Abstract: A method of determining buffer insertion locations in an integrated circuit design establishes candidate locations for inserting buffers into a net, and selects buffer insertion locations from among the candidates based on slew constraints. The selection of buffer insertion locations preferably optimizes slack and buffer cost while keeping slew from any buffered node to any sink less than a required slew rate. The slew analysis computes an output slew SL(v) of a given buffer b inserted at a node v as SL(v)=RS(b)·C(v)+KS(b), where C(v) is the downstream capacitance at v, RS(b) is the slew resistance of buffer b, and KS(b) is the intrinsic slew of buffer b. The delay through a given buffer may also be computed based on signal polarity. However, the invention still preferably uses worst-case slew resistance and intrinsic slew in considering the slew constraints.

Abstract: A fuse structure and method of forming the same is described, wherein the body of the fuse is formed from a crystalline semiconductor body on an insulator, preferably of a silicon-on-insulator wafer, surrounded by a fill-in dielectric. The fill-in dielectric is preferably a material that minimizes stresses on the crystalline body, such as an oxide. The body may be doped, and may also include a silicide layer on the upper surface. This fuse structure may be successfully programmed over a wide range of programming voltages and time.

Abstract: A method and system for transcribing speech on demand using a transcription portlet. The method can include the step of providing a transcription portlet including user data having personalized speech profiles for individual users. The transcription portlet can receive audio data. A user associated with the audio data can be identified. A personalized speech profile corresponding to the identified user can be determined. The audio data can be transcribed using the determined personalized speech profile to generate transcribed text. The transcription portlet can present the transcribed text.

Abstract: A hardware device for processing the tasks of an algorithm of the type having a number of processes the execution of some of which depend on binary decisions has a plurality of task units (10, 12, 14), each of which are associated with a task defined as being either one process or one decision or one process together with a following decision. A task interconnection logic block (16) is connected to each task unit for communicating actions from a source task unit to a destination task unit. Each task unit includes a processor (18) for processing the steps of the associated task when a received action requests such a processing.

Abstract: A method for providing adaptive, selectable print options. The method includes parsing a document into logical sections, each of the logical sections identified by a reference. The method also includes creating a print map of references identified as a result of the parsing, displaying the print map along with selectable print options, and executing a print operation in response to a selected print option. The selected print option specifies a reference from the print map. A logical section associated with the reference is transmitted to a printer for printing.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermally stable ultralow dielectric constant film comprising Si, C, O and H atoms in a parallel plate chemical vapor deposition process utilizing a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (“PECVD”) process is disclosed. Electronic devices containing insulating layers of thermally stable ultralow dielectric constant materials that are prepared by the method are further disclosed. To enable the fabrication of a thermally stable ultralow dielectric constant film, specific precursor materials are used, such as, silane derivatives, for instance, diethoxymethylsilane (DEMS) and organic molecules, for instance, bicycloheptadiene and cyclopentene oxide.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program for estimating risk of a future disaster of an infrastructure. Times of previous, respective disasters of the infrastructure are identified. Respective severities of the previous disasters are determined. Risk of a future disaster of the infrastructure is estimated by determining a relationship between the previous disasters, their respective severities and their respective times of occurrence. The risk can be estimated by generating a polynomial linking severity and time of occurrence of each of the previous disasters. The polynomial can be generated by approximating a Tchebychev polynomial.

Abstract: A deactivation management unit for facilitating an intelligent multistage system deactivation process where the deactivation management unit is flexible, facilitates recovery, and renders reverse engineering nearly impossible after the system has been permanently deactivated.

Abstract: A framework is provided to offer composite voice applications and services. A composite application and service begins from the user dialing in via phone and ends by the user hanging up the phone. The composite interactive voice services architecture includes a session initiation protocol session service unit is in the loop of session signaling all the time starting from the time the user first dials in, during the user roaming across various voice servers, and until the end of the composite service when user hangs up the phone. This unit accepts a command and login instruction of the next interactive voice service from the previous interactive voice service. The unit has knowledge of DTMF sequences required for the user to login to next interactive voice service. The session service unit automatically accomplishes a roaming process such that composite applications and services can be achieved across various voice servers.

