Abstract: A disk drive is described with a single servo master timer that is used to control timing critical signals such as servo gate, SAM windows, channel power save, PREAMP power save and so on. The master timer is adjusted to compensate for SAM detection errors (early, late or missed) and provides improved servo timing quality. In an embodiment the adjustable master timer can be selectably clocked by either the DLC/DSW clock or the system clock.

Abstract: A smart poster system is provided, which includes a smart poster comprising an NFC device, a mobile device for communicating with the NFC device, and a server unit for providing content to the mobile device, wherein the NFC device is arranged to provide the mobile device with an address of the server unit, the address comprising a counter value, which counter value represents the number of executed read accesses to the NFC device. Also, a method for providing a secure communication channel between a mobile device and a server unit in a smart poster system is conceived, wherein the smart poster system comprises an NFC device for providing the mobile device with an address of the server unit, and wherein the NFC device, upon generating the address, incorporates a counter value into the address, the counter value representing the number of executed read accesses to the NFC device. Thereby, the authenticity of both the NFC device and the server unit is ensured.

Abstract: Read elements and associated methods of fabrication are disclosed. During fabrication of the read element, and more particularly, the fabrication of the hard bias magnets, a non-magnetic sacrificial layer is deposited on top of the hard bias material. When a CMP process is subsequently performed, the sacrificial layer is polished instead of the hard bias material. The thicknesses of the hard bias magnets are not affected by the CMP process, but are rather defined by the deposition process of the hard bias material. As a result, the variations in the CMP process will not negatively affect the magnetic properties of the hard bias magnets so that they are able to provide substantially uniform effective magnetic fields to bias the free layer of the magnetoresistance (MR) sensor of the read element.

Abstract: An electrowetting display panel includes an array substrate, a cover substrate, an electrowetting layer, and a hydrophobic pattern. The array substrate includes a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area and the cover substrate faces the array substrate. The electrowetting layer is disposed between the array substrate and the cover substrate and includes a polar fluid as a first fluid and a non-polar fluid as a second fluid. The hydrophobic pattern is disposed in the peripheral area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used for inspection of devices to detect processing faults on semiconductor wafers. The method includes illuminating a strip of a die along a scan path with a moving measurement spot. The method further includes detecting scattered radiation to obtain an angle-resolved spectrum, and comparing the scattering data with a library of reference spectra. Based on the comparison, the method includes determining the presence of a fault of the die at the strip. The illumination and detection are performed along the scan path across a region, such that the scattering data is spatially integrated over the region.

Abstract: The Hessian (second derivative) of the image log slope (ILS) can be quickly and accurately calculated without the need to use approximate methods from the gradient of the ILS with respect to mask transmission and source intensity. The Hessian has been traditionally calculated using a finite-difference approach. Calculating the Hessian through a finite-difference approach is slow and is an approximate method. The gradient of the ILS improves the speed of calculation of the Hessian, and thus accelerated SMO operation is realized. The results of ILS evaluation can be used in design for manufacturing (DFM) to suggest changes in the design rules to improve imaging. For a fixed illumination, this information can help remove forbidden pitches and help select design rules for 1-D and 2-D patterns on a mask design layout.

Abstract: The invention provides a secure and efficient resource management system and a corresponding method for managing resources of a product that is put on the market by a licensor via a distribution chain. In particular, the number of keys needed for managing said resources can be reduced. At the time that the product is released to the market the exact licensing conditions of the product need not be known yet. The licensing conditions and the associated configuration of resources of the product are managed via a second key which is provided to a licensee. The licensee, however, has no knowledge of the first key and the derivation function which generates said second key based on the first key. Therefore, it is ensured that the licensee cannot claim more resources of the product than the licensor allows.

Abstract: System for conducting remote biometric operations that includes a biometric data reading device connected to a personal computer and configured to send said encrypted data to a remote data authentication center for establishing a secure communications channel once the user identity has been verified by means of said biometric data. This invention refers to a remote biometric operations system that can be connected to a computer to carry out electronic banking and other similar operations with a certain degree of safety.

Abstract: Consistent with example embodiments disclosed, there are switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) in which a signaling capacitor transmits information across a transformer of the power supply. Such embodiments can avoid drawing power from the output capacitor in order to provide communication signals and so do not cause a drop in the output voltage when signaling to the primary side. Further, the switched mode power supply can send signals from the secondary side of the transformer to the primary side via the transformer itself and so may not require the incorporation of an opto-coupler. Such embodiments may reduce production costs, the printed circuit board (PCB) footprint and reduce the no-load power consumption of the SMPS.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for determining procalcitonin levels in plasma and urine as a diagnostic marker to identify patients with urinary tract infections, in vitro methods to perform said determination, a kit for the diagnosis of patients with urinary tract infections, and the usefulness of procalcitonin in the diagnosis urinary tract infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of candidate drug testing and drug development. A method is provided for providing a compound composed of at least one molecule attached via at least two linkages to a molecular scaffold, the method comprising providing a scaffold comprising at least a first and a second reactive group; providing at least one molecule capable of reacting with the at least first and second reactive group; contacting the scaffold with at least one molecule to form at least two linkages between the scaffold and the at least one molecule in a coupling reaction, wherein the formation of a linkage accelerates the formation of a consecutive linkage, preferably wherein the coupling reaction is performed in solution, more preferably in an aqueous solution. Furthermore, a method is provided for selecting a candidate drug compound comprising providing a library of compounds according to the invention and determining the binding of a target molecule to the compounds.

