Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented for the administration of transposon-based vectors to an animal or human to provide gene therapy to the animal or human.

Abstract: Activated carbons derived from low-density lignocellulosic agricultural waste, and for use in absorption of metals, are prepared utilizing carbon dioxide or steam activation at 800° C. to 950° C. for 3 to 12 hours and subsequent oxidation with air at 260° C. to 400° C. for 3 to 6 hours. Granular carbons are formed by the inclusion of a preliminary two-step process involving the admixture of a binder selected from molasses, coal tar or wood tar to form pellets, briquettes or extrudates and converting them into a char under an inert atmosphere at 700° C. to 750° C. for 1 to 2 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of enhancing the production performance of avians, by administering to a bird a heterologous protein comprised of inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a carrier protein. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the production performance of avians, by administering to a bird a fusion gene product comprising a gene encoded for the expression of alpha-subunit avian inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a gene encoded for the expression of a carrier protein. An effective amount of the heterologous protein or fusion gene product is administered to an animal such that an immunological response occurs in the animal against the heterologous protein. The present invention further relates to the above heterologous protein and fusion gene product, and to methods of producing the same.