gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Development of an electret passive environmental radon monitor (E-PERM (trade name)). Phase 2. Report for January 1988-January 1993 (Final) (1993)

The development of an electret ion chamber modified for radon measurement is described and characterized. It is called an Electret Passive Environmental Radon Monitor (E-PERM). The responses of two types of electret sensors and the E-PERM are reported. Their E-PERM precision was 4.8 percent. The result of blind-tests of 497 units submitted to the EPA Radon Monitoring Proficiency Program by 133 different E-PERM users are shown. The average accuracy of the E-PERMs tested was 11.4 percent. Costs per measurement are estimated and compared with other passive monitoring methods. E-PERM evaluations from eight recent studies are summarized in Appendix A. The results demonstrate that this new type of radon monitor is well suited for measuring radon in homes.
Dispersion-compensated wavelength beam combining of quantum-cascade-laser arrays (2011)

A multiwavelength array of distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) that spans λ = 8.28 to 9.62 μm is wavelength beam combined (WBC) using both single-grating and dual-grating designs. WBC with a single grating results in a pointing error of 3-times the beam divergence for a single laser and arises from the nonlinear dispersion of the grating. By adding a second grating to compensate for the nonlinear dispersion, the pointing error is reduced to only 13% of the beam divergence for a single laser. A transceiver based on the dual-grating-WBC QCL was used to measure the transmittance of a polymer sheet placed between itself and a retroreflector over a round-trip distance of 70 meters.
Mechanosensitive Ion Channels as Drug Targets (2004)

Mechanically sensitive ion channels (MSCs) are ubiquitous. They exist as two major types: those in specialized receptors that require fibrous proteins to transmit forces to the channel, and those in non-specialized tissues that respond to stress in the lipid bilayer. While few MSCs have been cloned, the existing structures show no sequence or structural homology--an example of convergent evolution. The physiological function of MSCs in many tissues is not known, but they probably arose from the need for cell volume regulation. Recently, a peptide called GsMTx4 was isolated from tarantula venom and is the first specific reagent for mechanosensitive channels. GsMTx4 is a approximately 4 kD peptide with a hydrophobic face opposite a positively charged face. It is active in the D and L forms, and appears non-toxic to mice. GsMTx4 has shown physiological effects on cationic MSCs in heart, smooth muscle, astrocytes, and skeletal muscle. By itself, GsMTx4 can serve as a lead compound or as a potential drug. Its availability opens clinical horizons in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies including cardiac arrhythmia, muscular dystrophy and glioma.
Multifunctional holographic elements for surface measurements (1992)

A novel single multifunctional holographic optical element is incorporated into a surface measurement system. As a result the system is lightweight, compact, and simpler than conventional ones. Numerical calculation reveals that submicron resolutions are possible both in the horizontal and vertical directions. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.
Preemption-Aware Energy Management in Virtualized Data Centers (2012)

Energy efficiency is one of the main challenge hat data centers are facing nowadays. A considerable portion of the consumed energy in these environments is wasted because of idling resources. To avoid wastage, offering services with variety of SLAs (with different prices and priorities) is a common practice. The question we investigate in this research is how the energy consumption of a data center that offers various SLAs can be reduced. To answer this question we propose an adaptive energy management policy that employs virtual machine(VM) preemption to adjust the energy consumption based on user performance requirements. We have implementedour proposed energy management policy in Haize a as a real scheduling platform for virtualized data centers. Experimental results reveal 18% energy conservation (up to 4000 kWh in 30 days) comparing with other baseline policies without any major increase in SLA violation.
Dynamic metrology and data processing for precision freeform optics fabrication and testing (2017)

Dynamic metrology holds the key to overcoming several challenging limitations of conventional optical metrology, especially with regards to precision freeform optical elements. We present two dynamic metrology systems: 1) adaptive interferometric null testing; and 2) instantaneous phase shifting deflectometry, along with an overview of a gradient data processing and surface reconstruction technique. The adaptive null testing method, utilizing a deformable mirror, adopts a stochastic parallel gradient descent search algorithm in order to dynamically create a null testing condition for unknown freeform optics. The single-shot deflectometry system implemented on an iPhone uses a multiplexed display pattern to enable dynamic measurements of time-varying optical components or optics in vibration. Experimental data, measurement accuracy / precision, and data processing algorithms are discussed.
Supercapacitors Using Binder-Free & Surfactant-Free CNT Electrodes (2017)

Conventional supercapacitors exhibit limitations that arise from various sources within the device such as the necessary incorporation of resistive additives to the electrode formulation. In the case of activated carbon (AC) electrodes, this constitutes the insulating binder, while for carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes, the inclusion of appropriate surfactant is almost always necessary to promote stable dispersion for processing. This work discusses the use of surfactant-free and binder-free CNT electrodes for fabrication of supercapacitors. The performance characteristics from pouch cells containing such CNT electrodes in organic electrolytes were benchmarked against commercial-grade AC supercapacitor devices on both cell volume and cell weight bases. EDLC performance advantages realized from eliminating the additives of surfactant and binder were significantly lower a.c. impedance at low temperature operation (80% reduction at -30°C), higher capacitance retention after 100,000 cycles, and superior retention of capacitance at high temperature (95% of initial capacitance at 70°C) compared to commercial AC based EDLCs.
Proposal and verification of a new visible light emitter based on wide band gap II-VI semiconductors (1992)

We propose a new device structure for obtaining visible light emission from wide band gap semiconductors. This heterojunction structure avoids ohmic contacting problems by using only the doping types which tend to occur naturally in II-VI semiconductors, while using a novel injection scheme to obtain efficient minority carrier injection into the wider band gap semiconductor. To verify this proposal we have fabricated green light emitting structures using n-CdSe and p-ZnTe regions separated by a graded MgxCd1−xSe injection region. Room temperature electroluminescence spectra from these devices demonstrate the effectiveness of the injection scheme, while the current-voltage characteristics show the merits of avoiding difficult ohmic contacts. We further show how the structure can be extended to blue wavelengths and beyond by opening up the band gap of the ZnTe recombination region with a MgyZn1−yTe alloy.
Measurement of low oxygen pressures with a solid-state electrolyte miniaturised sensor (1983)

An electrochemical gauge with internal reference is applied for measuring partial oxygen pressures. This device has been applied to measure the oxygen coming from the H2+1/2O2 to or from H2O reaction, made at low oxygen pressures down to 10-39 atmospheres ( approximately=10-34Pa). The results showed that the accuracies obtained were about 1.5% between the measured values and the theoretical ones. The scheme of the gauge and its method of calibration is also presented, taking account of the fact that the internal reference allows the measurement of such low oxygen pressures.
Ultraviolet-Resistant Bacterial Spores (2007)

A document summarizes a study in which it was found that spores of the SAFR-032 strain of Bacillus pumilus can survive doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, radiation, and hydrogen peroxide in proportions much greater than those of other bacteria. The study was part of a continuing effort to understand the survivability of bacteria under harsh conditions and develop means of sterilizing spacecraft to prevent biocontamination of Mars that could interfere with the search for life there.
DNA‐Mediated Proximity‐Based Assembly Circuit for Actuation of Biochemical Reactions (2018)

Abstract Smart nanodevices that integrate molecular recognition and signal production hold great promise for the point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic applications. Herein, the development of a DNA‐mediated proximity assembly of biochemical reactions, which was capable of sensing various bio‐targets and reporting easy‐to‐read signals is reported. The circuit was composed of a DNA hairpin‐locked catalytic cofactor with inhibited activity. Specific molecular inputs can trigger a conformational switch of the DNA locks through the mechanisms of toehold displacement and aptamer switching, exposing an active cofactor. The subsequent assembly of an enzyme/cofactor pair actuated a reaction to produce colorimetric or fluorescence signals for detecting target molecules. The developed system could be potentially applied to smart biosensing in molecular diagnostics and POC tests.
Carbon Nanofiber–Reinforced Cement-Based Materials (2010)

Fibers are incorporated into cementitious matrices to help control cracking by bridging and providing load transfer across cracks and pores. Typical reinforcement of concrete is usually provided at the macro- and microscales by using macrofibers and microfibers, respectively. Although microfibers delay the propagation of microcracks, they do not stop their initiation. Theory suggests that nanofibers delay the formation of nanocracks, thus requiring higher loads to initiate cracking, which improves the weak tensile strength of the cementitious matrix. In this paper, a detailed investigation of the effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the flexural strength and nanostructure of the cement matrix was conducted. An ultra-high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the morphology of the nanocomposites. Nanoimaging of the fracture surfaces of cementitious nanocomposites reinforced with CNFs at different concentrations has shown that CNFs are able to bridge nanocracks and pores and achieve good bonding with the cement hydration products. As a result, the incorporation of CNFs was shown to improve significantly the flexural strength of the cementitious matrix.
Real‐time tomosynthesis for radiation therapy guidance (2017)

The proposed system produces images adequate for real-time guidance of radiation therapy. The additional hardware requirements are modest, and the system is capable of imaging at high frame rates and low dose. Further development, including a prototype system and a dosimetry study, is needed to further evaluate the feasibility of this device for radiation therapy guidance.
ChemInform Abstract: Graphene‐Based Materials for Flexible Supercapacitors (2015)

Abstract Review: 235 refs.
Micro RNAs and Short‐interfering RNAs in Plants (2007)

