Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer code products for monitoring the behavior, health, and/or characteristics of an animal are disclosed herein. In one implementation, the animal is positioned inside a waste container placed on a system that is adapted to determine, record and communicate over a network various animal health parameters. These parameters can be processed to determine trends, statistics and changes of animal physiological functions. The results can be used to access animal health conditions and issue warnings, alarms, messages, and other notifications to designated caretakers. These notifications may be displayed using various means such as computers and/or mobile devices. Data retrieval and review capability can provide improved understanding of an animal's health conditions and facilitate early illness detection.

Abstract: A system for attaching to the top end of a pole, such as a power pole supporting at least one power line. The system can include an extension bracket engaged to a top end of the pole and an extension bayonet extending from said extension bracket. A raptor perch assembly can be engaged to a top end of the extension bayonet. One or more accessories, such as a wireless antenna, can be attached to the extension bayonet below the raptor perch assembly. The accessories can be engaged to the extension bayonet via one or more accessory mounting brackets. A deflecting assembly can be positioned between the raptor perch assembly and the accessory to prevent debris dropped from the raptor perch assembly from lodging on the accessory. The deflecting assembly can be engaged to the extension bayonet and/or to the raptor perch assembly.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for increasing islet-1 (Isl1) activity (e.g., biological activity) and or expression (e.g., transcription and/or translation) in a biological cell and or in a subject.

Abstract: A method can be used for treating or reducing likelihood of an influenza A virus-induced disease in a mammal. The method includes administering a polynucleotide to the mammal. Theis polynucleotide includes a gene encoding Mx protein having a TRAF2 and/or a TRAF6 binding domain. The TRAF2 and/or TRAF6 binding domain can be represented by the sequences P-X-Q/E-E, P-X-Q/E-X-X-D, or P-X-E-E-X-E. The TRAF2 and/or TRAF6 binding domain can also be located in the Mx protein in a position which corresponds to the position of the hexapeptide PEEESE in the bovine Mx1 protein or in a position which is up to 20 amino acid residues upstream or downstream of that position.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for making phenotypically female fertile animals from XY donor cells and suitable host embryos. Culture media and methods are provided for maintaining XY donor cells in culture that after introduction into a host embryo and gestation in a suitable host will result in fertile XY female animals. Methods and compositions are described for making fertile female animals in an F0 generation from a donor XY cell and a host embryo, as are methods for making F1 progeny that are homozygous for a modification from a heterozygous F0 fertile male and a heterozygous F0 fertile female sibling.

Abstract: A jig body adapted to at least temporarily mount a soft plastic lure relative thereto is provided. The jig body includes an elongate shank, a line attachment portion relative to a first end of the elongate shank, a hook mounting element along the length of the shank, a soft plastic lure retention portion, and at least one portion of positive or negative buoyancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to fishing lures, and more specifically, to a contracting fishing lure that provides life-like movement to mimic live bait. The fishing lure is configured so that when the fishing lure is retrieved (e.g., reeled in) or jigged by an angler, or the fishing line is pulled or twitched, the fishing lure transitions from a first non-contracted position to a second contracted position. The purpose of the invention is to provide a fishing lure that will successfully attract fish by displaying a unique action in the water.

Abstract: A spinning reel includes a handle, a reel unit, a rotor, a spool, a spool shaft, and an oscillating mechanism. The oscillating mechanism includes a traverse cam and a slider including a slider body, a through hole, an engaging member, a first bearing, and a retainer member. The slider body is coupled to the spool shaft. The engaging member has a shaft part and an engaging part. The engaging part is mounted to a tip end of the shaft part to be engaged with helical grooves. The first bearing has a fitted part, a protruding part, and a support hole. The fitted part is fitted into the through hole. The protruding part has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the fitted part. The fitted part includes a stepped surface on an end thereof abutting the protruding part. The retainer member retains the first bearing at the stepped surface.

