U.S. patent application number 12/471750 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-07 for nutritional compositions containing punicalagins.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEAD JOHNSON NUTRITION COMPANY. Invention is credited to Zeina Jouni, Deshanie Rai, Nagendra Rangavajla.
Application Number | 20100004334 12/471750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41464858 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100004334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jouni; Zeina ; et
al. |
January 7, 2010 |
Nutritional Compositions Containing Punicalagins
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a nutritional
composition comprising punicalagins.
Inventors: |
Jouni; Zeina; (Evansville,
IN) ; Rai; Deshanie; (Newburgh, IN) ;
Rangavajla; Nagendra; (Dublin, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WADDEY & PATTERSON, P.C.
1600 DIVISION STREET, SUITE 500
NASHVILLE
TN
37203
US
|
Assignee: |
MEAD JOHNSON NUTRITION
COMPANY
Evansville
IN
|
Family ID: |
41464858 |
Appl. No.: |
12/471750 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61077232 |
Jul 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/560 ;
426/648 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 33/40 20160801;
A61P 37/04 20180101; A23L 33/105 20160801; A61P 3/02 20180101; A61P
37/02 20180101; A61P 37/00 20180101; A61P 37/08 20180101; A61P
29/00 20180101; A61P 31/00 20180101; A61K 31/202 20130101; A61K
36/73 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A61P 17/00 20180101; A23V
2002/00 20130101; A23V 2250/21 20130101; A23V 2250/70 20130101;
A23V 2250/156 20130101; A23V 2250/1868 20130101; A23V 2250/1862
20130101; A23V 2250/1872 20130101; A23V 2250/1874 20130101; A23V
2250/0644 20130101; A23V 2200/304 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/560 ;
426/648 |
International
Class: |
A23L 1/305 20060101
A23L001/305; A61P 37/08 20060101 A61P037/08; A61K 31/202 20060101
A61K031/202; A61P 37/04 20060101 A61P037/04 |
Claims
1. A nutritional composition comprising: a. a protein source; b. a
fat source; c. a carbohydrate source; and d. punicalagins.
2. The nutritional composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of punicalagins in the composition is between about 0.004 to
about 0.20 mg/g of the composition.
3. The nutritional composition according to claim 1, further
comprising punicic acid.
4. The nutritional composition according to claim 3, wherein the
amount of punicic acid in the composition is between about 0.01 to
about 40 mg/g of the composition.
5. The nutritional composition according to claim 1, further
comprising pomegranate leaf extract.
6. The nutritional composition according to claim 5, wherein the
amount of pomegranate leaf extract in the composition is between
about 4 mg/g to about 60 mg/g of the composition.
7. The nutritional composition according to claim 1, further
comprising punicic acid and pomegranate leaf extract.
8. The nutritional composition according to claim 1, wherein the
nutritional composition is an infant formula.
9. A method of enhancing the immune system of a pediatric subject
comprising administering punicalagins to the pediatric subject.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the enhanced immune system
function comprises an improved resistance to infection.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the amount of
punicalagins administered to the pediatric subject is between about
1 mg to about 100 mg per day.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further
comprises administering punicic acid to the pediatric subject.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the amount of punicic
acid administered to the pediatric subject is between about 50 mg
to about 5 g per day.
14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further
comprises administering pomegranate leaf extract to the pediatric
subject.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the amount of
pomegranate leaf extract administered to the pediatric subject is
between about 1 g to about 15 g per day.
16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further
comprises administering punicic acid and pomegranate leaf extract
to the pediatric subject.
17. A method for reducing allergic inflammatory responses in a
pediatric subject comprising administering punicalagins to the
pediatric subject.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the amount of
punicalagins administered to the pediatric subject is between about
1 mg to about 100 mg per day.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method further
comprises administering punicic acid to the pediatric subject.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method further
comprises administering pomegranate leaf extract to the pediatric
subject.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to nutritional
compositions comprising punicalagins and methods of using
nutritional compositions comprising punicalagins.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to
nutritional compositions comprising a protein source, a fat source,
a carbohydrate source, and punicalagins.
