In an embodiment a method for determining an electrical parameter includes charging, in parallel, a first capacitor and a second capacitor from a common supply voltage, measuring a first discharge time by discharging the first capacitor using a comparator and a time-to-digital converter that is connected to an output of the comparator and that provides a digital output signal, measuring a second discharge time by discharging the first capacitor a second time or by discharging the second capacitor using the comparator and the time-to-digital converter and determining the electrical parameter from a ratio of the first and second discharge times.

This invention relates to a method for determining an electrical parameter and, further, to a measurement arrangement for determining an electrical parameter. For example, the electrical parameter to be determined is a resistance or a capacitance value or a ratio thereof.
Sensors are used in an ever increasing variety in many fields of technology. In a broad sense, a sensor can be considered an electronic component which is arranged for detecting events or changes in its environment, generate a sensor signal and send the information contained in the sensor signal to other electronics, frequently a microprocessor or computer processor, for data analysis. Dedicated sensors are designed to measure electrical parameters such as resistance and capacitance. Examples include micro-mechanical sensors, such as strain gauges or capacitive environmental sensors. These sensors can be used to measure force, pressure, temperature, and humidity, for example.
In many applications there is a demand for high precision. For example, measuring strain gauges with high precision can be a challenge. Due to small excitation of the strain gauges on a load cell of only 0.2% (2000 ppm) full scale, and due to a high resolution of 16 Bit and more, resistance often needs to be determined with a precision deeply in the ppb range. Typically, this is done by measuring a ratio of resistances.
FIG. 3 shows a measurement arrangement for determining a ratio of resistances as known in the prior art. The measurement arrangement comprises a measurement path 1 and a data analysis path 2. The measurement path 1 connects a load supply terminal LS to an input side of a comparator CP via a load select switch S1. The load supply terminal LS is connected to a load voltage VL. The load supply terminal is connected to a reference potential, such as ground GND, via a first and second block type capacitors C1, C2, respectively. A load capacitor CL is connected between the load select switch and the input side of the comparator and, further, to the reference potential. In addition, the measurement path 1 comprises two terminals RIN1, RIN2 which are connected between the load select switch S1 and the input side of the comparator CP. The data analysis path 2 comprises the comparator CP, a time-to-digital converter TDC and a control and processing unit CPU connected in series.
Basically, the measuring concept relies on transforming a variation of resistance into a variation of voltage which is determined from a high-precision time interval measurement. For example, a strain gauge SG is connected to the terminals RIN1, RIN2. In this example, the strain gauge SG is represented by a first and a second resistor R1, R2. These SG resistors are connected to the load capacitor CL, forming a low-pass filter. The load capacitor CL is charged with the supply voltage VL and then discharged through one of the resistors R1, R2. The discharge time with respect to a trigger or threshold voltage Vth is measured using a time-to-digital Converter, TDC, and in typical applications lies in the range 100 μs. The TDC may have a single-shot resolution of less than 20 ps.
In this example, the complete measurement sequence consists of the following steps. First, the load capacitor CL is charged with the supply voltage VL. At this point in time the supply voltage has a certain contribution of noise, and, thus, will be denoted a first supply voltage VL1 hereinafter. Then, the load capacitor CL is discharged through the first resistor R1. The comparator CP switches as soon as the voltage drops below the threshold voltage Vth. The time-to-digital converter TDC measures a time interval between initiating discharging until the voltage reaches the threshold voltage Vth. This time interval determines a first discharge time t1.
Now the load capacitor CL is charged again with the supply voltage VL. At this point in time the supply voltage has a certain contribution of noise, and, thus, will be denoted a second supply voltage VL2 hereinafter. In general, the contribution of noise to the supply voltage may vary over time such that VL1 may not be completely equal to VL2. The load capacitor CL is then discharged through the second resistor R2. The comparator CP switches as the voltage drops below the threshold voltage Vth. The time-to-digital converter TDC measures the time interval between initiating discharging until the voltage reaches the threshold voltage Vth. This time interval determines a second discharge time t2.
The discharge times t1 and t2 are determined by the resistances of the first and second resistors, denoted as R1 and R2, the capacitance of the load capacitor, denoted as CL, the first and second supply voltages, denoted as VL1 and VL2, and by the threshold voltage, denoted as Vth. The discharge times t1 and t2 yield:
            t      1        =                  R        1            ·      CL      ·              ln                          (                                    VL              1                                      V              th                                )                      and            t      2        =                  R        2            ·      CL      ·                        ln                                (                                          VL                2                                            V                th                                      )                          .
The ratio of discharge times can be reformulated to derive an expression for the ratio of resistances:
            t      1              t      2        =                              R          1                ·        CL        ·                  ln                                (                                          VL                1                                            V                th                                      )                                                R          2                ·        CL        ·                  ln                                (                                          VL                2                                            V                th                                      )                                =                                                      R              1                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    1                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                                        R              2                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    2                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                    ⇒                              R            1                                R            2                              =                                                  t              1                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    2                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                                        t              2                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    1                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                    .
As can be seen by the calculation result, a difference in VL1 and VL2 introduces noise and inaccuracies to the measurement of the ratio of R1/R2. Since the charging of the load capacitor CL happens at two different points in time, noise on the supply voltage introduces noise to the measurement by changing the actual start voltage at the beginning of each measurement, i.e. VL1 or VL2 inside the sequence.
The measuring process can be repeated in a time-multiplex fashion in order to reduce the impact of noise. Calculating the ratio of the results will turn out absolute values and temperature dependencies of the capacitor and the comparator. High value capacitors for blocking and other external circuit measures have been used to minimize the voltage ripple and stabilize the power supply. These measures, however, do not eliminate the problem entirely. They only reduce the noise in the measurements by varying degrees.
FIG. 4 shows a measurement arrangement for determining a ratio of capacitances as known in the prior art. The measurement arrangement is similar to the one depicted in FIG. 3 but there is only one resistor R1 connected to the measurement path. Instead of a load capacitor CL there are two capacitors C1 and C2 connected to the measurement path 1 via measurement terminals CIN1, CIN2 representing a measurement object, e.g. a capacitive environmental sensor.
In this example, the complete measurement sequence consists of the following steps. First, the first capacitor C1 is charged with the supply voltage VL1. The capacitor C1 is then discharged through the single resistor R1. The comparator CP switches as soon as the voltage drops below the threshold voltage Vth. Thus giving a discharge time t1. Then, the second capacitor C2 is charged with the supply voltage VL2 and discharged through resistor R1 again. The comparator CP switches when the voltage drops below the threshold Vth, thus giving a discharge time t2.
The discharge times t1 and t2 yield:
            t      1        =                  R        1            ·              C        1            ·              ln                          (                                    VL              1                                      V              th                                )                      and            t      2        =                  R        1            ·              C        2            ·                        ln                                (                                          VL                2                                            V                th                                      )                          .
The ratio of discharge times can be reformulated to derive an expression for the ratio of resistances:
            t      1              t      2        =                              R          1                ·                  C          1                ·                  ln                                (                                          VL                1                                            V                th                                      )                                                R          1                ·                  C          2                ·                  ln                                (                                          VL                2                                            V                th                                      )                                =                                                      C              1                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    1                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                                        C              2                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    2                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                    ⇒                              C            1                                C            2                              =                                                  t              1                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    2                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                                        t              2                        ·                          ln                                            (                                                      VL                    1                                                        V                    th                                                  )                                                    .
As can be seen by the calculation result, a difference in VL1 and VL2 introduces noise and inaccuracies to the measurement of the ratio of C1/C2. Since the charging of the load capacitor CL happens at two different points in time, noise on the supply voltage introduces noise to the measurement by changing the actual start voltage at the beginning of each measurement, i.e. VL1 or VL2 inside the sequence.

