According to one embodiment, a relay device includes an address management module which executes processing of acquiring a first physical address assigned to the relay device based on a sink device, processing of acquiring a second physical address assigned to the relay device based on another sink device, determination processing of determining, in the case where it is determined that the command needs to be transmitted to the other sink device, whether to perform conversion of the physical address included in a parameter in the other sink device, and conversion processing of converting, in the case where it is determined that the conversion of the physical address is not performed in the other sink device, the physical address included in the parameter into a physical address based on the other sink device using the first and second physical addresses.

1. Field
One embodiment of the invention relates to a relay device and a relay method that relays transmission of a video stream.
2. Description of the Related Art
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard is now becoming widely used for transmission of a video signal and an audio signal between a television set and a recording device.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2008-35190 discloses a technique in which a display device requests a physical address for an external device on an HDMI network to acquire and manage a connection state between itself and the external device.
Further, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2008-34976 discloses a display system. In the display system, an audio-visual amplifier with a repeater function is connected to a display device having only one HDMI input terminal. The audio-visual amplifier has two HDMI input terminals and thereby serves as a relay device.
A conventional technique can only deal with a transmission (native) between devices on a transmission path B or a transmission (passthrough) through a device on the transmission B to a device on a transmission path A which is one-to-one connected to the device on the transmission B and cannot perform physical address conversion satisfactorily when a plurality of sink devices (TV set, etc.) exist. As a result, in the conventional technique, transmission path control and video stream transmission cannot be performed.


A method is disclosed for controlling anionic trash and pitch deposition and treating coated broke which comprises the step of adding a polyammonium quaternary to a pulp and papermaking system. The polyammonium quaternary, which may be either branched or crosslinked, comprises at least one cationic monomer, preferably diallyldimethylammonium chloride, and at least one branching or crosslinking monomer, preferably N,N,N-triallylamine or N,N,N-triallylamine hydrochloride.

Synthesis of PolyDADMACs
The synthesis of low to medium molecular weight cationic polyelectrolytes through cyclopolymerization of diallyldialkylammonium halides, particularly diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) is well known in the art, and these polymers have been used extensively as coagulants in many practical applications. Although a linear polymeric structure is normally prepared, various multi-functional vinyl monomers and synthetic procedures can be employed which lead to the branching or crosslinking of the polymer. Polymers which are branched maintain a discrete molecular identity with smaller polymeric segments emanating from the main polymeric chain. Crosslinked polymers have a connection between discrete polymer chains to form a network-type structure.
The following patents disclose various syntheses and applications of polyDADMACS:
Japanese Patent No. 90041528 discloses a method for the synthesis of water insoluble crosslinked polyDADMACs, useful as ion exchange resins. The crosslinked polyDADMACs are copolymers of 74/26 DADMAC/TAPD and 67/36 DADMAC/N,N'-dimethyl-N,N,N'N'-tetraallyl-2-butene-1,4-diammonium dichloride.
French Patent No. 1,494,438 discloses a composition and method of synthesizing a water soluble, highly crosslinked diallylammonium chloride composition, typically a water soluble, highly crosslinked polyDADMAC. The crosslinking agents used in this patent are triallylamine hydrochloride, methylene bisacrylamide and tetraallylammonium chloride. The composition is synthesized in solution form and is useful for electron conductive paper coating applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,079 discloses that copolymers of DADMAC and a monomer capable of post-crosslinking polymerization are useful as acid thickeners in oil well drilling and fracturing operations because of their acid, heat, and salt stability.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,445 discloses that branched emulsion or suspension polymers of DADMAC are useful for acid thickening in oil well drilling and fracturing fluids.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,037 discloses that highly crosslinked cationic polyelectrolytes as highly effective flocculants for dewatering of activated sewage may be produced by the inverse emulsion polymerization of water soluble cationic monomers, including DADMAC, in the presence of a polyolefinic unsaturated comonomer. The highly branched cationic polyelectrolytes synthesized in the inverse emulsion form have better water solubility than those synthesized in solution, suspension or bulk polymerizations.
European Patent No. 0 374 458 discloses a composition and method for making highly branched, water soluble polymers with high molecular weight, including highly branched polyDADMAC. The composition is useful as a flocculant. The method comprises polymerizing one or more water soluble monomers (including DADMAC) and a branching agent (methylene bisacrylamide) in the presence of a chain transfer agent (isopropanol). The composition is useful in flocculating dispersions of suspended solids, such as sewage sludge.
European Patent No. 0 264 710 B1 discloses a composition and method for synthesizing highly branched, water soluble polyDADMACs. The method comprises adding a mixture of a branching agent and DADMAC monomer to the reactor in the presence of a chain transfer agent (triethanolamine).
German Patent No. DD 292 641 A5 discloses that water soluble, highly branched polyDADMACs are useful as flocculants for the removal of solids from aqueous suspensions of sludge containing coal and for the dewatering of sludge from industrial waste water or sewage. The process can be used in the manufacturing of briquettes to obtain usable water and to recover coal. The water can be used directly and the separated solids can be used as fuel.
German Patent No. DD 292 218 A5 discloses that water soluble, highly branched polyDADMACs are useful in the dewatering of sludge from industrial waste water or sewage. The process can be used to remove suspended inorganic solids in processing water, in clarification of municipal or industrial water, and in technical separation processes.
German Patent No. DD 292 219 A5 discloses the preparation of a highly branched polyDADMAC, which is subsequently heated and stirred to remove water to obtain a powder with an active substance content of 70%.
German Patent No. DE 3733587 A1 discloses that water soluble, highly branched polyDADMACs are useful in retention and drainage in paper manufacturing.
German Patent No. DD 293 500 A5 discloses that highly branched polyDADMACs are effective in the removal of suspended solids from waste water and waters containing 10-4-10 g solids/L.
German Patent No. DD 292 642 A5 discloses that solids are separated from aqueous suspensions or slurries by the addition of a water insoluble acryloguanamine copolymer, and a water soluble, highly branched polyDADMAC. The process is useful in processing drinking water, in the production of usable water, and in the purification of municipal and industrial waste waters.
Soviet Union Patent No. SU 1595851 A1 discloses a method for preparing methylene bisacrylamide-crosslinked polyDADMAC in emulsion or in alcohol. The resulting polymer is useful as a sorbent.
German Patent No. DD 261 800 A1 discloses that water soluble, highly crosslinked polyDADMACs are useful as reversible bonding packaging materials such as paperboards.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,381 discloses that the use of branched polyacrylamide and bentonite together has a synergistic effect on the retention of the bentonite in the sheet to yield paper having improved quality, opacity and smoothness, reduced porosity, improved absorbency, improved running on the machine, better production economy, and lower concentration of residual bentonite in the backwater, thus reducing problems of disposal. The branched polyacrylamide is preferably a cationic copolymer of acrylamide and a cationic ethylenically unsaturated monomer chosen from quaternized or salified dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride, DADMAC and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,318 discloses that polyacrylamide grafted with cationic polymers, optionally with a branching agent, are useful for laser print deinking loop clarification.

Method of using polyammonium quaternary for controlling anionic trash and pitch deposition in pulp containing broke


The present invention relates in general to the field of hypnotherapy, and more specifically, to a hypnotherapy system for children that utilizes an interactive doll connected to a website and/or downloadable computer software application (“app”), and a method of hypnotherapy for children using the system. One aspect of the present disclosure includes an interactive doll that is configured to play a variety of hypnosis scripts to the child through an audio playback device. The hypnosis scripts may be downloaded to the audio playback device through the connected website/app, wherein the hypnosis scripts are directed to address particular behavioral or emotional issues in the child. The purpose of the invention is to provide a hypnotherapy system and method of hypnotherapy for children that may be conveniently administered to the child in a safe and familiar environment, such as in the child's home or bedroom, without requiring the presence of a hypnotherapist. An additional purpose of the invention is to provide a hypnotherapy system and method of hypnotherapy for children that utilizes an interactive doll that is comforting to the child and that helps retain the attention and focus of the child during a hypnosis session.

