Abstract: A weatherstrip such as a glass run incorporates an associated anti-entrapment sensor. The glass run includes an elastomeric material having first and second legs interconnected by a base wall that together receive an associated automotive window peripheral edge and a recess formed in the elastomeric material dimensioned to receive the associated anti-entrapment sensor therein. The recess has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional cavity in one embodiment and the pinch sensor has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional conformation dimensioned for mating receipt in the T-shaped cavity. Facing, first and second flexible sidewall portions flex for ease of insertion and retention of the pinch sensor in the cavity. A fusible layer secures the weatherstrip and pinch sensor after assembly thereof. Preferably, the weatherstrip is formed from multiple materials, one of which is a low friction material.

Abstract: An electric motor includes symmetrical elliptical coils on the inner surface of the motor stator. The coils are formed of a conductive material having a rectangular cross section and the long axis of the coils is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stator. Within the stator and coils is arranged a rotor coaxial with the stator and having permanent magnets connected with the rotor exterior surface. The symmetrical coils produce increased magnetic flux when energized as compared to random windings on a stator energized with the same current level to increase the torque produced by and the efficiency of the motor.

Abstract: Methods for modulating hormonal pathways involving the progesterone receptor in a subject with a neurodegenerative disorder, are provided. Progesterone receptor activity is modulated by administering an effective amount of an progesterone receptor modulating pharmacological agent to a subject such that the progesterone receptor modulating pharmacological agent interacts with the progesterone receptor and alters the expression of a protein associated with the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with testing of inhalers used for medicament delivery. Such devices are often intended to be first shaken by a user to prepare them, and then fired by operation of some mechanical mechanism. In order to automate testing, the invention provides a shake device having a carriage 14 for receiving and releasably mounting one or more inhalers. The carriage is mounted upon a guideway for linear movement upon it. A linear motor 26 is operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocally drive it to shake the mounted inhaler(s). A system embodying the invention may further comprise a fire device having a movable firing member 54, 56 for engaging with an inhaler mounted in the carriage and actuating its firing mechanism.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device such as an outboard motor includes a submersible electric motor having a propeller connected directly with the drive shaft of the motor. The motor is an efficient brushless motor having symmetrical elliptical coils connected with a stator which generate magnetic flux when current is passed through the coils to rotate a rotor for driving the drive shaft. The motor is arranged in a housing having a nozzle connected with a rear portion thereof which surrounds the propeller to reduce cavitation. Cooling fins are provided on the outer surface of the housing to assist with cooling the motor and a motor controller arranged in the housing.

Abstract: A pacifier assembly includes a teat holder component having a teat connector on a first side thereof and a display face on a second side thereof. A soft elastomeric pacifier teat is preferably securely mounted to the teat connector. A plurality of gemstones is mounted to the display face, preferably in an aesthetically pleasing decorative pattern. Glitter material may be added to the decorative pattern in order to enhance the decorative effect. The pacifier further includes a mouth plate and a protective cover. The protective cover is preferably mounted to the teat holder so as to prevent infants, small children and consumers from touching for gemstones. The protective cover is further preferably constructed so that the gemstones may be visible to infants, small children and consumers therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating polyamine pathway activity as a means for ameliorating neurodegenarative disorders. In particular, for ameliorating the symptoms or onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating the gene and protein products involved the polyamine pathway, such as by inhibiting the enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), involved in the synthesis of the polyamine, putrescine. Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the polyamine pathway producing lower polyamine levels resulting in a beneficial effect on ALS. This can be accomplished by using modulating agents such as analogs, or polyamine analogs, and antiproliferative drugs. In particular, the ODC inhibitor difuoromethylornithine (DFMO) is disclosed as a useful pharmacological agent in the modulation and treatment of ALS. Screening assays for pharmacological agents that are capable of decreasing polyamine levels and/or reducing cell proliferation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body supporting a nozzle body and a water distribution plate supported on a shaft downstream of said nozzle body, said water distribution plate provided with a plurality of grooves shaped to redirect a stream emitted from said nozzle body and to cause the water distribution plate to rotate when struck by the stream; a stream deflector supported within said sprinkler body and surrounding said nozzle body; wherein said nozzle body and said stream deflector cooperate to produce a substantially rectangular wetted pattern area.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for selectively decreasing protein levels in a central nervous system, meningial, immune system, blood, or muscle cell by administrating a pharmacological agent. In particular, methods and compositions that interfere with SOD-1 protein synthesis or stability, and decrease cellular levels of the protein are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating polyamine pathway activity as a means for ameliorating neurodegenarative disorders. In particular, for ameliorating the symptoms or onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating the gene and protein products involved the polyamine pathway, such as by inhibiting the enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), involved in the synthesis of the polyamine, putrescine. Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the polyamine pathway producing lower polyamine levels resulting in a beneficial effect on ALS. This can be accomplished by using modulating agents such as analogs, or polyamine analogs, and antiproliferative drugs. Screening assays for pharmacological agents that are capable of decreasing polyamine levels and/or reducing cell proliferation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease development or progression and monitoring an ALS therapy by determining the level of HLA-DR expression by CD14+ monocytes and/or the percentage of CD16+ cells in the population of CD14+ cells and/or the number of CD14+/CD16+ cells in peripheral blood of an individual with ALS. The invention is also directed to methods for decreasing the number of circulating CD14+ monocytes and/or the population of CD14+/CD16+ cells and/or the number of CD14+/CD16+ cells in an individual with ALS. The invention is also directed to methods of screening for agents which decrease the population of CD14+ monocytes with elevated HLA-DR expression and/or the population of CD14+/CD16+ cells and/or the number of CD14+/CD16+ cells in an individual with ALS.

