Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 and Cry2 polypeptides. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of embodiments of the invention to synergistically enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed in embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying pasty materials, in particular sludge from wastewater treatment plants, including a first indirect drying stage (1) supplied with a heat-transfer fluid, which outputs (1a, 1b) pre-dried sludge and water vapour; a step (6) of forming sludge at the outlet of the first stage, and a second stage of drying (7) pre-dried sludge that is heated by means of a heating gas, in particular air, said second stage producing (7b) dried sludge; at least one portion of the dried sludge produced by the second stage is incinerated (23) to produce thermal energy, and at least one portion of said thermal energy is used to heat the heat-transfer fluid of the first drying stage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 and Cry2 polypeptides. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of embodiments of the invention to synergistically enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed in embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for inserting fasteners fastener in a hole defined by a workpiece is provided. The method aligns an opening defined by an insertion tube with the hole defined by the workpiece, generates air flow through the insertion tube in a direction toward the workpiece, places the fastener into the insertion tube and carries the fastener into the hole defined by the workpiece as a result of the air flow through the tube. In order to prevent the fastener from inhibiting the air flow when the fastener is placed in the tub, air flow is permitted through openings about a circumferential surface of the tube.

Abstract: A method of of fabricating an electromagnet is provided in which a core having a flux return backplate on one end and a cover plate on the other end of the core is provided. For example, the flux return backplate may be fixed to one end of the core and the cover plate may be fixed to the other end of the core. A plurality of layers of wire may then be wound about the core between the flux return backplate and the cover plate, prior to fixing a flux return ring to the cover plate to at least partially enclose the wire.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating a protected plant having a protection mechanism. A population of immature insects (i.e., larvae or nymphs) belonging to an insect species having a plurality of instars is first exposed to the protected plant such that the protected plant is at least contacted thereby. The insect exposure extends for a selected time period corresponding to a sublethal exposure of the insect population to the protected plant. The exposure of the insect population to the protected plant is then halted following the selected time period and insects collected. A physical characteristic of at least some collected insects is measured and the immature insects are then sorted into instars. The measured physical characteristics are then statistically analyzed across the instars so as to determine an efficacy of the protection mechanism of the protected plant with respect to the insect population. Associated methods are also provided.