Abstract: An oxygen strand cutting machine for flame-cutting cast cold and hot slugs, steel blocks and slabs in and after continuous steel casting units comprising: a crane tower; and a boom erected perpendicularly to the continuous casting direction, whereon one or two torch carriages with flame cutters are perpendicularly movable with respect to the cast strand, wherein the crane tower is permanently fixed to the cast strand and includes an articulated arm horizontally pivoting in a set angular sector, on which the boom is rotatably and horizontally mounted, wherein the boom is movably connected to a lifting carriage movable along the articulating arm or the boom and the boom is fitted with roller bearings around which the boom is pivotable to be situated perpendicularly to the continuous casting direction during flame cutting via digital programming, and wherein the articulated arm simultaneously houses driving means, a cooling water supply, and power and control cables as a common line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser cutting method for cutting a stainless steel workpiece using laser beam generation means comprising a silica fibre with an ytterbium-doped core to generate the laser beam. Preferably, the laser beam generated by the ytterbium-based fibre has a wavelength between 1.07 and 1.09 ?m, a quality factor of the laser beam is between 0.33 and 8 mm.mrad, and the laser beam has a power of between 0.1 and 25 kW. The assistance gas for the laser beam is chosen from nitrogen, helium, argon and mixtures thereof, and, optionally, it further contains one or more additional compounds chosen from O2, CO2, H2 and CH4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser cutting method for cutting a C—Mn steel workpiece, characterized in that laser beam generation means comprising at least one silica fiber with an ytterbium-doped core is used to generate the laser beam. Preferably, the ytterbium-based fiber has a wavelength between 1.07 and 1.1 ?m, preferably 1.07 ?m, the quality factor of the laser beam is between 0.33 and 8 mm.mrad, and the laser beam has a power of between 0.1 and 25 kW. The assistance gas for the laser beam is chosen from nitrogen, helium, argon, oxygen, CO2 and mixtures thereof, and, optionally, it further contains one or more additional compounds chosen from H2 and CH4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods in relation to diabetic complications, such as blindness, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory conditions, such as angina, arthritis, empyema pharyngitis and urinary tract infection. Diagnostic methods involve screening for up regulated expression of decor (Den) or thioredoxin-like protein 19 (TLP 19). Therapeutic methods involve modulation of expression or activity o Den or TLP 19. The invention also relates to screening methods for identifying functional signal sequences to screen for secreted, membrane-bound and exported proteins and cell surface receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins associated with the modulation of obesity, diabetes and/or metabolic energy levels. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules and the recombinant and purified proteins encoded thereby and their use in therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for conditions such as obesity, diabetes and energy imbalance. The subject nucleic acid molecules and proteins and their derivatives, homologs, analogs, chemical equivalents and mimetics are proposed as therapeutic and diagnostic agents for obesity, diabetes and energy imbalance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13) for an electric arc welding torch, comprising at least one nozzle (11) for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system (13) for guiding at least one consumable wire, characterized in that the downstream end (20) of the wire-guide system (13) runs into the nozzle (11). The peripheral wall of the nozzle (11) has at least one cut-out (10) through which the wire-guide system (13) passes. The wire-guide system (13) is fastened to the nozzle (11). The TIG welding torch comprises a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method for modulating the sensation of satiety perception and to agents useful for same. Such agents are useful in modulating, controlling or otherwise affecting inter alia obesity, anorexia, weight maintenance, metabolic energy levels and/or inflammatory conditions in a subject. More particularly, the invention identifies molecules which interact with ion channels thereby modulating the perception of satiety. The invention contemplates, therefore, a method for modulating the perception of gastric distension by the administration of agents which control the activation or inhibition of mechanoreceptors. The invention further provides compositions comprising these agents and methods of treatment using same. In one embodiment, the invention permits modulation of perception of gastric distension by the administration of agents which control the activation of mechanoreceptors associated with mechanical stretch.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of modulating the functional activity of a serum amyloid A or derivative, homologue, analogue, equivalent or mimetic thereof and, more particularly, to a method of modulating the functional activity of a serum amyloid A by modulating intracellular levels of Tanis or derivative, homologue, analogue, chemical equivalent or mimetic thereof. The method of the present invention is particularly useful, inter alia, in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions characterised by aberrant, unwanted or otherwise inappropriate serum amyloid A activity. The present invention is further directed to methods for identifying and/or designing agents capable of modulating Tanis mediated regulation of a serum amyloid A functional activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13) for an electric arc welding torch, comprising at least one nozzle (11) for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system (13) for guiding at least one consumable wire, characterized in that the downstream end (20) of the wire-guide system (13) runs into the nozzle (11). The peripheral wall of the nozzle (11) has at least one cut-out (10) through which the wire-guide system (13) passes. The wire-guide system (13) is fastened to the nozzle (11). The TIG welding torch comprises a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13) for an electric arc welding torch, comprising at least one nozzle (11) for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system (13) for guiding at least one consumable wire, characterized in that the downstream end (20) of the wire-guide system (13) runs into the nozzle (11). The peripheral wall of the nozzle (11) has at least one cut-out (10) through which the wire-guide system (13) passes. The wire-guide system (13) is fastened to the nozzle (11). The TIG welding torch comprises a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13).

