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At least 577 records · Page 32

Multi-scale visual analysis of time-varying electrocorticography data via clustering of brain regions

There exists a need for effective and easy-to-use software tools supporting the analysis of complex Electrocorticography (ECoG) data. Understanding how epileptic seizures develop or identifying diagnostic indicators for neurological diseases require the in-depth analysis of neural activity data from ECoG. Such data is multi-scale and is of high spatio-temporal resolution. Comprehensive analysis of this data should be supported by interactive visual analysis methods that allow a scientist to understand functional patterns at varying levels of granularity and comprehend its time-varying behavior. We introduce a novel multi-scale visual analysis system, ECoG ClusterFlow, for the detailed exploration of ECoG data. Our system detects and visualizes dynamic high-level structures, such as communities, derived from the time-varying connectivity network. The system supports two major views: 1) an overview summarizing the evolution of clusters over time and 2) an electrode view using hierarchical glyph-based design to visualize the propagation of clusters in their spatial, anatomical context. We present case studies that were performed in collaboration with neuroscientists and neurosurgeons using simulated and recorded epileptic seizure data to demonstrate our system's effectiveness. ECoG ClusterFlow supports the comparison of spatio-temporal patterns for specific time intervals and allows a user to utilize various clustering algorithms. Neuroscientists can identify the site of seizure genesis and its spatial progression during various the stages of a seizure. Our system serves as a fast and powerful means for the generation of preliminary hypotheses that can be used as a basis for subsequent application of rigorous statistical methods, with the ultimate goal being the clinical treatment of epileptogenic zones.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Bovine adapted transmissible mink encephalopathy is similar to L-BSE after passage through sheep with the VRQ/VRQ genotype but not VRQ/ARQ

Background: Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is a fatal neurologic disease of farmed mink. Evidence indicates that TME and L-BSE are similar and may be linked in some outbreaks of TME. We previously transmitted bovine adapted TME (bTME) to sheep. The present study compared ovine passaged bTME (o-bTME) to C-BSE and L-BSE in transgenic mice expressing wild type bovine prion protein (TgBovXV). To directly compare the transmission efficiency of all prion strains in this study, we considered the attack rates and mean incubation periods. Additional methods for strain comparison were utilized including lesion profiles, fibril stability, and western blotting. Results: Sheep donor genotype elicited variable disease phenotypes in bovinized mice. Inoculum derived from a sheep with the VRQ/VRQ genotype (o-bTME VV ) resulted in an attack rate, incubation period, western blot profile, and neuropathology most similar to bTME and L-BSE. Conversely, donor material from a sheep with the VRQ/ARQ genotype (o-bTME AV ) elicited a phenotype distinct from o-bTME VV , bTME and L-BSE. The TSE with the highest transmission efficiency in bovinized mice was L-BSE. The tendency to efficiently transmit to TgBovXV mice decreased in the order bTME, C-BSE, o-bTME VV , and o-bTME AV . The transmission efficiency of L-BSE was approximately 1.3 times higher than o-bTMEVV and 3.2 times higher than o-bTME AV . Conclusions: Our findings provide insight on how sheep host genotype modulates strain genesis and influences interspecies transmission characteristics. Given that the transmission efficiencies of L-BSE and bTME are higher than C-BSE, coupled with previous reports of L-BSE transmission to mice expressing the human prion protein, continued monitoring for atypical BSE is advisable in order to prevent occurrences of interspecies transmission that may affect humans or other species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Genome co-amplification upregulates a mitotic gene network activity that predicts outcome and response to mitotic protein inhibitors in breast cancer

