Abstract: A method for reducing or preventing contamination or oxidation of copper surfaces included in semiconductor process wafers including providing a semiconductor wafer including copper features having newly formed process surfaces following a semiconductor manufacturing process forming the newly formed process surfaces; exposing the process surfaces to an alkaline solution for a period of time sufficient to chemically modify the newly formed process surfaces prior to substantial exposure of the process surfaces to a contaminating or oxidizing atmosphere; and, placing the semiconductor wafer in a semiconductor wafer holding environment in queue for subsequent semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Aqueous polishing slurries for chemical-mechanical polishing are effective for polishing copper at high polish rates. The aqueous slurries according to the present invention may include soluble salts of molybdenum dissolved in an oxidizing agent and molybdic acid dissolved in an oxidizing agent. Methods for polishing copper by chemical-mechanical planarization include polishing copper with low pressures using a polishing pad and a aqueous slurries including soluble salts of molybdenum dissolved in an oxidizing agent and molybdic acid dissolved in an oxidizing agent, particles of MoO3 dissolved in an oxidizing agent, and particles of MoO2 dissolved in an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing slurry contains an alumina powder including ?-alumina particles and at least one other alumina particles having a crystal structure different from that of ?-alumina, and resin particles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device by performing a planarization process including a first CMP process using a slurry including 0.05˜0.5 wt % CeO2 or MnO2 as an abrasive and a second CMP process using a slurry including SiO2 as the other abrasive regardless of order of the processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming recesses on a substrate, the method including forming on the substrate a patterning layer having first features; trim etching the first features to define trimmed features having a shape; and transferring an inverse of the shape into the substrate.

Abstract: A wafer has a trench, a STI layer formed in the trench, an HfO2-containing gate dielectric covering the wafer and the STI layer, a gate electrode formed on the HfO2-containing gate dielectric, and at least a spacer formed beside the gate electrode. The wafer is preheated and a bromine-rich gas plasma is provided to remove portions of the HfO2-containing gate dielectric.

Abstract: A high selectivity and etch rate with innovative approach of inductively coupled plasma source. Preferably, the invention includes a method using plasma chemistry that is divided into main etch step of (e.g., Cl2+HBr+C4F8) gas combination and over etch step of (e.g., HBr+Ar). The main etch step provides a faster etch rate and selectivity while the over etch step will decrease the etch rate and ensure the stringer and residue removal without attacking the under layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma etching method that can etch a metal film as a material to be etched selectively against an organic film underlying the material. The etching method comprising the steps of introducing an etching gas in an etching chamber wherein a material to be etched is placed, and exciting the etching gas to a plasma state to etch that material to be etched, wherein the material to be etched is a metal film 3 consisting of Au, Pt, Ag, Ti, TiN, TiO, Al, an aluminum alloy, or a laminated film of these films laminated on an organic film 5; and the etching gas is a mixed gas containing at least a gas selected from a group consisting of Cl2, BCl3, and HBr; and at least a gas selected from a group consisting of CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3F, and CH4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to etch chemistry and methods for the etching of silicon substrates. The method is particularly useful for deep trench etching of silicon substrates and produces a trench having a high aspect ratio. In this type of deep trench etching, control of the profile of the trench is addressed by the etch chemistry disclosed herein. The etchant described in the present invention comprises silicon and a halogen component, and may be gaseous, liquid or solid. The etchant disclosed is also substantially free of hydrogen and carbon.

