A pile assembly which is driven into the earth for building foundations of engineering and construction employs a leading pile comprising a hollow column having a plurality of openings formed in a side wall thereof and a lower sharpened tip end and an open upper end, a wedge component having a plurality of elongated wedge members. The wedge component is movable downwardly in a space within the column. The leading pile has a guide component for guiding said elongated wedge members through the openings of the column into the earth when the wedge means is depressed. At least one coupling pile is connected to the leading pile comprising a hollow column having a plurality of openings formed in a side wall thereof and an open lower end and an open upper end, a wedge component having a plurality of elongated wedge members and an inner pillar for depressing the wedge component of the lower pile, which is movable downwardly in a space within the column, and a guide component for guiding the elongated wedge members through openings of the column into the earth when the wedge component is depressed.

a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pile or a pile assembly used for engineering and construction works such as shore protection, road construction, foundation work for architecture and engineering. In particular, the present invention relates to a pile or pile assembly for engineering work, having therein a core member with wedge members, which can be also used as a pile for indicating a boarder.
b) Description of Related Art
There have been various piles for engineering works including a pile which is circular in cross section and has a cone shaped tip end, a pile which is triangular in cross section, a pile which is triangular in the whole shape and has a pointed tip end, a pile which is triangular in shape and has an another member such as a disc mounted at its lower end and a pile having only a lateral bar mounted on the lower portion thereof.
Prior art engineering work piles having various shapes and sizes have been used. Most of these piles are made of steel, concrete or steel reinforced concrete. Most popular engineering work piles are formed into cylindrical-cone shapes or columns. When these engineering piles are used for protection of river, sea shore or roads, the piles are obliquely or vertically driven into the earth. This is also applied for the working for architecture.
However, even if the piles for engineering work are driven into soft ground, there are drawbacks that they sway and are unstable or removed. In case of hard ground, there are drawbacks that the piles may sway or be lifted after the lapse of time. The prior art piles for construction work have a poor resistance to earthquake. If such piles are used, work itself is dangerous and the working cite is also dangerous even after completion of work.

Pile or pile assembly for engineering and construction works


A sample testing apparatus comprising: a first storing section for storing identification information of an operator in association with first or second attribute information; an identification information receiving section for receiving an input of the identification information of the operator; a testing section for obtaining a test result by testing a sample; a second storing section for storing the test result of the sample so as to be linked with the received identification information; an operation end instruction receiving section for receiving an operation end instruction by the operator; and a deleting section for deleting from the second storing section the test result which is stored so as to be linked with the identification information received by the identification information receiving section in the case in which the received identification information is associated with the second attribute information when the operation end instruction is received.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sample testing apparatus for testing a sample which is collected from a human subject.
2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-030100 discloses a dispensing apparatus in which, regarding operator identification information, three authority levels for a general operator, a manager and a serviceman are set in advance and which receives entry of an ID from an operator and permits the operator to execute functions of the authority level corresponding to the entered ID. In addition, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-030100 contains a description that this technique can be applied not only to the dispensing apparatus but also to an analysis apparatus.
When an ID corresponding to the general operator is entered, the dispensing apparatus permits an operator to execute functions for the general operator, when an ID corresponding to the manager is entered, the dispensing apparatus permits an operator to execute functions for the general operator and the manager, and when an ID corresponding to the serviceman is entered, the dispensing apparatus permits an operator to execute functions for the general operator, the manager and the serviceman. An operator having an ID corresponding to the serviceman performs an operation test of the apparatus as maintenance work and confirms whether the apparatus is operating normally on the basis of the operation history of the apparatus. A general operator and a manager are operators on the facility side having the above-described dispensing apparatus delivered thereto and a serviceman is an operator on the trader side delivering the above-described dispensing apparatus to the facility.
When the technique described in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-030100 is applied to an analysis apparatus, a serviceman performs an analysis operation as maintenance work by using a control sample and confirms an analysis result to confirm whether the analysis apparatus is operating normally. Since the analysis result which is generated with the maintenance work is not necessary for operators on the facility side, the serviceman is required to delete the analysis result when the maintenance work ends.
However, in the analysis apparatus to which the technique described in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-030100 is applied, the serviceman is permitted to execute functions of a general operator and a manager. Accordingly, there is a concern that analysis results which are obtained by an operator on the facility side may be deleted by mistake when the serviceman deletes the analysis result of the control sample which is generated with the maintenance work.


The present invention is directed toward a sensing architecture for use in cardiac rhythm management devices. The sensing architecture of the present invention provides a method and means for certifying detected events by the cardiac rhythm management device. Moreover, by exploiting the enhanced capability to accurately identifying only those sensed events that are desirable, and preventing the use of events marked as suspect, the sensing architecture of the present invention can better discriminate between rhythms appropriate for device therapy and those that are not.

Implantable cardiac rhythm management devices are an effective treatment in managing irregular cardiac rhythms in particular patients. Implantable cardiac rhythm management devices are capable of recognizing and treating arrhythmias with a variety of therapies. These therapies range from providing anti-bradycardia pacing for treating bradycardia, anti-tachycardia pacing or cardioversion energy for treating ventricular tachycardia, to high energy shock for treating ventricular fibrillation. Frequently, the cardiac rhythm management device delivers these therapies for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias in sequence; starting with anti-tachycardia pacing and then proceeding to low energy shocks, and then, finally, to high energy shocks. Sometimes, however, only one of these therapies is selected depending upon the tachyarrhythmia detected.
To effectively deliver these treatments, cardiac rhythm management devices must first accurately detect and classify an episode. Through accurate determination and quantification of sensed cardiac events, these cardiac rhythm management devices are able to classify the type of arrhythmia that is occurring and assess the appropriate therapy to provide to the heart, if any. A problem arises, however, when the cardiac rhythm management device senses noise, and mistakenly declares an episode. As a result, in particular instances, the cardiac rhythm management device may inappropriately deliver therapy.
Extra-cardiac noise may cause a cardiac rhythm management device to misclassify noise events as a tachyarrhythmia. In illustration, by incorporating skeletal muscle noise artifact, or other noise, into a cardiac rate calculation, the cardiac rhythm management device might inaccurately calculate the ventricular rate as one that is elevated. If the ventricular rate is mistakenly calculated to be elevated over a threshold rate boundary, a frequent determiner of tachyarrhythmias, the cardiac rhythm management device may inappropriately deliver therapy to a patient.
Additionally, problems arise when the cardiac therapy device withholds therapy after mischaracterizing a sensed event. For example, anti-bradycardia devices deliver a pacing pulse based on whether a cardiac event is sensed within a particular time frame. If the sensing architecture fails to sense a cardiac event within a preset time period, the cardiac rhythm management device will deliver a pacing pulse to the heart. This pacing pulse is timed in a preset sequence to induce the patient's heart to contract in a proper rhythm. This therapy, however, may be compromised by having the cardiac rhythm management device sense and characterize an extraneous event as a "true" cardiac event. If the sensing architecture erroneously classifies noise (such as skeletal muscle artifact or other noise) as a "true" cardiac event, then a pacing pulse may be incorrectly withheld. This is particularly problematic when a pacing pulse is required to maintain a physiologically necessary rate of the patient's heart.
Besides being noticeable and sometimes physically painful to the patient, when a cardiac rhythm management device delivers inappropriate treatment, it can be extremely disconcerting to the patient. Moreover, delivery of an inappropriate therapy can intensify the malignancy of the cardiac arrhythmia. Therefore, the accuracy of a sensing architecture is an important factor in ensuring that appropriate therapy is delivered to a patient.
Current implantable cardiac rhythm management devices incorporate a sensing architecture that detects likely cardiac events and renders a decision regardless of the accuracy of those originally detected events. As such, current implantable cardiac rhythm management devices must include painstakingly designed sensing architectures to try and avoid erroneous detections. Prior art devices have been developed with rudimentary systems and methods in an attempt to determine whether noise is present on a sampled cardiac signal. If noise is detected in these devices, the manner in which the cardiac signal is acquired, or the manner in which the device operates in response to the acquired signal, is altered. This reduces the impact of erroneously detecting noise and, therefore, inappropriately triggering or withholding therapy. This methodology, however, leaves the cardiac rhythm management device open to significant sensing drawbacks, one of which is that it continually perturbates the sensing architecture.
Certain prior art implantable cardiac rhythm management devices continuously adjust parameters such as amplifier gain in response to extra-cardiac noise, which allows for the possibility that the sensing architecture may miss cardiac events. When adjusting the gain control to lessen sensitivity by raising the sensing floor to avoid noise, it is possible to miss actual cardiac events especially during polymorphic rhythms including ventricular fibrillation. In particular, the sensing architecture may miss discrete cardiac beats, or otherwise stated, miss true positives. By missing a cardiac event, rhythm and beat sensitivity is diminished.
Other implantable cardiac rhythm management devices in the prior art repeatedly extend a noise window during continuous noise. When these window extensions either reach a specific number, or more commonly reach the end of a predetermined interval, the device reverts to a non-sensing or asynchronous behavior for a limited period of time. This type of reversion behavior can miss a cardiac event, therefore reducing rhythm and beat sensitivity. Additionally, these reversion approaches to noise are generally only useful for continuous noise. Noise is most frequently burst in nature, for which most reversion schemes are not effective. This often results in overdetection and a potential for inappropriate therapy. Prior art cardiac rhythm management devices frequently utilize these methodologies contiguously.