Background: High mitotic activity is associated with the genesis and progression of many cancers. Small molecule inhibitors of mitotic apparatus proteins are now being developed and evaluated clinically as anticancer agents. With clinical trials of several of these experimental compounds underway, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that determine high mitotic activity, identify tumor subtypes that carry molecular aberrations that confer high mitotic activity, and to develop molecular markers that distinguish which tumors will be most responsive to mitotic apparatus inhibitors. Methods: We identified a coordinately regulated mitotic apparatus network by analyzing gene expression profiles for 53 malignant and non-malignant human breast cancer cell lines and two separate primary breast tumor datasets. We defined the mitotic network activity index (MNAI) as the sum of the transcriptional levels of the 54 coordinately regulated mitotic apparatus genes. The effect of those genes on cell growth was evaluated by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Results: High MNAI was enriched in basal-like breast tumors and was associated with reduced survival duration and preferential sensitivity to i nhibitors of the mitotic apparatus proteins, polo-like kinase, centromere associated protein E and aurora kinase designated GSK462364, GSK923295 and GSK1070916, respectively. Co-amplification of regions of chromosomes 8q24, 10p15-p12, 12p13, and 17q24-q25 was associated with the transcriptional upregulation of this network of 54 mitotic apparatus genes, and we identify transcription factors that localize to these regions and putatively regulate mitotic activity. Knockdown of the mitotic network by siRNA identified 22 genes that might be considered as additional therapeutic targets for this clinically relevant patient subgroup. Conclusions: We define a molecular signature which may guide therapeutic approaches for tumors with high mitotic network activity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Relationships between lineal fracture intensity and chemical composition in the Marcellus Shale, Appalachian Basin

Within mudrock reservoirs, brittle zones undergo failure during hydraulic stimulation, creating numerous artificial fractures which enable hydrocarbons to be liberated from the reservoir. Natural fractures in mudrock reduce the tensile strength of the host rock, creating planes of weaknesses that are hypothesized to be reactivated during hydraulic stimulation. Combined, brittleness and natural fractures contribute to creating more abundant and complex fracture networks during hydraulic stimulation. Research efforts toward quantifying rock brittleness have resulted in numerous mineral-/compositional-based indices, which are used during petrophysical analysis to predict zones most conducive to hydraulic stimulation. In contrast, investigations on the relationship between chemical composition and core-scale natural fractures are limited. For this study, we collected high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data, calibrated with a wave-dispersive XRF, from a Marcellus Shale core. Additionally, we characterized corescale natural fractures in terms of length, width, in-filling material or lack thereof, and orientation. Following the characterization, we transformed the natural fracture data into a continuous P10 (lineal fracture intensity) curve, expressed as the number of fractures per a one-half foot window. Using these data sets, we investigated the relationship between rock composition and natural fracture intensity. Regression analyses recorded positive relationships between natural fracture intensity and calcium, silicon/aluminum, and total organic carbon (TOC), and negative relationships with silicon and aluminum. Aluminum recorded the strongest (negative) relationship ([Formula: see text]) with natural fracture intensity. To access the degree to which natural fractures can be predicted based on chemical composition, we applied a partial least-squares analysis, a multivariate method, and recorded an [Formula: see text]. Our study illustrates that although numerous factors are responsible for natural fracture genesis, such fractures predictively concentrate in areas of similar chemical composition, largely in zones with low aluminum concentrations.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

Using Stage Level Microseismic Analysis to Gain Insight into Fracture Efficiency and Completion Effectiveness

Microseismic event density heat maps at sequential time intervals during the treatment of individual completion stages have been developed to better understand fracture behavior on a stage level. Animating these heat maps through time on a single stage provides fascinating visual insights into the dynamic sequencing of populations of events, event timing and their likely genesis, providing a new way of visualizing and interpreting microseismic data sets. This technique leverages heat-map benefits from URTEC 2674376, excluding microseismic event clusters that may obscure or skew statistical analysis of the event densities, thus allowing for more accurate assessment of geologic features, stimulated rock volume, near-field concentration of events due to varying cluster spacing, fracture efficiency and stress shadowing. Far-field microseismic events prior to ramp up of treatment pressure are clearly indicated from this technique that cannot be observed with standard heat maps with certain completion designs. Unambiguous changes in microseismic event character from these far-field pre-ramp up events to those near-field events occurring at the onset of pressure are also observed. Applying a stage by stage approach on packages of wells and different locations provides robust statistical conclusions pertaining to reservoir behavior during well completion.

