Abstract: The management and integration of data and categorizing and reporting the results thereof are accomplished by using at least three information levels of the data path, which comprise a transactions level, an extraction, transformation and load level, and a business information level. At the transformation and load level, data are collected from applications residing at the transactions level and extractions and calculations are performed on the collected data. The results are deposited into a data pool and presented to consumers using components residing at the business information level.

Abstract: A post-application expanding composition for application to hair fibers of the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes is provided. The composition comprises at least one surfactant, a solvent for the surfactant, and a volatile agent in an amount that will cause the surfactant and solvent to interact and foam on the hair fibers thereby producing an expanded composition. The composition further contains a film-forming agent in an amount effective to form a film which when set fixes at least a portion of the expanded composition in its expanded state. The volatile agent is solubilized in the composition, and is further dispersed throughout the composition in nanometer size droplets or generated in situ on the hair fibers or immediately prior to application thereto so that the composition is storable in a non-pressurized container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for imparting to the lips the appearance of more fullness and to the skin, particularly the face, the masking of surface irregularities, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, by applying thereto a post-application expanding composition. The composition comprises one or more surfactants, a solvent for the surfactant(s), a volatile agent, a film forming agent and, optionally, a colorant, preferably a pigment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a post-application expanding composition for application to keratin fibers, preferably hair, more preferably the hair of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, and most preferably the eyelashes. The composition comprises one or more surfactants, a solvent for the surfactant(s), a volatile agent, a film forming agent and, optionally, a colorant, preferably a pigment. The present invention also provides a method for imparting a volumizing effect to hair of the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes by applying thereto the post-expanding composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence of exhaled ammonia and a method for using the same to detect the present of a Helicobacter in a subject. The apparatus is composed of a breath capture device having a sensor plate with at least one selected Lewis acid dye (e.g., a metal ion-containing dye such as a metalloporphyrin) deposited thereon which produces a detectable spectral, transmission or reflectance response in the presence of ammonia.

Abstract: There is provided a composition. The cosmetic composition has the following: one or more particulates; a neutralized, carboxylic acid polymer selected from the group consisting of a carbomer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, and any combination thereof; an amount of a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymer effective to stabilize and maintain dispersion of the one or more particulates; and about 10 wt % to about 90 wt % water. There is also provided a method for making a sunscreen composition. There is also provided a method of stabilizing and maintaining dispersion of particulates in a cosmetic composition.

Abstract: A portable games board is provided which may be employed as a scoreboard. The games board includes a flexible sheet and a support structure for holding the sheet. The sheet has a series of digits in the form of the number “eight”, made of contrasting material and laid out in the format commonly used in LED displays, with seven linear strokes forming the “eight”. Each of the seven linear strokes of each digit has a flap which, when closed, covers the stroke, and, when open, the stroke is visible. The set of flaps may be used to form any number from 0 to 9.

Abstract: A high performance composite hose having enhanced durability, reliability and longevity for use in high pressure, high temperature and/or vibrational environments such as turbocharged truck, bus, automobile, marine and generating engines. The composite hose comprises one or more plies of balanced fabric having a high performance elastomer adhered to the inner and outer surfaces of each fabric ply. The balanced fabric is formed as woven sheets from filament yarns resistant to high temperatures. Balanced fabric sheets are sectioned at a predetermined angle to the filament yarns to form balanced fabric plies. The yarns of the balanced fabric plies are orientated at the predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the composite hose such that the composite hose has a predetermined longitudinal flexibility to compensate for stress effects resulting from high temperatures, high pressures and/or vibrations.