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At least 1,711 records · Page 95

INL HPC Overview and CASL Computing Collaboration

October 2019 – INL is increasing the upper limit on Falcon’s high priority “dedicated” CASL queue to 10,000 cores January 2019 – INL will give CASL early-access to the Lemhi system for MAMBA calibration work. The system will likely still be in commission/test mode (subject to reconfiguration/reboots). This early-access to Lemhi should support the required MAMBA calibration runs FY19 -- INL will provide proactive user support for CASL users/jobs and code debugging. INL will specifically focus on helping industry users getting access to Falcon and running their jobs. FY19 CASL costs = $500k vs. $1.2M for a purchased dedicated machine.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

A Path to Zero Energy Ready Home Construction

This paper will be presented at the 5th Residential Building Design & Construction Conference in State College, Pennsylvania. While the number of zero energy homes constructed in the U.S. has grown dramatically, increasing nearly 400% since 2015, zero energy homes still accounted for less than 1% of all U.S. homes constructed as of December 2018. Concerns about high costs or implementation challenges have kept many builders from attempting zero energy home construction. However, builders participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program are showing that zero energy ready home construction can be achieved simply and cost effectively with off-the-shelf equipment and materials and common construction techniques. Construction methods used by builders in the DOE program are compared with those used in just-to-code new homes and existing homes for several key components, including wall assemblies and HVAC systems. Examples of cost-effective assemblies used in the Mid Atlantic states are provided.

U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Pr↗

Neutron and Gamma Correlations using CGM in MCNP 6.2.0

The general-purpose Monte Carlo radiation-transport code MCNP6{sup TM} came from the integration of MCNP5{sup TM} and MCNPX{sup TM}. The most recent release of MCNP, version 6.2.0, is scheduled for release in early 2017, which includes a variety of bug fixes and new features to the code. MCNP traditionally models nuclear reactions using Monte Carlo sampling techniques on measured and modeled cross-sectional data contained within ACE (A Compact Evaluated Nuclear Data File) libraries. In addition to reaction cross-sections, ACE libraries contain information relating to the production of secondary particles, such as secondary neutrons and photons. For example, an incident neutron on a nucleus can produce a nuclear reaction in the form (n, M{sub n}n'), where n is the incident neutron and M{sub n} is the number of secondary neutrons n' produced. Using this notation, different reactions can be described based on their neutron multiplicity, such as neutron capture (M{sub n} = 0), elastic and inelastic scattering (M{sub n} = 1), and reactions with multiple secondary neutrons (M{sub n} > 1). Accounting for secondary γ-rays emitted from the residual nuclei, this reaction can further be generalized as n, Mnn'M to describe a reaction producing M{sub n} neutrons and M -rays. These values M{sub n} and M are referred to as the neutron and multiplicities, respectively. ACE libraries contain the cross-sectional data for each reaction, and their corresponding statistically averaged multiplicities for neutrons and photons, M-bar{sub n} and M-bar{sub γ}. However, there are several limitations to reaction sampling using ACE libraries. First, the data contained within ACE libraries is limited by the accuracy of the model and/or experiment, which out of necessity can greatly simplify the true physics behind a reaction. For example, the value M{sub γ} in a (n, M{sub n}n'M{sub γ}γ) reaction is determined by the statistically averaged multiplicity M-bar{sub γ} instead of a distribution. Consequently, MCNP, unable to produce a continuous distribution, will utilizes a binary sampling around M-bar{sub γ}. While this sampling method provides a statistically average M{sub γ} over a large simulation, it is an inaccurate representation of an individual reaction and its corresponding secondary particles. Secondary neutrons are affected in a similar manner, such that different kinds of secondary neutrons can be sampled from the same interaction (eg., an inelastic neutron with an [n, 2n] neutron). Lastly, the random sampling technique for secondary particles remains completely independent of the sampled reaction, eliminating the ability to correlate secondary particles for a given reaction. To supplement these data libraries, additional codes and models describing certain nuclear reactions are employed. These codes can fill in the information missing from ACE, provide a better model to the true physics distribution, and can provide true correlated secondary particles, which has many useful applications in research and industry.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Panel discussion: Challenges and improvements in accident dose analysis; Regulatory and industry perspective

