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The diagonal spread offers a great compromise between the vertical spread and the horizontal spread. It incorporates the best features of each while avoiding some of the drawbacks of each.
Let's briefly review the vertical and horizontal spreads including the shortcoming of each. For the discussion here, we will consider only debit spreads.
You buy a Call (Put) that has a delta of magnitude .45 to .65. Then you sell a Call (Put) with a higher (lower) strike price. Both Calls (Puts) will have the same expiration date. Ideally, you want the sale price of the short option to lower the cost of the long option by at least 30%.
The Vertical Spread achieves its maximum return at expiration when the price of the underlying stock has moved beyond the strike price of the short option.
Shortcomings of the Vertical Spread: Must wait until the expiration of both options to achieve the best profit. Profit is limited to the difference between the two strike prices less the net cost of the spread.
HORIZONTAL SPREAD (also called a calendar spread or time spread)
You buy a Call (Put) with a strike price that is near the current stock price. The expiration date of the long Call (Put) is typically 4-8 weeks in the future. Then you sell a Call (Put) with the same strike price and a closer expiration date. Ideally, you want the sale price of the short option to lower the cost basis by at least 30%.
The Horizontal Spread achieves its maximum return if the stock price is very near the common strike price when the short Call (Put) expires.
Shortcomings of the Horizontal Spread: The stock price must be very near the common strike price at expiration in order to have a reasonable profit. If the stock price is even modestly removed (up or down) from the strike price, the spread is unlikely to produce a profit. Must be wary of any event (earnings report, etc) that might cause a large move in the stock price prior to the near term expiration date.
The compromise between the Vertical Spread and the Horizontal Spread. You buy a Call (Put) that has a delta of magnitude .45 to .65. Then you sell a Call (Put) with a higher (lower) strike price that has a closer expiration date.
The Diagonal Spread has the advantage of directional movement offered by the Vertical Spread, while also providing the relatively quick expiration of the short option offered by the Horizontal Spread. If weekly options are available, there is substantial flexibility in selecting the time frame over which the trade can be maintained.
To illustrate the diagonal trade, let's consider a current trade on a popular Dow stock, Procter & Gamble Co (PG).
Example Trade: In early June, PG was trading at $78 after a modest pullback. With an earnings report due on August 1, it was felt that PG would likely be moving up over the next six weeks.
Trade: One July (monthly) 75 call was purchased for $3.60 and one June (monthly) 80 call was sold for $.35. Net cost of the trade was $3.25.
Comment: Note that the premium received from the sale of June 80 call reduced the cost basis by about 10%, which is significantly less that what would be expected in a vertical or horizontal spread. The diagonal spread is typically more expensive than a vertical or horizontal spread, but that is offset by the potential to benefit from a quick directional move.
Trade Evaluation: On the expiration date of the June (Monthly) 80 call, the trade will be at break-even or better if PG is above $77.50, and will show a profit of at least 40% if PG is above $79. If PG is at $80 or higher, the trade will have a profit of about 60%.
Comment: At the June expiration date with the stock at $80, the July (monthly)75 call by itself would show a profit of only 46%.
Trade Continuation: If PG has not reached $80 when the June expiration date arrives, the June (monthly) 80 call will expire worthless and the July (monthly) 75 call will have a reduced cost basis of $3.25. This option can then be held for unlimited future gains.
Since PG has weekly options, there is an opportunity to continue this trade on a week-by-week basis as you wait for the PG stock price to move up. The premium received from the sale of a weekly call can help offset the time decay in the long option until PG makes its move.
Trade Continuation with weekly options: If PG is below $80 at the June (monthly) expiration date, the June weekly 80 call might be sold for $.25. This will reduce the cost basis of the July (monthly) 75 call to $3.00 while still allowing for plenty of upside potential for a profit.
Management of the Diagonal Spread: The key to the diagonal spread is keeping track of the deltas of the two options. When the trade is initially established, the short option will be out of the money and have a delta of lower magnitude than the long option. If the underlying stock moves quickly and extensively in the desired direction, it is possible for the delta of the short option to outpace that of the long option and even lead to a losing trade. This is the same problem seen in a horizontal spread. When setting up the trade, it is wise to consult a risk graph to determine the most extreme move of the underlying stock that will still yield a worthwhile profit in the diagonal spread. It may be necessary to move the strike price of the short option further out-of-the-money in order to guard against a losing trade when the underlying stock moves farther than anticipated.
What stocks are most suitable for diagonal spreads? Stocks that offer numerous strike prices are best. This permits flexibility in selecting an option to short that will yield a reasonable premium while still allowing for ample price movement. Also, as mentioned above, stocks that have weekly options provide additional flexibility to adjust the trade regularly in response to price movement.
Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.


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The beleaguered star hasn't had a hit since 2011.
Jenny's Wedding is a movie about a woman who is openly gay to everyone except her loving but conservative family. But when she gets engaged to a woman, it's time for her to come out. The movie is about how the family reacts. It stars Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel, with Tom Wilkinson, Linda Emond, and Grace Gummer (Meryl Streep's daughter). It's currently raising funds on Indigogo to finish post-production.
The Advocate's Michelle Garcia wrote an op-ed called "Why Hollywood's Scared of Katherine Heigl's Gay Wedding." In it, she theorizes about why major studios were not interested in funding Jenny's Wedding:
It seems that it's because without independent financing, this movie — where the star of so many modern rom-coms like 27 Dresses and Knocked Up plays a lesbian coming out to her family on the precipice of getting married — wouldn't even get made. According to writer-director Mary Agnes Donoghue and producer Michelle Manning, Jenny's Wedding is not the type of film a major studio would back these days, and it's not because the main character is a lesbian. If anything, it seems to be because the main character doesn't go through enough strife and pain…
The indie process, while clearly arduous and up-in-the-air, is at least freeing to those who want to say something with their film, even if the message is that the lives of LGBT people can have conflict but it's not necessarily all gloom-and-doom.
What Garcia neglects to mention is the fact that Hollywood has turned against Katherine Heigl. Heigl and her manager mother's difficult personalities are well-documented, and Heigl herself has alluded to professional trouble. She hasn't starred in a hit movie since 2011's Life As We Know It. She recently signed with her third talent agency in two years. Part of the reason the film has had difficulty with funding is likely due to studios being hesitant to work with Heigl.
Another likely reason Jenny's Wedding had trouble securing studio funding is clearly mentioned in the op-ed: the film's conflict is too low-stakes for Hollywood. Any screenwriting teacher will say that stakes and conflict are the key to a successful script. A movie about a character who has to tell her loving family something that will make them uncomfortable but still love her just isn't studio material. We have progressed past a point where coming out is not longer the huge drama it once was. Congrats, gay civil rights movement, this is what victory looks like and it is bittersweet indeed.
Paradoxically, a movie that reflects reality is less appealing to audiences. A movie where LGBT people can have low-key, upper-middle-class conflict is great and progressive, but that movie's failure to make money is not an indicator of Hollywood's unwillingness to embrace gay themes. Upper-middle-class family dramas are never box office smashes, and this movie sounds like a movie like Pieces of April or The Squid and the Whale: a good movie, but small by design, low budget, and catered to a highly specific audience. Saying that Hollywood is afraid of Jenny's Wedding for having LGBT themes is creating conflict that isn't there. I mean, did this woman see The Kids Are Alright?
[h/t Daily Dot]
image via geekchic89

subset: commoncrawl


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Sunday, June 30, 2013
The lunatic mainstream
Mark Steyn on the current set of lunatics running the asylum ... in Britain and elsewhere.
A great read.After all, what, other than the walled-up windows of the Westminster village, makes UKIP's 23 percent the "lunatic fringe" and the Conservatives' 25 percent the "mainstream"? The real problem facing Britain (and Europe) is a lunatic mainstream, determined on a course of profound, existential change for which there is no popular mandate whatsoever.
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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — It is not an easy job being a celebrity and KRON4's Darya Folsom got the chance to spend some time with singer Lena Hall.
Watch as the two discuss Hall's roots in the Bay Area, singing at the Giant's game and having a role in the critically acclaimed musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Be sure to check out the musical which is playing now at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theater.


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Get your questions answered live!
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Please feel free to ask questions in English, Spanish, French, or Korean!


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Contact Info / Websites
Recent Audio Reviews
The New Energy (Short Mix)
Rated 5 / 5 stars
your best song yet
this should be bumpin' in the club right now!
!Touch The Sky!
Rated 5 / 5 stars
love the big explosions
makes it a kick ass song
the fast pace makes me want to run around lol
Music Of The Future
Rated 5 / 5 stars
that was so amazing!
you really did a good job with this.
more people need to listen to your stuff!