Abstract: Methods for hybrid laser/MIG welding processes. A bevel formed between the edges of material to be welded together is partially filled with molten metal. The molten metal is delivered in the form of a filler wire, which is melted by a combined electric arc and laser beam. The welding speed is at least 2 m/min, the filler wire feed speed is at least 20 m/min and the filler wire diameter is less than 1.2 mm.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a hybrid laser beam and electric arc welding process. A laser beam, an electric arc, a shielding gas and a consumable welding wire are used to create a weld on a steel work piece by melting the welding wire. The weld contains 30 to 1000 ppm titanium by weight, at least 0.7% manganese by weight, 50 to 1000 ppm oxygen by weight, and less than 10% nickel. The welding wire is either solid welding wire or cored welding wire, and may contain, in varying percentages: titanium, manganese, iron, nickel, boron, molybdenum, carbon or chromium.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser cutting method for cutting a stainless steel workpiece using laser beam generation means comprising a silica fibre with an ytterbium-doped core to generate the laser beam. Preferably, the laser beam generated by the ytterbium-based fibre has a wavelength between 1.07 and 1.09 ?m, a quality factor of the laser beam is between 0.33 and 8 mm.mrad, and the laser beam has a power of between 0.1 and 25 kW. The assistance gas for the laser beam is chosen from nitrogen, helium, argon and mixtures thereof, and, optionally, it further contains one or more additional compounds chosen from O2, CO2, H2 and CH4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser cutting method for cutting a C-Mn steel workpiece, characterized in that laser beam generation means comprising at least one silica fiber with an ytterbium-doped core is used to generate the laser beam. Preferably, the ytterbium-based fiber has a wavelength between 1.07 and 1.1 ?m, preferably 1.07 ?m, the quality factor of the laser beam is between 0.33 and 8 mm.mrad, and the laser beam has a power of between 0.1 and 25 kW. The assistance gas for the laser beam is chosen from nitrogen, helium, argon, oxygen, CO2 and mixtures thereof, and, optionally, it further contains one or more additional compounds chosen from H2 and CH4.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding a molecule or derivative or homologue thereof wherein said nucleic acid molecule is expressed in a larger amount in one or both hypothalamus tissue or muscle tissue of obese animals compared to lean animals or in fed animals compared to fasted animals. Nucleic acid sequences are disclosed. It is proposed to use the expression products of such nucleic acids as modulators and/or monitors of physiological processes associated with obesity, anorexia, weight maintenance, impaired muscle development, diabetes and/or metabolic energy levels.

Abstract: An electric-arc welding process for assembling parts that are components of a motor vehicle, in which a consumable wire is used that is subjected to a cyclic mechanical movement. The wire is moved closer to and then further away from the parts to be welded so as to create a short arc between the end of the consumable wire and at least one of the parts to be joined. In this way, molten metal is deposited in order to progressively produce a welded joint between the parts.

Abstract: A welding machine with a power source and an inverter. The inverter has at least one switching leg, made up of switches in series, and an output terminal. The power source has a circuit for controlling the switches by delivering an on-signal or and off-signal. The power source also has a transformer linked to a rectifier. The power source also has a circuit for detecting the voltage that the terminals of each switch of the inverter. A pilot circuit is also present for receiving control and voltage signals. The pilot circuit then sends a pilot circuit to each of the switches. The pilot signal corresponds to an on-command when the control signal corresponds to an on-signal and when the voltage between the power electrodes is very close to zero.

Abstract: A wire-guide/nozzle assembly for an electric arc welding torch, with at least one nozzle for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system for guiding at least one consumable wire, distinguished in that the downstream end of the wire-guide system runs into the nozzle. The peripheral wall of the nozzle has at least one cut-out through which the wire-guide system passes. The wire-guide system is fastened to the nozzle. A TIG welding torch utilizing such a wire-guide/nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins associated with the modulation of obesity, diabetes and/or metabolic energy levels. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules and the recombinant and purified proteins encoded thereby and their use in therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for conditions such as obesity, diabetes and energy imbalance. The subject nucleic acid molecules and proteins and their derivatives, homologs, analogs, chemical equivalents and mimetics are proposed as therapeutic and diagnostic agents for obesity, diabetes and energy imbalance.