A management apparatus which manages an image captured in a radiation detection apparatus by irradiation with radiation, manages imaging information which is input by a user and serves as information for imaging, obtains the captured image, and associates the obtained image with the imaging information. The management apparatus, when a mis-exposure notification is received from the radiation detection apparatus and manages the necessary imaging information, obtains the captured image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radiation detection technique and, more particularly, to a management apparatus and management method for managing a radiation detection apparatus capable of capturing a radiation image without exchanging synchronization signals with a radiation generating apparatus, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, the digitization of radiation images has been promoted in a medical field, leading to many merits. For example, it is possible to speed up diagnosis by allowing a user to quickly check captured images on a display device or the like upon digital transmission to it. In addition, digitization improves diagnosis accuracy with respect to a fine lesion as well as automating diagnosis by various types of image processing. Furthermore, since there is no need to secure a film storage space, the space efficiency inside a hospital greatly improves. Moreover, since digital transmission hardly suffers data deterioration, it is possible to transmit captured images to a remote place without any deterioration. By making the most of these features, diagnosis can be received from a highly trained doctor by transmitting images captured in a home care site, a disaster site, or the like to a fully equipped urban hospital.
Radiation detection apparatuses have been commercially available and rapidly popular, which use a digital radiation imaging method of forming an image by converting radiation into an electric signal by using a plurality of radiation detection elements arrayed in a two-dimensional matrix instead of a film. As a radiation detection apparatus of this type, a radiation detection apparatus using an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) has been proposed. In such a radiation detection apparatus, minute radiation detectors, each obtained by stacking a solid-state photoelectric conversion element and a scintillator for converting radiation into visible light, are arranged as image sensing elements in a two-dimensional matrix. Each image sensing element converts irradiated radiation into an electric signal (charge amount) corresponding to the irradiation dose. In general, an FPD can accumulate charges generated by irradiation with radiation in solid-state photoelectric conversion elements by controlling a voltage to be applied to the elements. Then, the FPD reads out charges from the solid-state photoelectric conversion elements by controlling the voltage to be applied to the elements to be another voltage, and forms image data in accordance with the accumulated charge amounts.
When capturing a radiation image by using the FPD, the timing of irradiation with radiation and the timing to perform accumulation (imaging) of charges in the radiation detection apparatus need to be accurately synchronized with each other in consideration of the characteristics of solid-state photoelectric conversion elements in use. For this purpose, there is proposed a radiation imaging system which synchronizes the radiation irradiation timing and the imaging timing by exchanging synchronization signals between the radiation generating apparatus and the FPD, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4684747. More specifically, the FPD makes preparation for imaging in response to an irradiation request signal from the radiation generating apparatus. Then, an irradiation permission signal is transmitted to the radiation generating apparatus in accordance with the start of imaging by the FPD (the start of accumulating charges), thereby performing irradiation with radiation. In a radiation imaging system proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-155847, the FPD detects the radiation irradiation timing by detecting a change of a current caused inside upon irradiation with radiation. The FPD starts imaging in response to the detection as a trigger, thereby establishing synchronization between the radiation irradiation timing and the imaging timing.
In a system in which the radiation generating apparatus and the FPD exchange synchronization signals, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4684747, the radiation generating apparatus and the FPD need to be connected in electrically one-to-one correspondence. This puts a constraint on system building such that the radiation generating apparatus and the FPD require connection interfaces. Further, in a system as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4684747, a conventional radiation generating apparatus not coping with the FPD does not have a connection interface and suffers problems such as incapability of imaging by the FPD.
In the radiation imaging system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-155847, the radiation detection apparatus itself detects irradiation with radiation and performs imaging. This system can therefore solve problems arising from the necessity of an electric connection with the radiation generating apparatus. Since no additional apparatus or the like need be connected, the system is satisfactorily flexible. However, the following problems may arise.
In a radiation imaging system in which a radiation generating apparatus and a radiation detection apparatus are not synchronized with each other, the radiation generating apparatus can generate radiation regardless of the state of the radiation detection apparatus and the state of an imaging control apparatus which controls the radiation detection apparatus and displays and saves an image. When irradiation with radiation is performed in a state in which the radiation detection apparatus is not ready yet, a case (first case) is conceivable, in which an obtained image becomes a poor image under the influence of charges remaining in the radiation detection apparatus or the like, and no effective image can be obtained. Also, when irradiation with radiation is performed in a state in which the imaging control apparatus is not ready yet, a case (second case) is also conceivable, in which even if the radiation detection apparatus obtains an effective image, the imaging control apparatus is not ready for controlling the radiation detection apparatus and the image can be neither displayed nor saved. Further, when irradiation with radiation is performed in a state in which the imaging control apparatus has not prepared patient information and examination information, a case (third case) is also conceivable, in which even if the radiation control apparatus obtains an image from the radiation detection apparatus, it cannot appropriately associate the image with patient information and examination information. Re-imaging is necessary in all these cases, causing a problem because ineffective exposure to a patent may be performed.
There is a need for an imaging system in which when the state is improper, as described above, and imaging is performed in spite of mis-exposure, the user is quickly notified of the mis-exposure to stop irradiation by the radiation generating apparatus and make a notification to request re-imaging or the like.


A boiling and stabilization tray has a handle end, shank portion and mouthguard cradle end for supportably receiving and stabilizing a mouthguard for custom fitting. The mouthguard cradle end is connected to the shank opposite the handle end and has a platform for supportably receiving the mouthguard base. An upwardly curved crescent portion engages and supports the anterior and posterior portions of the upward inner lingual wall of the mouthguard. Upwardly curved tabs also extend from the cradle end for engagement with and support of the anterior portion of the upward outer labial wall of the mouthguard. The cradle supports and stabilizes the softened mouthguard during heating, assists in positioning and aligning of the heated mouthguard within the user's mouth, and assists the user in custom fitting of the mouthguard with respect to the user's upper and lower jaw teeth.

The present invention relates generally to protective mouthguards for use in athletics and more particularly, to a boiling and stabilization tray which will assist in heating, positioning and aligning a thermoplastic mouthguard to custom fit a user's mouth.
A number of mouthguards currently exist in the art for protecting the teeth and for reducing the chance of shock, concussions and other injuries as a result of high impact collisions and blows during athletic competition. Mouthguards generally are characterized as being nonpersonalized, universal and stock model type, or are customized to have direct upper jaw tooth-formed contact. Additionally, the mouthguards may be tethered or untethered. Mouthguards that are to be tethered may be fastened to a helmet or face guard to prevent the chance of the mouthguard from being lost as well as to prevent swallowing of the mouthguard or choking on the mouthguard by the user. Custom mouthguards that are personalized for the individual wearer or user may be created by technicians, practitioners or dentists. Alternatively, users, as well as dentists, may create custom fit mouthguards to have direct contact with the teeth, gums and jaws by way of the boil-and-bite method. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material works suitably well as a thermoplastic material for mouthguards. The EVA mouthguard will readily soften when submerged in boiling water momentarily afterwhich the mouthguard may be removed and fitted about the user's upper jaw, teeth and gums afterwhich the user applies contact pressure as well as suction to custom fit the mouthguard to the upper jaw.
The most common problem with EVA-like material mouthguards that are to be heated and then fitted to the user is that the heated mouthguards become limp and completely lose their shape upon heating. A heated, limp mouthguard is difficult to fit within the user's mouth and quickly form about the user's upper jaw in a timely fashion before the EVA-like material becomes stiff or hard. This problem becomes even more heightened when the particular mouthguard design is further customized to have additional features, such as occlusal pads, or an anterior impact brace which must be properly aligned and positioned.
Further still, dentists, team doctors, practitioners and equipment personnel have had an increasing concern for the temporo mandibular joint (TMJ) and protecting the TMJ from injury. Consequently, the alignment and positioning of the lower jaw and indexing of the lower jaw upon the softened mouthguard to be formed have all recently been receiving additional attention and consideration.
There is a need for a boiling and stabilization tray for use in heating, positioning and aligning thermoplastic mouthguards to custom fit a user's mouth. The tray should receive and support the mouthguard for heating and further permit quick and accurate positioning and aligning of the heated and softened thermoplastic mouthguard to permit custom fitting with respect to all of the above mouthguard features.

Boiling and stabilization tray for mouthguards


A printable recording material containing an opaque supporting substrate; a resin barrier layer; an ink vehicle-receiving layer having a first structure with inorganic particles and, at least, a binder and a second structure with nano-porous particles and, at least, a binder; and an ink colorant-receiving layer. Also disclosed are the method for making such material and the method for producing printed images using said printable recording material.

