Abstract: Methods for detecting inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, comprising analyzing bacterial L-serine containing lipids in a sample; and, comparing results of the analysis of the bacterial L-serine containing lipids in the sample with information on occurrence of the bacterial L-serine containing lipids in a control sample, wherein a decreased occurrence of the bacterial L-serine containing lipids in the test sample over the occurrence of bacterial L-serine containing lipids in the control sample indicates the presence of an inflammatory or an autoimmune condition, are described herein. An example of the autoimmune condition is multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of bacterial L-serine containing lipids as biomarkers for detection of MS is described. Antibodies specific to L-serine containing lipids and their uses are also provided. Also provided are compositions comprising bacterial L-serine containing lipids for modulating immune responses or TLR pathways in humans, animals, and human or animal cells or tissues.

Abstract: A method for detecting an inflammatory or an autoimmune condition, comprising analyzing bacterial lipids, such as phosphorylated dihydroceramides (PDHC), in a sample; and, comparing results of the analysis of the bacterial lipids in the sample with information on occurrence of the bacterial lipids in a comparable sample, wherein the comparison is indicative of the inflammatory or the autoimmune condition. An example of the autoimmune condition is multiple sclerosis. According to one embodiment, an increased ratio of phosphoglycerol dihydroceramide (PG DHC) to phosphoethanolamine dihydroceramide (PE DHC) in a blood sample indicates a presence of MS in the source patient. The use of PDHCs as biomarkers for detection of MS is described. Antibodies specific to PG DHC or PE DHC are also provided, along with their uses. Also provided are compositions comprising bacteria-originated lipids useful for modulation of immune responses or TLR pathways in humans, animals, and human or animal cells or tissues.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for calculating daylight negative balance fees charged to a user associated with a plurality of deposit account. The daylight negative balance fees may be customized (or adjusted) to the amount of time the user's aggregate accounts maintained a negative balance. As such, those users that spend more time with a negative balance during a business day may be charged higher fees than other users. Moreover, multiple deposit platforms may provide account data through feeds. As such a user with multiple accounts may be charged according to its aggregate negative balance amount rather than simply on each account individually. Additionally, enhanced reporting and billing features are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for calculating daylight overdraft fees charged to a user associated with a plurality of deposit account. The daylight overdraft fees may be customized (or adjusted) to the amount of time the user's aggregate accounts remain in overdraft. As such, those users that spend more time in overdraft during a business day may be charged higher fees than other users. Moreover, multiple deposit platforms may provide account data through feeds. As such a user with multiple accounts may be charged according to its aggregate overdraft amount rather than simply on each account individually. Additionally, enhanced reporting and billing features are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for forming a field-effect transistor on a substrate comprises a step of forming a buffer layer on the substrate, where the buffer layer comprises ALD silicon dioxide. The buffer layer can be formed by utilizing a silicon tetrachloride precursor in an atomic layer deposition process, for example. The buffer layer comprises substantially no pin-hole defects and may have a thickness, for example, that is less than approximately 5.0 Angstroms. The method further comprises forming a high-k dielectric layer over the buffer layer. The high-k dielectric layer may be, for example, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, or aluminum oxide. According to this exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises forming a gate electrode layer over the high-k dielectric layer. The gate electrode layer may be polycrystalline silicon, for example.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory cell structure comprises a semiconductor substrate, a first silicon oxide layer situated over the semiconductor substrate, a charge storing layer situated over the first silicon oxide layer, a second silicon oxide layer situated over the charge storing layer, and a gate layer situated over the second silicon oxide layer. In the exemplary embodiment, the charge storing layer comprises silicon nitride having reduced hydrogen content, e.g., in the range of about 0 to 0.5 atomic percent. As a result, the reduced hydrogen content reduces the charge loss in the charge storing layer. The reduced charge loss in the charge storing layer has the benefit of reducing threshold voltage shifts, programming data loss, and programming capability loss in the memory device, thereby improving memory device performance.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a planarization endpoint of a semiconductor wafer planarization operation, which includes monitoring a motor current for at least one of a platen motor, a carousel motor and a head motor, performing a Fourier transform of the monitored current to identify periodic oscillations in the current, to ensure that undesirable oscillations in the monitored motor current are minimized, to provide better reliability and higher precision of end-point detection triggering.

Abstract: An automatic latching assembly is provided for retaining vehicle bodies upon conveyor carriers during conveyance into and out of treatment baths. The assembly includes a carrier having latches mounted thereon which selectively engage the vehicle body securing it to the carrier. The latches comprise pivoting hooks rotatably mounted upon the carrier. Generally, gravity actuates pivoting of the hooks, biasing them into latching orientations. Unlatching orientations are achieved by a stationary, upward biasing cam operating upon the hooks. A downward biasing cam aids in the gravity actutation of the hooks into the latching orientation. The assembly selectively, automatically secures the vehicle body to the conveyor carrier, or releases it therefrom, as desired during transport of the vehicle body by the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solids from a settling pit or tank is disclosed which comprises a horizontal collector section that rests at the bottom of the tank and an attached vertical conveyor or elevator section having an upper, discharge end above the tank. Carrier means is employed for conveying settled solids across the floor of the collector section and upwardly within the elevator section for discharge into a receiving container located outside the tank. The collector section includes a distributor means whereby settling solids are distributed over the floor thereof at a desired rate, thereby preventing overloading of the carrier means during peak or slug loading conditions so that removal of solids from the tank at a desired rate remains smooth and unhampered.