Full text of publication follows. Design basis accident (DBA) analyses are one of several ways nuclear power plant licensees demonstrate, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff verifies, that the design and location of a nuclear power plant are appropriate and that the protection of health and safety of the public is maintained. In July 2000, the NRC staff issued Regulatory Guide 1.183, 'Alternative Radiological Source Terms for Evaluating Design Basis Accidents at Nuclear Power Reactors' (RG 1.183) [1]. RG 1.183 provides a method acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the regulatory requirements contained in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulation (10 CFR) Section 50.67 (50.67), 'Accident source term' [2]. RG 1.183 also provides assumptions and parameters used to model postulated DBA radiological analyses for light-water reactors (LWR). Since the initial issuance of RG 1.183, the NRC staff and the nuclear power plant licensees have both gained substantial experience with the implementation of 10 CFR 50.67 and RG 1.183. Based on this experience, comments from licensees, the anticipation of licensing advanced LWRs, and new research, the NRC is developing a proposed revision to RG 1.183. This panel discussion will provide a discussion of that proposed revision, its potential impact on existing and future evaluations, and the industry perspective on the revised guidance. References: 1) USNRC, Regulatory Guide 1.183, 'Alternative Radiological Source Terms for Evaluating Design Basis Accidents at Nuclear Power Reactors,' Revision 0, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. (2000), Electronic copies are also available in ADAMS (http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html), under Accession No. ML003716792. 2) U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10 (Energy), Part 50 (Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities), Section 67, (Accident source term), Office of the Federal Register, Washington, DC (1999). (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Comparative genomics and transcriptomics depict ericoid mycorrhizal fungi as versatile saprotrophs and plant mutualists

Some soil fungi in the Leotiomycetes form ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) symbioses with Ericaceae. In the harsh habitats in which they occur, ERM plant survival relies on nutrient mobilization from soil organic matter (SOM) by their fungal partners. The characterization of the fungal genetic machinery underpinning both the symbiotic lifestyle and SOM degradation is needed to understand ERM symbiosis functioning and evolution, and its impact on soil carbon (C) turnover. We sequenced the genomes of the ERM fungi Meliniomyces bicolor, M. variabilis, Oidiodendron maius and Rhizoscyphus ericae, and compared their gene repertoires with those of fungi with different lifestyles (ecto- and orchid mycorrhiza, endophytes, saprotrophs, pathogens). Here we also identified fungal transcripts induced in symbiosis. The ERM fungal gene contents for polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, lipases, proteases and enzymes involved in secondary metabolism are closer to those of saprotrophs and pathogens than to those of ectomycorrhizal symbionts. The fungal genes most highly upregulated in symbiosis are those coding for fungal and plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), lipases, proteases, transporters and mycorrhiza-induced small secreted proteins (MiSSPs). The ERM fungal gene repertoire reveals a capacity for a dual saprotrophic and biotrophic lifestyle. This may reflect an incomplete transition from saprotrophy to the mycorrhizal habit, or a versatile life strategy similar to fungal endophytes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Effect of hold time on high temperature creep-fatigue behavior of Fe–25Ni–20Cr (wt.%) austenitic stainless steel (Alloy 709)

To understand high temperature creep-fatigue interaction of the Alloy 709, strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests were performed at strain ranges varying from 0.3% to 1.2% with fully reversible cycle of triangular waveform at 750 °C. In addition, different hold times of 60, 600, 1800 and 3600 s were introduced at the maximum tensile strain to investigate the effect of creep damage on the fatigue-life at strain range of 1% at 750 °C. The creep-fatigue life and the number of cycles to macro-crack initiation and failure are found to decrease with increasing hold time indicating higher crack initiation and growth rates. Creep-fatigue life is evaluated by a linear summation of fractions of cyclic and creep damages according to ASME code. The fractographs of the samples deformed at 1% strain range indicated that fatigue might have been the dominant mode of deformation whereas, for the samples deformed at the same strain range with different hold times, both fatigue and creep have contributed to the overall deformation and fracture of the alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Neutron scattering cross section measurements for Fe 56

Elastic and inelastic differential cross sections for neutron scattering from 56 Fe have been measured for several incident energies from 1.30 to 7.96 MeV at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory. Scattered neutrons were detected using a C 6 D 6 liquid scintillation detector using pulse-shape discrimination and time-of-flight techniques. The deduced cross sections have been compared with previously reported data, predictions from evaluation databases ENDF, JENDL, and JEFF, and theoretical calculations performed using different optical model potentials using the TALYS and EMPIRE nuclear reaction codes. The coupled-channel calculations based on the vibrational and soft-rotor models are found to describe the experimental (n,n 0 ) and (n,n 1 ) cross sections well.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Coding a Weather Model: DOE-FIU Science & Technology Workforce Development Program.

DOE Fellow, Andres Cremisini, completed a 10-week internship with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Under the management of Kristopher Klingler and the mentorship of Jon Bradley, he was tasked with conceiving and coding a realistic weather model for use in physical security applications. The objective was to make a weather model that could use real data to accurately predict wind and precipitation conditions at any location of interest on the globe at any user-determined time. The intern received guidance on software design, the C++ programming language and clear communication of project goals and ongoing progress. In addition, Mr. Cremisini was given license to structure the program however he best saw fit, an experience that will benefit ongoing research endeavors.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Characterization of density fluctuations during the search for an I-mode regime on the DIII-D tokamak

The I-mode regime, routinely observed on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, is characterized by an edge energy transport barrier without an accompanying particle barrier and with broadband instabilities, known as weakly coherent modes (WCM), believed to regulate particle transport at the edge. Recent experiments on the DIII-D tokamak exhibit I-mode characteristics in various physical quantities. These DIII-D plasmas evolve over long periods, lasting several energy confinement times, during which the edge electron temperature slowly evolves towards an H-mode-like profile, while maintaining a typical L-mode edge density profile. During these periods, referred to as I-mode phases, the radial electric field at the edge also gradually reaches values typically observed in H-mode. Density fluctuations measured with the phase contrast imaging diagnostic during I-mode phases exhibit three features typically observed in H-mode on DIII-D, although they develop progressively with time and without a sharp transition: the intensity of the fluctuations is reduced; the frequency spectrum is broadened and becomes non-monotonic; two dimensional space-time spectra appear to approach those in H-mode, showing phase velocities of density fluctuations at the edge increasing to about 10 km s -1 . However, in DIII-D there is no clear evidence of the WCM. Preliminary linear gyro-kinetic simulations are performed in the pedestal region with the GS2 code and its recently upgraded model collision operator that conserves particles, energy and momentum. The increased bootstrap current and flow shear generated by the temperature pedestal are shown to decrease growth rates, thus possibly generating a feedback mechanism that progressively stabilizes fluctuations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Experimental particle formation rates spanning tropospheric sulfuric acid and ammonia abundances, ion production rates, and temperatures

Abstract Binary nucleation of sulfuric acid and water as well as ternary nucleation involving ammonia are thought to be the dominant processes responsible for new particle formation (NPF) in the cold temperatures of the middle and upper troposphere. Ions are also thought to be important for particle nucleation in these regions. However, global models presently lack experimentally measured NPF rates under controlled laboratory conditions and so at present must rely on theoretical or empirical parameterizations. Here with data obtained in the European Organization for Nuclear Research CLOUD (Cosmics Leaving OUtdoor Droplets) chamber, we present the first experimental survey of NPF rates spanning free tropospheric conditions. The conditions during nucleation cover a temperature range from 208 to 298 K, sulfuric acid concentrations between 5 × 10 5 and 1 × 10 9 cm −3 , and ammonia mixing ratios from zero added ammonia, i.e., nominally pure binary, to a maximum of ~1400 parts per trillion by volume (pptv). We performed nucleation studies under pure neutral conditions with zero ions being present in the chamber and at ionization rates of up to 75 ion pairs cm −3 s −1 to study neutral and ion‐induced nucleation. We found that the contribution from ion‐induced nucleation is small at temperatures between 208 and 248 K when ammonia is present at several pptv or higher. However, the presence of charges significantly enhances the nucleation rates, especially at 248 K with zero added ammonia, and for higher temperatures independent of NH 3 levels. We compare these experimental data with calculated cluster formation rates from the Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code with cluster evaporation rates obtained from quantum chemistry.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Natural circulation FLiBe loop overview

A new large natural circulation FLiBe loop has operated for the first time in 40 years. Reaching temperatures above 700 C with stable flow rates around 5 cm/s, the loop exhibits a range of flow phenomena pertinent to high temperature natural circulation safety systems for nuclear reactors. This paper discusses the system and several operating conditions spanning a wide range of behavior to aid the development of other systems, simulation benchmarks, or system-codes. Analysis of heat transport phenomena indicates that standard Nusselt number correlations apply to a first approximation. More accurate salt-freezing models may be necessary for air-cooled salt-systems due to the insulating affect of the low thermal-conductivity frozen salt layer on the cold pipe walls.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

