Abstract: Disclosed is 1.alpha.,24-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.4 having the following structure: ##STR1## and pharmaceutical compositions containing said compound. The compound and composition are useful in the treatment of abnormal calcium metabolism. Also Disclosed is a method for the preparation of 1.alpha.,24-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: The invention provides a table accessory to an outdoor grill accessory, which is a pair of opposed work surfaces in the form of side tables. The accessory is easily retrofitted to the fire bowl of a conventional kettle type grill. In an illustrated embodiment, novel clips hook into the rim slot of the bowl to advantageously prevent air leaks. One or both of the side tables can be folded down when not in use. The accessory, when installed on the grill, does not impede the portability of the grill.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of heteroarenesulfonyl groups as protecting groups for amino groups, particularly the amino groups of amino acids, and specifically to nitrogen-protected (N-protected) amino acid reagents, which are particularly well-suited for use in peptide syntheses. In particular, the N-protected amino acid reagent is an N-heteroarenesulfonyl-protected amino acid halide. The heteroarenesulfonyl protecting groups are readily removed under relatively mild conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for controlling and limiting the discharge temperature of a compressor of a refrigeration system. The invention is suitable for converting an existing refrigeration system which operates with one refrigerant to use with another refrigerant which can cause high discharge temperatures. The invention includes a simple four-part system-a temperature sensor to sense the discharge temperature, an injection valve for injecting liquid refrigerant into the suction gas line of the compressor, a fluid line for providing liquid refrigerant to the valve from the condenser and a digital controller for actuating the valve.

Abstract: An enterprise-wide integrated computer system for storing, processing and reporting pricing information regarding a plurality of products in a plurality of stores in a plurality of markets, including a pricing function for pricing and re-pricing products responsive to market price changes. Pricing and re-pricing are accomplished on a product-by-product and a market-by-market basis.

Abstract: A method for 1.alpha.-hydroxylation of vitamin D compounds using the appropriate vitamin D as the starting material. The method requires no separatory procedures prior to the actual hydroxylation step.

Abstract: A method for reducing or preventing elevated blood parathyroid hormone level in a human being suffering from hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.4 or 1.alpha.,24(R)-(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: A method for preventing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content in a human being suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1.alpha.--OH vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.,24(S)--(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.--OH vitamin D.sub.4 or l.alpha.,24(R)--(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: A system is provided for filtering a substance from a solution for subsequent analysis of the substance. The system has a manifold and a removable cover capable of latching onto a base defining an interior of the manifold. Apertures are formed in the cover capable of receiving columns having a filter for filtering the substance from the solution as solution is drawn through the columns into the manifold. The columns may be integrally formed to provide a set of columns. As a result, an array of apertures can receive a number of sets of columns to conduct the filtering process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the simultaneous amplification of multiple distinct genetic loci using PCR or other amplification systems to determine in one reaction the alleles of each of the loci contained within the multiplex.

Abstract: A device for storing and cleaning a toilet plunger includes an open-topped container and a lid having two lid-halves with each lid-half having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An internal closure mechanism having two closure members is disposed within the lid with one closure member projecting from the interior surface in each lid-half. Each closure member has a curved member for engaging a side wall of a toilet plunger cup and a linear member for engaging a toilet plunger cup end wall. The container has a base having upstanding walls, a base top having grooves, a base top surface and an opposing bottom surface. A counterweight is preferably disposed under the base top surface. The container walls have a portion defining a pour spout. The container and the lid are dimensioned for enclosing both the toilet plunger cup and a portion of the toilet plunger handle. The remainder of the toilet plunger handle protrudes through a hole in the lid when the toilet plunger is in the device.

