Abstract: The present invention encompasses compounds of formula (I) wherein R1a, R1b, R2a, R2b, Z, R3 to R5, A, p, U, V, W, L and E have the meanings given in the claims and specification, their use as inhibitors of mutant Ras family proteins, pharmaceutical compositions and preparations containing such compounds and their use as medicaments/medical uses, especially as agents for treatment and/or prevention of oncological diseases.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for direct assignment of physical devices to confidential virtual machines (VMs). At a first guest privilege context of a guest partition, a direct assignment of a physical device associated with a host computer system to the guest partition is identified. The guest partition includes the first guest privilege context and a second guest privilege context, which is restricted from accessing memory associated with the first guest privilege context. The guest partition corresponds to a confidential VM, such that a memory region associated with the guest partition is inaccessible to a host operating system. It is determined, based on a policy, that the physical device is allowed to be directly assigned to the guest partition. Communication between the physical device and the second guest privilege context is permitted, such as by exposing the physical device on a virtual bus and/or forwarding an interrupt.

Abstract: An inspection system with selectable apodization includes a selectably configurable apodization device disposed along an optical pathway of an optical system. The apodization device includes one or more apodization elements operatively coupled to one or more actuation stages. The one or more actuation stages are configured to selectably actuate the one or more apodization elements along one or more directions. The inspection system includes a control system communicatively coupled to the one or more actuation stages. The control system is configured to selectably control an actuation state of at the one or more apodization elements so as to apply a selected apodization profile formed with the one or more apodization elements.

Abstract: An inspection system with selectable apodization includes a selectably configurable apodization device disposed along an optical pathway of an optical system. The apodization device includes one or more apodization elements operatively coupled to one or more actuation stages. The one or more actuation stages are configured to selectably actuate the one or more apodization elements along one or more directions. The inspection system includes a control system communicatively coupled to the one or more actuation stages. The control system is configured to selectably control an actuation state of at the one or more apodization elements so as to apply a selected apodization profile formed with the one or more apodization elements.

Abstract: An inspection system with selectable apodization includes an illumination source configured to illuminate a surface of a sample, a detector configured to detect at least a portion of light emanating from the surface of the sample, the illumination source and the detector being optically coupled via an optical pathway of an optical system, a selectably configurable apodization device disposed along the optical pathway, wherein the apodization device includes one or more apodization elements operatively coupled to one or more actuation stages configured to selectably actuate the one or more apodization elements along one or more directions, and a control system communicatively coupled to the one or more actuation and configured to selectably control apodization of illumination transmitted along the optical pathway by controlling an actuation state of the one or more apodization elements.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to focusing one or more detectors of an interferometry system. An initial focus position may be determined by focusing a detector on an edge of a sample by comparing image contrast of intensity frames collected by the detector. Data associated with an inner edge of a ring formed by the image of the sample reflected on a reference flat may be collected from one or more positions near the initial focus position. The detector can be focused to a selected position by comparing edge data collected at the various detector positions near the initial focus position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing environmental control for a vibration sensitive system such as an interferometric measurement system, while minimizing acoustic noise during data acquisition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing environmental control for a vibration sensitive system such as an interferometric measurement system, while minimizing acoustic noise during data acquisition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting an edge of a specimen are provided. One system includes an illumination subsystem configured to direct light to the edge of the specimen at an oblique angle of incidence. The plane of incidence of the light is substantially perpendicular to a plane substantially tangent to the edge of the specimen. The system also includes a detection subsystem configured to collect light scattered from the edge and to generate signals responsive to the scattered light. One method includes directing light to the edge of the specimen at an oblique angle of incidence. The plane of incidence is substantially perpendicular to a plane substantially tangent to the edge of the specimen. The method also includes collecting light scattered from the edge and generating signals responsive to the scattered light. The signals described above can be used to detect defects on the edge of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides for optimal extraction conditions for extracting yellow mustard gum from yellow mustard bran to provide for high yield. The four variables examined were extraction temperature, pH, water:solid ratio and extraction time. Of these variables, temperature and pH had a much greater influence on the yield and rheological properties of the extracted gum compared to water/solid ratio and extraction time. Optimum extraction conditions were temperatures between 50-70° C., pH 7-10, water/solid ratio of 40:1-60:1 and extraction time of 2-2.5 hr. The yield of gum obtained under the optimum extraction conditions was 30% of bran weight. The extracted gum exhibited maximum shear thinning flow behaviours. It can be incorporated into cosmetic products and skin lotions.