ZTF SN Ia DR2: Improved SN Ia colors through expanded dimensionality with SALT3+

Context. Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are a key probe in modern cosmology, as they can be used to measure luminosity distances at gigaparsec scales. Models of their light curves are used to project heterogeneous observed data onto a common basis for analysis. Aims. The SALT model currently used for SN Ia cosmology describes SNe as having two sources of variability, accounted for by a color parameter c , and a “stretch” parameter x 1 . We extend the model to include an additional parameter we label x 2 , to investigate the cosmological impact of currently unaddressed light-curve variability. Methods. We constructed a new SALT model, that we dub “SALT3+”. This model was trained by an improved version of the SALTshaker code, using training data combining a selection of the second data release of cosmological SNe Ia from the Zwicky Transient Facility and the existing SALT3 training compilation. Results. We find additional, coherent variability in supernova light curves beyond SALT3. Most of this variation can be described as phase-dependent variation in g − r and r − i color curves, correlated with a boost in the height of the secondary maximum in i -band. These behaviors correlate with spectral differences, particularly in line velocity. We find that fits with the existing SALT3 model tend to address this excess variation with the color parameter, leading to less informative measurements of supernova color. We find that neglecting the new parameter in light-curve fits leads to a trend in Hubble residuals with x 2 of 0.039 ± 0.005 mag, representing a potential systematic uncertainty. However, we find no evidence of a bias in current cosmological measurements. Conclusions. We conclude that extended SN Ia light-curve models promise mild improvement in the accuracy of color measurements, and corresponding cosmological precision. However, models with more parameters are unlikely to substantially affect current cosmological results.

Kenworthy, W. D. (ORCID:0000000251535983)↗

Fungal ecological strategies reflected in gene transcription - a case study of two litter decomposers

Microbial communities interplay with their environment through their functional traits that can be a response or an effect on the environment. Here, we explore how a functional trait-the decomposition of organic matter, can be addressed based on genetic markers and how the expression of these markers reflect ecological strategies of two fungal litter decomposer Gymnopus androsaceus and Chalara longipes. We sequenced the genomes of these two fungi, as well as their transcriptomes at different steps of Pinus sylvestris needles decomposition in microcosms. Our results highlighted that if the gene content of the two species could indicate similar potential decomposition abilities, the expression levels of specific gene families belonging to the glycoside hydrolase category reflected contrasting ecological strategies. Actually, C. longipes, the weaker decomposer in this experiment, turned out to have a high content of genes involved in cell wall polysaccharides decomposition but low expression levels, reflecting a versatile ecology compare to the more competitive G. androsaceus with high expression levels of keystone functional genes. Finally, we established that sequential expression of genes coding for different components of the decomposer machinery indicated adaptation to chemical changes in the substrate as decomposition progressed.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

TU-CD-207-08: Intrinsic Image Quality Comparison of Synthesized 2-D and FFDM Images

Purpose: With the combined interest of managing patient dose, maintaining or improving image quality, and maintaining or improving the diagnostic utility of mammographic data, this study aims to compare the intrinsic image quality of Hologic’s synthesized 2-D (C-View) and 2-D FFDM images in terms of resolution, contrast, and noise. Methods: This study utilized a novel 3-D printed anthropomorphic breast phantom in addition to the American College of Radiology (ACR) mammography accreditation phantom. Analysis of the 3-D anthropomorphic phantom included visual assessment of resolution and analysis of the normalized noise power spectrum. Analysis of the ACR phantom included both visual inspection and objective automated analysis using in-house software. The software incorporates image- and object-specific CNR visibility thresholds which account for image characteristics such as noise texture which affect object visualization. T- test statistical analysis was also performed on ACR phantom scores. Results: The spatial resolution of C-View images is markedly lower (at least 50% worse) than that of FFDM. And while this is generally associated with the benefit of reduced relative noise magnitude, the noise in C-View images tends to have a more mottled (predominantly low-frequency) texture. In general, for high contrast objects, C-View provides superior visualization over FFDM; however this benefit diminishes for low contrast objects and is applicable only to objects that are sufficiently larger than the spatial resolution threshold. Based on both observer and automated ACR phantom analysis, between 50–70% of C-View images failed to meet ACR minimum accreditation requirements – primarily due to insufficient (unbroken) fiber visibility. Conclusion: Compared to FFDM, C-View offers better depiction of objects of certain size and contrast, but provides poorer overall resolution and noise properties. Based on these findings, the utilization of C-View images in the clinical setting requires careful consideration, especially if considering the discontinuation of FFDM imaging.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

