Abstract: An insulating film comprising an organic silicon material having a C—Si bond and a Si—O bond is used for a semiconductor integrated circuit, and for polishing of its surface, a polishing compound comprising water and particles of at least one specific rare earth compound selected from the group consisting of a rare earth oxide, a rare earth fluoride, a rare earth oxyfluoride, a rare earth oxide except cerium oxide and a composite compound thereof, or a polishing compound having the above composition and further containing cerium oxide particles, is used. It is possible to provide a high quality polished surface which is free from or has reduced defects such as cracks, scratches or film peeling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion comprising (A1) first fumed silica having a specific surface area of not less than 10 m2/g and less than 160 m2/g and an average secondary particle diameter of not less than 170 nm and not more than 250 nm and (A2) second fumed silica having a specific surface area of not less than 160 m2/g and an average secondary particle diameter of not less than 50 nm and less than 170 nm. Also disclosed is a chemical mechanical polishing method using the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion. According to the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion and the chemical mechanical polishing method, a chemical mechanical polishing process wherein a barrier metal layer and a cap layer can be efficiently removed by polishing and damage to an insulating film material of a low dielectric constant present in the underlying layer is reduced can be carried out.

Abstract: A method of fabricating BEOL interconnect structures on a semiconductor device having a plurality of via contacts with low via contact resistance is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) forming a porous or dense low k dielectric layer on a substrate; b) forming single or dual damascene etched openings in the low k dielectric; c) placing the substrate in a process chamber on a cold chuck at a temperature about ?200° C. to about 25° C.; d) adding to the process chamber a condensable cleaning agent (CCA) to condense a layer of CCA within the etched openings on the substrate; and e) performing an activation step while the wafer remains cold at a temperature of about ?200° C. to about 25° C. The via contacts are very stable during thermal cycles and during operation of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A nitride semiconductor device is manufactured by the step of forming a nitride semiconductor layer form on a GaN substrate main surface, the step of polishing a back surface of the GaN substrate formed with the above-mentioned nitride semiconductor layer, the step of dry etching the back surface of the GaN substrate subjected to the above-mentioned polishing by using a gas mixture of chlorine and oxygen, and the step of forming an n-type electrode on the back surface of the GaN substrate subjected to the above-mentioned dry etching.

Abstract: After low dielectric constant films are formed on a wiring, hardmasks are formed on the low dielectric constant films. A resistmask is formed on the hardmasks. Via holes are formed in the low dielectric constant films using the resistmask. Ashing the resistmask is performed. During this process, a protection film is formed by sticking a sputtered material generated from the resistmask at least onto side surfaces of the via holes. Thereafter, the via holes are extended to the wiring, and a conductive material is buried into the via holes.

Abstract: An organic acid/fluoride-containing solution etchant having high selectivity for BPSG to TEOS. In an exemplary situation, a TEOS layer may be used to prevent contamination of other components in a semiconductor device by the boron and phosphorous in a layer of BPSG deposited over the TEOS layer. The etchant of the present invention may be used to etch desired areas in the BPSG layer, wherein the high selectivity for BPSG to TEOS of etchant would result in the TEOS layer acting as an etch stop. A second etch with a known etchant may be utilized to etch the TEOS layer. The known etchant for the second etch can be less aggressive and, thus, not damage the components underlying the TEOS layer.

Abstract: The invention includes an atomic layer deposition method of forming a layer of a deposited composition on a substrate. The method includes positioning a semiconductor substrate within an atomic layer deposition chamber. On the substrate, an intermediate composition monolayer is formed, followed by a desired deposited composition from reaction with the intermediate composition, collectively from flowing multiple different composition deposition precursors to the substrate within the deposition chamber. A material adheres to a chamber internal component surface from such sequentially forming. After such sequentially forming, a reactive gas flows to the chamber which is different in composition from the multiple different deposition precursors and which is effective to react with such adhering material. After the reactive gas flowing, such sequentially forming is repeated. Further implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: In methods for smoothing or polishing a surface of a wafer, such as a silicon wafer, a liquid layer is formed on a surface of the wafer. The liquid layer may be an invisible microscopic layer, or a visible macroscopic layer. A flow of an oxidizing gas is directed over, against or onto the liquid layer of the surface of the wafer, in the presence of an etchant. The flow of gas thins the liquid layer at high points or areas on the surface of the wafer more than at low points or areas on the wafer surface. Consequently, the high points are oxidized and etched away more than the low points. As a result, the wafer surface is smoothed and polished.

