Disclosed is a system, apparatus, and method for dynamically estimating the bandwidth of a network link in a wireless network. The system includes at least one client device capable of receiving data over the wireless network and a server capable of transceiving data over a link of a wireless channel of the wireless network. The server identifies the at least one client device in the wireless network and identifies applications that are being utilized in the wireless network by the at least one client device, in which each application has an associated link between the server and the client device and an associated data stream transmitted over the link. The server passively estimates the bandwidth being used by an application over the link based upon measuring the throughput of the associated data stream and based upon determining channel utilization of the link.

Typically, a network generally refers to a communication system that allows users to access resources on other computers and to exchange data and messages with other users. Particularly, a network allows users to share resources on their own systems and with other network users and to access information on centrally located systems or systems that are located at remote offices. Networks generally also provide connections to the Internet or other networks of other organizations. Further, network connections allow users to operate from their home, their office, or at other locations.
More particularly, a network is a data communications system that links two or more devices (e.g. computers, peripheral devices, etc.). Generally, a network consists of a cable that attaches to network interface cards (NICs) of devices to allow communication between the devices. Further, typically, users interact with network-enabled software applications to make a network request such as to get a file from another computer or to print a document on a network printer. The application communicates with network software and the network software interacts with the network hardware. The network hardware is responsible for transmitting information to other devices attached to network.
A local area network (LAN) is a network that is located in a relatively small area such as a department, a building, or a home. Technically, a LAN consists of a shared medium to which devices attach to communicate with one another using broadcast methods. With broadcasting, any device on the LAN can transmit a message that all the other devices on the LAN can listen to.
Over the last decade or so, for many businesses, it has become a necessity for employees to share data over an enterprise network featuring one or more LANs. To improve efficiency, enhancements have been added to LANs such as remote wireless access. This enhancement provides an important extension in forming a wireless local area network (WLAN).
Typically, wireless networks support communications between a station or server and wireless clients, and among the various wireless clients themselves, utilizing access points (APs). In general, each AP operates as a relay station by supporting communications between the wireless clients themselves and between the wireless clients and the server. Further, data transmitters within a wireless network, such as data transmitters operating using an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless protocol, can transmit data at different rates to different clients. Oftentimes, the data transmitters (e.g. including an antenna), are included as part of an access point.
Further, home networks including wireless home-networks, similar to WLAN's, have become increasingly popular. For example, in wireless home-networks, a home media server streams data, such as video and audio data, to client devices throughout the home. Better Quality of Service (QoS), and better bandwidth, allows the server to stream high fidelity content, such as movies, television, graphics, multi-media, games, web pages, etc., to client devices throughout the house. Hence, it is important to optimize QoS and network bandwidth, which is particularly important for unreliable and lower-bandwidth networks, such as wireless networks. WLAN's and wireless home-networks, as well as other types of wireless networks, will be generally referred to as wireless networks.
Within a network, whether it be a wired network or a wireless network, in order to provide reliable service, it is oftentimes necessary to constrain network resource usage for individual nodes or devices of the network. For example, if node A and node B are using a network for transmission, node A and node B may share the available bandwidth equally and may each be limited to no more than 50% of the bandwidth available on the network, respectively, or node A and node B may share the available bandwidth as 20% and 80%, respectively. Obviously, many other combinations are possible.
However, often, many issues arise as to how bandwidth between competing nodes should be allocated in the network and further as to how to allocate bandwidth when new nodes wish to be admitted into the network. All of these factors can lead to congestion problems in the network. Moreover, these issues become even more complex when network bandwidth changes dynamically, such as in wireless networks.
Network based applications often provide better performance and quality when they utilize more network bandwidth and hence have more throughput. For example, by utilizing more network bandwidth, an audio-visual (A/V) streaming application may send data at a higher MPEG-2 data rate, which provides for higher quality video at the destination.
However, in inherently unreliable networks, such as wireless networks, or other networks in which the bandwidth available to a particular application may change unpredictably (e.g. in wireless RF networks, this unpredictability may be due to shadowing, multi-path, or active RF interference, etc.), high utilization of network bandwidth by applications can lead to network congestion when available network bandwidth suddenly decreases. This may lead to unacceptable performance and/or quality at the destination node.
In addition, in contention-based networks (for example, Ethernet, Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) or Enhanced DCF (EDCF) of the IEEE802.11 Wireless Protocol) each node in the network competes for access in the transmission medium. Due to this, available network bandwidth depends not only on issues such as multi-path and shadowing, but also on the number of nodes using the network and the time-distribution of transmission by these nodes. A large number of nodes can therefore increase contention thereby decreasing useful bandwidth.
Hence, in these types of inherently unreliable wireless networks, it is beneficial to be able to dynamically estimate and predict network bandwidth on different network links accurately and to dynamically and rapidly change the data rate to prevent congestion while maximizing usage of current available network bandwidth. Unfortunately, previous methods of congestion avoidance do not take into account the unique characteristics associated with inherently unreliable networks, such as wireless networks.

System and method for dynamic bandwidth estimation of network links


A work planning system includes an event-data acquisition unit that acquires event data indicating an event of a facility, a storage unit that stores therein a plurality of pieces of work data indicating contents of works that can be performed with respect to the facility, and a decision unit that decides each importance degree of a plurality of pieces of work data based on the event data.

If a disaster such as a severe accident in a nuclear power generation plant occurs, a disaster response office is established in parties concerned to take measures. If a disaster occurs, there is a case where a decision-making support system is used to support decision making of the measures. Examples of a decision-making support system are disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2. An example of an image processing apparatus that transmits information at the time of occurrence of a disaster is disclosed in Patent Literature 3.

Work planning system, work planning method, decision-making support system, computer program, and storage medium


This invention relates to a dental floss assembly, which comprises a holder also for receiving the dental floss, a locating member mounted at the front portion of the holder, a holding member for dental floss which is mounted on the holding member and can be replaced. With a change in the angle of the holding member for dental floss by virtue of the locating member it is easy for the user to clean up dirts at the spaces between the teeth in deep cavity of the mouth so as to assure oral hygiene.

Among the conventional means of cleaning up the spaces between the teeth the dental floss is the most effective one to accomplish the result of cleaning up. However the conventional winding type dental floss is not convenient for use and can not be used in a graceful manner because the user has to grab it directly with fingers for cleaning up the teeth.
In order to overcome above-mentioned defects there comes up with dental floss rod on the market which relates to mount dental floss on a bow-shaped frame with a holder. It is more convenient than the winding type for use because the user only requires to grab the holder of the dental floss rod easily for cleaning up the spaces between the teeth thereof.
The dental floss rod as a whole resembles a straight line. However there are some teeth located much deeper in the cavity of the mouth where the spaces between the teeth located much deeper are irregular due to the relationship of teeth arranged. For this reason the dental floss rod is not liable to get deep access enough for cleaning up those spaces between the teeth in deep cavity of the mouth. While to solve the problem is to get the head of the dental floss rod bent so that it can be stretched deeply enough for easily inserting dental floss in each space between the teeth in deep cavity of the mouth. Nevertheless were the dental floss rod being bent it will easily get broken so that it has some defect in respect of use. In addition because the overall dental floss rod has to be disposed after use it also causes a great amount of waste and a problem of environmental protection.


A coolant assembly for supplying coolant fluid to a tool includes an outer ring defining an inlet and an insert pressed within the outer ring including an annular channel. The annular channel is in communication with the inlet defined by the outer ring and includes a plurality of passages disposed to direct fluid along an axis of a tool. At least two of the passages are disposed at different angles relative to the axis of the tool to direct coolant along the entire length of the tool in order to provide a uniform and consistent stream of coolant and uniform and consistent temperature of the tool.

This invention relates to an assembly for directing coolant flow onto a machine tool, and specifically to an assembly for directing coolant flow onto a tool at different locations along the rotational axis.
Typically, in a conventional machining process a stream of coolant is directed onto the cutting tool to maintain a constant temperature. Without coolant flow, friction from the tool and the workpiece generate heat of a degree sufficient to damage the tool. Further, not only would the tool be damaged, but also the quality of the machines surface of the work piece are degraded. For these reasons it is desirable direct a stream of coolant onto a tool during machining operations. Machining produces metal chips that are preferably evacuated from the machining area in order to prevent damage to the tool and work piece. The stream of coolant aids evacuation of metal chips from the work piece during machining.
Typical arrangements for directing coolant onto a tool include the use of a plurality of hoses arranged to direct fluid onto the tool. These hoses are typically of a semi-rigid design extending around a tool and manually positioned to direct coolant onto a tool. Often during the machining, the work piece or chips bump and contact the coolant lines changing the position of the hose such that the coolant is no longer directed as originally positioned onto the tool. In addition, hoses are often not positionable for providing coolant as desired when machining of relatively deep openings or holes. Further, in some part configurations an adjustable coolant hose is simply not feasible and does not supply and direct coolant flow adequately to the tool.
It is known in the art to provide a system for directing fluid between the machine and spindle to direct flow. Such systems require expensive and complicated fluid routing mechanisms in order to route coolant fluid substantially near the axis of rotation of the tool. Further, such systems are not easily adaptable to tool changes.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a low cost, easily changeable and configurable coolant directing assembly that directs coolant along the tool without obstructing machining operations.

