Abstract: A number of deep trench openings are formed in a semiconductor wafer to have substantially equal depths and no oxide undercut by forming a number of shallow trench openings, forming a mask structure in the shallow trench openings where the mask structure has a substantially planar top surface, forming a number of mask openings in the mask structure, and etching the semiconductor wafer through the mask openings to form the deep trench openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating firmware using a firmware-over-the-air update. The apparatus comprises a plurality of repository files each comprising one or more settings. The apparatus is configured to store a specified value corresponding to at least one of the settings. The apparatus is capable of receiving a firmware over-the-air update which overwrites at least one repository file with an updated version. The apparatus is capable of identifying repository files which have been changed by the update and for which at least one corresponding specified value exists. Identification is achieved by comparing representations of repository files. Further, the apparatus is capable of merging updated repository files to retain specified values.

Abstract: A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a minor axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P1, P2, and P3 segments corresponding to the three scallops of the same nomenclature in the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The anterior-to-posterior dimension of the ring body is reduced from conventional rings; such as by providing, in atrial plan view, a pulled-in P3 segment. Viewed another way, the convexity of the P3 segment is less pronounced than the convexity of the P1 segment. In addition, the ring body may have a downwardly deflected portion in the posterior section, preferably within the P2 and P3 segments.

Abstract: A universal drug delivery platform for monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics is described. This universal platform resolves the problems of immunogenic response associated with the present monoclonal antibody based therapeutics by providing a multifunctional nano-device which comprises a well defined core/shell nano-structure that can function as a drug delivery platform linked to a monoclonal antibody through a single linking group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of well defined star macromolecules wherein the composition of the arms are selected to induce self assembly when the multi-arm segmented star macromolecules are dispersed in a liquid. The self assembled star macromolecules modify the rheology of the dispersing media. When targeting use in aqueous based systems the inner shell of the star macromolecules comprise non-ionizable monomer units. Compositions comprising the self assemblable star macromolecules are suitable for use as rheology modifiers in a number of applications including cosmetic and personal care compositions.

Abstract: A mitral heart valve annuloplasty ring having a posterior bow that conforms to an abnormal posterior aspect of the mitral annulus. The ring may be generally oval having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the posterior bow may be centered along the minor axis or offset in a posterior section. The ring may be substantially planar, or may include upward bows on either side of the posterior bow. The ring may include a ring body surrounded by a suture-permeable fabric sheath formed of a plurality of concentric ring elements or bands. The posterior bow is stiff enough to withstand deformation once implanted and subjected to normal physiologic stresses. A method of repairing an abnormal mitral heart valve annulus having a depressed posterior aspect includes providing a ring with a posterior bow and implanting the ring to support the annulus without unduly stressing the attachment sutures.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector is provided. The connector includes a housing and a subassembly. The subassembly includes a cable receptor including a receptor portion configured to receive a cable, and an outer contact formed integrally with and extending axially from the receptor portion. The outer contact configured to electrically couple to an outer conductor of the cable. A dielectric is positioned within the outer contact of the cable receptor. A center contact assembly is positioned within the dielectric and configured to electrically couple to an inner conductor of the cable. A cable retainer is configured to couple to the receptor portion of the cable receptor. The cable retainer has at least one cable retention contact configured to retain the cable.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a minor axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P1, P2, and P3 segments corresponding to the three scallops of the same nomenclature in the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The anterior-to-posterior dimension of the ring body is reduced from conventional rings; such as by providing, in atrial plan view, a pulled-in P3 segment. Viewed another way, the convexity of the P3 segment is less pronounced than the convexity of the P1 segment. In addition, the ring body may have a downwardly deflected portion in the posterior section, preferably within the P2 and P3 segments.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed that comprises a silicon nitride material that has an increased silicon content. The silicon nitride material is manufactured by exposing plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride to an increased flow of silane while the PECVD silicon nitride is being deposited. The material has anti-reflective coating (ARC) properties and can also be used as a hard mask. When the material is covered with cobalt the material forms conductive cobalt silicide when the cobalt is annealed. A method for siliciding the PECVD silicon nitride is also disclosed.