Method for determining an electrical parameter and measurement arrangement for determining an electrical parameter


The present invention provides a novel approach to gene therapy of restricted areas such as tumors. The methods introduced here comprise: (a) placing a gene of interest in a plasmid vector driven by a heat or light inducible promoter; (b) modifying this vector by including a tetracycline responsive fusion protein which acts as a transcriptional activator, thus permitting regulation of gene expression by varying the levels of drug and; (c) modifying this vector by including DNA sequences that reduce or eliminate expression of genes in normal bystander cells. Also provided are a set of vectors for both sustained and regulable expression. There is also presented novel vectors for the gene therapy treatment of local and metastatic breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of gene therapy for cancer. More specifically, the present invention presents a method of controlling the expression of therapeutically valuable gene products via inducible promoters. The present invention provides a method whereby induced gene expression in the intended cell targets is enhanced and prolonged in a spatially and temporally regulable manner by means of heat or light inducible promoters. Moreover, the present invention provides a method whereby the background gene expression in non-targeted cells is reduced or eliminated.
2. Description of the Related Art
One of the major obstacles to the success of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer is the difficulty in achieving tumor-specific cell killing. The inability of radiation or cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents to distinguish between tumor cells and normal cells necessarily limits the dosage that can be applied. As a result, diseases relapse due to residual surviving tumor cells is frequently observed.
The use of gene therapy in cancer treatment presents many of the same disadvantages as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Problems with current state-of-the-art gene therapy strategies include the inability to deliver the therapeutic gene specifically to the target cells. This leads to toxicity in cells that are not the intended targets. For example, manipulation of the p53 gene suppresses the growth of both tumor cells and normal cells, and intravenous administration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFxcex1) induces systemic toxicity with such clinical manifestations as fever and hypertension.
Attempts have been made to overcome these problems. These include such strategies as: the use of tissue-specific receptors to direct the genes to the desired tissues (Kasahara, N., et al., Science, 266:1373-1376 (1994)), the use of tissue-specific promoters to limit gene expression to specific tissues (e.g. use of the prostate specific antigen promoter) and the use of heat (Voellmy R., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:4949-4953 (1985)) or ionizing radiation inducible enhancers and promoters (Trainman, R. H., et al., Cell 46: 567-574 (1986); Prowess, R., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 7206-7210 (1988)) to enhance expression of the therapeutic gene in a temporally and spatially controlled manner. The heat inducible heat shock protein (HSP) promoter has been used to direct the expression of genes such as the cytokine IL-2.
Weichselbaum and colleagues were the first to discover the radiation inducible response of the early growth response (Egr-1) gene promoter. Accordingly, they have attempted to direct expression of such cytotoxic genes as TNF-xcex1 to tumor cells to enhance radiation cell killing by means of this promoter. Previously, systemic administration of the cytokine TNF-xcex1 as an adjuvant to ionizing radiation was initially reported to result in enhanced killing in a mouse xenograft tumor system. It has since been shown partially effective in human tumors. The effect of TNFxcex1 appears to be dosage-dependent, as its tumor-killing effect correlates with its serum concentration. However, systemic toxicity of TNFxcex1 restricts the dosage that can be applied and thus limits the usefulness of the treatment regimen. Attempts have also been made to deliver the TNFxcex1 gene to tumor cells via adenoviral vector and/or liposomes. Unfortunately, expression of the TNFxcex1 gene is not restricted to the tumor sites due to the xe2x80x98leakinessxe2x80x99 of the promoter.
In an attempt to localize the level of TNFxcex1 to the general area of radiation exposure and thereby reduce systemic toxicity, Weichselbaum and colleagues employed the radiation inducible Egr-1 promoter to activate the TNFxcex1 gene in situ. Earlier studies showed that the expression of certain immediate-early genes such as jun/fos and Egr-1 are activated in cells exposed to ionizing radiation (Sherman, M. L., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87: 5663-5666 (1997); Hallahan, D. E., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88: 2156-2160 (1991)). By placing the TNFxcex1 gene under the control of the Egr1 promoter (EGRp), the expression of the TNFxcex1 is enhanced in those cells harboring an EGRp-TNFxcex1 plasmid when exposed to ionizing radiation. In vivo, the serum level of TNFxcex1 is greatly enhanced (Weichselbaum R. R., et al., Cancer Res. 54: 4266-4269 (1994)) within a few hours after irradiation. The combined treatment with this plasmid and radiation leads to a partial regression of a xenografted tumor during the course of the treatment. The level of TNFxcex1 dropped precipitously within 24 hours; further decreases in serum level of TNFxcex1 coincided with regrowth of the tumors.
There are several possible reasons for the recurrence of the tumor upon cessation of therapy. The most obvious reason is probably the same limitation seen with chemotherapy or radiation therapy in general, viz., insufficient dosage levels. A major problem, which limits the amount of TNFxcex1 produced, is the weak and transient nature of the Egr-1 promoter. This promoter is intrinsically weak, with a maximum of less than three-fold increase in expression upon induction. Moreover, the induced expression is of necessity transient. This, coupled with the weakness of the promoter, permits only a brief exposure of the tumor cells to the TNFxcex1.
Another factor that limits the production of sufficient dosage of TNFxcex1 is that not every tumor cell will have taken up the TNFxcex1 plasmid. While it has been suggested that repeated administration may help to improve the treatment outcome, it is not clear if the repeated delivery of a suboptimal low dosage of TNFxcex1 will be useful, the problems posed by an immune response notwithstanding. Although it might be conceivable to deliver larger doses of plasmids, the problem of promoter leakiness has hindered such an approach. It is known that a substantial basal level of activity (20-30%) can be detected with the Egr-1 promoter even in the absence of ionizing radiation (Weichselbaum, et al., supra). This is not surprising, as the radiation response element, a CArG box, is part of the serum response element.
The HSP promoter is also rather leaky. In the absence of heat, this promoter exhibits a 25-30% background level of expression, not suitable for most cytotoxic genes. As this level of expression will be harmful to unirradiated normal cells that take up the gene. Hence, administration of this plasmid has been restricted to small doses of intra-tumoral injections to minimize systemic toxicity.
Therefore, while it may be advantageous to employ a spatially and temporally regulated promoter such as the HSP and Egr-1 promoters to enhance specificity of gene expression at the site of heat or radiation treatment, current versions of those promoters have serious problems that restrict their applicability. In order to apply these promoters for use in cancer therapy, it is necessary to eliminate or greatly reduce background expression in unheated or unirradiated cells. Ideally, the expression of cytotoxic genes should be limited to the area of external stimuli (heat or radiation). Additionally, to ensure a sufficient level of expression of therapeutic genes, the weak and transient nature of gene expression driven by these promoters must be improved.
It is important to note that even when an improved inducible vector system which can restrict the expression of a therapeutic gene to the area of external stimuli is developed, there is still the problem of expression in normal heated or irradiated bystander cells. Thus, it is critical to be able to further restrict the expression of therapeutic genes only to the intended targets, e.g., tumor cells.
The prior art is deficient in the lack of effective means of inhibiting unwanted toxic side effects of gene therapy treatments for cancer, as well as providing a method for enhancing and sustaining gene expression in targeted tumor cells in a controllable manner. The present invention fulfills this longstanding need and desire in the art.
The current invention provides the composition and methods for the controlled activation of DNA molecules for gene therapy. Activation of these DNA molecules leads to the production of protein products which then may provide opportunities for therapeutic manipulation of cells containing said DNA molecules. This may be achieved via alterations in cell growth and metabolism of the targeted cells and may include effects on neighboring cells via secretion of therapeutic products. The invention offers the options of sustained activation or activation regulable by the application of antibiotics. The invention further provides novel expression vectors for use in gene therapy of local and metastatic breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
An original strategy to confine and enhance therapeutic gene expression to tumors spatially and temporally is also presented, in the form of an expression vector designed for use in local and metastatic breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for sustained and enhanced expression of a gene via activation of a heat or light inducible promoter. In a modification of this method, heat or light is used to activate the promoter, but continued levels of gene expression are modulated by concentrations of an antibiotic (tetracycline or its derivatives), acting on a fusion protein with a tetracycline-responsive element.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing the vectors for gene therapy activation modalities.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there are provided improved vectors for reducing background expression in unheated and unirradiated cells.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there are provided improved vectors for reducing expression in heated and irradiated normal bystander cells.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there are provided expression vectors for use in gene therapy treatment of local and metastatic breast and ovarian cancer.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there are provided expression vectors for use in gene therapy treatment of local and metastatic prostate cancer.
Other and further aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention given for the purpose of disclosure.

Methods to enhance and confine expression of genes


A method for displaying a group of digital images using a background corresponding to an image region selected from one of the digital images, comprising: receiving a designation of the group of digital images to be displayed; using a processor to automatically analyze the group of digital images to select an image region from one of the digital images that is appropriate to use as a background for a composite image, wherein the selected image region includes a plurality of image pixels; forming a background from the selected image region; forming the composite image including the background and at least one digital image from the group of digital images; and displaying the composite image.