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Results 1 to 24 of 24
January 4th, 2007, 07:57 PM #1StuffedAnimals.com Affiliate WebinarPlease join us on Saturday, January 13th at 11AM CST for our January affiliate webinar.
Here's a brief overview of the agenda:
- Virtual tour of StuffedAnimals.com offices and warehouse.
- Manufacturer rep from world famous Gund® will be on hand to discuss their products that we carry.
- Attendees will receive an exclusive coupon code.
- Special announcements will be made exclusively to attendees.
- We'll be giving away prizes to several attendees.
- Plus, much more!
Click here to register now!
If you're unable to attend, but still want learn and earn more, please check out our latest newsletter:
Click here to view newsletter!
January 4th, 2007, 09:55 PM #2
That's 9 am PST? (I used to be able to keep time zones straight, but now I'm on the other side if the country and get mixed up.... lol)Deborah Carney
TeamLoxly.com BookGoodies.com ABCsPlus.com
January 4th, 2007, 09:57 PM #3Hi Debbie!
Yep. 9 AM PST, 12 PM Noon EST. See you there!
January 5th, 2007, 01:45 AM #4
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Location
- Texas
- Posts
- 309
Dang it! I can't attend this one. Will this be a monthly thing?
Do you take bribes for that " exclusive coupon code" for attendees? :-)
January 5th, 2007, 07:48 AM #5Hi Porkchop!
No, but I'll be happy to give you an exclusive coupon code. Just send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
January 5th, 2007, 07:48 AM #6
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Location
- Small Town in Tennessee
- Posts
- 5,226
Alan... it 4:30 am Vegas time... which means it 5:30am your time.
At some point... you need to sleep!!!!!!!!!!
January 5th, 2007, 07:55 AM #7
insomniacs r usDeborah Carney
TeamLoxly.com BookGoodies.com ABCsPlus.com
January 5th, 2007, 09:35 AM #8Sleep, those little slices of death; Oh how I loathe them.
Edgar Allan Poe
US short story author, editor, & poet (1809 - 1849)
See...his middle name was Alan too!
January 5th, 2007, 09:49 AM #9Sleep, those little slices of death; Oh how I loathe them.
Edgar Allan Poe
US short story author, editor, & poet (1809 - 1849)
January 5th, 2007, 10:13 AM #10Lol...good point Judi. Bedtime for me is 8 PM tonight.
January 5th, 2007, 02:31 PM #11
Bedtime can be anytime, doesn't mean we *stay* there
Nice quote from Poe... may need to put it on a shirtDeborah Carney
TeamLoxly.com BookGoodies.com ABCsPlus.com
January 13th, 2007, 09:32 AM #12Last Minute ReminderOur webinar is being held today at 11 AM CST. If you're interested in promoting StuffedAnimals.com, there's still time to register and attend.
We'll be giving away prizes and you'll meet Eileen Williams from Gund®, one of the premier stuffed animal and gift manufacturers in the world! Plus affiliates that attend will get an exclusive valuable coupon code that won't be published anywhere else.
Cliick here to register now!
I really hope to see you at 11 CST today!
January 13th, 2007, 12:34 PM #13
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Location
- Texas
- Posts
- 309
It took me a couple of minutes to download the components etc. so I was late getting in. Did it end early this time? I thought it was going to be an hour webinar?
January 13th, 2007, 01:13 PM #14Hi Porkchop,
I'm sorry you missed it. The webinar ended at about 11:30 CST. I never know how long they're going to run, just a range. It really depends on the special guest presenter and how long their presentation runs.
I'm sending you a PM with the exclusive coupon code I gave out good for 40% off, since you did make the effort.
January 13th, 2007, 01:17 PM #15
I won I won!!!
I don't win much....
Thanks Alan and Eileen!Deborah Carney
TeamLoxly.com BookGoodies.com ABCsPlus.com
January 13th, 2007, 01:21 PM #16
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Location
- Texas
- Posts
- 309
Thanks Alan!
I got in by the skin of my teeth on this one. You were saying goodbye. I look forward to the next meeting.
January 13th, 2007, 01:25 PM #17Debbie, I think this is the first time you've won a prize at any of my webinars.
Debbie and 5 other randomly selected affiliates, each won a:
StuffedAnimals.com $5 Gift Cerstufficate
Baby Gund® Fluffies 11" Lamb
Congrats to the winners and thanks to you guys and all of the other affiliates in attendance! Our new webinar will be announced in one of our upcoming newsletters.
January 13th, 2007, 01:26 PM #18Originally Posted by porkchop
January 13th, 2007, 09:31 PM #19
It was very nice, Alan. I had to listen and then run, but I do appreciate that it ended when it was done, even if that's early. I'll tune in again for sure! Good coupon, too!
January 13th, 2007, 09:53 PM #20Thanks Judi. Always glad to have you!
January 14th, 2007, 05:39 PM #21Prizes shipping tomorrowFYI to all of our webinar prize winners - your prizes are packaged and will ship out tomorrow. No need to reply, just wanted to give you a heads up.
January 18th, 2007, 04:07 PM #22
Thanks Alan!!! Got mine today, will be going to my grandson as one of his birthday presents in a couple of weeks.Deborah Carney
TeamLoxly.com BookGoodies.com ABCsPlus.com
January 19th, 2007, 01:11 AM #23
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Location
- Texas
- Posts
- 309
Got mine too! Very cute. Look forward to your next wibinar :-)
Thank you!
January 19th, 2007, 02:50 PM #24
Very nice package. The gift cerSTUFFicate is very nicely done, and would indeed put a smile on the recipients face.
Similar Threads
StuffedAnimals.com Holiday Webinar & Conference CallBy Alan Townsend in forum ShareASale - SASReplies: 10Last Post: October 18th, 2007, 05:35 PM
StuffedAnimals.com Affiliate Webinar & Conference CallBy Alan Townsend in forum ShareASale - SASReplies: 12Last Post: August 7th, 2007, 04:56 PM
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It's my first time ever using help forums such as this, I never really had the motivation to reach out I guess. I used to harm myself a few years ago, and its a habit I'm proud to say I've mostly overcome, although I relapse now and then. It's not too bad. I was never diagnosed with anything, and lived for around three years just thinking I was a hormonal teenager, and that this sort of thing was normal. I was in a rather toxic relationship at my worst point, but in leaving that behind, I began to recover, and was somewhat back to my usual self around half a year on from that. Its approximately a year later, and although I haven't been harming myself (my most recent relapse was 4 months ago, and was nothing compared to how it used to be) I feel a whole lot worse than I did before. I'm in my final year of high school and under a lot of stress as is to be expected, and I constantly feel like a burden. I'm the type of person to always put others before myself; I look after my friends well, always making sure they're okay and acting as somewhat of a therapist or just someone to talk to in general if they need it. I have always been this way, as making other people happy generally makes me feel happy too. As I'm mostly looking after others, I feel somewhat unable to ask for help myself, which makes the pressure on my shoulders build. I'm seen as the strong, 'motherly' figure to my friends, someone to lean on for support when they need it, and I feel the need to keep this up, even though I feel like I'll crumble at any moment. I often thing about how it's highly likely that I would have committed suicide if it wasn't for the fact that I know it would break my family, and I can't do that to them. I come from an incredibly strong household, a family that always push me to do my best and are generally supportive of what I do, but I always feel like a failure. I hate to blame it on the fact that I am under a lot of pressure to live up to the standard of my sister, who is six years older than me, and got straight As the whole way though her high school career. I know for a fact I will never be as good as her, and I fear being a failure in the eyes of my parents more than anything. I love my family to death, and I know they would be heartbroken to know that I feel this way, and this is why I feel as though I can't tell them. This makes it sound as if I'm failing classes, right? Wrong. I'm getting mostly As and Bs, and still have a few months to go to improve my grades, so I never really know why I'm complaining. I just feel as though things would be so much easier for everyone else if I wasn't alive- or never existed in the first place. I am yet to be diagnosed with anything, and there's nothing I dislike more than people self-diagnosing themselves with serious mental conditions, so I am planning to book a doctors appointment to try and get some explanation (and hopefully, in time, a solution) to the way I am feeling. In the meantime, does anyone have any advice on how to stay healthy and happy short-term? I may still have a while to go before I am able to do anything about the way I'm feeling.
Thank you.


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A long road trip to eastern North Carolina wasn't kind to the University of South Carolina at Lancaster Lancers' baseball team over the weekend.
The Lancers, 11-18, dropped doubleheader defeats to Pitt Community College of Greenville, N.C., on Saturday and Sunday. Two of the losses came in extra innings by one run.
The Lancers, after dropping two on Saturday, fell twice Sunday.
In the opener, USCL dropped a 2-1 setback in eight innings.
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Kevin Spacey to be cut from upcoming film, persons close to the production say
Kevin Spacey is getting cut out of Ridley Scott's finished film "All the Money in the World" and replaced by Christopher Plummer just over one month before it's supposed to hit theaters.
People close to the production who were not authorized to speak publicly said Wednesday that Plummer is commencing reshoots immediately in the role of J. Paul Getty. According to the report, all of Spacey scenes will be reshot. Co-stars Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams are expected to participate.
Watch player above to see other movies involving Spacey that have been affected
Scott is intending to keep the film's Dec. 22 release date.
The film was originally set to have its world premiere at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles on Nov. 16 but was pulled earlier this week amid the sexual harassment reports surrounding Spacey.
Spacey has also been fired from "House of Cards."
Representatives for Scott did not immediately return email messages seeking comment.


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Kuduz Trailer (1989)
01 January 1989 Drama 102 mins
After the release from prison, small-time criminal is marrying his girlfriend and lives a straight and poor, but happy life with her and her daughter. However, his happiness is shattered by wife's infidelity. Driven mad by jealousy, he kills her and her lover and runs into mountains, thus escaping law for years. This film is based on the true story about Junuz Kečo, last Bosnian outlaw.
Watch the official Kuduz 1989 trailer in HD below or find more Kuduz videos on Vidimovie.


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Kiwibank has raised its home loan and deposit interest rates.
Today's move comes less than a week after the Reserve Bank lifted the official cash rate 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent - the third hike since March.
Kiwibank said its variable and revolving home loan interest rates will increase from 6.15 per cent to 6.40 per cent, effective today for new customers. For existing customers the increase will kick in on July 2.
The bank's Notice Saver and some Term Deposit products will also increase on July 2.
The Reserve Bank signalled in March it may hike the OCR by 200 basis points over two years, and the monetary policy statement released last Thursday did nothing to moderate that view.
Many economists said another increase in the official cash rate on July 24, to 3.5 per cent, was more likely than not.
- By Daniel Lynch of the New Zealand Herald


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Owned since new?
Owned for how long?
5 year(s)
Buy this make again?
Price and equipment6.0/10
was alot cheaper then over similar cars
Comfort and practicality4.0/10
front is comfortable, but rear lacks confort
Servicing and running costs6.0/10
with the price of petrol the kia runs fine.
Overall verdict6.0/10
I'm happy with my Kia, it's easy to hop in and out of which is one of the main reasons for chooseing the sportage as I have damaged discs in my back. It's a lacks power when it comes to hills but over it runs well, great turning and very easy to park. Roomy enough inside although the back seat is quite uncomfortable, maybe ok for little kids in booster sits but no good for adults.


