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At least 883 records · Page 49

Charged Particle Radiation Therapy for Uveal Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Charged particle therapy (CPT) delivered with either protons, helium ions, or carbon ions, has been used to treat uveal melanoma. The present analysis was performed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of CPT for uveal melanoma. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and SciVerse Scopus and cross-referenced recent systematic reviews through January 2012. Two independent reviewers identified clinical trials and observational studies of CPT (protons, helium ions, and carbon ions). These reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. Twenty-seven studies enrolling 8809 uveal melanoma patients met inclusion criteria. The rate of local recurrence was significantly less with CPT than with brachytherapy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.23). There were no significant differences in mortality or enucleation rates. Results were robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. CPT was also associated with lower retinopathy and cataract formation rates. Data suggest better outcomes may be possible with charged particle therapy with respect to local recurrence, retinopathy, and cataract formation rates. The overall quality of the evidence is low, and higher quality comparative effectiveness studies are needed to provide better evidence.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Effects of constraint on crack growth under aircraft spectrum loading

The objective is to study the effects of constraint on fatigue crack growth under aircraft spectrum loading. A plasticity-induced crack-closure model that accounts for constraint variations during the transition from flat-to-slant crack growth was used to correlate crack-growth rate data under constant-amplitude loading and to calculate crack growth under simulated aircraft spectrum loading. The model was applied to several thin-sheet aluminum alloy materials. Under laboratory air conditions, the transition was shown to be related to the size of the cyclic plastic zone based on the effective stress-intensity factor range for several sheet materials and thicknesses. Results from three-dimensional, elastic-plastic, finite-element analyses of a flat, straight-through crack in a thin-sheet aluminum alloy specimen showed a constraint loss similar to that assumed in the model. Using test data and the closure model, the location of the constraint-loss regime in terms of growth rate and the value of the constraint factor at these rates were determined by trial and error. The model was then used to calculate crack growth under the TWIST spectrum. The calculated results agreed reasonably well with test data. In general, the model predicted shorter crack-growth lives than tests under the TWIST spectrum by about 40 percent. For the TWIST spectrum clipped at Level 3, the calculated lives were within about 20 percent. The results demonstrated that constraint variations, especially for thin-sheet alloys, should be accounted for to predict crack growth under typical aircraft spectra.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

Water and Wastewater Annual Price Escalation Rates for Selected Cities Across the United States: 2023 Edition

This report builds on the 2016 Water and Wastewater Annual Price Escalation Rates for Selected Cities across the United States report prepared by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). The 2017 report examined annual water and wastewater price escalation rate trends across the U.S. Annual water and wastewater price escalation rates are an important factor when conducting life-cycle cost analyses (LCCA) of water efficiency measures, which is required for Federal agencies. Following the framework of the 2017 report, PNNL used the American Water Works Association (AWWA) water and wastewater rate surveys to gather historical rate data for water and wastewater utilities in the US, which were used to calculate a sample set of water and wastewater annual price escalation rates (Figure E.1). An annual price escalation rate was calculated for 113 water utilities and 76 wastewater utilities that reported at least two AWWA surveys across the past 13 years (i.e., 2008 to 2021) and at least a five-year range between those two surveys. Statistical trends in the annual price escalation rates are also provided by the seven regions identified in Figure E.1. In the 2017 report, the average annual price escalation for the surveyed sample of water and wastewater rates were 3.0% and 3.2%, respectively. This report also calculated aggregate average annual price escalation rates for the surveyed sample of water and wastewater utilities to be 3.1% and 2.7%, respectively. These escalation rates were based on 87 water utilities and 46 wastewater utilities that reported data in at least two AWWA surveys with at least a five-year range between those two surveys and reported at least one AWWA survey in 2019 or 2021. Among water utilities, the highest average annual price escalation rate was 8.8%, and the highest average annual water de-escalation rate was -2.0%. And for wastewater utilities, the highest average annual wastewater price escalation rate was 10.2%, and the highest average annual wastewater de-escalation rate was -2.3%.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Shuttle Ku-band and S-band communications implementation study