Abstract: Performance prediction techniques are provided that utilize business-process information such as transaction history and log information. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a computer-based technique for providing a performance prediction service comprises the following steps/operations. First, business-process information associated with a business is obtained. Then, a performance estimation function is generated based at least in part on the business-process information, the performance estimation function being usable in responding to a query obtained from a potential customer of the business.

Abstract: A differential compression method and computer program product combines hash value techniques and suffix array techniques. The invention finds the best matches for every offset of the version file, with respect to a certain granularity and above a certain length threshold. The invention has two variations depending on block size choice. If the block size is kept fixed, the compression performance of the invention is similar to that of the greedy algorithm, without the expensive space and time requirements. If the block size is varied linearly with the reference file size, the invention can run in linear-time and constant-space. It has been shown empirically that the invention performs better than certain known differential compression algorithms in terms of compression and speed.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for providing web information processing services. The method includes scanning at least one data feed for content relevant to a first subject category and associating relevant content found as a result of the scanning with the first subject category. The first subject category is selected by a first web user. The method also includes creating a first domain including results of the associating, and associating the first domain with the first web user. The method further includes publishing the first domain as a syndicatable data feed over a network.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for broadcast encryption key management. The invention eliminates the need for pre-specification of a maximum number of keys that can be employed in a given broadcast encryption system by enabling an initial key to be extended by a link key. New receiver devices are modified to validate the extended keys, while older devices ignore them and process initial keys as usual. Compromised link keys can be revoked, though revocation preferably uses a unique.

Abstract: The state of data of a communications environment is automatically managed. The automatic management is provided via a facility that automatically obtains the current state of the data and uses that information to place the data in an appropriate state for a selected event to be processed. The data is, for instance, maintained on replicated storage media.

Abstract: A learning solution context is specified in terms of formal and informal learning within zones of interaction. Solution components of purpose/outcome, measurement, technology/infrastructure, resources, and process are specified and selected to align each to the solution context providing an optimal learning solution for a particular client.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for normalizing, sanitizing and disambiguating structured data. Structured data includes data stored in a database management system (DBMA), as well labeled files (e.g., XML data). An automated data enhancement processing system is provided, comprising: a system for ingesting data structured in at least one predefined database format; and a set of text analytics processes that treat the ingested data as unstructured, and generate normalized data represented and indexed by consistent, structured metadata.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dynamically determining a primary adapter in a heterogeneous N-way adapter configuration. Each of the adapters generates information about itself and exchanges the information with all other adapters. First a decision-making adapter is identified. Then the decision-making adapter compares the adapter-generated information of all the adapters and makes a decision determining the primary adapter. The decision-making adapter communicates the decision to all other adapters. The determined primary adapter assumes a role as the primary adapter and the other adapters assume a role as a secondary adapter.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions displaying search results. A query is received in a first language. A snippet in the document containing the word is selected in response to identifying a document in a second language in which the document contains a word matching a query word in the query. This snippet is translated into the first language.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are disclosed for secure single sign on to an operating system using only a power-on password. In many embodiments modified BIOS code prompts for, receives and verifies the power-on password. The power-on password is hashed and stored in a Platform Configuration Register of the Trusted Platform Module. In a setup mode, the trusted platform module encrypts the operating system password using the hashed power-on password. In a logon mode, the trusted platform module decrypts the operating system password using the hashed power-on password.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for transmitting at least one signal through an element of a classification system. One or more input signals are received at the element. One or more functional components are extracted from the one or more input signals, and one or more membership components are extracted from the one or more input signals. An output signal is generated from the element comprising a functional component and a membership component that correspond to one or more functional components and membership components from one or more input signals.

