A new and distinct Cordyline cultivar named ‘Coral’ is disclosed, characterized by unique, variegated foliage of red, pink and purple, intensifying with age and higher light. Other characteristics are long, narrowly elliptic leaves, a strong root system and dense crown. ‘Coral’ also exhibits a tendency to remain vegetative and resist flowering.

The new cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program. The new variety originated from a cross pollination of the seed parent Cordyline australis 'Albertii,' an unpatented cultivar and the pollen parent Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower,' also unpatented, made by the inventor during December 1995.
It was discovered by the inventor, Arthur George Rendle, a citizen of New Zealand, in Spring of 1996 New Plymouth, New Zealand.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar 'Paradise' was first performed in Auckland, New Zealand, in a commercial greenhouse by vegetative root cuttings. Subsequently 'Paradise' has been reproduced by micro-propagation and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type through 12 generations.


A microporous polyetheretherketone (PEEK) membrane in the form of films and hollow fibers formed without sulfonating the PEEK polymer. Solid fibers and articles are also claimed. A method of making membranes, fibers and articles from solutions of PEEK in non-sulfonating acid solvents in claimed. Solvents include methane sulfonic acid and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid. Sulfuric acid may be used as a diluent in non-sulfonating amounts. PEEK membranes are used as supports for composite ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. A method of making membranes, fibers, and articles is also described.

Microporous polymer membranes are staple products in the art of separations of fluid fractions.
Poly(oxy-1,4-phenyleneoxy-1,4-phenylene-carbonyl-1,4-phenylene), more commonly known as poly(etheretherketone), or PEEK, displays advantageous chemical and physical properties for many uses. The high melting point (about 367.degree. C.), high glass transition temperature (about 145.degree. C.), low solubility and high chemical resistance make PEEK a material of choice for separations applications for harsh environments.
PEEK is not known to be affected by common organic solvents at room temperature. PEEK is also resistant to acids and bases with the exception of strong acids in high concentrations. The general insolubility of PEEK, while a useful and advantageous property of a membrane in place, complicates the formation of useful articles including microporous membranes from PEEK.
Polymer film useful as ultrafiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membrane supports are traditionally formed by dissolving the polymer in a solvent, casting the polymer solution on a support as a thin film, followed by coagulation of the polymer by immersion of the support and polymer film into a bath of liquid in which the polymer solvent is miscible, but which is not a solvent for the polymer.
PEEK solubility has been reported in concentrated sulfuric acid (German Patent No. 3,321,860). Membranes have been cast from PEEK and dissolved in concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. However, the membranes formed are no longer PEEK, but rather have been sulfonated. As a consequence of the change of chemical composition, the membranes no longer display the advantageous properties of PEEK, and are known to swell upon prolonged exposure to water. Bishop, M. T. et al., Macromolecules, 1985, 18, 86.

Microporous peek membranes and the preparation thereof


An irreversible pressure indicator, comprising a sealed vessel forming a fluid chamber and at least one indicating chamber; an indicating material contained within the fluid chamber, said material capable of being acted upon by a pressure force; and a gas contained within the indicating chamber, said gas capable of being displaced or compressed by said indicating material, and a method for using the same.

1. Technical Field
This invention is related generally to the field of pressure indicators and more specifically to the field of hydrostatic pressure indicators for showing if a certain pressure has been reached and/or if an item has been subjected to a certain pressure.
2. Prior Art
The use of high pressure pasteurization has become a standard method for destroying bacteria in foods. Current normal methods such as heating foods to destroy bacteria are known, and can alter the taste and texture of certain foods. For example, sliced lunch meats, such as turkey and chicken, and guacamole will be altered if exposed to high temperatures.
High pressure pasteurization or sterilization methods also are known. For example, foods and other items are packaged in sealed flexible poly bags. The bagged food then can be placed in an autoclave and hydrostatically pressurized using water as a medium to achieve a pressure of 85,000 psi for a period of time. Such a pressure will destroy the bacteria, thus increasing the shelf life of the bagged food. However, if the food did not get properly pressurized and was placed on the shelf and had active bacteria that caused sickness in consumers, it might result in a total recall of the packages. Because of this possibility, it is desirable to have an inexpensive irreversible indicator to show that every package had been exposed to 85,000 psi or any other desired pressure.

