Abstract: Compositions of the invention are produced by blending hydroxy-functional polyesters with proteins at elevated temperatures. These compositions can be shaped into articles by known processes such as extrusion, compression molding, and injection molding. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene.

Abstract: An M. paratuberculosis gene referred to as hspX provides a useful target region for the construction of suitable probes and primers that are species-specific for distinguishing M. paratuberculosis from related mycobacteria in a test sample. M. paratuberculosis is the causative agent of Johne's disease and has been isolated from human patients with Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A hybridoma cell line has been produced for secreting a monoclonal antibody that binds ractopamine and is effective to detect ractopamine levels of about 1 ng/mL or lower. This monoclonal antibody may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of trace amounts of ractopamine in samples, especially in animal tissue, body fluids and feed material.

Abstract: A fungal Ldh protein and a gene have been isolated from Rhizopus oryzae. Host organisms transformed with expression vectors containing this gene produce optically pure, or enhanced levels of L-(+)-lactic acid not characteristic of the wild type organisms. These transformants will be useful for providing an increased supply of lactic acid for use in food and industrial applications.

Abstract: The intergenic spacer between the 16S and the 23S rRNA genes and a 131-bp segment at the 3′ end of Domain I of the 23S gene provides suitable target sequences for developing probes and primers useful in detecting and identifying Chlamydiaceae in laboratory and clinical samples.

Abstract: In the manufacture of hard cheese, cheese milk is treated with high pressure CO2 to accelerate the precipitation of casein and thereby promote the rapid formation of curd. Curd can be produced by this process in a period of a few minutes without adverse affects on the rennet or starter culture. The high pressure CO2 treatment of cheese milk can substantially increase the daily curd yields and plant throughput, thereby significantly reducing processing costs.

Abstract: Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.

Abstract: A novel entomopathogenic nematode of the genus Steinernema, which is effective as a biopesticide for the control of insects, and particularly the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. This nematode has been identified as Steinernema riobravis.

Abstract: A method for extracting prion protein from a biological material, e.g., an animal tissue or product. In a specific example, abnormal prion protein is extracted from homogenized sheep brain with hexafluoro-2-propanol. The hexafluoro-2-propanol is separated from the aqueous brain preparation by increasing the ionic strength of the aqueous solution. Prion protein in the organic extract can be further purified, or the extract can be tested, e.g., by immunoassay, for the presence of prion protein, and more particularly abnormal prion protein. The extraction process permits testing for the presence of abnormal prior protein, e.g., for diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE).

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: A boring tool is provided with rotary cutting inserts which rotate as a result of the forces which act on the inserts as the tool bores a workpiece. The inserts are positioned on the tool so that the cutting point of each insert is located in a different radial plane along the axis of the tool. The inserts are also positioned on the tool so that the radial distance of the cutting point of each insert from the axis of the tool is different. The non-symmetrical positioning of the inserts on the boring tool provides improved performance of the tool over a tool in which the inserts are symmetrically positioned.

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: 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: An intelligent fixture system has the ability to clamp and machine a family of nonidentical parts without requiring the use of separate dedicated fixtures for each part. A first part sensing system identifies a part to be machined and configures the clamps on a fixture in accordance with the size and shape of the part. A second part sensing system determines the exact location of the part after it has been clamped into the fixture and develops error signals representative of position and orientation of the actual position of the clamped part relative to the intended position and orientation of the clamped part. X, Y, and Z position errors signals and roll error signals of the clamped part are provided as offsets to the machine tools which will machine the part in order to compensate for the errors.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert is mounted on a flexure member that is mounted on the end of a boring bar. The construction of the flexure member is such that it is compliant along a radial axis perpendicular to the direction of tool advancement, but relatively stiff along a feed axis in the direction of tool feed, and along a cutting axis in the direction of tool rotation. Any displacement of the flexure member and cutting tool insert as a result of workpiece engagement or boring bar deflection is sensed by laser detectors. Signals from the laser detectors are coupled to a computer that rotates with the boring bar and are used to provide feedback signals to an actuator in contact with the flexure member. The actuator displaces the flexure member to correct the position of the tool insert.

Abstract: Hydrocolloidal compositions recovered from the liquid fraction obtained by subjecting oat or barley substrates to a heat-shearing treatment are rich in soluble fiber, principally .beta.-glucan, and are substantially free of insoluble fiber particles. Dispersions of these compositions are smooth in texture and are useful as texturizers and nutritional substitutes for dairy products in food compositions.

Abstract: Esters of estolides derived from oleic acids are characterized by superior properties for use as lubricant base stocks. These estolides may also be used as lubricants without the need for fortifying additives normally required to improve the lubricating properties of base stocks.

Abstract: A test based on restriction enzyme analysis identifies and differentiates strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Amplified cDNA from the ORF 5 region of the viral genome has been targeted for identification of unique restriction sites that allow for the differentiation of the vaccine strain from field strains, and for differentiation of field strains from each other through the use of selected restriction enzymes. This assay is useful for both clinical diagnosis of PRRSV field strains in vaccinated pigs as well as for epidemiological studies in the evaluation of the source and transmission of PRRS field viruses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions used to increase the pest resistance of living organisms. The invention especially provides adherent granules made of starch that are carriers for pest control agents. Simple and economic methods have been developed to prepare said adherent granules. Compositions and characteristics of the granules are disclosed, including their capability for sustained release of pest control agents.

Abstract: A sorting nozzle having two tapered zones with elliptical cross-sections is able to orient and sort a large fraction of asymmetrical or "flattened" cells. This nozzle has particular application for sorting viable male (Y) and female (X) sperm populations in a cell sorter.