Abstract: A computer system having at least one CPU has as its only interface with the Internet and other external sources a virtual machine that contains a browser and/or other communications programs, so that e-mail and other external communications are opened within the virtual machine and stored within a virtual storage. The virtual machine is erased at frequent intervals, taking with it any changes made by virus or other hostile programs.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a method for implementing business process modules for performing business process modeling. The method includes identifying tasks required in order to achieve a capability and designing a process module for enabling the capability. The designing includes interconnecting logic flow among the tasks resulting in an optimized, repeatable pattern of logically transformed inputs to outputs required for achieving the capability. The method also includes selecting and associating attributes to the tasks. The attributes are selected from categories including: information technology component services, data, operational business rules, roles, and measurements. The method further includes defining and associating metadata with the process module. The metadata describes functional capabilities provided by the process module and business and technical contexts into which the process module is used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconducting device including a gate dielectric atop a semiconducting substrate, the semiconducting substrate containing source and drain regions adjacent the gate dielectric; a gate conductor atop the gate dielectric; a conformal dielectric passivation stack positioned on at least the gate conductor sidewalls, the conformal dielectric passivation stack comprising a plurality of conformal dielectric layers, wherein no electrical path extends entirely through the stack; and a contact to the source and drain regions, wherein the discontinuous seam through the conformal dielectric passivation stack substantially eliminates shorting between the contact and the gate conductor. The present invention also provides a method for forming the above-described semiconducting device.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring video quality of a video image, wherein the system comprises a source device comprising an original video image; a receiver comprising a received video image; a storage device adapted to store video images from the source device and the receiver; a decoder connected to the receiver, wherein the decoder is adapted to compare display attributes of the received video image with creation attributes of the original video image; and a processor adapted to attribute an objective standard to the received video image based on the comparison between the display attributes and the creation attributes, wherein the objective standard comprises a video pixel size component, a video motion rating component, a video clarity rating component, and a pixel color rating component.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use in accordance with relates to computing utilities. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a method for use in a computing utility, wherein the computing utility comprises a plurality of application service provider systems and a utility controller, and each application service provider system comprising an application controller, comprises the following steps. An application request to one of the plurality of application service provider systems is obtained. Then, in response to the application request, at least one of: (i) the application controller of the application service provider system to which the application request is directed computes a value of a business metric associated with a resource action; and (ii) the utility controller computes a value of a business metric associated with a resource action.

Abstract: A technique for updating elements in a data storage facility, including a single server or a multi-server system, such as by providing updated internal code packages to the elements. The update is performed using a fixed state machine, where the elements are updated in a coordinated manner within the constraints of the state machine. In a multi-server device, the code packages are distributed to elements associated with the different servers in one traversal of the state machine, during distribute states of the state machine. The distributed code packages are activated in activate states of the state machine in one traversal of the state machine, so there is parallel activation. The code packages can be grouped in a flexible way by configuring an external update bundle used by the state machine. The distributing of the code is based on the grouping.

Abstract: A system for animating the visualization of exceptions thrown by an application includes an application server; an application program; an in-memory exception table; an exception log file; an analysis database; and a user interface. The application server is operable for executing the application program during a server session including a plurality of analysis windows; responsive to exceptions thrown by the application program during execution for logging exception data to the in-memory exception table; responsive to completing an analysis window, logging the exception table to the exception log file; responsive to completing the server session, for building an analysis database from the exception log file; and generating from the exception log file an exception visualization animation including a sequential plurality of exception table renditions to the user interface.

Abstract: A circuit is provided which prevents dendrite formation on interconnects during semiconductor device processing due to a dendrite-forming current. The circuit includes a switch located in at least one of the dendrite-forming current paths. The switch is configured to be open or in the “off” state during processing, and is configured to be closed or in the “on” state after processing to allow proper functioning of the semiconductor device. The switch may include an nFET or pFET, depending on the environment in which it is used to control or prevent dendrite formation. The switch may be configured to change to the “closed” state when an input signal is provided during operation of the fabricated semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for processing interrupts in a multi-processor system is provided. The method, system and computer program product process interrupts utilizing an unequal scheduling policy in order to achieve SLA target goals for interrupt processing. In a method of the present invention an interrupt is received. A determination is made as to whether the interrupt is assigned to a specific processor. If the interrupt is not assigned to a specific processor then a processor is selected from the group of processors based on their respective interrupt priority levels. Specifically, one processor is selected from all the processors that have the highest interrupt priority level. After the interrupt has been processed by the selected processor, a determination is made as to whether the selected processor has exceeded its threshold processing level. If threshold processing level has been exceeded, the selected processor's interrupt priority level is lowered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed controlling access to data or documents in a distributed database where each set of data is associated with a set of permissions which determine the distribution and/or access for the data.

