Abstract: The present invention is a cosmetic composition comprising, component (A) and component (B), wherein, (A) is carboxylic acid ester of inulin and/or hydrolyzed inulin whose degree of substitution by acyl group is larger than 1, and (B) is cyclic silicone oil, and the present invention is the oily cosmetic compound further containing oleophilic component. More over, the present invention is the W/O type emulsified cosmetic composition prepared by further adding aqueous component and an emulsifier to above mentioned cosmetic compound. In the present invention, acyl group composing component (A) is desirable to be an acyl group of carbon number 14 to 22. Further, a part or all of acyl group composing component (A) is desirable to be palmiroyl group and/or stearoyl group. Furthermore, the above mentioned cosmetic composition can contain dextrin carboxylic acid ester whose degree of substitution by acyl group is 1.6 to 2.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using the S(+) enantiomer of desmethylselegiline (N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane), for the treatment of selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.

Abstract: An ethylene vinyl alcohol coating for an implantable device or prosthesis, such as a stent, is provided. Compositions are also provided for coating the implantable device. The compositions can include an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer added to an iso-propyl alcohol (IPA)/water solvent. Active agents, such as actinomycin D, can be included in the composition to be carried by the copolymer matrix.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to improve kidney functions (e.g., restoring urine secretion and/or lowering blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria, and/or serum creatinine levels) in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including the use of liposomes to deliver non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs may be encapsulated in the liposomes during their preparation, or alternatively, are combined with the liposomes following their formation. The composition may include glycolipids such as galactolipids including digalactosyl diglyceride, and the liposomes may be made by a number of procedures. The compositions may be administered to mammals including humans.

Abstract: This invention relates to enteric-coated proliposomal formulations for oral medicaments. In particular, it relates to an enteric-coated proliposomal oral drug delivery system for poorly water soluble drugs and methods for making the same. The drug delivery system comprises a pharmaceutical agent, a phospholipid and an enteric coating material. The present invention provides enhanced stability and bioavailability for orally administered drugs.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of acute pain by sublingual administration is described. The composition comprises an essentially water-free, ordered mixture of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the form of microparticles which are adhered to the surface of carrier particles which are substantially larger than the particles of fentanyl, and are essentially water-soluble. In a preferred embodiment, the composition also contains a bioadhesion and/or mucoadhesion promoting agent. The invention also relates to the preparation of the composition, and to the use of the composition for the treatment of acute pain.

Abstract: A synthetic particulate vector comprising a non-liquid hydrophilic nucleus which does not have an external lipid layer grafted thereon. A method for preparing a particulate vector by encapsulating an ionizable active principle, vectors obtainable through said method, and pharmaceutical, cosmetological or food compositions containing such vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A food supplement formulation effective to improve the function of the liver comprises selenium, milk thistle seed, phosphatidyl choline, dandelion root, l-methionine, l-taurine, N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha lipoic arid, artichoke leaf, green tea leaf, turmeric root, belleric myrobalan fruit, boerhavia diffusa, eclipta alba, wedelolactones tinospora cordifolia, andrographis paniculata, and picrorhiza kurroa.

