Abstract: Disclosed is a method for promoting the growth of a plant, comprising treating the plant with an effective amount of a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein any one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 represents a trifluoromethyl group, and the others represent a hydrogen atom, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an alkyl glycoside or of a mixture of at least two alkyl glycosides as agent intended for inhibiting microbial growth, in particular in a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, especially of fluopyram, for controlling Sclerotinia ssp., to a method for treating plants or plant parts for controlling Sclerotinia ssp. and to a method for treating seed for controlling Sclerotinia ssp. in the seed and in the plants which grow from the seed, by treating the seed with a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor.

Abstract: Provided herein are herbicidal compositions and methods employing combinations of (a) a compound of formula (I): or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) flurtamone. In certain embodiments the combinations include flufenacet or diflufenican as a third herbicidally active component.

Abstract: Provided herein are synergistic herbicidal compositions containing (a) a compound of formula (I): 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) an ACCase inhibitor, including, e.g., clethodim, clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop-R-butyl, diclofop-methyl, fenoxaprop-Pethyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl, metamifop, pinoxaden, profoxydim quizalofop-P-ethyl, sethoxydim and tralkoxydim, provide synergistic weed control of undesirable vegetation in rice, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, com/maize, sugarcane, sunflower, oilseed rape, canola, sugar beet, soybean, cotton, pineapple, pastures, grasslands, range-lands, fallowland, turf, tree and vine orchards, aquatics, plantation crops, vegetables, industrial vegetation management (IVM) or rights of way (ROW).

Abstract: A pesticidal composition comprising a carboxamide compound represented by following formula (A), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 represents a methyl group, a difluoromethyl group or a trifluoromethyl group, and a diamide compound represented by following formula (B), wherein X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 have the same meanings as defined in the specification, is provided by the present invention, and this composition has an excellent pesticidal effect.

Abstract: A composition comprising a carboxamide compound represented by following formula (I), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 represents a methyl group, a difluoromethyl group or a trifluoromethyl group, and one or more phenylpyrazole compounds selected from group (A) consisting of fipronil and ethiprole is provided by the present invention, and this composition has an excellent pesticidal effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungicidal N-[(het)arylethyl)] pyrazolecarboxamide or thiocarboxamide and their heterosubstituted analogues, their process of preparation and intermediate compounds for their preparation, their use as fungicides, particularly in the form of fungicidal compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or their compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are new 3,5-disubstituted-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles that exhibit nematicidal activity and are useful, for example, in compositions and methods for the control of unwanted nematodes.

Abstract: 1,2,4-Triazine-3,5-dione-6-carboxamides of the general formula (I) are described as herbicides. In this formula (I), R1 and R2 are radicals such as hydrogen, organic radicals such as alkyl, and other radicals such as halogen. Q is a tetrazolyl, triazolyl or oxadiazolyl radical. Z and Y are each oxygen or sulfur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thinning fruit by using the active substance metamitron and corresponding metamitron-containing fruit thinning formulations.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the control of AAD-12 dicot volunteers in fields planted with monocot crops such as corn. The dicots can include soybeans and cotton.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for sterilizing a bioscaffold, comprising slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) as an active ingredient, and a method for sterilizing a bioscaffold using the same. The slightly acidic electrolyzed water according to the present invention has excellent effects on the sterilization of bioscaffolds and the removal of immunogenic antigens and a little effect on extracellular matrix, such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen. Moreover, the scaffold sterilized with the slightly acidic electrolyzed water has excellent cell attachment and has no toxicity, and thus the slightly acidic electrolyzed water can be effectively used for the sterilization of bioscaffolds.

Abstract: A composition comprising a macromer that can be in situ polymerized into a hydrogel wound dressing directly on a wound and one or more antimicrobial agents intended to achieve bacteriostasis and/or be bacteriocidal. The antimicrobial agent is released upon application and trapped in the hydrogel upon its formation and also released over a period of time into the wound.

Abstract: An installation and method for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, includes the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head via a V-shaped positioning element; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: A dairy-based food component is provided that includes high levels of lactose in moisture, but still retains a smooth and creamy consistency. The compositions and methods provide for higher levels of lactose in moisture phase than previously found possible and still retain low crystal sizes in a finished product to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to process cheese type products prepared with calcium-reduced ingredients but without emulsifying salts and methods of producing such process cheese type products without emulsifying salts. The process cheeses of the present invention are advantageously resistant to separation during heating and retain desirable organoleptic properties, such as texture, without using emulsifying salts. The process cheeses of the present invention are also lower in sodium than conventional produces cheese products.

