Abstract: Of (A+B) signal and (C+D) signal for detecting a radial push-pull signal, the (A+B) signal is multiplied with a predetermined coefficient k. The predetermined coefficient k is changed appropriately depending on an error rate upon decoding a land pre-pit, a lens shift amount of an objective lens of an optical pickup, and the levels of a land pre-pit signal and a wobbling signal relative to the level of (A+B+C+D) signal. Consequently, the land pre-pit on an optical disc can be detected securely at a high precision at any time of recording time and reproduction time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an SPR sensor array comprising a plurality of SPR sensor surface areas (120) arranged on a substrate (10, 20) in a two-dimensional matrix located in a plane to which the SPR sensor surface areas (120) are parallel and whereby radiation capable of exciting surface plasmons in the SPR sensor surface areas (120) under specific physical conditions can be guided through the substrate (10, 20) to be reflected from the SPR sensor surface areas, as well as separating means (110) for separating each SPR sensor surface area (120) from its neighboring SPR sensor surface area (120), wherein the separating means (110) and SPR sensor surface areas (120) are provided such that at least outside of surface plasmon resonance occurring in the SPR sensor surface areas (120) the radiation (40) guided through the substrate (10, 20) is reflected in the region of the separating means to a different degree than in the region of the SPR sensor surface areas (120) to create a contrast between the separating mea

Abstract: Process for treatment of gases which are exhausted through a sinter bed in a sintering plant, wherein a distinction can be made between a cold zone of the sintering plant with relatively low gas temperatures and a hot zone of the sintering plant with substantially higher gas temperatures. The gases from the cold zone of the sintering plant and the gases from the hot zone of the sintering plant are exhausted and treated as separate partial flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleoside derivatives with photolabile protecting groups of general formula (I) wherein R1 is H, F, Cl, Br, I, or NO2; R2 is H or CN, provided that R1 and R2 are not simultaneously H; R3 is H, 1-4 C alkyl, or phenyl; R4 is H or a conventional functional group for the synthesis of oligonuleotides; R5 is H, OH, halogen or XR6, where X=O or S, and R6 is a conventional nucleotide protecting group; and B is adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, uracil, 2,6-diaminopurin-9-yl, hypoxanthin-9-yl, 5-methylcytosin-1-yl, 5-amino-4-imidazolcarboxamid-1-yl or 5-amino-4-imidazolcarboxamid-3-yl, where, if B is adenine, cytosine or guanine the primary amine functionality, optionally, carries a permanent protecting group. Furthermore, these derivatives may be used for the light-controlled synthesis of oligonucleotides on a DNA chip.

Abstract: Disclosed are a spectrofluorimetrically detectable luminescent composition and processes for enhancing the luminescence of one or more lanthanide-containing macrocycles. The luminescent composition comprises a micelle-producing amount of at least one surfactant, at least one energy transfer acceptor lanthanide element macrocycle compound having an emission spectrum peak in the range from 500 to 950 nanometers, and a luminescence-enhancing amount of at least one energy transfer donor compound of yttrium or a 3-valent lanthanide element having atomic number 59-71, provided that the lanthanide element of said macrocycle compound and the lanthanide element of said energy transfer donor compound are not identical. The addition of gadolinium(III) in the presence of other solutes to both the prototype and the di-functionalized europium, samarium, and terbium macrocyclic complexes, which were taught in our U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,373,093 and 5,696,240, enhances their luminescence.

Abstract: A linear spring-loaded actuator (10) for a valve (12) comprises a housing (14) and an actuating spindle (16) slidably supported in the housing (14). A cap (22) is associated with the housing (14). Spring means (36), arranged in the housing (14), bear on the cap (22) and the actuating spindle (16), so as to exert a spring force on the actuating spindle (16). A thread (26) on the housing (14) cooperates with a thread (24′, 24″) on the cap (22) for screwing the cap (22) on the housing (14) so as to preload the spring means (36) in the housing (14). At least one lock means (40) is associated with one of the threads (24′, 24″) and is capable of deforming this thread (24, 24″) so as to lock it in any position on the cooperating thread (26).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for identifying an object comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an intrinsic surface of an object to be identified; (b) illuminating at least an identification zone in the intrinsic surface of the object to be identified with a coherent light and intercepting at least part of the light reflected by the identification zone, so as to obtain an interference figure in specific illuminating and intercepting conditions; (c) preserving said interference figure as reference interference figure of the object to be identified; (d) placing a candidate object which could possibly be the object to be identified in similar illuminating and intercepting conditions as those used to obtain the reference interference figure and obtain from said candidate object an interference figure; (e) comparing the reference interference figure with the interference figure of the candidate object; and (f) assessing the probability of identity between the object to be identified and the candidate obje

Abstract: A method for virtual orthodontic treatment is provided in which a virtual set of orthodontic components is associated, in a virtual space, with a first virtual three-dimensional image of teeth, and then by a set of rules which define the effect of the set of components' teeth, the effect of the virtual treatment can be computed. This virtual treatment can be used to predict the results of a real-life orthodontic treatment as to design such a treatment.

