Abstract: Substituted cyclohexyl chemical entities of Formula (I): wherein Ra, G, and Rb have any of the values described herein, and compositions comprising such chemical entities; methods of making them; and their use in a wide range of methods, including metabolic and reaction kinetic studies; detection and imaging techniques; radioactive therapies; modulating and treating disorders mediated by nociceptin activity or dopamine signaling; treating neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, depression, and schizophrenia; enhancing the efficiency of cognitive and motor training; and treating peripheral disorders, including renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver, genitourinary, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Stopper rods (22) for the continuous casting of molten metal have a stopper rod body (22-3), and a stopper rod tip (22-1) at a lower end of the stopper rod body. The stopper rod tip defines a frustoconically shaped exterior surface (22-1a) which terminates in a recessed nose (22-1b). The recessed nose is most preferably a curvilinear surface (e.g., a spherical segment), but non-curvilinear surfaces (e.g., prismatic, pyramidal, triangular, and quadrangular surfaces) may alternatively be employed. The frustoconically shaped exterior surface (22-1a) of the stopper rod tip most preferably forms an angle ? with respect to a horizontal plane which is sufficiently great so as to increase the velocity of the flowing molten metal to reduce the boundary layer thickness thereof adjacent the nozzle and stopper rod tip surfaces so as to minimize the deposition of inclusions thereon. Preferably the angle ? is greater than 70°.