The field of digital imaging has been growing rapidly over recent years. Many individuals have large collections of digital images including hundreds, if not thousands, of digital images. Various digital imaging applications and systems have been developed enabling users to view their digital images on soft-copy displays. The digital images can also be used to make prints for displaying in photo albums or in picture frames, or can be used to make various imaging products such as photo calendars, photo books, coffee mugs and the like.
In many applications, it is desirable to form composite images that can be used to simultaneously view a plurality of digital images. For example, such composite images can be used as a page of a photo book or can be used to make a photo calendar.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a composite image 100 created using three digital images 102, 104 and 106. The composite image 100 also includes a background 108. Digital imaging applications that can be used to form composite images 100 often provide the user with an ability to specify the content to be used for the background 108. Typically, the content for the background 108 can be selected from a menu of predefined backgrounds patterns. The predefined background patterns can include solid backgrounds having a variety of colors, or can include patterned backgrounds.
Users often find it difficult to find a background that they like from the set of predefined backgrounds. For example, the colors of the predefined backgrounds may not be compatible with the colors of the images that they wish to include in the composite image. Additionally, they may not want to repeatedly use the same backgrounds (e.g., for different pages in a photo book). As a result, there is a need for a method to provide custom backgrounds that can be used for a composite image.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,192 to Allen, entitled "Method of producing a matted image usable in a scrapbook," describes a method of producing a matted image usable in a scrapbook. The method comprises the steps of displaying a digital image having a matte area surrounding an image opening. A plurality of color selections from which a user can select a preferred color are provided and the selected color is used in the matte. The color selections can be obtained from an analysis of the digital image, thereby ensuring that the matte color matches a color from the digital image. However, simply selecting colors that occur frequently in an image can provide unacceptable results. For example, some colors may not be easily distinguishable to a viewer if they are part of a texture. Additionally, some colors may be found in image locations that do not complement a matte, or may correspond to colors that are unacceptable for a matte. While a user may choose a suitable color that overcomes these deficiencies, it is desirable to automate the color selection process to enable users to be efficient and effective.
It is known in the art to create color palettes by analyzing the colors in an image. Such color palettes can be used for purposes such as displaying digital images on color displays capable of representing only a limited number of colors (e.g., 256). For example, the article "A new approach to palette selection for color images" by Balasubramanian et al. (Journal Imaging Technology, Vol. 17, pp. 284-290, 1991) discloses a method for determining a palette of colors based on the distribution of colors in the input digital image. A similar method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,210 to Luo et al., entitled "Method for representing a digital color image using a set of palette colors based on detected important colors." Such methods are also known to be useful for determining website color palettes.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,291 describes the use of colors found in an image to provide a textual caption with a selected color within the image. The selected color can be found within the image by forming a color histogram of the entire image. Colors within the histogram are then candidate colors. A candidate color having suitable contrast with the area in which the textual caption is to be placed is selected and the textual caption of the suitably-contrasting color combined with the image. However, this process can still yield undesirable results. A color found in the histogram at a high frequency may be, for example, part of a large textured area that includes multiple colors. Thus, the high-frequency color used in, for example, a matte, may not provide a pleasing combination, since the specific color within the textured area may not be readily apparent to a viewer.
There is a need therefore, for an improved method for providing a background to be used for forming a composite image, wherein the background is customized to be compatible with the images to be displayed in the composite image.


A system and method provide streamlined restricted access to a secure server through a communications network. A client identifier parameter value is established and uniquely associated with a user registering with an authentication server, and is stored in at least first and second predetermined storage forms within a data storage system, the first form readable exclusively by a client device of the user and the second form readable by the authentication server. The client device then authenticates by retrieving the client identifier parameter value from the data storage system and providing it to the authentication server, which independently retrieves the client identifier parameter value from the data storage system for comparison, and initiates an interactive communication session between the client device and the secure server responsive to the comparison. Between comparisons, the client identifier parameter values are stored exclusively on the data storage system and deleted from all other devices.

The subject system and method are generally directed to streamlined restricted access to a secure server through a communications network for an authentication-based interactive communication session. The system and method generally provide for initiation of the communication session without interactive self-authentication by a use, using a client identifier which is uniquely associated with the user and which is securely and immutably stored when not used.
On a communications network such as the Internet, it is commonly necessary for a user to prove their identity to a remote server, in order to access the restricted functions of the server. These restricted functions can include access to confidential or other private data, execution of financial transactions, and transmission of communications where it is important to know the identity of the communicator. The process of proving the user's identity is known as user authentication, which has been an ongoing area of development in the field of computer security. The most common approach to user authentication through the Internet is for a user to provide a username and password, which are confirmed to be correct by the remote server or a related server. Once the user is authenticated, the server provides the restricted functions which the user is permitted to use, through an interactive communication session. However, the username and password approach suffers from certain security flaws, counters to which are constantly being developed.

System and method for streamlined user authentication on a server using a securely stored client identifier


A memory device utilizing a phase change material as the storage medium, the phase change material based on antimony as the solvent in a solid solution.

Phase change materials (PCMs) undergo fast reversible phase changes in response to an external stimulus, such as heat. The phase change is associated with a change in a physical property, such as electrical resistance or optical reflectivity, which can be measured to determine the phase of the material. PCMs are typically switched between a largely amorphous state and a largely crystalline state. The amorphous state is characterized by a higher electrical resistance than the crystalline state. Switching between these two states generates a reversible difference in electrical resistance that can be harnessed for a variety of applications.
Materials that exhibit fast and reversible phase changes are in high demand for many semiconductor applications. Particular applications for this technology include memory cell devices that store binary information. These devices can be classified as either a volatile memory device or a non-volatile memory device. A volatile memory device may lose data stored in the device when power is removed from the device. On the other hand, a nonvolatile memory device may retain its data even without power.
PCM memory devices have the potential to compete with existing memory devices due to their comparatively high resistivity in both the amorphous and crystalline states. High resistivities lead to a high voltage drop and higher power deposition for a given current pulse, which in turn requires less current to switch the cell from the crystalline state to the amorphous state and vice versa.
PCMs commonly applied in this technology include chalcogenide metal alloys composed of germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb) and Tellurium (Te), for example, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). Examples of metal alloys utilized as PCMs disclosed in the prior art include: WO 2007/029938 which relates to a phase change memory device using an antimony-selenium metal alloy. The material has a low melting point and high speed of crystallization. US 2007/0001160 discloses a phase change memory material wherein the base material is an antimony-tellurium binary solution, an antimony-germanium binary solution, an antimony-indium binary solution or an antimony-gallium binary solution. The solutions disclosed are in the eutectic range. However, a disadvantage of conventional metal alloy PCMs is their tendency to degrade in high volume switching activity.
One promising approach for the fabrication of resistive nonvolatile memory cells is based on the use of solid solutions as an active (switching) material for nonvolatile memory cells. A memory cell of this type has a layer of a solid solution phase change material arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode.
Solid solution PCMs are known in the prior art. Solis et al (FAST CRYSTALLIZING GeSb ALLOYS FOR OPTICAL-DATA STORAGE Journal of Applied Physics, 1994, vol. 75, N12 June 15, pp. 7788-7794) disclose fast reversible optical storage materials in which amorphous-crystalline cycling is achieved by employing ultra-short laser pulses. A high-reflectivity extended solid solution of germanium in crystalline antimony is also disclosed.
Afonso et al. (ULTRAFAST ERASABLE OPTICAL STORAGE IN Sb-RICH GeSb FILMS The 1994 Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 28 Aug,-2 Sept., 1994. Publisher: IEEE Piscataway, N.J.) disclose the use of films of solid solutions of germanium and antimony for recording micron-sized bits for optical discs. A specific alloy composition disclosed in the article is 13% germanium in antimony, which is very near the eutectic. Neither of the two articles discloses the use of solid solutions for phase change memory cell devices.
None of the above-cited references, taken either alone or in combination, anticipate the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein.

Phase change materials for applications that require fast switching and high endurance

International Business Machines Corporation


The invention relates to a method and a device for removing an elongate shrink-fitted core made of a tough material from a hole. According to the invention, a coupling member (5) or a pressure pin (3) is inserted into a bore (2) in the core (1) and projects therefrom. By applying a force to this member or pin, the core is elongated up to its plastic deformation range and is made to shrink radially. When the deformation has begun, the core is further loaded at low speed up to a maximum stress of between 95% and 97% of its rupture strength.

