Abstract: The deleterious effects of the passage of time on human skin (i.e., chronological aging of human skin) can be prevented and treated with the topical application of a retinoid, preferably retinol. We have found that some of the same pathways (namely the stress-activated pathways, SAPs) activated in photoaging of human skin (i.e., sun-induced premature skin aging) are similarly elevated in the skin of elderly people. We have also found that other pathways (namely the mitogen-activated ERK pathway) is depressed in the same skin. Treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a non-retinoid MMP inhibitor and optionally a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and promotes procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from skin of elderly (80+ years old) show that a single treatment can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae (see FIG.

Abstract: A high throughput, automated process for coating ceramic monoliths used as catalytic converters that overcomes problems with coating monoliths individually in a mold. The monoliths are provided with end caps to cover the open functional ends, then loaded serially into an inlet channel leading to an extrusion chamber. As each monolith is pushed into the channel, one monolith enters the extrusion chamber, and the monolith just coated in the extrusion chamber is made to exit onto a finished part conveyor. Thereafter, the end caps are removed and cleaned for reuse on new monoliths yet to be coated.

Abstract: Present day wire knitting machines are used to make wire mesh used in the manufacture of filters for airbag assemblies, catalytic converter seals, mechanical dampers, and the like, but are unable to knit large diameter wire, especially wire having a diameter greater than 0.025 inches. Provided herein is a looped wire made by wrapping the wire around a mandrel in multiplie layers and then pressed to flatten the loops. Thereafter, the flattened loop is formed using the same processes suitable for forming wire mesh into such articles.

Abstract: A signal transmission cable (10) having a conductor portion for transmitting signals and an insulator sheath (14) covering the conductor portion, and a high loss magnetic film (15) [is] formed on at least one part of the outer surface of the insulator sheath. The high loss magnetic film has the maximum complex permeability &mgr;″max in a frequency range of 0.1-10 gigahertz (GHz). An example of a magnetic composition of the high loss magnetic film is a M-X-Y magnetic composition wherein M is a metallic magnetic material selected from among Fe, Co, and/or Ni, X is an element or elements other than M and Y, and Y is F, N, and/or O, the M-X-Y magnetic composition having a sufficient concentration of M in the composition so that the M-X-Y magnetic compostion has a saturation magnetization of 35-80% of that of the metallic magnetic material M alone.

Abstract: In a composite magnetic body comprising flat soft magnetic powder dispersed in an organic binding agent, biodegradable plastic is used as the organic binding agent so that the composite magnetic body is free of possibility of pollution due to disposal thereof. As the biodegradable plastic, any of a microbe-generated type, a chemically-synthesized type and a natural high molecular weight type is used.

Abstract: A resin-molded unit (1) includes a semiconductor bear chip (2) arranged inside and sealed in an epoxy resin mold (3). The resin-molded unit is entirely covered with a magnetic loss film (5) as a high-frequency current suppressor. It is preferable that the magnetic loss film is made of a granular magnetic material. A plurality of lead frames (4) may be extended from the semiconductor bear chip to the outside through the epoxy resin mold.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference suppressing body is provided for suppressing electromagnetic interference by undesirable electromagnetic waves. The body includes a conductive support element and a non-conductive soft magnetic layer provided on at least one surface. The electromagnetic interference suppressing body may be used in an electronic equipment comprising a circuit board and an active element mounted on the circuit board, and is interposed between the circuit board and the active element so as to suppress the interference by an induction noise generated from the active element. The electromagnetic interference suppressing body may also be used in a hybrid integrated circuit element having an active element and a passive element mounted on a circuit board. The hybrid integrated circuit element is covered with and sealed by a non-conductive layer and the electromagnetic interference suppressing body overlying an outer surface of the non-conductive layer.

Abstract: The use of cortisol agonist for preparing a system for diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome and related conditions as belly fatness, insulin resistance including increased risk of developing senile diabetes, i.e., diabetes type II, high blood fats and high blood pressure, in which system the dose of cortisol agonist is in an interval where a difference is obtained in the inhibitory effect of the autoproduction of cortisol in individuals suffering from the Metabolic Syndrome, compared to normal values.

Abstract: The invention is a handgun in which the spring-loaded slide is replaced by an electric motor, engageable only upon an authorized user entering an access code. A combination rechargeable battery and keypad engages the butt of the handle where the magazine well is located and includes an electrical plug the fits into the handle, making an electrical connection between the battery and a microprocessor in the handgun. Entering the proper code on the keypad allows the microprocessor to complete the circuit between the battery and a motor that actuates the slide. When the device is not in use, the magazine having been removed, the motor then moves the slide rearward, ejecting any cartridge in the chamber, and maintains the slide in a position where the chamber is always open, thereby making obvious to anyone that the gun is not loaded.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. The compositions including an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, such as a retinoid, certain other compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, 2-furildioxime, and vitamin C) and optionally other MMP inhibitors such as tetracyclines and/or compounds that inhibit the P-450-mediated metabolism of retinoids such as ketoconazole and other azole compounds. In the method, the composition is applied prior to exposure to the sun; depending upon the ingredients used in the composition, application should be from 7 to 48 hours prior to exposure. Compounds that prevent erythema (skin reddening, sunburn) do not necessarily protect against UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity, and similarly compounds that prevent UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity are not necessarily effective against UV-induced erythema.

