Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the production of large amounts of empty capsids of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in a stable manner in mammalian cells by regulating the expression of FMDV 3C protease. The instant methods and compositions are based on the fact that a decreased expression of 3C protease results in a reduced cell toxicity and an increased synthesis of viral capsid proteins, as well as production of recombinant empty capsids. The invention provides recombinant plasmids that direct the expression of P1, 3C, and the use of the plasmids for producing new stable cell lines capable of generating high titers of FMDV empty capsids. The invention provides methods for regulating the expression of the FMDV 3C protease gene at a transcriptional and translational level in order to achieve the required process level of 3C protease for the selection process, as well as the production process.

Abstract: A seed-sowing assembly, especially of rice, consisting of at least two single seeding units arranged in parallel and displaced longitudinally from each other, which allows a narrow separation between furrows, wherein each of said single units comprises a first pivoting support arm connected at one of its ends that supports a load regulator; and a second pivoting support arm connected to another end of the first support arm that supports at least one furrow-generating disc; at least one depth limiting wheel coupled to at least one furrow-generating disc; a seed contact wheel; and a third pivoting support arm connected to one end of the second support arm that supports two furrow-closing wheels. A seed-sowing machine comprising the seed-sowing assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant bovine leukemia viruses that have an attenuated phenotype and comprise a combination of at least two specific mutations. The invention also provides recombinant nucleic acids encoding such viruses, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and host cells comprising such nucleic acids or vectors. The recombinant attenuated BLV viruses, recombinant nucleic acids, vectors and host cells allow for the preparation of improved vaccines, in particular vaccines suitable for the prophylactic treatment of BLV-associated diseases in subjects. The invention further provides methods for treating BLV-associated diseases in subjects and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in these methods.

Abstract: Isolated VHH monoclonal antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to a Norovirus polypeptide. In some embodiments, the Norovirus is a Genogroup I Norovirus or a Genogroup II Norovirus. In other embodiments, the Norovirus is Norwalk or MD2004 virus. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies specifically bind VP1. Also disclosed are compositions including the disclosed antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. The antibodies and compositions disclosed herein can be used for detecting the presence of a Norovirus in a biological sample, or detecting a Norovirus infection. Also disclosed are methods of treating and/or preventing a NoV infection.

Abstract: A Mecardonia plant particularly distinguished by having yellow flower color, a very compact plant growth habit, and large leaves, is disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated VHH monoclonal antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to a Norovirus polypeptide. In some embodiments, the Norovirus is a Genogroup I Norovirus or a Genogroup II Norovirus. In other embodiments, the Norovirus is Norwalk or MD2004 virus. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies specifically bind VP1. Also disclosed are compositions including the disclosed antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. The antibodies and compositions disclosed herein can be used for detecting the presence of a Norovirus in a biological sample, or detecting a Norovirus infection. Also disclosed are methods of treating and/or preventing a NoV infection.

Abstract: Scarifier for deep strip-tillage, that after a single trip allows the soil to be in adequate conditions for planting or sowing, operating with a great energy efficiency, contributing to an improvement in the production environment. The scarifier comprises a plurality of tillage units (a), spaced apart and located parallel to each other, and wherein each tillage unit (a) comprises a support structure (2) on which the corresponding tines (1a, 1b, 1c) are mounted, the lower ends of which are located at different heights, with the depth below the ground (d) being greater toward the rear of the scarifier. The scarifier preferably incorporates a fertilization system.

Abstract: Herbicide-resistant rice plants, isolated polynucleotides that encode herbicide resistant and wild-type acetohydroxy-acid synthase large subunit 1 (AHASL1) polypeptides, and the amino acid sequences of these polypeptides, are described. Expression cassettes and transformation vectors comprising the polynucleotides of the invention, as well as plants and host cells transformed with the polynucleotides, are described. Methods of using the polynucleotides to enhance the resistance of plants to imidazolinone herbicides, and methods for controlling weeds in the vicinity of herbicide-resistant plants are also described.

Abstract: Recombinant bacterial strains comprising heterologous nif genes in its genome, and capable of fixing nitrogen. The strain may be, for example, a recombinant Pseudomonas fluorescens strain comprising heterologous nif genes in its genome. An inoculum and a method for increasing plant productivity are further described.

