Abstract: A quick-adjustable animal collar includes a buckle including a female buckle member and a male buckle member releasably engaged with each other and including a strap adjusting structure. At least one strap is attached to the buckle. The at least one strap extends between the female and male buckle members. The at least one strap includes a first length slidable through the strap adjusting structure in a non-overlapped manner and having a free end. The size of the quick-adjustable animal collar changes with adjusting the first length of the at least one strap, with the first length of the at least one strap including an increased extent disposed within a circumference of the quick-adjustable animal collar as the size of the quick-adjustable animal collar is reduced.

Abstract: A pet leash has a main connector and a secondary security connector. The main connector and leash can be similar to a conventional dog leash product, where the main connector can connect to, for example, a harness worn by the pet. The secondary security connector can connect to, for example, a collar worn by the pet. With this type of connection, should one connector fail for any reason, the other connector may prevent the loss of the animal.

Abstract: A pet leash has a main connector and a secondary security connector. The main connector and leash can be similar to a conventional dog leash product, where the main connector can connect to, for example, a harness worn by the pet. The secondary security connector can connect to, for example, a collar worn by the pet. With this type of connection, should one connector fail for any reason, the other connector can prevent the loss of the animal.

Abstract: A system for efficiently circulating water in a large volume of rearing space for aquatic organisms, comprising an impervious enclosure for containing the water and aquatic organisms and a pump for pumping water from an intake duct through intake ducting to a flow diverter, which then directs a flow of water radially outward within the enclosure to directly induce a circulation of water within the enclosure. The ‘center drive’ circulation pattern is sufficiently uniform to provide optimum rearing conditions for cultured finfish, while also ensuring that solid wastes are swept toward the central drain, even in a very large tank.

Abstract: There are provided herein transgenic non-human animals and cells comprising a transgene encoding either a mutated human melanocortin type-4 receptor (hMC4R) protein, wherein the mutated protein is misfolded and retained intracellularly, or a wild-type human melanocortin type-4 receptor (hMC4R) protein. Transgenes and targeting constructs used to produce such transgenic animals and cells are also provided, as well as methods for using the transgenic animals in pharmaceutical screening and as commercial research animals for modeling obesity.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal for overexpressing isoQC, comprising cells containing a DNA transgene encoding human isoQC, characterized in that said human isoQC comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence having at least 75% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment or derivative of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. Additionally disclosed is a method of screening for biologically active agents that inhibit or promote isoQC.

Abstract: A scent releasing fishing lure for use in releasing a fish attractant while being reeled through a water stream includes a lure body having a continuous outer wall having a front end and a rear end opposed to the front end and defining an interior area. The front end defines an inlet and the rear end defines an outlet configured to receive and release a water stream, respectively. A water channel is situated in the interior area and connects the inlet and outlet, the water channel being configured to transfer water from the inlet to the outlet. A scent compartment is positioned in the interior area of the lure body and configured to selectively retain the fish attractant, the scent compartment defining an opening in fluid communication with the water channel such that the fish attractant is released into the water stream.

Abstract: Provided is a fishing rod having a flexible and durable tip. A fishing rod according to the discloser includes a tip rod made of a fiber-reinforced resin material The tip rod 12 is formed of short fibers dispersed in a matrix resin material, the average fiber diameter of the short fibers is 3 to 15 ?m, the average fiber length of the short fibers is 0.5 to 10 mm, and the content of the short fibers is 3 to 50 wt %.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a spool holder being configured for engaging a bottom side of a fishing pole. The spool holder comprises a rotatable member, and an axel portion on a distal end. The rotatable member enables the spool holder to rotate at least 180 degrees relative to the engaged fishing pole with the axel portion pivoting about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the engaged fishing pole. A spool portion is configured for suspension by the spool holder on the axel portion for rotation about the axel portion and is configured for spooling a quantity of fishing line about an axis of the rotation on the axel portion. The spool portion comprises a generally symmetrical shape enabling the spool portion to be reversibly suspended on the axel portion.

