Abstract: A method for planarizing a semiconductor structure is disclosed. A semiconductor substrate having a first area in which one or more trenches are formed in a first pattern density, and a second area in which one or more trenches are formed in a second pattern density lower than the first pattern density, is provided. A first dielectric layer is formed above the semiconductor for covering the trenches in the first and second areas. A first chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the first dielectric layer using a predetermined type of slurry for reducing a thickness thereof. The first dielectric layer is then rinsed. A second chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the first dielectric layer using the predetermined type of slurry for further removing the first dielectric layer outside the trenches, thereby reducing a step height variation between surfaces of the first and second areas.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a capacitor using a metal/insulator/metal (MIM) structure is disclosed. An example method for fabricating a capacitor using an MIM structure including a first metal layer, a dielectric layer, and a second metal layer etches the second metal layer and the dielectric layer in order and changes the etching conditions associated with the second metal layer prior to etching the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A process for forming a tapered trench in a dielectric material includes the steps of forming a dielectric layer on a semiconductor wafer, and plasma etching the dielectric layer; during the plasma etch, the dielectric layer is chemically and physically etched simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of generating a mask design having optical proximity correction features disposed therein. The methods includes the steps of obtaining a desired target pattern having features to be imaged on a substrate; determining an interference map based on the target pattern, the interference map defining areas of constructive interference and areas of destructive interference between at least one of the features to be imaged and a field area adjacent the at least one feature; and placing assist features in the mask design based on the areas of constructive interference and the areas of destructive interference.

Abstract: An edge bead removal process is disclosed. The process includes providing a wafer having a feature layer, coating a photoresist on the feature layer, rotating the wafer, and removing an edge bead from the wafer by removing an edge bump portion from the edge bead and removing an edge region from the edge bead.

Abstract: The occurrence of a package crack in the back vicinity of a die pad is restrained by making the outward appearance of the die pad of a lead frame smaller than that of a semiconductor chip which is mounted on it, and also the occurrence of a package crack in the main surface vicinity of the semiconductor chip is restrained by forming a layer of organic material with good adhesion property with the resin that constitutes the package body on the final passivation film (final passivation film) that covers the top layer of conductive wirings of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A wafer planarization process with a conditioning tool having an electrical insulator that electrically insulates the abrasive surface of the conditioning tool. The electrical insulator extends the useful life of the abrasive surface of the conditioning tool by reducing the level of electrochemically driven corrosion.

Abstract: A method of patterning a crystalline film. A crystalline film having a degenerate lattice comprising first atoms in a first region and a second region is provided. Dopants are substituted for said first atoms in said first region to form a non-degenerate crystalline film in said first region. The first region and the second region are exposed to a wet etchant wherein the wet etchant etches the degenerate lattice in said second region without etching the non-degenerate lattice in the first region.

Abstract: Silicon electrode assembly decontamination cleaning methods and solutions, which control or eliminate possible chemical attacks of electrode assembly bonding materials, comprise ammonium fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, optionally ammonium acetate, and deionized water.

