Disclosed herein are methods for determining the amount or activity of one or more luciferases and methods for measuring the luminescent signal generated by one or more luciferases in a sample, the methods comprising incubating the sample with a reactive substrate(s) of the luciferase(s) to be analyzed and a reducing agent to inactivate a first luciferase, wherein the first luciferase, in its native form, is a secreted luciferase.

Reporter gene assays represent an important tool in studies of gene expression, permitting an understanding of what controls the expression of a gene of interest e.g., DNA sequences, transcription factors, RNA sequences, RNA-binding proteins, signal transduction pathways and specific stimuli. In particular, reporter assays can be used to identify nucleic acid regions important in gene regulation. Such regions may serve as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment or prevention of human diseases. Reporter assays can also be used to screen drugs for their ability to modify gene expression.
Typically reporter assays are used to identify a gene promoter region or specific elements within a promoter, such as transcription factor binding sites or other regulatory elements. Alternatively, such assays are used to study the response to various stimuli or agents of a promoter or regulatory element. In some applications, the reporter constructs used in the assay, or transfected cells, are introduced into an organism to study promoter function in vivo. Further, reporter assays can be used to study or measure signal transduction pathways upstream of a specific promoter.
By way of example, in the case of reporter assays designed to investigate putative promoter sequences or other transcriptional regulatory elements, nucleic acids to be interrogated are cloned into reporter plasmids in a location so as to permit the regulation of transcription of a downstream reporter gene, and thus expression of a reporter protein encoded by the reporter gene. The reporter protein should be distinguishable from endogenous proteins present in the cell in which the reporter plasmid is transfected for ease of detection, and preferably expression of the reporter protein should be readily quantifiable. The reporter protein is quantified in an appropriate assay and often expressed relative to the level of a control reporter driven by a ubiquitous promoter such as for example the promoter SV40. The control reporter must be distinguishable from the test reporter and is generally contained on a separate vector that is co-transfected with the test vector and used to control for transfection efficiency. Such assays are based on the premise that cells take up proportionally equal amounts of both vectors.
A variety of different applications for reporter gene assays involve measuring a change in gene expression over time or after addition of a compound, drug, ligand, hormone etc. This is of particular importance in drug screening. Following the addition of the drug, detecting a measurable change in levels of the reporter protein may be delayed and diluted as changes in expression levels are transmitted through mRNA to protein. A significant advance in such applications recently made by the present Applicant is the combined use of mRNA- and protein-destabilizing elements in the reporter vector to improve the speed and magnitude of response, as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/658,093, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Various reporter gene assay systems are commercially available utilising different detectable reporter proteins, the most common being chloramphenicol transferase (CAT), β galactosidase (β-gal), fluorescent proteins and luciferases.
Luciferase is the most commonly used reporter protein for in vitro assay systems. Luciferases are enzymes capable of bioluminescence and are found naturally in a range of organisms. In commercially available assay systems, luciferases are typically divided into those which utilise luciferin as a substrate and those which utilise coelenterazine as a substrate. The most widely employed example of the former is firefly luciferase, an intracellular enzyme. Additional examples of luciferases utilising luciferin include those derived from other members of Coleoptera, such as click beetles and railroad worms, and Diptera (as disclosed, for example, in WO 2007/019634). Luciferases utilising coelenterazine are typically derived from marine organisms such as the soft coral Renilla or the copepod Gaussia. Renilla luciferase is intracellular, whereas Gaussia luciferase in its native state is a secreted enzyme. Other secreted luciferases include those from Metridia longa, Vargula hilgendorfii, Oplophorus gracilirostris, Pleuromamma xiphias and other members of Metridinidae.
Luciferase-based assay systems may employ more than one luciferase, typically of different origin and each utilising a different substrate, enabling both test and control reporter to be measured in the same assay. The ability to measure the signals emitted by multiple luciferases in a single sample provides obvious benefits, including the ability to measure multiple parameters in a single experiment. Typically, two different reporter genes, differing in both the type of luciferase encoded and the regulatory element of interest controlling expression of each luciferase are inserted into a single cell line.
By way of example, a putative promoter element is cloned upstream of a firefly luciferase reporter gene such that it drives its expression. This plasmid is transiently transfected into a cell line, along with a control plasmid containing the Renilla luciferase gene driven by the SV40 promoter. First luciferin is added to activate the firefly luciferase, activity of this reporter is measured, and then a "quench and activate" reagent is added. This reagent contains a compound that "quenches" the luciferin signal and also contains coelenterazine to activate the Renilla luciferase, the activity of which is then measured. The Promega Dual-Glo Luciferase Assay is one example of such a system.
The level of firefly luciferase activity is dependent, not only on promoter activity, but also on transfection efficiency. This varies greatly, depending on the amount of DNA, the quality of the DNA preparation and the condition of the cells. The co-transfected control plasmid (Renilla luciferase driven by a suitable promoter such as the SV40 promoter) is used to correct for these variables, based on the premise that Renilla luciferase activity is proportional to the amount of firefly luciferase plasmid taken up by the cells. Alternatively or additionally, the Renilla luciferase may be used to control for other variables, such as cell number, cell viability and/or general transcriptional activity; or may be used to determine whether a particular treatment or compound applied to the cells affects both promoters or is specific to one of them.
An alternative method for distinguishing the signals of two or more luciferases in a single sample is exemplified by TOYO B-net's Multicolor-Luc Assay, which utilizes three different beetle luciferases that act on the same substrate (luciferin) but which emit light at different wavelengths. However, in this case optical filters are required to separate the different signals and this leads to a reduced quantifiable signal per luciferase.
It is desirable to employ a dual-luciferase assay system that allows the test element (e.g. promoter) to be linked to a highly sensitive luciferase system, such that it provides sufficient signal intensity over a wide range of different applications, including the use of weak promoters or difficult to transfect cells. Signal strength is far less important for the control reporter because; a) the control is not essential to the experiment and; b) a strong control promoter, such as SV40, RSV, EF1alpha or CMV can be selectively chosen to ensure that sufficient signal is generated. In other words, a luciferase that generates only a weak signal (per molecule of luciferase protein or luciferase gene) can be selectively combined with a strong control promoter to ensure that a detectable signal is generated. Users do not have this flexibility in terms of choosing test promoters.
In this context the commercially available Dual-Glo Luciferase Assay (Promega) has the disadvantage of utilizing the more sensitive Renilla luciferase for the control reporter and the less sensitive firefly luciferase for the test reporter. Further, the system requires that firefly signal is measured first.
The commercially available Multicolor-Luc Assay system (TOYO B-net) utilizes three beetle luciferases that have even lower sensitivity than firefly luciferase. Furthermore, it is not possible to measure an individual luciferase without the use of filters, which results in a further loss of sensitivity. Additionally, most commonly used luminometers are not compatible with protocols requiring discrimination of multiple wavelengths.
Luciferase-based assay systems, in particular those utilising one or more intracellular luciferases, typically employ two buffers, a lysis buffer and an assay buffer. The lysis buffer is added to the cells first to lyse the cells and thus release luciferase, facilitating subsequent measurement. An assay buffer containing the luciferase substrate and any cofactors is then added, after which, a measurement of luciferase activity is taken. Measurement may be made immediately (i.e. within seconds) of the addition of the assay buffer (so-called "flash" reaction), or minutes or hours later (so-called "glow" reactions) by using "glow" reagents in the assay buffer that keep the light signal stable for an extended period of time. Flash reactions provide the highest signal strength (light units per second) and thereby have the advantage of providing highest sensitivity. Glow reactions are particularly advantageous in applications where, for example, the user does not have a suitable luminometer (equipped with injectors) readily available or in some high throughput screening applications where batch-processing requires a delay between injection and measurement. Glow reagents for Coleoptera luciferases can be produced by including a thiol such as CoA or DTT in the reagent composition (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,650,289 and 5,641,641). DTT has also been shown to extend the glow of Renilla luciferases (U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,809).
There are a number of disadvantages associated with existing buffers and reagents for luciferase reporter assays.
In particular, there is a need for reagents, reaction compositions and kits, including multi-luciferase systems that provide improved sensitivity in luciferase reactions; that is, a signal strength of greater intensity than is achievable with existing reagents. This is of particular relevance where the reporter gene assayed provides only low levels of luciferase in the cells of interest, for example, where the promoter being studied has only low activity, and/or where the cells of interest are difficult to transfect/transduce with the reporter vector. Increased sensitivity would also facilitate the miniaturization of reporter assays by reducing the minimum number of cells required to yield a signal strength that can be reliably measured.
When utilizing assay systems including destabilizing elements such as those described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/658,093, the steady-state luciferase signal is reduced. Thus, reagents that provide higher signal strength would be particularly advantageous for reporter assay systems utilizing destabilizing elements.
Also in the context of improving the signal strength or sensitivity of a luciferase signal, an assay reagent with reduced background luminescence would improve performance by increasing the signal to noise ratio, providing the reduction in background is not associated with a reduction in the true luciferase signal.
Existing methods for quantifying bioluminescence in multi-well plates tend to suffer from the problem of light leakage between wells. A signal that decays rapidly would minimize this unwanted artefact whilst also enabling the subsequent measurement of additional parameters that utilize light emission or fluorescence as a read-out. With current luciferase assay systems some level of light emission persists long after measurement, even with the use of so-called 'flash' reagents. This signal serves no useful purpose as the intent of flash reactions is to measure light emission immediately after injection of assay buffer. Moreover, the persisting signal can interfere with subsequent measurements of luminescence or fluorescence. In some contexts a quenching reagent could be added to terminate the luciferase signal. However, a self-terminating signal that does not require this additional pippetting step would provide a simpler and more preferable system.
A further limitation of current luciferase assays is the number of different luciferases that can be distinguished and measured in a single sample. As described above, quenching reagents and differences in emission wavelength have been utilized to separate signals generated by two or three different luciferases. An additional means of separating the signal from different luciferases would enable assay systems capable of measuring four or more different luciferases and therefore enable the analysis of four or more different parameters in the same sample. To enable simultaneous measurement of multiple different luciferases, it is necessary to have a reagent system capable of supporting the activity of the different luciferases. Further, to enable sequential activation and measurement of multiple different luciferases, it is necessary to have a reagent system that allows termination of the first luciferase reaction without impeding subsequent luciferase reactions.

