gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Development of a High-Efficiency, Glass Shell-Based, <sup>3</sup>He-Filled Neutron Detector (2007)

We have developed a new type of neutron sensor based on small, gas-filled, glass shells with external electrodes. The detector functions as a small (<1-cm-diameter) <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> He ion chamber for applied bias voltages from roughly 50 V to 900 V. We have demonstrated that the detectors function with internal gas pressures from 6 to 10 atm. Charge transport times across the detector volume are a few microseconds. The detectors have very low gamma-ray sensitivity due to their small size as compared to the path-length of energetic electrons generated by gamma-ray interactions. Multiple shell detectors are intended to be deployed within a moderator block to form a single detector system. The resulting detector-moderator configuration approaches the efficiency of a homogeneous system. This paper presents device characterizations and performance data.
Nanomedicine Strategies for Molecular Targets with Mri and Optical Imaging (2010)

The science of 'theranostics' plays a crucial role in personalized medicine, which represents the future of patient management. Over the last decade an increasing research effort has focused on the development of nanoparticle-based molecular-imaging and drug-delivery approaches, emerging as a multidisciplinary field that shows promise in understanding the components, processes, dynamics and therapies of a disease at a molecular level. The potential of nanometer-sized agents for early detection, diagnosis and personalized treatment of diseases is extraordinary. They have found applications in almost all clinically relevant biomedical imaging modality. In this review, a number of these approaches will be presented with a particular emphasis on MRI and optical imaging-based techniques. We have discussed both established molecular-imaging approaches and recently developed innovative strategies, highlighting the seminal studies and a number of successful examples of theranostic nanomedicine, especially in the areas of cardiovascular and cancer therapy.
Enhancing Application-Layer Multicast for P2P Conferencing (2007)

While application-layer multicast (ALM) can re- duce latency and permit deployment in networks without network-layer multicast, often, it does not leverage application- specific behavior. For example, the existing ALM-based peer-to- peer (P2P) conferencing systems route media packets based only on bandwidth and on transmission delay without considering P2P conferencing specific behavior and varying mixing capabilities of participating peers. We propose an enhanced hybrid ALM-based P2P conferencing architecture that can leverage participating peers with different capabilities. We also present a three-step algorithm to construct such a hybrid ALM-based P2P conference. We have built a prototype for our architecture. Results from our prototype show that our approach is more scalable than the existing ALM-based P2P conferencing systems.
Separation of benzene and toluene from close boiling nonaromatics by extractive distillation (1983)

Abstract Benzene and toluene are virtually impossible to separate from close boiling nonaromatic hydrocarbons by rectification. Benzene and toluene can be readily separated from similar boiling nonaromatics by using extractive distillation in which the extractive distillation agent is a proper mixture of organic compounds boiling higher than benzene or toluene. A typical extractive distillation agent for benzene is a mixture of phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and adiponitrile; for toluene, phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and glycerol triacetate.
Requirements-driven adaptive security: Protecting variable assets at runtime (2012)

Security is primarily concerned with protecting assets from harm. Identifying and evaluating assets are therefore key activities in any security engineering process - from modeling threats and attacks, discovering existing vulnerabilities, to selecting appropriate countermeasures. However, despite their crucial role, assets are often neglected during the development of secure software systems. Indeed, many systems are designed with fixed security boundaries and assumptions, without the possibility to adapt when assets change unexpectedly, new threats arise, or undiscovered vulnerabilities are revealed. To handle such changes, systems must be capable of dynamically enabling different security countermeasures. This paper promotes assets as first-class entities in engineering secure software systems. An asset model is related to requirements, expressed through a goal model, and the objectives of an attacker, expressed through a threat model. These models are then used as input to build a causal network to analyze system security in different situations, and to enable, when necessary, a set of countermeasures to mitigate security threats. The causal network is conceived as a runtime entity that tracks relevant changes that may arise at runtime, and enables a new set of countermeasures. We illustrate and evaluate our proposed approach by applying it to a substantive example concerned with security of mobile phones.
Double quantum dot memristor (2017)

Memristive systems are generalizations of memristors, which are resistors with memory. In this paper, we present a quantum description of quantum dot memristive systems. Using this model we propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and practical scheme for realizing memristive systems with quantum dots. The approach harnesses a phenomenon that is commonly seen as a bane of nanoelectronics, i.e., switching of a trapped charge in the vicinity of the device. We show that quantum dot memristive systems have hysteresis current-voltage characteristics and quantum jump-induced stochastic behavior. While our experiment requires low temperatures, the same setup could, in principle, be realized with a suitable single-molecule transistor and operated at or near room temperature.
Distributed Acoustic Sensing - A New Tool for Seismic Applications (2012)