Abstract: An adapter card employs a multi-formatting execution unit, one or more descriptor queues and one or more communication channels. The multi-formatting execution unit formats each data transfer between two or more network devices based on one of a plurality of data formatting schemes with each data formatting scheme being at least partially dissimilar from the other data formatting schemes. The descriptor queue(s) store one or more job descriptors with each job descriptor being indicative of a selection of one of the data formatting schemes for formatting a corresponding data transfer between the network devices. The communication channels operable to selectively connect the descriptor queue(s) to the multi-formatting execution unit to facilitate an electrical communication of each one job descriptor from the descriptor queue(s) to the multi-formatting execution unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collecting statistics automatically for data in a database. There is provided a method for automated statistics collection comprising determining a likelihood that statistics for data have changed; and collecting statistics for data in response to the likelihood. Indicators of the likelihood that statistics have changed may be useful to trigger automated statistics collection. Tables having statistics that change significantly may be collected more often than statistics of tables that are stable. A preferred model is provided to facilitate the collection of statistics that are more relevant: a table is scheduled for collection in accordance with observed patterns of table activity; a table is considered for collection if it meets a threshold level of activity; and a table is sampled to predict whether the statistics to be collected have changed. When collecting statistics, throttling and lock contention can minimize impact on a database user's response experience.

Abstract: Several latch circuits including a NAND gate stage and combinations of clocked inverter stages and inverter stages are described. A programmable frequency divider including homologue frequency divider circuits using the latch circuits is also described. Also described is a circuit included in the homologue frequency divides and a method for correcting the duty cycle of clock signals generated by the homologue frequency dividers to 50%.

Abstract: A system (and method, and method for deploying computing infrastructure) for identifying the impact of a business action on a financial performance of a company, including performing a retrospective analysis of a plurality of example companies taking a business action, wherein the retrospective analysis is based on features of the plurality of companies in a predetermined pre-action time period and a predetermined post-action time period in the absence of definitive knowledge concerning when the impact will occur within the post-action time frame, and, moreover, predicting the impact of the business action on a new company.

Abstract: An organic field-effect transistor and a method of making the same include a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of bifunctional molecules disposed between a pair of electrodes as a channel material. The pair of electrodes and the SAM of bifunctional molecules are formed above an insulating layer, in which each of the bifunctional molecules comprises a functionality at a first end that covalently bonds to the insulating layer, and an end-cap functionality at a second end that includes a conjugated bond. The SAM of bifunctional molecules may be polymerized SAM to form a conjugated polymer strand extending between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A method in which semiconductor-to-semiconductor direct wafer bonding is employed to provide a hybrid substrate having semiconductor layers of different crystallographic orientations that are separated by a conductive interface is provided. Also provided are the hybrid substrate produced by the method as well as using the direct bonding method to provide an integrated semiconductor structure in which various CMOS devices are built upon a surface orientation that enhances device performance.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for implementing an enhanced DRAM interface checking. An interface check mode enables interface checking using a refresh command for a DRAM. A predefined address pattern is provided for the interface address inputs during a refresh command cycle. Interface address inputs are checked for a proper value being applied and an error is signaled for unexpected results. An extended test mode includes further testing during a cycle after the refresh command cycle. Then command inputs also are checked for a proper value being applied and an error is signaled for unexpected results.

Abstract: A novel transistor structure and method for fabrication the same. The novel transistor structure comprises first and second source/drain (S/D) regions whose top surfaces are lower than a top surface of the channel region of the transistor structure. The method for fabricating the transistor structure starts out with a planar semiconductor layer and a gate stack on top of the semiconductor layer. Then, top regions of the semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the gate stack are removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and program product for implementing a JSP container as a JSF component. Specifically, under the present invention, a bridging JSP is introduced between a JSP container and a JSF runtime. The JSF runtime “renderer” will pass parameters needed for implementing/rendering the JSP container as a JSF component to the bridging JSP. Upon receipt, the JSP bridging will implement/render the JSP container as a JSF component using the parameters.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for spell checking URLs in a resource. Embodiments include identifying within a resource a URL, determining whether the URL is valid, and marking the URL as misspelled if the URL is invalid. In typical embodiments, determining whether the URL is valid is carried out by resolving a domain name contained in the URL. Typical embodiments also include suggesting an alternative spelling for the URL. In some embodiments, suggesting an alternative spelling for the URL is carried out by identifying a keyword in the resource, querying a search engine with the identified keyword, and selecting a URL in dependence upon search results returned by the search engine.

