Abstract: Expression cassettes causing specific regulatory control of transgene expression in plants, wherein the expression cassettes include regulatory sequences from the MADS gene family for expression of recombinant gene products in the reproductive tissue of plants for the purpose of generating maize plants with altered lignin content of the cobs.

Abstract: A solar energy system is provided to capture an increased amount of solar energy in an area. Methods and devices to collect obscured solar radiation and covert it into usable electrical energy are described. The devices include a major concentrated solar energy system combined with a minor solar energy system. In one embodiment, the minor solar energy system includes a primary mirror, secondary mirror and a second photocell. Primary and secondary mirrors of a minor solar energy system are defined by their location, at least a portion of which may be substantially within the concave region of the secondary mirror of a major solar energy system. The electrical connection from the minor solar energy system to the major solar energy system is described. Methods for making minor solar energy system are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating integrated mine planning in a mining operation. The system has a data module to store data objects. The system also has a management module in communication with the data module and the management module is configured with at least one workflow having a series of interdependent processing steps representative of planning steps for a mine plan. The management module controls the accessibility of one or more users to each of the steps within the at least one workflow. The at least one user is able to obtain one or more data objects from the data store, under the control of the management module, to process the one or more data objects to perform at least one processing step in the at least one workflow using a proprietary expert software solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination non-imaging concentrator in which at least one surface or volume is incorporated as an optical element to increase obliquity of reflection at walls of a light guide. The combination non-imaging concentrator may be used in a solar energy system to receive solar radiation from optical components and then output the solar radiation to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. One or more lenses may be formed integrally with the light guide, or may be used in conjunction with the light guide as separate components.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the starch content in green tissues of a plant are provided. The method comprises down-regulating me activity of starch degradation enzymes in a plant. The resulting transgenic plants of the invention have increased starch content in green tissues and exhibit a starch excess phenotype. In one embodiment the method involves manipulating a monocot plant to down-regulate the activity of a starch degradation enzyme. The plants are useful for improving the yield of free sugars from plant biomass and increase dried green tissue storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-linting laminated nonwoven fabric comprised of a reticulated film layer and an associated absorbent layer, which is suitable for medical, hygiene, and industrial applications, wherein said nonwoven fabric performs to absorb liquids, such as human exudates, while significantly reducing the amount of particulates released. The reticulated film of the invention is comprised of a series or network of small, geometrically profiled, depressed areas, wherein the depressed areas of the film are able to collect liquids such as blood, and channel such liquids through openings in the film layer into the associated absorbent layer.

Abstract: An improved internal wetting agent is provided for blending with polymeric material, with the formation of apertured films and/or polymeric fibrous webs contemplated. Films and/or nonwoven fabrics of this nature are suited for use in disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the so-called topsheet or facing layer, which contacts the wearer during use. Because polymeric materials from which these types of facing layers are made are typically hydrophobic, the provision of an internal wetting agent facilitates the passage of liquid through the facing layer into an associated absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and genetic constructs for the control of expression of enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis in plants. The method involves the use of double-stranded RNAi to down-regulate or knock out the expression of the CAD and COMT genes. In particular embodiments the method involves the use of cob-specific or cob-preferred promoters for down-regulation of lignin biosynthesis in the cobs of corn plants.

Abstract: A method for replacing a damaged brake beam on a railcar having a car body supported on a railcar truck. The railcar truck includes a wheel and axle assembly mounted between a pair of laterally spaced side frames. The side frames include structure, on an inboard side thereof, for guiding and supporting the brake beam, and with the structure on the side frame members defining a predetermined lateral distance therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apertured or reticulated film, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a method of imparting one or more raised elements into a previously apertured or reticulated film utilizing a forming surface. A forming apparatus can accept an apertured film, preferably but not limited to a thermoplastic composition, and impart one or more raised continuous or discontinuous profiled elements into the surface of the apertured film by exposing the apertured film to an air stream having an elevated temperature (such as by exposure of the air stream to direct contact with a heating element). The heated air stream affects the apertured film by inducing the film to deflect onto profiled elements defined in the forming surface of the forming apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an unitized cover and transfer layer for hygiene applications that have the appearance, strength, and drape of a nonwoven and the surface characteristics of a film. The lightweight apertured film surface the present invention is comprised of a series of void spaces that act to collect liquids and channel such liquid into an associated underlying absorbent layer, while reducing potential release of particulates inherent to the absorbent layer. Further, the unitized cover and transfer layer of the present invention exhibits significantly reduced frictional noise and discomfort induced by prolonged contact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-linting laminated nonwoven fabric comprised of a reticulated film layer and an associated absorbent layer, which is suitable for medical, hygiene, and industrial applications, wherein said nonwoven fabric performs to absorb liquids, such as human exudates, while significantly reducing the amount of particulates released. The reticulated film of the invention is comprised of a series or network of small, geometrically profiled, depressed areas, wherein the depressed areas of the film are able to collect liquids such as blood, and channel such liquids through openings in the film layer into the associated absorbent layer.

Abstract: This invention describes methods, transgenic plants and transgenic microorganisms for the biosynthesis of halogenated natural products, where the halogenation is substrate and regiospecific. In particular, this invention relates to the use of halogenated metabolites, produced by the method of the invention, for the protection of host organisms against pathogens, more particularly, to the protection of plants against phytopathogens. In this aspect, the invention provides transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to phytopathogens, and biocontrol organisms with enhanced biocontrol properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric construct in the form of a laminate material suitable for medical applications. The laminate includes a nonwoven fabric layer, and first and second polymeric film layers, with the resultant material exhibiting superior viral protection in accordance with established testing procedures, ASTM F1671. In accordance with the present invention, the first and second polymeric film layers are co-extruded and adhered to one surface of the nonwoven fabric layer, with the second polymeric film layer being disposed between the first polymeric film layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Notably, the first polymeric film layer comprises a blend of between about 0 to 100% low density polyethylene, and between about 0 to 100% linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: An improved internal wetting agent is provided for blending with polymeric material, with the formation of apertured films and/or polymeric fibrous webs contemplated. Films and/or nonwoven fabrics of this nature are suited for use in disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the so-called topsheet or facing layer, which contacts the wearer during use. Because polymeric materials from which these types of facing layers are made are typically hydrophobic, the provision of an internal wetting agent facilitates the passage of liquid through the facing layer into an associated absorbent structure.