Distributed optical fibre sensors are established tools in the energy industry, finding many applications for production optimisation and integrity monitoring. Recently, a new class of instrument, the Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS), has been launched which adds seismic imaging to the list of energy industry applications. In this paper, we describe one such distributed acoustic sensor (named the iDAS) and demonstrate, through a series of lab experiments, the signal quality and performance that can be achieved. We show data which demonstrates the capability of the iDAS to measure the true acoustic signal (amplitude, frequency and phase) at all points along the sensing fibre length. We also compare the iDAS data with data collected from conventional point sensors and detail experiments which validate key performance criteria. We follow the lab experimental validation of the iDAS with a series of lab and field demonstrations. The lab demonstrations encompass localisation (ranging) of events away from the sensing fibre (for security applications) and acoustic imaging through the formation of a large acoustic camera using a single sensing fibre. The field demonstrations show comparisons of iDAS and geophone measurements in a surface seismic survey and improvements made by stacking shot records from an offshore VSP survey.
High quality factor universal phase gradient metasurfaces for narrowband wavefront engineering (2022)

We introduce a universal high quality factor meta-reflect-array platform capable of producing arbitrary wavefronts. As proof-of-principle, we experimentally realize strong narrowband beam-steering by perturbing guided-mode resonant elements with maximum structural differences of just 14nm (6%).
Detection ofXanthomonas campestnis pv. Citri bythe Polymerase ChainReaction Method (1993)

pFLlisa pUC9derivitive thatcontains a 572-bp EcoRIinsert cloned fromplasmid DNA ofXanthomonas campestris pv.citri XC62.Thenucleotide sequenceofpFL1was determined, andthesequenceinformation was usedtodesign primers forapplication ofthepolymerase chain reaction (PCR)tothedetection ofX.campestris pv.citri, thecausal agentofcitrus bacterial canker disease. Seven18-bp oligonucleotide primers were designed andtested withDNA fromX.campestris pv.citri strains andother strains ofX.campestris associated with Citrus spp.astemplates inthePCR.Fourprimerpairs directed theamplification oftargetDNA fromX. campestris pv.citri strains butnotfromstrains ofX.campestris associated witha different disease, citrus bacterial spot. Primerpair 2-3directed thespecific amplification oftarget DNAfrompathotype A butnotother pathotypes ofX.campestris pv.citri. A pH9.0buffer thatcontained 1% Triton X-100and0.1%gelatin was absolutely required forthesuccessful amplification ofthetarget DNA,whichwas 61% G+C. Limits of detection after amplification andgelelectrophoresis were25pgofpurified target DNA andabout10cells when Southern blots were madeafter gelelectrophoresis andprobed withbiotinylated pFLl.Thislevel ofdetection represents an increase insensitivity ofabout100-fold overthatofdotblotting withthesame hybridization probe. PCRproducts oftheexpected sizes were amplified fromDNA extracted from7-month-old lesions from whichviable bacteria could notbeisolated. Theseproducts wereconfirmed tobespecific forX.campestris pv. citri bySouthern blotting. ThisPCR-based detection protocol willbea useful addition tocurrent methods of detection ofthis pathogen, whichiscurrently thetarget ofinternational quarantine measures.
Selectivity estimation in spatial databases (1999)

Selectivity estimation of queries is an important and well-studied problem in relational database systems. In this paper, we examine selectivity estimation in the context of Geographic Information Systems, which manage spatial data such as points, lines, poly-lines and polygons. In particular, we focus on point and range queries over two-dimensional rectangular data. We propose several techniques based on using spatial indices, histograms, binary space partitionings (BSPs), and the novel notion of spatial skew. Our techniques carefully partition the input rectangles into subsets and approximate each partition accurately. We present a detailed experimental study comparing the proposed techniques and the best known sampling and parametric techniques. We evaluate them using synthetic as well as real-life TIGER datasets. Based on our experiments, we identify a BSP based partitioning that we call Min-Skew which consistently provides the most accurate selectivity estimates for spatial queries. The Min-Skew partitioning can be constructed efficiently, occupies very little space, and provides accurate selectivity estimates over a broad range of spatial queries.
Acousto-mechanical imaging for cancer detection (1998)

