Abstract: Vibrio vulnificus can cause infections in aquaculture-raised fish and is considered an opportunistic human pathogen. We isolated V. vulnificus from diseased hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus X O. aureus) cultured in a North American water reuse aquaculture facility. We have characterized the isolate using biochemical and molecular methods, developed a disease infection model, and determined that formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine provides protection against V. vulnificus. The V. vulnificus isolate was determined to be biotype 1, 16S rRNA type B, vcg type C, and vvhA type 2. Fish vaccinated with the formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine responded to vaccination as measured by agglutinating antibody titer. In two separate trials, vaccinated tilapia exhibited relative percent survival of 73 and 60% following challenge with the homologous isolate. In additional trials, vaccinated tilapia exhibited survival values of up to 87.5% following challenge with a heterologous isolate.

Abstract: Vibrio vulnificus can cause infections in aquaculture-raised fish and is considered an opportunistic human pathogen. We isolated V. vulnificus from diseased hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus X O. aureus) cultured in a North American water reuse aquaculture facility. We have characterized the isolate using biochemical and molecular methods, developed a disease infection model, and determined that formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine provides protection against V. vulnificus. The V. vulnificus isolate was determined to be biotype 1, 16S rRNA type B, vcg type C, and vvhA type 2. Fish vaccinated with the formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine responded to vaccination as measured by agglutinating antibody titer. In two separate trials, vaccinated tilapia exhibited relative percent survival of 73 and 60% following challenge with the homologous isolate. In additional trials, vaccinated tilapia exhibited survival values of up to 87.5% following challenge with a heterologous isolate.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Aeromonas hydrophila of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in native Aeromonas hydrophila isolates; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL-B-50040 and NRRL-B-50041. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Aeromonas hydrophila of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in native Aeromonas hydrophila isolates; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL-B-50040 and NRRL-B-50041. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Abstract: Use of a blend of phthalate plasticizers is disclosed for flexible polyvinyl chloride compounds. The blend of plasticizers permits the compounds to achieve a 90° C. or higher ratings for usage in wire and cable articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for coupling a snowplow or other like implement to a motor vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle or the like. The vehicle has a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The support frame is mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle. The snowplow mounting assembly includes a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end. The front end of the push frame is adapted to support the snowplow. A first coupling means connects the rear end of the push frame to the support frame. The snowplow mounting assembly also has attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle. A portion of the attachment means is slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof. A second coupling means connects the front end of the push frame to the support frame.

Abstract: A composition prepared from intact killed cells of isolated ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae and a concentrated extract of a culture of ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae, is effective for the protection of fish against infection by the same and other virulent strains Streptococcus agalactiae.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting an accessory to a hitch receiver with an outward end defining an opening. The connecting device has a base with a body portion receivable in the hitch receiver. The body portion is adapted for coupling with the hitch receiver to locate the base in a predetermined position thereon. The connecting device also has a collar for engaging the outward end of the hitch receiver in an interference fit upon engagement of the collar with the outward end, the collar being coupled with the accessory. In addition, the connecting device includes a fastener operatively connected with the base for urging the collar against the outward end to cause the collar to engage the outward end. The connecting device connects the accessory to the hitch receiver upon engagement of the collar with the outward end of the hitch receiver.

Abstract: A safe and effective live vaccine against Edwardsiella tarda in fish was created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in a native Edwardsiella tarda isolate. Single immersion exposure or injection of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent E. tarda infection.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Flavobacterium columnare of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in a native Flavobacterium columnare isolate; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL B-30303 and B-30304. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent F. columnare infection.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting an accessory to a hitch receiver with an outward end defining an opening. The connecting device has a base with a body portion receivable in the hitch receiver. The body portion is adapted for coupling with the hitch receiver to locate the base in a predetermined position thereon. The connecting device also has a collar for engaging the outward end of the hitch receiver in an interference fit upon engagement of the collar with the outward end, the collar being coupled with the accessory. In addition, the connecting device includes a fastener operatively connected with the base for urging the collar against the outward end to cause the collar to engage the outward end. The connecting device connects the accessory to the hitch receiver upon engagement of the collar with the outward end of the hitch receiver.

Abstract: A safe and effective live vaccine against Flavobacterium columnare of fish was created through the induction of an adhesion deficient isolate of Flavobacterium columnare using a ?-lactam antibiotic (ampicillin). Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent F. columnare infection.

Abstract: A composition prepared from intact killed cells of isolated ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae and a concentrated extract of a culture of ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae, is effective for the protection of fish against infection by the same and other virulent strains Streptococcus agalactiae.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Flavobacterium columnare of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in a native Flavobacterium columnare isolate; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL B-30303 and B-30304. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent F. columnare infection.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Flavobacterium columnare of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in a native Flavobacterium columnare isolate; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL B-30303 and B-30304. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent F. columnare infection.

Abstract: A novel construction for a body for a vehicle in which two elongate decks are provided supported in alignment one on top of the other and spaced from each other with rib members extending from each side of the decks outwardly to the side joining the sides of the decks and defining a cavity between the decks and inside the rib members. The ribs are preferably tubular members for strength but reduced weight.

Abstract: Safe and effective mono and polyvalent vaccines against Streptococcus iniae may be prepared from formalin-killed cells and concentrated extracellular products of Streptococcus iniae which include one or more of deposited strains NRRL B-30238 and NRRL B-30242. Intraperitoneal and intramuscular vaccination of tilapia show acquisition of effective immunity against homologous and heterologous isolates of S. iniae.

Abstract: Methods for the safe and effective live in ovo vaccination of eyed eggs of catfish against enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) were created through the use of rifampicin resistant native E. ictaluri isolates; these including rifampicin-resistant strain ATCC 202058 of Edwardsiella ictaluri originally isolated from the walking catfish Clarius batrachus from Thailand. Single immersion exposure of eyed eggs of catfish stimulated strong acquired immunity against many isolates of E. ictaluri without the need for booster immunization.