Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for improving a plant variety. The present disclosure relates to a method of plant breeding, the method comprising the following steps: 1) Selecting a background variety and a donor variety, 2) Comparing the background variety and the donor variety to identify a module or locus to be improved, 3) Crossing the background variety and the donor variety to obtain a hybrid progeny, backcrossing the hybrid progeny to the background variety to obtain a backcross progeny, and constructing a genetic population using the backcross progeny, 4) Selecting, using molecular markers or a sequencing method, a backcross progeny having chromosomal regions derived from the background variety except for the module or locus to be improved, the molecular markers comprising genome molecular markers and module or locus molecular markers designed according to the selected module or locus, 5) Self-crossing the selected backcross progeny to obtain an improved plant variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X00P560 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X00P560 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00P560 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X00P560, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00P560 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00P560 and methods of using maize variety X00P560 are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for cooling milk in a milking arrangement, and a milk cooling apparatus of the milking arrangement that has a coolant circuit for heat exchange between milk and a coolant and a refrigerant circuit for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant, where the method includes controlling the refrigerant circuit to maintain a predefined temperature range, receiving a first signal relating to commencement or increase of a milk flow from a milking system of the milking arrangement, starting or increasing circulation of coolant in the coolant circuit, and leading the milk flow through the milk cooling apparatus.

Abstract: The invention shows a cooling device for horses with a stand, which comprises a left and a right side part (22), a front door (24) and a rear door (26), with a water sprayer (46), which is arranged centrally between both side parts (20, 22) and both doors (24, 26) at a height of at least 150 cm, and which has a downwards directed water outlet, and with at least one fan (48), which is arranged adjustable in height and angular orientation above the front door (24) on the stand and directs an air flow with a slow speed to the central region of the stand, where in use the back of the horse is located.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cat suspension and training apparatus that provides a stress-free environment to train fearful or intolerant cats, designed while considering a cat's unique anatomy. Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods to suspend and train a cat with a cat suspension and training apparatus. In one embodiment, a cat suspension and training apparatus includes at least a raised structure coupled with a sling by suspension structures, with the raised structure comprising a base, a plurality of support legs, height adjustment and outward angle adjustment capability, crossbeams, and a rotatable shelf. The apparatus may have a plurality of configurations, including a receiving configuration, a resting configuration, and a closed configuration. Additional embodiments include the apparatus including limb security straps comprising a metacarpal strap to limit leg mobility of a cat.

Abstract: A system includes a wall mount adaptor that may be configured to be secured to a wall. The wall mount adaptor may have a top recessed portion disposed proximate the wall and a plurality of slots disposed on a side of the adaptor opposite the wall. A cover or back splash may include a mating adaptor having a protrusion that may extend along a wall facing side of the mating adaptor and be configured to be received by or engage with the top recess. The mating adaptor may also include a plurality of connectors or pins that extend from the wall facing side, each of the plurality of connectors or pins may be configured to be received by or engage with a respective slot. The back splash may include an opening that may be configured to receive at least a portion of a horizontal tray. The horizontal tray may be configured to connect to the back splash and may be secured to the wall mount adaptor.

