Abstract: A method for determining whether a human individual is or has been infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is provided. The method detects a Neisseria gonorrhoeae, porA nucleic acid fragment obtained from a biological sample. The method includes subjecting the biological sample to nucleic acid sequence amplification using primers having respective nucleotide sequences according to SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2, to thereby produce a porA Neisseria gonorrhoeae, amplification product. The amplification product is detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer using oligonucleotides having respective nucleotide sequences according to SEQ ID NO:3 which has a donor fluorophore and SEQ ID NO:4, which has an acceptor fluorophore.

Abstract: A method for assessing the tenderness of meat from an animal, comprising the step of testing the animal for the presence or absence of a genetic marker selected from the group consisting of: (1) an allele of the gene encoding calpastatin (CAST) associated with peak-force variation or genetic variation located other than in the CAST gene which shows allelic association with the CAST allele; and (2) an allele of the gene encoding lysyl oxidase (LOX) associated with instron compression of the semitendinosis muscle or genetic variation located other than in the LOX gene which shows allelic association with the LOX allele.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for profiling an individual or group of individuals with respect to a neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state, including a sub-threshold neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state. More particularly, the present invention identifies a genetic profile associated with the 957C>T polymorphysm within the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), indicating a predisposition to schizophrenia and other neurological diseases.

Abstract: A method for assessing a trait in a bovine animal selected from the group consisting of longissimus dorsi peak force, intramuscular fat, retail beef yield and net feed intake, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a nucleic acid from the bovine animal or carcass; (2) assaying for the occurrence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), wherein the identification of said nucleotide occurrence as set forth herein is associated with variation in longissimus dorsi peak force, intramuscular fat deposition, retail beef yield or net feed intake.

Abstract: A method for assessing tick resistance in a bovine animal, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a nucleic acid from the bovine animal; (2) assaying for the occurrence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1 to 210, wherein the identification of said nucleotide occurrence is associated with increased tick resistance in the animal.

Abstract: A method for assessing the tenderness of meat from an animal, comprising the step of testing the animal for a genetic marker in the calpain3 (CAPN3) gene associated with Warner-Bratzler peak force variation or for a genetic marker located other than in CAPN3 which shows allelic association therewith.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a human individual is or has been infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is provided. The method detects a Neisseria gonorrhoeae, porA nucleic acid fragment obtained from a biological sample. The method includes subjecting the biological sample to nucleic acid sequence amplification using primers having respective nucleotide sequences according to SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2, to thereby produce a porA Neisseria gonorrhoeae, amplification product. The amplification product is detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer using oligonucleotides having respective nucleotide sequences according to SEQ ID NO:3 which has a donor fluorophore and SEQ ID NO:4, which has an acceptor fluorophore.

Abstract: Apparel us for impregnating a porous substrate (e.g., wood) with an active agent, including a reservoir for containing a low boiling fluid, a controllable first fluid pathway to permit fluid to flow from the reservoir to a treatment vessel, a fluid junction for introducing the active agent into the first fluid pathway to permit mixing of the active agent with the low boiling fluid to produce an impregnation fluid containing an initial level of active agent and a controllable second fluid pathway to allow fluid to flow from the treatment vessel to the reservoir. The treatment vessel contains the porous substrate while it contacts the impregnation fluid in a liquid state to produce a treated substrate impregnated with the active agent.

Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety bearing fruit which are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins that makes it distinct from other Japanese-like plum trees that bear red fleshed fruit. The fruit is characterized by its attractive dark red to black skin colour and its intense blood red flesh colour ripening in mid February in the Granite Belt of southern Queensland, Australia. The trees are precocious with regular high annual fruit production.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree variety, Malus domestic cv. “RS103-130” is characterized by a compact medium sized tree with variegated leaf colour yielding red-skinned fruit. The new variety is further characterized as resistant to apple scab (Races l to 5) incited by the fungus Venturia inaequalis.

