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: In a method and apparatus for identifying and distinguishing fungal species, a hyperspectral imaging scanner is used to acquire hyperspectral image data for radiation obtained from a sample area in which at least one unknown fungal species is present. A computer compares the acquired hyperspectral image data with spectral signature data stored in a digital library, which includes spectral signature data for each one of a group of known fungal species, and identifies the fungal species, based on the result of such comparison. The spectral signature data stored in the digital library take into account, for each fungal species, spectral variations that can occur due to at least one of environmental and temporal influences. The computer comparison includes a pixel-by-pixel analysis of the degree of difference between acquired hyperspectral image data and the spectral signature data, so that a spatial distribution of identified fungal species can be determined for a sample area.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive dispersion compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesive dispersions are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers, and preparing an acidic dispersion of the adhesive. The adhesive dispersions exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: Substantially avirulent forms of atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and corresponding vaccines are provided which result from cell culture passaging of virulent forms of PRRS. The resultant avirulent atypical PRRS virus is useful as a vaccine in that PRRS specific antibody response is elicited by inoculation of host animals, thereby conferring effective immunity against both previously known strains of PRRS virus and newly isolated atypical PRRS virus strains. The preferred passaging technique ensures that the virus remains in a logarithmic growth phase substantially throughout the process, which minimizes the time required to achieve attenuation.

Abstract: Substantially avirulent forms of atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and corresponding vaccines are provided which result from cell culture passaging of virulent forms of PRRS. The resultant avirulent atypical PRRS virus is useful as a vaccine in that PRRS specific antibody response is elicited by inoculation of host animals, thereby conferring effective immunity against both previously known strains of PRRS virus and newly isolated atypical PRRS virus strains. The preferred passaging technique ensures that the virus remains in a logarithmic growth phase substantially throughout the process, which minimizes the time required to achieve attenuation. The present invention also provides diagnostic testing methods which can differentiate between animals infected with field strains and attenuated strains of PRRSV.

Abstract: The invention relates to two lipopeptides a1 and a2 produced by Bacillus subtilis and their use as an anitfungal agent against Aspergillus flavus. Both peptides are cyclic, acidic and have broad range of antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Both peptides belong to the Bacillomycin D family. A method and composition for controlling aflatoxin contamination in plants susceptible to alflatoxin-producing fungi, like Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of improving the tenderness of meat and meat products is described. The method includes administering excessive doses of vitamin D to meat producing animals prior to slaughter. The vitamin D causes greater calcium activated calpain activity which degrades certain myofibrillar proteins in the meat postmortem. The resulting meat has a significantly lower shear force in comparison to untreated meat.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant cultivar of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), named ‘Seleno-Orange’ is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in high concentration of salt, boron and selenium-laden soil. The cultigen was originally discovered by stringent selection of randomly harvested cladodes (modified stems) and potentially from isolation of a single unique cladode or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated into the ‘Seleno-Orange’ cultivar. The cladodes were originally randomly harvested from different individual plants and screened from within a naturally segregating wild population or accession. The ‘Seleno-Orange’ cultivar has yellow flowers, mature green cladodes without glochids, and orange fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant cultivar of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), named ‘Seleno-Red,’ is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in high concentration of salt, boron and selenium-laden soil. The cultigen was originally discovered by stringent selection of randomly harvested cladodes (modified stems) and potentially from isolation of a single unique cladode or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated into the ‘Seleno-Red’ cultivar. The cladodes were originally randomly harvested from different individual plants and screened from within a naturally segregating wild population or accession. The ‘Seleno-Red’ cultivar has orange-red flowers, mature green cladodes without glochids, and red-purple fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant cultivar of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), named ‘Seleno-Green,’ is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in high concentration of salt, boron and selenium-laden soil. The cultigen was originally discovered by stringent selection of randomly harvested cladodes (modified stems) and potentially from isolation of a single unique cladode or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated into the ‘Seleno-Green’ cultivar. The cladodes were originally randomly harvested from different individual plants and screened from within a naturally segregating wild population or accession. The ‘Seleno-Green’ cultivar has yellow-orange flowers, mature green cladodes without glochids, and yellow-green fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant cultivar of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), named ‘Seleno-Purple,’ is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in high concentration of salt, boron and selenium-laden soil. The cultigen was originally discovered by stringent selection of randomly harvested cladodes (modified stems) and potentially from isolation of a single unique cladode or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated into the ‘Seleno-Purple’ cultivar. The cladodes were originally randomly harvested from different individual plants and screened from within a naturally segregating wild population or accession. The ‘Seleno-Purple’ cultivar has yellow flowers, mature green cladodes without glochids, and purple fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant poplar tree cultivar named ‘RRR Yellow’, is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in soil with high concentrations of salt, boron and selenium. The ‘RRR Yellow’ cultivar was originally discovered as a naturally occuring branch sport through stringent selection of cultivated poplar trees, and potentially from isolation of a single unique sapling or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated.