Example embodiments may provide fine patterns for semiconductor devices and methods of forming fine patterns for semiconductor devices. Example methods may include forming a spacer pattern on a substrate and/or an insulating layer pattern adjacent to sides of the spacer pattern and/or disposed at the same level as the spacer pattern, forming a pair of recesses exposing sides of the spacer pattern by removing a portion of the insulating layer pattern, and/or filling a conductive material in the recesses.

1. Field
Example embodiments may relate to methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including, for example, methods of manufacturing fine patterns of a semiconductor device and semiconductor devices having the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Related art electronic devices may be increasingly compact, light, and integrated. Related art semiconductor devices may include fine patterns in order to achieve higher integration. As an example, for the fine patterns, copper (Cu) or the like, which may have a lower specific resistance, may be used as a material for manufacturing wiring lines in related art semiconductor devices. If forming patterns using copper, a damascene process may be used, in which an insulating layer pattern with engraved wiring line patterns may be formed and/or copper may be filled in the engraved patterns.

Semiconductor devices using fine patterns and methods of forming fine patterns


A method for tracking and characterizing a plurality of vehicles simultaneously in a traffic control environment, comprising: providing a 3D optical emitter; providing a 3D optical receiver with a wide and deep field of view; driving the 3D optical emitter into emitting short light pulses; receiving a reflection/backscatter of the emitted light, thereby acquiring an individual digital full-waveform LIDAR trace for each detection channel of the 3D optical receiver; using the individual digital full-waveform LIDAR trace and the emitted light waveform, detecting a presence of a plurality of vehicles, a position of at least part of each vehicle and a time at which the position is detected; assigning a unique identifier to each vehicle; repeating the steps of driving, receiving, acquiring and detecting, at a predetermined frequency; tracking and recording an updated position of each vehicle and an updated time at which the updated position is detected.

Growth in transportation demand has a major impact on traffic congestion and safety. To enhance the on-road safety and efficiency, major investments in transport infrastructures, including capital, operation and maintenance, are made all over the world. Intelligent systems collecting and disseminating real time traffic information is a key element for the optimization of traffic management.
Traffic monitoring can consist in different activities such as detecting the presence of a vehicle in a specific zone, counting the number of vehicles (volume), determining the lane position, classifying each vehicle, determining the direction of travel, estimating the occupancy and determining the speed.
Other traffic surveillance applications such as electronic toll collection and traffic enforcement require the same kind of information with a very high level of reliability.
In the United States, the FHWA has defined a vehicle classification based on 13 categories of vehicles from motorcycles, passenger cars, buses, two-axle-six-tire-single unit trucks, and up to a seven or more axle multi-trailer trucks classes. Several alternative classification schemes are possible. Often, the aggregation of the FHWA 13 classes is split into 3 or 4 classes. Other countries have their own way to define a classification for vehicles.
In the case of speed infringement, determining the position and the lane, measuring accurately the speed of a specific vehicle in a multi-lane high-density highway, and associating this information without any ambiguity with the vehicle identified using an Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system is quite challenging.
A red light enforcement system has comparable requirements. There is a need for an automatic red light enforcement system but the high reliability required for this application is also challenging. It implies the detection of vehicles at specific locations, the tracking of each of these vehicles in dense traffic at the intersection, the identification of each of these vehicles with the ALPR system, the confirmation of a red light violation by a specific vehicle and the collection of all information to support the issuance of a traffic violation ticket to the registered owner of the vehicle without any ambiguity.
Different kinds of detectors are used to collect data for these applications. Intrusive detectors such as inductive loop detectors are still common for detecting the presence of vehicles but have some disadvantages such as lengthy disruption to the traffic flow during installation and maintenance, inflexibility and inability to track a vehicle. Cameras with video processing have some drawbacks notably for speed measurement.
Radar technology is known to perform well for speed measurement but has some limitations in terms of lateral resolution making difficult the association between a speed measurement and the identification of a specific vehicle in dense traffic, for example, at an intersection. Radar technology presents difficulties in the correlation of a specific speed measurement to a specific vehicle when two or more vehicles traveling at different speeds simultaneously enter into the measurement beam. This limitation has an impact for speed enforcement applications. In some countries, legislation requires that ambiguous situations simply be discarded to reduce errors in the process. Installation of radar technology for speed enforcement is demanding because it requires adjusting the angle of the axis of the main lobe of emission in both the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the axis of the road, with accuracy typically less than one-half degree angle to limit the cosine effect.
Thus, there is a need for a method and system for reliable multipurpose traffic detection for traffic management and enforcement applications.

System and method for multipurpose traffic detection and characterization


Germanium is used to significantly enhance the drift mobilities of minority carriers in the channels of N-channel and P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors with silicon substrates. Germanium processing is also used to enhance the source/drain contact conductance for MOS devices. Methods are disclosed for forming a germanium-rich interfacial layer utilizing a germanium implant and wet oxidation or growing a silicon-germanium alloy by molecular beam epitaxy.

1. Field of the Invention
In accordance with the present invention, germanium is used to enhance the performance of silicon-based semiconductor devices. More specifically, germanium is used to create a germanium-rich layer at the silicon surface to provide lower contact resistance in the source and drain regions of MOS transistors.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
The inherent properties of germanium that are capitalized upon in accordance with the present invention are as follows. First, it is well known that at normal integrated circuit operating temperatures (approx. 27.degree. C.), the drift mobility of electrons and holes in germanium exceeds the drift mobility in silicon by a factor of from 3-10. As discussed by S. N. Sze, "Physics of Semiconductor Devices", John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981, Second Edition, page 29, the actual drift mobility factor is a function of impurity concentration. Second, the diffusion of silicon through germanium is faster than the diffusion of germanium through silicon. Third, the intrinsic resistivity of germanium (47.OMEGA..cm) is four orders of magnitude smaller than the intrinsic resistivity of silicon. Fourth, as discussed by A. R. Srivatsa et al, "Nature of Interfaces and Oxidation Processes In Germanium Implanted Silicon," Journal of Applied Physics, 65:4028 (1989), the wet oxidation of silicon with a germanium implant present can be used to form epitaxial layers of germanium. As disclosed by D. Fathy et al, "Formation of Epitaxial Layers of Germanium on Silicon Substrates by Germanium Implantation and Oxidation", Applied Physics Letter 51:1337 (1987), these germanium epitaxial layers can be formed without forming germanium oxide layers.
Pfiester et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,112, teaches that co-implantation of germanium with phosphorous or boron will retard diffusion of the electrically active dopant species during the fabrication of semiconductor devices. Holland et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,076, teaches that conversion of silicon to silicon-dioxide is enhanced by the prior implantation of germanium, and that the result of such oxidation will be to concentrate the germanium in the vicinity of the silicon silicon-dioxide interface. However, combining these two teachings leads to a technology which will produce extremely shallow junctions owing to the electrical interactions between the implanted germanium and the active dopant species, which will cause the dopant species to become concentrated along with the germanium at the silicon silicon-dioxide interface.

Method of providing lower contact resistance in MOS transistor structures


The present invention relates to processes for preparing protected silylated clarithromycin oxime, preferably 6-O-methyl-2′,4″-bis(trimethylsilyl)-erythromycin A 9-O-(2-methoxyprop-2-yl)oxime (“S-MOP oxime”), and for converting protected silylated clarithromycin oxime, preferably S-MOP oxime, to clarithromycin. Processes for preparing protected silylated clarithromycin oxime according to the present invention, include reacting a silyl oxime derivative with methylating agent in the presence of at least one solvent and a base, where the solvent comprises methyl tertbutyl ether. Processes for converting protected silylated clarithromycin oxime to clarithromycin according to the present invention, include reacting protected silylated clarithromycin oxime with ethanol and water at an ethanol to water ratio of about 1:1, in the presence of an acid and a deoximating agent and cooling the reaction mixture prior to adding sodium hydroxide, where the process takes place without any additional water addition. Further processes for converting protected silylated clarithromycin oxime to clarithromycin, include heating a mixture of protected silylated clarithromycin oxime, acid, and deoximating agent in an ethanol/water solvent to reflux for more than 4 hours, with a two-fold addition of deoximating agent to produce essentially oxime-free clarithromycin.

