Abstract: Described are in vivo methods for testing the activity of vitamin D.sub.3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3) and analogs thereof in human skin and for testing the effect of a test compound on said activity. Also described are methods for enhancing the in vivo activity of vitamin D.sub.3 and analogs thereof by coadministering vitamin D.sub.3 or an analog thereof with an RXR ligand, a 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, or a mixture thereof. Preferred RXR ligand materials are retinoids, such as 9-cis retinoic acid, and precursors thereof, such as all trans retinoic acid. Preferred 24-hydroxylase inhibitors are imidazoles, especially those inhibiting cytochrome-P450 oxidative enzymes, such as ketoconazole. Also included is a method for determining whether a candidate compound inhibits 24-hydroxylase activity or induction thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable wrap for promoting venous or arterial blood flow enhancement in the human hand. The wrap comprises an inflatable bag fastened to a backing material. The bag is shaped to fit against the palm of the hand and portions of the back of the hand. The backing material comprises a base portion substantially corresponding to the palm of the hand and two or more interengageable lobes that may be fastened together across the back of the hand to retain the inflatable bag securely against the hand such that upon inflation of the bag a pumping pressure is applied positively to the hand to promote the venous or arterial flow enhancement.

Abstract: Described are in vivo methods for testing the activity of vitamin D.sub.3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3) and analogs thereof in human skin and for testing the effect of a test compound on said activity. Also described are methods for enhancing the in vivo activity of vitamin D.sub.3 and analogs thereof by coadministering vitamin D.sub.3 or an analog thereof with an RXR ligand, a 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, or a mixture thereof. Preferred RXR ligand materials are retinoids, such as 9-cis retinoic acid, and precursors thereof, such as all trans retinoic acid. Preferred 24-hydroxylase inhibitors are imidazoles, especially those inhibiting cytochrome-P450 oxidative enzymes, such as ketoconazole. Also included is a method for determining whether a candidate compound inhibits 24-hydroxylase activity or induction thereof.

Abstract: An infrared thermometer is disclosed comprising a first housing member having an interior chamber, and housing a sensor mounted within the chamber for sensing temperature change and generating an indicative electrical signal, means for directing infrared radiation from the object to be measured to the sensor, a shutter assembly for controlling the passing of infrared radiation to the sensor, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing ambient temperature within the interior chamber and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof, an electrical circuit for processing the electrical signals to calculate the temperature of the object to be measured, and an indicator for indicating the calculated temperature. A second hollow housing member operatively connected to the first housing member by a hinge.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a lamp holder for a high-voltage dual-pin lamp, such as a halogen lamp, includes a wall that surrounds the lower portion of an installed bi-pin lamp so as to prevent contact of the installer's fingers with the high-voltage pins. The protective device may also include a transverse rib that prevents the insertion of a low-voltage bi-pin lamp into a high-voltage lamp holder.

Abstract: A data processing system manages transaction related information generated on a network of interconnected public access computers, including monitoring purchases and providing referral fee accounting based thereon. The integrated software package establishes a platform for Merchants and Site Owners for managing the negotiation of promotional and commercial contracts, the implementation of resulting promotional and commercial efforts, and final accounting in accordance with pre-established criteria. The system thus enables network users to take advantage of a retail sales channel on public or private electronic networks.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of this invention, in a mechanism for attaching a rotating plate in a helmet, a positioning member which is of substantially tubular shape and relatively slidable along a guide groove provided in the rotating plate such as a shield plate and shaped into a nearly circular arc has an easily bendable portion provided between a first cut and a second cut which are formed in substantially opposed relation to each other at the upper end and the lower end of the positioning member, respectively. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, in a mechanism for attaching a rotating plate in a helmet, the three engaged openings provided in the guide groove so as to keep in the fully closed condition, in the fully opened condition, and in the defrosted condition, respectively, can relatively hold the positioning member to almost remain its original form, and the arcuated groove disposed in the guide groove can relatively hold the positioning member so as to deform it elastically.

Abstract: A process for preparing and purifying cyclic peptides having disulfide moieties in a two step processing operation including reverse phase chromatography which simplifies synthesis and reduces production costs, yet produces high, quality yield. The improved process is particularly useful for the preparation of vasopressin and oxytocin and their respective derivatives and analogs.

Abstract: A compact system for producing high contrast and high resolution images of a topographical surface associated with an object. The system utilizes a novel holographic optical element to produce images of topographical surfaces differentiating between ridges and valleys, and providing image details of artifacts. The system of the present invention can be realized in the form of a hand-held instrument for use in in vivo imaging of fingerprint, skin tissue and the like.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of high purity desmopressin produced in single batches of substantial size and a method of treating nocturia, incontinence and enuresis with the high purity desmopressin produced therefrom.