Abstract: A feeder unit for pigs has an elongate trough with a hopper mounted over the trough for depositing feed downwardly and a feed dispensing control system at a bottom of the hopper so as to supply feed downwardly to make up feed taken by the pigs. The hopper includes four upstanding side walls forming an elongate rectangular open top edge with an open upper guide mouth located centrally above the top edge for locating a downspout of a feed supply system. The open top is covered by two inclined walls each extending upwardly from a long top edge of a respective one of the side walls and inwardly of the side wall of the hopper toward the open upper guide mouth and by two hinged dust covers extending from the short edges to the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet healthcare apparatus with a bacteriostatic and sterilization system, and more particularly, to a pet healthcare apparatus with a bacteriostatic and sterilization system, in which air passes through five stages including a discharge and suction part provided with antibacterial materials, a fan filter, a HEPA filter, an UV-C LED lamp, and a copper-coated fin heater, thereby taking care of pet's skin and removing, in an efficient way, various fine dust on the hairs contaminated due to external air, dust mites, fungal spores and dead hairs during molting.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for early detection of Parkinson's diseases (PD), especially in individuals showing no motor symptoms, by detecting PD-distinct scent using a trained animal (such as a canine). Specific rigorous animal training in scent identification through both patient contact and training samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a roping simulator (sometimes referred to as a roping or practice dummy or sled) that is designed to mimic the natural movements and anatomy of roping cattle. Embodiments of the instant disclosure mimic the anatomy and movement of a roping cattle when the animal “washes out,” meaning that its back end slips and pivots during a turn. In various embodiments, the disclosed roping simulator also includes a feature whereby the head portion of the dummy rotates and pivots downward when a force is applied by a rope, simulating head movement of a live animal. In one embodiment, a sled assembly and a body assembly are connected to one another to form the roping simulator. The sled assembly is the component that makes contact with the ground. The body assembly is the component that provides roping targets, and that simulates the movement of live cattle.

Abstract: A multi-material pet toy includes a first body having a first density. A second body has a second density, the second density being less than the first density. The second body is partially received in an inner space of the first body. The first body includes a first opening. The second body includes an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion having a first segment disposed in the inner space of the first body and a second segment disposed outside of the first body. The second segment includes a knot bearing against the first opening.

Abstract: A destruction-resistant pet toy for a canine includes a main body for biting, grasping, or playing by the canine with its mouth; an attractant for attracting the canine, the attractant includes a scent source for emitting a scent; a cavity disposed in the main body for holding the attractant; and a plurality of scent passages for passing the scent to the canine, each scent passage having a first end at the cavity and a second end at an exterior surface of the main body. The destruction-resistant pet toy further includes an access channel for passing the attractant to the cavity, the access channel extending from an exterior surface of the main body to the cavity.

Abstract: Ergonomic protective cone collars for pets, their use, and positioning are disclosed. Such cone-collars may be made of two main sections, a cone-like-structure and an integral-collar that may be attached to a base of the cone-like-structure. The integral-collar may be collar like, intended to be worn and fastened around a neck of the animal. The cone-like-structure may be made from a plurality of radially-oriented-tapered-pockets, that due to their fill and/or material of construction may be semi-rigid, imparting a degree of inherent stiffness, flexibility, and/or elasticity. The plurality of radially-oriented-tapered-pockets may be of different lengths such that the cone-like-structure has an overall scalloped shape which may provide for several benefits, such as proper coverage proximate to the animal's mouth region and less visually obscuring material at the sides of the animal's head. A cone-collar may be positioned properly on the animal via removable attachment to a harness worn by the animal.

Abstract: Methods of utilizing light during incubation of avian eggs to influence characteristics of avian pre- and post-hatch. Specific amounts of energy are provided to incubated eggs through a light source, having particular wavelengths, to accelerate embryo development and promote myogenesis post hatch. Green, red, or blue wavelengths of light, or combinations thereof, are provided to eggs in a temperature controlled incubator to increase myoblast and satellite cell production in avian eggs. The light can be administered to avian eggs in a manner that entrains an embryo's circadian rhythm in the egg.

Abstract: A releasably submergible float assembly for use with a mooring line. The float assembly includes a buoyant float body and a retainer. The mooring line is passed through conduits in each of the float body and the retainer, and the assembly submerged to a depth by pressing down on the float body. When the downward pressing is released, the retainer prevents the buoyant float body from rising to the surface. The engagement of the retainer with the mooring line is actuated by the buoyant float body pressing against the retainer. Pressing down on the float body releases the engagement of the retainer with the mooring line, which releases the float assembly from its submerged position on the mooring line. The float assembly may thereby easily be relocated to a position on the mooring line when used in a longline culture system employing the “double backbone” configuration.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling an aquatic habitat. The system for includes a server, a bridge, and a habitat component. The server includes a database containing information associated with a habitat component. The server also includes a communication interface for transmitting operating data for the habitat component. The bridge has a first communication unit configured to communicate with the server communication interface and transmit the operating data received from the server to the habitat component. The habitat component has a second communication unit for receiving operating data from the bridge.