One of the hot areas of ultrasonic medical diagnostics is elasticity imaging (EI). Recently, an alternative method of imaging tissue structures in terms of their elasticity, the method of mechanical imaging (MI), has emerged. The essence of MI is the solution to an inverse problem using the data of stress patterns on the surface of tissue compressed by a force sensor array [A. P. Sarvazyan, Proc. Tenth IEEE Symposium ‘‘Computer based medical systems,’’ Maribor, Slovenia, 120–125 (1997)]. A prototype of the device for mechanical imaging of the prostate has been developed and feasibility of MI technology has been proven in recent clinical studies. The present paper describes a modality of medical imaging, acousto-mechanical imaging (AMI) comprising features of both EI and MI. The data on the stress pattern measured by the force sensor array of MI complement the strain data obtained by ultrasonic EI device. An embodiment of the AMI device comprises a force-sensing array made of sound transparent film inserted between an ultrasonic scanner probe and the tissue. Synergy of combining these two complementary methods results in the fact that for certain applications the AMI technology has a diagnostic potential much superior to that of EI and MI separately.
Threshold Shock Sensor Based on a Bistable Mechanism: Design, Modeling, and Measurements (2015)

We analyze and test a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) shock sensor that switches from a first stable state to a second stable state when subjected to an acceleration exceeding a fixed value. The transition between the two states is obtained because of the bistability properties of specific elastic beams. These are fabricated with a curved initial shape and change their configuration due to the contact force transmitted by an inertial mass sensing the acceleration. No power supply is needed (the device is passive) and the state of the sensor can be detected whenever required in several ways, e.g., by inserting a weak link that is broken during the snap-through of the elastic beam and modifies the electrical resistance between two external contacts. In this paper, focusing on a specific realization with a 1000-g (where g is the acceleration of gravity) threshold, we discuss its modeling and validate it with the experimental data. Experiments are in very good agreement with the numerical simulations, and show that the detection method is stable and robust. Finally, we discuss possible sources of uncertainties and propose a novel optimized design.
Stable expression of a foreign protein by a live rubella viral vector (45.25) (2010)

Abstract Live attenuated rubella virus has a number of desirable features for a live viral vector. It has a good safety profile, so it can immunize while growing exponentially in the host. It immunizes at a low dose, and one dose protects (against rubella) for life. It grows well in rhesus macaques, which allow a viral challenge. It has no DNA intermediate, cannot integrate, and usually does not persist in the host. A full length infectious cDNA clone of rubella was available for modification, but prior efforts to express foreign genes were frustrated by genetic instability and size limitations on the insert. A deletion of 507 bp in nonstructural gene P150 was permissive, so we asked whether this deletion could make room for insertion of zoanthus GFP (792 bp). By using the deletion/insertion strategy, zGFP was stably expressed for at least 12 passages. In the zGFP hybrid, rubella structural proteins were expressed at normal levels, while the vector grew to high titer (4 X 10^6/ml). Normal P150 function was detected by P150-GFP labeling of functional replication centers in living cells. Rubella may be useful for expressing vaccine antigens as large as most viral proteins, and it is stable enough for vaccine production followed by growth in vivo. This approach may extend the range and utility of rubella to include immunization against other viruses for which attenuation is not currently feasible.
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Coherent Smith–Purcell Radiation Using a Particle-in-Cell Code (2009)

A few years ago, a new theory for producing coherent Smith-Purcell radiation from an initially continuous electron beam was proposed. It was 2-D, and it has been supported by particle-in-cell code simulations, although no experiments have, until now, provided confirmation. In fact, all experiments used a round beam, for which the 2-D theory may not be valid. We report here on a two-pronged attack on this problem. A 3-D simulation in the microwave domain indicates that coherent radiation, at a frequency near that of the 2-D simulation, should be produced. We are also preparing a demonstration experiment using an intense finite-width sheet beam to confirm the theory and simulations.
Metal Side Reflectors for Trapping Light in QWIPs (2003)

Focal-plane arrays of quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) equipped with both light-coupling diffraction gratings and metal side reflectors have been proposed, and prototypes are expected to be fabricated soon. The purpose served by the metal side reflectors is to increase quantum efficiency by helping to trap light in the photosensitive material of each pixel. The reasons for using diffraction gratings were discussed in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles. To recapitulate: In an array of QWIPs, the quantum-well layers are typically oriented parallel to the focal plane and therefore perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the direction of incidence of infrared light. By virtue of the applicable quantum selection rules, light polarized parallel to the focal plane (as normally incident light is) cannot excite charge carriers and, hence, cannot be detected. Diffraction gratings scatter normally or nearly normally incident light into directions more nearly parallel to the focal plane, so that a significant portion of the light attains a component of polarization normal to the focal plane and, hence, can excite charge carriers. Unfortunately, light scattered in directions parallel or nearly parallel to the focal plane can escape sideways from the QWIP of a given pixel, as illustrated in Figure 1. The escaped light has made only a single pass through the interior photosensitive volume of the QWIP. The quantum efficiency of the QWIP would be increased by trapping light so that it makes multiple passes through the photosensitive volume. As shown in Figure 2, the sides of the QWIP of each pixel would be coated with gold to reflect escaping light back into the interior.
One-Pot Water-Based Hydrophobic Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals Using Plant Polyphenols (2017)

