The present invention relates to a microorganism having an acetyl CoA biosynthesis pathway and a butyryl CoA biosynthesis pathway; the microorganism being a recombinant microorganism having an increased ability to produce butanol, wherein a pathway for converting acetyl CoA into acetate is suppressed, and a pathway for converting acetate into acetyl CoA and a pathway for converting butyryl CoA into butanol are promoted. Also, the present invention concerns a method for producing butanol by using the recombinant microorganism.

Butanol is an intermediate compound with a very wide range of uses, such as in cosmetics, perfumes, hormones, hygiene products, industrial coating agents, paint additives, fibers, plastic monomers, medical supplies, vitamins, antibiotics, agricultural chemicals, and the like, and is very useful (Dune, Biotechnol J, 2:1525-1534, 2007).
Up to the 1980s, methods for producing butanol, acetone and ethanol by fermenting sugars with Clostridium strains were utilized as typical methods for preparing butanol (Weizmann, U.S. Pat. No. 1,315,585). Since the 1980s, an oxo process for synthesizing butanol from propylene originated from petroleum has been widely used. However, the method for preparing butanol based on petroleum has drawbacks in that the process is complicated due to the use of high temperature and high pressure, and a large amount of hazardous waste and carbon dioxide are released therefrom (Tsuchida et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 45:8634, 2006). Recently, the demand for eco-friendly production of butanol from renewable sources through microbial fermentation has greatly increased.
However, in order to produce butanol at industrially applicable levels using microorganisms, it is essential that the production method should have good butanol selectivity, yield and productivity, namely butanol production amount per unit hour. However, among wild type and recombinant microorganisms for producing bio-butanol, a microorganism satisfying all these conditions has yet to be found.
Specifically, a wild type Clostridium acetobutylicum Strain ATCC824 is known to produce acetone, ethanol and butanol in a mass ratio of about 3:1:6 through fermentation and a small amount of acetic acid and butyric acid, wherein the yield of the wild type strain is about 25%, and the final concentration is about 10 g/L or so. Like Clostridium acetobutylicum, microorganisms having an acetyl-CoA biosynthetic pathway and a butyryl-CoA biosynthetic pathway are generally known to synthesize acetone, butanol and ethanol in the pathways as shown in FIG. 1. Recently, with the development of metabolic engineering, endeavors to produce butanol more effectively have continued. Especially, since the genomic sequence of Clostridium acetobutylicum is recently disclosed, research relating to metabolic pathway manipulation has been actively performed.
For example, co-overexpression of adhE1 and ctfAB genes in Clostridium acetobutylicum M5 in which a megaplasmid having butanol production related genes (adc, ctfAB and adhE1 (alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase) and adhE2 (alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase)) was deleted showed that butanol selectivity was enhanced to a mass ratio of 0.78, but the co-overexpression had limits in that productivity and yield were greatly reduced as growth of the strain was inhibited and the production of acetic acid increased (Lee, et al., Biotechnology Journal, 4:1432-1440, 2009; Lee, et al., WO 2009/082148).
In the case where pta converting acetyl-CoA into acetate is deleted, and in the case where both pta and buk converting butyryl-CoA into butyrate are deleted and aad (alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase) is overexpressed, both cases are reported to enhance butanol concentration, selectivity and yield. However, both cases still have limits in view of productivity and stability of strains (Lee et al., WO 2011/037415). Furthermore, in the case where CtfB coding CoA transferase (CoAT) was further deleted from a mutant strain from which pta and buk are deleted, the strain still shows low productivity (LEE et al., WO 2011/037415).
In addition, in the case where a mutant Clostridium beijerinckii BA101 strain derived by random mutation is subjected to fermentation utilizing maltodextrin as a carbon source, it is reported that 18.6 g/l, of butanol is produced (Ezeji et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 63:653, 2004). However, even if the recombinant strain is employed, the strain has no industrial applicability due to low production of final product, i.e. butanol.
In addition, reports say that the concentration of acetone is decreased and butanol selectivity is increased by deleting ctfAB encoding CoA transferase or adc (acetoacetate decarboxylase). However, this report has problems in view of strain stability and the final concentration of butanol less than 10 g/L (Jiang et al., Metab. Eng., 11(4-5):284-291, 2009).
The present inventors made research to find microorganisms having good butanol selectivity, yield and productivity. As a result, the present inventors found that a recombinant mutant microorganism capable of producing butanol with high yield, high selectivity and high productivity can be manufactured by deleting pta and buk simultaneously which are butyrate and acetate production related genes, and co-overexpressing CtfAB which encodes CoA transferase (CoAT) and adhE (alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase) which converts butyryl-CoA to butanol. Based on this finding, the present invention has been completed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Recombinant microorganism having enhanced butanol producing ability and method for producing butanol using the same


Embodiments may relate to a radio frequency (RF) front-end module (FEM) with a first filter and a second filter. The RF FEM may include a termination inductor coupled to ground, and a switch that is to selectively couple the first filter and the second filter to the termination inductor. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.

The next generation of mobile and wireless communication devices may require a significant increase in the number of radio frequency (RF) bands used to support increasing data demands. The increased RF bands may be supported by a number of filters used to support the different RF bands. However, the filters may occupy a significant area of the RF front-end module (FEM).

Radio frequency (RF) module with shared inductor


A toner containing toner particles having a core-shell structure containing a binder resin, a colorant and a release agent. The toner particles are prepared by dissolving or dispersing at least one of the binder resin and a precursor thereof in an organic solvent or a polymeric monomer and reacting the resultant in an aqueous medium for reaction, wherein the toner satisfies the following relationship: ΔTm=Tm1−Tm2>10 ° C., wherein Tm1 represents half efflux temperature of the toner and Tm2 represents half efflux temperature of a toner which is prepared by melting and kneading the toner particles and wherein a content of the release agent existing close to the surface portion of the toner particles is from 7 to 30% by volume based on an entire portion close to the surface portion of the toner particles when the content is determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) method.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a toner for use in developing latent electrostatic images formed in the electrostatic photocopying process performed by a photocopier, a facsimile machine, a printer, etc and also relates to a fixing device and an image forming apparatus using this toner.
2. Discussion of the Background
An image forming apparatus is typically used for image forming methods such as electrophotography, electrostatic recording and electrostatic printing. The image forming methods typically include the following processes:    (1) A latent electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member such as photoreceptors or dielectric materials is developed with a developer including a toner to form a toner image on the image bearing member (developing process);    (2) the toner image is transferred on a receiving material such as recording papers optionally via an intermediate transfer medium (transfer process); and    (3) the toner image is fixed on the receiving material upon application of heat and/or pressure, or the like (fixing process).
In the fixing process mentioned above, a pair of fixing members having a roller form or a belt form including a heater in its interior fix the toner on a recording material upon application of heat and pressure while pinching the receiving material. When the heating temperature is too high, the toner excessively fuses, which causes a problem in that the fused toner is attached to the fixing member, i.e., hot offset problem. When the heating temperature is too low, the toner does not sufficiently fuse, and thus the fixing is not sufficient. To save energy and reduce the size of an image forming apparatus, a toner having a high hot offset temperature (anti hot offset property) and low fixing temperature (low fixing temperature property) is desired. In addition, the toner is necessary to be free from blocking when the toner is in store or an atmosphere in the apparatus (high temperature preservability).
Especially, to obtain good images, full color photocopiers and full color printers require good gloss and color mixture properties. Therefore, the toner is necessary to have a low viscosity. Consequently, the toners used are polyester toner binders having a sharp melt property. However, these toners easily cause hot offset and thus silicone oil, etc., is usually applied to the fixing member included in a full color image forming apparatuses. To apply such silicone oil to the fixing member, a device such as an oil tank and an oil application device is required. Consequently the image forming apparatus is jumboized and complicated. Further, such oil causes deterioration of the fixing member and requires maintenance on a regular interval basis. In addition, oil attachment to receiving materials such as plain copy papers and transparent films is inevitable. The color tone can be degraded by oil especially when the oil is attached to a transparent film.
Therefore, instead of applying oil to the fixing member, a release agent is typically added to a toner to avoid that toner attachment problem. However, the release effect of a release agent greatly depends on the dispersion state thereof in a binder resin. When a release agent compatible with a binder resin is used, the release agent does not exhibit the release effect. To exhibit its release effect, release agents incompatible with a binder resin are preferably used to form domains of the release agents.
In addition, the dispersion state of a release agent as domain particles is also important. When a release agent is not well dispersed but agglomerated within a toner particle, the release agent does not have a sufficient release effect. Therefore, in order for a release agent to sufficiently exhibit its release effect, it is desired that the release agent be also locally dispersed close to the surface of a toner particle. However, when the ratio of the release agent present close to the surface of a toner particle increases, the release agent may protrude from the surface of the toner particle even when the release agent is fully dispersed. When the release agent protrudes from the surface of toner particles, the toner particles agglomerate, thereby reducing the fluidity of the toner particle. When a two component developer including a toner and a magnetic carrier is used, such release agents protruding from the surface of toner particles transfer to the magnetic carrier over a long period of use, resulting in deterioration of chargeability. Such release agents may transfer to an image bearing member, thereby causing filming thereon. Further, high temperature preservability of the toner deteriorates, meaning that the toner is not stable for a long period of time. In contrast, when the particle diameter of a release agent in a dispersion state is too small, the release agent is excessively and minutely dispersed, resulting in insufficiency of its release effect. Therefore, the content of a release agent added to a toner and its dispersion state therein are extremely important.
Japanese Patent No. 2663016 (hereinafter referred to as JPN) discloses a toner manufactured by suspension polymerization of a compound having a polar radical and a polymeric monomer having a release agent in an aqueous medium. The toner obtained can contain a release agent having a low melting point. A toner manufactured by a pulverization method cannot contain such a release agent. It is said in the literature that, unlike polar components, non-polar components such as a release agent do not exist locally in the proximity of the surface of a toner particle but take a pseudo capsule structure the surface of which is covered by polar components. However, distribution state of the release agent in the toner particle is not analyzed and unknown. JPN 3225889 discloses a toner which contains a release agent in an amount of 0.1 to 40% by weight. In addition, the weight ratio of the release agent protruding from the surface of the toner particle to all the components protruding therefrom is 1/100 to 10/100. The ratio of the release agent protruding from the surface of the toner particle is measured by Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and determined. However, the analysis by ESCA is limited to the depth of around 0.1 μm from the outermost surface of a toner particle. Therefore, it is impossible to know the dispersion state of the release agent existing further inside of the toner particle which can suitably exhibit its release effect in the fixing process. Published unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-6541 discloses a toner encapsulating a release agent. The release agent is localized close to the surface of the toner particle. However, the detailed dispersion state of the release agent present close to the surface of the toner particle is unknown.
Because of these reasons, a need exists for a toner which can prevent the occurrence of offset even when a fixing roller on which no amount of or an extremely small amount of oil is applied is used, which can have excellent high temperature preservability when stored in an image forming apparatus for a long period of use and which can produce color images with suitable gloss and excellent color reproducibility.

