Abstract: A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and nucleic acid constructs that may be used to modify a nucleic acid of interest at a target locus within the genome of a host. In some aspects, the invention contemplates producing in vivo a gene targeting substrate (GTS), which may be comprised of both DNA and RNA components. The gene targeting substrate may comprise a gene targeting nucleotide sequence (GTNS), which is homologous to the target locus, but comprises a sequence modification compared to the target locus. The gene targeting substrate may be produced by reverse transcription of a gene targeting message RNA (gtmRNA). The gene targeting message RNA may be folded for self-priming for reverse transcription by a reverse transcriptase. The gene targeting message RNA may in turn be the product of transcription of a gene targeting construct (GTC) encoding the gene targeting message RNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the transduction and/or transfection of plant cells. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been successfully employed as nanocarriers to deliver proteins and oligonucleotides to single plant cell microspores as well as multi-cellular zygotic embryos. The efficiency of CPP internalization and further delivery of a macromolecular cargo comprising a protein and/or an oligonucleotide can be enhanced by permeabilization of the zygotic embryos.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the transduction and/or transfection of plant cells. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been successfully employed as nanocarriers to deliver proteins and oligonucleotides to single plant cell microspores as well as multi-cellular zygotic embryos. The efficiency of CPP internalization and further delivery of a macromolecular cargo comprising a protein and/or an oligonucleotide can be enhanced by permeabilization of the zygotic embryos.

Abstract: A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses fungal isolates of Phoma spp. or extracts obtained therefrom, useful for the control of broad leaf weeds, including Canada thistle, perennial sowthistle, dandelion, scentless chamomile, false cleavers, chickweed, wild buckwheat, and field bindweed. Te present invention also discloses biological control compositions comprising fungal isolates formulated in a growth medium for maintaining the viability of the fungal isolates when the biological control composition is applies to soil.

Abstract: Described is a process for treating an animal husbandry effluent slurry, such as hog manure, containing suspended solid particles. The process includes a) providing a liquid portion of the effluent, b) diluting the liquid to a Newtonian fluid, c) assuring the pH is under 10, d) adding to the fluid i) a soluble salt of alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCl2) and ii) an insoluble basic salt of the same alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCO3) to balance available cations and promote agglomeration of the suspended solid particles, e) adding a cationic coagulant to obtain a pre-treated destabilized colloid mixture with zero zeta potential value, and f) performing electroflotation to obtain a treated liquid and floated solids.

Abstract: A processing system and methods for extracting phytochemicals from plant materials with subcritical water. The processing system includes a water supply interconnected with a high-pressure pump, diverter valve, a temperature-controllable extraction vessel, a cooler, a pressure-relief valve and a collection apparatus for collecting eluant fractions from the extraction vessel. The processing system controllably varies the temperature of subcritical water within the extraction vessel, and may optionally be configured to controllably vary the pH of subcritical water flowing into the extraction vessel. A plant material is placed into the extraction vessel after which a flow of subcritical water is provided through the extraction vessel for extraction of phytochemicals.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing polysaccharide gum comprising extracting a plant material with an aqueous solvent to produce a polysaccharide gum-containing extract; contacting the extract with at least one proteolytic enzyme to at least partially digest proteins in the extract; adding an organic solvent to the extract to precipitate the polysaccharide gum; and collecting the precipitated polysaccharide gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the transduction and/or transfection of plant cells. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been successfully employed as nanocarriers to deliver proteins and oligonucleotides to single plant cell microspores as well as multi-cellular zygotic embryos. The efficiency of CPP internalization and further delivery of a macromolecular cargo comprising a protein and/or an oligonucleotide can be enhanced by permeabilization of the zygotic embryos.

Abstract: Methods for recovery of concentrates of lubricating compounds from vegetable and animal oils, fats and greases that allow separation of triglycerides, from components with higher lubricity or enrichment protocols that increase the concentration of high lubricity compounds in the triglyceride. The triglycerides are transesterified with a lower alcohol to produce alkyl esters. Following the conversion process the esters are separated from high molecular weight high lubricity compounds by distillation. The esters have some lubricity and may be sold as pollution reducing fuel components. The high boiling point compounds that are the residues of distillation, however, can contribute significant lubricity and may be used widely in lubricant applications or added to petroleum fuels to decrease friction.

