The present invention provides novel nucleic acid labeling techniques that generate nucleic acid probes with specific activities at least ten fold higher than the levels obtained using standard labeling methods. Specifically, the methods of the invention provides methods of producing nucleic acid probes that each comprises multiple labeled nucleotides. The methods can be used to generate RNA, DNA or hybrid probes. The invention also provides reaction mixtures and kits for the practice of the methods of the invention and compositions comprising the probes generated according to the methods of the invention.

Oligonucleotides are DNA, RNA or DNA/RNA hybrid molecules that in general are relatively short, synthetic, and single stranded. Synthetic oligonucleotides are inexpensive, readily available, and can be made for any desired sequence. These molecules are often labeled with molecular tracers to follow their presence in various assays. Such labeled molecules are commonly referred to as "probes". The labeled oligonucleotide can be used as a hybridization probe to identify nucleic acids and studying the binding of proteins and other molecules to the probe. The results obtained using such assays depend in large part upon the specific activity of the probe. In general, probes of high specific activity that can be generated in a controllable and reproducible manner are most desirable.
Common nucleic acid labels currently include groups containing radioactive atoms such as 32P or 35S, biotin, fluorescent molecules (e.g. fluorescein and rhodamine derivatives) and enzymes whose activity is detectable, for example, as a result of catalyzing a reaction that produces a fluorescing or colorimetric reagent (e.g. horseradish peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase). In addition, nucleotide analogs conjugated to haptens (e.g. biotin, digoxigenin, etc.) may be used to label the nucleic acid. A hapten is subsequently recognized by a high affinity binding ligand (e.g., streptavidin) or an antibody, that is conjugated to a fluorescent marker or enzyme reagent for detection of the nucleic acid.
Generally, polynucleotide kinase (PNK) is used to radiolabel oligonucleotides with γ-32P-ATP, in particular at the 5′ phosphate. If there is no phosphate group present on the 5′ end of a nucleic acid molecule, PNK can add a radiolabeled phosphate to the free 5′hydroxyl group of the nucleic acid. Alternatively, if a 5′ phosphate is present, PNK can remove the non-radioactive 5′ phosphate and replace it with a radiolabeled phosphate in an exchange reaction. However, in either an addition or exchange reaction, the resulting labeled nucleic acid has only a single 32P label per nucleic acid molecule. No more than one 32P label can be introduced per nucleic acid molecule by PNK.
The use of PNK is also limited, moreover, because the enzyme is not completely efficient in the addition reaction and even less efficient in the exchange reaction. This low efficiency can result in variable incorporation of radiolabel and a diminished specific activity measured in counts per minute (cpm) per micromole of DNA or RNA substrate. Because of the inefficiency of the PNK, the enzyme reaction results leaves residual unlabeled nucleic acids. These unlabeled ("cold") nucleic acids cannot be purified away from the radiolabeled ("hot") nucleic acids because they have nearly identical chemical and physical properties. The labeled nucleic acid differs from the unlabeled molecule by the presence of only one additional phosphate group. The cold nucleic acid will then compete with the hot nucleic acid when the labeled nucleic acid is used in a practical application, e.g., binding to a target molecule, diminishing the probe's effectiveness.
In addition, because the unlabeled nucleic acid cannot be removed, the precise specific activity of the product generally cannot be determined. Usually, the quantity of oligonucleotide labeled is too small to measure the amount of product directly recovered from the reaction, e.g., by U.V. absorbence. Therefore, specific activity can only be estimated, either based on an assumption of the efficiency of recovery of the labeled nucleic acid or the recovery of unincorporated α-32P-ATP.
Nucleic acid molecules can also be labeled on their free 3′ hydroxyl group with a radiolabeled nucleotide, e.g., α-32P-dATP, using the enzyme Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT). As discussed below, TdT labeling, however, exhibits many of the same problems as PNK labeling. In particular, TdT does not efficiently label DNA, and, furthermore, the labeled nucleic acids cannot be separated from the unlabeled nucleic acids, reducing the efficiency of the method in which the labeled nucleic acid is being used.
Biologically, TdT is involved in increasing antigen receptor diversity by adding a variable number of nucleotides into chromosomal break points during the genetic rearrangement of the variable regions of immature T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte receptors (Gilfillan et al., 1995, 1 mm. Reviews 148:201). TdT adds an average of four nucleotides to chromosomal break points in vivo; however, the number of nucleotides added is extremely variable and highly dependent on local conditions (Rock et al., 1994, J. Exp. Med., 179:323). TdT also adds a variable number of nucleotides in vitro to the free 3′ end of a nucleic acid probe, which makes it difficult to accurately determine the specific activity of a probe or to produce the probe in a reproducible manner. Invariably, a mixture of species is formed from which it is very difficult to isolate a unique product. Thus, this method results in a heterogeneous reaction product ranging from unlabeled to hundred-fold labeled species. Further, TdT-labeled probes with a tail that is longer than 10 or 20 residues can produce high backgrounds when hybridized to complex nucleic acid samples as a result of binding to poly A tails of mRNAs or repeats in genomic DNA.
A number of schemes have been employed to increase the specific activity and sensitivity of oligonucleotide probes without compromising their favorable hybridization properties. Ullrich et al. (1984, Nature 309:418–425) and Studencki and Wallace (1984, DNA 3:7–15) described methods in which two overlapping sequence-specific oligonucleotides are labeled in a primer extension reaction to a specific activity that can exceed 10×109 CPM/μg. While effective, these methods result in a double stranded product, require two sequence-specific custom oligonucleotides, and use two to four radiolabeled substrate deoxynucleotide triphosphates, making such approaches more expensive and less convenient than labeling with PNK. Oligonucleotides having a dendrimeric structure at the 5′-end can be synthesized and labeled to high specific activity using PNK (Shchepinov et al., 1997, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:4447–4454). However these reagents are costly and are not readily available.
Both RNA and DNA polymerase-based techniques that incorporate labeled nucleotides into nucleic acids are well known in the art (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., 1992, "Short Protocols in Molecular Biology", John Wiley & Sons, New York). For example, nick translation methods allow the preparation of uniformly labeled DNA probes for a variety of assays. Small breakages are introduced into a double stranded DNA of interest (for example by treating with DNase I), and the gaps are "filled in" using DNA polymerase in the presence of radiolabeled or non-isotopically labeled nucleotides. Alternatively, labeled probes are generated by random priming. Briefly, a double-stranded DNA of interest is denatured and the individual strands replicated in the presence of the Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I and labeled nucleotides, using random hexamers as primers for the extension step. Alternatively, a DNA which is to be used as a probe can be generated by cutting a parent DNA with a restriction enzymes that generates a 5′ overhang, and the overhang filled in using the Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I and labeled nucleotides. Yet another method of producing a labeled DNA probe is by generating the probe by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of labeled nucleotides.
Generally, labeled RNA probes can be produced by carrying out the transcription reaction that generates the RNA in the presence of labeled nucleotides. Such transcription reactions most commonly utilize bacteriophage RNA polymerases, such as SP6, T3, and T7.
Another scheme for labeling oligonucleotides proposed by Bahl et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,872), involves a "bridging" technique that ligates a target molecule to a signal molecule via a "bridge" molecule. The signal molecule shows no complementarity towards the target molecule, and comprises a unique 4 or more nucleotide stretch at one end and is labeled at the other end. In addition to the sequence of interest, the target molecule comprises a unique 4 or more nucleotide stretch at the end opposite to that at which the unique sequence of the signal molecule is located. The signal and target molecules are ligated by a "bridge" molecule, consisting of two specific 4 or more nucleotide sequences, one complimentary to the unique nucleotide sequence in the target molecule, and the other complimentary to the unique nucleotide sequence in the signal molecule. The target molecule, the signal molecule and the bridging molecules are allowed to hybridize, allowing the target and signal molecules to align in a directional manner. The signal and target molecules are ligated together and the result is a double stranded oligonucleotide complex that can be left as is or disassociated into the bridge and a completed probe consisting of the target and signal molecules.
Another problem associated with conventional template-based labeling methods arises when the labeled probe must be separated from the template strand. Probe techniques have been attempted to resolve this problem. For example, Dattagupta et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,520, proposed a probe that is labeled by hybridizing two oligonucleotides of equal length that have regions of mutual complementarity located at the 3′ ends of the oligonucleotides. One overhang is filled in with labeled nucleotides to generate a labeled probe using the other strand as a template. The template strand is not extended because it has a different nucleotide composition from the strand that is labeled, and only nucleotides required to generate the probe are added to the labeling reaction. The probe strand can then be separated from the template strand based on the differing sizes of the strands. The drawback to this method is that the template strand is designed in a sequence specific manner that depends on the oligonucleotide that is being labeled.
Clearly, therefore, a need exists for methods whereby highly purified labeled nucleic acids of high specific activity can be produced in a controllable, reproducible manner.

