Abstract: Systems and methods for securing or encrypting data or other information arising from a user's interaction with software and/or hardware, resulting in transformation of original data into ciphertext. Generally, the ciphertext is generated using context-based keys that depend on the environment in which the original data originated and/or was accessed. The ciphertext can be stored in a user's storage device or in an enterprise database (e.g., at-rest encryption) or shared with other users (e.g., cryptographic communication). The system generally allows for secure federation across organizations, including mechanisms to ensure that the system itself and any other actor with pervasive access to the network cannot compromise the confidentially of the protected data.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed that provide improved via profile control by forming atomic layer deposition (ALD) liners to protect side walls of vias during subsequent etch processes. ALD liners can be used for BEOL etch processes as well as for full self-aligned via (FSAV) processes and/or other processes. For one embodiment, ALD liners are used as protection or sacrificial layers for vias to reduce damage during multilayer via or trench etch processes. The ALD liners can also be deposited at different points within process flows, for example, before or after removal of organic planarization layers. The use of ALD liners facilitates shrinking of via critical dimensions (CDs) while still controlling via profiles for various process applications including dual Damascene processes and FSAV processes. In addition, the use of ALD liners improves overall CD control for via or hole formation as well as device yield and reliability.

Abstract: Among other disclosures, a method may include collecting historical communication data and personal data relating to a portion of a plurality of communications, a sender of one or more of the communications or one or more recipients of the communications. The method may include depositing the collected data into a repository of historical communication data and personal data. The method may include presenting one or more items in the repository on a mobile device, in response to user behavior.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, and a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent disposed in the ferrule bore and having first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The bonding agent has been melted and solidified at the first and second ends without there being an optical fiber present in the ferrule bore.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered polypeptides having imine reductase activity, polynucleotides encoding the engineered imine reductases, host cells capable of expressing the engineered imine reductases, and methods of using these engineered polypeptides with a range of ketone and amine substrate compounds to prepare secondary and tertiary amine product compounds.

Abstract: A door roller mechanism for cooperation with a roller track including a carriage member having a door attachment feature; at least one roller disposed for rotation on a first side of the carriage member when the carriage member moves in the rolling direction; at least one roller disposed for rotation on an opposite second side of the carriage member when the carriage member moves in the rolling direction; a first rub member disposed on the first side of the carriage; a second rub member disposed on the second side of the carriage; and at least one biasing element disposed on the carriage member for resiliently biasing the first rub member and the second rub member in opposite lateral directions so as to contact a respective first track surface and a second track surface in a manner to dampen lateral vibration of a door connected to the roller mechanism.

Abstract: A fan air valve for use in high pressure airflow applications is provided. The described fan air valve embodiments employ a plate with a standoff of a height based on aerodynamic torque. The height of the standoff informs a size of an angle at which the plate is positioned within a respective flow body. The described embodiments result in a fan air valve having a closed flow area that is not much larger than the closed flow area of a valve having a perpendicular plate. The described embodiments avert compression of perimeter ice on a downstream edge of the plate during modulation without requiring software adjustments to address perimeter ice.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device can have a substrate including dielectric material. A plurality of narrow interconnect openings can be formed within said dielectric material. In addition, a plurality of wide interconnect openings can be formed within said dielectric material. The semiconductor device can include a first metal filling the narrow interconnect openings to form an interconnect structure and conformally covering a surface of the wide interconnect openings formed in the dielectric material, and a second metal formed over the first metal and encapsulated by the first metal to form another interconnect structure within the wide interconnect openings.

Abstract: A nerve modulation device includes a first ultrasound transducer and a second ultrasound transducer. The first and second ultrasound transducers are configured to emit a first and second ultrasound waves, respectively, that exhibit different frequencies. The first and second ultrasound transducers can emit the first and second ultrasound waves in directions that are selected to cause the first and second ultrasound waves to intersect with each other at an intersection site that is at or near a selected nerve. At the intersection site, the first and second ultrasound waves can non-linearly interact to form an acoustic wave exhibiting a frequency that is less than the frequencies of the first and second ultrasound waves. The acoustic wave can modulate a selected nerve.