Abstract: An improved medicinal composition includes an effective amount of an antihistamine pharmaceutical and an effective amount of a nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. At least one of the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical treats a condition caused by an immune response to a virus, a microorganism, or an atmospheric pollutant or allergen. The medicinal composition may additionally include a pain relieving pharmaceutical or a decongestant. The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an anti-oxidant, a liver protectant, or a combination thereof. Methods of using these compositions to treat conditions caused by an immune response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are compositions including Serenoa repens and extracts thereof, in combination with a sympathomimetic agent, which may be used to control a variety of physical conditions, including obesity, appetite suppression, decongestion, asthma and energy stimulation. Serenoa repens, or extracts thereof, when added to dosage forms of pharmacologic agents with sympathomimetic activity, or when administered in combination with sympathomimetic agents, decreases side effects. Thus, debilitating side effects associated with use of pharmacologic agents that stimulate adrenergic receptors and display sympathomimetic effects can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention described herein encompasses methods and compositions of preventing or treating cancer comprising the administration of a combination of catechins and vanilloids. Compositions of catechins include but not limited to, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC). In a preferred embodiment the catechins have been treated with tannase. Compositions of vanilloids include, but are not limited to vanillylamine, the head group of capsaicin. The unique compositions of the invention contain various combinations of the catechins and vanilloids, in combination with each other or other therapeutic agents and are used to treat primary and metastatic cancers in humans. The invention also encompasses various modes of administration of the therapeutic compounds, including formulations which may be used as a dietary or nutritional supplement or as a therapeutic compound.

Abstract: A compound is extracted from vegetable material, wherein the vegetable material is reduced and treated with a solvent. According to the invention, the vegetable material is frozen using a liquid nitrogen and in frozen condition reduced in size. According to two important embodiments, the vegetable material comes from the ginkgo tree, in particular fresh leaves, and water is used as a solvent. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical preparation and a cosmetic preparation comprising as active component a compound obtained by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: Chewing gum formulations including sodium pyrophosphate and encapsulated aspartame are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing chewing gum are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing acidic milk beverages, characterized by homogenizing fermented milk, then adding water-soluble hemicellulose thereto for mixing, followed by an additional step of homogenization. The method provides stable acidic milk beverages which undergo less sedimentation or separation of whey during product storage, and which have favorable flavor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an onion/garlic biohydrolysate-based flavoring base that includes mixing water with onion, garlic, or onion and garlic, hydrolyzing the mixture with one or more technical enzymes, and thermally treating the hydrolysate to provide a flavoring base. The invention further includes a method for production of a meaty flavor which includes providing a mixture of a crop protein source and a carbohydrate source, inoculating the mixture with at least one meat fermenting microorganism, fermenting the inoculated mixture until reaching steady state, adding a flavoring base to the fermented mixture to obtain a flavoring mixture, and pasteurizing the flavoring mixture.

Abstract: A food condiment slice, method of using, composition and method for making, and methods for manufacturing are described. The food condiment slices are used with sandwiches, other food products, and beverages. The food condiment slices may have different structures such as face-fused, side-fused, face-fused-side-fused, woven, and chopped. The food condiment slices are formed from condiments such as catsup, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, steak sauce, jellies, jam, preserves, butter, margarine, marinades, creamers, and syrups. More than one food condiment can be integrated into a single food condiment slice. The food condiment slices eliminate the need and inconvenience of using and carrying spreadable, squeezable, and pourable food condiments. Also included are beverage condiment slices or discs such as coffee or tea dairy and non-dairy creamers.

Abstract: The present invention includes a ready-to-use dough article that provides an expanded baked product, such as a roll, pizza dough or scone. The dough article comprises a substantially gas-impermeable container. The dough article also comprises a dough having a cellular network that is substantially free of an active leavening agent. The dough is disposed within the container. The dough article also comprises an inert gas that is disposed within the container.

Abstract: A disposable, aseptic package for storage and serving of perishable beverages, such as human breast milk. The package is generally cylindrical in shape, the top of which is provided with a circular flange about the circumference of the package, such that the filled package can be dropped down into a cylindrical outer holder. The package is held with its top surface near the top of a holder by the flange. A dispensing assembly, such as a nipple assembly or straw assembly, is mounted atop the holder. As the dispensing assembly is mounted on the holder, a penetrating conduit engages the top surface of the package and punctures it, thereby providing a via for the beverage to flow freely from the package to the dispensing assembly, such as through a nipple or through a straw.

