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At least 883 records · Page 49

Feasibility of a unified approach to intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volume-modulated arc therapy optimization and delivery

Purpose: To study the feasibility of unified intensity-modulated arc therapy (UIMAT) which combines intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) optimization and delivery to produce superior radiation treatment plans, both in terms of dose distribution and efficiency of beam delivery when compared with either VMAT or IMRT alone. Methods: An inverse planning algorithm for UIMAT was prototyped within the PINNACLE treatment planning system (Philips Healthcare). The IMRT and VMAT deliveries are unified within the same arc, with IMRT being delivered at specific gantry angles within the arc. Optimized gantry angles for the IMRT and VMAT phases are assigned automatically by the inverse optimization algorithm. Optimization of the IMRT and VMAT phases is done simultaneously using a direct aperture optimization algorithm. Five treatment plans each for prostate, head and neck, and lung were generated using a unified optimization technique and compared with clinical IMRT or VMAT plans. Delivery verification was performed with an ArcCheck phantom (Sun Nuclear) on a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems). Results: In this prototype implementation, the UIMAT plans offered the same target dose coverage while reducing mean doses to organs at risk by 8.4% for head-and-neck cases, 5.7% for lung cases, and 3.5% for prostate cases, compared with the VMAT or IMRT plans. In addition, UIMAT can be delivered with similar efficiency as VMAT. Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept work, a novel radiation therapy optimization and delivery technique that interlaces VMAT or IMRT delivery within the same arc has been demonstrated. Initial results show that unified VMAT/IMRT has the potential to be superior to either standard IMRT or VMAT.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

An enhanced artificial neural network with a shuffled complex evolutionary global optimization with principal component analysis

The classical Back-Propagation (BP) scheme with gradient-based optimization in training Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) suffers from many drawbacks, such as the premature convergence, and the tendency of being trapped in local optimums. Therefore, as an alternative for the BP and gradient-based optimization schemes, various Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs), i.e., Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Simulated Annealing (SA), and Differential Evolution (DE), have gained popularity in the field of ANN weight training. This study applied a new efficient and effective Shuffled Complex Evolutionary Global Optimization Algorithm with Principal Component Analysis – University of California Irvine (SP-UCI) to the weight training process of a three-layer feed-forward ANN. A large-scale numerical comparison is conducted among the SP-UCI-, PSO-, GA-, SA-, and DE-based ANNs on 17 benchmark, complex, and real-world datasets. Here the results show that SP-UCI-based ANN outperforms other EA-based ANNs in the context of convergence and generalization. Results suggest that the SP-UCI algorithm possesses good potential in support of the weight training of ANN in real-word problems. In addition, the suitability of different kinds of EAs on training ANN is discussed. The large-scale comparison experiments conducted in this paper are fundamental references for selecting proper ANN weight training algorithms in practice.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

An image classification deep-learning algorithm for shrapnel detection from ultrasound images

Ultrasound imaging is essential for non-invasively diagnosing injuries where advanced diagnostics may not be possible. However, image interpretation remains a challenge as proper expertise may not be available. In response, artificial intelligence algorithms are being investigated to automate image analysis and diagnosis. Here, we highlight an image classification convolutional neural network for detecting shrapnel in ultrasound images. As an initial application, different shrapnel types and sizes were embedded first in a tissue mimicking phantom and then in swine thigh tissue. The algorithm architecture was optimized stepwise by minimizing validation loss and maximizing F1 score. The final algorithm design trained on tissue phantom image sets had an F1 score of 0.95 and an area under the ROC curve of 0.95. It maintained higher than a 90% accuracy for each of 8 shrapnel types. When trained only on swine image sets, the optimized algorithm format had even higher metrics: F1 and area under the ROC curve of 0.99. Overall, the algorithm developed resulted in strong classification accuracy for both the tissue phantom and animal tissue. This framework can be applied to other trauma relevant imaging applications such as internal bleeding to further simplify trauma medicine when resources and image interpretation are scarce.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Multiobjective optimization of nuclear microreactor reactivity control system operation with swarm and evolutionary algorithms

