Abstract: An attachment mechanism and method for connecting an item to a tube structure. The attachment mechanism includes a male portion defining a notch therein; at least one nut configured to be selectively received in the notch; and a fastener. When in use, the fastener draws the nut deeper into the notch, causing an outer circumference of the male portion to expand and engage with an interior surface of the tube structure. The method includes inserting a nut into a notch of the male portion; inserting the male portion and the nut into the tube structure; inserting a fastener into an opening in the tube structure, through the male portion, and into the nut; and tightening the fastener to draw the nut deeper into the notch, the nut causing an outer circumference of the male portion to expand and engage with an interior surface of the tube structure.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle and vehicle roof accessory assembly are disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame; a motor connected to the frame; a plurality of ground engaging members operatively connected to the frame, at least one ground engaging member of the plurality of ground engaging members being operatively connected to the motor; a roll cage connected to the frame, the roll cage defining at least in part a cockpit area; two seats connected to the frame, the two seats being disposed side by side in the cockpit area; a cargo box connected to the frame rearward of the two seats; and the vehicle roof accessory structure, including an accessory support structure selectively connected to the cargo box, the accessory support structure being adapted for selectively receiving at least one rooftop accessory for extending over and selectively connecting to the roll cage and the support structure.

Abstract: A ram air vent for a vehicle has a base defining a base aperture therein; a hood connected to the base over the base aperture, the hood and base defining a forwardly facing air inlet therebetween, the hood and the base defining an air passage extending from the air inlet to the base aperture; a baffle disposed in the air passage for deflecting air flowing in the air passage from the air inlet for separating water from air flowing in the air passage, the baffle facing the air inlet; and at least one water passage defined in at least one of the base or the hood. The at least one water passage exits a rear side of the ram air vent. The at least one water passage drains water separated from air flowing in the air passage from the ram air vent.

Abstract: A vehicle has: a frame; a ground engaging member operatively connected to the frame; an engine connected to the frame; a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connected to the engine; a CVT housing housing the CVT; a cockpit area defined at least in part by the frame; an air intake assembly fluidly connected to the CVT housing. The air intake assembly comprises an air intake duct body having: an air intake duct outlet in fluid communication with an inside of the CVT housing; and at least two intake duct inlets which take air in different places.

Abstract: A cargo box extension assembly for a cargo box of a vehicle and method of operating the extension assembly. The assembly includes a center panel configured and arranged for pivotally connecting to a front surface of a tailgate of the cargo box; a left panel; and a right panel, each of the left and right panels being rotatable between an open position and a closed position where the left and right panels are aligned with each other, when the cargo box extension assembly is installed on the tailgate of the vehicle and the center panel is pivotally connected to the front surface of the tailgate: the cargo box extension assembly being selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position; in the collapsed position, the cargo box extension assembly being at least partially received in a recess of the tailgate.

Abstract: A cargo box extension assembly for a cargo box of a vehicle and method of operating the extension assembly. The assembly includes a center panel configured and arranged for pivotally connecting to a front surface of a tailgate of the cargo box; a left panel; and a right panel, each of the left and right panels being rotatable between an open position and a closed position where the left and right panels are aligned with each other, when the cargo box extension assembly is installed on the tailgate of the vehicle and the center panel is pivotally connected to the front surface of the tailgate: the cargo box extension assembly being selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position; in the collapsed position, the cargo box extension assembly being at least partially received in a recess of the tailgate.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle and vehicle roof accessory assembly are disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame; a motor connected to the frame; a plurality of ground engaging members operatively connected to the frame, at least one ground engaging member of the plurality of ground engaging members being operatively connected to the motor; a roll cage connected to the frame, the roll cage defining at least in part a cockpit area; two seats connected to the frame, the two seats being disposed side by side in the cockpit area; a cargo box connected to the frame rearward of the two seats; and the vehicle roof accessory structure, including an accessory support structure selectively connected to the cargo box, the accessory support structure being adapted for selectively receiving at least one rooftop accessory for extending over and selectively connecting to the roll cage and the support structure.

Abstract: Provided are coil assemblies, and holding assemblies, devices and systems comprising the coil assembly as well as methods of use thereof. The coil assembly includes a first radio frequency coil element configured for transmitting a first radio frequency signal through a region of interest of a subject or test sample, the first radio frequency signal for exciting a first spin species in the region of interest. The coil assembly also includes a second radio frequency coil element configured for resonating at a second radio frequency signal to receive a magnetic resonance signal from a second spin species from the region of interest. The first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal are separated by a frequency interval. A drive circuitry is connected to the second radio frequency coil element. A first decoupling circuit prevents coil coupling between the first radio frequency coil element and/or a transmitter coil element.

