Abstract: The external additive for toner includes an external additive particle containing: a fine particle A; and a plurality of fine particles B that are each present so as to partially protrude from a surface of the fine particle A, wherein the fine particle A (i) is a particle of an organosilicon compound having a siloxane bond, (ii) has a number-average particle diameter of 0.03 ?m or more and 0.30 ?m or less, and (iii) has an average circularity of 0.90 or more, wherein, when the number-average particle diameter of the fine particle A is represented by DA, and a number-average particle diameter of the plurality of fine particles B is represented by DB, DB/DA is 0.10 or more and 0.63 or less.

Abstract: An external additive for toner comprising: a fine particle A containing, as a binder component, an organosilicon compound having a siloxane bond; and a fine particle B that is present on a surface of the fine particle A in a state of being at least partially embedded in the surface of the fine particle A, wherein the external additive for toner (i) has a number-average particle diameter of a primary particle of 0.03 ?m or more and 0.30 ?m or less, and (ii) has a Young's modulus of 10 GPa or more and 30 GPa or less, wherein content ratios, on a number basis, of the following unit (a), unit (b), and unit (c) in the fine particle A based on all silicon atoms present in the fine particle A satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2). (a)+(b)+(c)?0.80??(1) (b)+(c)?0.

Abstract: The external additive for toner includes an external additive particle containing: a base particle A; and a plurality of convex forming particles B each configured to form a convex portion on a surface of the base particle A. The base particle A and the convex forming particles B are particles each containing a silicon compound having a siloxane bond, and a chemical bond is formed between the base particle A and each of the convex forming particles B. The base particle A and the convex forming particles B each have a total content of the following unit (a), unit (b), and unit (c) of 80 mass % or more and 100 mass % or less: where R1 and R2 each represent an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms.

Abstract: A computer produces predictions throughout a raster field in response to point data, by obtaining a partially empty matrix of point data, filling a matrix of extrapolated raster data by dilating the point data in a first convolutional neural network, and generating a matrix of aggregate raster data by combining the extrapolated raster data with organic raster data in a second convolutional neural network.

Abstract: A method of generating an aggregate forecast includes obtaining historical forecasts for a number of time steps and at least one location, obtaining historical conditions for the time steps and the at least one location, training a machine learning algorithm to produce an aggregate historical forecast in response to the historical conditions and the historical forecasts, and producing an aggregate current forecast by running the trained machine learning algorithm on current forecasts. The historical forecasts and the current forecasts vary in at least one of spatial resolution or temporal resolution, and include a first forecast that is valid for a first time step and a second forecast that is valid for a second time step.

Abstract: A computer produces predictions throughout a raster field in response to point data, by obtaining a partially empty matrix of point data, filling a matrix of extrapolated raster data by dilating the point data in a first convolutional neural network, and generating a matrix of aggregate raster data by combining the extrapolated raster data with organic raster data in a second convolutional neural network.

Abstract: A method of generating an aggregate forecast includes obtaining historical forecasts for a number of time steps and at least one location, obtaining historical conditions for the time steps and the at least one location, training a machine learning algorithm to produce an aggregate historical forecast in response to the historical conditions and the historical forecasts, and producing an aggregate current forecast by running the trained machine learning algorithm on current forecasts. The historical forecasts and the current forecasts vary in at least one of spatial resolution or temporal resolution, and include a first forecast that is valid for a first time step and a second forecast that is valid for a second time step.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a pair of ducted fans; a fuselage that is disposed at a lower position than the ducted fans; a frame body that connects the fuselage and the ducted fans; and a stabilizer fin that is disposed at a position at which the stabilizer fin does not obstruct airflows from the ducted fans, which is a position that is lower than an airframe center of gravity and which is rearward of the fuselage.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes a pair of ducted fans adapted to generate lift and thrust, a frame adapted to couple together the ducted fans, a power source adapted to supply power to the ducted fans, and legs adapted to support an airframe at the time of landing, in which one of the ducted fans is inclined tangentially to a rotational direction on the side farther from the other ducted fan.

Abstract: A vital signal detecting apparatus comprises an attachable device to be attached to a finger, a sensor having a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, and a transmitting circuit for transmitting a signal waveform as a pulse wave from the sensor to a pulse wave monitoring unit. The pulse wave detecting unit also has an attachment detecting circuit for detecting whether or not the attachable device is in an attached state by comparing a signal waveform obtained when the light-emitting device is on with a signal waveform obtained when the light-emitting device is off and an operation control circuit for controlling the operation of the sensor, the transmitting circuit and the attachment detecting circuit. Preferably, the light-transmitting plate is disposed above the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device to pass light therethrough, and the light transmitting plate may be an IR-cut filter capable of blocking light of wavelengths greater than 700 nm.

Abstract: To produce a high quality tunnel oxidation film on a bulk superconductor surface. A tunnel oxidation film is formed by anodizing a bulk aluminum material and then a tunnel oxidation film is formed by irradiating oxygen ions.