Inkjet technology has expanded its application to high-speed, commercial and industrial printing, in addition to home and office usage, because of its ability to produce economical, high quality, multi-colored prints. This technology is a non-impact printing method in which an electronic signal controls and directs droplets or a stream of ink that can be deposited on a wide variety of media substrates. These printable media or recording material can be cut sized sheets or commercial large format media such as banners and wallpapers. Current inkjet printing technology involves forcing the ink drops through small nozzles by thermal ejection, piezoelectric pressure or oscillation, onto the surface of such media. Within said printing method, the media substrate plays a key role in the overall image quality and permanence of the printed images.
Nowadays, prints and printed articles with specific characteristics and appearances, such as, for examples, metallic appearances and/or reflectivity, are often desired. Accordingly, investigations continue into developing media and/or printing methods that can be effectively used with such printing techniques, which impart good image quality and which allow the production of specific appearances.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a back-to-source relationship management system, method, apparatus, server and storage medium. The back-to-source relationship management system comprises a back-to-source relationship management server, which is configured for obtaining a target domain name corresponding to a target CDN node back-to-source relationship to be adjusted and adjustment information; using the adjustment information to adjust the target CDN node back-to-source relationship to obtain the adjusted target CDN node back-to-source relationship; synchronizing the target domain name and the adjusted target CDN node back-to-source relationship to a cache management server; the cache management server is configured for receiving the target domain name and the adjusted target CDN node back-to-source relationship; using the adjusted target CDN node back-to-source relationship to update the CDN node back-to-source relationship corresponding to the target domain name and obtain a new CDN node back-to-source relationship.

At present, there are a large number of CDN (Content Delivery Network) nodes in a network system. Since the CDN nodes are set close to the client and can cache the content obtained from a source station through back to source. Each content cached by a CDN node corresponds to a source station, and the source station corresponding to a content can be understood as: an original storage location of the content. Therefore, when a user accesses a content, the content can be obtained directly from a CDN node nearby without the need to obtain the content from a remote source station that stores the content, which improves the speed of obtaining this content by the user.
Generally, a CDN node obtains a content from a source station through back to source based on a back-to-source configuration file. The above back-to-source configuration file is a file delivered by a back-to-source configuration file delivery server to the CDN nodes. The back-to-source configuration file is generated based on a correspondence between a domain name and a CDN node back-to-source relationship. That is, when a CDN node is to obtain a content from a source station through back to source, the CDN node requires to find in a locally stored source configuration file a next-hop device corresponding to a domain name of the content to be obtained through back to source, and perform back-to-source according to the found next-hop device and obtain the content. Furthermore, when the content cached by a CDN node needs to be refreshed, a content refresh server also needs to deliver a refresh instruction to the CDN node according to the CDN node back-to-source relationship corresponding to the domain name to implement content refresh.
A CDN node back-to-source relationship corresponding to one domain name can be understood as: a path from a CDN node back to a source station corresponding to the domain name. For example, a CDN node back-to-source relationship corresponding to a domain name a is: CDN1 node→CDN2 node→CDN3 node→ a source station of the domain name a; a CDN node back-to-source relationship corresponding to a domain name b is: CDN1 node→CDN3 node→CDN4 node→ a source station of the domain name b, and CDN1 node→CDN5 node→CDN6 node→ the source station of the domain name b.
In the related art, whenever a CDN node back-to-source relationship corresponding to one domain name is changed, a technician needs to manually modify CDN node back-to-source relationships corresponding to domain names stored in each cache management server, such as a back-to-source configuration file delivery server and a content refresh server, which results in larger workload, time-consuming, and error-prone.
Therefore, a technical problem to be solved is how to provide a back-to-source relationship management solution to enable unified management of CDN node back-to-source relationships corresponding to domain names, thereby reducing maintenance cost and error rate of the CDN node back-to-source relationship, and improving maintenance efficiency.

Return source relationship management system, method, device, and server, and storage medium

BEIJING KINGSOFT CLOUD NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

BEIJING KINGSOFT CLOUD TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

BEIJING JINXUN RUIBO NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD


A heating machine for heating an ingot of a metal such as a magnesium alloy. The heating machine has a heating chamber equipped with a RF induction coil capable of swinging about a horizontally axis. The coil is placed horizontally, and the metal ingot is fed into the coil from an introduction chamber by a pushrod. Stoppers prevent the ingot from falling from the RF induction coil when it is switched from its horizontal posture to its vertical posture. The coil is wound on a cylindrical member. A rotatable hollow shaft is firmly mounted to the holder in a perpendicular relation to a substantially axially central portion of the cylindrical member. A part of the coil is inserted in the hollow shaft via an insulating material. The rotatable hollow shaft is swung by a swinging mechanism. The induction heating coil is wound on a ceramic holder. A metal ingot is inserted in the holder with a given clearance. A plurality of pillars of L-shaped cross section are fitted over the holder to place it in position vertically and horizontally.

1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates generally to an injection molding apparatus in which a metal material is heated to be half melt, pulverized and poured into a mold to thereby form a metal casting. More particularly, the invention relates to a heating machine in the injection molding apparatus, for heating an ingot of a metal such as a magnesium (Mg) or aluminum (Al) alloy (hereinafter simply called "ingot"), which includes heating means pivotally movable vertically and horizontally so that an ingot can be fed from sideways with respect to the heating means and heated with the heating means positioned in a vertical position, thus enabling reduction in height and size of the injection molding apparatus and prevention of a shock to be exerted to the heating means and ingot upon feeding of the latter.
2. Description of the Related Art:
The present applicant has previously proposed an injection molding apparatus for metal castings as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 5-285625. With this proposed molding apparatus, an ingot is continuously changed into a slurry, i.e., a semiliquid material. As a consequence, a high throughput can be obtained. This apparatus is next briefly described having reference to FIG. 15.
In FIG. 15, the aforementioned injection molding apparatus for metal castings is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. The apparatus 200 comprises a screw shaft injector 201 and a material feed chamber 202. The material feed chamber 202 has an ingot introduction chamber 203, a heating chamber 204, a constant-temperature chamber 205 that is a heated material-feeding chamber, and a pulverized material storage chamber 207 which are arranged from top to bottom in this order. The pulverized material storage chamber 207 is equipped with a pulverizing cutter 206. The inside of the material-feeding chamber 202 is maintained as a vacuum or an inert gas ambient. The chambers 203 and 204 are isolated from each other by a shutter 208. The chambers 204 and 205 are isolated from each other by another shutter 209.
In the above-described conventional apparatus, an ingot W is heated in the heating chamber 204. The ingot is then transported into the constant-temperature chamber 205 at appropriate timing. The ingot is pulverized by the pulverizing cutter 206. The material is then injected directly or indirectly into a cavity 213 in a mold 212 via the pulverized material storage chamber 207 with a screw 211. The ingot W is made of a metal such as Mg alloy. When this is heated in the heating chamber 204, the ingot becomes partially molten. The apparatus is characterized in that the material is poured into the cavity when the material is in this partially molten state. Consequently, the conventional apparatus is capable of continuously processing ingots. As a result, the apparatus has the advantage that its productivity is high.
In this injection molding apparatus for metal castings, the material path along which the material is introduced, heated, pulverized, and otherwise processed is located over the injector. The material path continues vertically from the top material introduction portion down to the pulverized material storage chamber disposed under the lowest pulverizing cutter. The ingot is shifted vertically from top to bottom of the vertically extending material path. The material is then pulverized and fed into the injection cylinder.
First, the ingot placed vertically is fed into an induction heating device inside the heating chamber from the top introduction chamber located over the heating chamber. It follows that the material introduction chamber is located over the heating chamber. Hence, the material introduction chamber protrudes greatly vertically over the heating chamber.
Therefore, the conventional molding apparatus has the disadvantage that the height is increased by the height of the material introduction chamber which is placed vertically. Since mechanisms for gripping and introducing the material are mounted over the material introduction chamber, the height is increased further. Hence, the outer dimensions and the height of the molding apparatus are increased. This increases the size of the whole apparatus.
Furthermore, in the conventional apparatus, the ingot is introduced from the top material introduction chamber into the heating means (such as the induction heating device inside the heating chamber) in a vertical relation to the heating means. Therefore, when the ingot is introduced into the heating means vertically, it is difficult to carry out the introduction smoothly and stably without inducing impact. As a result, when the ingot is introduced into the heating means, the heating means and the ingot are impacted. For example, where the induction heating device is employed, it is not desirable to impact the induction heating device, because the heating and holding portions are made of ceramic cylindrical members. Furthermore, it is not desired to impact the ingot, stoppers, and other components when the ingot is introduced.
As described above, in the conventional heating machine, the ingot is held vertically within the heating chamber and heated. Then, the ingot is fed vertically without changing the posture. Therefore, it is necessary to mount the material introduction chamber over the heating chamber. Also, the material introduction mechanism is required to be located over the material introduction chamber. Accordingly, we have taken notice of suppressing the height of the heating machine and setting the direction of introduction of the ingot material in such a way that no impact is induced. Based on these considerations, we have made an invention.
The aforementioned bulkiness of the whole machine, impact due to fall of the ingot, and other drawbacks may be circumvented by designing the heating machine so that it can be swung both vertically and horizontally, introducing a material into the heating machine from a side, and then swinging the heating machine into its vertical position. However, in the prior art RF induction heating device, the heating coil is shaped like a ring, the material to be heated is held in position inside the ring-shaped heating coil with holding elements, and the heating coil is energized. Generally, the heating coil is disposed around the material to be heated or on both sides of the material. Therefore, it is substantially difficult to swing the heating machine. If it is attempted to swing the heating machine, then the mechanism for supporting the heating coil, the swinging mechanism, and other mechanisms are made larger. As a result, the weight of the machine is increased. Moreover, the structure of the machine is complicated.
We have found that the heating machine can be swung by winding an RF induction heating coil around a cylindrical member so as to form a heating machine, introducing a material to be heated into the cylindrical member to form a structure for executing RF heating of the material, and holding the cylindrical member so that it can be swung. Thus, we have made another invention.
When a metal ingot is heated by the prior art techniques, it has been necessary that the temperature variations from location to location in the ingot be reduced to a minimum. For this purpose, it is necessary that the positional relation between the heating coil and the ingot be maintained constant. That is, in order to enhance the efficiency of heating, it is desired to narrow the space between the ingot and the ceramic holder that is a cylindrical member.
However, where the space is reduced to improve the heating efficiency, the ingot may get caught during transportation. The ingot may come into contact with the ceramic holder,thus causing the holder to come off. Some problems may thus arise.
We have found that the aforementioned space is maintained at a small constant value by holding the ceramic holder from above and below by means of supports. In this way, we have made a further invention.