In gas and steam turbines it is known to provide the rotor blades with plug-in fingers and to connect them to the head of the disk wheel via several rows of bolt and hole connections. In modern steam turbines, after a certain operation time, it happens that excessive radial friction forces prevent bolts or rivets (of up to 400 mm length in final stages and shorter bolts in high temperature stages) from being removed from the holes merely by applying pressure. This is due to the internal stresses between different levels inside the bolt, to contamination and oxidation of the mating surfaces and to elastic transverse expansion of the bolts when subjected to compression in combination with a jamming and latching effect due to disk or blade stems which are bent and slanting.
Since the known methods for removing jamming shrink fittings, such as subcooling or heating, and such as applying pressurized hydraulic oil with simultaneous pressing and drawing, assisted by a pneumatic hammer, are either technically inapplicable or else, if they can be applied, do not allow the desired result to be obtained, bolts have in the past been drilled out partially or totally down to a remaining wall thickness of about one tenth of a mm in order to release the internal stresses. However, there is a great risk that the rotary drill deviates and after penetration into the softer material of the hub is pushed progressively aside by the harder material of the bolt. As a result, holes have been observed in the stems of rotary blades and wheel disks having an ovality of 2 to 3 mm, which effect is detrimental for the connection function. In spite of the fact that the bolt drilling out might be rendered safer by the use of drilling sleeves and by operating with high precaution, this method cannot be applied in practice due to its relatively large time consumption and the resulting long turbine down-time.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of the kind indicated above and also devices for implementing this method allowing an easy and rapid removal of cores, especially shrink-fitted plug-in fingers.

Method and a device for removing an elongate shrink-fitted core made of a tough material from a hole


A method of pre-processing a stainless steel strip to be cold-processed comprising the steps of: annealing and pickling the stainless steel strip after completing hot rolling; applying liquid lubricant with a thickness of 1 .mu.m or less to the surfaces of rolls before the rolls come into contact with the stainless steel strip; and rolling the stainless steel strip at a reduction ratio exceeding 5%. An apparatus for pre-processing a stainless steel to be cold-rolled comprising: annealing and picking means having a mechanical descaling device and a pickling device; rolling means consisting of rolls arranged in two or more stages; and means capable of applying liquid lubricant in a thin layer to a work roll of the rolling means.

1. Field of The Invention
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for pre-processing stainless steel intended to be cold-rolled, and capable of advantageously manufacturing cold-rolled stainless steel strip exhibiting an excellent surface luster.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in a method of pre-processing a hot coil made of stainless steel prior to cold rolling, and, more particularly, to an improvement in the A.P. (Annealing and Pickling) line
2. Description of the Background Art
Cold rolled stainless steel strip has been manufactured by pickling hot rolled-stainless steel strip after annealing; cold rolling the hot-rolled stainless steel strip with the surface which has been pickled remaining as it is; annealing and pickling the cold-rolled stainless steel or bright-annealing the same; and temper rolling at a reduction ratio of 1.2% or less.
Since ferritic stainless steel strips represented by JIS SUS430 are usually used without additional processing after temper rolling, a satisfactory surface luster is required. On the other hand, austenitic stainless steel strips represented by JIS SUS304 are usually subjected to buffing after temper rolling in order to obtain an excellent surface luster
Therefore, processing to keep the surface roughness low is necessary for both ferritic and austenitic stainless steel strips when the temper rolling has been completed. In the case where the cold rolling is conducted by using a small diameter work roll such as a Sendzimir mill, a method in which the roughness of the work roll is reduced has been disclosed in for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-13362. However with such a method, the luster of the surface of the final product is insufficient since excessive roughness, which is observed on the surface of the steel strip after hot rolling remains even after completion of cold rolling.
On the other hand, a tandem mill rolling method using a large diameter work roll having a diameter larger than 150 mm.phi. has been employed, with which cold-rolled stainless steel strips can be efficiently manufactured by considerably shortening the rolling time. Also according to this method, similarly to the above-described method in which the Sendzimir mill is used, excessive roughness remains on the surface of the hot rolled steel strip after annealing, even after cold rolling. What is worse, the degree of roughness becomes excessive in comparison to the degree of roughness caused by rolling with the Sendzimir mill. Therefore, the products thus manufactured cannot be used when luster of surface is required.
In order to overcome the problems referred to above, a method has been disclosed in which the diameters of the work rolls are combined so as to realize the desired effect. This has been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-49701. Also according to this method, as in Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-13362, excessive roughness remains on the surface of steel strip which has been annealed and pickled after hot rolling and after cold rolling.

Method for pre-processing stainless steel strip intended to be cold-rolled


An error control system retransmits a portion of information if an error occurs on the portion in transmitting the information. The retransmission is carried out in the steps of dividing information into information blocks each composed of one or a plurality of bits; transmitting the information blocks from a transmitter to a receiver in one of a plurality of first transmission areas, the first transmission areas being arranged at predetermined time intervals on a time axis, each of the first transmission areas having a first predetermined time length; judging whether or not errors have occurred on the information blocks in transmitting them; transmitting requests for retransmitting information blocks which have been judged to have errors, from the receiver to the transmitter; and retransmitting the information blocks for which the retransmission requests have been made, from the transmitter to the receiver in one of a plurality of second transmission areas, the second transmission areas being arranged alternately with the first transmission areas on the time axis, each of the second transmission areas having a second predetermined time length.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an error control system which can reliably transmit digital information signals by retransmitting a signal if errors occur in receiving the signal. Particularly, the present invention relates to an error control system capable of transmitting information in real time.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
To reduce the influence of errors in transmitting information through transmission lines, various kinds of error control systems have been proposed. Among them, an automatic repeat request (ARQ) system, which provides high system reliability, is relatively simple to construct, compared with other error correction systems, such as a forward error correction (FEC) system. The ARQ system is, therefore, widely employed in various communication systems, such as satellite communications.
To embody the ARQ system, various systems, such as a G-Back-N system and a selective repeat system, have been proposed. However, these conventional systems have drawbacks in that retransmission frequency increases and throughputs of the systems drastically reduce, when channel conditions are not good. Particularly, the selective repeat system needs a memory for temporarily storing a fixed amount of information on its receiving side to prevent the order of reception signals from changing due to signals retransmitted later on. The system should also be controlled, so that transmission of new information is stopped if the number of retransmission requests increases and exceeds the capacity of the memory. This may further deteriorate the transmission efficiency of the system. In addition, as the retransmission frequency increases, transmission delay, namely, the time period from outputting a signal from an information source to receiving the signal at a destination, inevitably increases.
Accordingly, conventional ARQ systems are useful only for transmitting data which allow relatively large transmission delay, such as computer data. Conventional ARQ systems are hardly applicable for transmitting data such as voice information and image information which is transmitted in real time.
As described in the above, conventional error control systems have drawbacks that transmission delay is increased when the channel condition is not good and retransmission frequency increases. Therefore, the conventional systems are applicable only for the cases allowing relatively large transmission delay caused by retransmission, and not applicable for cases requiring real-time transmission.


A containment device is provided that includes a bottom tray (20) that is of cylindrical shape having a lower surface and one open end. The lower surface has a hole (26) disposed therethrough which is operable to be disposed about a flange on a wellhead with a seal (32) formed between the outer peripheral edges of the hole (26) and the peripheral edge (14) of the flange (12) on the wellhead. The stuffing box (16) will have leaks therefrom collected in the bottom of the tray (20). A cowling (20) is disposed about the stuffing box (16) and supported on a shelf (36) to maintain an amount of any fluid in the bottom of the tray (20). Cap (22) is disposed over the cowling with a hole (38) disposed in the upper surface thereof to allow the polish rod (18) to extend therethrough. An orifice (42) is operable to allow fluid to escape from the tray (20). Each of the bottom tray (20), cowling (24) and the cap (24) are split to allow assembly over and around the wellhead.