Abstract: This is a new method in detection and control of subterranean termites. This method involves building underground stations. To build a station, dig a small area (e.g, 18?×18?) of ground about 1? to 4? deep; then place termite feed or bait or mix of them on the bottom; cover with a plastic sheet; and finally cover it with soil, mulch, or turf. Cardboard can be used as feed among other choices. This method is very effective because the plastic sheet can keep moisture from escaping and preserve the feed/bait. Also when termites are foraging to find food, they will be stopped by the plastic sheet and be gathered there. The layer above the plastic sheet provides good insulation to disturbance. Larger size of the station than a traditional baiting container also helps termites to find the station more quickly and more reliably.

Abstract: A device for dispensing an air treatment chemical includes a housing having an inlet for permitting air to enter into an interior space of the housing and an outlet for permitting air mixed with an air treatment chemical to exit the interior space of the housing. A substrate positioned within the housing bears an air treatment chemical. A power supply mounted within the housing powers a motor within the housing. The motor is connected to a fan mounted within the housing. The fan moves air from the inlet adjacent to the substrate to mix the air treatment chemical into the moving air and deliver the mixture of air and air treatment chemical through the outlet to the outside of the housing.

Abstract: The collapsible waterfowl decoy disclosed herein includes a vertical support and a horizontal support. The horizontal support includes a three-way joint which allows the horizontal support to be disposed on the vertical support through parallel ports in the three-way joint. A pin is disposed within a perpendicular port of the three-way joint. The horizontal support further includes rigid tubing that is inserted into a perpendicular port of the three-way joint. Elastic cordage is disposed around the pin and through the rigid tubing to apply elastic tension between the rigid tubing and the perpendicular port of the three-way joint.

Abstract: A camouflage covering which has a surface coating composition which is a metamer of a natural object from an environment of an animal, such as plant life or soil, as perceived by the vision system of the animal, which is created by completing the steps of creating a mathematical model of the vision system of the animal, measuring a set of spectral characteristics from the natural object, entering the set of spectral characteristics as an input into the mathematical model, and using an output of the mathematical model to iteratively create the surface coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises formulations comprising at least one pesticide and at least one block copolymer of formula (I) wherein Ra is branched or linear C6-C24 alkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, benzyl, benzyl substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, C4-C6 alkyl substituted with C4-C12 alkoxy or C1-C4 alkyl substituted with di (C1-C4 alkyl) amino; Rb is derived from a diisocyanate and Rc is a compound of formula II (R1)n—X—(CHR2CH2O)w—(CHR3CH2O)?—(CHR4(CH2)yO)z— (II), in which R1 is hydrogen, or branched or linear, saturated or unsaturated C1-40-alkyl; R2, R3, R4 independently of one another are hydrogen or C1-4-alkyl; w, x, z independently of one another correspond to a value of from 0 to 300; y corresponds to a value of from 1 to 20; X is N or O, where n=1 if X=O, or n=2 if X=N; and the total of w, x and z amounts to at least 1; methods of combating harmful insects and/or phytopathogenic fungi, a method of controlling undesired ve

Abstract: An antiseptic composition suitable for use on skin and wounds comprising a source of an antimicrobial agent and an agent which disrupts biofilms. More, particularly the invention relates to a composition capable of providing effective antimicrobial activity while at the same time avoiding wound and skin irritation and retardation of wound healing.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing and disinfecting a surface using an aqueous solution of chitosan. The aqueous solution is heated to convert the aqueous solution to a steam vapor containing chitosan. The surface is treated with the steam, thereby disinfecting the surface and simultaneously depositing the chitosan from the steam onto the surface. The steam will also penetrate porous surfaces. An antimicrobial film of chitosan is thereby formed on the surface. The steam vapor sterilizes the surface and the chitosan film inhibits growth of bacteria and other microbes on the surface for several months. The steam containing the chitosan can be generated from an aqueous solution of chitosan heated in standard commercial and home-use steam generators. This chitosan vapor steam treatment of surfaces can be used on any hard surface or soft surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistically herbicidal effective amount of (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) 2,4-D, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) 2,4-D, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.

