The knit article is provided with several spatially overlapping structures. It is made by a continuous knitting process on a knitting machine with at least two opposing needle beds (H,V) as a seamless tubular manufactured product.

Three-dimensional knit products with comparatively expensive structure, such as stockings, are currently made from several knit or cut segments that are combined with each other by sewing or stitching at their edges. Various other working steps continuously follow the process of sewing or stitching the individual segments together, which consequently cause additional costs.

Knit article having several spatially overlapping structures made in a continuous knitting process


A method is disclosed for releasing the transcriptional regulation caused by a repeated sequence in a gene, a kit therefor and so on to thereby establish a system capable of producing a protein in a large amount. At least one embodiment of the method can be achieved by any one or more of the following methods: (a) in the amplification of a gene encoding a target protein, co-amplifying a polynucleotide of 10 kbp or more such as a λ-phage DNA or an insulator sequence; (b) selecting by culturing cells having undergone gene amplification in media containing a drug with a gradual increase in concentration; (c) elevating the promoter activity of inducing the expression of a gene encoding a target protein; (d) excising an amplified gene region from a chromosome with the use of Cre-LoxP System; (e) treating cells having undergone gene amplification with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine to thereby lower the methylation degree of DNA; and (f) selecting the mammalian cells having undergone gene amplification on double minute chromosomes.

The inventor of the present invention has found that it becomes possible to copy a gene (target gene), which encodes a target protein, in an intercellular copy number increased to approximately 100,000 copies simply by plasmid conduction into human-derived cancer cells (COLO 320 colon cancer cell line, and HeLa cell line) by lipofection, the plasmid (hereinafter, "IR/MAR plasmid") having mammalian copying initiation region (IR; initiation region) and a matrix attachment region (MAR; matrix attachment region), and selecting by utilizing a gene tolerance to a chemical (Blasticidin or Neomycin), and that the mass amplification of the target gene can be attained regardless of whether the target gene has a gene structure identical to that of the IR/MAR plasmid (i.e., the target gene has a cis gene structure) or the target gene has a gene structure different from that of the IR/MAR plasmid (i.e., the target gene has a trans gene structure) (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 1, and Non-Patent Document 2).
A cell line in which an IR/MAR plasmid and a target gene were transfected, was analyzed quantitatively as to a transcription amount of mRNA from the target gene. This analysis found that the transcription amount of mRNA was not increased while the copy number of the target gene was increased. It was deduced that the transcription was repressed due to a repeated sequence produced by the mass amplification of a region including the target gene.
One known method of releasing the transcription repression caused by the repeated gene sequence is, for example, treating the cells with histone acetylating enzyme inhibitor such as trichostatin A (see Non-Patent Document 3).
[Patent Document 1]
    Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication, Tokukai, No. 2003-245083 (published on Sep. 2, 2003)[Patent Document 2]    Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication, Tokukai, No. 2004-337066 (published on Dec. 2, 2004)[Non-Patent Document 1]    Noriaki Shimizu, et al. (2001) Plasmids with a Mammalian Replication Origin and a Matrix Attachment Region Initiate the Event Similar to Gene Amplification. Cancer Research vol. 61, no. 19, p 6987-6990.[Non-Patent Document 2]    Noriaki Shimizu, et al (2003) Amplification of plasmids containing a mammalian replication initiation region is mediated by controllable conflict between replication and transcription. Cancer Research, vol. 63, no. 17, p 5281-5290.[Non-Patent Document 3]    McBurney, M. W. et al, Exp Cell Res (2002), vol 274, p 1-8
Therefore, there is such a problem in that even if a polynucleotide containing the amplified target gene is amplified in order to mass-produce a protein via the amplification of the target gene, the transcription of the target gene is repressed once the repeated sequence is created thereby failing to express the protein of the final target.
Sole application of the method of treating the cells with histone acetylating enzyme inhibitor such as trichostatin A as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 3 could not sufficiently release the transcription repression caused by the repeated sequence of the gene amplified to several thousand to approximately 10 thousand copies.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and kit etc. for releasing the transcription repression caused by the repeated sequence of the gene, and to establish a system for mass production of useful protein by gene amplification.

Method and kit for expressing protein under regulation of the expression from repeated sequence formed by gene amplification, and transformant

National University of Corporation Hiroshima University


A digital signal processing circuit, such as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) having multiple cascaded processing stages, some of which are selectably placed in a low-power non-operating state according to a lower-power operating mode of the digital signal processing circuit and are placed in an operating state according to another higher-performance operating mode of the circuit. The output sample rates of the stages differ, so that the sample rate through the cascade changes. A signal characteristic determination block generates an indication of one or both of an amplitude and/or frequency of the input signal, so that the operating mode of the digital signal processing circuit is selected in conformity with the indication of amplitude and/or frequency of the input signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to digital signal processing circuits, including digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and more specifically, to a DAC having filter stages having a selected configuration determined by characteristics of the signal being processed.
2. Background of the Invention
Oversampling DAC circuits typically use filters to generate the final analog signal from the oversampled digital input(s). Such topologies are used widely in DACs such as delta-sigma modulator based DAC integrated circuits, in which conversion of a digital value to an analog signal is accomplished by interpolating the output of the delta-sigma modulator through a series of filter stages. The filtering action is applied to meet certain noise floor requirements at each stage, so that the final output of the filter provides the specified suppression of noise in the generated analog signal.
Typically, the longer and more complex the filter, the better the noise performance of the DAC, but longer and more complex filters have higher power requirements. Since many DACs are employed in battery-powered devices, such as wireless telephones and personal audio players, balancing of power requirements with system performance is necessary.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a digital signal processing circuit that has a series of filter stages, in which power consumption can be balanced with noise performance.

Signal-characteristic determined digital-to-analog converter (DAC) filter stage configuration


