A transform function represented by at least n points that define n−1 regions is determined based at least in part on a first set of values associated with a display frame and a maximum average contrast function. The n points can be determined in response to a change in an average contrast of the display frame compared to an average contrast of a previous display frame exceeding a predetermined threshold. The first set of values is converted to a corresponding second set of values based on the transform function. A backlight control signal is generated based on an average contrast of the second set of values, whereby the backlight control signal is configured to control an intensity of a backlight of a display. Further, a video signal is generated based on the second set of values, whereby the video signal configured to drive the display.

A number of display architectures, such as the liquid crystal display (LCD) architecture, make use of backlighting to facilitate display of images (still images or video) at a display device. In portable display devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, and notebook computers, powering the backlight subsystem can constitute a significant portion (e.g. 40%) of the total power consumption of the display device, thereby significantly impacting the total operating time for a given battery power capacity. Accordingly, various conventional techniques have been implemented in an effort to reduce the power consumed by backlighting. While these conventional techniques often reduce the power consumed by backlighting, it typically is at the expense of display fidelity. One conventional technique includes simply reducing the backlight intensity while increasing the LCD transmittance. This adaptation, however, detrimentally impacts the contrast of the displayed image. Another conventional technique, histogram stretching, attempts to salvage image contrast while reducing backlight intensity by setting thresholds at the brightest and darkest regions of the image. This process, however, leads to distortion in the pixels in both the brightest and darkest regions. Accordingly, an improved technique for enhancing image contrast so as to facilitate use of a lower backlight intensity level would be advantageous.

Adaptive backlight control and contrast enhancement


Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inhibiting viral entry into cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 entry into target cells is initiated by a high-affinity binding of HIV-1 envelope gp120 glycoprotein to the primary receptor CD4, and the subsequent interaction of CD4-bound gp120 with the appropriate chemokine receptor (co-receptor), either CXCR4 or CCR5. See, e.g., Feng et al. (1996) Science 272:872-877; Deng et al. (1996) Nature 381:661-666. Most HIV strains are dependent upon the CD4/CCR5 receptor/co-receptor combination to gain entry into a cell and are termed CCR5 (or R5) tropic. Some viral strains however are dependent on the CD4/CXCR4 receptor/co-receptor combination and are termed CXCR4 (or X4) tropic, while others can utilize both the CD4/CCR5 and CD4/CXCR4 combinations and are termed dual (or R5/X4) tropic.
The engagement of gp120 with the correct co-receptor leads to the exposure of the viral gp41 fusion peptide (FP), which inserts into the target cell membrane producing a so-called pre-hairpin intermediate bridging the viral and host cell membranes. In the pre-hairpin structure, the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) of gp41 forms a trimeric coiled-coil, onto which the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of gp41 folds to form a 6-helical bundle (also called trimer-of-hairpins). The formation of trimer-of-hairpins drives the two membranes in close apposition, and ultimately leads to membrane fusion and the release of the viral nucleocapsid core into the cells. See, e.g., Chan et al. (1997) Cell 89:263-273; Eckert et al. (2001) Annu Rev Biochem 70:777-810.
The pre-hairpin intermediate has a relatively long half-life (see, e.g., Munoz-Barroso et al. (1998) J Cell Biol 140:315-323) and constitutes a target for active new drug development. Several peptides derived from the NHR and CHR regions of gp41, designated N- and C-peptides, respectively, have potent anti-HIV fusion activity, through blocking the formation of trimer-of-hairpins or other mechanisms. Examples of such anti-HIV fusion C-peptides are SJ-2176, T-20, N36 and C34. (Liu et al. (2005) J Biol Chem 280:11259-11273). Such peptide fusion inhibitors can potentially become anti-HIV therapeutics. For example, fuzeon (also known as T-20 or enfuvirtide), one of the synthetic C-peptides, was the first peptide fusion inhibitor to gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use to treat AIDS (Rockstroh et al. (2004) Antimicrob Chemother 53:700-702).
At least some peptide fusion inhibitors appear to tolerate being used in protein conjugation or membrane-anchoring. For example, an albumin-conjugated C34 peptide fusion inhibitor exhibited improved anti-HIV activity in vivo (Stoddart et al. (2008) J Biol Chem 283:34045-34052). Other examples include a membrane-anchored N-peptide made by conjugating with a fatty acid (Wexler-Cohen et al. (2009) PLoS Pathog 5, e1000509) and a C-peptide made by addition of a cholesterol group (Ingallinella et al. (2009) Proc Nat'l Acad Sci USA 106:5801-5806), which also exhibited improved anti-HIV activity. Furthermore, direct membrane-anchored (surface expressed) peptide fusion inhibitor exhibited potent anti-HIV activities in vitro (see, e.g., Hildinger et al. (2001) J Virol 75(6):3038-42 and Egelhofer et al. (2004) J Virol 78(2):568-75), and importantly, conferred a survival advantage to cells expressing a peptide fusion inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo in the presence of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or HIV (see, e.g., Kimpel et al. (2010) PLoS One 5(8); Zahn et al. (2008) Gene Ther 15(17):1210-22).
Entry of HIV-1 into target cells can be prevented by targeted disruption or knock-out of the HIV-1 coreceptors. U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20080159996 and 20100291048 disclose nuclease-mediated genomic modification of CCR5 and CXCR4. However, the disruption or knock-out of viral receptors such as CXCR4 may have undesired consequences in some circumstances, for example, a hampered response to its natural chemokine ligand, CXCL12, which is involved in T cell homing and inflammatory responses.
Thus, there remains a need for the development of novel anti-HIV strategies to prevent HIV infection without disruption of the normal chemokine receptor functions, for instance by developing methods and compositions for attachment of a peptide fusion inhibitor to a cell surface (e.g., viral) receptor to inhibit viral entry and treat viral diseases.

Methods and compositions for inhibiting viral entry into cells


A proximity sensor receives light beams reflected from a goods. A proximity sensor control unit determines that the goods exists when a light quantity of the reflected light received by the proximity sensor exceeds a determination threshold value. The determination threshold value increases as elapsed time since the bar code was read last time becomes longer, and, as a result, a detection sensitivity decreases. A CPU restores a duty of irradiation of the laser beam back to 100% and resumes rotations of a motor for driving an operation optical system when the proximity sensor control unit determines that the goods exists.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a bar code reading apparatus for detecting variations in intensity of reflected light from a bar code which is irradiated with laser beams scanned by a scanning optical system. The present invention relates more particularly to a bar code reading apparatus which can automatically decrease intensity of the laser beams and stop the scanning by the scanning optical system when unused.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A practice of managing merchandise and inventory by using bar codes has been popularized in recent years as represented, for example by a POS (point-of-sale); system in a distribution business. For example, in a POS system of a retail store, items of data such as kinds, sales prices, of the goods, etc. are encoded in a bar code format, and the encoded bar code is printed on the goods or printed on a lable affixed to the goods. Then, the bar code is read at a cash register, or posterminal and the payment of the goods is made based on the read data. Subsequently, the numbers of sales of the goods are determined in real time, which can be useful for stocking, inventory, and purchasing management.
By the way, the above bar code reading apparatus for reading the bar code can be classified into a fixed type used when the goods are relatively small and a hand-held type used when the goods are relatively large. The fixed type involves the use of a mechanism for scanning the bar code with irradiated light beams in multi-directions so that the bar code can be read even when the goods are set over the bar code reader without an operator being aware of a direction of the bar code. More specifically, the fixed type uses a polygon mirror and fixed reflecting mirrors in combination. Laser beams acting as reading irradiated light beams are reflected by a single reflection surface of the polygon mirror, during which these reflected light beams are sequentially incident upon a plurality of fixed reflecting mirrors in order and deflected in a variety of directions for scanning. The bar code reading apparatus receives the reflected light beams from the surface of the goods during such scanning, and decodes the data encoded in the bar code on the basis of variations in intensity of the received light beams.
In this fixed type bar code reader, a laser diode used as a laser light source naturally has a finite usable life. Accordingly, if an emission of the laser beams continues even in a standby where the reading of the bar code is not yet carried out although a power is supplied to the laser reading apparatus, the laser diode might require frequent replacement. Similarly, if the optical scanning system is constantly driven, a fault is more likely to occur, and a large quantity of electric power is unnecessarily dissipated.
Conventional bar code reading devices have attempted to solve these problems by utilizing a trigger switch or an item sensor in the vicinity of a bar code reading position (which may be an external surface of a glass plate inset in an outer wall of the bar code reading apparatus so that the laser beams penetrate it toward the outside). In the conventional bar code reading apparatus, an optical scanning system is driven and the laser beams are emitted only when the goods is detected by the trigger switch or the item sensor.
However, in cases where the goods are mechanically detected by the trigger switch or the item sensor, the operator must take steps to make the goods contact with the trigger switch or the item sensor. Hence, the operator has to perform the reading operation while being aware of the trigger switch or the item sensor.