Method and devices for performing cardiac waveform appraisal


A shared electronic calendar modification notice provides calendar users accessing the calendar with notification that a calendar modification has been made by another calendar user. A shared electronic calendar user accessing the shared calendar is identified. Upon identifying a shared electronic calendar user, calendar modifications that are new to the shared electronic calendar user are identified. Modification notices are then output to communicate the new calendar modifications to the calendar user.

A variety of electronic calendar solutions are available to assist users in planning and organizing appointments and tasks. Electronic calendar solutions are traditionally designed for individual electronic calendar users and may be modified by the user, the user's trusted assistant, or via a meeting request. Accordingly, the user generally has knowledge of electronic calendar modifications.
In contrast to personal electronic calendars in which the user maintains control over the calendar and has knowledge of any modified features, shared electronic calendars allow multiple users to modify the calendar. For instance, a family may use a shared electronic calendar to organize activities for the family members. Each family member may be able to access, view, and modify the shared electronic calendar. Additionally, the shared electronic calendar may receive calendaring information from external groups (e.g., a soccer team's electronic calendar).
Accordingly, the nature of a shared electronic calendar makes it more difficult for users to remain apprised of modifications to the calendar. For instance, when a shared electronic calendar user makes a modification, the user may fail to notify other users of the modification. As such, shared electronic calendar users may need to diligently view the shared electronic calendar to identify modifications made by other shared electronic calendar users.

Communicating shared electronic calendar modifications


The present invention broadly relates to novel aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composite bodies for use as refractory materials and methods for making the same. The refractory materials are useful in environments which are corrosive, erosive, abrasive and/or which generate thermal shock. Such environments include furnaces, and associated apparatus which house or contact molten masses including, for example, molten metals, molten glasses, etc. The preferred method for making the aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composites comprises a directed oxidation of molten metal.

Ceramics and ceramic composites have been utilized as refractory materials in a number of different applications. It has been found that ceramic and ceramic composite refractories can be used as many different components for applications which require, among other things, good resistance to thermal shock, good corrosion, abrasion and erosion resistance, etc. For example, ceramic and ceramic composite materials have been utilized as liners in molten glass furnaces and molten metal furnaces, as well as in apparatus associated with such furnaces (e.g., apparatuses which direct or constrict the flow of molten fluids from one point to another).
Exemplary uses for ceramic materials in molten metal furnace and molten metal transfer systems include furnace linings, slide gates, subentry nozzles, ladle shrouds, tundishes, etc. Many metal manufacturing processes (including steel manufacturing processes) have recently been changed from traditional batch processes to some type of continuous process for reasons of economy and productivity. However, these continuous processing methods place extreme requirements upon the materials which are in contact with the static or flowing molten materials. For example, in the steel industry, slide gate systems, which are used for controlling the flow of molten metal from a large chamber (e.g., a furnace) into a smaller chamber (e.g., a mold), have been known for many years. However, only recently certain materials have been manufactured to meet the necessary mechanical/physical requirements imposed by such systems. Generally, slide gate systems include some type of rotor design which consists of, for example, a fixed nozzle attached to and within a moveable plate. The flow of molten metal from a ladle is controlled by moving the moveable plate to fully or partially aligned openings. When filling the ladle, and during shut off, the openings are misaligned. The advantage which stems from the use of a slide gate in continuous metal casting is that the conventional stopper rod system is eliminated. Specifically, in conventional stopper rod systems difficulties were encountered in stopping and/or modulating molten metal flow through an opening. Often the conventional stopper rod systems were not completely successful in terminating the flow of molten metal therethrough. However, even though slide gate systems have been achieving great successes in improving continuous casting of molten metals, the stringent requirements placed upon the materials for use as slide gates have resulted in many problems for the material design engineer. Accordingly, the need for new and better materials continues.
To date, common materials for use in slide gate systems include tarimpregnated alumina materials, fired-magnesia materials, etc. However, these materials suffer from many material deficiencies such as, for example, certain metals may corrode the bonding media or matrix which is utilized to hold together the refractory. Additionally, conventional materials may not possess the desired combination of thermal shock resistance, corrosion resistance, erosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and/or strength which permit the materials to function for a sufficient amount of time to achieve the economies and efficiencies needed in modern manufacturing operations. Accordingly, a need exists to develop a material which exhibits corrosion resistance, erosion resistance, thermal shock resistance, abrasion resistance, sufficient strength, etc., to withstand the severe environment to which such materials are exposed in molten metals operations.
Similar corrosion, erosion, abrasion, thermal shock, etc., problems exist in the continuous manufacture of glasses. Specifically, glasses typically contain highly corrosive media (e.g., calcia, soda, magnesia, fluorides, chlorides, etc.) which may attack even the best ceramic materials. Moreover, glass producing operations also create severe thermal shock conditions as well as highly erosive and abrasive conditions. Accordingly, the material engineer is also faced with difficult material design/fabrication problems in designing materials for use in the glass industry.
The present invention satisfies the above-discussed needs by providing materials which are useful in metal production and glass production industries. Specifically, the materials of the present invention can be used as refractories for direct contact with, for example, molten steel, molten aluminum, molten copper, molten bronze, molten iron, etc. Similar refractories can also be utilized for direct contact with molten glasses. Moreover, the refractory materials of the present invention have substantial erosion and abrasion resistance which permit, in many applications, the refractory materials to be in direct contact with each other and to be in sliding engagement with at least a portion of another surface of another refractory material (e.g., moveable parts of a slide gate for use in molten steel applications).

Aluminum nitride refractory materials and methods for making the same


A motor control apparatus includes: duty calculation units that calculate a duty of a PWM signal based on a deviation between a value of a physical quantity of a motor with a command value; and a duty setting unit that performs setting of the duty based on the duty calculated by the duty calculation units. The duty setting unit maintains a present duty until new duty is input from any one of the plurality of duty calculation units, and updates the duty from the present duty to the new duty when the new duty is input from any one of the plurality of duty calculation units. A PWM signal generation unit generates the PWM signal based on the duty set by the duty setting unit and a carrier signal generated by a carrier signal generation unit.

1. Technical Field
One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a motor control apparatus that controls a motor by a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method.
2. Related Art
For example, in an electric power steering apparatus of a vehicle, in order to give to a steering mechanism a steering assist force depending on a steering torque of a steering wheel, an electric motor such as a three-phase brushless motor is provided. As an apparatus for controlling rotation of the motor, a motor control apparatus using a PWM method is known.
Generally, the motor control apparatus of the PWM method includes a PWM signal generation unit that generates and outputs a PWM signal, an inverter circuit that drives the motor based on the ON/OFF states of a switching element in response to the PWM signal, a current detection unit that detects a current (a motor current) flowing in the motor, and a control unit that performs feedback control with respect to the PWM signal generation unit so as to output the PWM signal having a predetermined duty, based on a deviation between a detected value of the motor current and a target value. The motor control apparatus of such a PWM method is disclosed in JP-A-2011-152027, JP-A-2010-226899, JP-A-2012-120296, and JP-A-2013-113695.
In JP-A-2011-152027, a drive apparatus of two systems for driving a motor having two windings is provided and includes an inverter circuit in each system. Then, a PWM signal that is generated in one PWM signal generation unit is output by branching to two inverter circuits.
In JP-A-2010-226899, a drive apparatus of two systems for driving a motor having two windings is provided and includes an inverter circuit and a PWM signal generation unit in each system. Then, a PWM signal generated in each PWM signal generation unit is output to a corresponding inverter circuit.
In JP-A-2012-120296, two inverter circuits for driving two motors, respectively and one control unit for controlling the inverter circuits are provided. Furthermore, the control unit includes two PWM signal generation units. Then, a PWM signal generated in each PWM signal generation unit is output to a corresponding inverter circuit.
In JP-A-2013-113695, two inverter circuits for driving one motor and two control units for controlling the inverter circuits respectively are provided. Output sides of respective inverter circuits are coupled to each other and are connected to the motor. Then, a PWM signal generated in each of the two control units is output to a corresponding inverter circuit.


A method for managing a network element involves receiving via a first interface field data from a communication network. The field data is compared with available network status data such, that a difference between network status data and field data can be determined. A configuration data is generated such that the configuration data are adapted to align the network status data and the field data. Then, a corresponding network element for receiving the configuration data is determined and the configuration data is distributed via a first interface to a corresponding network element.