Tool coolant application and direction assembly


An electronic device and a control method are provided. The electronic device includes a display unit, a touch sensing unit, an adjustment unit and a controller. At least a first portion of the display unit is deformable, and the first portion deformed has a deformation distance with respect to a first side or a second side of a plane where the display unit is located. The adjustment unit triggers deformation of the first portion of the display unit. The controller determines a control button in display content and a display position of the control button on the first portion of the display unit, and controls the display unit to be deformed at the display position according to a predetermined deformation rule by means of the adjustment unit. The touch sensing unit detects contact information generated by touching the control button by a user.

With growing multimedia information queries, touch screen technology has been greatly developed, and devices with touch screens are widely used. A user can operate the device simply by lightly touching an icon or text on the touch screen with his/her finger.
However, a control corresponding to the icon or text is usually small if a large quantity of content is displayed on the touch screen. Hence, a mistake is prone to occur when the user touches the icon or text, resulting in inaccuracy in the touch control operation on the device.


An apparatus includes a controller, a converter, and table information storing physical identification information identifying a physical port of first and second physical switches in association with virtual identification information identifying a virtual port of a virtual switch. For each virtual switch, the controller outputs control information determined based on a predetermined protocol and manages the received control information. The converter, based on the table information, converts the physical identification information added to the received control information and identifying a physical port via which the first physical switch has received the control information, into the associated virtual identification information, converts the virtual identification information added to the control information outputted from the controller and identifying a virtual port via which the control information is to be transmitted, into the associated physical identification information, and relays the control information between the controller and the second physical switch.

The virtualization of resources in a data center that provides a cloud service has gone beyond the virtualization of servers, storage and other resources to include the virtualization of network resources (such as physical switch resources). The treatment of a plurality of physical switches as one virtual switch or the treatment of one physical switch as a plurality of virtual switches may be used during the virtualization of network resources.
Conventionally, the disposition of software (e.g., software for processing a link layer discovery protocol (LLDP)) for managing virtual switches in a system that uses such virtual switch techniques has not been properly considered so far.
For example, the problem of rising system construction costs arises when disposing software for managing virtual switches in devices since the devices for executing such software are desirably high performance devices. Further, the problem of increased network traffic also arises due to an increase in the transfer of control frames for configuring the virtual switches.
Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2004-506343 discusses a switch that relays packets to a device provided separately from the switch and causes the device to execute a portion of the processing. However, applying the virtual switches described above is not considered as a constituent element in the system of the aforementioned document.

Apparatus and method for controlling virtual switches


Probe sets and methods of using probes and probe sets for selectively detecting high grade dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma or low grade dysplasia from biologic samples are described. Methods of the invention include contacting a biological sample obtained from a subject with a set of chromosomal probes to selectively detect an esophageal carcinoma or precursor lesion in the sample, if any, under conditions for specifically hybridizing the probes to their nucleic targets present in the sample. The presence or absence of high grade dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma or low grade dysplasia is thereafter specifically determined from the hybridization pattern detected for the set of chromosomal probes to the biological sample.

It is estimated that there will be 14,250 new cases and approximately 13,300 deaths from esophageal cancer in the United States during 2004. Approximately 80% of these tumors will be esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and the remaining 20% will be squamous cell carcinoma. The majority, if not all, of EA are thought to arise in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE), a pre-neoplastic condition caused by metaplasia of the normal squamous mucosa of the distal esophagus into specialized intestinal mucosa containing goblet cells. BE is caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disorder that affects more than 20 million Americans on a daily basis. Six to fourteen percent of people with chronic GERD will develop BE. The incidence of EA in patients with BE has been reported to be approximately 0.5%-1.0% per year and the lifetime cancer risk for patients with BE is about 5%.
The histologic steps leading to esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with BE are as follows: 1) intestinal metaplasia (IM) of the normal stratified squamous epithelium, 2) low-grade dysplasia (LGD), 3) high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and 4) EA. Patients diagnosed with BE should undergo regular surveillance for the development of neoplastic lesions, including LGD, HGD, and EA. Patients with EA and HGD must be treated aggressively either with distal esophagectomy or more recently developed therapies such as photodynamic therapy or other ablative techniques to prevent progression to metastatic and incurable disease. Patients with LGD are at risk of progressing to HGD and therefore require regular surveillance but not esophagectomy. The overall 5-year survival for patients with EA is only 20%. Early and accurate detection and treatment of the neoplastic precursors of EA (i.e., IM, LGD, and HGD) will be required if there is to be an increase in the survival rate of patients with BE-associated neoplasia.
Histology results are currently considered the gold standard for determining if a patient has dysplasia and/or EA. It is presently recommended that BE patients be monitored for the development of HGD and EA by performing regular endoscopic examinations of the esophagus and obtaining four-quadrant biopsies for every 1-2 cm of affected esophagus. However, this recommendation is not frequently followed mainly due to the extended length of time needed to perform this procedure, especially on patients with long segment BE. Problems associated with the use of biopsies for monitoring Barrett's patients for the development of neoplasia include: 1) limited sampling of affected mucosa, 2) impracticability of taking four-quadrant biopsies every 1-2 cm, and 3) poor inter-observer reproducibility of pathologists for the diagnosis of LGD and HGD. It has been estimated that endoscopic surveillance protocols that utilize four-quadrant biopsies every cm only sample about 1-2% of the affected mucosa. This limited sampling may lead to false negative pathology results or to under-staging (e.g., pathology results showing only IM or LGD in a patient who has HGD or EA). Thus, there is a need for improved methods and compositions for distinguishing HGD and EA from LGD+IM+normal and LGD from normal+IM patient samples.

Methods and probes for detecting esophageal cancer

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research


A computer system 10 with one or more processors 12 can be configured to operate in any one of a number of thermal environments. A setting system 14 sets operating parameters of the computer system such as processor operating voltage and frequency. A selecting system 16 selects values of operating parameters for use in setting by responding to an input of configuring data 20 to select a set of parameter values from a parameter value storage memory 18. The configuring data 20 may be input by the insertion of a smart card 58. Such configuring is useful in adapting computer systems during manufacture for compliance with desired specifications without hardware modification.

This invention relates to configuring computer systems to enable operating parameters of the computer system to be set in a desired manner, and in particular, but not exclusively, to configuring a server computer for compliance with a desired specification relating to the thermal environment in which the computer is to be operable.
Computer systems which are required to operate in critical applications, such as telecommunications systems, typically are required to be certified as being capable of operating in environmental conditions defined by a certification standard. For example, NEBS certification may be required to certify, among other things, that a computer server is capable of operating at an ambient temperature of up to 55° C.
A manufacturer of the computer server may also wish to supply computer servers for use in less demanding applications, such as for commercial use where, for example, it is sufficient for a computer server to be compliant with a requirement to be operable at an ambient temperature of 35° C. Under such circumstances, the manufacturer may therefore manufacture the computer server in two distinct hardware versions, a first version for commercial use being NEBS compliant with a specific exception for reduced temperature tolerance and a second version for telecommunications use and which is fully NEBS certified, being provided with additional cooling fans, heat sinks and other adaptations to allow more extreme temperatures to be tolerated.
This requirement to assemble two different hardware versions increases cost in terms of manufacture and supply logistics.
One way to adapt to operating at elevated temperatures is to reduce the power dissipation of the computer by for example reducing the operating frequency of its processor.
It is known in the field of laptop computers to provide dynamic management systems such as the Speed Step (Trade Mark) system in order to conserve battery life. Similarly, desktop computers are known to use dynamic management systems such as the Energy Star (Trade Mark) system to provide energy saving. In each case, operation of the processor may be interrupted or slowed to reduce power consumption during periods of inactivity. Such dynamic solutions are however inappropriate for controlling power dissipation in many circumstances, in particular when a computer system comprises a server computer where continuous and predictable performance is regarded as highly desirable.


