Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A light source is disposed proximate the probe in order to expose the gem under test to ultraviolet light prior to the internal circuitry measuring electrical conductivity. Identification of the gem under test may be made by audio or visual indication or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preventing or reversing loss of the therapeutic effect of a drug, where the loss is associated with the repeated administration of the drug to a patient. The method includes administering to the patient a dopamine receptor agonist or partial agonist or a drug that increases the extracellular level of dopamine by enhancing release of dopamine, decreasing the removal of dopamine from the extracellular space, enhancing the synthesis of dopamine within the brain, or decreasing metabolic degradation of dopamine; and also administering to the patient an opioid receptor antagonist in an ultra-low dose amount, wherein the ultra-low dose amount is effective to prevent or reverse loss of therapeutic effects associated with the repeated administration of the drug to the patient. The methods are useful for various treatments, including treating Parkinson's Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, depression, schizophrenia, psychostimulant drug abuse, or attention deficit disorder.

Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates interaction with a user. During operation, the system obtains a set of features associated with one or more products recommended for the user. Next, the system provides an editor for modifying the features and obtains one or more customizations to the features through the editor. Finally, the system displays the features and the customizations to the user without requiring modification to source code associated with displaying the features to the user.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that processes user data. During operation, the system obtains a set of ranking engines for a set of products and selects a ranking engine from the set of ranking engines. Next, the system provides the user data for a user to the ranking engine and obtains, in response to the provided user data, a list of ranked products for the user from the ranking engine. Finally, the system provides the products to the user based on the list to facilitate selection of one or more of the products by the user.

Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preventing or reversing loss of the therapeutic effect of a drug, where the loss is associated with the repeated administration of the drug to a patient. The method includes administering to the patient a dopamine receptor agonist or partial agonist or a drug that increases the extracellular level of dopamine by enhancing release of dopamine, decreasing the removal of dopamine from the extracellular space, enhancing the synthesis of dopamine within the brain, or decreasing metabolic degradation of dopamine; and also administering to the patient an opioid receptor antagonist in an ultra-low dose amount, wherein the ultra-low dose amount is effective to prevent or reverse loss of therapeutic effects associated with the repeated administration of the drug to the patient. The methods are useful for various treatments, including treating Parkinson's Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, depression, schizophrenia, psychostimulant drug abuse, or attention deficit disorder.

Abstract: Detailed are play and exercise devices providing dynamic distance between a housing and a collar or loop positioned about a limb (typically ankle) of a user. Elastic cord may be used to connect the housing and loop and to allow their relative distances to change in use. The cord also may itself form the loop, avoiding any need for a separate such component.

Abstract: Detailed are exercise devices including soft-sided kettlebells. The devices may be weighted variably yet retain all functionality of existing rigid-sided kettlebells. Nesting of internal components may reduce, if not prevent, relative movement of the components when a kettlebell is in use.

Abstract: Devices such as exercise hoops are detailed. The hoops may include multiple, serially-connected sections designed to receive internal weights and configured so as to accept both differing numbers and masses of weights as desired. At least some sections, furthermore, may comprise multiple detachable pieces, with complementary pieces exposing one or more weight-receiving compartments when detached.

Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: Methods of treating fluid retention disorders with the B isomers of guanylin family peptides are described herein. UgnB, when compared to the A isomer (UgnA), exhibits a conventional sigmoidal dose-response relationship in its natriuetic activity. Further, unlike UgnA, UgnB only weakly activates the GC-C receptor. Compositions comprising purified, or mixtures containing B isomers of guanylin family peptides are described herein are therefore useful for the treatment of fluid retention disorders.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preventing or reversing loss of the therapeutic effect of a drug, where the loss is associated with the repeated administration of the drug to a patient. The method includes administering to the patient a dopamine receptor agonist or partial agonist or a drug that increases the extracellular level of dopamine by enhancing release of dopamine, decreasing the removal of dopamine from the extracellular space, enhancing the synthesis of dopamine within the brain, or decreasing metabolic degradation of dopamine; and also administering to the patient an opioid receptor antagonist in an ultra-low dose amount, wherein the ultra-low dose amount is effective to prevent or reverse loss of therapeutic effects associated with the repeated administration of the drug to the patient. The methods are useful for various treatments, including treating Parkinson's Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, depression, schizophrenia, psychostimulant drug abuse, or attention deficit disorder.