1. Technical field
The present invention relates to the technical field of communication networks. In particular the present invention relates to a method for managing a network element, a method for configuring a network element, a program element for managing a network element and/or for configuring a network element, a managing apparatus for the management of a network element and a network element.
2. Background
In many countries the penetration of mobile network services has reached a value which is significant. In some countries the penetration of mobile network services is reaching saturation. Therefore, mobile network operators (MNOs) are not only focusing on increasing the number of subscribers anymore. However, they try to increase their ARPU (average revenue per user).
From the document "Self-configuration and Self optimization of 4G Radio Access Networks", Ambrosy, A. et al., 29.08.2007, IEEE 802.16 Broadband Wireless Access Working Group a transition from conventional to self-x driven radio access network configuration is described.
The mobile network operators are also very interested in improving the cost position by reducing operational expenditure (OPEX). Particularly, in developed industrial countries, the cost of operating a network is dominated by the cost of the operation and maintenance, in particular by the cost of the operational personal.


A vertical SCR switch to be controlled by a high-frequency signal having at least four main alternated layers. The switch includes a gate terminal and a gate reference terminal connected via integrated capacitors to corresponding areas. In the case of a thyristor, having on its front surface side a main P-type semiconductor area formed in an N-type gate semiconductor area, a first portion of the main area being connected to one of the main areas, a second portion of the main area is connected to one of the control terminals via a first integrated capacitor, and a portion of the gate area being connected to the other of the control terminals via a second integrated capacitor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to vertical SCR-type switches. "SCR-type switches" is used to designate components such as thyristors, triacs, and controlled bi-directional switches of various types comprising at least four semiconductor layers of alternated doping types.
The present invention more specifically relates to the galvanic isolation of an SCR-type switch control circuit.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The galvanic isolation between a control circuit and one or several controlled SCR-type switches is generally performed by means of a transformer or of an optocoupler. These two isolation means are generally expensive and difficult to integrate.


The present invention relates generally to benign gynecological diseases and in particular to a method and compositions for reducing heavy menstruation associated with said gynecological diseases following treatment with vascular occlusion methods or thermal related treatment methods.

Many patients suffering from gynecological diseases such as fibroids and/or adenomyosis require intervention in order to improve the diseases' symptoms. Usually, treatment choice is guided by the patient's age and desire to preserve fertility and/or her uterus.
Over the last few years a variety of non invasive treatments has become available to women with symptomatic fibroids and provides alternatives to the surgery. For example, Uterine artery embolization (UAE) which was first described in 1995 (Ravina J H, Bouret J M, Fried D et al. Value of preoperative embolization of uterine fibroma: report of a multicenter series of 31 cases. Contracept Fertil Sex 1995; 23: 45-49, and since then this method has become widely used to treat or treating gynecological diseases such as for example fibroids, or more recently adenomyosis, as a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy.
Besides UAE and transvaginal uterine artery occlusion, thermal related treatment methods have provided additional minimally invasive options such as percutaneous laser treatment, cryoablation, thermal myolysis with laser and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound.
Overall, clinical studies of UAE patients with fibroids have reported an improvement in menstrual bleeding scores but a significant proportion of patients bleeding is not normalized following the procedure.
On the other hand, the use of anti-progestational agents before a surgical treatment has also been proposed to shrink uterine leiomoymata (WO2007/103510) or to render the patient amenorrheic.
Thus, there remain significant unmet needs for efficient and better long-term therapies for normalizing menstrual bleeding in a patient suffering from a benign gynecological disease and undergoing a vascular occlusion method or thermal related treatment method.

Treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids


An optical module according to the present invention includes: a light-emitting device that outputs laser light; a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts a wavelength of the laser light outputted from the light-emitting device so as to be locked at a predetermined wavelength; a wavelength monitor unit that receives laser light outputted from the light-emitting device by allowing the laser light to pass through an optical filter provided above the temperature adjustment unit and monitors the wavelength thereof; a package for sealing the light-emitting device, the temperature adjustment unit, and the wavelength monitor unit into the inside thereof; and a package temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the package, in which the temperature adjustment unit adjusts an oscillation wavelength of the laser light outputted from the light-emitting device to the predetermined lock wavelength based on a signal outputted from the wavelength monitor unit, and a signal from the package temperature detection unit is used to correct the lock wavelength shift caused by temperature characteristics of the optical filter by estimating the optical filter temperature based on the detected package temperature.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical module, an optical transmitter, and a WDM optical transmission apparatus utilized in a WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) communication system, and a laser light wavelength stabilizing method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of dense WDM, it is generally required that the optical signals are stable in wavelength for a long time period. Consequently, there have conventionally been developed techniques of providing the function of a wavelength monitor in an optical module.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Optical module, optical transmission apparatus, WDM optical transmission device, and method for stabilizing laser wavelength


A triggered release liposomal delivery system is disclosed that selectively releases its contents in response to illumination or reduction in pH. The liposomes contain an amphipathic lipid, such as a phospholipid, having two chains derived from fatty acid that allow the lipid to pack into a bilayer structure. One or both of the alkyl chains contains a vinyl ether functionality that is cleaved by reactive oxygen species (ROS) or acid. A photosensitizer is incorporated into the liposomal cavity or membrane, and produces ROS or acid when illuminated to cleave the vinyl ether functionality and disrupt the liposomal membrane to release the vesicle contents. The lipid is preferably a plasmalogen, for example ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each long chain hydrocarbons containing 12-24 carbons.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns liposomes, and more particularly liposomal delivery systems for transporting materials such as drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. The liposomes selectively release their contents in response to an external triggering event, such as photoillumination.
2. General Discussion of the Background
Liposomes are microscopic lipid bilayer vesicles that enclose a cavity. The liposomal vesicles can contain a single bilayer (unilamellar vesicle) or multiple bilayers (multilamellar vesicle). These vesicles can encapsulate water-soluble drugs in their aqueous cavities, or carry lipid soluble drugs within the membrane itself. Liposomes have already been used for encapsulating therapeutic agents, such as cytotoxic drugs, and carrying them to biological target sites. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,754 discloses an improved chemotherapy method for treating malignant tumors in which an antitumor drug is encapsulated within liposomes and the liposomes are injected into an animal.
Encapsulation of pharmaceuticals in liposomes can reduce drug side effects, improve pharmacokinetics of delivery to a target site, and improve the therapeutic index of a drug. A serious limitation to the widespread use of liposomes, however, has been the difficulty of directing them to specific target sites. Liposomes administered intravenously to subjects are rapidly accumulated in the reticuloendothelial system. High liposome concentrations are thereby rapidly achieved in organs with fenestrated capillaries, such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Liposomal systems can be effective in treating tumors that infiltrate these organs (such as hematologic malignancies), but have been less useful in treating targeted tumors in other anatomical locations. Previous research has investigated ways to "trigger" release from liposomes at other than reticuloendothelial target sites.
One prior approach has promoted leakage of liposome contents by heating a liposomal saturated target site above a critical temperature range, for example by radio frequency heating of target tissues. Yatvin et al., Science 202:1290 (1978). Another approach has used liposomes prepared from pH sensitive lipids, which leak their pharmaceutical contents into low pH target regions. Such areas of localized acidity are sometimes found in tumors, hence it has been proposed that intravenous administration of such liposomes would preferably selectively release anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents at target tumors. Yatvin et al., Science 210:1253 (1980).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,164 similarly discloses a light sensitive liposome which undergoes a trans to cis isomerization upon irradiation with an appropriate wavelength of light (ultraviolet light) to allow the fluid contents of the liposome to escape through the membrane into the surrounding environment. Finally, GB Patent 2,209,468 discloses liposomes with an incorporated photosensitizing agent that absorbs light and alters the lipid membrane to release a drug from the liposome. Several reports of vesicle contents release using UV or visible light have appeared, but none of these systems have used biologically compatible lipids that are disrupted by light frequencies having tissue penetration depths exceeding 1 mm.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is another approach to treating localized areas of diseased tissue. A photosensitizer drug is administered systemically, topically, or by injection into a target site, such as a tumor. Illumination of the target site by an appropriate light source, such as an argon-pumped dye laser or sunlamp, induces a cytotoxic effect on the cells of the target site by one of two proposed mechanisms. In Type I photosensitization, the electronically excited drug reacts directly with a biological substrate, forming radicals which can initiate subsequent radical reactions that induce cytotoxic damage. Type II photosensitization involves energy transfer from the electronically excited drugs to oxygen, producing singlet molecular oxygen which subsequently produces cytotoxic oxygenated products.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used experimentally in cancer patients, and thousands of clinical trials are in progress throughout the world. One experimental drug known as Photofrin II (a purified version of hematoporphyrin derivative) is currently involved in randomized clinical trials. Other photosensitizing drugs used in photodynamic therapy procedures include phthalocyanines, merocyanine 540, substituted purines, xanthenes (Rhodamine 123 6G&B), cationic cyanine dyes, chlorine polymers, chalcogenapyrylium dyes containing selenium or tellurium atoms in the chromophore, phenothiazinium derivatives, benzophenoxoniums (Nile Blue A) and triarylmethanes (Victoria Blue BO [VB-BO]). Although remarkable results have been obtained in some PDT trials, several problems remain. Very high systemic doses of the sensitizer must often be given to achieve therapeutic levels at irradiated tumor sites, hence many sites in the body are nonselectively infiltrated by the sensitizer. The low solubility of some of the sensitizers reduces their usefulness for systemic administration because intravascular administration can provoke thromboembolic events.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved liposomal drug delivery system that is biocompatible and capable of triggered release of its contents.
Yet another object is to provide an improved liposome suitable for triggered release of its contents in response to alterations of pH.
Another object is to provide an improved liposomal triggered release system that reduces the effect of the triggering event on the drug carried by the liposome.
Yet another object is to provide an improved liposome suitable for use in photodynamic therapy.
Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved method of photodynamic therapy which overcomes solubility problems with sensitizer drugs and is capable of delivering the drugs more selectively to a target site.