Irreversible hydrostatic pressure indicator


A reflection-transmission double type liquid-crystal display device has a transmission type liquid-crystal display panel including a liquid-crystal cell, at least one illuminator disposed on at least one side surface of the liquid-crystal display panel, an optical path changing sheet which has a refractive index exhibiting a refractive index difference of not higher than 0.15 from a refractive index of a nearest liquid-crystal cell substrate and is bonded onto a back side of the liquid-crystal display panel through an adhesive layer having a refractive index exhibiting a refractive index difference of not higher than 0.20 from the refractive index of the nearest liquid-crystal cell substrate, and a reflection layer disposed on a back side of the optical path changing sheet. The optical path changing sheet includes optical path changing slopes and flat surfaces. Each of the optical path changing slopes faces the illuminator at an inclination angle in a range of from 30 to 48 degrees with respect to a plane of the optical path changing sheet and being provided for reflecting incident light from the illuminator toward the visual side of the liquid-crystal display panel. Each of the flat surfaces is inclined at an inclination angle of not larger than 10 degrees with respect to the sheet plane, and a projected area of the flat surfaces on the sheet plane is not smaller than 10 times as large as a projected area of the optical path changing slopes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transmission-reflection double type liquid crystal display device which can be reduced in thickness and weight easily and which is excellent in display quality.
The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. Hei. 11-369712, which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid-crystal display device in which a back-lighting system using a bottom-lighting type or side-lighting type light pipe is disposed on a back side (opposite to a visual side) of a transmission type liquid-crystal display panel through a half-transmission type reflector is heretofore known as a reflection-transmission double type liquid-crystal display device which can be viewed in a transmission mode by using a built-in illuminator in addition to a reflection mode by using external light. The half-transmission type reflector is disposed in order to enable viewing in a reflection mode. If there is no half-transmission type reflector, viewing in a reflection mode by using external light is so dark that the liquid-crystal display device substantially hardly functions as a reflection type liquid-crystal display device.
The background-art reflection-transmission double type liquid-crystal display device using a back-lighting system, however, has the following problem. That is, it is difficult to reduce the thickness, size and weight of the liquid-crystal display device though greater reduction in thickness, size and weight of the liquid-crystal display device has been demanded for the purpose of reducing in size and weight of a portable telephone set, a portable personal computer, or the like. Incidentally, in a bottom-lighting type back-lighting system, a thickness of not smaller than 4 mm is generally required for a light diffusing plate and a reflector which are disposed together with the illuminator. In a side-lighting type light pipe, a plate thickness of not smaller than 1 mm is required for light transmission. If a light diffusing plate, a reflector, a prism sheet, etc. are further disposed on the side-lighting type light pipe, a further thickness of not smaller than 3 mm is generally required. If at least one half-transmission type reflector is still further added, the volume and weight of the liquid-crystal display device become even larger. Moreover, there is a problem that viewing in a transmission mode becomes dark because of the arrangement of the half-transmission type reflector and that brightness in a reflection mode is inferior to that of a reflection exclusive type liquid-crystal display device using a high-reflectance reflection layer.
An object of the present invention is to develop a transmission-reflection double type liquid-crystal display device which can be reduced in thickness and weight easily and which is excellent in display quality.
According to the present invention, there is provided a reflection-transmission double type liquid-crystal display device comprising: a transmission type liquid-crystal display panel including a liquid-crystal cell; at least one illuminator disposed on at least one of side surfaces of the liquid-crystal display panel and capable of being switched on/off; an optical path changing sheet which has a refractive index exhibiting a refractive index difference of not higher than 0.15 from a refractive index of a nearest liquid-crystal cell substrate, and which is bonded onto a back side (opposite to a visual side) of the liquid-crystal display panel through an adhesive layer having a refractive index exhibiting a refractive index difference of not higher than 0.20 from the refractive index of the nearest liquid-crystal cell substrate; and a reflection layer disposed on a back side of the optical path changing sheet; the optical path changing sheet including optical path changing slopes and flat surfaces, each of the optical path changing slopes facing the illuminator at an inclination angle in a range of from 30 to 48 degrees with respect to a plane of the optical path changing sheet and being provided for reflecting incident light from the illuminator toward the visual side of the liquid-crystal display panel, each of the flat surfaces being inclined at an inclination angle of not larger than 10 degrees with respect to the sheet plane so that a projected area of the flat surfaces on the sheet plane is not smaller than 10 times as large as a projected area of the optical path changing slopes on the sheet plane.
According to the present invention, while incident light from an illuminator disposed on one of side surfaces of a liquid-crystal display panel is transmitted backward efficiently by use of liquid-crystal cell substrates, the optical path of the transmission light is changed efficiently toward the visual side of the liquid-crystal display panel through an optical path changing sheet disposed on the back side of the panel. Hence, the transmission light can be utilized for liquid-crystal display in a transmission mode. Moreover, external light can be transmitted/reflected efficiently through/by flat surfaces of the optical path changing sheet and a reflection layer. Hence, the external light can be utilized for liquid-crystal display in a reflection mode. The illuminator which is disposed on the side surface, the optical path changing sheet which is excellent in thickness, and the reflection layer can form a back-lighting (transmission mode) system and a reflection mode system. Hence, a transmission-reflection double type liquid-crystal display device which is excellent in thickness and light in weight, and which is bright and excellent in display quality can be formed.
The aforementioned effect is based mainly on use of a slope reflection type optical path changing sheet. That is, light incident on a side surface or transmission light of the incident light is reflected by slopes of the optical path changing sheet so that the optical path of the light can be changed with good directivity. Hence, good visibility in a transmission mode can be achieved. Moreover, external light is transmitted through flat surfaces of the optical path changing sheet so that the external light can be kept sufficiently. Hence, good visibility in a reflection mode can be also achieved. In a method of scatter reflection by a roughened surface, it is difficult to achieve the aforementioned effect. Incidentally, JP-A-5-158033 discloses a reflection type liquid-crystal display device in which illumination light is made incident on one of side surfaces of a liquid-crystal display panel and totally reflected by a visual side cell substrate and in which the reflected light is scattered by a rough surface type reflector so that the scattered light is utilized for display.
In the aforementioned case, however, light allowed to be utilized for display is light that comes out from the panel due to coming contrary against the total reflection condition by scattering. Generally, scattered light exhibits a normal distribution having a direction of regular reflection as a peak, in Extended Abstracts (20th Liquid-Crystal Discussion Lecture Vol. 3 G510, Tohoku University; Uchida et al). Hence, the aforementioned display light is light largely inclined with respect to a frontal (vertical) direction and therefore hardly utilized effectively for display. Hence, the display becomes dark in the frontal direction. Nevertheless, intensifying scattering by the roughened surface type reflector is unfavorable to display in a reflection mode because the quantity of light in the frontal direction in the reflection mode is reduced (SID 96 DIGEST pp.149-152). It is, therefore, necessary to adjust scattering intensity to keep balance between both transmission and reflection modes in such a roughened surface type scattering reflection method. It is, however, difficult to obtain scattering intensity favorable to the two reflection and transmission modes because scattering intensity required in the transmission mode is antinomic to scattering intensity required in the reflection mode.
On the other hand, the slope reflection type optical path changing sheet according to the present invention mainly utilizes light exhibiting a peak in a direction of regular reflection and controls the optical path of the reflected light. Hence, directivity, especially frontal directivity, favorable to display can be provided easily, and a bright transmission mode can be achieved. Also in a reflection mode, flat portions of the optical path changing sheet except the slopes can be utilized, and efficient entrance, reflection and transmission of external light can be ensured. Hence, the state of light can be balanced easily so as to be favorable to both transmission and reflection modes.
Features and advantages of the invention will become understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments described in conjunction with the attached drawings.