Abstract: A communication system for multiple users whereby an automatic indication of away status is prompted immediately upon a user's departure from the vicinity of a computer or other medium. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished, in an instant messaging environment, via a video camera arrangement whereby, upon there being a detection of a user's absence from the immediate vicinity, an automatic prompt is made to indicate away status for the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for the encryption of a credential store by using a lockbox mechanism. In a credential store encryption method, a lockbox for a credential store can be retrieved and an encryption key can be selected from among a list of encryption keys in the lockbox. The lockbox can be a local lockbox and the local lockbox can be retrieved from an unencrypted region of the credential store. In any case, subsequent to the retrieval of the lockbox, the credential store can be decrypted with the selected encryption key.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for just-in-time instrumentation that uses bytecode insertion to modify a class definition to store a reference to the static class information to be used by probes. A hook is inserted to provide a callback to one or more probes. When the bytecode inserted hook is executed, the static class information is used to locate and execute the application probes.

Abstract: A high temperature (on the order of about 90° C. or above) non-aqueous synthetic procedure for the preparation of substantially monodisperse IV-VI semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) is provided. The procedure includes first introducing a first precursor selected from the group consisting of a molecular precursor of a Group IV element and a molecular precursor of a Group VI element into a reaction vessel that comprises at least an organic solvent to form a mixture. Next, the mixture is heated to a temperature of about 90° C. or above and thereafter a second precursor which is different from the first precursor and is selected from the group consisting of a molecular precursor of a Group IV element and a molecular precursor of a Group VI element is added into the heated mixture.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for creating alternate-mode interactive applications is provided. A system for creating an alternate-mode interactive application includes a selection module for selecting a voice-mode element from a set of voice-mode elements defining a voice-mode interactive application for accomplishing a predetermined user-directed task The system also includes a generation module for generating an alternate-mode element corresponding to the selected voice-mode element, the alternate-mode element having a modality different than the voice-mode element. The system further includes a construction module for constructing an alternate-mode interactive application based upon the generated alternate-mode element.

Abstract: An improved data recovery circuit based on an oversampling technique to select the best data sample to be kept as the data to recover that is only based on accumulating the data edges (or transitions). The incoming serial data stream with jitter is oversampled in an oversampling circuit by means of the multiple phases of a reference clock (clk) to produce data samples. Each sample is compared to the sample(s) collected with the next clock phase(s) in an edge detector circuit to determine the presence of a data edge and the edge information is stored and accumulated in a data edge memory. A selection determination circuit uses the memorized edge information to indicate which sample is the farthest from the data edges. A selection validation circuit validates the selection to avoid false determination due to jitter and skew.

Abstract: A web page personalization system and method. The system comprises: a web application server for serving a web page that includes personalized search results for a user requesting the web page; a content repository for storing content for the web page; a profiling system for dynamically providing profile attributes of the user when the web page is requested; and a search engine for generating the personalized search results using a query that is based a selected set of the provided profile attributes.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for enabling voice clicks in a multimodal page. In accordance with the present invention, a method for enabling voice clicks in a multimodal page can include toggling a display of indicia binding selected user interface elements in the multimodal page to corresponding voice logic; and, processing a selection of the selected user interface elements in the multimodal page through different selection modalities. In particular, the toggling step can include toggling a display of both indexing indicia for the selected user interface elements, and also a text display indicating that a voice selection of the selected user interface elements is supported.

Abstract: [Object]To generate a signal pattern generation apparatus capable of performing suitable processing even when an abrupt increase in the number of accesses occurs while the number of accesses is large, having an adequate long-tail characteristic, and capable of providing adequate fractality with respect to a plurality of ranges with respect to time and providing a suitable short-range distribution characteristic.

Abstract: A bond pad for effecting through-wafer connections to an integrated circuit or electronic package and method of producing thereof. The bond pad includes a high surface area aluminum bond pad in order to resultingly obtain a highly reliable, low resistance connection between bond pad and electrical leads.