Bioluminescent assays utilising secreted luciferases


There is provided an optical pickup head which can accurately detect a focusing error even when the wavelength of light emitted from a light source varies. A holographic element diffracts a light beam reflected by an optical disk to obtain .+-.1st-order diffracted light beams, and has a diffracting area formed using a Fresnel zone plate, and a light-shading area for shading the reflected light beam. A photo-detector has four-elements light-receiving areas. The photo-detector detects the .+-.1st-order diffracted light beams diffracted by the diffracting area and focused by a convex lens, and converts these light beams into electrical signals. The photo-detector is disposed at substantially the middle point between the focal points of the -1st-order diffracted light beams formed by the convex lens. Since the middle point does not move even when the lasing wavelength of a semiconductor laser diode varies, the photo-detector can obtain stable signals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photo-detection device for recording information on an optical disk and retrieving recorded information in an optical recording/retrieving apparatus such as a CD player, a magneto-optical disk drive, or the like.
2. Related Background Art
Along with recent development of the semiconductor laser diode techniques, a semiconductor laser diode, which is smaller in size than a gas laser, is used as a light source for an optical electronic equipment using coherent light. The semiconductor laser diode is widely used in an optical recording apparatus for recording/retrieving information on/from an optical disk using an optical pickup head.

Photo-detection device used in an optical pickup head for detecting focusing error signal


A method and apparatus for practice of a golf drive is set forth. The ball is driven from a simulated tee area against an upright sheet of flexible material such as heavy cotton ducking or nylon mesh. This sheet is deployed in a vertical upright position in the open doorway of a garage or under the eave thereof and is supported by at least two corner located taut bunge cords. An optional third is located at a center point. The several cords hold the sheets in a resilient fashion so that it can yield and snap back in response to a golf ball driven against the sheet. In an alternate form, a rectangular sheet connects on three sides to a safety net and the net connects to a frame having a central horizontal portion.

The present disclosure is directed to a screen which is useful for a golfer, and is useful to enable the golfer to practice driving. Practice for the play of golf requires very little area for putting, requires a larger area for certain irons but requires a very large area to practice with a driver. While professional golfers can drive the ball 300 yards or farther even those who play very little can drive the ball 200 or more yards thereby requiring a very large practice area. The area becomes greater taking into account errant balls hit to the right or left, thereby requiring both a long and wide area. A number of devices have been set forth heretofore to enable practice in a smaller or confined space. The present disclosure is such a device which enables driving practice to be conducted on premises. In other words, it is a device that can be put in the back yard to enable a golfer to practice without requiring a large surface area. The device of this disclosure is a device which can readily be attached to the garage or carport of a home owner. This enables the practice swing to be perfected. It does not require a large area measuring several acres where the golf ball may roll to the border or fence.
A typical driving range can cover several acres of mowed area. It is relatively expensive to use habitually, and is equally inconvenient to find one because of the large space required by a driving range. As set forth in a number of competitive devices, the equipment of this disclosure enables one to practice driving without requiring such a large area. It is particularly adapted for convenient installation and removal for storage. When removed, the device can be rolled into a small bundle. In an optimum version, it preferably hangs inside the doorway of a double car garage, i.e., a garage which has a single door for both sides. A smaller version can be made to hang where a single garage door is normally positioned. In the double car arrangement, the door is typically about 16 to 20' in width. The device of this disclosure is constructed so that it is formed of a canvas of relatively heavy construction which hangs in the door frame. A typical door frame of that sort is about 8' tall and about 18' wide. In the version described, the door frame of the garage is used as a support. This means that the device of this disclosure can be coiled or rolled and stored. That requires very little storage space. Moreover, a large supportive frame is not needed; rather, the garage will suffice.
With a view of using the overhang of a typical garage door, and especially the door frame which affords an opening of about 8'.times.18', the present disclosure is enhanced with an optional metal frame which leans forward to support the target area (described below) surrounded by a safety net. Going now to the frame, the frame from the front resembles an inverted U-shaped member. It is sized so that it stands perhaps 7' tall and has a width to fit within the garage door, i.e., about 14' to 17' in width. It is an inverted U-shaped member which joins by stabbing components together. This enables easy disassembly and storage. The frame is ideally a set of plastic or metal tubes in the range of about 1" to about 2" in diameter and they are formed of relatively thin wall stock. A set of hook and loop straps (sometimes known as Velcro.RTM.) is used to anchor the safety net. The safety net is located between the metal frame in this embodiment and the target (described below). The safety net surrounds it on both sides and at the top so that the entire arrangement provides enhanced safety. That embodiment will be detailed significantly below.
The golf practice screen of the present disclosure is a large expanse of relatively heavy cloth such as cotton or nylon mesh. It has the form of a large tarpaulin of porous mesh material and is ideally waterproof so that water damage does not occur. It is constructed with a heavy or beaded hem or border which is sewn with relatively heavy stitching and eyelets are located at selected locations to anchor the large canvas sheet. The canvas sheet of the present disclosure is especially adapted to be hung in the frame of a door. It is hung using elongate springs. Typically, they have a relaxed length of up to about three feet in length. While they can be made longer, that generally is not needed. They are preferably hung on a number of conveniently installed eyelets at the garage door frame so the canvas drape can be installed, used and then stored. Deployment for installation and subsequent removal, rolling and storage requires only a few minutes. This can be accomplished with the large sheet member of the present disclosure.
One embodiment hereof incorporating a safety net should be considered also. It is able to be assembled or disassembled quickly. It is formed with an external support frame which is joined by assembly of elongate tubular members formed of thin wall metal or plastic stock. The frame is sized so that it surrounds the mesh or canvas target. It is also protected with an encircling safety net. The safety net is included to stop unwanted rebounds from errant shots. While an experienced golfer may well not need the safety net, it is incorporated so that those who have less experience will have greater protection. More will be noted concerning this below.
The golf practice screen of the present disclosure contemplates an upstanding screen which is anchored inside the door frame of a garage door. This permits the user to step off a few paces. locate a mat which serves as the tee area, and practice driving. This enables practice without the risk of driving the golf ball at extremely high velocity against a hard surface which rebounds the ball back in the face of the user. That can be dangerous. The present disclosure sets forth a large target area which is hung somewhat tautly so that the rebound of the golf ball from the large target area is relatively soft or gentle. Indeed, the mesh target area can be marked with a painted or stenciled target as will be described so that the golfer knows where the drive should be hit, and the user is therefore able to drive golf balls repetitively into the target. Indeed, practice for a number of strokes is permitted because retrieval is not difficult. The large mesh sheet catches each drive, and returns it more or less toward the user at a slow velocity.
Mention should be made of the target material. The preferred form is an open mesh in which the openings are relatively small. Ideally, an open mesh material is preferably waterproofed with a coating. Coating with a soft vinyl dip on the mesh creates a surface which withstands substantial abrasion and impact. The impact is dissipated in the resilient vinyl material placed on the mesh. The mesh is made sufficiently small that there is no chance whatsoever that the golf ball will pass through the mesh. By using a mesh, easy flexure is accomplished at the time of impact.
Furthermore, the target area, while plain in one version, is marked with colors to set forth a specified target or scene. As described, the targets ideally should prompt the person practicing with the equipment to shoot at a specified region of the target area. Therefore, the target, exemplified by a bulls eye, is painted or otherwise put on the mesh or ducking that makes up the target area. Significant color contrasts can be accomplished by utilizing colored vinyl dip material which is placed on the mesh. The dip material serves the added purpose of absorbing abrasion and providing impact resistance. Also, it helps preserve the colors which are placed in the mesh.
In one aspect, the target can be formed of canvas ducking. A heavy duty cloth is used for this purpose. Again, even with heavy duty cloth, there is a tendency for the central area to wear as a result of the impact. This area is protected by incorporating a vinyl layer on it.
A safety net is optionally placed around the target in one version. The safety net comprises a marginal net of open mesh. So to speak, it is like fish net material. Again, the openings in the fishnet material are sufficiently small that the golf ball will not pass through the netting. Rather, the ball is snagged by the net material. The net material is positioned so that it presents an oblique or obtuse angle. It is deployed and supported by a U-shaped mounting frame. The safety net is ideally located on the left, top and right sides of the target area. Typically, the netting has a depth somewhere between about 20" and 48". The safety net attaches along the marginal edges to the target area. It also attaches along a supportive frame so that the safety net can hold up the target area. The target area is centered by the frame. The target area is also held behind the frame so that the safety net funnels errant shots back toward the target area. On striking the safety net first and then the target area, shots which are significantly off center can be confined with less risk.
Summarizing the present disclosure, it is a large mesh or canvas sheet which preferably hangs in the open door frame of a garage door constructed to the dimensions of about 8.times.18'. While the dimensions can be varied, it is optimum to position this large target mesh hanging in that area so that each drive off the tee area is directed against the canvas target. On striking the mesh or canvas target, the energy is dissipated and the ball is dropped without significant rebound. The sheet is provided with excessive height; the lower marginal edge is laid out in front of the upstanding canvas mesh or sheet. This positions the lower edge so that golf balls, after striking the target sheet, trickle down the front of the sheet and are returned when deflected back to the user.
Continuing with the present summary, an alternate embodiment is set forth which incorporates an upstanding U-shaped frame. The frame connects by means of releasable Velcro.RTM. straps to a safety net which in turn connects with the target area. The preferred target area remains a fairly heavy sheet of canvas or mesh material having a fairly durable construction which is typically made of heavy duty mesh provided with a sheet of vinyl protective layer on the outside.