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The third annual Family Community Health and Fitness Challenge in Pleasantville, a free event to promote health through fun physical activity, will take place this Saturday, June 22, at the city's Max Manning Complex.The event is intended to challenge the community - people both young and old - to be active and healthy. The event will include lessons on volleyball basics, golf putting and chipping contests, dance classes, a basketball clinic, soccer basics sponsored by Nike and much more.
The event is sponsored by Pleasantville native and former NFL draftee Kyle Lockett, president of the nonprofit K-Loc Healthy Kids, which he co-founded with his family with a mission of encouraging adolescents to be active.
Lockett is a 2002 Pleasantville High School graduate and was the first Pleasantville graduate in more than 30 years to go to NFL, said his mother, Vivian Lockett, executive director of K-Loc Healthy Kids.
"When he didn't make the cut, he came back home to pursue his passion for fitness training and to promote overall health in our community," she said.
During the June 22 challenge, Lockett, who is also the defensive line assistant football coach and strength and conditioning trainer at Pleasantville High School, will host his elite speed, agility and conditioning workout geared for children ages 8-18, particularly those considering getting involved in a sport.
"It's a way to broaden young people's exposure to all sorts of the sports that are available to them," Vivian Lockett said. "Oftentimes younger kids aren't exposed to nontradition sports like volleyball or golf until they reach high school, but these sports are great gateways to scholarship opportunities, and it's beneficial for them to have a foundation and understanding of the sport as early as possible, so they can see what they like and what they're good at."
The event will include a physical fitness challenge with eight back-to-back activities ranging from "squats to hula hooping." Army recruiters from Northfield will attend, hosting their own exercise event and helping with the overall program.
"Both of my boys are military kids, and their father, who has died, was a decorated war veteran, so another big part of our nonprofit is supporting military families and veterans," Vivian Lockett said.
The Family Community Health and Fitness Challenge is modeled after first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign and the NFL's "Play 60" program, which both encourage youth to be active and healthy.
Additional event sponsors include Nike, Jaws: Jaworski's Foundation's Jaws Youth Playbook, which works to improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth, the City of Pleasantville, the United Way of Atlantic County, Subway of Pleasantville, AtlantiCare and American Legion Post 81.
All are welcome to attend this event, and can participate or observe.
"K-Loc Healthy Kids is going to be holding more events like this throughout the year," Vivian Lockett said. "Sometimes a gym membership just doesn't make the list of financial prioritizes for a family, so free events like this are crucial for this community."
Contact Elisa Lala:
If you go
Third annual Kyle Lockett and Nike Community Health and Fitness Challenge
June 22. Registration is from 8-8:45 a.m. Event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Max Manning Complex, 1100 Lincoln Ave, Pleasantville
More info:


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Where was Obama?
This letter is to gratefully thank Fox reporter Jonathan Huntand anchor Shepard Smith for their efforts to rescue precious babyorphans who could have died from starvation; some are sick. Fordays, Jonathan visited the orphanage, telling of his plight. Whenhe told Shepard Smith that Holland had sent a plane to rescue thoseadopted by couples there, and we hadn't, Shep was incensed. Hecalled the State Department. Where was Obama? Campaigning andhealth care be darned.
Finally, the babies have been rescued, thanks to these two men. Also, Fox anchor Bill Hemmer called attention to the doctor desperately trying to care for injured among a thousand people in a makeshift camp. No food, no water, no medical supplies. Hemmer got it. Where was Obama? Where was the United Nations? More could have been done sooner.
One reporter said there was no organization. Bureaucracy. Ineptness by the administration is coming to light. If the military had gone in first, instead of Obama wanting to take the credit, more lives would have been saved. Had this happened under Bush, he would have been excoriated.
Jean Carroll
Area code headaches
To all the anti-area-code-splitters, how is that working out for you now that you have to dial 11 numbers to call your next-door neighbor? I would have preferred learning a new area code.
William Lyons
Silent majority is aroused
With the overwhelming victory over the Democrats in a veryliberal state, the silent majority has been aroused. From Virginiaand New Jersey to Massachusetts the march is on. The voices of thepeople are loud and clear. They want their country back — enough isenough. No more extension of government and invasion on theprinciples of our Constitution.
It is time for the citizenry of California to step up to the plate, accept their responsibility and join the crusade on the journey back to fiscal responsibility. It is clear that a necessary first step in this process is the ensuring of a pink slip to Barbara Boxer, removing her from her senatorial throne. She has been an embarrassment, dishonoring her position, and her voting record a hindrance in returning California to its greatness.
Robert Young
San Diego
Rose for wonderful Christmas delivery
A rose to the Encinitas Sheriff Station and the Resource Center for the wonderful Christmas delivery. Packed with lovely presents and food staples! Among it was a great-size turkey big enough for an elderly person to handle. They have no idea how much they are appreciated!
Thank you, thank you from all of us who received your gift.
Norma Sloane
Prop. 8 doesn't deny rights to anyone
Stanford professor Gary Segura argued against Proposition 8
8465-6a1f1e12fcef.html">("Professor says gays are politically unpopular," Jan. 21), stating that homosexuals "do not possess a meaningful degree of political power," therefore they "would have to be understood as a minority faction." Lawyers for two gay couples said "gays are a disadvantaged group that deserves protections from discrimination afforded other vulnerable minorities under the U.S. Constitution."
No power? In every media outlet, homosexuality is given positive expression in greater proportion than the gay population. There are laws against "hate speech" about gays, but no laws against hate speech about straights. Schools must teach gender-neutral curricula, and gay pride parades are global. The "safe schools" chief authorized the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network's recommended reading list, which includes books with graphic homosexual content starting in preschool.
In reality, homosexuals enjoy every right as do heterosexuals in California. Prop. 8 does not deny rights to any one. It simply states what has been common knowledge for thousands of years. Usurping the word "marriage" is not a constitutionally protected right.
One judge could strike down the will of the voters, allowing homosexuals to force their lifestyle upon every institution that considers it immoral, thus criminalizing those who resist.
Nancy Paige
The next wacko idea
I've just noticed a lack of noise recently from Al Gore and the Global Warming Nazis. Perhaps they're buried in a snowstorm somewhere. Perish the thought that anyone ever admits to having been wrong about anything. Misguided, mistaken, etc., but wrong? Never!
I can't help but wonder what will be the next wacko idea and who will be at the vanguard. Likely it will be led by one of the Hollywood brilliants. How has the Earth survived without big Al and his followers protecting us and the Earth from ourselves?
Mike Concannon
When do progressives take responsibility?
Just wondering, did Eddie Lounibos
href="http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/letters/article_4ef795aa-95d0-5a52-a4bb-89bf5f3bca35.html">(Letters, Feb. 1) forget that Democrats took over the Congress in Bush's lame duck years? Now progressives are completely in charge and this country has never been in worse shape. Yeah, Bush was no great shakes, but compared to the current regime, Jimmy Carter's America looks positively delicious. When do the progressives start taking some responsibility?
Mr. Lounibos suggests pro-constitutionalists move to Cuba. That may not be such a bad idea – after Obama and his comrades are finished "fundamentally transforming America." They say if you are young and not a Socialist, you have no heart, but if you are old and still a Socialist, you have no head. Immaturity can be a disease. Lounibos should consult a doctor.
Sandee Enriquez
Good for Mayor Wood
In the article of Jan. 23,
href="http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/oceanside/article_220b647e-7390-50b7-8b10-f4281f052fd3.html">"Wood refuses to name Kern, Feller to panel," I want to thank Mayor Wood.
By Jack Feller's action of bringing up a vote on becoming a charter city, it is obvious that we citizens aren't even a consideration in his power trip as a councilman. Councilman Kern, aided by the cowardly action of Rocky Chavez, agreed to put the issue of becoming a charter city in the June election (with no input from us, the citizens they are supposed to represent). Rocky Chavez had already resigned and had no right to clinch the deal on such an important issue the day he left office. He leaves us scrambling on our own to find out what we are facing.
Jack Feller and Jerry Kern have clearly indicated to the public that they don't give a hoot about the input and desires of Oceanside citizens. If they had, we would have had the opportunity to attend workshops or something. It seems that only these three people knew this vote would take place.
I am glad Kern and Feller have not been appointed to represent me on any panels. They clearly do not. Thank you, Mayor Wood, for standing up for my voice as an Oceanside citizen.
Rachel Sherman
Are we still the 'United States'?
Jack Davis' assurance that the sky was not falling (Letters, Jan. 31) was not very reassuring to me. I was alwaysunder the impression that, in a democracy, all persons of theappropriate age were entitled to vote for the candidate of theirchoice, with the winners being those who received the most votes intheir individual areas. The hope was that those winners would dotheir best to carry out their campaign promises, and certainly nothave a change of heart halfway through. However, it appears nowthat the ballot paper can be superseded by a paper check thatcreates an obligation to someone not even on the electoralroll.
He also tells us that 28 states were already permitting corporations to exert influence on "the political process" even before the Supreme Court decided it was OK to do so. Were those states in fact pre-empting the Supreme Court and relying on retrospective law-making for legality? I think the answer to Mr. Davis' rhetorical question is, "Yes. They were less democratic than the rest."
And does the word "united" apply in the name "United States" these days? It sometimes seems doubtful.
Rob Sulsh
Freedom works
I've heard a lot lately about what "works" and what does not in the economic sphere. One group says this way "works," another says that way. I started thinking, what does it mean for a system to "work"?
The U.S.S.R. obviously didn't "work," but why? Was it because they didn't embrace the western capitalistic system? Was it because they weren't communist enough? Or maybe they just took it too far?
No, I think their fundamental problem was twofold: 1. They thought they could force people to act a certain way by removing certain "negative" influences in society, namely property ownership. 2. They thought a "benevolent dictator" would voluntarily step down once "the system" was in place.
There are no "benevolent dictators." Problems can't be solved by "getting the right person in office" because we only create the same fundamental problems. As Lord Acton wrote, "The danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern: every class is unfit to govern." Freedom should be our goal, not a system that "works." If people are given an opportunity to choose their own destiny, we may not like what they choose, but who are we to say otherwise? Freedom works.
Steven Holman
The writings of the 'poor thinkers' club
We really hit the trifecta on the Community Voices page of Jan. 22 . There were letters from three charter members of the"Poor Thinkers of the World Club." What a treat!
Junious Montgomery whined that President Obama has played more golf than Dubya did while in office. What he didn't mention were the 77 trips to the "ranch" in Crawford — about 30 percent of Bush's time in office — at a cost to the taxpayers of a whopping $226,072 each! Obama plays golf Sunday afternoons and stays in D.C to work, where he belongs.
Marcy Young also checked in with some of her usual drivel. She writes of name-calling by "leftists." I guess she forgets the accusations of "if you don't support the war, you're un-American." I personally was called a Communist while marching in protest of Bush's war plans back in 2003.
And last, but not least, is Fidel (Jay) Jiron, who mentions "two wars, unemployment ... and the multitrillion-dollar deficit," as if all of that just started since Obama took office. Jay conveniently forgets that the seeds of those repugnant growths were sown during the Bush years. The current administration has the monumental task of weeding them out.
Patrick Frawley
Thanks, seniors!
Tom Haley's letter of Feb. 2 about Rancho Carlsbad and the Boys & Girls ClubBressi Ranch Teen Center highlights a generation of givers. Many ofthese residents have lived through the lean times of the GreatDepression, the wars that followed and the roller-coaster economiesthat jump-start the adrenalin every few years. They are retireeswho never really retire, choosing to espouse causes inside andoutside their community, serving on committees and boards, and inpositions of leadership.
They lend their wisdom of years and experience, and give freely to build the bridges they will never cross. The future may belong to the young, but the building blocks that will get them there have always come from such predecessors. Rancho Carlsbad's senior legacy will live and serve and be appreciated for generations to come. Thanks, seniors!
Barbara Miller
You're trusting them again?
In the coming months, you're going to see lots of fear-mongering about financial reform. They'll tell you that Washington incompetence (leading to the economic crash and the ill-conceived bank bailout) speaks against government intrusion into the free market.
Keep in mind, when you hear this, just who was in charge when these decisions were made.
Deregulation (as in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999) gave us credit default swaps and banks treating your money like a chronic gambler on a Las Vegas bender. Republican economic policies gave us tax cuts for billionaires, 15 percent unemployment and took us from Clinton's $400 billion surplus to a $1.3 trillion deficit in only eight years. Remember that the bank bailout was fully under way when Obama took office.
Government incompetence? Yes, but Boehner, McConnell, Cantor and the other GOP leaders were in charge at the time. They took us to the brink of the next Great Depression, and you're going to trust them on economic policy again?
Douglas Crews