Abstract: Methods for protecting semiconductor devices from plasma charging damage are disclosed. An example disclosed method includes depositing an etching stop layer on a substrate with at least one predetermined structure; depositing a premetallic dielectric layer and a charge preservation layer on the entire surface of the etching stop layer; depositing an insulating layer on the surface of the resulting structure; and forming an metallic interconnect on the insulating layer.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for treating a plurality of discrete semiconductor substrates. The discrete semiconductor substrates are placed within a reactor chamber. While the substrates are within the chamber, they are simultaneously exposed to one or more of H, F and Cl to remove native oxide. After removing the native oxide, the substrates are simultaneously exposed to a first reactive material to form a first mass across at least some exposed surfaces of the substrates. The first reactive material is removed from the reaction chamber, and subsequently the substrates are exposed to a second reactive material to convert the first mass to a second mass. The invention also includes apparatuses which can be utilized for simultaneous ALD treatment of a plurality of discrete semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A method of depositing tensile or compressively stressed silicon nitride on a substrate is described. Silicon nitride having a tensile stress with an absolute value of at least about 1200 MPa can be deposited from process gas comprising silicon-containing gas and nitrogen-containing gas, maintained in an electric field having a strength of from about 25 V/mil to about 300 V/mil. The electric field is formed by applying a voltage at a power level of less than about 60 Watts across electrodes that are spaced apart by a separation distance that is at least about 600 mils. Alternatively, silicon nitride having a compressive stress with an absolute value of at least about 2000 MPa can be formed in an electric field having a strength of from about 400 V/mil to about 800 V/mil.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a strained silicon wafer, having steps of a first step of preparing a single crystal silicon substrate, a second step of forming a graded SiGe layer on the substrate, the graded SiGe layer having a first Ge composition ratio increased stepwisely from 5 to 60% at atomic ratio, a third step of forming a SiGe constant composition layer on the graded SiGe layer, the SiGe constant composition layer having a Ge composition ratio substantially equal to the Ge composition ratio on a surface of the-graded SiGe layer and a fourth step of forming a strained Si layer on the SiGe constant composition layer. The second through fourth steps are performed under the reduced pressure atmosphere while the single crystal silicon substrate is rotated in a circumferential direction at a rate from 300 rpm to 1500 rpm.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively increasing the thermal effect of a radiant energy source to the surface of an object relative to the substrate is described in the context of rapid thermal processing of semiconductor wafers, and apparatus produced therefrom. A radiation-absorptive atmosphere is introduced between the radiant energy source and the object to increase conductive heat transfer to the surface of the object and reduce the available radiant heat transfer to the substrate, thereby increasing the thermal effect to the surface relative to the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thin reinforced nonwoven fabric having ridges and grooves for fire blocking an article and articles containing such fabrics. When exposed to heat or flame, the fabric is capable of increasing to a thickness that is at least 1.5 times its original thickness. The fabric comprises an open mesh scrim having a having crimped, heat-resistant organic fibers compressed thereon and held in a compressed state by a thermoplastic binder, on which is imparted a ridge and groove structure. When subjected to high heat or flame, the binder in the structure softens, releasing the restrained crimped fibers and any ridges and grooves and allowing the thickness of the fabric to increase.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improvement in binders particularly suited for use in preparing nonwoven products and to the nonwoven products. The improved binders comprise a blend of a vinyl chloride (VCl) polymer emulsion and a self crosslinkable vinyl acetate-ethylene-N-methylolacrylamide (VAE-NMA) polymer emulsion. The blend of the VCl polymer emulsion and the VAE-NMA polymer emulsion can be applied to cellulose and cellulose/synthetic nonwoven substrates and cured in the absence of an acid catalyst to provide a self-sustaining web having excellent wet strength performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saturable nonwoven material comprising fluoropolymer floc and aramid floc, which can be used as a substrate for a liner for self-lubricating bearings and for other applications.

Abstract: ESD safe ceramic component is provided which includes a sintered composition which is formed of a base material and a resistivity modifier. The base material includes a primary component and a secondary component, the primary component including Al2O3 and the secondary component including tetragonal-ZrO2.

Abstract: Transparent polycrystalline sintered ceramic of cubic crystal structure. The invention relates to the field of technical ceramic and relates to transparent polycrystalline sintered ceramics of cubic crystal structure for applications with increased mechanical stress, e.g., as protective or armoring ceramic. Provided are sintered ceramics that combine a high transmission of RIT>75% of the theoretical maximum value with a distinctly improved hardness. Transparent polycrystalline sintered ceramics of cubic crystal structure with a real in-line transmission RIT>75% of the theoretical maximum value measured on 0.8 mm-thick polished plates and for light of a wavelength between 600 and 650 nm, and with an average grain size D in the range of 60 nm<D<10 ?m are provided.

Abstract: The composite dielectric of the present invention contains an aromatic liquid crystal polyester and a dielectric ceramic powder arranged in the aromatic liquid crystal polyester, wherein the dielectric ceramic powder exhibits a Q value greater than 650 at a frequency of 1 GHz by perturbation. A wiring board comprising a composite dielectric sheet made of a composite dielectric having such a characteristic exhibits a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric dissipation factor, thereby yielding less transmission loss, and thus can favorably be used in electronic instruments driven in high-frequency regions.