An addressable valve system is described wherein a plurality of valves are embedded into a single, compact valve block. Each valve comprises a piston moving in a bore in the block. A magnet embedded in the piston is positioned within a coil. When energized, the coil attracts the magnet and the plunger upwards away from a valve seat. Magnetic shields disposed between the pistons provide magnetic isolation between the pistons and simultaneously apply a closing force to the pistons by drawing the magnets downward towards the valve seat. When energized, the coils overwhelm the closing force and open the valves. Electronics for the valve block and the coils are provided on a circuit board overlying the pistons and bores. The electronics provide addressability of the valves and automatically generate “pick” and “hold” timing whereby the initial motivating force (voltage) applied to the current is higher to get the valves moving quickly when valve is first commanded to open. After a brief period of time, the coil voltage is lowered to a level that provided a lower maintaining force to keep the valve open.

Many mechanical musical instruments, such as player pianos, orchestrions, nickelodeons, band organs, fariground organs, etc., employ a vacuum-operated "tracker bar" for operating musical instruments. Typically, such musical instruments employ perforated paper or paper-like rolls, wherein perforations in the roll effectively encode a musical performance.
The perforations in the paper rolls are arranged into "tracks" or columns, each column corresponding to an appropriately positioned opening in a tracker bar, over which the paper is passed. The openings in the tracker are positioned to align with corresponding "tracks" in the paper roll. The paper roll is fed from a supply spool to a takeup spool, passing over the tracker bar along the way. Typically, each opening in the tracker bar is connected via a signal tube to a control port on a pneumatic valve. In response to perforations in the paper roll, each valve controls a different function. Some valves cause notes to play. Other valves perform functions such as setting expression levels, operating a damper pedal, a soft pedal, or causing the paper roll to rewind.
Original paper music rolls for instruments of the type described above are typically between 60 and 100 years old. Many have deteriorated sufficiently that they can no longer be played. Only a limited selection of newer "recut" rolls is available. Many of the rolls considered best by collectors are the ones that have received the most play, and are therefore in the worst condition.
Recently, considerable effort has been expended in capturing and storing the patterns of perforations on music rolls in digital form on computer-readable media. This has generally been accomplished by means of electrical, pneumatic or optical scanning devices that "read" the perforation patterns on the rolls. As a result, roll performances that might otherwise be lost have been preserved on computer media.
A natural outgrowth of the combined availability of roll performances in digital form and the lack of availability of rolls in good condition has been an interest in adapting pneumatically-operated tracker-bar based instruments to play under computer control, with digital computer equipment providing electrical signals corresponding to perforations in the music rolls to a system of electrically operated pneumatic valves that interface to the signal tubing in a pneumatically operated instrument, effectively mimicking the behavior of a perforated paper roll passing over a tracker bar.
There are several problems with such systems:
1) Most solenoid operated valves were not designed for the high repetition rates and highly variable vacuum levels required by mechanical musical instruments. As a result, they tend to perform poorly in musical applications.
2) Most solenoid operated valves, including organ valves, are relatively large compared to the tiny signal tubes in most pneumatic musical instruments, and space in those musical instruments is often very scarce.
3) A typical player or reproducing piano requires anywhere from 90-100 valves. When individual solenoid valves are employed, the wiring is quite bulky and cumbersome.
4) Depending upon the types of valves used, their mounting, etc, such valve systems can be quite noisy, creating "clicking" noises loud enough to interfere with the music produced by the musical instrument.
Some attempts have been made to interface directly to the tracker bar of the instrument, opening and closing the "ports" of the tracker bar directly by connecting solenoid valves thereto. Unfortunately, the tracker bar port is usually the smallest passage in the pneumatic signal path to the control ports of the valves of the mechanical musical instrument. By creating an even longer path to the valve control ports in the musical instrument and by placing the most restricted part of the pneumatic signal path in the middle of this extended path (i.e., the tracker bar opening itself) considerable flow restriction can be experienced in attempting to operate the instrument, and performance (e.g., response time, repetition rate, etc.) can suffer.


The present disclosure is directed to a photo controller. In one embodiment, the photo controller includes a central processing unit (CPU), a local area connection (LAN) interface in communication with the CPU, a wide area network (WAN) interface in communication with the CPU and an electrical power control component in communication with the CPU to control a lighting device.

Currently deployed network based lighting control systems require a special communications bridge or gateway device to be installed within communications range of a lighting controller on a lighting device to bridge between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The lighting controllers typically are only equipped with LAN communications capability and require the special communications bridge or gateway device to reach the WAN.
However, many problems exist with trying to deploy a special communications bridge or gateway near the lighting devices. One problem is finding real estate to deploy the gateway may be difficult. For example, there may be no place to deploy the communications bridge or gateway on the ground or attached to existing structures in busy cities or the cost of buying or leasing real estate or attachment space may be prohibitive. A further problem is when attempting to install this equipment on existing structures requires impact studies. This may be the case of pole mounted equipment attached to the side of an existing structure. For example, mounted equipment may interfere with the initial manufacturing specifications of the existing structure (e.g., a pole) and create a hazard with regard to the change in wind loading on the pole profile. In addition, maintaining and installing the special communications bridge or gateway requires a high number of man hours and associated costs.

Lighting controller with integrated wide area network interface


An axle assembly for an in-line skate for retaining a wheel and a pair of bearings in a chassis of the in-line skate. The axle assembly has an elongated spacer hub, for supporting a bearing at each end portion thereof; an elongated male coupler, for bearing on a first side wall of the in-line skate chassis; and an elongated female coupler, for bearing on an opposing second side wall of the in-line skate chassis. The male and female couplers are insertable inwardly through axle bores of the chassis then through opposite ends of the spacer hub to obtain an assembled condition in which the wheel and pair of bearings are retained in the chassis. The male and female couplers are provided with means for interlocking with each other when in the assembled condition, to prevent outwardly movement of the couplers.

In-line skating is a popular activity enjoyed by many, both young and old. It is preferred by many as a means for exercising, as it is less demanding of knees and other parts of the body than running or jogging. In-line skating is also done competitively by in-line skating enthusiasts.
A plurality of wheels on an in-line skate are typically supported on a chassis of the skate through a pair of bearings disposed at each end of an axle. Various skating surfaces on which skating is carried out, for example asphalt and concrete, can cause rapid wear to contact surfaces of the wheels, which are typically formed of a polymer material. Also, debris found on skating surfaces, such as sand, cinders, slag, or the like can enter the bearings and cause rapid wear of the balls, rollers, or races of the bearings. Therefore, it is advantageous when using in-line skates to have available spare wheels and bearings for replacement, in the event a wheel or bearing becomes worn and unusable.
For convenience or to save time, especially when in competition, it is preferred to have an axle assembly which can be quickly disassembled and reassembled. Also, it is preferred to be able to disassemble and assemble the axle assembly without the use of tools such as wrenches, pliers, screw drivers, or the like.
Another consideration in an axle assembly is the amount of extension of any axle retaining component beyond the end of the axle, as often, especially in competition, when leaning into a curve the skates are at an angle which places ends of the axles close to the skating surface. An axle assembly having a bulky retaining component or retaining component extending too far beyond the chassis of the skate, could cause a fall if contact is made with the skating surface.
Examples of axle assemblies, as just described, are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,342 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,652 wherein an axle extends beyond a chassis of the skate and a bulky bolt lever or actuator/cap is used to retain the axle.
Another axle assembly, such as that found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,633, requires the use of a screw driver in order to disassemble the axle assembly, and a good locking means is not provided to keep the axle assembly from disconnecting during use of the skates.
The axle assembly found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,115 requires the use of an allen wrench in a drive recess of the axle, in order to assemble the axle assembly.

