Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual terminal having first contact portion with an aperture formed through the first contact portion. A second contact portion, similar to the first contact portion and also has an aperture formed through the second contact portion and is arranged so that the aperture of the first contact portion and the aperture of the second contact portion are aligned. The dual terminal also has a circuit connector portion that is disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion and facilitates the electrical connection to the first contact portion and the second contract portion.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the dynamic range for specific detection of one or more analytes in assays using scattered-light detectable particle labels. The methods involve utilizing variations in detection technique and/or signal processing to extend the dynamic range to either or both of lower and higher concentrations.

Abstract: A secondary air system providing a regeneration air pump wherein the vanes of the impeller are tapered from a point along the length of the vane to the root of the vane inside the air pump. The tapered vanes create desirable flow characteristics. The tapered vanes create a non-linear flow versus pressure characteristic. Thus, the tapered vanes in combination with a divider that extends circumferentially around the impeller and through the vanes causes the flow to increase. This non-linear characteristic created by the tapered vanes allows the secondary air system to maintain suitable operation at lower flow and pressure levels. Due to the tapered feature on the impeller, a dead head pressure is obtained at a lower pressure. The impeller arrangement also provides overall pump efficiency improvements.

Abstract: A geoposition is determined at a point using a geoposition determining mobile communication device. A crop management zone is identified based on one or more predetermined crop management boundaries and the geoposition of the point. Information about the field is wirelessly communicated between the geoposition determining mobile communications device and a remote site. Analysis may be performed at the remote site with the results of the analysis communicated to the mobile communication device at the growing point. Information may be collected at the point which is stored or analyzed at the remote site. Information may include digital images of plant conditions which may be analyzed to determine conditions such as disease or pest infestation. Contextual information from a number of different types of sources may be used to provide meaningful analysis and feedback to the producer. The producer may define crop management zones using the geoposition determining mobile communication device.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the dynamic range for specific detection of one or more analytes in assays using scattered-light detectable particle labels. The methods involve utilizing variations in detection technique and/or signal processing to extend the dynamic range to either or both of lower and higher concentrations.

Abstract: A secondary air system providing a regeneration air pump wherein the vanes of the impeller are tapered from a point along the length of the vane to the root of the vane inside the air pump. The tapered vanes create desirable flow characteristics. The tapered vanes create a non-linear flow versus pressure characteristic. Thus, the tapered vanes in combination with a divider that extends circumferentially around the impeller and through the vanes causes the flow to increase. This non-linear characteristic created by the tapered vanes allows the secondary air system to maintain suitable operation at lower flow and pressure levels. Due to the tapered feature on the impeller, a dead head pressure is obtained at a lower pressure. The impeller arrangement also provides overall pump efficiency improvements.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a supply chain for grain includes providing an information system adapted to exchange information with at least one input supplier providing seed to the producer, at least one producer providing grain grown from the seed, and at least one processor providing a product produced using the grain. The information system is adapted to provide an output indicative of grain quality and quantity to the at least one processor prior to harvest of the grain to thereby assist the at least one processor in optimizing the supply chain.

Abstract: An agricultural input supplier can provide seed products by tying the compensation received for the seed products to an evaluation of the land base on which the seed products are to be planted and/or the performance of the seed products on the land base. The evaluation of the land base may be based on environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment data. In addition to tying the compensation to the land quality and the seed performance, this approach to providing seed allows for recommendations to be made to the producer regarding which seed products should be used on the land base. The performance of the seed product on the land base may also be verified.

Abstract: Methods and software for selecting seed products or other agricultural inputs for planting within an associated land base include classifying the land base with an environmental classification, determining at least one seed product to plant within the land base based on the environmental classification, and providing an output comprising identification of the at least one seed product to plant within the land base.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system related to field and crop information gathering. In one aspect of the invention, data is obtained from a producer. One example would be yield map data from a yield monitor. Another is “as planted” data from precision farming planting equipment. The data includes information about seed or crop in a producer's field and an identification of the field. The data is combined with other information in a report. The information added could be, for example, soil type information overlaid on the field map. Another example is environmental classification information overlaid on the field map. The report is returned to the producer and used to discuss planning related to the field and the seed or crop.

Abstract: Methods and software for selecting seed products or other agricultural inputs for planting within an associated land base include dividing the field into regions, providing an environmental profile for each of regions, determining a recommendation of a seed product to plant within each of the regions based on the environmental profile and performance of the genotype of each of the seed products in the environmental profile of the regions, and providing an output identifying the seed product to plant within each of the regions.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: A multiple layer label and a method of making the same are provided. Specifically, a label having a base layer for adhering to a container is provided wherein the label has an overcoat layer having an end that is removably adhered to the container. Moreover, the end that is removably adhered to the container is grasped by a user of the label and pulled, thereby removing the end of the overcoat layer from the container and swinging the layer away from the remainder of the label and exposing sublayers beneath the overcoat layer. The overcoat layer is adhered directly to the base layer, and at least portions of the sublayers. Each of the overcoat layer, sublayers, and the base layer may have indicia printed thereon for communicating information.

Abstract: A waveguide comprising light scattering particles is described. The invention encompasses methods of making the waveguide, using the waveguide in analyte assays, and apparatus for detection of light scattered by light scattering particles in the waveguide.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle that includes a single sensor element and multiple outputs. An engine controller is responsive to the multiple outputs, output circuits and a supervisor circuit in the system monitors the sensor element and shared circuits. If the sensor element fails, or if a connector fails or if the supervisor circuit indicates a circuit failure, one or more of the outputs will go outside of their normal operating range into a diagnostics range to allow the engine controller to take the appropriate action.

Abstract: A novel tyrosyl diester antibiotic is obtained from fermentation of a recombinant strain of Streptomyces lividans designated Stretomyces lividans WD 15684 (ATCC-202143). The new antibiotic, designated tyrissamycin, exhibits antibacterial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The invention is a contact die for dispensing of flowable material on a substrate. The contact die includes at least one die block including a first internal passage. A die lip portion is disposed on the die block having a lateral dimension. A first plurality of orifices is disposed through the die lip portion proximate to each other and in communication with the internal passage to dispense flowable material as a single strip on the substrate. A first edge is disposed on one lateral side of the first plurality of orifices to direct the flowable material.

Abstract: The use of light scattering particles in the design, manufacturing, and quality control of microscale devices and process, and the analysis of solid substrate and porous substrate characteristics is described.