6-O-methyl erythromycin A (clarithromycin) is a semi synthetic macrolide antibiotic related to erythromycin A. It exhibits excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, some gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia. It is stable under acidic conditions and is efficacious when administered orally. Clarithromycin is a useful therapy for infections of the upper respiratory tract in children and adults. Clarithromycin is stable under acidic conditions and is efficacious when administered orally.
The chemical structure of clarithromycin is:

Various methods of preparing 6-O-methylerythromycin A from erythromycin A have been described in the patent literature. One of the most effective methods includes the following steps: 1) protecting the 9-oxo group with a substituted oxime group, 2) protecting the hydroxyl groups in positions 2′ and 4″, 3) methylating the hydroxyl in position 6 to give a protected sililated clarithromycin oxime, and 4) removing the protecting groups at the 2′, 4″ and 9 position.
The third step, which comprises methylating the hydroxyl group at position 6, is performed in the presence of a solvent. This 6-O-methylation of various erythromycin derivatives in converting erythromycin A to clarithromycin has been reported in several U.S. Patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,680,386 and 4,672,109.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,386 for example, describes a method of methylating the hydroxyl group at the 6 position by reacting the compound with a methylating agent in the presence of a base in an aprotic solvent at a temperature of between 0° C. and room temperature. The '386 patent describes the use of solvents including N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, hexamethylphosphoric triamide, and a mixture of one or more of these solvents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,109 describes the use of solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, hexamethyl phosphoric triamide, a mixture of two or more of these solvents or a mixture of one of these solvents and tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like. The '109 patent further describes a preferred embodiment of this step using a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran. WO 97/19096 describes a mixture of solvents including N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, hexamethyl phosphoric triamide, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile and ethyl acetate for use in the methylating step.
However, several of the above-described solvents are expensive, do not enable selective methylation, produce significant unwanted side products and/or cause complications during later phase separation steps.
The fourth step includes removing the protecting groups, and thus, converts protected silylated clarithromycin oxime to clarithromycin. Described methods of converting a protected silylated clarithromycin oxime, such as S-MOP oxime, to clarithromycin include reacting the protected silylated clarithromycin oxime with ethanol in the presence of an acid and a deoximating agent. The product of the reaction is then washed with water one or more times.  The ethanol generally also contains water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,602 has an ethanol to water ratio of 1:4 and does not involve cooling. U.S. Pat. No. 4,670,549 adds sodium hydroxide after cooling at an ethanol to water ratio of 1:3. Neither of these methods lowers the impurity content of clarithromycin.

Processes for preparing clarithromycin and clarithromycin intermediate, essentially oxime-free clarithromycin, and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same


The present invention provides methods for identifying high traffic origin-destination node pairs in a packet based network and for estimating the mean traffic between the high traffic origin-destination node pairs. High traffic origin-destination node pairs may be identified in accordance with the present invention by modeling the variance of traffic in a static routing environment and identifying the origin-destination node pairs with a high variance as high traffic origin-destination node pairs. For estimating purposes, traffic between low traffic origin-destination node pairs may be assumed to be a predetermined value, such as zero, to reduce the number of variables to estimate. Routing changes necessary to create a full rank routing matrix may be identified and applied to the network, and link utilization information collected under each routing scenario may be used to estimate the mean traffic between the high traffic origin-destination node pairs.

Internet protocol networks, often referred to as IP networks, are complex systems used by telecommunication service providers to provide high bandwidth transmission of data packets, often over long distances. Data transmitted over an IP network may be internet related data, but may also be data for any other purpose, such as voice telephone calls transmitted using voice over IP protocols.
An IP network comprises a plurality of high bandwidth links, such as high capacity fiber optic cables or, more typically a bundle of high capacity fiber optic cables, connecting telecommunication equipment, such as routers. Routers and other equipment may be co-located in points of presence, often referred to as PoPs. Packets of data are transmitted from a first router to a second router over the intermediate link connecting the first and second routers. To transmit a data packet from an origin router in an IP network to the destination router, the data packet is transmitted in a series of "hops" from one router to the next until it reaches its destination. The node at which a packet begins is referred to as the origin node, with the final node being referred to as the destination node. At each router on the path, that router independently determines the shortest path route to the destination and transmits the packet on the next hop of that shortest path route. A measure of the total traffic on any link of the IP network may be obtained by measuring packets transmitted or received by the routers connected by that link, as each link joins two, and only two, routers. Accordingly, the total amount of traffic on a link over a given time period may be determined based upon the traffic transmitted and/or received by the routers on either end of that link over the link. A variety of methods are currently used to measure link utilization values, and other methods may be developed in the future.
While information describing the total utilization of the links in an IP network can be useful, telecommunication service providers often seek to obtain a measure of the traffic between pairs of origin and destination nodes of the IP network, rather than simply the volume of traffic on links in the IP network. By knowing the traffic passing between pairs of origin and destination nodes, network operators can better plan future network development and better manage network traffic through setting appropriate link weights to optimize network performance.
Optimizing network performance can be a critical issue for telecommunication service providers operating IP networks. Large scale IP networks are expensive investments, and upgrading an IP network to, for example, add additional links to accommodate increasing traffic demand, requires both significant capital investment and considerable time for planning, preparation, and installation.
However, optimal planning and management of an IP network can occur only if adequate information regarding network traffic is available to the network operators. The present invention provides improved methods for modeling current network activity and forecasting future network activity.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for identifying and estimating mean traffic for high traffic origin-destination node pairs in a network


An exhaust system for an outboard motor discharges exhaust gases in front of the propeller for improved acceleration. The discharge of exhaust gases upstream of the propeller produces a cavitation effect about propeller blades when accelerating from low speeds. As a result, the outboard motor accelerates more rapidly. At high speeds, the exhaust gases flow through the propeller hub and discharge behind the propeller. No substantial cavitation effect occurs about the blades, and thus, no significant loss of propulsion efficiency occurs when traveling at high speeds. When quickly reversing the propeller to produce a rapid braking force, the exhaust gases are directed away from the propeller blades to inhibit cavitation about the propeller blades and improve braking efficiency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a marine drive, and in particular to an exhaust system of a marine drive which employs a through-the-hub exhaust discharge arrangement.
2. Description of Related Art
An outboard motor commonly discharges at least a portion of its engine exhaust into the body of water in which the outboard motor is operated in order to silence exhaust noise. For this purpose, an exhaust system of the outboard motor delivers engine exhaust below the water level through an exhaust passage formed in a lower unit and discharges the exhaust gases through the hub of the propeller.
Some outboard motors also discharge a portion of the exhaust gases upstream of the propeller when operating at idle or at low speeds. The exhaust gases discharged in the vicinity of the propeller aerate the water so as to reduce water resistance on the propeller. The propeller consequently accelerate more quickly.
Although such exhaust systems improve acceleration from low speeds, the rapid braking effect created by quickly reversing propeller rotation may be sacrificed to some extent with these systems. When braking by quickly reversing propeller rotation, the forward momentum of the watercraft often carries the propeller blades into the discharge exhaust gas stream (which discharges between the lower unit and the propeller blades), even though the propeller blades are rotating in reverse. The blades consequently cavitate, which decreases the braking efficiency of the propeller. The outboard motor thus may not provide the rapid braking force preferred by some boat operators.


Novel cultured inner cell mass (CICM) cells, and cell lines, derived from ungulates, in particular, pigs and cows, and methods for their preparation are provided. The subject CICMs possess similar morphology and express cell markers identically or substantially similarly to ICMs of undifferentiated developing embryos for prolonged culturing periods. Heterologous DNAs may be introduced into the subject CICM cells and cell lines to produce transgenic cells useful for the production of transgenic embryos, fetuses and/or offspring, e.g., by nuclear transfer procedures.