Abstract: System, method and program product for monitoring a computer program or database maintained by a service provider for a customer. A multiplicity of failures of the computer program or data base during a reporting interval are identified. The times of the multiplicity of failures are compared to one or more scheduled maintenance windows. A determination is made that at least one of the multiplicity of failures occurred during the one or more scheduled maintenance windows. A determination is also made that the customer was responsible for at least another one of the multiplicity of failures. A determination is made that the service provider was responsible for a plurality of the failures not including the at least one failure occurring during the one or more scheduled maintenance windows and the at least another one failure for which the customer was responsible. A determination is made whether the service provider complied with a service level agreement based on the plurality of the outages.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector includes a connector housing configured to receive a coaxial cable having inner and outer conductors, and a ground shield including a plurality of walls cooperating to define a shielded chamber. The connector housing is received within the shielded chamber, and the walls are configured to be connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable connector also includes a center blade contact having a flat planar body, wherein the center blade contact is configured to be connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable. The center blade contact is supported by the connector housing between the walls of the ground shield in a stripline geometry. At least one of the walls includes a compensating tab extending inward therefrom, wherein the compensating tab is configured to be positioned proximate at least one of the center blade contact and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A mitral heart valve annuloplasty ring having a posterior bow that conforms to an abnormal posterior aspect of the mitral annulus. The ring may be generally oval having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the posterior bow may be centered along the minor axis or offset in a posterior section. The ring may be substantially planar, or may include upward bows on either side of the posterior bow. The ring may include a ring body surrounded by a suture-permeable fabric sheath formed of a plurality of concentric ring elements or bands. The posterior bow is stiff enough to withstand deformation once implanted and subjected to normal physiologic stresses. A method of repairing an abnormal mitral heart valve annulus having a depressed posterior aspect includes providing a ring with a posterior bow and implanting the ring to support the annulus without unduly stressing the attachment sutures.

Abstract: A mitral heart valve annuloplasty ring having a posterior bow that conforms to an abnormal posterior aspect of the mitral annulus. The ring may be generally oval having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the posterior bow may be centered along the minor axis or offset in a posterior section. The ring may be substantially planar, or may include upward bows on either side of the posterior bow. The ring may include a ring body surrounded by a suture-permeable fabric sheath formed of a plurality of concentric ring elements or bands. The posterior bow is stiff enough to withstand deformation once implanted and subjected to normal physiologic stresses. A method of repairing an abnormal mitral heart valve annulus having a depressed posterior aspect includes providing a ring with a posterior bow and implanting the ring to support the annulus without unduly stressing the attachment sutures.

Abstract: An asset-backed investment instrument that increases deferred tax liabilities for an investor and, therefore, is attractive to any investor that benefits from deferred tax liabilities, such as certain insurance companies. Ownership of an asset underlying the investment instrument is transferred to an investing entity. The transferred asset is leased from the investing entity for a predetermined period. The lease may include a like-kind exchange feature to lengthen the predetermined period of the lease and to allow the accrued deferred tax liabilities to remain outstanding for a longer period of time. The lease may also include a Terminal Rental Adjustment Clause to remove the risk of a change in an estimated residual value from the investing entity.

Abstract: A variable intensity light device is provided to illuminate front panel user buttons in a television apparatus. The television apparatus allows user control of the level of light intensity preferably via an on-screen menu. Automatic detection circuitry/logic is also provided that detects whether a light such as an LED is present upon initial user set-up. This allows the inclusion of the light device in televisions whose controllers are already designed. Moreover, the light device preferably utilizes a single wire for light presence detection and intensity control. Detection of the light causes the television apparatus to include a light control on-screen menu in the main television on-screen menu. Preferably, the light control menu allows the user selection of at least six different brightness or intensity levels for the light. In one form, the light is a diode that provides blue light though a light pipe.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector includes a connector housing configured to receive a coaxial cable having inner and outer conductors, and a ground shield including a plurality of walls cooperating to define a shielded chamber. The connector housing is received within the shielded chamber, and the walls are configured to be connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable connector also includes a center blade contact having a flat planar body, wherein the center blade contact is configured to be connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable. The center blade contact is supported by the connector housing between the walls of the ground shield in a stripline geometry. At least one of the walls includes a compensating tab extending inward therefrom, wherein the compensating tab is configured to be positioned proximate at least one of the center blade contact and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a shield having opposed planar side panels. The shield is configured to receive a shield of a mating connector within the side panels. A dielectric is attached to the shield. The dielectric is configured to receive the coaxial cable and the shield is electrically connected to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The side panels are configured to abut and engage side panels of an adjacent connector with a substantially flush fit to form a row of connectors to be located in an outer housing. A separate strain relief member may be attached to the shield. Each of the shield and the strain relief member may include an IDC feature that pierces the cable insulation.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector assembly includes a coaxial cable comprising a conductive braid, and a primary shield coupled to the cable and in electrical contact with the conductive braid. The primary shield defines a three sided enclosure surrounding the cable, and a secondary shield defines at least a portion of a fourth side of said enclosure and is electrically connected to the conductive braid.