Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of TRAF2 which demonstrate the ability to inhibit the TNF ? signaling pathway. In particular, applicants have isolated a splice variant of TRAF2 referred to hereinafter as “TRAF2 truncated” or “TRAF2TR” and a TRAF2 expression construct with enhanced dominant negative properties, hereafter referred to as “TRAF2 truncated-deleted” or “TRAF2TD”. Both TRAF2TR and TRAF2TD have the ability to inhibit the TNF ? signaling pathway and in TRAF2TD, this ability is greatly enhanced, greatly reducing the response to TNF ? binding.

Abstract: A double-sided toothbrush includes bristles on opposite sides of the brushing head. Primary bristles are provided for routine brushing. Opposed secondary bristles are provided for additional or specialty brushings. The double-sided toothbrush with bristles on both sides may easily be positioned in the mouth for cleaning plaque and food particles from teeth, tongue, gums, cheek, roof of mouth, dental implants and braces.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for covering a weld line and structures used to cover a weld line. Embodiments of the method comprise covering a weld line, such as the weld line between components of an airbag inflator structure, with a protective sleeve. This allows jagged edges and whiskers created during the welding process to be covered. The protective sleeve may comprise an annular structure adapted to be fitted over the weld line.

Abstract: A low profile floor console for a vehicle includes a pair of end walls. In a lowered position, the console permits pass through between two spaced apart vehicle seats. When raised, fabric or netting attached, together with the end walls define a storage area. In the preferred embodiment, an add-on module fits over the raised end walls to provide a rigid storage area, and additional functionality, such as a tray, a power port, cup holders, change bins, and the like. The lid of the module may be configured for sliding or pivotal movement to allow access to the interior thereof. Also in the preferred embodiment, the floor console is constructed to trim out a parking brake assembly. In various alternate embodiments, the floor console end walls may be constructed to provide additional functionality, such as internal map pockets, and the console system may be arranged for use at different locations within the vehicle, such as in the cargo area.

Abstract: A malleable dental floss includes a thin malleable strand. The strand has a pair of end sections and an intermediate section. A thin pliable end section coating covers each end section. A pliable flossing material covers the intermediate section. Each end section has a thin pliable coating may have a tapered end. The flossing material may include a yarn, polyester, cotton, silk, nylon, rayon, orlon, dacron, caron, glass fiber, wool, elastomer or plastic. An end may be bent. The bent end may be positioned between a gum line and dental implant to captively engage a portion of the periphery of a dental implant post. A user may grasp the free end of the bent end and pull it outwardly to commence flossing.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): or a salt, solvate and chemically protected form thereof, wherein: R5is an optionally substituted C5-20 aryl or C4-20 alkyl group; A is selected from the group consisting of: wherein X and Y are selected from the group consisiting of: O and CR3; S and CR3; NH and CR3; NH and N; O and N; S and N; N and S; and N and O.

Abstract: A low profile floor console for a vehicle includes a pair of end walls. In a lowered position, the console permits pass through between two spaced apart vehicle seats. When raised, fabric or netting attached, together with the end walls define a storage area. In the preferred embodiment, an add-on module fits over the raised end walls to provide a rigid storage area, and additional functionality, such as a tray, a power port, cup holders, change bins, and the like. The lid of the module may be configured for sliding or pivotal movement to allow access to the interior thereof. Also in the preferred embodiment, the floor console is constructed to trim out a parking brake assembly. In various alternate embodiments, the floor console end walls may be constructed to provide additional functionality, such as internal map pockets, and the console system may be arranged for use at different locations within the vehicle, such as in the cargo area.

Abstract: An article attachment system (10) for a vehicle is disclosed having an elongated rail member (20) adapted to attach to the vehicle where the rail member (20) defines at least one partially enclosed space with at least one slide interface and a plurality of projections, and a bracket (60) operably engaging the rail (20) and adapted for mounting at least one article (12), and a positioning device (80) operably engaging the bracket (60) and having at least one extension adapted to move between an engaged position adapted for securing the article (12) to the rail (20) and a released position adapted for moving the article (12) relative to the rail (20).

