This invention relates to industrial production of proteins. More specifically, the invention relates to the res-DHFR surrogate marker, which corresponds to a fusion between DHFR and a protein conferring resistance to a toxic compound or conferring a metabolic advantage. The invention further relates to the use of res-DHFR for screening cells for high expression of a protein of interest. The invention is illustrated by the Puro-DHFR surrogate marker, which corresponds to a fusion between the puromycin N-acetyltransferase and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR).

Introducing heterologous genes into animal host cells and screening for expression of the added genes is a lengthy and complicated process. Typically a number of hurdles have to be overcome: (i) the construction of large expression vectors; (ii) the transfection and selection of clones with stable long-term expression, eventually in the absence of selective pressure; and (iii) screening for high expression rates of the heterologous protein of interest.
1. Selection of Clones Expressing the Heterologous Gene
Selection of the clones having integrated the gene of interest is performed using a selection marker conferring resistance to a selective pressure. Most of the selection markers confer resistance to an antibiotic such as, e.g., neomycin, kanamycin, hygromycin, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, puromycin, zeocin or bleomycin.
When generating cell clones expressing a gene of interest from expression vectors, host cells are typically transfected with a plasmid DNA vector encoding both the protein of interest and the selection marker on the same vector. Quite often the capacity of a plasmid is limited and the selection marker has to be expressed from a second plasmid, which is co-transfected with the plasmid comprising the gene of interest.
Stable transfection leads to random integration of the expression vector in the genome of the host cell. Use of selective pressure, e.g. by administrating an antibiotic to the media, will eliminate all cells that did not integrate the vector containing the selection marker providing resistance to the respective antibiotic or selective pressure. If this selection marker is on the same vector as the gene of interest or, if this selection marker is on a second vector and vector comprising the gene of interest was co-integrated, the cells will express both the selection marker and the gene of interest. It is frequently observed, however, that the expression level of the gene of interest is highly variable depending on the site of integration.
Furthermore, when removing selective pressure, expression becomes quite often very unstable or even extinguished. Only a small number of initial transfectants are thus providing high and stable long-term expression and it is time-consuming to identify these clones in a large population of candidates. Typically, high expressing candidates are isolated and then cultivated in absence of selective pressure. Under these conditions a large proportion of initially selected candidates are eliminated due to their loss of gene of interest expression upon removal of selective pressure. It would thus be advantageous to cultivate the candidates, following an initial period of selection for stable transfection, in absence of selective pressure and only then screen for gene of interest expression.
2. Screening for High Expressing Clones
Screening for high-expressing clones for a protein of interest is often done by methods directly revealing the presence of high amounts of the protein. Typically immunologic methods, such as ELISA or immunohistochemical staining, are applied to detect the product either intracellularly or in cell culture supernatants. These methods are tedious, expensive, time-consuming, and often not amenable to high throughput screenings (HTS). In addition, an antibody reactive to the expressed protein must be available.
Attempts to quantify the protein amounts by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) have also been made, but only with a limited success, especially in the case of secreted proteins (Borth et al., 2000).
One approach for the screening of high expression rates of the protein of interest would be the use of an easily measurable surrogate marker, expressed from the same vector as the gene of interest (Chesnut et al., 1996). The idea underlying the use of a measurable surrogate marker is that there is a correlation between the expression of the gene of interest and the surrogate marker gene due to the physical link of the two genes on the same vector.
Numerous easily measurable markers are available in the art. They usually correspond to enzymes, which act on a chromogenic or luminogenic substrate such as, e.g., the β-glucuronidase, the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, the nopaline synthase, the β-galactosidase, secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and the DHFR. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) may also be used as a measurable marker in FACS. The activity of all these proteins can be measured by standard assays that may be used in HTS.
The drawback of this approach is the use of yet another expression cassette for the surrogate marker gene. This renders the expression vector rather bulky, hosting expression units comprising a promoter, a cDNA and polyadenylation signals for at least three proteins (i.e., the gene of interest, the selection marker and the surrogate marker). For multi-chain proteins the situation becomes even more complex. Alternatively, individual plasmid vectors expressing the three genes, which encode the protein of interest, the selection marker and the surrogate marker respectively, could be co-transfected. However, it is likely that the vectors would be either integrated at different loci, or exhibit varying and uncorrelated expression.
A promising approach for overcoming the above limitations consists in the use of a chimeric marker that combines the functional properties of a selection marker and of a measurable marker.
Such bifunctional markers have been described by, e.g., Bennett et al. (1998), Imhof and Chatellard (2006) and Dupraz and Kobr (2007). Bennett et al. (1998) disclose the GFP-ZeoR marker, which confers resistance to Zeocin antibiotic, which corresponds to a fusion protein between the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and a protein conferring resistance to zeocin. Imhof and Chatellard (2006) disclose the Lupac marker, which corresponds to a fusion between the firefly luciferase protein and a protein conferring resistance to puromycin. Dupraz and Kobr (2007) discloses the PuroLT marker, which corresponds to a fusion protein between the synthetic peptide described by Griffin et al. (1998) and a protein conferring resistance to puromycin.
Miller et al. (2005), in an article showing that fluorescent TMP is an alternative to fluorescent MTX, discloses a fusion protein between a protein conferring resistance to puromycin and a DHFR of bacterial origin. DHFR is used as measurable marker that can be detected by binding to fluorescent MTX or to fluorescent TMP. This article envisions the use of the fusion protein in the field of siRNA gene silencing.
Hence, all markers available for the selection of clones expressing high levels of a recombinant protein correspond to bifunctional markers, which confer resistance to a single toxic compound.
In addition to the bifunctional marker, the vectors used for generating high producer clones usually comprise an amplifiable gene that leads to an increase in copy number when under selective pressure. The copy number of a gene of interest positioned adjacent to the amplifiable gene will also increase, thus leading to the establishment of clones expressing high levels of the protein of interest (Kaufman et al., 1985; Kaufman et al., 1986; Kim et al., 2001; Omasa, 2002). Commonly used amplifiable genes include e.g. dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), Glutamine synthetase (GS), multiple drug resistance gene (MDR), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate resistance (CAD).
The finding of a novel and powerful chimeric surrogate marker, conferring resistance to more than one toxic compound and also allowing gene amplification, would be extremely useful in the field of industrial production of therapeutic proteins.

Puro-DHFR quadrifunctional marker and its use in protein production


A scan ID, which is operation identification information having been used for selection of an image reading condition or the like, is used for selection of a communication destination from among a plurality of host PCs having network-connection to a scanner relay apparatus. Information such as an image reading condition associated with the scan ID is sent to a host PC defined as a communication destination, and a scan command sent back from the host PC, whose protocol is converted, is sent to a scanner apparatus. Furthermore, image data sent back from the scanner apparatus is sent to the host PC.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a scanner relay apparatus that relays communication between a scanner apparatus and a plurality of terminals, the scanner apparatus sending out operation identification information associated with each of predetermined plural sorts of operation inputs, reading image data from an original according to an image reading command received from outside in response to the operation identification information and sending out the image data.
2. Description of the Related Art
At present, a network scanner apparatus that can be shared by network-connection to a plurality of terminals (users) such as personal computers is in the process of becoming widely used, but a network-inapplicable scanner apparatus used by one-to-one connection to one terminal is still utilized. There is a high need of making such a network-inapplicable scanner apparatus network-applicable.
By the way, among conventional network-inapplicable scanner apparatuses, there is a scanner apparatus that is provided with input means having, for instance, a plurality of scanning start buttons and thereby capable of executing plural sorts of operation inputs, and that is capable of previously registering conditions of reading original images, application software to be implemented at a terminal for handling read images or the like, into an external apparatus connected to the scanner apparatus for the respective operation inputs. In the following description, a network-inapplicable scanner apparatus that has a registering function as mentioned above will be referred to as a multi-condition registering type scanner apparatus.
A procedure of controlling image reading on the multi-condition registering type scanner apparatus will be described by using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of controlling image reading on the conventional multi-condition registering type scanner apparatus. S101, S102 and successive numbers hereinafter represent numbers of processes (steps). In the following description, the multi-condition registering type scanner apparatus will be described as a scanner apparatus A.
First, on the scanner apparatus A, when one of the predetermined plural sorts of operation inputs is detected as having been performed (step S101), scan ID (an example of the operation identification information) which is identification information associated with the performed operation input is sent to a host apparatus (an example of the terminal) such as a personal computer connected one to one by a SCSI interface, a USB interface or the like (step S102: a process corresponding to a process of sending out the operation identification information).
Meanwhile, on the host apparatus, when the scan ID is received (step S111), a scan condition associated with the scan ID received at step S111 is selected on the basis of a scan condition (a condition of reading an original image) that is previously set (registered) for each of the scan IDs, and additionally, a scan command associated with the scan condition is generated (step S112). The scan command is a command for causing the scanner apparatus A to execute image reading on the scan condition. Furthermore, the scan command thus generated is sent to the scanner apparatus A (step S113).
On the other hand, on the scanner apparatus A, when the scan command sent from the host apparatus is received (step S103), scanning (reading an original image) is executed under an image reading condition (color/monochrome, resolution, density or the like) complying with the scan command (step S104), and the read image data is sent to the host apparatus (step S105: a process corresponding to a process of sending out image data).
Meanwhile, on the host apparatus, when the image data from the scanner apparatus A is received (step S114), application software for handling image data (software for displaying and editing an image) that is previously set (registered) for each of the scan IDs is activated with the received image data being specified. This leads to a state in which the image data received at step S114 can be handled by the activated application software.
Such processing as mentioned above can save time to vary a set scan condition for each use on the presumption that different scan conditions (image reading conditions) and different application software programs are set (registered) for the respective scan IDs.
Here, the multi-condition registering type scanner apparatus is a so-called push type scanner apparatus having a system in which reading an image is executed by a user's operation of starting to read an image on a side of the scanner apparatus and read image data is sent toward the host apparatus.
Meanwhile, as prior art of making the network-inapplicable scanner apparatus network-applicable, for instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A 10-269157 (1998) discloses a peripheral equipment control apparatus which can interconnect a SCSI interface with a network interface and can transmit data between equipments connected to these interfaces respectively.
However, as to a scanner apparatus to which the art disclosed in JP-A 10-269157 is applied, the scanner apparatus is a so-called pull type scanner apparatus having a system in which by a user's operation of starting to read an image on a side of the host apparatus, image reading is executed on a side of the scanner apparatus and read image data is sent back toward the host apparatus, and there is a problem that the scanner apparatus cannot be applied to the push type scanner apparatus like the multi-condition registering type scanner apparatus.