Quick-release axle assembly for in-line skate


A composition and an olefin conversion process are disclosed. The composition comprises a zeolite having incorporated therein a coke-suppressing amount of a coke suppressor selected from the group consisting of silicon oxides, phosphorus oxides, boron oxides, magnesium oxides, tin oxides, titanium oxides, zirconium oxides, molybdenum oxides, germanium oxides, indium oxides, lanthanum oxides, cesium oxides, and combinations of any two or more thereof. The olefin conversion process comprises contacting a first olefin with a catalyst composition under a condition effective to convert said first olefin to a second olefin wherein the catalyst composition is the same as the composition disclosed above. Also disclosed is a process for producing the composition.

The conversion of an olefin into another olefin is well known to one skilled in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,949 discloses a process for olefin conversions in which water is added to an olefin to form a water-containing olefin followed by contacting the water-containing olefin with an acidic alumina. In addition to an alumina, a ferrierite has also been employed as catalyst for olefin conversions. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,560.
One of the problems facing the industry is the formation of coke which is a semi-pure carbon during olefin conversions. In order to bum out the deposits of coke, an olefin conversion reactor is periodically shut down resulting in a substantial loss of production of olefin conversion product. Additionally, coke is a poor heat conductor as coke is deposited. Consequently, a higher temperature is required to maintain the desired reactor temperature thereby increasing fuel consumption and giving shorter reactor life. Additionally, the known olefin conversion processes generally produce abundance of lower valued heavies and lights.
Another problem is that the coke formed can deposit on the surface of a catalyst thereby resulting in decreased catalystic stability and activity.
A further problem facing the industry is that, during an olefin conversion process, a appreciable quantity of undesirable by-products are also produced. Undesirable by-products decrease the efficiency of an olefin conversion process.
Therefore, there is ever-increasing need for developing a process which has higher olefin conversion than that which has been achieved in the art because certain olefin conversion products can have important commercial and industrial applications. For example, isobutene which can be produced from the disproportionation of propylene or isomerization of n-butene can be further reacted with methanol to form methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) which is an important and useful additive in gasoline as an octane improver. There is also a need to develop a composition that can be used for olefin conversion with reduced coke formation during the conversion process.

Olefin conversion process involving coke suppressor impregnated catalyst


A new and distinct cultivar of Heuchera plant named ‘Inheubrara’, characterized by its compact and uniformly mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; densely foliated and bushy appearance; very dark-colored leaves; numerous red purple-colored flower buds and flowers held above the foliar plane on dark purple-colored peduncles; and excellent garden performance.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct Heuchera plant of Heuchera, botanically known as Heuchera×hybrida and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Inheubrara'.
The new Heuchera plant originated from an open-pollination during May, 2009 in Heidesheim, Germany of Heuchera×hybrida 'Fire Chief', disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,880, as the female, or seed, parent with an unknown selection of Heuchera×hybrida as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Heuchera plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the stated open-pollination in a controlled greenhouse environment in Heidesheim, Germany in March, 2010.
Asexual reproduction of the new Heuchera plant by divisions in a controlled greenhouse environment in Gensingen, Germany since April, 2010 has shown that the unique features of this new Heuchera plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A compound of formula (I) or its enantiomers or diastereoisomers thereof:

Papillomaviruses are non-enveloped DNA viruses that induce hyperproliferative lesions of the epithelia. The papillomaviruses are widespread in nature and have been identified in higher vertebrates. Viruses have been characterized, amongst others, from humans, cattle, rabbits, horses, and dogs. The first papillomavirus was described in 1933 as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Since then, the cottontail rabbit as well as bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) have served as experimental prototypes for studies on papillomaviruses. Most animal papillomaviruses are associated with purely epithelial proliferative lesions, and most lesions in animals are cutaneous. In the human there are more than 75 types of papillomavirus that have been identified and they have been catalogued by site of infection: cutaneous epithelium and mucosal epithelium (oral and genital mucosa). The cutaneous-related diseases include flat warts, plantar warts, etc. The mucosal-related diseases include laryngeal papillomas and anogenital diseases comprising cervical carcinomas (Fields, 1996, Virology, 3rd ed. Lippincott—Raven Pub., Philadelphia, N.Y.).
There are more than 25 HPV types that are implicated in anogenital diseases, these are grouped into "low risk" and "high risk" types. The low risk types include HPV type 6, type 11 and type 13 and induce mostly benign lesions such as condyloma acuminata (genital warts) and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). In the United States there are 5 million people with genital warts of which 90% is attributed to HPV-6 and HPV-11. About 90% of SIL is also caused by low risk types 6 and 11. The other 10% of SIL is caused by high risk HPVs.
The high risk types are associated with high grade SIL and cervical cancer and include most frequently HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58. The progression from low-grade SIL to high-grade SIL is much more frequent for lesions that contain high risk HPV-16 and 18 as compared to those that contain low risk HPV types. In addition, only four HPV types are detected frequently in cervical cancer (types 16, 18, 31 and 45). About 500,000 new cases of invasive cancer of the cervix are diagnosed annually worldwide (Fields, 1996, supra).
Treatments for genital warts include physical removal such as cryotherapy, CO2 laser, electrosurgery, or surgical excision. Cytotoxic agents may also be used such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), podophyllin or podofilox. Immunotherapy is also available such as Interferon or Imiquimod. These treatments are not completely effective in eliminating all viral particles and there is either a high cost incurred or uncomfortable side effects related thereto. In fact, there are currently no effective antiviral treatments for HPV infection since recurrent warts are common with all current therapies (Beutner & Ferenczy, 1997, Amer. J. Med., 102(5A), 28–37).
The ineffectiveness of the current methods to treat HPV infections has demonstrated the need to identify new means to control or eliminate such infections. In recent years, efforts have been directed towards finding antiviral compounds, and especially compounds capable of interfering with viral replication at the onset of infection (Hughes, 1993, Nucleic Acids Res. 21:5817–5823).
The life cycle of PV is closely coupled to keratinocyte differentiation. Infection is believed to occur at a site of tissue disruption in the basal epithelium. Unlike normal cells, the cellular DNA replication machinery is maintained as the cell undergoes vertical differentiation. As the infected cells undergo progressive differentiation the viral genome copy number and viral gene expression in turn increase, with the eventual late gene expression and virion assembly in terminally differentiated keratinocytes and the release of viral particles (Fields, supra).
The coding strands for each of the papillomavirus contain approximately ten designated translational open reading frames (ORFs) that have been classified as either early ORFs or late ORFs based on their location in the genome. E1 to E8 are expressed early in the viral replication cycle, and two late genes (L1 and L2) encode the major and minor capside proteins respectively. The E1 and E2 gene products function in viral DNA replication, whereas E5, E6 and E7 are expressed in connection with host cell proliferation. The L1 and L2 gene products are involved in virion structure. The function of the E3, E4 and E8 gene products is uncertain at present.
Studies of HPV have shown that proteins E1 and E2 are both essential and sufficient for viral DNA replication in vitro (Kuo et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 30: 24058–24065). This requirement is similar to that of bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1). Indeed, there is a high degree of similarity between E1 and E2 proteins and the ori-sequences of all papillomaviruses (PV) regardless of the viral species and type (Kuo et al., 1994, supra).
Evidence emanating from studies of BPV-1 have shown that E1 possesses ATPase and helicase activities that are required in the initiation of viral DNA replication (Seo et al., 1993a, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:702–706; Yang et al., 1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 90:5086–5090; and MacPherson et al., 1994, 204:403–408).
The E2 protein is a transcriptional activator that binds to E1 protein and forms a complex that binds specifically to the ori sequence (Mohr et al., 1990, Science 250:1694–1699). It is believed that E2 enhances binding of E1 to the BPV origin of replication (Seo et al., 1993b, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 90:2865–2869). In HPV, Lui et al. suggested that E2 stabilizes E1 binding to the ori (1995, J. Biol. Chem., 270(45):27283–27291).
To thwart this disease, a chemical entity that would interfere with viral DNA replication is therefore desirable. The present invention therefore provides such compounds, compositions or methods that inhibit papilloma viral replication. More particularly, the compounds and composition of the present invention interfere with the E1-E2-DNA complex during the viral replication cycle.
The present description refers to a number of documents, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Abstract: wherein: A,; X, W, R1, Y; R3; and R4 are as defined herein.

Abstract: The compounds of the invention may be used as inhibitors of the papilloma virus E1-E2-DNA complex. The invention further provides a method of treating or preventing human papilloma virus infection.


Separation of sub-bands of communications signals to reduce interference in distributed antenna systems (DASs) is disclosed. A sub-band separation circuit coupled to a plurality of antennas is configured to distribute and receive and transmit a pair of downlink and uplink sub-band signals. The sub-band separation circuit is coupled to a duplexed port of a remote unit that distributes uplink communications signals to the DAS and receives downlink communications signals from the DAS. In order to isolate the downlink communications signals from the uplink communications path in the remote unit, the isolation circuit includes a plurality of sub-band isolation circuits. Each sub-band isolation circuit is configured to isolate at least one sub-band of the downlink communications signal to generate a downlink sub-band signal that has a desired frequency separation or gap with uplink communication signals received at the duplexed port.