text:
Perfect for your American Doll or child's pretend kitchen, this pink and white plastic mixer really works. Taking two D batteries, when the switch is flipped this beaters of this toy mixer spin and the top lights up. The mixer has a pink bowl and silver metal beaters. The pink mixer tilts on a white plastic base and can be lifted off the base. The front of the mixer features a blue and silver metal plate that reads, "Food Mixer" and has a toggle switch to open the hand mixer and insert the batteries. The bottom of the mixer is marked "Made In Japan" as is the bottom of the pink bowl. This miniature mixer is perfect for pretend play.
This vintage toy is in very good condition with no cracks and bright colors. There is a small spot of discoloration in the bottom of the bowl. The battery operated blender stands 7 1/2 tall and is approximately 6 1/4 x 3 3/4" at the base. The bowl measures 3 1/4" in diameter at the lip and has a pouring spout.
A great piece of miniature vintage kitchenware for play or display.
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Vintage Jewelry, Toys, Books, Dolls and Much More
Rare books, childrens literature, dolls, vintage jewelry and more.


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Sep 26, 1995
|Filing date
|Apr 21, 1992
|Priority date
|Apr 21, 1992
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Chia-Shun Lee, Jhili Wu, Chinhwa Cheng, Chin-Chih Chiang, Wenchin Tsai
|Original Assignee
|Tbs Laboratories, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (3), Referenced by (21), Classifications (22), Legal Events (9)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates to a novel composition useful in enhancing transdermal absorption administration of one or more progestins (for example, progesterone, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, or norethindrone acetate) and optionally with an estrogen steroid for contraceptive use or hormone replacement. Also provided by this invention are a method of administration of one or more progestins (for example, progesterone, levonorgestrel, norethindrone or norethindrone acetate) optionally with an estrogen steroid by use of dosage forms made using the composition and the dosage forms for contraceptive use or hormone replacement.
Progesterone is a naturally occurring progestin-type hormonal steroid. It has certain unique properties and provides unique pharmacological activities when administered. Progesterone provides certain advantages based on being a naturally occurring compound. It is useful to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms. Administration of combinations of progesterone or a synthetic progestin and an estrogen can be useful either as a contraceptive or as a hormone replacement.
It is desired to administer progesterone by transdermal absorption. Transdermal absorption provides a several hour period of administration of pharmaceuticals such as hormonal steroids often simulating intravenous administration without the problems, inconveniences and discomforts of intravenous administration. Additionally, among other reasons and advantages, transdermally administered pharmaceuticals are not subject to the problems of orally administered pharmaceuticals, which are subject to breakdown or chemical alteration by being subject to the conditions and agents present in the gastrointestinal tract.
A problem regarding administration of progesterone is the relatively large daily dosage required, for example, 10 to 30 mg.
Synthetic progestins can be used instead of progesterone, for example, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, and the like.
It is therefore desired to provide steroid transdermal dosage forms and compositions which are useful in making those forms which result in enhancement of the rate of progesterone or other progestin absorption either alone or in combination with other hormonal steroids such as beta-estradiol, effective derivatives or the like.
Provided by this invention is a transdermal dosage form which delivers transdermally an effective daily dose amount of one or more progestins (for example, progesterone, levonorgestrel, norethindrone or norethindrone acetate) and, optionally, also an effective amount of an estrogen steroid, preferably beta-estradiol.
The progestin transdermal forms of this invention are made using the following absorption enhancing composition:
a) an effective and biocompatible lower alkyl esterified polycarboxylic acid, said polycarboxylic acid selected from polycarboxylic acids having 3 to 12 carbon atoms;
b) an effective and biocompatible aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol, said aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol selected from aliphatic monohydroxy alcohols having 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and
c) an effective and biocompatible diol selected from aliphatic diols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms.
An effective amount of progesterone or other progestin is added to the enhancing composition to form a homogeneous mixture, which can be converted to a gel by adding a gelling agent, preferably saturated or highly saturated with the selected progestin. The gelling agent selected is biocompatible, compatible with the progestin , the other components of the enhancing composition, and permits the progesterone or other progestin to be transdermally absorbed at an enhanced rate. The gelling agent has been found to be suitably polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and the like. The gelled composition can be applied to the skin of a person needing progesterone or other progestin treatment in various dosage forms. It can be applied in measured quantity as a lotion or ointment. It can be suitably applied to a backing layer to make a dosage form which provides a suitable adhesive means to adhere the dosage form to the subject to be treated. For example, the backing layer can be shaped around the sides of the applied gelled progestin composition and then extended horizontally. To the underside of the thus formed peripheral ring can be applied a suitable adhesive layer for adhering the dosage unit to the skin of the subject to be treated. Also, instead of gelling agent or in addition to a gelling agent, the homogeneous mixture of progestin and enhancing composition can be added to an absorbent which is capable of absorbing the progestin. A suitable absorbent can be selected from an absorbent cotton, a biocompatible and suitable synthetic fibrous material including spun-bonded materials and other absorbents suggested to those skilled in the art. The final progestin-enhancing composition after addition of the gelling agent or absorbent will have a suitable viscosity for use in transdermal therapy.
The lower alkyl ester of polycarboxylic acid can suitably be a dialkyl citrate, for example, diethyl citrate. Other effective esters of polycarboxylic acids can be used which have a like effectiveness. Dialkyl tartrate can be selected.
The biocompatible aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol can be suitably lauryl alcohol. Other effective aliphatic monohydroxy alcohols can be used instead or in combination with lauryl alcohol. Suitably the monohydroxy alcohol has 10 to 12 carbon atoms.
The diol selected can be propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol). Other effective diols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms can be used instead of propylene glycol or in combination with propylene glycol. Other diols from which the diol used can be selected are 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol and the like or mixtures thereof. The diol selected desirably has 3 or 4 carbon atoms.
It has been found that the ratio of lower alkyl ester of polycarboxylic acid: aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol: aliphatic diol can be varied. It has been found that a ratio of 3:4:2 is suitable for progesterone and a presently preferred one if the respective components are diethyl citrate:lauryl alcohol:propylene glycol. The ratio used can vary substantially depending upon the enhancing composition components used, the progestin used, the estrogen used if utilized, the gelling agent, absorbent or other agent used. Generally speaking, if diethyl citrate, lauryl alcohol and propylene glycol are used as the three specified components, amounts of diethyl citrate, lauryl alcohol and propylene glycol are suitably selected based on 100 parts by weight of the three components from the following: 15-40 parts diethyl citrate, 10-60 parts lauryl alcohol, 10-60 parts propylene glycol.
Other suitable components within the respective definitions can be used instead of the three named components. The amount of the components can vary based upon the specific components selected, the progestin and optional estrogen selected, and other factors referred to above.
It is desired that the rate of absorption if progesterone is the selected progestin be a rate to provide an effective dosage, for example, 10-30 mg/day, usually about 20 mg is suitable. It is desired that in a desirably sized dosage unit, for example, about 5 to 30 cm2, suitably about 20 cm2, that the rate of absorption of progesterone be an effective amount in the range of about 10 mg to about 30 mg per day.
Alternatively, in place of the natural progestin, progesterone, one or more synthetic progestins can be used in an appropriate amount to provide the desired progestin activity. The synthetic progestin can be selected from those which are transdermally absorbable, biocompatible and effective. Illustrative synthetic progestins which can be used in the dosage forms of this invention can be selected from levonorgestrel, norethindrone, norgestimate, norethynodrel, dydrogesterone, ethynodiol acetate, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone diacetate, norethindrone acetate, norgestrel, and the like and other effective progestins.
Also, instead of using a gelling agent to add to the enhancing composition containing progesterone or one or more other progestins as described above, the enhancing composition containing the progestin can be added to a biocompatible adhesive polymer which is compatible with the hormonal steroids present in the final dosage form and permits the hormonal steroids to be transdermally absorbed as desired. Various adhesive polymers can be used. Presently preferred adhesive polymers are acrylic adhesive polymers.
Another alternative is to absorb the progestins and the optional estrogen of the composition using a suitable biocompatible absorbent.
FIG. 1 is a graph showing in vitro skin permeation profiles of progesterone as taken from Table I. The graph is a plot of cumulative amounts of absorbed progesterone (mg/cm2) vs. time (hours).
FIG. 2 is a graph showing in vitro skin permeation profiles of progesterone data as taken from Table 2. The graph is a plot of a cumulative amounts of transdermally absorbed progesterone (mg/cm2) vs. time (hours).
FIG. 3 corresponds to the data of Table 2 and shows effect of lauryl alcohol loadings in propylene glycol on skin flux of progesterone. The data is a plot of the flux of progesterone (mg/cm2 /hr) vs. percent lauryl alcohol in propylene glycol.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing in vitro skin permeation profiles of progesterone as taken from Table 3. The graph is a plot of the cumulative amount of transdermally absorbed progesterone (mg/cm2) vs. time (hours).
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the effect of diethyl citrate loadings in propylene glycol:lauryl alcohol (ratios 1:2) on skin flux of progesterone as taken from Table 3. The graph is a plot of the flux (mcg/cm2 /hour) vs. percentage of diethyl citrate in propylene glycol:lauryl alcohol (ratio 1:2).
FIG. 6 is a graph showing the effect of concentrations of gelling agent on in vitro skin permeation fluxes of progesterone as taken from Table 4. The graph is a plot of the cumulative amount of transdermally absorbed progesterone (mg/cm2) vs. time (hours).
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the effect of HPMC loadings on progesterone skin flux as taken from Table 5. The graph is a plot of the cumulative amount of transdermally absorbed progesterone (mg/cm2) vs. time (hours).
In illustration of providing transdermal dosage units of this invention, absorption enhancing compositions are made to combine with progesterone or one or more other progestins and, optionally, with an estrogen.
A suitable amount of the lower alkyl esterified polycarboxylic acid such as 1-5 parts, suitably 3 parts, by weight is placed into a suitable container equipped with a mixing device. For this esterified polycarboxylic acid, it has been found suitable to employ a dialkyl ester of the six carbon polycarboxylic acid, citric acid, for example, diethyl citrate (DEC). A suitable amount of diethyl citrate is 3 parts. Also, a dialkyl ester of the four carbon polycarboxylic acid, tartaric acid, for example, diethyl tartrate, can be selected.
To the esterified polycarboxylic acid is added an amount of a biocompatible aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol. It has been found suitable to add about 4 parts by weight of the presently preferred aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol, lauryl alcohol (LA).
Then, an amount of a biocompatible diol which has 3 to 6 carbon atoms is added thereto. It has been found suitable to employ 2 parts by weight of propylene glycol (PG).