Liposomal delivery system with photoactivatable triggered release


A multicast network system comprises a data network which provides a medium for data transfer. A media source having a control packet and media packets coupled to the data network broadcasts the control packet and the media packets to the data network and rebroadcasts the control packet in conjunction with the media packets to the data network. A media receiver is coupled to the network and receives the control packet and the media packets from the data network to process the control packet and the media packets to produce a media output.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to data transfers between devices on a high speed digital network, and more particularly to a system and method for receiving an audio/visual multicast source on a high speed local or wide area packet network.
2. Description of the Background Art
In recent years, digital video data transmission over a local area network (LAN) has become more common. Before analog video data is transferred onto the LAN, analog video is converted to digital format. Available accessory hardware and software receive broadcast video programming and convert the analog video into digital format. Other hardware and software compress the digital format to digital video data that can be efficiently transferred to a personal computer or data network. Analog video data includes video programming material that is broadcast live, current programming broadcast on a television network, or pre-recorded programming. Often times, many devices monitor the transmission of the video programming that is broadcast onto the LAN.
In order to transmit digital video data over a data network, an effective transfer scheme for sending and retrieving the video data is required for the data network. Most data networks support three basic transfer schemes: a unicast addressing scheme where data is sent to one unique device on the data network, a broadcast addressing scheme where data is sent to all devices on the data network, and a multicast addressing scheme where data is sent to a group of devices on the data network. Each type of addressing scheme has characteristics that are both desirable and undesirable.
The unicast addressing scheme works well in a network system where only one output device receives the digital data from the data network. If there is a requirement that multiple output devices receive the digital data, then the source device has to retransmit the digital data for each additional output device. As the number of additional output devices increases, the data network quickly becomes overloaded and congested.
The broadcast addressing scheme permits multiple output devices to receive the digital data without requiring the source device to transmit multiple sets of digital data. However, the broadcast digital data is also transmitted to devices that are not interested in the digital data These devices have to receive the digital data and reject it. Thus, the broadcast of digital data onto the data network affects other devices on the data network. The problem is compounded when routers or network bridges are required to broadcast the digital data needlessly to neighboring data networks.
The multicast addressing scheme enables the transmission of digital data to be received by a select group of output devices on the data network system. Digital data is only received by the output devices that are interested in receiving the digital data. Available network adapters provide high speed filtering of multicast addresses for high performance rejection/selection of multicast addresses. Thus, a multicast addressing scheme is suitable for the selective transmission of digital data. However, the multicast addressing scheme has drawbacks when the scheme is used to transmit digital video programming.
Audio and video digital data converted for transfer on the data network include descriptive control information that has to be received by the receiving output device before the digital video data can be processed for output. In a unicast addressing scheme, the receiving output device can acknowledge the receipt of the descriptive control information before the source device proceeds to transmit the digital video data. In a multicast addressing scheme on an unreliable or lossy network, the source device does not receive acknowledgment signals from receiving output devices. The source device transmits digital video data onto the data network without regard to whether receiving output devices can receive and process the digital video data. Therefore, it is desirable to design a data network for receiving digital video data from a multicast addressing scheme that provides efficient transfer of digital video data which improves and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The improved multicast addressing scheme should permit receiving devices to tap into and receive the multicast digital video data on the data network.

Method and apparatus for operating a multicast system on an unreliable network


A process of making an electrical coupling stack is disclosed. A conductive structure is coupled to a substrate. The coupling includes a crystalline salicide first structure above the conductive structure, a nitrogen-containing amorphous salicide second structure above the crystalline salicide first structure, and a refractory metal third film above the nitrogen-containing amorphous salicide second structure. Processing includes depositing a refractory metal silicide first film over the conductive structure, depositing a refractory metal nitride second film over the refractory metal silicide first film, and depositing the refractory metal third film over the refractory metal nitride second film. Thermal processing is carried out to achieve the electrical coupling stack.

Semiconductor processing is an intensive activity during which several processes are integrated to achieve a working device. Miniaturization is the process of crowding more semiconductive devices onto a smaller substrate area in order to achieve better device speed, lower energy usage, and better device portability, among others. New processing methods must often be developed to enable miniaturization to be realized. One challenge is to prevent metal or metal silicide agglomeration during back-end-of-line ("BEOL") processing. The challenge to achieve digit line communication in a memory device that has a low resistivity, is often accompanied by the challenge to achieve a temperature-resistant digit line that is protected from the encroachment of damaging elements during BEOL processing, bum-in testing, and field use.
The advent of the buried digit line ("BDL") allowed for a lower overall profile of a dynamic random access memory ("DRAM") device. However, the average grain size ("gs") of a metallization continues to decrease in a manner that causes grains to form that follow the grain boundaries of a substrate. Accordingly, a higher than desirable resistivity persists despite miniaturization.
Another challenge is to fabricate shallow junctions with shallow source/drain ("S/D") structures that will receive a contact without entirely destroying the shallow S/D structure. Thus, what is needed is a conductive structure that overcomes some of the challenges of the prior art.