Various aspects of the shuttle orbiter S-band network communication system, the S-band payload communication system, and the Ku-band communication system are considered. A method is proposed for obtaining more accurate S-band antenna patterns of the actual shuttle orbiter vehicle during flight because the preliminary antenna patterns using mock-ups are not realistic that they do not include the effects of additional appendages such as wings and tail structures. The Ku-band communication system is discussed especially the TDRS antenna pointing accuracy with respect to the orbiter and the modifications required and resulting performance characteristics of the convolutionally encoded high data rate return link to maintain bit synchronizer lock on the ground. The TDRS user constraints on data bit clock jitter and data asymmetry on unbalanced QPSK with noisy phase references are included. The S-band payload communication system study is outlined including the advantages and experimental results of a peak regulator design built and evaluated by Axiomatrix for the bent-pipe link versus the existing RMS-type regulator. The nominal sweep rate for the deep-space transponder of 250 Hz/s, and effects of phase noise on the performance of a communication system are analyzed.

Dodds, J. G.↗

An Analysis of Published DAS Studies for Application to SPE Phase III

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is an emerging technology capable of recording the acoustic wavefield at unprecedented spatial resolution. However, this new tool requires significant refinements before it becomes operational for explosion monitoring objectives. Recent studies have shown significant development of array processing with DAS data. In this report we explore three such array processing methods including DAS strain-rate data versus geophone measured ground motion, beamforming for event parameters, and machine learning based denoising. Prior to applying these algorithms to the Source Physics Experiment Phase II and Phase III data, we validate these methods through replication analysis.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Multimission spacecraft Dataplexer

The data multiplexing unit described is a low-power small-size building-block-type central data system designed for use on such spacecraft as the International Ultraviolet Explorer or the International Sun-Earth Explorer. Preprogrammed read-only memories are used to generate the telemetry format tailored to particular mission requirements. Low weight and low power dissipation are achieved with the aid of PMOS technology. The use of subcommutators in groups to meet particular spacecraft requirements allows low data rate experiments to be time-multiplexed into a single main input channel, to improve data collection and processing operations. The block diagram of the Dataplexer is discussed.

Cosme, R.↗

Satellite interferometer as an advanced navigation/communication system

An orthogonal system of interferometry baselines aboard a geostationary satellite is proposed to be used for navigation, surveillance, and traffic control. Position determination is based on the relationship between the measured phase differences, the known and unknown transmitter locations, and other systematic error model parameters using a generalized least-squares estimation procedure. It is shown that position accuracy is critically dependent on the baseline length and on the magnitude of the random component of the measuring errors. Several trade-offs with respect to the system accuracies, the number of users, data rates, hardware costs, etc., are examined. Simultaneous use of the same channels for navigation and data transfer is found feasible and five candidate or 'strawman' interferometer system proposals are presented. It is concluded that the system's performance is excellent in comparison with present or planned systems, and that it is viable in meeting potential user's requirements.

Gopalapillai, G. S.↗

Pioneer Venus Orbiter Electron Temperature Probe

The Orbiter Electron Temperature Probe (OETP) instrumentation and measurement technique has been designed to perform in-situ measurements of electron temperature and electron and ion density in the ionosphere of Venus. Adaptive sweep voltage circuitry continuously tracks the changing electron temperature and spacecraft potential while auto-ranging electrometers adjust their gain in response to the changing plasma density. Control signals used in the instrument to achieve this automatic tracking provide a continuous monitor of the ionospheric parameters without telemetering each volt-ampere curve. Internal data storage permits high data rate sampling of selected raw characteristic curves for low rate transmission to earth. These curves are used to verify or correct the inflight processed data. Sample in orbit measurements are presented to demonstrate instrument performance.