A receiver system that receives signals and has a demapper device that is responsive to an equalizer output and generates a demapper output including one or more bit metrics. The receiver system also generates equalizer output, and the demapper uses distance measure to calculate bit metrics. The receiver system uses demapper output to generate a processed output. The receiver system further includes a convolutional decoder which is responsive to the processed output, and subsequently generates a decoded bit sequence, as well as uses the processed output to generate one or more path metrics. The convolutional decoder uses bit metrics and path metrics to the decode processed output, to generate a decoded bit sequence. The receiver system uses the distance measure to reduce the size of the bit metrics and the size of the path metrics to improve the performance of said convolutional decoder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless receivers and particularly to a method and apparatus for minimizing convolutional decoder complexity for decoding received signals under the effects of multi-path channel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As computers have gained enormous popularity in recent decades, so have networking the same allowing for access of files by one computer from another. More recently and with the advent of wireless communication, remote and wireless networking of computers is gaining more and more notoriety among personal users, small and large business owners, factory facilities and the like.
With regard to the wireless networking of personal computers including laptops, a particular modem, namely modems adapted to the IEEE 802.11a or 802.11g industry standard, are commonly employed. That is, an antenna is placed inside or nearby the personal computer and an RF chip receives signal or data through the antenna and an analog-to-digital converter, typically located with in the personal computer (PC), converts the received signal to baseband range. Thereafter, a baseband processor is employed to process and decode the received signal to the point of extracting raw data, which may be files transferred remotely and wireless, from another PC or similar equipment with the use of a transmitter with in the transmitting PC.
There are several prior art apparatus and techniques for implementing 802.11a/g modem receivers, however, such prior art have not successfully utilized the fullest potential of the 802.11a/g modem. For example, the maximum rate of this type of modem device is 54 Mbits/sec. but in the presence of multi-path channel, use of current prior art methods and apparatus does not allow for reception of data at such rates. In fact, successful reception of data under multi-path channel conditions currently takes place at lower rates or may fail altogether.
Furthermore, in areas other than open locations, such as smaller office cubicles located with in the inter structure of a building, prior art receivers are known to only operate at rates lower than that of the maximum operational rate of the modem, such as 54 Mbits/sec., thus preventing a user from receiving files from another PC at optimal rates. This is generally due to the prior art techniques' limitations in operating with in multi-path channel conditions, which occur mostly in closed areas, such as those mentioned hereinabove. In particular, multi-path channel may degrade a receiver's ability to decode the received signals due to complexity of the decoding process used in a conventional decoder. For 802.11 a/g modems that modulate data using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), multi-path channel may lead to considerable loss in data detection performance because bit metric calculations used to calculate distance between the expected bit sequence and the received bit sequence are extensive and may require considerable hardware area. Thus, for high performance 802.11 a/g modems it is advantageous to find efficient methods for calculating bit metrics while reducing hardware complexity.
In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to develop an OFDM modem that can receive signals, such as those specified by the 802.11 a/g standards, accurately in the presence of multi-path channel and with the ability to receive maximum data rate throughputs. The presence of multi-path channel should be mitigated in such a way as to reduce the complexity of the decoding process used in a conventional decoder. Further, it is essential that enhancing the performance of the OFDM receiver be accomplished with out adding considerable complexity to the hardware resources employed in processing the received OFDM signal.

Efficient soft decision demapper to minimize viterbi decoder complexity


It is an object to perform an abnormality diagnosis for a feed axis without additionally adding a sensor or the like. A frequency characteristic of a feed axis and a damage frequency that occurs when the feed axis that has been damaged performs an axis operation are obtained, a frequency where a gain is maximized in the obtained frequency characteristic is calculated, and a feed velocity where the frequency matches the damage frequency is calculated. An axis operation is performed on the feed axis with the calculated feed velocity, and a frequency analysis is performed on servo information regarding a control of a servo motor during the axis operation. Then, the presence and absence of a peak of the damage frequency is confirmed from a result of the frequency analysis, and when the peak is present, it is determined that it is abnormal.

This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2017/026040, filed Jul. 19, 2017, which claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2016-154748 filed Aug. 5, 2016, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Field of the Invention
The disclosure relates to a method and a device that diagnose an abnormality of a feed axis, in a machine such as a machine tool including the feed axis by a ball screw.
Background Art
In a feed axis of a machine tool, a system that transmits rotational motion of a motor to a ball screw for a linear drive is often used. However, in a machine operated for several years, an accuracy failure, an abnormal noise, and the like possibly occur due to a preload loss by abrasion and a damage by entrance of foreign matter, a lubrication failure, or the like. In such a state, a trouble, such as a shape defect, a failure in a pick feed direction, and the like of a workpiece, occurs. Accordingly, it is preferable that machine components such as the ball screw, a bearing, and a linear guide that constitute the feed axis are replaced before deterioration or a damage occurs to generate the trouble.
To know a state of the machine component, it has been proposed that various diagnostic methods such as a method that detects and diagnoses vibration of the ball screw, the bearing, and the linear guide by a vibration sensor, and a method that measures positioning accuracy with a displacement sensor internally disposed. However, in these methods, it is necessary to additionally add a sensor near a site desired to be diagnosed, thus causing a cost increase. Since parts that possibly break down increase, there is also a problem to lead to increase of a breakdown risk.
Therefore, a method that performs the diagnosis using servo information used for control without an additional sensor for diagnosis has been proposed. As a method that determines an abnormality of a reducer, Japanese Patent No. 4112594 proposes a method that performs a frequency analysis on an estimated disturbance value and a torque command in the control to compare spectra in the frequency corresponding to an integral multiple of a rotation frequency of an axis. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-68950 proposes a method that, in a machine driven by a motor, performs Fourier transformation on a torque command value, obtains and indicates a spectrum, and focuses on the number of rotations when the motor is rotating and a spectrum in a higher mode caused by the number of rotations to confirm a damage of the machine.

Abnormality diagnostic method for feed axis and abnormality diagnostic device for the same


A method comprising introducing an organometallic precursor according to a first set of conditions in the presence of a substrate; introducing the organometallic precursor according to a different second set of conditions in the presence of the substrate; and forming a layer comprising a moiety of the organometallic precursor on the substrate according to an atomic layer deposition process. A system comprising a computing device comprising a microprocessor, the microprocessor coupled to a printed circuit board, the microprocessor comprising a substrate having a plurality of circuit devices with electrical connections made to the plurality of circuit devices through interconnect structures formed in a plurality of dielectric layers formed on the substrate and each of the plurality of interconnect structures separated from the plurality of dielectric layers by a barrier layer formed according to an atomic layer deposition process.