Abstract: Novel 4-amino-6-(heterocyclic)picolinic acids and their derivatives and 6-amino-2-(heterocyclic)pyrimidine-4-carboxylates and their derivatives are useful to control undesirable vegetation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 9 wt % (weight percent) to about 82 wt % of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; (b) from about 9 wt % to about 82 wt % of a triblock copolymer component having a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20° C.; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight; and (c) from about 9 wt % to about 82 wt % of a polymer crosslinking agent having water solubility of least about 5% by weight at 20° C.; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (c) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight, and wherein the weight percents are based on the total weights of (a)+(b)+(c). Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with the insecticidal composition.

Abstract: A pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a flonicamid-based selective homopteran feeding blocker compound and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridine-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests. A method of protecting a plant from infestation and attack by pests comprises contacting the plant with the synergistic pesticidal composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of removing or preventing biofouling, particularly on surfaces of industrial and agricultural equipment in contact with aqueous liquids. The process employs an antifouling composition of stabilized active halogen having a low pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable antiseptic solution comprising: a di(4-chlorophenyldiguanido) compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said di(4-chlorophenyldiguanido) compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said antiseptic solution.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for treating and/or preventing fire blight in plants or parts thereof, to their methods of production, to concentrates for producing said compositions and to uses and methods based on said compositions.

Abstract: Combinations suitable for agricultural use can include (I) a nematode-antagonistic biocontrol agent and (II) one or more agents selected, independently of each other, from any one of (A) to (H): (A) at least one fungicide; (B) at least one insecticide; (C) at least one synthetic nematicide; (D) bacterium of the genus Bacillus; (E) Harpin; (F) Isoflavones; (G) Plant growth regulators; and/or (H) Plant activators.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion that is environmentally friendly and also exhibits antimicrobial activity is provided. More specifically, the oil phase of the emulsion includes a botanical oil derived from a plant (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.). Because the botanical oil tends to leach out of the emulsion during storage and before it is used in the desired application, a water-dispersible polymer is also employed in the aqueous phase of the emulsion to enhance long term stability of the oil and, in turn, antimicrobial efficacy. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the water-dispersible polymer can effectively encapsulate the botanical oil within the emulsion and inhibit its premature release. Once the emulsion is formed, water can then be removed so that it becomes a substantially anhydrous concentrate. In this manner, the water-dispersible polymer will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil.

Abstract: A tortilla press assembly is provided having an actuating mechanism for actuating the push plate along an actuating axis between a loading position and a forming position. The actuating mechanism includes arm having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion that extends over the base plate. A crank extends between the crank shaft and the vertical portion of the arm to enable the push plate to engage and disengage from dough in a smooth manner to ensure proper formation of a tortilla shell, which can include an embossed pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to an L-shaped supporting body for accommodating a fish and for conveying said fish tail first through a cutting unit having a circular blade pair of a fish processing apparatus, which has a continuously revolving conveyor, wherein the supporting body has a main body for fastening said supporting body to the conveyor and a bearing web, which protrudes beyond a side wall of the main body and which has a supporting edge arranged at the top for accommodating the backbone of the fish to be accommodated, the bearing web having a groove arranged on the underside, which groove is designed as a counter-support for the circular blade pair. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding apparatus for processing fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lactase solution comprising a lactase solution comprising less than 10 g/kg of poly and oligosaccharides, a process for the production of such a lactase solution from an untreated lactase solution, a sterilized lactase, whereby such lactose is filter sterilized in-line with the milk production process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the milk fermented with said strains is highly viscous and weakly ropy. The invention also relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the genome of said strains comprises a CRISPR locus having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID N° 1.

Abstract: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or a derivative thereof may be used in reducing the rate of increase of fat mass in a growing child.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dairy compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different dairy compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and a dairy product. The present invention also relates to dairy compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the dairy compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a simple and effective methods for sterilization of milk without degradation or loss of biologically active agents in the milk and the products produced by such methods.