Abstract: A portable grill includes a vertical post, a grill support member, a grill grate for mounting on the grill support member, and a locking member for attaching the grill support member to the vertical post. The locking member has four sidewalls disposed in parallel spaced opposed pairs forming a rectangular tube with open opposed ends. The locking member includes a slot penetrating three of the sidewalls. The slot forms an angled opening on one of the sidewalls and also 180 .degree. opposed "J" shaped openings on an opposed pair of sidewalls. The "J" shaped openings each have a curved side portion corresponding to one half circumference portion of the circumference of the post. The angled opening is contiguous with the "J" shaped openings. The post is retained in position when it is received through the angled opening and rests against the opposing curved side portions of the "J" shaped openings receiving full 360.degree. contact. A grill accessory holder and a portable grill kit are included.

Abstract: Methods of treating osteoporosis prophylactically or therapeutically are disclosed. The method of treating osteoporosis includes administering to a patient suffering therefrom an effective amount to treat the osteoporosis of novel 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.4 and novel analogues 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.4 and 1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.4, the aforementioned compounds having lower toxicity as measured by an LD.sub.50 test in rats when compared to a corresponding vitamin D.sub.3 compound. The method of administering the compound is substantially without occurrence of hypercalcemia.

Abstract: 1.alpha.-hydroxy vitamin D.sub.4 and analogues, preferably 1,24 dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.4, which are useful as active compounds of pharmaceutical compositions for the inhibition of hyperproliferative activity of malignant cells.

Abstract: Method of treating prostatic conditions such as prostate cancer and hyperplasia by administering 1.alpha.-hydroxyprevitamin D or activated vitamin D or a combination thereof in a sustained release form or a delayed and sustained release formulation. Both the sustained release form and the delayed, sustained release form deliver increased active vitamin D blood levels without significant risk of hypercalcemia associated with other oral dosing of vitamin D forms, to provide the beneficial effect to the diseased prostate tissue.

Abstract: A hydraulic or pneumatic actuator wherein the movement of the power transfer shaft is controlled by a movable vent. The actuator is divided into two cells by a power transfer shaft to which is attached a vent follower. In an equilibrium position, the vent is closed off by the vent follower. Moving the vent location to either side of the vent follower causes fluid or gas to escape from one or the other cell. This creates a pressure difference between the cells causing the vent follower to move until it arrives at an equilibrium position. When the vent follower is caused to move the power transfer shaft also moves accordingly. In the rotary version, the vent follower operates in a wiper-type fashion. Movement of the vent follower causes the power transfer shaft to rotate. In the linear version, the power transfer shaft is attached to a piston head. The piston head is fitted into a cylinder which divides the cylinder into two hydraulic or pneumatic cells.

Abstract: 1.alpha.,24(S)-Dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.2 which is useful as an active compound of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders of calcium metabolism and for various skin disorders. The invention also includes preparation of synthetic 1.alpha.,24(S)-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.2 starting from ergosterol which is converted in six steps to 24-hydroxyergosterol. 24-Hydroxyergosterol is irradiated and thermally converted to 24-hydroxy vitamin D.sub.2 which is converted in six steps to 1.alpha.,24(S)-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.2. The syntheses also produced novel intermediates.

Abstract: 1.alpha.,24(S)-Dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.2 which is useful as an active compound of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders of calcium metabolism and for various skin disorders. The invention also includes preparation of synthetic 1.alpha.,24(S)-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.2 starting from ergosterol which is converted in six steps to 24-hydroxyergosterol. 24-Hydroxyergosterol is irradiated and thermally converted to 24-hydroxy vitamin D.sub.2 which is converted in six steps to 1.alpha.,24(S)-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.2. The syntheses also produced novel intermediates.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic methods for inhibiting, ameliorating or alleviating the hyperproliferative cellular activity of diseases of the prostate, e.g., prostatic cancer and prostatic hyperplasia, which includes administering to a patient in need thereof an active vitamin D analogue. Cell differentiation is promoted, induced or enhanced without causing to the patient dose-limiting hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.

Abstract: Methods are described for regulating neuropeptide secretion to alleviate premature labor, hypertension, fluid imbalance, and risk of heart disease using neuroactive steroids targeted for a newly-identified site of action in the nerve terminals of neurosecretory neurons.