Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a dielectric layer. The apparatus includes a semiconductor processing chamber configured for use in a dielectric layer deposition process, the semiconductor processing chamber being associated with at least a length, a width, a height, and a volume, one or more gas sources containing one or more gases used in the barrier layer deposition process, and one or more gas flow controllers coupled to the one or more gas sources, the one or more gas flow controllers configured to provide one or more controlled amounts of one or more gas flows to the semiconductor processing chamber during semiconductor processing. One or more gas lines coupled to the one or more gas flow controllers for receiving one or more gas flows from the one or more gas flow controllers, and a pumping system is coupled to the semiconductor processing chamber, the pumping system configured to remove a quantity of gas from either the semiconductor processing chamber or the one or more gas lines.

Abstract: An isolated human alkaline sphingomyelinase (Alk-Smase) or a variant thereof is capable of hydrolysing sphingomyelin. Methods are provided for isolating human Alk-Smase and for preparing human recombinant Alk-Smase. Further methods are provided for the use of the enzyme for the treatment of colon cancer.

Abstract: An article formed from a polyolefin resin blend reaction product that includes at least one propylene-based polyolefin-metal salt and at least one property-modifying agent. Optionally, the article includes a polyethylene-based polyolefin-metal salt, thermoplastic elastomer, such as a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymer or any other styrenic block copolymer, semi-crystalline polyolefin component, or the like, or combinations thereof. Such articles have enhanced scratch and mar resistance while still retaining acceptable impact toughness. Methods of preparing articles and the blends used to form such articles are also part of the invention.

Abstract: An ionomeric nanocomposite that includes a base component of a propylene-based polyolefin-metal salt component and a nanostructured material. Optionally, the blend further contains a polymeric component including an ethylene ionomer, a styrenic block ionomer, a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymer, or a combination thereof. Such ionomeric nanocomposites have increased scratch and mar resistance while still retaining clarity and thermal stability. Methods of preparing such blends, as well as resultant articles including such blends, are also part of the invention.

Abstract: An ionomeric nanocomposite that includes a base component of a propylene-based polyolefin-metal salt component and a nanostructured material. Optionally, the blend further contains a polymeric component including an ethylene ionomer, a styrenic block ionomer, a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymer, or a combination thereof. Such ionomeric nanocomposites have increased scratch and mar resistance while still retaining clarity and thermal stability. Methods of preparing such blends, as well as resultant articles including such blends, are also part of the invention.

Abstract: An article formed from a polyolefin resin blend reaction product that includes at least one propylene-based polyolefin-metal salt and at least one property-modifying agent. Optionally, the article includes a polyethylene-based polyolefin-metal salt, thermoplastic elastomer, such as a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymer or any other styrenic block copolymer, semi-crystalline polyolefin component, or the like, or combinations thereof. Such articles have enhanced scratch and mar resistance while still retaining acceptable impact toughness. Methods of preparing articles and the blends used to form such articles are also part of the invention.