Abstract: The invention relates to an affinity material, comprising a carrier and an affinity protein bonded thereto, and a kit that comprises such an affinity material. The invention further relates to a method for separating and/or enriching prokaryotic DNA and the use of the affinity material to detect pathogenic bacteria or to detect a bacterial contamination.

Abstract: The growth rate in a selective epitaxial growth process for depositing a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy, such as a silicon/germanium alloy, may be enhanced by performing a plasma-assisted etch process prior to performing the selective epitaxial growth process. For example, a mask layer may be patterned on the basis of the plasma-assisted etch process, thereby simultaneously providing superior device topography during the subsequent growth process. Hence, the threshold adjusting material may be deposited with enhanced thickness uniformity, thereby reducing overall threshold variability.

Abstract: The growth rate in a selective epitaxial growth process for depositing a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy, such as a silicon/germanium alloy, may be enhanced by performing a plasma-assisted etch process prior to performing the selective epitaxial growth process. For example, a mask layer may be patterned on the basis of the plasma-assisted etch process, thereby simultaneously providing superior device topography during the subsequent growth process. Hence, the threshold adjusting material may be deposited with enhanced thickness uniformity, thereby reducing overall threshold variability.

Abstract: Elastic, heat-insulating shapes of ceramic, refractory or fireproof fibers and, where needed, further refractory or fireproof substances, and temporary or inorganic binders, as well as a process for the preparation thereof. The heat-insulating shapes are characterized by the fact that they contain 5 to 40 weight % of fibrids comprised of organic polymers, as a result of which they have elastic properties and can be formed with ease at moderate temperatures. In preparing these shapes, a customary aqueous dispersion containing the fibers and binder is mixed with the fibrids of the organic polymer, and water is removed therefrom and the shapes are otherwise produced in a known manner.