Abstract: Techniques for combining volatile and non-volatile programmable logic into one integrated circuit (IC) are provided. An IC is segregated into two portions. A first block of programmable logic is configured by bits stored in on-chip non-volatile memory. A second block of programmable logic is configured by bits stored in off-chip memory. The function of IO banks on the IC is multiplexed between the two logic blocks of the IC. The programmable logic in the first block can be configured and fully functional in a fraction of the time that the programmable logic in the second block can be configured. The programmable logic in the first block can configure fast enough and have enough independence to assist in the configuration of the second block. The non-volatile memory can also provide security features to a user design, such as encryption.

Abstract: A method for producing protein compositions comprising fibrinogen and fibronectin is disclosed, wherein a fibrinogen and fibronectin-containing starting solution is treated with a precipitating composition which comprises two different components that modify the solubility of fibrinogen and/or fibronectin, so that in a single-step precipitation a precipitate is formed which comprises fibrinogen and fibronectin, and the precipitate formed optionally is further treated by methods known per se.

Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing of mirror structures. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, e.g., silicon wafer. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor substrate and forming an aluminum layer overlying the first dielectric layer, the aluminum layer having an upper surface with a predetermined roughness of greater than 20 Angstroms RMS. The method also includes processing regions overlying the upper surface of the aluminum layer using a touch polishing process to reduce a surface roughness of the upper surface of aluminum layer to less than 5 Angstroms to form a mirror surface on the aluminum layer. Preferably, a protective layer is formed overlying the mirror surface on the aluminum layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques to inspect the track pitch of a magnetic disk. In one embodiment, the track pitch is inspected using the servo information that was written onto the magnetic disk. A PES gain is set to be PG0. A head is moved to a position K near the position where control is to switch between MPES and SPES, and then MPES and SPES are calculated using reproduced burst signals and PG0. The quantity of change in the inspection HSP which is a half-servo pitch of an inspection-related burst pattern, with respect to an ideal half-servo pitch, is detected by calculating PES?, the difference between the MPES and SPES at position K. The track pitch is thus judged whether it is abnormal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer-aided production planning method and system for accurately and quickly drafting a production plan for a given period for a production system employing a production line with a salvage process.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents and compositions for modulating the apoptotic state of a cell. The agents comprise derivatives of antimycins which bind to an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member protein. Further, the agents preferentially induce apoptosis in cells that over-express anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member proteins and typically exhibit reduced binding affinity for cytochrome B. Pharmaceutical uses of the agents and compositions include treating apoptosis-associated disease, such as neoplasia and drug resistance, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A set of integrated management tools for managing network elements and storage elements within a computer system is provided. The set of integrated management tools includes a SNMP manager module, a management map creation module, a storage network topology information creation module, an IP storage configuration module, a FC configuration module, a RAID configuration module, and a HBA configuration module. In one exemplary aspect, these modules are deployed in a distributed manner within a networked system having a number of nodes. Each node includes an IP server farm and a storage sub-system or network, such as, a SAN. Some of the nodes respectively include a local storage management (LSM) server. Some of the modules within the set of integrated management tools reside on the LSM server.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for matching the characteristic impedance of different transmission lines coupled to I/O pins on an integrated circuit. On-chip termination impedance circuitry can generate different termination impedance values for each I/O pin. Each termination impedance value is selected to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission line coupled to a particular I/O pin. The termination impedance can be set in response to the value of an off-chip resistor. Bit shifter circuitry can change the termination impedance provided to individual I/O pins. The bit shifter circuitry can increase or decrease the termination impedance at any of the I/O pins without changing the value of the off-chip resistor.