Abstract: Spinning polypropylene at relatively high temperatures with delayed quenching, and drawing at relatively high temperatures with moderate draw ratios, provides fibers having an improved tensile factor, especially improved elongation, and can be used to produce fibers also having a high tenacity. The fibers are particularly useful for reinforcement applications when provided in the form of staple fibers and exhibit a tensile factor TE.sup.0.50 of at least about 60, where T is tenacity (gpd) and E is elongation (percent), especially those having a tenacity of at least about 8 gpd and/or an elongation of at least about 25%, and most especially those having a tenacity of at least about 10 gpd and elongations of 50% to 400%.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel squeezable dispensing container, a sleeve for conventional squeezable dispensing containers, and a tab strip that can be used to convert conventional squeeze tubes into those of the present invention, that can be secured in an at least partially rolled up configuration after at least a portion of the contents of the container have been extruded.

Abstract: The invention provides polyolefin staple fibers especially useful for reinforcing pavement. The fibers have applied to their surface an amount of an antistatic finish sufficient to prevent the build-up of static electric charges when the staple fibers are fluidized or blown, and so diminish the resultant clumping of the blown fibers, while avoiding degradation of the nature of the fiber to adhere to paving compositions, and maintaining the adherence of the fibers to the pavement cement.

Abstract: The invention provides melt-spun polyolefin/polyarylate alloy fibers having an elevated softening point. These fibers are useful in staple lengths for the reinforcement of synthetic geoways (e.g., roadways, runways), especially those fabricated from asphalt-based pavements. The improved softening point of the fibers allows their incorporation into the hot-mix pavement used to fabricate and repair such surfaces without degradation of the fibers by the elevated temperatures found in plants for these manufacture of hot-mix pavements. This invention also provides an improved process for making melts of such allows.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for spinning fibers, especially bicomponent fibers having a sheath/core configuration. The device has, in a preferred embodiment, disposed in the spinneret orifices a grooved pin with an axial bore (a hollow pin). A polymer distribution assembly is provided for directing separate sheath and core compositions to the grooves and the bore, respectively, such that the sheath and core compositions are co-spun from the spinneret orifice. The device can be easily disassembled and a different pin configuration inserted to alter the geometry and/or ratio of the sheath and/or core sections of the fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides melt-spun polyolefin/polyarylate alloy fibers having an elevated softening point. These fibers are useful in staple lengths for the reinforcement of synthetic geoways (e.g., roadways, runways), especially those fabricated from asphalt-based pavements. The improved softening point of the fibers allows their incorporation into the hot-mix pavement used to fabricate and repair such surfaces without degradation of the fibers by the elevated temperatures found in plants for these manufacture of hot-mix pavements. This invention also provides an improved process for making melts of such allows.

Abstract: The invention provides polyolefin staple fibers especially useful for reinforcing pavement. The fibers have applied to their surface an amount of an antistatic finish sufficient to prevent the build-up of static electric charges when the staple fibers are fluidized or blown, and so diminish the resultant clumping of the blown fibers, while avoiding degradation of the nature of the fiber to adhere to paving compositions, and maintaining the adherence of the fibers to the pavement cement.

Abstract: Release of a resin mold from a photopolymeric mold is enhanced by using an unsaturated fatty acid ester release agent in the photopolymeric composition. In addition to providing quick release of the resin mold, the incorporation of the unsaturated fatty acid ester improves the flexibility of the photopolymeric mold without sacrificing tensile strength or hardness. The resin mold is used to fabricate rubber plates for ink printing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for positioning a dart board and an associated throwing line (hockey) without reference to the slope of the floor or the verticality of the wall (on which the board is mounted), or on the planarity of either. The primary advantage of the device is that inaccuracies in the level of the floor and the angle between the floor and the wall do not effect the measurement; another advantage is that the device allows the positioning to be done by a single person. The device includes two measuring lines connected (virtually) at right angles with means for leveling the throwing distance line, means for measuring the board elevation, means for attaching to the board and/or a board mounting bracket, and means for locating the hockey.

Abstract: A coating composition for ceramic fibers is provided which includes metal particles and a vehicle. The coating can be applied to a green ceramic or a sintered ceramic, and is co-sintered or sintered therewith. Such coatings are useful for coating high temperature superconducting ceramic fibers and can be co-sintered therewith. The coated superconducting fibers, in which case the coating is porous to allow for annealing to adjust the oxygen stoichiometry, can then be sandwiched between metal cladding layers to provide a multifilamentary electrical conductor including superconducting active components. The coating is useful for such conductors because it compatibilizes the ceramic fiber with metal components, such as a solder, as well as protecting the ceramic from possibly degrading reactions. The compositions are also generally advantageous in compatibilizing ceramic fibers with a metal matrix.