gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Pathways for the Polymerization of Methylol-Functional Benzoxazine Monomers (2012)

The polymerization mechanism of methylol-functional benzoxazine monomers is reported using a series of monofunctional benzoxazine monomers synthesized via a condensation reaction of ortho-, meta-, or para-methylol–phenol, aniline, and paraformaldehyde following the traditional route of benzoxazine synthesis. A phenol/aniline-type monofunctional benzoxazine monomer has been synthesized as a control. The structures of the synthesized monomers have been confirmed by 1H NMR and FT-IR. The polymerization behavior of methylol monomers is studied by DSC and shows an exothermic peak associated with condensation reaction of methylol groups and ring-opening polymerization of benzoxazine at a lower temperature range than the control monomer. The presence of methylol group accelerates the ring-opening polymerization to give the ascending order of para-, meta-, and ortho-positions in comparison to the unfunctionalized monomer. Furthermore, rheological measurements show that the position of methylol group relative to benzoxazine structure plays a significant role in accelerating the polymerization.
Plasma etching - a discussion of mechanisms (1981)

Abstract Plasma etching, which is expected to play an important role in the manufacture of semiconductor and other devices requiring fine–line lithography, involves using a glow discharge to generate chemically reactive species from relatively inert molecular gases.1 These reactive species combine chemically with certain solid materials to form volatile compounds which are removed by the vacuum pumping system. Although the general concept is relatively simple, the complexities of the glow discharge itself and of the associated parameter space have impeded the development of a detailed understanding of the chemical reactions involved in the process, which in turn has impeded the implementation of plasma etching in device manufacture.
Low Loss and Low Crosstalk Multimode Polymer Waveguide Crossings for High-Speed Optical Interconnects (2007)

Multimode polymer waveguide crossings exhibiting the lowest reported excess loss of 0.006 dB/crossing and crosstalk values as low as -30 dB are presented. Their potential for use in high-speed dense optical interconnection architectures is demonstrated.
Effect of triangular pillar geometry on high- frequency piezocomposite transducers (2010)

Piezocomposite materials are used extensively in biomedical transducer array fabrication. However, developing high-frequency piezocomposite materials for imaging systems is still a challenge due to the extremely small pillar dimensions required to avoid the interference from lateral resonances. The use of triangular pillar piezocomposite material has been shown to suppress lateral resonances that appear in square pillar composite designs. To further understand how the geometry of the pillars affects the lateral resonances, piezocomposite materials with triangular pillars of different angles have been simulated and fabricated. Simulations were performed on composite transducers of 70-microm pitch, 18-microm kerf width, and 100-microm thickness with isosceles triangular pillars in which the isosceles angle varied from 30 degrees to 60 degrees using a finite-element analysis. By varying the pillar geometry, the composite transducers show large differences in lateral resonances. The simulation results demonstrate that the composite with 45 degrees angle pillars has the lowest secondary pulse amplitude. The secondary pulse becomes larger when the pillar angle deviates from 45 degrees . To study whether the pillar height (which determines the resonance frequency) and aspect ratio would change the optimum angle, composites with 40-mum pitch, 15-microm kerf width, and 45-microm thickness were also simulated. Finally, the composite with triangle pillars was compared with composites with square and round pillars. The simulation results show that the 45 degrees triangular pillar geometry is, for high-frequency applications, the best configuration among all investigated in this work. Composite samples have also been fabricated to confirm results from finite-element modeling. Acoustical and electrical measurements were carried out to compare with theoretical predictions. Three composite transducers with pillar angles of 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees were fabricated using a dice-and-fill technique. The measured electrical impedances and one-way pulse responses agreed well with the theoretical predictions and confirm the optimal nature of the 45 degrees design.
Antiviral Effects of Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate on Human Rhinoviruses (2002)

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the predominant cause of the common cold. The frequency of HRV infections in industrial countries and the lack of effective therapeutical treatment underline the importance of research for new antiviral substances. As viral infections are often accompanied by the generation of oxidative stress inside the infected cells, several redox-active substances were tested as potential antivirals. In the course of these studies it was discovered that pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is an extremely potent compound against HRV and poliovirus infection in cell culture. Besides the ability to dramatically reduce HRV production by interfering with viral protein expression, PDTC promotes cell survival and abolishes cytopathic effects in infected cells. PDTC also protects cells against poliovirus infection. These effects were highly specific, as several other antioxidants (vitamin C, Trolox, 2-mercaptoethanol, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine) are inactive against HRV infection. Synthesis of HRV proteins and cleavage of eucaryotic initiation factor 4G responsible for host cell shutoff of cellular protein synthesis are severely inhibited in the presence of PDTC.
Experiments on a current-toggled plasma-opening switch (1992)

