Abstract: Disclosed are methods of isolating linaclotide, a cyclized 14-amino-acid peptide with three disulfide bonds. The sequence consists of Cys-Cys-Glu-Tyr-Cys-Cys-Asn-Pro-Ala-Cys-Thr-Gly-Cys-Tyr with disulfide bridges between the cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6, 2 and 10, and 5 and 13. The drug acts as a GCC superagonist, elevating intracellular cGMP composition for treating various disorders, including gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract: An image processing system is provided for replacing a value of a defective pixel located along a center row of a region in an image. The region includes a center row, a previous row located above the center row and a subsequent row located below the center row. The image processing system includes a buffer for storing values of pixels located in the previous row and the center row. The image processing system also includes a selector for selecting a plurality of pixel values located in the previous row and the center row that are adjacent to the location of the defective pixel, without selecting a pixel value on the subsequent row. The image processing system further includes a calculator for determining a replacement value for the defective pixel from values of the selected pixels located in the previous row and the center row.

Abstract: A friction stir system for processing at least a first workpiece includes a spindle actuator coupled to a rotary tool comprising a rotating member for contacting and processing the first workpiece. A detection system is provided for obtaining information related to a lateral alignment of the rotating member. The detection system comprises at least one sensor for measuring a force experienced by the rotary tool or a parameter related to the force experienced by the rotary tool during processing, wherein the sensor provides sensor signals. A signal processing system is coupled to receive and analyze the sensor signals and determine a lateral alignment of the rotating member relative to a selected lateral position, a selected path, or a direction to decrease a lateral distance relative to the selected lateral position or selected path.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A friction stir system for processing at least a first workpiece includes a spindle actuator coupled to a rotary tool comprising a rotating member for contacting and processing the first workpiece. A detection system is provided for obtaining information related to a lateral alignment of the rotating member. The detection system comprises at least one sensor for measuring a force experienced by the rotary tool or a parameter related to the force experienced by the rotary tool during processing, wherein the sensor provides sensor signals. A signal processing system is coupled to receive and analyze the sensor signals and determine a lateral alignment of the rotating member relative to a selected lateral position, a selected path, or a direction to decrease a lateral distance relative to the selected lateral position or selected path.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A door latch operator includes a hand grip actuator lever for retracting one or more latch bolts mounted at a free side edge of a door, such as an entry door for a residence or place of business. The actuator lever is pivotally mounted at an inboard side of a manually grasped handle for grasping and squeezing with the fingers against the door handle to operate a torque converter or cam module for indexing a rotary cam through a rotary step. The rotary cam is coupled to a latch bolt retractor mechanism for retracting the latch bolt or bolts and thereby permit opening of the door. In a preferred form, the latch bolt retractor mechanism operates multiple latch bolts mounted along the free side edge of the door, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A bolt locking assembly for a weapon simulator, the weapon simulator having a bolt affixed to a firearm housing providing recoil to the user. The bolt is connected to a piston housed in a piston chamber inside the housing. A gas supply provides a compressed gas or fluid into the piston chamber to generate movement and recoil of the piston. After the weapon simulator has been fired a predetermined number of times, the bolt locking assembly will obstruct operation of the bolt and piston. The bolt locking assembly includes a lock actuator port engaging the piston chamber, a locking apparatus positioned within the housing proximate the bolt, and a lock channel between said lock actuator port and said locking arm, wherein the lock channel directs gas to said locking apparatus to actuate said locking apparatus and fix the bolt in place.

Abstract: A heterocyclic inhibitor having the formula I, with the variables defined herein, which is useful for treating inflammatory and other physiological disorders in which PKC-theta isoform plays a role:

Abstract: This invention provides beta-carboline compounds of formula III-A-aa: wherein Q, G, R1, R2, R3, and R6b are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful for treating diseases such as inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or an in-vivo-hydrolysable ester thereof, wherein —N-HET is, for example, (Ic) or (If) wherein R1 is, for example, halogen or a (1-4C)alkyl group which is substituted by one substituent selected from, for example, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkoxy, amino, cyano or azido; Q is selected from, for example, Q1 wherein R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or fluoro; T is selected from a range of groups, for example, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; are useful as antibacterial agents; and processes for their manufacture and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are described.

Abstract: A regulated gas supply system having a body defining a pressurized gas reservoir connected to a high-pressure regulator that regulates the high pressure gas from the gas reservoir to disperse the gas at a desired pressure. The gas regulating assembly includes a piston chamber with a piston slidably positioned in the piston chamber, the piston chamber having a secondary chamber connected to the gas reservoir. A spring is positioned between one side of the piston and the piston chamber, with the piston including a piston channel to allow pressurized gas to flow through the piston. Pressure is developed on the piston opposite the spring that is proportional to the force of the spring, providing a balanced piston.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or an in-vivo-hydrolysable ester thereof, wherein —N-HET is, for example, (Ic) or (If) wherein R1 is (1-4C)alkyl; Q is selected from, for example, Q1 wherein R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or fluoro; T is selected from a range of groups, for example, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; are useful as antibacterial agents; and processes for their manufacture and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are described.