Primer extension methods for production of high specific activity nucleic acid probes


The present invention is directed toward a combination of composite brake rotors or clutches and a brake pad where the composite rotor or clutch is composed of a low density metal and particles of a nonmetallic material. Specifically the rotors or clutches are comprised of a metal matrix comprising aluminum or magnesium or alloys thereof homogenously mixed with a refractory ceramic, such as silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride or aluminum oxide among others. The composite brake rotors and clutches are very durable and have greatly increased thermal conductivities which improve brake and clutch performance. The rotors or clutches are manufactured by casting, followed by diamond cutting and finally followed by surface burnishing to smooth and condition the surface of the rotor or clutch. The brake pad may be comprised of at least cupric oxide, antimony sulfide, silicon alumina alloy, barium sulfate, kevlar, zinc sulfide, coke, and graphite.

Brake rotors and clutches have been the subject of a variety of patents. The engagement surfaces of a brake rotor and clutch have typically been made of an iron-bearing metal, such as cast iron, steel or stainless steel. Many patents have been related to specific rotor or clutch designs, geared toward elimination of galling and build up of material on the engagement surfaces.
Recently, McMurray in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,392 described a stainless steel rotor having depressions on the braking surface which act to minimize galling.
Although much work has been done in the area of brake rotors and clutches, new lightweight metallic composites have not made inroads in this area. In fact, the nature of the material has lead those skilled in the art away from using such composites for this application, due to the abrasiveness of the material. Historically, abrasive materials did not make desirable friction surfaces.


An amplifying device has an amplifier which amplifies an input signal supplied from an input terminal and outputs the amplified input signal, a feedback loop which has at least one of a resistive element and a capacitance connected between an output terminal of the amplifier and the input terminal, a variable current unit which adjusts a current value in accordance with a controlling signal and supplies an operating current to the amplifier, a signal analyzing unit which generates a time difference signal having a value corresponding to a slew rate of the input signal and outputs the time difference signal, and a controlling unit which generates the controlling signal in accordance with the time difference signal and outputs the controlling signal.

The present invention relates to an amplifying device and a radio.
Terrestrial digital broadcasting has a 13-segments structure. A service to receive one of 13 segments, i.e., a so-called one-segment broadcasting service is available to mobile terminals.
A one-segment broadcast signal may be transmitted from a long distance. In this case, a one-segment broadcast receiving unit in a cellular phone handset having a one-segment broadcast receiving function handles a very weak signal. A cellular communication signal which is transmitted from a transmitter in the immediate vicinity of the one-segment broadcast receiving unit and whose frequency is higher than that of a one-segment broadcast signal by several tens of MHz is very strong and serves as an interfering wave for the one-segment broadcast receiving unit.
Amplifying circuits and filtering circuits which handle a signal obtained by downconverting a one-segment broadcast signal are each often composed of a circuit using an operational amplifier. An operational amplifier has a parameter called a slew rate which represents a voltage variation (determined by signal amplitude×frequency) allowed per unit time.
In order to amplify and output a signal which is high in frequency and strength (which has a large amplitude) without distorting the signal, an operational amplifier needs to have a high slew rate. A slew rate is generally proportional to current consumption. It is thus necessary to increase current consumption in order to achieve a high slew rate.
A low slew rate suffices for a cellular phone handset having a one-segment broadcast receiving function as described above in the absence of an interfering wave (a cellular communication signal). However, a cellular phone handset needs to use an operational amplifier with a high slew rate in preparation for issuance of an interfering wave by the cellular phone handset. This causes a large current to be applied even when the slew rate of a signal is low and increases costs.


Methods, apparatus and precursors for producing substantially water-free silica soot, preforms and glass. The methods and apparatus make substantially water-free fused silica preforms or glass by removing water as a reaction product, removing water from the atmosphere, removing water from the transport process, or combinations thereof. In a first embodiment, substantially water-free soot, preforms or glass are achieved by using a hydrogen-free fuel, such as carbon monoxide, in the deposition process. In another embodiment, a soot producing burner has parameters that enable operation on a substantially hydrogen-free fuel. End burners, which minimize water production, are also described. Such water-free methods are useful in depositing fluorine-doped soot because of the low water present and the efficiency in which fluorine is incorporated. In another embodiment, glassy barrier layer methods and apparatus are described for minimizing dopant migration, especially fluorine. Laser and induction methods and apparatus for forming the barrier layer are depicted. A chlorine, fluorine and silica precursor, such as chlorofluorosilane, may be utilized to form fluorinated soot. Other methods and apparatus are directed to combinations of conventional and substantially water-free processes. One embodiment is directed to combustion enhancing additives for addition to the substantially hydrogen-free fuels. The methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention are particularly useful for producing photomask substrates and optical fiber preforms.

Photomasks are used in microlithography in printing miniature circuit patterns on silicon wafers and carry an enlarged version of the circuit to be printed thereon. To reduce the size of the circuits on the silicon wafers to get more circuits on the same wafer, light with lower wavelengths are used. For laser light with a low wavelength (less than 248 nm), the photomask substrate can be made with fused silica glass that has high transmitivity. To display high transmitivity, fused silica glass needs to be very pure and contain extremely low levels of water (preferably less than about 10 ppb). The presence of large amounts of water in fused silica product makes the glass not suitable for certain low wavelength applications. Current systems operate at the 248 nm window. Lower wavelength systems heretofore have been largely unsuccessful because of water levels being too high in the silica photomask material. Thus, it would be desirable to produce a glass material that could be used at lower wavelengths.
One process that delivers glass with lower levels of water is the process used to make preforms for optical fiber waveguides (hereinafter the "preform manufacture process"). This preform manufacturing process utilizes several manufacturing steps. First silica containing soot is deposited onto, for example, an alumina bait rod by an Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD) method, for example. The bait rod is removed leaving a tubular soot member with a centerline aperture. This soot member may include the appropriate dopants, for example germania, such that a desired refractive index profile is achieved. The soot preform is then consolidated in a furnace with a vacuum generally applied to close the centerline aperture. Next, the consolidated preform is drawn into core cane; wherein the core cane preferably comprises part or all of the physical core of the optical fiber when finally drawn into fiber. This core cane is cut into lengths and again overclad with silica-containing soot to form the clad portion or another segment of the core if a multi-segment profile is desired. The preform is again consolidated. Chlorine gas, for example, in the atmosphere of the consolidation furnace is used to dry the preform and remove water prior to vitrification into glass in both the above-mentioned consolidation steps. The resulting final consolidated preform, is then placed in a draw furnace and drawn into a fiber in an inert gas atmosphere.
Unfortunately, because of the process currently used to form the soot, water is inevitably formed into the preform. Therefore, it is necessary to employ a drying step before consolidation. Specifically, the water is formed, as will be hereinafter described, because the chemical reaction of the silica precursors and fuels currently used in the process of forming soot form water as a reaction by-product. Moreover, it was discovered by the inventors herein that exposure to atmospheric conditions during standard processing techniques causes the soot preform to pick up further water. In optical telecommunications systems, one factor that determines the distance between amplification stages is the optical fiber attenuation. A significant contributor to poor attenuation is water (OH) present in the preform. Water present causes a peak in the transmission curve at about 1383 nm. This peak has a detrimental effect on the attenuation at 1550 nm, a primary transmission wavelength in optical fiber communications. Thus, it is desirable to reduce the water peak by reducing the water content of the consolidated glass as much as possible.
Furthermore, in fluorine doped optical fibers, fluorine doping at acceptable levels is a considerable problem. Moreover, once fluorine is present in the soot preform, fluorine migration is a significant problem because of fluorine's high mobility and small molecular size. Fluorine is utilized as a refractive index depressant, thus desirably enabling negative indices of refraction where desired. Migration dramatically reduces the amount of fluorine that may be incorporated in the soot. Moreover, migration smoothes out the refractive index profiles desired for optimal signal transmission. Thus, rather than achieving sharp transitions between profile regions, migration causes rounded transitions. Moreover, migration lowers the delta % value (a measure of the refractive index difference relative to the cladding). Thus, since fluorine is extremely mobile, it is very desirable to achieve a method and/or apparatus to prevent migration of such dopants throughout the soot preform during processing.
Equation 3 illustrates the forming high purity fused silica or silica soot in accordance one process used in the prior art. SiCl4 (a silica precursor), oxygen and methane are combined and ignited in a burner to produce glass or soot which is deposited on a substrate surface. In the case of high purity fused silica, the soot is substantially simultaneously consolidated (vitrified) within the furnace when methane is utilized. The by-products of such reactions are carbon dioxide, water vapor and chlorine. In particular, large amounts of water vapor are produced.CH4+3O2+SiCl4→CO2+2H2O+SiO2+2Cl2  (Prior Art 1)
Another currently employed process for manufacture of silica soot uses octamethyl-cyclo-tetra-siloxane (OMCTS) as the raw material for silica soot and natural gas (predominantly methane along with other hydrocarbons) as the fuel. Natural gas is utilized as the fuel to maintain the furnace at high temperatures for manufacture of high purity fused silica. The products of combustion of the natural gas are also water vapor and carbon dioxide. The products of combustion of the OMCTS are silica, water and carbon dioxide as shown in equation 2.C8H24O8Si8+16O2→8CO2+12H2O+8SiO2  (Prior Art 2)
Thus, it should be recognized that a significant by-product of the reaction in both processes outlined in equations 1 and 2 is water vapor generated as a result of combustion. Undesirably, this water gets incorporated in soot, and, once present, is very difficult to remove. To attempt to remove the water from soot articles, such as soot preforms, extensive drying step utilizing chlorine are employed. Detrimentally, however, some water remains captured in the consolidated glass produced. The presence of water is detrimental to optical properties of the glass produced. Thus, it is an industry-wide goal to further reduce the water content present in high purity fused silica and also in silica-soot articles such as soot preforms for optical fiber manufacture.

