Abstract: In a two-clock charge pump an improved output stage minimizes the voltage swing at the output node. The output stage has a first and second MOS transistors whose first terminals are connected together to receive the input signal. The second terminal of the first MOS transistor is connected to the gate of the second MOS transistor. The second terminal of the second MOS transistor is connected to the output node. A first and second clock signals are supplied to the gates of the first and second MOS transistors. Diode means in the nature of an MOS transistor having a gate connected to one of its terminals are provided connecting the output node to the gate of the first MOS transistor.

Abstract: This invention provides assays for protein kinase activity using fluorescent proteins engineered to include sequences that can be phosphorylated by protein kinases. The proteins exhibit different fluorescent properties in the non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated states.

Abstract: An efficient method and apparatus for regulating access to information objects stored in a database in which there are a large number of users and access groups. The invention uses a representation of a hierarchical access group structure in terms of intervals over a set of integers and a decomposition scheme that reduces any group structure to ones that have interval representation. This representation allows the problem for checking access rights to be reduced to an interval containment problem. An interval tree, a popular data structure in computational geometry, may be implemented to efficiently execute the access-right checking method.

Abstract: A multi-zone high-density inductively-coupled plasma source includes a first individually controlled RF antenna segment for producing a plasma from a process gas. A second individually controlled coil segment is included in the ICP source for producing a plasma from a process gas. In various embodiments, more than two sets of individually controlled coil segments may be used. In one embodiment, a separate power supply may be used for each coil segment individually. Another aspect of this invention is a hermetically-sealed inductively-coupled plasma source structure and method of fabrication which eliminates the possibility of process contamination, improves the source hardware reliability and functionality, and improves the vacuum integrity and ultimate base pressure of the plasma system.

Abstract: Fluorescent indicators including a binding protein moiety, a donor fluorescent protein moiety, and an acceptor fluorescent protein moiety are described. The binding protein moiety has an analyte-binding region which binds an analyte and causes the indicator to change conformation upon exposure to the analyte. The donor moiety and the acceptor moiety change position relative to each other when the analyte binds to the analyte-binding region. The donor moiety and the acceptor moiety exhibit fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the donor moiety is excited and the distance between the donor moiety and the acceptor moiety is small. The indicators can be used to measure analyte concentrations in samples, such as calcium ion concentrations in cells.

Abstract: A magnetic head is provided that has an extremely small first shield layer and first and second leads of a read head that extend from a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor to first and second pads without any vias therebetween. This is accomplished by patterning the first shield layer into its final shape before the first gap layer and subsequent layers are formed. An alumina mask with a recess at the ABS of the size of the first shield layer is formed followed by forming the first shield layer in the recess. A very thin first gap layer and an optional supplemental first gap layer are then formed, the supplemental first gap layer insulating any potential exposure of the first shield layer at its junction with the alumina layer. After constructing the MR sensor, first and second leads for the MR sensor are constructed from the MR sensor to sites of the first and second pads.

Abstract: A magnetic head is provided which has first and second notches in a first pole piece layer adjacent first and second corners at the base of a gap layer wherein the gap layer does not undercut a base of a second pole tip. Field regions of the first pole piece layer which extend from the first and second notches slope upwardly from the notches for protecting components below the first pole piece layer. In one aspect of the invention a method of defining the gap layer sputter deposition and ion milling steps are employed to form a protective layer on first and second side walls of the second pole tip so that unwanted portions of the gap layer can be removed without undercutting the gap layer below the base of the second pole tip.

Abstract: A nozzle that extends telescopically upward is used to elevate a wafer without contacting the wafer. The nozzle includes a stationary hollow cylinder, closed at its lower end and open at its upper end, within which a spool is disposed to slide vertically. In its lowest position the spool is spaced from the closed bottom of the cylinder, and purified water is supplied under pressure to the space. A passage extends vertically through the spool, and the water is discharged at the upper end of the spool from the passage. As a wafer is lowered toward the upper end of the spool, the wafer partially impedes the discharge, increasing the pressure in the space below the spool. The increased pressure drives the spool and the wafer upward, but the wafer never comes into contact with the wafer because the discharge of water creates a protective cushion between them.

Abstract: A heating system and method used to maintain a fluid flowing through a component (such as a mass flow controller) within approximately a predetermined temperature range. The fluid flows through a cavity in the component. A heater element and a sensor are positioned within the body of the component and the heater element is coupled to a power source. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to a controller. The controller will receive an input indicative of the temperature, determine whether the input falls within a predetermined temperature range, and output a signal to the power source to adjust the power provided to the heater element as necessary in order to maintain the temperature within the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: Nuclear matrix proteins (NMP) which are characterized by a defined expression in tissue are provided. These NMPs are useful markers in diagnosing and monitoring the stage of malignancy of a cell and treating cell proliferative disorders associated with the NMP. Also provided are substantially purified polypeptides and nucleotide sequences encoding the NMPs of the invention.

Abstract: Fluorescent indicators including a binding protein moiety, a donor fluorescent protein moiety, and an acceptor fluorescent protein moiety are described. The binding protein moiety has an analyte-binding region which binds an analyte and causes the indicator to change conformation upon exposure to the analyte. The donor moiety and the acceptor moiety change position relative to each other when the analyte binds to the analyte-binding region. The donor moiety and the acceptor moiety exhibit fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the donor moiety is excited and the distance between the donor moiety and the acceptor moiety is small. The indicators can be used to measure analyte concentrations in samples, such as calcium ion concentrations in cells.