Krehbiel, J. P.↗

Mass storage systems for data transport in the early space station era 1992-1998

NASA's Space Station Program will provide a vehicle to deploy an unprecedented number of data producing experiments and operational devices. Peak down link data rates are expected to be in the 500 megabit per second range and the daily data volume could reach 2.4 terabytes. Such startling requirements inspired an internal NASA study to determine if economically viable data storage solutions are likely to be available to support the Ground Data Transport segment of the NASA data system. To derive the requirements for data storage subsystems, several alternative data transport architectures were identified with different degrees of decentralization. Data storage operations at each subsystem were categorized based on access time and retrieval functions, and reduced to the following types of subsystems: First in First out (FIFO) storage, fast random access storage, and slow access with staging. The study showed that industry funded magnetic and optical storage technology has a reasonable probability of meeting these requirements. There are, however, system level issues that need to be addressed in the near term.

Carper, Richard↗

Computer codes for the evaluation of thermodynamic properties, transport properties, and equilibrium constants of an 11-species air model

The computer codes developed provide data to 30000 K for the thermodynamic and transport properties of individual species and reaction rates for the prominent reactions occurring in an 11-species nonequilibrium air model. These properties and the reaction-rate data are computed through the use of curve-fit relations which are functions of temperature (and number density for the equilibrium constant). The curve fits were made using the most accurate data believed available. A detailed review and discussion of the sources and accuracy of the curve-fitted data used herein are given in NASA RP 1232.

Thompson, Richard A.↗

Non-parallel stability of compressible boundary layers

Linear and nonlinear stability of compressible growing boundary layers is studied using parabolized stability equations (PSE). Linear PSE calculations are performed for Mach 1.6 and 4.5 plate-plate flow, and the results are compared with the predictions of the multiple-scales approach. In general, the nonparallel effect appears to be less significant for oblique waves near the lower neutral branch but it progressively becomes important at higher Reynolds numbers near the upper branch. In contrast, the nonparallel effect is more pronounced near the lower branch for two-dimensional first-mode waves. The PSE and multiple-scales results agree for the first mode waves, but in the first-second mode transition region, the latter approach tends to break down. Comparison with the first (oblique) and second mode growth rate data from Kendall's (1967) experiment shows good agreement; however, the peak second mode growth rate is over-predicted. Similar conclusions are drawn for the second mode experiment of Stetson et al. (1983) for Mach 8 flow past a sharp cone. We conjecture that the lower experimental growth rate is due to nonlinear saturation and provide supporting calculations.

Chang, Chau-Lyan↗

CoNNeCT Baseband Processor Module

A document describes the CoNNeCT Baseband Processor Module (BPM) based on an updated processor, memory technology, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The BPM was developed from a requirement to provide sufficient computing power and memory storage to conduct experiments for a Software Defined Radio (SDR) to be implemented. The flight SDR uses the AT697 SPARC processor with on-chip data and instruction cache. The non-volatile memory has been increased from a 20-Mbit EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) to a 4-Gbit Flash, managed by the RTAX2000 Housekeeper, allowing more programs and FPGA bit-files to be stored. The volatile memory has been increased from a 20-Mbit SRAM (static random access memory) to a 1.25-Gbit SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory), providing additional memory space for more complex operating systems and programs to be executed on the SPARC. All memory is EDAC (error detection and correction) protected, while the SPARC processor implements fault protection via TMR (triple modular redundancy) architecture. Further capability over prior BPM designs includes the addition of a second FPGA to implement features beyond the resources of a single FPGA. Both FPGAs are implemented with Xilinx Virtex-II and are interconnected by a 96-bit bus to facilitate data exchange. Dedicated 1.25- Gbit SDRAMs are wired to each Xilinx FPGA to accommodate high rate data buffering for SDR applications as well as independent SpaceWire interfaces. The RTAX2000 manages scrub and configuration of each Xilinx.