Electrical coupling stack and processes for making same


A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of light-receiving elements which are arranged by rows and columns; a plurality of vertical transfer units each of which is arranged for a corresponding column of the light-receiving elements, and is operable to vertically transfer a plurality of signal packets and a dummy packet in a packets-mixing mode, the signal packet including charges read from the light-receiving elements, the dummy packet being a packet other than the signal packets, and N columns of the vertical transfer units forming one column group; a plurality of holding units which are arranged in final stages of the vertical transfer units in N columns except M columns in the column group, and each of which is operable to mix, hold, and vertically transfer charges of the signal packets and the dummy packet without depending on vertical transfer from upstream of the corresponding vertical transfer unit; a horizontal transfer unit operable to mix, hold, and horizontally transfer the charges transferred from the holding units or the vertical transfer units in the M columns in the column group; and a driving unit operable to drive the vertical transfer units, the holding units, and the horizontal transfer unit, wherein the driving unit is operable to drive, in the packets-mixing mode, the holding units and the horizontal transfer unit to generate a first mixed packet and a second mixed packet in the horizontal transfer unit, the first mixed packet includes: a plurality of signal packets belonging to a same row and neighbor columns of a same color; and a dummy packet belonging to a same column as the signal packets, and the second mixed packet includes no signal packet but a plurality of dummy packets in a same column as the signal packets included in the first mixed packets.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to: a solid-state imaging apparatus which includes two-dimensionally arranged light-receiving elements, vertical transfer units, and a horizontal transfer unit, and outputs image signals; a driving method of the apparatus; and a camera using the apparatus, and particularly to a solid-state imaging apparatus having a still picture imaging mode and a packets-mixing mode; a driving method of the apparatus; and a camera using the apparatus.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) imaging sensors have been known as solid-state imaging apparatuses each of which has a plurality of light-receiving elements for converting incident light into electrical charges and outputs the charges as image signals. Furthermore, digital still cameras using such solid-state imaging apparatuses have become popular. In recent years, technologies of high pixel density in solid-state imaging apparatuses have been developed, so that some digital still cameras can provide images whose resolution is higher than resolution of silver halide photographs.
The conventional solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units, a plurality of vertical transfer units, a horizontal transfer unit, and an output unit. The photoelectric conversion units have color filters arranged in Bayer pattern array. Each of the vertical transfer units is formed corresponding to each column of the photoelectric conversion units, and vertically transfers signal charges read from each of the photoelectric conversion units to the horizontal transfer unit. The horizontal transfer unit horizontally transfers the signal charges received from the vertical transfer units. The output unit amplifies and then outputs the signal charges provided from the horizontal transfer units.
Most of digital still cameras have functions of imaging moving pictures as well as still pictures. The number of pixels in one still picture is generally more than 4 million pixels, for example, but for imaging moving pictures, the number of pixels are usually reduced (hereinafter, referred to also as "thinned") to achieve necessary frequency (more than 30 frames per second, for example). A typical example of such pixel thinning in a vertical direction is selecting one photoelectric conversion unit from three neighboring photoelectric conversion units and reading signal charges from the selected photoelectric conversion unit to the vertical transfer unit.
Another example of the vertical pixel thinning is a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-298755 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Reference 1). By this method, to the horizontal transfer unit, signal charges are sequentially transferred from neighboring vertical transfer stages in vertical transfer stages including in a vertical transfer unit. Thereby, signal charges in the neighboring vertical transfer stages are mixed in the horizontal transfer unit, so that it is possible to reduce the number of pixels in a vertical direction and thereby increase frame frequency more.
Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-180284 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Reference 2) discloses a solid-state imaging apparatus in which pixels are able to be reduced in a horizontal direction. This solid-state imaging apparatus has a vertical final stage in each vertical transfer unit. The vertical final stages in every (2n+1) columns (in every three columns, for example) have the same structure of transfer electrodes. Each vertical final stage in the (2n+1) columns has at least two transfer electrodes which are independent from electrodes of other columns, so that each column can be independently controlled to transfer signal charges from the vertical final stage to the horizontal transfer unit. For example, in the case where pixels of two different colors are alternately arranged in a row as in Bayer pattern array, every other pixels of the same color in a horizontal direction in the (2n+1) columns are selected to read signal charges, and the signal charges are transferred from the vertical final stages to the horizontal transfer unit and mixed together in the horizontal transfer unit. By repeating the above processing (2n+1) times, it is possible to reduce the number of pixels in a horizontal direction to one-(2n+1)th.
Thus, in the case where one of moving pictures is imaged by a solid-state imaging apparatus whose total pixels are numerous, the pixels are reduced without lowering frame frequency. In this case, for preventing image quality defects, it is desirable to keep a balance between horizontal resolution and vertical resolution by reducing the number of pixels in both horizontal and vertical directions.
However, it is impossible to combine the structure disclosed in Patent Reference 1 for vertical pixel reduction with the structure disclosed in Patent Reference 2 for horizontal pixel reduction. More specifically, in the structure disclosed in Patent Reference 2, every other pixels of the same color in a horizontal direction in the vertical final stage are selected, and signal charges are read and transferred from the selected pixels and then mixed in the horizontal transfer unit. However, at the same time of the above processing, it is impossible to sequentially transfer signal charges from all a plurality of vertical transfer units to the horizontal transfer unit, as the structure disclosed in Patent Reference 1. Therefore, if pixels are to be reduced also in a vertical direction when pixels are reduced in a horizontal direction using the technology of Patent Reference 2, the vertical pixel reduction has been realized by performing empty transfer using empty vertical transfer stages (empty transfer states) which are formed in some of the vertical transfer units and to which no signal charges are read out from photoelectric conversion units.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining pixel mixing according to the conventional technology. In FIG. 1, 123123 . . . in a top section represent RLBRLB . . . columns of the vertical transfer units, respectively. Here, each of R and L columns has a final stage which performs transfer operation without depending on transfer operation of other vertical transfer stages in upstream of the same column. Each of B columns has a final stage which is not independent but performs transfer operation at the same time with other vertical transfer stages in upstream of the same column.
The top section in FIG. 1 shows only 9 rows and 31 columns, which is a part of the plurality of vertical transfer units (transfer CCDs). R (1, 1) represents a signal packet including signal charges representing red color positioned at the first row from bottom and the first column from left. D (9, 1) represents a dummy packet without valid signal charges, positioned at the ninth row from bottom and the first column from left. G and B represent a signal packet of green color and a signal packet of blue color, respectively. Here, the "signal packet" refers to a signal in a vertical transfer stage having signal charges corresponding an amount of light read from a light-receiving element, and the "dummy packet" refers to a signal in a vertical transfer stage to which no signal charges are read from a light-receiving element and which does not have any signal charges originally.
In a bottom section of FIG. 1, a result of mixing three same color signal packets in the same row into the horizontal transfer unit (horizontal CCDs) is shown. By combining of mixing packets in the vertical CCD final stage (vertical mixing) and mixing packets in the horizontal CCD (horizontal mixing), three same color signal packets corresponding to the same row and neighbor columns are mixed together, and furthermore, six dummy packets are also mixed to the three signal packets.
Such horizontal three-pixel mixing enables still picture imaging mode as well as packets-mixing mode to be realized.

Solid-state imaging apparatus, driving method thereof, and camera


An improved draining structure of a light bulb holder includes an inclined plate provided in the inner space of the holder. The electrical wire pre-assembled with the conductive plate is directly inserted into the light bulb holder through a triangular opening defined by the inclined plate in one technological step. The structure provides for assembling of the light bulb holder in a single technological step and provides the draining effect at the same time.

In order to prevent from a short circuit on a light string, each light bulb holder (1) of the light string is provided with a plate (11), as shown in FIG. 1 or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,138. The plate (11) is perpendicular to the opening of the holder (1) and separates the inner space into two areas and forms two small holes (12) at the end of the holder (1), as shown in FIG. 4, for draining. In order to assemble the structure with the electrical wire (3) and conductive plate (31), the electrical wire (3) is inserted through the hole (12) to engage the conductive plate (31). Then, the electrical wire (3) together with the plate (31) is pulled back into a proper position in the light bulb holder (1). The wire (3) with the plate (31) cannot be inserted into the holder (1) because the width of the plate (31) is larger than the diameter of the small hole (12) of the holder (1). Such assembling procedures of the known light bulb holder is troublesome and inconvenient.

Draining structure of a light bulb holder


A semiconductor integrated circuit disclosed herein, comprises a first core which realizes a predetermined function; a second core which is different from the first core and realizes a predetermined function; a power supply circuit which is capable of supplying, to the first core, a power supply voltage different from that supplied to the second core; and a clock generating circuit which supplies a clock signal to each of the first core and the second core, the clock generating circuit including a clock skew reducing circuit which reduces clock skew occurring between the clock signal in the first core and the clock signal in the second core.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit, and particularly relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit which includes a clock supply system to reduce clock skew when multiple power supplies are used inside.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, the power supply voltages of sequential circuits and combinational circuits in one semiconductor chip have a fixed value. In some cases, however, to reduce power consumption, the power supply voltage of some block (hereinafter referred to as a core) is decreased. Moreover, the power supply voltage of the core may be changed depending on applications executed by this core. When the power supply voltage of the core is changed, the propagation delay of a clock supplied to the core is also changed, which leads to an increase in the clock skew of the entire one semiconductor chip.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship of a related semiconductor integrated circuit in a semiconductor chip. In the example in FIG. 1, the semiconductor integrated circuit includes a clock generating circuit 1, a core A, and a core B. The clock generating circuit 1 generates a clock signal and supplies the clock signal to the core A and the core B.
The core A and the core B are constituted by sequential circuits and combinational circuits, and it is assumed that data is delivered between the core A and the core B. Namely, the core means a constitutional unit to realize a predetermined function.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the clock generating circuit 1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a clock supply system inside the core A, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a clock supply system inside the core B.
An oscillation clock signal is outputted from a PLL circuit 10 included in the clock generating signal 1 in FIG. 2, and this clock signal is supplied to flip-flop circuits A11 and A12 of the core A through buffers A1 to A5 and supplied to flip-flop circuits B11 and B12 of the core B through buffers C1 and B1 to B5.
As can be seen from FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, hitherto, the power supply voltage is fixed in the semiconductor chip, and hence, propagation delays of the clock signal from the PLL circuit 10 to the flip-flop circuits A11, A12, B11, and B12 which are sequential circuits are also fixed. In other words, since delay values of the buffers A1 to A5 and B1 to B5 which are delay elements included in a clock system are fixed, a reduction in clock skew is realized by designing a clock signal supply system with consideration given to the propagation delays of the clock signal from the PLL circuit 10 to the flip-flop circuits A11, A12, B11 and B12 which are the sequential circuits.
When the power supply voltage of the core A is made variable, however, the delay values of the buffers A1 to A5 change, and accordingly the propagation delays of the clock signal to the flip-flop circuits A11 and A12 which are the sequential circuits change. This causes a problem that the propagation delays of the clock signal to the flip-flop circuits A11 and A12 and the propagation delays of the clock signal to the flip-flop circuits B11 and B12 cannot match.