The combination of diethyl citrate, lauryl alcohol and propylene glycol can be stirred with heating to 35� to 40� C. For this purpose, a water bath can be used at such temperature of 35� to 40� C.
Then, to this transdermal absorption composition comprising diethyl citrate, lauryl alcohol and propylene glycol is added an effective amount of progesterone. It has been found that 10 percent (w/w) of progesterone is suitably added to the composition with stirring, until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
If desired, an effective amount of 17-beta-estradiol or other estrogen compound can be added to the composition in order to provide an effective amount of an estrogen or to the adhesive of the peripheral ring of the final dosage unit. It is presently preferred to use 17-beta-estradiol. In the alternative, certain estradiol mono- and diesters can be employed which are biocompatible and which hydrolyze upon transdermal absorption to estradiol.
The amount of estradiol or other estrogen or combination of estrogens will be determined on the basis of the desired biological effect. If estradiol is utilized, an amount can be added to cooperate with the progesterone or other progestin component to provide the desired hormonal effect.
For example, an effective amount of an estrogen, desirably, estradiol, can be added to the enhancing transdermal absorption composition, such as an amount selected from about 0.25 to about 2 parts of estradiol per 10 parts of progesterone, assuming that progesterone is the progestin being utilized. The ratio of estradiol to progestin will be varied therefrom if a synthetic progestin is employed, depending on the relative potency of the synthetic progestin selected.
The combination of progestin and estrogen can be selected to provide a contraceptive or fertility control effect. The amount of each component for such fertility control will depend upon the respective progestin and estrogen components selected. It is highly desired that the dosage unit provide required daily dose amounts of progestin and estrogen for multiple days, desirably for 7 days.
At least one estrogen and at least one progestin as defined above are used, respectively. With the controlled release of the hormones at a relatively steady rate over a prolonged period, typically several days and preferably one week, the subject is provided with the benefit of a steady infusion of the hormones over a prolonged period.
One of the presently preferred estrogens is 17-beta-estradiol. It is a natural hormone and ordinarily transdermally delivered by an adaptable system of this invention at a desirable daily rate. The 17-beta-estradiol is compatible and can be used in the dosage unit. The transdermal dosage unit designed for one-week therapy is required to deliver at least about 100 to about 500 mcg (preferably about 125 to about 250 mcg)/day of norgestimate, about 1000 mcg (preferably about 500 to about 1500 mcg)/day of norethindrone or about 25 to about 200 mcg (preferably about 50 to about 150 mcg)/day of levonorgestrel and 20-50 mcg/day of 17-beta-estradiol (or an equivalent effective amount of ethinyl estradiol or another estrogen). In fertility control, that amount of progestin is believed to be necessary to inhibit ovulation and that amount of estrogen is believed needed to maintain normal female physiology and characteristics. Derivatives of 17-beta-estradiol which are biocompatible, capable of being absorbed transdermally and preferably bioconvertible to 17-beta-estradiol can also be used, if the amount of absorption meets the required daily dose of the estrogen component and if the hormone components are compatible. Such derivatives of estradiol can be selected from esters, either mono-or di-esters. The mono-esters can be either 3- or 17- esters. The estradiol esters can be, illustratively speaking, estradiol-3, 17-diacetate; estradiol-3-acetate; estradiol-17-acetate; estradiol-3,17-divalerate; estradiol-3-valerate; estradiol-17-valerate; 3-mono, 17-mono and 3,17-dipivilate esters; 3-mono, 17-mono and 3,17-dipropionate esters; corresponding cypionate, heptanoate, benzoate and the like esters; ethinyl estradiol; estrone; and other estrogenic steroids and derivatives thereof which are transdermally absorbable, including benzestrol, chlorotrianisene, dienestrol, mestranol, and the like.
The progestin can be selected from norethindrone, norgestimate, levonorgestrel (or norgestrel containing both levonorgestrel and its (+) enantiomer), norethynodrel, dydrogesterone, ethylnodiol diacetate, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethindrone acetate, norgestrel, progesterone, and the like.
If levonorgestrel is used as the progestin, account must be taken of its high progestin potency on a weight basis. The amount used adequate for a daily use can vary so long as it is effective in combination with the estrogen used to provide the desired fertility control or estrogen replacement. Ordinarily, in fertility control, an effective amount in the range from about 25 to about 200 mcg will be used, preferably about 50 to about 150 mcg per dosage unit. In making an estrogen replacement dosage unit, lower daily dosages are adequate for effective estrogen therapy.
It will be suggested to those skilled in the art to use other estrogens or progestins in forming the dosage units of this invention. Such use of other estrogens and progestins are intended to be within the scope of this invention insofar as use thereof provides satisfactory dosage units within the spirit of this invention.
It is further desirable to vary the ratio of progestin/estrogen absorption dosage rate among the first, second and third week dosage units.
In the first week dosage unit, it is desirable to have a rate of absorption of about equal amounts of progestin and estrogen (ratio of about 1/1), based upon use of levonorgestrel as the progestin and estradiol as the estrogen. The ratio can be varied such as from about 0.75:1 to about 1.25:1 to provide an effective dosage amount. In use of other progestins and estrogen, the amounts used will be adjusted to provide a rate amounts absorbed which are bioequivalent to the respective rate amounts of progestin and estradiol.
In the second week dosage unit, a progestin/estrogen rate of absorption ratio of about 1.5:1 is, generally speaking, suitable. However, the rate of absorption ratio can be varied such as from 1.25:1 to about 2.5:1, depending upon several factors encountered in treatment.
In the third week dosage unit, a rate amount of absorption ratio of about 2.5:1 progestin to estrogen, based again upon use of levonorgestrel and estradiol, is, generally speaking, suitable. The rate ratio can be varied to provide the effective dosage amount, for example, from about 2:1 to about 4:1 or 5:1, depending upon variables encountered in practice, to provide a safe and effective fertility control. Again, in the use of other progestins and estrogens other than levonorgestrel and estradiol, adjustments to provide rate amounts bioequivalent to levonorgestrel and estradiol, respectively, will be made.
In the use of synthetic estrogens, it is ordinarily advised presently to keep daily administration below about 50 mcg per subject.
In estrogen replacement therapy, it is ordinarily advised that estradiol administration can range up to about 150 mcg per subject per day.
The progesterone-containing composition can be converted to a gel for purposes of forming a suitable transdermal absorption form. For this purpose, a biocompatible gelling agent is employed which is also compatible with the components of the progesterone-containing transdermal absorption composition. The gelling agent must also permit or not interfere with the transdermal absorption of progesterone and estrogen component, if the estrogen component is employed. A gelling agent which provides such characteristics and which provides a suitable consistency in the final gel form can be used. It has been found that polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") with various average molecular weights is a presently preferred gelling agent. A suitable average molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone is 360,000.
Also it has been found suitable to use hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose ("HPMC").
Forming the gel composition, a suitable amount of the gelling agent is slowly added to the progesterone-containing transdermal absorption composition with stirring and maintaining the composition at an elevated temperature such as 37� C. The quantity and properties of the selected gelling agent will depend on the consistency desired of the final gelled composition, the transdermal absorption rate desired and other characteristics of the gelled form. It has been found in using a suitable polyvinylpyrrolidone that quantities such as 1, 2, 4 or 8% can be used to provide usable and preferred gel compositions. The use of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose as the gelling agent, likewise various quantities of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, can be used, depending on the desired viscosity of the final gel form of the composition. It has been found suitable to use an amount selected from 1, 2 or 3 or the like amounts.
Upon completion of the addition of the gelling agent to the progesterone-containing composition, the stirring can be continued at elevated temperature until the mixture of transdermal absorption composition containing progesterone and the gelling agent becomes homogeneous. A mixture is then cooled as, for example, to room temperature. The cooled gelled composition then can be shaped into suitable configurations for actual use by subjects desiring the progesterone treatment. In the alternative, the gelled composition can be added to suitable forms or mold configurations to provide upon cooling a solidified gel form which can be used in final transdermal absorption administration of the progesterone-containing composition. The final gelled form of the progesterone-containing composition will be selected on the bases of the desired form of administration, convenience of administration, and the like. For example, the composition can be applied in measured amounts as an ointment or a lotion for transdermal administration.
Also, the gelled composition (or the absorbents containing progesterone composition) can be transferred to a premolded cavity comprising a backing layer which is substantially impervious to the components of the progesterone-containing composition. Suitable backing materials are available for use from commercial sources such as a composite backing layer sold under the designation Scotch Pak 1109, by 3M Company. The composition can be applied to the backing in a conventional manner. It is suitable to provide suitable length and width of a molded backing layer and apply thereto the amount of the gelled form of the progesterone-containing composition. The gelled form can be surrounded or enclosed on the sides thereof by the backing layer by forming the backing layer around the sides of the progesterone-containing form to overlay the side or sides of the progesterone-containing form and then extend outwardly in a manner that the surface of the extension of the backing layer can be a base for an adhesive to hold the dosage unit in intimate contact with subjects being treated with the progesterone.
A suitable material or adhesive for this purpose can be selected from those currently available, such as polyacrylic adhesive or certain biocompatible silicone or polyisobutylene adhesives or the like. After the dosage unit with the overlaid backing is completed, the adhesive means and the gelled form then are finally covered in conventional therapeutic practice with a releasable protective film layer which is made from materials which are substantially impermeable to the pharmaceutical, the transdermal absorption enhancing agent and any other components of the dosage unit. The polymer materials and metal foil laminates used for the backing layer can be used to make the protective layer, provided the layer is made strippable or releasable such as by applying conventional siliconizing. A suitable releasable material for use with silicone polymer adhesive is Scotch Pak 1022 material sold by the 3M Company or BioRelease material sold by Dow Corning.
Alternatively, the progestin-composition can be added with mixing to certain polymers or adhesives to form a dosage form rather than using a gelling agent or absorbent. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain adhesive compositions be employed for purposes of containing or increasing the viscosity of the progesterone-containing composition. For example, compatible adhesives such as polyacrylics, polyisobutylene, or polysilicone adhesives can be employed so long as progesterone or other progestin and any other hormones present such as an estrogen, for example, estradiol, are biocompatible and will be transdermally absorbed from the dosage unit into the skin and into the system of the subject desiring the steroid hormonal treatment.
In making the dosage units using the adhesive compositions which provide the desired synthetic progestins or other hormonal absorption, the composition containing the hormonal steroids can be readily coated onto an impermeable backing layer, such as a composite sold under the designation Scotch Pak 1109 by 3M Company. Coating equipment can be used to coat the backing layer to a desired thickness. A coater which can be used is a Warner-Mathis laboratory coater, type LTSD with built-in laboratory dryer LDF. Thickness of the hormonal steroid adhesive layer can be accurately controlled to desired thickness, such as to 400 microns (wet), using such a designed coater-dryer.