Reflection-transmission double type liquid-crystal display device


An offset adjusting circuit for an optical disc comprises a plurality of offset-adjustment differential operational amplifiers, each of the amplifiers having an input terminal to which an output signal of an optical pickup is input and another input terminal to which a control voltage is applied, an adding circuit that adds output signals of the offset-adjustment differential operational amplifiers, an A/D converter that outputs a digital signal based on an output signal of the adding circuit, and a control voltage adjuster that varies the control voltage applied to the offset-adjustment differential operational amplifiers based on the digital signal so as to remove an offset.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an offset adjusting circuit for an optical disc and an offset adjusting method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, in an optical disc playback (and recording) apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an "optical disc apparatus"), after amplifying, for example, four output signals from an optical pickup, a combined RF signal is obtained by adding those signals in an adder (See, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 10 105997 (FIG. 1)).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the optical disc apparatus irradiates an optical disc 105 with one spot of a light beam. A photo-detector group of an optical pickup 200 receives reflected light from this optical disc 105. Based on the reflected light, the optical pickup 200 supplies various output signals to an RF signal processing circuit 110. Based on these output signals, the RF signal processing circuit 110 generates an RF signal and various error signals. Based on these error signals, a servo signal processing circuit 140 carries out servo control to prevent the degradation of accuracy in focusing servo and tracking servo of an objective lens of the optical pickup 200. Note that a recording system REC, as known well, is realized by constituents indicated by reference numerals 112 through 118 of FIG. 6.
A playback system PB of this optical disc apparatus will be described. The RF signal processing circuit 110 supplies the RF signal, a combined signal, to a decoder 120. The decoder 120 performs processing such as de-interleave processing, decoding for error correction, EFM demodulation, and the like on the RF signal and supplies reproduced data to a memory 121.
The memory 121 is controlled in terms of write-in and read-out of data by a system controller (microcomputer) 150, and the reproduced data is written therein from the decoder 120. Also, the reproduced data is consecutively read out from the memory 121 at a constant bit rate. The reproduced data consecutively read out from the memory 121 is supplied to a decoder 122. When the reproduced data is compressed data, this decoder 122 decompresses the data to, for example, four times its size. Digital data from the decoder 122 is supplied to a D/A converter 123 to be converted into an analog signal, which is drawn to the outside through an output terminal 124.
Here, the RF signal processing circuit 110 outputting the RF signal will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, an output signal A obtained from the optical pickup 200 is input to a resistor R10a and an output signal B obtained from the optical pickup 200 is input to a resistor R10b. Also, an output signal C obtained from the optical pickup 200 is input to a resistor R10c and an output signal D obtained from the optical pickup is input to a resistor R10d. Note that these output signals A to D are, as known well, among the output signals obtained from the detector of the optical pickup 200 and described, for example, on page 218 of a literature "Illustrated Compact Disc Reader", Ohmsha, Ltd., Japan, Jun. 20, 2002, the First Impression of the Third Edition.
With regard to an offset-adjustment differential operational amplifier OP1, a combined signal AB of the output signals A and B is input to the inverting input terminal thereof through the resistors R10a and R10b, and a fixed reference voltage Vref0 is applied to the non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier OP1. This offset-adjustment differential operational amplifier OP1 outputs an amplified signal A′B′ to an adding circuit SUM, which signal is expressed by an operational expression:R20ab×(1/R10a+1/R10b+1/R20ab)×{Vref−(voltage value of output signal A/R10a+voltage value of output signal B/R10b)/(1/R10a+1/R10b+1/R20ab)}.
In contrast, with regard to an offset-adjustment differential operational amplifier OP2, a combined signal CD of the output signals C and D is input to the inverting input terminal thereof through the resistors R10c and R10d, and the fixed reference voltage Vref0 is applied to the non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier OP2. This offset-adjustment differential operational amplifier OP2 outputs an amplified signal C′D′ to the adding circuit SUM, which signal is expressed by the operational expression:R20cd×(1/R10c+1/R10d+1/R20cd)×{Vref−(voltage value of output signal C/R10c+voltage value of output signal D/R10d)/(1/R10c+1/R10d+1/R20cd)}.
The adding circuit SUM adds the input amplified signals A′B′ and C′D′ to output a combined signal ABCD. This output combined signal ABCD is input to an external capacitor C0 through a first terminal T1, so that with the direct current component removed, only the alternating current component returns to the inside of the RF signal processing circuit 110 through a second terminal T2. The returned alternating current component is superimposed on the fixed reference voltage Vref0 through a resistor R40 to be input to a buffer amplifier BA0. This buffer amplifier BA0 outputs an RF signal. This RF signal is supplied via another buffer amplifier BA1 to the decoder 120 of FIG. 6, which performs playback processing thereon, and also supplied to a flaw detection circuit DET.
This flaw detection circuit DET detects a flaw on an optical disc from which signals are read out by the optical pickup 200 based on the RF signal output from the adding circuit SUM. That is, the flaw detection circuit DET has a comparator having a reference voltage Vref1 input to the non-inverting input terminal thereof, and the RF signal from the buffer amplifier BA0 is input to the inverting input terminal of this comparator. When the intensity (voltage level) of this RF signal is less than the reference voltage Vref1, it is determined that the portion that the optical pickup 200 is irradiating with laser light is a portion with a flaw, and a signal of a "H" level is output as a flaw detection signal to the servo signal processing circuit 140. The servo signal processing circuit 140 having received this flaw detection signal performs, for example, processing for preventing malfunction caused by the effect of the flaw.
In the above related art shown in FIG. 7, for the combined signal ABCD obtained from the adding circuit SUM, the direct current component thereof is removed by the external capacitor C0. Then, the signal is forcibly superimposed on the fixed DC voltage Vref0 via the resistor R40. By this means, an attempt to remove the DC offset of the combined signal of the adding circuit SUM as much as possible is made.
However, the DC offset cannot be adjusted flexibly only by superimposing the signal on the fixed DC voltage Vref0. Specifically, because there is no flexibility in DC offset adjusting function, various problems occur. That is, if variations occur in the intensity of the reflected light because of difference in the specifications or the like of the optical pickup or the type of optical disc, the output signals from the optical pickup themselves cannot be accurately adjusted in terms of their offsets. As a result, the RF signal is generated based on the output signals whose offsets have not been accurately adjusted.
Therefore, at the stage where the differential operational amplifiers generate the combined signal of the output signals A to D of the optical pickup for generating the RF signal, each of the output signals A to D deviates from the dynamic range of the processing system including the differential operational amplifiers due to the insufficient adjustment of the offsets, so that the waveform thereof may be distorted. In particular, because a dynamic range of a circuit system operating at a low power supply voltage is relatively narrow with a small margin, the possibility of the waveform distortion becomes high.
As described above, as a result of not being able to generate a precise RF signal, the degradation of accuracy in processing in the playback processing system and the flaw detection circuit is caused. In particular, in the flaw detection circuit DET, accuracy in level-setting for flaw detection cannot be improved, thus causing the degradation of accuracy in flaw detection.

Offset adjusting circuit for optical disc and offset adjusting method


The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.

Many strains of microalgae are efficient producers of triacylglycerols, which can be converted for use as biodiesel (Sheehan et al., National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 328, 1998). Algae have been identified as a viable feedstock for biofuels due to their efficient abilities to convert sunlight and CO2 to biomass, synthesize large quantities of lipids (20-75% dry mass), thrive in saline water, grow on non-arable land, and grow in open or closed systems (Sheehan, J et al., National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 328, 1998; Huang, G et al., Applied Energy, 1-9, 2009; Rodolfi, L et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 102, 100-112, 2009; Hu, Q et al. Plant J 54, 621-639, 2008; and Spolaore, P. et al., J. Biosci. Bioeng. 101, 87-96, 2006). Microalgae are considered to be superior oil-producers compared to terrestrial competitors (e.g. corn, palm, rapeseed, jatropha, and soybean) because microalgae devote fewer resources to the synthesis of structural components such as cellulose and lignin (Song D. et al., Chin J Biotechnol 24, 341-348, 2008; Chisti, Y et al., Biotechnol. Adv. 25, 294-306, 2007; and Chisti, Y et al. Trends Biotechnol. 26, 126-131, 2008). While nitrogen-deficient conditions lead to an increase in lipid/cell, there is an overall decrease in the growth and cell-mass produced. Due to the commercial applications of these algae, there is a need to develop a better understanding of their metabolic pathways. Furthermore, a need exists for the development of novel ways to increase triacylglycerol production from algae that are economically competitive and sustainable. One solution for achieving this is to understand and control lipid-producing pathways.
Techniques for increasing lipid production in microalgae include nutrient-limitation and genetic engineering techniques for increasing lipid production in microalgae (James, G O et al., Bioresour. Technol. 102, 3343-3351, 2011; Wang, Z T et al., Eukaryotic Cell 8, 1856-1868, 2009; Lamers, P P et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. doi:10.1002/bit.22725, 2010; Richardson, B et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology 18, 245-250, 1969; Suen, Y et al., J Phycol 23, 289-296, 1987; Zhila, N O et al., Botryococcus. J. Appl. Phycol. 17, 309-315, 2005; Siaut, M et al., BMC Biotechnology 11, 7, 2011; and Li, Y et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 107, 258-268, 2010). However, these techniques do not allow for real-time, reversible, or temporal control at various stages of cell growth, and require genetic and biochemical knowledge of the pathways involved in lipid production. Moreover, nutrient-limitation also results in lower cell density.
The use of chemical genetics overcomes the problems of nutrient-limitation and genetic engineering techniques by utilizing a phenotypic approach to identify pathways of interest in lipid production that allows for probing of algae biology. Chemical genetics involves the systematic use of small molecules to modify protein function in real-time, rather than genetic mutation methods to disrupt gene function (Schreiber, S, Nat Chem Biol, 2005; Walsh, D P et al., Chem. Rev. 106, 2476-2530, 2006; and Stockwell, B R, Nature, 2004). Additionally, chemical genetics have several advantages over classical genetics, including: 1) real-time control, 2) reversible and temporal control at variable stages of cell growth, 3) access to a "partial knockout" based on concentration effects, 4) overcoming genetic redundancy, and 5) performing sequential treatments of small molecules to accomplish the effect of multiple mutations (Lehár, J et al, Nat Chem Biol 4, 674-681, 2008).
Moreover, while U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0078946 disclose the use of compounds that inhibit fatty acid metabolism, such as gluconeogenesis inhibitors, fatty acid oxidation inhibitors, fatty acid transporter inhibitors, reductase inhibitors, isomerase inhibitors, and uncoupling protein inhibitors, to promote the accumulation or storage of fatty acids in plants, algae, or fungi; these compounds only target a single metabolic pathway.
Accordingly there exists a need for the development of a chemical genetics approach for identifying chemical compounds that that increase lipid production, without limiting cell growth or density in algae and yeast, and to increase growth rate in algae and yeast by targeting additional biochemical signaling pathways that control fatty acid and triacylglycerol biosynthesis, storage, and metabolism.

