Abstract: The envelope (env) gene from avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) strain Hc1 has been isolated, sequenced and cloned into an expression vector. The ALV-J Hc1 env gene and expressed protein are useful for development of diagnostic assays to detect Hc1-specific nucleic acid and proteins and for eliciting an immune response in chickens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preserving mycorrhizal fungi for long-term storage using lyophilization. This enables use of the fungi for growing and acclimatizing micropropagated plants. The invention is especially useful for preserving mycorrhizal ericoid fungi for long-term storage and use in a soilless medium for growing micropropagated ericaceous plants.

Abstract: We sequenced a 625 and 617 bp fragment of the inner spacer region of 16S-23S rDNA of a strain of Acidovorax avenae representing pathogens from several hosts, including foxtail, oats, corn, rice, millet, sugarcane, orchid, and watermelon and a strain of A. avenae subsp. citrulli pathogenic only to watermelon, respectively, for the purpose of designing PCR primers for their identification. These plant pathogens were previously considered as non-fluorescent pseudomonads and have been recently reclassified as Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae, A. avenae subsp. cattleyae, and A. avenae subsp. citrulli. Several sets of primers were designed. Primers identified by SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2 of subsp. avenae reacted with all strains of A. avenae subsp. avenae (previously named P. avenae or P. alboprecipitans) originating from foxtail, oats, corn, rice, sugarcane, and millet, A. avenae subsp. cattleyae from orchid, and A. avenae subsp. citrulli (previously named P. pseudoalcaligenes subsp. citrulli) from watermelon.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously and independently measuring moisture content and bulk density of particulate materials using radio-frequency measurements allowing for on-line, real-time monitoring and control. Moisture and density are determined by measurements of complex permittivities. This method is based on the use of the dielectric properties of the materials for density and water content determination.

Abstract: Enhanced recovery of podophyllotoxin from biological sources is achieved through disruption or permeabilization of the physical integrity of cells and tissues in the presence of sufficient moisture so as to allow endogenous enzymes to convert podophyllotoxin glucosides to podophyllotoxin. Extraction of the podophyllotoxin from the plant material is then achieved by use of an organic solvent. Podophyllotoxin is used as an intermediate in the production of the antitumor agent etoposide and its analogues.

Abstract: High-quality pectins may be extracted from pectin-containing plant materials with microwave energy under pressure. The pectins are characterized by increased molecular weight, size and intrinsic viscosity when compared to pectin extracted by conventional heating techniques.

Abstract: A stable transformed insect cell line has been achieved by infecting an insect cell culture with fluid obtained from a female parasitoid wasp, such as Glyptapanteles indiensis. The fluid contains polydnavirus DNA capable of integrating into the host cell genome. Susceptible insect cells include both Lepidopteran and Coleopteran cells.

Abstract: A dust reduction system for reducing airborne contaminants such as, for example, dust, smoke, microorganisms, etc., includes at least one ion generator made up of at least one ionizer bar and a ground plane which is parallel and proximate to at least one bar. The system can also include a dust collection device such as a tray containing an aqueous composition optionally containing a degreaser, and/or a metal sheet with a water rinse system, and/or the surfaces of a room-sized enclosed space. The system can be applied to any enclosed space where it is desired to obtain high efficiency reduction of airborne dust and microorganisms. The system is especially useful in poultry production and processing areas such as hatching cabinets, throwing rooms, and controlled environment poultry rearing rooms.

Abstract: Near-infrared spectroscopic calibration models are developed for the rapid, accurate and non-polluting prediction of the total dietary fiber content in a wide range of cereal products, including mixed grain products, products with high sugar content, products with high crystal sugar content, products with high fat content, and cereal products with high sugar and high fat content.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a transgenic cell having a stably integrated, single copy of an exogenous polynucleotide sequence. The method, which resolves repeated insertions of the introduced polynucleotide sequence into a single copy, involves introducing into a genetic locus of a cell a polynucleotide sequence flanked on each end by a recombination site. The recombination sites are oriented such that contact with a recombinase would not result in deletion of the polynucleotide sequence from the construct. The multiple, tandem copies of the introduced polynucleotide locus are then contacted with a recombinase that catalyzes recombination among the recombination sites. As a result of this method, the multiple, tandem copies are resolved to a single copy.