The technology of the present disclosure relates generally to distributed antenna systems (DASs) for distributing communications services to remote areas each forming a coverage area and particularly to separation of communications signal sub-bands in DASs to reduce interference.
Wireless communication is rapidly growing, with ever-increasing demands for high-speed mobile data communication. As an example, local area wireless services (e.g., so-called "wireless fidelity" or "WiFi" systems) and wide area wireless services are being deployed in many different types of areas (e.g., coffee shops, airports, libraries, etc.). Distributed communications or antenna systems communicate with wireless devices called "clients," "client devices," or "wireless client devices," which must reside within the wireless range or "cell coverage area" in order to communicate with an access point device. Distributed antenna systems are particularly useful to be deployed inside buildings or other indoor environments where client devices may not otherwise be able to effectively receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a source, such as a base station for example. Example applications where distributed antenna systems can be used to provide or enhance coverage for wireless services include public safety, cellular telephony, wireless local access networks (LANs), location tracking, and medical telemetry inside buildings and over campuses.
One approach to deploying a distributed antenna system involves the use of RF antenna coverage areas, also referred to as "antenna coverage areas." Antenna coverage areas can be formed by remotely distributed antenna units, also referred to as remote units (RUs). The remote units each contain or are configured to couple to one or more antennas configured to support the desired frequency(ies) or polarization to provide the antenna coverage areas. Antenna coverage areas can have a radius in the range from a few meters up to twenty meters as an example. Combining a number of remote units creates an array of antenna coverage areas. Because the antenna coverage areas each cover small areas, there typically may be only a few users (clients) per antenna coverage area. This arrangement generates a uniform high quality signal enabling high throughput supporting the required capacity for the wireless system users.
As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates distribution of communications services to remote coverage areas 10 of a DAS 12. In this regard, the remote coverage areas 10 are created by and centered on remote units 14 connected to a head-end equipment (HEE) 16 (e.g., a head-end controller or head-end unit). The head-end equipment 16 may be communicatively coupled to a base station 18. In this regard, the head-end equipment 16 receives downlink communications signals 20D from the base station 18 to be distributed to the remote units 14. The remote units 14 are configured to receive downlink communications signals 20D from the head-end equipment 16 over a communications medium 22 to be distributed to the remote coverage areas 10 of the remote units 14. Each remote unit 14 may include an RF transmitter/receiver (not shown) and an antenna 24 operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver to wirelessly distribute the cellular services to client devices 26 within the remote coverage area 10. The remote units 14 are also configured to receive uplink communications signals 20U from the client devices 26 in the remote coverage area 10 to be distributed to the base station 18. The size of a given remote coverage area 10 is determined by the amount of RF power transmitted by the remote unit 14, the receiver sensitivity, antenna gain and the RF environment, as well as by the RF transmitter/receiver sensitivity of the client device 26. Client devices 26 usually have a fixed RF receiver sensitivity, so that the above-mentioned properties of the remote unit 14 mainly determine the size of the remote coverage areas 10.
The equipment in the DAS 12 in FIG. 1 may be provided to support wide radio bands of spectrum commonly used in the cellular industry. For example, a personal communications services (PCS) band may be supported by the DAS 12 that includes the 1850-1910 MegaHertz (MHz) radio band for uplink signals and 1930-1990 MHz band for downlink signals. A cellular radio band may also be supported by the DAS 12 that includes the 824-859 MHz radio band for uplink signals and the 869-894 MHz band for downlink communications signals. In this regard, it may be required to couple a base station to a DAS, such as DAS 12 in FIG. 1, through a duplexed port. A duplexed port allows a DAS to simultaneously receive downlink communications signals into the DAS and transmit uplink communications signals from the DAS.
In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary downlink and uplink path circuits 28D, 28U provided in respective downlink and uplink communications paths 30D, 30U in the DAS 12 of FIG. 1. The downlink and uplink communications paths 30D, 30U extend between the base station 18 and a plurality of remote units 14(1)-14(M). The base station 18 is coupled to the DAS 12 via a duplexed port 32. The duplexed port 32 receives downlink communications signals 20D from the base station 18 to be provided to the DAS 12 via the HEE 16 in this example. The duplexed port 32 also receives uplink communications signals 20U from the DAS 12 via the HEE 16 to be provided to the base station 18. A head-end duplexer 34(H) is provided in the HEE 16. The head-end duplexer 34(H) is coupled to the duplexed port 32. The head-end duplexer 34(H) is configured to separate a duplexed downlink and uplink communications path 36 into the separate downlink communications path 30D and a separate uplink communications path 30U. Downlink communications signals 20D are coupled from the head-end duplexer 34(H) to the head-end downlink circuits 28D(H). The downlink communications signals 20D are then distributed from the head-end downlink circuits 28D(H) to the remote downlink circuits 28D(R) in each remote unit 14 to be transmitted through the antenna 24 of the remote unit 14. The uplink communications signals 20U are coupled from the antenna 24 of the remote unit 14 to a remote duplexer 34(R), and from the remote duplexer 34(R) to the remote uplink circuits 28U(R). The uplink communications signals 20U are distributed to the head-end uplink circuits 28U(H), and from the head-end duplexer 34(H) to the base station duplexed port 38.
With continuing reference to FIG. 2, due to expansion of radio bands, the frequency gap between downlink communications signals 20D and the uplink communications signals 20U supported in the DAS 12 may become smaller. For example, the frequency gap between the downlink communications signals 20D and the uplink communications signals 20U may be 10 MHz or less. If a frequency gap between the downlink communications signals 20D and the uplink communications signals 20U is too small, it may be difficult or even impossible to provide the required isolation between the downlink and uplink communications paths 30D, 30U in each remote duplexer 34(R) while maintaining other requirements of the remote duplexer 34(R), such as low attenuation, lower ripple (i.e., variance in frequency response), small size, and/or low cost. If the isolation provided by each remote duplexer 34(R) is lower than required, a portion of the downlink communications signal 20D can leak through the remote duplexer 34(R) to the uplink communications path 30U, as shown by leakage path 40 in FIG. 2. This leakage through the uplink communications path 30U might distort the uplink communications signal 20U or even create oscillations on the uplink communications signal 20U.

Separation of communication signal sub-bands in distributed antenna systems (DASs) to reduce interference

Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd


An test tool for optometry includes a lens holding frame and a clip. The lens holding frame pivotally supports a trial lens to be mounted. The clip is attached to a rear side of the lens holding frame to clamp glasses. The lens holding frame has a pair of axi-symmetrical C-shaped rims having open ends and opposing closed ends, and a connecting portion that connects the opposing closed ends of the rims. Each rim has an inner surface that forms an accommodating space for holding the trial lens to be pivotal and movable in a left-to-right direction.

The present invention relates to a test tool for optometry and, more particularly, to a test tool for optometry suitably used for mounting a progressive multifocal trial lens.
Along with aging in the recent protracted-life society, demands for presbyopic lenses have increased. In particular, progressive multifocal lenses have become popular very widely, and their types have become vary. In order to let the wearers know the design characteristics of the progressive multifocal lenses, it is preferable to have the wearer actually wear lenses that may be appropriate, and to test the individual lenses. It is, however, not easy to create an atmosphere for trying a trial lens accurately. More specifically, the eye points are adjusted using an optometrical frame for testing. Then, the state of the glasses, other than presbyopic lenses, that the wearer currently wears is created by combining general trial lenses, and trial for the progressive multifocal trial lenses is started. Therefore, various types of adjusting operations such as mounting trial lenses, adjustment of lens combinations, adjusting operation of the pupillary distance (to be referred to as PD hereinafter), adjustment of the cylinder axis, and adjustment of the eye points are inevitable. Hence, preparation for wearing takes time, and the setting operation for the wearing state is not easy.
A person with astigmatism or a high-dioputric power shortsighted person needs a large number of lenses to be combined, and progressive multifocal lenses are added to these lenses. Hence, the thicknesses and weights of the lens portions increase, imposing a burden to the wearer.
Conventionally, various types of optometrical frames have been proposed to be used for testing the vision of a person to be tested (for example, see Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-46725 (claims, line 39, lower left column of page 2 to line 15, right column of page 9, and FIGS. 1 and 3).
Note that the present applicant did not reach a preceding technical reference closely related to the present invention other than that specified by the information in the preceding technical reference described in this specification.
The optometrical frame described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-46725 comprises a front mounting integrally having a pair of left and right temples for clamping the side head portions of the wearer, a pair of left and right lens holders attached to the front surface of the front mounting to be movable in the right-to-left direction, a lens holder holding member for holding the lens holders together with the front mounting, and a nose pad detachably attached to the front mounting. Usually, the optometrical frame is mounted on the person to be tested by placing the nose pad against the person's nose, and the wearer's eyesight is examined. When the wearer's eyesight is to be examined with his glasses on, a hanger is attached to the front mounting in place of the nose pad, and is placed on the upper surfaces of the rims of the glasses, so that the optometrical frame is stabilized. Then, the wearer's eyesight is tested with the trial lenses mounted on the lens holders and the lenses of the glasses being placed one upon another.
As the optometrical frame described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-46725 has the front mounting, two lens holders, lens holder holding member, nose pad, hanger, and the like, the number of components is accordingly large, the weight of the optometrical frame cannot be decreased, and the manufacturing cost is high. When the wearer's eyesight is to be tested with his glasses on, the nose pad must be exchanged for the hanger, which is cumbersome. When the optometrical frame is to be used as it is mounted on the glasses, its entire weight acts on the nose through the glasses, imposing a great burden to the nose. Also, the temples (a total of 4) of the glasses and optometrical frame are placed on the ears and side head portions. Thus, if the optometry takes time, the wearer feels the four temples annoying.
The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems described above, and has as its object to provide a test tool for optometry which is simple and has a small number of components to enable weight reduction and cost reduction, and which can be worn to be overlaid on the existing glasses.