In oil drilling systems, production well heads for a well typically have a stuffing box associated therewith. The stuffing box is disposed around the polish rod and allows the polish rod to reciprocate therethrough when the well is producing fluid. The polish rod is typically located within a pressurized liquid chamber and partially within the ambient. The stuffing box provides a liquid seal between the rod and the pressurized liquid chamber and it may also provide lubrication for the rod through either separate lubrication glands or by utilizing the crude oil that is being pumped as lubricating fluid. The packing gland assembly typically includes deformable disks with pressure applied thereto to cause deformation thereof. This produces a liquid fight seal about the rod between the ambient and the pressurized liquid chamber.
The stuffing boxes that exist today have a tendency to occasionally leak. When this leak occurs, it is sometimes referred to as a minor "blowout". Since most wellheads are located in remote areas, this only presents a problem due to the contamination of the soil disposed about the wellhead. In the present day of increasing environmental concerns, this is a significant detraction to pumping oil out of the ground. When this oil leaks or spills onto the ground, it is necessary to remove the earth that is contaminated and place new earth around the wellhead. However, if the stuffing box continues to leak, this must be repeated at great expense.

Leak containment system for a stuffing box


A sound producing device includes: a housing and carriage. The housing has a cylindrical interior surface with a helical tracking thread protruding therefrom. The cylindrical carriage has an opening in its exterior surface defining a helical shaped recess that receives and tracks along the helical housing thread. A squeaker may be secured within the carriage, so when air flows in a first direction through the housing, it emits sound, and the squeaker carriage is driven to track along the helical thread, causing the carriage to rotate and also translate in the first direction, according to a pitch of the helical thread. A frequency of the sound produced by the squeaker changes according to the carriage's translational movement, as it changes the dimensions of the sound-producing chamber. When air subsequently flows through the housing in the opposite direction, the carriage's motion is reversed, correspondingly changing the frequency of sound produced.

Sound-producing devices that use a reed and which produce a changing sound are known in the art, and are referred to variously as, for example, a sounding reed, a voice for toys, a talking toy mechanism, etc.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,453,527 to Schneider teaches the use of a plunger that moves to force air through a reed, and the further use of a valve that interrupts the air flow to produce two separate consecutive sounds that mimic a child's uttering of "ma-ma."
U.S. Pat. No. 1,590,188 to Grubman uses a reed applied to a weighty bellows head that undergoes a gravity descent to cause air to be expelled under pressure through a channel to cause vibrations and sound production.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,642,956 to Hutnikow similarly uses a reed of well-known construction and a weighted disk that translates linearly within a tube to force air over the tube to generate sound.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,888,724 to Grubman discloses a reed supported in a plug that is placed within and fills up a tube in which it slides to cause air to flow and produce sounds.
The herein disclosed sound-producing arrangement is unique and improves upon the prior art devices.
It is noted that citing herein of any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature is not an admission as to any of those references constituting prior art with respect to the disclosed apparatus.

Squeaker arrangement producing variable sounds


An optical mouse of a dynamic range has an analog/digital (A/D) converter having an input range adjusted based on an input range control signal, the A/D converter receiving an input signal over the adjusted input range and converting the received signal into digital data, and an image data processor for determining on the basis of image data from the A/D converter whether a data concentrated distribution has occurred, detecting a level of the input range with the data concentrated distribution upon determining that the data concentrated distribution has occurred, outputting the input range control signal to the A/D converter according to the detected level and processing the image data from the A/D converter to detect motion data therefrom.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical mouse having a dynamic range, and more particularly to an optical mouse having a dynamic range, which is capable of adjusting an input range of an analog/digital (A/D) converter on the basis of a magnitude variation of an output signal from the A/D converter to increase a resolution of the A/D converter relative to a low illumination range or fine illumination range, thereby improving the ability of the converter to sense a fine signal variation.
2. Description of the Related Art
An optical mouse generally comprises an image sensor for sensing an image of a motion and outputting the resulting image signal, an A/D converter for converting the image signal from the image sensor into digital data, an image processor for performing a signal processing operation for the digital data from the A/D converter to detect the motion therefrom, and a controller for providing data corresponding to the detected motion to a computer.
Note that the A/D converter in the optical mouse has a fixed input range. With the A/D converter having the fixed input range, the optical mouse can desirably obtain a relatively accurate image in the case of inputting a signal of an amount of light within a certain range, but has the disadvantage of being incapable of obtaining an accurate image in the case of inputting a signal of an amount of light beyond the certain range. In order to make up for this problem, automatic gain control means is generally used to limit a signal magnitude of input light to the optical mouse.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit construction of a conventional optical mouse. As shown in this drawing, the conventional optical mouse comprises a light source 11 for emitting light to an object 1 such as a mouse pad, an image sensor 12 for sensing an image of the object 1, a shutter/controller unit 13 for limiting the magnitude of the image signal from the image sensor 12, an A/D converter 14 for converting an analog image signal from the shutter/controller unit 13 into digital image data, an image data processor 15 for processing the image data from the A/D converter 14 to detect motion data therefrom, and a system controller 16 for sending the motion data from the image data processor 15 to a computer.
In the above-mentioned conventional optical mouse, an input signal under the condition of an appropriate illumination or of incident light of high intensity has such a sufficient variation as to be converted according to a predetermined resolution of the A/D converter. Alternatively, where the incident light is small in amount, the shutter is opened for a period of time long enough to adjust a dark object to a proper brightness, but the input signal becomes that much smaller in variation. In other words, the dark object is extremely small in reflected light amount, resulting in there being a very small difference between a noise level and a signal level. As a result, provided that a signal incoming from the object is amplified, it will become a signal as shown in FIG. 2a because a noise level is also amplified, although the figure of the object is well visible. If the object is accurately centered on the image sensor, this sensor will provide a signal distribution as shown in FIG. 2b. For the effective detection of a motion by the optical mouse, it is preferable that a detected signal has a magnitude distributed uniformly over the entire input range of the A/D converter. However, in the case where the detected signal is under the condition of a low illumination, the magnitude thereof leans to a certain level of the entire input range of the A/D converter, or a low level.
By opening the shutter for a lengthy period of time under the above condition, the signal magnitude can be increased from a signal distribution SD1 to SD2 as shown in FIG. 2c. It is preferable that the detected signal varies over the entire input range of the A/D converter, but it varies over a small range under the condition of a low illumination. This signifies that an 8-bit A/D converter provides its output signal having a variation of, for example, 4 bits.
In other words, the magnitude of the detected signal input to the A/D converter 14 varies with an image, or light and dark regions on the pad for the optical mouse. Where the light and dark regions of the pad have a low contrast, the magnitude of the detected signal is distributed concentratedly (referred to hereinafter as xe2x80x98data concentrated distributionxe2x80x99) at a certain level of the entire input range of the A/D converter 14. For example, the data concentrated distribution may be present at any one of a high level, middle level and low level of the entire input range of the A/D converter 14.
Provided that the data concentrated distribution occurs as described above, the data magnitude will have a fine variation, thereby making it difficult for the optical mouse to detect a motion. In this case, there is a need for a technique to adjust the input range of the A/D converter about the level at which the data concentrated distribution occurs, thereby enabling the optical mouse to detect a fine motion.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical mouse having a dynamic range, which is capable of adjusting an input range of an analog/digital converter on the basis of a magnitude variation of an output signal from the analog/digital converter to increase a resolution of the analog/digital converter relative to a low illumination range or fine illumination range, thereby improving the ability of the converter to sense a fine signal variation.
In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an optical mouse having a dynamic range, comprising analog/digital (A/D) conversion means having an input range adjusted based on an input range control signal, the A/D conversion means receiving an input signal over the adjusted input range and converting the received signal into digital data; and image data processing means for determining on the basis of image data from the A/D conversion means whether a data concentrated distribution has occurred, detecting a level of the input range with the data concentrated distribution upon determining that the data concentrated distribution has occurred, outputting the input range control signal to the A/D conversion means according to the detected level and processing the image data from the A/D conversion means to detect motion data therefrom.
Preferably, the image data processing means may subdivide a data concentrated distribution degree (data concentration degree) related to a magnitude variation of a detected signal and determine the input range of the A/D conversion means on the basis of the data concentration degree. In this case, the input range of the A/D conversion means can be adjusted more precisely centering around a data concentrated distribution area. Further, the resolution of the A/D conversion means is applied to a small, adjusted input range relative to the entire input range of the A/D conversion means, so that it can be increased relatively. Therefore, the A/D conversion means can detect a fine magnitude variation of the detected signal.


