Abstract: Formulations, compositions and methods for delivery of melanocortin receptor-specific peptides, particularly cyclic peptides selective and specific for the melanocortin-1 receptor, to the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of melanocortin receptor-mediated or responsive diseases, indications, conditions and syndromes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A compound of the formula where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6a, and R6b are as defined in the specification and claims, or an enantiomer, stereoisomer or diastereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the use thereof in the treatment of diseases, disorders, syndromes and conditions responsive to modulation of a melanocortin receptor.

Abstract: A radio communication system for a vehicle, which may act as an interrogation unit monitoring for the presence of a valid transponder or may act as a transponder to an external interrogation unit, includes an aerial incorporated in the circumferential part of the steering wheel of the vehicle and an on-board electronic system mounted in at least one spoke and/or in the central hub part of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Access control equipment includes an interrogation unit which emits an interrogation signal, and a plurality of transponders, each transponder having a stored identity code different from that of the other transponders. This identity code includes a plurality of fields each holding a selected information bit. The interrogation signal is controlled so as simultaneously to interrogate the fields of all transponders within range in a serial manner. A group reply signal is sent back to the interrogation unit from any transponder having, in the field being interrogated, a bit matching that required by the interrogation signal. The interrogation unit is arranged to determine, from the series of received reply signals, the identity of each and every valid transponder within range.

Abstract: Grain, (or a milling intermediate, e.g. semolina) is heated at a temperature of 100.degree. to 140.degree.C (or 100.degree.-200.degree.C for semolina) for a period inversely related to temperature and not less than 1 hour at 100.degree.C, so as to improve the quality of cake flour produced by milling (or further milling). The time of heating t (in minutes) is preferably related to the temperature T (in .degree.C) by the equation t = a' - b'T + c'T.sup.2 where for wheat a'= 2188, b'= 31.535 and c' = 0.11438 and for semolina a' = 408, b' = 4.252 and c' - 0.1121. The need for chlorination of the flour produced is thus avoided.