Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of ketones via a one-step synthesis from aldehydes. In the method of the invention, an aldehyde, a carboxylic acid, and a source of oxygen, such as water, are allowed to react in the vapor phase in a catalytic tube reactor. Asymmetrical ketones, such as methyl cyclopropyl ketone, are particularly desirable reaction products.

Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.

Abstract: A system for harvesting a section of a blood vessel from a patient's body for further use. The system includes a housing and a removable lower portion that is inserted into an incision to create a workspace for the insertion of tools used to harvest the blood vessel. A multi-lumen body portion is used with various tools to dissect the vein and to protect the vein from any damage during the harvesting procedure. The system can remove a section of the saphenous vein for use in coronary bypass surgery.

Abstract: A medical instrument and method is provided for defoaming or preventing formation of foam in blood during extracorporeal blood circulation. The method comprises durably coating hydrophobic blood-contact surfaces with a nontoxic, biocompatible surface-active defoaming agent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein: R1 is cycloalkyl having from three to six ring carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or which has one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of R4 and halogen.

Abstract: Electrodes can generate electrical stimulation pulses at least one first intensity level and at least one second intensity level. The first and second intensity levels are above and below a given stimulation threshold, respectively. The synchronous or asynchronous delivery of second-level pulses enables the conduction of the atrioventricular node to be modulated by electrotonic effect, for example, to reduce ventricular frequency in the event of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A biological agent and methods for inhibiting plant pathogens are provided. More particularly, this invention provides the use of Pseudomonas resinovorans in the biological control of inter alia: Ralstonia solanacearum, Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora infestans. This invention further relates to a biological combination agent for inibiting Colletotrichum coccodes, in addition to the above pathogens.

Abstract: A stent structure includes a stent and one or more fibers disposed on the stent, the fiber adapted to provide a therapeutic agent. Nuclei containing therapeutic agents that impede restenosis may be included within the fiber or within separate particles that are contained within hollow core fibers. The fibers and the particles may be bioerodible. A permeable, biocompatible sheath may be interposed between the stent and the fiber. A kit including a stent, a fiber, and a delivery catheter is also described.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing aromatic aldehydes, including benzaldehyde and metatolualdehyde wherein the reaction occurs in the vapor phase. Raw materials and a source of oxygen are fed into a tube reactor. The raw materials may be in a liquid or vapor phase. The reaction to form the aldehyde is catalyzed by suitable solid or liquid catalysts, including copper containing catalysts.

Abstract: An implantable dual-chamber pacemaker system has a means for automatic beat-to-beat adjustment of the maximum allowable variation (MAV) of the sensed atrial rate (AR) as a function of the sympatho-vagal balance, switching from an atrial tracking mode of operation (e.g., DDD or DDD(R)) to a non atrial tracking mode (e.g., VDI or VDI(R)) when either an arrhythmic tachycardic rate, exceeding the MAV, or a sinus tachycardic rate, exceeding the maximum tracking atrial rate (MTAR), is detected. The pacemaker provides logic means for continuously determining the atrial rate variation (&Dgr;AR) and the MAV. The MAV defines the upper limit for the &Dgr;AR above which tracking is not allowed, discriminating between physiological rate variations and arrhythmic variations. The pacemaker system can return to an atrial tracking mode of operation if the AR remains under a defined rate for a defined number of cycles.

Abstract: A combined device having a reservoir for venous blood and a reservoir for cardiotomy blood is disclosed. The device is characterized in that the venous reservoir is separated from the cardiotomy reservoir by a partition which includes a plurality of apertures. The apertures are in fluid communication with a plurality of ducts and passageways which are configured to provide various modes of operation depending upon whether, for the particular surgical conditions, it is desired to mix venous and cardiotomy blood, or to isolate those blood pools from each other.

Abstract: This invention is a stent having a substantially tubular body defining a longitudinal axis comprising first and second adjacent annular segments, each segment defining a substantially sinusoidal shape having a plurality of peaks and valleys, the peaks of the first segment extending toward the second segment and being aligned longitudinally with the valleys of the second segment. The stent has a plurality of bridge elements having a U-shaped portion between first and second connector arms, the first connector arm of one bridge element being connected between a first peak and a first valley of the first segment and the second connector arm being connected between a first peak and a first valley of the second segment in a manner such that the U-shaped portion extends in the direction of the first peak of the first segment and the first valley of the second segment. The bridge elements may be connected to the segments at points spaced 360° apart along the sinusoidal shape of the segments.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a patient infected with a human herpesvirus comprising raising the core temperature of the patient and then returning the core temperature of the patient to normal at least one time, wherein the core temperature is raised to a temperature range and a duration sufficient to reduce or eliminate the patient's viral load of the human herpesvirus.

Abstract: The invention provides a hyperthermia system comprising a catheter having an elongate body having a distal end and having a proximal end; a first temperature sensor located proximate the distal tip; and an inflatable cuff mounted distal of said first temperature sensor.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator apparatus having a plurality of defibrillation electrodes which can be applied to the heart muscle in order to apply electric defibrillation shocks thereto, and a defibrillation-controller for selectively applying respective electric defibrillation shocks to the electrodes preferably sequentially in time and in synchronism with the QRS.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a ketone in a tube reactor at elevated weight hourly space velocities and in the presence of a catalyst from feed material comprised of a first carboxylic acid or aldehyde or their derivatives and a second carboxylic acid and a method for using the ketone production method to produce herbicidal or other agricultural compounds.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an apertured structure is located in a chamber (11) which is taken to sub-atmospheric pressure. Once sub-atmospheric pressure has been reached, a liquid, optionally containing pharmacological agents, is introduced into the chamber. Drawn by the sub-atmospheric pressure, the liquid saturates the apertured structure of the prosthesis. In this way, the invention eliminates the risk of air being trapped in the apertured structure that could give rise to the formation of blood clots after implantation of the prosthesis. The liquid can contain drugs that penetrate the prosthesis, performing their therapeutic action locally and over time after implantation.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or a without adhesive.

Abstract: A catalyst structure and method of making and using the same in a ketone production process. The catalyst structure includes a substantial theoretical monolayer of catalyst on a catalyst support to optimize ketone yield and weight hourly space velocities.