Bar code scanner with laser power down feature


A method and system is disclosed for reducing and monitoring precipitated defects on mask reticles. A predetermined gas is provided into an environment surrounding the reticle assembly for reducing a formation of the precipitated defects around the mask reticle caused by photolithography under a light source having a small wavelength.

The present disclosure relates to the fabrication of high performance integrated circuits, and more particularly, relates to methods for reducing and monitoring of precipitated defects on the masking reticles used for the photolithography processes.
The manufacture of very large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits requires the use of many photolithography process steps to define and create specific circuits on the semiconductor wafer (substrate) surface. A conventional photolithography system comprises of several basic subsystems such as a light source, optical transmission elements, transparent photo mask reticles, and electronic controllers. The system is used to project a specific circuit image, defined by the mask reticle, onto a semiconductor wafer coated with a light sensitive film (photoresist) coating. After image exposure, the film is then developed leaving the printed image of the circuit on the wafer. As VLSI technology advances to higher performance, circuits become geometrically smaller and more dense.
Advancements to photolithography processing were required. The implementation of very short wavelength (<300 nanometers) light in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) spectrum for use as the exposure source was required for successful printing of the smaller, high performance circuits. FIG. 1 illustrates a simple diagram of a conventional DUV photolithography system comprised of a DUV light source 102, mask reticle assembly 104, production wafer 106 and the system controllers 108.
A major issue with the shrinking geometries of the new technologies is precipitated defects. As device features shrink, the minimum size threshold for defects that either disturb or kill device/circuit performance shrinks as well. Photolithography systems are very much affected by such defects. Defects that fall or grow upon on the mask reticle may cause false, broken and defective images to be printed onto the semiconductor wafer. These defective images may render the entire circuit useless.
FIG. 2A illustrates a detailed view of a conventional mask reticle assembly 200. The reticle assembly comprises a mask reticle including a transparent reticle blank 202 with a thin opaque, metal film pattern 204 adhered to one side. This opaque pattern is the circuit image (reticle pattern) that is projected and exposed onto the production wafer. Mask reticle assembly 200 further includes a pellicle frame assembly 205 covers the reticle's metal pattern 204. This structure 205 features a transparent pellicle film 206, aligned parallel to the reticle pattern, with side support frames 208 that are attached to the outer edges of the reticle blank 202 via adhesive 210, to complete the enclosure covering the metal film pattern 204.
During the normal usage and handling of the mask reticle assembly 200 precipitated defects may collect and grow onto the assembly, both outside the reticle pattern 204 and pellicle frame 205, as well as inside the volume confined by the reticle blank 202 and pellicle frame. Certain defect accumulation may occur as a result of continued usage and handling of the assembly. Precipitated defects may be caused by air-borne contamination from the environment, pellicle glue, reticle pod outgassing, pellicle frame H2SO4 residue, from chemical growth and deposition from the reactions, and from the mixing of residual chemical fumes. To avoid high levels of product wafer defectivity and low yield, the mask reticle assembly 200 must be periodically disassembled and subjected to detailed time-consuming, expensive cleaning processes and/or replacements prior to reassembly for reuse.
Common chemicals used for cleaning the reticle's metal pattern are solutions based upon ammonia/ammonium, strong bases, and sulfates from strong (sulfuric) acids. Despite rigorous water rinsing after cleaning in the above solutions, minute residuals of the ammonia and sulfate ions may still remain on the reticle assembly components. The pellicle frame 205 enclosure around the metal pattern 204 is efficient for protecting the reticle from exterior precipitated defects. However, it is likely to trap the minute ammonia and sulfate residual ions inside the pellicle frame 205 near the reticle pattern 204. FIG. 2A illustrates these areas within and outside the reticle mask assembly 200. The confined volume 212 may contain higher concentrations of ammonia and/or sulfate ions than the areas 214 outside of the assembly 200. The high concentration of such chemical ions in the area 206 in such a close proximity to the reticle pattern 204 is not desirable. The mixture of such ions within the enclosed volume 212 and the slow inward diffusion of trace chemicals from the exterior environment through the pellicle frame 205 may slowly cause chemical precipitated defects to deposit and grow onto the reticle's metal pattern 204. For example, the reaction of ammonia and sulfate ions will produce ammonium sulfate precipitated defects.
It is also noted that ammonia/ammonium based chemicals and sulfuric acid are commonly used in other operations of IC fabrication. These other operations may be additional environmental sources for such contamination to migrate into the volume enclosed by the reticle blank 202 and pellicle frame 205. Furthermore, as the mask reticle is continuously used in the photolithography production, energy supplied from the light source may accelerate and promote precipitated defect growth. In time, the defects will grow to significant size and quantity, enough to cause defective printed patterns and low circuit yield. This phenomenon is illustrated in FIG. 2B. The reticle mask assembly 200 is shown with DUV light 216 exposure turned on. Precipitated defects 218 are shown growing and depositing upon or near the reticle pattern.
Although the pellicle frame 205 enclosing the reticle pattern 204 is not hermetically sealed, evacuation of the undesired chemical fumes is hard to control or can not be ascertained. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a controlled method for reducing the formation of the precipitated defects.

Method and system for reducing and monitoring precipitated defects on masking reticles

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Inc.


A method of cleaning a process tube and a wafer boat, comprising the steps of, carrying wafers out of the process tube, controlling the temperature in the process tube saw as or lower than a process temperature and higher than a boiling point of ClF.sub.3, said process temperature being kept in the process tube when the process of forming film on the wafers is carried out in the process tube, and supplying ClF.sub.3 -contained cleaning gas into the process tube to react the cleaning gas with the film of the silicon oxide adhering to the inner wall of the process tube and the wafer boat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a process tube and a wafer boat and more particularly, it relates to a process tube cleaning method capable of more efficiently removing film of the silicon oxide group to make the cleaning rate as higher as possible.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, film such as group of the polysilicon (Poly-Si), silicon nitride (SiN) and silicon oxide (SiO.sub.2) is formed on each of semiconductor wafers in the course of manufacturing semiconductor devices, using the pressure-reduced or normal pressure CVD apparatus.
In the course of forming film of the SiO.sub.2 group on each of the semiconductor wafers, for example, the wafer boat is loaded in the process tube of the pressure-reduced CVD apparatus and heated under reduced pressure. SiH.sub.4 and O.sub.2 gases are then introduced into the process tube to form SiO.sub.2 film on each of the silicon wafers. When the wafer boat is loaded and unloaded, the temperature in the process tube is kept substantially same as that in the process tube in which the film forming process is being carried out. When the film forming process is conducted, SiO.sub.2 film adheres to the inner wall of the process tube and quartz-made tools in the tube When the layer of SiO.sub.2 adhering to the inner wall of the process tube develops as the film forming process is repeated, it peels off the inner wall of the process tube, scattering its particles in the process tube. These particles adhere to the wafers and contaminate them, thereby lowering the productivity of wafers. In the conventional case, therefore, the temperature in the process tube is lowered to room temperature at a certain interval and the process tube is then detached from the apparatus along with the quartz-made tools. The adhering SiO.sub.2 film is thus removed from the process tube and the tools by wet washing.
When the wet washing is employed, however, it takes a long time to lower and raise the temperature in the process tube and to detach the process tube from the apparatus. The time period during which the apparatus is left inoperative becomes longer accordingly, thereby remarkably lowering the operation rate of the apparatus.
The process tube and the boat loading section of the CVD apparatus must be kept under reduced pressure. A new CVD apparatus having a load lock system for keeping the process tube and the loading section under this state has been therefore discussed these days of its practical use. When the CVD apparatus is provided with this load lock system, however, it will become difficult that the process tube which must be cleaned is detached from the apparatus itself.
Further, when the size of each wafer to be processed changes from 6 inches to 8 inches in the near future, the process tube will become larger in size and it will become more difficult to detach the process tube from the apparatus itself.
Japanese Patent Disclosures Sho 64-17857 and Hei 1-92385 disclose a method of removing reacted products from the inner wall of the process tube by the so-called dry etching. According to this method, etching gas is introduced into the process tube and plasma is generated in it after the wafer boat is unloaded from the process tube. CF.sub.4, NF.sub.3 or SF.sub.6 gas is used as the etching gas.
When ClF.sub.3 is used as the cleaning gas, film of the polysilicon system and silicon nitride system can be removed relatively clear. It has been believed, however, that this ClF.sub.3 gas is not useful to remove film of the SiO.sub.2 system. Therefore, NF.sub.3 is used instead of the ClF.sub.3 gas to remove film of the silicon oxide system from the inner wall of the process tube.
However, the NF.sub.3 gas cannot be used at high temperature because its reactivity is high. When the film of the silicon oxide system laid on the inner wall of the process tube by the film forming process which has been conducted at a high temperature of about 700.degree. C. is to be removed by the NF.sub.3 gas, therefore, the apparatus must be once cooled to a temperature lower than that (or process temperature) at which the film forming process has been carried out.
It takes a long time to cool the apparatus from the process temperature to the cleaning temperature and heat it from the cleaning temperature to the process temperature. Further, it also takes a long time to finish the cleaning process because etching rate becomes low at low temperature. As the result, the apparatus must be left inoperative for more than 24 hours until the cleaning process is finished, thereby lowering the operation rate of the apparatus to a great extent.