To improve the marketability of novel microreactor designs, there is a need for automated and optimal control of these reactors. This paper presents a methodology for performing multiobjective optimization of control drum operation for a microreactor under normal and off-nominal conditions. Here, two different case studies are used where the control drum configuration is optimized for the reactor to be critical with some desired power distribution that would satisfy peaking limits. A surrogate model for power distribution is developed based on a feedforward neural network. The process for determining weights for scalarization of the multiobjective optimization problem is also detailed. Six optimization algorithms: evolutionary strategies, differential evolution, grey wolf optimization, Harris hawks optimization, moth flame optimization and particle swarm optimization, are all applied to these cases and the results analyzed. Although all these algorithms will demonstrate optima-seeking behavior, for real-time control it is necessary to identify the best algorithm to efficiently provide reasonable optima without operator interference. The moth flame optimization algorithm was found to perform particularly well on both cases. Overall, it was found that the algorithms capable of supplying the best optima were also the most consistent. Finally, the found optima were verified with the original model used to train surrogates.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Exploring temporal community evolution: algorithmic approaches and parallel optimization for dynamic community detection

Abstract Dynamic (temporal) graphs are a convenient mathematical abstraction for many practical complex systems including social contacts, business transactions, and computer communications. Community discovery is an extensively used graph analysis kernel with rich literature for static graphs. However, community discovery in a dynamic setting is challenging for two specific reasons. Firstly, the notion of temporal community lacks a widely accepted formalization, and only limited work exists on understanding how communities emerge over time. Secondly, the added temporal dimension along with the sheer size of modern graph data necessitates new scalable algorithms. In this paper, we investigate how communities evolve over time based on several graph metrics under a temporal formalization. We compare six different algorithmic approaches for dynamic community detection for their quality and runtime. We identify that a vertex-centric (local) optimization method works as efficiently as the classical modularity-based methods. To its advantage, such local computation allows for the efficient design of parallel algorithms without incurring a significant parallel overhead. Based on this insight, we design a shared-memory parallel algorithm DyComPar , which demonstrates between 4 and 18 fold speed-up on a multi-core machine with 20 threads, for several real-world and synthetic graphs from different domains.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Algorithm and Software for Calculating Optimal Regimes of the Process Water Supply System at the Kalininskaya NPP{sup 1}

An algorithm and software for calculating the optimal operating regimes of the process water supply system at the Kalininskaya NPP are described. The parameters of the optimal regimes are determined for time varying meteorological conditions and condensation loads of the NPP. The optimal flow of the cooling water in the turbines is determined computationally; a regime map with the data on the optimal water consumption distribution between the coolers and displaying the regimes with an admissible heat load on the natural cooling lakes is composed. Optimizing the cooling system for a 4000-MW NPP will make it possible to conserve at least 155,000 MW · h of electricity per year. The procedure developed can be used to optimize the process water supply systems of nuclear and thermal power plants.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of an Advanced Distributed Energy Resource Management Algorithm

This paper presents the laboratory performance evaluation of voltage regulation under a new distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) algorithm via an advanced hardware-in-tbe-loop (HIL) platform. The HIL platform provides realistic testing in a laboratory environment, including the accurate modeling of a full-scale real-world distribution system from a utility partner, the DERMS software controller, and power hardware photovoltaic (PV) inverters. The new DERMS algorithm is developed based on online multiobjective optimization (OMOO) algorithms that perform fast dispatch of distributed solar PV simulated in a real-time digital simulator and real physical hardware devices. Experimental tests confirm the correct functioning of the HIL platform for evaluating controller algorithms and satisfactory voltage regulation performance of the developed OMOO algorithms.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of an Advanced Distributed Energy Resource Management Algorithm: Preprint

This paper presents the laboratory performance evaluation of voltage regulation under a new distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) algorithm via an advanced hardware-in-tbe-loop (HIL) platform. The HIL platform provides realistic testing in a laboratory environment, including the accurate modeling of a full-scale real-world distribution system from a utility partner, the DERMS software controller, and power hardware photovoltaic (PV) inverters. The new DERMS algorithm is developed based on online multiobjective optimization (OMOO) algorithms that perform fast dispatch of distributed solar PV simulated in a real-time digital simulator and real physical hardware devices. Experimental tests confirm the correct functioning of the HIL platform for evaluating controller algorithms and satisfactory voltage regulation performance of the developed OMOO algorithms.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Accelerating Traction Motor Optimization Design with AI Surrogate Models

