Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device can include providing an intermediate structure including a first dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer having a first via hole formed therein, where the first via hole opens to an underlying metal contact, forming a first metal via in the first via hole, selectively depositing a first self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the first metal via, selectively depositing a first etch stop layer on the first dielectric layer, and removing the first SAM to expose the first metal via.

Abstract: A method of microfabrication is provided. The method includes providing a wafer including a dielectric layer having an opening formed in the dielectric layer. The opening includes a bottom and a sidewall. A buffer film is formed along the bottom and the sidewall of the opening. A metal material is formed over the buffer film to fill the opening. A first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) ?1 of the dielectric layer is larger than a second CTE ?2 of the buffer film, which is larger than a third CTE ?3 of the metal material.

Abstract: A plunger for use in an oil or gas well that includes a mandrel and a hollow body with radial directed ports disposed therein. The plunger also includes a variable flow mechanism that can be adjusted to achieve a desired fall rate for the plunger for a particular oil and gas operation. A method of lifting fluids from an oil and gas well using the plunger includes the step of employing an adjustable plunger to lift fluids from the oil and gas well wherein the adjustable plunger has a desired fall rate in the well.

Abstract: A plunger for use in an oil or gas well that includes a mandrel and a hollow body with radial directed ports disposed therein. The plunger also includes a variable flow mechanism that can be adjusted to achieve a desired fall rate for the plunger for a particular oil and gas operation. A method of lifting fluids from an oil and gas well using the plunger includes the step of employing an adjustable plunger to lift fluids from the oil and gas well wherein the adjustable plunger has a desired fall rate in the well.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, imaging compositions and methods useful for the diagnosis and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, this disclosure provides compounds, including radiolabeled compounds, compositions, and methods useful for the diagnosis and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with a-synuclein aggregation, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple systems atrophy or prodromal REM sleep behavior disorder.

Abstract: Technologies for plasma oxidation protection during hybrid bonding of semiconductor devices includes forming a blocking layer on a metallic bonding pad formed in a bonding surface of a semiconductor device to be bonded and performing a surface treatment on the bonding surface to increase the bonding strength of the bonding surface and contemporaneously remove the blocking layer from the metallic bonding pad. In an illustrative embodiment, the blocking layer is embodied as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), and the surface treatment is embodied as a surface activation plasma (SAP) treatment. A diffusion barrier layer, such as a silicon carbon nitride layer, may form the bonding surface in some embodiments to reduce diffusion of the metallic bonding pad during an annealing treatment of the bonding process.

Abstract: A plunger for use in an oil or gas well that includes a mandrel and a hollow body with radial directed ports disposed therein. The plunger also includes a variable flow mechanism that can be adjusted to achieve a desired fall rate for the plunger for a particular oil and gas operation. A method of lifting fluids from an oil and gas well using the plunger includes the step of employing an adjustable plunger to lift fluids from the oil and gas well wherein the adjustable plunger has a desired fall rate in the well.

Abstract: Technologies for plasma oxidation protection during hybrid bonding of semiconductor devices includes forming a blocking layer on a metallic bonding pad formed in a bonding surface of a semiconductor device to be bonded and performing a surface treatment on the bonding surface to increase the bonding strength of the bonding surface and contemporaneously remove the blocking layer from the metallic bonding pad. In an illustrative embodiment, the blocking layer is embodied as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), and the surface treatment is embodied as a surface activation plasma (SAP) treatment. A diffusion barrier layer, such as a silicon carbon nitride layer, may form the bonding surface in some embodiments to reduce diffusion of the metallic bonding pad during an annealing treatment of the bonding process.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for matching and assigning drivers and various logistical agencies to food delivery tasks. The systems and methods increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering excess and/or unwanted food from donors to recipients who are in need of food. The systems and methods increase the efficiency and effectiveness by automatically matching each food delivery task to a driver who is able to pick up food from a donor and drop-off food at a recipient.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating a subject who has an infection with a coronavirus, e.g., SARS-COV-2, and for reducing risk of infection or severity of infection, with a coronavirus, e.g., SARS-COV-2, the method comprising administering an effective amount of a benzimidazole.