Method of cleaning a process tube with ClF.sub.3 gas and controlling the temperature of process


A system for adjustably positioning an accessory may include a track and an accessory removably coupled to the track. The track may include an upper portion and a lower portion defining a channel therebetween. The upper portion may include an upper flexible segment extending along a length of the channel wherein the upper flexible segment is outwardly and inwardly deformable with respect to the channel. The accessory may include at least one connector extending from the accessory, the connector being removably insertable into the channel of the track by deforming the upper flexible segment with respect to the channel, the at least one connector including a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion wherein, when the connector is inserted in the track, the substantially vertical portion of the connector secures the accessory to the track.

A vehicle passenger often desires access to a multitude of objects when seated in his or her seat. Receptacles, such as cup holders and the like, allow passengers to place drinks, cell phones, garage door openers and other objects as desired in a relatively stable location. The receptacles may vary in size and shape to conform with a vehicle's interior finishes while providing multiple storage outlets for a passenger. The receptacles may be disposed about a center console, a vehicle door, adjacent to a seat or at any other suitable location so that a passenger may store or retrieve objects as needed.
To provide increased flexibility, it may be desirable to provide repositionable receptacles that allow a passenger greater control over the position of his or her receptacles and the items contained therein. Enabling more freedom in locating a passenger's beverage, phone or other object will allow access to the desired object in a more convenient fashion.
Accordingly, a need exists for alternative receptacles for vehicle interiors.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.


A warming device may include a batting layer having a phase change material. The batting layer may have a patient side and an upper side. A hot melt fabric adhesive may be applied to the patient side and upper side of the batting. A first fabric layer may be adhered to the hot melt fabric on the patient side of the batting. The first fabric layer may have a phase change material integrated coating. An insulation layer may be adhered to the hot melt fabric on the upper side of the batting. A second fabric layer may be coupled to the insulation layer.

The present disclosure relates to blankets for a patient in a healthcare facility and particularly, to warming blankets.
Pre-operative patients are generally nervous, agitated, or otherwise stressed. Providing comfort warming can improve patient satisfaction. Almost all hospitals use conventional cotton warming blankets preheated in warming cabinets to provide comfort to pre-operative patients. However, such blankets lose their heat within a couple of minutes. Caregivers and operating room managers have confirmed there is an unmet need in providing comfort warming to pre-operative patients.
Some hospitals may use disposable air-activated self-heating blankets to provide comfort warming for an extended period; the heat is typically generated by an exothermic reaction of iron powder oxidizing into rust—iron oxide (Fe2O3), although other elements have been used. However, the use of air-activated blankets is primarily limited to military, athletics, or emergency medical services. Moreover, air-activated blankets do not feel as comfortable as cotton, as they are typically made with synthetic nonwoven materials. There is also concern over the environmental impact from the disposal of large single-use air-activated blankets. Also air-activated blankets are generally expensive (typically over $15 per use).

Reusable warming blanket with phase change material


A process for preparing an N-alkyl-substituted aminophenol is disclosed, comprising continuously feeding an aldehyde or a ketone to a reaction system containing an organic solvent, a catalyst for reduction, hydrogen, and an aminophenol to conduct a reductive alkylation reaction, wherein said reductive alkylation reaction is carried out while continuously adding an organic carboxylic acid into the reaction system. The process attains a high yield even when the catalyst is repeatedly used and does not cause corrosion of equipment.

N-Alkyl-substituted aminophenols are of extreme importance in industry as intermediates for heat-sensitive or pressure-sensitive dyes, xanthene dyes, fluorescent dyes, etc.
It is conventionally known to prepare an N-alkyl-substituted aminophenol by reductive alkylation of an aminophenol, which is carried out by continuously feeding an aldehyde or a ketone to a reaction system containing an aminophenol, an organic solvent, a catalyst for reduction, and hydrogen.
However, the conventional processes have the following disadvantages.
Catalysts for reduction generally used in reductive alkylation are noble metal catalysts, e.g., platinum metal catalysts and palladium metal catalysts. These catalysts, when used on an industrial scale, should be used repeatedly because of their expensiveness. However, where a catalyst recovered by filtration of the reductive alkylation reaction mixture is reused in the next reductive alkylation reaction, the catalyst exhibits seriously reduced performance, causing various troubles for use in industry. That is, the rate of reaction is low, which reduces productivity; the main reaction is suppressed and, instead, the aminophenol and the aldehyde or ketone are condensed to form heavy matter; and the aldehyde or ketone is reduced to increase by-production of an alcohol.
For the purpose of preventing reduction in reaction efficiency due to reduced performance of the catalyst, various proposals have hitherto been made.
For example, JP-A-55-100344 discloses a process for exchanging a half of the recovered catalyst with a fresh catalyst (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application"). This process, however, still requires a large quantity of a fresh catalyst to be added and, hence, is not deemed to establish substantial repeated use of a catalyst for reduction.
JP-A-57-81444 discloses a process in which the amount of an aldehyde to be fed to a reaction system is adjusted to a stoichiometric amount. This process, however, is not always regarded industrially advantageous because, when applied to the production of N-alkyl-substituted aminophenols, too a low amount of the aldehyde fails to make a conversion of the aminophenol, an expensive raw material, nearly 100%. Further, since the rate of reaction becomes low in the latter half of the reaction, the reaction time should be lengthened accordingly.
Further, JP-A-55-20773 discloses a process for preparing N,N-dimethylaminobenzoic acid, in which a spent catalyst for reduction which is recovered from the reaction mixture by filtration is washed with methanol for reuse. This technique, however, is unsuitable for practical use because, as mentioned in the working examples, the reaction time becomes longer each time the recovered and methanol-washed catalyst is reused. Where the process is applied to the preparation of N-alkyl-substituted aminophenols, the reaction system suffers from an increase of a condensation reaction between an aminophenol and an aldehyde or a ketone to form heavy matter, or of a side reaction of an aldehyde or ketone to form an alcohol, thus resulting in remarkable reduction in yield of the desired N-alkyl-substituted aminophenol.
In the light of the above, these conventional techniques are not yet satisfactory from the industrial viewpoint.
It has also been suggested to add a small amount of acetic acid to the reaction system to produce an effect of keeping the catalyst surface clean against contamination as described in JP-A-55-20773. In this process, however, the whole amount of acetic acid is added before commencement of the reaction as described in the working examples. If such a manner is applied to the reaction of aminophenols, a Schiff base of an aminophenol which is very labile and ready to be condensed to form heavy matter undergoes further condensation by the action of the acetic acid added in the initial stage of the reaction, failing to improve the yield of the desired product. This phenomenon is particularly conspicuous when the catalyst is repeatedly used.
JP-A-61-100551 teaches of conduct the reaction under acidic conditions. According to the working examples thereof, since hydrogen in the nascent state is employed, a large quantity of, e.g., hydrochloric acid or acetic acid, should be used, or the reaction with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst for reduction should be carried out in an acetic acid solvent. If this technique is adopted to the reaction of aminophenols, there is observed reduction in yield due to condensation of a Schiff base of an aminophenol to form heavy matter, and the yield of the desired product attained is very low. Besides, from the industrial standpoint, use of a large quantity of an acid gives rise to a problem of corrosion of equipment.
JP-A-51-19732 discloses a process comprising forming a Schiff base in the presence of a trace amount of an organic carboxylic acid, followed by hydrogenation. This process cannot be applied to the reaction of aminophenols because the Schiff base of aminophenol is very labile.

Process for preparing N-alkyl-substituted aminophenols


Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to coating compositions, coated articles, and methods in which the coated article is adapted to exhibit a particular permeance profile, such as, for example, a variable water vapor perm rating of about 1 perm or less at 25% average RH and about 15 perms or more at 95% average relative humidity, as tested by ASTM E96 at 21° C.

Building materials can include films or facing materials attached to them to provide desired physical properties. The film or facing material typically includes petroleum products, which can result in substantial off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during preparation and/or use of the material.
Currently available products suffer from the ability to maintain desired water vapor permeance at a low relative humidity. Moreover, current coating formulations can not be used with porous substrates, such as porous nonwovens. Innovative solutions are therefore needed to provide novel coating compositions which can be used on a variety of different substrates, including, for example, porous substrates and in particular porous nonwoven substrates, while providing desired water vapor permeance, particularly at low relative humidity.
It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that certain dimensions or features in the figures may have been enlarged, distorted or shown in an otherwise unconventional or non-proportional manner to provide a more user-friendly version of the figures. Where dimensions or values are specified in the description below, the dimensions or values are provided for illustrative purposes only. Reference to front, back, top and bottom are provided for exemplary purposes and are not limiting.

Coating compositions for building materials and coated building material substrates


A fluid pleated filter assembly arrangement including a method and structure wherein crests of the pleated medium are sharp and narrow being enhanced by alignment of the fibers with the direction of fluid stream flow with the crests being supported by a preselectively controlled breadth and thickness support strip and adhesive fastening band disposed intermediate opposed side edges of the support strip.