Hypnosis can play an important role in the advancement of health, the improvement of self-confidence, and the breaking of harmful habits in the human condition. Indeed according to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis ("ASCH"), the "state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention" through hypnosis may even help patients use their minds more powerfully. See Sarah Klein, Science-Backed Health Benefits of Hypnosis, HUFFINGTON POST, Jul. 2, 2014, available at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hypnosis-health-benefits_n_5523210. Hypnotherapy, also called medical hypnosis, utilizes a hypnotherapist to facilitate verbal repetition and/or mental imagery to induce a "trance-like state" of increased focus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the process of hypnotherapy is described as calm and relaxing, which opens a patient up to the power of suggestion. Id.
A few of the science-backed benefits of hypnotherapy include the following:                The improvement of deep sleep and treatment of insomnia without the use of sleep-inducing drugs and adverse side effects;        The ease of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome;        The management of pain and stress associated with a number of conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer, giving birth, headaches, and medical procedures;        The treatment of anxieties, phobias, disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger, sexual issues, mourning, and depression;        Assistance with overcoming harmful habit disorders, such as smoking, over-eating, alcoholism, and drug addiction;        The treatment of asthma, hypertension, tinnitus, and enuresis; and        The improvement of self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-control.
The same benefits of hypnotherapy listed above may also be applied to children.
Having vivid imaginations, children are generally more receptive to hypnosis as compared to adults. Hypnotherapy can therefore be an effective treatment for a variety of problems, issues and disorders uniquely associated with children, including the following:                Learning deficiencies;        Bed-wetting;        Poor academic performance;        Thumb-sucking;        Fear of the dark;        Death of a parent or loved one;        Dealing with parents that are divorcing;        Separation anxiety;        Anxiety and stress associated with facing a medical procedure;        Social problems with peers;        Attention deficit disorders;        Hair pulling/nail biting;        Enhanced creativity;        Nightmares, night terrors; and        Sports improvement and/or enhancement;
While the aforementioned benefits of hypnotherapy in children are highly sought-after, unfortunately, the existing methods of administering hypnotherapy to children are quite problematic. For example, hypnotherapy has traditionally been administered in a hypnotherapist's office, wherein successful treatment requires the patient to remain focused and relaxed during a hypnosis session. Such traditional methods of hypnotherapy treatment are therefore in direct conflict with a child's personality, in particular, the fact that children become easily distracted in new environments and are generally anxious around strangers. For this reason, hypnotherapy sessions with children often require extra patience and expense to allow time for the child to become accustomed to his/her environment, comfortable around the hypnotherapist and relaxed during a hypnosis session. Therefore the financial, time and travel expense can be cost prohibitive for treating children with in-person hypnotherapy sessions.
Pre-recorded hypnosis sessions offer two distinct advantages over in-person hypnotherapy sessions: affordability and availability. Self-hypnosis audio recordings, or hypnosis scripts, are significantly less expensive than a visit with a hypnotherapist. Self-hypnosis audio recordings can also be listened to at anytime and anywhere, often in the convenience of one's own home, and are immediately available. Another advantage is that self-hypnosis audio recordings can be listened to several times daily or weekly, depending on the needs of the patient. While the benefits of self-hypnosis audio recordings are notable, however, there are also significant drawbacks to using self-hypnosis audio recordings with children. Indeed, currently-available self-hypnosis audio recordings are "primarily for adults" and "not intended to be used by children." Barrie St. John, "Hypnotherapy for Children—Is Hypnosis Suitable?" (Nov. 2, 2015), available at http://www.selfhypnosis.com/hypnotherapy-for-children/.
There are many reasons why currently-available self-hypnosis audio recordings are not intended for children. For example, children typically do not have the maturity level needed to listen to self-hypnosis audio recordings on simple, non-interactive audio devices (e.g., MP3 and CD players) because of the recording's inherently repetitive nature. Not to be confused with children's audio-books that consist of entertaining stories with exciting sound-effects, self-hypnosis audio recordings require patients to remain relaxed during a session and focused on the repetition of spoken words and suggestions while in a hypnotic state. Thus, without interaction, children often lack the requisite attention skills needed for effective hypnotherapy treatment while listening to self-hypnosis audio recordings. Another reason why currently-available self-hypnosis audio recordings are not intended for children is because such recordings only offer a generalized approach to the most common conditions, without accounting for the listener's age, gender, or details about prevalent issues. An in-person visit with a professional hypnotherapist, by contrast, offers personal interaction with the child. This personal interaction helps retain the attention and focus of the child during hypnotherapy. This personal interaction also provides hypnotherapy treatment that is tailor-made to the child's specific needs, age and gender, which is not achieved by currently available self-hypnosis audio recordings.
Thus, a desire remains to provide a hypnotherapy system and method of hypnotherapy for children that is interactive to help retain the attention and focus of the child. A desire further remains to provide a hypnotherapy system and method of hypnotherapy for children that may be tailor-made to the child's specific needs, age and gender. A desire further remains to provide a hypnotherapy system and method of hypnotherapy for children that may be offered in a familiar environment, such as the child's home or bedroom, to decrease a child's anxiety during a hypnosis session and facilitate relaxation. A desire also remains to provide a hypnotherapy system and method of hypnotherapy for children that is convenient to administer without requiring the presence of a hypnotherapist.

Hypnotherapy system utilizing an interactive doll and method of hypnotherapy for children


The embodiments and methods described are directed to a solid-state laser module having a first end, a second end, and a surface between the first end and the second end. A mounting component is placed in communication with at least a portion of the surface of the laser module for selectively securing the laser module to a chamber wall of a chamber.

Smoking of naturally occurring herbs, tobacco, and other substances is a common occurrence in most countries of the world. Vaporization is also an excellent alternative to smoking. Instead of burning the herbs, tobacco, or other products by placing them in the bowl of a pipe, a vaporizer heats the material. This causes the active compounds contained in the plant material being employed to evaporate into a vapor into a chamber of the vaporizer.
Water pipes and other such devices have also been used to enjoy organic materials such as tobacco. The classic water pipe is a single, vertical, elongated open pipe sealed at the bottom portion and open at the upper portion. Water is placed into the elongated pipe so that when the smoker draws on the pipe, smoke is bubbled through the water and enters the inhalation chamber.
It would be desirable to provide a device that produces shaped light to make the vapor or smoke within the chamber more visible to the user. In addition, a compact design would allow the user to easily mount the device on the vaporizer or water pipe.


Embodiments include a computer-implemented method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model. The method includes receiving a first and second sets of sensed position data indicative of a position of a camera device(s) at or near a time when it is used to acquire first and second images of an image pair, respectively, determining a sensed rotation matrix and/or a sensed translation vector for the image pair using the first and second sets of sensed position data, identifying a calculated transformation including a calculated translation vector and rotation matrix, generating a sensed camera transformation including the sensed rotation matrix and/or the sensed translation vector, and, if the sensed camera transformation is associated with a lower error than the calculated camera transformation, using it to generate a 3D model.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of this invention relate generally to image modeling and, more particularly, to generating image models using position data associated with images.
2. Description of the Related Art
Three-dimensional (3D) modeling is a process of developing a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object. The mathematical representation may be referred to as 3D model. A 3D model of a cube, for example, may include a mathematical representation of the corners, edges and faces of the cube that can be used to generate various views of the cube. In a computer environment, the various views can be rendered for display as two-dimensional images that are similar to what a user would see when viewing the object from various vantage points. The display of multiple views can be used to create a simulation. For example, various views of the cube can be displayed in sequence to generate a simulation that recreates what the user would see if they walked about the cube. Although a cube is described for the purpose of illustration, it will be appreciated that similar 3D modeling techniques can be used to generate 3D models of any variety of objects. For example, a home owner may generate a 3D model of their home that can be used to create a "virtual tour" of the interior and exterior of their home for prospective buyers. Similar modeling techniques can be applied to generate 3D models for creating virtual reality simulations, and the like.
In some instances, 3D models are generated using 3D photography. With 3D photography a plurality of photographic images of an object are captured from different vantage points, and the images are combined to generate a 3D model of the object. In traditional systems for generating 3D models, specialized hardware and software is used to capture and process images to construct a 3D model. For example, specialized 3D reconstruction software may be used to identify matching points between images of an object, and process the matching points to estimate the location of points in the real-world (i.e., real-world coordinates) that correspond to the points in the images. The points can be combined to create a 3D model of the object.
Unfortunately, conventional 3D modeling techniques are time-consuming and may not be accurate. For example, conventional 3D modeling algorithms may rely on estimations and interpolations that require an extensive amount of processing to generate a suitable result and that can ultimately generate inaccurate results. Moreover, conventional 3D modeling techniques may not provide a user with an opportunity to re-capture an image view or acquire additional images when they are not satisfied with the current state of the 3D model. For example, in conventional batch processing techniques, a user may be required to acquire all of the images for use in generating a 3D model and post-processing may be applied to the batch of images to generate the 3D model. Unfortunately, the user may have already left the site of the object by the time the 3D model is generated and, thus, may not have an opportunity to return to the site to capture additional images of the object.

Systems and methods for generating three-dimensional models using sensed position data


The present invention reveals that biotin biosynthesis in a plant is enhanced when the level of one or more of the enzymes in the plant biotin biosynthetic pathway is increased. Based upon this revelation methods which increase the level of one or more biotin biosynthetic enzymes in plant tissue are provided as a means for achieving enhanced levels of biotin in plant tissue. In particular, a method for enhancing biotin levels by introducing a chimeric gene capable of expressing a biotin biosynthetic enzyme into plant tissue is provided. Resulting transgenic plant tissue, including whole plants, having enhanced levels of biotin is also provided.