Toner and fixing device and image forming device using the same


The invention relates to a method for transferring a call between a telecommunications network and a data network. Between the data network and the telecommunications network an internetwork computer (gateway) is arranged, by which voice data of the call is converted from a format used in the telecommunications network into a format used in the data network, and conversely. Signaling data of the call is processed by a data processing device arranged in the data network. In order to make full use of the available functions of a signaling channel in telecommunications networks, even with voice connections that are partially over a data network, it is proposed that the signaling data be transferred bit-transparently between the gateway and the data processing device.

The invention is based on a priority application EP 01 440 267.1 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to a method for transferring a call between a telecommunications network and a data network. Between the data network and the telecommunications network an internetwork computer is arranged, by which voice data of the call is converted from a format used in the telecommunications network into a format used in the data network, and conversely. Signalling data of the call is processed by a data processing device arranged in the data network.
The invention also relates to a data processing device of a data network that is connected to a telecommunications network through an internetwork computer.
Finally the present invention relates to an internetwork computer (so-called gateway) arranged between a telecommunications network and a data network. The gateway presents a means of converting voice data of a call from a format used in the telecommunications network into a format used in the data network, and conversely.

Method for transferring a call between a telecommunications network and a data network


An automated document cashing system includes a reader for capturing an image of a negotiable instrument and recognizing the authorized signature as well as the amount written thereon. The system then can transfer monies in the amount of the instrument to a savings account, a checking account, a smart card, or the like. The system can cash money orders as well as write money orders. The system will also wire transfer money. The image capture apparatus also can capture an image of a utility bill or the like that is presented by a user. By supplying monies in the form of cash, credit card authorization, smart card balance, or the like, the user can pay bills such as a utility bill through the system or purchase items dispensed by the system.

This invention relates to automated banking systems and machines including those which employ or are an improvement on automatic teller machines (ATMs). ATMs are widely available and receive a considerable amount of usage, particularly on weekends, for dispensing cash. For instance, it is not unusual for an ATM to dispense $250,000 worth of cash over one weekend. The ATM user is provided with an ATM card as well as a personal identification number (PIN) or password, so that if the card is stolen or lost, the finder of the card will not be able to use it to withdraw funds using the ATM card because of the lack of the PIN number. Typically, the ATM user will withdraw cash from the user's checking account, savings account or as an advance from a credit card, or transferring money from a savings account to his checking account. In other instances, the ATM user will be ascertaining the user's account balances. In a few instances, some ATMs are now being provided with an incremental revenue opportunity which includes the dispensing of stamps rather than cash for the user.
Owners of the ATMs have found them to be relatively profitable, but there is a need for increasing the profitability of the ATMs which are principally now used as cash withdrawal machines. Competing with the banks and with the ATM machines owned by banks are local currency exchanges which perform a number of banking type services for their "profiled customers". Profiled customers are customers who have signed a signature card or who otherwise have a confirmed identity entered into the network of the local currency exchange. These profiled customers are local to the area and are not part of a large area or nationwide network. Often, the currency exchange not only has the profiled customer's signature, but the currency exchange agent often recognizes the customer as being one of his frequent users. Currency exchanges commonly cash a large volume of payroll checks for its users. The average fee for such a transaction is 1.6% of the amount of the payroll check. This can be a quite substantial income when a high volume of payroll checks is being cashed. The currency exchange competes with the ATM machines by cashing personal checks for its profiled customers. Most often, a currency exchange will not cash a personal check for a non-profiled customer of the exchange; but if the currency exchange decides to assume the risk and cash such a check, the transaction charges to the customer are extremely high, e.g., $20.00 or 20% of the value of the check being cashed.
Another large volume transaction item for a currency exchange is the issuance of money orders or the cashing of money orders. The charge for such transactions is on average about 1.85% of the value of the money order. Other large revenue generators for currency exchanges are fees collected when customers pay bills for utilities, such as telephone, electric, gas, and water, as well as other bills, such as cable, television or credit card bills. Typically, there is a $0.60 per bill service charge for such a bill paying transaction in a currency exchange. The currency exchanges operate under contract with the local utilities and/or credit card companies to provide such a service.
While currency exchanges are relatively profitable, one of their costs of the operation is that of the employee theft of money. Also, employees, from time to time, make mistakes when cashing of checks or money orders, or when issuing of money orders. Another shortcoming of the currency exchanges as opposed to ATM machines is that the exchanges are open for limited hours, versus the ATM machines which are generally available 24 hours each day. In many instances, people prefer not to let others at a currency exchange or bank have any knowledge of their personal financial affairs and would prefer to use the ATM machines, rather than currency exchanges if the ATM machines provided some or all of the banking type services now provided by the currency exchanges.
Often currency exchanges are used by local residents who do not have a checking or savings account with a local bank, and who do not use the ATM machines or have an ATM card. Thus, there is an opportunity to acquire new customers for automatic banking machines if they will have many of the functions performed by a currency exchange or of a full service bank, such as cashing checks or money orders.
Another banking function that is performed from one bank to another bank is a wire transfer of funds, which is not generally available to the general public. Rather than going to a bank to wire transfer money, most individuals, as opposed to businesses, commonly wire money through other companies such as Western Union or through the American Express Company. Wire transfer costs are relatively high. There is an average cost of between $13.00 to send a minimum of $200.00 by wire and about $200.00 to send $5,000.00 by wire. There are many instances when people are traveling or when they have a child at college where it would be desirable to be able to transfer money by wire to their child's account so that the child may have immediate access to the money. If available for use in an automated banking machine, such a wire transfer service would provide a relatively inexpensive method of wire transfer for individuals.
A new opportunity available to full service banks and to currency exchanges is participation in the United States Federal Government's Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (EBTP). The Program will be distributing smart cards for use by recipients of Social Security, Veteran's or welfare benefits for which payments can total as much as one-half trillion dollars per year. People who have EBTP cards are already in the government's network. These smart cards are intended to replace the food stamps, among other things, whose use may lead to embarrassment by the clients. The currency exchanges and the full service banks will be receiving a transactional charge when writing an increase in balance onto the smart card. Also, the service provider will be charging the smart card user a fee for each transaction, for instance, when the smart card's balance is decreased as it is being used to pay for food, a utility bill, etc. This represents a large volume usage that could be available to appropriate electronic automated banking machines if they offered bill paying services and sale of items such as telephone cards, lottery tickets, and the like.
Owners of ATMs are beginning to take advantage of such incremental revenue opportunities, e.g., by selling stamps via the ATM machine. This allows the owner of the ATM to gain more revenue from the ATM. For example, end user items such as theater tickets, lottery tickets or stamps can he dispensed from dispensers in an ATM machine. Many end user items do not require the additional security that is required for such things such as cashing checks or money orders.
A number of security problems arise with the addition to ATMs of functions performed by full service banks and currency exchanges, such as cashing checks and money orders. The foremost problem is integrity of the document being exchanged for cash, in particular, verification of signatures on checks or money orders being cashed. Also, the ability to read various types of documents and to provide the user with a large number of payment methods requires a relatively sophisticated machine beyond that of current ATMs on the market and in widespread use by the general public. The problem with checks is not only the signature verification of hard-to-read handwriting, but also reading the amount, written usually in cursive, on a legal line of the check. In addition, the check has a second line which is the courtesy amount recognition line ("CAR") which is written in numerals representing the value of the check. Most checks also identify the bank and the writer's account in magnetic ink.
Another consideration for transactions such as cashing checks, paying bills, or other like things from a remote banking machine is the need to record transaction and to leave an audit trail for later manual review, if required, of the transaction.
A semi-automated system has been proposed to aid in the cashing of checks and which reduces the access of the teller to the money. This proposed system would require the user to operate the machine and negotiate the check while in the electronic presence of a teller, who being satisfied that the check should be cashed, then verifies the cashing opportunity and operates the machine to dispense automatically the funds to the machine user. Of course, such a machine requires the attendance and the presence of the teller, and therefore, is still not a fully automated system for cashing checks.
Among some of the mechanical problems that have been experienced with the remote ATM-type machines is that of providing change in coins. Already, over a single weekend, ATMs are being severely taxed often completely emptied of their contents, and they do not have changemakers. The addition of a coin changemaker adds considerable expense and maintenance problems to the machine to provide the exact coin change to the user who is cashing a check or performing some other function.
Another practical problem with providing a commercially practical automated banking machine is that of the time needed for the transactions. Preferably, the transactions should be relatively brief and simple so that a minimal number of operator actions, such as touch screen pushes or keystrokes, are required per transaction. If a particular transaction takes more than a minute or two, the system would probably be too slow to adequately service a line of people waiting to use the machine at a busy time on a weekend. Also, if the machine offers a large number of transactions like those of a full service bank or a currency exchange, the machine should provide a wide range of funds delivery or payment options to the user so that the payment can be made by cash, credit card, smart card, or withdrawal from a checking or savings account.
There is a need for an automatic banking machine which includes an ATM-like machine that performs and allows a number of service options, such as for example the withdrawing of cash, the depositing of cash, the cashing of a check, the cashing of a money order, the buying of a money order, the transferring of funds by wire, paying a bill and purchasing of end user items.