Swingable induction heating chamber for melting ingot for metal casting


Therapeutic agents and methods for treating and diagnosing leukemia are provided. Such agents comprises monoclonal antibody M195, a polypeptide capable of binding to the antigen of M195, or a chimeric antibody such a peptide, conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, e.g. a radioisotope or alone. Methods for delivering genetic information to a targeted cell is also provided.

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY M195. Mouse monoclonal antibody M195 is an IgG2a (1, 2) which reacts with 60-70% of samples of leukemia cells from patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). M195 also binds to early myeloid cells (CFU-GM) and some monocytes but not to the earliest myeloid progenitors. The target antigen is not expressed on any other hematopoietic or non-hematopoietic tissue. Antibodies to a related antigen on the same protein (CD33), My9 and L4F3, are currently being used to purge bone marrow of ANLL before autologous transfusion (3, 4). M195 is rapidly internalized into cells after binding and this effect can enhance delivery of radiometals, radioiodine or conjugated toxins into cells (5). M195 is able to kill leukemia cells with rabbit or guinea pig complement, but not by use of human complement or human antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in vitro. Activation of these mediators in vitro has correlated with these effects in vivo (6), but it is not known if the lack of in vitro effects will predict lack of in vivo effects. Because M195 also reacts with early myeloid cells, normal marrow progenitors may be affected also.
MYELOID LEUKEMIAS. Long-term survival for patients with acute leukemia given the best current chemotherapeutic regimens is generally less than 20% (7). Survival of patients who relapse or who fail first attempts at induction chemotherapy is far lower. Autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may improve survival, but only in a small subset of patients (8). There are no effective therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic monocytic leukemias and long term survival in these diseases is rare. Among patients with chronic myeloid leukemias (CML), only allogeneic bone marrow transplant has had an impact on survival (9). An approach to therapy which may be more effective is the use of monoclonal antibodies.
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO MYELOID ANTIGENS. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reactive with differentiation antigens present on myeloid cells and their progenitors are being used to study hematopoietic differentiation, to identify acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL), to study the effects of hematopoietic growth factors, to purge bone marrow of leukemia cells, and for therapy in vivo (10-24).
The antigens displayed on the surface of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells are being mapped in a number of laboratories using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)(25).
These studies have been directed at identifying antigens that are useful in distinguishing lymphoid from nonlymphoid leukemias (26-28), in subtyping of acute myelogenous leukemia, and in predicting outcome (29-34) and in therapy in vivo (35) or via bone marrow purging ex vivo (36). Antigens defining ANLL cells also identify normal hematopoietic cells during early stages of their development and thus should be classified as differentiation antigens rather than leukemia specific antigens.
Antigens restricted to the earliest stages of hematopoietic development are of particular interest since ANLL is thought to be derived from these cells (37-40). Monoclonal antibodies identifying these early cells can help in their purification or the study of growth regulation and control of differentiation (41). Such early progenitors may be useful for autologous reinfusion in bone marrow rescue (42). Studies of bone marrow from patients with ANLL have shown that the clonogenic cells are probably derived from a subset of cells which are phenotypically more immature that the majority of cells in circulation (38, 39). This suggests that analysis of the development of leukemia cells, as well as therapeutic trials, should also be directed at these early cells and not simply the phenotypically predominant cells in the marrow and peripheral blood.
Several mAbs restricted to hematopoietic progenitors have been described: MY10, 3C5, and 12.8 recognize a 115-kDa glycoprotein (gp115 [CD34]) found on normal colony forming cells, myeloblasts, and leukemic blasts from most patients with ANLL and acute lymphoid leukemias (42-44). Monoclonal anitbody NHL-30.5 identifies a 180-kDa protein found on a similar distribution of cells (45-46). The My9 and L4F3 antibodies identify a 67-kDa glycoprotein (CD33) (48-50) which is expressed on slightly more mature progenitors (subsets of CFU-GEMM and some older cells) and is restricted to leukemias of the myeloid and monocytic lineage. Long-term culture studies suggest that elimination of cells bearing the CD33 antigen will still allow regrowth of normal marrow cells of all lineages, presumably because of the presence of more immature antigen negative progenitors (48). Sabbath et al. (39) show that the CD33 antigen is expressed on leukemic colony-forming cells whereas other more mature markers are less commonly expressed. Finally, studies with ANLL marrow suggest it may be possible to purge leukemia cells from the bone marrow of many patients with ANLL using complement fixing antibodies to CD33 without destroying the ultimate normal progenitors (47). Several other antibodies with a less restricted distribution have also been described (38, 51, 52).
RADIOLABLED ANTIBODIES. Since the discovery of hybridoma technology by Kohler and Milstein (53), there has been considerable interest in the utility of monoclonal antibodies as carriers of radioactivity for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer (54, 55). After the initial report by Goldenberg et al. on the utility of radiolabeled antibodies in the detection of cancer (56), there have been several clinical trials utilizing radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies in lymphoma and leukemia (57-63), both for radioimmunolocalization and radioimmunotherapy. Most of these trials have employed radioiodine (57-62); Carrasquillo and associates have also studied .sup.111 In-labeled monoclonal antibody T101 (57, 61) in the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma. One obvious advantage of radiolabeled antibodies is that the specificity of antibody for the target antigen, often expressed in increased quantities on neoplastic cells, offers a potentially useful method for the selective delivery of radioactivity to the tumor site; moreover, the range of potentially lethal radiation emitted by most currently used radionuclides extends over several cell diameters, making it theoretically possible for the radiation to be cytotoxic to neighboring neoplastic cells that lack the target antigen.
Historically, beta-minus particle emitters such as .sup.131 I have been preferred for mAb directed radioimmunotherapy. Radionuclides such as .sup.125 I that decay by electron capture are also of interest in radioimmunotherapy because they are cytotoxic when internalized by the cell (64). .sup.125 I labeled antibodies that are internalized into the cell following interaction with the target antigen may thus be cytotoxic (65). Studies in both animals and humans have shown that the radiometal .sup.111 In concentrates to a significantly greater extent in tumor compared to radioiodine (66, 69). Thus, use of beta-minus emitting radiometals such as .sup.90 Y are of interest for therapy as well. Therefore, the choice of radionuclide used to label monoclonal antibodies may be of importance in the design of clinical trials utilizing radiolabeled mAbs for diagnosis and therapy.
INTERNALIZATION OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES. Antigen-antibody complexes may either be shed from the cell or internalized into the cell following interaction with antibody. This process, known as modulation, was first described in mice (70) and later confirmed to occur during trials of mAb in humans (71). The process appears to be a general phenomenon found in many antigen-antibody systems of hematopoietic cells (72) and neoplasms as well as in solid tumors (73). Modulation may result in mAb shedding, internalization, or both processes. Shedding may result in residence time of the antibody on the target cell too short to achieve cell kill. On the other hand, internalized antigen-antibody complexes may theoretically deliver significant amounts of cytotoxic antibody into the cell if the cytotoxic label attached to the antibody is internalized into the cell and retained.
The cell biology of modulation and receptor internalization has been studied elsewhere (74, 75).
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY OF LEUKEMIA. Monoclonal antibody based therapies are ideally applicable to the hematopoietic neoplasms because of readily accessible neoplastic cells in the blood, marrow, spleen and lymph nodes which allow rapid and efficient targeting of specific mAb. The well characterized immunophenotypes of the various lineages and stages of hematopoietic differentiation should enable identification of antigen targets for selective binding of mAb to neoplastic cells while sparing other necessary hematopoietic lineages and progenitor cells.
In some models of leukemia, specific uptake of antibodies onto target cells can be demonstrated within minutes, followed by losses of mAb from the cells by modulation (76-79). Similar modulation has been seen in pilot studies in acute leukemia in humans (80, 81). Based on this biology and pharmacokinetics, it has been proposed that mAb tagged with short-lived nuclides emitting short-ranged, high linear energy transfer (LET) alpha particles (79) or short-ranged auger electrons (82, 83) may be effective in therapy.
A challenge in treating AML with mAb is the necessity for selection of an antigen target found on clonogenic myeloid leukemia blasts, but not on the ultimate normal hematopoietic progenitors. Gp67 (CD33) appears to be one such target. Cytotoxic murine mAb to this target can selectively kill early myeloid cells (CFU-GM, BFU-E) and leukemia cells without eliminating the potential for regrowth of normal bone marrow progenitors. This selectivity has been applied to the purging of bone marrow before autologous reinfusion in the treatment of AML (84-91). M195 is a mouse IgG2a reactive with gp67 which is capable of rapidly internalizing into target cells upon binding, but is unable to kill cells in vitro by use of human complement or effector cells (88, 89). Other than committed hematopoietic progenitor cells and some monocytes, M195 does not appear to react with any normal cells or tissues (26, 27).
Previously all of the antibody therapy work done had used the mouse monoclonal antibody. This approach has certain limitations. The mouse antibody has limited biological activity for killing cells, and it has a relatively short half life in human serum. Additionally because the antibody used is derived from a mouse it can trigger an immune response to the foreign material. Thus use of a humanized antibody helps to improve the therapeutic attributes of the molecule. It improves half life of the molecule in human serum and reduces the immune response.
GENETIC THERAPY. A new powerful tool to introduce genes into mammalian cells is the construction of recombinant retroviral vectors in which exogenous genes replace portions of the viral genome (95). However, some constraints may limit the use of retroviral vectors. One concerns cell tropism: this limitation has been in part circumvented by the development of amphotropic viral vectors, able to infect a wide range of cells from different species. On the contrary, it may be advantageous for particular purposes, including gene therapy, to infect only a chosen suppopulation of cells. This is not possible with either ecotropic or amphotropic viruses if the whole cell population bears membrane receptors for the virus. One method to allow selective targeting of specific cells within a mixture is the use of specific antigenic targets. The development of a technology that would allow us to introduce a recombinant retrovirus into selected cells is a way to considerably extend the potentiality of retroviral vectors.