Abstract: A biased pulse DC reactor for sputtering of oxide films is presented. The biased pulse DC reactor couples pulsed DC at a particular frequency to the target through a filter which filters out the effects of a bias power applied to the substrate, protecting the pulsed DC power supply. Films deposited utilizing the reactor have controllable material properties such as the index of refraction. Optical components such as waveguide amplifiers and multiplexers can be fabricated processes performed on a reactor according to the present inention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and structure for a fin-type field effect transistor (FinFET) structure that has different thickness gate dielectrics covering the fins extending from the substrate. These fins have a central channel region and source and drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region. The thicker gate dielectrics can comprise multiple layers of dielectric and the thinner gate dielectrics can comprise less layers of dielectric. A cap comprising a different material than the gate dielectrics can be positioned over the fins.

Abstract: A substrate-processing apparatus (100, 40) comprises a radical-forming unit (26) for forming the nitrogen radicals and oxygen radicals through a high-frequency plasma, a processing vessel (21) in which a substrate (W) to be processed is held, and a gas-supplying unit (30) which is connected to the radical-forming unit. The gas-supplying unit (30) controls the mixture ratio between a first raw material gas containing the nitrogen and a second raw material gas containing oxygen, and supplies a mixture gas of a desired mixture ratio to the radical-forming unit. By supplying the nitrogen radicals and oxygen radicals mixed at the controlled mixture ratio to the surface of the substrate, an insulating film having a desired nitrogen concentration is formed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A composite construction incorporating one or more non-woven layers at least partially formed from heat fused monoaxially drawn tape fiber elements of discrete length. The non-woven layers are provided with a mat structure covering across at least one surface. The mat structure covering is formed at least partially from interwoven heat fused, monoaxially drawn tape fiber elements of elongate length. The tape fiber elements in the woven and non-woven layers incorporate a base layer of a strain oriented polymer and at least one covering layer of a heat fusible polymer. The covering layer of the tape fiber elements is characterized by a softening point below that of the base layer to permit bonding fusion upon application of heat.

Abstract: A water dispersible nonwoven web is disclosed. The nonwoven web is produced in an airlaying process and contains pulp fibers mixed with water soluble fibers. The water soluble fibers may be, for instance, polyvinyl alcohol fibers. The nonwoven web may be pre-saturated with a cleaning solution. Once pre-saturated with a cleaning solution, the wiping product is particularly well suited to cleaning and/or disinfecting surfaces, such as toilet seats prior to use. Because the nonwoven web is water dispersible, the wiper may be disposed of by being flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to highly crystalline, frit-sintered glass-ceramic compositions having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 85-115×10?7° C. The primary crystal phases of the glass-ceramics of the invention possess a cyclosilicate structure. The glass-ceramic of the invention are useful as metal-to-metal, metal-to-ceramic and ceramic-to-ceramic sealing agents, and also as high-performance coating for metals and ceramics.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite material, a process and a product formed by the process. The composite is formed by a process that includes forming a fibrous structure comprising fibers into a preform, coating the fibers of the fibrous structure preform with elemental carbon to impregnate that preform, infiltrating the preform with boron carbide to form an impregnated green body. The impregnated green body is infiltrated with liquid naphthalene or other carbon precursor, which is thereafter pyrolyzed to form a carbon char. Then, the char infiltrated green body is infiltrated with molten silicon to form a continuous matrix throughout the composite. The silicon in the continuous matrix is reacted with the carbon char to form silicon carbide.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a dielectric ceramic composition includes a main component group, where the main component group is represented by MgxCayZnzTiO2+x+y+z, where the sum of x, y, and z is less than or equal to 1.0 such that the dielectric ceramic composition has a wider sintering temperature range and reduced exaggerated grain growth. According to one embodiment, x can be greater than 0.0 and less than 1.0, y can be greater than 0.0 and less than 1.0, and z can be greater than 0.0 and less than 1.0. The dielectric ceramic composition can further include between 0.0 and 50.0 percent by weight of aluminum oxide. The dielectric ceramic composition can further include copper oxide. The dielectric ceramic composition can further include boron oxide.

