Abstract: A transgenic plant into which a chimeric gene comprising a wound inducible promoter and a gene for an enzyme involved in cytokinin biosynthesis has been introduced shows enhanced resistance to insect infestation.

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: The present invention is drawn to isolates of Candida oleophila which are effective for the control of postharvest diseases in fruit and to biocontrol compositions which include such isolates. A method of utilizing the isolates to inhibit pathogens which cause postharvest diseases is also described. The organisms were isolated from the surface of tomato fruit and are useful for the control of a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of fruits.

Abstract: Hypoallergenic products are made from Parthenum argentatum (Gray), Ficus elastica and other non-hevea rubber-containing plants by homogenizing the plants in an aqueous medium, filtering the homogenate and separating the rubber-containing phase from the aqueous phase by centrifugation. Optionally, the filtrate may be clarified before separation. The hypoallergenic rubber products do not contain the rubber-associated proteins which are responsible for sensitization in allergic individuals.

Abstract: A method is described which utilizes lipases to transesterify triglyceride-containing substances and to esterify free fatty acids to alkyl esters using short chain alcohols. The alkyl esters are useful as alternatives or additives to automotive fuels and lubricants. The method is particularly advantageous because it utilizes inexpensive feedstocks such as animal fats, vegetable oils, rendered fats and restaurant grease as substrates.

Abstract: A wide variety of end products may be manufactured from fibers or fiber pulp derived from feathers. Examples of such end products are paper and paper-like products, non-woven and woven fibers, insulation, filters, extrusions, and composite sheets and plates.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of producing biofuels by carrying out the enzymatic transesterification of fatty acid-containing materials directly in automotive fuels.

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: Primers specific for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) 0157:H7 bacteria have been designed which are useful for detecting the bacteria by polymerase chain reaction methods. The primers were derived from DNA sequences contained within a 60-MDa plasmid which is present in most EHEC. The primers may also be used in combination with primers derived from other sequences of significance, the conserved sequences of Shiga-like toxins I and II and the eaeA gene, in a single simultaneous amplification reaction to specifically identify EHEC serotype 0157.

Abstract: High modulus, flexible films may be fabricated from blend of pectin, poly(vinyl alcohol) and, optionally, plasticizers. The combination of pectin and poly(vinyl alcohol) is advantageous in that pectin increases the biodegradability of poly(vinyl alcohol). In addition, the use of pectin provides effective utilization of an agricultural product.

Abstract: Erucic acid is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, the reaction being catalyzed by lipase from Geotrichum candidum or Candida rugosa. Fatty acid substituents having carbon chains shorter than C22 are removed from triglycerides which also contain one or two erucic acid substituents, resulting in a glyceride fraction enriched in erucic acid and a free fatty acid fraction containing the hydrolyzed substituent.

Abstract: A coating for harvested agricultural commodities which delays ripening and controls decay is described. The coating comprises a modified chitosan matrix containing a yeast antagonistic to postharvest pathogens. The modified chitosan may be carboxymethylchitosan or glycolchitosan. The combined fungicidal activities of the modified chitosan and the antagonistic yeast make this formulation an attractive preservative which is superior to existing coatings and ensures the even distribution of the antagonistic yeast over the surface of the harvested commodity, thus increasing its effectiveness.

Abstract: A safe, effective vaccine for the protection of susceptible animals against foot-and-mouth disease has been produced. The vaccine comprises a mutant virus from which the amino acid sequence Gly-Val-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 8) from the G-H loop of VP1 has been deleted and replaced with the amino acid sequence Asn-Pro. The mutant virus retains its antigenicity but is not infectious.

Abstract: A biocontrol composition comprising an antagonistic microorganism and a sugar analog (2-deoxy-D-glucose) gives a level of control superior to that of either component when used alone and comparable to that of synthetic chemical fungicides. The antagonistic microorganism is an isolate of Candida saitoana and has resistance to the fungicidal activity of sugars and sugar analogs.

Abstract: Hypoallergenic products are made from Parthenum argentatum (Gray), Ficus elastica and other non-hevea rubber-containing plants by homogenizing the plants in an aqueous medium, filtering the homogenate and separating the rubber-containing phase from the aqueous phase by centrifugation. Optionally, the filtrate may be clarified before separation. The hypoallergenic rubber products do not contain the rubber-associated proteins which are responsible for sensitization in allergic individuals.

Abstract: Continuous cultures of pluripotent parenchymal hepatocytes were derived from the epiblasts of pig blastocysts. The cultures are feeder-dependent and grow slowly with doubling times of 3 to 4 days. They differentiate into large secretory duct-like structures or form small canaliculi. Alternatively, the cells accumulate droplets that stain intensely with oil red O, a lipid-specific stain. .alpha.-Fetoprotein and albumin mRNA expression increases as the cells differentiate in culture.

Abstract: A transgenic plant into which a chimeric gene comprising a wound inducible promoter and a gene for an enzyme involved in cytokinin biosynthesis has been introduced shows enhanced resistance to insect infestation.

Abstract: High modulus, flexible films may be fabricated from blends of pectin, starch and, optionally, plasticizers. The films are biodegradable, water soluble and are advantageous in that all materials are derived from agricultural products.

Abstract: A preparation effective for reducing colonization by human enteropathogenic bacteria in poultry is prepared from cultures of mucosa-associated flora obtained from ceca of mature birds and is referred to as mucosal competitive exclusion (MCE). The preparation is especially effective for both Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. Administration of the novel MCE preparation to newly-hatched or hatching birds provides substantial protection against both microorganisms and results in the diminished presence of both in processed poultry products.

Abstract: An isolated and purified bifunctional protein from carrots with aspartokinase and homoserine activities which can be used to regulate the amino acid content of plants, in particular the lysine, homoserine, threonine, isoleucine and/or methionine content is disclosed. In addition, a DNA molecule with a DNA sequence coding for a homologous segment of the bifunctional carrot protein is also disclosed. In a method of regulating the amino acid content in a plant by bringing an effective amount of the bifunctional protein in contact with the plant is disclosed.