Plasma-opening switches have been used to improve pulsed-power wave shapes for over a decade. These switches have used the inertia of the plasma to hold the switch closed. This results in conflicting requirements when long hold-off time and fast opening are required, and also results in variation in opening current due to variation in initial plasma fill. The current-toggled plasma-opening switch attempts to overcome these problems by using external magnetic fields rather than inertia to control the plasma conductor. Data will be presented showing several features of the operation of this switch. These data will be compared to models used to design the switch. The comparisons indicate that the mass can be measured approximately from fast coil data and that the slow coil flux does set the opening level of the current. They also indicate that the opening current is somewhat dependent upon plasma mass, and that the design of the field coils that provide the control fields must be done more carefully to provide a switch that opens satisfactorily.
Plasmid-Encoded Interleukin-15 Receptor α Enhances Specific Immune Responses Induced by a DNA Vaccine <i>In Vivo</i> (2009)

Plasmid-encoded DNA vaccines appear to be a safe and effective method for delivering antigen; however, the immunogenicity of such vaccines is often suboptimal. Cytokine adjuvants including interleukin (IL)-12, RANTES, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-15, and others have been used to augment the immune response against DNA vaccines. In particular, IL-15 binds to a unique high-affinity receptor, IL-15R alpha; is trans-presented to CD8(+) T cells expressing the common betagamma chain; and has been shown to play a role in the generation, maintenance, and proliferation of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells. In this study, we took the unique approach of using both a cytokine and its receptor as an adjuvant in an HIV-1 vaccine strategy. To study IL-15R alpha expression, a unique monoclonal antibody (KK1.23) was generated to confirm receptor expression in vitro. Coimmunization of IL-15 and IL-15R alpha plasmids with HIV-1 antigenic plasmids in mice enhanced the antigen-specific immune response 2-fold over IL-15 immunoadjuvant alone. Furthermore, plasmid-encoded IL-15R alpha augments immune responses in the absence of IL-15, suggesting its role as a novel adjuvant. Moreover, pIL-15R alpha enhanced the cellular, but not the humoral, immune response as measured by antigen-specific IgG antibody. This is the first report describing that IL-15R alpha itself can act as an adjuvant by enhancing an antigen-specific T cell response. Uniquely, pIL-15 and pIL-15R alpha adjuvants combined, but not the receptor alpha chain alone, may be useful as a strategy for generating and maintaining memory CD8(+) T cells in a DNA vaccine.
Reducing circuit design complexity for neuromorphic machine learning systems based on Non-Volatile Memory arrays (2017)

Machine Learning (ML) is an attractive application of Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) arrays [1,2]. However, achieving speedup over GPUs will require minimal neuron circuit sharing and thus highly area-efficient peripheral circuitry, so that ML reads and writes are massively parallel and time-multiplexing is minimized [2]. This means that neuron hardware offering full `software-equivalent' functionality is impractical. We analyze neuron circuit needs for implementing back-propagation in NVM arrays and introduce approximations to reduce design complexity and area. We discuss the interplay between circuits and NVM devices, such as the need for an occasional RESET step, the number of programming pulses to use, and the stochastic nature of NVM conductance change. In all cases we show that by leveraging the resilience of the algorithm to error, we can use practical circuit approaches yet maintain competitive test accuracies on ML benchmarks.
Fabrication of optical fiber probes for nanometer-scale dimensional metrology (1994)

The fabrication of cylindrical probes having diameters as small as 50 nm is described in this article. The planar endface (advantageously oriented perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical probe) and sharp 90° corners of the end portion of the probe enable accurate measurement of a feature being scanned, even at sudden jumps in the surface. Conical and flaired probes can also be fabricated with variations of this technique. The fabrication techniques described in this article are simple and inexpensive; only a Teflon beaker, optical fiber, etching solution, polymer solution, fiber cleaver, and optical microscope are necessary.
Scanning from heating: 3D shape estimation of transparent objects from local surface heating (2009)

Today, with quality becoming increasingly important, each product requires three-dimensional in-line quality control. On the other hand, the 3D reconstruction of transparent objects is a very difficult problem in computer vision due to transparency and specularity of the surface. This paper proposes a new method, called Scanning From Heating (SFH), to determine the surface shape of transparent objects using laser surface heating and thermal imaging. Furthermore, the application to transparent glass is discussed and results on different surface shapes are presented.
Multi‐Domainlike, Homeotropic Nematic Liquid Crystal Display (1998)

Abstract We report a novel liquid crystal display (LCD) associated with homeotropic to multi‐domainlike (HMD) transition for a nematic liquid crystal with positive dielectric anisotropy. This device shows a wide viewing angle over 60° in all directions and a fast response time. The molecular director configuration and the electro‐optic effect associated with the HMD deformation are discussed in this report.
Redox Active Polymers for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries: Validation of the Size-Exclusion Approach (2017)