Wang, Iris↗

Comparing FEL Codes for Advanced Configurations

Various FEL codes employ different approximations and strategies to model the FEL radiation generation process. Many codes perform averaging procedures over various length scales in order to simplify the underlying dynamics. As FELs are developed in more advanced configurations beyond simple SASE, the assumptions of some codes may be called into question. Here, we compare the unaveraged code Puffin to averaged FEL codes including a new version of GENESIS in a variety of situations. In particular, we study a harmonic lasing setup, a High-Gain Harmonic Generation (HGHG) configuration modeled after the FERMI setup, and a potential Echo-Enabled Harmonic Generation (EEHG) configuration also at FERMI. Lastly, we find the codes are in good agreement, although small discrepancies do exist.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Application of Transverse-to-Longitudinal Phase-Space-Exchanged Beam Produced from a Nano-Structure Photocathode to a Soft X-Ray Free-Electron Laser

Nano-structured cathodes can form transversely modulated beams which can be subsequently converted to temporally modulated beam via a transverse-to-longitudinal phase space-exchanging beamline. We demonstrate via numerical simulation the generation of transversely modulated beam at the nm scale and investigate the corresponding enhancement in a soft-X-ray SASE free-electron laser. Our study is supported by start-to-end simulation combining WARP, IMPACT-T and GENESIS(FEL process) and focuses on the optimization of the beamline to preserve initial modulation at the nanometer level. We also discuss the scaling of the concept to shorter-wavelengths.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Progress in the development of the community Particle Accelerator Lattice Standard (PALS)

The Particle Accelerator Lattice Standard (PALS) is a community effort to create an open standard to promote lattice information exchange for particle accelerators. PALS development is a community-wide international effort involving accelerator physicists from multiple institutions. While it started as a lattice standard for beam dynamics simulations, it is now being extended to support other particle accelerator activities, in particular accelerator operation. With new accelerators that are becoming more complex, larger collaborations and the increasing imprint of artificial intelligence in all accelerator activities (from design to operation to workforce development), the imperative for a common, standardized accelerator ontology has been transitioning from “nice-to-have” to “must-have”. We will present the status of the project, its relations to other projects, including to two of the particle accelerator projects of the newly announced US DOE Genesis Mission: the Multi-Office Accelerator Team (MOAT) project and the Nuclear physics AI-Ready Accelerator Data (NARAD) project.

Brynes, A. [Science and Technology Facilities Coun↗

Recovery Act: Novel Kerf-Free PV Wafering that provides a low-cost approach to generate wafers from 150um to 50um in thickness

The technical paper summarizes the project work conducted in the development of Kerf-Free silicon wafering equipment for silicon solar wafering. This new PolyMax technology uses a two step process of implantation and cleaving to exfoliate 50um to 120um wafers with thicknesses ranging from 50um to 120um from a 125mm or 156mm pseudo-squared silicon ingot. No kerf is generated using this method of wafering. This method of wafering contrasts with the current method of making silicon solar wafers using the industry standard wire saw equipment. The report summarizes the activity conducted by Silicon Genesis Corporation in working to develop this technology further and to define the roadmap specifications for the first commercial proto-type equipment for high volume solar wafer manufacturing using the PolyMax technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Plutonium Metal: Oxidation Considerations and Approach

Plutonium is arguably the most unique of all metals when considered in the combined context of metallurgical, chemical, and nuclear behavior. Much of the research in understanding behavior and characteristics of plutonium materials has its genesis in work associated with nuclear weapons systems. However, with the advent of applications in fuel materials, the focus in plutonium science has been more towards nuclear fuel applications, as well as long term storage and disposition. The focus of discussion included herein is related to preparing plutonium materials to meet goals consistent with non-proliferation. More specifically, the emphasis is on the treatment of legacy plutonium, in primarily metallic form, and safe handling, packaging, and transport to meet non-proliferation goals of safe/secure storage. Elevated temperature oxidation of plutonium metal is the treatment of choice, due to extensive experiential data related to the method, as the oxide form of plutonium is one of only a few compounds that is relatively simple to produce, and stable over a large temperature range. Despite the simplicity of the steps required to oxidize plutonium metal, it is important to understand the behavior of plutonium to ensure that oxidation is conducted in a safe and effective manner. It is important to understand the effect of changes in environmental variables on the oxidation characteristics of plutonium. The primary purpose of this report is to present a brief summary of information related to plutonium metal attributes, behavior, methods for conversion to oxide, and the ancillary considerations related to processing and facility safety. The information provided is based on data available in the public domain and from experience in oxidation of such materials at various facilities in the United States. The report is provided as a general reference for implementation of a simple and safe plutonium metal oxidation technique.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

