Abstract: A system for and methods of semiconductor testing and characterization are disclosed. The system includes a parallel dipole line (PDL) system for applying a magnetic field to a sample in a measurement chamber and electrical equipment for testing the sample. The testing includes applying a first light exposure to the sample with the PDL system set to zero magnetic field and monitoring longitudinal resistance (Rxx) of the sample as intensity of the first light exposure varies. A second light exposure is applied with the PDL system set to maximum magnetic field, and transverse magnetoresistance (RB+) is monitored as light intensity varies. A third light exposure is applied with the PDL system set to minimum magnetic field, and transverse magnetoresistance (RB?) is monitored as light intensity varies. The characterization includes carrying out a photo-Hall analysis based on data from the testing.

Abstract: A method for planarizing a metal conductor layer embedded in a dielectric layer is provided. The method includes removing a portion of an overburden of the metal conductor layer that is formed over the dielectric layer with a first CMP slurry. The method also includes removing a remaining portion of the overburden of the metal conductor layer with a second CMP slurry to expose upper portions of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A cold beverage brewing system includes a container and a supply of water. The container holds a brewing substance which forms a brewed beverage when combined with the water. The water supplied to the container for brewing can be at a variety of temperatures, including ambient or below ambient temperatures. The system is controllably pressurized with a gas, preferably nitrogen, and controllably dispensed to provide a brewed beverage with selected characteristics in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A cold beverage brewing system includes a container and a supply of water. The container holds a brewing substance which forms a brewed beverage when combined with the water. The water supplied to the container for brewing can be at a variety of temperatures, including ambient or below ambient temperatures. The system is controllably pressurized with a gas, preferably nitrogen, and controllably dispensed to provide a brewed beverage with selected characteristics in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.

Abstract: Methods and reconfigurable systems are provided for monitoring the health of a complex system. The reconfigurable system comprises a plurality of standardized executable application modules containing instructions to perform one of a plurality of different standardized functions. The system further comprises a plurality of computing nodes arranged in a hierarchical structure comprising one or more layers of computing nodes. Each computing node of the plurality runs a host application and a workflow service module, each computing node thereby being configured by a configuration file that directs the execution of any of the standardized executable application modules in a cooperative fashion by the host application via the workflow service module.

Abstract: Methods and reconfigurable systems are provided for monitoring the health of a complex system. The reconfigurable system comprises a plurality of standardized executable application modules containing instructions to perform one of a plurality of different standardized functions. The system further comprises a plurality of computing nodes arranged in a hierarchical structure comprising one or more layers of computing nodes. Each computing node of the plurality runs a host application and a workflow service module, each computing node thereby being configured by a configuration file that directs the execution of any of the standardized executable application modules in a cooperative fashion by the host application via the workflow service module.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I):P--R.sup.2 --Q (I)where each of P and Q is, independently, a group of formula (B): ##STR1## wherein J is a bidentate group of formula --CH.sub.2 --X--CH.sub.2 -- (wherein X is methylene, sulfur or oxygen), X'C.dbd.CY or X'WC--CYZ (wherein X', W, Y and Z are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, acyloxy, alkoxy, alkylsilyloxy or halogen); R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted phenyl or 5-or 6-membered heterocyclic ring system containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms individually selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur atoms, and at least one unsaturation (double bond) between adjacent atoms in the ring, said heterocyclic ring being optionally fused to a benzene ring, wherein the substutuents, if present, are selected from halogen atoms, cyano, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, alkylthio and alkyl amino groups, any of which groups contain up to six carbon atoms; R.sup.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I):P-R.sup.2 -Q (I)where each of P and Q is, independently, a group of formula (B): ##STR1## wherein J is a bidentate group of formula --CH.sub.2 --X--CH.sub.2 --(wherein X is methylene, sulfur or oxygen), X'C.dbd.CY or X'WC-CYZ (wherein X', W, Y and Z are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, acyloxy, alkoxy, alkylsilyloxy or halogen); R.sup.