Yamamoto, Clifford K↗

Demonstration and performance of an online data selection algorithm for liquid argon time projection chambers using MicroBooNE

The MicroBooNE detector is a liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) that produces three-dimensional images of particle interactions using ionization charge collected by anode wire plane arrays and scintillation light collected by a light detection system. In addition to testing long-standing experimental neutrino anomalies and performing measurements of neutrino interactions with argon nuclei using the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam, MicroBooNE aims to develop methodologies for rare beyond the Standard Model and off-beam physics searches. Looking ahead to the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), with MicroBooNE serving as a valuable testbed, achieving high sensitivity and livetime for off-beam physics while satisfying data processing and storage constraints will require data-driven, intelligent, and online or real-time data selection techniques. These techniques are essential for reducing data rates and preserving rare signals with high accuracy. In this paper, we describe a fast data selection algorithm suitable for online execution to identify electrons from stopping cosmic ray muons in the MicroBooNE detector utilizing ionization charge information, and present its performance. This represents the first demonstration of online data selection in a LArTPC using real data and charge information exclusively and provides an important proof-of-principle for applying such techniques to other LArTPC experiments such as the Short-Baseline Near Detector and DUNE.

Abratenko, P. [Tufts U. (main)]↗

The rate of pyrite decomposition on the surface of Venus

We report the results of a detailed experiment study of the kinetics and mechanism of pyrite (FeS2) chemical weathering under Venus surface conditions. Pyrite is thermodynamically unstable on the surface of Venus and will spontaneously decompose to pyrrhotite (Fe7S8) because the observed S2 partial pressure in the lower atmosphere of Venus is lower than the S2 vapor pressure over coexisting pyrite and pyrrhotite. Pyrite decomposition kinetics were studied in pure CO2 and CO2 gas mixtures along five isotherms in the temperature range 390-531 C. In all gas mixtures studied, pyrite thermally decomposes to pyrrhotite (Fe7S8), which on continued heating loses sulfur to form more Fe-rich pyrrhotites. During this process the pyrrhotites are also being oxidized to form magnetite (Fe3O4), which converts to maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3), and then to hematite (alpha-Fe2O3). The reaction rates for pyrite thermal decomposition to pyrrhotite were determined by measuring the weight loss. The thickness of the unreacted pyrite in the samples provided a second independent reaction rate measurement. Finally, Mossbauer spectra done on 42 of the 115 experimental samples provided a third set of independent reaction rate data. Pyrite decomposition follows zero-order kinetics and is independent of the amount of pyrite present. The rate of pyrite decomposition is apparently independent of the gas compositions used and of the CO2 number density over a range of a factor of 40. The derived activation energy of approximately 150 kJ/mole is the same in pure CO2, two different CO-CO2 mixtures, and a ternary CO-SO2-CO2 mixture. Based on data for a CO-CO2-SO2 gas mixture with a CO number density approximately 10 times higher than at the surface of Venus and a SO2 number density approximately equal to that at the surface of Venus, the rate of pyrite destruction on the surface of Venus varies from about 1225 +/- 238 days/cm at the top of Maxwell Montes (approximately 660 K) to about 233 +/- 133 days/cm in the plains of Venus (approximately 740 K). These lifetimes are very short on a geological time scale and show that pyrite cannot exist on the surface of Venus for any appreciable length of time.

Fegley, B., Jr.↗

Effects of head-down bed rest on complex heart rate variability: Response to LBNP testing