The present invention provides a sleep respiration monitoring system for monitoring sleep quality of a user. The sleep respiration monitoring system has a sensing fabric, a detecting circuit and a judging and analysis circuit. The electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric vary with respiration status or extent of body movement of a user. The detecting circuit detects the electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric. The judging and analysis circuit performs signal processing, signal collection, signal classification and signal determination on output signals of the detecting circuit, so as to determine whether the user lies on the sensing fabric and the sleep quality of the user.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sleep respiration monitoring system.
2. Description of Related Art
The present invention determines user's sleep quality in bed, which helps knowing user's sleep efficiency. In addition, detecting user's respiration status in bed also helps to discover SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) emergency early, so that family members or rescue workers can be informed earlier to take appropriate medical actions.
In term of present technology, some existing technology uses pressure-sensitive resistor to monitor sleep respiration, movements and SIDS. The shortcoming of using pressure-sensitive resistor is that the forming material is too hard, which results in poor body feel.
In addition, other prior arts use spiral flat inductor strip to monitor respiration. However, such technologies need to form electric field by using inductor and capacitor, so user has to be exposed to electric field, which leads to low consumer acceptance.
Or, other prior arts use complicated semi-conductive pressure sensor to sense use's respiration movement. However, mattress using such technology uses sealed airflow as a monitoring method, mechanism thereof is too complicated.
There further are other prior arts using combination structure of elastic fabric and metal wires to measure the volume change of chest and abdomen. In such technology, extent of self-inductance generated by magnetic field is proportional to cross-sectional area of coil. However, main shortcomings thereof are: 1. Elastic fabric with metal wires woven in loses softness of texture; 2. Circuit measuring magnetic field changes is too complicated, and the size thereof is too large, which result in low product value-added.
Therefore, it's preferable to have a sleep aspiration monitoring system using softer material to increase feel without exposing users to electric field, with simple structure, small size and high product value-added.


A semiconductor light-emitting device includes: a semiconductor multilayer film, a substrate supporting the semiconductor multilayer film; and a phosphor layer formed on the substrate so as to cover the semiconductor multilayer film. The phosphor layer has an outer edge of a cross section taken in a direction parallel to the principal surface of the substrate having a substantially circular shape or a substantially regular polygonal shape having five or more sides. An outer edge of the principal surface of the substrate is formed in a substantially circular shape or a substantially regular polygonal shape having five or more sides. With this configuration, light obtained therefrom has less non-uniformity in color and a high luminous flux can be realized.

In general, a GaN-based light-emitting diode (hereinafter abbreviated as "LED") is composed of a semiconductor multilayer film obtained by crystal-growing a III-V group nitride semiconductor, represented by the general formula BzAlxGa1-x-y-zInyN1-v-wAsvPw (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1, 0≦x+y+z≦1, 0≦v≦1, 0≦w≦1, 0≦v+w≦1), on a single crystal substrate such as a sapphire substrate. By feeding a current through this semiconductor multilayer film, wide range of light from an ultraviolet region to an infrared region (e.g., 200 to 1700 nm) can be emitted therefrom. Especially, a LED emitting light in a wavelength region shorter than a blue-green region currently is developed eagerly.
Above all, a blue LED emitting blue light can be combined with phosphors emitting yellow light and red light by the excitation of the blue light, so as to be utilized as a white LED emitting white light. The white LED can realize a longer life as compared with an incandescent lamp and a halogen lamp, and therefore the white LED is a prospective substitute for currently-existing light sources. Alternatively, by combining several kinds of LEDs emitting ultraviolet light and near ultraviolet light with a phosphor emitting fluorescence in a wavelength region longer than blue, a white LED can be configured as well.
However, while general incandescent lamps (60 W) have a luminous flux of about 800 lm, a white LED adopting a 1 mm square of blue LED bare-chip has a luminous flux of about 30 to 60 lm. Therefore, in order to use a white LED as an illumination light source, a higher luminous flux has to be achieved. To this end, a module with a large number of white LEDs integrated therein is proposed by JP 2003-124528 A, for example. In the module proposed by JP 2003-124528 A, the white LEDs are flip-chip mounted on a mounting board without submount boards intervening therebetween. According to this mounting technology, the mounting area can be equal to the chip size, and therefore high-density mounting is enabled and a large number of white LEDs can be mounted in the mounting board having a limited size. As a result, a high luminous flux light can be obtained from the module. The module proposed by JP 2003-124528 A, however, has the following problem: since a large number of white LEDs are flip-chip mounted on the mounting board, a failure in mounting of one white LED directly leads to a defective module, thus making it difficult to improve the yield.
On the other hand, JP 2001-15817 A for example proposes a module with a large number of white LEDs mounted on a mounting board with a submount board intervening therebetween. In this module, a blue LED is flip-chip mounted on the submount board, followed by the formation of a phosphor layer on the submount board so as to cover the blue LED, whereby a semiconductor light-emitting device including a white LED is formed, and then this light-emitting device is mounted on the mounting board. Thus, the semiconductor light-emitting device can undergo the inspections of electrical or optical properties before the mounting on the mounting board, and therefore non-defective semiconductor light-emitting devices alone can be selected and mounted on the mounting board. Thereby, the yield can be improved while minimizing waste for the manufacturing process of the module.
The module proposed by JP 2001-15817 A, however, has a difficulty in densely mounting the white LEDs. Therefore, there is a possibility of a shortage in luminous flux of the light obtained from the module. Further, since the phosphor layer is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the light extracted from the module has anisotropy, and therefore the extracted light may have non-uniformity in color.

Semiconductor light-emitting device, lighting module, lighting device and method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting device

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A prompt, accurate and highly practical drowsiness detecting device and a waking device operatively connected with the same are provided.

Hitherto, diverse attempts have been reported in developing drowsiness sensors intended for vehicle drivers, including (1) one adapted to detect the images of drivers' faces by cameras to determine their drowsiness by the motions of their eyelids, (2) one adapted to monitor heartbeats or pulses, and (3) one adapted to monitor changes in electrical resistance of the skin between wrists and little fingers. All of them, however, still have many disadvantages to be overcome and have not been put to practical use.
More specifically, the abovementioned methods have, for example, the following disadvantages: (1) the image monitoring method has a disadvantage in that a sudden change in the amount of light, such as during daytime and night, makes it difficult to recognize images, (2) the heartbeat or pulse monitoring method is disadvantageous in that it is difficult to distinguish between composure of experienced drivers and drowsiness, and (3) the method for monitoring changes in the electrical resistance of skin has no scientific basis and it is difficult to determine such changes, depending on humidity of skin.
Meanwhile, the present inventor has previously invented a drowsiness sensor (registration number 2009287) based on the fact that if eyelids close for 0.5 second or more, then it indicates heavy drowsiness, independently of differences among individuals.

Drowsiness detecting device and waking device operatively connected with the same

Abstract: Drowsiness of a vehicle driver or the like is detected to wake him/her up to prevent the drowsiness from causing an accident. A waveform of blinking is detected by a stress-impedance effect sensor head (1) positioned on a temple bow of a glasses frame in the vicinity of his/her temple, and the drowsiness is determined by a microcomputer (2). Waking him/her up is accomplished by a milligauss AC magnetic field generator (4).


The present invention is related to the branch of medicine, particularly to the new formulations of vaccine antigens.

