Showing papers by "Mitsubishi published in 2003"

Non-negative matrix factorization for polyphonic music transcription

Abstract: We present a methodology for analyzing polyphonic musical passages comprised of notes that exhibit a harmonically fixed spectral profile (such as piano notes). Taking advantage of this unique note structure, we can model the audio content of the musical passage by a linear basis transform and use non-negative matrix decomposition methods to estimate the spectral profile and the temporal information of every note. This approach results in a very simple and compact system that is not knowledge-based, but rather learns notes by observation.

Channel models for ultrawideband personal area networks

Abstract: This article describes the modeling of ultrawideband wireless propagation channels, especially for the simulation of personal area networks. The IEEE 802.15.3a standards task group has established a standard channel model to be used for the evaluation of PAN physical layer proposals. We discuss the standard model, the measurements that form its basis, and the possibilities for future improvements. This article points out the important differences between UWB channels and narrowband wireless channels, especially with respect to fading statistics and time of arrival of multipath components. The impacts on the different propagation conditions on system design, like RAKE receiver performance, are elaborated.

Video transcoding architectures and techniques: an overview

Abstract: Throughout this article, we concentrate on the transcoding of block-based video coding schemes that use hybrid discrete cosine transform (DCT) and motion compensation (MC). In such schemes, the frames of the video sequence are divided into macroblocks (MBs), where each MB typically consists of a luminance block (e.g., of size 16 /spl times/ 16, or alternatively, four 8 /spl times/ 8 blocks) along with corresponding chrominance blocks (e.g., 8 /spl times/ 8 Cb and 8 /spl times/ 8 Cr). This article emphasizes the processing that is done on the luminance components of the video. In general, the chrominance components can be handled similarly and will not be discussed in this article. We first provide an overview of the techniques used for bit-rate reduction and the corresponding architectures that have been proposed. Then, we describe the advances regarding spatial and temporal resolution reduction techniques and architectures. Additionally, an overview of error resilient transcoding is also provided, as well as a discussion of scalable coding techniques and how they relate to video transcoding. Finally, the article ends with concluding remarks, including pointers to other works on video transcoding that have not been covered in this article, as well as some future directions.

Embryonic stem cells can form germ cells in vitro

Abstract: Knock-in embryonic stem (ES) cells, in which GFP or lacZ was expressed from the endogenous mouse vasa homolog (Mvh), which is specifically expressed in differentiating germ cells, were used to visualize germ cell production during in vitro differentiation. The appearance of MVH-positive germ cells depended on embryoid body formation and was greatly enhanced by the inductive effects of bone morphogenic protein 4-producing cells. The ES-derived MVH-positive cells could participate in spermatogenesis when transplanted into reconstituted testicular tubules, demonstrating that ES cells can produce functional germ cells in vitro. In vitro germ cell differentiation provides a paradigm for studying the molecular basis of germ line establishment, as well as for developing new approaches to reproductive engineering.

Spherical aggregates of β-amyloid (amylospheroid) show high neurotoxicity and activate tau protein kinase I/glycogen synthase kinase-3β

Abstract: beta-Amyloid (Abeta) acquires toxicity by self-aggregation. To identify and characterize the toxic form(s) of Abeta aggregates, we examined in vitro aggregation conditions by using large quantities of homogenous, chemically synthesized Abeta1-40 peptide. We found that slow rotation of Abeta1-40 solution reproducibly gave self-aggregated Abeta1-40 containing a stable and highly toxic moiety. Examination of the aggregates purified by glycerol-gradient centrifugation by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the toxic moiety is a perfect sphere, which we call amylospheroid (ASPD). Other Abeta1-40 aggregates, including fibrils, were nontoxic. Correlation studies between toxicity and sphere size indicate that 10- to 15-nm ASPD was highly toxic, whereas ASPD 10 nm also appeared to exist when Abeta1-42 formed ASPD by slow rotation. However, Abeta1-42-ASPD formed more rapidly, killed neurons at lower concentrations, and showed approximately 100-fold-higher toxicity than Abeta1-40-ASPD. The toxic ASPD was associated with SDS-resistant oligomeric bands in immunoblotting, which were absent in nontoxic ASPD. Because the formation of ASPD was not disturbed by pentapeptides that break beta-sheet interactions, Abeta may form ASPD through a pathway that is at least partly distinct from that of fibril formation. Inhibition experiments with lithium suggest the involvement of tau protein kinase I/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta in the early stages of ASPD-induced neurodegeneration. Here we describe the identification and characterization of ASPD and discuss its possible role in the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Retinoic acids exert direct effects on T cells to suppress Th1 development and enhance Th2 development via retinoic acid receptors