1. Field
Integrated circuit processing.
2. Description of Related Art
Modern integrated circuits use conductive interconnections to connect the individual devices on a chip or to send and/or receive signals external to the device(s). Common types of interconnections include copper and copper alloy interconnections (lines) coupled to individual devices, including other interconnections (lines) by interconnections through vias.
A typical method of forming an interconnection, particularly a copper interconnection, is a damascene process. A typical damascene process involves forming a via and an overlying trench in a dielectric to an underlying circuit device, such as a transistor or an interconnection. The via and trench are then lined with a barrier layer of a refractory material, such as titanium nitride (TiN), tungsten nitride (WN), tantalum (Ta), or tantalum nitride (TaN). The barrier layer serves, in one aspect, to inhibit the diffusion of the interconnection material that will subsequently be introduced in the via and trench into the dielectric. Next, an adhesion layer may be formed on the barrier layer to improve the adhesion of a subsequently formed conductive interconnection to the barrier layer or the via and/or trench. Suitable materials for an adhesion layer include titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta) and ruthenium (Ru). Next, a suitable seed material is deposited on the wall or walls of the via and trench. Suitable seed materials for the deposition of copper interconnection material include copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and ruthenium (Ru). Next, interconnection material, such as copper, is introduced by electroplating or physical deposition in a sufficient amount to fill the via and trench and complete the interconnect structure. Once introduced, the interconnection structure may be planarized and a dielectric material (including an interlayer dielectric material) introduced over the interconnection structure to suitably isolate the structure.
Currently, barrier layer and adhesion layer formation is conducted by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Where both barrier layer and adhesion layer are formed, the formation generally requires separate tools (or separate chambers). Thus, a wafer must be removed from one chamber and placed in another chamber which adds additional complexity and contamination risks to the formation process.
In addition, as via and trench widths become smaller, the conductivity and fill ability of an interconnection may be changed. For example, PVD deposition of a barrier layer into a narrow via or trench is typically not conformal (e.g. uniform thickness of the via or trench). In addition, an overhang of the PVD-deposited material at an opening of the via or trench may pinch-off the via or trench and inhibit the ability to fill the via or trench with conductive material.

Direct tailoring of the composition and density of ALD films


A green power demand management device includes: a power meter which receives power from a power distribution system with a plurality of power generating units, and supplies a received power to a first appliance; a receiver which receives energy mixture information showing a power generation proportion among each power generating unit, a measuring unit which measures electric energy consumed by the first appliance, a setting unit which sets a first threshold, and an operating state control manager which uses an intensity conversion table including emission intensities each representing an amount of an environmental load material emitted by each power generating unit, obtains a second threshold by dividing the first threshold by sum total of the emission intensity of each power generating unit weighted by the proportion, and controls the first appliance so that electric energy consumption of the first appliance is equal to or smaller than the second threshold.

A power company generates power by a plurality of power generating units such as nuclear power plant, natural gas thermal power plant, oil thermal power plant, coal thermal power plant, hydraulic power plant, solar power plant, wind power plant, biomass power plant, geothermal power plant, wave power plant, ocean thermal energy conversion power plant, tidal power plant, and tidal current power plant. The power generated by the above power generating units is classified broadly into two types: green power generated by a method emitting a small amount of carbon dioxide; and non-green power generated by a method emitting a great amount of carbon dioxide. The two types of power is mixed and supplied to customers.
It is expected that customers will be more conscious about the reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide emission, and customers are encouraged to use green power in their energy-consuming appliances. However, the supply of green power is limited, and thus it is difficult to completely satisfy the power demand of customer appliances only with green power.
Further, in the future, demand response will be introduced to control the power consumption of each appliance based on the information of power supplied by a power system. In order to implement this demand response, it is necessary to increase the acceptability of power consumers by carefully controlling the operation mode etc. of each appliance, which is because the acceptability of power consumers may possibly be reduced if the power supplied to each appliance is merely turned ON/OFF.


Compositions comprising keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) polypeptides and methods of using the same are described. The KGF polypeptides of the present invention display enhanced bioactivity relative to full-length KGF163. Accordingly, the KGF polypeptides of the present invention may be used in compositions in lesser amounts than would be necessary using KGF163.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) belongs to the family of fibroblast growth factors ("FGFs"), the prototypes of which are represented by basic FGF and acidic FGF. KGF is also known as FGF-7. KGF, like FGFs, binds heparin and is generally capable of stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of a variety of cell types derived from the primary or secondary mesoderm as well as from neuroectoderm. For example, KGF, like FGFs, has the ability to induce the differentiation and proliferation of ventral as well as dorsal mesoderm in early blastulae. See, e.g., Gospodarowicz et. al. Cell. Biol. Rev. (1991) 25:307-314; and Basilico et al. Adv. Cancer Res. (1992) 59:115-165.
Like other FGFs, KGF is a heparin-binding protein, but unlike other FGFs, it has a unique target cell specificity. Particularly, KGF is similar to other FGFs in its ability to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation, but is dissimilar to other FGFs in its inability to stimulate endothelial cells or fibroblast proliferation. See, e.g., Finch, et. al. Science (1989) 245: 752-755. Mature, full-length KGF, designated herein as KGF163, is a polypeptide with 163 amino acid residues, and possesses a potential N-glycosylation site that extends from amino acid residue 14 to 16 at the N-terminus. Finch, et. al. Science (1989) 245: 752-755.
Ron et al. J. Biol. Chem. (1993) 268:2984-2988 found that when KGF163 was expressed in a prokaryotic expression system, a recombinant KGF ("rKGF") polypeptide could be obtained that possessed mitogenic activity. When the rKGF molecule was truncated by deletion of 3, 8, 27, 38, and 48 amino acid residues from the N-terminus of the mature KGF163 polypeptide, biological activity of the resulting molecules varied. With deletion of 3 and 8 amino acid residues, respectively, the mitogenic activity of the resulting molecules did not appear to be affected as compared to full-length rKGF. Deletion of 27 amino acid residues, however, resulted in molecules that displayed 10-20 fold reduced mitogenic activity. Deletion of 38 and 48 amino acid residues, respectively, resulted in complete loss of mitogenic activity and heparin-binding ability. Ron et al., however, failed to produce any truncated rKGF fragments that possessed increased mitogenic activity as compared to the full-length rKGF molecule.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,677,278, 5,773,586, 5,843,883, 5,863,767 and 6,074,848, all to Gospodarowicz et al., describe KGF molecules. One particular molecule, with an N-terminal deletion of 23 amino acid residues, termed KGFdes1-23, demonstrates enhanced mitogenic activity as compared to mature, full-length recombinant KGF163.
Osslund et al. Protein Sci. (1998) 7:1681-1690 reports various N-terminal truncated KGF molecules and certain measurements of their mitogenic activity. Similarly, International Publications WO 96/11951 and WO 96/11949 describe KGF molecules with various N-terminal truncations and amino acid substitutions.


Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) are provided, particularly recognizing human and mouse TGF-β3, particularly antibodies and fragments that do not recognize or bind TGF-β1 or TGF-β2. Particular antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-β3. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-β3, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens. The anti-TGF-β3 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. Antibodies of this type are exemplified by the novel antibodies hereof, including antibody MTGF-β3-9, MTGF-β3-12, MTGF-β3-16, MTGF-β3-17 and MTGF-β3-19, whose sequences are provided herein.