The amount of hormonal steroid added to the adhesive solution used for coating can vary so long as there is provided an effective amount for transdermal absorption. Ordinarily, it has been found that about a 5-30 percent amount of synthetic progestins based upon the total weight of the adhesive coating mixture provides an effective amount of transdermal absorption. The amount of synthetic progestins or other hormonal steroid used can be varied depending upon the rate of absorption desired and the particular adhesive or polymer used in making the dosage unit. The effective amount can be selected from a range of from about 5 to about 30 percent based upon the weight of the coating mixture used to make the dosage unit, a more preferable range being from about 8 to about 25 percent, based on said weight. The amount of the enhancing composition and the ratio of the components thereof can also be varied so long as an effective amount of progesterone or other steroid hormone transdermal absorption is provided.
Progestins administered to the subject being treated can vary depending upon the desired treatment factors. It has been found suitable depending upon the patient indications to administer an amount in the range of about 10 to 30 mg of progesterone per day. The dosage unit must be so constituted as to permit such administration on a daily basis.
The size of the dosage unit varies depending upon the concentration of the progestin and other factors. It has been found suitable to use a dosage unit which has a surface area 5 to 50 cm2. A surface area of about 20 cm2 is ordinarily suitable area of transdermal absorption surface.
The role of estradiol or other estrogen used is to reduce customary menopausal symptoms, cyclic hot flashes and other common symptoms.
Instead of progesterone, as mentioned above, a synthetic progestin can be used alone or in combination with each other. The synthetic progestin can be selected from norethindrone, norgestimate, levonorgestrel, norethynodrel, dydrogesterone, ethynodiol acetate, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone diacetate, norethindrone acetate, norgestrel, progesterone, and the like.
As referred to above, the presently preferred estrogen is 17-beta-estradiol. It is a natural hormone and ordinarily transdermally delivered by an adaptable system of this invention at a desirable daily rate. Derivatives of 17-beta-estradiol which are biocompatible, capable of being absorbed transdermally and preferably bioconvertible to 17-beta-estradiol can also be used, if the amount of absorption meets the required daily dose of the estrogen component and if the hormone components are compatible. Such derivatives of estradiol can be selected from esters, either mono-or diesters, as described above. Other estrogens can be used as described above.
The hormonal steroid compositions of this invention, as well as the transdermal compositions of this invention which are used in making the hormonal steroid compositions and dosage units can contain certain other components, certain stabilizers, antioxidant agents and the like which are known to the art for use in such compositions.
The compositions of this invention can be evaluated for their effectiveness in delivering the desired amount of progesterone and other hormones which might be present by the following procedure. The dosage units are evaluated by using a skin specimen of human cadaver by the procedures described by Y. W. Chien, K. Valia and U. V. Doshin, Drug Develop. & Ind. Pharm., 11(7), 1195-12 (1985).
The transdermal evaluation of progesterone or other progestin and estrogen steroids present in the composition of the invention, permeation flux is measured at 37� C. 3.5 ml of the composition containing steroid is used as the pharmaceutical reservoir; 3.5 ml of 40% polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) solution as the receptor vehicle. The evaluation shows the cumulative amount of steroid such as progesterone which is absorbed (mg/cm2) vs. time (hours).
The following examples are in illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limited. To those skilled in the art when reading this specification, modifications will be suggested to the invention as disclosed herein. Those modifications which are within the spirit of this invention are intended to be within the scope thereof.
A composition for making progesterone transdermal absorption composition is prepared by adding the following to a flask with mixing by Vortex at room temperature:
1) 3 parts by weight diethyl citrate (15 g)
2) 4 parts by weight of lauryl alcohol (20 g)
3) 2 parts by weight of propylene glycol (10 g)
Place the flask containing the transdermal absorption composition into a water bath and heat with stirring to 37� C. Then, add to the composition, 4.5 g of progesterone and mix well by Vortex.
To the progesterone-containing composition of Example 1, are added with stirring differing quantities of polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP", 1%, 2%, 4% or 8%) or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose ("HPMC", 1%, 2% or 3%) on a weight/weight basis. The stirring is continued until the mixture becomes homogeneous. The mixtures then are cooled to room temperature.
The gelled composition can be applied in measured amount to the skin of human needing progesterone treatment.
A suitably formed amount of the gelled compositions are placed into a premolded cavity of backing layer which is substantially impervious to the ingredients of the gelled compositions. Polyvinylpyrrolidone has been found to be suitable for this use. The surface area of the gelled forms are 20 cm2. The backing layer is cut to a suitable length and shaped around the sides of the shaped form of the composition and then is extended in a horizontal direction to form a peripheral ring essentially planar with the surface of the formed composition. On the surface of the thus formed peripheral ring is placed a suitable adhesive containing estradiol such as a biocompatible polyacrylic adhesive.
The above experiment can be repeated by adding a suitable absorbent to the composition composing hormonal steroid and enhancing composition to provide a consistency suitable to place into the pre-molded cavity of the impervious backing layer.
These experiments are carried out using the enhancing composition having a lower alkyl esterified polycarboxylic acid (such as diethyl citrate), a compatible aliphatic monohydroxy alcohol (such as lauryl alcohol) and a biocompatible diol selected from polyalcohols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms (such as propylene glycol).
The following table shows skin permeation fluxes of progesterone from formulations via a combination of two or three of the above components.
TABLE 1______________________________________Progesterone Skin Fluxes from FormulationsRatio of Formulation Ingredients Progesterone Skin Flux(DEC:LA:PG) [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________1:0:1 2.32 (0.57)1:1:0 6.62 (1.17)0:1:1 28.62 (14.77)1:1:1 61.58 (13.12)______________________________________
The following experiments were carried out to show the optimization of lauryl alcohol and propylene glycol. Various formulations of saturated progesterone in solutions with increasing ratio of lauryl alcohol to propylene glycol are prepared. The progesterone fluxes were calculated and tabulated as shown in the following Table 2.
TABLE 2______________________________________Progesterone Skin Fluxes from FormulationsWith Varied Ratios of LA and PG Progesterone Skin FluxRatio of PG:LA [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________4:1 2.03 (0.64)2:1 2.83 (0.34)1:1 5.52 (1.31)1:2 9.18 (0.56)1:4 7.10 (0.99)______________________________________
The following experiments were carried out as shown in Table 3. The above data show that the maximum progesterone flux is achieved when the ratio of lauryl alcohol to propylene glycol equals 2:1.
FIG. 1 shows a typical skin permeation profile of progesterone.
The following experiments are carried out using a lauryl alcohol:propylene glycol ratio of 2:1. Experimentation is carried out to utilize varying amounts of diethyl citrate. Formulations of progesterone skin fluxes are listed in Table 3 provided hereby. The progesterone skin fluxes vs. the percentages of diethyl citrate due to the 2:1 ratio of lauryl alcohol:propylene glycol are shown in FIG. 3. The data shows that 3:4:2 ratio of diethyl citrate:lauryl alcohol:propylene glycol is an optimal ratio to deliver progesterone.
TABLE 3______________________________________Progesterone Skin Fluxes From Formulationswith DEC, LA and PG Progesterone Skin FluxRatio of DEC:LA:PG = 2:1 [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________4:1 2.55 (0.93)2:1 5.82 (0.30)1:1 32.22 (26.13)1:2 73.79 (11.60)1:4 41.35 (2.32)______________________________________
The following experimentation is carried out to show the effect of loading amounts of gelling agent to provide a variation of viscosity of an optimized formulation in which the amount of skin flux of progesterone would not be unduly interfered with the amount of PVP-360 and HPMC with the above 3:4:2 ratio composition. The following table shows the results of the experimentation wherein differing amounts of PVP-360 are added. Four percent or less PVP does not diminish greatly the amount of progesterone absorbed. It is noted that PVP-360 does significantly reduce the amount of skin flux of progesterone, the reduction being 40-50% as shown by the data of Table 4.
The following Table 4 experimentation carried out for PVP-360 is repeated utilizing differing concentrations of HPMC wherein the effect of HPMC of concentrations on progesterone flux shows that the amount of progesterone skin flux from the formulations utilizing HPMC as the gelling agent was about one-third of the control utilizing no HPMC. There was not a large reduction of progesterone skin flux once the amount of HPMC gelling agent concentration was increased from the original 1 percent by weight. The data is shown on the following Table 5.
TABLE 4______________________________________The Effect of PVP-360 on Progesterone Skin Flux Progesterone Skin FluxPVP-360 Loadings [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________0 88.9 (17.9)1 94.7 (8.4)2 86.9 (11.0)4 78.6 (25.9)8 49.3 (6.4)______________________________________
TABLE 5______________________________________The Effect of HPMC on Progesterone Skin Flux Progesterone Skin FluxHPMC Loadings (%, w/w) [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________0 75.1 (14.8)1 29.9 (8.2)2 28.5 (7.0)3 21.0 (5.0)______________________________________
The following is the effect of percentage of the enhancing composition on NE or NA flux.
______________________________________ Mixture Skin Flux (mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr) DEC:LA:PGol = NE NAFormulation 3:4:2 (SD) (SD)______________________________________NE-P1 18 1.20 1.44 (0.10) (0.44)NE-P2 15 1.20 1.21 (0.23) (0.18)NE-P3 10 0.79 0.74 (0.11) (0.11)______________________________________ NE: Norethindrone NA: Norethindrone Acetate
The following shows the effect of aliphatic alcohol on progesterone flux:
______________________________________Progesterone Skin Fluxes Progesterone Skin FluxP4 in Mixture [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________DEC:LA:PG = 3:4:2 64.07 (19.62)DEC:EtOH:PG = 3:4:2 3.79 (1.75)______________________________________ EtOH: Ethanol
The following tables show flux data for estradiol and levonorgestrel.
______________________________________Estradiol Fluxes from FormulationsRatio of Formulation Ingredients Estradiol Skin Flux(DEC:PG:LA) [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________3:4:2 0.245 (0.086)0:4:2 0.092 (0.007)0:0:0 0.063 (0.011)______________________________________Levonorgestrel Fluxes from FormulationsRatio of Formulation Ingredients Levonorgestrel Skin Flux(DEC:PG:LA) [mcg/cm.sup.2 /hr (SD)]______________________________________3:4:2 0.309 (0.118)0:4:2 0.128 (0.011)0:0:0 0.070 (0.020)______________________________________
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Sep 8, 1987
|Mar 21, 1989
|Warner-Lambert Company
|Silicone elastomer transdermal matrix system
|Aug 27, 1986
|Mar 13, 1990
|Warner-Lambert Company
|Penetration enhancement system
|Mar 22, 1989
|Nov 27, 1990
|Cygnus Research Corporation
|Skin permeation enhancer compositions
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jun 5, 1997
|Apr 6, 1999
|Permatec N.V.
|Composition for transdermal administration of an estrogen
|Sep 25, 1996
|Jan 11, 2000
|Laboratories D'hygiene Et De Dietetique
|Transdermal matrix system
|Jun 9, 1999
|Apr 10, 2001
|Ortho-Mcneil Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|Triphasic oral contraceptive
|Dec 4, 2006
|Jul 29, 2008
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Composition for transdermal and/or transmucosal administration of active compounds that ensures adequate therapeutic levels
|May 2, 2005
|Sep 16, 2008
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Permeation enhancing compositions for anticholinergic agents
|Mar 30, 2007
|Dec 30, 2008
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Formulations for transdermal or transmucosal application
|May 24, 2006
|Nov 29, 2011