Apparatus and a method for transmitting a direct sequence, spread spectrum communication system signal. A transmitter (10) that receives a variable data rate information bearing input signal from a digital data source (12) includes a forward error correction encoder (80) that provides redundancy and an interleaver (82) that rearranges the input data. The forward error correction encoder and interleaver minimize the effect of errors that arise in the propagation of the transmitted signal. The output of the interleaver is applied to the input of a Hadamard encoder (84), which converts data words from the interleaver into one of N orthogonal codes, producing a Hadamard signal that varies at a bit rate that changes as the data rate of the information bearing signal varies. A pseudorandom number code generator (16) produces a code signal comprising a pseudorandom sequence of chips supplied at a constant chip rate. The Hadamard signal is input to a direct sequence (DS) modulator that modulates the information bearing signal with the code signal, using an integer number (greater than one) of chips to modulate each bit of the Hadamard signal. As the data rate of the information bearing signal varies, the number of chips per bit of the Hadamard signal is varied so as to minimize variations in the chip rate of the DS modulated signal. The transmitter is preferably combined with a receiver (29) in a transceiver. The receiver demodulates a received signal, and correlates it with a code signal from a pseudorandom number code generator (40) corresponding to the pseudorandom number code generator in the transmitter. The receiver also includes a Hadamard decoder (94), deinterleaver (96), and forward error correction decoder (98). A frequency hopping capability is optionally provided.

In a spread spectrum system, a transmitted signal is spread over a frequency band that is much wider than the bandwidth of the information being transmitted. Two techniques commonly used in spread spectrum systems are frequency hopping and direct sequence (DS) modulation. Frequency hopping involves shifting the carrier frequency in discrete increments, in a pattern dictated by a pseudorandom code. In direct sequence modulation, each bit of an information-bearing signal is modulated by a higher frequency, pseudorandom code signal. The modulation may simply comprise reproducing the input code signal when the information bit is one, and inverting the code signal when the information bit is zero. Each bit of the code signal, or each bit of the product signal obtained by modulating the information-bearing signal with the code signal is referred to as a "chip."
In a system using direct sequence modulation, the chip rate, i.e., the frequency of the pseudorandom code signal, is typically much higher than the bit rate of the information-bearing signal. The bandwidth occupied by the transmitted signal is directly determined by the chip rate. A receiver in a direct sequence modulated communication system includes means for producing the same pseudorandom code signal as that used by the transmitter, in the same time epoch. The code signal is employed to decode the transmitted data and extract the information-bearing signal, even in the presence of noise or jamming.
Applications of spread spectrum systems are various, depending upon characteristics of the codes being employed for band spreading and other factors. In direct sequence systems, for example, where the code is a pseudorandom sequence, the transmitted signal acquires the characteristics of noise, making the transmission indiscernible to any eavesdropper who is incapable of decoding the transmission.
In certain kinds of spread spectrum communication systems, the data to be transmitted through the system is provided at two or more different data rates. In such a system, it is necessary to either vary the modulation rate of the transmitter while maintaining the spreading ratio, or transmit null data to act as filler at the lower data rates. Both options have certain disadvantages. The variations in the modulation of the transmitted signal can be more readily detected by an eavesdropper, thereby decreasing the security of the communication system. On the other hand, transmitting null data at low data rates increases the amount of energy required for the transmission. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a technique for use in a spread spectrum system that does not require this trade-off.


There is described a method for checking the authenticity of security documents, in particular banknotes, wherein authentic security documents comprise security features (41-49; 30; 10; 51, 52) printed, applied or otherwise provided on the security documents, which security features comprise characteristic visual features intrinsic to the processes used for producing the security documents. The method comprises the step of digitally processing a sample image of at least one region of interest (R.o.I.) of the surface of a candidate document to be authenticated, which region of interest encompasses at least part of the security features, the digital processing including performing a decomposition of the sample image by means of wavelet transform (WT) of the sample image. Such decomposition of the sample image is based on a wavelet packet transform (WPT) of the sample image, preferably a so-called two-dimensional shift invariant WPT (2D-SIWPT).

Reference is made herein to the discussion of the prior art made in the above-identified International Application No. WO 2008/146262 A2 and to the entire disclosure thereof. All the general principles discussed in International Application No. WO 2008/146262 A2 apply equally to the present invention. The content of International Application No. WO 2008/146262 A2 is thereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention was especially made with a view to further improve the invention disclosed in International Application No. WO 2008/146262 A2.

Authentication of security documents, in particular banknotes


A system is provided for the automatic, self-checking switching of a medical infusion controller among a plurality of modes of operation. A medical infusion controller has a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches, each of which corresponds to a different mode of operation. A drip chamber is provided with nub elements in one of a variety of possible configurations, each of which correspond to one of the pressure-sensitive switches on the controller. When the drip chamber is placed in the controller, the nub configuration activates the corresponding switch. If the controller detects an incorrect number of nubs, it delivers an error message.

Medical infusion controllers now provide microprocessor control of intravenous fluid delivery rates. These devices include sensors that monitor fluid flow rate and then adjust that rate accordingly. Despite the automatic nature of these devices, they typically must be manually set by the operator to indicate to the microprocessor whether the particular infusion set in use contains a 10 cc or a 60 cc cannula. Thus, there is a potential for serious human error. One prior art device has a protruding spring-loaded retractable pin switch on the controller. 10-cc and 60-cc cannula drip chamber are distinguished by the presence or absence of an aperture to receive the pin. If the aperture is absent, the pin is urged into the retracted position. If the aperture is present, the pin fits into the aperture, and thus does not retract. The two pin positions are associated with two different modes of operation. It can be seen that there is room for error, inasmuch as misalignment or malfunction of the pin can cause incorrect data to be signalled to the controller, by either retracting even in the presence of an aperture, or by failing to retract even in the absence of an aperture.

Drop detection housing with positive tactile signaling


Disclosed is a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device comprises a blue light-emitting source and a light-emitting source. The light-emitting source includes first semiconductor nanocrystals and second semiconductor nanocrystals. The first and second nanocrystals emit lights of different wavelengths from each other to produce a color complementary to blue. The first and second semiconductor nanocrystals are spatially clustered to form first and second composites respectively.

The present disclosure relates to a nanocrystal mixture and a light-emitting device using the nanocrystal mixture.
In recent years, semiconductor-based white light-emitting diodes have attracted more and more attention as next-generation replacements for current light-emitting devices due to their excellent characteristics, including prolonged lifetime, prospect of miniaturization, reduced power consumption and environmental friendliness (e.g., mercury free). White light-emitting diodes are currently used in a wide variety of applications, such as backlights for liquid crystal displays and display instrument panels for automotive vehicles.
Particularly, many attempts have been made to manufacture backlights for liquid crystal displays using three-color light-emitting diodes and having a high luminescence efficiency and good color purity. However, disadvantages associated with the use of three-color light-emitting diodes are significant, for example, high fabrication costs and complex driving circuits causing a loss in cost competitiveness. Thus, there exists a need to develop one-chip solutions capable of reducing the fabrication costs and simplifying the structure of devices while maintaining excellent performance characteristics of the devices in terms of luminescence efficiency and color purity.
A combination of YAG:Ce phosphors and a blue light-emitting diode has been employed as a one-chip solution to develop white LEDs. The white LEDs operate in such a way that a portion of blue light from the blue light-emitting diode excites the YAG:Ce phosphors to produce yellow-green light and the blue light is combined with the yellow-green light to emit white light. However, these white LEDs suffer from problems that include a low color rendering index and poor color purity because light from the white LEDs has some spectra in the visible range. Thus, these white LEDs cannot be easily applied to high definition display devices.
In recent years, an attempt has been made to fabricate a white LED that uses a UV light-emitting diode, which is expected to have high energy efficiency, as an excitation source instead of a blue light-emitting diode. This white LED is fabricated by applying green emitting nanocrystals and red emitting nanocrystals to a blue light-emitting diode, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the white light-emitting diode comprises a blue LED 20 mounted on a packaging frame 10 and a light-emitting layer 25 formed on the blue LED wherein the light-emitting layer 25 is formed of a mixture of red emitting nanocrystals, green emitting nanocrystals and a base (e.g., a matrix resin).
Semiconductor nanocrystals are advantageous in terms of energy conversion due to their small Stokes shift, but may undergo absorption-reabsorption when both red emitting nanocrystals and green emitting nanocrystals are used for the fabrication of a white LED. This absorption-reabsorption takes place between the semiconductor nanocrystals. FIG. 3 is a graph showing UV-VIS absorption spectra and UV-excited photoluminescence spectra of light-emitting semiconductor nanocrystal materials. Particularly, when red emitting nanocrystals absorb light from green emitting nanocrystals, energy transfer between the nanocrystals causes consecutive light down-conversion, reducing efficiency of a light source. This energy transfer occurs more frequently as the distances between the nanocrystals decrease. Therefore, an increase in the concentration of the semiconductor nanocrystals or aggregation of the semiconductor nanocrystals renders the problem more serious.