The technical objective pursued with the present invention is, precisely, the development of formulations capable of enhancing the immune response to antigens administered through mucosal routes, minimizing the number of components in the formulation. The enhancing activity is supported by the interaction between particles at the mucosal level, generating systemic as well as mucosal immunity. Furthermore, the development of combined vaccines to the mucosal route taking as a central antigen the HBsAg, increased the immune response to one or more of coadministered antigens. The obvious advantage is the elimination of all other element or compounds different from the antigen of interest and the use of a different route. We consider that this is the basis or nucleus to develop combined vaccines for a mucosal use.
HBcAg is an extremely immunogenic antigen during the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection or after immunization. In many HBV chronic patients, this is the only antigen capable of inducing an immune response. It can even induce an immune response in mice in nanogram quantities. Recently, a few structural studies have demonstrated some important characteristics explaining its potent immunogenicity. HBcAg specifically binds membrane immunoglobulin receptors in a large number of resting B cells in mice, which is sufficient to induce costimulatory B7-1 and B7-2 molecules. In this way, non-sensitised B cells, specific for HBcAg can uptake, process and present HBcAg peptides to naive T cells in vivo and to T cells hybridoma in vitro, approximately 105 times more efficiently than macrophages and dendritic cells. This structure-function relationship explains the great immunogenicity of HBcAg (Milich, D. R. et al. 1997 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA December 23; 94(26): 14648-53). Serologic and biochemical studies indicate that the resolution of HBV acute infection occurs in the context of an efficient cell-mediated immune response, while the chronic infection is characterized by a poor and undetectable cell-mediated immune response and a "relatively efficient" humoral response.
The humoral immunity and the cell-mediated immunity are regulated by different groups of helper T cells. Factors influencing the induction in mice of a Th1 or Th2 response to the HBV antigens (HBcAg/HBeAg) revealed that this balance was influenced (1) by the antigen structure (HBcAg is a particulated structure and HBeAg is not; (2) the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the host and the T cell antigens which are recognized; (3) the cross regulation between Th1 and Th2 cells; (4) the T cell tolerance, which is more complete for Th1 than for Th2 cells; (5) the activity of secreted HBeAg that preferentially delete Th1 cells (6) the treatment with cytokines, used to modulate in vivo the response toward Th1 or Th2 cells. This balance Th1/Th2 is relevant to the acute or chronic course of the HBV infection. Th2 cells preferentially evade the induction of tolerance compared with Th1. As HBeAg acts as a tolerogen during HBV vertical transmission, deleting Th1 cells, the predominance of Th2 specific cells for HBeAg could influence in the initiation and maintenance of a chronic carrier state. In this case the cytokine therapy endowed to modulate the response towards Th1, could be benefitious in the treatment of HBV chronic infection (Milich, D. R. 1997 J. Viral. Hepat.; 4 Suppl 2: 48-59).
The effect of HBeAg circulation on HBcAg Th1 specific T cells was examined by transferring HBeAg/HBcAg specific T cells to double (HBeAg and HBcAg) transgenic mice. The presence of serum HBeAg eliminated the Th1 mediated response against HBcAg and changed the balance to the Th2 phenotype. This result suggest that, in the context of the hepatitis B infection, circulating HBeAg has the potential to preferentially eliminate inflammatory specific Th1 cells needed for viral clearance, promoting the persistency of HBV (Milich-DR et al. 1998 J-Immunol. February 15; 160(4): 2013-21).
It is known that antibodies against HBcAg are present since the beginning of the infection and reach high concentrations in sera of HBV chronically infected patients, but these antibodies are not protective. Antibodies passively transmitted to newborn children by chronic carrier mothers, do not protect children of infection. (Beasley et al. 1977. American Journal of Epidemiology 105: 914-918). However, it has been demonstrated that immunizing chimps with HBcAg partially or completely protected them from HBV infection (Iwarson, S. et al. 1985 Gastroenterology 88: 763-767; Murray, K. et al. 1987 Journal of Medical Virology 23: 101-107). In Iwarson's study, three chimps were completely protected. After challenge with HBV, antibody levels against HBcAg and HBeAg increased but only one chimp seroconverted against HBsAg. In Murray's study, 2 out of 4 immunized chimps showed a low level of viral replication after challenge, HBsAg was detectable in sera for 2 or 3 weeks, and after that they developed an anti-HBsAg antibody response. It was hypothesized that the incomplete protection could be due to the low immune response in vaccinated animals without adjuvant.
After immunizing with woodchucks hepatitis core antigen (WHcAg) in Freund Complete Adjuvant (ACF), it was possible to protect woodchucks from challenge with the virus (WHV) without signs of infection detectable antibodies against the surface protein (WHsAg). Although the hypothesis that T helper anti-nucleocapsid immune response could enhance undetectable antibodies against the surface antigen can not be discarded, the cytotoxic activity was considered as the main responsible of protection (Roos, S. et al. 1989 J. Gen. Virol. 70, 2087-2095). In a second study using woodchucks the role of HBcAg and WHcAg in protection was determined as well as the possible mechanism. Animals were immunized with WHcAg and HBcAg and afterwards challenged using a high dose of WHV. In this experiment it was found that WHcAg is a protecting antigen there is a cross protection because 4 out of 6 woodchucks immunized with HBcAg were protected from the challenge. Both antigens generated a high antibody titer with a cross reactivity lower than 1%, confirming previous reports of protection using internal hepatitis B virus antigens. Since dominant B epitopes of both antigens do not appear to be conserved, this result also demonstrated that antibodies directed against core antigens are not important for protection. Woodchucks immunized with WHcAg/HBcAg reacted with a rapid response of serum antibodies against surface proteins after challenge with WHV, indicating an increased helper T cell response as a potential mechanism of protection after immunization with an internal antigen of HBV/WHV. (Schodel-F et al. Vaccine. 1993; 11(6): 624-8) Transfection of established cell lines from BALB/C mice hepatocytes with dimeric HBV DNA (ML lines) resulted in the expression of HBV antigens in these lines. The adoptive transference of spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with ML-1.1 cells expressing HBsAg as well as HBcAg, caused a regression of tumours cells expressing the corresponding antigens in athymic mice. Furthermore, the transfer of spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with HBsAg or HBcAg also caused tumoral regression. These results demonstrated that surface and nucleocapsid antigens could induce immunity capable of rejecting the hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo (Chen, S. H. et al. 1993 Cancer-Res. October 1; 53(19): 4648-51).
Therapeutic vaccines based on specific nucleocapsid epitopes for human HLA are being assayed in phase II/III studies (Liaw, Y. F. 1997 J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. October, 12 (9-10): S227-35).
HBcAg has been demonstrated to be a very good carrier. HBcAg is a highly immunogenic antigen in human and animal models. HBcAg directly activates B cells and generates strong T cell responses. Furthermore, the efficient processing and presentation of HBcAg by the antigen presenting cells makes it an ideal carrier molecule. Hence a large number of epitopes have been chemically linked or genetically fused to the HBcAg molecule to successfully increase their immunogenicity. Bacterial expression vectors have been designed to enable the insertion of heterologous B cell epitopes in different positions inside the particles of HBcAg and the efficient purification of hybrid particles.
Positional studies of B cell epitopes demonstrated that internal insertions by the amino acid 80 continue to be immunodominant, permitting an increase in the production of antibodies as compared to other fusion proteins. Immunogenicity studies have been performed with experimental challenge in different systems. For example, a peptide from Plasmodium berghei Circunsporozoite was inserted in this site and the purified hybrid particle HBcAg/CS was highly immunogenic and protected 100% of challenged mice against malaria. Aimed to the development of oral vaccines, attenuated avirulent Salmonella strains have been used to introduce genes coding for hybrid particles of HBcAg (Milich, D. R. et al. 1995 Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. May 31; 754: 187-201).
In conclusion, apart from the relationship between HBcAg and protection, total or partially evidenced in chimps or indirectly referred by the experiments with WHcAg, this protein has a number of properties that makes it unique. HBcAg behaves as a T dependent as well as a T independent antigen (Milich, D. R. et al. 1986 Science 234, 1398-1401), it is very immunogenic, even without the help of adjuvants and its inoculation preferentially sensitises Th1 cells (Milich, D. R. et al. 1997, J. Virol. 71, 2192-2201). HBcAg is a very efficient carrier protein (Schödel, F. et al. 1992 J. Virol. 66: 106-114; Milich-DR et al. 1995 Ann-N-Y-Acad-Sci. May 31; 754: 187-20) and Th HBcAg specific cells mediate the antibody response against HBcAg as well as anti-HBsAg (Milich, D. R. et al. 1987 Nature (London) 329: 547-549). These immunologic characteristics are unique for the particulated HBcAg and do not apply to the non-particulated form of the antigen, the HBeAg (Milich, D. R. et al. 1997 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA December 23; 94(26): 14648-53).

Compositions containing virus-like particles as immunopotentiators administered through the mucosa

Abstract: The technical objective pursued with the present invention is, precisely, the development of formulations that are able to enhance the immune response to mucosally administered antigens, minimising the number of compounds in the formulation and generating strong mucosal and systemic responses through a synergic interaction between the antigens in the formulation.

