Investigation of ultrathin tantalum based diffusion barrier films using AES and TEM

Reliably acting diffusion barrier films are basically for the functionality of the copper inter-connect technology. Tantalum (Ta) and Tantalum nitride (TaN) are established materials for diffusion barriers against copper diffusion. In this study, the characterization of TaN like films produced using N⁺ plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) was performed using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Chemical information was extracted from the Auger data using linear least square fit (LLS). The capability of the method in order to detect very little changes in the film composition dependent on small process changes was demonstrated. The nitrogen incorporation by PIII into high aspect ratio contact holes was proven using analytical TEM.     

Long-term stability of emulsion based on rose oil

This paper was aimed at determining the parameters responsible for the long-term stability of emulsions. Compositions of six emulsions with different amounts of emulsifier and thickener were developed according to the authors’ own specifications and requirements of KT-Skor software (based on Kleeman’s method). Physical properties of the emulsions were evaluated (determination of emulsion type, structure of emulsion, stability tests, viscosity, average particle size, and dispersity index). The results obtained indicate that the emulsion containing 10?g of rose oil and 0.2?g of thickener exhibited the highest stability.     

Chemically Modified Poly(A) Analogs Targeting PABP: Structure Activity Relationship and Translation Inhibitory Properties

Poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) is an essential element of cellular translational machinery. Recent studies have revealed that poly(A) tail modifications can modulate mRNA stability and translational potential, and that oligoadenylate-derived PABP ligands can act as effective translational inhibitors with potential applications in pain management. Although extensive research has focused on protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions involving PABPs, further studies are required to examine the ligand specificity of PABP. In this study, we developed a microscale thermophoresis-based assay to probe the interactions between PABP and oligoadenylate analogs containing different chemical modifications. Using this method, we evaluated oligoadenylate analogs modified with nucleobase, ribose, and phosphate moieties to identify modification hotspots. In addition, we determined the susceptibility of the modified oligos to CNOT7 to identify those with the potential for increased cellular stability. Consequently, we selected two enzymatically stable oligoadenylate analogs that inhibit translation in rabbit reticulocyte lysates with a higher potency than a previously reported PABP ligand. We believe that the results presented in this study and the implemented methodology can be capitalized upon in the future development of RNA-based biological tools.     

Characteristics of the oxidation process in the oleic acid-propionic acid system by means of dielectric constant measurements

The influence of the hydrogen-bond association on the course of autoxidation of oleic acid in the binary system oleic acid-propionic acid was discussed. The association was characterized with the help of dielectric constant measurements.     

Investigation of the association of higher fatty alcohols by means of paper chromatography

Paper chromatography investigations were performed with the aim of tracing the adsorption mechanism of the selected higher fatty alcohols on a paper layer and determining the role of polar solvents in establishing thermodynamic equilibria.     

The ultrasonic activation of non-polar collectors in the flotation of hydrophobic minerals

Based on the results of the authors' own investigations concerning the effect of ultrasound on the flotation of phosphorites and the emulsification of oils, the paper deals with the favourable effect of ultrasound on the activity of non-polar collectors, and their positive influence on the enrichment of hydrophobic minerals is explained.     

Chromatographic investigation of the hydrophobic properties of isomeric naphthalene derivatives

Summary Selected isomeric α and β derivatives of naphthalene were semi-quantitatively compared in respect of their hydrophobic properties. Investigations were carried out by both adsorption and partition TLC chromatography; the solubilities of the individual substances in water were also determined. The results were explained of electronic and steric effects. Permanent dipole moments in terms (literature data) are also utilized to explain the comparatively weak hydrophobic properties of the β isomers as compared to the α isomers.