Abstract: This invention provides a method of detecting whether a subject is either predisposed to or afflicted with a pulmonary disease which comprises (1) obtaining a suitable sample from the subject; (2) detecting in the sample a bone morphogenetic protein receptor-II mutation which is not present in wildtype bone morphogenetic protein receptor-II, wherein the presence of a mutation indicates that the subject is predisposed to or afflicted with the pulmonary disease. In one embodiment, the pulmonary disease is Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of detecting whether a subject is either predisposed to or afflicted with a pulmonary disease which comprises (1) obtaining a suitable sample from the subject; (2) detecting in the sample a bone morphogenetic protein receptor-II mutation which is not present in wildtype bone morphogenetic protein receptor-II, wherein the presence of a mutation indicates that the subject is predisposed to or afflicted with the pulmonary disease. In one embodiment, the pulmonary disease is Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.

Abstract: An improved gravity feeder for poultry and domestic animals which will dispense variable quantities of feed depending upon the dietary requirements of the particular fowl or animal is disclosed. The gravity feeder includes a generally cylindrical feed storage hopper having top and bottom openings mounted on an underlying circular feed tray having an upwardly projecting conical surface and an upwardly extending peripheral side wall wherein feed is dispensed for consumption. The feed tray includes a plurality of hopper support pads disposed at regular angular intervals about the conical surface of the tray coincident with a diameter of the hopper so as to provide adequate support for the same when disposed in functional relation to the feed tray.

Abstract: A roof-type ventilator made of a moldable material such as fiberglass with generally vertical sides. Exhaust ports are provided in the upper portion of opposite sides of the ventilator in spaced relation from the roof. Deflecting baffles extend from just below the exhaust openings inwardly to just above the exhaust openings with an opening behind the deflector communicating with the interior of the building. This allows air and fumes from the interior of the building to be exhausted generally horizontally outwardly from the elevated exhaust port while preventing ambient, wind driven rain, snow and the like from entering the building interior through the ventilator. A normally open louver is provided in the area behind the baffles so that the air and fumes from the interior of the building can be controlled.