Abstract: A finger-ring-type radio device is worn by a person to wirelessly transmit his physical data such as blood pressure or pulsation. The radio device is composed of a finger ring having a slot antenna as a magnetic-field-mode antenna and a flat plate having a patterned antenna as an electric-field-mode antenna. A transmission circuit for generating high frequency signals representing the physical data is also mounted on the flat plate. Both antennas having respective characteristics and radiation directivities are combined to form a composite antenna from which the high frequency signals are radiated. The radiation efficiency of the composite antenna is improved by combining both antennas. The slot length of the slot antenna is extended by forming it in a zigzag shape, so that the slot length properly corresponds to the high frequency to be radiated and the antenna efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope comprises an elastic probe having a longitudinal axis and a probe tip. A vibration device has a piezoelectric vibrating member and an AC voltage generator for vibrating the probe tip relative to a surface of a sample. A vibration detecting device has a piezoelectric detecting member and a current/voltage amplifier circuit for detecting vibration of the probe tip. A probe holder supports the probe such that the probe is biased into pressure contact with the piezoelectric detecting member at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe while the probe tip extends in a Z direction generally perpendicular to sample surface during vibration of the probe tip relative to the sample surface. A coarse movement mechanism effects coarse displacement of the probe tip in the Z direction to bring the probe tip close to the surface of the sample.

Abstract: A color display device capable of preventing discontinuity of a line in a single-color display by improving a pattern of dividing of a luminous unit. The color display device includes a plurality of picture cells each constituted by a plurality of luminous units emitting lights different in luminous color from each other. Each two luminous units which have a triangular shape formed by dividing a quadrilateral into two along a diagonal line thereof and constitute each of the picture cells each are permitted to emit light of one of luminous colors different from each other. Such construction, even when only one of the two luminous units constituting each of the picture cells is excited for single-color display, permits luminous units of the same color in the picture cells P adjacent to each other in the longitudinal and lateral directions to be observed in a manner to be continuously connected to each other at the apexes opposite to each other.

Abstract: A process for producing an impact-resistant polyacetal resin composition, which comprises a first step of mixing with shear a polyacetal resin (A), a thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and a polyhydric alcohol (C) having at least three hydroxyl groups in the molecule at a temperature of 180.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at a temperature at which said polyacetal resin (A) and said thermoplastic polyurethane (B) melt; and a second step of mixing with shear the resulting mixture obtained in the first step, in the presence of at least one compound (D) selected from the group consisting of a polyisocyanate (d.sub.1) and a compound (d.sub.2) which generates a polyisocyanate under heat, at a temperature of 180.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at a temperature at which said polyacetal resin (A) and said thermoplastic polyurethane (B) melt.

Abstract: A process for producing an impact-resistant polyacetal resin composition, which comprises mixing with shear a polyacetal resin (A), a thermoplastic polyurethane (B), a polyhydric alcohol (C) having at least three hydroxyl groups in the molecule and at least one compound (D) selected from the group consisting of a polyisocyanate (d.sub.1) and a compound (d.sub.2) which generates a polyisocyanate under heat, while at least two components (A) and (B) are melted. An injection-molded article from the impact-resistant polyacetal resin composition, provided by the above process, exhibits superior tensile strength and elongation at break at weld portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a polyacetal resin composition, which comprises mixing (A) a polyacetal resin, (B) a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and (B) a polyhydric alcohol having at least three hydroxyl groups in the molecule, in molten state with shear, at a temperature of 180.degree. to 250.degree. C. The polyacetal resin composition produced by the above process gives injection-molded shaped articles showing various well-balanced physical properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break at weld portions, and impact resistance.

Abstract: A signal generator for generating an output signal that is an accurate image of an input signal. A keyboard transmits an input signal and an image controlling device receives the input signal. The image controlling device includes a level variation detecting device which samples the input signal at a sampling rate determined by a sampling period generating device. When the level variation detecting device detects a variation in the levels of a currently sampled value and a previously sampled value it adjusts the image signal accordingly so that the output signal is an accurate image of the input signal. A synchronization signal transmitter transmits a synchronization signal to the keyboard. The keyboard includes a counter which counts the synchronization signal. The counter generates the input image signal that is transmitted to the image controlling device.

Abstract: A creep prevention device for automatic transmission type automobiles comprises electric switches operated by the speed meter and accelerator pedal electrically connected in a circuit with two valve actuators which operate valves controlling operation of the fluid pressure lines in the hydraulic circuit of the transmission so that when the accelerator pedal is released to allow the engine to idle, the brake pedal is operated and the pointer of the speed meter returns to its zero position, the switches are switched "ON", actuating the magnetic valves and thereby switching the hydraulic oil flow from the hydraulic control system for the forward and reverse clutches to disengage them and set the transmission in neutral, regardless of the setting of the shift lever, thus interrupting the transmission of the engine drive shaft rotation and keeping the automobile at a standstill.

Abstract: A novel heating medium comprising 1,1-diphenyl ethane is provided for use in heating processes. Said heating medium has good thermal stability, a high boiling point and a low melting point. It is applicable over a wide range of temperatures and easily degradable by microorganisms. The oily substances, by-produced in the step of separating ethyl benzene from polyalkyl benzenes in production of ethyl benzene from the reaction between benzene and ethylene, may be available for preparation of said heating medium.