The advancement of artificial intelligence systems enables the use of data-driven physics-based surrogate models to explore design spaces rapidly and deeply for engineering projects. This work presents a surrogate model workflow that accelerates electric traction motor design optimization by replacing finite element analysis (FEA) with an artificial neural network (ANN) and using this model in a genetic algorithm for design optimization. A baseline interior permanent-magnet motor is parameterized and sampled to generate FEA-labeled training data, after which a feed-forward ANN predicts key outputs (e.g., loss components and weight). The validated surrogate enables genetic-algorithm optimization and deep search over the design space without new FEA runs, producing Pareto-optimal trade-offs between weight and losses and set of optimized designs for rapid downselection of manufacturable motor designs.

Ribeiro, Pedro [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000921026641)↗

SU-C-207B-05: Tissue Segmentation of Computed Tomography Images Using a Random Forest Algorithm: A Feasibility Study

Purpose: Develop an automated Random Forest algorithm for tissue segmentation of CT examinations. Methods: Seven materials were classified for segmentation: background, lung/internal gas, fat, muscle, solid organ parenchyma, blood/contrast, and bone using Matlab and the Trainable Weka Segmentation (TWS) plugin of FIJI. The following classifier feature filters of TWS were investigated: minimum, maximum, mean, and variance each evaluated over a pixel radius of 2n, (n = 0–4). Also noise reduction and edge preserving filters, Gaussian, bilateral, Kuwahara, and anisotropic diffusion, were evaluated. The algorithm used 200 trees with 2 features per node. A training data set was established using an anonymized patient’s (male, 20 yr, 72 kg) chest-abdomen-pelvis CT examination. To establish segmentation ground truth, the training data were manually segmented using Eclipse planning software, and an intra-observer reproducibility test was conducted. Six additional patient data sets were segmented based on classifier data generated from the training data. Accuracy of segmentation was determined by calculating the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) between manual and auto segmented images. Results: The optimized autosegmentation algorithm resulted in 16 features calculated using maximum, mean, variance, and Gaussian blur filters with kernel radii of 1, 2, and 4 pixels, in addition to the original CT number, and Kuwahara filter (linear kernel of 19 pixels). Ground truth had a DSC of 0.94 (range: 0.90–0.99) for adult and 0.92 (range: 0.85–0.99) for pediatric data sets across all seven segmentation classes. The automated algorithm produced segmentation with an average DSC of 0.85 ± 0.04 (range: 0.81–1.00) for the adult patients, and 0.86 ± 0.03 (range: 0.80–0.99) for the pediatric patients. Conclusion: The TWS Random Forest auto-segmentation algorithm was optimized for CT environment, and able to segment seven material classes over a range of body habitus and CT protocol parameters with an average DSC of 0.86 ± 0.04 (range: 0.80–0.99).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Stochastic Optimization for Grid Resilience. FY18 Final Technical Report