Abstract: A method for etching a polysilicon gate structure in a plasma etch chamber is provided. The method initiates with defining a pattern protecting a polysilicon film to be etched. Then, a plasma is generated. Next, substantially all of the polysilicon film that is unprotected is etched. Then, a silicon containing gas is introduced and a remainder of the polysilicon film is etched while introducing a silicon containing gas. An etch chamber configured to introduce a silicon containing gas during an etch process is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a hard mask for gate electrode patterning in a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes providing a polysilicon layer to be etched and forming over the polysilicon layer, a nitride hardmask with a relatively high etch rate to hydrofluoric acid, as compared to the etch rate of silicon oxide. The polysilicon can then be patterned using the hardmask and the hardmask can be removed using hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a Si and Si—Ge thin films. The method comprises: providing a low temperature substrate material of plastic or glass; supplying an atmosphere; performing a high-density (HD) plasma process, such as an HD PECVD process using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source; maintaining a substrate temperature of 400 degrees C., or less; and, forming a semiconductor layer overlying the substrate that is made from Si or Si-germanium. The HD PECVD process is capable of depositing Si at a rate of greater than 100 ? per minute. The substrate temperature can be as low as 50 degrees C. Microcrystalline Si, a-Si, or a polycrystalline Si layer can be formed over the substrate. Further, the deposited Si can be either intrinsic or doped. Typically, the supplied atmosphere includes Si and H. For example, an atmosphere can be supplied including SiH4 and H2, or comprising H2 and Silane with H2/Silane ratio in the range of 0–100.

Abstract: A typical integrated-circuit fabrication requires interconnecting millions of microscopic transistors and resistors with metal wires. Making the metal wires flush, or coplanar, with underlying insulation requires digging trenches in the insulation, and then filling the trenches with metal to form the wires. The invention provides a new “trench-less” or “self-planarizing” method of making coplanar metal wires. Specifically, one embodiment forms a first layer that includes silicon and germanium; oxidizes a region of the first layer to define an oxidized region and a non-oxidized region; and reacts aluminum or an aluminum alloy with the non-oxidized region. The reaction substitutes, or replaces, the non-oxidized region with aluminum to form a metallic wire coplanar with the first layer. Another step removes germanium oxide from the oxidized region to form a porous insulation having a very low dielectric constant, thereby reducing capacitance.

Abstract: A process for the production of electrodes for fuel cells includes applying an ink consisting of a mixture of at least a carbon powder, an ion-conducting polymer and a fluid, the fluid containing at least 3% of an alkanediol, and a fuel cell electrode which can be obtained by applying such an electrode ink to a substrate, followed by a heat treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to single-component and multi-component catalytic systems using aryl titanates. Aryl titanate compounds are useful as catalysts and co-catalysts in single-component and multi-component catalytic systems (e.g., for the polymerization of macrocyclic oligoesters and the depolymerization of polyesters). Multi-component catalytic systems using aryl titanates allow increased versatility in applications such as liquid molding.

Abstract: A catalyst component obtained by a process comprising contacting (a), (b) and (c) described below, a catalyst for addition polymerization using the catalyst component, and a process for producing an addition polymer with the catalyst for addition polymerization: (a) a compound represented by the chemical formula, BiL1r, (b) a compound represented by the chemical formula, R1s-1T1H, and (c) a compound represented by the chemical formula, R2t-2T2H2, wherein r is a numeral corresponding to a valence of Bi; L1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon oxy group; T1 and T2 independently represents a non-metallic atom of Group 15 or 16 of the periodic table; s represents a numeral corresponding to a valence of T1; t represents a numeral corresponding to a valence of T2; R1 is an electron-withdrawing group or an electron-withdrawing group-containing group; and R2 represents a hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.

Abstract: Nanostructures and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. One representative nanostructure includes a silicon dioxide (SiO2)/tin oxide (SnOx) nanostructure, where x is between about 1 to about 2. The SiO2/SnOx nanostructure includes a SiO2 nanostructure having SnOx nanoclusters dispersed over a portion of the surface of the SiO2 nanostructure.