I. Biotin Biosynthesis
Biotin (vitamin H) is an essential nutrient for all living organisms (Eisenberg, M. A., Adv. Enzymol. 38: 317-372 (1973)). It is a basic component of cell metabolism which acts as a cofactor that binds covalently to carboxylases to facilitate the transfer of carboxyl groups during enzymatic carboxylation, decarboxylation and transcarboxylation reactions (Knowles, J. R., Ann. Rev. BioChem. 58: 195-221 (1989)). The chemical structure of the naturally occurring d-isomer of biotin is as follows: ##STR1##
Biotin biosynthesis has been extensively studied in microorganisms, primarily through the isolation and characterization of biotin auxotrophic mutants (Eisenberg, supra). Through this work four enzymatic steps common to E. coli and other microorganisms for the biosynthesis of biotin from the precursor pimeloyl-CoA have been elucidated (Eisenberg, supra; Pai, C. H., Canad. J. Microbiol 15: 21-26 (1969); del Campillo-Campbell et al., J. Bacteriol. 94: 2065-2066 (1967)). Analysis of two classes of E. coli mutants, those defective in either the bioC (SEQ ID NO: 11) or the bioH gene, suggests that the products of these genes play a role in biotin synthesis, but at steps prior to pimeloyl-CoA. The final common steps of the biotin biosynthetic pathway are as follows:
Enzymatic steps in the biosynthesis of biotin ##STR2##
The first step in this common biotin biosynthetic pathway is the synthesis of 7-keto-8-aminopelargonic Acid (KAP) from pimeloyl-CoA and L-alanine. This step is catalyzed by an enzyme known as KAP synthetase which is encoded by the bioF gene in E. coli (Eisenberg, supra). This gene is part of the E. coli biotin operon which has been cloned and sequenced (Otsuka, A. J. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263: 19577-19585 (1988); Genbank accession no. J04423).
The second step in this common biotin biosynthetic pathway is the conversion of KAP into 7,8-Diaminopelargonic Acid (DAP). This step is catalyzed by an enzyme known as DAP aminotransferase which is encoded by the bioA gene (Eisenberg and Stoner, in Methods in Enzomology 62: 342-347, ed. by McCormick and Wright, pub. by Acad. Press, NY (1979); Stoner and Eisenberg, J. Biol. Chem. 250: 4037-4043 (1975); Stoner and Eisenberg, J. Biol. Chem. 250: 4029-4036 (1975); Eisenberg, supra; Eisenberg and Stoner, J. Bacteriol. 108: 1135-1140 (1971); Pai, C. H., J. Bacteriol 105: 793-800 (1971)). The bioA gene is also part of the E. coli biotin operon which has been cloned and sequenced (Otsuka, A. J. et al., supra.; Genbank accession no. J04423).
The third step in this common biotin biosynthetic pathway is the conversion of DAP into desthiobiotin. This step is catalyzed by an enzyme known as desthiobiotin synthetase which is encoded by the bioD gene (Eisenberg, M. A., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 447: 335-349 (1985); Cheeseman and Pai, J.Bacteriol. 104: 726-733 (1970); Eisenberg and Krell, J. Biol. Chem. 244: 5503-5509 (1969); Pai, C. H., J.Bacteriol. 99: 696-701 (1969)). The bioD gene is also part of the E. coli biotin operon which has been cloned and sequenced (Otsuka, A. J. et al., supra.; Genbank accession no. J04423).
The final step in this common biotin biosynthetic pathway involves the addition of sulfur to desthiobiotin and subsequent ring closure, to form biotin. These steps are catalyzed by an enzyme known as biotin synthase which is encoded by the bioB gene (Eisenberg, M. A., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 447: 335-349 (1985); Pai, C. H., J.Bacteriol. 112: 1280-1287 (1972)).
The biotin biosynthetic pathway in plant cells has also been elucidated (Baldet, P. et al., Eur. J. BioChem 217: 479-485 (1993)). This pathway is very similar to the pathway common to all microorganisms which is described above with two additional steps. First, the pathway in plants includes the conversion of pimelic acid to pimeloyl-CoA. This step is catalyzed by an enzyme known as pimeloyl-CoA synthetase. This step may also occur in a number of microorganisms, although it may not be common to all (Gloeckler, R. et al., Gene 87: 63-70 (1990); Eisenberg, M., in "Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Cellular and Molecular Biology", pp. 544-550,ed. by Neidhardt, F. C. et al., pub. by Amer. Soc. Microbiol., NY (1987); Izumi, Y. et al., in Methods in Enzomology 62: 327-330,ed. by McCormick and Wright, pub. by Acad. Press, NY (1979); Izumi, Y. et al., BioChem. Biopys. Acta 264: 210-213 (1972)).
Secondly, the conversion of desthiobiotin to biotin involves the creation of an intermediate compound, 9-mercaptodethiobiotin (Baldet et al., supra.). This intermediate may also occur in microorganisms since conversion of desthiobiotin into biotin in these organisms is not completely understood and since this compound will support the growth of E. coli bioB mutants (Baldet et al, supra). The presence of this intermediate indicates that another enzyme, in addition to biotin synthase, may be involved in the conversion of desthiobiotin into biotin.
II. Biotin as a Nutrient
For higher eukaryotic organisms other than plants and some fungi, biotin is an essential vitamin which must be part of the diet. Biotin deficiencies in animals can have a number of adverse effects, including a reduction in growth rate, alopecia (hair loss), scaly dermatitis, and edema and erythema of the feet (Nutritional Reviews 48: 352-355 (1990); Kopinski, J. S. et al., J. Nutrition 62: 751-759 (1989); Poultry Science 67: 590-595 (1988); Marshall, M. W., Nutrition Today 22-23: 26-29 (1987)). In humans, biotin deficiency has also been associated with a number of genetic and acquired diseases (Marshall, M. W., supra).
In general, plant-based feeds do not contain enough biotin to serve as a sufficient dietary source of this vitamin. This is especially true for stockyard animals such as pigs and chickens(Frigg, M., Poultry Science 63: 750-753 (1983). Enhanced performance has been observed in a number of production animals following biotin supplementation of the normal diet (Kopinski, J. S. et al. British Journal of Nutrition 62:751-789)). As a result, additional biotin is incorporated as a feed supplement into the diet of many animals (Robel, E. J., poultry Science 70: 1716-1722 (1991)).
If biotin production in plants could be increased, the need for additional biotin in animal and human diets from sources other than plants could be reduced or eliminated. Unfortunately however, not enough is known about this pathway in plants, or its regulation, to achieve the objective of increasing biotin production in plants.
One approach for enhancing biotin production which might be considered is to alter the levels of intermediates or enzymes in the biotin biosynthetic pathway. However, this approach would not be expected to work since metabolic pathways are typically tightly regulated so that metabolite synthesis remains stable despite fluctuations that may occur in the levels of available pathway intermediates and enzymes. Regulation of metabolite synthesis may involve a variety of mechanisms. Classic examples of mechanisms used to regulate metabolite synthesis in microorganisms include catabolite repression and enzyme induction (Dickson et al. Science 187:27-35 (1975)), feedback inhibition (Stryer, L., "BioChemistry", 2nd ed., pub. by W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, pp. 500-503 (1981)), attenuation (Wu, A. and Platt, T. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S. 75:5442 (1978)), and general control (M. Wolfner et al.. J. Mol. Biol. 15 96:273-290)). Some or all of these mechanisms may also be involved in metabolic pathway regulation in plants. Since these pathways are typically tightly regulated through a variety of mechanisms, the effect that increasing the amount of any one enzyme in a pathway will have, if any, upon the final level of the end product (metabolite) synthesized cannot be predicted.

Enhanced biotin biosynthesis in plant tissue


An entertainment center includes a base that expands horizontally to accommodate different width home theater displays;and, a light bridge that rests on top of one or more cabinets placed on either side of the base. The side cabinets provide a vertical column of open space for accommodating wiring among the entertainment system components and ventilation for heat generated by those components. The base includes casters to facilitate moving the base in and out from between the side cabinets. Sliding portions of the base extend horizontally yet continue to transfer all load weight onto the casters. The front woodwork of the base presents a pleasing seamless appearance as a consequence of overlapping trim pieces.