Abstract: These formulations enable: a) to broaden the spectrum of the anti-hepatitis B immune response, containing as main compounds HBsAg and HBcAg, b) to enhance the response against HBsAg with a viral nucleocapsid c) to generate combined vaccines through the mucosal route with HBsAg as a central antigen. Stabilizers and preservatives can be introduced.

Abstract: The formulations of this invention can be applied in the pharmaceutical industry as human or veterinary vaccine formulations.

Centro de Ingenieria Genetic y Biotechnologia


The level device includes a level body having a pair of orthogonal reference surfaces. A vial carrier on the level body holds the level vial such that it can be calibrated with respect to the reference surfaces by rotation about a pair of orthogonal axes, each of the orthogonal axes being perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial. Adhesive fixes the position of the level vial with respect to the vial carrier and fixing the position of the vial carrier with respect to the level body. The vial carrier includes a vial support and a pivot for engaging the level body. When the vial is calibrated, it is rotated about a first axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial, and about a second axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial and perpendicular to the first axis.

The present invention relates to an improved level device and a method of calibrating a level vial, carried by such a level device on a level body, with respect to reference surfaces defined by the level body.
Carpenter's levels and similar devices have long been used to determine whether a surface is level, i.e., horizontal, or vertical. Such level devices typically incorporate one or more level vials that are precisely oriented with respect to reference surfaces defined by the body of the level device. The typical level vial used in such level devices comprises an outer, transparent shell of glass or plastic defining an elongated cavity that has a slightly curved upper surface which is higher at the center than at the ends. The cavity is filled with a fluid, such as for example water, and a small bubble of air that floats on top of the fluid. When the vial is horizontal, the bubble will be in the middle of the vial. Typically, a pair of reference marks or bands are provided on the outer surface of the vial to assist the observer in assessing the position of the bubble. Assuming that the vial is properly calibrated with respect to a reference surface of the level body, the position of the bubble provides an indication as to the orientation of the reference surface. If the direction of elongation of the level vial is parallel to the reference surface of the level, the level can be used to determine whether a surface against which the reference surface is placed is horizontal. Similarly, if the direction of elongation of the level vial is perpendicular to the reference surface of the level, the level can be used to determine whether the reference surface is vertical. Some prior art levels use three level vials oriented at right angles to provide orientation information simultaneously with respect to at least two axes.
It will be appreciated that it is important for a level vial in such a level device to be positioned precisely with respect to a reference surface. However, proper calibration of the level vial can be somewhat difficult to achieve, especially if the vial is to be calibrated with respect to two reference surfaces. Additionally, it is important that calibration be accomplished quickly and inexpensively.
Accordingly, it is seen that there is a need for an improved level device and for a method of calibrating a level vial in such a device.

Level device and method of calibrating a level vial


An electronic music stand is for displaying at least one sheet of music for a musician. The electronic music stand includes a housing, at least one power source to provide power to the electronic music stand, a display, at least one memory element, at least one processor, and at least one interface. The display is sized to display the at least one sheet of music so that it is viewable during a performance by the musician of the at least one sheet of music. The at least one memory element is for storing the at least one sheet of music, and the at least one processor is operatively coupled with the display and the at least one memory element to display the at least one sheet of music on the display. The at least one interface allows the musician to interact with the electronic music stand to change the at least one sheet of music to a different one of the at least one sheet of music during a performance of the at least one sheet of music so that the different one of the at least one sheet of music is displayed on the display. In further variations, the at least one interface provides the musician with ability to change to the different one of the at least one sheet of music during the performance so that the musician is free of physical contact with display of the electronic music stand. In particular variations, the at least one interface includes at least one motion sensor and/or pedal actuator to provide the musician with the ability to change to the different one of the at least one sheet of music during the performance so that the musician is free of physical contact with display of the electronic music stand.

Traditionally, music stands are free standing small podiums that hold several sheets of music, and can display one or more of these sheets at a time. Although inexpensive and convenient, the music may blow away or fall off of the stand as people pass or sheets are turned. To overcome the sheets falling off, music stands will occasionally use bars, wires or clothespins to hold the sheets down. However, this may make it difficult to turn sheets or change music. Also, if a music piece is more than a sheet or two long, a musician must turn the pages, this can be both time consuming and difficult during play of the piece, particularly, if it is a complicated piece of music. Also, it is not uncommon for the music sheets to fall off the stand or the stand to tip over, which can be distracting or dangerous to musician and or instruments.
There have been some personal computers that could display music. However, they are bulky and generally do not show a whole sheet of music in a way that facilitates the user to play the piece. Computers are good for inputting a MIDI signal and converting the signal to music or scanning in a sheet of music for later review. However, the computers are not designed to match the needs of a musician playing a non-computer instrument. Some music, such as from musicnotes.com is in the form of digital music that shows a sheet of music and includes a MIDI track to play the music. However, this proprietary software is only for display and printing on a personal computer.

Electronic music stand and method of using the same


Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a system that includes one or more pattern-recognition processors, such as in a pattern-recognition cluster. The pattern-recognition processors may be activated to perform a search of a data stream individually using a chip select or in parallel using a universal select signal. In this manner, the plurality of pattern-recognition processors may be enabled concurrently for synchronized processing of the data stream.

1. Field of Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to pattern-recognition processors and, more specifically, in certain embodiments, to the synchronization of multiple operations of the pattern-recognition processors.
2. Description of Related Art
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of these various aspects. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
In the field of computing, pattern recognition tasks are increasingly challenging. Ever larger volumes of data are transmitted between computers, and the number of patterns that users wish to identify is increasing. For example, spam or malware are often detected by searching for patterns in a data stream, e.g., particular phrases or pieces of code. The number of patterns increases with the variety of spam and malware, as new patterns may be implemented to search for new variants. Searching a data stream for each of these patterns can form a computing bottleneck. Often, as the data stream is received, it is searched for each pattern, one at a time. The delay before the system is ready to search the next portion of the data stream increases with the number of patterns. Thus, pattern recognition may slow the receipt of data.
Furthermore, efforts to increase the speed at which the data stream is searched can lead to synchronization problems with the data, as well as timing issues with regard to both the input of the data stream to the system and the output of the results of the searched data stream. Accordingly, a system is needed that may increase the speed at which a data stream may be searched, while maintaining a properly timed flow of information both into and out of the system.

Devices, systems, and methods to synchronize parallel processing of a single data stream


An internet-based conferencing system simulates the experience of Citizens' Band (CB) radio communications without the use of CB radio transceivers. Instead of direct RF links between participants, the CBI system employs a combination of user-resident application software, central server-based conferencing software, GPS location data, and Voice over IP (VoIP) or voice over cellular technology. In the set-up procedure of the application software, the participant selects an alias CB-style “handle” and a caricature picture, neither of which disclose the true identity or location of the participant. Since the participants are known only by their alias and caricature, their anonymity is preserved, thereby enabling greater freedom of expression and interpersonal tolerance. Participants do not select the other participants in their conference, but are assigned to a virtual “channel” based on a selected conference category and proximity criteria, thereby simulating the serendipity of CB radio communications.

The present invention relates to the general field of wireless telecommunications, and more specifically to field of wireless networking systems.
The purpose of the present invention is to simulate the experience of Citizens' Band (CB) radio communications without the use of CB radio transceivers. Instead of direct RF links between communicants, the present invention employs a combination of user-resident application software, central server-based conferencing software, GPS location data, and Voice over IP (VoIP) and/or voice over cellular technology.
Two salient features of old-fashioned CB radio communications are serendipity and anonymity. There is the thrilling spontaneity of being able to reach out and talk to an unpredictable cross-section of the population who just happen to have tuned into the same "channel" at the same time. And there's also the security of being known only by one's CB "handle," which enables greater freedom of expression and interpersonal tolerance.
Existing systems of wireless teleconferencing do not simulate the experience of CB radio communications. Existing systems require the user to select the individual participants in the conference based on location and/or profile characteristics, and they all disclose information about the user and/or his/her location to the other participants.
A series of U.S. patents issued to Beyer, Jr., et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,630,724; 7,853,273; 8,126,441; 8,131,298) describe various methods for initiating mobile phone calls, including conference calls, based on geographic location and/or proximity. But these methods do not enable CB-type conference calling, since the user must select each individual participant in the call by activating geo-referenced map symbols associated with each participant. Moreover, the Beyer system lacks the user anonymity feature of the present invention, since it discloses the identity and location of all participants in the conference call.
The U.S. patent application of Gorday et al. (2004/0192331) discloses a method of sending messages from a particular communication device to one or more target communicants selected from a set of potential communicants based on geographic location. But, as in the Beyer patents, each participant must be individually selected by the user, which is contrary to the CB model of the present invention.
The U.S. patent application of Hendrey et al. (2002/0107008) teaches a method that enables a mobile phone user to request a group connection based on location/proximity. But the Hendrey system relies on a user attribute profile database to identify proximate "match" callers to be included in the conference call, whereas the present invention requires no such user profiles and allows the caller to select his/her own criteria for connection.
The U.S. patent application of Drutman et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,593) describes a location dependent user matching system for mobile communication devices. As with the Hendrey system, however, the connections between users are determined by user profiles based on compiled characteristics and/or preferences of the user. Hence, this patent does not simulate CB-type communications as does the present invention.
The U.S. patent of Crowley et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,593,740) discloses a method of establishing connections among users of mobile devices based on location/proximity. But since the connection criteria are based on acquaintance and/or relationship between the users, it lacks the random element of CB-type connections, as well as their anonymity.
The U.S. patent application of Weeks (2008/0031426) teaches a system for generating conference calls between a 911 caller and police patrol cars in the caller's area. Since the conference call is initiated and controlled by the 911 operator, however, the Weeks system is not adaptable to simulating a CB-type group communication.

