Abstract: Provided are methods for determining susceptibility, resistance or tolerance to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) infection, comprising: determining, using a biological sample from a mammalian subject, a presence or absence of at least one EDN2 gene mutation, or the genotype of at least one EDN2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selected from the SNP group consisting of SNP105 (nucleotide position 105,288,174 on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), SNP208 (nucleotide position 105,298,664 on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), and SNP272 (nucleotide position 105,305,070 by on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), that segregates with resistance and/or tolerance to Map tissue infection; and determining, based thereon, at least one of susceptibility, resistance or tolerance of the mammalian subject to Map infection. Additionally provided are mammals (e.g., bovine) derived culling, selecting, or selective breeding, based on disclosed methods, and methods for procuring mammals.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining susceptibility, resistance or tolerance to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) infection, comprising: determining, using a biological sample from a mammalian subject, a presence or absence of at least one EDN2 gene mutation, or the genotype of at least one EDN2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selected from the SNP group consisting of SNP105 (nucleotide position 105,288,174 on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), SNP208 (nucleotide position 105,298,664 on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), and SNP272 (nucleotide position 105,305,070 by on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), that segregates with resistance and/or tolerance to Map tissue infection; and determining, based thereon, at least one of susceptibility, resistance or tolerance of the mammalian subject to Map infection. Additionally provided are mammals (e.g., bovine) derived culling, selecting, or selective breeding, based on disclosed methods, and methods for procuring mammals.

Abstract: A variably configured exercise device is provided. The exercise device can include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first and second end portions. The first end portion of each rail can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.

Abstract: A variably configured exercise device is provided. The exercise device can include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first and second end portions. The first end portion of each rail can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.

Abstract: A variably configured exercise device may include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first and second end portions. The first end portion of each rail can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.

Abstract: A construction zone sign cover for covering a highway and/or roadway sign during construction or other events is provided. The sign has a top edge and a bottom edge. The sign cover comprises a first sign portion having a first side surface, a second side surface, first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge and a second sign portion having a first side surface, a second side surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. A connecting mechanism slidably connects the first sign portion to the second sign portion. A biasing mechanism biases the first sign portion and the second sign portion in a general direction toward each other. A first securing mechanism releasably secures the top edge of the first sign portion to the top edge of the sign. A second securing mechanism releasably secures the bottom edge of the second sign portion to the bottom edge of the sign.

Abstract: A variably configured exercise device is provided. The exercise device can include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first and second end portions. The first end portion of each rail can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying a genetic polymorphism associated with increasing weaning weight in progeny of female beef cattle comprising the polymorphism. Genetic marker-assisted selection methods provided by the invention allow avoidance of potentially costly phenotypic testing and inaccuracies associated with traditional breeding schemes and improvement of beef cattle herds.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying a genetic polymorphism associated with altered milk production traits in dairy cattle. Genetic marker-assisted selection methods provided by the invention allow avoidance of potentially costly phenotypic testing and inaccuracies associated with traditional breeding schemes and improvement of dairy cattle herds.

Abstract: A plastic corrugated case is provided. The case is made of at least one extruded sheet having, in an unfolded state, an extrusion direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The sheet has a cross-sectional profile parallel to the transverse direction, the cross-sectional profile having a first section, and a second section different from the first section.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the phase of the manufacturing process for a blow molded container. Once a parison is initially programmed, the wall thickness of the produced containers is monitored on a real time basis during production. The measured thickness profile is compared continually to the thickness profile as originally programmed. If the process is out of phase, the magnitude of the discrepancy is determined. In an embodiment of the invention, an operator is informed as to whether or not the process is in phase. If the process is not in phase, the operator is informed of the extent to which the process is out of phase. This information can be conveyed to the operator through a computer display, for example. The operator can then adjust the programming as necessary.

Abstract: A variably configured exercise device is provided. The exercise device can include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first and second end portions. The first end portion of each rail can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.

Abstract: A variably configured exercise device is provided. The exercise device can include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first end portions that can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member, and a user support platform slidably engaged with the pair of rails. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.