Abstract: An interactive fish tank system is provided, including: a nozzle array provided in a water tank, wherein a plurality of bubble nozzles from which bubbles are emitted are arranged in the nozzle array; a computing device configured to receive user action information inputted from at least one user action input device, generate bubble conversion information by which characteristics of the user action information are expressed as bubbles generated from at least one of the plurality of bubble nozzles, and generate a control signal for supplying air to emit bubbles corresponding to the bubble conversion information; and an air injection device connected to the plurality of bubble nozzles through hoses, wherein the air injection device supplies air to at least one of the plurality of bubble nozzles based on the control signal.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce a mammalian organ having a complicated cellular composition composed of multiple kinds of cells, such as kidney, pancreas, thymus and hair, in the living body of a non-human animal. The inventors of the present invention applied the chimeric animal assay described above, to a novel solid organ production method. More specifically, the inventors has shown that a model mouse which is deficient of kidney, pancreas, thymus or hair due to the dysfunction of the metanephric mesenchyme that is differentiated into most of an adult kidney, is rescued by blastocyst complementation by the chimeric animal assay, and whereby a kidney, a pancreas, thymus or hair can be newly produced.

Abstract: A genetically modified cat produced through gene editing with a phenotype characterized by the substantial absence of the major cat allergen, Fel d I. The phenotype is conferred in the genetically modified cat by targeting either the gene sequence of the Fel d I locus or sequences flanking the coding sequence of the two contiguous Fel d I genes with specialized gene editing constructs. The genotype and phenotype of the genetically modified cat is transmissible to its offspring.

Abstract: Described herein are rats with a hepatic deficiency comprising decreased function, activity, or expression of an enzyme in the tyrosine catabolic pathway (such as fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase), and methods of using the same for in vivo engraftment and expansion of heterologous hepatocytes, such as human hepatocytes, analysis of human liver disease, and analysis of xenobiotics. Also disclosed is the use of immunodeficient rats for the engraftment and expansion of heterologous hepatocytes.

Abstract: Mice that comprise a replacement of endogenous mouse IL-6 and/or IL-6 receptor genes are described, and methods for making and using the mice. Mice comprising a replacement at an endogenous IL-6R? locus of mouse ectodomain-encoding sequence with human ectodomain-encoding sequence is provided. Mice comprising a human IL-6 gene under control of mouse IL-6 regulatory elements is also provided, including mice that have a replacement of mouse IL-6-encoding sequence with human IL-6-encoding sequence at an endogenous mouse IL-6 locus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breeding system for the breeding of crawling insects, comprising a drum, a shuffling device and a feeding device. The drum comprises at least one wall, defining a drum interior, to house the insects, and the shuffling device is arranged at least partially in the drum interior, to shuffle the insects. The feeding device id configured to feed nutrients into the drum interior. The system comprises a cooling device having a cooling fluid circuit that is, by means of a flow of coolant in the circuit, configured to withdraw heat from the drum interior. The invention further relates to a protein production system, for the on-site production of protein-rich insect larvae as animal feed, and to a method for the breeding of crawling insects, comprising the step of cooling the insects in the interior of the drum with a cooling device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments may generally relate to a marine clutch apparatus for retrieving lines from the seafloor. The marine clutch apparatus may include a first base sled and a second base sled disposed adjacent to each other. The marine clutch apparatus may also include a first side panel and a second side panel, a connection rod disposed between the first base sled and the second base sled, and a grabber head disposed between the first base sled and the second base sled.