The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family forms a group of three isoforms, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3, with their structure formed by interrelated dimeric polypeptide chains. Pleiotropic and redundant functions of the TGF-β family relate to control of numerous aspects and effects of cell functions in all tissues of the human body, including aspects of proliferation, differentiation, and migration (Poniatowski L A, et al, 2015, Mediators Inflamm, 2015; 137823). Although the isoforms are similar in sequence (TGF-β3 active domain shares 86% similarity with TGF-β1 and 91% with TGF-β2), protein crystal structure and NMR studies have shown that TGF-133 active domain structure is different from TGF-β1. Comparison of the TGF-β3 with the structure of TGF-β2 (Schlunegger M P, Grüter M G, 1992, Nature 358:430-434; Daopin S, Piez K A, Ogawa Y, Davies D R, 1992, Science 257:369-373) reveals a virtually identical central core. Differences exist in the conformations of the N-terminal alpha-helix and in the beta-sheet loops (Mittl P R1, Priestle J P, Cox D A, McMaster G, Cerletti N, Grüter M G, 1996, Protein Science July 5 (7): 1261-1271).
In most cells, three types of cell surface proteins mediate TGF-β signaling: TGF-β receptor I (TβRI), II (TβRII) and III (TβRIII) (Cheifetz S, Like B, Massagué J, J Biol Chem. 1986 Jul. 25; 261(21):9972-8). Bioactive forms of TGF-βs are dimers held together by hydrophobic interactions and, in most cases, by an intersubunit disulfide bond as well. The dimeric structure of these ligands suggests that they function by bringing together pairs of type I and II receptors, forming heterotetrameric receptor complexes (Sun P D, Davies D R, Annu Rev Biophys Biomol Struct. 1995; 24:269-91). Binding of TGF-β to extracellular domains of both receptors also induces proper conformation of the intracellular kinase domains. These receptors are subject to reversible post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and sumoylation) that regulate stability and availability of receptors as well as SMAD and non-SMAD pathway activation.
Receptor phosphorylation activates the TGF-β signaling pathway the ligand binds to TβRII first, followed by subsequent phosphorylation of a Gly-Ser regulatory region (GS-domain) within TβRI. This leads to incorporation of TβRI and formation of a large ligand-receptor complex that consists of dimeric TGF-β ligand and two pairs of TβRI and TβRII (Shi Y, Massague J, Cell. 2003 Jun. 13; 113(6):685-700). TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 bind to TβRII without participation of type I receptor, whereas TGF-β2 interacts only with combination of both receptors (Derynck R, Feng X H, Biochim Biophys Acta. 1997 Oct. 24; 1333(2):F105-50). It has been observed that different ligand/receptor engagements of the TGF-β family may contribute to qualitative and quantitative differences in signaling events and biological outcomes (Hart P J et al Nat Struct Biol 2002 9(3):203-208). Furthermore, temporal-spatial expression of some of the TGF-β isoforms in embryogenesis is very different, indicating uncompensated, non-overlapping functions throughout development (Akhurst R J et al Development 1990 110(2):445-460).
Overexpression of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is frequently associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis in animal models of cancer and cancer patients (Donkor M K et al., 2012, Oncolmmunology, 1(2):162-171). Members of the TGF-β family are potent regulatory cytokines that affect multiple cell types of the immune system mediating pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses. The effect of TGF-β on T-cells is highly versatile. In concert with other soluble factors, it controls the maturation, differentiation and activity of various T cell subsets that either prevent or actuate infections, graft-versus-host reactions, immune diseases, and cancer formation (Schon H T et al., 2014, Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr, 2014, Dec. 3(6):386-406).
Studies have demonstrated that blockade of TGF-β, using mouse TGF-β generic antibody 1D11 (which recognizes TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3), synergistically enhances tumor vaccines in animal models via CD8+ T cells (Terabe M et al (2009) Clin Cancer Res 15:6560-6569; Takaku S et al (2010) Int J Cancer 126(7):1666). Also, TGFβ production by tumor cells and by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) present at tumor sites along with TGFβ immune suppressive activity at the tumor site implicates blocking TGFβ to enhance antigen uptake, presentation, and activation of antitumor immune response mediated by therapeutic vaccines.
Several publications show differences in melanoma-associated expression of TGF-β isoforms. Van Belle et al showed that TGF-β1 is expressed by some melanocytes and almost uniformly by nevi and melanomas while TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 were not detected in normal melanocytes but were found in nevi and in all forms of melanomas (early and advanced primary and metastatic melanomas) in a tumor progression related manner. They state that "TGF-β2 was heterogeneously expressed in advanced primary and metastatic melanomas whereas TGF-β3 was uniformly and highly expressed in these lesions" (P. Van Belle 1996 American J. of Pathology 148(6):1887-1894).
Also, TGF-β3 but not TGF-β1 immunostaining was reported to correlate in breast carcinomas with poor survival prognosis, and when combined with lymph node involvement, TGF-β3 was a highly significant prognostic factor for survival (Ghellal A1 2000 Anticancer Res 20: 4413). Moreover, plasma levels of TGF-β3 and complexes of TGF-β3 and its receptor CD105 (TGF-β3-CD105) were significantly elevated in breast cancer patients with positive lymph nodes compared to those without node metastasis, and their levels correlated with lymph node status (Li C1 1998 Int. J. Cancer 79:455).
Particularly, studies have demonstrated TGF-β3's involvement in the following: contributing to epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT); elevated TGF-β3 levels in breast cancer and prostate metastasis; and elevated levels of TGF-β3 detected in late stage tumors and aggressive tumors such as breast, prostate, and lung.
Thus, it is apparent that, by targeting specific isoforms of TGF-β, one could avoid damaging inflammatory consequences of blocking all isoforms of TGF-β. Moreover, the differential expression patterns of TGF-β isoforms in different cancer types gives researchers a unique opportunity to target cancer cells more specifically and with greater efficacy. There is an unmet need in the field to generate therapeutic TGF-β antibodies against its isoforms, including particularly against TGF-β3. In addition, the tools developed for recognizing different TGF-β isoforms are powerful diagnostic and prognostic sources. The present invention addresses such unmet needs in the field and particularly with regard to TGF-β3.
The citation of references herein shall not be construed as an admission that such is prior art to the present invention.

TGF-β3 specific antibodies and methods and uses thereof

Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Ltd.