Methods for increasing lipid levels and producing triacylglycerols in algae

The Regents of the University of California


The position of the elevator cab in an elevator system is detected by sensing the location of the cab relative to a flexible graduated tape whose ends are fixed in the elevator hoistway. The tape is provided with detectable components which are spaced a predetermined distance apart on the tape. Sensors are fixed on the elevator cab assembly adjacent to the tape so that the sensors can detect each of the tape components as the elevator cab moves up and down in the hoistway. Guides are mounted on the cab assembly to engage the tape so as to ensure that the tape and sensors are properly positioned relative to each other so that the tape components will be detected by the sensors. The guides are mounted on leaf or blade springs so as to be able to move relative to the cab assembly in response to tape deflections and correct the tape deflections to guide the tape past the sensors without creating a significant amount of noise.

In order for elevator cabs to properly align with landing door sills prior to opening the cab and landing doors to discharge and/or take on passengers, the vertical position or location of the cab in the elevator hoistway must be very accurately established. There are two general types of cab position information that must be provided to the elevator microprocessor controller in order to properly operate the elevator in a safe manner. These are: gross cab position when the cab is outside of a called landing zone; and fine cab position once the cab has entered a called landing zone. It will be understood that a "called landing zone" is one to which the elevator controller has, for some reason, dispatched the cab, and at which the cab and landing doors will be opened to accept or discharge passengers.
In order for an elevator system to operate at maximum efficiency, especially in high rise, and ultra high rise, high speed elevator systems, it is very important that the elevator cab move at high speeds between called landings during an optimum proportion of the landing-to-landing transit time. The requirement of high landing-to-landing transit speed also depends on effective cab acceleration and deceleration distances in order to maintain passenger comfort. Thus, the elevator controller must know at all times the position of cab between called landing zones. Present systems utilize a position transducer in the machine room to monitor drive shaft or traction sheave rotation in order to derive the gross position of the cab between called landing zones.
Once the cab enters a called landing zone, the fine cab position is sensed by monitoring a calibrated tape which is suspended in the elevator hoistway. The tape is used to determine when the cab door sill and landing door sill are properly aligned so that the doors can be opened to discharge and accept passengers. The tape is a metal tape which has its ends fixed to the top and bottom of the hoistway. There are spaced-apart detectable calibrations on the tape which indicate where in the hoistway the cab is located. These calibrations will determine cab positions within one-quarter of an inch relative to the hoistway walls. The calibrations can take the form of spaced magnetic strips on the tape. As previously noted, the tape is secured to the hoistway at its ends, and thus its medial portion is not fixed relative to any vertical plane in the hoistway. The portion of the tape between its ends is thus free to twist in response to hoistway turbulence, building sway, or the like. In addition, the cab will oscillate forwardly and backwardly to some extent as it moves up and down in the hoistway along its guide rails.
The tape is sensed by electrical sensors which are mounted on the elevator cab assembly, typically on the cab assembly frame. These sensors can be electro-magnetic or optical transducers. The sensors are operably connected to the elevator controller so as to transmit cab position signals to the controller at appropriate times. At the present time the sensors and their operating electronic components are disposed in a housing which includes guides that embrace the tape so as to ensure proper alignment of the sensors and the tape calibrations as the elevator cab moves up and down in the hoistway. The guides are fixed to the sensor housings. The sensor housings are mounted on brackets which are fixed to the cab frame.
In order to accommodate extant deflections of the tape which deviate from the relatively fixed vertical path of travel of the elevator cab, the sensor housings and associated tape guides are movably mounted on the cab frame mounting brackets. The sensor housings can thus move translationally on the mounting brackets whenever the guides encounter tape deflections that induce such translatory or oscillating movement. The present mounting system has proven to be operative, and is able to properly position the sensors and tape calibrations so as to provide accurate position signals to the controller; however, it does create a noise problem due to the oscillations of the sensor housings on the fixed cab mounting brackets. This noise problem is particularly bothersome during the high speed motion of the cab between landing zones, since the sensor guides must necessarily engage the tape even when the sensors are not functioning due to the cab being positioned outside of the landing zone. Passenger comfort would be enhanced if this tape guide-generated noise were eliminated or sharply reduced.

Elevator cab position sensing with reduced operating noise


Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. These perform the following: accessing records of previous usage within a billing period of service units for customers, wherein the service units are discrete sizes of services for resource types, wherein each usage of an individual one of the service units has start and stop events, and wherein each resource type has a price fixed as of a date of the previous usage; dividing the billing period into time periods determined using the start and stop events for the usage of all of the service units; using the accessed records and the time periods and based on one or more criteria, assigning resource types to the previous usage in the time periods of the service units by the customers; and determining total charge for a selected customer based on the assignments of the resource types and corresponding prices for the selected customer.

This invention relates generally to services, and, more specifically, relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for charging for services.
Usage-based services are services that are charged by the duration of use for service units. Service units can have many different sizes. For instance, rental cars, cloud servers, telecom/conference call connections, and video streams are all examples of services units.
A customer typically reserves the service units via a packaged reservation: the customer can reserve a number of units in advance, usually for a discounted price. If the number of units in use exceeds the reservation, the extra units are charged at a higher price. The latter is called "pay as you go". There can be different packages of different sizes, with different prices.

