of key parameters controlling demographically structured vegetation dynamics in a Land Surface Model

This dataset includes outputs of 5000 simulations of CLM4.5(ED) to quantify the sensitivity of the model outputs to changes in model parameters using the Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST). Each simulation is generated by simultaneously sampling from 15% deviations of the default values of >80 vegetation parameters. This dataset includes 1) model codes of CLM4.5(ED) used for the sensitivity analysis; 2) the parameter samples; and 3) the corresponding model outputs of vegetation status (e.g., Gross Primary Production, Leaf Area Index and Biomass) and demography (e.g., diameter growth and mortality rates). The outputs are organized to the format of the FAST toolbox (https://sites.google.com/site/xuchongang/uasatoolbox).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Elucidation of the Structure and Vibrational Spectroscopy of Synthetic Metaschoepite and Its Dehydration Product

We confirm that synthetic uranyl hydroxide hydrate metaschoepite [(UO)2 4 O(OH) 6 ]·5H 2 O is unstable against dehydration under dry conditions, and we present a structural and vibrational spectroscopic study of synthetic metaschoepite and its ambient temperature dehydration product. Complementary structural (X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction) and vibrational spectroscopic techniques (Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and inelastic neutron scattering) are used to probe different components of these species. Analysis of the dehydration product suggests that it contains both pentagonally coordinated and hexagonally coordinated uranyl ions, necessitating that some uranyl ions undergo a coordination change during the dehydration of pentagonally coordinated metaschoepite. Vibrational spectra of metaschoepite and its dehydration product are interpreted with power spectra generated from ab initio molecular dynamics trajectories, allowing assignment of all major features. We identify the uranyl symmetric stretching modes of the four distinct uranyl ions in synthetic metaschoepite and clarify the assignment of lower energy Raman modes in both structures. Finally, the coanalysis of experimental and computational data reveals a strong coupling between the uranyl stretching modes and hydroxide bending modes in the anhydrous structure, leading to the presence of several high-energy combination bands in the inelastic neutron scattering data.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

AUTOMATIC DETECTION AND TRACKING OF CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS. II. MULTISCALE FILTERING OF CORONAGRAPH IMAGES

Studying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in coronagraph data can be challenging due to their diffuse structure and transient nature, and user-specific biases may be introduced through visual inspection of the images. The large amount of data available from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), and future coronagraph missions also makes manual cataloging of CMEs tedious, and so a robust method of detection and analysis is required. This has led to the development of automated CME detection and cataloging packages such as CACTus, SEEDS, and ARTEMIS. Here, we present the development of a new CORIMP (coronal image processing) CME detection and tracking technique that overcomes many of the drawbacks of current catalogs. It works by first employing the dynamic CME separation technique outlined in a companion paper, and then characterizing CME structure via a multiscale edge-detection algorithm. The detections are chained through time to determine the CME kinematics and morphological changes as it propagates across the plane of sky. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by its application to a selection of SOHO/LASCO and STEREO/SECCHI images, as well as to synthetic coronagraph images created from a model corona with a variety of CMEs. The algorithms described in this article are being applied to the whole LASCO and SECCHI data sets, and a catalog of results will soon be available to the public.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Sm 2 Ru 3 Sn 5 : A Noncentrosymmetric Cubic Member of the Ln 2 M 3 X 5 Family

An optimized synthetic method is presented for Sm 2 Ru 3 Sn 5 and investigate its physical properties and electronic structure. Sm 2 Ru 3 Sn 5 is prepared by arc-melting stoichiometric ratios of the elements and is confirmed by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. An antiferromagnetic transition is observed at T N = 3.8 K. A modified Curie-Weiss fit to the data in the range 50–150 K yields a Curie-Weiss temperature: θ CW = −36.6 K and an effective magnetic moment: μ eff = 0.83 μ B , in agreement with a Sm 3+ oxidation state. Field-dependent magnetization up to H = 7 T at 2 K shows a maximum response of 0.06 μ B , which is significantly lower than the expected Sm 3+ saturation moment (0.71 μ B ). Resistivity measurements indicate metallic behavior, and analysis of the magnetic entropy from the heat capacity reveals a doublet ground state due to crystal electric field splitting. The electronic structure and density of states are calculated with density function theory and further supported by the local density approximation with dynamical mean-field theory. Finally, the experimental and computational results highlight localized Sm 3+ moments and suggest a possible interplay between Ruddelman–Kitel–Kasuya–Yosida and Kondo interactions, positioning Sm 2 Ru 3 Sn 5 as a promising material for studying topology and complex physical phenomena.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Elementary Energy Transfer Pathways in Allochromatium vinosum Photosynthetic Membranes