Non-aqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs) are emerging technologies that promise higher energy densities than aqueous counterparts. Unfortunately, cell resistance and redox component crossover observed when using ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) hinders NRFB development. The size exclusion approach for polymer-based NRFBs addresses these issues by using macromolecular design to mitigate crossover. Here, we highlight the benefits of this approach using inexpensive nano-porous separators (PS) (Celgard and Daramic). We evaluated these along with an IEM (Fumasep) in a flow cell configuration using a classical redox couple of viologen and ferrocene, both in monomer and polymer forms. High Coulombic efficiencies above 98% and access up to 80% of capacity were observed for the polymer cells. These displayed better performance with PS than with the IEM, which exhibited lower energy efficiencies from higher overpotentials. The monomer equivalent cells with PS resulted in lower efficiencies and rapid decrease in depth of discharge. Post-cycling analysis by ultramicroelectrode voltammetry showed that the small molecules freely crossed PS and to a lesser degree through the IEM. Therefore, here we demonstrate that the combination of redox active polymers and simple PS enables a potential next-generation NRFB system that provides a competitive alternative to the use of IEMs in NRFBs.
An Improved Fairlead for a Tow Cable Handling System (2010)

Abstract : A handling system with an improved fairlead is provided for protecting a tow cable wherein the cable breaking strength exceeds the system-rated tension load; the fairlead being positioned collinearly between the system bellmouth and winch. A guide slot passes through the fairlead positioning the cable higher than the winch release point and bellmouth entry point, maintaining the cable down-slope as the cable exits the fairlead. The slot has a hemispherical portion tapering inward to a groove extending downward. Near the groove bottom, at the fairlead end nearest the bellmouth, is a cutting device. Under tension, the cable rides in the hemispherical portion of the groove. If tension suddenly increases from a snag, the resulting force drives the cable down into the groove where the cable is cut by the device, separating before the force damages the system. The constrained cable end is securely held in place by the taper.
Systematic Error-Correcting Codes for Rank Modulation (2013)

The rank-modulation scheme has been recently proposed for efficiently storing data in nonvolatile memories. Error-correcting codes are essential for rank modulation, however, existing results have been limited. In this work we explore a new approach, \emph{systematic error-correcting codes for rank modulation}. Systematic codes have the benefits of enabling efficient information retrieval and potentially supporting more efficient encoding and decoding procedures. We study systematic codes for rank modulation under Kendall's $τ$-metric as well as under the $\ell_\infty$-metric. In Kendall's $τ$-metric we present $[k+2,k,3]$-systematic codes for correcting one error, which have optimal rates, unless systematic perfect codes exist. We also study the design of multi-error-correcting codes, and provide two explicit constructions, one resulting in $[n+1,k+1,2t+2]$ systematic codes with redundancy at most $2t+1$. We use non-constructive arguments to show the existence of $[n,k,n-k]$-systematic codes for general parameters. Furthermore, we prove that for rank modulation, systematic codes achieve the same capacity as general error-correcting codes. Finally, in the $\ell_\infty$-metric we construct two $[n,k,d]$ systematic multi-error-correcting codes, the first for the case of $d=O(1)$, and the second for $d=Θ(n)$. In the latter case, the codes have the same asymptotic rate as the best codes currently known in this metric.
Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Diodes for Telecommunication Wavelengths (2002)

A new approach for InP-based long-wavelength VCSELs based on buried tunnel junctions: the buried-tunnel-junction (BTJ) VCSEL is reviewed. Excellent cw laser performance has been demonstrated for BTJ-VCSELs in the 1.55μm wavelength range, such as sub-mA threshold currents, 0.9 V threshold voltage (at λ=1.55μm), operation voltages below 1.4V, 10-70 Ω series resistance, differential efficiencies >25%, up to more than 7mW optical output power, >100°C cw operation, stable polarization and single-mode operation with SSR of the order 50 dB. Also, recent achievements on high-speed long-wavelength VCSELs are reported.
Mesoporous inorganic monoliths from lyotropic liquid crystalline polymer templates (1997)

Abstract Lyotropic phases of amphiphilic block copolymers and water are used as templates for the synthesis of monolithic mesoporous silica objects. These monoliths show a large specific surface area, high porosity, and a narrow pore size distribution. The template can be removed from the monolithic material by solvent extraction. The polymerization of an organic monomer is conducted in the bicontinuous pore system of the silica monolith. Removal of the inorganic matter affords a nanostructured organic polymer, such proving both bicontinuity as well as complete accessibility of the pore system. It is suggested that bicontinuous monolith materials with pore sizes in the nanometer range are useful media for studying the effects of confinement on matter.
Learn&Fuzz: Machine learning for input fuzzing (2017)