The present invention relates to a unique and novel product and a unified method of making the same and more particularly to a crest supported filter frame assembly and a series of unified steps in the method of manufacturing the novel crest supported filter frame assembly. The present invention has particular utility in the filtration of fluid filters and more specifically in the filtration of air streams.
Recent U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,776, issued to Kyung-Ju Choi on May 15, 2001 discloses a unit pleated filter frame assembly (FIGS. 5 and 6) with the pleat crests thereof adhesively fastened to flexible tape strips 36 and with stiffening strips 38 being fastened to strips 38. In fact, FIG. 3 of prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,767, issued to S. B. Linnersten on Mar. 24, 1992 broadly teaches the use of strips "S" of hot melt adhesive applied to successive filter micropleats to hold such pleats in position when the filter is in use.
Further, a number of still earlier patents disclose various structural arrangements for supporting filter medium pleats—attention being directed to FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,740, issued to U. Michaelis, et al on Dec. 1, 1992; to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,944, issued to T. A. Justice on Jul. 21, 1998; to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,450, issued to R. R. Raber on Jun. 13, 2000; and, to the several unit pleated filter arrangements disclosed in the Kyung-Ju Choi and Choi, et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,318, issued Dec. 12, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,653, issued Jul. 3, 2001; and, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,839, issued Jun. 4, 2002.
In addition to these several aforenoted prior art unit filter assemblies, attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,244 issued to Kyung-Ju Choi on Dec. 26, 2000, which teaches the broad principle of filter medium fibers oriented to be aligned with the direction of fluid stream flow; and, to U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,645, issued to W. F. Murphy, Jr. on Oct. 13,1998, which broadly teaches gradient fiber density including layers of low and high denier fibers.
The present invention, recognizing some of the limitations and problems of the prior art—including the several arrangement set forth in the aforenoted patents—provides a unique and novel fluid filter assembly which includes a filter frame member and a filter medium disposed therein—the present invention further providing several unique steps which can be included as part of the several steps in the method of manufacturing the unique fluid filter assembly.
In accordance with the present invention, a novel arrangement is provided which includes a fluid filter frame assembly structure which can be efficiently and economically manufactured and assembled and which is stable and efficient in installation and operation. The present novel arrangement requires a minimum of operating parts and the novel embodiment results in a minimum of treated fluid stream interference with a minimum fluid stream pressure drop. The unique arrangement of the present invention, recognizes and resolves problems of past fluid filter assembly arrangements including fluid stream interference and fluid stream diversions accompanied by possible concomitant flaking and peeling resulting through an excess of crest fastening materials.
In this regard, the present invention optimizes utilization of a minimum fastening area, reducing the requirement for crest stabilizing materials and the manufacturing steps to be employed—at the same time, minimizing the fluid stream pressure drop during fluid treatment operations. In addition, the present invention provides a fibrous filter medium which is not only efficient in the filtration of particulate materials from a treated fluid stream such as air, but also allows for odor and some volatile organic compounds (VOC) reduction and provides for a fiber arrangement which assures the pleat folding formation of thin, narrow, and sharp upstream and downstream crest folds.
Various other features of the present invention will become obvious to one skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth herein.

Crest supported filter frame assembly and method


A book database stores at least phonetic signal information including phoneme information and rhythm information as document data, a central system transmits phonetic signal information stored on the book database to a terminal and the terminal receives the phonetic signal information is then carried out at the terminal and the document is then recited via synthesized sounds.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information access system suitable for use when accessing, from a terminal, a central system having a database on which information relating to documents such as, for example, newspapers, magazines and books etc., musical information or housing information etc. is stored.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, information access systems where the user can access a central system database from their own homes have consisted of systems, such as home information facsimile services, made up of home rental information and transaction information etc. In this kind of system, details of house information recorded on house information notes are recorded on the central system database. The user then accesses this central system via, for example, a telephone line. By operating a push button etc., an information number for the desired house information may be inputted and the details of the desired house information can be obtained from a facsimile having a particular telephone number.
Also, with this information access system, a depositor etc. of, for example, a bank, accesses the central system of the bank by telephone (via a telephone line) and a balance inquiry can then be made by the person operating push buttons to input their personal account number.
By inputting, for example, a date of issue, writer, publisher or keyword, a desired book may then be searched for using the information access system.
In the aforementioned kind of access system, the desired information is obtained by operating a terminal i.e. by operating the push-buttons on a telephone or facsimile or by operating a keyboard.
However, the operation of a push button or keyboard is very difficult for users who are physically disabled in some way, particularly people whose vision is impaired or who are unable to move their hands or legs freely.

Information access system and recording system


High density oxide films are deposited by a pulsed-DC, biased, reactive sputtering process from a titanium containing target to form high quality titanium containing oxide films. A method of forming a titanium based layer or film according to the present invention includes depositing a layer of titanium containing oxide by pulsed-DC, biased reactive sputtering process on a substrate. In some embodiments, the layer is TiO2. In some embodiments, the layer is a sub-oxide of Titanium. In some embodiments, the layer is TixOy wherein x is between about 1 and about 4 and y is between about 1 and about 7. In some embodiments, the layer can be doped with one or more rare-earth ions. Such layers are useful in energy and charge storage, and energy conversion technologies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to fabrication of thin films for planar energy and charge storage and energy conversion and, in particular, thin films deposited of titanium and titanium oxides, sub oxides, and rare earth doped titanium oxides and sub oxides for planar energy and charge storage and energy conversion.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Currently, titanium oxide layers are not utilized commercially in energy storage, charge storage, or energy conversion systems because such layers are difficult to deposit, difficult to etch, are known to have large concentrations of defects, and have poor insulation properties due to a propensity for oxygen deficiency and the diffusion of oxygen defects in the layers. Additionally, amorphous titania is difficult to deposit due to its low recrystalization temperature (about 250° C.), above which the deposited layer is often a mixture of crystalline anatase and rutile structures.
However, such amorphous titania layers, if they can be deposited in sufficient quality, have potential due to their high optical index, n˜2.7, and their high dielectric constant, k less than or equal to about 100. Further, they have substantial chemical stability. There are no known volatile halides and titania is uniquely resistant to mineral acids. Amorphous titania is thought to have the further advantage that there are no grain boundary mechanisms for electrical breakdown, chemical corrosion, or optical scattering. It is also well known that the sub oxides of titanium have unique and useful properties. See, e.g., Hayfield, P. C. S., "Development of a New Material—Monolithic Ti4O7 Ebonix Ceramic", Royal Society Chemistry, ISBN 0-85405-984-3, 2002. Titanium monoxide, for example, is a conductor with a uniquely stable resistivity with varying temperature. Additionally, Ti2O3, which can be pinkish in color, is known to have semiconductor type properties. However, these materials have not found utilization because of their difficult manufacture in films and their susceptibility to oxidation. Further, Ti4O7 demonstrates both useful electrical conductivity and unusual resistance to oxidation. Ti4O7, however, is also difficult to fabricate, especially in thin film form.
Additional to the difficulty of fabricating titanium oxide or sub oxide materials in useful thin film form, it also has proven difficult to dope these materials with, for example, rare earth ions, in useful or uniform concentration.
Therefore, utilization of titanium oxide and suboxide films, with or without rare earth doping, has been significantly limited by previously available thin film processes. If such films could be deposited, their usefulness in capacitor, battery, and energy conversion and storage technologies would provide for many value-added applications.
Current practice for construction of capacitor and resistor arrays and for thin film energy storage devices is to utilize a conductive substrate or to deposit the metal conductor or electrode, the resistor layer, and the dielectric capacitor films from various material systems. Such material systems for vacuum thin films, for example, include copper, aluminum, nickel, platinum, chrome, or gold depositions, as well as conductive oxides such as ITO, doped zinc oxide, or other conducting materials.
Materials such as chrome-silicon monoxide or tantalum nitride are known to provide resistive layers with 100 parts per million or less resistivity change per degree Centigrade for operation within typical operating parameters. A wide range of dielectric materials such as silica, silicon nitride, alumina, or tantalum pentoxide can be utilized for the capacitor layer. These materials typically have dielectric constants k of less than about twenty four (24). In contrast, TiO2 either in the pure rutile phase or in the pure amorphous state can demonstrate a dielectric constant as high as 100. See, e.g., R. B. van Dover, "Amorphous Lanthanide-Doped TiO2 Dielectric Films," Appl. Phys Lett., Vol. 74, no. 20, p. 3041-43 (May 17, 1999).
It is well known that the dielectric strength of a material decreases with increasing value of dielectric constant k for all dielectric films. A 'figure of merit' (FM) is therefore obtained by the product of the dielectric constant k and the dielectric strength measured in Volts per cm of dielectric thickness. Capacitive density of 10,000 to 12,000 pico Farads /mm2 is very difficult to achieve with present conductors and dielectrics. Current practice for reactive deposition of titanium oxide has achieved a figure-of-merit, FM, of about 50 (k MV/cm). See J.-Y. Kim et al., "Frequency-Dependent Pulsed Direct Current Magnetron Sputtering of Titanium Oxide Films," J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 19(2), March/April 2001.
Therefore, there is an ongoing need for titanium oxide and titanium sub-oxide layers, and rare-earth doped titanium oxide and titanium sub-oxide layers, for various applications.