Abstract: A process for the vapor phase ammoxidation of alkanes and olefins with a catalyst of the general empirical formula: VSbaMbQcOx wherein M is at least one element selected from magnesium, aluminum, zirconium, silicon, hafnium, titanium and niobium, Q is at least one element selected from rhenium, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, manganese, phosphorus, cerium, tin, boron, scandium, bismuth, gallium, indium, iron, chromium, lanthanum, yttrium, zinc, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, copper, strontium, barium, calcium, silver, potassium, sodium and cesium, a is 0.5 to 20, b is 2 to 50, c is 0 to 10 and x is determined by the valence requirements of the elements present. The process has a co-feed of gaseous carbon dioxide with an alkane (paraffin) and/or alkene, ammonia and an oxygen-containing gas which react in the presence of the catalyst to form a nitrile and by-products.

Abstract: A water-insoluble polymeric oxidizing medium is contemplated that has a plurality of polymerized N-pyridinium vinylbenzyl triiodide or tribromide moieties whose pyridinium rings bear two substituents, R1 and R2, that are independently a hydrido or a C1–C4 alkyl group, and correspond in structure to the formula A process for preparing aseptic water and an apparatus useful for carrying out that process, both of which utilize a contemplated polymeric oxidizing medium are disclosed, as are processes for oxidizing trivalent arsenic or antimony to pentavalent arsenic or antimony and for removing arsenic from water. Alumina particles containing meta-periodate, iron or manganese are also disclosed that can be used to sorb pentavalent arsenic and antimony, as well as cobalt and mercury.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures comprising a) a benzophenone of the formula I, b) a carbamate of the formula II, and c) an azole derivative of the formula III in a synergistically effective amount, and a method for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of the compounds I, II and III are described. The active compounds of the formulae I, II and III are defined in the description.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the stability of a water-in-oil emulsion pretreating at least a portion of the oil prior to emulsification. The pretreatment step may consist of adding polymers to the oil, biotreating the oil, photochemically treating the oil, or combinations thereof. The emulsion may be used in various enhanced oil recovery methods including using the emulsion as a flooding agent to displace hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation, and using the emulsion as a barrier fluid for diverting flow of fluids in the formation.

Abstract: A cleansing composition, which comprises at least one phosphate surfactant, at least one foaming nonionic surfactant and at least one cationic polymer devoid of saccharide groups in an aqueous medium, the composition having the appearance of a transparent gel.

Abstract: Surfactant combinations containing: (a) one or more alkyl ether sulfates; (b) at least one quaternary ammonium compound corresponding to formula I: in which EO is ethylene oxide, R and R? are the same or different and represent alkyl groups, n1 is 0–30 n2 is 0–30, and A is a counterion; (c) 0 to 50% of one or more alkyl and/or aryl sulfonates; (d) 0 to 15% of one or more alkyl sulfates; and (e) 0 to 20% of one or more amphoteric surfactants, and water-based cleaning composition containing such surfactant combinations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pourable acidic hard surface cleaning and/or disinfecting composition which contains suspended inclusions which appear as visibly discernible, discrete particulate materials, preferably where said discrete particulate materials are based on alginates.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing surfactant granulates, comprising (a) providing a mixture of anionic surfactant acids and builder acids having a weight ratio of 1:100 to 1:20 of builder acid to surfactant acid; and (b) contacting the mixture with at least one solid neutralizing agent. The builder acid is selected from citric acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malonic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, gluconic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, aspartic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, polyaspartic acids, polyacrylic acids, polymethacrylic acids, or copolymers thereof and has a particle size below 200 ?m.

Abstract: A process for making a surfactant composition having an improved dissolution rate in cold water involving: (a) providing a hydroxy mixed ether surfactant; (b) providing a disintegrator component; and (c) granulating and compacting the hydroxy mixed ether surfactant in the presence of the disintegrator component.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization of a fragrance ingredient in a salt mixture, comprising the steps of encapsulating the fragrance ingredient in a first encapsulating material, which is water soluble and insoluble in a volatile organic solvent, to form a first encapsulated material; encapsulating a salt in a second encapsulating material which is dissolved in a volatile organic solvent to form a second encapsulated material, and then partially drying the second encapsulated material; mixing the first encapsulated material with the second encapsulated material before the volatile, organic solvent completely evaporates from the second encapsulated material; and removing remaining volatile organic solvent to form a free flowing salt and fragrance containing powder.

