Abstract: A bioadhesive composition for bonding together adjacent surfaces of wood comprises a microbially-produced fermentation residue containing adherent microbial cells and glycocalyx. This residue finds particular application as a replacement for a significant amount of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) or other conventional adhesive component commonly used in the production of plywood and other wood products.

Abstract: The invention is related to the preparation of an ionic polymer composite material comprising a protein and carbohydrate-containing vegetable material component that serves as a reinforcement agent for the composite. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the vegetable seed component is selected from the group of soy spent flakes, defatted soy flour, or soy protein concentrate with ionic polymers and the ionic polymer is carboxylated poly(styrene-butadiene). The composites have a significantly higher elastic modulus when compared with base polymer.

Abstract: The growth and development of cotton is enhanced by an application of relatively low concentrations of a cytokinin to cotton seed or to a growing cotton plant at a stage of growth between the cotyledon stage and the six-leaf stage. Application of the cytokinins is effective to elicit one or more effects in the resultant plant including reduced apical dominance, increased rate of development of fruiting branches, decreased time to first bloom, increased number of cotton squares formed, thickening of the hypocotyl, reduced rate of leaf wilting, reduced water usage, and increased root development.

Abstract: Incubation and emergence of solitary-nesting pollinating bees from their nests or cocoons under field conditions may be effected using a device including a first outer and second inner hollow containers wherein a nest containing the bees may be disposed, and first and second communicating openings are provided on the lower surfaces of the containers to provide access to the environment from the nest in the inner container. To allow egress of bees from the nests to the environment while inhibiting or preventing their return, a one-way exit is provided in communication with the second opening, which is also attached to or extends through the first opening. Controlled heating of the nests are effected by disposing a heating element within the outer container, external of the inner container. A temperature controller for the heating element and an electrical power source for providing power thereto are also provided.

Abstract: Time-dependent differences in fluorescence responses of normal surfaces of the fruit or vegetable as opposed to surfaces which are contaminated with feces, may be used for improved detection of feces-contaminated fruits and vegetables. In this process, the surface of a fruit or vegetable which contains a native chlorophyll is illuminated with a pulse of UV or visible light having a wavelength effective to elicit fluorescence of feces of a plant consuming animal. The intensity of fluorescent light emissions from the surface are measured at one or more wavelengths characteristic of the emission spectra of chlorophyll or its degradation products, at a nanosecond-scale time period or window which is after the peak emission of the native chlorophyll of the fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: Itaconic acid may be produced in high yields by fermentation with a yeast, Pseudozyma antarctica NRRL Y-30980.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes that are specific for pathogenic yeasts and which may be used for the detection of such yeasts in biological samples are described. These probes are specific for yeast species within the clade of Candida albicans and other pathogenic ascomycetous yeasts, and may be used singly or in a multiplex hybridization assay system.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins and/or the novel lactic acid-producing strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.

Abstract: Lipids, such as plant oils and animal fats, are effective for treatment of animal wastes to inhibit both the emission of ammonia and other odors, and the discharge of particulate matter, microorganisms, and endotoxins, therefrom. Inhibition of ammonia volatilization and particulate or microbial discharge is effected by application of an effective amount of a lipid containing composition onto the animal wastes. Moreover, when used in combination with solutions of salts of acidic proton donors such as aluminum chloride, aluminum nitrate, and alum, these lipids significantly improve the effectiveness of the proton donors to inhibit the release of ammonia and reduce phosphorous solubility.

Abstract: A packaging system for preserving perishable items which involves a thermoplastic reclosable bag or container wherein the thermoplastic reclosable bag or container involves sealed means for closing one end of the thermoplastic reclosable bag or container, and an external patch for delivering active packaging materials (e.g., chemicals) into the thermoplastic reclosable bag or container, and means for flowing active packaging materials into the thermoplastic reclosable bag or container from the external patch into the thermoplastic reclosable bag or container. Such packaging can perform a number of functions such as moisture regulation, antimicrobial emission, ethylene scavenging, ethylene emission, antioxidant emission, flavor adsorption and emission, and oxygen and carbon dioxide regulation.

Abstract: Pesticidal and/or antimicrobial biological agent-infected hard-bodied arthropod cadavers, such as from the family Tenebrionidae are used to control pest and/or microbial infestations in agriculture, commercial and urban environments.