Abstract: Provided is a fishing reel in which damage of a fishing line at the time of drawing out of the fishing line against a drag force can be prevented, and moreover a load on a level wind device can be reduced. Consequently it is possible to improve engagement and sensitivity of the fishing line, and operability of the fishing reel. More specifically, the fishing reel includes a level wind device causing a fishing line guide to reciprocate in a left-right direction to guide a fishing line to the spool, and a drag device imparting a drag force on the fishing line. The fishing line guide includes a narrow guide portion and a wide opening, the fishing line is situated in the narrow guide portion when the fishing line is wound around the spool, and situated in the wide opening when the fishing line is released from the spool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing rig having a fishing line, a fixture, a conical diverter and a hooking device. The conical diverter has a cylindrical wall portion that is contiguous with and extends from a conically-shaped wall portion having an aperture in the narrow end that allows the fishing line to pass through. The aperture has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the line and smaller than a width of the fixture, which is attached to the line. The line passes through the aperture so that when the fishing rig is pulled through water, the fixture is positioned inside the conical diverter and prevents the narrow end of the conical diverter from traversing the line toward the hooking device beyond the fixture, thereby allowing the conical diverter to be pulled through the water ahead of and spaced from the hooking device.

Abstract: A fishing equipment cooler device is provided having a multi-chambered cooler interior and a separable construction. An upper cooler assembly removably attaches to a lower cooler assembly, whereby each is capable of supported chilled items therein in a segregated configuration. Each cooler assembly is insulated, while external fishing rod support members are employed to support fishing rods and other equipment in an upright condition from the sidewalls of the coolers. The lower cooler assembly further comprises roller wheels and an adjustable handle grip such that the cooler device can be readily transported without carrying. The preferred removable connection between the coolers is a turn latch mechanism. Overall, the device allows fisherman and outdoorsman to store food, bait, tackle, caught fish, and other supplies in insulated and segregated chambers.

Abstract: A fishing aid includes a tubular sleeve. The sleeve is divided into upper and lower compartments. The sleeve includes a pole holder including a biased bracket inside the upper compartment, and an indicator in the lower compartment. The indicator is triggered by a first contact and a second contact touching one another. The first contact is disposed in the upper compartment and the second contact is disposed on the pole holder. The spring actuating bracket is deflected by a fishing pole in the first compartment to cause the second contact on the pole holder to touch the first contact on the sleeve. A rod holder is disposed on an outer surface of the sleeve. The fishing aid further includes a rod with a spiked tip. The rod is received in the rod holder such that the sleeve is configured to be supported on the rod via the rod holder.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control the amplification of natural frequencies emanating from molecules, specifically insect sex pheromones. The pheromone molecules are deposited in a resonant cavity that allows the generation of coherent and/or semi-coherent radiation. The molecular emissions are amplified in the resonant cavity and allowed to escape through a small circular opening on top of the resonant cavity. The molecules and/or their emissions dissipate into the surroundings to attract insects towards the cavity. When the insect enters the resonant cavity, a trap door prevents the insect from exiting. The molecular emissions are produced by passive diffusion and passive amplification because no pumping radiation source is required. However pumping radiation can be integrated to assist the passive amplification or serve as a second attractant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An animal trap device includes a base, circular cover plate, elastic element and elastic lasso; at least two posts are configured on one face of the base, and each post includes a stop; a circular cover plate includes a top portion, a surrounding portion and a flange, where the surrounding portion surrounds the circumference of the top portion, and the flange is projected outward from the surrounding portion and positioned below the stops; the elastic element is configured between the base and the circular cover plate, and adapted to provide the circular cover plate with a upward elastic force; the elastic lasso is wound around the surrounding portion, and positioned above the stops. Whereby, the elastic lasso will be blocked by the stops, not moved downward, and not reduce until leaving the surrounding portion when the circular cover plate is exerted with a force to move downward.

Abstract: A vermin trap including a rotatable passage, the passage comprising an electrocution section and an open section, and a sensor for detecting vermin presence in the passage. When a vermin detection signal is sent to a controller, the controller causes electrification of the electrocution section and electrocution of the vermin, and the controller subsequently rotates the passage such that the vermin carcass is dumped downwardly through the open section. A method of using the vermin trap is disclosed, as is a system for indicating trap status and transmitting status indicators.