Energy conversion and storage films and devices by physical vapor deposition of titanium and titanium oxides and sub-oxides


The inventive plastic card permits a scuba diver to photograph underwater such as at 100 feet, without using external lighting, and to achieve quality photographic images as if external lighting actually had been used during the underwater photography.

Underwater photography by a scuba diver conventionally, without usage of external lights, has yielded images in which the water around the photographed subject appears as blue, to the point of the subject being essentially undiscernible.
The inventor also is a photographer on land: land photographers know of Datacolor/Spyder Checkr systems useable on land-based photographs to carry out computerized color correction. This is accomplished by the photographer carrying albums of SpyderCHECKR paper-stock colored cards that he photographs along with his subject, along with usage of the proprietary SpyderCHECKR calibration software. The SpyderCHECKR software also tells the photographer when his SpyderCHECKR paper-stock colored cards are fading and hence becoming unuseable and needing to be reordered and replaced.
However, SpyderCHECKR paper-stock colored cards are unuseable underwater; for one thing, being made of a paper product, they would dissolve. Also the configuration of the SpyderCHECKR paper-stock colored cards system would be unwieldy and physically infeasible for a scuba diver at depth engaged in photography. With usage underwater of SpyderCHECKR colored cards being impossible, a photograph that a scuba diver takes underwater cannot make use of SpyderCHECKR calibration software.
Near the water's surface, the lighting provided by sunlight may be substantial and permit a relatively distinct image of the subject. However, at depths, sunlight is insubstantial and only a low quality image of a subject can be expected. Usage of external lighting can improve image quality, but in most contexts transported and using external lighting devices by a scuba diver who is also engaged in photography at depths is infeasible or not wanted. There is an unmet need for technology for underwater photography by a scuba diver, especially at depths, including depths such as 100 ft.
Attempts by others have been made at auto correction of underwater photos, using average color values for water. This results in many images not looking right, as water conditions and time of day can dramatically influence the levels at which different colors are reduced by diffraction of the water.

Underwater photography devices, and underwater photography methods


A method for predicting when maintenance is required for a scanner comprises tracking a quality parameter history in a scanner, predicting when maintenance is required based on the quality parameter history, and notifying a user when maintenance is predicted to be required based on a quality parameter trend. The quality parameter is selected from a group consisting of an average brightness, a maximum brightness, a video gradient, and a contrast.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of scanning images, and more particularly to tracking scanned image quality, predicting maintenance, and sending notification of when maintenance is needed.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic scanning of images is becoming more prevalent as an increasing number of paper processes are converted to electronic processes and as devices such as printers, fax machines, scanners, and copiers are integrated into a single device. Point of sale scanning is becoming increasingly popular to scan checks, lottery tickets, etc. in order to reduce labor-intensive processes related to handling paper copies. Scanning technologies are also becoming less expensive, which in turn contributes to the growing popularity.
As users become increasingly dependent on scanning technology, the reliability of scanning technology for producing an accurate electronic copy of an image, defined here as a "scanned image," is critical. Near-zero maintenance for the life of a scanner is also highly desirable. In applications where scanners are used continually, such as point-of-sale (POS) applications, maintenance may disrupt the use of the scanners and is therefore undesirable.
FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a conventional scanning system 10. The illustrated scanner 10 includes a transport 12 where a document 14 to be scanned is placed. The transport 12 may be fixed or moving as a document 14 is scanned.
As a document 14 is scanned, an illumination source 16, projects light off the document 14 along a scan line 18. The emitted optical rays pass through an imaging lens 20 to an array of sensors 22 and are then converted to a digital signal using an analog to digital converter 24.
The digital signal is stored in a computer memory 26 in the form of a scanned image matrix 28, where each picture element, or pixel, along a scan line represents a column of the scanned image matrix 28. As the document 14 is scanned, the transport 12 moves the image such that the scan line 18 moves, and a segment of the scanned document 14 is scanned creating a new row in the scanned image matrix. Alternatively, the document 14 is fixed on the transport 12 and the scan line 18 moves across the document 14. This routine is continued until the entire document 14 is scanned and an entire scanned image matrix 28 is created.
The information in the scanned image matrix 28 may be processed by a CPU 30 to form a processed image matrix 32, which is also stored in the memory 26. In one embodiment, elements of the scanned image matrix 28 are compared to a table assigned to each pixel 34 to determine a corresponding element in the processed image matrix 32. The table assigned to each pixel 34 is used to compensate for differences from one sensor to the next in the array of sensors 22 or for other slight differences between pixels in the scanning process. Values in the tables that are assigned to each pixel 34 are set during a calibration process. The calibration process will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 4.
In general, the quality of scanned images can be monitored using control points within the scanning system or by monitoring the quality of the scanned image by analyzing the document 14 after it has been converted to an electronic form using the processed image matrix 32. Monitoring control points, such as low toner, paper jams, hardware failures, etc., within the scanning system are common and can determine failures of the hardware and software components. Unfortunately, analyzing control points cannot detect many problems such as accumulation of dust and debris, optical or electronic defocus, malfunctioning sensors for picture elements (pixels), and other hardware problems. If the scanner is used to transmit electronic images, a degraded scanned image may not be detected unless the recipient of the scanned image notifies the user of the scanner.
Periodic maintenance by a technician may be able to detect problems that are not detectable through simply monitoring control points. However, periodic maintenance requires the scanning system to be taken out of service during the maintenance. If periodic maintenance is done at regular intervals, maintenance can be scheduled to minimize impact on the scanner use, but the maintenance may be done too soon, before it is needed or too late, when the scanned images are unacceptable. If the user calls for maintenance due to poor quality scanned images, the user is more likely to be inconvenienced by having the scanner out of service.
The second method of monitoring quality of a scanned image is to analyze the document 14 after it has been converted to an electronic form using the processed image matrix 32. A process for analyzing the quality of a scanned image to identify unacceptable images is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,654 issued to Prakash, et al. on Oct. 5, 1999. However, this patent only looks at scanned images on a case by case basis, does not track image quality history, and does not predict when maintenance is required.
What is needed is a process, apparatus, and system that are capable of tracking the quality of scanned images by tracking quality image history and using the quality history to send a notification and a prediction of when maintenance is required. Beneficially, such a process, apparatus, and system would call for maintenance of a scanner only when required and would decrease the down time of scanners during periods of required use, since maintenance could be scheduled before scanned images are too poor in quality to be used.

Method for scanning maintenance prediction

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting IκB Kinase (IKK) as well as methods and compositions for identifying compounds with activity as inhibitors of IKK. In particular, the present invention provides methods for identifying inhibitors of IKKβ.

The rapid and precise control of gene expression via transcription factors is critical to the survival of cells. Depending upon the inducing stimulus, it can be critical to the survival of a cell to have one or more genes rapidly induced, so that the resultant products are active. For example, an inflammatory response stimulated by an injury or infection, results in rapid vasodilation in the injured area and infiltration of effector cells such as macrophages. Vasodilation occurs within seconds or minutes of the response and is due, in part, to the expression of cytokines by cells in the injured region.
The rapid induction of the inflammatory and immune responses requires that the transcription factors involved in regulating such responses be present in the cell in a form that is amenable to rapid activation. Thus, upon exposure to an inducing stimulus, the response can quickly occur. If such transcription factors are not present in a cell in an inactive state, it is necessary to synthesize the factors upon exposure to an inducing stimulus, greatly reducing the speed with which a response can occur.
Regulation of transcription factor activities involved in such rapid gene induction can occur by various mechanisms. For example, in some cases, a transcription factor that exists in an inactive state in a cell can be activated by post-translational modification (e.g., phosphorylation of one or more serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues). Furthermore, the transcription factor can be rendered inactive by association of the factor with a regulatory factor, which, upon exposure to an inducing stimulus, is released from the transcription factor, thereby activating the transcription factor. Alternatively, an inactive transcription factor may have to associate with a second protein in order to produce transcriptional activity.
Rarely, as in the case of glucocorticoids, the inducing stimulus directly interacts with the inactive transcription factor, rendering it active and resulting in the induction of gene expression. However, more often, an inducing stimulus initiates the induced response by interacting with a specific receptor present on the cell membrane or by entering the cell and interacting with an intracellular protein. Furthermore, the signal generally is transmitted along a pathway, for example, from the cell membrane to the nucleus, due to a series of protein interactions. Such signal transduction pathways allow for the rapid transmission of extracellular inducing stimuli, such that appropriate gene expression is rapidly induced.
Although the existence of signal transduction pathways has long been recognized and many of the cellular factors involved in such pathways have been described, the pathways responsible for the expression of many critical responses, including the inflammatory and immune responses, have only been incompletely defined. For example, it is recognized that various inducing stimuli such as viruses and bacteria, activate common arms of the immune and inflammatory response. However, differences in the gene products expressed also are observed, indicating that these stimuli share certain signal transduction pathways, but also induce other pathways unique to the inducing stimulus. Furthermore, since inducing agents such as bacteria and viruses initially stimulate different signal transduction pathways, yet induce the expression of common genes, some signal transduction pathways must converge at a point such that the different pathways activate common transcription factors.
A clearer understanding of the proteins involved in such pathways facilitates descriptions of drug mechanisms of action. For example, such an understanding facilitates the determination of a drug's mechanism of action (e.g., in cases where the drug is known to interfere with gene expression regulated by a particular pathway, but the target of which is unknown). In addition, an understanding of the pathways involved facilitates the identification of defect(s) in the pathway(s) associated with diseases such as cancer. For example, the altered expression of cell adhesion molecules is associated with the ability of a cancer cell to metastasize. However, the critical proteins involved in the signal transduction pathway leading to expression of cell adhesion molecules have not been identified. Thus, there is a need in the art to identify the proteins involved in signal transduction pathways, particularly those proteins that result in the induction of gene products involved in the inflammatory and immune responses. Indeed, despite much research in the field, there remains a need in the art for compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing infectious as well as other diseases, and inflammation.