Abstract: Compositions, articles and methods are provided for supplying fabric care benefits to clothing or fabrics in an automated washing machine and by manual washing. The fabric care compositions preferably have less than about 5% detergent surfactants, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1% and are most preferably free of detergent surfactants. Similarly, the fabric care compositions preferably have less than about 5% fabric softener actives, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1% and are most preferably free of detergent surfactants. The laundry articles can take a variety of forms in a variety of physical states all of which will rapidly dispense a unitized amount of one or more selected fabric care agents to a wash and/or rinse bath solution during the laundering process under a variety of conditions. The invention also pertains to laundry kits that contain a variety of such articles and instructions concerning their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating cell migration, particularly, monocyte, neutrophil or macrophage migration, using galectin-3, galectin-3 binding polypeptide, or galectin-3 receptor binding polypeptide. Specifically provided are methods for increasing cell migration to sites of inflammation, infection or a tumor. Also provided are methods for identifying agents that modulate galectin-3 mediated migration, compositions containing galectin-3 or a functional subsequence thereof, and microfabricated devices that deliver galectin-3 or functional galectin-3 subsequences.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns novel proteins which bind to the intracellular domains of the p55 and p75 TNF-Rs and the FAS-R, which are capable of modulating the function of the p55 and p75 TNF-Rs and the FAS-R, and the DNA sequences which encode them. The present invention also concerns new soluble oligomeric TNF-Rs, oligomeric FAS-Rs and oligomeric receptors having a mixture of TNF-Rs and FAS-Rs. In addition, the present invention concerns methods of preparation and uses of all of the aforementioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for prevention and treatment of bone-related or nutrition-related disorders using a GLP molecule or GLP activator either alone or in combination with another therapeutic. The present invention also encompasses methods of diagnosing or monitoring the progression of a disorder. The invention also encompasses methods of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hemostatic devices comprising a substrate, which substrate comprises a precipitate of a protein in an amount effective to provide hemostatic properties to the substrate, or to maintain and/or improve hemostatic properties of the substrate, and to methods of making such devices, wherein the substrate comprising the precipitate of the protein is prepared by precipitation of the protein on or into the substrate upon contacting the protein with the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents and compositions useful in the treatment of those phenomena and manifestations generally causing or accompanying the aging of skin, ocular tissues and other tissues. In particular the invention relates to the use of different mixture of carotenoids, preferably lutein, and gelatin-glycine for improving hydration, elasticity and lipid content of the skin and for protecting skin and ocular tissues from hazardous radiations.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that comprises a mixture of polypeptides of opposite charge and an excipient selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, glutamic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate, beta-hydroxy cyclodextrin, and beta-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether.

Abstract: A method for treating psoriasis of the skin of a patient employs topically applying to the affected skin a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to such a method where the composition used therefor further comprises certain disclosed active agents, including active drug and active cosmetic substances. In a related aspect, further embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions comprising at least one peptide copper complex and certain active drug and active cosmetic substances that render the compositions particularly effective in treating psoriasis.