Abstract: The ability of two Aspergillus flavus Link isolates (CT3 and K49) to reduce aflatoxin contamination of corn was assessed in a four-year field study (2001 to 2004). Soil was treated with six wheat inoculant treatments: toxigenic isolate F3W4; the non-toxigenic isolate K49; the non-aflatoxigenic isolate CT3, two mixtures of CT3 or K49 with F3W4; and an autoclaved wheat control, applied at 20 kg/ha. In 2001, inoculation with the toxigenic isolate increased corn grain aflatoxin levels by 167% compared to the non-inoculated control, while CT3 and K49 inoculation reduced aflatoxin levels in corn grain by 86% & 60%, respectively. In 2002, inoculation of CT3 and K49 reduced aflatoxin levels by 61% and 76% compared to non-inoculated controls, respectively. In 2001 mixtures of toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates had little effect on aflatoxin levels, but in 2002 inoculation with mixtures of K49 and CT3 reduced aflatoxin levels 68 and 37% compared to non-inoculated controls, respectively.

Abstract: Studies in mice and humans indicate that membrane CD14 (mCD14) on the cell surface of monocytes, macrophages, and PMN mediates the activation of these cells by LPS. The soluble CD14 (sCD14) present in the circulation also binds to LPS and blocks LPS binding to mCD14. To determine the role of a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide in cellular activation by LPS, a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide, rbosCD14, was cloned and expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Results indicated that rbosCD14 inhibited the LPS-induced increase in CD18 expression and TNF? mRNA in vitro and reduced mortality in mice injected with LPS. Further, rbosCD14 sensitized mammary epithelial cells to low concentrations of LPS resulting in recruitment of white blood cells and prevention of LPS-induced infection.

Abstract: A new protein supplement for insect rearing contains extracts of insect eggs or cultured insect egg embryonic cell lines from insects such as Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, etc., to increase the fecundity of insects reared for biocontrol.

Abstract: Transposon linker insertion mutagenesis of a full-length infectious clone of the highly pathogenic classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolate Brescia (pBIC) was used to identify genetic determinants of CSFV virulence and host range. A virus mutant, RB-C22 (RB-C22v), possessing a 19-residue tag insertion at the carboxyl end of E1 was constructed. RB-C22v and the parental virus pBIC (pBICv) exhibited similar growth characteristics on primary porcine macrophage cell cultures although RB-C22v produced significantly smaller plaques on SK6 cell cultures. In vivo, RB-C22v was markedly attenuated in swine. In contrast with pBIC infection, where mortality was 100%, all RB-C22v-infected pigs survived infection remaining clinically normal. Additionally, chimeras of the Brescia strain and the attenuated vaccine strain CS were constructed and evaluated for viral virulence in swine. Chimeras 138.8v and 337.14v, chimeras containing the E2 glycoprotein of CS and chimeric virus 319.

Abstract: Studies in mice and humans indicate that membrane CD14 (mCD14) on the cell surface of monocytes, macrophages, and PMN mediates the activation of these cells by LPS. The soluble CD14 (sCD14) present in the circulation also binds to LPS and blocks LPS binding to mCD14. To determine the role of a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide in cellular activation by LPS, a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide, rbosCD14, was cloned and expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Results indicated that rbosCD14 inhibited the LPS-induced increase in CD18 expression and TNF? mRNA in vitro and reduced mortality in mice injected with LPS. Further, rbosCD14 sensitized mammary epithelial cells to low concentrations of LPS resulting in recruitment of white blood cells and prevention of LPS-induced infection.

Abstract: Deer and other nocturnal animals may be allowed to feed from a feeding device which also restricts feeding by squirrels, birds, and other diurnal feeders. The apparatus includes a walled enclosure having a sloped bottom for facilitating the gravity flow of animal feed toward an outlet from which the feed can then be accessed by the target animals. The opening is provided with a sliding cover which is controllably movable between a first position aligned over the opening to prevent dispensing of feed, and a second position removed from the opening to allow dispensing of feed. To prevent blockage of the cover by the feed when the cover is moved from the open to the closed position, an internal member is disposed within the enclosure which creates an accumulation chamber or dead space into which feed can be readily moved out of the path of the moving cover.

Abstract: An effective vaccine for Marek's disease may be prepared using a viral agent which is a Marek's disease virus unable to express a functional meq protein. This viral agent is effective to elicit an immune response in a chicken to very virulent strains of Marek's disease virus without causing a significant degree of pathogenicity in the inoculated bird. Suitable formulations of the vaccine for use in chickens include an effective immunization dosage of this novel viral agent with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: A composition prepared from intact killed cells of isolated ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae and a concentrated extract of a culture of ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae, is effective for the protection of fish against infection by the same and other virulent strains Streptococcus agalactiae.