A method for storing respiring produce, particularly bananas, during ripening is disclosed. The method allows bananas to remain in the ripened condition for an extended period of time while, at the same time, having improved sweetness and taste characteristics. In addition, the method does not require separate handling and repackaging of the bananas between the starting of the ripening process and storage/shipment of the bananas. In this method, ripening is initiated by inserting additional gas into the banana package, such that the gas medium comprises from about 2.0% to about 5.0% oxygen, from about 5.0% to about 15.0% carbon dioxide, from about 0.8% to about 1.5% ethylene, the remainder of the gas medium being predominantly nitrogen, for a period of from about 0.5 to about 5 seconds. The composition of the gas medium in the package is then adjusted such that the gas medium has a ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide which meets the following conditions:

During transport and storage of bananas, starting at the moment of harvesting until delivery to the distribution network and directly to the consumer, it is necessary to pack bananas for different modes of ripening and storage, at various points in the process. Bananas are usually harvested when they are unripe (green), and stored at a temperature between 56° F. and 59° F. They can be stored in such a way for a sufficiently long time.
To activate the banana ripening process, the temperature is usually increased to 60° F.-62° F. and/or the composition of the gas medium surrounding the bananas is changed by adding ethylene to it. Ethylene, combined with an increased temperature, contributes to the beginning of the banana ripening process.
The standard procedure for activating the ripening process is as follows: Bananas in boxes are placed inside a gas treatment facility chamber, where they are held for 2-3 days. The composition of atmosphere inside the chamber is: 5% oxygen; 5% carbon dioxide; 0.5-1.5% ethylene; the rest is nitrogen. Later, the bananas are removed from the gas treatment chamber, and allowed to ripen for 7-10 days.
Different innovations are known from the Prior Art that relate to methods for bananas storage and packing.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,658, "Method for packaging, storing and ventilating produce", Raudalus et al, issued Sep. 17, 1996, a container system is described that is intended for transportation and storage of bananas. The system includes the external tare, internal container, and a flexible bag positioned inside the container, in which the bananas are placed. The container has holes for ventilation, while the flexible bag has means for opening and closing. Such a design provides for the required ventilation and temperature for banana storage. The ability to open the bag allows ethylene to be delivered inside the bag, which activates the banana ripening process.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,711, "Method of producing a container of bananas and method of transferring bananas", Rodriguez et al, issued Apr. 8, 1997, a method for manufacturing a container for transportation and storage of bananas is described. The method utilizes a flexible internal container that is inserted into the external tare prior to placing banana clusters into it. The banana clusters are placed in layers, with gaps between them created with filling gaskets. Such placement of bananas can provide for ventilation and an even temperature throughout the entire inner space of the container.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,293, "Packaging respiring biological material with atmosphere control member", De Moor, issued Jan. 11, 2000, packaging is described which provides for required gas composition during storage of fruits and vegetables and other respiring biological materials. Part of the packaging is made as a gas-permeable membrane, which has selective properties, ie, lower oxygen permeability as compared to carbon dioxide. The membrane provides optimum conditions for storing bananas because oxygen is delivered into a package from the external environment, while carbon dioxide, which is released during the ripening process, is removed from the packaging.
Known methods for packaging bananas do not allow the process of ripening to begin without repacking and forced change of the atmosphere inside the package, since these processes require different gas compositions.
The invention claimed herein is directed at simplifying the method for packaging bananas for the purpose of their ripening, and for providing a longer shelf-life during the ripening stage.

Method for packaging bananas for ripening

Abstract: (20.94−B)/C=from about 1.8 to about 3.8; wherein B is the percentage of oxygen in the gas medium, C is the percentage of carbon dioxide in the gas medium, and, further, wherein the percentage of oxygen in the gas medium is from about 1.0 to about 6.0, and the percentage of carbon dioxide in the gas medium is from about 3.0 to about 10.0.


The production of noble metal oxalate complexes from noble metal precursors and oxalic acid and/or oxalic acid salts is an exothermic reaction, in which heat and CO2 are produced, is described. The temperature can increase above the decomposition point of the noble metal oxalate complexes in the course of the reaction, which simultaneously releases more CO2. For safety reasons, when the reaction is carried out on a large scale, it is therefore necessary to take into consideration that the product must not be decomposed by heat that is produced during the reaction. Therefore, according to the invention, a method for the production of noble metal oxalate complexes is provided, in which the product noble metal oxalate complexes are added to the reaction mixture as an auto-catalyst.

The present invention relates to the production of noble metal oxalate complexes. Hereinafter, noble metal oxalate complexes shall also be referred to as noble metal oxalates for reasons of simplicity. Specifically, the invention relates to the production of noble metal oxalate complexes from noble metal precursors and oxalic acid and/or oxalic acid salts.
The production of noble metal oxalate complexes from noble metal precursors and oxalic acid and/or oxalic acid salts has been known for a long time. The production of platinum oxalate complexes usually proceeds through the reaction of platinum oxide hydrate (platinum(IV)-hydroxoacid, dihydrogenhexahydroxoplatinate(IV), hydroxoplatinic acid) and oxalic acid at a temperature of 60° C. (K. Krogmann, P. Dodel, Chem. Ber. 99, 3408-3418 (1966)).
EP 0 254 935 A1 describes a method for the production of silver oxalate having a large particle diameter. According to this method, silver salt and oxalic acid or oxalic acid salts are reacted at a pH value of no more than 5. The reaction is carried out at a temperature from 0 to 80° C., preferably at a temperature from 40 to 60° C.
The production of noble metal oxalate complexes from noble metal precursors and oxalic acid and/or oxalic acid salts is an exothermic reaction, in which heat and CO2 are produced. The temperature can increase above the decomposition point of the noble metal oxalate complexes in the course of the reaction, which simultaneously releases more CO2. In this context, see, for example, Sano, Isamu; Bulletin; 15, p. 196, "On the Catalytic Decomposition of Oxalic Acid by Colloidal Platinum" (1940), and Szabó, Z. G. and Biro-Sugar, E., Zeitschrift für Elektrochemie, vol. 50, no. 8, p. 869-874, "Kinetik der thermischen Zersetzung von Silberoxalat" (1956).
For safety reasons, when the reaction is carried out on a large scale, it is therefore necessary to take into consideration that the product must not be decomposed by heat that is produced during the reaction.

Method for the production of noble metal oxalate complexes


A three-dimensional (3D) signal transfer structure of a probe card device includes a transfer plate, a supporting frame, and a guiding plate. The transfer plate has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The transfer plate includes a plurality of signal circuits each having a signal contact arranged on the first surface. The supporting frame is abutted against and fixed onto the first surface of the transfer plate. A portion of the first surface abutted against the supporting frame is arranged outside the signal contacts. The guiding plate has a plurality of thru-holes and is disposed on the supporting frame. The guiding plate, the supporting frame, and the transfer plate jointly and surroundingly define a receiving space, and the signal contacts of the transfer plate are arranged in the receiving space.

A conventional probe card includes a probe retainer, a plurality of probes passing through and positioned with the probe retainer, and a transfer plate spaced apart from the probe retainer and connected to the probes. The probe retainer of the conventional probe card includes an upper die, a lower die, and a spacer that is sandwiched between the upper die and the lower die. Two opposite ends of each of the probes respectively protrude from the upper die and the lower die of the probe retainer, so that one of the two opposite ends of each of the probes is connected to the transfer plate, and the other end of each of the probes is configured to detect an object (e.g., a semi-conductor wafer).
However, the above configuration of the conventional probe card has been in existence for many years, and research on the probe card by those skilled in the art has not been able to break away from the conventional configuration, so that the development of the conventional probe card has been limited from achieving significant progress.

Probe card device and three-dimensional signal transfer structure thereof


The present invention provides document shredding devices mountable on various waste receptacles for shredding paper. The document shredding devices have a housing defining a paper shredding passageway. A paper shredding mechanism is contained within the housing and extends into the paper shredding passageway. A mounting support adjustably extends from a waste receptacle mounting side of the housing while remaining housing sides are free of waste receptacle mounting supports. The mounting support has a position retracted into the housing which defines a substantially linear mounting channel and another position extended outward from the housing which defines a nonlinear mounting channel.

Document shredding devices of the present invention can be placed on a wall of a bin or a waste receptacle, such that the document shredding devices hang on the wall over a waste collection area inside the waste receptacle. Shredded pieces of documents exiting the document shredding devices fall into the waste receptacle for collection. Existing document shredders are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,724,766; 4,973,004; D375,973; and pending application Ser. No. 08/720,579 filed Oct. 2, 1996.
The mechanism for shredding documents, such as sheets of paper, fed into the shredders can be derived from the above cited utility patents, and also from U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,897.
Some small personal shredders are sold without shredder baskets and must rely on waste paper baskets normally found in the office or in the home. These waste paper baskets come in all shapes and sizes. In European countries waste paper baskets are typically round; while, in the United States many waste paper baskets are square or rectangular in shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,724,766 describes a shredder having oppositely arranged retaining and supporting portions which can be adjusted in length to accommodate different size waste paper baskets. The supporting portions have generally square cut, straight channels for receiving edges of the waste paper basket. U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,004 describes a paper shredder that is supportable on a waste receptacle and includes a clamping device to grip one edge of the waste receptacle. A generally rectangular cut groove is provided for this purpose. U.S. Design Pat. No. D375,973 also describes in its figures a generally straight channel for receiving edges of a waste receptacle.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/720,579 discloses a housing including a support arm arrangement for a basket mounted paper shredder wherein the support arms have curved or rounded outside perimeters and at least one of the support arms has a curved or rounded inside support rib arrangement to more closely conform to a rounded waste paper basket. The support arms extend out of opposite sides of the housing, and allows the paper shredder to be mounted to both round and rectangular waste paper baskets.
In view of the existing paper shredders, it would be an advantage to have a new paper shredder which can be mounted on different waste receptacles, such as square, rectangular and round shaped waste baskets. A further advantage would be to provide such paper shredders with a mounting support which extends from only one side of the paper shredder and supports the shredder on the waste receptacle. Another advantage would be to provide new paper shredders having incrementally adjustable supports which extend from the shredder housings and are adjustable in incremental steps.