Abstract: Vaccines for the prevention and/or treatment of Eimeria infection including one or more strains of E. maxima ARI-73/97, E. acervulina ARI-77/97, E. tenella ARI-11/98, E. necatrix MCK01 and/or E. necatrix ARI-MEDNEC3+8 are described. Eimeria selected from E. maxima ARI-73/97, E. acervuina ARI-77/97, E. tenella ARI-11/98, E. necatrix MCK01 and/or E. mecatrix ARI-MEDNEC3+8 are also described.

Abstract: A new family of antimicrobial proteins is described. Prototype proteins can be isolated from Macadamia integrifolia as well as other plant species. DNA encoding the protein is also described as well as DNA constructs which can be used to express the antimicrobial protein or to introduce the antimicrobial protein into a plant. Compositions comprising the antimicrobial protein or the antimicrobial protein per se can be administered to plants or mammalian animals to combat microbial infestation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for examining data from a chemical analyzer for artifactual results. A set of rules are established to identify artifactual results based upon experience with the analyzer. Moreover, each rule can be associated with a sample collection or testing problem which potentially caused the artifactual result. Using these rules, output data from the analyzer can be tested to see if any of the rules are satisfied. If a rule is satisfied, then an artifactual result can be indicated, as well as the potential cause of the artifactual result. An output file can be created which indicates the artifactual data samples and the potential artifactual causes. Preferably, the rules are provided in a user-modifiable data file, so that the rules may be modified based upon additional experience.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to DNA encoding an anti-microbial protein from Macadamia integrifolia and variants of the protein that are less sensitive to Ca++. The invention further relates to constructs comprising the DNA, and host cells, plants and plant material comprising such constructs.

Abstract: A sticky ovitrap comprises a container, the inside wall of the container being a dark colour, and a clear plastic strip member which contains a sticky clear adhesive, the strip member being attachable to the inside of the container. The sticky strip member catches insects and can be removed and placed on a light box to clearly identify the type of insect.

Abstract: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex, shipping fever, or pneumomic pasteurellosis, is a multifactorial disease whereby a combination of viral infection, adverse environment and poor immune status may combine to predispose animals to bacterial infections. The exotoxin, or leukotoxin (Lkt), may contribute to pathogenesis by impairing the primary lung defenses and subsequent immune responses or by causing inflammations as a result of leukocyte lysis. The present invention provides a modified microorganism which produces an Lkt toxin, wherein said Lkt toxin is partially or fully inactivated. In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modified microorganism wherein an Lkt toxin operon including an Lkt structural gene and/or a post transational activator of the organism is partially or fully inactivated. The present applicants have found that a precursor of Lkt toxin has reduced toxic activity.

Abstract: A new and distinct short-day strawberry cultivar is provided. Attractive medium-sized generally conical to cordiform sweet and flavorful fruit with firm flesh is formed in good yields. The fruit is glossy bright red on the outside and medium red on the inside. Resistance to Fusarium Wilt is displayed. The fruiting pattern and yield are similar to the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708) and commonly fruits later than the ‘Sweet Charlie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,729) and ‘Strawberry Festival’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,739) cultivars.

Abstract: A new and distinct short-day strawberry cultivar is provided. Attractive medium-sized generally conical to cordiform and short wedge-shaped fruit is formed in good yields. The fruit flesh is firm, sweet and flavorful. The fruit is glossy bright red on the outside and medium red on the inside. Resistance to Fusarium Wilt is displayed. The fruiting pattern and yield are similar to the ‘Sweet Charlie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,729) and ‘Strawberry Festival’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,739) cultivars and earlier than the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708). A highly flavorable fruit Brix/Acid balance is displayed.

Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety bearing fruit which are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins that makes it distinct from other Japanese-like plum trees that bear red fleshed fruit. The fruit is characterized by its attractive dark red to black skin color and its intense blood red flesh color ripening in mid February in the Granite Belt of southern Queensland, Australia. The trees are precocious with regular high annual fruit production.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree variety, Malus domestica cv. ‘RS103-130’ is characterized by a compact medium sized tree with variegated leaf colour yielding red-skinned. fruit. The new variety is further characterized as resistant to apple scab (Races 1 to 5) incited by the fungus Venturia inaequalis.