[0004] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method
for enhancing the immune system in a pediatric subject via the
administration of punicalagins.
[0005] Further, the invention, in an embodiment, is directed to a
method for reducing allergic inflammatory responses in a pediatric
subject via administration of punicalagins.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0006] Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of
the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below.
Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention,
not a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made in the present invention without departing from the
scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.
[0007] Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such
modifications and variations as come within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and
aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or are obvious
from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a
description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as
limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.
[0008] The present invention is directed, in some embodiments, to
nutritional compositions comprising a protein source, a fat source,
a carbohydrate source, and punicalagins. The nutritional
composition may be provided in any form known in the art, such as a
powder, a gel, a suspension, a paste, a solid, a liquid, a liquid
concentrate, or a ready-to-use product. The nutritional composition
may, in certain embodiments, comprise a nutritional supplement,
children's nutritional product, infant formula, human milk
fortifier, or any other nutritional composition designed for
children or infants. As used herein, the terms "children" or
"child" refer to human subjects between the ages of one and 13
years old. In some embodiments, the terms "children" or "child"
refer to human subjects that are two, three, four, five, or six
years old. The term "children's nutritional product" means a
composition that satisfies at least a portion of the nutrient
requirements of a child. As used herein, the term "infant" means a
postnatal human that is less than about one year of age. The term
"infant formula" means a composition that satisfies the nutrient
requirements of an infant by being a substitute for human milk.
[0009] Punicalagins are tannins, which are large polyphenol
compounds that are isomers of
2,3-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-4,6-(S,S)-gallagyl-D-glucose,
hydrolysable tannins with a molecular weight of 1084. Punicalagins
are the predominant pomegranate tannin.
[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, punicalagins are
present in a nutritional composition in an amount ranging from
about 0.004 to about 0.20 mg/g of the composition. In other
embodiments of the invention, punicalagins are present in an amount
ranging from about 0.008 to about 0.12 mg/g of the composition.
[0011] If the composition of the invention is administered to an
infant or child, an amount of punicalagins ranging from about 1 mg
to about 100 mg per day may be administered. In other embodiments,
the amount of punicalagins administered to an infant or child via
the composition of the invention may range from about 5 mg to about
50 mg per day. In some embodiments the amount of punicalagins
administered to an infant or child via the composition of the
invention may range from about 10 mg to about 35 mg per day.
[0012] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition of the
present invention further comprises punicic acid. Punicic acid is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid, 18:3 (n-5). It is obtained from
pomegranate seed oil. Its chemical formula is
C.sub.18H.sub.30O.sub.2. Punicic acid is a conjugated linolenic
acid. It has three conjugated double bonds, and it is chemically
similar to the conjugated linoleic acids, which have two.
[0013] The term "punicic acid," as used herein, refers to a
conjugated linolenic acid isomer containing cis-9, trans-11, cis-13
double bonds in the C.sub.18 carbon chain, its non-toxic salts,
active esters, active isomers, active metabolites, structural
lipids containing punicic acid, and mixtures thereof.
[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, punicic acid is
present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 40 mg/g of
the composition. In further embodiments of the invention, punicic
acid is present in an amount ranging from about 0.02 to about 20
mg/g of the composition.
[0015] If the composition of the invention is administered to an
infant or child, an amount of punicic acid ranging from about 25 mg
to about 10 g per day may be administered. In further embodiments,
the amount of punicic acid administered to an infant or child via
the composition of the invention may range from about 50 mg to
about 5 g per day.
[0016] If punicic acid is added to the nutritional composition of
the present invention, the weight ratio of punicalagins:punicic
acid may be from about 1:10,000 to about 4:1. In some embodiments
of the present invention, the weight ratio of punicalagins:punicic
acid may be from about 1:1,000 to about 1:1. In further
embodiments, the ratio may be from about 1:500 to about 2:3.
