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At least 181 records · Page 10

Localization of a radioactive source in an urban environment using Bayesian Metropolis methods [Bayesian Metropolis methods for source localization in an urban environment]

Here, we present a method for localizing an unknown source of radiation in an urban environment using a distributed detector network. This method employs statistical parameter estimation techniques, relying on an approximation for the response of a detector to the source based on a simplified model of the underlying transport phenomena, combined with a Metropolis-type sampler that is modified to propagate the effect of fixed epistemic uncertainties in the material macroscopic cross sections of objects in the scene. We apply this technique to data collected during a measurement campaign conducted in a realistic analog for an urban scene using a network of six mobile detectors. Our initial results are able to localize the source to within approximately 8 m over a scene of size 300 m 200 m in two independent trials with 30 min count times, including a characterization of the uncertainty associated with the poorly known macroscopic cross sections of objects in the scene. In these measurements, the nearest detectors were between 20 m to 30 m from the source, and recorded count rates between approximately 3 and 13 times background. A few detectors had line-of-sight to the source, while the majority were obscured by objects present in the scene. After extending our model to account for the orientation of the detectors and correcting for anomalies in the measurement data we were able to further improve the localization accuracy to approximately 2 m in both trials.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Measuring Local Electric Fields and Local Charge Densities at Electrode Surfaces Using Graphene-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (GERS)-Based Stark-Shifts

Here, we report spectroscopic measurements of the local electric fields and local charge densities at electrode surfaces using graphene-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (GERS) based on the Stark-shifts of surface-bound molecules and the G band frequency shift in graphene. Here, monolayer graphene is used as the working electrode in a three-terminal potentiostat while Raman spectra are collected in situ under applied electrochemical potentials using a water immersion lens. First, a thin layer (1 Å) of copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules are deposited on monolayer graphene by thermal evaporation. GERS spectra are then taken in an aqueous solution as a function of the applied electrochemical potential. The shifts in vibrational frequencies of the graphene G band and CuPc are obtained simultaneously and correlated. The upshifts in the G band Raman mode are used to determine the free carrier density in the graphene sheet under these applied potentials. Of the three dominant peaks in the Raman spectra of CuPc (i.e., 1531, 1450, and 1340 cm –1 ), only the 1531 cm –1 peak exhibits Stark-shifts and can, thus, be used to report the local electric field strength at the electrode surface under electrochemical working conditions. Between applied electrochemical potentials from -0.8 V to 0.8 V vs NHE, the free carrier density in the graphene electrode spans a range from -4 × 10 12 cm –2 to 2 × 10 12 cm –2 . Corresponding Stark-shifts in the CuPc peak around 1531 cm –1 are observed up to 1.0 cm –1 over a range of electric field strengths between -3.78 × 10 6 and 1.85 × 10 6 V/cm. Slightly larger Stark-shifts are observed in a 1 M KCl solution, compared to those observed in DI water, as expected based on the higher ion concentration of the electrolyte. Based on our data, we determine the Stark shift tuning rate to be 0.178 cm –1 / (10 6 V/cm), which is relatively small due to the planar nature of the CuPc molecule, which largely lies perpendicular to the electric field at this electrode surface. Computational simulations using density functional theory (DFT) predict similar Stark shifts and provide a detailed atomistic picture of the electric field-induced perturbations to the surface-bound CuPc molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The EPED pedestal model and edge localized mode-suppressed regimes: Studies of quiescent H-mode and development of a model for edge localized mode suppression via resonant magnetic perturbations

The EPED model predicts the H-mode pedestal height and width based upon two fundamental and calculable constraints: (1) onset of non-local peeling-ballooning modes at low to intermediate mode number, (2) onset of nearly local kinetic ballooning modes at high mode number. We present detailed tests of the EPED model in discharges with edge localized modes (ELMs), employing new high resolution measurements, and finding good quantitative agreement across a range of parameters. The EPED model is then applied for the first time to quiescent H-mode (QH), finding a similar level of agreement between predicted and observed pedestal height and width, and suggesting that the model can be used to predict the critical density for QH-mode operation. Finally, the model is applied toward understanding the suppression of ELMs with 3D resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP). Combining EPED with plasma response physics, a new working model for RMP ELM suppression is developed. We propose that ELMs are suppressed when a 'wall' associated with the RMP blocks the inward penetration of the edge transport barrier. A calculation of the required location of this 'wall' with EPED is consistent with observed profile changes during RMP ELM suppression and offers an explanation for the observed dependence on safety factor (q{sub 95}).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Reduced-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of toroidally and poloidally localized edge localized modes

