Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: E1, along with Erns and E2 is one of the three envelope glycoproteins of Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). Our previous studies indicated that glycosylation status of either E2 or Erns strongly influence viral virulence in swine. Here, we have investigated the role of E1 glycosylation of highly virulent CSFV strain Brescia during infection in the natural host. The three putative glycosylation sites in E1 were modified by site directed mutagenesis of a CSFV Brescia infectious clone (BICv). A panel of virus mutants was obtained and used to investigate whether the removal of putative glycosylation sites in the E1 glycoprotein would affect viral virulence/pathogenesis in swine. We observed that rescue of viable virus was completely impaired by removal of all three putative glycosylation sites in E1. Single mutations of each of the E1 glycosylation sites showed that CSFV amino acid N594 (E1.N3 virus), as well the combined mutation of N500 and N513 (E1.N1N2 virus) resulted in BICv attenuation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for treating oxidative stress comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a substantially pure compound of pterostilbene and a physiologically acceptable carrier. Pterostilbene is administered in an amount between about 2.5 mg to about 10 mg per kilogram of subject body weight. Also disclosed is a method for increasing a working memory of a subject, the method comprising administrating an effective amount of a substantially pure compound of pterostilbene, wherein the working memory for a subject increase and the therapeutic effectiveness is about 10 mg of pterostilbene per kilogram of subject body weight.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid constructs comprising coding sequences operably linked to a promoter not natively associated with the coding sequence. The coding sequences encode Pichia stipitis proteins that allow recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the protein to grow on xylose, and allow or increase uptake of xylose by Pichia stipitis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the coding sequences. Expression of the coding sequences enhances uptake of xylose and/or glucose, allowing increased ethanol or xylitol production.

Abstract: A Unique Solenopsis invicta virus (SINV 3) has been identified and its genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV 3. The virus is used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.

Abstract: Peptide sequences that specifically bind infectious prion protein for the generation of antibodies and therapeutic agents are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A composition containing undecane, hexanal, 1-pentanol, decane, and 2-pentylfuran is an effective attractant for adult female Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella). The composition may be used alone or with a carrier component. The composition may be used in combination with any insect trapping means known in the art, as required for a specific application.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a pulp from a fibrous lignocellulose material or source using a treatment or pretreatment step which exposes the material to oxalic acid derivatives, particularly dialkyl ester derivatives, particularly in the vapor phase. Once treated, the material may be refined using any one of the several pulping methods to produce a final pulp product and the production of the product is accompanied by strength increases in paper made from the pulp and energy savings in making the pulp, hi addition the treatment or pretreatment produces a soluble carbohydrate source and other components (e.g. acetic acid, other wood components) for further product development. In certain cases a pulp product is not produced and all of the carbohydrate present in the lignocellulose is converted into soluble sugars.

Abstract: A composition containing 2-pentylfuran is an effective attractant for the larvae of the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). The composition may be used alone or with a carrier component. The composition may be used in combination with any insect trapping means known in the art, as required for a specific application.

Abstract: The automated vaccination system enables an operator to effectively vaccinate large numbers of poultry by motivating the poultry to congregate, and then spraying a vaccination solution in the area of the congregated poultry. In the preferred embodiment, drinking water is withheld from the poultry. The drinking water is then restored so that the poultry congregate around the drinking line. As the poultry gather around the drinking line, a spray bar sprays vaccination solution around the poultry so that the poultry inhale the vaccination solution and are successfully vaccinated.

Abstract: The present invention provides influenza A viruses that include a hemagglutinin subtype H2, a neuraminidase subtype N3, or the combination thereof. Included in the present invention are H2 hemagglutinins and N3 neuraminidases, and the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Antibody to the polypeptides, and methods of using the viruses, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: A pesticidal compound that regulates programmed cell death pathways via the topical application of double strand RNA is disclosed. The compound is constructed as a specific-target pesticide that is a biosafe nucleic acid pesticide for pest control.

Abstract: A porous polymeric matrix containing at least one natural polymer and at least one synthetic polymer and optionally at least one cation. Furthermore, a method of making a porous polymeric matrix involving mixing at least one natural polymer and inorganic salts with a solution comprising at least one solvent and at least one synthetic polymer to form a slurry, casting the slurry in a mold and removing the solvent to form solid matrices, immersing the solid matrices in deionized water to allow natural polymer cross-linking and pore creation to occur simultaneously, and drying the matrices to create a porous polymeric matrix; wherein the matrix contains a cation.