A mobile communication terminal comprises three body elements connected by a multi-functional hinge member for movement from a closed folded operative position to a flipped open first operative position revealing a display carried by one body element and a first keypad carried by a second body element and to a folded keyboard flipped open position revealing an arrangement of keys carried by the third body element and the second body element on the side opposite the first keyboard. The first body element carrying the display is rotated in a plane parallel with the plane of the display to reveal the display for usage with the flipped open folded keyboard in a second operative position.

Portable electronic devices particularly mobile communication terminals and similar communication devices have rapidly expanded in use and function as users have demanded increasing functionality and smaller size. It is common to see mobile communication terminals that provide Global Computer Network access, messaging, personal information management, personal digital assistant functionality, music, facsimile and gaming, in addition to telephone communication. More complex keyboards have been provided to be compatible with the more complex applications that are found in such devices. Such keyboards have relatively small keys and are generally only satisfactory for operation using the "thumbs" of the user. One prior art attempt to provide a larger full function keyboard arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,932, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention in which a foldable keyboard is provided wherein a panel has an inner and outer surface and rotates between two positions. The panel carries a portion of the number of keys of the full function keyboard which keys are exposed on one side of the display for access and usage when the panel is rotated into an open position along with the remaining portion of the number of keys of the keyboard on the fixed panel on the opposite side of the display are exposed for access and usage when the rotated panel is in the open position. Although such devices are capable of providing more complex applications the display screen and communication keypad remain are not foldable and thus the size of the device cannot be reduced for both standard communication functionality and the advanced more complex keyboard functionalities.
It would be desirable therefore to provide a larger display screen size for both communication and keyboard functionality and a full function keyboard for such mobile communication terminal devices while maintaining the compact size of a foldable mobile communication terminal device.


According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method includes: forming a guide layer, including a base layer and a neutralization film with a plurality of parallel line sections, on a processing target film, forming a polymer material containing first polymer segments and second polymer segments, on the guide layer, forming a self-assembly pattern having a plurality of first polymer portions containing the first polymer segment and extending in a direction of the line sections, and a plurality of second polymer portions containing the second polymer segment alternating with the first polymer portions and extending along the direction of the line sections, and selectively removing the second polymer portions. The widths of line sections of both ends of the plurality of line sections of the neutralization film are about two times the width of each first polymer portion or each second polymer portion.

Known lithography technologies utilized in manufacturing semiconductor devices include double patterning technology using ArF immersion exposure, EUV lithography, nanoimprint, and others. The lithography technologies according to the related art suffer from a variety of problems such as an increase in cost, and a decrease in throughput as pattern features have become smaller.
Under such circumstances, the application of directed self-assembly (DSA) to lithography technologies has been considered. Self-assembly is achieved by energy stabilization in fluid materials to form patterns therefrom having a high degree of dimensional accuracy. Especially, a technology using microphase separation of a block copolymer can form periodic structures in a variety of shapes with dimensions of several nanometers (nm) to several hundred of nanometers (nm) by a simple coating and an annealing process. Microphase separation causes the block copolymer to change into spherical shapes (a sphere), columnar shapes (a cylinder), layer shapes (a lamella), and the like, according to the composition ratio of the components of the block copolymer, making it possible to form self-assembly patterns in a variety of shapes and dimensions.

Pattern forming method and mask pattern data


The invention provides media and methods for culturing mammalian cells whereby the sialylation of a protein produced by the cells is increased. The medium can contain N-acetylmannosamine and, optionally, galactose. The medium may also comprise fructose and mannose. Alternatively, the medium can contain galactose and fructose and, optionally, can also comprise mannose and/or N-acetylmannosamine. The methods can be practiced along with other methods for culturing cells so as to increase the quantity or quality of a protein produced by the cells, including culturing the cells at a temperature below 37° C.

Proteins are useful in a variety of diagnostic, pharmacologic, agricultural, nutritional, and research applications. Given the high cost of producing proteins, especially therapeutic proteins, even small increases in the efficiency of production or in the function and stability of a protein can be valuable. The function and stability, and hence the utility, of a protein can be affected by the posttranslational addition of sugar residues to the protein to form a glycoprotein. For example, the addition of terminal sialic acid residues to polysaccharides attached to a glycoprotein generally increases the protein's lifetime in the bloodstream and can, in particular cases, also affect solubility, thermal stability, resistance to protease attack, antigenicity, and specific activity of some glycoproteins. See e.g. Gu and Wang (1998), Biotechnol. and Bioeng. 58(6): 642-48; Morell et al. (1968), J. Biol. Chem. 243(1): 155-59. It is therefore desirable to increase the sialic acid content of a glycoprotein, especially a glycoprotein to be used for pharmacologic applications.

Method for controlling sialylation of proteins produced by mammalian cells


A multi-tool saw assembly includes a saw assembly and a utility tool. The saw assembly includes a frame having a first end and a second end. The saw assembly also includes a first handle fixed relative to the frame. The saw assembly further includes a saw blade, selectively coupled to the frame and extending between the first end and the second end. The saw blade includes a first connection portion connected to the first end and a second connection portion connected to the second end. The utility tool includes a second handle and a work portion. The second handle forms a portion of the frame and/or the first handle. The utility tool is separable from the saw assembly. The saw blade remains connected to the first end and the second end, and the first handle remains connected to the frame, when the utility tool is separated from the saw assembly.

Hacksaws are saws having a frame that holds a blade in tension. Hacksaw frames typically have an arched configuration, with the blade coupled to both ends of the arched configuration. A handle is generally mounted to, or formed with, the arched configuration of the frame, and usually includes a pistol grip configuration. Some hacksaws are configured to support a variety of different uses, or be placed in a variety of different configurations. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0011732, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, discloses embodiments of such hacksaws. Among other things, the present application relates to an improved hacksaw design configured to support a variety of different uses.


A rotary cutter head is provided with helical carbide cutting blade inserts. The blade inserts extend along a helical path and are configured for cutting rotation in a predetermined direction. The blade inserts are secured to the cutter head body in a helical slot formed between a wall of the cutter head body and a plurality of clamping wedges. The blade insert may have a tapered body that facilitates locking and securing the blade insert to the cutter head body in a radial direction in response to centrifugal forces created as the rotary cutter head rotates.

Rotary cutting heads having replaceable cutting blade inserts are well known as exemplified, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,699. Additionally, helical rotary cutter heads with replaceable carbide blade inserts are also well known as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,725,988 to Sunderman et al., assigned to Sonnet Tool and Manufacturing Company. These types of rotary cutter heads incorporated carbide material which is known for excellent hardness characteristics, long life and durability.
For many years, Sonnet Tool and Manufacturing Company had provided helical carbide cutting tools and replaceable carbide cutting blades, which have been traditionally sold under the HELICARB trademark. Recently, the present assignee of the instant invention acquired Sonnet Tool and Manufacturing Company, and has continued to provide similar products under the HELICARB trademark. While the HELICARB products have satisfied a significant industry need, the inventors of the present invention have realized certain long existing drawbacks of helical cutting tools and particularly carbide helical cutting tools, to which the improvements of the present invention are directed.

