Abstract: Method of ameliorating effects of aging in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a synthetic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has 10+q amino acids, wherein, under physiological conditions, residues numbered n, n+4, n+9 are positively charged amino acids, residues numbered n+3, n+7 are negatively charged amino acids, wherein the remaining amino acids are nonpolar amino acids or uncharged polar amino acids, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 1+q and q is a whole number greater than or equal to zero. Experiments demonstrating the effect were performed with a polypeptide having the sequence Arg-Thr-Gln-Glu-His-Thr-Ala-Glu-Cys-Lys.

Abstract: Polypeptides which stimulate bone growth: Gly Ile Gly Lys Arg Thr Asn Glu His Thr Ala Asp Cys Lys Ile Lys Pro Asn Thr Leu His Lys Lys Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Met Val Leu Asp Gln Asn Gln Pro (SEQ ID NO:1) and subsequences, particularly Arg Thr Asn Glu His Thr Ala Asp Cys Lys (SEQ ID NO:24) and associated nucleotide sequences, methods of preparation and use, antibodies and kits.

Abstract: Polypeptides which increase or promote mammalian bone growth, related nucleotide sequences, antibodies, diagnostic kits and treatments. Subsequences of the polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:2)Asp Ser Asp Leu Tyr Ala Glu Leu Arg Cys Met Cys Ile Lys Thr Thr Ser Gly Ile His Pro Lys Asn Ile Gln Ser Leu Glu Val Ile Gly Lys Gly Thr His Cys Asn Gln Val Glu Val Ile Ala Thr Leu Lys Asp Gly Arg Lys Ile Cys Leu Asp Pro Asp Ala Pro Arg Ile Lys Lys Ile Val Gln Lys Lys Leu Ala Gly Asp Glu Ser Ala Asp have been shown to promote growth. Subsequences include (SEQ ID NO:11) Asp Ser Asp Leu Tyr Ala Glu Leu Arg Cys Met Cys Ile Lys Thr Thr Ser Gly Ile His Pro Lys Asn Ile Gln Ser (SEQ ID NO:12); Ile Lys Thr Thr Ser Gly Ile His Pro Lys Asn Ile Glu Ser (SEQ ID NO:13); Cys Met Cys Ile Lys Thr Thr Ser Gly Ile His Pro Lys Asn Ile Gln Ser and (SEQ ID NO:19) TTSGIHPK.

Abstract: A protein purified from bovine colostral whey and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the protein is identified. The isolated bovine protein is termed Bovine Lactation Associated Immunotropic (Bo-LAIT) protein. The human homologue of Bo-LAIT protein, Hu-LAIT protein, is also described. A method of activating B cells, and particularly of activating B cells in a mammal, such as a human, in need of such activation by administering LAIT protein is described. LAIT protein can be incorporated into infant formula. LAIT protein can be administered to an infant, as by feeding to the infant such formula. LAIT protein can be incorporated as part of a vaccination, LAIT protein can be administered to a patient having a T cell immune deficiency, for example, a particular T cell dysfunction in which gp39 (CD40L) is under expressed on or totally absent from the cell surface of patient T cells. Preparation of medicaments including LAIT protein for activating B cells in a mammal in need of such activation is described.

Abstract: Safety arming device for an underground well tool having an explosive charge contained in a housing. The device includes a hollow member for connection at an end of the housing, the member having an outer wall which defines a window to permit lateral insertion therethrough of a detonator into an operable position in the member when the member is connected to the housing. There is a closure member for mounting on the hollow member in sealing engagement therewith, so as to preclude ingress of liquids into the member through the window.

Abstract: Shaped charge assembly for use as part of a perforating gun, particularly, channel finder gun. The shaped charge assembly includes a charge is configured to produce a jet which is substantially non-circular in cross section (in relation to the axial direction of travel of the jet) in which the assembly includes a base that is relatively rigid with respect to the liner of the assembly.

Abstract: A carpet structure and backing of superior dimensional stability and integrity which is especially useful in a free float system of installation. In one aspect of the invention, a carpet is provided having a selected dimensional stability in which there is (i)a first carpet part having a primary layer with pile substantially covering a first side of the layer, the pile tufted through the primary layer to leave tuft bundles on a second side of the primary layer and a binder encapsulating the tuft bundles, the first part having a predetermined force of expansion and contraction under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture; (ii) a second part in layered relationship to the first carpet part, the second carpet part constructed from one or more layers to have a predetermined resistance to expansion and contraction at least equal to or greater than the force of expansion and contraction of the first carpet part under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture and traffic loads on the carpet pile.

