Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using glucose anti-metabolites to alter utilization of glucose or other energy sources and to mimic metabolic effects of caloric restriction. In particular, in one embodiment herein, methods of enhancing longevity in an animal are described, the methods comprising administration of a composition comprising a glucose anti-metabolite to the animal. In another embodiment, methods of enhancing longevity in an animal are described, the methods comprising administration of a composition comprising avocado extract, wherein the avocado extract comprises mannoheptulose. In yet another embodiment, methods of enhancing longevity in an animal are described, the methods comprising administration of a composition comprising mannoheptulose.

Abstract: A method of obtaining beneficial biological results associated with caloric restriction may be gained by administration of a composition containing at least one active agent which blocks metabolism of glucose as a source of energy in cells in glucose metabolism blocking effective amounts to an animal in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pet food compositions. In one embodiment, pet food compositions which are described comprise a component selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, pet food compositions which are described comprise an extract of plant matter selected from avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof. The pet food compositions may be prepared by any of a variety of processes including, but not limited to, optional processes described herein.

Abstract: A protein microarray element comprising: a) a support; b) a gelatin layer containing functional groups capable of binding biological probes; and interposed between the support and the gelatin layer and c) an adhesive interlayer layer capable of maintaining contact with the support and with the gelatin layer.

Abstract: Described is a process for making acrylic resins suitable as polymeric surfactants used in emulsion polymerization, as pigment grinding resins and for preparing dispersions used as overprint varnishes. The feedstock is styrene, &agr;-methyl styrene, acrylic acid and a polymerization initiator and is preferably free of solvent. This mix is passed through a continuous tube reactor run at a controlled range of pressure and relatively low residence time and temperature. Optimally, when the polymer/unreacted monomers blend exits the reactor and is devolatilized, the recovered monomers are used to make up part of the feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a polymer or copolymer from monomer material comprising an acrylate, methacrylate, or mixture of such monomers, which comprises the steps of: (a) charging into a continuous tube reactor a feedstock comprising said monomer material and a polymerization initiator; (b) maintaining a flow rate of said material through the reactor at a reaction temperature in the reactor and under pressure sufficient to provide a residence time of the feedstock in the reactor during which polymerization will occur, to form a resin product in the reactor, and said resulting resin product comprising unreacted monomer, and (c) devolatilizing said resin product exiting the reactor to remove unreacted monomers, to provide a substantially monomer-free resin product. Further, the invention relates to resin product made by the process.

Abstract: A method of obtaining beneficial biological results associated with caloric restriction may be gained by administration of a composition containing at least one active agent which blocks metabolism of glucose as a source of energy in cells in glucose metabolism blocking effective amounts to an animal in need thereof.

Abstract: Described is a process for making acrylic resins suitable as polymeric surfactants used in emulsion polymerization, as pigment grinding resins and for preparing dispersions used as overprint varnishes. The feedstock is styrene, .alpha.-methyl styrene, acrylic acid and a polymerization initiator and is preferably free of solvent. This mix is passed through a continuous tube reactor run at a controlled range of pressure and relatively low residence time and temperature. Optimally, when the polymer/unreacted monomers blend exits the reactor and is devolatilized, the recovered monomers are used to make up part of the feedstock.

Abstract: A wire ring binder is formed of a continuous segment of wire bent in an undulating form in which finger sections extend in a parallel array from a colinear array of backbone sections. The width of the fingers approximates the length of elongated apertures in sheet material which is to be bound. In the case wherein the spacing between apertures is equal to the aperture length for maximum strength and ease of perforation, the width of the fingers is slightly less than the spacing between fingers to provide clearance in the apertures. Each finger is formed of two sections of wire joined together by an arcuate terminating section which overlaps into the spacing between backbone sections.

Abstract: An improved air bumper having a tubeless or inner tube filled encasement surrounding an elongated rim. First and second mounting assemblies secure the bumper to a car frame. Each mounting assembly is comprised of upper and lower spaced supports which are slidable in an enclosure. A spring surrounding the supports provides shock absorption between the air bumper and car frame.