Abstract: A rapidly dissolving comestible solid is disclosed that includes a fondant formed from a super saturated solution having a bulk sweetener, a hydrocolloid, a texturizing agent, and water. Other ingredients may also be added, and in embodiments in which the solid is provided as a breath freshener, flavoring agents, cooling agents and/or other ingredients useful in conventional breath freshening products may be used. A method for making the comestible solid is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chewable soft capsule shell and a chewable soft capsule, and to a filled jelly sweet and a process for preparing a chewable soft capsule shell or filled jelly sweet, wherein the chewable soft capsule shell comprises gelatin 10%-50%, water retention agent 10%-40%, thickening agent 2%-20%, water 6%-20%, and said soft capsule shell has a thickness of 0.3-1.2 mm.

Abstract: A process for preparing aerated ice confection particles by manufacturing an aerated ice confection in a mass; further freezing the mass cryogenically to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the aerated ice confection to form a aerated frozen mass, and comminuting the frozen mass to aerated ice confection particles with a high surface area to volume ratio. These particles can be used for a variety of purposes but preferably are used for forming frozen ice drinks in a simple, rapid and convenient manner. This is particularly useful when a single serving of such drinks is desired as no special equipment to make the drink is required. The invention also relates to packaging for the aerated ice confection particles and methods of making frozen ice drinks from the aerated ice confection particles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hydrolyzing protein-containing raw material into water soluble protein and other products. The apparatuses and methods comprise an optional collection or processing stage in which protein-containing raw material, such as fish or animal carcasses from food production plants, are collected and optionally processed. The raw material is then reacted with one or more enzymes to hydrolyze the protein present, after which the one or more enzymes are inactivated and the components separated. The processes and apparatuses, which can be run as a batch processes or, advantageously as a continuous processes, can yield water soluble protein, oils, bone meal and other products that have utility as food or food additives.

Abstract: A pet food composition comprising a supplement is provided. The supplement can comprise a Probiotic component, a cocoa butter component, and a sweetener component. A process for making the supplement can comprise providing a sweetener component, a cocoa butter component, and a Probiotic component, mixing the cocoa butter component and Probiotic component to form a mixture in a temperature and humidity controlled chamber; mixing the mixture with the sweetener component in the temperature and humidity controlled chamber to form a final mixture; optionally mixing in a colorant with the final mixture; and cooling the final mixture. A package for the supplement can comprise a secondary container housing a primary container, which houses a supplement. An array of packages is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for heating or cooling viscous materials such as meat emulsions useful for producing food and other products. The devices include a heat exchanger comprising a first plate, a second plate attached to the first plate, and a first spacer and a second spacer arranged between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer define at least one temperature controlled passage for a product to pass through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides a deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention also discloses systems and methods for estimating and targeting patient blood lactate concentration, both as a target itself and as an intermediate step to estimating and targeting patient fractional gluconeogenesis glucose production. Nutritional support methods and formulations are also disclosed. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous starch with enhanced emulsifying capacity and emulsifying stability, and low-fat mayonnaise and margarine compositions using the same. More specifically, disclosed are fibrous starch which has an increased starch particle size and exhibits improved emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability, prepared by heat-treating starch at a temperature lower than a gelatinization temperature, phosphorylating the starch and further heat-treating the starch sample at a high temperature, and low-fat mayonnaise and margarine compositions in which the content of cooking oil is reduced by 50% or more by adding the fibrous starch with enhanced emulsifying capacity thereto.

Abstract: A process for surface pasteurization/sterilization of particulate food products. Water uptake and qualitative changes of food products are minimized and pasteurization or sterilization conditions are optimized when food products are used preheated, wherein product temperature is selected a few degrees below the evaporation temperature of the pasteurization/sterilization system, in that the preheating temperature of food products is selected lower than the saturated steam temperature, preferably a few degrees below the saturated steam temperature at a predetermined pressure, in that treatment is performed in a moist, air-free atmosphere, wherein pasteurization occurs at temperatures between 55 and 99° C. at a low pasteurization pressure, or sterilization occurs at temperatures between 100° C. and 140° C.

Abstract: A cigarette assembly machine that accepts loose tobacco and cigarette blanks that include a filter and an empty tobacco holding portion and produces cigarettes. The machine includes a tobacco plug forming mechanism, adapted to accept loose tobacco and form it into a plug of tobacco in the shape of the tobacco holding portion; a cigarette blank accepting and holding mechanism, adapted to hold the cigarette blank, so that the empty tobacco holding portion is facing the tobacco plug forming mechanism; a shaft aligned to the accepting and holding mechanism; and a two-stroke shaft moving assembly, adapted to move the shaft through a first stroke, which pushes the tobacco plug into the tobacco holding portion to create a cigarette, and through a second stroke that moves the cigarette out of the cigarette blank accepting and holding mechanism.