Therapeutic uses of the hypervariable region of monoclonal antibody M195 and constructs thereof

Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research


The invention disclosed herein relates to thermoelectrically-active p-type Zintl phase materials as well as devices utilizing such compounds. Such thermoelectric materials and devices may be used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, or use electrical energy to produce heat or refrigeration. Embodiments of the invention relate to p-type thermoelectric materials related to the compound Yb14MnSb11.

Thermoelectric materials are a class of materials that efficiently convert thermal energy to electrical energy (Seebeck effect) and vice versa (Peltier effect). The "Seebeck effect" is the phenomenon underlying the conversion of heat energy into electrical power and is used in thermoelectric power generation. The "Peltier effect" is the opposite the Seebeck effect and is phenomenon in which heat absorption accompanies the passage of current through the junction of two dissimilar materials. The Peltier effect is used in thermoelectric refrigeration and other cooling applications. In addition, thermoelectric materials are used in heating applications and thermoelectric sensing devices.
Only certain materials have been found usable for the Seebeck and Peltier effect to be observed. Some thermoelectric materials are semiconducting or semi-metallic. Such materials conduct electricity by using two types of carriers: electrons and holes. When one atom in a crystal is replaced by another atom with more valence electrons, the extra electrons from the substituting atom are not needed for bonding and can move around throughout the crystal. A semiconductor is called n-type if the conducting carriers are electrons. On the other hand, if an atom in the crystal is replaced with an another different atom having fewer valence electrons, one or more bonds are left vacant and thus positively charged "holes" are produced. A semiconductor is called p-type if the conducting carriers are holes. In the above-mentioned thermoelectric devices, both n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials are typically needed. Samples of n-type and p-type semiconductor materials used in thermoelectric devices are often referred to as "n-legs" and "p-legs".
Devices made from thermoelectric materials are environmentally benign power sources that may provide a solution to today's energy problems. These devices convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy, can utilize waste heat, require minimal maintenance and can be segmented to operate over a large temperature range (300-1275 K), thus, they carry the potential of assisting the efforts to maintain and protect the environment. An electric power generator based on thermoelectric materials does not use moving parts like conventional power generators. This feature significantly enhances the reliability of the thermoelectric devices by avoiding mechanical wear of moving parts and corresponding failure. Thermoelectric devices may aid in the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons, which are used in most compressor-based refrigerators, as well as the conversion of waste heat into beneficial electrical power, for example, containing the heat produced from an automobile's engine or exhaust system and converting it into auxiliary power. Such devices allow operations in hostile environments such as in high temperature conditions (e.g., 1173 K) without human attendance. In addition, these devices have the potential of providing a power source that may outperform batteries. Overall, thermoelectric modules may be an asset for countless applications, many that would be of interest to automotive companies, appliance manufacturers, NASA, and the armed forces.
To determine the thermoelectric efficiency of a thermoelectric device, there are two primary parameters that govern performance; the temperature difference (ΔT=Th−Tc) across the module and the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of the materials. The temperature difference between the hot (Th) and cold (Tc) sides of a thermoelectric device sets the upper limits of efficiency through the Carnot efficiency, ηc=ΔT/Th (G. J. Snyder, Applied Physics Letters 84:2436-2438, 2004). The materials segmented in the n- and p-legs of the device determine how close the efficiency can be to the Carnot maximum through zT. Here, zT=α2T/ρκT (α: Seebeck coefficient (μV/K), T: temperature (K), ρ: electrical resistivity (mOhms cm), κT: thermal conductivity (mW/cm-K)) (F. J. DiSalvo, Science, Washington, D.C. 285:703-706, 1999). In addition, when segmenting materials for high efficiency, large temperature difference applications, the thermoelectric compatibility factors (s=[(1+zT)1/2−1]/αT) of the materials need to be similar (G. J. Snyder, Applied Physics Letters 84:2436-2438, 2004).
Good thermoelectric compounds are those that result in low electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity values and large Seebeck coefficient values (F. J. DiSalvo, Science, Washington, D.C. 285:703-706, 1999). It has been observed that typically small band-gap, semiconducting materials with carrier concentrations within the 1019-1021 cm−3 range work better than metallic or insulating materials (G. Mahan et al., Physics Today 50:42-47, 1997). In addition, a large unit cell, heavy atoms, and structural complexity are also predicted to result in low thermal conductivity and therefore high thermoelectric efficiency.
State of the art thermoelectric devices are typically based on Bi2Te3—Sb2Te3 alloys for room temperature applications and PbTe or GeTe based compounds for power generation applications up to about 500° C. Silicides such as FeSi2 and SiGe, which are current state of the art thermoelectric conversion materials for high temperatures (above 873 K), have a low figure of merit (zT) (FeSi2=0.2 or less; p-SiGe zT=0.6) (C. Wood, Energy Conversion and Management 24:331-43, 1984; 0. Yamashita and N. Sadatomi, Journal of Applied Physics 88:245-251, 2000).
Other materials that may be useful for thermoelectric applications include intermetallic clathrates, complex chalcogenides, half-Heusler alloys and antimonide skutterudites (N. L. Okamoto et al., Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings 793:187-192, 2004; B. C. Sales et al., Science, Washington, D.C. 272:1325-1328, 1996; S. W. Kim et al., Science and Technology of Advanced Materials 5:485-489, 2004; D. Bilc et al., Physical Review Letters 93:146403/1-146403/4, 2004), as well as super-lattice thin film structures such as Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 and PbSe0.98Te0.02/PbTe (R. Venkatasubramanian, E. Siivola et al., Nature 413:597-602, 2001; T. C. Harman et al., Journal of Electronic Materials 25: 1121-1127, 1996; H. Beyer et al., Applied Physics Letters 80, 1216-1218, 2002). However, out of the numerous compounds achieving breakthrough figures of merit, all these are in the room temperature to moderate temperature range of 300-900 K. Moreover, many thermoelectric applications require large quantities of material, making thin film systems an unrealistic option and bulk samples more desirable.
Based on the potential applications of thermoelectric materials, as well as the limitations of the current art, there is a significant need in the art for more efficient thermoelectric compounds and devices.

High efficiency thermoelectric power generation using Zintl-type materials

The Regents of th University of California


A method for calculating a driving current waveform for minimizing a torque pulsation in brushless motors having a difference in construction of a magnetic circuit which are driven on such driving current. The method calculates the driving current waveform so as to reduce the sum of currents carried to coils of each phase of the brushless motor to zero, whereby a necessity to keep a common junction of the coils of each phase at a low impedance can be avoided and the circuit configuration simplified.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to brushless motor driving device, and more particularly to an improvement of the brushless motor driving device in which generates previously a waveform of a driving current.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With reference to this type of brushless motor driving device, considered workable hitherto is such device as is constructed to carry a driving current of sine waveform which is stored beforehand in a predetermined memory at a given timing to a coil of each phase constructing a brushless motor.
Meanwhile, the torque of a motor is generally calculated as a result obtained from multiplying a coil current by an interlinked flux. The interlinked flux of a coil however does not form an accurate sine wave practically, but forms a wave having an odd degree harmonic component. Accordingly, a problem to arise therefrom is such that if a current carried to the coil is sine wave, a torque waveform of the motor obtained through the current in sine wave and the interlinked flux in a waveform different therefrom will not be unified to cause a pulsation.
To solve the aforementioned problem, a conceivable method is such that a driving current waveform is generated at the time of manufacturing process adaptationally to an interlinked flux of individual motors without using a sine wave, and is stored in a memory, however, trial and error will be necessary for setting an optimal current waveform at every type of motors, thus complicating the work.