Methods for deriving embryonic stem (ES) cell lines in vitro from early preimplantation mouse embryos are well known. (See, e.g., Evans et al., Nature, 29:154-156 (1981); Martin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 78:7634-7638 (1981)). ES cells can be passaged in an undifferentiated state, provided that a feeder layer of fibroblast cells (Evans et al., Id.) or a differentiation inhibiting source (Smith et al., Dev. Biol., 121:1-9 (1987)) is present.
ES cells have been previously reported to possess numerous applications. For example, it has been reported that ES cells can be used as an in vitro model for differentiation, especially for the study of genes which are involved in the regulation of early development. Mouse ES cells can give rise to germline chimeras when introduced into preimplantation mouse embryos, thus demonstrating their pluripotency (Bradley et al., Nature, 309:255-256 (1984)).
In view of their ability to transfer their genome to the next generation, ES cells have potential utility for germline manipulation of livestock animals by using ES cells with or without a desired genetic modification. Moreover, in the case of livestock animals, e.g., ungulates, nuclei from like preimplantation livestock embryos support the development of enucleated oocytes to term (Smith et al., Biol. Reprod., 40:1027-1035 (1989); and Keefer et al., Biol. Reprod., 50:935-939 (1994)). This is in contrast to nuclei from mouse embryos which beyond the eight-cell stage after transfer reportedly do not support the development of enucleated oocytes (Cheong et al, Biol. Reprod 48:9-58 (1993)). Therefore, ES cells from livestock animals are highly desirable because they may provide a potential source of totipotent donor nuclei, genetically manipulated or otherwise, for nuclear transfer procedures.
Many research groups have reported the isolation of purportedly pluripotent embryonic cell lines. For example, Notarianni et al., J. Reprod. Fert. Suppl., 43:255-260 (1991), report the establishment of purportedly stable, pluripotent cell lines from pig and sheep blastocysts which exhibit some morphological and growth characteristics similar to that of cells in primary cultures of inner cell masses isolated immunosurgically from sheep blastocysts. (Id.) Also, Notarianni et al., J. Reprod. Fert. Suppl., 41:51-56 (1990) discloses maintenance and differentiation in culture of putative pluripotential embryonic cell lines from pig blastocysts. Further, Gerfen et al., Anim. Biotech, 6(1):1-14 (1995) disclose the isolation of embryonic cell lines from porcine blastocysts. These cells are stably maintained in mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder layers without the use of conditioned medium. These cells reportedly differentiate into several different cell types during culture (Gerfen et al., Id.).
Further, Saito et al., Roux's Arch. Dev. Biol., 201:134-141 (1992) report bovine embryonic stem cell-like cell lines cultured which survived passages for three, but were lost after the fourth passage. Still further, Handyside et al., Roux's Arch. Dev. Biol., 196:185-190 (1987) disclose culturing of immunosurgically isolated inner cell masses of sheep embryos under conditions which allow for the isolation of mouse ES cell lines derived from mouse ICMs. Handyside et al. (1987) (Id.), report that under such conditions, the sheep ICMs attach, spread, and develop areas of both ES cell-like and endoderm-like cells, but that after prolonged culture only endoderm-like cells are evident. (Id.)
Recently, Cherny et al., Theriogenology, 41:175 (1994) reported purportedly pluripotent bovine primordial germ cell-derived cell lines maintained in long-term culture. These cells, after approximately seven days in culture, produce ES-like colonies which stain positive for alkaline phosphatase (AP), exhibit the ability to form embryoid bodies, and spontaneously differentiate into at least two different cell types. These cells also reportedly express mRNA for the transcription factors OCT4, OCT6 and HES1, a pattern of homeobox genes which is believed to be expressed by ES cells exclusively.
Also recently, Campbell et al., Theriogenology, 43:181 (1995) in an abstract report the production of live lambs following nuclear transfer of cultured embryonic disc (ED) cells from day nine ovine embryos cultured under conditions which promote the isolation of ES cell lines in the mouse. The authors conclude based on their results that ED cells from day nine ovine embryos are totipotent by nuclear transfer and that totipotency is maintained in culture for up to three passages.
Even more recently, Campbell et al, Nature, 380:64-68 (1996) reported cloning of sheep by nucleic transfer from a cultured cell line. The cells used are unlike the CICM's of the present invention. Unlike the subject CICM cells, the cells of Campbell et al formed a monolayer in tissue culture. The authors refer to these cells as being "flattened" or as exhibiting an "epithelial", appearance. By contrast, the CICM cells of the present invention can be continually maintained in a multilayer colony or portions of the colony when grown in an undifferentiated state. Also, the cells of Campbell et al are cytokeratin and are laminin A/C positive. By contrast, the CICM cells of the present invention are cytokeratin negative.
Moreover, there is no suggestion that the cells of Campbell et al are undifferentiated. Rather, the reference only indicates that these cells are useful in nucleic transfer procedures. Also, these cells are not cultured under conditions wherein they maintain constant contact with a fibroblast feeder layer. Rather, the cultured cells (of Campbell et al (1996) apparently push the fibroblasts to the side in culture and grow on top of the culture dish.
Van Stekelenburg-Hamers et al., Mol. Reprod. Dev., 40:444-454 (1995), reported the isolation and characterization of purportedly permanent cell lines from inner cell mass cells of bovine blastocysts. The authors isolated and cultured ICMs from 8 or 9 day bovine blastocysts under different conditions to determine which feeder cells and culture media are most efficient in supporting the attachment and outgrowth of bovine ICM cells. They concluded based on their results that the attachment and outgrowth of cultured ICM cells is enhanced by the use of STO (mouse fibroblast) feeder cells (instead of bovine uterus epithelial cells) and by the use of charcoal-stripped serum (rather than normal serum) to supplement the culture medium. Van Stekelenburg et al report, however, that their cell lines resembled epithelial cells more than pluripotent ICM cells. (Id.)
Still further, Smith et al., WO 94/24274, published Oct. 27, 1994, Evans et al, WO 90/03432, published Apr. 5, 1990 and Wheeler et al, WO 94/26889 published Nov. 24, 1994 report the isolation, selection and propagation of animal stem cells which purportedly may be used to obtain transgenic animals. Also, Evans et al., WO 90/03432, published on Apr. 5, 1990, report the derivation of purportedly pluripotent embryonic stem cells derived from porcine and bovine species which assertedly are useful for the production of transgenic animals. Further, Wheeler et al., WO 94/26884, published Nov. 24, 1994, disclose embryonic stem cells which are assertedly useful for the manufacture of chimeric and transgenic ungulates. Thus, based on the foregoing, it is evident that many groups have attempted to produce ES cell lines, e.g., because of their potential application in the production of cloned or transgenic embryos and in nuclear transplantation.
The use of ungulate ICM cells for nuclear transplantation has also been reported. For example, Collas et al., Mol. Reprod. Dev., 38:264-267 (1994) disclose nuclear transplantation of bovine ICMs by microinjection of the lysed donor cells into enucleated mature oocytes. The reference discloses culturing of embryos in vitro for seven days to produce fifteen blastocysts which, upon transferral into bovine recipients, resulted in four pregnancies and two births. Also, Keefer et al., Biol. Reprod., 50:935-939 (1994), disclose the use of bovine ICM cells as donor nuclei in nuclear transfer procedures, to produce blastocysts which, upon transplantation into bovine recipients, resulted in several live offspring. Further, Sims et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 90:6143-6147 (1993), disclose the production of calves by transfer of nuclei from short-term in vitro cultured bovine ICM cells into enucleated mature oocytes.
Also, the production of live lambs following nuclear transfer of short-term cultured embryonic disc cells (up to three passages) has been reported (Campbell et al., Theriogenology, 43:181 (1995)). Still further, the use of bovine pluripotent embryonic cells in nuclear transfer and the production of chimeric fetuses has also been reported (Stice et al., Theriogenology, 41:301 (1994)).
However, notwithstanding what has been previously reported in the literature, there still exists a significant need for cultured ICM cells and cell lines which possess improved properties, e.g., which possess morphological properties and express cell markers identically or substantially similar to ICM cells of developing embryos, in particular ungulate embryos. There further exists a significant need in the art for methods of producing such improved cultured ICM cells and cell lines.

Cultured inner cell mass cell lines derived from bovine or porcine embryos

University of Massachusetts, A Public Institution of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as Represented by its Amherst Campus


A polyethylene fiber characterized by having an intrinsic viscosity [η] of 0.8 dL/g or more and less than 5 dL/g; being composed of a repeating unit substantially derived from ethylene; having pores formed inside of the fiber; having an average diameter of the pores of ranging from 3 nm to 1 μm when the diameter is measured, by each pore being approximated by a column, at a contact angle of 140 degrees, in a mercury intrusion method; a porosity of the pores of ranging from 1.5% to 20%; and having a tensile strength greater than or equal to 8 cN/dtex.

