Abstract: Provided herein are modified CD117 polypeptides comprising one or more amino acid modifications that inhibit or reduce binding to an anti-CD117 antibody. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding modified CD117 polypeptides, and cells, e.g., hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), in which the CD117 nucleic acid or polypeptide is introduced. The HSC may be used, for example, in hematopoietic cell transplant.

Abstract: Modified stem cells and methods of use for stem cell transplant are provided.

Abstract: Process and furnace for producing clinkered cement pellets from pellets of cement-forming batch materials without melting, fusion and agglomeration of said pellets. The furnace comprises an elongate vertical suspension shaft having top, intermediate and bottom portions. Pellets are fed at the top and heated to calcining temperatures before exiting the shaft into a pre-clinkering zone beyond the bottom. The pellets are heated to pre-clinkering temperatures and deposited on a porous pellet bed through which cooling air is forced to control the exothermic clinkering reaction and to regulate the speed at which the pellets migrate through the shaft.