Systems and methods that establish a pressure differential across a tissue wall to encourage complete decellularization of the wall are described. The methods can be utilized for decellularization of blood vessel tissue including heart valves and surrounding tissues. The methods and systems can essentially completely decellularize the treated tissue segments. Systems can be utilized to decellularize one or multiple tissue segments at a single time.

Replacement of damaged or diseased vascular tissue has become the standard of care for much pathology. For example, the overall prevalence of heart valve disease in the United States, adjusted to the 2000 population, was estimated at that time to be 2.5%, with about 99,000 heart valve operations yearly. By 2011, it was estimated that roughly four million people in the United States were diagnosed annually with a heart valve disorder. Often, the only solution for degenerated or calcified heart valves is replacement of the entire valve, which up to now has been either a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve.
The first designs of replacement heart valves were for mechanical models, with major breakthroughs occurring in the 1950s and 1960s. The ball-in-cage design prevailed for many years until the tilting disc's emergence. The pyrolytic carbon bileaflet valve was designed in the 1970s and became the 'gold standard' for mechanical valve replacement. Since St. Jude Medical introduced the pyrolytic carbon valve, much of the innovation in this area has come to a halt and only minor features of mechanical valves have evolved over the last forty years.
Although mechanical valves are the most durable solution for heart valve replacements (typically said to last for 20-30 years), thrombogenicity of the artificial surfaces remains a cause for much concern. Not only are the devices non-biological, they also introduce turbulent flow regimes. The turbulence can activate platelets which in turn initiate the formation of thrombi. To prevent this from occurring, patients are put on life-long anticoagulant therapy that involves the administration of Warfarin. Unfortunately, because Warfarin decreases the blood's ability to coagulate on the valve, it also prevents coagulation systemically, leaving the patient vulnerable to major bleeding events. The reliance upon an expensive drug therapy and the necessity of close patient monitoring is undesirable and the main factor that has kept mechanical valve replacement out of developing countries.
A solution to the increased thrombogenicity of mechanical valves was the advent of bioprosthetic valve (BPV) technology. These valves are made from either porcine aortic valves or bovine pericardium that have been chemically fixed, cross-linking the tissue and masking the antigens present in the xenogeneic materials. BPVs are predicted to last 10-15 years, which is a lower expectation than that of mechanical valves. In addition, it has been found that after 15 years all-cause mortality is lower for patients implanted with mechanical valves as compared to BPVs. Although the mechanical valve has been shown to be more durable and can be projected to last longer, the BPV is still the best choice for those patients who cannot be put on anticoagulant regimes. In addition, certain patient populations preferably receive certain valves. For example, elderly patients (65 years and older) typically receive BPVs because of expected life span and the reduced chance for calcification, while younger patients/children receive mechanical valves due to the decreased number of expected replacements required.
More recently, tissue engineering approaches have been developed that seek to make curative solutions for patients who are seeking long-term treatment of disease and tissue degeneration. The constructs that are being researched and tested will not simply compensate for the damaged tissue; the aim is to create living tissue that can be implanted into a human that will, from that point on, grow and remodel. Ideally, a tissue engineered heart valve will resemble both the size and shape of the native valve; be durable and fully functioning with good hemodynamics; be non-immunogenic, non-inflammatory, non-thrombogenic, and non-obstructive; respond to mechanical and biological cues appropriately; grow in size with the recipient; and will adapt to changing conditions throughout the life of the recipient and valve.
Whether for study or implantation, natural and synthetic heart valve tissue (e.g., BHV and engineered tissue) is generally subjected to multiple treatment regimes. For instance, xenograft valve tissue must be decellularized to remove the native cells prior to either testing or implant. In addition, mechanical testing by use of a conditioning system can be carried out to examine and alter tissue strength or to ensure suitable strength prior to implant. Seeding of natural or synthetic scaffolds can also be carried out in development of new valves and/or to encourage integration with a recipient's natural tissue following implantation.
To be successfully utilized for implantation, natural tissue (e.g., xenographic or allographic tissue) is decellularized to remove the native cells and other immunogenic material and leave only the non-immunogenic structural materials (collagen, elastin, laminin, etc.). Typical decellularization methods include a series of chemical (e.g., detergent or enzymatic) washes that can remove the cells by immersion. Unfortunately, while typical immersion methods can completely decellularize relatively thin tissue such as the cusps of a heart valve, thicker vascular components such as the vessel walls and surrounding muscle tissue may not be completely decellularized. This can have catastrophic consequences if a patient exhibits an immunogenic reaction to the remaining cells. Even without a sudden catastrophic event, inflammation that can occur due to the remaining immunogenic materials can affect long-term success and survival of the patient.
What is needed in the art is a system and method for decellularizing tissue that can provide completely decellularized tissues, and particularly, thick tissue such as arterial walls for implantation or study.

Decellularization method and system and decellularized tissue formed thereby


Video conferencing for mobile platforms is provided by logging a first mobile platform into a conference server, which finds a first peer-to-peer station on a network to connect with the first mobile platform. The first peer-to-peer station is a nearest available peer-to-peer station on the network to the first mobile platform. The first peer-to-peer station on the network is connected to the first mobile platform. First communication data is received at the first peer-to-peer station directly from the first mobile platform. The first communication data is sent directly from the first peer-to-peer station to a second peer-to-peer station through a peer-to-peer connection in the network. The first communication data is sent directly from the second peer-to-peer station to a second mobile platform connected to the second peer-to-peer station. The second peer-to-peer station is a nearest available peer-to-peer station on the network to the second mobile platform.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present invention relates generally to video conferencing, and more specifically to a mobile platform having video conferencing capability.
2. Background
It has become common to communicate using a mobile phone. For instance, two people can communicate with one another with a voice call using their mobile phones. In addition, mobile phones also allow the two people to communicate with one another using text messages as well as video calls. To communicate with more than one other person at a time, it has become common to share videos online. For instance, a video may be uploaded, which is then stored as a video file on a server in a network. A plurality of receivers may then download the uploaded video file from the server at later times for later playback. The uploading and downloading of the video file are not performed in real-time.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.

Video conferencing with a mobile platform


An automated twin-clutch multi-speed transmission is disclosed which functions to transfer power from the engine to one or more drivelines of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes a first engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a first input shaft, a first motor/generator connected to the first input shaft, a second engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a second input shaft, a second motor/generator connected to the second input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a geartrain for selectively establishing a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratio drive connections between the input shafts and the output shaft. The transmission further includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging constant-mesh gearsets associated with the geartrain, and a transmission controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the first and second engine clutches, the first and second motor/generators, and the power-operated dog clutches to permit non-power interrupted (xe2x80x9cpowershiftxe2x80x9d) sequential gear changes automatically without input from the vehicle operator.