Component electronics for audiovisual applications conventionally include multiple, free-standing enclosures that receive power and signals from facility wiring and communicate with other components on wired cables or wireless links. Support for numerous components has conventionally been provided by furniture called an entertainment center. A conventional entertainment center may have open shelving and enclosed shelving for supporting and enclosing not only the components but also media used with the components. Such furniture also conventionally provides holes through the back and through the shelving for accommodating the signal cables and power cables associated with the components.
A conventional entertainment center is spaced away from a facility wall to allow cabling to be tucked behind the cabinetry of the entertainment center because provisions for cabling inside the cabinetry of the entertainment center are inadequate. The space between the entertainment center and the facility wall also supplies ventilation air for the components.
The conventional entertainment center provides movable shelving for accommodating consumer electronics assemblies of different vertical height; but, provides fixed horizontal dimensions designed for a maximum component width. Use of a conventional entertainment center is limited by the fixed horizontal width of its design. Users seeking, for example, to accommodate a larger home theater display (e.g., a big screen television set, a rear projection system, or a front illuminated screen) have little recourse but to purchase new furniture in the event the larger width display does not fit the fixed horizontal width provided by an existing entertainment center.
A large market exists for furniture to support consumer electronics. New products of various sizes are launched into this market annually. Without furniture capable of accommodating different horizontal widths, consumers may be reticent to purchase more expensive entertainment center furniture or may forego the acquisition of newer larger components. Consequently, without the present invention, both the consumer electronics and furniture industries face significant economic impairments to growth in sales.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Furniture system enclosing entertainment electronics in range of widths

Furniture Designs by Aspen (Mauritius) Limited


A multi-functional wire stripper includes a fixing element, a movable element, a wire-stripping module, an electrical sensor, and a flexible element. There is a fixing sleeve on the front end of the fixing element for installing a tool module. The movable element is installed at the fixing element. The wire-stripping module is installed between the fixing element and the movable element. The electrical sensor is installed at the fixing element. The flexible element is installed between the fixing element and the movable element. Thereby, the wire stripper is capable of stripping the insulating layer off electrical cords and cutting electrical cords. The wire stripper is easy to operate, and reduces the time taken to perform such an action. The quantity of tools required by a workman are therefore reduced. If an electrical device leaks electricity, the wire stripper can inform the user thereby preventing them receiving an electrical shock.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wire stripper. In particular, this invention relates to a wire stripper that comprises a tool module and an electrical sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wire strippers are essential tools for plumbing and electrical engineering. Wire strippers are used for stripping the insulating layer of coaxial electric cables, bus wires, or electric cords, or cutting the bus wires or electric cords. As shown in FIG. 1, a wire stripper of the prior art includes a first element 91, a second element 92, and a pivoting element 93 for pivoting the first element 91 and the second element 92 at the middle location. A handle 94 is individually installed at the lower end of the first element 91 and the second element 92. There are a plurality of concaves 95 or convexes 96 on the first element 91 and the second element 92. The concaves 95 or convexes 96 are located under the pivoting element 93 and are used for extruding pins or stripping the insulating layer of electric cords. There is a knife-edge 97 on the inner side of the top of the first element 91. The knife-edge 97 is driven by the two handles 94 so as to press on a plate-shaped contacting part 98 located at the top of the second element 92 for cutting electric cords.
Good tools are a prerequisite for the successful execution of a job. A lot of handheld tools are essential for executing plumbing and electrical engineering. Workmen always carry a lot of handheld tools, such as wire strippers, screwdrivers, hexagonal screwdrivers etc, in their toolbox. Therefore, the toolbox is heavy. A wire stripper is usually used whenever a user needs to strip the insulating layer of an electric cord. Having done that, the user then puts the wire stripper down and uses a screwdriver to fasten the conducting layer of the electric cords in the socket. When the wire stripper is adopted, the user needs to put the screwdriver down again. This is a time-consuming process. Furthermore, a lot of handheld tools occupy large amounts of space in a toolbox and the weight of the toolbox is heavy. It is also inconvenient to carry the tools around in the toolbox.


A mounting assembly for securing an axle housing to the suspension system of a vehicle frame includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket which partially enclose an axle housing. The upper bracket and the lower bracket are clamped together and have engageable contacting surfaces to provide vertical and torque support for the axle housing walls. Rubber couplings are disposed between the axle housing and the brackets to prevent wearing of the metal surfaces.

This invention relates generally to structure for securing an axle housing to a suspension system of a vehicle.
Wheel bearing axles are typically secured to a suspension system on the underside of a vehicle frame. One bracket assembly known in the prior art comprises of an upper bracket component, a lower bracket component, and a clamping means. The bracket components are spaced from each other, and connected only through the clamping means which tighten the bracket components around the axle housing. This type of bracket assembly must rely on the axle housing to provide vertical support as the bracket components are clamped together.
Strength requirements of the axle housing walls increase where torque is also applied. In one typical mount location for the axle housing, the upper bracket secures the upper portion of the axle housing to a vertical suspension system, and the lower bracket secures the lower portion of the axle housing to a horizontal suspension system. The combination of the vertical and horizontal forces applies torque to the axle housing. The prior art brackets do not relieve this torque, and axle housings often fatigue, bend, or crack over time.
Wearing of surface metal occurs on the axle housing in prior art bracket arrangements at the contact area between the axle housing and bracket components. As demands for strength and longer life of the axle housing increase, the deficiencies in the prior art become more undesirable.


Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a spark plug for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine, and, more particularly, to a spark plug having a structure providing improved ignition capability. In one particular configuration, a spark plug is provided forming a gap between a center electrode and an insulator of the spark plug. However, it will become apparent that other configurations are contemplated as well, as shown and described herein.

This application relates to a spark plug for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine, and, more particularly, to a spark plug having a structure providing improved ignition capability.
Conventional spark plugs for use in internal combustion engines generally include a tube-shaped metallic shell, an insulator, a center electrode, and a ground electrode. The metal shell has a threaded portion for fitting the spark plug into a combustion chamber of the engine. The insulator has a center bore formed therein and is fixed in the metal shell such that an end of the insulator protrudes from an end of the metal shell. The center electrode is secured in the center bore of the insulator so that an end thereof protrudes from the end of the insulator. The ground electrode has a tip portion and is joined to the end of the metal shell such that the tip portion faces the end of the center electrode through a spark gap therebetween.
In recent years, the demand for internal combustion engines that provide higher power output has led to an increase in the number and/or size of engine intake and exhaust valves in engines, as well as the introduction of water jackets secured to engines to provide for cooling. This has led to a decrease in the amount of space available for spark plug installation in the engine, thereby necessitating the development of spark plugs having a compact structure. More specifically, narrow spark plugs in which the threaded portion of the metal shell has an outer diameter of 12 mm or less are now being standardized. In practice, compact spark plugs with a shell outer diameter of 12 mm or less result in a reduced distance between the metal shell and the center electrode of the insulator. Thus, the volume of the air pocket is accordingly reduced.
During operation of compact spark plugs having a reduced air pocket volume, there is an increased tendency for the spark, rather than forming and remaining at the electrode gap as intended, to creep sideways from the center electrode along the outer surface of the insulator and jump across the air pocket to the metal shell. This phenomena, known as an inside spark or a side fire, can cause a misfire or a partial burning that reduces engine efficiency. Moreover, certain spark plugs, in particular those having a shell thread size of 12 mm or less along with a shell thread reach of 19 mm or more, tend to possess the additional drawback of having a lower resistance to over-torquing forces that can cause the seal between the metal shell and the insulator to loosen from extension.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved spark plug structure that prevents the inside spark/side fire phenomena and results in a seal that is more resistant to over-torquing forces.