Abstract Gene silencing can occur either at the transcriptional level or post‐transcriptional level or both. Many instances of sequence‐specific silencing requires small RNAs that can be divided into two major classes: microRNAs (miRNAs) and short‐interfering RNAs (siRNAs). miRNAs function in post‐transcriptional gene silencing by guiding mRNA degradation or translational repression. Endogenous siRNAs are more diverse in plants than in animals and can direct post‐transcriptional gene silencing through mRNA degradation or transcriptional gene silencing by triggering DNA methylation and histone modifications. This review discusses recent advances in the field of small RNA‐guided gene silencing in plants including rice.
Phase-locked arrays of vertical cavity surface-emitting semiconductor lasers (1991)

Recently, several groups reported the observation of phase-locking in vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays. 1,2 The most efficient phase-locking was obtained using internal diffractive coupling, brought about by a tailored spatial mirror reflectivity modulation. 1 Following a critical review of the various coupling methods available for VCSEL arrays, the reflectivity modulation method and its compatibility with the special features of VCSELs are analyzed. Exploiting the high efficiency of this coupling method, we were able to design and fabricate a number of array geometries tailored for various uses. High peak power (>300 mW) coherent beams were obtained from rectangular multielement arrays with optimized laser size, element spacing, and reflectivity modulation depth. Beams with a prescribed number of equal-intensity lobes (e.g., twenty lobes) were obtained using ring shaped arrays for the implementation of fanned-out laser sources. In both of these examples the two-dimensionality of the arrays played a major role: stabilizing the coherent output mode and adding modal design flexibility. The importance of both the array geometry and its dimensionality are discussed in detail. Theoretical analysis of the modal behavior using coupledmode theory for the weak coupling cases, and beam propagation methods for the strong coupling regime agrees well with measured array characteristics. Finally, the possibility of dynamically shaping the coherent modes by changing the current injection pattern to the array elements are discussed.
A new two-axis magnetic position sensor (2003)

Describes a new contactless sensor, which measures the position of a magnet along two axes. The sensor is inherently non-sensitive to the magnet movement along the third axis, temperature variations and aging, and does not require calibration. This is achieved by transforming a translation of the magnet into a rotation of a magnetic field, and by measuring the direction of the magnetic field rather than its strength. The direction of the magnetic field is then measured by two two-axis Hall sensors.
S100A8/A9: A Potential New Diagnostic Aid for Acute Appendicitis (2010)

This is the first report exploring the relationship between circulating S100A8/A9 and acute appendicitis and establishes proof of concept for this biomarker as a diagnostic test for acute appendicitis. Further studies are indicated to optimize the use of this biomarker, in conjunction with other established approaches.
Influence of Oxygen Evolution during Water Oxidation on the Surface of Perovskite Oxide Catalysts (2012)

Perovskites such as Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF82) can be highly active for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) upon water oxidation in alkaline solution. Here we report that BSCF82 can quickly undergo amorphization of its surface at OER potentials, which is accompanied by reduced surface concentrations of Ba2+ and Sr2+ ions as well as increased pseudocapacitive and OER currents. Such quick amorphization during OER was also observed for perovskite catalysts with similar OER activities such as Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.4Fe0.6O3−δ and SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3−δ. In contrast, perovskite oxides with lower OER activities than BSCF82 did not undergo this transformation when subjected to identical electrochemical conditions. These findings demonstrate that the active chemistry and structure of oxide catalysts during OER can significantly differ from those of the as-synthesized material and that understanding how the oxide surface may change and impact the OER activity is critical to the design of highly active and stable OER catalysts.
Design of a Knee Mechanism for a Knee Disarticulation Prosthesis (1994)

Abstract A new knee mechanism has been designed which is a significant improvement over existing designs used in knee disarticulation (K/D) prostheses. These are prostheses used when the amputation is performed through the knee joint as opposed to amputation performed above the knee. The new four-bar mechanism has a more desirable locus of instant centers thereby improving the gait for K/D amputees. In this paper, the design process involving the kinematics is discussed. A prototype has been made and is currently undergoing testing with a prosthetist.
Controllable fluidized-bed direct combustor produces clean high temperature air (1983)

A small, 15.2 cm diameter, fluidized-bed combustor with an automatic control has been developed and tested. The control system operates the burner, using corncobs as a fuel, so reliable that it is almost as simple to operate as a home fuel oil furnace. Results of the test on burner efficiency for air-to-fuel ratios of 1.04 to 1.41 showed 56 to 62 percent of the fuel energy was collectible as totally clean, high-temperature air (540/sup 0/C) via the heat exchanger used in the system (80 percent efficient as furnaces are rated). Maximum collected heat production rate was 21 kW. A long term test consumed 1800 kg of fuel over a 1490 hour test period. Ash buildup in the bed of sand did not occur during this test, but some did collect in the exhaust piping.
MP3 Surround: Efficient and Compatible Coding of Multi-Channel Audio (2004)