The present invention relates generally to transmissions for use in motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a twin-clutch automated transmission applicable for use in front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Automobile manufacturers continuously strive to improve fuel efficiency. This effort to improve fuel efficiency, however, is typically offset by the need to provide enhanced comfort and convenience to the vehicle operator. For example, it is well known that manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than automatic transmissions, yet a majority of all passenger vehicles are equipped with automatic transmissions due to the increased convenience they provide.
More recently, xe2x80x9cautomatedxe2x80x9d variants of conventional manual transmissions have been developed which shift automatically without any input from the vehicle operator. Such automated transmissions typically include a plurality of power-operated actuators that are controlled by a transmission controller to shift traditional synchronized dog clutches. However, such automated transmissions have the disadvantage that there is a power interruption in the drive connection between the input shaft and the output shaft during sequential gear shifting. Power interrupted shifting results in a harsh shift feel which is generally considered to be unacceptable when compared to smooth shift feel associated with most automatic transmissions. To overcome this problem, automated twin-clutch transmissions have been developed which can be powershifted to permit gearshifts to be made under load. Examples of such automated manual transmissions are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,966,989 and 5,890,392. While such powershift twin-clutch transmissions overcome several drawbacks associated with conventional single-clutch automated transmissions, a need exists to develop simpler and more robust transmissions which advance the automotive transmission technology.
Automobile manufacturers are also actively working to develop alternative powertrain systems in an effort to reduce the level of pollutants exhausted into the air by conventional powertrains equipped with internal combustion engines. Significant development has been directed to electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. Unfortunately, these alternative powertrain systems suffer from several disadvantages and, for all practical purposes, are still under development. However, several different hybrid electric vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that can be operated independently or in combination to drive the vehicle.
There are two types of hybrid vehicles, namely series hybrid and parallel hybrid. In a series hybrid vehicle, power is delivered to the wheels by the electric motor which draws electrical energy from the battery. The engine is used in series hybrid vehicles to drive a generator which supplies power directly to the electric motor or charges the battery when the state of charge falls below a predetermined value. In parallel hybrid vehicles, the electric motor and the engine can be operated independently or in combination pursuant to the running conditions of the vehicle. Typically, the control strategy for such parallel hybrid vehicles utilizes a low-load mode where only the engine is used to drive the vehicle, and an intermediate assist mode where the engine and electric motor are both used to drive the vehicle. Regardless of the type of hybrid drive system used, hybrid vehicles are highly modified versions of conventional vehicles that are expensive due to the componentry, required control systems, and specialized packaging requirements.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a twin-clutch transmission and a control system for permitting automatic shifting of the twin-clutch transmission.
As a related object, the twin-clutch automated transmission of the present invention has a compact geartrain applicable for use as a transaxle in front-wheel drive vehicles.
As a further object, the twin-clutch automated transmission of the present invention is also applicable for use in rear-wheel drive vehicles.
According to another object, the twin-clutch automated transmission of the present invention can be used as a hybrid drive system in conjunction with the internal combustion engine.
These and other objects of the present invention are met by providing an automated twin-clutch multi-speed transmission adapted to transfer power from the engine to one or more drivelines of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes a first engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a first input shaft, a first motor/generator connected to the first input shaft, a second engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a second input shaft, a second motor/generator connected to the second input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a geartrain for selectively establishing a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratio drive connections between the input shafts and the output shaft. The transmission further includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging constant-mesh gearsets associated with the geartrain, and a transmission controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the first and second engine clutches, the first and second motor/generators, and the power-operated dog clutches to permit non-power interrupted (xe2x80x9cpowershiftxe2x80x9d) sequential gear changes automatically without input from the vehicle operator. When shifting under power between gear ratios, one engine clutch is released and the corresponding motor/generator is actuated to accelerate/decelerate the released input shaft into speed synchronization with the output shaft. Following completion of speed synchronization, the dog clutch for the selected gearset on the released input shaft is actuated and thereafter the released engine clutch is re-engaged.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Twin clutch automated transaxle with motor/generator synchronization


A tire cavity resonance restricting device to be mounted on the inner surface of the tread portion facing to the cavity of a pneumatic tire. The tire cavity resonance restricting device includes a cross-sectional area changing member for changing the cross-sectional area of the cavity in tire meridian cross section, and an elastic fixing member in the form of a ring for fixing the cross-sectional area changing member to the inner surface of the tread portion. The elastic fixing member has an attachment portion to which the cross-sectional area changing member is attached and a non-attachment portion to which the cross-sectional area changing member is not attached. The non-attachment portion is greater in mass than the attachment portion.

One of the main causes of tire noise is cavity resonance created in the cavity of a pneumatic tire that is airtightly formed between the rim of a wheel and the tire mounted on the rim. The cavity resonance participates in, for example, noise we constantly hear near 250 Hz during running, and impact sounds produced in passing the joints of a road or the like.
As an approach for reducing noise created by such cavity resonance, it has been proposed to place a sound absorbing member in the cavity of a tire to absorb the resonance noise, or to provide shielding plates on a rim so as to section the cavity of a tire. However, since the sound absorbing member is not one that fundamentally restricts the occurrence of the cavity resonance, noise can not be effectively reduced with a sound absorbing member that can actually be mounted on the inside of a tire. In the case where the shielding plates are mounted on a rim, performance of assembling a tire on the rim is deteriorated.
Recently, there has been proposed a tire cavity resonance restricting device that can effectively reduce the cavity resonance noise by constantly varying the frequency of the resonance with the rotation of the wheel by changing the cross-sectional shape of the tire cavity in the tire circumferential direction (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, a tire having the tire cavity resonance restricting device has uneven mass distribution around the circumference, which produces a problem of assisting tire vibration during running of a vehicle.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. 2000-113902
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. 2003-226104

Tire cavity resonance restricting device and pneumatic tire


A method and apparatus for initializing a radar track are presented. The method includes: detecting a target within a field of view where the target having a detected range, radial velocity and azimuth; initializing values of a Kalman filter upon initial detection of the target based upon the detected range, radial velocity and azimuth; generating a azimuth value and estimated azimuth rate value of the target; determining a first estimated error value associated with the azimuth value and a second estimated error value associated with the estimated azimuth rate value based upon the detected azimuth; estimating a cross track error based upon the first and second estimated errors; in response to the estimated cross track error value being lower than a predetermined threshold value, reinitializing the values of the Kalman filter; and establishing a radar track based upon the reinitialzied values of the Kalman filter.

As is known in the art, automotive radar systems detect a target that produces a radar return signal. From the return signal, the radar systems compute or otherwise determine measurement data about the target. Based upon such measurement data, the radar estimates position and velocity for each target to identify its location. The position and velocity measurements are used to establish a so-called "radar track" (or more simply a "track") for the target. When multiple targets are detected, the radar system will establish a track for each target.
Some radar systems establish tracks using a Kalman filter. Kalman filtering is a technique which utilizes a series of measurement data of a variable over time to produce an estimate of the variable. Kalman filtering is also known as linear quadratic estimation (LQE).
Conventional radar systems initialize the Kalman filter on the first detection of a target. The detection may produce range, radial velocity (Vr) and azimuth measurements of a target, which are data in polar coordinates of the target. The Kalman filter may operate in a number of ways. One approach is operating the Kalman filter to convert from polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates: position (Px, Py) and velocity (Vx, Vy). The measurement in the direction of the target provides a radial velocity but does not provide a tangential velocity. From the one dimensional measurement of velocity measurement, it is not possible to generate measurements in two dimensions of positions. Since some of the position and velocity values (Px, Py, Vx, and Vy) are not provided from the initial detection, some default rules may be utilized to initialize values of the Kalman filter. For example, on the first detection of the target, velocity values Vx, Vy are not known. A tangential velocity (Vt) is not known either. Accordingly, the Kalman filter is initialized with velocity values Vx, Vy corresponding to a velocity vector, and Vt set to zero assuming that the target is headed directly towards the radar. Although, for targets heading directly towards the host, this is an acceptable initialization algorithm, for targets that are not heading directly towards the host, the initialized values of the Kalman filter are incorrect. The assumption of the target heading towards the radar is a good assumption for a tracking method that needs to alert on possible collisions as quickly as possible, but the assumption is not effective if an alert on a target that is not on a collision course is not needed. Thus, the Kalman filter requires additional data (and thus time) to correct the values. There are other solutions that check whether the initialization of the Kalman filter values are in error and replay the data to generate an improved initial estimate. The replay data function keeps a history of the detection data from the first detection up to the point of initializing the Kalman filter. If the difference between the estimated heading at the end of the detection and the initial assumption is bigger than a threshold, a solution is to replay the history of detections with a different starting assumption that is determined based upon the estimated heading at the end of the previous detection. This replay may produce a better estimate of heading. These solutions, however, have limitations, such as unacceptable computational overhead, requiring multiple iterations, and the complexity of the solution.
Furthermore, some existing solutions validate (or establish) tracks on fixed criteria such as ten (10) detections out of twelve (12) measurements. One problem with this approach, however, is that it does not adapt to target speed or range. This problem causes difficulties for both low speed and high-speed targets. For example, a low-speed target may accumulate 10 of 12 detections very quickly without much target motion, but the heading is still uncertain due to the small distance traveled. On the other hand, a high-speed target may travel a large distance and may get too close to the radar while accumulating 10 of 12 detections. Another limitation is that the approach does not take into account missing detections for a tracked object which is caused by either random noise or multipath fading. When multiple signals travel different paths but arrive a destination at the substantially same time, the signals may cancel each other. This effect is referred to as multipath fading, and it may cause "gaps" in object tracked trajectory. In order to offset the multipath fading effect, the Kalman filter is required to "coast" the track, meaning that the Kalman filter projects the track position based upon the accumulated best estimate of position and velocity. Due to this operational difficulty, instead of modeling the gaps as occasional random drops, fading modeling with sustained drops may be appropriate to generate a better estimate of a target. Accordingly, a solution that can handle consecutive faded detections is required.
Accordingly, a new system that addresses these shortcomings of the previous systems and techniques is needed.


A method for managing a configuration of an electronic system having a plurality of locations configured to receive hardware units is disclosed. The method may include receiving hardware unit parameters corresponding to hardware units currently installed and pending installation in the electronic system and retrieving configuration data for the electronic system. The method may also include generating a plurality of hardware unit times to failure (TTFs) for the plurality of locations by applying, to a failure prediction model, the hardware parameters for hardware units currently installed and pending installation and the configuration data for the electronic system. The method may also include using a selection criteria to select the plurality of hardware unit predicted TTFs corresponding to the plurality of locations and reporting at least one recommended hardware unit installation location from the plurality of locations within the electronic system.