Simulated Citizens' Band conferencing system


The invention relates to a deformable system comprising a part of a rectangular block shape, such as a beam, coupled to an actuator enabling the part to be deformed by generating curvature in the length direction, the system being characterized in that said part presents a main portion to be deformed, which main portion carries projections at its ends such that, in longitudinal section, the part presents an elongate U-shape, and in that the actuator presents levers coming to bear against said projections in order to transmit thereto a force suitable for producing deformation of the part.

The present invention relates to a deformable system comprising a part in the form of a rectangular block coupled to an actuator enabling it to be deformed to generate curvature in the long direction of the part.
Mirrors are already known for use around synchrotrons in which varying curvature makes it possible to change the focus of a beam of X-rays.

Deformable system comprising a parallelepiped-shaped part and an actuator


A lens cover for a firearm scope comprises a lens ring configured to mount to a lens, a cover bracket pivotally mounted to the lens ring, and a cover membrane disposed upon a portion of the lens ring and a portion of the cover bracket. When the cover bracket is in a closed position, the cover membrane creates a seal against the lens ring. The lens ring comprises an elastomeric material so as to enable mounting of the lens ring to lenses of differing diameters. The cover bracket includes a plurality of opposing mounting holes for selectively mounting the cover bracket to the adjustable lens ring.

The present invention relates to a lens cover for use with a firearm scope, and more particularly relates to a flip-type lens cover for covering the ocular/eyepiece lens or the objective lens of a firearm scope, and still more particularly to a universal lens cover that can adjust to fit lenses of differing diameters.
Firearm scopes are well known telescopic sight mechanisms which are mounted to the top of a firearm (e.g., rifle, shot gun, hand gun, etc.) to allow the shooter to view distant objects for greater shooting accuracy. Typical scopes include a scope tube having opposing ends capped by a respective lens. Situated within and about the scope tube are various mechanisms which enable the user to adjust the optical magnification to set the desired magnification as well as to adjust the field focus to create a sharper image. However, no matter how advanced the magnification and focusing mechanics, a poor image will result should there be an accumulation of debris upon the eyepiece lens or objective lens, or should either lens be damaged or scratched in any manner. To minimize the possibility of contamination or damage to the lenses, a number of lens covers have been created. The following are some examples of prior art lens covers for protecting the lenses of a firearm scope:    U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,897 issued on Sep. 19, 1950 to Rotter    U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,676 issued on Mar. 5, 1996 to Chesnut, et al.    U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,563 issued on Oct. 1, 1996 to Chesnut et al.    U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,268 issued on Nov. 2, 2004 to Watson    U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,080 issued on Sep. 8, 2009 to Ballard    U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,480 issued on May 25, 2010 to Campean    PCT Patent Publication No. WO 99/42883 published on Aug. 26, 1999 to Xeyex Corporation.
While the above patents and patent applications illustrate various lens covers which are used in conjunction with a firearm scope, each have drawbacks including, for example, a complex design which translates into a high cost to manufacture, dependency on right or left hand use, complicated installation and use, designs which are susceptible to being easily damaged, designs which when employed obscure the downrange view of the user; and designs unable to accommodate lenses of differing diameters resulting in the requirement of multiple SKU's for the same lens cover type. As such, there remains a need for an improved lens cover for a firearm scope which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.


This invention relates to new transition metal catalyst compounds represented by the formula (I):

As is well known, various processes and catalysts exist for the oligomerization, homopolymerization or copolymerization of olefins.
New polymerization catalysts are of great interest in the industry because they offer many new opportunities for providing new processes and products to the markets in a cheaper and more efficient manner. The following invention relates to new polymerization technology based upon new transition metal catalyst compounds.
Additional references of interest include:
    1 H. Suzuki, K. Nakamura and M. Takeshima, Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 1971, 44, 2248.    2 J. H. Oskam, H. H. Fox, K. B. Yap, D. H. McConville, R. O'Dell, B. J. Lichtenstein and R. R. Schrock, J. Organomet. Chem., 1993, 459, 185.    3 P. Bamfield and P. M. Quan, Synthesis, 1978, 537.    4 C. A. Hunter, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1992, 114, 5303.    5 J. Uenishi, T. Tanaka, K. Nishiwaki, S. Wakabayashi, S. Oae and H. Tsukube, J. Org. Chem., 1993, 58, 4382.    6 J. Uenishi, T. Hiraoka, S. Hata, K. Nishiwaki and O. Yonemitsu, J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 2481.

Transition metal compounds for olefin polymerization and oligomerization

Abstract: where:    M and M′ are, independently, a group 8, 9, 10 or 11 transition metal, preferably Ni, Co, Pd, Cu or Fe;    each R group is, independently, is, hydrogen, or a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, substituted silylcarbyl, germylcarbyl, or substituted germylcarbyl substituents, and optionally, adjacent R groups may join together to form a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic cyclic or polycyclic substituent;    R′ is hydrogen, or a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, substituted silylcarbyl, germylcarbyl, or substituted germylcarbyl substituents, and optionally, adjacent R groups may join together with R′ to form a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic cyclic or polycyclic substituent;    each X group is, independently, is, hydrogen, a halogen, or a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, substituted silylcarbyl, germylcarbyl, or substituted germylcarbyl substituents, and optionally, adjacent X groups may join together to form a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic cyclic or polycyclic substituent;    m and m′ are, independently, 0, 1, 2, or 3;    z and z′ are, independently, 0, 1, 2, or 3;    N is nitrogen;    Q is hydrogen, or a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, substituted silylcarbyl, germylcarbyl, or substituted germylcarbyl substituents;    Q′ is hydrogen, or a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, substituted silylcarbyl, germylcarbyl, or substituted germylcarbyl substituents; and    L is a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, silylcarbyl, substituted silylcarbyl, germylcarbyl, or substituted germylcarbyl substituent.


A work vehicle includes a Diesel Particulate Filter DPF and a Selective Catalytic Reuction SCR connected to one another and disposed upwardly of an engine mounted in an engine room covered by a hood located forwardly of a driving operation section, the DPF and the SCR being disposed in juxtaposition in a vehicle body transverse direction.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a working vehicle having a DPF and an SCR as an exhaust gas cleaning device.
Description of the Related Art
A Diesel Particulate Filter (to be referred to shortly as "DPF" in this disclosure) and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (to be referred to shortly as "SCR" in this disclosure) for cleaning exhaust gas from an engine are known from e.g. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-167806 (Patent Document 1). In this document, there is described an exhaust gas cleaning device for an engine, consisting of a DPF and an SCR arranged in juxtaposition, a connecting pipe connecting one side end of the DPF and the other side end of the SCR, and a reducing agent supplying nozzle disposed upstream of the connecting pipe.
With the exhaust gas cleaning device configured as above, exhaust gas from an engine is fed to the DPF and PM (particulate matters) contained in the exhaust gas are collected by the DPF. The exhaust gas past the DPF is then fed to the SCR via the connecting pipe. In the course of this, an amount of reducing agent (e.g. ammonia) is injected into the connecting pipe from the reducing agent supplying nozzle to be mixed with the exhaust gas. With this, inside the SCR, there occurs a chemical reaction between the reducing agent and nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas, whereby the nitrogen oxides are reduced to nitrogen, a harmless substance, and water. According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, mixing between the reducing agent and exhaust gas is promoted by securing a long total length for the connecting pipe.
However, when an exhaust gas cleaning gas consisting of a DPF and an SCR is applied to a working vehicle such as a tractor, following problems occur.
Normally, an engine of a working vehicle is housed in an engine room covered by a hood and having only a limited space. For this reason, it is contemplated to dispose the exhaust gas cleaning device outside the engine hood. Yet, if consideration is given to possibility of interference between such exhaust gas cleaning device disposed outside the hood and various working implements (e.g. a front loader, etc.) mounted on the working vehicle, a location allowing mounting of such working implement(s) will necessarily be limited and readiness in mounting the working implement too will be deteriorated. For allowing smooth mounting of the implement, a significant design change (e.g. change of the wheel base, etc.) will become necessary in the working vehicle per se.
Thus, it becomes necessary to enlarge the hood for allowing accommodation of the exhaust gas cleaning device within a resultantly enlarged engine room. However, this enlargement of the engine room, i.e. enlargement of the hood, results in blocking of operator's view by the hood, which in turn can lead to deterioration in the operator's visibility and operability of the working vehicle.


Disclosed is a use of a liposomal pharmaceutical preparation of mitoxantrone in the preparation of a medicament for treating lymphoma, wherein the lymphoma is preferably non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, further preferably aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, more preferably diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and more further preferably relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The mitoxantrone liposomes are used as single anti-tumor therapeutic agent without being combined with other anti-tumor agents.