A method, system, and program storage medium for adaptively managing pages in a cache memory included within a system having a variable workload, comprising arranging a cache memory included within a system into a circular buffer; maintaining a pointer that rotates around the circular buffer; maintaining a bit for each page in the circular buffer, wherein a bit value 0 indicates that the page was not accessed by the system since a last time that the pointer traversed over the page, and a hit value 1 indicates that the page has been accessed since the last time the pointer traversed over the page; and dynamically controlling a distribution of a number of pages in the cache memory that are marked with bit 0 in response to a variable workload in order to increase a hit ratio of the cache memory.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to cache operations within computer systems, and more particularly to a cache replacement technique with adaptive skipping.
2. Description of the Related Art
Caching is a fundamental problem in computer science. Modern computational infrastructure designs are rich in examples of memory hierarchies where a fast, but expensive main ("cache") memory is placed in front of an inexpensive, but slow auxiliary memory. Caching algorithms manage the contents of the cache so as to improve the overall performance. In particular, cache algorithms are of tremendous interest in databases, virtual memory management, and storage systems, etc., where the cache is RAM and the auxiliary memory is a disk subsystem.
For simplicity, it is assumed that both the cache and the auxiliary memory are managed in discrete, uniformly-sized units called "pages". If a requested page is present in the cache, then it can be served quickly resulting in a "cache hit". On the other hand, if a requested page is not present in the cache, then is must be retrieved from the auxiliary memory resulting in a "cache miss". Usually, latency on a cache miss is significantly higher than that on a cache hit. Hence, caching algorithms focus on improving the hit ratio. Historically, the assumption of "demand paging" has been used to study cache algorithms. Under demand paging, a page is retrieved from the auxiliary memory to the cache only on a cache miss. In other words, demand paging precludes speculatively pre-fetching pages. Under demand paging, the only question of interest is: When the cache is full, and a new page must be inserted in the cache, which page should be replaced?
Digital microprocessors use cache memory to hold data likely to be needed in the near future. Cache memory is comparatively fast and is a local memory. Caching usually occurs when data or other instructions are retrieved from the main memory to be used by the microprocessor, they are also stored in the cache. Typically, the cache is constructed from a random access, read/write memory block (RAM), which can access a single stored object, referred to a line, in a single processor cycle. Preferably, the cache size matches the processor cycle time and is read or written during a given cycle. A server can be configured to receive a stream of requests from clients in a network system to read from or write to a disk drive in the server. These requests form the "workload" for the server.
Each line in the cache memory contains the data being saved and the address of the data in the main memory (the tag). An example of a simple cache 210 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 1. When the microprocessor makes a reference to the main memory, a part of the reference address, referred to as the index, accesses a single line stored in the cache RAM 212. A "hit" occurs if the tag of the accessed line in the cache 210 matches the reference address of the referenced data. When this happens the cache RAM 212 immediately supplies the line to the microprocessor. However, a "miss" occurs if the tag of the accessed line in the cache 210 does not match the reference address of the referenced data. When this happens the address is sent to the main memory to retrieve the requested line. When the main memory sends the line to the microprocessor, it is written into the cache RAM 212 using the same index as the original look-up, along with its tag. However, because the main memory is much slower than the microprocessor, a delay occurs during this retrieval process.
Additionally, cache memory is used when data is written from a host computer to a long-term data storage device such as a disk drive. Here, data may be written to cache memory in which it is temporarily held with an indication that the data must be written to longer term data storage when the data storage system is able to perform this write operation. When cache memory is used to temporarily delay write pending data, memory storage locations are removed from the main memory locations generally available to the data storage system in which data may be held pending use by the host.
Traditionally, under the assumption of demand paging, a cache technique termed the least recently used (LRU) has been used. When the cache is full, and a page must be demoted to make for a new page, LRU removes the least recently used page from the cache. The LRU technique is simple to implement, has low space and time overhead, and it captures "clustered locality of reference" or "recency" property of workloads. However, LRU has two main disadvantages: (i) it does not capture pages with "high frequency" or "long-term-utility" and (ii) it is not resistant to scans which are a sequence of one-time-use-only read/write requests.
Recently, under the assumption of demand paging, a cache technique termed the Adaptive Replacement Cache (ARC) has been used (Nimrod Megiddo and D. S. Modha, ARC: A Self-tuning, Low Overhead Replacement Cache, Proc. 2nd USENIX Conference on File and Storage Technologies (FAST 03), San Francisco, Calif. 115-130, 2003), the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Comparatively, this caching technique has low computational overhead similar to LRU updating schemes, its space overhead over LRU is negligible, it outperforms LRU for a wide range of workloads and cache sizes, it is self-tuning in that for every workload it dynamically adapts between recency and frequency to increase the hit ratio, and it is scan-resistant, and, hence, avoids cache pollution due to sequential workloads.
The below-referenced U.S. Patents disclose embodiments that were satisfactory for the purpose for which they were intended. The disclosures of the below-referenced prior U.S. Patents, in their entireties, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present invention for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,527 discloses a predictive cache that attempts to guess which instructions will be used by a processor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,870 deals with a stack cache inside a processor and provides solutions of how to allocate limited machine registers inside a processor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,009 provides a system and method of retiring stored data from a write buffer. CLOCK is a cache replacement technique that is widely used in databases and computer operating systems, see, for example, Andrew S. Tanenbaum and A. S. Woodhull Operating Systems: Design and Implementation, Prentice-Hall, 1997, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Page replacement in cache occurs when there are no free frames available, and the operating system must replace (evict) a page (victim), removing it from memory to reside only on disk (back store). With regards to replacement techniques, the goal is for the replacement technique to choose the best victim, with the metric for the "best" reducing the fault rate. In a clock replacement technique, a circular queue is maintained with a pointer to the next candidate (clock hand). At fault time operations occur including scanning around the clock, looking for page with usage bit of zero (victim), and clearing usage bits as they are passed. Thus, it is known whether or not a page has been used since the last time the bits were cleared. However, CLOCK suffers from some limitations such as lack of resistance to scans, low performance, and disregard for frequency. Therefore, there is a need for a new cache replacement technique that dynamically tunes itself to adapt to an evolving workload, is scan-resistant, and out-performs CLOCK. Moreover, in the same way that ARC improved on LRU while using the same data structures that are used by LRU, there is a pressing need for a technique like ARC that improves upon CLOCK while using the same data structures that are used by CLOCK.

Method and system for a cache replacement technique with adaptive skipping

International Business Machines Corporation


The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a control unit for controlling a pulse sequence that applies an RF magnetic field and a magnetic field gradient to a subject placed in a static magnetic field and detects a magnetic resonance signal generated from the subject, and a calculation unit for processing the signal, and the control unit performs the process including the steps of; (1) obtaining first images at different positions in a first direction, (2) obtaining images after the first images are subjected to correction of brightness distortion, (3) obtaining images after the images as to which the brightness distortion has been corrected are further subjected to correction of positional distortion, and (4) synthesizing by a weighting calculation, overlapping areas of the images, after the positional distortion thereof has been corrected. According to this magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the positional distortion and the brightness distortion can be corrected upon connecting the images, in the multi-station imaging.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is a medical image diagnostic apparatus that applies an RF magnetic field and a magnetic field gradient to a subject placed in a static magnetic field, and measures a signal generated from the subject according to a nuclear magnetic resonance, so that an image is created. In the MRI apparatus, a size of an area that can be a target for imaging at one time is limited to around 40 cm. This is because a homogeneous region of the static magnetic field has a shape of sphere with a diameter of around 45 cm. Therefore, if there is a requirement to take an image of wider area such as imaging a whole body, it is necessary that the imaging area is divided for the imaging of multiple times, and obtained images are connected (see the patent document 1, for example). This is referred to as multi-station imaging. In order to connect the images, when each of the images are taken without any overlapping, the images are simply arranged side by side, whereas when there is an overlapping part between each of the images, the overlapping part is weighted-averaged so as to synthesize an image.
In the meantime, images taken by the MRI includes a morphological image where an internal structure of the subject is reflected onto a brightness distribution, and a functional image where an active state of an imaging target is reflected onto the brightness distribution. Since the functional image is obtained by imaging the functions, generally it is hard to say that the structure is sufficiently extracted. Moreover, in many cases, spatial resolution tends to be low due to a difficulty in imaging. Considering the problems above, in order to figure out an accurate position of the functional information being acquired, the functional image is often displayed with a morphological image that is separately taken, superimposing one on another.    [Patent Document 1]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,987


Techniques for incorporating performance data into an executable file for an application are described. Embodiments monitor performance of an application while the application is running. Additionally, historical execution characteristics of the application are determined based upon the monitored performance and one or more system characteristics of a node on which the application was executed on. Embodiments also incorporate the historical execution characteristics into executable file for the application, such that the historical execution characteristics can be used to manage subsequent executions of the application.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to managing applications. Specifically, the invention relates to packaging an executable with performance information for use in managing execution of the executable.
While computer databases have become extremely sophisticated, the computing demands placed on database systems have also increased at a rapid pace. Database systems are typically configured to separate the process of storing data from accessing, manipulating or using data stored in the database. More specifically, databases use a model where data is first stored, then indexed, and finally queried. However, this model cannot meet the performance requirements of some real-time applications. For example, the rate at which a database system can receive and store incoming data limits how much data can be processed or otherwise evaluated. This, in turn, can limit the ability of database applications to process large amounts of data in real-time.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Deploying an executable with historical performance data


