A compact semiconductor laser light source providing short wavelength (ultraviolet, blue or green) coherent light by means of frequency doubling of red or infrared light from a high power diode heterostructure. The high power diode heterostructure is a MOPA device having a single mode laser oscillator followed by a multimode, preferably flared, optical power amplifier. A tunable configuration having an external rear reflector grating could also be used. A lens could be integrated with the MOPA to laterally collimate the light before it is emitted. Straight or curved, surface emitting gratings could also be incorporated. An astigmatism-correcting lens system having at least one cylindrical lens surface is disposed in the path of the output from the MOPA to provide a beam with substantially equal lateral and transverse beam width dimensions and beam divergence angles. A nonlinear optical crystal or waveguide is placed in the path of the astigmatism-free symmetrized beam to double the frequency of the light. Single pass or multipass configurations with reflectors could be used, as well as external resonator and segmented, periodically poled waveguide configurations.

Short wavelength (ultraviolet, blue, green) coherent light sources are desirable for a number of applications, including high density (.apprxeq.1 Gbit/cm.sup.2) optical data storage, color image processing, such as in laser printers, submicron lithography and other high resolution laser processing steps for fabricating VLSI devices, satellite-to-submarine and other underwater optical communications, and spectroscopy and other optical measurements, such as interferometric gravity-wave detection and the like. In many of these applications, compact laser systems are desired, and in some, relatively high output powers (greater than about 100 mW) are required. Accordingly, considerable effort has been undertaken in recent years to develop more compact, short-wavelength coherent light sources to replace the low-power air-cooled gas lasers, such as argon ion and helium-cadmium lasers, that are presently the only practical sources which are available.
Also, mid-infrared wavelength (2-10 .mu.m) coherent light sources are desirable for a number of applications, including eye-safe laser ranging and communications, laser surgery, spectroscopy, environment sensing and diagnostics. Considerable effort has been undertaken to develop sources in the mid-infrared wavelength range.
Because of their compactness, high electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency, wavelength tunability and rapid modulation capabilities, semiconductor laser diodes are being actively studied to discover whether shorter wavelengths can be generated. At present, AlGaInP lasers have the shortest practical limit of wavelength around 600 nm (orange). Potential wide band-gap semiconductor lasers made of AlGaN or other materials are being studied, but have not yet been successfully oscillated by current injection. At present, approaches to directly generating mid-infrared wavelengths are focused on rare-earth doped solid state lasers, such as thullium (Tm) and holmium (Ho) doped lasers.
Nonlinear optical processes, such as frequency doubling (also called second harmonic generation) and sum frequency mixing, are capable of converting red and near infrared light into ultraviolet, blue and green light. Accordingly, much development work has focused on using nonlinear frequency conversion techniques to generate ultraviolet, blue and green light directly from red and near infrared laser diodes. Direct frequency doubling of laser diode emission makes possible the extension of available diode laser wavelengths into the ultraviolet, blue and green regions of the spectrum, and represents at present the most feasible approach to developing a compact, efficient, high power coherent source in those spectral regions. However, in order for this approach to be successful and useful in practical applications, like those mentioned above, higher optical conversion efficiencies from the red and near infrared laser diode wavelengths to the desired ultraviolet, blue and green wavelengths are needed. Likewise, other nonlinear optical processes, including optical parametric generation and difference frequency mixing, are capable of generating mid-infrared radiation from one or two shorter-wavelength sources. Again, improved conversion efficiencies are needed to make these techniques practical.
In general, higher optical conversion efficiencies are associated with a higher power density or intensity of the fundamental pump wavelength within the nonlinear optical material. Because of the relatively low powers available from most diode lasers, configurations using external resonators or channel waveguide structures have been preferred. For example, efficient frequency conversion is possible by coupling laser diode radiation into a passive external resonator of either a standing wave or unidirectional ring type that contains a bulk crystal of nonlinear optical material, such as potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO.sub.4) or potassium niobate (KNbO.sub.3). The high circulating intensity that builds up in the crystal located within the resonator results in efficient frequency conversion of the laser diode radiation.
W. J. Kozlovsky, et al., in Applied Physics Letters 56 (23), pages 2291-2292 (1990), describe frequency doubling of an 856 nm laser output from a ridge waveguide, single quantum well, graded index double heterostructure GaAlAs diode laser in a monolithic KNbO.sub.3 crystal ring resonator in order to generate 428 nm (blue) radiation. The ring resonator is a 7 mm long KNbO.sub.3 crystal with curved mirror end faces coated for high reflectivity at the fundamental wavelength and transmissivity of the frequency doubled blue light and with a flat total internal reflection surface parallel to the mirror axes. The crystal resonator is placed on a thermoelectric cooler so that the temperature can be stabilized at 15.degree. C. for phase-matched second harmonic generation along the long direction of the ring path. In order to achieve efficient power buildup in the KNbO.sub.3 cavity and generation of stable blue output, the laser output frequency is locked to the cavity resonance using an elaborate electronic servo technique that superimposes a small rf current on the dc injection current to produce weak FM sidebands in the laser output and that uses a double-balanced mixer for phase sensitive detection of the optical-heterodyne-spectroscopy signal in the light reflected from the input surface of the resonator. Such a signal is zero when the carrier frequency coincides with the cavity resonance. The output signal of the mixer is amplified and coupled back to the laser injection current, so that the diode laser's output frequency tracks the resonance frequency of the KNbO.sub.3 cavity. Using such a servo technique, a 41 mW blue output (39% optical conversion frequency) was achieved. However, the technique requires a significant amount of electronics for it to work properly without amplitude noise. Elaborate temperature and electronic feedback controls for matching resonance frequencies are typical of external resonator systems. Besides being expensive and not very compact, in attempting to maintain stable operation, they usually introduce some wavelength jitter into the system.
J. T. Lin, in Lasers and Optronics, December 1990, pages 34-40, describes diode-pumped self-frequency-doubling (SFD) lasers using Nd.sub.x Y.sub.1-x Al.sub.3 (BO.sub.3).sub.4 (NYAB) crystals for the frequency doubling, and compares them against prior single-pass KTP, external resonator KNbO.sub.3 and channel waveguide LiNbO.sub.3 second harmonic generator configurations for diode lasers, as well as other frequency doubled laser systems. Up to 80 mW of output power (up to 8.0% efficiency) at 531 nm is achieved with NYAB compared to 40 mW of output power at 430 nm for external-resonator-type second harmonic generation of a 860 nm diode laser beam. Like diode-pumped solid-state lasers, these SFD laser systems are not particularly compact, so that a tradeoff between compactness and greater conversion efficiency must be made.
Another approach for efficient frequency conversion is to use ion-diffused channel waveguides of nonlinear optical material, such as lithium niobate (LiNbO.sub.3) or potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO.sub.4), to double the frequency of the laser diode emission. Doubling is relatively efficient if the waveguide is relatively long (greater than about 1 mm), but phase-matching of long frequency-doubling waveguides is critical, the available wavelength range is more limited, and fabrication tolerances are tight. Periodic poling can ease such requirements and increase efficiency. Another problem that arises when waveguide systems are used is that it is difficult to collimate and then focus the diode laser light to a diffraction-limited spot for efficient coupling into the waveguide, using conventional spherical lens systems. However, waveguide systems are compact.
C. J. Van der Poel, et al., in Applied Physics Letters 57 (20), pages 2074-2076 (1990), describe second harmonic generation in periodically segmented KTiOPO.sub.4 (KTP) waveguide structures. The waveguide structures are formed in either flux-grown or hydrothermally grown KTP substrates by ion exchange through a Ti mask using various Rb/Tl/Ba nitrate molten salt baths. There are two segments per period, one segment being bulk KTP with a length l.sub.1 and a propagation constant mismatch .DELTA.k.sub.1, the other segment being an ion-exchanged KTP waveguide with a length l.sub.2 and a propagation constant mismatch .DELTA.k.sub.2, in which the phase-matching condition .DELTA.k.sub.1 l.sub.1 +.DELTA.k.sub.2 l.sub.2 =2.pi.M is met (M being an integer). Ferroelectric domain reversals in adjacent segments can also be included for higher conversion efficiencies. Efficient second harmonic outputs were observed from 0.38 .mu.m (deep purple) to 0.48 .mu.m (blue-green). W. P. Risk, in Applied Physics Letters 58 (1), pages 19-21 (1991), describes fabrication of optical waveguides in KTP crystals by an ion-exchange process involving a molten Rb/Ba nitrate bath. Second harmonic generation from titanium:sapphire laser light in the 900-1000 nm range was observed.
A. Harada et al., in Applied Physics Letters 59 (13), pages 1535-1537 (1991), describe second harmonic generation of 442 nm (blue) light from an 884-nm semiconductor laser using an organic crystal-cored nonlinear optical fiber coupled to the laser. The single transverse mode fundamental beam of the diode laser is collimated by a first objective lens and an anamorphic prism pair, and then focused into the fiber by a second objective lens. The fiber was formed by filling a hollow glass fiber by capillary action with the organic material (DMNP) melt, and then recrystallizing the polycrystals thus obtained by the Bridgman-Stockberger single crystal formation method in which the fiber is pulled out of a 105.degree. C. furnace. The fiber core diameter and length are 1.4 .mu.m and 5-14 mm, respectively. Output powers of 0.16 mW (about 1.6% conversion efficiency) were achieved. G. L. J. A. Rikken, et al., in Applied Physics Letters 58 (5), pages 435-437 (1991), describe nonlinear optical effects in sidechain copolymers with methylmethacrylate.
Efficient frequency conversion also requires good spatial and spectral mode properties of the diode lasers. While greater light intensities in the nonlinear material are desired, too much power focused in one place can damage or destroy the nonlinear material. Poor spatial mode characteristics of the diode laser beam can limit the amount of focusing that can safely be achieved without damage to the nonlinear material. Higher power lasers, such as multi-emitter and broad area laser diodes are a particular problem because of their highly asymmetric beam characteristics.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,574, Scifres et al. describe an optical system for collimating and focusing the radiation emitted from a multi-emitter or broad emitter semiconductor laser so that the laser beam or beams can be imaged into a single diffraction limited spot. The optical system includes a first lens system to collimate or focus the radiation in the near field in the vertical direction perpendicular to the p-n planar junction, and a second lens system to collimate or focus the radiation in the far field in the lateral emission direction parallel to the p-n planar junction. Unwanted low power interference lobes may be blocked by using an aperture in the optical system.
An object of the invention is to provide a high power (greater than 100 mW), short wavelength (ultraviolet, blue or green), compact laser source.
Another object of the invention is to provide a laser source utilizing a lens system that can collimate and focus the highly asymmetric and astigmatic beams of higher power laser diode systems into a diffraction limited-beam for coupling into nonlinear, frequency converting optical material.