Abstract: A gene (cDNA) encoding a bovine myostatin protein. The nucleic acid coding sequence is identified as SEQ ID NO:1 and the protein sequence is identified as SEQ ID NO:2. A mutant gene (SEQ ID NO:3) in which the coding sequence lacks an 11-base pair consecutive sequence (SEQ ID NO:11) of the sequence encoding bovine protein having myostatin activity has been sequenced. It has been shown that cattle of the Belgian Blue breed homozygous for the mutant gene lacking myostatin activity are double-muscled. A method for determining the presence of muscular hyperplasia in a mammal is described. The method includes obtaining a sample of material containing DNA from the mammal and ascertaining whether a sequence of the DNA encoding (a) a protein having biological activity of myostatin, is present, and whether a sequence of the DNA encoding (b) an allelic protein lacking the activity of (a), is present. The absence of (a) and the presence of (b) indicates the presence of muscular hyperplasia in the mammal.

Abstract: A novel protein purified from bovine colostral whey and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the protein. The isolated bovine protein has homology with human CD14 and murine CD14 and so is referred to as bovine CD14. A method of activating B cells, and particularly of activating B cells in a mammal, such as a human, in need of such activation by administering CD14 is described. CD14 can be incorporated into infant formula. CD14 can be administered to an infant, as by feeding to the infant such formula. CD14 can be incorporated as part of a vaccination. CD14 can be administered to a patient having a T cell immune deficiency, for example, a particular T cell dysfunction in which gp39 is under expressed on or totally absent from the cell surface of patient T cells. Preparation of medicaments including CD14 for activating B cells in a mammal in need of such activation is described. Natural or recombinant CD14 can be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a machined article from an elongated tubular workpiece is disclosed. A machining device is movable within a work area of the apparatus and a movable base having first and second spaced apart clamps secure a section of the article. A stationary third clamp is mounted independent of the movable base for holding the article in a stationary position relative to the movable base. A conveyor permits positioning of the article relative to the clamps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of installing wall to wall carpeting of a selected width over an underpad of a selected thickness by attaching hooked tapes of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the underpad along the perimeter of the area to be covered by the carpeting. The underside of the carpeting, which is substantially covered with loops, is then attached to the upper surface of the tapes through hook and loop technology. The hooked tape and the underpad are of substantially equal thickness so that the loops on the underside of the carpet will attach to the hooks on the upper surface of the tape. In a further aspect, the underpad has loops substantially covering its lower surface so that the underpad is attached to the floor by a second hooked tape of lower profile than the carpet tape which is used to attach the underpad to the floor.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for separation of relatively volatile from non-volatile material, typically an organic component of agglomerate waste material from an inorganic solid component of the waste. The process includes milling material in a container partially immersed or floating in a bath of molten material to break up the material, typically an agglomerate, and thermally releasing the relatively volatile component as vapor therefrom. The apparatus relates to a desorption vessel at least partially immersed in a molten tin bath for heat transfer from the bath to the interior of the vessel for desorption of the relatively volatile component from such material.

Abstract: A carpet structure and backing of superior dimensional stability and integrity which is especially useful in a free float system of installation. In one aspect of the invention, a carpet is provided having a selected dimensional stability in which there is (i) a first carpet part having a primary layer with pile substantially covering a first side of the layer, the pile tufted through the primary layer to leave tuft bundles on a second side of the primary layer and a binder encapsulating the tuft bundles, the first part having a predetermined force of expansion and contraction under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture; (ii) a second part in layered relationship to the first carpet part, the second carpet part constructed from one or more layers to have a predetermined resistance to expansion and contraction at least equal to or greater than the force of expansion and contraction of the first carpet part under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture and traffic loads on the carpet pile.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of perforating gun systems used, for example, to gain access to underground oil and gas formations. In particular, this invention relates to an expendable holder assembly for shaped charges of such systems.

Abstract: A molding for installation on a vehicle which includes a decorative injection-molded polymeric skin secured to an outwardly facing portion of an elongate core and method of manufacture thereof. The skin extends along the length of the molding and includes a cap unitarily formed therewith at each end of the molding. Each cap is shaped to conceal the core when the molding is installed on the vehicle. The skin of the molding may be secured to the core by a heat activable adhesive. Alternatively, the molding includes an extruded first polymeric layer compatible with the polymeric skin between a first area of the outwardly facing portion of the core and the skin, the skin being directly bonded to the extruded polymeric layer and the extruded polymeric layer being adhesively bonded to the core.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toy supported by a self-generated air-cushion. The toy has a platform, a pillow, a fan and a motor to drive the fan. The platform sits above the pillow. The fan and its motor are located centrally and substantially within the pillow and close to the surface over which the toy hovers. The fan draws air into the pillow and expels air through perforations in a bottom sheet of the pillow. This generates an air-cushion between the pillow and a surface over which the toy hovers. The air-cushion enables the toy to glide along the surface upon application of an external force, such as a push from a child's hand. The platform supports a figure which can be a real or animated character.

Abstract: A body side molding for automobiles. The molding has a rigid base and a cover which is relatively flexible with respect to the base. Covers of disclosed embodiments are of polyvinyl chloride. The base and cover snap together, the cover having retainers on its reverse face, and the base having retainers for engaging the retainers of the cover on its obverse face. The reverse face of the base is secured to a vehicle using double-sided adhesive tape.