The present disclosure generally relates to configuration management of electronic systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to generating hardware unit placement recommendations to manage electronic system availability.
A field replaceable unit (FRU) may be hardware (e.g., a printed circuit board, electronic module or assembly) that is part of an electronic system such as a computer or server, and which may be quickly and easily removed and replaced by a user or a technician. FRUs may allow a user or technician lacking in-depth product knowledge to isolate and replace faulty components or upgrade an electronic system without having to send the entire system to a repair facility. FRUs may be included in commercial and certain high-end consumer products.
Types of FRUs contained within electronic systems may include memory modules, central processing units (CPUs), data storage hardware such as hard disk drives and solid-state drives, input/output (I/O) adapters, power supply units and other standardized electronic modules and/or assemblies. A FRU may be designed to have standard dimensions and/or include a standardized electrical connector that allows it to be used interchangeably with similar FRUs within an electronic system. Incorporating FRUs into the design of electronic systems may be useful in reducing the total cost of system ownership as well as the cost of system maintenance and support costs.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Electronic system configuration management

International Business Machines Corporation


A dispenser with an activation lever which extends laterally to one side of the dispenser and is particularly adapted for engagement by an elbow of one arm of a user and particularly adapted for dispensing fluid as onto the hand of a second arm of the user thereby avoiding the need for the activation lever to be engaged by a hand of a user.

Dispensers for liquids such as for cleaning hands are known which dispensers are activated as by engaging an activation handle which extends forwardly from a dispenser and is adapted to be engaged by a user pressing downwardly on the handle. Examples of such dispensers are shown in U.S. Design Pat. D350,665, issued Sep. 20, 1994.
In the United States of America, uniform federal activation standards require that objects which project from walls as, for example, soap dispensers, must protrude no more than four inches into halls, corridors, passageways or aisles. The present applicants have appreciated disadvantages with previously known liquid dispensers that activation handles for such dispensers which are limited to merely extending no more than four inches from a wall are not easily capable for activation other than by engagement by a user's hand.
The present inventors have also appreciated the disadvantage that dispensers having a activation lever which extends forwardly from the dispenser suffer the disadvantage that they frequently do not comply with the requirement that the entirety of the dispenser protrude no more than four inches from a wall.
The present inventors have further appreciated that known liquid dispensers with forwardly extending activation levers are difficult to activate other than on engagement of a person's hand.

Dispenser with side mounted activation levers


A control system having an improved responsiveness to a third-to-first speed skip shift by controlling a hydraulic pressure for disengaging a front clutch. The system employs a sensor for sensing the revolution per minute of an engine wherein an electrical signal is variable according to the rotational speed of the engine, a sensor for sensing the revolution per minute of an output shaft wherein an electrical signal is variable according to the rotational speed of the output shaft, and a sensor for sensing the opening of a throttle valve wherein the opening of the throttle valve is variable according to the operation of an accelerator pedal and for outputting a corresponding electrical signal. A transmission control unit determines the state of the automatic transmission by reading the output signals from sensors and setting the duty ratio for controlling the operation of a hydraulic pressure control solenoid valve for controlling an operation of friction members thereby allowing the automatic transmission to be gradually shifted from third-to-second-to-first speed if it determined that the transmission is in a third-to-first speed shift.

Generally, using an automatic transmission, the transmission gear is maintained at an optimal position by controlling hydraulic pressure which is set by the speed of the vehicle.
Therefore, the operation of an automatic transmission in a vehicle requires minimum effort on the part of the driver, and removes the necessity for the driver to use a clutch pedal. Also, the automatic transmission makes driving easy since there is little possibility of the engine stalling due to driver error or unskilled operation.
The conventional transmission controls rotary power of the fluid by operating a torque converter in accordance with the output power of an engine, and feeds hydraulic pressure to a corresponding valve according to the control signal applied in a transmission control system.
Hydraulic fluid from an oil pump is pressure regulated by a hydraulic pressure valve and used to control a plurality of parts in accordance with a transmission lever selected by the driver, the speed of the vehicle, and the opening of the throttle. The hydraulic pressure is coupled to friction members through the ports to control the operation of a planetary gear resulting in a drive gear operated at a set transmission ratio. The transmission ratio is fed to a first drive gear which engages a final reduction gear via a second drive gear which, in turn, engages the drive gear.
When the automatic transmission automatically changes speeds, in accordance with the speed of the vehicle, the necessity for reducing the shift shock generated due to the repetitive operation of the friction members occurs. It is possible to minimize the shift shock by controlling the hydraulic pressure for controlling the operation of the front clutch by varying the duty ratio for a hydraulic pressure control solenoid valve according to the respective state of the transmission.
However, the conventional transmission does not control the hydraulic pressure for the purpose of reducing shift shock at the third-to-first speed, skip shift. Therefore, a driver using a conventional transmission in the third-to-first speed skip shift state faces a large shift shock since the operation of the front clutch, which has been operated in third speed is disengaged and thereby the hydraulic pressure, which has been fed to the front clutch, is abruptly exhausted.

Control system having an improved responsiveness to a third-to-first speed skip shift


The present invention discloses a system and method for providing an automated imaging system comprising an illumination source, a phosphorescent imaging target, and an optical imaging sensor for receiving luminance information emitted from the phosphorescent imaging target.

Improvements in robotic technologies has increased the level of automation in many industries. From the automobile industry to the semiconductor manufacturing industry, robotic technology has automated many of the repetitive tasks formerly performed by humans. A benefit of the mechanical automation is the precision achievable by computer-controlled automated systems. For automated alignment or operational robotic systems, the programming of such robots is typically extensive, with much of the physical processing of the automated systems tied to the precise locations and measurements of the automated system and the objects on which it operates.
In order to maintain precision, an automated alignment system is usually either (a) locked into a rigid positional frame of reference or (b) capable of "seeing" the objects and adjusting its positioning and processing to the objects' orientation. Because maintaining a rigid frame of reference as a sole imaging or alignment method typically requires considerable effort, "sight"-automated systems, which typically have a combination of a fixed frame of reference and sighting means, are generally more reliable and economical to employ.
One successful method for building a "sight"-automated system has been to provide an automated system, such as an autochanger for large-scale computer storage, with an illumination source and optical sensing components. Imaging targets are typically affixed to the objects to provide a reflection point for the illumination source and image sensors of the system. The imaging targets are normally white in order to maximize the contrast between the background equipment and the target. As the illumination source shines or radiates over the white imaging target, optical sensors pick up the change in the reflected light based on the large contrast between the target and the background. In some applications, the imaging targets may also include bar codes, thereby providing an intelligence to the optical sensing.
Still other applications may take advantage of a combination of both plain imaging targets and bar codes. Such systems use the plain imaging target to align with the object. The optical sensors are then generally able to read the bar code to determine whether the object is the correct target object. Furthermore, the bar codes may provide an initial reference to the automated system that indicates a general area of the system to which the automated sensor must generally move.
For example, multiple tapes of electronic information may be stored in magazines cataloged by bar code and stacked in racks or shelves. Each shelving unit generally has an imaging target used by the automated system to pinpoint different locations on the shelf. In such systems, a single illumination source and optical sensor is used to lock onto both the imaging target and the bar codes. This combination generally simplifies the design of the automated system and reduces operating costs. However, problems generally arise as the illumination source is positioned farther from the imaging target. Because only a single illumination source and optical sensor are used to image both elements, it may be positioned in such a manner to image one element more easily than the other or in such a manner to read both elements with the same, but non-optimal, difficulty. In typical embodiments, the illumination source and optical sensors are normally positioned to provide accurate reading of each individual tape's bar code. Thus, the greater distance between the illumination source and the general imaging target may sometimes cause failed or inaccurate detection by the optical sensing device. This problem could be alleviated by manufacturing a dual illumination source and optical sensor, or by increasing the size and intensity of the illumination source and/or the size and sensitivity of the optical sensor. However, both of these options add cost and complexity to the automated systems.
Furthermore, the white imaging targets frequently fail to provide adequate return radiation to register on the optical sensor. This failure may be caused by a background material that is glossy or shiny, creating a reflection comparable to the white imaging target. The failure to may also be caused by the particular shape of the object at the point on which the imaging target is affixed. If the object's facing is curved or angles away from the illumination source, the optical sensor may not register sufficient light reflection or contrast from the imaging target.

Automated imaging with phosphorescent imaging targets

Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P.


Disclosed are a novel cyclotriphosphazene-platinum(II) complex conjugate anticancer agent, showing high selectivity to tumor tissues due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect in tumor tissues and a preparation method thereof.