Frequency converted laser diode and lens system therefor


The invention is a coupling circuit for quickly increasing the differential potential between non-selected bit lines and selected bit lines in the case where the digital data has a high logic state, while retaining a valid differential potential for the case where the digital data has a low logic state. The circuit comprises a true and a complement coupling line typically held at an equilibrate potential substantially equal to the equilibrate potential of the bit lines. A coupling capacitor is electrically interposed between each of the true bit lines and the true coupling line and a coupling capacitor is electrically interposed between each of the complement bit lines and the complement coupling line. During cell selection the potential of the coupling line in electrical communication with the non-selected bit lines is switched to a reference potential by select coupling line circuitry. Once the non-selected bit lines are coupled to the reference potential through the coupling capacitors the equilibrate potential on the non-selected bit lines discharge thereby decreasing the potential on the non-selected bit lines and increasing the differential potential between the selected and the non-selected bit lines.

DRAM Architecture
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device consists of an arrangement of individual memory storage capacitors capable of storing digital data. The memory storage capacitors are also referred to as memory storage cells, memory cells, storage cells, and cells. The memory is often thought of as having two logic states, a high logic state and a low logic state. Each memory cell comprises a capacitor capable of holding a charge and a field effect transistor, hereinafter referred to as an access transistor, for accessing the capacitor charge. The charge is referred to as the digital data and can be either a high potential or a low potential corresponding to either the high logic state or the low logic state respectively. There are two options available in A DRAM memory, a bit of data may be stored in a selected cell in the write mode, or a bit of data may be retrieved from a selected cell in the read mode.

Coupling circuit and method for discharging a non-selected bit line during accessing of a memory storage cell


A digital mixer has a processor capable of executing a program to constitute an audio signal processing unit corresponding to various mixer configurations. Configuration ID is attached to each mixer configuration, and the same configuration ID is attached to the mixer configurations having compatibility between their scene data which is a data set of parameters for use in operation of the audio signal processing unit. When a mixer configuration is edited, the same configuration ID as that of the mixer configuration before editing is attached to the mixer configuration after editing. Under the condition that there is a match between the configuration ID of read source and the configuration ID of write destination, the scene data accompanying each mixer configuration is written from the mixer configuration of read source to the mixer configuration of write destination.

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to a digital mixer for processing audio signals, and specifically relates to an editing apparatus for editing scene data and mixer configuration data applied to the digital mixer, and a scene data storage apparatus.
2. Related Art
Digital mixers are known in which a mixer configuration can be customized as described in non-patent document "DIGITAL MIXING ENGINE DME32 INSTRUCTION MANUAL", Yamaha Corp., 2001. In the described technology, an audio signal processing unit is configured by use of a processor (for example, a digital signal processor (DSP)) that operates in accordance with programs to process audio signals on the basis of a mixer configuration (or signal processing configuration), which can be edited by use of an external PC (Personal Computer). The creation and editing of the mixer configuration on the PC are executed by use of a dedicated mixer control program. Namely, components of the mixer configuration displayed on the screen of the PC are arranged and these components are interconnected to specify their input/output relationship, thereby creating and editing the mixer configuration. The created mixer configuration is transferred to the digital mixer machine, which executes the received mixer configuration to realize the operation of the digital mixer.
The above-mentioned related-art mixer allows the use of a plurality of scene data for different mixer configurations. Scene data denotes a data set of parameters which are used when operating the digital mixer with the specific mixer configuration. If a same mixer configuration is used, the user sometimes wants to operate the digital mixer with different parameters for different scenes, so that a plurality of scene data are prepared, which may be called from time to time to operate the digital mixer.
Scene data accompanies each mixer configuration, so that different mixer configurations require different scene data structures. Therefore, there is no compatibility between the scene data having different structures corresponding to different mixer configurations. This lack of compatibility presents problems in various stages. For example, there sometimes occurs a situation in which a mixer configuration currently being executed with a mixer engine is slightly edited by the mixer control program of a PC and the edited mixer configuration is transferred from the mixer control program to the mixer engine for operation. However, this presents a problem that the scene used with the mixer configuration before editing cannot be recalled by the edited mixer configuration. Another problem is that, if a mixer engine comes with two or more models, they generally require different scene data structures, thereby making it impossible to share scenes among different models no matter similar the mixer structures are to each other.
Practically, one mixer configuration includes a plurality of configuration components such as an equalizer, a compressor, a filter, a mixer, and an effecter, and different mixer configurations may include configuration components of similar types. It is sometimes desired to share scene data between these configuration components. However, the sharing of scene data between different configuration components is allowed only for those mixer configurations designed accordingly. Consequently, the other mixer configurations cannot share scene data for reasons of the difference in configuration component scale for example.

Editing apparatus of scene data for digital mixer


Provided are a semiconductor device and semiconductor-device manufacturing method that make it possible to improve the contact between an insulating film and a wiring member and the reliability thereof. This method for manufacturing a semiconductor device (100) includes a step in which a CF film (106) is formed on top of a semiconductor substrate (102), a step in which grooves (C) corresponding to a wiring pattern (P) are formed in the CF film (106), and a step in which a copper wiring member (114) is embedded in the grooves (C).

A wiring structure formed by a damascene process technique has conventionally been known. For example, in a conventional multilayer wiring structure, a barrier layer (barrier metal) is formed between an interlayer insulating film and Cu (copper) which is a material of a wiring line) to prevent Cu from being diffused into the insulating film. With this wiring structure, since the barrier layer having a predetermined thickness is provided between the insulating film and Cu, wiring may be inevitably delayed due to increased resistance (contact resistance). With regard to this problem, the following Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a wiring structure in which no barrier layer is provided between the insulating film and Cu.

Wiring structure having interlayer insulating film and wiring line without a barrier layer between


