Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a system-specific secret to a computing system having a plurality of computing components is disclosed. The method includes storing permanently a component-specific import key as part of a computing component and storing the component-specific import key in a manufacturing-side storage system. Upon a request for the system-specific secret for a computing system, the method includes identifying the computing component comprised in the computing system, retrieving a record relating to the identified computing component, determining the system-specific secret protected by a hardware security module and determining a system-specific auxiliary key. Furthermore, the method includes encrypting the system-specific auxiliary key with the retrieved component-specific import key, thereby creating a auxiliary key bundle, encrypting the system-specific secret and storing the auxiliary key bundle and a system record in a storage medium of the computing system.

Abstract: A software preload arrangement uses a central server to store the software repository(ries) for various computer instruction files offered for preload into a system being manufactured. To execute the preload, a client workstation is used to execute the actual preload steps for a system under test (SUT). When the SUT needs a given piece of the software release, data is moved down to the client from the server and cached there for delivery to the system under test. In accordance with an important characteristic of this invention, the caching is predictive. That is, data is held in or moved to the client workstation based upon recent activity, so that the time needed to prepare a preload for a system under test is shortened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a fibrotic disease, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of a phospinate-peptide analog of the general formula (I).

Abstract: Novel inhibitors of potassium flux are disclosed. The inhibitors show surprising resistance to degradation in biological media and enhanced in vivo half-lives relative to non-fluorine substituted homologues. Methods for the use of these compounds include treating sickle cell disease, preventing erythrocyte dehydration and inhibiting potassium flux.

Abstract: The filter element for use in a container includes a central pipe (2) closed along its length and also provided with an opening at a lower end thereof; a cylinder surrounding this central pipe in a concentric manner and having a closable lower end, the closable lower end of the cylinder projecting beyond the lower end of the central pipe and being provided with a base; and at least two cylindrical filter means (1), which are arranged radially and symmetrically with respect to the cylinder and which communicate with the cylinder, and a group of connecting pipes, each of the cylindrical filter means being connected by one of the pipes with the cylinder.