Methodology for charging of discrete resource reservation based services

International Business Machines Corporation


A photomask fabricated by a photomask fabrication method has a transparent substrate (10), a shade pattern (11) formed in a hollow section (23), and a phase shift pattern (102) having a flat surface that is selectively formed on the transparent substrate (10) and the shield pattern (11).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photomask to be used in a fabrication process of semiconductor integrated circuits such as liquid crystal displays, a fabrication method of the photomasks, and a fabrication method for semiconductor integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
A projection exposure apparatus exposures circuit patterns such as semiconductor circuit elements printed on a photomask to a wafer. In addition, it is required for the projection exposure apparatus to have functions of a higher resolution and a fine-pattern reprinted.
In general, when a numerical aperture NA is greater and the wavelength of exposing light is shorter, the resolution of the projection exposure apparatus can be increased. Because the depth of focus becomes small during a pattern printing process when the numerical aperture NA of the projection exposure apparatus is increased, it is limited to increase the numerical aperture NA. Further, when the wavelength of exposure light is changed to smaller wavelength, it must be required to greatly change the pattern printing process.
In the prior art, an improved method to improve an image formation of a photomask has been disclosed. In this improved method, a phase shifter to be used for reversing a phase is formed in a part of a photomask where an exposure light is passed, and a phase of the exposure light is controlled in addition to the control of an amplitude of the exposure light.
For example, there are conventional methods about the phase shifter described in following patent documents: JP-A-57/62052, JP-A-58/173744, JP-A-62/67514, JP-A-62/67547, JP-A-63/304257, and JP-A-3/263045.
FIG. 1A to FIG. 1F are diagrams showing a conventional fabrication method of a photomask. In FIG. 1A to FIG. 1F, the reference number 220 designates a transparent substrate such as a transparent glass substrate, 222 denotes a shade film, and 224 indicates a resist film. When the fabrication process for the photomask is completed, shade patterns 111 are formed on the transparent glass substrate 220 at desired intervals shown in FIG. 1F.
FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F are diagrams showing a conventional fabrication method of a photomask of a low reflection type. In FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F, the reference numbers 231 and 232 designates reflection preventing film formed under and on the shade film 222. When the fabrication process for the photomask is completed, the shade patterns 111 are formed at desired intervals on the transparent glass substrate 220 shown in FIG. 2F. In this configuration, the reflection preventing films 231 and 232 are formed under and on each shade pattern 111.
FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are diagrams showing a conventional fabrication method of a phase shift photomask. In FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, the reference numbers 226 designates phase shift sections, and 225 denotes a hollow section (or a cavity section).
In the final fabrication process to fabricate a conventional phase shift photomask, as shown in FIG. 3D, the shade patterns 111 are formed adjacent to the hollow section 225 formed on the transparent glass substrate 220. Further, the phase shift section 226 are formed adjacent to each shade pattern 111.
As described above, a complicated topography or shape is formed on the photomask fabricated by the conventional photomask fabrication methods such as the method to form the shade patterns on the photomask at desired intervals shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1F and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F, and the method to form the phase shift pattern on the photomask at desired intervals shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D.
Thus, because each conventional photomask fabricated by the conventional methods has a complicated topography, it happens that the shade film is fallen or separated from the transparent glass substrate by a brush to be used during a washing process to eliminate dusts. In other words, the conventional photomask has a lower durability during the photomask fabrication process. This drawback of the conventional photomask causes to decrease a reliability of the photomask and to decrease the yield and quality of semiconductor integrated circuits manufactured by using the conventional photomask.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is, with due consideration to the drawbacks of the conventional technique, to provide photomasks, fabrication methods of the photomasks, and a semiconductor fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuits such as liquid crystal displays. The photomasks of the present invention have a high mechanical durability during a fabrication process to fabricate the photomask, and has characteristics of a high image formation, a high quality, a high printing precision, and a higher yield in the fabrication process.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask comprises a transparent substrate, a hollow section formed on a surface of said transparent substrate, a shade pattern including a shade section, said shade section made up of a shade film and formed in said hollow section, and reflection preventing sections, each formed according to one of cases: each reflection preventing section formed on said shade section; each reflection preventing section formed under said shade section; and each reflection preventing section formed on and under said shade section.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask comprises a transparent substrate, a shade pattern formed on said surface of said transparent substrate, and a phase shift pattern selectively formed on said shade pattern and said transparent substrate. In the photomask, a surface of said phase shift pattern is flat.
In the photomask as another preferred embodiment, an end section of said phase shift pattern that is contacted to said transparent substrate has a sloped shape that is gradually thin.
In the photomask as another preferred embodiment, a difference of a step between said phase shift pattern and said transparent substrate at said end section of said phase shift pattern that is contacted to said transparent substrate is gradually small.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask comprises a transparent substrate, a hollow section formed on a surface of said transparent substrate, a shade pattern made up of a shade film, said shade film formed in said hollow section, and a phase shift pattern, whose surface is flat, selectively formed on said transparent substrate having said shade pattern formed in said hollow section.
In the photomask as another preferred embodiment, a thickness of an end section of said phase shift pattern contacted to said transparent substrate is gradually thin.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask comprises a transparent substrate, a hollow section formed on a surface of said transparent substrate, a shade pattern made up of a shade film, said shade film formed in said hollow section, and a phase shift pattern formed on said transparent substrate including said shade pattern formed in said hollow section.
In the photomask as another preferred embodiment, an end section of said phase shift pattern that is contacted to said transparent substrate has a sloped shape that is gradually thin.
In the photomask as another preferred embodiment, said phase shift pattern includes one of or a combination of: a phase shift pattern of a Levenson""s type, a phase shift pattern of an auxiliary shifter type; a phase shift pattern of an edge highlighting type; a phase shift pattern of a half tone type; a phase shift pattern of a half tone type with a shade pattern, a phase shift pattern of a shifter shading type with a shade pattern; and a phase shift pattern of an intermediate phase type.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask fabrication method comprises the steps of forming a resist film on a transparent substrate, forming a desired pattern on said resist film by developing said resist film after said resist film is selectively exposing by using a radiation ray, forming hollow sections in said transparent substrate by selectively etching said transparent substrate by using said resist film as a mask, eliminating said resist film from said transparent substrate, forming a first reflection preventing film in each of said hollow sections, forming a shade film on said first reflection preventing film formed in each of said hollow sections, forming a shade pattern by performing a chemical and mechanical polishing for said shade film, and forming a second reflection preventing film on said shade pattern. In the photomask fabrication method, said processes for forming said first reflection preventing process and said second reflection preventing process are performed selectively.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask fabrication method comprises the steps of forming a shade pattern on a transparent substrate, coating a phase shift film on both said transparent substrate and said shade pattern, forming a phase shift pattern by selectively etching said phase shift film by using a radiation ray, and performing a chemical and mechanical polishing for a surface of said phase shift pattern in order to form said phase shift pattern having a desired thickness.
In the photomask fabrication method as another preferred embodiment, after the step of forming said phase shift pattern, further comprises the steps of selectively etching said phase shift pattern by using said radiation ray, and performing said chemical and mechanical polishing for said surface of said phase shift pattern that has been etched in order to form said phase shift pattern having a desired thickness and a flat surface.
In the photomask fabrication method as another preferred embodiment, after the step of forming said shade pattern on said transparent substrate, further comprises the steps of forming a resist film on said shade pattern, forming a resist pattern by selectively etching said resist film by using said radiation ray, selectively etching said transparent substrate by using said resist pattern as a mask, eliminating said resist pattern from said transparent substrate, and performing said chemical and mechanical polishing for said surface of said phase shift pattern.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask fabrication method comprises the steps of forming a resist film on a transparent substrate, forming a desired pattern on said resist film by developing said resist film after said resist film is selectively exposed by using a radiation ray, forming hollow sections in said transparent substrate by selectively etching said transparent substrate by using said resist film as a mask, eliminating said resist film from said transparent substrate, forming a shade film in each of said hollow sections, performing a chemical and mechanical polishing for said shade film in order to form a shade pattern, forming a phase shift film on said transparent substrate, and forming a phase shift pattern by selectively etching said phase shift film by using said radiation ray.
In the photomask fabrication method as another preferred embodiment, after the step of forming said phase shift pattern by selectively etching said phase shift film by using said radiation ray, further comprises the step of performing said chemical and mechanical polishing for said phase shift pattern formed on said transparent substrate.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photomask fabrication method comprising the steps of forming a resist film on a transparent substrate, forming a desired pattern on said resist film by developing said resist film after said resist film is selectively exposed by using a radiation ray, forming hollow sections in said transparent substrate by selectively etching said transparent substrate by using said resist film as a mask, eliminating said resist film from said transparent substrate, forming a shade film in each of said hollow sections, performing a chemical and mechanical polishing for said shade film in order to form a shade pattern, forming a resist film on said transparent substrate in which said shade pattern has been formed, selectively etching said resist film by using said radiation ray, and selectively etching said transparent substrate.
In the photomask fabrication method as another preferred embodiment, after the step of selectively etching said transparent substrate by using said radiation ray, further comprises the step of performing said chemical and mechanical polishing for said transparent substrate.
In the photomask fabrication method as another preferred embodiment, one of an electron beam, a laser beam, and a monochromatic beam is used as said radiation ray.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuits such as a liquid crystal display uses said photomask as described above is used.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuits such as a liquid crystal display includes said photomask fabrication method according to claim 16 is included.