Fuzzing consists of repeatedly testing an application with modified, or fuzzed, inputs with the goal of finding security vulnerabilities in input-parsing code. In this paper, we show how to automate the generation of an input grammar suitable for input fuzzing using sample inputs and neural-network-based statistical machine-learning techniques. We present a detailed case study with a complex input format, namely PDF, and a large complex security-critical parser for this format, namely, the PDF parser embedded in Microsoft's new Edge browser. We discuss and measure the tension between conflicting learning and fuzzing goals: learning wants to capture the structure of well-formed inputs, while fuzzing wants to break that structure in order to cover unexpected code paths and find bugs. We also present a new algorithm for this learn&fuzz challenge which uses a learnt input probability distribution to intelligently guide where to fuzz inputs.
Computational through-wall imaging using a dynamic metasurface antenna (2019)

We present a study of computational through-wall imaging using a dynamically reconfigurable metasurface antenna (DMA). The DMA consists of a single-feed, electrically-large microstrip line, loaded with individually addressable metamaterial radiators. Each metamaterial resonator is integrated with a diode, enabling it to be switched on (radiating) or off (non-radiating) by an externally applied voltage. By switching subsets of the array of elements on or off, spatially diverse radiation patterns are formed that are scattered by the wall and structures beyond the wall. Images can be reconstructed from these measurements, using a combination of range migration algorithms and wall compensation algorithms, with minimal frequency bandwidth requirements; even single frequency measurements are possible in conjunction with the DMA. We investigate imaging through a variety of wall materials at K-band frequencies (18-26.5 GHz), including homogeneous media with known properties and inhomogeneous materials such as plywood. We further investigate single-frequency performance against full-bandwidth measurements. The DMA used here is electrically large in one dimension, over which many spatially diverse measurements can be taken. By scanning the DMA in the perpendicular direction, full two-dimensional scans can be acquired with minimal cost and time, making the one-dimensional DMA attractive as the basis for future through-wall scanning systems.
Age of information with a packet deadline (2016)

We study the age of information, which is a recently introduced metric for measuring the freshness of a continually updated piece of information as observed at a remote monitor. The age of information metric has been studied for a variety of different queuing systems. In this work, we introduce a packet deadline as a control mechanism and study its impact on the average age of information for an M/M/1/2 queuing system. We analyze the system for a fixed deadline and derive a mathematical expression for the average age. We numerically evaluate the expression and show the relationship of the age performance to that of the M/M/1/1 and M/M/1/2 systems. We show that the system with a deadline constraint can outperform both the M/M/1/1 and M/M/1/2 without such a deadline.
Chemical modification of the adeno-associated virus capsid to improve gene delivery (2019)

Gene delivery vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) are highly promising due to several desirable features of this parent virus, including a lack of pathogenicity, efficient infection of dividing and non-dividing cells and sustained maintenance of the viral genome. However, the conclusion from clinical data using these vectors is that there is a need to develop new AAVs with a higher transduction efficiency and specificity for relevant target tissues. To overcome these limitations, we chemically modified the surface of the capsid of AAV vectors. These modifications were achieved by chemical coupling of a ligand by the formation of a thiourea functionality between the amino group of the capsid proteins and the reactive isothiocyanate motif incorporated into the ligand. This strategy does not require genetic engineering of the capsid sequence. The proof of concept was first evidenced using a fluorophore (FITC). Next, we coupled the <i>N</i>-acetylgalactosamine ligand onto the surface of the AAV capsid for asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated hepatocyte-targeted delivery. Chemically-modified capsids also showed reduced interactions with neutralizing antibodies. Taken together, our findings reveal the possibility of creating a specific engineered platform for targeting AAVs <i>via</i> chemical coupling.
Detection of Local Preform Defects by Gas Flow Method and Statistical Analysis (2003)

A method for testing the quality of fibrous preforms using gas flow is proposed. The method detects defects caused while placing the fibre preform in the mould by checking the deviations of measured pressures from the reference expected value at various locations in the mould during steady state gas flow through the enclosed preform. A statistical method is employed to classify the test preform into a normal group or any one of several groups associated with specific types of defects. To implement this method experimentally, a specially designed mould with multiple ports for gas injection and pressure measurement was used. Results obtained for various cases with and without preform defects were compared and analysed.
A flat-head/bump-disk apparatus for evaluating the accuracy of a flying height tester (1996)

A flat-head/bump-disk apparatus, consisting of a 70% catamaran head made of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-TiC material without leading taper, and a BK-7 borosilicate crown glass disk, has been built to investigate the measurement accuracy of a flying height tester. Compared with existing flying height tester calibration standards, this apparatus allows one to estimate the amount of elastic deformation occurring at the bump/disk interface, relax the strict requirements of head rail and disk surface flatness, and eliminate manual load/unload operations. With this apparatus, good agreements have been obtained between profilometer measured bump heights and flying height tester measured head/disk separations under 60 nm.