Abstract: The invention is an apparatus to clean leather items, including removal of dirt stains, grass stains, and scuff marks, including, but not limited to, baseballs, softballs, footballs and shoes. The apparatus holds a removable hollow barrel-shaped container in which the items to be cleaned are placed, along with pieces of a rubber or gummy material. The apparatus revolves the container so the mixture of rubber pieces and items to be cleaned mix together, the erratic motion of the eraser material buffing the items clean. A straining element in the barrel allows a user to separate the items being cleaned from the rubber material and removed debris by standing the barrel on its end, after which a user opens a door in the barrel above the strainer.

Abstract: A foldable cardboard play structure is provided that comprises at least a first and second foldable cardboard panel, wherein at least the first foldable panel includes one or more first tabs, each of the one or more first tabs corresponding to a slot located on at least the second foldable panel. The slots are adapted to receive the corresponding first tab and at least one of the first and second foldable panels include one or more edge portions having at least one fold line and a second tab thereon. The edge portions are configured to wrap around exposed rough edges of the other of the first and second foldable panel.

Abstract: A life-size pop-out play structure is provided that includes a first foldable cardboard panel, a second foldable cardboard panel hingedly bound to the first panel along a first edge and one or more pop-out portions attached to the first and second cardboard panels. The portions are configured to lie flat against at least one of the first and second panels when the first and second panels are in a closed position and the pop-out portions are configured to pop-out when the first and second panels are separated by an angle.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing a bandwidth control interface that displays the relative amount of bandwidth assigned to each application executing at a computer device. By displaying the relative amount of bandwidth, the interface allows the user to easily determine how the available bandwidth is allocated among the applications, and whether the allocation provides for efficient network communication. The bandwidth control interface also allows the user to adjust the relative allocation of bandwidth to the executing applications. The user can thereby control the relative amount of bandwidth that is allocated to each application by a network interface device.

Abstract: A message routing method includes receiving a plurality of messages at a routing node. The routing node is configured to receive instructions indicating an offset, criteria associated with the offset, and a group of interested nodes. The routing node examines a portion of a data payload of a received message based on the offset. If the information at the offset matches the criteria, the routing node routes the message to each of the group of interested nodes. Thus, the routing node can route messages to different groups of destination nodes depending on information in the data payload of received messages, thereby providing a flexible way to route messages over a network.

Abstract: A golf car or utility vehicle having a composite body. In some aspects of the invention, the golf car or utility vehicle has a composite body assembly that includes a front clam shell assembly and a rear shell-like body. In other aspects, the golf car or utility vehicle includes a composite body assembly having a periphery and one or more decorative body panels, the decorative body panels being recessed inwardly relative to the composite body assembly periphery to prevent impacts to the panels.

Abstract: This invention provides novel compositions and methods for modulating acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC) function comprising ASIC and derivatives thereof; methods for modulating ASIC function and methods for treating anxiety or anxiety disorders and drug addiction using the novel compositions of the invention; and a method for increasing synaptic plasticity are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising certain truncated forms of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early enhancer-promoter, either alone or operably linked to transgenes of interest, including those encoding partially-deleted CFTR proteins. This invention further relates to vectors comprising these nucleic acid molecules and host cells transformed by such vectors. The nucleic acid molecules, vectors and transformed host cells of the present invention are useful for treating a variety of genetic, metabolic and acquired diseases, including inter alia cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease.

Abstract: Novel compositions for modulating acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC) function comprising ASIC?, ASIC?, and BNC1 and derivatives thereof; methods for modulating ASIC function and methods for treating cognitive disorders and for memory enhancement using the novel compositions of the invention; and a method for increasing synaptic plasticity are described.