Methods for treatment of Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Enterocytzoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, Pneumocystis carinii, and Toxoplasma gondii, the methods comprising the administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing as active agent at least one compound selected the group consisting of a compound of formula I: ##STR1## and a compound of formula II: ##STR2##

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for treatment or prevention of infections, and particularly opportunistic infections of one or more of Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Enterocytzoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, Pneumocystis carinii, and Toxoplasma gondii in persons with compromised or suppressed immune systems, the method comprising administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing as active agent a compound selected fromthe group consisting of a desacetyl-nitazoxanide and nitazoxanide.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is an urgent need for the development of methods for treatment or prevention of a number of parasitic and bacterial infections prevalent in humans and animals, particularly in humans with compromised immune systems (AIDS, cancer patients, elderly, aging). Nitazoxanide, desacetyl-nitazoxanide and combinations thereof may be very useful in treating or preventing many of the most common "opportunistic" bacterial or parasitic infections in person with either competent or compromised immune systems.
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan and is among the most prevalent causes of latent infection of the central nervous system throughout the world. Infection occurs primarily via the oral route through ingestion of raw or undercooked meat or contact with cat excrement. Many healthy people are infected with the parasite, but usually the immune system keeps the organism under control. The most frequent symptoms include headache, confusion, fever, and focal neurologic deficits. T. gondii is also the most common opportunistic pathogen of the brain in AIDS patients. At present, toxoplasmosis is becoming an increasing problem not only because of AIDS, but also because of wider use of immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., as administered to organ-transplant patients). Toxoplasmosis is also a threat to the fetus and newborn infant, even in healthy persons without immune suppression.
Toxoplasmosis is usually treated with a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (leucovorin must be given with the pyrimethamine). While the drugs are effective, they do not kill cysts of the parasite, so the treatment must be continued as a maintenance dose; often toxicity forces discontinuation of the drug, and relapses result. The statistics are not good, with reported death rates of about 70 percent in immunodeficient patients and median survival of four months.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the microscopic protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Symptoms include profuse diarrhea, abdominal cramping, urgency, severe dehydration and weight loss. In persons with normal immune functions, the diarrhea caused by C. parvum may be intense and prolonged, but is self-limiting. In AIDS patients, cryptosporidial diarrhea poses a serious health risk, as the disease can be chronic, severe and often life-threatening. It is estimated that 15-20 percent of AIDS patients suffer from this condition. Up to now, there has been no consistently effective or approved therapy for cryptosporidiosis.
The most frequently identified pathogen in AIDS patients is Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a microsporidian parasite, which was found in nearly one-quarter of the patients. Smaller even than Cryptosporidium, it now appears that this tiny parasite, which can only be identified in biopsies of the small intestine or duodenum that are examined by electron microscope, may turn out to be the cause of a large proportion of the many unexplained cases of malabsorption, diarrhea and wasting seen in HIV-ill patients. E. bieneusi lives mainly inside small intestinal cells, but has also been reported as a cause of sinusitis. It causes a specific pattern of damage to mucuous membrane resulting in malabsorption and diarrhea, which both contribute to malnutrition. The dying cells appear to release the organism's tiny spores into the gut. There is no known treatment as yet.
Several other species of microsporidia infect HIV-positive patients, including Encephalitozoon hellem and cuniculi, and a new species designated Septata intestinalis. Encephalitozoon hellem, cuniculi and Septata intestinalis have produced disseminated infections with symptoms mainly in the sinus or eyes. A recent report describes several patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic pulmonary microsporidiosis resulting from E. hellem, and suggests that disseminated microsporidia infections are increasing in significance.
Infection with the parasite Isospora belli is clinically indistinguishable from cryptosporidiosis, but it can usually be treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or other sulfa drugs. The organism is larger than Cryptosporidium parvum and can be identified with the same staining techniques. More common in tropical climates, I. belli has been reported in less than 1% of patients in the U.S., although its actual incidence is probably higher. While there have been no controlled trials of sulfa alternatives in treatment of Isospora, there are anecdotal reports of both success and failure with quinacrine, roxythromycin, metronidazole or nitrofurantoin.
Pneumocystis carinii has generally been classified as a protozoan parasite; some studies indicate it may be a fungus, with which it shares certain genetic sequences. P. carinii usually infects the lungs (Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP)), and more rarely infects extrapulmonary sites, including the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and liver. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Therapy is reported to be successful in about 40-60% of patients, with problems including drug toxicity particularly in immunocompromised patients. Among the many serious manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children, PCP stands out because of its high incidence, unique age distribution, and frequent mortality. PCP is the most common serious opportunistic infection in children with HIV infection; the incidence of PCP among HIV-infected infants not receiving prophylaxis is estimated to be at least 12% in the first year of life. Many children die shortly alter PCP develops; one survey found that 31% of 300 children with PCP diagnosed in 1991 and 1993 died within 2 months of the PCP diagnosis.
Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) refers to infections by a family of very similar mycobacterial organisms, Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare. These bacteria are ubiquitous in soil, food, and water. When MAC occurs in non-immunocompromised people, it usually causes infection in the respiratory tract. In patients with AIDS, MAC is frequently disseminated (disseminated MAC or DMAC). Almost any organ system can be involved, especially those with many mononuclear phagocytes (e.g., the liver, spleen and bone marrow). In a recent study, MAC bacterial was found in 43% of patients who survived for 2 years after an AIDS diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of DMAC are generally nonspecific, such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, weakness, and anorexia. Diarrhea, malabsorption, and abdominal pain may indicate gastrointestinal involvement; enlargement of the liver and spleen is common. No standard therapy has been established for disseminated MAC. Combinations of drugs are usually prescribed and, if successful, require that treatment be continued for life. In a recent open, randomized study, at 6 months, the success rate (defined as alive with decreased fever and negative blood cultures) was 28% for patients in a clarithromycin and clofazimine group and 46% in a triple combination group. A more effective treatment is urgently needed.
HIV-infected people are particularly susceptible to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the course of the disease is accelerated. While extrapulmonary tuberculosis is unusual in non-HIV-infected patients, it frequently occurs in HIV-positive people. The lymphatic system is frequently involved. The classic symptoms of tuberculosis (cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue) are often present. The CDC has released guidelines for the treatment of TB which address the growing prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). Mortality among AIDS patients with MDR-TB is very high (approximately 80%) and the disease progression is extremely rapid.
Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the development of a method of treatment of these infections so prevalent in, and threatening to, humans and animals.

Method for treatment of opportunistic infections with pharmaceutical compositions of tizoxanide and nitazoxanide


A branch extension method and system for segmenting airways in 3D image data is disclosed. An initial airway segmentation is obtained from the 3D image data. Terminal branches of segmented airways of the initial airway segmentation are identified. The segmentation of the terminal branches is then extended. The segmentation of the terminal branches can be extended using various segmentation techniques. This method can use complex segmentation techniques to extend the terminal branches without having a large impact to the overall speed of the segmentation.

The present invention relates to segmenting airways in 3-dimensional medical images, and more particularly to a system and method for extending branches of segmented airways in computed tomography (CT) lung images.
Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging method whereby digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the internal features of a patient from X-ray beams. Such CT imaging results in CT volume data which is a virtual representation of internal anatomical features of a patient. The CT volume data consists of multiple slices, or two-dimensional images, that can be combined to generate a three dimensional image. CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue including lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels, with great clarity. Accordingly, such imaging of the body can be used to diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
The respiratory system starts at the nose and mouth and continues through the airways to the lungs. The largest airway is the windpipe (trachea), which branches into two smaller airways: the left and right bronchi, which lead to the two lungs. The bronchi themselves divide many times before branching into smaller airways (bronchioles). These airways get progressively smaller as they branch out, until they are smaller than a millimeter in diameter. The airways appear as small tubular objects in CT data sets. Segmentation of the airways within CT images can be a difficult problem due to noise and partial volume effects.
Various conventional methods have been proposed for airway segmentation. All such conventional methods either lack speed, require manual input from a user, or have limited ability to obtain a detailed segmentation by reaching the smallest airways. All of these issues can be limiting factors in clinical applications.

Branch extension method for airway segmentation


An information processing device includes a detection unit and an avoidance unit. The detection unit monitors one or both of a utilization rate of memory capacity allocated to a process, and a processing time to take to process a request. The detection unit detects a state where a fault is likely to occur in the information processing device, based on the monitoring result. The avoidance unit executes fault avoidance processing when the state where the fault is likely to occur is detected. The fault avoidance processing is processing that lowers an upper limit number of threads from a standard value to a limit value that is less than the standard value, and extends a waiting time of a thread from a standard time to an extended time that is longer than the standard time.

