Abstract: Enzymes accumulated in plant cell walls serve diverse physiological functions including metabolism, polysaccharide structure modification, and molecular communication in interactions with other organisms. Pectin methylesterases are economically important enzymes for their impact on quality and processing properties of fruit and vegetable food products. We have now purified TT-PME to homogeneity from sweet orange finisher pulp and determined the complete corresponding nucleic acid sequence. Purified TT-PME was observed by SDS-PAGE as two doublet bands with molecular masses of approximately 46,000 Da and 56,000 Da. Direct Edman sequencing from these proteins showed a common N-terminal peptide. De novo sequencing of eight TT-PME tryptic peptides determined by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry provided additional internal sequences. TT-PME did not correspond to any previously reported Citrus spp. PME sequence.

Abstract: Anti-peptide monoclonal antibodies (MAb's) specific for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) are used for rapid diagnostic identification between poultry infected with vaccine strains of NDV (LaSota/B1) and END virus (ENDV). Exotic Newcastle Disease is a contagious and fatal viral disease of birds and poultry. The present invention provides for diagnostic detection of ENDV in commercial poultry.

Abstract: Alates of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, collected after swarming in 2002 died within 48 hrs, and the cadavers were visibly infected with a fungus. Fungi were picked from the cadavers, transferred to media and ultimately isolated to purity. A single fungal isolate, C4-B, taxonomically identified as Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff), was found to cause rapid mortality of FST alates. This is the first report of a biological control agent for termite alates. Strain C4-B was more lethal to both alates and workers when compared to M. anisopliae strain ESC1, marketed as the termite biocontrol agent BioBlast®. 100% of FST alates exposed to C4-B spores (106 spores/?l) were killed in 3 days. Field studies where C4-B spores were dispersed on grassy lawns resulted in 100% mortality of alates by day 5.

Abstract: A subsoil ripper for subsoil tillage, where a spur is operatively connected to the shank of the subsoil ripper; for example, operatively connected to the posterior of the shank of the subsoil ripper.

Abstract: A hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence line-scan imaging system is used for on-line quality and safety inspection of agricultural commodities. The system simultaneously acquires hyperspectral/multispectral combinations of both fluorescence and reflectance images of the agricultural commodities.

Abstract: A method to bind compounds (e.g., antibiotics) to natural or synthetic yarn or fabric, involving reacting the compounds with cyanuric chloride, a hydroxide base (e.g., NaOH), and deionized water to form reactive compounds; forming a dyebath composed of the reactive compounds, at least one nonioinic, cationic or anionic surfactant, salt (e.g., sodium sulfate), deionized water, and natural or synthetic yarn or fabric; heating the dyebath (generally for about 1 to about 100 minutes at a temperature of about 25° to about 100° C.); adding a hydroxide base (e.g., NaOH) to the dyebath and heating (generally for about 1 to about 100 at a temperature of about 80° to about 100° C.); rinsing the natural or synthetic yarn or fabric; placing the natural or synthetic yarn or fabric in deionized water and heating (generally for about 1 to about 100 minutes at a temperature of about 25° to about 100° C.); rinsing the natural or synthetic yarn or fabric; and drying the natural or synthetic yarn or fabric.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins and/or the novel lactic acid-producing strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst proteins for example in biological fluids. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to an O-methyltransferase gene cloned from sorghum, the sorghum O-methyltransferase-3 gene, SbOMT3. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and recombinant enzyme studies with putative O-methyltransferase sequences obtained from an EST data set from sorghum have led to the identification of the novel root hair-specific O-methyltransferase designated SbOMT3. Transgenic plants which express SbOMT3 can convert resveratrol into pterostilbene in planta. SbOMT3 is also involved in the biosynthesis of sorgoleone.

