Abstract: The present invention describes the development and standardization of a facile method for the isolation and purification of cyclosporin A from a new source, viz., Fusarium nivale and evaluation of its novel antifungal activity against the food spoilage Aspargellius strains and few dermatophytes.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing or obstructing a person from negotiating a transaction with another person, group, or entity in a population, includes verifying and crosschecking the identity of the person and the status of the national identification card carried by the person, as a prerequisite to negotiating or entering into a transaction, such as purchasing an airline ticket. The identity of the person is verified and crosschecked by using a biometric characteristic unique to that person. If an irregularity is found during the verification or crosscheck, or if the identification card is found to be invalid or expired, the person is prevented or obstructed from negotiating that or any subsequent transaction with any other person, group or entity in the population.

Abstract: A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent one or more conduits comprises a generally cylindrical body defining a recess therein and including first and second end portions for cooperating with an end portion of a conduit. The body includes an opening between the first and second end portions. A sealing door or a test door is selectively positioned in the opening. A diaphragm member including a through hole is provided to be positioned within the body. A valve is operably connected to the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the through hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough. A window for viewing the interior of the body for troubleshooting, diagnosis, etc., may optionally be provided. The opening in the body receives the diaphragm member and the test door when leak-testing a conduit, or the sealing door when connecting one or more conduits in a fluid communication.

Abstract: An expression mechanism for a toy having a lower lip, a cheek and an eye, includes a support frame, a lip lever pivotally connected to the support frame for engaging the lower lip of a toy, a cheek lever pivotally connected to the support frame for engaging a cheek of the toy, an eye linkage for opening or closing the eye of the toy, and a motor for actuating one of the lip and cheek levers to cause the toy to simulate a facial expression. The lip and cheek levers are interconnected in a manner that when the cheek lever pivots in one direction, the lip lever pivots in a generally opposite direction. The expression mechanism causes the toy to assume various facial expressions, including, but not limited to, smile, frown, and neutral.

Abstract: A device for holding a string-like member, such as a holiday decorative string light, includes a housing with an inside member for winding the string-like member thereabout, and multiple hangers extending outwardly from the housing. A string light, such as a rope light may be wound about the inside member of the housing, and an icicle light string or a net light can be supported from the hangers by winding externally about the housing.

Abstract: A play apparatus in the form of a toy figure includes a body member that can be separated into left and right halves by dividing generally centrally along a generally vertical line or plane and can be joined with the opposing halves of another toy figure to create different figures. Each of the left and right halves preferably has a preassigned game or power value and a name. When the two halves are joined, they produce an original, solid-figure, or a split-figure, with a combined name and a combined game value. The two halves of an original, solid-figure, or the two halves of a split-figure, when joined, blend visibly seamlessly about a line of adjoinment. In addition, the facial, head, and torso features of the two halves also blend visibly seamlessly to create an overall external impression or visual image of a whole.

Abstract: Preparation of dehydrated chicken soup mix involves pressure cooking of chicken meat along with ginger, garlic and onion, separation of liquid extract from cooked meat, separation of meat from the bone, blending of cooked meat and extract with starch and spices into a mix, addition of liquid extract to the mix to make it a slurry, drying of slurry into powder form, and mixing of this powder with milk powder, salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), ascorbic acid, pepper powder and sugar and packed. The product is sensorily highly acceptable and is microbiologically safe.

Abstract: A method of detecting Alzheimer's disease includes detecting a disruption or alteration in normal sub-cellular distribution of G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs), particularly GRK2 and GRK5. The disruption is caused by abnormal accumulation of soluble ?-amyloid. The prevention or suppression of the disease progression at prodromal or early stages includes correction of GRK dysfunction.

Abstract: A method for adding a communication device in a secure communication system comprising the steps of: A. a user accesses a database in a secure way as provided in that database and according to the authorization given to the user there, wherein the connection is achieved with a user's communication device which is used at present with the database, having already being recognized in the database as a legitimate user; B. the user is recognized in the database and is given access to facilities in that database, wherein one of the available facilities performs the service of changing the communication device or adding additional devices to the listed device(s); C. the user asks for the service of changing the communication device, to add a new device to the list of legitimate users in the database; D. the database responds by sending temporary identification means for that user for the purpose of adding a new device; E.

Abstract: A periscope is mounted through the roof and into a room within a building, such as a house or the like, whereby people in the building can view scenes outside without leaving the building. The periscope extends from a room in the building, such as a living room of a house, upwardly through any overhead ceilings and floors and through the roof. Further, the periscope extends above the topmost roofline for increased distance viewing or viewing over obstacles. Using an eyepiece at the bottom of the periscope, a user can then see outside areas, including distant areas, while remaining in the comfort of his or her house. The building can be any permanent dwelling structure, such as a house, apartment, single story building, multistory building, condominium, cottage, cabin, beach house or the like, in a residential or commercial setting.

Abstract: A method and system of assisting a sales representative to manage a sales opportunity. The method includes the steps of establishing an actual sales cycle for an actual sales opportunity, establishing a degree of focus curve for each of the sales skills of probing, proving, and closing as a function of time within the actual sales cycle, and dividing the sales cycle into probe, prove, and close phases in which the probing, proving and closing degree of focus curves are respectively greater than the other degree of focus curves; comparing actual data relating to the actual sales opportunity with model data relating to a model sales opportunity and determining the nature and extent of any gap between the actual data and the model data; and providing a response to the sales representative to assist the sales representative in modifying activities and strategies for closing any gap or for winning the sale. The response is based, at least in part, on the phase of the sales cycle.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a footwear or shoe includes a chamber with a magnetically responsive fluid therein for absorbing and/or dampening vibrations and/or shocks. A magnetic member, such as an electromagnet, is provided for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to thereby vary the viscosity thereof.

Abstract: A duct system comprising duct sections which are factory manufactured and field modifiable. The field modifiable duct system comprises fire resistant materials and is fire-rated. The duct sections when assembled create a continuous conduit that allows air to flow from a fresh air source to the required area of the building.

Abstract: Method and peptide for regulating cellular activity includes a panel of synthesized peptides that have biological effects on inhibiting or enhancing cellular activity. Selected peptides can be used as therapy to reduce and/or inhibit, or initiate and/or enhance, an inflammatory response in a subject.

Abstract: A tearing mechanism for a toy includes a fluid chamber, a valve in operable communication with the fluid chamber for allowing or restricting the flow of a fluid from the tearing mechanism, and a motor operable in first and second generally opposite directions. The motor actuates the valve to cause tearing of the toy, when operating in only one of the first and second directions.

Abstract: A personal transport vehicle includes a frame with front and rear suspensions. The front suspension supports a front wheel and the rear suspension supports a rear wheel for up and down movement relative to the frame. A manual drive assembly is operably connected to the frame, and a separate power drive assembly forms a part of the rear suspension. The vehicle can be used by pedal power only, motor power only, or a combination of pedal and motor powers.

Abstract: A method and compound for the prophylaxis or treatment of an immunodeficiency condition, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) includes a glycol derivative. More specifically, the glycol derivative includes diethylene glycol dibenzoate.