When an information processing device (computer), for example, executes a computer program (also referred to as a program for short), the information processing device generates a plurality of processes that are units in which the program is executed. In addition, the information processing device generates, in the process, a plurality of threads that are units in which processing is executed.
In this kind of information processing device, when processing of one thread for example within a process is delayed, this delay negatively affects processing of other threads within the same process. Thus, for example, a fault such as a process terminating in an abnormal manner is liable to occur in the information processing device.
Furthermore, the same fault of a process terminating in an abnormal manner is liable to occur in the information processing device as well when memory capacity allocated to a process is insufficient.
Reference Document 1 (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. H10-049219) discloses a technique in which a computer detects a state where a fault is likely to occur in the computer. Reference Document 2 (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2007-226399) discloses a technique in which garbage collection processing (hereinafter, also referred to as GC processing) is used for a computer to detect a state where a fault is likely to occur in the computer. GC processing is processing in which, when a memory region that is associated with processing of a program while executing the program remains associated with the processing of the program even after the program terminates, a computer cancels (releases) the association. In Reference Document 2, a computer detects a state where a fault is likely to occur in the computer by measuring a time interval in which CC processing is executed and increase in memory capacity after the GC processing, and comparing those measurement values with threshold values.
In Reference Document 3 (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2008-077266) and Reference Document 4 (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2008-250669), methods are disclosed in which an upper limit for the number of threads on a server is controlled based on a prediction value for a message processing time on the server. Furthermore, in Reference Documents 3 and 4, methods are also disclosed in which an upper limit for the number of terminals that respectively connect to a plurality of web servers is controlled based on processing state of requests in the plurality of web servers.
In Reference Documents 1 to 4, there is no description whatsoever of a technique that avoids a situation in which a fault occurs in a computer due to a delay in processing of a thread or a shortage of memory capacity allocated to a process.

Information processing device, fault avoidance method, and program storage medium


A vacuum cleaner wand includes inner and outer relatively telescopable pipes, a cord magazine chamber on the outer pipe, a sheath tube connected to the inner pipe and slidably extending into the chamber, a slider guided slidably parallel to the sheath tube in the chamber, and a flexible electrical cord. The cord extends along inside the sheath tube, bends 180xc2x0 as a fixed loop at an end of the sheath tube, extends back between the sheath tube and the slider, bends 180xc2x0 as a movable loop through an opening in the slider, and extends between the slider and a sidewall of the chamber. Thereby the cord has an adjustable extended length corresponding to the selected telescoped length of the wand. The sliding sheath tube slides the cord, which in turn moves the slider, so that the cord remains kink-free.

The invention relates to a telescoping wand for a vacuum cleaner, including an inner suction pipe slidably arranged in an outer suction pipe to allow a telescoping adjustment thereof, and a variably extendable electrical cord or cable to allow electrically powered accessories, such as an electric carpet beater brush, to be connected to the telescoping wand and receive electrically power directly therefrom.
It is commonly known to provide various accessories that can be connected to an extension wand or floor wand of a vacuum cleaner, and to provide such accessories with electrical power through an electrical cord or cable that is connected to or incorporated in the wand. One known arrangement involves simply securing an electrical cable somewhat loosely on the outside of the vacuum hose and the extension wand. Such an arrangement is neither very functional nor aesthetically satisfactory.
It is further known to provide two-part telescoping vacuum wands, which are telescopably adjustable in length, to provide a comfortable height or extension length for the particular user of the vacuum cleaner. An electrical cable may be incorporated into such telescoping wands in various conventional manners. In one known arrangement, a tubular chamber is provided running parallel to the vacuum pipe of the telescoping wand, whereby this tubular chamber is also embodied in a telescoping manner and houses an extendable spiral cord or cable. In another known arrangement, a flat chamber is provided on the outside of the vacuum pipe of the telescoping wand, and a flexible electrical cord or cable is guided over a spring-loaded pulley arrangement or block-and-tackle arrangement, whereby the cable is pulled out of this mechanism along with the telescoping extension of the wand. Such an arrangement is disclosed, for example, in German Patent Publication DE 195 35 493 A1.
In practice it has been found that the known arrangements of a variably extendable electrical cord for a telescopably extendable vacuum wand are rather complicated and costly to manufacture, rather prone to failure and thus requiring maintenance and repair during the operating life of the vacuum cleaner, and also require a relatively large space, giving the complete wand arrangement a bulky configuration and appearance.
In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide a simplified arrangement of a length-adjustable, adaptable, compact, and functionally robust and reliable electrical connection for supplying electrical power to accessory devices connected to the end of a telescoping extension wand of a vacuum cleaner. It is a further object of the invention to provide such an arrangement that has relatively small dimensions to extend unobtrusively along the telescoping wand. Yet another object is to ensure that such an arrangement meets all international standards relating to the required electrical insulation and reliability. The invention further aims to avoid or overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, and to achieve additional advantages, as apparent from the present specification.
The above objects have been achieved according to the invention in a telescoping vacuum wand arrangement for a vacuum cleaner, including an inner vacuum pipe slidingly arranged within an outer vacuum pipe, a magazine chamber or cord reserve storage chamber running lengthwise along the outer vacuum pipe, a cord receiver element that is coupled to the inner vacuum pipe and slidable into and out of the magazine chamber, a slider that is longitudinally slidably arranged and guided within the magazine chamber, and an electrical cable or cord. The cord is fixed to the inner vacuum pipe at a first end of the wand, and from there is received and extends along the cord receiver element into the magazine chamber. At an end of the receiver element within the magazine chamber, the cord forms a first fixed loop that is fixed to the cord receiver element. From there, the cord runs back along the receiver element and particularly between the receiver element and the slider that is slidably guided parallel to the receiver element, to a cord guide opening of the slider. There, the cord forms a second movable or unfixed loop that passes through the cord guide opening, e.g. a hole in the slider or an end guide of the slider. From there, the cord extends along the opposite side of the slider to a fixed end of the cord at a second end of the telescoping wand. In this manner, the cord zig-zags back-and-forth in two opposite directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wand, to form a general Z- or S-shape of the cord (called a xe2x80x9cmeandering shapexe2x80x9d herein) within the magazine chamber, more particularly as follows.
With the above arrangement according to the invention, the cord receiver element slidably moves indirectly with the inner vacuum pipe and thereby carries out a telescoping motion relative to the magazine chamber, together with the telescoping motion of the inner vacuum pipe relative to the outer vacuum pipe. The cord forms a U-shaped loop that is fixed or secured to the free end of the cord receiver element protruding into the magazine chamber, and the cord is also fixed or secured at the second end of the wand. Between these secured points, the cord meanders in the form of another U-shaped loop over or through a guide of the slider. This back and forth meandering or looping of the cord provides an adjustable length reserve or supply of the electrical cord, of which the longitudinal extension length depends on the relative positions and relative overlap of the slider and the cord receiver element. Thereby, the cord length is adaptable to different telescoping length adjustments of the telescopable vacuum wand.
Suitable electrical connectors, couplers, or contact receivers are provided respectively at the ends of the inner vacuum pipe and the outer vacuum pipe, to allow the electrical cord to be connected to a desired accessory device on the one hand, and to a source of electrical power, for example preferably provided through an electrified vacuum hose from the vacuum cleaner itself, on the other hand.
A first cord guide channel is formed between the slider and the cord receiver element, while a second cord guide channel is formed on the opposite side of the slider, between the slider and a side wall of the magazine chamber. The cord is respectively guided in these guide channels on opposite sides of the slider. The guide channels are properly dimensioned, so that the cord is guided and supported while slidingly shifting therein in a kink-free manner. Moreover, preferably, the dimensions are such that the sliding displacement of the cord receiver element slidingly pulls and pushes the cord (depending on the direction of motion of the cord receiver element relative to the magazine chamber), and thereby correspondingly transmits a tension-pulling force and a thrust-pushing force through the cord (especially through the movable second cord loop) onto the slider. As a result, this causes the slider to slidingly move within the magazine chamber as the cord receiver element is extended from or retracted into the magazine chamber.
In the above manner, no other mechanisms are required for properly moving the slider. Alternatively, a tension spring or compression spring may slidingly bias the slider to urge the slider toward the first end of the telescoping wand. As mentioned above, however, in the preferred simplest embodiment, such a biasing spring or other biasing means can be completely omitted due to the pushing and pulling sliding force being transmitted from the cord receiver element through the cord to the slider. This force transmission is especially provided through the movable second cord loop passing through (and bearing against) the cord guide opening of the slider, but may additionally include a force transmission component that is transmitted frictionally by the cord rubbing along the side of the slider facing the cord receiver element.
In this manner, the invention achieves a very simple, robust and reliable arrangement of a freely length-adjustable or adaptable electrical cord, with a relatively compact length and width dimension. Moreover, the electrical cord is stored in a back-and-forth looping fashion and is thereby positively guided in a block-and-tackle type arrangement and motion for achieving a required length adjustment, without needing any special means for moving the various components or the like. Namely, with the simple freely-sliding slider and the cord receiver element, the invention avoids the need for plural block-and-tackle elements and their suitable coupling to each other that would otherwise typically be needed for a block-and-tackle arrangement. The above mentioned sliding force initiated by the cord receiver element is all that is needed to appropriately slide the slider, particularly so that the slider is correspondingly displaced by one half the sliding distance of the cord receiver element to maintain the cord in a kink-free looped arrangement while adjusting its extended length as needed.
An advantageous embodiment of the cord receiver element is in the form of a linear sleeve or sheath tube in which the cord is received. Alternatively, the cord receiver element may comprise a linearly extending sectional profile member that is open along at least one side thereof, e.g. in the form of a C-section member or the like.
In order to increase the sliding security of the respective portions or strands of the electrical cord on the opposite sides of the slider, while maintaining a kink-free sliding support thereof, the inventive arrangement preferably provides guide channels that are bounded and enclosed on all sides thereof. In a simple embodiment of this feature, the bounding walls of the guide channels are formed directly by a floor and cover, and/or side walls, of the magazine chamber. The slider itself also acts as a divider or bounding wall between the two guide channels.
The preferred simplest embodiment of the slider is in the form of a flat slider, namely a flat plate-shaped slider element that is slidingly received and guided along guide tracks or grooves at least along its longitudinal edges on its height axis, i.e. its width dimension, along the floor and cover of the magazine chamber. Correspondingly, the electrical cord is preferably a flat cord arranged with its width dimension or height axis lying approximately parallel to that of the flat slider.
To prevent the electrical cord from kinking or forming an enlarged uncontrollably variable loop at the end of the cord receiver element, i.e. sheath tube, when the sheath tube is slidingly inserted into and extended from the magazine chamber, the first loop of the electrical cord is preferably fixed directly at the end of the sheath tube where the cord exits from the tube into the magazine chamber. This is preferably achieved by a retaining or fixing element such as a cord fixing clip directly on the end of the sheath tube. This cord fixing clip especially forms and retains the loop configuration or bend of the first fixed loop of the cord.
An advantageous embodiment of the magazine chamber involves integrating the magazine chamber directly onto the outer wall of the outer vacuum pipe. Namely, the outer wall of the outer vacuum pipe will then form the floor of the magazine chamber, which is integrally formed as a single component with the pipe. Alternatively, the magazine chamber may be a separate component that is mountable onto the outer vacuum pipe by means of any suitable mounting elements, e.g. screws, rivets, clips, plastic or metal welds, adhesive bonds, etc. In this manner, the magazine chamber may even be retrofitted onto previously existing telescoping vacuum wands.

