Abstract: This invention provides for reinforced wood structures including framing members and a method to reinforce the connection between structural members to increase the load bearing capacity of framing member intersections by covering the intersecting wood framing members with a layer of a liquid elastomer including polyurea.

Abstract: A method for relieving, treating, improving or attenuating one or more symptoms of RLS and related movement disorders such as PLMS, and snoring ICSD 780.53-1 is disclosed. The method includes the administration to a host afflicted with RLS or related disorder a pharmaceutically effective amount of a modafinil compound or a related compound. The method of the present invention is to treat a host to reduce or diminish snoring, the unpleasant leg sensations associated with unwanted leg movements and to diminish or eliminate the unwanted, involuntary leg movements at rest, awake or asleep, typically occurring in the evenings and at night.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating dermal atrophy of the skin. The method of the invention includes applying a composition to the skin of a mammal suffering from dermal atrophy of the skin, and comprising at least one thyroid hormone compound or thyroid hormone-like compound together with a pharmacologically acceptable base suitable for topical application, wherein the thyroid hormone compound or the thyroid hormone-like compound binds to TR-&agr; or TR-&bgr; with an equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of at least 10−5 M. The invention is also directed to an article of manufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical agent contained within the packaging material, wherein the pharmaceutical agent is therapeutically effective for treating dermal atrophy of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating dermal atrophy of the skin. The method of the invention includes applying a composition to the skin of a mammal suffering from dermal atrophy of the skin, and comprising at least one thyroid hormone compound or thyroid hormone-like compound together with a pharmacologically acceptable base suitable for topical application, wherein the thyroid hormone compound or the thyroid hormone-like compound binds to TR-&agr; or TR-&bgr; with an equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of at least 10−5 M. The invention is also directed to an article of manufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical agent contained within the packaging material, wherein the pharmaceutical agent is therapeutically effective for treating dermal atrophy of the skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of topically applied thyroid hormone compounds and thyroid hormone-like compounds which are receptor binding ligands, either agonists or antagonists, to improve the appearance of the skin and underlying subcutaneous fat and improve certain medical conditions when applied topically. These compounds can be used to treat skin conditions such as stria, cellulite, roughened skin, actinic skin damage, intrinsically aged skin, photodamaged kin, lichen planus, ichthyosis, acne, psoriasis, wrinkled skin, corticosteroid atrophy, collagen deficient skin, and to diminish the size and improve the appearance of skin scarring from surgical or naturally occurring wounds, and to reduce the incidence of hyperkeratotic scarring. The thyroid agonists and antagonists may also promote differentiation and amelioration of dedifferentiated skin in premalignant lesions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a predictive method for selecting organic compounds having useful pharmaceutical activity in a mammal. The method uses volume areas of similar molecules. When specific substituents of the test compound file predetermined volumes, the compound is subject to a binding assay. Only when the binding assay is positive, is the experimental compound recommended for further pharmaceutical evaluation. Example compounds are derivatives of 4-substituted 2,6-diiodophenols of the structure: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined as aliphatic or substituted aliphatic moieties or aromatic or substituted aromatic moieties. Useful structures are described. The compounds have useful pharmaceutical properties to treat conditions in a human being, including hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, arrythmia, and the like.

Abstract: An optical fluid detector (10) has an opaque housing (12). There is a first passage (14) through the housing (12) to receive a transparent, flexible plastic tube (50). A second passage (20) through the housing (12) orthogonally intersects the first passage (14). A first receptacle (22) in the housing has a light emitting diode (D1) with a housing having a flat surface (30) engaging the receptacle (22) and facing the second passage (20). A second receptacle (24) at a second end of the second passage on an opposing side of the first passage (14) from the first receptacle has a photodetector (Q1) with a housing having a flat surface (32) facing the second passage (20). An output circuit (33) is connected to the photodetector.