Conventionally, cotton which is a natural fiber, and an organic fiber are used as a cut-resistant raw material, and gloves into which such a fiber and the like are knitted are widespread in fields in which cut resistance is required.
Knitted products and woven products have been suggested which are produced by using spun yarns of a high strength fiber such as an aramid fiber so as to provide cut resistance. However, the knitted products and woven products have been unsatisfactory from the standpoint of fiber detachment and durability. On the other hand, another method in which cut resistance is enhanced by using a metal fiber together with an organic fiber or a natural fiber is attempted. However, the use of a metal fiber causes texture to become hard, thereby deteriorating flexibility.
As inventions for solving the aforementioned problems, textiles and gloves in which a polyethylene fiber having a high modulus is used are suggested (for example, see Patent Literature 1). However, the modulus of the fiber is excessively high, so that an index value of the textiles and the gloves obtained in a cut resistance measurement using a coup tester is 3.8 at best as well as the texture becomes hard. Further, in the textiles and gloves, the cut resistance is improved by increasing a strength and a modulus, so that thermal conductivity is also increased. Therefore, when fresh foods are handled by, for example, meatpacking company staffs, their hands are cooled, or, on the contrary, raw materials such as meat are thawed and softened due to heat of their hands, so that, for example, the raw material cannot be cut as intended, thereby deteriorating the workability.
Further, since a color of the fiber is transparent, it is necessary to impart various colors to the fiber depending on the application in general. In order to impart a color to the fiber, a method in which a coloring component such as a pigment is blended during a spinning process step, or a method in which filaments, woven/knitted textiles, and textile products are subjected to post-processing by using dyes, are known. In the former method, there is a problem that spinning operation efficiency is deteriorated. On the other hand, in the latter method, in a case where, for example, this method is used for gloves for meat market staff handling meats, there is a concern about safety for consumers when a contained substance such as a dye is removed. Although a polyethylene is disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the polyethylene is not excellent in dyeability, so that a fiber having only a white-based color can be obtained.
Some methods for dyeing an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber have been suggested (for example, see Patent Literature 2 to 6). In Patent Literature 2, a solvent dyeing technique for performing dyeing with an organic solvent having an oil-soluble dye dissolved therein, is disclosed. However, in this method, load on workplaces, working staff, and environments is heavy, and this technique has not been put into practical use in general.
In Patent Literature 3, an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a solvent therefor, and a technique for performing dyeing by using a dye soluble in the solvent, are disclosed. However, there are problems that, for example, (a) the number of colors that can be used is limited, (b) an imparted color becomes lighter due to a drawing process step, and (c) breakage of filaments frequently occurs during the drawing process step due to an influence of a dye applied to the surface of a fiber, so that productivity is significantly deteriorated.
Patent Literature 4 discloses a technique in which water and a dye, that is soluble in a water-soluble organic solvent, a non-water-soluble organic solvent, are used. However, since an organic solvent is used in a dyeing process step, there is a problem that environmental pollution may be caused by a dye-stained liquid. Further, since only a surface layer is dyed, fastness to washing is not sufficient. Therefore, a satisfactory colored polyethylene fiber cannot be obtained.
In Patent Literature 5, a technique for applying a dye to a highly-oriented high-molecular weight polyethylene fiber by using a supercritical fluid, is disclosed. However, since cost for introducing facilities is high, this technique cannot be adopted in general at present.
In Patent Literature 6, a technique for dyeing an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber by using a hydrophobic dye, is disclosed. However, when the dyeing at a temperature above 100° C. is performed, dynamic physical properties of the fiber are reduced. On the other hand, when the dyeing at about 100° C. under a normal pressure is performed, the fiber can be dyed in a light color only. Further, a color fastness which is required for repeated use by washing, dry-cleaning, or the like is insufficient. Therefore, this technique cannot be practically used for a woven/knitted textile, and the like.
In Patent Literature 7, a high strength polyethylene fiber is disclosed which is used as a resin reinforcing material and a cement reinforcing material, and which has, on the surface of the fiber, a porous structure for enhancing an adhesion to a resin, a cement, and the like. However, although the polyethylene fiber described above has a high tensile strength to some degree, a thermal conductivity is high, similarly to a typical polyethylene fiber, due to the fiber containing no pores inside the fiber.
Similarly to Patent Literature 1, there are also problems including a problem that (1) when fresh foods are handled by, for example, meat market staff, their hands are cooled, and a problem that (2) raw materials such as meat are thawed and softened due to heat of their hands, so that, for example, the raw material cannot be cut as intended, therefore working efficiency is deteriorated.
Further, the fiber has a structure including a lot of pores on the surface of the fiber, thereby deteriorating cut-resistance. Thus, for example, it is difficult to practically use the fiber for a protective purpose requiring high cut-resistance.
Thus, a highly functional fiber that is excellent in heat-retaining property, cut-resistance, and dyeability, and that satisfies requirements from the market, and a protective woven/knitted textile and a cut-resistant glove using the fiber have not been completed yet at present.

Highly functional polyethylene fibers, woven or knit fabric, and cut-resistant glove


The Multi-Piece, Integrated Body Armor System is a two component system. The first component consists of a small piece of body armor, worn as an undergarment, that can weigh less than 2 pounds (a hard ballistic plate is optional) and covers the human upper torso area (lower neck to below the heart). The second component consists of a vest/jacket that is worn over a normal shirt. This component provides ballistic protection for areas where the first component's protection ends. The significance of this invention is that it offers complete, inconspicuous, ballistic protection while providing the wearer ease and comfort of continuous wear of the undergarment component and ease of removal for the externally worn component.

Two major types of conventional body armor are Over-clothing Body Armor or externally worn body armor, hereinafter referred to as OBA, and Undergarment Body Armor normally worn under a shirt, hereinafter referred to as UBA. OBA is generally bulky, heavy, and sometimes very conspicuous when worn. The military and law enforcement versions of OBA include flack jackets or body armor. For civilian clothing use, versions of OBA have been made to look like cold weather coats or jackets to provide less conspicuous protection when required. However, cold weather coats worn during warm weather are not inconspicuous. The business suit jacket is a more versatile, less conspicuous configuration of OBA, but this configuration lacks frontal protection from the base of the neck to below the heart--the torso's most vital area. On the other hand, a significant advantage of OBA is the ease with which the wearer can put it on and take it off when required.
Conventional UBA is an alternative to conventional OBA yet it has distinct advantages and disadvantages. UBA is inconspicuous and provides good protection to the body's vital frontal area. However, UBA typically weighs 4 to 10 pounds, creates body heat build up, and restricts the movement of the user due to the UBA material's inflexibility. Another major disadvantage of UBA is its difficulty to put on and take off since it is worn under other clothing. Because of this, the user is normally forced to wear UBA at times when it is not necessary.
The numerous disadvantages of conventional OBA and UBA result in the reluctance of an individual to wear the equipment unless the user feels substantially threatened. This results in the user taking risks of not wearing body armor when it is warranted.
The Multi-Piece, Integrated Body Armor System, hereinafter referred to as MIBAS, combines advantages of conventional OBA and UBA to create a system that is more versatile, provides protection over a larger area of the body, and will enhance the user's desires to wear body armor.
Closest Known Prior Art: There are numerous designs for conventional UBA and OBA. However, the MIBAS is the first body armor system that attempts to combine the advantages of UBA and OBA that will advance a new generation of body armor systems.

Multi-piece integrated body armor system (MIBAS)


A single shelf network system capable of providing expansion to a multiple shelf mode is described. In one embodiment, slots are provided in a single shelf network system that are capable of accepting either I/O cards or expansion cards. When such a single shelf network system is to be operated in a single shelf mode, such slots may be provided with I/O cards to maximize the data transport capability of the single shelf network system. However, to expand the single shelf network system to function as a multiple shelf network system, the slots are provided with expansion cards. The expansion cards serve to couple a control card of the single shelf network system to one or more expansion shelves, thereby allowing the control card to exert control over the one or more expansion shelves. Since a single expansion card can support multiple expansion shelves, the number of slots of the single shelf network system needed to support expansion does not increase as additional expansion shelves are added.

Network systems provide a capability to transport data from various sources to various destinations. However, user demands for data transport capability tend to increase over time. Thus, it is necessary to provide an ability to expand the capability of network systems. Network systems are typically provided in housings of standardized dimensions, such as those that allow mounting in an equipment rack. Thus, efforts are typically made to provide as much data transport capability as possible using existing technology within the confines of the standardized dimensions. As an example, one housing of rack-mountable equipment may be referred to as a shelf. Within that shelf, a plurality of subsystems of a network system may be mounted. As the demand for data transport capability exceeds that provided by one shelf, it may be desirable to expand the network system from a single shelf network system to a multiple shelf network system. Different approaches to providing for such expansion have been tried with varying results.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an existing technique for expanding a single shelf network system by interconnecting two single shelf network systems using input/output cards. A first single shelf network system 101 includes switching fabric 104, control card 105, and input/output (I/O) cards 106–108. A second single shelf network system 102 includes switching fabric 109, control card 110, and I/O cards 111–113. I/O card 108 is coupled to I/O card 113 via link 103.
The technique of FIG. 1 suffers from several disadvantages. For example, the bandwidth of link 103 is necessarily limited by the bandwidth of I/O cards 108 and 113. Thus, unless at least half of the switching capacity in each shelf is dedicated to interconnection of the two single shelf network systems, non-blocking communication between the two single shelf network systems cannot be provided. Non-blocking communication is desirable in that it provides the ability of the full bandwidth of network traffic originating at each of several nodes of a network to be passed to among the several nodes in any combination without constraint, loss, or delay of the network traffic. The analogous example of non-blocking communication in traditional telephony is that an arbitrary half of all subscribers can call each call a unique subscriber among the remaining half of all subscribers in any combination without anyone receiving a busy signal. By not practically supporting non-blocking communications, the technique of FIG. 1 increases the likelihood of network congestion and loss or delay of data.
Another disadvantage of the technique of FIG. 1 is that both data and control information are carried over link 103. Thus, it is not possible to guarantee that control information will not adversely affect the transmission of the data. For example, control information might inadvertently be propagated to other network nodes, and those network nodes might incorrectly interpret the control information or be unable to interpret the control information, resulting in degradation of network performance or network failure. Also, in the event of a failure in either of the single shelf network systems, any attempt to isolate data between the two single shelf network systems will also cut off any communication of control information between the two single shelf network systems, thereby complicating or preventing effective diagnosis of the failure. Additionally, as more control information is passed between the two single shelf network systems, the amount of available bandwidth for communication of data is correspondingly reduced. Thus, shortages of data bandwidth may be experienced.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an existing technique for expanding a single shelf network system by interconnecting two single shelf network systems by installing expansion cards in dedicated expansion card slots. Single shelf network system 201 includes switching fabric 204, control card 205, I/O cards 206 and 207, and dedicated expansion card slot 208, which is not available for use with an I/O card. Single shelf network system 202 includes switching fabric 209, control card 210, I/O cards 211 and 212, and dedicated expansion card slot 213, which is not available for use with an I/O card. As can be seen, within the physical constraints of a given housing, the provision of space for dedicated expansion card slots necessarily reduces the space available for I/O cards, and, therefore, the number of I/O cards that can be supported. Consequently, the overall data bandwidth capability is correspondingly reduced. Additionally, the technique illustrated in FIG. 2 also suffers from disadvantages mentioned above in reference to FIG. 1. For example, the prevention of interference to data communication by control information cannot be guaranteed. Also, diagnosis of failures is complicated, as described above.
As can be seen, existing techniques for expansion of single shelf network systems exhibit numerous deficiencies. Thus, a technique is needed that provides for expansion of single shelf network systems without the disadvantages that result from existing techniques.