A translation-lookaside buffer includes a content-addressable memory (CAM) cell to generate a CAM current signal with a first transistor configuration having a set of transistors of a predetermined size and connection. A reference current circuit generates a reference current signal with a second transistor configuration corresponding to the first transistor configuration, with the exception of the size and connection of selected transistors. A match sense amplifier selectively generates a match signal in response to the CAM current signal and the reference current signal.

This invention relates generally to translation-lookaside buffers (TLBs). More particularly, this invention relates to a TLB with a reference current circuit that improves the processing yield of the TLB.
FIG. 1 illustrates a general purpose computer 20 that includes a central processing unit (CPU) 22 that communicates with primary memory (generally random-access memory or RAM) 24 and secondary memory (generally disk storage) 26 over a system bus 28. Input/output (I/O) devices 30, such as monitors or keyboards, are also connected to system bus 28.
CPU 22 executes one or more computer programs stored in primary memory 24. Most instructions and data in a computer program have a corresponding virtual address. Each virtual address is then translated to a physical address located in primary memory 24. If the required information is not in primary memory 24, then a page fault occurs, and CPU 22 loads the required information from secondary memory 26 into primary memory 24.
The use of virtual addresses in a computer is a technique commonly referred to as xe2x80x9cvirtual memory.xe2x80x9d Practically all general purpose computers rely upon virtual memory. Virtual memory allows a computer to execute a program that includes a range of addresses that may exceed the primary memory capacity of the computer. Thus, programmers are not restricted by primary memory size considerations, and the programs are portable between hardware environments with different primary memory capacities.
Translation of virtual addresses to physical addresses is performed by an operating system running on general purpose computer 20 using page tables stored in primary memory 24 or secondary memory 26. The page tables contain a set of page table translation entries, each of which maps a virtual address to a corresponding physical address. Each page table translation entry contains a virtual page number associated with the virtual address and a physical page number associated with the physical address corresponding to the virtual address. The operating system accesses the page tables whenever a virtual-to-physical address translation is required.
To improve the performance of page tables, modem computers include a special cache, called a translation-lookaside buffer (TLB), that keeps track of recently used translations. Referring to FIG. 1, computer 20 includes a TLB 32 coupled to CPU 22.
FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of TLB 32. TLB 32 comprises a content-addressable memory (CAM) 34 and a random-access memory (RAM) 38. CAM 34 comprises a set of CAM rows 35 each containing a plurality of CAM cells 31. Each CAM row 35 contains a virtual page number comprising the higher-order bits of a virtual address. RAM 38 comprises a set of RAM rows 39 each containing a plurality of RAM cells 33. Each RAM row 39 contains a physical page number comprising the higher-order bits of the physical address. Each RAM row 39 is paired with one of the CAM rows 35. Each RAM row 39 contains the physical page number corresponding to the virtual page number contained in the paired CAM row 35.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, TLB 32 performs a translation of a virtual address to a physical address as follows. First, CAM 34 is provided with the virtual page number of the virtual address to be translated. Next, each CAM row 35 in CAM 34 compares the virtual page number provided to the CAM with the virtual page number stored in the row. If the provided virtual page number matches the stored virtual page number (i.e., a CAM row xe2x80x9chitxe2x80x9d), CAM row 35 asserts a match signal. If the page numbers do not match (i.e., a CAM row xe2x80x9cmissxe2x80x9d), the match signal is not asserted. If a CAM row hit occurs, the match signal generated by CAM row 35 causes the corresponding RAM row 39 to output the physical page number stored in the row. The physical page number is then used by CPU 22 to construct the physical address.
In a TLB using pseudo-differential sensing, the match signal is generated by a match sense amplifier (not shown) in CAM row 35. The match sense amplifier compares the CAM signal generated by the CAM cells in CAM row 35 to a reference signal generated by a reference circuit (not shown) to determine whether a CAM row hit or miss occurred. Specifically, the match sense amplifier determines whether the voltage or current of the CAM signal is greater or less than that of the reference signal. If a CAM row hit is determined to have occurred based on this comparison, the match sense amplifier asserts the match signal. Otherwise, the match sense amplifier does not assert the match signal.
One problem experienced by prior art TLBs using pseudo-differential sensing is a lack of xe2x80x9ctrackingxe2x80x9d between the CAM signal and reference signal. The voltage or current of the CAM and reference signals is subject to change due to variations in the process used to fabricate TLB 32 or in the power supply voltage provided to different sections of the TLB. Furthermore, the voltage or current of the CAM and reference signals generally vary independently of each other, i.e., they do not xe2x80x9ctrackxe2x80x9d each other. This is because in prior art TLBs the CAM and reference signals are typically generated by separate circuits having different transistor configurations. Under certain process or voltage conditions, the voltage or current relationship between the CAM signal and reference signal may change such that the match sense amplifier incorrectly senses a CAM row hit or miss. If this condition occurs, TLB 32 will not function properly and cannot be used. Therefore, the lack of tracking between the CAM signal and reference signal decreases the processing yield of the TLB.
Another problem experienced by prior art TLBs using pseudo-differential sensing is the difficulty in adjusting the voltage or current level of the reference signal. The reference signal is adjusted to place it in proper relation to the CAM signal level such that the match sense amplifier can correctly determine whether a CAM row hit or miss occurred. In prior art TLBs, the reference signal is typically adjustable through only a limited range of voltage or current levels. Furthermore, it is difficult to fine tune the voltage or current levels of the reference signal under varying process or voltage conditions because the reference signal adjustments may affect the tracking between the reference and CAM signals. If the reference signal level cannot be adjusted accurately, the match sense amplifier is susceptible to incorrectly sensing a CAM row hit or miss. Therefore, the difficulty in adjusting the reference signal level also decreases the processing yield of the TLB.
In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, it would be highly desirable to provide a TLB with a reference circuit that improves the processing yield of the TLB.
The present invention is a translation-lookaside buffer that includes a content-addressable memory (CAM) cell to generate a CAM current signal with a first transistor configuration having a set of transistors of a predetermined size and connection. A reference current circuit generates a reference current signal with a second transistor configuration corresponding to the first transistor configuration, with the exception of the size and connection of selected transistors. A match sense amplifier selectively generates a match signal in response to the CAM current signal and the reference current signal.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the reference current circuit comprises a reference current generator and a current limiting circuit, the current limiting circuit comprises a plurality of programmable transistors configurable in a predefined conducting state.
The translation-lookaside buffer of the present invention provides an improved yield in two ways: (1) the reference current circuit has a transistor configuration similar to that of the CAM cells so that the reference current signal tracks the signals generated by the CAM cells despite variations in process or power supply voltage conditions and (2) the reference current circuit includes a programmable current limiting circuit that is capable of adjusting the reference current to the desired level without affecting tracking.

Translation-lookaside buffer with current tracking reference circuit


In one embodiment, a first set of one or more control policies at a control server of a network domain may be transmitted to a routing master controller of the network domain, which uses a second set of one or more traffic policies to determine optimal paths for directing traffic through the domain. The routing master controller may then generate a third set of one or more integrated policies based on the first and second sets of policies, e.g., based on the knowledge and policies of both the control server and the routing master controller.

A computer network typically comprises one or more nodes interconnected by communication links and segments for transporting data traffic. These nodes, such as personal computers, servers, etc., may interact with one another through one or more intermediate network nodes, such as routers. For interaction between multiple network domains (e.g., autonomous systems or "ASes") one or more edge routers may be employed that allow nodes of different domains to communicate. A particular type of edge router, for example, is an optimized edge router (OER), which may be used to gather network statistics, such as bandwidth, delay, jitter, etc., from communication pathways to help calculate an optimal (e.g., "best") path through which the traffic should travel between the domains (e.g., ASes). In particular, the edge routers may relay the statistics to a routing master controller (RMC) of their respective domain, which may then use those statistics to determine and enforce the optimal path. For example, the optimal path may be determined according to one or more traffic policies, such as based on given traffic types, destination address prefixes, etc. Upon determining the optimal paths, the RMC may notify the edge routers and other routers/devices (of its respective domain) of the optimal paths so those routers/devices may handle traffic in the network accordingly.
Computer networks may also employ distributed security/control services (e.g., with a security/control server and one or more security/control agents) to enforce security/control policies within the network. For example, to ensure secure operation of the network, a particular control policy may involve assigning priorities to different types of traffic, as well as defining actions to be taken in the event of, inter alia, a detected threat, an attack, and/or other actions. Generally, the security/control server may define and distribute the relevant control policies to the one or more agents (e.g., acting on nodes of the network), which are responsible for locally enforcing the specified control policies on the respective nodes (e.g., by taking action, such as marking priorities on traffic, etc.). Notably, the control policies may be further acted upon by routers in the network, such as based on the priorities marked on traffic at the agents, etc.
There may be occasions, however, where a particular network may have both a security/control server and an RMC in operation. Conventionally, there is little or no interaction between the control server and the RMC, and as such, the RMC typically has no knowledge of the control server's traffic policies (and vice versa), that is, without inefficient and cumbersome manual configuration. Accordingly, the RMC would thus be unable to optimize routing paths of the network domain based on those control server traffic policies. Furthermore, without collaboration between the control server and the RMC, conflicts between each of their policies may arise, such as different priority assignments and handling for particular types of traffic, etc.