Method of forming optical fiber preforms


Pharmaceutical suspension aerosol formulations containing a therapeutically effective amount of a drug and HFC 134a, HFC 227, or a mixture thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to pharmaceutical aerosol formulations. In another aspect this invention relates to pharmaceutical suspension aerosol formulations wherein the propellant comprises HFC 134a or HFC 227. In another aspect, it relates to pharmaceutical suspension aerosol formulations containing pirbuterol. In another aspect, it relates to pharmaceutical suspension aerosol formulations containing albuterol sulfate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Pharmaceutical suspension aerosol formulations currently use a mixture of liquid chlorofluorocarbons as the propellant. Fluorotrichloromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane are the most commonly used propellants in aerosol formulations for administration by inhalation.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), however, have been implicated in the destruction of the ozone layer and their production is being phased out. Hydrofluorocarbon 134a (HFC 134a, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) and hydrofluorocarbon 227 (HFC 227, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) are viewed as being more ozone friendly than many chlorofluorocarbon propellants; furthermore, they have low toxicity and vapor pressures suitable for use in aerosols.
Patent Applications WO 91/11495 and WO 91/11496 (both by Weil) describe pharmaceutical suspension aerosol formulations comprising a medicinal agent, optionally a surfactant, and a propellant mixture containing 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and one or more additional components, e.g., pentane, butane, propellant 134a, propellant 11, propellant 125, or propellant 152a.
European Patent Office Publication 0 384 371 (Heiskel) describes solution aerosols in which 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane or its mixture with propane, butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether, or 1,1-difluoroethane serves as the propellant. The application does not, however, disclose suspension aerosols or pharmaceutical aerosol formulations.
European Patent Application 89.312270.5 (Purewal et al.) discloses, inter alia, aerosol formulations comprising a medicament, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, a surface active agent, and at least one compound having higher polarity than 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,868,691 (Porush et al.) discloses aerosol formulations comprising a medicament, a halogenated lower alkane propellant, and a cosolvent which assists in dissolving the medicament in the propellant. The chemical formula for the propellant given in Col. 2, lines 6–16, generically embraces HFC 134a and HFC 227. Examples of cosolvents disclosed include ethanol and diethyl ether.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,014,844 (Thiel et al.) discloses aerosol formulations comprising a micronized medicament, a halogenated lower alkane propellant and a surface-active agent to assist in the suspension of the medicament in the propellant. The chemical formula for the propellant given in Col. 4, lines 17–28, generically embraces HFC 134a and HFC 227.
Patent Application Wo 90/01454 (Greenleaf et al.) discloses aerosol compositions having HFC 134a as the propellant and comprising a medicament coated with a non-perfluorinated surface active dispersing agent. This application describes control formulations containing only HFC 134a and 0.866 percent by weight of a drug.
Albuterol sulfate is a relatively selective beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator. It is available in a variety of dosage forms including tablets, syrups and formulations suitable for inhalation. For example, VENTOLIN™ Inhalation Aerosol (commercially available from Allen & Hansburys) is a metered dose aerosol unit containing a microcrystalline suspension of albuterol (free base) in propellant (a mixture of trichloromonofluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane) with oleic acid. VENTOLIN ROTOCAPS™ for Inhalation (commercially available from Allen & Hansburys) contain a mixture of microfine albuterol sulfate with lactose and are intended for use with a specially designed device for inhaling powder. VENTOLIN™ Solution for Inhalation (commercially available from Allen & Hansburys) is an aqueous solution of albuterol sulfate intended for use with a nebulizer.
Pirbuterol acetate is a relatively selective beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator. MAXAIR™ Inhaler (commercially available from 3M Pharmaceuticals, St. Paul, Minn.) is a metered dose aerosol unit containing a fine-particle suspension of pirbuterol acetate in the propellant mixture of trichloromonofluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane, with sorbitan trioleate.


A method and a system of authorizing a transaction without using a man-made token is disclosed. In a method according to the invention, a biometric sample is registered, biometric information is provided, the biometric information is compared to the biometric sample, a determination is made as to whether the biometric information matches the biometric sample, and if a match is determined, then the transaction is authorized. A system according to the invention may have a biometric database having biometric samples stored therein, a biometric identification apparatus having a biometric information gatherer, and a biometric data processor having a microprocessor and software for instructing the microprocessor to (a) receive biometric information from the biometric identification apparatus, (b) compare the biometric information with at least some of the biometric samples, (c) determine whether the biometric information matches one of the biometric samples, (d) provide an indication as to whether the biometric information matches one of the biometric samples, and (e) if the indication is that the biometric information matches one of the biometric samples, then providing an authorization of a transaction without the authorizer presenting any personalized man-made token.

Traditionally, man-made personalized tokens are used to authorize an event or transaction being conducted via electronic means. Examples of such tokens include smart cards, magnetic swipe cards, identification cards or even a personal computer programmed with user-specific account data. These examples of tokens are "personalized" because they are programmed or encoded with data that is unique to the authorized user.
An example of a transaction that uses a personalized token is the transaction in which prescription medications are obtained. In prescribing medication to a patient, a physician may write the prescription on a prescription form and then sign the form. The physician presents the completed form (a token) to the patient who takes the form to a pharmacy. The pharmacy then provides the patient with the medication. Such a process of providing prescription medication has defects. For example, the pharmacy may have difficulty reading the physician's handwriting and may as a result issue the wrong medication, or the wrong instructions, or both. Additionally, the prescription form may be a fake or a forgery that has been created and completed to look like a legitimate authorization to dispense prescription drugs. Alternatively, the prescription form may be a legitimate form stolen from the physician and then completed by another person in an effort to cause the pharmacy to dispense prescription medication without the physician's authorization.
Man-made personalized tokens currently rely on an authorized user presenting the token. Such tokens are an attempt to identify the authorizer so that a transaction will occur. However, these tokens can be exchanged easily, either knowingly or unknowingly, between users. When such an exchange occurs, there is a danger that unauthorized events will occur.
The prior art includes biometric technologies which use a man-made token in conjunction with a biometric sample, such as a fingerprint, hand print, voice print, retinal image, facial scan or handwriting sample. In one such prior art device, a biometric sample is stored in electronic and reproducible form on the token itself, and so there is a significant risk of fraud because the token may be fraudulently altered. In another prior art device, the token must be presented in conjunction with the user presenting a biometric sample.
There is a need for an electronic authorization system that is highly fraud-resistant, practical, convenient for the user, and yet cost-effective to deploy. More specifically, there is a need for an electronic authorization system that relies solely on an authorizer's biometric for event or transaction authorization, and does not require the authorizer to possess a personalized man-made token, such as a smart card, magnetic swipe card, identification card, driver's license or personal computer. It would be preferable that such a system be affordable and flexible enough to be operatively compatible with existing systems, which have a variety of electronic transaction devices and system configurations.

Biometric authorization method and system


The invention proposes a printed circuit board with multiple layers, which features at least one outer layer and at least one inner layer adjacent to the outer layer. The printed circuit board features a plurality of micro-through-holes, which are formed between a supply voltage area of at least one outer layer and a supply voltage area of at least one inner layer.

A multilayer printed circuit board, a so-called multilayer board, consists of multiple contact layers, such as ground and power layers. Furthermore, there are signal layers for unbundling the connections from the circuit diagram. The individual layers are isolated from one another and are filled with epoxy-reinforced glass fiber material, such as FR4 material. Conducting paths and technologies have the task of making connections, even through all layers. FR4, one of the materials that is primarily used, is a poor conductor of heat.
DE 10 2008 029 410 A1discloses a device for conducting current. The device comprises an element that generates heat, a printed circuit board on which the element generating heat is applied, and a heat sink that is thermally coupled for dissipating heat on the element.

Printed circuit board and control device for a vehicle transmission comprising the printed circuit board


Semiconductor devices having scalable two transistor memory cells, and methods of fabricating the same, are disclosed. The semiconductor devices include a semiconductor substrate having first, second and third isolation layers thereon. The first and second isolation layers are spaced apart to define a first active region therebetween, and the second and third isolation layers are likewise spaced apart to form a second active region therebetween. A cell gate is provided on each active region that includes a gate dielectric layer, a storage node, a multiple tunnel junction barrier and a source layer that are sequentially stacked. The device also includes first and second control lines that surround at least a portion of each sidewall of the cell gates. A dielectric layer may be interposed between the sidewalls of the cell gates and the control line that surrounds it. A data line connects to the cell gates.

Dynamic random memory (DRAM) devices can be highly integrated as compared to other memory devices. However, because of leakage currents that result from the high integration, DRAM devices typically must be refreshed periodically in order to retain the stored data. As a result, DRAM devices consume power even in a standby state. In contrast, flash memory devices do not refresh memory cells in order to retain the stored data. However, flash memory devices operate relatively slowly, and a tunneling oxide layer in flash memory device may be damaged in operation.
New memory cells that have the advantages of both the DRAM and the flash memory devices have been studied. One such new memory device is a scalable two transistor memory (STTM) cell which is disclosed by Nakazato et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,692. The STTM cell may provide high speed, low power consumption and high integration. However, numerous problems may still exist with respect to commercial embodiments of STTM cells.

Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices with scalable two transistor memory cells


In a control device for a power supply circuit in which a plurality of high-voltage battery packs are provided, if any one of safety switch is off, the startup state of a high-voltage circuit is totally prevented, even when a careless mistake such as a careless power-on (ON) operation is made, the circuit is prevented from being started, and also the overall power supply is cut off by turning off (OFF) one safety switch, thereby improving the convenience of work. Voltage sensing units (9-1 to 9-n) that sense internal voltages are provided in battery packs (4-1 to 4-n) to detect a voltage change based on the operation of one or more safety switches (8-1 to 8-n) and maintain all relays (5-1 to 5-n) of the plurality of battery packs (4-1 to 4-n) provided in parallel in an open (OPEN) state.

In recent years, environmentally-friendly vehicles such as hybrid automobile, electric automobile, and fuel cell automobile draw attention. In the environment-responsive vehicles, a battery for supplying driving power to a driving motor being a power source is installed.
In such vehicle including the battery, as means for keeping a maximum output of the battery and extending the running distance when traveling only by the power of the battery, it is examined to install a plurality of batteries to increase the capacity of the battery.
In general, the battery is provided with a safety switch for breaking a high-voltage circuit and ensuring the safety at work when performing maintenance and the like. Performance of operation of turning off the safety switch opens (OPEN) the relay (main relay) and therefore breaks the high-voltage circuit. Similarly, also by performing operation of turning off (OFF) the ignition switch, the relay is opened (OPEN) to break the high-voltage circuit.
For example, even when an operator performs ON operation of the ignition switch by mistake during high voltage work, the high-voltage circuit can be broken when the safety switch is OFF.
A power supply control device, a method of starting a vehicle and a method of using a high-voltage power supply according to Patent Document 1 use, in a vehicle including a high-voltage power supply (battery), a power supply including a breaking member artificially breaking on the power supply side the output of the high-voltage power supply, in which a plurality of battery packs connected in series are installed and when a safety plug (safety switch) provided in any one of the battery packs is opened, the whole circuit is opened, and closure of a relay contact is inhibited upon detection of operation of the breaking member and then the inhibition is released especially upon detection of a drive operation.


A conventional aluminum killed alloy steel for case hardening of gear(s) and/or shaft components consisting of 0.10 to 0.30 weight % Carbon, 0.15 to 0.35 weight % Silicon, 0.8 to 1.5 weight % Chromium, 0.6 to 1.5 weight % Manganese, 0.017 to 0.040 weight % Aluminum, and balance iron including impurities, produced by vacuum degassing and alike routes. Gear(s) and/or shaft components made by the above steel when treated by modified carbonitriding followed by hard shot peening process provide both superior bending fatigue strength and pitting fatigue life, capable of withstanding higher torque levels and speeds.

This invention relates to achieving both superior bending fatigue strength and pitting fatigue life of gear(s) and/or shaft components, using "conventional alloy steel" by a method having following steps in sequence.
Step 1: modified carbonitriding treatment, and
Step 2: hard shot peening process.
Carburizing, hardening and tempering (hereafter called only "carburized") have been followed commonly over years for gear train transmission components in many designs so as to increase load carrying capacity. However, load carrying capability produced after carburizing is limited by microstructural and/or sub microstructural anomalies such as grain boundary oxidation, segregated carbides, bainite and alike anomalies. It has not been possible to extend, beyond certain limits, the load carrying capability of such transmissions without geometrical changes of components. Such geometrical changes in transmissions come with the following significant disadvantages: increases in weight, fuel consumption, development cost, development time and product cost and which ultimately results in increased customer dissatisfaction.
Geometrical changes in transmission components result in weight increase as mentioned above, and impose more loads on engines. Higher engine loads lead to higher emissions. To address higher emission problems, engine designs are required to undergo associated changes to reduce such emissions and this further increases the design and manufacturing costs.
Often space constraints in existing transmissions will make such geometric design changes very difficult to accommodate.
Several other surface treatment related techniques have evolved and been used in recent years to make surfaces and sub-surfaces more durable and reliable for higher torque transmitting capabilities of transmissions, already in use.
Some of the techniques available take advantage of the residual compressive stresses. However, such techniques have limited applications as they make use of special steels and/or elaborate heat treatment processes leading to higher production costs. Further, they are not able to produce simultaneous improvements in bending fatigue strength and pitting fatigue life.
Patent References:
1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,619 uses special steels with 0.3 to 3.0 weight % Aluminum and 0.2 to 2.0 weight % Vanadium. The disclosure claims increase in pitting life only and does not address bending fatigue strength, essential for gear(s) and/or shaft of the components. Further the special steel used for processing requires a special steel making process which increases production costs.
2) U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,613 claims to produce superior pitting resistance and wear resistance only with special steels having 1.5 to 5.0 weight % Chromium. The treatment does not address bending fatigue strength. Further, the special steel used for processing requires a special steel making process which increases production costs.
3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,182 claims to use a heat treatment route which does not address the tempering process. In the absence of the tempering process after quenching, quenching stresses are not relieved prior to service leading to dimensional instability and susceptibility to cracking. Further, the bending fatigue strength is not addressed in the claim.
In light of the existing prior-art, there has been a long standing demand to provide both superior bending and pitting fatigue life on gear(s) and/or shaft components simultaneously using "conventional alloy steel" which is described as the cheaper, most widely used and widely available steels for gear(s) and/or shaft components. None of the above disclosures provide complete solutions for producing both superior bending fatigue strength and pitting fatigue life simultaneously.

Method for producing gears and/or shaft components with superior bending fatigue strength and pitting fatigue life from conventional alloy steels


A method for recognizing a tag in an environment where the same frequency band is in use and an NFC device for the same are provided. Depending on whether a radio channel is in use, the NFC device changes a first operation mode to a second operation mode, requests slot assignment for tag recognition at the second operation mode, and changes the second operation mode back to the first operation mode to perform a tag recognition process at an assigned slot.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for recognizing a tag in an environment using the same frequency band and an NFC (Near Field Communication) device for the same, and more specifically, to a tag recognition method that may reduce a tag recognition delay of an NFC device in an environment in which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device and an NFC device using the same frequency co-exist and an NFC device for the same.
Discussion of the Related Art
Wireless communication technologies are being employed in various industries. In particular, the RFID device has a recognition radius of about 10 m to 15 m and is employed in a diversity of applications including electronic identification, electronic money, credit cards, logistics management, etc. Such RFID device performs transmission and reception of information in a contactless manner.
Growing interest is recently oriented to NFC communication that adopts the same frequency band as the RFID device (13.56 MHz) and that wirelessly transmits and receives data in a shorter range (about 10 cm). Such NFC device has wide applications to mobile terminals, digital cameras, personal computers, or other electronic devices. In particular, the NFC device mounted in smartphones sharply increases its availability.
As such, as the RFID device and the NFC device use the same frequency band (e.g., 13.56 MHz), the two devices may collide with each other when recognizing of the same tag at the same time in the environment in which the RFID device and the NFC device co-exist.
Accordingly, a need exists for a technique for recognizing a tag without collision in the environment where the RFID device and the NFC device are together in use.

Method for recognizing tag in environment using same frequency band and NFC device for the same

RESEARCH & BUSINESS FOUNDATION SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY


The present invention relates to a composition for inhibiting HIV activity comprising the extract of Paecilomyces sp. (Tochu-kaso) J300. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for inhibiting HIV activity comprising 3-[5-(methoxy-ethyl)-3,6-dioxo-piperazine-2-yl]propionic acid represented by Formula 1 and 4-methyl-2-[(pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-2-amino]pentanoic acid represented by Formula 2 that are extracted from Paecilomyces sp. (Tochu-kaso) J300; and to a medical composition and food composition containing the same.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composition for inhibiting HIV activity comprising the extract of Paecilomyces sp. (Tochu-kaso) J300. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting HIV activity comprising 3-[5-(methoxy-ethyl)-3,6-dioxo-piperazine-2-yl]propionic acid represented by Formula 1, 4-methyl-2-[(pyrolidine-2-carbonyl)-2-amino]pentanoic acid represented by Formula 2 or derivatives thereof that can be extracted from Paecilomyces sp. (Tochu-kaso) J300; and to a and food composition containing the same.