A sense amplifier circuit is disclosed which has an amplifier circuit stage 11 outputting a intermediately signal S and SB having a first level voltage which makes a driver circuit M7 and M8 of the output circuit stage 12 into turn off when the sense amplifier circuit SA1 is in a inactive state. As a result, circuits which bring the driver circuit to a high impedance state can be unnecessitated. Accordingly, load capacities added to the output nodes A and B of the amplifier circuit stage 11 can be reduced to realize an operation of high speed, and markedly reduce the number of circuit elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sense amplifier circuit used in a semiconductor memory device, and more particularly to a sense amplifier circuit aimed at high speed operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
The sense amplifier circuit used in the semiconductor memory device exists a variety of circuit configurations corresponding to its object. This invention relates to a sense amplifier circuit aimed at high speed operation suitable for a static random access memory (SRAM). Referring to the circuit disclosed in IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 28, No. 4, 1993, pp. 478-482, and illustrated in FIG. 11, the prior art sense amplifier circuit will be described in the following. For the purpose of obtaining high speed operation and reducing the number of circuit elements, the amplification is arranged to be accomplished in one stage. A memory cell array MARY is formed by arranging a memory cell CELL at each intersection of a matrix formed by a plurality of word lines WL and digit line pairs D and DB, and only signals selected from among the plurality of digit line pairs are transmitted to read buses B and BB. The selection of plural digit line pairs is accomplished by control signals SELl-SELn corresponding to the accessed address values, generated by an address decoder (not shown) for switching circuits YSW. The read buses B and BB serve as inputs to a sense amplifier circuit SA2. Amplified sense amplifier output signal 113 passes through a data bus WRB and an output buffer OBuff, and is output from an output terminal Dout as a read data.
The sense amplifier circuit SA2 consists of an amplifier circuit stage 111 and an output circuit stage 112. When signals are input from the read buses B and BB, the amplifier circuit stage 111 outputs intermediately amplified signals S and SB to the output circuit stage 112, and the output circuit stage 112 outputs a sense amplifier output signal 113 for driving the data bus WRB based on the intermediately amplified signals S and SB. Describing the configuration of the sense amplifier circuit in detail, pMOS transistors M24 and M25, having their respective gates and drains connected in a cross coupled manner, are connected as the loads to respective drains of nMOS transistors M21 and M22, which receive the signals of the read buses BB and B, respectively, to their gates. The common drain terminal of the transistor M21 and the transistor M24 is served as the intermediately amplified signal S, and the common drain terminal of the transistor M22 and the transistor M25 is serves as the intermediately amplified signal SB. An nMOS transistor M23 which receives a control signal SE1 to its gate is inserted between the common source terminal of the transistors M21 and M22 and a minimum power supply potential (GND) line, and an nMOS transistor M26 for equalizer which receives a control signal SE2B to its gate is inserted between output terminals (nodes A and B) of the amplifier circuit stage 111. The output of a NOR circuit 21 which receives the intermediately amplified signal SB and the control signal SE2B is inverted by an inverter INV21 and serves as the gate input to a pMOS driver transistor M27, and the output of a NOR circuit 22 which receives the intermediately amplifies signal S and the control signal SE2B is input to the gate of an nMOS driver transistor M28. These transistors M27 and M28 are connected in a CMOS inverter fashion, and the signal of their common drain terminal is output to the data bus WRB as the sense amplifier output signal 113.
Next, the operation of this circuit will be described. A memory cell connected to a selected word line WL draws a current from one of the digit line pair D and DB so that there is generated a potential difference between these digit lines. This potential difference serves as memory cell information. Next, information in a selected memory cell is transmitted to the read buses B and BB by turning one of the switch circuits YSW on and turning off the others. This information is amplified by the sense amplifier circuit SA2.
The sense amplifier circuit SA2 takes on three kinds of operating states, namely, inactive, standby, and active states depending upon the combination of the control signals SE1 and SE2B.
The inactive state is one in which the control signal SE1 is at a low level and the control signal SE2B is at a high level. In this case, since the transistor M23 which receives the control signal SE1 to the gate is turned off, the differential amplifier constituted of the transistors M21 and M22 is inactive. In addition, the equalizer transistor M26 is turned on by the control signal SE2B, and the potentials of the nodes A and B which are the output terminals of the amplifier circuit stage 111 are raised up to the vicinity of (Vcc-Vth).
The standby state is one in which both control signals SE1 and SE2B are at high levels, which is a sort of an active state. In this case, currents are supplied to the transistors M21 and M22 since the transistor M23 is turned on. Moreover, the equalizer transistor M26 is also turned on so that the potentials on the nodes A and B move toward the intermediate potential (Vcc/2). By precharging the nodes A and B to the intermediate potential in this way, the differential amplifier is made to operate at a high speed. Furthermore, in the inactive state and the standby state, the NOR circuits 21 and 22 of the output circuit stage 112 are outputting low level signals all the time corresponding to the high level of the control signal SE2B. Since the output of the NOR circuit 21 is connected to the inverter circuit INV21, both driver transistors M27 and M28 are turned off, and the sense amplifier output signal 113 is in a high impedance state.
The active state is one in which the control signal SE1 is at a high level and the control signal SE2B is at a low level. When the potential difference of the memory cell information (namely, the potential difference between the read buses B and BB) read out of the memory cell is expanded to some extent, the equalization of the potentials of the nodes A and B is released by bringing the control signal SE2B to a high level. Consequently, the differential amplifier is actuated and intermediately amplified signals S and SB are output to the nodes A and B. The potential difference generated between the nodes A and B is fed back to the respective gates of the load transistors M24 and M25, and is further expanded. Moreover, the NOR circuits 21 and 22 of the output circuit stage 112 are made effective corresponding to the low level of the control signal SE2B, and one of the driver transistors M27 and M28 is turned on depending upon the positive and negative polarities of the intermediately amplified signals S and SB, and the sense amplifier output signal 113 is output to the data bus WRB.
As described in the above, the sense amplifier circuit SA2 brings the sense amplifier signal 113 to a high impedance state in the states other than that which produces the output signal 113. In other words, it forms a tristate circuit, and it maintains the information on the data bus WRB when the output signal 113 is not output.
In the conventional circuit, invalidation of the amplification operation of the amplifier circuit stage 111 and sending of the sense amplifier signal 113 to a high impedance state are synchronized by providing the NOR circuits 21 and 22 which receive the control signal SE2B in the output circuit stage 112. Accordingly, the driver transistors M27 and M28 are turned off without fail by the use of the control signal SE2B the NOR circuits regardless of the equalizing potentials of the nodes A and B.
In the conventional circuit, the number of elements is reduced by constituting the sense amplifier circuit in one stage. However, since the potential difference between the input signals (signals on the read buses B and BB) to the sense amplifier circuit is small, a large output amplitude cannot be obtained unless the output signals of the amplifier circuit stage 111 are fed back to the load transistors M24 and M25. What is important in this feed back path is the response speed of the output terminals (nodes A and B) of the amplifier circuit stage 111. Since this response speed becomes the reaction speed for applying a feedback to the gain of the differential amplifier, the load capacities added to the nodes A and B are preferably small in order to realize a high speed operation. However, in the conventional circuit, the load capacities are very large, and the operating speed of the amplifier circuit stage 111 is slowed down. The reason for this is that the NOR circuits 21 and 22 are connected to the nodes A and B.
In general, the NOR circuit has a configuration as shown in FIG. 12. In the case of this configuration, the operating speed of the NOR circuit is determined by resistance R and the ratio of the capabilities of nMOS transistors N1 and N2. Namely, the charging rate and the discharging rate of output terminal OUT are inversely proportional with each other. Accordingly, a NOR circuit as illustrated in FIG. 13 is adopted for a sense amplifier circuit aimed at high speed operation as shown in FIG. 11. Since charging of the output terminal OUT is carried out by the power of pMOS transistors P1 and P2, and the discharging is carried out by the power of the nMOS transistors N1 and N2, its operation can be made at high speed.
However, with this configuration, the load capacities to be added to the nodes A and B of the amplifier circuit stage 111 become very large. This is due mainly to the following two reasons. Namely, one is that for balancing the charging and discharging rates the gate width of the pMOS transistor has to be made about twice as large that of the nMOS transistor of the same size because the power of the pMOS transistor is about half that of the nMOS transistor. Moreover, since pMOS transistors are connected in series to the NOR circuits, the PMOS transistors have to be made still larger in order to obtain a specified transistor power. The other is that the NOR circuits play the role of buffers for driving the driver transistors M27 and M28 which drives in turn the data bus WRB which is a long wiring, so that the size of the NOR circuits cannot be made small.
Consequently, the response speed of the nodes A and B of the amplifier circuit stage 111 is necessarily lowered. Moreover, because of the large size of the NOR circuit its performance is subject to a large variation due, for example, to dispersion in the manufacture. In order to ensure the production margin, it is necessary either to make the sense amplifier circuit two stages or to enlarge the transistor size of the amplifier circuit stage 111 which results in an increase in the current consumption. However, an integration of the semiconductor memory is recently progressing and the number of sense amplifier circuits is in an increasing trend, which makes it difficult to adopt such techniques, and the problem is becoming a large restriction on circuit design.

Sense amplifier circuit having high speed operation


An electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The separator includes an extension portion extending to the outside of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate in a length direction of the electrode assembly. The extension portion is provided with a glue layer including a first bonding portion extending in a width direction of the electrode assembly. The first bonding portion is parallel to the width direction.

Secondary batteries are widely used in various portable devices such as notebooks, mobile phones, UAVs, mobile power supplies, etc. due to their high energy density and capable of being recharged. It is common that the portable devices or batteries may suffer from droppings, in addition to other external forces. Frequently, the battery may become short-circuited and invalid after being dropped or subjected to an impact, which seriously affects the performance of the battery. Therefore, improvements are required.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Dental bleaching compositions, for example in the form of liquids, gels, creams, pastes and ointments, comprising a peroxide releasing compound and from 1% to 35% by weight of a potassium-containing compound such as potassium nitrate, wherein the potassium nitrate is present in a safe and effective amount to prevent tooth hypersensitivity in the patient during the bleaching process. The potassium nitrate contemplated by the invention is compatible with peroxide yielding bleaching compounds such as peroxide, carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, magnesium peroxide and sodium perborate. Potassium nitrate is complimentary and synergistic with the peroxide bleaching agents contemplated by the invention and enhances the release of oxygen to the tooth enamel. Also contemplated are methods of bleaching teeth comprising application of the dental bleaching compositions of the invention.