Spark plug structure for improved ignitability


An aqueous slurry composition for use in industries such as the petroleum and pipeline industries includes a particulate, an aqueous liquid and a chemical compound that renders the particulate surface extremely hydrophobic. The slurry is produced by rendering the surface of the particulate extremely hydrophobic during or before making the slurry.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an aqueous slurry composition and to a method of making such a composition.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Aqueous particulate slurries are commonly used or encountered in many industries including the petroleum, pipeline, construction and cleaning industries. Slurries are mixtures normally consisting of particulates and an aqueous liquid and play an essential role in many industrial operations. For example, slurries are used when transporting particulates above ground, from the surface to a subterranean formation or from a subterranean formation to the surface. The most commonly used particulates include sand, ceramic particles, carbonate particles, glass spheres, bauxite (aluminum oxide), resin coated particulates and coal particulates The particulate sizes normally range from about 10 to about 100 US mesh, and the particles have densities significantly higher than the density of water. For example, the density of sand is at about 2.6 g/cm3 while the density of water is 1 g/cm3. Sand is by far the most commonly used particulate.
To make relatively stable slurry, particulates must be suspended in a liquid medium for a lengthy period at static or/and dynamic conditions. Convention wisdom tells us that the viscosity or viscoelasticity of the liquid medium must be sufficiently high to be able to suspend particulates. The most commonly used method for increasing viscosity or viscoelasticity of a liquid medium is by adding a viscosifier, for example, a natural or synthetic polymer or a viscoelastic surfactant to the liquid medium. It is not unusual that a polymer is used with a foaming agent in order to take advantage of both viscoelastic and foaming properties. However, the use of polymers in slurries increases cost and results in operational difficulties. In particular applications, for example, hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations, the use of polymers in slurry impedes oil and gas production due to large amounts of residue left in the formation. As for viscoelastic surfactants, although they have fewer residues compared to normal polymers, their cost is usually much higher. In many other applications such as gravel-pack, well completion and sand transportation through pipelines, it is highly desirable to make stable particulate slurry without using a viscosifier.
Hydraulic fracturing operations are used extensively in the petroleum industry to enhance oil and gas production. In hydraulic fracturing, a fracturing fluid is injected through a wellbore into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to initiate fracturing, which increases oil and gas production. Frequently, particulates, called proppants, are suspended in a fracturing fluid and transported into a fracture as slurry. Proppants include sands, ceramic particulates, glass spheres, bauxite particulates, resin coated sands and other particulates known in the industry. Among them sand is by far the most commonly used proppant. Fracturing fluids in common use include water-based as well as hydrocarbon-based fluids. In water-based fracturing fluids, a polymer or viscoelastic surfactant is normally employed to increase the viscoelasticity of the fluid. In most case the viscoelastic property of the fluids is essential for transporting proppants deep into a formation. At the last stage of the fracturing treatment, fracturing fluid flows back to the surface and the proppants are left in the fracture forming a proppant pack to prevent the fracture from closing after pressure is released. A proppant-filled fracture provides a highly conductive channel that allows oil and/or gas to seep through more efficiently to the wellbore. The conductivity of the proppant pack plays a dominant role in production enhancement. Polymer residues from fracturing fluids are known to greatly reduce the conductivity of the proppant pack. Compared to polymeric viscosifiers, viscoelastic surfactants cause less damage to formations and proppant packs. However, they are much more expensive. Accordingly, a need exists for a composition for efficiently transporting proppants deep into a formation at low cost while at the same time causing little damage to the formation and proppant pack. Grain size, concentration, and the packing pattern of proppants are also important factors in determining the conductivity. Despite extensive research in recent years, limited progress has been achieved to maximize the conductivity of a proppant pack in a fracture. Therefore, a need exists for making a composition for use in a proppant pack with improved conductivity.
Proppant flowback after fracturing treatments has long been plaguing the petroleum industry. Flowback reduces the amount of proppants in the formation leading to a less conductive fracture. As disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,772, various methods have been tried to solve the flowback problem. In one method, resins are used to coat the proppant and make them very tacky. In doing so, the proppant grains tend to agglomerate reducing flowback. This method is not only expensive, but the tacky resins introduced in the proppant pack tend to reduce its conductivity. Therefore, there is a need for a composition and method for making slurry, which can form a stable proppant pack, which resists proppant flowback while at the same time has a high conductivity.
When drilling subterranean formations for oil and gas, aqueous-based drilling fluids are normally used. During drilling large amounts of particles, called cuttings are generated. Cuttings have different sizes ranging from fines to pebbles. The drilling fluid is circulated through the wellbore to make slurry with the cuttings in situ and transports them out of wellbore. In most cases, polymers as well as clays are added to the drilling fluids to increase their viscosity/viscoelasticity in order to transport the cuttings efficiently. However, polymers as well as clay fines, can easily penetrate pores or thin fractures in a formation and reduce formation permeability significantly, especially near a wellbore. Reduced formation permeability impedes oil and/or gas production. Therefore it is highly desirable to provide a drilling fluid that can make stable slurry in situ with the cuttings and transport them out of the wellbore, while causing little formation damage.
The escalating price of oil and its alarming depletion rate have caused people to consider using coal as an oil substitute. Several factors have slowed the substitution of coal for oil. One factor is the difficulty in transporting coal cost-effectively over long distance through pipelines. It is therefore highly desirable to provide a composition for making coal slurry which is stable, highly fluid and cost-effective to transport.
In oil sand operation massive amount of sands are left after oil is stripped from the sand surface. Finding a more cost effective way to transport sands efficiently over distance through pipelines has long been required in the industry. Thus, a composition and a method for making stable and highly fluid sand slurries at low cost would be quite useful.
The object of the present invention is to meet the above defined needs by providing an aqueous slurry composition, which can be used in a stable, highly conductive proppant pack, for efficiently transporting proppants into a subterranean formation, and for use in transporting cuttings, coal and sand.

Method for making particulate slurries and particulate slurry compositions


In cleaning a semiconductor substrate with a basic aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, it is an object to prevent metal impurities adhering to the substrate surface. A cleaning solution of a semiconductor substrate which comprises a basic aqueous solution of a hydrogen peroxide containing a chelating agent having at least two phosphonic acid groups. Preferred chelating agent is 1,2-propylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) in amount of 1 ppb to 1000 ppm, together with 0.1 to 20% by weight of hydrogen peroxide and, optionally, 0.1 to 10% by weight of ammonia. Even if the cleaning solution is contaminated with metal impurities, characteristics of semiconductor elements prepared from a substrate are stabilized since no metal impurities adhere on the substrate surface.

In producing semiconductor elements, cleaning has been carried out with chemicals to remove contaminants adhered on a surface of a semiconductor substrate including silicon wafer. As the chemicals, cleaning solutions containing mainly hydrogen peroxide are often used. For example, a mixed aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide, a mixed aqueous solution of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, a mixed aqueous solution of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide and the like are known.
Particularly, a mixed aqueous solution of ammonia indicating basicity in an aqueous solution and hydrogen peroxide is most widely used since it is effective in removing fine particles adhered on a substrate surface. However, in a basic cleaning solution, there has been a problem that metal impurities including Fe and Cu come to be insoluble and adhere on a substrate to exert a bad influence on a characteristics of a semiconductor element.
In order to solve the problem, high purification of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide themselves has been promoting. Presently, a concentration of metal impurities in ammonia and hydrogen peroxide leads to 1 ppb or below. However, on the contrary, there has been a problem that a high purified cleaning solution comes to be sensitive to metal contamination from the outside and metal contamination from a cleaning vessel etc., causes instability for characteristics of a semiconductor element.
On the other hand, as the other methods for preventing adhesion of metal impurities to a semiconductor substrate, addition of a chelating agent has been suggested. For example, in German Patent Published No. 3822350, a method of using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a chelating agent has been suggested. However, in fact, advantageous effects due to addition of EDTA are scarcely observed. Accordingly, a method for treatment of rendering stable advantageous effects has been desired.

Cleaning solution of semiconductor substrate


A glycemic control system includes a physician processor, remote processor, and a portable telephone having a data input mechanism, a display, and an internal processor for bi-directional communication with the physician's processor and the remote processor. A patient inputs data to the internal processor responsive to input from the physician's processor and then transmits the information to the remote processor where an optimized number of units to be administered is sent back and displayed on the portable telephone.

Over the last several years, improved control of blood glucose for patients in the hospital using the G+ algorithm created by Aseko, Inc. for patients on intravenous insulin injection has been shown to significantly improve glycemic control. Improved glycemic control is achieved when the patient does not experience hypoglycemia (too low a blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (too high a blood glucose). Blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dl are considered to be a condition of hypoglycemia and fasting blood glucose levels above 140 mg/dl are considered to be a condition of hyperglycemia. The G+ algorithm is used by hospitals to prevent both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This is accomplished in the following way: first, the nurse would measure the patient's blood glucose and place that value and the patient's name at a computer station where the nurse is situated; second other pertinent information about the patient (for example, hemoglobin A1C, height, weight, the number of grams of carbohydrates at a recently eaten meal or a meal about to be eaten, etc.) would be provided from that nurse's station computer; third, the hospital's central computer would calculate the dose of insulin to be delivered to that particular patient to maintain normal blood glucose; and fourth, the nurse would administer that number of units of insulin to that patient. Experience over several years has shown that this method has achieved excellent results in reducing the rates of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia experienced by patients being treated in a hospital.
More recently, GlyTec, LLC. (a subsidiary of Aseko, Inc.) has created an algorithm for improved glycemic control for those patients on subcutaneously injected insulin. By the use of this algorithm, patients having subcutaneously administered insulin either within the hospital or outside the hospital can improve their glycemic control. It would be highly advantageous for patients away from the hospital to experience the improved glycemic control that has been demonstrated using the G+ algorithm at those hospitals where that system is available.
There have recently been several different apps on smart phones that can provide information for the diabetic patient. For example, an app is now available that provides a listing of the specific numbers of carbohydrates for different foods that can be eaten by the diabetic patient to better judge how many units of insulin that are needed to improve that patient's glycemic control after ingesting that number of grams of carbohydrates. However, there is no app currently available that shows a complete listing of foods from which a diabetic patient could select an abbreviated list of those particular foods that that patient would have in his or her normal diet. Still further, no app exists that has in its memory the number of grams of carbohydrates for those specific foods that that specific patient would select. Still further, there is no remote computer system that can communicate with a patient's smart phone which remote computer would have in its memory the number of grams of carbohydrates for an extensive selection of foods from which a specific patient could select a subset of such foods. Still further there is no app that indicates the quantity of a specific food that the patient has eaten or is about to eat. Still further, there is no app available on any smart phone that could make contact with a remote computer system to indicate other conditions experienced by a diabetic patient that affect that patient's need for insulin. For example, there is no existing app that indicates if the patient is undergoing exercise or the severity of such exercise, no app to indicate having significant emotional distress, no app that states if the patient is having a menstrual period, or is about to go to sleep or has just woken up from sleeping, or having a fever of a specific temperature, or any other condition that could affect a specific patient's need for insulin. There is also no remote computer system that can keep a record of the past experiences of a specific patient as to that patient's need for insulin depending on a significant number of factors such as those described above and for that computer to suggest to that patient, based on past experience, the optimum dose of insulin to be subcutaneously injected when that information is requested by a specific app in that patient's smart phone. There is also no smart phone that has been programmed to have the same capability as a remote computer system to record all past patient inputs so as to inform the patient as to the optimum number of units of insulin to inject based upon that patient's past history. Other apps do exist that can keep record of blood glucose levels and insulin usage and share this information with a patient's health care team, including IBGStar Diabetes Manager, which is used in conjunction with a specific blood glucose meter. However, this app does not calculate for the patient the optimum insulin dosage based on that patient's current body chemistry and personal history of insulin usage under similar circumstance, and does not give the patient freedom to use whichever glucose meter he or she prefers.