Scanner relay apparatus and image reading controlling method


A waveform generator generates an acceleration orbit, a velocity orbit, and a position orbit from the seek time. Each orbits multiplied by respective gains, whereupon the orbits are synthesized by a first adder. The resulting composite orbit is multiplied by a seek distance and then passed through a FIR filter to obtain the target position orbit that is to be applied to the later-stage two-degree-of-freedom control system. The two-degree-of-freedom control system has a characteristic whereby it is able to approximate a second-order low-pass filter.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control device for positioning a head in a target position, a disk device, and a seek orbit generation method, and more particularly to a control device which performs seek control by supplying a two-degree-of-freedom control system with a target position orbit, a disk device, and a generation method for generating the target position orbit.
2. Description of the Related Art
With a disk device for a disk such as an optical disk or magnetic disk, it is extremely important to position the head in a target position accurately. An example of such positioning control is seek control.
A positioning control system having a driving unit which moves a controlled body, and a calculation control unit which controls the driving unit has been disclosed as an example of the related art of seek control. In this system, a target position, a target velocity, and a target acceleration are expressed respectively by time-related, fixed polynomials, and the driving unit is controlled by having the calculation control unit calculate the target position and so on at regular sample time intervals (for example, Japanese Patent No. 2657561 and Japanese Patent No. 2736715).
A method of performing seek control while estimating a head velocity using an observer by supplying a two-degree-of-freedom control system with the head velocity has also been disclosed (for example, "DSP Technology in a Hard Disk Drive", Eiji Okamura, Electronics, November 1996, p 38-45).
However, in the prior art described above, there is no description of seek control performed by supplying a two-degree-of-freedom control system with a target position orbit. In particular, there is no description of a method of generating a target position orbit in real time.
Meanwhile, in a two-degree-of-freedom control system, a filter may be constituted by an inverse function of a transfer function constituting a feedback loop to realize an ideal control circuit in which the relationship between a target position orbit r and an observation position y is y/r=1. However, when the filter is thus constituted, high frequency noise is amplified infinitely, and hence realization is impossible.
Also in a two-degree-of-freedom control system, a transfer function from the target position orbit to the observation position may be approximated by a second-order low-pass filter (LPF). However, when the target position orbit is varied in stepped form, the current of the driving unit for driving the head may not be symmetrical between the acceleration area and deceleration area, depending on the constitution of a second-order LPF, and hence seek control takes a great deal of time.

Control device, disk device, and seek orbit generation method


A motor vehicle is provided with a cup holder incorporated into a center console, the cup holder including, but not limited to a front wall, a back wall, two side walls and a base wall, which delimit a receiving space for at least one object, a dividing element, able to be fastened at the upper end region of the receiving space in a dividing position, for dividing the receiving space into a first receiving compartment for a first object and into a second receiving compartment for a second object. The dividing element is constructed from a first part dividing element and a second part dividing element and the first and second part dividing elements are connected pivotably with one another by at least one intermediate joint.

Motor vehicles have, within an interior, vehicle seats to hold passengers. Between the two front seats generally a center console is constructed, which has a cup holder. The cup holder serves to receive various objects, for example a drink container, an ash container, a smartphone or for example also writing equipment, e.g., pens. The cup holder has a receiving space and it is already known here to divide the receiving space of the drink container with a dividing element into a first and a second receiving compartment.
The dividing element is arranged at an upper end region of the receiving space, so that thereby the receiving space has a first and second partial opening, respectively for receiving separate objects. Here, the dividing element can provide this function in the dividing position for dividing the receiving space into a first and a second receiving compartment, by the opening of the receiving space being divided by the dividing element into a first partial opening and into a second partial opening. On a removal of the dividing element from the dividing position, the receiving space has a large overall opening to receive at least one object.
From DE 10 2007 061 203 A1 a receiving element is known, in particular for a motor vehicle, with an upwardly open housing to receive at least one receptacle. The housing has a base and at least one lateral clamping element, and in the housing at least one foldable support is mounted, which in a first arrestable position is arranged parallel to and at a distance from the base and in a second position is arranged substantially perpendicular to the base, in addition the respective clamping element is arranged above the support, in relation to its first position.
In view of the foregoing, at least one object is making available a motor vehicle with a cup holder, in which a dividing element of the cup holder can be moved simply between a dividing position and a storage position and in the storage position the dividing element has a small extent. In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.


A data processing apparatus, a data processing method, and a program are disclosed. They improve communication performance by performing bit interleaving suitable for a modulation method that is a non-uniform constellation. One example of a data processing apparatus includes a mapping unit configured to generate a second bit sequence by mapping a first bit sequence to any symbol on a complex plane corresponding to a NUC modulation method, an inter-symbol interleaving unit configured to generate a third bit sequence by performing inter-symbol interleaving to the second bit sequence, an intra-symbol interleaving unit configured to generate a fourth bit sequence by performing intra-symbol interleaving for shifting M bits as a whole of the third bit sequence per a same number of M bits as the bit number M representing the symbol, and a modulation unit configured to wirelessly transmit the fourth bit sequence according to the NUC modulation method.

For example, in IEEE802.11 of a wireless LAN standard, it is defined that bit interleaving is performed on a bit sequence obtained by mapping to a complex plane according to a convolution coding and a modulation method in order to increase error resistance.
The bit interleaving includes inter-symbol interleaving for spreading a burst error in a viterbi decoding on a receiving side and intra-symbol interleaving for spreading robustness in one symbol.
FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of inter-symbol interleaving. In the inter-symbol interleaving, processing is performed in which a bit sequence is written longitudinally in a storage area of a memory by a predetermined number of bits (in the case of FIG. 1, 16 bits), and the written bit sequence is read out transversely by a predetermined number of bits (in the case of FIG. 1, NCBPS/16 bits, NCBPS is the number of a coding bit per one symbol).
In the intra-symbol interleaving, processing is performed in which the bit sequence read out transversely from the memory is shifted in the symbol per one symbol so as to distribute strong and weak positions in robustness of each bit. The intra-symbol interleaving is specifically described.
FIG. 2 illustrates a signal space diagram of a 64QAM modulation method (hereinafter, referred to simply as 64QAM) employed in IEEE802.11ac.
64QAM is a uniform constellation in which 64 signal points are disposed so that the distances between signal points on a complex plane become equal. As for 64QAM, one symbol representing a position of the signal point includes 6 bits.
FIG. 3 illustrates each robustness of 6 bits constituting one symbol of 64QAM. In the case of 64QAM, the robustness of each bit has three phases. In specific, the 0th bit (MSB) and the third bit from a left side of the 6 bits are the strongest, the first bit and the fourth bit from the left side of the 6 bits are the second strongest, and the second bit and the fifth bit (LSB) from the left side of the 6 bits are the weakest.
FIG. 4 illustrates an overview of intra-symbol interleaving corresponding to 64QAM. In the case of QAM, a bit sequence of S bit is shifted per S bit (in the case of 64QAM, 3 bits) of half of the number of bits constituting one symbol according to the row of the memory from which the bit sequence has been read out.
In specific, the bit sequence corresponding to one symbol read out from the 0th row is shifted to the left side by 0 digit per 3 bits (that is, it is not shifted). The bit sequence corresponding to one symbol read out from the first row is shifted to the left side by 1 digit per 3 bits. The bit sequence corresponding to one symbol read out from the second row is shifted to the left side by 2 digits per 3 bits. The bit sequence corresponding to one symbol read out from the third row is shifted to the left side by 3 digits per 3 bits (that is, it is not shifted similar to that in the 0th row). The bit sequence corresponding to one symbol read out from the fourth row is shifted to the left side by 4 digits per 3 bits (that is, it is shifted to the left side by 1 digit per 3 bits, similar to that in the first row). In this manner, in the intra-symbol interleaving corresponding to 64QAM, one symbol is divided per 3 bits, and is shifted in a three-row cycle.
It is assumed that for the above-described intra-symbol interleaving, the employed modulation method is the uniform constellation such as 64QAM.
Incidentally, in these days, in order to perform more efficient wireless communication, the modulation method such as 64NUC (non-uniform constellation) has been proposed in which signal points are disposed at positions where the distances between signal points on a complex plane are not equal (for example, see PTL 1).

Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and program with bit interleaving for non-uniform constellation wireless transmission


The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an LED luminaire (1) which has a plurality of LEDs (5, 6) as light sources. The method has the following steps:                evaluation, by a control unit (3) for the LED luminaire (1), of an electrical signal which is produced by a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch (10) which can be operated by a user (11) and is connected to the control unit (3) and supplied with voltage via an interface (23) of the LED luminaire (1), and        variation of the color spectrum of the LED luminaire (1) as a function of the evaluated signal.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an LED luminaire, and to an LED luminaire designed for this purpose. In particular, the invention in this case relates to so-called retrofit LED luminaires, that is to say LED luminaires which are designed such that they can be used as an incandescent bulb substitute or a low-voltage or 12-volt halogen lamp substitute.
Incandescent lamps and halogen lamps in which the original light source is replaced by gas discharge lamps or LEDs are being used increasingly, and are available from various manufacturers. In this case, the production of a pleasant light represents a particular requirement. In particular, a pleasant color temperature is required. In this case, a color temperature which appears to be pleasant can be chosen as a function of various constraints. For work, for example, a cooler light is preferred while, in contrast, a warm color temperature is generally found to be more pleasant for leisure purposes. Furthermore, a different color temperature can lead to different color reproduction. A specific color temperature may accordingly be advantageous depending, for example, on the dwelling facility. Overall, an individually adjustable color temperature can therefore be considered desirable.
Virtually fundamentally, a normal building has the same power supply means. The power supply means for illumination in this case consists of wiring, which carries the mains AC voltage and is laid in walls and ceilings such that connection facilities for luminaires are located at predetermined points on the ceilings and walls.
This wiring has switches for the user to control these lamps, that is to say to switch the electric current that is supplied on and off. These are normally on/off switches, that is to say toggle switches, which provide two different values (on and off) in two different positions of a toggle, and switches which act as momentary-contact switches or pushbuttons. The latter have only one possible position, with the currently selected value being changed by pushing the pushbutton (a lamp which is switched off is switched on by pushing, for example).
A further option in existence is dimming switches, which have the same features as pushbuttons or switches and can additionally dim the lamp by turning the dimming switch in a sideways direction. The dimming is normally carried out by varying the voltage profile (for example by means of so-called phase on-gating or phase off-gating) or the power. These dimming switches are normally formed by electronic circuits and in this case also contain electronic switches such as diacs, triacs, thyristors or MOSFETs. In modern power supply means, such as those used in relatively modern buildings, the lighting can also be dimmed continuously via a dimming pushbutton which, in addition to the rotatable dimming switch, represents a further embodiment of a dimming switch for continuous, that is to say infinitely variable, brightness variation. In this case, a lamp which is switched off is switched on by briefly pressing once. As normal, this lamp can now be switched off by briefly pressing once again. However, if the pushbutton is pushed for a relatively long time with the lamp in the switched-on state, then the lamp is dimmed. This means that the lighting intensity of the at least one connected lamp decreases slowly but continuously. The current dimming level is maintained when the pushbutton is released again. The dimming value therefore oscillates cyclically if the pushbutton is pressed continuously.
In summary, a switch such as this can therefore be regarded as a user interface for the lighting system consisting of wiring and at least one luminaire.
Furthermore, a switching actuator which is controlled via a bus could also be used as a switch or dimming switch.
Furthermore, the power for a conventional lighting system may be supplied in the low-voltage range. This is the case in particular when using halogen lamps. A mains switching unit is for this purpose connected to the wiring which carries the main alternating current, and is generally mounted on the ceiling or on the wall, in the vicinity of the halogen luminaires. The mains switching unit now converts the mains AC voltage to a low-DC voltage, and thus supplies the one or more halogen lamps, often via exposed lines. The already installed switch is once again used for user control, in which case a dimming switch can likewise be used to dim the halogen lighting system.
In the situation in which the power supply means in the building cannot have a dimming switch, it is nevertheless desirable to dim the lighting. Lamps have been developed for this situation, such as the "Dulux L Vario" lamp type from the OSRAM Company, which can be screwed into conventional lamp sockets and can be operated using 230 volts AC voltage. In this case, as a light source, the lamp has a gas discharge lamp, and has additional electronics, which are designed for operation of the light source in various modes. The various modes in this case correspond to different brightnesses. When the lamp is switched on for the first time or after having been switched off for a relatively long time, it is first of all operated at 20 watts. If the lamp is now switched off again and is switched on again within three seconds, it is now operated with a power of only 8 watts. A lamp such as the Osram Dulux L Vario therefore allows stepped dimming, in which different discrete dimming values can be set by means of a conventional light switch, by switching it on and off repeatedly.
Because of the positive characteristics of LEDs and OLEDs, and their continual technical further developments, there is an increasing demand for light sources which have LEDs or OLEDs.
Because of the requirements described above, the invention is based on the object of providing a method for controlling the operation of an LED luminaire, as well as an LED luminaire which is designed for this purpose, in which individual settings, in particular of the color temperature, are possible, and which can nevertheless be operated and controlled using conventional power supply means.
The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central concept of the invention in a particularly advantageous manner. The invention therefore relates to a method for controlling the operation of an LED luminaire which has a plurality of LEDs as light sources. The method in this case has the following steps: firstly, a control unit evaluates the LED luminaire, by evaluating an electrical signal which is produced by a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch. The switch, pushbutton or dimming switch is in this case supplied with current. In this case, the signal is produced by the user, by operating the switch, pushbutton or dimming switch. Furthermore, the switch, pushbutton or dimming switch is connected to the control unit for the LED luminaire via an interface. In the second step, the color spectrum of the LED luminaire is varied. This variation is carried out as a function of the evaluated signal.
The control unit preferably evaluates the number and/or the time duration of the operation of the switch, pushbutton or dimming switch. Additionally or alternatively, when using a dimming switch, the control unit evaluates the voltage which is passed on from the dimming switch, and/or its time profile.
The LED luminaire may produce white light. The color temperature of this white light may be varied as a function of the evaluated signal.
The color reproduction index of the light from the LED luminaire can likewise be varied as a function of the evaluated signal.
At least one of the LEDs is preferably operated with pulse-width modulation. In this case, the duty ratio of the pulse-width modulation can be varied as a function of the evaluated signal.
Furthermore, it is feasible for the signal also to be evaluated for brightness control of the LED luminaire.
Modulated mains voltage signals can be supplied to the interface through a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch. The mains voltage signals may, for example, be modulated such that the mains voltage is interrupted for a certain time period, or is passed on only for a certain time period. These time periods may also be repeated a number of times. However, the mains voltage signals may, for example, also be modulated by application of higher-frequency signals, for example the use of a phase on-gating dimmer or a phase off-gating dimmer makes it possible to transmit a voltage which is composed of a frequency component of the normal mains voltage (for example 50 Hz) and of higher harmonics (that is to say by way of example, the third, fifth and seventh harmonics). The higher-frequency signals may, however, also be produced by modulation of a higher-frequency control signal (for example by inductive coupling).
In a further aspect, the control unit sends commands, for example in accordance with the DALI Standard, via the same interface or possibly via a further interface. It can preferably receive digital commands in the same manner.
The invention furthermore relates to a control unit, in particular an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or a microcontroller, which is designed to implement a method as described above.
Furthermore, the invention relates to an LED luminaire. This has a supply circuit which supplies a plurality of LEDs, as light sources, from a supply voltage. Furthermore, it comprises a control unit which is designed to evaluate signals which are produced by a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch which can be operated by a user and is connected to the control unit and supplied with voltage via an interface of the LED luminaire. In this case, the control unit is also designed to vary the color spectrum of the LED luminaire as a function of the evaluated signal.
Preferably, the control unit is designed to evaluate the number and/or the time duration of the operation of the dimming switch, switch or pushbutton.
The LED luminaire can produce white light, and the control unit can vary the color temperature of the white light as a function of the evaluated signal.
It is likewise feasible for the control unit to be able to vary the color reproduction index of the light from the LED luminaire as a function of the evaluated signal.
Preferably, the control unit varies (influences) at least one of the LEDs by pulse-width modulation. The duty ratio of the pulse-width modulation can therefore be adjusted as a function of the evaluated signal.
It is also feasible for the control unit to also evaluate the signal for brightness control of the LED luminaire.
The light sources may have at least one RGB-LED module.
It is also possible for the light sources to have at least one dye-converted white LED. In addition, the light sources may have at least one further colored LED. Preferably, the intensities of the white LED and of the further colored LED can be controlled independently of one another by the control unit.
The LED luminaire may be in the form of a retrofit lamp. For this purpose, it may have a halogen or incandescent-lamp cap or halogen lamp pins.
The interface is preferably designed to receive modulated mains voltage signals through a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch. The control unit is preferably designed to adjust the color spectrum of the LED luminaire on the basis of the modulated mains voltage signals. Furthermore, the control unit is preferably designed to receive and/or to transmit digital commands, for example in accordance with the DALI Standard, via the same interface or a further interface.
Finally, the invention relates to an LED lighting system. This has one or more LED luminaires. At least one of these LED luminaires has the features described above. This one LED luminaire is also connected to a dimming switch, switch or pushbutton. This is supplied with voltage.
The dimming switch, switch or pushbutton is preferably supplied with voltage from the LED luminaire, in particular via the interface, or from an external voltage source, in particular a mains voltage.
It is also feasible for the LED luminaire to be supplied with voltage via the switch, pushbutton or dimming switch from an external voltage source, in particular a mains voltage, in which case the LED luminaire supply preferably at the same time forms the interface.
In this case, the switch, pushbutton or dimming switch may be supplied with DC voltage from the LED luminaire, in particular via the interface.
It is also possible to simultaneously also vary the color temperature of the LED luminaire when the brightness is varied. The color temperature is shifted in the direction of a warmer color temperature when the brightness (luminous power) is reduced (or vice versa, that is to say a deliberate variation in the direction of a colder color temperature is also introduced when the brightness is increased).
The color temperature is preferably varied by independent control of at least two light-emitting diodes with different spectra, for example at least one dye-converted white LED and at least one monochromatic LED.
In addition, the LED lighting system may have a central control unit. This is preferably connected to the interface, with the central control unit evaluating commands from the interface and controlling the LED luminaire.
Furthermore, the LED lighting system may have a BUS. The LED luminaires and the central control unit are preferably connected to this BUS. The BUS may also be designed for communication with and/or to supply power to the LED luminaires and the central control unit.