STP K Basin Sludge Sample Archive at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory FY2014

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) currently houses 88 samples (~10.5 kg) of K Basin sludge (81 wet and seven dry samples) on behalf of the Sludge Treatment Project (STP), which is managed for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company (CHPRC). Selected samples are intended to serve, in part, as sentinels to enhance understanding of sludge properties after long-term storage, and thus enhance understanding of sludge behavior following transfer to sludge transfer and storage containers (STSCs) and storage at the Hanford 200 Area central plateau. In addition, remaining samples serve in contingency for future testing requirements. At PNNL, the samples are tracked and maintained under a prescriptive and disciplined monthly sample-monitoring program implemented by PNNL staff. This report updates the status of the K Basin archive sludge sample inventory to April 2014. The previous inventory status report, PNNL 22245 (Fiskum et al. 2013, limited distribution report), was issued in February of 2013. This update incorporates changes in the inventory related to repackaging of 17 samples under test instructions 52578 TI052, K Basin Sludge Sample Repackaging for Continued Long Term Storage, and 52578 TI053, K Basin Sludge Sample Repackaging Post-2014 Shear Strength Measurements. Note that shear strength measurement results acquired in 2014 are provided separately. Specifically, this report provides the following: • a description of the K Basin sludge sample archive program and the sample inventory • a summary and images of the samples that were repackaged in April 2014 • up-to-date images and plots of the settled density and water loss from all applicable samples in the inventory • updated sample pedigree charts, which provide a roadmap of the genesis and processing history of each sample in the inventory • occurrence and deficiency reports associated with sample storage and repackaging

Archive↗

Property Improvement in CZT via Modeling and Processing Innovations . Te-particles in vertical gradient freeze CZT: Size and Spatial Distributions and Constitutional Supercooling

A section of a vertical gradient freeze CZT boule approximately 2100-mm 3 with a planar area of 300-mm 2 was prepared and examined using transmitted IR microscopy at various magnifications to determine the three-dimensional spatial and size distributions of Te-particles over large longitudinal and radial length scales. The boule section was approximately 50-mm wide by 60-mm in length by 7-mm thick and was doubly polished for TIR work. Te-particles were imaged through the thickness using extended focal imaging to locate the particles in thickness planes spaced 15-µm apart and then in plane of the image using xy-coordinates of the particle center of mass so that a true three dimensional particle map was assembled for a 1-mm by 45-mm longitudinal strip and for a 1-mm by 50-mm radial strip. Te-particle density distributions were determined as a function of longitudinal and radial positions in these strips, and treating the particles as vertices of a network created a 3D image of the particle spatial distribution. Te-particles exhibited a multi-modal log-normal size density distribution that indicated a slight preference for increasing size with longitudinal growth time, while showing a pronounced cellular network structure throughout the boule that can be correlated to dislocation network sizes in CZT. Higher magnification images revealed a typical Rayleigh-instability pearl string morphology with large and small satellite droplets. This study includes solidification experiments in small crucibles of 30:70 mixtures of Cd:Te to reduce the melting point below 1273 K (1000°C). These solidification experiments were performed over a wide range of cooling rates and clearly demonstrated a growth instability with Te-particle capture that is suggested to be responsible for one of the peaks in the size distribution using size discrimination visualization. The results are discussed with regard to a manifold Te-particle genesis history as 1) Te-particle direct capture from melt-solid growth instabilities, 2) Te-particle formation from dislocation core diffusion and the formation and breakup of Te-tubes, and 3) Te-particle formation due to classical nucleation and growth as precipitates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Distributed seeding for narrow-line width hard x-ray free-electron lasers

We describe a new FEL line-narrowing technique called distributed seeding (DS), using Si(111) Bragg crystal monochromators to enhance the spectral brightness of the MaRIE hard X-ray freeelectron laser. DS differs from self-seeding in three important aspects. First, DS relies on spectral filtering of the radiation at multiple locations along the undulator, with a monochromator located every few power gain lengths. Second, DS performs filtering early in the exponential gain region before SASE spikes start to appear in the radiation longitudinal profile. Third, DS provides the option to select a wavelength longer than the peak of the SASE gain curve, which leads to improved spectral contrast of the seeded FEL over the SASE background. Timedependent Genesis simulations show the power-vs-z growth curves for DS exhibit behaviors of a seeded FEL amplifier, such as exponential growth region immediately after the filters. Of the seeding approaches considered, the two-stage DS spectra produce the highest contrast of seeded FEL over the SASE background and that the three-stage DS provides the narrowest linewidth with a relative spectral FWHM of 8 X 10 -5 .