Head-down bed rest is used to model physiological changes during spaceflight. We postulated that bed rest would decrease the degree of complex physiological heart rate variability. We analyzed continuous heart rate data from digitized Holter recordings in eight healthy female volunteers (age 28-34 yr) who underwent a 13-day 6 deg head-down bed rest study with serial lower body negative pressure (LBNP) trials. Heart rate variability was measured on a 4-min data sets using conventional time and frequency domain measures as well as with a new measure of signal 'complexity' (approximate entropy). Data were obtained pre-bed rest (control), during bed rest (day 4 and day 9 or 11), and 2 days post-bed rest (recovery). Tolerance to LBNP was significantly reduced on both bed rest days vs. pre-bed rest. Heart rate variability was assessed at peak LBNP. Heart rate approximate entropy was significantly decreased at day 4 and day 9 or 11, returning toward normal during recovery. Heart rate standard deviation and the ratio of high- to low-power frequency did not change significantly. We conclude that short-term bed rest is associated with a decrease in the complex variability of heart rate during LBNP testing in healthy young adult women. Measurement of heart rate complexity, using a method derived from nonlinear dynamics ('chaos theory'), may provide a sensitive marker of this loss of physiological variability, complementing conventional time and frequency domain statistical measures.

Goldberger, Ary L.↗

CRADA: Data Acquisition and Tomographic Software Development

Dr. Raymond R. Raylman, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Radiology Department at WVU was the Principal Investigator for the project. The Jefferson Lab partner on this project was the Radiation Detector and Imaging Group in the Physics Division, led by Dr. Drew Weisenberger who was the coordinator of the project execution and the chief contact with WVU. The responsibility of Jefferson Lab was to facilitate optimization of data acquisition software, conversion of JLab Fortran iterative positron emission mammography computer code to C++ and to act as a computer code repository. During the two year project interactions and exchange of information was directed by Dr. Raylman and Dr. Wesienberger. WVU provided the expertise that allowed JLab to continue development of the current JLab data acquisition software referred to as JDAQ. JDAQ is a highly flexible Java language based data acquisition tool that helps to minimize software induced dead-time while maintaining the highest possible data rates from a JLab built FPGA based analog-to-digital convertor (ADC). JDAQ interfaces directly with the FPGA based multi-channel ADCs. Using JDAQ it is possible process data from a number of different detector types such as the PET systems at WVU. Because of the inherent flexibility of our processing software, we are also able adjust detector readout parameters during operation to provide the best possible data presentation and calibration parameters. To accommodate the high rate nature of PET detector systems JDAQ was designed to be scalable across an Ethernet network as well as for multi-cpu computer systems, and it also has the capability to synchronize many ADCs connected to multiple computers. During the project WVU will provided iterative reconstruction algorithm expertise and Fortran programming assistance to facilitate the conversion to C++ of a JLab developed Fortran positron emission mammography (PEM) reconstruction code. Also WVU provided acceptance testing of the new C++ based PEM reconstruction code. The PEM code is a maximization (MLEM) image reconstruction program that created images from the list-mode data acquired from the PET system.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Space Based Communications

Current space lift launches on the Eastern and Western Range require extensive ground-based real-time tracking, communications and command/control systems. These are expensive to maintain and operate and cover only limited geographical areas. Future spaceports will require new technologies to provide greater launch and landing opportunities, support simultaneous missions, and offer enhanced decision support models and simulation capabilities. These ranges must also have lower costs and reduced complexity while continuing to provide unsurpassed safety to the public, flight crew, personnel, vehicles and facilities. Commercial and government space-based assets for tracking and communications offer many attractive possibilities to help achieve these goals. This paper describes two NASA proof-of-concept projects that seek-to exploit the advantages of a space-based range: Iridium Flight Modem and Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety (STARS). Iridium Flight Modem uses the commercial satellite system Iridium for extremely low cost, low rate two-way communications and has been successfully tested on four aircraft flights. A sister project at Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) using the Globalstar system has been tested on one rocket. The basic Iridium Flight Modem system consists of a L1 carrier Coarse/Acquisition (C/A)-Code Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an on-board computer, and a standard commercial satellite modem and antennas. STARS uses the much higher data rate NASA owned Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), a C/A-Code GPS receiver, an experimental low-power transceiver, custom built command and data handler processor, and digitized flight termination system (FTS) commands. STARS is scheduled to fly on an F-15 at Dryden Flight Research Center in the spring of 2003, with follow-on tests over the next several years.

Simpson, James↗