Abstract: A fluorine-free integrated process for plasma etching aluminum lines in an integrated circuit structure including an overlying anti-reflection coating (ARC) and a dielectric layer underlying the aluminum, the process being preferably performed in a single plasma reactor. The ARC open uses either BCl3/Cl2 or Cl2 and possibly a hydrocarbon passivating gas, preferably C2H4. The aluminum main etch preferably includes BCl3/Cl2 etch and C2H4 diluted with He. The dilution is particularly effective for small flow rates of C2H4. An over etch into the Ti/TiN barrier layer and part way into the underlying dielectric may use a chemistry similar to the main etch. A Cl2/O2 chamber cleaning may be performed, preferably with the wafer removed from the chamber and after every wafer cycle.

Abstract: The polishing composition of this invention is useful for chemical-mechanical polishing of substrates containing noble metals such as platinum and comprises up to about 50% by weight of a adjuvant wherein said adjuvant is s elected from a group consisting of a metal-anion compound, a metal-cation compound or mixtures thereof; abrasive particles at about 0.5% to about 55% by weight of the polishing composition; and water-soluble organic additives up to about 10% by weight of the polishing composition. The abrasive particles are selected from the group consisting of alumina, ceria, silica, diamond, germania, zirconia, silicon carbide, boron nitride, boron carbide or mixtures thereof. The organic additives generally improve dispersion of the abrasive particles and also enhance metal removal rates and selectivity for metal removal by stabilizing the pH of the polishing composition and suppressing the dielectric removal rate.

Abstract: A silicon oxide film is formed on one principal surface of a silicon substrate by thermal oxidation, and thereafter, a silicon nitride film is formed on the silicon oxide film by CVD. A lamination layer of the silicon oxide film and silicon nitride film is selectively dry etched to form a mask opening 22 and leave an etching mask made of a left region of the lamination layer. The substrate is selectively and anisotropically etched with alkali etchant such as TMAH by using the etching mask to form a substrate opening. By setting a ratio of the thickness of the silicon oxide film to the thickness of the silicon nitride film to 1.25 or larger or preferably 1.60 or larger, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the etched shape of the inner walls of the openings and cracks in the etching mask.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing an aluminide coating from at least one surface of a metal-based substrate by: (a) contacting the surface of the substrate with at least one stripping composition comprising nitric acid at a temperature less than about 20° C. to degrade the coating without damaging the substrate; and (b) removing the degraded coating without damaging the substrate. Also disclosed is a method for replacing a worn or damaged aluminide coating on at least one surface of a metal-based substrate by selectively removing the coating using the above steps, and then applying a new aluminide coating to the surface of the substrate. Turbine engine parts, such as high-pressure turbine blades, treated using the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a composition for forming a dielectric layer excellent in dielectric constant and withstand voltage properties, a MIM capacitor and a process for its production. A composition for forming a dielectric layer, which comprises fine particles of perovskite type dielectric crystal, glass frit, and a hydrolysable silicon compound or its oligomer, and a MIM capacitor comprising a substrate, and a bottom electrode layer, a dielectric layer having a structure such that fine particles of perovskite type dielectric crystal are dispersed in a silicon oxide matrix containing glass-forming ions and a top electrode, formed on the substrate in this order.

Abstract: “Disclosed is a feed water composition for boilers whose main ingredient is a purified ethylene glycol aqueous solution that is a mixture of purified ethylene glycol and pure water in a weight ratio of 70-90 : 10-30 wt %. The feed water composition comprises 92.1 to 98.8 wt % of the purified ethylene glycol aqueous solution, 0.1 to 2.0 wt % of sodium benrzoate, 0.1 to 1.5 wt % of tolyltriazole, 0.1 to 0.7 wt % of triethanol amine, 0.5 to 1.5 wt % of sodium nitrate, 0.3 to 1.2 wt % of sodium molybdate, and 0.1 to 1.0 wt % of potassium hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to ice control formulations (deicing and anti-icing compositions) that have a tailorable BOD. The deicing compositions of the present invention comprise a) at least one first freezing point depressant (FPD) that is non-toxic, biodegradable and has a certain rate of degradation; b) at least one second FPD that is non-toxic, biodegradable, wherein the second FPD has a rate of degradation that is different from the rate of degradation of the first FPD; and c) at least one surfactant, wherein the surfactant is non-ionic, non-toxic and biodegradable, and wherein the first FPD of (a) and the second FPD of (b) are present in a ratio that provides a composition that has a predetermined biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The invention further provides anti-icing compositions which further comprise a thickener.

