An FPGA is readily connectable to a high-speed fiber optic link by snap fitting an external fiber optic cable into an accommodating duplex fiber optic connector of a low-profile packaged FPGA integrated circuit. Fluidized bed techniques are utilized to perform a controlled oxidation of metallic particles that include aluminum. A code quantity control means decides the distribution of the audio and picture codes, an audio coding format, and a coding rate, whereby the audio signal and picture signal are coded by a picture encoder and an audio encoder. The tread surface is provided with a groove. The invention is also directed to compositions and methods for facilitating the transport of molecules across endothelial cell tight junction barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, by association of molecules with an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin.