Abstract: A waveguide couples an acoustic source (such as an ultrasound transducer) to a custom cosmetic product (e.g., a liquid or gel-based skin care product) applied to the skin. In one exemplary embodiment, a distal surface of the waveguide is placed in contact with a relatively thin layer of skin care product that has been applied to the skin. Alternatively, the thin layer can be applied to the distal face of the waveguide, and then the waveguide placed on the skin. The custom cosmetic product has been formulated such that when ultrasound energy is directed into the custom cosmetic product via the waveguide, bubbles included or formed in the custom cosmetic product oscillate, and increase the permeability of the skin to active beneficial agents included in the custom cosmetic product.

Abstract: A waveguide couples an acoustic source (such as an ultrasound transducer) to a custom cosmetic product (e.g., a liquid or gel-based skin care product) applied to the skin. In one exemplary embodiment, a distal surface of the waveguide is placed in contact with a relatively thin layer of skin care product that has been applied to the skin. Alternatively, the thin layer can be applied to the distal face of the waveguide, and then the waveguide placed on the skin. The custom cosmetic product has been formulated such that when ultrasound energy is directed into the custom cosmetic product via the waveguide, bubbles included or formed in the custom cosmetic product oscillate, and increase the permeability of the skin to active beneficial agents included in the custom cosmetic product.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and reporting institutional investments provides a single platform for daily investment accounting, compliance, performance, and risk reports for investment portfolios held at single or multiple custody/safekeeping locations. The method involves retrieving transaction data from multiple independent financial institutions and storing it in a database in a standardized format and retrieving security data from one or more security information service providers and storing it in the database. The method further involves applying a uniform set of customized accounting, compliance, risk and performance parameters to the transaction data and security data stored in the database and, in response to a user request, calculating and reporting selected data to the user in accordance with the uniform accounting, compliance, risk and performance parameters.