We use the non-linear reduced-magnetohydrodynamic code JOREK to study edge localized modes (ELMs) in the geometry of the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. Toroidal mode numbers, poloidal filament sizes, and radial propagation speeds of filaments into the scrape-off layer are in good agreement with observations for type-I ELMs in ASDEX Upgrade. The observed instabilities exhibit a toroidal and poloidal localization of perturbations which is compatible with the 'solitary magnetic perturbations' recently discovered in ASDEX Upgrade [R. Wenninger et al., 'Solitary magnetic perturbations at the ELM onset,' Nucl. Fusion (accepted)]. This localization can only be described in numerical simulations with high toroidal resolution.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

On the mass of the local group

We use recent proper motion measurements of the tangential velocity of M31, along with its radial velocity and distance, to derive the likelihood of the sum of halo masses of the Milky Way and M31. This is done using a sample of halo pairs in the Bolshoi cosmological simulation of ΛCDM cosmology selected to match the properties and the environment of the Local Group. The resulting likelihood gives an estimate of the sum of the masses of M {sub MW,} {sub 200c} + M {sub M31,} {sub 200c} = 2.40{sub −1.05}{sup +1.95}×10{sup 12} M{sub ⊙} (90% confidence interval). This estimate is consistent with individual mass estimates for the Milky Way and M31 and is consistent, albeit somewhat on the low side, with the mass estimated using the timing argument. We show that although the timing argument is unbiased on average for all pairs, for pairs constrained to have radial and tangential velocities similar to that of the Local Group the argument overestimates the sum of masses by a factor of 1.6. Using similar technique, we estimate the total dark matter mass enclosed within 1 Mpc from the Local Group barycenter to be M{sub LG}(r<1 Mpc)=4.2{sub −2.0}{sup +3.4}×10{sup 12} M{sub ⊙} (90% confidence interval).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A meshless Galerkin method for non-local diffusion using localized kernel bases

Here, we introduce a meshless method for solving both continuous and discrete variational formulations of a volume constrained, nonlocal diffusion problem. We use the discrete solution to approximate the continuous solution. Our method is nonconforming and uses a localized Lagrange basis that is constructed out of radial basis functions. By verifying that certain inf-sup conditions hold, we demonstrate that both the continuous and discrete problems are well-posed, and also present numerical and theoretical results for the convergence behavior of the method. The stiffness matrix is assembled by a special quadrature routine unique to the localized basis. Combining the quadrature method with the localized basis produces a well-conditioned, symmetric matrix. This then is used to find the discretized solution.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Concavity-based local erosion and sphere-size-based local dilation applied to lithium-ion battery electrode microstructures for particle identification

Performance metrics of lithium-ion batteries can be extracted from the analysis of electrode microstructures nanoscale imaging. The characterization workflow can involve a challenging particle identification, or instance segmentation, step. In this work, we propose a new identification method based on an original transformation: a sphere-size-based local dilation followed by a concavity-based local erosion, that is local morphology closing. The new transformation is much more efficient than the global morphology closing, with correct identification achieved with only 1.7 % dilation volume and 2.6 % erosion volume on a test geometry, compared to 39.2 % and more than 50 %, respectively, with its global counterpart. The new method has been then benchmarked versus other identification algorithms (watershed and pseudo coulomb repulsive field) on a real electrode microstructure with equal or better segmentation achieved.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Preliminary Experience in Treatment of Papillary and Macular Retinoblastoma: Evaluation of Local Control and Local Complications After Treatment With Linear Accelerator-Based Stereotactic Radiotherapy With Micromultileaf Collimator as Second-Line or Salvage Treatment After Chemotherapy