Abstract: System for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer having a user interface, a customization director in communication with a customization data store and the user interface, wherein the customization director includes executable instructions for determining a user's customized formulation; and a beverage delivery system in communication with the customization director, wherein the beverage delivery system includes executable instructions for delivering a customized beverage product. Method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual including the steps of obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, utilizing one or more of delayed dilution, delayed mixing, and delayed filtering, in any order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which are useful as stabilizer and thickener systems, as well as methods of their use. The compositions are useful as, for example, cosmetic, health care (including pharmaceutical and over-the-counter compositions), food, and beverage compositions, preferably food and beverage compositions. The present invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing such compositions. The compositions comprise a pectin compound, an alginate compound, a cellulose compound such as carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel confection, and more particularly a tasty soft candy, which is a soft candy in which gummi is dispersed through a candy base substance with a solid content consisting essentially of one or more saccharides, the moisture content of said base substance being 6 to 20 wt %, and said base substance containing 0.001 to 0.3 wt % crystalline cellulose, and further a soft candy, wherein the solid content of the candy base substance consists essentially of gelatin and one or more saccharides, and gummi with a moisture content of 10 to 20 wt % is dispersed through said base substance at a rate of 5 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: A fond de veau is produced by boiling baked meats for extraction independently, separating a boiled extract therefrom, and reacting a protease with at least a residue of the meats to produce a protein decomposition solution, and then using said protein decomposition solution and said boiled extract separated from the baked meats boiled; or a protein hydrolytic solution obtained by reacting a protease on baked meats without boiling, with a boiled extract of fried vegetables. There is provided a process for easily producing a fond de veau in an industrial manner that has a quality equivalent to a fond de veau produced by a professional culinarian in a high yield.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and system for producing scrambled eggs having a homogenous firmness. The process and system maximizes scrambled egg product consistency and minimizes channeling, fouling and equipment wear previously associated with production of scrambled eggs by periodically interrupting the flow of egg through the system of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved breakfast cereal biscuit comprising grain which includes waxy grain in an amount of at least 20% by weight of total grain content. The grain has been hydrated and cooked either sequentially or simultaneously, rolled into flakes, and either agglomerated and toasted into a desired biscuit shape or toasted and agglomerated into a desired biscuit shape. A process for the production of the improved breakfast cereal biscuit is also provided. The improved breakfast cereal biscuit typically exhibits extended bowl life, has improved nutritional qualities, is tender and crisp in texture, has better flavors, and requires reduced energy in the manufacturing process, when compared to standard flaked wheat breakfast cereal biscuits.

Abstract: An aseptic cream substitute comprising a composition of water, a dry blend, and a meltable oil or fat, wherein the dry blend comprises microparticulated and denatured whey protein concentrate and xanthan gum, wherein the composition is pasteurized and then homogenized to produce the aseptic cream substitute.

Abstract: The invention includes an edible confectionery product that has at least two parts. The first part is a base unit formed of a first confectionery and having a top, a bottom, and between five to twelve sides when viewed from above. The second part is a center inclusion formed of a second confectionery. The center inclusion is partially embedded in the base unit and extends above the top of the base unit. The center inclusion is set in, as viewed from the top, from any side of the base unit. The first confectionery has a different composition and preferably has a different texture than the second confectionery. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of base units are shearably joined.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: A structure and method of fabricating a magnetic read head, comprises forming a fill layer for a magnetic read head gap using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The fill layer comprises an insulator, preferably aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, mixtures thereof and layered structures thereof. Materials having higher thermal conductivity than aluminum oxide, such as berylium oxide and boron nitride, can also be employed in layers within an aluminum oxide structure. The thickness of the ALD-formed head gap fill layer is between approximately 5 nm and 100 nm, preferably between approximately 10 nm and 40 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a metal foil laminated plate comprising the step of forming and attaching a resin porous layer onto a metal foil by a wet coagulating method, wherein a metal foil including a conductive bump having an almost equal height on a film forming side surface is used. The present invention provides a metal foil laminated plate comprising a metal foil including a conductive bump having an almost equal height and a resin porous layer laminated integrally, the conductive bump being exposed. The present invention provides another metal foil laminated plate comprising a metal foil including a conductive bump having an almost equal height, a resin porous layer laminated integrally, and a thermosetting resin impregnated in a hole of the resin porous layer, in which the conductive bump is exposed from the resin porous layer.

