Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitive assay for objectively determining the genotype of cucurbit plants, particularly species of melon, with respect to resistance or susceptibility to Fusarium wilt infection. The assay of the present invention uses a polymerase chain reaction to amplify sample DNA using either an AM or FM oligonucleotide primer pair. The PCR product which results from either primer pair differs in size, depending upon whether the template DNA was obtained from a plant susceptible or resistant to Fusarium wilt, permitting easy and rapid identification of plant genotype.

Abstract: An extraction-scintillation medium of substantially free-flowing, porous, solid particulate matter having one or more fluors retained within the particulate matter and an extraction agent adsorbed on or bound to the surface of the particulate matter. The medium is capable of extracting one of a selected radionuclide from an aqueous stream and permits transmission of light therethrough, which light is emitted from the one or more fluors in response to radiation absorbed thereby from the selected radionuclide. A sensor system using the extraction-scintillation medium for real-time or near real-time detection of the selected radionuclide is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitive test for objectively diagnosing the presence of Didymella bryoniae, the causative agent of gummy stem blight, and differentiating it from similar, nonpathogenic Phoma species. The assay is applicable to DNA isolated from extracts from plant leaves, stem or seed. The detection method employs a polymerase chain reaction technique, using specific oligonucleotide primers for amplification. PCR Products can be visualized using an ELISA-based colorimetric detection system.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic polymeric fibers which have utility as temporary acquisition/distribution absorbent structures and permanent storage/distribution absorbent structures in a wide range of absorbent products such as diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinent pads. These fibers are short, highly distorted, and bulky characterized by lengths between 2 and 37 mm, short-range distortion factors between 5 and 70, long-range distortion factors between 0.05 and 0.9, and single fiber bulk factors between 0.5 and 10.0. They may or may not have capillary channels on the surface. The advantages of these materials are their increased absorbency, reduced wet collapse at low densities, reduced rewet, reduced loss of liquid under pressure, and their ability to be desorbed by distribution materials such as capillary channeled fibers or by conventional storage materials such as fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer fiber or powder.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to various methods for promoting ovulation, parturition and lactation in female mammals. These benefits are obtained by administering to the mammals a composition containing a D2 receptor antagonist that does not substantially cross the blood brain barrier. In one embodiment, the D2 receptor antagonist is domperidone. The domperidone can be administered to the mammal either orally or subcutaneously and can be used to treat, for instance, anestrous mammals, mammals that have problems bearing offspring and mammals suffering from agalactia. Unexpectedly, it has also been discovered that the D2 receptor antagonist may also stimulate feed intake, causing the mammal to eat more and gain weight faster.

Abstract: A method and composition for preventing and treating infection from clinically relevant bacterial isolates is disclosed. The composition contains an anti-bacterial agent that inhibits the growth of the bacteria, including members of both gram negative and gram positive isolates. In particular, the anti-bacterial agent comprises a bacteriocin produced by Propionibacterium. For instance, in one embodiment, the bacteriocin is produced by the B1264 strain of Propionibacterium jensenii.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process and system for raising aquatic organisms, such as shellfish, shrimp and fish. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an automated partitioned aquaculture system for raising catfish. The aquiculture system comprises an algal growth channel; at least one raceway for producing and maintaining the aquatic organisms; and a first and second flow control device. The first flow control device is configured to control the flowrate of water through the algal growth channel substantially independently of the flowrate of water in the raceway. By changing the water flowrate, in response to factors in the aquaculture environment, production of aquatic organisms can be substantially increased.

Abstract: A sheath/core fiber having increased cut resistance includes a core made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. The fiber-forming polymer of both the sheath and the core components includes an aromatic polyamide polymer.

Abstract: A process and system for separating metals from a waste composition and for producing a reusable glass product is disclosed. The process includes heating waste materials containing at least one glass forming substance to a temperature sufficient to volatilize any volitile metals contained within the waste material. The waste material is also heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient for substantially all of the glass forming substances contained within the material to melt and form a molten glass. In one embodiment, the waste materials are heated in a reducing atmosphere in a direct contact radiant heating device, such as an electric arc furnace.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process and system for treating animal waste. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process and system for treating animal waste effluent with ozone to decompose the organic material within and improve the odor of the animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total bacterial content and coliform bacterial count of the animal waste. The process of this present invention comprises collecting an animal waste solution, containing a mixture of water and animal fecal material; contacting the waste solution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the organic material contained within; and feeding the ozone treated waste solution to a solids separating device prior to collecting the waste solution in a biobasin or, alternatively, recycling the ozone treated waste solution for use as a source of irrigation or flushwater.

Abstract: A method is provided for efficiently producing superior hybrid seed and plants. The method uses a genetic mechanism for ensuring high percentages of natural cross-pollination and combines this mechanism with a genetically conferred morphological trait that allows recognition of desirable genotypes at an early development stage. The genetic mechanism for ensuring high percentages of cross-pollination is male-sterile, a recessive genetic mutant. Thus, the method includes protocols for developing genetic male-sterile (ms) lines. The genetically conferred morphological trait that allows recognition of desirable genotypes at an early development stage is a seedling marker. Thus, the method includes protocols for developing genetic male-sterile (ms) lines with a seedling marker. In watermelon for example, the seedling marker can be a conditionally unfit mutant such as juvenile-albino (ja).