[0017] In additional embodiments of the invention, the nutritional
composition may further comprise pomegranate leaf extract. Although
previous research has focused on the pomegranate fruit, the extract
from pomegranate leaves may also provide health benefits. The use
of pomegranate leaf extract in combination with punicalagins in
accordance with the present invention may provide increased levels
of health benefits in infants, children and adult mammal
subjects.
[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, pomegranate leaf
extract is present in an amount ranging from about 4 mg/g to about
60 mg/g of the composition. In further embodiments of the
invention, pomegranate leaf extract is present in an amount ranging
from about 12 mg/g to about 48 mg/g of the composition.
[0019] If the composition of the invention is administered to an
infant or child, an amount of pomegranate leaf extract ranging from
about 1 g to about 15 g per day may be administered. In further
embodiments, the amount of pomegranate leaf extract administered to
an infant or child via the composition of the invention may range
from about 3 g to about 12 g per day. In some embodiments, the
amount of pomegranate leaf extract administered to an infant or
child via the composition of the invention may range from about 5 g
to about 10 g per day.
[0020] If the nutritional composition contains pomegranate leaf
extract, the weight ratio of punicalagins:pomegranate leaf extract
may be from about 1:15,000 to about 1:100. In some embodiments of
the present invention, the weight ratio of punicalagins:pomegranate
leaf extract may be from about 1:2,400 to about 1:60. In further
embodiments, the ratio may be from about 1:500 to about 1:10.
[0021] In further embodiments, the nutritional composition of the
present invention contemplates the use of punicalagins with punicic
acid and pomegranate leaf extract. The combination of punicalagins,
punicic acid, and pomegranate leaf extract may provide increased
levels of health benefits in infants, children, and adult mammal
subjects.
[0022] If punicalagins are provided in an infant formula or
children's nutritional product, the formula or product may be
nutritionally complete and may contain suitable types and amounts
of lipid, carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, and minerals. As used
herein, the term "nutritionally complete" refers to a nutritional
composition that may be used as the sole source of nutrition, which
would supply to a subject essentially all the required daily
amounts of vitamins, minerals, and/or trace elements in combination
with the proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
[0023] If the composition of the present invention is provided as
an infant formula, the amount of lipid or fat in an infant formula
can vary from about 3 to about 7 g/100 kcal. Lipid sources can be
any used in the art, e.g., vegetable oils such as palm oil, canola
oil, corn oil, soybean oil, palmolein, coconut oil, medium chain
triglyceride oil, high oleic sunflower oil, high oleic safflower
oil, fish oil, and the like. The amount of carbohydrate can vary
from about 8 to about 12 g/100 kcal. Carbohydrate sources can be
any used in the art, e.g., lactose, glucose, corn syrup solids,
maltodextrins, sucrose, starch, rice syrup solids, and the
like.
[0024] The amount of protein, if the present composition is
provided as an infant formula, can vary from about 1 to about 5
g/100 kcal. Protein sources can be any used in the art, e.g.,
nonfat milk, whey protein, casein, soy protein, hydrolyzed protein,
amino acids, and the like. In a particular embodiment, the protein
source contains both bovine whey and bovine casein. In an
embodiment, the whey may be a denatured whey protein concentrate.
In another embodiment, the whey may be an undenatured whey protein
concentrate. In a specific embodiment, the protein source may
contain both a denatured and an undenatured whey protein
concentrate.
[0025] If the composition of the present invention is provided as
an infant formula, suitable examples of infant formulas may include
soy based, partially or extensively hydrolyzed, lactose-free,
low-lactose, elemental, protein-free, anti-regurgitation,
premature, or standard infant formulas. The type of infant formula
used may be based on the needs of the infant for proper digestion
and health.