Abstract: It is a device designed to eradicate plague insects and animals, preventing their reentry and to repel new infestations; suitable for being applied in both internal and dosed environments such as large warehouses and industrial plants, as well as outdoors. It comprises an electromagnetic waves generator with double emitter, which combines a wave emitter with fixed antenna and other wave emitter with flexible antenna, both amplified. The wave generator constitutes a device which comprises an electric power supply, attached to a current transformer which adjusts current according to the driving circuit, rectifying and filtering means, a high frequency oscillator, a medium-frequency oscillator, amplifiers, a fixed electromagnetic wave emitter coil, a flexible electromagnetic wave emitter coil, and a low-frequency modulating oscillator. The system electric current feeds the device by means of a transformer that reduces the power of the electric current into 12 volts.

Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the cryopreservation and/or vitrification of tissue including articular cartilage and the preparation of said tissue for clinical or research use, including but not limited to joint replacement and the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: An evaluation and preservation solution for human and animal organs, tissues and parts thereof is described, wherein it comprises serum albumin at a concentration of 55-105 g/L, a scavenger and coating compound, preferably dextran compounds and derivatives thereof having essentially the same structure at a concentration of 1-55 g/L weight, and a physiological serum concentration of salts and nutrients in a physiologically acceptable medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cryopreservation device and method of use are described that allow cryopreserved samples to be transferred from one location to another. In one embodiment, a cryopreservation device comprises two, telescoping tubes; one for plunging biological material into a reservoir of cryogenic liquid refrigerant, and the other for capturing the biological material along with some of the liquid refrigerant, for transferring the biological material to another location.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device and a kit for the shipment and preservation of corneal lenticules ready for use in a lamellar keratoplasty surgery. The device (1) comprises a first open portion (2), apt to receive and contain the lenticule, and a fenestrated lid (10) to close said first portion. The device further comprises a second portion (3) of substantially tubular shape with a diameter lower than the diameter of the lenticule. The device may further comprise a third portion (7) apt to be reversibly connected to a grip means. The fenestrated lid and the front opening (5) allow preservation fluid to nourish the lenticule tissue during the preservation and/or the shipment. The present invention also refers to a method for preserving, shipping and prearranging the lenticules so as to facilitate posterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery (or endokeratoplasty).

Abstract: A sunscreen composition to be used on plants comprises titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and a surfactant, wetting agent, dispersant (SWD), the TiO2 and ZnO combined are in a proportion of greater than 30% by weight. The composition forms a suspension concentrate that when diluted in water provides a solution that enables uniform coverage of an area using conventional spraying equipment.

Abstract: Nanoemulsion compositions with low toxicity that demonstrate broad spectrum inactivation of microorganisms or prevention of diseases are described. The nanoemulsions contain an aqueous phase, an oil phase comprising an oil and an organic solvent, and one or more surfactants. Methods of making nanoemulsions and inactivating pathogenic microorganisms are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides liposomal formulations comprising pesticides, nematicides, or herbicides for control of pests and weeds. The formulations can be applied to pre- or post-emergent crops and to soil, plant media, plants, plant tissues and seeds. The liposomal formulations are also useful to treat or control pest or nematode infections of humans and animals.

Abstract: A method of reducing a population of cockroaches in which a cockroach bait is provided. The cockroach bait contains a bait matrix, an insect growth regulator, and a non-insect growth regulator insecticide. The method includes placing the cockroach bait in a location where cockroaches are periodically present, to thereby reduce the population of cockroaches in the vicinity of the location. Cockroach baits containing a bait matrix, an insect growth regulator, and a non-insect growth regulator insecticide are provided. Methods and cockroach baits containing one or more insect growth regulators in which the one or more insect growth regulators are the only active ingredients are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions are described, containing: a) at least two water-soluble pesticides; b) one or more copolymers obtainable by copolymerization of i) glycerin, ii) at least one dicarboxylic acid and iii) at least one monocarboxylic acid; c) water; and optionally d) a co-solvent.

Abstract: A method for controlling the development of a parasite in an animal's environment, comprising: contacting the environment with a powder free of a substance that is neurotoxic to the parasite, the powder comprising at least 60% by weight of alkali metal bicarbonate particles and at least 1% by weight of silica, wherein the bicarbonate particles have a particle size distribution such that at least 75% of the particles have a diameter of less than 100 ?m, wherein the parasite is an acarid, and wherein the bicarbonate particles and the silica combined in the powder together comprise a parasiticidally effective synergistic combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a tank mix, which comprises the step of contacting a pesticide formulation, water, and a tank mix adjuvant which comprises a polypropylene glycol and a triblock polymer comprising at least one polyethyleneoxide moiety and at least one polypropyleneoxide moiety; to the tank mix adjuvant; to a pesticide formulation comprising the tank mix adjuvant: to a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired vegetation and/or undesired insect or mite attack and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the tank mix is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or the crop plants and/or their environment, and to a use of the tank mix adjuvant or reducing the wind drift of a pesticide formulation.

Abstract: Use of particles in controlling a population of arthropod pests, wherein the particles comprise i) a hydrophobic exterior that adheres to the cuticle of at least one species of an arthropod pest; and ii) at least one pesticide associated with the said particles, wherein the pesticide is present at a weight of no more than 2% of the weight of the particles, populations of particles, methods of producing populations of particles and methods of application of such populations.

Abstract: Composition containing at least one substance that is not water-soluble and is solubilised in a sophorolipid, and at least water, and use thereof for cleaning hard surfaces and laundry, for killing plants, for combating insect pests, for combating fungus and mould proliferation, for combating gastropods, for combating moss, algae and lichen proliferation, for the cosmetics industry and for skin and hair care.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention provides methods and compositions for controlling the honey bee parasitic mite Tropilaelaps. In addition, the invention features compositions useful for the treatment or prevention of a Tropilaelaps parasitic mite infestation in a honey bee hive.

Abstract: The invention relates to pesticidal mixtures. In particular, it relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising at least one crop enhancer compound.

Abstract: A method of combating bed bugs and/or other insects in a locus containing or susceptible to presence of same, in which a DMSO-containing formulation is applied to the locus. Various pesticidal compositions are disclosed as useful for such purpose, including compositions in which DMSO is in combination with an alcohol and/or another pesticidal active agent. Compositions of the disclosure can be applied to a variety of loci, to effectively eradicate bed bugs for extended periods of time.

Abstract: In a first broad aspect, described herein is an antimicrobial formulation comprised of: at least one nonionic surfactant capable of providing colloidal stability to the formulation, and at least one quaternized polymeric microgel capable of being dispersed in the nonionic surfactant. The quaternized polymeric microgel is comprised of one or more of: chitosan oligomers or chitosan polymers. Further, the antimicrobial formulation is essentially free of cationic surfactants.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin compositions including one or more radiation polymerizable monomers and a cyclodextrin inclusion complex, the cyclodextrin inclusion complex including a cyclodextrin compound and an olefinic inhibitor of an ethylene generation in produce, are coated onto packaging materials and cured. Treated containers and treated package inserts having the cured cyclodextrin compositions are useful in packaging of respiring plant materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising as active compounds 1) at least one pyrazole compound A selected from the compounds of formula I: wherein the variables have the meaning as defined in the description, and 2) at least one further compound B selected from the compounds of the following groups A.1, A.2, A.3, A.4, A.5, A.6, A.7, A.8, A.9, A.10, A.11, A.12, A.13, A.14, A.15, A.16, A.17, F.1, F.2, F.3, F.4, F.5, F.6, F.7, F.8, F.9, F.10 and F.11 as defined in the specification. The present invention also relates to novel pyrazole compounds of the formula I. The present invention also relates to methods and use of these mixtures and novel compounds for combating invertebrate pests such as insects, arachnids or nematodes in and on plants, and for protecting such plants being infested with pests, especially also for protecting plant propagation material as like seeds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling nematodes are described herein, e.g., nematodes that infest plants or animals. The compounds include oxazoles, oxadiazoles and thiadiazoles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an agrochemical composition comprising at least one specific herbicide and at least one specific fungicide for controlling undesired vegetation in corn (maize) cultures. The invention further relates to a method for controlling undesired vegetation in corn cultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thinning method, in particular for fruit thinning, using 3-(3,4 -dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (diuron), and to thinning compositions comprising diuron.