Photomask, fabrication method of photomask, and fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuit


An advanced communication system is provided. The advanced communication system comprises generating a first signal with a polyphase coding based on a DFT spread OFDM with at least one CAZAC sequence in accordance with a configuration condition, applying a digital transmit beamforming to the generated first signal, converting the first signal to analog from digital, modulating the converted first signal with an energy source, emitting, using at least one energy emit element, the modulated first signal, detecting a second signal comprising at least a portion of the emitted first signal that is reflected from at least one object in a scene in a field-of-view, demodulating the detected second signal, converting the second signal to digital from analog, converting the converted second signal to a computational image, and generating a 3D image by applying coherent detection to the computational image. The first signal comprises a polyphase sequence.

Sensor technology for 3D (3 dimensional) imaging is associated with 3D imaging sensors that sense 3D objects and process resulting information from the sensing of the 3D objects. In recent times, the requirements by certain applications for 3D imaging sensors to process imaging information under difficult circumstances are relatively more common than in previous years and such sensors are increasingly becoming more challenging to design and manufacture. One example of a difficult circumstance is that in certain applications of 3D imaging sensors, the sensor may be moving at a high-speed relative to the object being sensed. Another example is the location of the sensor relative to the position of the object that is to be sensed. The sensor may need to detect multiple objects where some of the objects are partially obscured by other undesired objects. Further, the sensor may be located at a relatively large distance from the object being sensed and consequently the information resulting from sensing such a relatively distant object is often lacking or incomplete.

Method and apparatus for an advanced radio system


The present invention relates to a therapeutic agent for malignant mesothelioma comprising a substance which inhibits binding of CD26 to extracellular matrix such as an siRNA targeting CD26 cDNA or an anti-CD26 antibody. The present invention also relates to a method of treating malignant mesothelioma, which comprises administering the substance to a patient in need thereof.

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleura. MM is usually associated with history of chronic asbestos exposure (1). Because of the long latency period between asbestos exposure and tumor development, the annual incidence of 2500 new cases in US is expected to increase by more than 50% in the coming decade (2). Moreover incidence world wide is projected to rise substantially in the next decades (3). The prognosis is very poor with a mediam survival of 4-12 months despite the therapies currently used, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (4). Because of the inefficacy of the conventional treatments, development of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently needed.
CD26 is 110 kDa surface glycoprotein with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity, able to cleave selected biological factors to alter their functions (5). CD26/DPPIV is involved in T-lymphocyte costimulation and signal transduction processes (6, 7), and regulates topoisomerase II alpha levels in hematologic malignancies, affecting sensitivity to doxorubicin and etoposide (8). Expressed in various tissues (4, 9), CD26 is involved in the development of certain human cancers (9-12). CD26 is also known to serve as a binding motif for ECM in human and rodents (13, 14). Previously, we reported that CD26 is a collagen binding protein utilizing a CD26-positive JMN cell line derived from malignant mesothelioma (15). Moreover, our previous works have shown that anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibits growth of CD26-positive T-cell malignancies (16, 17) and renal cell carcinoma (18).
CD26 structure consists of three regions—an extracellular region, a 22 residue hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and a 6 amino acid cytoplasmic region, with its extracellular region containing a membrane-proximal glycosylated domain, a cysteine-rich domain, and a 260 amino acid C-terminal domain containing DPP IV enzyme activity. Our previous report shows that the murine anti-CD26 mAb 14D10, which recognizes the cell membrane-proximal glycosylated region starting with the 20 amino acid flexible stalk region of human CD26, has a direct anti-tumor effect by inducing G VS arrest while concomitantly blocking the adhesion of cancer cells to the ECM. However, another murine anti-CD26 mAb termed 5F8, which detects the cysteine-rich domain of CD26, lacks this biological activity (18).
Since human malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly malignant tumor resistant to apparent conventional treatment, the detection of novel target and development of new treatment strategies for MM is urgently needed (4,19).

Method of treating malignant mesothelioma


A connection right to connect to a base station is appropriately switched. An information processor includes an acquisition unit and a control unit. Here, the acquisition unit obtains a communication quality of wireless communication at a position where a wireless communication apparatus exists. Also, the control unit switches the connection right to connect the wireless communication apparatus to the base station by using the wireless communication based on the communication quality obtained by the acquisition unit (the communication quality of the wireless communication at the position where the wireless communication apparatus exists).

Traditionally, a wireless communication apparatus for connecting to a network such as a public radio network has been widely used. Also, a 3G (third generation) mobile service (referred to as third generation in Japan) has been started since 2002. Initially, a main application of the mobile service has been a small-capacity packet such as sound and a mail. However, a using action of a user is changing to download of comparatively large size packet such as download of a music file and viewing of moving images by introduction of a high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and the like.
Also, for example, it is assumed that users be concentrated in a specific area and the users download large-capacity packets. In this case, since traffics are locally concentrated, it is possible that a sufficient rate cannot be obtained.
Therefore, for example, a technique of a handover which switches base stations by using a communication quality has been proposed (refer to Patent Document 1).

Information processor, communication system and method


Reusable component data persistence using markup languages may be provided. A file including data associated with a reusable software component may be opened. Next, it may be determined if the file includes a persistence element comprising a dataset. The dataset may contain the data associated with the reusable software component. The data associated with the reusable software component may be described in the markup language and may reference a sub-element in a binary format. In addition, if the file includes the persistence element comprising the dataset, saving the data associated with the reusable software component to the dataset may be performed or loading the data associated with the reusable software component from the dataset may be performed.