Operation of an LED luminaire having a variable spectrum


Apparatus for serially dispensing and teeing golf balls includes tiltable meter mechanism disposed along a golf ball pathway for releasing balls one at a time. The apparatus also includes a golf ball supply tray having an opening and an anti-jam device for preventing golf ball bridging over the opening.

A number of prior art arrangements are known for automatically dispensing and teeing golf balls. Such arrangements, however, are generally characterized by their relative complexity. Also, some operational reliability problems exist, particularly with regard to golf ball jamming. Typically golf balls in such devices are dispensed from a hopper containing a plurality of golf balls and jamming can and does occur as individual balls exit the hopper. While anti-jamming mechanisms have been devised, the effectiveness thereof is not all one might wish.
The following United States patents illustrate golf ball dispenser devices which are believed to be representative of the current state of the prior art: U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,296, issued Sep. 18, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,339, issued Oct. 17, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,130, issued Oct. 7, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,325, issued Apr. 29, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,805, issued Jul. 15, 1997.

Apparatus for dispensing and teeing golf balls


An engine mounting structure is provided for use with a turf care machine such as a greens mower. Single cylinder engines, such as are used on greens mowers and similar turf care cutting machines, generate significant vibration. Greens mowers and which are used for finish cutting lose cut quality and precision with excessive vibration. To reduce vibration, an improved mounting structure includes resilient mounts to support the rear portion of the engine on the machine frame. To avoid belt misalignment between the engine drive pulley and the driven pulley powering the cutting reel, which can occur when resiliently mounting an engine, the forward portion of the engine is rigidly secured to the machine frame.

Many walk-behind turf care machines, such as reel mowers used for mowing golf greens, utilize single cylinder horizontal shaft engines. These engines, which commonly operate with significant vibration, are rigidly mounted to the frame of the mower. In applications such as greens mowing, where the grass may be cut only a few thousandth of an inch at a time, vibrations transmitted to the cutting reel can result in an unacceptable quality of cut. Further, such vibrations can cause operator discomfort and/or fatigue as well as result in reduced machine reliability.
To reduce the transfer of engine vibration to the frames of machines, it is known to use resilient engine mounting blocks between the engine and frame. However, many walk-behind turf care machines utilize belts to transfer power from the engine to the reel or other turf engaging element. When an engine adapted for transmitting power through belt drives is mounted on all resilient mountings, the engine can twist as high loads are applied to the belt drive. That can result in a misalignment between the drive and the driven pulleys, which can eventually lead to premature drive belt failure.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a means for mounting a single cylinder engine on a walk-behind turf care machine which could reduce vibration transferred to the frame of the machine as well as to the operator. It would further be desirable to provide an improved engine mounting means for use on such a machine having a belt driven power transfer system. It would also be desirable to reduce the vibration encountered by belt powered walk behind greens mowers to improve its greens cutting performance, where the cutting accuracy is so important.


The use of nucleic acids and polypeptides which are involved in a pathway eventually leading to programmed cell death of yeast or fungi for the preparation of a medicament for treating diseases associated with yeast or fungi or for the treatment of prolifeative disorders or for preventing apoptosis in certain diseases is disclosed. Methods are provided to identify compounds which selectively modulate the expression or functionality of said polypeptides in the same or a parallel pathway. Also provided are compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments and vaccines. New nucleic acid sequences, probes and primers derived thereof, expression vectors and host cells transformed with said vectors, polypeptides and antibodies raised against said polypeptides are also disclosed.

Invasive fungal infections (e.g. Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Zygomycetes spp.) (Walsh, 1992) have emerged during the past two decades as important pathogens causing formidable morbidity and mortality in an increasingly diverse and progressively expanding population of immunocompromised patients. Those with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) constitute the most rapidly growing group of patients at risk for life-threatening mycosis. But fungal Infections have also increased in frequency in several populations of other susceptible hosts, including very-low-birth-weight infants, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, burn patients and surgical patients with complications.
These fungal infections are not limited to humans and other mammals, but are also important in plants where they can cause diseases or cause the production of unwanted compounds (e.g. Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Botritis spp., Cladosporium spp.).
Although recent advances in antifungal chemotherapy have had an impact on these mycoses, expanding populations of immunocompromised patients will require newer approaches to antifungal therapy. The discovery of novel antifungal agents is thus an essential element of any new antifungal therapy.
Classical approaches for identifying antifungal compounds have relied almost exclusively on inhibition of fungal or yeast growth as an endpoint. Libraries of natural products, semi-synthetic, or synthetic chemicals are screened for their ability to kill or arrest growth of the target pathogen or a related nonpathogenic model organism. These tests are cumbersome and provide no information about a compound's mechanism of action. The promising lead compounds that emerge from such screens must then be tested for possible host-toxicity and detailed mechanism of action studies must subsequently be conducted to identify the affected molecular target.
Cells from multicellular organisms can commit suicide in response to specific signals or injury by an intrinsic program of cell death. Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death which leads to elimination of unnecessary or damaged cells. Cells that are either unwanted or potentially harmful to the organism undergo the apoptotic process and show events like cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic condensation, digestion of nuclear DNA, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane blebbing and phagocytosis of the cell debris (Schwartz, et al. 1993). The Bcl-2 family of proteins is centrally involved in the control of the programmed cell death process (PCD). Proteins of this group belong either to the inhibitors of cell death (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL) or to the group of proteins promoting apoptosis (Bax, Bak) (Oltvai and Korsmeyer 1994; Knudson and Korsmeyer 1997; Reed et al. 1998). The ability of the Bcl-2 family of proteins to regulate life and death of a cell is conserved across evolution. Finding of homologues of PCD regulatory genes in plants and animals suggests the possibility that some functions involved in this process may originally have evolved in unicellular organisms, before a divergent development between the plant and the animal kingdom had happened (Apte et al. 1995).
Expression of the pro-apoptotic human or mouse Bax protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae did induce cell death in this budding yeast (Sato et al. 1994; Greenhalf et al. 1996; Zha et al. 1996). It was initially described as a process that resembled autophagy with dissolution of the internal organelles and vacuolisation. The apoptotic features characteristic for multicellular eucaryotic cells like morphological changes In nuclear shape and chromatin condensation, were not observed in this yeast (Zha et al. 1996). It was therefore suggested that Bax-induced cell death in S. cerevisiae is due to the toxicity of the Bax protein itself, mediated by a hypothetical pore-formation without any involvement of a death program (Muchmore et al. 1996).
Bax expression in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe did in contrast show some of the typical apoptotic changes like DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, dissolution of the nuclear envelope and cytosolic vacuolisation, suggesting the presence of the evolutionary conserved PCD pathway in this unicellular eucaryote (Ink et al. 1997; Jurgensmeier et al. 1997). Since it is very unlikely that species dependent differences in the toxicity of the Bax protein are the reason for this observed difference between the two yeasts, a bona fide cell death pathway may well be present in S. cerevisiae.
Recent findings of a yeast mutant in the cell division cycle gene CDC48 show a number of morphological and molecular features that are considered typical indicators of apoptosis markers in metazoan cells: exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane, DNA breakage as well as chromatin condensation and fragmentation, supporting the existence of a basic PCD machinery in this unicellular yeast. This theory was supported by the analysis of a wild type yeast cell expressing the human Bax protein. Comprehensive tests for morphological markers of apoptosis did show a series of changes, identical to morphological markers defining apoptosis (Ligr, Madeo et al. 1998). Recent findings from the same group (Madeo et al., 1999) implicate oxygen stress as a general regulator of apoptosis in yeast but the actual mechanism of Bax lethality in S. cerevisiae remains unclear. It is an aim of the present invention to provide new bax sequences for expression in yeast and fungi and tools for identifying yeast and candida functions in the pathways leading to programmed cell death.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide nucleic acids as well as polypeptides which represent potential molecular targets for the identification of new compounds which can be used in alleviating diseases or conditions associated with yeast or fungal infections.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide uses of these nucleic acid and polypeptide molecules for treating diseases associated with yeast or fungi or for the preparation of (a) medicament(s) for treating said diseases.
It is also an aim of the invention to provide pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising these nucleic acids or polypeptides.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide vectors comprising these nucleic acids, as well as host cells transfected or transformed with said vectors.
It is also an aim of the invention to provide antibodies against these polypeptides, which can be used as such, or in a composition as a medicament for treating diseases associated with yeast and fungi.
It is another aim of the invention to provide methods to selectively identify compounds or polypeptides capable of inhibiting or activating expression of the polypeptides of the invention or capable of selectively modulating expression or functionality of such polypeptides. The nucleic acid and polypeptide molecules alternatively can be incorporated into an assay or kit to identify these compounds or polypeptides.
It is also an aim of the invention to provide methods for preventing infection with yeast or fungi.
It is a further aim of the invention to provide human homologues for the nucleic acids and polypeptides of the invention for use in treating proliferative disorders, such as cancer, or for the prevention of apoptosis in certain diseases, or for the preparation of a medicament for treating such disorders or diseases.
All the aims of the present invention have been met by the embodiments as set out below.