Abstract: A material having a conductive pattern, the material comprising a support and a conductive element, the conductive element being 500 nm thick or less and containing a polyanion and an intrinsically conductive polymer, characterized in that one surface of the conductive element is an outermost surface of the material and the other surface of the conductive element is contiguous with a patterned surface, the patterned surface consisting of at least two types of surface element, and those parts of the conductive element contiguous with a type A surface element exhibiting a surface resistance at least a factor of ten greater than those parts of the conductive element contiguous with a type B surface element; a material for making a conductive pattern, the material comprising a support and a conductive element, the conductive element containing a polyanion and an intrinsically conductive polymer, characterized in that one surface of the conductive element is an outermost surface of the material, the other surface

Abstract: It is important for a CPP GMR read head that it have both high resistance as well as high cross-sectional area. This has been achieved by inserting a NOL (nano-oxide layer) though the middle of one or both of the two non-magnetic conductive layers. A key feature is that the NOL is formed by first depositing the conductive layer to about half its normal thickness. Then a metallic film is deposited thereon to a thickness that is low enough for it to still consist of individual islands. The latter are then fully oxidized without significantly oxidizing the conductive layer on which they lie. The remainder of the conductive layer is then deposited to a thickness sufficient to fully enclose the islands of oxide.

Abstract: A cold spraying process for forming a coating of powder particles sprayed in a gas substantially at ambient temperature onto a workpiece is improved by placement in a low ambient pressure environment in which the pressure is substantially less than atmospheric pressure. The low pressure environment acts to substantially accelerate the sprayed powder particles, thereby forming an improved coating of the particles on the workpiece. The low ambient pressure environment is provided by a vacuum tank coupled to a vacuum pump and having both the workpiece and a cold spray gun located therein. The cold spray gun is coupled to a source of pressurized inert gas as well as to a feeder for providing a flow of the powder to be sprayed. A gas compressor downstream of the vacuum pump compresses gas from the vacuum tank for recycling to the source of pressurized gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for the application of powdered resins to threaded fasteners. In accordance with the present invention, the powdered resin handling system used to apply, collect, recycle and make-up the resin is generally enclosed; that is, with the exception of the application of the resin to the fasteners, the resin is generally maintained within conduit, housings or hoppers that are not open to the surroundings. This tends to minimize discharge of resin into the areas surrounding the fastener processing equipment and also isolates the resin from external environmental conditions that tend to degrade the resin over time. In addition, the present invention introduces fresh, new or make-up resin in a manner that assures intimate and thorough intermixing of the new and recycled resin while minimizing the cost and complexity of the equipment employed for that purpose.

Abstract: An aqueous inorganic solution for sealing the porosity of metal components made of sintered compacted powered metal and castings formed from liquid metal, and a process for applying the solution onto the components. The solution consists primarily of a blend of inorganic metallic salt silicates with the metal ions being taken from Group 1A elements.

Abstract: A method of providing a substrate with a decorative coating simulating the appearance of grained wood. A continuous layer comprising an aqueous medium which contains a polymeric binder and a particulate, non film-forming material is applied to an opaque surface of the substrate (the particulate material and the resulting layer both being lighter in color than the opaque surface. While the layer remains in the liquid state, a tool having a longitudinal extending face which has a convex section transverse to the longitudinal direction thereof, is drawn along the layer, the face of the tool having a series of spaced ridges along the longitudinal direction. The tool is rocked about the face as the tool is drawn along the layer, so as to discontinuously remove parts of the layer and selectively expose part of the underlying surface and to produce a decorative appearance resembling heart grains of cut timber.

Abstract: The “B” post of an automobile between its front and rear doors is masked before the vehicle is painted by (1) providing a resiliently conformable strip of masking material having a width greater than the maximum distance between the trailing edge of the front door adjacent the “B” post and the leading edge of the rear door adjacent the “B” post and a length at least equal to the length of those edges along the “B” post to be masked, which strip has pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface adjacent a longitudinal edge of the strip; (2) opening the front door; (3) applying the strip to the inner surface of the leading edge of the rear door so that the pressure sensitive adhesive securely adheres the strip to conform with the profile of the leading edge and the strip extends across the “B” post to an extent sufficient to overlap with the trailing edge of the front door when said front door is closed; and (4) closing the front door to abut the overlap an

Abstract: Methods for improved adhesion of an optical coating to a polarizing film incorporated onto an optical-quality plastic construct are disclosed. Preferred methods include treating a surface of the film by mechanical and/or chemical means and applying an optical coating to the treated film for effecting a coated, polarized optical-quality plastic part. Such mechanical and chemical means include exposing the polarizing film to a caustic solution at a concentration greater than or equal to 10%, roughening the surface of the film in a uniform manner, and utilizing plasma exposure to peen the surface and then chemically modify it.

Abstract: By optimizing the pressure condition for sucking up an excess of coating liquid with a recovering slit, a coating layer on a web with a very small and even thickness can be obtained. In a coating method using two slits of a coating slit and the recovering slit, a liquid pressure P (MPa) at a suction port of the recovering slit is adjusted in a range of 0.05>P≧0. Thus, coating thickness variations in the web width direction of the coating layer formed on the web can be restrained, and score-like coating omission can be prevented from occurring on the coating layer surface.

Abstract: A method of providing a paint coat of an organic polymeric paint composition on a surface of a moving substrate is provided, which includes establishing a quantity of the paint composition, in a high solids form at a temperature such that it is spreadable, in a hip defined by the substrate surface and a smoothing roll to enable paint from the established quantity to pass through the nip as a paint layer on the substrate surface, wherein the smoothing roll has a surface roughness coefficient (Ra) of no more than 1.5, and wherein the maximum surface speed of the smoothing roll expressed as a percentage of the substrate speed bears a linear relationship to the substrate speed such that the surface speed of the smoothing roll is no more than 1.2 percent of the substrate speed at an exemplary low substrate speed of 15 meters per minute and no more than 12 percent of the substrate speed at an exemplary substrate speed of 150 meters per minute.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wet type friction material obtained by immersing binding agent into a paper body comprised of fiber base material and filler, comprises a first immersing step for immersing first binding agent into said paper body, a second immersing step for immersing second binding agent into said paper body after said first immersing step and a heating and curing step for heating and curing said paper body into which said first and second binding agents were immersed.

Abstract: Branched organosiloxane (co)polymers comprising the structural elements of the formula Y[—CnH2n—(R2SiO)m—Ap—R2Si—G]x  (I) where Y is a tri- to decavalent, optionally heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon radical, R is a monovalent, optionally halogenated hydrocarbon radical, A is a radical of the formula —R2Si—R2—(R2SiO)m—, in which R2 is a divalent hydrocarbon radical, G is a monovalent radical of the formula —CfH2f−2—Z or a divalent radical of the formula —CnH2n— bonded to a further radical Y, Z is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical which is free from terminal aliphatic carbon-carbon multiple bonds, and is inert toward SiH groups in hydrosilylation reactions, x is an integer from 3 to 10, f is an integer from 2 to 12, k is 0 or 1, n is an integer from 2 to 12, m is an integer which is at least 1, and p is 0 or a positive integer, with the proviso that the branched organosiloxane (co)polymers contain on

Abstract: A method of powder coating a workpiece in a housing having a powder coating area with a workpiece travel path and an interior wall surface sloped around at least a portion of the workpiece travel path includes moving air and powder in the powder coating area along at least a portion of the sloped interior wall surface. As a result, a swirling flow pattern of the air and powder is produced around at least a portion of the workpiece travel path. The workpiece is conveyed along the workpiece travel path, and powder is deposited from the swirling flow pattern onto the workpiece along the portion of the workpiece travel path around which the interior wall slopes.