A device, medium and method for de-blending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes receiving blended seismic data, wherein the blended seismic data includes traces having energies from two or more different shots that partially overlap; applying an apex-shifted radon transform (ASRT) to the blended seismic data to transform it from a first domain to a second domain; applying a mute processing for removing all shots except a first shot in the second domain; applying a reverse ASRT to the given shot to obtain the first shot in the first domain; and generating an image of the subsurface based on the first shot in the first domain. The procedure may be iteratively repeated to separate all shots.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to methods and systems for generating, acquiring and processing seismic data and, more particularly, to mechanisms and techniques for de-blending recorded seismic data generated by simultaneously activated plural seismic sources.
2. Discussion of the Background
Seismic data acquisition and processing may be used to generate a profile (image) of geophysical structures under the ground (subsurface). While this profile does not provide an accurate location for oil and gas reservoirs, it suggests, to those trained in the field, the presence or absence of such reservoirs. Thus, providing a high-resolution image of the subsurface is important, for example, to those who need to determine where the oil and gas reservoirs are located.
In the past, conventional land seismic acquisition generally employed multiple vibrators (seismic sources) acting one at a time. In land-based operations, the vibrators are positioned at a source location and then actuated. Once activated, the vibrators generate a sweep that typically lasts between five and twenty seconds and typically spans a predetermined range of frequencies. A recording system that is connected to a plurality of receivers, typically geophones for land-based seismic exploration, is employed to receive and record the response data. For reflection seismology, the record length is typically set to equal the sweep length plus a listen time equal to the two-way travel time, which is the time required for the seismic energy to propagate from the source through the earth to the deepest reflector of interest and back to the receiver. The vibrators are then moved to a new source location and the process is repeated.
For marine seismic acquisition, traditionally, a vessel tows plural streamers having multiple seismic receivers configured to record seismic data. The vessel also tows a seismic source that imparts energy into the water. The seismic energy travels toward the subsurface and is partially reflected back to the sea surface. The seismic recorders record the reflected seismic waves.
When the source (either land source or marine source) is fired, a subsequent recording time is delayed with a delay time so that all useful reflected/diffracted energies are recorded before the next shot is fired. This delay time imposes constraints on the acquisition rate (i.e., slows down the acquisition process) and, hence, increases the cost of acquisition.
To reduce the acquisition time, to increase the shot density, or to increase the illumination of subsurface, it is possible to simultaneously shoot two or more sources. Acquisition of simultaneous source data means that the signals from two or more sources interfere at least for part of the record. By acquiring data in this way, the time taken to shoot a dataset is reduced along with the acquisition costs. As an alternative to reducing the acquisition time, a higher density dataset may be acquired in the same time. For such data to be useful, it is necessary to develop processing algorithms to handle source interference (cross-talk noise).
Source interference appears because subsurface reflections from an early source excitation may be comingled with those that have been sourced later, i.e., a "blended source" survey is acquired. Note that this is in contrast to conventional surveying techniques (discussed above), wherein the returning subsurface reflections from one source are not allowed to overlap with the reflections of another source. Although the blended-source approach has the potential to reduce the time in the field, thereby reducing the cost of the survey, one problem is that it can be difficult to separate the individual shots thereafter. In other words, what is needed in interpreting seismic data is the depth of each reflector, and the depth of a reflector is determined by reference to its two-way seismic travel time. Thus, in a multiple-source survey it is the goal to determine which of the observed subsurface reflections is associated with each source, i.e., to de-blend the data; otherwise, its two-wave travel time cannot be reliably determined.
In this regard, FIG. 1A shows sources being actuated at different spatial positions 10, 12 and 14 with a delay time such that the recorded wavelets 10a-c corresponding to spatial position 10 do not interfere (in time) with wavelets 12a-c corresponding to spatial position 12. The signal recorded at the receiver can be considered as a continuous recording (16) or separated to form regular seismic traces for each individual shot as shown in FIG. 1B. The traces illustrated in FIG. 1B form a receiver gather 20. Each trace in the receiver gather 20 relates to a different shot and has a different position on axis X, and each wavelet has a different time on a temporal axis t.
FIG. 2A shows a similar source configuration as in FIG. 1A, but now the sources are simultaneously activated so that, for example, the wavelet 10c might be superposed (in time) with the wavelet 12a. FIG. 2B shows the receiver gather 30 formed though pseudo-de-blending. Pseudo-deblending involves forming regular seismic traces from the continuous recording based on the start time of the actuation of each shot with no attempt to mitigate cross-talk noise. The data of FIG. 2B has been shot in less time than the data in FIG. 1B, but cross-talk 32 is observed and noise on one trace is signal on another trace.
Thus, for the gather 30 in FIG. 2B, it is necessary to separate the energy associated with each source (de-blend) as a preprocessing step, and then to proceed with conventional processing tools.
Various processing tools for de-blending seismic data are known in the art. However, most of these processing tools involve shot coordinates, either directly or through offset and azimuth. This is a problem because in simultaneous source acquisition, each trace has several shot locations. Simple replication of traces for different shots allows conventional processing but at the cost of undesired energy in the form of leaking noise. Some processes in the seismic sequence are robust enough to handle this noise but some others seem to require a de-blending up-front. Experience on this problem is quite limited, but it is believed that the separation does not need to be perfect, just like noise attenuation is never perfect. In fact the separation may probably only be required in an initial state for noise attenuation and velocity analysis and could probably be reverted before final migration.
Thus, there is a need to develop a method capable of processing blended seismic data while not being limited as noted above.

Device and method for de-blending simultaneous shooting data with apex shifted radon transform


An image forming apparatus includes a chassis, an image forming section, a fan, a circuit board, and a first cooling air channel. The chassis includes a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The image forming section is arranged in an internal space formed between the first surface and the second surface of the chassis and performs an image forming process on a sheet. The fan is arranged between the first surface and the image forming section and is rotationally driven to cause an airflow to flow into the internal space. The circuit board is vertically arranged between the second surface and the image forming section. The first cooling air channel is arranged in the internal space and sends the airflow toward the circuit board.

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming process on a sheet and, in particular, to an image forming apparatus having a cooling air channel that cools the interior of the apparatus.
An image forming apparatus has various components, members, and devices that include such components or members, which act as heat sources. Examples of thereof include a power substrate mounted with a power semiconductor element and a fixing device that performs a fixing process on a sheet onto which a toner image has been transferred. In order to discharge heat generated by these heat source devices to the outside, the image forming apparatus is provided with a air duct.
Generally, a fan is attached to an end of the aforementioned duct in order to promote heat discharge. By activating the fan, an airflow is generated within the duct and warm air inside the apparatus is discharged to the outside by the airflow. Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is known which divides an airflow caused by an intake operation of the fan into a flow in a direction of a fixing section and a flow in a direction of a power-supply unit.
In the conventional art described above, a heat source device such as the power-supply unit and a control substrate is arranged approximately horizontally inside a main body of the apparatus and a fan is arranged adjacent to a heat source device. When various substrates are arranged approximately horizontally in an internal space of the apparatus main body in this manner, a space in a height direction of the apparatus main body becomes individually occupied. In addition, since arranging a fan arranged adjacent to a heat source device limits an arrangement space of the fan, a small-size fan tends to be selected. In this case, there is a problem in that rotating a small-size fan at high speed in order to generate an airflow results in generating noise.
The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problem described above and an object of the present disclosure is to reduce noise caused by a fan that generates an airflow inside an apparatus.

