Abstract: The ?2-adrenergic receptor (?2AR) is a primary target in the treatment of airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since ?-agonist treatment of airway disease can have severe side effects, compounds that attenuate the side effects of ?-agonists have been identified via their ability to inhibit ?2AR interaction with ?-arrestins. These compounds are specific for the ?2AR and effectively protect against the desensitization observed with ?-agonist treatment in model cells and airway tissue. The present disclosure provides compounds and methods for treating airway disease, such as but not limited to COPD and/or asthma.

Abstract: In various embodiments method are provided for generating expression cassettes and gene therapy vectors comprising those cassettes that recapitulate the spatiotemporal pattern of expression of the endogenous gene. In certain embodiments the methods comprise (i) selecting a target gene; (ii) identifying putative regulatory elements associated with the target gene; (iii) determining if the regulatory element is a key regulatory element and (iv) providing a list of the key regulatory elements identified in step (iii).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for blow spinning continuous fibers. The novel process utilizes a tensioning device to preclude slack in the fiber. The present invention also provides novel fiber products which utilize continuous fibers prepared by a blow spinning process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for blow spinning continuous fibers. The novel process utilizes a tensioning device to preclude slack in the fiber. The present invention also provides novel fiber products which utilize continuous fibers prepared by a blow spinning process.

Abstract: A spinning die for spinning mesophase pitch into carbon fibers. The die includes a central cavity having a bottom and at least one side wall which intersects the bottom. At least one capillary for forming a fiber is in fluid communication with the cavity, the capillary having a first open end, a second open end, an axis and a diameter (d). A flow disruption shoulder is positioned at the juncture of the bottom of the central cavity and the first open end of the capillary to create turbulence at the capillary entrance.

Abstract: An apparatus to determine the pressure within the furnace during thermal gradient forced flow processes as well as other CVI/CVD processes is disclosed. Further, a method to measure the pressure is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for blow spinning continuous fibers. The novel process utilizes a tensioning device to preclude slack in the fiber. The present invention also provides novel fiber products which utilize continuous fibers prepared by a blow spinning process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and for producing a single layer batt of fibers prepared by multiple die tips. The present invention also provides a novel multiple tip blow spinning die.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a single layer batt of fibers prepared by multiple die tips. The present invention also provides a novel multiple tip blow spinning die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blow spinning die particularly suited for spinning solvated pitch into fibers having a random cross-sectional structure. Additionally, the present invention provides a process for blow spinning fibers from solvated pitches. The present invention also provides pitch fibers having a high energy internal molecular structure. Finally, the present invention provides carbon fibers which have a non-radial internal structure.

Abstract: Use of a ribbon shaped flow configuration at the entrance to a round spinneret used for spinning carbon fibers from mesophase pitch promotes the formation of random microstructure and prevents formation of axial cracking in the fibers.

Abstract: A coupled spin-draw process for making a fully-oriented nylon yarn including extruding molten nylon polymer with a selected RV through a spinneret and cooling to produce a yarn. The yarn is withdrawn from the quench zone with a feed roll rotating at a speed of at least 4500 mpm. The process further includes cold drawing followed by relaxing the yarn using a steam intermingling jet and then winding up.

Abstract: Use of a ribbon shaped flow configuration at the entrance to a round spinneret used for spinning carbon fibers from mesophase pitch promotes the formation of random microstructure and prevents formation of axial cracking in the fibers.

Abstract: Use of a ribbon shaped flow configuration at the entrance to a round spinneret used for spinning carbon fibers from mesophase pitch promotes the formation of random microstructure and prevents formation of axial cracking in the fibers.

Abstract: Small diameter high strength carbon fibers are produced in a process in which the spinneret has a small diameter, the spinneret capillary temperature is at least 10.degree. C. higher than the predicted spin temperature of the pitch and the pitch flows through a high aspect ratio opening upstream of the spinneret.

Abstract: High thermal conductivity mesophase pitch based carbon fibers are made using a spinneret which has a sharply angled tapered region at the inlet to the spinneret capillary.

Abstract: A kit for converting an upright vacuum cleaner for use as an above-the-floor cleaner. The kit includes a housing which is removably fitted over the front of the cleaner chassis and includes an air chamber communicating the cleaner nozzle opening with one extremity of a hose. The kit includes a plurality of tabs and bosses on the housing for storing the hose and a plurality of accessory nozzles which are selectively exchangeable on the other extremity of the hose.