2. Description of the Related Arts
From the ancient time, the tochu-kaso was regarded as miraculous medicine, and especially, Chinese Emperor Jinsihwang took the tochu-kaso as perpetual youth and longevity. Further, the recent reports disclose that tochu-kaso has the effect of anti-exhaustion, immunity-increasing and anti-tumor activities, etc. (Natural Products Research Institute of Seoul National University). The various effects of the tochu-kaso are thought to originate from the various components of the tochu-kaso and its direct or indirect relation to the homeostasis of the human body.
There are 300 kinds of tochu-kasos are known in the world, but the size and the number of the population is small, and that, it is difficult to obtain them commercially and even samples for research are not sufficient. Therefore, Rural Development Administration of Korea has invented a the method for cultivating the tochu-kaso by inoculating the spores of the tochu-kaso into a larva of silkworm. In the year of 2000, the method of cultivation is discovered for 5 kinds of tochu-kasos including Paecilomyces japonica. Paecilomyces sp. J300 (Tochu-kaso J300) is obtained by inoculating the spores of the Paecilomyces sp. J300 into a larva of silkworm, and the method for cultivating the tochu-kaso J300 is disclosed Korean Patent No 187,897 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,310.
According to UNAIDS and WHO, there are more than thirty million (30,000,000) people who are infected by HIV in the year of 1997 throughout the world. The number of people newly infected by HIV in the year 1997 is about 5,800,000 and 590,000 of those are children. With this increase, the number of people infected by HIV seems to be forty million (40,000,000) in the year of 2000. More than 90% of the infected are living in the developing countries, and most of the infected do not know the fact that they are infected, which is a serious problem.
Therefore, eliminating AIDS is an international issue, and a new medicine or medical composition to eliminate AIDS without side effects are eagerly being sought.
After the first sufferer of AIDS is reported in 1981, HIV, the AIDS Virus was separated and identified from a sufferer of AIDS in 1984, and HIV is convinced to be main cause of the AIDS. Therefore, to treat AIDS, searching for anti-HIV material is widely performed. As the result, AZT, the most famous AIDS treatment, was invented in 1987, and at the time of February 1999, there are 13 kinds of drugs approved by FDA and sold as AIDS treatment. However, the conventional treatment for AIDS has the problems that resistant virus is generated and side effect is observed, and therefore, there are limitations in the treatments.
To overcome or reduce the limitations, many pharmaceutical companies and research centers are searching for new and developed AIDS treatments.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) was disclosed to be cause of AIDS by being separated and identified from a sufferer of AIDS in 1984. At the beginning of the disclosure, HIV infection was misunderstood to be restricted only to homosexual or some under developed countries, but now, it is regarded as the worldwide prevalent infectious disease and a serious social problem.
HIV is classified in the retrovirus, more specifically, in the lentivirus group. The size of the HIV is about 10 micron and the outer surface is covered with phospholipid like other cells, and two virus genomes of RNA are protected by capsid (core protein) therein. These HIV genomes consist of ten (10) units of genes, which is a lot of genes compared with the size of total genome.
HIV infection is accomplished by the conjugation of the envelop protein (gp120) that exists on the surface of the virus and receptor that exists on the surface of the target cell. The above receptor is a kind of surface protein molecule of cell called CD4 antibody, and CD4 T cell (helper T cell) or macrophage is main target of the HIV because they have a lot of CD4 antibodies on the surface thereof. By the conjugation of the virus and the cell, the phospholipid envelop of the virus is infused into the cell surface, and virus genome and nucleus protein are flowed into the cell. At this moment, the virus genome is reverse transcribed into DNA from RNA by the reverse transcriptase of the virus, then transported into the nucleus of the cell and inserted into the genome of the host cell. This procedure is one of the characteristic features of the retrovirus. The HIV conceals itself in the most safe region of the host cell, and is supplied with all the materials and nutritions needed for growth. Further, the HIV suppresses or accelerates its growth according to the surroundings and conditions thereof to protect itself from the outer antibody etc.
AIDS viruses are divided tow main groups, that are, HIV-1 and HIV-2. The HIV-1 is generally called as 'AIDS virus' because it is generally found various sufferers throughout the world including Korea. HIV-2 that is found from the sufferer s of the West Africa has only 55% of homologies with the HIV-1 in the base sequence, and is more similar to SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) that is monkey's AIDS virus. The toxicity of the HIV-2 is known to be weaker than HIV-1.
HIV has much variety in the viewpoints of biology as well as genetics. Base sequences of the HIV obtained from the sufferers are different each other. And, even when the base sequence is obtained from one sufferer, it is different according the state of progress. Further, when the viruses are obtained with a uniform time intervals, the base sequence is different according to the tissues. These various base sequence relates to the biological characteristics of the virus very much. The different viruses having different base sequence have different affinity of infection to a certain cell, rate of proliferation, generation of virus, toxicity to a cell, generation rate of multinucleate giant cell, latent period and activity period, sensitivity to the neutralizing antibody, etc.
According to examination result for the relation betweens these various biological characteristics and the onset of the AIDS, the viruses that obtained from the initially infected sufferer do not form a multinucleate giant cell (NSI: Nonsyncytia-Inducing), but are mainly infected via macrophage. However, as the AIDS proceeds to the terminal state, the SI (Syncytia-Inducing) increase, and the virus changes to be a virus that is likely to infected by helper T cell instead of macrophage. This suggests that the biological characteristics of the HIV and onset of the disease have relations each other.
When one week is passed after HIV infection, proliferation of virus increases, and that, the virus is easily found in the blood of the sufferer. This stage is called as viremia. After 1 or 2 week later, the number of virus dramatically decreases under the level not to be separated. This latent period is maintained for a long time, then the proliferation of virus becomes active to develop for AIDS and becomes the state of viremia again. However, a recent research based on the study of chain polymerization with polymerase reported that virus is continuously generated in the latent period.
The number of CD4 cell dramatically decreases in the first viremia, and when the proliferation of the virus decreases the number of CD4 cell is recovered to its normal state. (The number of CD4 cell of the healthy adult is 500-1000 CD4 cells/mm3). When the number of CD4 cells decrease under 200 cells/mm3, it develops as ARC (AIDS-related Complex) or AIDS. Because the rate of opportunistic infection increases for the AIDS sufferers, they mainly die from Pneumocysitis carinii.
The periods that the number of HIV dramatically decreases and that the number of CD8 cells increases coincide, and CD8 T cell is known as to inhibit the growth of cells or to kill the cells infected by virus. Therefore, CD8 cell shows an important immunity effect for the initially infected viruses. Antibody is generated after the virus decreases. CD 8 cell and antibody are detected from the beginning of the infection to the onset of AIDS, but their activities become disappeared and in some cases they promote the virus infection. The reason why the immunity system that showed anti-virus activity at the beginning of the infection loses its activity is a subject to be solved. Because AIDS outbreaks only in the human body, the research is limited and the understanding of this disease is very rudimentary.
The researchers agree that the cause of the Immune Deficiency is the decrease of the CD4 cell, however, they have different opinions regarding the mechanism that HIV decreases the CD4 cell. For the explanation of the CD4 cell decrease, there are many theories such as generation of multinucleate giant cell, stimulation of virus DNA that is not inserted, the influence by the constitution of the host cell membrane, programmed abandonment of death of the cell, secretion of toxic material from the infected cell, cell destruction by auto-immunity, et al. However, nothing was proved in vivo. Further, many researches have been made to figure out the symptom of HIV disease by using monkey and monkey's AIDS virus, SIV, but no significant discovery was not accomplished.
In the meantime, AZT (Zidovudine), regarded as the representative of AIDS treatment, is a drug that inhibits the activity of the HIV reverse transcriptase and its effects are widely studied. AZT improves the condition of the sufferer when used at the initial state of infection, however it cannot lengthen the lifetime of the sufferer. Further, it has a toxic influence to the marrow and resistant virus is generated when used for a long time. Therefore, it has a limitation for the AIDS treatment. As for DDI, DDC, d4T etc. that are approved by FDA for the treatment of AIDS, resistant viruses have been generated, but they are not so toxic as AZT. Recently, a theory suggesting that using the above drugs together can reduce or inhibit the toxicity and generation of resistant virus as well as can increase the therapeutic effects is reported. To clarify the suggestion, a lot of research institutes have performed clinical tests, and positive results were obtained.
In addition to the above research, there are a lot of smart and novel methods for inhibiting the growth of AIDS virus are invented and testified. For example, a method preventing the virus from accessing to cells, a method selectively destructing virus-infected cells, a therapeutic method of using a drug for inhibiting the important activity of enzyme for the growth of virus (such as protease, integrase, tat inhibitor, rev inhibitor) or cytokine, a method of inserting CD8 cell, gene therapeutics etc. are suggested.
There was significant improvement in the research of the HIV vaccine. Various methods such as using died virus or attenuated virus, using subunit vaccine by genetic engineering, using anti-idio type antibody, injecting DNA gene etc. were developed. The problem of developing vaccine is that the virus is too various. For example, after vaccination, when using the original virus used for above vaccine the disease is contracted, the growth of virus is suppressed by the antibody; however, when the disease is contracted by using newly infected cell or virus, no suppression was observed. It is a subject for the inventors to overcome the variety of the viruses. In addition to the vaccine using body fluid, the vaccines using cell immune method with CD8 cell or mucosal immunity should be developed, and more effective results are expected by mixing the vaccines.
Under these circumstances, the present inventors studied to develop a new AIDS treatment without side effects and generation of the resistant virus.
As the result, the inventors found that the extract of J300 Tochu-kaso contains anti HIV activity, and analyzed the active fraction to find out active component, further, the active component was synthesized by chemically to provide novel AIDS treatment with low toxicity and side effect.