Helical cutter head and helical cutting blade for use therewith


A lighting fixture for visible light communication is configured to modulate light intensity of a light source (11) comprising a light-emitting device (2) to superpose a communication signal on illumination light. The lighting fixture includes: a power supply circuit (3) configured to control light output of the light source (11) based on a dimming signal; a switch device (Q1) for modulating an output current from the power supply circuit (3) to the light source (11); an impedance element (Rx); a communication circuit (4); and an ON circuit (6). The communication circuit (4) is configured to supply a modulation signal to a side of the switch device (Q1) to superpose the communication signal on the illumination light. The ON circuit (6) is configured to turn on the switch device (Q1) by supply power from the power supply circuit (3) when the communication circuit (4) is inactivated.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-34713 (hereinafter referred to as a "Document 1") discloses a lighting fixture equipped with a visible-light-communication function that transmits a communication signal by using illumination light. The lighting fixture includes: a light source substrate on which a light source is mounted; a lighting circuit substrate which is electrically connected with the light source substrate and performs lighting control of the light source; and a visible-light-communication controlling substrate which superposes a communication signal on outgoing light from the light source. In the lighting fixture, the visible-light-communication controlling substrate is detachably disposed between the lighting circuit substrate and the light source substrate, and a design thereof can be accordingly made common between a device with a visible-light-communication function and a device with no visible-light-communication function. Control electrical power of the visible-light-communication controlling substrate is supplied from an output terminal of the lighting circuit substrate.
However, when a switch device for modulation in the visible-light-communication controlling substrate is turned off, a load voltage onto light-emitting devices (LEDs) in the light source is shut off, and accordingly the lighting fixture of Document 1 is put in a condition without substantial load with respect to the light source. A PFC circuit having a boost function for improving distortion of an input electric current is used for a general power supply circuit of which electric power supply is commercial power AC, and accordingly if the light source is put in the unloaded condition, a voltage across the output terminals of the power supply circuit rises close to output voltage of the PFC circuit. If the voltage across the output terminals of the power supply circuit rises, an input voltage onto a control power supply of the visible-light-communication controlling substrate rises as well, which causes loss of circuit. Therefore, the circuit configuration can be considered in which a resistor for modulation is provided in parallel to a switch device for modulation, for modulating an output current supplied from the power supply circuit to the light source, thereby preventing unloaded condition of the light source even when the switch device for modulation is turned off.
However, in this circuit configuration, the power supply circuit performs constant current control, and accordingly when the switch device for modulation starts an ON operation, an electric current flows through a side of the switch device for modulation, thereby short-circuiting two ends of the resistor for modulation. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, an output voltage onto the light source slightly decreases, whereas impedance between output ends of the power supply circuit decreases sharply. Accordingly, a surge current is included in an output current to the light source and an excessive current stress instantaneously flows through LEDs of the light source. A maximum rated current of an LED is set to about twice of a rated current in general, but may be set to be lower than that. There is a concern that LEDs suffer damage if the aforementioned surge current generates. If a resistance value of a resistor for modulation is decreased, the occurrence of a surge current can be suppressed. However, this instance causes decrease of a modulation width (modulation ratio) by ON and OFF of a switch device for modulation, which is undesirable for a visible light communication.

Lighting fixture for visible light communication and visible-light-communication system with same

Panasonic Iintellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.


There are provided an operational member and a body portion supporting the operational member rotatably, clockwise or counterclockwise, from a home position and movably in a vehicle longitudinal direction from its rotated position. The body portion is configured to allow the rotated or moved operational member to return to the home position automatically. A shift range is changed to a neutral range when the operational member is rotated from the home position, and the shift range is changed to a traveling range (a drive range or a reverse range) when the operational member is moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the rotated position after the operational member is rotated from the home position. Herein, changing of the shift range to the drive range or the reverse range depends on the direction of the rotation of the dial from the home position.

The present invention relates to a shift control device for a vehicle for changing a shift range of the vehicle.
A so-called electric shifter device, in which a position of an operational member which corresponds to a shift lever is detected electrically for shifting, is known as a shift control device for a vehicle. This electric shifter device has been widely used in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles which do not have a mechanical transmission. However, the electric shifter device which does not require a mechanical connection between the operational member and the transmission is superior in design flexibility, so that there is a tendency that vehicles provided with the mechanical transmission, such as conventional vehicles which install an engine (internal combustion engine) only as a power source, use the electric shifter device.
In the electric shifter device having less limitation in the operational amount and the operational direction of the operational member, a dial type of operational member in which a traveling range is changed according to rotation and the like of the operational member has been considered from viewpoints of the compactness and the operability. That is, the dial type of operational member can shorten its operational stroke and make its size compact properly, and also since it may be unnecessary for a driver to move a wrist greatly when operating the operational member and the driver may operate the operational member without seeing, the superior operability can be provided. A device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-105621 is known as an example of the above-described electric shifter device.
In the device of this patent document, a rotatable operational knob is provided, and the shift range is changed to a neural range when this operational knob is slid along a specified axial line, and also the shift range is changed to a drive range or a reverse range when the operational knob is rotated further from its slid position after the operational knob is slid.
Further, in the electric shifter device, a so-called momentary type of mechanism, that is—a mechanism to return the operational member toward a specified home position automatically as soon as holding of the operational member by a driver's hand is released, has been widely used in order to improve the compactness or the operability. A device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-105623 is known as an example of this momentary type of electric shifter device.
Specifically, in the device of this patent document, the operational member which can be slid and rotated is provided, and the shift range is changed to the neutral range when the operational member is slid from the home position. When holding of the operational member by a driver's hand is released in this state, the operational member is returned to the home position, keeping the neural range. Further, when the operational member is further rotated after it is slid from the home position, the shift range is changed to a traveling range (the drive range or the reverse range). When the holding of the operational member by the driver's hand is released in this state, the operational member is returned to the home position, keeping the changed shift range.
The device of this patent document is configured such that the shift range is changed to the neutral range when the operational member is slid from the home position. Therefore, there is a problem (i.e., an operation error) in that in a case in which the driver or another passenger touches the operational member inadvertently, the shift range may be improperly changed to the neutral range from the drive range or the reverse range.


The present invention relates to methods, compounds and compositions for inhibiting effective binding of a chemokine to its cellular receptor. In one form of the invention, a method includes contacting a cellular population with an effective amount of cosalane or an analog thereof. The invention further relates to methods, compounds and compositions for treating inflammatory diseases. In one form, a method includes administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of cosalane or an analog thereof.

The present invention relates generally to methods, compounds and compositions for inhibiting effective binding of a chemokine to its cellular receptor. The compounds and compositions include cosalane and analogs thereof. The invention further relates to methods, compounds and compositions for treating inflammatory diseases.
Inflammation is a natural immune system response to injury or destruction of tissues and serves to destroy or otherwise confine an injurious agent or injured tissue. The inflammatory process includes targeting immune system and other cells to the site of damage to effect repairs. Although the response is generally protective in nature, in many cases it results in various disease states. A variety of molecules are involved in the inflammation process, including chemokines.
Chemokines are 8–15 Kda secreted chemoattractant proteins that are released by cells at a site of tissue injury and are regarded as important mediators of inflammation due to their ability to enhance migration of certain immune system cells, including, for example, T-cells, B-cells, basophils, neutrophils, and macrophages. Chemokines have been shown to induce directional leukocyte migration (chemotaxis) by binding to seven transmembrane G-coupled protein receptors (8). Chemokines also function to induce other inflammation-related events, including lysosomal enzyme release, respiratory burst, and histamine release. The chemokines and their receptors have been shown to participate in several disease states including allergy and asthma, (9,10) and angiogenesis during solid-tumor development (11). Inhibiting many of these undesired chemokine-induced processes may be beneficial in treating many inflammatory diseases. Compounds, compositions and methods of inhibiting chemokine-induced processes are thus needed. The present invention addresses this need.

Cosalane compounds and methods for their use

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services


Methods, systems, and storage media for reserving radio resources for sidelink (SL) vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transmissions are described. In embodiments, a user equipment may select to create an SL grant when a configuration indicates to transmit SL transmissions based on sensing using indicated resources. And when a number of consecutive unused transmission opportunities on the indicated resources is equal to a configured value, the UE may release all currently reserved radio resources, set a resource reservation interval, and select a set of resources spaced by the resource reservation interval as reserved resources for transmission of the one or more sidelink transmissions. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

In third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), V2X and/or Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication takes place over sidelink (SL) channels. SL channels may be direct links between two or more vehicle user equipment (VUEs), where data from a sender VUE may be directly transmitted to one or more receiver VUEs without base station (for example, evolved Node B (eNB)) involvement. This means that the data is not sent in uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) channels. Issues may arise when reserving resources for multiple SL transmissions, such as when the SL transmissions are based on medium sensing operations. For example, a VUE may select radio resources for transmission of application data when the application data is placed in a data buffer, but the VUE may be unable to find and reserve available radio resources in time to transmit the data.

Multiple radio resource reservation for vehicle-to-everything communications


A heater for heating a stream of air has a burner assembly to heat the stream as it flows along a flow path and a primary heat assembly positioned in the flow path and coupled to the burner assembly for conducting gaseous combustion products. The primary heat exchange assembly has an array of U-shaped heat exchange tubes for conducting hot combustion products generated by the burner assembly to an array of second U-shaped heat exchange tubes for combustion products discharged from the first heat exchange tubes, the second tube having a smaller diameter than the first and being positioned in the space defined by the array of first U-shaped heat exchange tubes. Combustion products leaving the primary heat exchange assembly are passed through a secondary heat exchange assembly before being exhausted.

The present invention relates to heaters generally and in particular to a heater of the type which heats a stream of air flowing through the heater by heat exchange between the air and heat generated by a burner assembly.
Although by no means exclusively, the present invention relates to a heater for use as a part of a ducted space heating system for a domestic home.