Abstract: Osmolality and osmolality sensors and methods utilizing electrochemical impedance to detect changes in impedance to varying salinity concentrations. By way of example, the impedance reported at the specified frequency varies logarithmically with the concentration of sodium chloride subject to the sensor surface. Measurements obtained by the sensors and methods herein are utilized, for example, to differentiate between the clinical stages of dry eye disease (290-316 mOsm/L) to complement the current diagnostic procedures. Blood serum, urinalysis, and saliva also may be tested and the corresponding osmolarity or osmolality level evaluated for indications of a disease or condition.

Abstract: A surgical tissue connector system for moving a first internal body tissue to a position away from a second internal body tissue and then holding the first internal body tissue in the position. Tissue connectors are secured to cords such that the length of cord between the tissue connectors can be easily adjusted in a laparoscopic work space.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device having a channel and a source-drain coupled to the channel. The method includes etching a channel region such that an end of the channel region forms a recess within a gate structure surrounding the channel region. An extension region is formed in contact with the channel region and at least partially filling the recess. Extension material of the extension region has a different composition from channel material of the channel region such that a strain is caused in the channel region. A source-drain region is in contact with the extension region and adjacent to the gate structure.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes features for reducing friction between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire to be placed within the archwire slot. Other embodiments include a rounded exterior occlusal surface. Embodiments further include one or more receptacles for receiving an installation tool.

Abstract: In a method for processing a substrate, a conductive cap layer is selectively formed over a plurality of conductive structures that are positioned in a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is selectively formed over the first dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer is selectively formed over the second dielectric layer. A fourth dielectric layer is then formed over the plurality of conductive structures and the third dielectric layer, and an interconnect structure is subsequently formed within the fourth dielectric layer. The interconnect structure includes a via structure that has a first portion positioned over the conductive cap layer so that sidewalls of the first portion are surrounded by the third dielectric layer, and a second portion disposed over the first portion and the third dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device can have a substrate including dielectric material. A plurality of narrow interconnect openings can be formed within said dielectric material. In addition, a plurality of wide interconnect openings can be formed within said dielectric material. The semiconductor device can include a first metal filling the narrow interconnect openings to form an interconnect structure and conformally covering a surface of the wide interconnect openings formed in the dielectric material, and a second metal formed over the first metal and encapsulated by the first metal to form another interconnect structure within the wide interconnect openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanowire device includes providing a substrate containing nanowires between vertical spacers, selectively depositing a high-k film on the nanowires relative to the vertical spacers, and selectively depositing a metal-containing gate electrode layer on the high-k film relative to the vertical spacers. The method can further include selectively depositing a dielectric material on the vertical spacers prior to selectively depositing the high-k film, where the dielectric material has a lower dielectric constant than the high-k film.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting interactive network of automated accounts, the interactive network of automated accounts comprising a plurality of automated accounts posting to a social media channel, the system comprising: an ingestion engine operated by a computational device for connecting to the social media channel and receiving a plurality of social media postings from a plurality of posting entities; a bot model operated by a computational device for determining whether at least one posting entity is a suspected bot; and a computer network for communication between said computational devices.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a propulsion system with a fixed engine and a rotatable proprotor. The engine is located below the wing of the tiltrotor aircraft, and the rotatable proprotor assembly is mounted on the top surface of the wing. The engine and proprotor assembly are connected via a series of one or more gearboxes that route the engine output from the engine to the proprotor.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a propulsion system with a fixed engine and a rotatable proprotor. The engine is located on the top surface of the wing of the tiltrotor aircraft, and the rotatable proprotor assembly is also mounted on the top surface of the wing. The engine and proprotor assembly are connected via a series of one or more gearboxes that route the engine output from the engine to the proprotor.