Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring neutron interaction properties of an earth formation. The method includes irradiating the formation with bursts of high energy neutrons. The bursts have a duration selected to enable detection of short duration burst related phenomena. After at least one of the bursts, short duration burst related phenomena are measured. After a selected number of the bursts, long duration neutron burst-related phenomena are detected. In some embodiments, the short duration burst related phenomena include at least one of inelastic gamma ray related phenomena, neutron slowing down related phenomena and short capture cross section related phenomena.
Abstract: A method of optimizing malignancy therapy includes surgical removal or reduction of the body burden of malignant cells and retention of some of those cells for subsequent use in immunotherapy. Boron neutron-capture therapy is employed at a radiation dosage below the threshold for normal tissue necrosis to provide preservation of normal tissue structure. Normal tissue tolerable limits are in the range of 10-13 GY-Eq. The removed tumor cells are altered by radiation or genetically to render them incapable of unlimited clonogenic propagation and then reinjected using multiple sequenced injections.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 16, 1999
Date of Patent:
October 9, 2001
Assignee:
University of Connecticut
Inventors:
Henry M. Smilowitz, Jeffrey A. Coderre, Daniel N. Slatkin
Abstract: An apparatus and method for the in-situ measurement of the condition of degradable components such as electrical cable insulation, valve internals, and gaskets. A stream of energetic subatomic particles is directed to the component under test, thereby inducing the emission of secondary gamma radiation which is detected by one or more radiation detectors positioned in proximity to the component. The secondary radiation emission spectrum is recorded and analyzed to identify features and/or changes resulting from the application of one or more stressors to the component. In the specific case of aging, the radiation spectra taken from the same component at different intervals during its lifetime are compared to identify changes in the component which then may be correlated with artificially (or naturally) aged specimens to estimate the relative level of aging of the component.
Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining gas saturation, liquid saturation, porosity and density of earth formations penetrated by a well borehole. Determinations are made from measures of fast neutron and inelastic scatter gamma radiation induced by a pulsed, fast neutron source. The system preferably uses two detectors axially spaced from the neutron source. One detector is preferably a scintillation detector responsive to gamma radiation, and a second detector is preferably an organic scintillator responsive to both neutron and gamma radiation. The system can be operated in cased boreholes which are filled with either gas or liquid. Techniques for correcting all measurements for borehole conditions are disclosed.