Integrating security server policies with optimized routing control


A pressure release apparatus for relieving pressure that may occur within a pipeline due to water hammers or the like. This apparatus is secured to the pipeline directly in line with the pressure wave and consists of a spool piece having an opening therethrough which is selectively biased in the closed position. When pressure within the pipeline is sufficient to overcome this bias, the opening is unblocked thereby permitting such pressure to be released to the atmosphere. A blast shield surrounds this opening so that the sudden release of such pressure will not cause damage to surrounding people or property.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to an apparatus for releasing potentially damaging pressure which may occur within a pipeline and more particularly to an apparatus for releasing the pressure resulting from water hammers before such pressure can cause damage to a pump or the like connected to the pipeline.
2. General Background
In long pipeline systems where one or more booster pumps are needed to deliver fluid across great distances, water hammers will occur. A water hammer is a change in pressure within the pipeline, either above or below the normal pressure, caused by a variation of the flow rate in the pipeline. Every time the flow rate is changed, either increased or decreased, a water hammer is developed. Normally, in small diameter pipes with low flows, the stresses created are not critical. However, in larger pipelines with relatively high flow rates, the stresses created can be significant enough to damage downstream equipment, including booster pumps.
Water hammers are a function of the momentum of the fluid in the pipeline, such momentum being equal to the mass of the fluid times its velocity. Whenever a change in this momentum occurs, such as by closing a valve or otherwise altering the flow rate of the fluid, such a change will cause pressure to build-up which is transmitted along the pipe. In some cases, this pressure will rise until it is large enough to overcome the momentum of the fluid thereby bringing the fluid in the pipe to a standstill, thus initiating a water hammer. At the instant such a pressure wave reaches a reservoir or the like, the fluid in the pipe is motionless but at a pressure much higher than normal. Consequently, this difference in pressure between the pipe and the reservoir will cause the fluid in the pipe to rush into the reservoir thereby reducing the pressure within the pipe. However, at the time the pressure within the pipe reaches normal levels, the fluid has attained considerable momentum out of the pipe. Thus, a negative pressure is created within the pipe which will eventually cause the fluid to stop flowing into the reservoir and reverse its direction back into the pipe. As the fluid flows back into the pipe, pressure within the pipe increases to above normal levels thereby creating significant forces that, if not diffused, may damage surrounding equipment. This cycle of high and low pressure build-up will normally continue to occur until friction dampens these oscillations or until such pressure is released by a rupture of the pipe or the like. Because of the high velocity of the pressure waves involved, each cycle may take only a fraction of a second to occur.
Usually, it is uneconomical to design long pipelines to withstand the pressures that are created by water hammers. Additionally, it is oftentimes not economical to operate valves slowly enough such that a water hammer is not created in the first place. To thus compensate for the water hammers that are created in long pipelines, a surge tank is oftentimes coupled to the pipeline close to valves at the end of the pipeline. Consequently, when a valve is suddenly operated, the water in the pipe will flow either into or out of the surge tank thereby dampening any pressure build-up that may occur. Unfortunately, however, for the surge tank to operate effectively, it generally must be open to atmospheric pressure, thus the pipeline can only be pressurized up to the amount of head provided by the surge tank. Additionally, installing multiple surge tanks in long runs will significantly increase the cost of the pipeline. A typical surge tank system is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,222 to Aiba.
Other potential solutions to the water hammer problem are shown by U.S. Pat. No. 1,776,937 to Timbs, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 2,752,754 to Jaseph. Unfortunately, these devices provide only a fixed volume into which the pressure can be released, thus in large diameter pipelines, should more volume be needed to relieve the pressure, these devices will not be sufficient.
In pneumatic systems, typical pressure relief systems are shown by U.S. Pat. No. 1,952,916 to Etten and U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,023 to Kamiya, et al. These devices, by pertaining to pneumatic systems, are not suitable for liquids flowing through the pipeline because such liquids may cause blockage or otherwise interfere with the seals in these devices. These inventions also suffer as a result of the limited volume provided for relief purposes.
It is thus an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for relieving the pressure that may occur due to water hammers. Another object of this invention is to provide an unlimited volume into which such pressure can be released thereby avoiding the restrictions imposed upon previously known devices. Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus that can be adapted to both small and large diameter pipelines. Yet another object of this invention is to provide pressure relief which can be adjusted, as needed, to accommodate the various equipment that may be installed or will be installed along the pipeline. Still another object of this invention is to provide pressure relief without the need for surge tanks such that the pipeline may be pressurized for greater flow therethrough. A further object of this invention is to provide such pressure relief at low cost and with an apparatus that require little maintenance. These and other objects of this invention will become obvious upon further investigation.

Pipeline pressure release apparatus and method


A method of forming a belt structure for a tire includes forming at least one laying layer of elastomer material on an outer surface of a support mandrel and helically winding up at least one continuous bare cord on the at least one laying layer to form a plurality of coils. The at least one laying layer is formed by laying down at least one first continuous strip element of elastomer material in a form of helical coils. The helical coils of the at least one first strip element are axially distributed on an outer surface of the support mandrel. The support mandrel is conformed in shape to an outer surface of a carcass structure of the tire. The coils of the at least one cord are disposed axially in side-by-side relationship. The tire may be a tire for a motorcycle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in a general aspect thereof, to a method of building a belt structure in a tyre, in particular for motorcycle wheels.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tyre building for vehicle wheels involves formation of a carcass structure essentially made up of one or more carcass plies substantially shaped in a toroidal configuration and having their axially opposite side edges in engagement with respective annular reinforcing structures incorporating circumferentially inextensible annular elements, usually referred to as "rings".
Applied to the carcass structure, at a radially external position thereof, is a belt structure comprising one or more belt strips in the form of a closed ring, essentially made up of textile or metallic cords which are suitably oriented with respect to each other and to the cords belonging to the adjacent carcass plies.
In addition, a tread band is applied to the belt structure at a radially external position thereof, which tread band is usually made up of a strip of elastomer material of appropriate thickness.
To the aims of the present specification it should be pointed out that by the term "elastomer material" it is intended a rubber blend in its entirety, that is the assembly made up of at least one base polymer suitably amalgamated with reinforcing fillers and/or process additives of various types.
Finally, a pair of sidewalls is applied to the opposite sides of the tyre being formed, each of said sidewalls covering a side portion of the tyre included between a so-called shoulder region, located close to the corresponding side edge of the tread band, and a so-called bead located at the corresponding annular reinforcing structure.
While tyres for cars or trucks are characterised by a substantially flattened cross-section outline at the tread band, tyres for motorcycles are distinguishable due to their marked transverse curvature or bending, usually defined by the particular ratio value between the distance of the tread centre from the line passing through the opposite side extremities of the tread itself, measured at the equatorial plane of the tyre, and the distance measured along the tyre chord between said extremities. In tyres for two-wheeled vehicles the value of the bending ratio generally is at least as high as about 0.15 and it is usually in the order of 0.3 in the case of rear tyres, and even higher, until 0.45 in the case of front tyres, against a value usually smaller than 0.05 in tyres for motor-vehicles.
Formation of the belt structure is usually accomplished on an auxiliary metal drum, a "comb drum" for example or a smooth drum, on which one or more belt strips are formed and radially superposed to define a so-called belt ring, to which the tread band is then applied. In building of tyres having a high transverse curvature, formation of at least one belt strip is provided which is obtained by circumferentially winding up at least one textile or metallic and optionally rubberized cord into a plurality of coils disposed in axial side by side relationship according to a winding angle of substantially zero value with respect to the equatorial plane, on expandable sectors of the auxiliary drum already in a radially expanded position and conveniently shaped so as to correspond to the curvature outline of the tyre.
After carrying out application of the tread band, the belt ring-tread band assembly is picked up from the comb drum to be coaxially fitted on the carcass structure previously made in the form of a cylindrical sleeve on a building drum. The carcass structure is then submitted to a conformation step by radial expansion of the carcass plies in a toroidal outline, concurrently with axial approaching of the annular reinforcing structures. During this step, the carcass plies adhere to the inner surfaces of the belt ring previously disposed in coaxial relationship around the carcass sleeve.
In the case of a belt structure having cords oriented with a substantially zero angle relative to the equatorial plane of the tyre being formed, it is not possible to lay down the cords on a cylindrical surface and thus give said surface a toroidal conformation, because said circumferential orientation of the cords does not enable elongation of the latter to the extent required by conformation, in motorcycle tyres. Therefore the cord must be formed into spirals directly on the outline of the carcass or the drum having already reached a toroidal conformation.
Up to now it has been found it convenient, for process reasons, not to wind up one single cord, but to simultaneously wind up several cords in the form of a strap. Exactly straps are ribbons of elastomer material incorporating two to ten cords at least partly. Actually, laying down of bare cords with a substantially zero angle relative to the equatorial plane of the tyre would lead to slipping of same out of the desired position during the winding step on the toroidal outline, exactly due to their precarious position.
Therefore forming the cords into a strap has the function of ensuring maintenance of the desired position by the cords during all the tyre preparation steps.
For the above aim in document EP-A-0 718 122 in the name of the same Applicant, application of a thin layer of elastomer material (laying layer) filled with aramid fibres or the like is suggested before winding up of the coils. In more detail, this layer is formed by winding up on the auxiliary drum, a thin blend sheet obtained from calendering, of a thickness included by way of example between 0.075 and 0.5 mm, and of a width substantially corresponding to the width of the belt structure to be obtained.
The Applicant has found it useful to utilise, in making the belt layer as above described, cords of the so-called high starting elongation type, for example metallic cords of the HE or HI type, as commonly identified in the field, or elastic textile cords.
The abbreviation HE means "High Elongation" and points out that winding of the strands in the cord and the wires in each strand is carried out in the same direction (according to the so-called Lang's Lay construction).
In addition, winding is of such a nature that small movements of the strands relative to each other are allowed. In this way the finished cord substantially acquires a particular load-elongation curve of its own which has an important change of slope, usually called "knee", in the elongation values on achieving a given load. In particular, the starting line of the curve shows very important elongations for small load variations, and is connected through the knee to the final line of the curve showing very small elongations for important load variations.
A cord of this type is described in document EP-B-461 646, in the name of the same Applicant. The centre line value of the knee conditions the correct building and moulding of the tyre and, to this aim, it usually corresponds to an elongation included between 0.4% and 1%.
The abbreviation HI identifies cords in which at least one of the wires is deformed due to bending along its longitudinal extension, so as to create gaps where rubber penetrates into the cord. This type of cord has an intermediate behaviour (defined by the curve load/elongation) between that of the cords in opposite directions (of the Regular Lay type) and that of the cords in the same direction (of the Lang's Lay type).
As an alternative to the metallic cords, use of elastic textile cords is provided, made of Kevlar (polyethylene terephthalate) for example. These cords are made up of bundles of filaments of organic material, suitably twisted so as to achieve behavioural features similar to those of the above described metallic cords.

