Abstract: The present invention relates to an x-ray detector configured to generate one-dimensional x-ray density profiles. In exemplary embodiments the x-ray detector is used for the purpose of detecting inclusions in agricultural commodities.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to an efficient and economical process for dispersing fiber in water and clay. In another aspect, the process for dispersing fiber in water and clay is used in methods of making fiber reinforced composite products. In another aspect, the dispersed fiber/clay material is formulated to make products which include, but which are not limited to, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, paperboard products, kitty litter, and/or lightweight building materials comprising fiber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the identification of proteins using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, the identification of source organisms from which the identified proteins are derived and a computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for the identification of proteins using mass spectra generated through the application of laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry of the proteins.

Abstract: Transgenic guayule lines were created by constitutively expressing transgenes that encode for prenyltransferase and allylic diphosphate synthase. These new lines are important to rubber production because they result in plants that produce latex rubber which is lower in guayulin, a compound that produces a skin irritation in some animals. Controlling prenyltransferase production also permits the control of the production of resin by the plants, which has important industrial implications. Additionally, prenyltransferase manipulation can result in latex particles of different size, containing rubber of different molecular weight, which is also significant to industrial production. Although the elevated prenyltransferase activity in the transgenic lines resulted in shorter rubber molecules, the number of rubber molecules made by these transgenic lines was increased.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced and starch-based composition can be prepared by combining two fractions. The first fraction can include a gelatinized starch, water, and fibers, wherein the fibers are substantially homogenously mixed with the starch in an amount sufficient to structurally reinforce the mechanical characteristics of the starch-based composition. The second fraction is then combined with the first fraction, wherein the second fraction can include non-gelatinized starch, non-volatile plasticizer, and a water-resistant polymer. The composition is mixed so as to form a thermoplastic composition being capable of expanding when rapidly heated to above the boiling point of water and the softening point of the plasticized starch. Additionally, fiber-reinforced articles can be prepared from a method of processing the starch-based compositions. Such a method includes introducing the fiber-reinforced starch-based composition into a mold, and molding the composition into a fiber-reinforced article.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for site-specific polynucleotide replacement in eukaryotic cells. These methods include single polynucleotide replacement as well as gene stacking methods. Preferred eukaryotic cells for use in the present invention are plant cells and mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automated sorting of objects comprising a population, and for methods of sorting using same.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment the invention provides methods for post harvest disinfection of agricultural commodities. The methods are practiced on agricultural commodities without damaging or otherwise injuring the commodities by way of the treatment. In other exemplary embodiments, the invention provides containers appropriate for carrying out the disclosed methods of disinfective treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tool for visualizing relationships between and among data. It uses existing relational databases, and provides the means to view these databases in order to reveal degrees of relatedness between and among various data clusters. An illustrative use of said database tool is for analyzing genomics data. A test platform for this tool used EST data for the wheat tribe Triticeae, but can easily be extended for applications where other sequence assembly procedures are implemented, particularly those which use alphanumeric characters to represent data. The implementation of algorithms to manipulate the data points for investigative functions may be adapted to serve other applications.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences from potato that encode the enzyme ?-solanine/?-chaconine rhamnosyltransferase (SGT3) are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules containing the sequences, and use thereof, in particular, use of the sequences and antisense constructs to inhibit the production of SGT3 and thereby reduce levels of the predominant steroidal glycoalkaloids ?-chaconine and ?-solanine in Solanaceous plants such as potato are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for use to control parasitic mites of honey bees, particularly Varroa mites. In one aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is a miticidally effective amount of a selected ketone or 1-heptanol, ethyl butyrate, benzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, or d-limonene. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is an effective attractant amount of 2-heptanone. The attracted mites are then trapped or otherwise removed from the locus of the bees. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions which include 2-heptanone to control hive invading pests of honey bees.

Abstract: Th invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences which encode polypeptides having PhzO activity, namely, the ability to convert phenazine-1-carboxylic acid to a 2-hydroxylated phenazine, and isolated polypeptides having this activity. The invention is also directed to recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and host cells including the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, including expression in bacterial or plant cells to inhibit fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences from potato that encode the enzyme UDP-glucose:solanidine glucosyltransferase (SGT2) are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules containing the sequences, and use thereof, in particular, use of the sequences and antisense constructs to inhibit the production of SGT2 and thereby reduce the level of the more human-toxic of the two predominant steroidal glycoalkaloids ?-chaconine and/or increase the level of the more insect-toxic ?-solanine in Solanaceous plants such as potato are described.

Abstract: The gene for the diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) from Ricinus communis L., the castor plant, has been isolated, cloned, and used to transform other plants and micro-organisms. When the gene is expressed in a heterologous system, the corresponding DGAT protein is active and shows unusual and selective action for hydroxylated fatty acyl glycerides. DGAT carries out the final step in castor oil biosynthesis, and is believed to be largely responsible for many of the attributes of castor oil, making it an excellent candidate for industrial uses. This invention makes it possible to enhance the oil-producing capacity of other plants and micro-organisms.

Abstract: Th invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences which encode polypeptides having PhzO activity, namely, the ability to convert phenazine-1-carboxylic acid to a 2-hydroxylated phenazine, and isolated polypeptides having this activity. The invention is also directed to recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and host cells including the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, including expression in bacterial or plant cells to inhibit fungal pathogens.