Abstract: Deicing compositions comprised of glycerol-containing by-products of triglyceride processing processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A precursor for the preparation of a material with optical properties modifiable under the action of at least one external parameter, comprising a component A constituted by polymerizable monomers or oligomers, a component B comprising one or several liquid crystals with low molecular weights or polymers and having a type of molecular order that is nematic, cholesteric or smectic or having polymorphism, and at least one surface agent C whose molecules have an affinity both for component A and for component B, and comprising simultaneously one or several chemical groups that can attach chemically to the constituents of component A, and one or several chemical groups comprising a mesogenic portion compatible with the mesomorphic phase of component B, so as to control the interfacial properties between components A, and B during polymerization.

Abstract: This invention relates to various phosphine oxides and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent whitening agent comprising a mixture of two symmetrically and one asymmetrically substituted triazinylaminostilbene disulphonic acids, novel asymmetrically substituted derivatives, a process for their preparations and use of the mixture for whitening synthetic or natural organic materials, especially paper and for the fluorescent whitening and improvement of sun protection factors of textile materials.

Abstract: A compound of Formula (I) wherein X is hydrogen or a radical of Formula (II), R1 independently at each occurrence is a C1–C20 aliphatic radical, a C3–C10 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C3–C10 aromatic radical; R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently at each occurrence a halogen, a nitro group, a cyano group, a hydroxy group, a C1–C20 aliphatic radical, a C3–C20 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C6–C20 aromatic radical; and “n”, “q”, and “p” are each independently integers having a value of 0 to 3, and “m” is an integer having a value of 0 to 4.

Abstract: A quantum-splitting fluoride-based phosphor comprises gadolinium, at least a first alkali metal, and a rare-earth metal activator. The phosphor is made in a solid-state method without using HF gas. The phosphor can be used alone or in conjunction with other phosphors in light sources and displays wherein it can be excited by VUV radiation, and increases the efficiency of these devices.

Abstract: A manganese-activated zinc silicate phosphor according to the present invention satisfies 0<????0.5 and 1.7??, where a value ? is a ratio of a number of zinc atoms to a number of silicon atoms in a surface region of a phosphor particle, including a surface of the phosphor particle and a vicinity thereof, and a value ? is a ratio of a number of zinc atoms to a number of silicon atoms in a whole of the phosphor particle.

Abstract: An effective corrosion inhibiting polymer composition including an interceptor for an acid gas combined with known VCI ingredients produces a more effective VCI than the prior art composition. The composition in macrogranular form may be held in a receptacle which is sealed in a container in which ferrous articles are protected. When the composition, greatly diluted is injection- or blow-molded or extruded as film which contains more than 100 ppm of a 2,4-6-tri-substituted phenol and uniformly dispersed small amounts of solid micron-sized particles of interceptor, an alkali metal nitrite and a solid adjuvant to aid in dispersing the solid particles, the film is transparent and has a smooth surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermistor comprising a pair of opposite electrodes and a thermistor body positioned between the pair of electrodes, wherein the thermistor body consists of a cured product of the resin composition comprising an epoxy resin including a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, a curing agent and electrically conducting particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high-strength and low-shrinkage synthetic flat yarn. After melt spinning, the filaments are combined to a yarn and drawn. Subsequently, the yarn is compressed to form a plug under the influence of heat. This plug is transported over a certain distance, so that the yarn relaxes in a low-tension state and under the influence of the increased temperature. Finally the plug is disentangled under tension to form the flat yarn, which is wound into a package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixedly securing a plastic encapsulated transducer to a metal interface cup for attachment with a machine includes a metal interface cup configured substantially as a cylinder defined by a cylinder wall and a bottom wall closing a bottom of the cylinder, the cylinder including a first bore corresponding to an inner diameter defined by the cylinder wall, the first bore corresponding to an outside diameter of the plastic encapsulated transducer; a second bore extending through opposing sides defining an exterior of the cylinder wall and substantially transverse to the first bore; an undercut configured in the first bore intersecting the second bore, the undercut defining a circumferential groove in the cylinder wall; a cylindrical overmold surrounding the metal interface cup having the plastic encapsulated transducer disposed in the first bore, wherein injection of plastic flows in an axial length defining the overmold toward the metal interface cup and circumferentially into the unde

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for extruding continuously molded bodies, wherein an extrusion solution, in particular an extrusion solution containing water, cellulose and a tertiary amine oxide, is extruded through an extrusion orifice into a continuously molded body and is then deflected by means of a deflector (7). To improve the quality of the continuously molded bodies produced by the method or apparatus of the invention, the extrusion orifices are arranged in a row such that the individual, continuously molded bodies exit in the form of a curtain (3) form the extrusion head. This curtain is then deflected by the deflector.

Abstract: A molding mold and a molding method are disclosed, for molding a flange configuration in which a flange of a reel hub portion can be maintained in a predetermined configuration. Also a tape cartridge is disclosed, which can securely prevent a tape-shaped recording medium from touching at the flange while the tape cartridge is being used.

Abstract: The present invention is a manufacturing system for alloys containing rare earth metals which presents oxidation of alloy during production, facilitates thermal history control of the alloy, and efficiently produces alloys of a uniform structure. The manufacturing system includes a melting furnace for melting a starting material alloy, solidifying means for continuously solidifying an alloy melt into alloy flakes, crystal structure controlling means for controlling the alloy crystal structure, and cooling means for cooling the alloy flakes. These components are operable in an inert gas atmosphere. The crystal structure controlling means includes a conveying device having a delivery space for continuously delivering the alloy flakes from the solidifying means to the cooling means, for the conveying device has temperature regulating means for regulating the temperature of the delivery.

Abstract: Pressure powder metallurgy process for consolidating refractory or rhenium alloys using a reduced temperature and elevated pressure. Rhenium metal has high temperature strength and wear resistance but has a very high melting point as a pure metal and thus is difficult to use as a coating for many alloys having lower melting points. The reduced temperature and elevated pressure alloying process of the rhenium allows it to be used as a coating for other metal alloys, such as nickel and steel alloys, providing some high temperature and wear resistance due to the properties of the rhenium material in the coating.

Abstract: An analysis system which permits sample pretreatment which comprises: a sample rack; a sample container supply, a sample dispenser, a solvent-removing evaporator, a solvent dispenser for dispensing a second solvent, a sample-stirring means, a sample aspirating-and-transferring means, a sample recovery means, a sample container recovery means, and a control means for controlling the aforementioned various means.

Abstract: The invention is an automated multiple-purpose, integrated laboratory system comprising interchangeable modular elements for the construction and measurement of biological assays. The functions of the modular elements may include multiwell platform handling, chemical reagent or cell management, volumetric transfer of liquids for assay construction or for recovery of reaction products for analysis, incubation under controlled environmental conditions, measurement of spectrometric signals originating from the assays, processing and analysis of the resulting spectrometric data, and other functions. The modular elements are arranged around a number of robotic elements that deliver plates to different modular elements, transfer plates to groups of modules served by a different robotic element, or other actions necessary in plate handling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing a cell-containing liquid. The system includes a microfabricated substrate having an enrichment channel to prepare an enriched cell sample from the cell-containing liquid. A flow through member is in liquid communication with the enrichment zone. The flow through member substantially prevents cells of the cell-containing fluid from exiting the enrichment zone while allowing liquid of the cell-containing liquid to exit the enrichment zone. A gas actuator associated with the enrichment zone provides a gas pressure sufficient to move the enriched cell sample from the enrichment zone.

Abstract: A centrifuge sample jar configured to maximize processed sediment accessibility and minimize leakage.

