Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.

Abstract: A dosimeter and method of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation using the dosimeter comprising at least one first region containing a radiation sensitive material, and a second region containing an identification mark are described, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a first region including a radiation sensitive material capable of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation; providing a second region bearing an identification mark; exposing at least the first region to a dose of ionizing radiation; and reading the signal from the first region. The dosimeter can be used to track location and irradiation of an associated good.

Abstract: Pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives of the formula I in which R3, R4, R5, R6 and X are as defined in claim 1, act as phosphodiesterase VII inhibitors and can be employed for the treatment of osteoporosis, tumours, cachexia, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes, allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, myocardial diseases and AIDS.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to devices and methods that are useful for surface preparation of implantable medical devices. In the case of a vascular graft, the invention presents devices and methods that enhance endothelial cell seeding by providing recesses in the luminal surface that can receive endothelial cells. When the device is constructed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the recesses may be created by physical processing of the microstructures of the material. The physical processing lifts nodes from the surface, forming recesses that can receive endothelial cells.

Abstract: A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit.

Abstract: Hydrazono-malonitrile derivatives of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, R3′ and R4 have the meanings given in claim 1 act as phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and can be employed for the treatment of osteoporosis, tumours, cachexia, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes, allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, myocardial diseases and AIDS.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE IV inhibitors) to treat diseases and to combinations of PDE IV inhibitors with other drugs.

Abstract: The digital file management system and method of the present invention provides a processing service that may be located remotely on a computer network that receives digital files from users and performs file identification, authentication and verification, including time and digital signature. The system and method may include the remote processing and storage of file information such that the user does not need to maintain any application specific software at the user's local site. The system and method may record additional independent data with each stored file including: a “true date” gleaned from a secure clock which is not settable by the user (the Authentidate™); a number derived from a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) algorithm or checksum routine against the file; and a CRC or checksum derived from the “true date”, (the “date CRC”). This additional data may be recorded within each digital file after the file is acquired.

Abstract: Use of phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and/or physiologically acceptable salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of osteoporosis, tumours, tumour metastases, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, ulcerative collitis and AIDS.

Abstract: Triazine derivatives of the formula (I) and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, in which R1, R2, A and R5 are as defined in claim 1, exhibit phosphodiesterase IV inhibition and can be employed for the treatment of allergic diseases, asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus or ulcerative colitis, osteoporosis, transplant rejection reactions, cachexia, tumour growth or tumour metastases, sepsis, memory disorders, atherosclerosis and AIDS, furthermore for inhibiting the formation of TNF&agr;.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).

Abstract: Imidazole derivatives of the formula I 1

Abstract: The synchronous digital communications system according to the invention serves to transmit electric signals optically. The electric signals to be transmitted are converted from electrical to optical form (E/O1, E/O2, E/On) and are transmitted using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) or dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). At least one optical connection is configured as a nonswitched connection using at least one wavelength per transmission section between optical network elements or optical and electrical network elements, and serves to transmit synchronization and information signals. This has the advantage that independently of the switched communication links, synchronization is constantly ensured throughout the network. Each network element (NE1, NE2, NE3) has at least one interface unit that is reserved for synchronization and that continuously receives signals at the wavelength (&lgr;1) reserved for synchronization.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, each denote H, A, OA, SA or HaI, R3 denotes H or A, R4 denotes A or NH2, R5 denotes H, NH2, NHA or NA2, A denotes alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or alkylenecycloalkyl, Hal denotes F, Cl, Br or I, and their physiologically acceptable salts and/or solvates, as phosphodiesterase VII inhibitors.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, X and Q are as defined above and their use as PDE IV inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of transmitting clock signals (CS) in a synchronous digital communications network and a method of synchronizing clock generators (SSU) or network elements (SEC) wherein signaling of the clock quality is effected by phase-modulating the clock signal (CS). The clock signal (CS) is transmitted and received through simple clock interfaces (T4, CLO; T3, CLI) and contains a phase modulation characteristic of the clock quality. The phase modulation is detected and quality information is derived therefrom. Based on the quality information, the clock generator (SSU) or the network element (SEC) are synchronized to the clock signal. Also disclosed are a clock generator (SSU) and a network element (SEC; NE) for carrying out the two methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring service-intensive replaceable parts in an assembly in which information regarding a replaceable part (1), such as specifications, physical dimensions, physical properties, functions and/or other data for the replaceable part, is stored on a suitable memory component (5) in and/or on the replaceable part (1). The stored data is read with a reading device at a predetermined time or at predetermined time intervals and transmitted to an evaluation unit. The read data can be compared in the evaluation unit with preset data and, after evaluating the results of the comparison of the data, an appropriate change in the replaceable part or in the operation of the assembly may or may not be carried out.

Abstract: A network element is provided for receiving receives message signals and reading the synchronization status messages contained therein. The network element transmits the message signals to a central network management facility which selects one of the message signals as a timing reference based on the synchronization status messages and based on stored information about the structure and configuration of the network. The network management facility then notifies the network element of the selection. The network element derives a clock signal from the selected message signal and uses this clock signal to adjust an internal clock generator. Because the network management facility also has information about parallel transmission paths, the creation of timing loops is effectively prevented.

Abstract: Benzoyl derivatives of formula (I) and their physiologically acceptable salts and solvates, in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 have the meanings indicated, inhibit phosphodiesterase IV and can be used for the treatment of allergic diseases, asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases, inflammatory diseases, auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus or ulcerative colitis, osteoporosis, transplant rejection reactions, cachexia, tumoral growth or tumoral metastases, septicemia, memory defects, atherosclerosis and AIDS.