SU-G-TeP2-04: Comprehensive Machine Isocenter Evaluation with Separation of Gantry, Collimator, and Table Variables

Purpose: To develop and demonstrate application of a method that characterizes deviation of linac x-ray beams from the centroid of the volumetric radiation isocenter as a function of gantry, collimator, and table variables. Methods: A set of Winston-Lutz ball-bearing images was used to determine the gantry radiation isocenter as the midrange of deviation values resulting from gantry and collimator rotation. Also determined were displacement of table axis from gantry isocenter and recommended table axis adjustment. The method, previously reported, has been extended to include the effect of collimator walkout by obtaining measurements with 0 and 180 degree collimator rotation for each gantry angle. Twelve images were used to characterize the volumetric isocenter for the full range of available gantry, collimator, and table rotations. Results: Three Varian True Beam, two Elekta Infinity and four Versa HD linacs at five institutions were tested using identical methodology. Varian linacs exhibited substantially less deviation due to head sag than Elekta linacs (0.4 mm vs. 1.2 mm on average). One linac from each manufacturer had additional isocenter deviation of 0.3 to 0.4 mm due to jaw instability with gantry and collimator rotation. For all linacs, the achievable isocenter tolerance was dependent on adjustment of collimator position offset, transverse position steering, and alignment of the table axis with gantry isocenter, facilitated by these test results. The pattern and magnitude of table axis wobble vs. table angle was reproducible and unique to each machine. Conclusion: This new method provides a comprehensive set of isocenter deviation values including all variables. It effectively facilitates minimization of deviation between beam center and target (ball-bearing) position. This method was used to quantify the effect of jaw instability on isocenter deviation and to identify the offending jaw. The test is suitable for incorporation into a routine machine QA program. Software development was performed by Radiological Imaging Technology, Inc.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

MO-FG-CAMPUS-TeP1-01: An Efficient Method of 3D Patient Dose Reconstruction Based On EPID Measurements for Pre-Treatment Patient Specific QA

Purpose: To demonstrate an efficient and clinically relevant patient specific QA method by reconstructing 3D patient dose from 2D EPID images for IMRT plans. Also to determine the usefulness of 2D QA metrics when assessing 3D patient dose deviations. Methods: Using the method developed by King et al (Med Phys 39(5),2839–2847), EPID images of IMRT fields were acquired in air and converted to dose at 10 cm depth (SAD setup) in a flat virtual water phantom. Each EPID measured dose map was then divided by the corresponding treatment planning system (TPS) dose map calculated with an identical setup, to derive a 2D “error matrix”. For each field, the error matrix was used to adjust the doses along the respective ray lines in the original patient 3D dose. All field doses were combined to derive a reconstructed 3D patient dose for quantitative analysis. A software tool was developed to efficiently implement the entire process and was tested with a variety of IMRT plans for 2D (virtual flat phantom) and 3D (in-patient) QA analysis. Results: The method was tested on 60 IMRT plans. The mean (± standard deviation) 2D gamma (2%,2mm) pass rate (2D-GPR) was 97.4±3.0% and the mean 2D gamma index (2D-GI) was 0.35±0.06. The 3D PTV mean dose deviation was 1.8±0.8%. The analysis showed very weak correlations between both the 2D-GPR and 2D-GI when compared with PTV mean dose deviations (R2=0.3561 and 0.3632 respectively). Conclusion: Our method efficiently calculates 3D patient dose from 2D EPID images, utilising all of the advantages of an EPID-based dosimetry system. In this study, the 2D QA metrics did not predict the 3D patient dose deviation. This tool allows reporting of the 3D volumetric dose parameters thus providing more clinically relevant patient specific QA.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Bacterial Community Composition and Dynamics Spanning Five Years in Freshwater Bog Lakes

Lakes are excellent systems for investigating bacterial community dynamics because they have clear boundaries and strong environmental gradients. The results of our research demonstrate that bacterial community composition varies by year, a finding which likely applies to other ecosystems and has implications for study design and interpretation. Understanding the drivers and controls of bacterial communities on long time scales would improve both our knowledge of fundamental properties of bacterial communities and our ability to predict community states. In this specific ecosystem, bog lakes play a disproportionately large role in global carbon cycling, and the information presented here may ultimately help refine carbon budgets for these lakes. Finally, all data and code in this study are publicly available. We hope that this will serve as a resource for anyone seeking to answer their own microbial ecology questions using a multiyear time series.

16S rRNA↗