Composition for inhibiting HIV activity extracted from


A method of joining an immersion nozzle to a refractory member is disclosed, wherein a sealing-agent layer is formed on the upper joining surface of the immersion nozzle, and an exfoliating-agent layer is formed on the lower joining surface of the refractory member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for joining an immersion nozzle used when molten metal is made to flow out from a molten metal vessel, and more specifically, to a method for joining the upper surface of an immersion nozzle to a lower plate brick or to a lower nozzle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Since the lower portion of an immersion nozzle used in a continuous casting apparatus is continuously immersed in and eroded by molten metal, when it becomes necessary, it must be replaced with a new immersion nozzle. Therefore, the immersion nozzle is joined to either the lower plate brick of a sliding nozzle or a lower nozzle which is located above the immersion nozzle, by method that makes replacement possible.
For example, when the upper surface of an immersion nozzle is joined to the lower plate brick of a sliding nozzle or to a lower nozzle, a method of inserting packing between the joining surfaces has conventionally been employed. According to this method, packing is set on the preheated immersion nozzle and the immersion nozzle is joined with the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle. The packing is composed of a packing material or a filler which is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-14111, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-154676, Japanese Patent Laid-No. 5-163073 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-163074.
This method, however, has problems in that the work environment is deteriorated, the joining operation cannot be confirmed visually, etc., because, after the packing is set to the preheated immersion nozzle, smoke and bad smells are generated from the binder when the immersion nozzle is joined with the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle. Also, between the time that packing is set to the preheated nozzle and the nozzle is joined with the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle the packing is heat cured, and problems such as the sealing property becoming poor, air suction, molten steel leakage, and abnormally melting of nozzle bricks occur.
Although a method of pre-bonding or mounting a packing to the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle and joining it with the preheated immersion nozzle is also used, this method has problems in that the joining operation cannot be visually confirmed and the parts cannot be automatically joined using a sensor because the heat of the immersion nozzle causes the packing to generate smoke.
To solve the aforesaid problems when packing is used, a method of providing a plate-shaped sliding portion on the upper portion of the immersion nozzle and pressing it against a sliding plane surface portion formed on the lower portion of the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle is used. This method is advantageous in that since no packing is necessary in the portion where the immersion nozzle and lower plate brick or the lower nozzle are joined, the immersion nozzle can be replaced in a short time. Thus, this method is employed in the immersion nozzle replacing apparatus disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,528.
However, since the portion where the immersion nozzle and the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle are joined is required to have sealing properties to prevent oxidation of molten steel due to gas being sucked into the immersion nozzle and the like, the plate-shaped sliding portion formed on the upper portion of the immersion nozzle and the sliding plane surface portion formed on the lower portion of the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle must be smoothly finished. This is to prevent the suction of the gas when the immersion nozzle is pressed against the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle. The cost is thus increased by this smooth finish machining. In addition, the immersion nozzle and the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle which have been smoothly finished must be carefully handled so that the sliding portions are not damaged.
Further, there is a fear that the sealing properties of the immersion nozzle replacing apparatus disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,528 can be lowered. This is caused when the immersion nozzle is replaced. Since the plate-shaped sliding portion formed on the upper portion of the immersion nozzle and the sliding plane surface portion formed on the lower portion of the lower plate brick or the lower nozzle move in a state of contact with each other, there is the danger that the sliding portions of both parts may be damaged during replacement and their smooth finish become scratched, resulting in that when both parts are pressed against each other, gaps will be formed by the scratches.


A method and apparatus for identifying a position of a platform. Features are identified in a series of images generated by a camera system associated with the platform while the platform is moving. A shift in a perspective of the camera system is identified from a shift in a position of the features in the series of images. A change in the position of the platform is identified based on the shift in the perspective.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to identifying the location and orientation of an object and, in particular, to identifying the position of a moving object. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for identifying the position of a moving object using images generated by the object.
2. Background
The position of an aircraft at any point in time may be defined in terms of the location of the aircraft in three-dimensional space, the orientation of the aircraft, or both the location and orientation of the aircraft. For example, the location of an aircraft may be defined by geographic coordinates and the altitude of the aircraft. The orientation of an aircraft may be defined in terms of an angle of the aircraft in relation to a given line or plane, such as the horizon. The orientation of the aircraft may be referred to as the attitude. The attitude of an aircraft may be described with reference to three degrees of freedom, referred to as roll, pitch, and yaw.
Various complex systems are employed by an aircraft to determine a current position of the aircraft. For example, the current location of an aircraft may be determined using a global positioning system (GPS). In this case, global positioning system hardware on the aircraft includes a receiver to receive signals from a number of satellites. Additional hardware and software on the aircraft determines the current location of the aircraft from the received satellite signals.
Alternatively, a radio navigation system on the aircraft may be used to determine the current location of the aircraft from radio signals received from a number of known locations on the ground. Various hardware or hardware and software systems also may be used to determine the orientation of the aircraft. For example, electromechanical gyroscope systems may be used to determine attitude of the aircraft at any point in time.
Accurate knowledge of the current position of an aircraft is desirable to effectively control the aircraft to perform a mission. However, current systems and methods for determining a position of an aircraft may affect efficient operation of the aircraft. Furthermore, current systems and methods for determining an aircraft position may not identify a current position of the aircraft as accurately as desired in different situations. For example, global positioning systems (GPS) and radio navigation systems may not be able to determine the position when signals are not available or blocked by features in the operating environment.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that takes into account one or more of the issues discussed above, as well as possibly other issues.


A circuit and a method for controlling operation voltage, and a storage device are provided. The circuit includes: a voltage boost unit adapted for: if receiving a first signal, performing a voltage boost process; and if receiving a second signal, stopping the voltage boost process; a voltage division unit including a plurality of different voltage division coefficients, adapted for performing a voltage division process; a comparison unit adapted for: comparing the divided voltage with a reference voltage; if the divided voltage is low, outputting the first signal; and if not, outputting the second signal; a control unit adapted for performing a descending switching operation on the voltage division coefficients; and an output unit. The establishing speed of the operation voltage is effectively controlled, and an effect on device power consumption and performance caused by the threshold voltage and variations of the threshold voltage in the working process is eliminated.

Nowadays, in the rapid development of semiconductor storage device, DRAM, EEPROM, FLASH and other advanced storage devices have been widely used in computers and mobile communication terminals, attributed to their advantages such as high density, low power consumption and low price. Due to the requirements of low power consumption and low cost, a power supply of the storage device always has a low voltage, such as 2.5V, 1.8V, etc. However, in order to implement "write", "erase" and other operations of information, a programming voltage and an erase voltage which are much higher than the power supply voltage are always required, such as 8V, 12V, etc. Therefore, a charge pump circuit is widely used in the storage device. The charge pump circuit is used to obtain higher operation voltages for the storage device from the lower power supply voltage, such as the programming voltage, the erase voltage, etc.
If the higher operation voltage is established and applied to the storage device too fast, the storage device may be damaged and reliability of the storage device may be reduced. In order to prevent the above situation, an establishment speed of the operation voltage should be controlled. Hence, in the conventional Flash, a control circuit is always configured to control boost speed of the operation voltage.
A structure diagram of a conventional circuit for controlling erase voltage of Flash is illustrated in FIG. 1. The circuit includes:
a charge pump 11 adapted for output a high voltage HVE;
a mirroring constant current source 12 which includes a first PMOS transistor P1, a second PMOS transistor P2, a switch K and a current source Ibias, where a drain of the first PMOS transistor P1, a gate of the first PMOS transistor P1, a gate of the second PMOS transistor P2 and a first terminal of the switch K are connected together, a second terminal of the switch K is connected with a first terminal of the current source Ibias, and a second terminal of the current source Ibias is connected with ground;
a capacitor, where a first terminal of the capacitor is connected with ground; and
an NMOS transistor N, where a source of the NMOS transistor, a source of the first PMOS transistor P1, a source of the second PMOS transistor P2 and an output terminal of the charge pump 11 are connected together, a gate of the second NMOS transistor N2, a drain of the second PMOS transistor P2 and a second terminal of the capacitor C are connected together, and a drain of the NMOS transistor N is adapted for outputting an erase voltage VEP.
FIG. 2 illustrates a boost process of the erase voltage in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the high voltage HVE is quickly generated and established by the charge pump 11; when the switch K is closed, the NMOS transistor N is turned on, and the capacitor C is charged; a drain voltage Gramp of the second PMOS transistor P2 is boosted continuously, and the erase voltage VEP is also boosted along with the drain voltage Gramp. Thus, the erase voltage VEP can be slowly established by controlling the boost speed of the drain voltage Gramp.
It can be seen from the circuit shown FIG. 1 that, VEP=Gramp−Vth1 and Gramp=HVE−Vth2, where Vth1 is the threshold voltage of the NMOS transistor N, and Vth2 is the threshold voltage of the second PMOS transistor P2.
However, the above circuit has the following disadvantages:
1) the charge pump 11 needs to generate a voltage HVE which is higher than the erase voltage VEP, so that the power consumption of the circuit is increased, and performance requirements of electric devices in the circuit are also increased;
2) in the working process (for example, after a plurality of erase operations are performed), threshold voltage Vth1 of the NMOS transistor N may be changed, so that the erase voltage VEP may deviate from a target value, and the performance of the device are affected.

Circuit and method for controlling operation voltage, and storage device

Shanghai Huahong Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation


An electrically conductive paste which includes a thermoplastic polymer, a conductive metal powder and an organic solvent system is disclosed. The invention further encompasses an electrically conductive composite which includes the aforementioned thermoplastic and metal, wherein the metal represents at least about 30% by volume, based on the total volume of the composite. The composite is formed from the paste under elevated temperature. The paste is employed in processes which involve electrically connecting electrical and electronic components under process conditions which convert the paste to the composite.