Abstract: A fly rod including sensors and methods of using the same are provided, particularly where the sensors assist the user in casting or in logging data associated with fishing activities. In a described embodiment, the fly rod comprises: a handle portion that includes a butt end; a center shaft portion that extends from the handle portion; a tip portion that extends from the shaft portion and includes a tip; a first movement sensor disposed in the tip portion; and a second movement sensor spaced apart from the first sensor.

Abstract: A spinning reel includes a reel body, a handle, a spool shaft, a spool, a rotor, a reciprocating mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The handle is rotatably disposed on the reel body. The spool shaft is supported by the reel body. The spool moves in an axial direction of the spool shaft together with the spool shaft. The rotor rotates about the spool by rotation of the handle and winds a fishing line around the spool. The reciprocating mechanism moves the spool shaft back and forth in the axial direction when the rotation of the handle is transmitted thereto. The clutch mechanism switches between a transmitting state to transmit the rotation of the handle to the reciprocating mechanism and a non-transmitting state to terminate the transmission. The reciprocating mechanism enables the spool shaft to move in the axial direction when the clutch mechanism is in the non-transmitting state.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a drag gear coupled to a spool gear, and a drag engagement lever configured to be actuated between a first position to engage the drag gear with the spool gear and a second position to disengage the drag gear from the spool gear. The fishing reel further includes a first plurality of friction washers located on a first side of the drag gear and a second plurality of friction washers located on a second side of the drag gear and that match the first plurality of friction washers. The fishing reel further includes a first pressure pad and a second pressure pad, a star gear lever configured to rotate about a second axis, and a nut such that rotation of the star gear lever actuates the nut at least one of towards or away from the first pressure pad to increase or decrease drag.

Abstract: An improved lift attaches to the leader line of a fishing reel and reduces snags. In use, a user casts a rig including the leader line, an improved lift, a hook, and a weight into the water. The lift includes a body having apertures through which the fishing line extends to mount the lift onto the leader line, upstanding sides, and outwardly extending wings. As the rig moves in the water, the outwardly extending wings of the lift cause the lift to ascend from the bottom of the body of water, thus preventing opportunities for the hook or weight to become snagged, for example on rocks or sunken tree branches.

Abstract: A waist wearable fishing kit enabling impromptu fishing includes a strap and a fishing rod. A first and a second coupler, which are complementary, are coupled to a first and a second end of the strap, respectively. The strap is configured to loopedly position around a waist of a user, positioning the second coupler to couple to the first coupler. A pouch, which is water-impermeable, is coupled to the strap. An aperture that is positioned in a top of the pouch is configured to allow access to the pouch. A closure that is coupled to the pouch proximate to the aperture is positioned to selectively sealably close the aperture. A reel fitted with a line is coupled to the fishing rod, which comprises a plurality of sections that are selectively interconnectable so that the fishing rod is collapsible to stow in the pouch, positioning the user for impromptu fishing.

Abstract: A pest control lighting device having a connector capable of electrically connecting to a common lightbulb socket or electrical outlet. The pest control lighting device includes one or more light sources in electrical connection with the connector. The pest control lighting device may include an inner module capable of holding one or more pest control materials, such as an insect repellent. The pest control lighting device may further include sound emitting components that may be capable of emitting an ultrasonic sound.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a mobile heating apparatus for heating an enclosed space to a temperature sufficient to kill bed bugs. The mobile heating apparatus has a recirculation chamber having a fresh air inlet configured to receive fresh air from a fresh air area and a recirculation air inlet configured to receive recirculation air from a heated air area. The fresh air area is located outside of the area to be heated. The heated air area is located within the area to be heated. The apparatus also has an air mixture/circulation apparatus configured to mix the fresh air and the recirculation air and an air heating chamber having a heat exchanger. A mixed air inlet is in communication with the air mixture/circulation apparatus. A heated air outlet is configured to route the heated air into the heated air area. A heating apparatus is configured to provide heated combustion flow to the heat exchanger. The present invention also provides for a related method.