The process of dental bleaching is an increasingly popular practice in dentistry to combat the problem of staining or discoloration of teeth.
The enamel layer of teeth is composed of hydroxyapatite. It is believed that the porous nature of the enamel is attributed to the crystalline structure of hydroxyapatite, which allows staining agents and discoloring substances to permeate the enamel, thereby discoloring teeth. Substances that come in contact daily with teeth and that can stain or reduce the "whiteness" of teeth include foods, tobacco products, tea, coffee, betel nut, plants and food products. These substances permeate the enamel of the teeth and with continued contact impart noticeable discoloration to the teeth.
In addition, teeth may become stained from excessive intake of fluoride (endemic fluorosis). In young persons, the administration of tetracycline during tooth formation may cause staining. Generalized intrinsic staining can result from systemic conditions and diseases such as cystic fibrosis, congenital hematoporphia and dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Since white or unstained teeth are considered to improve a person's appearance, it is generally desired by patients to try to increase the whiteness of the teeth. Methods of improving the whiteness of teeth include bleaching methods which can be used to ameliorate the staining of teeth. However, known effective bleaching procedures for teeth also result in the undesired effect of tending to produce hypersensitivity or supersensitivity of the teeth. It has been reported that 74% of incidents of dental bleaching result in post-bleaching pain (hypersensitivity) to the patient. Bleaching compositions generally use peroxide or peroxide yielding compounds which have tended to involve the activation of peroxide by light sources such as photo flood light, ultraviolet light, or by heat methods such as convection heat or by the application of heat directly to teeth. These methods require the use of high concentrations of peroxide, such as in the form of Superoxol® or a 35% peroxide composition, which not only cause hypersensitivity but also have the potential to damage oral and facial tissues.
Passive bleaching involves the use of bleaching agents supplied directly in dentrifice compositions for brushing the teeth, or gels, foams, creams or pastes which are applied in prefabricated trays and/or in custom trays fabricated with reservoirs to hold bleaching preparations in extended intimate contact with the teeth for longer periods of time. Passive bleaching agents have been used with photo flood lights and with lasers. It is now understood that the teeth can be made whiter by passive bleaching methods using peroxide releasing compounds such as carbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide, usually in the amount of 10% to 20% by weight of the composition. The higher concentrations of the peroxide yielding compounds are used to effect faster and more effective bleaching (power bleaching). Other peroxide releasing compounds that have been known in the prior art include sodium perborate, zinc peroxide, calcium peroxide and magnesium peroxide, and other compounds which can release peroxide effectively with bubbling oxidizing force.
In general, higher concentrations of peroxide yielding compounds improve the efficacious bleaching capabilities of the composition. However, the higher peroxide concentrations exacerbate the sequelae of hypersensitivity or supersensitivity. The pain resulting from hypersensitivity or supersensitivity is considered to be a warning that the tooth and pulpal tissues have experienced a severe insult. Faster and more aggressive bleaching techniques, such as with the use of higher concentrations of peroxide yielding compounds, results in more severe and higher incidence of post-bleaching hypersensitivity to thermal, chemical and tactile stimuli.
Dental bleaching compositions are described in a number of references, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,098,303; 5,234,342; 5,376,006; and 5,409,63 1, all to Fischer, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The Fisher patents describe tooth bleaching dental gel composition comprising carbamide peroxide, water, glycerin, carboxypolymethylene (Carbopol) and sodium hydroxide. Dental bleaching compositions are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,000, to Pellico et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The use of potassium nitrate as a compound for desensitizing teeth is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Potassium nitrate has also been disclosed as useful for treatment of canker sores in U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,750, hereby incorporated by reference; useful for preserving dental pulp, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,608, hereby incorporated by reference; useful for treating gingival and periodontal tissues, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,373, hereby incorporated by reference; and useful for treating post-restoration dental pain, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,006, hereby incorporated by reference.
Other patents, including for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,256,402 and 5,648,399, have described the use of potassium nitrate in dentrifice compositions as a treatment for hypersensitivity. However, the use of potassium nitrate incorporated into dental tray bleaching compositions has not been previously described as being capable of preventing tooth hypersensitivity.
Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,726 has described the use of a composition having a high concentration of potassium, such as potassium nitrate, for anesthetizing teeth requiring preparation, caries removal or manual manipulation thereof.

Method and composition for preventing tooth hypersensitivity when using passive bleaching agents


A vehicle headlight includes: a first illuminator including a projector unit that has a projection optical system and illuminates a predetermined region ahead of a vehicle with a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at an upper end; and a second illuminator that has a reflector unit including a reflective optical system for illumination with a second light distribution pattern that includes a region on an oncoming lane side of an elbow point of the cutoff line of the first light distribution pattern and that substantially does not include a region on a non-oncoming lane side of the elbow point.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight provided to a vehicle such as an automobile, and particularly relates to a vehicle headlight that reduces the contrast above and below a cutoff line and prevents a driver of a vehicle from feeling a sense of incongruity and to a vehicle headlight that reduces the contrast above and below a cutoff line and prevents a driver of other vehicles from being dazzled.
2. Related Art
A headlight of a vehicle such as an automobile projects light emitted from a light source such as, for instance, an incandescent light bulb, discharge lamp, and LED with a projection optical system such as a projector and a reflective optical system such as a reflector.
With such a headlight, switching is possible between a driving beam (high beam) for use during normal driving and a passing beam (low beam) for use when passing an oncoming vehicle.
In order to prevent glare that dazzles an oncoming driver, a cutoff line is formed in a predetermined range at the upper edge of a light distribution pattern for the passing beam, such that light is substantially not radiated above the cutoff line.
In such a headlight, it is known that a desired light distribution pattern is formed through collaborative use of a plurality of light sources or optical systems.
For instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2011-3515 describes that a main light distribution pattern or the like having a cutoff line is formed by a projector unit and a diffused light distribution pattern is formed by a reflector unit.
JP-A No. 2011-161035 describes that a part of a beam emitted by a light source of a projector unit is guided to a reflector by a mirror member to illuminate a shoulder or the like on the driving lane side.
JP-A No. 2001-195910 describes a technique in which an auxiliary light distribution pattern for a passing beam from a projector unit is formed by an auxiliary reflector.
In a technique disclosed in JP-A No. 2001-195910, a cutoff line formed by a projector unit is illuminated, with an auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by a reflector unit, on both the left and right sides (oncoming side and non-oncoming side) of an elbow point arranged in the middle.
A projector unit using a projection optical system is advantageous in space efficiency since the configuration is relatively compact. However, since a clear cutoff line is formed due to the structure, a driver may feel a sense of incongruity in the contrast above and below the cutoff line.
By illuminating the vicinity of the cutoff line of the projector unit with a reflector unit that uses a reflective optical system capable of a relatively moderate change in luminance around a light distribution pattern to reduce the contrast above and below the cutoff line, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity in a driver.
However, in the case where the cutoff line on the left and right sides of the elbow point is illuminated with the reflector unit as with the technique disclosed in JP-A No. 2001-195910, light is distributed additionally to a region that is already illuminated uniformly with a main light distribution pattern on the non-oncoming lane side (vehicle side) of the elbow point, and a resulting non-uniformity of the light distribution pattern on a road surface may cause a driver to feel a sense of incongruity.
In the case where the vicinity of the cutoff line is illuminated by the reflector unit, light is radiated above the cutoff line to some degree. Therefore, a driver of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle may be dazzled by the glare.

Vehicle headlight light distribution pattern


An automatic testing method and apparatus are provided. In the method, a Software Development Kit (SDK) interface is configured and User Interface (UI) rendering data which includes a plurality of UI controls is obtained through the SDK interface. The UI rendering data is a standardized data structure processed through the SDK interface. An operation event of a user on the UI rendering data is received, and a simulation operation of the user on the UI rendering data on a terminal device is determined according to the operation event. Position information of a UI control corresponding to the simulation operation is determined, and a UI automated test script is determined according to the position information and the simulation operation. The UI automated test script is run and debugged using an automated test framework.

In the existing game testing solutions, the game script to be tested can be tested through a game test framework; a UI control to be tested can also be tested through a UI control recognition method.
However, the above testing solutions all have their detects, and thus a new automated testing method needs to be provided.
It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Test script debugging using an automated testing framework and UI rendering tree


For determining a signal response characteristic of a device, a first signal is varied with a first function of time and simultaneously a second signal is varied with a second function of time, wherein the first function is different from the second function. The first and second signals are coupled to the device, wherein the device is exposed to a time-dependent disturbance signal. A signal response is received from the device in response to the first and second signals and the time-dependent disturbance signal. The signal response characteristic is derived by analyzing the received signal response in conjunction with the first and second signals, or a signal derived therefrom, and at least partially removing the time-dependent disturbance signal using the received signal response and the first and second signals, or a signal derived therefrom.

The present invention relates to determining a signal response characteristic of a device under test (DUT).
The determination of signal response characteristics of devices is a common object in communication measurement device industries. In particular, the derivation of response characteristics of optical, electrical and/or acoustic devices acquires an increasing interest in research and development.
One known approach is to perform interferometric measurements, wherein, e.g., by means of a variation of runtime an incoming signal that is split and guided through the DUT as well as being guided directly to a detector unit an interferogram can be taken and analyzed for deriving intensity transmission, polarization and/or group delay characteristics, etc. For example, the runtime through the device varies as a result of frequency change. A corresponding device dependent characteristic group delay leads to a constructive or destructive interference with a signal split off the incoming signal not passing the DUT.
A description of a known interferometric determination of signal response characteristics of DUTs relating, e.g., to optical devices, is provided in EP 1 207 377 A2. The teaching thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

Determination of a device signal response characteristic using multiple varied signals


A robotic putting system includes a mechanism for actively and physically guiding a putter head along a determined preferred putting path. The golfer need only hold the putter and allow the robotic mechanism to guide the motion of the putter head. The system enables a golfer to develop and practice a feel for the preferred path/stroke.