Electrically conductive compositions for forming electroconductive connections between conductive members, i.e., termination pads on a chip and pads associated with circuits printed on a circuit board, are well known in the art. Indeed, conventional solder compositions which comprise eutectic alloys, such as lead-tin alloys, have long been known in the art. Such materials, however, require the inclusion of a flux composition to remove oxides resident on the surface of the solder metals. These flux materials which are acidic in nature, are corrosive to the highly valuable electrical components that are so electrically connected, and are usually removed by the use of solvents. However, traditional flux removal solvents, such as CFCs, are environmentally objectionable and their use complicates the manufacturing procedures wherein flux materials are utilized. Thus, flux materials find less and less application in electrical assemblies requiring the connection of expensive electrical components used in modern electrical and electronic devices such as computers and the like.
New electrically conductive pastes have been developed in view of this known disadvantage of eutectic alloys. Typically, these pastes comprise electrically conductive metal powders and a thermosetting resin material. Such materials are applied to the electrical components then heated to form an electrical connection. During that heating the thermosetting resin cures. Although it is known to utilize a nonoxidizing metal as the electrically conductive powder in these new pastes, thus avoiding the necessity of utilizing a flux, such materials are characterized by the disadvantageous property of not being remeltable. Those skilled in the art are aware that upon curing of a thermosetting resin, a crosslinked structure is formed. Polymers having a crosslinked structure cannot be remelted or dissolved. Thus, such electrically connected components, which can be quite expensive, cannot be easily disconnected and reconnected, when necessary, by merely heating or redissolving the conductive paste to disconnect the components and thereafter reconnecting them using the previously used or fresh identical paste.
A recent development, which provides a significant advance in the art, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,896 which is incorporated herein by reference. The '896 patent is directed to a composite poly-mersolder paste which included a eutectic metal alloy powder filler, said alloy having a melting point below 200.degree. C., present in a concentration of about 85% to 93% by weight, based on the total weight of the paste.
The paste composition of the '896 patent included, as a second component, a thermoplastic polymer. It is the presence of that thermoplastic polymer which represents the advance in the art provided by this patent. The thermoplastic polymer of the paste of the '896 patent permits remelting of the paste. As those skilled in the art are aware, a thermoplastic polymer does not cure into a three-dimensional network. Rather, the thermoplastic polymer, which in the '896 patent is preferably a poly(imide siloxane), because it essentially does not crosslink, can be remelted or redissolved.
A third component included in the paste of the '896 patent is a volatile organic solvent having a boiling point above the melting point of the alloy powder but below the maximum reflow temperature of the composite paste composition.
Finally, a fourth and last essential component of the '896 composite paste is a transient flux material which is an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having a boiling point between about 140.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. It is noted, however, that an aromatic monocarboxylic acid, such as 2-methoxybenzoic acid, may also be utilized. The flux material is generally present in an amount of between about 0.5% and 1.5% by weight.
Although the paste composition of the '896 patent, which may include optional components such as surfactants and the like, represents a significant advance in the art, solving as it does the problem associated with remelting of metal powder-polymer composites, does not overcome the other major problem associated with the materials of the prior art. That is, the problem associated with acidic fluids, which evolve from the fourth essential transient flux material and have a detrimental corrosive effect upon the expensive electronic components which are electrically connected by the paste, is unaddressed.
A flux component must be included in the paste of the '896 patent because of the inclusion therein of oxidizable metals, as made clear by the use therein of metals having a melting point of less than 200.degree. C. As such, the advance in the art provided by the paste of the '1896 patent does not address all the problems associated with the electrically conductive interconnecting materials of the prior art.

Lead free conductive composites for electrical interconnections


There is providesd a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer having a high sensitiveness by simultaneously realizing a high uniformity of a static magnetic field and a high measuring sensitiveness. A sample tube used in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer is constructed in a structure in which the shape of a sample placed in a measuring space can be changed. The change in shape of the sample can be achieved by controlling the pressure applied to the sample. There is at least one surface of contact between the sample placed in the measuring space and a gas existing around the sample, and the shape of such surface is maintained by the surface tension of the sample. In this case, a central portion of a magnet, into which the sample tube is inserted, filled with a sterilizing gas having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the sample having a surface of contact with the gas is maintained in a sterile state. A measuring coil used in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer is disposed on a rotatable curved surface symmetrical with respect to a rotational axis provided by a longitudinal center axis of the sample tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer using a sample tube for a sample whose shape is deformable, and a method for operation thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
The shapes of a sample tube and a detection coil in a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (which will be referred to as a NMR system hereinafter) as shown in FIG. 2 are well-known. For example, a sample tube shown in FIG. 2 in JP-A-06-249934 has a shape similar to that of a common test tube, and in measuring thereof, the sample tube is inserted into a central portion of a NMR magnet adapted to generate an intense static magnetic field.
A housing 12 of a detecting device (probe) and a measuring coil 14 are disposed around the inserted sample tube 10 to surround the sample tube 10. A gas 15 is also present between the sample tube 10 and the housing 12 of the detecting device. In general, a sample solution 18, the sample tube 10 and the gas 16 are different in magnetic permeability from one another, and hence, a boundary surface perpendicular to the static magnetic field is magnetized to disturb the static magnetic field around the boundary surface.
For example, when the static magnetic field generated by the magnet faces in an axial direction of the sample tube 3, the static magnetic field is disturbed at vertically opposite ends of the sample solution 18 and the sample solution 20, i.e., at portions outside the boundary. In order to reduce the adverse affection exerted to an NMR spectrum by the disturbance of the static magnetic field, only a signal transmitted from a sample portion 18 of the sample solutions 18 and 20 filling the sample tube 10, which is present at a central portion where the static magnetic field is not disturbed, is detected by the measuring coil 14. The signal emitted from that portion of the sample solution 20 exists outside a space surrounded by the coil 14 and cannot reach the measuring coil 14, because of a low sensitiveness of the measuring coil 14.
In the system shown in FIG. 2 and described in JP-A-06-249934, the uniformity of the static magnetic field is poor, and in order to prevent the degradation of the NMR spectrum due to the disturbance of the static magnetic field, a surplus sample 20 to be measured is required in addition to the sample solution 18 to be measured, which makes it difficult to analyze a very small amount of a sample. In order to improve the problem associated with JP-A-06-249934, JP-A-05-249214 has been proposed. A system described in this JP-A-05-249214 includes a spherical (in general, elliptic) measuring space into which a sample solution 18 to be measured is placed, and a capillary tube 22 for introduction of a sample solution into the measuring space, as shown in FIG. 3.
According to JP-A-05-249214, the shape of the sample solution is spherical or elliptic, and in the static magnetic field which is uniform spatially, the static magnetic field in the sample solution can be uniformized irrespective of the sample solution 18 and the magnetic permeability of the sample tube 10 and the peripheral gas 16. This is because a difference in permeability between inside and outside the ellipse disturbs the magnetic field around the sample solution 18, but does not disturb the internal magnetic field in the sample solution 18, according to an electro-magnetological law. Therefore, in the system described in JP-A-05-249214, the uniformity of the static magnetic field can be enhanced by forming the sample solution into the elliptic shape. However, as can be seen from the geometrical dispositions of the sample tube 10 and the measuring coil 14 as shown in FIG. 3, the distance between the measuring coil 14 and the sample solution 18 is larger, and the measuring sensitivity is lower.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and method for operation thereof