Abstract: The vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), affects Th1 and Th2 development. The effect is partly exerted through the modulation of antigen-presenting cell functions, but it remains unclear whether RA directly exerts its effect on T cells to influence Th1/Th2 development. To clarify this problem, we used two experimental systems with isolated T cells in vitro. In one system, isolated CD4+CD8+ thymocytes differentiated into Th1 and Th2 by two transient stimulations with defined combinations of ionomycin and phorbol myristate acetate followed by treatment with IL-2 and IL-4 and/or IL-12. In the second system, functional differentiation was induced in purified naive CD4 T cells from DO-11.10 TCR-transgenic and RAG-2-deficient mice with cytokines and antibodies to CD3 and CD28. In both systems, all-trans-RA at >1 nM concentrations suppressed Th1 development, but enhanced Th2 development. 9-cis-RA elicited similar effects. The optimal enhancement of Th2 development in the second system, however, was achieved with a delayed addition of RA. The presence of RA during the initial stimulation period often suppressed Th2 development. The RA receptor (RAR) antagonists, LE540 and LE135, but not the retinoic X receptor (RXR) antagonist, PA452, inhibited the effect of RA on Th1/Th2 development. Accordingly, the RAR agonists, Am80 and Tp80, but not the RXR agonists, HX600 and TZ335, mimicked the effect of RA. The RXR agonists enhanced the effect of the RAR agonists only slightly, if at all. These results indicate that, via RAR, RA directly suppresses Th1 development and directly enhances Th2 development with its timely addition.

MIMO systems with antenna selection - an overview

Abstract: We consider multiple-input - multiple-output (MIMO) systems with reduced complexity. Either one, or both, link ends chose the "best" L out of N available antennas. This implies that only L instead of N transceiver chains have to be built, and also the signal processing can be simplified. We show that in ideal channels, full diversity can be achieved, and also the number of independent data streams for spatial multiplexing can be maintained if certain conditions on L are fulfilled. We then discuss the impact of system nonidealities, like noisy channel estimation, correlations of the received signals, etc.

Background subtraction based on cooccurrence of image variations

Abstract: This paper presents a novel background subtraction method for detecting foreground objects in dynamic scenes involving swaying trees and fluttering flags. Most methods proposed so far adjust the permissible range of the background image variations according to the training samples of background images. Thus, the detection sensitivity decreases at those pixels having wide permissible ranges. If we can narrow the ranges by analyzing input images, the detection sensitivity can be improved. For this narrowing, we employ the property that image variations at neighboring image blocks have strong correlation, also known as "cooccurrence". This approach is essentially different from chronological background image updating or morphological postprocessing. Experimental results for real images demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.

Radio base station device and mobile communication system

Abstract: When carrying out a downlink handover, a source base transceiver station from which a mobile node is moving receives packets to be transmitted, via a wireless section, to the mobile node from an IP network, and copies and transfers them to a destination base transceiver station to which the mobile node is moving. On the other hand, when carrying out an uplink handover, the source base transceiver station compares the reliability of transport blocks which are received via a wireless section, from the mobile node and which are demodulated and decoded by the local station with that of transport blocks which are received via an IP network, from another base transceiver station and which are demodulated and decoded thereby, packetizes selected transport blocks with a better quality, and transmits them to a communications-partner node according to a route table, thereby implementing distribution of traffic via the IP network.

Expression of Foxp2, a gene involved in speech and language, in the developing and adult striatum.

