Abstract: An apparatus includes a plasma process chamber and a support element capable of supporting a substrate inside the plasma process chamber. At least one plasma control element is placed adjacent to a peripheral portion of the support element such that the plasma control element is capable of influencing a plasma inside the plasma process chamber if an electric field is applied thereto. At least one voltage generator is connected to the plasma control element. The plasma control element is movable inside the process chamber such that it can be set to any of at least two different positions.

Abstract: A compact filter element with a large filter surface area having inner and outer rings of filter material with an annular space between them, such that fluid to be filtered can be introduced into the annular space between the rings of filter material and a portion thereof can flow through the outer ring of filter material to the periphery of the filter element and another portion thereof can flow through the inner ring of filter material to the center of the filter element; at least one fluid-permeable support member for the filter material, and at least one end disk on an axial end face of the filter element affixed to the rings of filter material in a sealed manner, in which the end disk has a centrally arranged inlet opening for the fluid to be filtered and one or more radially extending distributor channels leading from the central inlet opening to at least one eccentrically arranged outlet opening which opens into the annular space between the rings of filter material to admit fluid to be filtered to the

Abstract: A plasma processing device includes at least one process chamber for receiving an article, for example a wafer, that is to be processed using a plasma. The process chamber has a prescribed chamber construction. A flow-influencing apparatus is arranged in the process chamber and set in such a manner that an asymmetrical inner space is produced within the process chamber thereby changing a flow behavior of a process gas contained in the process chamber.

Abstract: Improving performance of a computer program is disclosed. A first set of escape data is gathered. A first compiled program is provided using the first set of escape data. A second set of escape data is gathered based on the first compiled program. A second compiled program is provided using the second set of escape data. The second compiled program is more optimized than the first compiled program.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for manufacturing an integrated circuit, comprising providing a substrate comprising a dielectric layer over a conductive material, depositing a hardmask over the dielectric layer, applying a first photoresist over the hardmask and photodefining a trench, etching the hard mask and partially etching the dielectric to form a trench having a bottom, stripping the photoresist, applying a second photoresist and photodefining a slit across the trench, selectively etching the dielectric from the bottom of the trench down to the underlying conductive material. Both the hardmask and the second photoresist are used as a mask. Later, a connection to the underlying metal is formed and integrated circuits made thereby.

Abstract: Pyridazine derivatives of the formula (I) 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: 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: 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: A filter element for filtering a fluid, particularly oil, in which the filter element has at least two individual elements (10), that are interconnected by a connector (11). The individual elements (10) each include two end disks (13) and a filter medium (12) arranged therebetween. The connector (11) has a radially circumferential sealing bead (23), which communicates with the end disk (13) of an individual element (10) so as to form a seal and ensures a tight seal between the individual element (10) and the connector (11).

Abstract: Aryl oxime derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, X and B are as defined 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: Pyridazine derivatives of the formula (I) 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: A chimney cap that permits compact storage and quick installation is described. The chimney cap is at least partially hinged, which permits the cage to be quickly set up from a folded condition. This is accomplished by hingeably coupling the sides of the cage to the bottom of the cage. The sides are coupled together by inserting a pin into concentric knuckles formed when corresponding edges are joined together. The folded product may be stored for transport or sale in a substantially flat box.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.

Abstract: Aryl oxime derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, X and B are as defined 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 is directed to apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device, and the device is subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient.

Abstract: An oil filter for an internal combustion engine with a cup-shaped housing that is releasably connectable to a receiving head. The housing has a first interlocking element that extends across at least a portion of the outer circumference of the housing and is interrupted by at least one axially extending recess. The filter element has a liquid-tight canister provided on its outer surface with second interlocking elements, which fit into the recesses of corresponding first interlocking elements when the filter element is installed in the housing.

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: In one embodiment, this invention provides an antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) consisting essentially of a 24 amino acid polypeptide corresponding to positions 7–30 of the sequence of GIP. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method of preventing and treating obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type II) in a patient comprising administering to the patient an antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In yet another embodiment, this invention provides a method of improving glucose tolerance in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).