Abstract: Transalkylation catalysts comprising acidic molecular sieve, palladium and germanium have good activities and attenuate aromatic ring saturation and lights co-production provided that sufficient palladium is contained in the catalyst.

Abstract: Transalkylation catalysts comprising acidic molecular sieve, rhenium, tin and germanium have good activities and attenuate aromatic ring saturation and lights co-production.

Abstract: A catalyst for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide comprising manganese and alumina, such catalyst having been impregnated with a phosphorus compound. The presence of the phosphorus compound results in a significant oxidative conversion of both the volatile organic compounds and the carbon monoxide. The catalyst is especially useful for treating gaseous streams that emanate from industrial sources, such as wood pulp manufacturing plants. The manganese portion of the catalyst is preferably comprised of manganese compounds comprising a defect non-stoichiometric manganese oxide of the type ?-Mn3O4+x, wherein x has the value of 0.1?x?0.25 in respect to about 80 to about 95% of all manganese atoms, and manganese aluminate in respect to the balance of the manganese atoms. The alumina portion of the catalyst is preferably comprised of high temperature forms of alumina of the type comprising ?-Al2O3 and (?+?+?)-Al2O3.

Abstract: A catalyst for production of acrylic acid which catalyst is so high in activity as to give a still higher selectivity of acrylic acid or a long-catalytic-life-time catalyst for production of acrylic acid which catalyst is so high in activity as to be able to give a high acrylic acid yield while suppressing the temperature rise of the oxidation reaction to a low one; and processes for production of acrylic acid using these catalysts. The catalyst includes an oxide and/or a composite oxide as an essential catalytic component, wherein the oxide and/or the composite oxide has a metal element composition shown by general formula (1): MoaVbWcCudOx ??(1) (wherein: when a=12, then 1?b?14, 0?c?12, 0 ?d?10, and 0<c+d; and x is a numerical value determined by oxidation states of the elements); with any of the vanadium, tungsten, and copper being maldistributed in the surface side or core side of the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for reforming a hydrocarbon comprising a carrier containing manganese oxide and carried thereon (a) at least one component selected from a ruthenium component, a platinum component, a rhodium component, a palladium component, an iridium component and a nickel component and a process for producing the same and to a process for reforming a hydrocarbon (steam reforming, self thermal reforming, partial oxidation reforming and carbon dioxide reforming) using the above catalyst. Provided are a catalyst for reforming a hydrocarbon which comprises ruthenium, platinum, rhodium, palladium, iridium or nickel as an active component and in which a reforming activity is elevated, a process for producing the same, and a steam reforming process, a self thermal reforming process, a partial oxidation reforming process and a carbon dioxide reforming process for a hydrocarbon using the above catalyst.

Abstract: A calcium-promoted alumina supported nickel reforming catalyst stabilized with titanium is disclosed. The catalyst is particularly useful for reforming reaction in feed streams containing significant quantities of CO and CO2, low quantities of steam (the feed stream having a H2O/CH4 of less than 0.8 and a CO2/CH4 of greater than 0.5) and relatively high quantities of sulfur compounds (up to about 20 ppm). The catalyst comprises from about 25 wt % to about 98 wt % alumina as a support, from about 2 wt % to about 40 wt % nickel oxide, which is promoted with from about 0.5 wt % to about 35 wt % calcium oxide, and which is stabilized with from about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt % titanium, wherein the calcium oxide is combined with the alumina to form calcium aluminate. The catalyst can be used in reforming reactions to produce syngas and has advantages in producing low hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio syngas for applications such as iron ore reduction.

Abstract: A promoted calcium-alumina supported reforming catalyst that is particularly useful for reforming reactions where low H2/CO ratio synthesis gas, such as less than 2.3 is generated directly is disclosed. The catalyst comprises from about 25 wt % to about 98 wt % alumina, from about 0.5 wt % to about 35 wt % calcium oxide, from about 0.01 wt % to about 35 wt % of a promoter, and from about 0.05 wt % to about 30 wt % of an active metal. The promoter is selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, yttrium, niobium, elements of the lanthanum-series, such as, without limitation, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, ytterbium, and combinations thereof. The active metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, iridium and combinations thereof as active metal, wherein the calcium oxide is combined with the alumina to form aluminum-rich calcium aluminates.

Abstract: A method of producing composite particles of titanium dioxide and a compound inactive as a photocatalyst, comprising the steps of preparing a water based slurry of pH 3 to 5 comprising titanium dioxide, preparing a water based solution comprising a compound inactive as a photocatalyst, and reacting the slurry and the water based solution together at a pH within a range from 4 to 10 is provided, together with highly active photocatalyst particles produced using such a method, and potential uses of such photocatalyst particles.

Abstract: Metal oxide modified or impregnated activated carbon as a sorbent to reduce multiple contaminants, such as arsenic and pesticide residues from a fluid.

Abstract: An erasable image forming material includes a color former, a developer, a binder resin and 0.5 wt % or less of a plasticizer. The erasable image forming material exhibits improved erasure performance.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive recording medium containing a thermally sensitive recording medium providing an undercoating layer containing a pigment and a binder as main components and a thermally sensitive recording layer containing a colorless or pale colored basic leuco dye and a color developing agent, which reacts with said basic leuco dye, as main components on a substrate, wherein the undercoating layer contains carboxymethyl cellulose having an etherification degree of from 0.55 to 0.75 and hydroxyethyl cellulose from the view point of high effectiveness.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1 are suitable for use as herbicides.

Abstract: The invention provides a superconductor comprising particles made of a superconductive material, and a conductive material. The conductive material is selected to be driven to a superconductive state when in proximity to the superconductive material, and preferably at least includes gallium. An unbroken length of the conductive material is located sufficiently close to a plurality of the particles to be driven to a superconductive state by the superconductive material.

Abstract: Methods of combining water-in-oil emulsion polymers with aqueous saline well treating fluids and compositions are provided. A composition of the invention basically comprises hydraulic cement, an aqueous saline fluid sufficient to form a slurry, a polymer precipitation and coagulation preventing surfactant, and a water-in-oil emulsion polymer.

Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of shear rehealing of fluids made with cationic, zwitterionic, and amphoteric viscoelastic surfactant fluid systems by adding an effective amount of a rheology enhancer package containing, for example a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol block copolymer and a polynaphthalene sulfonate. The rheology enhancer package allows viscoelastic surfactant fluids to be used at lower viscoelastic surfactant concentrations in certain applications, for example certain oilfield treatments, for example fracturing and gravel packing. Preferred surfactants are betaines and quaternary amines.

Abstract: A grease composition containing a polymer with (a) monomers (i) at least one unsaturated ?,?-carboxylic acid ester containing an alkyl group with about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one unsaturated ?,?-carboxylic acid ester containing an alkyl group with about 4 to about 11 carbon atoms different from monomer (i); and (iii) at least one unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride or derivatives thereof; and (iv) optionally at least one unsaturated ?,?-carboxylic acid ester containing an alkyl group with about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and optionally (b) at least one non-monomeric amine with primary functionality, secondary functionality or mixtures thereof; and optionally (c) other performance additives; and (d) at least one thickening agent, and (e) an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further relates to the process to make the composition and its use in greases.

Abstract: A dilutable cleaning composition comprises a pH-elevating component and a pH-lowering component, the composition being such that when it is mixed with water the pH-elevating component dissolves or disperses in the water thereby elevating the pH of the water to at least 8.5 and subsequently the pH-lowering component dissolves or disperses in the water, thereby lowering the pH of the water from at least 8.5 to not more than 4. When the water is at the raised pH, the cleaning composition is effective in removing proteinaceous or fatty soiling, and when the composition is at the lowered pH, the composition is effective at removing alkaline waste materials such as limescale. The cleaning composition is particularly suitable for use as a lavatory or hard surface cleaner.

Abstract: To provide a floor coating composition and floor coating composition additive. It is possible to improve the leveling performance, mopping performance, and other properties of a floor coating composition over those obtained with a conventional tributoxyethyl phosphate leveling agent by adding to a floor coating composition 1) a (C7-C10) aliphatic monocarboxylic acid monoester of a diol, or 2) a (C7-C10) aliphatic monocarboxylic acid monoester or diester of a triol.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of silicone oils are prepared without the need for surfactants, solvents, hydrotropes or emulsifiers by employing water soluble and/or water dispersible polymers providing inventive compositions which exhibit a rheological Critical Strain value greater than zero and less than about 0.5. Disclosed according to the present invention are compositions and methods of use of the aqueous dispersions of silicone fluids for cleaning, preserving, protecting, and otherwise treating a variety of surfaces, including household surfaces, such as floors, counter tops, furniture, walls, and automotive surfaces, such as tires, rubber, vinyl, upholstery, fabric, plastic and general elastomer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use as perfuming ingredient of a decaline derivative of formula wherein R1 is a lower alkyl, the R2 to R5 are hydrogen atoms or lower alkyls and at least one dotted line is a double bond, which is a useful perfuming ingredient of the woody or woody-citrus type.

Abstract: Novel substituted type peptides of WT1 wherein the cysteine residue is substituted with a defined amino acid residue, polynucleotides encoding said peptides, cancer vaccines using those peptides or polynucleotides in vivo or in vitro, or the like are provided. Peptides which comprise an amino acid sequence of the formula: X-Y-Thr-Trp-Asn-Gln-Met-Asn-Leu (SEQ ID NO: 4) wherein X represents Ser, Ala, Abu, Arg, Lys, Orn, Cit, Leu, Phe, or Asn, and Y represents Tyr or Met, and which has an activity to induce CTLs, polynucleotides encoding said peptides, cancer vaccines which comprise those peptides or polynucleotides as an active ingredient, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor antagonists have been found to have a sedative or anxiolytic effect on the mammalian central nervous system. Conversely, GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists increase nervous system activity and the stress response. The invention relates, in one aspect, to the use of GLP-1 agonists and antagonists to modulate the stress response in a mammal. In an aspect GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor antagonists are used to treat stress-related disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are surprising discoveries concerning the role of anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids in tumor vasculature and in viral entry and spread, and compositions and methods for utilizing these findings in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Also disclosed are advantageous antibody, immunoconjugate and duramycin-based compositions and combinations that bind and inhibit anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids, for use in the safe and effective treatment of cancer, viral infections and related diseases.

Abstract: A method of suppressing immune responses, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a substance capable of reducing the content of reductive glutathione in macrophages.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for manipulating and predicting the reproductive capacity of a female subject. The presence of endogenous neurotrophins and addition of exogenous neurotrophins, particularly BDNF, NT-4/5, and NGF, increase the reproductive capacity of a female patient by binding to receptors on the oocytes and stimulating maturation of the oocytes. Administration of antagonists act as a contraceptive because the antagonists prevent the neurotrophins from binding to oocyte receptors. Neurotrophins may also be used to stimulate the maturation of oocyte in vitro.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of a presynaptic neurotoxin (for example a bacterial neurotoxin such as botulinum toxin A) for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cerebral palsy in juvenile patients. The juvenile patients are preferably juveniles of up to 6 years in age.