This convention paper has been reproduced from the author&apos;s advance manuscript, without editing, corrections, or consideration by the Review Board. The AES takes no responsibility for the contents. Additional papers may be obtained by sending request
CuRTAIL: ChaRacterizing and Thwarting AdversarIal Deep Learning (2020)

Recent advances in adversarial Deep Learning (DL) have opened up a new and largely unexplored surface for malicious attacks jeopardizing the integrity of autonomous DL systems. This article introduces CuRTAIL, a novel end-to-end computing framework to characterize and thwart potential adversarial attacks and significantly improve the reliability (safety) of a victim DL model. We formalize the goal of preventing adversarial attacks as an optimization problem to minimize the rarely observed regions in the latent feature space spanned by a DL network. To solve the aforementioned minimization problem, a set of complementary but disjoint modular redundancies are trained to validate the legitimacy of the input samples. The proposed countermeasure is unsupervised, meaning that no adversarial sample is leveraged to train modular redundancies. This, in turn, ensures the effectiveness of the defense in the face of generic attacks. We evaluate the robustness of our proposed methodology against the state-of-the-art adaptive attacks in a white-box setting considering that the adversary knows everything about the victim model and its defenders. Extensive evaluations for analyzing MNIST, CIFAR10, and ImageNet data corroborate the effectiveness of CuRTAIL framework against adversarial samples. The computations in each modular redundancy can be performed independently of the other redundancy modules. As such, CuRTAIL detection algorithm can be completely parallelized among multiple hardware settings to achieve maximum throughput. We further provide an open-source Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate the adoption of the proposed framework for various applications.
Rapid thermal annealing on the characteristics of polysilicon thin-film transistors in practical TFT SRAM process (1997)

In the practical thin-film transistor (TFT) SRAM process, the rapid thermal contact annealing (RTA) would seriously deteriorate the subthreshold characteristics of TFTs but it can improve the maximum transconductance. We suggest that these degradations are due to the generation of the deep states and we find these degradations can be recovered by a low-temperature anneal in H/sub 2//N/sub 2/ gas ambient.
A UWB repeater with a short relaying-delay for range extension (2005)

UWB is limited in short range communication because it is necessary to have a limitation on UWB transmitting power density as a rule to avoid the interference with existing narrow-band communication systems. In hence, for the UWB short range low power communication limited in range, we need a short-range, multi-hop strategy relaying the UWB signal to achieve greater range and also some improvements should be investigated to shorten the relaying-delay caused by the relay of the UWB signal. In this paper, we first focus on the need of relaying UWB signals and then investigate the use of a repeater on the relaying of the UWB signal. After considering the problem of the conventional repeater for relaying the UWB signal, in particular on the area of the coupling interference and relaying-delay, this paper proposes a short range UWB system having a simple-structured PPM UWB repeater, which can relay the PPM (pulse-position-modulation) UWB signal with a short relaying-delay in the high-speed and delay-critical UWB communication environment. And also this paper investigates the special relaying method of switching control which can make it possible that the proposed PPM UWB repeater has no coupling interference and short relaying-delay.
The potential mechanism of the diabetogenic action of streptozotocin: inhibition of pancreatic β-cell O-GlcNAc-selective N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (2001)

Streptozotocin (STZ), an analogue of GlcNAc, inhibits purified rat spleen O-GlcNAc-selective N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (O-GlcNAcase), the enzyme that removes O-GlcNAc from protein. We have shown previously that STZ increases pancreatic islet O-linked protein glycosylation. In light of these data, we investigated the possibility further that STZ causes beta-cell death by inhibiting O-GlcNAcase. In isolated islets, the time course and dose curve of STZ-induced O-glycosylation correlated with beta-cell toxicity. STZ inhibition of rat islet O-GlcNAcase activity also paralleled that of its beta-cell toxicity, with significant inhibition occurring at a concentration of 1 mM. In contrast, STZ inhibition of rat brain O-GlcNAcase and beta-TC3 insulinoma cell O-GlcNAcase was significantly right-shifted compared with islets, with STZ only significantly inhibiting activity at a concentration of 5 mM, the same concentration required for beta-TC3 cell toxicity. In comparison, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, the nitric oxide-donating portion of STZ, did not cause increased islet O-glycosylation, beta-cell toxicity or inhibition of beta-cell O-GlcNAcase. Enhanced STZ sensitivity of islet O-GlcNAcase compared with O-GlcNAcase from other tissues or an insulinoma cell line suggests why actual islet beta-cells are particularly sensitive to STZ. Confirming this idea, STZ-induced islet beta-cell toxicity was completely blocked by GlcNAc, which also prevented STZ-induced O-GlcNAcase inhibition, but was not even partially blocked by glucose, glucosamine or GalNAc. Together, these data demonstrate that STZ's inhibition of beta-cell O-GlcNAcase is the mechanism that accounts for its diabetogenic toxicity.