Abstract: An apparatus (10) for measuring one or more labor progress parameters (25) as the dilation of the endocervical canal (8), the rotation and the position of the head (4) of the foetus (3) during the descent, the duration and the intensity of the uterine contractions, other morphological and physiological parameters, without introducing foreign objects into the body of a pregnant woman (2) and independently from the sensitivity of the operator. The apparatus (10) comprises automatic means for tracking, in a sequence of ultrasound images (11,12) that are obtained by an ultrasound probe (1), one or more regions of interest (ROI, 21), that may be both two-dimensional or three-dimensional and are centred about anatomic reference points (28) that define said parameters selected in a reference image by a displaying unit (14).

Abstract: 2-Cyclopenten-1-one and its derivatives comprising the cyclopentenone nucleus as inhibitors of the NF-kB factor, with anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative-immuno-suppressive, cytoprotective and antiviral activity, the substituents being selected among the ones which do not affect NF-kB inhibitory activity.

Abstract: A silicon-based light-emitting device is described and comprises an active region, an excitation system which can bring about a condition of inversion of the population of carriers within the active region, and semi-reflective elements which can define a resonant optical structure in which the active region is inserted so as to bring about stimulated emission of coherent light. The active region comprises silicon nanostructures immersed in a silicon-dioxide-based dielectric matrix.

Abstract: 2-Cyclopenten-1-one and its derivatives comprising the cyclopentenone nucleus as inhibitors of the NF-kB factor, with anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, immunosuppressive, cytoprotective and antiviral activity, the substituents being selected among the ones which do not affect the NF-kB inhibitory activity.

Abstract: A macroscopically isotropic side chain liquid crystal polymer is described containing photochromic mesogenic groups and which through irradiation with light is capable of being permanently or substantially permanently converted into an optically anisotropic phase without having been pre-oriented. The polymer is preferably a polyester between on the one hand either an aliphatic, optionally substituted, .alpha.,.omega.-dicarboxylic acid having a total chain length of up to 24 carbon atoms, or an aryl-, in particular phenyl-, carboxylic acid, and on the other hand an optionally substituted 1,3-propanediol containing the mesogenic group, or a group containing the mesogenic group, attached to the carbon in the 2-position. Furthermore, an optical storage device comprising a film of the polymer.

Abstract: Phenols are oxidated to quinones with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of catalytic amounts of bromine, iodine, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide.

Abstract: A method for the selective extraction of beta-lactoglobulin and other proteins from whey or milk by means of subunit exchange chromatography and for the deproteinization of whey by subsequent chromatography on an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Process for the protection of stone materials, marble, bricks, and concrete, and of structures made from such materials, against the decay caused by atmospheric agents and pollutants, by applying to the surface of said materials or structures a mixture which is constituted by:(1) polytetrafluoroethylene in the form of a fine powder;(2) a perfluoropolyether not bearing functional groups; and/or(3) a perfluoropolyether or a fluoropolyether having a chain end, or both chain ends, constituted by functional groups which are capable of forming a chemical and/or physical bond with the material to be protected.The invention also relates to a process for preventing, on the normal materials for building industry and lining materials, the decay effects caused by writings made by using spray paits or brush paints, inks, and the like.

Abstract: A hyperfine filter for the resonance lines of alkali metals, as caesium and rubidium, comprising:A cell transparent to the light rays and which contains vapours of the alkali metal to be filtered;Means for generating a magnetic field, into which is placed said cell;A lamp of said metal, means to direct the light beam emitted from the lamp to hit said cell where only one of the two orthogonal components of circular polarization is absorbed;A circular analyzer provided to separe one of the hyperfine component of the light beam emerging from said cell from the other; andAn interference filter to select the particular resonance line which is desired to be used.

Abstract: An improved reversible electric cell of the type which includes a soluble metal cathode, a chemically nonreactive electrode and an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of a metal halide is disclosed. The electrode is provided with open channels or grooves in which a dispersion, of paste-like consistency, is disposed. The dispersion or mixture comprises an inert conducting powder and an alkylammonium perchlorate. The alkylammonium perchlorate combines with the halogen released upon charging to form an addition product in a solid state. This prevents the halogen from being dissolved in the electrolyte during the charging cycle which would corrode soluble metal cathode and discharge the cell.