Abstract: A flat hernia implant with a flexible fabric formed from at least two textile fabric structures constructed substantially independently of one another and firmly interconnected over the entire surface area of the hernia implant so as to form a composite structure, is made available for use in surgery.

Abstract: A method for producing mushroom mycelia and uses of the mushroom mycelia. Mushroom mycelia can be cultured at low cost in a broth made of the water from the washing of grains. Also, mushroom mycelia rich in trace minerals can be cultured in a broth supplemented with trace minerals. Feeding of feedstuffs mixed with the mushroom mycelia culture produces duck meats with excellent taste and quality and low cholesterol content.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel fluorinated dendrons and to a universal strategy for producing functional fluorinated dendrons programmed to self-assemble into supramolecular nanocylinder compositions containing p-stacks of high electron or hole mobility donors (D), acceptors (A), or D-A complexes in the core. Such nanocylinder compositions are uniquely applicable to devices spanning from single supramolecule to nanoscopic and to macroscopic scales including transistors, photovoltaics, photoconductors, photorefractives, light emissives, and optoelectronics.

Abstract: A method and device for forming artificial openings in a biological membrane with a pyrotechnic charge that is exploded in a controlled manner in proximity of the biological membrane to form the artificial opening(s) therein. The method and device are useful in connection with transdermal delivery and monitoring applications.

Abstract: Topical gelled compositions comprising an optional drug dispersed within a polymer matrix, methods of producing the same and treatments with the complex.

Abstract: Described is a sensing device, which is suspended in a filling material, particularly a liquid, by means of a cable 30. The cable 30 consists of a cable jacket of insulating material, a shielding jacket 32 of metal mesh beneath the cable jacket 31, and the electrical conductors connected to the sensor proper 11. In accordance with the invention, the shielding jacket 32 also serves to relieve pull. To this end, the end 33 that projects into the sensor housing 10 is exposed, i.e., is free of the insulating jacket material, and has a solid mechanical connection to the adapting piece 21 of a cable seat 20 inserted into the housing 10, and the connection is electrically conductive.

Abstract: A combination lock comprising a housing, a locking bolt and a locking breach, at least one locking assembly rotatably supported within the housing and comprising a disc member formed with a peripheral recess, a cam wheel and a reset cam. A locking member is formed with at least one locking lug angularly displaceable between an un-locked position in which all the looking lugs engage within the peripheral recess of the disc members and where the locking breach is disengaged from the locking bolt, and a locked position in which at least one of the locking lugs is disengaged from the peripheral recess, where the locking breach arrests the locking bolt. A planarly displaceable manipulating member comprises at least one follower corresponding with each cam wheel. A reset mechanism is provided for rotating all disc members into a reset position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound absorbent thin-layer laminate consisting of at least one open-cell support layer and a second open-cell fibre layer. The support layer consists either of a first fibre layer, especially a low-density non-woven material with a mass per unit area of less than 2,000 g/m2 and a thickness of less than 50 mm, or of an open-cell foam layer, especially an ultra-light plastic foam with a density of between 16 and 32 kg/m3 and a thickness of at least 6 mm. The second fibre layer is made of melt-blown microfibres, whose fibre diameter is approximately 1 to 10 &mgr;m, especially 2 to 5 &mgr;m. The air resistance of the thin-layer laminate is in the range of 500<Rt<4,000 Ns/m3. According to the method for producing the thin-layer laminate a microfibre layer of melt-blown microfibres with a diameter of between 1 and 10 &mgr;m, preferably between 2 and 5 &mgr;m, is fixed to the support layer by means of a spray-on adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an Au/Fe2O3 catalyst comprised of a particle-shaped, co-catalytically active Fe2O3 supporting material with metallic Au clusters deposited thereupon which have a diameter of less than 4.5 nm. The catalyst materials can be obtained by: a) reacting a water-soluble Fe(III) salt in an aqueous medium with a base; b) impregnating the hydroxide gel which is formed thereby and which is still moist with a solution of a water-soluble Au compound in order to deposit complexed Au clusters on the surface of the hydroxide gel; c) removing water from the suspension of the reaction product formed thereby; d) subjecting the dried reaction product to a calcination at temperatures ranging from 350 and 700° C. The inventive catalyst material is especially suited for selective low-temperature CO oxidation in reformate hydrogen which is used as combustible gas for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (2) in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the meanings indicated in the description, their preparation and their further reaction to give compounds of formula (1), in which A1, A2 and R4 have the meanings indicated in the description. The compounds of the formula (1) are valuable intermediates for the preparation of medicaments.