Abstract: A product comprising cellulosic fibers, 0.0001 to 0.03 moles of a water soluble metal salt per 100 grams of cellulosic fiber, based on the oven dry weight of the cellulosic fiber, water and a quantity quaternary ammonium salt to provide 100 to 3000 ppm of quaternary ammonium salt in solution. A process for making the product.

Abstract: A web comprising a layer of crosslinked cellulosic fiber overlaid on and integral with at least one layer of regenerated cellulose fiber. The crosslinked cellulosic fiber can be sandwiched between two regenerated cellulose fiber layers. The regenerated cellulose can be viscose or lyocell.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for classifying plant embryos according to their quality using a penalized logistic regression (PLR) model. First, sets of image or spectral data are acquired from plant embryos of known quality, respectively. Second, each of the acquired sets of image or spectral data is associated with one of multiple class labels according to the corresponding embryo's known quality. Third, sets of metrics are calculated based on the acquired sets of image or spectral data, respectively. Fourth, a penalized logistic regression (PLR) analysis is applied to the sets of metrics and their corresponding class labels to develop a PLR-based classification model. Fifth, image or spectral data are acquired from a plant embryo of unknown quality, and metrics are calculated based therefrom. Sixth, the PLR-based classification model is applied to the metrics calculated for the plant embryo of unknown quality to classify the same.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet.

Abstract: A method for making a web comprising a layer of crosslinked cellulosic fiber overlaid on and fastened to at least one layer of regenerated cellulose fiber. In one method the crosslinked cellulosic fiber is be sandwiched between two regenerated cellulose fiber layers. The regenerated cellulose can be viscose or lyocell or be made from several solvents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving the germination of manufactured seeds. The methods comprise the step of subjecting a manufactured seed to at least one change in ambient pressure for a period of time sufficient to generate a conditioned manufactured seed.