Nanocrystal mixture and light-emitting diode using the same


The problem of the turn signal inadvertently remaining on is solved through the use of additional intelligence added on to the current turn-signal control system already existing within current late-model vehicles. The turn-control circuitry in a vehicle first sends a signal to the ABS system indicating to the ABS system that the turn signal has been turned on. The amount of distance traveled from a certain event, such as when the turn signal is turned on, can be ascertained by the ABS system, as distance traveled for odometer purposes has always been a product of the ABS system. Therefore, when a predetermined distance has passed since the turn signal was activated, the ABS system, sends a signal back to the turn-control circuitry, instructing the turn-control circuitry to turn off the turn signal. Upon receiving this turn-off signal from the ABS system, the turn-control system logically "OR's" the ABS signal with its own current turn signal disabling mechanism, such that the turn signal is cleared as a result.

Currently, the turn signal on a vehicle remains active until either the vehicle has made a turn or is disabled by the user. In many cases, such as when making a lane change on the highway, not enough of turn was made to cause the switch inside the vehicle to automatically turn-off the turn-signal; and if only to complicate matters, the user driving the vehicle oftentimes forgets to turn off the turn signal after changing lanes. The result is a turn signal left on when there is no intention on the drivers part to turn or to indicate another lane change is pending. Besides being embarrassing for the driver of the vehicle with the signal active, the active turn signal is potentially troublesome for other drivers as they then must decide for themselves if the car with an active turn signal is actually going to turn or to change lanes.
At some point in the mid 90's, a significant portion of the manufacturers of American made vehicles started installing anti-lock break systems (ABS) in all of their current and future stock of vehicles. In addition to providing braking without the risk of locking up the brakes, ABS systems on vehicles also already determine the distance traveled for updating the odometer, and send wheel speed information to the engine control unit.
In addition, with the majority of automotive control systems moving from mechanical to electrical systems, it is possible to add further intelligence to the electrical turn-signal control system without unduly burdening the cost of the system.


A system for monitoring, troubleshooting, controlling, calibrating and/or configuring a digital television is provided. The system includes a functionality module configured to perform one or more functions of a digital television. The system includes a testing module associated with the digital television, communicatively coupled to the functionality module and being configured to receive from the functionality module, data indicative of the one or more functions of the digital television. The testing module is configured to perform processing using the received data to determine whether to alter one or more parameters associated with the one or more functions of the digital television.

The convergence of advancements in television and digital technology has resulted in an increase in the popularity and functionality of digital television ("DTVs"). Increased functionality has provided for audio and video presentation that may be superior to that for analog television as well as increased support services such as picture in picture, voice over internet protocol ("VoIP"), speaker phone, caller identification, video phone applications and the like. However, such increases in functionality have resulted in an increase in complexity that may exacerbate monitoring, troubleshooting and/or controlling the DTV with ease.
Further, in conventional DTV systems and methods of operating DTV systems, troubleshooting is typically performed only after a deviation and corresponding failure event have occurred. However, after such occurrences, consumers may be saddled with significant repair and/or replacement costs. Conventional DTV systems and methods disadvantageously fail to provide preventative maintenance to reduce the likelihood of deviations and failure events.
Further, conventional DTV systems and methods typically provide only information about the general area in which a DTV may need troubleshooting, calibration and/or configuration. However, due to the complexity of the DTV, providing information about only a general area in which the DTV may need service may be inadequate and may lead to unnecessarily high troubleshooting costs. Finally, conventional systems and methods provide no mechanisms for automated, internal monitoring, troubleshooting and/or controlling the DTV.

Systems and methods for monitoring, troubleshooting and/or controlling a digital television


Various examples of detecting whether a device meets an enrollment level are disclosed. A request to authenticate a user based upon user credentials is obtained. Applications for which the user is authorized are identified. An enrollment level associated with each of the plurality of applications is also identified. A user interface including the plurality of applications and the enrollment level associated with each of the plurality of applications is generated.

Users in an enterprise setting are often assigned a mobile device or another type of computing device. In some situations, users can use their own devices in an enterprise setting to access enterprise data or applications. The enterprise can make applications available to users that are accessible in a browser upon authentication of the user's credentials. Other types of applications can be downloaded and installed on a user's device from a public or private application repository. The applications that are available to a user can be based upon the user's role or a group membership within the enterprise.
The enterprise can have information or data security policies that impose certain prerequisites in order for a user to access an application. For example, accessing a browser-based application can require authentication of a user's credentials. Downloading a binary application that is installed on the user's device can require that the user enroll the device with a volume licensing program or a private application repository if the application is embedded with certain management functionality or made using certain management application programming interfaces (APIs). In another scenario, downloading and installing some applications can require that the user's device be enrolled as a managed device with an enterprise mobility management (EMM) system. An EMM system can enforce compliance rules and policies that ensure that certain information and data security requirements are being met by the user's device.
Accordingly, because various types of prerequisites exist in order to access enterprise applications, users may not wish to enroll their devices as managed devices unless they are accessing an application that requires enrollment. Similarly, if a user is accessing an application that requires an additional level of control over the device, the user may wish to have information about why various enrollment levels are required in order to access different applications that are available to the user.

Providing access to applications with varying enrollment levels


The device for fixing a dental prosthesis has a base which can be inserted into a jaw bone, an abutment and a shell. The base has a hole with a mouth at its end face, with an internal thread and with an extension and has a conical annular surface enclosing the mouth of the hole. The abutment has a thread part which passes through the shell in the assembled device and is screwed into the internal thread of the base, and an outer part located outside the base and serving for holding a dental prosthesis. In the assembled device, the shell fits into the extension of the hole and rests with a conical outer surface firmly against a conical inner surface of the base. Furthermore, the outer part of the abutment rests with a conical stop surface firmly against the annular surface of the base. In the assembled device, the abutment is connected to the base in a stable manner and covers its end face without leaving gaps.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for fixing a dental prosthesis to a jaw bone.
A device of this type can be used, for example, for fixing a dental prosthesis which consists of a single, artificial tooth usually composed of a plurality of parts. However, it is also possible to insert two or more devices of the stated genera into one and the same jaw bone, which then together hold a dental prosthesis which forms a group of two or more artificial teeth, and namely, for example, a so-called bridge or an entire prosthetic denture.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices known under the trade name BONEFIT have two parts which can be detachably connected to one another, namely a base which can be anchored in the jaw bone and is also referred to as the implant or primary part and an abutment which serves for holding the dental prosthesis and is also referred to as the secondary part. The base is elongated and has an axial blind hole which has a mouth at the end face of the base, which face is opposite the dental prosthesis, and has there a mouth enclosed by an annular surface. The blind hole has a section provided with an internal thread and a conical extension extending away therefrom to the end face. The abutment has an inner part with a thread part possessing an external thread, and with a thick part extending conically away from said thread part. Furthermore, the abutment has an outer part adjacent to the thicker end of the thick part. When the device is in the assembled state, the inner part of the abutment is present in the hole of the base, the thread part of the abutment being screwed to the internal thread of the base and the conical thick part of the abutment fitting firmly in the conical extension of the base. The outer part of the abutment is then outside the base and can project into a dental prosthesis and carry this as well as hold it firmly. In the known BONEFIT devices, the abutment section which is located directly above the end face of the base is usually cylindrical or slightly conical and, together with the inclined annular surface present on the end face of the base, forms a shoulder or neck.
The BONEFIT devices have proven very suitable for applications in which the end face of the base is approximately flush with that surface of the gingiva facing away from the jaw bone, or projects slightly out of the gingiva and is in a supragingival position, and in which a dental prosthesis rests on the shoulder or neck. However, if the abutment has, for example, a retentive anchor for clipping on a denture, an intermediate space may be present between said head and the shoulder. The transverse forces exerted on the denture and other forces must then be transmitted to the base or primary part exclusively by the thread part and the conical thick part of the abutment or secondary part, which may cause undesirably large local stresses. In addition, the gingiva may grow over the shoulder or neck so that pockets which are difficult to clean and in which bacteria may develop form under certain circumstances. Furthermore, and in particular, it would be advantageous in various problem cases to cover the base after insertion completely with the gingiva during a certain healing period. In order to permit covering of the base, the latter can of course be inserted into the jaw bone so deeply that its end faces are approximately flush with the ridge of the jaw bone and can then be temporarily closed with a closure screw. If the gingiva is cut open again after the healing period, the closure screw is removed and the abutment is screwed into the base, the stated shoulder or neck is present below the gingiva after the latter has healed. If the dental prosthesis usually produced by a dental technician thereafter does not fit very exactly and without gaps on the shoulder or neck, there is a considerable danger that free cavities will remain in the shoulder or neck under the gingiva and bacteria will develop in the said cavities. These may interfere with the healing process and cause infections.
In the "Journal of Oral Implantology", Volume XVI, 1990, No. 4, pages 297-301, a device having a base or implant, a connecting element, a spacing shell and an abutment is disclosed. The base is identical or similar to that in the BONEFIT devices. The connecting element has a thinner and a thicker thread part, each having an external thread, a cone present between the two thread parts and an axial threaded hole. The spacing shell has an axial through-hole with an internal thread. The abutment has a thread part with an external thread.
When this device is used, the base can be inserted into a hole in the jaw bone in such a way that the end face of the base is approximately flush with the surface of the jaw bone. After healing of the bone, the thinner thread part of the connecting element can be screwed into the base until the cone of the connecting element fits firmly in the conical extension of the hole of the base. Thereafter, the spacing shell can be screwed onto the thicker thread part of the connecting element, which thread part projects from the base, and the thread part of the abutment can be screwed into the threaded hole of the connecting element. The spacing shell then rests firmly against the end face of the base.
This device disclosed in the "Journal of Oral Implantology" has already proven its worth but has the disadvantage that it has four separate parts, some of which have relatively complicated shapes and in particular possess many threads. The production and assembly of this device are therefore relatively expensive and complicated.