Platinum(II) anticancer agents such as cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin presently in clinical use are among the most widely used anticancer agents in the world. In particular, these platinum drugs have been known to exhibit superior antitumor activities against genital cancers such as testicular, ovarian, and bladder cancers as well as colorectal cancer.
However, like other low molecular weight anticancer agents such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, etc., platinum anticancer agents administered systemically attack not only tumor cells and tissues but also normal cells and tissues equally without tumor selectivity, which cause severe toxicities such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, etc. In addition, their acquired cross-resistance and low water-solubility seriously limit their utility for cancer treatment (D. Lebwohl, R. Canetta, Eur. J. Cancer., 34, 1522 (1998)).
Accordingly, tremendous efforts have recently been made worldwide for the development of tumor targeting anticancer agents having selective cytotoxicity only on tumor cells or tissues, thereby drastically reducing adverse effects resulting from toxicity and overcoming drug-resistance. One of the most rational approaches to overcome non-selectivity and drug resistance inherently associated with the low molecular weight anticancer agents currently in clinical use is to use polymeric drug delivery systems, which have been intensively studied for the last decade. As representative examples, there are two different methods to afford the low molecular weight anticancer agents to have tumor selectivity. One is direct coupling of the conventional anticancer agents with a targeting group having a strong affinity to receptors or antigens preferentially expressed in tumor cells or tissues, or coupling both a targeting group and a conventional anticancer agent with a water-soluble polymer (Active Targeting), and the other method to confer tumor selectivity on an anticancer agent is to conjugate the small molecular anticancer agent directly to polymer particles which have not any targeting group but exhibit enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in tumor tissues (Passive Targeting).
In particular, since the discovery that polymers with appropriate molecular weights show preferentially enhanced permeability and retention effect in solid tumor tissues (H. Meada, and Y. Matsumura, CRC Crit, Rev. Ther. Drug Carrier Sys 6, 193 (1989)), a great deal of researches have been performed worldwide for the development of new polymeric materials showing high tumor selectivity. Two probable reasons why polymers with appropriate molecular weights show high selectivity to tumor tissues are as follows:
The first one is that although large polymer molecules, nano-particles or the like can hardly permeate through blood vessel walls in normal tissues composed of regularly and tightly arrayed cells, they can permeate through the blood vessel pores into the tumor tissues due to the coarse vasculature of the tumor tissues, flow of a large amount of blood into the tumor tissues, and higher vascular pressure in tumor tissues.
The second one is that there is no lymphatic vessel as a discharge path for polymer particles in tumor tissues. Therefore, in tumor tissues, it is difficult for polymer particles permeated therein to be discharged unlike in normal cells (R. Duncan, Pharm. Sci. Technol. Today, 2, 441 (1999)). As a result, polymer particles permeated through the blood vessel pores are selectively accumulated in tumor tissues (H. Maeda, J. Fang, T. Inutsuka, Inter Immun., 3, 319 (2003)), yielding higher selectivity of polymers to tumor tissues.
Accordingly, a great deal of researches has been performed for the development of new drug delivery systems using specific bio-affinitive polymer materials around the world (A. S. Lundberg and R. A. Weinberg, Eur, J, Cancer, 35, 531-539 (1999)). One successful example of such attempts is neocarzinostatin bound to styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer (SMANCS), which was early developed and commercialized in Japan (K. Tsuchia, H. Maeda, Urology, 55, 495 (2000)). Furthermore, various types of polymer-drug conjugates, including a conjugate of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and doxorubicin (P. A. Vasey, C. Twelves, Clin. Cancer Res., 5, 83 (1999)), have been developed and recently entered clinical trials (R. Haag, F. Kratz, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2006, 45, 1198-1215). Therefore, it can be seen that researches in this field have been actively progressing worldwide. However, how many of such conjugate drugs can be approved finally for clinical use is questionable, because most of the conventional organic polymers used as drug carriers are not biodegradable and have not high tumor selectivity.
The present inventors discovered that cyclotriphosphazene derivatives grafted with equimolar amounts of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a hydrophilic group and an amino acid as a hydrophobic group exhibited thermosensitive properties (Youn Soo Sohn et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000, 122, 8315), and successfully prepared a thermosensitive platinum anticancer agent therefrom for local delivery by conjugating the antitumor (diamine)platinum moiety to the amino acid of the cyclic trimer (Youn Soo Sohn et al. J. Control. Release, 90, 303 (2003); Youn Soo Sohn et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,333,422 (2001)). However, the resultant cyclotriphosphazene-platinum conjugate drug did not exhibit tumor selectivity in the biodistribution experiment, probably because the conjugate molecules could not aggregate to form micelles or nanoparticles due to the low hydrophobicity of the amino acid employed as a hydrophobic group.

Tumor selective and biodegradable cyclotriphosphazene-platinum(II) conjugate anticancer agent, and preparation method thereof


A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawFortyFive’ particularly characterized by medium red, sweet fruit, early harvest maturity and moderate resistance to powdery mildew, is disclosed.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry variety designated 'DrisStrawFortyFive' and botanically known as Fragaria×ananassa. This new strawberry variety was discovered in Kent, United Kingdom in June 2010 and originated from a cross between the proprietary female parent 'QUK 214-001' (unpatented) and the proprietary male parent 'KGEM 0629-001' (unpatented). A single plant was selected and asexually propagated via tissue culture and vegetative cuttings in Kent, United Kingdom in 2010.
'DrisStrawFortyFive' underwent further testing in Kent, United Kingdom from 2010-2014. The present invention has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations via stolons and tissue culture.

Strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawFortyFive’


There is provided a measuring apparatus, including a light receiving element, provided at a position facing a measurement object region on which is placed a measurement object, which forms an image with light from the measurement object region, light emitting elements, arranged surrounding the light receiving element, which emit light for measuring the measurement object, and reflective optical elements, provided above the light emitting elements, which guide, to the measurement object region, emission light radiated from the light emitting elements. A light receiving surface of the light receiving element and light emission surfaces of the light emitting elements are positioned mutually on a same plane. The emission light radiated from the light emitting elements is reflected by the reflective optical elements, and center lines of the emission light radiated from each of the light emitting elements pass through an approximate center of the measurement object region.

Spectral measuring methods have been proposed by related art which analyze a measurement object, by irradiating the measurement object with light and measuring reflected light from the measurement object. In such spectral measuring methods, an optical apparatus called an integrating sphere is often used, in order for reflected light from the measurement object to converge without leakage. In spectral measurement methods using such an integrating sphere, a measurement procedure exists which is roughly divided such as into the following two types.
(1) Measuring a spectral reflectance of a measurement object, by multilaterally converging irradiated light from light emitting elements on the measurement object, and guiding the reflected light by collimating in front of a spectral filter.
(2) Measuring a spectral reflectance of a measurement object, by multilaterally converging diffused/reflected light from the measurement object on a spectral filter, and guiding the reflected light by collimating in front of the spectral filter.
Further, a white light source such as a Xenon lamp is used as irradiated light, and spectrally dispersing reflected light from a measurement object into several wavelengths with a spectral filter is generally performed.
Further, for example, spectral measuring apparatuses have also been proposed which measure light from a measurement object, without using an integrating sphere, such as in the following Patent Literature 1.

Measuring apparatus, measuring method, and parameter setting method


A refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant circuit, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit is in fluid connection with refrigeration system. The refrigerant circuit is configured to recover refrigerant from the refrigeration system and recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery unit and the processor is configured to control a fan. The fan is configured to provide a flow of air to the refrigeration system. The memory is to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.

Portable refrigerant recovery units or carts are used in connection with the service and maintenance of refrigeration systems, such as a vehicle's air conditioning system. The refrigerant recovery unit connects to the air conditioning system of the vehicle to recover refrigerant out of the system, separate out oil and contaminants from the refrigerant in order to recycle the refrigerant, and recharge the system with additional refrigerant.
Due to the phase changing nature of refrigerant, as refrigerant is removed from the vehicle's air conditioning system or other such refrigeration systems, the pressure decreases which causes the refrigerant to vaporize. As this refrigerant vapor is removed, the heat of vaporization is removed from the air conditioning system causing the air conditioning system to become colder. As the temperature of the air conditioning system decreases, the refrigerant remaining therein may be chilled below its boiling point, which makes the liquid refrigerant difficult to completely remove.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus capable of overcoming the disadvantages described herein at least to some extent.


A print apparatus is disclosed. In some examples, the print apparatus comprises a print head to deposit print agent onto a substrate; a detector to detect a fiducial; a first light source to back-illuminate the substrate, such that light from the first light source is to be detected by the detector through the substrate; and processing apparatus. The processing apparatus is to operate the print head to deposit print agent to form a first fiducial on a first side of the substrate, the first fiducial comprising a shape of a first colour and having a first dimension, and a background of print agent of a second, different colour, wherein the first dimension of the shape does not exceed a corresponding dimension of the background; operate the print head to deposit print agent to form a second fiducial on a second, opposite side of the substrate, the second fiducial comprising an inverted version of the shape of the first colour; operate the first light source to back-illuminate the substrate; operate the detector to detect the first and second fiducials; and determine whether the first fiducial is aligned with the second fiducial. A method and a machine-readable medium are also disclosed.

Some billboards and signs are intended to be viewed clearly both at day and at night. During the day, the sign is illuminated by daylight from the sun while, at night, the sign is illuminated by a light source. In some examples, the sign may be back-illuminated by a light source positioned behind the sign.
Signs that are to be backlit may be printed onto a translucent substrate using a double-sided printing technique. An image may be printed onto the front side of the substrate, which can be viewed clearly in daylight. A mirrored version of the image may be printed on to the back side of the substrate. At night, when the sign is backlit, the image that is viewed is a combination of the front side image and the back side image.

HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.