Reusable software components may be presented as ActiveX controls. ActiveX may comprise a software protocol based on the Component Object Model (COM) architecture available from MICROSOFT CORPORATION. For example, ActiveX may enable an application program to add functionality by calling ready-made components that may blend in and appear as normal parts of the application program. ActiveX may be used, for example, to add user interface functions, such as 3D toolbars, notepads, calculators, or spreadsheets. On the Internet or on an intranet, ActiveX controls may be linked to a web page and downloaded by an ActiveX-compliant web browser. Like any native executable program, ActiveX controls may perform nearly any operation on a computer.
In conventional systems, reusable software component (e.g. ActiveX) control properties are persisted in a binary format. In some file formats (e.g. XMLSpreadsheet), the reusable software component control properties may be persisted outside of extensible markup language (XML), for example. Thus, the conventional strategy is to persist reusable software component control properties completely in a binary format. This often causes problems because the conventional strategy does not persist reusable software component control properties in a user friendly format such as those used by markup languages. For example, the conventional strategy merely persists reusable software component control properties completely in a binary format.

Reusable component data persistence using a markup language


A signal path for a small signal oscillating at a frequency of at least 20 GHz occurring in a magnetic resonance system has a signal source generating the small signal and a signal sink processing the small signal. The small signal is transmitted on a path from the signal source to the signal sink at least in a part section via a cable. The part section of the signal path, in which the small signal is transmitted via the cable, is embodied at least partly as a dielectric waveguide. The dielectric waveguide is disposed at least partly within an examination volume of the magnetic resonance system. The dielectric waveguide is delimited on a source side by a source-side mode converter and on a sink side, by a sink-side mode converter. The small signal is supplied to the source-side mode converter via a source-side electrical conductor and injected by the sink-side mode converter into a sink-side electrical conductor.

The present embodiments relate to a signal path for a small signal oscillation at a frequency of at least 20 GHz occurring in a magnetic resonance system.
Magnetic resonance systems have an examination volume. The examination volume is the volume, in which the static, locally essentially homogeneous basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system exists and to which magnetic resonance excitation pulses may be applied by the whole body coil of the magnetic resonance system. All metallic cables that run in the examination volume are to be equipped with sheath current filters in order to prevent sheath waves being induced on the cable sheaths. This practice may be known to persons skilled in the art.
Various signals occur in magnetic resonance systems. The signals are power signals such as the high-frequency magnetic resonance excitation pulses or gradient pulses, for example. The signals are also, for example, small signals such as magnetic resonance signals, control signals (e.g., for tuning circuits), and clock signals. Power signals are to be conducted via metallic conductors. Small signals are likewise initially transmitted via cables in the prior art. However, the use of radio links with or without frequency conversion for the transmission of small signals is also known.
The magnetic resonance signals may be digitized while the magnetic resonance signals are still in the local coil, and the received magnetic resonance signals may be transferred in digitized form to the control and evaluation device of the magnetic resonance system. A high bandwidth for transfer of the digitized magnetic resonance signal is provided in this case. This uses high transmission frequencies of 20 GHz and more. The problem that arises is that of how such high-frequency signals may be transferred from the local coil to the control and evaluation device.
In one approach, the signals are transferred via a corresponding high-frequency radio link. Because of the strongly distinct directional characteristic of the emitting signal, this approach is prone to problems. These problems may be resolved.
A further approach is cable-based transmission. This approach too is prone to problems. For example, planar cable structures such as striplines exhibit high losses at these high frequencies. Although hollow conductor systems exhibit lower losses, the hollow structures are however voluminous and may only be installed with mechanical difficulty. It is a complicated matter to combine the two solutions with sheath current filters known in the prior art.

Signal path for a small signal occurring in a magnetic resonance system


A system is configured to replay a selected conversation with a selected agent. The selected conversation may be selected from a plurality of previously conducted conversations with other agents. The selected agent may be selected from a plurality of available agents. The system determines various tasks, named entities, and user preferences from the selected conversation. During a replay of the selected conversation with the selected agent, the system generates responses to messages received from the selected agent based on the determined tasks, named entities, and user preferences. The system also allows a user to select whether the replayed conversation should be conducted in a passive mode or in an active mode. In a passive mode, the system generally conducts the replayed conversation autonomously whereas, in an active mode, the system requests user input before sending a response to the selected agent.

Many companies have implemented conversational chatbots that interact with customers through a messaging application or other conversational chatbot interface (e.g., a web interface accessible via a web browser). In general, a conversational chatbot is a computer program that sends messages to a customer and appears as if the conversational chatbot is a human customer service representative. Because the conversational chatbot may have some logic or artificial intelligence, the customer can interact with the conversational chatbot and engage in services provided by the company or perform other tasks. The conversational chatbot provides a means by which to interact with a computer program or application, but to do so in a way that seems familiar or colloquial.
Because competing companies may implement similar conversational chatbots, it is not uncommon for the customer to perform the same repetitive operations with, or send similar messages to, multiple different conversational chatbots. In some circumstances, these repetitive operations or messages can occur simultaneously or within a short period of time (e.g., attempting to make last-minute reservations at multiple restaurants). In other circumstances, these repetitive operations or messages may occur periodically or at established time intervals (e.g., the same operation or task is performed on a weekly or daily basis). As the operations or messages are repetitive, the customer loses a non-trivial amount of time having to repeat himself or herself for each of the conversational chatbots.

Replay of conversations for task completion and delegation


A cuff link assembly includes an elongated stem member, an ornament member on one end of the stem member, a cross member and a fastening assembly pivotally securing the cross member on the opposite end of the stem member. The fastening assembly includes a pair of non circular cam structures on the stem member and a pair of cam plates having non circular cam sockets formed therein on the cross member, and the cam structures are received in the cam sockets for releaseably retaing the cross member in various different angular positive relative to the stem member.

