Abstract: A weight loss system is presented herein. In one embodiment, the weight loss system that accelerates weight loss in a subject eating a caloric restricted diet with a minimum daily protein intake of about 3 oz. and engaging in daily physical activity equivalent to about 5,000 steps per day is presented. The weight loss system can comprise an effective amount of: an antimicrobial component that includes berberine, cinnamon and curcumin; fish oil; a probiotic component that includes Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Streptococcus spp.; an antioxidant, phytochemical component that includes apple extract, grape extract, green tea extract, and olive extract; and a vitamin component that includes vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. The weight loss system can stimulate a weight loss of at least 3% more than if not administered to the subject. Further presented herein is a method of facilitating weight loss in a subject and a method of improving the health of a subject participating in a weight loss program.

Abstract: A detoxification system can include an effective amount of a probiotic component and a fiber component in combination with a circulation enhancing component, a high-protein meal replacement component, or both. The detoxification system increases urinary heavy metal excretion, decreases a fecal zonulin level, decreases a fecal calprotectin level, decreases a serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) level, increases at least one of a salivary nitrite level and a serum arginine level, or a combination thereof in a subject as compared to a baseline level prior to administration of the detoxification system in an effective dosing regimen.

Abstract: Filter elements for gaseous fluid (e.g., air) filtration for wafer processing systems. The filter elements have a pleat ratio of no greater than 7, where the pleat ratio is the number of pleats per mean diameter of the filter. By having a pleat ratio no greater than 7, and in some implementations also greater than 5, the filter is optimized for wafer processing systems and methods. This pleat ratio optimizes the spacing between pleats, thus balancing filtration media area against effective area, such as what might be lost due to contaminant bridging.

Abstract: A weight loss system is presented herein. In one embodiment, the weight loss system that accelerates weight loss in a subject eating a caloric restricted diet with a minimum daily protein intake of about 3 oz. and engaging in daily physical activity equivalent to about 5,000 steps per day is presented. The weight loss system can comprise an effective amount of: an antimicrobial component that includes berberine, cinnamon and curcumin; fish oil; a probiotic component that includes Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Streptococcus spp.; an antioxidant, phytochemical component that includes apple extract, grape extract, green tea extract, and olive extract; and a vitamin component that includes vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. The weight loss system can stimulate a weight loss of at least 3% more than if not administered to the subject. Further presented herein is a method of facilitating weight loss in a subject and a method of improving the health of a subject participating in a weight loss program.

Abstract: Filter elements for gaseous fluid (e.g., air) filtration for wafer processing systems. The filter elements have a pleat ratio of no greater than 7, where the pleat ratio is the number of pleats per mean diameter of the filter. By having a pleat ratio no greater than 7, and in some implementations also greater than 5, the filter is optimized for wafer processing systems and methods. This pleat ratio optimizes the spacing between pleats, thus balancing filtration media area against effective area, such as what might be lost due to contaminant bridging.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing cardiovascular risk utilizing substituted 1,3-cyclopentadione compounds are described.

Abstract: An interferometer mounting mechanism that consists of a horizontal shaft rigidly connected to the interferometer in axial alignment with the optical path of the instrument and protruding through an opening in the center of the transmission flat. A sample stage adapted to receive a computer-drive disk is attached to the distal end of the shaft, so that the stage is directly and rigidly connected to the interferometer. The sample stage consists of a hub capable of retaining a disk in precise alignment with the transmission flat by hanging its center hole on two support posts and resting the disk on three pressure tips on the hub. A system of push-pull adjustment screws is provided to set the proper tip/tilt of the disk.

Abstract: A scanning phase-shifting mechanism comprising reference optics supported by three independent supporting members disposed in fixed triangular relation in a plane substantially normal to the optical axis of the instrument. Two upper members support all of the weight of the optics and provide a preferably horizontal, first axis of rotation for adjustment of the tip of the optics in relation to the optical axis of the instrument. The lower member does not support any of the weight of the optics, providing instead only longitudinal support to cause motion during translation. In addition, in conjunction with at least one of the upper members, the lower member provides a second axis of rotation, preferably orthogonal to the first axis, for adjustment of the tilt of the optics. Each supporting member is rigidly connected to a first end of a cantilevered flexure which is anchored at the other end to a stationary support structure housing the micromotion-translation mechanism of the phase-shifting interferometer.

Abstract: A pair of spaced apart probes generally approximating the contact geometry of conveyed object to be wave soldered is similarly conveyed past and in contact with the solder wave. A timing circuit interconnects with the probes and measures the dwell time of the pair of probes in contact with the solder wave. The probes may have different shaped solder wave contacting parts (e.g., linear edge, points).