Methods for identifying IκB Kinase (IKK) inhibitors

The Regents of the University of California


The present disclosure provides stamping apparatus for stamping a blank. The stamping apparatus includes a first die and a blank-holding ram. The first die includes a forming cavity and a depression positioned outboard of the forming cavity. The depression is defined by a first corner proximate the forming cavity and a second corner distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the first corner and the forming cavity. The blank-holding ram includes a bead configured to engage a portion of the blank into the depression when the blank is positioned between the first die and the blank-holding ram. The bead includes a third corner proximate the forming cavity and a fourth corner surface distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the third corner. The first corner of the depression includes a radii of curvature greater than a radii of curvature of the second corner of the depression and the radii of curvature of the third and fourth corners of the bead.

Stamping apparatus can be used to form or "stamp" a metal blank into a formed part that is used for a panel, for example, for a vehicle. In many stamping apparatus, the metal blank is securely held between upper and lower dies of the stamping apparatus during a stamping process where a blank-holding ram engages a portion of the blank to secure or hold the blank so a punch can engage another portion of the held blank into a forming cavity to stamp or form the part. To ensure that the blank is held as desired during the stamping process the blank-holding ram may include a bead is configured to engage the blank into a depression formed in the lower die. In some configurations, multiple beads positioned alongside each other may be utilized to increase the blank holding force during the stamping process. High tensile strains experienced by the blank proximate the bead(s), however, may cause the blank to break during the stamping process, which may render the blank unusable. Additionally, configurations having multiple beads alongside each other result in more scrap and higher manufacturing costs.


A switching mode power supply and a method of supplying power by using the same. The switching mode power supply includes a converting unit to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage input to the switching mode power supply to at least one direct current (DC) voltage by using at least one transformer, and a voltage controller to control a voltage level of an output voltage to be output to a system controller of the image forming apparatus from among the at least one DC voltage, where the system controller controls operations of the image forming apparatus. The voltage controller includes a switching unit to switch the voltage level of the output voltage from a first voltage level to a second voltage level when the image forming apparatus enters a power saving mode, where the second voltage level is lower than the first voltage level.

1. Field
The present general inventive concept relates to a switching mode power supply, a method of supplying power by using the same, and an image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A switching mode power supply (SMPS) may be used to supply power to electronic products. The switching mode power supply converts an input alternating current (AC) voltage to a constant voltage to operate electronic products. When an electronic product is in a standby state for a predetermined period of time or longer, the electronic product enters a power saving mode. Since some functions of the electronic product should operate even in the power saving mode, operation of a power supply is not completely stopped. Recently, regulations have been reinforced on standby power of electronic products to reduce carbon dioxide emissions all over the world. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a method of reducing power consumption in a power supply in the power saving mode.

Switching mode power supply usable in an image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus and method of supplying power by using the same


A grease composition having low noise characteristics is prepared by shearing a mixture of a base oil and a thickener for a time sufficient to reduce substantially all of the thickener to particles below 500 microns in size; and then processing the sheared mixture to a grease.

The present invention relates to lubricating grease compositions and the preparation thereof and more especially with lubricating greases having low noise characteristics.
Industrial lubricating greases are homogeneous products of a semi-liquid to solid consistency. Essentially they consist of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant or base oil. In general the thickener is a significant determinant of the properties of the greases.
Typical thickeners used in forming greases include metal soaps, such as lithium salts of fatty acids, non-soaps such as organophilic clay minerals and polyurea compounds.
To improve the performance properties of a grease additional materials may be incorporated in the base grease, such as extreme pressure additives, antioxidants, rust-inhibitors, viscosity index improvers and mixtures thereof.
In preparing grease compositions a thickener and the other additives often are added to the base oil and the resulting mixture is heated and stirred and then passed through a roll mill or the like to obtain the grease. In the case of polyurea thickened greases the polyurea generally is prepared in situ by the reaction of amines with isocyanates in a base oil, followed by mixing with the other additives and milling to provide a homogeneous end grease composition.
User demand for low noise greases in bearing applications has been increasing steadily; however, manufacturing greases with low noise characteristics has proven time consuming and expensive compared to more conventional greases.
Accordingly an object of the present invention is to provide an improved process for making a grease with low noise characteristics which is less time consuming.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for making a grease which can be practiced on an industrial scale.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent upon from the following description of the invention.
Simply stated, a grease composition having low noise characteristics is prepared by:
shearing a mixture of a base oil and thickener for a time sufficient to reduce substantially all of thickener particles sizes below 500 microns; and
processing the sheared mixture to a grease.

Lubricating grease composition and preparation

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company


The clockwork movement comprises a crown (12) connected with at least one element of the movement through a connecting organ. It is provided with a selection device (13) that includes a blocking device (15) provided with two blocking spring blades (26, 27) cooperating with a set of teeth (28) of crown (12). This blocking device allows rotation of the crown to be blocked in a first direction, and to be permitted in a second direction, in a predetermined position of a control lever (30) selectively acting on the first or second of these spring blades (26, 27) through a sector (31). When this lever (30) is turned into a second position, rotation of the crown is permitted in the first direction but blocked in the second direction. One thus obtains a movement in which the direction of rotation of crown (12) is selected by the user by his prior action on selection device (13).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a clockwork movement with a rotary organ for an external manual control that is connected by at least one connecting organ to at least one element of the movement and able to be rotated in two opposite directions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Rotary organs of the type just mentioned are well known and most often appear in the shape of a crown that the user can rotate in two opposite directions in order to control one or two functions such as setting time or winding a barrel.


A statue has a front, a back, a head end above and a foot end below. A central section is between the head and foot ends. A recess is formed into the statue adjacent to the central section. A container is positioned in the recess and is adapted to receive mortal remains of a cremated being. The container has a front face. A stopper is positionable in an aperture of the container. A cover is secured in the recess and seals the recess with the container therein.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a spiritual statue system and more particularly pertains to providing an appropriate final resting place for the mortal remains of a cremated person.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of urns of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, urns of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of storing the mortal remains of cremated persons are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,822 issued Feb. 15, 2000 to Luebke relates to a Pet Crematory Urn. U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,330 issued May 21, 1991 to Botsch relates to a Personalized Pet Animal Memorial Product. U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,507 issued Mar. 13, 2001 to Dennis relates to a Method of Making a Memorial for Preservation of Remains of Deceased Individual. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 312,058 issued Nov. 13, 1990 to Vermillion relates to an Angel Figurine. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 377,017 issued Dec. 31, 1996 to Giumarra relates to a Religious Statue Cassette Player.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a spiritual statue system that allows providing an appropriate final resting place for the mortal remains of a cremated person.
In this respect, the spiritual statue system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing an appropriate final resting place for the mortal remains of a cremated person.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved spiritual statue system which can be used for providing an appropriate final resting place for the mortal remains of a cremated person. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a discharge section housing forming a chamber, a first opening formed in the discharge section housing such that the chamber is configured to receive an air flow from a blower of the HVAC system via the first opening, and a second opening formed in the discharge section housing such that the second opening is positionally offset to the first opening. The chamber is configured to discharge the air flow through the second opening. The HVAC system also includes a guide extending across the chamber and sloping toward the second opening such that the guide is configured to direct the air flow from the first opening toward the second opening.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
HVAC systems are utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to control environmental properties, such as temperature and humidity, for occupants of the respective environments. An HVAC system may control the environmental properties through control of an air flow delivered to the environment. For example, the HVAC system may circulate a refrigerant and place the refrigerant in a heat exchange relationship with a supply air flow to condition the supply air flow before it is discharged to the conditioned environment. In certain embodiments, the HVAC system may have a chamber or plenum through which the supply air flow is directed. For example, the HVAC system may have a blower configured to force or draw air through the chamber toward an opening, such as a discharge opening. However, in some circumstances, the air flow may be not be directed efficiently through the chamber and toward the opening. As a result, the blower may operate at a higher operating level to force air flow through the chamber at a desirable flow rate, and a cost associated with operating the HVAC system may therefore increase.

