Abstract: Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSRs) based 2p state with p>2 or p?2 scramblers, descramblers, sequence generators and sequence detectors in binary implementation are provided. An LFSR may apply devices implementing a binary XOR or EQUIVALENT function, a binary shift register and binary inverters and binary state generator, wherein at least an output of one shift register element in a first LFSR is connected to a device implementing a reversible binary logic function is a second LFSR. They may also apply 2p state inverters using binary combinational logic are applied. Memory based binary 2p state inverters are also applied. Non-LFSR based n-state scramblers and descramblers in binary logic are also provided. A method for simple correlation calculation is provided. Communication systems and data storage systems applying the provided LFSR devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for amplifying nucleic acid molecules. The nucleic acid molecules can be used in various research and diagnostic applications, such as gene expression studies involving nucleic acid microarrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic preparation that contains (a) at least one surfactant selected from anionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants, (b) a microemulsion and (c) at least one cationic polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatuses for forming films using CVD. One or more method and apparatus embodiments include preventing the formation of bonds and/or breaking bonds that permit polymers to form in an exhaust line of a CVD apparatus.

Abstract: This document provides connectors such as a connector for enabling fluid transfer between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, which connector comprises a first component that is arranged to be connected to a first fluid container and a second component that is arranged to be connected to a second fluid container. The first component can be non-rotatably connected to the second component before a second fluid container is connected to the second component and/or before a first fluid container is connected to the first component. The connector can comprise a locking and rotation-enabling element that is arranged to be activated once a second fluid container has been connected to the second component, and/or once a first fluid container has been connected to the first component, which locking and rotation-enabling element enables the first component and the second component to rotate freely with respect to one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for processing of a solar substrate for making a photovoltaic device. In particular, methods and apparatus for creating a negatively charged passivation layer by are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thickener based on an aqueous preparation of a nonionic, water-dispersible or water-soluble polyurethane, obtained by reacting: (a) hydrophilic polyols containing at least two OH groups and at least two functional groups selected from ether and ester, of molecular weight at least 300; (b) hydrophobic compounds containing at least one zerewitinoff-active hydrogen atom, of molecular weight about 100 to about 500, with at least one linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain having at least five consecutive carbon atoms not linked to a hetero atom; and (c) at least difunctional isocyanates, where the components are reacted in equivalent ratios OHa):ZHb):NCOc) of 1:(1+x):2(1+y), with the provisos that x is 0.05-1.2, y is (0.2-1.05)x, and more than one equivalent of NCOc) is present versus the sum of OHa) and ZHb).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of diols with a special structure which are characterized by formula (I). These diols are substances which, besides two OH groups, contain a C?C double bond so that they are suitable as monomers for the production of polymers. The process comprises hydrolyzing a corresponding cyclic precursor in aqueous medium in the presence of an acid dissolved in that medium, the hydrolysis being accompanied by the elimination of a carbonyl compound, and subsequently neutralizing the acid present in the reaction mixture with a base, the base having a pKb value above 0.18 and preferably above 3.0 and being present in heterogeneous form.

Abstract: Disclosed are isosorbide derivatives of formula (I) wherein R and R? independently represent an isosorbide moiety, a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and A stands for hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or alkylammonium, with the proviso that at least one of R and R? is an isosorbide group. Also disclosed is the use of compounds (I) for the preparation of cleansers, detergents, personal care compositions, and cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of saturated fatty acid esters by subjecting unsaturated fatty acid esters to hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst suitable for catalysing the saturation of double bonds in the esters, which is characterized in that said catalyst represents a homogenous complex of a Group VIII metal and a sulfonated phosphite as the polar ionic ligand.

Abstract: A needle 1 for penetrating a membrane 2, having a pointed end 3 provided with a penetrating tip 4 and with an opening 6 for letting a liquid in and/or out in a main direction 7 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the needle 1. The penetrating tip 4 is designed with a substantially point-shaped edge 8 to initially prick the membrane when the membrane is penetrated. The outer edges 19 present on the pointed end 3 in the area from the point-shaped edge 8 to a position beyond the opening 6 are rounded so that after the initial penetration the pointed end 3 will push the membrane material away rather than cutting the membrane material.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells and methods for the manufacture of photovoltaic cells are described. Operative layers of the photovoltaic cell are deposited onto a superstrate having a plurality of spaced ramps, allowing for the individual cells to be connected in series with minimal loss of the efficiency due to dead space between the cells.

Abstract: Compositions for oral and/or topical administration of a prebiotic and a physiologically active fatty acid, or a salt or ester thereof, are disclosed. The compositions are disclosed as enhancing the body's population of beneficial microorganisms for improving health and well-being.

Abstract: The invention relates to alkyl benzoate mixtures, the sum of the C12- and C14-alkyl benzoates being greater than or equal to 85%, in relation to the total sum of the alkyl benzoates. The invention also relates to the use of said alkyl benzoate mixtures in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations, in particular as oil components.

Abstract: An environmental measurement system and method are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a base station having a processor, a plurality of environmental detectors located remotely from the base station that measure one or more environmental conditions that are in communication with the base station to send the measured one or more environmental conditions to the base station and a plurality of user display stations located remotely from the base station that are in communication with the base station and that can display the one or more environmental conditions received from the base station. One or more of the environmental detectors or one or more of the user display stations is mobile. Alternatively, the environmental detectors and the user display stations can both be mobile.

Abstract: A process of obtaining sterols suitable for human consumption from a crude wood pulping source containing sterol esters is disclosed. The sterols are obtained at high yield and purity. In particular, a process of obtaining sterols at high yield and purity from tall oil pitch (TOP) is disclosed. The sterols obtained can be esterified to sterol esters for use in dietary supplements and as additives for food and beverage products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning electrostatic chucks in processing chambers are provided. The process comprises flowing a backside gas comprising a reactive agent into a zone in a process chamber, the zone defined by a space between a surface of an electrostatic chuck or of a cleaning station and a surface of a substrate. The surface of the electrostatic chuck is etched with the reactive agent to remove debris. An apparatus for cleaning an electrostatic chuck is also provided, the apparatus comprising: a process chamber; an elongate arm having a reach disposed through a wall of the process chamber; an electrostatic chuck attached to the elongate arm; a cleaning station located within the reach of the elongate arm; and a reactive gas source that is operatively connected to the cleaning station.

Abstract: A reaction medium for enzyme-catalyzed reactions is provided, comprising an oil-in-water emulsion including water, an emulsifier, an oil phase and at least one interfacially active enzyme, where the emulsion is produced by the phase inversion temperature process and has a droplet size of 50 to 400 nm. A method for the enzyme-catalyzed esterification, transesterification or hydrolysis of fatty acid alkyl esters and/or triglycerides is also provided where the oil-in-water emulsion is used as the reaction medium.