Abstract: In a storage system having local and remote disk systems, a system is described for selectively controlling the security of data on a volume by volume basis, for transparently exchanging encryption keys between the local and remote disk systems, and for controlling when encryption is used in the storage of data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backup method for a storage control device that instructs a storage device to split a primary volume and a copy volume in the storage device, and to execute a backup operation from the copy volume to a backup volume. The storage device includes the backup volume for the copy volume. The backup method includes: the storage control device allocating a specified number of generations of the backup volume in the storage device for the copy volume; instructing the storage device to split the pair; executing a virus check on the copy volume; copying contents of the copy volume to the backup volume as a most recent generation backup if no virus is detected; updating generations in the backup volume for generations prior to the most recent generation; and instructing the storage device to re-link the split pair.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method for using metal fill geometries to reduce the voltage drop in power meshes. Metal fill geometries are connected to the power mesh using vias or wires at multiple locations. Metal fill geometries are connected to other floating metal fill geometries using vias or wires at multiple locations. The circuit design introduces maximum redundancy between metal fill geometries and power mesh geometries, but partial redundancy between metal fill geometries and metal fill geometries. In particular, the redundancy in connectivity between metal fill geometries and metal fill geometries is kept minimal to reduce the number of geometries introduced. The high redundancy between metal fill geometries and power mesh geometries and the partial redundancy among metal fill geometries result in a smaller IR-drop by reducing the effective resistance on a power mesh.

Abstract: A multipurpose functional unit is configurable to support a number of operations including multiply-add and comparison testing operations, as well as other integer and/or floating-point arithmetic operations, Boolean operations, and format conversion operations.

Abstract: A variety of techniques may be employed, alone or in combination, to enhance contact between a processed substrate and applied megasonic energy. In accordance with one embodiment of the new invention, the vibration plate is brought into intimate contact with one surface of the substrate, while cleaning or processing fluid contacts the other. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a reflecting surface may be provided to cause emanated energy to be reflected back into the near field and make it more uniform. In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention, energy may be transferred across a substrate bounded on both sides by liquid with incidence of megasonic energy that is either normal to the substrate surface or within a critical range of incident angles. In yet another embodiment, generated dilatational waves may be converted to surface waves prior to contacting the substrate.

Abstract: Tissue stabilization and ablation devices and methods provide techniques for stabilizing and ablating body tissues during surgical ablation procedures. In many embodiments, for example, devices may be used in minimally invasive techniques for ablating epicardial tissue adjacent one or more pulmonary veins to treat atrial fibrillation. Tissue stabilization and ablation devices generally include a rigidifying bladder coupled with an ablation member. The devices may additionally include a tissue stabilizing bladder or means within the rigidifying bladder for enhancing tissue stabilization. The rigidifying bladder conforms to a tissue surface and then stiffens to help the device hold its shape and position and to stabilize the tissue. The ablation member is then used to ablate an area of tissue. Such cardiac stabilization and ablation devices and methods may be used to ablate one or more patterns on the epicardial surface of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation and/or other cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.

Abstract: A method for protecting consumer personal data by giving the consumer a choice of privacy preferences linked to their financial payment instruments such as credit cards, checks and the like. The privacy preference data is stored electronically in a database and on the payment instrument.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device has a gate dielectric film formed between a floating gate and a control gate. The gate dielectric film is formed by forming an oxide film and a ZrO2/Al2O3/ZrO2 (ZAZ) film. Accordingly, the reliability of non-volatile memory devices can be improved while securing a high coupling ratio.

Abstract: A nanowire switching device and method. The device has a nanowire structure comprising an elongated member having a cross-sectional area ranging from about 1 nanometers but less than about 500 nanometers, but can also be at other dimensions, which vary or are substantially constant or any combination of these. The device also has a first terminal coupled to a first portion of the nanowire structure; and a second terminal coupled to a second portion of the nanowire structure. The second portion of the nanowire structure is disposed spatially from the first portion of the nanowire structure. An active surface structure is coupled to the nanowire structure. The active surface structure extends from the first portion to the second portion along the elongated member.

Abstract: A new mandarin variety called ‘Tango’ is distinguished by production of fruit that combines mid to late season maturity, moderately large fruit size, very smooth rind texture with a deep orange color, and a rich, sweet flavor. It further distinguishes itself by being very low seeded and easy to peel.