The invention relates generally to a robotic device for a putting stroke and, more particularly, to a robotic device that facilitates training a player to perfect a personalized preferred putting path.
The invention relates to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/680,833 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,720) and the applications from which it claims priority, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In that family of inventions, structure and methods are described to assist a golfer in identifying a preferred putting path. It is recognized that there is not one "perfect" path for all golfers with regard to a putting stroke, particularly with amateur golfers, but rather there is a preferred path for each individual golfer that gives that golfer the best chance for a successful putt. The system and methods in the pending patent family facilitate the identification of the golfer's preferred putting path and provide vehicles to assist the golfer in putting consistently on the preferred path.
Touch sensitive or proximity sensitive computer screens and the like along with sensors on the putter itself are used to determine a golfer's preferred putting path, i.e., a path for the golfer that is most likely to achieve a successful result. Once the preferred path is determined, the path can be marked or displayed on a grid box floor, which the golfer can take to the practice putting green. Additional features of the invention family may include sensors and alarms cooperable with the grid box that signal when the golfer deviates from the preferred putting path during a putt. The grid box may also be provided with a flexible wall that can be positioned to guide the golfer in following the preferred putting path and to develop muscle memory.


Provided herein are methods for modulating one or more of a T-helper cell or monocyte lineage cell-mediated immune response in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound which binds to surface membrane immunoglobulin D (smIgD). Also provided are methods of diagnosis of one or more of a T-helper cell or monocyte lineage cell-mediated immune disease, and compositions and kits for use in such methods.

The differentiation of naïve CD4+ T-cells into Thelper (Th) cells is a central process that plays a crucial and determinant role in directing the type of immune responses that develop against pathogenic and non-self antigens in humans. There are two principal types of immune response, namely type-1 (Th1) and type-2 (Th2), which are categorized on the basis of the cytokine profiles that these responses produce and by the class of Th cells which contribute to the immune response.
Th1 cells secrete mainly interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), granular macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These cytokines are the essential factors for the initiation of cell-mediated immunities that involve the activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes and macrophages. Th1 immunity also involves the direct activation of naïve CD8+ Tcytotoxic-cells (Tc) by signalling through T-cell receptors (TCR), which in turn recognize non-self or pathogenic antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) on antigen-presenting cells (APC). Once they are activated, naïve CD8+ Tc-cells differentiate into long-term Tc-effector and Tc-memory cells, which carry out the cytotoxic killing of pathogens.
Th2 cells produce mainly IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 that are primarily involved in the initiation of humoral immune responses.
The differentiation of naïve CD4+ Th-cells is initiated when their TCR encounters and locks on to an antigen bound to the MHC-class II (MHC-II) on an APC. In conjunction with the activation of co-stimulatory pathways, stimulation of the TCR delivers a signal which is mediated through the activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, that in turn promotes the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T-cells into Th-progenitor cells. At this stage of differentiation, progenitor Th-cells have the capability to differentiate into either Th1 or Th2 cells, depending on the cytokine environment. Upon exposure to IL-12, IL-18, IL-23, IL-27 or IFN-γ, Th-progenitor cells are driven toward the Th1 lineage commitment, whereas in the presence of IL-4 or IL-10, the Th-progenitor cells are programmed to develop into Th2 lineage.
It is also significant to note that Th1 and Th2 cytokines have a cross-inhibitory action on each other. This regulatory interaction between Th1 and Th2 signals appears to act as a mechanism to shift the balance toward a particular lineage commitment.
Appropriate induction of Th1 immunity is essential for fighting infection by invading bacterial and viral pathogens. The production of Th1 cytokines plays a crucial role in the function of Th1 immunity as a mechanism to fight pathogens and also to participate in tumour surveillance.
Several transcription factors have been identified as important regulators of Th1 lineage development. These include STAT-1, STAT-4, NF-kB, IRF-1, T-bet (or Tbx21) and members of the Ets family.
However, excessive production of Th1 cytokines has been associated with autoimmune diseases. Th1 immunity is also a key mediator of the 'cytokine storm' that often causes fatality in severe cases of infectious diseases such as pneumonia and 'bird flu'. The mechanisms of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions involves the production of Th1 cytokines, activation and recruitment of CD4+ Th cells, CD8+ Tc cells, natural killer (NK) cells and other components of the immune system such as macrophages. Accordingly, elevated expression of T-bet and Th1-cytokines are central to mediating the pathological processes of many autoimmune diseases, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, solid organ transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplantation, rejection of embryo implantation after IVF and a range of other diseases and pathologies.
There are a number of immuno-suppressive/anti-inflammatory agents and different therapies currently used for Th1-related diseases and organ transplantation in the clinic as well as showing promising therapeutic potential in pre-clinical stage. These include steroid hormones and their analogues (estrogen, progesterone, human growth hormones, glucocorticoids, dexamethasone), small chemical molecules, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclosporine, rapamycin, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, calcineurin inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors, antibodies against specific cytokines and their receptors (anti-TNFα antibody [Infliximab], anti-costimulatory molecule antibody, anti IL-2 receptor antibody [Daclizumab], anti-IL12 antibody). However, there are a number of problems with the use of these immuno-suppressive drugs.
Firstly, these drugs have significant side-effects that particularly associated with chronic use. For example, nephrotoxicity is associated with calcineurin inhibitors, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases with the use of corticosteroids. There is a significantly increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer from the use of steroid hormones, an increased risk of development of haematologic neoplasms and kidney problems with chronic use of infliximab, and cytotoxicity with the use of methotrexate and rapamycin.
Secondly, there are major concerns and problems over long-term graft survival and chronic graft rejection with prolonged exposure to these drugs. This is evidenced by the fact that although the use of immuno-suppressive drugs improves 1-year graft survival from 45% to about 80-90% for most organ transplants, long-term graft survival (5 years or more) has changed little, remaining at around 50-60%. Another example is the use of cyclosporine in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplantation. Its use is highly effective in the clinical setting. However, patients often relapse due to the inhibitory action of cyclosporine on the graft-versus-leukaemia action by the donor marrow. There are also cytotoxic effects and a risk of renal damage associated with chronic use of cyclosporine. This compromises the clinical benefit of bone marrow transplantation in leukaemia patients. Also, these immuno-suppressive drugs have to be administered regularly and over a prolonged period of time.
Intra-venous injection of pooled serum immunoglobulins, also known as intra-gam, from thousands of volunteers has also been used to treat a wide range of immune-related disorders. However, this treatment requires a large pool of serum, in the order of tens of thousand of donors, with the isolation of serum immunoglobulins being an inefficient and costly process. Since immunoglobulins used in such treatments are isolated from human serum, there are also risks of transmission of diseases from donors to patients. Thus, the clinical benefits and the cost effectiveness of such treatments remain limited.
Hence, there remains a requirement for new approaches to the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and allergy-related diseases.

Modulation of T helper cell-mediated immune responses

Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Service


A solid-state image pickup device including: a pixel region on a semiconductor substrate, the pixel region including: a sensor region for photoelectrically converting incident light; a vertical CCD formed on one side of the sensor region with a readout region interposed between the sensor region and the vertical CCD; and a channel stop region formed on a side opposite from the sensor region with the vertical CCD interposed between the sensor region and the channel stop region; and a vertical transfer electrode on the vertical CCD with an insulating film interposed between the vertical transfer electrode and the vertical CCD. The vertical transfer electrode is formed above the vertical CCD such that width of the vertical transfer electrode and width of a channel region of the vertical CCD are substantially equal to each other.