Abstract: A ram air vent for a vehicle has a base defining a base aperture therein; a hood connected to the base over the base aperture, the hood and base defining a forwardly facing air inlet therebetween, the hood and the base defining an air passage extending from the air inlet to the base aperture; a baffle disposed in the air passage for deflecting air flowing in the air passage from the air inlet for separating water from air flowing in the air passage, the baffle facing the air inlet; and at least one water passage defined in at least one of the base or the hood. The at least one water passage exits a rear side of the ram air vent. The at least one water passage drains water separated from air flowing in the air passage from the ram air vent.

Abstract: An anchor for removably attaching an accessory to a frame member having an outer surface and a slot defined in the outer surface. The anchor comprises a body that has a surface that is generally complementary in shape to a portion of the outer surface of the frame member that surrounds the slot, a shank that from the surface, the shank being sized to be received in the slot and defining an aperture extending from a free end of the shank toward the surface. The aperture is adapted to receive a fastener. The anchor also includes at least one projection extending from a side of the shank. A vehicle having the frame member and the anchor is provided. A method of attaching a component to a frame member using the anchor is provided.

Abstract: A sleeve for a vehicle accessory connector for mounting a vehicle accessory to a tubular frame of a vehicle which comprises a tubular body having a first open end, a second open end and a body thickness, the body thickness being circumferentially eccentric, the tubular body comprising two connectable portions; and an open ended slot defined in the tubular body, the open ended slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end and being spaced from the second open end.

Abstract: A sleeve for a vehicle accessory connector for mounting a vehicle accessory to a tubular frame of a vehicle which comprises a tubular body having a first open end, a second open end and a body thickness, the body thickness being circumferentially eccentric, the tubular body comprising two connectable portions; and an open ended slot defined in the tubular body, the open ended slot extending from the first open end towards the second open end and being spaced from the second open end.

Abstract: An anchor for removably attaching an accessory to a frame member having an outer surface and a slot defined in the outer surface. The anchor comprises a body that has a surface that is generally complementary in shape to a portion of the outer surface of the frame member that surrounds the slot, a shank that from the surface, the shank being sized to be received in the slot and defining an aperture extending from a free end of the shank toward the surface. The aperture is adapted to receive a fastener. The anchor also includes at least one projection extending from a side of the shank. A vehicle having the frame member and the anchor is provided. A method of attaching a component to a frame member using the anchor is provided.

Abstract: The method includes the following steps, sampling a recycling stream (152) in a head stream (131, 140, 141) stemming from a recovery column (35), establishing a heat exchange relationship of the recycling stream (152) with at least one portion of the head stream (131) stemming from the recovery column (35), reintroducing, after expansion, the cooled and expanded recycling stream into the recovery column (35).

Abstract: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a chronic process related to a progressive mineralization of the aortic root and valve cusps. We found in human AS valves a high level of expression and enzymatic activity of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP-1), which correlated to the degree of mineralization. In vitro, inhibition of ENPP activity with ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of isolated valve interstitial cells. In a rat model of cardiovascular calcification, ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of the aortic root and valve cusps. This is the first study to demonstrate that increased expression and activity of ENPP-1 promotes the mineralization process in AS valves. Hence, inhibition of ectonucleotidase may represent a novel target of therapy for this frequent and serious cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment and/or prevention of aortic valve stenosis (AVS) and valve mineralization. Particularly, the invention provides a target for intervention in the treatment or prevention of AVS through the administration of the P2Y2 receptor agonists. Also, the invention provides means to treat hypertension related to decreased arterial compliance and vascular calcification.

Abstract: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a chronic process related to a progressive mineralization of the aortic root and valve cusps. We found in human AS valves a high level of expression and enzymatic activity of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP-1), which correlated to the degree of mineralization. In vitro, inhibition of ENPP activity with ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of isolated valve interstitial cells. In a rat model of cardiovascular calcification, ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of the aortic root and valve cusps. This is the first study to demonstrate that increased expression and activity of ENPP-1 promotes the mineralization process in AS valves. Hence, inhibition of ectonucleotidase may represent a novel target of therapy for this frequent and serious cardiovascular disease.