Abstract: A method for producing a composition comprising conjugated linoleic acid in an amount of at least 55% by weight, comprises: (i) providing a liquid mixture comprising, as the free acids, from 50 to 95% by weight conjugated linoleic acid and at least 5% by weight of saturated C12-C22 fatty acids; (ii) cooling the liquid mixture to a temperature at which at least a part of the saturated C12-C22 fatty acids precipitate from the mixture as a solid; and (iii) separating the solid from the liquid, wherein the liquid obtained in (iii) comprises conjugated linoleic acid in an amount of at least 55% by weight.

Abstract: Operating a database system comprises: storing a database table comprising a plurality of rows, each row comprising a key value and one or more attributes; storing a primary index for the database table, the primary index comprising a plurality of leaf nodes, each leaf node comprising one or more key values and respective memory addresses, each memory address defining the storage location of the respective key value; creating a new leaf node comprising one or more key values and respective memory addresses; performing a memory allocation analysis based upon the lowest key value of the new leaf node to identify a non-full memory page storing a leaf node whose lowest key value is similar to the lowest key value of the new leaf node; and storing the new leaf node in the identified non-full memory page.

Abstract: A cotton candy machine includes a floss head comprised of a floss head cap, a heated filament spinning screen, a floss head base and a rotatable retaining cap, all removable from said head without tools by manually rotating said retaining cap. A floater includes a vane, a shank and a shank end. Sockets on the upper surface of the retaining cap capture the shanks of plural floaters. The floaters are relative rigid and of selective pitch to produce sugar fiber cooling air flow, and are non-porous for enhanced cleaning. The floss head is easily manually disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: A pet food composition having at least two carotenoids. The carotenoids can include a keto-carotenoid and at least one non-keto-carotenoid. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin ester. The non-keto-carotenoid can include beta-carotene and/or lutein.

Abstract: This invention relates to supplementation of the diets of domesticated animals (livestock and poultry) with iodine in an enhanced bioavailable manner, that is to say the iodine is more available to the animal than when using conventional sources of iodine, such as calcium iodate. The supplementary compound are alpha amino acid metal iodide complexes.

Abstract: A method of cooking a food item includes supporting a food item having multiple cooking sites, providing a jet of dry steam from a steam nozzle, determining a targeted subset of the cooking sites, and dynamically moving the food item or the steam nozzle so that the jet of dry steam is directed onto the targeted subset of the cooking sites.

Abstract: A method of processing food elements of plant tissue having a cellular structure with substantial starch content comprising arranging the food elements in an aqueous liquid and applying acoustic energy with a selected frequency energy and time profile to modify the cellular structure of a surface portion of the food elements by removing components from the cellular structure and establishing a pectin based surface portion surrounding a core portion and adapted to act as a barrier in a high temperature subsequent cooking process, the modified cellular structure providing for a relatively low moisture surface portion to be established and maintained and moisture to be substantially retained in the core portion after subsequent cooking processes.

Abstract: Producing soluble oat flour by using enzymes to precondition whole oat flour prior to an extrusion (continuous cooking) process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salt substitute mixture containing NaCl, KCl and sodium gluconate. The ratio by weight of KCl to sodium gluconate ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5 and the proportion of NaCl is at least 45% by weight. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the mixture in the food industry and as a spice mixture.

Abstract: Compositions for preventing or treating kidney disease comprising one or more food ingredients containing relatively low amounts of protein, sodium, and potassium, typically protein in amounts of from about 5% to about 40%, sodium in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 1%, and potassium in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 1%, and methods comprising administering such compositions to patients susceptible to or suffering from kidney disease for the purpose of preventing or treating kidney disease.

