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).

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for managing a heap of memory allocated to a program being executed on a data processing system is disclosed. A limited amount of memory is allocated to a program being executed by a mutator on a data processing system. The memory comprises memory objects. The disclosed method identifies memory objects, which are allocated to the program but are not referenced anymore. These dead memory objects are freed and made available for further allocation in the program. The memory objects that are still referenced are organized in compact contiguous blocks. Thus, the disclosed method recycles memory allocated to the program. The disclosed method is executed iteratively and concurrently with the execution of the program. The disclosed method does not interfere with program execution. Amount of memory required is specified before the commencement of the disclosed method and the same amount is freed without any surplus.

Abstract: A clock filter circuit (20), which serves for filtering the clock of non-isochronous data signals having a selected one of at least two nominal data rates, has an auxiliary clock source (21) that generates an auxiliary clock signal (27) with a pulse repetition rate which is in the range between the at least two predetermined data rates, a delay line (22).connected to the auxiliary clock source (21) for creating a set of mutually delayed copies of the auxiliary clock signal and a multiplexer (23) that switches in a cyclic order between the delayed copies according to predetermined rules, which depend on the selected data rate to generate a filtered clock signal (28). A control circuit determines whether the rate of the filtered clock (28) signal must be increased or decreased as compared to said data signal and controls the multiplexer (23) to delay or advance the cyclical switching accordingly.

Abstract: In a method of drying molds or mold parts for the manufacture of optical lenses, in particular ophthalmic lenses and especially contact lenses, the mold or mold part to be dried is exposed to drying air. For this purpose, humid pressurized air (T) is used to which the mold or mold part is exposed.

Abstract: Patterns with feature sizes of less than 50 microns are rapidly formed directly in semiconductors, particularly silicon, GaAs, indium phosphide, or single crystalline sapphire, using ultraviolet laser ablation. These patterns include very high aspect ratio cylindrical through-hole openings for integrated circuit connections; singulation of processed die contained on semiconductor wafers; and microtab cutting to separate microcircuit workpieces from a parent semiconductor wafer. Laser output pulses (32) from a diode-pumped, Q-switched frequency-tripled Nd:YAG, Nd:YVO4, or Nd:YLF is directed to the workpiece (12) with high speed precision using a compound beam positioner. The optical system produces a Gaussian spot size, or top hat beam profile, of about 10 microns. The pulse energy used for high-speed ablative processing of semiconductors using this focused spot size is greater than 200 ?J per pulse at pulse repetition frequencies greater than 5 kHz and preferably above 15 kHz.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a housing and at least one biopsy mechanism moveably connected to the housing. The biopsy can be provided on a biopsy arm. An actuator moves the biopsy arm and operates the biopsy mechanism. The biopsy arms with the biopsy mechanisms are preferably removable from the housing, such that the housing can be used again for subsequent biopsy procedures.

Abstract: A method for nondestructively characterizing alignment overlay between two layers of a semiconductor wafer. An incident beam of radiation is directed upon the wafer surface and the properties of the resulting diffracted beam are determined, in one embodiment as a function of wavelength or incident angle. The spectrally or angularly resolved characteristics of the diffracted beam are related to the alignment of the overlay features. A library of calculated diffraction spectra is established by modeling a full range of expected variations in overlay alignment. The spectra resulting from the inspection of an actual wafer having alignment targets in at least two layers is compared against the library to identify a best fit to characterize the actual alignment. The results of the comparison may be used as an input for upstream and/or downstream process control.

Abstract: Helical peptidomimetic compounds as inhibitors of beta-amyloid production are provided. These inhibitors have sequences with lengths from 11 to 16 amino acids, inclusive. These inhibitors potently inhibit intramembrane proteases, notably aspartyl secretases involved in the enzymatic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to yield amyloid-?-peptide. Methods are provided for making a medicament containing the compounds and for administering the compounds to treat ?-amyloid-associated diseases, notably Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A chimney liner adaptor is provided to allow air to flow between the outside environment and an annular space in a lined chimney flue. The adaptor may allow an air cooling system to operate but prevents undesirable elements from entering the annular space. The liner adaptor may be disposed between the chimney cap and the top walls of the chimney system and around the chimney liner. The adaptor may include perforated material, such as an expanded metal mesh, a metal screen, stamped metal screen, rugged netting, or the like. The perforated material permits gas flow, provides structural support for other elements of the adaptor, and filters out undesirable objects from entering the chimney.

Abstract: Thiazole derivatives of the formula I in which R1, R2, R3, V, W, 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: 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: A machine for anticipatory sensing and intervention to avoid swimmer entrapment, with an active pre-entrapment sensor (e.g. ultrasonic) that assesses the relative hazard based on swimmer proximity to the drain cover. An Ultrasonic Transducer launches waves into the suction piping and/or drain system, and to receive echoes from the drain cover, swimmer limbs, hair or body, and the water surface parellel to the drain cover. A Transmitter/Pulser electrically energizes the ultrasonic transducer to launch waves into the suction piping and/or drain system, A Receiver/Processor detects the echoes electrical signals from the the ultrasonic transducer and to receive echoes from objects of interest beyond the pool drain. A Logic and Control element converts the detected signals into reliable information regarding a swimmer safety/hazard status. An Output provides a pump shutdown command when required. Solutions for both new construction and retrofit are described.

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 network element with equipment protection has first and second redundant signal paths for first and second redundant signals; a selector for selecting either of the two redundant signals as active; and first and second transition monitors coupled to the first and second signal paths, respectively, for monitoring the first and second signals for bit level transitions. The selector is controlled by the transition monitors to alter selection in the case that the selected signal does not contain bit level transitions while the non-selected signal does.

Abstract: A 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 blood vessel segment, e.g., a vein segment, carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.

Abstract: Imidazole compounds of the formula I in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, each denote A1, OA1, SA1 or Hal, A1 denotes H, A, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or alkylenecycloalkyl, A denotes alkyl having 1-10 carbon atoms, Hal denotes F, Cl, Br or I, and X denotes O, S, SO or SO2, and their physiologically acceptable salts and/or solvates, as phosphodiesterase VII inhibitors, and their use for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: A burst mode optical signal is transported as payload of a framed continuous bit-stream optical signal through an optical transport network. The optical bursts are all generated at a common nominal bitrate which equals substantially the payload bitrate of the continuous bit-stream optical signal. The bursts are converted into a continuous bit stream by filling gaps between the bursts with a predefined pattern. The continuous bit stream thus created is then mapped into frames to generate the framed continuous bit-stream optical signal for transmission.

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: The invention relates to the use of type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitors to treat myocardial diseases.