Means and method for improved glycemic control for diabetic patients


There is disclosed a method and apparatus for positioning an electronic dental X-ray sensor in a dental patient's mouth comprising the steps of: selecting a film positioner having an easel supported on a formed rod; assembling the electronic sensor to the film positioner to form a sensor assembly; covering the sensor with a syringe sleeve; and positioning the sensor assembly so that the electronic sensor is in position in the patient's mouth for recording an X-ray image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to dental X-ray equipment and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for positioning and supporting dental X-ray sensors within the mouth of a dental patient.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Traditionally, film for obtaining X-ray images of a person's teeth have been packaged in a cardboard or plastic carrier that includes a tab to be folded outward at approximately a right angle. The carrier is positioned alongside of the teeth and the patient is instructed to bite down against the tab of the carrier that is placed between the teeth to be imaged on the sensitized film within the carrier when exposed to the X-ray energy. A disadvantage of this system is that the carrier is a stiff, thin material that is uncomfortable for many patients because it tends to dig into the patient's cheek.
In a conventional alternative to the film carrier with the fold-out tab, the film carrier is placed on a wand-like positioner tool that places the carrier in position in the patient's mouth without having to bite down on it. While more comfortable, it requires that someone hold the positioner in the correct position to expose the film correctly.
Recent advances in the electronic arts have produced an X-ray sensor device that substitutes for the film carrier. It is positioned and exposed similarly to the traditional film carrier but has the significant advantage that it records the image electronically, obviating the conventional film development process. However, the problem remains as to how best to hold the sensor in position in the patient's mouth. The sensor lacks a tab to bite down upon and must be held in position by other means. What is needed is a device and/or method of positioning the sensor that is comfortable, easy to use, and provides consistent, repeatable results in the X-ray images.

Method and apparatus for supporting a dental X-ray sensor


The present invention provides two novel human cathepsin proteins (HCPs) and polynucleotides encoding HCPs. The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding HCPs. The invention also provides for the production and use of antibodies to HCPs in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disease processes that include cancers, inflammation, metastasis and peptide and proenzyme processing. In addition, the invention provides for the production and use of inhibitors of HSPs in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide to hybridize with the transcripts encoding HCPs. The invention also provides for the use of antisense molecules in pharmaceutical compositions as therapeutics in cancers, inflammation, metastasis and peptide and proenzyme processing.

The cathepsin family of lysosomal protease includes the cysteine protease; cathepsins B, H, K, L, O2, and S, and the aspartyl protease; cathepsins D, and G. The various members of this endosomal protease family are differentially expressed. Some, such as cathepsin D, have a ubiquitous tissue distribution while others, such as cathepsin L, are found only in monocytes, macrophages, and other cells of the immune system.
The cathepsins represent the major endopeptidases in the lysosome (Huisman W, et al. (1974) Biochem Biophys Acta 370:297-307) and as such participate in the degradation of proteins entering the vacuolar system by endocytosis and in the turnover of cytoplasmic proteins. The cathepsins are also active in 1) initiation of proteolytic cascades by proenzyme activation, 2) processing of the II alpha beta heterodimer in endosomes for expression of functional MHC class II molecules which bind antigenic peptides, and 3) processing of antigen in antigen-presenting cells. The secreted forms of several members of this family function in tissue remodeling through degradation of collegen, laminin, elastin, and other structural proteins of basement membranes (Mizuochi T, (1994) Immunol Lett 43:189-193, Baldwin E T, (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci 90:6796-6800). Both cysteine and aspartyl cathepsins are used by various parasitic protozoa for the catabolism of host cell proteins and/or facilitating host invasion (Becker M M et al. (1995) J Biol Chem 270: 24496-24501, Rosenthal P J et al. (1988) J Clin Invest 82:1560-1566, McKerrow J H (1993) Annu Rev Micrbiol 47:821-853).
The various cathepsin proteases differ in their gene structures and in their transcriptional regulation. The cathepsin D gene promoter has a compound structure with features of both housekeeping genes (high G+C content and potential transcription factor SP-1 sites) and regulated genes (TATA sequence). RNase protection assays show that transcription is initiated at five major transcription sites (transcription site-I to transcription site-V) spanning 52 base pairs. Site-directed mutagenesis studies indicate that the TATA box is essential for initiation of cathepsin D gene transcription at transcription site-I. This suggests that cathepsin D behaves, depending on the conditions, as a housekeeping gene with multiple start sites or as a hormone-regulated gene that can be controlled from its TATA box (Cavailles V (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci 90:203-207). The cathepsin L gene promoter has no TATA box but includes several SP-1 sites, two AP-2 transcription regulatory element binding sites (a promoter under the control of the tumor promoter and cAMP), and a cAMP response element. Experimental data confirm that the expression of cathepsin L is induced by malignant transformation, growth factors, tumor promoters, and cyclic AMP (Troen B et al.(1991) Cell Growth Differ 2:23-31).
Altered regulation and expression of these two different cathepsins is evident in disease states. Cathepsin D is overproduced and hypersecreted by breast cancer cells. Clinical studies show a strong correlation between high concentrations of cathepsin D in the cytosol of primary tumor cells and further occurrence of metastasis. Cathepsin D is expressed at high levels in hormone independent breast cancer, is induced by estrogen in hormone dependent breast cancer, and appears to be independent of other more classical prognostic factors. In nude mice, transfection of cathepsin D cDNA into tumor cells increases their metastatic potential, suggesting that overexpression of this protease may be one of the factors responsible for metastasis (Rochefort H (1992) Acta Oncol 31:125-30, Long B J (1996) Cancer Lett 99:233-238). The mechanism by which this protease might facilitate metastasis is not fully characterized, although cathepsin D has the potential to initiate a proteolytic cascade, to degrade extracellular matrix and to liberate growth factors from the matrix. In vitro studies have noted that transfected cathepsin D stimulates high density cancer cell growth via an intracellular mechanism leading to a decreased secretion of growth inhibitors (Liaudet E (1995) Cell Growth Differ 6:1045-1052). Altered cathepsin D levels are present in biopsy specimens in prostate and bladder carcinomas and are shown to correlate with tumor grade (Ross J S (1995) Am J Clin Pathol 104:36-41, Dickinson A J (1995) J Urol 154:237-241).
Altered cathepsin activity and/or distribution may play a role in certain brain diseases. In Alzheimer's disease, A4 amyloid peptide, the main constituent of amyloid plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits, derives from a large amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the action of endoproteases which release the amino and carboxyl termini to generate the aggregating form of A4. In the brains of Alzheimer's patients, more than 90% of the pyramidal neurons in lamina V and 70% in lamina III displayed 2- to 5-fold elevated levels of cathepsin D mRNA by in situ hybridization compared with neurologically normal controls. An endogenous protease activity from diseased samples was found to be active in acidic conditions and inhibited by pepstatin, two characteristics of cathepsin D, suggesting that a cathepsin D-like activity from human brain may be responsible for APP processing (Evin G (1995) Biochemistry 34:14185-14192, Cataldo A M (1995) Neuron 14:671-680). There is a significant increase in cathepsin D activity in biopsies from Huntington's disease (Mantle D (1995) J Neurol Sci 131:65-70) and there are increased levels of cathepsin D mRNA in scrapie-infected mice (Diedrich J F (1991) J Virol 65:4759-4768).
Abnormal regulation of cathepsins is observed in several inflammatory disease states. In fibroblastoid synovial lining cells isolated from rheumatoid and other chronic inflammatory synovial tissues, the mRNA for stromelysin, vimentin, IL-4, IL-6, TIMP-1, cathepsin D, gelatinase, TGF alpha, c-fms and DR beta is preferentially expressed. This modulated pattern of gene expression is correlated with the phenotype of this inflammatory condition (Ritchlin C et al. (1994) Scand J Immunol 40:292-298). Cathepsin L and D expression was evaluated in synovial tissues from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), using in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes. Both RA and OA synovial tissue expressed cathepsins L and D. The expression of the cathepsins was markedly higher in interstitial regions and in perivascular infiltrates of RA synovial tissue compared with OA specimens. The differential expression of cathepsins L and D mRNA in RA and OA synovial tissues supports the concept that these enzymes may contribute to the influx of mononuclear cells into the synovium and suggests that the adhesion of synovial cells to cartilage mediates the invasive/destructive process in RA (Keyszer G M (1995) Arthritis Rheum 38:976-984.
The cathepsins are believed to be involved in several other diseases states. In an experimental model of human glomerular disease, the administration of a specific, irreversible inhibitor of cysteine protease (trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido-3-methyl-butane) significantly reduces proteinuria in rats (Baricos W H (1991) Arch Biochem Biophys 288:468-72.) The fibroblasts from patients with mucolipidosis II and III have a severely compromised capacity for endogenous lysosomal protein degradation that appears to result from multiple cathepsin deficiencies (Kopitz J (1993) Biochem J 295 (Pt 2): 577-580). The platelet aggregating cysteine protease implicated in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura shows the characteristics of a lysosomal cathepsin (Consonni R (1994) Br J Haematol 87:321-324).
Cathepsin D knockout mice develop normally during the first 2 weeks, stop thriving in the third week and die in a state of anorexia at day 26.+-.1. An atrophy of the ileal mucosa observed in the third week progresses towards widespread intestinal necroses accompanied by thromboemboli. The thymus and spleen undergo massive destruction with loss of T and B cells. The lysosomal bulk proteolysis is, however, maintained. These results suggest that the major functions of cathepsin D involve limited proteolysis of proteins regulating cell growth and/or tissue homeostasis (Saftig P, (1995) EMBO J 14:3599-3608).
Cathepsins have a role in processes that involve proteolysis of specific proteins and tissues in local microenvironments including inflammation, metastasis and peptide and proenzyme processing. The increased expression and differential regulation of these protease is linked to the metastatic potential of a variety of cancers and as such is of therapeutic and prognostic interest. Evidence of the involvement of cathepsins associated with protein processing in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, mucolipidosis and arthritic inflammation suggests that modulation of the cathepsins may ameliorate these disease processes. The polynucleotide sequences and proteins of the claimed invention would satisfy this need by providing the means for diagnosis, study, prevention and treatment of these diseases.


