Abstract: The invention relates to direct-fed microbials for use in E. coli, Salmonella, and/or Campylobacter inhibition in animals. More particularly, the invention relates to isolated Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681, 101, 235, and 721, and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, for a use comprising the above-mentioned use. The invention also relates to the use of isolated Bacillus strains 681,721, A12, 54, 86, 300, 101, 102, 235, and 177, and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, to prevent or reduce prolapse in an animal.

Abstract: In a distributed, multi-node system for communicating between a plurality of distributed terminals and one or more central computers, some of which specify command and control information to the nodes, intelligent means are provided in the nodes to enable the nodes to test their internal communication channels and the communication channels to their associated distributed terminals independently of the central computers, and to reconfigure themselves independently of the central computers, substituting spare channels for identified malfunctioning ones. Conditions detectable by or within the node may initiate such testing. This means comprises a script interpreter which causes the node to execute scripts previously provided to it. New scripts may be provided to the nodes from a central computer.