Abstract: A new and distinct Calibrachoa plant named ‘INTA 06575’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounding to eventually trailing plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy appearance; early and freely flowering habit; purple-colored flowers with yellow-colored throats; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A trap for mass capturing and controlling the insect called “cotton boll weevil”, comprising a tubular central body (1) having a bottom section provided with holes (11), a housing formed by a perforated lid (7) and a base or bottom lid (3) provided with holes (3B) and further including one or more openings (12) to allow insect entering the housing from the bottom section (1); b) an insecticide dispenser section (4) inside the housing, c) a hole section for venting and discharging vapors (5) located at a position that is farther from the base or bottom lid than the insecticide dispenser (4); d) a perforated vessel (8) to contain an attractant diffuser (14) outside the housing and above it, and e) a closure (9) of the perforated vessel (8) at its upper end.

Abstract: Isolated VHH monoclonal antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to a Norovirus polypeptide. In some embodiments, the Norovirus is a Genogroup I Norovirus or a Genogroup II Norovirus. In other embodiments, the Norovirus is Norwalk or MD2004 virus. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies specifically bind VP1. Also disclosed are compositions including the disclosed antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. The antibodies and compositions disclosed herein can be used for detecting the presence of a Norovirus in a biological sample, or detecting a Norovirus infection. Also disclosed are methods of treating and/or preventing a NoV infection.

Abstract: A modified surface topography for agricultural tools includes dimples are arranged in a parallelogram (hexagonal) pattern, the morphological unit of which is an equilateral triangle. This surface pattern can be applied to various tools which are impeded by the traction of the soil.

Abstract: A facility for controlling the grain moisture provided with a grain storage silo conveniently installed on a hard flat floor and inside of which an elevated floor comprising air passageways is provided, determining an air chamber inside the silo and below the perforated floor, into which previously conditioned air is blown by an air heater, wherein the control of hot air blowing times is determined based on means of modeling and calculating on and off times applied through an electronic control means, with the ability to read and record manual input data entered by an operator and reading data from a temperature sensor in the air chamber, below the perforated floor, further aided with an ambient temperature and moisture sensor, thereby causing the application of different stages of drying, re-humidification and maintenance of the grain moisture.

Abstract: Method for detecting M. tuberculosis antigens, comprising: a) contacting a sample of a biological fluid with a solid support; b) adding an amount of a first antibody against at least one M. tuberculosis protein; c) screening for the presence of M. tuberculosis proteins in the biological fluid by adding an amount of a second antibody which binds to the first antibody, in a Miniblotter device.

Abstract: The movement along the ground in seed and fertilizer distribution systems of seeder and fertilizer machines is improved by a load transfer device comprising a deformable parallelogram-shaped structure attached to the machine tool holder bar at one end and to the distribution system at the other end, and a transfer rack that articulates in one of the parallelogram vertexes acting as a rocker arm. The rocker arm is connected at one end to the parallelogram and at the other end to at least one spring through a lever arm that extends downwardly and divergently, generating a crossing angle between the parallelogram lower un upper sides, creating a torque that varies not only for the spring tension by also for the ratio of the effective lengths of the involved lever arms.

Abstract: Monomeric VHH domain derived from anti-VP6 camelid antibodies, dimeric domain, immunisation method, rotavirus detection method, vaccine composition, prevention and treatment methods for rotavirus infections, wherein said domain may be any of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3 or SEQ ID No. 4, and wherein said domains bind to protein VP6 of Group A rotavirus.

Abstract: A substantial reduction in traction force demand can be achieved for agricultural tools with modified surface topography comprising dimples arranged in a parallelogram (hexagonal) pattern, the morphological unit of which is an equilateral triangle.

Abstract: A new and distinct Calibrachoa plant named ‘INTA 06575’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounding to eventually trailing plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy appearance; early and freely flowering habit; purple-colored flowers with yellow-colored throats; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A Mecardonia plant particularly distinguished by having yellow flower color, a very compact plant growth habit, and large leaves, is disclosed.