Abstract: Disclosed are human VEGF2 polypeptides, biologically active, diagnostically or therapeutically useful fragments, analogs, or derivatives thereof, and DNA (RNA) encoding such VEGF2 polypeptides. Also provided are procedures for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. Such polypeptides may be used therapeutically for stimulating wound healing and for vascular tissue repair. Also provided are methods of using the antibodies and antagonists to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and thus tumor growth, inflammation, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mutants of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) useful as inhibitors of heterotopic ossification. Specifically, the present invention relates to novel mutants containing only the entire region involved in the formation of finger 2 including the wrist epitope of a BMP with a specific cysteine residue or specific cysteine residues replaced by a different amino acid. The present invention also relates pharmaceutical compositions containing these mutants and to the use of the mutants and pharmaceutical compositions in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for attaching two surfaces to each other or coating a surface by providing a bioadhesive composition consisting of an aqueous solution of a bioadhesive polyphenolic protein derived from a byssus-forming mussel, and mixing said bioadhesive composition with a preparation comprising non-enzymatic oxidising periodate ions so that the concentration of periodate ions is at least 1.80 mmol/g in the final composition before applying the mixture to at least one of two surfaces to be attached to each other or coated or applying said composition and said periodate ions without any specific order, to at least one of two surfaces to be attached to each other or the surface to be coated, thereby mixing the bioadhesive composition and the periodate ions. The surfaces are then joined (if necessary) and left for sufficiently long time for curing to occur.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one Y2 receptor-binding peptide, such as peptide YY(PYY), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or Pancreatic Peptide (PP) and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one Y2 receptor-binding peptide, such as peptide YY(PYY), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or Pancreatic Peptide (PP) and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions and wound dressings that facilitate healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions containing novel leptin peptides, preferably for the modulation of body mass (i.e., weight), more specifically for novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications in homeostasis of body weight and adipose tissue mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of arthritis in a vertebrate comprising administering to said vertebrate in need of said treatment and/or prophylaxis a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient, wherein said compound of formula (I) is defined as: A—(L—Y)p, wherein: A comprises at least one substantially cell-membrane impermeable pendant group; L comprises any suitable linker and/or spacer group; Y comprises at least one arsenoxide or arsenoxide equivalent; p is an integer from 1 to 10; and the sum total of carbon atoms in A and L together, is greater than 6.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a means for the measurement of amylase activity that exists in a biological sample such as saliva in a more convenient manner and particularly to provide a means (method and reagent) where a sample containing amylase in high concentration is directly measured without dilution. In the present invention, there has been found a method, which is an enzymatic method using a modified oligosaccharide substrate, comprising adding saccharide such as oligosaccharide that is competitive to the oligosaccharide substrate whereupon amylase activity in an amylase sample having a high activity value can be directly measured without dilution, and a result, the present invention has been achieved.

Abstract: A nucleic acid delivery system is described. The delivery system contains a fusion protein having a target moiety and a nucleic acid binding moiety, and a nucleic acid sequence bound to the nucleic acid binding moiety of the fusion protein. The target moiety can be an antibody or a ligand. The use of this nucleic acid delivery system to transienntly or stably express a desired nucleic acid sequence in a cell is disclosed. Also disclosed is the use of this delivery system to target a cell and deliver a desired product.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for using local heat to control gene expression. The heat shock protein (hsp) gene promoter is recombined with a selected therapeutic gene and expressed in selected cells. Local controlled heating is used to activate the hsp promoter, for example by using focused ultrasound controlled by MRI.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions and methods for vector-mediated delivery and in vivo expression of polynucleotides encoding anti-cancer compounds that are effective in the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention relates to the use of recombinant viral and non-viral vectors to deliver genes encoding one or more anti-angiogenic or proapoptotic gene products for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: It has been discovered that ?-L-2?-deoxynucleosides are active against drug-resistant hepatitis B virus with mutations. A method for treating lamivudine resistant HBV (M552V) in a host is provided that includes administering a ?-L-2?-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug. In addition, a method for preventing lamivudine resistant HBV (M552V) mutation from occurring in a naïve host is provided that includes administering a ?-L-2?-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug. A method for preventing and/or suppressing the emergence of the HBV double mutant (L528M/M552V) in a host is also provided that includes administering a ?-L-2?-deoxynucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug.

Abstract: The present invention has the object to dehydrate hydrous matters without denaturing or deteriorating them by using a dehydrating agent comprising an anhydrous cyclotetrasaccharide, and provides a dehydrating agent comprising the cyclotetrasaccharide; a method for dehydrating hydrous matters through a step of incorporating, contacting or coexisting the cyclotetrasaccharide into, with, or in the hydrous matters; and dehydrated products obtainable thereby.