Abstract: The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds of formula I which are caspase and TNF-alpha inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting caspase and TNF-alpha activity and consequently, can be advantageously used as agents against caspase-, interleukin-1-(“IL-1”), apoptosis-, interferon-y inducing factor-(IGIF), interferon-?-(“IFN-?”), or TNF-alpha mediated diseases, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, destructive bone disorders, proliferative disorders, infectious diseases, and degenerative diseases. This invention also relates to processes for preparing the compounds of this invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the hydrogenation of a reactant selected from the group consisting of: (a) a 5- or 6-membered lactone that is substituted at the ring-closing carbon atom and has a proton at a carbon atom adjacent to the ring-closing carbon atom; (b) an ester of a carboxylic acid having a gamma-carbonyl group and a proton at a carbon atom adjacent to the carbon atom of the carbonyl group; and (c) a carboxylic acid having a gamma-carbonyl group and a proton at a carbon atom adjacent to the carbon atom of the carbonyl group, wherein the reactant is contacted with a strongly acidic heterogeneous catalyst comprising a hydrogenating metal, in the presence of hydrogen, at a temperature in the range of from 100 to 350° C. and a pressure in the range of from 1 to 150 bar (absolute). The invention further provides a fuel composition, preferably a diesel composition, comprising di-alkyl 4-methylnonanedioate or di-alkyl 3-ethyl-4-methylheptanedioate.

Abstract: A method for catalytic conversion of alkylene carbonate, wherein alkylene carbonate is contacted with C1-C5 aliphatic alcohol and/or water in the presence of Mg, Al mixed (hydr) oxide catalyst having a Mg:Al molar ratio in the range of from 4 to 20.

Abstract: A method for catalytic conversion of alkylene carbonate, wherein alkylene carbonate is contacted with C1-C5 aliphatic alcohol and/or water in the presence of Mg, Al mixed (hydr) oxide catalyst having a Mg:Al molar ratio in the range of from 4 to 20.

Abstract: The invention is related to a process involving contacting a propylene oxide feed with carbon dioxide in the presence of a suitable catalyst to obtain a reaction mixture containing propylene carbonate in which process the propylene oxide feed contains at least 50 ppmw of acids and/or carbonyls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1,2-propanediol from propylene oxide, which process involves contacting propylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a homogeneous phosphorus containing catalyst to obtain propylene carbonate, optionally removing at least part of the carbon dioxide, adding water and/or an alcohol to the reaction product containing propylene carbonate and phosphorus containing catalyst and contacting the mixture with a heterogeneous catalyst to obtain 1,2-propanediol in combination with dialkylcarbonate and/or carbon dioxide, and separating 1,2-propanediol from the reaction product obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of propylene carbonate, which process involves contacting propylene oxide with carbon dioxide at a temperature of from 150° C. to 250° C. in the presence of a recycled tetraalkylphosphonium bromide catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the catalytic conversion of organic carbonate to the corresponding alcohol, wherein the organic carbonate is contacted with alcohol and/or water in the presence of a zinc supported catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of propylene glycol from propylene oxide, which process involves:

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1,2-propanediol from propylene oxide, which process involves contacting propylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a homogeneous phosphorus containing catalyst to obtain propylene carbonate, optionally removing at least part of the carbon dioxide, adding water and/or an alcohol to the reaction product containing propylene carbonate and phosphorus containing catalyst and contacting the mixture with a heterogeneous catalyst to obtain 1,2-propanediol in combination with dialkylcarbonate and/or carbon dioxide, and separating 1,2-propanediol from the reaction product obtained.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic conversion of organic carbonate, wherein organic carbonate is contacted with alcohol and/or water in the presence of a lanthanum catalyst comprising at least about 7 wt. % of lanthanum supported on a support.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alcohol from an olefin wherein the olefin is reacted with syngas in the presence of a catalyst system having a homogeneous hydroformylation catalyst and a heterogeneous catalyst having copper on a support.

Abstract: A compact low-pressure discharge lamp (1) includes a discharge vessel (3) with electrodes and power supply leads (7), a discharge vessel mount (5) and a cap (12) which has a housing (13), connecting contacts (14) and a mounting plate (15) with a ballast apparatus (16), with the mounting plate (15) being fitted with the ballast arrangement (16) in the interior of the cap housing (13), and having connections for electrical connection of the mounting plate (15) to the power supply leads (7) and to the connecting contacts (14). The discharge vessel mount (5) has an essentially H-shaped cross section and includes a plate (4) with collars (9, 18) running on the edge of each side of the plate. Both the housing (13) of the cap (12) and the cover part, which is in the form of an enveloping bulb (2), a reflector or a closure cap, are mounted on this H-shaped discharge vessel mount (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying compounds useful for regulating TNF-alpha levels and/or activity. The invention also relates to methods for decreasing TNF-alpha levels and/or activity. Compounds and compositions according to this invention are useful for treating TNF-mediated diseases. The invention also relates to kits comprising the compounds and compositions herein and a tool for measuring TNF-alpha activity and/or levels.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alcohol from an olefin, wherein the olefin is reacted with syngas in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a homogeneous hydroformylation catalyst and a heterogeneous catalyst comprising copper on a support.

Abstract: Compact low-pressure discharge lamp The invention relates to a compact low-pressure discharge lamp (1) comprising a discharge vessel (3) with electrodes and power supply leads (7), a discharge vessel mount (5) and a cap (12) which comprises a housing (13), connecting contacts (14) and a mounting plate (15) with a ballast apparatus (16), with the mounting plate (15) being fitted with the ballast arrangement (16) in the interior of the cap housing (13), and having connections for electrical connection of the mounting plate (15) to the power supply leads (7) and to the connecting contacts (14). The discharge vessel mount (5) has an essentially H-shaped cross section and comprises a plate (4) with collars (9, 18) running on the edge of each side of the plate. Both the housing (13) of the cap (12) and the cover part, which is in the form of an enveloping bulb (2), a reflector or a closure cap, are mounted on this H-shaped discharge vessel mount (5).

Abstract: A method for catalytic conversion of alkylene carbonate, wherein alkylene carbonate is contacted with C1-C5 aliphatic alcohol and/or water in the presence of Mg, Al mixed (hydr) oxide catalyst having a Mg:Al molar ratio in the range of from 4 to 20.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic conversion of organic carbonate, wherein organic carbonate is contacted with alcohol and/or water in the presence of a lanthanum catalyst comprising at least about 7 wt. % of lanthanum supported on a support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds of formula I which are caspase and TNF-alpha inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting caspase and TNF-alpha activity and consequently, can be advantageously used as agents against caspase-, interleukin-1-(“IL-1”), apoptosis-, interferon-&ggr; inducing factor- (IGIF), interferon-&ggr;- (“IFN-&ggr;”), or TNF-alpha mediated diseases, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, destructive bone disorders, proliferative disorders, infectious diseases, and degenerative diseases. This invention also relates to processes for preparing the compounds of this invention.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 1,3-diol by hydrogenating a feed having a 3-hydroxyaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrogen source, wherein syngas is used as hydrogen source, and the catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst having copper on a support.