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Method and apparatus for transdermal or transmucosal application of testosterone
|Apr 19, 2007
|Sep 18, 2012
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Methods of treating hot flashes with formulations for transdermal or transmucosal application
|Sep 7, 2011
|Dec 25, 2012
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Methods and apparatus for transdermal or transmucosal application of testosterone
|Aug 13, 2012
|Feb 11, 2014
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Methods of treating hot flashes with formulations for transdermal or transmucosal application
|Aug 3, 2012
|Feb 18, 2014
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Transdermal compositions for anticholinergic agents
|Nov 6, 2009
|Mar 17, 2015
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Transdermal compositions for anticholinergic agents
|May 12, 2011
|Mar 17, 2015
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Transdermal testosterone formulation for minimizing skin residues
|Aug 20, 2003
|May 27, 2004
|Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
|Semiconductor laser device and method of manufacturing the same
|Jul 8, 2003
|Jul 8, 2004
|Wilkins Joe S.
|Antibacterial topical formulations
|May 2, 2005
|Dec 29, 2005
|Arnaud Grenier
|Permeation enhancing compositions for anticholinergic agents
|Dec 4, 2006
|May 3, 2007
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Novel composition for transdermal and/or transmucosal administration of active compounds that ensures adequate therapeutic levels
|Mar 30, 2007
|Jul 19, 2007
|Antares Pharma Ipl Ag
|Formulations for transdermal or transmucosal application
|May 31, 2007
|Sep 27, 2007
|Carrara Dario Norberto R
|Transdermal delivery of systemically active central nervous system drugs
|Apr 19, 2007
|Jan 31, 2008
|Simes Stephen M
|Methods of treating hot flashes with formulations for transdermal or transmucosal application
|Dec 7, 2007
|Jun 12, 2008
|Dario Norberto Carrara
|Skin-friendly drug complexes for transdermal administration
|U.S. Classification
|424/448, 514/946, 514/944, 424/449
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Apr 21, 1992
Owner name: TBS LABORATORIES, INC., NEW JERSEY
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:LEE, CHIA-SHUN;CHENG, CHINHWA;WU, JHILI;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:006110/0120;SIGNING DATES FROM 19920415 TO 19920420
|Apr 20, 1999
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Dec 7, 1999
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 19990926
|Jun 27, 2000
|Surcharge for late payment
|Jun 27, 2000
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Sep 5, 2000
|Patent reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee
Effective date: 20000721
|Apr 6, 2001
Owner name: SINTONG CHEMICAL CO., LTD., TAIWAN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TBS LABORATORIES INC;REEL/FRAME:011675/0931
Effective date: 20010301
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It is common for laptop power adapters to suffer different kinds of damage. Replacing them with original chargers can sometimes be expensive, and this expense can be completely wasted if one is planning to purchase a different laptop soon. On the other hand, universal laptop chargers can function with virtually any computer make and model. Since using the wrong adapter can permanently damage laptops, it is very important to select an excellent quality product.
Manufacturers use different plugs in their laptop power adapters, but universal devices come complete with different tips and different options for wall plugs. In many cases, they are not only universal in terms of fitting different laptops, but also because they include different socket plug types that can be used when travelling.
In order to select the right universal power adapter, it is necessary to check each laptop's power requirements, voltage compatibility, and power plug types. Some power adapters that are advertised as universal can seriously damage computers by providing the wrong amount of power. Therefore, it is important to check power adapter compatibility specifications, as well as user reviews, in order to make sure performance can be good with a specific laptop.
Laptop Power Adapter Features
The main features of any power adapter are power output, voltage, and plug types. In the case of universal power adapters, their compatibility with a certain laptop can be assessed by matching their power specifications with those of the laptop itself. Care must be taken to match these specifications, as mismatches risk damaging the laptop.
Laptop Power Requirements
Power adapters must supply an adequate amount of power for laptops to function correctly. As a rule of thumb, adapters must be able to provide a power output that is either equal or superior to the laptop's requirements. For example, an 80W laptop might work well with a 100W adapter, but it cannot function with a 70W one.
In order to determine a laptop's power requirements, one can check the original power adapter, as this specification is usually printed on it. Alternatively, manufacturer sites can also provide this information for each laptop and charger model. On some adapters, output power is only specified in Volts and Amperes. When the laptop's power requirements are specified in Watts, in order to assess compatibility, it is necessary to find out how many Watts the adapter can deliver. This can be quickly established by multiplying the number of Volts by the number of Amperes. For example, an 18.5 Volts, 3.5 Amperes adapter has a wattage of 18.5 x 3.5, or 64.75, which is usually rounded off to 65W.
Voltage compatibility
When an adapter's voltage is excessive, the laptop may become damaged, and when it is insufficient, the device is not able to run. Universal laptop adapters commonly include a switch to change voltage. The voltage needed by each laptop is usually listed on the bottom of the device. If this information is not visible anywhere on the physical laptop, user manuals and manufacturer websites can also provide it.
As different countries use different power ratings and plug types, travelling with a laptop can sometimes be a challenge. Universal power adapters can usually accept from 100 to 240 volts, which makes them suitable for UK, US, and European systems alike. When planning to travel to a foreign country, it is always a good idea to check the local power ratings and socket types, to ensure that laptop adapters can be plugged in and function properly in each specific region.
Laptop-Adapter Connection Types
Many manufacturers use the same adapter tip in all their models. For example, HP uses the same tip for all of its laptop products. However, some modern laptops may feature a kind of tip that does not fit older models. Some tips may look like they fit, when they actually do not. Universal power adapters can quickly solve this problems by featuring a wide range of tip options. For example, some high-end universal adapters feature Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, IBM, Sony, Asus, Toshiba, Fujitsu, NEC, LG, Panasonic, Gateway, Hitachi, Sharp, and Samsung tips. Additionally, some adapters offer the option of buying extra tips separately.
Pros and Cons of Universal Laptop Power Adapters
The advantages of universal laptops are rather obvious; they can work with different PC laptops, they are ideal for travelling, and they can remain in use after one switches to a new laptop. Some of them can even charge laptops from a car or any other type of vehicle featuring 12V DC power outlets. However, these versatile adapters have some disadvantages as well.
Although universal power adapters offer a variety of tips to connect to each laptop type, some of these tips do not fit perfectly into the laptops' DC jacks. If it is necessary to jiggle the adapter's tip inside the DC jack, then the tip is quite simply not right. Some of the tips included with universal adapters can only work well with some models at a certain angle, and this can make laptop charging extremely uncomfortable, if not impossible.
A cheap universal charger may feature a poor quality sensor to detect laptop draw, which can result in either burning or malfunction of the laptop. Naturally, this type of damage can cost much more money than a better quality adapter in the long run. Moreover, there are some laptops that require a kind of stable, clean voltage that universal adapters can seldom provide.
Universal power adapters can also be pricey when compared to OEM options. As a rule, laptops function better when powered using either OEM or generic adapters. Universal chargers are good to have as a spare or for temporary use, as in the case of travelling, but they can hardly offer the same performance as chargers specifically designed for each specific laptop model.
Green Plug Technology
Created by Westinghouse Digital Electronics, green plug technology aims at offering a single universal adapter to power different types of electronics, including laptops. Allowing each different device to communicate its power requirements to a central power adapter, green plug can charge various devices using a single adapter unit.
Green Plug's success depends on laptop and mobile device manufacturers' willingness to embed its signature firmware into their products. In the future, Westinghouse anticipates that green plug can save manufacturers a lot of money, as the need to ship power adapters alongside each electronic device might disappear if users can have their own multiple-device adapters at home.
One of the things that actually make Green Plug truly green is its ability to shut off each power supply as soon as each individual device becomes fully charged. Announced at the Alliance for Universal Power Supplies meeting in San Francisco, Green Plug Technology might potentially cause a revolution in the mobile device power adapters' market.
In terms of reducing waste, the advantages of Green Plug technology are unquestionable. With three billion power adapters being shipped all over the world every year, anything that can reduce the number of adapters being produced has to be welcomed and embraced by environmentally-aware consumers and manufacturers alike. However, manufacturers commercialising proprietary connectors, such as Apple, may lose a great deal of business if Green Plug becomes the norm. As a successful example of the extended use of universal charging devices, China has regulated cell phone charger universality, by demanding that all of them feature a standard USB interface and compatible voltage settings, thus eliminating the need of manufacturing hundreds of millions of chargers every year.
How to Buy Universal Laptop Power Adapters on eBay
eBay offers a great selection of good quality universal power adapters at extremely competitive prices. To initiate a search, you can go to the eBay home page and enter a few relevant keywords, for example, "universal laptop charger&" into the search bar. It is later possible to refine your search results by selecting manufacturer, model, and price range. In fact, the easiest way to find a universal adapter that can work with your laptop is to use a keyword string that includes your laptop model followed by "universal laptop power adapter".
Once you have identified a universal power adapter that seems to fit your needs, it is important to read both the item's complete specifications and your laptop's power requirements, to ensure that both devices are compatible. Additionally, you need to check which tips are included with the adapter, as you may need to buy some of them separately. When everything seems to fit, all that is left is to check seller reputation, postage costs, and payment details. Finally, if you are not sure the adapter can work with your laptop, you can ask the seller a few questions before finalising your purchase. Once you have completed your transaction, eBay offers you a chance to leave feedback for the seller.
Power adapters are a laptop's energy source. Therefore, they are an essential element of laptop performance. Both misuse and wear often cause laptop power adapter damage, which can create the need to purchase new adapters. Many users prefer to replace their OEM adapters with universal ones, so they can later use them with other laptops as well.
When purchasing universal power adapters,, it is important to make sure their voltage specifications and power output, as well as plug types, are compatible with each specific laptop model. The plug needs to fit perfectly into the laptop's DC jack and the output power needs to be equal to or greater than the laptop's power requirement.
Universal power adapters have many advantages. For example, they are more environmentally friendly, as they do away with the need of owning a different charger for each laptop. Green plug technology goes a step beyond in trying to dramatically reduce the number of chargers that are commonly shipped with electronics, by offering a central intelligent charger that can power several devices at the same time.
Universal laptop power adapters have numerous advantages. They are great for travelling and can be used with many different laptops. However, not all universal adapters are good for laptop performance. Some of them can, in fact, cause severe damage to laptops in the long run. Purchasing a provenly compatible, high quality universal power adapter from a reputable eBay seller is an excellent way to avoid this kind of problem.