The instant invention relates to ornamental jewelry and more particularly to an effective and improved cuff link assembly.
Cuff links have been found to be relatively popular jewelry items for many years, and they have been found to significantly enhance the overall appearance of dress and formal wear shirts. However, the fastening assemblies of the heretofore available cuff links have generally been either ineffective for positively securing cuff links to the shirts of wearers, or they have been relatively complicated and expensive to manufacture. Hence, there is a need for a relatively simple yet effective fastening assembly for securing a cuff link to a cuff of a shirt of a wearer.
The closest prior art to the subject invention of which the applicant is aware is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,177,443 to Schupbach; 3,080,630 to Paoliotta; 3,535,747 to Benn; and 4,566,155 to Kurashima. However, since these references fail to suggest a cuff link assembly comprising a pivotable fastening assembly of the type included in the cuff link assembly of the instant invention they are believed to be of only general interest as will hereinafter be made apparent.
The instant invention provides an effective cuff link assembly comprising an fastening assembly which is both adapted for relatively inexpensive constructions and operative for positively securing a cuff link to a cuff of a shirt of a wearer. More specifically, the cuff link assembly of the instant invention comprises an elongated stem member having opposite first and second ends and an ornament member on the first end of the stem member. The stem member has an elongated longitudinally extending slit formed therein which extends inwardly from the second end thereof to define a pair of closely spaced resiliently deflectable legs in the stem member. The cuff link assembly further comprises a pair of male cam halves on at least one side of the stem member adjacent to the second end thereof. The male cam halves are disposed on opposite legs of the stem member, and they are configured so that they cooperate to define a peripheral cam surface of noncircular configuration which extends outwardly from the stem member. The cuff link assembly further comprises an elongated cross member and means engaging the cam surface of the cam member for retaining the cross member on the second end of the stem member so that it is pivotable between a first position wherein the cross member is substantially parallel to the stem member and a second position wherein the cross member is substantially perpendicular thereto. The cuff link assembly preferably includes first and second pairs of male cam halves which are positioned on the first and second sides of the stem member, respectively, and which cooperate to define substantially axially aligned first and second cam structures on the stem member. The securing means preferably includes means engaging the cam surfaces of both of the cam structures for alternatively releasably retaining the cross member in the first position thereof or the second position thereof. The cam structures are preferably resiliently compressible by resiliently moving the first and second legs of the stem member together slightly to permit the cross member to be pivoted between the first position thereof and the second position thereof, and the securing means preferably includes closely spaced, substantially parallel first and second cam plates having first and second cam sockets formed therein, respectively, which are of substantially the same configuration as the peripheries of the first and second cam structures, respectively. The cam structures are received in the sockets in the female cam plates so that the cam halves of each cam structure are resiliently cammed together slightly as the cross member is pivoted between the first and second positions thereof. Still further, the cam structures are preferably formed in rounded octangular configurations so that the cam structures and the cam plates are operative for releasably securing the cross member in the first or second position thereof as well as in an intermediate position, which is approximately midway between the first and second positions.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the instant invention to provide an effective cuff link assembly which is adapted for relatively inexpensive constructions.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a cuff link assembly comprising a stem member having a pair of resiliently compressible cam members thereon which are operative for releasably securing a cross member in first or second positions thereof wherein the cross member is substantially parallel to the stem member or substantially perpendicular thereto, respectively.
An even still further object of the instant invention is to provide a cuff link assembly comprising an elongated stem member having a pair of resiliently compressible rounded octangular cam structures thereon which are operative for releasably securing a cross member in a first position wherein the cross member is substantially parallel to the stem member, a second position wherein the cross member is substantially perpendicular to the stem member, or a third position wherein the cross member is in an intermediate angular position relative to the stem member.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.


The present invention discloses compositions for applications that mimic fibronectin coated surfaces. Advantageously, such compositions provide an animal free (xeno-free, and human-component-free), synthetic, chemically defined surface that mimics at least one of the functionalities of fibronectin.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein coated surfaces have been widely used in cell culture and coating implanting devices. In particular, fibronectin is a commonly used ECM protein used in cell culture that supports cell attachment, growth, migration and differentiation. ECM proteins used for coating surfaces for cell culture are generally of human or other animal origin and often poorly defined. The use of such ECM proteins can be problematic, for example, in human therapeutic applications. Although isolated human ECM proteins can be used for coating such surfaces, the cost associated with some of the ECMs therewith is very high. Additionally, as with recombinant human ECM proteins, variability in cell culture may result from different batches of isolated ECM protein due to variability in the contaminants present therein. Furthermore, variability in cell culture may arise from the self-coating process itself which is generally employed for both isolated and recombinant fibronectin. Thus, there is a need for xeno-free, human or animal-component-free, synthetic, chemically defined surfaces that mimic fibronectin coated surfaces.

Synthetic, defined fibronectin mimetic peptides and surfaces modified with the same


It is intended to provide a kit or a device for the detection of lung cancer and a method for detecting lung cancer. The present invention provides a kit or a device for the detection of lung cancer, comprising a nucleic acid capable of specifically binding to a miRNA in a sample from a subject, and a method for detecting lung cancer, comprising measuring the miRNA in vitro.

The lungs have important functions of supplying oxygen into the body through respiration and eliminating carbon dioxide. Air taken up from the mouth or the nose passes through the trachea and the bronchus, then separately enters the left lung and the right lung, and spreads throughout the lung through the thinner bronchial tubes. Eventually, oxygen is taken up into blood in the alveoli while carbon dioxide is eliminated (Non Patent Literature 1).
According to the 2012 cancer type-specific statistics in Japan disclosed by the Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, the number of individuals affected by lung cancer was 107,241 people. Namely, it is estimated that one out of 10 males and one out of 22 females experience lung cancer. The number of incidences of this cancer among other cancer types takes the 3rd in place. Men are twice as likely as women to develop lung cancer. The number of lung cancer deaths in men and women together climbs to 71,518 people and takes the 1st in place among other cancer types. The estimated number of American individuals affected by lung cancer climbed to 224,210 people in 2014, among which approximately 159,260 people reportedly died (Non Patent Literature 1).
Lung cancer has multiple histological types. Small-cell lung cancer occupies approximately 15%, while the remaining histological types are called non-small cell lung cancer. The non-small cell lung cancer is further broadly classified into three subtypes; adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma. These histological types differ largely in the site of origin, the manner and rate of progression, symptoms, etc., and therefore differ in treatment methods.
The stages of lung cancer progression are classified into stages 0 to 4 according to the degrees of tumor spread (T0, Tis, and T1 to T4), lymph node metastasis (N0 to N3), and distant metastasis (M0 and M1). Particularly, as for the tumor spread, T1 denotes tumor of 3 cm or less in greatest diameter; T2 denotes tumor of more than 3 cm but 7 cm or less across; T3 denotes tumor of more than 7 cm across or found to have invaded adjacent sites; and T4 denotes tumor that has invaded adjacent sites more widely regardless of its size.
The survival rate of lung cancer differs depending on the stages of progression. According to the report of Non Patent Literature 1, the 5-year relative survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer is 45 to 49% for stage 1, 30 to 31% for stage 2, 5 to 14% for stage 3, and 1% for stage 4. Thus, the detection and treatment of lung cancer at an early stage makes a significant contribution to improvement in the survival rate.
The treatment of lung cancer is mainly performed by surgical resection, radiotherapy, and anticancer drug treatment. Particularly, in early lung cancer, surgery is applicable and the cancer is likely to be completely cured (Non Patent Literature 1). For early lung cancer, there are some therapeutic options, and for example, treatment that places less burden on patients, such as thoracoscopic surgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), photo dynamic therapy, laser treatment, and brachytherapy, which delivers radiation from within the body, can also be applied to such lung cancer (Non Patent Literature 1).
As described in Non Patent Literature 1, diagnostic tests of lung cancer are medical history check and physical examination as well as chest X-ray examination which is most commonly conducted. When there are findings that suspects lung cancer by the chest X-ray examination, more precise diagnostic imaging such as CT, MRI, or PET is carried out. Alternatively, as tests using samples, sputum cytology, pleural fluid analysis, or pathological examination which involves inserting a needle into a lesion and collecting cells or tissues, which are then examined under a microscope is carried out. Furthermore, CEA and CYFRA21-1 are known as tumor markers for the detection of lung cancer.
As shown in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, there are reports, albeit at a research stage, on the detection of lung cancer using the expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) or combinations of the expression levels of miRNAs and the expression levels of additional protein markers in biological samples including blood.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for detecting lung cancer or other lung diseases using miR-19b (miR-19b-3p) and the like in serum.
Patent Literature 2 discloses a method for detecting lung cancer using miR-1268 and miR-1228 in serum or plasma.
Patent Literature 3 discloses a method for detecting lung cancer using miR-1307 and the like in blood cells.

Lung cancer detection kit or device, and detection method