Abstract: An adaptor for adapting a mains plug according to a first national standard to a mains socket according to a second, different second national standard. The adaptor comprises a housing with a socket for receiving the first mains plug, and at least two plug assemblies according to different national standards, one of the at least two plug assemblies being according to the second national standard. An externally-operable selection mechanism is provided for selectively deploying, or at least for making externally deployable, one of the at least two plug assemblies while simultaneously concealing, at least partially, the remaining plug assembly or assemblies so to make them effectively unusable. The end user can thus effortlessly select one of the outputs while hiding one that is not necessary. A network of internal conductors for providing electrical continuity between the first mains plug and the selected plug assembly is provided inside the adaptor.

Abstract: An adaptor for adapting a mains plug according to a first national standard to a mains socket according to a second, different second national standard. The adaptor comprises a housing with a socket for receiving the first mains plug, and at least two plug assemblies according to different national standards, one of the at least two plug assemblies being according to the second national standard. An externally-operable selection mechanism is provided for selectively deploying, or at least for making externally deployable, one of the at least two plug assemblies while simultaneously concealing, at least partially, the remaining plug assembly or assemblies so to make them effectively unusable. The end user can thus effortlessly select one of the outputs while hiding one that is not necessary. A network of internal conductors for providing electrical continuity between the first mains plug and the selected plug assembly is provided inside the adaptor.

Abstract: For over 150 years, conventional acoustic guitar designs have anchored the strings on a bridge attached to the guitar face; passing over a saddle; notched to align the strings over the fingerboard; and terminating at the tuning keys. The strain on the bridge and entire guitar face top over time eventually causes the thin guitar face top to warp. This phenomenon negatively impacts the quality of the instrument. The current patent, a bridge for stringed instruments (No. 6372971) was designed to eliminate surface warping to the guitar face of the instrument by distributing the load from the strings transversely across the guitar face. The principle of this feature, added to the current aforementioned patent, allows the user to raise and/or lower the strings (for the ease and comfort of the user) relative to the fingerboard without affecting the tuned strings or requiring a major operation to modify the saddle.

Abstract: The basic principle is applicable to cooling, heating or a combination of both. The definition of the TMZ is Key to this patent application! It is a volumetric space described as (L×W×D), length×width×depth, through which the air passes to be cooled or heated. Traditional AC units move air through the TMZ horizontally a distance of “D,” the depth of the core unit. Using the same configuration for the core unit with the same TMZ volume, the difference is airflow direction and temperature transfer duration. The proposed Patent Design moves air through the TMZ longitudinally a distance of “L,” the length of the core unit, allowing more time to heat or cool the air.

Abstract: The invention relates to translation enhancer elements that enhance translation of the gene encoding the human microtubule-associated tau protein and nucleic acid molecules that enhance translation of the gene encoding the human ?-synuclein protein. The translation enhancer elements of the invention are useful in compositions and methods for identifying compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disease. The invention also includes in some aspects, vectors that include a translation enhancer element of the invention. The invention also includes the use of enhancer element containing vectors in methods to produce recombinant protein and in assays to identify compounds that modulate expression of tau protein or ?-synuclein protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to translation enhancer elements that enhance translation of the gene encoding the human microtubule-associated tau protein and nucleic acid molecules that enhance translation of the gene encoding the human ?-synuclein protein. The translation enhancer elements of the invention are useful in compositions and methods for identifying compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disease. The invention also includes in some aspects, vectors that include a translation enhancer element of the invention. The invention also includes the use of enhancer element containing vectors in methods to produce recombinant protein and in assays to identify compounds that modulate expression of tau protein or ?-synuclein protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain peptides that correspond to sequence elements within the human Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein (APP). These peptides may be used to protect cells from iron catalyzed oxidative damage.

Abstract: Method for operating a well installation utilizing a chamber in operative association with plunger lift to carry out deliquidfication. Injection gas may be employed for plunger lift in a manner wherein the injection channel is isolated from the primary annulus of the well adjacent the casing. Gas is produced through that primary annulus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA element that enhances the translation of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The enhancer may be incorporated into expression vectors to enhance recombinant protein production. In addition, the invention is directed to an assay that utilizes vectors containing the translation enhancer element for the purpose of identifying agents that modulate the expression of the human amyloid precursor protein. These agents will ultimately be used to suppress APP expression in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.