An air cushion shoe has an air chamber at an upper surface of a front side of a main body. An air passageway extends from the air chamber to an air inlet. Air pockets are formed in the main body at predetermined positions below the air passageway. First air vents are formed at a front side of the hardened reinforcement sheet positioned onto the main body to cover the open upper portions of the air passageway and the air pockets. Second air vents are formed at a front side of a main body of a shoe liner. A cushioning material having a honeycomb structured body is formed at the bottom surface of the main body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an air cushion shoe sole, and more particularly to an air cushion shoe sole capable of providing good elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure during the entire walking gait cycle of a wearer, wherein an air chamber is formed in an upper surface of the front side of the main body, wherein an air passageway extends from the rear side of the air chamber to an air inlet formed at a rear side edge of the shoe sole, wherein pluralities of air pockets are formed in the main body at predetermined positions below the air passageway, wherein pluralities of first air vents are formed at the front side of a hardened reinforcement sheet, in which the hardened reinforcement sheet is positioned onto the upper surface of the main body in a manner that it has an extended warranty to cover the open upper portion of air passageway and the open upper portions of the air pockets, wherein pluralities of second air vents are formed at the front side of the main body of a shoe liner, and wherein a cushioning material having a honeycomb structured body is formed at the bottom surface of the main body of the shoe liner.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A variety of air cushion shoe soles for providing a wearer with comfortable feelings and elastic air cushioning effects by introducing the air into the shoe have been proposed.
For example, an air cushion shoe sole according to the prior art is provided with an upper shoe sole and a lower shoe sole, which are formed as a separate piece and then combined with each other by using an adhesive so as to form an integral shoe sole. Pluralities of cushion parts are formed through the boundary region between the upper shoe sole and the lower shoe sole in a manner to have a tunnel shape. Pluralities of through holes are formed through the upper shoe sole in the corresponding area of the cushion parts.
If a user walks along the street with wearing on a shoe employing the air cushion shoe sole according to the prior art, the shoe sole comprising the upper and the lower shoe soles may be compressed and expand repeatedly and thereby it performs an air cushioning action due to the structure and the operation of the cushion parts having a tunnel shape. During air cushioning action, the air may be introduced into the shoe through the upper shoe sole having the through holes which are fluid-communicated with the cushion parts.
Since the shoe employing the air cushion shoe sole according to the prior art has the cushion parts which are formed through the boundary region between the upper shoe sole and the lower shoe sole in the horizontal direction, it may permeable to water in the rain or during cross the pool of water. When a user walks in the rain or during cross the pool of water with wearing on a shoe employing the air cushion shoe sole according to the prior art, water may be introduced into the cushion parts at first and then it may flow upwards via the through holes and thereby the foot of the wearer gets wet.
Alternatively, for example, an air cushion shoe sole according to the prior art can be provided with an air bag or a shock-absorbing spring therein so as to provide the wearer with a cushion effect. Although the air bag or the shock-absorbing spring can provide the wearer with good cushion effect, they must be separately manufactured and then must be installed by using some tools for fixing them in the shoe sole. One drawback of using the air bag or the shock-absorbing spring is that the manufacturing process may require a large number of parts and additional manufacturing steps, thereby resulting in the generation of excess manufacturing cost. Also, the weight of the shoe may be increased.
Another drawback of such known shoe sole is that the shock-absorbing spring made of a metal material is apt to damage the shoe sole and thereby resulting in the rupture of the shoe. Another drawback of such known shoe sole is that the shock-absorbing spring made of a metal material is apt to generate an unbearable noise and thereby it gives the wearer an unpleasant feeling during the entire walking gait cycle of a wearer.


A system and method for facilitating a consistent point-in-time copy (PITC). A data provider offers access to data by one or more clients. A client issues a PITC request for a set of data to the data provider, or the provider initiates its own request. The data provider instructs one or more clients, particularly clients accessing the set of data, to flush any pending updates involving the files. The clients acknowledge the flush request, flush their data, and notify the data provider when their flushes are complete. Post-consistency updates are deferred (e.g., using a write-aside buffer). If a client fails to acknowledge the flush request or notify of flush completion, the data provider may abort the PITC or continue because the data may not be consistent or consistency may not be assured. If not aborted, the PITC may be marked to indicate that it is incomplete.

This invention relates to the field of computer systems. More particularly, a system and methods are provided for facilitating a consistent point-in-time copy of one or more electronic files.
The advent of point-in-time copy functions has given file servers, data servers and other entities that manage stored data the ability to take snapshot copies of their data as of a specified time. During a point-in-time copy, a dataset is momentarily frozen (i.e., to prevent updates) and the locations of data in the dataset are rapidly captured. After the point-in-time copy is made, the dataset is thawed and made live again, while the point-in-time copy can be used as desired (e.g., to make a backup of the dataset).
More particularly, during a point-in-time copy operation for one or more files on a disk drive or disk drive array, a snapshot is taken of the metadata or index information identifying all disk blocks in the dataset. After the snapshot is taken, regular activity using the dataset can resume. To preserve the dataset as of the time of the point-in-time copy, when a disk block in the dataset is to be updated after the point-in-time copy, its contents are copied to a new block, and the new block replaces the old block in the live version of the dataset. Thus, disk blocks in the dataset as of the time of the point-in-time copy are preserved.
However, in today's computing environments, existing communication protocols do not allow for coordination of a point-in-time copy between the storage node or entity performing the copy (e.g., a disk array, a server) and the computer(s) or other devices currently accessing the dataset (e.g., client computers, other servers). Thus, it is highly probable that the point-in-time copy will be inconsistent—that it will not capture the true state of the dataset because one or more of the other devices will have data that should be included in the copy.
Thus, what is needed is a system and method for facilitating a consistent point-in-time copy of a specified dataset, so that the point-in-time copy will accurately reflect the state of the dataset at the time of the copy.

System and method for facilitating a consistent point-in time copy


A smokeless cooker includes a table located indoors, with a cabinet, which may include a plurality of individual boxes stacked and assembled together, below the table. A gas-discharge flow path leads from the cabinet to the outdoors. The cabinet includes an inner box with an open upper portion in an upper opening section of an outer box. An installed cooking means is located inside the inner box. A suction flow path is formed outside the inner box, with a suction hole in the inner wall of the suction flow path above a heating surface of the installed cooking means. The gas-discharge flow path includes a fat/oil filtering section, an absorption deodorizing section, a HEPA filter and a fan. A duct leading to the outdoors is present at the downstream side of the HEPA filter.

The invention relates generally to devices and apparatus for cooking foods. More particularly, the invention is embodied in a smokeless cooker that filters its exhaust gas through a HEPA filter.
Conventionally, in order to discharge the exhaust gas generated from a cooker disposed in a barbecue restaurant or the like to the outside, the cooker is connected to a duct, with a deodorizing unit connected at the downstream side of the duct. In general, a centralized duct system has been employed that filters oily smoke and odor out of the exhaust gas generated from plural cookers and discharges the exhaust gas to the outside.
Duct and deodorizing units of this general type require regular maintenance such as cleaning of the inside thereof and replacement of filters. However, since such maintenance requires a considerable expense, owners and operators of barbecue restaurants sometimes neglect to perform such maintenance services in a timely manner.
When such maintenance is neglected, however, a large amount of fat, oil, or the like may accumulate inside the duct and on the filters. A duct fire may happen when fire comes in contact with the accumulated fat and oil, which can catch fire inside the duct.
In addition to the above-described type connected to a duct to discharge exhaust gas to the outdoors, a non-duct type cooker of the type disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-95593 has also been used. The non-duct type cooker is equipped with a drain box, a suction fan, a filter, and the like inside the cooker body to clean the exhaust gas within the cooker body and to return the cleaned exhaust gas to the room in which the cooker is located. Since the non-duct type cooker is not limited in installation position inside the restaurant by the need to connect it to a duct, the freedom of layout is thereby increased.
In the conventional non-duct type cooker, however, since the exhaust gas is not satisfactorily cleaned inside the cooker body, it is difficult to completely remove the oily smoke and odor from the exhaust gas generated from the cooker.
In the conventional non-duct type cooker, moreover, the roasting smoke sucked from the vicinity of the roasting surface in the cooking section is filtered through filters or the like to clean the smoke, and then discharged into the room (inside the restaurant) through a discharge louver provided on a side wall of a cooker cabinet. Although the exhaust gas has been cleaned, it may still be somewhat hot since it has come from the roasting surface of the cooking section. Heat generated from the cooker is therefore concentrated around the discharge louver. When the cooker is used in a restaurant, a party hall, or the like, guest seats must therefore be disposed away from the discharge louver, and the possible layout of the guest seats is thereby restricted.