Abstract: A method and composition for preventing and treating acne is disclosed. The composition contains an anti-bacterial agent that inhibits the growth of the cutaneous bacteria that are believed to cause acne. In particular, the anti-bacterial agent comprises a bacteriocin produced by Propionibacterium. For instance, in one embodiment, the bacteriocin is produced by the B1264 strain of Propionibacterium jensenii. The bacteriocins of the present invention can be contained in a topical preparation that is applied to the skin.

Abstract: An inorganic glass having an aliphatic polymer covalently bonded to the surface thereof is disclosed for providing improved adhesion to a matrix polymer when the glass is employed as a composite filler, as well as for the formation of a composite absent a separate matrix polymer. The polymer is grafted onto the glass by a method which includes the steps of pretreating the surface of the glass with an activator which an activating moiety to the surface, functionalizing the pretreated surface by bonding functional moieties thereto, and polymerizing a cycloaliphatic monomer onto the functionalized surface in the presence of a ring opening polymerization catalyst. Also disclosed are novel inorganic glasses which contain both silicate and phosphate linkages.

Abstract: Organic inherently conductive polymers, such as those based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene, are formed in-situ onto polymeric surfaces that are chemically activated to bond ionically the conductive polymers to the substrates. The polymeric substrate is preferably a preshaped or preformed thermoplastic film, fabric, or tube, although other forms of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers can be used as the substrates for pretreatment using, most preferably, phosphonylation-based processes followed by exposure to an oxidatively polymerizable compound capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer. The resultant conductive surface imparts unique properties to the substrates and allows their use in antistatic clothing, surface conducting films for electronic components and the like, and electromagnetic interference shielding. In an alternative embodiment, metals such as gold or platinum are bonded to the chemically interactive surface of a preshaped thermoplastic or thermoset article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for extracting pigments, namely carotenoids, from plant material. The process includes the step of combining shredded plant material with an enzyme. The enzyme breaks down the plants cellular walls releasing the carotenoids contained within the plant cells. The enzyme added to the plant material can be pectinase, cellulase, hemicellulase, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for predicting defect-related failures in integrated circuits produced by an integrated circuit fabrication process identify objects in a circuit layout for the integrated circuit design, each object having a location in the circuit layout and a reliability connectivity in the integrated circuit design. Sample object defects are generated for the identified objects, each sample object defect representing a defect produced in an object by the integrated circuit fabrication process and having a defect magnitude associated therewith. An accelerated life defect influence model is identified for each sample object defect, relating the lifetime of an object to the defect magnitude of a defect in the object. Sample object lifetimes are generated from the defect magnitudes associated with the sample object defects according to the corresponding identified accelerated life defect influence models.

Abstract: A radiopaque bone cement used to repair bone or other hard tissues is provided. The bone cement is made from combining a composition containing an acrylic powder and a radiopacifier with a corresponding liquid monomer. Prior to being added to the composition, the radiopacifier is microencapsulated with a bone cement compatible material. When combined with the liquid monomer, the bone cement compatible material dissolves releasing the radiopacifier particles into a bone cement matrix. By being microencapsulated, the radiopacifier is prevented from agglomerating in the cement. Instead, the radiopacifier particles become dispersed throughout the bone cement matrix which not only creates a radiopaque cement but also increases the fatigue life of the cement.

Abstract: A crystalline polylactone is produced having reactive acrylate end groups. When incorporated into a thermosetting resin which includes reactive C.dbd.CH.sub.2 sites, the present functionalized polylactone acts as a toughener, greatly increasing the impact resistance of the final cured product. Also disclosed are carboxyl-bearing polylactones as tougheners for epoxy resin systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to structural molding members and to a structural molding system designed to retroactively connect together walls, the roof, floors, and the foundation of a preexisting house or building. The structural members are for reinforcing a building so that all external forces applied to the building are transferred to the foundation. The structural molding members are particularly useful for preventing damage to the building when the building is exposed to high winds and seismic activity. In general, the structural molding members include a support bracket that is mounted directly to the exterior surfaces of a building and connected to internal frame components. The support bracket can then be covered with a molding member, a light fixture, or the like to provide an aesthetic appeal to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for speech recognition control of apparel manufacture equipment, such as a sewing machine, is provided. The invention includes a device for recognizing and translating an operator's verbal command into a digital control signal; a communication device such as a microphone for inputting the operator's verbal command into the recognizing and translating device; and interfacing means for presenting the digital control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized and accepted by the equipment. The method for voice control of apparel manufacture equipment according to the present invention comprises the steps of receiving an operator's verbal command; recognizing and translating the verbal command into a digital control signal; and routing this digital control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized by an actable upon by the equipment. An infrared light linkage may be employed to transmit commands from an operator to the machine's control circuitry.