Abstract: Provided is an optical pickup apparatus using a reduced number of parts. An optical pickup apparatus (26) of the present invention includes: a laser unit (108) for emitting a laser beam complying with the BD standards; a laser unit (106) for emitting a laser beam complying with the DVD standards and a laser beam complying with the CD standards; and a PDIC (10B) for receiving and detecting the laser beams complying with the respective standards. Because the laser beam complying with the DVD standards and the laser beam complying with the BD standards are received by one photo detector provided in the PDIC (10B), the number of parts needed for the optical pickup apparatus (26) can be reduced, and the costs of the apparatus can be decreased.

Abstract: A nitride semiconductor laser device with a reduction in internal crystal defects and an alleviation in stress, and a semiconductor optical apparatus comprising this nitride semiconductor laser device. First, a growth suppressing film against GaN crystal growth is formed on the surface of an n-type GaN substrate equipped with alternate stripes of dislocation concentrated regions showing a high density of crystal defects and low-dislocation regions so as to coat the dislocation concentrate regions. Next, the n-type GaN substrate coated with the growth suppressing film is overlaid with a nitride semiconductor layer by the epitaxial growth of GaN crystals. Further, the growth suppressing film is removed to adjust the lateral distance between a laser waveguide region and the closest dislocation concentrated region to 40 ?m or more.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus comprises input channels, a mix bus, a volume level controller, a path disconnector that connects or disconnects a path from each input channel to the mix bus, a signal selector that select either one of a post-signal and a pre-signal, a volume adjusting operator that groups at least a part of the plurality of input channels and collectively adjusts volume levels of the grouped input channels, a mute setting device that sets muting of the grouped input channels, a mute target selector that selects either one of a first mode in which only the post-signal is muted and a second mode in which both pre-signal and post-signal are muted, and a mute controller that controls, when the mute setting device has set muting of the grouped input channels, the volume level controller to execute the muting of the grouped input channels on the first mode, and controls the path disconnector to execute the muting of the grouped input channels on the second mode.

Abstract: A user-space virtualization (USV) program to allow legacy applications in embedded systems to share resources without modification without compromising security is provided. A computer-implemented USV program may be characterized by a method in a user-space including retrieving a native code of an application, and identifying an instruction sequence. Further, identifying the instruction sequence includes, first, determining if executing the instruction sequence to perform processing is a possible security risk. If it is a possible security risk, then confirming that there is an execute authority for an active application. Execute authority may be confirmed by a security manager or a processor. If it is confirmed by the security manager that the active application has the execute authority for processing, then executing the instruction sequence with a processor. If the active application has no execute authority for processing, then not executing the instruction sequence.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical instrument disinfecting system (1) comprising a disinfecting chamber (4) adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting the instruments. The invention is characterized in that each instrument (1) comprises identification data (5) and in that the chamber (4) is associated with means (6) for acquiring the identification data of the or each instrument (1) when it is introduced into or withdrawn from the chamber (4) at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle, with means (7, 8) for acquiring characterization data of the disinfecting cycle and with means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) for associating the identification data of the or each instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each instrument.

Abstract: A veterinary table assembly having a support assembly and a table mounted to the support assembly. The table is operable to rotate with respect to the support assembly at least approximately 90 degrees between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the table is also operable to move vertically between a lowered position and a raised position. The table assembly also preferably includes a back panel mounted to the support assembly for restraining an animal on the table.

Abstract: The present invention provides substituted di-, tri-, tetra- and penta-sulfide compounds and compositions, and methods of using the same for the treatment and/or prevention of a cell proliferative disorder. The present invention also provides methods for preparing trisulfide compounds and compositions.

Abstract: An access control list, indicating contents of user operatable authorization, is set in an electronic file or folder stored in a document management server. The server receives from MFP a registering electronic file, location information of the electronic file and destination information including a notification destination user to which registration is notified. If no notification destination user is registered in ACL, the server transmits the notification of registration and the electronic file to PC of the notification destination user and receives a notification of electronic file reception from PC. The server sends the user in ACL a notification of notification destination user's reception of electronic file.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of modulating an immune response to a second antigen which entail administration of a first antigen and an immunostimulatory polynucleotide. Modulation of the immune response is generally manifested as stimulation of a Th1 response.

Abstract: In an acoustic design support apparatus, a speaker selection supporter selects a desired speaker as a candidate for use in a given space based on shape information representing a shape of the space. A speaker mounting angle optimizer calculates an optimal mounting direction of the selected speaker by selecting a mounting direction pattern which minimizes a degree of variation among sound pressure levels at a plurality of positions on a sound receiving surface defined in the space. An acoustic parameter calculator calculates a variety of acoustic parameters at sound receiving points within the space based on both of the shape information of the space and the optimal mounting direction of the speaker.

Abstract: Provided herein are various schemes for transmitting out of band (OOB) signals over optical connections that may not support the transmission of such signals. One scheme may involve converting the OOB signals to different types of signals that are supported by the optical connection, while another scheme may utilize a separate parallel connection that supports the transmission of out of band signals in order to extend the optical connection. Yet another scheme modulates the reference clock of the original (in-band) signal to transmit and receive the OOB information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.

Abstract: A wand assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion having a channel formed therethrough; a tubular wand received within the channel and moveable between a first position and a second position; a locking mechanism having a lock position and an unlock position and preventing the wand from moving from the first position when in the lock position; and a release mechanism mounted to the wand and which can be actuated to move the locking mechanism from the lock position to the unlock position. The release mechanism is actuated by relative movement of the release mechanism with respect to the wand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is attached between female labia, especially to the pad which can be used together with the sanitary napkin, which has a good sealing efficiency with the labia deepest portion when the user moves and can prevent the chance that the leak of the menstrual blood or the dropping off of the pad is occurred. Further the interlabial pad comprises the absorbing sheet portion facing to the body side upon wearing the pad and the support sheet portion backing the absorbing sheet portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: The present invention improves projection displays of volume data. Using the Minimum Intensity Projection (MinIP), fluid filled regions or other regions of hyporeflective tissue are displayed. By limiting the projection to partial volumes within the volume, differences in the scattering intensity within specific regions are isolated. In this way, hyperreflectivity of weakly scattering tissue can be assessed.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a device generating a flow of fluid in the form of a motor and fan, housed in a main body. A hose and wand assembly, a surface treating head and a rotary change over valve are also provided. The valve is selectively rotatable so as to allow fluid flow from either the surface-treating head or the hose. A support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The change over valve and support assembly are arranged so that motion of the support assembly between the supporting and retracted positions induces rotary motion of the change over valve.

Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions useful for detecting whole parathyroid hormone at a physiological level and parathyroid fragments in a mammalian sample. Such detections may be useful to different parathyroid diseases or disorders in a subject, such as hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and optionally one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments that may or may not function as a parathyroid hormone antagonists. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values one is able to differentiate parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.

Abstract: The invention reduces unnecessary electromagnetic radiation noise due to an operation clock signal generated by an oscillator circuit. Random number data outputted by a random number generation circuit is stored in a frequency variable data register. The data stored in the frequency variable data register is replaced by random number data sequentially generated by the random number generation circuit. An oscillator circuit is a circuit generating a clock signal, and the clock signal is supplied as an operation clock signal to an internal circuit through an operation clock signal generation circuit. The frequency of the clock signal from the oscillator circuit is variably controlled in response to the random number data stored in the frequency variable data register. A frequency variable range control register which stores control data for controlling the range of the frequency variably controlled in response to the random number data stored in the frequency variable data register is further provided.