Purpose: To determine the local control and complication rates for children with papillary and/or macular retinoblastoma progressing after chemotherapy and undergoing stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a micromultileaf collimator. Methods and Materials: Between 2004 and 2008, 11 children (15 eyes) with macular and/or papillary retinoblastoma were treated with SRT. The mean age was 19 months (range, 2-111). Of the 15 eyes, 7, 6, and 2 were classified as International Classification of Intraocular Retinoblastoma Group B, C, and E, respectively. The delivered dose of SRT was 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions using a dedicated micromultileaf collimator linear accelerator. Results: The median follow-up was 20 months (range, 13-39). Local control was achieved in 13 eyes (87%). The actuarial 1- and 2-year local control rates were both 82%. SRT was well tolerated. Late adverse events were reported in 4 patients. Of the 4 patients, 2 had developed focal microangiopathy 20 months after SRT; 1 had developed a transient recurrence of retinal detachment; and 1 had developed bilateral cataracts. No optic neuropathy was observed. Conclusions: Linear accelerator-based SRT for papillary and/or macular retinoblastoma in children resulted in excellent tumor control rates with acceptable toxicity. Additional research regarding SRT and its intrinsic organ-at-risk sparing capability is justified in the framework of prospective trials.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Bladder Preservation for Localized Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: The Survival Impact of Local Utilization Rates of Definitive Radiotherapy

Purpose: This study examines the management and outcomes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in the United States. Methods and Materials: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 2006 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were classified according to three mutually exclusive treatment categories based on the primary initial treatment: no local management, radiotherapy, or surgery. Overall survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox models based on multiple factors including treatment utilization patterns. Results: The study population consisted of 26,851 patients. Age, sex, race, tumor grade, histology, and geographic location were associated with differences in treatment (all p < 0.01). Patients receiving definitive radiotherapy tended to be older and have less differentiated tumors than patients undergoing surgery (RT, median age 78 years old and 90.6% grade 3/4 tumors; surgery, median age 71 years old and 77.1% grade 3/4 tumors). No large shifts in treatment were seen over time, with most patients managed with surgical resection (86.3% for overall study population). Significant survival differences were observed according to initial treatment: median survival, 14 months with no definitive local treatment; 17 months with radiotherapy; and 43 months for surgery. On multivariate analysis, differences in local utilization rates of definitive radiotherapy did not demonstrate a significant effect on overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.002; 95% confidence interval, 0.999-1.005). Conclusions: Multiple factors influence the initial treatment strategy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but definitive radiotherapy continues to be used infrequently. Although patients who undergo surgery fare better, a multivariable model that accounted for patient and tumor characteristics found no survival detriment to the utilization of definitive radiotherapy. These results support continued research into bladder preservation strategies and suggest that definitive radiotherapy represents a viable initial treatment strategy for those who wish to attempt to preserve their native bladder.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Intraoperative Electron Beam Radiation Therapy (IOERT) Versus High-Dose-Rate Intraoperative Brachytherapy (HDR-IORT) in Patients With an R1 Resection for Locally Advanced or Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), delivered by intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) or high-dose-rate intraoperative brachytherapy (HDR-IORT), may reduce the local recurrence rate in patients with locally advanced and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LARC and LRRC, respectively). The aim of this study was to compare the oncological outcomes between both IORT modalities in patients with LARC or LRRC who underwent a microscopic irradical (R1) resection.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Dynamic shear localization of a titanium alloy under high-rate tension characterized by x-ray digital image correlation

Highlights: • First systematic error analyses for XDIC • First XDIC study of Ti-6Al-4V under dynamic tension • Deformation mode transition induces dynamic ductility decrease. • Dynamic shear localization due to rate-dependent microvoid coalescence process. - Abstract: Dynamic and quasi-static tension experiments are conducted on Ti-6Al-4V alloys, with in situ, synchrotron-based, high-speed, x-ray phase contrast imaging implemented to characterize the dynamic deformation and fracture process of Ti alloys at the Advanced Photon Source. X-ray digital imaging correlation (XDIC) is applied for strain field mapping. The size distribution of x-ray speckles are quantified via a morphological analysis, with a mean of ∼20 μm. Systematic error analyses of displacement and strain field measurements are firstly conducted for XDIC, and demonstrate that the displacement and strain errors can be controlled below 0.01 pixel and 0.1%, respectively. Mesoscale strain characteristics measured via XDIC are consistent with and reveal mechanisms for the bulk-scale stress–strain responses. Under dynamic tension, a sharp transition to strain softening occurs when the bulk strain exceeds about 0.04, which leads to a lower dynamic fracture strain (0.08) than the quasi-static one (0.1). The corresponding strain filed mapping demonstrates that shear deformation localizations grow and coalesce rapidly into a narrow shear deformation band under dynamic loading, while tensile deformation and necking progresses gradually under quasi-static loading. Scanning electron microscopy shows that void nucleation occurs mainly at the interface of α and β phases for both quasi-static and dynamic tension. However, microvoids coalesce preferentially along colony boundaries or the boundary α phase under quasi-static tension, but along the maximum shear stress direction (across colonies) under dynamic tension. Fractography of recovered samples also shows consistent features.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Local Lattice Distortions in Mn[N(CN) 2 ] 2 under Pressure

