Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for increasing the cell surface expression of degradation-prone CFTR proteins and preventing or treating cystic fibrosis. The invention provides peptides and peptidomimetics that selectively inhibit the interaction between CAL and mutant CFTR proteins, thereby stabilizing the CFTR and facilitating transport of the same to the cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for increasing the cell surface expression of degradation-prone CFTR proteins and preventing or treating cystic fibrosis. The invention provides peptides and peptidomimetics that selectively inhibit the interaction between CAL and mutant CFTR proteins, thereby stabilizing the CFTR and facilitating transport of the same to the cell surface.

Abstract: At least one embodiment generally relates to using an installation tool to pass an expansion mandrel through an elongated member to at least locally, radially expand at least a portion of the elongated member and achieve an interference fit with a radially expandable member located about an outer surface of the elongated member. In one embodiment, the elongated member is radially expanded over its entire length and may include a stepped feature so that only a portion of the elongated member achieves the interference fit with the radially expandable member. During the radial-expansion process, both the radially expandable member and the elongated member may be at the same or approximately the same temperature. Before the radial-expansion process, the radially expandable member may be assembled using press-fit techniques, shrink fit techniques, clearance fitting techniques, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fitting is inserted into an opening in a wall. The fitting includes a ring portion where it extends through the opening. It also includes one or two end portions that extend axially outwardly from the ring portion. The ring portion has an inside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameters of the end portion or portions. The fitting is positioned within the wall openings. Then, an expansion tool is moved through the interior of fitting for the purpose of expanding the ring portion. The ring portion is expanded to such an extent that it makes a tight fit with the opening. Also, the degree of expansion may result in a cold working of the wall material surrounding the opening. The expansion tooling only expands the ring portion and does not exert a substantial expanding force on the end portions.

Abstract: A tubular fastener element is inserted into an opening in a wall until a flange at the trailing end of the fastener element is in contact with the wall. Then, an externally threaded end of a rod is inserted into a center opening in the fastener element from the flange side of the wall and is mated with internal threads in the fastener element beyond the second side of the wall. A tubular mandrel that surrounds the rod is moved into contact with the entrance portion of the center opening in the tubular fastener. The outside diameter of the mandrel is larger than the inside diameter of the center opening in the fastener element. The rod is retracted to cause a reduced thickness wall portion of the fastener element to collapse and form a second radial flange on the second side of the wall. The mandrel is forced axially into the center opening in the fastener element.

Abstract: Flexible thermoplastic polymer alloy compositions and process for preparing same are disclosed. The composition comprises a blend of about 20 to about 40 weight percent (hereinafter “wt. %”) polypropylene; about 20 to about 50 wt. % uncrosslinked ethylene copolymer; about 2 to about 15 wt. % functionalized polymers, which functionalized polymers typically include maleated polypropylene; and about 1 to about 10 wt. % amines, which amines typically include long chain amines. Processes for mixing the compositions are also included.

Abstract: Flexible thermoplastic polymer alloy compositions and process for preparing same are disclosed. The composition comprises a blend of about 20 to about 40 weight percent (hereinafter “wt. %”) polypropylene; about 20 to about 50 wt. % uncrosslinked ethylene copolymer; about 2 to about 15 wt. % functionalized polymers, which functionalized polymers typically include maleated polypropylene; and about 1 to about 10 wt. % amines, which amines typically include long chain amines. Processes for mixing the compositions are also included.