Abstract: A release rate modulator for use with membrane-based formulations systems to control the release of a substance. The release rate modulator is formed from perforated polypropylene containing approximately 36 holes/cm.sup.2. Each hole is approximately 1 mm.sup.2 in size. The flow of substance passes through the holes and the membrane before reaching the surrounding environment. The use of the modulator improves the duration of substance release and provides a more constant release of the substance compared to unpredictable release rates obtained when the formulations systems did not contain the modulator.

Abstract: Single-gene, non-lethal mutations responsible for low phytic acid-containing seeds are selectable by means of a method for assaying seeds which are otherwise phenotypically, or nearly phenotypically, normal. Maize mutants having from 20% to 95% reductions in kernel phytic acid phosphorus compared to the wild-type, without any noticeable reduction in total phosphorus, were isolated by this method. Mutants obtained in accordance with the invention are useful for developing commercial, low phytic acid seed, plant lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly tenderizing meats such as poultry meats includes clamping the meat between plates to prevent contraction and toughening of the meat muscles and chilling, thereby alleviating long holding and refrigeration, as is the current practice. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may be automated to tenderize meat continuously.

Abstract: Sprouting in stored potatoes is suppressed with sprout control agents of bacterial origin. These agents are typically applied to the potato surfaces as whole culture broths and they prevent softening and necrosis of the tuber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, selected isolates also have the secondary effect of Fusarium dry rot control.

Abstract: Diabroticite insects, in particular the corn rootworm, are major pests of corn as well as a variety of other agricultural crops. The invention describes an aqueous composition which is effective as an insecticide for the control of Diabroticite insects and contains a photoactive xanthene dye, such as phloxine B, as a toxicant and a cucurbitacin-containing feeding stimulant. Additives such as a starch thickener and an adherent may also be included in the composition.

Abstract: Recombinant baculoviruses were prepared which contain sequences expressing peptide hormones which cause lack of feeding in Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm) and related pestw. The peptides were isolated from H. zea and identified as helicokinins. When present in sufficient amounts in the insect, weight and water loss and the eventual death of the insect occurs.

Abstract: Compositions and lures are described which provide vapor blends of acetic acid and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of isobutanol, racemic 2-methyl-1-butanol, S-(-)-2-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, heptyl butyrate, and butyl butyrate which function as highly effective attractants for yellowjacket wasps and paper wasps. By attracting wasps to traps or baits, the chemical attractants provide a means for detecting, surveying, monitoring, and controlling the wasps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the moisture content measurement of compressible materials using pressure to firmly hold surface probes against the material to be measured. The apparatus uses moisture measurement circuitry employed in frequency domain impedance or time domain reflectometry devices to obtain moisture content readings from materials. These moisture content readings are based on the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Subsurface air voids or gaps found in loose, layered materials undesirably influence moisture measurement readings by reducing the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Pressure is supplied through the apparatus to the material in the proximity of the surface probes, thereby reducing air voids to enhance measurement accuracy. The apparatus and method are especially useful for compressible organic materials such as forest duff, hay and soil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences which are responsible for moving the fungal toxin cercosporin across the plasma membrane of living cells. The DNA can be introduced into a plant using conventional methods of transformation in order to confer cercosporin resistance to plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an composition for attracting noctuid and/or other lepidopteran species. Liquid and solid formulations are provided, along with methods for their use, for controlling or eliminating noctuid and/or other lepidopteran species, and/or protecting plants susceptible to noctuid and/or other lepidopteran species damage.