Abstract: An igniter apparatus for igniting a tobacco-based product having a sensitized tip, comprising: a first portion having a first surface and a second portion having a second surface, at least one of the first and second surfaces being movable with respect to other surface, wherein at least a portion of the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to one another; a channel at least partially formed between the first and second portions, the channel having at least one opening configured to receive the tobacco-based product as it is inserted therein; and an abrasive material coated on at least a portion of the channel, the abrasive material being configured to at least partially contact the tobacco-based product when the first and second surfaces are manually positioned a predetermined distance from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes a storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume; an inserter wheel that receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into a band of filter material, the inserter wheel having an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets defined in the outer periphery and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the volume of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: Smoking articles which involve the use of amphiphile-modified sorbents are disclosed. The amphiphile-modified sorbent has at least one amphiphilic compound bound to an inorganic molecular sieve substrate. The amphiphile-modified sorbent selectively removes certain constituents from cigarette smoke, while maintaining other constituents, such as those that contribute to flavor. Methods for making cigarette filters and smoking articles using amphiphile-modified sorbents, as well as methods for smoking a cigarette containing an amphiphile-modified sorbent, are also provided.

Abstract: A garment is disclosed, which includes a bodice having a front portion with a neckline, a back portion, and a bottom, a padded lining disposed in the bodice and adjacent to the neckline, a plurality of adjustable straps attached to the front and back portions, a band lining the bottom of the bodice, and a non-visible boning disposed in the front portion configured to support and shape the abdomen of a user.

Abstract: An upper torso garment and a lower torso garment each comprising a respective torso encircling band. The band includes an inner layer and an outer layer with each layer having a first series of courses. The first series of courses defined by a first, covered elastomeric, yarn and a second, low friction, yarn. The first and second yarns are knit such that the second yarn is float platted with the first yarn.

Abstract: An impact diverting mechanism having a top layer and a bottom layer is provided. The two layers are connected such that the top layer is configured to move in relation to the bottom layer when impacted, and therefore is able to divert impact and reduce rotational and linear acceleration on the bottom layer. The impact diverting mechanism may be attached to, or configured to attach to, an object in need of protection, such as a helmet.

Abstract: A wearable protection device with a plurality of plate members adjacent in a side-by-side configuration so as to define a protection front surface or side adapted to face an impact is described. Pairs of the plate members at least partially overlap each other along a longitudinal direction by means of superposition of a portion of a first plate member on a front surface of a corresponding portion of a second plate member adjacent in the side-by-side configuration, so as to define a zone of surface discontinuity between adjacent plate members on the front surface of the second plate member. The device comprises a plurality of pads each associated with one of the plate members on an opposite side to the protection front surface. A surface discontinuity or boundary zone between adjacent pads is offset along the longitudinal direction with respect to the zone of surface discontinuity between adjacent plate members.

Abstract: A generally “S” shaped clip is formed from a band of resilient material having a first end a second end. The clip has a front side and a back side. The front side of the “S” shape corresponds to the back side of the clip. The back side of the “S” shape corresponds to the front side of the clip. The clip has an upper end and a lower end. The band of material is doubled back on itself at the lower end of the clip in the direction of the back side of the clip to form a slot for receipt of a projecting edge of a hat. An upper portion of the clip forms a curved clasping arm for securing objects against a crown portion of a hat.

Abstract: A cranial protective helmet having a pair of components made of an exterior hard plastic shell with sufficient flexibility to accommodate comfort for the patient with interior cushioning liners conforming to a side of the patient's skull. Each component of the helmet can conform to a side of the patient's head and accommodate an insertion of the patient's head by relative movement with one or more fastener units securing the helmet components to the patient. Openings can be provided to accommodate monitoring instrumentation after a craniectomy operation. The components can be separate or minimally connected to enable a rotational opening. Fastener units can provide a secure connection of the components and an elastic attachment about the patient's head.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: A combination of a ski boot and a training aid (110) attached thereto that is suitable for training a user to focus pressure on the sweet spot of a ski; wherein the training aid (110) comprises a balancing member (122) positioned underneath the ski boot at a location that would be vertically aligned with the sweet spot of a ski if the training aid were fitted to the ski boot; the training aid (110) allowing the user wearing a pair of ski boots, without skis and with a training aid attached to each boot, to pivot about the balancing members (122) until a desired balancing position is reached, whereby pressure is focussed at a spot corresponding to said sweet spot.

Abstract: A ventilation system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ventilation system may be configured to direct air from outside the article of footwear to the inside of the article of footwear. The ventilation system may include a sole layer and a sockliner configured to lie on top of the sole layer. One or more paths may be formed within the sole layer to provide a pumping mechanism during the normal course of providing cushioning for the user. The paths may be activated by forefoot or heel based pressure to force air from the exterior of the article of footwear to a sockliner directly above the sole layer. An air inlet extending through a sidewall of the sole layer may allow outside air to enter the path within the sole layer. An opening in the sockliner may allow air inside the path to enter inside the article of footwear.