The optimal restoration problem lies at the foundation of the evaluation and improvement of resilience in power systems. In this report we present a scalable decomposition algorithm for solving this problem for realistic power systems. The algorithm has been developed in three major research threads, corresponding to the chapters in the present report. Chapter 1 studies mixed-integer programming (MIP) formulations for the requirement that each electrical island that appears after a recon guration must have at least one energized generator. We provide three alternative MIP formulations for this restriction, show their equivalence, and prove that two of them are stronger in terms of their linear programming relaxation than the formulation most commonly used in the power systems literature. Since the time to solve MIPs can vary signi cantly between equivalent formulations, we also present computational experiments on IEEE test systems for the Intentional Controlled Islanding (ICI) and the Black Start Allocation (BSA) problems. We observe that a polynomially separable, exponential in size, strong formulation yields the best performance for the BSA problem and exhibits a comparable performance to a linear in size, weak formulation for the ICI problem. Chapter 2 presents a methodology to generate mixed-integer linear approximations of the AC power ow equations governing lines, transformers (including tap regulators and phase shifters), shunt and series compensators, and consumption responsive to voltage. Our approximations are capable of capturing limitations for power grids under abnormal or uncommon operating conditions where common assumptions used in power ow relaxations may not hold. Particularly, the approximation captures overvoltages under almost no load, which is a major concern when energizing lines after a blackout. The method constructs piecewise linear approximations of the non-linear power ow equations by minimizing the squared approximation error over a subset of the feasible domain. We test the method using a realistic database for the Chilean system (1548 buses, 1114 lines, 564 transformers). The resulting approximations yield root mean square errors in the order of 0.05pu and are successfully applied to solve a transmission switching instance for the Chilean system. Chapter 3 presents our algorithm for optimal restoration. The algorithm works by partitioning the problem into a master problem and a slave problem. The master problem optimizes over energization sequences of generators, buses and branches, for the entire restoration horizon, while respecting the energization requiments studied in Chapter 1. The slave problem veri es that there exist power ow solutions supporting the energization sequences proposed by the master problem, adding cuts to the master if an infeasible sequence is detected.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Energy Minimization of Discrete Protein Titration State Models Using Graph Theory

There are several applications in computational biophysics which require the optimization of discrete interacting states; e.g., amino acid titration states, ligand oxidation states, or discrete rotamer angles. Such optimization can be very time-consuming as it scales exponentially in the number of sites to be optimized. In this paper, we describe a new polynomial-time algorithm for optimization of discrete states in macromolecular systems. This algorithm was adapted from image processing and uses techniques from discrete mathematics and graph theory to restate the optimization problem in terms of maximum flow-minimum cut graph analysis. The interaction energy graph, a graph in which vertices (amino acids) and edges (interactions) are weighted with their respective energies, is transformed into a flow network in which the value of the minimum cut in the network equals the minimum free energy of the protein, and the cut itself encodes the state that achieves the minimum free energy. Because of its deterministic nature and polynomial-time performance, this algorithm has the potential to allow for the ionization state of larger proteins to be discovered.

energy minimization↗

Optimization and Multimachine Learning Algorithms to Predict Nanometal Surface Area Transfer Parameters for Gold and Silver Nanoparticles

Interactions between gold metallic nanoparticles and molecular dyes have been well described by the nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) mechanism. However, the expansion and testing of this model for nanoparticles of different metal composition is needed to develop a greater variety of nanosensors for medical and commercial applications. In this study, the NSET formula was slightly modified in the size-dependent dampening constant and skin depth terms to allow for modeling of different metals as well as testing the quenching effects created by variously sized gold, silver, copper, and platinum nanoparticles. Overall, the metal nanoparticles followed more closely the NSET prediction than for Förster resonance energy transfer, though scattering effects began to occur at 20 nm in the nanoparticle diameter. To further improve the NSET theoretical equation, an attempt was made to set a best-fit line of the NSET theoretical equation curve onto the Au and Ag data points. An exhaustive grid search optimizer was applied in the ranges for two variables, 0.1≤C≤2.0 and 0≤α≤4, representing the metal dampening constant and the orientation of donor to the metal surface, respectively. Three different grid searches, starting from coarse (entire range) to finer (narrower range), resulted in more than one million total calculations with values C=2.0 and α=0.0736. The results improved the calculation, but further analysis needed to be conducted in order to find any additional missing physics. With that motivation, two artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms, multilayer perception and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, gave a correlation coefficient, R2, greater than 0.97, indicating that the small dataset was not overfitting and was method-independent. This analysis indicates that an investigation is warranted to focus on deeper physics informed machine learning for the NSET equations.

