Abstract: Methods of solubilization and naturation of somatotropin protein from refractile bodies of host cells are disclosed. The solubilization methods embrace the discovery that an aqueous urea solution can be effectively used to solubilize refractile bodies containing such somatotropin protein. Surprisingly, it has been further found that once solubilized, such somatotropin protein can be natured in the urea solution by contacting the solution with a mild oxidizing agent for a time sufficient to result in the formation of the disulfide protein. Naturation can efficiently occur even at high protein concentration, in an impure preparation and in the absence of reducing agent.

Abstract: A method of separating a first polypeptide fraction from a second polypeptide fraction of a mixed solution is disclosed. A predetermined charged polymer is admixed with the mixed solution preferably in the presence of a neutral polymer. The charged polymer interacts with the first fraction to form a precipitate. The neutral polymer enhances the effectiveness of the charged polymer in precipitating the first fraction. By proper selection of the polymer combination the desired polypeptide fraction can be precipitated from solution leaving the other polypeptide fraction in solution or vice versa.

Abstract: A composition and method for improving feed utilization or tissue production in animals are disclosed. At least one substituted phenylphosphinic acid derivative or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof is administered as a feed supplement at a daily dosage between about 0.005 and 350 mg/animal. The specific daily dosage depends on the specie, weight of the animal and the desired production trait to be improved.

Abstract: Enhanced HMBA compositions which comprise 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid and at least one metallic cation selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc ions are disclosed. The enhanced HMBA compositions are prepared by contacting HMBA and predetermined metallic cation(s) in molar ratios which are hyperstoichiometric and less than about five.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of L-phenylalanines and analogues thereof from trans-cinnamate, ring substituted trans-cinnamates or various acrylate derivatives and ammonia or an ammonia donor in the presence of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme and a desensitizing agent such as polyhydric alcohols and polyethylene glycol-(400) is disclosed. The process embraces the discovery that compounds such as polyhydric alcohols and polyethylene glycol-(400) desensitize the L-phenyalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme to substantially higher substrate concentrations than practiced heretofore. In addition, polyhydric alcohols and polyethylene glycol-(400) substantially enhance the instantaneous rate of reaction and inhibit inactivation of the L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme over longer reaction periods.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of conjugated dienes, particularly isoprene, from the corresponding aliphatic aldehyde using an acidic dehydration catalyst is disclosed. The present invention embraces the surprising discovery that catalyst activity and selectivity, particularly for boron phosphate catalyst, can be substantially prolonged by reducing the aldehyde liquid hourly space velocity to less than about 3.0 hr.sup.-1 and preferably to less than about 1.0 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid having improved color, odor and lower viscosity. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid which is also known as 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid, is hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid having an initial strength of between about 50% by weight and about 70% by weight on an organic-free basis, thereby producing an intermediate aqueous hydrolysis product solution containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyramide. The 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyramide is hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid having a strength of between about 30% by weight and about 50% by weight on an organic-free basis to produce an aqueous hydrolyzate containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid. The hydrolyzate solution is contacted with a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent in a liquid-liquid extraction system to produce an extract comprising the solvent and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid transferred from the hydrolyzate. The acid product is then recovered from the extract.

Abstract: A plasma arc spray overlay of cladding metals is used over joints between clad metal pieces to provide a continuous cladding metal surface. The technique permits applying an overlay of a high melting point cladding metal to a cladding metal surface without excessive heating of the backing metal.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system for absorption of heat from a heat source having a temperature above a predetermined temperature and release of heat to a heat sink having a temperature below the predetermined temperature. The system comprises a heat storage mass comprising a condensed state material which changes between the solid and liquid phases at about the predetermined temperature and a compartment for containing the heat storage mass. The compartment includes means providing an area for transfer of heat between a fluid and the material. The material may be an aliphatic diamine corresponding to the general formulaH.sub.2 N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --NH.sub.2where n is an integer between 4 and 14 inclusive, bis(hexamethylene)triamine, 3-aminobutylcyclohexylamine or p-phenylenediamine. Mixtures of these amines with each other may be used, particularly including certain eutectic mixtures having melting points near room temperature.

Abstract: A plasma arc spray overlay of cladding metals is used over joints between clad metal pieces to provide a continuous cladding metal surface. The technique permits applying an overlay of a high melting point cladding metal to a cladding metal surface without excessive heating of the backing metal.