Abstract: Novel insulin precursors and insulin precursor analogs comprising a connecting peptide (mini C-peptide) of preferably up to 15 amino acid residues and comprising at least one Gly are provided. The precursors can be converted into human insulin or a human insulin analog. The precursors will typically have a distance between B27 (atom CG2) and A1 (atom CA) of less than 5 ?.

Abstract: The compounds of the present invention are represented by the chemical structure found in Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with X, R0, R1, and R2 defined herein.

Abstract: Purified cartilage and/or bone inductive proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and/or cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: Novel recombinant anticoagulation proteins, methods of their use and methods of their production are described. In particular, recombinant fusions of annexin V (ANV) and Kunitz protease inhibitors (KPI) that possess potent anticoagulant activity are provided. The fusions, abbreviated ANV:KPI, utilize ANV having high affinity for phosphatidyl-L-serine with various KPI's to target serine proteases in membrane-associated coagulation complexes in the blood coagulation cascade. ANV:KPIs are potentially useful antithrombotic drugs permitting localized passivation of thrombogenic vessel walls and associated thrombi.

Abstract: Provided is a sustained-release microparticle preparation of a human growth hormone which combines biodegradability with sustained-release performance while avoiding the use of an organic solvent as much as possible, allows the sustained-release of a human growth hormone over 3 days or more and reduction in the initial burst release, can contain a human growth hormone at 10% or more, can quantitatively adsorb and encapsulate a human growth hormone at up to 20%, and has excellent dispersion and needle penetration properties. A process for producing the sustained-release microparticle preparation of a human growth hormone is also provided. The sustained-release microparticle preparation comprises a porous apatite derivative, a human growth hormone, and a water-soluble divalent metal compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mutants of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) useful as inhibitors of heterotopic ossification. Specifically, the present invention related 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 to pharmaceutical compositions containing these mutants and to methods for using the mutants and pharmaceutical compositions in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and agents for treating subjects who have or are at risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. Such agents inhibit binding of myeloperoxidase (MPO) to a molecule comprising the MPO binding site of apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) and include a peptide fragment of apoA-1 comprising at least 4 contiguous amino acids in SEQ ID. NO: 2, a modified form of the apo-1 fragment comprising one or more D amino acids, a retro-inverso form of the apoA-1 peptide fragment, an organo-mimetic of the apoA-1 peptide fragment, a peptide-mimetic of the apoA1 peptide fragment, or a nucleic acid encoding the apo A-1 peptide fragment. The present invention also provides methods of identifying or screening test agents for treating subjects having or at risk of having or developing CVD.

Abstract: Peptide derivatives useful as inhibitors of activity of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-degrading ectoenzyme (TRH-DE) are of formula Ia: wherein: R1 is an optionally substituted 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring having one or more heteroatoms, in which at least one carbon atom of the ring is substituted with O or S; X1 is —CO— or —CS— or —CH2CO— or CH(R4) wherein R4 is H or optionally substituted alkyl or —COOH or —COOR11 wherein R11 is optionally substituted alkyl; X2 and X3 (which may be the same or different) are —CO— or —CS—; Z is —CH2— or —S— or —O— or —NH—; Q is O or S; R2 is H or optionally substituted alkyl or an optionally substituted carbocyclic ring; R3 is H or optionally substituted alkyl or an optionally substituted mono- or polycyclic ring, optionally having one or more heteroatoms in the ring(s) and optionally being a fused ring; or R2 and R3 together form an optionally substituted mono- or polycyclic ring optionally having one or more heteroatoms in the ring(s) and optionally being a