Abstract: Retinyl hydroxyesters and retinyl oligo-hydroxyesters were prepared using a chemoenzymatic process from retinol and short chain esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids or short chain esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids. The presence of the hydroxyl group on the acid can result in a mixture of esters from various oligomers of the hydroxycarboxylic acid. The retinyl ester products are readily enzymatically hydrolyzed in vitro, which indicates that application to the skin should result in release of the anti-aging ingredient retinol (without the inherent instability and irritation) along with the acid, which, if chosen appropriately, should also have desirable biological effects. This combination should be effective as an anti-aging skin care ingredient.

Abstract: Esters of 4,5-disubstituted-oxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxo-cyclohexa-1,4-dienyl alkyl acids were prepared chemically and/or enzymatically. Depending upon the ester, improved melanocyte cytotoxicity was achieved. Improved cytotoxicity characteristics are consistent with ester analogs being more physiologically compatible and less irritating to skin than their corresponding acids.

Abstract: A variety of betaine esters, including dial kylaminoalkyl cocoate betaines. These betaines were advantageously prepared in high yield and purity by a three-step chemoenzymatic process. These betaine esters have excellent surfactant properties.

Abstract: Esters of 4,5-disubstituted-oxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxo-cyclohexa-1,4-dienyl alkyl acids were prepared chemically and/or enzymatically. Depending upon the ester, improved melanocyte cytotoxicity was achieved. Improved cytotoxicity characteristics are consistent with ester analogs being more physiologically compatible and less irritating to skin than their corresponding acids.

Abstract: Retinyl hydroxyesters and retinyl oligo-hydroxyesters were prepared using a chemoenzymatic process from retinol and short chain esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids or short chain esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids. The presence of the hydroxyl group on the acid can result in a mixture of esters from various oligomers of the hydroxycarboxylic acid. The retinyl ester products are readily enzymatically hydrolyzed in vitro, which indicates that application to the skin should result in release of the anti-aging ingredient retinol (without the inherent instability and irritation) along with the acid, which, if chosen appropriately, should also have desirable biological effects. This combination should be effective as an anti-aging skin care ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a laparoscopic access port having a head (portion 450) for use generally externally of a patient and for providing a seal around a laparoscopic tool (not shown)when said tool is inserted into the head via a (bore 408); and a sleeve portion (410) connected to the head and for accommodating the tool, the sleeve (410) extending along an axis and being adapted for inserting generally into the body of a patient in the direction of the axis;said access port being adjustable in overall length X in the direction of the axis, the sleeve portion comprising a shank (411) attached or attachable to the head (450) and a flanged piece (413) moveable relative to the shank by means of a mechanism for causing the overall length X of the port to adjust, the mechanism being operable externally of the patient at or adjacent the head, for example by means of rotation of an element of a lower head part (440), or by sliding motion of the shank (411) and flanged piece (413).

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus 100 for the reduction or removal of smoke particles suspended in a local atmosphere A and resulting from a surgical procedure, the apparatus including or comprising two electrodes 140 and 150 each in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity. A first of the electrodes 140 may be electrically connectable to a patient P. and a second 150 may be positionable within or adjacent a patient such that the two electrodes, when in communication with opposite poles of said high voltage, ionise said particles in use, for attracting said particles toward the patient or toward the second of the electrodes.

Abstract: Carbonates of anti-aging ingredients, in particular anti-oxidants and skin illuminating phenol ingredients, have been prepared as derivatives of these ingredients with enhanced physical properties. It has been demonstrated that these carbonates will hydrolyze under enzymatic catalysis to release the parent ingredient. In contrast, esters of the phenolic groups in many cases do not hydrolyze under the same conditions.

Abstract: Esters of O-substituted hydroxy carboxylic acids are provided having Formula 1, or 2, or both Formulas 1 and 2: wherein R and R1 are independently selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted, branched- and straight-chain, saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated C1-C22 alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted C3-C8 cycloalkyl, substituted and unsubstituted C6-C20 carbocyclic aryl, and substituted and unsubstituted C4-C20 heterocyclic; wherein the heteroatoms are selected from sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen; and wherein n is 1-6. Process of producing esters of O-substituted hydroxy carboxylic acids are also provided.

Abstract: Surgical Manipulator A surgical manipulator (10) is disclosed which employs a suction cup (30) to hold body parts (50) whilst the manipulator is moved to manipulate the body part (50). Suction at the cup (30) is provided by means of a central passage (16) running through an extension (20) and through a handle part (14) to a vacuum connector (12). The suction at the cup (30) can be adjusted by a slider (15) which adjustably opens the passage (16) to atmosphere. Needles (58) and the like can be introduced into the passage (16) and thereby into the body part (50). For laparoscopic surgery the manipulator can be introduced into a laparoscopic port (52) by collapsing the suction cup (30) within an introducer sleeve (22 FIG. 3). The introducer sleeve (22) can act as a suction device when the cup (30) is collapsed within it. The needle (58) can be replaced by a diathermy electrode (60 FIG. 6) and irrigation is possible using an additional supply tube (121 FIG. 4).

Abstract: Systems and methods for image classification are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of selecting a predetermined number of training images that are representative of images associable with a particular topic category. One embodiment can include, extracting training image features from the training images, generating a set of descriptors characteristic of images associable with the particular topic category, and generating the particular set of predetermined models that correspond to the particular topic category based on the set of descriptors.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of ester compounds for use as skin brightening agents and compositions for brightening skin containing the ester compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are esters and a process for the preparation of the esters represented by formula 1: The process includes reacting an alcohol with a long-chain acid R2COOH or long-chain ester R2COOR4 in the presence of an organic solvent and an enzyme with or without the removal of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and methods of treating a skin condition. The ester includes an ester and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Esters of 4,5-disubstituted-oxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxo-cyclohexa-1,4-dienyl alkyl acids were prepared chemically and/or enzymatically. Depending upon the ester, improved melanocyte cytotoxicity was achieved. Improved cytotoxicity characteristics are consistent with ester analogs being more physiologically compatible and less irritating to skin than their corresponding acids.

Abstract: A composition, process of preparation, and utility of salts of fatty acid esters of amino-alcohols such as dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) as emulsifiers useful for formulating with lipids and waxes is described. DMAE fatty acid esters were prepared enzymatically in the absence of added solvent, and then salified directly with carboxylic acids to form the salts. The compounds were used to make stable emulsions with a variety of cosmetically acceptable lipids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and methods of treating a skin condition. The ester includes an ester and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Long-chain esters of retinol are prepared via a chemoenzymatic process from short-chain retinyl esters and an appropriate long-chain acid or ester in the presence of an enzyme. Use of various additives enhance the yield of the desired ester and facilitated its purification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing advertisement optimization services are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of analyzing a first set of images hosted by the web-publisher for display on the website. One embodiment can include, analyzing metadata associated with a set of advertisements available to the web-publisher for placement on the website, and identifying an advertisement suitable for placement on a webpage of the website for a fee.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image classification are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of selecting a predetermined number of training images that are representative of images associable with a particular topic category. One embodiment can include, extracting training image features from the training images, generating a set of descriptors characteristic of images associable with the particular topic category, and generating the particular set of predetermined models that correspond to the particular topic category based on the set of descriptors.