Abstract: The heel counter structure includes a sole plate provided at least at the heel region of the shoe and having a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is upraised along the heel region of the shoe so as to enclose the lower portion of the heel portion of the foot of the wearer. The heel structure also includes a pair of heel counter portions provided on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the shoe so as to sandwich the heel portion of the foot sideways. The heel counter portions are coupled to the peripheral portion of the sole plate at the lower ends of the heel counter portions so that the heel counter portions can tilt inwardly and outwardly independently of the sole plate. The heel counter portions are separated from the peripheral portion of the sole plate except the lower ends of the heel counter portions.

Abstract: A decorative attaching apparatus for shirt collar and sleeve cuffs includes an ornamental head, an attachment bar, and a locking encasement. The ornamental head is connected to the attachment bar, and the attachment bar engages with the locking encasement. The ornamental head is the only component which is visible to outside and the attachment bar and the locking encasement is hidden within the shirt collar or sleeve cuffs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double locking buckle. The double locking buckle includes a plug member having a pair of lock arms and a locking rod provided between the lock arms and a socket member having locking parts in a chamber with which the lock arms are locked. A locking unit is provided at the front end of the locking rod, and the socket member is provided at the center thereof with a guide groove coupled with the locking road and a locking protrusion coupled with the locking unit.

Abstract: A slider for a slide fastener with an automatic stopper, includes a body forming an element guide passage into which fastener elements are insertable, a locking member swingably supported in the body by a pin and having a locking claw which is protrudable from a locking window hole formed in the body to the element guide passage and an urging member configured to urge the locking member so that the locking claw protrudes from the locking window hole to the element guide passage. A pair of lateral plate portions of the cover, which are disposed at both end portions of the pin are respectively provided with crimping protrusions which are abuttable against end faces of the pin and which are arranged at peripheral portions of a through-hole of the pair of lateral plate portions through which the pin penetrates.

Abstract: A zipper pull attachment includes a flexible ring having a hole sized to fit snugly around a button on jeans. A base is attached to the ring and configured to be used as a grip. A support cord is attached to the base opposite the ring. The support cord forms a loop and is sized to fit through and attach to an eye of a zipper pull tab. In another embodiment, the zipper pull attachment includes a fastener expansion cord that is attached to the base.

Abstract: A shade device has a canopy mounted on a collapsible frame which is supported by a lateral support tube and an upright support tube. The collapsible frame supports the canopy in either up open configuration or a closed configuration, and includes a central support structure. The lateral support tube is attached to the central support structure above the canopy, and extends to approximately over the outer perimeter of the canopy. The upright support tube is attached to the lateral support tube and includes mounting device for mounting the upright support tube in or on the ground surface.

Abstract: Luggage with crushable, resilient portions and methods for making it are disclosed. In one embodiment, the cover of a piece of luggage is formed of a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and has sufficient deformability so that it may be crushed and inverted into itself for storage and then resiliently returned to essentially the same shape. The luggage is preferably made by a process of vacuum forming a heated TPU sheet over a mold.

Abstract: A ring cover for accessorizing and/or protecting a ring worn on an individual's finger includes a protective band configured to encircle a ring. The protective band may have an aperture. The aperture may be configured to allow a user to display and/or pass a protruding center stone or other ornamentation of a ring therethrough.

Abstract: A hair curling apparatus includes a handle, a barrel depending from the handle, and dimensioned to accommodate a lock of hair wrapped thereabout and a clamp releasably mounted relative to one of the barrel or the handle. The clamp includes a spoon which is adapted to move relative to the one of the barrel or the handle between a closed position and an open position. The spoon engages the lock of hair when in the closed position. The curling iron apparatus has both clamp and clampless capabilities, thus providing the user with styling flexibility.

Abstract: A hair curler comprising a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a removable rod extending through the body along the transverse axis thereof. The inventive curler enables a novel method of curling hair including the steps of curling the hair around the curler comprising a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a removable rod extending through the body along the transverse axis thereof and securing the curled hair to the head of a user by inserting a rod through the body of the curler along the longitudinal axis thereof. In the illustrative embodiment, the cylindrical body is perforated and has multiple protrusions. The cylindrical body has a variable diameter with tapered ends. The diameter of the body is smaller in the middle section thereof. The rod is beaded and has bends therein.

Abstract: A hair clip includes two hinged clip bodies and an elastic fastener. Each clip body includes a press portion with a through-hole therein. Each clip body further includes a clamp portion extending from the press portion and having a recess in an outer surface thereof. The elastic fastener includes two spaced end portions and a central portion between the end portions. The end portions of the elastic fastener respectively penetrate the through-holes in the press portions of the clip bodies and are engaged in the recesses in the clamp portions for positioning. The elastic fastener has a roughly elliptic cross section which contributes to service life of the hair clip.