Abstract: A translucent polycrystalline material suitable for use in ceramic discharge vessels for metal halide lamps is produced by sintering an alumina powder doped with a MgO sintering aid in a nitrogen atmosphere containing a partial pressure of a vapor phase carbon-containing species. The sintered polycrystalline alumina has a grain boundary phase containing aluminum, oxygen and nitrogen. The formation of the AL—O—N grain boundary phase is believed to facilitate the transport of nitrogen from entrapped pores during sintering. Preferably, the PCA is sintered in a carbon-element furnace under flowing ultra-high-purity nitrogen.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide removing catalyst such as a ruthenium supporting catalyst is provided for removing, through oxidation thereof, carbon monoxide from an alcohol reformed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide to be supplied to a fuel cell. For its activation, the catalyst is caused to contact an inactive gas or a hydrogen-containing inactive gas consisting of less than 50 volume % of hydrogen gas and the remaining volume of inactive gas, thereby to avoid poisoning of the electrode of the fuel cell with carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A catalyst, a process for making the catalyst and a process for using the catalyst in aromatization of alkanes to aromatics, specifically, aromatization of alkanes having two to six carbon atoms per molecule, such as propane, to aromatics, such as benzene, toluene and xylene. The catalyst is an aluminum-silicon-germanium zeolite on which platinum has been deposited. Germanium is in the framework of the crystalline zeolite. Platinum is deposited on the zeolite. The catalyst may be supported on magnesia, alumina, titania, zirconia, thoria, silica, boria or mixtures thereof. The catalyst may contain a sulfur compound on the surface of the catalyst. The sulfur compound may be added to the catalyst in a pretreatment process or introduced with the hydrocarbon feed to contact the catalyst during the aromatization process.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a catalyst composition. One aspect of this invention is the formation and use of a catalyst composition comprising a transition metal compound and an activator for olefin polymerization processes.

Abstract: A metallocene compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1: wherein M is a transition metal of Group 4; Cp denotes a cyclopentadienyl ring unsubstituted or substituted by hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl radicals; Qs, which are the same or different, are halogen radicals, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or arylakyl radicals having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or alkylidene radicals having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; A? is methoxymethyl, t-butoxymethyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 1-ethoxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl, or t-butyl; and a is an integer of 4 to 8. The metallocene compounds in this invention can be strongly supported on the inorganic support, and the supported catalyst of this invention allows for an olefin polymerization process without any fouling in the reactor, and produces a polymer with better morphology and bulk density.

Abstract: The invention is polymerizable compositions comprising in one part an organoboron compound capable of forming a free radical generating species and a stabilizing amount of one or more compounds comprising a dihydrocarbyl hydroxyl amine, an alicyclic hydroxyl amine, or a nitrile oxide of a dihydrocarbyl hydroxyl amine or an alicyclic hydroxyl amine, and in the second part one or more compounds capable of free radical polymerization.

Abstract: A composite oxide includes CeO2, ZrO2 and a metallic oxide being free from reacting with CeO2 and ZrO2 at 700° C. or more, preferably at 900° C. or more and further preferably at 1,000° C. or more. The composite oxide has a regulatory oriented phase, such as a pyrochlore phase, etc., in which at least a part of Ce cations and Zr cations are oriented regularly. The composite oxide makes a catalytic support. The CeO2—ZrO2 composite oxide and the reaction-free metallic oxide make barriers each other which suppress the granular growth when the composite oxide is subjected to high-temperature heat in a reducing heat treatment to form the regulatory oriented phase. The regulatory oriented phase improves the oxygen storage-and-release capability of the catalytic support. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously attain a large a specific surface area and a high oxygen storage-and-release capability.

Abstract: This invention describes a nano-scale magnetic solid base catalyst and its preparation method. The catalyst involves a magnetic core coated with a solid base active layer. The synthesis of the nano-scale magnetic cores was first carried out using a rapid nucleation method in a colloid mill reactor using a liquid-liquid reaction. The nano-scale magnetic cores were mixed with a mixed salt solution. The LDH-containing magnetic cores were prepared in a colloid mill reactor by a rapid nucleation method, and subsequently calcined to give a solid base mixed oxides coated on magnetic cores. The characteristics of this catalyst are: nano-scale, high surface area and high activity and selectivity in base-catalyzed reactions. The highly dispersed catalyst can be easily reclaimed using an external magnetic field because of its magnetism. The catalyst can be utilized in base catalysis in organic reactions such as glycol ether synthesis, ester exchange, aldol condensation, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a stable PROX reaction catalyst, comprising the steps of (a) preparing a catalyst platinum supported on alumina; (b) calcinating the catalyst from step (a) at 300˜600° C. for 2˜4 hours; (c) contacting the catalyst obtained from step (b) with hydrogen at 300° C.˜600° C. for 2˜4 hours to reduce the catalyst; and (d) dropping the temperature in the reduced catalyst from step (c) to less than 100° C. and then contacting the catalyst with a predetermined solvent and/or gas while elevating the temperature to 300° C.–600° C. The catalyst has Pt—Al arrangement, the content of Pt being 0.5˜7% by weight and has an overall shape of an oval.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst carrier comprising a refractory inorganic material having a sodium solubilization rate no greater than 5 ppmw/5 minutes. There is further a catalyst comprising a refractory inorganic material carrier having a sodium solubilization rate no greater than 5 ppmw/5 minutes; and one or more catalytically reactive metals deposited on said carrier. There is also provided a catalyst suitable for the vapor phase production of alkylene oxide from olefins and oxygen comprising an alumina-based carrier having a sodium solubilization rate no greater than 5 ppmw/5 minutes; and catalytically reactive silver deposited on said carrier.

