Abstract: Methods and systems for collection, processing, cryogenic storage and distribution of a stem cell based biological sample material.

Abstract: A method of sputter depositing a substantially circumferentially uniform thin film on a surface of a circular, planar disk-shaped substrate, comprising steps of: (a) providing a cathode sputtering apparatus including: a vacuum chamber; a cathode sputtering source comprising a circularly-shaped sputtering target assembly with a first target having a planar sputtering surface and a circumferentially extending edge; and a circular disk-shaped substrate with a planar surface positioned in spaced opposition to the sputtering surface; and (b) sputter depositing the thin film on the substrate surface while providing the chamber with a substantially uniform flow of at least one process gas around the entirety of the circumferentially extending edge of the sputtering target assembly.

Abstract: A method for providing logically-consistent computer file backups in an operating environment whose file backup provisions rely on application programs recognizing a freeze writes command but where the operating system also hosts programs that do not recognize such a command. The method intercepts a system level command issued during the backup process that signals the file system manager to flush write operations cached in memory and hold any subsequent write operations. (“Flush and Hold Writes”). File write operations are then monitored to find a quiescent period, which signals that all current file transactions are complete. Application level write operations are halted, preventing any further file transactions. The Flush and Hold Writes Command is then allowed to pass to the file system and volume manager so that these operation system components can flush to permanent storage any write operations that are cached in memory and hold any new write operations.