Abstract: A method for more efficiently storing genomic includes designating multiple different data storage techniques for storing genomic data generated by a genomic pipeline. The method further identifies a file, made up of multiple blocks, generated by the genomic pipeline. The method determines which data storage technique is most optimal to store each block of the file. In doing so, the method may consider the type of the file, the stage of the genomic pipeline that generated the file, the access frequency for blocks of the file, the most accessed blocks of the file, and the like. The method stores each block using the data storage technique determined to be most optimal after completion of a designated stage of the genomic pipeline, such that blocks of the file are stored using several different data storage techniques. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing the charge on a floating gate in a floating gate reference voltage generator. After an initial high voltage set mode, the method and apparatus allows for a controlled ramp down sequence to ramp down the voltages at the floating gate erase and program electrode generated by first and second bias sources coupled thereto, such that, when these bias sources are completely shut down in the generator, a more accurate voltage is set on the floating gate. The first bias source is preferably a voltage source and the second bias source is preferably a current source. The voltage at the erase electrode that is coupled to the floating gate is controlled during the ramp down sequence by shutting off the current source coupled thereto while allowing a feedback circuit in the generator to remain active.

Abstract: A floating gate circuit having a floating gate and a level shift circuit. A first tunneling device formed between a first and second tunnel electrode is included for removing electrons from the floating gate. Electrons are injected onto the floating gate without the use of a tunneling device, e.g., using avalanche injection. A first circuit is coupled to the floating gate for generating an output voltage at an output terminal. The level shift circuit has a second tunnel device coupled between the output terminal and the first tunnel electrode. The second tunnel device is for tracking changes in the characteristics of the first tunneling device connected to the floating gate. The level shift circuit level shifts the output of the floating gate circuit to a voltage that enables the tunnel device coupled to a floating gate to precisely set the floating gate to a desired voltage during a set mode.

Abstract: A circuit for setting a reference voltage in a floating gate circuit is configured as a precise voltage comparator circuit with a built-in programmable voltage reference. Once the one or more floating gates in the floating gate circuit are set during the a SET operation, the floating gate circuit is configured during a READ mode as a comparator circuit with a built-in voltage reference.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. The methods and compositions employ modified bioburden testing and the detection of peptidoglycan. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: A test system is described for testing a media drive, such as a tape drive. The test system includes a host emulator, a storage library emulator, and a control system. The host emulator communicates with a first interface of the media drive and mimics a host system to the media drive. The storage library emulator communicates with a second interface of the media drive and mimics a storage library system to the media drive. When in operation, one of the host emulator and the storage library emulator transmits a test message to the media drive responsive to an instruction from the control system. Responsive to the test message, one of the emulators receives a test response from the media drive and transmits the test response to the control system. The control system processes the test message and the test response to evaluate the performance of the media drive.

Abstract: A storage protocol test server interfaced with a storage device and a client includes a multi-layered architecture for testing a conformance of the storage device to a storage protocol as dictated by the client. The layers operate to participate in a test case session between the server and the client to facilitate a communication of test case information from the client to the server, the test case information specifying elements for testing the conformance of the storage device to the storage protocol. Additionally, the layers operate to create a storage protocol conformance test based on the test case information received from the client, the test being specifically designed for testing the conformance of the storage device to the storage protocol, and to participate in a test session between the server and the storage device to facilitate an exchange of test instructions and test results in accordance with the test.

Abstract: Synergistic compositions useful as fungicides, comprising aminosulfones and at least one other fungicide are provided.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint, restraining gasket, and method for restraining pipe spigots within adjacent bell sockets. The restraining gasket is composed of two axially-separate components: a sealing portion and a restraining portion made of a plurality of arcuate locking members. The restraining gasket and a gland surround an outer surface of the pipe spigot. The mechanical pipe joint is formed as the pipe spigot is inserted into the bell socket and the gland is axially attached to the bell socket so that the restraining gasket is held between: the gland, an inner surface of the bell socket, and the outer surface of the pipe spigot, so as to provide a fluid seal in the joint and urge the locking members into contact with the outer surface of the pipe spigot, axially restraining the pipe spigot within the bell socket.