Allochromatium vinosum (formerly Chromatium vinosum) purple bacteria are known to adapt their light-harvesting strategy during growth according to environmental factors such as temperature and average light intensity. Under low light illumination or low ambient temperature conditions, most of the LH2 complexes in the photosynthetic membranes form a B820 exciton with reduced spectral overlap with LH1. To elucidate the reason for this light and temperature adaptation of the LH2 electronic structure, we performed broadband femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy as a function of excitation wavelength in A. vinosum membranes. A target analysis of the acquired data yielded individual rate constants for all relevant elementary energy transfer (ET) processes. We found that the ET dynamics in high-light-grown membranes was well described by a homogeneous model, with forward and backward rate constants independent of the pump wavelength. Thus, the overall B800→B850→B890→ Reaction Center ET cascade is well described by simple triexponential kinetics. In the low-light-grown membranes, we found that the elementary backward transfer rate constant from B890 to B820 was strongly reduced compared with the corresponding constant from B890 to B850 in high-light-grown samples. The ET dynamics of low-light-grown membranes was strongly dependent on the pump wavelength, clearly showing that the excitation memory is not lost throughout the exciton lifetime. The observed pump energy dependence of the forward and backward ET rate constants suggests exciton diffusion via B850→ B850 transfer steps, making the overall ET dynamics nonexponential. Our results show that disorder plays a crucial role in our understanding of low-light adaptation in A. vinosum.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Additional complexity in the Raman spectra of U 3 O 8

Uranium oxides are readily amenable to investigation using Raman spectroscopy, and this approach is frequently used as a chemical analysis tool. We show, in triuranium octoxide (U 3 O 8 ), the presence of previously unreported Raman peaks located below 100 cm ₋1 . By maximum intensity, the strongest peak in U 3 O 8 appears at 54 cm ₋1 and is resolution limited, making this mode an ideal candidate for chemically identifying U 3 O 8 using Raman spectroscopy. Detailed peak analysis suggests that the main spectral feature between 300 and 500 cm ₋1 is more accurately described by a septet than a triplet. Two samples of differing oxygen content show only minor differences in bulk crystal structure, but subtle changes in lattice dynamics are suggestive of defect scattering in analogy to UO 2+x .

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Temperature-dependent formation of gradient structures with anomalous hardening in an Al–Si alloy

The temperature effect on forming gradient structure in an Al-Si alloy during surface severe deformation is studied in this report. The intermediate temperature (473 K) produces the steepest gradient structure by an anomalous hardening on the top layer compared to lower (300 K) and higher temperature (673 K) counterparts. Our analysis shows profuse aluminum oxide particles in the top layer of the gradient structure under 473 K and thus lead to anomalous hardening by oxide-dispersion strengthening. Here, the counterintuitive enhancement of strengthening at the intermediate temperature is explained by the dynamic interplay between thermal-driven, mechanical-aided oxidation and the wear-induced loss of surface materials as a function of temperature, which yields a critical processing temperature to achieve the steepest gradient structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Phase structure in segmented polyurethanes having fatty acid-based soft segments

Abstract: Structural studies on two segmented polyurethanes prepared form the modified oleic acid soft segments and butane diol/diphenylmethane diisocyanate hard segments, were carried out. Polyurethanes were thermoplastic elastomers with soft segment concentration (SSC) of 50% (TPU-50) and 70% (TPU-70). Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the co-continuous morphology in TPU-50 and dispersed hard domains in the soft matrix in TPU-70. AFM revealed the micron size globules in TPU-70 ascribed to hard segment-rich spherulites and alternating small soft and hard domains in TPU- 50, with lateral dimensions of about 15 nm with local modulus deviations from 40 to 50 MPa, consistent with co-continuous morphology. The dispersed hard domains in the soft matrix for TPU-70, and co-continuous phases in TPU-50 morphology was confirmed. USAXS showed the domain spacing for TPU-50 was about 13.3 nm and about 11.3 nm for TPU-70. USAXS revealed that the interface between phase-separated domains exhibit a surface-fractal-like behavior.

fatty acid↗

Accurate Modeling of Bromide and Iodide Hydration with Data-Driven Many-Body Potentials

Ion–water interactions play a central role in determining the properties of aqueous systems in a wide range of environments. However, a quantitative understanding of how the hydration properties of ions evolve from small aqueous clusters to bulk solutions and interfaces remains elusive. Here, we introduce the second generation of data-driven many-body energy (MBnrg) potential energy functions (PEFs) representing bromide–water and iodide–water interactions. The MB-nrg PEFs use permutationally invariant polynomials to reproduce two-body and three-body energies calculated at the coupled cluster level of theory, and implicitly represent all higher-body energies using classical many-body polarization. Further, a systematic analysis of the hydration structure of small Br - (H 2 O) n and I - (H 2 O) n clusters demonstrates that the MBnrg PEFs predict interaction energies in quantitative agreement with “gold standard” coupled cluster reference values. Importantly, when used in molecular dynamics simulations carried out in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble for single bromide and iodide ions in liquid water, the MB-nrg PEFs predict extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra that accurately reproduce the experimental spectra, which thus allows for characterizing the hydration structure of the two ions with high level of confidence.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