Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for verifying one or more particular properties of a circuit using a learning strategy to determine suitable values of particular verification parameters includes classifying each of multiple properties of a circuit according to circuit size and selecting a candidate property from the properties. The candidate property set includes one or more particular properties from each property class. The method also includes attempting to verify one or more particular properties of the circuit using the candidate property set and particular values of particular verification parameters. The method also includes determining suitable values of the particular verification parameters according the attempted verification of the particular properties of the circuit using the candidate property set and the particular values of the particular verification parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a substantially purified Cytokine Inhibitory Factor (CIF) having certain characteristics, including the ability to inhibit RNA transcription of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1?), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Also disclosed is a method for substantially purifying the Cytokine Inhibitory Factor and a method for modulating the immune system of an animal using such composition.

Abstract: The integrity of a liner in an interconnect structure or other layer in an integrate circuit is tested in a short time by exposing the liner to a reactive gas that attacks the underlying silicon or other material behind the liner. A weak spot in the liner permits the gas to react with the silicon, which produces a visible area that can be readily identified. The test can be performed in a few hours, in contrast to a period of several months required to complete the process, package the circuit and conduct a burn-in test.

Abstract: A novel trench-type decoupling capacitor structure and low-cost manufacturing process to create trench decoupling capacitors (decaps). In a unique aspect, the invention necessitates the addition of only a simplified trench to a base logic design.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing security functions on a message payload in a network element. According to one aspect, a network element receives one or more data packets. The network element performs a security function on at least a portion of an application layer message that is contained in one or more payload portions of the one or more data packets. According to another aspect, a network element receives a first request that is destined for a first application. The network element sends, to a second application that sent the first request, a second request for authentication information. The network element receives the authentication information and determines whether the authentication information is valid. If the authentication information is not valid, then the network element prevents the first request from being sent to the first application.

Abstract: The present invention provides antifuse structures having an integrated heating element and methods of programming the same, the antifuse structures comprising first and second conductors and a dielectric layer formed between the conductors, where one or both of the conductors functions as both a conventional antifuse conductor and as a heating element for directly heating the antifuse dielectric layer during programming.

Abstract: A programmable device (eFuse), includes: a substrate (10); an insulator (13) on the substrate; an elongated semiconductor material (12) on the insulator, the elongated semiconductor material having a first end (12a), a second end (12b), a fuse link (11) between the ends, and an upper surface S. The semiconductor material includes a dopant having a concentration of at least 10*17/cc. The first end (12a) is wider than the second end (12b), and a metallic material is disposed on the upper surface. The metallic material is physically migratable along the upper surface responsive to an electrical current I flowable through the semiconductor material and through the metallic material.

Abstract: The integrity of a liner in an interconnect structure or other layer in an integrate circuit is tested in a short time by exposing the liner to a reactive gas that attacks the underlying silicon or other material behind the liner. A weak spot in the liner permits the gas to react with the silicon, which produces a visible area that can be readily identified. The test can be performed in a few hours, in contrast to a period of several months required to complete the process, package the circuit and conduct a burn-in test.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition and method for the treatment and prevention of inflammation and inflammatory related disorders. The composition is glucosamine in combination with an egg product. It is generally preferred that the egg product is obtained from an avian which has been hyperimmunized with an immunogenic mixture and/or which contains an anti-inflammatory composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition and method for the treatment and prevention of inflammation and inflammatory related disorders. The composition is glucosamine in combination with an egg product. It is generally preferred that the egg product is obtained from an avian which has been hyperimmunized with an immungenic mixture and/or which contains an anti-inflammatory composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel approach for stimulating or enhancing immune T-cells in an animal. In particular, the invention is directed to an egg, and more specifically, a fraction thereof of a size less than 3000 daltons, obtained from an avian that has been hyperimmunized with one or more immunogens. The ingestion by an animal of an effective amount of the hyperimmune egg or fraction thereof causes a significant increase in the overall T-cell population in that animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method of programming via electromigration. A semiconductor fuse which includes a cathode and an anode coupled by a fuse link having an electrically conductive component, such as silicide, is coupled to a power supply. A potential is applied across the conductive fuse link via the cathode and anode in which the potential is of a magnitude to initiate electromigration of silicide from a region of the semiconductor fuse reducing the conductivity of the fuse link. The electromigration is enhanced by effectuating a temperature gradient between the fuse link and one of the cathode and anode responsive to the applied potential. Portions of the semiconductor fuse are selectively cooled in a heat transfer relationship to increase the temperature gradient. In one embodiment, a heat sink is applied to the cathode. The heat sink can be a layer of metal coupled in close proximity to the cathode while insulated from the fuse link.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method of programming via electromigration. A semiconductor fuse which includes a cathode and an anode coupled by a fuse link having an electrically conductive component, such as silicide, is coupled to a power supply. A potential is applied across the conductive fuse link via the cathode and anode in which the potential is of a magnitude to initiate electromigration of silicide from a region of the semiconductor fuse reducing the conductivity of the fuse link. The electromigration is enhanced by effectuating a temperature gradient between the fuse link and one of the cathode and anode responsive to the applied potential. Portions of the semiconductor fuse are selectively cooled in a heat transfer relationship to increase the temperature gradient. In one embodiment, a heat sink is applied to the cathode. The heat sink can be a layer of metal coupled in close proximity to the cathode while insulated from the fuse link.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a substantially purified Cytokine Inhibitory Factor (CIF) having certain characteristics, including the ability to inhibit RNA transcription of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&agr;), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1&bgr;), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Also disclosed is a method for substantially purifying the Cytokine Inhibitory Factor and a method for modulating the immune system of an animal using such composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF) protein, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a CAF protein, an antibody that selectively binds to a CAF protein, a composition comprising a Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF), and a method for modulating the immune system using the composition. Also disclosed is a method for treating cancer using such a composition.

Abstract: The invention is an acid-chitosan complex which is made up of chitosan, a sufficient amount of one or more acids, and an effective amount of water. This acid-chitosan is water-soluble in a dry form. A further aspect of this invention is various methods for producing such a water-soluble acid-chitosan complex and methods for using this acid-chitosan complex, particularly for reducing fat absorption in an animal.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor devices structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a deep trench continuously in the substrate to separate a first region from a second region, and then forming a silicon-on-insulator region in the first region while maintaining a non-silicon-on-insulator region in the second region. The deep trench has a depth which is at least as deep as the depth of the buried oxide in the substrate. The invention also includes a device structure resulting from the method.

Abstract: A fuse for semiconductor devices, in accordance with the present invention, includes a cathode formed from a first material, an anode formed from a second material and a fuse link connecting the cathode and the anode and formed from the second material. The second material is more susceptible to material migration than the first material when the fuse is electrically active such that material migration is enhanced in the second material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF) protein, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a CAF protein, an antibody that selectively binds to a CAF protein, a composition comprising a Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF), and a method for modulating the immune system using the composition. Also disclosed is a method for treating cancer using such a composition.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method for silicidizing silicon-containing areas in array regions of dynamic random access memory (DRAMS)and embedded DRAM (eDRAM) devices to lower electrical resistance, and improve device reliability at low temperatures.