According to the present invention, there are provided a projection system having an optical axis inclined toward one end surface of an optical waveguide portion arranged on one side of a substrate portion and for irradiating luminous flux for measurement from one end surface of the optical waveguide portion, and a light receiving unit for receiving luminous flux leaking from the optical waveguide portion among the luminous fluxes for measurement, projected light is effectively utilized for measurement, whereby cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of the optical waveguide is measured by change of light quantity entering said light receiving unit in case an incident point of the luminous flux is moved.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of an optical waveguide, which is used for optical communication.
As a method for measuring cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of an optical waveguide, there is the refracted near field method (RNF method). This RNF method is non destructive and provides high measurement accuracy and high resolution and is considered as the most excellent method for measuring cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of an optical waveguide.
According to this RNF method, an optical waveguide substrate 1 comprises an optical waveguide portion 3 on one side of the substrate portion 2, and this is immersed in a liquid 9 having refractive index of n.sub.L, which is closer to the refractive index n(r) of the optical waveguide portion 3 as shown in FIG. 3. Under this condition, laser beam converged by an objective lens 8 on an end surface of said optical waveguide portion 3 is irradiated at an incident angle .theta., and the light leaking through the optical waveguide portion 3 is detected, and the refractive index of the optical waveguide 3 is measured.
When the refractive index of the optical waveguide portion 3 at the point where laser beam enters is supposed to be n(r), and that the refractive index of the air or the liquid, of insident side on optical waveguide portion 3 is n.sub.0, the exit angle .beta. relative to the incident angle .theta. is given simply by the following equation (1) in accordance with Snell's law: EQU n.sup.2 (r)=n.sub.o.sup.2 sin.sup.2 .theta.+n.sub.L.sup.2 cos.sup.2 .beta.(1)
Therefore, when the incident point of laser beam is scanned toward the direction of the thickness of the optical waveguide portion 3, or the direction of crossing at right angles with the above direction, the exit angle .beta. changes according to the refractive index n(r) at each point. Specifically, the exit angle .beta. is decreased at the portion having higher refractive index, and it is increased at the portion having lower refractive index.
Accordingly, by judging the condition of the leaking light, the refractive index n(r) of the optical waveguide portion 3 can be obtained.
The apparatus for measuring cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of optical waveguide according to RNF method is based on the above principle.
Continuing the explanation in connection with FIG. 3, a detector 5 for receiving the light 4 leaking through said optical waveguide portion 3 is provided on lateral side of the optical waveguide portion 3. Also, a shielding plate 6 of semi-circular disk is provided for shielding a part of the leaking light 4 closer to the center. Said detector 5 receives the leaking light 4 in semi-doughnut shape, lacking a part of said detector 5 closer to the center. The light receiving quantity is given by the following equation (2), where the angle of the leaking light to the light receiving point on the outermost side is .theta..sub.max and the angle corresponding to the inner light receiving point shielded by said shielding plate 6 is .theta..sub.min. ##EQU1##
In the above equation, I(.theta.) represents intensity distribution based on the angle dependency of the incident light. By sufficiently increasing the light receiving surface of the detector 5, the leaking light 4 is prevented from going out of the light receiving surface. Therefore, .theta..sub.max in the above equation (2) is determined by the numerical aperture (NA) and is given by the following equation (3): EQU n.sub.0 sin .theta..sub.max =NA (3)
The above exit angle .beta..sub.max is changed according to the refracting power of the optical waveguide portion 3, that is, the light receiving point on the outermost side of the leaking light is moved, whereas it is primarily determined by the point where the detection light enters the optical waveguide portion 3 and also by the position of the edge of said shielding plate 6 and is not influenced by the refractive index of the optical waveguide portion 3.
Further, the incident angle .theta..sub.min corresponding to the above exit angle .beta..sub.min is obtained by the equation (4), which is a variant of the above equation (1). EQU n.sub.0.sup.2 sin.sup.2 .theta..sub.min =n.sup.2 (r)-n.sub.L.sup.2 cos.sup.2 .beta..sub.min ( 4)
The incident angle .theta..sub.min is an important factor to determine the refractive index of optical waveguide portion 3. Specifically, the light quantity obtained by the above equation (2) is changed according to the refractive index.
When it is supposed that the light receiving quantity at an arbitrary point in the direction of the thickness of the above optical waveguide portion 3, or the direction of crossing at right angles with the above direction is P(n(r)), this light receiving quantity P(n(r)) is given by the following equation (5): ##EQU2##
Next, if the angle dependency I(.theta.) of the incident light intensity has Lambert distribution [I(.theta.)=I.sub.0 cos .theta.], the equation (6) is obtained from the equation (5), and .DELTA.n (r) can be obtained when the laser spot position is scanned in the direction of the thickness of the optical waveguide portion, or the direction of crossing at right angles with the above direction and the change of light quantity .DELTA.P is measured. EQU .DELTA.P=a.multidot..DELTA.n(r) (6)
Here, the proportional constant a is determined by the refractive index n.sub.L, which is already known.
Normally, laser beam is used as the light source. In this case, incident light intensity distribution I(.theta.) is Gauss distribution rather than Lambert distribution, and the light quantity change and the change of refractive index are not so simple as in the equation (6). Through the correction by calculation, .DELTA.n (r) can be obtained.
In the measurement of cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of an optical waveguide by RNF method as described above, only one-half of it is utilized for the measurement. (See FIG. 3.) Further, the minimum incident angle which starts to reflect totally in the inside of the optical waveguide is supposed to be .theta..sub.c, and the minimum incident angle .theta..sub.c is given by the following equation (7): ##EQU3##
In the above equation, on condition that n(r)=2.2, the value of .theta..sub.c is 34.6.degree.. In short, the higher the refractive index n(r) becomes, the more the value of .theta..sub.c increases. Thus, it is necessary to make a light incident with larger incident angle than .theta..sub.c in order to leak the light in the inside of the optical waveguide in high refractive index without total reflecting.
Therefore, it is better to have wider incident angle .theta. in order to effectively obtain the leaking light from the optical waveguide portion 3. However, if it is attempted to widen the incident angle .theta. by increasing the numerical aperture of lens, the aberration is also increased, and this requires the combination of lenses, thus making the apparatus more complicated and expensive.
The object of the present invention is to offer an apparatus for measuring cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of an optical waveguide by effectively utilizing the projected light and by increasing the incident angle .theta. to overcome the above problems.

Apparatus for measuring cross-sectional distribution of refractive index of optical waveguide by RNF method


Method and apparatus for routing input signals having different voltage requirements in a PLD circuit design. In various example embodiments, the input signals are grouped into logical clusters, wherein the input signals in each logical cluster have a common input voltage standard. Input pins of the device are grouped into physical clusters, wherein each physical cluster is associated with a voltage standard. Each of the physical clusters is paired with a logical cluster and has associated therewith one or more programmable logic elements as determined by the input signals to be routed to the programmable logic elements. For each paired logical cluster and physical cluster, the input signals of the logical cluster are routed from the pins of the physical cluster to the programmable logic elements of the physical cluster.

The present invention generally relates to assigning signal routes in a programmable logic device (PLD), and more particularly to assigning signal routes to input signals requiring different voltage standards.
Example complex programmable logic devices (CPLD) are found in the XC9500 family of CPLDs from Xilinx. The XC9500 CPLDs include input/output blocks (IOBs), function blocks (FBs), and a switch matrix for interconnecting the function blocks and I/O blocks. Such a switch matrix is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,528, entitled, Multiplexer for Programmable Logic Device, to Diba et al, which is incorporated herein by reference. The inputs to the switch matrix are input pins from the IOBs and feedback inputs from the FBs.
The semiconductor industry standard operating voltage has in the past been 5 volts, and all devices on a system board have operated at 5 volts. The IOBs were designed to interface with structures outside the chip using 5 volts as a power supply voltage. However, the industry is presently migrating to lower voltages for faster operation at lower power. Rather than all chips in a system operating at a single voltage, different chips operating at different power supply voltages may be present in a single system. It may be desirable for a CPLD in a mixed-voltage system to interface with chips operating at different voltage levels.
Some devices in the XC9500 family of CPLDs have multiple input banks. An input bank is a set of input pins that are controlled by the same input voltage level (Vref). All the pins of a function block belong to the same input bank and are all controlled by the same Vref. Each input bank is programmable to support a selected Vref. By setting the Vref of certain input banks to the same voltage level, the banks can be viewed as merged into one bank.
As with any programmable logic device, a CPLD has a limited number of pin resources. Thus, for almost any design, a routing solution that makes efficient use of pin resources while satisfying the input banking requirements is desirable. A method and apparatus that address the aforementioned problems, as well as other related problems, are therefore desirable.
In various embodiments, methods and apparatus for routing input signals having different voltage requirements in a PLD circuit design are provided by the present invention. The input signals are grouped into logical clusters, wherein the input signals in each logical cluster have a common input voltage standard. Programmable logic elements of the device are grouped into physical clusters, whereby input pins associated with the programmable logic elements are also associated with the physical cluster. Each physical cluster is paired with a logical cluster based on the number of input pins available in the physical cluster and the number of input signals to be routed in the logical cluster. The input voltage standards of the logical clusters are thereby assigned to the paired physical clusters. For each paired logical cluster and physical cluster, the input signals of the logical cluster are routed from the pins of the physical cluster to the programmable logic elements of the physical cluster.
It will be appreciated that various other embodiments are set forth in the Detailed Description and Claims, which follow.

Method and apparatus for assigning PLD signal routes to input signals having different voltage requirements


RI/ORASE history and current transaction data are stored in partitioned fact tables and aggregation tables based on business calendar. Most of associated indexes are locally partitioned indexes. In a typical RI customer environment, partitioned transaction data takes 85% or more of overall RI database space. The benefits of partitioning include easy management of data, enhanced performance, and assistance with backup and recovery. A partition management system provides the ability to create initial partitions and manage existing partitions in ways that allow the size of the partitioned database to exceed a backup limit size.

Certain applications, such as Oracle Retail Merchandising Insights ("RI") and Oracle Retail Application Science Engine ("ORASE"), allow its users to provide data-driven and science-powered insights into a retailer's merchandising performance. These solutions provide analytics that answer what is happening and why; what will happen and why; and how the user can influence what happens. These solutions share a standards-based and retail-specific data model that reflects both functional and technical best practices, thousands of packaged metrics, and hundreds of packaged reports and dashboards. Underlying this functionality can be a cloud-based database. Underlying cloud-based database can be many time-based partitioned tables containing data for various function areas.
Cloud-based environments allow applications to run within and take advantage of the distributed resources provided by a cloud. Such environments can support large numbers of users or tenants, some of which may have specific requirements that are particular to that user or tenant. The management of the database, which would be performed by the user's database administrator in case of a local or native database installation, is not the user's responsibility because of the cloud based configuration. This gives rise to various technical problems which are discussed below, along with technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present disclosure.