Abstract: An improved technique involves protecting a set of resources in a distributed computer system by scheduling epochs for replacing keys that have a variable duration. Along these lines, a Variable Epoch Scheduler (VES) generates schedules of key updates for a set of players in the distributed system such that at least two epochs in the schedules have different durations. For example, the epoch durations within a schedule may vary, or the epoch durations for different players may be different. At the end of each epoch, the VES notifies the distributed system to update the key identified in the schedule as corresponding to that epoch.

Abstract: A first cryptographic device is configured to store secret information that is refreshed in each of a plurality of epochs. The first cryptographic device receives an epoch control signal, and adjusts at least one epoch responsive to the received epoch control signal. Refreshed secret information associated with an adjusted epoch is utilized to authenticate the first cryptographic device to at least a second cryptographic device, where the second cryptographic device and one or more additional cryptographic devices store respective portions of the secret information in a distributed manner. By way of example, the epoch control signal may comprise an epoch advance signal directing that the first cryptographic device advance from a current one of the epochs to a subsequent one of the epochs. In an illustrative embodiment, the first cryptographic device comprises an authentication token and the second cryptographic device comprises an authentication server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination, especially a pharmaceutical composition, comprising as active ingredients (i) a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or a or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) (a) an insulin secretion enhancer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or ?(b) an insulin sensitizer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and, in case of a pharmaceutical composition, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula provide pharmacological agents which bind to Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs). Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment of conditions mediated by the PPAR receptor activity in mammals. Such conditions include dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia, atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, vascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, inflammation, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, skin disorders, respiratory diseases, ophthalmic disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful in mammals as hypoglycemic agents for the treatment and prevention of conditions in which impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are implicated, such as type-1 and type-2 diabetes, and Syndrome X.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) provide pharmacological agents which lower intracellular glucocorticoid concentrations in mammals, in particular, intracellular cortisol levels in humans. Therefore, the compounds of the instant invention improve insulin sensitivity in the muscle and the adipose tissue, and reduce lipolysis and free fatty acid production in the adipose tissue. The compounds of the invention lower hepatic glucocorticoid concentration in mammals, in particular, hepatic cortisol concentration in humans, resulting in inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis and lowering of plasma glucose levels. Thus, the compounds of the instant invention may be particularly useful in mammals as hypoglycemic agents for the treatment and prevention of conditions in which hyperglycemia and/or insulin resistance are implicated, such as type-2 diabetes. The compounds of the invention may also be used to treat other glucocorticoid associated disorders, such as Syndrome-X, dyslipidemia, hypertension and central obesity.

Abstract: Tetrahydroisoquinoline 3-carboxamide derivatives of formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: X is (a) CH2; (b) S (c) O; or (d) C(CH3)2; R1 and R2 are independently (a) hydrogen; (b) hydroxy; (c) alkyl; (d) alkoxy; (e) aralkoxy; or (f) halogen. Compounds of formula I inhibit DPP-IV (dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV) activity. They are therefore useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by DPP-IV, such as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, arthritis, obesity, osteoporosis and further conditions of impaired glucose tolerance.

Abstract: A partially-oxidized spent pulping liquor is produced which is added to unoxidized strong spent pulping liquor prior, during, or subsequent to concentration to form a novel partially-oxidized, concentrated, high total solids spent pulping liquor. This novel, partially-oxidized, concentrated spent liquor is capable of being combusted in a spent liquor recovery furnace without the addition of auxiliary heating fuel with a resultant increase in the effective capacity of that furnace.

Abstract: A process is provided for the formation of 4,4'-monothiodiphenolic compounds, in high yields, and in a selective manner, through the use of a novel reaction system. More specifically, a nonsterically hindered phenol and sulfur dichloride are reacted in the presence of initiation promoter and solvent portions, respectively, to produce the above 4,4'-monothiodiphenolic product.