Abstract: The foregoing differential gloss covering comprises a backing substrate, an ink layer, and a cured top layer having a first surface portion with a first gloss and a second surface portion, made by the process comprising providing the backing substrate; depositing an ink formulation comprising a curing agent over at least a first area of a top side of the backing substrate to form said ink layer; coating the top side of the backing substrate with a radiation curable formulation to form a top curable layer; diffusing at least a portion of the curing agent into the top curable layer; curing the top curable layer to form the cured top layer and thereby forming a differential gloss covering having said first surface portion above the first area of said top of said backing substrate having the first gloss and the second surface portion having the second gloss that is different from said first gloss.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing images on coated articles are provided. The methods generally comprise applying a layer of magnetizable pigment coating in liquid form on a substrate, with the magnetizable pigment coating containing a plurality of magnetic non-spherical particles or flakes. A magnetic field is then applied to selected regions of the pigment coating while the coating is in liquid form, with the magnetic field altering the orientation of selected magnetic particles or flakes. Finally, the pigment coating is solidified, affixing the reoriented particles or flakes in a non-parallel position to the surface of the pigment coating to produce an image such as a three dimensional-like image on the surface of the coating. The pigment coating can contain various interference or non-interference magnetic particles or flakes, such as magnetic color shifting pigments.

Abstract: Low dielectric constant film materials with improved elastic modulus. The method of making such film materials involves providing a porous methyl silsesquioxane based dielectric film material produced from a resin molecule containing at least 2 Si—CH3 groups and plasma curing the porous film material to convert the film into porous silica. Plasma curing of the porous film material yields a film with improved modulus and outgassing properties. The improvement in elastic modulus is typically greater than or about 100%, and more typically greater than or about 200%. The plasma cured porous film material can optionally be annealed. The annealing of the plasma cured film may reduce the dielectric constant of the film while maintaining an improved elastic modulus as compared to the plasma cured porous film material. The annealed, plasma cured film has a dielectric constant between about 1.1 and about 2.4 and an improved elastic modulus.

Abstract: A method of decorating an article, the method comprising mixing a thermochromic ink with a transparent lacquer, applying the mixture on to part or all of the surface of an article, once the mixture is set, applying a second layer of dishwasher proof transparent lacquer.

Abstract: A layer formation method is disclosed which comprises supplying gas to a discharge space, exciting the supplied gas at atmospheric pressure or at approximately atmospheric pressure by applying a high frequency electric field across the discharge space, and exposing a substrate to the excited gas, wherein the high frequency electric field is an electric field in which a first high frequency electric field and a second high frequency electric field are superposed, frequency &ohgr;2 of the second high frequency electric field is higher than frequency &ohgr;1 of the first high frequency electric field, strength V1 of the first high frequency electric field, strength V2 of the second high frequency electric field and strength IV of discharge starting electric field satisfy relationship V1≧IV>V2 or V1>IV≧V2, and power density of the second high frequency electric field is not less than 1 W/cm2.

Abstract: Compounds that are useful as components in liquid crystal compositions, particularly in ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions. Compounds of the invention are rod-like molecules with a mesogenic (generally linear) core to which an alkene tail and an alkyl or alkoxy tail with a perfluoroalkyl terminal portion are bonded. Compounds of the invention can contain a variety of one, two or three ring cores, wherein the rings maybe aromatic or alicyclic. Alkenes of the invention are useful as components to improve LC properties of mixtures, for example, to lower melting point of lower freezing point, of LC compositions.