1. Background of Disease
Malignant lymphoma (ML) is a general term for a large group of complex malignancies of the lymphoid hematopoietic system, divided into two categories: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
NHL is a group of proliferative and malignant lymphomas of heterogeneous lymphoid tissue with different clinical manifestations and treatment responses. NHL can be further divided into two categories: aggressive lymphomas and indolent lymphomas according to the progression speed and degree of malignancy. Aggressive lymphomas mainly include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Burkitt's lymphoma, transformed follicular lymphoma (TFL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), etc. (Pralatrexate in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Results From the Pivotal PROPEL Study, J Clin Oncol, O'Connor et al., 2011, Vol. 29, pp. 1182-1189).
Most NHLs derive from B cells, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of NHLs. In European and American countries, the incidence of DLBCL accounts for about 30% or more of NHLs (The aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphomas, Journal of Am J Hematol, Joe Shapiro et al., 2017, Vol. 92, pp. 706-715. How I treat the peripheral T-cell lymphomas, Journal of BLOOD, Alison J. Moskowitz et al., 2014, Vol. 123, pp. 2636-2644). According to the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (2016) for treatment, chemotherapy regimens containing anthracyclines such as RCHOP (rituximab-cyclophosphamide+adriamycin+vincristine+prednisone) are still considered as first-line therapeutic regimens for treating DLBCL.
About one-third of DLBCL is refractory or relapsed. Currently, as for relapsed or refractory DLBCL, many regimens for salvage treatment in clinical practice are available, but there is still no standard regimen. Although salvage combination chemotherapy regimens with ICE (ifosfamide+carboplatin+etoposide), R-ESHAP (rituximab-etoposide+methylprednisolone+cytarabine+cisplatin) and the like (Treatment challenges in the management of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma—novel and emerging therapies, Journal of Cancer Management and Research, Mark P Chao et al., 2013, Vol. 5, pp. 251-269) are available, an effective monotherapy regimen is rare. In addition, most patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL have been treated with multi-line chemotherapy regimens. Patients with poor systemic condition, especially low bone marrow function, are mostly intolerable to continuation in receiving multi-cycle combination chemotherapy regimen. Therefore, effective monotherapy is a preferred therapeutic regimen for relapsed or refractory DLBCL.
PTCL is a group of malignant diseases of lymphatic system originating from post-thymic mature T-lymphocytes, which accounts for about 10%-20% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases and has a higher incidence in Asia (The aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphomas, Journal of Am J Hematol, Joe Shapiro et al., 2017, Vol. 92, pp. 706-715. How I treat the peripheral T-cell lymphomas, Journal of Blood, Alison J. Moskowitz et al., 2014, Vol. 123, pp. 2636-2644). Anthracycline-based therapies are often used as first-line therapeutic regimens for PTCL, such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide+adriamycin+vincristine+prednisone), but these therapeutic regimens do not allow PTCL subjects to achieve sustained remission (How I treat the peripheral T-cell lymphomas, Journal of Blood, Alison J. Moskowitz et al., 2014, Vol. 123, pp. 2636-2644). According to the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (2016) for treatment, anthracycline-containing chemotherapy (CHOP) is still considered as a first-line therapeutic regimen, and the recommended monotherapies for treating relapsed/refractory PTCL (RR-PTCL), including pralatrexate (Pralatrexate in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Results From the Pivotal PROPEL Study, J Clin Oncol, O'Connor et al., 2011, Vol. 29, pp. 1182-1189), romidepsin (Romidepsin for the treatment of relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma: pivotal study update demonstrates durable responses, Journal of Hematology&Oncology, Coiffier et al., 2014, Vol 7, pp. 1-9), belinostat (Belinostat in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Results of the Pivotal Phase II BELIEF (CLN-19) Study, Journal of Clinical Oncology, O'Connor et al., 2015, Vol. 33, pp. 2492-2499), chidamide (Results from a multicenter, open-label, pivotal phase II study of chidamide in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Annals of Oncology, Y. Shi et al., 2015, Vol. 00, pp. 1-6) and other HDAC inhibitors are used as second-line treatments. The above histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC inhibitors) are characterized by a low overall remission rate (ORR, only about 30%), which means that nearly 70% of patients who failed in the first-line treatment fail to benefit from treatment with HDAC inhibitors. The ORR of each HDAC inhibitor is shown in the table below.
PralatrexateRomidepsinBelinostatChidamidePrimary272625.827.8endpoint:(ORR, %)2. Comparison of Mechanisms
Mitoxantrone hydrochloride is a widely used drug in clinical practice at present, which was first synthesized and shown to have anti-tumor activities by U.S. researchers in 1979. It was first marketed in the United States and Canada in 1984, and was approved for manufacture by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at the end of 1987. It has been used in more than 30 countries so far, and was officially produced and marketed in China in February 1991. The FDA-approved indications are multiple sclerosis, prostate cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. Its clinical application areas mainly include malignant lymphoma, breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia, lung cancer, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, multiple myeloma, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, testicular tumor, ovarian cancer and head and neck cancer, against which it has certain efficacy.
Mitoxantrone is an anti-tumor agent belonging to anthraquinone antibiotic class, the main mechanism of action of which is intercalation into deoxyribonucleic acid through hydrogen bonding, leading to crosslinks and breaks of DNA structure. Mitoxantrone can interfere with RNA and also is a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase II. It has a cytocidal effect on both proliferating/spreading cancer cells as well as non-proliferating/spreading cancer cells in human body, and is a cell cycle nonspecific agent.
HDAC inhibitors inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and induce cell differentiation and (or) apoptosis by paths such as increasing the degree of acetylation of histones in cells and increasing the expression levels of genes such as p21. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have become a new focus of research on tumor targeting therapy, and their inhibitory effects on tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis and anti-tumor angiogenesis effects have also been confirmed. The mechanisms of mitoxantrone as a chemotherapy drug and the targeted drug HDAC inhibitor both support the treatment of PTCL, but their mechanisms of action are different. The efficacy of the chemotherapy drugs can be enhanced by increasing the dosage, while the targeted drugs have the phenomenon of target saturation, namely the efficacy is not necessarily increased by increasing the dosage.
3. Therapeutic Regimen
In the prior art, in the treatment of DLBCL and PTCL, the therapeutic regimens with mitoxantrone are mostly multi-drug combination therapeutic regimens.
According to the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (2016) for treatment, as far as the therapeutic regimen for DLBCL is concerned, combination regimens containing mitoxantrone only have a second-line therapeutic regimen MINE (mesna+ifosfamide+mitoxantrone+etoposide).
It has been reported that the relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma in elderly patients (aged 70-79 years) was treated with CMD regimen (CPT-11-irinotecan, mitoxantrone [MIT], dexamethasone [DEX]) (Phase II study of the irinotecan (CPT-11), mitoxantrone and dexamethasone regimen in elderly patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Journal of Cancer Sci, Nozomi Niitsu et al., 2007, Vol. 98, pp. 109-112). A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study, and the ORR was 60% among patients who were evaluable for efficacy. The dosage of mitoxantrone being used was 8 mg/m2, 3 weeks per cycle for a total of 6 cycles. In this study, 18 patients (60%) developed grades 3-4 hematological toxicity. 8 patients (27%) developed grade 4 neutropenia despite the use of leucocyte increasing agents (G-CSF). 5 patients (16.7%) developed grades 3-4 thrombocytopenia. 2 patients (6.7%) developed grade 3 erythropenia.
It has been reported that 2 phase II trials were used (Long-term follow-up of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas treated up-front with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, Journal of Leukemia, P Corradini et al., 2006, Vol. 20, pp. 1533-1538). In the first trial, 32 patients received an APO regimen (doxorubicin+vincristine+prednisone) for 2 cycles, followed by a DHAP regimen (cisplatin+cytarabine+dexamethasone) for 2 cycles, and conditionally received high-dose mitoxantrone (60 mg/m2) combined with melphalan (180 mg/m2) after bone marrow autotransplantation. The report did not disclose which patients were eligible for that chemotherapy regimen after transplantation, and the use of this regimen after transplantation could not reflect the efficacy of chemotherapy alone. In the second trial, 30 patients received MACOP (methotrexate+doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide+vincristine+bleomycin) regimen for 8 weeks, then received mitoxantrone (8 mg/m2) combined with cytarabine for 3 days, and conditionally received carmustine combined with etoposide after bone marrow autotransplantation. Before receiving bone marrow autotransplantation, of the 62 patients (two trials were pooled for statistics and were not individually counted for efficacy), 35 (56%) achieved CR, 10 (16%) achieved PR, and 15 (24%) showed PD. However, the reference did not disclose the efficacy of the two trials individually, and the individual efficacy of trial 2 was not disclosed. Even if it was disclosed, the individual efficacy of the latter could not be shown because of receiving MACOP for 8 weeks at first and then receiving mitoxantrone combined with cytarabine for 3 days.
It has also been reported that all patients received the first-line treatment with anthracyclines and 4 subjects in the second-line treatment received a combination chemotherapy regimen containing mitoxantrone (mitoxantrone+cytarabine+etoposide+prednisone) (High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas, Journal of Bone Marrow Transplantation, A K Blystad et al., 2001, Vol. 27, pp. 711-716). However, the used dosage, period and efficacy evaluation after use of the chemotherapy regimen were not reported. The efficacy of this chemotherapy regimen on peripheral T-cell lymphoma cannot be judged from the reference.
4. Mitoxantrone Liposomes
The liposomal preparation of mitoxantrone used in this patent application is obtained by further optimization of the Chinese patent application 200610102339.8 filed on Dec. 29, 2006 and the PCT application WO2008/080367 A1 filed on Dec. 29, 2007.
In short, as for the treatment of DLBCL and PTCL, the current multi-drug combination therapeutic regimen is not satisfactory in terms of the aspects such as effectiveness and tolerability. There remains an urgent need in the art for a therapeutic agent with improved effectiveness and tolerability.

