Abstract: A method for communicating node liveness in a multinode data processing system employs an operating system function that provides a degree of self-awareness in “sensing” an imminent but still pending failure as the basis for providing special flag signals over a channel which employs nonvolatile storage in a heartbeat signaling path.

Abstract: Nitrogen heterocycle biaryls having a carboxylate terminus are useful for treating endometriosis, osteoporosis, restenosis following angioplasty, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, macular degeneration and obesity. Compounds of formula: are disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit design technique is provided for automatically estimating lengths of interconnect segments to be employed in interconnecting at least some circuit components of a plurality of placed circuit components of a circuit layout. The automatically estimating includes automatically generating pin locations for a plurality of pins in at least one level of the hierarchy to be employed with the at least some circuit components of the circuit layout, wherein the interconnect segments interconnect the plurality of pins. A route estimator is employed to estimate lengths of the interconnect segments based on the pin locations of the plurality of pins. The estimated interconnect segment lengths are then employed in automatically estimating resistance capacitance interconnect parasitics for the interconnect segments to be employed in the circuit layout.

Abstract: In an environment employing a fabric, such as a cascading switch network, a predictable input/output (I/O) configuration is provided. The I/O configuration explicitly specifies the one or more peripheral units accessible by a program, such as an operating system. Other peripheral units not specified in the I/O configuration are not accessible, thus, providing a secure environment.

Abstract: A process for producing microtubes from nanoparticles includes forming a dispersion of the nanoparticles in a liquid phase and freeze-drying the dispersion to produce microtubes. The nanoparticles have surface functionality capable of self-bonding and bonding with the liquid phase during freeze-drying, particularly surface hydroxy functionality.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a support, a plurality of objects such as crystal ornaments, and a plurality of quick-disconnect connectors connected to the support for hanging the plurality of objects from the support. The plurality of quick-disconnect connectors include a first self-locking position for connecting the plurality of objects to the support and a second releasable position for disconnecting the plurality of objects from the support. The plurality of quick-disconnect connectors may include a plurality of cable grips for suspending the plurality of objects. A method for trimming lighting fixture with objects such as ornaments, and a method for forming a lighting fixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for winding, at high speed, a yarn onto a rotating support comprises a yarn delivery system, displaced so as to undergo a to-and-fro movement parallel to the surface of said support with rapid deceleration and acceleration at the point of reversal of the to-and-fro movement. A depositing yarn guide of the delivery system is displaced by means of a moving element or cursor associated with a magnetized plate of a linear motor, supplied with two-phase or three-phase current. The stator is formed by at least one assembly of elementary modules placed either face to face or placed so that each lies in the extension of another, each having a plurality of C-shaped magnetic circuits that define, between the ends of their separated legs, an airgap inside which the magnetized plate is positioned, comprising an alternation of North and South poles (N and S), which constitutes the moving element that displaces the cursor carrying the yarn guide.

Abstract: Accelerated degradation of mulching paper, formed from cellulose fibers impregnated with a hydrophobic resin to provide weather resistance, comprises spraying the paper with an enzyme solution which degrades both the resin and the cellulose.

Abstract: An animal trap for capturing small animals, such as rodents, and birds and a method for using the trap. The trap includes a chamber having side walls, an entrance, and a perforated end wall opposite the entrance; a first platform adjacent the entrance pivotally mounted to the side walls, the first platform providing a path from the entrance; a second platform located away from the entrance pivotally mounted to the side walls and having a first end extending beneath the first platform; and means for holding the first and second platforms in an essentially horizontal position; wherein when an animal passes through the entrance and contacts the second platform, the second platform pivotally deflects and pivotally deflects the second platform wherein the first platform obstructs the entrance and the animal is captured. The means for holding the two platforms in an essentially horizontal position may be a rod or bar which engages part of the trap housing.

Abstract: To provide a docking station for a portable computer, which increases its heat radiation when the docking station is docked with the portable computer. A docking station is equipped with a fan unit at a back portion of a power supply unit within a station body, and a front surface of a connection portion with which a notebook PC is docked is provided with an air suction opening. Thereby, once the fan unit is driven, high temperature air is exhausted from a station body and the connection portion, then outside air is introduced from the suction opening to stimulate the cooling of the connection portion, and the heat which is transferred from a back side portion of the notebook PC to the connection portion is also dissipated there to stimulate the cooling of the notebook PC side.

Abstract: A thrust bearing tilting pad has face with a border region including an engagement surface and defining a pocket with generally longitudinal sidebars and a bottom. The pad has leading and trailing portions, with the face extending generally longitudinally therebetween. The leading and trailing portions can be positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, relative to a direction of movement of a runner. The pad is pivotally supported by (e.g., mechanical and/or hydrostatic) pivot and can cooperate with one or more other pads and fluid within a housing to hydrodynamically and mechanically support the runner in an axial position. In another embodiment, the pad tilts free of mechanical engagement with other pads. The leading portion can define an entrance to the pocket and the sidebars can converge along the direction of motion of the runner.