Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a cyclic compound of formula I: wherein: Pro is a residue of L-proline; X1 is a residue of Arg or DArg; X2 is a residue of Phe or DPhe; X3 is a residue of Phe, DPhe or hPhe; X4 is a residue of a natural or unnatural amino acid; X5 is a residue of Ala, Asp, Glu, Lys, His, Phe, Ser, Leu or Gly; X6 is a residue of Phe, Ala, Gly, Ser, Lys, Asp, Leu, Nle, Trp, Tyr, Cha or hPhe; and DPro is a residue of D-proline; or a salt thereof. Certain embodiments also provide compositions comprising such compounds, as well as methods of using such compounds and compositions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a cyclic compound of formula I: wherein: Pro is a residue of L-proline; X1 is a residue of Arg or DArg; X2 is a residue of Phe or DPhe; X3 is a residue of Phe, DPhe or hPhe; X4 is a residue of a natural or unnatural amino acid; X5 is a residue of Ala, Asp, Glu, Lys, His, Phe, Ser, Leu or Gly; X6 is a residue of Phe, Ala, Gly, Ser, Lys, Asp, Leu, Nle, Trp, Tyr, Cha or hPhe; and DPro is a residue of D-proline; or a salt thereof. Certain embodiments also provide compositions comprising such compounds, as well as methods of using such compounds and compositions.

Abstract: A piano training device is described herein. The piano training device comprising a plurality of keys which may be illuminated by a light source associated with each key. The light source associated with each key is oriented such that the light source transmits light toward the front surface of the key. The key is further manufactured so that the light transmitted toward the front surface of the key is redirected to the top surface of the key.

Abstract: A piano training device is described herein. The piano training device comprising a plurality of keys which may be illuminated by a light source associated with each key. The light source associated with each key is oriented such that the light source transmits light toward the front surface of the key. The key is further manufactured so that the light transmitted toward the front surface of the key is redirected to the top surface of the key.

Abstract: A UV light-blocking fermenting container system and related methods are disclosed. The fermenting container system includes a fermenting container having a lid, wherein the lid has at least one hole positioned there through. An airlock device is positioned at least partially within the at least one hole, wherein the airlock device extends away from the lid. A fabric cover is positioned surrounding the fermenting container, wherein the cover has at least a first opening positioned at a first end thereof, wherein the first opening is positioned surrounding a portion of the airlock device proximate to the at least one hole, and wherein a size of the first opening is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A piano training device is described herein. The piano training device comprising a plurality of keys which may be illuminated by a light source associated with each key. The light source associated with each key is oriented such that the light source transmits light toward the front surface of the key. The key is further manufactured so that the light transmitted toward the front surface of the key is redirected to the top surface of the key.

Abstract: A piano training device is described herein. The piano training device comprising a plurality of keys which may be illuminated by a light source associated with each key. The light source associated with each key is oriented such that the light source transmits light toward the front surface of the key. The key is further manufactured so that the light transmitted toward the front surface of the key is redirected to the top surface of the key.

Abstract: A system providing a reproducible package of a web service scenario having at least one web service client and at least one web service coupled to said network. A collector extracts a set of message exchanges between the web service client and the web service, and a closure builder captures a service description. A workspace repository coup stores the set of message exchanges and the service description to create the reproducible package of the web service scenario. According to one embodiment, the reproducible packages provide mechanisms to share and replay XML message-based scenarios for distributed applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a network based customer service is provided. In response to a client requesting help, a menu including three levels of interaction is displayed. One level of interaction is self-help searching in a database of information. A second level of interaction is asynchronous help, requesting help and receiving a reply. The third level of interaction is synchronous help, interaction with an advisor. If the client selects synchronous help, the method includes the steps of alerting the advisor and displaying a list of previously visited sites by the client to the advisor. The synchronous help method further includes providing a synchronized display between the client and the advisor, such that the advisor sees an identical display to the client.

Abstract: A position tracker uses an inertial angular measurement system, for measuring orientation and linear translation of a helmet on a human head for the synthesis by a host computer of virtual, directional audio over headphones sensors mounted on the helmut, includes a roll gyro sensor, a pitch gyro sensor, a yaw gyro sensor, an absolute roll tilt sensor coupled to a first universal signal conditioner, an absolute pitch tilt sensor coupled to a second universal signal conditioner, and an absolute yaw compensator. A data acquisition system is coupled between the sensors and the host computer for converting analog signals from the sensors into digital, angular orientation data. Each of the gyro sensors includes angular velocity detectors and solid state electronic devices connected to provide angular velocity signals at a given sample rate.

Abstract: At least one lug formed on the inside of the cover of a plastic container contacts a lip provided on the top back edge of the container bottom when the cover is opened to a predetermined position so that the cover is releasably held open.