Abstract: A leg snare apparatus and method for capturing animals uses a mechanical throw arm, that when triggered by an animal of sufficient size stepping on the pan, throws a snare up and around the leg of the animal. The pan tension of the device may be readily adjusted to avoid being triggered by lighter weight non-target animals, and the pan may also be leveled. Moreover, the snare is supported so that it cannot be readily dislodged after the apparatus is set, the loop is not deflected out of its proper position when the apparatus is triggered, and the loop is retained in place until the throw arm has moved it high up the animal's leg or foot. Should the apparatus be triggered by larger, non-target animals, the apparatus includes a break-away snare to allow the animal to escape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of volatile organic compounds having effects on Otiorhynchus weevils e.g., Otiorhynchus sulcatus. In some embodiments, volatile organic compounds selected from (E)-2-hexenol, (Z)-2-pentenol, methyl eugenol and a combination thereof are effective for attracting Otiorhynchus weevils. The invention also relates to traps and particularly to a “weevil trap” combined with any one or more of the disclosed volatile organic compounds selected from (E)-2-hexenol, (Z)-2-pentenol, methyl eugenol, and light which are effective for monitoring and controlling Otiorhynchus weevils.

Abstract: The cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) Or gene is a semi-dominant, single-locus mutation. It induces the accumulation of high levels of beta-carotene in various tissues that are normally devoid of carotenoids, turning them orange. Using a map-based cloning strategy, we identified a single gene representing Or and successfully verified its identity by functional complementation in the wild type cauliflower. The Or gene encodes a plastid membrane protein containing the DnaJ zinc figure domain. A likely gain-of-function mutation from a 4.3-kb retrotransposon insertion in the Or allele confers the orange phenotype in the mutant. Southern blot analysis revealed that Or is a single-copy sequence in the cauliflower genome. High level of expression of the Or gene and the protein was found in very young leaves, curds, and flowers at comparable abundance between wild type and the Or mutant.

Abstract: A composition for attracting female tropical root weevils (and/or repelling male tropical root weevils), containing (±)-linalool, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and carvacrol, and optionally a carrier or carrier material known in the art. A method for attracting female tropical root weevils to an object or area, involving treating the object or area with a composition containing a female tropical root weevil attracting effective amount of (±)-linalool, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and carvacrol, and optionally a carrier or carrier material. A method for repelling male tropical root weevils from an object or area, involving treating the object or area with a composition containing a male tropical root weevil repelling effective amount of (±)-linalool, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and carvacrol, and optionally a carrier or carrier material.

Abstract: A Small Hive Beetle trap, which replaces the bottom board of beehives, includes a frame having three walls and a top surface, a trap plate, an entry means, and a trapping means. The trapping means provides a dark environment attractive to small hive beetles and contains a small hive beetle attractant made from pollen dough and inoculated with yeast that produces small hive beetle attracting volatiles. The yeast is a biologically pure strain of yeast producing hive beetle attracting volatiles designated yeast spp. NRRL Y-30722.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct blackberry cultivar which originated from seed produced by a hand pollinated cross of OSC 1466 (non-patented)×ORUS 1117-11 (non-patented) is provided. This new trailing blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its high yields, large fruit size, excellent fresh fruit quality, mid-late season fruit ripening, and healthy plants.

Abstract: The new ‘HBOK10’ rootstock, a hybrid between two peach parents, is useful as a commercial under-stock for peach and nectarine cultivars. The stock has been successfully propagated clonally by leafy cuttings and tissue culture. This rootstock imparts significant vigor control to the scion cultivar that is propagated on top of it. This rootstock produces very few root suckers, its anchorage is good and it is resistant to root-knot nematode. Utilization of adapted growth controlling rootstocks in commercial orchard situations reduces the height of the tree and the amount of wood pruned in the winter and summer, without compromising the quality of the fruit. This in turn increases the efficiency of various cultural operations such as pruning, thinning and harvesting by reducing the need for workers in the field to use tall ladders when carrying out these operations.