Abstract: A stretched artist canvas frame system is supported with a rigid foam back to either allow artists to apply pressure to a canvas without stretching it and causing sagging, or to allow artists to use the stretched artist canvas as an alternative for artists who paint on board. The frame system is a light weight alternative to painting on board, especially when the paintings become very large. The frame system provides the texture of canvas but the stiffness of a board by supporting the board with a lightweight rigid extruded foam. The frame system gives the artist the choice of painting on canvas or the feel of painting on board. The rigid foam back allows the artist to even create a smooth board finish if they choose through priming techniques. As the canvas gets larger, they do not get prohibitively heavier.

Abstract: A stretched artist canvas frame system is supported with a rigid foam back to either allow artists to apply pressure to a canvas without stretching it and causing sagging, or to allow artists to use the stretched artist canvas as an alternative for artists who paint on board. The frame system is a light weight alternative to painting on board, especially when the paintings become very large. The frame system provides the texture of canvas but the stiffness of a board by supporting the board with a lightweight rigid extruded foam. The frame system gives the artist the choice of painting on canvas or the feel of painting on board. The rigid foam back allows the artist to even create a smooth board finish if they choose through priming techniques. As the canvas gets larger, they do not get prohibitively heavier.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of transforming a meal to improve the suitability of the meal for an individual with specific dietary needs that may be due to a medical condition. The methods include assessing the meal relative to the individual's dietary needs and administering a composition to the meal that tailors the meal to the dietary needs of the individual. The composition comprises a nutrient for fortifying the meal and an anti-nutrient for reducing the absorption of undesirable components of the meal.

Abstract: A novel nitritional formulation comprising mixtures of mixed salts formed between branched-chain .alpha.-keto-acids and basic L-amino acid is disclosed which provides optimal nutrition when consumed with a very low protein diet. The composition of this invention contains fewer components than other mixtures utilized heretofore while maintaining like proportions of the essential and semi-essential amino acids. The composition of this invention has improved thermal stability and taste and is useful for the nutritional treatment of chronic renal failure (uremia).