We combined synchrotron-based infrared spectroscopy, Raman scattering, and diamond anvil cell techniques with complementary lattice dynamics calculations to reveal local lattice distortions in Mn[N(CN)2]2 under compression. Strikingly, we find a series of transitions involving octahedral counter-rotations, changes in the local Mn environment, and deformations of the superexchange pathway. In addition to reinforcing trends in the magnetic exchange anisotropy, these pressure-induced local lattice distortions may provide an avenue for the development of new functionalities.

Brinzari, Tatiana V.↗

Local Spin Density Approximation Strongly Improved by a Better-Informed Local Scaling of Its Self-Interaction Correction

The Perdew−Zunger self-interaction correction (PZSIC) makes density functional approximations (DFAs) exact for all one-electron densities. However, it overcorrects in manyelectron regions, introducing errors for the uniform-density limit, where uncorrected DFAs are exact. The locally scaled PZSIC (LSIC), based on the iso-orbital indicator zσ [which distinguishes single-orbital and slowly varying density regions and is used with the local spin density approximation (LSDA)], restores the uniform-density limit and significantly improves results for many properties, including chemical reaction barrier heights, atomization energies, and ionization potentials. Yet, LSIC performs poorly for weakly bonded systems, leaving many unbound, due to limitations of its iso-orbital indicator. To correct this, in this work we propose a new local scaling, LSIC-α, based on the iso-orbital indicator ασ (which additionally identifies regions of overlapping density tails). A two-parameter scaling function of ασ is fitted to a subset of the nonbonded appropriate norms for the SCAN and r2SCAN meta- GGAs, and tested on many properties of main-group atoms, molecules, and molecular complexes. LSIC-α greatly improves the interaction energies of weakly bonded systems in the S22 data set while retaining LSIC’s accuracy for other properties. This work shows that the errors of LSDA (and presumably of higher-level DFAs) can be largely but not entirely repaired by a proper “do no harm” self-interaction correction.

Approximation↗

Localized high-concentration electrolytes get more localized through micelle-like structures

Liquid electrolytes in batteries are typically treated as macroscopically homogeneous ionic transport media despite having a complex chemical composition and atomistic solvation structures, leaving a knowledge gap of the microstructural characteristics. Here, we reveal a unique micelle-like structure in a localized high-concentration electrolyte, in which the solvent acts as a surfactant between an insoluble salt in a diluent. The miscibility of the solvent with the diluent and simultaneous solubility of the salt results in a micelle-like structure with a smeared interface and an increased salt concentration at the centre of the salt–solvent clusters that extends the salt solubility. These intermingling miscibility effects have temperature dependencies, wherein a typical localized high-concentration electrolyte peaks in localized cluster salt concentration near room temperature and is used to form a stable solid–electrolyte interphase on a Li metal anode. Importantly, these findings serve as a guide to predicting a stable ternary phase diagram and connecting the electrolyte microstructure with electrolyte formulation and formation protocols of solid–electrolyte interphases for enhanced battery cyclability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Average structure and local configuration of excess oxygen in UO2+x

Determination of the local configuration of interacting defects in a crystalline, periodic solid is problematic because defects typically do not have a long-range periodicity. Uranium dioxide, the primary fuel for fission reactors, exists in hyperstoichiometric form, UO2+x. Those excess oxygen atoms occur as interstitial defects, and these defects are not random but rather partially ordered. The widely-accepted model to date, the Willis cluster based on neutron diffraction, cannot be reconciled with the first-principles molecular dynamics simulations present here. We demonstrate that the Willis cluster is a fair representation of the numerical ratio of different interstitial O atoms; however, the model does not represent the actual local configuration. The simulations show that the average structure of UO2+x involves a combination of defect structures including split di-interstitial, di-interstitial, mono-interstitial, and the Willis cluster, and the latter is a transition state that provides for the fast diffusion of the defect cluster. The results provide new insights in differentiating the average structure from the local configuration of defects in a solid and the transport properties of UO2+x.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