HVAC system with baffle in side discharge configuration


The present invention relates to crystalline forms of (1aS,5aS)-2-(4-oxy-pyrazin-2-yl)-1a,2,5,5a-tetrahydro-1H-2,3-diaza-cyclopropa[a]pentalene-4-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-hydroxymethyl-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-amide (Compound 1) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor and are therefore useful in the treatment of CB2 receptor-mediated disorders, for example, osteoarthritis; pain; hyperalgesia; allodynia; inflammatory hyperalgesia; neuropathic hyperalgesia; acute nociception; osteoporosis; multiple sclerosis-associated spasticity; autoimmune disorders; allergic reactions; CNS inflammation for example; atherosclerosis; undesired immune cell activity, and inflammation associated with a disorder selected from: osteoarthritis, anaphylaxis, Behcet's disease, graft rejection, vasculitis, gout, spondylitis, viral disease, bacterial disease, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and type 1 diabetes mellitus; age-related macular degeneration; cough; leukemia; lymphoma; CNS tumors; prostate cancer; Alzheimer's disease; stroke-induced damage; dementia; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and Parkinson's disease.

Cannabinoids are a group of extracellular signaling molecules that are found in both plants and animals. Signals from these molecules are mediated in animals by two G-protein coupled receptors, Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). CB1 is expressed most abundantly in the neurons of the CNS but is also present at lower concentrations in a variety of peripheral tissues and cells (Matsuda, L. A. et al. (1990) Nature 346:561-564). In contrast, CB2 is expressed predominantly, although not exclusively, in non-neural tissues, e.g. in hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, the endocrine pancreas, and cancerous cell lines (Munro, S. et al. (1993) Nature 365:61-65; and as reviewed in Pacher, P. et al. (2006) Pharmacol. Rev. 58(3): 389-462). As such, CB1 is believed to be primarily responsible for mediating the psychotropic effects of cannabinoids on the body, whereas CB2 is believed to be primarily responsible for most of their non-neural effects.

Crystalline forms and processes for the preparation of cannabinoid receptor modulators


A sheet pressing device enables reliably pivoting a presser lever that presses a sheet material to a feed path surface to a pressure position and a released position. The sheet pressing device has a movable-side presser lever configured to pivot between a pressure position where die-cut label paper conveyed over the feed path surface is pressed by a sheet presser part to a flat surface, and a released position where the sheet presser part is separated from the die-cut label paper; and a lever spring respectively urges the movable-side presser lever to the pressure position or the released position from a neutral point between the pressure position and the released position.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a sheet pressing device that presses sheet material to a conveyance path surface, and to a printer having the sheet pressing device.
2. Related Art
Sheet conveyance devices that convey sheet materials (sheets) over a conveyance path (paper feed) surface are known from the literature. See, for example, JP-A-2012-086976.
A pressure lever that presses the sheet material to the feed path surface could conceivably be provided to prevent the sheet material from separating from the feed path surface in this type of sheet conveyance device. Setting the sheet material to the feed path surface would be more convenient in this device if the pressure lever could pivot between a pressure position where it presses the sheet material to the feed path surface and a release position where it is separated from the sheet material. When thus configured, the pressure lever is preferably urged by a spring to the pressure position so that the pressure lever pushes against the sheet material, and the pressure lever can be held in the release position. A ball and detent mechanism that holds the pressure lever in the release position in resistance to the spring could conceivably be used, but if the user does not rotate the pressure lever against the spring until the ball engages the detent, the pressure lever will be returned to the pressure position by the urging force of the spring.


The invention relates to a method for controlling and compressing a dispersion formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction. The compression of the dispersion is achieved by reducing the cross-section of the separation section in the direction of flow and by equipping the separation section with a dispersion-damming member. The equipment according to the invention thus comprises a settler, which is essentially trapezoid in shape so that its cross-section is wider at the feed end of the settler and gets smaller towards the rear end of the settler, from whence the separated solutions are discharged from the settler, and the settler is equipped with at least one device to dam up the dispersion. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals.

Liquid-liquid extraction has been used earlier in the metallurgical industry typically in the processing of solutions with a weak valuable metal content. Many large copper and uranium recovery extraction plants fall into this category. With regard to copper, however, the situation is changing, because the extraction feed solutions are becoming noticeably stronger with the pressurised concentrate leaching processes coming into operation. Likewise some cobalt and zinc extraction processes also treat strong feed solutions. Nevertheless, the size of the equipment, particularly in the case of copper, will generally remain large, also in the new pressurised leaching processes.
In all extraction processes a valuable metal-containing aqueous solution is brought into contact with an organic solution in the extraction mixing section, forming a dispersion of two solutions that are insoluble in each other. The solutions in the dispersion are separated from each other in the separation section of extraction, where the solutions separate from each other into two layers with a dispersion band remaining between them. During the mixing stage, either one or more of the valuable metals in the aqueous solution is transferred to the organic phase, from which the valuable metals are recovered by stripping the aqueous solution. Extraction is performed in an equipment, where the mixing and separation sections are either located one on top of the other (column) or in series on more or less the same level horizontally. Almost always in cases when large-scale extractions of weak solutions are concerned, such as copper extraction, the equipment is positioned in an essentially horizontal position. When we refer to extraction hereinafter, the term is used for various arrangements, but essentially equipment in the same level.
The separation section in extraction is conventionally rectangular in cross-section or in some special cases square. For instance in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,615 the settler described is of rectangular shape. The settler is equipped with several picket fences.

Method and equipment for compressing a dispersion in liquid-liquid extraction


A sports cap is constructed from a plurality of pie-shaped pieces of fabric that are sewn together at a plurality of seams to form a crown or hat portion. The sports cap also includes a relatively stiff removable and rotatable visor so that the visor can be rotated from front to back or to either side while the crown remains stationary on the head of an individual. An elongated member which has a C-shaped cross section is stitched to a rear portion of the visor and is constructed and arranged to engage an elongated track member. The elongated track member has an I-shaped cross section which extends around the circumference of the crown at the base thereof and which is stitched to the base. The I-shaped cross section is constructed and arranged to fit within a channel which is defined by the C-shaped cross section of the elongated member so that the visor may be removed therefrom or rotated thereabout. A flexible tracking assembly for use with a sports cap or for other applications will also include a first elongated member with opposed edges and an intermediate portion which extends along a first article and a second I-shaped track member fixed there to. A third elongated plastic member is superposed on the first and second member and extends over the second member and together with the first or second member defines an opening along one side thereof. A C-shaped element which is connected to a second article is then disposed in sliding engagement with the track member.

Sports caps with replaceable front logos are disclosed in the U.S. Patents of Brannon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,733 and Brosnan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,586. Such caps include a replaceable trade name or logo which is typically affixed to the front of the crown portion of the cap so that the cap can be worn on different occasions. As disclosed in the Brannon et al. patent, an individual selects one of several team logos, phrases, names or special events shown on a display panel or patch and attaches that panel or patch to the front of the cap. The selected panel or patch then gives the appearance of being permanently sewn to the hat.
Removable and replaceable visors for baseball caps and the like are also known. For example, the Tapia, U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,545 discloses an adjustable baseball cap having a crown portion and an interchangeable visor. As disclosed therein, a visor includes an eye shade portion and an upstanding arc-shaped portion with a plurality of engagement members such as Velcro fasteners or snap fasteners so that visors of different color or shape are interchangeable.
It is now believed that there may be a significant commercial market for an improved baseball cap or the like wherein the visor may be readily replaced with a visor of a different shape or color and also rotated about the crown. Rotating the visor from one side to another allows an individual to shield their eyes from the sun and at the same time allows the team logo or other indicia to remain in a central position. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a flexible tracking system which allows a sports cap or the like to have a rotatable and replaceable visor.
A sports cap in accordance with the present invention advantageously includes a visor which can be rotated 360.degree. about the crown and readily removed therefrom. Therefore, the team logo faces forward even when the visor or sun shield is worn at the rear in a manner which simulates that of a baseball catcher. In addition, the visor may be readily "snapped-off" and replaced by a visor of a different color or shape. The sports caps in accordance with the present invention are also relatively inexpensive to manufacture, light in weight, durable and make it relatively easy to change visors. For example, the visor or a different visor may be readily attached to and removed from the tracking device by threading off and on at the rear of the cap. Also, the rotatable and removable structure can be ready combined with an adjustment member so that the cap can be worn by individuals with different head sizes.
It is also believed that the tracking assembly which is disclosed herein may have a number of other applications such as a removable cover for the bed of a pickup truck, a canvas cover for boats and/or open top trailers, drapery installations, rotatable belts, etc.