The present invention relates to a solid-state image pickup device and a driving method of a solid-state image pickup device, and particularly to a solid-state image pickup device and a driving method of a solid-state image pickup device that perform readout by making a potential of a vertical charge transfer region (hereinafter referred to as a vertical CCD) sufficiently deep and extending a depletion layer of the vertical CCD in a direction of a sensor by a voltage applied to a vertical transfer electrode.
In a unit pixel structure of an interline (IT type) CCD solid-state image pickup device, which is the current mainstream of CCD solid-state image pickup devices, and a frame interline (FIT type) CCD solid-state image pickup device used for broadcasting stations and the like, basically as shown in a schematic structural sectional view of FIG. 1 and a plan layout view of FIG. 2 (a scale of FIG. 2 does not correspond with a scale of FIG. 1), a sensor region 121 for performing photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation is formed in a P-type well 112 formed in a semiconductor substrate 110. Formed on one side of the sensor region 121 are a readout gate region 122 for transferring a charge to a vertical CCD and the vertical CCD 123 for transferring the charge read out by the readout gate region 122, with the readout gate region 122 intermediate between the sensor region 121 and the vertical CCD 123. Further, a channel stop region 125 is formed between the pixel 111 and a pixel (not shown) adjacent to the pixel 111. Further, a transfer electrode 127 is formed on the vertical CCD 123 (including a channel region 124), the readout gate region 122, and the channel stop region 125 with an insulating film 126 interposed between the transfer electrode 127, and the vertical CCD 123, the readout gate region 122, and the channel stop region 125. Further, an opening 130 is formed on the sensor region 121, and a light shielding electrode 129 for covering the transfer electrode 127 is formed with an interlayer insulating film 128 interposed between the transfer electrode 127 and the light shielding electrode 129 (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
In a case of construction of a CCD having a pixel 2.5 μm square, for example, supposing that the channel stop region 125 has a width of 0.35 μm, the readout gate region 122 has a width of 0.35 μm, and the sensor region 121 has a width of 1.0 μm, the channel region 124 of the vertical CCD 123 has a width of 0.8 μm. With the conventional structure, it is becoming difficult to maintain characteristics regarding sensitivity, an amount of charge handled by the sensor region 121, smears, an amount of charge handled by the vertical CCD 123, and the like as CCD unit cells are scaled down.
In order to solve these problems, a solid-state image pickup device of a punch-through readout structure has been disclosed (see Non-Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, for example).
[Patent Literature 1]
    Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-151792 (pp.2-3, FIG. 1)[Patent Literature 2]    Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-70263 (pp.3-4, FIG. 1)[Non-Patent Literature 1]
Toshifumi Ozaki, H. Ono, H. Tanaka, A. Sato, M. Nakai, and T. Nishida, IEEE TRANSACTION ON ELECTRON DEVICES, VOL. 41, NO. 7, (1994), PP. 1128-1134
In order to increase the amount of charge handled by the vertical CCD without increasing the area, there is a method of increasing the capacitance by forming a thinner gate insulating film or densely forming a channel dopant. However, these methods have a disadvantage of making charge transfer difficult. While increase in driving amplitude of the vertical CCD results in increase of the amount of charge handled, VHigh voltage is set as negative voltage in a present situation because plus side driving of VHigh in the conventional structure increases dark current.

Solid-state image pickup device and driving method of solid-state image pickup device


A shoe tree assembly includes a shoe tree and an electrically operated disinfecting device such as an ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The shoe tree is inserted in a shoe and the disinfecting lamp inhibits the growth of fungi and other microorganisms, particularly those which cause athlete's foot or unpleasant odor. A control box for operating the lamp can include a timer and ballast.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shoe tree apparatus and particularly to a shoe tree assembly having means for performing disinfectant or fungicidal functions.
2. Background of the Art
Shoe trees are commonly used to maintain the shape of shoes when they are not being worn. Shoe trees typically have a forepart adapted to fit in the vamp portion of a shoe, a central tube or shaft, optionally with a spring, and a heel portion.
The leather of the shoes generally absorbs moisture from, for example, the user's foot, or external conditions such as rain or snow. Use of a shoe tree prevents the shoe from curling as the leather gradually dries.
The moist and warm interior of a shoe also provides ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms, particularly fungus. Such microorganism and fungus can reside in the shoe, causing unpleasant odor or fungal related problems such as athlete's foot. Shoe borne fungal problems are particularly troublesome because after treatment with drugs, medicated ointment and the like, the foot can be easily reinfected when the user returns to wearing shoes still harboring the fungus.
It would be advantageous to have a shoe tree which disinfects the interior of the shoe, thereby, preventing reinfections of foot fungus and maintaining both the shape and freshness of the shoe.


A hydraulic pressing unit includes a hydraulic pump, supply and hydraulic chambers, moving and stationary parts, a restoring spring, and a return valve provided within or attached to a housing. The moving part is displaced from a starting position into a pressing position as a result of filling the hydraulic chamber with a hydraulic medium from the supply chamber by using the hydraulic pump. The return valve is automatically displaced into an open position as a result of a hydraulic pressure corresponding to the pressing position, and the restoring spring moves the moving part. A piston acts on the flow of the hydraulic medium and lowers the pressure such that the return valve is displaced into the closed position.

Methods of this kind for operating a pressing unit are known. For example, reference may be made to WO 99/19947. The pressing unit known from this document is hydraulically driven. In addition, pressing units of this kind that are driven directly by an electric motor are also known. In this respect, reference may be made, for example, to DE 203 05 473 U1. Instead of two pressing jaws, it is also possible to provide just one pressing jaw, which is to be moved against a fixed counter-stop. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,417.
It has also already been proposed, see for instance German patent application 10 2006 026 552, which is not a prior publication, that, when the pressing jaws are released in such a way that they can move or can be moved back into the opened or openable starting position (with regard to 'can be moved' it should be pointed out that, although pressing jaws of this kind are basically openable, they could also be biased by a spring into a closed position, see for instance DE 10 2005028 083 A1), an interruption of the movement into the starting position may be performed in such a way that a next pressing operation can be commenced right away from an intermediate position thereby chosen. Therefore, time is saved if a complete movement into the starting position is not required. This interruption must take place in each case in response to specific actuation.
Furthermore, measures intended to make it possible to check whether pressing has actually been carried out have already been proposed in various respects. EP 1 092 487 A2 has proposed in this respect a device on the pressing jaws which allows them to be reopened only after they have been completely pressed together. However, this measure for checking complete pressing is relatively complicated.

Method for the operation of a motor-driven hand-held pressing apparatus, and hand-held pressing apparatus


A system for spraying a coating onto a substrate employing a vortex tube to supply warm air to a spray gun is disclosed. The system allows precise control of air temperature.

The application or spraying of coatings onto various substrates by the use of spray guns is well known. Such spraying typically has been accomplished by means of several types of atomizers, including the following: (1) conventional high pressure air blast atomizers; (2) HVLP (high volume, low pressure) air blast atomizers; (3) airless, high pressure atomizes; and (4) air assisted airless atomizers. Each of these types of atomizers have their own characteristics which make them more or less desirable to be used in the application of a particular coating material or paint, or on a particular substrate, or in a particular setting or location. Other factors, such as govermental regulations, now are beginning to dictate the type of atomizer which can be used.
Recent actions by governmental agencies include efforts to reduce the atmospheric emissions of hydrocarbon solvents that form ozone in the lower atmosphere. Two regulatory approaches have especially affected the spray coatings industry. One approach is the lowering of the permitted levels of hydrocarbon solvent or volatile organic content (VOC) in paints. This approach would reduce emissions because, if the same amount of solids is applied, less solvent would be sprayed and released to the atmosphere. Another approach is the limiting of the allowable air pressure that can be employed for atomizing paint in air blast type spray guns. Spraying with lower atomizing air pressure increases the spray droplet size, which reduces the number of very small droplets that can be carried away with air currents (overspray). This results in a higher transfer efficiency, or, in other words, more of the paint solids end up on the surface being painted and less is wasted.
Lower VOC regulatory limits are resulting in the development of paints with less hydrocarbon solvents (higher solids) or with water as the solvent (water based). The high solids paints are higher in viscosity and harder to atomize, and the water based paints dry or cure more slowly, especially in cool and humid weather conditions. These new kinds of paints have suggested the need for new or different applicators or spraying methods.
The above mentioned limit on atomizing air pressure has resulted in a multitude of new spray guns being offered for sale. They are referred to as HVLP (high volume, low pressure) spray guns. During use, the air pressure utilized in such a gun is less than or equal to 10 psig, as measured just inside the air exit orifice. The combination of lower VOC paints and lower atomizing air pressure has resulted in a decrease in atomizing quality (average droplet size in the spray). This makes it difficult for the operator of the spray gun to achieve the desired finish appearance that satisfies the customer.
Initially, most HVLP systems included a turbine to supply a high volume of air at low pressure to a spray gun. In the process of compressing air, the air is naturally warmed, so that turbine spraying systems can provide warm atomizing air.
High volume, low pressure (HVLP) spraying is alternately called turbine spraying, since the normal method of supplying air for atomizing paint is a turbine. However, another method of supplying warm air involves a compressed air conversion unit. This is simply a common pressure regulator that reduces the compressed air pressure down to below 10 psig. This low pressure air is then heated to 100.degree. to 200.degree. F. by means of an electric resistance heater.
Both of the above-mentioned methods of providing warm air, turbine spraying and the use of compressed air conversion units, have certain drawbacks. For instance, turbines have moving parts that can break down and that require occasional maintenance. Turbines also require electrical power to operate, which must be explosion proof when used in areas that are classified as electrically hazardous according to the National Electric Code. Also, the control of air temperature is not precise with turbines. In most cases, the temperature is only controlled by the length of air hose connected between the turbine and the spray gun. Further, the initial capital costs of a turbine system is relatively high. This expense is especially high if pressures higher than about 5 psig are desired, since turbines employed in refinish shops are usually so limited. Likewise, a compressed air conversion unit suffers from similar drawbacks. The temperature control of these units is typically accomplished with a thermostat employing on-off control and resulting in significant temperature cycling. In order to make this type of unit suitable for electrically hazardous areas, expensive purging or an expensive explosion proof mounting box would be required.
There exists a need for a source of warm atomizing air for spray guns which is inexpensive, requires little or no maintenance, has simple and precise temperature adjustment, and is explosion proof.

