Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid velocity includes a generally Y-shaped yoke including a base and first and second forks, the first and second forks including through holes at ends thereof; a bucket wheel supported between the first and second forks of the yoke; a first shaft that passes through the through hole in the first fork and supports one side of the bucket wheel; a second shaft that passes through the through hole in the second fork and supports the other side of the bucket wheel, the second shaft rotating with the bucket wheel and including a magnet mounted therein; the second fork of the yoke including an opening for receiving a reed switch assembly, the opening communicating with the through hole in the second fork, the magnet on the second shaft being aligned with the opening whereby when the second shaft rotates the magnet passes by the opening; and a reed switch assembly mounted in the opening in the second fork of the yoke.

Abstract: A rocker for extended, refrigerated storage or transport of fish sperm comprising a platform for sperm containers, drive mechanism, a power supply with an on/off switch or rheostat, and water resistant housing. This device imparts continuous rocking motion to the sperm containers so that the sperm is continuously oxygenated, thus increasing the viability of the sperm.

Abstract: An automated self-calibrating water quality monitoring sensor housing assembly includes a number of ion-selective electrodes combined in a single flow train to provide for the multi constituent analysis of a number of samples without direct intervention by a human operator. An operator can enter the laboratory, connect sample bottles to an intake manifold, activate the device, and download data once the analysis is complete. With the exception of periodic probe maintenance, the system is designed to be self-calibrating and self cleaning.

Abstract: A matrix for water decontamination has an amended sorbant cellulose substrate with an iron (ferric) oxyhydroxide component and a component to sorb dissolved organic compounds retained by the cellulose substrate.

Abstract: A sediment measuring device has a base that is fixed into the bottom of a body of water. A removable trap, having a retaining matrix, inserts into the fixed base to capture and retain moving sediment within the trap over a given period of time. The trap is removed from the base, and may be replaced with a second trap, after which the trapped sediment is measured.

Abstract: A method of killing aquatic species in water includes containing the water with the aquatic species therein within a conduit; pressurizing the water; and transferring gas to the water to thereby supersaturate the water with dissolved gas such that &Dgr;P is greater than zero.

Abstract: A method of casting ultra-thin semipermeable membranes comprises the steps of: (A) applying a coating of a film forming water soluble solution, containing a leachable pore producing agent and a polymer which is not substantially degraded by organic polar solvents, onto a smooth casting surface, (B) drying the coating to form a support film about 0.5-10 mils thick, (C) applying a coating of an organic polymeric membrane coating solution onto the support film, and drying the coating to form a semipermeable reverse osmosis membrane film about 0.01-1.0 mil thick and (D) applying a leaching liquid to the films, to cause pore formation in the support film and to form a composite consisting of a 0.01-1.0 mil thick semipermeable membrane, supported by a 0.5-10 mils thick water soluble film support of between about 5-50% porosity.