Abstract: It has been discovered that applying diformylurea (DFU) to seed of crop plants enhances the feeder root capability of the plants to take up water and minerals from the soil environment. A further discovery is that crop plant cellular water and soil maintenance around feeder roots is increased by applying DFU to crop seeds prior to planting, to the soil surrounding the plants or to foliage of the plants. A still further discovery is that crop plant drowning is prevented when flooded by excessive rain or other types of flooding. A still further discovery is that crop plant yields are enhanced by combining DFU and nitrogen fertilizer to the soil of the crop plants.

Abstract: Disinfectant compositions include 0.001 to 10% by weight of hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide source based on the total weight of the composition; 0.001 to 20% by weight of at least one amphoteric surfactant based on the total weight of the composition; and 0.001 to 15% by weight of at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a cyclic or heterocyclic aromatic compound comprising at least one hydroxyl group, carboxylic group, or combination thereof based on the total weight of the composition. The disinfectant compositions are particularly effective at treating surfaces contaminated with resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus at a fast killing rate.

Abstract: Disinfectant compositions include 0.001 to 10% by weight of hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide source based on the total weight of the composition; 0.001 to 20% by weight of at least one amphoteric surfactant based on the total weight of the composition; and 0.001 to 0.8% by weight of at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a cyclic or heterocyclic aromatic compound comprising at least one hydroxyl group, carboxylic group, or combination thereof based on the total weight of the composition. The disinfectant compositions are particularly effective at treating surfaces contaminated with resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus at a fast killing rate.

Abstract: An agricultural treatment method involves applying alkali metal bisulfate to modify surface pH on growing plants, or on seeds before planting, in an agricultural area. In certain aspects, the method involves applying an aqueous composition including the alkali metal bisulfate to the plants or seeds. The alkali metal bisulfate may be sodium bisulfate. An aqueous composition includes an alkali metal bisulfate in an amount from 0.1% to 5% by weight. The composition also includes a second material selected from stickers, antimicrobial agents, chelating agents, surfactants, or combinations thereof. Water makes up the final composition.

Abstract: A disinfectant comprising the following (a), (b), (c) and (d), but no other microbicidal disinfecting agents intended for microbicidal disinfection: (a) 40 to 90% (w/w) of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or a mixture thereof; (b) 0.1 to 2% (w/w) of lactic acid; (c) 0.01 to 2% (w/w) of citric acid; and (d) 0.001 to 0.1% (w/w) of a zinc-containing compound which releases zinc ion in solution, relative to the whole disinfectant.

Abstract: The invention concerns use of compounds of general formula Cu2SO3.MSO3.2H2O, in which M is Cu, Mn or Fe, for the protection of plants against fungal diseases. A method of protecting plants against fungal diseases and a pesticidal preparation including at least one compound of the general formula is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a flat-rolled continuously conveyed dough sheet has an upper roller and a lower roller. The upper roller is driven rotationally about a first axis of rotation and the lower roller is driven rotationally about a second axis of rotation. The direction of rotation of the upper roller is opposite to the direction of rotation of the lower roller. A roll nip is formed between the upper roller and the lower roller for guiding therethrough and rolling out the dough sheet. The rollers have a configuration which favors resting of the dough sheet on the lower roller and the axes of rotation of the two rollers can be inclined relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming chips, for example, pita chips, from a continuous mass of dough. In a first aspect, the apparatus comprises a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a first trimmer. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are spaced apart a distance to form a gap. The first trimmer, which can comprise a liquid jet nozzle, is positioned above the gap. In a second aspect, the method comprises using a first conveyor to convey a continuous mass of dough to a first trimmer positioned over a gap between the first conveyor and a second conveyor. The method also comprises using the first trimmer to longitudinally trim a first portion of the continuous mass of dough to form thinner strips of the continuous mass of dough. The thinner strips can be integral with the first portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing dough, for example, to form pita chips. The dough is split longitudinally to form a first portion of dough and a second portion of dough. In a first aspect, the apparatus comprises a first roller, a second roller, and at least one source of vacuum to provide a first vacuum in the first roller and a second vacuum in the second roller. The first roller and the second roller are spaced apart a distance so that the dough can pass between. In a second aspect, the method comprises providing dough with a first portion and a second portion; conveying the dough between a first roller and a second roller; exposing the first portion to a first vacuum within the first roller, rotating the first roller; exposing the second portion to a second vacuum within the second roller; and rotating the second roller.