Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing pentafluoroethane, and especially to a method comprising (i) a step during which perchloroethylene and optionally 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and/or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane react(s) with hydrofluoric acid in a gaseous phase in the presence of a catalyst in an adiabatic multi-stage reactor, and optionally (ii) a step of separating the flow produced in step (i) in order to obtain a fraction of light products and a fraction of heavy products.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing serum levels of triacylglycerides in human subjects. In particular, the invention relates to the oral administration of an effective amount of a fungal lipase formulation, to a human subject having borderline-high or high serum levels of triacylglycerides, for a time period sufficient to reduce serum triacylglyceride levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification leads to the expression in plastids of such plant cells and plants of an enzyme having the activity of a mutansucrase. Furthermore, the present invention relates to means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch. The present invention therefore also relates to the starch synthesised by the plant cells and plants according to the invention as well as to methods for the manufacture of the starch and to the manufacture of starch derivatives of this modified starch.

Abstract: A method for producing VDMOS transistors in which a specific layer arrangement and a specific method sequence allow setting up an improved gate contact when simultaneously producing source and gate contacts using a single contact hole mask (photo mask).

Abstract: Methods are provided for the synthesis and secretion of recombinant hetero-multimeric proteins in mating competent yeast. A first expression vector is transformed into a first haploid cell; and a second expression vector is transformed into a second haploid cell. The transformed haploid cells, each individually synthesizing a non-identical polypeptide, are identified and then genetically crossed or fused. The resulting diploid strains are utilized to produce and secrete fully assembled and biologically functional hetero-multimeric protein.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A box for cosmetic or toiletry products including a body having a bottom and a free edge and containing a cup containing a solid, paste or powder product, and a lid mounted to pivot on the body. The lid is connected to the body by at least one double hinge including an upper link articulated to the body and to the underside of the lid, and a lower link situated between the upper link and the bottom, more inclined than the first link relative to the bottom in the closed configuration of the lid, and articulated to the body and under the lid. In the closed configuration, the cover is retracted into the body and flush with the free edge, having at a distance from the double hinge an actuation area bearing at least indirectly against a bistable pushbutton elastically compressible toward the bottom of the body.

Abstract: A system and method of implementing a financial data extraction process including receiving information associated with a user, providing the user a game to play, the game being associated with a financial service environment, acquiring one or more responses from the user during game play, and determining one or more characteristics associated with the user based on the one or more responses acquired from the user during game play.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing electronic vouchers representing value. An issuing server generates an eVoucher that a recipient may use to purchase goods and services from a merchant's e-commerce Web site. The eVoucher includes an image, such as a corporate logo, that identifies the issuing merchant. Nonimage data, such as a unique identifier for the eVoucher and encrypted arbitrary text, is embedded in the eVoucher image and is used to track the use of the eVoucher and to verify its authenticity.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing, a suction fan, a dustcup, a cover and an inlet into the dustcup. The dustcup is removably secured to the housing, and includes a cup end wall, a sidewall extending from the cup end wall, and an open end opposite the cup end wall. The cover can be connected to the open end of the dustcup, and includes an air outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan, and a filter covering the air outlet and extending from the cover towards the cup end wall. The cup end wall includes a barrier positioned to be contacted by air flowing through the dustcup to thereby separate dirt particles from the air.

Abstract: A HMPSA is provided that preferably includes at least a) from 30 to 50% of a mixture of triblock and diblock styrenic copolymers having an overall styrene content comprised between 14 and 40%, b) from 40 to 55% of a tackifying resin with a softening temperature comprised between 70 and 150° C. obtainable by hydrogenating, polymerizing or copolymerizing mixtures of aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbons having about 5, 9 or 10 carbon atoms; c) from 4 to 20% of a hydrocarbon oil with an aromatic content less than 15%; d) from 1 to 6% of a filler selected among calcium carbonate or a low molecular weight homopolymer or copolymer of polyethylene. A laminated system is also provided that includes at least an adhesive layer utilizing the HMPSA and paper facestock. Also included are PSA labels obtainable from the laminated system with a reduced tendency to discolor after storage.

Abstract: An agitator having a hollow spindle housing with first and second ends, and one or more agitating devices projecting from the spindle housing. A first bearing retainer holds the first end of the spindle housing and a first race of a first bearing, and a second bearing retainer holds the second end of the spindle housing and a first race of a second bearing. A first agitator mount holds a second race of the first bearing, and a second agitator mount holds a second race of the second bearing. A rigid inner support may be located inside the spindle housing and connect the first and second bearing retainers together to hold the first races of the first and second bearings in axial alignment. The spindle housing may have sound reducing members to reduce the amplitude of human-audible sounds generated by the agitator.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the production and elements (components) with a nanostructure (2; 4, 4a) for improving the optical behavior of components and devices and/or for improving the behavior of sensors by enlarging the active surface area. The nanostructure (2) is produced in a self-masking fashion by means of RIE etching and its material composition can be modified and it can be provided with suitable cover layers.

Abstract: A retrievable intrauterine device for placing within a uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with uterine fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with the encapsulated elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification leads to the reduction of the activity of a starch phosphorylating OK1 protein in comparison with corresponding wild type plant cells or wild type plants that have not been genetically modified. Furthermore, the present invention relates to means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch. The present invention therefore also relates to the starch synthesised by the plant cells and plants according to the invention, methods for the manufacture of this starch, and the manufacture of starch derivatives of this modified starch, as well as flours containing starches according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, which are suitable for manufacturing plants according to the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for granting access to a restricted access area using an approved list is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system may include a card reader that receives a card number from the access card; a card verifier comprising an approved list of card numbers; a card presented list of presented card numbers; and a processor that compares the card number to the approved list and compares the card number to the card presented list; and an access device. The access device grants access to the area if one of (1) the card number is on the approved list and (2) the card number is not on the presented list; and denies access to the area if the card number is not on the approved list and the card number is on the presented list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing bidirectional signaling in a bus topology is provided. The bus topology allows more than two electrical circuits or devices to be coupled together along one or more common electrical conductors. For each device on the bus, a transmit buffer is preferably provided for every other device on the bus with which it will communicate. One or more logic circuits, for example, a scheduler, is provided to coordinate exchange transactions between pairs of devices. Time delays are preferably provided between exchange transactions of different device pairs so as to prevent interference. Coherency checking is preferably implemented to avoid discrepancies introduced by information being held in a buffer pending an exchange transaction.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods relating to generating a unified determination based on subdetermination, and in particular, generating a unified score based on respective scores. For example, the invention provides a method for generating a unified determination based on subdeterminations, the method including generating a first subdetermination based on first criteria; generating a second subdetermination based on second criteria; and generating a unified determination based on the first subdetermination and the second subdetermination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric immune receptor molecules for reducing or eliminating tumors. The chimeric receptors are composed a C-type lectin-like natural killer cell receptor, or a protein associated therewith, fused to an immune signaling receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. Methods for using the chimeric receptors are further provided.

Abstract: A system for and method for tracking events occurring on an electronic paper display device is presented. The system and method may include detecting an event occurring at the electronic paper display device, identifying the event and a status of the electronic paper display device, wherein the identification of the event comprises using a data structure mapping electronic content structure to one or more identifiers, and transmitting the one or more identifiers associated with the event via a network to a network accessible device.