[0026] The composition of the present invention may be provided to
both term and preterm infants. As a result, if the composition of
the present invention is provided as an infant formula, the infant
formula may be a term infant formula or a preterm infant formula.
Similarly, if the composition of the present invention is provided
as a human milk fortifier, the human milk fortifier may be a term
human milk fortifier or a preterm human milk fortifier.
[0027] Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) have been
shown to be important in infant development. Arachidonic acid (ARA;
C20:4, n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 n-3) are of
particular interest due to the high concentrations of each found in
the infant brain and retina. ARA and DHA are synthesized from their
respective 18 carbon precursors, linoleic acid (18:2, n-6) and
a-linolenic acid (18:3, n-3) through alternate desaturation and
elongation. DHA and ARA are typically obtained through breast milk
in infants that are breast-fed. In infants that are formula-fed,
however, DHA and ARA must be supplemented into the diet.
[0028] Evidence indicates that infants with altered LCPUFA levels,
resulting from inadequate intake of dietary LCPUFA, may be at risk
for neurological problems, may score lower on cognitive tests, and
have lower retinal development than infants fed human milk. Thus,
the provision of LCPUFA, in particular ARA and DHA, in amounts
closely approximating those found in human milk may support
adequate growth as well as neurological development in formula-fed
infants. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the
nutritional composition contains at least one LCPUFA. In a
particular embodiment, the nutritional composition contains DHA
and/or ARA.
[0029] If added to a nutritional composition, the weight ratio of
ARA:DHA may be from about 1:3 to about 9:1. In one embodiment of
the present invention, this ratio is from about 1:2 to about 4:1.
In yet another embodiment, the ratio is from about 2:3 to about
2:1. In one particular embodiment the ratio is about 2:1. In
another particular embodiment of the invention, the ratio is about
1:1.5. In other embodiments, the ratio is about 1:1.3. In other
embodiments, the ratio is about 1:1.9. In a particular embodiment,
the ratio is about 1.5:1. In a further embodiment, the ratio is
about 1.47:1.
[0030] If DHA is included in the invention, the level of DHA may be
between about 0.0% and 1.00% of fatty acids, by weight. In other
embodiments, the level of DHA may be about 0.32% by weight. In some
embodiments, the level of DHA may be about 0.33% by weight. In
another embodiment, the level of DHA may be about 0.64% by weight.
In another embodiment, the level of DHA may be about 0.67% by
weight. In yet another embodiment, the level of DHA may be about
0.96% by weight. In a further embodiment, the level of DHA may be
about 1.00% by weight.
[0031] If ARA is included in the invention, the level of ARA may be
between 0.0% and 0.67% of fatty acids, by weight. In another
embodiment, the level of ARA may be about 0.67% by weight. In
another embodiment, the level of ARA may be about 0.5% by weight.
In yet another embodiment, the level of DHA may be between about
0.47% and 0.48% by weight.
[0032] If used, the amount of DHA in the present invention may be
from about 2 mg/100 kilocalories (kcal) to about 100 mg/100 kcal.
In another embodiment, the amount of DHA may be from about 5 mg/100
kcal to about 75 mg/100 kcal. In yet another embodiment, the amount
of DHA may be from about 15 mg/100 kcal to about 60 mg/100
kcal.
[0033] If used, the amount of ARA in the present invention may be
from about 4 mg/100 kilocalories (kcal) to about 100 mg/100 kcal.
In another embodiment, the amount of ARA may be from about 10
mg/100 kcal to about 67 mg/100 kcal. In yet another embodiment, the
amount of ARA may be from about 20 mg/100 kcal to about 50 mg/100
kcal. In a particular embodiment, the amount of ARA may be from
about 25 mg/100 kcal to about 40 mg/100 kcal. In one embodiment,
the amount of ARA is about 30 mg/100 kcal.