Single shelf network system capable of providing expansion to a multiple shelf mode


A forced plug process for high aspect ratio structures. The process comprises the steps of providing a liquid plug in a high aspect ratio structure; increasing a gas pressure to force the liquid plug down into the high aspect ratio structure; and suddenly decreasing the gas pressure allowing the liquid plug to be ejected from the high aspect ratio structure. The process is useful for removing unwanted particles from a high aspect ratio structure, as well as for etching and coating the side walls of the structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an improved process of cleaning, etching, or coating high aspect ratio structures. More particularly, the invention relates to a process whereby a liquid plug is initially forced down into a high aspect ratio structure and is then quickly ejected from the structure with enough force to dislodge and remove all contaminants.
2. Related Art
In the semiconductor industry, the formation of high aspect ratio structures on wafer surfaces is a common practice. These high aspect ratio structures can perform various functions, such as acting as trenches for capacitors. In particular, high aspect ratio structures or trenches are important to the function of the device. Therefore, it is essential that the trench can be cleaned, coated, or etched thoroughly for proper functioning. At present, methods for treating a malfunctioning high aspect ratio structure include applying a new coating over the existing, incomplete coating or electrically isolating the malfunctioning high aspect ratio structure. These alternative solutions are generally not regarded as optimally effective.
It is generally difficult to get materials into and out of high aspect ratio structures, such as trench capacitors, due to surface tension, contact angle, and certain unique geometric considerations. In particular, high aspect ratio structures can have a huge differential in dimensional ratio (i.e., 40:1 differential). The problems are exacerbated when the high aspect ratio structures are extremely small, such as those located on semiconductor wafers. There are methods disclosed in the prior art for cleaning, coating, and etching wafer surfaces which include megasonics, excimer laser beam irradiation, and condensed-phase processing.
Excimer laser beam irradiation is a vapor phase system that attempts to remove surface particles by using a laser beam to scan the substrate within which the trench is formed. Although effective, the process requires a scan of the entire substrate and has several significant drawbacks. First, and foremost, this process is only effective on relatively flat wafer surfaces. Second, excimer lasers are expensive and require significant additional costs to maintain and operate. Third, the scanning process itself may cause local thermal stresses that adversely affect the physical characteristics and performance of the substrate. Finally, this process is only applicable to particle removal.
Condensed-phase processing is a method for getting a reactant onto a wafer surface and then removing it. This process provides for suitable process gases to condense and form a film on a cool substrate surface. The condensation is followed by a pulsed process energy source which is used to thermally activate the surface and provide for rapid evaporation of the film. Although effective, this process is again only applicable to relatively flat wafer surfaces. In addition, this process is only effective on volatile species, and not for particle removal: it is believed that contaminants or foreign materials lodged in the trench structures are resistant to this evaporation cleaning process.
In recent technological efforts, attempts have been made to introduce sophisticated directional etching or deposition processes in commercial semiconductor fabrication. These processes incorporate the use of molecular beam technology. This technology has not been effective in, for example, providing uniform deposition, which is necessary for proper coating of high aspect ratio structures.
Therefore, there is a need for a better process of removing material from or coating material onto high aspect ratio structures. Such structures are becoming more and more common in many industries and, in particular, the semiconductor industry.

Forced plug processing for high aspect ratio structures

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention relates to high speed datapaths, sometimes including mixed digital and analog voltage signals. In particular, it relates to error checking strategies for large data volumes, in digital and/or analog domains and to analog signal patterns that accelerate charge loading of micromirrors in an SLM. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

The present invention relates to high speed datapaths, sometimes including mixed digital and analog voltage signals. In particular, it relates to error checking strategies for large data volumes, in digital and/or analog domains and to analog signal patterns that accelerate charge loading of micromirrors in an SLM.
A microlithographic direct writing system produces a very large data flow. Segments of the data path are not readily susceptible to error detection and correction, either because of the sheer data volume or because of the data format, such as an analogue output of a D/A converter. A direct writing system might include a positioning system for a workpiece, such as a wafer, on which a pattern is written. The writing begins with input pattern data that describes the pattern. A graphic data processing system with data storage and computing mechanisms converts transfer this data to a pattern exposure system that actually projects the image onto the workpiece. One direct writing system could be based on Micronic Laser System's SLM-based patterning platform for mask writing. An SLM is a spatial light modulator that includes a large array of small mirrors that are individually controlled by analog voltages output from D/A converters. A laser flash is relayed from the micromirror array to an image plane, where it exposes a pattern on the workpiece. When the flash is generated, the array of micromirrors is actuated in a state that represents an image element. The laser typically flashes at a rate of a few kilohertz. The number of micromirrors in an array is typically one to four million. The amount of data required to drive the micromirrors is very large and the required data transfer rate is very high.
It is difficult to preserve data reliability through the data-path to the exposure mechanism. Data reliability in this context means preserving data integrity so no pattern data information is lost or changed in a way that is not intended. The preservation of data integrity in the data path needs separate mechanisms applicable to digital data storage, digital data transfer, digital data manipulation, digital to analog data conversion and analog data transfer.
An opportunity arises to improve data reliability methods and mechanisms. Better, more trustworthy and reliable components and systems may result.

Method and device for data integrity checking


A method is for use in seismic data processing includes improving the continuity of the primary events in an original seismic dataset to create a continuous, seismic dataset; predicting at least the first order multiples of the original seismic dataset from the continuous seismic dataset; deterministically matching the predicted multiples and one of the original seismic dataset or the continuous seismic dataset; and taking the difference between the matched datasets. In other aspects, an apparatus may include a computer programmed to perform to such a method and by which the seismic data may be processed. The apparatus may also include a program storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, will perform the method. The data upon which the method operates may be acquired in either a land or marine survey and may be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or four-dimensional.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to seismic data processing, and, more particularly, to a technique for handling static corrections in multiple prediction.
2. Description of the Related Art
Seismic surveying is a method for determining the structure of subterranean formations in the earth. Seismic surveying typically utilizes seismic energy sources which generate seismic waves and seismic receivers which detect seismic waves. The seismic waves propagate into the formations in the earth, where a portion of the waves reflects from interfaces between subterranean formations. The seismic receivers detect the reflected seismic waves and convert the reflected waves into representative electrical signals. The signals are typically transmitted by electrical, optical, radio or other means to devices which record the signals. Through analysis of the recorded signals (or traces), the shape, position and composition of the subterranean formations can be determined.
Marine seismic surveying is a method for determining the structure of subterranean formations underlying bodies of water. Marine seismic surveying typically utilizes seismic energy sources and seismic receivers located in the water which are either towed behind a vessel or positioned on the water bottom from a vessel. The energy source is typically an explosive device or compressed air system which generates acoustic energy, which then propagates as seismic waves through the body of water and into the earth formations below the bottom of the water. As the seismic waves strike interfaces between subterranean formations, a portion of the seismic waves reflects back through the earth and water to the seismic receivers, to be detected, transmitted, and recorded.
Seismic waves, however, reflect from interfaces other than just those between subterranean formations, as would be desired. Seismic waves also reflect from the water bottom and the water surface, and the resulting reflected waves themselves continue to reflect. Waves which reflect multiple times are called "multiples". Waves which reflect multiple times in the water layer between the water surface above and the water bottom below are called "water-bottom multiples". Water-bottom multiples have long been recognized as a problem in marine seismic processing and interpretation, so multiple attenuation methods based on the wave equation have been developed to handle water-bottom multiples. However, a larger set of multiples containing water-bottom multiples as a subset can be defined. The larger set includes multiples with upward reflections from interfaces between subterranean formations in addition to upward reflections from the water bottom. The multiples in the larger set have in common their downward reflections at the water surface and thus are called "surface multiples".
One difficulty with multiples is the effect of environmental anomalies addressed by static corrections. Often called "statics," a static correction is a bulk shift of a seismic trace in time during seismic processing to "correct" for the effects of environmental anomalies. Generally, statics are caused by structural or velocity variations in the near surface. These variations may be spatial (e.g., elevation statics) or temporal (e.g., tidal statics). In land-based surveys, common static corrections compensate for a layer of low seismic velocity material near the surface of the Earth, differences in topography, and differences in the elevations of sources and receivers. In marine surveys, common static corrections compensate for changes in tidal conditions and water velocity.
Historically, seismic surveys were conducted in two-dimensions, i.e., they were two-dimensional ("2D"). In 2D survey data processing, spatial statics may be problematical, depending on the processing technique, but temporal statics are generally not problematical because the effect of the static varies slowly with spatial location. However, seismic surveys are now increasingly being conducted in three dimensions, i.e., they are three-dimensional ("3D"). In 3D surveys, statics are a more significant issue. Statics have been commonly applied to primaries in 3D surveys, but not to multiples. For primaries, the static is usually a simple time shift. The effect of statics on multiples is fundamentally different to that for primaries. Consider the case of an nth order surface multiple in a surface marine survey. The raypath for this multiple passes through the region creating the static anomaly (n+1) times as often as the corresponding primary, and therefore the required static correction is of the order of (n+1) times as large. The application of statics derived for the primaries will therefore not completely correct the static problems for the multiples.
A large class of multiple prediction algorithms, (e.g., 2D SRME, 3D SRME and WEMA) predict multiples from primaries and lower-order multiples. These algorithms assume that the data are consistent with a single model, at least within each subset of the data that are processed together. When this assumption is not met because of variations in the statics, static corrections must be applied in order to make the primaries consistent. This is likely to be the case for 3D algorithms, where data from different sail lines are processed together. However, simply correcting the data for the primary statics does not solve the problem, because the statics for the multiples are different.
The present invention is directed to resolving, or at least reducing, one or all of the problems mentioned above.

