Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding modified FGF-21 polypeptides, optionally containing at least one non-codon encoding a naturally-encoded amino acid, and vectors and cells containing are provided. These nucleic acids can be used to express the modified FGF-21 polypeptide encoded thereby. The expressed FGF-21 polypeptides may be used as therapeutics, e.g., in the treatment of diseases associated with fibrosis.

Abstract: A mandrel extraction tool includes an actuator assembly and a first mandrel interface arm operably associated with the actuator assembly and adapted to engage a first mandrel. The mandrel extraction tool further includes a second mandrel interface arm operably associated with the actuator assembly and adapted to engage a second mandrel, the second mandrel interface arm being slidingly coupled with the first mandrel interface arm, such that the first mandrel interface arm moves generally linearly with respect to second interface arm when the actuator assembly is actuated. A method for extracting a mandrel includes providing a mandrel extraction tool, engaging the mandrel extraction tool with a mandrel, and applying a force to the mandrel to linearly extract the mandrel from a first portion of a structure.

Abstract: A mandrel extraction tool (301) includes an actuator assembly and a first mandrel interface arm (309) operably associated with the actuator assembly and adapted to engage a first mandrel (351). The extraction tool further includes a second interface arm (313) which engages a second mandrel (355), the second arm (313) being slidingly coupled the first mandrel interface arm (309). A method for extracting a mandrel includes providing a mandrel extraction tool (301) which is used for extraction.