Abstract: An apparatus and method electro-optically read indicia, such as a direct part marking (DPM) code, that is raised or sunken relative to a target surface on a target. A solid-state, distance imaging sensor captures a target image comprised of a first set of pixels having first distance values that correspond to a first distance of the code from the sensor, and a second set of pixels having second distance values that correspond to a second distance of the target surface from the sensor. A controller reads the indicia by distinguishing between the first set of pixels and the second set of pixels within the image, by determining abrupt changes in the distance values among neighboring pixels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: The invention relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: A Raman-active nanoparticle is provided that includes a dish-shape plasmonically active metal base, and a plasmonically active metal pillar disposed on the plasmonically active metal base, where the plasmonically active metal pillar is disposed within the dish-shape plasmonically active metal base and normal to a bottom of the dish-shape plasmonically active metal base, where a circular gap is disposed between the dish-shape plasmonically active metal pillar and inner walls of the dish-shape plasmonically active metal base. In one embodiment a Raman-active nanoparticle is provided that includes a dish-shape base having a dielectric material, an electrically conductive layer disposed on the inner surface of the dish-shape base, and an electrically conductive pillar disposed on the conductive layer, and within the dish-shape and perpendicular to a bottom of the dish-shape base, where a circular gap is disposed between the conductive pillar and inner walls of the dish-shape base.

Abstract: The present invention provides (+)-morphinanium N-oxide compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides processes for producing (+)-morphinanium N-oxides or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof from the corresponding tertiary N-substituted (+)-morphinan compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the preparation of saturated ketone morphinan compounds from a morphinan comprising an allyl alcohol ring moiety, wherein the final product has a low metal content. In particular, the invention provides processes that utilize isomerization reactions catalyzed by transition metal catalysts and the subsequent removal of the transition metal using metal scavengers.

Abstract: The present invention provides (+)-morphinanium compounds comprising substituted 6-hydroxy or 6-amine groups. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting microglial activation by administering the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of 6-hydroxy morphinans having formula (II) or N-alkylated 6-hydroxy morphinans having formula (III).

Abstract: A magnetic sifter is adapted for manipulation of biological cells by providing a greater pore density at the edge of the sifter than at the center. Application of an external magnetic field to the sifter causes high magnetic fields and field gradients at the sifter pores. These conditions are suitable for capturing magnetically tagged or labeled cells at the sifter pores. Altering the external magnetic field can provide controlled capture and/or release of magnetically labeled cells from the sifter pores. The purpose of having a greater pore density at the periphery of the sifter than at the center is to provide improved flow rate uniformity through the sifter. Such flow rate uniformity is advantageous for cell quantification.

Abstract: A system and method for processing an image of a document is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one predetermined document parameter of the document. An image of the document is previewed on a display using a camera. The display provides a visual indication of a defect in the image based on the preview. A processor proposes a procedure to minimize the defect in the image. A user adjusts the camera in response to the proposal. The processor processes the image of the document.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for coupling a carboxylic acid compound with an amine compound to form an amide product that can then be isolated or the crude amide product can be cyclized to form a 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid contains a phenol moiety protected with a labile protecting group. The protected phenol reduces reaction times, simplifies work-up of the product, and reduces the amount of cyclizing agent, POCl3 that is necessary to form the 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline.

Abstract: The invention generally provides processes and intermediate compounds useful for the production of sinomenine derivatives. In particular, the process may encompass synthetic routes for the production of (+)-sinomenine derivatives and their intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from amides. In particular, the invention provides a good yielding, one-pot process for the synthesis of hexahydroisoquinolines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for coupling a carboxylic acid compound with an amine compound to form an amide product that can then be isolated or the crude amide product can be cyclized to form a 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid contains a phenol moiety protected with a labile protecting group. The protected phenol reduces reaction times, simplifies work-up of the product, and reduces the amount of cyclizing agent, POCl3 that is necessary to form the 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline.

Abstract: The present invention provides (+)-morphinanium quaternary salts. The invention also provides processes for producing (+)-morphinanium quaternary salts from tertiary N-substituted (+)-morphinan compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from amides. In particular, the invention provides a good yielding, one-pot process for the synthesis of hexahydroisoquinolines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from dihydroisoquinolines. In particular, the invention provides a good yielding, one-pot process for the synthesis of hexahydroisoquinolines.

Abstract: A method includes (1) obtaining a captured image of a document physically placed on a background having specifically designed patterns; (2) storing into a memory the captured image that includes an image of the document and an image of the background surrounding the document; and (3) analyzing the captured image to search for a boundary of the document in the captured image, where step of analyzing includes distinguishing the image of the background from the image of the document.

Abstract: A nuclear imaging system (10) includes a crystal identification system (40) which receives a flood image (30) which includes a plurality of peaks, each peak responsive to radiation detected by a corresponding scintillator crystal. A crystal identification processor (42) partitions the flood image (30) into a plurality of regions (56), each region being masked to correspond to one of an array of nuclear detectors. A model image (62) is generated in which the at least one Gaussian models represents the identified peaks. Misidentified peaks in the model image (62) in which locations of the peaks in the flood image (30) differ from the corresponding scintillator crystal are determined and the locations of the misidentified peaks in the flood image (30) are corrected. A calibration processor (43) corrects geometric distortions in acquired projection data according to the corrected peaks.

Abstract: Double modulation of a magnetoresistive sensor entails modulating both an excitation (e.g., voltage or current) applied to the sensor and a tickling magnetic field applied to the sensor. The excitation and magnetic field are modulated at different frequencies fc and ff, respectively. As a result of the double modulation, the sensor output spectrum includes a carrier tone (CT) at frequency fc and side tones (STs) at frequencies fc±ff. A baseline relation between CT amplitude and ST amplitude is determined (e.g., by measuring CT and ST amplitude while drift occurs in the absence of a sample). During sensor operation, raw ST measurements are corrected using corresponding raw CT measurements to provide corrected ST measurements as the sensor output.