Handling of static corrections in multiple prediction


A diversity receiver having a pair of receiving circuits, which is capable of disconnecting a faulty receiving circuit from its operation for preventing a communication quality from being degraded due to mis-selection of output signal of the faulty receiving circuit in a case of signal level being received is too low to discriminate between output signals of the faulty receiving circuit and the normal receiving circuit, is provided. The diversity receiver includes a first and second error rate accumulation circuits, each is coupled with corresponding receiver circuit, to accumulate error rate of each receiver circuit in a timing generated by a timing generator circuit. In combination of six judge circuits, first judge circuit to sixth judge circuits, and input of error accumulation value of each receiving circuit, it is judged whether or not there exist a fault in a receiving circuit and which receiving circuit is faulty. Then, a control circuit disconnects one of receiving circuit judged as faulty from its operation by fixing switch to a normal receiving circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a receiver of the diversity system and, particularly, to a diversity receiver having a fault detecting function for reducing degradation of a receiving signal quality due to fault.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional diversity receiver of this kind has been used to improve degradation of error rate in a receiver of a radio communication system due to fading, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 6-204925.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one of examples of conventional diversity receivers. As shown in FIG. 5, the diversity receiver includes a first receiving circuit 1, a second receiving circuit 2, a switch 3 and a receiving level detection circuit 4.
The first receiving circuit 1 is input with a first receiving signal 21 and outputs a first receiving data 23 and a first receiving level data 25 indicative of an electric field intensity of the first receiving signal 21. On the other hand, the second receiving circuit 2 is input with a second receiving signal 22 and outputs a second receiving data 24 and a second receiving level data 26 indicative of an electric field intensity of the second receiving signal 22. It is noted that the first receiving signal 21 and the second receiving signal 22 are the same signal, but received by a different antenna located in a different position respectively.
Further, the receiving level judge circuit 4 is input with the first receiving level data 25 and the second receiving level data 26, compares them and judges one of them whose electric field intensity is higher than the other and outputs the judging result as a level judge signal 30. The switch 3 has inputs supplied with the first receiving data 23 and the second receiving data 24 and outputs one of the receiving data 23 and 24 whose electric field intensity is higher according to the level judge signal 30 from the receiving level judge circuit 4.
In the foregoing conventional diversity receiver, when the receiving signal is weak and its signal level is low, there may be a case where the receiving level data of a fault receiving circuit, which does not output receiving data properly, becomes the same as that of a normal receiving circuit. Therefore, there may be a case where, although the receiving data of the normal receiving circuit is to be selected, the receiving data of the fault receiving circuit is selected and thus there is a defect that the communication quality is degraded when the receiving level is low and one of the receiving circuits is faulty.