Demers, Steven M. E. (ORCID:0000000192213246)↗

An agent-based blackboard system for multi-objective optimization

In the field of multi-objective optimization, there are a multitude of algorithms from which to choose. Each algorithm has strengths and weaknesses associated with the mechanics for finding the Pareto front. Recently, researchers have begun to examine how multi-agent environments can be used to help solve multi-objective optimization problems. In this work, we propose a multi-objective optimization algorithm based on a multi-agent blackboard system (MABS). The MABS framework allows for multiple agents to read and write pertinent optimization problem data to a central blackboard agent. Agents can stochastically search the design space, use previously discovered solutions to explore local optima, or update and prune the Pareto front. A centralized blackboard framework allows the optimization problem to be solved in a cohesive manner and permits stopping, restarting, or updating the optimization problem. The MABS framework is tested against three alternative optimization algorithms across a suite of engineering design problems and typically outperforms the other algorithms in discovering the Pareto front. A parallelizability study is performed where we find that the MABS is able to evaluate a set number of designs, which require an evaluation time ranging from 0 to 300 seconds, quicker than a traditional optimization algorithm: this fact becomes more apparent the longer it takes to evaluate a design. To provide context for the benefits provided by MABS, a real-world nuclear engineering design problem is examined. MABS is used to examine the placement of experiments in a nuclear reactor, where we are able to evaluate hundreds of configurations for experimental placement while maintaining a strict set of safety constraints.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DeepHyper: Asynchronous Hyperparameter Search for Deep Neural Networks

Hyperparameters employed by deep learning (DL) methods play a substantial role in the performance and reliability of these methods in practice. Unfortunately, finding performance-optimizing hyperparameter settings is a notoriously difficult task. Hyperparameter search methods typically have limited production-strength implementations or do not target scalability within a highly parallel machine, portability across different machines, experimental comparison between different methods, and tighter integration with workflow systems. In this paper, we present DeepHyper, a Python package that provides a common interface for the implementation and study of scalable hyperparameter search methods. It adopts the Balsam workflow system to hide the complexities of running large numbers of hyperparameter configurations in parallel on high-performance computing (HPC) systems. We implement and study asynchronous model-based search methods that consist of sampling a small number of input hyperparameter configurations and progressively fitting surrogate models over the input-output space until exhausting a user-defined budget of evaluations. We evaluate the efficacy of these methods relative to approaches such as random search, genetic algorithms, Bayesian optimization, and hyperband on DL benchmarks on CPU- and GPU-based HPC systems.

Balaprakash, Prasanna↗

Machine learning the Hubbard U parameter in DFT+U using Bayesian optimization

Abstract Within density functional theory (DFT), adding a Hubbard U correction can mitigate some of the deficiencies of local and semi-local exchange-correlation functionals, while maintaining computational efficiency. However, the accuracy of DFT+U largely depends on the chosen Hubbard U values. We propose an approach to determining the optimal U parameters for a given material by machine learning. The Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm is used with an objective function formulated to reproduce the band structures produced by more accurate hybrid functionals. This approach is demonstrated for transition metal oxides, europium chalcogenides, and narrow-gap semiconductors. The band structures obtained using the BO U values are in agreement with hybrid functional results. Additionally, comparison to the linear response (LR) approach to determining U demonstrates that the BO method is superior.

Chemistry↗

Pressurized-Water Reactor Core Design using Multi-Objective Plant Fuel Reload Optimization Platform

The United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program Risk-Informed Systems Analysis (RISA) Pathway Plant Reload Optimization Project aims to develop an integrated, comprehensive framework offering an all-in-one solution for reload evaluations with a special focus on optimization of core design. The optimization of the fuel loading pattern is one of the most important considerations in reducing the amount of new fuel used in the core. Due to thousands of possible options of core configuration, finding optimal solutions is an unachievable task for a human. The Plant ReLoad Optimization (PRLO) platform which supports artificial-intelligence-based reactor core designing is now fully capable of handling realistic problems. The PRLO Platform development project aims to build a reactor core design tool that includes reactor safety and fuel performance analyses and uses artificial intelligence to support the optimization of core design solutions. The NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II) optimizer was developed and tested within RAVEN (Risk Analysis and Virtual Environment) to handle many constraints by using an augmented objectives methodology. The demonstration was performed with constrained multi-objective optimization of a 17 × 17 pressurized-water reactor core loading patterns to minimize fuel cost and maximize fuel cycle length.

42 ENGINEERING↗