Spray apparatus comprising a vortex tube


Disclosed is a duobinary optical transmitter, which includes a laser source for outputting light with a predetermined wavelength; a Mach-Zehnder interferometer-type optical intensity modulator for modulating the intensity of the light according to a three-level data signal inputted through a modulation terminal; a low-pass filter for converting an inputted two-level binary data signal into a three-level data signal through an interference among codes; and, a modulator driver/amplifier for amplifying the three-level data signal and then outputting it to the modulation terminal, wherein the overall bandwidth of the low-pass filter, the modulator driver/amplifier, and the optical intensity modulator corresponds to approximately ¼ of the clock frequency of the two-level binary data signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical communication system and, more particularly to an optical transmitter for generating optical signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical communication systems utilizing a Dense-Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (DWDM) scheme have an excellent communication efficiency as they permit the transmission optical signals of multiple channels with different wavelengths through a single optical fiber. The DWDM systems can also transmit optical signals having different transmission speeds. As such, the DWDM are now widely used in ultra-high speed Internet networks, and systems capable of transmitting more than a hundred channels through a single optical fiber, using the DWDM technology, are in common use. Various research efforts have been focused recently to develop a system that is capable of simultaneous transmission of more than two hundred channels of 40 Gbps through a single optical fiber at a transmission speed of more than 10 Tbps.
In order to cope with a rapidly-increased demand in data traffic, there has been much improvement in the wavelength division multiplexing technology. Today, the bandwidth of an Erbium-Doped-Fiber-Amplifier (EDFA) is approaching its limit which is based on the intensity modulation technology used commonly in the art. Therefore, a new technology other than EDFA is needed in the near future to meet the steady increase in data traffic. As an approach to increase the transmission capacity of the DWDM system, "duobinary" transmission technology has emerged to improve the bit spectral efficiency by utilizing the limited bands of the optical fibers efficiently.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a conventional duobinary optical transmitter. The transmitter comprises first and second low-pass filters 120 and 150; first and second modulator driver/amplifier 130 and 160; a laser source 170; and, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer-type optical intensity modulator 180.
In operation, a two-level binary data signal is inputted to the first low-pass filter 120. The first low-pass filter 120 has a bandwidth corresponding to about ¼ of the clock frequency of the two-level binary signal. Due to an excessive limitation on the bandwidth, an interference among codes is generated. This causes a conversion of the two-level binary signal into a three-level data signal. As such, the three-level signal is inputted to the first modulator driver 130. Then, the first modulator driver 130 amplifies the three-level signal and outputs it to the optical intensity modulator 180. The first modulator driver 130 and the optical intensity modulator 180 both have a bandwidth corresponding to a clock frequency of the two-level binary signal. Similarly, a binary inverted data signal is also converted into a three-level inverted data signal through the second low-pass filter 150 during the operation. This three-level inverted signal is amplified through the second modulator driver 160 and then inputted to the optical intensity modulator 180. Lastly, the laser source 170 outputs light with a predetermined wavelength, and the optical intensity modulator 180 modulates the light according to the three-level signals and outputs them for a subsequent transmission.
Note that the first low-pass filter 120 and the first modulator driver 130 constitute a first arm 110 relative to the optical intensity modulator 180, and the second low-pass filter 150 and the second modulator driver 160 constitute a second arm 140 relative to the optical intensity modulator 180. The first and second arms 110 and 140 are connected to the first and second modulation terminals (RF+ and RF−) of the optical intensity modulator 180, respectively.
However, in the duobinary optical transmitter as shown in FIG. 1, only a low-pass filter has a bandwidth corresponding to ¼ of the clock frequency of the two-level binary signal. The remaining modulator driver and optical intensity modulator both have a bandwidth corresponding to a clock frequency of the two-level binary signal and tend to be expensive to implement. Accordingly, the conventional transmitter has a drawback in that using devices of high bandwidth increases the manufacturing cost of the entire optical transmitter, and therefore the cost competitiveness of the optical transmitter is weakened.
Therefore, there is a need for an optical transmitter that may be realized in a simple, reliable, and inexpensive implementation.


A support fixture for supporting a face plate and CCA board as they are secured together has a base plate and a pair of end supports or blocks projecting upwardly from opposite ends of the base plate to support opposite ends of the face plate. A center support also projects upwardly from the base plate at a location spaced centrally between the two end supports for supporting a central region of the face plate. The end supports have rectangular recesses at the same height as the center support for receiving the opposite ends of the face plate. The height of the recesses and center support is selected to be greater than the height of any LED projecting from the CCA board through openings in the face plate, such that any such LED is spaced above the base plate.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to control panel or alarm panel assembly and is particularly concerned with a support fixture for use during attachment of a control panel face plate to a printed wiring board or circuit card assembly (CCA) board.
II. Description of the Related Art
Control panels are typically provided with light emitting diodes (LEDs) which light up when various conditions, such as alarm conditions, are met. Such panels typically have a metal face plate with openings through which LEDs project from a printed wiring board secured to the rear side of the face plate. One problem in assembly of such control panels is that it is difficult to secure the printed wiring board or CCA board to the face plate without resting either the electronic components on the inside of the board or the LEDs against a support surface, which may potentially damage the components, particularly the relatively fragile LEDs.

Support fixture for control panel assembly


Systems and methods for performing a consumer advertising transaction at a retail device are disclosed. According to one system and method, an identifier associated with the retail device is provided to a personal communication device. An application-specific user interface specific to the retail device is associated based on the identifier. A selection is received for the consumer advertising transaction made by a consumer interacting with the application-specific user interface executing on the personal communication device. The consumer advertising transaction is performed based on the received selection for the consumer advertising transaction made by the consumer interacting with the application-specific user interface.

Transaction processing within a retail fueling environment conventionally includes interaction between a customer and a fuel dispenser. The customer typically presses certain keys on a user interface provided on the fuel dispenser to provide input for a transaction. Output is provided to the customer by the user interface in response, typically via a visual display. The customer authorizes payment for the transaction by either communicating with an attendant situated at a point of sale (POS), or by swiping a credit card at the fuel dispenser, also referred to as "pay at the pump." The customer dispenses fuel and interacts with the user interface of the fuel dispenser to complete the transaction. The fuel dispenser user interface and control interface are resident on the fuel dispenser within these conventional systems. An example of such a fuel dispenser interface is the card reader in dispenser (CRIND®) equipped fuel dispenser manufactured by Gilbarco Inc., the assignee of the present application.
These conventional fuel dispenser interfaces provide a specifically designed user interface that varies according to the brand and their system designers. For example, a user interface provided on an ExxonMobil® branded fuel dispenser may be different from a Chevron® branded fuel dispenser. This user interface also often varies within different retail fueling environments based upon the fuel dispenser and other retail transaction devices (e.g., a car wash kiosk) installed. Further variations occur based on the selected programming options for the fuel dispensers.
For example, within certain retail fueling environments, the customer may automatically receive a receipt for the transaction without being prompted from the user interface. Within other retail fueling environments, the customer may be required to specifically respond to an inquiry provided by the user interface to receive a receipt for the transaction. Based upon the fuel dispenser programming, this receipt inquiry may be presented at the beginning of a transaction or at the end of the transaction. Furthermore, a customer's native language and the language provided by the user interface may not be the same. As such, the customer may not know when a response to an inquiry is required. In essence, the complexities of different user interfaces present varied transaction experiences for the customer among different retail fueling environments.

System and method for providing receipts, advertising, promotion, loyalty programs, and contests to a consumer via an application-specific user interface on a personal communication device


Toothpastes containing 10 to 60% by weight of a polishing agent, 2 to 20% by weight of a humectant, 0.5 to 5% by weight water-soluble consistency regulators, 0.02 to 0.5% by weight antibacterial biguanides and 1 to 5% by weight other additives from the group consisting of surfactants, flavoring oils and sweeteners show particularly high biguanide availability if they contain predominantly .alpha.-aluminium oxide trihydrate as the polishing agent, nonionic polysaccharide derivatives as the consistency regulators, an alkyl glycoside and, optionally, a nonionic solubilizer for the flavoring oil as surfactants and L-aspartyl-L-phenyl alanine methyl ester as sweetener.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a toothpaste in the form of a dispersion of water-insoluble polishing agents in an aqueous carrier which contains an antimicrobial biguanide compound as plaque-inhibiting component and of which the other components are selected in regard to type and quantity so that optimal inhibition of plaque formation is obtained despite a relatively low dosage of the antimicrobial biguanide compounds.