Abstract: Many members of the forkhead/winged helix transcriptional factors are known to be regulators of embryogenesis. Mutations of the Fox gene family have been implicated in a range of human developmental disorders. Foxp2, a member of the Fox gene family, has recently been identified as the first gene that is linked to an inherited form of language and speech disorder. To elucidate the anatomical basis of language processing in the brain, we have examined the expression pattern of Foxp2 gene and its homologous gene, Foxp1, in the rat brain through development. Expression of Foxp2 mRNA was detected in the ventral telencephalon as early as embryonic day 13. Foxp2 mRNA was expressed primarily in differentiated cells of the lateral ganglionic eminence (striatal primordium). Of particular interest was that the developmental expression of Foxp2 followed a compartmetnal order in the striatum. Patches containing high levels of Foxp2 were aligned with patches enriched in mu-opoid receptor, a marker for striosomal cells, in the striatum through postnatal development. Conversely, Foxp2-positive patches were devoid of calbindin-D28k, a maker for striatal matrix cells. Therefore, Foxp2 was preferentially expressed in striosomal compartment in the striatum during development. In the mature striatum, Foxp2 expression was maintained in striosomes, although its expression level was reduced. In contrast to Foxp2, Foxp1 was expressed in both the striosomal and matrix compartments in the striatum through development. The striatum is known to be involved in the process of procedural memory, and mutation of Foxp2 results in neurological disorders of language and speech. Given the preferential expression of Foxp2 in the striosomal compartment, the striatum, particularly the striosomal system, may participate in neural information processing for language and speech. Our suggestion is consistent with the declarative/procedural model proposed by Ullman and colleagues (Ullman et al. [1997] J. Cogn. Neurosci. 9:266–276; Ullman [2001] Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2:717–726), in which the procedural memory-dependent mental grammar is rooted in the basal ganglia and the frontal cortex and the declarative memory-dependent mental lexicon is rooted in the temporal lobe. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Semiconductor manufacturing method and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor manufacturing method whereby reactive gas processing such as selective epitaxial growth can be carried out with high precision by correctly adjusting conditions during processing. Further disclosed are the semiconductor manufacturing method and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus which can restrict increases in the moisture content, prevent heavy metal pollution and the like, and investigate the correlation between moisture content in the process chamber and outside regions. The moisture content in a reaction chamber and in a gas discharge system of the reaction chamber are measured when a substrate is provided, and the conditions for reactive gas processing are adjusted based on the moisture content. Furthermore, the method comprises a substrate carrying step of measuring the moisture content in the airtight space by means of a first moisture measuring device which is connected to the airtight space, and thereafter, inserting and ejecting the substrate by means of the substrate carrying system, and a gas processing step of performing the reactive gas processing while measuring the moisture content in the reaction chamber by means of a second moisture measuring device, which is connected to the reaction chamber, after the substrate carrying step.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device

Abstract: A gate electrode including a polycrystalline silicon film and a sidewall insulating film are formed on a semiconductor substrate with a gate insulating film therebetween The semiconductor substrate provided with the gate electrode is brought into contact with a predetermined plating solution to deposit a cobalt film on the semiconductor substrate by electroless plating Then, a heat treatment is effect to cause a reaction between the silicon in the gate electrode and the cobalt as well as a reaction between the silicon in the semiconductor substrate and the cobalt to form a cobalt silicide film Thereafter, the unreacted cobalt film is removed Thereby, damage to the semiconductor substrate can be suppressed, and salicide process can be simplified

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract: A semiconductor device with capacitors which have a structure wherein fluctuation in thickness does not occur, even in the case that a dielectric film of low coverage is used. The semiconductor device is provided with adjoining first and second capacitors, wherein the respective capacitor is provided with lower electrode, dielectric film which contacts the top surface of the lower electrode and which has peripheral sidewall surfaces that continue to the peripheral sidewall surfaces of the lower electrode, first upper electrode that contacts the top surface of the dielectric film and a second upper electrode that contacts the top surface of the first upper electrode and the semiconductor device is further provided with a partition insulating film which covers the sidewall surfaces of lower electrode and the dielectric layer between the capacitors so that the second upper electrode contacts the top surface of the partition insulating film.

Inter-camera color calibration by correlation model function

Abstract: A novel solution to the inter-camera color calibration problem, which is very important for multicamera systems is presented. We propose a distance metric and a model function to evaluate the inter-camera radiometric properties. Instead of depending on the shape assumptions of brightness transfer function to find separate radiometric responses, we derive a nonparametric function to model color distortion for pair-wise camera combinations. Our method is based on correlation matrix analysis and dynamic programming. The correlation matrix is computed from three 1-D color histograms, and the model function is obtained from a minimum cost path traced within the matrix. The model function enables accurate compensation of color mismatches, which cannot be done with conventional distance metrics. Furthermore, we show that our metric can be reduced to other commonly used metrics with suitable simplification. Our simulations prove the effectiveness of the proposed method even for severe color distortions.