Abstract: An electronic rodent trap is provided that includes a microprocessor and a resistive sensor coupled to a high voltage killing circuit and to a wash down sensor. Upon detecting a resistance, the resistive sensor sends a detection signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor activates the wash down sensor to determine whether the resistance is above a threshold value and/or shows variation characteristics consistent with the presence of a rodent and thus warranting activation of the killing circuit. Resistance that is below the threshold indicates the presence of water such that the killing circuit is not activated and false triggering of the electronic rodent trap is prevented. Animal traps and monitoring stations incorporating a wash down sensor for pest detection but without killing mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: The invention herein is a duck-shaped decoy that floats upon a body of water. The decoy may also be formed into the shape of a goose, wild turkey, or other fowl. The decoy includes a mechanism that produces a motion that simulates the motion of a wild duck, or other fowl. The decoy also includes a mechanical can call activating device that mechanically manipulates a can call producing a noise that attracts ducks, or other fowl.

Abstract: A hunting blind incorporating a right panel having a cow silhouetting periphery; a left panel having a cow silhouetting periphery; and a matrix of cross members spanning between the panels; wherein one of the matrix members pivots for seating; wherein another of the matrix members is adapted to pivot in the manner of a door and has a cow rear silhouetting periphery; and wherein another of the matrix members pivots to form a storage shelf; the hunting blind further incorporating a cow head silhouetting plate suspended from the panels' forward ends.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for receiving, perfusing and maintaining and assessing excised donor heart physiological functionality. The system generally comprises an apparatus for receiving and holding an excised heart that is interconnected with: (i) a perfusate-processing system, (ii) a bi-directional perfusate pumping system, (iii) flow sensors for monitoring the flow of perfusate to and from an installed heart's aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, and vena cava, (iv) an ECG apparatus interconnectable with the installed heart, and (v) probes interconnecting the installed heart with instruments for monitoring the heart's physiogical functionality using load independent indices and load dependent indices.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising certain (biological performance improving) alcohol alkoxylate adjuvants and an agrochemical; and to use of the adjuvants to improve the biological performance of an agrochemical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocidal composition. A biocidal composition including diallyl sulfides as a biocidal agent is described. The composition is characterized by surface active agents. The biocidal composition includes at least one allyl sulfide, a polar diluent, surface active agents, a C4-C9 alkanol, at least one non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value between 9.5 and 17, and at least one anionic surfactant. The described biocidal compositions are effective in treatment against mites, lepidopterous larvae, and thrips.

Abstract: Stable, solid triamine compositions are disclosed. The pressed, cast, extruded or other solid compositions are suitable for antimicrobial, sanitizing and disinfectant applications. Ready-to-use solutions are obtained by dissolving the solid triamine compositions with water and the methods of use thereof are particularly suitable for cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, rinsing and/or lubricating. Beneficially, the solid triamine compositions are at least partially neutralized, allowing activity of 90% and greater of the biocidal triamine, and provide at least substantially similar or superior performance and micro efficacy to liquid formulations.