Method of forming a belt structure in a tire, in particular for motorcycle wheels


A system filters network management information in a graphical user interface by receiving a managed object selection that represents a resource in a storage area network. The system then identifies a view selection associated with the managed object selection, and produces a filter region containing filter components. At least one of the filter components is contingent upon the managed object selection in conjunction with the view selection. The system then displays the filter region containing the filter components.

Conventional computer networks allow a network manager or operator to add or modify new or existing network elements such as switches, routers, hubs, servers, disks, and other devices. As an example, in a conventional storage area network (SAN), one or more storage arrays having very large amounts of data storage capacity are connected through connectivity devices, such as switches, to host computer systems that operate as servers of data to client computer systems that request the data from the storage arrays. Thus, the storage area network is a network that interconnects host, connectivity and storage elements in a storage environment, and ensures fault-free and timely access to the data for client users via the host servers. In the storage area network, a conventional storage area network management application is employed to monitor and control (i.e., to manage) the host, connectivity and storage elements in the network. Management of the storage area network by the network management application allows optimal usage and throughput in the storage area network by identifying areas of contention, reporting malfunctions, providing access control, and allocating ports and data flow paths between the host and storage devices in the storage area network.
Certain conventional storage area network management applications include Graphical User Interface (GUI) software programs that enable network managers to graphically manage, control and configure various types of hardware and software resources or managed entities associated with a corresponding managed network. In one conventional storage area network management application, rendering the graphical user interface enables the network manager to graphically select, interact with, and manage local or remote devices and associated software processes operating in the network. More specifically, based on use of the graphical user interface in combination with an input device such as a hand operated keyboard and/or mouse and corresponding pointer displayed on a viewing screen, a network manager is able to manage hardware and software entities such as storage devices, peripherals, network data communications devices, and so forth associated with the network. Typically, in such network management applications, a network manager may select a displayed icon representing a corresponding resource in the storage area network and apply a management command in order to display corresponding management information.

Methods and apparatus providing filtering in a management application


A band-gap reference voltage generator is provided. N-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistors are respectively connected to bipolar transistors in parallel. A Complementary To Absolute Temperature (CTAT) voltage that is inversely proportional to absolute temperature is reduced by a threshold voltage of the NMOS transistor. A weight for a temperature coefficient of a Proportional To Absolute Temperature (PTAT) voltage that is directly proportional to absolute temperature is reduced and a resistance ratio for a temperature coefficient of 0 is reduced by about ½, thereby miniaturizing the band-gap reference voltage generator. A reference voltage lower than or equal to 1 V can be provided by resistors respectively connected to the bipolar transistors in parallel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a band-gap reference voltage generator, and more particularly, to a band-gap reference voltage generator that can be miniaturized by reducing a size of a resistor occupying a large chip area and can provide a stable reference voltage lower than or equal to 1 V.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In general, all analog/radio frequency (RF) circuits or digital circuits manufactured with chips need a stable and accurate bias voltage for efficient operation. Therefore, a band-gap reference voltage generator is used to provide a stable reference voltage regardless of temperature variation.
However, a conventional band-gap reference voltage generator provides a reference voltage of about 1.25 V, it is not applicable to a circuit designed for applying a voltage lower than or equal to 1 V. There is a problem in that a power supply voltage of at least 1.5 V should be used to ensure smooth operation of transistors used in the reference voltage generator.
On the other hand, a small-area and low-power core chip design for guaranteeing portability and long lifespan is important in widely-used mobile communication terminals.
With the development of deep sub-micron CMOS technology, a small area and low power (or low voltage) may be implemented. However, there is a problem in circuit design since only a core band-gap bias circuit within a chip needs an operation voltage of at least 1.5 V when a low supply voltage is used for a low-power design.
To address this problem, a band-gap reference voltage generator for reducing a reference voltage to 1 V or less using a resistor has been proposed. However, this band-gap reference voltage generator has a problem of increased circuit area since a relatively large-sized resistor is needed.

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A digital filter can de-emphasize pre-emphasized signals without an extra processing routine or hardware. Via a second bus 21, a decision unit 19 receives a record status signal out of digital audio signals input by an input-output unit 24, thereby checking whether or not the received signals have been pre-emphasized. When the signals have been pre-emphasized, the decision unit 19 selects a set K2 of multiplication coefficients (a.sub.0, a.sub.1 and a.sub.2). Otherwise, the decision unit 19 selects the other set K1 of multiplication coefficients (-1, 0, 0). In the former case, the input signals are de-emphasized. In the latter case, a transmission function is "-1", so that the input signals are multiplied by "-1", i.e. no de-emphasizing process is carried out.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a digital filter and moreparticularly to a digital filter to be used for a digital audio device, for example.
2. Description of the Related Art
Along with recent development in LSI, techniques for digitally processing signals have been remarkably advanced in a variety of fields such as image processing, audio devices and instrumentation. Digital filters are replacing analog filters in these fields. Specifically, digital filters are very popular in audio devices for reproducing information from compact discs (CD) and digital-audio tapes, for example. In such audio devices, signal levels of high tones are somewhat inferior to those of low and middle tones. Therefore, a master tape which serves as an original for producing compact discs is often pre-emphasized so as to raise the signal levels of high tones beforehand, thereby effectively expanding a dynamic range. To reproduce information from a compact disc which is produced from the foregoing master tape, it is necessary to de-emphasize the level via a digital filter connected to a line amplifier of a reproducing device, thereby offsetting the pre-emphasized level.
FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows one example of the pre-emphasizing and de-emphasizing characteristics of a compact disc player. Audio signals recorded on a compact disc are pre-emphasized at the rate of about +6 dB/oct in a frequency band of about 3 KHz to 10 KHz, and are uniformly pre-emphasized at the rate of 10 dB in a frequency band of more than 10 KHz. When reproducing such a compact disc, the audio signals are de-emphasized at the rate of -6 dB/oct in the frequency band of about 3 KHz to 10 KHz, and are uniformly de-emphasized at the rate of -10 dB in the frequency band of more than 10 KHz.
Usually, the digital audio signals are de-emphasized by a digital filter. It is not necessary to de-emphasize audio signals which have not been pre-emphasized. With the prior art, a control routine is executed to determine whether or not to de-emphasize the signals, as shown in a flowchart of FIG. 8. Specifically, necessity of the de-emphasizing process is checked based on a code indicating the pre-emphasized state in control codes reproduced together with the digital audio signals on the compact disc (in a step S101). When the de-emphasizing process is necessary (YES in a step S102), the reproduced signals are de-emphasized by the digital filter according to a predetermined routine (in a step S103). Otherwise, the reproduced signals will be transmitted without de-emphasis via the digital filter in a step S104.
With the prior art, the necessity of the de-emphasizing process is determined depending upon whether or not the reproduced signals are input to the digital filter. A control routine for this purpose is required as well as the routine for controlling the digital filter itself. A selector circuit for this purpose is also required, which causes an increase in software and hardware for the de-emphasizing process.