Abstract: Silicate-based substantially non-hydrated sorbent material comprising predominantly calcium silicate and/or calcium alumino-silicate has an atomic framework at least partially de-calcified in that a plurality of calcium atom sites in atomic framework are vacant. The activated material can be used as industrially useful sorbents for contaminant species such as metal ions, in the solidification of waste, in similar applications, and in the absorption of carbon dioxide which might otherwise be exhausted to atmosphere. The material has a further use as a precipitant of certain ionic species e.g. lead, leading to its removal from aqueous solution by precipitation.

Abstract: There is provided an agrochemical formulation aid composition for use with technical grade, manufacturing concentrates or pre-formulated Agricultural Chemicals/pesticides, fertilizers and the like comprising about 1 to 99 parts by weight of monocarbamide dihydrogen sulphate and 50 to 10 parts by weight of a blend, said blend comprising: 1-99% by weight of a phosphate ester blend; 99-1% by weight of a tallow amine ethoxylate; 0-5% by weight of a fatty acid methyl ester; 0-0.5% by weight of a free fatty acid blend; 0-0.5% by weight of 2N-octanol; 0-1% by weight of oleyl-cetyl alcohol; 0-0.1% by weight of N-butanol; 0-1.5% by weight of polyethylene glycol; and balance, if any, of water. Also provided are methods of preparing the formulation aid composition on site by mixing various components and methods of preparing sprayable and bioactive agrochemical systems using the formulation aid and non-formulated or formulated agrochemicals.

Abstract: A Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) is disclosed comprising a pair of resistively shunted Josephson junctions connected in parallel within a superconducting loop and biased by an external direct current (dc) source. The SQUID comprises a semiconductor substrate and at least one superconducting layer. The metal layer(s) are separated by or covered with a semiconductor material layer having the properties of a conductor at room temperature and the properties of an insulator at operating temperatures (generally less than 100 Kelvins). The properties of the semiconductor material layer greatly reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge that can damage the device during normal handling of the device at room temperature, while still providing the insulating properties desired to allow normal functioning of the device at its operating temperature. A method of manufacturing the SQUID device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature-stable, non eco-toxic oil-base well fluid that is particularly suitable for high pressure/high temperature drilling comprises an emulsification system comprising at least one superamide that may or may not be polyalkoxylated, optionally associated with a non-ionic co-surfactant. The oil-base well fluid comprising such a system can be used at temperatures of up to about 200° C. due to the production of highly temperature-stable reverse emulsions.

Abstract: Methods of improving the solubility of highly functionalized polar perfluorinated polyethers in fluorinated solvents are described. In preferred embodiments, the ratio of solubilizer to fluorinated solvent is the azeotropic ratio. The solubilizer can be an alcohol or cyclic ether. The methods finds utility in hard disc drive applications, where perfluorinated polyethers are used as lubricants. Compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A compound of formula: wherein each R group independently is C6-C10 arylene group, a straight or branched chain C2-C°alkylene group optionally containing an arylene group, or a C4-C20 straight chain alkylene group containing one or more —NH— groups in the alkylene chain, each X is —O—, —S—, or —NR5— where R5 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, each AO group is independently ethyleneoxy, 1,2-propyleneoxy, or 1,2-butyleneoxy, n, m and p is from 1 to 50 and the sum of n, m and p is from 4 to 50, and the R4 is independently —CH2-CH(OH)—R9, wherein each R9 independently represents a C4-C18 saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group. The compound has surfactant and defoaming properties and is useful in latex paint, an ink, an adhesive, or a metal working compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active and water-soluble natural detergent composite using soybean fatty acid and lecithin, and a method of producing the same. The method comprises agitating a mixture consisting of a natural vegetable fatty acid, lecithin, alkanolamide, and an organic solvent such as higher alcohol or polyhydric alcohol, saponifying the mixture to form microscopic detergent particles moving according to Brownian movement, and controlling the resulting detergent in terms of moisture and pH to allow the resulting detergent to be in a neutral or alkaline state. The detergent composite comprises 14 to 22 parts by weight of soybean fatty acid, 2 to 4 parts by weight of lecithin, 6 to 14 parts by weight of alkanolamide, 15 parts by weight of isooctylphenoxy polyoxyethoxy ethanol, 42 parts by weight of distilled water, 10 parts by weight of p-tert-oxyphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol, and 3 parts by weight of ethylene diamine tetracetic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zFGF-5 a novel member of the FGF family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, are proliferative for muscle cells and may be used for remodelling cardiac tissue and improving cardiac function. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zFGF-5 polypeptides.

