Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying risk of developing lymphedema, including primary and secondary edema. The methods comprise identifying the presence in a biological sample of a polymorphism in one or more of GJA4, GJA5 and GJC2, resulting in a functional mutation of one or more of connixin 37 (Cx37), Cx40 or Cx47.

Abstract: A computer system and method for product testing, analysis and scoring wherein the method includes defining at least one critical to quality (CTQ) parameter for product performance, defining a product test plan to verify product performance against one or more CTQ parameters, conducting and monitoring product testing, determining relative index performance scores, constructing a scorecard for products tested, and optionally modifying the product scorecard. The system and method is useful for clients (i.e. store retailers or merchants), product vendors (i.e. product manufacturers or distributors of products), testing laboratories, customers (i.e. direct consumers of the products), and product performance intermediaries (i.e. testing coordinators and testing data analysts). This system and method allows these parties to interact, exchange information, and display information in tabular and graphical formats for determining how similar products perform relative to each other.

Abstract: A heavy equipment system is provided that includes a tractor for hauling a trailer, wherein the trailer may have its height adjusted by a hydraulic system controlled by a bank of control levers. Also included is a safety system that comprises a blocking member, such as a handle, a sensor and a communication system. The safety system operates to sense and communicate to a driver of the tractor the possibility that the trailer is in the raised position by sensing when the blocking member is in a position to allow access to the control levers. Advantageously, such a system can guard against a driver driving into a low overpass or other hazard with the trailer in an elevated position.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying risk of developing lymphedema, including primary and secondary edema. The methods comprise identifying the presence in a biological sample of a polymorphism in one or more of GJA4, GJA5 and GJC2, resulting in a functional mutation of one or more of connixin 37 (Cx37), Cx40 or Cx47.

Abstract: A method of increasing sodium excretion levels in a hypertensive subject by identifying a subject having an II genotype for an angiotensin converting enzyme gene, and engaging the subject in limited exercise training for a period of time sufficient to increase the subject's sodium excretion levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for screening for and treating hereditary lymphedema in human subjects.

Abstract: Allelic variations in the genes PLEKHA1 and LOC387715 are identified herein as risk factor for Age Related Maculopathy (ARM). A method is therefore provided for identifying a risk of development of ARM in an individual that comprises identification of allelic variations in PLEKHA1 and/or LOC387715. Related apparatus, such as an array, are identified as being useful in implementing those methods.

Abstract: An elongated threshold extends under a swinging door and defines an upwardly facing and longitudinally extending cavity which receives a vertically adjustable rail member. The rail member has longitudinally spaced pre-assembled adjustment screw units each of which includes a tubular bushing having a press-fit connection with the rail member. Each bushing supports the shank portion of rotatable screw having a head portion with a recess for receiving an adjustment tool. Each screw is retained within its corresponding bushing by a washer having a press-fit on the screw which threads into an inverted T-nut seated within a slot within the threshold.

Abstract: A method of increasing sodium excretion levels in a hypertensive subject by identifying a subject having an II genotype for an angiotensin converting enzyme gene, and engaging the subject in limited exercise training for a period of time sufficient to increase the subject's sodium excretion levels.

Abstract: A method of increasing sodium excretion levels in a hypertensive subject by identifying a subject having an II genotype for an angiotensin converting enzyme gene, and engaging the subject in limited exercise training for a period of time sufficient to increase the subject's sodium excretion levels.

Abstract: A method of increasing sodium excretion levels in a hypertensive subject by identifying a subject having an II genotype for an angiotensin converting enzyme gene, and engaging the subject in limited exercise training for a period of time sufficient to increase the subject's sodium excretion levels.

Abstract: A bag structure and method of making the same, wherein a liner on the inside of the bag body has a closed top within the bag body top providing a primary closure for the bag which must be opened for access to contents within the bag. A secondary closure comprises a reclosable fastener zipper carried by the bag body top above the primary closure for access to the primary closure, and then serving for selectively opening and closing the bag top opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making bag material from a continuous length of sheet. Side portions of the sheet are turned from opposite sides, and the sheet advanced through a joining station wherein extruded complementary separable fastener profile strips are joined to face of the flange portions which are directed away from the body of the sheet. The sheet carrying the joined fastener strips may then be advanced through a curing station. Subsequently the sheet and fastener strip assembly is conducted through a spreading station wherein the flange portions are spread apart. Downstream from the spreading station the spread sheet may be folded upon itself in a folding station wherein the profiles of the fastener strips may be interengaged, and the folded material may then be wound into a storage roll.

Abstract: The top end of a side gusset of a reclosable sack is securely closed as by means of spots of adhesive on and between the infolded gusset walls, leaving the bag walls free to spread relative to the gusset, and leaving the remainder of the gusset to its opposite end free to expand. A method and apparatus are provided for making the sacks.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembling and attaching zipper closure means in strip form to open ends of flat sacks fed serratim into an attachment station. Consecutive sections of the closure means must be in proper registration with the sacks in such station. Assembly of the sections with the sack ends is coordinated by monitoring relative orientation of the sections and the sacks and automatically correcting for deviations from the registration.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making printed gusset bags from tubular bag material, which may be extruded film plastic with integral interlocking fastener profiles along the edges of panels of the material which have been collapsed into face-to-face relation, and in which each of the panels will provide a succession of separate finished bags, comprising the step of and means for imprinting on each of the panels indicia on bag wall areas and on a gusset area intermediate the wall areas, the step of and means for manipulating the imprinted bag material from the originally collapsed condition to fold the wall areas of each of the panels together into face-to-face relation and to infold the gusset area of each of said panels into position between the folded bag wall areas of each of the panels, and the step of and means for separating the gusseted panels into individual gusset bags.

Abstract: A display unit is disclosed in which a frame assembly magnetically supports a plurality of removable display strips in predetermined patterns and in which alpha-numeric character elements are magnetically supported on the display strips and frame assembly in information displaying sets referenced in part by markings located on the surface of the display strips.

Abstract: A reclosable sack having a pouring mouth from which discrete pourable contents may be discharged, comprises a primary non-reclosable stitched closure fastener across and closing the mouth against unintentional discharge of the contents and includes means such as chain stitch and rip strip for facilitating digital opening of the primary closure fastener. A secondary, reclosable fastener, desirably of the zipper type, extends across the sack mouth outwardly from the primary closure fastener and is adapted for selectively opening and closing the sack mouth after opening of the primary closure fastener. A method of making the reclosable sack is also disclosed.