Abstract: A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: A device for harvesting crops comprising woody material including a processor arranged to mechanically work the woody material and to feed the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism, the bale-forming mechanism being arranged to form a bale of the mechanically worked woody material. The present invention also extends to a method for harvesting crops comprising woody material in a continuous operation including the steps of: (a) mechanically working the woody material using a processor of a harvesting device; (b) feeding the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism of the harvesting device; and (c) forming a bale from the mechanically worked woody material.

Abstract: Improved processes are provided for preparing ACE inhibitory peptide containing hydrolysates from a plant material such as a seed meal or flour. In one embodiment, the seed meal or flour is extracted with an organic solvent prior to digestion. Also provided are ACE inhibitory peptides Val-Ser-Val and Phe-Leu.

Abstract: The present invention provides two novel regulatory genes and encoded proteins which can be used to alter the biosynthesis and accumulation of condensed tannin levels in plants and plant tissues. The present invention further encompasses transgenic constructs containing the novel regulatory genes herein referred to as Ulimyc, Corniculmyc and Japmyc, for use in the transformation of plants and plant tissues and transgenic plants containing such constructs. The identification and characterization of these novel genes provide a mechanism for altering tannin production in plants and allows one to alter such levels to produce a variety of benefits in the field of agriculture, land reclamation animal farming and food technology in general.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a regulatory gene Lc and encoded protein to alter the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids including anthocyanins and condensed tannins in plants and plant tissues, particularly in alfalfa, white clover, and other forage legumes which are similar in lacking native condensed tannin accumulation in leaves. The identification of the effects of this gene in alfalfa provide a mechanism for altering flavonoid, anthocyanin and condensed tannin production in forage legumes and allows one to alter such levels to produce a variety of benefits in the field of agriculture, animal farming and food technology in general.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, single stranded DNA binding proteins (SSB) may be used to modulate homologous recombination in mitosis or meiosis. method are provided for modulating homologous recombination comprising transforming a cell with a nucleic acid encoding a single stranded DNA binding protein; and, allowing the cell to undergo mitosis or meiosis. Similarly, methods are provided for modulating homologous recombination comprising transforming a cell with an inhibitor of expression of a dingle stranded DNA binding protein, such as an antisense or co-suppressive nucleic acid; and, allowing the cell to undergo mitosis or meiosis.

Abstract: A device for harvesting crops comprising woody material including a processor arranged to mechanically work the woody material and to feed the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism, the bale-forming mechanism being arranged to form a bale of the mechanically worked woody material. The present invention also extends to a method for harvesting crops comprising woody material in a continuous operation including the steps of: (a) mechanically working the woody material using a processor of a harvesting device; (b) feeding the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism of the harvesting device; and (c) forming a bale from the mechanically worked woody material.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cherry tree named ‘13S2009’ with the following characteristics. ‘13S2009’ has large flattened-heart shaped fruit, with shiny, dark red skin and red to dark red flesh. The fruit has a non-prominent suture and a flat to slightly hollow apex. The fruit matures very late in the harvest season, about 27 days after ‘Van’ and ‘Bing’ and 8 days after ‘Sweetheart’. The flesh of the fruit is very firm, and has a moderately sweet taste. The fruit are tolerant to rain splitting. The stone of ‘13S20-09’ is intermediate in lateral view, large in size, and has strongly developed keel. The tree is upright to spreading, self-compatible, moderately vigorous and has produced good, crops annually since fruiting commenced.

Abstract: The invention is a new and distinct pear tree variety denominated ‘HW624’. The new pear tree is characterized by producing heavy crops of medium-to large-sized fruit, picked about 2 weeks after ‘Bartlett’. Fruits are green when harvested, turning yellow as fruits ripen, and there is a medium red blush where exposed to the sun. There were no natural fire blight infections on the seedling tree, and results from controlled inoculations indicate a high level of resistance to fire blight. The tree is also highly resistant to pear psylla.