Abstract: The applicator system is designed to distribute agriculturally beneficial matter across a field. The system includes a supply reservoir and an agitator assembly that grates and abrades matter in the supply reservoir until the abraded matter precipitates out of the supply reservoir and onto a supply conveyor. The supply conveyor conveys the matter to a distribution device. The distribution device meters the matter onto at least two lateral distribution conveyors. At the end of each of the distribution conveyors the matter is funneled downwardly into an open trench created by a trenching device associated with each distribution conveyor. After the matter is deposited into the trench, a trench closing assembly directs soil back into the trench and compresses the soil surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum cooling heated viscous and/or high solids mixtures employs at least one cooling tank (1) having inwardly sloping side walls (15) from a top (14) to an opening that is attached to a outlet pump or valve (7) located at the tank bottom, a rotational spreader (8) near the top and at least one vacuum pump (5, 6) to maintain the predetermined vacuum in the tank, and input and output pumps (20, 21). The rotational spreader (8) breaks up the heated viscous and/or high solids mixture (9) and distributes it onto the side walls of the tank to form a film (10) which is cooled as it travels to and slides down the sides to the bottom where the viscous and/or high solids mixture is outputted from the tank by a pump or valve (7, 21, 26). Multiple stages of the apparatus may be employed preferably with progressively greater vacuum pressure in each stage to accomplish even further cooling of the viscous and/or high solids mixtures.

Abstract: A sophorolid produced by a method involving reacting a compound of formula I with a compound of formula II wherein R1 and R2 are H, C1-C18 alkyl, C3-C18 alkenyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, phenyl, or C1 through C18 acyl or alkoxycarbonyl, R1 and R2 are not both acyl, R3 is H, CH3, CH2-phenyl, CH2—C6H4—OH, CH2CO2H, CH2CH2CO2H, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH(CH3)2, CH(CH3)CH2CH3, CH2OH, CH(CH3)OH, CH2CH2CH2CH2NH2, CH2CH2CONH2, CH2CONH2, CH2—C3N2H3(histidine), CH2CH2CH2NHC(NH)NH2, CH2CH2SCH3, R2 and R3 may be joined in a ring, R4 is H, C1-C18 alkyl, C3-C18 alkenyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, or phenyl, n is 0-6, R5 and R6 are H, C1-C18 alkyl, C3-C18 alkenyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, or phenyl, and X is C1-C18 alkyl or C1-C18 alkenyl; optionally followed by acidolytic (treating with an acid) or hydrogenolytic deprotection (treating with a hydrogenolysis catalyst) which removes one of the groups R1 or R2 and replaces it with hydrogen.

Abstract: A device for uniform emission of a composition having at least one volatile liquid attractant. It is especially useful in traps to improve the monitoring of pest insect populations and/or for mass trapping of insects.

Abstract: Biopolymeric hydrogel precursors are prepared by means of a ring-opening polymerization of epoxidized vegetable oils, followed by chemical hydrolysis. The recovered hydrogels having properties similar to Pluronic® type surfactants would have a plurality of end-use applications, including use as food additives and pharmaceutical ingredients. This invention provides the potential for an enhanced market for vegetable oils, and particularly for soybean oil.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems and processes for removal of solids, pathogens, nitrogen, and phosphorus from municipal and agricultural wastewater include the simultaneous separation of solids and phosphorus from wastewater and industrial effluents.

Abstract: Novel peptides produced by bacteriocin-producing bacteria stimulate the production of bacteriocins in vitro. The producer bacteria are cultured in the presence of a novel inducer bacteria and a peptide having a carboxy terminal sequence of VKGLT in order to achieve an increase in bacteriocin production.

Abstract: A chemically defined media supplemented with organic acids is used for supporting in vitro growth of Campylobacter and Arcobacter species.

Abstract: A method for thinning fruit blossoms involving applying an effective amount of a blossom thinning composition to the blossoms and associated living tissue (e.g., nearby buds and leaves) of fruit bearing plants (e.g., fruit trees), the blossom thinning composition comprising eugenol as an active ingredient for the purpose of blossom thinning.

Abstract: Termite bait matrix containing cellulose, calco oil blue V (solvent blue 58 or 9,10-anthracenedione, 1,4-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)amino]), and optionally a termite toxicant (e.g., chitin synthesis inhibitor). Methods of monitoring termite activity in a region involving placing a termite bait matrix in the region and assessing the presence of termites at the site of the termite matrix, the termite bait matrix contains cellulose and 9,10-anthracenedione, 1,4-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)amino]. Methods of killing termites, involving placing a termite bait matrix in a termite habitat and allowing termites to feed on the bait matrix, the termite bait matrix contains cellulose, 9,10-anthracenedione, 1,4-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)amino], and a termite toxicant (e.g., chitin synthesis inhibitor).

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach which is characterized by producing large, yellow, melting-flesh fruit with an excellent sweet, only mildly acidic dessert quality flavor. Fruit are melting flesh freestone with an 80% red over-color (blush) over a golden yellow undercolor and average 71 to 75 mm in diameter, ripening in early mid season.