Abstract: A floating gate voltage level shift circuit is disclosed for generating a voltage reference which can operate on a low supply voltage Vcc by providing a circuit that enables the floating gate to be set accurately to a positive voltage during a SET operation and subsequently shifted down to a lower voltage for a READ operation. The floating gate voltage level shift circuit comprises a differential amplifier with two floating gates, a first floating gate and a second floating gate where the second floating gate is capacitively coupled to either a READ voltage or a Vshift voltage. The floating gate voltage level shift circuit operates in two primary modes, a SET operation and a READ operation. During the SET operation, the C1p capacitor of the second floating gate is connected to a Vshift voltage, rather than ground, while accurately setting the floating gate a positive voltage.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint, restraining gasket, and method for restraining pipe spigots within adjacent bell sockets. The restraining gasket is composed of two axially-separate components: a sealing portion and a restraining portion made of a plurality of arcuate locking members. The restraining gasket and a gland surround an outer surface of the pipe spigot. The mechanical pipe joint is formed as the pipe spigot is inserted into the bell socket and the gland is axially attached to the bell socket so that the restraining gasket is held between: the gland, an inner surface of the bell socket, and the outer surface of the pipe spigot, so as to provide a fluid seal in the joint and urge the locking members into contact with the outer surface of the pipe spigot, axially restraining the pipe spigot within the bell socket.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. The methods and compositions employ modified bioburden testing and the detection of peptidoglycan. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: Hollow fan blades for turbo fan gas turbine engines are formed of two separate detail halves. Each detail half has a plurality of cavities and ribs machined out to reduce weight. These detail halves are subsequently bonded and given an airfoil shape in the forming operation. In the present invention, the ribs are oriented biased to provide stiffness as needed in different sections of the fan blade with smooth transitions between regions. The result is a blade with good protection from a wide spectrum of external threats.

Abstract: Hollow fan blades for turbo fan gas turbine engines are formed of two separate detail halves. Each detail half has a plurality of cavities and ribs machined out to reduce weight. These detail halves are subsequently bonded and given an airfoil shape in the forming operation. In one embodiment, contiguous cavities are formed around freestanding ends of the ribs to reduce the number of cavities required. The freestanding end of each rib is flared such that it has a larger width than the rest of the rib. The cavity extends continuously around the free, flared end of the rib.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improving the accuracy of the voltage reference output of a floating gate voltage reference circuit by minimizing the temperature coefficient, Tc. The system and method provides a minimized Tc on output reference voltage, for a wide variety of such output voltages. In a dual floating gate voltage reference circuit wherein a voltage reference output (Vref) is generated as a function of the difference in charge of said floating gates, a method includes causing each of the floating gates to change voltage substantially the same amount as a function of temperature such that, during a read mode of the reference circuit, the temperature coefficient, Tc, of the voltage reference output is substantially reduced. The system and method achieves very low Tc over a wide range of reference or comparator voltages using low cost analog test equipment and methods.

Abstract: A connector is described, of the type which is attached to the outer end of a cable and used at an airport to supply power to aircraft on the ground, which facilitates installation and repair of the connector in the field. The connector includes a rubber housing 20 with contact-passing holes 24-29 at the front end and an opening 34 at the rear. The connector also includes a plastic tray 36 which holds the contacts 51-56 and the end portion of the cable where the wires 71-76 of the cable connect to the contacts. After connections are made at the tray, the tray is slid forwardly through the rear end of the housing deep into the housing, with the front of the contacts aligned with the holes at the front of the housing, and a grommet 86 is emplaced to seal the rear of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use at an airport for drawing in and paying out an electric cable, which reliably grips the cable even when it is covered with a slippery anti-freeze fluid used at airports. The apparatus includes a motor-driven traction wheel against which the cable is pressed, with the periphery of the wheel being concave and having a radius of curvature about the same as the cable so the cable can closely nest in it. The wheel has closely spaced treads that press through fluid on the cable to grip it, and has a circumferentially extending groove through which fluid can drain. The cable is pressed against the wheel by rollers that have concave peripheries to also closely surround the cable.

Abstract: An electrical box is provided at the outer end of an electrical power cable of the type that supplies power to aircraft parked at an airport, which enables rapid replacement of damaged switches in a compact and watertight arrangement. The electrical box includes a main connector assembly which has a plurality of conductor socket terminals connected to conductors in the cable, and a switch assembly which includes a plurality of switches. The switch assembly fits into a recess in the main housing, and includes projecting pins connected to the switches and which are received in corresponding conductor socket terminals on the main housing. Not only can switches be easily replaced, but the arrangement avoids the need for a bulky connection box where wires of switches are connected to free lengths of the conductors. The switch assembly includes a circular projection from which the pins project, the circular projection including a sealing ring which seals to a corresponding circular recess in the main housing.