Abstract: The peptide has a sequence of 3 to 30 adjacent amino acids from the amino end of protein SNAP-25 and is useful as neuronal exocytosis inhibitor. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions contain said peptide and optionally one or more peptides from the carboxyl end of SNAP-25. Said compositions are suitable for the treatment of facial wrinkles and asymmetry and pathological neuronal exocytosis-mediated pathological disorders and alterations.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to the provision of gain, phase and delay adjustments to signals to be used by a predistortion subsystem. A portion of an input signal is delayed by delay elements prior to being received by the predistortion subsystem. The delayed input signal portion is also received by a feedback signal processing subsystem that adjusts the gain and phase of the feedback signal based on the delayed input signal portion. The adjusted feedback signal is used, along with the delayed portion of the input signal, to determine an appropriate predistortion modification to be applied to the input signal.

Abstract: A customer data capture system integrated with a dealership data management system allows customer and vehicle maintenance data to be exchanged between a kiosk on the floor of the dealership and the data management system. The customer inserts a customized card into a kiosk, and interacts with the pre-programmed software on the kiosk. The software recommends scheduled maintenance services and suggests potential coupon savings, based on the information received from the customer's card and the information stored in the data management system. A service order is generated and routed to the service department. As a result, the accuracy and speed of entering customer data are enhanced, while the dealership is able to offer value-added services at the point of sale, thus enhancing the dealership's business relationship with the customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring particle motion using electromagnetic radiation uses beams of radiation modulated with a distinct frequency and/or phase. A particle traversing these beams scatters a portion of the radiation. Scattered radiation, which retains modulation information, is then detected, and a cross-correlation technique is used to quantify the particle's motion, for example, particle velocity.

Abstract: A magnetic assembly for mounting to a circuit includes a winding and a core. The winding has a first end, a second end and a wound portion. Further, the core is disposed around at least a portion of the winding. The first end of the winding extends outward from the wound portion to define a linear support and the second end of the winding extends outward from the wound portion on an opposite side of the wound portion to define a point support. As such, the first and second ends of the winding are adapted to mount to the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Abstract: Imaging that uses glare to confirm proper measurement of a sample. An imaging device illuminates an object and generates glare (i.e., specular reflection, diffuse reflection or a combination of the two) off the object's surface, which is displayed on a display as a glare artifact. The location of the glare artifact is compared to a predetermined location to establish adjustment to obtain a desired angular orientation. The imaging device optionally highlights the glare artifact and steers a user to obtain the desired presentation angle. In two other embodiments, the spatial relationship between the imaging device and the object is time-varied. In one, the imaging device monitors changing glare and acquires a measurement when a desired glare is detected. In the other, the imaging device captures multiple images including varying glare artifacts and analyzes the images to select a preferred image having a glare artifact indicative of a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: An improved safety ladder and safety window as well as a method for use are disclosed. The ladder is discrete and compact, for convenience. The ladder is stored in a hidden container that is an extension or an addition to a normal window, or made part of an existing window, for example by being housed in a box associated with the window. The inventive built-in safety ladder provides for an easy escape in the case of an emergency. The window may be employed in a double-hung window, casement window, awning, hopper, or any operating window which can be used for egress. The fire escape can be incorporated in wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel, and other types of windows. The box may also be used for housing other items such as emergency escape smoke hoods that are used as breathing apparatus, or as a hidden wall safe to store valuables and can be accessed using a security code.

Abstract: A device for writing data to a recording medium and a method for fabricating the device is presented. According to one embodiment, the device includes an electrical conductor having a cross-track portion, wherein the cross-track portion includes first and second opposing surfaces, and wherein the cross-track portion defines an aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface. The device also includes a dielectric portion disposed in the aperture such that the dielectric portion defines a ridge waveguide having a lowest-order mode cut-off frequency that is less than the frequency of incident optical energy used to heat the recording medium.

Abstract: The sensor has four electrodes arranged on a common base, three of which are made as closed circuits, placed one into another, whereas the fourth electrode is placed inside the smallest circuit. The external and the central electrodes form a pair of current-feeding electrodes, whereas the electrodes disposed between them form a pair of measuring electrodes. The second design option of the sensor has three electrodes, two of which are made as closed circuits placed one into another, whereas the third electrode is placed inside the electrode that is smaller. The external and the central electrodes form a pair of current-feeding electrodes, and the electrode arranged between them together with the external or the central electrode form a pair of measuring electrodes. The design of sensors makes it possible to use them in combination with biological signal sensors of non-rheographic modality, for example, pulse wave, temperature. The sensor may be incorporated in wristwatch or bracelet.

Abstract: In a computer system having a bus architecture, a system and process for isolating a device from a bus without interrupting system operation is described, the system including bus interface logic monitoring and reporting activity on the bus, isolation control logic receiving error signals from error detectors, and isolation switches through which devices are interconnected to the bus, the isolation switches allowing for the isolation of the devices from the bus. The isolation control logic determines the devices to be isolated responsive to the reported error and, in turn, transmits an isolation switch control signal to the isolation switch(es) associated with the identified device(s) to isolate those device(s) from the bus. In some embodiments, errors are reported by system software, input/output virtual address error detectors for systems using virtual memory addressing, protocol error detectors, and sensors sensing the physical removal of a bus-connected device from its bus interface slot.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method of assisting a language translator. The method includes highlighting an area of source text to be translated into a target language and allowing insertion of text in the target language following the highlighted area of source text. The method also includes removing the highlighted area of source text after insertion of text in the target language.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for producing fusion proteins with reduced immunogenicity. Fusion proteins of the invention include a junction region having an amino acid change that reduces the ability of a junctional epitope to bind to MHC Class II, thereby reducing its interaction with a T-cell receptor. Methods of the invention involve analyzing, changing, or modifying one or more amino acids in the junction region of a fusion protein in order to identify a T-cell epitope and reduce its ability to interact with a T cell receptor. Compositions and methods of the invention are useful in therapy.

Abstract: N-alkylglycine trimeres, their stereoisomers, racemic mixtures and salts of formula (I) below, where R1, R2 and R3, independent of one another, are chosen from amongst cyclopropyl, sec-butyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methylbutyl, cyclohexyl, 2-(N-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl, 2-(methylcarbonylamine)ethyl, 3-(2-oxo-N-pyrrolidinyl)propyl, 2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)methyl, 2-(N-imidazolyl) ethyl, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl, 2-[2-(N-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]ethyl, 2-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)ethyl, 2-(morpholine)ethyl, 3-(N,N-diethylamine)propyl, 3,3-diphenyipropyl, 3-(N,N-dimethylamine)propyl, and 2-(N,N-diethylamine)ethyl, their stereoisomeric forms and their mixtures, which are capable of blocking L-glutamate receptors and are useful for treating disorders mediated by neurodegeneration, for example, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, migraine, depression, Huntington, Parkinson, Alzheimer, senile dementia, epilepsy and multiple and amyotrop

Abstract: A portable fluid transfer conduit is disclosed having an elongated flexible conduit having an inlet and outlet port. A coupling is postured at the inlet port for receiving fluid from a fluid source such as prelubrication pump. A flow control member is located at the discharge end which includes an activator for controlling the flow of fluid. The flow control member may include a handheld pump where the fluid source does not have a powered flow.