A method including photomodulating mammalian tissue with more than one light source of narrowband, multi chromatic electromagnetic radiation, wherein at least one light source emits radiation at a wavelength corresponding to yellow light and at least one light source emits radiation corresponding to infra-red light, wherein the ratio of the intensity of yellow light to infra-red light is about 4:1.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to method and devices for the photodynamic regulation of cell proliferation and gene expression. In particular, the invention relates to the reducing, reversing, and/or diminishing the effects of sunburn, thermal burns, chemical burns, radiation burns, various types of wounds, such as traumatic, surgical, laser, chemical peel, cosmetic surgery, warfare agents or injuries, freezing, hypoxia, vascular insufficiency, bruising, chronic ulcers, etc., allergic reactions or contact dermatitis, and various inflammatory diseases.
2. Description of the Background
Chronological aging, "photo-aging", i.e., the aging of skin caused by exposure to natural and synthetic light sources, disease, and trauma all bring about changes in the appearance of human and mammalian skin as well as changes in the structure and function of the skin. All living cells, tissues and organs also undergo changes associated with chronological aging, bruising, photo-aging, disease, and trauma. Since the human skin is an organ that is highly visible, the changes associated with these conditions are readily apparent and visible. These changes are reflections of the underlying structural and functional changes.
The most widely appreciated form of skin aging is that which is produced by over exposure and repeated chronic exposure to sunlight and is generally termed photoaging. More specifically certain portions of the ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) and have been determined to be the principal causative factors of what are associated with photoaging.
For many years it was thought that photoaging occurred through a different mechanism of action or and was somehow different than chronological aging. However, more recently it appears that photoaging and chronological aging may share similar, if not identical pathways.
Solar radiation is composed of ultraviolet (LTV), visible and infrared, light. Current conventions divide IJV radiation into UVA (320-400 nm), UUB (290-320 nm) and UVC (<290 nm). UVC radiation is blocked by ozone in the stratosphere and does not reach the earth's surface, but can be generated by germicidal lamps and other machinery. UVA and UVB sunlight do reach the earth and are believed to be the principal agents of photoaging. UVA radiation is further subdivided into UVA 1 and UVA 2. While UVB has been believed to be the primary agent for photoaging, it is now appreciated that certain wavelength ranges within the UVA rays also contribute to changes associated with photoaging.
Acute environmental injuries include sunburn from UV light and other thermal, chemical, and other types of burns or burn-like injuries. These type of injuries produce not only damaged cells, but dying cells. Damaged cells may either repair the damage and return to normal, repair the damage imperfectly and produce an abnormal or sub-optimally functioning cell, or the cells may die. In the case of sunburn chronic sun-damage accumulates damaged and imperfectly repaired cells to produce what might be termed 'solar scars' but we more commonly think of these as 'wrinkles'. That is a wrinkle is really the result of accumulation of imperfectly repaired cell damage. Likewise the brown 'liver' or 'age spots' that are common as one ages and photoages are similarly damage to the pigment cells or melanocytes.
Acute UV injury or sunburn produces dying cells in the upper skin layer or epidermis called 'sunburn cells'. Counting sunburn cells is a classic scientific method to quantify the severity of damage to these keratinocyte cells. Therapies which reduce the number of sunburn cells are considered beneficial to diminishing the severity of the injury or repairing or reversing the injury. More generally speaking damaged cells which might recover or die are termed 'apoptotic' cells and those cells which are irreversibly damaged and will die are termed 'necrotic' cells. Treatments which can turn necrotic cells into living cells would be considered treatments which 'rescue' or 'revive' the cells which are destined for death. Such treatments and therapies would have great importance in treating not only acute sunburn, but sub-acute sun damage that leads to accumulated chronic damage. The ability to 'rescue' dying cells in wounds, burns, etc would have a powerful impact on healing time, scarring or lack thereof, infection risk, and even survival of entire organs or organisms. The pertinent arts have, heretofore, been unable to produce a system or method for reviving or rescuing necrotic cells or those in advanced stages of necrosis.
UVA and UVB light exposure to human skin triggers a series of molecular events including the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin. Through a series of cell signaling events collagen production is down regulated and various enzymes known to degrade structural proteins in the skin up-regulated. The net result of this is a decrease in collagen and the production of wound. The skin's reaction to UVA or UVB (or combined) wounding is to repair the wound through the skins wound healing mechanism. Typically these wound repair mechanisms are imperfect which is considered by many to be a solar scar. After many years of the UVA or UVB wounding of the skin, chronic solar scarring develops which manifests itself in the visible phenotypic changes termed photoaging, which might also be considered the visible outward evidence of solar scars.
Photoaging of the skin may occur through acute injury at higher levels, such as what one associates with sunburn. This triggers an inflammatory process in the skin and the associated cellular mechanisms. There is also a more chronic low-level type of injury that does not produce a sunburn reaction, but which produces the changes of chronic photoaging. Other processes, which are known to decrease collagen production and increase collagen-dissolving enzymes, such as tobacco smoking, also are associated with changes that visibly appear, similar to the photoaging from UVA/UVB light. This can be seen strikingly in photographs of identical twins wherein only one twin smoked tobacco for many years.
UVB radiation in sufficient doses produces reddening or sun burning of the skin. The threshold level is typically described as minimal erythema' dose (MED), typically produced by 290-300 nm UVB wavelengths. As the wavelengths increase they become much less likely to produce the redness and burning reactions and indeed wavelengths of 320 nm are about 100 times as powerful as wavelengths of 340 nm approximately 100 times less powerful than the 290-300 nm range of producing erythema and sunburns. The total UVB exposure is more related to the appearance of photoaging and sunburns are more likely to trigger malignant changes in the skin such as malignant melanoma. In contrast, UVA radiation can produce redness, but also produced tanning and these are the wavelengths typically used for the so-called tanning beds. UVA radiation is a longer wavelength and is proportionately greater in the early morning and late afternoon and the UUB rays, which are typically most predominant and intense at the midday summer sun time exposure period, UVA radiation may also penetrate certain sun blocks mid certain sunscreens and also window glass on automobiles, thus accounting for the frequently observed greater wrinkling, brown pigmentation and redness and overall aged appearance on the left side of the face than the right in patients who occupationally or recreationally spend considerable time driving a left hand drive motor vehicle.
In sunny countries with fair complexioned populations, such as Australia, where right hand drive motor vehicles are used, these changes are seen typically seen on the right side of the face. The patterns of photoaging are determined by which areas of the body are anatomically are more chronically exposed to sunlight. Thus, the face, neck, back of hands, upper chest, lower arms, lower legs and depending on hair styling and density, ears and balding areas manifest the greatest photoaging changes.
The chronological changes and photoaging changes typically are manifest by fine lines and wrinkling of the skin. A coarser, crepey texture to the skin, skin laxity and skin sagging, uneven pigmentation, brown splotchy pigment, loss of skin tone, texture and radiancy, bruising and sallowness. The skin is composed of several layers, the outermost layer is called the stratamocornium (SC), next layer is the epidermis (EPI), and underneath the epidermis lies the dermis (DER). The outer SC serves primarily a barrier function to protect the skin from environmental exposure and also to help minimize water loss from the skin. The epidermis serves many important and diverse roles as does the dermis. The dermis contains the principal structural proteins of the skin. These proteins are collagen, elastin and ground substance. They are manufactured by the fibroblast cells within the dermis. Fibroblast cells control the activity to produce these proteins as regulated by a complex and relatively well defined series of cell receptors and cell signaling mechanisms.
The proliferation of these cells is also an important activity. For example, the dermis also contains blood vessels, nerve fibers, oil and sweat glands, hair follicles and many other important components. There is a remarkably complex inner communication through cell signaling in the cells of the skin. Fibroblasts produced what are termed pro-collagen fibers, which are then insymmetrically assembled into collagen fibers, and form bundles within the dermis. Other molecules, such as decorin affect the function of the collagen. There are various sub-types of collagen fibers such as Collagen I, Ill, etc., within the body. Collagen I comprises approximately 85% of the skin and Collagen III approximately 10%. However, in photoaged skin the amount of Collagen I decreases so the ratio of Collagen III/I is altered.
There are also a variety of enzymes termed matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) which play important roles in aging skin. Fibroblasts also have important functions in wound healing with the removal of damaged structural ECM and the repair and production of (ECM). The Collagen I is degraded principally by MMP 1 (collagenase). There are a variety of MMP enzymes, which degrade one or more of the structural proteins in the skin. While these degrading MMP enzymes serve an important role in removing damaged skin (for example, in wound healing), their activation and synthesis in increased quantities in normal skin helps contribute to the changes seen in both chronological and photoaging. Likewise, if the production of Collagen I is decreased or diminished this results in changes which are associated with chronologically or photoaged skin. Aging or senescent fibroblasts may exhibit decreased synthesis of Collagen I and increased synthesis of MMP 1. Similar changes are seen with UVA/UVB exposure. Other environmental agents may produce similar changes.
Certain drugs, therapies, chemicals, active agents have been demonstrated to reversing the appearance of or phenotype of a chronologically aging or photoaging skin. Some topically applied agents serve as a physical or optical barrier either by reflection or absorption of ultraviolet light thus protecting the skin. There are also enzymes that have been to shown actually repair the DNA dimers which are produced from UV damage. Other topically applied or oral or systemically agents have been shown to improve the appearance of the skin. One of the classic and well-known agents is a topical Vitamin A derivatives termed Retinoids. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability to improve the appearance or phenotype of photoaged skin with the use of all-trans retinoic acid (RA). Many of the pathways involve the mechanism of action of RA and also Retinol (RO), Much of the mechanism of action in the cell signaling pathways through which RA appears to produce anti-aging effects.
One of the goals of some current anti-aging therapies is to increase production of collagen in the ECM and the dermis of the skin. Some believe collagen I is the more desirable form of collagen to increase. There is some support for this since photoaged skin has less desirable visco elastic properties and this is thought in part to be due to the increased proportion of collagen Ill to collagen I. Other anti-aging approaches indicate that reducing the activity or production of the degrading enzymes in the ECM will similarly produce an anti-aging effect in the appearance of the skin. Doing a combination of both is even more beneficial. An analogy one might make is the production of new collagen I and that of freshly newly fallen snow. The amount of accumulation of the fresh snowfall is dependent both on the amount of snow that is fallen as well as the amount of the freshly fallen snow which then melts. Thus one could envision an anti-aging therapy which stimulated new collagen production (newly fallen snow). When a piece of black asphalt in a parking lot abuts a piece of warmer black asphalt adjoins a colder piece of concrete or frozen ground, while the amount of new snowfall is equal in both areas, the amount of accumulated snow is less was melted by the asphalt. If an anti-aging therapy stimulates collagen I production, but does not diminish MMP 1 activity, the net increase in collagen I will be smaller than if the MMP 1 activity is also decreased.
Historically there have been many approaches to restoring a youthful appearance to human skin for achieving anti-aging or age reversal therapies. Most methods utilize some form of triggering the body's own wound healing mechanism. The more destructive and traumatic methods use chemicals to peel off the stratum cornium epidermis and often a portion of the dermis or they mechanically abraded by sand papering or dermabrating or more recently high-energy thermal lasers have been used to vaporize or coagulate the skin. These methods have a prolonged and painful wounding period and require wound care and patients typically must limit their daily social and business activities during the wound-healing phase. Subsequently the skin undergoes months or years an on going wound healing and wound remodeling process whereby damage is repaired and new structural proteins in skin are generated. These treatments typically amount to trying to produce a controlled entry to the skin and proving the wound care environment that minimizes the risk of scarring. These methods are notoriously known for producing many problems and sometimes even disfiguring scarring or catastrophic pigment changes in the skin. However, properly performed and with good wound care, many people achieved significant and sometimes dramatic anti-aging effects. Other gentler methods have become more popular in recent years which involve the classic plastic surgery lifting procedures and newer procedures termed non-ablative where the outer stratum eornium and epidermis are not removed or blated from the skin, but are by various means and methods protected and left in tact. Non-ablative methods have typically been thermal in nature and through various means of laser light, intense pulsed light, radio frequency or microwave energy delivery then produced a thermal injury to the dermis. The theory behind these therapies is that this injury will result in a net increase in the desirable structural proteins, while not triggering, worsening, scarring or other complications. Results are occasionally traumatic but have been extremely variable with this therapy. The variability in individuals wound healing repair mechanism and the overall health of their body and skin and many other factors contribute to this variability.
There are various topical agents that have been developed for anti-aging purposes such as Retinoic acid, topical Vitamin C, topical Vitamin B and other antioxidant and other antiwrinkle creams and lotions. Many of these are well defined. Additional topical compositions, cosmeceuticals, etc. are disclosed in applicant's copending application U.S. Ser. No. 09/899,894, entitled "Method and Apparatus for the Photomodulation of Living Cells", filed Jun. 29, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, methods for enhancing the penetration of such composition into the skin using ultrasound radiation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,374, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,753, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Use of such compositions for wound treatment, acne reduction, and other dermatological conditions is described in applicant's copending application Ser. No. 09/933,870, filed Aug. 22, 2001, which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Additional discussion of the related art is described in applications copending application Ser. No. 10/119,772, filed Apr. 11, 2002, and 60/461,512, filed Apr. 10, 2003, which are also incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
There is a need to improve the appearance of chronologically aged, photoaged, or environmentally damaged skin, as well as skin that has been damaged by disease or trauma, but without producing the risk, complications, recovery time, pain, discomfort, wound care or other side effects traditionally associated with surgical, chemical, electromagnetic radiation and other types of therapies.