Abstract: An assay device processing instrument comprises a plurality of processing modules. A transport system transports an assay device to each processing module, the transport system being adapted to transfer the assay device from the transport system to the module to enable the transport system to transport another assay device while the first is processed by the processing module. A control system controls operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different modules simultaneously.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a pipettor head, including: a body; one or more solenoid valves disposed in the body; each one or more solenoid valves having an outlet at a lower end and an inlet at an upper end; each one or more solenoid valves having an outlet attached to a dispensing passageway; each one or more solenoid valves having its inlet attached to a standpipe; and the standpipe having an open top communicating with an interior of a closed vacuum/pressure chamber defined in the pipettor head, the closed vacuum/pressure chamber being arranged such that vacuum or pressure may be selectively applied to the closed vacuum/pressure chamber. A method of using the pipettor head is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and/or controlling a sterilization system. Briefly described, in architecture, the system can be implemented as follows. A current transformer is operatively associated with a source of power for a radiation source. A power meter is operatively associated with the source of power. The power meter is also operatively associated with the current transformer. The power meter is designed to monitor the source of power to confirm the radiation source provides a desired dosage.

Abstract: An improved angled annular deflector for a gas-phase polymerization reactor and improved method for delivery of a stream of polymerizable fluid to a gas-phase polymerization reator. The angled annular deflector has an outer surface with a conical shape, an inner surface, and an inner cavity along a central axis, said cavity open at both ends, the inner surface having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the inner surface mated to the apex end of the outer surface: and an upper surface mated to the base end of the outer surface and to the second end of the inner surface; wherein the outer surface, the inner surface, and the upper surface form a substantially closed chamber. The angled annular deflector being adapted to associate with a cone-shaped bottom portion of a fluidized bed polymerization reactor vessel.

Abstract: A process and a system for increasing para-xylene production from a C8 aromatic feedstream by coupling at least one xylene isomerization reactor with at least one pressure swing adsorption unit or temperature swing absorption unit to produce a product having a super-equilibrium para-xylene concentration. This product is then subjected to para-xylene separation and purification.

Abstract: A process for producing a phosphate of the lanthanoids is described. The process is based on a two-jet precipitation, starting from separate reservoirs of a rare earth salt solution and a phosphate solution which are introduced simultaneously by separate feedlines into an aqueous acidified initial charge with stirring at a pH of 0?pH?1. After the solutions are added, the pH is raised to a pH of >2 to complete the phosphate precipitation.

Abstract: In the process disclosed herein, siliceous plant matter is steeped in water, soaked in an aqueous solution containing a solute which solubilizes inorganic oxides, soaked in an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing solute, rinsed, dried and thermally pyrolyzed to produce amorphous silica with of low carbon content, low water content, low inorganic impurity content and is of high porosity. Practice of the invention yields usable energy, does not produce carbonization of the atmosphere and is of lower nitrogen oxide and sulphur emission than currently used processes. Lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose derived sugars may be recovered from the steep or soak water. By varying steps of the process herein disclosed, the carbon content, inorganic impurities and porosity of the resulting amorphous silica may be selectively controlled.