Abstract: A compound selected from one of the following: or a salt, solvate, chemically protected form or prodrug thereof, and its use in treating conditions alleviated by agonism of an EP2 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which include compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of R1 and R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, and optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl-C1-4 alkyl, and phenyl-C1-4 alkyl; and the other of R1 and R4 is an optionally substituted C9-14 aryl group; R2 and R3 are either: (i) independently selected from H, R, R?, SO2R, C(?O)R, (CH2)nNR5R6, where n is from 1 to 4 and R5 and R6 are independently selected from H and R, where R is optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl, and R? is optionally substituted phenyl-C1-4 alkyl, or (ii) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form an optionally substituted C5-7 heterocyclic group. The compounds are useful in the treatment of conditions including conditions which can be alleviated by antagonism of a 5-HT2B receptor such as GI disorders and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, and optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl-C1-4 alkyl, and phenyl-C1-4 alkyl; R2 and R3 are either: (i) independently selected from H, R, R?, SO2R, C(?O)R, (CH2)nNR5R6, where n is from 1 to 4 and R5 and R6 are independently selected from H and R, where R is optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl group, and R? is an optionally substituted phenyl-C1-4 alkyl group, or (ii) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form an optionally substituted C5-7 heterocyclic group; R4 is an optionally substituted C9-14 aryl group; their use as pharmaceuticals, in particular for treating conditions alleviated by antagonism of a 5-HT2B receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human Akt3 proteins and polypeptides. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding human Akt3, to vectors containing them and to their therapeutic uses, in particular for gene therapy. Expression of Akt3 inhibits cell death associated with hypoxia, apoptosis or necrosis.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for independent and selective positioning of resistance heating elements (28) in a pressurized metal injection-molding holding furnace (10) having a reservoir (16) for holding molten metal and feed tubes (20) for delivery of molten metal to injection molds, said apparatus including a plurality of movable elongate electrical resistance heating elements (28) disposed horizontally above the reservoir (16), each of the heating elements (28) supported at each end in a movable heating element box (32). Each of the heating elements (28) has an unshielded portion (34) for the introduction of heat into the reservoir (16). Heating element adjustment means (40) selectively and independently move each of the heating elements (28) relative to one another. The adjustment means (40) may take a number of forms, including rack and pinion assemblies, timing chain and pinion gear assemblies, and screw drive assemblies, operatively connected to the heating element boxes (32).

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): or a salt, solvate and chemically protected form thereof, wherein one of R2 and R5 is: (i) H or an optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl group; or (ii)an optionally substituted C5-7 aryl; and the other of R2 and R5 is the other group; m and n can be 0 or 1, and m+n=1 or 2 RN is H or optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl R3 is either: (i) carboxy; (ii) a group of formula (II): (iii) a group of formula (III): wherein R is optionally substituted C1-7 alkyl, C5-20 aryl, or NRN3RN4, where RN3 and RN4 are independently selected from optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl; or (iv) tetrazol-5-yl.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that the secretin receptor is expressed in tissues present in the distal lung of humans. In patient with asthma, levels of the receptor are elevated compared to normal tissue. Treatment of tissue by secretin stimulates the movement of negative ions in the tissue. Addition of secretin to human bronchial tissue in vitro stimulates bronchorelaxation. The invention provides methods of treatment of asthma in a patient by administering to said patient an effective amount of an agent which triggers anion efflux and bronchorelaxation in respiratory tissue via the activation of a secretin receptor.

Abstract: A roller furling element for installation on a head stay of a sail boat, the element including two longitudinally extending hollow outer extrusions in an end-to-end abutting relationship. A two piece splice assembly joins the extrusions together and provides the torsional strength needed for a furling element. The two piece splice assembly includes a central axis and a longitudinally extending forward or nose portion having a curved outer surface and rearwardly extending projections each including a longitudinally extending groove. A tail piece includes a pair of longitudinally extending outwardly extending projections which are adapted to fit into the parallel notches in the forward portion. A transverse passageway extends into the nose and tail portions when the two portions are aligned so that a rod or button can be inserted.

Abstract: Tar sand and Gilsonite are preferably crushed together so that the Gilsonite overcomes the stickiness of the tar sand and the tar sand alleviates Gilsonite dust, the relative proportions and the character of Gilsonite being such as to produce an additive product for an asphalt, usually refinery asphalt, and a resulting modified asphaltic cement for paving purposes to simulate Trinidad Lake Asphalt. One embodiment of the additive composition of the invention results in an asphaltic cement that outperforms that produced by use of Trinidad Lake Asphalt as the additive, while a second embodiment of the additive composition of the invention contains additional tar-sand-extracted bitumen and the resulting asphaltic cement more closely matches the performance of that containing Trinidad Lake Asphalt as the additive. The invention includes a system for extracting bitumen from tar sand and in one form provides for adding Gilsonite to the extracted liquid bitumen so it will effectively solidify when cooled.

Abstract: In a munitions system, a cylindrical canister is fired over a target. The canister carries a target sensing infrared device and, when a target is detected, a projectile is fired downward from the bottom of the overflying missile. A spinning motion is imparted to the missile to stabilize its flight, and a wobbling motion is imparted to the missile to provide a larger target area. The projectile forms a concave lower end to the missile and is fired by an explosive charge.

Abstract: In a munitions system, a cylindrical canister is fired over a target. The canister carries a target sensing infrared device and, when a target is detected, a projectile is fired downward from the bottom of the overflying missile. A spinning motion is imparted to the missile to stabilize its flight, and a wobbling motion is imparted to the missile to provide a larger target area. The projectile forms a concave lower end to the missile and is fired by an explosive charge.