Image forming apparatus with cooling air channels arranged in an internal space of the image forming apparatus


A process for separating the components of lignocellulosic biomass for the purpose of producing a pure reactive cellulose is disclosed. The process has two stages. In the first stage, the lignocellulosic biomass is pretreated with steam, with or without an acid catalyst, and then pressed, with or without the presence of an eluent, to remove hemicellulose and other impurities. In the second stage, the pretreated biomass is extracted with a solvent such as ethanol with or without acid catalysts in order to remove lignin and release a purified cellulose stream. The extracted cellulose is then rapidly decompressed to rupture the fibrous structure. The process provides a purified cellulose stream that is relatively easy to hydrolyze with enzymes and ferment to biofuels and other chemicals such as ethanol.

There is a growing demand for transportation fuels made from renewable feedstocks. These renewable fuels displace fossil fuels resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, along with other benefits.
In North America fuel ethanol is the major transportation fuel. The feedstock for fuel ethanol in North America is primarily corn. Corn contains starch which is hydrolysed to glucose and then fermented to ethanol. In other countries, such as Brazil, fuel ethanol is made by fermenting the sugar in sugar cane. It is advantageous to have an additional source of sugars like glucose to make additional Biofuels.
At the other end of the spectrum of difficulty is cellulose. Cellulose is one of the most abundant organic materials on earth. It is present in many forms of biomass, including agricultural residues like corn Stover and corncobs, woody residues and other plant materials. Cellulose is a polymer of glucose, as is starch.
This invention is specifically targeting the highest lignin content materials to produce pure reactive cellulose of value on its own or as a feedstock that is easily hydrolysed to glucose and subsequently fermented to valuable product such as biofuels. Purified cellulose components are valuable for many purposes. Specifically, when purified, it may be more easily hydrolysed to glucose, which in turn may be more easily fermented to ethanol than in previous processes.
Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of three primary polymers that make up plant cell walls: Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose fibers are locked into a rigid structure of hemicellulose and lignin. Lignin and hemicelluloses form chemically linked complexes that bind water soluble hemicelluloses into a three dimensional array, cemented together by lignin. Lignin covers the cellulose microfibrils and protects them from enzymatic and chemical degradation. These polymers provide plant cell walls with strength and resistance to degradation, which makes lignocellulosic biomass a challenge to use as substrate for biofuel production.
Among the potential lignocellulosic feedstocks there is a range of lignin contents. Corncobs have a low lignin content (6%-8%), while woody crops have a medium lignin content of 10%-15%. Wood residues have even higher lignin content (20% to 30%)
Cellulose or β-1-4-glucan is a linear polysaccharide polymer of glucose made of cellobiose units. The cellulose chains are packed by hydrogen bonds in microfibrils. These fibrils are attached to each other by hemicelluloses, amorphous polymers of different sugars and covered by lignin. Hemicellulose is a physical barrier which surrounds the cellulose fibers and protects cellulose against degradation. Lignin is a very complex molecule constructed of phenylpropane units linked in a three dimensional structure which is particularly difficult to biodegrade. Lignin is the most recalcitrant component of the plant cell wall. There are chemical bonds between lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose polymers. Thus, it is desirable to use a lignocellulosic feedstock which is low in hemicellulose and lignin. There is evidence that the higher the proportion of lignin, the higher the resistance to chemical and biological hydrolysis. Pretreatment methods for the production of fermentable sugars from Miscanthus showed the existence of an inverse relationship between lignin content and the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of sugars based polymers. Lignocellulosic microfibrils are associated in the form of macrofibrils. This complicated structure and the presence of lignin provide plant cell walls with strength and resistance to degradation, which also makes these materials a challenge to use as substrates for biofuel and bioproduct production. Thus, proper preparation and pretreatment is necessary to produce cellulose that is relatively pure and reacts well with catalyst such as enzymes.
The best method and conditions of pretreatment will vary and depend greatly on the type of lignocellulosic material used. Cellulose-lignin ratio is the main factor. Other parameters to consider are cellulose accessible surface area, degree of polymerization, crystallinity and degree of acetylation of hemicelluloses. An effective pretreatment should meet the following requirements: (a) production of pure reactive cellulosic fiber e.g. susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis, (b) avoiding destruction of cellulose and hemicelluloses, and (c) avoiding formation of possible inhibitors for hydrolytic enzymes and fermenting microorganisms.
Several methods have been investigated for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials to produce reactive cellulose. These methods are classified into physical pretreatments, biological pretreatments and physicochemical pretreatments. Physical and biological methods alone are not sufficient. Pretreatments that combine both chemical and physical processes are referred to as physicochemical processes. These methods are among the most effective and include the most promising processes for industrial applications. Lignin removal and hemicellulose hydrolysis are often nearly complete. Increase in cellulose surface area, decrease in cellulose degrees of polymerization and crystallinity greatly increase overall cellulose reactivity. Treatment rates are usually rapid. The steam explosion process is well documented. Batch and continuous processes were tested at laboratory and pilot scale by several research groups and companies. In steam explosion pretreatment, high pressure and hence high temperatures are used i.e. 160° C. to 260° C. for 1 min to 20 min. The pressure is suddenly reduced, which explosive decompression leads to an explosive decomposition of the materials, leading to defibrization of the lignocellulosic fibers.
Steam explosion pretreatment was successfully applied on a wide range of lignocellulosic biomasses with or without chemical addition. Acetic acid, dilute sulfuric acid, or sulfur dioxide are the most commonly used chemicals. In the autohydrolysis process, no acid is added as the biomass has a hemicellulose that is high in acetyl groups that are released to form acetic acid during the steaming process. The degree of acetylation of hemicelluloses varies among different sources of biomass. The pretreatment is not very effective in dissolving lignin, but it does disrupt the lignin structure and increases the cellulose's susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis.
The use of liquid ammonia instead of dilute acid effectively reduces the lignin fraction of the lignocellulosic materials. However, during ammonia fiber explosion pretreatment (AFEX) a part of the phenolic fragments of lignin and other cell wall extractives remain on the cellulosic surface. AFEX pretreatment does not significantly solubilize hemicellulose if compared to dilute-acid pretreatment. Consequently, hemicellulose and cellulose fractions remain intact and cannot be separated in solid and liquid streams. Furthermore, ammonia must be recycled after the pretreatment in order to reduce cost and protect the environment.
In the Organosolv process, lignocellulose is mixed with a mixture of organic solvents and water and heated to dissolve the lignin and part of the hemicellulose, leaving reactive cellulose in the solid phase. A variety of organic solvents such as alcohols, esters, ketones, glycols, organic acids, phenols, and ethers have been used. For economic reasons, the use of low-molecular-weight alcohols such as ethanol and methanol has been favored. A drawback of the Organolsolv process is the presence of hemicellulose with the lignin. An extensive overview of prior art organosolv processes is given in "Organosolv pulping"—A review and distillation study related to peroxyacid pulping".
In the process patented by Paszner and Chang, lignocellulosic biomass is saccharified to convert pentosans and hexosans to sugars by cooking under pressure at from 180° C. to 220° C. with acetone water solvent mixture carrying from 0.05 to 0.25% by weight of acid. Whole woody material is nearly dissolved by the process yielding mixed pentoses and hexoses. Hence, delignified pulp is hydrolyzed to glucose monomers that have to be recovered from the liquor.
The Alcell pulping process and further process developments have been applied with success on woody biomass. The problem with these processes is that they result in combined hemicellulose and lignin streams i.e. black liquor that is hard to separate afterwards. Lignin is precipitated from a black liquor produced by pulping wood at high temperatures and pressures with an aqueous lower aliphatic alcohol solvent i.e. lignin is precipitated by diluting the black liquor with water and an acid to form a solution with a pH of less than 3 and an alcohol content of less than 30%.
Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is projected to be the single, most expensive processing step, representing about 20% of the total cost (65). In addition, the pretreatment type and conditions will have an impact on all other major operations in the overall conversion process from choice of feedstock through to size reduction, hydrolysis, and fermentation as well as on to product recovery, residue processing, and co-product potential. A number of different pretreatments involving biological, chemical, physical, and thermal approaches have been investigated over the years, but only those that employ chemicals currently offer the high yields and low costs vital to economic success. Among the most promising are pretreatments using a combination of dilute acid- or sulfur dioxide-catalyzed steam explosion and low molecular weight alcohols.