Bax-responsive genes for drug target identification in yeast and fungi


A user interface apparatus for a vehicle includes: an interface unit; a display unit configured to project an augmented reality (AR) graphic object onto a screen; at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium coupled to the at least one processor having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations including: acquiring, through the interface unit, front view image information and vehicle motion information; based on the front view image information, generating the AR graphic object; and based on the vehicle motion information, warping the AR graphic object.

A vehicle is an apparatus configured to move a user in the user's desired direction. A representative example of a vehicle may be an automobile.
Various types of sensors and electronic devices may be provided in the vehicle to enhance user convenience. For example, a Head Up Display (HUD) may be provided to display a graphic object using Augmented Reality (AR) technology. In addition, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is being actively developed for enhancing the user's driving convenience and safety. Further, autonomous vehicles are being actively developed.

User interface apparatus for vehicle and vehicle


A bicycle with arm resistance exercise features incorporated into a handlebar portion comprises a frame, a pair of wheels, and a pair of pedals. The bicycle utilizes crankshaft-style rotatable handle bars which enable a user to exercise their arms while riding and steering the bicycle. The rotating handlebars include a tensioning mechanism to increase the difficulty of the rotation and further increase the complexity of the exercise.

Everyone is thinking much smarter these days. We are always looking for better ways to improve our quality of life and our health with dieting and exercise. This is especially so due to our busy lifestyles. We have limited time, and it seems that the time is becoming more and more limited. In order to combat a sedentary lifestyle, it is imperative that we not only eat right and exercise but do it efficiently. Maximizing the results and minimizing time is paramount with this goal. One (1) of the most popular forms of exercise is bicycling. However, a disadvantage of this form of exercise is the relatively non-use of the arms. Typical bicycles do a good job of developing muscles and working out the legs; however, bicycles have no capacity to work out upper bodies as well. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a bicycle can provide a lower body workout as well as an upper body workout. The development of the present invention fulfills this need.
The present invention provides a means to engage the cyclist in a full body workout. The device comprises a bicycle having a rotational handle-bar portion. The cyclist has the same pedaling capabilities as a traditional bicycle, but the handle bars also have the same cycling functions in smaller rotation to exercise the arms. Tensioning mechanisms afford a user the ability to increase or decrease the amount of force required to rotate the handlebars, thus provide a means to control the exercise.
Prior art in this field consists of bicycle having motioning handlebar portions and stationary exercise machines resembling bicycles with arm training apparatuses. Bicycles with motioning handlebars focus on either assisting the driving of the bicycle or providing wider range of motion of the handlebars themselves. In either situation, the motion of the handlebars is inconsistent with the motion of the present invention's handlebars and fails to provide the training and exercise that the present invention's does. While drive-assist motioning of the handlebars of the prior art provides a workout, this is not the intent of such motion; therefore, such motioning fails to accomplish the goal of exercising as efficiently and effectively as the present invention does. Furthermore, prior art fails to provide a means to disengage the motioning of the handlebars so as to enable normal bicycle operation. Some prior art exercise machines resembling bicycles are equipped with rotating handlebars specifically designed to work the arms while simulating cycling. These machines lack the ability to act modes of transport. It is an object of this invention to provide both a means of transport and a means to maximize a workout. It is a further object of this invention to provide an ergonomic configuration conducive for cycling and exercising the upper arms. It is a further objective of this invention to enable control of the effectiveness of the upper body exercise mode of the apparatus. It is a further objective of this invention to enable full disengagement, or arrestment, of the rotational motion of the handlebars so as to operate the bicycle in a normal cycling mode.


A CMOS diode and method of making it are disclosed. In one embodiment, the diode comprises a silicon substrate having an N doped region and a P doped region. A first silicide region is formed on the N doped region of the silicon substrate, and a second silicide region formed on the P doped region of the silicon substrate. The first silicide region is comprised of a material having a bandgap value lower than the bandgap value of the material comprising the second silicide region. The result is a diode where the workfunction of each region of silicide more closely matches the workfunction of the doped silicon it contacts, resulting in reduced contact resistance. This provides for a diode with improved performance characteristics.

CMOS diodes are important passive components in modern integrated circuit (IC) devices. The diode is also used in bandgap reference circuits, requiring a tight range of specification of the device parameters.
In FIG. 1, a prior art CMOS diode 100 is shown. CMOS diode 100 is comprised of a silicon substrate 102. Region 104 of the substrate is doped with an N+ species to form an N doped region (also referred to as an N+ region), and region 107 is doped with a P+ species to form a P doped region (also referred to as a P+ region). Region 106 remains as the original N type silicon substrate. A polysilicon gate structure 108 is disposed above region 106, and in between regions 104 and 106. The polysilicon gate structure 108 is comprised of a N+ region 110, and a P+ region 112. Spacer structures 114 and 116 are adjacent to the respective doped regions. As is known in the art, spacer 116, which is adjacent to P+ region 112 may be of a different shape than spacer 114, which is adjacent to N+ region 110. Silicide regions 118, 120, and 122 are all comprised of a similar material, and disposed on the silicon substrate to form contacts. Silicide region 118 forms the anode contact of diode 100, and silicide region 122 forms the cathode contact of the diode 100. Silicide region 120 is formed over the gate structure 118. Electrical connections 126A and 126B connect the gate contact 120 to the anode contact 118 to ground point 126C, thereby rendering the gate contact 120 as "unused." Note that references 126A, 126B, and 126C are schematically indicated, and are not representative of a physical structure in the device. Nitride layer 124 is deposited on the silicon substrate 102, silicide regions 118, 120, and 122, and gate structure 108.
It should clearly be understood that FIG. 1 illustrates but an extremely small (microscopic) portion of an integrated circuit (IC) device, let alone a semiconductor wafer comprising a large plurality of such devices. For example, what is shown may have a width of only a few microns of a semiconductor wafer having a diameter of several inches. Also, in "real life" things are not so neat and clean, rectilinear and uniform as shown. However, for one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention most nearly pertains, this and other figures presented in this patent application will be very useful, when taken in context of the associated descriptive text, for understanding the invention.
As device dimensions continue to shrink, contact resistance between region 118 and 104, and between region 122 and 108 increases to the point where it starts to dominate the total resistance of the device, resulting in reduced device current. It also adversely impacts device variations that result from the increase resistance variation. Therefore, what is needed is a new diode structure providing reduced contact resistance while also providing the capability for reduced device size.

International Business Machines Corporation


A modular oven, such as a batch process oven, includes a standardized set of self supporting, interconnectable panels which, when assembled, from a self-supporting heat containment shell, free of added structural support members. The present invention is also directed at self-supporting modular oven panels and a method of assembling the panels such as in the expansion or conversion of a first modular oven assembly to a second assembly more conducive to current production requirements.

