Abstract: Agents that stimulate nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the subsequent increases in gene products that detoxify and eliminate cytotoxic metabolites are provided in a method for treating diabetic retinopathy or drusen formation in age-related macular degeneration. The structurally diverse agents that act on the Nrf2/ARE pathway induce the expression of enzymes and proteins that possess chemically versatile cytoprotective properties and are a defense against toxic metabolites and xenobiotics. Agents include certain electrophiles and oxidants such as a Michael Addition acceptor, diphenol, thiocarbamate, quinone, 1,2-dithiole-3-thione, butylated hydroxyanisole, flavonoid other than genistein, an isothiocyanate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, ethoxyquin, a coumarin, combinations thereof, or a pharmacologically active derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a semiconductor structure with a silicon region which forms at least one connection region in and/or on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises forming a metal cluster layer from a first, non-siliciding metal, followed by the deposition of a metal layer consisting of a second, siliciding metal. A subsequent heat treatment is responsible for forming a metal silicide from the second metal, the atoms of the first metal being displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. According to one embodiment of the invention, the atoms of the first metal are displaced by the Kirkendall effect to beneath the metal silicide. If an MOST, for example, is being fabricated, this has advantages both at the location of the source and drain region and at the location of the gate electrode.

Abstract: ASIC libraries generally have some form of multi-port register file with 2 or more write ports and 2-8 read ports. Such register files can be exploited to implement a memory system using less external logic (fewer external-to-the memory MUXes to achieve desired narrow read ports) and/or fewer RAM instances. The desired memory system (including a single multi-port RAM that is configured to have a single very-wide write port and multiple narrow read ports) will then no longer require multiple instances of RAMs, and will therefore require less area due to overall reduced bit density.