Decomposition of LiPF6and Stability of PF 5 in Li-Ion Battery Electrolytes Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Studies

Abstract: The decomposition of and the stability of in organic solvents, diethyl carbonate (DEC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), γ-butyrolactone (GBL), and ethylene carbonate (EC), have been investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, in which solvent was modeled as a dielectric continuum, and also by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations which treated solvents explicitly. Both calculations showed a similar trend in which the decomposition was further promoted in more polar solvents, yet the DFT calculations predicted an endothermic decomposition, while the MD simulations indicated exothermic. This sharp contrast in the results suggests strong solute-solvent interactions, especially for which were not accounted for in the DFT calculations. The specific interaction between and solvent was further investigated by DFT calculations for adduct models and also by the MD simulations for solutions. Both calculations suggest a stable formation of a -solvent adduct in solution and its stability depends on the solvent. It was found that is more stabilized in polar and sterically compact solvents such as EC and GBL than in less polar and bulky, linear carbonates such as DMC and DEC. The reactivity of with organic solvents and the difference in the stability of between organic and aqueous solution are also discussed. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.

A comparative study of DPSK and OOK WDM transmission over transoceanic distances and their performance degradations due to nonlinear phase noise

Abstract: We have compared experimentally the transmission performance of return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (RZ-DPSK) with RZ-ON-OFF keying (OOK), nonreturn-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (NRZ-DPSK), and NRZ-OOK for 100/spl times/10-Gb/s transmission with a spectral efficiency of 0.22 b/s/Hz over transoceanic distances. The Q degradation of the RZ-DPSK after transmission over 9180 km was 3 dB greater than that of RZ-OOK. The experimental results clearly showed the major cause of degradation for DPSK is not cross-phase modulation but self-phase modulation. The calculated nonlinear phase noise, i.e., the Gordon-Mollenauer effect, agreed with the experimental results. A distributed-Raman-amplifier assisted erbium-doped-fiber-amplified transmission line acted well in reducing the nonlinear phase noise.

Planar light source system and light deflecting device therefor

Abstract: A planar light source system having an LED (1) serving as a primary light source of substantially point-shaped light source, a light guide (2) having a light incident face on which light emitted from the LED (1) is incident and a light emission face (4) from which light guided through the light guide (2) is emitted, a light deflecting device (3) for controlling the direction of the emission light from the light guide (2), and a reflection sheet (6). LED (1) is disposed at a corner portion of the light guide (2), and many elongated prisms (5) are arranged substantially arcuately in parallel to each other on the light incident surface (14) of the light deflecting device (3) so as to surround LED (1).

IL-9 Enhances the Growth of Human Mast Cell Progenitors Under Stimulation with Stem Cell Factor

Abstract: We examined the effects of IL-9 on human mast cell development from CD34 + cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood cells in serum-deprived cultures IL-9 apparently enhanced cell production under stimulation with stem cell factor (SCF) from CD34 + CB cells A great majority of the cultured cells grown with SCF + IL-9 became positive for tryptase at 4 wk In methylcellulose cultures of CD34 + CB cells, IL-9 increased both the number and size of mast cell colonies grown with SCF Furthermore, SCF + IL-9 caused an exclusive expansion of mast cell colony-forming cells in a 2-wk liquid culture of CD34 + CB cells, at a level markedly greater than for SCF alone Clonal cell cultures and RT-PCR analysis showed that the targets of SCF + IL-9 were the CD34 + CD38 + CB cells rather than the CD34 + CD38 − CB cells IL-9 neither augmented the SCF-dependent generation of progeny nor supported the survival of 6-wk-cultured mast cells Moreover, there was no difference in the appearance of tryptase + cells and histamine content in the cultured cells between SCF and SCF + IL-9 The addition of IL-9 increased numbers of mast cell colonies grown with SCF from CD34 + peripheral blood cells in children with or without asthma It is of interest that mast cell progenitors of asthmatic patients responded to SCF + IL-9 to a greater extent than those of normal controls Taken together, IL-9 appears to act as a potent enhancer for the SCF-dependent growth of mast cell progenitors in humans, particularly asthmatic patients

Reversible Suppression of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission of Cerebellar Granule Cells In Vivo by Genetically Manipulated Expression of Tetanus Neurotoxin Light Chain