Abstract: There is herein provided a mosquito attractant formulation comprising: (a) an aldehyde component; (b) a first monoterpene component; and (c) a second monoterpene component, wherein components (a) to (c) are defined in the description provided herein, 5 and products, uses and methods relating to the same. There is also herein provided the use of the compound HMBPP as a phagostimulant, and products and methods relating to the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Q1 is a phenyl ring, naphthalenyl ring system, a 5- to 6-membered fully unsaturated heterocyclic ring or an 8- to 10-membered heteroaromatic bicyclic ring system, each as described with optional substituents as defined in the disclosure; Q2 is a phenyl ring, a naphthalenyl ring system, a 5- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or fully unsaturated heterocyclic ring, or an 8- to 10-membered heteroaromatic bicyclic ring system, each as described with optional substituents as defined in the disclosure; X is O, S(O)m, NR4, CR15R16, C(?O) or C(?S); and R1, R1a, R2, R4, R15, R16 and m are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling plant disease caused by a fungal pathogen comprising applying an effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active compound combinations comprising at least one triazole derivative of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 as well as at least one further fungicide, to compositions comprising such compound combination, and to the use thereof as biologically active agents, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel triazole derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the ozone treatment of plants to reduce or eliminate pesticides, mold, yeast, or other pathogens. In an embodiment, the plant is exposed to ozone at a concentration of 150 to 250 ppm for between 15 and 65 minutes. The exposure of the plant to ozone reduces or eliminates pesticides, mold, yeast or other pathogens with little to no negative effects on the plants potency, flavor profile, fragrance, and weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of alkali metal salts and preferably lithium chloride for treatment of Varroa destructor infestation of honey bees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of mixtures containing secondary calcium and secondary magnesium phosphonate for combatting harmful fungi, to the use thereof as fertilizer or plant nutrient, to a mixture, containing secondary calcium and secondary magnesium phosphonate in a specific molar ratio, characterized in that the solid form of the mixture has a water solubility of at most 5 g/l, and to a method for preparing a mixture containing secondary calcium phosphonate and secondary magnesium phosphonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of scalably producing microorganisms by propagating them within plant tissues and introducing them into agricultural seeds to improve their shelf-life during long-term storage, to produce substances of interest, and to create libraries of microbes.

Abstract: A rotating nozzle assembly for a die machine connectable to a dough extruder has a stationary sleeve with a first end having internal and external annular recesses and an annular stepped seating surface and a second end mountable in the die machine mounting plate. A nozzle has a first end rotatably disposed in the stationary-sleeve first-end internal annular recess, a second end and a radially outwardly-protruding annular ring between the first and second nozzle ends. A ring seal is disposed between the stationary-sleeve first-end annular stepped seating surface and the radially outwardly-protruding annular nozzle ring. A nozzle cap is fixedly attached to the stationary-sleeve first end. The nozzle is rotatably disposed in the nozzle cap. The nozzle second end extends beyond the nozzle cap. An annular stepped axial thrust bearing surface in the nozzle cap prevents relative axial movement of the nozzle while allowing rotation of the nozzle.

Abstract: Non-meat food products are provided that have the appearance and the texture of cooked meat. Methods for making such non-meat food products are also provided. In an embodiment, a method includes mixing dry ingredients comprising vegetable proteins with wet ingredients including water and/or oil to form a non-meat dough; heating the non-meat dough under pressure; maintaining the pressure while transferring the heated non-meat dough to a cooling device; and gradually cooling the heated non-meat dough while gradually decreasing pressure on the heated non-meat dough, to form a non-meat food product. The mixing can be performed by a batch or continuous mixer; the heating can be performed by a device selected from the group consisting of a high shear emulsifier, a heat exchanger, and a dielectric heater; and the gradual cooling can be performed by a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A composition useful for making gluten-free bread of high quality comprises a) a gluten-free flour, and b) a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having a methoxyl content from 24.5 to 29.0 percent and a hydroxypropoxyl content of from 4.0 to 12.0 percent, each being based on the total weight of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and a having a viscosity of from 60 to 250 mPa·s, determined in a 2% by weight solution in water at 20° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition for use in forming films or coatings that prevent damage in foodstuffs, including plants, fruits, and vegetables. The disclosed compositions comprise a cellulose nanomaterial and can further comprise a nanoscale mineral compound and one or more additional components. Also disclosed are films or coatings made using the disclosed compositions, as well as methods for making the disclosed compositions and methods for using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition and a method for preserving pome fruits, specifically for controlling scald caused by cold damage, based on the use of squalene of plant origin as an active ingredient.