Electrified telescoping wand for vacuum cleaner


An n.sup.- layer is formed on a main surface of a p-type semiconductor substrate. A p.sup.- diffusion region is formed at a surface of n.sup.- layer. A p diffusion region is formed contiguous to one end of p.sup.- diffusion region. A plurality of p diffusion regions containing p-type impurity the concentration of which is higher than that of p.sup.- diffusion region are formed in p.sup.- diffusion region. A p diffusion region is formed such that it is spaced apart from p.sup.- diffusion region. A gate electrode is formed on a surface of n.sup.- layer positioned between p diffusion region and p.sup.- diffusion region with an oxide film interposed. A drain electrode is formed in contact with a surface of p diffusion region. Furthermore, an n diffusion region is formed adjacent to p diffusion region, and a source electrode is formed in contact with both a surface of n diffusion region and a surface p diffusion region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a high withstand voltage semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same, and particularly to a high withstand voltage semiconductor device in which a state in which current conducts and a state in which current is cut off are implemented by voltage of a control electrode.
2. Description of the Background Art
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 40-55, the structure and operation of a conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be described. FIG. 40 is a partial cross sectional view of a first example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device.
Referring to FIG. 40, an n.sup.- layer 2 is formed on a main surface of a p-type semiconductor substrate 1. An n.sup.+ buried diffusion region 8 is formed at a boundary portion of n.sup.- layer 2 and p-type semiconductor substrate 1. Furthermore, a p diffusion region 7 is formed such that it penetrates n.sup.- layer 2 in the direction of the depth to reach a main surface of p-type semiconductor substrate 1. A p-channel MOS transistor 14 is formed at a surface of n.sup.- layer 2. P-channel MOS transistor 14 consists of a p.sup.- diffusion region 5, a p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 and a gate electrode (control electrode) 9.
An n.sup.+ diffusion region 4 is formed adjacent to p.sup.+ diffusion region 3. Furthermore, an n diffusion region 4a is formed such that it surrounds p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 and n.sup.+ diffusion region 4. A source electrode 11 is formed such that it contacts both n.sup.+ diffusion region 4 and p.sup.+ diffusion region 3. Source electrode 11 extends on gate electrode 9 and p.sup.- diffusion region 5 with an oxide film 10 interposed. A p.sup.+ diffusion region 6 is formed contiguous to one end of p.sup.- diffusion region 5. A drain electrode 12 is formed on p.sup.+ diffusion region 6 surface. Furthermore, a substrate electrode (back-surface electrode) 13 is formed on a back surface of p-type semiconductor substrate 1.
Referring now to FIGS. 41-43, operation of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40 will be described. Referring firstly to FIGS. 41 and 42, off-operation of the device will be described. FIGS. 41 and 42 show in steps a state of a depletion layer in the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40 at the time of off-operation.
Referring firstly to FIGS. 41 and 42, electric potentials of drain electrode 12 and substrate electrode 13 are adapted to be 0V and a positive electric potential (+Vcc) is applied to gate electrode 9 and source electrode 11. This causes a depletion layer to widen mainly from a pn junction B which is an interface of n.sup.- layer 2 and p-type semiconductor substrate 1, a pn junction A which is an interface of n.sup.- layer 2 and p diffusion region 7, and a pn junction C which is an interface of n.sup.- layer 2 and p.sup.- diffusion region 5.
At this point, a depletion layer extending from pn junction A normally widens more easily due to the influence of a depletion layer extending from pn junction B. Accordingly, the electric field in the vicinity of pn junction A is maintained to a relatively small value. This effect is realized by optimizing concentration of p-type semiconductor substrate 1, n-type impurity concentration contained in n.sup.- layer 2 and the thickness of n.sup.- layer 2, and is generally referred to as RESURF (REduced SURface Field) effect.
On the other hand, a portion of the depletion layer extending from pn junction C widens towards n.sup.- layer 2 and at the same time makes p.sup.- diffusion region 5 depleted, since p.sup.- diffusion region 5 is a low concentration region. Gate electrode 9 and source electrode 11 formed overlapped above p.sup.- diffusion region 5 form a two-stage field plate. This promotes depletion of p.sup.- diffusion region 5 and relaxes an electric field of pn junction C in the vicinity of gate electrode 9.
If the conditions of each element are optimized, a higher positive electric potential can be applied. Eventually, the withstand voltage is determined by junction of n.sup.+ buried diffusion region 8 and p-type semiconductor substrate 1. At that time, n.sup.- layer 2 and p.sup.- diffusion region 5 have almost been depleted. Thus, the off-state can be maintained.
Referring now to FIG. 43, the on-operation will be described. FIG. 43 shows an on-state of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40. Referring to FIG. 43, a potential of gate electrode 9 is lowered relative to that of source electrode 11. This inverts that surface of n.sup.- layer 2 directly under gate electrode 9 to p-type. This allows a hole current to flow from p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 to p.sup.+ diffusion region 6 via p.sup.- diffusion region 5 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 43. This implements the on-state. Most of the resistance of the device in the on-state comes from a resistance value of p.sup.- diffusion region 5. Therefore, it is effective to lower the resistance of p.sup.- diffusion region 5 in order to reduce the resistance of the device in the on-state. However, in order to ensure a high withstand voltage, p.sup.- diffusion region 5 is required to be nearly depleted in the off-state. Accordingly, there is an upper limit (optimal value) existing naturally in p-type impurity concentration contained in p.sup.- diffusion region 5.
Referring now to FIGS. 44-47, a second example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be described. FIG. 44 is a partial cross sectional view of the second example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device. Referring to FIG. 44, it differs from the first example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40 in that an n.sup.+ type diffusion 15 is formed within p.sup.+ diffusion region 6. Other than that structure, the device is the same as the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40.
Referring now to FIGS. 45-47, operation of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 44 will be described. FIGS. 45 and 46 show in steps a state of depletion layer in the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 44 at the time of off-operation. The description of the off-operation will not be repeated here since it is the same as the description in the case of the first example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40.
Referring now to FIG. 47, on-operation of the second example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be described. FIG. 47 shows an on-state of the second example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device.
Referring to FIG. 47, an electric potential of gate electrode 9 is decreased relative to that of source electrode 11. This allows the surface of n.sup.- layer 2 directly under gate electrode 9 to be inverted to p-type. This allows a hole current 37b to flow from p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 to p.sup.+ diffusion region 6 via p.sup.- diffusion region 5. Responsively, an electron current 37a from n.sup.+ diffusion region 15 into both p.sup.- diffusion region 5 and n.sup.- layer 2. This implements a state in which many electrons and holes are stored and causes conductivity modulation. As a result, the on-state will be implemented. In other words, the second example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device described above serves to operate as a p-channel IGBT.
FIG. 48 is a bird's eye view of the entire structure of the second example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device described above.
Referring now to FIGS. 49-52, a third example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device will described. FIG. 49 is a partial cross sectional view of the third example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device.
Referring to FIG. 49, a buried oxide film 17 is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate 16. N.sup.- layer 2 is formed on buried oxide film 17. Furthermore, a trench 22 is formed at a predetermined position at n.sup.- layer 2. An oxide film 18 is formed on an inner surface of trench 22. A polysilicon layer 19 is buried inside oxide film 18. Other than that structure, the high withstand voltage semiconductor device is similar to the first example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device shown in FIG. 40.
Referring now to FIGS. 50-52, operation of the third example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be described. FIGS. 50 and 51 show in steps a state of a depletion layer in the high withstand voltage semiconductor device at the time of off-operation. Referring to these figures, similar to the first example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device described above, electric potentials of drain electrode 12 and substrate electrode 13 are set to be 0V and a positive electric potential (+V) is applied to gate electrode 9 and source electrode 11. This allows a depletion layer to extend mainly from a pn junction which is an interface of p.sup.- diffusion region 5 and n.sup.- layer 2 and from a pn junction which is an interface of p.sup.+ diffusion region 6 and n.sup.- layer 2.
At that time, the depletion layer starts to extend simultaneously from an interface of n.sup.- layer 2 and buried oxide film 17. This contributes to relaxation of electric field. As a result, the RESURF effect described above is obtained. The RESURF effect is described, for example, in S. Merchant et al. "Realization of High Breakdown Voltage (>700V) in Thin SOI Devices" Proc. of 3rd ISPSD, pp.31-35, 1991. Although on-operation of the third example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device is shown in FIG. 52, its on-operation is not described here since it is the same as the on-operation of the first example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device described above.
Referring now to FIGS. 53-55, a fourth example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be described. FIG. 53 is a partial sectional view of the fourth example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device.
Referring to FIG. 53, in the fourth example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device, p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 and a p diffusion region 3a are formed in n.sup.- layer 2, and n.sup.+ diffusion region 4 is formed at a surface of p.sup.+ diffusion region 3. Furthermore, an n.sup.+ diffusion region 15a is formed such that it is spaced apart from p.sup.+ diffusion region 3. Furthermore, gate electrode 9 is formed on p diffusion region 3a positioned between n.sup.+ diffusion region 4 and n.sup.- layer 2 with oxide film 10 interposed. Furthermore, source electrode 11 is formed in contact with surfaces of both p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 and n.sup.+ diffusion region 4. Drain electrode 12 is formed in contact with a surface of n.sup.+ diffusion region 15a.
Referring now to FIGS. 54 and 55, operation of the fourth example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be described. FIG. 54 shows a state of a depletion layer of the fourth example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device at the time of off-operation.
Referring to FIG. 54, electric potentials of source electrode 11, gate electrode 9 and substrate electrode 13 are adapted to be 0V, and a positive electric potential is applied to drain electrode 12. This allows a depletion layer to extend mainly from pn junction A which is an interface of p diffusion region 3a and n.sup.- layer 2. At the same time, the depletion layer extends from an interface B of n.sup.- layer 2 and buried oxide film 17. This promotes expansion of the depletion layer, thus further widening the depletion layer. In other words, the RESURF effect is obtained. Consequently, a high withstand voltage device is obtained.
The on-operation will now be described. FIG. 55 shows an on-state of the fourth example of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device. Referring to FIG. 55, electric potentials of source electrode 11 and substrate electrode 13 are adapted to be 0V, an electric potential of gate electrode 9 is increased relative to that of source electrode 11, and a positive electric potential (+Vcc) is applied to drain electrode 12. This allows a surface of p.sup.+ diffusion region 3 directly under gate electrode 9 to be inverted to n-type, thereby forming an inverted region 38. This allows electrons from n.sup.+ diffusion region 4 to reach n.sup.- layer 2 and n.sup.+ diffusion region 15a via inverted region 38. Consequently, the on-operation will be implemented.
In the first to third examples of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device described above, the resistance value of p.sup.- diffusion region 5 is the factor which almost determines the resistance value of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device at the time of on-operation. Therefore, it is desired that the resistance of p.sup.- diffusion region 5 be decreased. For that purpose, the use of a technique which increases p-type impurity concentration contained in p.sup.- diffusion region 5 is generally considered. However, this restrains the widening of the depletion layer within p.sup.- diffusion region 5. Consequently, the electric field tends to be higher within the depletion layer and the withstand voltage of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be undesirably decreased.
Furthermore, in the fourth example of the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device described above, the resistance value of n.sup.- layer 2 serves as the factor which determines the resistance value of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device at the time of on-operation. Therefore, it is desired that the resistance of n.sup.- layer 2 be decreased. As a technique for achieving that, similar to the case mentioned above, the use of a technique which increases n-type impurity concentration contained in n.sup.- layer 2 is considered. However, in this case also, similar to the first to third examples described above, the widening of the depletion layer within n.sup.- layer 2 is restrained and the withstand voltage of the high withstand voltage semiconductor device will be degraded.
Thus, with the conventional high withstand voltage semiconductor device, it has been difficult to realize both decreased resistance value of the device at the time of on-operation and increased withstand voltage of the device at the time of off-operation.

