Abstract: In one general aspect, a data access method is disclosed that includes directing data block write requests from different clients to different data storage servers based on a map. Data blocks referenced in the data block write requests are stored in the data storage servers. Data from the data write requests are also relayed to a parity server, and parity information is derived and stored for the blocks. This method can reduce the need for inter-server communication, and can be scaled across an arbitrary number of servers. It can also employ parity load distribution to improve the performance of file transfers.

Abstract: A switch element includes a switch device having a drain, a source and a plurality of gates, and at least one additional interconnect located between the plurality of gates, the additional interconnect operative to establish a constant potential between the at least two gates.

Abstract: A software upgrade application can be downloaded to a handset to selectively enable enhanced functionality physical layer circuitry. In a particular implementation, an OFDM handset or other portable modem includes selectively enabled time domain channel estimation circuitry. An upgrade application within the handset is activated. The handset is checked to confirm compatibility with the enhanced functionality and the upgrade application is checked to confirm its authenticity. The upgrade application then activates the enhanced functionality within the physical layer of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a range of amino acid lipid compounds and compositions useful for drug delivery, therapeutics, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions. The amino acid lipid compounds and compositions can be used for delivery of various agents such as nucleic acid therapeutics to cells, tissues, organs, and subjects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drop cable assembly including a fiber optic drop cable having a length that extends from a first end of the fiber optic drop cable to an opposite second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The fiber optic drop cable also includes an intermediate location located between the first and second ends of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly also includes a first fiber optic connector mounted at the first end of the fiber optic drop cable and a second fiber optic connector mounted at the second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly further includes an optical fiber that extends continuously without splicing along the length of the fiber optic drop cable from the first fiber optic connector to the second fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A method comprising introducing an injected gas (e.g., Argon, Xenon) into a beam line region comprising a magnetic scanner is provided herein. The injected gas improves beam current by enhancing (e.g., increasing, decreasing) charge neutralization of the magnetic ion beam (e.g., the ion beam at regions where the scanning magnetic field is non-zero) thereby reducing the current loss due to the zero field effect (ZFE). By reducing the current loss in regions having a magnetic field, the magnetic beam current is increased (e.g., the beam current is increased in regions where the magnetic field is non-zero) raising the overall beam current in a uniform manner over an entire scan path and thereby reducing the effect of the ZFE. In other words, the ZFE is removed by effectively minimizing it through an increase in the magnetized beam current.

Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and a biasing mechanism the stack of biosensors towards the open top.

Abstract: A turbine engine fan case assembly includes a structural case and a liner assembly. A radially accommodating attachment system connects the liner assembly to the structural case. The attachment system comprises a circumferentially-distributed plurality of longitudinally elongate radially outwardly open channels mounted to the liner assembly. The attachment system further comprises an associated plurality of inwardly-projecting tongues mounted to the structural case. Each tongue is accommodated in an associated said channel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for broadcast area identification and content distribution. In one embodiment, a broadcast area associated with an electronic device can be identified. Then, content for the broadcast area can be distributed to the electronic device in accordance with distribution parameters.

Abstract: One or more pins may be modally assigned to either the command/address (C/A) or data (DQ) blocks of a uniform-package, multi-modal PHY (physical signaling interface) of a memory controller, thus enabling those pins to be used as C/A pins when the PHY is connected to some memory types, and as DQ pins when the PHY is connected to other memory types.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying data include the capability to determine whether a transaction request credit has been received at a computer module, the transaction request credit indicating that at least a portion of a transaction request message may be sent. The system and method also include the capability to determine, of a transaction request message is to be sent, whether at least a portion of the transaction request message may be sent and to send the at least a portion of the transaction request message if it may be sent.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning chamber includes a contoured ceiling electrode having an arcuate surface that faces a substrate support and has a variable cross-sectional thickness to vary the gap size between the arcuate surface and the substrate support to provide a varying plasma density across the substrate support. A dielectric ring for the cleaning chamber comprises a base, a ridge, and a radially inward ledge that covers the peripheral lip of the substrate support. A base shield comprises a circular disc having at least one perimeter wall. Cleaning and conditioning processes for the cleaning chamber are also described.

Abstract: A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis.

Abstract: Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a support structure defining recesses for receiving lifting forks and a guide slot having first and second support sections and a platform having a deck configured to stably carry a load and a ramp configured to facilitate removal of the load from the deck. The platform includes a boss, which is movable within the guide slot such that the boss registers with the first support section whereby the platform is supportively disposable in a lowered position and the second support section whereby the platform is supportively disposable in a raised position.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy recovery and a mechanical drive system in one unit that also provides integral mounting of hydraulic pump/motors for primary drive, secondary drive, and pumps for cooling, lubrication, and low pressure systems along with a mounting position for a power take-off device.

Abstract: A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis with a top wall, a bottom wall, a front opening, a rear opening, and first and second transverse sidewalls extending between the front and rear openings, the top wall and bottom walls defining slots. Upper mounting guides defining upper key slots between adjacent upper guides and lower mounting guides defining lower key slots between adjacent lower guides are mounted to the top and bottom walls. The upper and lower guides define snap-fit structures inserted into the slots defined on the top and bottom walls for mounting the upper and lower guides to the chassis. At least one of the upper and the lower mounting guides defines adapter mounts for slidably receiving fiber optic adapters through the rear opening. Fiber optic modules are slidably received within the chassis through the front opening and each module is slidably inserted into the upper and lower key slots of the chassis, each module removable from the chassis through the front opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vessel support system and a method of vessel harvesting. The system can include a cutting device, a catheter adapted to be inserted into a section of the vessel in order to support the vessel as the cutting device is advanced over the vessel, and a cannula adapted to be coupled to the vessel and adapted to receive the catheter as the catheter is inserted into the section of the vessel. The method can include orienting a cutting device coaxially with the cannula and the catheter and advancing the cutting device over the cannula, the catheter, and the section of the vessel in order to core out the section of the vessel and a portion of the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A port assembly includes a housing with an opening and a bore therethrough, a slit septum disposed in the opening to control access through the opening, a base joined to the housing and having a membrane attached thereto, a perforator having a first end abutting the slit septum and a second end aligned with the membrane, and a resilient member disposed between the perforator and the base. The perforator has first and second lumens, the first lumen extending between the first and second ends of the perforator and the second lumen extending between a point between the first and second ends and the second end. The perforator also has a seal disposed about the first lumen at the first end of the perforator, and a valve associated with the second lumen to limit flow of fluid through the second lumen in the direction of the second end.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.