Device-for fixing a dental prosthesis to a jaw bone


Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for preserving references in sandboxes. A system implementing the method receives a document for use in a sandbox environment and passes the document to a parser, via a coordinator. The parser finds references in the document to other resources and outputs a list of references. The system passes the list of references to a verifier that verifies each reference and outputs a list of verified references. The system passes the list of verified references to the sandboxed application which extends the sandbox to include the resources on the list of verified references. In one embodiment, the system preserves references in sandboxes without the use a coordinator.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to computer security and more specifically to preserving references in documents for use in a sandbox environment.
2. Introduction
Computer security is a critical aspect of the computing world. Many different industries, including the communication, entertainment, transportation, financial, and medical industries rely on computers. Computer security involves protecting these vital computing systems by preventing and detecting computer attacks. Attackers harm computing systems in different ways such as stealing passwords, issuing denial of service attacks and distributing malicious software such as viruses and worms.
Protecting computing systems from attackers is a challenging and ever changing task. An array of methods of protecting computing systems exists, from requiring users to change passwords frequently to employing complex cryptographic algorithms on a computing system. One method to protect a computing system is to sandbox a computer program to protect a computing system from a potentially malicious program. A sandbox is a mechanism utilized to separate a running computer program from other programs and/or computing resources. Some secure computing systems execute untrusted programs, or programs distributed by untrusted parties, in sandboxes. Sandbox restrictions limit the resources a computer program may access. An example of a sandbox environment is an applet that runs in a virtual machine or interpreter, such as Adobe® Flash® or Microsoft® Silverlight®.
Documents stored in exchange formats such as Portable Document Format (PDF) or Apple® Quicktime® can contain embedded references to other files. When a computing system does not trust such a file, it can sandbox the application that accesses the untrusted file. When these documents are opened with a sandboxed application, the application is unable to follow the references to other files due to the restrictions placed on the sandboxed application by the computing system. The inaccessibility of references to other documents in a sandboxed application can be frustrating for users. Inexperienced users may simply give up and have a bad impression of the computing platform, while more experienced or technically-minded users may attempt to circumvent the sandbox, thereby inadvertently causing a potentially serious security vulnerability. Users who desire additional information from references included in a document have no way to access these references in a sandboxed application.

System and method for preserving references in sandboxes


Absorbent articles having form fitting properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least one waist elastic member that extends a substantial distance in the longitudinal direction. The waist elastic member, for instance, may be positioned in a front region of the article, in a back region of the article or in both the front and back regions. The waist elastic member includes a breathable elastic film. In order for the film to be breathable, the film includes apertures. The apertures appear on the film according to a particular pattern and having a particular diameter so that the film retains desired stretch properties.

Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, swim undergarments, and the like conventionally include a liquid permeable body-facing liner, a liquid impermeable outer cover, and an absorbent core. The absorbent core is typically located in between the outer cover and the liner for taking in and retaining liquids (e.g., urine) exuded by the wearer.
Some of these absorbent articles contain various elastic materials to permit some expansion of the article when necessary to provide a better fit on the wearer. The elastic members are also designed to contract when being worn in order to provide the article with form-fitting properties at least in some areas.
For instance, some disposable diapers made in the past have included elastic fastener tabs that are typically joined to the rear portion of the article and are configured to releasably attach to the front of the article. In other configurations, diapers have also been constructed containing an elastic waistband that partially encircles the waist of a user.
The amount of stretch and elasticity present in an absorbent article in the transverse direction can have a significant impact upon the perceived comfort and fit of the garment. In the past, however, elastic waistbands have been limited in their size and thus generally have only provided elasticity around the waist opening of the article.
Thus, a need currently exists for an elastic waist member that provides elasticity not only along the waist opening but also provides transverse stretch properties towards the crotch of the absorbent article. A need also exists for a relatively large waist elastic member that extends towards the crotch of the absorbent article without interfering with the ability of the article to absorb fluids.

Waist elastic members for use in absorbent articles


A method includes obtaining flow measurement data from a flow meter in an industrial process control system. The method also includes sending the flow measurement data to a cloud-based environment. The method further includes performing condition based monitoring (CBM) analysis on the flow measurement data in the cloud-based environment to determine CBM data. The method also includes performing uncertainty analysis on the CBM data in the cloud-based environment to determine a validated flow rate with an uncertainty value. The method further includes comparing the validated flow rate to the flow measurement data to determine a technically audited flow rate. The method also includes sending the technically audited flow rate to a distributed control system (DCS) associated with the flow meter.

Industrial process control and automation systems are often used to automate large and complex industrial processes. These types of systems routinely include various components including sensors, actuators, and controllers. The controllers typically receive measurements from the sensors and generate control signals for the actuators.
Process control and automation systems implemented as distributed control systems (DCS) are designed to control physical components with priorities given to system timing, deployment, availability, impact of failure, and safety. A typical DCS also has requirements to support longer component lifetimes, extensive patch verification and management, and different system operation expertise. These requirements may be implemented to avoid significant risk to the health and safety of human lives, serious damage to the environment, financial issues such as production losses, and negative impact to the economy.

Ultrasonic flow meter prognostics with near real-time condition based uncertainty analysis


According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display apparatus including: a selecting unit receiving instructions for selecting progress bars; a storage unit storing information on the progress bars including marks for helping a user to search predetermined scenes of content; and a control unit extracting a scene corresponding to the mark of the selected progress bar from the storage unit, and displaying the extracted scene.

1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to enabling a user to easily and conveniently search scenes of multimedia content.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of TV technology and techniques for transmitting broadcast signals in recent years, digital TVs using a digital transmission technique have attracted attention.
Such digital TV recording function and reproducing function technology enables a user to store a TV program in real time using a personal video recorder (PVR) while the user watches TV, and to reproduce the stored TV program at any time.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a scene reproduced on a screen of an image display apparatus according to the related art.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image display apparatus according to the related art reproduces content, and displays a progress bar corresponding to the content below the screen.
However, the progress bar of the image display apparatus in the related art shows only the progress time and positional information of the content being currently reproduced. Therefore, when the user wants to search the content for desired scenes of highlights, a rapid scene change, and scenes bookmarked by the user, the user needs to move a cursor on the progress bar to search a desired scene. As a result, it is difficult for the user to easily and conveniently search for desired scenes.

Image display apparatus and method of controlling the same via progress bars