Abstract: Proteins are incorporated into protein or polysaccharide matrices for use in tissue repair, regeneration and/or remodeling and/or drug delivery. The proteins can be incorporated so that they are released by degradation of the matrix, by enzymatic action and/or diffusion. As demonstrated by the examples, one method is to bind heparin to the matrix by either covalent or non-covalent methods, to form a heparin-matrix. The heparin then non-covalently binds heparin-binding growth factors to the protein matrix. Alternatively, a fusion protein can be constructed which contains a crosslinking region such as a factor XIIIa substrate and the native protein sequence. Incorporation of degradable linkages between the matrix and the bioactive factors can be particularly useful when long-term drug delivery is desired, for example in the case of nerve regeneration, where it is desirable to vary the rate of drug release spatially as a function of regeneration, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating cancer by administering an inhibitor of the interaction of glutamate with the KA receptor complex.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for promoting internalization and degradation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator.

Abstract: Novel cell surface molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies against a cell surface molecule of lymphocytic cells that play an important role in autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases have been isolated, identified, and analyzed for their functions. The cell surface molecules are expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes, and induce cell adhesion. Antibodies against the cell surface molecules significantly ameliorate pathological conditions of autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidally active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences that encode these proteins. In preferred embodiments, these pesticidal protein have molecular weights of approximately 40–50 kDa and of approximately 10–15 kDa.

Abstract: A human prolactin-binding protein and compositions and methods using this protein are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated peptides comprising agonist epitopes of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In various aspects, the invention relates to peptides comprising agonist epitopes of the PSA-3 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope, and nucleic acids encoding peptides that comprise PSA-3 agonist epitopes. Also related are probes, primers, and vectors comprising these nucleic acids, as well as host cells comprising these vectors, and antibodies that bind to the PSA-3 agonist peptides. This invention further relates to diagnostic reagents and methods utilizing the disclosed nucleic acids or antibodies. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nucleic acids, host cells, and peptides of the invention, as well as methods of treatment or prevention of prostate cancer employing such compositions, for example, for peptide-mediated, cell-mediated, and vector-mediated immunotherapies.

Abstract: The present invention provides pyrazole-O-glycoside derivatives represented by the following formulae, used as a diabetic medicine

Abstract: Sixteen membered macrolide anti-infective agents having a structure according to formula I where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined herein, and related compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of inhibiting M-CSF activity, and, in particular, M-CSF/c-fms dependent cell signaling. In a first embodiment of the invention, one administers to a mammal viral vectors that deliver genes experessing antisense c-fms RNA; in a second embodiment, one induces in vivo production of a high-affinity soluble c-fms protein that competes for non-bound M-CSF; in a third embodiment, one administers a ribozyme-viral vector against c-fms mRNA; and in a fourth embodiment, one administers oligodeoxynucleotides that inhibit expression of c-fms gene product. The methods may be used to treat any disease in which M-CSF activity plays a role, and are particularly effective in treating and preventing atherosclerosis. Embodiments of the present invention are directed primarily, but not exclusively, to a method for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease by inhibiting receptors to M-CSF.

Abstract: The invention features recombinant viral vectors that take advantage of the activity of picornaviral protein 3A in modulating cytokine secretion and antigen presentation on MHC Class I (MHC I), which in turn provides for modulation of a Th1-mediated immune response to the transfected host cell. Specifically, a recombinant viral vector comprising a sequence encoding picornaviral protein 3A provides for decreased antigen presentation on MHC I and a decreased incidence of Th1-mediated immune response, while a recombinant picornaviral vector that is deficient in protein 3A production provides for increased cytokine secretion, increased antigen presentation on MHC I and increased Th1-mediated immune response towards the transfected host cell. The invention also features methods of inducing humoral or cellular immunity using the vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic preventive agent that includes an angiogenic factor gene (such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)) as its active ingredient, and the administration of such an agent into the targeted skin diseases-affected area.