Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for maintaining pregnancy in mammals. Pregnancy is maintained by administration of effective amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) or chorionic gonadotropin (CG). Both LH and CG may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with growth hormone (GH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Hormones are administered on about Day 4 to about Day 7 following insemination. Effective amounts of LH range from about 10 micrograms to about 25 milligrams, preferably about 2 to about 8 mg, and of CG range from about 100 IU (international units) to about 2000 IU. Mammals treatable by the methods of this invention include ungulates and related mammals, including bovines. Kits provided by this invention include effective amounts of one or more hormones, a device for administering the hormone(s) and instructions. This invention also provides methods for treating follicular cysts and for synchronizing ovulation in mammals using LH.

Abstract: A candle segment comprising a portion of a layered candle. Said candle segment comprises a candle wick, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a height. Said candle segment comprises a one or more protruding studs and a one or more stud cavities. Said one or more protruding studs and said one or more stud cavities are on opposite sides of said candle segment at said top surface and said bottom surface.

Abstract: A candle segment comprising a portion of a layered candle. Said candle segment comprises a candle wick, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a height. Said candle segment comprises a one or more protruding studs and a one or more stud cavities. Said one or more protruding studs and said one or more stud cavities are on opposite sides of said candle segment at said top surface and said bottom surface.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for testing for pregnancy and non-pregnancy in ungulates and non-hoofed ruminates. The tests provided by this invention are useful during a time that coincides with the estrus cycle during which breeding occurs or the first estrus cycle after breeding of a non-pregnant animal. The tests provided by this invention are useful in estrus and ovulation synchronization programs, with pregnancy testing useful at a time allowing for resynchronization of non-pregnant animals within the first estrus cycle. The tests provided by this invention assay for the presence, absence, or level of a selected IFN-?-induced protein in a sample from a female animal. The tests of this invention are useful for testing cells, blood, plasma, serum, cells, milk, nasal secretions, ocular secretions, vaginal secretions, urine, and saliva samples. The tests provided by this invention are immunoassays.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.

Abstract: A method for energy and chemical species utility management having an integrated software system and infrastructure arrangements configured to manage one or more levels of utilities operation, arranged in co-operative fashion to achieve collective goals.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for maintaining pregnancy in mammals. Pregnancy is maintained by administration of effective amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) or chorionic gonadotropin (CG). Both LH and CG may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with growth hormone (GH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Hormones are administered on about Day 4 to about Day 7 following insemination. Effective amounts of LH range from about 10 micrograms to about 25 milligrams, preferably about 2 to about 8 mg, and of CG range from about 100 IU (international units) to about 2000 IU. Mammals treatable by the methods of this invention include ungulates and related mammals, including bovines. Kits provided by this invention include effective amounts of one or more hormones, a device for administering the hormone(s) and instructions. This invention also provides methods for treating follicular cysts and for synchronizing ovulation in mammals using LH.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for testing for pregnancy and non-pregnancy in ungulates and non-hoofed ruminates. The tests provided by this invention are useful during a time that coincides with the estrus cycle during which breeding occurs or the first estrus cycle after breeding of a non-pregnant animal. The tests provided by this invention are useful in estrus and ovulation synchronization programs, with pregnancy testing useful at a time allowing for resynchronization of non-pregnant animals within the first estrus cycle. The tests provided by this invention assay for the presence, absence, or level of a selected IFN-&tgr;-induced protein in a sample from a female animal. The tests of this invention are useful for testing cells, blood, plasma, serum, cells, milk, nasal secretions, occular secretions, vaginal secretions, urine, and saliva samples. The tests provided by this invention are immunoassays.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.