Abstract: A process for the rectification of mixtures of high-boiling air- and/or temperature-sensitive substances which require a high separation efficiency is proposed, in particular a process for the working-up of a VE- or VEA-containing product stream. The process includes a first purification stage to separate low-boiling products and unspecified isomers of the useful product from the product stream virtually without loss of useful product and a second purification stage for removing the useful product in a stream having a purity of >97% by weight and a further stream having a purity of >92% by weight.

Abstract: A transceiver includes a transmit pin configured to receive a signal from a microcontroller, a receive pin configured to transmit a signal to the microcontroller, at least one bus pin configured to transmit and receive signalling to or from the network, a wake-up detector, an acknowledge and/or wake-up generator, and at least one switch is operable to put the transceiver in a first mode of operation. In the first mode of operation the transmit pin is connected to the wake-up detector, and the wake-up detector is configured to activate a wake-up code in accordance with configuration information received at the transmit pin, and the receive pin is connected to an acknowledge and/or wake-up generator, which is configured to provide an acknowledge and/or wake-up signal to the receive pin based on a comparison of actual configuration information stored in the transceiver with the received configuration information from the transmit pin.

Abstract: A riser clamp (1) has two opposed clamp halves (2, 3), each of said clamp halves (2, 3) having a semicircular section (21,31) opposing the semicircular section of the other clamp half for surrounding a riser pipe. Each of said clamp halves has at the ends of its semicircular section radially extending clamp flanges (22, 32) to be clamped against the corresponding opposing clamp flanges of the other clamp half. The riser clamp (1) is in use supported from beneath by a support surface. At least one of two opposing clamp flanges is provided with an isolation member (4) comprising a resilient support strip (41), which support strip (41) is located below the corresponding clamp flange for resiliency supporting it. The isolation member (4) further comprises at least one web (42) extending upwardly from the support strip (41) along the corresponding clamp flange, wherein said web (42) is attached to the corresponding clamp flange.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes forming a high Ku first oxide magnetic layer above a substrate by sputtering; forming a low Ku second oxide magnetic layer above the first oxide magnetic layer by sputtering; forming an exchange coupling layer of CoCrPt-oxide above the second oxide magnetic layer; and forming a magnetic cap layer above the exchange coupling layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus includes a liquid supply system member configured to contain a liquid in a space between a projection system of the lithographic apparatus and the substrate and a liquid supply system member compensator arranged to compensate an interaction between the liquid supply system member and substrate table.

Abstract: A lighting system for exterior lights of an automobile comprises a first lighting unit (10,12,14,16) primarily for outputting a first automotive light signal and a failure detection system (26) for detecting a failure of the first lighting unit (10,12,14,16). A second lighting unit is primarily for outputting a second automotive light signal. The second lighting unit comprises an LED light unit. A controller (30) is adapted to determine if there is failure of the first lighting unit, and if there is failure of the first lighting unit, to use the second lighting unit to generate the first automotive light signal. This is in response to an output request from the first lighting unit (10,12,14,16).

Abstract: A method for coded data transmission between a base station (10) and at least one transponder (20) within a wireless data transmission system (1), the method comprising the steps of: —providing a set of symbols (S1 . . . S2n) for encoding data (DD), wherein the set of symbols (S1 . . . S2n) is divided into at least two sub-sets (SS1, SS2), and wherein each symbol (S1 . . . S2n) of the complete set is assigned to one of said at least two sub-sets (SS1, SS2); —encoding said data (DD) using symbols (S1 . . . S2n) of said at least two sub-sets (SS1, SS2), wherein at least one encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) comprises several bits; —transmitting each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) within a symbol duration (SD) of an encoded data signal (DS) between said base station (10) and at least one transponder (20), wherein the sub-set (SS1, SS2) assigned to each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) is indicated by a value of at least one bit (LB) of each encoded symbol (S1 . . .

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxytocin receptor agonist compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, use of such compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of inter alia, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autism, erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, labor induction and maintenance, lactation induction and maintenance, postpartum hemorrhage, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), pain, anxiety and other conditions, as well as to methods for the treatment of such conditions, wherein such compounds are administered.

Abstract: Presented is an interface circuit for connecting a RF antenna to a RF device. The interface circuit comprises: a first terminal adapted to connect to the RF antenna; a second terminal adapted to connect to the RF device; an inductive load connected to the second terminal; a first switch adapted to connect the inductive load to the first terminal; and a resistive load connected to the second terminal via a second switch.