Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: The instant disclosure describes the application of genetic engineering techniques to produce cellulase in plants. Cellulase coding sequences operably linked to promoters active in plants may be transformed into the nuclear genome and/or the plastid genome of a plant. As cellulases may be toxic to plants, chemically-inducible or wound-inducible promoters may be employed. Additionally, the expressed cellulases may be targeted to vacuoles or other cellular organelles.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a sales team during real-time sales situations and creating a tailored training program for each member of that team taking into account the team member's individual capabilities and weaknesses, while minimizing the member's time out of the sales field and providing a more efficient way to measure success and return on investment. The administrator (10) assigns an observer (14) to complete assessments (26) for the evaluation of the sales team or individual sales person. These assessments are conducted during real-time sales meetings or events and a sales process interview. Once the evaluation is complete, the observer (14) checks in the assessments (26) and begins collaboration (30) with the administrator (10) to add further comments (30). Power Point slides are generated (41) using the information collected from the assessments. These slides are reviewed and amended (43) before delivery of results (48) to client's corporate management (50).

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting medical displays is arranged to communicate medical information to a caregiver. The system includes at least one display for displaying medical information, a wireless communication device associated with the display and a wireless communication device associated with the caregiver. The wireless communication device associated with the display is arranged to realize if the wireless communication device associated with the caregiver, and thus the caregiver, is present in a predetermined area near the display. A controller associated with the display is arranged to automatically adjust at least one characteristic of the display based upon the realized presence of the caregiver. According to the method, the presence of the caregiver is detected when the caregiver enters the predetermined area near the display. At lease one characteristic of the display is thus adjusted automatically based upon the detected presence of the caregiver in the predetermined area.

Abstract: An intravenous identification luminaire (IV-ID) and light pipe, and a light conductive intravenous delivery system is described. The light pipe preferably includes a female and male luer fitting, a fluid port, and a light source socket such that the light pipe is configured to be spliced into an IV line, and the IV-ID is coupled to the light pipe. The light pipe allows normal flow of the prescribed fluid through the light pipe while conducting light from the IV-ID, through the light source socket and along a conductive light path. The conductive light path continues into the IV line. The system also includes an indicator panel at the distal end of the IV line configured to reflect and make obvious the color of that particular IV line to a user.

Abstract: The present invention is an ambient noise canceling physiological acoustic monitoring system and method. The system and method utilizes a plurality of microphones to collect input data including ambient noise signals, bed frame noise signals and patient respiratory and cardiac data signals. The system and method cancels the ambient noise and bed frame noise signals, and calculates a filtered audio output signal with an algorithm that utilizes ECG rhythm patterns and impedance pneumography. The set of input data and the filtered audio output signal are then displayed in real time.

Abstract: A base carries a positionable hand grip. A cylinder is rotatably mounted on the base and carries multiple bits for driving various types of fasteners. An ejector rod on the base propels a selected bit from the cylinder through a drive tube to an exposed position. A base carried spindle imparts rotational movement to drive component and the drive tube. Magnetic components assist in positioning and retention of the screw driver bits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for subjecting a body part to a vacuum, which can increase localized blood circulation and relieve pain. The body part is placed in contact with a hand-held hypobaric chamber in which negative pressure or vacuum is created by a vacuum pump connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses plant derived nucleic acid molecules and proteins. The protein disclosed in the present invention have 5′-phosphoribosyl-5-aminoimidazole (AIR) synthetase activity. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for producing transgenic plants, transgenic plant tissues, transgenic plant seeds, and transgenick plant cells using genes encoding enzymes having AIR synthetase activity.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting parental plants exhibiting disease resistance and for using these plants in breeding programs. In one method of the invention, constitutive immunity (cim) mutants are screened for either resistance to a pathogen of interest or for the expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) genes. Such mutants having the desired traits or expressing the desired genes are then used in breeding programs. Parent plants can also be selected based on the constitutive expression of SAR genes. These mutants are phenotypically normal yet exhibit a significant level of disease resistance. Also disclosed are lesion-simulating-disease (lsd) mutants having a lesion mimic phenotype that also express SAR genes and exhibit disease resistance. Further disclosed are non-inducible immunity (nim) mutants that do not express SAR genes, even when induced by a pathogen. Methods of use for these mutants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting parental plants exhibiting disease resistance and for using these plants in breeding programs. In one method of the invention, constitutive immunity (cim) mutants are screened for either resistance to a pathogen of interest or for the expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) genes. Such mutants having the desired traits or expressing the desired genes are then used in breeding programs. Parent plants can also be selected based on the constitutive expression of SAR genes. These mutants are phenotypically normal yet exhibit a significant level of disease resistance. Also disclosed are lesion-simulating-disease (lsd) mutants having a lesion mimic phenotype that also express SAR genes and exhibit disease resistance. Further disclosed are non-inducible immunity (nim) mutants that do not express SAR genes, even when induced by a pathogen. Methods of use for these mutants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical munitions destruction system subjects the chemical agent and energetic materials to a series of treatment processes until a preselected level of destruction is achieved. The treatment processes include chemical neutralization and processing of both the chemical and energetic agents, biological treatment of the aqueous waste streams and catalytic oxidation of the air exhaust streams. In certain cases, the energetic agent and/or the propellant components of the munitions are converted to valuable chemicals by means of catalytic hydrotreating.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting parental plants exhibiting disease resistance and for using these plants in breeding programs. In one method of the invention, constitutive immunity (cim) mutants are screened for either resistance to a pathogen of interest or for the expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) genes. Such mutants having the desired traits or expressing the desired genes are then used in breeding programs. Parent plants can also be selected based on the constitutive expression of SAR genes. These mutants are phenotypically normal yet exhibit a significant level of disease resistance. Also disclosed are lesion-simulating-disease (lsd) mutants having a lesion mimic phenotype that also express SAR genes and exhibit disease resistance. Further disclosed are non-inducible immunity (nim) mutants that do not express SAR genes, even when induced by a pathogen. Methods of use for these mutants are also disclosed.