Abstract: The present method provides online workforce readiness tracking of pertinent safety status information to safety professionals that is immediate, accurate, documented, verifiable, auditable and easily accessible for all authorized Users. All data is stored online, in one Secure Socket Layer (SSL) database location. The online system provides a ‘real time’ process of safety status validation and verification at multiple User access levels, dependent upon the specific safety information required, in order to determine compliance, as defined by the Owner's work readiness requirements, per Project Site. The present system simplifies and reduces the redundant costs associated with safe work preparedness—specifically, safety training, drug testing, Employee verifications or background checks.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a vehicle or utility vehicle pedal assembly and method are disclosed. The pedal assembly may be modular and readily adaptable for use on vehicles and utility vehicles having either an electric motor drive system or an internal combustion engine drive system. Thus, in some embodiments the module includes a base, a plurality of pedals coupled to the base, and an output regulator coupled to the base. Other embodiments disclose a parking brake engagement assembly comprising a toothed element, an engagement element selectively engageable with the toothed element, and an arm to the control the engagement between the toothed element and the engagement element. Yet other embodiments disclose a non-contact sensor coupled to the brake system to selectively illuminate the brake lamps of a vehicle or utility vehicle. Further embodiments disclose a timer coupled to the brake system to selectively illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: A method for killing infectious microbial cells by exposing the microbial cells to endogenous antimicrobial compounds. Activation of the antimicrobials is achieved by addition of low permeability, non-ionic osmolytes to lower ionic strength in body fluids where the antimicrobials have been previously suppressed by alteration of ionic transport (increase in salt concentration). The method can be used to treat cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis causes elevated salt concentrations in the airway surface liquid (ASL) occur due to the impaired chloride transport across the epithelia. Xylitol has been found to be an effective low permeability, non-ionic osmolyte for use in the present invention.

Abstract: A golf car (10) or utility vehicle having a composite body (58). In some aspects of the invention, the golf car or utility vehicle has a composite body assembly that includes a front clam shell assembly (62) and a rear shell-like body (64). In other aspects, the golf car or utility vehicle includes a composite body assembly having a periphery (118) and one or more decorative body panels (106, 108), the decorative body panels being recessed inwardly relative to the composite body assembly periphery to prevent impacts to the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of antimicrobial peptides in the inhibition of microbial growth and proliferation. Novel antimicrobial truncated peptides are disclosed which are based upon SMAP 29 and RCAP 18, but which contain a lesser number of amino acid residues yet still retain bactericidal activity. In addition, synthetic peptides based upon the SMAP 29 protein are disclosed which have fewer amino acid residues and include substitutions yet retain substantial activity. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting microbial growth by administering an effective amount of a peptide in accordance with the invention, or by combining the peptides with other antimicrobial agents or antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention employs an iterative application of BLAST and Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based searches which identified 34 ?-defensin genes in the human genome and 48 in the mouse genome. The present invention relates to novel antimicrobial peptides and derivatives thereof as well as the ?-defensin genes encoding the peptides. The invention further relates to methods of use of the peptides including a method of inhibiting microbial growth by administering an effective amount of the peptide alone or in combination with other antimicrobial agents or antibiotics.

Abstract: A cabinet includes side panels, a back panel, and a top panel that frictionally-attach together with non-intrusive integrally-formed connectors. The illustrated base is screw-attached, and includes openings for routing wiring within the cabinet. Brackets are adapted to support shelves in the cabinet in either a flush or inset condition, and at different heights based on which cabinet slots they engage and based on their orientation in those slots. A light-transmitting top panel and top shelf can be used to provide improved light within the cabinet. Hinge brackets on the cabinet support either a thick door with internal storage space, a proud door or an inset door. Drawers supported in the cabinet include a lock within the drawer's header for operating a vertical cabinet lock rod.

Abstract: The invention presented herein provides methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. The methods are based on the discovery that depletion of bioavailable iron stimulates surface motility in bacteria thus inhibiting the ability of a bacterial population to develop into a biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or blocking agent. More precisely, it relates to use of an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase for production of a drug for prevention/treatment of type I diabetes mellitus, wherein the inhibitor is a GTK (BSK, IYK, FRK, RAK) tyrosine kinase.

Abstract: A co-polymer of benzophenone and bisphenol A has been shown to have DUV absorption properties. Therefore, the co-polymer has particular utility as an antireflective coating in microlithography applications. Incorporating anthracene into the co-polymer backbone enhances absorption at 248 nm. The endcapper used for the co-polymer can vary widely depending on the needs of the user and can be selected to promote adhesion, stability, and absorption of different wavelengths.

Abstract: Microlithographic methods for the use of improved underlayers for chemically amplified deep UV photoresist compositions and structures produced thereby are disclosed. The compositions comprise, in admixture, a polymeric binder, and an azide which is thermolyzed during microlithographic processing to form an amine. Films formed from the underlayer compositions of the present invention, when applied immediately under and proximate to a chemically amplified photoresist film reduce the resist structure sidewall foot or undercut caused by an adverse contact reaction.