Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy cylinder head includes providing a precision sand core and mold assembly, a liquid aluminum alloy delivery system, and a mold manipulator system. The precision sand core and mold assembly is disposed in the mold manipulator system and the liquid aluminum alloy delivery system includes an in-furnace ultrasonic actuator and a launder tube having at least an ultrasonic actuator. The liquid aluminum alloy delivery system is sealed to the precision sand core and mold assembly and provides liquid aluminum alloy into a gating system of the precision sand core and mold assembly. The precision sand core and mold assembly is rotated approximately 180°. The precision sand core and mold assembly is vibrated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy cylinder head includes providing a precision sand core and mold assembly, a liquid aluminum alloy delivery system, and a mold manipulator system. The precision sand core and mold assembly is disposed in the mold manipulator system and the liquid aluminum alloy delivery system includes an in-furnace ultrasonic actuator and a launder tube having at least an ultrasonic actuator. The liquid aluminum alloy delivery system is sealed to the precision sand core and mold assembly and provides liquid aluminum alloy into a gating system of the precision sand core and mold assembly. The precision sand core and mold assembly is rotated approximately 180°. The precision sand core and mold assembly is vibrated.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diabetes, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. In particular, the invention provides methods of identifying modulators of AKR1C as well as methods of diagnosing diabetes by measuring the levels of AKR1C or 9?, 11?-PGF2? in a patient.

Abstract: A community intermodal transit system includes a city or town center and low speed mixed-mode corridors extending substantially radially outwardly from said city center. Further included are a corresponding number of circumferentially disposed parking structures located proximally to outer ends of the mixed-mode corridors and an outer transportation network including various modes of transportation, each mode including a transfer point to at least one of said parking structures. Service roads are provided to the city center, as are direct public links from the parking structures to airports or a seaport. Low speed, low profile vehicles may operate on small gauge tracks upon said mixed-mode corridors.

Abstract: A mixed-use pedestrian oriented parking structure, includes at least two sequential multi-level parking units; a series of one-directional parking access aisles; angled parking around a central atrium and parallel parking at the outer edge of the parking decks; a liner building surrounding the parking units on at least one side of each parking unit; and a multi-use buffer corridor defining an interface between the parking units and the liner building which includes at least one common wall with the buffer corridor, the wall with the buffer corridor, the wall including passages for access to and from the buffer corridor.

Abstract: A blade including a body having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a surface point of maximum camber, and a low pressure surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The body further includes a high pressure surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge on an opposite side of the body relative to the low pressure surface. The low pressure surface includes a leading edge surface extending from the leading edge to the surface point of maximum camber. The blade further includes at least two ridges located on the leading edge surface, each ridge extending generally parallel to the leading edge.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for preventing, treating and diagnosing diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diabetes and insulin resistance. In particular, the invention provides methods of identifying modulators of CX3CR1 and using those modulators to treat diabetes, as well as methods of diagnosing diabetes by measuring the levels of CX3CR1 or fractalkine in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diabetes, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. In particular, the invention provides methods of identifying modulators of AKR1C as well as methods of diagnosing diabetes by measuring the levels of AKR1C or 9&agr;, 11&bgr;-PGF2&agr; in a patient.

Abstract: A lightweight, molded plastic sled having ski runners, includes a pair of rear skis pivotally connected to the body of the sled and having steering handles connected therewith for steering the sled. A seat for supporting a rider on the sled is positioned generally above the rear skis, whereby the weight of the rider will assist the steering skis in obtaining a "bite" on the surface on which the sled is being used.