High withstand voltage semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof


A method for protection against cyberattack includes: establishing neighbor relationships with border routers at a plurality of traffic entrances; and receiving an attack protection request from an intrusion detection system at a first traffic entrance. The first traffic entrance is any one of the plurality of traffic entrances. The attack protection request carries a target network address that has been attacked. The method also includes: generating routing information based on the attack protection request, and sending the routing information to a first border router based on the neighbor relationships. The routing information includes the target network address and routing address information. The first border router performs, based on the routing address information, protection processing on traffic that corresponds to the target network address. The first border router is a border router at the first traffic entrance at which the intrusion detection system that sends the attack protection request is located.

With the development of Internet technologies and the popularity of applications, a multi-service system on a network faces an increasing number of more complex network attack behaviors. A distributed denial of service (DDoS) is a relatively serious network attack behavior. In the DDoS, a system is attacked by a large quantity of puppet machines at the same time. Consequently, the attacked system cannot support normal service access due to reasons such as bandwidth congestion or resource depletion of a server.

Traffic attack protection method and system, controller, router, and storage medium

TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED


One feature pertains to a method that reduces the computational delay associated with generating prime numbers. The method includes generating a first random number having a plurality of bits. A first primality test is then executed on the first random number. Then, it is determined whether the first random number generated fails or passes the first primality test. If the first random number fails the primality test then a portion but not all of the plurality of bits of the first random number are replaced with an equal number of randomly generated bits to generate a second random number. Next, a primality test is again executed on the second random number. This process is repeated until a prime number is detected.

1. Field
Various features relate to methods and devices for prime number generation, and more particularly, to methods and devices that accelerate prime number generation.
2. Background
Prime numbers are used widely in public key cryptography. For example, RSA (Rivest, Shamir, Adleman) is one of the most widely used public key ciphers that requires prime numbers for its key generation process. Prime numbers used in cryptography must be large enough to ensure a large key space, which frustrates brute force attacks.
Typical prime numbers that may be used for an RSA cryptography scheme may be, for example, 1,024 bits, which results in a 2,048 bit public/private key pair. At this time, generating prime numbers this large is time consuming even for personal computers and servers having relatively advanced processors and results in noticeable delay. This delay becomes a critical factor that affects mobile computing when RSA key generation is needed for certain applications, e.g., Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and smart cards (UICC). Generating 1,024 bit prime numbers in the latest ARM based processors may take a delay on the order of seconds, which significantly affects the user experience. Thus, any methods that accelerate prime number generation will benefit cryptographic applications, especially in mobile computing applications.
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical method 100 found in the prior art to generate a prime number. First, a random number R of n words is generated using either a true random number generator (RNG) or a high quality pseudo random number generator (PRNG) 102. Second, a "primality test" is executed on the candidate number R 104. A "primality test" is an algorithm for determining whether a number is prime. In many cases, primality tests are actually composite number tests (i.e., they determine whether a number is a composite number) that are probabilistic in nature. Examples of such tests include the Miller-Rabin primality test and Solovay-Strassen primality test.
Third, if the candidate number R passes the primality test (i.e., the number R is probably prime) then R may be used as a prime number in the key generation process 106. Otherwise, if the candidate number R fails the primality test (i.e., the number R is determined not to be prime), then the number R is discarded and a completely new random number R2 is generated 108 and the above steps 104, 106, and/or 108 are repeated.
Although the primality test contributes a majority of the delay associated with prime number generation, another significant contributor of the delay is due to the time spent generating new random numbers R (i.e., step 102) after it is determined that a candidate random number is not prime (i.e., step 108). The probability of a randomly selected number R being prime is very low. For example, according to the prime number theorem the probability that a 1,024-bit number is prime is about is 1 in 710 (1/ln (21024)). For this reason, a candidate prime number may be discarded (i.e., step 108) and a new candidate prime number may be generated (i.e., step 102) numerous times before a candidate prime number is confirmed (to a certain degree) to be prime (i.e., step 106).
Thus, there exists a need to accelerate prime number generation so that the overall delay associated with generating and determining a number to be prime is reduced. Applications related to cryptography that rely on prime number generation may derive significant benefits from such accelerated prime number generation schemes.

