Abstract: A three-dimensional engineered shaped fiber configuration is formed using determined structural requirements for a three-dimensional engineered shaped fiber configuration and ascertained properties of an engineered molded fiber fiberboard material. A first cut on a top surface and a second cut on a bottom surface of the fiberboard material are calculated. These calculations are based, at least in part, on the structural requirements properties of the fiberboard material. The first cut and the second cut each have a depth, a width, and a position. The first cut and the second cut have a spacing between them such that the flat piece of fiberboard material can be folded at a point located in the spacing between the first cut and second cut to position a first portion of the fiberboard material at a particular angle with respect to a second portion of the fiberboard material.

Abstract: A process of detection of the causative agent of Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) (MAP) by detecting shedding of surface protein of MAP. A preferred way is use of surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. The system of detecting MAP shedding of protein provides early detection and diagnosis, and therefore allows early treatment for Johne's disease in ruminant animals.

Abstract: A method of making a compound having the structural formula: wherein at least two of R1, R2, and R3 are non-fatty acid carboxylates, and the other of R1, R2, and R3 are each either a C2-C24 fatty acid moiety, OH, or a non-fatty acid carboxylate, wherein the first and second non-fatty acid carboxylates, when present, are the same or different, comprising (a) partially deacylating a triacylglycerol so as to provide a mono- or diacylglycerol, (b) reacting in a reaction mixture an acyl ester of the phytochemical with said mono- or diacylglycerol in the presence of a esterase catalyst under conditions that permit transesterification of said ester with said mono- or diacylglycerol, and (c) recovering said compound from said reaction mixture.

Abstract: Acapsular hyaE deletion mutants of P. multocida can be administered to mammals, particularly ungulates, or birds to provide protective immunity against wild-type P. multocida, e.g., to prevent or reduce the severity of hemorrhagic septicemia or pneumonia in mammals, particularly livestock, ungulates, and companion animals, or fowl cholera in birds, particularly poultry.

Abstract: A rapid and sensitive PCR-based assay is provided to facilitate early detection of Edwardsiella ictaluri in channel catfish. This bacteria is the causative agent in the disease, Enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC). Also provided is a method of selecting breeding stock for use in selective breeding programs to improve disease resistance in channel catfish. Also provided is a method of determining the efficacy of vaccines produced against ESC.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a bovine tumor necrosis factor receptor-I (TNF-RI). Also within the invention is a soluble bovine TNF-RI, which is a potent inhibitor of bovine tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?). The invention demonstrates that soluble bovine TNF-RI has therapeutic value as an inhibitor of TNF in cattle suffering from coliform mastitis or other inflammatory disease.

Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from a signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.

Abstract: A universal calibration method and apparatus for nondestructive real time determination of moisture content in particulate or granular materials by radio-frequency sensors is described which is bulk-density and material-independent and remains valid across instruments of different designs.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressings and methods of their use, especially for the treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds. The wound dressings are composed of a support matrix, such as cotton cellulose, and an active agent associated with the support matrix. The active agent may be a protease inhibitor or a protease sequestrant, in particular an inhibitor or sequestrant of a neutrophil-derived cationic protease such as elastase.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a bovine tumor necrosis factor receptor-I (TNF-RI). Also within the invention is a soluble bovine TNF-RI, which is a potent inhibitor of bovine tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;). The invention demonstrates that soluble bovine TNF-RI has therapeutic value as an inhibitor of TNF in cattle suffering from coliform mastitis or other inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing cholesterol in animals and food products derived from such animals. The method includes feeding to the animals a low phytate food source so that the phytate phosphorus intake of the animal is reduced.

Abstract: An edible, water-resistant composition that can be formed into shaped articles including film comprises a water-resistant solid composition of casein. The casein composition may be directly precipitated from a solution under high pressure treatment with carbon dioxide. The composition does not have to be crosslinked, but takes advantage of the natural water-insolubility of the protein backbone of the casein. The casein composition may be combined with edible or inert flexibilizers to improve film properties, and the film may be used to protect food products or food compositions, yet provide moisture protection. The film of casein material may exhibit water-insolubility in deionized water at 20° C. of less than 25% by weight after two hours of immersion of the film in the deionized water, with or without mild agitation.