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Think back to video games and animated movies from 5 or 10 years ago. If you take a look at the computer graphics quality of the 2003 Finding Nemo and compare it to the 2016 Finding Dory, the difference is astonishing. The same can be said for almost every film or video game series when compared to its predecessors. How has the 3D animation quality of films and games evolved so much in the span of a few years? Technology and innovative creators are revolutionizing the industry.
The requirements for a professional animator today are increasingly technical. According to a UK study, software and programming are two of the top skills needed in gaming, animation and visual effects. In fact, over half of the jobs in gaming look for coding and developing skills.
Software skills alone are a requirement for over 64 percent of positions in the animation industry and 31 percent in the video game industry.
Filling these open positions with talented workers with the right technical skills has been a difficult challenge for some. According to the same survey, 47 percent of gaming and animation employers state that finding qualified applicants with the tech skills to fill these roles has been a major hurdle.
From a global perspective, the skills shortage isn't as great now as it was last year, but there's still a significant demand. In a LinkedIn report of the top skills that employers are looking for in 2016, game development went from 24 to 29 and computer graphics and animation dropped 20 slots from 17 to 37. It is also important to note that 8 of the top 10 skills were technical.
The need for professionals in the video game and film industries to have digital skills is greater than ever, because cutting-edge technology is in high demand. Creating a full length animated film or a video game often takes years at the biggest studios. Industry leaders are searching for ways to create beautiful productions more efficiently and thanks to technology it's possible.
For instance, 3D printing has accelerated the modeling process in stop-motion. Facial animation has been one of the most challenging aspects for animators. But, software like NaturalFront's Facial Animation Software uses advanced algorithms to make realistic and accurate facial animations. Facial models are generated in minutes by using photos of real human faces, which makes the process more efficient and lifelike. Once a facial model is created, it will have realistic animation built-in.
The game and animation industries are increasingly reliant on computer technology. As technologies evolve, studios will be on the lookout for tech savvy, creative professionals that not only keep up but innovate.
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