[0034] If the composition of the invention is supplemented with
oils containing DHA and/or ARA, it may be accomplished using
standard techniques known in the art. For example, an equivalent
amount of an oil which is normally present in the composition may
be replaced with DHA and/or ARA.
[0035] If utilized, the source of one or more of the LCPUFA can be
any source known in the art such as marine oil, fish oil, single
cell oil, egg yolk lipid, brain lipid, and the like. Any LCPUFA can
be in natural form, provided that the remainder of the LCPUFA
source does not result in any substantial deleterious effect on an
infant or child. Alternatively, a LCPUFA can be used in refined
form.
[0036] If used, the LCPUFA source may or may not contain
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In some embodiments, especially for
feeding to infants the LCPUFA used in the invention contains little
or no EPA. For example, in certain embodiments that the nutritional
compositions used herein contain less than about 20 mg/100 kcal
EPA; in some embodiments less than about 10 mg/100 kcal EPA; in
other embodiments less than about 5 mg/100 kcal EPA; and in still
other embodiments substantially no EPA.
[0037] In some embodiments of the invention, the nutritional
composition contains additional components which may include
probiotics or prebiotics. The term "probiotic" means a
microorganism that exerts beneficial effects on the health of the
host. Any probiotic known in the art may be added, provided it is
suitable for combination with the other components of the
composition. For example, the probiotic may be chosen from the
group consisting of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Alternatively, the probiotic can be Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
[0038] In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition of the
present invention additionally comprises at least one prebiotic.
The term "prebiotic", as used herein, means a non-digestible food
ingredient that stimulates the growth and/or activity of
probiotics. In this embodiment, any prebiotic known in the art may
be added, provided it is suitable for combination with the other
components of the composition. In a particular embodiment, the
prebiotic can be selected from the group consisting of
fructo-oligosaccharide, inulin, gluco-oligosaccharide,
galacto-oligosaccharide, isomalto-oligosaccharide,
xylo-oligosaccharide, soybean oligosaccharides,
chito-oligosaccharide, gentio-oligosaccharide,
manno-oligosaccharide, lactulose, lactosucrose, raffinose,
aribino-oligosaccharide, glucans, siallyl-oligosaccharide,
polydextrose, inulin, fuco-oligosaccharide, and mixtures
thereof.
[0039] In some embodiments, the use of punicalagins alone, or in
combination with punicic acid or pomegranate leaf extract, or the
combination of all three aid in immune system development and
function in pediatric subjects. For example, the use of
punicalagins alone, or in combination with punicic acid or
pomegranate leaf extract, or the combination of all three may
enhance resistance to infection and/or reduce allergic inflammatory
responses including, but not limited to asthma, wheezing, atopic
cough, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and eczema. Thus, in some
embodiments, the invention is directed to a method for enhancing
the immune response in a pediatric subject comprising administering
the nutritional composition of the present invention to the
pediatric subject. In further embodiments, the invention is
directed to a method for enhancing resistance to infection in a
pediatric subject comprising administering the nutritional
composition of the present invention to the pediatric subject. In
other embodiments, the invention is directed to a method for
reducing allergic inflammatory responses in a pediatric subject
comprising administering the nutritional composition of the present
invention to the pediatric subject. As used herein, the term
"pediatric subject" refers to human subjects that are less than 13
years old. In some embodiments, the term "pediatric subject" refers
to human subjects that are less than 8 years old.
