Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the antibacterial treatment of a solid surface comprising the steps of: a) activation of said surface by means of oxygen plasma; b) deposition from the vapor phase of a silane or siloxane having at least one fluorocarburic terminal group. A method is also provided for the antibacterial treatment of a solid surface comprising the step of functionalizing said surface with nanoparticles of gamma-Fe2O3.

Abstract: A substrate has a plurality of microdots positioned thereon. Each microdot contains one or more primers for gene amplification for a particular target gene. The microdots are placed on the substrate and the substrate is positioned in a housing. The housing has a sample fluid to be tested introduced therein covering the microdot array. While the sample fluid is overlying the substrate, the amplification of the target gene is carried out if it is present within the sample. If the target gene that matches the primers is not present, then amplification will not take place. The fluid also contains fluorophores which will be fixed into the gene as it increases in size as it clearly detects if gene amplification has occurred by detecting the amount of light detected for a particular microdot. In a preferred embodiment, the sample fluid is placed on top of a sealing layer that is less dense then water, such as wax or mineral oil.

Abstract: In an embodiment, PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) signals are processed by detecting peaks and valleys in the PPG signal, segmenting the PPG signal to provide a time series of PPG waveforms located between two subsequent valleys in the PPG signal, applying to the waveforms in the time series pattern recognition with respect to a reference PPG waveform pattern produced based on a mathematical model of the PPG signal by assigning to the waveforms in the time series a recognition score. A resulting PPG signal is produced by retaining the waveforms in the time series having an assigned recognition score reaching a recognition threshold, and discarding the waveforms in the time series having an assigned recognition score failing to reach the recognition threshold.

Abstract: In an embodiment, PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) signals are processed by detecting peaks and valleys in the PPG signal, segmenting the PPG signal to provide a time series of PPG waveforms located between two subsequent valleys in the PPG signal, applying to the waveforms in the time series pattern recognition with respect to a reference PPG waveform pattern produced based on a mathematical model of the PPG signal by assigning to the waveforms in the time series a recognition score. A resulting PPG signal is produced by retaining the waveforms in the time series having an assigned recognition score reaching a recognition threshold, and discarding the waveforms in the time series having an assigned recognition score failing to reach the recognition threshold.

Abstract: In an embodiment, PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) signals are processed by detecting peaks and valleys in the PPG signal, segmenting the PPG signal to provide a time series of PPG waveforms located between two subsequent valleys in the PPG signal, applying to the waveforms in the time series pattern recognition with respect to a reference PPG waveform pattern produced based on a mathematical model of the PPG signal by assigning to the waveforms in the time series a recognition score. A resulting PPG signal is produced by retaining the waveforms in the time series having an assigned recognition score reaching a recognition threshold, and discarding the waveforms in the time series having an assigned recognition score failing to reach the recognition threshold.

Abstract: A photochemical process for decorating hydrophobic surfaces with nanoparticles includes the steps of providing a metal precursor having hydrophobic parts adapted to interact with assistance of a photosensitizer; and forming a reactive adduct photosensitizer/precursor-metal/surface, preparing the surface to grow metal nanoparticles in situ having sizes and shapes governed by the morphology of the surface. The formed nanoparticles are sufficiently isolated, not aggregated and not interconnected, and do not create a film but maintain the chemical properties of substrate and metal. Surfaces so selectively decorated have hydrophobic properties even with hydrophilic substrates. Substrates with multiple chemical functionalities are thereby obtained, which can selectively bind different molecules or biomolecules onto the substrate and the surface of the metal nanoparticles surface. A process according to the invention also allows decorating surfaces with two or more metallic species.

Abstract: A photochemical process for decorating hydrophobic surfaces with nanoparticles includes the steps of providing a metal precursor having hydrophobic parts adapted to interact with assistance of a photosensitizer; and forming a reactive adduct photosensitizer/precursor-metal/surface, preparing the surface to grow metal nanoparticles in situ having sizes and shapes governed by the morphology of the surface. The formed nanoparticles are sufficiently isolated, not aggregated and not interconnected, and do not create a film but maintain the chemical properties of substrate and metal. Surfaces so selectively decorated have hydrophobic properties even with hydrophilic substrates. Substrates with multiple chemical functionalities are thereby obtained, which can selectively bind different molecules or biomolecules onto the substrate and the surface of the metal nanoparticles surface. A process according to the invention also allows decorating surfaces with two or more metallic species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a nitroaniline derivative of Formula I for the production of nitric oxide and for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease wherein the administration of nitric oxide is beneficial. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for the production of NO irradiating a nitroaniline derivative of Formula I, a kit comprising a nitroaniline derivative of Formula I and a carrier and to a system comprising a source of radiations and a container associated to a nitroaniline derivative of Formula I. In Formula I, R and RI are each independently hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group; RII is hydrogen or an alkyl group.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I) for the production of nitric oxide and for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease wherein the administration of nitric oxide is beneficial. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a method for the production of NO irradiating a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I), a kit comprising a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I) and a carrier and to a system comprising a source of radiations and a container associated to a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I). In Formula (I), R and RI are each independently hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group; RII is hydrogen or an alkyl group.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluoresceine derivative having the following formula: for the production of an electronic device, in particular a memory switch.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a noble metal film includes the step of sputtering a noble metal on a substrate thus obtaining a film. The method and system further includes the step of subjecting the film to a thermal treatment, thus obtaining the noble metal film.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I) for the production of nitric oxide and for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease wherein the administration of nitric oxide is beneficial. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a method for the production of NO irradiating a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I), a kit comprising a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I) and a carrier and to a system comprising a source of radiations and a container associated to a nitroaniline derivative of Formula (I). In Formula (I), R and RI are each independently hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group; RII is hydrogen or an alkyl group.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a noble metal film includes the step of sputtering a noble metal on a substrate thus obtaining a film. The method and system further includes the step of subjecting the film to a thermal treatment, thus obtaining the noble metal film.

Abstract: Use of a fluoresceine derivative having the following formula: for the production of a electronic device, in particular a memory switch.

Abstract: A low cost mechanism for disengaging the brush which agitates the surface over which the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves by lifting the portion of the nozzle having the brush mounted therein above the surface. The lift mechanism is reciprocably mounted in the nozzle housing rearwardly of the brush and extends outwardly from the nozzle housing to lift the forward end of the housing which contains the brush by pivoting the housing about the rear wheels. The lift mechanism is implemented by a stanchion having posts with upper ends extending from a bar. The bar has a trough facing the surface over which the cleaner moves. A roller having a width about at least one-third the width of the nozzle housing is journaled in the trough and extends out of the base. The roller is mounted with its axis generally paralleling the axis of rotation of the brush. The stanchion is also located adjacent to the body or canister portion of the vacuum cleaner for engagement with a surface at the bottom of the body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having the combined features of a canister and upright type vacuum cleaner with the canister mounted for tilting movement on a housing of a floor or nozzle unit which contains a rotatably mounted brush. A single motor is used to power a fan which creates the vacuum in the canister and to apply power to the brush through a belt and pulley assembly mounted in the floor unit housing. A hose extending from the canister is connectable and disconnectable from the floor unit housing so as to provide for above the floor cleaning when the hose is disconnected and the appropriate tools are attached thereto. When the hose is connected into the housing, the vacuum is applied to the vicinity of the brush. A mechanism for disengaging the motor from the belt and pulley assembly when above the floor cleaning is selected is provided by a cam member rotatable with the canister and a pulley asembly which is part of the belt/pulley brush drive assembly.