Methods and devices for prime number generation


The present disclosure relates to a pinhole camera, an electronic apparatus and a manufacturing method, an electronic apparatus and a manufacturing method by which further reduction in profile can be achieved. The pinhole camera includes a semiconductor substrate on which a pixel array unit on which a plurality of pixels are arranged in an array is formed, a protective substrate stacked on an on-chip lens arranged corresponding to a pixel array unit of the semiconductor substrate through a seal resin, and a light shielding film formed on the protective substrate and configured to block light to be irradiated upon the semiconductor substrate. A pinhole is formed in the light shielding film. The present technology can be applied, for example, to a CMOS image sensor of the stacked type.

In the past, as a camera module for which a solid-state image pickup apparatus is used, a structure is available in which a lens module is placed on a semiconductor package of a solid-state image pickup element, for example, as disclosed in PTL 1. Further, as a pinhole camera, such a structure as disclosed in PTL 2 is available.

Pinhole camera, electronic apparatus and manufacturing method


A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large upfacing to slightly outfacing flowers of excellent form and long persistence. The new hybrid is particularly characterized by a short, sturdy stem and by flowers of vibrant unspotted deep red color with clawed tepals and lightly ruffled outer tepal margins. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced into flower under glass out of season. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

My new variety of lily plant originated as a seedling, which first flowered in 't Zand, Netherlands in 1986. The breeding efforts had as their objective the production of shorter Asiatic hybrid lilies with deep red buds and flowers, suited to forcing into flower out of season, heretofore unknown in the lily breeding art.
I achieved the desired objective by intercrossing Lilium `Charisma` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,180) with Lilium `Red Carpet`(unpatented). The buds and flowers of my new lily are characterized by an upfacing to slightly outfacing orientation, large size, and a deep red color. The clone possesses unusually short, strong, stout stems. In addition, the clone possesses to a high degree desirable characteristics of hybrid vigor. The clone is a good grower and propagator, as observed at 't Zand, Netherlands.
My new variety of lily plant has been asexually reproduced by me and under my direction at 't Zand, Netherlands. Successive generations produced by natural propagation from bulblets, by bulb scale propagation, and by tissue culturing from bulb scale explants have demonstrated that the novel and distinctive characteristics of my new variety are fixed and hold true under asexual propagation from generation to generation.
The most closely related plant known to myself is a sibling plant from the same cross named `Scarlet Dwarf`. This sibling is the subject of a copending application. While `Red Dwarf` and `Scarlet Dwarf` are similar in size, plant confirmation and flower characteristics, they are easily distinguished by the fact that the ovaries of `Red Dwarf` are inconspicuous and nearly the red color of the tepals, while those of `Scarlet Dwarf` are much more conspicuous, being near straw color even when grown under cool or intensely illuminated conditions. Moreover, both the inner and outer tepals of `Scarlet Dwarf` are slightly ruffled by marginal undulations, while such undulations are virtually confined to the inner tepals of `Red Dwarf` and appear only on flowers that have been open for several days. The tepals of `Red Dwarf` are less stiff, causing them to reflex more at the tips than those of `Scarlet Dwarf`. The flowers of `Red Dwarf` are noticeably flatter than those of `Scarlet Dwarf`.


With data of four symbols (FIG. 11A), a parity of two symbols (FIG. 11B) is created. These six symbols are EFM-modulated. Each symbol of eight bits is converted into a pattern of 14 bits (FIG. 11C). In a pit/land sequence formed on a disc (FIG. 11D), two symbols are rewritten. One symbol is (0×40). When an additional recording process is performed for the bit/land sequence, the pit length becomes long (FIG. 11E). The reproduced 14-bit data is converted into eight bits on the reproducing side. Thus, the original data (0×40) is rewritten to (0×22). A parity is also changed so that the additionally recorded data symbol (0×22) is not detected as an error.

The standard about compact discs (CD), which have been widely used, is referred to as compact disc audio (CD-DA) and based on the description of a standard specification book called Redbook. Based on the specification, various formats for example CD-ROM have been standardized and so-called CD family has been set forth. In the following description, CD generally refers to discs of various formats included in the CD family.
A technology of which a laser beam is irradiated on a properly selected reflective film on a disc and thereby the lengths of pits are varied has been proposed. This recording process is sometimes referred to as additional recording process. When data is additionally recorded on the reflective film, for example identification information that identifies each disc can be recorded. When identification information is recorded in the CD format, a sub code of Q channel of the CD format can be used.
In a CD, an error correction code referred to as CIRC (Cross Interleave Reed-Solomon Code) is used. Thus, when data such as disc identification information is recorded on a reflective film, data that is additionally recorded is detected as an error and corrected with the CRIC. In this case, original data of which the additional recording process has not been performed is read. If the error that exceeds the error correction performance of the CIRC takes place, the error cannot be corrected and data cannot be read. Alternatively, data that has been additionally recorded cannot be read because an interpolating process is performed. Thus, so far, the proposed additional recording process has been performed for only an area in which the error correction code encoding process is not performed. Thus, the applicable range of the additional recording process is restricted.

Data recording medium, data recording method, and data recording apparatus, including additional recording features


An apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed to provide a virtual touchpad for a touch device. A placement module places a virtual touchpad at a dynamic location within a touch sensitive area of a touch device. A touch input module positions a pointer on a screen of the touch device in response to a touch input on the virtual touchpad.

Field
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to input devices and more particularly relates to virtual input devices for a touch device.
Description of the Related Art
Input devices allow users to interact with a computer system. Input devices such as computer mice, touchpads, joysticks, trackballs, and touchscreens allow users to navigate a graphical user interface ("GUI") by translating a user's movement to a pointer or cursor on a screen. These hardware input devices, however, typically have a fixed position relative to the computer system, especially in portable devices. Hardware input devices also have fixed shapes and sizes.
Because of their fixed positions, shapes, and sizes, hardware input devices are often difficult or impossible to customize. For this reason, input devices that are optimized for right-handed users can be awkward for left-handed users and vice versa. Input devices that are not optimized for right-handed users or left-handed users can be awkward for both groups. Input devices that are not optimized for a specific user and that are not customizable can require the user to use both hands simultaneously to use the input device, for example by holding a computing device in one hand and manipulating an input device with the other hand.
Additionally, hardware input devices take up extra physical space on a computing device, whether or not the hardware input device is currently in use. This can increase the size of the computing device. An increased size can negatively influence a computing device's portability, ergonomics, convenience, and cost, especially for portable devices.


A transparent liquid crystal display device including a transparent liquid crystal cell disposed on a transparent luminous plate is provided. The transparent luminous plate includes a first transparent electrode plate, a fluorescent powder layer, and a cavity layer, which are sequentially disposed on a second transparent electrode plate. An electron generator is disposed on a lateral side of the cavity layer. A viewer is able to see not only an image to be displayed by a screen of the display panel, but also an object or a scene behind the display panel through the screen.

In the prior art, a conventional display device is usually non-transparent. For example, a conventional display device is usually provided with a backlight module for providing light to a liquid crystal cell, so that light passes through a corresponding pixel unit of the liquid crystal cell, thereby displaying an image. Since the backlight module is non-transparent, a viewer cannot see an object or a scene behind the display panel through a screen of the display panel. Therefore, the conventional display device is non-transparent.
Although an OLED display technology has emerged, the back side of a conventional OLED is provided with a metal plate, which is also non-transparent, for reflecting light. Since the metal plate is disposed on the back side of the display panel, a viewer also cannot see an object or a scene behind the display panel through a screen of the display panel. Therefore, the conventional OLED is also non-transparent.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide a transparent display panel, an image to be displayed can be shown by a screen of the display panel, and also an object or a scene behind the display panel can be seen through the screen.
Accordingly, it is necessary to provide a new technical solution to solve the above technical problem.

Transparent liquid crystal display device

SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.