Abstract: A method for producing nano-carbon materials, having a step wherein a starting material comprising one or more kinds of compounds selected from the group consisting saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, saturated cyclic hydrocarbons, and alcohols whose atomic ratio of the component carbon to the component oxygen is more than 2.0 and a catalyst are together treated at a temperature in a range of from 100 to 800° C. while being compressed at a pressure in a range of from 0.2 to 60 MPa.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ammonium removal method can comprise: removing a multivalent cation from a stream comprising ammonium to form a treated stream; converting the ammonium in the stream to ammonia by increasing the pH of the stream; and separating the ammonia from the treated stream to form a separated stream and gaseous ammonia. In another embodiment, an ammonium removal method can comprise: a multivalent cation from a stream comprising ammonium to form a treated stream comprising a total of less than or equal to about 50 ppm by weight of multivalent cations; increasing the pH of the stream to a conversion pH; converting the ammonium to ammonia; and separating the ammonia from the treated stream to form a separated stream and gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a lithium-cobalt composite oxide for a positive electrode of a lithium secondary battery excellent in volume capacity density, safety, charge and discharge cyclic durability, press density and productivity, by using in expensive cobalt hydroxide and lithium carbonate. A mixture having a cobalt hydroxide powder and a lithium carbonate powder mixed so that the atomic ratio of lithium/cobalt would be from 0.98 to 1.01, is fired in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at from 250 to 700° C., and the fired product is further fired in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at from 850 to 1,050° C., or such a mixture is heated at a temperature-raising rate of at most 4° C./min in a range from 250 to 600° C. and fired in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at from 850 to 1,050° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of using noble metal-free nickel catalysts to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from gas mixtures containing carbon monoxide and water, such as water-containing syngas mixtures, where the nickel may exist in either a supported or a bulk state. The noble metal-free water gas shift catalyst of the invention comprises Ni in either a supported or a bulk state and at least one of Ge, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Pb, their oxides and mixtures thereof. The invention is also directed toward noble metal-free nickel catalysts that exhibit both high activity and selectivity to hydrogen generation and carbon monoxide oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that selectively bind to cells undergoing perturbations and alterations of their normal plasma membrane organization, such as cells undergoing apoptosis or activated platelets. The invention further provides methods for utilizing said compounds in medical practice, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel thioflavin derivatives, methods of using the derivatives in, for example, in vivo imaging of patients having neuritic plaques, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the thioflavin derivatives and method of synthesizing the compounds. The compounds find particular use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients having diseases where accumulation of neuritic plaques are prevalent. The disease states or maladies include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, familial Alzheimer's disease, Down's Syndrome and homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E4 allele.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fluorescent dyes, novel fluorogenic and fluorescent reporter molecules and new enzyme assay processes that can be used to detect the activity of caspases and other enzymes involved in apoptosis in whole cells, cell lines and tissue samples derived from any living organism or organ. The reporter molecules and assay processes can be used in drug screening procedures to identify compounds which act as inhibitors or inducers of the caspase cascade in whole cells or tissues. The reagents and assays described herein are also useful for determining the chemosensitivity of human cancer cells to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. The present invention also relates to novel fluorogenic and fluorescent reporter molecules and new enzyme assay processes that can be used to detect the activity of type 2 methionine aminopeptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, calpain, aminopeptidase, HIV protease, adenovirus protease, HSV-1 protease, HCMV protease and HCV protease.

Abstract: A non-lethal temporarily incapacitating formulation having a new solvent system that has reduced blow back longer hang time when used as an aerosol spray. The solvent and formulation are non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, highly stable, environmentally safe and able to withstand extreme operating temperatures. The solvent system is a mixture of propylene glycerol dicaprylate/caprate and glycerol tris (2-ethylhexanoate) and is suitable for use for a wide range of automotive, household and industrial applications.

Abstract: Unique abrasive materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial, particularly simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels. Such a result thus accords the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Furthermore, the produced abrasive materials also exhibit very high and desirable brightness properties that permit easy incorporation and utilization within dentifrices for aesthetic purposes. Encompassed within this invention is a unique method for making such gel/precipitated silica composite materials for such a purpose, particularly under high shear conditions, as well as the different materials within the structure ranges described above and dentifrices comprising such.

Abstract: Use of one or more substances selected from the group of pyrimidines and purines for the preparation of cosmetic or dermatological preparations for boosting natural skin tanning and/or for stimulating melanogenesis in human skin.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions and methods, particularly for skin lightening, using N-acylbenzothiazolone compound and derivatives of general formula I as skin lightening agents alone or in combination with other skin benefit agents and together with a cosmetic vehicle: Where R represents a hydrogen atom, C1-C4 acyl group, or C1-C4 alkyl group. Preferably, the compound is 3-propionylbenzothiazol-2-one, i.e. where R in the formula I is C1 alkyl group.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention described herein includes a method for improving stability of an antiperspirant. The method includes preparing a blend that comprises propylene glycol and dibenzylidene sorbitol; adding an antiperspirant active solid powder to the blend, to make an antiperspirant blend, in a concentration effective for making an antiperspirant that provides antiperspirant protection to a user and improves process stability of the antiperspirant; and adding an amino acid salt to the antiperspirant blend in a concentration effective for stabilizing the dibenzylidene sorbitol.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an oyster enzymatic hydrolysate of oyster flash hydrolyzed by a protease as a cosmetic composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for using the cysteine variants of the invention.

Abstract: A method of transplanting a transplant derived from a donor into a recipient is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) transplanting the transplant into the recipient; and (b) administering to the recipient a dose including non-alloreactive anti-third party cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), wherein the non-alloreactive anti-third party CTLs are generated by directing T-lymphocytes of the donor against a third party antigen or antigens, the dose is substantially depleted of T-lymphocytes capable of developing into alloreactive CTLs, thereby preventing or ameliorating both graft rejection by the recipient and graft versus host disease.