Conventional heat treatment processes, such as a batch oven heat treatment process and other heat treatment process techniques, involve prior art ovens that have been constructed from custom designs. These custom designs often involve custom components such as odd sized insulated panels of a standard tongue and groove construction with raw metal edges. Ductwork, for hot air distribution in these prior art ovens, is usually custom fitted into the oven structure so as to allow for even distribution of hot air for the designed application. Walls are then trimmed internally and externally using rows of fasteners through cosmetic as well as structural angular trim pieces, giving the structure permanency. The permanent structure is then supported using structural steel such as "T" beam, "C" channel, and tie angle to provide a skeletal framework for the shell to rest on or against. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,977,824; 4,246,852; 4,249,888; 4,311,460; 4,764,108 and 5,475,958 are representative of prior art oven or furnace structures relying on additional frame structures to support their panels or walls.
The degree of custom construction associated with conventional heat treatment ovens and the like lends itself to limitations as to future adaptability of components when attempting to alter the structure to accommodate changes in the end user's needs as each different structure commonly requires further customization of fabricated framework, ductwork, and shell to achieve the new size and/or functionality requirements.
An example of such limitations can be seen in the requirements involved following investment in a batch process oven during a business' early years, when production quantities are relatively small. With increased production needs, the process of heat treating (baking, drying, etc.) usually graduates from small batch runs to some form of automated conveyance of a product. The customized structural components cannot effectively be recouped or reapplied to future oven structures because the cost to change or modify the structure becomes prohibitive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,951 describes forming an oven roof or wall from modular panels, each of which comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric, with each fabric formed with an angle iron framework and somewhat resilient tie bars welded at their ends to the angle iron framework. The skins are formed so as to have one skin project laterally over an adjacent skin so as to slidingly overlie therewith to accommodate expansion contracture. These modular panels of U.S. '951 are highly labor intensive in their manufacture and provide a panel not easily erected, particularly in the roof panel/slide panel interface or at sidewall corners.
U.S. Design Pat. No. D360,423 to the assignee of the present application, RAYPAUL Industries, is directed at a design for a screen print curing oven. The illustrated curing oven features latched curing oven panels which latches provides for rapid assembly and disassembly, but like the prior art, is at least partially supported by a (conveyor) frame structure and does not feature a stand alone modular panel. Accordingly, the oven in design D360,423 lacks the flexibility of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,443 is directed at a modular bake oven for drying varnished electrical components, which includes a front oven section forming one-half of the top and side walls of the assembled oven and a rear oven section forming the other half. While providing an oven that can be readily assembled and disassembled, the components of the oven fail to provide a high degree of freedom in accommodating variations in usage requirements.


A method of fabricating multi-domain liquid crystal cell includes the steps of providing first and second substrates, the first and second substrates being coated with photo-alignment layer, covering the substrate with a mask which has a plurality regions having different transmittances, exposing the substrate to vertical light having a first polarization direction, and exposing the substrate to oblique light. The photo-alignment materials include polysiloxane-based materials.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a multi-domain liquid crystal cell, and, more particularly, to a simplified method of fabricating the wide viewing angle liquid crystal cell.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A twisted nematic liquid crystal display (TN LCD) has a contrast angular problem, i.e., the transmittance in each gray level depends on the viewing angle. This contrast angular dependence is especially strong in the up and down directions, and is caused by the electrically induced liquid crystal (LC) director configuration.
To solve this angular dependence problem, a multi-domain LCD such as a two-domain TN LCD (TDTN LCD) and a domain-divided TN LCD (DDTN LCD) have been introduced. In the TDTN LCD, each pixel has two director configuration domains, where the two pretilted directions are in opposing directions. Applying a gray level voltage to this LCD, the LC directors in two domains are tilted in opposite directions. These configurations average the up and down directions transmittance. In the DDTN LCD, materials having different pretilt angles, such as organic or inorganic materials, are alternately aligned in the each pixel. The aligning process results in each aligned area (i.e., each domain) having a pretilt angle different from that of the neighboring domain.
In the multi-domain liquid crystal cell discussed above, the most useful aligning method is the so-called rubbing method. In the rubbing method, the alignment layer, which consists of polyimide-coated layers, is mechanically rubbed with a rubbing cloth, etc., so that microgrooves are created on the surface of the alignment layer. The periodic topology of mechanically grooved LCD-substrates minimizes the elastic deformation energy of liquid crystals by forcing the director to align parallel to the microgrooves. In the rubbing method, however, the defect of the microgrooves causes random phase distortion and light scattering, so that the image quality deteriorates. Further, the rubbing process generates dust and discharge on the alignment layer causing the damage to the substrate and resultant yield deterioration.
A new method called the photo-alignment method was recently introduced in order to overcome the substrate damage problem.
FIGS. 1A-1E are views showing the fabrication method of the dual-domain (or two domain) cell using the photo-alignment process. In the figure, the hatched region of the substrate indicates the region blocked by the opaque mask, and the arrow in the substrate indicates alignment direction. The arrow above the substrate indicates the irradiation direction of the light.
First, the first domain I of the photo alignment material-coated substrate is blocked by the opaque mask. Then the substrate is exposed to vertical linearly polarized light having a first polarization direction, in order to define the first degenerated alignment direction in the second domain II, as shown in FIG. 1A. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1B, the substrate is exposed to oblique linearly polarized light having a second polarization direction which is perpendicular to the first polarization direction in order to select one direction of the first degenerated direction. As a result, the first alignment direction is formed in the second domain II.
Thereafter, the first domain I is uncovered, and the second domain II is covered with the mask. The substrate is exposed to vertical linearly polarized light having a third polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction to define the second degenerated alignment direction, as shown in FIG. 1C. At this time, the degenerated second alignment direction is perpendicular to the first alignment direction. Subsequently, the substrate is exposed to oblique light in order to select one degenerated direction, as shown in FIG. 1D. FIG. 1E is a view showing the dual domain cell where the alignment directions of the domains are fully determined, after removing the mask. As shown in FIG. 1E, the alignment directions in the first and second domains are perpendicular to each other.
This process is again carried out for a second substrate, and then the two substrates are combined to form a dual-domain liquid crystal cell.
The alignment process of a multi-domain cell, such as a dual domain cell, however, is complex and costly, since eight exposure processes and four masking processes are needed.

Method of fabricating a multi-domain liquid crystal cell


A multi-functional socket tool for receiving connective assemblies includes a tool body defining a hollow interior area and opposed first and second ends and connective portions, respectively, defining first and second insertion apertures for receiving connecting assemblies into the interior area. The first connective portion includes a first segment operable to receive a connective assembly having a square configuration. The first connective portion includes a second segment displaced interiorly from the first segment having a threaded tubular member operable to receive a threaded connective assembly. The second connective portion includes a first segment having a hexagonal configuration operable to receive a connective assembly having a hexagonal configuration. The second connective portion includes a second segment interiorly displaced from the first segment of the second connective portion operable to receive a connective assembly having a square shaped configuration. Each connective portion may include a third segment having other configurations.

This invention relates generally to socket tools, whether battery powered or manual, and, more particularly to a multi-functional socket tool having multiple segments spaced apart internally from opposed ends that are configured to mate with a plurality of connective assemblies in the nature of fasteners, fittings, and socket tools so that the connective assemblies may be mounted by operation of the socket tool.
Various fasteners, hardware, and hangers are installed to and removed from beam clamps or other fixtures of a structure using manual or battery powered socket tools or are manually installed. For instance, a beam clamp may need to be installed or coupled to a beam with a lock nut and then a threaded rod may need to be installed into the beam clamp, and various sized loop hangers may need installation to the beam or beam clamp. Typically, multiple tools are needed to make or to remove these installations, i.e. a plurality of tools may need to be present to install or remove all of these fasteners.
Various devices or proposals are found in the prior art for multi-function hand-tools. Although presumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing devices and proposals do not provide a multi-functional socket tool having multiple segments arranged longitudinally displaced from opposed ends of a tool body and arranged so that no one segment for receiving a respective type of fastener or hardware causes collision or conflict with any other segment. In other words, the present invention provides a multi-function socket tool capable of capturing a multiplicity of connective assemblies for being driven or coupled to a beam or beam clamp via a socket adapter or the like.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a multi-function socket tool that overcomes the limitations of the prior multi-use tools or merely using separate and inefficient combinations of tools.


Method for producing a planar spacer, an associated bipolar transistor and an associated BiCMOS circuit arrangement. The invention relates to a method for production of a planar spacer, of an associated bipolar transistor and of an associated BiCMOS circuit arrangement, in which first and second spacer layers are formed after the formation of a sacrificial mask on a mount substrate. A first anisotropic etching process of the second spacer layer is carried out to produce auxiliary spacers. A second anisotropic etching step is then carried out, in order to produce the planar spacers, using the auxiliary spacers as an etch mask.