Use of mitoxantrone liposome for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

CSPC ZHONGQI PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY (SHIJIAZHUANG) CO., LTD.


An endoscope system has a first endoscope in which a hardness variation mechanism for use in adjusting the hardness level of a soft part of an insertion unit is incorporated in the soft part, and at least one second endoscope having a soft part. A range of levels of the adjustable hardness of the soft part of the first endoscope includes the hardness level of the soft part of the second endoscope. Another endoscope system has a first endoscope in which a hardness variation mechanism for use in adjusting the hardness level of a soft part of an insertion unit is incorporated in the soft part, and at least one second endoscope usable for examination of the same region as the first endoscope and having a soft part. A range of levels of the adjustable hardness of the soft part of the first endoscope includes the hardness level of the soft part of the second endoscope.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an endoscope system having an endoscope in which a hardness variation mechanism enabling adjustment of the hardness level of an elongated flexible insertion unit is incorporated.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, an endoscope whose elongated insertion unit having flexibility is inserted into a region to be examined in a body cavity through the mouth or anus in order to observe the region to be examined in the body cavity without resection, or if necessary, to carry out a therapeutic procedure using a treatment appliance has been adopted widely.
The insertion unit of the endoscope has a flexible soft part so that the insertion unit can be passed through even a tortuous path. However, since the soft part has flexibility, a manipulation made proximally to the insertion unit is hardly conveyed to the distal part. The position or orientation of the distal side of the insertion unit cannot be determined as an operator intends. There is a problem that it is difficult to insert the distal part of the insertion unit smoothly into a region to be examined.
In an effort to cope with the above problem, for example, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 3-43802 has disclosed an endoscope in which: a coil pipe and wire constituting a hardness variation mechanism serving as a hardness varying means are incorporated in an insertion unit; and when an operator who conducts an endoscopic examination carries out a simple manipulation, if necessary, so as to adjust the degree of flexibility of the insertion unit properly, it becomes easier to insert the insertion unit into a tortuous path.
However, when the distal part of the hardness variation mechanism is located in, for example, the proximal side of a soft part composed of a distal side having high flexibility and the proximal side whose hardness level is set to a rather high level, the hardness variation mechanism works effectively in further hardening the proximal side, but fails to help adjust the hardness of the highly flexible distal side. The distal side therefore remains highly flexible. For inserting the endoscope into the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, and ascending colon in that order through the anus for observation, an operator's manipulations made proximally are not fully conveyed to the distal part. Satisfactory obedience cannot therefore be expected. This poses a problem that it is difficult to insert the endoscope smoothly to a region to be examined.
Moreover, when the distal part of a hardness variation mechanism is located substantially at the same position as a hardness variation point of a soft part at which the hardness level of the soft part varies, if the hardness variation mechanism is hardened, an area of the soft part behind the hardness variation point gets rapidly harder while the distal side remains soft. The soft part does not therefore bend in a smooth form but bends near the hardness variation point to lose the insertional smoothness. When the soft part is bent, there is a fear that the contents of the soft part, that is, light guide fibers and channels lying through the soft part may be damaged.
In short, no mention has been made of where the distal part of the hardness variation mechanism should be located in the soft part or the practical position of the distal part.
Furthermore, in an endoscope in which the variable hardness level of a soft part of an insertion unit is adjustable, to what extent a range of levels of the variable hardness should be set has not been discussed at all.
In general, as far as a bar-like member is concerned, the harder it is, the more readily it is plastically deformed due even to a small bend. Even when a flexible variation member is hardened, the harder the member is, the more readily it buckles due to a small bend. When the coil-like flexible variation member is hardened, not only if an insertion unit is bent fiercely abruptly but also if the insertion unit is bent by a normal manipulation, the coil-like flexible variation member may be buckled depending on a hardness level present at the time of bend.
Moreover, in the case of an endoscope whose insertion unit has flexibility, the hardness level of a soft part of the insertion unit is not produced by setting the hardness level to a certain value. Assuming that a certain endoscope is regarded as a reference, when a hardness variation mechanism is added to another endoscope, generally speaking, the addition of the hardness variation mechanism to an insertion unit causes the diameter of the insertion unit to get larger or the filling factor of the contents of the insertion unit to increase. The resultant hardness level of the endoscope becomes higher than the hardness level of the endoscope used as a reference. Furthermore, the hardness variation mechanism itself exhibits a certain hardness level by nature even when it is softened most. Even from this viewpoint, the resultant hardness level gets higher than that of the reference endoscope. In other words, an endoscope having the hardness of a soft part thereof made adjustable is harder than the reference endoscope even when it is softened. With the addition of the hardness variation mechanism, the hardness level of the soft part gets even higher.
In an endoscope system having a plurality of endoscopes, when an operator uses an endoscope with a hardness adjustment function and an endoscope without the hardness adjustment function, since there is a difference in hardness level of a soft part between the endoscopes with and without the hardness adjustment function, the endoscopes lose compatibility. Since the endoscopes have no compatibility because of a difference in hardness level, an operator has a strong sense of incompatibility. Until the operator gets accustomed to the usage of the endoscope having the hardness adjustment function and exhibiting a different hardness level, the maneuverability of the endoscope deteriorates.
Furthermore, among operators using endoscope systems, of whatever types endoscopes are; a type to be used through the mouth, a type to be used through the anus, or any other types having different specifications, user-friendly endoscopes are highly demanded. Talking of, especially, endoscopes used as components of an endoscope system, there is a demand for endoscopes capable of being inserted into a region to be examined in a body cavity through the mouth or anus while giving an operator nearly the same feeling of insertion.


A fluid controlling apparatus including at least one sample chamber for holding a fluid containing target materials; a cleaning chamber for holding a cleaning solution; a first multi-port connected to the at least one sample chamber through a first channel and connected to the cleaning chamber through a second channel; a filter portion, connected to the first multi-port through a third channel, for filtering the target materials; and a first pump, connected to the filter portion, for applying a pressure; and a method of controlling a fluid using the fluid controlling apparatus, which comprises passing the fluid containing the target materials from the at least one sample chamber to the filter portion; and cleaning a path of the fluid by passing the cleaning solution through the path.

Microfluidic devices are used to perform biological or chemical reactions by manipulating a small amount of fluid. Microfluidic devices may include microfluidic structures arranged within a platform having various shapes such as a chip and a disc. A microfluidic structure may include a chamber which stores a fluid, a channel through which the fluid flows, and a valve which controls fluid flow. The chamber, the channel, and the valve may be disposed in various combinations within a platform. A hydraulic filter is a system for capturing a target material by using a flow of fluids due to a microfluidic structure. A biochip is formed by arranging such microfluidic structures on a chip-type platform so as to perform various assays, including biological reactions, on a small chip.

Fluid controlling apparatus and method of controlling fluid by using the same


A method, device, and system for secure end-to-end audio recognition is disclosed. A client device launches an application that connects with a server. The client device and server exchange cryptographic keys and establish a secure connection and a shared cryptographic key. The server transmits an encrypted audio prompt to the client device. The client device decrypts the encrypted audio prompt and stores the decrypted audio prompt in secure memory inaccessible to the operating system using an audio engine of the client device. The audio engine then retrieves the audio and renders it for the user through the speakers of the client device. The client device captures the user's audio response with a microphone and stores the audio response in the secure memory. The stored audio response is encrypted and transmitted to the server.

Mobile phones and tablets are becoming increasingly used to run a variety of applications and overtaking roles formerly dedicated solely to traditional computing devices. In lockstep with the burgeoning use of such mobile devices, biometric and hands-free mechanisms to interact with the devices, such as audio recognition, continue to be developed. For example, Bluetooth and other short-range wireless technologies allow users to communicate without being tethered to the communication device. Similarly, audio and speech recognition systems permit a user to direct a device to perform some action via spoken commands.
With the advent of speech recognition systems, software developers have begun to incorporate audio passphrase recognition into multi-factor authentication systems. As such, it can be important that the audio transmitted to the passphrase recognition system is secure. Various audio security mechanisms have been developed. For example, audio digital rights management (DRM) systems have been developed to secure pre-recorded and encrypted audio. Similarly, hardware reinforced audio protection mechanisms such as Protected Audio Video Path (PAVP) have been developed. However, each of those mechanisms is directed to pre-recorded audio. As such, live audio captured via a microphone may be insecure and prone to attack.

System, device, and method for securing voice authentication and end-to-end speech interaction