Flexible tracking assembly for a sports cap having a rotatable visor or the like


The present invention provides methods for diagnosis and monitoring the efficacy of treatment of a cancer. More particularly, the methods of the invention comprise detecting an enhanced degree of chromatin modification within Chromosome 2 of the human genome from about map position 2q14.1 to about map position 2q14.3 in a sample derived from a subject. The methods include detecting an enhanced level of methylation, or detecting an enhanced level of modification of a histone positioned within the chromatin within the region of about 2q14.1 to 2q14.3 of Chromosome 2. The methods also include detecting a modulated level of expression of a gene within the region of about 2q14.1 to 2q14.3 of Chromosome 2. The gene may be selected from the group consisting of DEAD box polypeptide 18 (DDX18), translin (TSN), v-ral simian leukaemia viral oncogene homolog B (RALB), secretin recepto (SCTR), engrailed homolog 1 (EN1), macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO), protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 4 (PTPN4), insulin induced gene 2 (INSIG2), inhibin beta B (INHBB), GLI-Kruppel family member 2 (GLI2), FLJ10996, STEAP3, diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), MGC10993, erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 like 5 (EPB41L5), FLJ14816, transcription factor CP2-like 1 (TFCP2L1).

1. General
This specification contains nucleotide and amino acid sequence information prepared using PatentIn Version 3.3, presented herein after the claims. Each nucleotide sequence is identified in the sequence listing by the numeric indicator <210> followed by the sequence identifier (e.g. <210>1, <210>2, <210>3, etc). The length and type of sequence (DNA, protein (PRT), etc), and source organism for each nucleotide sequence, are indicated by information provided in the numeric indicator fields <211>, <212> and <213>, respectively. Nucleotide sequences referred to in the specification are defined by the term "SEQ ID NO:", followed by the sequence identifier (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 refers to the sequence in the sequence listing designated as <400>1).
The designation of nucleotide residues referred to herein are those recommended by the IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission, wherein A represents Adenine, C represents Cytosine, G represents Guanine, T represents thymine, Y represents a pyrimidine residue, R represents a purine residue, M represents Adenine or Cytosine, K represents Guanine or Thymine, S represents Guanine or Cytosine, W represents Adenine or Thymine, H represents a nucleotide other than Guanine, B represents a nucleotide other than Adenine, V represents a nucleotide other than Thymine, D represents a nucleotide other than Cytosine and N represents any nucleotide residue.
As used herein the term "derived from" shall be taken to indicate that a specified integer may be obtained from a particular source albeit not necessarily directly from that source.
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps or elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of elements or integers.
Throughout this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise, reference to a single step, composition of matter, group of steps or group of compositions of matter shall be taken to encompass one and a plurality (i.e. one or more) of those steps, compositions of matter, groups of steps or group of compositions of matter.
Each embodiment described herein is to be applied mutatis mutandis to each and every other embodiment unless specifically stated otherwise.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations or any two or more of said steps or features.
The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention, as described herein.
The present invention is performed without undue experimentation using, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology, microbiology, virology, recombinant DNA technology, peptide synthesis in solution, solid phase peptide synthesis, and immunology. Such procedures are described, for example, in the following texts that are incorporated by reference:                1. Sambrook, Fritsch & Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, New York, Second Edition (1989), whole of Vols I, II, and III;        2. DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach, Vols. I and II (D. N. Glover, ed., 1985), IRL Press, Oxford, whole of text;        3. Oligonucleotide Synthesis: A Practical Approach (M. J. Gait, ed., 1984) IRL Press, Oxford, whole of text, and particularly the papers therein by Gait, pp 1-22; Atkinson et al., pp 35-81; Sproat et al., pp 83-115; and Wu et al., pp 135-151;        4. Nucleic Acid Hybridization: A Practical Approach (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins, eds., 1985) IRL Press, Oxford, whole of text; and        5. Perbal, B., A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning (1984).
2. Description of the Related Art
Cancer is a major cause of morbidity throughout the world. For example, in 2001, the American Cancer Society estimated that 553,768 Americans died from a form of cancer. Cancer is responsible for 22.9 percent of all American deaths and is exceeded only by heart disease as a cause of mortality.
All studied forms of cancer share the characteristics abnormal cell division, growth, and differentiation. The initial clinical manifestations of cancers are generally heterogeneous, with over 70 types of cancer arising in each of a number of organs and tissues of the human body. Moreover, while some cancers may appear clinically similar they may actually represent different molecular diseases. This diversity in clinical and molecular characteristics make cancer difficult to diagnose. As a consequence, a variety of assays are required to detect even a small number of the known cancers.
Family history still remains the most reliable diagnostic procedure for identifying patients at risk of cancer.
Cancer surveillance has been effective for detecting some cancers in which risk can be identified, for example colorectal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis coli and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Markey et al., Curr. Gastroenterol. Rep. 4: 404-413, 2002), but these syndromes cumulatively account for less than 1% of cancer patients (Samowitz et al., Gastroenterology 121: 830-838, 2001). Nevertheless, genetics is thought to contribute substantially to cancer risk, since the odds ratio for malignancy increases in patients with first degree relatives with cancer, e.g., 2 to 3-fold in colorectal cancer (Fuchs et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 331: 1669-1674, 1994). Therefore, there remains a need to develop genetic tests to identify these patients.
The detection of microsatellite instability as a diagnostic for cancer, requires the patient to have a detectable tumor beforehand and, as a consequence, is not an early test that can lead to early effective treatment. Microsatellite instability compares microsatellite marker length between the monoclonal tumor cell population and normal tissue derived from the same patient. As microsatellites are unstable in the population, an assay measuring such instability must include a control sample from the same subject. This leads to increased cost, as a number of samples must be assayed for each diagnosis performed.
Genetic changes that are associated with cancer include gene mutation in critical tumor-associated genes, as well as gene deletion or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of larger regions harboring tumor suppressor genes. In addition to genetic changes it is clear that epigenetic changes are also a common hallmark of cancer DNA, with changes in both DNA methylations and histone modification of the CpG island regions spanning the promoters of tumor suppressor genes (Jones and Baylin, Nat. Rev. Genet. 3: 415-428, 2002). However, it is not clear as to the extent and nature of these epigenetic changes in cancer cells.
Changes in the state of methylation of DNA have been observed in cancer cells (Feinberg et al., Nature, 301: 89-92, 1983), including the loss of methylation at normally methylated sequences (hypomethylation) and the gain of methylated sequences at sites that are usually non-methylated (hypermethylation). For example, global hypomethylation has been reported in almost every human malignancy studied to date (Feinberg et al., supra and Bedford et al., Cancer Res., 47: 5274-5276, 1987). More particularly, Gama-Sosa et al., (Nucl. Acids Res., 11: 6883-6894) measured the levels 5-methylcytosine content by HPLC and showed a reduced level in cancer tissues compared to control tissues. However, the 5-methylcytosine content of a cell is not necessarily a measure of the level or extent of chromatin modification in these cells. Accordingly, the assay of Gama-Sosa et al., does not provide an accurate measurement of chromatin changes that are associated with cancer.
The major site for methylation in mammals is a cytosine located next to a guanine (5′-CpG-3′), including a so-called "CpG island". Generally, these targets of methylation are not distributed equally in the genome, but found in long GC-rich sequences present in satellite repeat sequences, middle repetitive rDNA sequences and centromeric repeat sequences. CpG islands are generally recognised as sequences of nucleic acid that comprise a GC content of over 50% (in contrast to a genome-wide average in humans of about 40%) and an observed over expected ration of CpG of 0.6 or greater (Gardiner-Garden and Frommer, J. Mol. Biol., 196: 261 to 281, 1987; Takai and Jones, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 99: 3740-3745, 2002).
CpG islands can become de novo methylated in a cancer cell and this is associated with gene silencing. DNA hypermethylation of the CpG island region is also accompanied by local changes in histone modification, including de-acetylation and methylation of the lysine 9 residue of Histone H3 (K9-H3).
For example, CpG islands within the promoter regions of specific genes can be hypermethylated in some cancers, e.g., in the case of BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation in breast cancer (Dobrovic et al., Cancer Res., 57: 3347-3350, 1997) and the VHL gene promoter hypermethylation in clear cell renal carcinomas (Herman et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 91: 9700-9704). However, the methylation of these genes is limited to discrete regions of these genes and shown to be useful only in relation to the detection of specific cancers (Plass, Hum. Mol. Genet., 11: 2479-2488, 2002).
It is widely recognized that simple and rapid tests for the early detection of cancers, especially multiple cancer types, have considerable clinical potential. In view of the heterogeneity of cancers, it is difficult to produce a single diagnostic that is useful for different cancer types. Such tests have potential use for an initial diagnosis, as well as for determining prognostic outcomes e.g., for detecting tumor recurrence following surgical resection and/or chemotherapy. A molecular diagnostic approach that identifies patients with cancer or at risk of cancer, would offer a decisive advantage for intervention and treatment.

Method of diagnosing cancer and reagents therefor