In bipolar transistors, it is necessary to make contact with and to connect to the region of the intrinsic base with as low an impedance as possible in order to achieve very high cut-off frequencies and to reduce the RF noise. This is achieved particularly advantageously by a base connection which is as short as possible, is preferably self-adjusting, and thus has a low impedance.
In the case of so-called "single-poly bipolar technologies", this base connection region is normally defined lithographically, that is to say not in a self-adjusting manner. By way of example, the lithographically defined emitter plug is used as an implantation hard mask for the base contact. Since the doping of the intrinsic base defines the current gain of the bipolar transistor, it cannot be chosen to be indefinitely high. If the base connection and/or the base connection region which directly touches the intrinsic base are/is not formed by a dedicated, heavily-doped polysilicon layer, which allows contact to be made with the intrinsic base in a self-adjusting manner, the base connection is normally heavily doped by ion implantation by means of, for example, a photoresist mask. In this case, the minimum distance between the heavily doped component of the base connection and the active transistor area, that is to say the intrinsic base, is governed by the lithography tolerances. For this reason, the base connection in "single-poly bipolar transistors" such as these has a relatively high impedance, since the heavily doped connection region is connected to the intrinsic base through this relatively long region, which is doped only with the low dopant concentration of the intrinsic base.
Conventional bipolar transistors thus often use two polysilicon layers to provide a contact, with one being intended for the emitter contact, and one for the base contact. In this case, an emitter window, which defines an actual contact area between the emitter and the intrinsic base, is etched by the heavily doped base connection polysilicon. The base connection is thus automatically located in a self-adjusting manner alongside the emitter window, in which the intrinsic base is defined. In this variant, the low-impedance base connection is obtained by outward diffusion from the base connection polysilicon to the intrinsic base.
In a conventional single-poly bipolar transistor dedicated polysilicon deposition or a dedicated polysilicon layer is used only for the emitter contact, the base connection region is normally defined lithographically, and is heavily doped by means of implantations. Since this process is in consequence not self-adjusting, it thus includes all of the lithography fluctuations and tolerances.


A power supply device having a standby power cutoff structure, comprises: a power supply unit which has a plug connected to a socket, converts an external power for a power supply target device, and generates self-operating power; a connector unit which includes a power supply terminal to supply power to the power supply target device, and opens or blocks a power supply path between the external power and the power supply unit in response to a switching driving signal received from the power supply unit; and a cable for connecting the power supply unit and the connector unit, wherein the power supply unit checks the state of power supplied through a switching unit to output the switching driving signal to the switching unit such that the switching unit cuts off a power supply when the power supply target device is fully charged or the power supply device is turned off.

In general, a power supply apparatus for supplying power to a product (notebook, netbook or the like) having a self charging battery or a product (radio, CD player or the like) having no charging battery includes a connector connected to the corresponding product, a plug connected to commercial AC power and the like, and has a structure of converting the commercial AC power to DC power suitable for the corresponding product and providing the converted DC power to the product through the connector.
However, the power supply apparatus has a problem in that power is wasted since standby power is continuously generated even in a state where a power supply of the product is turned "off" or a battery is fully charged.
Due to the above problem, a program for legally regulating standby power is recently prepared all over the world including Korea. The standby power of the power supply apparatus has been restricted to 1 W from 2010 in Korea, and the standby power was restricted to 1 W or less in 2010 and a bill of restricting the standby power to 0.5 W has been passed and is due to take effect in Europe in 2013.
Accordingly, it is greatly required to provide a method of minimally maintaining or cutting off the standby power in the power supply apparatus.

Power supply device having a standby power cutoff structure


A circuit configured to generate an output signal having a first frequency in response to a clock signal having a second frequency. The output signal may be in a first state and a second state for an equal number of half-cycles of the clock signal.

The present invention relates to a method and/or architecture for frequency dividers generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or architecture for a loadable divide-by-N device with a fixed duty cycle.
Conventional clock signals for systems requiring clocking (i.e., computer systems, microprocessors, controllers, etc.) are implemented using an oscillator to generate a reference signal and dividers to generate numerous clock signals. Clock signals can be characterized by a duty cycle. A duty cycle measures what portion of a clock signal period the clock signal is in a first state (i.e., a logic HIGH, or 1). For example, when a clock signal is in a HIGH state for one-half of the clock period and a LOW state for one-half of the period, the clock signal has a fifty percent (50%) duty cycle.
The clock signal can also be described as having a first half-cycle and a second half-cycle. The clock signal is in a first state during the first half-cycle and a second state during the second half-cycle. A half-cycle can be shorter or longer than half of the clock period depending upon the duty cycle of the clock signal. For example, a 50% duty cycle clock signal has half-cycles that are both one-half of the clock period. However, a clock signal with a 25% duty cycle has a first half-cycle that is one-quarter of the clock period and a second half-cycle that is three-quarters of the clock period. A clock signal with a 75% duty cycle has a first half-cycle that is three-quarters of the clock period and a second half-cycle that is one-quarter of the clock period.
In conventional clock generators, loadable dividers are used to divide the reference signal to generate a lower frequency clock signal. However, conventional loadable dividers can have either a very low (i.e., significantly less than 50%) or very high (i.e., significantly greater than 50%) duty cycle. When a 50% duty cycle clock is required, a conventional loadable divider is followed by a toggle flip-flop. The toggle flip-flop performs a divide-by-2 operation to get a 50% duty cycle. A disadvantage of using the toggle flip-flop to get a 50% duty cycle is that the conventional frequency divider cannot provide a 50% duty cycle clock with a frequency that is an odd fraction ( or multiple, if the divider is part of a phase lock loop circuit) of the reference frequency.
A loadable divider that could divide by an odd integer and provide a 50% duty cycle would be desirable.
The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a circuit configured to generate an output signal having a first frequency in response to a clock signal having a second frequency. The output signal may be in a first state and a second state for an equal number of half-cycles of the clock signal.
The objects, features and advantages of the present invention include a method and/or architecture for a loadable divide-by-N device that may (i) enable flexibility in output frequencies and/or (ii) improve frequency resolution by opening up post-divide space.

Loadable divide-by-N with fixed duty cycle


There is provided a display control device including a determination unit configured to determine a type of input information, and a display controller configured to switch modes of a display unit capable of being switched to a mirror surface mode and a display mode in accordance with a result of determination by the determination unit.

The present disclosure relates to a display control device and a recording medium.
In recent years, mobile communication terminals, such as mobile phone terminals, smartphones, and tablet terminals, have become common. In particular, mobile phone terminals and smartphones have camera functions, operation input functions with a touch panel, and the like, in addition to a communication function using a phone and mail. Further, recently, some display screens of mobile phone terminals and smartphones are provided with a mirror surface function.
Techniques of using a display screen as a mirror surface are proposed in JP 2004-258400A and JP 2005-321635A, for example.
JP 2004-258400A discloses, as an application of a dimming mirror, a technique in which the dimming mirror adhered to an information display medium is used by switching states between a mirror surface state and a transparent state.
Further, JP 2005-321635A discloses a technique for preventing uncomfortable feeling from being generated due to the mirror surface state when the power is off in a display device which is used by switching states between the mirror surface state and the transparent state. Specifically, dimming glass is adhered to a front surface of a mirror surface film and the transmittance of the dimming glass is controlled, so that the mirror surface state is controlled when the power is off.

Display control device and recording medium


Personal care products useful for the maintenance of personal appearance and good health and minor treatments that do not require professional health care, as well as products that provide a combination of anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties and are suitable for use without a prescription. The products utilize a biomembrane permeable organosulfur compound that can redox cycle between thiol, disulfide, and thiosulfinate forms in response to oxidants and antioxidants inside and outside of cells. Example products include an anti-microbial toothpaste with anti-plaque properties, an anti-inflammatory skin lotion with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and deodorant properties, and an anti-toxin skin lotion with anti-arsenicosis properties.

