Abstract: Techniques for ensuring content output to a user conforms to a quality of the user's speech, even when a speechlet or skill ignores the speech's quality, are described. When a system receives speech, the system determines an indicator of the speech's quality (e.g., whispered, shouted, fast, slow, etc.) and persists the indicator in memory. When the system receives output content from a speechlet or skill, the system checks whether the output content is in conformity with the speech quality indicator. If the content conforms to the speech quality indicator, the system may cause the content to be output to the user without further manipulation. But, if the content does not conform to the speech quality indicator, the system may manipulate the content to render it in conformity with the speech quality indicator and output the manipulated content to the user.

Abstract: A system for transferring parcels made in accordance with the present invention includes: a first conveyor for conveying a bulk flow of parcels; a second conveyor positioned adjacent to the first conveyor; a robot positioned adjacent to the first conveyor and the second conveyor; and a rejection member. The robot engages and transfers select parcels in the bulk flow of parcels on the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The rejection member is positioned as to receive parcels offloaded from the first conveyor and/or the second conveyor and directs such parcels out of the system. Parcels within the bulk flow of parcels with characteristics which make it difficult for one or more of the components of the system or downstream systems to handle or process can be directed to the rejection member by operation of the first conveyor and/or the second conveyor to reduce system processing delays and stoppages.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing drug delivery systems are provided. The drug delivery systems may include a substrate coated with at least one polymer and at least one active compound. The substrate may include yarns, yarn precursors, threads, filaments, fibers, and/or other suitable substrates. The methods may include disposing a solution including a monomer and an active compound on the substrate. The methods may also include exposing the solution and the substrate to UV light to initiate polymerization of the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MEK inhibitors for use in a method for the treatment of a coronavirus infection and/or the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 cytokine storm. Also provided are compositions comprising such inhibitors for use in the treatment of a corona virus infection, such as COVID-19.

Abstract: A detector for object authentication includes first and second illumination sources. The first illumination source projects an illumination pattern including a plurality of illumination features onto a surface of an object. The second illumination source projects an illuminating light beam onto the object. The detector also includes an image capture device for determining a first image including a plurality of reflection features generated by the surface of the object in response to the illumination pattern and for determining a second image including two dimensional information associated with the surface of the object generated in response to the illuminating light beam. The detector also includes an evaluation device for evaluating the first image and the second image, identifying a geometrical feature of the object, determining a material property of the object, and comparing the two dimensional information to data stored in a database for authentication of the object.

Abstract: A detector for determining a position of at least one object is provided. The detector includes an evaluation device adapted to select at least one reflection feature of a reflection image, wherein the evaluation device is configured for determining at least one longitudinal region of the selected reflection feature of the reflection image by evaluating a combined signal Q from the sensor signals, wherein the evaluation device is adapted to determine at least one displacement region in at least one reference image corresponding to the longitudinal region, wherein the evaluation device is adapted to match the selected reflection feature with at least one reference feature within the displacement region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel agent for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of a coronavirus infection and/or a disease caused by said infection, a pharmaceutical composition containing said agent, and a method for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a coronavirus infection and/or a disease caused by said infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new peptides the amino acid sequences of which are derived from HD-5, for use in the treatment and/or prevention of Herpesviridae infections, in particular for treating and/or preventing a Betaherpesviridae infection, such as a HCMV-infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral infection which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, a pharmaceutical composition containing said cytotoxic agent, the use of the cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections, a method of finding cytotoxic agents, the use of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes which is overexpressed in comparison to non-infected T lymphocytes for the diagnosis of a viral infection.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for deactivating an occupant protection device is indicated, comprising a first switch having a first ohmic resistor connected in series with the first switch. The first ohmic resistor together with the first switch and a second ohmic resistor lying parallel to both form a first parallel connection. The circuit arrangement includes a second switch having a third ohmic resistor connected in series with the second switch. The third ohmic resistor together with the second switch and a fourth ohmic resistor lying parallel to both form a second parallel connection, the first parallel connection and the second parallel connection are connected in series with one another. A resistance value of the first ohmic resistor is greater than the resistance value of the third ohmic resistor, and a resistance value of the second ohmic resistor is greater than the resistance value of the first ohmic resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral infection which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, a pharmaceutical composition containing said cytotoxic agent, the use of the cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections, a method of finding cytotoxic agents, the use of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes which is overexpressed in comparison to non-infected T lymphocytes for the diagnosis of a viral infection.