Abstract: A device for the placement of bale ties, to effect repair of cotton bales which have been damaged as a result of bale tie failures. The device, which allows placement of multiple ties without individual bale movement, includes a base frame structure, an upper platen transversely locatable upon said base frame structure for paired contraposition with a lower platen, and a lower platen base attached to said base frame structure containing a plurality of lower platens mounted thereon that are able to reversibly recede therein when not needed for application of a localized compressive force. The platens are mounted on the structure for relative intraplanar movement toward and away from one another with the compression surfaces disposed in substantial parallelism. The platens are positioned for compressing a damaged cotton bale therebetween as the upper platen moves, by means of a reciprocating drive mechanism, toward its aligned opposite.

Abstract: The present invention relates interactions between genotype and diet that are useful in the dietary control of intestinal disease. Compositions are related that are useful to differentiate, with a high level of sensitivity and specificity, swine that are genetically resistant to a reduced rate of weight gain when fed diets containing high levels of SBM. The reduced rate of gain can be prevented by reducing the levels of SBM in nursery diets and replacing a majority of the soy bean meal with animal-based protein sources, fish meal, plasma or milk. Genetically resistant swine fed either the diet low in SBM, or a diet high in SBM, and susceptible swine fed a diet low in SBM, were not colonized by F18+E. coli and gained weight at an acceptable rate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new matter of composition in the form of chemical compounds and to a method for enhancing plant growth and the properties exhibited by plants treated with the compounds in accordance with this method. In particular, application of the compounds results in an increase in sugar content, essential oils and proteins along with an increase in total plant biomass. Fruits harvested from treated plants exhibit an accelerated biochemical and structural maturity. Citrus fruits typically show a reduced peel thickness and exhibit significant improvements in vitamin C, carotenoid, and essential oil contents. The methods of the present invention produce balanced improvements in the structural, biochemical, and sensory quality of Citrus fruits.

Abstract: Recombinant materials for the production of tomato ACC synthase are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cultures of undifferentiated avian primordial germ cells/blastodermal cells. The cultures are capable of maintaining their undifferentiated characteristic and also their capability of expressing the EMA-1 epitope for extended periods when cultured in the presence of an isolate from avian navel (e.g. turkey navel extract). Methods of culturing such cultures using avian navel extracts, and culture media containing avian navel extract are also disclosed. Recombinant birds derived from these cultures are also disclosed. These cultures can be frozen for long-term preservation of germ line genomes.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to identify localized anomalies internal to the wooden members substantially smaller than the full width of the ultrasonic beam. Multiple spatially displaced measurements allow generation of comprehensive maps of the wooden members to aid in computer cutting and grading of the wooden members.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Junebearing (short day) strawberry plant ‘MNUS 138’ combining the characteristics of early season ripening, high yield, excellent survival in cold temperatures, resistance to powdery mildew and red steel root rot and moderate resistance to fungal leaf spot and leaf scorch. ‘MNUS 138’ yields strawberries characterized by moderately firm flesh, a glossy appearance, moderately tough skin, and a pleasing taste with suitable use in pick-your-own production and home gardens.

Abstract: Tools for genetically engineering Pasteurellaceae are provided. Replication-conditional plasmids which are useful for the Pasteurellaceae have been isolated and characterized. The plasmids can be utilized for delivery of DNA segments into the Pasteurellaceae in situations where control of extra-chromosomal replication desired, such as in achieving allelic exchange or site-directed mutagenesis. A restriction endonuclease, HsoI, was isolated from a bovine lung isolate of Haemophilus somnus. The enzyme was found to be a true isoschizomer of HinPI, a commercially available enzyme originally isolated from Haemophilus influenzae PI. Commercially available HhaI methyl transferase was found to protect against cleavage by both enzymes. Methylation of foreign plasmid DNA was found to enhance transformation of Haemophilus somnus in excess of four orders of magnitude.