Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storm window having a controlled blowout mechanism. In some embodiments a blowout from wind pressure is controlled by the shape and orientation of a rigid window panel. Other embodiments include a venting portion with the storm window. Other embodiments rely on variation in restorative force within resilient material used to make the storm window.

Abstract: A lens assembly is provided for use with a camera having a camera body. The lens assembly in accordance with one embodiment comprises a lens body portion having camera mount configured to be connected to the camera body. A lens body is connected to the camera mount, and an adapter is connected to the lens body. An optic assembly is removably connected to the adapter and is axially moveable relative to the lens body. The optic assembly has a housing connectable to the adapter, and an optic is carried by the housing. The optic assembly is removable from the lens body portion while the lens body portion remains on the camera body. A focus assembly is coupled to the adapter and configured to axially adjust a position of the optic assembly relative to the lens body to control focus of the lens assembly when the optic assembly is installed in the lens body.

Abstract: Methods for modulating primordial germ cell (PGC) numbers and/or development in avians are provided. In one embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for modulating primordial germ cells numbers in an avian embryo comprising immunizing a female bird with an antigen associated with primordial germ cells, whereby an egg produced by the female bird comprises a sufficiently high concentration of antibodies specific for the antigen to modulate numbers of endogenous PGCs in an avian embryo present within in the egg. Also provided are methods for producing chimeric avians, methods for increasing the proportion of male birds in a plurality of eggs, methods of producing avian gametes, and methods for enhancing germ line transmission of nucleic acids in birds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of avian gametes, comprising reducing endogenous primordial germ cells (PGCs) in a recipient bird in ovo and introducing donor primordial germ cells from another bird into the recipient bird in ovo. The present invention further provides a method of increasing the ratio of male offspring from a female bird, comprising reducing endogenous PGCs in the female bird in ovo, introducing donor PGCs from another bird into the female bird in ovo, and incubating the female bird to hatch. The female bird is raised to sexual maturity and bred to produce a plurality of eggs having a higher proportion of male eggs than in the absence of the inventive methods. In some embodiments, the donor PGCs are from a different species than the recipient bird. In preferred embodiments, endogenous PGCs are reduced using busulfan.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of avian gametes, comprising reducing endogenous primordial germ cells (PGCs) in a recipient bird in ovo and introducing donor primordial germ cells from another bird into the recipient bird in ovo. The present invention further provides a method of increasing the ratio of male offspring from a female bird, comprising reducing endogenous PGCs in the female bird in ovo, introducing donor PGCs from another bird into the female bird in ovo, and incubating the female bird to hatch. The female bird is raised to sexual maturity and bred to produce a plurality of eggs having a higher proportion of male eggs than in the absence of the inventive methods. In some embodiments, the donor PGCs are from a different species than the recipient bird. In preferred embodiments, endogenous PGCs are reduced using busulfan.