Abstract: Described is a process for the refinement of a quartz powder, comprising the step of separating microparticles of refractory minerals, in particular minerals containing rare earth metal compounds, from the quartz powder by an elutriation step.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for deactivating an occupant protection device is indicated, comprising a first switch having a first ohmic resistor connected in series with the first switch. The first ohmic resistor together with the first switch and a second ohmic resistor lying parallel to both form a first parallel connection. The circuit arrangement includes a second switch having a third ohmic resistor connected in series with the second switch. The third ohmic resistor together with the second switch and a fourth ohmic resistor lying parallel to both form a second parallel connection, the first parallel connection and the second parallel connection are connected in series with one another. A resistance value of the first ohmic resistor is greater than the resistance value of the third ohmic resistor, and a resistance value of the second ohmic resistor is greater than the resistance value of the first ohmic resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral infection which is configured for the selective binding to a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes, a pharmaceutical composition containing said cytotoxic agent, the use of the cytotoxic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections, a method of finding cytotoxic agents, the use of a membrane receptor of virus-infected T lymphocytes which is overexpressed in comparison to non-infected T lymphocytes for the diagnosis of a viral infection.

Abstract: A method of separating heavy mineral particles, such as zircon, monazites, xenotime etc., from a sample of quartz crystal powder, comprises the steps of: a. conditioning the quartz powder suspected of containing heavy mineral particles as an aqueous pulp using a froth-flotation agent; b. subjecting the conditioned pulp to froth flotation to obtain a tailing; c. combining the tailing with an aqueous solution having a density greater than that of quartz and less than that of a heavy mineral which it is desired to separate; and d. centrifuging the combination. The separated heavy mineral crystals can then be characterized using a micro-analysis technique.

Abstract: A method of constructing a carrier for bottles (such as two or four craft beer bottles), wherein the layout fits through a digital printer, is disclosed. A flat of beverage board is printed upon (on one side or both, though all exterior surfaces are derived from one side of the board) with individualized and/or short-run graphics. The flat is die-cut and folded into a square or rectangle closed by a tab that is glued on the back of one of side panels, and bottom flaps are folded and glued into place. A riser extends up from each of a pair of opposite sides to support a handle flap, and the handle flaps are glued together across the top of the rectangle.

Abstract: A method of constructing a carrier for bottles (such as two or four craft beer bottles), wherein the layout fits through a digital printer, is disclosed. A flat of beverage board is printed upon (on one side or both, though all exterior surfaces are derived from one side of the board) with individualized and/or short-run graphics. The flat is die-cut and folded into a square or rectangle closed by a tab that is glued on the back of one of side panels, and bottom flaps are folded and glued into place. A riser extends up from each of a pair of opposite sides to support a handle flap, and the handle flaps are glued together across the top of the rectangle.

Abstract: A method of separating heavy mineral particles, such as zircon, monazites, xeno time etc., from a sample of quartz crystal powder, comprises the steps of: a. conditioning the quartz powder suspected of containing heavy mineral particles as an aqueous pulp using a froth-flotation agent; b. subjecting the conditioned pulp to froth flotation to obtain a tailing; c. combining the tailing with an aqueous solution having a density greater than that of quartz and less than that of a heavy mineral which it is desired to separate; and d. centrifuging the combination. The separated heavy mineral crystals can then be characterised using a micro-analysis technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the ALS inhibitor herbicides for controlling unwanted vegetation in ALS inhibitor herbicide tolerant Brassica plants, more especially, the present invention relates to the use of ALS inhibitor herbicides for control of unwanted vegetation in Brassica growing areas which Brassica plants comprise non-transgenic mutations of their endogenous acetolactate synthase (ALS) genes I and III.

Abstract: Bicyclic (thio)carbonylamidines of the formula (I) in which Q, B, Y, R1 and A are as defined in the description their preparation and their use for controlling plant pests and pests encountered in veterinary medicine.