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: An upper guide system for a solenoid actuated fuel injector of an internal combustion engine includes an armature having a first diameter section, a reduced diameter second section, and a concave portion at the transition between the first and second sections. The guide system also includes a guide shaped to extend into the concave portion of the armature and includes a central opening that slidably receives the second diameter section. The guide positions and guides the armature in a radial and an axial direction. The guide is assembled in an axial location that is close to the axial location of the center of the magnetic force acting on the armature. The guide system allows for a desired relative large guide length to diameter ratio.

Abstract: A fuel swirler plate for improving atomization of fuel in a fuel injector. A plurality of identical fuel supply passages is formed in the plate, each passage including an outer fuel reservoir region; a region having converging walls wherein fuel is accelerated and turned partially tangential to the axis of the plate and fuel injector; a metering region wherein flow is regulated; and an exit region wherein the fuel is combined with similar fuel flows from the other passages to form a high velocity swirl annulus between the swirler plate and a pintle ball of the fuel injector. An advantage of the novel swirl plate over prior art plates is that, when the injector valve is closed, only a very small volume of fuel resides in the swirl annulus between the pintle ball and the exit region of the plate, and such residual fuel is urged rotationally and becomes the leading edge of a new vortex the next time the valve is opened, thus minimizing SAC spray formation.

Abstract: A fuel swirler plate for improving atomization of fuel in a fuel injector. A plurality of identical fuel supply passages is formed in the plate, each passage including an outer fuel reservoir region; a region having converging walls wherein fuel is accelerated and turned partially tangential to the axis of the plate and fuel injector; a metering region wherein flow is regulated; and an exit region wherein the fuel is combined with similar fuel flows from the other passages to form a high velocity swirl annulus between the swirler plate and a pintle ball of the fuel injector. An advantage of the novel swirl plate over prior art plates is that, when the injector valve is closed, only a very small volume of fuel resides in the swirl annulus between the pintle ball and the exit region of the plate, and such residual fuel is urged rotationally and becomes the leading edge of a new vortex the next time the valve is opened, thus minimizing SAC spray formation.

Abstract: A method of making pigmented hydrophilic polymers in such a manner that the resulting polymers absorb ultraviolet and visible radiation, and that no migration, separation or leaching of the pigment can take place, is disclosed. The polymer compositions comprise blends of hydrophilic polymers with melanin pigments, the latter being synthesized on the hydrophilic polymer matrix. The disclosed polymer compositions are useful in the manufacture of ocular devices, particularly intraocular lenses and aphakic contact lenses capable of absorbing ultraviolet and visible radiation, at wavelengths between 300 and 700 nanometers, to the same extent as the natural crystalline lens of the eye. The disclosed method is also useful to impart photoprotective properties to the already made said ocular devices.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle has a tubular body adapted to receive fuel, a tubular seat member mounted to the body, the seat member having an opening for discharging fuel and a valve seat surrounding the opening, a poppet valve member engageable with the valve seat to interrupt fuel flow through the opening, and an extension spring anchored to the body and to the valve member and biasing the valve member to engage the valve seat. The extension spring is a helically coiled spring with each coil lying close to the adjacent coils and with the coils at one end overlying an end of the body to anchor the spring to the body and to cause fuel flowing through the nozzle to pass between the coils of the spring; the spring thereby acts as a filter for fuel to be discharged by the nozzle. The seat member is axially movable relative to the body to adjust the length of the spring and thus the bias on the valve member whereby the desired valve-opening pressure differential may be established.