Abstract: We developed a novel technique that allowed reversible suppression of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cerebellar network. We generated two lines of transgenic mice termed Tet and TeNT mice and crossed the two transgenic lines to produce the Tet/TeNT double transgenic mice. In the Tet mice, the tetracycline-controlled reverse activator (rtTA) was expressed selectively in cerebellar granule cells by the promoter function of the GABA(A) receptor alpha6 subunit gene. In the TeNT mice, the fusion gene of tetanus neurotoxin light chain (TeNT) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was designed to be induced by the interaction of doxycycline (DOX)-activated rtTA with the tetracycline-responsive promoter. The Tet/TeNT mice grew normally even after DOX treatment and exhibited a restricted DOX-dependent expression of TeNT in cerebellar granule cells. Along with this expression, TeNT proteolytically cleaved the synaptic vesicle protein VAMP2 (also termed synaptobrevin2) and reduced glutamate release from granule cells. Both cleavage of VAMP2/synaptobrevin2 and reduction of glutamate release were reversed by removal of DOX. Among the four genotypes generated by heterozygous crossing of Tet and TeNT mice, only Tet/TeNT mice showed DOX-dependent reversible motor impairments as analyzed with fixed bar and rota-rod tests. Reversible suppression of glutamatergic neurotransmission thus can be manipulated with spatiotemporal accuracy by DOX treatment and removal. These transgenic mice will serve as an animal model to study the cerebellar function in motor coordination and learning.

Sodium iodoacetate-induced experimental osteoarthritis and associated pain model in rats.

Abstract: Degenerative lesions were induced in the knee joint of Wistar rats by intraarticular injection of chondrocyte metabolism inhibitor mono-iodoacetate (MIA) at doses of 0, 0.3 or 3 mg/joint. Histopathological examination and the measurement of hind paw weight ratio as an index of joint pain by incapacitance tester were performed. Histological findings that are similar to those observed in human osteoarthritis (OA), such as disorganization of chondrocytes, erosion and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and subchondral bone exposure etc., were observed in a MIA-dose-dependent manner. Saflanin-O fast green staining revealed that marked diffuse reduction of proteoglycan in cartilage tissue of rats treated with MIA. The clinical scores of the joint pain were closely correlated to the grade of histological findings. We conclude that the present experimental model in combination with a novel dual channel weight averager would be very useful for the study of human OA, and could be applied for estimation of therapeutic effect of new anti-OA drugs.

Semiconductor memory device

Abstract: A plurality of ONO films (30) are provided in a matrix on a substrate surface (20S). Gate electrodes are provided on each of the ONO films (30). Further provided in the substrate surface (20S) are n-type impurity layers (50) and p-type impurity layers (60). Each of the p-type impurity layers (60) is arranged between the n-type impurity layers (50). In a plan view of the substrate surface (20S), the n-type impurity layers (50) and the p-type impurity layers (60) are arranged to surround the respective ONO films (30) and the gate electrodes.

Network architecture for home energy management system

Abstract: This paper describes a network architecture for home energy management system (HEMS). To realize HEMS, networked appliances with control/monitor capabilities and home network without new wiring are indispensable. However, appliances with no expansive functions and conventional power-line carrier communication deteriorated by its interference have made it difficult to built advanced HEMS. We propose network architecture to solve these problems. The network capability is divided to, minimum interface software embedded in appliance and a separated network adapter. This architecture gives appliances network-ready capabilities without increasing cost. Dispersed-tone power line communication (DTPLC) was also developed for no-new-wire network. DTPLC modem avoids narrow-band power line noise and co-exists with conventional narrow-band power line communication. Network adapter with DTPLC modem was implemented and the network architecture proved effective in the field evaluation of HEMS.

Enhanced expression of Mcm proteins in cancer cells derived from uterine cervix

Abstract: Minichromosome maintenance proteins (Mcm) 2-7 play essential roles in eukaryotic DNA replication. Several reports have indicated the usefulness of Mcm proteins as markers of cancer cells in histopathological diagnosis. However, their mode of expression and pathophysiological significance in cancer cells remain to be clarified. We compared the level of expression of Mcm proteins among human HeLa uterine cervical carcinoma cells, SV40-transformed human fibroblast GM00637 cells and normal human fibroblast WI-38 cells. All the proteins examined were detected in HeLa and GM cells at 6-10 times the level found in WI-38 cells on average. This increase was observed both in total cellular proteins and in the chromatin-bound fraction. Consistently, Mcm2 mRNA was enriched in HeLa cells to approximately four times the level in WI-38 cells, and the synthesis of Mcm4, 6 and 7 proteins was accelerated in HeLa cells. Immunohistochemical studies of surgical materials from human uterine cervix showed that Mcm3 and 4 are ubiquitously expressed in cancer cells. Further, the positive rate and level of Mcm3 and 4 expression appeared to be higher in cancer cells than in normal proliferating cells of the uterine cervix and dysplastic cells, suggesting that they can be useful markers to distinguish these cells.