An environmentally friendly procedure for the surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in water is presented. Tannic acid (TA), a plant polyphenol, acts as the primer when mixed with CNCs in suspension, which are then reacted with decylamine (DA), the hydrophobe. Schiff base formation/Michael-type addition covalently attaches primary amines with long alkyl tails to CNC-TA, increasing the particle hydrophobicity (contact angle shift from 21 to 74°). After modification, the CNC-TA-DA particles in the water phase separate, allowing for easy collection of modified material. The dried product is readily redispersible in toluene and other organic solvents, as demonstrated by turbidity measurements, dynamic light scattering, optical microscopy, and liquid crystal self-assembly behavior. Electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, solid-state 13C NMR, and X-ray diffraction support the successful surface modification and indicate that CNC particle morphology is retained. The modified CNCs have a slightly decreased onset of thermal degradation (ca. 10 °C lower) compared with that of unmodified CNCs. We believe that this surface modification strategy presents a scalable, simple, and green approach to the production of hydrophobic biobased nanoparticles which may lend themselves as reinforcing agents in nonpolar polymer composites or stabilizers and rheological modifiers in nonaqueous liquid formulated products.
Combined advanced finishing and UV-laser conditioning for producing UV-damage-resistant fused silica optics (2002)

During the past year, we have focused on optimizing the laser damage performance for fused silica optics at 355-nm, 3-nsec pulse length, via application of magnetorheological finishing (MRF), wet chemical etching, and UV laser conditioning.
Machine Learning Harnesses Molecular Dynamics to Discover New $μ$ Opioid Chemotypes (2018)

Computational chemists typically assay drug candidates by virtually screening compounds against crystal structures of a protein despite the fact that some targets, like the $μ$ Opioid Receptor and other members of the GPCR family, traverse many non-crystallographic states. We discover new conformational states of $μOR$ with molecular dynamics simulation and then machine learn ligand-structure relationships to predict opioid ligand function. These artificial intelligence models identified a novel $μ$ opioid chemotype.
Linked split-vector quantizer of LPC parameters (2002)

In speech coding, several vector quantization (VQ) methods for the LPC (linear predictive coding) parameters have been developed. Because LPC parameters are too dynamic to quantize directly, the LSFs (line spectrum frequencies) are used instead. In this study, we propose the linked split-vector quantizer (LSVQ) where the lower and the upper codebook are selected according to the preselected middle codevector. Using the ordering property of LSFs, LSVQ links three codebooks for the efficient use of the codebook space. Compared with the conventional split-vector quantizer (SVQ), LSVQ increases the usage of codebook space by 10.84%, and shows lower spectral distortion at 23 bits/frame than the SVQ at 24 bits/frame.
Development and Potential Clinical Uses of Human Prolactin Receptor Antagonists (2005)

There is a large body of literature showing that prolactin (PRL) exerts growth-promoting activities in breast cancer, and possibly in prostate cancer and prostate hyperplasia. In addition, increasing evidence argues for the involvement of locally produced (autocrine) PRL, perhaps even more than pituitary-secreted (endocrine) PRL, in tumor growth. Because dopamine analogs are unable to inhibit PRL production in extrapituitary sites, alternative strategies need investigation. To that end, several PRL receptor antagonists have been developed by introducing various mutations into its natural ligands. For all but one of these analogs, the mechanism of action involves a competition with endogenous PRL for receptor binding. Such compounds are thus candidates to counteract the undesired actions of PRL, not only in tumors, but also in dopamine-resistant prolactinomas. In this review, we describe the different versions of antagonists that have been developed, with emphasis on the controversies regarding their characterization, and the limits for their potential development as a drug. The most recently developed antagonist, Δ1–9-G129R-hPRL, is the only one that is totally devoid of residual agonistic activity, meaning it acts as pure antagonist. We discuss to what extent this new molecule could be considered as a lead compound for inhibiting the actions of human PRL in the above-mentioned diseases. We also speculate on the multiple questions that could be addressed with respect to the therapeutic use of PRL receptor antagonists in patients.
Research Note: Influence of Damaged Spermatozoa on the Fertility of Turkey Semen Stored 24 Hours at 5 C (1988)

Turkey semen was stored for 24 h at 5 C in the presence or absence of added spermatozoa that were damaged by emersion in liquid nitrogen. The fertility of semen stored in the presence of damaged spermatozoa was significantly lower than semen stored in their absence. Unstored semen was not affected by the presence of damaged spermatozoa. Fertility was affected by a significant semen treatment x holding time interaction.