Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transformation system for making transgenic organisms that includes a vector containing a modified piggyBac transposon into which is inserted an enhanced green fluorescent protein gene linked to a polyubiquitin promoter sequence and a nuclear localizing sequence; and a helper transposase vector that includes an hsp70 promoter sequence upstream of the putative piggyBac promoter that increases the transformation frequency of this system.

Abstract: Imaging systems, containing at least one charge-coupled device detector, are used for determining contamination of foodstuffs, such as for example, animal carcasses. Image processing algorithms allow for the identification of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for obtaining starch from maize involving soaking maize kernels in water to produce soaked maize kernels, grinding the soaked maize kernels to produce a ground maize slurry, and incubating the ground maize slurry with enzyme (e.g., protease).

Abstract: A method for selecting the most effective arthropod repellent from stereoisomers of a compound, involving testing each stereoisomer of the compound for its effectiveness as an arthropod repellent against an arthropod of a particular genus and species, comparing the test results and selecting the most effective arthropod repellent stereoisomer from the stereoisomers of the compound, wherein the compound is a piperidine analog. A composition for repelling arthropods, containing a carrier material and an arthropod repelling effective amount of a stereoisomer of a compound, wherein said stereoisomer is selected by the above method. A method for repelling arthropods (e.g., Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus) from a mammal, involving treating the mammal with an arthropod with the above repelling composition (e.g., containing (1S,2′S) stereoisomer of 1-(3-cyclohexen-1-ylcarbonyl)-2-methylpiperidine).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing foreign matter from fibers, such as from cotton or flax with significantly reduced damage are disclosed. This cleaning is achieved without any of the condenser, compression rollers, or feed roller and feed plate which are present on conventional lint cleaners.

Abstract: A finger joint for connecting first and second wooden segments includes intermeshing fingers that are concentrically disposed about the center of the end face of the two wooden segments. The fingers may either be independent round protrusions forming recesses therebetween operable to receive the fingers of a corresponding wooden segment to be joined, or may alternatively comprise a spiral shaped protrusion defining a corresponding recess sized to receive the spiral shaped protrusion of the corresponding wooden segment to be joined.

Abstract: Composite formulations useful in the production of objects by the solid freeform fabrication method comprise (A) an epoxidized drying oil (primary resin); (B) a curing agent; (C) a fibrous filler; (D) a thixotropic agent and optionally (E) a secondary resin. These composites are characterized by unique physical properties including enhanced biodegradability.

Abstract: The apparatus for tilling soil provides a significant reduction in energy consumption. The apparatus includes one or more sweeps which are effective for subtilling the soil as it is moved therethrough. One or more tillers are provided ahead of the sweeps, sufficiently near the path of travel of the outermost ends or tips of the sweep blades so as to disturb or loosen the soil directly in the path of the ends of the blades. By positioning the tillers relative to the sweep tips in this manner, energy consumption may be significantly reduced in comparison to subtilling devices having coulters or other tillers positioned ahead of the center of the sweeps.

Abstract: Pesticidal and/or antimicrobial biological agent-infected arthropod cadavers are formulated by applying a coating agent once on the surface of the cadaver which either (a) prevents the cadavers from sticking together and/or rupturing or (b) acts as an adhesive for a powder or granule applied to the cadaver to prevent sticking and rupturing. The formulated cadavers maintain or improve infectivity, reproducibility, and survivability. The formulated cadavers can be partially desiccated to improve on shelf-life.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences derived from Fusarium fungal genes which encode the cell wall-degrading enzymes glucanase, endochitinase, and exochitinase; isolated polypeptides having glucanase, endochitinase or exochitinase activity; recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, including expression in plant cells to confer or enhance a plant's resistance to Fusarium and other pathogens.

Abstract: Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific details of certain embodiments thereof, it is not intended that such details should be regarded as limitations upon the scope of the invention except as and to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.

Abstract: Methods to detect prion or PrP-Sc protein as an indication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), including preclinical detection of infected live animals, and postmortem detection methods, are described. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a non-invasive diagnostic assay using third eyelid-associated lymphoid tissue. In another aspect, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind a conserved epitope of PrP-Sc protein in fixed or frozen treated tissue.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been generated which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to tilmicosin. These hybridomas may be obtained by using as an immunization agent or immunogen, 23-deoxo-23-demycinosyl tilmicosin which has been conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. The antibodies may be used to detect and/or quantify tilmicosin in biological samples. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits.

Abstract: Improved artificial diets or growth media are described which are suitable for rearing large numbers of viable and biologically fit arthropods, including zoophagous arthropods and phytophagous arthropods, including facultatively zoophagous arthropods. In a first embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a mixture of cooked egg, liquid, and carbohydrate source. In a second embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a plant-based phytophage diet which includes cooked egg yolk or cooked whole egg. In a third embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a mixture of cooked egg, liquid, and carbohydrate source in admixture with a plant-based phytophage diet which includes cooked egg yolk or cooked whole egg. The growth media are devoid of meat products or insect components and are suitable for mass production of arthropods at a reasonable cost for use in biological control programs or other biologically based technologies.

Abstract: A method for the cryopreservation of zona pellucida-intact, early-stage swine embryos, morulae and blastocysts includes centrifuging the embryos prior to cryopreservation in order to remove intracytoplasmic lipids. The lipids are localized external to the embryo proper inside the zona pellucida, thus neutralizing harmful effects which prevent subsequent embryological development. The embryos may be cryopreserved by vitrification or conventional freezing. After recovery and rehydration, zona pellucidae are removed, and intact, viable embryos are transferred to recipient females.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for restraining wildlife with minimal trauma to the animal. The apparatus includes a housing having open front and rear ends allowing the entry and exit of a target animal, while the rear end includes an openable/closable door effective for controlling the egress of the target animal from the housing. To immobilize the animal, a deer lift is disposed within the interior of the housing having opposed, outwardly and upwardly inclined surfaces which are vertically movable between a first, lower position and a second, raised position. The opposed surfaces are spaced from one another with the space therebetween defining a narrow passageway allowing the target animal to walk between the opposed surfaces in the lower position. However, the width between the opposed surfaces is sufficiently close such that they engage the trunk or body of the animal when raised.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Abstract: A method for degrading and/or bioremediating waste wood containing chromated copper arsenate (CCA) using a fungal inoculurn is disclosed. The fungal inoculum comprises of at least one CCA-tolerant fungi, a lignocellulosic substrate and a nutrient supplement. The fungal inoculum is applied to the waste wood and maintained in an aerated and hydrated environment having temperature conditions sufficient to allow the inoculum to grow and metabolize the CCA. The inoculum and the waste wood are combined until an end product is achieved that is at least partially remediated or of a reduced volume.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive precipitation gage includes a catch tube having an upper opening configured to receive precipitation therein. A vertical magnetostrictive rod and corresponding magnetic float linearly displaceable thereon are used to determine the fluid level within the catch tube. More particularly, as the fluid level fluctuates in the catch tube, so will the vertical position of the float, which interacts magnetically with the magnetostrictive rod. Accordingly, the vertical position of the float may be detected to determine the fluid level within the catch tube, and calculations regarding precipitation may be performed.