Abstract: A method for preparing alkaline hydrolysates of plant proteins, which includes the following steps: 1) preparing a suspension of proteins selected from the group consisting of pea proteins, potato proteins and maize proteins, at a dry matter content of between 10 and 15%; 2) adjusting the pH, with stirring, to a value between 9.5 and 10.5 using, as the only alkaline agent, one or more alkali metal hydroxides selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; 3) heating the resulting suspension at a temperature between 70 and 80° C., for 4 to 6 hours; 4) neutralizing said heated suspension using an inorganic acid, preferably hydrochloric acid; 5) drying the neutralized suspension so as to obtain the alkaline hydrolysate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making nanofibrillar cellulose with high absorptivity to fat and cholate. According to the invention, dietary fiber material is activated by steam flash explosion and hydrolyzed sequentially by xylanase, laccase and cellulase. Nanofibrillar cellulose is obtained by subjecting the hydrolyzed fiber to high pressure homogenization. Nanofibrillar cellulose is further modified by octenyl succinic anhydride or glycidyl methacrylate to increase its ability to absorb fat and cholate. The method of the invention is safe, clean and environment-friendly. It avoids using toxic reagents, strong acids and bases in the process of preparing nanofibrillar cellulose, making it safe to be used as dietary products. The nanofibrillar cellulose made by the invented method has an oil absorption rate of 20-35 g/g, a water absorption rate of 20-30 g/g, expansivity of 40-70 mL/g, and sodium deoxycholate absorption rate of 0.01-0.2 mmoL/100 mg.

Abstract: An motorized base apparatus for selectively receiving an appliance. The apparatus comprising: a control interface; an appliance coupling element; an appliance sensor element; an appliance retaining mechanism; and a processor element. The processor element being coupled to the appliance sensor element for receiving data indicative of the selectively received appliance. The processor element being coupled to the control interface for adapting the interface in response to the identified appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from stalks of agricultural crops. The apparatus includes a base frame having a first longitudinal member, the first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and a second longitudinal member in a parallel spaced-relationship with the first longitudinal member, a plurality of cross members arranged perpendicularly along at least the first longitudinal member, each of the plurality of cross members having a lower stripping member for receiving the stalk of an agricultural crop, a plurality of upper stripping members, each upper stripping member positionable to cooperate with a corresponding lower stripping member to substantially encircle the stalk and stalk gripping assembly for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus in a direction from the first end to the second end of the first longitudinal member.

Abstract: Supported catalyst particles, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles that are supported on particles of an electrically conductive support selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon and a partially reduced oxide.

Abstract: Wrappers for smoking articles are disclosed having reduced ignition proclivity characteristics. The wrappers include discrete areas treated with a reduced ignition composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the amount of burn promoting agents is controlled over the surface of the wrapper.

Abstract: A system for producing porous masses may include a mold cavity disposed along the material path, at least one hopper before at least a portion of the mold cavity for feeding a matrix material to the material path, a heat source in thermal communication with at least a first portion of the material path, and a cutter disposed along the material path after the first portion of the material path.

Abstract: A filter material of a filter element configured for application in a smoking article may include a fibrous substrate material finished with a fiber finish composition. The fiber finish composition may be formulated to selectively interact with at least one target component of mainstream smoke drawn through the filter element during use of the smoking article to selectively filter the target component from the smoke. The filter element may include multiple filter segments. Each filter segment may include a filter material having a finish composition formulated to selectively interact with a different target component. The various filter segments may be combined and/or arranged to selectively filter the mainstream smoke to achieve desired characteristics. Each filter segment may be formed from the same fibrous substrate material.

Abstract: Smoke filters that reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide and phenols in a smoke stream may include a porous mass section comprising a plurality of active particles, a plurality of binder particles, and an active coating disposed on at least a portion of the active particles and the binder particles, wherein the active particles and the binder particles are bound together at a plurality of contact points; and a filter section. In some instances, a filter may include a porous mass section comprising a plurality of active particles and a plurality of binder particles, wherein the active particles and the binder particles are bound together at a plurality of contact points without an adhesive; and a filter section comprising an active dopant.