1.1 Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to products that are useful for personal care: the maintenance of personal appearance and good health, and the minor treatments that do not require professional health care. The present invention also relates to those products that provide a combination of anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties and are suitable for use without a prescription. The products utilize a biomembrane permeable organosulfur compound that can redox cycle between thiol, disulfide, and thiosulfinate forms in response to oxidants and antioxidants inside and outside of cells. Example products include an anti-microbial toothpaste with anti-plaque properties, an anti-inflammatory skin lotion with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and deodorant properties, and an anti-toxin skin lotion with anti-arsenicosis properties.
1.2 Brief Introduction to the Invention
The Applicant has previously discovered that there is a class of membrane permeable thiol compounds that can be oxidized in vivo to form membrane permeable disulfides, which can in turn be further oxidized in vivo to form membrane permeable thiosulfinates. The localized oxidation from disulfide to thiosulfinate by activated immune system cells creates a potent anti-microbial agent local to the infectious microbe or cancer cell that is being attacked (US2004/0235946A1). The applicant has further discovered that the cycling between the thiol and disulfide states gives these compounds unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including the ability to serve as an extracellular antioxidant that is coupled to the intracellular glutathione reductase system (US2005/0260250A1).
The present invention involves the application of these compounds in products for personal care. It has been discovered that skin care products incorporating these compounds exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, UV protective, anti-arsenicosis, and (especially surprisingly) deodorant features while being generally protective of the skin. It has further been discovered that dentifrice products such as toothpaste incorporating these compounds have antimicrobial and anti-plaque properties.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Personal care and medicinal products incorporating bound organosulfur groups


A display rack has flat-bottomed compartments for holding stacks of generally planar, sheet material items in a manner which prevents lower ends of the items from being squeezed when the items are inserted or removed from the compartments. The rack has a back wall, two side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall that bound an upright space. A plurality of supports are secured to the back wall and support a plurality of partitioning walls, one above another, along a vertical direction in mutual parallelism along an angle of inclination. Each support has a first mounting element having an upper base surface that directly engages and supports all the lower ends of the items, and a second mounting element connected to a respective partitioning wall.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to arrangements for holding various items on display in retail establishments or the like, and more particularly to display racks designed for holding essentially flat items, such as greeting cards, brochures or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are already known various constructions of display arrangements, among them such that are especially suited for holding essentially flat (e.g., relatively thin sheet-shaped) items or objects in respective pockets staggered relative to one another in the vertical direction. In many instances, each of such pockets is dimensioned for receiving a limited, yet still quite substantial, number of such items (greeting cards with envelopes, pamphlets, or whatever such items may be), usually all of the same kind, so as to offer the prospective purchaser or taker of such items a variety of such items in a close proximity to one another, without having to replenish such items every time one of them is taken away.
In stationery or department stores, such display arrangements are ordinarily constituted by rather sturdy permanent structures made of wood, particle board, rigid plastic materials or the like. However, there are applications where the expense involved in purchasing, erecting and/or maintaining such permanent structures is not justified either because the demand for such items is relatively low (but not low enough to dispense with this kind of items altogether), or because the size and/or location of such a display is to be changed frequently or occasionally (in which case the dismounting and re-erecting of such permanent structures would put an unreasonable burden on the person in charge of rearranging the display), or simply because the money for such permanent structures is not available at the moment, or for other reasons.
For these circumstances, there have already been developed in the past semi-permanent display structures made of corrugated board or similar relatively inexpensive materials, but yet sufficiently sturdy to withstand the rigors they are exposed to at the respective establishment using them, if not forever then for a sufficiently long time to make them economically attractive despite such lack of permanency. Not only are such display structures relatively inexpensive (an important but often not decisive factor), but they are also relatively easy to move from one location to another (with or without the items) and, if need be, easily disassembled for storage or transportation while occupying only a minimum space, and just as easily re-erected, on an as-needed basis.
One problem encountered with these semi-permanent structures in the past was, however, their potential for mangling the items accommodated in the respective pockets. In this respect, it is to be realized (besides taking into account the fact that human intervention is ordinarily required before any such item is actually damaged) that the generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration of the respective space or pocket receiving such items (or item groups or supplies) is the primary cause of such a danger. More particularly, as the pocket converges in the downward direction (until it reaches a "bottom line"), some of the items will slide deeper into the pocket than others while the group of them is inserted, but all of them will be squeezed at their lower ends in the process.
Now, when subsequently one of such items is removed from the respective pocket, the considerably compressed lower regions of the effected adjacent items will quite vigorously rub against one another. The situation is even worse when the person who had removed such an item subsequently tries to return it into the pocket and pushes it down to get it "into its right place", since by that time the other items have already readjusted themselves to the absence of such an item, and the "right place" is gone and must be recreated by forcing such other items out of the way. While one such removal and return may not do much damage, if any, multiple ones may; besides, the need for the individual taker of an item to use large force, in relative terms, for removing and returning the item he or she is interested in is an inconvenience at the very least, and a decisive factor in causing the interested person to eschew taking the item at worst.

Display rack with shelf supports formed from back wall


A signal transmitting/receiving system and method, signal transmitting apparatus and method, signal processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program are provided. A signal transmitting/receiving system includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals; and a receiver configured to receive the signals transmitted from the transmitter. The transmitter transmits signals using a first signal having an edge at a position that is 1/n from the beginning of a unit segment and a second signal having an edge at a position of (n−1)/n from the beginning of a unit segment, where n is an integer greater than or equal to three, one of the first signal and the second signal representing logic “0” and the other representing logic “1”. The receiver determines a signal type based on a length of an edge interval of either rising edges or falling edges of the signals received.

The present invention relates to signal transmitting/receiving systems and methods, signal transmitting apparatuses and methods, signal processing apparatuses and methods, recording media, and programs. Particularly, the present invention relates to a signal transmitting/receiving system and method, a signal transmitting apparatus and method, a signal processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program that allow signals to be transmitted/received quickly and reliably without being affected by other electronic apparatuses.
Television receivers that are currently used have attached remote controllers so that users can input various instructions by operating the remote controllers.
FIGS. 1A to 1D are timing charts of remote control signals generated by a remote controller. As shown in FIG. 1A, a command is output three times in total by a rate of once per each command interval Ti. The command interval Ti corresponds to the period of one field of a television receiver, i.e., 1/60 second in the case of NTSC.
As shown in FIG. 1B, a start bit Sb is disposed at the beginning of the command, and an end bit Eb is disposed at the end of the command. Between the start bit Sb and the end bit Eb, data and parity Pt are disposed.
The data is binary data composed of bits representing logic "0" or logic "1". As shown in FIG. 1C, logic "0" is represented by a signal having a length of time T0, and logic "1" is represented by a signal having a length of time T1. As shown in FIG. 1D, a carrier having a length of a carrier time Tc is disposed at the beginning of a bit.
The frequency of the carrier has hitherto been 38 kHz to 40 kHz. However, for example, in order to quickly move a cursor on a television screen, a frequency of 455 kHz has recently been proposed.
FIG. 2A shows driving signals of a plasma display (PDP). Referring to FIG. 2A, by a period of a field time Tf, pulses are supplied during a predetermined period in the field time Tf. The brightness is increased as the number of pulses is increased. As shown in FIG. 2B, each of the pulses is composed of a carrier having a length of a carrier pulse time Tp and a frequency of 250 kHz.
FIG. 3 shows the frequency spectrum of the driving signals for the plasma display, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The spectrum has a fundamental frequency of 250 kHz and odd harmonic components.
FIG. 4 shows the spectrum of electroluminescence of the plasma display. The plasma display performs fluorescence emission by ultraviolet rays having wavelengths in the vicinity of 400 nm, so that it generates parasitic emissions having wavelengths of 850 nm or longer, as shown in FIG. 4.
Thus, for example, when a remote control signal represented by a binary code composed of a combination of time T0 and time T1 is generated in the proximity of a plasma display as shown in FIG. 5A, if parasitic emissions of the plasma display occur substantially at the same timing as shown in FIG. 5B, the parasitic emission components of the plasma display are superposed on the remote control signal as shown in FIG. 5C, so that the remote control signal is interfered with. As a result, although a binary code of logic "0" and logic "1" is supposed to be represented by time T0 and T1, for example, the length of time T0 representing logic "0" is detected to be shorter than its actual length, as shown in FIG. 5C. This inhibits the bit from being recognized as logic "0". This problem similarly occurs for logic "1".
This indicates that the use of the remote controller is inhibited in the proximity of the plasma display.
In view of this problem, for example, according to techniques proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-294180, a remote controller is physically connected to a plasma display via an optical fiber so that remote control signals are fed to the plasma display via the optical fiber.
However, when a remote controller is connected to a plasma display via an optical fiber as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-294180, the range where the use of the remote controller is allowed is restricted, and the optical fiber can be an obstacle. This causes inconvenience in living environment.

Signal transmitting/receiving system and method, signal transmitting apparatus and method, signal processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program for transmitting/receiving signals unaffected by other apparatuses


A method for preventing neoplastic transformation by inhibition of cell cycle progression into S phase by preventing the inactivation of Retinoblastoma protein (Rb).

The Retinoblastoma protein is a nuclear phosphoprotein product of the RB1 gene. It is. Retinoblastoma is a tumor suppressor because of its control over the cell cycle.
Unregulated cellular proliferation underlies neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis. Tumor cells typically have acquired some genetic damage to the regulators of the cell cycle. The Retinoblastoma protein (Rb), is a cell cycle regulator protein that when active, arrests cells in G1. Rb orchestrates signals controlling of cell cycle progression, and cancer cells almost invariably have genetic alterations of Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) pathway components. Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) phosphorylation of the Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) drives cell proliferation by inhibiting the formation of complexes between Rb and E2F transcription factors and other regulatory proteins. The mechanism of Rb inactivation is largely unknown.
Considering the high prevalence of Rb pathway lesions in cancer, there is clear motivation for therapeutics that target pathway components to inhibit aberrant proliferation.

Method for preventing neoplastic transformation by inhibition of retinoblastoma protein inactivation

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