Abstract: The invention pertains to using double stranded ribonucleic acid molecules such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules to target an SOD gene to interfere with gene expression and SOD protein production. Method are disclosed for inhibiting expression of a target protein in a subject with a neurological disorder by introducing a small interference ribonucleic acid (siRNA) molecule into the subject with the neurological disorder, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Abstract: Methods for modulating hormonal pathways involving the estrogen receptor in a subject with a neurodegenerative disorder, are provided. Estrogen receptor activity is modulated by administering an effective amount of an estrogen receptor modulating pharmacological agent to a subject such that the estrogen receptor modulating pharmacological agent interacts with the estrogen receptor and alters the expression of a protein associated with the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for selectively interfering with protein synthesis in a central nervous system, meningial, or muscle cell by administrating a pharmacological agent. In particular, methods and compositions that interfere with SOD-1 protein synthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for modulating hormonal pathways involving the progesterone receptor in a subject with a neurodegenerative disorder, are provided. Progesterone receptor activity is modulated by administering an effective amount of an progesterone receptor modulating pharmacological agent to a subject such that the progesterone receptor modulating pharmacological agent interacts with the progesterone receptor and alters the expression of a protein associated with the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating polyamine pathway activity as a means for ameliorating neurodegenarative disorders. In particular, for ameliorating the symptoms or onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating the gene and protein products involved the polyamine pathway, such as by inhibiting the enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), involved in the synthesis of the polyamine, putrescine. Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the polyamine pathway producing lower polyamine levels resulting in a beneficial effect on ALS. This can be accomplished by using modulating agents such as analogs, or polyamine analogs, and antiproliferative drugs. In particular, the polyamine analog N(1),N(11)-diethylnorspermine (DENSPM) is disclosed as a useful modulating agent in the treatment of ALS. Screening assays for pharmacological agents that are capable of decreasing polyamine levels and/or reducing cell proliferation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite structure finds particular use as a weatherstrip on a motor vehicle. The weatherstrip includes a first material such as rubber, EPDM or thermoplastic that exhibits flexibility, and a second, hard, low friction material applied over portions of a surface of the rubber. In a preferred arrangement, the low friction material is coextruded with the first material in spaced rows that allow the weatherstrip to flex in regions where no second material is applied. An increased thickness of low friction material is applied thereby improving wear characteristics without impacting flexibility.

Abstract: A below belt channel includes a rigid body formed into a generally C-shaped channel having a base and first and second outwardly extending legs. Seal lips formed from a thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), are co-extruded on outer ends of the channel legs and extend inwardly toward an interior of the channel. A low friction material is preferably provided along an interior surface of the channel base, and the seal lips may also include an extra low-friction material on the outwardly facing surfaces that contact the window glass. In one embodiment, the rigid body is either aluminum or steel and may be coated to enhance the bond with the co-extruded TPV lips, and/or provide corrosion protection. In another embodiment, the rigid body is covered in polypropylene, and a mounting bracket for supporting the channel is formed of a molded material that is compatible with the polypropylene. The molded material is then welded or fused to the body to provide a secure interconnection.

Abstract: Methods for modulating proteasome activity in a subject is provided. Proteasome activity is modulated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of proteasome modulating pharmacological agent to a subject. In a preferred embodiment, the proteasome modulating pharmacological agent is a protease inhibitor. In another aspect, a screening assay for detecting and identifying proteasome modulating pharmacological agents to modulate proteasome activity in a subject is also provided.