System and method for the photodynamic treatment of burns, wounds, and related skin disorders


A reversible thermosensitive recording material is composed of a reversible thermosensitive recording layer capable of reversibly assuming a transparent state and a white opaque state depending on the temperature thereof, in which recording layer an organic low-molecular-weight material is dispersed in a matrix resin, the organic low-molecular-weight material being composed of a eutectic mixture containing as the main component a saturated higher fatty acid with 23 to 32 carbon atoms and a higher fatty acid.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reversible thermosensitive recording material which is capable of forming images therein and erasing the same therefrom by utilizing the performance that a reversible thermosensitive recording layer of the recording material reversibly assumes a transparent state and a white opaque state depending upon the temperature thereof.
2. Discussion of the Background
Reversible thermosensitive recording materials are conventionally known, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications 54-119377 and 55-154198. These conventional reversible thermosensitive recording materials have the shortcoming that a temperature range where the reversible thermosensitive recording material assumes a transparent state is as narrow as 2.degree. to 4.degree. C. Because of such a narrow temperature range, temperature control is difficult in forming images in the recording material by utilizing the reversible change between the transparent state and the white opaque state of the reversible thermosensitive recording material.
To eliminate the above-mentioned shortcoming, a particular higher fatty acid ester is used as a eutectic agent in the reversible thermosensitive recording material, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Applications 63-39378 and 63-130380. In the above-mentioned applications, however, the temperature range is increased toward the low temperature side. There remains a problem of the obtained images disappearing at a temperature of 50.degree. to 60.degree. C.
In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 3-2089, the inventors of the present invention have proposed to use an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having a high melting point in the reversible thermosensitive recording layer in order to increase the temperature range where the reversible thermosensitive recording material can assume a transparent state toward the high temperature side. As a result, the preservability of the images can be ensured at temperatures of 50.degree. to 60.degree. C.
In line with diversified usage and with the development of the market for reversible thermosensitive recording materials, there is an increasing demand for the capability of preserving the image at temperatures as high as 70.degree. to 80.degree. C. More specifically, the above-mentioned demand is directed to the case where the reversible thermosensitive recording material is used or stored, for example, exposed to direct sunlight, or left in a closed car in the summer. Accordingly, it is necessary to further increase the temperature range where the reversible thermosensitive recording material assumes a transparent state toward the high temperature side.


A universal mounting system for attaching any of a variety of I.V. devices to an I.V. pole. The mounting system has both a C-clamp and a spring-actuated clamp. The C-clamp attaches to the I.V. pole with a threaded stud that is manually adjustable with a knob. The spring-actuated clamp secures the I.V. device and is pivotally connected to the C-clamp by a pivot-screw that extends through both a spring and a non-threaded bore that is formed in the C-clamp, and exits at a recess area on the C-clamp. The pivot-screw is threaded into a threaded bore that extends through a projection on the spring-actuated clamp. The projection fits within the recess to prevent pivoting of the spring-actuated clamp relative to the C-clamp. The spring-actuated clamp has two aligned, opposing and spring-loaded clips for holding I.V. devices. The clips pivot and fulcrum together at a pivot point between the ends of each clip so as to bring the clip ends together to a clamped position on an I.V. device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching devices to a stand (hereinafter "I.V. stand") used for supporting various types of bags or bottles holding liquids for intravenous delivery to a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universal mounting system which allows for quick, one-handed attachment and release of various I.V. devices to an I.V. pole, where the I.V. pole may be of varying configurations, including different sizes, shapes and orientations.
2. Background Art
One of the more basic tools used in a medical environment is an I.V. stand. The typical I.V. stand is comprised of an elongated member, or pole, which may be oriented either vertically or horizontally, and may additionally have any one of a variety of cross-sectional geometric shapes, including round, hexagonal or square. The pole is placed upon and supported by a base plate or pedestal. Typically, I.V. devices such as supply bags or bottles of an I.V. liquid--normally blood, saline solution, or medication--are attached to the I.V. pole. These liquids are then delivered via a thin tube to a patient who is in a bed adjacent the I.V. stand.
As medical technologies and treatment techniques have advanced, there are an increasingly large number of I.V. liquids that must be delivered to a patient. As such, there are often additional devices that must be attached to the I.V. stand to manage, control, measure, and/or monitor the delivery of these various liquids. One such device is referred to as a manifold which provides for the selective intravenous delivery of any one of a variety of fluids to a patient through a single delivery tube. Another such device is known as a multi-catheter organizer. This device is designed to attach to an I.V. stand and allow for the attachment of numerous catheter tubes in a collective and orderly fashion.
In order to minimize equipment costs and increase flexibility of use, these devices are typically required to be adaptable for use with various types of I.V. stands. In recognition of this, such devices have typically been mounted on an I.V. pole by way of a clamping assembly. However, there are several disadvantages inherent in the currently available clamping assemblies.
Often, these clamping assemblies are capable of attachment to the I.V. stand in only one position. Thus they may not be used interchangeably between a horizontally disposed I.V. pole and a vertically disposed I.V. pole. Similarly, these clamping assemblies are often limited as to the size and/or shape of the I.V. pole to which they can attach. While a clamp on a clamping assembly may be capable of attaching to a round I.V. pole, it may not be capable of attaching to a hexagonal, or square shaped pole. Similarly, these clamps are often limited to specific widths or diameters of poles to which they can properly attach. Each of these limitations restricts the adaptability and limits the usefulness of the clamping assembly.
Another and more substantial drawback of the currently available clamping assemblies is the inability to quickly attach and detach the various types of devices to the I.V. stand. Typically, these clamping assemblies utilize a "U" or C-shaped rigid clamping member in conjunction with a clamping screw that must be tightened or loosened by hand in order to clamp, or unclamp such a device as a manifold, catheter organizer or the like to an I.V. pole. The disadvantage of this configuration is the inherent difficulty of being able to quickly and firmly attach a device to the I.V. pole. Medical personnel are often required to quickly remove and attach various kinds of devices to an I.V. pole, especially in a hurried medical situation. The current clamping assemblies require an undue amount of time and difficulty to operate them. With clamping assemblies common in the prior art, a user must use both hands, one to grasp the clamp or pole while loosening or tightening the clamp's bolt or screw with the other hand, which proves to be slow and cumbersome. Also, it is difficult to hang an I.V. device, such as a catheter organizer, and attach it to or remove it from an I.V. stand while at the same time adjusting the clamping assembly's bolt. Often, this will undesirably result in the catheter organizer, or similar I.V. device, being dropped on the ground.
An additional disadvantage to clamping assemblies currently in use is that how securely a device is held is entirely dependent on the user sufficiently tightening the clamping bolt. Insufficient tightening may result in the device falling off the I.V. stand. Over-tightening results in adding difficulty when subsequently untightening to remove the device, and may even result in damage to the device, which is often constructed out of plastic materials.


According to an embodiment, the control unit produces a first control signal and a second control signal. The first control signal is to set an intermittent reception period. The second control signal is to control a start-up of reception of a wireless signal. When the reception processing is implemented during the intermittent reception period, the RF unit stops in accordance with an instruction of the control unit after the reception processing signal is outputted, the intermittent reception period is awoken. When the reception processing exceeds the intermittent reception period, the RF unit continues the reception, and stops in accordance with the instruction of the control unit after the reception processing signal is outputted.

Many wireless communication apparatuses employ intermittent operation. The intermittent operation stops the apparatuses when input-output signals do not exist. The intermittent operation sets the apparatuses to a standby mode to reduce their consumption current. An intermittent reception permits an RF unit or a microcomputer to operate during the intermittent reception. The intermittent reception sets the microcomputer to a sleep mode during signal waiting.
The wireless communication apparatuses for keyless entry have a standby period longer than an operating period. The wireless communication apparatuses for keyless entry have a data-transfer amount smaller than that of a common data-communication system. Wireless signals are transmitted from mobile phones for keyless entry. Received signals are not necessarily detected during an intermittent reception period. For this reason, the intermittent operation makes it difficult to shorten an intermittent reception period and reduce consumption current.


A cable having a sensor for measuring variables comprises an insulation displacement contact (IDC) that is at least partially enclosed within a sensor housing having the sensor disposed therein. The IDC comprises one or more IDC sheath prongs that extend through an insulating sheath to the conducting wire of the cable. The IDC continuously extends from an IDC longitudinal first end to an IDC longitudinal second end. The sensor housing comprises a first housing side and a second housing side. When the IDC is at least partially enclosed by the sensor housing, a first housing side longitudinal first end and a second housing side longitudinal first end are proximate the IDC longitudinal first end, and a first housing side longitudinal second end and a second housing side longitudinal second end are proximate the IDC longitudinal second end.

Grain bins provide storage for agricultural products, such as wheat and corn. The temperature and humidity of agricultural products in a grain bin is monitored and controlled to reduce spoilage and increase storage times. In-line cable sensors are used to monitor temperature and humidity levels at different vertical points within a grain bin.