Abstract: The invention provides modified TGF-? family proteins having altered biological or biochemical properties, and methods for making them. Specific modified protein constructs include TGF-? family member proteins that have N-terminal truncations, “latent” proteins, fusion proteins and heterodimers.

Abstract: The invention provides modified TGF-? family proteins having altered biological or biochemical properties, and methods for making them. Specific modified protein constructs include TGF-? family member proteins that have N-terminal truncations, “latent” proteins, fusion proteins and heterodimers.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge permeameter system that includes a hydraulic permeameter adapted for use in a centrifuge; and an automated data acquisition system, wherein the centrifuge permeameter non-destructively determines one or more soil characteristics from a sample of granular material such as soil, rock, and concrete when centrifuged.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge permeameter system that includes a hydraulic permeameter adapted for use in a centrifuge; and an automated data acquisition system, wherein the centrifuge permeameter non-destructively determines one or more soil characteristics from a sample of granular material such as soil, rock, and concrete when centrifuged.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge permeameter system that includes a hydraulic permeameter adapted for use in a centrifuge; and an automated data acquisition system, wherein the centrifuge permeameter non-destructively determines one or more soil characteristics from a sample of granular material such as soil, rock, and concrete when centrifuged.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for the treatment, and pharmaceuticals for use in the prevention and/or treatment, of chronic renal failure and other renal disorders in subjects (particularly mammalian subjects) renal replacement therapy. The methods involve the conjoint administration of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors or Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (AIIRAs) with one or more OP/BMP family of proteins (morphogens, or inducers of morphogens, or agonists of the corresponding morphogen receptors, etc.). The invention also provides methods for implantation of renal cells induced with the conjoint administration of ACE inhibitors or AIIRAs with those morphogens.

Abstract: The invention provides modified TGF-? family proteins having altered biological or biochemical properties, and methods for making them. Specific modified protein constructs include TGF-? family member proteins that have N-terminal truncations, “latent” proteins, fusion proteins and heterodimers.

Abstract: The invention provides modified proteins and DNAs of the TGF-? superfamily including modified morphogenic proteins. The proteins of the present invention display altered biological or biochemical attributes. Specifically, the modified proteins are designed through manipulation or exchange of subdomains among two or more members of the superfamily such that certain desired attributes are mixed-and-matched and then exploited therapeutically.

Abstract: A kidney dialysis machine includes a number of flexible members extending from the machine to corresponding receptacles at a patient station. The flexible members are arranged in a cable bundle at a point intermediate of the machine and the ends of the members. A retaining member is wrapped around the bundle to hold the bundle together. The retaining member is attached to a spring that has one end connected to the retaining member and an opposite end attached to the kidney dialysis machine. The spring holds the bundle off the floor.

Abstract: The invention provides modified proteins and DNAs of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily including modified morphogenic proteins. The proteins of the present invention display altered biological or biochemical attributes. Specifically, the modified proteins are designed through substitutions of amino acids in the finger 2 sub-domain or exchanges of all or part of the finger 2 sub-domain of one TGF-&bgr; superfamily member with the finger 2 sub-domain of another TGF-&bgr; superfamily member.

Abstract: A kidney dialysis machine includes a number of flexible members extending from the machine to corresponding receptacles at a patient station. The flexible members are arranged in a cable bundle at a point intermediate of the machine and the ends of the members. A retaining member is wrapped around the bundle to hold the bundle together. The retaining member is attached to a spring that has one end connected to the retaining member and an opposite end attached to the kidney dialysis machine. The spring holds the bundle off the floor.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the minimization of radiological doses during manufacturing processes of fuel assemblies, by employing non-irradiated fuel as a shielding material against the radiological output of re-processed fuel materials. The non-irradiated fuel can be employed in peripheral fuel rods and/or in the end portions of fuel rods with beneficial effects.

Abstract: A method of preparing an impregnated leather composite is provided. A low density leather sheet is impregnated with an aqueous ionic dispersion of a polyurethane polymer. The polyurethane polymer which is impregnated in the leather sheet is ionically coagulated from the dispersion. The impregnate is dried to form an impregnated leather composition.

Abstract: A resin impregnated fibrous web is comprised of a needled fibrous batt and a polymeric resin distributed throughout the batt. The density of the impregnated web is uniform throughout with the bulk density of the web being less than the actual density of the web whereby the web is porous. The impregnated web has filaments which are both coated and uncoated with the polymeric resin. A method of forming the impregnated fibrous web is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous polyurethane composition capable of thermal coagulation is disclosed. The polyurethane composition is comprised of an aqueous polyurethane dispersion having anionic groups covalently bonded to the polymer chain and solubilized by the addition of a cationic compound which forms a salt with the anionic group. The composition also includes a compound which, when heated in an aqueous solution, generates acid which causes displacement of the cationic compound from the covalently bonded anionic groups. A method of forming a composite sheet material is also disclosed. The composite sheet material is formed by impregnating a porous sheet material with the polyurethane composition and heating the impregnant to generate acid causing coagulation of the polyurethane dispersion in the porous sheet material. The impregnant is dried to form a composite sheet material.

Abstract: A simulated leather sheet material is comprised of a polymer impregnated fibrous mass with a grain layer forming one surface and a split layer forming the opposing surface. The grain layer has an actual density equal to its bulk density and the split layer has a bulk density less than its actual density. The sheet material has a density decreasing from the grain layer to the split layer.

Abstract: An aqueous polyurethane composition capable of thermal coagulation is disclosed. The polyurethane composition is comprised of an aqueous polyurethane dispersion having anionic groups covalently bonded to the polymer chain and solubilized by the addition of a cationic compound which forms a salt with the anionic group. The composition also includes a compound which, when heated in an aqueous solution, generates acid which causes displacement of the cationic compound from the covalently bonded anionic groups.A method of forming a composite sheet material is also disclosed. The composite sheet material is formed by impregnating a porous sheet material with the polyurethane composition and heating the impregnant to generate acid causing coagulation of the polyurethane dispersion in the porous sheet material. The impregnant is dried to form a composite sheet material.