Abstract: A method and a control system for image analysis and optimization of at least one image acquired at the distal end of an endoscope includes the following steps: acquiring image data by means of an image acquisition device of an endoscope; receiving the image data by a control unit, pre-analyzing at least a subset of the image data of one or more consecutive images by a control unit to determine at least one image structure; determining a quality value by means of a training data-based, preferably self-learning, module by comparing the at least one determined image structure with image structures of a reference database stored in a memory unit, and on the basis of the determined quality value, manually or automatically outputting control instructions from the control unit to a unit for activating image optimization.

Abstract: Devices and methods for processing a workpiece along a predetermined processing line are provided. The device includes: a pulsed, polychromatic laser beam generator; an optical arrangement; and a moving device. The laser beam generator generates a laser beam along a beam direction. The optical arrangement generates a focal line along the beam direction. The optical arrangement has a chromatic aberration for wavelength-dependent focusing of the laser beam and a filter for wavelength-dependent filtering of the laser beam. The moving device generates relative movement between the laser beam and the workpiece along the predetermined processing line.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of detecting mutations associated with the Ras homologue gene family member (RHOA) gene, and diagnosing conditions associated with these mutations, using Competitive allele-specific TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (cast-PCR). The invention also extends to the products used to detect mutations, and their use in diagnosis.

Abstract: A beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee maker, including at least one water pump for supplying water to a first continuous-flow heater (17), which is embodied for generating hot water, and to a second continuous-flow heater (18), which is also embodied for generating hot water and/or for generating steam, and having a control unit for controlling the at least one pump as well as the continuous-flow heaters (17, 18) for realizing different operating modes.

Abstract: A beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee maker, comprising at least one water pump for supplying water to a first continuous-flow heater (17), which is embodied for generating hot water, and to a second continuous-flow heater (18), which is also embodied for generating hot water and/or for generating steam, and comprising a control unit for controlling the at least one pump as well as the continuous-flow heaters (17, 18) for realizing different operating modes.