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

California Geothermal Forum: A Path to Increasing Geothermal Development in California

The genesis of this report was a 2016 forum in Sacramento, California, titled 'California Geothermal Forum: A Path to Increasing Geothermal Development in California.' The forum was held at the California Energy Commission's (CEC) headquarters in Sacramento, California with the primary goal being to advance the dialogues for the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) and CEC technical research and development (R&D) focuses for future consideration. The forum convened a diverse group of stakeholders from government, industry, and research to lay out pathways for new geothermal development in California while remaining consistent with critical Federal and State conservation planning efforts, particularly at the Salton Sea.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Single sensor bluethooth multilateration from arbitary locations

The genesis of bluetooth heralded a massive influx of tiny, easily produced, data transmitting devices, which due to their low power draw, could be connected to a decent sized battery and transmit data for weeks on end. Now that nearly all phones and computers have this capability built in, it has become useful for any number of reasons to know what type of devices are within an area, and their precise location. Systems have been developed which locate these devices, but only as long as they are within the range of multiple stationary beacons, which, depending on the area wishing to be monitored, may have severe limitations. This paper outlines the development of a system that uses a single sensor to determine the location of bluetooth devices over any sized area.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Advanced Reactor Technologies Advanced Reactor Technologies Program Management Plan

The Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) program grew out of earlier Department of Energy efforts to promote next-generation, small modular, and other advanced reactor concepts. It is now sponsored by Office of Advanced Reactor Deployment, NE-52. Because of its peculiar genesis, the program resides at multiple national laboratories and brings in researchers from subcontracting entities and universities. This creates a need for Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) ART to authorize and define work through memorandum purchase orders, inter-entity work orders, and subcontracts. ART manages research and development (R&D) for the Gas-Cooled Reactors (GCRs) Campaign and other advanced-reactor technologies and ensures that Nuclear Regulatory Commission (requirements and stakeholder needs are factored into the R&D activities. The GCR Campaign supports the Next Generation Nuclear Plant High Temperature Reactor as outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 20051 by

42 ENGINEERING↗

Subsurface Sources of CO 2 in the United States. Volume II: Exploration of CO 2 Systems

A study of the genesis and tectonic setting of subsurface CO 2 systems in the United States indicates that undiscovered CO 2 reservoirs could contribute materially to CO 2 supply for enhanced oil recovery. Five geographic areas are estimated to contain 42 Tcf of risked technically recoverable CO 2 resource (TRR). Two lead areas near the Permian Basin, Val Verde and San Juan, contain 34 Tcf CO 2 risked TRR, an amount roughly equivalent to the remaining TRR in discovered reservoirs that are currently supplying the region. The number of lead areas studied was limited and the aggregate TRR estimates are not comprehensive.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Verification and Validation of Simulation Framework for Analysis of Traumatic Brain Injury

Many U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have suffered blast-related, closed-head injuries as a result of being within non-lethal distance of a detonated improvised explosive device (IED). Consequently, we are conducting a modeling & simulation investigation, coupled with clinical diagnostics of brain injury, into the mechanisms associated with blast to the human head that give rise to traumatic brain injury (TBI). In particular, we are attempting to identify the specific conditions of focused stress wave energy within the brain, resulting from blast loading to the head, which define a threshold for persistent brain injury. As these threshold injury conditions are identified, one can then employ a modeling & simulation toolset to assess the efficacy of various helmet designs to mitigate blast exposure that would otherwise lead to traumatic brain injury. In this report, we describe our efforts to establish the role of stress wave interactions in the genesis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from exposure to explosive blast. We discuss our effort to correlate simulation predictions with clinical assessments of TBI subjects whose brain injuries have been diagnosed by advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques. This work has been funded through the U.S. Naval Health Research Center, Office of Naval Research, Mr. James Mackiewicz, project funding manager.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