Separation of reactive cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass with high lignin content


A gelling agent for hydrophobic organic liquids, such as mineral oil, comprising the reaction product of an organic poly-oxo-aluminum salt of a fatty acid and an organic reactant, particularly reactants having hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, in solid form. Preferably, the agent also contains an agent for reducing the settling or agglomeration of the gelling agent, such as particulate silicic acid or caoutchouc.

Hydrophobic organic liquids, such as mineral oil or the like, are frequently used as impregnating agents, because of their water-repellant and electrically insulating properties, for example for paper-insulated electrical cable, and/or as a filler material, for example in cable connections, electrical transformers and the like. In this connection, it is particularly advantageous that the liquid state of aggregation makes it possible to completely fill a given space without leaving cavities which can be deleterious, particularly in electrical installations. Furthermore, it is an advantage that many hydrophobic organic liquids have the property to creep even into smallest interstices. On the other hand, the use of a liquid as an impregnating or filling material requires a complete tightness of the enclosure into which the liquid is filled. This requirement often creates difficulties in practice. To circumvent these difficulties, it is known in the art to employ liquids which are solid at normal temperature and accordingly must be employed at elevated temperatures. In practical application, it is inconvenient to work at elevated temperatures and to provide therefore corresponding heating devices. Upon cooling-down, the liquid transforms into a solid mass which is no longer or still only slightly deformable; this is undesirable in several cases. Therefore, the use of industrial gelling agents has been reported which are added to the liquid and after a certain time form with the latter a gel which no longer can flow out through leaks and remains deformable. Known gelling agents of this kind contain organic aluminum compounds, particularly poly-oxo-aluminum compounds, which react with hydroxyl or carboxyl groups to form a thixotropic gel. In this manner, for instance, paints are provided with a, typically, desirable thixotropic property. Poly-oxo-aluminum compounds of the kind indicated are distributed, for instance, by the British company Manchem Ltd.
Frequently, hydrophobic organic liquids, particularly mineral oil or the like, do not comprise hydroxyl or carboxyl groups so that the gelling agents cannot react directly with these liquids. This is particularly true in electrical applications because impregnating and filling materials used therein do not contain, as a rule, hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. In such cases, therefore, a reactant, mostly in the form of a liquid, which contains the groups necessary for the gelling reaction were added upon the addition of the organic aluminum compound. For example, solvents which contain hydroxyl or carboxyl groups are suitable as a reactant. In a practical application, it is inconvenient to additionally add the reactant. Also, quantity errors may easily occur. Added thereto is the difficulty that the organic aluminum compounds react very strongly with moisture and thus must be stored and shipped under an air-tight seal and must be handled with great care.
In the course of the gelling reaction, the reactive groups of the reactant are converted into electrically unobjectionable compounds, whereby the insulating properites of the liquid improve gradually to an original value. This can be observed from the increase of the dielectric loss factor which can be easily measured. Normally, it will last several days until the electrical insulating properties of the gelled liquid have improved to the point where an operational electrical load is again possible. This long waiting time until the respective devices are put into operation is very inconvenient and causes considerable cost and time.
It is thus the object of the invention to provide an industrial gelling agent, particularly for electrical applications, which is more conveniently applicable and makes possible a reduction in the aforedescribed waiting times.

Industrial gelling agent for hydrophobic organic liquids

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


Acrylic hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive compositions having a good balance of tack, peel and creep resistance at ambient temperature combined with optical clarity and desirable melt viscosity at elevated temperatures are prepared by copolymerizing acrylic and methacrylic alkyl esters of a non-tertiary alcohol or optionally acids with polymerizable poly methacrylate based macromonomers. The resulting acrylic copolymer has a graft or comb structure in which the acrylic backbone has a low Tg and the pendant macromonomer side chains have a Tg above room temperature.. Compounding these acrylic copolymers with tackifiers and plasticizers dramatically improves the balance of pressure sensitive adhesive properties while lowering melt viscosity into a desirable range. The invention provides significant property enhancements even for acrylic copolymers having poor initial peel and shear adhesive properties. Preferably, the acrylic backbone is tailored by judicious selection of acrylic comonomers to allow compounding with several high performance hydrogenated tackifiers and plasticizers that provide water white and clear adhesive formulations while ensuring long term color stability, weatherability and general durability.

Acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) have emerged as the product of choice in a variety of end-use applications where color, clarity, permanency, weatherability, versatility of adhesion, or the chemical characteristics of an all acrylic polymer is required. These applications include a variety of consumer, packaging, industrial and health care tapes, paper and film labels, decals, fleet markings/bumper stickers, and the like.
Acrylic PSAs have traditionally been prepared in and subsequently coated from an assortment of hydrocarbon solvents. Aqueous emulsion acrylics have been recognized in recent years as an environmentally safe alternative to solvent-born systems.
Product evolution of acrylic PSA technology has been toward higher solids and a 100% solids hot melt system. Elimination of the carrier has several economic benefits to the adhesive converter including lower energy and conversion costs, increased line speeds and production rates, as well as eliminating any adverse effects of organic solvents.
Given the desirable characteristics of hot melt technology, there has been ongoing interest in developing acrylic hot melt PSAs having the requisite four fold balance of adhesion, cohesion, strechiness and elasticity. The desire to maintain this balance of properties makes it extremely difficult to improve cohesive or internal strength without compromising processability or even the overall pressure sensitivity of the entire system. With acrylic adhesives, long term color stability, weatherability and durability are also important product characteristics.
Early attempts to produce acrylic hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives involved blends of polyacrylates and polymethacrylates having carefully selected compatibility characteristics. These initial blends were found to have a limited service temperature and deficiencies in cohesive strength. Bartman, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,638 and U.S Pat. No. 4,423,182 discloses an ionomeric acrylic hot melt PSA system comprising a polymer containing carboxylic acid, a miscible metal salt, and an o-methoxy-substituted aryl acid. While significant improvements in cohesive properties were reported for the acrylic ionomers two problems existed in controlling the ionomeric interactions at processing temperatures, resulting in unstable melt viscosities and limited commercial utility.
Until recently, prior art relating to acrylic graft or comb polymers was restricted to non-pressure sensitive adhesive end-uses. The preparation of styrenic based macromonomers and their copolymerization with acrylates is described by Milkovich et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,116. That patent teaches the use of this technology for acrylic thermoplastic rubber applications and not acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives requiring the four fold balance of properties. Schlademan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,388, Husman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4.554,324 and European Patent Application Serial No. 104,046 discuss the use of macromonomers with acrylic comonomers in acrylic hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive compositions. While the Schlademen patent focused on the use of styrenic macromonomers, the Husman patent extended the concept to include acrylic PSA compositions based on poly (methyl methacrylate) macromonomers. Schlademan, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,213, disclosed that compounding acrylic graft copolymers improves properties but indicated it was essential to have styrenic pendant macromonomer side chains. In addition, only partially hydrogenated rosin ester tackifiers having yellow color were illustrated which would compromise water white color, weatherability and durability features normally associated with high performance acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives.
Finally, since styrenic polymers are known to undergo UV degradation, the macromonomer side chain may also contribute to a deterioration of properties in applications requiring long term outdoor exposure.
Sunagawa et al in Kokai Pat. No. 56[1981]-59882 discloses the preparation and use of acrylic graft copolymers as pressure sensitive adhesives whereas the graft copolymer is synthesized by reacting functional groups along a low Tg main acrylic copolymer with functional groups along a modifying copolymer of higher Tg. However the resulting acrylic graft copolymers were not identified as hot melt candidates nor was it disclosed that compounding improved the balance of pressure sensitive adhesive properties.


High pressure gas cutting process useful for drilling large numbers of holes in large surface area workpieces such as air frame components and the like. The procedure utilizes a cutting tool which has an internal fluid passageway extending through the shank portion thereof and terminating in at least one discharge port adjacent a cutting edge of the tool. As the cutting tool is rotated and advanced into the workpiece in the course of the cutting operation, a high pressure gas is supplied into the cutting tool passageway under an applied pressure of at least 500 psia. The gas, which may be an inert gas such as nitrogen, is discharged from the cutting port into the tool with an expansive cooling effect. The gas then flows outwardly through the hole and exits the hole with sufficient velocity to entrain and remove the drill cuttings from the hole. A liquid lubricant can be employed to prolong the life of the cutting tool. The lubricant is present in such small portions as to avoid the buildup of an identifiable liquid phase within the hole. The cutting tool is operated at a cutting speed of at least 2,000 rpm and a penetration rate of no more than 1 mil per revolution of the tool.

In the manufacture of panels for use as air frame components in aircraft, space vehicles, missiles and the like it is commonly required that a large number of high precision holes be cut in a panel. The holes usually receive rivets, bolts or other fasteners to be used in fabrication. Oftentimes hundreds or even thousands of holes are cut in a workpiece at a given station. In order to form such holes, it is conventional practice to use high precision positive feed drilling devices which can be used to cut the holes rapidly, precisely and to a desired depth. Such drilling machines normally take the form of a drill head incorporating a positive feed threaded spindle which is used to both rotate and work and advance or retract a tool holder such as an arbor in which is secured a cutting tool such as a drill bit or reamer.
In order to dissipate heat and also remove cuttings from the work face at the confluence of the cutting tool and the workpiece, e.g. at the bottom of a hole being drilled by a drill bit, it is a conventional practice to employ a circulating fluid in conjunction with the cutting operation. The circulating fluid may be a gas or liquid and it may be applied to the work site through an attendant auxiliary nozzle or it may be applied to the work site through a supply passage extending through the cutting tool.
As noted previously, either gaseous or liquid circulating fluids can be used. In most highly repetitive cutting applications such as in the drilling of holes in air frame components, it has been the general practice to use a liquid circulating fluid. The use of a liquid provides for good cooling of the bit by heat transfer to the liquid medium as well as good lubrication. However, gasses have been used in some cutting operations and it has also been proposed use a gaseous cutting fluid in which a lubricant is incorporated into the gas to form a mist.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,478,843 to Eckhardt and 3,577,808 to Visser et al. disclose the supply of a mist of a coolant and lubricant under applied air pressure to a work site through a nozzle. For example, the patent to Visser discloses supplying a cutting fluid, a mixture of a lubricant and a coolant or refrigerant, e.g. "Freon", into a pressurized air stream which directed by a nozzle against the tip of a drill bit as it penetrates a workpiece. U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,551 to Steward discloses the use of an evaporative coolant such as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, or trichlorotrifluorethane which is added to a commercially available cutting solution. The mixture is then applied under air pressure as a super coolant vapor mist to the confluence of the cutting tool and workpiece. Steward discloses high drilling speeds of 100 rpm.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,836 to Andersson discloses a rotary drill system in which the cutting tool is provided with an internal passage to which circulating fluid is supplied via a rotary swivel. The internal passageway terminates in two openings adjacent carbide cutting inserts at the end of the cutting tool. U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,652 discloses a cutting system in which a tap is provided with a central passageway for the circulation of coolant fluid.
The use of inert gases is disclosed in Japanese Patent 58-22609 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,924 to Runkle et al. In the Japanese patent, nitrogen gas under a pressure of 5 kg/cm.sup.2 (about 70 psi) is supplied to a core cutter. The core cutter is said to be cooled to a temperature of -20.degree. to +20.degree. C. The patent to Runkle et al discloses a procedure for reducing the oxygen concentration at the confluence of a nonoxide ceramic cutting tool and a workpiece by supplying concentric annular curtains of inert gas to the work face. The oxygen concentration in the work zone is reduced to 10% or less of ambient oxygen.