[0040] Further, in some embodiments, the use of punicalagins alone
or in combination with punicic acid, or pomegranate leaf extract,
or the combination of all three may aid in enhancing cardiovascular
health, eye health, brain development and function,
gastrointestinal health and function. Further, the use of
punicalagins alone, or in combination with punicic acid or
pomegranate leaf extract, or the combination of all three may aid
in reducing the risk of inflammation, cancer, or the metabolic
syndrome, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. Thus, in some
embodiments, the invention is directed to a method for enhancing
cardiovascular health, and eye health in a pediatric subject by
administering the nutritional composition of the present invention
to the pediatric subject. In further embodiments the invention is
directed to a method for enhancing brain development and function
in a pediatric subject by administering the nutritional composition
of the present invention to the pediatric subject. In other
embodiments the invention is directed to a method of improving
gastrointestinal health and function in a pediatric subject by
administering the nutritional composition of the present invention
to the pediatric subject. Such an embodiment of the invention could
include providing a healthy intestinal micro flora balance in the
pediatric subject. In some embodiments, the invention is directed
to a method for reducing the risk of inflammation and cancer in a
pediatric subject by administering the nutritional composition of
the present invention to the pediatric subject. In further
embodiments, the invention is directed to a method for reducing the
risk of metabolic syndrome in a pediatric subject by administering
the nutritional composition of the present invention to the
pediatric subject. In such an embodiment, the reduction of the risk
of metabolic syndrome in pediatric subjects could include reduction
in the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the combination of punicalagins with
punicic acid or with pomegranate leaf extract, or the combination
of all three provides an enhanced effect with respect to the health
benefits listed above. It is believed that the activity of the
combination of punicalagins with punicic acid or with pomegranate
leaf extract, or the combination of all three is greater than the
added activity expected when each of the compounds are administered
separately.
[0042] The following example describes an embodiment of the present
invention. Other embodiments within the scope of the claims herein
will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the consideration
of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein.
It is intended that the specification, together with the example,
be considered to be exemplary only, with the scope of the invention
being indicated by the claims which follow the example.
EXAMPLE 1
[0043] Table 1 illustrates the nutrient components of one infant
formula embodiment of a nutritional composition of the present
invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Per 100 Calories (Normal Dilution) (5 fl oz)
Per 100 grams Powder Protein, g 2.1 10.8 Fat, g 5.3 27 Linoleic
acid, mg 860 4400 Linolenic acid, mg 85 440 DHA, mg 17 88 ARA, mg
34 175 Carbohydrate, g 10.9 56 Water, g 134 3.3 Punicalagins, mg
1.9 10 Vitamins/Other Nutrients Vitamin A, IU 300 1550 Vitamin D,
IU 60 310 Vitamin E, IU 2 10.3 Vitamin K, mcg 8 41 Thiamin (Vitamin
B1), mcg 80 410 Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), 140 720 mcg Vitamin B6,
mcg 60 310 Vitamin B12, mcg 0.3 1.55 Niacin, mcg 1000 5200 Folic
acid (Folacin), mcg 16 83 Pantothenic acid, mcg 500 2600 Biotin,
mcg 3 15.5 Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), 12 62 mg Choline, mg 24 124
Inositol, mg 6 31 Carnitine, mg 2 10.3 Taurine, mg 6 31 Minerals
Calcium, mg 78 400 Phosphorus, mg 43 220 Magnesium, mg 8 41 Iron,
mg 1.8 9.3 Zinc, mg 1 5.2 Manganese, mcg 15 77 Copper, mcg 75 390
Iodine, mcg 10 52 Selenium, mcg 2.8 14.5 Sodium, mg 27 139
Potassium, mg 108 560 Chloride, mg 63 330 Molybdenum, mcg NA NA
Chromium, mcg NA NA
[0044] All references cited in this specification, including
without limitation, all papers, publications, patents, patent
applications, presentations, texts, reports, manuscripts,
brochures, books, internet postings, journal articles, periodicals,
and the like, are hereby incorporated by reference into this
specification in their entireties. The discussion of the references
herein is intended merely to summarize the assertions made by their
authors and no admission is made that any reference constitutes
prior art. Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy
and pertinence of the cited references.
[0045] These and other modifications and variations to the present
invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art,
without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is
more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it
should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be
interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is
by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention
so further described in such appended claims. Therefore, the scope
of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of
the preferred versions contained therein.
* * * * *