Abstract: A metacarpal-phalangeal and/or interphalangeal (1) prosthesis, particularly for joints in the hand or foot, comprising a pair of pins (2, 3) which can be implanted in bone adjacent to a joint to be restored and connected by a flexible joint (4) encapsulated in a protective enclosure formed from the same biocompatible material as the pins. The biocompatible material may be a mixture of plastic resins having high compatibility. The enclosure comprises a pair of half shells (5, 6)integral with the corresponding pins which extend axially on opposite side of a longitudinal plane of symmetry (S) which perpendicularly intersects the axis of rotation (a) of the joint. In a first embodiment, axis (a) is defined by a cylindrical pin (13) inserted in the axial cavity in the half shells and free to rotate with respect to at least one axis with limited flexibility in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (a).

Abstract: In a magnetizable flat damping component with an acoustic wave damping or suppressing layer (5) with an adhesive layer (2) bonded thereto for securing the damping component to other objects (6) and with magnetizable particles (3) in the damping component the magnetizable particles are integrated into the adhesive layer (2) using binding agents (4).

Abstract: A novel data processing system manages and implements a new form of security designated the "Proxy Asset". Proxy Assets provide sophisticated risk management capabilities without the complexities associated with other types of risk management investment vehicles. The Proxy Asset is made possible by the enhanced processing capabilities of the Proxy Asset data processor which creates, tracks, manages, and governs asset accounts for participating investors.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine mounted upon the hand of its operator to provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a battery power supply aboard its hand-mounted housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## in which one of X and Y represents hydrogen and the other represents Z, where Z is a group ##STR2## in which Q represents a 3-membered divalent residue completing a 5-membered aromatic ring and comprises zero, one or two nitrogen atoms, Q being optionally C-substituted by a group R.sub.1 selected from halogen, CN, OR.sub.2, SR.sub.2, N(R.sub.2).sub.2, NHCOR.sub.2, NHCOOCH.sub.3, NHCOOC.sub.2 H.sub.5, NHOR.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHNH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, COR.sub.2, COR.sub.3, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, cyclopropyl or C.sub.1-2 alkyl optionally substituted with OR.sub.2, N(R.sub.2).sub.2, SR.sub.2, CO.sub.2 R.sub.2, CON(R.sub.2).sub.2 or one, two or three halogen atoms, in which each R.sub.2 is independently hydrogen or C.sub.1-2 alkyl and R.sub.3 is OR.sub.2, NH.sub.2 or NHR.sub.2 ; r represents an integer of 2 or 3, s represents an integer of 1 or 2 and t represents 0 or 1; R.sub.a and R.sub.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system is provided having at least one portable bar code symbol reading device and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range of the bar code reader range without a physical wiring connection between the bar code reader and the base unit. After each successful reading of a bar code symbol, the bar code reading device automatically produces symbol character data representative of the bar code symbol, synthesizes a group of data packets each containing the symbol character data, and then transmits the synthesized group of data packets to the base unit. Upon the successful receipt of one of the transmitted data packets and the recovery of symbol character data therefrom, the base unit generates an acoustic acknowledgement signal that is perceptible to the user of the bar code symbol reading device and indicates that the transmitted symbol character data has been successfully received.

Abstract: An impact and a vibration are applied to a portion of a piston ring on which a belt body is wound, and a vibration is also applied to the belt body. A position where a desired tension can be obtained is obtained by using a master gauge having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of a cylinder, and the like. When measuring the tension, a measuring mechanism is moved to this position. The frictional force between the piston ring and the belt body can be considerably decreased, and a closed gap need not be measured every time measurement is performed. Accordingly, the tension of the piston ring can be stably measured at high precision within a short period of time.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for use with a lighting fixture includes a temperature-sensitive switch responsive to the ambient temperature which may have a rating less than that of the lamp. The temperature-sensitive switch controls the operation of a suitably higher rated control device connected to the lamp to turn the lamp off when the ambient temperature above the thermal switch exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A feed roller with clothing, the so-called taker-in (1A), feeds a first carding cylinder (3,) which presents it to a second carding cylinder (7) which rotates at greater speed than that of the first carding cylinder and which in turn presents the material to a third even faster carding cylinder (11), which in turn presents it to the doffer (13); the clothings (3A,7A,11A) of the successive cylinders are gradually thicker-set and more inclined.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and device for integrating and structuring the relationships of a financial services provider (FSP) with its clients and with third parties (counterparties) with which the FSP transacts business. Preferably, each entity with which the FSP transacts business, preferably also including entities internal to the FSP, is assigned a unique, non-intelligent identifier (CCID), and a relationship is established between each identifier and at least on other entity likewise identified. The system allows the FSP's users to seamlessly access information and transact business with all entities regardless of whether such entities are clients or third party providers (such as money managers). The system can be implemented on a network system.