Abstract: A method and apparatus for hard deletion of user data are described. The method may include receiving a request from a user computer system to delete user data. The method may also include determining a unique user identifier associated by a system with a user making the request. The method may also include determining whether a data partition, in which data generated by a job or subsystem of the computer system is stored, is predicted to contain a record having the unique user identifier. Then, the method may include searching, when the data partition is predicted to contain a record having the unique user identifier, data records stored in the data partition for a user data record based on the unique identifier, and performing a hard deletion of the user data record from the partition when found during the searching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hard deletion of user data are described. The method may include receiving a request from a user computer system to delete user data. The method may also include determining a unique user identifier associated by a system with a user making the request. The method may also include determining whether a data partition, in which data generated by a job or subsystem of the computer system is stored, is predicted to contain a record having the unique user identifier. Then, the method may include searching, when the data partition is predicted to contain a record having the unique user identifier, data records stored in the data partition for a user data record based on the unique identifier, and performing a hard deletion of the user data record from the partition when found during the searching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hard deletion of user data are described. The method may include receiving a request from a user computer system to delete user data. The method may also include determining a unique user identifier associated by a system with a user making the request. The method may also include determining whether a data partition, in which data generated by a job or subsystem of the computer system is stored, is predicted to contain a record having the unique user identifier. Then, the method may include searching, when the data partition is predicted to contain a record having the unique user identifier, data records stored in the data partition for a user data record based on the unique identifier, and performing a hard deletion of the user data record from the partition when found during the searching.

Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively actuating a cantilevered probe for applying a compound to a substrate in nanolithography. A probe having a probe electrode and a substrate having a counter electrode are provided. Voltage applied to the probe electrode and/or counter electrode provides electrostatic attraction between them, moving a probe tip into sufficient proximity to the substrate to apply the patterning compound. Alternatively, a flexible cantilevered probe anchored to a holder includes a layer of conductive material forming a probe electrode. A counter electrode on the holder faces the probe electrode. The holder and probe are positioned so that a probe tip applies the compound to the substrate. The probe is disposed between the substrate and the counter electrode. An electrostatic attractive force generated between the probe electrode and the counter electrode flexes the probe and lifts the tip away from the substrate to suspend writing.

Abstract: A method of automatically conducting patch clamp testing is provided wherein a liquid interface is utilized. The liquid interface is defined in a liquid suspension between layers of distinct densities such that cells introduced into the liquid suspension float towards the interface. Thus, the cells are locatable relative to the interface.

Abstract: The present application is directed to pipette configurations, arrays of the same and methods for using such pipettes and arrays to accomplish electrical measurements, including whole cell and on cell measurements. In one aspect of the present invention, a pipette includes a hollow tubular section having a distal portion and a tip portion. A bubble is formed at the tip and includes an interior chamber in communication with the hollow tubular section at an end adjacent to the bubble portion. The bubble may have a diameter greater than the diameter of an adjacent portion of the hollow tubular section. An aperture is formed between the internal chamber and an exterior surface of the bubble to accommodate seal formation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rapid, quantitative screening procedure of ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated halide transport in cells with the use of a conventional 384-well fluorescence plate reader (FLIPR). The halide sensor is a novel yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) with mutations at positions 46/148/152 that exhibits bright fluorescence at 37° C.

Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.

Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.

Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.

Abstract: A method of automatically conducting patch clamp testing is provided wherein a liquid interface is utilized. The liquid interface is defined in a liquid suspension between layers of distinct densities such that cells introduced into the liquid suspension float towards the interface. Thus, the cells are locatable relative to the interface.

Abstract: The present application is directed to pipette configurations, arrays of the same and methods for using such pipettes and arrays to accomplish electrical measurements, including whole cell and on cell measurements. In one aspect of the present invention, a pipette includes a hollow tubular section having a distal portion and a tip portion. A bubble is formed at the tip and includes an interior chamber in communication with the hollow tubular section at an end adjacent to the bubble portion. The bubble may have a diameter greater than the diameter of an adjacent portion of the hollow tubular section. An aperture is formed between the internal chamber and an exterior surface of the bubble to accommodate seal formation.

Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.