Plaque-inhibiting toothpaste comprising antibacterial biguanides


An optical pulse amplifier includes: a first optical coupler, having first, second, third and fourth ports, for outputting an optical pulse incident onto the first port to the second and third ports, and for outputting the optical pulse re-incident from the second and third ports to the fourth port; a first grating connected to the second port of the first optical coupler for reflecting the incident optical pulse for each wavelength at a position satisfying the Bragg condition; a second grating, connected to the third port of the first optical coupler and having the same optical characteristics as the first grating, for reflecting the incident optical pulse for each wavelength at a position satisfying the Bragg condition; an optical amplifying portion, connected to the fourth port of the first optical coupler, for amplifying the optical pulse reflected by the first and second gratings and output by the fourth port of the first optical coupler; and a second optical coupler, having first, second, third and fourth ports, for outputting the optical pulse incident from the optical amplifying portion connected to the first port to the second and third ports, respectively, connected to the first and second gratings, and the optical pulse re-incident after being reflected by the first and second gratings to the fourth port. Therefore, a non-linear effect and a spectral hole burning effect can be avoided through amplification and broadening of the optical pulse, there is less diffraction loss, and manufacture of the optical pulse amplifier is easy.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an optical pulse amplifier and, more particularly, to an optical pulse amplifier using a chirped grating.
2. Related Art
An erbium doped fiber amplifier has saturation energy of about 1 .mu.J, at which the power of an output signal does not increase, even if the power of an input signal is increased. Peak power of an ultrashort pulse amplified at this energy is very high, (e.g., 1 MW at 1 pico second pulse), so that the intensity thereof greatly increases if the energy is confined to the core of an optical fiber, thereby causing non-linear effects and distorting the pulse. Also, a spectral hole burning effect occurs, in which amplification is not achieved due to a decrease in the stimulated emission gain.
To solve these problems, the ultrashort pulse is stretched, using a bulk diffraction-grating stretcher to lower the peak value of the power within the amplifier.
However, a problem wit the method using a bulk diffraction-grating stretcher is that the diffraction-grating arrangement is sensitive to polarization and is not strong. Also, the method causes much diffraction loss and distorts the profile of an output beam.


A method comprising receiving subject data indicative of a subject entity and selecting, from a plurality of data sets, and based on the subject data, a subject entity data set which corresponds to the subject entity. The subject entity data set comprises first related entity data representative of a first related entity related to the subject entity and first text data representative of first text associated with the first related entity. Unstructured text data representative of unstructured text is received and processed, using the first text data, to identify a portion of the unstructured text data corresponding to the first text data. The first text data is used to identify, from the subject entity data set, the first related entity data and the portion of the unstructured text data is identified as corresponding to the first related entity data.

A vast amount of information is stored in unstructured formats. For example, there is a large quantity of unstructured text data, which is typically difficult for a computer to resolve into distinct entities via named entity resolution or to map to a predefined structure such as a knowledge database for further use or processing.
It is desirable to provide improved data processing techniques for obtaining information from unstructured sources.

Subject-specific data set for named entity resolution


Space adjusting, lading separating, decking and bracing members for use in freight carrying vehicles. The members comprise the combination of apertured tracks which are placed on the walls, ceiling and floor, at least two apertured crossbars and at least one load bearing member that can be placed horizontally or vertically.

The hauling of freight of assorted shapes, sizes and weight has established the need for a shipper to simply and conveniently convert the interior of a standard freight hauling vehicle into a specialized design which will accommodate the various load capabilities of assorted freight to be shipped, without materially reducing the interior size and capacity of the vehicle.
In a typical railway car or truck van, a horizontal bed or floor is provided for supporting articles being transported. Articles are placed on this bed, and depending upon the size of the articles, they may be stacked upon each other at two or more levels. In some instances, however, stacking of the articles may be impractical due to the weight or configuration thereof in which case, substantial amounts of the vehicle interior may be unusable. As an example, where the articles or containers therefore, are of a somewhat fragile character, damage to the articles would occur if stacked to the extent that the weight of the upper articles would damage lower articles. In those instances, it is often necessary to avoid stacking or to minimize the amount of stacking. The end result is a loss of useable cubic footage.
Some articles are also somewhat difficult to handle or load due to the weight and/or configuration thereof, and this also creates problems for individuals loading other articles on a bed. For example, even if articles at a lower level will not be damaged from weight when other articles are stacked thereon, the stacking operation itself may be quite irregular and inefficient due to the configuration, size and weight of the articles. This incompatibility can cause the freight to move, twist, shift, fall or become lodged in between; thus causing damage.
Attempts have been made to alleviate some of these problems by incorporating intermediate decks in vehicles. In such vehicles, stacking problems can be avoided since the deck will support the weight of the upper articles, and the amount of manual lifting of articles can be minimized if workmen can move around on a deck level. Vehicles with permanent decks are, however, of limited versatility. One reason being, their adjustability is limited in many cases to one fixed height. Another reason being their inability to support efficiently half width sections of a freight vehicle when the size and shape of certain articles deem it necessary. Furthermore, the use of collapsible or removable intermediate decks has not met with any success due to inefficiencies in the design of the decks which make the decks either too expensive for practical purposes or too inconvenient to use.
It is desirable to provide a means for the utilization of cubic footage which results from shipping odd sized freight or fragile freight and also to prevent damage by shifting freight. It is further desirable that such means be capable of installation by a single person and readily disassembled as the freight which is hauled changes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,468,101 and 2,467,681 disclose the use of tracks for side walls and cross bars for forming means for bracing and dividing the lading within a vehicle to reduce damage from shifting freight. However, the arrangements formed with the side tracks and cross bars are not sufficiently versatile to accommodate irregularly sized freight.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,160,870 discloses a partitioning means which extends completely across the vehicle forming a bulkhead. The partitioning means is not used as a load bearing member.
It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved vehicle construction whereby articles can be more efficiently supported for transportation purposes.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a vehicle construction of the type described which includes an intermediate deck arrangement adapted to provide maximum efficiency in the use of the construction.
It is a more particular object of this invention to provide an intermediate deck construction which is capable of providing the necessary support for articles loaded in a vehicle and which is at the same time of a highly efficient design whereby the deck can be economically installed in a vehicle and operated in a convenient fashion.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a lading separating and loading means which can be easily assembled and disassembled and can be readily modified for use with different load shapes and sizes.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a lading separating and loading means which can provide more usable space within a freight carrying vehicle.
It is also an object of the invention to provide lading separating means for dividing space horizontally in order to support freight vertically for the purpose of bracing freight.


A method for automatically selecting a take-off thrust setting for an engine of a jet powered mobile platform that has a flight management computer (FMC) that makes use of a configuration code. The configuration code is provided from a first set of information relating to operational parameters of the mobile platform. A database in communication with the FMC stores information pertaining to different locations from which a take-off operation can be performed. The FMC accesses the configuration code and the database to determine a take-off thrust setting to apply during the take-off operation at a specified one of the locations. The FMC also determines if an operator has overridden an automatic selection of the take-off thrust.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
In many commercial aircraft environments, a pilot is responsible for manually selecting a take-off thrust for the jet engines of the aircraft being flown. Typically a co-pilot makes a cross check to ensure that the appropriate take-off thrust level has been selected. As will be appreciated, with the numerous checks and pre-flight take-off procedures that are required with a commercial jet aircraft, the selection of take-off thrust adds further responsibility for the pilot and co-pilot.
In some instances, the selection of take-off thrust is made by uploading commands via an ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System) wireless data link. The ACARS data link may be controlled from a control station operated by an entity such as an airline company. However, this introduces additional cost because of the equipment and manpower associated with operating the ACARS, and the bandwidth required to send the needed take-off thrust selection commands.

System and method for automatically controlling take-off thrust in an aircraft


Delivery systems and their methods of formation are generally provided. The delivery system can protect a delivery molecule (e.g., DNA/RNA) and deliver it into a cell via serum. In one embodiment, the method can include binding a delivery molecule with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; capping the end of the delivery molecule with a first biocompatible polymer to form a core; and encapsulating the core with a second biocompatible polymer. The resulting delivery system can include a delivery molecule bonded with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; a first biocompatible polymer electrostatically bonded to the end of the delivery molecule to form a core; and a second biocompatible polymer encapsulating the core.

Gene delivery has been extensively explored as a promising therapeutic tool for treating genetic diseases or producing animal disease models. Due to the growing concern about the safety of viral vectors, non-viral gene delivery system was proposed as an alternative. Among those non-viral vectors that have been investigated, polyethylenimine (PEI) is one of the most widely used polymers. PEI forms polyplexes with DNA molecules due to the electrostatic interaction. After uptake by cells, PEI induces "proton sponge effect" and promotes the endosomal escaping of polyplexes.
Thus, PEI has been considered as a benchmark for non-viral vectors; however, the in vivo therapeutic application of PEI has been hampered due to several issues. First, the PEI/DNA polyplexes system is not compatible with serum, which is the main cause for low transfection efficiency. Second, PEI is cytotoxic and can cause cell death and possible organ damage if applied in vivo. Third, PEI as well as other non-viral vectors is much less efficient than viral vectors.
To decrease the cytotoxicity and further increase its transfection efficiency, PEI has been formulated with polysaccharide-based polyanions, such as hyaluronic acid. From our previous study, we found that the PEI/HA system did increase the transfection efficiency and decreased cytotoxicity; however, it was not resistant to the high concentration of serum which exists in in vivo conditions.
Thus, conventional non-viral gene delivery vectors are not compatible with serum, which hampers their in vivo applications. As such, a need exists for a non-viral gene delivery system (PoSH) which is compatible with serum.

Tetrary gene delivery system for gene therapy and methods of its use