Abstract: Extrusion films and coatings are prepared by applying a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) to a surface which is in the range from 20.degree. C. above to 20.degree. C. below the optimum crystallisation temperature of the PHA. A PHA of high melt flow index is preferred.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester is extracted from biomass by dissolving the PHA in a non-halogenated solvent which comprises a PHA-poor solvent that dissolves less than 1% of the PHA at temperatures less than the solvent boiling point, or a mixture of a PHA-poor solvent and a PHA-good solvent. Following extraction of PHA under pressure at a temperature above about 80.degree. C., typically above the boiling point of the PHA-poor solvent, PHA polymer is precipitated by cooling the PHA-enriched solvent mixture. Suitable PHA-poor solvents can include linear and branched R.sub.1 --OH alcohols and R.sub.2 --COOR.sub.3 esters where R.sub.1 =C.sub.1 -C.sub.4, R.sub.2 =H, C.sub.1,C.sub.2, or C.sub.3, and R.sub.3 =C.sub.1 -C.sub.5.

Abstract: Microorganisms are modified to permit production of HV/HB copolymers from substrates such as glucose by inducing amiono acid overproduction in those capable of synthesising and polymerising hydroxybutyrate or adding to an amino acid overproducer the genetic material necessary for it to synthesise and polymerise hydroxybutrate.

Abstract: A reusable closure for placement within the neck of a returnable and reusable container for liquid includes an improved sealing device for preventing contamination of the container. The sealing device achieves a tight seal between a ball and a valve seat within the closure. A cap abutment or spring may optionally be provided to further enhance the tightness of the seal.

Abstract: Flowable composites are disclosed which comprise a) microcapsules comprising one or more non-aqueous pesticidally active compositions enclosed in an inert water-soluble wall material; b) a non-aqueous liquid in an amount sufficient to maintain the composite flowable; the non-aqueous pesticidally active composition and the non-aqueous liquid being reactive with each other and the inert water-soluble wall material being insoluble in and impermeable to the non-aqueous liquid and the pesticidally active composition. Also disclosed are composites in which the pesticidally active compositions are internally-reactive in the presence of a non-aqueous liquid or solvent. Processes for production of the composites and their utilization as pesticides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing glyphosate and other secondary amines of related structure in which a precursor primary amine such as aminomethylphosphonic acid is condensed with glyoxylic acid, or a related aldehyde compound, and the condensation product reduced without isolation to produce the desired product.

Abstract: A composition and a method of preparing the same are provided wherein a 2-chloroacetamide herbicide is mixed with an imidazolinone herbicide to form a stable emulsion flowable formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel substituted 3-phenoxypyrazoles and their use as herbicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel substituted 3-phenoxypyrazoles and their use as herbicides.

Abstract: A method for preparing polypeptides in bacteria with an alanine rather than a methionine at the N-terminus. The DNA sequence expressed has an alanine codon immediately following from at least one methionine codon, and allows for the expression of polypeptides having the amino acid sequence essentially the same as such naturally occurring eucaryotic protein as various bovine and porcine somatotropin species. In another important embodiment, the invention provides a class of compositions comprising certain valine-containing somatropin species which increase milk production in lactating mammals to a significantly greater extent than otherwise-identical leucine somatotropin species.

Abstract: Prolonged parenteral release of a bioactive polypeptide at desirably effective levels can be achieved using novel compositions in which the polypeptide is present in a biocompatible oil in an unusually high proportion such as at least about 10% by weight. Also disclosed are certain metal-associated somatotropins that are useful for prolonged parenteral release of such somatotropins.

Abstract: Prolonged parenteral release of a bioactive polypeptide at desirably effective levels can be achieved using novel compositions in which the polypeptide is present in a biocompatible oil in an unusually high proportion such as at least about 10% by weight. Also disclosed are certain metal-associated somatotropins that are useful for prolonged parenteral release of such somatotropins.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel peptides having utility for promotion of growth and/or lactation in animals, to processes and DNA useful in production of such peptides, and to methods utilizing such peptides to promote growth or lactation in animals. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to peptides having bovine IGF-II biological activity, to production of such peptides, and to their use in effecting proliferation of certain cells (e.g. mammary epithelial or muscle) or in enhancing lactation in cattle or other animals.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of alkylthioalkanoate salts by reaction of an alkali metal alkylmercaptide with a lactone in the presence of an aprotic polar organic solvent. Preferably, the alkali metal mercaptide is prepared by reaction of an alkylmercaptan and an alkali metal phenate.

Abstract: Provided is a shaped article adapted for parenteral implantation, to obtain prolonged administration of a somatotropin to an animal comprising an effective dose of a solid somatotropin, which is essentially binder-free, essentially matrix-free and has at least one uncoated release surface.

Abstract: A method for preparing polypeptides in bacteria with an alanine rather than a methionine at the N-terminus. The DNA sequence expressed has an alanine codon immediately following from one to about three contiguous methionine codons including a translation start signal and allows for the expression of polypeptides having the amino acid sequence of, for example, naturally occurring eucaryotic proteins such as various bovine and porcine somatotropin species.

Abstract: An enhanced 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid composition and method of preparation are disclosed. The enhanced composition comprises greater than 2.2 and less than about 10 moles of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid equivalent per mole of calcium.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel peptides having utility for promotion of growth and/or lactation in animals, to processes and DNA useful in production of such peptides, and to methods utilizing such peptides to promote growth or lactation in animals. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to peptides having bovine IGF-II biological activity, to production of such peptides, and to their use in effecting proliferation of certain cells (e.g. mammary epithelial or muscle) or in enhancing lactation in cattle or other animals.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of alkylthioalkanoate salts by reaction of an alkali metal alkylmercaptide with a lactone in the presence of an aprotic polar organic solvent. Preferably, the alkali metal mercaptide is prepared by reaction of an alkylmercaptan and an alkali metal phenate.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for control of Salmonella on meat-producing carcasses, e.g. poultry, during processing, comprising contacting the carcass with an acidic solution of an anionic sulfate or sulfonate surfactant.