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for selecting training images. One of the methods includes determining, for each of a plurality of labels that each designate a respective food class of a plurality of food classes, a respective measure of importance. A respective sample size is determined for the label based on the respective measure of importance of the label. A number of training images are selected for each respective label according to the determined sample size for the label. A predictive model is trained using the selected training images as training data.

This specification relates to image classification.
Some machine learning systems classify food items that are shown in images into certain classes. For example, food items shown in images can be classified by the name of the food item, such as "apple" or "potato." When obtaining training data to train a classifier for food items, available training data examples for each food item classification can range from fewer than a hundred examples to thousands or millions of examples.


The present invention discloses an anti-pinching structure for supporting frame, in which a slidable or rotatable positioning block is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework and a hinge unit is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework, such that the torsion spring of the hinge units may form a supporting torsion against the supporting framework and the positioning block may prevent the supporting framework from springing back.

"Supporting Structure with Retaining Function," developed by the present inventor, is disclosed in the ROC Patent No. M309183 on Apr. 1, 2007, comprises a base 1, whose top surface is fixedly disposed with a supporting frame 12; a retaining part 2, which may slidingly disposed on the top of the face of the base 1 and which protrudes to form a fastening tenon 25 horizontally; a connecting part 3, whose bottom and top portions have a lower end 31 and upper end 32, respectively, and in which the lower end 31 pivotally connected with the base 1 by a base hinge 5 to form a rotating status and to reach an engaged status by the fastening tenon 25 as well as reach a disengaged status by the transverse sliding of the retaining part 2; and a main frame 4, whose lower end is disposed with a main supporter 41 which is pivotally connected with the upper end 32 of the connecting part 3 by a main hinge 6 to form a rotating status.
However, if the supporting structure is to be simplified into a framework, the springing back of the torsion spring of the hinge of the supporting frame has to be resolved. Otherwise, when the supporting framework is rotated, the supporting framework, under the action of the torsion spring, may pinch a person during assembly or maintenance. Thus the aforementioned invention is not conducive to assembling, maintenance, or dismantling.

Anti-pinching structure for supporting frame


An image analysis method includes acquiring an image of at least one frame that comprises pixels, setting at least one analytic region for the image of at least one frame, extracting data on the pixel corresponding to each analytic region, setting time intervals for data pairs for use in correlation calculations, performing a correlation calculation for each of the time intervals by use of the extracted data, and performing a fitting for each of the correlation calculation results.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image analysis method and an image analysis apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A technique for an image analysis called fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) has heretofore been known. The FCCS is shown in, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2007-093277. According to the FCCS, excitation light is continuously applied to one or more measurement points in a sample for a given length of time (e.g. for 10 seconds), and fluctuations of the intensity of fluorescence emitted from the measurement points are detected and correlatively analyzed to estimate the number of molecules and a diffusion constant.
A technique for an image analysis called a raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS) has been also known. The RICS is shown in, for example, "Measuring Fast Dynamics in Solutions and Cells with a Laser Scanning Microscope", Michelle A. Digman, Claire M. Brown, Parijat Sengupta, Paul W. Wiseman, Alan R. Horwitz, and Enrico Gratton, Biophysical Journal, Vol. 89, P 1317-1327, August 2005. According to the RICS, one or more frames of raster scan images are acquired. The raster scan images may be, for example, fluorescence images. Data regarding each pixel of the fluorescence images represents information on the intensity of fluorescence generated from a point in a corresponding sample. The data regarding the pixels vary in the time and position of acquisition.
Correlation characteristics dependent on the fluctuations of molecules are obtained by a spatial autocorrelation analysis using the data regarding the pixels. A diffusion constant and the number of molecules can be found from the correlation characteristics of the molecules. A molecular diffusion time can be found from the diffusion constant.
Since the diffusion time and the number of molecules can be thus evaluated by the spatial autocorrelation analysis, an interaction between the molecules can be observed.

Image analysis method and image analysis apparatus


A function creation method is disclosed. The method comprises defining one or more database function inputs, defining cluster processing information, defining a deep learning model, and defining one or more database function outputs. A database function is created based at least in part on the one or more database function inputs, the cluster set-up information, the deep learning model, and the one or more database function outputs. In some embodiments, the database function enables a non-technical user to utilize deep learning models.

Machine learning involves the construction and use of algorithms capable of data-driven predictions or decisions. Deep learning is a powerful form of machine learning that utilizes neural networks. A machine learning or deep learning algorithm is constructed through building a model from a sample data set. Training a model is typically a computationally expensive and highly technical process. In addition, processing data through a trained model to create a prediction is difficult for most users. The difficulty for technical users and inaccessibility to non-technical users presents a barrier to utilizing machine and deep learning methods in computing.

Function creation for database execution of deep learning model


A heater that inhibits the formation of ice in an air gap separating a stationary stator and a rotatable rotor of a rotating machine. The heater includes a plurality of stringers configured to be arranged in associated winding slots of the associated stator adjacent the air gap, and extending between two ends of the heater. Each of the stringers includes two electrical resistance heating traces arranged between two electrical insulation layers that are arranged between two thermal conduction layers. The traces extend along an entire length of each of the stringers between the two ends of the heater. The traces are electrically isolated from each other.

Ram Air Turbine (RAT) generators are included on many airliners to generate electricity for operation of the airliner in emergency situations. RAT generators are not used on normal flights, but must be available during any phase of a flight for use in the event the primary power source does not provide adequate power to the airliner. When the generator is not in use, it is normally stored in an exterior compartment of the airliner, where the internal components of the generator are exposed to all the atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity changes encountered throughout the flight envelope, which can cause the formation and accumulation of ice in and around the internal components of the RAT generators.
Electrical power generators, including RAT generators, have small air gaps between their internal rotating (rotor) and non-rotating parts (stator), which must be kept free of ice accumulation, which could prevent free rotation of the rotor and operation of the generator.


The present invention generally relates to a method for treating a subterranean formation with an aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid that an aqueous base fluid and one or more non-ionic amido amine oxide surfactant gelling agents. The treatment method comprises injecting the aqueous viscoelastic surfactant treating fluid through a wellbore and into the subterranean formation under conditions effective to control fluid loss, and breaking the gel of the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid subsequent to treating said formation.

Hydraulic fracturing is a method of using pump rate and hydraulic pressure to fracture or crack a subterranean formation. Once the crack or cracks are made, high permeability proppant, relative to the formation permeability, is pumped into the fracture to prop open the crack. When the applied pump rates and pressures are reduced or removed from the formation, the crack or fracture cannot close or heal completely because the high permeability proppant keeps the crack open. The propped crack or fracture provides a high permeability path connecting the producing wellbore to a larger formation area to enhance the production of hydrocarbons.
The development of suitable fracturing fluids is a complex art because the fluids must simultaneously meet a number of conditions. For example, they must be stable at high temperatures and/or high pump rates and shear rates which can cause the fluids to degrade and prematurely settle out the proppant before the fracturing operation is complete. Various fluids have-been developed, but most commercially used fracturing fluids are aqueous based liquids which have either been gelled or foamed. When the fluids are gelled, typically a polymeric gelling agent, such as a solvatable polysaccharide is used. The thickened or gelled fluid helps keep the proppants within the fluid.
While polymers have been used in the past as gelling agents in fracturing fluids to carry or suspend solid particles in the brine, such polymers require separate breaker compositions to be injected to reduce the viscosity. Further, such polymers tend to leave a coating on the proppant even after the gelled fluid is broken, which coating may interfere with the functioning of the proppant. Studies have also shown that "fish-eyes" and/or" microgels" present in some polymer gelled carrier fluids will plug pore throats, leading to impaired leakoff and causing formation damage.
Conventional polymers are also either cationic or anionic which present the disadvantage of likely damage to the producing formations.
It would be desirable if a composition and method could be devised to overcome some of the problems in the conventional injection of treatment fluids such as fracturing fluids.

Hydraulic fracturing using non-ionic surfactant gelling agent